Everything Knoxville August 2026

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- Virginia Couch and Brian Blind, Miller’s Landing

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KnoxvilleHardwoodRefinishing.com | EuropeanHardwoodFloors@yahoo.com | 865-640-3680

AUGUST

EVERY THING KNOX VILLE | VOLUME 20 | ISSUE 8

8 Black Dog Fitness

Susan Cafferty

The irony of boxing for Parkinson’s disease.

Publisher + Editor

9 Savant Wealth Management

Brett Cafferty

Marketing + Operations

Learn why APC Financial Planning joined Savant Wealth Management.

Kendra Menendez Editor + Administration

12 Parker Wellness

Simple steps that may lower your risk of dementia.

Meredith Hancock Design + Production

18 Lawn Butler

Contact Information Post Office Box 24532 Knoxville, TN 37933 865.640.3015

Reading the signs: What your lawn is trying to tell you.

19 Farm Bureau Insurance

Kelly's Belly..........................................13

6

Insights & Highlights........................22 Food & Recipe....................................28 Random Acts of Flowers................32 Calendar of Events.......................... 34 Knox Heritage....................................36

Photo by Golightly Studios

Back to school: insurance for students

DISCOVER THE “MORE” in Blinds

& More. Privacy and light control shouldn’t always look the same. Co-owner Jamie Kidd brings a designer’s perspective to window treatments that adds the functional final touches each room needs, while husband and co-owner Robbie handles all exterior projects and business services.

Reach us Online info@everythingknoxville.com EverythingKnoxville.com 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.

From the Publisher

H

APPY Semiquincentennial! I know, I can barely say it either.

A s we continue to celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary (Birthday?), there just hasn’t been the excitement I remembered. Maybe it’s because it’s only a 50th?

Maybe it’s because I was 50 years younger for the 200th? Or it could just be that I am not paying enough attention. I’m sure all of these contribute!

I was in grade school when we celebrated America’s Bicentennial in 1976. The patriotism and fanfare lasted for a good year. We wore red, white, and blue for our school photos. The “Spirit of ’76” logo was predominantly featured everywhere you looked. The American Freedom Train made its way through all 48 contiguous states. There were festivals and fireworks galore that July 4th. Schoolhouse Rock (from Saturday morning cartoons) started their history-centered lessons like “I’m just a Bill” up on Capitol Hill! A special quarter was minted, newsrooms were redecorated, patriotism was off the charts.

4 EVERYTHING KNOXVILLE August 2026

But don’t let this monumental occasion pass without celebration. Tennessee has an extensive website dedicated to our state’s role in the building of this country - TN250.com, Tennessee America 250 Voices & Volunteers. The website lists Tennessee locations that have played an important historical, cultural, social, and/or political role in our history. Our downtown East Tennessee History Center celebrates with its History Fair on August 15th with living history demonstrations, live music, and film screenings for the whole family. The Museum of Appalachia has the TN250 Museum Trail where special artifacts and stories connect Tennessee to America’s history.

So long after July 4th has passed, there are still many ways to commemorate America’s 250th, Tennessee’s contributions, and the freedoms our forefathers fought so hard to achieve.

Susan Cafferty Publisher + Editor

Cover Photo by Golightly Studios

Discover the “MORE” IN

BLINDS & MORE Draperies • Shutters • Shades Custom window treatments designed around you— with quality care and experience you deserve.

B

LI N DS & MOR E E. TN is a family-owned window treatment company that has been creating one-of-a-kind treatments with luxury products, a thoughtful attention to detail, and exceptional design for more than 20 years in our area. As a premier provider of custom shades, blinds, shutters, and draperies, their top priority is treating clients with respect and integrity all while addressing privacy and light control issues - and providing the luxury finishing touches for your home.

“It is a such an honor and blessing to have the opportunity to guide homeowners as they maneuver through the process of choosing their traditional and luxury window treatments,” explained Jamie Kidd, founder and co-owner. “But what is most important to our family is that our clients absolutely love their selections and the service we provide.”

The Family Element

“We want our clients to trust that we will stand behind our work and at the end of the day, always do what is right for them even if it’s at our expense,” said Jamie. “It is very important to us that the quality of our products meet your standards and expectations.” Exceptional window treatments and excellent service is the family standard.

Blinds & More is a true multi-generational family business.

Everyone in the family is a native Knoxvillian and has a role in the business process, from introductory consultation to final project

“Blinds & More was absolutely amazing!!! The entire process was so easy, and the end result was exactly what we were wanting! Jamie and Robbie came by, looked at our space, and gave advice on what would work best based on our needs. We reviewed multiple types of fabrics, and Jamie was great in helping us understand what each one would ultimately look like and how it would perform and function. Installation went so smoothly; they were professional, thorough, and efficient.

I cannot say enough wonderful things about Jamie and her team, and I highly recommend them!”

- Rachelle B.

6 EVERYTHING KNOXVILLE August 2026

CUSTOM

QUALITY

EXPERT

LOCAL

SOLUTIONS

PRODUCTS

INSTALLATION

& TRUSTED

completion. Jamie meets with clients to discuss overall needs and initial design ideas. Robbie, her husband and co-owner, oversees the company’s commercial and outdoor projects, and Del, their eldest son - who joined them after 10 years of service in the Air Force - oversees installation of all projects.

Building the Business

After attending design school in Mississippi, marriage, and kids, Jamie began working for JCPenney’s Custom Decorating department in the early 2000s. The extensive training she received there has proven to be invaluable over the years. The foundational knowledge and her love of in-home design have given her a strong foundation for owning and operating Blinds & More. She realized early on that window treatments are the finishing touch that can beautifully bring every room together.

“Functional window treatments such as blinds, shutters, roller, and cellular shades do not necessarily need to be strictly utilitarian,” said Jamie. “Sometimes adding soft elements draperies, roman shades, cornices, and valances - to a room can create an overall feeling of luxury and sophistication. This part of the design process is where my expertise truly shines and sets Blinds & More apart from the rest.”

“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 W.

What Defines the “More”

Custom window treatments add the final luxury touch to your home, and with Jamie’s years of experience in window treatments and home design, you’ll achieve the style and function you’ve been searching for and even more. Blinds & More is able to offer everything from custom draperies and valances to coordinating bedding, pillows, and cushions in addition to all the traditional shades, shutters, and blinds, which can all be motorized.

“We collaborate with local workrooms that handle all our custom luxury treatments,” explained Jamie. “This partnership solidifies that extra personal touch, as everything is locally made and definitely contributes to the final design process.”

Blinds & More also has a whole exterior division that offers outdoor roller shades that can be motorized, outdoor draperies, cushions, Bahama shutters, and exterior shutters for homes and businesses. They continue to expand their product line of privacy and light filtering solutions - indoor and outdoor.

Whatever your home needs - privacy, light filtering, luxury elements, or outdoor curb appeal - Blinds & More is ready to assist in delivering the perfect solution. Call or visit BlindsNmoreTN.com to schedule your in-home consultation.

“Our family offers nothing less than exceptional luxury window treatments and service, and it is our pleasure to have the opportunity to be involved in the process of making your house a home,” emphasized Jamie. “At the end of the day, we want our clients to feel like they were taken care of like family.”

Loudon and surrounding counties

“Absolutely top shelf! The entire process from blind selection to installation was fantastic.

Everyone is extremely knowledgeable, helpful, and friendly. If you need blinds, you won’t find a better company. We even received a follow-up call after installation to ensure we were happy and we were elated.”

- Jerry J.

BlindsNmoreTN.com

865.685.8464

The Irony of Boxing for Parkinson’s Disease

A

T FIRST GLANCE, boxing and Parkinson’s disease seem like complete opposites. Boxing is often associated with violent punches to the head, while Parkinson’s is a neurological disorder that affects movement, balance, coordination, and reaction time. It sounds like a terrible idea to have people with Parkinson’s box, but boxing has been proven to be one of the most effective forms of exercise for people with Parkinson’s.

The key is the inherent complexity, intensity, and fun of boxing. Rock Steady Boxing is an exercise program that is completely non-contact and specifically for people with Parkinson’s. No one gets hit, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. Participants perform boxing drills that stay true to the sport and challenge the body and brain in ways that directly address many of the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.

Every punch requires power, coordination, quick decision-making, and large, precise movements. Boxing footwork improves mobility and balance. Multiple rounds of continuous movement help improve endurance, and fast-paced combinations help retrain the brain to move quickly. The fundamental elements of boxing address all of the major symptoms of Parkinson’s - walking, posture, balance, strength, and speed. But, most importantly, Rock Steady Boxing gives the fighters the confidence and hope that there are still good days ahead despite having Parkinson’s.

Perhaps the greatest irony is that the sport once known for causing neurological injury has become a powerful tool for fighting an incurable neurological disease. Exercise, especially intense exercise like boxing, is the most powerful tool available for people living with Parkinson’s disease.

In fact, it is the only intervention consistently shown to slow the progression of Parkinson’s. Medications, surgery, and other therapies only treat the symptoms. While exercise is not a cure, research has shown that regular, challenging physical activity can help the brain function more efficiently and can even promote the growth and survival of brain cells.

For thousands of people around the world living with Parkinson’s, Rock Steady Boxing isn’t about learning to fight another person it’s about fighting back against Parkinson’s. Every workout is another step toward preserving function, slowing progression, and proving that a diagnosis doesn’t have to define what’s possible.

In 2016, Zach Guza started Rock Steady Boxing - Knoxville at Black Dog Fitness in memory of his father who had Parkinson’s.

Black Dog now has more than 130 Parkinson’s Fighters, three levels of Rock Steady Boxing, Yoga, Spin, and Tai Chi, as well as personal training and other support programs specifically for people with Parkinson’s. It is only one of a handful of gyms in the country dedicated to people with Parkinson’s. If you live in the Knoxville area and you have Parkinson’s, Black Dog Fitness is where you need to be.

Former Air Force helicopter pilot Zach Guza became a Certified Personal Trainer and Functional Aging Specialist to open Black Dog Fitness in 2015. He soon added Rock Steady Boxing, group classes, specialized personal training, and support events exclusively for people with Parkinson’s disease. Black Dog Fitness knows that motivation, aches and pains, body image, and low self-confidence that comes with Parkinson’s can hinder fitness, so they have a wide variety of programs, a welcoming community, and caring trainers that can be reached at 865-387-0415 and BlackDogFitness.com.

8 EVERYTHING KNOXVILLE August 2026

We are pleased to announce APC Financial Planning has joined Savant Wealth Management.

We are a nationally recognized fee-only wealth management firm that offers integrated investment management and financial planning solutions to individuals, families, retirement plans, and non-profit organizations.

865.690.1231 234 S. Peters Road, Suite 102 Knoxville, TN 37923 Savant Wealth Management (“Savant”) is an SEC registered investment adviser headquartered in Rockford, Illinois. Past performance may not be indicative of future results. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk. See Important Disclosures at savantwealth.com.

INVESTMENTS | FINANCIAL PLANNING | TAX | PRIVATE TRUST | RETIREMENT PLANS

Why APC Financial Planning Joined Savant Wealth Management

BY A D A M KO R N E G AY, A KO R N E G AY@ S AVA N T W E A LT H .C O M

M

ORE THAN 50 years ago, APC Financial Planning (then known as Asset Planning Corporation) was founded with the straightforward premise that planning, not “products,” was essential to helping serve the East Tennessee community with excellence.

From its location on South Peters Road, the firm (led by founder P. Kemp Fain, Jr., CFP ® and later his son, Paul K. Fain, III, CFP®) established a nationwide reputation as a leader in financial planning.

As APC grew, so did the financial planning profession. In 1973, the first graduating class of CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNING professionals was a mere 42 men and women.

Today, there are more than 106,000 CFP® practitioners around the country.

As any CFP ® certificant can tell you, Financial Planning is “a collaborative process that helps maximize a client’s potential

for meeting life goals through financial advice that integrates relevant elements of the client’s personal and financial circumstances. The word “integrates” is key.

It’s not just investments or estate planning or taxes; it’s the combination of all aspects of your life.

Midway through APC Financial Planning’s 50th year, firm owner and president Joe Ottaviano, CFP®, CKA® surveyed the East Tennessee landscape and felt more could be done to help serve clients in a comprehensive way. Ottaviano, a long-time client of APC who joined the firm in 2016 as team member and later acquired ownership, found a perfect partner in Savant Wealth Management, a majority employee-owned organization founded in 1986 in Rockford, IL. “I believe joining Savant allows our team access to greater resources and operational support for our clients while preserving

the personalized service we’ve built over decades,” said Ottaviano. “We were especially drawn to Savant’s planning-first philosophy, a concept our founder, P. Kemp Fain, Jr., helped pioneer.”

The team of eight local professionals can now serve East Tennessee with a broad network of financial professionals with offices from coast to coast. We’re proud to continue the tradition of wise counsel, with fully integrated services including tax preparation, tax planning, estate planning, and trust services. And as a feeonly, fiduciary firm, we’re committed to providing objective advice aligned with your long-term goals. Now, more than ever, we believe Savant Wealth Management can help successful individuals, families, and institutions navigate the complexities of wealth and asset management with clarity and confidence.

Adam Kornegay is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional and a Certified Kingdom Advisor® with Savant Wealth Management, serving clients in East Tennessee and beyond. He can be reached at 865-690-1231 or akornegay@savantwealth.com. Savant Wealth Management (“Savant”) is an SEC registered investment adviser headquartered in Rockford, Illinois. This is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as personalized financial advice. Please consult your financial professional regarding your unique circumstances.

August 2026

EVERYTHING KNOXVILLE

9

The Timeless Elegance of “Pearl Scott”

BY J I L L L A N G E R , F N P, O W N E R O F P E A R L S C OT T

I

’ M OF TE N AS KED where the

name Pearl Scott originated, as it’s not a typical med spa name. I knew choosing something outside the mainstream was a risk, but the name is the heart of my clinic.

It holds a story I love sharing.

Pearl Scott was born from both love and loss, inspired by the timeless elegance of my grandmother, whom I lost in 2022. She spent much of her career at Cain-Sloan in downtown Nashville, where she became the first Clinique representative - a role she held for more than 25 years. I can still hear her voice reminding me to wash my face, use moisturizer and sunscreen, and drink plenty of water. She happily volunteered to help friends and family with makeup and skincare for special occasions. She was the heart of my world, and her influence shaped my passion for helping others feel loved, welcomed, accepted, and beautiful.

We shared a special love for pearls. She often told me to wear them as symbols of strength, grace, and connection. Carrying her maiden name forward through this business is my way of honoring her legacy.

As the owner of Pearl Scott, my mission is

• Sofwave Skin Tightening & Lifting • Cosmetic Laser Treatments • Relax Wrinkles and Enhance Volume with our Pearl Touch • PRP Hair Rejuvenation simple yet deeply personal - to bring beauty back to timeless elegance. In a world where trends come and go, I believe true beauty lies in subtlety, refinement, and authenticity. My goal is to provide treatments and experiences that enhance natural beauty, never overwhelm it, and always leave clients feeling radiant and confident.

Call us today at 865-454-2122 for a complimentary consultation to discuss your beauty goals or learn more at PearlScottBeauty.com.

Pearl Scott Health & Beauty 11408 Kingston Pike, Suite 400 Knoxville, TN 37934 865.454.2122 PearlScottBeauty.com

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Full-service auto repair facility

Serving East Tennessee since 1953 10 EVERYTHING KNOXVILLE August 2026

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

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

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

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

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

HOURS: M-F 7AM – 5PM, SAT. 7AM – 1:30PM, CLOSED SUNDAY

MatlockTireService.com

Discover Your Own Radiant Confidence

Celebrating Our First Year OF ENHANCING NATURAL BEAUTY

The Pearl Standard: 5 ESSENTIALS FOR FLAWLESS SKIN

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

SKINCARE + SPF: YOUR DAILY FOUNDATION

A consistent, high-quality skincare routine paired with daily SPF is the foundation for healthy, radiant skin. At Pearl Scott, we carefully customize SkinBetter Science and Hydrinity products for you to help protect, hydrate, correct, and maintain your skin.

SKINPEN A series of SkinPen treatments throughout the year helps stimulate your skin’s MICRONEEDLING: natural collagen production, improving texture, tone, fine lines, and overall skin INVEST IN YOUR COLLAGEN

quality - up to a 400% increase in collagen and elastin!

SCULPTRA:

As we age, we naturally lose collagen. Sculptra is not a filler; it’s a biostimulator injectable that works by stimulating your body’s own collagen production to create a naturally rested, refreshed, and youthful look.

SOFWAVE:

Sofwave uses advanced ultrasound technology to stimulate collagen and improve skin laxity on the face and body with no downtime. Lift, tighten, and maintain your skin while still looking completely like yourself.

SUPPORT:

Great skin isn’t about chasing every trend or doing every treatment. It’s about having a trusted team that will help you look and feel your best.

RESTORE WHAT TIME TAKES AWAY

LIFT, TIGHTEN + MAINTAIN

THE MOST IMPORTANT PART

At Pearl Scott Health & Beauty, our goal is to build a thoughtful, personalized plan - and take excellent care of you every step of the way.

Flawless skin isn’t one treatment. It’s the right combination of daily care, collagen-building treatments, advanced technology, and a beauty team you trust.

That’s The Pearl Standard.

11408 Kingston Pike, Suite 400 Knoxville, TN 37934

865.454.2122

PearlScottBeauty.com

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Protecting Your Brain: Simple Steps That May Lower Your Risk of Dementia

BY J O E Y PA R K E R , M S N , A P R N , P M H N P - B C , J PA R K E R @ PA R K E R W E L L N E S S T N .C O M

A

LMOST EVERYONE has had the thought at some point: What can I do to reduce my chances of developing dementia? The encouraging news is that while no one can completely eliminate the risk, research has shown that many of the choices we make throughout life can have a meaningful impact on longterm brain health.

In my years of evaluating individuals with memory concerns, one thing has become clear: Protecting the brain isn’t about finding a miracle supplement or following the latest health trend. Instead, it’s about consistently making choices that support both the brain and the body.

Exercise tops the list. Regular physical activity improves blood flow to the brain and helps reduce conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity, all of which are linked to an increased risk of dementia. You don’t have to become a marathon runner - even a brisk walk for 30 minutes most days of the week can make a difference.

Keeping your mind active is just as

12 EVERYTHING KNOXVILLE August 2026

important. Reading, learning a new hobby, playing cards, working puzzles, taking classes, or even learning to play an instrument all challenge the brain in healthy ways. The more we ask our brains to learn and adapt, the more resilient they appear to become as we age.

Social connection also plays a surprisingly important role. Spending time with family and friends, volunteering, joining a church or community group, or simply having regular conversations with others helps keep the brain engaged. Studies have consistently shown that loneliness and social isolation are associated with a greater risk of cognitive decline.

Your heart and your brain are closely connected. Managing blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, hearing loss, and sleep problems can all contribute to healthier aging. A Mediterranean-style diet - rich in vegetables, fruits, fish, whole grains, olive oil, and nuts - has also been associated with better cognitive health. Avoiding smoking and limiting excessive alcohol consumption further support brain function over time.

It’s equally important to remember that not every memory problem is dementia.

Depression, medication side effects, vitamin deficiencies, thyroid disorders, sleep disorders, and other medical conditions can all cause changes in memory and thinking.

That’s why a thorough cognitive evaluation is so valuable. Determining the cause of cognitive changes allows treatment to be directed where it can help the most.

While none of us can stop the aging process, we can influence how well our brains age. The habits we practice today can pay dividends years down the road. Staying active, challenging your mind, maintaining meaningful relationships, and addressing medical concerns early are among the best investments you can make - not only for your memory, but for your overall quality of life.

Joey Parker, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and owner of Parker Wellness, has more than 30 years of mental health experience, providing evaluations and treatment including inpatient and outpatient (including in-home services). He can be reached at jparker@parkerwellnesstn.com or 865-567-9517.

Installation Through 8/31/26

Schedule Your Complimentary Design Consultation Today!

(865) 895-5455 | ArtofDrawers.com

Amalfi Ristorante Italiano

Bearden’s Classy Little Authentic Italian Joint

I

CELEBR ATED a close friend’s birthday at Amalfi a few weeks ago and I am excited to tell you all about it. Amalfi is located on Kingston Pike in Bearden; it’s a smaller restaurant with a homey feel. We had a wonderful experience from the incredible service to the excellent food. The chef and the owner both visited our table more than once to check on us and share some stories.

We truly felt like we were in their personal kitchen, and they took great care of us from start to finish. This is a familyowned business, and they really make you feel like part of the family.

Amalfi has an extensive wine, beer, and cocktail menu. I am a sucker for a tasty glass of red wine. We also had Aperol Spritz, because it’s a spritz summer! We started off with three amazing appetizers - the Zucchini Fritti with a yummy garlic dipping sauce, the Fried Mozzarella with the most delicious lemon caper sauce I’ve ever tasted, and, of course, the Meatballs. The

BY K E L LY J O G R O S S E R L A R S E N

lemon caper sauce was outstanding, and I wish I could order pasta with that sauce all over it. The zucchini was perfectly fried and thin - it was my favorite. I’d rate all three starters 10/10.

For dinner, we tried several dishes.

Chicken Parmigiana, which came with old world marinara sauce, Rosa sauce, and pesto. The chicken cutlets were perfectly thin and fried to perfection. We also ordered Bosciola, which is rigatoni with Italian sausage, mushroom, spinach, and onion, flamed with brandy and a touch of cream. Very tasty! We ordered the classic Bolognese with eight-hour veal, beef, and pork ragu.

It was classically delicious. My favorite dish

of the evening was the Spicy Vodka Amalfi - rigatoni, pomodoro, Calabrian Chiles, guanciale crumbles, flamed with vodka and a touch of cream. You guys - this dish was a home run! I could eat this every night. It was so creamy with a wonderful flavor. I’m getting hungry just thinking about it.

We didn’t try dessert because we had birthday cake back at my friend’s house, but let me tell you - this dessert menu is extensive and all house made. I will 100% be back for dessert. You should make a reservation and see for yourself! You will not regret dining at Amalfi. It was truly a fantastic experience from start to finish. Make your reservation now and let them know Kelly’s Belly sent you! Cheers!

@KellysBellyEatsLocal August 2026

EVERYTHING KNOXVILLE

13

Parade starts at 10:30 am at the Festival Lawn Fountain

PINNACLE TURKEY CREEK 11363 Parkside Drive, 37934 Sundays 11 am - 2 pm through August 16

SUNDAY, AUGUST 30 • 10:30 AM - 6:30 PM Celebrating the Asian cultures of Japan, Indonesia,

MAIN FESTIVAL China, The Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam, Taiwan, PERFORMANCES AL WILL BE ON THE FESTIV India, Bangladesh, Thailand, Malaysia, N PARK LAW ASIAN FOOD MARKET WILL BE ON BOTH WORLD’S FAIR PARK LAWNS

Korea, Nepal & Pakistan.

DIXIE LEE MARKET Renaissance Center 12740 Kingston Pike, 37934 Saturdays 9 am - Noon

AUTHENTIC FOODS EXCITING PERFORMANCES TRADITIONAL ACTIVITIES

KNOXASIANFESTIVAL.COM FOR TICKETS EBENEZER ROAD Ebenezer United Methodist Church 1001 Ebenezer Road, 37923 Tuesdays 3 pm - 6 pm HISTORIC OAK RIDGE Jackson Square 209 Jackson Square, 37830 Saturdays 8 am - Noon

NEW HARVEST PARK 4775 New Harvest Lane, 37918 Thursdays 3 pm - 6 pm MARKET SQUARE DOWNTOWN Wednesdays 10 am - 1 pm Saturdays 9 am - 1 pm

RAIN OR SHINE!

14 EVERYTHING KNOXVILLE August 2026

Beyond the Bucket List:

EXTRAORDINARY PLACES WORTH DISCOVERING

Balkan Montenegro Adriatic Coastline

BY ANNETTE MOREJON, OWNER OF TRAVELER’S CAFFÉ

S

O M E O F t h e wo r l d ’s m o s t unforgettable journeys are not found in the places everyone is already talking about. While iconic cities certainly deserve their fame, the destinations that stay with me most are often the quieter corners - the hidden coastal villages, wine regions, mountain towns, and lesser-known landscapes where authenticity still thrives.

These are the places where travelers slow down, connect with locals, and experience a destination beyond the typical highlights.

Even better, many of them are ideal during the shoulder or off seasons, when crowds are smaller, rates are lower, and interactions feel far more personal and genuine.

Europe’s Lesser-Known Treasures Italy is filled with hidden treasures beyond Rome and Florence. Regions such as Umbria, Sardinia, and Le Marche offer medieval villages, vineyard-covered hills, dramatic coastlines, incredible cuisine, and a slower, more authentic pace of life. France offers similar surprises beyond Paris and Provence, particularly in Burgundy’s wine country and Brittany’s rugged coastal towns like Dinan, Cancale, and Saint-Malo, famous for oysters, crêpes, cider, salted butter caramel, and fresh seafood straight from the Atlantic.

Northern Spain reveals a completely different side of the country, with lush green hills, dramatic Atlantic coastlines, and charming villages such as Llanes, Combarro, Cudillero, and Santillana del Mar. Portugal also rewards travelers who venture further, whether exploring medieval towns between Porto and Lisbon like Óbidos, Nazaré, Coimbra, and Tomar, relaxing along the Algarve’s hidden coves, or hiking Madeira’s volcanic peaks and lush levada trails overlooking the ocean.

One of Europe’s most underrated destinations remains Montenegro. Along the Bay of Kotor and deep into the mountainous interior near Durmitor National Park, travelers find breathtaking scenery, welcoming locals, charming villages, and surprisingly affordable prices compared to much of Europe. It is one of those rare places that still feels wonderfully undiscovered.

Extraordinary Experiences Across Asia and Oceania In Asia, Vietnam stands out as one of the most rewarding destinations I have ever visited. Its combination of extraordinary food, fascinating history, warm hospitality, and breathtaking scenery - from Ha Long Bay to Hoi An and the

rice terraces of the north - creates a York’s Finger Lakes, the Coastal Maine deeply immersive experience for travOzarks, Door County in elers seeking both culture and natural beauty.

Wisconsin, and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula New Zealand also offers far more than its all offer scenic escapes filled with natural famous postcard views. Beyond Queenstown beauty, charming small towns, outdoor and Auckland, hidden gems such as Lake adventure, and a slower pace of travel Tekapo, Kaikōura, Waiheke Island, and often overlooked by American travelers.

Rotorua showcase the country’s remarkable The Beauty of Traveling Differently landscapes, wildlife, boutique wine regions, The greatest luxury in travel today is not and Māori culture. simply visiting famous places - it is discovSouth America’s Unexpected Beauty ering destinations that still feel genuine.

South America continues to surprise Whether sipping wine in Burgundy, hiking travelers willing to look beyond the obvithrough Madeira, exploring Montenegro’s ous. Southern Brazil’s Gramado and Bento mountains, or sharing a meal with locals in Gonçalves combine alpine charm with wine Vietnam, these are the journeys that create country elegance, while Patagonia and the lasting memories long after the trip ends. scenic lake crossing between Argentina and At Traveler’s Caffè, these are exactly the Chile deliver some of the world’s most drakinds of immersive experiences we love matic landscapes surrounded by glaciers, helping travelers discover - journeys that go turquoise lakes, and snowcapped peaks. beyond sightseeing and create a true connection to the people, culture, and beauty of Hidden Gems Closer to Home a destination.

Closer to home, the Maine coast, New

Your

EUROPEAN ADVENTURE, DESIGNED JUST FOR YOU At Traveler’s Caffe, we create customized European travel packages tailored to your style, pace, and budget. From hidden gems to iconic landmarks, we’ll make every moment unforgettable.

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August 2026

EVERYTHING KNOXVILLE

15

2 EVERYTHING KNOXVILLE Febr uar y 202 1

Reading the Signs:

WHAT YOUR LAWN IS TRYING TO TELL YOU

L

Why September Is the Most Important Month for Your Lawn Not All Seed Is Equal The quality of the seed matters, too.

Not all fescue seed blends are the same.

Germination rate, weed seed content, inert material, and variety selection can all affect the final result.

A well-selected blend should be chosen for more than color. It should support stress tolerance, disease resistance, texture, and long-term performance in our climate.

AWNS HAVE a way of telling you when something is off - you just have to know how to read the signs. In this monthly column, Lawn Butler helps homeowners spot seasonal problems early, understand what may be causing them, and know when simple adjustments can make all the difference.

By mid-summer, many fescue lawns in East Tennessee start showing signs of stress. The lawn may look thinner than it did in spring. Bare spots may begin to show. Certain areas may look worn down from heat, humidity, foot traffic, disease pressure, or inconsistent watering.

The mistake many homeowners make is assuming the lawn will simply fill back in on its own. With tall fescue, that usually does not happen.

Fescue Does Not Repair Itself Unlike some warm-season grasses, tall fescue is not a self-repairing turfgrass.

Once it thins out or develops bare areas, those spaces typically remain open unless new seed is introduced.

That is why fall aeration and overseeding is one of the most important steps in maintaining a thick, healthy fescue lawn.

Overseeding helps repair the damage caused by summer stress and creates a denser stand of turf. A thicker lawn does more than look better - it also helps reduce opportunities for weeds to move in.

Why Aeration Matters Seeding alone can help, but aeration gives new seed a much better chance.

Core aeration removes small plugs from the soil, helping reduce compaction and improving the movement of air, water, and nutrients into the root zone.

It also creates better seed-to-soil contact, which is critical for germination and establishment.

In simple terms: aeration helps prepare the lawn to receive the seed.

Why Fall Is the Best Window Timing matters. Fall provides the best combination of cooler air temperatures and warm soil temperatures for fescue seed germination. Spring may seem like another good option, but spring-seeded fescue has much less time to develop roots before summer heat arrives.

Fall seeding gives the lawn two important growing seasons - fall and spring - to establish a stronger root system before facing another East Tennessee

18 EVERYTHING KNOXVILLE August 2026

THE BOTTOM LINE

summer. That deeper root development can improve heat tolerance, drought resistance, and overall lawn health.

If your lawn looks thin, tired, or worn down by late summer, it may not need a quick fix - it may need a plan.

September is one of the most important months of the year for rebuilding a fescue lawn. At Lawn Butler, we help take the guesswork out of lawn care with the right timing, the right materials, and a process designed for East Tennessee lawns.

BACK TO SCHOOL:

Insurance for Students

BY D A N A P U M A R I E G A , FA R M B U R E A U O F T E N N E S S E E A G E N C Y M A N A G E R

I

T’S BACK-TO-SCHOOL season, and with a new school year comes new routines. This is a great time to make sure your family is covered. Whether you have young children who are still riding the school bus or you’re moving your college student into the dorms, knowing that they have the right protection can give you peace of mind. We’re here to help families like yours stay protected through every chapter. Let’s discuss different insurance policies and how they might affect your children.

Does my home insurance policy cover my children?

Your home insurance policy typically covers your house’s structure and the personal possessions inside it, including your kids’ things. Liability coverage will also extend to your children if they live in the house, so if a covered accident happens, you and your family have coverage. Your home insurance plan typically also offers coverage for additional living expenses you might encounter after a covered event that makes your home temporarily uninhabitable. You should factor

in living expenses like food and housing for your entire family into your coverage plan.

College age students who live at home will be covered by your home policy. Students who live in dorms or other on-campus housing are also typically covered by your homeowners’ policy, since their official residence is still your house. But if your student moves to an off-campus apartment or house, they might need renters insurance.

Does my auto policy cover my children?

In Tennessee, anyone driving with a learner’s permit or driver’s license is required to show proof of financial responsibility, which most people do by purchasing an insurance policy with the state minimum liability coverage. As soon as your child is ready to start learning to drive, you need to add them to your auto insurance policy so they will be covered with the same protection as the rest of the drivers in your family.

If your children are a bit older, you may be wondering, “Does my auto policy cover my college student?” Short answer: It might.

You can contact your local Farm Bureau

august 7–28

Insurance of Tennessee agent to discuss the specifics of your policy and whether your college student is covered.

What can life insurance do for my children?

Life insurance is designed to give your loved ones a safety net and support their financial future in the event of your death.

You can name anyone as a beneficiary for your life insurance policy, including a spouse or child. Having a good life insurance policy is an important way to care for your family.

It can help pay for living expenses, school tuition, and keep your family living in the style they’re accustomed to after you pass.

If you’d like to review any of your current insurance policies and learn more about how they benefit and protect your family, contact me today.

Hardin Valley Farm Bureau Insurance 10851 Hardin Valley Road Knoxville, TN 37932 865.247.6517 fbiTN.com

Make sure everyone in your family is covered.

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August 2026

EVERYTHING KNOXVILLE

19

Where Did the Town of Farragut Get Its Name?

A RT I C L E C O U RT E S Y O F T H E TO W N O F FA R R A G U T Courtesy of the Library of Congress Prints and Photographs

D

AVID GLASGOW Farragut was born on July 5, 1801, to Jorge and Elizabeth Farragut at Lowe’s Ferry on the Tennessee River, less than five miles from present day Farragut. He lived in this area until 1807, when the family moved to New Orleans.

In 1808, Farragut was adopted by David Porter, a Commodore in the U.S. Navy.

Under Porter’s guidance, Farragut entered the Navy with his midshipman’s warrant in 1810 at nine years of age. In the years that followed, he showed the high ability and devotion to duty that allowed him to make a great contribution to the Union victory in the Civil War and to write a famous page in the history of the United States Navy.

At the outbreak of the Civil War, Farragut declared his loyalty to the Union. In April 1862, he commanded the West Gulf Blockading Squadron with his flagship the USS Hartford. Even after heavy bombardment, Farragut was able to take the city and port of New Orleans on April 29, a decisive event in the war. Congress honored him with the newly created rank of rear admiral on July 16, 1862.

On August 5, 1864, Farragut won a great victory in the Battle of Mobile Bay. During

the battle, Farragut lashed himself to the Hartford’s rigging in an effort to see over the smoke. Farragut could see Union ships pulling back from his high perch. “What’s the trouble?” was shouted to the USS Brooklyn.

“Torpedoes!” was shouted back in reply.

“Damn the torpedoes!” said Farragut. “Four bells, Captain Drayton, go ahead! Jouett, full speed!” Charging through the torpedo field without any losses, the Union fleet poured into the bay to do battle. Driving away the Confederate gunboats, Farragut’s ships closed on the CSS Tennessee and

battered the rebel vessel into submission.

It was with the taking of Mobile that Farragut’s active service came to an end.

On December 21, 1864, Lincoln promoted Farragut to vice admiral, a previously unknown title in the American service. In April 1865, Vice Admiral Farragut served as a pallbearer in President Lincoln’s funeral. In 1866, Congress created the rank of admiral and immediately promoted Farragut to the new grade.

From May 1867 to November 1868, with his flag flying on the USS Franklin, Admiral Farragut took his final cruise. He toured Europe as admiral of the European Squadron to promote peaceful relations with the United States. Upon returning home, he remained in the service despite declining health. On August 14, 1870, at the age of 69, he quietly passed away surrounded by his family and loving friends, including many of his comrades in arms. He died - as he had lived - under the old flag, to which his bravery, skill, and fidelity had given an added glory. Admiral David Glasgow Farragut is buried at Woodlawn Cemetery in New York. More than 10,000 sailors and soldiers marched in his funeral procession, including President Ulysses S. Grant.

Cornerstones of Community:

ust 21 Friday, Aug ust 23 g Sunday, Au

2026

Dock Dogs nal Internatio

Free 3-day festival of fun, food, shopping, and competition

CHURCHES OF FARRAGUT Farragut Museum Exhibit through September 9 The history of the 20 Farragut churches from Concord Baptist Church circa 1891 to the Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, one of only three temples in Tennessee, being built now.

with more than 400 jumps and 150 canine competitors!

"Dueling Dogs" - side-by-side, two lane, head-to-head competition

SILENT AUCTION • FOOD TRUCKS VENDOR BOOTHS • ON-SITE VET SPONSORED BY THE TOWN OF FARRAGUT HOSTED BY SHOP FARRAGUT

20 EVERYTHING KNOXVILLE August 2026

MUSEUM IS FREE AND LOCATED IN FARRAGUT TOWN HALL OPEN TUESDAY - SATURDAY 11 AM TO 2 PM

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You want simple, yet organization is a must. We want to help.

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INSIGHTS

&

HIGHLIGHTS

PEARL SCOTT HEALTH & BEAUTY

Hyacyn Active Purifying Mist by Hydrinity is a luxurious, lightweight, microbiome-friendly treatment mist that balances the skin's pH to maximize the effectiveness of serums, promote healing, and boosts its overall appearance. Free of chemical irritants and safe for all skin types, including sensitive and post-procedure skin. Available at Pearl Scott Health & Beauty, 11408 Kingston Pike, Suite 400 in Knoxville, 865.454.2122, PearlScottBeauty.com.

THE GLUTEN FREE GIRLFRIEND BAKERY Specializing in flavorful French macarons and customdecorated special occasion cookies, The Gluten Free Girlfriend has a dedicated gluten free commercial grade bakery space so everything is guaranteed gluten free. With more than 40 macaron flavors to choose from along with many cake and cupcake flavors and fillings, you are sure to find the perfect addition to your next party. Place an order on her website or check her social media for her next market booth in our area. Available at TheGFGFBakery.com, Facebook and Instagram @thegfgfbakery.

LOUISVILLE MERCANTILE

Discover the craftsmanship that has made W.R. Case & Sons Cutlery a trusted American name for generations. Whether you’re searching for your first pocket knife, adding a rare collectible to your display, or looking for a meaningful gift that will be treasured for years, Case offers a knife to fit every need and lifestyle. A wide selection of traditional patterns, modern designs, and distinctive handle materials are available at Louisville Mercantile, 2801 Topside Road in Louisville, 865.724.3195, LouisvilleMercantile.com.

HI-FI & FLY

Remember your favorite record store?

It’s back with a thoughtfully curated selection of vinyl, CDs, cassettes, and vintage audio gear, along with the kind of personal guidance you only get from people who truly love what they do.

Whether you’re chasing nostalgia, discovering something new, or looking to sell parts of your collection, Hi-Fi & Fly is the place to connect, explore, and enjoy the analog experience. Stop by at 11422-A Kingston Pike in Farragut, 865.214.1054, HiFiandFly.com, Instagram @hifiandfly, Facebook @hi-fi & fly.

22 EVERYTHING KNOXVILLE August 2026

MERCH & MISSION

Keep your food fresher and longer - naturally! Merch & Mission’s handmade beeswax wraps are crafted from all-natural ingredients, washable, and reusable for a year or longer - making plastic wrap a thing of the past. Their cotton sourdough bread bags are a bread lover’s best friend! Ten percent of every sale supports mission aviation, Bible translation, and church planting in remote communities around the world.

Many prints available at MerchAndMission.store. Check MerchAndMission on Facebook and Instagram to find them at local markets.

SOUTHERN VALLEY BOUTIQUE

Southern Valley Boutique is your go-to destination for all things stylish this season created by Abbi Lloyd! Whether you’re shopping for the perfect back-to-school outfits, fresh new pieces for fall, or the cutest gameday looks to show off your Tennessee pride, they have something for everyone. From everyday essentials to statement pieces, they can’t wait to help you find your new favorites! Available at Southern Valley Boutique, 10653 Hardin Valley Road in Knoxville, 865.253.7210, TheSouthernValleyBoutique.com.

THE GARDEN PLANT CO

Proudly woman-owned and family-operated, Knoxville's newest houseplant boutique offers a warm, inviting space to browse plants, plant care items, pots, plant-themed merchandise, and even a soil bar to hand mix your own custom soil blends. Classes and events are upcoming, so check back soon - and be sure to join them for their Grand Opening on August 8! The Garden Plant Co, 10541 Kingston Pike, Suite A in Knoxville, 865.357.4736, TheGardenPlantCo.com, Facebook @thegardenknox, Instagram @thegardenplantco.

HARB'S CARPETING & ORIENTAL RUGS

For almost 100 years, Harb’s has offered some of the most beautiful artisan handmade rugs from around the world, four large showrooms under one roof - a downtown treat to see! With the largest inventory of beautiful area rugs in East Tennessee, including modern, contemporary, and traditional, available in all price ranges.

Harb’s Carpeting & Oriental Rugs, 608 N Broadway in Knoxville, 865.525.5166, HarbsRugs.com.

August 2026

EVERYTHING KNOXVILLE

23

PROVIDING ESSENTIAL

Transportation

“The lack of transportation isn’t an inconvenience; it’s a barrier to a better life. I believe that Wheels Knoxville is creating generational change by connecting these used donated vehicles to those in critical need of transportation.”

– Natalie Knauth

BY K A R E N C O P P O C K

R

ELIABLE TRANSPORTATION

is one of the biggest barriers to becoming independent for people in need. According to a 2022 CDC study, an average of nearly 6% of U.S. adults had no reliable way to get to their jobs or do everyday tasks like grocery shopping or going to healthcare appointments. This lack of consistent transportation can affect one’s ability to earn a steady income and be self-sufficient. Local nonprofit Wheels Knoxville Car Ministry aims to help by repairing donated vehicles and providing them to individuals and families who are in acute need of transportation.

The nonprofit currently operates as part of a collaborative, all-volunteer ministry, Driving Hope, which receives potential participant referrals only from local community partners, including First Foundations, Operation Hope, Focus Ministries, YWCA, and Restoration

STARTED IN 2017,

Wheels Knoxville

GIFTED ITS 100TH CAR THIS SPRING!

THEY JUST DONATED THEIR 14TH CAR OF 2026, which equals the total number of vehicles gifted in 2025.

Alan and Natalie Knauth with Daniel.

ON AVERAGE, IT COSTS $984 TO REPAIR AND/OR REFURBISH EACH DONATED CAR 24 EVERYTHING KNOXVILLE August 2026

House. Natalie Knauth, one of the Wheels Knoxville co-founders and a volunteer board member, noted that “You can give somebody a car, but it’s not necessarily going to fix their problems or change their life unless they’re ready for it. These referrals tell us ‘we’ve been working with this family or this individual; they can handle this responsibility.’ They need this Steve Bowman, Hopela Dodd (car recipient), opportunity to better their lives.”

Natalie Knauth, and Alan Knauth.

Richard Consoli, Driving Hope’s Board President, added, “That whole ministry of walking alongside [clients] is really something that makes a big difference.” Driving Hope checks to ensure that the candidate wants to be successful and can meet the requirements of the program.

After that initial vetting, potential participants are referred to another Driving Hope partner, Anchored Foundation, if they are able to make payments toward a car. If that’s not currently possible, the client is instead referred to Wheels Knoxville. Other Wheels Knoxville requirements include a valid driver’s license, proof of insurance coverage, and payment of title transfer (approximately $80).

The nonprofit has provided donated vehicles to recipients ranging from single moms,

Daniel Bembury receiving a Toyota Camry.

to young adults coming out of foster care, to individuals with physical disabilities. The common thread is that they are in urgent need of a reliable vehicle for independent work and life.

Wheels Knoxville appreciates the Debra Allen receiving a Honda Accord. generous donors who have gifted cars to the organization! Donated vehicles are sometimes inherited from relatives or are older models that have high mileage. The vehicle may have cosmetic imperfections.

Sometimes the owner has simply purchased a newer vehicle and didn’t trade in the old car.

Knauth also pointed out, “People who don’t have a car don’t care if it has dents. They don’t care if it has faded paint. They don’t care if it’s got a cloth interior. They just need a car.” She shared an anecdote about a single mom who received an older minivan. “It [had] crank windows, no backup camera, but the air was cold and [the car] was safe.

You would have thought we were giving her a Range Rover - she was so, so thankful.”

On average, it costs $984 to repair and/or refurbish each donated car. Knauth said, “All of the mechanics donate their time, but we are responsible for purchasing the parts needed to repair these cars.” She added, “Usually most of them have been sitting for a little bit, so they need four new tires, a lot of dead batteries.”

The nonprofit also provides the first two oil changes for free to help keep the cars in good working order.

Donated car titles are typically transferred to Wheels Knoxville to maintain anonymity, Peggy Davis receiving an Isuzu Axiom. although donors can be there when the car is then transferred to the new owner, if everyone agrees. Wheels Knoxville also asks recipients to write a thank you card to the donor. Knauth remarked that most donors are touched and happy that their former vehicles are being put to good use. For more information on how to help, please visit their website at DrivingHopeTN.org/wheels.

HOW DID WHEELS KNOXVILLE START? "Steve Bowman started this as a hobby in 2017 when he helped his neighbor fix up a car and then convinced the neighbor to gift it to a friend in need,” shared Natalie Knauth. From there, Bowman started repairing and gifting other donated vehicles, and the ministry grew over the next few years, but he was doing all the work by himself.

----------------------------------------------When Knauth and her husband Alan purchased a new vehicle in 2023, they kept his old car. One of Alan’s coworkers told him about the nonprofit.

“After Alan and I met with Steve and helped him with several vehicles, we were asked to help Steve turn Wheels Knoxville into an official nonprofit and join the board,” explained Knauth.

----------------------------------------------Wheels Knoxville became an official 501(c)(3) nonprofit in January 2025.

“We now assist Steve with all the dayto-day activities [such as] fundraising, finding vehicles, logistics, repairs, delivery, etc.”

HOW TO HELP DONATE VEHICLES DONATE FUNDS VOLUNTEER

to help pick up vehicles, mentor participants, or repair cars

For more information on Wheels Knoxville’s mission and how to help, call 865-696-3437 or visit DrivingHopeTN.org/wheels.

"WALKING ALONGSIDE CLIENTS IS REALLY SOMETHING THAT MAKES A BIG DIFFERENCE.” – Richard Consoli, Driving Hope’s Board President

LOCAL WASTE REMOVAL SERVICES DONE BY LOCAL FOLKS! In Farragut, Loudon County, and Knox County Residential Curbside Trash Pickup Recycling Services Dumpster Rentals Bulk Trash Hauling Services Construction Waste Containers for Rent

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HE 13TH ANNUAL Big Kahuna Labor Day Festival has become one of the best culinary and firework events in the region. Every 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 this Labor Day weekend!

Sunday, September 6th 3 pm - 9 pm Fireworks begin at 9 pm World’s Fair Park

The Best Food and Fireworks Festival in the Southeast

2026 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 for the sounds of Flavor Day Weekend as these incredible artists take the stage: Asheville-based Fireside Collective, Bluegrass Wyatt Ellis, Gritty Crawlspace, and Brian Clay Jazz with DJ Sterl The Pearl on the Festival Lawn. 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.

Protecting Pets from Summer Heat Dangers

BY D R . K R I S T I L I V E LY, K N OX V I L L E A N I M A L C L I N I C & S E Q U OYA H V E T E R I N A RY U R G E N T C A R E

A

S TEMPERATURES

rise during the summer months, pet owners must take extra precautions to keep their furry family members safe. While many people enjoy outdoor activities in warm weather, excessive heat can pose serious health risks for pets. Understanding the dangers and taking preventive measures can help ensure a safe and enjoyable summer.

Unlike humans, pets have limited ways to cool themselves. Dogs primarily regulate body temperature through panting, while cats seek cool, shaded areas. Because they cannot sweat effectively, pets are more susceptible to overheating and heat-related illnesses.

One of the most serious summer dangers is heatstroke. Heatstroke occurs when a pet’s body temperature rises to dangerous levels and can quickly become life-threatening. Symptoms may include excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, and collapse. If you suspect your pet is suffering from heatstroke, move them to a cool area immediately, ideally indoors.

Run a fan towards them and cool them with wet towels - not ice cold water, just cool water. Do not wrap in towels, just wet their skin and paws. Seek veterinary care as soon as possible. This can be a dangerous and life threatening condition, so do not delay veterinary intervention.

Never leave pets unattended in a parked vehicle, even for a few minutes. Temperatures inside a car can climb rapidly, reaching dangerous levels even when the outside temperature seems moderate. Cracking windows provides little protection and does not prevent the interior from becoming dangerously hot.

Hot pavement is another common summer hazard. Asphalt and concrete can become hot enough to burn a pet’s paw pads. Paw pad injuries are quite painful and can be slow to heal. Before walking your dog, place the back of your hand on the pavement for several seconds. If it feels too hot for your skin, it is too hot for your pet’s paws. Consider walking during the early morning or evening hours when temperatures are cooler, or stay on grassy surfaces.

Hydration is essential during hot weather. Always provide access to fresh, clean water, both indoors and outdoors. Pets spending time outside should also have access to shaded areas where they can escape direct sunlight. Cooling mats, fans, and pet-safe pools can offer additional relief from the heat.

Certain breeds are at higher risk for heat-related problems.

Brachycephalic breeds, such as Bulldogs, Pugs, and Boston Terriers, often struggle more in hot weather due to their shortened airways.

Senior pets and those with underlying health conditions may also require extra hydration during periods of extreme heat.

Summer can be a wonderful time for outdoor adventures, but pet safety should always be prioritized. By recognizing the signs of heat stress, providing adequate water and shade, avoiding hot surfaces, and never leaving pets in vehicles, you can help keep your pet safe and active all summer long.

Dr. Kristi Lively is a 1994 graduate of Vanderbilt University. She was in the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine Class of ’99, where she graduated with honors in the top tier of her class. Dr. Lively has been a practicing veterinarian in Knoxville for more than 25 years.

She and Dr. Adele Mays own and operate Bearden’s Knoxville Animal Clinic and Sequoyah Veterinary Urgent Care (5312 Homberg Drive), that is open outside of standard clinic hours, weekdays 4 pm to midnight, weekends 10 am to 10 pm. For more info, visit KnoxvilleAnimalClinic.com.

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EVERYTHING KNOXVILLE

27

Simple and Nutritious Summer Bowls C O U RT E S Y O F F E AT U R E I M PA C T

W

HEN BUSY calendars

lead to seemingly constant takeout orders, dive into a fresh way to rethink “home cooked” summer meals to get you and your loved ones into a better-for-you routine.

Close your favorite food delivery app and instead break out the bowls for simple yet nutritious recipes that are equal parts filling and fresh. Easily prepped ahead of time, dishes like Chicken and Rice Bowls with Peanut Sauce provide powerful protein and flavor without the hassle. For added pizzazz and depth, drizzle with extra peanut sauce and squeeze a dash of lime juice.

Put a tangy twist on a traditional chicken bowl with Greek-Inspired Power Bowls featuring homemade tzatziki sauce made with Dandy Celery, a naturally sweeter, crispier, and less stringy alternative to other celeries. Celebrating its 100th anniversary, Duda Farm Fresh Foods’ Dandy® brand convenient, pre-packaged vegetables deliver the ultimate snack time (or dinner) crunch and flavor, offering a satisfying (and easy!) complement to sliced chicken, mixed greens, whole-grain quinoa, and Kalamata olives.

An added bowl-inspired bonus: These family-friendly recipes can be personalized for taste preferences so no one goes hungry. Add in a few more favorite ingredients that you know they’ll love.

Rethink your family’s menu with more quick, nutritious recipes to alleviate the stress of hectic schedules by visiting DudaFresh.com.

28 EVERYTHING KNOXVILLE August 2026

Chicken and Rice Bowls with Peanut Sauce Recipe courtesy of The Produce Moms Prep time: 7 minutes Cook time: 5 minutes Servings: 2 Ingredients:

Creamy Peanut Sauce • 1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice • 2 teaspoons rice vinegar • 1 teaspoon honey • 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil

Bowls

• 1 tablespoon olive oil • 1 cup cooked, shredded chicken • 1 cup cooked brown or jasmine rice • 1 cup Dandy celery, julienned • 1 cup shredded carrot • 1/2 medium English cucumber, thinly sliced • 1/4 cup unsalted roasted peanuts, coarsely chopped • Lime wedges, for serving

Directions: To prepare peanut sauce: In a small bowl, whisk soy sauce, lime juice, rice vinegar, and honey. Add peanut butter and sesame oil. Whisk vigorously (or use a blender) until sauce is completely smooth and creamy. Set aside.

To prepare bowls: In a nonstick 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil until simmering. Add shredded chicken and about 3 tablespoons of the peanut sauce. Stir constantly to coat chicken and heat through, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

To assemble rice bowls: In deep serving bowls, add cooked rice. Top with warm chicken covered in peanut sauce. Arrange celery, carrot, and cucumber around chicken. Top with peanuts.

Drizzle remaining peanut sauce over bowls. Serve with lime wedges to squeeze over bowls.

Greek-Inspired Power Bowls Recipe courtesy of Anastasiia de la Cruz Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 15 minutes Servings: 2 Ingredients:

Celery Tzatziki • 1 cup plain, full-fat Greek yogurt • 1/2 cup finely chopped Dandy celery • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice • 1 small garlic clove, finely grated • 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts (optional) • Salt and pepper, to taste

Bowls

• 2 cups mixed greens • 1 1/3 cups cooked, gluten-free, whole-grain quinoa • 2 large grilled chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each), sliced • 1/2 cup hummus • 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, halved • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling • Fresh herbs, for garnish

Directions: To make celery tzatziki: Mix yogurt, celery, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and walnuts, if desired. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Stir well. Chill.

To assemble bowls: In two bowls, layer greens and cooked quinoa evenly. Top with grilled chicken.

Spoon 1/4 cup hummus on side of each bowl. Add olives, 2-3 tablespoons tzatziki, and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with fresh herbs.

August 11-18 Crafty Bastard Brewery West - 9937 Kingston Pike Emory Place - 6 Emory Place

During business hours

August 29 Powell Branch Library 10 AM - 5 PM KnoxFriends.org

August 2026

EVERYTHING KNOXVILLE

29

30 EVERYTHING KNOXVILLE August 2026

General Rules for a Good Life

BY D R . J I M B A I L E Y, D R J I M @ D R J I M B A I L E Y.C O M

T

HE WRITER of Ecclesiastes in the Bible wrote, “For everything there is a season, and a time for everything under heaven.” As I’ve gotten older, I’ve learned I need to make the most of the seasons and times given to me because they’re fleeting and could change at any moment. Recently, I was at the beach with my family and was given an opportunity I knew I shouldn’t waste.

I was walking on the beach with my son he’s a teacher, a job that fits him perfectly and one he does very well. As we walked, he shared his challenges with balancing life and allocating his time effectively before the school year starts again. Although I know better than to give my kids unsolicited advice, I shared with him, “Set your priorities, then build your life to ensure you attain them. At least, that’s what I’ve tried to do.”

Ironically, in three decades as a teacher and career coach, I’ve shared that same core idea with dozens, maybe hundreds of people. I tend to do that - share an idea I think has real value with someone I care about.

(I also tell the same stories over and over again. Just ask my wife.) Albus Dumbledore said, “Words are… an inexhaustible source of magic, capable of both inflicting injury and remedying it,” but I think he drew that insight from the Bible.

The idea of living your life according to a clear set of priorities isn’t original to me.

Like every worthwhile concept I’ve ever shared, I learned it from someone smarter or wiser. My contribution has been finding or creating memorable sayings that make these truths stick so others can benefit, too.

One of the best phrases came from my doctoral advisor. He told me, “All human behavior is purposeful. Our challenge is to understand the purpose behind what a person does.” The key is to step back dispassionately from situations and ask, “Why is this person doing this?” - seeking to grasp their reasoning or motivation without immediate judgment.

People’s actions and words always serve some purpose in their lives. That purpose may or may not align with how life truly works, but understanding it allows us to interact in healthier ways and even respond with genuine love and empathy.

Related phrases I’ve often shared with clients and friends include: “Never expect sanity from an insane system” and “Never run back into a burning building from which you just escaped.” Both apply powerfully to difficult work situations or relationships. I

"For everything there is a season, and a time for everything under heaven." share them because people frequently fall into magical thinking - that this time a toxic pattern “could turn out differently.” The truth is that similar stories usually have similar endings unless real change intervenes.

My father gave me one of my most-used sayings after I left a painful, disastrous work situation. “Always take the high road and never burn any bridges.” At the time, I was hurting deeply and wanted to lash out.

Though I’ve tried to live by this, I’ve found it often requires supernatural help - it’s simply not our natural response.

A personal favorite is often misattributed to Mahatma Gandhi: “Be the change you want to see in the world.” Gandhi’s fuller thought was, “If we could change ourselves, the tendencies of the world would also change,” which is profound but won’t fit on a bumper sticker. Jesus’ teaching “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” - connects directly to “Be the change…” Quoting Gandhi, however, tends to stir less controversy than quoting Jesus.

Still, it’s rare to meet someone quietly living out their principles instead of posting rants or displaying their views. Real change happens through quiet, unassuming actions that touch people’s everyday lives - not big, newsworthy spectacles. It begins small, like a mustard seed growing into a sheltering tree or fungi spreading invisibly for miles under the forest floor, surfacing here and there as mushrooms.

I’ll end with this: “Don’t overstay your welcome.” Knowing when to leave or simply be quiet is timeless wisdom. Three thousand

years ago, Proverbs warned, “Let your foot be seldom in your neighbor’s house, lest he have his fill of you and hate you” (Proverbs 25:17). Yet many never develop the social awareness to discern when their words or presence are no longer wanted.

People who know me understand how much I admired my grandfather. When he grew bored at a social event - even a family gathering - he would announce to the room, “Margie, I’m leaving.” My grandmother would then gather her things, say her goodbyes, and join him in the car. It was clean, decisive, and left no doubt that, for them at least, the party was over.

These sayings and principles have served as guideposts through life’s varying seasons. Prioritizing what truly matters, seeking to understand others’ motivations, choosing integrity over retaliation, embracing personal change, and practicing social discernment help us navigate challenges with wisdom and grace. They remind us to live intentionally, making the most of each fleeting moment and season we’re given.

“For everything there is a season…”

August 15 • 9 am to 4 pm East Tennessee History Center This day-long celebration takes place in and around the downtown ETN History Center and includes regional historic/ cultural organizations, living history demonstrations, live music, crafts, film screenings, children’s activities, and more!

The theme will center around our nation’s Semiquincentennial (250th) with a focus on these four pillars: Celebrate • Commemorate • Contemplate • Commit...to advancing our democracy and preserving our shared future.

For more information, visit EastTNHistory.org.

August 2026

EVERYTHING KNOXVILLE

31

Cultivating Hope, One Kind Act at a Time

A

T RANDOM ACTS OF FLOWERS, we believe is anything but small. For recipients and their families, a bouquet can offer comfort on a hard day, bring a moment of beauty into a hope often arrives in the most unexpected or subtle clinical space, or spark a renewed sense of connection. ways. It may appear in a hospital room: It may rest on What makes this work so meaningful is that it is rooted in collective a bedside table or be held gently in someone’s hands during a difficult moment. While we may not cure illness, we do something kindness. Individuals, businesses, and organizations come together to ensure that something fleeting - these flowers that might otherwise equally meaningful. We remind people that they are seen, valued, be discarded - will become something lasting. and not alone.

Through thoughtful hands and generous hearts, Each week, our volunteers gather to Every delivery represents a we turn moments into memories and kindness transform donated flowers into fresh into something tangible. arrangements that are delivered throughout choice to show up for others Hope doesn’t always require grand gestures. our community to individuals in healthcare with compassion.

Sometimes, it’s found in the quiet reminder that settings and care facilities. But what we are someone, somewhere, cares. At Random Acts of truly delivering goes far beyond flowers.

Flowers, that belief guides everything we do. And in sharing that hope, These small gestures carry an unspoken message: Kindness exists, we continue to see the proof that even the smallest acts of kindness and it is powerful.

When the world can often feel heavy, Random Acts of Flowers can make the world feel softer, brighter, and more human.

To learn more, volunteer, or donate, visit RandomActsofFlowers. serves as a reminder that goodness persists. Every donated bloom, org or call 865-633‐9082. Follow us on social media for stories that every volunteer hour, and every delivery represents a choice to show just how powerful a small act of kindness can be. show up for others with compassion. It’s a simple act, but its impact

GROW wi th YOUR BUSINESS

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TOMMY

EMMANUEL: Living in the Light

BY RANDY PATTERSON, BOOMEROCITY.COM

IN CONCERT • AU GU S T 2 3 • TE NNE S S E E THE ATR E

F

EW MUSICIANS communicate as powerfully without words as Tommy Emmanuel. The Grammy-winning guitarist has spent decades captivating audiences around the world with nothing more than six strings, boundless energy, and an unmistakable joy that radiates from every performance.

When I recently caught up with him for my fifth Boomerocity interview, it had been eight years since our last conversation. In that time, he released several albums, navigated a global pandemic, and continued proving why he’s considered one of the world’s premier acoustic guitarists.

Like every touring artist, Emmanuel’s schedule came to a sudden stop during COVID-19. Instead of focusing on what he had lost, he focused on what he could still create. “I did three albums during COVID,” he said. “I put myself to work.”

He temporarily relocated to California to spend time with his wife and daughter while staying connected with fans through weekly livestreams.

“I ended up doing Facebook Live and Instagram Live every week, just so I could play to the world out there,” he recalled. “Because you couldn’t do anything. You couldn’t go places.”

One result was Accomplice 2, which features a collaboration with Michael McDonald. “I asked him if we could do something together,” said Emmanuel. “He sent me one of his new songs - one of his greatest vocals I’ve ever heard.” Using McDonald’s original vocal and piano tracks, Emmanuel built the arrangement by adding live drums, bass, guitars, and backing vocals. “It turned out really, really nice,” he said.

His latest studio album, Living in the Light, was co-produced with acclaimed engineer Vance Powell. Although Powell’s schedule allowed only four days in the studio, Emmanuel embraced the challenge. “I got the whole album finished, mixed, and mastered in four days.” He credits preparation and resolve for making that possible. “I’m Mr. Efficiency in the studio. I don’t like wasting time, and I don’t like laboring over stuff.” The best description of his recording philosophy? “Recording is not manufacturing something. It’s capturing something.” Rather than chasing perfection through endless takes, Emmanuel believes in preserving the emotion of the moment. “If I can’t get it in the first or second take, then there’s something wrong.”

One highlight of the new album is “Initiation 25,” an updated version of one of his signature instrumentals. “I just wanted to kind of update it,” he explained. The recording itself is remarkable. “If you go onto YouTube and have a look at the video, that’s the take. I

only played it once.” The performance was later enhanced with additional overdubs, but the foundation came from that single inspired take.

Asked about the album’s title, Emmanuel offered a thoughtful explanation. “Living in the Light means the light of the world - living in the positive spirit of our world.” For him, it’s about surrendering the need to control everything.

“There’s a power out there that knows better than me, and I’m not in charge,” he said. “If I live in the light and I do my best to put my attention to helping other people, then the light’s always going to be there for me.” That outlook extends beyond the studio and onto the concert stage.

Our conversation also turned to Live at the Sydney Opera House, which was recorded during two sold-out performances in 2023. Although Emmanuel first performed there in 1988, recording a live album in the iconic venue remained a special achievement. “There was something really so beautiful and spontaneous in everything in that first show,” he said. Capturing that magic required microphones all throughout the hall. “That’s why that sounds so different.”

Listening to Tommy Emmanuel speak, it becomes clear that his extraordinary guitar playing is only part of what makes him special. His humility, relentless work ethic, gratitude, and optimism continue to shape both his music and his life. Whether he’s playing Carnegie Hall, Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium, Knoxville’s Tennessee Theatre, or the Sydney Opera House, his approach never changes. “I go all out every day when I’m playing. That’s how I work. I don’t hold back,” he said. After all these years, Tommy Emmanuel isn’t simply preserving a remarkable career he’s still creating new moments worth capturing.

At press time, tickets for Tommy’s Knoxville show were still available but selling quickly. Get your tickets today at TennesseeTheatre.com.

To watch or listen to this full interview, search for “Boomerocity” on YouTube or on wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also visit Boomerocity.com.

Launched in 2009, Randy’s Boomerocity The Fan Experience has more than 500 positive, sincere, one-onone 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.

AUGUST

THROUGHOUT THE MONTH

AUGUST 9

• Cornerstones of Community: Churches of Farragut at Farragut Museum in the Farragut Town Hall building through September 9th. Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 am to 2 pm.

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

• Art in the Gardens: Ursa Curiosa at UT Gardens through September 18th.

• Tennessee Artists Association Quarterly Exhibit at the Campbell Station Inn in Farragut Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays through September 30th.

• TN250 Museum Trail at the Museum of Appalachia through December 31st. This 250th anniversary experience highlights the people, objects, and stories that connect Tennessee to the broader American story.

AUGUST 7 • Russell Biven Clayfest Tournament benefiting the Helen Ross McNabb Foundation at Iron Mountain Sporting Clays in Kodak, TN. Also the 8th. To register visit McNabbFoundation.org.

• The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by the Knoxville Children’s Theatre through the 23rd. For show times and tickets visit KnoxvilleChildrensTheatre.com.

• Dogwood Regional Exhibition at the Dogwood Gallery (123 W. Jackson Avenue) and the Emporium Center (100 S. Gay Street) through the 28th. Free to attend.

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

• Sunset Cinema (Movies in the Park): Jaws at The Cove at Concord Park (11808 S. Northshore Drive). Activities begin at 7 pm, movie begins at dusk. Free!

• Knoxville Shakespeare: Merry Wives of Windsor at Ijams Nature Center at 7:30 pm. Also the 9th.

AUGUST 8 • Emancipation Day Tours: And Then I Became Free at Mabry-Hazen House and Bethel Cemetery at 11 am, 1 & 3 pm. Free tour that explores the different methods enslaved people used to break down the oppressive institution of American chattel slavery and how they fought to gain personal liberty.

• Irish Fest on the Hill at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church (414 W. Vine Avenue) from 4 to 10 pm.

• 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.

AUGUST 10 • First Day of School for Knox County Students (1/2 day) • Little History Lessons: Maps at the East Tennessee History Center from 10:30 to 11:30 am. Kids learn about history through stories, games, crafts, and examining artifacts. Recommended for ages 2-5.

AUGUST 11 • Knoxville Smokies vs. Rocket City Trash Pandas at Covenant Health Park through the 16th.

• Used Book Sale by Friends of the Knox County Public Library at Crafty Bastard Brewery (both West and Emory Place) during business hours through the 18th.

• Preschool Story Thyme at the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum from 10 to 11 am. Every Tuesday through October.

• Knoxville FCA Night of Influence featuring Mayor Glenn Jacobs at the Expo Center at 5:30 pm. For info or to register visit FCAKnoxville.org.

AUGUST 13 • The History Parlor at the East Tennessee History Center at 10 am. Free and open to the public. For info visit EastTNHistory.org.

• Centennial Anniversary Lecture Series: Women Who Changed Blount Mansion’s History! at the Blount Mansion Visitors Center at 6 pm.

• Communion: A Projected Hummingbird Experience at Ijams Nature Center from 8 to 10 pm. Also the 14th.

AUGUST 14 • Soundscapes at the KMA season finale at the Knoxville Museum of Art at 7:30 pm.

• Sixpence None the Richer at the Bijou Theatre at 8 pm.

AUGUST 15

• Knoxville Shakespeare: King Henry V at Ijams Nature Center at 7:30 pm.

• Ijams Hummingbird Festival at Ijams Nature Center from 7 am to 1 pm.

Tickets available at Ijams.org.

• One Knoxville Soccer Club vs. Sarasota Paradise at Covenant Health Park at 7:30 pm.

• East Tennessee History Fair in and around the East Tennessee History Center from 9 am to 4 pm. The celebration includes

34 EVERYTHING KNOXVILLE August 2026

For Knoxv ille Farm ’s Marke ers’ t and loc dates at see pa ions, ge 14

regional historic/cultural organizations, living history demonstrations, live music, crafts, film screenings, children’s activities, and more.

• 13th annual Fall Home & Garden Shows at the Expo Center from 10 am to 4 pm.

Also the 16th from 11 am to 4 pm. Free admission and parking. For info visit HGshows.net.

• Vintage Base Ball double header at Historic Ramsey House. Phoenix of East Nashville vs. Grasshoppers Club of Chattanooga at 12 pm and Knoxville Knoxvilles vs. Grasshoppers Club of Chattanooga at 2 pm. Free!

• Yacht Rock Concert at Mayor Ralph McGill Plaza in Farragut from 6 to 9 pm. Bring your lawn chairs for this free concert and enjoy live music, local food trucks, yard games, and a Kid Zone.

• Taylor Made (A Tribute to Taylor Swift) at the Bijou Theatre at 7 pm.

AUGUST 16 • European Culture Festival in Market Square from 11 am to 6 pm. Enjoy traditional foods, cultures, art, and performances of countries from many regions. Free to attend.

For info visit KnoxEuroCultures.org.

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

• Summer Movie Magic: The Parent Trap at the Tennessee Theatre at 2 pm.

• Terracotta Trio Florals Workshop at the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum from 2 to 4 pm.

• Summer Movie Magic: Legally Blonde at the Tennessee Theatre at 6 pm.

AUGUST 19 • Knox Heritage Lecture Lasting Protection: How Preservation Easements Safeguard Our Historic Places at Eugenia Williams House from 11:30 am to 1 pm. Free; preregistration required at KnoxHeritage.org.

• One Knoxville Soccer Club vs. Portland Hearts of Pine at Covenant Health Park at 7 pm.

AUGUST 20 • Farragut History Tour at Farragut Town Hall from 9 am to 1 pm. Local historians offer perspectives on historic Farragut sites.

Event includes a light lunch; pre-registration required at TownofFarragut.org.

• Sightseers: A Drawing Club for People Who Like Plants at the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum from 6 to 8 pm.

Recurring monthly on the 3rd Thursday.

THINGS TO DO • PLACES TO GO • PEOPLE TO SEE • Concerts on the Square: Variety Thursdays featuring Pink Houses: The Ultimate John Mellencamp Experience in Market Square from 7 to 9 pm.

AUGUST 21 • Dog Daze at the Village Green Shopping Center in Farragut through the 23rd.

A three-day festival of fun, food, and shopping, highlighted by the Smoky Mountains Dock Dogs canine diving competition.

• 1964: The Tribute at the Tennessee Theatre at 8 pm.

• Jim Norton at the Bijou Theatre at 8 pm.

AUGUST 22 • Fun with Farragut’s Fleet at Mayor Bob Leonard Park (301 Watt Road) from 9 to 11 am.

• GermanFest Knoxville at First Lutheran Church & School (1207 N. Broadway) from 11 am to 8 pm. Event features local craft beer, traditional German food, children’s activities, live music, an organ Konzert by the UT Organ Studio, marketplace, German car show, Dachshund races, church tours, and more.

Travel to Germany without a passport!

For info visit GermanFestKnoxville.com.

• Cody Johnson at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center at 7:30 pm.

• One Knoxville Soccer Club vs. AC Boise at Covenant Health Park at 7:30 pm.

• The Temptations & The Four Tops at the Tennessee Theatre at 8 pm.

AUGUST 23 • Tommy Emmanuel at the Tennessee Theatre at 7 pm.

• Opera Under the Stars: A Summer Series at Augusta Quarry in Fort Dickerson Park from 7 to 8 pm.

• Bat Education & Rehabilitation of Grainger County presents The Invisible Mammal at the Bijou Theatre at 7:30 pm. A film about bats, their struggle to survive, and the humans who help them.

Free and open to the public.

AUGUST 28 • Movies Under the Stars: Napolean Dynamite at Ijams Nature Center. Doors open at 7 pm, movie begins at dark.

• Sunset Concert Series: Meredith Moon at the Great Smoky Mountain Heritage Center at 7 pm.

AUGUST 29 • Used Book Sale by Friends of the Knox County Public Library at the Powell Branch from 10 am to 5 pm.

• Jonnie W. at the Bijou Theatre at 3 & 7 pm.

• Ijams Member Event: Pond Exploration at Ijams Nature Center at 5 pm.

• Nitro Circus 2.0 at Covenant Health Park from 7 to 9 pm. Experience the world’s best FMX, BMX, scooter, and stunt athletes performing jaw-dropping tricks, world-first moments, and hilarious contraptions off the legendary Giganta Ramp. For info visit NitroCircus.com.

AUGUST 26 • Art, Movement + Disability: Transcending the Beauty Paradigm at the Ewing Gallery of Art and Architecture through October 18th.

• Film Fest Knox: Free Film Screening Series - Nadja at Regal Riviera Stadium 8 in downtown Knoxville at 7 pm.

AUGUST 27 • Music for Seniors Concert at the Knoxville Museum of Art from 1 to 2 pm.

Free and open to the public.

• Knoxville 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.

• Knoxville Opera Salon Series at Eugenia Williams House from 7:30 to 9 pm. Also the 5th.

SEPTEMBER 4 • First Friday on Market Square, Gay Street, The Old City, and Downtown North beginning at 5 pm.

• Chatham Rabbits at the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center at 7 pm.

• Movies Under the Stars: Moulin Rouge at Ijams Nature Center. Doors open at 7 pm, movie begins at dark.

SEPTEMBER 5 • UT Vols Football vs. Furman Paladins at Neyland Stadium at 3:30 pm.

SEPTEMBER 6 • Big Kahuna Labor Day Festival at World’s Fair Park from 3 to 9:30 pm.

AUGUST 30

SEPTEMBER 7

• 13th annual Knox Asian Festival at World’s Fair Park from 10:30 am to 6:30 pm.

• Labor Day

• Resin Flower Jewelry Making Workshop at Ijams Nature Center from 2 to 5 pm.

• Trish Suhr and Karen Mills at the Bijou Theatre at 6 pm.

AUGUST 24 • Little History Lessons: Newspapers at the East Tennessee History Center from 10:30 to 11:30 am. Kids learn about history through stories, games, crafts, and examining artifacts. Recommended for ages 2-5.

SEPTEMBER 3

• Knox County Schools closed • Mighty Musical Monday featuring House Organist Freddie Brabson on the Mighty Wurlitzer Organ, joined by Sage Bohacek, at the Tennessee Theatre at 12 pm.

Concessions available for purchase or bring a lunch. Free!

MARK YOUR CALENDAR SEPTEMBER 1 • Knoxville Smokies vs. Chattanooga Lookouts at Covenant Health Park through the 6th.

• Concerts on the Square: Jazz Tuesdays in Market Square at 7 pm. Also the 8th.

SEPTEMBER 2 • Knoxville History Project: Coffee Club Lecture with Jack Neely at Eugenia Williams House from 9:30 to 11:30 am. For tickets or info visit KnoxvilleHistoryProject.org.

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.

All event dates and times subject to change.

August 2026

EVERYTHING KNOXVILLE

35

F

EW BUILDINGS in downtown Knoxville tell two very well-ventilated bedrooms. Perched atop a hill just a few blocks different stories quite like the Masonic Temple on Locust from Market Square, the residence sat within landscaped grounds that occupied an entire city block. In 1877, President Rutherford Street.

B. Hayes was welcomed there during his Southern tour, where Charles McClung McGhee (1828-1907) was one of Knoxville’s McGhee hosted a reception attended by more than 600 guests. most influential industrialists and philanthropists. Born in Monroe McGhee and his family remained in the home until his death in County, Tennessee, his father was a successful farmer, while his mother was the daughter of surveyor Charles McClung, who laid 1907, after which the property passed to his three daughters.

Freemasonry had long been an important part out Knoxville’s original 1791 city plat, and a of Knoxville’s civic life, but the city’s Masonic granddaughter of Knoxville founder James White. lodges formally incorporated as the Masonic McGhee spent his childhood between Monroe Fraternity Association in 1908. After purchasing County and Knoxville before graduating from a four-story commercial building on the north East Tennessee University (today, University of corner of Market Square in 1910, the Association Tennessee) in 1846. After relocating to Knoxville soon determined it did not meet its needs and in 1860, he built a business empire and became sold the property in 1912. Using the proceeds, one of the city’s most respected civic leaders. the Association purchased the McGhee resiAmong his many contributions, he is perhaps best dence in 1914 as the site of its new headquarters. remembered for establishing the Lawson McGhee The Association hired architect Albert B. Library in 1885 in memory of his daughter, May Baumann Sr. (1861-1942), brother and former “Lawson” McGhee Williams, who tragically died Photo by Flickr/Warren LeMay business partner of the home’s original architect, during childbirth in 1883.

In March 1872, the Knoxville Daily Chronicle announced plans for Joseph Baumann, to oversee an extensive transformation of the McGhee to build a grand new residence on the site of his former mansion into a Masonic Temple. Knoxville contractor J. M. Dunn & Son began construction in the fall of 1915, and the new temple home on Locust Street. McGhee hired the young carpenter and was completed in early 1916. It was formally dedicated on October architect Joseph F. Baumann (1844-1920) to design a fashionable 27, 1916.

Second Empire-style mansion.

Although the building’s exterior was dramatically altered, traces Constructed of pressed brick with white mortar, the home featured an impressive mansard roof, expansive wraparound verandas, of the original McGhee mansion remain. The most recognizable elegant parlors, a library, billiard room, modern bathrooms, and surviving features are the distinctive bay window on the south elevation and the elaborate stone entrance surround. Inside, visitors can still find portions of the original entry hall and staircase, historic woodwork, door openings, and other architectural details dating to McGhee’s residence.

The conversion also brought significant changes. A third story was added, and several rooms were combined to create the large meeting spaces required by the Masonic Association. As the organization continued to grow, an elevator was installed in 1968, followed by the addition of a kitchen and dining room in 1972.

The next time you’re exploring downtown Knoxville, take a walk down Locust Street and discover this remarkable building that has lived two very different lives. While you’re there, notice the nearby YMCA building, completed in 1929, and the 1916 Masonic Court apartments, today known as Kendrick Place, which were named for the neighboring Masonic Temple. Together, these landmarks tell the story of a neighborhood that has evolved alongside the city for more than a century.

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.

36 EVERYTHING KNOXVILLE August 2026

HOW SMART IS YOUR YARD?

September 11 at 6 pm World’s Fair Park Performance Lawn $25 Tickets • ConcertsforOurOwn.org As part of the Camp Chairs & Concerts Series, attendees are encouraged to bring a blanket or lawn chair and settle in under the open sky. What begins as an evening of solemn remembrance will close as a celebration of the people who make communities like ours worth protecting.

The evening is intentionally sequenced - a shared civic journey that guides attendees from reflection, through recognition, to celebration. Guests will experience: • A Memorial Zone featuring the Survivor Tree Tribute and the 343 Remembrance Wall - an interactive tribute honoring every firefighter and officer lost at Ground Zero • An Honor Guard Presentation and Chaplain Invocation • A formal First Responder Recognition Ceremony • A Community Moment of Remembrance • A live concert closing on a note of unity and hope Proceeds benefit a coalition of first responder nonprofit organizations providing direct support to firefighters, law enforcement officers, EMS personnel, and their families across East Tennessee.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 10 am - 2 pm at UT Gardens 2518 Jacob Drive, Knoxville, TN 37996

Explore the Gardens Water’s Edge Awesome Compost Native Plants Lawn to Meadow All About Bats Ask a Master Gardener Smart Yards Realtors

FREE EVENT!

All First Responders get in FREE.

Scan for more info

Concerts For Our Own is a Knoxville-based concerts and events company dedicated to producing live music experiences that support local charities and community causes.

SmartYards@KnoxCountyMasterGardener.org PRE-REGISTER HERE FOR DRAWING! Rain barrel, worm bin, native plants, wildflower seeds, and bat box.

Must be present to win.

August 2026

EVERYTHING KNOXVILLE

37

Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons/Alexander Abair

UT GARDENS’ PLANT OF THE MONTH

WILD, WONDERFUL PASSION FLOWER Tennessee’s State Wildflower Adaptable vine blooms from June to September and provides edible fruit used for syrups, jelly, and tea

BY S H A L E N A D U R KOT, G A R D E N C O O R D I N ATO R A N D H O RT I C U LT U R I S T, U T G A R D E N S , C R O S S V I L L E

Watching a busy bee on the native passion flower is just as captivating as the bloom itself.

38 EVERYTHING KNOXVILLE August 2026

Photo by J. Dowlen, courtesy UTIA

I

F THE EXOTIC blooms of Passiflora incarnata don’t intrigue you, the plant lore will.

Passion flower is perhaps the most widely used of its common names, which originated with early Christian missionaries who saw various parts of the flowers as symbols of the crucifixion. More rural names of wild apricot and maypop refer to the fruit of the plant. The fruit does make a loud popping noise when crushed, but May is not the season of its ripening this far north.

This adaptable plant grows across Tennessee in sunny spots along waterways, roadways, and field edges. No wonder it’s been deemed our state wildflower. In the landscape, it can climb on structures or be left to scramble across the ground. Its vigorous nature requires regularly removing root suckers to control its spread, but for many gardeners, the merits exceed the drawbacks.

Passion flower vines emerge fairly late in the spring, can climb 6 to 8 feet or more, and have alternate three-lobed leaves. The foliage serves as a larval host for several butterflies, most notably gulf and variegated fritillaries.

It will tolerate part shade, but best color and bloom occur in full sun. Gorgeous lavender blooms appear June to September and open and close each day. While they attract a wide range of pollinators, the large bodies of carpenter bees do the best job of carrying pollen from stamen to stigma, ensuring successful pollination.

Pollinated flowers result in green, egg-shaped fruits edible fresh off the vine. In late summer and fall, the fruits will begin to yellow, wrinkle slightly, and emit a rich fragrance of tropical punch, which also describes the flavor of the pulp surrounding the hard seeds. Many people eat seeds and all, but simmering in a little hot water will make a juice that can be used for syrups, desserts, and jellies, or simply boil the flowers and leaves to make a tea.

Look for passion flower at all three UT Gardens locations. Plants are typically available at native plant nurseries, or propagate your own by cuttings, division, and seed.

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.

AUGUST in the Garden

The Reality of August Gardening

L

AST MONTH, I said your garden in July was at the “toddler stage.”

August jumps right on up to the “teenage stage.” It’s unruly, unpredictable, and requires constant supervision. Warmseason crops are in full production, while cool-season crops are just waiting their turn. Meanwhile, your landscape plants may be looking a little stressed, like they too would prefer iced tea (maybe of the Long Island variety) and a siesta.

August is all about maintenance and planning. You need to take care of what you have while, at the same time, you need to get things prepared for the fall. Are you ready?

Vegetable Garden Sanity If you have a vegetable garden, things may be getting a little wild. Tomatoes, cucumbers, beans, and zucchini can require daily harvesting. Those cute little seedlings you bought a couple months ago may be providing way more than you can eat. On the other hand, they may have succumbed to the elements. If that is the case, clean the bed out, have a drink, and figure out what you need to do differently for the fall.

Do you need to amend the soil? Install drip irrigation? Put up a fence?

August isn’t just about harvesting, however. It’s also time to start planning and planting for fall. What to plant: • Broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, and collards can be started indoors this month if you haven’t already started them. They will need some time to mature before transplanting into the garden.

• Carrots, beets, radishes, turnips, and spinach can be sown directly in the ground late this month. Make sure the summer heat hasn’t baked your soil into rock! Working some compost or soil conditioner will help them get established.

Landscape Care: Keep It Alive Your landscape plants are feeling the stress of heat and inconsistent rainfall.

Lawns may be turning brown, shrubs might look droopy, and even hardy perennials can seem a bit grumpy. The goal here is survival, not perfection.

• Water deeply but less frequently to encourage strong root systems. Your best bet is to water early in the morning so that less is lost to evaporation.

Also remember that trees and shrubs need much more water than grass and

BY L I S A G R U G I N

flowers. Adjust sprinklers accordingly.

Drip irrigation is most effective.

• Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds. 2"-3" of a good, natural mulch is all you need.

• Pull up weeds as often as you can to keep them from reseeding. Yes, it is a never-ending chore, but future you will be grateful.

• Avoid heavy pruning, which can stress plants further in the heat.

• Deadhead flowers to encourage continued blooming. This means you take off the spent blooms down to the next leaf cluster. If you just pop the bloom off without taking it down to a leaf, you have a weird stem sticking up and the plant will take much longer to re-bloom.

And remember: A slightly scruffy garden (and gardener) in August is perfectly normal.

Help Mother Nature Out I haven’t seen many butterflies this year, and it is making me very sad. Let’s talk a little about sustainable gardening practices and things you can do to help nature along.

• Avoid pesticides: When you use an insecticide, it doesn’t just kill the bad bugs.

It kills the good bugs, too. It only takes a

few seconds to do an internet search to see if an insect is a friend or foe. If it is going to harm your plants, the first option is to just smush it. The second option is insecticidal soap. Number three is Neem oil. After that, consult an expert.

• Encourage pollinators: Plant native perennials to encourage our native bees.

Natives are generally very easy to grow and have few problems. You can also let some herbs like basil and oregano flower.

Take a Deep Breath If gardening in spring feels like a sprint to get started, gardening in August feels more like running a marathon… in a sauna… while carrying a watering can. The heat is relentless, the weeds are unending, and your tomatoes are either thriving or dying.

Don’t give up! August is one of the most important months in the garden. With a little strategy you can keep things productive while setting yourself up for a beautiful fall.

So yes, you’ll sweat. You’ll question your life choices while pulling weeds in 90 degree heat. But you will also have fresh vegetables and the joy of a beautiful yard, and when fall finally arrives, you’ll be glad you didn’t give up in August.

August 2026

EVERYTHING KNOXVILLE

39

YOUR MEDICARE ROADMAP:

What to Know Before You Turn 65 C O U RT E S Y O F F E AT U R E I M PA C T INFORMATION PROVIDED BY THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

S

IXTY-FIVE IS MORE than a number. It’s a milestone.

A moment to reflect on where you’ve been and look forward with confidence to what comes next. For millions of Americans, turning 65 also means unlocking one of the most valuable benefits you’ve earned: Medicare.

The best is still ahead, and it starts with knowing your options.

The official source for Medicare information, Medicare.gov, is there to help with clear, trusted information.

The path to Medicare is not the same for everyone. Some people get Medicare automatically and others have to sign up. It depends on whether you are already getting Social Security. Either way, you’ll want to choose how you get your Medicare coverage. Get information for your path at Medicare.gov, where you can find out when and how to enroll and explore your coverage options.

Understanding Your Medicare Coverage Options When you first sign up for Medicare, you choose how to get your coverage. There are two main options: Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage.

Original Medicare is health coverage provided directly by the federal government. It has two parts: • Part A (Hospital Insurance) covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and home health care. Most people pay no premium for Part A. • Part B (Medical Insurance) covers doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services (like screenings, vaccines, and annual wellness visits), and durable medical equipment like wheelchairs and walkers. The standard Part B premium is $202.90 per month and is typically deducted from your Social Security check.

• With Original Medicare, you can visit any doctor or hospital in the U.S. that accepts Medicare. You can also add optional coverage to help manage costs: • Medigap (Supplemental Insurance) helps pay your share of Medicare costs.

• Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage) helps pay for medications.

Medicare Advantage is an alternative to Original Medicare that provides Part A and Part B and is offered by private insurers approved by Medicare. You still pay the Part B premium. Some plans charge an additional premium, though many carry a $0 plan premium and may even help cover part of your Part B cost. Most plans include a Part D drug coverage along with extra benefits like dental, vision, and hearing. Keep in mind most plans require you to use doctors within the plan’s network.

40 EVERYTHING KNOXVILLE August 2026

5 Steps to Enroll with Confidence 1. Use official sources. Go to Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE for step-by-step, personalized guidance on coverage and enrollment.

2. Start early. You don’t have to wait until your birthday. Explore your options now so you’re ready when your enrollment window opens.

3. Know your enrollment path. Your path depends on your circumstances - some people are automatically enrolled and some are not. There are unique steps for people who are still working.

4. Avoid late enrollment penalties. Missing your enrollment window can result in a permanent premium penalty for both Part B and Part D. Signing up on time protects your wallet for years to come.

5. Compare plans and save. At Medicare.gov, you can compare plan costs side by side based on the specific drugs you take. A quick comparison could save you money each year. You can also confirm your current doctors are in-network before you choose a plan.

Turning 65 is a milestone worth celebrating, and it’s the perfect time to focus on what matters most: your health and well-being.

That includes eating well, exercising, and making sure you have health insurance that fits your needs. There’s no one-size-fits-all plan. What’s important is finding an option that works for you and your health and financial needs.

Start your journey at Medicare.gov - your roadmap to a healthier and confident future.

Photos courtesy of Shutterstock

Center New Exhibitions Opening Emporium August 7

T

HE ARTS & Culture Alliance is pleased to present four new exhibitions at the Emporium Center in downtown Knoxville August 7-28. Many of the works on exhibition will be for sale and may be purchased by visiting in person or the online shop at KnoxAlliance.store.

Sepideh Dashti

Be.Coming / Be.Longing: Tennessee Asianx Artists curated by Karlota I. Contreras-Koterbay in the Balcony Gallery Be.Coming/Be.Longing explores the materiality of the self in the midst of diaspora, displacement, longing, and belonging. Artists in the exhibition represent a polyphony of visual voices that provide glimpses on identities tethered to the notion of Asia and Tennessee as linchpins, rather than monoliths. The complex dialogue on identity, becoming, and belonging is unshrouded, foregrounding each individuals’ whisperings through creative practices.

The women in the exhibition all have Asian lineage within the embrace of American families, either as second or third generation Asian Americans, immigrants or naturalized professionals, or adopted youths; most are liminal citizens of in-between cultures.

Karlota I. ContrerasKoterbay is the Director of ETSU’s Tipton-Ashe & Sl o c u m b Ga l l e r i e s and curates and juries Sisavanh Phouthavong exhibitions nationwide and abroad. She is member of IKT International Association of Contemporary Art Curators, International Council of Museums, Southeastern College Art Conference. Contreras-Koterbay is a recipient of ETSU’s Outstanding Community Service Award (2025) and TAM Award of Excellence. She is also co-Director of Crafting Blackness Initiative, a research, publication, and exhibition series advancing visibility of Black Craft artists in Tennessee.

2026 Dogwood Regional Exhibition in the Lower Gallery Now in its 18th year, the Dogwood Regional Exhibition is a highly anticipated annual showcase celebrating fine art from both emerging and established artists across our region. Recognized for its diverse and high-caliber selections, the exhibition has become a cornerstone event for Dogwood Arts to celebrate exceptional artistic talent in our community. This year’s exhibition was juried by Julie Lohnes, Director and Curator of Galleries and Collections at the University of Tennessee School of Art, ensuring a thoughtfully curated and inspiring collection.

Julie Lohnes has more than 20 years Somewhere, Somehow, Someday Julia Walters of experience directing, curating, and

producing visual arts exhibitions and programs at nonprofits, private galleries, and academic institutions. Lohnes has an educational background that includes studio art in painting, video, sculpture, and installations, as well as studies in art history. Her work history has included executive leadership with for-profit galleries, not-forprofit galleries, and educational institutions.

Leaving the Pines by Gale Bolduc in the Atrium Artist statement: A collection of reflections. I share an unpredictable, uncomfortable, uncertain childhood with all humans. I think we can all agree, though multifaceted, we share a sameness. Mine kind of went like this: I anxiously waited shivering, hugging my knees, in the pine grove a half mile from my uncomfortable rather dark home. I waited to see the white Beetle Bug - paid for in cash with a neatly folded wad of bills handed over to the stunned car salesman. My dignified, self-assured mom in her $2 house dress saved every dollar herself, a symbol of determination and strength. There she was wrapped in Watcher on the Right her freedom.

She brought safety to my world, and so it was, I felt safe on her approach to emerge from the needle strewn pine-scented grove.

Leaving the Pines creates for me the willingness now to trust in the safety of myself. I hope you enjoy the show and see a bit of your own experience.

Every Piece Has a Purpose by Twyla & Manuel Marti in the Display Case Although working in different mediums, Twyla and Manuel (Manny) Marti share a common artistic philosophy: Both construct imagery from individually shaped elements, transforming familiar materials into works rich with Mirror Image Manuel Marti texture, movement, and meaning.

Because, in the end... every piece has a purpose.

Twyla’s contemporary Fiber Assemblages combine textiles, stitch, paint, and found objects into layered interpretations of the natural world. From atmospheric raw edge landscapes to her Forest Lace series, she transforms fabric and treasured materials into tactile works that celebrate memory, place, and discovery.

Manny’s Illustrated Glass Mosaics unite the craftsmanship of stained glass with the expressive qualities of painting. Every glass piece is individually cut and shaped before being Forest Path Twyla Marti assembled into compositions where line, color, and form create dynamic narratives influenced by architecture, Expressionism, and Cubism.

The exhibitions will be on display August 7-28 at the Emporium Center, 100 S. Gay Street in Knoxville. In August through the 21st, the Emporium is open to the public Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm. Beginning August 22nd, the Emporium will also be open on Saturdays from 10 am to 1 pm. For more information, call 865-523-7543 or visit KnoxAlliance.com.

August 2026

EVERYTHING KNOXVILLE

41

In Advertising, It’s Often Both/And, Not Either/Or w�rd� IN OTHER

BY CHUCK MORRIS

W

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

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

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

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

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

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

So, what’s working in advertising now?

My answer sounds like I’m trying to weasel my way out of answering, but it depends.

And indeed, it does.

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

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

Chances are that you may have as many as

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10 buyer personas, all with different buying motivations. Combine unprecedented audience splintering with the proliferation of media channels and you have a fine mess of decisions to make.

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

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

Digital advertising has these primary advantages: 1) lower cost and commitment, 2) real-time engagement (often at the moment of buying decisions), 3) precise targeting, and 4) detailed analytics for measuring ROI. By leveraging the unique advantages of each and integrating them into a cohesive campaign, businesses can truly maximize their marketing return on investment (ROI).

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

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

• Test. For digital, if you can run an A/B test on a small scale, do it. You will learn something that will likely save you money later.

This is in the absence of bona fide primary market research, which is even better.

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

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

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

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

The company website is Morris.Agency.

Want to soak up the Great Smoky Mountains National Park with fewer crowds? Try exploring some of the park’s less‑traveled areas. Take a scenic drive along Foothills Parkway or Lakeview Drive, visit backwoods Cosby, or wander down a gravel road in Greenbrier. Experience miles of summer color in the more peaceful corners of the park. Go to NPS.gov/GRSM to view their Congestion Forecasting Calendar before you head out.

Don’t forget that Parking Passes are now required for any vehicle parking for more than 15 minutes.

Day, Week, and Annual Passes can be purchased at any of the National Park Visitor Centers or online at SmokiesLife.org. Parking Passes must be physically displayed on the dashboard of your vehicle.

Photo courtesy of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Service Febr uar y 202 1 EVERYTHING KNOXVILLE

1

OUR CLIENTS’ TRACK RECORD

LISTEN to the

Organized Investor Show with Erik Ainge LIVE ON THE RADIO

NewsTalk 98.7 — Sat. 11am • Sun. 9am Praise 96.3 – Fri. 6pm • Sat. 11am

38+ PODCAST EPISODES

Search “The Organized Investor”on your favorite podcast app or visit

TheOrganizedInvestor.com

ATTEND the

Organized Investor Workshop with Erik Ainge A FUN AND EDUCATIONAL EVENT! LOCATION Chesapeake’s Restaurant

Parkside Drive in West Knoxville

TIME/DATE 6:00 pm, Wednesday, August 26th PLEASE… no financial, legal or tax professionals.

Without cost or obligation. Reservations required: Call 865-415-2058 or visit the Workshop page at TheOrganizedInvestor.com

THROUGH 12-31-2025

1 YR

3 YR

5 YR

7 YR

Our Clients’ Returns

36.3%

19.3%

13.3%

16.7%

# of Accounts

198

151

113

71

Dow Jones Avg.

13.0%

13.2%

9.4%

10.1%

*Past performance is no guarantee of future results. These historical rates of return are simple averages of numerous client accounts, and the returns vary depending on the respective risk tolerance, investment objectives, and asset allocation for each investor. The returns are shown for informational purposes only, and while this information is obtained from sources deemed to be reliable, its accuracy cannot be guaranteed. Rates of returns for clients will vary depending on their individual investment objectives and tolerance for risk. Information about the DSIP List and a variety of other investment topics can be found on the ‘Investments’ page of our website… TheOrganizedInvestor.com.

HOW WE DID IT

We share the three ways we’ve accomplished this: 1 Lower than average advisory fees. We’re normally about ¼ of a percent lower than most advisors.

2 Avoiding the internal expenses of Mutual Funds, Exchange

Traded Funds, and Alternative Investments.

3 Being more selective with the investment choices:

• Dividend Growth: Investing in actual common stocks of large companies with a history of raising their dividends.

• Bargain Opportunities: Taking advantage of over-reactions in the market due to some unexpected event. (Covid in 2020, Banking Crisis in 2023, & Tariffs in 2025) Our Goal: To improve your performance by at least 2% annually

On $1 million, that’s an extra $20,000/year.

What We Offer – Without Any Cost or Obligation 1 A Morningstar Summary of your investments.

2 An Envision Analysis — Insight for Retirement Cash Flow.

3 FREE Estate Planning Documents with Trust & Will.

4 A Full-Sized Tennessee Football signed by Erik Ainge.

View Our 9-Page Track Record at TheOrganizedInvestor.com TN Wealth Management

1111 Northshore Dr. Ste P-250 Knoxville, TN 37919

TheOrganizedInvestor.com 865-415-2070

OUR TEAM

Jerry Goodman, CFP – Managing Principal with 44 years of experience Jared T. Hubbard, CPA – Financial Advisor Megan Hubbard – Client Relationship Manager Erik Ainge – Client Engagement Specialist & Host of the Erik Ainge Show Susan Ainge – Client Engagement Specialist Amber M. DeLong – Operations Manager

These returns vary from account to account based on the investment objective and risk tolerance for each client. This and the accompanying information was prepared by or obtained from sources that Goodman & Hubbard believes to be reliable; however, its accuracy cannot be guaranteed. The material has been prepared or is distributed solely for informational purposes, and past performance does not guarantee future results. Stocks offer long-term growth potential, but may fluctuate more and provide less current income than other investments. An investment in the stock market should be made with an understanding of the risks associated with common stocks, including market fluctuations.

Securities and Advisory Services are offered through Prospera Financial Services (PFS), Member FINRA/SIPC. Goodman & Hubbard does business under the name of TN Wealth Management and is a separate entity from PFS. Affiliated with Wells Fargo Clearing Services.