An interview with Ringo Starr, famed drummer and former Beatle.
41 Open Chord Music Shop
Your place for all things music.
47 Meadow View Greenhouses & Garden Center
Now is the prime time to get your garden ready for the growing season.
DOGWOOD ARTS is celebrating 7 decades as a community-driven initiative to promote and celebrate Knoxville’s art, culture, and natural beauty. With more than 20 annual events and programs, Dogwood Arts continues to expand its arts advocacy, environmental stewardship, and economic impact in East Tennessee.
From the Publisher
IRECENTLY attended a lovely bridal shower for one of my best friend’s daughter. Most of the attendees had known the bride her entire life as they were long-time friends of her mother. As the party progressed, she was showered with gifts and honeymoon money. I am always re-delighted when I see communities come together for the sole purpose of showing each other how much they mean to you.
Before my husband and I got married, a group of my parents’ friends got together to host a couples wedding shower for us where we received everything from bed sheets to specialty tools. Brett was truly surprised at how many people freely gave out gifts and well wishes - even though they did not know him personally. I explained that these gracious people loved my parents and as an extension “loved on us.” And
that is a beautiful thing!
When our son was engaged to marry his lovely bride, our sweet friends gave them a wedding shower where her family and friends were also included. There were stories of “beginnings” and “relationship progressions” that had us all laughing and getting misty from the nostalgia. It was a very special time for everyone - that again showed the happy couple, along with the rest of us - that goodwill often expands past the initial relationship.
I love that we are able to connect to others “by proxy,” in a I love you so I will also care for those you love way that bonds us all. It has always, and continues to, give me all the warm fuzzies. Knowing this is happening in others’ personal communities and getting to renew the experience in my own is so delightfully reassuring.
Susan Cafferty Publisher + Editor
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.
BY SHANNON HERRON, DOGWOOD ARTS MARKETING & CREATIVE DIRECTOR
EVERY SPRING, Knoxville bursts into bloom as Dogwood Arts brings the city to life with a vibrant celebration of art, culture, and natural beauty. Rooted in tradition yet ever-evolving, Dogwood Arts has been a cornerstone of East Tennessee’s cultural landscape for 70 years.
In 1947, John Gunther famously labeled Knoxville the “ugliest city” in America in his book Inside U.S.A. - eliciting a wave of disbelief and indignation from residents. Determined to prove Gunther wrong, members of the Knoxville Garden Club - led by Betsey Creekmore, Martha Ashe, and Betsy Goodson - joined forces with other civic-minded citizens in 1955 to launch the Dogwood Trails beautification project. That same year, Sequoyah Hills became the first trail, followed by Holston Hills in 1956 and Fountain City, Westmoreland, and Chapman Highway in 1957.
By 1961, so many visitors were flocking to Knoxville to see the spring-blooming Dogwood trees along the Trails that area businesses and community leaders felt more public entertainment was needed, and the inaugural Dogwood Arts Festival was born.
From the very beginning, Dogwood Arts has been a community-driven initiative. Today, from our office and gallery space on Jackson Avenue in the Old City, we continue to honor the vibrant legacy of our past, as we gear up for another thrilling season of events that promise to inspire, entertain, and educate!
Trails & Gardens
April 1-30
No matter where you are in Knoxville, you’re probably closer to a Dogwood Trail than you think! Trails are located in all four quadrants of the city, with more than 90 miles of blooming roadways to explore. Locate the Trailheads by visiting DogwoodArts.com/trails then simply follow the pink lines on the pavement! While you visit, be on the lookout for homes with “Open Garden” and “Camera Site” yard signs. The Dogwood Trails of East KnoxvilleMorningside and Holston Hills - are the “featured” trails in 2025.
Don’t miss this year’s “Featured Gardens” the weekend of April 12-13. Ranging from extensive properties and historic sites to quaint cottage and small urban gardens, these self-guided tours offer visitors a peek behind the curtain, inspiring even the most avid gardeners among us.
A fun, unexpected excursion in your own county!
Chalk Walk
April 5
Art in Action. Thousands of art lovers head downtown each year to experience this live art competition in Market Square. The Chalk Walk features more than 300 artists and collaborative teams: From kindergartners to professional artists, this event allows the entire community to show off their creative talents!
“No matter what the coming season brings, you can count on Dogwood Arts to be here, finding big and small ways to keep us all connected - just as we have since 1955. Support from you, no matter what size, will make a real and lasting impact in this community.”
– Sherry Jenkins, Executive Director
Dogwood Arts Festival
April 25-27
Established in 1961, the Dogwood Arts Festival is one of the most celebrated cultural events in Knoxville! The festival is held at World’s Fair Park in downtown Knoxville and features more than 100 fine art vendors, live music, entertainment, food & beverage vendors, and activities for the entire family. Not your average maker market, this juried event includes artists from across the country working in a variety of mediums - painting, photography, ceramics, leather, wood, sculpture, fiber, mixed media, and more - for one spectacular spring celebration!
Southern Skies Music & Whiskey Festival
May 10
Southern Skies is the newest addition to music programming at Dogwood Arts. Curated by hometown favorites The Dirty Guv’nahs, Southern Skies is an authentically-Knoxville celebration of music and community featuring a lineup of local, regional, and national talent. This year’s lineup includes Charley Crockett, The Dirty Guv’nahs, Willow Avalon, Devon Gilfillian, Southern Avenue, and Cruz Contreras & The Black Lillies.
Seven decades later, the community spirit that built Dogwood Arts is alive and well. Today, the small but mighty staff and a team of dedicated volunteers continue to promote and celebrate the art, culture, and natural beauty of East Tennessee with more than 20 annual events and programs. Dogwood Arts is more than just a festival - it’s a movement that continues to shape the region’s cultural identity. Whether you’re a lifelong resident or a first-time visitor, Dogwood Arts promises a unique celebration that is not to be missed. With year-round programming, including public art initiatives and educational outreach, the organization ensures that creativity flourishes long after the dogwood blooms have fallen.
DOGWOOD ARTS EVENTS
• Art in Public Places: Sculpture & Mural Programs
• Art Kits for Kids: Free Art & Educational Supplies
• First Friday Art Walk Exhibitions
• Chalk Walk
• Dogwood Arts Festival
• Regional Art Exhibition
• Youth Art Programs: Synergy, Epiphone Guitar Design Contest, A Very Special Arts Festival
• Bazillion Blooms: Tree Planting Campaign
• Dogwood Trails - 90 miles in 13 neighborhoods
• Spring Featured Gardens
• KnoxWalls at Emory Place
• House & Garden Show
• Southern Skies Music & Whiskey Festival
• Maker Exchange
Your donations help continue these wonderful programs!
`50s
The first Dogwood Trail was established in 1955 (Sequoyah Hills), followed by Holston Hills, Chapman Highway, Fountain City, and Westmoreland.
Knoxville hosts the 1982 World’s Fair and Dogwood Arts celebrates its 25th Anniversary!
2010 - present
Seven Decades in Bloom: A Brief History of Dogwood Arts
So many visitors were flocking to Knoxville to drive the Dogwood Trails that community leaders felt more entertainment was needed — articles of incorporation were written, and the first Dogwood Arts Festival was held in 1961.
The stars come to Knoxville to celebrate spring! Elton John, Jimmy Buffet, Kenny G, and Toni Braxton perform during the Dogwood Arts Festival in this decade. Peyton Manning is Grand Marshal of the Dogwood Arts Parade (1997).
The Dogwood Arts Festival continued to grow in the `70s
— with notable performances by Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley. The House & Garden Show started in 1978.
Pat Summitt and Senator Lamar Alexander were the Grand Marshals of the Dogwood Parade.
The decade of public art! The Art in Public Places Sculpture Program began in 2007. Dogwood adds several new programs — Chalk Walk, Bazillion Blooms, the Regional Art Exhibition, and Art de Tour.
Dogwood Arts programming rapidly expands — now a year-round celebration of art, culture, and natural beauty with over 20 primary events and programs.
RENOVATED FAMILY CREATIVE SPACE
THE KNOXVILLE Museum of Art (KMA) is thrilled to announce the reopening of its newly renovated, hands-on creative space which will include the debut of commissioned artworks by Knoxville-based artists, a new name and signage, a scavenger hunt, and new interactive art-making activities.
The space formerly known as Creative Corner will now be named “Aubrey Jaye’s Art Play” in honor of Aubrey Jaye Burleson and the transformative support of her parents Melissa and Randy Burleson. The Burlesons have been long-time supporters of the KMA in a variety of ways and were motivated to offer a family-friendly space to museum-goers that cultivates and inspires the creative energy of children, as well as all those young at heart. Aubrey Jaye’s Art Play encourages young visitors and their families to make art while surrounded by art - offering both traditional media (drawing & painting) and custom-designed digital tablets loaded with a plethora of possibilities.
Aubrey Jaye’s Art Play is conveniently located next to the museum’s front desk, making it a perfect first stop - or finale - for visitors. This colorful, engaging space encourages children to channel their inherent artistic talents into masterpieces that can speak to what they see and feel in the museum. While children immerse themselves in play and exploration, guardians are encouraged to join in on the fun, making it a dynamic destination for visitors of all ages.
Families in the Knoxville community are warmly invited to visit, explore, and enjoy this creative space with their children. Learn more at KnoxArt.org.
About the Knoxville Museum of Art
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.
A Dopo Sourdough Pizza Wood-Fired and Made to Order with Love
BY KELLY JO GROSSER LARSEN
DO YOU LOVE sourdough? What about pizza? Then you will really love A Dopo Sourdough Pizza located at 516 Williams Street in downtown Knoxville. This is a dinner only spot, and reservations are highly encouraged.
If you’re looking to really wow someone with an inti mate dinner experience in Knoxville, look no further than A Dopo. Each pizza is made to order with love in a woodfired stove. This process takes time, so sit back and enjoy your company over a tasty starter - the Ovoline is my favorite choice. The housepulled mozzarella is a game changer. You can also sip on fancy Italian wines or a local beer. They offer a wide selection and even have a house red and house white on tap. Let’s talk about the sourdough pizza. They are not just any regular old pizzas. They are made to order with locally sourced, fresh ingredients in a wood-fired stove, and you
won’t find pizza like this anywhere else in Knoxville. There are many specialty pizzas to choose from, or you can build your own. The chefs at A Dopo will create weekly specials with the freshest local ingredients, and
don’t knock it until you try it.
The house made gelato deserves its own paragraph. You really want to save room for this because it is out of this world. There are a few flavors that are always available, but they throw in specials every now and then. The pistachio gelato is a favorite of mine - it’s nutty, buttery, and delicious. I recently tried a cookie butter gelato on special that I am still dreaming about. You can thank me later. It’s impossible not to enjoy this delicacy.
these are the first to sell out each night. I decided to step out of my comfort zone and order a weekly special with a lemon cream base topped with delicata squash, caramelized onions, mozzarella, rosemary, and specked ham. Oh my goodness, I was blown away by all the flavor. It was everything I needed and more. The Spicy Greens pizza topped with kale is another one of my favorites. Pizza with kale on it?? I know, but
- Jeff Horton Quality Product Solutions
In Italian, “A Dopo” means “See you later” - and trust me, you will be coming back for more at a later date. It’s truly that good. Make that reservation and let them know Kelly’s Belly sent you!
@KellysBellyEatsLocal
SATURDAY, MARCH 15
Gay Street Downtown at 1 pm
Everyone is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day! No matter your age or accent, grab your green and join the family-friendly fun!
Embrace Your Jewelry Collection with DESIGNED STORAGE
BY CARRIE MCCONKEY, CARRIEMCCONKEY.COM
ONCE YOU’VE REACHED a certain “vintage,” chances are you’ve amassed a bevy of jewelry. Inherited heirlooms, designer classics, and just-for-fun costume pieces reflect your taste, style, and life’s journey.
Our collections can become a bit unruly, however. We dig on dark mornings, looking for a certain piece but instead settling on what is close at hand. With organized jewelry storage, it doesn’t have to be this way.
Why Should I Organize My Jewelry?
Your assortment of jewelry is an investment that took years to collect. When stored improperly, necklaces tangle, bracelets tarnish, and earrings get separated from their mates. Organized storage helps you:
• Keep your jewelry safe and protected
• Easily view what you have
• Quickly find what you need
• Show off your most prized pieces
How Can I Organize My Jewelry?
Your jewelry collection can be organized in a way that fits you: by type, style, or value; by metal, color, or stone; or simply by how you wear the pieces - everyday, special occasion, or career. Limited space? No problem. Hanging storage systems with versatile hooks - offered in a variety of vegan leather and matte metal finishes - can make even the slimmest space a stylish jewelry hub.
What Other Storage Options are Available?
The sky is the limit when it comes to designing your jewelry storage. Partitioned, soft-close drawers will pamper your jewelry with soft, velvet lining. An island with storage to spare can feature a glass top to display your most beautiful baubles. Or, if you prefer
not to advertise, a built-in hidden safe offers understated, dependable protection.
Go Beyond Your Jewelry
When getting organized, don’t stop with your jewelry. Organize and categorize belts, scarves, handbags, and more with customized cubbies, shelves, and drawers. And for those decision-making moments (“This color or that one?”), add a convenient countertop, retractable mirror, and LED lighting.
Celebrating 10 years in Knoxville, Closets by McKenry is your locally owned, locally operated storage design center. With the help of their design pros, you’ll stop neglecting your treasures. Fall in love with your jewelry collection all over again. Visit the Closets by McKenry/Designer Garages showroom today!
Closets by McKenry
201 Center Park Drive, #1070 Knoxville, TN 37922
865.249.6382
ClosetsByMcKenry.com
Contour adjustable jewelry storage from TAG
Custom velvet jewelry inserts
Pull-out necklace boards
Engage jewelry drawers from TAG
ONE FLOOR AT A TIME
CATE NEW and her family were ready to ditch the second floor bedroom carpet in their recently purchased home and replace them with hardwood flooring but had no idea where to start the process. Who should do the work and be trusted with such an important part of their home?
Fortunately, the folks Cate had bought her house from had a recommendation: European Fine Hardwood Floors. The previous owners had used this company for their new home’s renovation and could not rave about them enough. After a “field trip” to see their work firsthand, the News were ready to begin.
Valera Tomescu and his wife, Svetlana, started European Fine Hardwood Floors more than 10 years ago and have left a string of delighted clients across the area. As a Bona Certified Craftsman Award recipient, Valera is committed to keeping up-to-date with trends, processes, and Bona’s products - most recently attending a Bona Certified Training Program with his son in Charlotte in the fall of 2024. His years of experience are evident in his knowledge, craftsmanship, and overall attention to detail.
replaced, but she wasn’t exactly sure what products were suitable for East Tennessee basements. She trusted Valera’s know-how “who brought samples to help me visualize and steer me on the right path.”
“They take pride in their work, always clean as they go, do a beautiful job with their flooring, and even teach you how to clean your floors after.”
- Cate New
The New family was so happy with the entire process - no dust (seriously!), daily cleanups, and friendly service - that led to their beautiful hardwood flooring, they knew just who to call when they decided to renovate the basement. “We were so excited to do another project with them!” Cate said with a smile. It was clear that the existing carpet and tile needed to be removed and
Once again, European Fine Hardwood Floors did an excellent job installing the basement’s engineered hardwood flooring with the now familiar “dustless” process using Bona’s outdoor containment system. Cate shared, “Valera is great at informing you of what he is doing each step of the way. There are no surprises when working with this company. We made friends with this sweet family along the way, and I have recommended them multiple times!”
Whether your existing hardwood flooring could use an update or you’d like to add hardwood flooring to your home, contact the certified professionals at European Fine Hardwood Floors for superior craftsmanship and friendly, clean installation - then get ready for all the compliments on your flooring like the New family receives!
European Fine Hardwood Floors
865.640.3680
KnoxvilleHardwoodRefinishing.com
Certified Craftsman by Bona
Weatherproof All of Your
Out-of-Door Events
IT’S ALMOST TIME to move your family’s events back outdoors, and the professionals at Undercover Systems can provide you, your family, and friends with the option to spend unlimited time out-of-doors all year-round.
This spring is the perfect time to install Undercover Systems’ totally unique underdeck ceiling system under your home’s existing raised decks. This totally proprietary and patented underdeck system will ensure that this year’s outdoor gatherings will be protected from unexpected and unwanted rain, the searing summertime sun, and next winter’s sleet and snow. You’ll appreciate Undercover Systems’ attention to detail, which comes from years of experience, as they help you craft a seamless transition from your home’s interior to your new out-of-door living spaces. Underdeck ceilings are available in a variety of colors and textures - even bead board! - to perfectly complement your existing architecture and landscaping plans.
“It’s great time to weatherproof all of your future out-of-door events,” said Jim Conn, owner of Undercover Systems. “Throughout the entire process, our skilled craftsmen work with you, each step of the way, from consultation until your project is completed to your satisfaction. And because each underdeck system we install is custom made by Undercover Systems specifically for your individual home, you can be assured of many years of reliable, trouble-free family enjoyment. Most of our competitors use generic, off-theshelf components found at the big box home improvement stores. Our underdeck product is totally supported by Undercover Systems’ gutter system and not your home’s decking as with competitive systems. This promotes greater air circulation and deck longevity. A fact that homeowners always appreciate!”
A complaint-free member of the Better Business Bureau, Undercover Systems offers you the peace of mind that you deserve in a building contractor.
Why not start creating a lifetime of memories by surprising your family this season with a special springtime gift that the entire family can enjoy all year long? Call Jim Conn today at 423-267-0091 and start celebrating every season out-of-doors.
423.267.0091
States of Becoming: Exploring Forces of Relocation and Assimilation
THE KNOXVILLE MUSEUM OF ART announces States of Becoming, an exhibition curated by Artist and Curator Fitsum Shebeshe and produced by Independent Curators International (ICI), on view at KMA now through April 27th. States of Becoming examines the dynamic forces of relocation, resettling, and assimilation that shape the artistic practices of a group of contemporary African artists who have lived and worked in the United States within the last three decades.
The concept for States of Becoming evolved from Shebeshe’s lived experience following his 2016 move from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to Baltimore, Maryland, and his subsequent interactions with the weight of cultural assimilation. Shebeshe also had the realization for the first time that he was viewed as belonging to a minority because of the color of his skin, and a newfound awareness of the profound impact Ethiopia’s traditional and conservative culture had on his personal sense of individuality.
Having found kinship among cultural practitioners from the African Diaspora who shared his experience, Shebeshe has united 17 artists with States of Becoming who either came to the United States during the past 30 years or who are first-generation born. The artists represented in States of Becoming relocated from 12 countries in Africa and one in the Caribbean with roots in cities across the U.S., including New York, Washington, D.C., New Haven, Detroit, and Los Angeles.
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.
Preserving, Interpreting, and Promoting Our Region’s History
BY KEN MAYES, ETHC MARKETING & DIGITAL CONTENT MANAGER
GEOGRAPHICALLY, HISTORICALLY, and politically, East Tennessee is a distinct region within the rest of the state. It is land made up of mountains and valleys, a land where international research facilities and the state university blend with time-honored traditions and centuries-old stories to create a truly special place.
The history of East Tennessee - the complex narratives of its land and its people - are preserved and interpreted here at the East Tennessee History Center (ETHC) in downtown Knoxville. ETHC is an award-winning research facility and museum that is the result of a public-private partnership between the Knox County Public Library and the East Tennessee Historical Society.
The four departments housed here at ETHC are:
• Calvin M. McClung Historical Collection (located on the 3rd floor), where you can research genealogy and all things “history” to your hearts content with the help from great reference librarians.
• Knox County Archives (located on the 2nd floor), which is a repository of non-current, permanent records created by Knox County government dating all the way back to 1792.
• Tennessee Archives of Moving Image and Sound (TAMIS) (located in the basement), which preserves cultural history as it’s recorded on film, video, and audio.
• Museum of East Tennessee History (located on the 1st floor), operated by the East Tennessee Historical Society and open to the public seven days a week, the museum tells the history of East Tennessee through its permanent exhibition Voices of the Land: The People of East Tennessee and upcoming feature exhibition Home Runs & Home Teams: A History of the National Pastime in Tennessee.
The heart of ETHC is its collections, representing all of East Tennessee’s 35 counties, and guests are invited to explore our resources and find connec tions to their past.
The East Tennessee History Center is housed in the Custom House, Knoxville’s first federal building and a downtown landmark since 1874. An expansion (that we are in right now) was completed in 2004 and beau tifully complements the original building and provides more access to all of ETHC’s resources.
ETHC’s team of archivists, curators, historians, and librarians, as well as experts from the East Tennessee region, are constantly uncovering stories from the
“What a treasure for East Tennessee history in particular. Really good exhibits from the beginning of the migration west to present day.”
- Visitor from Canada
Photos
HOW YOU CAN HELP
● Join our Membership (with perks!)
● Help with Volunteer Work
● Donate Monthly, Annually, or Memorial Gifts
As a nonprofit, the East Tennessee Historical Society depends on the generosity of donors, members, and volunteers to help it meet its mission to preserve, interpret, and promote the history of East Tennessee. You can find out more on our website at EastTNhistory.org/support.
past and providing in-person and virtual programming for members of the public to enjoy and learn from. Some of those programs include genealogy workshops, lectures, children and family programs, as well as larger community events like a tailgate on Market Street. All are designed to engage our community and visitors with our local history.
Visitors and guests come to the History Center and Museum of East Tennessee History from all walks of life. The museum wel comes more than 30k visitors per year, and guest have come from all 50 states, all provinces in Canada, and more than 62 countries from around the world. The museum also serves more than 3,000 school-age students from Knox and surrounding counties each year. For those who would like to visit the museum but may not have the means, we participate in several programs for free or reduced admission, including Museums for All, Blue Star Museums, Penny for the Arts, and offer free admission on Sundays.
PROGRAMS & EVENTS
Throughout the year, the East Tennessee History Center hosts a full range of programs and special events that are designed to connect the people of East Tennessee (and beyond) with the rich history of the region. Programs and special events include:
● Genealogical Workshops
● Brown Bag and Evening Lecture Series
● Little History Lessons: A Program for Preschoolers
● History Hootenanny
● Football Friday
● Monsters at the Museum
● And more!
The mission of the East Tennessee Historical Society is to preserve, interpret, and promote the history of Tennessee, focusing on East Tennessee, to educate and connect the region, its people, history, culture, and heritage.
How Organization Brings You More Joy
EVERYONE LOVES organization. An organized space looks great, but it’s also incredibly useful because it can help free up your time so you can get more joy in your life.
Whether it’s a daily morning walk or quality time with family, everyone could use more time in their day - and getting organized can help. When all your pantry items, countertop appliances, and dishware are easy to spot and easy to reach, you can save tons of time in your day. A few minutes saved when emptying your dishwasher or making a sandwich might not feel like much, but that time really adds up. What would you do with an extra 20-30 minutes each day?
ShelfGenie ® can help you get organized. Glide-Out™ shelves can increase your storage space by 50% and pull out the full depth of your cabinets and pantry. That means you can reduce the clutter in your home and make locating and retrieving items much easier. This will also make your space feel more open, so you’ll feel as if you’re cooking in a whole new kitchen. Plus, having more space just might encourage you to be more adventurous with your meals, throw dinner parties with friends, and dine out less often.
Along with getting more space and time, being organized can help you feel happier each day. In fact, HuffPost has reported that clutter can increase stress levels and can even lead to lower productivity. That means that being organized and decluttering your space can help you work better, enjoy your space more, and feel more relaxed at home.
To see how ShelfGenie can give you more time, space, and joy, give us a call at 865-409-1197 or learn more at ShelfGenie.com/East-Tennessee.
ShelfGenie®
865.409.1197
ShelfGenie.com/East-Tennessee
The War That Saved the World?
How the National Cold War Center and Woodrow Wilson Center are Partnering to Elevate the Story
COURTESY OF BPT
IN 1987, President Ronald Reagan boldly stood before one of the iconic symbols of the Cold War and, in words that shape his legacy, demanded from the Soviet leader, “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall.”
Two years later, the Berlin Wall came down. Then, in 1991, the Cold War ended with the dissolution of the Soviet Union.
Lasting nearly a half-century, the war profoundly changed and, perhaps, saved the world.
During that time, the United States and Russia engaged in a global contest over different ways of life, threatened and deterred each other with vast arsenals of nuclear weapons, tested one another’s resolve in 1962 during the Cuban Missile Crisis, raced to become the first country to put a human in space, and sought allies and influence throughout the world.
A key component of the U.S. military strategy during the Cold War was the Blytheville Air Force Base in northeastern Arkansas. It closed in 1992, but throughout the post-World War II conflict, the base - and especially its alert center - formed a vital part of the U.S. Strategic Air Command, which controlled most of the U.S. nuclear weapons and the aircraft and missiles that delivered those weapons.
Today, this former Arkansas Air Force base is being transformed into the home of the National Cold War Center (NCWC), a museum and historic site dedicated to honoring Cold War veterans, preserving history, and advancing understanding and debate about the world’s most protracted and expensive war and its legacies for today.
To elevate its mission on a national and international level, the NCWC has partnered with the distinguished Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars (Wilson Center) in Washington, D.C. Chartered by Congress as a public-private partnership and affiliated with the Smithsonian Institution, the Wilson Center is a premier research institute on Cold War history and its vast network of relationships and resources in the international policy research community will support and strengthen the NCWC’s goal to become America’s official museum of the Cold War.
The partnership is poised to enhance the NCWC’s unique mission “to comprehensively tell the story of the Cold War, informed by the experiences of those who fought, lived, and survived the conflict that has had such profound consequences for today’s world.”
Dr. Christian Ostermann, an award-winning historian and the longtime director of History and Public Policy at the Wilson Center, will
direct the historic collaboration. A world-renowned scholar of the Cold War, he brings decades of experience and a strong vision for the future National Museum of the Cold War. Working with Blytheville community leaders, the NCWC’s National Advisory Board, and federal, state, and private-sector partners, Ostermann aims to help the NCWC turn its historic Ready Alert Facility into a state-of-the-art educational site that draws visitors from across the globe to learn about the Cold War.
“Understanding the history of the Cold War is critical to making sense of our world today,” said Dr. Ostermann. “The ideological and geopolitical rivalry between capitalism and communism defined global politics for nearly half a century, leading to a nuclear arms race, regional and proxy wars, as well as cultural, economic, and technological transformations that hold profound lessons still vital in the 21st century.”
Mary Gay Shipley, chairman of the National Cold War Center board of directors, has been at the forefront of its development efforts since they launched in late 2016.
“This partnership with the world-renowned Wilson Center gives our efforts even more credibility. We had a tremendous gain when the 118th U.S. Congress established the National Cold War Center as America’s federal museum of the Cold War, and this is another huge step forward,” said Shipley. “We look forward to welcoming thousands of people to our community annually to learn more about this important time in world history.”
While the grand opening of the NCWC is slated for 2027, the NCWC currently provides visitors the opportunity to experience the history of the Blytheville Air Force Base (BAFB) and its role in the Cold War via its BAFB Exhibition, which opened in November 2020. Once fully open, the Center expects to welcome more than 50,000 visitors in its first year, fueling education and providing a boon to the tourism economy of the Arkansas Delta.
As the NCWC expands its role to the global stage through its new partnership with the Wilson Center, the Center looks to develop an unparalleled experience providing visitors a window into a conflict that echoes throughout modern society and remains deeply relevant to geopolitics in 2024.
To learn more, visit the NCWC website at NationalColdWarCenter.com.
INSIGHTS HIGHLIGHTS &
MEADOW VIEW GREENHOUSES & GARDEN CENTER
Charming spring and Easter themed pictures are part of the Round Top Mini Gallery Collection that features various artists’ works. Framed in scalloped metal edging with a ring, these 6" x 7" wood panels can sit tabletop, on an easel, or be hung on a decorative display post. These designs and more available at Meadow View Greenhouses & Garden Center, 9885 Highway 11E in Lenoir City, 865.986.7229, MeadowViewGreenhouse.com.
HARB'S CARPETING & ORIENTAL RUGS
For almost 100 years, Harb’s has offered some of the most beautiful artisan handmade rugs from around the world, four large showrooms under one roof - a downtown treat to see! With the largest inventory of beautiful area rugs in East Tennessee, including modern, contemporary, and traditional, available in all price ranges. Harb’s Carpeting & Oriental Rugs, 608 N Broadway in Knoxville, 865.252.7562, HarbsRugs.com.
SHAE DESIGN STUDIO
This custom chair features a swivel glider base and is finished with a beautiful performance fabric of teal, cream, and gold. It is a must-see in the showroom, along with many other custom upholstery pieces available at Shae Design Studio, 9700 Kingston Pike, Suite 11 in Knoxville, 865.313.2656, ShaeDesigns.com.
MAKER EXCHANGE
Visit the Curio at Maker Exchange and shop locallymade artwork from 150+ makers. Shop new work by Diahn Ott, a local ceramicist: Medium Dogwood Serving Platter and Dogwood Serving Tray. Stop by at 710 Clinch Avenue in downtown Knoxville between the Marriott and Tennessean Hotels, 865.637.4561, or online at MakerExchangeKnox.com.
HONEY BLOSSOM BOUTIQUE
Real clothing for real life for every age, shape, and size - honestly! Come shop at Honey Blossom for a fun, affordable, downto-earth boutique experience whether you are looking for an entire ensemble or a unique gift for someone special. Judy Blue Jeans are also available at Honey Blossom Boutique, 109 East Broadway in Lenoir City, 865.591.1134, Honey Blossom Boutique LC on Facebook and Instagram.
INTERNATIONAL FLAIR JEWELERS
Can’t decide between gold or silver jewelry? These striking gold and sterling silver cable bangle bracelets are the best of both worlds! Also available with a beautiful touch of pearl. For unique collections and custom designed pieces, visit International Flair Jewelers, 11124 Kingston Pike #113 in Farragut, 865.777.1181, InternationalFlairJewelers.net.
A Culinary Trip Through Italy
COURTESY OF BPT
DREAMING ABOUT a trip to Italy? Italy is a magical, mystical blend of timeless history and artistic masterpieces, scenery that will take your breath away, warm, friendly people who will make you feel like family, and all of it wrapped up in un amorè per la cucina Italiana - a love of Italian food.
Long, leisurely meals with family and friends are not just a tradition here, they are the heart and soul of the Italian people. Regions in Italy are revered for their specialties, and for travelers, a must-do experience is enjoying these regional dishes in the places they originated. You will never have heavenly, silky pasta carbonara better than in Rome. The most delicious pizza of your life? Look no further than Naples.
But planning a trip around Italy’s legendary cuisine can be a bit daunting. How do you know where to go and what to eat when you’re there? That’s where Steve Perillo comes in. The third-generation owner of Perillo Tours, Steve is an expert in all things Italia, especially its cuisine and culture. With deep roots in Italy, travelers can feel confident that Perillo will deliver unforgettable Italian experiences at an exceptional value, whether traveling on an escorted tour or an independent custom vacation.
Here are some regions where Perillo Tours takes visitors and the dishes Steve says are must-haves when you’re there.
Rome. In the spring, Roman markets are filled with just-picked artichokes. If you’re lucky enough to be in the Eternal City during this season, you are in for a culinary
treat you can’t get anywhere else on the planet. Rome is known for Carciofi alla Romana, or Roman-style artichokes, an otherworldly concoction of whole artichokes, lemon juice, parsley, mint, garlic, olive oil, and white wine, braised to perfection. The braising brings out the artichoke’s flavor like no other cooking method, elevating it to “food of the Gods” status. They’re a perfect side dish or a light supper with crusty bread. Tuscany. The light in Tuscany is different than the light anywhere else in the world. It bathes the landscape in a golden glow that makes everything more beautiful, including their tables. Siena and Florence are known for many hearty wild boar stews and soups using cannelli beans and stale bread, but the one must-have here is Bistecca alla Fiorentina, which is a Chianina beef steak, cut to exact specifications and grilled rare. Perillo offers a Taste of Siena tour that includes a cooking class in the home of a local chef, who can teach you the secrets of local Tuscan cuisine.
Naples. Pizza was invented in Naples in the 18th century as a quick, affordable meal for the working class, and people soon started visiting those neighborhoods just to get a taste of it. You haven’t had pizza until you’ve had it in Naples, and Perillo Tours offers a 15-Day North Classic tour that includes a pizza-making class in this beautiful city. News you can use: Steve’s top three pizza places, all in Naples: Starita (Always crowded with locals. One of the best pizzas Steve has ever had!), Sorbillo (Long lines but the pizza is worth the wait!), and Pizzeria Brandi (Delicious pizza with a special story
behind it. This is where the Margherita pizza was invented!)
Sicily. This legendary Mediterranean island is familiar to many Americans from “The Godfather” film, but it is most famous for its food. Perillo is offering a new 8-Day Taste of Sicily tour that includes wine tastings, strolls through medieval villages, and a visit to Mount Etna. Palermo’s bustling street markets are a highlight. What to eat when you’re there? Cannoli, of course. It’s a crisp pastry shell stuffed with sweetened ricotta cheese and sometimes sprinkled with pistachios or chocolate. Another musthave: Arancino, a fried rice ball stuffed with tomato sauce, peas, and meat, or get one with ham, béchamel, and cheese.
Venice. This city of romance, with gondolas floating down lazy canals and shops along winding, ancient cobblestone streets and alleyways, is a treat for the senses. Try the Cicchetti, which is a bit like the Venetian version of tapas. Small portions of several dishes that are served to the table, meant to be shared. You’ll get crostini topped with a variety of spreads, panini sandwiches, shrimp or other seafood, and polpette, fried balls with tuna, meats, or potato. And do not miss the tiramisu. Trust them on this one.
One popular food you won’t find in Italy? Spaghetti and meatballs. That’s a creation of Italian Americans. Try the Bolognese or wild boar ragu instead.
Since 1945, three generations of the Perillo family have perfected the art of traveling to Italy. To start planning for your dream vacation, visit www.PerilloTours.com.
FHow Older Adults Can Best Prepare for Surgery
BY PATRICIA L. TURNER, MD, MBA, FACS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR & CEO, AMERICAN COLLEGE OF SURGEONS COURTESY OF BPT
OR PEOPLE of all ages, the mere thought of surgery can spur anxious thoughts and concerns: How long will the surgery take? What will my recovery look like? How risky is the procedure?
Worries and questions about surgery are especially common for patients 65 years and older, who account for more than 40% of all in-patient operations and can be at risk for increased complications as a result of other co-existing medical conditions.
At the American College of Surgeons (ACS), the largest professional association of surgeons in the world, we understand that preparing for surgery can be an overwhelming experience. We believe that asking the right questions before surgery can foster open communication between the patient and the care team, make preparing for an operation less daunting, and lead to better outcomes.
To help older patients navigate the complexities of preparing for surgery, the ACS, through our Geriatric Surgery Verification (GSV) Program, created a patient checklist for older surgical patients, families, and caregivers. The checklist, which is free for anyone to download, equips patients with practical tips in an easy-to-use format and can be filled out online with a computer or printed out and brought to an appointment. Developed in collaboration with surgical experts, the checklist and our robust patient-education materials (facs.org/ for-patients) are designed to help patients and their families ask the right questions at the right time to help ensure they receive high-quality surgical care.
Encouraging open communication
Open communication between the patient and the care team is paramount to any successful surgery. The checklist outlines several questions to foster honest discussions with your care team, including a section to list any special considerations such as cognition (thinking) and delirium (confusion) risk, and a section to list all your current medications and allergies in one place to help facilitate a smoother office visit.
Putting your care goals front and center
Your goals and quality of life are as important as many other details related to your surgery. The checklist includes a section to capture thoughts about your overall health,
treatment goals, and how surgery might affect your daily life. Often referred to as patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures, this information is important for detailing what matters to you most. Having discussions about your priorities in advance can help your surgical team develop a specific care plan that relies on the best possible research and aligns with your personal goals.
Helping you keep track of your questions
In the days and weeks before surgery, it can be difficult to think of all the questions you want to ask your surgeon and care team beforehand. The checklist includes several suggested questions to ask your care team. It also offers tips on having effective conversations with your care team to help you and your caregivers more fully understand all aspects of the operation and your recovery.
Download the Geriatric Surgery Patient Checklist (facs.org/gsvpatient) and learn
more about how the ACS GSV program (facs.org/gsv) helps hospitals optimize surgical care for older patients through comprehensive, evidence-based standards. The ACS assists hospitals in improving surgical care in a variety of areas. We recognize hospitals that meet our high-quality verification standards with an ACS Surgical Quality Partner Diamond. Our hospital finder (facs.org/ hospital-and-facilities) provides patients with information on more than 2,500 hospitals nationwide that have earned the distinguished ACS Surgical Quality Partner Diamond by participating in one or more of our programs.
Patricia L. Turner, MD, MBA, FACS, is Executive Director & CEO of the American College of Surgeons, the largest professional association of surgeons in the world, founded in 1913
• 10 AM - 3
SPRING HAS ARRIVED, and it’s the perfect time to start planning your garden! Check out Ijams Nature Center’s Mayapple Marketplace, an outdoor spring event with local plant nurseries, gardening vendors, nature themed handmade goods from artists and crafters, food trucks, and more! Whether you’re looking for amazing plants for your yard, unique art for your home, or just a fun way to spend the afternoon, Ijams’ Mayapple Marketplace has something for everyone!
Explore this fantastic event at the Visitor Center and on the lawn and plaza on Sunday, March 30th, from 10 am to 3 pm. Be sure to visit the Ijams Gift Shop, open during the event, featuring amazing creations from more than 100 local artists! Visit Ijams.org for more information.
proudly presents
Directed by Christina Sayer
THROUGH MARCH 16TH
Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays at 7:30 pm Sundays at 3 pm
Two wealthy gentlemen in the Victorian age create double lives for themselves to avoid certain social obligations, giving rise to this comedy about social class, gender roles, mistaken identities, love and marriage.
Come see Jack Worthing and his friend Algernon in action!
Entertaining Knoxville Since 1976
THEATRE KNOXVILLE DOWNTOWN is a true “community theater” run entirely by volunteers. Theatre Knoxville, now known affectionately as TKD, proudly holds the title of Knoxville’s oldest continuously operating, nonacademic, all-volunteer, non-profit community theater.
It all began in March 1976 when Knoxville Community Theatre (KCT) was chartered with a mission to promote theater in the Knoxville metropolitan area and train aspiring performers. In 1988, the name changed to Theatre Knoxville (TK) and later became Theatre Knoxville Downtown (TKD) after settling in to their long-time theatre space on North Gay Street in 2005.
In 2019, TKD expanded to their current location at 800 South Central Street to offer more space to patrons, volunteers, and actors alike. They produce 8 full-length shows each season with 11 performances of each. See their website at TheatreKnoxville.com for upcoming shows, scheduling auditions, and ways to volunteer.
STORAGE SOLUTIONS SIMPLIFIED
SHELF HELP
has been helping our clients solve kitchen and bath storage challenges in the Knoxville area since 2016, and we wanted to share a few client favorites that make everyday tasks easier.
Go vertical - A simple and inexpensive way to store and easily retrieve heavy glass pans, sheet pans, and lids is to add vertical dividers in a roll-out drawer. You no longer need to take everything out to get the one you need! Easy to see, easy to reach, easy to store.
Under sink solutions - Our slim, side mount drawers are a great way to utilize available space under the sink in the kitchen or bath. We can size to fit, and with the height closer to the top of the cabinet, it’s an easy reach!
Remove the stile - Removing the center stile between the cabinet doors allows us to install drawers the full width of the cabinet - great for pots, pans, and large items. The stile is then mounted to one of the doors for a finished look.
SATURDAY MARCH 15, 2025
LIVE & VIRTUAL OPTIONS FOR 6K RUN & 1 MILE WALK
THE 2025 Knox Shamrock Fest™ is the region’s premier, family friendly St. Patrick’s Day Festival with live music, Irish dancing, food trucks, Irish whiskey, Lucky Pub Beer Garden sponsored by Y-12 Credit Union, Pot o' Gold playland, and more!
Lucky Kidney Run™ is a major fundraiser benefiting the East Tennessee Kidney Foundation. Join more than 300 walkers and runners to bring awareness to this “silent” disease and support those that suffer from kidney disease - 100% of funds raised stay right here in East Tennessee! Please support their local mission of improving the lives of East Tennesseans with kidney disease - prizes awarded to the top fundraising teams! Visit ETkidney.org/events for more information and to register for the race. Be sure to check out the photo gallery!
ET KIDNEY FOUNDATION SERVICES
Transportation to Dialysis - Now serving approximately 300 patients per month in a 25-county area.
Dental Assistance Program - Good dental health is required in order to be placed on the kidney transplant waiting list.
Nutritional Supplement Program - Free high protein supplements for dialysis patients lacking adequate nutrition.
Community Education - Promoting kidney disease awareness, prevention, and early detection.
MARKET SQUARE
A Symbol of Knoxville’s History
MARKET SQUARE boasts a rich and multifaceted history, reflecting the broader growth and cultural evolution of the city over time. Initially conceived in 1853 by private developers Joseph Mabry and William Swan, the square was designed as a public market place to connect regional farmers with the growing urban population. However, its role rapidly expanded to become more than just a commercial space - it evolved into a bustling center of social, cultural, and political activity that became deeply embedded in the life of the city.
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as Knoxville grew into an industrial hub, Market Square reflected this transformation. The Square became the center for varied activities, with an architectural diverse array of buildings constructed from the 1860s to the 1930s. These structures housed a mix of saloons, restaurants, government offices, boarding houses, and even movie theaters. The square was not only a practical marketplace but also a vibrant gathering spot, where locals could socialize, conduct business, and enjoy entertainment. This development marked the square as a microcosm of the city’s economic and social dynamics.
Among the architectural landmarks that stood out was the Victorian-era market house built in 1897. The market house served a dual purpose: It functioned as both a commercial center for the city’s commercial trade and as a cultural space with an auditorium for public events and entertainment. This unique blend of commerce and culture was a hallmark of Market Square, and the building became a symbol of Knoxville’s evolving identity during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
However, the square’s character was altered in the mid-20th century. In the 1950s, there were calls to demolish the market house in the name of progress and modernization. After a fire in 1960, the market house was indeed taken down and rebranded Market Square Mall, which consisted of a series of white “toadstool” shaped canopies designed to create an open-air shopping experience. While this new design was seen as a step into the future, it met with mixed reactions and eventually fell out of favor. By 1986, driven by a wave of local sentiment, the canopies were removed, and the space was rechristened Market Square, reclaiming its historical and cultural significance. This moment marked a return to the Square’s origins as a vibrant public space where residents and visitors alike could come together.
Throughout the years, Market Square has maintained its close ties to the musical culture of the region, especially to country music. Early country music pioneers frequently performed in venues around the Square, contributing to the rise of Knoxville as a cultural center in the broader country music scene. The square’s prominence in the city’s social life also caught the attention of renowned literary figures. Writers such as James Agee and Cormac McCarthy drew inspiration from Market Square’s distinct atmosphere, immortalizing its role as a cultural touchstone in their works.
Today, Market Square remains a lively and integral part of Knoxville’s urban landscape. It serves as a venue for a wide range
of events, from outdoor festivals and live music performances to the popular farmers’ market. The square has retained its identity as a crossroads for commerce, culture, and community, continuously evolving while remaining rooted in its historical legacy.
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.
Market Square & Market House Postcard
Market House
Market House Demolished 1960
THE ROSSINI FESTIVAL
is Knoxville Opera’s annual International Street Fair that celebrates the global impact on the music, food, art, and culture of East Tennessee. Throughout the festival, the public is treated to non-stop entertainment on four outdoor stages showcasing opera, classical, jazz, gospel, ethnic music, ballet, modern, and ethnic dance. Attendees can purchase from scores of food vendors and more than 75 artisans throughout the day, while The Y FunZone keeps children entertained. More than half a million residents of Knox County
and the surrounding area have enjoyed the Rossini Festival throughout the years.
Performers: Four stages offer 11 hours of non-stop choral, opera, jazz, instrumental, gospel, chamber, dance, and ethnic artistic performances. You are sure to experience something new at every turn.
Artisans: Hundreds of artisans from all across East Tennessee gather to show off and sell their wares. From booths scattered all over the festival footprint, you will find clothing, jewelry, and home items - all handmade in our region.
Food vendors: From tacos and Greek
Tspecialties to your favorite adult beverages, Rossini Festival food and beverage vendors offer a plethora of local and international cuisine. With this many possibilities, everyone can get what they want!
Journey Around the World is back!
Embark on an enchanting journey where opera and adventure intertwine, guiding you through international fairytales to unravel mysteries that span from German forests to Persian palaces. Start at the Journey Around the World Tent, collect stamps, and solve riddles to uncover your fairytale and claim a prize in this captivating quest!
Begin with the Infinite End in Mind
BY DR. JIM BAILEY
AT THE BEGINNING of the year, there’s a lot of fuss about the resolutions we make regarding our health, financial s ituations, relationships, and the like. Experience (and the media) reminds us that most of our resolutions have failed by the second week of January and that you’re more likely to keep resolutions by making them reasonable, small, doable, or altering your mindset. Then again, I’ve also read articles saying it’s better for our mental health to simply not make resolutions. Evidently, if you venture nothing you have less to lose.
Resolutions are not good or bad things in and of themselves. It’s good to have dreams, goals, and aspirations that inspire, persuade, or goad us on toward a better state of being. Author Zig Ziglar was right when he said, “If you aim at nothing, you will hit it every time.” Humans need goals. Aspirations and resolutions become problematic when they become win-orlose, achieve-or-fail situations driven by urgency instead of being long-term goals supported by substantial ideas that guide our lives.
What do I mean? Well, it’s a fair guess that many people made resolutions that
they will lose a certain amount of weight by a c ertain date or the end of the year. This kind of resolution fosters a daily win or lose scenario where we monitor our food consumption and our exercise with a constant pressure to eat less (or differently) and exercise more each day. At the end of (and maybe throughout) each day, we’re at risk to evaluate whether we’ve met our resolution. With each evaluation, either we win or we lose, and our sense of self gets elevated or smacked down accordingly.
But what if your goal was an overarching aspiration to “become healthier” this year? Becoming healthier is a still a worthwhile goal, though - in some ways it’s broader than losing a specific number of pounds or clothing sizes. It’s also not something that’s necessarily confined by days, weeks, or months, how much you eat or even what you eat, or the type and amount of physical activity you’re doing, although it’s understood that each one of these is an essential part of becoming healthier.
The key difference between the two approaches is in the emphasis they place on short-term goals versus long-term aspirations. When we focus on short-term goals, we invariably drift into measuring our daily performance on a simplistic scale. Our
daily self-evaluations take on an urgency that can lead us into an emotional roller coaster as we are faced with the daily prospect of being either “good” or “bad” or a “winner” or a “loser.”
On the other hand, if your long-term aspiration is the more general “get healthier,” then you might look for more general markers of your progress such as “What ‘healthy foods’ did I add to my diet?” “What forms of physical activity did I introduce in my day or week?” “What strategies did I use to get restful sleep?” Or “How did I add time spent in reflection, meditation, or prayer?”
Each of these are important components of the larger goal of becoming healthier, but none are an end in themselves.
Every day each of us is pressured to focus on short-term measures of our value and worth and run the risk of obsessing on urgent things at the expense of the important things that make up a life. If you’d like to stay focused on important things in 2025 and beyond, then it helps to mentally project yourself to the end of the year or the decade or your life, then look backward and ask things like:
• How did I positively impact the lives of the people with whom I’m closest or for whom I care the most?
• Where did I accomplish things through my work that might have lasting meaning?
• Where did I help bring about meaningful changes in the world around me?
• How did I deepen and add meaning to my spiritual life?
• How did I become more physically and emotionally fit and unencumbered by health problems I can control so I could do the things listed above?
• How did I serve higher or larger goals than my own comfort, security, and happiness?
Each of these things contains a sense of larger purpose and meaning that isn’t bound by a short-term perspective. They prioritize importance over urgency, character over persona, community over self-interest, flexibility over rigidity, and focus our energy on making positive changes rather than trying to eliminate negative aspects of our lives. In the end, our lives (and perhaps our headstones) will be marked by these things, rather than how successful we were at losing 10 pounds.
This article was inspired by The Infinite Game by Simon Sinek, a book about business that has implications for daily living. Our lives are “infinite games” with long-term consequences to our short-term decisions and actions. Contact me through my website or give me a call at 865-755-4543 and we can talk about how you can build your work-life around things that are important to you.
NEED SOME EXTRA STORAGE SPACE IN YOUR GARAGE?
The E-Z Lift Storage Rack is an innovative overhead garage storage system designed to revolutionize the way you organize your space.
Our retractable design brings your items down to you, then back up to the ceiling and out of your way! Engineered to support an impressive 700 lbs. of distributed weight, our unique design provides a stable and secure solution for your garage storage needs. No power supply needed, just use a power drill to raise and lower the 4' x 8' platform.
Reclaim your garage space with our safe, economical solution to store all types of items either above the garage door, or overhead on the ceiling.
Retracts up to 12' Made
No power supply needed – use a power drill or hand crank to raise and lower
Experience an innovative approach to garage storage with the
Spring Awakening: Celebrate the Season with Random Acts of Flowers
AS THE CHILL of winter melts away, Knoxville will burst into a symphony of colors and warmth, reminding us of the beauty that spring brings. At Random Acts of Flowers, this season is particularly meaningful as it represents the growth and rebirth of flowers, a vital part of our mission: to improve the emotional health and wellbeing of individuals in healthcare facilities by delivering recycled flowers, encouragement, and personal moments of kindness.
The arrival of spring not only signals a time of natural renewal, but also an opportunity to spread joy and happiness through the simple yet profound act of giving. Our dedicated team and volunteers work tirelessly to collect donated flowers, repurpose them into beautiful bouquets, and deliver them to those in need of a little sunshine in their day. Whether it’s a hospital patient, a nursing home resident, or someone attempting to overcome a difficult injury, a thoughtfully arranged bouquet can brighten their day and lift their spirits.
With spring also comes our signature event, the Garden Party, set to take place on May 1st at the picturesque Knoxville Botanical Gardens. This elegant soirée will feature an evening of delicious food, live music, and an array of stunning floral displays. It’s a night where the community comes together to celebrate the impact of our mission and to support the continued growth of Random Acts of Flowers. We invite you to join us at the Garden Party and experience the magic of spring in full bloom. Your support not only helps us bring joy to those who need it most, but also ensures that our mission of kindness and compassion continues to flourish. Together, let’s embrace the beauty of the season and make a lasting difference in our community.
For more information about the Garden Party and Random Acts of Flowers, call 865-633-9082 or visit our website at RandomActsofFlowers.org. We look forward to celebrating with you and spreading the joy of flowers this spring.
RINGO & T BONE FOR THE LOVE OF COUNTRY MUSIC
BY RANDY PATTERSON, BOOMEROCITY.COM
THERE ARE FEW people on the planet that, when only their first name is mentioned, everyone knows who is being talked about. Elvis and Cher come to mind. Ringo Starr would be another. However, for those who have been under a rock for the past 60 or so years, I am referring to the famed drummer and former Beatle who is a long-time inductee into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Though turning 85 this summer, Ringo is still prolific in his album work and touring. His latest solo album, Look Up , is - believe it or not - chock full of great new country tunes. Co-written and produced by T Bone Burnett, it’s Ringo’s first full-length LP in six years and his first country album in more than 50 years. It’s a beautiful testament to his lifelong love of country music. Helping Ringo and T Bone on Look Up are such amazing talents as Alison Krauss, Molly Tuttle, Larkin Poe, Lucius, Billy Strings, and Ringo’s brother-in-law, Joe Walsh of James Gang/Eagles fame.
Ringo and T Bone invited a group of music journalists, scribes, and podcasters to a Q&A session (simultaneously in-person at the historic Ryman Auditorium and remotely via Zoom, as was the case with yours truly) to discuss the album. Taking place before the second night of a two-night engagement at the Ryman, the two musician friends fielded questions from around the globe.
Ringo was asked how the album and working with T Bone came about.
“T Bone was the inspiration because I met him at this party we were at. I’ve met him many times, but this was just getting together. And (he said), ‘Hey, what are you doing?’ I said, ‘Oh, I’m making an EP, and I thought, well, if you’ve got a song, send me the files.’
“And he sent me the song. It was the most beautiful country track I’ve heard in many years. It’s so sort of ‘50s country. And so, I thought, well, I’ll just make a country EP now. And that’s how it all happened. There was no real plan. It was just bumping into each other.” Later, he added, “And that’s how this record came about because Olivia (Harrison) was reading poems for George at the Sunset Marquee Hotel.”
Beatles fans may be surprised to hear of Ringo’s love of country music. He shared glimpse of what has been behind it.
“It’s emotional music when I started listening to it, and I’m quite an emotional person myself. So, you know, I like to say in the ‘50s, every country song was either the wife left, the dog’s dead, or I
need some money for the jukebox. It was always a problem. And all those great singers around, besides Hank Williams, we all saw it with him, or I did. And, you know, Hank Snow from Canada. It’s weird I remember him so well. He did, ‘the big eight-wheeler rolling down the track.’ He was more country than a lot of country guys.”
Talking about his friendship with Ringo, T Bone said, “I’m glad to be getting to be friends with Ringo, I have to say. Rock and roll is a fait accompli. And then The Beatles came and played in New York in 1964, February of ‘64. And they gave us back our music at that point, and they opened doors and windows that so many of us have walked through or climbed through over the years. And so, I’ve got this deep gratitude to all those cats and Ringo in particular. The gift that they’ve given us, that he’s given us, is immeasurable. So, to even get to be friendly with Ringo means a tremendous amount to me, I’ve got to say.”
You can see some of the video of the Q&A session with Ringo and T Bone by visiting Boomerocity.com or its YouTube channel.
Launched in 2009, Randy’s Boomerocity The Fan Experience has more than 500 positive, sincere, one-on-one interview conversations that show fans the true heart of the Baby Boomer generation of musicians, entertainers, and their associates, as well as today’s icons, influencers, and up-and-comers in music.
Open Chord Music Shop Your Place for All Things Music™
YOU ARE probably already aware that the Open Chord is a great place to see live music, but did you know that the Open Chord Music Shop is also a great place to pick up new guitar strings, find the perfect guitar strap, or try out some of the coolest pedals? With effects from BOSS , EarthQuaker, MXR and Wampler, you’re sure to dial in the sound you’ve been looking for.
And as the largest Taylor Guitar dealer in the area, Open Chord Music Shop is a full-service music store offering a great selection of all things stringed - electric and acoustic guitars from Taylor, Gibson, Gold Tone, Epiphone, Suhr, in addition to electric basses, ukuleles, banjos, mandolins, and more!
Open Chord Music Shop is your one stop shop for All Things Music! The staff are also musicians so they can help answer your
Queso Fresco
Ingredients:
• 8 Eggland’s Best eggs, large
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup chopped white onion
• 2 poblano chiles (about 11 ounces), charred, sweated, peeled, stemmed, seeded, and cut into 1-x-1/2-inch strips*
• 3 tablespoons milk
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher or coarse sea salt, or to taste
• 1 pound red potatoes, peeled, diced, cooked in salted boiling water for 5 minutes, and drained
• Pinch of freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
• 3/4 cup diced queso fresco (about 4 ounces)**
Directions:
Preheat the oven broiler. Heat the oil in a 10- to 12-inch broiler proof skillet over medium heat until hot but not smoking. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and barely beginning to brown, 6 to 8 minutes. Add the chiles and cook until they begin to brown lightly, about 3 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a medium bowl with a whisk or a fork, beat the eggs with the milk and 1/4 teaspoon of the salt until foamy.
Toss the potatoes into the onion mixture, stir in the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, the pepper, and allspice and cook, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are completely softened, about 6 to 8 minutes. Pour the egg mixture on top of the potato mixture and stir gently as the eggs begin to cook along the edges and bottom of the pan, 2 to 3 minutes. Sprinkle the cheese on top. Place the skillet under the broiler and broil until the frittata is puffed and lightly browned on top, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from the oven, cut into wedges and serve, or let cool and serve at room temperature.
5 Ways to Prioritize Mental Wellness in 2025
COURTESY OF BPT
ANEW YEAR means resolutions, reflection, and recharging. It’s a fresh start, a time when new, healthier habits seem possible. This year, along with eating healthier and exercising more, prioritize your mental wellness. Hit reset and take steps to clear your mind to feel focused, energized, and ready to tackle 2025. Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist Dawn Jackson Blatner shares her top tips for achieving mental clarity and starting the year off with your best foot forward.
Declutter your space
You’d be surprised by how much an organized home and workspace matter to your psyche. As you clear that clutter, you’re clearing your mind, too. A neat and tidy home can reduce your stress.
*This sounds a lot more complicated than it is: Poblano peppers are more flavorful than spicy and can usually be found in local produce sections. They can be roasted (like bell peppers) on a gas stovetop, the grill, or in the oven. Put the peppers in a baggie or covered bowl after roasting to loosen the skin for easier peeling - this is the “sweated” part. Peppers can then be stemmed, seeded, and chopped. Mike at ChiliPepperMadness.com has some great tips!
**Queso Fresco is a soft, non-melting packaged cheese that can be found in the refrigerated dairy section or see Cooking Con Claudia on YouTube to make your own.
Connect with nature
Start small by tackling one drawer or surface at a time and consider donating or recycling items you no longer need to create a sense of accomplishment while helping others. A decluttered space also allows for easier cleaning and creates a more welcoming environment for yourself and others.
Unplug
Make a resolution to take a break from technology every now and then. Constant screen time, with the overwhelming amount of information coming at us every day, can lead to stress and anxiety. Breaks from technology give your mind time to recharge.
Begin by setting boundaries, such as designated “no-phone” zones like the dining table or bedroom, and experiment with “digital detox” days where you disconnect completely. Replace screen time with activities that nurture your well-being, like journaling, reading a book, or spending time with loved ones in person.
While you’re unplugged, find some time to get outside, whether it’s a quiet moment in a park, walking the dog through your neighborhood, or simply enjoying fresh air. Numerous studies show that people who spend even a small amount of time in green spaces have reduced anxiety, stress, and depression.
Prioritize sleep
Unplugging and getting outside will help with your sleep, too. Establish a consistent bedtime routine that includes calming activities like reading or listening to soft music.
In order to get the best night’s sleep possible, avoid caffeine or heavy meals a few hours before bed to give your body the best chance at relaxation, create a sleep-friendly environment by keeping your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet and limit screen time at least an hour before bed.
Eat more foods that contain nutrients that will support brain function
Incorporating foods like eggs, fatty fish, and whole grains that contain nutrients to support brain function and mood can also regulate your mental well-being. Eggland’s Best eggs are an excellent source of Vitamin B5, which helps maintain a healthy digestive system and assists the body in using other vitamins, especially Vitamin B2, which helps manage stress. Eggland’s Best eggs contain more than double the Vitamin B12 compared to ordinary eggs, providing a natural energy boost and keeping you energized and satisfied throughout the day.
Visit EgglandsBest.com for more recipes.
UT GARDENS’ PLANT OF THE MONTH
Test the Tetsukabuto Winter Squash Variety in Your Garden
BY HOLLY JONES, HORTICULTURIST AND KITCHEN GARDEN MANAGER, UT GARDENS, KNOXVILLE
THANKS TO THE work of agricultural researchers at Oregon State University, a fabulous winter squash variety has been reintroduced for both home gardeners and largescale producers. In a multi-year comparison trial, researchers grew 15 different varieties of winter squash, hoping to find one that would perform well despite the intense fungal disease pressure that local farmers were experiencing. One clear winner emerged. An interspecies Japanese hybrid called Tetsukabuto (Cucurbita maxima x moschata), or Tetsu for short, not only fruited almost twice as much as other plants in the trial but also stored remarkably well, scored high in taste tests, and showed very good resistance to squash vine borer, powdery mildew, and other common fungal pathogens.
Prior to this study, Tetsu seeds were hard to find in the United States, but now they are available from many retail sources. A quick look at the reviews will tell you that growers are finding similar success in various growing zones throughout the country. For successful pollination, aka fruit production, you need to plant either a kabocha (Cucurbita maxima) type or a butternut (Cucurbita moschata) type nearby. If your space is limited, look for dwarf or bush type varieties for your pollen source.
We have grown these twice at the UT Gardens, Knoxville, and 2024 was not as successful as the previous year. We tried them for the first time on a trellis system, and we were very impressed. The vigorous, attractive green vines quickly covered our cattle panel
was easily held by strong sturdy stems.
This year we tried growing them in a field directly on the ground, and many of the fruit were ruined by rotten spots on the underside. Lesson learned: either grow this squash vertically, or provide each one with its own little perch, like a terracotta pot or something similar, to increase airflow and keep the skin from rotting in our hot humid summers. They will be featured with purple flowering Hyacinth bean vines on an archway in the kitchen garden for the 2025 growing season.
The Japanese word Tetsukabuto translates as iron helmet, and the skin is quite hard. But they can easily be peeled raw with a good sharp chef’s knife and a committed chef. You also can roast them in the oven whole with a few punctures to let the steam escape, then scoop out the rich, delicious flesh to be used for savory soups, sweet pie filling, or whipped with butter and salt for a side dish.
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 utia.tennessee.edu/state-botanical-garden.
arch, and the medium-sized, round fruit
The vigorous vines of the Tetsukabuto winter squash grow on a trellis and easily hold the round fruit. Airflow keeps the skin from rotting in the hot and humid summer.
Photo courtesy of UTIA
AMarch in the Garden
H, MARCH in East Tennessee
- a time when the weather is about as stable as a toddler on roller skates. One day you’re basking in a glorious 70 degree afternoon (74 on February 4th, setting a record) and the next you’re scraping frost off your windshield. But despite the mood swings of Mother Nature, this is prime time to get your garden (and your indoor plants) ready for the growing season.
Outdoor Gardening:
Shake Off the Winter Blahs March is when things start waking up in the garden. If you’ve been watching gardening programs on TV and trying to decide what you want to do in your yard, it’s time to shake off the hibernation mode and grab your gardening gloves.
• Start with Cleanup: Winter has undoubtedly left behind a mess - fallen leaves, broken branches, and that one rogue garden gnome you swore went missing last fall. Rake up debris and trim dead growth, but leave a few inches on hollow stemmed perennials for bees to nest in.
• Soil Prep & Amendments: Good soil is the backbone of a great garden. Mix in compost, aged manure, or a balanced organic fertilizer to give your plants a boost. If your soil is still a bit waterlogged from our recent rains, hold off on digging until it dries out a little.
• Plant Cool-Season Crops: If you’ve been itching to get some veggies in the ground, now’s the time! Leafy greens like lettuce, kale, and spinach thrive in these cool temperatures. Carrots, radishes, and peas are also eager to make an appearance.
• Start Seeds Indoors: If you’re dreaming of summer tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers, get those seeds started indoors now. A sunny window or grow lights will keep them happy until it’s time for their big outdoor debut.
• Check on Perennials & Shrubs: Give your perennials a little TLC by cutting back dead stems and dividing any overgrown clumps. Prune summer-blooming shrubs but hold off on spring bloomers unless you enjoy sabotaging your own flowers. Remember that education is key!
Houseplant Care:
Spring Cleaning for Your Indoor Jungle
Your houseplants have also been suffering through winter. The air in our homes tends to be very dry this time of year, and most houseplants prefer more humidity. In addition, the sunlight is not as bright so plants can get leggy and sad looking. March is the perfect time to give them a
BY LISA GRUGIN
little refresh so they can enter the growing season in top shape.
• Repotting: If your houseplant looks like it’s trying to escape its pot, it might be time to move on up. Choose a container one size larger and give those roots some breathing room. Remember, the soil you choose will be feeding your plant for the next few years, so go for the good stuff. Cheap soil is the equivalent of chips and beer.
• Spring Feeding: Most of our houseplants have been dormant this winter and will need some fuel to get going again. Start fertilizing houseplants with a diluted balanced liquid fertilizer to wake them up.
• Dusting & Cleaning: Your plants have likely accumulated dust during the winter, making it harder for them to photosynthesize. Give their leaves a gentle wipe-down or a quick rinse in the shower. (Yes, your ferns and monstera will love a spa day.) Small plants can go in the sink.
• Check for Pests: Warmer temperatures mean an increase in houseplant pests. Check for signs of mealybugs, spider mites, or aphids and act swiftly before they stage a full-scale invasion.
Embracing the March Madness (Not the Basketball Kind)
March gardening in East Tennessee is a gamble, but that’s part of the thrill. You’ll have beautiful, sunny days that trick you into thinking it’s already summer, and then you’ll wake up to a frost warning that sends you sprinting outside to cover your tender seedlings in a panic. But through it all, there’s something magical about this in-between season - the anticipation, the promise of growth, and the first bright green sprouts pushing through the soil. Spring gives us hope.
So whether you’re dusting off your gardening tools, wrestling a root-bound snake plant, or simply enjoying the sight of daffodils making their grand entrance, embrace the chaos of March gardening. Spring is knocking - are you ready to answer?
Meadow View Greenhouses & Garden Center 9885 Highway 11E Lenoir City, TN 37772
865.986.7229 MeadowViewGreenhouse.com
New Exhibitions Opening
THE ARTS & Culture Alliance is pleased to present five new exhibitions at the Emporium Center in downtown Knoxville from March 7-30. Most of the works on exhibition will be for sale and may be purchased by visiting in person or the online shop at KnoxAlliance.store.
Big Ears Presents Wayne White: Big Words in the Upper Gallery
Born and raised in Chattanooga, Wayne White has used his memories of the South to create inspired works for film, television, and the fine art world. In 1986, he became an Emmy-winning designer for his work on the hit television show Pee-Wee’s Playhouse. He has also worked in the music video industry, winning Billboard and MTV Music Video awards as an art director for seminal music videos, including the Smashing Pumpkins’ “Tonight, Tonight” and Peter Gabriel’s “Big Time.”
For almost 40 years, White has been unleashing humor in all aspects of his career. His most successful artworks have been his word paintings, which feature oversized, three-dimensional text painstakingly integrated into vintage landscape reproductions. The message of the paintings is often thought-provoking and almost always humorous, with White commenting on vanity, ego, and his memories of the South.
This exhibition is one of four special exhibitions of visual art on display in downtown Knoxville during the month of March as part of the Big Ears 2025 festival weekend (March 27-30).
A1LabArts: Creativity and Community in the Lower Gallery
This new group exhibition includes artwork by members of A1LabArts, Inc., a nonprofit, Knoxville-based artists’ organization observing its 30th year of continuous activity in 2025. Throughout A1LabArts’ existence, its members (a rotating cast) have supported and engaged in a variety of creative work, including visual art in two and three dimensions; time-based art such as video, performance art, theater, written, and spoken word; music; dance; multi-media events, and more.
The current show’s theme of “Creativity and Community” goes to the heart of A1LabArts’ nature that encourages each member artist to address the theme to whatever extent, and by whatever means of expression, they see fit. Throughout the years, A1LabArts has tried many different things and has, along with its membership, naturally changed. Hundreds of creative people have been members at one time or another, and new members are always welcome. A1 continues to change and to explore creativity and community in many ways. In a sense, A1 is an ongoing, developing work of long-term performance art in itself. Learn more at A1LabArts.com.
Deb Cikovic: Timeless StringsThe Art of Guitars and Clocks in the Atrium
Deb Cikovic is a multidisciplinary artist whose creative journey has evolved from digital design into a diverse and tactile exploration of artistic expression. With a background in graphic design and web development, she has transitioned her technical skills into a rich practice that includes unique epoxy guitar art, handbuilt pottery, and oil and acrylic painting.
Entirely self-taught, her work is driven by an insatiable curiosity and a passion for pushing the boundaries of her materials. For this exhibition, her epoxy guitar art transforms musical instruments into striking visual statements, merging functionality with bold, dynamic resin designs. Her ability to blend multiple disciplines results in a diverse and deeply personal body of work, continually evolving as she explores new artistic frontiers.
Hannah Doss: Flora & Fauna of Tennessee on the North Wall Hannah Doss channels her expertise into teaching through her business, Mountain Mama’s Art & Adventure, where she offers classes in painting, jewelry making, and crafting.
Doss’ latest body of work reflects a renewed journey of learning and discovery, inspired by a fascination with resin techniques she encountered in a recent class. Her art predominantly explores wildlife, nature, and portraiture, inviting viewers to pause and savor the intricate beauty of life’s small details. Works are created upon ceramic tile, with the vibrancy in color coming from hand painted alcohol inks and sumi ink on vintage tracing paper. Metallic leaf is then added, as well as glitter, and then it is coated in resin.
Kerry Remp: From Paper to Thread to Yarn in the Display Case
Kerry Remp is a retired NASA engineer and professional pianist who enjoys various mediums to “build” art. Remp discovered visual art via paper (modular origami) at age 40 - other paper art forms soon followed. At 60, he began using thread and yarn. Currently weaving on a heddle loom, his love of creating continues.
Remp has been an active participant in Arts & Culture Alliance activities since 2017. He participates in displays/ shows and individual commissions. Since becoming a grandfather to Malakai (born with Downs Syndrome), proceeds from his artwork are donated to GiGi’s Playhouse, a nonprofit organization that provides free programming and support to families affected by Downs Syndrome.
The exhibitions will be on display March 7-30 at the Emporium Center, located at 100 S. Gay Street, and is open to the public Monday - Friday from 9 am-5 pm and Saturday from 10 am-1 pm. In March, additional hours are March 11 from 6-9 pm, March 14 from 9 am-7 pm, March 28 from 9 am-7 pm, and March 29 & 30 from 9 am-5 pm. For more information, call 865-523-7543 or visit KnoxAlliance.com. Emporium
State of Flow 2 Kira Boyd Evans
THE BIG EARS FESTIVAL BRINGS TOGETHER
ARTISTS AND MUSIC LOVERS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD FOR AN EXHILARATING, UNFORGETTABLE FOUR DAYS OF MUSICAL ADVENTURE, DISCOVERY, AND FUN.
BIG EARS collaborates with artists, audiences, and communities to create joyful, meaningful, and transcendent cultural experiences that defy boundaries, fuel curiosity, ignite the spirit, and nourish the soul.
Described as “one of the most quietly earth-shattering, subtly luminous festivals the world over” by the Oxford American and “one of the world’s greatest music bashes” by The New York Times, the Big Ears Festival—the flagship program of the organization—has established itself over the past decade as one of the most exciting and imaginative cultural gatherings anywhere. The festival brings a Who’s Who of acclaimed iconoclasts, innovators, and luminaries together with inspired younger artists making fresh and new creative work.
The Big Ears Festival takes place throughout downtown in more than a dozen venues: historic theaters, intimate clubs, majestic churches, pocket parks, galleries, and repurposed industrial spaces, museums, galleries, and clubs—with pop-up events and performances, exhibitions, films, literary readings, workshops, markets and talks taking place in cafes, bars, hotels,
restaurants, in alleyways and other nooks and crannies. The festival experience is full of surprises. As one journalist wrote after attending, “Knoxville has the most venues with good sound within walking distance of any place in America.” Performance locations are interspersed among a vibrant collection of restaurants, bars, and shops, offering an unparalleled festival experience for artists and audiences alike.
A festival pass offers access to all publicly announced performances—enabling festival goers to not only see familiar artists that they know and love, but also to explore the music of artists with whom they are not already familiar.
Big Ears draws robust contingents of both Tennessee residents and visitors from around the world who come together to form a shared community energized by joy, discovery, and engagement. To add context and promote access, Big Ears programs an array of community events during the festival that bring world-class artists into collaborations with Knoxville’s diverse creative community.
With a very rare exception, everything— all the venues, along with Knoxville’s finest
hotels and award-winning restaurants—is within an easy, short walk of everything else, with a dedicated festival trolley service offering assistance should you wish to rest up for a moment and catch your breath.
While no two Big Ears are quite the same, each year the festival presents many of the world’s most visionary composers and musicians, artists whose work reaches for new heights and expands to new frontiers. The programming transcends generation and genre—bringing together iconic trailblazers and young iconoclasts performing and sometimes blending classical and contemporary composition, jazz, rock, folk traditions from throughout the world, pop, drone, avant-garde, ambient and beyond.
For more information and tickets, visit BigEarsFestival.org.
Big Ears is an independent 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that receives substantial investment from donors and sponsors in the Knoxville community, as well as from private foundations, government agencies, and dedicated supporters across the country for whom the festival has become an annual pilgrimage. Explore our list of generous partners or join the ranks of our supporters.
MUSIC • TALKS & PANELS • FILM • WRITERS & POETS
THEREOne Step Very Often Leads to Another Business
ARE many reasons we struggle to get in gear on whatever tasks or goals we have determined are important or necessary. Within the small business community, there are many professionals who are creative, capable, hard-working people that fully believe in the work or service they offer - but have a difficult time translating good intentions into tangible actions and often spend far too much time “getting ready to get ready.” Sound familiar?
Photo by Mirtography
and how we “tick.” I found this fascinating and along the way picked up many helpful “rules” that were highly beneficial. When we are faced with needing to act but are hesitant to do so, a great adage and basic rule to remember is:
“It’s not how you feel that determines how you act, it’s how you act that determines how you feel.”
From a business perspective - the more activity, the more contacts made, the greater the chances for success. Your learning curve is improved, and patterns of behavior are established that reinforce a “get out and do it” mentality. This also develops a resiliency that, when the days (or months or year) get tough, the default mindset is to press on, get up, and keep going.
If new year plans and resolutions haven’t come together yet, here are a few principles learned from my earlier days in sales that I thought were worth sharing and to be reminded of again myself!
BY BRETT CAFFERTY
Years ago, I participated in a national sales and business development program, and a portion of the curriculum explored topics and insights into the human condition
It sounds counterintuitive, but in my own experience and in working with others, I have seen this proven hundreds of times. Making the first call, or first action, leads to the next. Having the first face-to-face interaction makes the second one easier. We feel better and more productive for making the effort, and positive outcomes often follow. The habit is developed and reinforced, making it easier to build on.
We often don’t feel like doing that one thing, but when we make ourselves take action, it’s a boost to our mindset.
And last, referring to lessons learned over the years that have been reinforced by mentors, co-workers, and authorities on the subject, when discouraged or in doubt, take action by simply doing the next thing. Regardless of the type of business or venture, there should be a basic “recipe” of activities that, when done on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis, will lead to results. This plan should be simple, easy to track, and shared with others for feedback or accountability. When the days are long and you get discouraged, the simple act of following your plan by doing the next thing will result in a mental “boost” to help your attitude and perspective.
From a veteran procrastinator, I hope this serves as an encouragement to someone out there as much as it has helped me.
