Everything Knoxville September 2023 Edition

This Retirement Workshop will focus on your financial needs, but also topics such as charitable giving, the legacy you would like to leave, the importance of estate planning documents, and answers to your specific questions.

This complimentary workshop is most relevant for recent retirees and those who are within five years of retirement.

Travis Cullman, CFP®, CPFA Senior Vice President, SageSpring Investment Professional, RJFS P: 865.686.5202 F: 865.622.9579 Travis.Cullman@sagespring.com | sagespring.com 136 Concord Rd, Knoxville, TN 37934 STEWARDSHIP.

legal matters with the appropriate professional.

SPONSORED BY SEE OUR ARTICLE ON PAGE 9

9 SageSpring Wealth Partners

The Retirement Workshop for those nearly or newly retired.

12 European Fine Hardwood Floors

Healthy, sustainable, and beautiful floors!

14 West Knox Acupuncture

Begin your journey to live life pain free.

30 Designer Garages

Give a much-needed face-lift to your tired garage floor.

38 Undercover Systems

Enjoy more outdoor family fun with their unique underdeck ceiling system.

DECORATING

DEN INTERIORS'

Rachael Sheridan and Sandy Kozar explain the value of hiring a professional interior designer. For more than 13 years, the Kozar Design Team has been creating uniquely curated designs with their clients' needs and budget in mind. Your home is your most prized possession, so let them make it the functional and aesthetically pleasing space of your dreams.

From the Publisher

IHAVE ENJOYED the city of Knoxville since moving here in 1993. I always appreciated the 1982 World’s Fair nickname bestowed on us, Scruffy City, as I feel it harkens to our unpretentious “not trying to impress anybody” but steadily improving confidence.

The entire Old City area was revitalized in the years after we arrived, and what a change it has made to the entire downtown area. A few years ago, my visiting mother-in-law was impressed by all the local pedestrian traffic - the Saturday sidewalks were full of shoppers, diners, and those meeting friends to go to a show. Our downtown has everything you could be in the mood for - haute cuisine, unique shops, theaters and galleries of all types, funky eateries, one-of-a-kind event spaces, plenty of outdoor seating - all surrounded by Market Square’s versatile stage, Krutch Park’s water features and sculpture installations, colorful murals, historic architecture, and beautifully repurposed buildings. Just wow!

I beamed when I saw that Knoxville was ranked the 4th best arts district in the country by USA Today - bested by only Minneapolis, Cleveland, and Dallas. We were the smallest city to make the Top 10! Our thriving Arts & Culture Alliance - along with a long list of gallery spaces, concerts, and festivals, where everyone’s preferences are represented, and historic museum spaces with rotating exhibits and events - all contribute to our culturally enriched downtown area.

If you have not ventured downtown lately, a good place to start is the First Friday ArtWalk that has been going strong for 20 years. Galleries stay open until 9 pm on the first Friday evening of every month. Don’t miss the Emporium on Gay Street with its underground lower level and artists studios or Dogwood Arts in the Old City. There are just too many to list. I encourage all Knoxvillians to take advantage of the diverse and expanding cultural happenings. We really are so very fortunate!

Susan Cafferty Publisher + Editor

Susan Cafferty Publisher + Editor

Brett Cafferty Marketing + Operations

Kendra Menendez Editor + Administration

Meredith Hancock Design + Production Contact Information Post Office Box 24532 Knoxville, TN 37933 865.640.3015

Reach us Online info@everythingknoxville.com EverythingKnoxville.com

Hours of Business Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Everything Knoxville is distributed from Downtown Knoxville to hundreds of neighborhoods in Bearden, West Knoxville, Farragut, Hardin Valley and beyond.

Invest in Garage Flooring That Lasts

FOR T HE PAST several years, homeowners have been investing in garage floor coatings - and the trend continues to grow. A recent industry report showed that consumer demand for garage flooring has increased almost 20% during the past two years.

Since a garage floor takes more daily abuse than any other floor in the home, it should be beautiful, yet tough enough to handle hot tires from cars, trucks, and motorcycles. However, all garage floor coatings are definitely not created equal. Most large home improvement stores sell DIY epoxy garage floor kits. These kits often consist of relatively inexpensive, water-based epoxies, which make good basecoats. However, they do not include a high-performance urethane topcoat or proper concrete preparation, causing the flooring system to fail prematurely.

PremierGarage of Knoxville, the area’s flooring experts, says your garage floor coating should include these important industry practices:

Grind Preparation, Not Acid Wash

A significant factor in the longevity of a concrete coating is the preparation of the floor. It requires a surface texture that promotes a strong bond between the epoxy and the floor surface. Grinding creates the correct surface

texture for the base coat to adhere to the concrete. Some companies try to acid wash floors, which is a less-expensive method, but it does not create a good bond, resulting in a much lower bond strength and much higher probability of floor failure.

Full Flake Coverage, Not Partial

The amount of flake broadcast into the epoxy not only has a decorative purpose, but it also has a functional purpose. Decorative flakes actually make the epoxy layer thicker and act as an additional bonding agent. Since the flakes are more flexible, it can help prevent chipping when objects

are dropped onto it. Saturating the base coat with the flakes makes it up to three times thicker than if someone “sprinkled” flakes onto a solid epoxy color.

Commercial-Grade Top Coat

Using a high-quality, commercialgrade polyurethane topcoat is vital so the floor stands up to hot tires and dropped tools for many years. Polyurethane provides chemical, slip, UV, and scratch resistance, as well as gloss retention. It also reduces allergens by resisting the growth of microorganisms. The non-porous coating cures to twice as hard as traditional epoxies, making the garage floor resistant to gasoline, auto fluids, paint thinner, pesticides, and other household chemicals that can destroy inferior epoxy finishes.

Call PremierGarage of Knoxville to help you create a long-lasting garage floor. Then add custom garage cabinets and other storage solutions to turn your garage into your favorite spot in the home.

In the past two years, the demand for garage flooring has increased by almost 20%.

Nearly or Newly Retired?

WILL MY MONEY last in retirement? Am I getting killed in taxes? I give so much to charity - why can’t I deduct it? Should I go on Medicare or keep my employer coverage? Which retirement accounts do I draw from first? Should I change my investment strategy? Should I get a living trust or a will? How do I best leave a charitable legacy? What should I do with my 401(k) now that I’m retired? How do I claim my pension, and how does that work with my other retirement income?

In case you couldn’t tell, Cullman Wealth Team receives quite a few questions from our retiree clients! We love helping them find the answers and solutions to all these questions and more. The sad reality, however, is that many people with these same questions don’t have a trusted advisor who can guide them toward the answer. This leaves them feeling discouraged and anxious.

If only there was a place where you could get real-world advice from an advisor whose only motive is to educate and empower retirees. If only there was an event where you could get answers to all

things “retirement.” Well, now there is!

Introducing the “Retirement Workshop.”

If you’re retired or close to it, this complimentary workshop is for all your financial questions! No steak dinner, no song and dance, just good advice. Topics for discussion will include taxes and charitable giving, estate planning, investment income strategy, and much more! Bring your questions and leave your checkbooks at home. There will be two sessions, each with the same information, so choose the one that works best for you.

THE RETIREMENT WORKSHOP

Thursday, September 28th

Lighthouse Knoxville in the School House Room

6800 Baum Drive, Knoxville, TN 37919

9:30 am - 12:30 pm Morning Session

1:00 pm - 4:30 pm Afternoon Session

Sign up today! See our ad on page 2, and visit SageSpring.com/advisors/cullmanwealth-team for more information and to sign up. Questions? Call us at 865-686-5202.

Travis Cullman, CFP, CPFA Senior Vice President, SageSpring Investment

Professional, RJFS

136 Concord Rd, Knoxville, TN 37934 865.686.5202

SageSpring.com

Travis.Cullman@SageSpring.com

Investment advisory services offered through SageSpring Wealth Partners, an independent registered investment adviser. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. SageSpring Wealth Partners is not a registered broker dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services. Representatives may not be registered to offer securities and advisory services in all states. Raymond James and its advisors do not offer tax or legal advice. You should discuss any tax or legal matters with the appropriate professional.

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, CFP® (wish plaque design) and CFP® (with flame design) in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete the CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.

Why Choose My Professional Plumber?

JAMIE FOSTER, a 4th generation plumber, started My Professional Plumber in 2010. After working for other companies, Jamie saw a real need to increase the level of service to customers. And with more than 30 years of plumbing experience, along with being a state licensed master plumber, Jamie knew exactly what his business goals would be, so he outlined them under the heading of “5 Things Our Customers Can Expect.”

1. We show up on time. We’ll be at your door when we promise. We guarantee our technician will show up on time. We are easy to reach… real people answer our phones day and night.

2. Protection and peace of mind. All of our technicians carry the Technician Seal of Safety identification card, assuring you that they have passed a criminal background check and are regularly drug tested.

3. Respect for your home. Our technicians are neat, clean, and respect your home. We’ll even wear shoe covers and clean up after ourselves.

4. No risk guarantee. You will be satisfied with your service or you’ll get 100% of your money back!

5. No surprises. You approve the price before we start the work. There are NO hidden surprises!

“If you are looking for a quality service, you found it! Answered all my questions, made sure I understood everything. On top of the excellent service, they were kind and respectful. They went above and beyond to ensure that our home was taken care of and that we had peace of mind.”

- Alaina T., Knoxville

Jamie and his plumbing crew set very high expectations for themselves and their work. Their website is full of positive reviews that reflect that commitment. Trust My Professional Plumber with any and all of your plumbing needs.

My Professional Plumber

6220 Western Avenue Knoxville, TN 37921

865.609.6080

MyPlumberTN.com

Healthy, Sustainable, and Beautiful!

ASA RECIPIENT of the Bona Certified Craftsman Award, European Fine Hardwood Floors strictly uses Bona stains and sealers - for some very good reasons. A 100+ year old Swedish company, Bona is the world’s number one name in the hardwood flooring refinishing industry. By focusing on the needs and safety of their craftsmen, as well as floor owners, Bona is devoted to providing solutions that offer lasting, sustainable results for professionals like Valera Tomescu, owner of European Fine Hardwood Floors. With taking responsibility for everyone’s air quality, Bona’s waterborne finishes and sealers for wooden floors are a history making innovation offering the same durability as other previous products only with lower VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds), making it safer for installers and homeowners. Among the first to remove toxic and hazardous chemicals from hardwood floor finish, Bona proved water-based finish to be a reliable and durable alternative. These newer finishes exceed all VOC standards across the globe. Combined with Bona’s state-of-the-art dust containment system that virtually eliminates dust from the sanding process, European

“Bona always strives to develop innovative products with a longterm sustainable perspective in mind, ensuring that our products are environmentally sound not just today, but tomorrow too.”

- Glenn Svensson, Bona Research & Development Senior Vice President

Fine Hardwood Floors is able to offer a dustless, safer - both now and long termrefinishing experience.

Not only are Bona finishes and sealers better for you and the environment, they dry faster and don’t “yellow” over time like other finishes - maintaining the beauty of your floors. With a reputation for exceptional performance, you can understand why Valera and his team at European Fine Hardwood Floors use only Bona’s innovative products and machines.

Bona’s DriFast Stains come in four beautiful color collections in more than 20 colors:

• Classic with rich presentation of authentic browns and rich auburns

• Essentials that are comprised of warm ambers and hints of exotic spices

• Naturals are subtle and soft with a mixture of light tones

• Metropolitan offers sophisticated, saturated reds, browns, grays

These colors can be used individually or blended to create a unique stain color for your specific flooring.

If you are ready to restore the beauty of your hardwood flooring - with low VOC stains and finishes in a wide range of colors and a virtually dustless experience - call European Fine Hardwood Floors. With their years of skilled craftsmanship, long list of delighted clients, and tried-and-true sustainable Bona products, they offer the highest quality standards in the refinishing industry.

European Fine Hardwood Floors

865.640.3680

KnoxvilleHardwoodRefinishing.com

Certified Craftsman by Bona

Your Local Spot for PERSONALIZED GIFTS A

RE YOU tired of giving generic, run-of-the-mill gifts that lack thought and meaning? Look no further! David and Lysette opened Make It Yours in 2020 to revolutionize the way you celebrate your loved ones. They are your one-stop-shop for all things personalized, where you can customize almost any type of gift to create a truly unique and memorable experience.

At Make It

Yours, they understand that every individual is special and deserves a gift that reflects their personality, passions, and preferences. That’s why they offer an extensive range of customizable products to cater to your every gifting need. From custom-engraved jewelry and personalized home décor to monogrammed accessories and custom printed clothing, they have it all. You name it, and they can personalize it!

David and his team of expert artisans and designers are passionate about their craft and dedicated to bringing your vision to life. With their exceptional skills and attention to detail, they will transform your ideas into stunning reality. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, anniversary, wedding, or any other special occasion, Make It Yours will help you create a gift that will be cherished forever.

Make It Yours sources only the finest materials and uses state-of-the-art techniques to ensure that your customized gifts are of the highest standard. Their commitment to craftsmanship and customer satisfaction is unwavering, and they strive to exceed your expectations with every order.

So why settle for ordinary when you can give extraordinary? Visit Make It Yours today and unlock a world of limitless gifting possibilities. Let David and Lysette (and store greeter Great Pyrenees, Teddy) help you create moments of joy and make your loved ones feel truly special. Personalize your gifts and watch the magic unfold!

Make It Yours

10541 Kingston Pike, Suite A Knoxville, TN 37922

865.444.6253

MakeItYoursNow.com

Begin Your Journey to Live Life Pain Free

BY DRS. A.J. AND MONICA SARRAT

WHENWE first opened West Knox Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine in 2021, we knew that people would be very curious and have questions about our practice. In addition to helping our patients live pain-free lives, we love educating the community on what acupuncture is and how we can help you, so we have compiled the most commonly asked questions. Have one that isn’t covered? We invite you to call our office. We would be happy to talk with you.

What types of conditions can be treated with acupuncture?

While acupuncture can be used for many health conditions, at West Knox Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine, we focus on treating complex, chronic cases such as fibromyalgia, peripheral neuropathy, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, and failed surgeries, as well as women’s health issues like infertility, endometriosis, and PCOS.

After a torn meniscus, I had knee pain along with advanced arthritis. I had tried all the injections and physical therapies but was still not able to stand for long periods comfortably. My treatments not only eased the knee pain, but also my lower back and hip pain that I now realize were related. I can now get out and hike and tailgate and go to games, which I was not able to do before.

how exactly does acupuncture work?

One of the many ways it works is by stimulating the nervous system to produce specific hormones and neurotransmitters. You’ve heard of serotonin or dopamine - well, we can get the nerves to produce the desired effects like improved sleep from anxiety or insomnia, regulate hormones for women’s health conditions and erectile dysfunction, or even produce the body’s own natural painkillers for chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia.

That sounds great, but will it work for me?

Every BODY is different. We have high clinical success rates because we are very selective of the types of cases we take on. No two conditions are treated the same, even though patients may present with similar symptoms.

The best way to find out if we can help is to schedule an in-depth consultation with our doctors so they can see if you are a good candidate for our treatments. If we can help you, we will let you know what it will take during your initial consultation so there are no surprises later. If we can’t help, we are often able to refer you to someone who can.

How long until I start feeling better?

Everyone responds differently, but if you’ve had something for a long time, we tell our patients not to expect a cure overnight. After 20 years of being in practice, the most important thing we have learned is that all long-term healing takes time and consistency.

Do I need to get a referral from my medical doctor to make an appointment for acupuncture treatments?

In Tennessee, acupuncturists are licensed by the Tennessee Department of Health and no referral is necessary. You can make an appointment directly by calling our office at 865-275-2444.

How do most medical doctors feel about acupuncture?

Forty years ago, it was common for MDs to be skeptical. However, in 2022, every healthcare provider wants to work with an acupuncturist. Integrative or complementary medicine is the new buzzword, because it works for so many tough, seemingly incurable cases. They often refer many of their difficult cases to us because we solve problems that they don’t have good solutions for and vice versa. We complement each other’s treatments well, so it is a true Integrative Medical model. Does insurance cover this?

Our clinic provides a complementary insurance benefits check to see what coverage you may have, but cost has never been an issue for our patients to start care. They are just happy we can help them where other providers might have said there is nothing that can be done.

Acute and Chronic Pain

• Failed Surgeries

• Headaches/Migraines

• Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

• Back, Neck, and Joint Pain

• Heel and Plantar Fasciitis

Chronic Conditions

• Fibromyalgia

• Chronic Fatigue

• Diabetes

• Asthma

Neurological Disorders

• Peripheral Neuropathy

• Post Stroke Recovery

• Bell’s Palsy

• Multiple Sclerosis

Women’s Health

• Fertility and Pregnancy

• Hormone Imbalances

• Menopause/Perimenopause

• Endometriosis and PCOS

Autoimmune Diseases

• Rheumatoid Arthritis

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome

• Psoriasis/Psoriatic Arthritis

• Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

… and many other conditions

Dr. A.J. worked in a hospital for more than 15 years treating patients just like this where they were sent to him after they had tried everything else. He was often seen as the last resort with the best results. Acupuncture is also very complementary and works well in conjunction with the types of modalities you mentioned.

What can a patient expect when they come into the clinic?

I had been to many, many doctors after years of pain and numbness in my feet without getting any relief. I really look forward to coming in for my treatments because after each one, my condition improves. I can now sleep at night without having to get up and walk around until the numbness subsides.

I had chronic lower back pain for over a year. I had been to many doctors and had every test imaginable. They had run out of options for me outside of medication. After my treatments at West Knox Acupuncture, my pain has been relieved completely. I have gone from 60 pain pills per month to only four.

Do you treat long hauler Covid-related conditions like hair loss or loss of

smell?

We have had great success treating long hauler related symptoms such as hair loss, fatigue, brain fog, loss of smell or taste, and quite often within a few months patients regain their sense of smell and taste.

What kind of training do you have in order to practice acupuncture?

Our providers have doctorate degrees and are Board Certified both nationally and in several states. Drs. A.J. & Monica have a combined 40 years of experience practicing.

I’ve had surgery, PT, injections, and chiropractic already. Can acupuncture still help me?

After your meeting with the doctor, you will get a personalized treatment plan that gives you the best opportunity to get the results you want. The recommended plans are based on the most current evidence-based research and decades of experience successfully treating these conditions.

If you have been living with pain or a chronic health problem and would like a second opinion, call West Knox Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine today at 865-275-2444 to set up your consultation with one of our experienced doctors!

West

Knox Acupuncture

and Integrative Medicine

9125 Cross Park Drive, Suite 150 Knoxville, TN 37923 865.275.2444

WestKnoxAcupuncture.com

and a passion for getting more organized. However, her closet was a chaotic mess with clothes strewn haphazardly, shoes scattered across the floor, and accessories buried under piles of fabric.

One morning, after being late to work again because she couldn’t find a matching shoe in her closet, Kate confided her organization woes to a friend. The friend recommended calling The Tailored Closet to solve her problem. Frustrated with her messy closet, Kate decided to call the company and explore this promising solution to her never-ending closet distress.

At the scheduled time, an experienced, friendly Tailored Closet consultant named Ashley came to her home. Ashley intently listened to Kate’s frustrations and dreams of having a perfectly organized space. She smiled and assured her that an affordable custom closet would be the answer to her muddled mess.

Ashley asked about her preferences, storage needs, and personal style. Kate shared her vision, describing shelves for her shoe collection, dedicated compartments for her accessories, and plenty of hanging space for her dresses and blouses. Ashley designed the closet of Kate’s dreams, and in just a few weeks, the company’s skilled craftsmen transformed her closet into a haven of order and beauty.

Kate’s heart skipped a beat as she entered her stunning new closet. Every inch of the closet had been thoughtfully designed to maximize space and functionality. Shelves lined the walls to neatly display her shoes, handbags, and cherished sweaters. Drawers with dividers would hold her jewelry, keeping each piece safe and easily accessible. Mirrors adorned the doors, reflecting a sense of elegance and grace. There was space for her shirts, dresses, and even her summer maxi dresses.

With a newfound sense of joy, Kate began to fill her closet. Each item found its rightful place, bringing a sense of harmony to her once chaotic world. Getting ready in the morning became a delight, and she was never late again for work, as she effortlessly located her favorite outfits and accessories, no longer wasting precious time searching through clutter. With an organized closet designed just for her,

Kate lived happily ever after.

With The Tailored Closet of Knoxville, a custom-designed, organized closet is not a fairy tale. Whatever your style, The Tailored Closet will design a closet that fits your needs and budget. As whole-home organization specialists, The Tailored Closet also has innovative storage solutions for the pantry, laundry, home offices, garage, and more. Yes, you too can live happily ever after.

The Tailored Closet

865.777.0306

TailoredClosetKnoxville.com

200+ MAKERS

Shop locally-made artwork in the Curio or 24/7 online Weekly entertainment curated by Dogwood Arts

LIVE MUSIC

MAKER WORKSHOPS

Group classes covering a variety of mediums

FOOD + DRINK

The Tavern is open for breakfast, brunch, lunch + dinner

A place to socialize, grab a drink or bite, and discover Knoxville’s artists + makers at World’s Fair Park

Garrett Durland

Add Real Value to Your Home and to Your Life

THEKITCHEN is probably the hardest working room in your home. We all want it to be beautiful, but it’s where we cook, bake, gather, and store essentials like food, supplies, and pots and pans, so it has to be functional. A well-thought out kitchen has plenty of storage to keep countertops clear and is designed so you can quickly and easily find what you need and conveniently reach it.

ShelfGenie is the true turn-key leader in kitchen innovation

At ShelfGenie, we design, build, and install custom Glide-Out™ shelves for your existing cabinets and pantries. They increase storage by up to 50% and pull out their full depth so you can access the entire shelf front to back. Each shelf can hold up to 100 lbs and is made in America using high-quality materials and superior craftsmanship. We do not use one-size-fits-all, big box store substitutes.

Our process begins and ends with the homeowner

1. Our design consultant will get to know your exact needs during our free, in-home consultation and will provide you with a free 3-D design of your kitchen so you’ll see exactly what your new kitchen space will look like.

2. Your Glide-Out™ shelves will be manufactured in our very own manufacturing facility to your exact specifications.

3. Our licensed, professional installer will then install your order in one day. Finally, your designer will reach out to ensure you’re completely 100% satisfied.

Enjoy your innovative new kitchen

Turn frustration with your kitchen into joy. You can expect to increase storage, reduce clutter and wasted time looking for items, and avoid having to bend, twist, or reach into the backs of cabinets.

What our awesome clients have to say “Awesome folks to deal with. Great workmanship.”

- D.A., Knoxville

“We love the new shelves. They are truly life changing in the kitchen.”

- R.K., Knoxville

“Great improvement to what I had and very happy with the people I worked with.”

- S.O., Vonore

“I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my new kitchen pull-out shelves. Very professional.”

- K.B., Powell

“Love my new pantry shelves! They are sturdy and beautifully installed. Great customer service and friendly folks.”

- M.M, Loudon

To learn more or to schedule your free consultation, call 865-409-1197 or visit ShelfGenie.com.

ShelfGenie®

865.409.1197

ShelfGenie.com

My Personal Journey

BY KIMBERLY, FORMER “NOT A YOGA GIRL”

ITHOUGHT

I knew what yoga was... skinny girls twisting up like pretzels, smelling vaguely of incense, talking about their latest juice cleanse. Which is a lovely way to live, but certainly not for me.

Yoga wasn’t for me, the girl who trips going UP the stairs. Me - the girl who cringes at the curves she sees in the mirror. Me - the clumsy, imperfect, overweight, nervous girl who lives firmly inside her comfort zone... yoga wasn’t for me.

Or, at least, that’s what I thought until my first class at Blue Ridge Yoga. I quickly learned that yoga is for everyone. It’s for me, and it can be for you, too. Their studio is a beautiful community of people, from

By learning to connect movement to my breath, I discovered a new sense of well-being. I witnessed gradual improvements in my strength, flexibility, mental health, and self-confidence. Now I hold my head higher, speak a little louder, and find myself gravitating toward more brightly colored clothing.

When I feel stressed, anxious, or

overwhelmed - which is quite often, because I’m still the same person I’ve always beenI’m able to smooth out my frantic thoughts, slow the rapid beating of my heart, soften my muscles, and overcome the moment. That level of control is a gift and one I never expected to find on a yoga mat.

Taking classes at Blue Ridge Yoga has empowered, inspired, and challenged me in so many ways. With each practice, I fall in love with yoga all over again. I’m not a perfect yogi. I stumble out of poses, can’t do a plank to save my life, and secretly dread the day I’m offered a kale smoothie. I won’t ever fit the stereotype, but luckily, I don’t need to.

Real yoga is about accepting yourself as you are, and finding peace there... and Blue Ridge Yoga is the perfect place to start that incredible journey.

Blue Ridge Yoga

623 N Campbell Station Road Knoxville, TN 37934

865.288.3562

YogaKnoxvilleTN.com

Responsible Dog Ownership Month How to Be the Best Pet Parent

SEPTEMBER IS Responsible Dog

Ownership Month. Responsible dog ownership goes beyond providing food, water, and shelter. It is a commitment to the physical, emotional, and social needs of our loyal and loving companions. During this month (and every month!), let’s reflect on our pet parent responsibilities and acknowledge the joy and fulfillment our furry friends bring to our lives.

Health and Wellness

A major aspect of responsible dog ownership is prioritizing the health and wellness of our pets. Regular veterinary check-ups, vaccinations, and preventive care are essential to keeping our dogs in top shape. Responsible Dog Ownership Month encourages us to schedule that overdue vet appointment and ensure our pets are up to date on all necessary vaccinations and screenings.

Dogtopia offers Dogtopia Care Plans, which help pet parents save 20-50% on in-house vet services with no exclusions on pre-existing conditions, breed, or animal type. It can even be used in conjunction with pet insurance to save more.

Nutrition and Exercise

A well-balanced diet and regular exercise are the building blocks of a healthy and happy dog. We should ensure they receive the right diet for their age, size, and breed. Additionally, regular exercise not only helps their physical health but also keeps them mentally stimulated and emotionally content. Weekly daycare can help with your pup’s exercise goals - Dogtopia dogs take an average of 30,000 steps per day compared to the 8,000 steps of dogs who stay home.

Training and Socialization

Well-behaved and socially adept dogs enhance the bond between pet, parent, and other pups and parents. Responsible Dog Ownership Month encourages us to invest time and effort in training our dogs, teaching them basic skills and good manners. Socializing dogs from an early age helps them develop confidence, reduces anxiety, and ensures they become friendly and approachable members of society. At Dogtopia, all dogs get to safely socialize and

September is Responsible Dog Ownership Month

learn how to be a top-tier canine citizen.

Safety Measures

It goes without saying: Keeping our dogs safe is the number-one priority. Responsible dog parents understand the importance of proper identification, such as microchipping, and using a sturdy collar with identification tags. Additionally, securing our pets on a leash during walks and in public spaces helps prevent accidents and conflicts with other animals.

Time and Attention

Dogs are social and thrive on human interaction. Responsible Dog Ownership Month is an ideal time to evaluate how much

time and attention we devote to our pets. Spending quality time with them, engaging in playtime, and simply being present for cuddles and affection are essential for their emotional well-being.

Want to ensure your pup is living their best life? Enroll in daycare at Dogtopia so they can enjoy regular socialization, exercise, and education.

Dogtopia of Bearden-Knoxville

5213 Homberg Drive

Knoxville, TN 37919

865.622.2599

Dogtopia.com/Bearden-Knoxville

Our facility comes with spacious, supervised playrooms where dogs are placed according to their size, temperament, and play style to ensure a safe and comfortable environment for your beloved pet.

5213 Homberg Drive | Knoxville, TN 37919 865.622.2599

Dogtopia.com/Bearden-Knoxville

CUSTOM LANDSCAPE LIGHTING DESIGN & INSTALLATION

Custom Landscape Lighting Design

A thoughtful and well-conceived landscape lighting design will add warmth and elegance to your home or business. Our teams of professional lighting designers can turn your place into a nighttime show stopper. When amazing matters, you can count on Lighthouse Outdoor Lighting.

BEFORE AFTER

We Design Nightscapes to Enhance the Way You Live

A professionally installed landscape lighting system, no matter how complex, should be discreetly installed with little to no visible impact to your landscape. We leave every property picture perfect.

Call Heath Myrick, Owner of Lighthouse Outdoor Lighting of Knoxville, today! It won’t cost you anything to have us come out to look at your project and show you what we do. Every professional landscape lighting installation is done with painstaking care in keeping with the highest standards in the industry.

INSIGHTS HIGHLIGHTS &

RIVER DOG BAKERY

Where your best friends go for treats! The #1 goal at River Dog Bakery is to provide nutritious and delicious treats for dogs. In addition to their delectable treats, they also offer a wide selection of quality and unique dog toys, accessories, and foods. Their most popular item is the dog birthday cakes, which come in a large or small size. Available at River Dog Bakery, 11422 Kingston Pike in Knoxville, 865.392.1100, RiverDogBakery.com.

MAKE IT YOURS

Introducing the epitome of elegance and craftsmanship - a custom-made wooden purse crafted from exquisite walnut wood. Measuring 10” wide x 9” tall x 4” deep, this purse offers ample space to carry your essentials while maintaining a sleek and compact design. Embrace the beauty of nature and make a bold fashion statement - a testament to individuality, style, and sustainability. Available at Make It Yours, 10541 Kingston Pike, Suite A in Knoxville, 865.444.6253, MakeItYoursNow.com.

DESIGN DECOR

Help cheer the Vols on to victory with this wooden tray with handles. Great for parties or tailgating! Available at Design Decor, 6217 Baum Drive in Knoxville, 865.896.3450, DesignDecorKnoxville.com.

SHAE DESIGN STUDIO

Featuring plush seat cushions and draped in reliable Performance fabric, the Nicholas Sectional brings a breezy sophistication to living spaces. Complete sectional comes with three 20-inch throw pillows in Cannes Velvet Dark Grey Velvet and three 18-inch throw pillows in a Flannel. Now on sale! Available at Shae Design Studio, 9700 Kingston Pike, Suite 11 in Knoxville, 865.313.2656, ShaeDesigns.com.

DECORATING DEN INTERIORS

This beautiful bar cabinet features a black coffee finish, chrome hardware, glass mirror front and back, auto-light, and the ability to store 22 wine bottles and at least that many liquor bottles - a must have for holiday parties! Available at Decorating Den Interiors | Kozar Design Team, 521 Lovell Road, Suite 205 in Knoxville, 865.392.6222, SandyKozar.DecoratingDen.com.

SIMPSON’S MEATS

Whether preparing for your next big get-together or cooking for a weeknight meal, have peace of mind in knowing exactly where your food is coming from. Simpson’s Meats provides quality beef, chicken, pork, and other products straight from the farm. Shop their local market at 10830 Murdock Drive in West Knoxville, 865.336.6036, SimpsonsMeats.com.

PASSION ON PAPER

Get a jump on your Christmas list! These sketchbooks are a perfect gift for your resident artist - even if the artist is you!

Available at Passion on Paper, 259 N. Peters Road in Knoxville, 865.531.9886, PassionOnPaper.com.

Give a Much-Needed Face-lift to Your Tired Garage Floor

BY CARRIE MCCONKEY, CARRIEMCCONKEY.COM

WHEN WAS the last time you looked closely at your concrete garage floor? If it’s been awhile, you may want to brace yourself. In addition to the uninspiring gray color, most likely you’ll find a wide variety of stains, scuffs, and marks… and a few cracks as an added bonus. If you’re shocked at how unsightly your cold cement garage floor really looks, you’re probably ready for an exciting trend in garage design: an attractive and durable epoxy polyaspartic floor.

Made to Match

Your garage is the last room you see when you leave the house and the first that greets you upon returning home. Start and end your day on the right foot with a garage floor that is custom-designed just for you. Match your home’s exterior or interior, coordinate with your car, boat, or motorcycle, or simply choose your favorite color… the possibilities are endless.

Restored for Longevity

An epoxy polyaspartic floor is more than just a beautiful surface: it’s a restorative upgrade for your garage floor. The first and most important step is prepping the floor by grinding the surface with commercial equipment. Next, cracks will be filled, divots repaired, and the floor will be lightly sanded a second time. Finally, colored epoxy, vinyl flakes, and a chemical and abrasion-resistant gloss coating will be applied to supply three layers of protection.

Value-Added Benefits

An epoxy poly floor provides monetary value along with an

increased quality of life. Designed garages are a sought-after feature in today’s housing market, increasing your home’s worth. And you can benefit from the extra square footage to entertain, tinker with vehicles, or enjoy woodworking and other hobbies.

If you’ve taken a hard look at your concrete floor and are shocked by what you see, visit the experts at the Designer Garages showroom in West Knoxville. While you’re there, check out the latest in garage cabinetry, lighting, overhead storage, and slatwall. The consultation is free, and the dreams are yours for the taking!

Designer Garages

201 Center Park Drive, #1070

Knoxville, TN 37922 865.268.4868

DesignerGarages.com

Ask Yourself Three Closet Questions: What? Why? Where?

BY CARRIE MCCONKEY, CARRIEMCCONKEY.COM

IN your closet right now? Chances are, your wardrobe reflects your personality, habits, and lifestyle. Whether you’re a designer devotee or a bargain shopper (or both!), your closet contents are a valuable investment and should be treated as such. You can make the most of your clothing collection by customizing your closet. Start by asking yourself, “What, why, and where?”

WHAT’S

What Do I Own?

Take stock of your wardrobe. What “collections” do you see?

• Do designer shoes make you weak in the knees?

• Is your timepiece collection one to be coveted?

• Are you a logo t-shirt aficionado?

Showcasing your favorite groups of items together in a custom closet provides joy, convenience, and a great way to evaluate what you have… and what you need to acquire next.

Why Is It Important to Me?

Explore the origins of your favorite clothing and you’ll likely learn a bit about yourself.

• Do you enjoy sporting a colorful collection of dress socks?

• Are handbags your memento of choice when you take a luxury vacation?

• Do your vintage pieces take you to a different place and time?

Designing the perfect spaces for your most cherished pieces will keep them in view, prioritized, and protected.

Where Should It Be Located?

Determine how often you reach for your favorite clothing and accessories.

• Do you have items that are on heavy rotation, needed daily or weekly?

• Are seasonal or infrequently worn pieces in your way?

• How simple is it to put away things at the end of the day?

In a custom closet, you can make sure your items are stored where you need them, for when you need them.

No matter whether you’re a minimalist or a clothes horse, your wardrobe took time - and hard-earned money - to accumulate. Protect your investment by contacting the team at Closets by McKenry for a closet that fits your belongings, your budget, and your lifestyle. Visit our West Knoxville showroom to see our new finishes; we now have more than 50 trend-worthy colors from which to choose!

Closets by McKenry

201 Center Park Drive, #1070 Knoxville, TN 37922 865.249.6382

ClosetsByMcKenry.com

Inside and Outside We’ve Got You Covered!

MOST PEOPLE KNOW us for our exceptional tile and grout services, as well as all other hard surfaces inside the home. A lesser known fact is that we also specialize in most outdoor surfaces that also need attention. Back in 2018 we started offering softwashing for your home’s exterior: Brick, vinyl siding, and stucco. Soft wash is the only way to safely clean your home’s exterior face using a perfectly formulated cleaning solution, safe heat, and pressure. Washing a home’s exterior is not a “one-size-fits-all.” Each home presents its own distinctive challenges and requires professional knowledge and service so damage can be prevented.

Many of us have dealt with algae, mildew, or mold streaking the outside of our homes. Even gutters can become dull and stained throughout the years and need refreshment. Black streaks on the roof are unsightly and must be dealt with before permanent damage occurs. It is impossible for the homeowner to simply rinse off algae and mold, and scrubbing many areas of your home’s exterior can be dangerous and futile. Traditional pressure washing can actually cause harm, and a proper mixture of the correct cleaning chemicals, appropriate heat, and adequate pressure are a must to get real results. Sidewalks, driveways, and decking each have a unique set of challenges:

• Sidewalks damaged by algae or topical debris inevitably become slick and must be dealt with before accidents happen. Even if your sidewalk does not get slick with moisture, you may be dealing with stains from foot traffic or vegetation. I can’t tell you how many well-meaning homeowners inadvertently destroy their own sidewalk while trying to pressure wash them.

• Driveways, on the other hand, can lose their luster over time or accumulate ugly oil stains. Traditional pressure washing can pock-mark your entire surface and cause expensive repairs. Concrete driveways that are white pose even more challenges and can be stained from deeply embedded grime from vehicles’ hot tires.

• Wood and composite decking can become dangerous as algae embeds deep within the pores of the wood, inviting a slip accident! Alternatively, it can become dry, brittle, and faded if it has not been properly cleaned and sealed.

• Each problem requires a unique solution, and Surface Doc is specifically qualified to tackle each element and the challenges they present. Please give John and his team a call today, and see the difference they will make for your home tomorrow.

Where Are You in the Money Cycle of Life?

BY YVONNE MARSH, CFP ® , CPA

IN THE INVESTING world, we tend to talk about investing in terms of “how much return can I get for the amount of risk I’m taking?” For example, individual stocks have more risk, and thus more reward over time, than a bank savings account. But for preretirees and retirees, there’s more to investing than simply the risk/return trade-off. We need to think in terms of a money cycle. Simply put, there are three stages to your Money Cycle: Accumulation, Preservation, and Distribution.

The Accumulation stage is the easiest: You’re working hard and saving toward retirement, and this is when it makes the most sense to maximize the risk/return tradeoff. But when you’re within five years of retirement, it’s time to start shifting into the Preservation phase of the Money Cycle. The Preservation phase is when it becomes more important to maintain what you’ve saved all of these years - the time for risky, high-flying investments is done, and pre-retirees talk more in terms of “not wanting to lose what I have.”

The Preservation stage then gives way to the Distribution stage, when you’re fully retired and now relying on your assets to provide monthly income. The most common mistake I see pre-retirees make is that they move right from the Accumulation phase into the Distribution phase and skip the Preservation phase altogether. This might feel like jumping into the deep end of the pool before you know how to swim - it can be done, but it’s a lot more challenging!

Here’s an easy solution to build the Preservation and Distribution stages of the money cycle into your investing decisions: Use an investment “bucketing strategy,” where you invest your assets according to time and purpose. Assets in the “soon” bucket will provide income in the first phase of retirement and need to be invested with less risk of loss. Assets in the “later” bucket can still retain a growth strategy since they won’t need to be tapped for income until phase two of retirement.

If you’re close to retirement and still running full speed ahead in the Accumulation style of investing, it’s time to start applying the brakes on at least a portion of your accounts. Reach out if you have questions. I’m here to help.

865.622.2162

MarshWealth.com

From Student to Citizen: Assistance

for People with Disabilities in Knoxville

BY SCOT BELLAVIA, B.E.S.T. COORDINATOR

YOURCHILD or grandchild has just been diagnosed with autism. High school is a distant thought, and anything after that seems unrealistic - an absurdity even. But, as with any other child, the years go quickly, and your son or granddaughter is doing well in high school, with the textbook social deficits and perhaps more visible differences that are part and parcel of being on the autism spectrum.

Now on the precipice of graduation, you and your child have been supported by caring teachers, paraprofessionals, counselors, and coaches for more than 12 years. These people were there every day, knowing where your child would go and what they’d learn, able and ready to mitigate problems due to schedule changes and classmate relationships. They got to know your child personally, who grew to love and trust their circle of support implicitly and other individualized attention they need and, thus, deserve.

But now, what about the transition into adulthood?

What’s Next After High School?

Hopefully schools haven’t left you too far in the lurch. Along the way, you might have become familiar with the alphabet soup in special education: ADA, ADL, CDC-A, COS, DIDD, IDEA, IEP, TSW, VR, WIOA. Unfortunately, many parents are left without a plan for their child’s next steps and they have to scramble to unscramble these acronyms themselves.

In 1999, Knoxville parents of recent graduates with autism were just such a group and added one more acronym: R&R. The Respite and Recreation Program takes adults with autism and other disabilities into the community to participate in activities just as any citizen would. They go to the movies, attend festivals, hike and explore, and visit local attractions. Being “in the community” gives them the opportunity to develop social skills as they talk with restaurant and business employees and other customers. They learn appropriate etiquette, how to handle money, and go places school might not have been able to take them.

The Beginnings of Autism Breakthrough

Then volunteer-led R&R was just the beginning of what is now Autism Breakthrough of Knoxville, a nonprofit whose mission is enabling adults with autism to lead purposeful lives. Their name came from the hope they had for their children: “to break through and have a life of their own,” as co-founder and first executive director Beth Ritchie put it. Originally operating from an office in a YMCA, Breakthrough’s headquarters moved to a warehouse on Maryville Pike and then to a business plaza on East Hill Avenue. A decade after its inception, Breakthrough purchased residential facilities and hired 24-hour support staff so residents with autism could

live away from their parents without going to a group home.

In planning this yet-greatest service, the board thought of a college campus setup. “We made a list of what would be utopia for us, and that directed what the campus would look like,” said Beth. In addition to nine houses in South Knoxville with two or three roommates apiece, other residents live in East and West Knoxville and Maryville.

Supported Employment Options

Another essential service Breakthrough provides is Supported Employment (SE). This department heads Project SEARCH at the University of Tennessee Medical Center and the B.E.S.T. (Bridge to Employment in Service and Tourism) Program at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. In a matter of months, a class of interns, usually just out of high school, get competitive job experience and develop workplace skills that results in them getting hired, sometimes at those reputable locations. SE also offers job specialists and coaches who help job-seekers with autism find and retain a job.

Continued Growth

Since Kendrise Colebrooke was promoted as executive director in 2019, she has overseen Breakthrough’s biggest breakthrough: 1700 Liberty Street. From her first day, she

Services

• Therapeutic Services: Recreation Therapy

Respite & Recreation

ABA Therapy

Speech Therapy/ Physical Therapy

Social Skills

Spelling to Communicate

• Community Employment

• Community Living

• Independent Living

• Enabling Technology

• Community Liaison

• Asperger’s Support Group

• Community Services

was tasked with finding a permanent location for the nonprofit, and she has delivered.

“When people think of autism in East Tennessee, I want them to think of Breakthrough,” said Kendrise. There’s no better place for this than the new “international headquarters,” as it’s humorously been called. In a 17,000 square foot building a block from the light at Middlebrook and Liberty, Breakthrough is only expanding. It has every reason and opportunity to do so - the building is massive.

Upstairs houses the administrative staff, but downstairs is where the excitement happens. There, there is more than enough room for learning and play: a multipurpose room for physical activities and team building, a boardroom for planning Breakthrough’s future, a technology room with a driving simulator and virtual reality

ical needs of the individuals Breakthrough serves, and therapists’ offices.

The recreational therapists continue the R&R tradition while leading other activities like Special Olympics training and the book and garden clubs. A Speech-Language Pathologist and a Physical Therapist add services previously unprovided to adults with autism in the Knoxville area. Disability services are notorious for their waitlists, and the companies providing them seem perpetually understaffed. Yet, they and others in our area are united in a common mission and so, collaborate to offer whole-life support toward independence for adults with disabilities in East Tennessee.

For the adult with autism or parent of a student with autism, Breakthrough is the one-stop shop to improve the lives of adults with autism. For more information on Breakthrough, its programs, and potential partnerships or needs, call 865-247-0065 or visit BreakThroughKnoxville.org.

Mission: Autism Breakthrough provides services that enable adults with autism to lead purposeful lives

“When people think of autism in East Tennessee, I want them to think of Breakthrough”

- Kendrise Colebrooke, Executive Director

Press On Toward Your Upward Calling

BY DR. JIM BAILEY

RECENTLY I LEARNED that my friend (and former client)

Stephanie just landed her dream job working at the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) in New Mexico. Like the Oak Ridge National Laboratory in our own backyard, LANL’s primary mission is to provide scientific and engineering support to national security programs. Since her college graduation last year, I’ve watched Stephanie struggle with the disappointment of second and third round interviews, often being a job finalist and yet not attaining the jobs to which she had applied. It was her application of two important principals that helped her finally land the job.

Perhaps the most important action that Stephanie used was refusing to listen to well-intended people who confused consoling her with diminishing her dream. Seeking to ease her pain, these people would promote lesser goals with the admonition that perhaps she should “settle for less.” Rather than encourage and provide her with alternative ways she might use to

attain her goals, they suggested she lower her expectations and dismiss her hopes as unrealistic.

Life can throw discouraging challenges at any of us, but they seem to come in endless supply for those who want to do something exceptional. I recently heard Brooklyn Sawyers Belk, the Knoxville Police Department’s new Assistant Chief for Professional Standards, say, “You can’t share your big dreams with small-minded people.” Her statement reminded me that our biggest challenges sometimes come from “friendly fire” - from well-meaning family or friends who lack the ability to perceive what “might be” or the courage to go after these things themselves and then encourage us to lower our hopes, expectations, or goals.

As someone who has repeatedly overcome substantial life challenges to attain her life’s goals (being a woman of color, single parent, and earning a law degree), Mrs. Belk knows from experience that you must work and fight hard to have an exceptional life. In my work, I find that the people who know how to work hard and be doggedly

persistent are the most likely to attain their dreams, and those who give in to the voices telling them to “settle” rarely turn dreams into realities. In fact, had I listened to voices in my own life that encouraged me to settle for less, I wouldn’t have married my wife or even be writing this for you. Teaching yourself to become deaf to or ignore people who don’t share your aspirations is often essential to attaining them.

Despite the setbacks she encountered, Stephanie also maintained a “short memory” - something I find is common in my clients who attain their goals. As a lover of football, the term “snap-and-clear” has real meaning for me. In football, it means to forget what happened on the previous play and focus on what needs doing to make the current play succeed. My son had a marvelous ability to apply this by ignoring his own mistakes in his piano recitals and simply playing on. Having a snap-and-clear mindset regarding your life means your efforts and actions today aren’t inhibited or impeded by yesterday’s obstacles or failures. Each day is a brand-new opportunity to act toward making a hope or dream a reality.

Developing a snap-and-clear mindset is more difficult than it used to be. These days, identifying yourself as someone who has been “victimized” by a person or institution is a way some people define themselves in our society. Discarding memories of failure or being wronged by others forces people to replace these identity markers with positive attributes, something that (unfortunately) is very difficult for some. I empathize with people to whom bad things have happened, but it’s hard to move forward toward new goals when you’re preoccupied with what occurred in the past. If you want to attain the life you might have, you often must ignore or forget the past and “press on toward your upward calling.”

I personally feel blessed and encouraged by friends like Stephanie who “press on;” or Will, who attained a d ream architectural job in California; or Joe, who works as admissions advisor in a law school; or Cara, who is a dietician, wife, and mother. Each of them is a real person with real life challenges, but they overcame their challenges to take hold of their dream. These people remind me to keep pressing on toward the things that really matter in life - to be people who make lasting and significant impacts with our lives.

Contact me at 865-755-4543 or visit my website at DrJimBailey.com if you would like to talk about how you can reach the goals you set for your work-life.

TRUST. SAFETY. ACCOUNTABILITY.

AFTER OPENING in Bearden more than two years ago, Local Guys Collision has been gaining customers along with a stellar reputation as advocates for industry standard safe repair. This includes using only certified OEM parts that are required to pass manufacturer safety tests. With more than 28 years specializing in collision repair and services, owner Ken Manns believes that “manufacturer guidelines” were developed for a specific reason - to keep vehicles and the people who drive them safe.

Originally from Michigan (the hub of American autos), Ken’s family has been in automotive industry for more than 75 years - both in manufacturing and auto body work. Ken and fellow Local Guys staff member and wife, April, a UTK graduate, returned to Knoxville, remembering its friendly people while desiring to be good neighbors in a good community. To them, the handshake in the center of their logo is a symbol of what they believe in and how they do business. It’s all about trust when repairing their customers’ vehicles.

Many insurance companies recommend, or convey, that they will only cover the cost of (usually less expensive) non-OEM parts, which may or may not pass manufacturer tests to ensure safety. Local Guys Collision advocates for their customers, following a “by the book” approach to ensure that the work they do is correct, safe, and complies with all industry and manufacturer standards. Trust and safety adherence - Local Guys has you and your vehicle’s best interest at heart as evidenced in their recent “Shop of the Year” award from the Tennessee Collision Repairers Association.

As the parents of a veteran, Local Guys is also involved with Team RWB and the Irreverent Warriors organizations, who support the veteran community in East Tennessee, and always offers veterans a 10% discount on their repair total.

Conveniently located in the former Bearden Benz location, Local Guys Collision is I-car trained and certified, providing full-service automotive body repairs, custom paint work, glass replacement, paintless dent repairs, and mechanical safety inspections.

Local Guys Collision

5718 Kingston Pike

Knoxville, TN 37919

865.465.6225

LocalGuysCollison.com

Enjoy More Outdoor Family Fun

SET YOUR COURSE

for year-round fun with the professionals at Undercover Systems, and get ready to celebrate unlimited out-of-door events that your family and friends can enjoy, rain or shine.

This is the perfect time to install the totally unique underdeck ceiling system from Undercover Systems under your home’s existing raised decks. This underdeck system will ensure that all of your events will be protected from unexpected and unwanted rain, the searing summertime sun, and the snow and sleet of winter.

“Now is a great time to weatherproof all of your out-of-door events,” said Jim Conn, owner of Undercover Systems. “Throughout the entire process, our skilled craftsmen work with you each step of the way, until your project is completed to your satisfaction.”

While Undercover Systems’ patented underdecking system allows you to extend your outdoor season of enjoyment by protecting your family from late summer’s relentless sun, autumn rains, and winter snow, sleet, and ice, you’ll also appreciate their years of experience and attention to detail. By designing

a seamless transition from your home’s interior to exterior, your new out-of-door living spaces will perfectly complement your home’s existing architecture and landscaping. Undercover Systems uses only proprietary components - not those generic, one-size-fits-all, offthe-shelf components from the big box stores used by the competition - so your underdeck system will always have that “custom” finish you’re looking for.

A complaint-free member of the Better Business Bureau, Undercover Systems offers homeowners the peace of mind that they deserve in a building contractor.

Why not surprise your family today with a special out-of-doors gift that everyone can enjoy all year long and start creating a lifetime of memories? Call Jim Conn at 423-267-0091 today, and start celebrating the extended summertime fun with family and friends.

Undercover Systems

423.267.0091

UndercoverSystems.com

RICH WILLIAMS 50 YEARS OF KANSAS

“DUST IN the Wind.” “Carry On Wayward Son.” “Point of No Return.” All of these songs are immediately recognizable and easily identified as coming from America’s preeminent prog rock band: Kansas.

Formed in the early ‘70s, the “garage band from Topeka,” Kansas, was signed by the legendary Don Kirshner. The self-titled debut album was released and the rest, as they say, is history.

The band’s catalogue consists of 16 studio albums and five live albums. They’ve earned eight gold albums, three sextuple-platinum albums, one platinum live album, one quadruple-platinum single, and a triple platinum single.

Baby boomers will find this hard to believe, but the band is celebrating its 50th anniversary with its Kansas “Another Fork in the Road” 50th Anniversary Tour. That tour will offer up music from the band’s amazing history in two solid hours of “hits, fan favorites, and deep cuts rarely performed live.”

Most recently, Kansas has released two Billboard charting albums with 2016’s The Prelude Implicit and 2020’s The Absence of Presence. The lineup for this historic tour is Rich Williams (guitar), Phil Ehart (drums/ percussion), Ronnie Platt (keyboard/vocals), Billy Greer (bass/vocals), Joe Deninzon (violin/guitar), and Tom Brislin (keyboard).

In support for this tour, Rich Williams spoke with me from his home outside of Boone, North Carolina, with some insight into the band and what the future holds

BY RANDY PATTERSON, BOOMEROCITY.COM

for them. Early in our conversation, I mentioned Kansas’ fans appreciation for the band’s sacrifices over the years and Rich said something quite profound.

“You know, it’s funny... but when somebody says they sacrifice, a sacrifice is doing something - you don’t want to do it, but you do it anyway, because it’s for the right cause or the right reason. This is not a sacrifice. This is the greatest job in the world, and I’m very grateful to have it. And so I feel a little guilty when somebody puts the sacrifice moniker on it, because I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Rich explained that touring is finally getting back to normal here in the States and that the members do a lot before and between concert dates to stay healthy and ready to continue Kansas’ “long walk.” He was excited for their upcoming tour dates and added, “We take it seriously but it has to be fun… we’ve got a great crew, a great band, and really outstanding camaraderie.”

As for what fans can expect from the shows during this tour, Rich said, “It’s gonna be a great show. I just got off the phone with Phil and we’re starting to put together what the show is going to be with the 50th anniversary, ‘Another Fork of the Road.’ And so there’s a lot of material. There’s stuff that we have to play. But other than that, there’s a whole lot of stuff we haven’t played in a very long time that represents the journey we’ve been on and songs that we haven’t played in a long time. One in particular that fans have been dying to hear forever - we’re

finally going to add that.

“It’s going to be different than any other show we’ve done in that it’s going to make an effort to represent every era of this band. It’s going to be a lot of fun. It’s gonna be a lot of work to put it all together. I mean, I’ll be relearning songs I haven’t played in 30-40 years at times. So, I’ll be picking up the needle and saying, ‘What did I play there?’ I’ve got to relearn a lot of parts. It’s funny, though, how muscle memory from decades ago will come back. You’re trying to figure this out and, all of a sudden, your muscle memory will remember the position on the neck and how you are doing it.”

If you want to work on your musical muscle memory, then check their website for “Another Fork in the Road” tour dates. Kansas will be back in the southeast later this year with the closest shows in Huntsville, Atlanta, and Charlotte.

To hear more about his favorite guitars, what it means to be touring in “Kansas Mode,” and the “winner” legacy he hopes to leave behind, watch the entire interview with Rich Williams on the Boomerocity YouTube channel, at Boomerocity.com, or listen on your favorite podcast platform.

Randy’s first interview was at the tender age of 13 with none other than Col. Tom Parker. Thirty-six years later, he founded the webzine, Boomerocity.com, and has conducted more than 400 interviews with some of the most interesting people in music.

Easy-to-Make No Churn Ice Cream

WHILE IT’S STILL beyond hot outside and the kids (and you!) are begging for a delicious afternoon snack, sometimes it’s difficult to know where to turn. The pantry is full and the refrigerator is stocked, yet nothing sounds appetizing when it’s scorching outside. Homemade ice cream will be a hit every time!

By simply combining a few ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen and a little advanced planning, you can save the day and provide a refreshing and scrumptious snack. Completely customizable with an array of fruits or other tasty mix-ins, plus toppings of your choice, it’s a perfect way to put a grin on everyone’s face.

Try this Strawberry Ice Cream - with only three ingredients, it’s chilled to perfection with fresh strawberries and fluffy whipping cream to create a creamy texture. It’s delicious, rich, and has sweet strawberry flavor that can help satisfy nearly any sweet tooth.

3-INGREDIENT STRAWBERRY ICE CREAM

Recipe courtesy of Culinary.net

Servings: 4-6

Whip up some Cheesecake Ice Cream with Fruit Swirls for your next get together. It’s a simple solution that you can make a couple days in advance with your favorite fruit flavor such as blueberry, raspberry, cherry, strawberry, peach, or apricot. Plus, this recipe serves a crowd, making it perfect for serving up smiles.

Homemade ice cream is a hallmark of many family events and holiday parties. So whether you are celebrating Back to School or Labor Day, ice cream makes a wonderful warm weather treat.

A Few No Churn Ice Cream Tips:

• Metal loaf pans will freeze ingredients faster than glass pans. Put the metal pan in the freezer while you are mixing the ingredients.

• Don’t substitute ingredients - like low fat versions or sugar alternatives - or the ice cream will become too hard.

• Dip your ice cream scoop in warm water before each scoop.

CHEESECAKE ICE CREAM WITH FRUIT SWIRLS

Recipe courtesy of Marcia Stanley, MS, RDN, on behalf of Milk Means More

Prep time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 pound fresh strawberries, stems removed

• 1 pint heavy whipping cream

• 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk

Directions:

In blender, puree strawberries, then add the sweetened condensed milk.

In bowl of stand mixer, beat whipping cream until stiff peaks form. Gently mix in the strawberry condensed milk. Pour into loaf pan. Freeze 5 hours.

Before serving, let ice cream soften 5-10 minutes.

Ingredients:

• 12 ounces cream cheese, cut into cubes

• 3/4 cup sugar

• 1 cup sour cream

• 3/4 cup half-and-half

• 2 teaspoons vanilla

• 1 1/4 teaspoons lemon juice, divided

• 1 dash salt

Servings: 12

• 1/3 cup blueberry, raspberry, cherry, strawberry, peach, or apricot fruit spread

Directions:

In large mixer bowl of electric mixer, beat cream cheese and sugar on medium speed until fluffy. Add sour cream, half-andhalf, vanilla, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, and salt. Beat on low speed until combined, then beat on medium speed until smooth. Cover and refrigerate 2-24 hours, or until cold.

Pour cream cheese mixture into 1 1/2-quart loaf or 8x8 brownie pan. Freeze for 3-4 hours until mixture is the consistency of soft serve ice cream.

In small bowl, stir fruit spread and remaining lemon juice. Spoon about one-third of ice cream into 2-quart freezer safe food storage container. Spoon about half of fruit spread mixture in dollops over ice cream. Repeat layers. Top with remaining ice cream. Cover and freeze 3-24 hours.

To serve, scoop ice cream into dessert dishes.

The HoLa Festival

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month

THE FUN begins Saturday night from 4 to 10 pm with a Fiesta Latina; live music, dancing, home-cooked food, draft beer, and artisan craft vendors. The celebration continues Sunday afternoon from 11 am to 6 pm with more live music and performances, food, drinks, arts & crafts, a Parade of Nations, 21 educational Hispanic Heritage booths, children’s activities, and community resources. Local vendors offer handmade, artisan crafts, art, home décor, apparel, jewelry, and other unique items authentic to Hispanic cultures. Draft beer is available while food vendors serve up homemade Latin American cuisine. Visitors may enjoy various performances by Latin jazz, rock, salsa, and traditional bands and dancers. Children can learn more about Spain and Latin America at the Hispanic Heritage Booths or enjoy a fun and educational activity at the children’s stage nearby. The community fair and sponsor section provide important information and fun activities to our Knoxville community. To learn more, visit HolaHoraLatina.org/Hola-Festival

The Art of Being Local

CONDADO BY RILEY WOODY

THERE’S ONLY O NE hard and fast rule when seeking a local dining experience: no chains. There isn’t much local aesthetic if you can find the exact same thing several hundred miles away. Chains were always off my menu… until I tried Condado Tacos. I’d passed the new restaurant in Turkey Creek’s Pinnacle a dozen times, always thinking “I gotta try that soon.” Soon was a Saturday this summer.

The hand-painted murals make a big impression as people step from the lethargic summer heat into a truly “lit” watering hole. With glass garage doors for those great-weather days and enough detail on the vivid walls to hold your eyes for hours, this is where it gets local.

Before opening, Condado hires local artists to paint the restaurant collaboratively. The Knoxville team chose the Zodiac calendar as their theme and painted 12 representative personalities accompanied by Knoxville references. The bar top, too, is completely hand-painted and displays black ink sketches on medallions of home-grown celebrities like Dolly Parton, Quinten Tarantino, and Pat Summit, who helped put Knoxville on the

map. A full list of the artistic contributors’ social media handles is at the bottom of each menu.

While the vibe is unlike anything I’ve encountered, the flavor is somehow even more rare. I had my doubts; how many ways can you make a taco? Condado invites you to find out. As “a place to come as you are, soak up the local vibe, and feel connected,” Condado allows you to build your own masterpiece - not like a Tex Mex Subway but a made-to-order, no options barred, custom taco (or nacho) experience.

Condado has figured out the secret to making a sog-proof nacho chip. Housemade and fried to stay crisp through the whole meal. Not only do they not melt under the weight of queso and fresh veggies, but they capture that smoky fried flavor almost like a wanton, with all the vehicular characteristics of the best salsa and guac vessel ever made.

I always trust the chef the first time around, so I ordered from the street taco list. My first pick: Braised + Confused , a flour tortilla with rice, beef brisket, jicama slaw, pickled red onions, queso fresco,

and chipotle crema. I followed with the deceptively simply named Korean BBQ . A soft flour tortilla wrapped around a hard corn tortilla, stuffed with the Condado original smoked cheddar queso, slow-roasted pulled pork, BBQ sauce, pickled jalapenos, and pineapple salsa, my instantaneous yum could only be trumped by all that crunching.

Taste everything at once or make it your new go-to for Taco Tuesday, but recognize that Condado is intentional about making this a Knoxvillians’ restaurant. Grab a stool, taste brews from local joints like XUL, and appreciate that your experience is unique.

Riley Woody is a University of Tennessee graduate, Knoxville native and avid foodie ready for any adventure with her pen and palate in tow.

SEPTEMBER

THROUGHOUT THE MONTH

Tennessee Valley Fair at the Chilhowee Park & Expo Center through the 17th. Murder on the Orient Express at Clarence Brown Theatre through the 24th. ClarenceBrownTheatre.com for dates and showtimes.

Story Thyme at Knoxville Botanical Garden from 10:30 to 11:30 am every Wednesday through October.

In Conversation: Will Wilson at the McClung Museum of Natural History & Culture through December 2nd.

SEPTEMBER 12

Guns N’ Roses at Thompson-Boling Arena at 6:30 pm. Concerts on the Square: Jazz Tuesdays with Denin Koch Quartet on Market Square from 7 to 9 pm.

Tennessee Smokies vs. Rocket City Trash Pandas at Smokies Stadium at 7 pm. Also the 13th - 16th at 7 pm and 17th at 2 pm.

SEPTEMBER 13

Autumn Nicholas at the Tennessee Theatre at 7:30 pm.

SEPTEMBER 14

Parker McCollum at the Civic Coliseum at 7:30 pm.

Wayne Newton at the Tennessee Theatre at 7:30 pm.

Weyes Blood at the Bijou Theatre at 8 pm.

SEPTEMBER 15

PARK(ing) Day Knox along Gay Street from 9 am to 4 pm.

Tree Talk & Walk at Marble Springs State Historic Site from 1 to 3 pm.

An Author Event featuring Lauren Groff at the East Tennessee History Center at 7 pm.

Knoxville Children’s Theatre presents Sleeping Beauty, Briar Rose at 7 pm with shows through October 1st. See KnoxvilleChildrensTheatre.com for showtimes and tickets.

ZOSO: The Ultimate Led Zeppelin Experience at the Bijou Theatre at 8 pm.

SEPTEMBER 16

Smart Yards & Friends Festival at UT Gardens from 9 am to noon.

See page 24.

Moss Walk at Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum from 9 am to 1 pm.

HoLa Festival at World’s Fair Park from 4 to 10 pm. Also the 17th from 10 am to 6 pm.

See page 41.

Creative Series: Paint with a Turtle Workshop at Ijams Nature Center from 2 to 4 pm.

SEPTEMBER 17

Knoxville Symphony Chamber Classics Series: William Shaub plays Mozart at the Bijou Theatre at 2:30 pm.

East Tennessee Bluegrass Association Monthly Jam at Ijams Nature Center from 3 to 6 pm. Free!

Oak Ridge Community Band Fall Showcase Concert at First Baptist Church (1101 Oak Ridge Turnpike) at 3:30 pm. Free admission.

Amadeus Chamber Ensemble presents 1842 Stabat Mater and 1869 Messa Solenne, two of Rossini’s sacred choral masterpieces, at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus at 5:30 pm. Free admission.

SEPTEMBER 18

Daniel Tosh: Sweet T Tour at the Tennessee Theatre at 7 and 9:30 pm.

SEPTEMBER 19

Swing for Joy Annual Golf Tournament Fundraiser for Joy of Music at Egwani Farms Golf Course beginning at 11:30 am. Support tuition-free music education!

Concerts on the Square: Jazz Tuesdays with Scott Simmerman & Friends on Market Square from 7 to 9 pm.

SEPTEMBER 20

Spafford at the Bijou Theatre at 8 pm.

SEPTEMBER 21

Women’s Fund of ETN 12th Annual Luncheon at The Mill & Mine at 11:30 am. See page 49.

Concerts on the Square: Variety Thursdays on Market Square from 7 to 9 pm.

Emily Ann Roberts at the Bijou Theatre at 7:30 pm. The Chicks World Tour at Thompson-Boling Arena at 7:30 pm.

Knoxville Symphony Orchestra/Moxley Carmichael Masterwork Series: Pictures at an Exhibition at the Tennessee Theatre at 7:30 pm. Also on the 22nd.

SEPTEMBER 22

Knox Heritage: Scruffy City Soirée at The Mill & Mine at 6 pm.

Movies Under the Stars Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle at Ijams Nature Center. Doors open at 7 pm, movie begins at dark.

Koe Wetzel at Thompson-Boling Arena at 7:30 pm. Christopher Titus at the Bijou Theatre at 8 pm.

SEPTEMBER 23

UT Vols vs. UTSA Roadrunners at Neyland Stadium.

Knoxville Walk to End Alzheimer’s at Zoo Knoxville. Registration at 8:30 am, opening ceremony and walk begins at 10 am.

Sevier Day Open House at Marble Springs State Historic Site from 10 am to 4 pm. Free admission.

Cherokee Caverns Movie in the Cave: Hocus Pocus at Historic Cherokee Caverns. Showtimes are 11 am, 1:00, 3:00, 5:00, 7:00 & 9:00 pm. Chairs will be provided, or bring a small camp chair and blanket. Self-guided tours of the cave available 30 minutes before and after the showing.

SEPTEMBER 24

Children in the Arts: The Arts Tell My Story at World’s Fair Park from 2:30 to 5:30 pm. Gold Star Family Day honoring families of those who have received The Gold Star at Historic Ramsey House at 3:00 pm.

Jo Koy: World Tour at the Civic Auditorium at 7:30 pm. The Seldom Scene at the Bijou Theatre at 7:30 pm.

SEPTEMBER 25

The War and Treaty at the Bijou Theatre at 7:30 pm.

SEPTEMBER 26

Concerts on the Square: Jazz Tuesdays with Shawn Turner & Pinky Ring on Market Square from 7 to 9 pm. Chicago at the Tennessee Theatre at 8 pm.

SEPTEMBER 27

5th Annual Seeds of Imagination Luncheon benefiting Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Knox County at Cherokee Country Club from 11:30 am to 1 pm.

Nickelback at Thompson-Boling Arena at 6:30 pm.

SEPTEMBER 28

Old City Market on West Jackson Avenue from 5 to 9 pm. Baroque at the Botanicals at the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum at 7 pm. Fun, interactive concert featuring KSO musicians performing the music of Bach, Boccherini, and Pachelbel throughout the gardens. Free and open to the public; chairs and blankets are encouraged.

Jon Pardi: Mr. Saturday Night World Tour at the Civic Coliseum at 7 pm.

Claudio Simonetti’s Goblin: Demons at the Bijou Theatre at 7:30 pm.

Tanya Tucker: Sweet Western Sound Tour at the Tennessee Theatre at 7:30 pm.

SEPTEMBER 29

Crowder at the Civic Auditorium at 7:30 pm.

SEPTEMBER 30

UT Vols vs. South Carolina Gamecocks at Neyland Stadium.

For Knoxville’s andMarketFarmers’dates locations,seepage10.

THINGS TO DO • PLACES TO GO • PEOPLE TO SEE

Movies at the Museum: Homeward Bound

- The Incredible Journey at Historic Ramsey House at 8 pm. Admission is free (donations appreciated); bring a chair or blanket.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

OCTOBER 1

10th Annual Race for the Summitt 5K at Tyson Park from 9 am to 12 pm. A benefit for the Pat Summitt Foundation. Molly Tuttle and Golden Highway at the Bijou Theatre at 7:30 pm.

OCTOBER 3

Robert Cray Band at the Bijou Theatre at 7:30 pm.

OCTOBER 4

Knoxville Symphony Orchestra

Concertmaster Series: Somewhere in Time at Knoxville Museum of Art at 7 pm. Also the 5th.

The Wallflowers at the Bijou Theatre at 8 pm.

OCTOBER 5

Brandy Clark and Lori McKenna at the Bijou Theatre at 7:30 pm.

Silent Sky by WordPlayers Theatre Company at Erin Presbyterian Church at 7:30 pm with shows through October 15th. WordPlayers.org for dates and showtimes.

OCTOBER 6

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

Elevation Worship & Steven Furtick at Thompson-Boling Arena at 7 pm.

Movies Under the Stars Sleepy Hollow at Ijams Nature Center. Doors open at 7 pm, movie begins at dark.

Knoxville Symphony Orchestra: Frank and the Great Ladies of Song at the Tennessee Theatre at 8 pm.

OCTOBER 7

Rhythm of the Springs: An Appalachian Music Fest at Marble Springs State Historic Site from 11 am to 7 pm. Knox Pride Fest at World’s Fair Park through the 9th. Henry Cho at the Bijou Theatre at 8 pm.

JOHNNYSWIM: Stories Tour at the Tennessee Theatre at 8 pm.

Sunday, September 24 2:30 pm

World’s Fair Park Amphitheater

What could be more exciting than Children in the Arts – The Arts Tell My Story at the World’s Fair Park Amphitheater? Dancers Studio will be hosting a showcase for up-and-coming local artists who excel in various art forms!

Come out to enjoy the arts, applaud the young artists of the region, and experience outstanding performances of the next generation and Ignite!, Dancers Studio’s elite modern dance company!

Visit DancersStudioKnox.com for more info.

Movies at the Museum: Thunder Road at Blount Mansion at 8 pm. Admission is free (donations are appreciated); bring a chair or blanket.

The Black Jacket Symphony presents Saturday Night Fever at the Civic Auditorium at 8 pm.

OCTOBER 8

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

Second Sunday Art Activity at the Knoxville Museum of Art from 1 to 4 pm. Hands-on art for K-6th grade. Second Sunday Docent Tour at the Knoxville Museum of Art from 2 to 3 pm. Mike Campbell & The Dirty Knobs at the Bijou Theatre at 7:30 pm.

OCTOBER 10

Knoxville Jazz Orchestra: Emmet Cohen and the KJO Celebrate Thad Jones at the Bijou Theatre at 8 pm.

OCTOBER 11

Killer Queen: A Tribute to Queen at the Bijou Theatre at 7:30 pm. All event dates and times subject to change.

September 28 at 7 pm

The Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum

LET THE sounds of the symphony guide you through the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum as KSO musicians perform the music of Bach, Boccherini, and Pachelbel throughout the gardens. This fun, interactive concert is free and open to the public. No tickets are required. Lawn chairs, blankets, and walking shoes are encouraged.

KnoxvilleSymphony.com

New Exhibitions Opening

THE ARTS & Culture Alliance is pleased to present four new exhibitions at the Emporium Center in downtown Knoxville from September 1-30 . Most of the works on exhibition will be for sale and may be purchased by visiting in person or the online shop at KnoxAlliance.store.

The Big Camera!: Obscura III in the Lower Gallery

Obscura III is a new, juried exhibition of alternative and historic photography hosted by The Big Camera!. Alternative photography includes collage, mixed media, darkroom work, cyanotype, Van Dyke printing, traditional film, historic processes, and more. Awards will be chosen by the jurors, Adam Finkelston and James Meara, co-editors of The Hand Magazine. Viewer’s Choice votes will also be collected at the First Friday opening.

The Big Camera! is an ongoing project: a modified enclosed cargo trailer that functions as an extralarge (6' x 10') format camera, as well as a portable classroom and community outreach vehicle for A1LabArts.

The group has taught classes or demonstrated photography in places such as the Emporium Center, Central Filling Station, Public Defenders Community Law Office Youth Program, Knox Makers, and Knox County Schools.

The Big Camera! is intended to share the magic of photography through making its principles hands-on, allowing photography to come alive in a new way for many who encounter it.

Lauren Adams & Ilina Arsova: Beyond Landscapes in the Upper Gallery

Beyond Landscapes asks the viewer to broaden their definition of what a landscape is typically. It is an exploration of perspective, a memory of a place, or even a mark left in a moment in time.

Ilina Arsova artist statement excerpt: As an environmental activist passionate about adventure and mountaineering, the connection with nature is a significant part of my art works. In 2020, I became the first woman from Macedonia and among 70 in the world to complete the seven summits mountaineering challenge, including the exceptional journey to the top of the world, Mount Everest. Inevitably, the art works are inspired by my journeys, portraying the lived experience in a form of visual diary, complemented by a conceptual performance

named ZERO, where the artist becomes part of the artwork.

Lauren Adams artist statement excerpt: This series embodies the exploration of the marks our bodies leave after we wake from rest. Nocturnal landscapes, created by a loved one’s body imprinted into their bed, are remnants of his/her journey into the inner worlds. Some leave a frenzied mountainscape from an active slumber, while others may leave rolling hills from a peaceful nocturnal recharge. I created an homage to the amazing worlds we are part of; the traces of which are left for us in the physical realm.

West Fifth Studios: Field Trip in the Atrium and Display Case

In this exhibition, each artist has selected one seemingly “ordinary” object that resonates with them personally. Each piece will be a testament to the ability to see beyond the surface and uncover the hidden beauty that lies within the chosen subjects.

Their aim is to convey the emotions, memories, and unique perspectives associated with these objects, inviting the audience to delve into the depths of their creative minds. The exhibition will serve as a juxtaposition of the artwork alongside the original “ordinary” objects. Their hope is that by witnessing the beauty in the ordinary, you, too, will be inspired to see the world with new eyes and embrace the hidden wonders that surround us all.

West Fifth Studios is an art center located in Knoxville’s Old City. Its goal is to further the creative endeavors of its professional artists, build active artist relationships, and engage in Knoxville’s creative community. West Fifth Studios offers public events quarterly, including classes, maker markets, and First Fridays.

Tonya Wade Wunder: Distortions and Other Non-Realities on the North Wall

Artist statement excerpt : My intent is not to lead the viewer in any specific direction. Rather, it is to stimulate their imagination so that they may draw their own conclusions. I shoot most of my work with an iPhone 13 Pro Max using glass bowls and other objects as filters. In post-production, I further enhance and manipulate my original images using digital effects.

Tonya Wade Wunder has found support and community in her continued growth as an artist while living in Knoxville.

The exhibitions will be on display at the Emporium Center, located at 100 S. Gay Street in downtown Knoxville. The Emporium is open to the public Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm. Please note, the Emporium will be closed on Monday, September 4. For more information, call 865-523-7543 or visit KnoxAlliance.com.

Lauren Adams

Plein Air Art Event

September 24-30 in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

IN CELEBRATION of National Park

Week, Friends of the Smokies announced the selection of 20 nationally-acclaimed artists for the 2023 Plein Air Smokies. The outdoor art event will, once again, provide a unique and moving opportunity for visitors to experience the creation of one-of-a-kind art through in-park painting demonstrations at Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP) September 24-30.

The 2023 Plein Air Smokies artists are Marc Anderson, Suzie Baker, John Caggiano, Henry Coe, Vlad Duchev, John Eiseman, Bill Farnsworth, Martin Geiger, John Guernsey, Charlie Hunter, Shelby Keefe, Christine Lashley, Chuck Marshall, Charles Newman, Kathie Odom, Karen Philpott, Richard Sneary, Richie Vios, Stephen Wysocki, and Jing Zhao. Artists will be stationed throughout the national park painting “en plein air,” which is the practice of painting outdoors. Friends of the Smokies invites the public to learn more about the artists and the event at PleinAirSmokies.org, which will be continually updated with details about the event.

Dana Soehn, the new president and CEO of Friends of the Smokies said, “This event

celebrates the longstanding tradition of artists capturing and sharing the beauty of the Smokies in a way that meaningfully connects people to this special place.”

The one-of-a-kind paintings will be available for purchase at the ticketed Collector’s Soiree on September 29 and at the public sale on September 30. Proceeds benefit Friends of the Smokies, the official nonprofit philanthropic partner of GSMNP, to support the park’s efforts to preserve and maintain the park.

Dana previously worked at GSMNP for more than 30 years.

“We at Friends of the Smokies take great pride in being stewards for this remarkable park that we call home to help ensure a healthy future for our park for decades to come,” she said.

This year, acclaimed artist Marc Hanson will judge the competition. A naturalist at heart, Hanson has won many awards for his talents, including several Plein Air awards. He has shown his work in galleries and museums nationally and internationally since the early 1980s. Marc currently teaches landscape painting workshops

across the country.

New this year, a limited number of selected students from two area schools will participate in the event through a pilot education program. The middle and high school students, selected by their schools, will spend a day in Great Smoky Mountains National Park creating their own pieces with instruction from plein air artists on techniques unique to outdoor painting.

For more information about the event, visit FriendsoftheSmokies.org/plein-air.

Flowers After Hours at Random Acts of Flowers

RANDOM ACTS of Flowers’ public Flowers After Hours events are a fun and educational way to celebrate a special event, enjoy a night out with friends, or meet new people while spending some meaningful time together helping others.

Flowers After Hours participants enjoy hands-on floral instruction from a professional florist before having the opportunity to create one floral arrangement to take home and create additional arrangements that will be

delivered to individuals in local healthcare facilities. Flowers After Hours is a great way for people to get together at the Random Acts of Flowers’ workshop to share an evening of fun, fellowship, and flower arranging - all while providing bouquets to those in need of encouragement and a personal moment of kindness.

Random Acts of Flowers Knoxville hosts Flowers After Hours classes bi-monthly, and the dates are posted on our website and Facebook page. The ticket price includes vases, flowers, and instruction. Music, refreshments, and snacks will be available,

and feel free to bring your own, too! For more information and to purchase tickets, visit RAFKnoxville.org.

Interested in booking a private Flowers After Hours event for a birthday party, wedding shower, company teambuilding, or other occasion? If so, please contact us by phone at 865-633-9082. We are happy to work with your timeline to schedule an evening that best suits you and your group!

Your participation in Flowers After Hours helps us deliver smiles - to you and to our recipients!

For more information on making a donation, having a Random Acts of Flowers event, or volunteering, call us at 865-6339082, email us at info@RAFKnoxville.org, or visit our website at RAFKnoxville.org.

UT Gardens’ Plant of the Month

MOUNTAIN MINT

A Pollinator’s Perfect Perennial

BY JANET DOWLEN, SOIL CONSERVATIONIST, CUMBERLAND COUNTY SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT AND USDA/NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE

THE WORDS “Mountain Mint” evoke cooling thoughts of the Smoky Mountains paired with a refreshing natural aroma. It should not conjure up the horrors that true mints (Mentha sp.) may give you! The native mountain mint species are not at all like their unruly mint family cousins, because while they are spreaders, they are not aggressively so and can be controlled by mowing or otherwise controlling the clump. They are very underappreciated and underplanted in our gardens.

There are several species of mountain mint in Tennessee (primarily Middle and East Tennessee), and all are valuable nectaring species for pollinator insects. The Latin genus Pycnanthemum means “densely flowered,” an apt name for any of the native mint species you will find growing wild in Tennessee. They are more closely related to Monarda (bee balm) species than true mints.

Two of the most common species are Clustered Mountain Mint ( Pycnanthemum muticum ) and Southern Mountain Mint ( Pycnanthemum pycnanthemoides ). They can be seen at the UT Gardens, Crossville in the native plant garden, in Jackson growing in containers near the building’s entrance, and at UT Gardens, Knoxville in the Monarch Waystation and Kitchen Garden.

These can be difficult to identify down to the species at first glance, because both have similar height and foliage. The silvery-white bracts at the top of the plant make them look like they have been dusted with snow. They really are unmistakable when seen in midsummer. You can also hear the insects buzzing when they are in bloom. An incredible number of bees, butterflies, flies,

beetles, and even wasps use mountain mint as a nectar source. Surprisingly, these mints are not generally a larval host for insect species, as they contain a substance called pulegone, which is a natural insecticide. Due to this, these mints are not recommended for culinary use.

Depending on where you live, you may also see Narrow-leaved Mountain Mint (Pycnanthemum tenuifolium ). The delicate, thin green leaves make it look like an entirely different plant until it flowers, and then the round, flattopped flower heads give it away. It does not have white bracts of the other species and is considerably less fragrant.

Besides being a good plant for pollinator insects and providing an approximately three-month season of bloom, mountain mints can be a great plant for weed suppression and erosion control. They can be allowed to naturalize in spaces to crowd out weeds. They tolerate a wide range of soil and light conditions but prefer moist welldrained soils in full sun. Another bonus of the scented leaves is that they are not eaten by deer.

Overall, these wonderful native plants are not used enough in Tennessee gardens! But they are easy to start from seed, are readily divided and available at native plant nurseries. Find a neighbor with some! It’s a great pass-along plant. The UT Gardens includes plant collections located in Knoxville, Crossville, and Jackson, Tennessee. Designated as the official botanical garden for the State of Tennessee, the UT Gardens are part of the UT Institute of Agriculture. The Gardens’ mission is to foster appreciation, education, and stewardship of plants through garden displays, educational programs, and research trials. The Gardens are open during all seasons and free to the public.

Photo courtesy of Janet Dowlen Clustered Mountain Mint (Pycnanthemum muticum) in the author’s yard in Cumberland County, Tennessee.

fJudy Gallagher/Wikimedia

September in the Garden

BY LISA GRUGIN

FALL

IS in the air! Well, some days it is. Our average temperature falls from the mid-80s early this month to the mid-70s later in the month, and I’m so ready! Cool mornings and evenings are a great time for yard reevaluation and making plans. What would you like to do differently? Do you need to add or remove some plants? This is the time to make decisions because you know what did well and what didn’t. Here are some other things that you need to do this month:

☼ Walk around and check all the areas that you have ignored while it was hot.

1. Look up to see how trees are faring. Are branches broken, damaged, or diseased? Do you have oozing spots, sawdust, or a lot of woodpecker holes? How about shelf mushrooms? These are indications that a tree is stressed and may have a disease or insect problem.

2. Look down to ground level. Do you have tunnels or entrances that indicate mole and/or vole problems? Are skunks, possums, and other critters digging up your lawn? Has your lawn suffered from brown patch or fungal issues?* Do you need to amend your soil? Fall is a good time to do some lawn work!

* Note, mushrooms are not an indicator of fungal issues! They are a sign that your soil has a lot of organic matter that they are helping to break down. They are helpers!

3. Look around and inside your plants for signs of disease and insects. How are annuals and perennials doing? Do shrubs have signs of illness or infestation?

Struggling plants may need a systemic product application so problems don’t overwinter and reappear next year.

☼ Evaluate your vegetable growing successes and failures. Make notes of what varieties you tried and where they were planted, then plan to “crop rotate” next year. This prevents disease buildup in the beds. Vegetable garden stopped producing? Clean it out and plant fall veggies. Add compost, manure, or leaf mold to improve soil for next year.

☼ Take preventative steps if you had serious disease or insect problems. Fallen leaves with fungal spots or insects should be removed from the ground so the spores and eggs don’t redeposit. Apply systemic products if necessary.

☼ If annuals look terrible, remove and compost them. Pull impatiens and begonias before a frost because they turn to mush if they freeze. Swap them for cool season annuals or perennials.

☼ If you’re not going to refill your containers, dump out old soil and store them in a dry area - particularly important for terra cotta or low fired ceramics that will not withstand freezing temperatures.

☼ September is a good month to divide and/or transplant spring blooming or fleshy rooted perennials such as peonies, daylilies, poppies, garden phlox, and iris. Cut back overgrown plants, but do not cut into the crown - the new growth layer close to the soil.

☼ Purchase bulbs while the selection is good. Keep them in a cool, dry place until it’s time to plant them in late September through November.

☼ Get houseplants ready to come back inside with a nice shower and systemic insecticide treatment. This prevents uninvited houseguests.

☼ Don’t be embarrassed by plant failure, especially if you’re new to the area or not an experienced gardener. It happens to everyone. Your yard/garden is a living thing, and all living things change. Some thrive and some don’t, so just roll with it and look at “failures” as an opportunity to try something different!

Let me finish with info on fall flowers:

1. The colorful balls that you see everywhere this time of year are not perennial mums (which now have the botanical name of Dendranthema). They are hybrids that may or may not come back. They may also come

back a different color or as dozens of little “mumlets” instead of a single plant. Plant in the ground by mid-September so they can get roots down before a freeze. If you want an actual perennial, stop by and check out our selection!

2. Mums have a 4-6 week bloom time that is made shorter by heat and longer by cool weather. If your neighbor has a mum that lasts the entire fall, it isn’t real! There are early, mid, and late season bloomers, so buy them when you’re ready - compost them and buy another when they fade.

3. Pansies are cool weather plants and like to go in the ground mid to late September. Planted too early, they will stretch. Planted too late, they won’t have time to get established. Questions? Give us a call.

I encourage you to stop by and see all the wonderful things we have for fall. Beautiful gardens begin at Meadow View!

Meadow View Greenhouses & Garden Center

9885 Highway 11E Lenoir City, TN 37772 865.986.7229

MeadowViewGreenhouse.com

S&W Cafeteria: A Fine Example of Art Deco Architecture

BY TERESA CAO, MARKETING AND SPECIAL EVENTS INTERN

ORIGINALLY TWO separate buildings until 1937, the structures located on 516 and 520 S. Gay Street became the site for the S&W Cafeteria from 1938 to 1981. This iconic Knoxville landmark is often considered one of the finest surviving examples of Art Deco architecture in Knoxville.

The original founding and ownership of the building is credited to Frank Sherrill in partnership with Fred Weber. The cafeteria’s name is attributed to these two partners’ last names. Together, they first opened next to the Tennessee Theatre in 1928 at 608 S. Gay Street before moving to its current location after a decade of booming success. The construction joined the City National Bank and an adjacent building. There, the building garnered even more popularity, serving three meals a day until its closure in 1981.

S&W’s distinct Art Deco style played into the early 20th century interest in cafeterias, which were seen as modern, futuristic, and glamorous. The modern characterization of cafeterias was emphasized and enhanced by the Art Deco style, consisting of angular and geometric composition and strategic use of elegant materials. Both the original interior and exterior of the building featured terrazzo, lining its sidewalk and interior flooring. The walls were a blend of multiple different kinds of wood, including zebrawood, lacewood, aspen, walnut, bur, myrtle, and prima vera. Other inside parts of the building are adorned with luxe materials such as Italian marble.

Although closed for several years, the S&W cafeteria continues to be an essential Knoxville landmark and an architectural marvel of the Art Deco style. It is now remembered fondly by Knoxvillians as a favorite eatery, as well as a gathering place for a variety of clubs and organizations.

In the midst of a potential demolition to make way for the expansion of the Regal movie theater, new plans were drawn up to save the S&W Cafeteria. A team of preservationists, architects, and developers - namely Mike Hatcher and Tim Hill of Hatcher-Hill properties - set off to make the project a reality. Other historic projects that Hatcher-Hill have worked on include building on Jackson Avenue in the Old City, the 100 block of Gay Street, and the J.C. Penny’s building on Gay Street.

Knox Heritage is hosting the 2023 Scruffy City Soirée in honor of Mike Hatcher and Tim Hill for their revitalization and historic preservation work in Knoxville. The event will be held on September 22 at 6 pm at The Mill & Mine and will feature live music, delicious food, and a whiskey pull but - most importantlyit will raise funds for future Knox Heritage preservation projects.

The Knox Heritage mission is to protect Knoxville’s unique character for future generations by preserving, restoring, and transforming historically significant structures and places. Established in 1974 as a nonprofit historic preservation organization, Knox Heritage is chartered by the state of Tennessee and governed by a board of directors.

The 2023 Scruffy City Soirée

Hosted by Knox Heritage

The Mill & Mine September 22 • 6 pm

WOMEN’S FUND of East Tennessee and organizations around the world have discovered that providing financial help to women is critical in finding solutions to family and community challenges such as education, job training, poverty, domestic violence, and many other issues that challenge an individual’s ability to develop their personal assets to be successful citizens.

We research, collaborate, vet, and develop agencies to effectively make change in breaking down barriers for low-income women and girls and make funding recommendations based on our main focus of access to postsecondary education. The Fund is fueled and driven by our community of supporters, allowing individuals to be involved and creating genuine connections to both the issues and solutions. As one of the only funds in East Tennessee dedicated to a regional

approach in network building and grant making, Women’s Fund is able to provide donors the highest and best usage of our resources. Outcomes are analyzed to ensure accountability and success.

We truly believe that investing in women and girls creates healthier communities for all of us, so we encourage you to join us as a Women’s Fund member by choosing a level that is right for you. Attend our 12th Annual Luncheon to find out more of what we do. Together, we can make change and build a permanent endowment of hope for low-income women and girls here in East Tennessee.

The Women’s Fund is a 501(c)(3) public, nonprofit charitable organization serving 25 counties in East Tennessee and a supporting organization of East Tennessee Foundation. For more information, contact WFET Executive Director, Kirby Deal, at kdeal@wfet.org or 423-504-8808, or visit WomensFundETN.org.

We believe that when you invest in a woman, you invest in a family, a community, and ultimately a region. By helping women and girls, we create better communities for all of us.

Change the Pattern to CHANGE THE PATTERN

by Mirtography

Business Note

BY BRETT CAFFERTY

RECENTLY,

IN SPEAKING with many small business owners, the most common topic is the slow return to a more normal, post-Covid business environment. The pandemic changes that took place - limiting in-person interaction, the isolation of working from homewent from being a temporary way of doing things to the new normal. People who had previously spent their days out servicing customers and being engaged face-to-face were now at an at-home office desk using Zoom to communicate.

As a former business-to-business sales guy, I began to realize that my past habit of being out of the office seeing people, and the temporary new normal of being stuck in the office by myself, slowly became a new habit of sorts. Emails, texts, and calls took the place of the majority of previous face-to-face interaction.

For sales reps, small business owners, and entrepreneurs that sometimes struggle (like myself!) to “get it in gear,” I was recently reminded of a basic business rule learned years ago when I was enrolled in a national sales and business development program. The founder of this training was a psychologist, and the curriculum explored numerous

topics and insights into the human condition. I found it fascinating and along the way picked up many helpful “rules” that were highly beneficial.

When stuck in a pattern of inaction or doubt, it’s easy to find tasks to fill your time. When we are faced with needing to act but are hesitant to do so, a great adage and basic rule to remember is: “It’s not how you feel that determines how you act, it’s how you act that determines how you feel.”

Easy to say, harder to do. But in my own experience, I have seen this proven a hundred times. Making the first call, or first action, leads to the next. Having the first face-to-face interaction makes the second one easier. We feel better and more productive for making the effort, and positive outcomes often follow. The habit is developed and reinforced, making it easier to build on.

This can be applied to many life areas, not just to small business roles and sales – exercise, organization, contacting a distant friend or family member that would appreciate the effort - whatever tasks you may be most trying to put off or avoid. Our feelings can often lead us astray, but our concrete and tangible actions can help us develop new and beneficial patterns.

We receive more comments from Everything Knoxville readers than any other form of advertising. Homeowners pull out the articles and keep them! I just had a customer tell me she had 14 years-worth, so she could take them with her if she moved!

Fewer people are reading newspapers, radio and TV advertising are very expensive, and as small business owners it’s hard to target specific demographics. Even when times were lean, our participation in Everything Knoxville was the one thing I refused to cut in our budget because we knew how much it helped our business grow.

We have been advertising in Everything Knoxville since 2007, and it continues to be the best way to get our information in the hands of the people we want to reach.

Photo

SUCCESS

Growing to better serve our advertisers and communities.

As a trusted local resource, we reach more homes, more often to maximize results for our advertisers.

Knoxville’s most widely distributed magazine, direct mailed to 38,000+ high-income households from downtown Knoxville to Bearden, West Knoxville, Farragut, Hardin Valley, and beyond

Graphic design and copywriting to help our clients communicate their best message.

Flexible participation, no contracts, and complimentary article space to help share your story.

New for 2023, Everything Knoxville is now reaching new homeowners throughout Knox County – increasing awareness and potential customers for our advertisers and helping new residents learn what’s going on around town, where to go, and who to call!

ASK ABOUT OUR NEW ADVERTISER “TEST-DRIVE” PACKAGES

Flexible participation at a savings to meet your business needs and budget.

Affordable