Everything Knoxville May 2024 Edition

12 Bentley Medical & Aesthetics

Look, live, and love better.

30 Designer Garages

Your garage designed for you.

34 Travel to Myrtle Beach

New experiences for your next vacation.

47 Meadow View Greenhouses & Garden Center

Your new to-do list now that spring has arrived.

50 In Other Words

by Chuck Morris

Print or digital, which one is more effective?

From the Publisher

ONE OF the things I like best about getting older is not being as concerned with what others think of me - especially those who I don’t even know. It’s like the poem “Warning” by Jenny Joseph - the first line being, “When I am an old woman I shall wear purple with a red hat which doesn’t go, and doesn’t suit me.” Yes! As a young person, my teenage years were spent trying to fit in and to not be too weird. My 20s and 30s were more concentrated on trying to appear that my life was much more “together” than it ever actually was! With age, there is a freedom in accepting that you are a little weird, and a little disheveled, and that is okay.

I was trying to explain this concept to my daughter as I danced to a song on the PA at Trader Joe’s. She was not amused with my age-related personal freedoms and said between clenched teeth, “Mom. Stop.”

DOGWOOD ARTS began almost 70 years ago as a communitydriven initiative to promote and celebrate Knoxville’s art, culture, and natural beauty. Now, with more than 20 annual events and programs, Dogwood Arts continues to expand its arts advocacy, environmental stewardship, and economic impact in East Tennessee.

But I really liked the song, so I didn’t. There was an article in last month’s issue of Everything Knoxville about Indie band Carbon Leaf, mainly for a single friend who is a really big fan (especially of their talented and attractive lead singer). Is she concerned about what others may think of her “fan-girling” at her age? Not in the least, which is awesome. After holiday decorating her kitchen with Christmas lights, another good friend realized that she and her husband really liked the way the tiny lights looked in the evening - so they decided to leave them up all year round. Great!

I may not be as old as Dogwood Arts, but I do allow myself the liberty of delighting in those moments, décor, clothing, music, etc. - even if others don’t see it the same way. Give yourself the treat of relishing your freedom to enjoy your joys!

BY SHANNON HERRON, DOGWOOD ARTS MARKETING & CREATIVE DIRECTOR

SPRING IN

Knoxville is synonymous with Dogwood Arts. What began as a neighborhood beautification project in 1955 has blossomed into one of the longest running nonprofit organizations in our area.

The story of Dogwood Arts began in 1947 when a visiting journalist wrote, “Knoxville is the ugliest city I ever saw in America, with the possible exception of some mill town in New England.” Upon reading this disparaging account, the Knoxville Garden Club, led by Betsey Creekmore, Martha Ashe, and Betsy Goodson, decided they would prove him wrong by showcasing the natural beauty of the city they loved so much. Thus, the seeds of the very first Dogwood Trail were planted! By 1961, so many visitors were flocking to Knoxville to see the spring-blooming Dogwood trees along the designated trails that area businesses and community leaders felt more springtime public entertainment was needed, and the very first Dogwood Arts Festival was born.

From the very beginning, Dogwood Arts has been a community-driven initiative. Today, from our office and gallery space on Jackson Avenue in the Old City, we continue to promote and celebrate the art, culture, and natural beauty of East Tennessee with more than 20 annual events and programs. Keep reading for just a taste of what Dogwood Arts has planned for this spring, and visit DogwoodArts.com for full details about each event.

Promoting and Celebrating the Art, Culture, and Natural Beauty of Our Region Since 1955

Southern Skies Music & Whiskey Festival

May 11

Southern Skies is the newest addition to music programming at Dogwood Arts. Curated by hometown favorites The Dirty Guv’nahs, Southern Skies is an authentically-Knoxville celebration of music and community featuring a lineup of local, regional, and national talent. This year’s event will feature Americana legends Old Crow Medicine Show alongside The Dirty Guv’nahs, Maggie Rose, Amythyst Kiah, Grace Bowers & the Hodge Podge, and Wyatt Ellis.

A new collaboration with the Tennessee Distillers Guild will bring the top distilleries from across the state to Southern Skies this year also. The Tennessee Whiskey Experience is an added enhancement available for purchase to music festival ticket holders.

Art in Public Places: Mural & Sculpture Program Year-Round

Art for everyone. Dogwood Arts brings art outside, adding character and beauty to our city streets and public spaces through the Art in Public Places Program. Find inspiration around every corner, down every alley, even on the sidewalk! Dogwood Arts is honored to be part of a large group of art & culture nonprofits located in Knoxville that are working to enrich the lives of local residents and enhance the experience of visitors to our area. Our Art in Public Places program is an important part of that effort, bringing art out of the gallery and into the streets.

Sculptures: Large-scale outdoor sculptures are on display throughout Knoxville and surrounding counties as a part of this annual juried sculpture exhibition. Artists from across the country travel to Knoxville to install and share their works of art with our community each year.

Murals: Focused on connecting local and regional muralists with property owners interested in offering their buildings as canvases, the Dogwood Arts mural program makes art visible to the entire community.

“No matter what the coming season brings, you can count on Dogwood Arts to be here, finding big and small ways to keep us all connectedjust as we have since 1955. Support from you, no matter what size, will make a real and lasting impact in this community.”

- Sherry Jenkins, Executive Director

Art Kits for Kids

Annually

Dogwood Arts provides free art supplies to thousands of kids in our area each year through the Art Kits for Kids program. Started during the pandemic, Art Kits for Kids has evolved into an annual program focused on delivering an Art Kit to every 5th grader in Knox, Anderson, and Blount counties. This is the last year in the school curriculum when every child has art class before it becomes an elective. By providing these art supplies to thousands of children at this critical point of development, we hope to inspire kids to stick with art as a healthy way to express themselves, seek creative problem solving, and relieve stress and anxiety.

DOGWOOD ARTS EVENTS

• Art in Public Places: Sculpture & Mural Programs

• Art Kits for Kids: Free Art & Educational Supplies

• First Friday Art Walk Exhibitions

• Chalk Walk

• Dogwood Arts Festival

• Regional Art Exhibition at the Emporium

• Youth Art Programs: Synergy, Epiphone Guitar Design Contest, A Very Special Arts Festival

• Bazillion Blooms: Tree Planting Campaign

• Dogwood Trails - 90 miles in 13 neighborhoods

• Spring Featured Gardens

• Wellness Programs: Bikes & Blooms, Hikes & Blooms, Walking Trails

• House & Garden Show

• Southern Skies Music & Whiskey Festival

• Maker Exchange Your donations help continue these wonderful programs!

REDISCOVER THE GREAT OUT-OF-DOORS ALL

YEAR-ROUND

WHY NOT let the professionals at Undercover Systems help you take full advantage of unlimited out-of-door events this season for your family and friends to enjoy all year round? Now is the ideal time to get the totally unique and proprietary underdeck ceiling system from Undercover Systems installed under your home’s existing raised decks. This underdeck system will ensure that all your gatherings will be protected from unexpected and unwanted rain, searing summertime sun, and next winter’s snow and ice.

“Right now is the perfect time to weatherproof all of your outof-door events,” said Jim Conn, owner of Undercover Systems. “Throughout the entire process, our skilled craftsmen work with you, each step of the way, until your project is completed to your total satisfaction. And because your project will be completed this spring, you can begin enjoying your new outdoor living spaces before barbeque season heats up.”

Undercover’s patented underdecking system is designed by and manufactured exclusively by Undercover Systems, unlike other installers that use off-the-shelf, one-size-fits-all underdecking products. And because Undercover’s system is supported entirely by their patented drain system - and not your deck - air is free to circulate ensuring the longevity of your deck’s wooden structural supports, preventing them from premature failure.

You’ll appreciate Undercover Systems’ attention to detail as they help you craft a seamless transition from your home’s interior to

your new out-of-door living spaces. Underdeck ceilings come in a variety of colors and textures to perfectly complement your existing architecture and landscaping. You will also appreciate that every decking project is personally supervised by Jim and that Undercover Systems is a complaint-free member of the Better Business Bureau.

Why not delight your family this spring with a special gift that everyone can appreciate all year long? Extend the enjoyment of your out-of-door spaces, protect your family from the elements, and begin creating a lifetime of memories with the experienced professionals at Undercover Systems. Call Jim at 423-267-0091 today to start celebrating your out-of-doors now and for all the seasons to come.

Undercover Systems

423.267.0091

UndercoverSystems.com

Where Legends Live and Music Gives Back

MUSIC

AFICIONADOS, get ready to rock, reminisce, and rejoice!

Concerts For Our Own (CFOO) is back with a lineup that’s set to electrify, inspire, and transport you through the annals of music history.

The Joy of Music School has partnered with CFOO, a multi-concert series that provides an opportunity for local, regional, and national not-for-profit organizations and businesses to showcase their causes and raise money for their organizations through live music. The five-part concert series will be held at the Tennessee Amphitheater in World’s Fair Park. All shows begin at 7:30 pm.

DIXIE LEE MARKET

Renaissance Center

12740 Kingston Pike, 37934

Saturdays 9 am - Noon

MARKET SQUARE

DOWNTOWN

Wednesdays from 10 am - 1 pm

Saturdays 9 am - 1 pm

NEW HARVEST PARK

4775 New Harvest Lane, 37918

Thursdays 3 pm - 6 pm

EBENEZER ROAD

Ebenezer United Methodist Church

1001 Ebenezer Road, 37923

Tuesdays 3 pm - 6 pm

HISTORIC OAK RIDGE

Jackson Square

209 Jackson Square, 37830

Saturdays 8 am - Noon

OPENS MAY 29

THE PRESERVE TOWN CENTER

201 Broadberry Avenue, 37830

4th Wednesday of each month 9 am - 1 pm

RAIN OR SHINE!

Concert series lineup:

• June 13: Steve Augeri, former lead vocalist for Journey

• July 6: Taylor Nation

• August 15: Exodus - The Bob Marley Tribute

• October 18: Marshall Charloff & The Purple Xperience

• November 1: Here Come The Mummies with Wolves of Glendale

Each show will spotlight partnering organizations, and all ticket proceeds will support the Joy of Music School, Knoxville P.U.N.T. Pediatric Cancer Collaborative, and The Love Kitchen. For more information or tickets, visit ConcertsForOurOwn.org.

THE CAR WASH. ELEVATED.

Not your ordinary 3-minute wash

HARPER AUTO WASH, a locally owned full-service car wash, is proud to announce the opening of their third location in Bearden. This expansion represents a significant milestone for Harper Auto Wash as they continue to redefine the standard for car washing in the region.

For more than 40 years, the Harper name has been serving East Tennessee in the automotive business, and now it brings that same reputation of outstanding service and trust to the auto wash industry. Harper Auto Wash is focused on customer satisfaction and creating an exceptional car washing experience for everyone that will make you want to Never Stop Washing™.

Harper Auto Wash has been transforming the auto wash experience by seamlessly blending luxury with convenience since 2020. Building upon their already esteemed automotive reputation, Harper Auto Wash knows that a truly first-class wash is about more than just a sparkling exterior and is set to elevate the car washing experience for every customer across East Tennessee. Customize your perfect wash by choosing from one of their exclusive Unlimited Monthly Wash + Interior Reboot Plans, or keep it simple with a wash-only plan.

“We are excited to introduce our third location to the Bearden area,” said Shannon Harper, President of Harper Auto Wash. “We are committed to delivering more than just a service; we strive to provide an exceptional experience for every customer.”

Located at 6318 Deane Hill Drive, the new Harper Auto Wash facility features state-of-the-art equipment and a team of expert staff dedicated to delivering the highest level of care for every vehicle. Whether customers are seeking a quick wash or an interior reboot, Harper Auto Wash offers a variety of wash options to suit every need and at a level of personalization you won’t find at any other auto wash.

To celebrate the grand opening, Harper Auto Wash is offering special promotions and discounts on their membership packages that include unlimited monthly washes and interior reboot plans. Visit the new Bearden location and experience the Harper difference firsthand. For more information about Harper Auto Wash and its services, visit HarperAutoWash.com so you too can Never Stop Washing™.

Harper Auto Wash

Bearden - 6318 Deane Hill Drive

Farragut - 9745 Parkside Drive

Alcoa - 3163 Alcoa Hwy

HarperAutoWash.com

Harper Auto Wash Expands with Third Location in Bearden

the art of medicine & AESTHETICS

EVE COSTNER meet

Eve is a Nurse Injector who brings over 10 years of aesthetic experience both in plastic surgery and local medical spas. She has extensive experience in facial injectables, skincare, lasers, and patient care. Eve customizes her approach for each patient while putting their goals first and always maintaining a natural looking result.

One of her favorite treatments includes full face rejuvenation using Sculptra® aesthetics, due to its notorious revitalization of collagen in the skin, leading to a more youthful appearance over time.

I love celebrating and enhancing my patients’ natural beauty. “

Brooke is the founder & owner of Bentley Medical & Aesthetics, with locations in Knoxville and Johnson City, Tennessee. She is a Board-Certified Nurse Practitioner specializing in integrative medicine and is a leading provider for cosmetic injections for over 17 years.

Brooke is a member of The American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine and makes it a priority to stay current in the industry’s most recent, innovative treatments and cutting-edge research. She stays a step ahead by offering hormone replacement therapy to both her male and female patients, giving everyone the opportunity to Look, Live, and Love Better.

BROOKE BENTLEY

the woman behind the brand

Brooke has earned an exceptional reputation in the field of cosmetic injections. She has trained with some of the most renowned experts in the industry and is known for her skillful and subtle technique. She is certified in using the renowned Y LIFT® technique to offer patients the unique opportunity to experience a non-surgical, minimally invasive facelift.

Passionate about teaching, Brooke has also gained recognition as a National Trainer for Galderma and travels around the country sharing her techniques and pearls of wisdom with other practices and professionals.

Her accomplishments have been recognized as Brooke had the honor of being named one of the Top 100 Aesthetic Injectors for 2024.

Let Your Closet Lead the Way in Home Organization

BY CARRIE MCCONKEY, CARRIEMCCONKEY.COM

WHEN YOU got dressed this morning, how did things go in your closet? Did you and your clothes rod engage in a tug-of-war? Were you searching for your left shoe, which apparently was on hiatus? And finally, were your dirty clothes trying to pull you down to their level as they tangled with your feet?

Our closets bear the brunt of our daily use and often suffer from low self-esteem because they are unable to live up to their full potential. Read on to learn why your closet wants to lead the way to an organized home.

Your Space: Maximized

With storage made-to-measure, every inch of space in your closet can be used to the fullest. Replace empty wall space with handy double rods, convenient cubbies, or sleek wall organizers to hang coats, bags, hats, and more.

Your Belongings: Organized

Whether you’re a clothes horse or a wardrobe minimalist, your closet can become the perfect showplace for your sartorial needs. Protect your jewelry collection, display your designer purses, or highlight your ball cap hoard with custom cabinets and shelves.

Your Routines: Made Convenient

Your closet will make your life easier when you design it to fit your daily habits. A counter with a pull-out extension, three-way collapsible mirror, LED lights, valet rod, and laundry hamper are just a few everyday time-savers.

Your Home: Value Added

With more than 50 colors and finishes, dozens of cabinet door options, and hardware to suit any decor, your closet will become a stunner while also increasing your home’s worth.

Give Your Closet Confidence

Your morning routine will become smoother as you maximize your space, organize your wardrobe, accommodate your routines, and add value to your home. Call, click, or come by the Closets by McKenry showroom today to schedule a free, in-home consultation with their professional design team, and let your closet become all it dreams to be by transforming it with custom organization.

Closets by McKenry

201 Center Park Drive, #1070

Knoxville, TN 37922

865.249.6382

ClosetsByMcKenry.com

Garrett Durland

Wealth Transfer and Estate Planning Misconceptions

WEALTH TRANSFER is a part of the estate planning process and includes giving financial gifts and other monetary assets to a family member during your lifetime or after your death. This process can include setting up trusts, giving to charity, or gifting large sums of money to a person or organization for a specific purpose. Estate planning is the process of planning the wealth transfer of assets to certain beneficiaries upon your death. It also covers your specific desires on how you’d like your estate divided, medical decisions, a will, and even guardianship decisions for your children under 18.

TOP MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT WEALTH TRANSFER & ESTATE PLANNING

1. WEALTH TRANSFER AND ESTATE PLANNING ARE ONLY FOR THE WEALTHY.

Wealth transfer and estate planning is for everyone. That’s right, if you have a desire for how you’d like your estate (anything you own) to be handled when you pass away, then estate planning is for you.

2. ESTATE PLANNING ONLY COVERS MY FINANCES.

Estate planning does cover how you’d like your finances handled in the event of your death. But it also covers how you’d like any endof-life medical decisions handled, how you’d like to take care of your loved ones, any gifts you’d like to leave to charities and organizations, and your will. Handling your estate is an important and necessary way to take care of your loved ones when you’re gone.

3. WEALTH TRANSFER CAN ONLY HAPPEN UPON DEATH.

If you want to gift an inheritance to a loved one, you don’t have to wait until you pass away. Maybe you want to pay for your grandchild’s

college tuition, a wedding, or even their first home. You can handle those decisions right now. In fact, the lifetime gift tax exemption allows you to transfer $13.61 million without the 40% gift tax.1

4. A WILL IS THE ONLY DOCUMENT I NEED FOR ESTATE PLANNING.

A will and last testament is an important document to have that outlines your desires for end-of-life planning such as funeral preparations and desires, estate executor, guardianship for minors, asset and financial allocation, and more. Having a will in place is extremely important, but it doesn’t cover every specific situation surrounding wealth transfer that may arise.

5. ESTATE PLANNING IS JUST A ONE-TIME EVENT.

You may have already worked with a financial planner to handle your estate. If so, that’s great! But what many people don’t know is that it’s not just a one-time occurrence. Life circumstances can change in the blink of an eye. And when that happens, you need to come back to review your estate plan and make sure it’s up-to-date. If you’ve had a loss in your family, changed your mind about your retirement goals, or how you want to bequeath your assets and handle wealth transfer, checking in to update your plan is a great idea.

Ready to create your wealth transfer and estate plan? We are here to help. Our wealth planning team is here to serve you whether you want to create an estate or wealth transfer plan or if you’re just wanting to start dreaming about retirement. No matter what your goals are, we want to journey with you each step of the way. Set up a complimentary call to start the conversation today! 865-686-5202.

1 irs.gov/newsroom/irs-provides-tax-inflation-adjustments-for-tax-year-2024

BY KAREN COPPOCK

BIG NEWS for Knoxville - after being listed among USA Today’s Readers’ Choice top 10 best arts districts in the U.S. in 2023, Knoxville was voted number 2 on the list for 2024! According to the USA Today website, nominees were submitted by a panel of experts, and the 10Best editors then chose the nominees for Readers’ Choice Awards, from which the public then voted. (See sidebar.)

A local 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the Arts & Culture Alliance of Greater Knoxville encouraged the public to vote for Knoxville, according to Liz Kellar’s Knoxville News-Sentinel article on March 1, 2024.1

Formed in 2001, the Alliance’s website (KnoxAlliance.com) describes its mission to advocate, serve, and support Knoxville’s local arts and culture community with governmental bodies, the business sector, media, and the public. “We like to push our members forward,” said Liza Zenni, Executive Director of the Alliance. “It’s not that common that we actually are the topic of an article - and that’s okay with us! What we’re here to do is serve and support artists and arts and cultural organizations.”

The Alliance has two membership categories: one for individual artists and another for arts and cultural organizations. Just a few of the organizational members include Dogwood Arts, the Historic Tennessee Theatre, the Arrowmont School of Fine Arts and Crafts, HoLa Hora Latina, and the Knoxville Museum of Art.

Liza asked, “Why would an organization that doesn’t do a lot of producing on its own need to exist?” She explained, “The individual artists needed a place to show their work. They needed a community gallery where they could get their toes wet.”

The Alliance’s home within the Emporium

Center provides a great exhibit space for artists who work at all experience levels. “There are five different places within the Emporium that we turn over the work - it’s completely different, every single month,” said Liza. The Emporium is a public-private partnership between the City of Knoxville and the arts community, so that tax-supported component keeps the rental amount low for these artists. The Emporium also receives income from private rentals for weddings and other events. (See sidebar.)

“The other thing that we do with the Emporium is we provide much-needed space to individual artists,” added Liza. “We have full-time studios that are rented by individual artists for far less than they could ever be rented anywhere else.” This allows artists - particularly developing artists - to create, develop their craft, and try new ideas.

Besides improving quality of life, how does this benefit the Knoxville community?

According to Liza, last year more than 2.5 million attendees generated more than $29 million in tax revenues. “What we found was those expenditures by those audiences who are attracted by the arts and cultural activities… the sales tax they paid was $29 million,” she said. “We attract spending that then turns into tax revenue that supports roads, the police, fire, schools! It turns into

a benefit for everybody.”

The Alliance advocates for arts funding with the State legislature, and it also helps their membership by offering support tools for planning and grant development. Additionally, the Alliance provides financial support to its membership. “Truly our biggest efforts and impact is that we are a United Arts Fund,” shared Liza. “Last year, I signed checks to individual artists and mostly art and cultural organizations - nonprofits - for more than $2 million. So that supports the industry, which is a $62 million industry, and it employs 2,000 people full-time.”

Another method of support is the GRACE Fund. Per their website, “Greater Knoxville’s GRACE Fund was created by the Arts & Culture Alliance as a confidential resource for local arts and culture workers who need financial assistance to meet basic needs.” Liza said that individual members often provide extra money when renewing so they can pay it forward. “We started actually before the pandemic… we are a community that takes care of their own,” she said. For more information about this 100% tax deductible fund, visit KnoxAlliance.com/grace.

1 knoxnews.com/story/news/local/2024/03/01/ why-knoxville-has-been-named-the-no-2-arts-districtin-the-u-s/72806126007

2 10best.usatoday.com/awards/travel/ best-arts-district-2024

“Our mission… is to serve and support a diverse community of artists and art and cultural organizations in Greater Knoxville.”

- Liza Zenni, Executive Director, Arts & Culture Alliance

What is considered important for a vibrant arts district?

The USA Today site lists some of their considerations, including revitalized urban spaces, museums, gallery spaces and studios, and availability of dining and retail options. These features and more help enrich the culture of each city.2 The 10Best section on Knoxville mentions First Friday that promotes work by local artists. This free monthly event includes artist showings and live music performances and is held at the Emporium, the Alliance’s exhibit space, and at other downtown galleries, venues, and restaurants.

Penny4Arts gives every child in Knox and surrounding counties an opportunity to attend arts and culture events/activities at the cost of ONE PENNY when accompanied by a paying adult. New events are added throughout the year!

The Emporium Center houses the offices of the Arts & Culture Alliance - and so much more! Built in 1898 and renovated in 2004, this 28,000 square foot multifunctional space is home to art galleries and offices for Alliance organizational members: Gallery 1010, the Tennessee Artists Association, the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra, the Foothills Craft Guild, and HoLa Hora Latina, among others.

WAYS TO HELP:

• Donate (KnoxAlliance.com/ donate)

• Purchase an Arts license plate, available through County Clerk’s offices

• Receive free weekly emails highlighting area arts and cultural events, including Penny4Arts email list

• Attend events, including First Fridays (VisitKnoxville.com/ Knoxville-First-Friday)

• Purchase artwork at the Emporium or their McGee-Tyson Airport satellite exhibit - the money goes back to the individual artists through the Alliance

The Emporium is also a great wedding and event venue. Liza noted that the rental fees are less expensive than most city venues, and they also help subsidize the rent the artists pay. She added that wedding and event attendees “bring people in…[and] they get to see the artwork.”

The Emporium building itself is a piece of Knoxville history. When it was built, the 100 and 200 blocks of Gay Street sloped, with train tracks at the bottom of the hill. With heavy train traffic during that time, it was a safety hazard for travelers getting to and from the depot. Around 1910-1915, the City decided to raise both blocks and build a bridge over the tracks to create a smooth transition. With that change, what had been the street entrance to the Emporium became the basement. “And there is, still today, an underground thoroughfare where that old sidewalk used to be,” said Liza. The Alliance hopes to do some renovations with an installation that highlights this area.

You Deserve Relief!

BY DR. ALLAN J. SARRAT

ARE YOU or a loved one suffering unnecessarily from pain or a chronic health condition? Have you been told that there are no other options or that there is no hope? We would like to introduce you to a possible solution. Now there is a clinic in West Knoxville that specializes in treating difficult cases like these. Our doctors have more than 20 years experience treating conditions like peripheral neuropathy, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, complex regional pain syndrome / RSD, infertility, macular degeneration, and just about any pain condition you can imagine. They have worked in hospitals, pain clinics, and integrative medicine centers diagnosing and treating patients who thought there was nothing left to try. When medications, surgeries, and injections haven’t helped, don’t give up hope.

Call our professionals to schedule a con-

Just see what some of our patients have said:

“My pain is minimal now, my strength is returning, and the neuropathy is virtually non-existent.”

~ Carolyn T.

“I had little to no feeling in my leg due to my MS. I have more feeling in that leg!”

~

Vanessa G.

“Awesome experience from beginning to end.”

~ Charles N.

“They can fix almost any pain issue or even swelling in your joints from arthritis.”

~ Missy S.

“I am almost completely pain free, have more energy, yet also more relaxed.”

~

Bette L.

Dr.

Knoxville Neuropathy

9125 Cross Park Drive Suite 150

Knoxville, TN 37923

865.275.2444

KnoxvilleNeuropathy.com

ID A’ RIFFIC Fun in the Park returns this summer with free mid-week fun for area

Each event offers activities, games, hands-on crafts, and other fun pursuits for families with children ages 2-12, hosted by the City of Knoxville’s Office of Special Events, Parks and Recreation Department, and other community partners. Participation is free, and no registration is required.

Events are on Wednesdays in June and July from 10 am to 1 pm in seven different parks:

Baxter Ave Park & Fire Station #3, 204 E. Baxter Avenue

Chilhowee Park, 401 Lakeside Street (including Touch-A-Truck!)

Fort Kid, 1049 World’s Fair Park Drive

• July 10: Morningside Park, 1600 Dandridge Road

• July 17: Fountain City Park, 117 Hotel Road

• July 24: West Hills Park, 410 N. Winston Road

• July 31: World’s Fair Park, 910 World’s Fair Park Drive

*No events on June 19 and July 3

Come enjoy making crafts, playing games, and so much more while making fun memories during summer vacation. All activities are free!

Established in 2019 as a weekly opportunity for summertime activities for youngsters and their families in Market Square, Kid A’ Riffic has expanded to include parks across the city and multiple community partners. Kid A’ Riffic was awarded “Best Children’s Event in the Southeast” by the Southeast Festivals & Events Association (SFEA). For more information, visit KnoxvilleTN.gov or call 865-215-4248.

A.J. Sarrat and Dr. Monica Sarrat

Neuropathy Relief is Possible

The most common treatment your medical doctor will recommend for neuropathy is prescription drugs. While this may temporarily reduce your symptoms, medications such as Gabapentin, Lyrica, Cymbalta, and Neurontin are primarily antidepressant or anti-seizure drugs. These drugs may cause you to feel uncomfortable and have a variety of harmful side effects.

Peripheral neuropathy is a result of damage to the nerves, often causing pain, numbness, tingling, and the most debilitating symptom, balance problems. This damage is commonly caused by a lack of blood flow to the nerves in the hands and feet. Every part of the body relies on blood via blood vessels for oxygen and nutrients. Without it, the body begins to lose function.

“I can feel my feet again!”

- Susan G

When the blood vessels that surround the nerves become diseased, they shrivel. This prevents the nerves from getting the nutrients necessary to survive. The nerves begin to degenerate and no longer conduct sensation adequately.

When these nerves begin to “die,” they cause you to have balance problems, pain, burning, pins and needle sensation, and other symptoms.

The main problem is that those with neuropathy have been given limited options for treatment: medications that often make you sick or uncomfortable, or they have been told to come to terms with the idea of “just living with it.” There is now a clinic in Knoxville that offers you hope without worrisome side effects.

The program to reduce your symptoms and speed up healing uses proven treatments that help to stimulate the blood vessels and the peripheral nerves so that they are able to receive proper nutrients needed to heal and repair. Collectively, these treatments function to increase blood flow, stimulate nerves, and expedite recovery and healing.

The amount of treatment needed to allow nerves to fully recover varies from person to person and can only be determined after a detailed neurological and vascular evaluation. We will conduct an exam that consists of detailed sensory nerve testing and an analysis of neurological findings. After the exam, you will meet with the doctor to discuss your results and determine if you are a good candidate for our program.

This life impacting condition affecting millions of individuals can be helped and even reversed. Whether the neuropathy is chemical in nature, due to diabetes, or mechanical such as disc disease or arthritis, treatments are available to help you alleviate your suffering.

3 FACTORS TO CONSIDER FOR EFFECTIVE NEUROPATHY TREATMENT:

1. Underlying cause.

2. Amount of nerve damage sustained.

3. How much treatment is required?

4 GOALS OF TREATMENT:

1. Increase blood flow

2. Stimulate nerve fibers

3. Decrease pain

4. Improve balance

KNOXVILLE NEUROPATHY IS OFTEN THE LAST RESORT WITH THE BEST RESULTS

We are excited to bring cutting-edge, non-surgical, natural pain interventions to Knoxville!

If chronic pain is impacting your life, medications may not be your only solution.

We will evaluate your specific needs, then a customized treatment plan will be created specifically for you.

DON’T WAIT UNTIL IT’S TOO LATE.

SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION.

“An

- Maestro Salesky

exciting tribute to the significant instrumental and musical theatre contributions made by prolific Spanish composers.”

Personalized Closet Systems: A Recipe for Family Harmony

IN

E

VERY family, there’s a mix of tidy and cluttered folk s, and achieving perfect harmony can be a challenge. Constantly stumbling over misplaced items becomes tiresome and exasperating. However, maintaining organization isn’t second nature to everyone, yet it’s crucial for a smoother life. When sharing living spaces, it’s also a gesture of respect to keep personal belongings in order. The Tailored Closet of Knoxville steps in to alleviate these tensions with personalized closet systems tailored to suit the unique needs of each family member.

Kid-Friendly Closets that Grow Alongside Them

Introducing organization al habits early on is invaluable for children. Starting with a closet that’s manageable for them fosters a sense of responsibility and orderliness. While there’s no universal formula for a kid’s closet, a basic design typically includes:

For preschool and grade school:

• Low-level bins and shelves for toys and shoes, promoting independent tidying

• Adjustable tiered hanging rod s to

accommodate their changing heights

• Drawers or slide-out baskets for socks, pajamas, and underwear

For middle school and teens:

• Tiered hanging rods tailored for longer and shorter items

• Adjustable shelves for clothes, shoes, and personal belongings

• Decorative hooks for easy storage of jackets and backpacks

• Pull-out laundry hamper to keep dirty clothes off the floor

• Customizable drawers with dividers for folded clothes or small items

Harmonious Master Closets for Shared Spaces

Shared closets often breed frustration, but with thoughtful design, they can become havens of individualized organization for two. Here’s how to ensure everyone gets their fair share of space:

• His and hers sections with dedicated hanging and drawer space, including a jewelry drawer for her

• Individual shoe racks to prevent mix-ups

• Shelves for folded items, hats, and purses

• Tilt-out hamper for effortless dirty laundry disposal

• Specialty racks for belts, ties, and scarves

• Retractable valet rods for convenient outfit preparation or handling dry cleaning

The Tailored Closet of Knoxville specializes in crafting personalized closets for every family member. As experts in whole-home organization, they offer innovative storage solutions for pantries, laundry rooms, home offices, garages, and beyond. Transforming chaos into tranquility is their specialty.

INSIGHTS HIGHLIGHTS &

MAKER EXCHANGE

Visit the Curio at Maker Exchange and shop locally-made artwork from 150+ makers. These wooden cups were hand-carved by Ian Myers, a Seymour, TN-based wood carver whose passion is salvaging wood from local neighborhoods and carefully crafting it into meaningful and functional products. Sold separately. Stop by at 710 Clinch Avenue in downtown Knoxville between the Marriott and Tennessean Hotels, 865.637.4561, or shop online at MakerExchangeKnox.com.

MEADOW VIEW GREENHOUSES & GARDEN CENTER

Delightful hummingbirds and bees buzz around flowers in a pitcher in these colorful, powdercoated metal garden stakes with tiny solar lights that come to life in the evening. The perfect pop of color for your garden, yard, flower bed, or porch pots. 32" tall with a sturdy H-stake that allows for easy display. Available at Meadow View Greenhouses & Garden Center, 9885 Highway 11E in Lenoir City, 865.986.7229, MeadowViewGreenhouse.com.

PAINTED TREE BOUTIQUES

Handmade jewelry makes the perfect gift for your oneof-a-kind best friend, daughter, or (especially!) mom for Mother’s Day. Find this and many more beautiful, unique pieces by local artist Ariel Snyder in booth F23. Available at the Painted Tree Boutiques, 9630 Kingston Pike in Knoxville, 865.343.0143, PaintedTree.com.

MAKE IT YOURS

Looking for a memorable Mother’s Day, birthday, or wedding gift? These 4" x 4" x 2" travel jewelry boxes are as practical as they are specialperfect for any occasion and a single custom, personalized engraving is included in the price! Available at Make It Yours, 10541 Kingston Pike, Suite A in Knoxville, 865.444.6253, MakeItYoursNow.com.

LIZARD THICKET KNOXVILLE

Spring has arrived, and Lizard Thicket Knoxville Boutique has beautiful dresses for any occasion. From cute everyday styles to stunning special occasion pieces, we’ve got you covered! Our locally owned boutique is dedicated to providing outstanding personalized service and styling our customers with the latest, most fashion-forward styles at surprisingly affordable prices. Come shop with us at 11369 Parkside Drive, Suite 930, in the Pinnacle at Turkey Creek, 865.671.0684, ShopLizardThicket.com.

DECORATING DEN INTERIORS

The four links of the Connection Sculpture are made of white marble and contain thin metal bands in a rich brass finish. Enjoy finding your favorite configuration, whether it be lying flat on a coffee table or building up to add height on a bookshelf. Available at Decorating Den Interiors | Kozar Design Team, 521 Lovell Road, Suite 205 in Knoxville, 865.392.6222, SandyKozar.DecoratingDen.com.

The Garage: Your Outdoor Sports Activity Center

BY CARRIE MCCONKEY, CARRIEMCCONKEY.COM

AS THE DAYS grow longer and warm temperatures settle in, outdoor sports abound in East Tennessee. Along with this comes the gathering of sports equipment, from fishing rods and water skis to pickleball paddles and disc golf gear.

Most sports paraphernalia lives in the garage, and we don’t give it much thought until we’re looking for it (or tripping over it). Read on to learn how to transform your garage into a productive hub for your spring sports activities… and beyond.

Lay the Ground Rules

Create a protective and easy-to-clean surface for your sports equipment by adding an epoxy polyaspartic coating to your garage floor. Chemical-proof, heat-proof, and skateboarding-in-the-garage-proof, these durable floors are available in endless color combinations and can be installed in a matter of days.

Take a Time-Out and Go Through Your Equipment

Check and evaluate all of your sports equipment. Are there any rackets to be restrung, balls that could use some air, or boating supplies that need dusting? Separate your supplies into piles for repairing, cleaning, or donating, and make a list of replacement or new items that you need.

Put Your Winning Gear into Play

After organizing, replacing, and adding new sports items, it’s time to create zones for your equipment using fresh storage ideas. Slatwall is a team player when it comes to putting away equipment of all sizes and shapes, with baskets, hooks, and bins to hold bikes, bats, and more.

Rotate Your Recreational Gear

As your favorite pastimes change throughout the year, get your

gear up and out of the way with organization. Custom-measured cabinets will keep your golf clubs clean and dust-free, and overhead storage provides a safe place to store your tandem kayak.

Your sports equipment is valuable and gives you hours of joy. Organize and store it with care! With updated storage in your garage you will spend less time searching for your gear, and more time enjoying your next match, game, or outing. Call the pros at Designer Garages for a free, no-obligation estimate today, and let the games begin!

Designer Garages

201 Center Park Drive, #1070

Knoxville, TN 37922

865.268.4868

DesignerGarages.com

Get Your Rods and Reels Ready!

Park, 11730 Turkey Creek Road Free event, open to the public

JOIN YOUR friends, family, and the Town of Farragut for a morning of fishing and prize competitions! The Youth Fishing Rodeo is for kids ages 12 and under, with pre-registration required for one of two sessions - 8-9 am or 10-11 am. To register, visit townoffarragut.recdesk.com/community/program. The Town of Farragut will provide worms for bait, or participants can bring their own. A limited number of fishing poles for use during the rodeo will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Please bring your own pole if you can.

The fishing rodeo will be held at Anchor Park, located at 11730 Turkey Creek Road, rain or shine; however, in the case of severe inclement weather, check Farragut Parks & Recreation’s social media for updates.

The Town is still happily accepting community donations for the fishing rodeo, including youth and adult spincast (push button) rod and reel combos in good working condition, line, hooks, bobbers, and sinkers. Farragut businesses are also encouraged to donate items to be used as prizes for participants.

For more information, visit FarragutParksandRec.org.

Get Ready for a Wild Adventure! Predators Exhibit Grand Opening May 1st!

GET UP close with some of the most iconic predators on the planet. Learn about ongoing efforts to protect these magnificent creatures and their habitats.

Interactive Displays • Engaging Activities

ZOO KNOXVILLE IS OPEN

DAILY 9 AM TO 5 PM.

ZooKnoxville.org

JOIN US on May 18th for a fun day utilizing one of the coolest natural resources we have in Knox County, the Beaver Creek Water Trail! Bring your kayak, paddle board, or canoe to the put-in right behind Powell High School and float to Roy Arthur Stormwater Park on Harrell Road in Karns (roughly a three hour trip). Gates open at 7 am, special guests and announcements begin at 9 am, and the Flotilla begins at 9:30 am.

Don't own a kayak but want to do the Flotilla? Our friends at River Sports Outfitters will rent one to you. They will bring it to the

launch and pick it back up at the take-out. Register for only a $10 donation. Registration includes:

• A guaranteed spot in the Flotilla

• Transportation for both you and your equipment

• Official event T-shirt & koozie

• A sense of pride knowing your donation will help improve the creek!

• An amazing day of floating fun with Knox community friends!

All Flotilla event proceeds are dedicated

to the continued improvements on Beaver Creek, including debris clearing, creek bed cleanup, and installation of public access docks. Through our partnership with Legacy Parks Foundation, sponsorship donations are tax deductible and earmarked directly into the LPF Beaver Creek Preservation Fund.

Make sure you document your whole day! Post your pictures to Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook using #floatthebeaver. We want to see how much fun you had!

To register, visit FloatTheBeaver.com.

Flowers After Hours at Random Acts of Flowers

RANDOM ACTS of Flowers’ public Flowers After Hours events are a fun and educational way to celebrate a special event, enjoy a night out with friends, or meet new people while spending some meaningful time together helping others.

Flowers After Hours participants enjoy hands-on floral instruction from a professional florist before having the opportunity to create one floral arrangement to take home and create additional arrangements that will be

delivered to individuals in local healthcare facilities. Flowers After Hours is a great way for people to get together at the Random Acts of Flowers’ workshop to share an evening of fun, fellowship, and flower arranging - all while providing bouquets to those in need of encouragement and a personal moment of kindness.

Random Acts of Flowers Knoxville hosts Flowers After Hours classes bi-monthly, and the dates are posted on our website and Facebook page. The ticket price includes vases, flowers, and instruction. Music, refreshments, and snacks will be available,

and feel free to bring your own, too! For more information and to purchase tickets, visit RAFKnoxville.org.

Interested in booking a private Flowers After Hours event for a birthday party, wedding shower, company teambuilding, or other occasion? If so, please contact us by phone at 865-633-9082. We are happy to work with your timeline to schedule an evening that best suits you and your group!

Your participation in Flowers After Hours helps us deliver smiles - to you and to our recipients!

For more information on making a donation, having a Random Acts of Flowers event, or volunteering, call us at 865-6339082, email us at info@RAFKnoxville.org, or visit our website at RAFKnoxville.org.

NEW EXPERIENCES FOR YOUR NEXT VACATION IN Myrtle Beach

COURTESY OF BPT

MYRTLE BEACH, South

Carolina, is known for its 14 unique communities and more than 60 miles of beaches that have delighted travelers of all ages for generations. This year, the Grand Strand is premiering a host of all-new activities, experiences, and culinary delights. Whether you’ve never visited The Beach before or it’s your family’s favorite getaway, you’ll find an array of new and exciting experiences in 2024. Check out this curated list of 11 new additions hitting Myrtle Beach this year.

1. Myrtle Beach Classic

Golf fans rejoice! The inaugural Myrtle Beach Classic (May 9-12, 2024) will be the first PGA Tour event in The Beach’s history and the first major professional golf tournament to hit the Grand Strand in the past 24 years. The event will take place at the Dunes Golf & Beach Club, a championship golf course and premier country club with a scenic view of the Atlantic Ocean.

2. Carolina Country Music Festival

Are you ready to put on your cowboy boots and party? The Carolina Country Music Festival returns to Myrtle Beach June 6-9, 2024. The three-day outdoor country music festival will feature more than 40 of the hottest country music artists, including Carrie Underwood and Morgan Wallen.

3. PopStroke

If you’e looking for family-friendly golfing, then look no further than PopStroke. In partnership with Tiger Woods, the golf and dining experience opened last month at Broadway at the Beach, a popular shopping and entertainment complex. Whether you’re a novice or expert, the two 18-hole putting course will challenge you with its fairways, bunkers, and rough. Don’t forget to check out the full-service restaurant

where you can enjoy creative twists on your favorite meals.

4. Myrtle Waves Water Park

Myrtle Waves Water Park - South Carolina’s largest water park - has delighted locals and visitors alike with more than 20 waterslides, a wave pool, and lazy river. This year, the park has added a “Wild Water Racer” mat slide. This exhilarating ride will allow up to four people to lie on a mat and slide down headfirst. The water park will also expand its cabana and shaded seating area so you can relax in style.

5. Coffee & Cream Cabana

Coffee & Cream Cabana is the newest addition to Heidi’s Corner, the latest dining experience by award-winning chef Heidi Vukov. The ice cream shop offers 16 hand-crafted seasonal flavors of ice cream, homemade waffle cones, cookie ice cream sandwiches, and ice cream cakes, as well as specialty coffees, light fare foods, and treats. There’s a sweet treat for everyone in the family to enjoy!

6. Greg Rowles Legacy Theater

Prepare to be captivated by local performer Greg Rowles and family at the Greg Rowles Legacy Theatre, opening this spring. Spend an evening taking in diverse and captivating performances from world-class singers and musicians in a unique setting unlike anything on the Grand Strand.

7. Swig & Swine

Beloved barbecue restaurant Swig & Swine will open its fifth location in Myrtle Beach’s Arts and Innovation District, its first venture outside of Charleston. Offering award-winning barbecue and a diverse selection of craft beer, you’ll be glad to stop in for a bite and brew after an afternoon exploring downtown.

8. The Tasting Room on 9th

This spring, the Arts and Innovation District will welcome its first official wine

bar, The Tasting Room on 9th. With a thoughtfully curated wine program, this inclusive, community-centered space offers a wide variety of wines and innovative food pairings. From wine novices to experienced connoisseurs, this welcoming establishment is the perfect place to try something new.

9. DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Myrtle Beach Oceanfront

The DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Myrtle Beach Oceanfront has undergone a $30 million renovation that will welcome visitors to an all-new lodging experience this spring. The hotel covers 27 acres at the southern end of Ocean Boulevard and is right next door to Myrtle Beach State Park. The renovations include the transformation of the former North Tower into a Tapestry Resort by Hilton that will offer luxurious waterfront amenities.

10. Holiday Inn Club Vacations Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Resort

Opening this month, the Holiday Inn Club Vacations Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Resort is a brand-new 11-acre resort along the Grand Strand. The property features 152 one- to four-bedroom villas, each with ocean-view patios, perfect for groups of all sizes planning a beach getaway.

11. Fly to The Beach fast

Myrtle Beach is just a day’s drive from Knoxville and with more than 50 nonstop destinations, Myrtle Beach International Airport makes planning a trip to The Beach easy. This year, Breeze Airways will also begin nonstop flights to Myrtle Beach from Providence (RI), Charleston (WV), Tampa (FL), and Hartford (CT) so friends and family can join in the fun.

These are just a few of the many exciting new vacation experiences you can enjoy at The Beach. For more information on what’s new in Myrtle Beach and to plan your next trip, head to VisitMyrtleBeach.com.

Summer Pet Safety

SUMMER IS HERE, and that means more outdoor fun for you and your furry friend. As the temperatures rise, it’s important to take extra precautions to keep your pup safe from the sun and heat. Here are some tips to ensure your dog stays cool and hydrated all summer long.

If you can’t keep your hand on the concrete or asphalt for seven seconds, it is too hot for your dog to be walking outside.

Sunburns

Just like humans, dogs can get sunburned too, especially those with thinner hair and lighter skin. To protect your pup, limit their time in direct sunlight and provide shade when outdoors. Consider using dog-approved sunscreen or protective clothing to shield them from harmful UV rays.

Staying Hydrated

Proper hydration is essential for dogs, especially in hot weather. Always have a clean, full water bowl available, and encourage your dog to drink frequently, especially after playtime or exercise. Remember to replace the water daily and wash the bowl regularly to prevent bacteria buildup.

Water Safety

If you and your dog enjoy water activities, ensure the water source is clean and safe before letting them dive in. Introduce your pup to water gradually and provide encouragement and rewards to help them feel comfortable. Keep an eye on them at all times to prevent accidents or overexertion.

Indoor Alternatives

On particularly hot days, consider indoor activities to keep your dog cool and entertained. Schedule walks during cooler times of the day and limit outdoor play when temperatures are high. If you can’t keep your hand on the concrete or asphalt for seven seconds, it is too hot for your dog to be walking outside. Pet parents may need to adjust their outdoor walk schedule during the summer months.

If your dog needs exercise beyond your schedule, consider enrolling them in doggy daycare at Dogtopia, where they can play in a safe, climate-controlled environment. While getting plenty of exercise with their BFFFs (Best Furry Friends Forever), your pup will also work on their social skills to show off at home. Contact Dogtopia for your dog to beat the heat today!

Dogtopia of Bearden-Knoxville

5213 Homberg Drive

Knoxville, TN 37919

865.622.2599

Dogtopia.com/Bearden-Knoxville

Our facility comes with spacious, supervised playrooms where dogs are placed according to their size, temperament, and play style to ensure a safe and comfortable environment for your beloved pet.

Finding Purpose and Meaning in Your Later Years

BY DR. JIM BAILEY

EVERY ONCE in a while, I’ll get contacted by someone who is approaching retirement age and is curious about whether I can help them determine how to live in their next chapter. “Yes,” I respond, “I’ve helped quite a few people discern what will make that part of their lives the most rewarding.” What to do in our retirement years is a theme that fits very well within the guiding idea behind all of my work: Who you are should determine what you do in life

Recently, my wife and I have been having “retirement conversations” with each other. (I enjoy my work, and it’s quite likely that one day I may keel over dead in a career coaching conversation at Panera Bread, but aging steals your stamina, no matter what the supplement ads promise.) On a walk one day, Sloan said she’d been thinking about what she’d do with her time when she retires. Even if we had grandchildren, there are so many hours to fill in a workweek that retirement seems daunting.

People often have misleading ideas about their work and their retirement. The first of these is the truth that our work is

meant to be more than how we occupy our time. (The distinction between occupation and vocation is huge). The second is that our retirement years aren’t simply about “spending our time,” like some weird spenddown-plan aimed at wringing out the last juice of life before our exit. The third is that our retirement years aren’t supposed to be a transition from toilsome work to a pleasurable, relaxed existence. (Toilsome work is why you go to a career coach.)

I’ve also known quite a few men and women who are reluctant to retire because they secretly fear it will mean losing the thing they’ve used to define themselves. (At the risk of repeating my previous articles - our work is never a healthy basis for our sense of self.)

I remember my grandfather reflecting on the number of his friends who died within a few years of their retirement because they felt they had no place in the world if they weren’t working. And gardening, woodworking, circle groups and bible studies, participation in civic organizations, physical activities, and the like are insufficient sources for the things that make life worthwhile.

Regardless of your age, a person’s life needs to be infused with a sense of purpose and meaning, and your life in your

later years is no exception.

One of my often-quoted favorite thinkers, Victor Frankl, came to this realization while surviving five Nazi death camps in World War II. He concluded that, barring execution by their captors, the people who survived the longest in the camps were those who found a sense of purpose and meaning in their captivity. Later, he proposed that purpose and meaning are so foundational to our emotional health that humans only pursue pleasure and entertainment when they lack purpose and meaning.

So, how do we find or build purpose and meaning into our lives?

In some ways, aging is a gift to us. (Not the aches and pains, difficulties, and trials of course, though even those often bring their own epiphanies.) But aging does teach us that what we value and strive for in our youth will need repair or replacement and may not be the best investment of our time and resources. People, however, are places we can invest our time (and money) and know we will make a lasting impact.

Based on Victor Frankl’s ideas, our retirement years have as much opportunity, if not more, for a purposeful and meaningful life. Rather than focusing on how to entertain ourselves, our latter years should be marked by intentional efforts to give away that which we have been given. It’s in being others-focused and giving ourselves away that we find purpose and meaning.

Writer John Eldredge proposed that our later years should be marked by a pattern of sharing our accumulated wisdom and knowledge with younger people as mentors and “sages.” While our society shamelessly promotes the notion that only youth and beauty are valuable, my experience is that many (or most) young people appreciate the perspective of an older, wiser person who isn’t their parent, especially if that person also conveys unconditional love and acceptance.

Practical skills and hands-on service are always welcome but perhaps not as valuable as the knowledge and life wisdom age provides. This means that even older persons with impairments that would interfere with physical volunteer service still have much to contribute by sharing things we may take for granted. In places like Knoxville and East Tennessee, with our abundance of nonprofit organizations serving a diversity of needs, there are so many places and ways for a person to serve an underserved person.

Each of us has been gifted with abilities, strengths, and unique life stories. The real challenge is to determine to-whom or to-what in your community would yours be an asset? When planning your retirement, this might be the most important question to ask.

Restyle Your Fur Event

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!

May 10th & 11th from 10 am to 5:30 pm

DO YOU HAVE a sentimental fur stole, jacket, or coat hanging in your closet not being worn? Let Restyle Your Fur perform an unforgettable “trans-furmation” by having expert furriers:

• Convert it into a fabulous vest or 2-in-1 jacket with removable sleeves.

• Make a cuddly teddy bear, pillow, or throw.

• Enlarge, downsize, or repair your garment.

• Shear it to update the look.

Fur is one of the few materials that can be stripped apart and entirely restyled. Beyond alterations, it can be sheared to a short plush, updated to a different style, or, most commonly, added as fur collars, cuffs, or lining for raincoats and everyday coats to add luxury and style. At our Restyle Your Fur event, we will first assess the condition of the fur of your coat and then discuss updating and restyling options for you.

Restyle Your Fur is proud to make perfect fur alterations with always on time delivery.

If you were lucky enough to receive a fur coat from past generations, it may require a restyle to keep up with today’s fashion trends. Updating your furs will give you a new piece you can comfortably wear and even pass down to younger generations.

Restyle Your Fur is an independent business that continues to fuel the ever-evolving restyling market. All furs are restyled in the United States by their highly qualified professionals. To learn more about Restyle Your Fur, visit RestyleYourFur.com. The Lily Pad is thrilled to partner with them for this event!

ROCK & ROLL Hall of Famer Dion DiMucci is no stranger to Everything Knoxville magazine - he first appeared in the December 2021 edition. As we said of Dion in that article: Say the name “Dion” (as in Dion and the Belmonts), and all sorts of great songs come to mind.

Tunes like “I Wonder Why,” “A Teenager in Love,” “The Wanderer,” and “Runaround Sue” are among the many songs Dion DiMucci has burned into the memory of baby boomers the world over. Since those wonderful days in the ‘60s, Dion has continued to record so much more great music, crossing genres and remaining fresh and relevant all the way to today.

In that article, we chatted with Dion about his then-new blues album, Stomping Ground, that featured many guitar greats. Like then, we spoke again recently about his latest album, Girl Friends.

This album finds Dion recording duets with 12 renowned female musical collaborators - his “girl friends.” Those women artists are Rory Block, Carlene Carter, Shemekia Copeland, Debbie Davies, Randi Fishenfeld, Sue Foley, Danielle Nicole, Christine Ohlman, Maggie Rose, Joanne Shaw Taylor, Susan Tedeschi, and Valerie Tyson. They join Dion on this album’s amazing songs.

Dion said of working with these women: “Well, they changed the atmosphere in the room but, believe me, not only are they beautiful, they’re talented and they walk into a room and the atmosphere changes. With a bunch of guys in there, it wouldn’t be nothing.”

“It’s fun working with these girls - I never tell them what to do. Never, because they’re artists. They’re hearing what they hear, and I don’t want to fool with it. They just contribute what their soul and heart and mind and conscience is telling them to play.”

One “girl friend” Dion speaks fondly of is blues musician and historian Rory Block.

“Rory Block always comes up with her own thing,” he said. “She’s got so much to draw on, you know, her intuition bank is so huge. And

DION DIMUCCI and His Girl Friends

BY RANDY PATTERSON, BOOMEROCITY.COM

when she rocked out on that song with me (‘Don’t You Want a Man Like Me’), she said, ‘I wouldn’t play this for your wife.’ She went bonkers on it. She reminded me of Meg Ryan in that Billy Crystal movie, you know? ‘I’ll have what she’s having.’ Ha! Ha!”

Joanne Shaw Taylor is another blues great who is a “girl friend” on Dion’s new album. He spoke glowingly of her.

“You mentioned Joanne Shaw Taylor. I had this rock rocker, you know, this thing called ‘Just Like That.’ I got on Joe Bonamassa’s Blues Cruise, and I heard her, you know? I’ve been listening to her for a while, but I’d never met her. I met her and said, ‘Joanne,

do this song for me,’ and she said, ‘I’d love to,’ and she rocked it out, man! She’s something else!

Did the rock and roll icon sense that any of his “girlfriends” were intimidated to be working with him?

“I didn’t sense any,” he said. “First of all, a lot of them are my friends. Christine Ohlman - I’ve known for a long time, and Rory Block. Oh, and Sue Foley I’ve known a long time.”

As for Dion’s “unintimidated” chat when he called Susan Tedeschi about joining him on Girl Friends “I call Susan Tedeschi - this is so funny. She’s so down to earth. She don’t care. I call

her and I said, ‘Susan, I’d like you to do a song - I have a song. What do you think?’ She says, ‘Can I FaceTime you?’ I said sure. So, she FaceTimes me. She’s sitting out on the back, like veranda up in Georgia. She’s sitting there like, you know, no makeup, hair up. She looks like she’s just cleaning the house or something. She turns the camera around (facing away). ‘You got to see the deer in the meadow here.’ She turns it around there and you could see forever. There’s no buildings. It was a beautiful pasture, and these deer are coming up to the porch. I’m sitting there watching these deer for 20 minutes, and I’m thinking, ‘I want to ask about my song’, but she’s like, enthralled with this these deer, so she couldn’t care less. Oh, it was great!”

Continuing, he added, “I’ll tell you, Susan Tedeschi is so down to earth. My only regret is I was trying to change it up a little. I didn’t want every song to be a dialogueyou know, back and forth. So, we promised each other that, up the line, we’re going to do a song together where she sings on it, not only plays guitar like ‘Soul Force.’”

“I could go on and on about these women! I don’t remember anything that didn’t work.”

There is more to this interview - how making albums has gone from stressful when he was young to enjoyable at this age, added info on his “girl friend” collaborators, and the new Broadway play featuring Dion’s musicthat can be watched on Boomerocity.com, its YouTube channel, and on all major podcast platforms. Dion’s Girl Friends is now on all streaming platforms and wherever you buy your quality music.

Randy’s first interview was at the age of 13 with none other than Col. Tom Parker. Thirtysix years later, he founded Boomerocity.com and has since then launched its podcast and YouTube channel. He has conducted well over 400 interviews with some of the most interesting people in music.

Open Chord Music Shop Your Place for All Things Music™

YOU ARE probably already aware that the Open Chord is a great place to see live music, but did you know that the Open Chord Music Shop is also a great place to pick up new guitar strings, find the perfect guitar strap, or try out some of the coolest pedals? With effects from BOSS , EarthQuaker, MXR and Wampler, you’re sure to dial in the sound you’ve been looking for.

And as the largest Taylor Guitar dealer in the area, Open Chord Music Shop is a full-service music store offering a great selection of all things stringed - electric and acoustic guitars from Taylor, Gibson, Gold Tone, Epiphone, Suhr, in addition to electric basses, ukuleles, banjos, mandolins, and more!

Open Chord Music Shop is your one stop shop for All Things Music! The staff are also musicians so they can help answer your

Seafood

Serve Flavorful, Sustainable

TODAY, MORE THAN half of all seafood consumed in the U.S. is farmraised - a practice known as aquaculture. While the industry has made strides throughout the last few decades, from increasingly sustainable farming practices to technological advancements that can help feed a growing population, not all farmed seafood is equal and neither are the certifications you see on its packaging.

For more than a decade, the global nonprofit Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) has created and enforced the world’s strictest standards for farmed seafood. Its sea green ASC certification label is only found on farmed seafood that meets these high standards - helping seafood shoppers make informed purchasing decisions.

It’s a movement some of the nation’s leading seafood grocers and chefs are getting behind.

“About two-thirds of our seafood offerings are raised on farms, which reflects both growing supply and demand,” said Abe Ng, CEO of the Sushi Maki restaurant chain and market stations. “There’s a much broader customer understanding and appreciation of aquaculture than, say, 10 years ago. However, not all farmed seafood is equal in terms of quality, environmental sustainability, and social responsibility.”

A unique combination of standards help ensure supply chain integrity from the farm to the store while protecting the environment, workers, and communities. ASC’s sea green label only appears on seafood from farms that have been independently assessed and certified as environmentally and socially responsible.

“Whether your seafood is wild-caught or farmed, what matters to today’s shoppers is that it’s high-quality, flavorful, and was fished or farmed in a responsible way that’s good for you and the planet,” said Roger O’Brien, president and CEO of the Santa Monica Seafood market and cafe. “Farm-raised seafood that’s been responsibly certified by the ASC delivers on the assurance that the seafood you’re buying is what it claims to be, which is a key commitment we make to our customers.”

With a trusted certification like the ASC, you can confidently enjoy make-at-home recipes like Honey Mustard Crunch Salmon and Blackened Shrimp Tacos with Creole Remoulade Slaw without sacrificing taste or sustainability.

To find more certification information and discover family-friendly seafood recipes, visit SeaGreenBeGreen.org.

Honey Mustard Crunch Salmon

Recipe courtesy of North Coast Seafoods

Ingredients:

• 1 bag (1 pound, three 6-ounce portions)

North Coast Seafoods ASC-certified Naked Norwegian Salmon

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Honey Mustard Glaze

• 1/3 cup honey

• 1/4 cup whole-grain mustard

• 2 tablespoons smooth Dijon mustard

• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise

• 2 teaspoons horseradish

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Crunch

• 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs

• 2 tablespoons dried parsley

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Directions:

Thaw salmon and pat dry. Arrange on oiled baking tray. Season with salt and pepper. To make glaze - In small bowl, combine honey, mustard, Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, horseradish, and paprika; mix until well combined. Chill glaze until ready to use.

To make crunch - In bowl, combine breadcrumbs, parsley, and oil; mix well. Reserve. Preheat oven to 400º F. Top each salmon portion with 1 tablespoon glaze and spread evenly over fish. Press crunch evenly onto glaze.Bake 15-17 minutes until fish is cooked through. Serve with drizzle of remaining glaze.

Blackened Shrimp Tacos with Creole Remoulade Slaw

Recipe courtesy of Coastal Seafoods and Fortune Fish & Gourmet

Ingredients:

Coleslaw

• 1/3 cup mayonnaise

• 1 tablespoon capers, chopped

• 1 teaspoon stone ground mustard

• 1/3 cup parsley, chopped

• 1/2 teaspoon horseradish

• 1/3 cup red onion, diced

• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning

• 1/2 bag coleslaw mix

Tacos

• 6 small corn tortillas

• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning

• 1/2 pound peeled and deveined ASC-certified shrimp, thawed

• 3 green onions, sliced

• fresh salsa or pico de gallo (optional)

• 1 lime, sliced (optional)

Directions:

To make coleslaw - In bowl, mix mayonnaise, capers, mustard, parsley, horseradish, red onion, and Cajun seasoning. Mix coleslaw and about 3/4 of dressing. Stir until coated then add more dressing, if desired. Refrigerate coleslaw until ready to serve.

To make tacos - Heat grill to medium heat. Once hot, toast tortillas on each side until browned on edges. Stack toasted tortillas on plate and cover with towel until ready to serve.

Pour Cajun seasoning over shrimp and stir until shrimp are coated. Cook shrimp 3-5 minutes per side, or until shrimp are firm and Cajun seasoning is blackened. Remove shrimp from grill to prevent overcooking.

To serve, place about 1/4 cup coleslaw in each tortilla then top with 3-5 shrimp and green onions. Top with salsa or pico de gallo, if desired. Squeeze wedge of fresh lime over top, if desired.

Stop Just Wishing for More Convenience

IN 2017, when the Henrys moved to Tennessee from North Carolina, they were sure to include a few convenient roll-out drawers in the kitchen cabinets of their house when it was being built. They quickly became aware that the limited number of roll-out shelves actually made it more difficult to access the items in the deep lower section of their cabinets. Not big fans of resorting to dropping to their knees on the floor in order to reach items way in the back, they decided that more roll-out shelving would be the best solution.

They had seen ads for Shelf Help, noticing that it was a local company, and gave them a call for a free estimate. After a very positive meeting with the owner of Shelf Help, where they were able to see product samples, discuss solutions for more challenging areas - like cabinets under sinks - and an installation time line, the Henrys were ready to place an order. And what an order it was!

“We can’t say enough great things about Shelf Help, their products, their timeliness, or their installation. We are very happy campers!!”

- The Henrys

“After Shelf Help gave us an estimate, we were so impressed with them and their product that we immediately ordered more than 40 roll-out shelves,” said Dick Henry. “We decided to install them everywhere there were cabinet shelves in the entire house. We ordered them for the kitchen, the laundry, the butler’s pantry, our rec room, and the master bath, which has his and her sink areas. We also ordered shelves for under the kitchen, laundry, and bathroom sinks where we never thought we could have them. Shelf Help can come up with a solution for anywhere you want roll-outs.”

The Henrys were able to have their practical and useful roll-out shelving installed in just a couple of weeks - as promised! The roll-out drawers fit right into any home’s existing cabinets or pantry, providing easier access, better organization, and maximum use available storage space. Shelf Help was able to complete the installation in less than a day so that disruption was limited. Excited to have their cabinet access and function restored, the Henrys could not be happier with their Shelf Help roll-out shelving. Jane Henry reflects, “Never a day goes by that we don’t mention how glad we are to have the many roll-outs. The quality of the shelves is outstanding, it can’t be beat!”

If you are experiencing challenges reaching items in your cabinets, Shelf Help has the understanding and know-how to evaluate, design, measure, and professionally install solutions tailored to your needs and budget. Locally owned and operated, let Shelf Help make the most of your home’s kitchen, bath, or pantry storage space.

THINGS TO DO • PLACES TO GO • PEOPLE TO

THROUGHOUT THE MONTH

River and Real Theatre Company: The Burn Vote at the Old City Performing Arts Center at 7:30 pm. Shows through May 12th. Visit RiverAndRailTheatre.com for info.

Little Women by the Knoxville Children’s Theatre through May 19th. Visit KnoxvilleChildrensTheatre.com for showtimes and tickets.

2024 Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Events through June 17th. The MLK Commemorative Commission is the largest consortium of MLK events in East Tennessee including symposiums, tributes, interfaith prayer services and more. For a listing of all community events, see MLKKnoxville.com.

WordPlayers Young Artists Summer Camp

2024 open registration. Camp #1 Saving Toyland for ages 8-12, June 10-14, 9 am to 2 pm. Camp #2 Much Ado About Nothing for ages 12-15, June 24-28, 9 am to 2 pm. Register early as space is limited at WordPlayers.org.

MAY 10

20th annual John Chavis Golf Classic at Avalon Golf & Country Club. Morning and afternoon flights available. A benefit for Tennessee Children’s Home. Register at events.idonate.com/chavisgolf24.

Sheep Shearing Days at the Museum of Appalachia from 8:30 am to 3 pm.

Used Book Sale by Friends of the Knox County Public Library at the Bearden Branch from 10 am to 5 pm. Also the 11th Tools As Art: Work and Play Opening Reception at the Knoxville Museum of Art from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. Free event.

Reptiles & Amphibians Field Day at Ijams Nature Center from 6:30 to 9:30 pm.

Zach Bryan at Food City Center at 7 pm. Also the 10th at 7 pm.

Soundscapes at the KMA (formerly Alive After Five) at the Knoxville Museum of Art from 7:30 pm to 9:15 pm.

Adeem the Artist at the Bijou Theatre at 8 pm.

The Black Jacket Symphony’s Prince’s Purple Rain at the Civic Auditorium at 8 pm.

MAY 11

40th Annual Bob Watt Youth Fishing Rodeo at Anchor Park in Farragut from 8 to 9 am and 10 to 11 am. Free! Pre-registration required at townoffarragut.recdesk.com/ community/program.

Early Morning Birding: Spring Migration at Ijams Nature Center at 8 am.

Early Morning Paddle at Ijams Nature Center at 8 am.

Global Big Day Spring Birding Walk at Seven Islands State Birding Park from 8 to 11 am.

WDVX KidStuff Live with Miss Lynn at WDVX (301 S Gay Street) from 10 to 11 am. Free!

Southern Skies Music & Whiskey Festival at World’s Fair Park from 11:30 am to 10 pm. Visit SouthernSkiesMusicFestival.com for the lineup.

Pond Exploration at Ijams Nature Center at 1 pm. The Marquee Awards at the Tennessee Theatre at 7 pm. Recognizing local high school students for their achievements in musical theatre; includes live performances.

Blind Boys of Alabama at the Bijou Theatre at 8 pm.

Kevin Gates: The Ceremony Tour at the Civic Coliseum at 8 pm.

Knoxville Symphony Orchestra’s The Music of Elton John with Michael Cavanaugh at the Civic Auditorium at 8 pm.

MAY 12

Mother’s Day

Bird Banding at Seven Islands State Birding Park from 8 to 11 am. Pre-registration required.

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

Second Sunday Art Activity at the Knoxville Museum of Art from 1 to 4 pm. Free for children in grades K-6.

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

Knoxville Community Band Concert at Bearden Middle School at 3 pm. Free! Jazz at Ijams featuring live music, dancing, art, and international cuisine at Ijams Nature Center from 4 to 7 pm. Brent Thompson with the Jazz Pioneers performs at 4 pm, SWINGBOOTY at 5:15 pm.

MAY 13

Memorial May Walk to honor our nation’s heroes at Knoxville National Cemetery (939 Tyson Street) from 11:15 am to noon. A benefit for Carry The Load. Visit CarryTheLoad.org for info or to register.

Erik Larson at the Bijou Theatre at 7 pm.

Shakespeare on the Hill: Kings and Crowns at Mabry-Hazen House at 7 pm. Also the 14th at 7 pm and 15th at 2 pm. Purchase tickets at MabryHazen.com/shakespeare.

MAY 14

Concerts on the Square: Jazz Tuesdays at Market Square at 7 pm. Also the 21st & 28th and June 4th. Free! See page 22.

Tennessee Smokies vs. Rocket City Trash Pandas at Smokies Stadium at 7 pm. Also the 15th-18th at 7 pm and 19th at 2 pm.

MAY 15

Brown Bag Lecture Series - The Biggs Machine: Politics in Polk County, Tennessee at the East Tennessee History Center from noon to 1 pm. Free!

Night at the Museum at the Mabry-Hazen House from 6 to 9 pm.

MAY 16

Local Voices: Author Talks with Michael Jordan at the Historic Ramsey House from 6 to 7:30 pm.

Sarah Jane Hardrath Kramer Lecture at the Knoxville Museum of Art from 6 to 8 pm. Free and open to the public.

Concerts on the Square: Variety Thursdays featuring 12Eleven Band in Market Square at 7 pm. Free! See page 22.

Knoxville Symphony Orchestra’s Verdi Requiem at 150 Years at the Tennessee Theatre at 7:30 pm. Also the 17th at 7:30 pm.

MAY 17

Man Moon: A Tribute to Genesis at the Old City Performing Arts Center from 6 to 9 pm.

Evening Paddle at Ijams Nature Center from 7:30 to 9:30 pm.

Leo Kottke at the Bijou Theatre at 8 pm.

MAY 18

Smoky Mountain Scottish Festival & Games at Townsend Visitor’s Center. SmokyMountainGames.org for tickets. Also the 19th.

Birding Field Day at Ijams Nature Center at 7 am.

Grappling Games, a Brazilian Jiu-jitsu and submission grappling tournament for all ages, at the Convention Center from 9 am to 4 pm.

Children’s Festival of Reading at World’s Fair Park from 10 am to 3 pm. See page 44.

Kayaking 101 at Seven Islands State Birding Park from 10 am to 4 pm.

Caving Trip at Ijams Nature Center at 1 pm.

Ghosts: Do You Believe? at the Bijou Theatre at 8 pm.

MAY 19

Knoxville Opera’s 20th Anniversary Croquet Tournament at UT RecSports Complex from 10 am to 5 pm.

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

Open Streets Knoxville on North Central Street (from Oklahoma Ave. to Emory Place) from 2 to 6 pm. Explore local businesses, eat good food, and play in the streets!

Nitty Gritty Dirt Band: Farewell Tour at the Tennessee Theatre at 7:30 pm.

Patty Griffin at the Bijou Theatre at 7:30 pm.

MAY 20

2024 Visit Knoxville Open golf tournament at Holston Hills Country Club through the 26th. Tickets at VisitKnoxOpen.com.

MAY 21

In This Moment: The GODMODE Tour with Kim Dracula, I See Stars, and Mike’s Dead at the Tennessee Theatre at 6:30 pm.

MAY 22

For the First & Last Time: Grateful Shred & Circles Around the Sun at the Bijou Theatre at 8 pm.

MAY 23

Last day for Knox County Schools students. Old City Market Spring Fest on West Jackson Avenue from 5 to 9 pm.

Knox Heritage East Tennessee Preservation Awards at the Emporium at 6 pm. See page 44.

Lionel Richie and Earth, Wind & Fire: Sing a Song All Night Long at Food City Center at 7:30 pm.

May Full Moon Walk at Seven Islands State Birding Park from 8:30 to 10 pm.

MAY 24

Full Moon Paddle at Ijams Nature Center from 8 to 10 pm.

MAY 25

Early Morning Paddle at Ijams Nature Center at 7 am. Paddle the French Broad at Seven Islands State Birding Park from 10 am to noon.

A Taste of Tennessee Music & Food Festival at World’s Fair Park from 12 to 8 pm. Also the 26th.

Pond Exploration at Ijams Nature Center at noon.

Evening Paddle at Ijams Nature Center from 7:30 to 9:30 pm.

MAY 26

Bird Banding at Seven Islands State Birding Park from 8 to 11 am. Pre-registration required.

Amadeus Chamber Ensemble: ¡Fiesta Espanola! at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus (711 S. Northshore) from 5:30 to 6:45 pm. Free! See page 22.

MAY 27

Memorial Day

Oak Ridge Community Band Memorial Day Concert at A.K. Bissell Park (1403 Oak Ridge Turnpike) at 7 pm. Free, bring chairs or blankets for outdoor seating.

MAY 28

Tennessee Smokies vs. Chattanooga Lookouts at Smokies Stadium at 7 pm. Also the 29th through June 1 at 7 pm and June 2nd at 2 pm.

MAY 31

2024 North America East Semifinal by Syndicate Crown at the Civic Coliseum from 9 am to 5 pm. Also June 1st from 9 am to 6 pm and June 2nd from 9 am to 4 pm.

The Foreigner by Larry Shue at Theatre Knoxville Downtown (800 S Central) through June 16th. Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 7:30 pm, Sundays at 3 pm. For info visit TheatreKnoxville.com.

Evening Paddle at Ijams Nature Center from 7:30 to 9:30 pm.

Steep Canyon Rangers at the Bijou Theatre at 8 pm.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

JUNE 1

Statehood Day at Marble Springs Historic Site from 10 am to 4 pm.

Knoxville’s Largest Kids’ Party at World’s Fair Park from 10 am to 5 pm. Kids activities, appearances by princesses and superheroes, 80-foot obstacle course, water slide, entertainment, ultimate kids menu, and more! Visit KnoxLargestKidsParty.com for info.

The Scruffy City Jazz Festival with the Knoxville Jazz Orchestra in Market Square from 5:30 to 10 pm.

National Trails Day Sunset Hike at Seven Islands State Birding Park from 7:30 to 9 pm. Pre-registration required.

2024 Bijou Jubilee with The Mavericks at the Bijou Theatre at 8 pm.

Nief-Norf Summer Festival at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville through the 16th. Visit NiefNorf.org/summer-festival/2024 for info.

JUNE 2

Walk Run Pedal Jamz Festival® at World’s Fair Park from 11 am to 5 pm. Festival includes vendor & food tents, a kid’s zone, toddler walk, charity walk/run and destination bike ride, live music, and free giveaways & drawings. Free! Visit WalkRunPedalJamzFestival.com for info.

JUNE 3

Summer Art Academy, featuring classes and workshops for ages 3-17, at the Knoxville Museum of Art through July 26th

JUNE 4

Bark in the Park at New Harvest Park from 4 to 8 pm. Free!

Tennessee Smokies vs. Birmingham Barons at Smokies Stadium at 7 pm. Also the 5th-8th at 7 pm and 9th at 2 pm.

JUNE 5

Kid A’Riffic Fun in the Park at Baxter Ave. Park & Fire Station #3 (204 E. Baxter Ave.) from 10 am to 1 pm. Enjoy making crafts, playing games, and more! For children ages 2-12, all activities are free! See page 20.

JUNE 6

Cancer Support of East TN: Good Vibrations Concert with music by Cruz Contreras at Yee-Haw Brewing Company (745 N Broadway) from 6 to 9 pm. A benefit for Cancer Support Community East Tennessee. Info and tickets at CancerSupportET.org/good-vibs. See page 44.

JUNE 7

Rhinestone Fest (formerly Dolly Fest) in and around the Old City. Also the 8th. Family friendly event, free to attend. For info visit OldCityKnoxville.org/RhinestoneFest.com.

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

Fantastic Mr. Fox by the Knoxville Children’s Theatre through the 23rd. Visit KnoxvilleChildrensTheatre.com for showtimes and tickets.

JUNE 8

Downtown Home Tour throughout various downtown residential properties from 10 am to 5 pm. For info visit EastTNHistory. org/event/downtown-home-tour.

Summer Marketplace at Historic Ramsey House from 10 am to 4 pm. Free!

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

Summer Soirée at the Knoxville Museum of Art from 7 to 11 pm.

Brad Williams with JB Ball at the Tennessee Theatre at 7:30 pm.

Fireflies Open Viewing Night at Seven Islands State Birding Park from 8 to 11 pm. Pre-registration required.

JUNE 9

Second Sunday Art Activity at the Knoxville Museum of Art from 1 to 4 pm. Free for children in grades K-6.

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

Youth Gospel Explosion at the Civic Auditorium at 5 pm.

All event dates and times subject to change.

WORLD'S FAIR PARK • MAY 18 • 10 AM - 3 PM • FREE EVENT!

ENJOY READING, music, and fun with storytellers, musicians, authors, and illustrators at the 18th Children’s Festival of Reading.

Snap a selfie with a character, sing along in the music tent, be amazed in the Science and Discovery tent, sit on the edge of your seat for a great yarn in the Storytelling Tent, splash and play in Toddler Town, and so much more.

Meet featured authors Alan Gratz, Cozbi Cabrera, Gale Galligan, Deb Pilutti, Antwan Eady, and Ashlyn Anstee, along with costumed storybook characters from Paddington Bear, Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus, and Where the Wild Things Are

Be sure to visit the Summer Library Club tent at the Festival to register for the Summer Learning Adventure that rewards kids, teens, and adults for reading or listening to books during the summer. When you’ve met your goal, return to any library location to receive a Read City prize. Kids and teens also earn a reward book full of treats and adventures like pizza, skating, arcade play, bowling, and more!

Join us for an epic day of celebrating books, authors, and the literary arts. Read more about the featured artists, authors, and performance schedules at KnoxCountyLibrary.org.

Vibrations

A benefit concert

MUSIC BY CRUZ CONTRERAS YEE-HAW BREWING CO. 745 N BROADWAY

THURSDAY, JUNE 6TH, 6-9 PM

RAIN OR SHINE!

For ticket and sponsorship information, contact Renee Dawson, RDawson@CancerSupportET.org

865-546-4661

A Sweet Link to Knoxville’s Past

THE CANDY FACTORY, located at 1060 World’s Fair Park Drive in Knoxville, is a sweet part of Knoxville’s rich history. Located next to the Knoxville Museum of Art and World’s Fair Park, the structure was built for Littlefield, Steere & Sanders (later, Littlefield & Steere), manufacturers of candies.

Littlefield, Steere & Sanders had its beginnings in the block of Gay Street south of the Southern Railroad Station on Depot Avenue. Dependent on the railroad for its shipments of raw material and finished product, the candy company flourished in the rapidly expanding economy of Knoxville and the southeast region.

By the early 20th century, the company had outgrown its Gay Street location and the L&N Railroad had built new tracts linking Knoxville with its larger regional market. These tracts (formerly located in World’s Fair Park) created expansion possibilities for the company.

In 1917, the company built a small manufacturing operation at the corner of 10th Street (today, World’s Fair Park Drive) and the Clinch Avenue Viaduct. By 1924, the company had outgrown the building and commissioned Knoxville architects R.F. Graf & Sons to design a larger facility to meet the needs of the company’s growing production and popularity. The candy company manufactured a full line of handmade bon bons, chocolate, and marshmallows, and by the early 20th century, they were shipping candies to 21 states and sold more than 400 different kinds of confections. The business

closed in 1933, reportedly not due to the Depression but because the owners decided to pursue different business ventures.

By 1946, the building was used as a warehouse for Miller’s Department Store. In the late 1970s, Knoxville Community Development Corporation took ownership of the building for use in the 1982 World’s Fair, hosting several restaurants.

After the World’s Fair, the building began its life as a place for artists to rent out studio spaces and galleries, eventually hosting classes, meeting places, and offices for the various art organizations of Knoxville. It even provided the Knoxville Museum of Art with a retail outlet space conveniently located right next door. Sweetness returned to the Candy Factory’s walls once again in 1993, with The South’s Finest Chocolate Factory starting a branch there and taking over much of the main floor. The rest of the building still housed studios, offices, and art galleries. In 2013, the building was renovated and currently houses condominiums and retail spaces.

The Knox Heritage mission is to protect Knoxville’s unique character for future generations by preserving, restoring, and transforming historically significant structures and places. Established in 1974 as a nonprofit historic preservation organization, Knox Heritage is chartered by the state of Tennessee and governed by a board of directors.

Top photo courtesy of Wikimedia/Lee Ann Ratledge

LEUCOJUM:

A Lesser-Known Spring Showstopper

BY ANDY PULTE, FACULTY MEMBER, DEPARTMENT OF PLANT SCIENCES

EXPANDING YOUR spring flower bulb palate beyond the basics is a good way to extend your garden’s flowerpower and enjoyment in the spring. One bulb I consider underused in Tennessee is Leucojum aestivum (Zone 4-8). Leucojum is a European and Western Asiatic species perfectly suited for our state.

Leucojum is often listed under the common name summer snowflake. This is misleading in our region because it is often in full bloom in mid to late March. This is right in concert with mid to late season daffodils.

White bell-like flowers edged in green sit atop 12- to 14-inch flower stocks that nod downward. Flowering can last a few weeks in the garden, particularly if the weather is mild. Bees flock to the little bells and get to work the minute the first flower opens. Each stem can have as many as six individual blooms.

If you want to add Leucojum to your garden, seek out bulbs from a reputable source and fall plant. If you have a gardening friend who is willing to share some of this wonderful plant, divide clumps and replant in early summer as foliage starts to turn yellow. Plants will continue to go dormant, and you should be rewarded the following spring.

When choosing a location for this plant, think of semi-shady zones or sunny areas with good soil and adequate moisture in the spring. I have grown this in nearly full shade. However, the edges of woodlands where spring light abounds seems the best. All that being said, I would not be overly fussy with placement.

After flowering, allow foliage to remain until it is completely yellow and withered. This will keep plants coming back year after year. Leucojum is deer, rabbit, and rodent resistant in the garden because of alkaloids present in the plant. Clumps take a few years to bulk-up, so be patient - the reward will come soon enough.

This plant is featured in the “Tranquility” Hosta Garden at UT Gardens, Knoxville.

The UT Gardens includes plant collections located in Knoxville, Crossville, and Jackson, Tennessee. 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 stewardship of plants through garden displays, educational programs, and research trials. The Gardens are open during all seasons and free to the public.

Leucojum produces white bell-like flowers in the spring and adds to a garden of daffodils or looks beautiful by itself. Perfectly suited for Tennessee gardens, it has alkaloids that make it unappetizing to deer, rabbits, and rodents.

Photo by Andy Pulte, courtesy UTIA.

Courtesy of Wikimedia/Meneerke bloem

IDON’T

KNOW about you, but I think I have whiplash after this spring! Those ups and downs made it hard on some of our plants - and on us! Let’s cross our fingers that the craziness is past.

May is one of a gardener’s busiest months, so let’s get started on your to-do list:

❀ It is critical that you do a good checkup on your yard this month. You need to know how much damage was done by the cold and wind. Tender plants and plants with new growth took quite a hit, so you may need to do some careful pruning. Remember that they are not dead if the branches are flexible! If you need some guidance, please give us a call.

❀ Look up. Check the trunk and canopies of your trees. Do you see sparse areas, dead or dying branches, woodpecker holes, or mushrooms? Is there sawdust at the base? Are there holes that seem to be too small (toothpick size) for woodpeckers? Do you have oozing areas? All these are signs that your tree could be struggling. If so, you need an arborist, which is basically a tree doctor. Call us for recommendations.

❀ Look down. Do you have signs of moles or voles? They can be chased off with a repellant. If something is digging, it is likely possums, squirrels, or skunks looking for grubs so apply a grub killer. Do you have brown patches or dead areas in your lawn? All the rain could have caused fungal brown patch.

❀ Look all around. Check for signs of disease and insects on your plants. So far, we are seeing a lot of fungal infections, azaleas with lace bugs, crepe myrtles with bark scale (another reason to NOT commit crepe murder, as it makes them more susceptible), and laurels with phytophthora root rot. It is easier to treat plants if you catch an outbreak before it becomes an infestation!

❀ If you are planting this year, get larger trees and shrubs in by the end of June so they can establish root systems before they start battling the heat. It will also behoove you to not postpone planting this year, as we are encountering even more plant shortages.

❀ Smaller shrubs and ornamentals can be planted throughout the spring and summer but may require a little more attention to help them get established. They are trying to put down roots and grow at the same time. Don’t overcrowd them, and give them a gentle boost with an organic fertilizer regularly.

❀ Let’s talk about water - because over or under-watering is the number one plant killer. Please remember that sprinkler systems are great for grass and flowers, but they are often inadequate for trees and shrubs. You need to get 1” of water

in the Garden

BY LISA GRUGIN

to the roots of larger plants every week. If it gets dry, I drag the hose out to my trees/large shrubs and turn it on just a trickle. I let it run for 20 minutes or so, then move it to the next plant. I strongly suggest you set a timer, as I have turned my yard into a bog a couple of times by leaving the hose going overnight! It is important to water deeply and less frequently to encourage plants to develop deep roots instead of shallow roots. It is also best to water in the morning. Try to keep the water at soil level instead of overhead. Watering the foliage encourages fungal growth.

❀ Did you mulch this spring? If not, think about applying a fresh layer or top-dressing. At least go out and take a rake to old mulch to “fluff” it, because it becomes very compacted during the winter. Mulch adds a neat look and keeps soil temperature and moisture levels stable. It also breaks down and adds nutrients to the soil.

❀ You can prune spring bloomers once the blooms have faded. Please do some research or give us a call if you need help. Remember that you are doing surgery on the plant, so don’t go out and start

whacking!

❀ Wait until the foliage has died down before cutting back spring bulbs. They are storing energy for next year’s blooms. A little Bulb-tone will give them a boost.

❀ Some of your perennials may need a little assistance as they emerge. Tall plants may need to be staked or caged, and it is easier to do that while the plants are small. You can also pinch plants back to encourage them to be shorter and bushier.

❀ Be a friend to the birds and they will be a friend to you! Keep those feeders and baths full and clean. Birds will remove lots of pesky insects, so attract them to your yard with plants, houses, feeders, and water sources.

We are getting several trucks in every week, so stop by often to see what is new. Happy gardening!

865.986.7229

New Exhibitions Opening

Emporium Center May 3

THE ARTS & Culture Alliance is pleased to present five new exhibitions at the Emporium Center in downtown Knoxville from May 3-31. Most of the works on exhibition will be for sale and may be purchased by visiting in person or the online shop at KnoxAlliance.store.

Tennessee Watercolor Society: Biennial Juried Exhibition in the Lower Gallery

Rulla Habiby: Happiness in the Atrium

Tennessee Watercolor Society (TnWS), a statewide artists’ organization, will showcase 50 original watercolor paintings selected by distinguished juror Don Andrews - an accomplished watercolor artist and book author who has garnered national and international awards and published several books on watercolor methods. While the paintings include a wide variety of styles and subject matter, all are completed using a watermedia on paper, a founding requirement of all entries into the prestigious Biennial Exhibition. TnWS has more than 250 members throughout Tennessee encompassing five regions centered around the principal cities of Memphis, Nashville, Chattanooga, Knoxville, and the Tri-Cities. The biennial exhibition locations are rotated around the state. At the close of the 2024 exhibition in Knoxville, 30 paintings will be selected by the juror to travel to other art venues around the state for the remainder of the year.

Virginia Derryberry: Private Domain and Lisa Kurtz: Earth and Fire in the Upper Gallery

Virginia Derryberry artist statement excerpts: The large scale figure narrative paintings in this series of paintings blend elements from mythology and alchemy, the forerunner of modern science. In all my “re-enactments,” I place the characters in contemporary clothing and scenarios. The intent is to suggest multiple interpretations rather than create straightforward illustration of a specific narrative, a fitting choice in that alchemy and mythology by nature are about the process of transformation. These paintings have become more complex and have begun to incorporate multiple canvases, as well as fabric, embroidery, and found objects as a way to expand the idea of traditional narrative.

Rulla Habiby is a multi-media artist, painting in abstract and figurative styles, working with concrete and various clays, and using experience with graphic design in her works. Her paintings are characterized by bold and dramatic colors, combined into a fluid harmony. She was born and raised in the city of Haifa, Israel, and moved with her family to Knoxville more than 20 years ago. Early in life, Habiby showed a passion and talent for painting. Her unique background brings together the East and the West into a dazzling blend of her colors, feelings, and soul.

CT Kellar: Paper Work on the North Wall

CT Kellar was born the son of a Southern Baptist minister and counts as his heritage the red dirt and green pines of the Sierra foothills. Wanderlust has led him to live on a boat in Monterey Bay, a repurposed orphanage in Northern California, a restored Victorian in Juneau, Alaska, and now in his current art-filled bungalow in Knoxville. Kellar has reinvented himself multiple times, on both the professional front as sportswriter, house painter, hightech sales guy, and social worker, as well as creatively as frontman for an indie rock band, poet, playwright, and currently: collage artist.

M. Kobe & Dongyi Wu: Alternating Remnants in the Display Case

Lisa Kurtz artist statement excerpts: I strive for the human connection between my work and the user of my pieces: If I make a handle that fits so comfortably in your hands you want to use it every morning, or a bowl that you want to serve food in at every family celebration, then I feel successful. Textures (impressed from salvaged fabric) and colors in water, sand, shells, rocks, sea birds, and marine creatures inform my work in clay and my hand-mixed glazes. I often combine thrown and hand building. The pieces in this exhibition were chosen for the atmospheric effects obtained in the kiln that show through on the clay and/or glazes.

M. Kobe is a storyteller and multi-disciplinary artist working primarily with textiles and found natural materials. She is currently an Artist in Residence at the Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts. Artist statement excerpts: The art objects I make, tapestries and sculptures, are embedded with found natural or “lucky” materials and imbued with personal narrative. I make my work with gratitude and admiration and as a critical yet redemptive response to the complicated places I call home. Dongyi Wu, born and raised in China, is a contemporary jewelry artist and is also an Artist in Residence at the Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts. Artist statement excerpts: My works span across contemporary jewelry, body jewelry, fashion art, sculpture, and conceptual installation, and contemporary jewelry is the primary medium of my current artistic research. I treat jewelry as a tool to explore the relationship between human bodies and their surrounding spaces, as well as a visual language that is delivered to others without real words.

The exhibitions will be on display at the Emporium Center, located at 100 S. Gay Street in Knoxville. The Emporium is open to the public Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm, Saturday (May 4 & 11) from 10 am to 1 pm, and Friday, May 10 from 5 to 7 pm for Gallery 1010 opening. For more information, call 865-523-7543 or visit KnoxAlliance.com.

Lisa Kurtz

Virginia Derryberry

M. Kobe

Larry Hughes

Dongyi Wu

CYBER SAFETY TRAVEL TIPS

COURTESY OF BPT

PLANNING TO TRAVEL or looking forward to vacations in 2024? As you make your packing list, don’t forget about cybersecurity.

While fraudsters work year-round, Spring Break and summer travel provides many opportunities for them to steal personal information and dampen your festivities. However, with a little preparation, you can protect yourself and your devices so you can focus on celebrating with your loved ones. Use the following tips to safeguard your digital information.

Get smart before you leave home

Tighten your device security by locking cellphones, tablets, laptops, etc. Create strong, unique passwords that combine at least eight numbers, letters, and special characters.

Don’t forget to get your devices travel-ready by updating all operating systems and apps. This helps ensure your devices are protected from any known vulnerabilities. For an added layer of security, protect your smartphones and laptops with security software like Norton 360.

Stay clear of public Wi-Fi and opt for a VPN

Free public networks at airports, hotels, coffee shops, and even airplanes are incredibly convenient. However, they can also make you an easy target for hackers. Your personal data and passwords - including sent emails, banking information, and credit card details - will be exposed, leaving you vulnerable to identity theft. Protect your identity and other sensitive information by using a virtual private network (VPN). A VPN allows you to hide your online activity so cybercriminals can’t see your location or activity. Always verify that your destination location is covered by the VPN’s service before you sign up. Also, be sure to disable automatic Wi-Fi connections to prevent your device from unknowingly connecting to unsecured networks.

Hold off on sharing

BYOC: Bring Your Own Charger

Even something as innocuous as charging your device in a public area poses a security risk. For example, hackers may have tampered with a USB port at a public charging station, a tactic known as “juice jacking,” which allows them to access your personal information once you plug in.

Invest in a portable charger and a new power cord to keep your data safe. Don’t access or enter any private information and power off your devices when charging.

Beat the Bluetooth bandits

Bluetooth-connected headphones, game consoles, or other devices are a great way to pass the time during long layovers, flights, or road trips. However, those connections are also vulnerable to hacker attacks like BlueSnarfing, BlueJacking, or eavesdropping.

When not in use, turn your Bluetooth off and avoid keeping your device in discoverable mode, which makes it visible to others. Secure your connection by using PINS, passkeys, or other secure pairing methods. Disable automatic pairing to prevent unauthorized devices from connecting to you.

Don’t share information about your trip that might compromise your safety. Broadcasting your travel plans or location on social media can be a risk to your physical safety. Also, sharing your vacation information exposes you to threats like identity theft, phishing, and other online scams.

Wait until you return from your trip to post details and photos to prevent crooks from accessing your geotag data. If you post to social media while traveling, turn off location services and avoid automatic “checkins” that reveal your location.

Never post photos of tickets, boarding passes, or passports even after you’ve returned home from your adventures. If you do post travel documents, make sure you cover up the barcodes and primary info.

Vacation and travel with peace of mind so you can focus on precious time spent with friends and family. Using these top five tips, you can stay cyber savvy. You can make your travels even more secure by getting comprehensive Cyber Safety protection like Norton 360 with LifeLock Select, which offers antivirus, malware, ransomware, hacking protection, a password manager, privacy monitoring, parental controls, and a VPN to help keep your internet browsing private. LifeLock monitors possible threats and helps you recover should your identity be stolen. To learn more about how you can be Cyber Safe this travel season, visit US.Norton.com.

In Advertising, It’s Often Both/And, Not Either/Or

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BY CHUCK MORRIS

I was just starting my career a thousand years ago in the early ’90s, print advertising was king. I worked for a media company then, and we believed in print’s effectiveness so strongly that we were able to sell and develop custom, single-sponsor magazines and books for some of the world’s most recognizable brands: Johnson & Johnson, Ralston-Purina, Seagram’s, and Federal Express, to name a few. It was our entire business. Clearly, those brands believed in print, too.

The internet and digital advertising weren’t even a thing then, but something called “desktop publishing” (I laugh even as I type this) was upending entire disciplines: from writing and editing to typesetting, graphic design, production/pre-press, and printing. Some of you (wink) know what I’m talking about.

Then Adobe’s® portable document format (PDF®) came out. People were saying that the end of books and magazines was near.

People said that we wouldn’t need printing of any kind anymore, including desktop printing on lasers and ink jets. We were promised an earth-friendly “paperless office.”

Fast forward to today, and not only are we still printing, arguably, we’re printing even more. And we have AI now, just to keep things interesting, LOL. In a sort of déjà vu, AI futurists have predicted that entire swaths of jobs will be eliminated because AI will do all the work.

As usual, I believe that we will find that the past is not necessarily prologue.

So, what’s working in advertising now ? My answer sounds like I’m trying to weasel my way out of answering, but it depends And indeed, it does.

We often say at our firm, “We don’t know what we don’t know, but what we don’t know we can test.” And as a guiding principle, we also say, “We’re strategically focused and tactically agnostic.”

There have never been more ways to reach your customers than there are today, and that makes answering the question difficult. What we used to call “audience fragmentation” (the specific demographic and psychographic niches - now “buyer personas”) is also the highest it’s ever been. Chances are that you may have as many as 10 buyer personas, all with different buying

motivations. Combine unprecedented audience splintering with the proliferation of media channels and you have a fine mess of decisions to make.

The oversimplified answer is that it’s usually both/and, not either/or. In fact, when it comes to just print versus digital advertising, studies show that campaigns are 24% more effective (measured brand recall) with both than either alone.

Print advertising has these primary advantages: 1) credibility (local reach and trust; 54% of adults trust print over digital), 2) lifespan (magazines have shelf life and typically have a 3x readership), 3) sensory (you can feel and touch a magazine), and 4) better brand recall.

Digital advertising has these primary advantages: 1) lower cost and commitment, 2) real-time engagement (often at the moment of buying decisions), 3) precise targeting, and 4) detailed analytics for measuring ROI.

By leveraging the unique advantages of each and integrating them into a cohesive campaign, businesses can truly maximize their marketing return on investment (ROI).

Here are a few considerations for a successful campaign:

• Strategy. Lewis Carroll said, “If you don’t know where you’re going, any road will get you there.” We always begin with strategy, not tactics. Advertising is always tactical, but many clients start there because doing the strategy work is hard. What do we want to happen that supports our clients’ goals? (Could be sales, awareness, goodwill, or any combination.)

• Message and Audience. We use a Messaging Matrix for this, which is a 3x3 grid for the top three messages we want our top three buyer/prospect personas (target audiences) to hear.

• Test. For digital, if you can run an A/B test on a small scale, do it. You will learn something that will likely save you money later. This is in the absence of bona fide primary market research, which is even better.

• Refine. If there’s a clear “winning horse” based on your A/B test, run with it and tweak as you go.

• Measure. How’d we do in the metrics (key performance indicators, or KPIs) that matter: eyeballs, awareness, engagement, conversions, overall sales?

• Repeat. In magazine and newspaper advertising, we used to say that repetition is better than size. In other words, if you have to choose, run six half-page ads instead of one full-page ad. That’s still a universal truth. Consistent presence and compelling messaging, not splash, is what wins.

Chuck Morris is a fractional CMO to several companies and also principal and founder of Morris, a marketing, branding, advertising, and digital media company headquartered in Knoxville. The company website is Morris.Agency.

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