East Tennessee's Mountain Views July 2023 edition

Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration

Guests to this year’s Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration at Dollywood (now - Aug. 6) have a range of experiences to enjoy throughout the day and into the night at one of the nation’s top theme park destinations. With the addition of the park’s newest thrilling attraction, Big Bear Mountain, this surely is a summer to remember in the Smokies.

Two of Dollywood’s biggest summertime traditions return due to tremendous feedback from park guests. “Dollywood’s Sweet Summer Nights” returns bigger, brighter and bolder with even more drones lighting up the night sky high above the Pigeon Forge park. A first-of-its-kind theme park spectacle when it debuted in 2021, the guest-favorite is back with a show that combines 500 high-tech drones with a world-class fireworks extravaganza designed to put an exclamation point on the evening.

As part of the Sweet Summer Nights experience, a DJ and energetic dancers bring fun to the streets of Wildwood Grove during two dance parties that will have everyone on their feet. As the party nears its conclusion, the celebration takes to the sky as the drones, operated by Dollywood’s partner Dronisos, launch into the air for an unforgettable display.

The Gazillion Bubble Show also returns in 2023 with a mesmerizing burst of excitement for guests in DP’s Celebrity Theater. The show provides many moments where guests will be surrounded by “gazillions” of bubbles for a fun and unpredictable experience that captivates the entire family.

Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration features so many fun ways for guests to interact with water during their Dollywood day. Interactive shows “Liquid Beats” and “Hydro Jive Junction” will have guests splashing and singing along during refreshing performances.

Guests can cool off on a hot summer day in the wonderful water hose fountain installation found in Market Square during “Liquid Beats.” This interactive performance brings together dozens of water hoses to create a fountain that delivers cooling excitement to guests of all ages. During “Liquid Beats,” a landscaping-themed percussion troupe maintains the natural beauty of the Smokies, as they bring this new entertainment vision to guests. In Jukebox Junction, “Hydro Jive Junction” features a musical maintenance worker trying to repair a faulty fire hydrant. Dancing ensues as the fire hydrant turns into a refreshing sprinkler for guests to enjoy, as the cast sings and dances to familiar favorites such as “Singing in the

Rain” and “Splish Splash.”

Music is the soundtrack of our lives, especially during a summer family road trip. Dollywood’s Entertainment Team brings to life the road trip “vibe” and takes guests on a summertime journey with the return of “Good Vibes” and its playlist of summer road trip classics. The Tones and Good Vibes have summer playlists that will have families wanting to hit cruise control and sing along.

An authentically Southern summer greets guests as soon as they enter the park. The Dollywood entry statement in front of Showstreet Palace Theater welcomes guests with themed décor, including Kite Sky. Throughout the park, larger-than-life activities, including Jumbo Backyard Games, Parachute Play Party, Noodle Takeover (a dazzling array of suspended pool noodles hanging in the summer sky) and more, allow parents to relive beloved childhood pastimes while creating new

memories with their kids. The Bubble Foam Zone will cool guests off on the hottest of summer days by covering families head to toe in a giant bubble-filled plaza.

Two new experiences highlight the festival this summer. Oscillation, created by The Urban Conga, features giant crystals that come alive through movement. The installation acts like a theremin, an unusual musical instrument that is played without touch. As guests walk toward the piece, it plays different sounds and pitches which vary based on the distance from it. Also new is Noodleville, a walkthrough experience that features 520 pool noodles in a 12 ft. by 24 ft. area. Kids—and kids at heart—will enjoy walking through this fun, tactile installation.

Dollywood’s culinary team is cooking up the tastes of summer with mouthwatering hibachi skillet chicken, ultimate pork rind nachos and the antipasto salad. Guests also will enjoy sweet treats, including a s’mores funnel cake and refreshing paleta flavors including mango and cookies & cream. Thanks to the Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration Tasting Pass, the tastes of summer are now available with a convenient option to sample multiple items for one price. The tasting pass, which can be purchased in the park or online, is $36.99 plus tax or $33.99 plus tax for gold and diamond passholders. The tasting pass is available each day of the festival.

During Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration, guests can take advantage of extended summer hours allowing them to make memories until 9:30 p.m.

For more information about Dollywood, please visit dollywood.com or download the Dollywood App.

WhenI was growing up, I so looked forward to Fourth of July activities. My family lived in Northern California, and we’d often join our church family for times of celebration. The July 4th celebration was always a highlight at the local park with picnics, games and contests, later topping off the day with drawing “pictures” in the air with sparklers, and of course, a fantastic fireworks display over the lake in the middle of the park.

I still look forward to July 4th celebrations, but for different reasons. Oh, I still enjoy fireworks, but what means the most is what our country has always stood for and the freedoms we hold dear. We feel so blessed to live in East Tennessee where we are surrounded by so many who share our love for America and the ideals our founding fathers set to paper in the Declaration of Independence.

Congress adopted Jefferson’s final draft on July 4th, though the parchment we have all seen pictures of wasn’t signed until August 2nd; eventually, there were 56 signers. They signed and they pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor.

The Declaration states a list of inalienable rights, “among those are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.” I remember having a discussion with our then 16-year-old son one day at breakfast; he said “The Declaration of Independence says we have the right to PURSUE happiness - not the right TO happiness. It is our responsibility to go after it - not have the government give it to us.” That is the heart of the entrepreneurial spirit! Being an entrepreneur now for well over 30 years and knowing

what is required to start and remain in business, I am a big supporter of the small business community. Anyone who truly embraces entrepreneurship has experienced the emotional roller coaster of managing and growing a company; those ups and downs can be dizzying in today’s ever changing economic environment. It takes passion, focus, determination, discipline, and delayed gratification along with a financial plan and a solid marketing strategy to create and sustain a business. This is not for the weak of heart.

That is why I applaud all our small business partners that we at East Tennessee’s Mountain Views represent in today’s exciting business environment. If you have the entrepreneurial spirit, I encourage you to consider pursuing your dreams. Is it risky? Yes, there are risks, but the rewards are there for those who are persistent and consistent.

This July 4th we celebrate our country’s independence, and that independence has provided the opportunity to set our own destinies. Let’s not forget that small business is the engine that drives our economy and we at East Tennessee’s Mountain Views remain your largest fan.

So, this July 4th, take the time to reflect on your freedoms and celebrate America. And take time to enjoy family while building memories for your kids that will last a lifetime. Happy Independence Day!

Kathy Rose

East Tennessee’s Mountain Views

How to Spot Fraud, Outsmart Criminals and Protect Yourself from Scams

(BPT) - By MarTha Weaver, reTail GifT Card assoCiaTion fraud CoMMiTTee Chair

Criminals are smart. And increasingly sophisticated. With technology and artificial intelligence (AI) at their fingertips, they are constantly finding clever ways to take advantage of honest, hard-working Americans. There are a variety of scams criminals use to steal money, and many are turning to more cunning methods that involve bank accounts, debit and credit cards, and gift cards.

People love gift cards; they’ve been the top requested gift in America for nearly two decades according to the National Retail Federation. But while everyday folks love giving, receiving, and using gift cards, unfortunately so do criminals. Just like other payment methods, criminals use intelligent means of stealing money from gift cardsbut we have some tips for how to spot them, outsmart the scammers and protect yourself.

Here are our top gift card safety tips:

» Gift cards can only be used at the company on the card. If you get asked to send money or pay for another service with a gift card, STOP, and contact

law enforcement, even if the fraudster tells you not to talk to anyone or that a loved one is in trouble. No real government agency or business will ever reach out and ask you to pay them with gift cards - and you can’t pay taxes or bail money with gift cards.

» Check gift card packaging at the store and make sure the gift card hasn’t been tampered with. Look for things like ripped or torn packaging or missing scratch-off material over the top of the PIN number. If something doesn’t look right, pick another card, and show the questionable card to a store associate.

» When you buy a gift card, keep your activation receipt as proof of your purchase.

» Only buy gift cards from trusted sources. If you’re offered a deal that’s too good to be true, like a big discount on a gift card, it’s likely a scam or you’re getting a fraudulent card.

» Store your gift cards securely and don’t share gift card numbers or PINs with people you don’t know.

If you think you have been scammed or see fraud happening, contact your local law enforcement or the FTC at ftc.gov/complaint or via this toll-free number: 1-877-FTCHELP. You can also report IRS impersonation scams to

the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, visit their website or call 800-366-4484.

The Retail Gift Card Association (RGCA) is the only nonprofit trade organization that represents the gift card industry. We have more than 100 of the world’s top brands on our roster, and together our mission is to promote positive gift card experiences among shoppers.

More information about how to have amazing gift card experiences is available at GiftCardSafety.org. You can learn more about the gift card industry at www.thergca.org.

Phishing Scams

And while we’re on the subject of scams, ever wonder why many email scams are so full of bad grammar, typos, and foreign speech patterns? Did you know those mistakes and “red flags” are intentional?

Some people don’t pay close attention to the spelling or grammar in every email they open. In fact, many people don’t read each email word for word, so they might overlook typos.

The scammer wants to target the most vulnerable and gullible victim. If you notice these red flags, you probably aren’t their target. They’re essentially weeding out recipients too smart to fall for the scam.

Our impressive model home at 211 Seminole Cir C le in beautiful Coyatee Coves was JUST ComPleTed and hAS AlreAdY Sold! But we have more!

You’ll have an impressive street view as you approach your home and drive into the courtyard garages.

Following are just a few of the Special Features in this beautiful custom-built model home:

• 2,109 sq. ft. of living area with a modern Craftsman style

front elevation and a courtyard garage entrance.

• This beautiful hand-crafted model home also includes a

partially finished and conditioned lower level for storage

and workshop area.

• Massive coffered ceiling throughout the main living area,

a double tray ceiling in the master bedroom, tray ceiling

in the dining room/office and beamed ceiling in bedrooms

#2 and #3 add a sophisticated feeling of elegant volume.

• The spacious and deluxe kitchen design includes quartz

counters, upgraded top-of-the-line Kemper Echo solid

wood cabinets with dovetail drawers and soft close doors,

and premium Frigidaire Gallery appliances (including

refrigerator.)

• The master bath features an oversized, custom-built,

curbless and doorless walk-in shower with built-ins for

soaps, shampoos and accessories. A transom window

supplies plenty of natural light into the shower.

• Huge “his” and “her” walk-in closets with deluxe shelving

and drawer stacks.

• Custom gas fireplace with stone surround.

• Beautiful hardwood floors throughout the entire living

area and master suite.

• Large laundry room is fully cabinetted.

• Dual fuel, high-efficiency heat pump with propane back-up.

• The garage has large windows and a “man door” and it is completely finished and painted and includes a utility sink

and attic space.

• Enormous 10’ x 25’ screened patio, and 10’ x 17’8” open

grilling and sunning porch with gas valve for your grill. Both areas are built with maintenance-free composite materials.

• 13-month builder warranty.

The rear elevation shows an abundance of outdoor living space and “conditioned” walk-in lower level.

You can see the construction from beginning to completion by going online to https://www.flickr.com/photos/lakepointhomes/, then go to AlBUmS, scroll across the page until you reach 211 Seminole CirCle – SUnriSe ridGe ii PlUS. Click on that image to see photos of the construction.

NEW CONSTRUCTION fORSalE

Construction to start soon on an oversized lot at 308 Gado Trace in scenic Mialaquo Coves. There is still time to select some colors and finishes.

WOW! A 1,000 sq. ft. finished garage.

2,100 sq ft. of luxurious living Space. PlUS a massive 1,000 sq. ft. Garage. Optional Bonus Room, In-law or Caregiver Suite.

Large, welcoming front porch is the perfect entrance for family, friends and guests.

This screened patio is a great place to relax and enjoy nature.

The open “Grilling Porch” and patio features no-maintenance composite decking.

In addition to our long list of Standard Specifications, this home to be built at 308 Gado Trace will feature the following Special Options and Extras.

• Outstanding curb appeal and impressive Craftsman style architecture.

• Designer floor plan that optimizes floor space and includes

an impressive “drop zone” and home office.

• Every room is a practical and functional size.

• Dream kitchen with “the industry’s best” solid wood

cabinets, stone counters, and upgraded Frigidaire Gallery

stainless appliances. (Refrigerator not included.)

• The entry, great room, kitchen, and dining areas feature magnificent soaring 10’ ceilings.

• The master bedroom has a trayed ceiling and bedroom #2 has a vaulted ceiling.

• Both bedrooms #2 and #3 feature high transom windows.

• As you enter through the front door, you’re greeted by the spacious grand foyer with a 10 ft. ceiling that will usher you into the great room.

• The great room can feature an optional gas fireplace with impressive stone surround.

• The master bath features an exotic, oversized, custom built, low maintenance, curb-less, walk-in shower with seat and

built-ins and a large drying area with seat. A large transom window supplies plenty of natural light.

• Bedrooms #2 and #3 share a spacious bath with an oversized garden tub/shower and an oversized vanity with two drawer stacks.

• The very large laundry has an abundance of base and wall cabinets and large counter area.

• The super functional “drop zone” features a closet, a bench with upper and under cabinets, and a counter with large base and wall cabinets.

• Hardwood floors throughout the main living areas and office.

• Premium tile in baths, laundry and drop zone.

• The large covered and screened deck and open grilling porch is constructed with maintenance- free composite decking. • The finished garage has a large window, a “man door,” and a utility sink.

• High-efficiency heat pump.

• 13-month warranty by Tellico’s highest rated and trusted custom builder, Lake Point Homes, Inc.

This photo shows a rear elevation which includes an optional lower level.

Built on your lot, only $529,900* ..................

Built on one of our beautiful lots, only $564,900*

..................

This fabulous new model definitely checks all the boxes!

 Exceptional curb appeal with a very inviting front porch.

 Master suite featuring a double tray ceiling and a row of high transom windows.

 Walk-in closets in each of the 3 bedrooms.

 2-1/2 baths in this home. The spacious master bath features a luxurious custom, curbless, walk-in shower, 2 huge vanities with double drawer stacks, an oversized walk-in closet with a transom window, and floor to ceiling linen shelves.

 Large great room with 11 ft. trayed ceiling and an optional fireplace.

 Home office with large window.

 Dream kitchen with “the industry’s best” solid wood cabinets, stone counters, and upgraded Frigidaire Gallery stainless appliances. (Refrigerator not included.)

 A once in a lifetime, enormous, walk-in pantry that can be customized to accommodate all your needs. n o kitchen counter clutter here!

 Large customizable drop zone with coat closet.

 Ample laundry room with plenty of cabinets and counter space.

 o versized finished 3-car garage with workshop space and attic storage.

 Plenty of outdoor living space, and much more!

This modern home design is absolutely the most stylish and functional plan on today’s market.

Why Bring the Party Back Inside?

When family and friends are outside enjoying a special event or just a time of relaxation, why be forced to bring your party back inside because of an unexpected afternoon shower or that relentless summertime sun? The solution is simple thanks to Undercover Systems.

If your home has a raised deck, Undercover Systems will install a modular designed roof system under the underside of your deck. Their patented roof/ceiling system, consisting of individual ceiling panels and integrated gutters, collect rain water and melting snow or ice, channeling water and debris from the panels to the system’s perimeter gutters and downspout system. While protecting you from rain, this same ceiling system will also provide much needed shade during those “Dog Days” of summer.

Homeowners appreciate the fact they can select from a variety of colors and panel profiles to create that showcase quality look that not only enhances their home’s exterior appearance, but also increases the value of their homes. “But be careful not to confuse Undercover Systems with the competition which uses generic, off-the-shelf components purchased from the local big-box retailers,” says local Undercover Systems owner, Jim Conn. “Every system we install is custom engineered, designed and manufactured by Undercover System specifically for your home’s raised deck. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach here at Undercover Systems.”

Here are some other important facts to consider when selecting an underdeck roofing system:

» The Undercover System is self-supported by its structurally engineered load bearing gutter system that attaches to the inside perimeter of the area being covered.

» This patented Under-deck Ceiling System does NOT attach to your home’s deck joists – no nailing, stapling or joist modification.

» To protect your deck joists, NO water or debris are brought into direct contact with your home’s deck joists.

So why are these facts important you might ask?

Architecturally recognized to promote the health of your deck, Undercover Systems modular, self-supporting Under-deck Ceiling Systems are designed to maximize the air flow in and around your deck joists ensuring their longevity. Systems that attach directly to deck joists can impair the free flow of air which can dramatically reduce the life of your deck.

“We can help you to replace that dark, damp space under your home’s deck with a dry outdoor living space that you and your family can enjoy in every season of life. Why not transform that space into a new outdoor living room or kitchen that blends seamlessly into your home’s exterior and surrounding landscaping?”

Say goodbye to that ugly water stained, cobweb underside of your home’s raised deck and hello to your new designer inspired out-of-doors living area with one easy phone call. A complaint free member of the Better Business Bureau, Jim and his team of experienced craftsmen will complete your project to your complete satisfaction. In fact, Jim personally supervises each and every Undercover Systems installation and backs it up with a lifetime guarantee. Discover the Undercover Systems difference for yourself and begin creating a lifetime of family memories today. All it takes is a phone call.

Undercover Systems

423-267-0091

www.UndercoverSystems.com

CHEO Invites You to:

with Jill Hahn, Transformational Life Coach

Monday, July 17, 2023

Knoxville Location*

6:30 pm Meet & Greet, 7:00 pm Program

Most people don’t even realize that the cause of their health challenges might be food sensitivities. Learn about common food allergens, the symptoms, the causes, and the risks, and how to determine if you have a food allergy or sensitivity.

Jill Hahn, Transformational Health

Coach, will provide us with a better understanding of all of this and show us effective ways to identify food triggers and sensitivities along with ways to prevent and decrease them.

Great Door Prize: One-hour private session with Jill: In depth discussion of your health goals and strategies to achieve them.

*Program Location – Knoxville Dental Images - 1715 Downtown West Blvd. Knoxville, TN 37919 CHEO programs are free for members, with a $10.00 suggested minimum donation for all guests. CHEO is a non-profit organization supporting holistic & integrative wellness. CHEO provides the community with many opportunities to discover pathways to well-being.

Please check the CHEO website www. cheoknox.org for more details on the location of this CHEO program, or call Diane Minch at 423 884 6031. Please note that CHEO programs will now be held on the third Monday of the month and program locations may vary from month to month.

Save the date: August 21st, 2023 - Farragut - Topic and Presenter to be announced. CHEO is a nonprofit organization and expressly disclaims all liability.

A r e y o u r e a d y f o r C h r i s t m a s ? W e ' v e a l l s e e n t h e c o m m e r c i a l s w i t h S a n t a i n a H a w a i i a n s h i r t t h i s t i m e o f y e a r , b u t i n a l l s e r i o u s n e s s , t h e h o l i d a y s a r e n ' t t h a t f a r a w a y ! A f t e r t h e d o g d a y s o f s u m m e r , o u r b r i s k F a l l q u i c k l y t u r n s t o t h e m o s t w o n d e r f u l t i m e o f t h e y e a r , a n d o u r g u e s t s a r e n ' t f a r b e h i n d e i t h e r M a k e s u r e y o u r h o m e i s g u e s t r e a d y b e f o r e t h e h o l i d a y s b y s t a r t i n g t o d a y ! S t a r t b y t h i n k i n g a b o u t y o u r d i n i n g r o o m H a s y o u r f a m i l y g a i n e d a f e w m e m b e r s ? M a y b e u t i l i z i n g p e r f o r m a n c e f a b r i c s w o u l d g i v e y o u t h e p e a c e o f m i n d f o r e a s y h o l i d a y e n t e r t a i n i n g P e r h a p s , i t ' s b e e n a w h i l e s i n c e y o u ' v e d e c o r a t e d , a n d y o u ' d l i k e t o r e f r e s h y o u r d i n i n g r o o m t o m a t c h y o u r c u r r e n t l i f e s t y l e W h a t a b o u t y o u r g u e s t r o o m s ? C a n e v e r y o n e s t a y t h e n i g h t ? W e c a n h e l p y o u f i n d t h e p e r f e c t s o l u t i o n f o r g u e s t b e d s , w i n d o w s o l u t i o n s , s o f a s l e e p e r s , a n d b e d d i n g f a b r i c s t h a t a r e w a s h a b l e a n d c o z y N e x t y o u r t h i n k a b o u t y o u r f a m i l y r o o m D o y o u n e e d m o r e s e a t i n g o r m o r e s t o r a g e ? W h a t a c t i v i t i e s d o y o u a n d y o u r g u e s t s r e a l l y e n j o y t o g e t h e r ? I f y o u ' r e l i k e u s , m a y b e y o u w a t c h m o v i e s t o g e t h e r , o r p l a y c a r d a n d b o a r d g a m e s ? W e c a n p r o v i d e p i e c e s t h a t a r e v e r s a t i l e f o r a l l o f y o u r f a m i l y g a t h e r i n g s G e t a j u m p s t a r t o n y o u r h o l i d a y p l a n n i n g ! B y s t a r t i n g e a r l y w e c a n b e s u r e t h a t y o u r s e l e c t i o n s w i l l

“ARE FOOD SENSITIVITIES CAUSING YOUR HEALTH CHALLENGES?”

Wherever life takes you, we’ll help you get there.

Our agents have the expertise and unmatched experience in just about every situation you can imagine. Some of these are wonderful moments: finding your dream home on the lake, your forever home on the golf course, or the magical home with spectacular views of the mountains and an extra bedroom for the grandkids

Some situations are more di cult, but are part of life for many of us: divorce, moving to assisted living, losing a spouse, the need to downsize, moving closer to family due to aging, Estates and Trusts or Probate issues, a home sale with a reverse mortgage, or the loss of a parent and selling their home while you live miles away.

For over 30 years we have been here in Tellico Village serving all of Loudon, Monroe, and Knox Counties. We are good at what we do.

In the past decade, we have assisted over 2,800 clients and Sold over 800 million dollars of property. *

Produce of “Ordinary Time”

By PasTor Phil viCkers

On the 21st of June we celebrated the official beginning of summer. For us in the Lutheran Church this means that we switch the colors on our altar and pulpit to green for the season after Pentecost. We think of this long green season, wherein we are not celebrating anything in particular, as the season for us to grow in our faith. It is also called “ordinary time.” We take our time and put down roots into the Word so that we can be nourished and have produce. St. Paul used the term the “fruits of the Spirit” to talk about the produce of the Christian life. He listed them as: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. We certainly must agree that this is a pretty good list. If there were more of those things in our lives and in the world, we would be better off. What we must realize is that we must be the change we want to see. If we want to see more love and peace, we start with ourselves.

Social media these days is full of folks giving advice about habits. There are successful businessmen giving advice about how to set a daily routine so that you too can see success like theirs. Fitness gurus talk about the benefits of getting up early and running on an empty stomach. More important though than how much money is in our bank accounts or how trim our waistline is, is how much love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control there is in our lives. Yet, we pay so little attention, in comparison, to the habits that yield such fruit. We will work hard for the bread that does not satisfy, as Jesus said.

Let us consider the long summer ahead and revel in long days of growing in the ways that are most important. As gardens and crops bask in the sun and flourish, let us flourish by worshipping, reading our Bibles, making time to talk to the people of faith in our lives, and praying. These simple activities put us into touch with what nourishes us. These things cause the miraculous fruits of the Spirit to grow in our lives and thereby the world. This summer, begin by beautifying the space of your own heart. This will mean that all those around you, because you are nourished, will experience more love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control in their lives. Your quiet work done this summer to grow the fruit of your Spirit will benefit everyone around you.

Thanks be to God for long summer days, for life, and for possibility.

Shepherd of the Lake Lutheran Church

143 Chota Center Loudon, TN 37774 865-816-4756

shepherdofthelaketn.org

FIRST BAPTIST CALLS NEW PASTOR

In mid-May, First Baptist Church of Tellico Village (FBCTV) welcomed Dr. David L. Talley as their new Lead Pastor. After preaching to a combined Sunday Worship service on May 21st, the Congregation voted overwhelmingly to call him, and Pastor Dave immediately accepted.

Pastor Dave and his wife Joni have since sold their home in Brea, CA and are now waiting to close on the home they purchased in Tellico Village. The Talley’s plan to arrive by July 1st to begin their Ministry at First Baptist, and Pastor Dave will be in the pulpit full time beginning Sunday, July 9th

At his prior church in Long Beach, CA, Pastor Dave served as a teaching pastor and taught a very a large bible class of seniors. It was as though God was preparing him for his new ministry here in Tellico Village. After having extensively interviewed both him and Joni, the Search Team was unanimous in its belief that he was the pastor God was calling to lead First Baptist.

Dave and Joni have been married for 39 years and have two adult children, a daughter and a son, and two grandchildren. Joni has been by Pastor Dave’s side throughout his ministry. She enjoys hosting people in their home where she can utilize her spiritual gifts of hospitality, serving, and compassion, and she has a strong fondness for ministering to seniors and the elderly.

Dave and Joni have spent their last 25 years in southern California where he was a professor of Old Testament studies at Biola University. In addition to his academic role, Dave also served in area churches. Most recently, he was Pastor of Theology and Teaching at Cornerstone Church in Long Beach. Prior to that, in 2001, Pastor Dave assumed the role of Lead Pastor at Grace Evangelical Free Church, which was a struggling church with only 50 people attending its Sunday worship services. He, along with two other pastors, worked together to re-energize the church. By 2017, when Pastor Dave left, attendance at Sunday services had grown to more than 1,200 people.

Pastor Dave has spent over 44 years in the ministry. His educational credentials include a B.A. in Pastoral Theology from Southeastern Bible College (Birmingham, AL); an M.A. in Biblical Counseling, M.Div. and Th.M. in Old Testament from Grace Theological Seminary (Winona Lake, IN); and a Ph.D. in Theological Studies from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (Deerfield, IL).

If you are looking for a church home, come and worship with us as Pastor Dave preaches from the Bible and shares the Words of Jesus. Our exceptional music ministry includes our choir and orchestra under the leadership of David Whipple, Jr. Jesus commanded us to go and make disciples and we take that charge quite seriously. Under the leadership of our Associate Pastor Kem Lindsay, we offer several adult Bible study options. Sunday Worship services are 9:00 AM and 10:30 AM and adult Bible study options available at the same times. For more info visit us at FBCTV.org.

Millions of Americans suffer from tooth loss, primarily the result of injury, periodontal disease, or decay. In the past, treatment options included bridges and dentures, but unfortunately, neither option addresses the issue of bone loss of the jawbone that often results from the loss of natural teeth.

One of the major advantages of dental implants is that the implant root, which is placed into the bone socket of the missing tooth, actually helps to support and maintain a healthy level of jawbone mass, much the same as your natural teeth. Preventing jawbone loss helps to maintain both your health and a more youthful appearance, preventing the “collapsed” jaw look of those who have experienced significant bone loss of the jaw. The presence of natural tooth roots or implant roots continues to preserve the jawbone through the pressure and stimulus resulting from normal chewing action. This healthy pressure and stimulus is reduced by 90% or more with conventional dentures.

So the positive and healthy implications of dental implants go far beyond just your appearance. With good oral hygiene and regular dental care, your implants can function just like your natural teeth while lasting a lifetime. And with the added advantage of the implants’ roots, you can avoid that sunken, premature appearance that happens when jawbone loss occurs.

At Heritage Family Dentistry in nearby and convenient Farragut, Dr. Jonathan Bradshaw and his team of experienced, caring, and compassionate dental professionals can assist you in making the right choice of dentures or implants, as well as provide family friendly dental care. Heritage Family Dentistry can also assist you with financing to help assure that you receive the dental care you need. To learn more, call Heritage Family Dentistry today at 865-816-9211 or visit them at www.hfdsmiles.com.

Heritage Family Dentistry

11121 Kingston Pike, Suite C Farragut, TN 37934 865-816-9211 www.hfdsmiles.com

The above image shows the deterioration of the jawbone over time in the absence of your natural teeth

Custom Glide-Out Shelves for More Space, More Access, and More Joy

Custom Solutions

ShelfGenie custom Glide-Out shelves are the best way to eliminate common frustrations in the kitchen, pantry, and bath. Our design will help fully utilize your space and our shelves pull out the full depth of your cabinets so you can see, reach and retrieve items with ease.

Custom design, sturdy wood construction, quiet rails that hold up to 100 pounds per shelf, and professional installation- all backed by a transferable, lifetime guarantee- will ensure your satisfaction.

Your Experience

Getting personalized attention from the ShelfGenie team is easy. Here’s what you can expect from our custom design process.

Free Design Consultation: Work with a ShelfGenie Designer to create a custom solution to solve your home pain points, eyesores, and trouble areas.

Custom Solution: Your personal Designer will present a design plan built just for you and your needs and show you a 3D-rendered plan of what your future home will look like.

Professional Installation: We handle it all. After measurements are taken and your products are hand-crafted, your Installer comes to your home and installs everything for you in one day.

Schedule Your Free Design Consultation Today!

One of our talented ShelfGenie Designers will come to your home and create a design plan, customized just for you – no obligation required.

ShelfGenie® 865-270-5465

www.ShelfGenie.com

Knoxville Opera Announces an Exciting 2023-2024 Season

Knoxville Opera is thrilled to announce its sensational 2023-2024 season lineup, combining classic operatic masterpieces with fresh, innovative performances at some of the city’s most prestigious venues.

The season will commence with a flourish on October 13th and 15th with Giuseppe Verdi’s comic gem Falstaff at the historic Tennessee Theatre. Under the insightful stage direction of Dean Anthony and the musical mastery of conductor Jorge Parodi, audiences can expect a rambunctious ride filled with wit, whimsy, and lyrical brilliance.

In the new year, February 16th and 18th will bring the emotionally charged Verdi’s La Traviata. This beloved opera will be stage directed by the esteemed Keturah Stickann and conducted by the distinguished Joseph Mechavich, providing a harmonious blend of passion, drama, and transcendent music.

As spring takes hold, Pauline Viardot’s enchanting Cendrillon will delight audiences on May 3rd, 4th, and 5th at the Bijou Theatre. Once again led by the creative vision of Dean Anthony and conducted by the exceptional Kelly Kuo, this performance promises a magical and unforgettable reimagining of the classic Cinderella story.

Adding to this rich tapestry of performances, the Knoxville Opera Chorus will join forces with the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra to perform Verdi’s hauntingly beautiful Requiem on May 16th and 17th at the Tennessee Theatre.

Further, the season will reach its grand finale with a special collaboration with the National Association of Teachers of Singing, featuring the world-renowned tenor, Lawrence Brownlee, tentatively scheduled for June 29th. This breathtaking performance at the Tennessee Theatre is sure to be an event not to be missed.

Subscription renewals for the upcoming season are now on sale, with single tickets available from August 7th. Secure your seat to experience these exhilarating performances and immerse yourself in the world of grand opera by visiting www.knoxvilleopera.org/tickets.

About Knoxville Opera: Knoxville Opera has been the leading producer of professional opera in East Tennessee since 1978. KO’s mission is to create vocal and theatrical experiences that entertain, provoke, and console.

Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring

For the Look and Feel of Genuine Hardwood or Stone

By riCk kleveno, oWner – CounTry CarPeT & floorinG / CaBineTs

In my over four decades of experience in the carpeting, tile and hardwood flooring industries, I have observed firsthand the ongoing evolution in the residential and commercial flooring products marketplace. I have seen some truly innovative new products introduced. But, the one product that really stands out in my mind is Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring or LVP.

This posh Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring is one of the most sought-after interior features by both homeowners and designers today. Available in both wood and stone finishes, these surfaces offer unparalleled beauty, versatility, longevity and resale appeal. And you can now install LVP Flooring in any room of your home or business, below grade, in kitchens and baths, there’s no limitation. Virtually indistinguishable from their genuine hardwood or stone cousins, Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring offers authentic wood and stone surfaces rich in texture, grain, and contour, and in all the colors, tones, and hues imaginable, just as nature intended.

If you’re contemplating a single room or an entire home update or remodel, I would like to personally invite you to visit our showroom located at 3107 Highway 411 in Madisonville, across from Sequoyah High School.

Let us show you the virtually unlimited selection of Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring and explain their many advantages over traditional wood floors. LVP Flooring won’t warp or stain, is waterproof and highly resistant to scratching. We can help you to create that classic look of traditional hardwood and stone flooring for less money and maintenance.

And while you’re visiting, be sure to ask about our semi-custom, solid wood, kitchen and bath cabinetry lines. Discover how to achieve that showcase-look for far less than you might have imagined.

Country Carpet & Flooring / Cabinets

3107 Highway 411

(Across from Sequoyah High School) Madisonville, TN 37354 423-442-8860 countrycarpet@bellsouth.net

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Village Homes is proud to announce that only 7 new home sites are still available in Phase I and II of Coyatee Hills Reserve. Located in the North end of Tellico Village, only minutes from Lenoir City and West Knoxville. These lots are available as house/lot packages. Coyatee Reserve is a very private, wooded area with a nature trail surrounded by acres of common property. Call Village Homes at 865-458-6813 for availability, pricing, and home plans.

Summer Sale-A-Bration

25% Off Now in Progress… 50% Off Begins July 15th

As the temperature goes up, The Lily Pad prices go down! All summer merchandise is now 25% off, leading up to our HUGE semi-annual 50% off sale beginning Saturday, July 15, at 10 am.

As most of you know, this day has become quite a great social event! You’ll see lots of your friends and neighbors, all having fun and assisting each other find bargains galore!

To prepare for this major event, beginning July 1st, the entire “LaSale Boutique” (the large room in the rear of the store) goes to 70% off, clearing the way for the next season!

For our semiannual sale, we will also be open on Sunday, July 16, from 1 to 5 pm to accommodate the number of people coming for this great event! We are so incredibly thankful to all of you who have supported small businesses during the past year... you are amazing!

Remember to mark July 15th on your calendar... it’s a day we look forward to… seeing so many of our Lily Pad friends on one day, enjoying yourselves and looking for your Lily

Pad finds! You may want to come in ahead of time, try on and make your list so you’ll know what to hurry in for on the morning of the sale! We look forward, as you do, to this fabulous event!

There’s no way to clear the store of summer stock in one day, so if you prefer to shop when it isn’t so crowded, plan to come to Sweetwater in the following days and make it a leisurely day to shop and dine. The merchandise remains at half price until it’s gone! We’ll look forward to seeing you when we open the doors promptly at 10 am on Saturday, July 15th!

The Lily Pad Boutique 209 N. Main Street Sweetwater, TN 37874 423-337-5537

www.lilypadboutiqueonline.com

Mon-Sat: 10am-5:30pm

@shopthelilypad

A happy crowd awaits our opening on Sale Day

SECTION B

A Luxury Limo with Tennessee Flair

By Kevin TallanT, Owner – Big Orange limO

In the mood for a luxurious limo ride you’ll never forget? When you ride in the Big Orange Limo, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time. A pristinely restored Chevy Special Deluxe 4-door sedan, the Big Orange Limo combines the best of the past and the present into a single package. We’ve got an authentic exterior, straight out of a Depression-era gangster flick. You’ll feel like Cagney riding in style when you take a drive in the Big Orange Limo.

We’ve got everything to make your ride feel like a blast from the past: running boards, sidewall tires, an Art Deco dashboard, and a bold grill. But on the inside, we’ve added the best modern conveniences you’ve ever seen: a modern 350 V8 engine for power, comfortable air conditioning, velvet upholstery, a Pioneer sound system complete with Apple Play, and cushy, comfortable seats.

The Big Orange Limo can go anywhere. Seating 4 guests plus the driver, we’ve invested a lot of time and money into

making our limo as safe, reliable, and comfortable as possible. Better yet, all our chauffeurs are verified and endorsed by the City of Knoxville’s verification process, so when you ride with us, you can rest easy knowing you’re in good hands!

Oh, and did we mention, it’s literally a big orange limo? Perfect for sporting events, proms, birthdays, anniversaries, and more, what better way to show your Tennessee pride (and, of course, your love for the Vols!) than by taking a luxurious ride in the Big Orange Limo? Book your drive today and get ready for the ride of a lifetime!

Big Orange Limo 865-297-3680

www.BigOrangeLimo.net

Allen Insurance – Local People Working for You

Finding the right insurance for your home, your cars, your life, etc. can be a very daunting process. It seems like there are almost infinite options to think about. You want to make the right choices for yourself and your family, and it can really help to have a local company with people you can get to know and trust.

In this month s edition of Mountain Views, we had the opportunity to interview Josh Allen, the owner of Allen Insurance in Knoxville. Allen Insurance is a local business with great people who care about others. We are excited to present our interview with Josh to you.

MV: Tell our readers a little bit about yourself and why you started Allen Insurance.

Josh: I was raised here in East Tennessee and now live in Knoxville with my wife, son, dog, and cats. I am actively involved in our local church and love traveling, music, and sports. I decided to open my own agency in 2011 after working for another agency for 8 years. I love working with and helping people and thought that I could make more of a difference on my own.

I like building relationships and getting to know the people I’m working with. I enjoy maintaining a level of trust and satisfaction that comes with consistent and friendly service. My motto is: I don’t work for the insurance companies; I work for you! I’ve also learned that by taking care of our clients they help take care of me by sending in referrals and spreading the word about our business. When you love what you do you never have to work a day in your life, and I definitely love serving all our customers’ needs and helping anyway I can.

My wife, Justine, is my partner in our company. She’s my rock and wears many hats in the business. She isn’t licensed to sell insurance, but she does all the little things that really make our business run as smoothly as possible. I’m truly blessed to have her in my life.

MV: Can you help us get to know your team members?

Josh: Absolutely. Stacey Jenkins has been with us for 8 years, is a good friend and has been a huge asset to our business. She did not have an insurance background when we hired her but had a long history of providing great customer service in all

her previous jobs. We knew she would be a great fit because she loves helping people and building relationships just like I do. She is always super friendly and extremely knowledgeable about all the products we offer.

LaToya Johnson has been with us about 6 months now. She has a background in sales and customer service. She is always quick to answer the phone and loves talking to people and helping them figure out the best possible policy for their needs at the lowest possible price. She’s a real people person and is always excited and willing to help.

MV: Tell us about your business philosophy.

Josh: At Allen Insurance our business philosophy is to be the best in service and quality. We want to do whatever it takes to give you the absolute best possible policy at the lowest possible price. We are here to give our customers peace of mind and help them financially. We think communication is very important. That’s why we don’t have an automated phone service. When you call us, a real live person picks up the phone and is ready to help you immediately. We also answer emails and messages as quickly as possible. We handle all servicing in house and will also help walk you through the claims process. We are here to serve you!

MV: What general types of insurance do you offer and from which companies?

Josh: We offer auto, home, business, and life insurance products. Basically, everything except health insurance. Our pre-

ferred company is Erie Insurance. We put most of our business with them because they offer extremely competitive pricing with supreme policy protection. Some of the other companies we offer are State Auto (a part of Liberty Mutual), Progressive, Foremost, and Bristol West. We also have some other companies for hard to place policies.

MV: We heard that you have something called Equipment Breakdown Coverage available on homeowner’s policies. That seems like a big deal. Can you tell us about that?

Josh: Erie offers equipment breakdown coverage on home insurance which is a really big deal! This works similar to a home warranty. For example, if your heating and air unit were to malfunction from wear and tear and you needed to get a new one, Erie would pay for you to get a brand new unit! We know things don’t last forever so this is really great for peace of mind!

MV: Can you give us some examples of insurance products or options that customers should look into further?

Josh: Sure! Erie also offers guaranteed replacement cost on home insurance, which means they will rebuild your home no matter what the total cost. For example, I had 5 clients that lost their homes in the 2016 Gatlinburg fires. One of those customers’ homes was insured for $150,000 in coverage on the dwelling. However, be-

cause of supply issues and other factors it ended up costing $411,000 to rebuild the home and that’s what Erie paid!

Erie also offers disappearing deductibles and accident forgiveness on auto insurance too! They really give you so much for such a great price. Erie’s motto is “Above All in Service and everyone who has them raves about how great their service is.

MV: Anything else you feel would be important to add or that you want readers to know?

Josh: Taking care of someone when the worst happens is something we truly love doing. That’s when people really know you care. Auto and home insurance are our specialty. We also offer coverage for boats, motorcycles, motor homes, jet skis, and trailers. We offer business insurance whether it’s for a small or large business. In addition, we provide insurance for commercial auto and workers compensation. Lastly, we offer a wide range of life insurance products and long-term care options. I love working with and helping people. I like to think that I’m in the people business. If I take care of them, they will take care of me. It’s that simple.

Deck

Dock

Interior/Exterior

Pressure

High-Tech Window Coverings?

By Darla ZOrn – Owner/FOunDer – express BlinDs

Do you have a lot of windows? Do you have to spend a lot of time adjusting your shades each day to keep your home as comfortable as possible? Here at Express Blinds, we understand the evolving needs and preferences of homeowners like you. In recent years, motorized cellular and roller shades have gained incredible popularity. Not only are they aesthetically pleasing in just about any home, but they’re also convenient and versatile, suitable for a wide variety of needs. They might just be exactly what you re looking for!

So, why have automated shades become the go-to choice for homeowners across the nation?

Convenience at Your Fingertips: Motorized cellular and roller shades provide a level of convenience that traditional manual shades just can t match. With a simple press of a button or even a voice command, you can effortlessly adjust your shades to achieve the perfect balance of natural light and privacy. Best of all, by integrating with smart home systems such as Alexa or Google Home, you can even control your shades from anywhere with your phone. Gone are the days of setting each individually, so if your home has multiple windows or large spaces, or if you like to adjust your shades frequently to take advantage of the best light, motorized shades might be for you!

Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings: Did you know that, on top of being extremely convenient, our motorized cellular shades can even save you money on your energy bill? With their unique cellular construction, these shades provide insulation, preventing heat gain during the summer and sealing warmth inside your home during the winter.

Aesthetic Versatility: Motorized shades offer a vast array of fabric choices, colors, and patterns, so you can easily find the perfect fit for your home, no matter your style –be it minimalist, contemporary, or traditional. And since you won t have to worry about visible cords or chains, your shades will not only look clean and sleek, but are also safer for your children or pets.

Quiet and Reliable Operation: Modern motorized systems are engineered to operate smoothly and quietly, ensuring a peaceful ambiance in your home. On top of that, these systems are designed to stay reliable even after frequent use. So, rest assured, your motorized shades will operate quietly and efficiently for years to come.

If you’re ready for a simpler, sleeker, more energy efficient home, then what are you waiting for? Simply call Express Blinds, Shutters, Shades & Drapes today at 865-7304880 for a free consultation. Find out for yourself how you can elevate your home with these high-tech, yet low-stress window coverings.

Express Blinds, Shutters, Shades & Drapes

865-730-4880

www.ExpressBlindsKnox.com

The Battle of Athens

By BO Carey

In 1945, the veterans of World War II began streaming home to their families in the East Tennessee town of Athens, about 30 miles south of Loudon. They soon discovered a corrupt local government which didn’t reflect the democratic system these men had fought to protect. The county sheriff had enlisted a large number of deputies who pulled over any car with an out of state license plate, subject to paying the judge before leaving town. At each election, ballot boxes were carried to the jail where they were counted to assure incumbents won the election.

To these war hardened boys, this was an insult. They’d risked their lives in combat throughout Europe and the Pacific and were simply not willing to live under dictatorial local rule. So, they put together a G.I. ticket to run against the incumbent regime. They wisely did not align with the Democrat or Republican party but maintained an independent theme promising honest local government, no “fee-grabbing,” and fair elections. Local business leaders were anxious to fund the young first-time candidates and return Athens to civility and honor. The powerful Cantrell/Mansfield regime recognized the threat and made quick plans to prevent any change. They brought in a horde of additional deputies to make sure election day went their way. Most of these recruits were little more than heavy handed thugs, hired guns and enforcers.

On election day in November of 1946, the G.I.s placed poll watchers in each precinct, only to discover the deputies were not going to let them observe the voting and assure everyone voted. A Black man was shot by a deputy for insisting he had the right to stay in line and cast his vote. In the courthouse, a pair of veteran poll watchers were held at gunpoint in a separate room, as also happened at the Water Works precinct.

Ultimately, the challengers and their business leaders saw they would have to fight force with force. They “arrested” a number of visiting deputies and took them away. Then the National and State armories were raided to acquire arms. Before the young veterans could protest, the ballot boxes were rushed to the jail to be counted as desired. At this point the G.I.s brought their newly acquired rifles to a hilltop position and began firing on the jail’s entrance below. This went on throughout the night with Senator Cantrell, Sheriff Mansfield and most of the deputies holed up in the jail. Finally, some dynamite was thrown under the front porch, blowing it off the foundation. The deputies came out with their hands up. The ballot boxes were rescued and brought to the courthouse for an official count.

The next morning, order was restored by older, cooler heads who were able to reign in any violence, retribution or overzealous bravado. The news that the G.I. ticket had won handily was greeted with great celebration. Within days, it was checked and certified, and the new slate of officials were set to take their rightful positions of leadership.

This dramatic event had been covered throughout election day and night by reporters from Knoxville and Chattanooga. In the aftermath it was written up in national publications by Theodore White, famous for The Making of a President and other political works. The greatest outcome was the example set to usher in more open local governments, along with a stern message to other corrupt regimes that a new day had arrived in post war America.

Bo Carey is a 6th generation Loudon County resident with a passion for local history. He is the owner of Greer’s Home Furnishings in Historic Loudon and is available for lectures or programs for any area group or civic club. Call (865) 659-2300.

bocarey95@gmail.com | office 865-458-2046

Garage Flooring: Invest in the Best

If your garage floor coating has seen better days; if the sight of the cracks, stains, and damage on the garage surface has become unbearable, then it’s time to improve your aged, stained, and cracked garage floor.

Before you choose a new solution for your floor, keep in mind that not all garage floor coatings are created equal. Polyurea flooring system, used by PremierGarage of Knoxville, provides the most-advanced concrete flooring technology. It can withstand more abuse and impact than any standard epoxy coating, offers much better protection against harmful agents like oils, chemicals, and gas, and doesn’t stain, crack, or peel. If you decide to use polyurea floor coating, your floor will look new for many years to come, if maintained properly.

Below are some reasons why polyurea garage floor is the only flooring solution for a garage.

Strength

Polyurea can withstand all kinds of harmful impacts,

extreme pressure, and chemical spills. Due to its strength and durability, it is often applied in commercial and industrial facilities that require heavy-duty floors. It withstands extremely high temperatures, making polyurea resistant to hot tire lifting, patching, and peeling. It is resistant to chemicals commonly found in garages, like gasoline, oil, other auto fluids and paint thinner.

Fast-Curing

It takes only one to two hours to harden, and one day to be ready for use. This is an important advantage in comparison to epoxy coating systems, which take three to five days to harden completely.

Looks Beautiful and Easy to Maintain

Polyurea top coat creates a tough, non-bubbling polymer with a clear finish. Due to its anti-wear and anti-skid attributes, it creates the best protection barrier for your concrete floor and its surface enables thorough cleaning and easy maintenance.

Garage is Safer

When the polyurea is applied over a full broadcast of paint chips, it provides a slip-resistant surface, reducing the chance of an accident when the floors are wet. Heat resistance adds another layer of protection; since they can withstand very high temperatures, they can act as fire retardants. It is also antibacterial and reduces the buildup of allergens, dust and dirt that cling to unfinished concrete.

Many Color Options

Apart from being strong, durable, and resilient, your garage floor can be attractive as well. Dull gray concrete coatings are a thing of the past. Nowadays, there are multiple colors available. Customize your

garage with decorative chip floor coating that comes in a variety of colors to compliment the exterior color of your house or you can personalize your floor with a logo.

With competitive pricing without sacrificing quality, PremierGarage also provides excellent customer service. The company and its employees, who undergo extensive training in concrete coatings, are committed to customer satisfaction.

for Dollywood’s Heartsong Lodge & Resort Available Now

for Fall Opening

Guests can book available stays which start in November

Another important milestone for Dollywood’s newest resort property, the much-anticipated Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort, began on June 26 as guests can now make reservations for stays this fall. The earliest available stay date is November 3, 2023.

On June 26, guests can visit Dollywood.com/ HeartSong and search available dates to plan their visit to the Smokies’ newest premium resort.

Created with the same award-winning service and attention to detail made famous at Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa, HeartSong Lodge & Resort adds to the welcoming hospitality offerings guests have come to expect when visiting Dollywood Parks & Resorts.

With its location in the rolling foothills of the majestic Great Smoky Mountains, Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort offers a place where awe and inspiration await guests thanks to thoughtful details that emerge around every turn.

For one-of-a-kind getaways, the five-story resort also features themed suites and loft rooms tucked into the dormers. Many of the rooms include balconies with sweeping views of the vast resort property.

For more information about Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort, please visit dollywood.com/heartsong.

Family time comes naturally at all Dollywood Resorts. With the majestic beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains, but so close to the action, the Dollywood collection of resort hotels offer accommodations, dining, activities and so much more! What a great way to create memories to last a lifetime!

Get Up –Get Out on the Water!

By paTriCK BOring

You’ve probably noticed the weather outside is gorgeous. The air is getting warmer, and so is the water. Boating season isn’t just around the corner. It’s here. And there’s nothing quite like it. You can already feel the wind in your hair and picture the cool spray of the water as it flashes and glimmers in the sunshine, not to mention the gentle back and forth rocking in the lake’s embrace. It’s not a question of if you’ll take your boat out on the water, but when.

More than that, when you take your boat out, will it be only after spending precious minutes detailing said boat, removing its cover by hand, cleaning up the spider and bird leavings that have accumulated over the months, all while knowing you’ll have to wrestle said cover back on later? Or will you cut out all that unnecessary to-do completely, spending your precious time as intended – out on the lake?

Taking your boat out really can be that easy that is if you have a Touchless Boat Cover System from Lifetime Docks, LLC.

Here’s the concept: invest in a garage for your boat that protects your craft like your home garage protects your car. Be prepared to cover and uncover your boat in 30 seconds without laying a finger on it, all at the touch of a button. Be prepared to get the full value out of your boating experience to not be weighed down into staying home because the struggle just to launch your boat isn’t worth the effort. Be prepared to slather on that high SPF sunscreen – you’ll need it as you find yourself wanting to get on the water more and more all thanks to the quality boating experience our Touchless Boat Cover System provides.

The Touchless Cover is now backed by an industry leading 7-year warranty (new for 2023!). You’ll sleep well at night knowing this investment will give you years of problem-free service. If any issues arise – Lifetime Docks will be there to help!

Don’t wait now! It’s time to wake up, get up, and get out on the water. It’s time to invest in your Touchless Boat Cover System, cutting out all the wasted time spent fighting with covers manually. And it’s time to call us at Lifetime Docks, LLC to reserve your system before the crowd truly descends.

Lifetime Docks, LLC

Patrick Boring

865.719.0027 patrick@lifetimedockstn.com

Our Place Expanding Moments of Joy!

By Diane sTrever anD Celia gruZalsKi FOr Our plaCe

Our Place is the adult day center for individuals impacted by early stages of Alzheimer’s and Dementia related diseases, serving Loudon and Monroe counties, and surrounding communities. Having opened the doors to Our Place in March 2022, the community of participants in the program has steadily grown. Seeing firsthand the friendships and compassion that have developed with each individual highlight moments of joy for families and staff involved.

The program has become so successful that Our Place is undertaking a Capital Campaign for the Expansion of the facility, and the establishment of an Endowment Fund.

This facility growth will enable Our Place to enroll more participants in this worthwhile and much needed program. The expansion of the facility will involve the addition of approximately 1,000 square feet, and includes an activity room and bathroom, galley kitchen, an expanded back porch and outdoor activity area. Groundbreaking is anticipated this August.

Four major components for the expansion campaign are the Veteran’ s Memorial Park brick program honoring those who served; the Legacy Brick Park, and the “Expanding Moments of Joy” Alzheimer’s Walk 2 Remember/ Car Show; and an opportunity to have a room or area named in honor of an individual, organization, or company. More information is available at www.ourplacetn.org.

The Veteran’s Park, located in front of the facility, includes a flagpole and flag, as well as Veteran’s bricks with names inscribed, and was donated by the Tellico Village VFW Post 12135, to whom we are very grateful.

The Legacy Park is located to the side of the Our Place building, and includes bricks, small monuments and benches inscribed with the names of loved ones who have been affected by Alzheimer’s or Dementia related diseases. Bricks may be purchased by calling Our Place, 865-657-7222, or checking the website OurPlacetn.org.

The fourth component to the expansion campaign is the “Expanding Moments of Joy” Alzheimer’s Walk 2 Remember and Car Show, which will be held on Saturday, October 7th. The location is Lenoir City Park, and the walk begins at 10am. Music, food trucks, and games will be part of the festivities, as well as a Car Show from 10-2pm. Registration for the Car Show is $20, which can also be accepted the day of the show. Company sponsorships are available in amounts of $250, $500, $1,000, $2,500, and $10,000, and are requested by the end of August. Walkers registered for $100/person includes the event t-shirt; anyone can walk with a $25 donation. Team signups and individual registrations should be submitted by the end of August. For more information, contact Our Place at www. OurPlacetn.org.

We have been tremendously grateful for all of the individual and community support for Our Place, and acknowledge it is through your donations and sharing the good news and work of the program, that our reputation brings us the need for expansion. We are excited to embark on this next phase of commitment to the community and expanding moments of joy to those most in need of our services.

Our Place is a 501C3 non-profit organization. For more information go to www.OurPlacetn.org.

Our Place TN 103 Cheeyo Way Loudon, TN 37774 865-657-7222

By lisa grugin

The first half of the year has certainly been interesting in the landscape. Some of your plants are looking great, some are not. I finally gave in and removed a boxwood and two enormous loropetalums in my yard, but everything else seems to be recovering. Hopefully your yard is getting back to normal as well!

So, what is there to do in your yard in July? A lot! But let’s talk first about one of my passions: pollinator plants. Our focus on clearing land and establishing lawns over the past few decades has not done any favors for our environment, and there is a high cost to pay. More than 30% of the food we eat every day relies on or benefits from pollinators, including the most nutritious foods. In addition, coffee and chocolate depend on them, so without our pollinators, we would be hungry, malnourished, and cranky!

Who are our pollinators? Primarily bees, but not just the ones you know about. While honeybees and bumble bees are the best known, there are more than 4,000 bee species native to North America. The vast majority are solitary bees where the female makes her nest alone. Most are not aggressive and don’t sting. Honeybees are the primary workers, responsible for 80% of flowering plants. Bumble bees are also crucial because they pollinate both flowers and agricultural crops. Unfortunately, honeybees and bumble bees are facing extinction risk.

Bees aren’t the only pollinators, however. Butterflies, moths, beetles, birds, bats, and even flies can serve as secondary pollinators. I could write this entire article about the importance of caring for them, but I don’t have room. Instead, let’s focus on what you can do to help.

The number one thing is to plant pollinator friendly flowers. Native sun perennials are your best bet, but you also need overlapping and sequential blooms. More is better, but even a small bed can attract a host of pollinators!

The second thing for you to do is provide a nest site. Leave patches of bare earth, brush piles, and nesting blocks. Plant host plants such as butterfly weed for eggs and caterpillars, and provide a bowl of wet sand or a shallow basin with pebbles as a water source.

Lastly, protect them from chemicals. Use as few as possible, and use them wisely. Do you really need to spray a bug that has a short life cycle? Please educate yourself about good bugs and bad bugs, and always use the least toxic product first.

Now let’s go over what you should do this month.

» Do frequent walk-

arounds. Plants are stressed and therefore more vulnerable to disease and insects. If you catch problems when they are just beginning, you have a better chance of getting them under control. Keep in mind that the best treatment for most cold issues is time.

» The cool, wet weather we have had created a good breeding ground for fungus, so watch for it during your walk-around and begin treating at the first sign. Neem is a good starting point chemical, but some plants may require something stronger.

» You can prune the winter damage from shrubs now if you haven’t already done so. You can also cut back spent bulbs, the stalks of spring bloomers (iris, peonies, etc.), and annuals that are getting leggy. If you want to reduce the size of your spring blooming trees and shrubs, prune soon after they stop blooming so they have not set bud yet.

» Maintain your container plants. Most will need to be deadheaded, cut back, cleaned up (don’t let the spent blooms settle down into the container), and fertilized weekly.

» How are your vegetables? Many are off to a slow start, and that is because the soil has not warmed up enough. Be vigilant in watching for trouble in the form of insects and disease, and treat before it gets out of hand. Splashing water is a quick way to spread disease, so always use soaker hoses or water at the base of the plant. Mulch will help. Call us if you have problems.

» Finally, don’t panic if you haven’t planted yet. There is still time!

We are still getting regular deliveries, although the high demand for plants this season has made it harder to keep up. Stop by or give us a call if you have questions. Let us help you have a beautiful yard!

TN 37354

East Tennessee Wildlife: Bald Eagle

By Kalley COOK

Iknow I have already done an article on the Bald Eagle, but I couldn’t help but show off our beautiful national bird of the United States again, though with different facts and more recent images I have captured over the past year.

The Bald Eagle population in Tennessee was last documented in 2012 with 175 nesting pairs, but I know as of 2023 you can go to just about any dam and wait with a guarantee to see at least one. If you didn’t know, the Bald Eagle was once almost extinct back in the mid-1900s due to illegal hunting, habitat destruction, and the contamination of their main food source (fish) by a pesticide to control mosquitoes and other insects. Unfortunately, the residue of the pesticide got into waterways which then was absorbed by fish.

It’s a great feeling to know that they were delisted from the endangered species act in August 2007. I couldn’t imagine not seeing these big, beautiful, birds soaring the skies, as they are really something special to see in the wild. In case you didn’t catch my article from July 2022, the photos I am sharing with you are from a “special” bald eagle here in Loudon County that I have photographed for many years, and I hope you enjoy her as much as I do. Happy 4th of July!

Contact: Kalleybcook@gmail.com

www.facebook.com/kalleycookphotography kalleycook.smugmug.com

There is nothing I love more than getting a pretty water reflection on a bald eagle. People often call these photos “lucky,” but I believe there’s more to getting nice photos than luck. I spend hours and hours at a time and spend many days on a single subject, often coming home with nothing. Patience, determination, and learning your subjects will up your chances of getting “the shot.” Anyway, I always love not being able to see her feet, but I can in the reflection!

Splash after the Catch - Bald Eagles can hit their prey at speeds anywhere from 75-100 miles per hour. Watching an eagle come down right in front of you to get a fish is an awesome experience, but these shots don’t happen often, which makes it even more special when they do.

a Home

Silly Eagle - Although this eagle looks like she’s making a silly face, she’s actually doing something called feaking. Bald eagles are actually very clean birds and feaking is when the eagle rubs its beak up against a rock or branch to remove any leftovers. Not only will they clean their beak but will also clean off their talons as well.

Look in the Closet

Whether you’re still temporarily working from home due to the pandemic or you’ve decided to permanently work full-time from your house, where is your office? A dedicated room just for your office? The dining room table? The kitchen counter?

If you don’t have a spare room or a corner of a room to convert to your office, consider transforming a reach-in closet into your new office. Yes, you’ll have to find another space to store the clothes, coats, or snow skiing accessories that are currently in that closet, but you will free up valuable space for your peace of mind and a more productive work environment.

Here are the things you need to consider if you’re thinking about converting a reach-in closet into your home office or even an area to do crafts:

Location and Size

While your best choice in terms of size and space may first seem to be by the front door or near the family entrance by the garage, keep in mind that the traffic in and out of the house may be too distracting.

A reach-in closet that is at least 21 inches deep and 36 inches wide will provide basic desktop space and overhead storage. You’ll also need an outlet, preferably just above the countertop. Unless you really need it for privacy, consider removing the closet door completely. If you really need the separation, add a sliding barn door or curtains to separate and define your office space.

Specific Needs

What do you need in your office? Sure, it would be great to have everything you want in your home office, but due to limited space, you’ll have to compromise. Only if the closet is wide enough will you be able to put shelving or drawers beneath the countertop. Overhead shelving provides storage for files, books, and personal items. If you need a printer and space is limited, consider a wireless model to place outside your office.

If you are able to convert a closet that is larger, full-extension drawers and under-counter shelving provide space for all your office items.

Let there be Light

Small closets usually aren’t well lit or have a lot of natural light. With the power outlet that’s already in the closet or you had installed, add a lamp or LED task lighting underneath the shelf above the desktop.

Sometimes finding the right home office or craft area requires a little bit of flexibility and creativity.

If you want help maximizing your space, or finding creative ways to corral your clutter, contact The Tailored Closet of Knoxville.

MEDICATIONS THAT CAN HARM YOUR HEARING

By BOB FerrarO, H.i s

More than 600 drugs have been linked to hearing loss and tinnitus, including overthe-counter pain relievers.

It’s normal to experience hearing loss and balance issues as you age. But before you chalk those problems to age, you should consider whether a medication could be damaging your ears. The list of so-called “ototoxic” drugs includes both OTC and prescription options. Among them: medications that treat heart problems, pain, infections and more.

In some cases, the hearing problem caused by a medication is reversible and will go away when you stop taking it. But some drugs can cause permanent damage. Older patients are especially vulnerable because their kidneys often aren’t as efficient at flushing out the medications. Adults age 65+ are also more likely to be taking more than one drug at a time and sometimes the combined effect of two medications can be worse than a drug on its own.

So, what can you do?

1. Ask your health care provider if hearing loss or tinnitus is a side effect of any of your OTC or RX meds.

2. Recognize early signs of trouble – ringing or buzzing in your ears (or worsening of tinnitus if you already have it) is often the first sign that a med could be hurting your hearing.

3. Opt for nondrug alternatives – instead of reaching for a pain reliever for your bad back or bum knee, consider trying physical therapy or yoga.

Lawrence Lustig, an otolaryngologist at New York Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center, recommends getting a baseline hearing test before starting a medicine classified as ototoxic, and then going back for regular testing during treatment. That will help identify any hearing-related side effects since medicines often impact high frequency hearing first, so you might not notice the change without a hearing test.

Some common medications linked to hearing loss include:

1. Over-The-Counter Pain Relievers – because painkillers like aspirin, acetaminophen (Tylenol) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Advil and Motrin are widely available, many patients take them regularly and assume that they are harmless. But research shows that these can contribute to both tinnitus and hearing loss if used for two or more days per week. (Fortunately, frequent use of low-dose aspirin (80mg) has not been linked to hearing-related side effects.)

2. Aminoglycoside Antibiotics are some of the most damaging meds to hearing and are believed to damage the sensory cells inside your ear needed for balance and hearing. Many drugs in this class end in “micin” or “mycin” such as gentamicin and streptomycin. These are sometime administered intravenously to fight severe bacterial infections and sometimes necessary against life-threatening infections.

3. Loop Diuretics, such as Lasix (furosemide), Bumex (bumetanide) and Demadex (torsemide), are powerful meds used to treat high blood pressure and fluid retention due to heart failure, liver or kidney disease. If you already have hearing or balance problems, you might ask your doctor if a different type of diuretic would be a better choice for you.

4. Some Platinum-based Chemotherapy Drugs such as cisplatin and carboplatin may cause permanent hearing loss, tinnitus, and balance problems. Because these are life-saving drugs, researchers are working hard to develop alternatives and treatment protocols to protect hearing.

5. Long-Term Hormone Therapy used for treating menopausal symptoms – studies suggest that women concerned about their hearing should limit their therapy to five years or less.

6. Quinine, Chloroquine and Hydroxychloroquine are usually used to treat malaria, but sometimes prescribed for nocturnal leg cramps, autoimmune diseases (such as Lupus), and COVID-19 infection. The bad side effects from these drugs are usually temporary and stop when patients stop taking the drugs.

Just because a medication is classified as ototoxic doesn’t necessarily mean you should worry. Many factors come into play, including the dosage, how long and how often you’ve been taking it, kidney function, other drugs you take, your age, and even your genetic susceptibility. And remember – consult your doctor before you make any changes to your medications!

Tellico Hearing Solutions, PLLC 865-635-1887 contact@TellicoHearingSolutions.com www.tellicohearingsolutions.com

Are you someone who’s hand-picked the perfect (and expensive) Oriental rug for your living space, only to wonder over the years if wear and care is tarnishing its eye-catching beauty? Each Oriental rug is unique with a magic all its own, and

yours is no exception. If you picked it out, it’s a representation of your particular taste, and if you inherited it, it’s a manifestation of your family’s history. In both cases, it’s a special investment-after all, you’ll never have another rug exactly like it. Preserving its colors, protecting its longevity, and maintaining its attractive appearance requires maintenance and care.

That’s where Superior Rug Cleaning comes into the picture. Thanks to their commitment to innovation in new, state-of-the-art technology, they provide the comprehensive servicing your rug needs. But don’t just take our word for it. Just see below what their customers have to say about the service they received:

» Superior Carpet and Rug Cleaning is a fine specialist in handlin g handmade rugs. Owner, Kerry McDuffie, analyzes the make, age, and condition first and THEN carefully proceeds. He is thorough and knowledgeable and treats each rug with vital individual care. - J. Harmer, Lenoir City, TN

» I am so pleased! My 20+ year old oriental rug looks new... The colors are so vivid. I highly recommend them. Thank You! - W. Shepherd

» I wanted to thank you for the excellent job you did on the jute rugs in our den. They look as nice as they did when we first purchased them! The rugs in our hall and bedroom look equally as clean. We have been pleased each time we’ve used your company. - S. Wallace

» Fantastic experience from start to finish. Kerry and his team we re extremely professional. They showed up exactly when they said they would and did an amazing job. We were very pleased with the value we received and will absolutely use them again. Anyone looking for this type of service should look no further! - M. Stooksbury

» I have known Kerry and used Superior Carpet and Rug Cleaning for many years. My rugs are cleaned perfectly and are always returned in beautiful condition. Superior Carpet and Rug Cleaning will always be my choice. - K. Gotcher Don’t wait! Call or text Superior Rug Cleaning at 865-691-5686, or email them at info@superiorofknoxville.com or reach out on Facebook to schedule your Oriental rug cleaning today. Restore your rug to its full beauty and, once again, experience the “magic” of what it’s like to be absolutely in love with it!

Superior Rug Cleaning 865.691.5686 www.superiorofknoxville.com

Trying to Save Taxes? 4 QCD Rules to Give You a Boost

By yvOnne marsH, CFp®, Cpa

You’re probably familiar with the Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) rules by now: where you can transfer funds out of an IRA to a charity, income tax free, and use the QCD to reduce the amount of your taxable IRA Required Minimum Distribution. It’s one of my favorite tax strategies, especially if you no longer itemize and can’t otherwise take a deduction for your charitable gifts. Here are a few nuances to the QCD rules to be aware of and use to your benefit:

1. You can start QCD’s as soon as you turn age 70 ½. When the RMD ages were raised in the last few years, the QCD age wasn’t. You literally have to be 6 months past your 70th birthday before your first withdrawal, but then you

can get a jump on giving away some of your tax-infested IRA money before RMD’s even start. If you’re charitably minded and are expecting higher than desired RMD income, this is a way to proactively reduce your IRA balance before RMD age.

2. QCD’s are not only for IRA’s. You can also do QCD’s from Beneficiary IRA’s as long as you are over age 70 ½ at the time of the QCD. Interestingly, QCD’s out of 401k’s and active SEP and SIMPLE IRA’s are not allowed.

3. QCD’s are limited to $100,000 per year, per spouse. Feeling particularly generous and want to give away more than $100,000? You can - the excess amount would show up on your tax return as taxable income, but then you could potentially itemize that charitable gift to offset the income. (Talk to your tax preparer.)

4. Give to multiple entities. Choose your favorite church, charity or any 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization with your gifting. Be aware that donor advised funds and private foundations do not qualify.

Two other points to remember: you cannot take possession of the QCD funds – they have to be directly trans-

ferred from your IRA account to your charity to qualify. Secondly, QCD activity is NOT reflected on your annual 1099 tax form from your IRA custodian, so it is your responsibility to let your tax preparer know. Otherwise, they’ll be unaware of the need to reduce your taxable income by the QCD amount, and all of your hard work would be undone.

There you have it – help the world while helping yourself save some taxes! Reach out if you have questions. I’m here to help.

WINDY HILL FARM EVENT CALENDAR

JULY 2023

Below are some featured upcoming events at Windy Hill Farm. For more information or to make a reservation, please call 865-657-1700.

Sat. 7/1 - Pony Bradshaw and Tyler Ramsey in Concert - Gates open at 5:30 with music starting around 6:30.

Windy Hill welcomes the moving sounds of American songwriter Pony Bradshaw and welcomes back Tyler Ramsey, this time with his full band.

Fri. 7/7 - Friday on the Wilder Patio - Michael McGill - Music will start around 8:00.

His voice is unique and recognizable, yet it is the perfect example of oldschool honky tonk music. Make a reservation for dinner or join us for a drink and a bite from the Pub Menu and just enjoy the music!

Fri. 7/14 - Friday on the Wilder Patio - The Gladson Family - Music will start around 8:00.

The Gladson Family Band from Knoxville, plays traditional bluegrass, old time, and gospel music. Performing fiddle tunes, breakdowns, and nostalgic tunes of the past; they are sure to entertain crowds of all ages.

Fri. 7/21 - Friday on the Wilder Patio - Oak Hill Drifters - Music will start around 8:00.

The love of early 20th century American roots music is very apparent with Oak Hill Drifters. Their latest EP titled “The Iris Sessions” climbed to #88 on the AMA Americana Albums charts and remained in the top 125 for multiple months in early 2023.

Fri. 7/28 - Friday on the Wilder Patio - Caleb Caudle - Music will start around 8:00.

Forsythia, the latest studio LP offering from Caleb Caudle is a portrait of his truest self, of the artist at his most solitary and reflective - during the pandemic - and inspired by the solitude and symbols Caudle found in nature during that time.

Weekend 7/28-30 - Weekend on the Water - Paddleboarding at our all-inclusive resort.

Enjoy special activities on our two miles of shoreline along the Tennessee River. Included are kayak or paddle board floats, riverside picnic lunch, ski boat tours and more! Cap the evening off with stargazing. Call 865-657-1700 for more details.