Everything Knoxville October 2023 Edition

SEE OUR ARTICLE ON PAGE 8

10

Marsh Wealth Management

Learn how Social Security is your biggest asset in retirement.

13 Auction Factory

Assisting both buyers and sellers with their innovative online marketplace.

15 PremierGarage

Top 5 garage renovation tips to boost your home's value.

30 Dogtopia

6 tips to ensure your canine companion has a safe Halloween.

32 Surface Doc

Inside or out, big or small, they can do it all.

51 Southeastern Dermatology

Celebrating 20 years with 20% off during their Glammiversary event.

From the Publisher

THERISE of social media “influencers” has definitely made an impact. Whether you love checking in or bash it for its opinionated oversharing and attention seeking content, I get that. But lately I have been really drawn to those who tell a great story or share a skill or learning experience.

One middle school teacher with a storytelling giftplus a real heart for his past students - has become a good reminder to me that kids (and people in general) are just trying to figure out their world and how to live in it. Another favorite is a former house cleaner who has the best tips on cleaning anything and everything - without hawking too many products. She now cleans houses for those in need - free of charge - awesome! There are those who give advice on refinishing furniture based on their own hits and misses, travel blogs that give “every man insider information” on many a destination, and don’t even get me started on all the incredibly creative projects

ANDY WOOD, part of this generation’s most influential guitarists, loves Knoxville, the Open Chord, and all things music. With his Appalachian bluegrass roots and a GUITARMAGGEDON win under his belt, Andy’s playing is an eclectic mix of jazz, swing, fusion, and rock - just to name a few. He tours, teaches, and has a new album coming out this year - Charisma!

Susan Cafferty Publisher + Editor

Brett Cafferty Marketing + Operations

Kendra Menendez Editor + Administration

Meredith Hancock Design + Production Contact Information Post Office Box 24532 Knoxville, TN 37933 865.640.3015

Reach us Online info@everythingknoxville.com EverythingKnoxville.com

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that I know I will never get around to doing myself.

My point is to seek out and appreciate the positive information and knowledge of others - and to share your own. We all have a skill, interest, or wisdom that would benefit someone else. Interested in the latest novel? Start a book club - locally or remotely. Love to bake? Share yummies and recipes with neighbors. Love little ones? Volunteer for your church nursery or to entertain kids while their parents go to the store.

In our feature this month, Randy Holmes opened the Open Chord Stage and Music Shop because he wanted to share his love of “all things music.” Whether you are motivated to turn your passion into a business or are content with just blessing your community, we all have something to share.

Here’s to appreciating the human experience and what we can all add to it.

Susan Cafferty Publisher + Editor

Photo by Golightly Studios

CHOPS. DEDICATION. CHARISMA. A Conversation with Andy Wood

ANDY WOOD has been a musician for a very long time. His website bio reminds us that he finished in 2nd place playing bluegrass at the World Championship Mandolin Contest when he only 16 years old. After learning electric guitar, Andy has since played professionally with the likes of Gary LeVox (Rascal Flatts), Gary Allan, and Scott Stapp (Creed), just to name a fewall while working on solo projects.

Everything Knoxville had the opportunity to talk to Andy at the Open Chord between gigs - the Gary LeVox tour and upcoming Suhr Guitar Workshops in Italy, to be exact - to find out more about his music.

EK: Your musical journey began pretty early. Your grandfather taught you how to play?

Andy: I was born in western North Carolina. When I was about 5 or 6, my grandfather started teaching my cousin, Brian, and I how to play mandolin and fiddle - old-time bluegrass and Appalachian stuff. By the time we were 9 or 10, arcade video games were out, and my grandfather would give us each $5 to spend at the arcade for every song we learned. Our love of video games meant we learned A LOT of fiddle tunes!

Later, we both started playing electric guitar and stayed the course - Brian now plays with Travis Tritt, and I’ve got my solo career and work with Gary LeVox of Rascal Flatts.

EK: With your Appalachian background, what music influences you the most now?

Andy: Everything does! I still consider myself to be so much of a student and lover of music. I will always love bluegrass, especially the “new grass” stuff. The one people probably don’t realize is how much influence I get from cinematic soundtracks, film scores, and things like that. I really, really love that stuff.

EK: Tell us more about the new album you have coming out. Most of the tunes came about during the Covid pandemic. Like everyone else, I thought we’d be back

at work in 3 weeks, which turned into 6 weeks, then 6 months, etc. I was hanging out on Zoom with my buddies, doing panels and master classes and making guest appearances, but I would try to write some simple melodies every night. It was unintentional, but by the time Covid let up, I had over 50 demos and my next record. I lost both my grandfather and my dad during that time, so that was probably the hardest year of my life - all of that is infused in this record also. There is a cover song reimagined as an instrumental guitar tune, the opening song has that cinematic flair to it, and there is a song dedicated to my dad and granddad. I also got some special guests to play on the record like Joe Bonamassa and Brent Mason. This is album #5 for me, and I thought “Let’s have some friends get involved!” So the record is really special and near and dear to my heart.

The album, called Charisma, will be released before the end of the year. We’ll probably launch with vinyl and digital. Downloadable bundles will include guitar transcriptions and a version that’s got my guitar muted so you can jam along. Check AndyWoodMusic.com for pre-order bonuses and those types of things.

EK: Your schedule is crazy busy right now. How do you mentally handle all the demands?

Andy: I saw a little reminder sign while traveling that said “Everything that you’re in is what you wanted.” I needed to see that because it is a lot of work, and I would gladly play the guitar for free. All the other things, that’s what gets me paid - the travel, the sleepless nights, endless airports. The joy is playing for sure. Nothing is better than when you’re having a great gig and you’re clicking with the musicians and the audience is feeding you energy. It’s a very special symbiotic type of thing.

Learn more about Andy Wood’s work with The Woodshed Guitar Experience in Crossville, his YouTube video lessons, and the local, good-time, party band he does with Ben Eller on his website AndyWoodMusic.com. We hope to see him again at the Open Chord soon!

Eric Johnson and Andy Wood

Photos by Golightly Studios and Open Chord/Ella Marston

THE OPEN CHORD Stage and Music Shop on Kingston Pike between Walker Springs and Gallaher View Road truly is All Things Music. The venue that owners Randy and Trish Holmes opened under its current name in 2014 includes a performance stage with space for 200+ listeners, plus a stocked bar with appetizers and entrees. There is also a full-service music store offering a great selection of “all things stringed” and everything you need to go along with it.

As West Knoxville’s premier listening room and music venue, the Open Chord Stage proudly hosts live music every Wednesday through Saturday nights, opening at 6 pm and closing at midnight. Worldclass musicians and singers from around the globe set an eclectic lineup, plus the OC Stage holds an Open Mic Night where up-and-coming locals can try out the tunes they have been practicing to an enthusiastic audience.

Their venue attracts touring bands playing blues, rock, folk, soul, and more for everyone’s listening enjoyment. Couple that with a full bar that specializes in signature cocktails, craft beer, and a yummy food menu, and you are set for a great night with like-minded friends.

A tried and true music enthusiast, Randy strives to make their venue a place where professional musicians and music lovers can come together. He cherishes the fact that his daughter, Allie, manages the kitchen and bar. Teamed with venue manager, Dillon, the Open Chord provides an overall great night out.

Acoustically, the sound of the Open Chord is second to none. Premier guitarist Andy Wood loves playing at the Open Chord, as it reminds him of some of the New York clubs that he’s been in. “It’s small enough to feel a closeness between the artist and audience,” he

said. “A room with a great vibe that is meant for the listening experience.”

The Open Chord Music Shop, located in the same building as the Stage, is a great place to pick up new guitar strings, find the perfect guitar strap, or try out some of the coolest pedals. Not only are they the largest Taylor Guitar dealer in our area, but the Music Shop is a full-service music store offering a great selection of all things stringed - electric and acoustic guitars from Taylor, Gibson, Epiphone, and Suhr, in addition to electric basses, ukuleles, banjos, mandolins, and more.

The Music Shop staff are also musi cians, so they can help answer your questions, direct you towards the best accessories, and even assist with restringing. Whether you are looking for a chord book, capo, picks, cables, amp tubes, new strings, or a repair, the Open Chord Music Shop, open Monday through Saturday from 10 am to 7 pm, has it.

Andy Wood calls the Open Chord “Knoxville’s best kept secret - because some really exceptional acts come through here.”

Check their website or social mediaInstagram and Facebook - for the upcoming shows. Whether you are looking for a special gift for the musician, student, or music lover in your life, knowledgeable recommendations for gear and accessories, or just a great place to meet friends and enjoy a live show at the best listening room in Knoxville, the Open Chord is All Things Music!

Open Chord Stage and Music Shop

8502/8426 Kingston Pike Knoxville, TN 37919 865.281.5874

OpenChordMusic.com

OpenChordMusicShop.com

Randy Holmes, Owner, and Dillon Bunn, Venue Manager

TRANSFORM YOUR HOME WITH QUALITY WINDOW REPLACEMENTS

WHEN IT COMES to enhancing the beauty, comfort, and energy efficiency of your home, few investments yield as significant results as replacing your windows. They let in natural light, provide ventilation, and frame your view of the world. However, over time, the wear and tear of the seasons can take their toll, leading to drafts, decreased energy efficiency, and diminished curb appeal. That’s where Window Depot Knoxville comes in - to rejuvenate your home with the finest window replacement solutions available.

Chuck Dale, owner of Window Depot Knoxville, understands that windows are not merely functional components of your home; they are your connection with the outside world. With more than 30 years in the residential building industry, Chuck believes in delivering only the highest quality products and craftsmanship. He and his knowledgeable project managers, Johnny Patterson and Sam Kornegay, will work closely with you to understand your specific needs, style preferences, and budget constraints.

Not only do they partner with renowned window manufacturers known for their innovation and durability, their extensive range of window options caters to every style and budget, from classic designs to modern aesthetics. Whether you seek the timeless elegance of wooden windows, the low-maintenance ease of vinyl, or the energy efficiency of triple-pane glass, they have the perfect solution for you. Window Depot Knoxville is there to provide expert guidance and communication every step of the way, ensuring that you make informed decisions about your window replacement project.

Window Depot Knoxville takes pride in their work, ensuring precise measurements, meticulous installation, and a seamless finish. They know that the success of any home improvement project lies in the details, and that’s why they never compromise on worksmanship standards. They understand that it is not just the quality of the replacement windows that is important, but also the quality of the overall installation.

Window Depot Knoxville also offers home exterior composite cladding and replacement doors along with their wide selection of windows, so stop by their showroom in Farragut to meet the team and see their quality brands. With Window Depot Knoxville, you can trust that your investment will stand the test of time, keeping your home comfortable and beautiful for years to come.

Window Depot Knoxville

Choosing a Business Leader Peer Advisory Group

BY KURT GREENE, VISTAGE WORLDWIDE, INC. MASTER CHAIR

ASTUDY by Stanford University

found that many CEOs struggle with isolation. While two-thirds of CEOs studied don’t receive outside leadership advice, 100% of respondents said they’d be open to making changes based on advice and feedback if they did.

Let’s explore three common mistakes that business leaders make when selecting a council of peers for perspective and support.

Mistake #1: Settling for a “comfortable” group environment.

Strong peer groups view vulnerability as a strength, not a weakness. A good peer group knows how to make the uncomfortable comfortable and the undiscussable discussable.

Recommendation: Will the peer group help you confront your assumptions and blind spots? If they don’t challenge you, then it won’t change you.

Mistake #2: Assuming that a true peer group must be peer led.

High-performing peer groups are facilitated by a “smart guide” who not only has business experience and expertise, but also takes personal and passionate ownership for unlocking group and individual potential. Smart guides are experts at asking the right questions and have a fearless commitment to creating a learning environment that works for busy leaders.

Recommendation: Make sure the peer group has a smart guide. Does the guide have visible passion, experience, a servant-leader mindset, and know how to keep things fun?

Mistake #3: Downplaying the power of a structured, proven process.

Effective peer groups follow discussion rules that ensure great decisions. If no process or discipline is in place, then discussions can devolve into a free-for-all where the input is influenced mostly by the stronger personalities in the room.

Recommendation: Evaluate the peer group’s methodology. Look for a highly strategic and structured approach that delivers a way forward. Who you surround yourself with matters. Avoid these mistakes to find a safe and confidential council of contemporaries that can be your personal laboratory for professional and personal growth. Trusted peer groups are the best solution for the tremendous responsibilities and solitary challenges that men and women at the top face.

For more information, please contact Kurt at kurt.greene@vistagechair.com or 865-407-0703.

If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.

- African proverb

BY YVONNE MARSH, CFP ® , CPA

EVER SINCE the rules changed several years ago, eliminating the “file and suspend” maximizing strategies that married couples could use, I feel like Social Security strategies have fallen by the wayside and it doesn’t get the attention it still deserves. For a couple living to typical life expectancies, it can easily provide over $1 million in cash flow during retirement.

When to take Social Security is one of the biggest decisions pre-retirees face. Should they take it as soon as they retire? Or should they let it continue to grow while using their assets for income? What about spousal benefits? Ex-spousal benefits? Survivor’s benefits? Every person and every couple has a unique, best strategy, which is why we use software to help us come up with that answer.

Here are a few tips: For married couples, think through BOTH spouse’s lifetimes, because the surviving spouse gets to keep the greater of the two checks. A typical strategy is to have the person with the higher SS benefit defer their benefit, allowing it to grow while the other spouse starts claiming their benefit. Remember that for every year you wait past your Full Retirement Age (FRA is typically 66 to 66½), your benefit increases at a guaranteed 8%. Waiting for four years, from 66 to 70, will result in a 32% larger benefit!

An important caveat: If you work past age 70, don’t wait to start your SS. It won’t grow any further, and at that point, you’re just letting the government keep your benefit.

Divorced? If you were married for more than 10 years and have not remarried, you can be entitled to an ex-spousal benefit. Unless you’re at least your FRA, this benefit is not very big and subject to restrictions.

Widowed? You are the only people left who STILL have the option to claim a survivor’s benefit while letting your own continue to grow at that guaranteed rate before switching over. (See why I have software for this?) I worked with two widows recently who didn’t know this and were leaving money on the table.

Curious how to maximize your benefit? Just provide us your Social Security earnings statement, and we’ll prepare an analysis for only $79. Mention this article and we’ll offer you a discounted price of only $59 through the end of this month.

Marsh Wealth Management, LLC

Fiduciary Registered Investment Advisor 504 Ebenezer Road, Knoxville, TN 37923 865.622.2162

MarshWealth.com

Producing Auction Perfection

COMPETITIVE BIDDING at auction has been an exciting and opportunistic way to purchase goods since 500 BC. With 30 years of experience, Auction Factory provides an innovative online marketplace that has gained significant attention in the e-commerce industry. Sarah Wright and Tony Simpson at the new Auction Factory location here in East Tennessee are committed to aiding buyers and sellers by perfecting a marketplace for them to connect.

AuctionFactory.com provides a userfriendly and intuitive platform that streamlines the auction process, making it accessible for people across the country to bid.

“For each auction, we carefully curate sellers items and verify buyers, offering a secure platform for conducting transactions from the comfort or your home,” explains Sarah. “Auction Factory is not your standard auction company - we bring unique and quality products to our warehouse. We want you to be happy with our selection and only offer new or like-new equipment. From commercial restaurant equipment and

electronics to arcade games, jewelry, and furniture, the marketplace caters to a broad range of buyers. We strive to help you make informed buying decisions by providing detailed item descriptions, photographs, condition, and pricing data.”

Auction Factory provides:

• Monthly auctions with a variety of items

• Dedicated customer support team

• Professional assistance on Preview and Pickup days

• “Wish List” and “Text Reminder” options

Fast transactions

• Shipping, pickup & delivery options

For sellers, Auction Factory can minimize the financial impact of closing a business. With utmost efficiency and speed, they handle the entire process of converting tangible assets into cash, preserving the dignity of the business you worked so hard to grow. By working solely on a commission basis, their team is dedicated to maximizing every dollar for you.

To enhance the buyer’s experience and make auction participation as seamless and rewarding as possible, Tony adds, “We use an online platform that levels the playing

field through a process of staggered ending. Time is added when a new bid is placed. Bidders must refresh the page to be sure they did not get outbid, especially in the last 30 seconds. Another benefit of online auctions is that if you cannot bid live on the night of the auction, you can use the website’s Max Bid feature to ensure you get your favorite items at a price you’re comfortable paying.”

Let Auction Factory assist you in finding exactly what you are looking for or selling your goods at a fair market value. Their online auctions offer a dynamic and efficient platform for buying and selling a wide range of goods that can help jumpstart a new venture, update the old equipment, or turn assets into cash for a business. With the excitement of competitive bidding, an intuitive platform, and 5-star customer service, Sarah and Tony are confident that you will enjoy your experience with Auction Factory.

TOP 5 GARAGE RENOVATION TIPS

UNDERTAKING A GARAGE renovation project can be a rewarding endeavor that not only adds value to your home, but also ensures the preservation of your vehicles and stored items. To make this journey less daunting and more successful, these top five garage renovation tips focus on increasing your home’s value and safeguarding your valuable assets.

1. Elevate Your Home’s Value: Transforming your garage through a custom storage renovation isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s an investment that enhances your property’s value. From durable coatings to a sleek organizational system and stylish cabinetry, your garage gains an appealing, elegant, and functional edge.

2. Protect Your Precious Vehicles: Instead of exposing your vehicles, bikes, or scooters to harsh weather conditions outside, provide them with the protection they deserve by parking them inside your revamped garage. Not only does this keep them secure, but it also extends their longevity. Your prized possessions are shielded from the elements.

3. Embrace the Power of Change: Change isn’t just refreshing; it’s an opportunity to enhance your garage’s functionality. Consider adding cabinets for extra storage or dedicating space for a small workshop. Whether it’s optimizing storage or creating a versatile workspace, embracing change in your garage can greatly benefit you and your family, adding newfound convenience to your daily life.

4. Revive and Renew: A garage that’s seen better days with worn floors, cracked concrete, and unsightly stains can be revitalized. PremierGarage offers garage floor renovations with quick-curing, highly durable epoxy floor coatings. Say goodbye to the signs of wear and tear and hello to a fresh, clean, and resilient garage floor.

5. Support Your Active Lifestyle: If your family leads a busy life filled with sports and outdoor activities, your garage can be your ally. Install unique storage racks and cabinets to efficiently store all your gear and equipment. Say goodbye to clutter and chaos and hello to a well-organized space that complements your active lifestyle. Your garage becomes a hub for adventure and convenience. A garage renovation project is an investment in your home’s value and the preservation of your vehicles and belongings. By following these renovation tips, you’ll ensure a successful project that not only enhances your home’s worth, but also provides a versatile and organized space for your hobbies and storage needs. Remember, careful planning, organization, and adaptability are the keys to a successful garage renovation that benefits your property and your lifestyle.

PremierGarage

865.947.8686

PremierGarageKnoxville.com

BY KAREN COPPOCK

HAVEYOU ever seen a service dog and wondered how it goes from being a wiggly puppy to a focused assistant? A visit to Smoky Mountain Service Dogs (SMSD) provides a fascinating look at this process. Certified by Assistance Dogs International, SMSD is a local nonprofit that serves wounded veterans and first responders by providing custom-trained mobility assistance dogs - at no cost!

What do the dogs learn at SMSD? Besides learning basic commands like sit and place, they are trained to not pull at their leashes. They learn to walk calmly beside their companions, helping veterans who might have balance issues. Other tasks include bringing things to their companion or picking up dropped items like a debit card or a wallet - all without chewing it. They also provide emotional support and devoted companionship to the veterans.

Using an intensive screening process, SMSD staff selects puppies that have the best characteristics for learning necessary skills. These puppies are donated or purchased from reputable breeders. To have enough trainable dogs to match with eligible veterans, SMSD needs help raising puppies from about eight weeks old to a year old. Through the generosity of sponsors and donors, SMSD provides all the food, veterinary care, training, and miscellaneous expenses for the puppy.

“Our greatest need right now is for puppy raisers,” said Debra Sciarretta, SMSD’s Puppy Raiser Coordinator. “Puppy raisers are needed to help with general house manners and then all kinds of exposures.”

What responsibilities do the puppy raisers have? All the usual things you would teach a puppy, such as household training, not biting, and leashed walking. A weekly training class helps reinforce learning and teach them new skills. If needed, puppy transportation volunteers are also available to take the puppies to and from training classes.

When these dogs are placed with their veterans, they’ll need to be comfortable being around people, especially in public spaces (where allowed). According to Heather Wilkerson, SMSD Canine Program Manager, the puppies need “environmental and social exposures that are age appropriate… guided by our trainers. We have handbooks and all kinds of visual aids that help them [puppy raisers]. We are very hands-on, so they will receive a ton of support not only from

As most people do, a love for animals has forever been in my heart. Hearing about Smoky Mountain Service Dogs just simply sounded right for me and fell instantly in place in my life. All of their trainers and volunteers are extremely dedicated to the development of service dogs for veterans and first responders with service-connected physical disabilities.

As a puppy raiser, you work closely with the trainers to develop and raise a young puppy from eight weeks to approximately one year of age. The puppy then continues through an involved period of training, emerging as a dedicated service dog to a recipient.

The year-long journey is challenging, lovable, and rewarding. The experience you have is a spoke in the generous wheel of giving that SMSD provides.

My first puppy will soon be leaving me to continue on his journey of becoming a Smoky Mountain Service Dog, but I am eagerly awaiting the arrival of my next adventure in puppy raising.

- SGT Gary Kaplan, USMC

Trainer Laura Porter & Silas

SMSD Performance AssessmentRiver (front), Wylie (back left), & Silas (back right)

Gary and Silas

SMSD

“Our greatest need right now is for puppy raisers,” said Debra Sciarretta, SMSD’s Puppy Raiser Coordinator. “Puppy raisers are needed to help with general house manners and then all kinds of exposures.”

our training staff, but also through the other volunteer roles.” Carla Navas, SMSD Volunteer Director, noted that “Smoky Mountain has a little over 200 volunteers and only five paid staff.” Many of those volunteers serve in weekend respite care or transportation, so they still need volunteers to be puppy raisers. Some volunteers co-raise a puppy, which provides for some flexibility. Do the dogs enjoy training? They seem to have a great time, especially when reward treats are involved! “They love the trainers, they love the environment, they get very amped up just to be here,” said Debra. “They love to work!”

“Everything that these dogs do is a game,” added Laura Porter, SMSD Staff Trainer. “It is a play session, and it is fun.” The trainers use the games to teach the dogs how to do more complicated actions. “[Service Dog Silas] playing tug directly translates to him pulling a door shut, pulling someone’s socks off, pulling a basket,” she said.

“And so we can take the skills that he knows as a game and then apply it to different, more practical scenarios as a

HOW YOU CAN HELP

• Monetary Donations

See website for Donor Sponsorship Program information

• Become a Puppy Raiser

All food, veterinary care, training, and expenses are provided

• Weekend Care for Dogs in Training

Transportation is provided

• Purchase Cowboy’s Dream by Haylee Schweibel

• Get a SMSD License Plate by local artist Robert Tino

• Link Your Kroger Rewards Card

service dog.”

After fostering, the dogs move into SMSD’s Lenoir City facility to complete their education with professional dog trainers. However, opportunities to help don’t end there: SMSD needs weekend care for the kennel dogs. “They get dropped off (at our facility) on Monday morning by the volunteer, and then they’re picked up by another volunteer on that Friday afternoon,” said Debra. “It gives the dogs a nice mental break from the training.”

Once training is complete, they are matched with a veteran. More than 64 dogs have been matched with veterans since SMSD was founded in 2010. SMSD needs to have about 25 dogs in the system at all stages of training to be able to maintain that pace. “What drives that is, ‘Do I have the puppy raisers?’” said Heather. “I haven’t been able to bring puppies in because we haven’t had the puppy raisers to raise them.”

Is it hard to give up the dog? The puppy raisers agreed that part was tough but worthwhile. Puppy co-raiser Ginger Stone said it helps knowing upfront that you’re raising them “to help somebody else. They’re born for greatness, and we’re just paying it forwardfrom the time they’re cute little babies till they grow up and be the strong dog that’s going to change someone’s life.”

For more information on volunteering to be a puppy raiser or other opportunities, please contact Smoky Mountain Service Dogs at SmokyMountainServiceDogs.org.

Cowboy’s Big Dream: Volunteer puppy raiser Haylee Schweibel wrote and illustrated this touching book about Cowboy, a SMSD dog who now serves his veteran, Paul Miles. Haylee enjoyed raising a SMSD puppy with her family and has since volunteered six more times. “It’s not easy to give them up, but I know it’s for a greater good,” she said.

Haylee is pictured with her current service dog River. All proceeds from Cowboy’s Big Dream help support SMSD, and it can be found online at Amazon and Barnes & Noble. The book makes a wonderful gift!

“I would like to thank the Kyle family and Smoky Mountain Service Dogs for Cowboy; he has been a godsend. Cowboy assists me with my mobility and picking up and retrieving items. He is my constant companion and is always by my side to provide me emotional support.”

Andee Raker, Wylie, & Ginger Stone

Haylee Schweibel & River

57th Annual Fine Craft Show

November 3-5, 2023

Friday & Saturday: 10-6pm; Sunday: 10-4pm

Get Creative with a Professionally Designed Pantry

BY CARRIE MCCONKEY, CARRIEMCCONKEY.COM

DO YOU LOVE to cook? Then chances are you know the value of a pantry. Pantries have served households since Medieval times, offering cool, dry storage for non-perishable foods. Modern-day pantries contain appliances, serving supplies, and overstock items, making the pantry the perfect partner when it comes to enjoying a delicious meal.

If you’re looking to upgrade your pantry experience, think outside the box and consider these creative design ideas.

Make Your Pantry Accessible

The open, airy pantry (pictured) began as an enclosed reach-in closet. By removing the door and façade, easy access was achieved instantly. Newly-exposed storage space became even more functional by adding open shelving and a countertop, and pull-out drawers bring a multitude of items within reach.

Convert a Closet

Although pantries are traditionally located in or near the kitchen, yours doesn’t have to be. Transform a nearby closet or utility room into your dream walk-in pantry. Customize slim spaces for TV trays, wire bins for chips and other evening snacks, and shallow drawers to hold flatware and table linens.

Create a Cubby

Knoxville Expo Center 5441 Clinton Hwy

Tickets: $8 at the door

Whether tucked under the stairs or curated in a corner, bonus pantry storage can free up your kitchen. Wine, cookbooks, and other culinary companions can be stored on perfectly-proportioned shelves, and LED lighting can help you find just what you need for the next delectable meal. No matter where in the house your extra pantry space might be, a variety of finishes, handles, and drawer pulls will blend seamlessly with your interior decor.

If cooking for yourself and others is your favorite way to relax, indulge yourself by creating a new pantry space. Not sure where to start? Call your local storage professionals at Closets by McKenry. With decades of experience and quality materials made in East Tennessee, they will help you design a one-of-a-kind pantry. And you can get back to practicing your passion… good cooking!

Closets by McKenry

201 Center Park Drive, #1070

Knoxville, TN 37922 865.249.6382

ClosetsByMcKenry.com

Jo Marie Brotherton

Bob Wolfe

Dianna Downs Richard Dwyer

Pam Harris Brigid Oesterling

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

IN THE busyness of everyday life, it’s easy to forget we’re never promised tomorrow!

As unsavory a thought as it may be, have you planned for your own mortality? Questions may be coming to mind: How will my assets pass on to the next generation? Who will oversee my estate? Do I want my finances to become public record? Who will look after my surviving spouse, and will he/she be ok?.

According to a recent survey, the majority of Americans believe in the importance of an estate plan, but only 33% of American families actually have a plan in place1. Similar to health and wellness, the problem here is not awareness, but action! Resist the urge to procrastinate and put off to tomorrow what can be started today! Now, more than ever, we need to ensure our wishes, desires, and values are passed on to those we care about in the most orderly, loving way possible. If you’re unsure where or how to get started, please give us a call at 865-686-5208.

CREATING YOUR FAMILY LEGACY

1cnbc.com/2022/04/11/67percent-of-americans-have-no-estate-plan-heres-how-to-get-started-on-one.html raymondjames.com/commentary-and-insights/family-life-events/2021/07/16/the-building-blocks-of-a-family-legacy-plan-infographic

The information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but we do not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. Any opinions are those of Travis Cullman and not necessarily those of Raymond James. Expressions of opinion are as of this date and are subject to change without notice. There is no guarantee that these statements, opinions or forecasts provided herein will prove to be correct. Every investor’s situation is unique and you should consider your investment goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon before making any investment. Prior to making an investment decision, please consult with your financial advisor about your individual situation. You should discuss any tax or legal matters with the appropriate professional.

which

Add Real Value to Your Home and to Your Life

THEKITCHEN is probably the hardest working room in your home. We all want it to be beautiful, but it’s where we cook, bake, gather, and store essentials like food, supplies, and pots and pans, so it has to be functional. A well-thought out kitchen has plenty of storage to keep countertops clear and is designed so you can quickly and easily find what you need and conveniently reach it.

ShelfGenie is the true turn-key leader in kitchen innovation

At ShelfGenie, we design, build, and install custom Glide-Out™ shelves for your existing cabinets and pantries. They increase storage by up to 50% and pull out their full depth so you can access the entire shelf front to back. Each shelf can hold up to 100 lbs and is made in America using high-quality materials and superior craftsmanship. We do not use one-size-fits-all, big box store substitutes.

Our process begins and ends with the homeowner

1. Our design consultant will get to know your exact needs during our free, in-home consultation and will provide you with a free 3-D design of your kitchen so you’ll see exactly what your new kitchen space will look like.

2. Your Glide-Out™ shelves will be manufactured in our very own manufacturing facility to your exact specifications.

3. Our licensed, professional installer will then install your order in one day. Finally, your designer will reach out to ensure you’re completely 100% satisfied.

Enjoy your innovative new kitchen

Turn frustration with your kitchen into joy. You can expect to increase storage, reduce clutter and wasted time looking for items, and avoid having to bend, twist, or reach into the backs of cabinets.

What our awesome clients have to say “Awesome folks to deal with. Great workmanship.”

- D.A., Knoxville

“We love the new shelves. They are truly life changing in the kitchen.”

- R.K., Knoxville

“Great improvement to what I had and very happy with the people I worked with.”

- S.O., Vonore

“I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my new kitchen pull-out shelves. Very professional.”

- K.B., Powell

“Love my new pantry shelves! They are sturdy and beautifully installed. Great customer service and friendly folks.”

- M.M, Loudon

To learn more or to schedule your free consultation, call 865-409-1197 or visit ShelfGenie.com.

Local Makes the Difference

FLEENOR SECURITY IS owned and operated right here in East Tennessee. We take pride in keeping our community secure, which is why we are proud to own and operate our very own UL Listed Central Station. Unlike many other security companies, we do not outsource our monitoring to mega stations that handle thousands of accounts from numerous security providers. Instead, we believe it is essential to have our dispatchers trained, managed, and employed directly by Fleenor Security Systems.

What is a Central Station?

A Central Station is an alarm monitoring center that services burglar, fire, and panic alarms for residential and commercial alarm systems. All monitored alarms are connected to an alarm monitoring center where dispatchers are staffed around the clock. If a monitored alarm is triggered, a signal is sent to a monitoring center where the operator can dispatch help to the property, effectively keeping your home or business safe and secure.

Why a Local Central Station Matters

There are several reasons why we believe local makes a difference, but here are the top seven reasons why a local Central Station increases your security.

1. There is always a live operator to answer incoming calls, 24 hours a day, meaning no annoying voicemail when you call directly.

2. Fleenor Security is able to handpick top-quality team members who care about our customers.

3. Our customers are our own. We know you, and you know us.

4. Our dispatchers are aware of local events like severe weather and power outages, which will keep you better informed.

5. Our customers have direct contact with the service department, ensuring all needs or questions get handled.

6. There is no need to make a second call if an after-hours technician is needed. We handle it for you.

7. Strong local businesses are an integral part of a healthy community, and supporting local businesses plays a significant role in promoting the health of East Tennessee!

Local means we’re different. Keeping our community safe and secure is our top priority at Fleenor Security Systems. Therefore, we take pride in owning and operating our very own local Central Station. It ensures we are always ready when it counts, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Fleenor Security

10446 Cogdill Road Knoxville, TN 37934 865.544.9964

FleenorSecurity.com

TN C-0239 VA 11-1901 NC 1721-CSA

Celebrating Gains

BY JESSICA HOWARD

WELCOME TO THE Ross the Boss Salons company banquet: an annual celebration for achievingno, crushing - existing goals and making new ones! All year long our stylists are offered tools and opportunities to help them reach personal and record-breaking totals, and each month they climb higher and higher past the limits they set for themselves. So, the time has come to recognize the past year’s hard work and dedication.

Our company banquet is a chance for all our salons to come together in one place to fellowship. We laugh, tell stories, we laugh, share ideas, more laughing, and simply lift one another up. This time together allows the staff the opportunity to get to know others outside of their own “salon homes.”

This year we recognized an incredible number of stylists and staff who went above and beyond their goals in the salon. Ross gifted everyone with company swag and gave generous gifts to those who worked so hard to achieve new heights in their career.

“This is an incredible group of people!” said Ross. “It’s inspiring to see them continually growing in skill and love. Many willingly donate themselves to charities we support, and each salon represents a real unified and supportive community. It’s really exciting!”

Thank you to each of our clients who continuously support our stylists and front desk staff. Without you we wouldn’t be where we are today!

Ross the Boss Salons Forest

“Rookie of the Year” winner Isabella Steele and Ross

Stylists from Center Park

Emory Road staff

INSIGHTS HIGHLIGHTS &

MORE NOUVEAU CLASSICS

This Ester Sgabello Stool by Porada has a swiveling stool with solid Ash wood or Canaletta Walnut seat frame, base in black chromed metal, and seat covered in the fabrics of the collection. This lift stool accommodates counter to bar height and is available at MORE Nouveau Classics, 310 W Jackson Avenue in Knoxville, 865.525.4755, NouveauClassics.com.

THE TREE AND VINE

Award-winning Extra Virgin Olive Oils from the Mediterranean that have been judged “The World’s Best” in international competitions and a Traditional Balsamic from Italy aged 18 years in Chestnut, Juniper, Hickory, and Oak casks. Drizzle on aged cheese, cured meats, and fresh fruit or use as a pure salad dressing. Available at The Tree and Vine, 439 Union Avenue in Knoxville, 865.985.0524, TheTreeAndVine.com.

FLEETWOOD PHOTO

From custom framing services to hand-crafted, fine Italian Galassi frames in 8x10, 5x7, and 4x6, our customers have access to an incredible selection of frames. Milestones and memories are our specialty. Stop by to choose the perfect frame for you! Available at Fleetwood Photo, 6504 Kingston Pike in Knoxville, 865.584.4554, FleetwoodPhoto.com.

20-ounce insulated travel mug that can be personalized for you. Ideal for fall outings and makes a great holiday gift. Available at Make It Yours, 10541 Kingston Pike, Suite A in Knoxville, 865.444.6253, MakeItYoursNow.com.

DECORATING DEN INTERIORS

Elevated 3-dimensional layers of geometric hand torn paper in charcoal black placed atop a natural linen fabric background, showcased in shadow box pine wood frames finished in aged black under glass. Available at Decorating Den Interiors | Kozar Design Team, 521 Lovell Road, Suite 205 in Knoxville, 865.392.6222, SandyKozar.DecoratingDen.com.

If you love books and puzzles, we have the perfect combination. These puzzles are colorful and fun for the whole family! Available at Passion on Paper, 259 N. Peters Road in Knoxville, 865.531.9886, PassionOnPaper.com.

Elevate Your Holiday Season with a Custom Pantry: The Secret Ingredient to Stress-Free Celebrations

ASTHE HOLIDAY season rapidly approaches, the familiar whirlwind of hosting, cooking, and baking comes into full swing. It’s a time of joy, celebration, and culinary feats!

To ensure your kitchen is up to the task and your preparations go off without a hitch, consider the role of custom pantries in modern households. Gone are the days of cramped inefficiency: Today’s pantries are a testament to innovation and versatility, designed to cater to unique needs. Join us as we delve into the ways a custom pantry can be your unsung hero of this holiday season!

Five “Food for Thought” Considerations

Designing an efficient custom pantry involves several considerations:

1. Outward-Swinging Doors: To maximize storage space, ensure the door swings outward. This prevents the door from impeding access and compromising storage capacity.

2. Electrical Outlets: Install electrical outlets just above the pantry counter. This allows for the use of small appliances like coffee makers or toasters within the space. It’s a forward-thinking approach, as it accommodates potential future needs without retrofitting challenges.

3. Adjustable and Deep Shelving: Customize the height of your shelves to accommodate various-sized food products and small appliances. Incorporate deeper shelving to store larger appliances such as toaster ovens, slow cookers, or mixers. This not only keeps appliances easily accessible, but also frees up valuable kitchen space.

4. Functional Lighting: Good lighting is essential for a functional pantry. While it doesn’t need to be extravagant, it should be practical. Adequate lighting ensures that you can see and access items - even those at the back.

5. Specialized Storage Components: Consider your specific pantry needs. Would slide-out baskets for snacks be useful? How about vertical slotted spaces for storing baking pans and serving platters? Or perhaps scoop-front drawers? Depending on your space, these features offer convenience and help keep items organized and easily visible.

When it comes to designing your pantry, The Tailored Closet emphasizes customizing it to your lifestyle. Our team of designers engage with homeowners to understand your specific needs.

Questions include what items besides food you intend to store, whether you entertain frequently, your preferred design style, and whether you desire a countertop. Other considerations include the inclusion of drawers, pullout baskets, slide-out spice and wine racks, and customizations based on pantry size. Our pantries suit your unique needs, whether it’s a walk-in space or a reach-in pantry, bringing order to your kitchen chaos.

The Tailored Closet

865.777.0306

TailoredClosetKnoxville.com

A Moment of Kindness and a Recurring Smile

ONE OF THE most important aspects of volunteering at Random Acts of Flowers is volunteers get to spend their time doing something that can give a complete strange and deserving community member a smile and an emotional boost during their difficult healthcare journey. This not only occurs when the volunteer delivers the Random Acts of Flowers’ created bouquet to an individual in a healthcare facility, but, in addition, during the next several days, every time the recipient looks at the flowers, they happily recall the personal moment of kindness that the flowers represent and have another emotional boost knowing someone cares for them. This recalled and recurring happiness not only positively impacts the recipient, but their family, friends, and caregivers!

One of our recipient’s family members said: “What a sweet surprise! My husband came home from a radiation treatment last week with these beautiful flowers. He was so tickled and had a wonderful smile on his face. It was truly appreciated! Thank you for taking flowers and reusing them. They are

still beautiful on our counter!”

It is these moments of kindness, encouragement, and emotional support that propels and sustains our volunteers to work so hard and so happily - collecting and preparing donated flowers; creating the individual bouquets; and delivering the re-purposed, upcycled bouquets to healthcare facilities. It is an effort that makes all of those involved in the process smile. Whether they are preparing the flowers, creating an arrangement, delivering a bouquet, or are the recipient or recipient’s family and friends, everyone gets a recurring emotional boost from the simple act of providing someone in a local healthcare facility with recycled flowers, encouragement, and a moment of kindness. We believe here at Random Acts of Flowers the results of any kindness and positive energy we contribute to our community makes it a better place for us all. If you want to support Random Acts of Flowers and help us make an impact and have your own recurring smile, please consider being a recurring donor. You can make a recurring donation on our website at RAFKnoxville.org, or call us at 865-633-9082 or email Ally@RAFKnoxville.org.

HALLOWEEN SAFETY

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.

865.622.2599

Dogtopia.com/Bearden-Knoxville

Through October 29

BOO! at the Zoo is Knoxville’s largest Halloween event featuring several nights of not-too-scary Halloween fun perfect for preschool and elementary-aged children. A Halloween tradition, BOO! at the Zoo is a family event featuring trick-or-treating along the BOO! Trail, where little trick-or-treaters can fill their bag with goodies as they make their way through the zoo. Star Wars Nights, Princess Nights, the Monster Mash Dance Tent, our Wildly Fun Scientist and more are all back this year!

BOO! Dates:

Wednesday, October 11 (Member Night)

Thursday - Sunday, October 12-15

Wednesday, October 25 (Member Night)

Thursday - Sunday, October 26-29

ZooKnoxville.org for more information

IS a spooktacularly fun time filled with costumes, treats, and decorations. However, it can also be a hazardous time for our furry friends. With a little preparation, you can ensure that your beloved canine companion has a safe and enjoyable Halloween.

HALLOWEEN

1. Costume Comfort: Ensure that any pet costume is comfortable, doesn’t restrict movement, or have parts that your dog could chew and swallow. Monitor their reactions and remove the costume if they seem stressed or uncomfortable - not all dogs enjoy wearing them. Try the costume on a few times before Halloween to confirm they enjoy the outfit or accessory.

2. Beware of Treats: Halloween means lots of candy but many treats are toxic to dogs. Keep all candy, especially those with xylitol, chocolate, or raisins, out of your dog’s reach. Dog-friendly treats allow your furry friend to join in on the festivities.

3. Decorations and Candles: Decorationspumpkins, cobwebs, candles - can be intriguing to dogs. To prevent them from being chewed or knocked over, keep them out of your dog’s reach. Use battery-operated candles instead of flames to avoid accidental burns.

4. Safe Space: Trick-or-treaters and costume-clad strangers can be stressful for dogs. Set up a quiet, comfortable space for your dog away from the front door. Not only will they feel secure, it reduces the risk of them darting out the open door.

5. ID and Microchip: With increased Halloween foot traffic, there’s a higher chance of your scared dog running off. Make sure your pet has a visible tag with your up-to-date contact information. A microchip is also essential, providing permanent identification if they become lost.

6. Walk with Caution: Going for a Halloween walk? Costumes or decorations may frighten dogs. Have your pup on a secure leash and be sure they are comfortable around strangers and other dogs.

If you want your pup to have their own dogfriendly festivities on Halloween and beyond, enroll them in daycare at Dogtopia! Leaving your precious pup behind for the holidays? Have them stay overnight for their own staycation at Dogtopia.

Dogtopia of Bearden-Knoxville

5213 Homberg Drive

Knoxville, TN 37919

865.622.2599

Dogtopia.com/Bearden-Knoxville

5213 Homberg Drive | Knoxville, TN 37919

Inside or Out: Give Us a Shout! Big or Small: We Do It All!

LENGTHY TITLE (that could also be a fun cheer!) encompasses ALL that Surface Doc does. When they started out, Surface Doc was a “tile and grout” cleaning company that also did carpet. But more than a decade later, they specialize in so many other surfaces that it makes for a lengthy title!

Almost everyone around Knoxville knows that Surface Doc is the best at cleaning tile and grout, but surprisingly, they still have clients that don’t know that one of their most in-demand services is exterior natural stone (bluestone, flagstone, slate, etc.). They also do all sorts of carpet cleaning, from steam extraction to Roto-vac restoration - both with eco-friendly cleaners. For their clients who want to go the extra mile, Surface Doc can also Scotchgard™ your carpet. They continue to resurrect many carpets while saving their clients from costly replacements.

But back to the “out” exterior services. What began as mostly driveways and walkways expanded quickly to docks, pool

decks, and composite decking. As word got around about how good Surface Doc is at exterior surfaces, they began to get numerous requests for soft washing and vertical surfaces as well. So they invested in equipment to safely soft wash houses and roofs made of sensitive and exotic material: cedar shakes and shingles, stucco, vinyl, and brick. For roofs, they can tackle asphalt shingles, slate, clay, and even metal. Once your outdoor surfaces are clean, many areas can be

JOHN FITZWILLIAM

sealed to protect it for years from the abuse of Mother Nature.

Why is their soft-washing so effective? Surface Doc has been fortunate enough to partner with the manufacturers of a top-quality soft wash solution. And since the product they use also contains a commercial-grade rinse aid, when Surface Doc does an exterior soft wash, you also get the added benefit of clean windows! Their cleaning technicians go the extra mile to treat your property with care to ensure nothing gets damaged.

With the holidays upon us, there’s no doubt that you are sprucing up your home for your relatives and friends. Surface Doc is the one call that does it all; inside or out, give them a SHOUT! Their professional team will show up and help you tackle your most daunting tasks. Call them today and have a cleaner tomorrow!

Surface Doc

865.567.1986

SurfaceDoc.com

ENJOY INSTANT, ENDLESS HOT SHOWERS and Stop Pouring Money Down the Drain

WHILE IT MAY be difficult now to think about the chillier weather ahead, we’re just months away from winter. Think for a moment about that hot shower you had hoped to enjoy last January or February that was suddenly interrupted when your hot water turned warm, then tepid, and finally cold.

The problem is your water heater. Conventional water heaters only heat a limited supply of water. Once exhausted, it could easily take an hour or more to reheat a new supply of hot water.

Here’s something else to consider. All of that unused water that goes down the drain while you wait for your water to heat up is costing you money. In fact, for every $100 in water you waste needlessly, your water utility charges you an additional $300 in sewage fees. That’s $400 down the drain.

The solution is a tankless, on-demand water heater that not only provides an instant and unlimited supply of hot water, but only heats the water required. Conventional water heaters heat, and then continue to reheat, hot water. And with as much as 30% of your home’s energy budget going toward your water heater, tankless, on-demand water heaters just make good sense - and good cents.

Welcomed cooler months are just ahead, but so is that unexpected cold shower. One call to My Professional Plumber can ensure that you’ll have an unlimited supply of hot water this winter, not to mention a much needed decrease in energy consumption, all while reducing both your monthly water and sewer bills, with your home’s new tankless, on-demand water heater. Call Jamie today!

My Professional Plumber

6220 Western Avenue Knoxville, TN 37921

865.609.6080

MyPlumberTN.com

Upgrade Your Garage, and Leave the Guilt Behind

BY CARRIE MCCONKEY, CARRIEMCCONKEY.COM

DON’T WORRY… we all have it. The less-than-tidy area in our garage, detached garage, or unfinished basement where the “part-time possessions” reside.

• The items that we know will come in handy… someday.

• Yard tools and equipment that are necessary but not needed on a regular basis.

• Seasonal decorations that need a home during their off-season months.

When we enter this zone, we do so with caution. Navigating boxes and other odd-shaped items, we try not to trip as we search for what we need. Upon finding it (hopefully), we rush out, feeling a pang of guilt as we close the door and leave the chaos behind. We promise ourselves that we’ll get to the mess. But the timing never seems right…

The Reality of Clutter

What we don’t realize is that entering a cluttered garage for 10 minutes each day adds up to more than 60 hours over the course of one year! What was once valuable square footage in our homes is now a source of stress. The good news: It doesn’t have to be.

Get Organized… Beautifully

When it comes to your part-time possessions, you’ll breathe easier with professionally designed storage.

Custom Cabinets: Install streamlined cabinetry to hold everything - and hide everything - from heirloom holiday decorations to your trusty coolers and tailgating supplies.

Practical Slatwall: Hang your hard-working garden implements and get bikes, beach equipment, and power tools out of the way and off of the floor.

Durable Epoxy Polyaspartic Flooring: Seal and protect your concrete floor with an attractive heat and chemical-resistant epoxy polyaspartic floor.

Still feel overwhelmed? Your local professionals at Designer Garages are ready to help. Call, click, or come by their West Knoxville showroom to see organization in action. When you schedule a free consultation, you’ll get a glimpse of your functional and beautiful space with a realistic 3-D rendering.

With cabinetry, slatwall, and epoxy polyaspartic floors available in a multitude of finishes and colors, you can give your part time possessions a home and take back your garage, detached garage, and unfinished basement in style.

Designer Garages

201 Center Park Drive, #1070

Knoxville, TN 37922

865.268.4868

DesignerGarages.com

4 Crowd-Pleasing Tips Every Host Should Know

IF YOU’RE a home chef, you know how fun and fulfilling it is to host friends and family. However, entertaining a large group can also be challenging and a bit stressful.

To help you elevate your entertaining prowess, Nick RitchieSignature Kitchen Suite’s executive chef - has offered the following delicious recipe and four tips for entertaining that every home chef should know.

1. Prepare multipurpose batches of food

Chef Ritchie suggests cooking multipurpose batches of food like pesto, hummus, ratatouille, caponata, and baba ganoush, which pair well with grilled chicken, fish, and meat. You can prepare and store a sizable batch of recipes up to a week ahead.

Check out the addicting parmesan dip recipe below, courtesy of Chef Ritchie, that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. You can serve it as a topping for fresh bread, crostini, or bruschetta, toss it with pasta, spoon it over fresh sliced tomatoes, add to a salad, dollop it on steak or chicken breast, and use it as a pizza base. The possibilities are endless!

2. Sous vide to save time

Don’t let the fancy name fool you. The sous vide cooking method, which has been used by world-renowned chefs for years, is just as easy for home cooks. “Sous vide” (pronounced “sue-veed”) is French for “under vacuum,” and it’s an innovative cooking technique known for achieving the perfect temperature every time. Food is vacuum sealed, then submerged in water and slow-cooked at a constant precise temperature until it is perfectly cooked.

Sous vide has become the go-to method in the world’s best restaurants for years and for good reason. It brings food to the precise temperature chefs look for and delivers perfect doneness, edge-to-edge, every time with little effort.

Let’s say you’ve prepared a bone-in ribeye using the sous vide method. As you cut into your steak, you’ll notice something right away. The doneness you were hoping for goes all the way through your steak, without that gray-to-pink gradient and thin band of desired doneness that you get when simply grilling steaks.

Even better, you can use sous vide to do a “reverse sear.” Sous vide will ensure your steak is cooked to the desired temperature. Then, you can put it on the hot grill for that tasty, smoky char only outdoor cooking can give you.

Baby back ribs are another popular staple that can be prepared using the sous vide method. With the perfect fall-off-the-bone doneness from the sous vide, a nice smokey finish from the grill, and a brush of barbecue sauce, you’ll have all-day ribs without the all-day work.

3. Embrace technology

Technology is your friend here, so use it! Cooking and kitchen appliances can help you save time, elevate your cooking, and simplify preparing and storing dishes for entertaining and everyday cooking. To make recipes shine, Ritchie advises at-home chefs to upgrade the tools and equipment - especially appliances and other

must-haves they use every day. He recommends today’s ultra-versatile appliances, like those from Signature Kitchen Suite, which feature multiple modalities - from steam and gas to induction and even industry-first sous vide built right into the cooktop - to deliver elevated creations and make your cooking experience easier and more successful, day after day.

Learn more about these and other options to enhance your home cooking at SignatureKitchenSuite.com.

4. Take it easy on yourself

Keep it simple. Serve your dishes buffet or family style on platters for an easier setup and cleanup.

If you plan to dine outdoors, pick up rustic or picnic-style butcher paper as a disposable tablecloth. Opt for eco-friendly, compostable plates and utensils that are attractive so you can skip washing dishes after your guests have gone home.

Impress your guests and enjoy your dinner party or get-together that those in attendance won’t soon forget. Using these four tips, you’ll be ready to host any event this season and beyond.

CHEF RITCHIE'S PARMESAN DIP

Prep time: 10-15 minutes

Yield: 2.5 cups

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces Parmesan cheese, broken into 1-inch chunks

• 8 ounces Asiago cheese, broken into 1-inch chunks

• 1 tablespoon chopped garlic

• 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper

• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley

• 2 tablespoons chopped basil

• 2 tablespoons thinly sliced scallions

• Tablespoon pepper flakes

• 1-1/2 cups extra-virgin olive oil

Directions:

Place the cheese chunks in the bowl of a food processor. Pulse for about 10 seconds to break the cheese into small granules. (Use a rubber spatula to scrape down and recombine between every couple of pulses.)

Add the remaining ingredients except olive oil and pulse briefly. Using a spatula, remove all to a mixing bowl. Fold the olive oil into the blended ingredients and mix well by hand.

Transfer the dip to a sealed container and refrigerate for up to two weeks. Bring to room temperature before serving.

Just the Jazz

BISTRO BY THE TRACKS BY RILEY WOODY

WHENI TOLD people I was going to Bistro by the Tracks, they asked about the location on Northshore, so it’s best to clarify right out of the gate that they recently moved to N. Central Street - and that it’s easy to miss their understated storefront. I didn’t know they were there until a friend suggested I try them out.

But don’t be deceived by the exterior’s simplicity of plate glass and gray trim; the interior is as glamorous as they come. The dining room is split into two spaces: one with high tables and a bar, the other with standard tables and an “open” kitchen where you can watch the chef work his magic, buffered by only floorto-ceiling glass walls. The ceiling, too, draws the eye in the most elegant way. Spotlights mounted along the original hardwood support beams and flickering candles shed soft light on every table; the intimacy created is that of a private meal in a friend’s home.

I accidentally - but fortunately - picked the night of their weekly jazz trio performance (Wednesdays at 7 pm). Some regulars trickled in for dinner, and even more just for drinks,

but they had undeniably all come for the jazz. Each patron greeted the musicians like old friends.

The bartender was fabulous, from greeting both her regulars and the newbies like family, to maintaining the bar and herself with appropriate finesse, to mixing an incredible cocktail. One sip of the Pear Tree, with vodka as its base, and I settled in for an evening of relaxation. Complemented by elderflower liqueur and lemon, this cocktail was the perfect balance between vibrant and soothing.

The last ingredient, aromatic bitters, is typically used to cut the acidity of a mix and smooth out the domineering tendencies of hard liquors. Instead of being struck by the amount of top shelf in my glass, I was mesmerized by the palate-cleansing effect of the bitters, the freshness of the lemon, and the comfort of the elderflower. The artistry of the mix was stunning - a miraculous flavor combination. As an aid to digestion, it’s also a great starting drink.

Of course, I also ordered food. The

summer squash soup was delicious, and while I felt the garnish of cantaloupe slightly detracted from the silkiness of the curry-style puree, the pesto put just the right amount of savory into a sweet first course. My favorite part of the main course was the duck confit, perfectly seasoned and wrapped in an al dente piece of housemade pasta - fabulous!

Ultimately, it was the patrons - moseying in and out to converse at the bar, warmly greeting the musicians, and sipping unarguably exquisite craft cocktails - that kept me seated for two hours. They were there for the jazz, and next time, I will be, too.

Weeknights are good for walk-ins, but on the weekends, it’s basically like “tetris,” so be sure to reserve a table at BistroByTheTracks.com.

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

Are You Built for the Long Run?

ON THE afternoon severe storms came through our community last month, I surveyed the mess it left as I drove to an appointment. The damage was severe and heart breaking. Mature trees were missing limbs, some were broken in half, and many were uprooted. One large impressive oak tree fell near my home, revealing that it had no roots and was rotting from the inside. It looked substantial but was missing the things that would allow it to survive the storm.

The storm damage reminded me of two books I had read about building resilience into our lives and those of our children. The authors cited research on prominent ideas in our culture and questioned whether they help us weather life’s storms. Thankfully, they also provide strategies to help us (and our kids) become more resilient.

The first book is Antifragile, and the author, Nassim Nicholas Talib, investigates problems of randomness and uncertainty. In Antifragile, he notes that some systems (he includes human beings in the category) become better or stronger because of difficulties and crises. These systems may have fragile parts, but they develop strategies for protecting themselves from random dramatic stresses that occur, becoming anti-fragile.

BY DR. JIM BAILEY

Reading the book, I thought of the beachside live oaks I’d seen on Hilton Head Island, SC. Unlike their inland cousins, these trees are shorter and bent away from the prevailing winds to better protect themselves from random storms. Biologists tell us these trees develop tighter, tougher wood fibers on their windward sides and broader root systems to better hold the soil. If they lose leaves (their most fragile parts) to high winds, they regenerate new growth more quickly than other species. As they age and endure more storms, the stress and pressures make them better, not worse.

In their book The Coddling of the American Mind , authors Jonathan Haidt and Greg Lukianoff say that rather than helping us become antifragile, our resilience is being undermined by three flawed ideas that are now widespread in our culture. The three are

1) that we are (actually) fragile and, therefore, need protection from life’s difficulties;

2) that you can always trust your feelings to give you the right answer; and 3) that life is a battle between good or noble people and evil or despicable people. The authors conclude that embracing these ideas make us each more fragile, more susceptible to the pitfalls of emotional reasoning, and predisposed to using an “us versus them” defensive mindset

that ignores the nuance and complexity of people and devalues their humanity.

Our challenge is knowing when and how much to protect ourselves and our children from ideas, people, interactions, and experiences that feel uncomfortable and how much to allow them (and ourselves) to experience difficult situations and people. The authors of the two books convincingly argue that our cultural obsession with comfort has morphed into a mindset of self-protection that isolates us from situations and people who make us feel uncomfortable. It’s the next step, however, that causes real harm.

Rather than viewing uncomfortable interactions and experiences as a normal part of life, we have come to a place where we don’t just seek to avoid these but mentally categorize them as abnormal and even evil. Our children also need to learn how to handle adversity and failure and develop a self-image that withstands the difficult situations and people they’ll encounter.

For example, both of my own children experienced being bullied in middle school - my daughter was on the receiving end of unkind statements of her female classmates (middle school girls can have wickedly sharp teeth), and my son (a self-professed “band geek”) endured physical bullying by larger, stronger boys. In addition to helping them develop self-defense strategies (our son took tae-kwon-do to develop self-confidence), we taught them the fundamental truth that those same bullies weren’t evil but, rather, children struggling (albeit poorly) to figure out their own identities. We also taught them that we are never fully aware of the reasons people act as they do and that every person carries potential for beauty and horror within them. We need to be clear about what we want for our kids and ourselves.

The truth is, we don’t simply want our kids and ourselves to be safe (ideologically, emotionally, and mentally). We want our children (and ourselves) to be strong enough to handle life’s storms, and that’s different than being safe. Giving our kids opportunities to develop emotional strength, mental reasoning skills, and a shrewd-but-generous understanding of people equips them to handle life’s difficult situations and people. We want to foster emotional strength, endurance, understanding, and the ability to make wise decisions in our children, rather than facilitating fragility and dependency. But we can’t give our children what we don’t personally possess.

People don’t set out to make themselves or their kids fragile; it happens because we don’t understand what makes us better equipped to handle life. I’m always eager to help if you have questions about how you can do this in your own life.

THE MOODY BLUES’ JOHN LODGE

BY RANDY PATTERSON, BOOMEROCITY.COM

THE MOODY BLUES. An awesome band a) who has been in existence for almost 60 years; b) whose career has spanned seven decades; and c) whose remaining band members, John Lodge and Justin Hayward, are still performing and recording great, new, relevant music.

For music loving baby boomers (as well as succeeding generations who love the music of the baby boomer era), The Moody Blues has provided music that firmly embedded itself into the soundtrack of our youth and is still enjoyed today. Songs like “Tuesday Afternoon,” “I’m Just a Singer (In a Rock and Roll Band),” and, of course, “Nights in White Satin” are still instantly recognizable - not only musically, but with their “universal themes of love, compassion, and peace.”

In 2017, The Moody Blues’ monumental album, Days of Future Passed (which came out an astonishing 55 years ago last year), was marked by 50th anniversary tours and special appearances. And in 2018, the band was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. This year, band co-founder and bassist John Lodge has released (via his website, JohnLodge.com) his own version of the iconic Days of Future Passed album entitled Days of Future Passed - My Sojourn . The album was recorded during live shows with his 10,000 Light Years Band and is amazing in its musicianship and performance. The album includes a special recording by late band member, drummer Graeme Edge, and amazing performances by Jon Davison of the band Yes, who continues with the band on tour.

From his home in England, John spoke with me about the new live album and his continuing tour.

“November 2023 will be the 56th anniversary of Days of Future Passed,” said John. “It’s incredible to look back on this album that changed my life and that still has so much impact today on so many, and I felt that it deserved celebrating.

“And so, on the album, I’ll put in there, if you love this album, perhaps it may take you back to the original album, hearing the vocals and Mike (Pinder) and Ray (Thomas) and Justin (Hayward) and myself on the original album. So, I was really linking the new album to the older album and linking it so the audience will. Some people will

come along and have no idea what Days of Future Passed is. Nobody - I could see it on their faces. But they’ve come and they’re still there at the end of the night. And that’s the most important thing. The reaction, I have to say, has been phenomenal. And I thank the fans, and the audience goes onnot saying they’re all fans coming to see the show - but an audience, and I really thank them for their enthusiasm. And it’s fantastic I have to say.”

During our chat, I also asked him if he’s seeing a much younger crowd on the tour or if the shows are full of baby boomers.

“There are a lot of new listeners that come to the concerts because, you know, it is a rock and roll show after all. You know, that’s what I’m trying to do - but a rock and roll ala The Moody Blues. So, it’s not heavy metal, it’s The Moody Blues. But it’s still got the energy and excitement. And that’s what I’m trying to do with the concerts - put the

energies together and the excitement.

“My band is totally into my and The Moody Blues music. They are totally committed, and it’s beautiful.

“They want to be pitch perfect and play the music so they’re really excited about what they’ve done. I congratulate them every night, and we’ve got a great camaraderie.”

As for what is on John’s radar in the coming months, he shared, “The reception and the reaction from the audience and the fans has been more than I could ever have hoped for. I’m planning to come to America in February and March next year on another tour. So, I’m planning that at the moment but also trying to see if there’s a space somewhere to do more concerts in December.”

He then said with a wry smile, “Have bass, will travel.”

There is a lot more to this conversation, including Luciano Pavarotti’s advice that John has taken to heart and what a studio cat may have added to the original Moody Blues album. Watch or listen to the interview in its entirety by visiting Boomerocity.com, YouTube @boomerocity, or the audio on any of the major podcast platforms. You can also order Days of Future Passed - My Sojourn by visiting Shop.JohnLodge.com.

Randy’s first interview was at the tender age of 13 with none other than Col. Tom Parker. Thirty-six years later, he founded the webzine, Boomerocity.com, and has conducted more than 400 interviews with some of the most interesting people in music.

Photo by Frank Piercy

OCTOBER

THROUGHOUT THE MONTH

Boo at the Zoo at Zoo Knoxville beginning October 12th.

Every Thursday - Sunday through the 29th.

Wicked Cool Halloween in downtown Knoxville through the 31st. Costume photo contest, scavenger hunt, specialty drinks, and more! DowntownKnoxville.org for more info.

Story Thyme at Knoxville Botanical Garden from 10:30 to 11:30 am every Wednesday through October.

In Conversation: Will Wilson at the McClung Museum of Natural History & Culture through December 2nd.

OCTOBER 9

Knox County Schools Fall Break through the 13th.

OCTOBER 10

Knoxville Jazz Orchestra: Emmet Cohen & KJO Celebrate Thad Jones at the Bijou Theatre at 8 pm.

OCTOBER 11

Killer Queen: A Tribute to Queen at the Bijou Theatre at 7:30 pm.

OCTOBER 12

Concerts For Our Own: Here Come the Mummies at the Tennessee Amphitheater at 6 pm. Supporting local charities Special Spaces, Love Kitchen, and Breast Connect through music.

Market Square Madness on Market Square at 7 pm. UTK’s mens and women’s basketball teams’ popular preseason fan fest. The WordPlayers presents Silent Sky at Erin Presbyterian Church (200 Lockett Road) at 7:30 pm. Also the 13th at 7:30 pm and 15th at 2:30 pm.

Nurse Blake: Shock Advised! Tour at the Civic Auditorium at 8 pm. The Tallest Man on Earth at the Bijou Theatre at 8 pm.

OCTOBER 13

Football Friday Pep Rally on Market Street (behind the East Tennessee History Center) from 5 to 7 pm. Food trucks, beer, live music, UT spirit teams and UT’s own history makers. Free event.

Knoxville Opera: Giuseppe Verdi’s Falstaff at the Tennessee Theatre at 7:30 pm. Also the 15th at 2:30 pm.

Nick Shoulders and the Okay Crawdad at the Bijou Theatre at 8 pm.

OCTOBER 14

WDVX Kidstuff Live with Silly Grandpa and Kyle Campbell at WDVX (301 S. Gay Street) from 10 to 11 am. Free! UT Vols vs. Texas A&M Aggies at Neyland Stadium.

OCTOBER 15

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Knoxville 5K Walk at Concord Park from 1:30 to 4 pm. Random Acts of Flowers: Fall Fest at Strong Stock Farm’s Party Barn from 2:30 to 6:30 pm. Food, beer, and fun for all ages! Christone “Kingfish” Ingram at the Bijou Theatre at 7:30 pm.

OCTOBER 16

Shania Twain: Queen of Me Tour at Thompson-Boling Arena at 7:30 pm.

OCTOBER 17

Deer Tick at the Bijou Theatre at 8 pm.

OCTOBER 18

DIIV at the Bijou Theatre at 7:30 pm.

OCTOBER 19

Knoxville Horror Film Fest at the Bijou Theatre. Also the 21st at the Parkway Drive-In. Disney On Ice presents Mickey’s Search Party at the Civic Coliseum at 7 pm. Also the 20th-22nd.

Knoxville Symphony Orchestra: Beethoven’s “Pastoral” at the Tennessee Theatre at 7:30 pm. Also the 20th.

OCTOBER 20

Discover Tall Ship Pinta, a “floating museum” ship replica used by Columbus, docked on Neyland Drive through the 29th.

Greek Fest at St. George Greek Orthodox Church from 11 am to 10 pm. Also the 21st from 11 am to 10 pm and 22nd from 11 am to 5 pm.

Trick or Treat in the Cave at Historic Cherokee Caverns from 5 to 8 pm. Also the 21st & 22nd from 3 to 8 pm, 27th from 5 to 8 pm, and 28th & 29th from 3 to 8 pm. James “Murr” Murray at the Civic Auditorium at 7 pm.

Rocky Horror Music Show at the Bijou Theatre at 8 pm.

OCTOBER 21

Show Me Reptile Show at the Knoxville Expo Center from 10 am to 3 pm. Also the 22nd.

Costumes and Cartoons Halloween Experience at the Tennessee Theatre from 11 am to 1 pm.

Walk Run Pedal Jamz Festival featuring vendors, food trucks, toddler walk, kids zone, live music, walk, run & bike ride at World’s Fair Park from 11 am to 4 pm. Free!

Movies at the Museums: The Witch at Marble Springs Historic site at 8 pm.

OCTOBER 22

9th Annual Howl-O-Ween Pooch Parade & Pet Expo at UT Gardens from 1 to 5 pm.

Harvest Fest at the Village Green Shopping Center in Farragut from 2 to 6 pm.

Spirits of Old Gray Tour at Old Gray Cemetery from 3 to 6 pm. Brad Upton at the Bijou Theatre at 7 pm.

OCTOBER 24

Deaf Night at the Knoxville Museum of Art from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. KMA welcomes Knoxville’s deaf community to a museum open house. Free admission. Joy Oladokun at the Tennessee Theatre at 7:30 pm.

OCTOBER 26

Fall Heritage Days at the Museum of Appalachia from 9 am to 3 pm. Also November 2nd & 3rd. Old City Market on West Jackson Avenue from 5 to 9 pm.

Lewis Black: Off the Rails at the Tennessee Theatre at 7:30 pm.

OCTOBER 27

East Tennessee Preservation Conference: Modernism in East Tennessee at the East Tennessee History Center from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm.

Freaky Friday Fright Nite at Mayor Bob Leonard Park in Farragut from 5 to 7 pm. Trick-or-treat on the walk trail plus games and crafts. Free event, donations are requested for the Ronald McDonald house.

Disney Junior Live on Tour: Costume Palooza at the Tennessee Theatre at 6 pm.

Spirits Within special spooky candlelit tour at Historic Ramsey House from 6:30 to 8:30 pm.

Ice Bears vs. Birmingham Bulls Welcome to Hockey Top Night at the Civic Coliseum at 7:30 pm.

Rodney Crowell: Chicago Sessions Tour at the Bijou Theatre at 8 pm.

Knoxville Children’s Theatre presents Sense and Sensibility with shows through November 12th. See KnoxvilleChildrensTheatre.com for showtimes and tickets.

OCTOBER 28

Autumn Tree Walk guided tour at the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum from 9 to 11 am.

Wandering Dragon Medieval Market at the Knoxville Expo Center from 9 am to 4 pm.

Fall Frolic Craft Fair & Festival at Marble Springs State Historic Site from 10 am to 4 pm.

Knoxville Home Expo at the Convention Center from 10 am to 6 pm. Free admission. Also the 29th from 10 am to 5 pm.

Deluxe Behind the Scenes Tour of the Tennessee Theatre at 11 am. Also the 29th at 2 pm.

For Knoxville’s andMarketFarmers’dates locations,seepage10.

THINGS TO DO • PLACES TO GO • PEOPLE TO SEE

Rocky Horror Picture Show at the Tennessee Theatre at 11 pm.

OCTOBER 29

Cars and Coffee at West Town Mall from 8 to 11 am.

The Rainbow Fish, part of the Imagination Series for children, at the Bijou Theatre beginning at 10 am. Also the 30th. Fall Festival at the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum from 1 to 5 pm.

Oak Ridge Community Band Fall Concert at Grove Theater (123 Randolph Road in Oak Ridge) at 3:30 pm. Free admission.

OCTOBER 31

Halloween

SIX: The Musical at the Tennessee Theatre at 7:30 pm. Also November 1st-5th.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

NOVEMBER 2

Kelsea Ballerini: The Homecoming Show at Thompson-Boling Arena at 7 pm. Sam Bush Band at the Bijou Theatre at 7:30 pm.

NOVEMBER 3

57th Annual Foothills Craft Guild Fine Craft Show at the Knoxville Expo Center. Also the 4th & 5th.

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

Couture en Rouge 2nd Annual Fashion Extravaganza at the Knoxville Opera from 7 to 9:30 pm.

Ice Bears vs. Fayetteville Marksmen Feeling 22: The Eras Night at the Civic Coliseum at 7:30 pm.

Tool at Thompson-Boling Arena at 7:30 pm.

Gaelic Storm at the Bijou Theatre at 8 pm.

NOVEMBER 4

UT Vols vs. UConn Huskies at Neyland Stadium.

NOVEMBER 5

Race Against Cancer 5K Run/Walk at World’s Fair Park. Survivor ceremony at 2 pm, race begins at 3 pm. Benefiting patients and families of Thompson Cancer Survival Center.

Rayland Baxter at the Bijou Theatre at 7:30 pm.

NOVEMBER 7

Lake Street Dive: Gather Round Sounds Tour at the Tennessee Theatre at 7 pm.

NOVEMBER 9

Brittany Howard: What Now Tour at the Tennessee Theatre at 7:30 pm.

NOVEMBER 10

FILM FEST KNOX at Regal Riviera Stadium in downtown Knoxville through the 12th. Veterans Day Parade in downtown Knoxville beginning at the Civic Coliseum at 10:45 am. The Old Friends Acoustic Tour starring Ben Rector at the Tennessee Theatre at 8 pm. Also the 11th.

Christmas Fair at the Knoxville Expo Center through the 12th.

NOVEMBER 11

Christmas Market Place at the Historic Ramsey House from 10 am to 4 pm. All event dates and times subject to change.

Erin Presbyterian Church 200 Lockett Road Knoxville, TN 37919

Tickets available online and at the door

*Thursdays are PAY WHAT YOU WISHdonations taken at the door.

Based on the true story of 19th-century astronomer Henrietta Leavitt. The play explores a woman’s place in society during a time of immense scientific discoveries - all while balancing family, love, and dedication.

WordPlayers.org

Join the walk/run that raises funds for the patients and families of Thompson Cancer Survival Center.

In its 29 years, the race has raised more than $7.4 million dollars! Proceeds help to provide medical screening and to fight cancer within our local community.

RACE

DAY SCHEDULE:

• Registration: 1 - 2:30 pm

• Survivor march & photo: 2 pm

• Tribute to survivors: 2:15 pm

• Race begins: 3 pm

To sign up or learn more, visit RunSignup.com/Race/TN/Knoxville/RaceAgainstCancer

Presented by The WordPlayers

Oct. 5*, 6, 12*, 13 @ 7:30 pm

Oct. 8 & 15 @ 2:30 pm

LAMAR HOUSE & THE BIJOU THEATRE Where History Meets Music

THE LAMAR House/Bijou Theatre had its beginnings as a private residence near the center of Knoxville’s business district. In 1801, a wealthy merchant named Thomas Humes (1768-1816) purchased a 1,200 square foot lot on the southwest corner of present-day Gay Street and Cumberland Avenue. Humes is credited with constructing the Lamar House, which was completed in 1816, soon after his death.

The building was soon converted into a hotel and was known for its popular ballroom and saloon. It was one of antebellum Knoxville’s favorite public places and sites of concerts, balls, feasts, and holiday parties. Only two other buildings in downtown Knoxville predate the Lamar House, both constructed as private residences - The Blount Mansion (built in 1792) and the James Park House (built in 1812).

Both armies found the building useful during the Civil War. Confederate General Joseph Johnston stayed here while planning his western campaign in 1863 and later that year, it was a Union army hospital. On November 18, 1863, Union officer William P Sanders (1833-1863) was shot and mortality wounded on Kingston Pike. He died in the bridal suite the next day.

The hotel’s balcony served as the platform from which many visiting politicians and statesman addressed Knoxvillians. U.S. Presidents Rutherford B. Hayes, James K. Polk, Ulysses S. Grant, and Andrew Jackson were all guests at the hotel.

In 1909, at the height of the vaudeville era, developers added the Bijou Theatre to the rear of the Lamar House. It drew some of the stars of the day, from Will Rodgers and the Marx Brothers to John Phillip Sousa. Though eventually it primarily showed movies, live drama would be a mainstay for most of the 20th century. In later years, Tallulah Bankhead, John Barrymore, Sydney Greenstreet, and Montgomery Cliff performed there.

In the early 1970s, the building was threatened with demolition, but a group of concerned Knoxville citizens made a passionate effort to save it - this is regarded as the birth of the historic preservation nonprofit Knox Heritage (then Knoxville Heritage). Restored and modernized in successive multimillion-dollar projects, it has been praised for its acoustics by both musicians and critics.

Today, the Bijou Theatre is a nonprofit institution. Their mission is to provide a gathering place for all, present live performing arts that stimulate cultural diversity and enrich the lives of East Tennesseans. To find out more about the Bijou Theatre, attend a show, support financially, or sign up for their newsletter, visit KnoxBijou.org.

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.

INAUGURAL FILM FEST KNOX

November 10-12

HOSTED BY Visit Knoxville and the Visit Knoxville Film Office in partnership with Regal and The Public Cinema, FILM FEST KNOX will be held November 10-12 at the downtown Regal Riviera. The aim is to create a space for cinema as an art form here in Knoxville. They invite discerning moviegoers, film professionals, and passionate audiences to engage in meaningful discussions, celebrate talented filmmakers, and foster connections within the industry.

In collaboration with Regal, FILM FEST KNOX will present the highly anticipated 6-film American Regional Film Competition. This unique showcase sheds light on exceptional works produced outside the traditional production centers of Los Angeles and New York. The winner will be awarded an Oscar-qualifying run by Regal. In addition to the American Regional Cinema Competition, FILM FEST

The American Regional Film Competition Lineup: Evening Song (for Three Voices)

Kick Me Lousy Carter Mountains

Peak Season

Somewhere Quiet

KNOX will feature a Made in Tennessee Competition for shorts and feature films produced in the Volunteer State.

Another major component of the festival is the Elev8or Pitch, a pitch competition to provide further opportunities to filmmakers in East Tennessee and beyond. The Visit Knoxville

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Film Office hosted the Elev8or Pitch Kick Off Party at Scruffy City Hall on August 10, where teams in attendance learned rules and regulations for this competition. Teams have until October 12 to produce an 8-minute proofof-concept short film along with a 1-minute elevator pitch to illustrate their vision for a full-length feature film. The top eight teams will be able to pitch live in front of a panel of industry judges and audience on the opening night of the festival, Thursday, November 9. There will be several cash prizes, including $5,000 for 1st place, $3,000 for 2nd place, and $1,000 for 3rd place plus coveted industry mentorships.

FILM FEST KNOX will be a producer-centric festival, acknowledging the invaluable contributions of film’s creative producers, often overlooked yet vital to the success of a project. Passholders will experience an intimate festival environment with guest filmmakers in attendance. Tickets are on sale now and passes includes all narrative and documentary short and feature film screenings in various blocks (including the American Regional Film Competition and the Made in Tennessee Competition), the Live Pitch on Thursday evening, all 20 films in the Elev8or Pitch Screening, the Friday night Premiere, and all panels with industry professionals.

For more info, go to VisitKnoxville.com/ film-fest-knox or FilmFestKnox.com.

UT Gardens’ Plant of the Month Grow on the Wild Side with GOLDENROD AS

THE HEAT of summer lingers and we move slowly into the fall season, gardens can often look dull, tired, and tattered. The blooms of many beloved summer favorites (lilies, daylilies, and coneflowers, just to name a few) have faded, leaving gardeners longing for a flash of late season color to rejuvenate spirits. The vibrant perennial, goldenrod (Solidago), can fill the gap between summer and frost with its golden blossoms and might be just the answer for weary fall gardens. There are nearly 100 species of Solidago, and many of them are native to North America.

While goldenrod has long been considered a weedy plant best relegated to roadsides and wild spaces, there are native species and improved hybrids that can fit well into the home garden. A plant evaluation study conducted by Chicago Botanic Garden compared the landscape performance of 25 species and garden hybrids. Evaluated traits included disease resistance (powdery mildew and rust), bloom coverage, flowering period, hardiness, and habit. Among the best performers were Solidago ‘Baby Sun’, Solidago ‘Goldkind’, Solidago flexicaulis ‘Variegata’, Solidago sphacelate ‘Golden Fleece’, and Solidago rigida. The overall standout was Solidago rugosa ‘Fireworks’. Its consistent disease resistance coupled with its clumping nature, small stature, and reliable blooms that resemble sprays of fireworks has earned this cultivar a well-deserved place in ornamental landscapes. There have since been numerous cultivars introduced (‘Cloth of Gold’, ‘Golden Baby’, and ‘Crown of Rays’) that continue to build on characteristics that are desirable for home landscapes such as clumping growth habit, compact height, clean foliage, and bountiful floral display.

While Solidago species can be found growing naturally in diverse habitats, each species has specific environmental preferences. Those most used in landscape settings prefer full sun, average soil, and have a clumping or slowly spreading rhizomatous root system. Goldenrod is a herbaceous perennial adaptable to poor soil, tolerant of drought once established, and has potential to

reseed. Goldenrod blooms between late summer and fall, providing a much-needed source of late season nectar for many beneficial insects. Just as nature provides a compilation of flowering plants throughout the growing season, home gardens can mimic nature’s sequential bloom patterns to ensure nectar and pollen provisions during this time of year when blooms can be sparse. Perennial companions to plant alongside goldenrod for late summer and fall interest include aromatic aster, New England aster, ironweed, JoePye weed, beautyberry, rudbeckia, and salvia.

Goldenrod is often mistakenly blamed as the trigger of seasonal allergies, but the true offender is ragweed, a plant with less showy flowers that is inconspicuously blooming at the same time as goldenrod. The pollen produced by goldenrod flowers is too heavy to be carried in the wind and not the cause of dreaded hay fever. Don’t let false accusations and weedy reputations deter you. I encourage you to “Grow on the Wild Side” and include goldenrod in your garden this fall.

Solidago goldenrod can be viewed in the landscape at all three University of Tennessee Gardens locations. Jackson is growing an unknown species of Solidago in the parking lot area, and S. rugosa ‘Fireworks’ in the rain garden. S. rugosa, roughleaf goldenrod, can be viewed at Crossville in the rain garden. Knoxville has two cultivars on display. S. rugosa ‘Fireworks’ is located at the entrance to the Children’s Garden, and Solidago x ‘Little Lemon’ can be found in the Post-Wild Pollinator Garden.

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.

Giant goldenrod, Solidago gigantea, along a woods’ edge.

Courtesy of Celeste Scott

Courtesy of David J. Stang/Wikimedia Commons Solidago rugosa ‘Fireworks.’

October in the Garden

IFYOU’VE LIVED here for a few years, you know that this was a great summer. Mother Nature was (for the most part) gentle with the temperatures and generous with the rain. We had a few hot days, short periods of drought, and rough humidity, but compared to some years, it was awesome. That doesn’t mean, however, that I’m sad to see summer go. I’m ready for cooler temps and all the fall décor! It seems like our customers are in the same state of mind, so let’s discuss fall planting.

Why is fall the best time to plant trees and shrubs? Because that is when the majority of root growth occurs. Plants aren’t trying to grow, bloom, or put on leaves, so 100% of their effort goes into roots. Trees and shrubs planted between now and the end of December have a head start on those planted in spring.

Here are a few things you need to know about fall gardening:

1. October is typically our driest month, so you must water well. Sprinklers are inadequate for trees and shrubs because they deposit water at the surface. Trees and shrubs need water 12” into the soil at least once a week. Hand watering or using a drip line or a tree diaper works best.

2. Some of your plants don’t look great. This doesn’t mean they are dead or dying. We had a lot of diseases and insects this year, so spotty and/or holey leaves are more common right now. Some trees have already defoliated. Some plants are leggy and overgrown. When we have one of those glorious cool days, go out and do a little work - pull weeds, trim plants (call us if you don’t know what to prune), apply an organic fertilizer, and fluff up your mulch.

3. If you plant things besides trees and shrubs, you need to do it soon. Most perennials and veggies need to get roots before we have frost, and our average first frost is October 23rd.

To learn more about fall planting, come talk to us. For ideas, let’s talk about fall color. There are obvious choices, such as red maples. Gingko trees have spectacular yellow leaves in fall, and black gum trees are one of the most beautiful and reliable sources of color. Sugar maples, Shumard oaks, Autumn Brilliance Serviceberries, and even crape myrtles can turn your yard into a fall wonderland. How about shrubs? Camellias are a favorite, so let’s start there. The Camellia sasanqua is a fall bloomer and is a little less temperamental than the spring blooming japonica. Blooms (white, pink, or red) will last for several weeks. Camellias prefer morning sun, afternoon shade, and acidic soil and come in sizes from 4 to 20 feet. I love oakleaf hydrangeas, which turn a deep burgundy in the fall. Even after the leaves drop, the shape and bark is lovely.

BY LISA GRUGIN

Burning bush, Virginia sweetspire, cotoneaster, and blueberries also turn red. For yellow shades, try Clethra, Forsythia, or witch hazel.

Looking for berries? Beautyberry is my favorite, but don’t forget viburnums, cotoneaster, chokeberry, and hollies. Mahonia also has a good berry set.

If you want perennials, there are several that have fall blooms or keep their foliage. Anemones, Joe Pye weed, perennial mums, Sedums, and turtlehead bloom now. Many of the summer bloomers like coreopsis, coneflowers, Black-eyed Susan, and Russian Sage put on a new flush as temperatures cool. Don’t forget evergreen perennials! Dianthus, some Sedums, Lenten rose, heuchera, and candytuft are a few that stick around for the winter months. Add color and movement with grasses.

As for annuals, you can’t beat a pansy for color. Plant them now and they’ll last until next May! They do well in the ground and in containers, so stop by while the selection is good.

Reminder list of chores that need to be done in the fall:

O Clean up flower beds by cutting back fading perennials and debris. Leave plants that provide seeds for birds, but get diseased leaves up and away to

prevent problems next year.

O Don’t bag your leaves . Run over them with your mower and then add them to your beds for wonderful, fertilizing compost. Leaf compost is like gold!.

O Pull weeds and apply pre-emergent to keep them from coming back.

O Harvest cool season veggies and herbs with any pumpkins, squash, and gourds still on the vine.

O Mulch bare areas to keep the weed population down and the soil temperature and water levels stable.

O Don’t forget the birds! Keep those feeders clean and full. If you have a birdbath that can remain outside, keep it clean and full also. Otherwise, clean it and store it for the winter. Call or stop by if you have any questions. Don’t forget that we have everything you need for fall decorating, and we will soon have everything you need for Christmas!

Meadow View Greenhouses & Garden Center

9885 Highway 11E Lenoir City, TN 37772 865.986.7229

MeadowViewGreenhouse.com

New Exhibitions Opening

THE ARTS & Culture Alliance is pleased to present four new exhibitions at the Emporium Center in downtown Knoxville from October 6-28 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.

Art Guild of Tellico Village: As We Interpret Our World in the Lower Gallery

This new exhibition features a selection of artistic styles ranging from abstract to realistic as chosen by juror Kimberly Winkle. The Art Guild of Tellico Village (AGTV) is fascinated by the kaleidoscope of beauty and emotion that a close community of artists can create. They observe the same world yet record images, movement, and meaning uniquely. This exhibition considers the myriad of results possible when interpretation meets the eye of the beholder. The AGTV has more than 200 members, embracing all mediums of visual art.

Artists are moved by mountains, flowers, oceans, animals, light, and dark that is activated by emotion, reverence, curiosity, and play. Each has something to say - serious, sarcastic, joyful, mad, or challenging. What’s inside must come out, and art is the vehicle. Every artist hopes to find a match: The fellow viewer who regards a work of art and says, “Yes, I feel that too.” We hope you find your match.

Work by Current Bailey Opportunity Grantees in the Upper Gallery

The Arts & Culture Alliance presents an exhibit of painting, photography, ceramics, textiles, printmaking, and more by 17 of the artists who are recipients of an FY24 Ann and Steve Bailey Opportunity Grant. Read more about the exhibiting artists at KnoxAlliance.com/work-by-current-bailey-opportunity-grantees.

A part of the Arts & Heritage Fund, the Bailey Opportunity Grants pro-

artists will utilize their collective funds for local, regional, and national workshops, studio time, technical equipment, and more.

Lynda Evans: REMEMBRANCE in the Atrium

Lynda works primarily in the genre of Figurative Realism, a photo-realistic style; oil paintings on canvas, or charcoal, multimedia or photography on paper, are crafted in a very detailed, life-like portrait. After receiving a triple major undergraduate degree from the University of Tennessee, Lynda also earned a Master of Theology from Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary in Massachusetts.

Artist statement excerpt: I paint to connect with all that is interconnected by the divine, energetic, flow that creates us all. I believe we are spiritual beings in physical form. REMEMBRANCE is about the flash of understanding that happens when we recall we are not separate, but one. It is about our Divinity.

Kelly Sullivan: Go, Slow. on the North Wall

In this new exhibition, Kelly displays stitched collages composed of fabrics she has dyed, found fabrics, vintage fabrics, handstitching and machine stitching, cyanotype, and photo transfers that depict her travels through the world. In her screenprints, she uses collaged materials and stitching along with typical screenprinting processes to depict the same theme. This body of work is expressive through the choice of line quality, texture, and color and mirror the life she sees on her travels.

Artist statement excerpt: The current world we live in is a fast paced, scrolling world. There are benefits to moving through the world deliberately. I use my needle and thread like a drawing implement, tracing and outlining places I’ve seen while traveling as a content, single woman. In this series, my experiences as a woman, and my stitching, are elevated to fine art.

vide financial and technical support to artists and small, professionally-oriented arts and culture organizations. The grants are designed to spur continued artistic and administrative growth in innovative, entrepreneurial artists and organizations at any stage in their development. The 19

Roberta Smashey: The Glass Menagerie in the Display Case Roberta is a stained glass artist creating both nature-themed and abstract works using the glass foiling technique developed by Louis Comfort Tiffany. By utilizing hand-made glass sheets of various colors and textures, she produces dynamic depictions of the beauty found in nature. Using the Tiffany technique coupled with the beauty of glass and a lifelong study of wildlife, Roberta seeks to evoke appreciation of our natural world in all who view her creations. Whenever possible, she adds antique glass repurposed from old church windows and often incorporates at least one feature made from the older glass.

The exhibitions will be on display at the Emporium Center, located at 100 S. Gay Street in downtown Knoxville. The Emporium is open to the public Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm and Saturday from 10 am to 1 pm. For more information, call 865-523-7543 or visit KnoxAlliance.com.

Melissa Everett

Perry Flanagan

Carra Artis

Jean Porter

Planning the Perfect California Road Trip Adventure

WITHNEAR-ENDLESS sunshine, worldclass theme parks, and abundant outdoor experiences, California is an ideal destination to embark on an unforgettable adventure.

To make it easy for travelers to plan their trips, the 2023 California Road Trips guide includes 13 actionpacked itineraries that begin and end at one of the state’s 27 commercial airports, highlighting how easy it is to fly into any region of the Golden State and hit the road.

“California’s natural beauty, diverse topography, and culturally rich communities are the perfect backdrop for an epic road trip experience,” said Caroline Beteta, president and CEO of Visit California, a nonprofit organization that partners with the state’s travel industry to develop and maintain marketing programs that keep California top-of-mind as a premier travel destination. “This year’s guide showcases how the state’s vast network of international and regional airports provide travelers with convenient access to every corner of the California Road Trip Republic.”

The guide’s cover star, Dwyane Wade, a three-time NBA champion, dad, and owner of Napa Valley winery Wade Cellars, moved to Los Angeles after his retirement in 2019. Wade said California granted him a soulful landscape and much-needed quiet time.

“I like to find moments where no one can expect anything of me and California allows me to have those moments,” said Wade. “I’ll drive to the beach and walk next to the water. I’ll drive all over to

find those moments to connect with myself... I get my energy from that.”

While California’s world-renowned coastline provides a dramatic backdrop, adventures can be found in every region of the Golden State. Featured drives take travelers to both cities and classic small towns, family attractions and far-reaching, otherworldly landscapes. A few sample road trip itineraries include:

• Animals, Desert, and Offbeat Art combines kidfriendly experiences like LEGOLAND California and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park with the rich arts culture and stargazing opportunities in Borrego Springs.

• Cactus and Cocktails explore both the cosmopolitan pleasures of Palm Springs and the rugged sceneries of Joshua Tree National Park and the Mojave National Preserve.

• National Park Adventures is a 412-mile adventure that begins at Fresno Yosemite Airport and explores the wonders of Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon National Parks.

• Road to Gold is a four-day trek that begins in Sacramento, explores Lake Tahoe, and meanders back through Gold Country with photo opportunities at every turn.

• Innovation and Agricultural Bounty features a San Jose-based itinerary that showcases cutting-edge arts, charming seaside villages, and bountiful farmlands on a 238-mile journey.

To order a guide, go to VisitCalifornia.com/Travel-Guides.

Photo courtesy of Visit California/Places We Swim

COURTESY OF FFE

MYDECISION to port a landline phone number to a VoIP (voice over internet protocol) resulted in our internet and cable provider deleting our 30 year old account. I called for repairs the same day, and a technician was sent to restore internet service, but we later realized we had no TV or email! When I called again, I learned that since our account no longer existed (without our requesting termination), there was no way to “undo” this. Thankfully, our internet service still works, although we were told this was not possible since we don’t have an account! Just a neighborly note for anyone else considering “moving” a phone line…

All this to say, the interruption of cable TV may be a blessing, as we came across the Netflix documentary “Live to 100, Secrets of the Blue Zones,” where author Dan Buettner travels to unique locations around the world to learn why there is a disproportionately large number of centenarians among the population. I won’t spoil this fascinating documentary but thought it was worth sharing a few observations.

lives of these communities.

Within our local small business and community, a few examples come to mind: CEO business peer groups facilitated by Kurt Greene that provide a forum for business owners to give and receive feedback for each other, women’s clay artists Terra Madre, and the Hardin Valley Business and Community Alliance. Their most recent meeting included administrators from the Hardin Valley Schools providing a great update on the growth, challenges, and plans to do their best for students and staff. Each of these environments offers a place to connect with community minded people willing to invest time for the good of the cause and relationships that may result.

Have You Heard About Blue Zones? Business Note

BY BRETT CAFFERTY

I’ll focus on just two of many common threads of centenarians: Community - A common characteristic within these “blue zones” is connection. It can be family, friends, mixed generations, and common causes - be it work, recreation, volunteering, or in faithbased communities. The basic need to be part of something, expected to show up, know that others are expecting you to contribute - and enjoy - the relationships is a vital part of the daily

Another aspect of the of the blue zones - and a term mentioned in Okinawa, Japan - is “Ikigai,” or purpose. One translation refers to the convergence of one’s personal passions, beliefs, values, and vocation. This was especially evident with the older folks who at age 80, 90, or 100+ just keep doing what they do - walk, talk, and be engaged with their communities and interests. In a business context, I compare this to those who continue to provide needed expertise and tangible help to others.

Their longevity and zest for life isn’t the result of intentional diet and exercise. It’s involvement in community, being engaged with and connected to others, and having a purpose that leads to a more active, healthy, and full life. And yes, they also eat all their vegetables! Food for thought?

THIS YEAR is unlike any other: Southeastern Dermatology is celebrating 20 years in practice and putting on the ritz for Glammiversary. We are pulling out all the stops with a Roaring Twenties themed speakeasy and costume contest, plus the biggest discounts on cosmetic procedures and skincare products all year long. Come shop for 20% off and celebrate with us!

The Top Cosmetic Solutions at the Best Prices of the Year

Our all- day shopping event begins at 10 am, and the discounts last through the speakeasy party in the evening. Come meet the team, learn about the cosmetic procedures and products we offer, and discover which options are best for you. Find the perfect treatment for hair loss or hassle-free body sculpting. We have the industry’s leading solutions to target sun damage, fix fine lines and wrinkles, erase tattoos, and painlessly remove unwanted hair. Glammiversary offers the best pricing of the year on medical-grade skincare brands like SkinMedica, SkinCeuticals, and EltaMD. Stock up on BOTOX Cosmetic at $10/unit and bank your favorite fillers like Juvéderm, Radiesse, and Sculptra for next year’s touch-ups, or save on popular facial treatments like chemical peels, microneedling, and DiamondGlow.

From Flapper to Dapper: Win Prizes Valued up to $20,000 Daytime shoppers will be entered to win a selection of amazing prizes, but the best prizes of the day will be awarded at the Roaring Twenties speakeasy, featuring live music, drinks, and dancing. Starting at 7 pm, the Gin Joint will be serving beer, wine, giggle juice, and light bites inspired by the 1920s. Come dressed in your finest Roaring Twenties attire for a chance to win some of the best prizes of the night. From flapper to dapper, the top three best dressed contenders will win the biggest prizes of the event - the grand prize being a $5,000 injectable package. Check out our website for a list of other things you could win.

Call Us to Create Your Free Glammiversary Wish List

Schedule a free consultation before the event to create a customized treatment plan for the year so you know exactly what to buy at Glammiversary. It’s as easy as calling us or visiting our website to request an appointment. If you’re unavailable to shop at our office during the day or can’t make it to the party that evening, you can get the same discounts from our online store all day long.

MATTHEW B. DOPPELT D.O., F.A.O.C.D., F.A.A.D.

Board Certified Dermatologist