I n t r o d u c i n g D r o p s ! b y C i t y C a t e r i n g .
Y o u r g o - t o f o r t a i l g a t e s p r e a d s t h a t s c o r e b i g !
W h e t h e r y o u ' r e h o s t i n g a t h o m e o r s e t t i n g u p b y
t h e s t a d i u m , w e o f f e r d e l i v e r y a n d p i c k - u p
o p t i o n s t o m a k e g a m e d a y a b r e e z e . O u r o n l i n e
o r d e r i n g m a k e s i t s i m p l e t o f u e l y o u r c r e w
w i t h o u t t h e h a s s l e .
G A T H E R - E A T - E N J O Y
T o p l a c e a n o r d e r a n d l e a r n m o r e
8 6 5 - 5 4 4 - 4 1 9 9 , i n f o @ s p a c e s i n t h e c i t y c o m w w w c i t y c a t e r i n g k n o x c o m / d r o p s
C i t y C a t e r i n g , e x c e l s i n c r e a t i n g
e x c e p t i o n a l f o o d a n d b e v e r a g e s t h r o u g h o u r p r e m i u m c a t e r i n g s e r v i c e s . F r o m e x p e r t l y
c r a f t e d b a r o f f e r i n g s t o u n f o r g e t t a b l e s i t -
d o w n d i n i n g , w e p r o v i d e e v e r y t h i n g y o u
n e e d t o i m p r e s s a n d d e l i g h t y o u r g u e s t s .
F o r c a t e r i n g a n d e v e n t i n f o r m a t i o n
8 6 5 - 5 4 4 - 4 1 9 9 , i n f o @ s p a c e s i n t h e c i t y c o m
w w w s p a c e s i n t h e c i t y c o m
150 Locations
YOU’LL ALWAYS FIND AN OPEN DOOR TO CARE
With the most locations across East Tennessee, Covenant Health ensures care is always nearby. And our 13,000 dedicated experts who see 700,000 patients each year gives you an unmatched combination of strength and convenience.
Let Our Strength Be Yours.
For the Love of Kids & Pets
Our homes wouldn’t be the same without all the two-footed and four-footed creatures who demand our constant care, feeding, cleaning, chauffeuring, and unconditional love. It’s a privilege to provide for, protect, and pamper them. And we try to remember that when they push our buttons when they’re pushing the boundaries for new horizons to roam. From toddlers to terriers, babies to bulldogs, teenagers to tabbies, cockatoos to corgis, kindergartners to kitties, parrots to pre-teens, face it, our homes would be boring without our kids and our pets.
And, our lives would not be filled with the love they bring everyday – especially when cuddling our kiddoes for bedtime reading or snuggling our furry fluffball on the couch after a hard day at work. As the proud parent of a duo of donkeys who make their home in our barn, it may be impossible for me to curl up with them for a holiday movie, like I can with The Cat Who Rules Our House. But, when I bring them extra blankets, feed, and treats on a cold winter night, you better believe I feel the warmth of their love.
As we head for a new school year, we’re spotlighting some of our favorite organizations in East Tennessee who nurture children’s talents, passions, and potential because of how very much they care. You’ll discover some great ways you can share your love to support the life-changing work they do for our community’s children. Check out West Knoxville Lifestyle Events for other opportunities to benefit Knoxville area kids and fun things to do with your family.
Speaking of sharing the love, we have a fetching story about a gorgeous golden retriever whose person is big on romance novels on wheels. It’s just how they roll. And, because it makes Marc so happy that it’s less than 30 days until IT’S FOOTBALL TIME IN TENNESSEE – we have an exclusive with the fan phenom, Sinan the Vol Squirrel.
But may I rant for a New York minute that in two stories this month, the social media stars with 60,000+ followers each happen to be pets? Help us correct this pet-to-people inequity. Please follow our generous Partners who make sharing the love possible each month and, while you’re at it, @westknoxvillelifestyle. Let us know the stories you want us to share. We appreciate your reading loyalty and purchasing power with our Partners. It helps us spread the goodness!
AMY CAMPBELL AND MARC ROCHELSON , PUBLISHERS
August 2025
PUBLISHER
Marc Rochelson | marc.rochelson@citylifestyle.com
MANAGING EDITOR
Amy Campbell | amy.campbell@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Patricia Storm Broyles, Chelsea Babin, Emily B. Riddle, Eric Dawson, Eric Foster, CFP®, CPA
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Shawn Poynter, Chelsea Babin, Katherine Birkbeck, McCarty Holsaple McCarty, Calvin M. McClung
Historical Collection, Eric Foster, CFP®, CPA
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Zach Miller
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas
Learn
Is Your Side Hustle
Actually a Business?
Here’s What the Law Says
When should you formalize?
• You're earning consistent income (even a few thousand dollars).
• You’re signing contracts or o ering services to the public.
• ere’s any risk—financial, physical, or legal—in what you do.
Forming an LLC can protect your personal assets, while opening a separate bank account and using wri en contracts adds another layer of protection. You may also need a business license or sales tax permit, depending on your city and what you o er.
Tax-wise, side hustlers o en owe self-employment tax (in addition to income tax), but you may also qualify for valuable deductions—home o ce, so ware, supplies, and more.
By Mital D. Patel, A orney PATEL & EISENHOWER, PLLC
From Instagram influencers to Etsy sellers and TikTok side-hustlers, it’s never been easier to turn a hobby into income. With a few clicks, you can launch a brand, invoice a client, and start selling—all before lunch. But while the DIY hustle is booming, many don’t realize they may already be running a business in the eyes of the law. If you're making money and working with regular clients or customers, you're likely beyond hobby territory. at means you could be on the hook for taxes, liability, and compliance—even if it’s just a “side gig.”
Treating your hustle like a real business from the beginning isn’t just about compliance—it’s about building something with long-term value. By separating your personal and business finances, se ing up an LLC, using contracts, and keeping proper records, you’re not only protecting yourself legally, you’re also creating a foundation that can support real growth. ese steps signal professionalism to clients, lenders, and potential partners. And if your business takes o , you may eventually want to bring on investors, get a business loan, or even sell the company. Without the proper structure in place from the start, that kind of transition can be messy, if not impossible. In short: act like a business now, so you have options later.
1: Joshua Dobbs’ ASTROrdinary Dobbs Foundation took participants from Girl’s Inc., TN Valley to Space Camp 2: Joshua Dobbs with participants from Girl’s Inc TN Valley at U.S. Space & Rocket Center 3: VFL and New England Patriots backup quarterback Joshua Dobbs at 2025 Space Camp Photography by Nadi Kidd
business monthly
The Clayton Center for the Arts 15th Anniversary Season
The Clayton Center for the Arts is thrilled to unveil its highly anticipated 15th Anniversary Season, marking a milestone in its commitment to delivering worldclass cultural experiences to the community. From comedy and classical music to Broadway-caliber shows and family-friendly entertainment, the 2025–2026 season promises something for everyone. Family programming performances include: The Okee Dokee Brothers, Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol, Vienna Boys Choir, and The Magic of Rob Lake. Tickets and showtimes ClaytonArtsCenter.org
The 12th Annual Knox Asian Festival
The 12th Annual Knox Asian Festival, presented by the Asian Culture Center of TN (ACCTN), takes place Saturday and Sunday, August 23 and 24, at the World’s Fair Park. With authentic foods, exciting performances, and traditional activities that represent the Asian cultures of Japan, Indonesia, China, the Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam, Taiwan, India, Bangladesh, Thailand, Malaysia, Korea, Nepal, and Pakistan. A vibrant celebration of Asian culture. KnoxAsianFestival.com
Compassion Coalition Fundraising Luncheon
The Compassion Coalition, a Knoxville leadership initiative since 2018, celebrates 25 years of “serving Knoxville together” with a fundraising luncheon September 16, noon - 1 p.m. Sponsorship packages of levels from $500-$5,000 are available until August 18. CompassionCoalition.org/donate
Photography by Asian Culture Center of TN
Every Home Deserves A Grand Entrance
We are passionate about welcoming you and your guests with elegant exterior screen doors and window shutters that protect and beautify your home. You are not only choosing a product. You are investing in a promise of excellence and quality. (865) 310-4962 | www.knoxvilledoorandshutter.com | 617 Burns Road, Knoxville, TN
NATALIE CLAYMAN
ACTING out of love
THE NEXT STAGE FOR KNOXVILLE CHILDREN’S THEATRE – THEATRE OF CHILDREN, BY CHILDREN, AND FOR CHILDREN
ARTICLE BY PATRICIA STORM BROYLES PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHAWN POYNTER, KATHERINE BIRKBECK
KIDS TAKING CENTER STAGE
For Executive Director Sien Moon, her love and labor on behalf of Knoxville Children’s Theatre in the beginning was personal. It gave her daughter and son meaningful artistic direction when they first became involved in KCT productions in 2009. Ultimately, it gave her son his passion, initial training, and mentorship for a dream-come-true profession as a New York-based theatrical lighting designer.
Sien joined the KCT board soon after her children got involved, was later asked to be board chair, and subsequently in 2018, be executive director. Sixteen years later, after witnessing thousands of children impacted by participation, and many more thousands by their first exposure as audience members to live theatre, it has become her passion.
“The reason I am here is I see KCT doing such great things, changing lives daily. Kids from all socio-economic backgrounds who are lost or shy, become confident, creative, happy, involved, invested in contributing.”
In 2008, when children’s theatre across the country often meant adults putting on plays for kids, KCT co-founder, the late Zack Allen, an actor, playwright, and director, had an uncommon vision: theatre of children, by children, and for children. Today children and young people are not only the actors, singers, and dancers, but also KCT academy-trained set, lighting and costume designers, and technical and stage management crews. All shows are based on children’s literature with a few Disney musicals interspersed, which are traditional money-makers, Sien explains, adding people who come for “Frozen” might not attend “The Miracle Worker.”
KIDS WAITING IN THE WINGS
“KCT has experienced tremendous but steady growth since our first Tyson Street location which seated 60.” The KCT company moved to the Churchwell/Central location in 2013 with a small lobby, limited seating, stage, and classrooms. Most of the shows sold out. Classes had a continual waitlist.
by McCarty Holsaple McCarty
In 2016, the hunt for a bigger space began. “It seemed we looked at every building in Knoxville. We identified a space in 2019, then COVID happened and we had to back off, and it sold in the interim.”
Post-pandemic, sold-out audiences and the demand from kids wanting to train at the premier theatre and academy continued to grow.
Sien turned to Justin Cazana, a Principal in the Avison Young Knoxville office, to find a bigger facility. “Justin asked what my dream location would be. I told him I had always wanted to be on the World’s Fair Site because that’s where so many children’s activities occur, like the reading festival and Dogwood Arts.”
When Justin attended an event at The Foundry at 747 World’s Fair Park Drive, he spoke to the owner, Marianne Greene, who had purchased The Foundry in 1993, developing it into a venue for weddings, receptions, proms, and other events. Justin told her he had someone interested in the building when she decided to sell.
“A few weeks later,” Sien explains, “Marianne called Justin and asked who was the interested party? What I’ve learned since is that she was ready to retire, but picky who she sold the Foundry to.” When Marianne learned it was KCT, plans for the sale moved forward.
“We had to leave our old location and move in quickly by March. We did some short-term adapting, painting, building a stage, and turning the main hall into a temporary auditorium, seating 160.
As of August, we’ve had three productions, held our spring term of academy classes, and hosted 23 week-long summer camps,”
she adds. Along with fulfilling her dream site in Knoxville’s downtown arts district, Sien adds the new location is more convenient for East Tennessee families. “You just pop off the interstate at Western Avenue. And, there’s plenty of parking!”
THE NEXT STAGE – THE KCT CAPITAL CAMPAIGN
Architects for the renovation, McCarty Holsaple McCarty, have reimagined The Foundry to expand the second level with an auditorium that seats 250 plus a second “black box” performance space seating 100, rehearsal hall, scene and costume shops, lighting/sound booths, lobby and restrooms. Five new academy classrooms, and renovated administrative offices and restrooms will complete the lower level. Three existing sheds store set pieces and construction materials.
“With 10+ productions a year, four-week rehearsals, and threeweek show runs, there’s a lot of overlap,” Sien explains. “Two performance spaces will give more children more opportunities. The renovation allows more performances including smaller productions in the black box. We’ll serve many more children with hands-on training. We have waiting lists for academy classes so our revenue stream will increase as we can serve more students.”
“KCT does a lot with a little. Historically, 70-75% of our revenues are earned – which is not true of most nonprofits. We don’t have a huge staff and we manage on a small budget. No child has to pay to participate in a production. For children who cannot afford academy class tuition, we fund scholarships. We keep ticket prices low (children $13, adults $16) so more families can attend.”
Rendering
Architects of proposed renovation of The Foundry, Knoxville Children’s Theatre’s new home
KCT students learn performance skills and technical production (lighting, set, costume design) in year-round academy classes
Performance image of KCT students during “The Miracle Worker.”
Photo Katherine Birkbeck
“We’ve launched a capital campaign, The Next Stage, with a goal of twelve million dollars, four million for purchase of The Foundry and eight million for the renovation, with stage and backstage addition the biggest expense. Our goal is to raise it all in 18 months to two years, so we don’t have debt.”
Donations and pledges of any size are welcome and can be over a five-year period. The campaign has naming opportunities for many areas or features. Purchase a seat for $5,000, or a front row for $10,000, and name it in honor of a child or grandparent, for example. Corporate sponsorships are available with larger naming opportunities such as the stage, the auditorium, black box, even the building.
“We love our place in Knoxville’s thriving creative hub for the performing arts with so many production companies and artistic organizations,” Sien says. “Actually, KCT has more annual attendees than any other theatre in the area. We’re excited to bring our audiences downtown to spend money and fuel our economy as we build audiences for other theatre groups.”
KIDS’ LIVES DRAMATICALLY IMPACTED
At the previous venue, more than 1,000 children participated in productions and took classes annually. More than 12,000 East Tennessee children annually attended productions. But, KCT gets more student matinee requests from surrounding county schools than they could accommodate. KCT’s staff is excited that the expansion means they can serve more children. “Studies show if you get a child to the theatre before the age of eight, regardless of socio-economic background, you’ll see improvement in literacy and standardized test scores. If you get
“So many children find their passion through the arts. If they’re not exposed to it, they may never find their passion, their place, or their people!”
them involved in theatre production, it impacts them even more dramatically.”
Along with improved literacy, creativity, attention span, and academic performance, theatre participation helps children develop life skills for success: discipline, leadership, collaboration, and confidence in public speaking.
KCT KIDS KICKING IT!
KCT is old enough to witness career outcomes. Zack’s first student intern got her degree, moved to New York and within two years won two Tonys for producing. Sien’s son has designed lighting for a live Amazon Prime show in Paris. A current Dollywood production hired KCT actors for both younger and older Dolly roles. After studying in KCT’s technical design program, students have gone on to Belmont, UNC School of the Arts, SCAD, Fordham, and American Academy of Arts. Another former student is with the Tennessee Arts Commission. Among other professions, many are lawyers, having developed public speaking skills at KCT.
Zack’s original vision for this treasure in Knoxville’s performing arts community has grown into an artistically ambitious investment that’s worthy of the thousands of East Tennessee children KCT will continue to serve.
SIEN MOON, KCT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
After a decade in management at Bell South, Sien left the corporate world behind for full-time motherhood with her twins (the reason she would get involved with KCT). “If someone had told me I would be running a children’s theatre in the same space as the Strohaus [at The Foundry], a place my college friends and I loved, I would have laughed! But, I’ve seen so many children find their passion, their place, and their people in the performing arts. I want this place to be here long after I am gone for them to pursue their creativity.” Learn more at KnoxvilleChildrensTheatre.com
Backpacks
Notebooks
Pencils
Highlighters
Folders
Binders
F I N D S C H O O L S U P P L I E S T H A T F I T E V E R Y O N E ’ S U N I Q U E S T Y L E
From classroom essentials to wardrobe upgrades, KARM Stores has everything your kids need to head back to school with confidence! Explore our selection of backpacks, notebooks, pencils, highlighters, folders, and binders as well as desks, supply bins, and calculators.
We enjoyed seeing all of our customers during Tax-Free Weekend, and we have great news! At KARM Stores, clothing and shoes are always tax-free, making it easier to outfit your kids in style with some of the top fashion brands You'll find a variety of quality pieces to keep them looking sharp all year
Best of all, 100% of profits support Knox Area Rescue Ministries, helping break the cycle of homelessness in our community. Every purchase at KARM Stores has an impact.
STRONGER together
Long-time supporter and fundraiser for Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee, A.R. “Rick” Johnson, explains his personal mission this way: “I believe our most important calling and purpose is to care for others, and nothing is more fundamental to that than feeding those who are hungry and food insecure.” A dedicated advocate for fighting hunger in East Tennessee, Rick’s leadership was instrumental in the campaign to raise funds to build the current Second Harvest facility in Maryville. His commitment to food security and community service inspired the creation of the A.R. Johnson Legacy Society to promote legacy giving through estate planning.
Second Harvest partnered with PYA Waltman Capital, a local wealth management firm, to launch the A.R. Johnson Legacy Society at the East Tennessee History Center on June 24. PYA Waltman Capital is passionate about supporting Second Harvest and committed to raising awareness of the simple, accessible ways anyone can support nonprofits, both during their lifetime and as part of their legacy.
A planned gift allows you to make a lasting contribution reflecting the values and passions important to you. Establishing a planned gift allows you to provide for your loved ones while also
ensuring nonprofits like Second Harvest receive the financial support needed for generations to come.
This form of charitable giving makes a lasting impact on the community and involves an individual’s assets or estate rather than current income. You can arrange to make a planned gift in several ways, including a will. Many people set aside a certain dollar amount or leave a percentage of their estate after their lifetime. Some planned gifts can be designed to accomplish certain financial goals, such as reducing your tax obligation. Bequests allow individuals to make larger gifts than they otherwise could during their lifetime.
Learn more about legacy giving through estate planning to help alleviate food insecurity for generations of our East Tennessee neighbors.
Second Harvest Food Bank (865) 521-0000 | SecondHarvestETN.org Legacy@SecondHarvestETN.org
PYA WALTMAN CAPITAL AND SECOND HARVEST FOOD BANK OF EAST TENNESSEE PARTNER TO LAUNCH THE A.R. JOHNSON LEGACY SOCIETY
Left: Rick and Mary Johnson with PYA Waltman's Melissa Ballard and Bill Waltman at the A.R. Johnson Legacy Society Launch | Right Top: Also in attendance were Zibbie Kerin, Bob Kesling, and Executive Director of Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee Elaine Streno | Right Bottom: Staff of Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee in attendance: Joyce Zirkle, Greg LaRose, Bailyn Brink, and Shelley Ellis
A Dream. A Dog. A Bookstore.
GOOD GIRL BOOKS AND POPPY ROLL OUT LOVE TO SHARE
Two women who love to read romance, a golden retriever, and a little pink truck pull up to a flower shop.
While it sounds like the promise of an excellent joke about Pinterest, it’s actually the start of the Good Girl Books storefront in West Knoxville.
Only a little over a year ago, Good Girl Books truck debuted as a bright pink Kei truck, bringing romance novels to local events, like The Retropolitan Craft Fair, throughout the Knoxville area. Rayanne Streeter, a professor at Maryville College, and her golden retriever, Poppy, were the team behind Good Girls Books – just a devoted romance reader and her beloved pup putting happily-ever-afters in the hands of readers. When the truck’s success took off, becoming one of the most popular romance-only bookstores on Instagram at 65,000+ followers in less than a year, it was clear Rayanne and Poppy needed a forever home.
That was when Lauren Morrill, local romance author and book club best friend, jumped in. Now these two entrepreneurial women and Poppy have teamed up to bring the book truck aesthetic to their own brick and mortar spot, sharing a space with Flourish Flowers in Rocky Hill.
Q: WHAT INSPIRED GGB?
A: Rayanne: I, one, just love romance novels. Romance is the genre I connect to the most. And I was at a place in my life where I wanted to do something more creative. I thought, ‘I could open a bookstore.’ Real estate is expensive and that wasn’t going to be an avenue I could manage. But I came across a TikTok of someone who made a book truck and I said, ‘I could do that, right?’
ARTICLE BY EMILY B. RIDDLE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHAWN POYNTER
Q: HOW DID POPPY COME TO PLAY SUCH A KEY ROLE?
A: Rayanne: To me she’s the cutest dog in the whole world. Dan [Rayanne’s husband, and builder of the kei truck’s custom shelving system] came up with the name, pointing out, I could put her in my logo. Then she could be a part of the store and I could be with her all the time. And then it was, OK, Good Girl Books. Poppy is a good girl!
Q: HOW IS POPPY SO WELL BEHAVED AT EVENTS?
A : Rayanne: When she’s in the truck, she’s happy as a clam. It was a happy accident that the truck gives Poppy some comfort and allows her to behave so well!
Q: TELL US MORE ABOUT THE STORE AND HOW THIS IS GOING TO WORK WITH THE TRUCK?
A: Rayanne: The store isn’t possible without Lauren. Lauren came on as my business partner. We met at a book club and she really believed in me.
A: Lauren: I told her, ‘Hey, if you want to do it, we can do it …’ A year or two ago, my husband stopped me and said, ‘Do you want to be in a bookstore every single day?’ And I realized, ‘I don’t … I want to own a bookstore, but I don’t want to be in a bookstore all the time.’
A: Rayanne: And I want to be in a bookstore all the time! As far as the location, this one just worked. We didn’t need to put in a garage door … and for me the truck always had to be inside. The truck is what made us, it’s the thing people are excited about and the truck not being part of the bookstore felt disingenuous.
Q: AS THE STORE GETS GOING, WILL POPPY BE AVAILABLE TO VISIT?
A: Rayanne: Poppy’s birthday is in August so we’ve already scheduled an event for August 16th with a pet photographer to do pet photography that will be birthday themed and we hope Adopt-A-Golden will be here for an adoption event.
“I want people to feel pure joy about romance, no shame, no stigma… You love romance and I love romance and we don’t have to be embarrassed about it.”
— Lauren Morrill
Rayanne Streeter, Poppy, and Lauren Morrill in the new Good Girl Books store in Rocky Hill
“To me, she’s the cutest dog in the whole world. Dan came up with the name, pointing out, I could put her in my logo … and I could be with her all the time. And then it was, OK, Good Girl Books. Poppy is a good girl!”
— Rayanne Streeter
Q: WHAT’S THE EXPERIENCE YOU’RE HOPING CUSTOMERS TAKE WITH THEM?
A: Lauren: I want people to come in and feel pure joy about romance, no shame, no stigma. You love romance and I love romance and we don’t have to be embarrassed about it.
A: Rayanne: One of the things I love about the truck and that I hope is going to translate to the store is that community connection. I want it to be a joyful community full of love and romance.
Visit Good Girl Books at 7685 South Northshore Drive Knoxville TN 37919. Follow Poppy @goodgirlbooksknox on Instagram and TikTok.
Emily B. Riddle is a local rom-com author who loves a small-town romance. Find her “The Kissing Series” at Good Girl Books and follow @emilybriddlewrites
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and Executive Chef
Summer
ARTICLE BY PATRICIA STORM BROYLES PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHAWN POYNTER
Owner and Executive Chef Joseph Lenn of J.C. Holdway Wraps
Up Our Three-Part Series on Pitmaster-Level Grilling Tips
Grilling Series
The last of our Summer Grilling Series with three of East Tennessee’s premier executive chefs, including Jeff Carter (Dancing Bear Lodge and Appalachian Bistro) and David Rule (The Appalachian), features Joseph Lenn (J.C. Holdway). All three are alums of the acclaimed Blackberry Farm kitchen. Yet, each brings something unique to the table – and to the grill – as they creatively interpret authentic Appalachian culinary experiences. All three love cooking with fire and are generously sharing a favorite grilling recipe along with some pitmaster-level secrets to help our readers elevate their own summertime grill skills. Enjoy!
Owner
Joseph Lenn at J.C. Holdway, named after his late Uncle Joe, Joseph Charles Holdway
JOSEPH LENN, J.C. HOLDWAY, KNOXVILLE
Opening J.C. Holdway, named after his late uncle, Joseph Charles Holdway, in his hometown, has been Chef Joseph Lenn's dream since the start of his professional career. He is honored to be able to celebrate the exceptional producers of the South while cooking over a wood-fire grill. While the restaurant uses the latest in wood-fire capabilities, he is inspired by the ways of rural Appalachia before today’s modern conveniences were available.
Grilled Shrimp
Simple Brine
Bring 16 oz water to a boil. Whisk in ¼ cup Diamond Crystals kosher salt until dissolved.
Pour salted water into 16 oz. ice water to cool.
• 16 each (16/20 size shrimp), peeled and deveined
• 1 qt Simple Brine
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• ½ Tsp black pepper
• 4 bamboo skewers
• 2 Tbsp chopped fresh herbs (chives or thyme would be great)
Place shrimp in cold brine for 10 minutes.
Remove and dry with paper towels.
In mixing bowl, mix olive oil and pepper. Toss in shrimp to coat.
Divide 16 shrimp and skewer on 4 bamboo skewers. Heat charcoal or gas grill to 500 °-600° Grill shrimp for 2 minutes. Turn and grill for 2 more minutes or until cooked through (a quick process on a hot grill).
Remove from grill. Sprinkle herbs on both sides of shrimp skewers. Serve immediately.
J.C. Holdway uses the latest in wood-fire techniques, featuring a wood-burning oven and a charcoal grill made in Barcelona
Laura Lenn, Chef Joseph’s wife, added her designer’s touch to curate various restaurant décor for J.C. Holdway, located in the historic Daylight Building
“ONCE
YOU UNDERSTAND THE MECHANICS OF TEMPERATURE CONTROL, YOU CAN MAKE WHATEVER GRILL WORK. THERE ARE WAYS TO MANIPULATE GAS GRILLS IF YOU CAN’T HAVE AN OPEN FLAME GRILL. PUT WOOD CHIPS INSIDE AN ALUMINUM FOIL POUCH AND PUT IT ON THE GRATE TO GET WOOD SMOKE FLAVOR.”
Portrait of Allan Benton, Owner of Benton’s Smoky Mountain Cured Hams – vendor, cuisine collaborator, and friend of Chef Joseph. (Painting by Amy Campbell)
ON HIS RECIPE
“This brine is as basic as it gets. Add different aromatics for more flavor. Bay leaves, peppercorns, and different herbs infuse flavor to proteins. Brines are great for fish, chicken and pork. Fish filets should be brined an hour; pork and chicken overnight (around 12 hours). This recipe is easy to scale up for larger quantities.”
ON GRILLING AT HIS RESTAURANT
“We have a wood-burning oven and a charcoal grill made in Barcelona. This grill is so insulated you can stand right in front of it and it’s not even hot. We can put the grate literally inches from a 2 to 3-inch bed of coals, almost on the fire itself, to get a sear on a steak that you can’t get any other way. There’s a caramelization on meat you get from fire you can’t get from a gas grill, or that distinct smoke flavor on proteins or vegetables you can’t replicate. It’s unmatched. We grilled a vegetarian cabbage and acorn squash winter salad, but it tasted like it had bacon!”
ON GRILLING AT HOME
“On Sundays, I like to cook for my parents who live in West Knoxville. That’s where my Green Egg lives now because my wife and I have a downtown condo, which means we use our community gas grill. I really like the charcoal and wood flavor you get from the Green Egg, but the gas grill works for convenience. I can cook everything on it, even in the middle of winter. One tip, I use a baking sheet with two layers of aluminum foil, put the raw product on the top, then throw it away once everything is on the grill. The second sheet is ready for the cooked food. I have to take an elevator back to my condo, so it’s more efficient with trips back and forth and less to wash up.”
ON GRILLING TIPS
“Preheat for a hot grill. Fish is not fatty. I like cooking tuna and shrimp that are thin, hot, and fast. If it’s a thicker piece of fish, like grouper, it will take
“Look for browning and caramelization
longer, but not longer than 10 minutes. Use a food thermometer and don’t overcook. Be present when you grill and not focused on other things – and don’t move it a lot. Four times is more than enough. I don’t focus on grill lines. I look for browning and caramelization of the protein itself – getting those golden hues of the browning.”
ON TODAY’S HOME GRILLERS
“There’s so much to choose from…pellet fed grills like Traegers, ceramic Kamado grills, gas grills, built-in fire pits. With grills, I try to keep it simple. I love Kamado because it’s just fire and controlling the damper to understand the heat. Once you understand the mechanics of temperature control you can make whatever grill work. A Weber Smokey Joe was the first grill I bought. I was young, working in the butcher shop at Butler and Bailey and the owner coached me early on about grilling. So, at the end of the day, the one I keep literally in the back of my truck is a Weber Smokey Joe.”
Jcholdway.com
of the protein itself – getting those golden hues of the browning.” Chef Joseph
timing the door
About twelve years ago my wife and children ushered our family into the world of chicken farming. My job was to build a chicken coop. I didn’t have plans, just a picture that my wife found online. Over the next 11 years that coop was moved, repaired, suffered in the elements, and eventually was added to the spring task list to be replaced. My wife had grand dreams of a much-improved structure. Once again, my job was to build it.
You should know that chickens are neither smart nor durable. Until they are a few weeks old, they require a heat lamp. We had a new flock of 8 hens in our garage, and I am convinced my wife had them on a Lance Armstrong steroid diet from the start. The larger they got, the more the pressure rose on me to finish their new home.
We eventually shifted them outside to the new coop. One new feature is a solar powered door that connects the secure outside pen to the house. It is supposed to rise in the morning and close at night, but there is one problem. It has a sensor on it so as to not crush a chicken in the door. In trying to train the chickens to go inside (seems obvious to me), they ended up laying in a pile next to the door that had since closed itself. When you opened the door and put the chickens inside, they would desperately try to run back out of
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY ERIC FOSTER, CFP®, CPA
the door. Just when you had all 8 of them inside and the door would be almost closed, a chicken would walk over and stick its foot through the last inch of the door. I would open the door back up and push the chickens back away from the door and start the door closing process again. Foot out, door stuck. Repeat. It makes me think of investing and how there are a few rules to help keep our money safe, yet the rules seem hard to follow at times.
1. Don’t take unnecessary risks, 2. have a plan, and 3. don’t panic over short-term things. Sometimes taking risks seems intriguing and fun, especially when we hear a new exciting opportunity. Just know that new and exciting is uncertain and unproven. Having an investment plan that ties in with your financial plan is really important and helps remind us that we are planning for our lifetimes and not just
next week. It helps to keep things in perspective, especially with rule #3. Financial author Morgan Housel wrote, “Optimism sounds like a sales pitch. Pessimism sounds like someone trying to help you.” Successful investors keep their eyes down the road and trust in the powerful incentive structure of capitalism.
At PYA Waltman Capital, we work to figure out who our clients are and what is important to them. Then, we build portfolios that fuel those plans and track our progress over time. Knowing where you stand is important, and good information fuels effective decisions. After all, no one needs a foot caught in the door.
The opinions expressed are those of PYA Waltman as of the date of publication and are subject to change without notice. All investing involves risk, including the loss of principal.
PYA Waltman (“PYA”) is an investment adviser registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. More information about PYA’s investment advisory services can be found in its Form ADV Part 2 and/or Form CRS, which is available upon request. PYA-25-32
Eric Foster, CFP®, CPA with one of his hens
Behavior
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At Horizons Neurofeedback and Counseling, PLLC , we combine compassionate support with cutting-edge neurofeedback therapy and customized treatment plans for clients of all ages. Horizons Neurofeedback o ers brain training using noninvasive, drug-free neurofeedback to support mental clarity, emotional balance, and improved performance.
Karlene Howie
Ok, So I Will Confess...
I was not prepared for this ad, so if it sounds like I just made it up…it’s because I just did! I’m sure many of you can relate!
It’s already “back-to-school” time, and many of you will be “caught out” with all the stuff that happens at this time of year. It’s not just you.
For many, it’s a time of making sure you get the kids’ haircut, but making sure your lawn doesn’t get cut because it’s also trying to survive the heat! (By the way, I love A/C!)
For others, it’s a celebration, that it’s nearly football time in Tennessee! (Go Vols!)
Whatever this time of year means for you, I want to encourage you to enjoy it!
Take “First day of __ grade” pics. Even though your kids may despise them at the time, it’s fun to look back after a while and notice “how small the dog was”, or “I forgot we had that minivan!”. Create an unusual memory, or just look for the good in the mundane!
We get it. Life goes fast. (I’m not trying to reference Ferris Bueller here- it just happened). We want you to savor every season and spend time doing the things that matter with the people that matter to you.
So, stay comfortable and calm knowing that pretty soon you will be enjoying fall weather with friends and football…and looking great while doing it (if you get your hair done at our place!). So, accept and enjoy some craziness because it makes the calmer time that much sweeter.
And finally, we can’t wait to hear about what craziness, or calmness, you’ve been up to!
See ya soon!
Stereographs at the Calvin M. McClung Collection
ARTICLE BY ERIC DAWSON
PHOTOGRAPHY BY THE CALVIN M. MCCLUNG HISTORICAL COLLECTION
When you browse the online Calvin M. McClung Digital Collection, you might see what look like the exact same historical photographs placed side by side. These are stereograph images, which were produced in the late 19th and early 20th centuries to create a three-dimensional image when viewed through a device called a stereoscope.
Stereoscopes viewers contain two prismatic lenses and a wooden stand to hold a stereograph card. When viewers looked through the lenses at the photographs, it created an optical illusion that made it appear as if they were looking at one 3D image. Though they had been around since the 1830s, a patent-free handheld version of the stereoscope appeared in the 1860s, making them more widely accessible.
Many stereographs of historical events and exotic locations were mass produced for a global audience, but photography studies in cities around the world produced images more familiar to locals. Knoxville was no exception, and studios such as McCrary and Branson sold cards featuring images of downtown Knoxville landmarks, Norris Dam and other East Tennessee locales.
The McClung Collection holds hundreds of these images, some of them almost a century and a half old. The C.A. Wayland Collection (https://cmdc. knoxlib.org/digital/collection/p16311coll1) is a particularly fascinating source of more than 300 stereographs. Columbus Alexander Wayland was a carpenter who created custom staircases for the D.M. Rose Lumber
Company, and was also an amateur photographer. He produced images of Prohibition Parades in Knoxville, the 1910 Appalachian Exposition, the Gay Street Bridge and Old Gray Cemetery.
Stereoscopes were the precursors to the ViewMaster, a less expensive and easy to use plastic toy that was popular from the 1950s up to the early 2000s. Stereoscopes can also be viewed as precursors to virtual reality headsets that are common today. While technology has changed radically over the years, this early foray into 3D pictures enchanted the young and old alike for more than 100 years. That history is preserved at the McClung Collection, and available to view online.
1. “View looking north over Gay Street Bridge towards downtown Knoxville”
The exact date of this image is unknown, but the paddle steamer Annabell King,visible in the photograph, first launched in May of 1909, very modern with its 200-horsepower boiler, electric light plant, search light and steam calliope. Two years later, notices for Tennessee Rivers excursions by UT students and church groups on the craft appeared in the Sentinel . By August of 1911, however, the Annabel Lee had been stripped of its excursion equipment and was slated to become a freighter for a company operating down river. In all likelihood, this photo was taken during one of the boat’s excursions in 1911.
CONTINUED >
View looking north over Gay Street Bridge, 1910s. (McClung Historical Collection)
Old Gray Cemetery was, of course, once new. The second oldest cemetery in Tennessee, the first burial occurred on July 15, 1851, following William Martin’s fatal injury from canon fire during a July 4 celebration on Asylum Hill. Named for English poet Thomas Gray, it would be the resting place for many of Knoxville’s most prominent citizens. New Gray Cemetery, on Western Avenue, was established in 1892, but when this photo was taken in 1906, the name Old Gray had apparently not yet stuck, as evinced by Wayland’s labeling it as simply “Gray’s Cemetery.” The identity of the woman in the photograph is unknown, but the photo was taken not far from the Broadway cemetery gate, as the Moose family monument sits to the right after one enters. Byron Eugene Moose passed away at the age of one on October 8, 1900, with his father, a travelling salesman, dying 20 days later. It’s possible the woman in the photograph is Rosalene Lavinia Harris Moose, the widowed mother, planting flowers on their graves.
Wayland published more than 100 stereograph cards of photographs taken at the 1910 Appalachian Exposition. The
event, which ran from September 12 to October 12 at Chilhowee Park, was a massive undertaking meant to draw attention to southern Appalachia’s progress as part of the “New South.” It was a major success, and another exposition was held the following year.
Wayland’s stereographs alone offer a tantalizing view of the variety of sites one could take in throughout the month-long event, including the park’s two lakes, the midway, amusement park rides, exhibits, restaurants, railroad, artwork, animals, parades, visitors and multiple views of the impressive Administration Building, such as this nighttime view of it with added pink tinting.
4. Temperance Parade, 1907
The temperance movement had been in full swing for a while when Wayland took this photo of a parade in 1907. Anti-alcohol sentiment was popular throughout the United States, and by this time Tennessee had largely banned saloons in all but a few cities. As a vote on the Pendleton Act prohibiting saloons was brought before Knoxvillians in March,1907, frequent demonstrations, parades and rallies in its favor occurred throughout downtown. Women and children were predominant in the events, as was the employment of the American flag, equating abstinence from alcohol with patriotism. Note the “SAVE YOUR SONS” sign the woman is holding while standing in the wagon in the left of the photo. Wayland produced at least 16 of these cards for sale, giving an idea of just how popular this subject was to the public.
ABOUT THE MCCLUNG HISTORICAL COLLECTION
The Calvin M. McClung Historical Collection is the local history and genealogy department of Knox County Public Library. Signature collections include Thompson Brothers Collection, Woman Suffrage, Mary U. Rothrock Collection, Catherine Wiley Collection, and many others. Join us online at cmdc.knoxlib.org/digital/
This article is written in conjunction with the Knoxville History Project. Dawson serves on the KHP board. Appalachian
Life-Changing Exploration through Travel and Expeditions
Moonshot is a transformative experiential program for Sevier and Cocke Counties’ high school students who apply as sophomores and are awarded the opportunity to participate in their choice of travel expeditions, cultural and educational programs, or outdoor adventures their junior year. Moonshot covers program costs and travel for the student for expeditions coordinated by acclaimed organizations, such as Adventure Treks, Rustic Pathways, and Outward Bound.
According to Executive Director Lori Moore, “We kick off the program with a hike to Mt. LeConte and work with the students throughout their sophomore and junior years to provide educational and networking opportunities. Moonshot students discover that going beyond their routines to travel, face the challenge of outdoor adventures, or experience cultures and people in novel settings builds confidence, creativity, and expands perspective.”
Hiking, backpacking, white-water rafting, sailing, rock climbing, mountain biking, kayaking and more … Moonshot expands horizons for East Tennessee high schoolers by offering opportunities to travel nationally or internationally to participate in outdoor adventures, educational expeditions, and networking opportunities.
EXPLORING INWARD AND OUTWARD
Among its goals, Moonshot facilitates the opportunity for East Tennessee high schoolers to safely push themselves beyond their perceived limits and discover their full potential through unforgettable experiences. Moonshot is made possible by a group of local business leaders led by Joe and Jessi Baker. Critical to the mission is for students to experience life-changing challenges that can emerge nurtured in safe environments. Meaningful exploration stretches self-awareness and relationship-building skills that can impact their education, their careers, and their contributions to their community.
Moonshot participants are chosen by an independent committee composed of Sevier and Cocke County education and business leaders. The process for Sevier and Cocke Counties’ sophomores: get a teacher recommendation, fill out the online application, upload the teacher recommendation, submit application. For information for Class of 2028 sophomores, visit MoonShotTn.org
Mountain Ways is the parent foundation of Moonshot. Mountain Ways is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization helping our Appalachian neighbors during times of need, ensuring no one faces hardship alone , and is currently engaged in long-term recovery efforts post-Hurricane Helene. MtnWays.org
“I was in shock I had been chosen for the program. My Moonshot experience has truly changed my life.” —Aleah H., Moonshot participant
ARTICLE
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MOUNTAIN WAYS
MEET SINAN, the tiniest Tennessee VFL
FROM RESCUE TO COMPANION TO CELEBRITY, THE WORLD’S SMALLEST VOL FAN IS READY FOR THE UPCOMING SEASON
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHELSEA BABIN
A single phone call can change your life — this was the case for Saed Awad of Oak Ridge when his friends called him one evening asking him to come rescue a baby squirrel. Seven years later, Awad has a constant furry companion: Sinan. Awad tried to release Sinan four times after nursing him back to health, “I know wildlife shouldn’t be kept as pets, but he wouldn’t go.” Sinan became the World’s Smallest Vol Fan after a photo with the Volunteer rowing
team went viral. Sinan now attends campus tailgates with his human companion sporting his Vol gear and takes photos with fans from all over.
With over 61,000 followers, Sinan’s Instagram account serves as the primary platform for updates on his appearances and opportunities to meet him. The two are getting ready for the upcoming football season and look forward to seeing everyone. Follow Sinan on Instagram @sinantn18
AUGUST 9TH
Knoxville Water Lantern Fest
Chilhowee Park & Exposition Center | 6:00 PM
Presented by Water Lantern Festival, this annual event brings people together. Thousands of lanterns will light up the evening along with food trucks, live music, and activities. The goal is to “light up the night with love, hope, and happiness.” The event is 6–10 p.m. Tickets are on sale now. Use code “ILLUMINATE5” at checkout for $5 admission. discount. WaterLanternFestival.com
AUGUST 9TH
Knoxville Irish Heritage Fest on the Hill
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church | 4:00 PM
Celebrate Knoxville’s Irish heritage at the annual Irish Fest that showcases Irish food, drinks, fun and music. This family (and dog) friendly event will have live music, Irish dancers, games for kids, Gaelic men’s games demonstrations and more. Time is 4–10 p.m. Tickets only available at the gate. Cash or card accepted. More information at Facebbook.comIrishFestKnoxville
AUGUST 13TH
Baseball and the Bomb: Legacy of the Oak Ridge Bombers
East Tennessee History Center | 12:00 PM
Katatra Vasquez will share the story of the Oak Ridge Bombers, a Black baseball team formed in Oak Ridge. Set against the backdrop of the Manhattan Project, this program will focus on the players who wore the Bombers uniform and the issues they faced during some of the most complex decades in American history. This event is free. EastTnHistory.org
AUGUST 15TH
Dog Daze IX
Village Green Shopping Center | 9:00 AM
Shop Farragut, with Town of Farragut support, hosts a nationally sanctioned DockDogs event Aug. 15-17. This three-day festival, presented by TDS Telecom, features over 400 jumps by 150 canine competitors and vendors. The festival is free and open to the public. For details, visit ShopFarragut.com
AUGUST 16TH
Clayton Center for the Arts Presents Preacher Lawson Comedy
Clayton Center for the Arts | 7:30 PM
The Clayton Center for the Arts announces its 15th Anniversary Season for 2025–2026. From comedy and classical music to Broadway shows and family-friendly entertainment, there's something for everyone. Tickets on sale now. The first performance will be Preacher Lawson Comedy. The viral sensation and “America’s Got Talent” finalist brings his high-energy humor to kick off the season. ClaytonArts.org
AUGUST 23RD
11th Annual GermanFest
First Lutheran Church and School | 11:00 AM
Travel to Germany for a day without leaving Knoxville. The 11th annual GermanFest, 11 a.m.–8 p.m., features local craft German beer, traditional German food, kids activities, marketplace, and more. Those 12 and older can purchase admission for $2. GermanFestKnoxville.com
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Let us make an offer on your luxury watch! Audemars Piguet Patek Phillipe Rolex
The only full-service and in house Luxury Jewelry and Watch Store in East Tennessee with unparalleled available inventory.
Back to School with Estate House: Why Pre-Owned Luxury Makes the Grade
As the school year kicks off and routines return, it’s the perfect time to brush up on how we’re here to serve the Knoxville community. At Estate House, we believe that pre-owned doesn’t mean second best it means smarter value, quality craftsmanship, and timeless style
Whether you're rewarding yourself for a summer well spent or looking to elevate your everyday look for fall, pre-owned and estate pieces offer unmatched advantages.
Authenticated, pre-owned jewelry and watches often come at significant savings compared to retail. You're getting the same quality often better —at a fraction of the price
Estate and antique pieces carry stories and styles that simply can't be replicated in modern production. From one-of-a-kind gemstone rings to vintage watches with mechanical precision, these items stand out.
Better yet, we’re able to offer truly personal customer service Our in-house watchmaker (with experience from Rolex) meticulously authenticates and services every timepiece while our jewelry experts, including a Graduate Gemologist, ensure that each piece we offer meets the highest standards.
Over 300 Luxury watches are available daily. Rolex®, Patek®, Audemars Piguet®, and Omega®
Whether you’re in the market for a classic gold chain, a designer handbag, or a luxury watch built to last a lifetime, our team is here to help you make a smart investment that lasts well beyond the season.
This fall, think beyond the short term. Choose timeless. Choose value. Choose Estate House
We Care for Your Skin
Receive the care you deserve in a friendly, welcoming environment with knowledgeable staff. Medical Services include treatment for skin cancer, acne, psoriasis, moles, rashes, eczema & more. We offer a variety of laser procedures including vein treatments, pigmented lesions, hair removal, micro-needling, skin tightening, CO2, and tattoo removal. Our goal is to help you achieve and maintain healthy skin. You will see only Board-Certified Dermatologists at each and every medical visit. We promise to schedule an appointment within 1-7 business days.
FDA-approved to temporarily make moderate to severe frown lines, crow’s feet and forehead lines look better in adults.
Dermal fillers made with Hyaluronic Acid to help add volume to different areas of the face without surgery.
A series of injections to the treatment area under the chin, destroying fat cells and producing gradual results.
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