Mark your calendar for their next Restyle Your Fur event on May 16th & 17th.
25 ShelfGenie®
Discover how to add real value to your home and your life.
39 Ijams Nature Center
How to start a garden for butterflies and hummingbirds.
41 Open Chord Stage
A variety of music for everyone - really!
DOGWOOD ARTS is celebrating 7 decades as a community-driven initiative to promote and celebrate Knoxville’s art, culture, and natural beauty. With more than 20 annual events and programs, Dogwood Arts continues to expand its arts advocacy, environmental stewardship, and economic impact in East Tennessee.
From the Publisher
AS IS COMMON,
my friendships have been with those in my general age bracket - give or take 5 to 10 years. These friends are great because you have life experiences in common, as well as generational understandings - the music was/is the same, nostalgic products/ commercials are the same, and we can always relate on the “remember when…” conversations.
But beginning just a few years ago, I was fortunate enough to start a “passenger” relationship with a neighborhood boy who is now just shy of 10 years old. I say passenger because our main contact has been a ride to his homeschool co-op a couple times a week. Of course, we began a little awkwardly, navigating what subjects would appeal to both of us and eventually settling on his trips back to his parents’ home county of Chilé, where his beloved grandparents still live. This allowed him to “homeschool” me as I was very unfamiliar with South America and what a “day in the life” might look like. We have since progressed to
an “awesome” Netflix series involving anime football (soccer), video games, art projects, and spelling test words - along with family vacations and the ins-andouts of having a younger sister.
Another valued friendship began more recently with a woman who attends our church. She is the same age as my mother, and I have been more than delighted to share her company. In very short order, we were able to connect on a personal level, as well as find humor in a lot of the same circumstances. We have been able to problem solve, marvel at daily life, and laugh more than I had considered I would do with someone who is not “my age.” She is a visit I always look forward to! I encourage everyone to “branch out” of the sameness and to experience the joy of relationships with those outside of your usual comfort zone. I have been immensely blessed and enriched from my more unconventional friendships, and I think you might be, too.
Susan Cafferty Publisher
+ Editor
Hours of Business Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Everything Knoxville is distributed from Downtown Knoxville to hundreds of neighborhoods in Farragut, Hardin Valley, Tellico Village and beyond.
Photo by Morgan Hayley Harper
BY SHANNON HERRON, DOGWOOD ARTS MARKETING & CREATIVE DIRECTOR
EVERY SPRING, Knoxville bursts into bloom as Dogwood Arts brings the city to life with a vibrant celebration of art, culture, and natural beauty. Rooted in tradition yet ever-evolving, Dogwood Arts has been a cornerstone of East Tennessee’s cultural landscape for 70 years.
In 1947, John Gunther famously labeled Knoxville the “ugliest city” in America in his book Inside U.S.A. - eliciting a wave of disbelief and indignation from residents. Determined to prove Gunther wrong, members of the Knoxville Garden Club - led by Betsey Creekmore, Martha Ashe, and Betsy Goodson - joined forces with other civic-minded citizens in 1955 to launch the Dogwood Trails beautification project. That same year, Sequoyah Hills became the first trail, followed by Holston Hills in 1956 and Fountain City, Westmoreland, and Chapman Highway in 1957.
By 1961, so many visitors were flocking to Knoxville to see the spring-blooming Dogwood trees along the Trails that area businesses and community leaders felt more public entertainment was needed, and the inaugural Dogwood Arts Festival was born.
From the very beginning, Dogwood Arts has been a community-driven initiative. Today, from our office and gallery space on Jackson Avenue in the Old City, we continue to honor the vibrant legacy of our past, as we gear up for another thrilling season of events that promise to inspire, entertain, and educate!
Trails & Gardens
April 1-30
No matter where you are in Knoxville, you’re probably closer to a Dogwood Trail than you think! Trails are located in all four quadrants of the city, with more than 90 miles of blooming roadways to explore. Locate the Trailheads by visiting DogwoodArts.com/trails then simply follow the pink lines on the pavement! While you visit, be on the lookout for homes with “Open Garden” and “Camera Site” yard signs. The Dogwood Trails of East KnoxvilleMorningside and Holston Hills - are the “featured” trails in 2025.
Don’t miss this year’s “Featured Gardens” the weekend of April 12-13. Ranging from extensive properties and historic sites to quaint cottage and small urban gardens, these self-guided tours offer visitors a peek behind the curtain, inspiring even the most avid gardeners among us.
A fun, unexpected excursion in your own county!
Chalk Walk
April 5
Art in Action. Thousands of art lovers head downtown each year to experience this live art competition in Market Square. The Chalk Walk features more than 300 artists and collaborative teams: From kindergartners to professional artists, this event allows the entire community to show off their creative talents!
“No matter what the coming season brings, you can count on Dogwood Arts to be here, finding big and small ways to keep us all connected - just as we have since 1955. Support from you, no matter what size, will make a real and lasting impact in this community.”
– Sherry Jenkins, Executive Director
Dogwood Arts Festival
April 25-27
Established in 1961, the Dogwood Arts Festival is one of the most celebrated cultural events in Knoxville! The festival is held at World’s Fair Park in downtown Knoxville and features more than 100 fine art vendors, live music, entertainment, food & beverage vendors, and activities for the entire family. Not your average maker market, this juried event includes artists from across the country working in a variety of mediums - painting, photography, ceramics, leather, wood, sculpture, fiber, mixed media, and more - for one spectacular spring celebration!
Southern Skies Music & Whiskey Festival
May 10
Southern Skies is the newest addition to music programming at Dogwood Arts. Curated by hometown favorites The Dirty Guv’nahs, Southern Skies is an authentically-Knoxville celebration of music and community featuring a lineup of local, regional, and national talent. This year’s lineup includes Charley Crockett, The Dirty Guv’nahs, Willow Avalon, Devon Gilfillian, Southern Avenue, and Cruz Contreras & The Black Lillies.
Seven decades later, the community spirit that built Dogwood Arts is alive and well. Today, the small but mighty staff and a team of dedicated volunteers continue to promote and celebrate the art, culture, and natural beauty of East Tennessee with more than 20 annual events and programs. Dogwood Arts is more than just a festival - it’s a movement that continues to shape the region’s cultural identity. Whether you’re a lifelong resident or a first-time visitor, Dogwood Arts promises a unique celebration that is not to be missed. With year-round programming, including public art initiatives and educational outreach, the organization ensures that creativity flourishes long after the dogwood blooms have fallen.
DOGWOOD ARTS EVENTS
• Art in Public Places: Sculpture & Mural Programs
• Art Kits for Kids: Free Art & Educational Supplies
• First Friday Art Walk Exhibitions
• Chalk Walk
• Dogwood Arts Festival
• Regional Art Exhibition
• Youth Art Programs: Synergy, Epiphone Guitar Design Contest, A Very Special Arts Festival
• Bazillion Blooms: Tree Planting Campaign
• Dogwood Trails - 90 miles in 13 neighborhoods
• Spring Featured Gardens
• KnoxWalls at Emory Place
• House & Garden Show
• Southern Skies Music & Whiskey Festival
• Maker Exchange
Your donations help continue these wonderful programs!
RENOVATED FAMILY CREATIVE SPACE
THE KNOXVILLE Museum of Art (KMA) is thrilled to announce the reopening of its newly renovated, hands-on creative space which will include the debut of commissioned artworks by Knoxville-based artists, a new name and signage, a scavenger hunt, and new interactive art-making activities.
The space formerly known as Creative Corner will now be named “Aubrey Jaye’s Art Play” in honor of Aubrey Jaye Burleson and the transformative support of her parents Melissa and Randy Burleson. The Burlesons have been long-time supporters of the KMA in a variety of ways and were motivated to offer a family-friendly space to museum-goers that cultivates and inspires the creative energy of children, as well as all those young at heart. Aubrey Jaye’s Art Play encourages young visitors and their families to make art while surrounded by art - offering both traditional media (drawing & painting) and custom-designed digital tablets loaded with a plethora of possibilities.
Aubrey Jaye’s Art Play is conveniently located next to the museum’s front desk, making it a perfect first stop - or finale - for visitors. This colorful, engaging space encourages children to channel their inherent artistic talents into masterpieces that can speak to what they see and feel in the museum. While children immerse themselves in play and exploration, guardians are encouraged to join in on the fun, making it a dynamic destination for visitors of all ages.
Families in the Knoxville community are warmly invited to visit, explore, and enjoy this creative space with their children. Learn more at KnoxArt.org.
About the Knoxville Museum of Art
The Knoxville Museum of Art celebrates East Tennessee’s rich, diverse visual culture, and its connections to the wider currents of world art. Located at 1050 World’s Fair Park Drive in downtown Knoxville, the museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm and Sunday from 1 to 5 pm. Admission and parking are free.
Storage Innovations
Maximize Your Existing Space
SHELF HELP has been helping our clients solve kitchen and bath storage challenges in the Knoxville area since 2016, and we wanted to share a few client favorites that make day to day tasks easier.
Ideal for sheet and glass pans. Keeps you from having to pull out the entire “stack” of pans just to get one out, then needing to put them all back again.
Storing these items upright is easy to see and reach, and the slide-back upper shelf works great for lids! Available in several sizes to fit base cabinets.
“Thank you so much for the wonderful kitchen upgrade. The guys were super nice and helpful. We found a perfect setup to give me so much more versatility. Appreciate you and your installers.” - Cyndi
Spice-tray Insert
The staggered tier design allows for spice bottle display, making it easier to find and grab the one you need. These inserts drop in and can be sized for any (or many) drawer. Make your day-to-day living comfortable and your home more functional with Shelf Help custom-designed roll-out shelves and organizers for your kitchen, pantry, or bath. Call us today for your free, no-obligation, in-home consultation.
Shelf Help
865.675.5098
ShelfHelpTN.com
Kitchen Cookware Roll Out
Seasons Innovative Bar & Grille Happy Hour on the Patio and So Much More
WITH IT FINALLY being warm enough to sit outside, I wanted to highlight one of my favorite happy hour spots. Seasons is located on the Campbell Station end of Turkey Creek. The food and drink menu change seasonallyhence the name - and none have failed to please my taste buds. They have a lovely patio to enjoy this nice weather, so grab your friends and head there!
I’ll start by mentioning Seasons has daily specials and a great happy hour every day from 4 to 6:30 pm. The cocktails change each season, and they offer local beers on tap, as well as a phenomenal wine selection. I recently had a pear ginger martini that blew me away! I have also heard incredible things about their signature old fashioned.
For appetizers, it’s hard to choose but you can’t go wrong with any of the options. Some favorites are the Crispy Calamari (very thick pieces of fried calamari with delicious sweet chili sauce to dip it in), the Brussels sprouts are cooked to perfection, and the Brie is a crowd pleaser every time. I sometimes order the buttermilk chicken as my meal with an
BY KELLY JO GROSSER LARSEN
iceberg wedge salad. Seasons sure knows how to make a tasty salad.
Moving on to entrees, the Springer Mountain Chicken topped with brandy cream sauce, sautéed spinach, and prosciutto paired with garlic mashed potatoes is
my go-to. The Prime Rib Sandwich is another favorite. The seasonal pasta is handmade and delicious. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. On top of a great meal, you’ll always experience the best of service.
Saving the absolute best for last - dessert. Seasons brings out a dessert sampler board so you can visually decide which one you’re in the mood for. The seasonal bread pudding
is my absolutely favorite thing on the menu. In the summer, they have a pina colada bread pudding that has changed my life. I recently had a red velvet cheesecake with homemade Oreo crust - enough said. Finally, the famous key lime pie speaks for itself. I recommend ordering more than one - not because they aren’t big enough, but they’re so good it’s too hard to choose one. You’ll thank me later! All in all, the experience at Seasons is always extremely pleasant. It’s a fine dining restaurant with wonderful service and even better food. I highly recommend the happy hour and the patio! They have a brunch that I have not tried yet, but it looks to be just as great as everything else they serve. Seasons also has a location in Sevierville with a rooftop bar, so if you’re out that way, check out Seasons 101 as well. As always, let them know Kelly’s Belly sent you! Cheers!
TUESDAY, APRIL 22 Rothchild Catering & Event Ctr. 8807 Kingston Pike, 37923 Registration & Networking 7 - 7:30 am Breakfast from 7:30 - 9 am
- Josh Gibson
KEYNOTE
Embrace Your Jewelry Collection with DESIGNED STORAGE
BY CARRIE MCCONKEY, CARRIEMCCONKEY.COM
ONCE YOU’VE REACHED a certain “vintage,” chances are you’ve amassed a bevy of jewelry. Inherited heirlooms, designer classics, and just-for-fun costume pieces reflect your taste, style, and life’s journey.
Our collections can become a bit unruly, however. We dig on dark mornings, looking for a certain piece but instead settling on what is close at hand. With organized jewelry storage, it doesn’t have to be this way.
Why Should I Organize My Jewelry?
Your assortment of jewelry is an investment that took years to collect. When stored improperly, necklaces tangle, bracelets tarnish, and earrings get separated from their mates. Organized storage helps you:
• Keep your jewelry safe and protected
• Easily view what you have
• Quickly find what you need
• Show off your most prized pieces
How Can I Organize My Jewelry?
Your jewelry collection can be organized in a way that fits you: by type, style, or value; by metal, color, or stone; or simply by how you wear the pieces - everyday, special occasion, or career. Limited space? No problem. Hanging storage systems with versatile hooks - offered in a variety of vegan leather and matte metal finishes - can make even the slimmest space a stylish jewelry hub.
What Other Storage Options are Available?
The sky is the limit when it comes to designing your jewelry storage. Partitioned, soft-close drawers will pamper your jewelry with soft, velvet lining. An island with storage to spare can feature a glass top to display your most beautiful baubles. Or, if you prefer
not to advertise, a built-in hidden safe offers understated, dependable protection.
Go Beyond Your Jewelry
When getting organized, don’t stop with your jewelry. Organize and categorize belts, scarves, handbags, and more with customized cubbies, shelves, and drawers. And for those decision-making moments (“This color or that one?”), add a convenient countertop, retractable mirror, and LED lighting.
Celebrating 10 years in Knoxville, Closets by McKenry is your locally owned, locally operated storage design center. With the help of their design pros, you’ll stop neglecting your treasures. Fall in love with your jewelry collection all over again. Visit the Closets by McKenry/Designer Garages showroom today!
Closets by McKenry
201 Center Park Drive, #1070 Knoxville, TN 37922
865.249.6382
ClosetsByMcKenry.com
Contour adjustable jewelry storage from TAG
Custom velvet jewelry inserts
Pull-out necklace boards
Engage jewelry drawers from TAG
Restyle Your Fur Event
May 16th and 17th
10 am to 5:30 pm
DO YOU HAVE a sentimental fur stole, jacket, or coat hanging in your closet not being worn? Let Restyle Your Fur perform an unforgettable “trans-furmation” by having expert furriers:
• Convert it into a fabulous vest or 2-in-1 jacket with removable sleeves.
• Make a cuddly teddy bear, pillow, or throw.
• Enlarge, downsize, or repair your garment.
• Shear it to update the look.
Fur is one of the few materials that can be stripped apart and entirely restyled. Beyond alterations, it can be sheared to a short plush, updated to a different style, or, most commonly, added as fur collars, cuffs, or lining for raincoats and everyday coats to add luxury and style. At our Restyle Your Fur event, we will first assess the condition of the fur of your coat and then discuss updating and restyling options for you. Restyle Your Fur is proud to make perfect fur alterations with always on time delivery.
If you were lucky enough to receive a fur coat from past generations, it may require a restyle to keep up with today’s fashion trends. Updating your furs will give you a new piece you can comfortably wear and even pass down to younger generations.
Restyle Your Fur is an independent business that continues to fuel the ever-evolving restyling market. All furs are restyled in the United States by their highly qualified professionals. To learn more about Restyle Your Fur, visit RestyleYourFur.com. The Lily Pad is thrilled to partner with them for this event!
Ivy & Brenda
Animal Care Wishlists Donations
DID YOU KNOW that Zoo Knoxville’s animal care specialists have created a wishlist of specific items needed to help care for animals and their habitats, enrichment, and more?
Easily accessible Amazon shopping categorized by animals & habitats at: ZooKnoxville.org Support/Animal Care Wishlist
Wide price range with many items under $25.
Support the conservation and care of your favorite animal today.
Also makes a great gift for the animal lover in your life!
EUROPEAN FINE HARDWOOD FLOORS
Quality Workmanship, Attention to Detail, and Another Very Satisfied Customer!
WHEN LIFELONG Knox County residents, and husband and wife of 47 years, Jerry and Cheryl Hickman retired, it was time to make some needed repairs and updates to their home.
“We first learned about the quality work of European Fine Hardwood Floors when our son and his wife purchased an existing home three years ago,” said Cheryl. “They decided to pull out some carpet to add more wood flooring. The rest of the main level flooring was already wood. They sanded and refinished the existing wood floors, then stained and finished the new flooring. The completed work was beautiful!
“When it was time to replace the flooring in our 27-year-old family home, we knew who to call!” continued Cheryl. “We met with European Fine Hardwood Floors owners, and husband and wife team, Valera and Svetlana Tomescu, and discussed a variety of options. They provided us with an estimate, the timeline to complete the work, the costs, the products they would use, and answered all of our questions. We were at ease knowing what to expect as the job progressed and found they did exactly what
they said they would do.”
European Fine Hardwood Floors removed the existing wood floors and carpeting in Jerry and Cheryl’s home, removed the existing trim work, installed 1,900 square feet of new hardwood flooring, stained and finished the new flooring, and installed all new trim throughout.
“Valera prides himself on his work,” said Cheryl. “He pays attention to the smallest detail, and he wants the finished product to meet his high standards. He was willing to work long hours to complete any particular
task. I also appreciated the fact that he never left a mess anywhere! The finished product is beautiful and exactly what we wanted for our home.
“Since our floors have been finished, we have had friends, painters, movers, and others into our home. ALL have commented on the beautiful floors. The quality and details are evident in Valera’s work, and we couldn’t be more pleased! My husband and I were impressed with Valera’s and Svetlana’s character – in addition to being hard workers, we also found them to be honest, trustworthy, and polite. Those qualities are hard to come by.
“In this day and age, it is rare to find workmanship of this quality. We have already recommended them to several others.”
To discover the European Fine Hardwood Floors difference for your yourself, call them at 865-640-3680 today. European
FHow Older Adults Can Best Prepare for Surgery
BY PATRICIA L. TURNER, MD, MBA, FACS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR & CEO, AMERICAN COLLEGE OF SURGEONS COURTESY OF BPT
OR PEOPLE of all ages, the mere thought of surgery can spur anxious thoughts and concerns: How long will the surgery take? What will my recovery look like? How risky is the procedure?
Worries and questions about surgery are especially common for patients 65 years and older, who account for more than 40% of all in-patient operations and can be at risk for increased complications as a result of other co-existing medical conditions.
At the American College of Surgeons (ACS), the largest professional association of surgeons in the world, we understand that preparing for surgery can be an overwhelming experience. We believe that asking the right questions before surgery can foster open communication between the patient and the care team, make preparing for an operation less daunting, and lead to better outcomes.
To help older patients navigate the complexities of preparing for surgery, the ACS, through our Geriatric Surgery Verification (GSV) Program, created a patient checklist for older surgical patients, families, and caregivers. The checklist, which is free for anyone to download, equips patients with practical tips in an easy-to-use format and can be filled out online with a computer or printed out and brought to an appointment. Developed in collaboration with surgical experts, the checklist and our robust patient-education materials (facs.org/ for-patients) are designed to help patients and their families ask the right questions at the right time to help ensure they receive high-quality surgical care.
Encouraging open communication Open communication between the patient and the care team is paramount to any successful surgery. The checklist
41st Annual Bob Watt Youth Fishing Rodeo
Saturday, May 10 • Anchor Park, 11730 Turkey Creek Road Free event, open to the public
JOIN YOUR FRIENDS, family, and the Town of Farragut for a morning of fishing and prize competitions! The Youth Fishing Rodeo is for kids ages 12 and under, with pre-registration required for one of two sessions - 7:30-8:30 am or 9-10 am. To register, visit townoffarragut.recdesk.com/community/program.
The Town of Farragut will provide worms for bait, or participants can bring their own. A limited number of fishing poles for use during the rodeo will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Please bring your own pole if you can.
The fishing rodeo will be held at Anchor Park, located at 11730 Turkey Creek Road, rain or shine; however, in the case of severe inclement weather, check Farragut Parks & Recreation’s social media for updates.
The Town is still happily accepting community donations for the fishing rodeo, including youth and adult spincast (push button) rod and reel combos in good working condition, line, hooks, bobbers, and sinkers. Farragut businesses are also encouraged to donate items to be used as prizes for participants. For more information, visit FarragutParksandRec.org.
outlines several questions to foster honest discussions with your care team, including a section to list any special considerations such as cognition (thinking) and delirium (confusion) risk, and a section to list all your current medications and allergies in one place to help facilitate a smoother office visit.
Putting your care goals front and center
Your goals and quality of life are as important as many other details related to your surgery. The checklist includes a section to capture thoughts about your overall health, treatment goals, and how surgery might affect your daily life. Often referred to as patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures, this information is important for detailing what matters to you most. Having discussions about your priorities in advance can help your surgical team develop a specific care plan that relies on the best possible research and aligns with your personal goals.
Helping you keep track of your questions
In the days and weeks before surgery, it can be difficult to think of all the questions you want to ask your surgeon and care team beforehand. The checklist includes several suggested questions to ask your care team. It also offers tips on having effective conversations with your care team to help you and your caregivers more fully understand all aspects of the operation and your recovery.
Download the Geriatric Surgery Patient Checklist (facs.org/gsvpatient) and learn more about how the ACS GSV program (facs.org/gsv) helps hospitals optimize surgical care for older patients through comprehensive, evidence-based standards. The ACS assists hospitals in improving surgical care in a variety of areas. We recognize hospitals that meet our high-quality verification standards with an ACS Surgical Quality Partner Diamond. Our hospital finder (facs.org/ hospital-and-facilities) provides patients with information on more than 2,500 hospitals nationwide that have earned the distinguished ACS Surgical Quality Partner Diamond by participating in one or more of our programs.
Patricia L. Turner, MD, MBA, FACS, is Executive Director & CEO of the American College of Surgeons, the largest professional association of surgeons in the world, founded in 1913.
THE WOMEN’S FUND was founded in 2011 by a group of philanthropic women desiring to address the lack of opportunities for underserved women and girls in East Tennessee. They quickly organized around the VISION of “every woman selfsustaining.” In February of that same year, the Women’s Fund of East Tennessee became an incorporated fund of the East Tennessee Foundation, quickly raising 2 million dollars from which grant making opportunities were outlined to fuel the vision. By 2015, the Board of Directors elected to become a supporting organization of ETF, becoming a 501(c)(3) public, nonprofit organization. With a focus on collaboration, education, and advocacy with their nonprofit beneficiaries, WFET became a premier source of hope and funding for those who need it most in this region.
“When you invest in a woman, you invest in a family, a community, and, ultimately, a region.”
How Does the Women's Fund Work?
Pooling financial gifts allows donors to maximize their impact. WFET's approach involves understanding the specific needs of women and girls in the region and identifying targeted funding areas with lasting effects by actively advocating for change, addressing issues such as violence against women and barriers to education. Through rigorous research, collaboration, vetting, and agency development, WFET is able to enhance the capacity of organizations to create meaningful change in overcoming key obstacles to self-sustainability for low-income women and girls.
By focusing on “Access to Education (with Mentoring)” to guide funding recommendations, and by tapping into the collective strength of the Tennessee Women’s Fund Alliance (TWFA) and the national Women’s Funding Network (WFN), WFET shows that their rigorous analysis of investments is able to ensure accountability and measure success.
Carefully selected organizations that work to change the discouraging narrative that serves as a barrier to education for women and girls into a cultural mindset that every woman and girl deserves to make the most of herself by taking advantage of opportunities to further her education is key.
Advocacy
Their Mission:
The Women’s Fund is a catalyst to transform the lives of low-income women and girls in East Tennessee.
WAYS TO HELP:
YOU can get involved and support the WFET mission
• Attend one of the Women's Fund of East Tennessee events.
• Volunteer at one of WFET's annual events.
• Donate - WFET relies on giving to support the network/grant making, advocacy, awareness and operations programs that keep the Women’s Fund strong, resourceful, and impactful until the endowment is self-sufficient.
Thank you for Helping WFET Help Her!
The Women’s Fund of East Tennessee, along with other women’s funds across the globe, have discovered high donor satisfaction and significant outcomes by collectively pooling resources, conducting research, developing collaborative projects, and providing critical financial power and advocacy to help low-income women and girls. WFET works daily to find solutions to family and community challenges such as access to education, job training, poverty, violence against women, and many other issues serving as barriers to self-sustainability.
Women’s Fund of East Tennessee 129 S. Gay Street, #2 • Knoxville, TN 37902 423.504.8808 WomensFundETN.org
“What a privilege to join others in service to the amazing women and girls of our communities in East Tennessee! Working collaboratively with other non-profits is a unique and effective approach, and advocating for change is my favorite part of the work we do at the Women’s Fund.”
- Susie Whitener, Women’s Fund 2024 Board Chair
Nights Nights LIGHTING LIGHTING UP Y UP Y FOR 10 FOR 10 YEARS YEARS
A“Heath and his crew were beyond amazing! Very professional, super friendly, and accommodating. We had a vision, and they made it come to life. It’s more beautiful than we could have ever imagined!”
- Monica Mulford
about financial planning?
My answer was simple: “Earn more, spend less.” Your cup will never overflow unless you have more going in than going out.
Another way of viewing that difference between the financial “in” vs. financial “out” is margin.
Simply stated, if you are spending more than you are earning, you have no margin and are going into debt. If you are earning more than you are spending, you have margin and are saving.
It’s the relative size of the margin that makes the difference. According to a recent Bank of America survey, almost half of respondents perceive themselves as living “paycheck to paycheck.”
But, perhaps surprisingly, a deeper analysis found that “around 20% of households with incomes above $150K also appear to be living paycheck to paycheck.”
Where do you land? Just enou gh to make it to the next paycheck? You’re surviving. Saving some (at least enough to have an emergency fund)? You’re stable. If you are saving for long-term goals or even have more than enough, you’re flourishing.
What do you do if you need to increase your financial margin?
Start with “earning more.” If you are still working, you have a lot of “human capital.” How can you invest in yourself to generate more income? Perhaps that means getting that next degree or certification, asking for that promotion, or changing jobs/careers.
“Spending less” is usually the place where you have the most
How does your spending reflect what’s important to you? More often than not, there’s plenty of extra that can be trimmed. I suggest taking an inventory of what you are spending. Looking back over the last three months (going further back adds too much complexity), divide all expenses into two categories: essentials and non-essentials. Be ruthless on what to count as essential: If you had no reliable income, would you still need to make this purchase? While everyone’s spending is going to be different, a simple tool is a 50/30/20 distribution:
• 50% for essential expenses such as housing, utilities, transportation, food, and taxes
• 30% for non-essential expenses such as entertainment, dining, and hobbies
• 20% for savings for long- and short-term goals (e.g., emergency fund, retirement), debt repayment, and giving
As you can see, with a healthy margin, you’re able to weather the occasional financial storm, save for the future, and give freely. In other words, earn more, spend less and enjoy the margin!
THE MABRY-HAZEN HOUSE Museum invites everyone to join friends, board members, and museum staff to Dusk in the Dogwoods - a 1920s themed and swingin' evening of music and merrymaking!
We decorate our lawn with gorgeous vintage-era-inspired furniture. Guests may reserve a private outdoor parlor space for a group or choose one of the many seating options across Mabry’s Hill. A private parlor reservation includes admission for the corresponding number of people. Upon arriving at the party, you will reserve an available private parlor exclusively for your group and a sign will be placed with your name.
A stop on the Dogwood Trail, Mabry-Hazen House conserves more than 80 dogwood trees. Their showy flowers will be in full force, adorning Mabry’s Hill in an array of whites, pinks, and greens. The site is also a level 1 arboretum, conserving over 30 species of trees, including ancient southern magnolias, oaks, maples, and eye-catching Carolina silverbells.
So kick your heels up, sit back in your garden parlor, and come party like it's 1925!
THE SWINGIN’ 1920S-THEMED GARDEN PARTY WILL FEATURE:
Dancing
Live music from the Old City Buskers
Heavy hors d’oeuvres
Silent auction filled with items and experiences from local small businesses, producers, makers, and more Signature cocktails, local beer, and wine
Costume contests for the most historically authentic, most creative, and most spirit (costumes appreciated but not required!)
Yard games like croquet, bocce, and horseshoes
Historic house museum tours and more!
Information and tickets may be found at MabryHazen.com/Dusk
DIXIE LEE INDOOR MARKET
Farragut Community Center 239 Jamestowne Blvd. 37934
Saturdays 10 am - 1 pm
No Market April 5
Last Market April 12
OPENS APRIL 19
DIXIE LEE MARKET
Renaissance Center 12740 Kingston Pike, 37934
Saturdays 9 am - Noon
EBENEZER ROAD
Ebenezer United Methodist Church 1001 Ebenezer Road, 37923 Tuesdays 3 pm - 6 pm
HISTORIC OAK RIDGE
Jackson Square 209 Jackson Square, 37830 Saturdays 8 am - Noon
OPENS APRIL 24
NEW HARVEST PARK 4775 New Harvest Lane, 37918 Thursdays 3 pm - 6 pm
OPENS MAY 3
MARKET SQUARE
DOWNTOWN
Wednesdays 10 am - 1 pm Saturdays 9 am - 1 pm
RAIN OR SHINE!
Courtesy of Dogwood Arts
Add Real Value to Your Home and to Your Life
THE KITCHEN 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
Spring Gift Guide
CFINLEYART
Go beyond the ordinary with a bespoke watercolor home portrait created by artist Charles Finley. Each meticulously crafted painting transcends mere representation, capturing the essence of memory, warmth, and architectural grace - transforming a cherished dwelling into an objet d’art worthy of contemplation and reverence. Available at CFinleyArt, 200 E Broadway Avenue in Maryville, 865.266.3381, CFinleyArt.com.
SHAE DESIGN STUDIO
Elevate your game time with this marble Tic-Tac-Toe box with brass inlays and pieces. At 12 inches square, it’s the perfect table top decor and conversation piece. Get your XOXOXOs at Shae Design Studio, 9700 Kingston Pike, Suite 11 in Knoxville, 865.313.2656, ShaeDesigns.com.
DOGWOOD LANE BOUTIQUE
NewBeginnings socks, loomed and designed in Alabama, have verses on the sole so you can be “standing on the Word” all day! Makes a great addition to an Easter basket or graduation gift. These and other thoughtful pieces are available at Dogwood Lane Boutique, 107 & 109 E Morris Street in Sweetwater, 423.536.7046, Facebook: @DogwoodLaneBoutique.
MEADOW VIEW GREENHOUSES & GARDEN CENTER
Charming spring and Easter themed pictures are part of the Round Top Mini Gallery Collection that features various artists’ works. Framed in scalloped metal edging with a ring, these 6" x 7" wood panels can sit tabletop, on an easel, or be hung on a decorative display post. These designs and more available at Meadow View Greenhouses & Garden Center, 9885 Highway 11E in Lenoir City, 865.986.7229, MeadowViewGreenhouse.com.
MAKER EXCHANGE
Visit the Curio at Maker Exchange to shop locally made artwork for 150+ makers, including new work by Diahn Ott, a local ceramicist: Botanical vase with speckled glaze. Stop by 710 Clinch Avenue in downtown Knoxville between the Marriott and Tennessean Hotels, 865.637.4561, or online at MakerExchangeKnox.com.
LAMON JEWELERS
The Outlier by Ball Watches is the original railroad watch founded by Webster C. Ball who was commissioned to create a timepiece for the Conductor, Engineer, Fireman, and Trainmaster to always be on time. Swiss-made timepieces with years of history and timeless design. Available at Lamon Jewelers' new location at 11237 Parkside Drive in Turkey Creek, 865.690.9568, LamonJewelers.com.
Spring Gift Guide
SOCIAL CYCLE BIKE SHOP
Give the gift of health - and fun! Your source for Aventon e-Bikes, State Bicycles, accessories, and more! Available at Social Cycle Bike Shop, 121 E Depot Street in historic downtown Lenoir City, 909-800-6127, SocialCycleLC.com.
RELAXED & REFINED MENSWEAR
Who doesn’t just love a stylish Daddy & Me (or grandpa & me) summer look? These high-quality coordinating shirts from Summer Duck Apparel of South Carolina come in a variety of colors and sizes. Come see our selection of menswear and accessories at Relaxed & Refined Menswear, 205 N Main Street in Sweetwater, 423.271.6101, Facebook: @RelaxedandRefinedMenswear.
KAREN'S JEWELERS
These Dee Berkley stretch bracelets with a variety of gold filled beads and genuine gemstones offer wearable, effortless elegance. Crafted with positive energy and a smile so you can smile, too! It’s that simple. Wear jewelry and be happy with Dee Berkley Jewelry available at Karen's Jewelers, 1120 Oak Ridge Turnpike in Oak Ridge, 865.483.6717, KarensJewelers.com.
HARB'S CARPETING & ORIENTAL RUGS
For almost 100 years, Harb's has offered some of the most beautiful artisan handmade rugs from around the world, four large showrooms under one roof - a downtown treat to see! With the largest inventory of beautiful area rugs in East Tennessee, including modern, contemporary, and traditional, available in all price ranges. Harb's Carpeting & Oriental Rugs, 608 N Broadway in Knoxville, 865.252.7562, HarbsRugs.com.
NOUVEAU CLASSICS
This Serpente custom pillow by Emdee includes a 95/5 feather down insert and Emdee logo zipper charm. Available in four different colors at Nouveau Classics Contemporary Furniture & Interior Design, 101 S Gay Street in Knoxville, 865.525.4755, NouveauClassics.com.
Spring Gift Guide
MEADOW VIEW GREENHOUSES & GARDEN CENTER
Feed your feathered friends with an iridescent, sun catching “cut glass” design hummingbird feeder in attractive ombre color palettes. At almost 12 inches tall, there is plenty of food for all your feeder visitors. Each comes with a matching S hook for easy hanging. Available at Meadow View Greenhouses & Garden Center, 9885 Highway 11E in Lenoir City, 865.986.7229, MeadowViewGreenhouse.com.
SHAE DESIGN STUDIO
These stylized “jacks” are a unique table top decor item that can be used alone or in multiples. Soldered metal with a warm antique brass finish, these 12"x12"x9" jacks add a structured architectural element to your space. Available at Shae Design Studio, 9700 Kingston Pike, Suite 11 in Knoxville, 865.313.2656, ShaeDesigns.com.
THE LILY PAD BOUTIQUE
If you have a sentimental fur stole, jacket, or coat not being worn, attend The Lily Pad’s Restyle Your Fur event May 16th & 17th from 10-5 and update your fur! Convert it into a vest or 2-in-1 jacket with removable sleeves; make a cuddly teddy bear, pillow, or throw; enlarge, downsize, or repair your garment; or shear it to update the look. Get a new piece you can comfortably wear and even pass down to younger generations. The Lily Pad Boutique, 209 N Main Street in Sweetwater, 423.337.5537, LilyPadBoutiqueOnline.com.
These stunning puzzles were created with artist Kathleen A. Janke’s alcohol ink rendering of the Great Smoky Mountains. Along with her paintings, Kathleen also creates pine needle gourd baskets and photography showcasing the beauty of our surrounding mountains. This and other unique gifts are available at her gallery, Gracehill Fine Art and Basketry, 110 Mountain Avenue in Townsend, 865.660.6400, GracehillArt.com.
DOGWOOD LANE BOUTIQUE
Our "Lamby" sherpa snuggler, combination lovey toy and security blanket, is just one of many of our perfect companions for little ones. Great for Easter baskets, shower gifts, or just because. Pair it with a coordinating rattle or belly blanket to compete the set! Available at Dogwood Lane Boutique, 107 & 109 E Morris Street in Sweetwater, 423.536.7046, Facebook: @DogwoodLaneBoutique.
TOWNS TOFFEE
Coconut Crunch Toffee is a seasonal flavor throughout the spring so all of the coconut-loving mothers (and others!) in our lives can have it on Mother’s Day! The sweetness of the coconut is balanced with milk chocolate, buttery almonds, and pecan in this unique (gluten-free) toffee. Available at Towns Toffee, 1006 N Main Street in downtown Sweetwater, 865.368.8365, TownsToffee.com.
The War That Saved the World?
How the National Cold War Center and Woodrow Wilson Center are Partnering to Elevate the Story
COURTESY OF BPT
IN 1987, President Ronald Reagan boldly stood before one of the iconic symbols of the Cold War and, in words that shape his legacy, demanded from the Soviet leader, “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall.”
Two years later, the Berlin Wall came down. Then, in 1991, the Cold War ended with the dissolution of the Soviet Union.
Lasting nearly a half-century, the war profoundly changed and, perhaps, saved the world.
During that time, the United States and Russia engaged in a global contest over different ways of life, threatened and deterred each other with vast arsenals of nuclear weapons, tested one another’s resolve in 1962 during the Cuban Missile Crisis, raced to become the first country to put a human in space, and sought allies and influence throughout the world.
A key component of the U.S. military strategy during the Cold War was the Blytheville Air Force Base in northeastern Arkansas. It closed in 1992, but throughout the post-World War II conflict, the base - and especially its alert center - formed a vital part of the U.S. Strategic Air Command, which controlled most of the U.S. nuclear weapons and the aircraft and missiles that delivered those weapons.
Today, this former Arkansas Air Force base is being transformed into the home of the National Cold War Center (NCWC), a museum and historic site dedicated to honoring Cold War veterans, preserving history, and advancing understanding and debate about the world’s most protracted and expensive war and its legacies for today.
To elevate its mission on a national and international level, the NCWC has partnered with the distinguished Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars (Wilson Center) in Washington, D.C. Chartered by Congress as a public-private partnership and affiliated with the Smithsonian Institution, the Wilson Center is a premier research institute on Cold War history and its vast network of relationships and resources in the international policy research community will support and strengthen the NCWC’s goal to become America’s official museum of the Cold War.
The partnership is poised to enhance the NCWC’s unique mission “to comprehensively tell the story of the Cold War, informed by the experiences of those who fought, lived, and survived the conflict that has had such profound consequences for today’s world.”
Dr. Christian Ostermann, an award-winning historian and the longtime director of History and Public Policy at the Wilson Center, will
direct the historic collaboration. A world-renowned scholar of the Cold War, he brings decades of experience and a strong vision for the future National Museum of the Cold War. Working with Blytheville community leaders, the NCWC’s National Advisory Board, and federal, state, and private-sector partners, Ostermann aims to help the NCWC turn its historic Ready Alert Facility into a state-of-the-art educational site that draws visitors from across the globe to learn about the Cold War.
“Understanding the history of the Cold War is critical to making sense of our world today,” said Dr. Ostermann. “The ideological and geopolitical rivalry between capitalism and communism defined global politics for nearly half a century, leading to a nuclear arms race, regional and proxy wars, as well as cultural, economic, and technological transformations that hold profound lessons still vital in the 21st century.”
Mary Gay Shipley, chairman of the National Cold War Center board of directors, has been at the forefront of its development efforts since they launched in late 2016.
“This partnership with the world-renowned Wilson Center gives our efforts even more credibility. We had a tremendous gain when the 118th U.S. Congress established the National Cold War Center as America’s federal museum of the Cold War, and this is another huge step forward,” said Shipley. “We look forward to welcoming thousands of people to our community annually to learn more about this important time in world history.”
While the grand opening of the NCWC is slated for 2027, the NCWC currently provides visitors the opportunity to experience the history of the Blytheville Air Force Base (BAFB) and its role in the Cold War via its BAFB Exhibition, which opened in November 2020. Once fully open, the Center expects to welcome more than 50,000 visitors in its first year, fueling education and providing a boon to the tourism economy of the Arkansas Delta.
As the NCWC expands its role to the global stage through its new partnership with the Wilson Center, the Center looks to develop an unparalleled experience providing visitors a window into a conflict that echoes throughout modern society and remains deeply relevant to geopolitics in 2024.
To learn more, visit the NCWC website at NationalColdWarCenter.com.
SBY RANDY PATTERSON, BOOMEROCITY.COM
UMMER WILL
be here before you know it, and if you want to make sure that your summer rocks, check out the summer tour by the legendary classic rock band Styx. The band consists of seven men: James “JY” Young (lead vocals, guitars), Tommy Shaw (lead vocals, guitars), Chuck Panozzo (bass, vocals), Todd Sucherman (drums, percussion), Lawrence Gowan (lead vocals, keyboards), Will Evankovich (mandolin, guitars), and Terry Gowan (bass, guitar, vocals).
Starting this month, Styx’s tour will also include former REO Speedwagon front man Kevin Cronin and will hit cities near Knoxville, including Greenville, SC, Birmingham, AL, Alpharetta, GA, and Charlotte and Raleigh, NC.
Still wanting more of Styx? You will be able to see the band at the State Fair in Knoxville on September 12th.
If all of that still leaves you screaming for more, then consider signing up for Styx’s three-day music vacation on the beautiful shores of Miramar, Florida. Titled “Rockin’ in Paradise with Styx + Friends,” it takes place October 9-11 and will feature two special performances by Styx, with one being the last time the band will perform their hit Grand Illusion album in its entirety. “Rockin’ in Paradise” also brings a stellar lineup of iconic rock artists, including Loverboy, Cheap Trick, 38 Special, Collective Soul, John Waite, Gowan, and Edwin McCain.
Styx draws from more than five decades of barn burning chart hits, joyous sing-a-longs, and hard-driving deep cuts. Like a symphony that builds to a satisfying crescendo, a Styx set covers a wide range of stylistic cornerstones. From the progressively sweeping splendor that is “The Grand Illusion,” to the hunker-down fortitude of all that is the “Blue Collar Man,” to the majestic spiritual love for a special “Lady,” to the seething indictment of preening, primping pageantry for pageantry’s sake of “Miss America,” to an individual yearning for true connection as a “Man in the Wilderness,” to a soul-deep quest to achieve what’s at the heart of one’s personal vision in “Crystal Ball,” to the regal reach-for-the-stars bravado of “Come Sail Away,” and the grainy all-in rugged “Renegade” who had it made, the band draws on an unlimited cache of ways to immerse one’s mind and body in their signature sound.
For more information, visit StyxWorld.com. Watch for the September edition of Everything Knoxville for our exclusive interview with Styx keyboardist Lawrence Gowan.
George Barber:
Victorian Mail-Order Architect
GEORGE F. BARBER (1854-1915) was an architect known for the house designs he marketed worldwide through his mail-order catalogs. A self-taught architect, his mail-order business was inspired and modeled after the Bridgepoint, Connecticut, firm of Palliser & Palliser & Company. Barber most likely purchased the Palliser’s 1878 catalog, American Cottage Homes , while working as a carpenter in Marmaton, Kansas. Later, working as an architect in Dekalb, Illinois, Barber produced a small publication of his own, The Cottage Souvenir in 1885, containing 18 plans and bound by yarn tied through a hole punched in the corner.
Barber arrived in Knoxville in 1888 on the advice of his doctor to seek a warmer climate. He became a partner in the Edgewood Land Improvement Company, which subdivided and developed a suburb east of Knoxville known as Park City (today, the Parkridge neighborhood) located along Washington Avenue and Jefferson Avenue. He designed more than a dozen homes in the area, including a number of his own personal homes along Washington Avenue. However, Barber’s business also looked far outside of Knoxville for clients, starting with the publication of The Cottage Souvenir #2 - A Repository of Artistic Cottage Architecture in 1891. The catalog contained 59 house plans, along with plans for barns, churches, and commercial stores. Other catalogs followed as the business thrived, including a monthly magazine. By the turn of the century, Barber owned the largest architecture firm in Knoxville and employed more than 30 draftsmen.
More than willing to customize designs, catalogs contained questionnaires and sketch pages for prospective clients to flesh out their ideas. Barber would frequently modify his designs to fit the client needs and specifications. Catalogs often stated, “Keep writing until you get what you want. Don’t be afraid of writing too often. We are not easily offended.”
Barber’s designs ran the entire gamut from small three and four room cottages to huge mansions. His earliest and most famous designs were examples of the late Victorian Eastlake and Queen Anne styles. A handful of his later designs show hints of bungalow influence, which he referred to as “chalet style.”
Retiring from his catalog business in 1908, Barber sold more than 20,000 plans during his career. When he died in 1915, professionally trained architects were more common than a generation
previously, and retail giants like Sears and Montgomery Ward had begun selling entire prefabricated houses via mail order (something Barber never did). Today, Barber’s legacy lives on in hundreds of houses scattered across the county, including more than 20 that still stand in Knoxville. Most are located in the Fourth & Gill, Old North Knoxville, and Oakwood-Lincoln Park neighborhoods. Many of his homes are individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and many more listed as part of historic districts. 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 ROSSINI FESTIVAL
is Knoxville Opera’s annual International Street Fair that celebrates the global impact on the music, food, art, and culture of East Tennessee. Throughout the festival, the public is treated to non-stop entertainment on four outdoor stages showcasing opera, classical, jazz, gospel, ethnic music, ballet, modern, and ethnic dance. Attendees can purchase from scores of food vendors and more than 75 artisans throughout the day, while The Y FunZone keeps children entertained. More than half a million residents of Knox County
and the surrounding area have enjoyed the Rossini Festival throughout the years.
Performers: Four stages offer 11 hours of non-stop choral, opera, jazz, instrumental, gospel, chamber, dance, and ethnic artistic performances. You are sure to experience something new at every turn.
Artisans: Hundreds of artisans from all across East Tennessee gather to show off and sell their wares. From booths scattered all over the festival footprint, you will find clothing, jewelry, and home items - all handmade in our region.
Food vendors: From tacos and Greek
specialties to your favorite adult beverages, Rossini Festival food and beverage vendors offer a plethora of local and international cuisine. With this many possibilities, everyone can get what they want!
Journey Around the World is back!
Embark on an enchanting journey where opera and adventure intertwine, guiding you through international fairytales to unravel mysteries that span from German forests to Persian palaces. Start at the Journey Around the World Tent, collect stamps, and solve riddles to uncover your fairytale and claim a prize in this captivating quest!
NEED SOME EXTRA STORAGE SPACE IN YOUR GARAGE?
Defining Your “Things Worth Fighting For”
BY DR. JIM BAILEY
WHAT DO you want from your life? It’s a simple question, but answering it can be incredibly hard. If I asked you, “What do you want?,” what would you say? We humans have an endlessly changing list of things we want - a better job, new car, new home, new things, new or better friendships, new boyfriend/girlfriend, better marriage, health, and security for our family. It’s a list in constant flux, as our lives and circumstances change.
I’m old enough now to know I really shouldn’t trust my wants. Too many times I’ve gone hard and fast after things I wanted, only to find I didn’t feel satisfied when I got them. (Mostly this seems to be true about material things.) That doesn’t mean I’ve adopted a Zen mindset of not wanting what I haven’t got - there are lots of things that catch my eye when I wander through The Home Depot or REI, but I’ve learned to distrust those longings. Perhaps a better question than what you want is, what do you truly desire?
The words that get translated as “desire” in the Bible really mean “a passion or craving built on strong feelings.” I think of this as the deepest longings of our hearts. Proverbs 19:22 says, “What a person desires is unfailing love.” Of all the things I’ve wanted and pursued in life, I’ve never found unfailing love to come up short. The writer of that proverb was onto something.
Why should you define your desires? Psychologist Viktor Frankl once said that unless a person wakes up in the morning and knows where they’re going, their life seems muddled and confusing. Knowing what you desire is essential if you want to establish what’s most important in your life and use those things to guide you, rather than pointlessly chasing wants and urgent things.
It can be a challenge to determine what we desire, especially when we’re barraged by a heart full of wants. Defining what you desire requires asking yourself the right questions, then doing the hard, patient work required to accurately answer them.
What might that look like?
First, set aside enough time to answer the questions. You might get your answers in one block of time, but it’s naive to think you’ll get your answers quickly. It’s something that can’t be rushed. I’d start with a half-day minimum, but know it may require more time than that. Remember, the answers are important enough to build in sufficient time to answer them.
Second, shut out the noise of your life. Devices (phones, computers, TVs) and people clamor to fill our minds and hearts with things demanding our attention. You may need to schedule time away and work out childcare to fully escape the demands of your life. Being able to think clearly and without interruption is essential. So is patience.
Shutting out noise can take time - it can take hours for your mental to-do list and distractions to quiet down. Calming or breathing exercises to re-center your mind and heart may help. The easiest is a simple breath-count, where you inhale to a count of four (or six or eight), hold your breath for that count, then exhale for that count. And count out loud - it forces your mind to focus on the numbers and ignore the things that preoccupy you.
Third, find a place to be alone. Take a hike without a goal or destination (other than a place to sit and think), find a bench in a public park or along a greenway path, in an empty pavilion or a church sanctuary, beside a lake or stream, or a quiet room in your home. Get to a place where you’re unlikely to run into other people.
Fourth, ask the right questions. Asking “what do I want” or “what do I desire” rarely yields good answers. It’s often helpful to think about the life roles you’re in, then ask yourself what your ambitions (desired outcomes) are for those roles. (My roles include husband, father, career coach, mentor, friend, healthy human, and God-followeryours may be different.) For each of these ask yourself, “What do I want to be true about me in this role in five, 10, or 20 years or at the end of my life?” Or, you might use hindsight and ask, “What did I accomplish in that role?”
Knowing the roles you have (or want) in your life, and what you want as results of being in those roles, is a great way to determine the deepest longings of your heart. If you know these aspirations, then you can build in the ways to attain and defend them. After all, if they are truly worthwhile, then they are things worth fighting for.
How to Start a Garden for Butterflies and Hummingbirds
COURTESY OF IJAMS NATURE CENTER, IJAMS.ORG
THERE ARE MANY things you can do to create a successful habitat in your own backyard. Remember to start with a small area so you do not become overwhelmed. To have a successful butterfly and hummingbird garden you need to provide:
Shelter
Anything that will protect from wind and rain.
• Loose bark
• Evergreens
• Shrubs
• Wind breaks
• Dark rocks for warmth
Water
Water needs to be provided in small amounts.
• Puddles
• Mister
• Damp soil
• Fruit or stale beer
Nectar Plants
Nectar plants provide food for the adult butterfly and hummingbirds. It is best to provide flowers that bloom throughout the spring and summer. Mid to late summer is the critical period to provide food.
• Shrubs & trees - Bottlebrush, Red Buckeye, Buttonbush, Redbud, Summersweet, Cranberry Viburnum, Possum Haw, Viburnum, Butterfly Bush, Birch
When selecting plant species, focus on native species. Native plant species require minimal fertilizer and water, thus contributing to overall environmental health.
Host Plants
Host plants provide a place for adult butterflies to lay their eggs and food for emerging caterpillars. Be prepared for the destruction of these plants. It is a sign of success. Different butterfly species prefer specific plants to lay their eggs on. Below is a list of butterfly species and their host plants.
Caterpillar
Buckeyes
Food/Host Plant
Black Swallowtails Dill, Fennel, Parsley, Carrot, Queen Anne’s Lace
VICKI PETERSON AND JOHN COWSILL LOVE HAS KEPT THEM TOGETHER
BY RANDY PATTERSON, BOOMEROCITY.COM
IN THE WORLD of rock and roll, love stories often unfold in the most unexpected ways - usually behind the scenes, away from the blinding stage lights and roaring crowds. One such enduring love story is that of Vicki Peterson, the dynamic guitarist of The Bangles as well as the Continental Drifters, and John Cowsill, the multi-talented drummer and vocalist of The Cowsills and The Beach Boys’ touring band. Both accomplished musicians in their own right, their shared journey through the decades has been one of mutual admiration, respect, and an unwavering passion for music.
Vicki rose to fame in the early 1980s as the lead guitarist and a founding member of The Bangles, the all-female rock band that became a defining force in the decade’s pop-rock scene. With hits like “Manic Monday,” “Walk Like an Egyptian,” and “Eternal Flame,” The Bangles combined jangly guitar riffs with intricate harmonies, establishing themselves as one of the era’s most beloved acts. Vicki’s distinctive guitar work and songwriting contributed significantly to the band’s success.
John, on the other hand, had been in the music industry long before The Bangles’ rise. As a member of The Cowsills, the real-life family band that inspired the hit TV show The Partridge Family, he was exposed to the limelight from a young age. Songs like “The Rain, the Park & Other Things” and “Hair” made The Cowsills household names in the late 1960s. John later transitioned into session work and became a longtime touring member of The Beach Boys, contributing his drumming and vocal talents to their legendary sound.
While both have enjoyed notoriety from their respective separate pursuits, it’s making music together that gives them special pleasure. The couple recently released a new single from their forthcoming album titled Long After the Fire. The single, “A Thousand Times,” is a heartfelt track that beautifully showcases their signature harmonies and seasoned musicianship. The song is a reflection on love, time, and the deep connection they have built throughout the years. With poignant lyrics and a rich, melodic arrangement, “A Thousand Times” captures the essence of their musical and personal journey together. Fans and critics alike have praised the song for its emotional depth and timeless sound, proving that their creative spark remains as vibrant as ever.
Another single they released previously, “Come to Me,” is particularly special to John. He shared the special story behind that song.
“My brother Barry wrote that song - Barry Cowsill. Barry and Vicki
sang that one - a fabulous song. We always had known about that song, but we didn’t have any recording. Barry never recorded it himself. So, we didn’t have a reference of him doing it. We had a cassette version of that. I can tell that story because I remember being at a friend’s house, Baron Bernard, who lived in Hancock Park, and Barry was staying on his couch in the house there. And so downstairs, he had a little rehearsal room in the cellar. It’s one of the most beautiful tracks on the album as far as I’m concerned. It’s just so special and emotionally charged. And Vicki did a great job with the lead on that.”
Concluding the story by remembering his late brother, “Barry was someone who was always trying to get things together, and he struggled. He struggled a lot in his life, in his later life. But that bridge, the lyrics, you know, how hard it is to get it together, basically. That’s what he’s saying, he’s like, ‘I’m trying. I’m working on it. I’m working on it. You may not see it, but I’m working on it.’ And that’s sincere, you know. And so, I think about him every time we go to that bridge.”
Beyond their impressive careers, Vicki and John’s story is one of perseverance, love, and an unwavering commitment to their art. Their ability to navigate the ever-changing landscape of the music industry while maintaining a strong personal and professional partnership is a testament to their resilience and talent.
As they continue to make music and inspire new generations of artists, their journey serves as a reminder that, in the unpredictable world of rock and roll, some love stories truly stand the test of time. Whether on stage or off, Vicki and John remain a harmonious duo whose legacy will undoubtedly endure for years to come.
There is much more to this interview that can watched on Boomerocity.com, YouTube, and on all major podcast platforms. Vicki and John’s album, Long After the Fire, will be available April 18th wherever you purchase your music - CD or vinyl. Also, you can keep up with the latest about them at VickiPetersonandJohnCowsill.com.
Launched in 2009, Randy’s Boomerocity The Fan Experience has more than 500 positive, sincere, one-on-one interview conversations that show fans the true heart of the Baby Boomer generation of musicians, entertainers, and their associates, as well as today’s icons, influencers, and up-and-comers in music.
Something for Everyone - Really!
SINCE 2014, the Open Chord has been called Knoxville’s premier listening room and music venue. They proudly host live music from top-tier, world-class musicians and singers from all over the globe along with some local talented favorites. And April is no exception!
With an eclectic mix of genres, all music lovers have an opportunity to hear everything from acoustic melodies to heavy metal and everything in between. Here we've highlighted just a few of the offerings this spring.
The Wellermen, originators of the sea shanty trend on TikTok and Instagram, sing mostly low-tone acapella harmonies with minimal or no instrumention. They infuse traditional storytelling sea shanties, folk songs, and work songs with fresh energy and tight, smooth harmonies.
Hailing from Knoxville, Belfast 6 Pack has chosen the Open Chord for their upcoming album release party. Their sound is in its own genre - a new and original flavor of southern metal with powerful vocals.
Who doesn't love a good tribute band? Open Chord has you covered there too this month with Blink 180 True: A Tribute to Blink 182, the iconic pop-punk band of the late 1990s and early 2000s, and from Atlanta, Pandora’s Box - The Ultimate Aerosmith Tribute
A special, more global treat is Korean rock band, Rolling Quartz Five very accomplished and talented female musicians participate in all song production, including lyrics, composition, and arrangement. Their album, Fighting, made it into the top 5 US rock albums chart on iTunes, the 1st Korean indie band to do so. They rock!
The band, Cold, from Jacksonville, FL, has been playing alternative rock metal and post-grunge for over 10 years. They have a very melodic sound with melancholic, emotional song lyrics often dubbed “nu-metal” (think Limp Bizkit-ish).
Calling themselves Feel Good Country, Sundy Best is a guitar and cajon drum duo that plays “East Kentucky rock n roll” - music that is a blend of country, Appalachian folk, bluegrass, rock, soul and R&B - with classic rock of the ʼ70s & ʼ80s vibes.
Along with being "Knoxville’s Favorite Listening Room," the Open Chord also has a fully renovated kitchen and bar with 12 taps of delicious craft beers, an ever changing signature cocktail list, and top-notch food options made from the freshest of ingredients.
Most of their booked bands can be found on Spotify, YouTube, and other music apps, so check them out then grab some friends, choose a band that "speaks" to you or come find a new one that does, and we'll see you at the OC.
APRIL
THROUGHOUT THE MONTH
MFA Thesis Exhibitions at the Ewing Gallery of Art + Architecture through the 14th.
The Sword in the Stone by the Knoxville Children’s Theatre through the 19th. For show times and tickets visit KnoxvilleChildrensTheatre.com.
States of Becoming Exhibition at the Knoxville Museum of Art through the 27th.
Dogwood Trails & Gardens through the 30th. For info visit DogwoodArts.com.
TennGreen Land Conservancy Hike-a-Thon through the 30th supporting the protection of land and waters. Participate from anywhere in the world! Free registration at Campaigns.TennGreen.org.
APRIL 7
Mighty Musical Monday at the Tennessee Theatre from noon to 1 pm. Bring a lunch and listen to the Mighty Wurlitzer Organ by house organist Freddie Brabson. Concessions also available. Free!
Drop-In Figure Drawing at the Knoxville Museum of Art from 6 to 8 pm. Email Education@KnoxArt.org to request a permission form.
Ana Popovic at the Bijou Theatre at 7:30 pm.
APRIL 8
Preschool Story Thyme at Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum from 10 to 11 am. Every Tuesday through October.
Violins of Hope: Strings of the Holocaust featuring the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra and Clarence Brown Theatre at the Tennessee Theatre at 7 pm.
APRIL 9
Puzzle Palooza at the Farragut Community Center from 6 to 8 pm. A tournament for all ages. Register your team at TownofFarragut.org.
9th Annual Ten Minute Play Festival with Company West at Ijams Nature Center from 6:30 to 8:30 pm.
Joanne Shaw Taylor at the Bijou Theatre at 8 pm.
APRIL 10
Women’s Fund of East Tennessee 14th Annual Luncheon at The Press Room at 11:30 am. WomensFundETN.org for tickets.
Dogwood Trail Walk & Talk at the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum from 5 to 7 pm.
Charlie Berens at the Bijou Theatre at 7 pm.
World Ballet Company: The Great Gatsby at the Civic Auditorium at 7 pm.
Experience Hendrix 2025 Tour at the Tennessee Theatre at 7:30 pm.
APRIL 11
Bored Teachers: The Struggle is Real! at the Tennessee Theatre at 7:30 pm.
Big Night Hike at Ijams Nature Center from 8 to 9:30 pm. It’s salamander season!
Megan Moroney at the Civic Coliseum at 8 pm. Also the 12th.
Trae Crowder at the Bijou Theatre at 8 pm.
APRIL 12
15th Annual Forget Me Not Race for Alzheimer’s at the Village Green Shopping Center in Farragut from 8 to 10 am. A benefit for the Pat Summitt Foundation. For info visit ForgetMeNot5k.com.
Ijams Junior Naturalist at Ijams Nature Center from 8 to 11 am for middle and high schoolers. Knoxville Walk to Make Alzheimer’s a Memory at Catholic High School Stadium (off Cedar Bluff). Registration begins at 8 am, opening ceremony at 9:30 am, walk at 10 am. A benefit for Alzheimer’s Tennessee. For more info or to register visit AlzTennessee.org.
Spring Plant Sale at the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum from 9 am to 2 pm. Preview day for members on the 11th.
Boneanza Doggie Easter Egg Hunt at New Harvest Dog Park from 9:30 to 11:30 am. Free!
Dogwood Arts Spring Featured Gardens from 10 am to 5 pm. Also the 13th from noon to 4 pm. For locations visit DogwoodArts.com.
Friends of the Knox County Public Library Used Book Sale at the Sequoyah Branch from 10 am to 5 pm.
Knoxville Opera Rossini Festival: An International Street Fair in downtown Knoxville from 10 am to 9 pm. Also the 13th from noon to 6 pm. Free admission. For info visit KnoxvilleOpera.org/rossini-festival.
Vintage Base Ball Opening Day at Historic Ramsey House at 10 am. Free! Wildflower Walk at Ijams Nature Center from noon to 2 pm.
Carly Pearce at the Tennessee Theatre at 7:30 pm.
Knoxville Symphony Orchestra’s Landslide: A Symphonic Tribute to the Music of Fleetwood Mac at the Civic Auditorium at 8 pm.
Stephen Wilson, Jr at the Bijou Theatre at 8 pm.
For Knoxville’s andMarketFarmers’dates seelocations, page24
APRIL 13
Reset, Renew, Rejuvenate: Yoga Workshop and Sauna Session at Ijams Nature Center from 1 to 3:30 pm. Also the 20th.
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.
Oak Ridge Community Band Spring Concert at the Oak Ridge High School Performing Arts Center (1450 Oak Ridge Turnpike) at 3 pm. Free, family-friendly event! Mancini tunes, Sousa, Holst, Folk Songs, Polka, Man of La Mancha songs, Strauss, and more.
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy at the Bijou Theatre at 7:30 pm.
APRIL 14
Foothills Craft Guild: Artist Playday at the Emporium Center Suite 113 from 10 am to 4 pm. Free, open to any craft artist!
APRIL 15
Knoxville Smokies vs. Chattanooga Lookouts Home Opener at Covenant Health Park at 7:30 pm with nightly give-aways. Also the 16th-19th at 7:30 pm & 20th at 2 pm.
Knoxville Jazz Orchestra: Silver Anniversary Celebration at the Bijou Theatre at 8 pm.
APRIL 16
Grand Kyiv Ballet: Swan Lake at the Bijou Theatre at 7 pm.
The Play That Goes Wrong at the Clarence Brown Theatre through May 4th. For show times and tickets visit ClarenceBrownTheatre.com.
APRIL 17
Dusk in the Dogwoods Garden Party at Mabry-Hazen House from 6 to 9 pm. For tickets and info visit MabryHazen.com/dusk. Rain date April 24th.
Knoxville Jazz Orchestra: Saber Gable Quintet plays Cool Jazz at the Emporium Center at 7 pm. Free event! Kidd G at Bijou Theatre at 7:30 pm.
APRIL 18
Knox County Schools student holiday How a Boy Falls at Theatre Knoxville Downtown through May 4th. For show times and tickets visit TheatreKnoxville.com.
Good Friday Knoxville at the World’s Fair Park Amphitheatre at 7 pm. Celebrating the cross and seeing the people of Knoxville come to know Jesus.
Soundscapes Concert Series: David P. Stevens at the Knoxville Museum of Art at 7:30 pm.
THINGS TO DO • PLACES TO GO • PEOPLE TO SEE
Big Night Hike at Ijams Nature Center from 8 to 9:30 pm. It’s salamander season!
JOHNNYSWIM at the Tennessee Theatre at 8 pm.
The Black Jacket Symphony: Jimmy Buffett at the Civic Auditorium at 8 pm.
APRIL 19
First Baptist Church Eggstravaganza at the World’s Fair Park Festival Lawn from 2 to 4 pm. Free community event! Inflatables, face painting, petting zoo, food, and more. An Easter drama at 2:30 pm, followed by the huge egg hunt for children of all ages.
Amos Lee at the Tennessee Theatre at 7:30 pm.
David Sedaris at the Bijou Theatre at 7:30 pm.
APRIL 20
Easter
Community Easter Sunrise Service at Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum at 7 am.
APRIL 21
Knox County Schools student holiday 5th Annual Volunteer Ministry Center Golf Tournament at Egwani Farms Golf Course. Benefits the Volunteer Ministry Center. For info visit VMCinc.org/vmc-golf-tournament.
Artists on Location: A Plein Air Event around the Knoxville area through the 25th. Artist’s paintings (See KnoxArt.org for locations) will be exhibited and sold at the Knoxville Museum of Art on the 26th from 5:30 to 8:30 pm. Free and open to the public.
APRIL 22
Earth Day
The Thorn, an immersive show with live music, drama, aerial acts, modern dance, and big visual effects telling the epic story of God’s love for the world at the Civic Auditorium at 7 pm. Also the 23rd.
APRIL 24
Picking’ on Nature Bluegrass Concert at Ijams Nature Center at 6 pm. Bike with a Naturalist at Ijams Nature Center from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. Bring your bike and get stoked for a naturalist-guided tour of the Will Skelton Greenway.
Knoxville Symphony Orchestra: Carmina Burana featuring the Knoxville Choral Society and Knoxville Symphony Youth Choir at the Tennessee Theatre at 7:30 pm. Also the 25th.
APRIL 25
Arbor Day
Fiber Fair at the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center in Townsend from 9 am to 4 pm. Also the 26th.
Dogwood Arts Festival at World’s Fair Park through the 27th. Friday and Saturday 10 am to 7 pm and Sunday 10 am to 5 pm. For info visit DogwoodArts.com.
Friends of the Knox County Public Library Used Book Sale at the Farragut Branch from 10 am to 5 pm. Also the 26th.
Hats in Bloom Fundraiser Lunch at Knoxville Botanical Garden’s Dogwood Center Reception at 10:30 am, seated lunch at noon. Evening Paddle at Ijams Nature Center from 7 to 9 pm. Also May 2nd.
UT Opera: Dialogues of the Carmelites by Francis Poulenc at the Bijou Theatre at 7:30 pm. Also the 26th at 2:30 & 7:30 pm and 27th at 2:30 pm.
Shane Gillis at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center at 8 pm.
APRIL 26
Hard Knox Pizza Dogwood Classic 5K Run/ Walk along Cherokee Boulevard (west parking lot. Kids run at 7:30 am, 5K begins at 8 am.
Moving Day Knoxville: A Walk for Parkinson’s at Knoxville Christian School at 9 am. Register at MovingDayWalk.org. Knoxville Garden Club and Garden Study Club’s Talahi Plant Sale at Westminster Presbyterian Church on Northshore from 9 am to 2 pm. Proceeds benefit local organizations.
Spring Pollinator Walk at Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum from 10 am to noon.
Artists on Location: A Plein Air Event Painting Exhibit and Sale at the Knoxville Museum of Art from 5:30 to 8:30 pm. Free and open to the public.
Pandamonium Zoofari 2025, the premier fundraising event for Zoo Knoxville, at Zoo Knoxville beginning at 5:30 pm.
Gutfeld Live featuring Greg Gutfeld and special guest Tom Shillue at the Civic Coliseum at 7 pm.
Chris Isaak at the Tennessee Theatre at 8 pm.
APRIL 29
Sunset Series: A Night of Celtic Tales with the Smoky Mountain Storytellers Association at Ijams Nature Center from 7 to 8:30 pm.
Moulin Rouge! The Musical at the Tennessee Theatre at 7:30 pm. Shows through May 11th
Seun Kuti at the Bijou Theatre at 7:30 pm.
APRIL 30
Sesame Street Live at the Civic Auditorium at 6 pm.
Gillian Welch & David Rawlings at the Bijou Theatre at 7:30 pm.
If you would like to receive the Events Calendar in your inbox every month, simply send a request to info@everythingknoxville.com.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
MAY 1
National Day of Prayer Event hosted by Ladies of the Living Water at Founders Park in Farragut (405 N. Campbell Station Road) from 5 to 7 pm. Special proclamation by Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs and prayers by local faith leaders.
Random Acts of Flowers’ Garden Party at the Knoxville Botanical Gardens Dogwood Center from 5:30 to 8 pm. For tickets or more info visit RandomActsofFlowers.org.
Mysterious Mosses at Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum from 6 to 7 pm.
Darren Kiely at the Bijou Theatre at 7:30 pm.
MAY 2
Sheep Shearing Days at the Museum of Appalachia from 9 am to 3 pm. Also the 9th.
Friends of the Knox County Public Library Used Book Sale at the Bearden Branch from 10 am to 5 pm. Also the 3rd.
First Friday on Market Square, Gay Street, The Old City, and Downtown North beginning at 5 pm.
America: Encore Tour at the Civic Auditorium at 7 pm. Sexyy Red at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center at 7 pm.
Three Star Revival + The Band Solstice at the Bijou Theatre at 8 pm.
Outlandish Adventure Festival at Ijams Nature Center. Also the 3rd. For info visit OutlandishAF.org.
Twelve Dancing Princesses by the Knoxville Children’s Theatre through the 18th. For show times and tickets visit KnoxvilleChildrensTheatre.com.
MAY 3
John Craigie at the Bijou Theatre at 8 pm.
MAY 4
3rd Annual Autism Acceptance Family Fun Day at World’s Fair Park from 10 am to 2 pm.
8th Annual Knoshville: A Jewish Food, Art, and Culture Festival at Arnstein Jewish Community Center (6800 Deane Hill Drive).
Retropolitan Craft Fair at the Mill & Mine from 11 am to 6 pm.
The Wailers: Natural Mystic 30th Anniversary Tour at the Bijou Theatre at 7:30 pm.
MAY 6
Concerts on the Square: Jazz Tuesdays in Market Square from 7 to 9 pm.
Hal & Phil Off the Record (with Bob!) at the Bijou Theatre at 7 pm.
MAY 7
Grateful Shred at the Bijou Theatre at 7:30 pm.
All event dates and times subject to change.
Queso Fresco
Ingredients:
• 8 Eggland’s Best eggs, large
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup chopped white onion
• 2 poblano chiles (about 11 ounces), charred, sweated, peeled, stemmed, seeded, and cut into 1-x-1/2-inch strips*
• 3 tablespoons milk
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher or coarse sea salt, or to taste
• 1 pound red potatoes, peeled, diced, cooked in salted boiling water for 5 minutes, and drained
• Pinch of freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
• 3/4 cup diced queso fresco (about 4 ounces)**
Directions:
Preheat the oven broiler. Heat the oil in a 10- to 12-inch broiler proof skillet over medium heat until hot but not smoking. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and barely beginning to brown, 6 to 8 minutes. Add the chiles and cook until they begin to brown lightly, about 3 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a medium bowl with a whisk or a fork, beat the eggs with the milk and 1/4 teaspoon of the salt until foamy.
Toss the potatoes into the onion mixture, stir in the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, the pepper, and allspice and cook, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are completely softened, about 6 to 8 minutes. Pour the egg mixture on top of the potato mixture and stir gently as the eggs begin to cook along the edges and bottom of the pan, 2 to 3 minutes. Sprinkle the cheese on top. Place the skillet under the broiler and broil until the frittata is puffed and lightly browned on top, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from the oven, cut into wedges and serve, or let cool and serve at room temperature.
5 Ways to Prioritize Mental Wellness in 2025
COURTESY OF BPT
PRING DAYS ALLOW nature to renew itself. It's a fresh start, a time when new, healthier habits seem possible. This spring, along with eating healthier and exercising more, prioritize your mental wellness. Hit reset and take steps to clear your mind to feel focused, energized, and ready to tackle the rest of 2025. Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist Dawn Jackson Blatner shares her top tips for achieving mental clarity and starting the season off with your best foot forward.
Declutter your space
You’d be surprised by how much an organized home and workspace matter to your psyche. As you clear that clutter, you’re clearing your mind, too. A neat and tidy home can reduce your stress.
*This sounds a lot more complicated than it is: Poblano peppers are more flavorful than spicy and can usually be found in local produce sections. They can be roasted (like bell peppers) on a gas stovetop, the grill, or in the oven. Put the peppers in a baggie or covered bowl after roasting to loosen the skin for easier peeling - this is the “sweated” part. Peppers can then be stemmed, seeded, and chopped. Mike at ChiliPepperMadness.com has some great tips!
**Queso Fresco is a soft, non-melting packaged cheese that can be found in the refrigerated dairy section or see Cooking Con Claudia on YouTube to make your own.
Connect with nature
Start small by tackling one drawer or surface at a time and consider donating or recycling items you no longer need to create a sense of accomplishment while helping others. A decluttered space also allows for easier cleaning and creates a more welcoming environment for yourself and others.
Unplug
Make a resolution to take a break from technology every now and then. Constant screen time, with the overwhelming amount of information coming at us every day, can lead to stress and anxiety. Breaks from technology give your mind time to recharge.
Begin by setting boundaries, such as designated “no-phone” zones like the dining table or bedroom, and experiment with “digital detox” days where you disconnect completely. Replace screen time with activities that nurture your well-being, like journaling, reading a book, or spending time with loved ones in person.
While you’re unplugged, find some time to get outside, whether it’s a quiet moment in a park, walking the dog through your neighborhood, or simply enjoying fresh air. Numerous studies show that people who spend even a small amount of time in green spaces have reduced anxiety, stress, and depression.
Prioritize sleep
Unplugging and getting outside will help with your sleep, too. Establish a consistent bedtime routine that includes calming activities like reading or listening to soft music.
In order to get the best night’s sleep possible, avoid caffeine or heavy meals a few hours before bed to give your body the best chance at relaxation, create a sleep-friendly environment by keeping your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet and limit screen time at least an hour before bed.
Eat more foods that contain nutrients that will support brain function
Incorporating foods like eggs, fatty fish, and whole grains that contain nutrients to support brain function and mood can also regulate your mental well-being. Eggland’s Best eggs are an excellent source of Vitamin B5, which helps maintain a healthy digestive system and assists the body in using other vitamins, especially Vitamin B2, which helps manage stress. Eggland’s Best eggs contain more than double the Vitamin B12 compared to ordinary eggs, providing a natural energy boost and keeping you energized and satisfied throughout the day.
Visit EgglandsBest.com for more recipes.
LApril 12
Sequoyah Branch Library
April 25-26 Farragut Branch Library
May 2-3 Bearden Branch Library 10 AM − 5 PM
Dollywood’s Blossoms Spread Joy Through Random Acts of Flowers
AST MONTH, Dollywood hosted its 40th season opening parade, a spectacular event filled with vibrant colors and the unmistakable charm of Dolly Parton herself. The celebration took on an extra layer of generosity as Dollywood once again donated the beautiful flowers from the parade to Random Acts of Flowers, our nonprofit dedicated to improving emotional health and well-being through the delivery of recycled flowers.
The donation included a stunning array of pink and white blossoms that adorned Dolly Parton’s horse-drawn carriage during the parade. These flowers, which brought smiles to thousands of paradegoers, were repurposed within two days into new bouquets by volunteers at Random Acts of Flowers. These bouquets were delivered to hospital and nursing home patients across Knoxville, spreading hope and encouragement to those who need it most.
Random Acts of Flowers’ mission is to recycle and repurpose
flowers to create beautiful bouquets for individuals in healthcare facilities. By doing so, they aim to improve emotional health and well-being, one bouquet at a time. The impact of their mission is profound, as these small acts of kindness can brighten someone’s day and provide a much-needed boost of positivity.
As we celebrate this heartwarming collaboration, we also look forward to Random Acts of Flowers’ upcoming Garden Party. This signature fundraising event will be held on May 1st from 5:30 to 8 pm at the Knoxville Botanical Gardens Dogwood Center.
Attendees can enjoy delicious food catered by Holly’s, live music, cocktails, and the company of fellow supporters.
Tickets are available for $150 per person, with sponsorships starting at $500. All proceeds will support Random Acts of Flowers’ mission of delivering recycled flowers and moments of kindness to individuals in healthcare facilities.
For more information about the Garden Party and Random Acts of Flowers, call 865-633-9082 or visit RandomActsofFlowers.org. We look forward to celebrating with you and spreading the joy of flowers this spring.
UT GARDENS’ PLANT OF THE MONTH
NATIVE AND ASIAN Bleeding Hearts
STAND OUT THROUGH THE SPRING
Both heart-shaped species are considered deer and rabbit resistant
BY CAMILLE NEWSOM, RESEARCH COORDINATOR, UT GARDENS, JACKSON
WHEN WINTER MELTS
away, loosening its cold grip on the garden, spring enters the scene with a burst of flowers called spring ephemerals. Ephemerals only last a short period of time. They take advantage of the sweet in-between moment, when the weather is cool but not freezing and before trees leaf out.
Our native bleeding heart ( Dicentra eximia ) is one of the staples of springtime that hang around with all the ephemeral beauties on the forest floor, particularly in the mountains of East Tennessee. Its showier cousin, the bleeding heart native to Asia ( Lamprocapnos spectabilis, formally Dicentra spectabilis), is an old-fashioned favorite. Unlike many true ephemerals that might only last a few days, bleeding hearts grace the garden for most of the spring season.
Both the native and Asian bleeding heart emerge in spring with fern-like, deeply cut, beautifully textured foliage, followed by stems adorned with cascading heart-shaped blooms that feature an elongated inner petal, protruding from the center and hanging from the bottom. This gives each delicate flower the appearance of a heart burst open with a droplet of blood dripping from the bottom.
These perennials thrive in partial to full shade and organically rich to average garden soil. Good drainage and a regular supply of organic matter will encourage the return and proliferation of these delicate beauties in the garden. Bleeding heart flowers are usually found in shades of pink, red, and white. They are about an inch long and half as wide. Each flower stem usually carries around 10 pendulous blooms, with multiple flower stems on each plant. ‘Valentine’ is a favorite cultivar with bold cherry-red flowers. ‘Gold
Bleeding hearts are spring ephemerals that last most of the season.
Heart’ is an exceptional choice, standing out with chartreuse foliage.
Bleeding heart pairs beautifully with other perennials like ferns, Virginia bluebells, trillium and lungwort and shrubs such as azaleas and hydrangeas in a woodland garden setting. The native D. eximia usually grows around 15 inches tall and carries smaller, less showy blooms than L. spectabilis, which grows 18-24 inches tall and has more robust flower power. Both species are toxic to animals, making them deer and rabbit resistant. Both plants thrive in the spring when the temperatures are mild. As summer heats up, their foliage will yellow and die back. Plants typically go dormant by mid-summer and do not emerge again until the following spring.
You can find bleeding hearts growing in UT Gardens locations in Jackson, Crossville, and Knoxville. Adding one (or more) of these beauties to your garden will be easy this year, as all three UT Gardens sites will have them available at their spring plant sales.
The UT Gardens includes plant collections located in Knoxville, Crossville, and Jackson, Tennessee. Designated as the official botanical garden for the State of Tennessee, the UT Gardens are part of the UT Institute of Agriculture. The Gardens’ mission is to foster appreciation, education, and stewardship of plants through garden displays, educational programs, and research trials. The Gardens are open during all seasons and free to the public. For more information, visit utgardens.tennessee.edu.
PhotobyT.Cronin,courtesyUTIA
Courtesy ofW
ASApril in the Garden
THE DAFFODILS dance in the breeze and the early blooming trees paint the hillsides in soft pinks, whites, and purples, April arrives with a ta-dah! Gardeners know that this is one of the busiest and most exciting months of the year. The soil is warming up, the days are getting longer, and the risk of a sneaky frost diminishes with each passing week. It’s time to roll up those sleeves, grab your gloves, and play in the dirt!
Here is your to-do list for the month:
1. Prepare the Soil. Before you start planting, give your garden and landscape beds a little TLC. Loosen up the soil, adding compost or well-aged manure to replenish nutrients. Now is a great time to check soil pH and nutrient levels. Most vegetables and flowers prefer a slightly acidic to neutral pH (around 6.0-7.0), and amending accordingly will ensure a season of happy, thriving plants. A cheap pH meter can save a lot of heartache, because plants installed in the wrong pH will slowly but surely starve to death.
2. Planting Time. April is prime planting season in East Tennessee. Cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach, peas, and radishes should already be in the ground, but don’t worry if you’re running late - these hardy plants can still thrive in early April. Mid to late April is the perfect time to plant warm-season crops like tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and squash. Watch the forecast; a late frost can spell disaster for tender plants, so keep those covers handy just in case.
For flower lovers, April is a dream. Annuals such as petunias, marigolds, and impatiens can be planted once the risk of frost has passed. Perennials like daylilies, hostas, and coneflowers can also be divided and trans planted to encourage healthier growth. If you’re a fan of native plants, check out our American Beauties section or ask us about easy to grow additions.
Plant trees and shrubs so roots can develop before we get really hot. Please ask questions so you end up with the right plant in the right place!
3. Pruning and Maintenance. done your pruning? You can still trim back any dead or damaged branches and shape shrubs like boxwoods and hollies as needed. Be careful with spring-blooming shrubs like azaleas and forsythia - pruning too early may remove this season’s blooms, so wait until after they finish flowering. Mulching is another key task this month. A fresh layer of mulch around plants helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Aim for a 2-3 inch layer, being careful not to pile mulch directly against plant stems, which can lead
BY LISA GRUGIN
to rot. Donuts, not volcanoes!
4. Weed Control. April showers bring May flowers - and also plenty of weeds! Pull young weeds before they get established. For those particularly persistent weeds, consider using a pre-emergent herbicide in areas where you don’t plan to sow seeds. There are some weeds, such as privet and Japanese honeysuckle, that may require a stronger herbicide. We suggest you paint the stems after cutting them back rather than spraying to minimize damage to nearby plants.
5. Pest Patrol. With warmer weather comes an increase in insect activity. Keep an eye out for aphids, slugs, whiteflies, mealies, and cutworms. Spray soapy water to deter aphids, while crushed eggshells or diatomaceous earth can help ward off slugs. Companion planting - such as marigolds near tomatoes - can also reduce pest problems naturally. Remember that not all bugs are bad! Educate yourself before you start spraying, because the good guys are being wiped out at a far more rapid rate than the bad guys.
6. Watering Wisely. Spring rains often provide enough moisture for young plants, but be prepared to water if April turns dry. A deep watering once or twice a week is
better than frequent shallow watering, as it encourages deep root growth. Drip irrigation systems or soaker hoses are excellent investments for efficient watering.
7. Lawn Care. If your lawn is looking a little sad after winter, now is the time to rejuvenate it. Apply a slow-release fertilizer, overseed bare patches, and keep an eye on emerging weeds. Mowing should begin when the grass reaches about three inches in height - just be sure to use sharp mower blades for a clean cut that promotes healthy growth.
8. Enjoy the Fruits (and Flowers) of Your Labor! Amid all the gardening to-dos, don’t forget to step back and enjoy the beauty of your spring landscape. Admire the new growth, watch the bees buzz among the blossoms, and relish the longer, sunnier days. After all, gardening isn’t just about choresit’s about joy, renewal, health, and connection to the land.
Happy gardening!
Meadow View Greenhouses & Garden Center 9885 Highway 11E Lenoir City, TN 37772
865.986.7229
MeadowViewGreenhouse.com
New Exhibitions Opening
THE ARTS & Culture Alliance is pleased to present five new exhibitions at the Emporium Center in downtown Knoxville from April 4-26. 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.
Biennial Small Works Show: No Bigger Than a Breadbox in the Upper Gallery
The Arts & Culture Alliance’s 4th biennial juried exhibition features selected works from 48 artists throughout the region. The exhibition was designed to celebrate the innovation of artists who create work on a small scale (under 12") and in a broad range of media and styles.
About the Juror: Julie Lohnes is the School of Art Director of Galleries and Collections at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. She has more than 20 years of experience working with contemporary arts, in not-forprofit, commercial, and academic galleries. She has curated numerous exhibitions; most recently, Embody at Union College, which featured contemporary diasporic artists who employed collage as a technique to construct identity and/or selfhood within the mode of portraiture or figuration. Lohnes has participated in many panel discussions, most notably as moderator of Transnationalism and Women Artists in Diaspora at the Brooklyn Museum.
Echoes of Memory by S. Alexandra Simental & Carla Taylor in the Lower Gallery
This new collection of 2D works invites viewers to examine the fragmented perspectives of memory. With subtle shifts in color, texture, and line, each artist peels back the layered visions of the unseen. Echoes of Memory seeks to reflect on the reverberations of emotion and the passages they lead and return to.
S. Alexandra Simental is a Mexican-American painter and multidisciplinary artist. Through the usage of paint, sound, and installation, she investigates the intersection of art and psychology. In 2021, Simental earned a BFA in visual art, with a specialized focus on sculpture, from Marshall University. She also completed a minor in psychology to delve deeper into the complexities of the human experience. After discovering the surreal possibilities with paint, Simental completed an MFA in painting. Currently, she serves as a Studio Technician at Arrowmont School of Arts & Crafts in Gatlinburg. Her artwork has been in a multitude of national and international exhibitions.
Carla Taylor is a multi-media artist based in Johnson City. Her practice spans printmaking, textiles, ceramics, and collage. She has shown in both
solo and group exhibitions, regionally and nationally. In 2023, Taylor curated Good Grief featuring 22 artists expressing unique perspectives on loss, which was a part of the Tennessee Triennial. She holds an MFA from the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Art and a BS in Psychology from John Brown Birds and the Bees by Roberta Smashey in the Display Case
Roberta Smashey is a stained glass artist creating both nature-themed and abstract works using the glass foiling technique developed by Louis Comfort Tiffany. Artisanal glass gives a unique feeling of depth and movement with this challenging medium. Smashey seeks to evoke appreciation of our natural world in all who view her creations. She repurposes antique glass whenever possible. In addition to her glass creations, Smashey is a nationally recognized wildlife artist represented in several museum collections and fine art galleries.
Poetagraphy... Blending Poetry and Photography by Jack Retterer on the North Wall Artist statement excerpts: On the surface, poetry and photography appear to be two very different and unrelated art forms. But they have much in common. Both help us explore, communicate, and understand the human experience by bringing our deepest emotions to the surface and by helping us recognize how we are all more alike than different. As an artist, poet, and photographer, my biggest challenge is maintaining a balance - each poem and image must be able to stand on its own and, when presented together, create a new and more complete emotional experience beyond what either can accomplish alone.
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley: Seasons of Change in the Atrium
Retterer teaches Fine Art Photography at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
Seasons of Change embraces the vibrant artwork of young artists from the Youth Arts Initiative Program at the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley. Through classes and workshops, these young creatives are encouraged to explore a diverse range of works, including fiber arts, ceramics, photography, and more. Each piece reflects the theme of change, inviting students to reflect on their personal experiences of transformation. We are proud to share the art created by our talented students and celebrate their journey as emerging artists within our community. For more information, visit bgctnv.org.
The exhibitions will be on display April 4-26 at the Emporium Center, located at 100 S. Gay Street and is open to the public Monday through Friday from 9 am-5 pm, Saturday from 10 am-1 pm, and additional hours TBA. Please note, the Emporium will be closed on Monday, April 21, for the holiday. For more information, call 865-523-7543 or visit KnoxAlliance.com. Emporium Center April 4
Shop Around Robin Rohwer
Detail from Sunken Solutions
S. Alexandra Simental
Black Beauty Raeus Cannon
Finding Water Carla Taylor
WITHIN
THE past month, I’ve specifically noticed four small retail businesses close that are along my usual route. A small space in the Cedar Springs Shopping Center, others in Turkey Creek, Farragut, and a downtown shop in Sweetwater. I’m sure there are many, many more.
If you ask any business owner, “Why do you do this?” or “How did you get started?” The answers are far and wide and often unexpected but typically involve an interest or a passion, an opportunity that comes along, the pursuit of a dream, perhaps family or friend connections, and having a confidence and belief in themselves that they can do it!
These characteristics are certainly (critically!) important and can serve as an impetus to take the next steps, but even when combined with work ethic, familiarity in the market, working capital, and drivethere is no guarantee of long-term success.
In my daily conversations with fellow business owners, I often hear “this past year has been tough” with increased cost of goods (inventory), the need for higher wages from employees, and the scarcity of reliable help. Add that to the complexity and challenges of daily operations and paying the
BY BRETT CAFFERTY
bills - not to mention competing with online retailers - create an ongoing battle!
We decided to start a Gift Guide in the magazine for the holidays last year to help showcase locally owned businesses, shops, and boutiques. It was well received and effective for our advertisers, so we thought we would try it again for the spring to promote our local businesses and the unique goods they offer.
A thought and a challenge to our community this spring season:
Instead of always ordering online, take the time to visit a few locally owned businesses, learn what they offer, and spend a few (or more than a few!) dollars. It’s an encouragement to the business and staff, moves goods (likely helping the supplier also), generates local sales tax revenue, and in general “keeps our part of the world spinning.”
Share the Love, Spread the Dough Business Note
Everything Knoxville reaches an audience of 30,000+ households from Sequoyah Hills to Tellico Village. If just half of the households spent $50 each with a local shop this spring season, it would equal $800,000 in sales revenue. Small purchases x volume = a big impact.
Just a friendly reminder to shop and support your local business community. They need us, and we need them!
