Everything Knoxville December 2022 Edition

Southwestern Investment Group is Now SageSpring Wealth Partners

AS OUR firm has grown and evolved during the last 20 years, we have continued to learn the importance of putting our clients’ needs first by getting to know the individuals, treating them as family, and ultimately providing them with unique plans to improve their financial life and build wealth - all of which are exclusive characteristics that separate our firm from the rest. In 2021, we began to reflect on where we have gone as a firm in the last 20 years and started looking ahead to where we plan to be in the next 20 years. We decided that in order to best grow with our clients, it was time to embark on a new chapter as a firm and begin our transition beyond the Southwestern Family of Companies. This new chapter is here, and with it, we welcome a new name that we believe embodies who we are: SageSpring. Our new name reflects our desire to offer wise guidance and cultivate a long-lasting relationship with you, because our priority is your well-being. Our name has changed, but our team and our values have not. Everything we do for our clients is based on our shared beliefs in our duty as financial stewards, the collaborative effort of teamwork, and the importance of treating both our co-workers and clients like our family. We can’t wait to see what the next 20 years will bring.

Travis Cullman, CFP®, CPFA Senior Vice President, SageSpring Investment Professional, RJFX

P: 865.686.5202 F: 865.622.9579

Travis.Cullman@sagespring.com | sagespring.com 136 Concord Rd, Knoxville, TN 37934

STEWARDSHIP. TEAMWORK. FAMILY. You Invest In Your Future. We invest in you.

Investment advisory services offered through SageSpring Wealth Partners, an Independent registered investment adviser. SageSpring Wealth Partners is not a registered broker dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services.

Surface Doc

Mortgage Investors Group

THERE IS so much to do this holiday season - both in our homes and around town in Knoxville. It is always exciting to see the festive lights go up, to join in the many community celebrations and concerts, and to just enjoy being outand-about again.

I recently saw a sign at a local pizza restaurant that read “There are worldwide labor shortages, so please be kind to those who have shown up!” Lines seem to be longer, transactions are slower, wait time has increased, but - especially within the holidays - we all need to remember not to take our frustrations out on the people who actually did “show up” instead of the ones who didn’t. Amen!

We sincerely hope that you find Everything Knoxville to be a valuable resource for goods, services, and activities in our area. Our advertisers offer customers

THE FOLKS at Ross the Boss want to increase your “good hair days” and your overall mood! With an inclusive environment and newly remodeled salons, the stylists and staff are ready with wonderful products, up-to-date training, and knowledge of current trends to help you look and feel your best.

Cafferty Publisher + Editor

Brett Cafferty

Marketing + Operations

Kendra Menendez

Editor + Administration

Meredith Hancock Design + Production

Contact Information

Post Office Box 24532 Knoxville, TN 37933 865.640.3015

Reach us Online info@everythingknoxville.com EverythingKnoxville.com

Hours of Business Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Everything Knoxville is distributed in Downtown Knoxville and select residential communities including Sequoyah Hills, Bearden, West Knoxville, Farragut, Concord and Hardin Valley

their extensive knowledge combined with top-notch business practices. As 2022 winds down, whether you are planning to update your home, find the just-right gift, or to simply pamper yourself a little, please use us as a trusted Knoxville resource.

As always, we are thankful that our holiday celebra tions will include family and friends, which is definitely a blessing. We are also thankful for our wide variety of advertisers, our local contributors who offer a delightful personal viewpoint, and our very valuable Everything Knoxville Team! It is said that the ones who “count their blessings” are the happiest and the most content people, so let’s all strive to join that crowd!

We encourage everyone to “shop local” as our com munity businesses welcome your patronage as they continue to bounce back!

Susan Cafferty Publisher + Editor

Susan

Photo by Mirtography

GOING STRONG CONTINUING ON

ROSS

THE BOSS has been serving the community with professional haircuts and services for more than 40 years. We talked to current Ross “the Boss” Badgett about his retaining the family business and the importance he puts on continuing to create a loving, yet professional, work environment. All of the Ross the Boss stylists are trained in-house to ensure that you receive quality services every time you walk through the door of one of their salons. Our conversation with Ross continued…

EK: How exactly did hair salons become your family’s business?

Ross: My dad, Ross the III, decided to purchase a local fran chise that was going into bankruptcy when I was still in grade school. He soon discovered that “their way” of doing business did not line up with his best business practices, so he changed the company name to Ross the Boss & Co., upgraded the way the staff were treated, and eventually became known for quality service - and his good-humored, cheesy ads!

I bought my dad out in 2019 when he retired. Since then, we have remod eled our salon interiors to more accurately reflect our professional skill set, added some needed services including hair extensions, and put some employee appreciation milestones into practice. I have come to really enjoy continuing to improve our “family business.” We are very serious about our Mission Statement: “Our purpose is to create an environment where people can experience professional excellence and genuine love.”

tive work environment. Somehow, over time, people have made “work” a dirty word, but we say that’s just ridiculous. Ross the Boss is a place where we can all spend time together laughing, sharing, and loving on our clients, as well as our coworkers. We really have a wonderful staff. I have always dreamed of having a workplace where everyone is happy to be there and does well finan cially, mentally, and emotionally.

Although life likes to throw curve balls at us all, having an enjoyable and supportive work environment certainly helps. At Ross the Boss, we consider ourselves a cheerful (albeit maybe slightly dysfunctional!) family. We treasure our business environment, and, especially lately, our salons seem to be a positive and happy respite in this increasingly crazy world! We are always looking for likeminded staff, so if you are a stylist looking for a place to demonstrate professional excellence and genuine love, give us a call!

Ross the Boss comes across as a business with a higher calling than just the “bottom line.”

As a business, we have also been participating in activities to unite our staff across our salon locations. We’ve had several employee events (bowling and a Race Against Cancer team being a couple examples), and we have even taken smaller groups on trips. Many of us still laugh when someone references the inside joke of certain “vocabulary” that we picked up on our outing to Arizona! Professional excellence and genuine love really can’t be beat!

How can people learn more about Ross the Boss salons?

So many ways - look for before & afters, stylist spotlights, and more on our website RosstheBoss.com or on Instagram and Facebook @rossthebosssalons, but our favorite way is for you to come in and talk to us - we still prefer “face to face” whenever possible! If you like what we are about, then we’d love to have you as a client or a stylist!

Ross the Boss Salons

Center Park • Moss Grove • Forest Park Chapman Highway • Morristown Powell • Oak Ridge • Maryville RosstheBoss.com

Our purpose is to create an environment where people can experience professional excellence and genuine love.

an Event to

BY CARRIE MCCONKEY, CARRIEMCCONKEY.COM

WINTER IS the perfect time to clean out your closet.

Extra time off during the holidays, a fresh start in the new year, and cold outdoor temperatures provide ample opportunities to stay home and work on this practical task. This year, do more than just neaten your closet. Follow these tips to make it an organizational extravaganza that will serve you long after winter’s frosty days have passed!

Block off Some Time: Choose a day, and clear your calendar to make organiz ing your closet a priority. Make plans for lunch delivery, and provide sustenance with healthy snacks.

Put on Some Music: What is your per sonal “theme song?” Pretend you’re on the runway, and pick out some tunes that make you feel relaxed, happy, and confident.

Say Goodbye to What Doesn’t Work: We all have clothing and accessories that looked great in the store but not so much when we got home. Let them go, and free up your closet space - and mental space!

Be Creative with Your Favorite Clothes: Devote some time to trying different combinations of your favorite pieces,

and snap some full-length selfies. Create a fashion photo folder on your phone so you’ll look fabulous on those mornings when you can’t decide what to wear.

Invest in Closet Organization: Show your duds some love and get your closet in order by installing a laundry hamper, three-way folding mirror, valet rod, iron ing board, and tie or belt racks. And don’t forget matching hangers!

Going through your wardrobe doesn’t have to be a chore. This winter, set aside some “me” time to organize and bond with your clothes.

Need some help getting your closet stor age updated? The experts at Closets by McKenry are ready to advise. Call, click, or come by their West Knoxville showroom today to see the latest in storage trends and receive your own free, no-obligation consultation. Then, let the closet cleanout party begin. You may have so much fun, you’ll decide to make it an annual event!

Closets by McKenry

201 Center Park Drive, #1070 Knoxville, TN 37922 865.249.6382

ClosetsbyMcKenry.com

“Lighthouse Outdoor Lighting installed a major upgrade to my landscape lighting system, which totally changed the appearance of my house! It is incredibly beautiful and makes me want to stand in the street and just stare! Heath communicated fully with a great plan, showed up right on schedule, and completed the work efficiently. They even came back in the evening to check out the system and make some adjustments. I will have another project with outdoor lighting in a few months, and Lighthouse will handle it also. I can't recommend them highly enough!”

Janet P., Knoxville

Heath Myrick, Owner

Holiday Help from The Lunchbox!

THE LUNCHBOX is more than your one-stop shop for delicious homestyle, quality lunches and catering options. We also offer some of the best pies and baked goods in town!

Local favorites include Chocolate Chess, Pecan, Lemon Chess, Chocolate Peanut Butter pies, and more!

Pick up our Knoxville-famous pumpkin muffins for brunch, a take & bake meal to heat and serve fresh when time is tight, and enjoy our fresh-made pies and cakes throughout the holidays.

If you are new to The Lunchbox, we have been serving Knoxville for more than 40 years. What keeps customers coming back is sim ple – “The formula hasn’t changed.” We stay true to founder Karen Sproles’ recipes, which continue to be the heartbeat and founda tion of The Lunchbox. The signature chicken salad, soups, fresh sandwiches, and ready-to-go desserts have always been a major draw. Our downtown Market Manager, Josephine, has been with The Lunchbox for too many years to count and has been making these “tried and true” recipes from scratch for more than 20 years. Rhonda, our Market Manager at The Atrium, has taken customer service to the next level, greeting customers daily with smiles and gratitude. We continue to offer homestyle, quality foods that peo ple keep coming back to, and our mission is to stay consistent in honoring The Lunchbox legacy.

Daily menu specials include our fresh made sandwiches and wraps, pimento cheese, chicken enchiladas, pumpkin muffins, chicken gumbo, Italian cream cake, box lunches with a side and dessert, and Knoxville’s favorite chicken salad.

Our Bearden location also offers take & bake meals - family meals made from scratch, served fresh from your oven. Call 24 hours in advance and Sally will have your order ready to go!

Expect friendly, efficient service and the favorites Knoxville has loved for 40 years without sacrificing time and nutrition. Come see us at The Lunchbox!

The Personal Care I Have Been Searching For

BY JULIE T., A GRATEFUL TENNESSEE DIRECT PATIENT

TENNESSEE DIRECT has put me back in the driver’s seat of my own health and wellness instead of being at the mercy of the traditional medical system of red tape and insurance interference.

Finding the right medication has been really important in managing my inflammatory arthritis. In the traditional insurance-based model of medical care, I would have to wait weeks, if not months, to get an appointment to see my doctor to discuss my treatment plan - and only after going through several layers of administra tion and red tape in the medical system.

Now, with Tennessee Direct, I can com municate directly with my doctor about what I am experiencing, schedule an appointment within a few days, and actu ally have the chance to get the answers and help I need - without feeling rushed or just like a number. My doctor takes the time to listen and understand my concerns and is very upfront about my care and the costs associated with treatment.

With my previous doctor’s office, I never knew what kind of bill was headed my way after the appointment. Just one lab test to confirm my inflammatory arthritis diagnosis

cost me almost $300 because my insurance didn’t deem it “medically necessary.” The exact same test would have cost me $50 through Tennessee Direct’s lab!

It has been a huge relief to know exactly what my care will cost before I receive any services or tests. There’s no wondering what kind of charges will show up in the mail or if insurance will deem the treatment that my doctor and I decided was best for me isn’t critical enough for them to cover the cost. With Tennessee Direct’s transpar ent pricing, I’m actually saving money and getting the care that’s right for me.

Not only do I get personalized specialty care for my inflammatory arthritis, but Tennessee Direct has also been able to help me with my overall health and wellness. The

prospect of navigating the traditional insur ance-based medical system was daunting and prohibitive in seeking and receiving the additional therapy I knew I needed. But now, since my doctor at Tennessee Direct already knows my medical history and provides personalized care, finding treat ment for whatever issues I may be having, including some anxiety and depression associated with my healthcare struggles, are addressed.

The personalized care and attention I’ve found at Tennessee Direct has made a huge difference in my wellness and health jour ney - I know now that I am getting better every day. I would recommend them to any one seeking to invest in and take control of their own health and healing. I know that at Tennessee Direct, my doctor will invest in my overall health and well-being and treat me like an actual person.

Tennessee Direct

Rheumatology • Endocrinology

Primary Care

9313 S Northshore Drive Knoxville, TN 37922 865.327.2084

RheumatologyDirect.com

“

The personalized care and attention I’ve found at Tennessee Direct has made a huge difference in my wellness and health journey - I know now that I am getting better every day. ”

KNOXVILLE 10730 Kingston Pike Knoxville, TN 37934 865-966-0425

HARDIN VALLEY 10838 Hardin Valley Rd Knoxville, TN, 37932 865-248-2340

LENOIR CITY 1301 Hwy 321 N Lenoir City, TN, 37771 865-986-6533

MARYVILLE 723 S Foothills Plaza Maryville, TN, 37801 865-983-0741

ATHENS 201 S Congress Pkwy Athens, TN, 37303 423-744-9828

Flavor That Takes You Places

ALTRUDA’S BY RILEY WOODY

LISTENING WHEN

locals talk about where they like to eat can help you find some really fabulous food. Altruda’s on North Peters has been my mom’s first choice on special occasions for many years, so I headed to the reputable Italian restaurant with an empty stomach and high expectations.

I’m always looking for local flavor, but while Altruda’s is located in Knoxville, this flavorful adventure has travel included.

The restaurant feels almost closed off on approach. You can’t glimpse the dining room from the parking lot. The deep reds and brick accents I see upon entering start to feel more like Italy, and my curiosity intensifies as we pass a cab in-like structure (yes, inside the restaurant) and sit in front of an old brick fireplace. The closed blinds block views of cars and street, allowing us to forget the distracting outside world to travel via taste.

Only Italian or French cuisine can demand more than two courses of me in a single

sitting, so with such a vibrant menu, and a companion who loves a good appetizer, we started with antipasti. We ordered Antonio’s Sampler: artichoke hearts, mozzarella, and tortellini, all fried and perfectly complemented by house marinara. My taste buds were fully engaged when Altruda’s signa ture arrived.

This time, our centerpiece was in a salad bowl. Greens, tomato wedges, pickled beets, chickpeas, mozzarella, and cucum bers were all delicately coated in a red wine vinaigrette that is truly a house secret. All conversations with habitual Altruda’s diners included “How’d you like that salad?” One patron with Italian roots even mentioned it’s the kind of salad he could eat for days.

Hesitantly moving on to entrees, the first task is to select the meat. Veal, chicken, sausage, or seafood? Then choose how it’s prepared. Veal is my favorite, so meat was easy, but I only settled on the Scaloppine Al Limone after our server, utilizing 11 years of experience, described each and every ver sion. The medallions were lusciously dipped in egg to enhance their sponginess and soak up the lemon and white wine. If I wasn’t determined to try everything on the menu, I think I’d only order Scaloppine Al Limone!

The one mandatory item when eating Italian is dessert. There is no wrong choice (but choose cannoli). The crunchy, golden edges of our massive cannoli chipped away, perfectly accenting the silky, sweet cream and the bitter bite of chocolate chips.

After a transportive four course meal, only my stuffed stomach was content to find myself back in an American parking lot. Altruda’s, and Italy, I shall return.

Riley Woody is a recent University of Tennessee graduate, Knoxville native, and avid foodie ready for any adventure with her pen and palate in tow.

A Perfect Gift...

THE HOLIDAY season is in full swing as party invitations arrive and plans with family and friends are finalized for this special time of year. Whether you’re shopping for the perfect gift or something special just for yourself, we are here to help you select all the perfect pieces!

If you are considering women’s apparel as a gift, remember how difficult and sometimes frustrating shopping can be. You’re sure you’ve chosen the perfect gift, only to discover that it’s not even the right size. How disappointing when you wanted to please her!

This is where Santa’s helpers at The Lily Pad come in! We’ll ask questions relating to hair color, eye color, approximate height and weight, and lifestyle so we can assist you in selecting the perfect items. Unfortunately, there’s no universal sizing code in women’s apparel, so we may suggest a size 6 from one company and a size 10 from another, basing our suggestions on how each garment is fitting. Our sales associ ates are knowledgeable about each line, how they’re sized, the care involved in cleaning, fab ric contents, and general information about all the lines we represent.

If you aren’t comfortable selecting clothing, a Lily Pad gift certificate is a wonderful gift that every woman will appreciate! That way she can choose the pieces she really wants. And, best of all, with each $100 gift certificate purchased before Christmas, you’ll be entered to win a $500 gift certificate! This drawing will take place on December 26th.

During this holiday season more than ever, our thoughts turn gratefully to those who have made our success possible. In this spirit we sim ply, but sincerely, thank you and our wishes for a joyous holiday season!

Renovating Your Garage?

WE’VE ALL seen it: The house that is the epitome of curbside appeal - until the garage door opens, revealing a disorganized mess.

If your garage’s main purpose is random storage, maybe it’s time to repurpose all that valuable space. PremierGarage of Knoxville can help you transform your overlooked and underused garage into functional living space, starting with a custom garage floor to take your garage from frantic to fabulous. Why consider anything beyond your standard-issue concrete garage floor?

• Protect concrete from the harsh chemicals and liquids that leak from your automobile. Even the water, salt, and snow your car brings into the garage promote deterioration and cracking.

• Cleaning is easier. Untreated concrete gives off dust, but a flooring system significantly reduces dirt and dust. It prevents materials - from cars and your other garage-based activities (gardening, building, painting) - from soaking into the porous concrete.

• Fill and cover-up existing cracks for looks, safety, and protection.

• Open up new activities in your garage. It could double as a workout room, gardening center, or children’s play area.

• Increase the resale value of your home.

For a striking and durable garage floor coating that is easy to maintain, PremierGarage can transform an oil-stained, pitted, and peeling epoxy-coated garage floor into a showroom quality look. Serving East Tennessee for more than 10 years, PremierGarage combines its proprietary hybrid polymer flooring system tech nology with their extensive industry knowledge and experience to provide a high-quality finish that is chemical, stain, and slip resistant.

The two-day process starts with technicians who diamond grind the floor to the ideal surface condition to achieve a permanent chemical bond that substantially outlives traditional epoxies. The polyurea topcoat, which cures two times harder than epoxy, provides a continuous, non-porous coating surface that natu rally resists various liquids that may leak from your automobile’s engine. It’s like armor for your concrete floor. Your garage will look more “finished,” and cleanup requires only a hose or mop.

Available in dozens of various chip and color combinations, you can customize your garage flooring to fit your home and style. PremierGarage’s flooring solutions are also suitable for commer cial and light-industrial applications.

Discover the affordability and beauty of transforming your garage floor. Home really does begin in the garage!

Closet Organization Within Arm’s Reach

REACH-IN

CLOSETS get a bad reputation for how ineffective they can be for storing clothing. From one-rodand-shelf closets to sliding doors that block accessibility, they are often not very efficient.

Fortunately, reach-in closets can be trans formed with design solutions to maximize every inch of available space for how you want to use your closet. Are hanging clothes a preference? Do you like everything neatly folded? Elements like hanging rods, adjustable shelves, custom drawer sizes, shoe racks, and closet accessories combine to create the per fect system for you to manage every part of your wardrobe.

Double Your Hanging Space

With designated hanging space for long and short items, you can fit more in your closet in less space. Multiple hanging rods create one section for long items like dresses, with other tiered rods that stack two up for hanging shorter items like blouses, jackets, and pants on fold-over pants hangers.

Restore Order with Drawers

Drawers in a small closet are your secret

weapon to organizing items that otherwise would turn into clutter. Drawers can store whatever you don’t want on display, as well as things that are small and easily mis placed. A jewelry drawer can also be added. Full-extension wire baskets, which are like drawers but you can see what is stored in them, are great for children’s closets so they can see their stuff.

Add Versatile Shelving

Adjustable shelves will hold stacks of folded clothes, shoes, purses, and hats. They are efficient for keeping favorite items front and center in your closet. Multiple shelves can accommodate all the folded elements of a wardrobe and keep every thing on display and quickly accessible. Since the shelves are easily adjusted, you can move them to fit what you are storing in either tall or short stacks.

Doors or No Doors

Who says a closet has to have a door? In some circumstances, removing the door for an open view may enhance accessibility, as well as create a modern, minimalist look.

With the right design, a small reach-in closet can still provide a lot of space for storage.

Other options instead of a door could be a fabric curtain on a decorative rod, a barn door that slides to cover the opening, or pocket doors that retract into the wall.

With The Tailored Closet, you can have your picture-perfect reach-in closet with efficient storage solutions, as well as a cus tom style, so it coordinates beautifully with your home and your budget.

The Tailored Closet 865.777.0306

TailoredClosetKnoxville.com

What exactly is Direct Primary Care?

Direct Primary Care (DPC) is an innovative healthcare model where physicians pro vide primary care services for a recurring patient membership fee. Moving beyond the burdens of traditional insurance-based billing systems, DPC practices can provide a broad spectrum of care for an affordable price. DPC practices offer patients a higher level of service, open access to communica tion, and a genuine relationship with their providers. DPC membership specifics vary, but typically they provide same-day visits, extended visit times, continuity of care with one provider, in-office procedures, chronic disease management, and wellness care. I already pay for insurance; why would I need a Direct Primary Care membership?

Having good insurance does not equal having good healthcare. Case in point, the U.S. spends more than twice the amount on healthcare as all other wealthy countries yet ranks last in quality and care accessi bility (Commonwealth Fund 2021). The reasons are complex and multifaceted, but lacking a solid primary care foundation is undoubtedly a significant contributor.

• An average PCP visit allows for about 7 minutes of face-to-face time. The pro vider managing your overall well-being gets 7 minutes every 6-12 months to address all your needs. It is an unrea sonable expectation with increasingly evident consequences. The abbrevi ated visits typically result in one of two things: The patient receives a referral or they receive a prescription. This dys functional reactive state of medicine has led to pharmaceutical overuse, splin tered care with service duplication, a substantial chronic disease burden, and has stripped primary care doctors of effectively caring for their patients.

• DPC is an entirely different approach to care. It is a personalized experience designed around identifying your needs and meeting them. Our patient appoint ments are typically 45-60 minutes in length, giving time to delve more deeply into your questions and concerns. The focus is on preventing and detecting things that would likely be missed in the current system.

• Investment-wise, you will more than likely save money by combining insur ance and a DPC membership. The monthly fee is all-inclusive, with no copays, coinsurance, or other primary care costs. You will not need to use your insurance, which typically lends to lower (or at least minimizes) policy renewal quotes. Additionally, pharmaceutical uti lization is reviewed at every new patient appointment to ensure the most cost-ef fective, appropriate options.

What if I wake up sick and need to be seen or get sick on the weekend?

One of the notable benefits of DPC is access to your provider. The days of being encouraged to go to the nearest urgent care will be a thing of the past. Additionally, our patients are given direct text access and the option of scheduling a virtual visit.

What if I need to see a specialist?

We do not have to refer to specialists at nearly the rate of the current medical setting. We have time to manage chronic disease and to get to the root of presenting symptoms. However, should you have any need that falls outside our scope of practice, we have an extensive network of specialists and will be happy to arrange a referral.

What if I have insurance? Can I still join?

Although we do not accept insurance for membership, we recommend that our patients maintain a policy for needs out side of what we provide. Insurance should be used for what it is intended to cover - unexpected, catastrophic events, hospital izations, specialist care, advanced imaging, and surgery. Insurance can also be used for medications and labs outside the ones we cover. We have contracted discount rates that are often 90% less than what would be billed to your insurance.

IT’S TIME FOR BETTER CARE

What if I don’t have insurance?

We have several patients that choose not to carry medical insurance. It is a personal decision, and the rationales differ widely. Even without insurance, we will be happy to enroll you as a patient. Also, we will help you navigate the most cost-effective means to manage your healthcare needs outside the medical insurance framework.

What if I am out of town and get sick?

We will take care of you remotely with virtual visits and route medications to a local pharmacy when needed. If we feel you should have a hands-on assessment, we will guide you to the best course of action.

How do I sign up?

Visit our website to fill out a contact us form, call our office at 865-399-6026, or email us at office@mbodyhealthcare.com.

Wait, I still have questions.

Feel free to send any questions via Spruce, our HIPPA-compliant texting ser vice, at 865-685-9351.

MBody Healthcare

10414 Jackson Oaks Way Knoxville, TN 37922 865.399.6026

MBodyHealthcare.com

Like Having a Like Having a Doctor in the Family Doctor in the Family

Your Kitchen, REFACE It!

ED, BEAUTIFUL KITCHEN IN 3-5 DAYS

Cabinet refacing is a quick and convenient way to give your kitchen a mini makeover in a fraction of the time and cost of a full remodel. In just a few days, K&P Remodeling can help you build your dream kitchen with minimal disruption to your home life. During refacing, the framework of your cabinets remains intact and the cabinet doors, drawer fronts, hinges, and handles are replaced.

You can also choose to install or replace countertops, tile backsplashes, and more as part of your project. Cabinet refacing is an excellent choice if you like the layout of your kitchen and want to update the look and functionality without the high cost, headaches, or time required for a complete remove and replace remodeling project!

NEW WINDOWS FOR THE NEW Y

K&P Remodeling is your exclusive East Tennessee installer for super insulated Heat Mirror Windows a recipient of Energy Star’s “most efficient” award 7 years in a row and named a “Top 100 invention of the millennium” by Popular Science.

Our award winning polymer frame windows are stronger and more weather resistant than wood, aluminum, or vinyl. This advanced technology blocks 99% of UV light to reduce fading in flooring and upholstery while keeping your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.

INSIGHTS HIGHLIGHTS &

THE TOWN FRAMERY & GIFTS

DECORATING DEN INTERIORS

This nightstand has a lustrous palette of Matte Pearl, and Whisper of Gold highlights its rounded silhouette and fluted surfaces. Like the perfect earrings complete an outfit, this nightstand’s glimmering tapered feet in gold add an unforgettable finishing touch. Available at Decorating Den Interiors | Kozar Design Team, 521 Lovell Road, Suite 205 in Knoxville, 865.392.6222, SandyKozar.DecoratingDen.com.

Measuring at 24" wide by 28" tall, this beautiful lighted birch tree stand with clip-on cardinals and adorned with garland is perfect for any mantle or holiday display. Also available in individual trees at 3.5’, 4.5’, and 5.5’ tall at The Town Framery & Gifts, 12814 Kingston Pike in Farragut, 865.671.6627, TheTownFramery.com.

THE LILY PAD BOUTIQUE

This perfect top is the perfect gift for anyone on your Christmas list! Available in sizes XS-3X at The Lily Pad Boutique, 209 N. Main Street in Sweetwater, 423.337.5537, LilyPadBoutiqueOnline.com.

OPEN CHORD MUSIC SHOP

Taylor 912ce WHB Builder’s Edition Acoustic Guitar blends the style and sound of a rosewood/spruce Grand Concert with inviting, player-friendly features. Available at the Open Chord Music Shop, 8502 Kingston Pike in Knoxville, 865.281.5874, OpenChordMusicShop.com.

NOUVEAU CLASSICS

As a tribute to Sunday, the day of rest, the Pianca Domenica Italian bed invites you to relax and recline in a solid, warm, and protective embrace. A bed where you can relax, read, and recline at leisure, gently cocooned by the soft shapes of a structure that creates a safe, intimate corner. Available at Nouveau Classics Contemporary Furniture & Interior Design, 101 S Gay Street in Knoxville, 865.525.4755, NouveauClassics.com.

This golden glass Star of Bethlehem makes a beautiful gift. At 8" in diameter, it's the perfect size to hang on a Christmas tree or display on a mantle. Insert a tea light for an extra special shining star during the holidays. Available at Design Decor, 627 American Glass Way in Knoxville, 865.896.3450, DesignDecorKnoxville.com.

THE LUNCHBOX

Chocolate Chess Pie - yum! Choose from a variety of holiday pies and cakes to make your celebrations easier - just call a day ahead to place your order. Three convenient locations: Downtown on Market Street, Kingston Pike in Bearden/Homberg, and the Atrium on Weisgarber, LunchboxKnoxville.com.

MEADOW VIEW GREENHOUSES & GARDEN CENTER

Find adorable, festive décor and gift items to brighten your season! Cute gnomes of all shapes and sizes, and merry, light up items for everyone on your list - including yourself! Available at Meadow View Greenhouses & Garden Center, 9885 Highway 11E in Lenoir City, 865.986.7229, MeadowViewGreenhouse.com.

Photo by Kristen Nunez

Five Steps for Storing Your Holiday Decorations

BY CARRIE MCCONKEY, CARRIEMCCONKEY.COM

AHHHH… THE JOY of holiday décor.

It’s wonderful to be surrounded by reminders of the season, but putting your festive trimmings away is never as fun as decorating! Your garage can be your secret weapon in seasonal décor storage. This year, before you start throwing items into boxes, slow down and try these easy steps to get organized. It will be a gift you’ll thank yourself for again and again!

Take Photos of Your Decorations

Before you take down your tree, wrap up your kinara, or pack away the menorah, snap photos of your displays. Keep in a paper or online folder with receipts and other handy reference information.

Perform a Thorough Teardown

Create a staging area as you take down your holiday items. Gather everything from around the house, and have family members do a walkthrough to see who can find that one piece that always gets left behind.

Evaluate Your Items

Dust and clean your decorations, and take stock of anything that may be broken or no longer fits your taste. Separate the hardier items from any heirlooms, delicate, or heat sensitive pieces that should be stored indoors.

Invest in Storage Supplies

The one-time cost of proper storage supplies will be worth the protection they give to your seasonal collection. Purchase plastic bins, acid-free tissue paper, designated ornament storage boxes, and bags for Christmas trees and wreaths - and don’t forget the labels!

Boost Your Garage’s Storage

There’s nothing better than organized storage in your garage to keep seasonal decorations safe and out of the way.

Overhead racks are perfect for bulky items such as artificial trees and yard decorations, and cabinets provide extra protection for items that may get lost or broken.

When you take the time to get organized, storing your seasonal decorations might become just as fun as putting them up. Take advantage of your garage for convenient storage by calling the experts at Designer Garages today.

Chris McKenry and his team of designers and install ers will help you make all your future holiday decorating seasons bright!

Designer Garages

201 Center Park Drive, #1070 Knoxville, TN 37922 865.268.4868

DesignerGarages.com

SUCCESS

We receive more comments from Everything Knoxville readers than any other form of advertising. Homeowners pull out the articles and keep them! I just had a customer tell me she had 14 years-worth, so she could take them with her if she moved!

Fewer people are reading newspapers, radio and TV advertising are very expensive, and as small business owners it’s hard to target specific demographics. Even when times were lean, our participation in Everything Knoxville was the one thing I refused to cut in our budget because we knew how much it helped our business grow.

We have been advertising in Everything Knoxville since 2007, and it continues to be the best way to get our information in the hands of the people we want to reach.

Lisa Grugin

Meadow View Greenhouses & Garden Center

9885 Highway 11 E Lenoir City, TN 37772 (865) 986-7229

TRUSTED

TRUSTED REPAIR

BY JESSIE G., REPAIR CUSTOMER

IWAS visiting college friends in Nashville during the summer and was parallel parked in the street in front of my friend’s house as usual. A guy in an older model (i.e. metal!) automobile drove down the street and side swiped three cars - one of them being mine! I was furious, as he didn’t even stop (a neighbor has the incident recorded on her Ring) and I could see that there was obvious damage to the street side of the bumper on my 2015 Hyundai Elantra.

After graduating from the University of Tennessee, I went to graduate school for Occupational Therapy at GA State University in downtown Atlanta. My parents upgraded my college 2007 Hyundai Tucson for my dad’s newer car as a safer, more reliable option for navigating the many roadways in Atlanta - and now it was dented and smashed on one side!

I honestly thought the damage was only cosmetic, but after bringing it to Local Guys Collision in Bearden, I was informed that the damage was more “structural” than I had real ized, making my bumper unsafe if a collision were to happen - not good!

Ken and his crew were able to order the appropriate factory-approved parts for the repair. I also had them do the brakes since I use them quite a bit in Atlanta traffic. The repair was so much faster than I had anticipated! And I knew that only safe, reliable parts were used in my repair.

The Elantra looked like a new car when I got it back - everything repaired, all shiny and cleaned up. I trusted these guys, and they delivered! I am a 20-something to whom they could have given the “run around,” but they were honest, straight forward about costs, and were inten tionally concerned about my safety - wow!

My parents and I would highly recommend Ken and April at Local Guys Collision for their know-how, experience, and integrity. Seriously, who could ask for more? Local Guys Collision

designs you can T R U S T

W h e n a r r a n g i n g a c c e s s o r i e s , o n e o f m y f a v o r i t e w a y s t o a d d c h a r a c t e r t o a s p a c e i s t o c r e a t e " l i t t l e m o m e n t s " a n a r e a w h e r e t h e a c c e s s o r i e s p l a y o f f o f e a c h o t h e r i n a w a y t h a t i n s p i r e s a s t o r y o r e m o t i o n . O n e e x a m p l e m i g h t b e a t e a c u p o n t o p o f b o o k s w i t h a l a m p a n d a t h r o w b l a n k e t a c r o s s t h e c h a i r A n o t h e r c a n b e s e e n i n t h e p i c t u r e a b o v e , w i t h a p a i r o f s l i p p e r s , a f a u x f u r b l a n k e t , a n d t h e b o t t l e o f c h a m p a g n e w i t h g l a s s e s o n a t r a y

D u r i n g t h e h o l i d a y s , I l o v e c r e a t i n g a n d e n j o y i n g t h e s e " l i t t l e m o m e n t s " e v e n m o r e t h e a r o m a s o f s p i c e a n d v a n i l l a i n m y t e a , a d d i n g t h e e x t r a l a y e r s o f b l a n k e t s a n d p i l l o w s t o m y w i n t e r b e d d i n g , a n d l o o k i n g f o r w a r d t o t i m e w i t h f a m i l y a n d f r i e n d s

I t ' s i n t h e s e " l i t t l e m o m e n t s " t h a t I r e f l e c t o n e v e r y t h i n g t h a t h a s h a p p e n e d t h i s y e a r I a m a m a z e d a t a l l t h e b l e s s i n g s I ' v e h a d i n m y b u s i n e s s a n d f a m i l y l i f e I ' m g r a t e f u l f o r a l l o f o u r w o n d e r f u l c l i e n t s , o u r b u s i n e s s r e l a t i o n s h i p s , o u r c o n t i n u e d h e a l t h , o u r s u c c e s s e s , a n d s o m u c h m o r e .

A s w e m o v e i n t o o u r t h i r t e e n t h y e a r i n b u s i n e s s i n 2 0 2 3 , I t h i n k a b o u t a l l o f t h e h o m e s w e ' v e b e e n a b l e t o h e l p d e s i g n o v e r t h e y e a r s I t i n s p i r e s m e t o c o n t i n u e h e l p i n g f a m i l i e s l o v e t h e i r h o m e s W i t h d e s i g n s y o u c a n t r u s t , o u r c l i e n t s l i v e c o m f o r t a b l y i n t h e i r h o m e s t o g e t h e r , s h a r i n g a n d c r e a t i n g t h e i r o w n " l i t t l e m o m e n t s " H a p p y H o l i d a y s e v e r y o n e ! M a y 2 0 2 3 b e f u l l o f " l i t t l e m o m e n t s " y o u c a n s h a r e !

Custom Solutions

ShelfGenie custom glide-out shelves are the best way to eliminate common frustra tions 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 lifetime guar antee - 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:

installer comes to your home Custom Glide-Out Shelves for More Space, More Access, and More Joy

and MAKE YOUR HOME AN ORGANIZED OASIS Custom Glide-Out Storage Solutions Designed & Built for Your Existing Cabinets & Pantry 50% OFF INSTALLATION* *Limit one offer per household. Must purchase 5+ Classic/Designer Shelves. EXP 1 12/31/22 Schedule your FREE design consultation! (865)409-1197 shelfgenie.com/east-tennessee Independently owned and operated franchise. © 2022 Shelf Genie SPV LLC. All rights Reserved

• 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.

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 cre ate a design plan customized just for you - no obligation required. Call us at 865409-1197 or sign up at ShelfGenie.com. 12 NO INTEREST NO PAYMENTS *On Approved Credit* December 2022 EVERYTHING KNOXVILLE 33

FOR MOST OF us, the old-fashioned mop is the cleaning tool of choice for tile and grout flooring. When tile is new, the mop often does the trick. Over time, however, the appearance of your tile and grout will begin to emerge, while other areas lose their shine and luster. Because grout is porous, it absorbs most of the dirt and debris it meets. Mopping only removes surface dirt while ignoring the dirt locked below the top layer. The more you mop, the more soil gets trapped INSIDE your floor.

That’s where we can help you, the homeowner. From soil removal to dealing with mold and mildew spores associated with high humidity areas, Surface Doc can solve your most frustrating tile and grout issues. Our truck-mounted system allows us to tackle your floors with a three-step process. To extract soil beneath the surface, extreme heat must be used. Our special tools combine 240º of heat with high pressure to completely eradicate all the dirt inside your floors. Then it’s whisked away with powerful suction, leaving no mess behind.

We deep-clean most hard surfaces, including ceramic, porcelain, travertine, limestone, concrete, and brick pavers. Once you’ve had an area deep-cleaned to your satisfaction, you will likely want to protect your surfaces with our high-quality sealer. We strongly recommend sealing hard surfaces to prevent future damage and to make home cleaning a snap. Our patented sealer will protect your floors from staining, effervescence, fading, traffic patterns, and sunlight. Once your floor has been properly sealed with our professional sealer, you can literally clean your entire floor with hot water and a damp microfiber pad. Gone are the days of scrubbing and bleaching. Say hello to a beautiful home that is easy to maintain.

Please give Surface Doc a call to schedule a free cleaning demonstration so you can see the difference a REAL deep-down-clean clean can make in your home. Surface Doc guarantees all their work, so you can be confident every job is done to the owner’s specifications and delight. In addition to hard surfaces, Surface Doc also specializes in carpet, as well as soft wash power cleaning for your home’s exterior. Owner John Fitzwilliam may be reached at 865-567-1986. Online streaming videos of some of our work can be viewed at SurfaceDoc.com.

30+ Years of Calling Knoxville Home

HELLO, KNOXVILLE! My name is “J.T.” Jennifer Torgeson, and I’m a Senior Loan Officer and Branch Manager at Mortgage Investors Group. I’ve been helping clients achieve the dream of homeownership since 1991. I understand financing a home is likely the biggest financial investment you’ll ever make. My goal is to provide you with the knowledge and products available to make the best decision for you and your family.

I’ve formed a dynamic team to help me sup port you throughout the process from beginning to end, and my job is not complete until you’ve gotten the keys to your new home or closed on a refinance that modifies your financial posi tion for the better. I am licensed everywhere in Tennessee, so please know I can help you wher ever you go: East, West, North, or South. I offer a wide variety of loan programs to include VA, FHA, USDA, first-time buyer, investor products, as well as Jumbo and standard Conventional options.

Knoxville is home to me, and helping make it home for others is one of the greatest parts of my job! As a member of the Knox Heritage Special Events Committee, I get to love on this historic city and help ensure that its rich his tory is preserved. Since moving downtown five years ago, I’ve had the pleasure of watching it grow in diversity and population. From the great restaurants to the numerous events offered throughout the year, Knoxville isn’t short on places to go or things to experience!

Knoxvillians are extremely proud of their town and love opportunities to support one another. I’d love the chance to support you in achieving your home financing goals!

Mortgage Investors Group

“J.T.” Jennifer Torgeson 865.691.8910 JTsMortgageProfessionals.com

“Knoxville is home to me, and helping make it home for others is one of the greatest parts of my job!”

DECEMBER

THINGS TO DO • PLACES TO GO • PEOPLE TO SEE

THROUGHOUT THE MONTH

A Christmas Carol at the Clarence Brown Theatre through December 18th.

Three Rivers Rambler: Christmas Lantern Express through December 23rd. ThreeRiversRambler.com for tickets.

2022 Holiday Festival of Lights at The Cove at Concord Park through January 1st.

Knoxville’s Holidays on Ice in Market Square through January 2nd.

Light the Park at Founders Park and along Campbell Station Road in Farragut. Lights are on from dusk until 10 pm nightly through January 2nd.

Elf on the Shelf Scavenger Hunt and Downtown Peppermint Trail in downtown Knoxville through January 8th. East Tennessee Regional Student Art Exhibition at the Knoxville Museum of Art through January 8th.

Zoo Lights at Zoo Knoxville from 5 to 8:30 pm. Nightly through January 9th (closed December 24th & 25th).

DECEMBER 9

Candlelight Christmas at the Museum of Appalachia from 4 to 9 pm. Also the 10th. Christmas in the Cave at Cherokee Caverns from 5 to 8 pm. Also the 10th-11th and 16th-18th. Friday 5 to 8 pm, Saturday and Sunday 3 to 8 pm.

Alive After Five at the Knoxville Museum of Art from 6:30 to 9 pm.

The WordPlayers presents A Laura Ingalls Wilder Christmas at the Clayton Performing Arts Center (Pellissippi State Community College) at 7:30 pm. Also the 10th and 11th at 2:30 pm.

DECEMBER 10

Jingle Bell Run benefiting the Arthritis Foundation at World’s Fair Park. Registration at 8 am, costume contest at 9 am, first race begins at 9:15 am.

The Nativity Pageant of Knoxville at the Civic Coliseum at 3 pm. Also the 11th at 3 pm and the 12th at 7 pm.

Tour de Lights parade and holiday bike ride in downtown Knoxville from 5:30 to 8:30 pm.

Oak Ridge Academy of Dance Holiday Spectacular at the Civic Auditorium at 7 pm.

Bijou Jubilee featuring Tab Benoit & The Dirty Dozen Brass Band at 8 pm.

DECEMBER 11

Old City Market on West Jackson Avenue from 11 am to 4 pm.

Guided Docent Tour at the Knoxville Museum of Art from 2 to 3 pm.

Elf the movie at Tennessee Theatre at 2 pm. CoComelon Live! JJ’s Journey at the Civic Auditorium at 3 pm.

Oak Ridge Community Band Christmas Concert at Oak Ridge High School Performing Arts Center at 3:30 pm. Free!

DECEMBER 12

Dave Barnes: A Very Dave Barnes Christmas at the Bijou Theatre at 8 pm.

DECEMBER 14

Intro to Clay Mask Making and Patina Painting at the Knoxville Museum of Art from 10 am to 12 pm.

Behold the Lamb of God: The True Tall Tale of the Coming of Christ at the Tennessee Theatre at 7 pm.

Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit at the Bijou Theatre at 8 pm. Also the 15th at 8 pm.

DECEMBER 16

36th Annual Clayton Holiday Concert featuring the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra with Four Leaf Peat, Knoxville Choral Society, GO! Contemporary Dance Works, Knoxville Pipes & Drums, and the Knoxville Symphony Youth Choir at the Civic Auditorium at 7:30 pm. Also the 17th at 3 & 7:30 pm and 18th at 3 pm.

DECEMBER 17

Nutcracker! Magic of Christmas Ballet at the Tennessee Theatre at 1 & 5 pm.

DECEMBER 18

East Tennessee Bluegrass Association Monthly Jam at Ijams Nature Center from 2 to 5 pm.

Mike McGill’s 10th Annual Christmas Spectacular benefiting Second Harvest Food Bank at the Bijou Theatre at 8 pm.

DECEMBER 20

Knoxville Jazz Orchestra presents A Swingin’ Christmas featuring Victor Provost at the Tennessee Theatre at 8 pm.

DECEMBER 21

Ice Bears vs Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs Elf Night at the Civic Coliseum at 7:30 pm.

DECEMBER 25

Christmas Day

DECEMBER 26

Ice Bears vs Huntsville Havoc Baby Races & Diaper Drive at the Civic Coliseum at 6 pm.

DECEMBER 31

Ice Bears vs Vermilion County Bobcats Viva Knox Vegas & Casino Night at the Civic Coliseum at 6 pm. New Year’s Eve Celebration at World’s Fair Park. Free activities, including a silent disco, DJ music at 8 pm, and live music by K-Town at 10 pm. Ball drop from the Sunsphere at midnight.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR:

JANUARY 1

Ice Bears vs Birmingham Bulls Resolutions Night at the Civic Coliseum at 6 pm.

JANUARY 3

Tootsie at the Tennessee Theatre at 7:30 pm. Also the 4th & 5th at 7:30 pm, 6th at 8 pm, 7th at 2 & 8 pm, 8th at 1:30 & 7 pm.

JANUARY 6

First Friday on Market Square, Gay Street, The Old City, and Downtown North beginning at 5 pm.

Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? at Theatre Knoxville Downtown through January 22nd.

JANUARY 7

Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow Party at Thompson-Boling Arena at 12:30 & 7:30 pm. Also the 8th at 2:30 pm.

Ice Bears vs Huntsville Havoc Superhero Night at the Civic Coliseum at 7:30 pm.

The Fine Colombians: A Tribute to Steely Dan at the Bijou Theatre at 8 pm.

JANUARY 8

Guided Docent Tour at the Knoxville Museum of Art from 2 to 3 pm. All event dates and times subject to change.

ForKnoxville’s Farmers’Market datesand locations, seepage20

@somewhere.inthe.south.

KNOXVILLE

PEEPS!

you looking for a place with fantastic holiday vibes to celebrate the season? A place to relax, try some fabulous and flavorful hard ciders (we had the Brown Sugar Perry-Pear & Tea Leaf Reader, and be on the lookout for Lori’s favorite: Nutcracker’s Revenge), cocktails (YUM & YES to the Holly Jolly Almond Joy Lori had), and/or local beers (Denton had the tasty Southern Grist Teal)? A place to grab a bite of one (or some) of their fun food offerings? A place to find a unique gift like a bottle of Gypsy Brandy Alexander, Gypsy Irish Cream, a growler (1/2 price to fill with cider on Mondays!), or a gift card? A place to participate in one of their many fun events like listening to a local artist share their tunes on stage? A place to hang out with friends and have some festive fun? Since we assume you answered yes to ALL these questions, then it’s time to head to Barrelhouse by Gypsy Circus at 621 Lamar Street! This spot is a so-must-go... any time of the year. Barrelhouse sparkles from the inside out, and

we love this place. However you want to show up, show up like that. Total comfort to come as you are - even if there’s large rips and holes in your shorts like Denton. We’re never disappointed in a trip to Barrelhouse.

As you can see, this arti cle is shorter than our usual. Why? We decided we’d rather show you the awesome ness of Barrelhouse than tell you. And guess what? Gypsy Circus Cider Company was voted #2 Cidery in the 2022 USA TODAY 10Best! Follow them on Instagram, check out their many weekly events since there are too many good times to be named here, and get your merry little selves out there! We wish you the hap-hap-happiest of holidays, so get your jingle on and have a jolly good time!

Follow us on Instagram as we venture out from Somewhere in the South @somewhere.inthe.south on Instagram, and look for the post of our time at Barrelhouse!

Till 2023, Denton & Lori

Denton & Lori Lesslie love to eat. They are Knoxville natives who have fun finding and experiencing local food and drink spots while sharing their adventures

SONGWRITER EXTRAORDINAIRE: STEVE DORFF

BY RANDY PATTERSON, BOOMEROCITY.COM

IF YOU were an aspiring songwriter, would your dream include launching your career by writing music for a movie whose main characters are a washed-up fighter and a beer drinking orangutan? Probably not. More about that in a moment.

Steve Dorff is the antithesis of that norm. A well-known, much sought-after but low-key and very successful songwriter, he was inducted into the prestigious Songwriter’s Hall of Fame in New York City in 2018 and is a three-time Grammy nominee, as well as a six-time Emmy nominee. He has racked up an astonishing 40 Broadcast Music Inc. (BMI) awards as a result from his hits his songs recorded by such stellar artists as Barbara Streisand, Celine Dion, Ann Murray, Whitney Houston, Kenny Rogers, Garth Brooks, George Strait, and many others. Additionally, he has written for TV, movies, and musical theater.

Steve is also an author, having written a fascinating book about his life titled I Wrote That One, Too... A Life in Songwriting from Willie to Whitney. If you like reading the backstories behind popular songs, you will want this book in your personal library.

I recently interviewed Steve about his career, his book, and what is on the horizon for him. I started off by asking him if, before he got his big break, he ever imagined that it would involve writing the music for the movie Every Which Way But Loose (hinted at in the first paragraph and sung by Eddie Rabbitt).

“No, I can’t honestly say it did,” he said. “It was a great opportu nity to write the perfect song for the perfect artist for the perfect movie. When those come along, you go for it. And fortunately, I’ve been asked to do that several times in my career, and it’s been a good thing.”

When asked if he feels that an aspiring songwriter today could experience the same kind of career-launching luck, Steve said, “Yeah, I do. I think it’s always about, for me, two things: It’s ser endipity and being at the right place at the right time, which is sometimes luck, sometimes manifest destiny. In my case, I kind of willed certain things to happen, or I tried to put myself in the position where something like that could happen. I think those opportunities are still there for young writers to break through.”

When one looks over Steve’s career and body of work, the word “diversity” immediately comes to mind. I asked him about that.

“It’s a great question,” he said. “I think diversity is the perfect word for the arc of my career. When I started, I never wanted to be an artist. I always tell people that when you hear me sing a couple of my hits, you’ll know why you never heard me on the radio. But, for me, it was always about wanting to write for great voices. As a kid, I’d watch shows like Shindig! and Hullabaloo and Where the Action Is and see people like Tom Jones and the Righteous Brothers and Petula Clark and Engelbert Humperdinck - all these great artistsand, for me, it was about wanting to write a song for these people to sing. Somehow, I got to do that.”

Steve continued, “I’ve had more than 400 and something songs recorded by artists from everywhere from Willie to Whitney, lit erally, and that’s the title of my book. Dolly Parton, Eddie Arnold, Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, Barbra Streisand, and Kenny Rogers - it’s been crazy.”

Then, with a twinkle in his eye, Steve concluded, “For me, the most fun is in talking with some of my friends. Someone else men tioned a name like Larry Corbett and Sugarloaf, and I go, ‘Yeah, they cut one of my songs.’ It’s crazy.”

I had read where diversified singer-songwriter Paul Williams is a friend of Steve’s and heard that Paul gave him some wise advice. I asked him about that.

“Paul was pretty much a pure lyricist. He did some music, but he was always looking for composers to write with. We had lunch one day, and he said something I’ll never forget. I wrote about it in my book. I was asking him, ‘How did you get this recorded, and how did you get it to the Carpenters?’ He said, ‘Look, a writer is always going to be his own best publisher. No one else - an agent or a manager or publisher, they don’t have their heart in the creation of the song like the composer or the songwriter does.’ I’ve always taken that to heart, and I’ve always pretty much stayed very active and busy.”

You can watch this very interesting interview with Steve Dorff in its entirety at Boomerocity.com, where he talks about the “mini orchestra in his head” that has been chronicling his life since childhood, his admiration for many of his recording artists’ like BJ Thomas (who sang the theme song for the TV show Growing Pains, among other music written by Steve), and the importance of finding your “signature” voice. You can order his book, I Wrote That One, Too... A Life in Songwriting from Willie to Whitney, on SteveDorff.com or wherever great books are sold.

Randy’s first interview was at the tender age of 13 with none other than Col. Tom Parker. Thirty-six years later he founded the webzine, Boomerocity.com, and has conducted close to 200 interviews with some of the most interesting people in music.

Start Elevating Your Quality of Life

IF YOU’RE experiencing chronic pain or tension in your body, have trouble sleeping, or feeling overwhelmed and anxious throughout your day, you’re not alone. Almost everyone is under some kind of stress, and if you’re tired of not feeling your best, there are things you can do now to elevate your quality of life.

Studies have proven that regular yoga practice helps reduce the effects of stress and anxiety, including chronic pain, rest less sleep, and much more. Learning how to soften your body and mind through breath and relaxation techniques is one of the best gifts you can give to yourself - and one that will serve you for years to come.

Blue Ridge Yoga offers compassionate, non-competitive yoga to help you live a happier and healthier life. Our mission is to share the many benefits of yoga through safe and effective classes in a friendly and welcoming environment. With classes offered 7 days a week, you’ll be deepening your mind-body connections to help you make choices on and off the mat that best

support your needs and health.

Getting started is often the hardest part of trying something new, but you’ll feel right at home in our studio, where the staff and students are genuinely interested in supporting your health journey.

When you practice with Blue Ridge Yoga, you are also supporting an organization that is dedicated to serving others. To date, we have raised more than $130,000 in donations for Knoxville charity and nonprofit organizations, and we have no plans of stopping now!

We would love to meet you and be a part of your yoga journey. Please give us a call to learn more about our dynamic class offerings and find the perfect class for your needs and goals.

More than a yoga studio, we are a community.

Blue Ridge Yoga

623 N Campbell Station Road Knoxville, TN 37934 865.288.3562 YogaKnoxvilleTN.com

Where Yoga Meets Community

1

W 865.288.3562 YogaKnoxvilleTN.com

ARE YOU looking for the perfect book for the music lover in your life? Randy Patterson of Boomerocity.com has compiled a list of the latest books from and about your favorite recent Boomerocity interviews.

I Wrote That One, Too... A Life in Songwriting from Willie to Whitney by Steve Dorff Rock and Roll Warrior by David Libert (former road manager for Alice Cooper)

Felix Cavaliere: Memoir of a Rascal Do You Feel Like We Do? A Memoir by Peter Frampton with Alan Light

Time Between: My Life as a Byrd, Burrito Brother, and Beyond by Chris Hillman

Under Their Thumb: How A Nice Boy From Brooklyn Got Mixed Up with The Rolling Stones (and Lived to Tell About It) by Bill German

18 at 3 pm

Civic Auditorium

your seat for a Celtic Christmas - an Irish twist on an East Tennessee musical tradition!

Jimi by Janie Hendrix and John McDermott

WHILE MOST EVENTS have now moved indoors for the winter, why not surprise your family this holiday season with a special gift that guarantees unlimited, fun-filled, out-of-door events for spring 2023 and beyond? Winter is the optimal time to have the totally unique underdeck ceiling installed under your home’s existing raised deck, ensuring that next season’s events with family and friends will be protected from unexpected, unwanted rain and the searing summertime sun.

“This is the perfect time to weatherproof all of your future 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, from planning to completion. Because your project will be finished this winter, you can begin enjoy ing your new outdoor living space every temperate day here in East Tennessee.”

Their patented system helps extend your year-round outdoor season of enjoyment by protecting you from early spring show ers, July and August’s relentless sun, and autumn rains.

Undercover Systems works with you to discover which patented products will perfectly complement your existing architecture and landscaping plan. Their attention to detail and customer ser vice comes from years of experience. Homeowners appreciate the fact that Undercover Systems does not use those generic, off-the-shelf components used by the competition. Every ceil ing system they install is customized to perfectly fit your home - crafted to create a seamless transition from your home’s interior to your new covered out-of-door living space.

A complaint-free member of the Better Business Bureau, Undercover Systems offers homeowners the peace of mind that they deserve in a home improvement building contractor. Why not surprise your family this holiday season with the gift of unlimited and memorable out-of-door activities for the New Year? Call Jim Conn at 423-267-0091 today so you can start looking forward to more covered, comfortable, outdoor parties! Undercover Systems 423.267.0091 UndercoverSystems.com

UT Gardens’ Plant of the Month

Winterberry Holly Blazes in Color Across its Namesake Months

BY SHALENA DURKOT, GARDEN COORDINATOR, UT GARDENS, CROSSVILLE

AS THE beautiful fall-colored leaves drop and we transition into winter, winterberry holly (Ilex verticillata) is sure to catch your eye. The berries are especially prominent when the holly is planted in front of evergreens. Unlike most hollies, winterberry holly is deciduous, which adds to the “berry” pleasing display on its bare branches during the plant’s namesake winter months. While red berry varieties of the holly tend to be most popular, there are gold and orange cultivars as well.

Ilex verticillata is native to eastern North America (USDA plant hardiness zones 3 to 9), where it typically occurs in wetlands or along lakes and stream banks. The shrub is slow growing and may reach up to 15 feet in the wild but tend to be smaller in the home landscape. Though commonly found in wet areas, winterberry holly is easily grown in average, well-drained, acidic soils with ade quate moisture. Generally the shrubs are pest and disease free, but they can be susceptible to leaf spots and powdery mildew. They may readily sucker to form a colony in wet sites and remain in a tighter clump with drier soils. Winterberry holly will grow in part shade; however, their best fruit production occurs in full sun at sites that receive six or more hours of sunlight a day.

The shrub has elliptical, toothed leaves that are two to three inches long, and it develops inconspicuous, greenish-white flowers in late spring. Most importantly, Ilex verticillata is dioecious, meaning that some

plants are male and some female. To enjoy the bountiful berries for which this plant is cherished, you must plant both male and female plants in your landscape. One male plant can pollinate five to 10 females and should be planted within 40 to 50 feet. It is also important to match bloom times when selecting a male pol linator. Some bloom earlier than others, and the more overlap you can achieve, the better the berry production will be.

Winterberry holly is quite versatile in the landscape. As mentioned earlier, the plant is stunning with an evergreen backdrop. Shrubs can also be used as hedges, borders, founda tion plantings, native gardens, rain gardens, and for wildlife. Ilex verticillata attracts many species of songbirds, as well as butterflies and beneficial insects, including bees and other pollinators. The berries make a wonder ful addition to holiday arrangements. In fact, December is a good time to do any needed pruning, or otherwise wait until late winter and prune before new growth appears.

You can see winterberry hollies in per son growing at all three locations of the University of Tennessee Gardens.

Popular winterberry holly cultivars with their recommended pollinators include:

• ‘Winter Red’ grows 6 to 8 feet tall, multistemmed, abundance of red berries

• ‘Winter Gold’ grows 5 to 8 feet tall, dense, heavy fruiting orange-yellow berries

- Pollinator ‘Southern Gentleman’ grows 6 to 8 feet tall

It is hard to miss the display of a winterberry holly during the year’s coldest months. This ‘Winter Red’ cultivar provides showy color at the University of Tennessee Gardens, Jackson.

• ‘Nana’ (Red Sprite) dwarf cultivar grows to 3 feet, bright red berries

• ‘Berry Heavy’ grows 6 to 8 feet, bright red berries

- Pollinator ‘Jim Dandy’ grows 3 to 6 feet

• ‘Berry Poppins’ dwarf cultivar grows 3 to 4 feet, display of red berries

• ‘Berry Heavy Gold’ grows 6 to 8 feet, big, bright gold fruit

- Pollinator ‘Mr. Poppins’ grows 3 to 4 feet

The UT Gardens includes plant collections located in Knoxville, Crossville, and Jackson. Designated as the official botanical garden for the State of Tennessee, the UT Gardens are part of the UT Institute of Agriculture. The Gardens’ mission is to foster appreciation, education, and steward ship of plants through garden displays, educational programs, and research trials. The Gardens are open during all seasons and free to the public.

Photo courtesy of Jason Reeves

BY LISA GRUGIN

THIS MONTH I am going to focus on holiday plants, but first let’s talk a bit about landscaping:

☼ You can still plant trees and shrubs. Our soil seldom freezes, so most root growth happens during the fall and winter. Another advantage is that landscapers are generally less busy, so you might get a faster response.

☼ If you haven’t mulched lately, consider adding enough for about 3". This will keep the soil temperature and moisture levels stable. Natural materials are best.

☼ Evaluate your landscape after the leaves fall. Is it boring? Do you need to add plants for visual interest in the winter?

☼ Keep weeding! It is amazing how quickly weeds can take over your yard.

Now let’s talk about seasonal plant care: Christmas Cactus

The Christmas cactus and its cousins are very low maintenance, but there are a few tricks to growing them:

• They are tropical cactus, not desert cactus. They don’t like hot afternoon sun and do not like to get bone dry. They do like lots of light, however, and won’t bloom well if kept in too dark a spot.

• The bloom cycle is triggered by cool temperatures and longer periods of darkness. Keep them away from heat sources, and give them 13 hours of darkness per day.

• Don’t overwater. Every couple of weeks is fine for most homes.

Once the blooms have finished, let them rest for a bit by withholding water for 4-5 weeks. When you see new growth, it is time to resume regular watering. If the plant has been in the same pot for more than 3-4 years or if it is very crowded, you will need to up-pot. Don’t worry if you accidentally break some pieces off because they are easy to propagate. Call us if you need instructions.

Cut Christmas Trees and Greenery

The tree shortage from last year has lessened, but there are still problems getting larger specimens. They don’t grow overnight you know!

Our trees and greenery are now available. We will do a fresh cut on your tree, but you need to get it in water within 20-30 minutes or the cut will re-seal. If that happens, do another cut when you get it home. Use a tree stand that holds at least a gallon of water and keep it full. Once a tree dries out, the cut seals and it will no longer “drink.”

As for wreaths and garland, they will do best if they are sprayed with an anti-transpirant or regularly misted with water. They are also happiest if they get some shade from hot afternoon sun.

Poinsettia

I would love to kick the person who decided a tropical flower would be a great plant for Christmas. If you want to keep a poinsettia alive, follow these guidelines:

• Always buy from a greenhouse or garden center. The box stores and groceries simply do not have the experience to handle a poinsettia.

• Don’t purchase a plant that is already in a plastic sleeve. This camouflages damage and creates a fungal breeding ground. The plant should be placed in a sleeve for transportation, but remove the sleeve when you get home by cutting it off or pulling it from the bottom. Please don’t pull it over the top like you are taking off a t-shirt!

• Don’t expose the poinsettia to cold temperatures. Anything below 50 will damage it. Freezing temperatures will kill it in less than a minute.

• The bracts are very fragile because of their size. Put them where they will not be bumped or brushed against.

• The poinsettia is mildly toxic. Some people (and animals) may have a reaction to the sap, so keep plants away from pets and children.

• Water when the soil feels dry. I find it easiest to take it out of the wrap and put it in the sink to water it. After it drains, put it back in the wrap. They are prone to root rot, so don’t let them sit in water.

Amaryllis , Cyclamen , and other plants marketed at Christmas have specific growing needs. Some of them will live yearround, some prefer to go outside, and some will go dormant after they flower. Please give us a call if you have any questions!

Remember, we are here all winter long to answer questions and help plan for spring. We will be closed Sundays and Mondays in January and February, but you can always call or email.

From all of us at Meadow View, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Happy New Year. If you celebrate another holiday, we hope it is wonderful, too! Thank you for your loyalty. We really do have the greatest customers ever.

Meadow View Greenhouses & Garden Center

9885 Highway 11E

Lenoir City, TN 37772 865.986.7229

MeadowViewGreenhouse.com

New Exhibitions Opening Emporium Center December

THE ARTS & Culture Alliance proudly presents its 2022 Members Show, the largest annual exhibition of local artists in the Greater Knoxville area from December 2-22. Most of the works will be for sale and may be purchased through the close of the exhibition by visiting in person or via the online shop at KnoxAlliance.store.

The fresh mix of two- and three-dimensional works created within the last two years encompasses a wide variety of media such as oil, acrylic, watercolor, pastel, mixed media, photography, fine craft, sculpture, ceramics, fiber, and more from regional artists who are all

individual members of the Arts & Culture Alliance. Membership is open to all, and information may be found at KnoxAlliance.com/Join-Renew.

Individual members of the Alliance participate locally and regionally in gallery exhibitions, art festivals, sculpture trails, weekend shows, studio tours, and public murals. Some Alliance members are full-time artists, while others have day jobs and create on evenings and weekends. Some members include art professors from local colleges. Others are teachers within Knox and surrounding counties’ elementary, middle, and high schools. Some Alliance members teach classes privately or through community classes. Many of the artists have working studios in their own homes, while some are part of studio collectives.

The Arts & Culture Alliance serves and supports a diverse community of artists, arts organizations, and cultural institutions. The Alliance receives financial support from the Tennessee Arts Commission and the City of Knoxville. Special thanks to the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

The show will be on display throughout the Emporium Center located at 100 S. Gay Street in downtown Knoxville and is open to the public Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm and Saturday, December 3 and 10, from 10 am to 1 pm. Please note, the Emporium will be closed December 23-January 2 for the holidays. For more information, call 865-523-7543 or visit KnoxAlliance.com.

“This

and skills representative of our diverse membership. We are so proud!”

- Liza Zenni, Executive Director for the Arts & Culture Alliance

Elkmont Home by Amanda Scott

Wrong Turns by Elizabeth Grisham

Maggie Connolly

Winter Getaway?

MEET RAPID CITY, SOUTH DAKOTA

COURTESY OF BPT

IF YOU LOVE winter, there’s a vacation destination you’d find amazing that you may have overlooked: Rapid City. You may think of South Dakota as the perfect summer locale, with its famed national parks and monuments, but Rapid City is an ideal vacation spot for winter events and activities.

Here are attractions that will make Rapid City your perfect winter getaway.

A Winter Wonderland of Outdoor Sports

Multiple options in and around Rapid City boast all your favorite winter activities. For example, the fountains of Main Street Square are transformed into a charming ice rink, where you can rent skates and enjoy a rink even larger than the one in Rockefeller Center. Or you can try ice fishing at area lakes, once they’re frozen to at least 4 inches of ice. New to ice-fishing or other winter sports? Visit The Outdoor Campus-West nature preserve for free classes.

With 416 miles of trails, Black Hills National Forest is one of the top snowmobiling destinations in the country. Snowmobile season runs from December 15 through March 31, and you can rent one in the area or bring your own. For trail maps, conditions, rules, and recom mendations, visit the South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks website.

If self-powered motion is your thing, forest trails designated for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing let you explore areas in-city or through untouched wilderness. You can also ride your way through trails on a fat bike in the Skyline Wilderness Area or at Hanson-Larsen Memorial Park.

For visions of outdoor beauty, drive through Spearfish Canyon and the Black Hills to view frozen waterfalls appearing like breathtaking ice castles. The hiking trails of Badlands National Park offer a great way to experience the park, or you can take a scenic drive for winter wildlife viewing. In the Badlands, you could stumble upon bison, pronghorn, bighorn sheep, and more. Mountain goats also frequent the rocks around Mount Rushmore and are thrilling to encounter.

Remember: If you see wildlife, be respectful and stay safe by maintaining a distance of at least 100 yards.

Entertainment Options for Everyone

For a winter vibe while wining and dining, grab a bite on Que Pasa’s patio in Rapid City. You can also visit nearby Hill City to sample local vintages inside an igloo at Prairie Berry Winery or sip ice-cold craft beers at Miner Brewing.

Places to eat, drink, and warm up include perfectly crafted cock tails and good conversation at Tinder Box, Rapid City’s only cigar bar. Head underground and back in time to Rapid City’s prohibition-era type speakeasy, Blind Lion, or thrill to sky-high city views and culinary delights at Vertex atop Hotel Alex Johnson. For an elevated cocktail, stop by the newly opened Windsor Block Bar. For a great selection from local and regional breweries, visit Pour 54 to sample a variety of flavors or enjoy the intimate atmosphere at Independent Ale House.

From hockey games to concerts and shows, you can plan your visit around Rapid City Rush home games or other upcoming events at The Monument, including:

• Black Hills Stock Show and Rodeo, Jan. 7-Feb. 4

• Mania The ABBA Tribute, Feb. 9

• Just Gymnastics Rushmore Invite, Feb. 25-26

• Forever Simon & Garfunkel, Mar. 20 Visit TheMonument.live for their event schedule.

Fascinated by History and Culture?

Journey Museum and Learning Center’s exhibits walk you through time, combining five major prehistoric and historic collections under one roof. Then walk through the bronze, life-sized statues of the City of Presidents sprinkled throughout downtown to challenge yourself on presidential history - along with the scavenger hunt found on the back of the City of Presidents map.

Art lovers can explore a variety of artworks inspired by natural beauty, such as the work of local Native American artists at galler ies like Dakota Drum Company and Prairie Edge Trading Company & Galleries. Local favorites Gallery Six13 and Dahl Arts Center fea ture rotating exhibits from local and regional artists created, making each visit a new experience.

Family-friendly Fun and Games

Rapid City is home to many family-friendly amusements and gam ing centers for indoor fun. One area favorite is the WaTiki Indoor Waterpark Resort, the largest indoor park in the Dakotas, with 30,000 square feet of swimming pools and waterslides, plus restau rants and arcade games for non-stop family fun. Or find two full levels of arcade gaming fun at Press Start in downtown Rapid City.

Discover something for everyone this winter in Rapid City. And you can visit famous sites like Mount Rushmore, too - without all the crowds! Learn more at VisitRapidCity.com.

Master the Art of Italian Comfort Cuisine

COURTESY OF FFE

COOL, CRISP days call for comfort foods, like the classic flavors of traditional Italian cooking. Whether you’re Italian by heritage or simply by heart, learning the art of Italian cuisine may be easier than you think. Perfect your pasta game. Limp, mushy, overcooked pasta can ruin an otherwise delicious Italian dish. Aim for al dente pasta, which is soft but still firm. It’s import ant to note variables like the type of pasta, size of your pot, and amount of water can all affect cooking time. Treat the package instructions as a guide and start taste testing 1-2 minutes before you expect it to be done.

Be choosy about your ingredients. Many of the best Italian dishes are incred ibly simple, so it’s important to select quality ingredients that allow the flavors to really stand out. Made in Italy, Bertolli d’Italia sauces are available in premium red and white varieties to elevate the at-home culinary experience and bring the authentic and delicious flavors of Italy to your table. Every jar reflects more than 150 years of authentic Italian culinary tradition using high-quality ingredients like tomatoes vine-ripened under the Italian sun, finely aged Italian cheeses, fresh cream, and Mediterranean olive oil.

Give seasonings time to simmer. Great things come to those who wait. That’s why the best Italian chefs sample their sauces along the way, adding and adjusting until the taste is just right. Then, they allow the ingredients to simmer together to create a perfectly balanced harmony of flavors.

Experiment with proteins and veggies. For many Italian recipes, you can create an entirely new dish by adding or swapping the protein and adding fresh produce. Try introducing juicy strips of grilled chicken and fresh, steamed broccoli to an alfredo pasta like this Cavatelli with Cacio e Pepe Sauce. Or, if you’re a seafood lover, re-imagine this Fresh Tomato Bruschetta Chicken by swapping in a mild white fish like halibut, cod, or snapper.

Get cozy in your kitchen this fall with more comforting recipes at Bertolli.com.

Cavatelli with Cacio e Pepe Sauce

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cook time: 10 minutes Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• Salt, to taste

• 1 box dry Cavatelli pasta

• 1 jar (16.9 ounces)

Bertolli d’Italia Cacio e Pepe Sauce

• 1 cup finely grated Pecorino Romano cheese, or to taste

• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Directions:

Bring large pot of cold water to boil. Salt water heavily. Cook dry pasta according to package instruc tions until al dente. Strain pasta, reserving pasta water.

In large saucepan over low heat, warm pasta sauce 3-5 minutes. Add 1-2 tablespoons pasta water.

Transfer cooked pasta to saucepan. Stir and toss pasta approximately 30 sec onds over medium heat to integrate it with sauce. Add pasta water as needed for creamier texture.

Plate pasta and top with finely grated Pecorino Romano and freshly ground black pepper, to taste.

Fresh Tomato Bruschetta Chicken

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 28 minutes Servings: 6

Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil

• 3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil, plus additional, for garnish

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 teaspoons kosher salt

• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

• 6 thinly sliced boneless, skinless chicken breast cutlets (about 1 1/2 pounds)

• 1 large onion, thinly sliced

• 1 jar (24.7 ounces) Bertolli d’Italia Marinara Sauce

• 2 cups multi-colored grape tomatoes, halved

• 2 stems cherry tomatoes on the vine

• 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

• 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400º F.

In small bowl, whisk olive oil, basil, garlic, salt, pepper, and oregano until combined. Combine 2 tablespoons oil mixture and chicken in resealable plastic bag. Let stand 5-10 minutes at room tem perature to marinate.

In medium skillet, heat 2 tablespoons oil mixture over medium heat. Add onions; cook 3-4 min utes, or until crisp-tender. Stir in marinara sauce. Pour mixture into lightly greased 13-by-9-inch baking dish. Arrange chicken breasts in dish, overlapping if necessary. Top with grape toma toes and cherry tomato stems. Spoon remaining oil mixture over tomatoes.

Bake, covered, 25 minutes or until chicken is done (165º F) and tomatoes start to burst. Sprinkle with Parmesan, drizzle with balsamic glaze, and garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

IT’S THE MOST wonderful time of the year, and as it’s sung, “There’ll be parties for hosting…” It doesn’t matter if your gathering is big or small; you’ve got to have some merriment. Depending on who you entertain, the merriment could be as simple as eggnog with some bourbon.

My recommendation:

• Bulleit Rye $15-25

PRO TIP: Aged eggnog is better than its fresh counterpart because the bourbon has more time to kill any pathogens in the raw eggs. Because of this, go heavy on bourbon. I’m looking out for your health.

If you’re looking to turn heads, I’d suggest making Glühwein (pronounced Glue-Wine). A mulled wine that orig inated in Germany, it was served to shoppers to keep them warm while shop ping for Christmas presents. The wine is relatively easy to create and makes your

Always a Good Time for Celebration Libations

BY JEFF GOTCHER

snob, go with a Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir), but any dry red will do. You don’t have to get a crazy expensive bot tle. Just make sure it’s bone dry.

Some other good options:

• Iter Pinot Noir $16.99

• Asua Rioja Crianza, 2017 $19.99

• San Gregorio Single Vineyard Loma Gorda Old Vine Garnacha, 2019 $15.99

• Hall Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles, 2020 $19.99

Ingredients:

1/2 medium orange

3/4 cup water

1/4 cup turbinado or granulated sugar

20 whole cloves

2 cinnamon sticks

2 whole star anise

1 bottle (750-milliliter) dry red wine

Rum or amaretto to taste (optional)

With a zester, remove the zest from the

orange, doing your best to avoid the pith. Juice your orange and set the juice aside.

Combine the water and sugar in a saucepan and boil until the sugar has dissolved. Reduce the heat to a simmer, then add your cloves, cinnamon, anise, zest, and orange juice. Keep simmering until a syrup forms. It shouldn’t take more than a minute or so.

Reduce the heat further, then add your wine. Let it barely simmer for at least 20 minutes but up to a few hours. Keep an eye out so it doesn’t reach a full simmer.

Strain and serve in those Christmas Vacation Moose Mugs if you have them, adding a shot of rum or amaretto. If you do garnish, use a twisted orange peel or star anise.

I hope you and your family have a fantastic holiday… Cheers!

Jeff Gotcher is a graduate of the Wine & Spirits Education Trust, member of the Wine Scholar Guild, and a winemaker who resides in Knoxville.

Airplane Filling Station:

AN UNUSUAL PIECE OF ROADSIDE ARCHITECTURE

ANYONE TRAVELING Clinton Highway north of Knoxville to the Powell community has likely noticed a most unusual piece of roadside architecture - a former gas station built to resemble an airplane.

The station was opened in 1931 and was built by brothers Elmer and Henry Nickle along the road that was then one of the main routes into the city. Originally called the “Aeroplace” Gasoline Service Building, the station resembles Charles Lindbergh’s Spirit of St. Louis and was designed to attract customers during the early age of auto travel. The service station was designed by the brothers with the assistance from Wayne Smith, a licensed engineer from Knoxville. The brothers eventually sold the property in the 1970s. Different businesses followed the gas station, includ ing a liquor store, produce stand, bait-and-tackle shop, barber shop, and a used car lot.

The station later fell into disrepair but over the years has been fully restored by the Airplane Filling Station Preservation Association (AFSPA), a former local nonprofit community group. Today, it is recognized as one of the finest surviving examples of roadside architecture in the Southeastern United States.

In July 2018, the Tennessee Historical Commission (THC) recog nized the Airplane Filling Station as a significant piece of Tennessee History. In commemoration of this fact, the THC displayed a roadside marker denoting the station and its history. The marker unveiling was a celebration of this restoration process and an opportunity to recog nize the history of the building along with the donors and supporters who have played an important role in preserving this important com munity landmark.

Donations to save the building came from many sources, including

the National Park Service and Tennessee Historical Commission, which holds a preservation easement on the structure, the Clayton Foundation, and many private donors. The property was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2004. The property is currently owned and cared for by Knox Heritage, the local historic preservation advocacy group.

The Airplane Filling Station is a unique structure in East Tennessee and is a rare example of mimetic (mimicry) architecture and allows a look back into an era when automobiles were newly available.

Knox Heritage preserves structures and places of historic or cultural significance for our community. Established in 1974 as a non-profit educational corporation, our organization works to protect and raise awareness of what is beautiful and irreplaceable in East Tennessee.

Airplane Filling Station, Henry & Elmer Nickle

Making an Impact During the Season of Giving

DURING THE COURSE of 48 hours, as many as 20 floral donations - from weddings, events, memorial services, and grocery storeswill be transformed into more than 170 beautiful bouquets. These bouquets will be delivered to individuals in area hospitals, assisted living facilities, hospice care centers, and community health organizations. The swift journey from donation to delivery is achieved due to the efforts of our supports and the dedicated, fun-loving Random Acts of Flowers volunteers. The bouquets created by their efforts spread joy not only to the recipients, but also to their families, their healthcare providers, and to the Random Acts of Flowers supporters and volunteers, too!

There are many ways to get involved with Random Acts of Flowers. Volunteers can pick up floral and vase donations, deconstruct donated floral arrangements, create beautiful bou quets, assist with workshop organization, process donated vases, deliver the re-purposed bouquets, and assist at special events.

“The volunteers are the heart of this organization,” said Mick Reed, Executive Director. “Each volunteer plays an important role in enabling us to achieve our mission of improving the emotional health and well-being of individuals in healthcare facilities by

delivering re-purposed flowers and a personal moment of kindness. I am very proud of our volunteers and hum bled by their positive attitudes and consistent efforts so that those in healthcare facilities can receive a random act of kindness and a smile.”

During this Season of Giving, we hope you find a way to get involved and support RAF’s mission. Random Acts of Flowers’ volunteers have put in more than 87,000 vol unteer hours and have delivered 160,000 bouquets in Knoxville, and each delivery is a special, random act of kindness.

Our recipients say it best:

“I want to say thank you for your delivery of the beautiful flowers the other day. It was much unexpected and very much appreciated! No one ever sends me flowers, and these flowers were beautiful. Every time I look at them I feel good! Thank you very much for this kind act.” - Cynthia C.

If you want to make an impact with Random Acts of Flowers by making a donation during this Season of Giving or by volun teering, call us at 865-633-9082, email info@RAFKnoxville.org, or visit our website at RAFKnoxville.org.

How to Holiday Downtown

Peppermint Trail • The Elf on the Shelf ® Adventure • Holidays on Ice

THIS FESTIVE TIME of the year transforms downtown Knoxville into a sparkly, bright, and merry place with memorymaking magic for adults and children alike. Of course, there’s eating, drinking, window shopping, and gift buying, but there’s also so much more!

Get lost on the Peppermint Trail, search for Santa’s Scout Elves in a magical scavenger hunt, skate under twinkling lights in Market Square, and explore holiday mar kets throughout the season. Enjoy lights and beautifully dec orated storefronts decked out and dipped in pep permint, and sip on warm hot chocolates.

Peppermint Trail thru 1/8

Follow the trail of peppermints on the sidewalks of downtown Knoxville to discover all sorts of treats fea turing the favorite red-and-white

candy. From candy cane coffees at morning brunch to craft cocktails sipped by candle light, you’ll find peppermint treats round almost every corner – along with plenty of gingerbread, cinna mon, cranberry, apple spice, and other holiday flavors. Plus, boutiques and gift shops feature peppermint-themed t-shirts, scented soaps, candles, and all kinds of holiday surprises. Explore the Sunsphere and see the Peppermint Trail from Knoxville’s Ultimate View! Elf on the Shelf Adventure thru 1/8 Santa is sending Scout Elves to downtown Knoxville for a magical scav enger hunt in more than two dozen downtown businesses! And Saint Nick has granted these special elves permission to remain in Knoxville from now until Sunday, January 8, 2023.

You can pick up a North Pole Pass at Mast General Store or Knoxville Visitors Center to guide you through the adventure. Find 20 or more Scout Elves and register to win prizes. Happy holiday hunting!

Holidays on Ice thru 1/2

You’ll love ice skating in the heart of downtown Knoxville! The open-air ice rink is nestled under twinkling lights in Market Square day and night, seven days a week, for chil dren and adults to skate the day away. Find online tickets, waivers, and more informa tion at KnoxvilleHolidaysonIce.com. Visit downtownKnoxville.org for more information on all these holiday events, a list of the partic ipating vendors, along with conve nient business links, and a handy “where to park” guide.

Be Careful Not to Burn That Bridge

Photo by Mirtography

WHEN INVADING hostile territory, Roman Empire generals often burned the bridges after they were crossed, eliminating the possibility of a retreat. The only option was to push forward and fight to survive. Two thousand years later, the term is typically used in the context of not doing something you may regret later, especially in situations of job or career changes.

Our son was recently navigating a job change. He was considering leaving his first professional role after college, where he thrived and enjoyed the work and the people. I offered my perspec tive and reiterated the importance of doing what is right for the good of his employer in helping through this transition and not “burning a bridge.” Thankfully there was no animosity, and all parties are on good terms. It doesn’t always work out this way.

BY BRETT CAFFERTY

Having lived and worked in the Knoxville business community for more than 25 years, the relationships of people within an industry and related businesses, in addition to church and civic groups, all overlap and create inter connected “circles” that enable us to be aware of what’s going on in our corner of the market or town. In many ways, Knoxville is still a small town, and word gets around about those who do

well on behalf of others and those who could do better in terms of character, attitude, and doing what is right.

While the current tight labor market tends to favor the employee with opportunities where the grass may be greener, at some point the tide will change. If I have learned one thing in my business career, it is that we have no idea what lies ahead, what our circumstances in two, five, or 10 years may look like, nor the people we might be involved with. It can be an exciting journey, but we don’t get to have a map!

The benefit of hindsight also reinforces the reality that how you approach and handle your affairs today, this week, and this year can have a significant impact (positive or negative) on sit uations and opportunities years in the future in ways you cannot foresee.

These are just a few observations from someone who has burned a bridge or two along the way, thankfully experienced grace in many situations, and sought to talk others “down” when emotions run high under pres sure. If you find yourself in tough spot morally, ethically, or even legally, seek counsel from those you know to be wise, caring, and have your best interests at heart - before you burn that bridge.

Everything Knoxville and delivered in-home by the US Postal Service to more than 20,000 households in hundreds of neighborhoods throughout West Knoxville, Farragut, Hardin Valley, and beyond, ensuring our advertisers gain maximum exposure to promote their services.

Delivered to more homes by mail than our two largest competitors - combined!

• In-house graphic design and copywriting to help our clients communicate their best message

• Full-service design and printing – logo/branding, marketing materials, direct mail and more

• Flexible participation at attractive rates –without long-term contracts

“ We were pleasantly surprised by the results and have received more high-quality leads from this print ad campaign than any other we’ve executed in 14 years of operation.”

Earthadelic Landscape & Construction Knoxville, TN | Earthadelic.com

LASER HAIR REMOVAL for Smooth, Silky Skin

REMOVE UNWANTED

body hair

with Triton, the world’s first simultaneous multi-wavelength laser hair removal system. Unlike traditional hair removal methods such as waxing, shaving, bleaching, or using depilatory creams that only provide temporary hair reduction, laser hair removal impacts the root of the problem, providing permanent hair reduction. In the long run, laser hair removal saves time and money. It can also eliminate the pain and embarrassment of skin irritations like ingrown hairs and razor burn.

How does laser hair removal work?

Lasers emit specific wavelengths of light that can pass through the ski n and specifically tar get the pigment within the hair. When enough energy is absorbed by the pigment, the follicle is permanently destroyed. It is important to under stand that the hair follicles have three phases of a growth cycle: Anagen, the growing phase; cata gen, the transition phase; and telogen, the resting phase. Other laser hair removal treatments only target hair follicles in the active growing phase, leaving patients having to come back for up to 10 treatments. However, Triton’s combination of wavelengths means that it can combat hair removal at different stages of the hair growth cycle. Both deep hairs and newly emerging hairs can be treated at the same time, allowing patients to enjoy better results and smoother, softer skin in fewer treatment sessions.

What else makes the Triton laser hair removal device unique?

Triton, the world’s first high-powered simultane ous multi-wavelength hair removal device, is FDA

MATTHEW B. DOPPELT D.O., F.A.O.C.D., F.A.A.D. Board Certified Dermatologist

approved to have simultaneous firing of multiple wavelengths on a hair removal machine. Unlike older devices, which only emit a single wavelength of light, Triton has multi-wavelength hair removal energies that work in synergy to treat the widest range of hair removal concerns. These capabilities assure patients that Triton will be the best solution for their individual hair removal needs.

This game changing device can treat virtually all hair removal concerns such as:

• Light hair or skin

• Dark hair or skin

• Fine or coarse hair

• Medium complexion and thickness

• Stubborn hair

• Large body areas that require quick treatment times

• Small sensitive areas

Traditional laser hair removal treatments often require 6, 8, 10, or more sessions. With Triton, patients are seeing over 80% clearance in just 4 treatments (about half the number of traditional “Gold Standard” lasers) by blending these wave lengths together.

What should I expect during and after a Triton treatment?

Triton hair removal treatments are quick. Even large areas such as a back or legs can be treated in about 15 minutes. The effectiveness of Triton’s contact cooling makes the treatments very tolera ble. A slight sunburn-like feel will be noticeable for several days, but there is no downtime.

The fall and winter season is the best time to start your laser hair treatment. Give us a call to schedule your first appointment!