With over 100 shutter styles and colors to choose from, we can make your favorite place stand out from the crowd. Whether you choose the privacy and style of Bahama shutters or a classic cut-out with louvers, your home deserves the beauty of custom shutters.
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Discover
14 Nancy Keith, Realtor®
Purchase your next home without selling first.
15 The Lily Pad Boutique
Mark your calendar for their annual Summer Sale-A-Bration sale beginning July 19th.
18 Farragut Museum
Gallery spaces have reopened for tours inside Farragut Town Hall.
20 Closets by McKenry
Bringing up baby with custom storage design.
WOULD MORE ACCESS, time, and connection improve overall health? MBody Healthcare is here to put the “care” back in healthcare by offering membership-based Direct Primary Care. This model allows MBody to give their patients the time and attention needed to become the healthiest, best possible versions of themselves.
Publisher
WEHAD ANOTHER family milestone this past weekend. The two youngest kids on both sides of our families (nieces) graduated from high school and will be heading off to college in the fall. This was one of those eyeopening “time really flies” moments. As family gathered to celebrate the accomplishment, we couldn’t help but notice that the generational life cycle goes on - whether we’re ready for it or not!
Brett and I have been talking a lot about the fundamental changes that occur when decisive life moments alter overall family dynamics - all those “things will never be the same” transitions that happen to everyone. The most noticeable ones like new jobs that take siblings to different states, children getting married, babies being born, loved ones who breathe their last breath, leaving a palpable “hole,” as well as the more subtle slow shifts that occur as time passes - kids grow up, parents age, life speeds up.
This is not meant to be morose, but the passing time can be very sobering! It has been almost five years since
we took over the publishing of Everything Knoxville although it often feels like it was yesterday. We met Mike and Melissa of MBody Healthcare, our feature this month, when their clinic was first starting out, and now they have passed the three year mark - amazing!
Some of my favorite quotes on time passing:
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every purpose under the heavens.”
- Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 and sung by The Byrds
“This is not a dress rehearsal.” - Cher
“Life’s like an hourglass glued to the table.”
- Breathe (2 AM) sung by Anna Nalick
“Yesterday’s the past, tomorrow’s the future, but today is a gift. That’s why it’s called the present.”
- Bil Keane, comic strip creator
Enjoy the moments, accept the transitions, and just keep going.
Susan Cafferty Publisher + Editor
Susan Cafferty Publisher + Editor
Brett Cafferty Marketing + Operations
Kendra Menendez Editor + Administration
Meredith Hancock Design + Production Contact Information
Office Box 24532 Knoxville, TN 37933
865.640.3015
Reach us Online info@everythingknoxville.com EverythingKnoxville.com
Hours of Business
Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Everything Knoxville is distributed from Downtown Knoxville to hundreds of neighborhoods in Farragut, Hardin Valley, Tellico Village and beyond.
Cover photo by Morgan Hayley Harper
Photo by Morgan Hayley Harper
ACCESS. TIME. CONNECTION.
The Most Important Elements in Concierge Primary Healthcare
DURING THE PAST decade, our healthcare system has become more like a giant corporation than the family doctor who made home visits. We are all experiencing less face-to-face time with our primary care physicians. MBody Healthcare owners, Mike and Melissa Major, are here to put the “care” back in healthcare by offering membership-based Direct Primary Care.
Everything Knoxville sat down in their new, expanded office to discuss how they differ from insurancebased medical providers and how this could benefit you.
EK: Let’s start with the basics. What is Direct Primary Care (DPC)?
Mike: Direct Primary Care is a medical model where the patient pays a flat monthly fee directly to their doctor in exchange for unlimited access to care without extra co-pays or hidden fees. The insurance “middle-man” is removed and access between patient and provider is restored to the way it used to be. Decision making is back in the hands of the doctor and the patient, and the healthcare system frustrations many are suffering with today are greatly reduced.
DPC is a personalized approach tailored to the patient’s individual healthcare needs. The attention and time provided allow us to get to know our patients and help them become the healthiest, best possible versions of themselves. We do not wait for diseases to develop and then treat them; we focus on prevention and early detection to mitigate the chronic disease burden. Think of it as concierge level care at an affordable price.
navigating patients’ insurance in the most cost-saving manner possible for anything outside our services. This may include diagnostics, pharmaceutical options, and non-covered labs.
Mike: Insurance should act as a safety net, not be a possible hindrance within the doctor-patient relationship. DPC is a subscription-based healthcare model that operates outside commercial medical insurance that is, unfortunately, incentivized to reject claims. We are not incentivized by anything other than getting you healthy and keeping you that way!
EK: Can you explain how the DPC model works in terms of
Membership includes unlimited visits, direct provider access, and all primary care needs, including basic labs and wellness care. Beyond this, we also provide in-office procedures and urgent care. We do our best to assist in
EK: You have now been in business for more than three years, and your 100 5-star Google reviews speak loudly for your patient satisfaction. What have you found patients value most about your clinic?
Melissa: Of all the benefits we offer, I would have to say it’s our texting service that stands out. Upon signing up, every patient is given a subscription to Spruce, a HIPAA secure app used for communicating. The app is a fan favorite due to its convenience and is commonly used for med refills, appointment requests, medical questions, and even random curiosities. With all the misinformation out there (talking to you, internet!), we find access to reliable medical information is truly priceless and an antidote for anxiety.
Mike: By the time they find us, many patients have lost faith in the healthcare system. They have been referred to multiple specialists and are on medications with names they cannot pronounce, much less report why they are taking them. They have been at the mercy of the healthcare system, attempting to navigate their insurance coverage and getting more pills added with every visit, yet never actually getting better. The most common request I receive is a plea to “please help reduce my medicines.” The sad fact is, patients are rarely “de-prescribed” medications in the traditional system, resulting in an epidemic called polypharmacy. The main reason? It takes time and close follow up to alter medication regimens, two privileges not typically afforded by insurance reimbursement. This keeps doctors stuck refilling meds indefinitely, with very few exceptions. At MBody, we can carefully and safely discontinue any medications found to no longer be providing a benefit, as well as invest the time to educate patients. This is a cornerstone of our practice.
“I was impressed after the first visit. I’m a fairly healthy person but had a few things that needed to be addressed. I felt completely at ease with Melissa, and we came up with a plan in just one visit. Other providers should take note; this is the way healthcare should be! Thanks MBody, I’m glad I found you.”
- Christiana
“I approached MBody very skeptically, as it sounded too good to be true. As good people trying to do good for the community, they are very transparent from the beginning about pricing and available services. They even helped me find area pharmacies to get the best price on my prescriptions. So far I’ve utilized their rapid appointment scheduling, telehealth, and labs. I'm continually in a state of disbelief because prior experience with primary care practices were nothing like this.”
- Zachary
EK: So how is MBody Healthcare different from a “traditional” primary care model?
Mike: The most striking difference between us and traditional primary care is the access and time our patients receive. We offer same/next-day and virtual visits with extended visit times to ensure you never feel rushed. For after-hours and weekends, we provide direct calls and texting access. A simple text encounter can save hundreds of dollars on unnecessary ER/urgent care visits.
AFFORDABLE CONCIERGE PRIMARY CARE
For questions or to schedule a consultation, text us at 865.685.9351.
Often, we can remotely treat the majority of needs the ER can or, if needed, in our clinic. We understand that life is busy, so we strive to make the healthcare experience easy and convenient - keeping in mind early access to treatment leads to quicker resolution of symptoms, and less down time.
Melissa: Longer appointment times (up to 90 min) allow us to treat many things traditional PCPs must refer out. This is not due to lack of knowledge, rather it is a lack of time. Specialists typically have steep co-pays and lengthy waiting times that delay treatment. Additionally, every referral splinters your care and increases the risk for service duplication and pharmaceutical mismanagement. Having a healthcare home able to meet 90% of our patients’ needs eliminates many of the frustrations and costs currently wreaking havoc in our healthcare system.
EK: Is there more information you would like our readers to know?
Melissa: Our goal is to encourage everyone to choose “wellness.” We welcome the opportunity to become your primary healthcare option. Dr. Mike and I have a heart for those struggling with insurance-based healthcare and believe you deserve more. More access, more time, more attention provided with a personalized approach built on the foundation of connection.
Mike: Whether you have been struggling with medication issues, undiagnosed ailments, a chronic illness, or would simply like to keep yourself as healthy as possible, MBody is willing and able to give you the time and attention you need. We offer free, no obligation consultations, and memberships are month to month with no commitments. There is no good reason for you to continue not getting the treatment you deserve. Reach out today and give MBody Healthcare the opportunity to restore your faith in healthcare.
“Both Dr. Mike Major and Melissa are accessible to their patients and are accommodating to patient schedules. They’re more interested in finding root causes of illness than offering band-aids for symptoms. Their office is warm and inviting. I could not be more pleased with my experience with them.”
- Frannie
Chismoso Cocktails and Comida Locally Sourced Modern Mexican Cuisine
THERE’S A NEW KID on the (Gay) Street - and I’ve already done the delicious homework for you twice. Meet Chismoso (Spanish for “gossip”), where the food is as bold as the name. Dishing up creative twists on Mexican classics with a menu that changes weekly, it’s impossible to get bored. They keep it fresh (literally) by sourcing ingredients from local farms and businesses, and listing the featured farms right on the menu. How cool is that? Add in stellar service, and you’ve got yourself a must-visit. So seriously… what are you waiting for?
Let’s talk bites! So far, I’ve only dipped into the cold blue crab dip - and yep, it was tasty! As for small plates, the birria bone marrow is getting rave reviews. (It’s next on my hit list.) The real stars, though, are the tacoswhich change weekly, keeping things fresh and fun. I’ve tried the brisket and chicken tinga versions so far, and the flavor game is strong. Oh, and those tortillas? Made in-house, and you can absolutely taste the difference. Total game-changer.
The menu at Chismoso is a rotating
BY KELLY JO GROSSER LARSEN
adventure with apps, small plates, entrées, and desserts - but there’s one superstar that never leaves the stage: the legendary Chisme Smash Burger. Trust me, if you glance around the room, you’ll spot one on almost every table. It’s that iconic. We’re
talking Chisme sauce, fresh greens, grilled onions and jalapeños, an epic cheese skirt (seriously, it deserves its own spotlight), all hugged by a dreamy Potchke bun. Come hungry - this burger does not mess around. Not in a burger mood? The Mexican chicken is another standout - gluten-free and packed with flavor. Those are my top picks, but if you’re feeling a little fancy, keep
an eye out for dishes like pan-seared duck, carne asada, and pescado al pastor. Let’s taco ‘bout tequila! Chismoso serves up a dangerously delicious lineup of tequilas. (You’ve been warned!) Their margaritas are next-level, but the cucumber marg? Absolute chef’s kiss - so crisp and refreshing, it deserves its own fan club. Not a tequila lover? No worries! They’ve got other crafty cocktails and draft beer served in the cutest little boot mugs. The bar area is buzzing with good vibes, and the cozy restaurant space is full of charm. Keep an eye out for the vintage telephones lining the walls - and don’t miss the old-school pay phone in the back! When the weather’s nice, the back patio is the perfect spot to sip and chill. Walk-ins are welcome, but reservations are recommended. Tell them Kelly’s Belly sent you! Cheers!
G
OOD
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In the market for a new garage door? Good Day Garage Doors offers solid garage doors that add just the right curb appeal and make your everyday life easier. Whether you’re looking for classic, modern, or somewhere in between, we’ll help you pick the right fit for your home or office. With a wide range of high-quality garage doors to coordinate with any style, we know you’ll find exactly the right door. Simply choose your look (material, style, and color) and Good Day Garage Doors will handle the rest, from delivery to professional garage door installation. Each installation we complete results in a garage door that is strong, energy-efficient, and designed to run smooth, year after year.
From residential to commercial garage door services, no job is too big or small for our garage door specialists. Whether you need routine maintenance or emergency garage door repair, reach out to Good Day Garage Doors. We’re raising the bar for local garage door services with three convenient locations to serve you in Knoxville, Maryville, and Lenoir City.
With yearly maintenance plans and free estimates, our mission is to provide high-quality garage door solutions that exceed your expectations, so every day can be a good day - even the days when you need garage door repair. Contact Good Day Garage Doors today for professional garage door services and mention Everything Knoxville to receive 10% off!
Good Day Garage Doors
(Formerly American Pro Garage Doors) 1624 Schaeffer Road, Suite 104 Knoxville, TN 37932
865.622.3549
GoodDayGarageDoors.com
Good Day Garage Doors Grand Re-Opening Event
Thursday, July 17th 11 am - 3 pm 1624 Schaeffer Road, Suite 104 Knoxville, TN 37932 Off Lovell Road near Pellissippi Parkway
Food • Music • Drawings for FREE garage door openers
Plus more gifts and surprises for our community!
Check website and social media for updates GoodDayGarageDoors.com
LUXURY RENOVATIONS DELIVERED
HAVING LIVED in his current home for 28 years, it is obvious that Phillip loves the house and its location. When he and his wife, Donna, decided to remodel, they began the process with a trusted real estate agent friend for feedback on recouping their investment. She confirmed that the renovation would be worth it financially and also suggested that the couple talk to Shae at Shae Design Studio for a professional design consultation.
So Phillip and Donna began interviewing contractors to do the remodel work. Of all the ones they contacted, only two came back with proposals, but within all that Shae Seeber’s name continually came up in conversation. They were beginning to be convinced that Shae’s reputation preceded her, so they gave her a call! At her initial consultation visit and after a conversation about their contractor issues, Shae mentioned that her husband, Greg, was a licensed contractor who used a very reasonable cost-plus pricing method. The bid was intriguing, as was the prospect of a husband and wife working with a husband and wife.
After meeting with Greg Seeber of Willow River Design and Build, the remodel contractor was settled and the design stage was underway. “Shae came up with ideas that we never dreamed possible, and working with Greg was a wonderful experience,” Phillip (happily) admits. “Greg was always easy to reach for various communication and offered subcontractors with impressive, quality workmanship.” With Greg’s renovation schedule in place, the work began.
The project was a complete upstairs remodel of their 2,800 sq. ft. basement rancher including a new kitchen. Their three bedrooms became two as the third room was converted into a larger closet and a redesigned bathroom for the main bedroom. Walls were removed to expand a cathedral ceiling and to accommodate the kitchen remodel. During this process, Donna and Phillip relied on the Seebers for overall decision making. “Shae was like our marriage counselor!” Phillip reminisces. “If Donna and I disagreed on something, we would turn to Shae to make the final decision.” Not only did they know Shae would point them in the right direction design-wise, they knew that Greg and his team were great at handling last minute adaptations. “We appreciated Greg’s easy, calm demeanor that remained steady throughout the process.”
In the end, Phillip and Donna were delighted with their “new” home and the work Greg and his team at Willow River Design and Build managed. Phillip sums it up, “I will not construct anything in the future without Greg being involved. In fact, we are currently building a new covered deck and, of course, Greg is our contractor.”
Willow River Design and Build 9700 Kingston Pike, Ste. 11 Knoxville, TN 37922
865.214.7030
Phillip Nussbaumer President of Rosa’s Catering Service, Inc.
Donna Little President of Sunsphere Events, LLC
Knoxville Museum of Art Presents
Electricity for All
THE KNOXVILLE MUSEUM OF ART is proud to announce Electricity for All, a thought-provoking exhibition exploring the complex relationships between technology, information, and power, on view now through August 17.
Framed by the historical context of the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) - a transformative New Deal program launched in the 1930s to bring electricity to the region - Electricity for All delves into the profound social and cultural shifts that took place across the Tennessee River Valley. While the TVA promised progress and prosperity, it also produced disruption and displacement that continues to linger. This exhibition invites viewers to reflect on the dualities of technological advancement and the costs that inhabit our need and desire to progress. Taking its name from one of TVA’s original promotional slogans, Electricity for All features work by contemporary artists who grapple with the legacy and ramifications of innovation. Some imagine utopian futures powered by technology’s democratizing potential; others sound a cautionary note, revealing the pitfalls of surveillance and decentralized authority. Still others manipulate digital materials and metaphors to explore the poetics of power in an interconnected world.
There are also exhibition related programs - Second Sunday Art Activity on July 13 and August 10 from 1 to 4 pm and Second Sunday Docent Tour on July 13 and August 10 from 2 to 3 pm. Check the KMA website for additional Central Cinema collaborations.
The Knoxville Museum of Art celebrates East Tennessee’s rich, diverse visual culture and its connections to the wider currents of world art. Located at 1050 World’s Fair Park Drive in downtown Knoxville, the museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm and Sunday from 1 to 5 pm. Admission and parking are free. For more information, visit KnoxArt.org.
TURKEY CREEK PINNACLE
11251 Parkside Drive, 37934 Sundays 11 am - 2 pm
DIXIE LEE MARKET Renaissance Center 12740 Kingston Pike, 37934 Saturdays 9 am - Noon
MARKET SQUARE DOWNTOWN
Wednesdays from 10 am - 1 pm Saturdays 9 am - 1 pm
Event Center Pavilion 2620 Willow Point Way, 37931 Thursdays 4 pm - 7 pm
EBENEZER ROAD
Ebenezer United Methodist Church 1001 Ebenezer Road, 37923 Tuesdays 3 pm - 6 pm
HISTORIC OAK RIDGE
209 Jackson Square, 37830 Saturdays 8 am - Noon
Introducing Ladybug Blinds: A Legacy of Excellence in Window Treatments
ACORNERSTONE
company on the West Coast for more than 38 years, the owners of Ladybug Blinds have brought their expertise in the home renovation industry and their passion for quality craftsmanship to Knoxville. Ladybug Blinds window treatment offerings have now expanded, introducing a broader selection to meet the diverse needs of their new community - interior and exterior shades, elegant shutters, blinds of every kind, and stylish drapery. With more than seven different trusted brand names to choose from, Ladybug Blinds collection ensures that every customer can find the perfect solution to match their unique style and vision.
Ladybug Blinds, with their fully equipped mobile window treatment unit including samples and swatches, offers free in-home consultations that bring the showroom to you. This allows customers to see how various products will look in their actual spaces before making a decision. But what truly sets Ladybug Blinds apart are their two area Design Centers located inside Johnson & Sons Flooring in West Knoxville and Alcoa.
The Design Centers showcase not only their wide range of window treatments but also an impressive selection of flooring, cabinets, and countertops, providing a one-stop renovation shopping experience. By combining Ladybug Blinds, the Cabinet Guys, and Johnson & Sons Flooring, it’s like attending your own personal Home Show with everything you need under one roof. From floor to ceiling - and the windows in between! - come see all the amazing offerings in just one building.
Co-owner Aaron Johnson is excited to bring Ladybug Blinds and their quality products to his hometown. “We understand that choosing window treatments can feel overwhelming. Our consultation services provide expert guidance on selecting the perfect window treatments, colors, and designs to suit every space, style, and need,” assured Aaron. “We are so confident you’ll find just the right products that we happily offer 20% off to Everything Knoxville readers through the end of August.”
The team at Ladybug Blinds is dedicated to providing unparalleled service and expertise, ensuring every project, no matter the size, is handled with the utmost care and
professionalism. Their commitment to quality and customer satisfaction is why they’ve been a trusted name in window treatments for both homeowners and businesses for decades.
Ready to upgrade and update your living spaces? Contact Ladybug Blinds or come by one of their two locations to see their selection of stylish window treatments plus flooring, cabinetry, and countertop options. The renovation possibilities are endlessand beautiful!
Ladybug Blinds
223 N Seven Oaks Drive Knoxville, TN 37922
207 Hamilton Crossing Drive
Alcoa, TN 37701
865.346.3038
LadybugBlinds.com
Purchase Your Next Home Without Selling First
BY NANCY KEITH, REALTOR ® , KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY
WOULD YOU LIKE to purchase your next home without selling first?
As a Realtor, I have found many of my clients in a similar situation, and many don't know that there are a number of options that would allow them to accomplish this. I spoke to Kel Jacobs at Mortgage Investors Group, and here are a few options she mentioned for these clients:
A Bridge Loan can make it happen! If you have around 30% equity in your home, a Bridge Loan may allow you to:
• Use equity for your next down payment
• Skip the requirement to sell before closing
• Cover up to 6 months of mortgage payments on your current home
• Qualify for better loan terms by removing your current payment from your DTI
• Avoid double moves, storage fees, or temporary housing
• Prep your home with up to $35,000 for listing, including $5,000 for moving costs
• Make stronger, non-contingent offers
Another option? Departure Residence Income. If you choose to rent out your current home, 75% of the rental income can be used to help offset your mortgage - you will need to have a signed lease and proof of two months’ rent collected (like first month’s rent and security deposit).
Bridge Loans are often faster and cheaper than a HELOCand less risky than tapping into retirement funds. Each investor has different guidelines, so let’s talk about what works best for your situation. Questions? I’m happy to help. Call 865-4560874 or visit KelTheLoanLady.com.
Once you are ready to search for your next home or list your current one, feel free to call me at 865-384-4744 or visit NancyKeith.com to access all area MLS listings or to schedule your free comparative market analysis.
Summer Sale-A-Bration
25% Off Now in Progress… 50% Off Begins July 19th
AS THE temperature goes up, The Lily Pad prices go down! All summer merchandise is now 25% off, leading up to our HUGE semi-annual 50% off sale beginning Saturday, July 19, at 10 am.
As most of you know, this day has become quite a great social event! You’ll see lots of your friends and neighbors, all having fun and assisting each other in finding bargains galore!
To prepare for this major event, beginning July 1st the entire “LaSale Boutique” (the large room in the rear of the store) goes to 70% off, clearing the way for the next season!
For our semi-annual sale, we will be also be open on Sunday, July 20, from 12 to 5 pm to accommodate the number of people coming for this great event! We are so incredibly thankful to all of you who have supported small businesses during the past year... you are amazing!
Remember to mark July 19th on your calendar... it’s a day we look forward to… seeing so many of our Lily Pad friends on one day, enjoying yourselves and looking for your Lily Pad finds! You may want to come in ahead of time, try on items and make your list so you’ll know what to hurry in for on the morning of the sale! We look forward, as you do, to this fabulous event!
There’s no way to clear the store’s summer stock in one day, so if you prefer to shop when it isn’t as crowded, come to Sweetwater in the following days and make it a leisurely day to shop and dine. The merchandise remains at half price until it’s gone! We’ll look forward to seeing you when we open the doors promptly at 10 am on Saturday, July 19th!
The Lily Pad Boutique
209 N. Main Street
Sweetwater, TN 37874
423.337.5537
LlilyPadBoutiqueOnline.com
A happy crowd awaits our opening on Sale Day
Allison Meriwether
“Through gesture and form, I explore the quiet tensions we carry - between vulnerability and control, softness and strength - and the stories that live just beneath the surface of how we present ourselves.”
SINCE SHE WAS a child, artist Allison Meriwether has been drawing and creating “visual stories” that pay particular attention to people and faces. Starting with figures in oils in her early 20s, Allison began a more intentional exploration of the female form with a focus on the natural curves of the body and hands and “how posture, expression, and the smallest physical cues can unravel entire emotional narratives.” She has always enjoyed the “slowness” of oil that allows time for layering and reworking. Allison also works in colored pencil, which has a similar process of building layers and adding luminosity.
Having always been fascinated by the way people (especially women) inhabit space, she became more aware of subtle details in a person’s body, like the tilt of a head, the set of the shoulders, or the positioning of the hands, that can reveal complex inner stories. Her larger pieces cause the figures to share the room with you, while her smaller pieces feel like quiet studies that offer their own kind of intimacy. Both compel the viewer to relate to the body on the canvas - “impossible to overlook, yet vulnerable in their stillness.” Are you confronting it, observing it, or possibly even recognizing yourself in it?
What’s next for Allison Meriwether? Along with individual works in a few galleries, Allison is in the early stages of building a new body of work with the intentions of a solo exhibit. She continues
to have work on display at the Maker Exchange (located between the downtown Marriott Knoxville and The Tennessean Hotel) and also has few commissions in the works - and is always open for more! Having already done some murals, Allison would love the opportunity to incorporate her figurative and portrait work into a mural.
As Knoxville’s art scene continues to grow, Allison credits local organizations like Dogwood Arts and the Arts and Culture Alliance for being instrumental in providing opportunities for artists to exhibit work and engage with the community, as well as advocating for the important role that art plays in our collective well-being. Their support has helped Allison and many other creators feel empowered to contribute to the Knoxville’s cultural fabric. Financial support is vital to sustaining these programs, creating accessible opportunities, and ensuring that artists have the resources they need to thrive here in Knoxville. Allison truly feels that “investing in the visual arts is an investment in the life of the community itself - in its beauty, its resilience, and its future.”
See more of Allison’s work at AllisonMeriwetherArt.com and @a.Merarts on social media.
“Knoxville’s art scene is growing in exciting ways - a creative pulse that’s becoming more visible in our public spaces, galleries, and community events. Visual arts don’t just beautify a place; they invite us to reflect, connect, and imagine. Art helps shape the identity of a city.”
Photo by Kelsey DeLauriers
FARRAGUT MUSEUM RE-OPENS
AFTER BEING CLOSED for a year and a half during the Town of Farragut Town Hall renovations, the Farragut Museum is now open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 am to 2 pm. Knowledgeable docents volunteer to give tours of the museum and offer additional information on the exhibits. The Farragut Museum’s gallery spaces are a treasure chest of artifacts, housing many personal effects of Admiral David Farragut.
MUSEUM HISTORY
The Farragut Museum began in 1986 as a response to then Governor Lamar Alexander’s statewide proclamation called “Tennessee Homecoming ’86.” This called for a year-long celebration involving 647 communities across the state of Tennessee. The purpose was to provide native Tennesseans the opportunity to delve into their history by rediscovering their past and, by doing so, to preserve their heritage. Farragut held a short-term exhibit that was later transformed into the Farragut Folklife Museum due to the outpouring of interest in this collection of Farragut history.
Farragut Town Hall was originally located in the old Russel Dairy building behind the Avery Russell Home (aka Campbell Station Inn) at the corner of Kingston Pike and Campbell Station Road. The first director appointed by the Farragut Board of Mayor and Aldermen, Mary Nell McFee, cre ated the exhibit from collection of old pictures and vintage clothing that had been donated by the town’s citizens.
With eyes toward future exhibits, Mary Nell learned of a historical collection of Admirals Farragut’s belongings that were being offered through a historical magazine. The Farragut Museum Committee raised funds for the collection, and then-Mayor Bob Leonard had the town budget for the remaining funds to purchase the collection. After the museum was completed in 1991, it was relocated to the current Town Hall where it contained two gal leries, a workroom and, for the first time, a gift shop.
MUSEUM EXHIBITS
The museum now has three gallery spaces and a stage that can be used for presentations and special events.
“We are excited to be able to offer the museum for our residents and our visitors. It is a great place to learn more about the area, its people, and its founding. The Admiral Farragut collection is really extraordinary. I think everyone will be impressed with the artifacts we have of his.”
- Kristi Vining, Historic Resources Coordinator
The first gallery follows the area’s historic settlement beginning with the native Americans to the early communities of Campbell’s Station Highlights include the importance of the marble industry and the railroads through There is also a display on the Founding of Farragut and the early years of Farragut High
A second gallery houses the Admiral David Farragut collection that includes his personal china, swords, bayonet, parts of his Civil War uniform, family photographs, manuscripts, and letters of interest, as well as items from the sloop-of-war steam ship, the
USS Hartford, that Farragut commanded during the Battle of Mobile Bay, a key Union victory during the Civil War. As the first commissioned admiral of the United States Navy, Farragut is best known for his statement, “Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead.”
As a dedicated rotating exhibit space, the third gallery now houses a tribute to veterans that served in the Civil War, World War I and II, Korean War, and Vietnam War.
MUSEUM VISITS
The museum is housed inside Town Hall at 11408 Municipal Center Drive, across from the Farragut post office, and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 am to 2 pm. Admission is free. Kristi Vining, Historic Resources Coordinator, hopes the Farragut Museum will host school groups, historical lunch and learns, and special events in the future. Those interested in arranging an after hours tour or a group tour should call 865-966-7057.
The Frances L. Abel Gift Shop features a variety of unique pieces, including gift items, local and Civil War history books, “The Hidden Battlefield” DVDs (WBIR’s The Heartland Series ), a variety of keepsakes, and handmade items from local crafts persons.
While visiting the museum, be sure to see the Civil War Trails Historical Marker that commemorates the Battle of Campbell Station fought on November 16, 1863, and the Farragut Memorial Plaza featuring a life-plus Admiral Farragut bronze statue, Civil War era cannons on loan from the U.S. Naval Yard, and historical markers with information about Admiral Farragut’s life that are located on the Town Hall grounds. For additional museum information and special event updates, visit Facebook (Farragut Museum) or TownofFarragut.org/museum.
Newts in Knoxville is Here!
GRAB
YOUR GEAR, your friends, and a passport to experience downtown Knoxville! Did you know East Tennessee is the “newtiest” place on Earth? More newt and salamander species live in Southern Appalachia than anywhere else, and the eastern newt is one of the stars.
So get your passport at Mast General Store, Visit Knoxville, or download a digital version at KnoxNewts.com. Study the clues, and find all 12 bronze newts hidden amid our downtown landmarks. You’ll find them climbing up walls, peeking from corners, and blending into downtown Knoxville. Be sure to follow the official newt-spotting Instagram and Facebook accounts.
Want to show the world you take newt hunting VERY seriously? You can purchase your own Newts in Knoxville t-shirt at Mast General Store while supplies last, and be sure to keep your eyes peeled for more newt merch popping up at local businesses around downtown in the future! And while you are on your hunt, don’t forget to tag or use the hashtags #knoxnewts or #newstinknoxville for a chance to be featured!
The Newts in Knoxville scavenger hunt is a great way to experience our downtown vibe and explore some favorite attractions while searching for East Tennessee’s most interesting amphibian residents! This permanent, self-guided scavenger hunt is free to play and open 24/7, year-round. Happy hunting!
BRINGING UP BABY with Custom Storage Design
BY CARRIE MCCONKEY, CARRIEMCCONKEY.COM
DO YOU HAVE a new baby on the way? Along with full hearts, any bundle of joy brings changes in schedule, shifts in routines, and needed space to accommodate gifts, supplies, and that adorable, tiny wardrobe. To make these adjustments easier, an organized nursery is a parent’s best friend.
Storage to Suit Any Space
Enhancing the functionality of your nursery is a great idea no matter how big or small the room may be. Whether you’d like to create an entire wall of functional space - or simply make a reach-in closet more effective - custom storage design offers the perfect fit for your new addition.
Function to Suit Any Need
From morning to evening, organized storage is your 24-hour helpmate. A laundry basket ensures wee socks won’t get lost, a pull-out shelf provides a handy space when arms are full, and safe, dimmable LED lights deliver a comforting glow during latenight feedings.
Style to Suit Any Décor
Whatever theme or color scheme you choose for your nursery, custom-designed storage provides a perfect match. Shelving, cabinets, and rods come in dozens of finishes, and a plethora of decorator handles and drawer pulls can be switched throughout the years for a fresh, new look.
Flexibility to Suit Any Age
The future is bright when your little one grows up with custom storage. Shelves with bins of diaper supplies can transform to hold favorite books, three-tiered clothing rods easily adjust to two, and a changing counter with a mirror becomes the perfect styling and grooming station.
Your Partners in Parenthood
When it comes to organization, function, and style in your baby’s nursery, custom storage offers made-to-measure results. Celebrating 10 years in business, Closets by McKenry is your locally owned, locally operated storage design center. Call, click, or visit their West Knoxville showroom, and let their pros help you get organized for parenthood - both today and beyond!
Closets by McKenry
201 Center Park Drive, #1070 Knoxville, TN 37922
865.249.6382
ClosetsByMcKenry.com
Mist is one of more than 60 finishes available for your child’s closet.
A pull-out shelf makes a convenient work station.
Murano glass knobs add bling to a little girl’s space.
Pull-out baskets are great for storing clothes or stuffed animals, and larger baskets can work as a hamper. Now available in gold.
INSIGHTS HIGHLIGHTS &
SHAE DESIGN STUDIO
These eclectic and whimsical Portuguese ceramic horse sculptures from Global Views blend traditional craftsmanship with contemporary aesthetics. They come in three poses - Libertino, Fresian, and Andalusian - and can be purchased in either a matte black or matte white finish. Available at Shae Design Studio's Showroom, 9700 Kingston Pike, Suite 11 in Knoxville, 865.313.2656, ShaeDesigns.com.
WATSON’S STAINED GLASS
Whimsical, one-of-a-kind stained glass butterflies and funky birds come in a variety of colors and make great gift items to brighten up someone’s day or your own home. Available at The Revival, 603 W. Main Street in Knoxville, 720.376.2377, SusanWatsonsGlass.com.
GRATEFUL
Deena Kong's the topic of peer wonderful gift
The story is based diversity and acceptance belongs in every book also has where books are YouTube for a Visit DeenaKong.com
THE LILY PAD BOUTIQUE
Save the date! 50% Off Sizzling Summer Sale begins Saturday, July 19th, at 10 am - and we will also be open on Sunday the 20th from 12 to 5 pm! - and continues until it's gone! Sale includes summer merchandise and accessories. The Lily Pad Boutique, 209 N. Main Street in Sweetwater, 423.337.5537, LilyPadBoutiqueOnline.com.
BEING ME
debut best-selling children's book on peer pressure, Grateful Being Me, makes a gift for the special child or educator in your life. based on actual events that teach cultural acceptance with a heartfelt message that every child's library and classroom. Bonus: the a section of conversation starters! Available are sold. Check out MaiStoryBook on children’s read aloud of Grateful Being Me. DeenaKong.com or @bydeenakong on Instagram.
MEADOW VIEW GREENHOUSES & GARDEN CENTER
These hand-painted 4 1/2 inch circle sun catchers come in a variety of colorful designs with a jute rope hanger. A wonderful way to catch the summer sun! Available at Meadow View Greenhouses & Garden Center, 9885 Highway 11E in Lenoir City, 865.986.7229, MeadowViewGreenhouse.com.
NOUVEAU CLASSICS
The Ester chair by Porada is available in two different sizes with or without armrests. The legs of the chair are available in ash wood or canaletto walnut, and the upholstery is made of fabric, leather, or eco-leather. Available at Nouveau Classics Contemporary Furniture & Interior Design, 101 S Gay Street in Knoxville, 865.525.4755, NouveauClassics.com.
Helping End Hunger on Campus - and Beyond:
“Our main goal is ending hunger on UT’s campus.”
- Tyler White, UT Assistant Professor/food4VOLS Program Manager
BY KAREN COPPOCK
AT THE UNIVERSITY of Tennessee, Knoxville, Assistant Professor Tyler White had a goal to reduce food waste and address food insecurity on UT’s campus. Working with other UT staff, White created the food4VOLS program. “Our program started in August 2021,” said White. “I came up with the idea and implemented it, thinking I could incorporate it into part of my normal classes here.”
White explained that “food4VOLS spun out of a meeting with Jay Price, who’s with Sustainability here at UT.” UT has a composting program, and Price noticed that much of the food coming from Vol dining was usable. Initially, they thought about 8,000 pounds of unused food could provide 2,0003,000 meals from August to May.
“Was I wrong!” laughed White. “In the fall of 2021, I think we collected 20,000 pounds of food and made like 6,000 meals!”
Currently, food4VOLS employs a full-time coordinator and also has an AmeriCorps member. The program relies heavily on daily volunteers - UT students and staff and community members are a big part of food4VOLS’ success. Using a box truck and a refrigerated van, staff and volunteers make rounds each day, collecting unused and overproduced food from UT dining halls and restaurants. On average, food4VOLS collects more than 500 pounds of food per day, typically in four categories: protein, vegetable/produce, starch, and desserts. “We reclaim it, and we bring all of this food back to the Culinary Institute and repurpose it into microwaveable meals,” said White. “The idea was that broke college students have spent all their money and they can’t eat1, so all they do is live on ramen. That’s why
we made [the meals] microwavable - because in the dorms, they’re limited to basically having a microwave.” The food is stored in commercial refrigerators at UT’s Culinary Institute until it’s repurposed. The extra food provides good nutritional options for students, rather than simply offering typical vending machine fare. He added, “We label all our meals [with] allergens and ingredients. Our coordinator is a trained executive chef.” They work with chefs on campus if there are questions about ingredients, and food service staff contact food4VOLS if they have extra food. Although food4VOLS is located within the Culinary Institute in UT’s College of Education, Health, and Human Science, UT does not centrally fund it. “We are completely self-funded,” explained White. “We do rely on donations.” White estimates each meal costs about $0.27. Even though the food itself is donated, food4VOLS purchases containers and utensils, as well as seasonings and sauces, and staples like rice and potatoes. Other expenses include maintenance and gas for the box truck and van.
The food4VOLS program has six different distribution sites on campus in areas that don’t have dining options, such as academic buildings, with the idea being that UT’s campus is very large, so it can be difficult to get to a dining hall or restaurant between classes or meetings. The program provides a refrigerator and microwave at each location, along with utensils. Students, faculty, or staff members can walk up, take a meal, and heat it up with no questions asked.
“Since we’ve started, we have collected more than 530,000 pounds of food, so we average more than 100,000 pounds a year,” said White. The program has been so successful at repurposing unused food into meals for hungry college students that they now partner with Second Harvest, KARM, The Dream Connection, and other community nonprofits to feed people in Knox, Blount, and Sevier counties. Additionally, food4VOLS was recognized with one of the 2024 Tennessee Governor’s Environmental Stewardship Awards. Montana State University and the University of South Carolina are implementing their own versions of this program.
The abundance of reclaimed food means food4VOLS can meet their primary goal of feeding UT students and help their nonprofit partners address food scarcity in the community. For example, the program is piloting a new offshoot, food4VOLS Jr., this summer.
“We’re partnering with Transforming Western Heights and sending meals twice a week… for kids [to] take meals home,” explained White. “Either it’s their lunch [or they] make it their dinner or maybe a weekend meal.”
From a simple desire to end hunger on UT’s campus, food4VOLS has developed into a thriving community outreach program. Check out their website at cehhs.utk.edu/rhtm/food4vols, or see the sidebar for ways to support their mission.
1A study revealed that in the University of Tennessee System, 33.8% of students were food insecure. This means one out of every three students at UT identified themselves as food insecure (Wooten et al., 2019).
HOW TO HELP
• VOLUNTEER - Although UT students are the primary volunteers, community members over 18 are welcome. For more information or to sign up, visit givepulse.com/event/609211-2025-summer-food4vols.
• DONATE FUNDS - Because UT falls under the 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, donations are tax deductible. Donations made through Big Orange Give drive or the UT Office of Advancement can be designated for the food4VOLS program at give.utk.edu/campaigns/42950/donations/new?designation_id=food_4.
Spreading Joy, One Bouquet at a Time
AT RANDOM ACTS of Flowers, we believe in the healing power of kindness - and flowers. Every day, our volunteers transform donated blooms into beautiful bouquets that are delivered to individuals in healthcare facilities across East Tennessee. These simple, heartfelt gifts bring moments of joy, comfort, and connection to people who need it most.
Since our founding in Knoxville in 2008, we’ve delivered more than 200,000 bouquets locally to patients and residents in hospitals, hospices, and assisted living facilities. Each arrangement is more than just flowers - it’s a message that someone cares, a reminder that no one is alone.
Our recipients come from all walks of life. We deliver to children in pediatric units, cancer patients undergoing treatment, seniors in long-term care, and individuals receiving dialysis. Our reach spans more than seven counties, and our mission touches people of all ages, backgrounds, and circumstances. Whether it’s a young child facing a tough diagnosis or an elderly veteran in a rehabilitation center, each bouquet is a symbol of compassion and community.
Our mission is made possible by a dedicated team of volunteers and generous community partners. Local florists, grocery stores, and event planners donate flowers that would otherwise go to
waste. Volunteers gather in our workshop to sort, arrange, and prepare the bouquets for delivery. Others help with outreach, delivery, and sharing our story.
We are deeply grateful for the generous support of our community, which fuels every part of our mission. From snacks and water that keep our volunteers energized to donated flowers, vases, office supplies, and financial contributionsevery gift makes a difference. It’s this collective spirit of giving that allows us to continue delivering hope and beauty to those who need it most.
Want to get involved? Whether you have flowers to donate, time to volunteer, or resources to share, there’s a place for you at Random Acts of Flowers. Together, we can continue to brighten lives - one bouquet at a time.
Visit RandomActsofFlowers.org to learn more.
Summer Movie Fun at Cherokee Caverns
JOIN US in the cave this summer and cool down a bit from the summer heat! The cave is a cool 58 degrees at all times and is a wonderful experience when its 80+ degrees or more outside. This is a unique way to experience a fun movie among the 400 million old stalactites and stalagmites.
Chairs will be provided, but you are welcome to bring your own small comfy camp chair and a blanket. Enjoy a selfguided tour of the cave 30 minutes before or after your movie showing. The cave path is wheelchair and stroller friendly.
The movies have very limited seating, so it’s recommended that you purchase tickets in advance. Purchase valid tickets from our secure website at HistoricCherokeeCaverns.com, as tickets have an individual code that checks each person in electronically. There are daytime and evening shows available. Cash-only concessions are also available, including hot dogs, pizza, nachos, candy, popcorn, and other treats. For a list of show times, The Grotto menu, or to purchase tickets, visit HistoricCherokeeCaverns.com.
MOVIE SCHEDULE:
July 19: The Descent
August 9: The Lost Boys
August 23: Journey to the Center of the Earth
September 13: Hocus Pocus
October 4: The Nightmare Before Christmas
November 22: Elf
Cherokee Caverns is only open to the public for special events and not open for daily tours.
8524 Oak Ridge Highway, 37931
HistoricCherokeeCaverns.com
How to Make Traveling with Kids This Summer Stress-Free
COURTESY OF BPT
FAMILY VACATIONS
for creating cherished memories, strengthening bonds, and escaping the everyday. But for parents, the reality of vacationing with children can sometimes feel more like a marathon than a relaxing getaway. Between managing meltdowns, navigating unfamiliar environments, and trying to carve out some “me time,” the joy of a vacation can get lost in the shuffle. This is where the often-unsung hero of a holiday away comes in: childcare. Whether you’re considering a kids’ club at a family-friendly resort or bringing the grandparents along, having some extra support can make all the difference. Here’s how to make sure you get some time to relax, recharge, and enjoy some adult time on vacation while your little ones have a blast, too!
Parenting brings a lot of joy, but it’s also a demanding job. Vacations away are a time to relax and have fun for kids and parents alike, but parenting responsibilities don’t just disappear. Finding ways to incorporate childcare into your vacation can help you enjoy much-needed relaxation and recharge. This downtime is essential for parents’ health in a stressful world. Plus, it supports you in being more present for your children throughout your vacation and when you return home.
Depending on the destination, some activities parents look forward to are not suitable for children. Whether it’s an adventurous hike, wine tasting, or a late-night show, you should be able to enjoy some solo activities without feeling guilty. Knowing that your little ones are in safe, professional hands allows you to fully embrace your time away.
And let’s not forget that vacation childcare doesn’t just benefit the grown-ups. Kids thrive in these environments, too. They get the chance to meet new friends, try out fun activities, and maybe even learn something new!
When it comes to vacation childcare, there’s a wealth of options available. Embracing these opportunities can create lasting memories for everyone involved, making your vacation even more special. Let’s dive in on four ways to make your next family vacation stressfree for the whole family.
Kids’ Clubs at Resorts
Family-friendly resorts often feature wonderful kids’ clubs, creating a perfect space for children to enjoy themselves while parents take a little break. Think of these clubs as mini summer camps right in your destination! Kids can connect with peers from all across the globe and participate in various exciting activities.
Ask the resort beforehand what activities kids can enjoy at their kids’ club. Trained staff might lead age-appropriate adventures for older kids, such as snorkeling, ziplining, or even cooking classes
to explore local cuisine. For the younger ones, there’s plenty of fun to be had with crafts, games, and storytime. Kids’ clubs allow children to discover new interests and passions beyond their day-to-day activities. Additionally, it can spark a passion for travel and introduce them to different cultures.
Find a Local Babysitter
There are likely many qualified childcare professionals at your destination who would be happy to hang out with your kiddos and give you some well-deserved free time. Instead of relying on word-ofmouth to find sitters in a new area, you can locate local, vetted babysitters through a childcare service like Jovie, which allows you to search by your location. It’s best to search for a local sitter well before your planned vacation to leave time for a virtual meet-up to ensure you’ll have childcare when you want it.
Bring Your Nanny Along for the Fun
If your family already has a nanny who feels like part of the family, consider bringing them along! This option can be a fantastic way to ensure your child has someone they trust nearby while you enjoy your time away. Just be sure to talk beforehand about things like work hours, extra overtime pay, travel logistics, and accommodations - this way everyone knows what to expect. It’s a win-win situation: Parents get peace of mind and flexibility knowing they have trusted childcare available, and kids often love the chance to explore a new destination with their favorite nanny by their side.
Make It a Family Affair
When traveling with extended family, consider discussing the idea of sharing childcare responsibilities during your trip. Vacations are a wonderful time for aunts, uncles, and grandparents to connect with your children, especially if they don’t see them often. These shared experiences can create lasting memories that both the kids and family members will cherish for years to come! It’s a great way to ensure everyone gets some quality time together while giving parents a little break to relax and enjoy their vacation, too.
Planning a holiday with the kids can be a lot of work, and you deserve to return from a family vacation with incredible memories and feeling refreshed. Jovie can help you find trusted babysitters across the country. Their professional babysitters are vetted and trained to handle any situation that may arise, so parents can relax and enjoy their time away, knowing their kids are in safe hands and creating their own wonderful memories.
To learn more about Jovie, visit Jovie.com.
Shoveling the Mulch in Your Life
BY DR. JIM BAILEY
LAST SATURDAY, several high school guys and their Young Life leader helped me mulch the flower beds around my yard. These guys helped turn what would have been a week of back-breaking work (it took seven cubic yards of mulch) by myself into a fun day of hard work together. In return, we helped them defray the expense of a week at a Young Life camp - “the best week of their lives.”
Mulching is one of those hard tasks that gives a yard guy like me a great “bang for my buck” because the yard looks great for weeks, maybe months, before I’ll need to do it again. It helps to focus on the immediate results rather than the fact that the sun, rain, and biodegrading will inevitably lead to next spring’s “mulch day.” If I focused on the irony of how many years I’ve mulched my yard and how many more years I’m likely to repeat the process, I might just be tempted to cover the whole thing in kudzu.
Work (and life) can feel like spreading mulch. There’s a lot of hard work, the occasional sense of satisfaction or reward,
then the knowledge that you’ll end up repeating the entire process again. The average American spends 42 years working before they retire - some more and some less. That’s a long time to spend doing something, so it’s good to know what you should reasonably expect from your work-life.
Many of my clients have unrealistic expectations for their work-life. Yes, many of them are young, but having unrealistic expectations for the big things in life seems to be a growing industry. Truthfully, many people’s expectations for their work-life are like their hopes and expectations for their love life. They hope to find that one job (or person) by which (or whom) they can experience a life of joyful bliss and fulfillment with minimal problems. Establishing realistic expectations for your work (and love life) is an essential key to maximizing the return you’ll gain from it (or them).
On occasion, I’ve voluntarily provided premarital coaching to engaged couples using tools that are similar to my career coaching
tools - personal histories, personality profiles, values and expectations assessments, and aspiration and goal exercises. I begin by telling them that a good marriage is one of the most rewarding things a person can experience, but it takes the most work and hardest work you’ll ever do in your life. Failing to understand this sets you up to experience disappointment, disillusionment, and other painful emotions. Understanding the nature of work (and marriage) enables you to get the most from it (them).
I like to share a story with my clients to illustrate this idea. It came from a conversation I had with my grandfather when I was about 12 years old. Daddy Jim (yes, my namesake) raised Appaloosa horses and let me help him on the farm. One day, as we were doing the hard, smelly work of cleaning horse manure out of the stables, he turned to me and said, “Jimmy, there’s always manure to shovel.” My grandfather loved raising, grooming, riding, and showing his horses, but he understood manure was an inescapable part of horse work.
For those of us with some life experience (it’s the mileage - not the years - that age us), it’s commonsense that the best things in life are often the ones that require the hardest work. Yet, our culture still works hard to convince us that a great life can just fall in our laps. If you read the stories of the people who’ve made positive impacts on the world, hard work is a unifying theme, along with persistence in the face of adversity.
Just as our relationships are easier when we’re well-matched to the people in them, our work is easier when we’re doing tasks and working in environments that are a better fit to who we are. Aligning the things we do, and those with whom we do them, to “who we are” reduces the number of hard things in our work-lives, but it never eliminates them. Realistic living means we expect to work hard for the things that are worthwhile, but we also benefit from working smarter.
Late in the day on Saturday, Andrew, a linebacker on his high school football team, was grunting and working hard to get shovelfuls of mulch from the pile into his wheelbarrow. I handed him a pitchfork and said, “Here, this is a better tool for that job,” and took the square-edged shovel he’d been using from his hand. Shoveling mulch was going to be hard work, there was no escaping that reality, but matching the tool to the job sure made it a lot easier, and the end results made it all worthwhile.
Shining the Light on Your Summer Nights
BY HEATH MYRICK, OWNER OF LIGHTHOUSE OUTDOOR LIGHTING
AS THE SUN lingers longer in the sky and warm summer evenings beckon, it’s the perfect time to transform your outdoor space into a haven of relaxation and entertainment. While many focus on landscaping and furniture, the impact of outdoor lighting is often underestimated. Yet, with the right illumination, your backyard can become a magical retreat, extending your enjoyment well into the night.
A full-service lighting, design, and installation company, Lighthouse Outdoor Lighting can provide an entirely new perspective on your home’s exterior that you otherwise may not have known existed. Evening hours offer an opportunity to showcase your home’s distinct architecture and landscaping in ways you never imagined. The right lighting design can provide a totally unique perspective that simply doesn’t exist during daylight hours.
Our lighting specialists are some of the best trained lighting designers in the industry today. Our expertise enables us to work with you to design that custom, tailored look to showcase your home’s architectural and landscape design features. Our installation team will install your exterior lighting to the highest industry standards, leaving the installation site meticulously clean, as though we were never there. All we leave behind is a skillfully designed and installed lighting system that will surround your home and adjacent landscaping with the warm glow of elegance.
My team and I will provide a free demonstration, create a distinctive design, and plan a successful, top-notch installation. Upon completion, your satisfaction is guaranteed by a final walkthrough and fine tuning of your newly installed lighting system. Finally,
every installation is backed with our one year, no-cost service plan, as well as optimal extended service agreements.
Let the our professionals at Lighthouse Outdoor Lighting show you how affordable exterior illumination can be and just how great your home can look after sunset! Take advantage of our July “beat the heat” offer and get ready for memorable summer and fall nights! Call us for details.
FOR MORE than five decades, Gino Vannelli has captured hearts with his smooth vocals, poignant lyrics, and unique blend of pop, jazz, and soul. From chart-toppers like “I Just Wanna Stop” to his more recent work, Gino has always sung from the heart. But with his latest album, The Life I Got, he has peeled back the layers like never before, revealing raw emotion in a tribute to the greatest love of his life - his late wife, Patricia.
Married for 49 years, Gino and Patricia shared a bond that not only endured, but deepened with time. “Our marriage intensified as time went on,” Gino shared. When Patricia was diagnosed with neuroendocrine cancer, their world turned upside down. “She went through four or five major surgeries. It was a slow decline, and there were lots of hospital visits in between... losing her was the most difficult thing I could go through ever.”
In the midst of caregiving, Gino began building a home studio just steps from Patricia’s side. “She needed me almost hourly at the end,” he recalled. It was in this deeply emotional space that The Life I Got was born - a record shaped by grief, gratitude, and love.
“Every song that came out of me was about her. I couldn’t help it.”
While the grief is palpable in tracks like “Stormy River” and “A Little Bit Broken,” there is also levity and warmth. Patricia herself insisted on including lighter moments. “As really set forth in ‘The Hero You See In Me,’ ‘Stormy River,’ ‘A Little Bit Broken,’ and a few others - and some little bit more humorous songs that she insisted that I put on, like ‘It’s All Good Mama’ about my chance sojourn into an all-male bar when I was 18 years old in New York. I didn’t know what kind of bar it was. This very beautiful lady came up to me... and really had me going for a while until she spoke. They’re just humorous tales about growing up that Tricia thought were very funny and they had some insight into them.
“I didn’t sugarcoat anything,” Gino emphasized. “I just tried to make it as nutritious a record as I could. You don’t want to create a sad album. The way to temper sadness is with insight and love.”
Mixing the album proved just as emotionally taxing as writing it. “I’d be in tears mixing it,” he admitted. “It really felt raw for a long time.”
Yet, even amid heartbreak, the album pulses with thankfulness. “The Life I Got isn’t so much about sadness. It’s about being grateful. I never really wrote songs about being grateful before.”
Gino’s hope is that fans feel the truth behind each note. “I was trying to convey that it was no burden at all to care for someone you love that much,” he said. “When you love your dad - or your spouse - it’s no problem. It’s a price you don’t mind paying.”
The fan response has been heartfelt. “People have come up to me after shows for years saying they’ve lost a wife, husband, child. But when it happens to you… it’s different,” he said quietly. “There’s this longing that just remains, and you can’t do anything about it.”
Now more than a year since Patricia’s passing, Gino is slowly learning to navigate life alone. “I had a good friend drag me to a car show,” he chuckled. “He brought along someone he wanted me to meet. But I just kept thinking, ‘Tricia wouldn’t wear those shoes.’ I’m not ready.”
There’s also the practical side of loss that people rarely talk about. “She was my bookkeeper, my partner in everything. Running a household, a career - it’s all so different now,” he reflected. “You don’t realize how much gets taken care of when you’re a team.”
That team spirit defined Patricia and Gino’s relationship - and in many ways, it still does. “Even now, I find myself wondering, ‘Where are you?’ She was there one moment, and now she’s gone.” His journey through grief has led him into deeper spiritual waters. “All the theology I’ve studied… it’s still a mystery. But the mystery is worth delving into.”
Despite the heaviness of the subject matter, The Life I Got stands as a celebration of enduring love and artistic integrity. For Gino, the creative process has always been sacred. “Whether old school or new school, a good song is a good song. An honest performer is an honest performer.”
And with The Life I Got, Gino hasn’t just written songs. He’s shared his soul.
The Life I Got is available wherever you purchase music. You can watch the entire interview on Boomerocity.com or listen to it on all podcast platforms.
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.
Why Tribute Band Shows Are a Blast!
TRIBUTE BANDS can be fun for several reasons - not only do they offer a dose of nostalgia and the opportunity to hear familiar, beloved songs performed live, they also strive to recreate the concert experience of the original band. Don’t forget that the members of tribute bands are big fans themselves! They have a real commitment to authenticity from their outfits and stage presence down to the actual mannerisms of the legendary artists.
The shows at the Open Chord also tend to be more multi-aged than you might expect. Remember, the younger generation hasn’t had the opportunity to see much live rock music - especially locally and at an affordable price. With a new appreciation of the iconic music from past decades, younger audiences may have heard the songs on social media or by streaming but nothing beats the joy and involvement of a live performance.
OC'S SUMMER TRIBUTE BAND LINEUP
July 14 Crystal Ship: A Tribute to The Doors
July 17 Pretty Tied Up: Guns N’ Roses Tribute
August 1 Fleatwood Mac: A Tribute to Fleetwood Mac
August 2
Flying High Again: Ozzy Tribute
August 3 Meet Loaf: The Ultimate Meat Loaf Tribute
August 7
Hell’s Belles: All Female AC/DC Tribute
August 8 Cry Baby: Janis Joplin Experience
August 16 Letterbomb: A Tribute to Green Day
August 27
DMTB: The Dave Matthews Tribute Band
August 28 The Kings of Queen: A Tribute to Queen
Whether you are seeking a nostalgic evening filled with your favorite songs that bring back fond memories of your younger years or simply want to experience a more personal and engaging concert within an intimate venue, the Open Chord has a tribute band show to meet you there! By bringing the sound, style, and energy of their iconic original bands, tribute bands are a more than worthwhile way to spend an evening with a like-minded community and maybe you’ll even expand your local friendships. See their complete music schedule at OpenChordMusic.com.
JULY
THROUGHOUT THE MONTH
Camp CAK weekly weekday camps for rising K-6th graders at Christian Academy of Knoxville through the 25th.
Summer Art Academy, featuring classes and workshops for ages 3-17, at the Knoxville Museum of Art through the 25th. 8th annual “Find Waldo” Scavenger Hunt throughout downtown Knoxville through the 31st.
Christmas in July Toy Drive to benefit the McNabb Center’s Dear Santa program. Choose from their Amazon Wish List or donate new toys and clothes through the 31st. See McNabbFoundation.org for more information and drop-off locations.
Electricity for All - an exhibition exploring the complex relationships between technology, information, and power at the Knoxville Museum of Art through August 17th.
JULY 7
Little History Lessons: Independence Day 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.
Mighty Musical Monday featuring House Organist Freddie Brabson on the Mighty Wurlitzer Organ at the Tennessee Theatre at noon. Concessions available for purchase or bring a lunch. Free!
JULY 8
Preschool Story Thyme at the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum from 10 to 11 am. Every Tuesday through October. Bassist Jon Hammer at the Emporium Center at 7 pm. Free event!
Knoxville Smokies vs. Montgomery Biscuits at Covenant Health Park at 7 pm. Also the 9th-12th at 7 pm and 13th at 1 pm.
JULY 9
Kid A’Riffic Fun in the Park at West Hills Park (410 N. Winston Road) from 10 am to 1 pm. Enjoy making crafts, playing games, and more! For children ages 2-12, all activities are free!
Sew It Don’t Throw It Mending Workshop at Ijams Nature Center from 6:30 to 8:30 pm.
JULY 10
The History Parlor at the East Tennessee History Center at 10:00 am. Free and open to the public. For more info visit EastTNHistory.org.
Beyond Dreams Youth Arts Showcase presented by the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley at the Tennessee Theatre. Doors open at 5:30 pm, show begins at 6:30 pm. Free and open to the public.
Blount Mansion Antique Embroidery Sampler Book Release Party at Blount Mansion at 6 pm.
JULY 11
Disney’s Alice in Wonderland by the Knoxville Children’s Theatre through the 27th. For show times and tickets visit KnoxvilleChildrensTheatre.com.
Fanboy Expo at the Convention Center from noon to 7 pm. Also the 12th from 10 am to 7 pm and 13th from 11 am to 5 pm.
Movies Under the Stars: Clue at Ijams Nature Center. Doors open at 7 pm, movie begins at dark.
Sunset Cinema (Movies in the Park): Moana 2 Powell Station Park at 7 pm. Free!
Freaky Friday: A New Musical by The WordPlayers at the Bijou Theatre at 7:30 pm. Also the 12th at 2:30 & 7:30 pm and 13th at 2:30 pm.
Jay White: The Sweet Caroline Tour at the Tennessee Theatre at 7:30 pm.
Soundscapes Concert Series featuring Lindsey Webster at the Knoxville Museum of Art at 7:30 pm.
JULY 12
Deluxe Tour at the Tennessee Theatre at 11 am.
Circus Under the Moon at Ijams Nature Center from 7 to 9:30 pm.
JULY 13
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.
JULY 15
Joan Osborne sings the songs of Bob Dylan at the Bijou Theatre at 7:30 pm.
JULY 16
Kid A’Riffic Fun in the Park at Adair Park (1807 Adair Drive) from 10 am to 1 pm. Enjoy making crafts, playing games, and more! For children ages 2-12, all activities are free!
History Behind Homeplate: Four Historians’ Perspectives of Baseball in Tennessee at the East Tennessee History Center from noon to 1 pm. Free!
One Knoxville Soccer Club vs. AV Alta FC at Covenant Health Park at 7 pm.
JULY 17
Concerts on the Square: Variety Thursdays featuring Matt Stillwell in Market Square from 7 to 9 pm. Free!
Shakespeare’s Love’s Labour’s Lost from the Tennessee Stage Company at Ijams Nature Center at 7:30 pm through August 10th. See Ijams.org for more information.
JULY 18
Shakespeare’s Hamlet, Prince of Denmark from the Tennessee Stage Company at Ijams Nature Center at 7:30 pm through August 9th. See Ijams.org for more information. Summer Movie Magic: Bohemian Rhapsody at the Tennessee Theatre at 8 pm.
For Knoxville’s andMarketFarmers’dates seelocations, page12
JULY 19
Autos through the Ages Car Show at the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center from 10 am to 4 pm.
Cherokee Caverns Movie in the Cave: The Descent 20th Anniversary at Historic Cherokee Caverns. Show times are 12:00, 2:15, 4:30, 6:45 & 9:00. Chairs will be provided, or bring a small camp chair and blanket. Self-guided tours of the cave available 30 minutes before and after the showing.
Plant Fest at Marble City Market from noon to 6 pm.
Ekphrastic Poetry Performance:
An Afternoon of Poetry Readings at the University of Tennessee Downtown Gallery from 1:30 to 3 pm.
Grooves in the Garden Outdoor Music Festival at the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum from 5 to 10 pm. An unforgettable evening of live R&B, Soul, Jazz, and Old Skool grooves, along with food trucks and a cash bar. Proceeds benefit UUNIK Academy.
One Knoxville Soccer Club vs. Westchester SC at Covenant Health Park at 7 pm.
JULY 20
Bird Banding at Ijams Nature Center from 8 to 10 am.
East Tennessee Bluegrass Association
Monthly Jam at Ijams Nature Center from 2 to 5 pm.
Summer Movie Magic: Singin’ in the Rain at the Tennessee Theatre at 2 pm.
JULY 22
Knoxville Smokies vs. Pensacola Blue Wahoos at Covenant Health Park at 7 pm. Also the 23rd-26th at 7 pm and 27th at 2 pm.
JULY 23
Kid A’Riffic Fun in the Park at World’s Fair Park from 10 am to 1 pm. Enjoy making crafts, playing games, and more! For children ages 2-12, all activities are free!
The Wallflowers at the Bijou Theatre at 8 pm.
JULY 24
Jack and Jules children’s consignment event at the Expo Center from 10 am to 8 pm. Also the 25th from 10 am to 8 pm and 26th from 10 am to 4 pm.
Lyle Lovett and His Large Band at the Tennessee Theatre at 7:30 pm.
JULY 25
Party in the Park at McFee Park Splashpad in Farragut from 6 to 8 pm. This free, familyfriendly event to celebrate National Parks & Rec Month will include food trucks, activities, and entertainment.
Legends Concert Series: On the Border - The Ultimate Eagles Tribute at the Great Smoky Mountain Heritage Center at 7 pm.
THINGS TO DO • PLACES TO GO • PEOPLE TO SEE
JULY 26
Native Landscape Certification Level 1 Workshop at Ijams Nature Center from 9 to 10:30 am.
JULY 27
Open House in Underground Knoxville, presented by the Knoxville History Project, from 1 to 5 pm. Enjoy snacks and drinks and see the part of town covered up by the 1919 Gay Street Viaduct project. Free! For more info visit KnoxvilleHistoryProject.org.
Knoxville Community Band Summer Concert at Bearden Middle School at 3 pm. Free!
JULY 28
Glass Painting Class for age 55+ at the West Knox County Senior Center in the Farragut Community Center at 10 am.
JULY 29
Les Misérables at the Tennessee Theatre through August 3rd.
JULY 30
Deaf Day Tour of the summer exhibition
Electricity for All at the Knoxville Museum of Art from 1 to 2:30 pm.
One Knoxville Soccer Club vs. Charlotte Independence at Covenant Health Park at 7 pm.
JULY 31
Sip n Shop in Lenoir City from 4 to 8 pm with specials and boutiques staying open late.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
AUGUST 1
2nd Annual Rocky Top Classic Pickleball Tournament at the Pickleball Playground (2810 Ball Camp Byington Road) through the 3rd.
CreepyCon Halloween & Horror Convention at the Convention Center through the 3rd.
End of Summer: From Foster to Forever Festival at Victor Ashe Park from 4 to 8 pm. Music, food trucks, job fair, family-friendly activities, and an opportunity to learn how you can make an impact by becoming a foster parent to a medically fragile child. For more info visit EvergreenLS.org.
AUGUST 3
Bird Banding at Ijams Nature Center from 8 to 10 am.
AUGUST 4
Mighty Musical Monday featuring House Organist Freddie Brabson on the Mighty Wurlitzer Organ at the Tennessee Theatre at noon. Concessions available for purchase or bring a lunch. Free!
AUGUST 5
Preschool Story Thyme at the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum from 10 to 11 am. Every Tuesday through October.
Knoxville Smokies vs. Biloxi Shuckers at Covenant Health Park at 7 pm. Also the 6th-9th at 7 pm and 10th at 2 pm.
The Glenn Miller Orchestra at the Bijou Theatre at 7 pm.
AUGUST 7
First day for Knox County Schools students Disney’s Newsies by The Palace Players at St. Gregory the Great Auditorium (19245 Fox Lonas Road) through the 10th. For tickets visit ThePalacePlayers.com.
Knoxville Shakespeare: Hamlet, Prince of Denmark at Ijams Nature Center from 7:30 to 9:30 pm. Also the 9th.
AUGUST 8
Knoxville Shakespeare: Love’s Labour’s Lost at Ijams Nature Center from 7:30 to 9:30 pm. Also the 10th.
Soundscapes Concert Series
Season Finale featuring surprise musical guests at the Knoxville Museum of Art at 7:30 pm.
The Hobbit by the Knoxville Children’s Theatre through the 24th. For show times and tickets visit KnoxvilleChildrensTheatre.com.
All event dates and times subject to change.
If you would like to receive the Events Calendar in your inbox every month, simply send a request to info@everythingknoxville.com.
First Friday on Market Square, Gay Street, The Old City, and Downtown North beginning at 5 pm.
Jerry Garcia Birthday Bash with Cosmic Charlie at the Bijou Theatre at 8 pm.
AUGUST 2
Knoxville Home Expo at the World’s Fair Exhibition Hall from 10 am to 6 pm. Also the 3rd from 10 am to 5 pm. Intermediate Genealogy Workshop at the East Tennessee History Center from 1 to 4 pm.
One Knoxville Soccer Club vs. Hearts of Pine SC at Covenant Health Park at 7 pm.
You can also go to EverythingKnoxville.com to view the current month’s Events Calendar.
Fun in the Park has activities, games, hands-on crafts, and other fun pursuits for families with children ages 2-12. Participation is free, and no registration is required. Events are on Wednesdays from 10 am to 1 pm in these parks:
• July 9: West Hills Park, 410 N. Winston Road
• July 16: Adair Park, 1807 Adair Drive
• July 23: World's Fair Park, 910 World’s Fair Park Drive
*No events on July 2 and July 30
Make crafts, play games, and so much more while making fun memories during summer vacation. All activities are free!
For more information, visit KnoxvilleTN.gov/Kidariffic or call 865-215-4248.
Summer Veggie & Pesto Tart
BY SUSAN CAFFERTY
FOR MANY YEARS, when my children were young, we had a subscription to Disney FamilyFun magazine. It was a wonderful publication full of family activities, crafts, and recipes. I did some web searching and discovered that the magazine was first published all the way back in 1991. Disney Publishing Worldwide (The Walt Disney Company) acquired it the following year, allowing for much wider publicity, and the publication really took off in popularity.
Years later, when my kids were teenagers, I picked up the June/July 2010 copy of Disney FamilyFun to read in a waiting room (maybe the dentist?) and it reminded of all the reasons we had loved that magazine so much! Inside I found a recipe within the “Yummy Summer Suppers” article for a pizza-ish tart using all the summer vegetables I was being given by my gardening friends. I politely asked the receptionist to make a copy of that page for me - so I didn’t have to “steal” the magazine! I have kept that black and white photocopy in my recipe binder for more than 20 years and have made it pretty regularly when the squash and zucchini begin to overtake my countertops.
I love this Summer Veggie & Pesto Tart recipe because it totally counts as “a vegetable,” it can be used as a main dish, side dish or an appetizer, and it is really very delicious. This recipe can also be easily customized by adding more/different ingredients, but my suggestion would be to create it directly from the recipe the first time and then see what else you might like to add (or subtract).
Meredith Corporation took over FamilyFun magazine from Disney in 2012. Their videos can still be accessed on YouTube. Although they haven’t posted any new content since 2016, there is still a wealth of cooking, snacks, crafts, party favors, and holiday ideas for families, so be sure to check it out!
Summer Veggie & Pesto Tart
Ingredients:
• 1 refrigerated piecrust (half a 14 ounce package), at room temperature (For a gluten-free option see note*)
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 2 small zucchini, sliced in to 1/4 inch thick rounds
• 2 small yellow squash, sliced in to 1/4 inch thick rounds
• Kernels cut from 1 ear of sweet corn on the cob (I have also used canned!)
• Coarse salt and pepper
• 2 tablespoons of your favorite basil pesto
• 2 ounces fresh goat cheese or cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1 large egg
• 5 to 10 grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan
• 5 basil leaves, thinly sliced
Directions:
Heat the oven to 450º and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or use a nonstick silicone baking sheet. Place the piecrust on the prepared baking sheet. Fold over and pinch a 1/2 inch rim around the edges of the dough, then set aside. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the zucchini, yellow squash, and corn and season with salt and pepper. Cook the vegetables until they’re lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Transfer them to a bowl to cool, then toss them with the pesto.
In a small bowl, whisk together the goat cheese or cream cheese and the egg until almost smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
Use a spatula or back of a spoon to spread the egg and cheese mixture over the piecrust. Spread the cooked vegetables on top, then evenly scatter the tomatoes and Parmesan over the vegetables. Bake the tart until the crust is golden brown, about 20 minutes. Let cool slightly on a wire rack. Sprinkle with basil before serving.
* For a gluten free (and rectangle!) version, we used a sheet of pre-made, refrigerated, gluten-free puff pastry from a box. After folding and pinching the rim, bake for 5 minutes before adding any of the toppings.
BUNNY TALES:
A Garden Art Exhibit
UT Gardens Through Late September
2518 Jacob Drive, just off Neyland Drive
AFUN and whimsical event to raise awareness of the need to protect wildlife as urban development encroaches on their habitat.
45 local artists have decorated 3-D, 2-foot rabbit cutouts that have been placed throughout the gardens along with interesting rabbit facts. There is also a children’s exhibit where decorated bunny heads and carrot silhouettes are displayed on the wall within the children’s garden.
All art pieces will be auctioned off online in late September with proceeds directly benefiting the UT Gardens, Knoxville and its mission to be a community resource for education, research, and outreach on environmental stewardship, plant evaluation, and landscape aesthetics.
So hippity-hoppity to the gardens and choose your favorite!
UTGardens.Tennessee.edu
HARDY GERANIUMS
Stand Out Under Trees and Shrubs, Trouble Areas, and Partial Shade Gardens
SUBMITTED
BY
JENNIFER NORTHAM, COLLECTIONS MANAGER AND HORTICULTURIST, UT GARDENS, KNOXVILLE
HARDY GERANIUMS,
also known as cranesbills, are loved in the garden because of their versatility and durability. They are commonly known as cranesbills because their fruit is shaped like a crane’s bill. The Greek word geranion translates to crane in English. There are around 300 species of hardy geraniums. They can be found in several countries and oceanic islands across the world. Species range in height from only a few inches to species like Geranium arboreum, which can grow 12 feet tall.
Several species of hardy geraniums are very easy to grow and drought-tolerant once estab lished. They can be used in understory plantings, under trees and shrubs, or popped into bare spots and trouble areas where other plants will not grow. Include them in rock gardens, woodland settings, as ground covers, in containers, in partial shade gardens, and in mixed perennial borders and beds.
Most of the hardy geraniums we grow in Knoxville prefer partial shade and good drainage. They will need more shade in the heat of West Tennessee and most of the South and will not tolerate wet spots.
After the first flush of flowers in the spring, plants can be sheared back to basal foliage and will have a good chance of blooming again. Geranium hybrid ‘Rozanne’ is a powerhouse, blooming strongly in the fall, as well as spring, with no need to cut back. The cultivar is a favorite for its strong vigor, large blue blooms, long bloom times, resilience, and functionality in the garden. Geranium ‘Rozanne’ can be found in the Post Wild Perennial Garden, as well as G. macrorrhizzum ‘Bevan’s Variety,’ G. pratense ‘Boom Chocolatta,’ and G. sanguineum ‘Max Frei.’
Several species and cultivars will bloom in spring and then again in the fall, and some will bloom all season long from about April to September. They attract bees and butterflies and are deer and rabbit resistant. Many of the hardy geranium species growing in Knoxville send out their first buds around mid April.
Flowers come in shades of white, pink, lavender, magenta, and blue. Some varieties have darker veins on the petals, which is very unique and attractive. Another great quality of these perennials is that the foliage alone is beautiful for most of the year. Leaves can be green, burgundy, gray-green, and yellow and come in all kinds of different shapes and textures. Many varieties will turn colors of purple, yellow, orange, and red in the fall.
We are trialing a new geranium hybrid, ‘Huggy Bear,’ in Knoxville from Intrinsic Perennial Gardens, Inc. This variety has unique chocolatey bronze foliage and lavender-purple flowers. They grew well during the summer in full sun and doubled in size last fall, thriving in milder temperatures. Vigorous growth followed this spring that contrasted perfectly with several blooms. In Crossville, you’ll find ‘Johnson’s Blue’ and ‘Biokovo’ cultivars planted in the entrance gardens and ‘Karmina’ in the perennial beds.
There are so many cultivars to choose from that one could spend decades collecting different ones and trying them all over a garden area. Consider species and cultivars that will do well for your hardiness zone. Hardy geraniums do not thrive in warmer parts of Tennessee and the South, so make sure these are in the shade from midday on. From full sun to part shade, difficult to grow garden spots, multiple season interest, and overall charm, hardy geraniums are a real winner to use in the garden.
The UT Gardens includes plant collections located in Knoxville, Crossville, and Jackson, Tennessee. Designated as the official botanical garden for the State of Tennessee, the UT Gardens are part of the UT Institute of Agriculture. The Gardens’ mission is to foster appreciation, education, and stewardship of plants through garden displays, educational programs, and research trials. The Gardens are open during all seasons and free to the public. For more information, visit UTgardens.tennessee.edu.
Photo by J. Northam, courtesy UTIA Geranium hybrid ‘Rozanne’ is a powerhouse, blooming strongly in the fall, as well as spring, with no need to cut back.
Courtesy of WikiMedia/Meneerke bloem
Courtesy of WikiMedia/RobertFlogaus-Faust
WJULY IN THE GARDEN
E ARE OFFICIALLY past the halfway point of the year, and it is time for a checkup. Head out into that yard and look up, down, and all around for signs of trouble. Check trees for broken or dead branches, woodpecker holes, and peeling bark. Do trees or shrubs have signs of a fungal infection or insect infestation? How are perennials and annuals doing? How about veggies? If you have questions, give us a call or stop by. I know that some plants are really happy with the cooler, wetter weather and some are not, so let us help with the unhappy ones!
Here are some tips for keeping your yard pretty through the summer.
Water Wisely
Nature has given us rain in abundance this spring, but we never know when the spigot will turn off. As temperatures climb, so does a plant’s need for consistent moisture. Early morning is the best time to water, allowing the moisture to reach roots before the sun evaporates it. Deep watering - where moisture penetrates several inches into the soil - encourages deeper root growth and makes plants more drought-tolerant. Sprinklers are designed for annuals and grass and do not provide enough water for trees and shrubs. Overhead watering also contributes to fungal infections, so consider drip systems or hand watering for sensitive or demanding plants.
Mulch is your water saving friend. Applying a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
Harvest and Replant
July is harvest time for many crops - think tomatoes, cucumbers, beans, squash, and peppers. Frequent harvesting encourages continued production. You can also plant or replant warm season vegetables for a later harvest.
This month is also a great time to start planning and planting for a fall harvest. In our zone, cool season crops like carrots, beets, kale, broccoli, and lettuce can be started in late July or August. Use a shade cloth or light mulch to protect emerging seedlings from intense sun and heat.
Prune and Deadhead
Pruning and deadheading your flowers helps extend their bloom cycle. For flowering annuals like petunias, zinnias, and marigolds, remove spent blooms to encourage more flowers. Perennials that have finished blooming or those that have gotten leggy can be cut back to encourage new growth.
Spring blooming shrubs can be trimmed as well. Pruning is an art and a science, so please don’t start chopping without educating yourself. Stop by if you don’t know how, what, or when to prune.
Control Pests and Disease
Pests can be particularly active in July,
BY LISA GRUGIN
especially aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. Japanese beetles, lace bugs, and Crape Myrtle Bark Scale are also showing up all around us. It is best to monitor your garden regularly, checking the undersides of leaves and the stems. Neem oil and insecticidal soap can help manage some infestations. Other plants may require systemic products.
Fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and leaf spot thrive in warm, humid conditions. Proper spacing, air circulation, and avoiding overhead watering reduce the risk. If you notice signs of disease, remove affected foliage promptly and throw it away. Copper fungicides and Neem are the first step in controlling fungus.
If You Have Container Gardens
Container gardening continues to be very popular. Keep in mind, however, that potted plants need extra attention, especially when it comes to watering. Containers dry out faster than in-ground gardens, often requiring daily watering. Group pots together to create a microclimate that retains humidity and reduces evaporation.
Feed container plants regularly with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer, as nutrients wash out more quickly in pots. Refresh any tired-looking containers by replacing spent annuals with heat-loving varieties like vinca, lantana, or portulaca.
It is also critical to keep containers tidy. Remove blooms that fall down inside and any dead areas to prevent fungal problems.
Wildlife and Pollinator Support
July is a busy time for pollinators. Support them by planting nectar-rich flowers like echinacea, black-eyed Susan, or bee balm. Avoid using pesticides during daylight hours when bees and butterflies are most active, and avoid them altogether if possible!
Birds and beneficial insects also appreciate a water source. A simple birdbath or shallow dish with stones for insects to land on can make a big difference during hot spells.
Final Thoughts
Gardening in July is a hot mix of gardening chores. While it may be demanding, it’s also one of the most rewarding months in the garden. With proper care, your plants will not only survive but thrive - delivering vibrant blooms, fresh produce, and beauty that extends well into the fall.
Stay hydrated yourself, wear sun protection, and enjoy the fruits (and flowers) of your labor. Happy gardening!
Meadow View Greenhouses & Garden Center
9885 Highway 11E, Lenoir City, TN 37772 865.986.7229
MeadowViewGreenhouse.com
New Exhibitions Opening
Emporium Center July 11
“No other exhibition space in the city can accommodate and complement artwork at every level made by artists of all ages from every neighborhood of Knoxville. It is an astonishing snapshot of what’s in the minds and hearts of our community as a whole.”
- Liza Zenni, Executive Director of the Arts & Culture Alliance
THE ARTS & Culture Alliance proudly presents a Summer Members Show, the largest annual exhibition of local artists in the Greater Knoxville area. The fresh mix of two- and three-dimensional works created within the last two years encompasses a wide variety of media such as oil, acrylic, watercolor, pastel, mixed media, photography, fine craft, sculpture, ceramics, fiber, and more from regional artists who are all individual members of the Arts & Culture Alliance, which serves and supports a diverse community of artists, arts organizations, and cultural institutions. Membership is is open to all, and information may be found at KnoxAlliance.com/join-renew.
A free celebration with the artists will take place on the second Friday of the month, July 11, from 5 to 9 pm featuring music by Nick Horner Family. Downtown Knoxville’s First Friday celebrations are delayed by one week due to the July 4th holiday.
“I am always amazed when walking through an open exhibition at the Emporium,” said Liza Zenni, Executive Director of the Arts & Culture Alliance.
“No other exhibition space in the city can accommodate and complement artwork at every level made by artists of all ages from every neighborhood of Knoxville. It is an astonishing snapshot of what’s in the minds and hearts of our community as a whole.”
Individual members of the Alliance participate locally and regionally in gallery exhibitions, art festivals, sculpture trails, weekend shows, studio tours, and public murals. Some Alliance members are full-time artists, while others have day jobs and create on evenings and weekends. Some members include art professors with the University of Tennessee, Carson-Newman University, Maryville College, Pellissippi State, Roane State, and Walters State. Others are teachers within Knox and surrounding county’s elementary, middle, and high schools.
Some Alliance members teach classes privately or through community classes with the Appalachian Arts Craft Center,
Arrowmont School of Arts & Crafts, Fountain City Art Center, Knoxville Art Center, Knoxville Museum of Art, Mighty Mud, and Oak Ridge Art Center. Many of the artists have working studios in their own homes, while some are part of studio collectives such as Broadway Studios & Gallery, The Emporium, Mighty Mud, Relay Ridge, Sunday Studios, and West Fifth Studios.
The Summer Members Show will be on display throughout the Emporium Center, located at 100 S. Gay Street, downtown Knoxville, from July 11-25. Most of the works will be for sale and may be purchased through the close of the exhibition by visiting the Emporium in person or via the online shop at KnoxAlliance.store. The Emporium is open to the public Monday-Friday from 9 am-5 pm. For more information, call 865-523-7543 or visit KnoxAlliance.com.
Artwork by Lucas Spires
Artwork by Mac Bartine
Artwork by Morena Constantinou
Artwork by Joel Keas
THE EMPORIUM
LOCATED IN DOWNTOWN
Knoxville on the 100 block of Gay Street, the Emporium Building is a striking example of Second Renaissance Revival architecture. Constructed in 1898, the building was designed by prominent Knoxville architect L.C. Waters. At the time of its construction, it represented a modern addition to the city’s architectural landscape. Its original purpose was to serve as the new home of Sterchi Brothers Furniture Store, a major retail enterprise that played a significant role in Knoxville’s commercial development during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Throughout the decades, the Emporium Building witnessed the ebb and flow of downtown Knoxville’s fortunes. By the early 2000s, like many historic buildings in the area, it had lost its original function and stood in need of reinvention. Recognizing both its historical value and its potential to contribute to downtown revitalization, local developer David Dewhirst stepped in to breathe new life into the structure. In 2004, Dewhirst, working in collaboration with the City of Knoxville, purchased the building from its previous owner, Kristopher Kendrick, a fellow preservation advocate. What followed was a comprehensive renovation project that balanced respect for the building’s historical integrity with the need for modern functionality. The goal was to create a mixed-use development that would attract both residents and businesses while
maintaining the character that made the building architecturally significant. The project transformed the space into residential lofts and commercial units, including areas dedicated to arts and culture.
Today, the Emporium Building stands not only as a beautifully preserved piece of Knoxville’s architectural heritage but also as a vibrant cultural cornerstone of the city. It is home to several art galleries that feature the work of local and regional artists, offering a space where creativity can flourish. In addition to its role as a visual arts venue, the Emporium also houses the administrative offices of the Arts & Culture Alliance of Greater Knoxville, an organization that supports and promotes cultural initiatives throughout the region.
Five other arts and cultural organizations call the Emporium home, creating a collaborative and enriching environment for artists, performers, and the community at large. The building regularly hosts exhibitions, performances, workshops, and public events, drawing residents and visitors alike into the city’s thriving arts scene.
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.
Photo by Mirtography
AQUESTION
POSED a few weeks ago at a men’s group I meet with asked, “Who did you want to be like when you were a child and why?”
I didn’t have an immediate answer, but what did come to mind were those I’ve learned from and had relationships with in my adult life, which led to me thinking about all the “anchors” along the way. Those who have played a meaningful part in our lives - whether parents, bosses, siblings, friends, co-workers, or someone along the way who invested time and energy to develop and maintain the relationship.
This observation focused on family members who are no longer with us and recalling how much their life and significant role - even when long distance was involved - served as a stabilizing, reliable, and reassuring presence.
often the center (“hub”) of the wheel, and the spokes were the actions and responsibilities they took on to plan, communicate, speak up, set the tone, engage others, host at holidays, offer wise counsel when asked, and facilitate keeping a group together.
Since they have often been in this role for as long as we can remember, it can be easy to take them for granted and, perhaps at times, even get annoyed at them for being “them” - until they are no longer there! When the anchor is gone, the ship often drifts. The void is palpable and changes things. It’s obviously the natural cycle of life, but it has been a tough lesson to see played out.
The Anchors in Our Lives Business Note
BY BRETT CAFFERTY
In our families, we have lost several “anchors” in the past few years. There are great memories, sadness for loss, and the hurt for those closest, along with the inevitable change in dynamics of how specific family or peer groups interact. They were
My point is two-fold: A) Recognize and appreciate the anchors in your life and how they have helped keep the world (and perhaps your family or friend group) spinning and B) Don’t underestimate your importance within a family or business group dynamic. You may be someone’s anchor without knowing it, or perhaps it’s a void that needs to be filled and you are it!
PHOTOGRAPHY BY THE WEST HILLS BIRD LADY
Tree swallow nest in West Knoxville backyard birdhouse. Tree swallows line their nests using the molted feathers of other birds formed into a cup shape for egg protection. As active aerial feeders, tree swallows are known to consume a variety of flying insects including mosquitoes.
