East Tennessee's Mountain Views August 2023 Edition

HBG YACHT SALES

Local, Quality-Driven Boat Service and Broker

Boating is a such a significant part of living here in East Tennessee’ s lakeside communities. There’ s nothing like cruising along the sparkling water! But of course, trustworthy boat purchasing and sales, as well as service and storage, is essential. HBG Yachts is a Knoxville-based boat brokerage, storage, and service company that was founded in 2011 by owner and president, Colin Daley. Colin has been selling boats in the Knoxville area since 1996 and is known as the local expert in boat and yacht sales. He developed his experience on the rivers and lakes locally, selling both new and brokerage vessels. With 25 years’ experience in boat brokerage sales and boat service, HBG Yacht Sales is committed to exceeding your expectations in the purchase or sale of your boat or yacht by providing a seamless and professional transaction.

In this month s edition of Mountain

Views, we had the opportunity to interview Colin Daley, the owner of HBG Yachts in Knoxville. We are excited to present our interview with Colin to you.

MV: Tell our readers a little bit about yourself and HBG Yachts.

Colin: I have been selling boats in the Knoxville area since 1996 and am known as a local expert in boat and yacht sales. I developed my experience on the rivers and lakes locally selling both new and brokerage vessels.

As a yacht sales veteran, my team and I can advise clients on all aspects of boat buying, selling, services, and local cruising. Most importantly, we will assess your needs, and locate the best boat for your use and budget. For boat owners looking to sell, HBG can assess your vessel s value and get it sold quickly. We are experts in all styles of boats, and knowledgeably guide our clients toward the best, most informed boat sales decisions.

We are a full-service operation uniquely positioned to satisfy all your boating, storage, and service needs. Our storage options include in-water and land based,

either covered or not. And there is a convenient boat ramp right at our facility. We re all about convenience, whether for regular boating, or a convenient sales experience. We are the only boat sales and brokerage company in Knoxville with this combination of full-service capabilities.

MV: Buying or selling a boat is a big deal and can be quite stressful. Tell us about your boat brokerage operation.

Colin: HBG offers boaters a combined 25 years experience and expertise of selling boats in all size and price ranges. We will give you the boat buying or selling experience of a lifetime by handling every aspect of the selling or buying process. For boat owners, there are a variety of reasons a client decides to sell a boat. Sometimes it is out of necessity; our goal

Call

Service. I’ve been thinking about that a lot lately. Has service stopped being a priority in our world? There used to be service stations; that’s gone the way of the dodo bird. You call a help line and get someone in another country whom you can’t understand. I think there are some who still care about good service. Our family has been blessed by exceptional service here in East Tennessee on many occasions, but one person stood out.

We were served by an excellent young woman at a family restaurant in Lenoir City; she was fast, efficient, cheerful, and anticipated our needs all while the restaurant was extremely busy. When we thanked her for her great service and attitude, she had the best reply. She said, “Thank you! I’m so glad you were happy. You know, God put us on this earth to bless others, so that’s what I try to do when I take care of our guests.” We were all so impressed by that.

She waited on us again a few months later, same great attitude, same awesome service. This time she gave us a handmade card when she presented us with our check. The card said “Thank you so much. Have a wonderful week! God Bless!” She signed it and included a scripture verse: “Each of you should use whatever gifts you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” 1 Peter 4:10. That’s exactly what she did, she blessed us.

She got me to thinking about service and serving others. I know a couple who use their gifts of hospitality to bless others by reaching out to people who are lonely and providing them with a “family” and support system that has lasted decades for some. I’d never thought about this as a ministry before; just something nice. But for this group, they’ve been a huge blessing, and they definitely put 1 Peter 4:10 into action.

We all have gifts we can use to bless our neighbors and make the world a better place. I’m so grateful to know that those small businesses owners who share their stories within these pages feel the same and strive to serve and bless their communities through their gifts.

August has some great activities that you and your family can enjoy while the weather is still pleasant. Boating, hiking, and all things outdoor are abundantly available. Combine the awesome outdoor activities with the beauty of our area, then add to that the amazing people who live and work here – East Tennessee can’t be beat. And while you’re enjoying that beauty and fun, smile at someone, give a kind word, bless and serve those around you – and show them you really care; you’ll make their world a better place.

Kathy Rose East Tennessee’s Mountain Views

HBG Yacht Sales

cover article continued ... is to get the highest value for their boat, and a quick sale. Other clients want to upgrade, and we can conveniently sell their current boat and help locate their next boat as a buyer’s broker.

We take your boat from listing to sold as fast as the market allows and you won’t have to lift a finger. Our commitment is to help you eliminate the hassle of selling your boat and to bring you the best return. Selling your boat can be a frustrating and time-consuming process. From advertising and listing your boat to the closing process and test runs, there can be a lot to do! Whether this is your first boat sale or you’ re an experienced boater who just wants it sold, we’re dedicated to delivering a seamless, secure transaction.

MV: Can you tell us about your team members?

Colin: Of course. Including myself, we have a team of three brokers on staff. My son, Alex Daley, joined us full time after growing up in and around the business and graduating from UT Knoxville in 2021. Robbie Casey is a seasoned 100-ton captain, boating expert, and also a key member of our team.

MV: You also provide boat service and repairs. Can you tell us about that?

Colin: We recently acquired Simplified Yachting Services (SYS), a full-service marine service provider. SYS offers mobile capabilities and can come right to your vessel!

Whether you keep your boat at a marina or private dock, our service crew is fully mobile. Our motto for service and repairs is, Boat Service Simplified . We pride ourselves in effective communications and are committed to prompt follow-through and exceptional customer service. We provide boat and engine repair, preventative maintenance, and general system repairs.

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

Colin: Yes! We recently became Cobia Boat and Pathfinder Boat dealers to add to our

upper-tier quality boat offerings. Center console boats are becoming a very popular style in our boating community due to their versatility for family boating and fishing, ease of maintenance and comfortable ride. At our core, HBG is about delivering trustworthy and dependable service, and treating our customers as we’d like to be treated. We believe in building long-term relationships based on prompt and effective service, and being known as the best at what we do in our community. That’s because this is where we’ re from, and where we plan to be. We look forward to serving you.

Located at Choto Marina in Knoxville, in addition to exceptional service, HBG Yacht Sales offers in-water slips, covered and trailered boat storage, making the sale process simpler and more accessible to potential buyers. With 25 years of experience in boat and yacht sales, HBG has a world-class network of relationships and resources to not only sell quickly, but at the highest value. If you’re looking for a broker, reach out to HBG today for the most effective and efficient sales team in the area.

HBG Yachts

www.hbgyachts.com

12200 Choto Marina Way. Knoxville 37922 865-643-8000

forsale

Just a few of the Special Features of this Impressive home:

• 2,386 sq. ft. of luxurious living space with a 944 sq. ft. 3-car garage or optional 1,324 sq. ft. 4-car garage.

• Outstanding curb appeal and impressive craftsman style architecture.

• Award winning designer floor plan that optimizes floor space (no wasted space in this home!)

• Every room is a generous and a functional size.

• Your great room features a gas fireplace (select a “traditional” or stone surround.)

The Moonstone Manor features some of the newest design elements – creating a contemporary twist on the popular Craftsman style.

• All of your rooms will have unique ceilings. The great room features a massive tray ceiling, the office has a tray, the master bedroom has a double tray, and the dining room has a very dramatic reverse tray. Both bedrooms #2 and #3 have unique beamed ceilings.

• Your spacious office features a built-in bookcase.

• Because of the magnificent soaring ceilings in your great room, all doors that are visible from this main living area will be 8 ft. high.

• As you enter through the front door, your spacious foyer features a very practical coat closet.

• Your elegant and functional kitchen design includes stone counters, upgraded top-of-the-line “Kemper Echo” cabinets, Frigidaire Gallery

(or equivalent) appliances (refrigerator not included). *NOW! If you hurry – this is where you can make many custom upgrades.*

• Your master bath suite features an exotic, oversized custom-built, curb-less, doorless, walk-in shower with seat and built-ins for soaps, shampoos, and accessories and it features a large and luxurious drying area with seat. Your lavish shower also includes a very large

transom window which supplies plenty of natural light into your luxurious bathing space.

• Bedrooms #2 and #3 share a “Jack and Jill” bath with an oversized garden tub/shower unit and large transom window.

• Your home also features a conveniently located half bath.

• Your home will have the largest laundry/drop zone we have ever built. *If you hurry, you can have a hand in designing and customizing this great space.* This area could include a large number of cabinets, a bench, a closet or even an area for a second refrigerator or a freezer.

• Hardwood floors are included in the main living areas and in the master bedroom. Tile will be in the baths and laundry.

• The large covered and screened deck and open grilling porch are built with no-maintenance lifetime decking, and an optional gas valve

for your grill to provice an abundance of practical outdoor living space.

• Your finished, oversized garage will have a utility sink, a large window, a “man door,” and 8 ft. high garage doors with glass panels.

• Your home will include a high-efficiency heat pump.

• 13-month builder warranty.

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.

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.

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

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

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

The Bridgewater Floor Plan

The HarborsideTM

by Lake Point Homes, Inc.

Lake Point Homes has developed a unique plan, which incorporates all of the necessary and functional elements only found in much larger homes, while keeping a practical and open floorplan of 2,100 sq. ft.

Built on your lot, only $539,900* ..................

Built on one of our beautiful lots while they last, from only $579,900 ..................

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

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!

Point

Enjoy More Outdoor Family Fun

Set your course for year-round fun with the professionals at Undercover Systems, and get ready to celebrate unlimited out-of-door events that your family and friends can enjoy, rain or shine.

This is the perfect time to install the totally unique underdeck ceiling system from Undercover Systems under your home’s existing raised decks. This underdeck system will ensure that all of your events will be protected from unexpected and unwanted rain, the searing summertime sun, and the snow and sleet of winter.

“Now is a great time to weatherproof all of your outof-door events,” said Jim Conn, owner of Undercover Systems. “Throughout the entire process, our skilled craftsmen work with you each step of the way, until your project is completed to your satisfaction.”

While Undercover Systems’ patented underdecking system allows you to extend your outdoor season of enjoyment by protecting your family from late summer’s relentless sun, autumn rains, and winter snow, sleet, and ice, you’ll also appreciate their years of experience and attention to detail. By designing a seamless transition from your home’s interior to exterior, your new out-of-door living spaces will perfectly complement your home’s existing architecture and landscaping. Undercover Systems uses only proprietary components - not those generic, one-sizefits-all, off-the-shelf components from the big box

CHEO Invites You to:

“Ever Heard of Rolfing?”

Monday, August 21, 2023 –Farragut Location * 6:30 pm Meet & Greet, 7:00 pm Program

Join Jeremiah Evers, Certified Advanced Rolfer and LMT, as he shares with us the 10 series “recipe” for balancing the whole body in relationship to the gravitational field. Did you know fascia, the organ of movement, plays a part in how we relate to our spatial reality? There is a connection between our mind, body and past life events that affect how we “posture” ourselves in the world and how that reveals itself in our structure.

Door Prize: Rolfing or structural massage session.

*Program Location – Farragut Community Center – 239 Jamestowne Blvd.

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 are usually held on the third Monday of the month and program locations may vary from month to month.

Save the date: September 18, 2023

– Alzheimer’s: Degenerative Disease or Infection?

CHEO is a nonprofit organization and expressly disclaims all liability.

stores used by the competition - so your underdeck system will always have that “custom” finish you’re looking for.

A complaint-free member of the Better Business Bureau, Undercover Systems offers homeowners the peace of mind that they deserve in a building contractor.

Why not surprise your family today with a special out-of-doors gift that everyone can enjoy all year long and start creating a lifetime of memories? Call Jim Conn at 423-267-0091 today, and start celebrating the extended summertime fun with family and friends.

Undercover Systems

423-267-0091

www.UndercoverSystems.com

designs

you

can T R U S T

A n d b y n a i l i t , w e m e a n n a i l h e a d s o n y o u r f u r n i t u r e o r e v e n y o u r w i n d o w t r e a t m e n t s ! W e ' v e s e e n n a i l h e a d s f o r y e a r s i n m o r e t r a d i t i o n a l s t y l e d r o o m s , h o w e v e r , w e a r e s e e i n g t h i s i n m o r e t r a n s i t i o n a l s p a c e s a s w e l l , o f t e n i n f u n p a t t e r n s a n d u n i q u e s h a p e s T h i s t e x t u r a l d e t a i l c a n b e a g r e a t a c c e n t t o e n h a n c e y o u r h o m e w i t h a d a s h o f s t y l e F u n c t i o n a l l y , n a i l h e a d s s e r v e t h e p u r p o s e o f s e c u r i n g t h e e d g e s o f u p h o l s t e r y f a b r i c t o t h e i r w o o d e n f r a m e s , b u t n a i l h e a d s c a n a l s o e l e v a t e t h e p i e c e a s a b e a u t i f u l d e c o r a t i v e d e t a i l t o o ! T h e n a i l h e a d s c a n b e u s e d p u r e l y d e c o r a t i v e l y i n a u n i q u e p a t t e r n o r f o l l o w t h e s i l h o u e t t e o f y o u r f u r n i t u r e E i t h e r w a y , b y a d d i n g n a i l h e a d s , t h i s s m a l l d e t a i l c a n h a v e a l a r g e i m p a c t ! I n f a c t w e h a v e a n d a r e d e s i g n i n g w i t h n a i l h e a d s i n a w i d e v a r i e t y o f s t y l e s t o d a y s u c h a s :

L a r g e s c a l e d r u s t i c n a i l h e a d s s p a c e d w i d e l y c a n f e e l m o r e w e s t e r n o r l e a n i n d u s t r i a l L i k e w i s e s m a l l t a c k n a i l h e a d s a l o n g a l i n e n g i m p w i l l f e e l f a r m h o u s e o r F r e n c h c o u n t r y S l e e k c h r o m e n a i l h e a d s c a n f e e l m o d e r n a n d a r e o f t e n i n a p a t t e r n l i k e a G r e e k k e y o r s c a l l o p s S h i n y g o l d o r r h i n e s t o n e s c a n a d d g l a m o u r a n d a n a r t d e c o f e e l t o a n a c c e n t c h e s t o r a s t a t e m e n t b e d T e x t u r e d b r u s h e d b r a s s n a i l h e a d s a d d a t o u c h o f o l d w o r l d r e f i n e m e n t t o a n e n g l i s h a r m c h a i r

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

Our agents have a deep knowledge of the area and are connected to the community, so we can immediately alert you when what you’re looking for becomes available – sometimes even before it hits the market. With over 325 years of combined real estate experience, including the backing of a renowned global network, our agents are uniquely prepared to assist you. 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. *

Home!

By Donna navratil

Are you one of the new folks here in Tennessee?

You did your due diligence and finally made the move to beautiful east Tennessee where the cost of living is low, the climate is great, and the natural beauty of the lakes and mountains surround us all! Welcome!! And it seems you are not alone.

Tennessee’s population has grown 9% in the last 10 years and Californians seem to be leading the charge in 2023!

Now that you are settled into your new home, what about your church home? Here in the south folks are definitely church goers. A study by Pew Research attests to the fact that 51% of Tennesseans attend church at least once a week and 24% go once or twice a month.

If you are looking for a reason to become part of a church congregation maybe one of these five benefits will weigh in on your decision making:

» It connects us with God.

» It helps us find deeper meaning in our lives.

» It allows us to feel at peace.

» It strengthens spirituality.

» It fosters a sense of community.

Whether you are working long hours or are recently retired with time on your hands, everyone needs a “time out” from the rat race. Sunday morning services do just that. Pastor Phil connects us with God and the bible each Sunday with his timely and relevant sermons. And afterwards, coffee and fellowship follow in “Friendship Hall”. But it doesn’t stop there. Opportunities for meaning and community follow through the rest of the week as well. Members of Shepherd of the Lake enjoy weekly bible study and yoga, monthly Men’s and Women’s fellowship and volunteer opportunities with the nonprofit Good Shepherd Center of Monroe County as well others.

Shepherd of the Lake Lutheran Church – “The little church in the heart of the village!”

Check out our new website: shepherdofthelaketn.org

We’re all ready to welcome y’all to your new church home!

Shepherd of the Lake Lutheran Church 143 Chota Center Loudon, TN 37774 865-816-4756 shepherdofthelaketn.org

New Pastor Settles In

Pastor David Talley and his wife Joni have settled into their new home in Tellico Village, and he has hit the ground running as First Baptist Church of Tellico Village’s new pastor. Arriving on July 1st, Pastor Dave began his preaching duties by selecting the great doctrines of the Christian faith as his weekly topic through August and September.

The church membership is busy getting to know Pastor Dave and Joni, especially at our Wednesday evening fellowship dinners. The kitchen crew feeds as many as 200 on any given Wednesday. If you would like to join us on a Wednesday evening, call the church office before Noon on Monday morning and make a reservation (865-408-0110). Meal cost is $10 and includes a delicious dessert. Best to arrive by 5:30 PM.

If you are looking for a church home, come and worship with us as Pastor Dave preaches from the Bible on the great doctrines of the Christian faith 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.

First Baptist Church of Tellico Village 205 Chota Road, Loudon, TN 37774 (865) 408-0110 | www.fbctv.org

The ABCs of Invisalign

Your New Smile is Waiting!

By Jonathan BraDshaw, DDs

Deciding to transform your smile is a big step. That’s why I meet with patients on almost a daily basis in order to help them decide the best way to proceed.

Up until recently, patients relied on the traditional metal braces that most of us are familiar with. Fortunately, today patients can now take advantage of a brand new technology from Invisalign. These clear aligners from Invisalign represent an all-new and exciting alternative to traditional metal braces. They are:

» Virtually invisible

» Easily removable for eating and drinking

» Easily removable for brushing and flossing

» Comfortable

If you’re ready to see if Invisalign is right for you, just call our office to schedule your no-cost, no-obligation consultation. If you’re ready to get started, we will create your very own personalized treatment plan. Your treatment plan begins with a precise digital scan (no goopy putty required). Next, your digital scan is used to create your custom aligners. Your custom aligners are carefully designed to gently shift your teeth in stages to achieve your desired smile. Patients typically wear aligners for a minimum of 20 hours per day and replace aligners at two-week intervals during the treatment period. Because each of our teeth is surrounded by periodontal ligaments that permit controlled movement at the teeth, Invisalign aligners gently realign your teeth by shifting them to the new desired location.

If you’re ready to discover that perfect smile, I encourage you to call Heritage Family Dentistry at 865-816-9211 to schedule your free consultation. Our compassionate and caring dental care professionals can help you achieve that healthy looking smile that you’ve been dreaming of. At Heritage Family Dentistry, we offer every member of your family a full range of dental services, including routine dental care, cosmetic dentistry, crowns and bridges, Invisalign orthodontics, digital radiography, gum treatment, implant dentistry, sedation dentistry, and more.

Heritage Family Dentistry

11121 Kingston Pike, Suite C Farragut, TN 37934 865-816-9211

www.hfdsmiles.com

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

The Finest Cabinetry for the Kitchen of Your Dreams

By rick kleveno, owner – country carpet & Flooring / caBinets

Is your kitchen looking a little outdated?

Why not give us a call at Country Carpet & Flooring, where we can help you create the showcase kitchen you’ve always dreamed of.

Here at Country Carpet & Flooring, we don’t let middlemen, dealers, distributors, or even fancy showrooms or exorbitant prices stand between you and the best designer inspired cabinetry you can buy. All our cabinets are solid wood, high quality, and direct from the factory, made with your choice of colors, hardware, door profiles, and drawers. If you want more specialized items, like dovetail drawers, spice racks, and more, we’ve got you covered.

We’ve served the Knoxville area for over four decades, and, in that time, we’ve earned a reputation as the area’s premiere resource for residential and commercial flooring. It’s a well-deserved one too, if we say so ourselves. But we’re more than that, because you might not know that we also are renowned as one of the best companies to design and install fine kitchen cabinetry in the area. And if you think we charge an

arm and a leg like one of those kitchen designer showrooms, you’d be mistaken. We do everything in our power to make sure our prices are both reasonable and affordable, so the kitchen cabinetry of your dreams doesn’t have to be a dream for long. Thought you couldn’t afford that new custom kitchen? Don’t worry about it. Give us a call at Country Carpet & Flooring, and we’ll help you transform your ordinary kitchen into an extraordinary one. Need new cabinets? We can help. Need new flooring? We’ve got that covered too, with an expansive selection of name brand carpeting, hardwood, tile, and vinyl plank flooring. Whatever you need, we’ve got it at Country Carpet & Flooring.

That beautiful new kitchen you’ve always wanted is only a phone call away. 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.

For those who are new to this gorgeous East Tennessee valley,

You’ll hear a sound when you’re outside late in the evenings that’s very recognizable and familiar to those who are native to this area... the cicada, or the “Katy-dids,” as we East Tennesseans prefer to call them. It’s a sound that, to us, signals the ending of summer and the transitioning into Autumn or “Indian Summer.”

Just as the seasons change wonderfully four times a year, so do our wardrobes, leaving us no time to become bored with the weather or our own closet. You’ll still want to enjoy many of your summer pieces as you begin the transition, and with The Lily Pad’s selections, you’ll find cottons and linens are the perfect wardrobe extenders.

Many of the fabrications available today are season-less, especially in our area. We have no need for wool sweaters and coats; only light weight blends are necessary.

The focus for fall will be strongly on a brown color palette; however, we’ll never be giving up black as the staple color in women’s apparel. Grey is coming on strong again also, so you know whichever color you choose, there will be many color combinations for your skin tone and hair color.

Browns are extremely striking on red heads, brunettes and

blondes when used with the right accent pieces; and grey works well with any skin tone when the right color is paired with it nearer to the face.

Black, as well all know, just works! If you don’t have at least one great pair of black pants as a staple in your wardrobe, let us help you select them! Wide legs are trending again this season, but straight legs will always be a staple, too. Remember, our alterations are always complimentary, so we can almost guarantee you a perfect fitting pant!

Enjoy this time of year! There’s a calming and slowing down of all of nature, a beautiful season to behold, and a valley that’s about to be painted with the colors of fall... both in nature and in your wardrobe!

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

www.lilypadboutiqueonline.com

Mon-Sat: 10am-5:30pm

@shopthelilypad

Ivy & Brenda

The Secret City that Changed the World

By Joseph Rose

Nestled out in the middle of nowhere in East Tennessee, there is a place you have probably visited, though you may not know the full story behind it. That city is Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Once, it was a secret city and it changed the world.

During the early years of the twentieth century, the land that would eventually become Oak Ridge was nothing remarkable. There were hills and valleys and trees, but nothing that would call attention to itself. Then came the attack on Pearl Harbor, and all of that would change. In 1942, General Leslie Groves made the decision on behalf of the government to build a specialized research facility in this somewhat remote, utterly mundane part of Tennessee. One so secret that not even the people who worked there knew exactly what they were doing - or why.

Two days before making that historic decision, General Groves had been placed in charge of the Manhattan Project. It was his job to develop the first atomic bomb.

Groves knew that he couldn’t risk the enemy learning of the Manhattan Project, so security was paramount. As such, he and his advisors considered many different locations to conduct their research. But in the end, they settled on Oak Ridge. It was the only place that had everything they needed. There was more than enough land, with plenty of water and electricity to power all the necessary equipment, thanks to the hydroelectric plants at Norris Dam. The location was remote, far away from the coast where it might be attacked by German or Japanese bombers. The population of East Tennessee was small enough that relatively few families would be displaced from their homes as a result of eminent domain, and yet Knoxville had more than enough people to recruit to work there. After removing nearly 3,000 original residents with minimal compensation and very short time frames, Groves had the perfect spot. Now he could get to work.

Determined to maximize both security and secrecy, Groves didn’t just create a single building to house this research. Instead, he built an entire city: the city of Oak Ridge, Tennessee. The United States government purchased fifty-nine thousand acres of land at roughly $48 an acre, and the Army Corps of Engineers got to work. In short order, entire families from Knoxville and beyond flooded in to live and work there, intrigued by the promise of new jobs. Soon, Oak Ridge was the fifth largest city in Tennessee. But those people were forbidden to speak

about their work. Even to others within Oak Ridge itself. At the time, there was a fear that saying the wrong things to the wrong people could lead to vital intelligence making its way back to the enemy. So the people of Oak Ridge promised to keep their work secret from each other. But even the workers didn’t know exactly what they were working on or what they were contributing to. Only the best scientists and brightest minds in Oak Ridge had any real conception that they were helping to research, develop, and build the world’s first atomic bomb. The rest were left in the dark. Men and women both worked day after day, performing simple, repetitive jobs without understanding the full picture. As far as they were concerned, they were just turning dials

and flipping switches day in and day out. But all of them were assured that their efforts would help win the war. It wasn’t until the bombing of Hiroshima, and Nagasaki after it, that the secret was revealed. Shortly after the bombings, a local newspaper ran this headline, “Oak Ridge Attacks Japan”.

Though the community was relatively small, and much of the work done there seemed tedious and unimportant, the men and women of Oak Ridge helped end a war. And the world was changed forever in the process.

Joseph Rose is a freelance writer and frequent contributor to East Tennessee’s Mountain Views. Joseph can be reached at pyrose17@gmail.com.

Leslie Groves at Oak Ridge

The Calutron Girls

Mealtime Moments of JoyBreaking Bread Together

Diane stReveR anD Celia GRuzalski foR Our plaCe

We have all experienced extreme temperatures this summer, so it’s time to think about hydration (drinking enough liquids) and nutrition, not only for adults with dementia or Alzheimer’s, but for caregivers as well.

Whenever I have volunteered at Our Place, it is clear that water or lemonade are offered to participants several times during the day. At home, try alternatives for just water such as flavored water, sugar free lemonade, smoothies, soups, coffee, tea, watermelon, or natural fruit popsicles. When serving drinks, put the cup a little further out from the person, as their depth of vision changes.

There are many ways to make mealtime more inviting

and enjoyable, and especially important is to eat together maintaining meals on a regular schedule. Do talk about the meal together, and don’t distract with other conversation. Your loved one may only process one activity at a time and will need to concentrate on the meal. Use heavier mugs and utensils, as the extra weight may help the person navigate eating more easily. Use a bright placemat with a contrasting color plate to present food in an appealing way and cut food into smaller than usual pieces. Try to maintain a healthy diet, such as the MIND Diet, which combines the Mediterranean diet with the DASH diet, a plan recommended for people with high blood pressure. The diet includes brain-nourishing foods like whole grain, berries, fish, nuts, and green vegetables. The MIND diet is geared to counter Alzheimer’s and dementia and sup-

Knoxville Choral Society Announces Fall Auditions & 2023-2024 Season

2023-2024 Season Openings for All Voice Parts

The Knoxville Choral Society is pleased to announce fall auditions for the 2023-2024 season on August 13, 14, 20, and 21. Auditions will be held at Ball Camp Baptist Church, 2412 Ball Camp Byington Road. in Knoxville. Openings are available in all voice parts of the 120-voice volunteer choir. To reserve an audition time, email membership@ knoxvillechoralsociety.org.

Since 1951, the Knoxville Choral Society has been honored to share a wide range of choral music with the community. Dedicated to choral performance excellence, the group consisting of over 120 auditioned musicians performs major choral and orchestral works, highlighting a variety of choral literature and styles.

During the 2023-2024 concert season, the Knoxville Choral Society will present a fall concert titled Uncaged that will feature contemporary choral music written within the last few years. Additionally, the KCS will perform a winter concert featuring The Lost Birds: An Extinction Elegy by Christopher Tin. Tin is a multi-Grammy award-winning composer of film and video-game soundtracks. His most famous piece being “Baba Yetu” written for the video game Civilization IV was the first video game music to ever win a Grammy. The Lost Birds uses poetry by Emily Dickinson, Christina Rossetti, Edna St. Vincent Millay, and Sara Teasdale. The Knoxville Choral Society will also collaborate with the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra on several of their concerts this upcoming season: Handel’s Messiah, 37th Annual Clayton Holiday Concerts, Holst’s The Planets, and Verdi’s Requiem.

The 2023-2024 season presents the Knoxville Choral Society under the continued leadership of artistic director, Dr. John R. Orr.

“The Knoxville Choral Society creates an opportunity for singers to participate in the highest caliber of choral concerts in our area,” says John Orr, Knoxville Choral Society Artistic Director. “We are looking for artistic, creative singers who love choral music of all kinds, and who want to connect with each other in the creative expression of the choral arts.”

Additional information about the 2023-2024 concert season and tickets is available at: www.knoxvillechoralsociety.org.

Rehearsals take place most Monday evenings, August-May from 7:30 to 9:30 PM. Auditions will include an assessment of vocal quality, sight-reading, and tonal memory drills. No prepared piece is required for the audition. For more information and to reserve an audition time, visit knoxvillechoralsociety.org/meet-the-kcs/auditions/ or email membership@knoxvillechoralsociety.org.

About Knoxville Choral Society

The Knoxville Choral Society is an auditioned choir that has been bringing the joy and wonder of choral music to East Tennessee since 1951. They are dedicated to maintaining a rich tradition of choral excellence for both their members and audiences. For more information about the choral society please visit the website at www.knoxvillechoralsociety.org.

ports other aspects of health as well. Don’t put pressure on yourself if you don’t provide a “perfect” diet but try to maintain some of the essential good elements.

Smell is one of the first senses affected by Alzheimer’s, and because of that, food may become less appealing. You can stimulate appetite by warming something with a pleasing aroma in the microwave. Try to increase the amount of flavoring in food a little at a time, or try some spicy foods. Provide snacks during the day and before bed; a little down time before dinner with some grapes, or cheese and crackers, may just be an enjoyable quiet time together. Tastes may change, but if your loved one has a favorite food, let them enjoy it. Their disease is not going away, and you want them to be happy.

While at Our Place this past week, we were treated to some homemade, healthy cookies for the snack. As one gentleman was totally enjoying his cookie, his ride came to pick him up. He looked up and simply said, “Too bad, she’ll have to wait,” and smiled. We all have those moments when we savor a favorite treat!

Excitement at Our Place is growing as we are ready to expand our building, so that we can continue to meet the needs of our participants and serve more families in the community. We hope you will come grow with us! For more information on how you can support our expansion efforts, please visit the Give to Our Place page and the Capital Campaign Giving Opportunities page.

Our Place is a 501C3 non-profit organization. Information can be found on the website OurPlaceTN.org. Our Place

Invest in Garage Flooring that Lasts

For the past several years homeowners have been investing in garage floor coatings and the trend continues to grow. A recent industry report showed that consumer demand for garage flooring has increased almost 20% during the past two years.

Since a garage floor takes more daily abuse than any other floor in the home, it should be beautiful, yet tough enough to handle hot tires from cars, trucks and motorcycles. However, all garage floor coatings are definitely not created equal. Most large home improvement stores sell DIY epoxy garage floor kits. These kits often consist of relatively inexpensive, water-based epoxies, which make good basecoats. However, they do not include a high-performance urethane topcoat or proper concrete preparation, causing the flooring system to fail prematurely.

PremierGarage of Knoxville, the area’s flooring experts, says your garage floor coating should include these important industry practices:

Grind Preparation, Not Acid Wash

A significant factor in the longevity of a concrete coating is the preparation of the floor. It requires a surface texture that promotes a strong bond between the epoxy and the floor surface. Grinding creates the correct surface texture for the base coat to adhere to the concrete. Some companies try to acid wash floors, which is a less-expensive method, but it does not create a good bond, resulting in a much lower bond strength and much higher probability of floor failure.

Full Flake Coverage, Not Partial

The amount of flake broadcast into the epoxy not only has a decorative purpose, but it also has a functional purpose. Decorative flakes actually make the epoxy layer thicker and act as an additional bonding agent. Since the flakes are more flexible, it can help prevent chipping when objects are dropped onto it. Saturating the base coat with the flakes makes it up to three times thicker than if someone “sprinkled” flakes onto a solid epoxy color.

Commercial-Grade Top Coat

Using a high-quality, commercial-grade polyurethane topcoat is vital so the floor stands up hot tires and dropped tools for many years. Polyurethane provides chemical, slip, UV and scratch resistance, as well as gloss retention. It also reduces allergens by resisting the growth of microorganisms. The non-porous coating cures to twice as hard as traditional epoxies, making the garage floor resistant to gasoline, auto fluids, paint thinner, pesticides and other household chemicals that can destroy inferior epoxy finishes.

Call PremierGarage of Knoxville to help you create a long-lasting garage floor. Then add custom garage cabinets and other storage solutions to turn your garage into your favorite spot in the home.

REQUEST A FREE CONSULTATION

PremierGarage (865) 947-8686

PremierGarage.com

Dollywood’s SPLASH COUNTRY Adds Days for 2023 Season

Summer days are here to stay at Dollywood’s Splash Country. With families across East Tennessee facing an all too soon end to their summer breaks, Splash Country wanted to ensure that every family had an opportunity to visit the Smokies’ most trusted water park before the summer heat was gone.

Dollywood’s Splash Country has added seven total days to its 2023 operating calendar. Five of these days are in the month of August (Aug. 7, 9, 10, 15 and 17), providing some last chances for families to splash around before summer’s end. Two days were added in the month of September, with Sept. 16 and 17 now serving as the final days of operation for Dollywood’s Splash Country this season.

“Summer is always too short,” expressed Jordan Leach, Dollywood’s Splash Country’s Director of Operations. “When you have all of the rain and cool weather conditions we experienced this year, it just felt even shorter than usual. We are so excited to be able to offer seven additional operating days this year, and we know our guests are too.”

Dollywood’s Splash Country is now open daily through August 13 and on weekends through September 17. For more information about Dollywood’s Splash Country or any of The Dollywood Company properties, please visit www.dollywood.com or call 1-800-DOLLYWOOD.

About Dollywood Parks & Resorts: A highly-awarded and widely-recognized leader in the amusement industry, The Dollywood Company consists of the 165acre Dollywood theme park; the 35-acre Dollywood’s Splash Country; and Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa. Currently under construction, the 302-room Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort is scheduled for completion in 2023. As unique as its namesake and owner Dolly Parton, Dollywood is the 2010 Applause Award winner, the theme park industry’s highest accolade; winner of 48 Golden Ticket Awards; and recipient of 28 Brass Ring Awards for Live Entertainment. The park is located near Great Smoky Mountains National Park and was named in 2022 by Tripadvisor as the #1 theme park in the country based on actual guest reviews. It also has been recognized as a top-three U.S. theme park by USA Today on multiple occasions. Dollywood is open midMarch through early January and offers rides and attractions, shows and crafters authentic to the East Tennessee region. Dollywood’s Splash Country, recognized by the Travel Channel and Tripadvisor as one of the country’s most beautiful water parks, operates from mid-May to Labor Day. Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa, a favorite of USA Today voters and Tripadvisor reviewers, provides guests with spectacular mountain views and family-friendly amenities next door to Dollywood theme park and Dollywood’s Splash Country. For more information, visit dollywood.com. Operating days and hours vary.

In the past two years, the demand for garage flooring has increased by almost 20%.

East Tennessee Wildlife: Scissor-Tailed Flycatcher

Photographing the beauty of Tennessee, and the wildlife who call it home.

By kalley Cook

The males always have longer tails and their coloring is usually more vibrant than the females. This pair nests on a utility pole every summer which is typical of other breeding pairs as well. Here in Tennessee, the first successful nest was documented in 1983 in Rutherford County, which was where this particular pair was photographed. It’s hard not to find these birds on a wire fence, so I was quite happy to be

I’m certain not many people know about these beautiful birds here in Tennessee because there are very few areas in Tennessee that these birds call home during summer. The scissor-tailed flycatcher was first documented here in1964 and though considered rare here, they can be seen in some areas in Memphis, Rutherford County, and south of Murfreesboro. You can often find them in more rural areas with open pastures; usually perched on wire fencing looking for their meals. Their diet consists mainly of insects, but they will eat berries and wild fruits as well. I have noticed that they like to be close to where cows are; I’m assuming this is because bugs are more available. I loved my time with these birds in Rutherford County and wish I could make the trip more often during summer to enjoy them.

Contact: Kalleybcook@gmail.com

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

Though wildlife and nature photography hold her heart, you can contact Kalley for all of your photography needs, including sports, portraits, still life, food, real-estate, weddings, and photojournalism.

Kalley uses a Canon 7d markii, paired with a Canon 100-400mm lens for all of her photos.

You can purchase photos or prints of Kalley’s wildlife photography on a variety of products (mugs, mousepads, magnets, etc.).

Have a favorite animal that you’d like some text included?

Custom orders welcome.

Just go to https://kalleycook.smugmug.com or email Kalley.

Shipping is available.

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

ugust is the official start of the “Dog Days” of summer. Did you ever wonder where that term came from? In ancient Greece and Rome, the “Dog Days” were believed to be “a time of drought, bad luck, and unrest, when dogs and men alike would be driven mad by the extreme heat.” Some parts of the country (and the globe) are certainly seeing some temperature extremes! I don’t think most of us will be driven mad, but it sure can make folks cranky. It is hard to force yourself to go out and water, weed, or deadhead when the humidity is 100% and the mosquitoes are swarming. If you want your plants to survive, however, you are going to have to give them a little help.

Here are the things you need to do:

» Keep an eye on your plants. Do a walk around at least once a week to see what is going on. It is much easier to treat problems when you catch them early. This is also a great time to evaluate what has happened in your yard this year so far. What has done well? What hasn’t? What needs to be moved, removed, cut back, fertilized, treated, or composted? Do you need to add or subtract? Even if it is too hot for the actual work, you can make plans!

» Some of us have not gotten our replacement trees and shrubs installed yet, and yes, you can still plant. They will just need a little more help. Trees and shrubs require more water than most sprinkler systems can deliver and will benefit from root stimulator. Hand watering, drip irrigation, or tree bags will be critical if and when Mother Nature turns off the rain we have gotten so far this year. If you are traveling this summer or simply are not willing and/or able to baby your plants, wait until fall.

» Annuals and perennials can still be planted now as well. If some of your spring plantings look a little grim, compost them and add new color. Our supply of annuals is much smaller than usual, but we have a good supply of perennials. It also isn’t too late to create a pollinator garden!

» There is fungus among us! Powdery mildew, rust, black spot, and shothole disease are making an appearance everywhere. Your first round of defense is removing infected leaves and making sure they do not remain on the ground. Pruning (carefully) to improve air circulation will help with airborne diseases, and spraying with a fungicide will kill fungal spores. Call us, stop by, email us, or contact us on Facebook if you have questions.

» There is also an abun-

dance of insects out there. Check for bugs, but make sure you have bad guys before you start spraying. Overtreatment is causing two serious problems: The “bad” bugs are becoming resistant to the chemicals, and “good” bugs like bees are getting wiped out. Many of the worst offenders have a limited lifespan, so don’t give up! Always start with the least toxic product first and let us help you if you have questions.

» Summer is not the time to do major pruning of shrubs and trees. It is simply too stressful. You can, however, remove dead branches that did not leaf out after the winter freeze and diseased branches. It is also okay to do minor shaping to remove gangly branches or increase airflow.

» Cut back perennials that have gotten leggy. Many will have new growth at the base, so be careful not to cut that off. Deadheading may also give you a new round of blooms!

» Keep deadheading and cutting back annuals as well. Heavy bloomers need weekly applications of fertilizer. If they have gotten ugly, compost them and get new ones. Life is too short for ugly plants.

» Are you one of the 35% of American households that planted vegetables? How did they do? If you didn’t enjoy the success you had hoped for, come in and talk to us and let’s see if we can figure out what went wrong. Sometimes the solution is very simple, like plant rotation or installing drip irrigation. If you have an overabundance, consider donating some to a food pantry.

» Keep pulling and spraying weeds, and don’t forget to apply a pre-emergent.

» The fall bird migration will start soon. Keep your bird feeders and birdbaths clean and full so visiting birds can have an Airbnb at your house!

Our fall merchandise has started arriving, so stop in and see what is new!

Meadow View Greenhouses & Garden Center 9885 Highway 11E, Lenoir City, TN 37772 865.986.7229

MeadowViewGreenhouse.com

“W e highly recommend Kit Keener and his company Keener Homes for a custom build. We have had the pleasure of building two homes with Kit Keener. Kit, Krisha, and Derek paid attention to every detail and effectively maintained a timely building schedule. The sub-contractors, suppliers, and designers are all extremely professional and accommodating. Keener Homes develops and maintains a personal connection with its clients throughout the process. We could not be happier with our new home.”

- Bob and Ramona Brunetti Vonore, Tennessee

The Enchanted Closet: A Tale of Organization

Once upon a time in a town nestled at the foothill of the mountains, lived a young woman named Kate. She was a creative soul with an eye for aesthetics and a passion for getting more organized. However, her closet was a chaotic mess with clothes strewn haphazardly, shoes scattered across the floor, and accessories buried under piles of fabric.

One morning, after being late to work again because she couldn’t find a matching shoe in her closet, Kate con-

fided her organization woes to a friend. The friend recommended calling The Tailored Closet to solve her problem. Frustrated with her messy closet, Emily decided to call the company and explore this promising solution to her never-ending closet distress.

At the scheduled time, an experienced, friendly Tailored Closet consultant named Ashley came to her home. Ashley intently listened to Kate’s frustrations and dreams of having a perfectly organized space. She smiled and as-

sured her that an affordable custom closet would be the answer to all her problems.

Ashley asked about her preferences, storage needs, and personal style. Emily shared her vision, describing shelves for her shoe collection, dedicated compartments for her accessories, and plenty of hanging space for her dresses and blouses. Ashley designed the closet of Kate’s dreams and in just a few weeks the company’s skilled craftsmen transformed her closet into a haven of order and beauty.

Kate’s heart skipped a beat as she entered her stunning new closet. Every inch of the closet had been thoughtfully designed to maximize space and functionality. Shelves lined the walls to neatly display her shoes, handbags, and cherished sweaters. Drawers with dividers would hold her jewelry, keeping each piece safe and easily accessible. Mirrors adorned the doors, reflecting a sense of elegance and grace. There was space for her shirts, dresses and even her summer maxi dresses.

With a newfound sense of joy, Kate began to fill her custom closet. Each item found its rightful place, bringing a sense of harmony to her once chaotic world. Getting ready in the morning became a delight, and she was never late again for work, as she effortlessly located her favorite outfits and accessories, no longer wasting precious time searching through clutter. With an organized closet designed just for her, Kate lived happily ever after.

With The Tailored Closet of Knoxville, a custom-designed, organized closet is not a fairy tale. Whatever your style, The Tailored Closet will design a custom closet that fits your needs and budget. As whole-home organization specialists, The Tailored Closet also has innovative storage solutions for the pantry, laundry, home offices, garage and more. Yes, you too can live happily ever after.

REQUEST A FREE CONSULTATION

The Tailored Closet (865) 777-0306

TailoredClosetKnoxville.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 handling 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 were 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

Your Hearing Loss Impacts Others, Not Just You!

By BoB feRRaRo, h i s

On average, people wait seven years between first noticing their hearing loss and doing something about it. However, family and friends’ lives are affected as well. Listed below are some of the feelings of others around us:

» Frustration – When they must constantly repeat themselves. Leading to the dreaded “Nevermind!”.

» Misunderstanding – You withdraw, and they assume that you are rude or not interested in them.

» Concern – They worry that you are unable to hear warning sounds like smoke detectors, alarms or sirens when driving.

» Confusion – Your answers are incorrect, or you don’t answer at all.

» Lonely – Normal everyday conversation (“Did you hear that bird?”, “Isn’t that a great song?”) doesn’t exist anymore.

Even those affected by hearing loss who know that they can no longer hear perfectly often do nothing for a long time. Using the excuse that “My hearing’s still OK!”, they put off a hearing test with a hearing care professional. This is because being aware of your own hearing loss is one thing, but acknowledging it is not so easy.

Family members and friends of someone who has hearing loss report that communicating to their partner was particularly draining. It is exhausting to have to be someone else’s ears. If the telephone rings, people with hearing problems reported difficulties with hearing it ring or with hearing the person speaking at the other end, while their communications partner reported having to constantly repeat their conversations over and over and louder.

Eventually it becomes easier to live in isolation and quiet without having to struggle, but the adverse effect is then not being able to participate in life.

If you or a family member suspect or have evidence of probable hearing loss, it would be advisable to act as soon as possible to minimize the effect on yourself and those with whom you interact.

The problem is that if you wait too long, you risk serious consequences. Researchers have found that after about seven years, our brains simply lose the ability to understand certain sounds. If you wait too long to get help with hearing aids, even though you will once again be able to hear those sounds again, the brain may have to re-learn how to correctly interpret what is being heard.

Where are You in the Money Cycle of Life?

By yvonne MaRsh, Cfp®, Cpa

In the investing world we tend to talk about investing in terms of “how much return can I get for the amount of risk I’m taking?” For example, individual stocks have more risk, and thus more reward over time, than a bank savings account. But for pre-retirees and retirees, there’s more to investing than simply the risk/return trade-off. We need to think in terms of a money cycle. Simply put, there are 3 stages to your Money Cycle: Accumulation, Preservation and Distribution.

The Accumulation stage is the easiest: you’re working hard and saving toward retirement, and this is when it makes the most sense to maximize the risk/return tradeoff. But when you’re within 5 years of retirement, it’s time to start shifting into the Preservation phase of the Money Cycle. The Preservation phase is when it be-

comes more important to maintain what you’ve saved all of these years – the time for risky, high-flying investments is done and pre-retirees talk more in terms of “not wanting to lose what I have”.

The Preservation stage then gives way to the Distribution stage when you’re fully retired and now relying on your assets to provide monthly income. The most common mistake I see pre-retirees make is that they move right from the Accumulation phase into the Distribution phase and skip the Preservation phase altogether. This might feel like jumping into the deep end of the pool before you know how to swim–it can be done, but it’s a lot more challenging!

Here’s an easy solution to build the Preservation and Distribution stages of the money cycle into your investing decisions: use an investment “bucketing strategy”, where you invest your assets according to time and purpose. Assets in the Soon bucket will provide income in

the first phase of retirement and need to be invested with less risk of loss. Assets in the Later bucket can still retain a growth strategy since they won’t need to be tapped for income until phase two of retirement.

If you’re close to retirement and still running full speed ahead in the Accumulation style of investing, it’s time to start applying the brakes on at least a portion of your accounts. Reach out if you have questions. I’m here to help.

By Bo CaRey

Next Saturday marks the 50th Anniversary of the discovery of the Snail Darter in what is now the Tanasi Neighborhood of Tellico Village. On August 12, 1973, zoologist Dr. David Etnier was snorkeling in the Little Tennessee River near Coytee Springs when he scooped up a 3-inch perch-like fish and recognized it as an endangered species. When a bystander asked what it was, Etnier exclaimed “Mister, this is the fish that will stop Tellico Dam!”

And it almost did. The Endangered Species Act halted dam construction, lawsuits ensued, and only some fancy wheeling and dealing in the U.S. Congress overcame the environmental efforts to “Save the Snail Darter” and “Stop the Dam.” Otherwise today there would be no Rarity Bay, no Wind River, no Kahite, Tellico Village or Tellico Lake. The topic still brings heated debate in diners and

barber shops around the region.

Just a few weeks ago, Etnier died at the age of 84. I met him in the mid 1990’s when he (with friends Bill Landry of the Heartland Series and Knox Sentinel columnist Sam Venable) asked the Carey Brothers Band to back them up on a couple of songs. So, we provided the instrumentals while the renowned trio sang to a group of Knoxville professionals. They were horrible, but Etnier and his pals relished the laughter. Maybe some of his little snail darter buddies are swimming around Tellico Lake today enjoying a last laugh or shedding a tear in memory of the man who made them so famous.

Bo Carey is a 7th 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