Mark your calendar for their 3rd annual Rodeo September 5th & 6th in Rarity Bay.
20 Ladybug Blinds
Discover a legacy of excellence in window treatments.
29 APC Financial Planning
Financial planning is a verb.
From the Publisher
NOT SURE ABOUT you but the oppressive heat and humidity seems overwhelming to me this year. I find I am spending a lot more time indoors - like as much time as humanly possible - to where I am beginning to suffer from the “same four walls” syndrome.
To combat this, I have been looking for ways to “refresh my environment.” Experts suggest a new rug or colorful throw pillows to instantIy rejuvenate a space. Many say something “alive” - actual plants (or even fake ones that look good) and/or cut flowers enliven any decor with a certain freshness.
I have already re-potted a few plants and bought new shower curtains. Simple things, yes, but even a small change can really lift your spirits. I’ll admit, I do smile now when I walk by the bathroom. I also have certain decor, shelf knick-knacks, and picture frames that I
HAE DESIGN STUDIO
discusses the question most homeowners eventually face - should we stay in our current home or should we move? The answer may lie in the unrealized potential of your current space. The SDS Team has helped countless clients reimagine what is possibletransforming awkward layouts and underutilized spaces into spa-like bathrooms, dream kitchens, and full-home renovations.
Hours of Business Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Everything Knoxville is distributed by mail to hundreds of neighborhoods in Bearden, West Knoxville, Farragut, Hardin Valley, and beyond.
change out seasonally just to keep the mundane at bay.
Shae Seeber of Shae Design Studio talks about a more substantial update to your space this month in our feature. How a newly remodeled kitchen or bath can change your entire attitude about your current home. If you have been struggling with the “Should I Stay or Should I Go?” question, Shae gives us all some inspiration for what is possible when your “refresh” is on a larger scale. I encourage you to give your space a little kick start. Simply moving accent decor or furniture from one room to another can perk up your usual view of the same old, same old. Whether you’re thinking of which walls need to come down or just updating a current room to serve the needs of you and your family better, change can be energizing.
Susan Cafferty Publisher + Editor
Should I Stay or Should I Go?
BY SHAE SEEBER, OWNER & HEAD DESIGNER
THE AGE-OLD QUESTION
homeowners face - should we stay in our current home or should we move? - has only grown more complicated in today’s real estate market. With rising interest rates, low inventory, and the emotional ties to a current home, the decision isn’t always as clear-cut as square footage or zip code. But what if the answer lies not in the market - but in the potential of your current space?
At Shae Design Studio, we’ve helped countless clients reimagine what’s possible within the walls they already love. From kitchen and bath renovations to full-home makeovers, staying put doesn’t mean settling. It means transforming.
The Power of a Design Vision
Many homeowners can’t see past dated finishes, awkward layouts, or underutilized rooms. That’s where our team steps in. Using detailed 2D and 3D renderings, we can show you the true potential of your home - before a single hammer swings. Visualizing what could be gives you the confidence to make smart, inspired decisions, whether you’re remodeling a kitchen, creating a spa-like bathroom, or opening up your floor plan for better flow.
The design team at Shae Design Studio can do it all!
by Madeline Boaz
Photos
Why Staying Might Be Your Best Decision ···
This kitchen originally felt compartmentalized and outdated with a layout that didn’t take full advantage of the space’s natural flow. The cabinetry was functional but lacked character, and the finishes had grown tired over the years. Storage was limited, lighting was harsh, and the overall design no longer reflected the homeowners’ style or needs. Our clients loved their home but were craving a kitchen that felt brighter, more open, and truly customized to the way they live, gather, and entertain.
Using our 3D rendering tools, we brought their vision to life! Before any project construction began, the renderings allowed us to fine-tune every detail - from the rich blue island and custom range hood to the statement lighting and brushed brass hardware. Our clients could now visualize the new layout with clarity:
AT SHAE DESIGN STUDIO, we can collaborate with your favorite construction contractor or refer you to a qualified professional. Another successful example of how fresh ideas and design inspiration allowed a client to remain in the home they loved can be found in Willow River Design and Build’s article on the next page.
Take your home from “outdated” to unforgettable - schedule your design consultation today!
the expanded island with seating, the clean sight lines across the room, and how the new cabinetry would elevate both function and beauty. These visual tools provided clarity and confidence, ensuring that every design element aligned with their goals before moving forward.
The finished kitchen looks nearly identical to the renderingsand that’s the beauty of a thoughtful design process. Every detail came together seamlessly, from the bold brass pendants down to the veining in the countertops. The space now feels brighter, more intentional, and is perfectly tailored to their home. It’s a testament to what’s possible when you pair creativity with precision - and when clients can see the future of their home before it even begins.
Shae Design Studio
9700 Kingston Pike, Suite 11 Knoxville, TN 37922
865.313.2656
ShaeDesigns.com
LUXURY RENOVATIONS DELIVERED
HAVING LIVED in his current home for 28 years, it is obvious that Phillip loves the house and its location. When he and his wife, Donna, decided to remodel, they began the process with a trusted real estate agent friend for feedback on recouping their investment. She confirmed that the renovation would be worth it financially and also suggested that the couple talk to Shae at Shae Design Studio for a professional design consultation.
So Phillip and Donna began interviewing contractors to do the remodel work. Of all the ones they contacted, only two came back with proposals, but within all that Shae Seeber’s name continually came up in conversation. They were beginning to be convinced that Shae’s reputation preceded her, so they gave her a call! At her initial consultation visit and after a conversation about their contractor issues, Shae mentioned that her husband, Greg, was a licensed contractor who used a very reasonable cost-plus pricing method. The bid was intriguing, as was the prospect of a husband and wife working with a husband and wife.
After meeting with Greg Seeber of Willow River Design and Build, the remodel contractor was settled and the design stage was underway. “Shae came up with ideas that we never dreamed possible, and working with Greg was a wonderful experience,” Phillip (happily) admits. “Greg was always easy to reach for various communication and offered subcontractors with impressive, quality workmanship.” With Greg’s renovation schedule in place, the work began.
The project was a complete upstairs remodel of their 2,800 sq. ft. basement rancher including a new kitchen. Their three bedrooms became two as the third room was converted into a larger closet and a redesigned bathroom for the main bedroom. Walls were removed to expand a cathedral ceiling and to accommodate the kitchen remodel. During this process, Donna and Phillip relied on the Seebers for overall decision making. “Shae was like our marriage counselor!” Phillip reminisces. “If Donna and I disagreed on something, we would turn to Shae to make the final decision.” Not only did they know Shae would point them in the right direction design-wise, they knew that Greg and his team were great at handling last minute adaptations. “We appreciated Greg’s easy, calm demeanor that remained steady throughout the process.”
In the end, Phillip and Donna were delighted with their “new” home and the work Greg and his team at Willow River Design and Build managed. Phillip sums it up, “I will not construct anything in the future without Greg being involved. In fact, we are currently building a new covered deck and, of course, Greg is our contractor.”
Willow River Design and Build
9700 Kingston Pike, Ste. 11 Knoxville, TN 37922
865.214.7030
LuxuryKnoxHomes.com
Phillip Nussbaumer President of Rosa’s Catering Service, Inc.
Donna Little President of Sunsphere Events, LLC
Wells Station Barbeque
If You Haven’t Tried It, You Are Definitely Missing Out
LET ME PUT you on to something seriously delicious: Wells Station BBQ. This isn’t just a food truck - it’s a full-on flavor experience. And fair warning: When you’re done reading this, you will be hungry. You’ve been warned.
Wells Station BBQ is a wood-fired barbecue food truck based in Knoxville that pops up all over the place - breweries, festivals, you name it. Their monthly schedule lives on their website (WellsStationBBQ.com), so check it out and mark those calendars. Get there early, because once the food starts flying out the window, it doesn’t last long!
The man behind the magic? Marcus Stokely, aka the Meat Maestro, hailing from Greenville, TN. With more than a decade of fine dining under his belt, Marcus now brings top-tier barbecue to the people - one juicy brisket slice at a time. He’s out there smoking everything from pulled pork, chicken, turkey, bacon, and ribs to - yes, seriouslygator. If it can be smoked, Marcus can make it mouthwatering.
Don’t even get me started on the smash burger. Is there anything this man can’t do?
BY KELLY JO GROSSER LARSEN
My personal favorite? The brisket taco on a beef tallow tortilla. It’s next-level good. Topped with pickled red onions, cotija cheese, and a dreamy avocado salsa verde - it’s flavor-packed and one of a kind. There are also a few sauces to choose from, and
- made by Marcus himself, of course. The jalapeño cheddar sausage has been my favorite so far, and I’m always excited to see what flavor he rolls out next.
you literally can’t go wrong. I’m a proud Wells Station OG sauce girl myself. Side dish? It’s always the mac and cheese for me. Creamy, cheesy, comforting - don’t even try to resist. And do yourself a favor and grab some of the house-made pickles. I’m petitioning for them to be sold by the jar. (Seriously, Marcus, take my money.)
You’ll also find one or two sausage options
When dessert is on the menu, it’s a cause for celebration. The banana pudding is rich and creamy but the sticky toffee pudding with toasted marshmallow whipped cream? Life-changing. Best dessert I’ve ever had! Got an event coming up? Skip the stress and let Wells Station BBQ handle the food. Your guests will rave, and your kitchen stays spotless. Catering info is on their website (maybe send me an invite while you’re at it). With football season just around the corner, you’ll find Wells Station BBQ at the Market Square Farmers’ Market on most home game Saturdays. Swing by, grab a plate, and tell Marcus that Kelly’s Belly sent you. You can thank me later. Cheers, y’all!
Purchase Your Next Home Without Selling First
BY NANCY KEITH, REALTOR ® , KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY
WOULD YOU LIKE to purchase your next home without selling first?
As a Realtor, I have found many of my clients in a similar situation, and many don't know that there are a number of options that would allow them to accomplish this. I spoke to Kel Jacobs at Mortgage Investors Group, and here are a few options she mentioned for these clients:
A Bridge Loan can make it happen! If you have around 30% equity in your home, a Bridge Loan may allow you to:
• Use equity for your next down payment
• Skip the requirement to sell before closing
• Cover up to 6 months of mortgage payments on your current home
• Qualify for better loan terms by removing your current payment from your DTI
• Avoid double moves, storage fees, or temporary housing
• Prep your home with up to $35,000 for listing, including $5,000 for moving costs
• Make stronger, non-contingent offers
Another option? Departure Residence Income. If you choose to rent out your current home, 75% of the rental income can be used to help offset your mortgage - you will need to have a signed lease and proof of two months’ rent collected (like first month’s rent and security deposit).
Bridge Loans are often faster and cheaper than a HELOCand less risky than tapping into retirement funds. Each investor has different guidelines, so let’s talk about what works best for your situation. Questions? I’m happy to help. Call 865-4560874 or visit KelTheLoanLady.com.
Sunday, August 31st
3 pm - 9 pm
Fireworks begin at 9 pm World’s Fair Park
The Best Food and Fireworks Festival in the Southeast
EOnce you are ready to search for your next home or list your current one, feel free to call me at 865-384-4744 or visit NancyKeith.com to access all area MLS listings or to schedule your free comparative market analysis.
VERY YEAR, attendees from all over the Southeast enjoy thousands of pounds of wings, including flavors from around the world, cooking and eating competitions, live entertainment, kid’s activities, and the most comprehensive pyro musical fireworks show around. Come enjoy the fun on Labor Day weekend!
2025 Festival Features:
NEW! Expanded layout to include both Festival and Performance Lawns NEW! Taste of Knoxville Pavilion • Expansive Pyro Musical Fireworks Show Wing Cooking Competition • Live Music • Wings Around the World Kids’ Corner • Bobbing for Wings • Wing Eating Contest • And More!
Get ready to groove with Arkansauce and Fireside Collective as they bring high-energy bluegrass vibes, kick back with country favorites from Joe Lasher and Kaitlyn Baker, and sail into the evening with the smooth throwback sounds of Smooth Sailor. Cap off your festival experience with a fireworks show that’s nothing short of spectacular! Bring a blanket, grab your crew, and get ready for a sky-high celebration that lights up the night! Come out for a great time and great food benefiting Thompson Cancer Survival Center and Educator Resource Center. For info visit BKWFestival.com or the Big Kahuna Wing Festival Facebook page.
Concierge Primary Care
COULD
MORE ACCESS, time, and connection improve your overall health?
During the past decade, the healthcare system has become more like a giant corporation than the family doctor who made home visits. We are all experiencing less face-to-face time with our primary care physicians. MBody Healthcare owners Mike and Melissa Major are here to put the “care” back in healthcare by offering membership-based Direct Primary Care. This model allows MBody to give their patients the time and attention needed to become the healthiest, best possible versions of themselves.
Direct Primary Care membership includes unlimited visits, direct provider access, and all primary care needs, including basic labs and wellness care. DPC is a personalized approach tailored to the patient’s individual healthcare needs. At MBody, they do not wait for diseases to develop and then treat them; the focus is on prevention and early detection to mitigate the chronic disease burden. Think of it as concierge level care at an affordable price.
“I can’t recommend MBody Healthcare enough. It’s like a whole new world of healthcare. The care goes above and beyond. The communication is amazing. They truly listen and take the time to address all your health issues, without ever making you feel rushed. And I’m able to contact them directly for any questions or issues that arise between appointments.
My whole family came down with a bad virus in December, and after seeing us right away in office, Melissa contacted me every morning to check in on us until we were well. I was floored!
That level of care is unheard of in today’s healthcare environment!”
- Krista G.
Save time and take back control of your health with a provider you have access to when you need them and that can give you the time your health deserves. By removing the middleman (insurance), MBody Healthcare is restoring the doctor-patient connection, and their patients have improved overall health and save time and money in the process. For questions or to schedule a consultation, text 865-685-9351 or call 865-399-6026.
MBody Healthcare
1378 Papermill Pointe Way Knoxville, TN 37909
865.399.6026 office
865.685.9351 text
MBodyHealthcare.com
DOGWOOD GALLERY & RED GALLERY WEST JACKSON AVENUE
MONDAY - FRIDAY 9 AM TO 5 PM
EMBRACING the UNEXPECTED
WITH MORE THAN
40 years of industry knowledge, t he Blinds & More team has been creating oneof-a-kind spaces in Knoxville and its surrounding counties with quality products, a thoughtful attention to detail, and exceptional design. Their top priority is treating clients with respect and integrity while providing the perfect finishing touches for their homes.
“You know, even after two decades designing custom window treatments, I’ve discovered that no two projects are ever the same,” said Jamie Kidd, founder and co-owner of Blinds & More. “I love what I do, but I also love the fact that no project is ever what you expect. Embracing the unexpected is truly the beauty of design.”
Blinds & More is a true multi-generational family business specializing in “All Things Window.” From soft window treatments - which include draperies, roman shades, cornices, and valances - to your functional window treatments such as blinds, shutters, roller, and cellular shades, Blinds & More has all your window treatment needs covered. Everyone in the family has a role in the process, from introductory meeting to project completion. Jamie meets with the client for the initial design consultation. Robbie, her husband and co-owner, oversees the company’s commercial and outdoor projects, and Del, their oldest son - who joined them after 10 years of service in the Air Forceoversees installation of all projects. Together, exceptional service is the family standard.
“Jamie and her team have been exceptional to work with. We ordered custom draperies, custom bedding, motorized shades, and custom window treatments. The quality of the product, attention to detail, and the professional installation - 5 stars!! Even more impressive was the great communication and honesty that you won’t find in many other companies out there. Highly recommend!!”
- Anne Marie Wolsey
In a recent conversation with Jamie, she recounted one of her favorite projects out in Rarity Bay that took her company in some unexpected directions. “We were brought in to address a privacy issue,” she said. “These days, newer larger homes are often situated in cl ose proximity to each other and feature expansive windows, which was the case there. We started the project by designing and installing motorized shades throughout the home that provided the client with the privacy and light control she needed.”
With initial privacy and light control concerns addressed, this “opened the door” to soft treatment needs in other rooms of the home. The client’s beautiful primary bedroom suite needed not only some additional privacy but also a finishing touch that functional window treatments alone could not achieve. “Sometimes you just need to add soft elements to a room to create that extra warmth and sophistication that many of my clients are looking for today,” said Jamie. So, elegant draperies were designed and installed, providing both the privacy and polish the client desired. Once the draperies were installed, one of Jamie’s favorite design opportunities arose, custom bedding. “The custom bedding - in this instance, duvet cover, pillow shams, and decorative pillows - were the finishing touches, or lipstick, as I jokingly tell my clients, for an already gorgeous room,” she said.
And the project didn’t end there. Now pleased with her bedroom, the client moved to the kitchen and dining room, where Jamie again encountered large, tall, and unusually wide windows. With the motorized roller shades already addressing privacy and light control, both areas needed a “bit of softening,” as Jamie put it. “We further refined our previous design by installing custom valances over our motorized shades in the kitchen and extra-long draperies in the dining room. Both areas required an unusual degree of precision and craftsmanship.
“Fortunately, we collaborate with a local workroom that handles all our custom soft treatments,” continued Jamie. “This partnership ensures a personal touch, as everything is locally made, and definitely contributes to the envisio ned final design. This project and this client will always be one of my favorites. We all worked together and very hard to make the client’s vision come to life.
“Can window treatments be unexpected and get tricky? Absolutely. Can the process get complicated? Absolutely, but we are blessed to work with many lovely homeowners who trust us with their homes and trust we will make the process as seamless as possible. We promise to get the job done right and are always ready to promptly respond to any client’s needs, even the unexpected ones.”
SEED GROWN Sunflowers: The Gift That Keeps on Giving
SUBMITTED BY CAMILLE NEWSOM, RESEARCH COORDINATOR AT UT GARDENS, JACKSON
WHAT IS YOUR favorite flower? One common answer is the sunflower ( Helianthus annuus Although they are popular for commercial bouquets, some might not realize how easy they are to grow from seed.
Sunflowers are native to much of North America. They are an important agriculture crop with more than one million acres grown in the United States each year, primarily for oil and bird seed. The seeds are inexpensive and easy to find at garden centers and in seed catalogues.
Plant breeders have developed varieties in a wide range of colors, patterns, and sizes. They can be white, green, pink, yellow, orange, red, bronze, or brown with heights ranging from a mere 20 inches tall up to 20 feet or more. A few favorites include ‘Autumn Beauty,’ ‘Concert Bell,’ ‘Earth Walker,’ and ‘Mammoth.’ Some sunflowers branch, producing many flowers on each plant, and others put their energy into producing one single large flower.
Not only are sunflowers a favorite of many people but they are also popular with wildlife. Watch one for a few minutes, and you will see bees, butterflies, and other insects that drink nectar and gather pollen. After pollination, the petals dry up, the flowerheads hang down, and seeds mature. If left intact, these will attract birds like goldfinch, titmice, and chickadees to the garden. Collect some of the seeds, and you can keep growing them for years to come.
Sunflowers attract pollinators and provide feed for birds. Collect the seeds and keep sunflowers growing in your garden or field for years to come.
To ensure ample pollen and fertile seed production, be sure to choose “open pollinated” varieties. Many hybridized introductions are pollenless and sterile to accommodate the cut flower industry. In Tennessee, sunflowers can be grown from May through October as long as it is frost free. Seeds can be directly sown in the ground or started in containers and carefully transplanted once their true leaves emerge. When starting seeds in the ground, it’s a good idea to plant the seeds 1-2 inches deep in loose soil and cover the planting area with something that will keep the birds and squirrels from digging them up.
Sunflowers grow best in full sun and thrive in poor to average garden soil. They are drought tolerant once established but perform their best with regular watering. Planting in succession, about every two weeks, will give you continuous blooms. Taller varieties may benefit from staking if planted in areas exposed to a lot of wind, but most are strong enough to stand on their own.
Seed grown sunflowers are great for beginners and experienced gardeners alike. You can find them growing at UT Gardens in Jackson and in the Knoxville kitchen garden and trial beds, typically in bloom July through August.
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. For more information, visit utgardens.tennessee.edu.
Photo by All-America Selections, Sunflower Concert Bell
Photo by Camille Newsom, courtesy UTIA
Why You Need Boat Insurance
THERE’S NOTHING LIKE a beautiful day out on the water. If you own a boat, chances are that’s how you’re spending a lot of your time. Whether you’re river cruising or searching for the perfect fishing spot, your watercraft is the key to your outdoor adventures. But does it have the protection it needs?
While Tennessee requires boats to be registered and education classes for residents born after January 1, 1989, the state does not require boat insurance. At Farm Bureau Insurance of Tennessee, we believe in planning and protection for peace of mind. Here’s why you should consider a watercraft insurance policy.
The Basics of Boat Insurance
Your auto and home insurance policies do not cover any watercraft you own. If you don’t have a separate policy for your boat, then it isn’t covered. So, what coverage does a boat insurance policy offer?
• Watercraft liability insurance can help cover expenses if you are found legally liable for damage to other people’s property or injuries sustained by others while enjoying your watercraft. Accidents happen, and this coverage can help make sure you don’t get hit with unexpected costs after a covered incident.
• Physical damage coverage can help cover a range of perils, from theft to collisions, that physically damage your watercraft.
• Medical payments coverage can provide funds to help pay medical bills for yourself or others in the event of an accident. Even with health insurance, hospital visits can be costly.
What Kinds of Boats Are Covered?
At Farm Bureau Insurance of Tennessee, our policies can extend to many types of watercraft that are used exclusively for private, recreational purposes. This could include pontoons, small fishing boats, sailing vessels, or personal watercraft.
Choosing the Right Policy
The bottom line is this: Having the right boat insurance policy protects your investment in your watercraft, as well as you and your passengers. Choosing boat insurance is a smart, financially sound decision.
Farm Bureau Insurance of Tennessee offers flexible watercraft coverage to meet your needs. To learn more about our policies, contact local agent Dana Pumariega today at 865-247-6517.
Hardin Valley Farm Bureau Insurance 10851 Hardin Valley Road Knoxville, TN 37932
865.247.6517 fbiTN.com
Friday, August 15 - Sunday, August 17
Village Green Shopping Center, Farragut
Free 3-day festival of fun, food, shopping, and competition with more than 400 jumps and 150 canine competitors!
New this year is "Dueling Dogs" - side-byside, two lane, head-to-head competition! Silent
Photo by John Carver
Annual Rodeo Supporting a Good Cause
3rd Annual CASA Monroe Rodeo September 5th & 6th
Legacy Horse Ranch in Rarity Bay
GET READY, Monroe County - the CASA Monroe Rodeo is back for two nights of high-energy, family-friendly fun on September 5th and 6th. This annual rodeo not only showcases top-tier talent but also creates an unforgettable atmosphere with live music, food, and entertainment for all ages.
Last year’s rodeo was named one of the Top 5 IPRA New Rodeos of the Year, and 2025 is shaping up to be even better! The lineup includes crowd favorites like bull riding, bronc riding, bareback riding, barrel racing, team roping, calf roping, and breakaway roping. For the little ones, there will be a calf scramble and mutton bustin’, sure to bring smiles and laughter.
For the first time ever, Mitchell's Petting Zoo & Exotics will be bringing an exclusive petting zoo experience to the Rodeo! This one-of-a-kind opportunity will give you the chance to engage with an array of agricultural and exotic animals, including their all-new kangaroo encounter with Baby Jack!
Special appearances include Miss Rodeo USA Megan Kelly and incredible specialty trick riding performances. Also, don't miss the exclusive VIP Lounge for an upgraded rodeo experience, including concerts by Chad Bradford and Dixie Mafia.
DIXIE LEE MARKET
Renaissance Center
12740 Kingston Pike, 37934
Saturdays 9 am - Noon
MARKET SQUARE
DOWNTOWN
Wednesdays from 10 am - 1 pm
Saturdays 9 am - 1 pm
NEW HARVEST PARK
4775 New Harvest Lane, 37918
Thursdays 3 pm - 6 pm
HARDIN VALLEY
Event Center Pavilion
2620 Willow Point Way, 37931
Thursdays 4 pm - 7 pm
EBENEZER ROAD
Ebenezer United Methodist Church
1001 Ebenezer Road, 37923
Tuesdays 3 pm - 6 pm
HISTORIC OAK RIDGE
209 Jackson Square, 37830
Saturdays 8 am - Noon
Gates open at 6 pm, mutton bustin’ begins at 6:30 pm, and the main rodeo kicks off at 8 pm both nights. $20 general admission, $30 arenaside seating, $150 VIP lounge. The 5th is Kids’ Night with 12 & under free and ages 13-17 only $10 admission. The 6th is 5 years & under free and ages 6-17 only $10 admission.
Every ticket sold directly supports CASA Monroe (Court Appointed Special Advocates), who supports local children who have experienced abuse or neglect and are involved in the court system. CASA Monroe trains and equips dedicated volunteers to stand up for the best interests of these children. Volunteers provide a consistent, compassionate voice in court, helping ensure every child has the opportunity to grow up in a safe, stable home. Through advocacy, education, and support, CASA Monroe is making a lasting impact on the lives of vulnerable children in our community. Join them for an unforgettable weekend that makes a real difference. For tickets or more information, visit CASAMonroeRodeo.com or CASAMonroe.org.
Don’t Let a Faulty Garage Door Disrupt Your Day
GOOD
DAY GARAGE DOORS is here to restore your peace of mind, as well as your family’s security. With more than 20 years of trusted experience, we bring professional, reliable service right to your doorstep. Our friendly team believes fixing your door should be a great customer experience, not a chore that disrupts your life. With quality workmanship and a refreshingly positive approach, Good Day Garage Doors is here to turn your garage door troubles into a genuinely good day! We guarantee same-day repair, so call for an appointment or schedule online. In the market for a new garage door? Good Day Garage Doors offers solid garage doors that add just the right curb appeal and make your everyday life easier. Whether you’re looking for classic, modern, or somewhere in between, we’ll help you pick the right fit for your home or office. With a wide range of high-quality garage doors to coordinate with any style, we know you’ll find exactly the right door. Simply choose your look (material, style, and color) and Good Day Garage Doors will handle the rest, from delivery to professional garage door installation. Each installation we complete results in a garage door that is strong, energy-efficient, and designed to run smooth, year after year.
“Ori took my call promptly, came out quickly, diagnosed my door, and quoted me several different fixes. I got on his schedule and a crew came to put my new door up (a day earlier than quoted). Skip the ‘big names’ and start here.”
- Matt M., Knoxville
From residential to commercial garage door services, no job is too big or small for our garage door specialists. Whether you need routine maintenance or emergency garage door repair, reach out to Good Day Garage Doors. We’re raising the bar for local garage door services with three convenient locations to serve you in Knoxville, Maryville, and Lenoir City. With yearly maintenance plans and free
estimates, our mission is to provide highquality garage door solutions that exceed your expectations, so every day can be a good day - even the days when you need garage door repair. Contact Good Day Garage Doors today for professional garage door services and mention Everything Knoxville to receive 10% off!
Good Day Garage Doors
(Formerly American Pro Garage Doors) 1624 Schaeffer Road, Suite 104 Knoxville, TN 37932 865.622.3549
GoodDayGarageDoors.com
Helping End Hunger on Campus - and Beyond:
“Our main goal is ending hunger on UT’s campus.”
- Tyler White, UT Assistant Professor/food4VOLS Program Manager
BY KAREN COPPOCK
AT THE UNIVERSITY of Tennessee, Knoxville, Assistant Professor Tyler White had a goal to reduce food waste and address food insecurity on UT’s campus. Working with other UT staff, White created the food4VOLS program. “Our program started in August 2021,” said White. “I came up with the idea and implemented it, thinking I could incorporate it into part of my normal classes here.”
White explained that “food4VOLS spun out of a meeting with Jay Price, who’s with Sustainability here at UT.” UT has a composting program, and Price noticed that much of the food coming from Vol dining was usable. Initially, they thought about 8,000 pounds of unused food could provide 2,0003,000 meals from August to May.
“Was I wrong!” laughed White. “In the fall of 2021, I think we collected 20,000 pounds of food and made like 6,000 meals!”
Currently, food4VOLS employs a full-time coordinator and also has an AmeriCorps member. The program relies heavily on daily volunteers - UT students and staff and community members are a big part of food4VOLS’ success. Using a box truck and a refrigerated van, staff and volunteers make rounds each day, collecting unused and overproduced food from UT dining halls and restaurants. On average, food4VOLS collects more than 500 pounds of food per day, typically in four categories: protein, vegetable/produce, starch, and desserts. “We reclaim it, and we bring all of this food back to the Culinary Institute and repurpose it into microwaveable meals,” said White. “The idea was that broke college students have spent all their money and they can’t eat1, so all they do is live on ramen. That’s why
we made [the meals] microwavable - because in the dorms, they’re limited to basically having a microwave.” The food is stored in commercial refrigerators at UT’s Culinary Institute until it’s repurposed. The extra food provides good nutritional options for students, rather than simply offering typical vending machine fare. He added, “We label all our meals [with] allergens and ingredients. Our coordinator is a trained executive chef.” They work with chefs on campus if there are questions about ingredients, and food service staff contact food4VOLS if they have extra food. Although food4VOLS is located within the Culinary Institute in UT’s College of Education, Health, and Human Science, UT does not centrally fund it. “We are completely self-funded,” explained White. “We do rely on donations.” White estimates each meal costs about $0.27. Even though the food itself is donated, food4VOLS purchases containers and utensils, as well as seasonings and sauces, and staples like rice and potatoes. Other expenses include maintenance and gas for the box truck and van.
The food4VOLS program has six different distribution sites on campus in areas that don’t have dining options, such as academic buildings, with the idea being that UT’s campus is very large, so it can be difficult to get to a dining hall or restaurant between classes or meetings. The program provides a refrigerator and microwave at each location, along with utensils. Students, faculty, or staff members can walk up, take a meal, and heat it up with no questions asked.
“Since we’ve started, we have collected more than 530,000 pounds of food, so we average more than 100,000 pounds a year,” said White. The program has been so successful at repurposing unused food into meals for hungry college students that they now partner with Second Harvest, KARM, The Dream Connection, and other community nonprofits to feed people in Knox, Blount, and Sevier counties. Additionally, food4VOLS was recognized with one of the 2024 Tennessee Governor’s Environmental Stewardship Awards. Montana State University and the University of South Carolina are implementing their own versions of this program.
The abundance of reclaimed food means food4VOLS can meet their primary goal of feeding UT students and help their nonprofit partners address food scarcity in the community. For example, the program is piloting a new offshoot, food4VOLS Jr., this summer.
“We’re partnering with Transforming Western Heights and sending meals twice a week… for kids [to] take meals home,” explained White. “Either it’s their lunch [or they] make it their dinner or maybe a weekend meal.”
From a simple desire to end hunger on UT’s campus, food4VOLS has developed into a thriving community outreach program. Check out their website at cehhs.utk.edu/rhtm/food4vols, or see the sidebar for ways to support their mission.
1A study revealed that in the University of Tennessee System, 33.8% of students were food insecure. This means one out of every three students at UT identified themselves as food insecure (Wooten et al., 2019).
HOW TO HELP
• VOLUNTEER - Although UT students are the primary volunteers, community members over 18 are welcome. For more information or to sign up, visit givepulse.com/event/609211-2025-summer-food4vols.
• DONATE FUNDS - Because UT falls under the 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, donations are tax deductible. Donations made through Big Orange Give drive or the UT Office of Advancement can be designated for the food4VOLS program at give.utk.edu/campaigns/42950/donations/new?designation_id=food_4.
Introducing Ladybug Blinds: A Legacy of Excellence in Window Treatments
ACORNERSTONE
company
on the West Coast for more than 38 years, the owners of Ladybug Blinds have brought their expertise in the home renovation industry and their passion for quality craftsmanship to Knoxville. Ladybug Blinds window treatment offerings have now expanded, introducing a broader selection to meet the diverse needs of their new community - interior and exterior shades, elegant shutters, blinds of every kind, and stylish drapery. With more than seven different trusted brand names to choose from, Ladybug Blinds collection ensures that every customer can find the perfect solution to match their unique style and vision.
Ladybug Blinds, with their fully equipped mobile window treatment unit including samples and swatches, offers free in-home consultations that bring the showroom to you. This allows customers to see how various products will look in their actual spaces before making a decision. But what truly sets Ladybug Blinds apart are their two area Design Centers located inside Johnson & Sons Flooring in West Knoxville and Alcoa.
The Design Centers showcase not only their wide range of window treatments but also an impressive selection of flooring, cabinets, and countertops, providing a one-stop renovation shopping experience. By combining Ladybug Blinds, the Cabinet Guys, and Johnson & Sons Flooring, it’s like attending your own personal Home Show with everything you need under one roof. From floor to ceiling - and the windows in between! - come see all the amazing offerings in just one building.
Co-owner Aaron Johnson is excited to bring Ladybug Blinds and their quality products to his hometown. “We understand that choosing window treatments can feel overwhelming. Our consultation services provide expert guidance on selecting the perfect window treatments, colors, and designs to suit every space, style, and need,” assured Aaron. “We are so confident you’ll find just the right products that we happily offer 20% off to Everything Knoxville readers through the end of August.”
The team at Ladybug Blinds is dedicated to providing unparalleled service and expertise, ensuring every project, no matter the size, is handled with the utmost care and
professionalism. Their commitment to quality and customer satisfaction is why they’ve been a trusted name in window treatments for both homeowners and businesses for decades.
Ready to upgrade and update your living spaces? Contact Ladybug Blinds or come by one of their two locations to see their selection of stylish window treatments plus flooring, cabinetry, and countertop options. The renovation possibilities are endlessand beautiful!
Ladybug Blinds
223 N Seven Oaks Drive Knoxville, TN 37922
207 Hamilton Crossing Drive Alcoa, TN 37701
865.346.3038
LadybugBlinds.com
INSIGHTS HIGHLIGHTS &
GRATEFUL BEING ME
Deena Kong's debut best-selling children's book on the topic of peer pressure, Grateful Being Me, makes a wonderful gift for the special child or educator in your life. The story is based on actual events that teach cultural diversity and acceptance with a heartfelt message that belongs in every child's library and classroom. Bonus: the book also has a section of conversation starters! Available where books are sold. Check out MaiStoryBook on YouTube for a children’s read aloud of Grateful Being Me Visit DeenaKong.com or @bydeenakong on Instagram.
THE ART MARKET GALLERY
KatCobi is a British-born fabric artist known for her distinctive, one-of-a-kind fabric slashed handbags. Her highly sought-after creations blend texture, color, and craftsmanship, resulting in wearable art pieces that stand out from the ordinary. KatCobi’s exclusive designs are available for purchase at The Art Market Gallery, 422 S. Gay Street in Knoxville, 865.525.5265, ArtMarketGallery.net or Facebook.com/KatCobiDesigns.
MAKER EXCHANGE
Visit the Curio at Maker Exchange to shop locally made artwork for 150+ makers. The Kitty Vase, Cowboy Kitty, and Yeow Catnip Banana Mug are new work by local ceramicist Bianca Ray. Stop by at 710 Clinch Avenue in downtown Knoxville between the Marriott and Tennessean Hotels, 865.637.4561, or online at MakerExchangeKnox.com.
MEADOW VIEW GREENHOUSES & GARDEN CENTER
After 30 years of being our go-to nursery and gift shop, Meadow View is closing at the end of August and as a “fond farewell,” everything except bulk goods is available at 50% off. On the 15th, anything left will be 75% off.
Meadow View Greenhouses & Garden Center, 9885 Highway 11E in Lenoir City, 865.986.7229, MeadowViewGreenhouse.com.
SHAE DESIGN STUDIO
These eclectic and whimsical Portuguese ceramic horse sculptures from Global Views blend traditional craftsmanship with contemporary aesthetics. They come in three poses - Libertino, Fresian, and Andalusian - and can be purchased in either a matte black or matte white finish. Available at Shae Design Studio's Showroom, 9700 Kingston Pike, Suite 11 in Knoxville, 865.313.2656, ShaeDesigns.com.
THE SPICE & TEA EXCHANGE
Perfect for tea lovers seeking a tropical getaway, this sampler is your go-to for summer gatherings, poolside relaxation, or simply treating yourself to an island-inspired experience. Enjoy the refreshing combination of bright, crisp pineapple and sweet, juicy dragon fruit hot or iced. Premium teas, flavorful samplers, unique gifts, and gourmet ingredients that elevate every occasion are available at The Spice & Tea Exchange, 522 S. Gay Street in Knoxville, 865.985.0913, SpiceAndTea.com.
WALL BEDS: A Hospitality Hub and More
BY CARRIE MCCONKEY, CARRIEMCCONKEY.COM
WALL BEDS have been a practical and popular idea since the 1900s, but oh, how far they’ve come! No longer reserved for small spaces, savvy homeowners are discovering that wall beds work in any size home - from beach condos to barndominiums.
Comfort and Organization for Your Guests
You’ve welcomed your guests with open arms, fed them a delicious meal, and provided stimulating conversation into the evening. Thanks to your thoughtful wall bed design, the sleeping accommodations will keep the sojourner’s spirits high. Add dimmable LED lights and bookshelves for late-night readers and a built-in wardrobe for heavy packers, and your guests will feel welcomed long after calling it a night.
Your guests will enjoy their stay in comfort with our custom wall beds designed for your space.
Room to Spare, No Matter Which Room
Whether you install your wall bed in the home office, bonus room, kid’s playroom, or spare bedroom, when you’re not hosting guests, you too will enjoy its benefits. Charging ports provide an out-of-the-way area to juice up your electronics, bedside drawers and cabinets offer extra storage, and valuable floor space is gained when the bed is not in use.
Designed with Beauty and Style
Available in high gloss acrylic, laminate, or wood grain style finishes, wall beds offer an attractive addition to your home’s décor. Choose a simple, stand-alone model, or create a showpiece with decorative knobs and handles, glass shelving, and cabinet doors in a variety of finishes. Your Local Wall Bed Source
No matter what type of home you own, your custom-measured wall bed will be a game changer. Learn how you can maximize space while providing a host of amenities by visiting the design pros at Closets by McKenry’s Design Center in West Knoxville. Celebrating a decade of service in East Tennessee, owner Chris McKenry and his team will help you design a versatile wall bed that brings benefits to your life while making your guests feel right at home.
Closets by McKenry
201 Center Park Drive, #1070 Knoxville, TN 37922
865.249.6382
ClosetsByMcKenry.com
Extra space is given to your home office, playroom, or craft room when the bed is tucked away.
Check out this design in our West Knoxville showroom.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 16, 2025 • 10 AM - 4 PM EAST TENNESSEE HISTORY CENTER
What is a hootenanny?
Hootenanny (n.): 1. An informal gathering where folk music is played in a party-like atmosphere (1950-60s). 2. An Appalachian colloquialism used as a placeholder name to refer to things whose names were forgotten or unknown (1930s, see doohickey, thingamajig, whatchamacallit). 3. A variation of the Scottish Gaelic word for New Year’s celebrations (15th century Gaelic, see Hogmanay).
JOIN
US for a “hoot of a good time” at the East Tennessee History Center! History Hootenanny showcases the best of the East Tennessee History Center and their partners at this open house. This year’s theme is “Sports History” as we celebrate the feature exhibition Home Runs & Home Teams: A History of the National Pastime in Tennessee. Guests can enjoy live music, sports-themed children’s activities, a used local history book sale, Knoxville walking tours, shuttles to the Historic House Museums of Knoxville, and more!
East Tennessee History Center Exhibits • Used History Book Sale Children’s Activities • The History Express Shuttle to Knoxville’s Historic House Museums • Self-guided Tennessee Theatre Tours • Live Music Walking Tours • Archives of Moving Image & Sound Screenings Special Screening of Clarence Brown's Angels in the Outfield
History Hootenanny is a free, public history event organized in partnership by the East Tennessee Historical Society and Calvin M. McClung Historical Collection, and Tennessee Archive of Moving Image & Sound. Visit EastTNHistory.org for more information.
Chaos Conquered
Add Real Value to Your Home and to Your Life
THE KITCHEN 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.
How to Make Traveling with Kids Stress-Free
COURTESY OF BPT
FAMILY VACATIONS
for creating cherished memories, strengthening bonds, and escaping the everyday. But for parents, the reality of vacationing with children can sometimes feel more like a marathon than a relaxing getaway. Between managing meltdowns, navigating unfamiliar environments, and trying to carve out some “me time,” the joy of a vacation can get lost in the shuffle. This is where the often-unsung hero of a holiday away comes in: childcare. Whether you’re considering a kids’ club at a family-friendly resort or bringing the grandparents along, having some extra support can make all the difference. Here’s how to make sure you get some time to relax, recharge, and enjoy some adult time on vacation while your little ones have a blast, too!
Parenting brings a lot of joy, but it’s also a demanding job. Vacations away are a time to relax and have fun for kids and parents alike, but parenting responsibilities don’t just disappear. Finding ways to incorporate childcare into your vacation can help you enjoy much-needed relaxation and recharge. This downtime is essential for parents’ health in a stressful world. Plus, it supports you in being more present for your children throughout your vacation and when you return home.
Depending on the destination, some activities parents look forward to are not suitable for children. Whether it’s an adventurous hike, wine tasting, or a late-night show, you should be able to enjoy some solo activities without feeling guilty. Knowing that your little ones are in safe, professional hands allows you to fully embrace your time away.
And let’s not forget that vacation childcare doesn’t just benefit the grown-ups. Kids thrive in these environments, too. They get the chance to meet new friends, try out fun activities, and maybe even learn something new!
When it comes to vacation childcare, there’s a wealth of options available. Embracing these opportunities can create lasting memories for everyone involved, making your vacation even more special. Let’s dive in on four ways to make your next family vacation stressfree for the whole family.
Kids’ Clubs at Resorts
Family-friendly resorts often feature wonderful kids’ clubs, creating a perfect space for children to enjoy themselves while parents take a little break. Think of these clubs as mini summer camps right in your destination! Kids can connect with peers from all across the globe and participate in various exciting activities.
Ask the resort beforehand what activities kids can enjoy at their kids’ club. Trained staff might lead age-appropriate adventures for older kids, such as snorkeling, ziplining, or even cooking classes
to explore local cuisine. For the younger ones, there’s plenty of fun to be had with crafts, games, and storytime. Kids’ clubs allow children to discover new interests and passions beyond their day-to-day activities. Additionally, it can spark a passion for travel and introduce them to different cultures.
Find a Local Babysitter
There are likely many qualified childcare professionals at your destination who would be happy to hang out with your kiddos and give you some well-deserved free time. Instead of relying on word-ofmouth to find sitters in a new area, you can locate local, vetted babysitters through a childcare service like Jovie, which allows you to search by your location. It’s best to search for a local sitter well before your planned vacation to leave time for a virtual meet-up to ensure you’ll have childcare when you want it.
Bring Your Nanny Along for the Fun
If your family already has a nanny who feels like part of the family, consider bringing them along! This option can be a fantastic way to ensure your child has someone they trust nearby while you enjoy your time away. Just be sure to talk beforehand about things like work hours, extra overtime pay, travel logistics, and accommodations - this way everyone knows what to expect. It’s a win-win situation: Parents get peace of mind and flexibility knowing they have trusted childcare available, and kids often love the chance to explore a new destination with their favorite nanny by their side.
Make It a Family Affair
When traveling with extended family, consider discussing the idea of sharing childcare responsibilities during your trip. Vacations are a wonderful time for aunts, uncles, and grandparents to connect with your children, especially if they don’t see them often. These shared experiences can create lasting memories that both the kids and family members will cherish for years to come! It’s a great way to ensure everyone gets some quality time together while giving parents a little break to relax and enjoy their vacation, too.
Planning a holiday with the kids can be a lot of work, and you deserve to return from a family vacation with incredible memories and feeling refreshed. Jovie can help you find trusted babysitters across the country. Their professional babysitters are vetted and trained to handle any situation that may arise, so parents can relax and enjoy their time away, knowing their kids are in safe hands and creating their own wonderful memories.
To learn more about Jovie, visit Jovie.com.
Financial Planning is a Verb
BY ADAM KORNEGAY, ADAM@ASSETPLANNINGCORP.COM
CINCINNATI IS a wonderful place to visit and was the ideal middle spot to meet up with some friends who lived in Cleveland, Ohio. As I’m sure you know, the Queen City is about four hours from Knoxville. But around Corbin, KY, there was a major accident and we had to take a detour. Then, there was a different accident on our new route. Guess what? Another detour. Yes, our detour had a detour! All told, it took us eight hours to meet our friends.
“Life is what happens when you are busy making other plans.”
We got to our destination, just not the way we anticipated and certainly not in the timeframe we expected. Or, as John Lennon once sang, “Life is what happens when you are busy making other plans.”
Financial planning works the same way. It’s not a one-time event but a series of adjustments. Like we say at the office, “Financial planning is a verb.” We see where you are, confirm where you want to go, then adjust as needed.
When reviewing projections for a client, it’s not uncommon to see a seven-figure sum at the end of their (assumed) lifespan. But we don’t set the plan, close our eyes, and hope for the best. Instead, we regularly review and adjust as necessary.
What are some things that could cause a plan to change?
Obviously market returns can play a role. If your portfolio grows at a faster rate than projected, you might be able to spend more in retirement or retire earlier. Similarly, a sequence of poor market returns could delay your expected arrival.
Your savings and spending rates can also be a source of necessary adjustments. If you can set aside funds at a faster pace than you originally thought, you can “buy” a better set of future options. Similarly, if your spending is speeding out of control, you might be forced to adjust in other areas to compensate.
Changes in taxes may result in another type of detour. Congressional action (or inaction) may result in a different tax rate. Additionally, changes in income such as filing for Social Security, retiring from full-time work, or IRA distributions may mean your plans need to change.
Finally, life happens! From births and schooling to marriages and the loss of a loved one, the wheel of life keeps turning.
The pattern is the always same: Experience life, then adjust. Learn new things, then adjust. Change your perspective, then adjust.
One day soon, a self-driving car might transport me to Cincinnati and I’ll just sit back and enjoy the ride. For now, it’s up to me because driving, like financial planning, is a verb.
Adam Kornegay is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® and a Certified Kingdom Advisor with APC Financial Planning, which is celebrating its 50th year of serving clients in East Tennessee and beyond. He can be reached at 865-690-1231 or adam@assetplanningcorp.com. APC Financial Planning is a registered investment advisor.
Our Pursuit of Happiness
BY DR. JIM BAILEY
YEARS
AGO, a friend helped me revamp my website. Early in our conversation, he asked, “What is the common theme for people who come to you for coaching services?” I responded, “Pain. People come to me because they are stuck in uncomfortable situations, and they hope I can help them find a way out of their discomfort.”
It’s an aspect of our modern lives that we look to “experts” for answers and relief from the pains of human life. Some, like me, even have the audacity to hang out a sign or write a book proposing to have those answers. A challenge faced by human services professionals is handling the expectations of those you serve. But helping someone find answers doesn’t ensure that she or he will also find relief.
History shows we Americans have a distinctive record for pursuing solutions to our discontent. In 1831, Alexis de Tocqueville, a Frenchman, visited America and found people “demoralized by their relentless pursuit of happiness.” In his book Democracy in America, he noted, “It is a strange thing to see with what sort of feverish ardour [enthusiasm] Americans pursue well-being and how
they show themselves constantly tormented by a vague fear of not having chosen the shortest route that can lead to it.”
The pursuit of happiness, it would seem, isn’t simply one of the “unalienable rights endowed by the Creator” as it says in the Declaration of Independence; it is the American reality. This being the case, the question an honest and self-aware professional must ask themselves is, “What capacity do I have to help a client find lasting answers to the causes of their discomfort?”
On the other hand, the person seeking relief should ask, “Do I have realistic expectations about what this person can do to help me?”
In their book Why We Are Restless: On the Modern Quest for Contentment, Benjamin and Jenna Storey examine the roots and possible answers to our societal unease from the differing perspectives of several philosophers: Michel de Montaigne, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and Blaise Pascal. (Please note: Philosophy is not my area of expertise, so I apologize for any errors in my understanding, especially to those who know and/or love it.)
Michel de Montaigne, the Storeys say, proposed we need to learn to practice internal contentment rather than pursuing it
through external means. Rousseau hypothesized that our situation could be redeemed by going “all in” in humanistic service to something outside ourselves. And Pascal reasoned that what we ultimately long for is something transcendent - truth, justice, love, eternity, and ultimately God.
De Montaigne’s conclusion mimics eastern religions and is currently popularized by the trends toward “mindfulness” and “being present.” Self-awareness and being content with what we have are undoubtedly important parts of the contentment question, but de Montaigne believed an individual had sufficient inner resources to define their own means to contentment. If that were the case, why do so many of us seek help from someone else? Ironically, on my website, you’ll see I position myself as a guide who understands you, your goals, and the work world from an objective perspective. My experiential bias is that we can rarely (if ever) fix ourselves by ourselves.
Rousseau pursued solitude, serving society, good citizenship, individualism, the pursuit of knowledge, and family as ways to connect with something deeper within himself. He eventually found each of these to be inadequate for attaining contentment. His family was dysfunctional, his friendships fell apart, civic service brought no lasting change, and his pursuit of knowledge brought him no rest. Even solitude brought no lasting answer to his discontent.
Both Rousseau’s and de Montaigne’s approaches take for granted that the solutions to our discontent may be found within ourselves or within human affairs, but their pursuit of happiness by those means ultimately led to discontent. To this, the Storeys offer the contrast of Blaise Pascal, who said the reason for our discontent is that the things we look to are ultimately inadequate to quiet our souls. In fact, Pascal would say that human beings are caught in a dilemma - while we can aspire to the things that would bring us contentment, our own ability to secure those things is ridiculously limited. We are each in a sense, starving and locked in a cage, eyeing delicious food on a plate that’s just beyond our reach.
C.S. Lewis said, “There are all sorts of things in this world that offer to give it [contentment] to you, but they never quite keep their promise… If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world.” Ultimately, the Storeys argue that the philosophy we Americans have inherited, despite pretending to let us live as we please, produces remarkably consistent and unhappy lives. Why We Are Restless isn’t an easy read, but it makes the case that finding true contentment requires rethinking our most basic assumptions about happiness.
Construction
AT RANDOM ACTS of Flowers, we believe in the healing power of kindness - and flowers. Every day, our volunteers transform donated blooms into beautiful bouquets that are delivered to individuals in healthcare facilities across East Tennessee. These simple, heartfelt gifts bring moments of joy, comfort, and connection to people who need it most. Since our founding in Knoxville in 2008, we’ve delivered more than 200,000 bouquets locally to patients and residents in hospitals, hospices, and assisted living facilities. Each arrangement is more than just flowers - it’s a message that someone cares, a reminder that no one is alone.
Our recipients come from all walks of life. We deliver to children in pediatric units, cancer patients undergoing treatment, seniors in long-term care, and individuals receiving dialysis. Our reach spans more than seven counties, and our mission touches people of all ages, backgrounds, and circumstances. Whether it’s a young child facing a tough diagnosis or an elderly veteran in a rehabilitation center, each bouquet is a symbol of compassion and community.
Our mission is made possible by a dedicated team of volunteers and generous community partners. Local florists, grocery stores, and event planners donate flowers that would otherwise go to
waste. Volunteers gather in our workshop to sort, arrange, and prepare the bouquets for delivery. Others help with outreach, delivery, and sharing our story. We are deeply grateful for the generous support of our community, which fuels every part of our mission. From snacks and water that keep our volunteers energized to donated flowers, vases, office supplies, and financial contributionsevery gift makes a difference. It’s this collective spirit of giving that allows us to continue delivering hope and beauty to those who need it most.
Want to get involved? Whether you have flowers to donate, time to volunteer, or resources to share, there’s a place for you at Random Acts of Flowers. Together, we can continue to brighten lives - one bouquet at a time.
Visit
to learn more.
STYX TO ROCK KNOXVILLE
Lawrence Gowan Talks Tour, Fans, and New Music
CLASSIC
IN CONCERT • TENNESSEE VALLEY FAIR • SEPTEMBER 12TH
BY RANDY PATTERSON, BOOMEROCITY.COM
ROCK icons Styx are proving the power of timeless music as they roll across North America on their latest tour. With more than 50 years of hits behind them augmented with a new, recently released album, Circling from Above, the band is showing no signs of slowing down. And Knoxville fans will get to experience it all when Styx headlines the Tennessee Valley Fair next month.
Lawrence Gowan, the band’s charismatic frontman and keyboardist since 1999, spoke with Boomerocity during a stop near Seattle. Despite the demanding schedule - 8 shows in 10 daysGowan was as lively, funny, and sharp as ever.
“If this rock and roll thing doesn’t work out in the next 25 years,” he quipped, “we’re thinking of packing it in.”
It’s clear the music is still working - and connecting - with multiple generations. “The response has been overwhelming,” he said. “Some fans have had this music in their lives for over half a century, and then there are the people - the newer faithful who are like under 40 - and they have gravitated toward classic rock with all of the fervor and enthusiasm that we did growing up with it. We see that on a nightly basis, and there’s something definitely to be extremely grateful for every day that we see that.”
Helping bridge that generational gap are moments like the nowiconic South Park parody of “Come Sail Away.” Gowan embraces the humor. “I’m happy to admit that I’d say it’s 1% our effort and 99% South Park influence. Hey, whatever gets them through the door, right?” he laughed.
Gowan believes the longevity of Styx - and classic rock overallcomes down to one thing: melody. “What I think has made it last so much is, first of all, I still think that once melodies are released onto the planet, once a memorable melody is out there, it’s not going to go away. Once they’re ingrained in your mind and in your spirit, they’re there for good. Now, if you couple that with lyrics where you can actually put yourself into the narrative of a piece of music, I think that doubles down on the effect, and I think that’s probably the main reason.”
That emotional bond spans generations. “I’d say 55% are people that have been with it right from the beginning and about 45% on average. Just as I’m looking out at the crowd, just either that or, you know, I do make the point, it’s either that or they’ve had some amazing work done. Could be a little bit of that.”
The band has recently released a new album titled Circling from Above, and Gowan says it’s already generating buzz. “We’ll be rehearsing a couple more songs from it this afternoon in our soundcheck. If I can judge by our crew’s reaction to it, and the people that listened to it in the last few days, I’d say that there’s a good percentage of people out there that are going to enjoy it. There, I’ve said it.”
Knoxville fans can expect something extra special when the band hits town. “We’re performing The Grand Illusion album in its entirety,” Gowan revealed. “We did it earlier this year in Vegas and it went over fantastically. We’ll do a good series of hits…”
When asked about solo projects, Gowan shared that he has a completed solo album ready to go but isn’t rushing to release it, indicating that he would need six months to a year to properly promote it. He concluded, “I feel far more inclined to put out a new Styx record and be part of that than to put out another solo work at this time.”
The conversation also touched on the future of music - particularly the role of AI in content creation and catalog management.
“There are going to be some great applications,” Gowan admitted, “but it doesn’t have the soul. You can mimic tone and phrasing, but it still lacks that human connection.”
He’s more optimistic about AI’s role in tracking music usage and ensuring artists are paid fairly. “That would be wonderful,” he said.
As for the growing trend of legacy artists selling their catalogs, Gowan understands the business side but has mixed feelings. “Songs can then be misrepresented or find themselves used in inappropriate places,” he cautioned. “The melodies themselves, I hope, would transcend any misapplication in the short term.”
When Styx takes the stage in Knoxville next month, fans can expect not just a concert, but a celebration of music, memories, and a band that continues to sail ahead with style and purpose.
Watch the interview in its entirety at Boomerocity. com or its YouTube channel or listen on your favorite podcast platform.
Launched in 2009, Randy’s Boomerocity
The Fan Experience has more than 500 positive, sincere, one-on-one interview conversations that show fans the true heart of the Baby Boomer generation of musicians, entertainers, and their associates, as well as today’s icons, influencers, and up-and-comers in music.
Courtesy of Gowan/ Elliot Deseure
Why Tribute Band Shows Are a Blast!
TRIBUTE BANDS can be fun for several reasons - not only do they offer a dose of nostalgia and the opportunity to hear familiar, beloved songs performed live, they also strive to recreate the concert experience of the original band. Don’t forget that the members of tribute bands are big fans themselves! They have a real commitment to authenticity from their outfits and stage presence down to the actual mannerisms of the legendary artists.
The shows at the Open Chord also tend to be more multi-aged than you might expect. Remember, the younger generation hasn’t had the opportunity to see much live rock music - especially locally and at an affordable price. With a new appreciation of the iconic music from past decades, younger audiences may have heard the
OC'S AUGUST TRIBUTE BAND LINEUP
August 1 Fleatwood Mac: A Tribute to Fleetwood Mac
August 2 Flying High Again: Ozzy Tribute
August 3 Meet Loaf: The Ultimate Meat Loaf Tribute
August 7 Hell’s Belles: All Female AC/DC Tribute
August 8 Cry Baby: Janis Joplin Experience
August 16 Letterbomb: A Tribute to Green Day
August 27 DMTB: The Dave Matthews Tribute Band
August 28 The Kings of Queen: A Tribute to Queen
songs on social media or by streaming but nothing beats the joy and involvement of a live performance.
Whether you are seeking a nostalgic evening filled with your favorite songs that bring back fond memories of your younger years or simply want to experience a more personal and engaging concert within an intimate venue, the Open Chord has a tribute band show to meet you there! By bringing the sound, style, and energy of their iconic original bands, tribute bands are a more than worthwhile way to spend an evening with a like-minded community and maybe you’ll even expand your local friendships. See their complete music schedule at OpenChordMusic.com.
AUGUST
THROUGHOUT THE MONTH
Electricity for All - an exhibition exploring the complex relationships between technology, information, and power at the Knoxville Museum of Art through the 17th.
Dogwood Regional Exhibition at the Dogwood Gallery & RED Gallery (across the street) through the 29th. Showcasing fine art of all kinds from emerging and established artists throughout our region.
Bunny Tales: A Garden Art Exhibit at UT Gardens through late September.
Home Runs & Home Teams: A History of the National Pastime in Tennessee at the East Tennessee History Center through September 28th.
Historic Westwood Docent-led Tours at Historic Westwood on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.
AUGUST 7
Disney’s Newsies by The Palace Players at St. Gregory the Great Auditorium (19245 Fox Lonas Road) through the 10th.
For tickets visit ThePalacePlayers.com.
Knoxville Smokies vs Biloxi Shuckers at Covenant Health Park at 7 pm. Also the 8th & 9th at 7 pm and the 10th at 2 pm.
Knoxville Shakespeare: Hamlet, Prince of Denmark at Ijams Nature Center from 7:30 to 9:30 pm. Also the 9th.
AUGUST 8
And Then I Became Free: Stories of Emancipation at Mabry-Hazen House and Bethel Cemetery. Special tours at 11 am, 1 pm, and 3 pm. Free event, reserve a tour on their Facebook page or at MabryHazen.com.
Tavern Notes live music at the Maker Exchange from 7 to 9 pm Fridays through September 26th. To see who is playing, visit MakerExchangeKnox.com/happenings.
Knoxville Shakespeare: Love’s Labour’s Lost at Ijams Nature Center from 7:30 to 9:30 pm. Also the 10th.
Soundscapes Concert Series Season Finale featuring surprise musical guests at the Knoxville Museum of Art at 7:30 pm.
The Hobbit by the Knoxville Children’s Theatre through the 24th. For show times and tickets visit KnoxvilleChildrensTheatre.com.
AUGUST 9
Intro to Fishing on the French Broad River at Seven Islands State Birding Park from 8 to 11 am. Pre-registration required. Perennial Plant Care at Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum from 10 to 11 am. Cherokee Caverns Movie in the Cave: The Lost Boys at Historic Cherokee Caverns. Show times are noon, 2:00, 4:00, 6:00, 8:00 & 10:00. Chairs will be provided, or bring a small camp chair and blanket. Self-guided tours of the cave available 30 minutes before and after the showing.
Irish Fest on the Hill at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church (414 West Vine Ave.) from 4 to 10 pm featuring Irish food, fun, drinks, and music, kid games, silent auction, historic church tours, Gaelic men’s games demonstrations, and more.
River & Rail’s Summer Experience III Music Festival at the Old City Performing Arts Center from 5 to 10 pm.
Knoxville Water Lantern Festival at Chilhowee Park & Exposition Center from 6 to 10 pm. An evening filled with food trucks, fun music, activities, and thousands of lanterns lighting up the night with love, hope, and happiness. For tickets or info visit WaterLanternFestival.com.
Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox: Magic & Moonlight Tour at the Tennessee Theatre at 8 pm.
August Full Moon Hike at Seven Islands State Birding Park from 8:30 to 10:30 pm. Pre-registration required.
AUGUST 10
Second Sunday Art Activity at the Knoxville Museum of Art from 1 to 4 pm. Hands-on art for K-6th grade.
Second Sunday Docent Tour at the Knoxville Museum of Art from 2 to 3 pm.
Brit Floyd: Wish You Were Here 50th Anniversary World Tour at the Tennessee Theatre at 7:30 pm.
AUGUST 12
Nature Storytime (2-6 yr. old) at Seven Islands State Birding Park from 10 to 11 am. Pre-registration required.
Preschool Story Thyme at the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum from 10 to 11 am. Every Tuesday through October.
AUGUST 13
Brown Bag Lectures - Baseball and the Bomb: The Legacy of the Oak Ridge Bombers at the East Tennessee History Center from noon to 1 pm.
AUGUST 14
Birding with a Biologist at Seven Islands State Birding Park from 7:30 to 10 am. Pre-registration required.
The History Parlor at the East Tennessee History Center at 10:00 am. Free and open to the public. For more info visit EastTNHistory.org.
Cool Down Downtown homemade ice cream competition in Lenoir City from 5 to 7 pm.
I Love My City Worship Night at the Tennessee Amphitheater in World’s Fair Park from 6 to 8 pm.
The Concert: A Tribute to ABBA at the Tennessee Theatre at 7:30 pm.
For Knoxville’s andMarketFarmers’dates seelocations, page16
AUGUST 15
DOG DAZE IX at the Village Green Shopping Center in Farragut through the 17th. A three-day festival of fun, food, and shopping, highlighted by the Smoky Mountains Dock Dogs canine diving competition.
Knoxville Tattoo Convention at the World’s Fair Exhibition Hall through the 17th.
Summer Movie Magic: Grease at the Tennessee Theatre at 8 pm.
AUGUST 16
2025 Ijams Hummingbird Festival at Ijams Nature Center from 7 am to 1 pm. Tickets available at Ijams.org.
One Big Day! at French Broad Veterans Memorial Park (2300 Gov John Sevier Hwy) from 9 am to noon. Keep Knoxville Beautiful is partnering with Legacy Parks to celebrate their 20th anniversary with a volunteer day by building a nature trail and planting a native grass and wildflower meadow. All supplies will be provided.
4th annual History Hootenanny at the East Tennessee History Center from 10 am to 4 pm.
12th annual Fall Home & Garden Shows at the Expo Center from 10 am to 4 pm. Also the 17th from 11 am to 4 pm. Free admission and parking. For info visit HGshows.net.
Vintage Base Ball at Historic Ramsey House. Quicksteps of Spring Hill vs. Mountain City Club of Chattanooga at noon and Quicksteps of Spring Hill vs. Knoxville Holstons at 2 pm. Free!
The WordPlayers’ Annual Cast Partycelebrating the present, funding the future - at St. Gregory the Great Auditorium at 5 pm. Welcoming sponsors, donors, patrons, and all theatre enthusiasts. See WordPlayers.org for tickets.
AUGUST 17
Dogwood Arts Maker Tent at The Old City Market on West Jackson Avenue from 11 am to 4 pm.
The Pink Bride at the Convention Center from noon to 3 pm.
East Tennessee Bluegrass Association Monthly Jam at Ijams Nature Center from 2 to 5 pm.
Summer Movie Magic: School of Rock at the Tennessee Theatre at 2 pm.
One Knoxville Soccer Club vs. Union Omaha at Covenant Health Park at 7 pm.
AUGUST 18
Sprout Your Smart Yard at Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum from 5:30 to 7 pm.
AUGUST 19
Knoxville Smokies vs. Montgomery Biscuits at Covenant Health Park at 7 pm. Also the 20th-23rd at 7 pm and 24th at 2 pm.
THINGS TO DO • PLACES TO GO • PEOPLE TO SEE
AUGUST 20
History Tour at the Farragut Museum from 11 am to noon. Jack Neely from the Knoxville History Project will speak on Knoxville’s role in making the national park happen. Free!
Alice Cooper at the Tennessee Theatre at 7:30 pm.
AUGUST 21
2025 Greater Knoxville Sports Hall of Fame at the Convention Center from 5 to 8:30 pm.
Concerts on the Square: Variety Thursdays featuring 7 Bridges: The Ultimate EAGLES Experience in Market Square from 7 to 9 pm. Free!
Dwight Yoakam at the Tennessee Theatre at 8 pm. Also the 22nd.
AUGUST 22
Movies Under the Stars: Mamma Mia! at Ijams Nature Center. Doors open at 7 pm, movie begins at dark.
Knox County Parks & Rec Neon Glow Party Extravaganza at Ball Camp Community Park from 8:30 to 10:30 pm. An epic back-to-school kick-off party that includes illuminated activities, foam pits, splatter paint, neon body paint stations, silent disco dance parties, and vendors with goodies & treats. Free - be sure to wear your best neon outfit and bring your glow sticks!
National Catfish Month Fishing, S’mores, and Stargazing Celebration at Seven Islands State Birding Park from 8:30 to 10:30 pm. Pre-registration required.
AUGUST 23
Native Plant and Tree Hike at Seven Islands State Birding Park from 8 to 10 am. Pre-registration required.
Fun with Farragut’s Fleet at Mayor Bob Leonard Park (301 Watt Road) from 9 to 11 am.
Paint and Hike at Ijams Nature Center from 10 am to 1:30 pm. A guided hike followed by a beginner-friendly painting lesson to create your very own masterpiece of what you saw along your hike.
Cherokee Caverns Movie in the Cave: Journey to the Center of the Earth at Historic Cherokee Caverns. Show times are 11:00, 1:00, 3:00, 5:00, 7:00 & 9:00. Chairs will be provided, or bring a small camp chair and blanket. Self-guided tours of the cave available 30 minutes before and after the showing.
First Lutheran’s 11th GermanFest at First Lutheran Church and School (1207 N. Broadway) from 11 am to 8 pm featuring local craft beer, traditional German food, children’s activities, polka music, an organ Konzert by the UT organ studio, marketplace, German car show, church tours, and more. Travel to Germany without a passport!
Beach Party on the Plaza at Mayor Ralph McGill Plaza in Farragut (101 N Campbell Station Road) from 6 to 8 pm. Kick back, dance, and celebrate summer with live music, food trucks, and beach-themed games for all ages. Don’t forget to wear your Hawaiian shirt!
WDVX Summer Sessions featuring Dan Tyminski and Amythyst Kiah at A.K. Bissell Park in Oak Ridge from 6 to 9 pm. Free event, bring a lawn chair or blanket.
Alison Krauss & Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas at the Tennessee Theatre at 7:30 pm. Also the 24th.
Dark Skies Hike at Seven Islands State Birding Park from 8 to 9:30 pm. Pre-registration required.
AUGUST 24
Hummingbird Banding at Seven Islands State Birding Park from 8 to 10 am. Pre-registration required.
12th annual Knox Asian Festival at World’s Fair Park from 10:30 am to 6:30 pm.
Family Day at the Knoxville Museum of Art from 11 am to 3 pm. Enjoy food, fun, art-making, and music while viewing the galleries. Free and open to the public!
AUGUST 27
One Knoxville Soccer Club vs. FC Naples at Covenant Health Park at 7 pm.
AUGUST 29
Summer Movie Magic: The Rolling Stones: Gimme Shelter at the Tennessee Theatre at 8 pm.
AUGUST 30
Guided Morning Paddle and Fishing Adventure at Seven Islands State Birding Park from 7:30 to 11:30 am. Pre-registration required.
Deluxe Tour at the Tennessee Theatre at 11 am.
International Bat Night at Seven Islands State Birding Park from 7 to 9:30 pm. Pre-registration required.
Anderson East at the Bijou Theatre at 8 pm.
AUGUST 31
Summer Movie Magic: Mamma Mia! at the Tennessee Theatre at 2 pm.
Smoky Mountain Storytellers at the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center from 2:30 to 3:30 pm.
Big Kahuna Wing Festival at World’s Fair Park from 3 to 9 pm.
One Knoxville Soccer Club vs. Spokane Velocity at Covenant Health Park at 7 pm.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
SEPTEMBER 1
Labor Day
Knox County Schools closed
Labor Day Sunflower Project at Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum from 9 am to 1 pm. Find out more at KnoxGarden.org.
SEPTEMBER 2
Concerts on the Square: Jazz Tuesdays in Market Square from 7 to 9 pm. Free!
Knoxville Smokies vs. Rocket City Trash Pandas at Covenant Health Park at 7 pm. Also the 3rd-6th at 7 pm and 7th at 2 pm.
SEPTEMBER 4
Symphony at the Garden at the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum from 6 to 9 pm. In partnership with the Knoxville Symphony, this free evening of music invites you to discover pockets of music throughout four garden spaces on the property, with a culminating set in the Rita Johnson Garden.
Concerts For Our Own benefit concert featuring The Beat Goes On: A Cher Tribute at the Tennessee Amphitheater in World’s Fair Park at 7:30 pm. For tickets visit ConcertsForOurOwn.org.
SEPTEMBER 5
CASA Monroe Rodeo at Legacy Horse Ranch in Rarity Bay (170 Rarity Bay Pkwy in Vonore). Also the 6th. For info visit CASAMonroeRodeo.com.
Exhibition: Sleep Cycle by Lauren Adams at the Dogwood Gallery (123 W Jackson Ave) through October 17th.
First Friday on Market Square, Gay Street, The Old City, and Downtown North beginning at 5 pm.
Sunset Concert Series: Blue Ridge Gathering at the Great Smoky Mountain Heritage Center at 7 pm.
Tennessee Valley Fair at Chilhowee Park & Expo Center through the 14th.
SEPTEMBER 6
UT Vols vs. ETSU Buccaneers at Neyland Stadium at 3:30 pm.
SEPTEMBER 7
Twilight at Ijams at Ijams Nature Center from 6 to 9 pm.
All event dates and times subject to change.
If you would like to receive the Events Calendar in your inbox every month, simply send a request to info@everythingknoxville.com.
You can also go to EverythingKnoxville.com to view the current month’s Events Calendar.
Summer Veggie & Pesto Tart
BY SUSAN CAFFERTY
FOR MANY YEARS, when my children were young, we had a subscription to Disney FamilyFun magazine. It was a wonderful publication full of family activities, crafts, and recipes. I did some web searching and discovered that the magazine was first published all the way back in 1991. Disney Publishing Worldwide (The Walt Disney Company) acquired it the following year, allowing for much wider publicity, and the publication really took off in popularity.
Years later, when my kids were teenagers, I picked up the June/July 2010 copy of Disney FamilyFun to read in a waiting room (maybe the dentist?) and it reminded of all the reasons we had loved that magazine so much! Inside I found a recipe within the “Yummy Summer Suppers” article for a pizza-ish tart using all the summer vegetables I was being given by my gardening friends. I politely asked the receptionist to make a copy of that page for me - so I didn’t have to “steal” the magazine! I have kept that black and white photocopy in my recipe binder for more than 20 years and have made it pretty regularly when the squash and zucchini begin to overtake my countertops.
I love this Summer Veggie & Pesto Tart recipe because it totally counts as “a vegetable,” it can be used as a main dish, side dish or an appetizer, and it is really very delicious. This recipe can also be easily customized by adding more/different ingredients, but my suggestion would be to create it directly from the recipe the first time and then see what else you might like to add (or subtract).
Meredith Corporation took over FamilyFun magazine from Disney in 2012. Their videos can still be accessed on YouTube. Although they haven’t posted any new content since 2016, there is still a wealth of cooking, snacks, crafts, party favors, and holiday ideas for families, so be sure to check it out!
Summer Veggie & Pesto Tart
Ingredients:
• 1 refrigerated piecrust (half a 14 ounce package), at room temperature (For a gluten-free option see note*)
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 2 small zucchini, sliced in to 1/4 inch thick rounds
• 2 small yellow squash, sliced in to 1/4 inch thick rounds
• Kernels cut from 1 ear of sweet corn on the cob (I have also used canned!)
• Coarse salt and pepper
• 2 tablespoons of your favorite basil pesto
• 2 ounces fresh goat cheese or cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1 large egg
• 5 to 10 grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan
• 5 basil leaves, thinly sliced
Directions:
Heat the oven to 450º and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or use a nonstick silicone baking sheet. Place the piecrust on the prepared baking sheet. Fold over and pinch a 1/2 inch rim around the edges of the dough, then set aside. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the zucchini, yellow squash, and corn and season with salt and pepper. Cook the vegetables until they’re lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Transfer them to a bowl to cool, then toss them with the pesto.
In a small bowl, whisk together the goat cheese or cream cheese and the egg until almost smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
Use a spatula or back of a spoon to spread the egg and cheese mixture over the piecrust. Spread the cooked vegetables on top, then evenly scatter the tomatoes and Parmesan over the vegetables. Bake the tart until the crust is golden brown, about 20 minutes. Let cool slightly on a wire rack. Sprinkle with basil before serving.
* For a gluten free (and rectangle!) version, we used a sheet of pre-made, refrigerated, gluten-free puff pastry from a box. After folding and pinching the rim, bake for 5 minutes before adding any of the toppings.
Knoxville Opera’s Highly Anticipated 2025-2026 Season
Season subscriptions on sale now; single tickets on sale August 4th
KNOXVILLE OPERA is thrilled to announce its sensational 20252026 season lineup, celebrating artful schemers who will stop at nothing for love, wealth, and freedom.
The main stage season returns October 24 and 26 with the fiery classic Carmen. Living life on her own terms in sultry Seville, the drama starts when Carmen catches the eye of the soldier, Don José, and desire quickly turns into obsession. Add in the swagger of star bullfighter Escamillo, a touch of jealousy, and one of the most iconic scores in opera history. As irresistible as its heroine, Bizet’s Carmen is a masterpiece of drama and music - including the iconic “Habanera” and “Toreador Song.” Join us at the Tennessee Theatre for this classic tale of passion, freedom, and fatal consequences.
Mischief triumphs for love in Rossini’s Il barbiere di Siviglia February 20 and 22, 2026. Meet Figaro - Seville’s most famous barber and mischief maker - who’s always one step ahead with a plan and a punchline.
When Count Almaviva falls for the clever and charming Rosina, it’s up to Figaro to outwit her scheming guardian so true love can triumph. Featuring the iconic “Figaro, Figaro, Figaro!” aria, Il barbiere di Siviglia brims with rapid-fire wit and comedic twists at every turn. A sharp blade and an even sharper mind can conquer just about anything - don’t miss this riotous romp at the Tennessee Theatre.
Fortune meets family in Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi , a fast-paced farce full of family drama, crafty deception, and razor-sharp wit, May 8 and 10, 2026. When a wealthy Florentine dies and leaves his fortune to a monastery, his greedy relatives turn to the sly and unconventional Gianni Schicchi to fix the problem, with delightfully chaotic results. Featuring the beloved aria “O mio babbino caro” and a cast of characters who’ll do anything for a fortune, this oneact gem proves that sometimes crime does pay. Don’t miss it as we close our season with two performances at the Bijou Theatre.
Knoxville Opera promises to deliver high-caliber productions that will transport attendees. Season subscriptions are available for purchase now, with single tickets on sale August 4th. Call 865-524-0795 or visit KnoxvilleOpera.org to secure your tickets.
About Knoxville Opera
Knoxville Opera has been the leading producer of professional opera in East Tennessee since 1978. Knoxville Opera’s mission is to create vocal and theatrical experiences that entertain, provoke, and console.
SOUTHERN RAILWAY PASSENGER STATION
CONSTRUCTED IN 1903, this iconic building stands as a testament to the golden age of rail travel. Designed by the renowned architect Frank P. Milburn, celebrated for his work on numerous train stations across the southeastern United States, this structure was commissioned by the Southern Railway as its flagship passenger terminal in Knoxville.
At the height of its operation, the Southern Terminal was a hub of activity, accommodating as many as 26 passenger trains each day. Its platforms echoed with the sounds of steam engines, rolling luggage, and the announcements of arriving and departing trains, linking Knoxville to major cities across the Southeast and beyond.
However, as the 20th century progressed, the expansion of highways, the increasing affordability of automobiles, and the rise of intercity bus and air travel began to undercut the dominance of passenger rail. One by one, routes were discontinued. The end of an era arrived in August 1970, when the last passenger train - a night service train traveling from Birmingham to Washington, D.C. - made its final stop at the station.
For years following its closure, the terminal stood mostly vacant, a once-proud symbol of Knoxville’s railroading heritage left to the passage of time. That changed in 1989, when a major renovation project breathed new life into the structure. Painstakingly restored with an eye toward preserving its historic character, the building was repurposed as office space, blending early 20th century architecture with modern utility.
In the years since, the former train station has seen a variety of new uses. It has served not only as professional office space but also as an elegant event venue, hosting weddings, banquets, and community gatherings. For a time, it even operated as a winery, further showcasing the building’s remarkable adaptability and continued relevance to the city’s cultural life.
Today, this 1903 landmark stands as both a monument to Knoxville’s rich transportation history and a model for successful historic preservation.
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.
With Appreciation & Best Wishes!
AS FAITHFUL advertisers and content providers (with a cult-like following!) since Everything Knoxville’s inception, saying that Meadow View Greenhouses & Garden Center will be missed is a grand understatement!
Knoxville and surrounding counties have relied on Meadow View for hardy plants, sturdy trees, and beautiful flowers that all came with the knowledge of how best to nurture and integrate them into our yards. You and your staff have been a wealth of information about all things that grow in the ground - where, when, and how to plant them, as well as excellent pruning and watering advice.
Your curated gift shop items along with all the colorful pots, bird baths, fountains, and outside decor have allowed us to make our spaces creatively our own and find the oh-so-perfect gifts for family and friends. We will definitely miss our one-stop shopping!
We truly appreciate you for sharing your small business and your wealth of gardening information with us and our readers each month for the past 18+ years. We all wish you and your family tremendous happiness and all the best for your “next chapter!”
Thank you!
WAugust in the Garden
BY LISA GRUGIN
ELCOME TO the “Dog Days” of summer! The forecast for the next several weeks will be hazy, hot, and humid with the occasional afternoon thunderstorm. If you need rain, it will go elsewhere. If you don’t need it, the cloud will stall out over your house. Some of your plants will have given up the ghost for no discernible reason. Others will be devoured by insects and various critters or destroyed by fungus. Welcome to summer in the South. There are things you can do to mitigate the damage, so here’s your list:
n Keep an eye on moisture levels. Mother Nature has been very fickle with the rainfall. I can watch the radar and see this lovely band of rain headed our way - only to watch it fall apart just before it arrives. On the other hand, there can be nothing in the forecast, and you spend two hours wateringonly to have a deluge. Mother Nature is not always kind.
As I have told you probably 100 times, sprinklers are for grass and flowers, not trees and shrubs. They simply cannot deliver an adequate amount of water. Trees and shrubs that have been planted in the last three years are especially vulnerable and will need hand watering any week that receives less than 1” of rainfall. Drip irrigation and tree bags will help but should be monitored weekly.
n While you’re watering, do your monthly checkup. Look up, down, and all around. Check tree canopies for broken, damaged, or stressed branches. Look down for mole tunnels or vole holes. Look all around at plants to check for problems. You can’t fix a problem if you don’t know you have a problem.
n I don’t know when I have ever seen more insects and diseases. The mild winter didn’t kill the bugs off, and the damp spring worked like an incubation chamber. Start treating with the least toxic products first, such as insecticidal soaps and horticultural oil. Some susceptible plants may require systemic products.
If you’re dealing with fungus, you’ll need to be vigilant. Powdery mildew, rust, shothole disease, and black spot seems to be on everything this year. Root rot fungus is also prevalent. Good hygiene is critical, so keep those fallen leaves off the ground. If you suspect a root fungus and want to replant, talk to us before you replace it. You may need to try another species of plant.
n Did you plant vegetables? How are they doing? Some of you have veggies coming out your eyeballs, and some of
you have had a host of problems. Here are the main issues I’m seeing:
1. Sporadic watering does more harm than good, causing tomatoes, cucumbers, and melons to split. Overhead sprinklers set the stage for fungal diseases. Regular drip irrigation or hand-watering at the base of the plant is best. A layer of mulch will keep soil and moisture levels more stable.
2. So many creatures, from tiny insects to big bucks, want your plants! Physical barriers and preventive planting will help, but you may need to use insecticidal soaps or bT.
3. You need to monitor your garden daily. It’s astonishing how fast those cute little squash will turn into baseball bats or the perfect tomato will become a bird water source.
n Keep fertilizing annuals and container plants to keep them looking nice. Cut back scraggly plants or pull them out and replace them with fresh ones.
n August is not the time to prune. Most of your plants are already stressed, and pruning is super stressful for them. You should keep deadheading, however, to
keep your blooms going on annuals and some perennials.
n Keep weeding, and don’t forget to apply a pre-emergent such as Preen every three months to keep weeds at bay.
n Keep birdbaths and birdfeeders clean and filled as our feathered friends prepare for fall migration.
Now comes the hardest thing I have ever had to write. All good things must end, and Meadow View is one of them. After almost 30 years, we have made the difficult decision to sell. Pope’s Garden Center will be taking over on September 1st, and we wish them well. Between now and then, we are going to have some sales! Starting August 1st everything (except bulk goods) will be 50% off. On August 15th, anything left will be 75% off. We would all like to give a tremendous thank you to our loyal customers. You guys are the best, and we will miss you. Live long and prosper.
Meadow View Greenhouses & Garden Center 9885 Highway 11E, Lenoir City, TN 37772 865.986.7229 MeadowViewGreenhouse.com
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at Cherokee Caverns
OIN US in the cave this summer and cool down a bit from the summer heat! The cave is a cool 58 degrees at all times and is a wonderful experience when its 80+ degrees or more outside. This is a unique way to experience a fun movie among the 400 million old stalactites and stalagmites.
Chairs will be provided, but you are welcome to bring your own small comfy camp chair and a blanket. Enjoy a selfguided tour of the cave 30 minutes before or after your movie showing. The cave path is wheelchair and stroller friendly.
The movies have very limited seating, so it’s recommended that you purchase tickets in advance. Purchase valid tickets from our secure website at HistoricCherokeeCaverns.com, as tickets have an individual code that checks each person in electronically. There are daytime and evening shows available. Cash-only concessions are also available, including hot dogs, pizza, nachos, candy, popcorn, and other treats. For a list of show times, The Grotto menu, or to purchase tickets, visit HistoricCherokeeCaverns.com.
MOVIE SCHEDULE:
August 9: The Lost Boys
August 23: Journey to the Center of the Earth
September 13: Hocus Pocus
October 4: The Nightmare Before Christmas
November 22: Elf
Cherokee Caverns is only open to the public for special events and not open for daily tours.
Garrett Durland
AS WE commemorate Labor Day, I decided to revisit the origin and events that led to our national holiday honoring the achievements of American workers during a very difficult period in our history:
At the height of the Industrial Revolution in the late 1800s, many Americans worked 12-hour days in demanding, low paying jobs. Children worked, too, often in harsh and unsafe environments. As manufacturing replaced agriculture as a primary source of employment, labor unions grew more prominent and vocal, leading to formal organization and strikes to protest poor conditions and pay.
Photo by Mirtography
Labor Day Explained Business Note
BY BRETT CAFFERTY
On September 5, 1882, union leaders in New York City organized what’s thought to be the first Labor Day parade as 10,000 union members and tradespeople took unpaid time off to “march” from New York’s City Hall to Union Square to request an
eight-hour workday, many carrying signs that read “Less Work and More Pay.”
Future events turned violent during this period, including the “Haymarket Incident” that began May 1, 1886, when thousands of Chicago workers took to the streets to demand an eight-hour workday. The demonstration lasted for days, and on May 4, a bomb was set off, killing seven police officers and eight civilians.
Now known as “International Workers’ Day,” the May 1 holiday is celebrated in countries across the world.
On May 11, 1894, employees of the Pullman Palace Car Company in Chicago went on strike to protest wage cuts and the firing of union representatives. In June, the American Railroad Union (ARU), led by Eugene V. Debs, called for a boycott of all Pullman railway cars, crippling railroad traffic nationwide. Tens of thousands of workers walked off the job.
Days after the ARU joined the Pullman
strike, a languishing bill to make Labor Day a national holiday was signed into law by President Grover Cleveland on June 28, 1894. To end the boycott, the National Guard was sent to Chicago and when strikers began to riot, fired into the mob, killing dozens of people.
The Labor Day holiday was viewed as a gesture to repair ties with American workers. In the years that followed, company owners began to accept workers’ demands for better treatment. In 1914, Henry Ford more than doubled wages, and in two years doubled his profits. In 1926, he cut workers’ hours from nine to eight. During the New Deal, the 1938 Fair Labor Standards Act limited child labor, set a minimum wage, and mandated a shorter workweek, with overtime pay for longer shifts. By the 1940s, the average workweek had fallen to five eight-hour days.
What we take for granted in our lifetime was fought for and accomplished by the poor and powerless, working together. This Labor Day, let us celebrate the heart and spirit of hope of those who came before us to make a better life and brighter future for their families and ours!
PHOTOGRAPHY BY THE WEST HILLS BIRD LADY
Tree swallow nest in West Knoxville backyard birdhouse. Tree swallows line their nests using the molted feathers of other birds formed into a cup shape for egg protection. As active aerial feeders, tree swallows are known to consume a variety of flying insects including mosquitoes.
