Summer 2010, Tennessee Connections

tnconnections summer 2010

An Official Publication of Your Locally Owned Municipal Electric System

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Recycling on the Midway

Tennessee fairs take steps to reduce waste

Stalking the Good Steak

Locally produced beef is an ingredient worth the hunt

Planting

Roots Community gardens grow in popularity across the state

View a video of dulcimer player Mike Clemmer

tn almanac

Travel, tips and tidbits at a glance Cinema Under the Stars If you’re on a quest for affordable family fun this summer, search no more – just park it at a drive-in movie theater.

Scattered across Tennessee, drive-ins are back and better than ever, thanks in part to often being more cost-effective than a regular indoor theater.

The Hi-Way 50 Drive-In in Lewisburg offers family-friendly films and tasty concessions at reasonable prices. Bring cash and show up early to stake out your territory. Located in Estill Springs on Highway 41A, the Montana Drive-In has three screens for your viewing pleasure with a full menu to choose from. The Stardust Drive-In in Watertown, which has two screens, promises fun family entertainment under the stars. Each of these theaters shows new releases.

And that’s just a short list of the drive-ins Tennessee has to offer. To check out more drive-in theaters or to find one closer to your home, visit www.drive-ins.com.

Recycle Your Cycle

To see the black Clydesdales in action without leaving your home, check out tnconnections.com.

No Horsing Around Here Get cozy with Clydesdale horses at Lodestar Farm in Buchanan, Tenn., located in the western part of the state.

Jim and Meredith Vajda operate a farm of black Clydesdales, a rare breed with fewer than 3,000 living in the United States. They open up the farm to the public on Saturdays from 1-3 p.m., free of charge.

The Vajdas also offer annual summer horse camps for kids ages 6 and up, running Monday through Friday every week during the summer beginning in June. Only six campers at a time can participate, ensuring that everyone receives individual attention. Campers learn how to groom, lead and ride horses while following two simple rules: be safe and have fun. The day camps cost $295 per week, and riding and driving lessons are also offered separately from the summer camps.

Learn more at www.lodestarfarm.com or (731) 247-3220.

Please call ahead before traveling long distances.

At Halcyon Bike Shop, where bikes rescued from landfills are restored to be ride-ready again, the employees are dedicated to making the world a greener place – and you can help. This used bike store has joined forces with the Oasis Center, one of the leading youth-serving organizations in the nation, to start the Halcyon Bike Workshop. The program teaches teens to repair, care for and maintain bicycles so they can be used once again by those in need.

Ready to get involved? The Halcyon Bike Shop is accepting bicycle and monetary donations, both of which can be brought to 1118 Halcyon Avenue in the Nashville neighborhood of 12South. The shop is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and from noon until 5 p.m. on Sunday.

Visit www.halcyonbike.com or call (615) 730-9344 for more information.

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Summer 2010 Edition Managing Editor Jessy Yancey Contributing Writers Carol Cowan, Dr. Sue Hamilton Roben Mounger, Jessica Walker Creative Director Keith Harris Photography Director Jeffrey S. Otto Media Technology Director Christina Carden Senior Photographers Jeff Adkins, Brian McCord Staff Photographers Todd Bennett, Antony Boshier Senior Graphic Designers Jessica Manner, Vikki Williams Proofreading Manager Raven Petty Content Coordinators Jennifer Graves, Erica Hines Ad Production Manager Katie Middendorf Ad Traffic Assistants Marcia Millar, Patricia Moisan Chairman Greg Thurman President/Publisher Bob Schwartzman Executive Vice President Ray Langen Sr. V.P./Sales Todd Potter, Carla H. Thurman Sr. V.P./Operations Casey E. Hester V.P./Editorial Director Teree Caruthers V.P./Visual Content Mark Forester V.P./Custom Publishing Kim Newsom V.P./Content Operations Natasha Lorens Controller Chris Dudley Advertising Sales Manager, Custom Division Tori Hughes Integrated Media Manager Robin Robertson Distribution Director Gary Smith Custom/Travel Sales Support Rachael Goldsberry Office Manager Shelly Grissom Receptionist Linda Bishop Tennessee Connections is published quarterly by Journal Communications Inc. for participating members of the Tennessee Municipal Electric Power Association.

TMEPA represents 61 municipal power distributors in Tennessee, which serve more than 2 million customers.

For advertising information or to direct questions or comments about the magazine, contact Journal Communications Inc., 725 Cool Springs Blvd., Suite 400, Franklin, TN 37067.

Phone: 615-771-0080.E-mail: info@jnlcom.com.

Features 4 Planting Roots

9 Versatile Vines

A variety of these climbing plants can spruce up your garden

10 Recycling on the Midway

Fairs across the state take steps to reduce waste

12 Stalking the Good Steak

For information about TMEPA, contact: Tennessee Municipal Electric Power Association Paddock 1, Suite C-13, 229 Ward Circle Brentwood, TN 37027 Phone 615-373-5738, Fax 615-373-1901 tmepa.org Executive Director Mike Vinson

Community gardens grow in popularity across the state

Look for this logo that identifies green articles, tips and fun facts.

Locally produced beef is an ingredient worth the hunt

Departments 2 Municipal Power Perspective

©Copyright 2010 Journal Communications Inc. and Tennessee Municipal Electric Power Association. All rights reserved. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without written consent.

ON THE COVER: Crabtree Farms by Jeffrey S. Otto

3 Tennessee in Focus 14 Summer Activities in Tennessee 17 Connect to Tennessee Products

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table of contents FEATuRES

Summer 2009 Edition

Editor Rebecca Denton

Assistant Jessy AnYancey Official Publication of YourYour Locally Owned Municipal Electric System summerEditorial 2010 Raise Glass Contributing Writers ?

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Crown Winery goes solar, and Beachaven Winery garners awards.

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Creative Director Keith Harris Photography Director Jeffrey S. Otto

Spanning the Years

Senior Photographer Brian McCord

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Covered bridges evoke nostalgia, history.

Staff Photographers Jeff Adkins, Todd Bennett, Antony Boshier, Ian Curcio, J. Kyle Keener

Recycling on the Midway Production Project Managers Melissa Bracewell, Jill Wyatt

Sold on Solar Power

Sr. Graphic Designers Laura Gallagher, Candice Sweet, Vikki Williams

Architecture firm takes its own green advice.

Graphic Designers Jessica Manner, Amy Nelson

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Simple and Satisfying

Ad Traffic Jessica Childs, Marcia Millar, Tennessee fairs steps Patricia Moisan, Raven take Petty Additional photography courtesy of to reduce waste Tennessee State Photo Services

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Fresh flavors combine for a tasty summer supper.

DEPARTMENTS

Stalking the Good Steak Sr. V.P./Sales Carla H. Thurman

Sr. V.P./Operations Casey E. Hester

Municipal Power Perspective

V.P./Editorial Director Teree Caruthers V.P./Visual Content Mark Forester

Production Director Natasha Lorens

Associate Production Director Christina Carden

LocallyController produced beef is an Chris Dudley Advertising Sales Manager, Custom Division ingredient worth the hunt Beth Murphy

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Vistas

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Summer Activities in Tennessee

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Connect to Tennessee Products

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Integrated Media Manager Robin Robertson Distribution Director Gary Smith Accounting Moriah Domby, Diana Guzman, Maria McFarland, Lisa Owens Custom/Travel Sales Support Rachael Goldsberry

online contents | tnconnections.com

Tennessee Connections is published quarterly

by Journal Communications Inc. for participating members of the Tennessee Municipal Electric Power Association. TMEPA represents 61 municipal power distributors in Tennessee, which serve more than 2 million customers.

For advertising information or to direct questions or comments about the magazine, contact Journal Communications Inc., 725 Cool Springs Blvd., Suite 400, Franklin, TN 37067. Phone: 615-771-0080.

E-mail: info@jnlcom.com.

Watch a Video

Planting

Check out Uncle Lester and his dancing shoes or take a virtual ride on a miniature train in our online video gallery.

Roots

Find a Recipe Print or e-mail a recipe from our online recipe file.

For information about TMEPA, contact: Tennessee Municipal Electric Power Association Paddock 1, Suite C-13 229 Ward Circle Brentwood, TN 37027

Enter a Contest Find entry forms and rules for contests, sweepstakes View a Video of dulcimer and other special promotions.

Phone 615-373-5738 Community gardens grow in Fax 615-373-1901 tmepa.org across the state popularity

Watch a Video

Find a Recipe

Check out Uncle Lester and his dancing shoes or take a virtual ride on a miniature train in our online video gallery.

Print or e-mail a recipe from our online recipe file.

Digital Magazine Flip through the pages of the magazine without leaving your laptop. Print and e-mail articles and instantly link to advertisers.

Buy a Cookbook Order a copy of Down-Home Dumplings, which features recipes from the World’s Greatest Down-Home Dumpling Cook-off.

Browse the Archives View past stories, photos and magazine covers in our online archives.

player mike clemmer

Executive Director Mike Vinson

Browse the Archives View past stories, photos and magazine covers in our online archives.

CU S TO M M AG A Z INE M ED I A

Virtual Magazine

tnconnections summer 2009

with 1st

ON THE COVER:

Raise Your Glass

TOC

Tennessee wineries innovate, win awards

page

Cover description here

by Jeffrey S. Otto

Update

©Copyright 2008 Journal Communications Inc. and Tennessee Municipal Electric Power Association. All rights reserved. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without written consent.

Flip through the pages of the magazine without leaving your laptop. Print and e-mail articles and instantly link to advertisers.

Simple and Satisfying Take summer supper to the grill

Summer 2009

Sold on Solar Power

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Summer 2010

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municipal power perspective

Your Power Provider’s Summer Forecast Mike Vinson Executive Director Tennessee Municipal Electric Power Association

Well, by the time you read this, the 106th (Second Session) General Assembly will have adjourned after one of the quieter, yet more interesting sessions in quite some time. Once again, more than 2,000 bills were introduced covering a wide variety of issues within the state. This year our legislators “on the hill” were especially focused on the state budget. Revenues keep going down, and expenses have a habit of increasing. Once again they performed a masterful job in balancing the budget, and our hat is off to the governor and all our legislators for their conscientious attention. Hopefully this summer our great state can start recovering from the economic downturn and get folks back to work.

TMEPA has spent this past session monitoring legislation that could adversely affect our member systems and their customers (folks like you).

Those who assist us have worked tirelessly to protect the interest of our members and their customers. The bills passed, as they relate to electric municipal systems, on the whole have not been damaging. Very little was exceptionally noteworthy. Our friends in the legislature realize that the municipal power providers of Tennessee are doing an outstanding job and, for the most part, they really don’t care to fix “something that’s not broken.” We applaud their efforts and work hard to justify that confidence.

In July, the members of TMEPA will meet in Memphis for our annual 2

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meeting. Though our program hasn’t been finalized as of the writing of this article, it’s sure to be of great interest to our members. Don’t be surprised if your local power provider introduces new programs and services as a result of this meeting.

Back on the home front, your municipal power providers are ready for summer. We’re coming off one of the coldest winters in many years, and all of us are hoping for a mild summer.

Depending on which forecaster you prefer, we’re either going to have a “mild” summer, a “normal” summer or a “much hotter then typical” season. It will also be clear, partly cloudy, overcast, or raining off and on during each of the coming months. Daily temperatures will vary, and parts of the state (though we’re not told which parts) will see abnormal weather conditions. Our summer energy-use forecast based on these remarkable predictions is as follows … your air conditioning costs this year will be either “normal”, “less than average” or “greater than typical.”

Seriously, regardless of the upcoming summer temperatures, your hometown power provider will be there to deliver to your home or business economical and dependable electricity exceeded only by their commitment to customer service.

We would encourage you to be conscious of your energy usage by evaluating your home for efficiency. Have a reliable and licensed A/C contractor do a tune up on your system, check the caulking around your windows and doors, and be sure your attic is properly insulated and ventilated. We do recommend 78 degrees as the optimal thermostat setting, and if that’s a little too warm, try turning on the ceiling fans or other fans to keep the air moving.

You’ll be pleased with the result and happier with your electric bill.

Membership Alcoa Electric Department Athens Utilities Board Benton County Electric System Bolivar Energy Authority Bristol Tennessee Essential Services Brownsville Utility Department Carroll County Electrical Department Electric Power Board of Chattanooga CDE Lightband – Clarksville Cleveland Utilities Clinton Utilities Board Columbia Power & Water System Cookeville Department of Electricity Covington Electric System Dayton Electric Department Dickson Electric System Dyersburg Electric System Elizabethton Electric Department Erwin Utilities Etowah Utilities Department Gallatin Department of Electricity Greeneville Light & Power System Harriman Utility Board Humboldt Utilities Jackson Energy Authority Jellico Electric & Water Systems Johnson City Power Board Knoxville Utilities Board LaFollette Utilities Lawrenceburg Utility Systems Lenoir City Utilities Board Lewisburg Electric System Lexington Electric System Loudon Utilities City of Maryville Electric Department McMinnville Electric System Memphis Light, Gas & Water Division Milan Department of Public Utilities Morristown Utility Systems Mount Pleasant Power System Murfreesboro Electric Department Nashville Electric Service Newbern Electric Department Newport Utilities City of Oak Ridge Electric Department Paris Board of Public Utilities Pulaski Electric System Ripley Power and Light Company Rockwood Electric Utility Sevier County Electric System Shelbyville Power System Smithville Electric System Town of Somerville Utilities Sparta Electric System Springfield Electric Department Sweetwater Utilities Board Trenton Light & Water Department Tullahoma Utilities Board Union City Electric System Weakley County Municipal Electric System

Tennessee Connections

tn in focus Photo by Jeff Adkins

Waterskiing on Old Hickory Lake in Mt. Juliet

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cover story

Planting

Roots Community gardens grow in popularity across the state

story by Jessica Walker

Jeff Adkins

Community gardens are sprouting up throughout Tennessee. Joel Houser, right, is farm manager of Crabtree Farms in Chattanooga.

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Tennessee Connections

Jeffrey S. OTTO

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40-year vegetarian, Mariann Black is passionate about the health benefits that come with consuming fruits and vegetables. Her passion turned into action in April 2009 when she began the process of starting a community garden in Henry County. Now, she is working to grow and provide fresh fare for her community.

“The project started when I was visiting a friend at the Food Bank in Paris,” says Black, garden coordinator of Common Ground community garden in Paris. “I asked myself, ‘Why isn’t there a garden here?’ We began to walk through the red tape to see if it was possible.”

And it was. “We found an old, fenced in playground that would be perfect,” she says. “There are all kinds of services nearby. It’s a natural place to put it.”

Finding the right spot was the easy part; though

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Jeffrey S. OTTO Staff photo Todd Bennett

Shannon Bontekoe, right, interned at Crabtree Farms, which, like most community gardens, is a nonprofit operation. Besides helping those new to gardening develop a green thumb, these gardens also introduce participants to new and unusual varieties of fruit and vegetables.

Black started taking steps to create the garden in April 2009, ground wasn’t broken until a couple of months later, in June. “We’re battling a lot of things here,” she says. “You have to take this day by day.”

But it’s worth it. Black is doing her part to provide nutrient-rich foods, one crop at a time. “When I started thinking about this, I thought of all of the pros: a healthier community, interaction between different kinds of people, everyone working together and supplementing the Food Bank,” she says. “I couldn’t find one reason not to do this.”

While they are certainly nutritious, the crops 6

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growing in Common Ground aren’t exactly typical.

“I’m trying to do things a little bit weird,” says Black.

To accomplish that goal, she plants little-known vegetables, including Japanese cucumbers, purple green beans and dragon tongue beans. “I want to introduce people to new foods, plants they aren’t familiar with,” she says. “These aren’t things you can go to the grocery store and get.”

So far, the venture has been successful – but in steamy summer months, it’s difficult to find volunteers willing to sweat it out. “Everybody has been incredible with donating plants and materials,” says Black. “The Tennessee Connections

Plotting Places Find a community garden in your neck of the woods East Tennessee Chattanooga: Chattanooga Nature Center, Crabtree Farms Hixson: St. Alban’s Community Garden Johnson City: Carver Community Garden Knoxville: Beardsley Community Farm, Parkridge Community Garden

Signal Mountain: Bachman Community Garden

Middle Tennessee Clarksville: Brandon Hill Youth Heritage Garden, Garden of Hope, Latino Heritage Garden

West Tennessee

Gallatin: Vol State Community College

Paris: Common Ground Community Garden

Mt. Juliet: Doing My Part

hardest part is getting everyone out in the heat to work.”

As garden coordinator, Black battles the weather day in and day out. “When I’m out in the grueling heat, people say I’m crazy,” she says. “But you gotta do what you gotta do.”

Across the state, others are getting bit by the community garden bug and have broken ground in their respective communities. Black believes the increase in popularity may have something to do with the high price tag on fresh foods in grocery stores. In addition, she notes community gardens can come in handy for those living in cities. “A lot of the city Summer 2010

Nashville: Bells Bend Neighborhood Farm, Sylvan Street Garden and more at www.bit.ly/nashville-gardens

Memphis: Beltline Garden, Shelby Farms and more at www.bit.ly/memphis-gardens

dwellers don’t know how (to garden) or are curious,” she says. “I’ve seen people trying and not quite getting it right.”

Still, Black thinks others contribute to the effort for more personal reasons. “I think they do it for the love of it,” she says. “It’s food, exercise and social interaction.”

Regardless of the reason, the gardens are filling needs – and bellies – all across the state, from Signal Mountain to Clarksville to Memphis. For more information or to find a community garden near you, visit www.communitygarden.org. ■ tnconnections.com

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feature

Versatile Vines A variety of these climbing plants can spruce up your garden story by Dr. Sue Hamilton

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ome landscapers refer to the lawn and ground covers in your garden as the floor of your landscape.

They call your trees and shrubs the walls and ceilings.

So would that make vines the drapes?

Their climbing habit allows vines to add an interesting dimension to most spaces. They can be used to create an intimate space or to visually extend a limited space.

Vines are available with a multitude of foliage textures, flower colors, fascinating fruits and growing requirements. There are annual vines and perennial ones – even some with evergreen foliage providing yearround interest.

Annuals

Moon Vine (Ipomoea alba) is a perfect plant for gardeners who don’t get to enjoy their gardens during the day. A member of the morning glory family, moon vine unfurls its buds just before dusk to reveal huge, 6-inch, pure-white flowers. Moon vine will grow 10 to 15 feet on a trellis or fence, and can also cascade over retaining walls or from large containers. It will grow in almost any soil in full sun or partial shade.

Hyacinth Bean is a fast-growing cousin of the sweet pea and produces loads of bright lilac flowers all summer. Its purple-green leaves complement the flowers and the striking lilac seedpods produced from midsummer until frost. Hyacinth bean prefers full sun and will climb 10 to 12 feet on almost any garden structure even in average garden soil. Directly sow it in late spring.

Butterfly Pea produces the most striking 2-inch blossoms have an interesting white and gold throat that leads to a downy bean pod. The pod can be picked and saved for seed the next year. It blooms from midsummer until frost and performs best in full sun.

Cross Vine is also known as trumpet flower.

Pinkish-orange flowers are abundant in late spring and very attractive to hummingbirds. This vine thrives in

Summer 2010

sun to light shade and works great on an arbor, fence or trellis.

Carolina Jasmine produces loads of fragrant yellow flowers. Its evergreen foliage turns bronze in winter. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and likes moist, well-drained soil.

Perennials

Evergreen Clematis or Armand Clematis has a glossy evergreen foliage and abundance of fragrant white flowers. The clematis loves full sun to partial shade.

Chinese Trumpet Creeper is a vigorous grower. Its large, deep orange to red flowers cover the plant from mid-June to frost and attract hummingbirds.

Passionflower is a vine native to Tennessee that produces exotic flowers. The beautiful 3-inch white to lavender flowers have lavender markings and thrive in full sun to partial shade in most soils. â–

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feature

Recycling on the Midway Fairs across the state take steps to reduce waste

story by Rebecca Denton

S

tate and county fairs are best known for over-the-top fun: colorful thrill rides, fried food, bright lights, games, music, exhibits and prizes.

But these much-loved summertime events also generate piles of waste – from paper products to grease and plastic. In step with carnivals across the country, several Tennessee fairs are jumping on the green bandwagon and taking steps to make their events more environmentally friendly.

Dollars and Sense

The state’s largest county fair, the Wilson County Fair in Lebanon, drew half a million people in 2009 – a banner year that bumped it up to the 31st largest in the nation. Also in 2009, the fair teamed up with Waste Management Services to recycle vendors’ cardboard boxes.

“So many things that come to our fairgrounds come in cardboard boxes, whether it’s hot dog buns or cups or plush animals,” says Johnny Knowles, a member of the fair’s executive committee and chairman of environmental services for the Wilson County Fair.

To keep those boxes out of the landfill, the clean-up

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crew placed 16 dumpsters discretely throughout the grounds. All vendors were required to break down their boxes, and crew members hauled the cardboard to the recycling bins.

The effort recycled 14 tons of cardboard in nine days. It cost about $3,800 – more than sending it all to the landfill – but Knowles says the decision went beyond dollars. “We have to be good stewards of the environment,” he says. “That’s worth a little money.”

The fair is expanding its efforts in 2010 to include the recycling of plastic bottles. Crews will place 200 green, easily identifiable recycling bins throughout the fairgrounds and the midway.

Other energy-saving actions include replacing conventional light bulbs in the exhibit buildings with compact fluorescent lighting, and discussions are under way to collect used cooking oil from vendors. The oil would be processed into biodiesel and used to light nearly 264 acres of parking areas. That innovation will mostly likely be in place for the 2011 fair, Knowles says, once an agreement can be reached with a biofuel processing facility.

“It’s a gradual thing,” Knowles says. “You see what works and improve on that.”

Tennessee Connections

Fair Calendar Wilson County Fair Lebanon August 13-21, 2010 www.wilsoncountyfair.net Tennessee Valley Fair Knoxville September 10-19, 2010 www.tnvalleyfair.org Delta Fair & Music Festival Memphis September 3-12, 2010 www.deltafest.com

Successful Small Steps

The Tennessee Valley Fair in Knoxville launched its first recycling effort in 2009 during the 10-day event, which draws more than 125,000 people each year.

Knox County, the city of Knoxville, Rock Tenn, Waste Connections and Keep Knoxville Beautiful partnered with the fair’s organizers to collect some of the most common and easily captured waste – corrugated cardboard and plastic bottles – from vendors and fairgoers. Brightly colored recycling stations for plastic bottles were set up around the fairgrounds, and concessionaires and vendors were encouraged to collect their boxes for recycling.

“We felt our first attempt was very successful,” says Kim Davis, publication relations/marketing coordinator for the Tennessee Valley Fair. “For 2010, we’ll keep the foundations and add a few more recycling stations and increase signage at the gates.”

Promoting Education

Delta Fair & Music Festival in Memphis also kicked off a recycling effort in 2009. The fair recycled vendors’ cardboard, and the nonprofit organization Clean Memphis worked with Anheuser-Busch to place 80

Summer 2010

recycling receptacles around the fairground for the 10-day September event. About 200 Clean Memphis volunteers worked to promote recycling of plastic and aluminum and to make sure the bins weren’t used as trash cans.

Clean Memphis also organized a one-day green event during the fair that featured about 50 booths focused on education and the environment.

Contributors ranged from the city’s storm water division to a group from the University of Memphis that demonstrated grease-to-biodiesel conversion.

The nonprofit hopes to double its volunteer turnout this year and, in collaboration with Delta Fair, plans to increase promotion of the recycling component in radio, TV and print ads. Fair officials say Delta Fair is also testing food composting through a partnership with the University of Tennessee-Martin, and long-term goals include powering some rides with biofuel.

“Fairs produce so much waste; anything they can do to divert waste from landfills is the right thing to do,” says Janet Boscarino, director of Clean Memphis.

“Fairs have historically been focused on educational outreach – agriculture, livestock or other topics – and recycling and environmental issues are a natural extension of that.” ■ tnconnections.com

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taste of tn

Stalking the

Good Steak Locally produced beef is an ingredient worth the hunt story by Roben Mounger

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About the Author Roben Mounger, known as Ms. Cook, has a penchant for searching out locally produced ingredients for her family’s meals. For some 15 years, she has eaten year round by way of CSAs and farmers markets. In 2009, she began an organic farm internship with Arugula’s Star of Neal Family Farms.

Roben writes a weekly column about food and people for The Columbia Daily Herald and blogs about eating locally at www.mscookstable.com.

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omebacks are recycled rescues of something wonderful. The love of a good steak has ebbed and flowed in the life of today’s omnivore. Some folks have the taste memory of steak before the fat content of beef was readjusted.

Looking back, by the middle of the 20th century, cattle were increasingly fed grain.

Deprived of grass, the product was changed; fat in beef jettisoned from omega 3 to saturated. More and more, we long for the more healthful flavors of a grass-fed cow.

A few years ago, upon enjoying a pan-fried presentation of hangar steak at a bistro in Chicago, I remembered the delight of artfully producing the quality weekend treat: steak, potatoes and a salad. Relishing the local spin on ingredients, I found such a plate is easily retrieved anywhere in Tennessee. Most farmers markets and Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs offer the components year round.

Grass-fed beef producers, with an eye on hormone/antibiotic free herds, are attentive to a new way of doing business.

Here’s why the locally produced cut of beef is an ingredient worth the hunt. In searching out your personal producer, you’ll meet farmers who care deeply about their practices, ultimately affecting the health and flavor of the cut. Kimberlie Cole of West Wind Farms LLC in Deer Lodge, Tenn., says that their breeding stock are

born and live out their entire lives on the farm, providing a 100 percent grass-fed existence. Fewer cows graze per acre allowing a more sustainable practice, including the rotation of grasses. West Wind also completes the picture of their organically grown beef by processing at an abattoir that insures gentle handling with a minimum of stress to the cows. “We find it even better if the customers would see the animals we raise,” Cole adds.

Prior to purchasing a Tennessee-bred steak, look around at your local farmers market. Watch first, from a distance, the wealth of producers engaging in 101s with their customers, educating shoppers on cuts and the best methods of preparation.

Pan-fried or grilled: a flank, round, shank, flat-iron or porterhouse are simple to prepare and delicious. In 7 to 15 minutes, depending on the thickness and cooking method involved, you can plate, salt and pepper your lovingly tended protein. Roasted potatoes and a brightly dressed salad will almost complete the Saturday night celebration.

Hearken too, another classic preparation tip: the charcoal grill and folding chair (utilized for attentive oversight) are perfect tools for steak preparation. As a big finish, specialty butter can enhance each bite. This garlic-bourbon mixture will sell the local hunt and establish a lifelong habit for stalking the good steak. ■ Tennessee Connections

Garlic-Bourbon Butter

*Roasted Garlic Puree:

1 stick of unsalted butter, softened

Cut off the tops of several heads of garlic and rub the heads with olive oil. Place on a baking dish and roast at 375 degrees for an hour or less depending on size of the garlic. Let cool. Press the soft garlic out of the skins into a small dish. The puree keeps well in the refrigerator, covered in oil.

1 tablespoon of roasted garlic puree* 1 tablespoon minced shallots 1 tablespoon whole-grain Dijon mustard 1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme 2 teaspoons honey 2 teaspoons bourbon

Hungry for more? Find a recipe for Grilled Flat-Iron Steak With Spicy Summer Rub by visiting tnconnections.com and looking through the archives from our Summer 2009 issue.

Salt and pepper to taste Puree all ingredients in a food processor until smooth. Marinate steak with garlic-bourbon mixture before grilling.

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events

Summer in Tennessee

Festivals, celebrations, activities and more

A 50-voice choral group made up of students from throughout Dickson County will be directed by Emmy-nominated songwriter Syd Smith. CONTACT: (615) 446-2349, www.dicksoncountychamber.com JUNE 5-6

20th Sycamore Shoals Native American Festival

Elizabethton Discover the arts, music, dance, crafts and stories of Native Americans. CONTACT: (423) 543-5808, www.sycamoreshoals.org JUNE 5-6

48th Annual Lenoir City Arts & Crafts Festival

Fort Loudon Lake, Lenoir City More than 220 craftspeople and artisans, food and more. CONTACT: (888) 568-3662, www.visitloudoncounty.com JUNE 5-6

8th Annual Craft Fair on the Plateau

Crossville The Knights of Columbus host a vintage car show and craft fair open to all crafters of original handmade items. CONTACT: (931) 707-7291, www.crossville-chamber.com JUNE 5-6

National Moofest

brian Mccord

Athens Two-day celebration of the dairy and farming industry. Fun-filled days of music, food, crafts and more. CONTACT: (423) 506-9301, www.nationalmoofest.com Every June, more than 20,000 people travel to Bell Buckle, just outside of Shelbyville, to celebrate the combined taste treat of a Moon Pie washed down with an RC Cola.

This listing includes a selection of events of statewide interest scheduled in June, July and August as provided by the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. Events are subject to date change or cancellation; please call the contact listed before traveling long distances to attend.

Due to space limitations, additional information and events can be found online through the department’s Web site, www.tnvacation.com.

June JUNE 4, JULY 2 & AUGUST 6

First Fridays Dayton Food and vendor booths, entertainment groups performing, sales and promotions in the downtown retail shops, drawings and giveaways on the first Friday of every month from 5-8 p.m. CONTACT: (423) 775-9847, www.mainstreetdayton.org 14

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JUNE 4-6

Blue Plum Art & Music Festival Johnson City Outdoor music and art festival in downtown Johnson City features children’s entertainment, music and more. CONTACT: (423) 928-3479, www.blueplum.org JUNE 5

10th Annual Promise Land Festival Dickson

JUNE 11-12

Diana Singing

Diana This event began in 1969; now over 5,000 attend to listen to beautiful a cappella singing.

CONTACT: Jack Parks, (931) 363-3204 JUNE 12

Louie Bluie Music And Arts Festival

Cove Lake State Park, Caryville Old-time musicians and string bands in the region play on three stages along with those influenced by Campbell County native Howard “Louie Bluie” Armstrong. CONTACT: (423) 566-3641, www.louiebluie.org JUNE 12

Ed Fest 2010 CSAD Music Festival

Tellico Plains The best East Tennessee music as well as fun, family entertainmen, food, dunking booth, rock climbing wall, kids’ games and more. CONTACT: (423) 420-3199 Tennessee Connections

JUNE 15

Fruits Of The Backyard

Middle Tennessee Research & Education Center, Spring Hill Free event on growing small fruits and maintaining beautiful shrubs and lawns.

CONTACT: (731) 425-4768 JUNE 18-19

Secret City Festival

Oak Ridge Features the largest multi-battle of the 65th anniversary ending of WWII as well as tours of Manhattan Project sites, children’s festival, antiques and more. CONTACT: (865) 425-3610, www.secretcityfestival.com JUNE 18-19

RC & Moon Pie Festival

Bell Buckle Celebrate a Southern tradition with music, games, crafts and the cutting of the world’s largest Moon Pie. CONTACT: (931) 389-9663, www.bellbucklechamber.com JUNE 18-19

Rose Mont Festival

Gallatin Antique, craft, jewelry and furniture booths on the grounds of Rose Mont. You can also

Summer 2010

tour the mansion. CONTACT: (888) 301-7866, www.sumnercvb.com JUNE 19-20

61st Annual Rhododendron Festival

Roan Mountain Celebrating blooming of rhododendron gardens, crafters, folkways, musicians and food. CONTACT: (800) 250-8620, www.roanmountain.com JUNE 19-20

Civil War Living History Weekend

Ramsey House Plantation, Knoxville Stroll through Civil War encampment as re-enactors portray life as it was during the war. Battle each day. CONTACT: (865) 546-0745, www.ramseyhouse.org JUNE 24-26

Frontier Days Rodeo And Carnival Lynchburg Rodeo, carnival, rides and games, street dance and much more! CONTACT: (931) 759-4111, www.lynchburgtn.com JUNE 26

Generation 1000

Lexington Businesses, individuals, and churches come together for a family-oriented day. All bands, food and giveaways are free. CONTACT: (731) 614-2715 JUNE 26-27

Blooms Days 2010

UT Gardens, Knoxville Garden festival and market place featuring garden goods, dozens of workshops, kid’s activities, food and fun. CONTACT: (865) 974-8265, http://utgardens.tennessee.edu

July JULY 2-3

Libertyfest

Lawrenceburg Each year the community salutes a different state from the Southeast. CONTACT: Anne Morrow, (931) 762-7617, www.cityoflawrenceburgtn.com JULY 2-3

40th Annual Fiddler’s Jamboree & Crafts Festival

Smithville Features state and national championships in

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events 26 categories, seven beginner categories, jam sessions and 240 juried craft exhibitors.

CONTACT: (615) 597-8500, www.smithvillejamboree.com JULY 4

Bluegrass Underground Celebration

Cumberland Caverns, McMinnville Live bluegrass, underground in the volcano room of the cave. CONTACT: (931) 668-4396, www.bluegrassunderground.com JULY 8-10

18th Annual Great Celebration Mule & Donkey Show

Historic Celebration Grounds, Shelbyville Mules and donkeys converge for competition.

Includes a mule pulling contest, watermelon feast and more. CONTACT: (931) 684-5915, www.twhnc.com JULY 9-11

Uncle Dave Macon Days Festival

Murfreesboro Honors the memory of Uncle Dave Macon, one of the first Grand Ole Opry superstars.

Features music, dance, heritage activities, food, storytelling and more. CONTACT: (800) 716-7560, www.uncledavemacondays.com

JULY 16-17

White Oak Mountain Bluegrass Festival Tri-State Exhibition Center, Cleveland Highly acclaimed bluegrass bands delight crowds during the afternoon and evening.

CONTACT: (423) 476-9310, www.tsec.org JULY 16-18

Scopes Trial Festival

Dayton Reenactment of the 1925 Scopes Evolution Trial held in the original courthouse. CONTACT: (423) 775-0361, www.rheacountyetc.com JULY 16-18

Quiltfest

Johnson City & Jonesborough The region’s largest quilting event, drawing quilters from across the United States. Quilt exhibits, classes and lectures. CONTACT: (423) 753-6644, www.tennesseequilts.com JULY 16-24

Kingsport Fun Fest

Kingsport Features the world’s fastest 8K race, concerts, hot-air balloons and more. Over 100 activities in nine days. CONTACT: (800) 743-5282, www.funfest.net

Green Travel Tips

1

Carpool whenever possible to reduce your carbon footprint – and you’ll also spend less money on gas.

2

Staying overnight? Unplug major appliances to save energy and lower your electric bill.

3

Support Tennessee’s sustainable tourism. Find green lodging, dining and attractions at tnvacation.com/green.

JULY 17

40th Annual Singing Echoes Blue Springs Valley Singing

Cleveland One of the best Southern Gospel festivals the Southeast has to offer! Lineup includes all-stars such as The Perrys, The Diplomats and of course The Singing Echoes. CONTACT: (800) 472-6588, www.singingechoes.com JULY 23-25

Grainger County Tomato Festival

Rutledge Events include Civil War encampment, Arts & Cultural Exposition, tomato wars, 5K fun run and more. CONTACT: (865) 828-4222, www.graingercountytomatofestival.com JULY 31

Downtown Paris Ice Cream Social

Paris An all-you-can-eat ice cream extravaganza in historic downtown Paris. CONTACT: (731) 642-9271, www.VisitDowntownParis.com

August AUGUST 5-8

World’s Longest Yard Sale

Hwy. 127 Headquartered in Jamestown, the world’s longest yard sale stretches for 654 miles along Hwy. 127. CONTACT: (800) 327-3945, www.127sale.com AUGUST 6-7

Cherokee Days Of Recognition

Red Clay State Historic Park, Cleveland Celebrates Cherokee customs with music, dance, storytelling and more. CONTACT: (800) 472-6588, www.visitclevelandtn.com AUGUST 6-8

Rock-A-Billy Festival

Jackson World’s largest gathering of rock-a-billy artists and musicians, both old and new.

CONTACT: (731) 427-6262, www.rockabillyhall.org 16

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Tennessee Connections

connect to tn products

Statewide roundup of favorite finds Packing a Punch What do you get when you combine organic green tea, peach, orange and lemongrass? Delta Blues Peachy Keen Tea Punch, one of three tasty teas produced by the Delta Blues Iced Tea Company.

Founder and president Leslie Bass used her grandmother’s recipe to create the liquid concoctions while living in Chicago as an effort to fight off homesickness. The Nashville native soon found her tea punch to be successful in Chicago farmers markets – and now her products are available throughout the Southeast.

Delta Blues beverages can be purchased in the Nashville area at Whole Foods, the Belle Meade Plantation and The Produce Place. They can also be found in Sewanee at the Blue Chair Bakery and Coffee Shop.

To learn more, visit www.deltabluesicedtea.com.

Mulch Ado About Gardening An entrepreneurial Giles County farm is doing its best to redeem the perception of chicken manure.

Watch a video at tnconnections.com.

The Sound of Music By creating and selling handmade wooden dulcimers, Mike Clemmer has found his passion and wants to share it. This talented East Tennessean crafts the instruments out of walnut, cherry, butternut, sassafras and wormy chestnut at his store, Wood-N-Strings Dulcimer Shop, in Townsend.

Most of Clemmer’s dulcimers are custom-created, enabling customers to choose the wood that will be used, as well as select carvings or engravings for their instrument. Also available are Ban-Jammers, original creations designed by Clemmer. In addition to crafting the instruments, he plays some Saturday nights at his shop during Pickin’ Porch concerts. Workshops are also offered.

Dulcimers range from $100 to $1,000 in price. CDs and DVDs are for sale as well. For more information, visit www.clemmerdulcimer.com or call (865) 448-6647.

Summer 2010

In 1993, Rollins Farm added chickens – more specifically, their eggs – to its stock of cows and pigs.

With thousands of birds roosting, Ed and Teresa Rollins soon realized the potential for using their waste as fertilizer. Their composting efforts led to a partnership with the Tennessee Department of Agriculture and the University of Tennessee Extension Service to develop a new product: R-GROW organic soil conditioner.

Through a closely monitored five-phase system, R-GROW is a mixture of natural waste and fresh wood shavings, blending carbon and nitrogen to emit as little odor as possible.

The conditioner serves as an excellent choice for top dressing and soil incorporation. According to customers, the nutrient-enriched plants possess brighter colors, higher yields and healthier appearances after R-GROW application.

Ed and Teresa’s children, Debbie and Robert, also help run the farm, which is solely family operated.

Established in the 1970s, Rollins Farm also sells fresh beef and honey.

Bulk and individual purchases of R-GROW are available at Rollins Farm in Prospect, and bulk can also be delivered locally. Learn more about how to order at www.rollinsfarms.com or by calling (931) 424-3985. tnconnections.com

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Journal Communications 725 Cool springs Blvd., suite 400 franklin, tn 37067

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Lebanon Junction, KY 40150 Permit No. 222

Summer Energy-Saving Tips Use these tips to beat the heat this summer • Take a break: Suprisingly, running your dishwasher instead of washing dishes by hand actually saves water.

• Enjoy the season: Instead of putting your clothes in the dryer, take advantage of the warm weather and line-dry your garments.

• Keep it cool: Use the cold-water setting when washing clothes. This can cut your bill by 4 percent.

• Cover up: Keep windows covered during the day by closing blinds or drapes to keep out solar heat.

• Insulate it: Prevent the heat building on top of your house from filtering down into other areas by insulating your attic.

• Change it up: Switch the direction of airflow on ceiling fans. The blades should spin counterclockwise during the summertime.

• Ditch the oven: Microwaves not only get your food on the table faster, but they also generate less heat.

• Made in the shade: Keep your air conditioner shielded from direct sunlight.

• Weather-strip and caulk: Taking the time to do this around doors and windows keeps the cool air in and the hot air out.

• Try a fan: Whole-house fans work to cool your home by driving cold air through the house and draining warm air through the attic.

• Unplug: Turn off power strips or unplug devices to eliminate phantom power usage and reduce the heat these products generate.

• Let it shine: Install compact fluorescent light bulbs in your most-used fixtures for big savings.