Winter 2010, Tennessee Home and Farm

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Home & Farm tnhomeandfarm.com Winter 2010

PHOTO FINISHES Contest winners capture picture-perfect moments

SWEET OCCUPATION Bristol candy maker puts an unusual twist on a holiday treat SEE VIDEO ONLINE

SNOW & TELL

Frosty memories of yesteryear brighten today’s warm-weather winters

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Published for the 646,240 family members of the Tennessee Farm Bureau

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Home & Farm An official publication of the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation © 2009 TFBF Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation tnfarmbureau.org

EDITOR Pettus Read CIRCULATION MANAGER Stacey Warner BOARD OF DIRECTORS President Lacy Upchurch, Vice President Danny Rochelle DIRECTORS AT LARGE Jeff Aiken, Charles Hancock, Linda Davis DISTRICT DIRECTORS Malcolm Burchfiel, James Haskew, Eric Mayberry, Dan Hancock, David Mitchell STATE FB WOMEN’S CHAIRMAN Jane May ADVISORY DIRECTORS Dr. Joseph DiPietro, State YF&R Chairman Mark Klepper CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER Julius Johnson TREASURER Wayne Harris COMPTROLLER Tim Dodd

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

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Jessy Yancey COPY EDITOR Joyce Caruthers CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Melissa Burniston, Carol Cowan, Catherine Darnell, Susan Hamilton, Mark E. Johnson, Anthony Kimbrough, Jessica Mozo, Karen Schwartzman, Cassandra M. Vanhooser DATA MANAGER Chandra Bradshaw SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER Brian McCord STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS Jeff Adkins, Todd Bennett, Antony Boshier, Ian Curcio, J. Kyle Keener PHOTOGRAPHY PROJECT MANAGER Anne Whitlow CREATIVE DIRECTOR Keith Harris ASSOCIATE PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Christina Carden PRODUCTION PROJECT MANAGER Katie Middendorf SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Laura Gallagher, Kris Sexton, Candice Sweet, Vikki Williams WEB IMPLEMENTATION DIRECTOR Andy Hartley WEB DESIGN DIRECTOR Franco Scaramuzza WEB CONTENT MANAGER John Hood WEB PROJECT MANAGER Yamel Ruiz WEB DESIGN Carl Schulz WEB PRODUCTION Jennifer Graves COLOR IMAGING TECHNICIAN Alison Hunter AD TRAFFIC Marcia Millar, Patricia Moisan, Raven Petty CHAIRMAN Greg Thurman PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER Bob Schwartzman EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT Ray Langen SR. V.P./SALES Carla H. Thurman SR. V.P./OPERATIONS Casey E. Hester V.P./SALES Todd Potter V.P./VISUAL CONTENT Mark Forester V.P./EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Teree Caruthers V.P./CUSTOM PUBLISHING Kim Newsom PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Natasha Lorens PHOTOGRAPHY DIRECTOR Jeffrey S. Otto CONTROLLER Chris Dudley ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER, CUSTOM DIVISION Beth Murphy INTEGRATED MEDIA MANAGER Robin Robertson DISTRIBUTION DIRECTOR Gary Smith INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DIRECTOR Yancey Turturice CUSTOM/TRAVEL SALES SUPPORT Rachael Goldsberry SALES/MARKETING COORDINATOR Rachel Matheis OFFICE MANAGER Shelly Grissom RECEPTIONIST Linda Bishop Tennessee Home & Farm is produced for the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation by Journal Communications Inc., 725 Cool Springs Blvd., Suite 400, Franklin, TN 37067, (615) 771-0080.

All rights reserved. No portion of this magazine may be reprduced in whole or in part without written consent.

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Editor’s note

’Tis the Season Christmas trees, edible gifts, the wintry wonderland on the cover – this issue is filled with reasons to get into the holiday spirit.

Finding that perfect tree is a tradition for many families, and our feature “Happily Ever Evergreen” showcases the star of Tennessee’s winter agribusiness season – Christmas tree farms.

It’s also the season of giving, and what’s a better present than food?

Our suggestions range from homemade biscotti to candy cane baskets.

Another culinary gift idea: the Down-Home Dumplings cookbook, with more than 70 entries – and stories – from our 2007 dumpling cookoff. And don’t forget about Read All About It, a collection of Pettus Read’s favorite columns, with stories about pulley bones, the second table, stick horses and more. It’s the perfect present for anyone who enjoys reminiscing about days gone by – and a portion of proceeds go to the state’s 4-H and FFA programs. For ordering information on both books, turn to page 47 or go online to tnhomeandfarm.com.

Jessy Yancey, associate editor thaf@jnlcom.com

At a Glance/A sampling of destinations in this issue 3/Woodlawn

2/Bristol

4/Dyersburg 5/Shelbyville 1/Lawrenceburg

1/ See a star from It’s a Wonderful Life during Lawrenceburg’s annual Trees of Christmas event page 6 2 / Give a candy cane basket from Ratliff Candy Co. in Bristol page 12 3 / Decorate a Christmas tree from Santa’s Place in Woodlawn page 8 4 / Buy a holiday tin of Pennington Gourmet Pecans in Dyersburg before they’re gone page 6 5 / Experience the small-town charm of Shelbyville page 38

TENNESSEE HOME & FARM (USPS No. 022-305) Issued quarterly by the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation, 147 Bear Creek Pike, Columbia, TN 38401, (931) 388-7872. Periodical permit paid at Columbia, TN, and additional entry offices.

POSTMASTER Send address corrections to: Tennessee Home & Farm Executive Offices, P.O. Box 313, Columbia, TN 38402-0313.

SUBSCRIBE OR CHANGE ADDRESS Contact your county Farm Bureau office. TH&F is included in your $25 Farm Bureau annual dues; no other purchase necessary.

ADVERTISING POLICY For advertising information, contact Robin Robertson, (800) 333-8842, ext. 227, or by e-mail at rrobertson@jnlcom.com.

All advertising accepted is subject to publisher’s approval. Advertisers must assume all liability for their advertising content. Publisher and sponsor maintain the right to cancel advertising for nonpayment or reader complaint about service or product. Publisher does not accept political or alcoholic beverage ads, nor does publisher prescreen or guarantee advertiser service or products. Publisher assumes no liability for products or services advertised in Tennessee Home & Farm.

Please recycle this magazine

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Table of Contents

Features 8 / Happily Ever Evergreen Tennessee Christmas tree farms provide acres of memory-making opportunities

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12 / Sweet Occupation

Ratliff Candy’s edible centerpieces taste as good as they look

16 / Photo Finishes

Contest winners capture picture-perfect moments

24 / Incredible Edible Gifts

Tasty homemade treats make thoughtful, inexpensive presents

38 /Celebrate Shelbyville

A visit to the Walking Horse Capital is big on small-town charm

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Departments 4 / From Our Readers

Members tell us what they think

5 / Read All About It

Finding humor in the holidays

6 / Short Rows

Pennington Seed Pecans are a West Tennessee holiday tradition

28 /Country Classics

Jennie Baese offers Baked Custard as German comfort food

29 /Restaurant Review Apple Cake Tea Room draws a loyal lunch crowd

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30 /Gardening

Cold-hardy tropical plants top the garden hot list

33 /Farmside Chat

Meet Roy Major, Lebanon dairy farmer

35 /To Good Health

Ease your stress with Healthwise

42/ Events & Festivals

Things to do, places to see

49 /View From the Back Porch

Snow & Tell: memories of winters past

ON THE COVER Photo by Jeffrey S. Otto, Snowfall in Williamson County tnhomeandfarm.com

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From Our Readers Tenne sse e

FOOD & RECIPES

online TRAVEL

HOME & GARDEN

TENNESSEE LIVING

Danielle Parks, Honorable Mention/Just Kids

tnhomeandfarm.com > PHOTO CONTEST

Galleries Galore Our photo contest winners are the focus of this issue, but our judges picked honorable mentions, too. Go online to see if yours made it into the galleries!

Giving Thanks Having grown up on a Maury County farm, I appreciate “Farm Thankfulness” in the fall issue. But Julie Vaughn’s article was especially meaningful.

A year ago my sister and I searched for and found two adjacent farms we last saw around 1960: one owned by our grandparents and the other owned by our daddy’s grandmother and then by his aunt. Julie’s family owns Aunt Lena’s property! Julie so graciously showed us inside; her husband and their young farmer in his green tractor shirt showed us around outside. We told about past things like the long-gone outhouse and shared earlier pictures of their house.

The Vaughns are true stewards of the land! They have taken such good care of the farm and have made wonderful improvements to the house.

They truly deserve for their farm to be safe; and we, too, are thankful!

Suzanne Stanford Gunter Johnson City, Tenn.

Crazy for Quilts

Food & Recipes

Home & Garden

Indulge on some “holiday lights.” We have recipes for treats that are big on taste and low in fat.

Learn how houseplants will beat those winter blues. Dr. Sue Hamilton gives tips on how to keep indoor plants vibrant this time of year.

Travel Santa Claus is coming to town – all over the state. Find out when and where in our long list of Christmas parades posted in our travel blog.

Only Online

Tennessee Living Read about the locomotion commotion caused by miniature trains at shows and exhibitions throughout the state.

Watch videos, find recipes, enter contests and more.

Hatcher Family Dairy Check out our video of Hatcher Family Dairy, which recently expanded its operations to include a creamery, in the Video section of tnhomeandfarm.com.

Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/tnhomeandfarm

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We currently have nine blocks up in Lawrence, Giles, Coffee, Lincoln and Moore counties – with more in the works!

Please visit our Quilt Trails Web site at www.tnquilttrails.com. The site is still under construction and will be changing often, so check back with us frequently.

Michelle Banks Editor’s note: We received a few calls and e-mails about state quilt trails not mentioned in our article [“Backroads Treasures,” Fall 2009]. We’ve updated it online at tnhomeandfarm.com with links to these trails, which include the Celtic Quilt Trail in Houston County, A Stitch in Time: National Civil War Quilt Trail in Stewart County and the Southern Middle Tennessee Quilt Trail, which is mentioned above.

Questions, comments and story ideas can be sent to: Jessy Yancey, 725 Cool Springs Blvd., Suite 400, Franklin, TN 37067, or e-mail us at thaf@jnlcom.com. tnfarmbureau.org

Read All About It

Finding Humor in the Holidays AUNT SADIE AND UNCLE SID OFFER BIG LAUGHS THIS SEASON sense of humor is a very valuable item to own when you are dealing with people during the Christmas season – especially if you are the person who just got the last Elmo doll off the store shelf with 10 other parents standing behind you wanting that same toy. (It also helps if you are quite swift in your physical moves to avoid bodily harm from irate mothers carrying very large pocketbooks.)

If there was ever a married couple that has a good sense of humor, it is my Uncle Sid and Aunt Sadie. Those two find the humor in just about anything and can make you laugh even during a major moment of holiday depression as you balance your checkbook. As Uncle Sid says, “We have never had a short word with each other. We have had a few long ones, but never a short one.”

Last Christmas season, I was over at their little white frame house testing some of Aunt Sadie’s Christmas baked goods. She had gingerbread men all decorated with red button coats, coconut cake with real grated coconut, homemade boiled custard and a jam cake that contained her neighborhood-famous homemade jams as the main ingredients.

As I sat there at the kitchen table increasing my blood-sugar numbers, Aunt Sadie was reading the local paper. With that elfish twinkle in her eye that she gets when she is up to something, she began to read an article to me and Uncle Sid. “It says here,” she said, “that according to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, while both male and female reindeer grow antlers in the summer each year (which are the only members of the deer family, Cervidae, to have females that do so), male reindeer drop their antlers at the beginning of winter, usually late November to mid-December. Female reindeer retain their

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antlers till after they give birth in the spring.”

As Uncle Sid and I sat there and considered those facts, Aunt Sadie went on to say, “I guess that is why Santy Claus never gets lost. All those reindeer of his are females.”

Of course, I laughed along with Aunt Sadie, but Uncle Sid never cracked a smile. Instead, he picked up another part of the paper and began making his own quote of a story I am sure never existed in that newspaper. Rather, it was from Uncle Sid’s own repertoire of amusing stories told around the potbellied stove down at the general store or from something he read once upon a time. The real author, I’m sure, is either unknown or not remembered by the old gentleman, and I ask their forgiveness for the repetition here without proper acknowledgement.

With a twinkle in his eye as well, he said, “I just read that one year after Christmas, old Santy and his reindeer had just finished all their deliveries and were finally taking some time off before getting back to work for the next year’s Christmas.”

Uncle Sid went on with his story. “Ole Rudolph finally made an appointment with a plastic surgeon because he was sort of sensitive about his looks,” he said. “It wasn’t his red nose that bothered him – it was his ears. They were too long. About as long as a Tennessee mule would sport on Mule Day in Columbia.”

“So, exactly one week after Christmas he had his long floppy ears fixed and was finally happy with his looks,” Uncle Sid said as we sat there wondering where he was going with the story.

Getting up from the table and going out the door, he continued: “And you know, ever since the year that Rudolph got his ears fixed, we have celebrated January 1 as ... New Ears Day.” May your New Ears be a bright and happy one.

About the Author Pettus L. Read is editor of the Tennessee Farm Bureau News and director of communications for the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation.

Read More About It Read has collected his favorite columns into a book titled Read All About It. Part of the proceeds of the book sales go to Tennessee 4-H and Tennessee FFA programs. Turn to page 47 for the order form or buy a copy online at tnhomeandfarm.com.

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Short Rows

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© 2007 State of Tennessee

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1/ Go Nuts

2 / Agriculture 101

3/ Every Time a Bell Rings…

Christmas comes but once a year – and so do Pennington Gourmet Pecans.

Founded in the West Tennessee town of Gates in 1971, Pennington Seed and Supply Co. moved to downtown Dyersburg in 1974. Their gourmet pecans debuted in 1991 and have since been featured in Southern Living.

Available only from Nov. 1 through Christmas, the pecans come in more than 20 flavors, from Chocolate Amaretto and Cinnamon Sprinkle to Canal Street Cajun and Pennster’s Garlic. In addition to the gift boxes, tins and baskets of pecans, they also offer jellies, cobblers, soups and country hams. For more information, call (800) 479-6355 or go online to www.penningtonseedandpecans.com.

Are you as smart as a fifth-grade farm kid?

Test your ag IQ and more at a new site launched by the American Farm Bureau Federation in 2009 to teach the nonfarming public about agriculture.

“The average American is three generations removed from the farm and does not have a clear understanding of where their food comes from,” says AFBF Director of Public Relations Don Lipton.

“We hope this new Web site will help us engage in conversation with consumers about modern agricultural production while shedding light on issues faced by America’s farmers and ranchers.”

The Your Agriculture site, www.fb.org/yourag, features quick facts, Q&As, a foodie blog, videos and more.

It’s a Wonderful Life is probably the most quintessential Christmas film of all time, and this year, one of its stars is coming to celebrate the holiday in Lawrenceburg.

The city’s annual Trees of Christmas celebration will feature four appearances by Karolyn Grimes, who portrayed Zuzu, George Bailey’s youngest daughter, when she was just 6 years old. Dubbed “It’s a Wonderful Weekend,” Grimes will attend various events Nov. 13-15, including a screening of the classic movie at Crockett Theatre on Nov. 14.

Trees of Christmas, hosted by Friends of Lawrenceburg, also features a silent auction for decorated themed trees, along with wreaths, arrangements

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TN FARM FRESH and other Christmas décor at the Crockett Arts Center, as well as a Memphis Ballet Co. performance.

For more information on Trees of Christmas, which takes place Nov. 10-22, call (931) 762-7617.

4 / Century-Old Choo Choo On Dec. 1, 1909, despite the bitter cold, several hundred people crowded to witness the dedication of Terminal Station in Chattanooga.

Today, the depot is celebrating its centennial in style with events throughout 2009.

During its heyday, the busy station saw three U.S. presidents and became famous as home to the Chattanooga Choo Choo steam locomotive, popularized by a 1941 song.

The station’s last train departed nearly 30 years ago, and the facility now serves as a vacation and convention complex, where guests can opt to sleep in one of the railroad cars-turned-hotel rooms.

The yearlong festivities culminate with the Centennial Celebration of the Year Party on Dec. 1, 2009, and a Ronald McDonald House benefit on Dec. 5.

5/ Two Mules and a Wagon Traveling across the country and back by car takes long enough – imagine making the trek with just two mules and a wagon.

John McComsey did just that, leaving his Henry County home on April 1, 2009, joined by his dog Britt in two tandem wagons pulled by mules Jack and Mack. McComsey went westward to visit his sister in Arizona and to raise awareness for multiple sclerosis, which afflicts his niece.

Throughout his trip, McComsey kept track of his progress on his Web site, www.twomulesandawagon.com. He made it to Texas within a month at a pace of about 20 miles per day and finally arrived in Phoenix on July 1. tnhomeandfarm.com

Pastures on the Plateau Cumberland Mountain Farm isn’t your average cattle operation – that’s just a small part of what falls under the umbrella of the Crossville farm owned by John and Susan Looney and their three sons.

Nestled on 700 acres of the Cumberland Plateau, the farm uses half of its acreage as pasture, running a large Chiangus cattle production business in addition to selling grass-fed beef for private purchase. But the operation doesn’t end there.

On the other half of the farm, the family runs an eco-conscious timber operation, in which trees are selectively harvested under guidance from the U.S. Forestry Service. The property is protected by a conservation easement, and the owners work with the University of Tennessee’s Agricultural Extension services, along with three other out-of-state universities, to employ best agricultural practices. In keeping with environmental awareness, the farm also works with the U.S. Soil Conservation Service and the Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency.

The Looneys have turned the scenic site into an agritourism destination.

The farm hosts wildlife observation, with five towers from which to see native Tennessee birds including raptors, eagles, owls and an array of songbirds. Additionally, the farm offers in-season contract hunting and fishing. Ponds are stocked with largemouth bass, catfish and crappie, while deer, turkey and other game animals are plentiful thanks to the conservation easement increasing the wildlife density.

Another attraction at the farm is The Lodge at Cumberland Mountain Farm, an executive retreat and conference center that draws businesspeople from throughout the state and beyond. An on-site spa, continental breakfasts and telescopes for stargazing, in addition to business services, are just a few of the amenities at the facility. Guests can also bring their own horses to ride or just sit back and enjoy the scenic panoramas. The property also features several miles of hiking trails.

In addition to beef, the farm offers a variety of Tennessee-made products for sale, including cheeses, jellies, jams, summer sausage and cider. Learn more at www.cumberlandmountainfarm.com or by calling (919) 493-2615.

SEE MORE ONLINE

Tennessee Farm Fresh helps our state’s farmers market their products directly to consumers through an organized marketing program. For more information about the program and more Tennessee farm products, visit www.tnfarmfresh.com.

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Home & Garden

Happily Ever

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Evergreen TENNESSEE CHRISTMAS TREE FARMS PROVIDE ACRES OF MEMORY-MAKING OPPORTUNITIES

STORY BY JESSICA MOZO PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEFF ADKINS

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ure, you could stop by your nearest department store this holiday season and pick out a festive artificial Christmas tree, pre-lit with twinkling lights you don’t even have to fool with putting on. But if you want to make a memory that will last a lifetime – and support local agriculture while you’re at it – pack the family in the car and head for one of Tennessee’s numerous Christmas tree farms.

“Natural Christmas trees are completely recyclable and are close to home, waiting to be transported only from the farm to your living room, leaving a carbon footprint of just about nothing,” says Rob Beets, Tennessee Department of Agriculture horticulture marketing specialist.

And just as important as helping the environment and supporting local agriculture is experiencing the holiday tradition with your family.

“It’s a great opportunity for kids to get out and do something fun with their parents,” says Jerry Martin, who opened a Montgomery County tree farm called Santa’s Place with his wife, Patti, in 2001. “So many kids just stay indoors and play video games these

Tree-riffic Farms • ARCY Acres Christmas Tree Farm (931) 788-0455 www.arcyacres.com • Duncan Christmas Tree Farm & Gift Shop (731) 645-5769 www.duncanchristmas treefarm.com • Santa’s Place (931) 920-2744 Please call ahead before traveling long distances.

Elizabeth and Shawn Heath hunt for a Christmas tree at Santa’s Place in Montgomery County. tnhomeandfarm.com

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Farm Facts

$2 million value of cut Christmas trees and short rotation woody crops throughout the state

196 Tennessee farms producing cut Christmas trees

2,262 acres of cut Christmas trees in Tennessee

400 number of trees Santa’s Place sells in a season

1,200 annual visitors to Santa’s Place Sources: USDA 2007 Census of Agriculture, Santa’s Place

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days. We’ve tried to market our tree farm to families. We have photo opportunities that can be turned into Christmas cards and a children’s activity area with a balance beam, golf, a sandbox and a corn box. We also have a fire pit where you can cook your own s’mores, and parents will sit around the pit with their kids and talk about how they used to roast s’mores as Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts.”

A retired high school teacher, Martin is spending his golden years learning the ins and outs of growing Christmas trees on five acres and helping people get back to the roots of the holiday season.

“I tell people I put 40 years in education to learn to grow trees,” he jokes.

Martin has become an evergreen expert, giving his seasonal customers a variety from which to choose. “We offer White Pine and Scotch Pine, and we’re introducing Leyland Cypress,” he says. “We also bring in pre-cut Fraser Fir trees from North Carolina. The White Pine is a light tree that shapes nicely and grows well in this region, while the Scotch Pine has stronger branches for holding heavy ornaments.”

Santa’s Place provides saws for customers to cut down their own tree, or they can cut it for you. After being cut, trees are shaken to eliminate loose needles, netted and loaded onto your vehicle.

After choosing and cutting their tree, visitors can stop by the concession stand for hot chocolate or a caramel apple and shop for handmade wreaths and swags, tabletop trees, potted trees, ornaments, antiques and decorations in the farm’s gift shop.

“The tabletop trees and potted trees can be replanted after Christmas and are great for centerpieces or for people who don’t want to fuss with a big tree,” Martin says.

Nativity scenes are placed around the farm, Martin says, to provide a catalyst for family conversations about the true meaning of Christmas.

Another popular attraction at Santa’s Place happened by accident.

“We have a big pile of gravel kids love to climb on, so we started sticking lollipops in a hay bale at the top. We call it Lollipop Mountain, and kids can climb up, get a lollipop and climb back down,” Martin says.

“People call us every year and ask if we still

have Lollipop Mountain.”

Choosing and cutting Christmas trees is a long-standing holiday tradition all across the state. “Tennessee has Christmas tree farms from one end of the state to the other,” Beets says. “Local tree growers depend on loyal customers, so they make sure you can’t wait to come back year after year for a great holiday experience.”

More than 30 tree farms are members of the Tennessee Christmas Tree Growers Association. ARCY Acres Christmas Tree Farm & Nursery in Crossville grows 15 acres of White Pine, Norway, White Spruce, Blue Spruce and Canaan Fir trees and offers precut Fraser, Canaan and Concolor Firs. A large selection of balled-and-burlapped trees gives customers the option of replanting their tree after the holidays. ARCY Acres also offers a gift shop with free coffee, hot chocolate and spiced apple juice, and Santa makes an appearance the second Saturday of December each year.

In the southern West Tennessee town of Selmer, Duncan Christmas Tree Farm & Gift Shop grows 11 acres of Carolina Sapphire, Virginia Pine, Leyland Cypress and Blue Ice trees and offers pre-cut Fraser Firs. Duncan Farm also provides popular Christmas Tree Tours, which include a hayride through the tree fields, a wreath-making demonstration, stories at the log cabin, a nature trail, playground and use of the farm’s pavilion and picnic tables. Tree-buyers can have their trees, live wreaths and garland flocked at Duncan Farm for added beauty. The flocking process involves spraying the branches to make them appear snow-covered.

Visit www.picktnproducts.org to find a farm near you. Beets advises calling ahead to confirm hours of operation and activities.

Back at Santa’s Place, Martin says the best part of running a Christmas tree farm is continuing an old-fashioned tradition and meeting new people.

“As a kid we always had real trees, so I like following the traditions of my parents,” he says.

“We enjoy meeting people in such a positive situation – many have come back every year we’ve been open. I’m known as the Christmas tree man all around our community.”

And that’s perfectly fine with him.

“Just as long as they don’t call me Santa Claus,” he says with a laugh. tnfarmbureau.org

After the Holidays So, you didn’t go artificial this year – but what to do with your tree once all the gifts are opened and the ornaments are packed away?

According to the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, you can take cut trees to a local site to be turned into mulch for area trails, or put it in your pond to serve as a fish habitat. Either way, it’s 100 percent biodegradable.

If you have a balled-and-burlapped tree, it can be replanted. First, dig a hole about 1 1/2 times larger than the root ball. Leave room to prevent the tree from crowding other trees or shrubs. The area also needs well-drained soil so it doesn’t retain water around the trunk. You can scout your spot and dig the hole before the holidays to avoid shoveling through frozen ground.

After removing the burlap, carefully lower the tree into the hole, trying not to damage the roots. Then, cover the root ball with dirt, and make a moat around the tree to fill with mulch and water.

Get more detailed tips on replanting trees from your local nursery.

Santa’s Place in Woodlawn offers a variety of cut evergreens; farms across the state also produce balled-and-burlapped trees. tnhomeandfarm.com

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Tennessee Living

Occupation RATLIFF CANDY’S EDIBLE CENTERPIECES TASTE AS GOOD AS THEY LOOK STORY BY JESSICA MOZO PHOTOGRAPHY BY IAN CURCIO

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f you’d walked the streets of downtown Bristol back in the 1930s and ’40s, chances are the sugary smell of candy in the making would have hung in the air.

“Bristol was a candy-making mecca from the ’20s to the ’50s. At one time there were nine candy companies here, but now that number is down to two,” says Ken Ratliff, owner of the longstanding Ratliff Candy Co. “The altitude and humidity here is just right for making stick candy.”

While most of the old-time candy makers have closed up shop over the last few decades, Ratliff and his son, Mike, are carrying on the town’s tradition of making and selling hard candies in five flavors: peppermint, wintergreen, lemon, strawberry and peanut butter.

“My mother and father, Lewis and Hattie Ratliff, started the company back in 1952, and my dad delivered their candy to momand-pop stores in East Tennessee and west Virginia,” Ratliff says. “They made

peppermint stick candy, peanut squares, coconut candy and fudge.”

Today, Ratliff Candy only makes hard stick candy, but they put an unusual twist (literally!) on an old favorite. Using the same ingredients and old-fashioned techniques Lewis and Hattie used in the 1950s, Ken and Mike knead, pull and roll miles of candy “logs” into unusual products such as candy cane baskets, candle holders, cups and other functional odds and ends.

“A lot of people decorate with them at Christmas, and the tradition is to break it and eat it once the festivities end. They’re completely edible and have no preservatives,” Ratliff says. “Other people keep them from year to year. One lady called and said she had hers for 15 years before it broke, and many have said they lasted eight to 10 years.”

While Christmas is the busiest season for the candy cane baskets, the Ratliffs also make them in pastel colors and different flavors at Easter and other holidays.

SEE VIDEO

ONLINE

To see the Ratliffs’ process for making their signature candy cane baskets, visit tnhomeandfarm.com and click on the Video page.

The family-owned Ratliff Candy Co. makes peppermint candy cane baskets in several sizes and colors. tnhomeandfarm.com

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Tennessee Living

Ken’s parents gave him the idea for the baskets that he and Mike have perfected over the last 40 years. To get them to stay together, for example, they cook the candy to a certain temperature before cooling and molding it so it won’t get sticky or melt.

“My mom and dad played around with the technique and made a few candy baskets for my sisters and I to give as gifts to our teachers,” he recalls.

“I took over the business in 1970, and it just expanded by word of mouth. At our peak season, we made 35,000 to 40,000 candy cane baskets a year.”

Ratliff Candy has downsized since then, not wanting to lose the charm of handmade candy baskets to machine-made products.

“We don’t want to be in the Walmart market,” Ratliff says. “We take pride in our work, and if we did it any faster, we couldn’t offer the same quality. Every basket is a work of art – no two are exactly the same.”

Keeping a low profile hasn’t hurt their sales any, though. The Food Network caught wind of Ratliff Candy’s unusual products five years ago and sent a crew to Bristol to feature them in a Thanksgiving special, which has replayed on national television around the holiday every year since then.

The Ratliffs have also had the honor of providing holiday décor for the White House.

During the Carter administration, White House officials bought enough candy cane baskets to decorate 16 rooms.

“It’s tough being a small business, but it’s rewarding,” Ratliff says. “I really enjoy the stories we hear from our customers. A lady called once saying her basket was disintegrating, and the hole in it was getting bigger by the day. We couldn’t figure out why, but she later called back and said she discovered her poodle had been licking it in the same place every day, and she finally caught him in the act.”

Ratliff says his job is also rewarding because of the creativity it involves.

“You just marvel at the things you can create,” he says, “and all you started with was water, sugar and corn syrup.”

Gift Baskets With a Twist Get more information on Ratliff Candy Co. and their sweet treats at www.ratliffcandy.com.

Orders ship in three to four days and can be placed online or by calling (800) 743-2271.

The Ratliffs’ basket-making process includes carefully cooling the mixture, using an antique candy puller and shaping the bottom of the basket to result in a unique holiday treat. tnhomeandfarm.com

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TFBF’s Annual Photo Contest

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Photo Finish STORY BY CAROL COWAN

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Grand Prize Michelle Hulin Leoma Lawrence County Farm Bureau

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ust about every time Michelle Hulin’s daughter, Macy, wanders out to the pasture of the family’s Lawrence County farm to see their horse, Diamond, Hulin grabs her camera and follows along.

“Diamond is more like a dog than a horse,” Hulin says. “Any time we go out there, she’ll walk right up. I take a lot of pictures of my daughter with that horse.”

She snapped the grand-prize winner of the 14th annual Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation Photo Contest on Macy’s birthday, just as the late afternoon sun came filtering through the ferns and fence posts.

Photography has been Hulin’s hobby ever since she served on her high school yearbook staff. Now, when she’s not working as a teacher’s aide, Hulin takes school portraits, documents field trips and activities, and puts together photo presentations as keepsakes – “for families to have memories,” she says.

Competition was tougher than ever this year, and Hulin grabbed the top prize from among some 1,700 entries. We again gave the daunting task of choosing the winners to our panel of professional photographers and graphic designers at Journal Communications in Franklin, the publishers of this magazine.

The judges spent days reviewing scads of arresting, delightful and engaging images submitted by amateur shutterbugs from all over the state. They selected these final winners as well as a number of additional photos worthy of honorable mention that appear online at tnhomeandfarm.com.

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TFBF’s Annual Photo Contest/Things on a Fencepost

Second Place Samuel Hobbs Goodspring Giles County Farm Bureau

Third Place Misty Marlin Christiana Rutherford County Farm Bureau

First Place Willie Dills Cleveland Bradley County Farm Bureau

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First Place Sandra C. Murray Morristown Hamblen County Farm Bureau

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TFBF’s Annual Photo Contest/Tennessee Churches

Second Place Jeremiah Todd Seymour Sevier County Farm Bureau

Third Place Erma Hill Jacksboro Campbell County Farm Bureau tnhomeandfarm.com

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TFBF’s Annual Photo Contest/Just Kids

First Place Sarah Beane Cottontown Sumner County Farm Bureau

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Second Place Mary Comer LaFollette Campbell County Farm Bureau

Third Place Charisma Stinnett Morristown Hamblen County Farm Bureau tnhomeandfarm.com

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Food

Incredible Edible

Gifts TASTY HOMEMADE TREATS MAKE THOUGHTFUL, INEXPENSIVE PRESENTS

STORY BY CAROL COWAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEFFREY S. OTTO FOOD ST YLING BY KRISTEN WINSTON CATERING

T

he holiday season is here – time for savoring homemade goodies and remembering loved ones with gifts.

This year, we know a lot of folks will be thinking about how to do their holiday gift-giving for less money, so we’re here to tell you that some of the most special, personal gifts you can give are also some of the least expensive. We’re talking about delicious, homemade treats that come straight from the heart of your home – the kitchen.

Here are four of our favorite recipes for easy-to-make, low-cost edible gifts that are sure to please anyone on your list.

Our biscotti recipe is so easy to make, and most items on the short list of ingredients are things you probably already have on hand.

Yet these crunchy Italian cookies’ visual appeal – especially with one end dipped in chocolate and coated with slivered almonds – and melt-in-your-mouth flavor can turn a

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simple cup of coffee or hot chocolate into an exquisite gourmet escape.

The oats, honey, fruit and nuts in our homemade granola provide plenty of nutritional value, but recipients of this edible gift will be bowled over by its sweet, hearty flavor. White coconut flakes and red cranberries or cherries lend the mixture a festive look, perfect for giving in a clear glass jar tied up with a holiday ribbon.

Our Rolo pretzels combine favorite goodies – pretzels, Rolo candies and pecans – for a sweet-and-salty, nutty, chocolate-caramel bite of heaven. These fancy-looking candies are deceptively easy and quick to make.

The hardest part is giving them away!

Last but not least, create a savory coating for our spiced nut mix using maple syrup, fresh rosemary and cayenne pepper. Just toss the ingredients together and bake. Give away batches of these zesty mixed nuts in pretty holiday tins with airtight lids.

See More Online Find more good eats and holiday sweets in the Recipe section of tnhomeandfarm.com.

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Food

Biscotti

Homemade Granola

½ cup vegetable oil

2

cups oats

1

cup white sugar

1

cup coconut

3¼ cups all-purpose flour

1

cup sliced almonds

3

eggs

¼ cup vegetable oil

1

tablespoon baking powder

¼ cup honey

2

teaspoons almond extract

1

cup diced apricots

1

cup mini chocolate chips (optional)

1

cup dried cranberries or cherries

1

cup toasted slivered almonds (optional)

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Grease cookie sheets or line with parchment paper.

In a medium bowl, beat together the eggs, oil, sugar and almond extract. If desired, add chocolate chips and almonds. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder and salt. Stir into the egg mixture to form heavy dough. Divide the dough into two pieces. Form each piece into a roll the length of the cookie sheet. Place rolls onto the prepared cookie sheets, and press down to 1/2-inch thickness.

Bake 27 minutes in the preheated oven until golden brown. Remove from baking sheet to cool on a wire rack. When the biscotti are cool enough to handle, slice each log crosswise into 3/4-inch slices.

Place the slices cut side up back onto the baking sheet. Bake for an additional 7 minutes on each side.

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

In a large bowl, toss together the oats, coconut and almonds. In a small bowl, whisk together the oil and honey. Pour the liquids over the oat mixture, and stir with a wooden spoon until all the oats and nuts are coated. Spread out on a large baking sheet.

Bake, stirring every 10 minutes (to prevent burning), for about 40-45 minutes.

Add fruit. Cool, and store in an airtight container.

For a fancier look, melt some chocolate chips, dip each baked biscotto in melted chocolate and roll it in almonds. Let the coated biscotti cool on parchment paper.

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Rolo Pretzels

Spiced Nut Mix

Square grid pretzels

3

cups salted mixed nuts

Rolos

2

tablespoons maple syrup

Pecan halves, roasted

1

tablespoon olive oil

Semisweet or white chocolate chips (optional)

4

teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Place one Rolo on a pretzel square. Repeat for as many as you like.

Bake for one minute. Remove from oven and press a pecan half on top of each one. Press down enough so that the Rolos compress a little.

Let cool until chocolate is firm again. If desired, melt chocolate chips in the microwave and drizzle with a fork for garnish.

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Âź teaspoon cayenne pepper Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

In a bowl, toss the nuts with the maple syrup, olive oil, rosemary and cayenne. Spread the mixture on a rimmed baking sheet.

Bake for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

The nuts can be stored in an airtight container for up to two weeks.

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Country Classics

German Comfort CUSTARD IS A TASTY TREAT DURING HOLIDAYS AND BEYOND that.” But when she mentioned this to her mother, Baese was informed that cups weren’t necessary. A single dish worked just fine.

“You think I should have known that,” she laughs. “When I found out, I made custard for a long time. We had a dairy and chickens, so we always had milk and eggs, so it didn’t cost much to make.”

Baese’s parents lived with her for 10 years.

“My mother had a stroke, and I baked custard quite often because it was something she could eat,” she says. “She had made it for my grandmother, Hilda Easley.”

Now Baese and her retired husband, Clyde, hobby farm on 100 acres in Fentress County with beef cattle, chickens and a spoiled-rotten cat, Lady.

And while Santa doesn’t decorate the family tree on Christmas Eve, when the Baeses’ grandchildren and great-grandchildren come to visit, they are served one of the remaining family traditions, baked custard, which they enjoy as much as their distant relatives did in Germany.

– Catherine Darnell

hen one asks a born-and-bred Southern cook about traditional family favorites, dishes like meatloaf and cornbread are usually the topic of conversation. But Jennie Baese offers different food for thought.

Baese was raised in Allardt, Tenn., about five miles from Jamestown, originally a German community. Like many of her neighbors, she grew up in a German household with German parents, Bruno and Selma Weber, and was weaned on dishes unfamiliar to most Southerners.

For years, the family kept with German traditions at Christmas. When Baese was little, her family never put up the tree until Christmas Eve, when Santa Claus did it for them.

“We didn’t question that Santa decorated the tree that night, even though we took the ornaments down after Christmas and put them upstairs,” she remembers with a chuckle.

“None of us caught on for a long time. You wonder at how innocent we were.”

Another family tradition is Baked Custard, included in Country Classics Volume II, published by the Tennessee Farm Bureau Women, now in its second printing. “It took me years to get into making it because I didn’t have any custard cups,” she continues. “My mother had a little wire basket with cups in it just for

W Want More?

Each issue of Tennessee Home & Farm highlights a selected recipe from Country Classics Volume II. Copies of the cookbook are available for $17 each, including shipping and handling, from county Farm Bureau offices, or by calling the Tennessee Farm Bureau home office at (931) 388-7872, ext. 2217.

Baked Custard 4

cups milk

6-8 tablespoons sugar ¼ teaspoon salt 4

eggs

½ teaspoon vanilla

Photos by Jeff Adkins

Sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg

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Mix and heat milk, sugar and salt. Stir hot milk slowly into lightly beaten eggs. Add vanilla. Pour mixture into custard cups or 1 1/2-quart baking dish. Sprinkle lightly with cinnamon, nutmeg or both. Bake at 350 degrees in a pan of hot water until custard is set, 30-45 minutes. When the point of a thin knife comes out clean, remove at once from hot water to keep from overcooking. tnfarmbureau.org

Restaurant Review

An Apple Cake a Day APPLE CAKE TEA ROOM DRAWS LOYAL LUNCH CROWD ore than 25 years ago, an old family recipe provided the inspiration for what would become Mary Henry’s successful West Knox County restaurant, the Apple Cake Tea Room. Situated near interstates 40 and 75 in a cozy, inviting log cabin, the quaint lunch spot is a favorite among local folks and travelers alike.

Her homemade, heirloom apple cake is Henry’s signature item, but the menu features a number of tantalizing specialties.

“The Tea Room Medley is very popular,” Henry says. “It includes chicken salad, glazed fruit, homemade banana bread with cream cheese and chips. We also get a lot of orders for our Pineapple Boat – a hollowed out pineapple half filled with chicken salad.”

In defiance of tea room stereotypes, the helpings are anything but dainty. “We get a lot of men,” Henry says. “If you can get them in the door, they realize we serve adequate portions.”

What’s more, the food is prepared with care.

“Our chicken salad is made fresh daily,” Henry explains. “A lot of places just don’t make their own foods anymore, but that’s something we’ve always done, and we’ll never change that.”

Even the tea is made on site. In addition to the standard English breakfast, Earl Grey and

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green teas, the Apple Cake Tea Room serves its own special recipe Friendship Tea, a Russian spice tea mix that customers can enjoy by the cup or purchase by the jar to take home.

For dessert, there’s the apple cake, of course, which customers say is to die for.

There’s also brownie pie with ice cream and homemade fudge sauce, or if you want to go all out, the Ice Cream Cornucopia, a waffle-type pastry in the shape of a cornucopia filled with vanilla ice cream and then drizzled with butterscotch and fudge sauce and topped with sautéed bananas.

The homey, two-story log cabin is decorated with antiques, quilts, pine tables and many of Henry’s family heirlooms. A fire burns in the open fireplace every day. Upstairs, an array of old fireplace mantels and antique wedding dresses provides the perfect backdrop for wedding showers and private parties.

All in all, it’s no wonder this long-standing lunch spot has so many loyal customers.

“I think the community appreciates our longevity and reliability. I consider it a big compliment that my staff has been here for 15, 16, 17 years, and I’ve greatly enjoyed the relationships I’ve built with my regular customers,” Henry says. “It’s a special place.

A lot of memories have been made here.”

The Dish on Apple Cake Tea Room Throughout the year, our team travels the state in search of good food and friendly service. In each issue, we feature one of Tennessee’s best eateries, and in our opinion, the best dishes to try.

The Apple Cake Tea Room, located at 11312 Station West Drive in Knoxville, is open from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Call (865) 966-7848 to inquire about rental space for parties and special events.

Visit the Food section of tnhomeandfarm.com for more Tennessee restaurants worth visiting.

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29

Tropical

Trendsetters

SEE MORE ONLINE

Go online to tnhomeandfarm.com to find an extended list of even more tropicals that are hardy enough to withstand Tennessee winters.

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Gardening

COLD-HARDY TROPICAL PLANTS TOP THE GARDEN HOT LIST

I

tems come in and out of style in the home and the fashion industry – but did you know that fads are around in gardening as well?

Today’s trendy and fashionable gardens have gone tropical. They feature an abundance of lush, large, colorful and leafy foliage as well as bright, vibrant-colored flowers with unusual shapes.

IN THE ZONE Living in Tennessee’s plant cold-hardiness zones 6 and 7 once meant few perennial tropical-looking plant choices. However, research and breeding have provided temperate-zone tropical lovers with many cold-hardy selections, and the list continues to grow. For some of these plants a little extra winter protection is required, but the effort is well worth it.

As with all plants of marginal hardiness, hardy tropicals should be planted early in the season. This will allow them to become well established and build sugar storage for the upcoming winter dormant season.

Tropical plants installed late in the season will usually not survive.

PALMS APLENTY Palms offer a different set of challenges for the temperate-dwelling tropical plant lover.

Most are not hardy at temperatures that fall below 15° F. One exception is Needle Palm, which is hardy to Zone 6b or slightly colder when established. While it is the world’s hardiest palm, this clumping palm with medium-green leaves needs excellent siting for long-term survival in Zone 6. A slow grower that can reach eight to 10 feet tall and wide, needle palm forms a stubby trunk with age. The plant is named for the sharp needles that protect its crown, so it should remain safely away from children and pets.

Other palms that temperate dwellers might investigate include Dwarf Palmetto, hardiness to -5° F, with leaf damage beginning at around 5° F; Birmingham Palmetto, hardiness to around 0° F; Windmill Palm, hardiness to 5° F and in Zone 7a to 0° F with protection.

Additional so-called hardy palms are only hardy to between 10° F and 15° F, which is actually Zone 8. They require careful siting and protection when the weather chills.

These include Jelly Palm or Pindo Palm; Saw Palmetto; and California Fan Palm.

To find out what’s best, experiment in your own landscape. Many different tropicals are sold by local garden centers, while more exotic plants are offered through mail-order catalogs from places such as Stokes Tropicals and the Southeastern Palm Society.

Tennessee-Tested Hardy Tropicals

Eucomis autumnalis, known as Pineapple Lily

The UT Gardens in Knoxville has grown a number of different tropicals and successfully over-wintered them. Here is an abbreviated list:

Musa basjoo, known as Japanese Fiber Banana; touted as the world’s cold hardiest banana plant tolerating -10º F

Brugmansia, known as Angel’s Trumpet Canna

Musa itinerans, known as Yunnan Banana; not as cold hardy as the Musa basjoo but more attractive

Colocasia, known as Elephant Ears

Phormium tenax, known as New Zealand Flax

Dahlia

Ruellia brittoniana, known as Mexican Petunia or Texas Petunia

Dinanella tasmanica ‘Variegata,’ known as Variegated Flax Lily Eucalyptus

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About the Author Dr. Sue Hamilton is an associate professor in the University of Tennessee Department of Plant Sciences and director of the UT Gardens. The gardens are a project of the University of Tennessee AgResearch program, with locations in Knoxville and Jackson: http://utgardens. tennessee.edu.

Hibiscus acetocella, known as Red Shield Hibiscus; the only hibiscus valued for its foliage

Yucca gloriosa ‘Variegata,’ known as Variegated Soapwort; evergreen and showy year round

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Farmside Chat

Meet Roy Major FAMILY RUNS LEBANON DAIRY veryone has felt the economic crunch over the past year, and farmers are no different. In particular, the dairy industry has suffered enormously. Prices of the 1970s have combined with the high production costs of today, and prices for milk vary wildly by the month. But Roy Major and his family have been in the business for generations, and although it has been a struggle, they are still milking on the family farm in Wilson County. Major, who operates the farm with his wife, Diane, and three sons, says they continue trying to make it work because “it’s not only what we do, it’s what we are.”

How did you become a farmer?

Q A

I was raised on a Century Farm. My mom still owns it, and we run some cattle on it.

We’ve been in the dairy business for generations; my dad was a dairyman. I grew up in it, and after I got married in 1976, we rented 133 acres for three years before buying it. We’ve added on acres as we could, so we currently own 263 acres.

I’ve been blessed to raise my family on the farm.

I have three sons; two are full-time, and one is part-time on the farm. So I’ve been in the dairy business for almost 30 years and want to maintain a profitable farm so my grandson can carry on the tradition if he wants to.

We milk about 150-175 cows on our farm and also have replacement heifers and breeding bulls. We are strictly dairy – no beef or any other type of livestock. We grow 150 acres of corn for silage as well as have some hay and pasture land, but everything we grow goes back into our farm for the cows.

Q

2009 has been very tough on the dairy industry. How do you keep on farming?

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Jeff Adkins

E

There is not any business that can go back to prices it got 20 years ago, have current production costs and stay in business successfully. It is a nationwide crisis we are dealing with, and it has lasted much longer than anyone thought. What I fear is that in the next few months, more and more people will reach that limit where they can’t continue on or just don’t want to anymore. My fear is that when this finally is all over, we will have a lot less dairies in the Southeast, probably nationwide.

A

With people today so far removed from farm life, how can you and your family show them you care for your animals?

Q

See More Online Visit tnhomeandfarm. com to read Major’s answers to questions about industry changes, challenges and his ag education initiatives, such as bringing a dairy cow to Nashville for state lawmakers to have a milking contest.

Learn more about the well-being and care of animals by visiting www.conversations oncare.com.

I think we need to be more honest about the practices we use. The image people have of a dairy farm is a herd of cows in a lush green pasture, when in reality the cows are more confined than they once were because of space and the economic reality of what we do.

However, as it always has been, our primary concern is taking care of our animals. No one loses more than we do if we don’t care for them properly. And no matter what the milk prices are, we still take care of our animals the same exact way and do the best we can to produce a high-quality product.

– Melissa Burniston

A

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To Good Health

Escape Stress EASE YOUR STRESSFUL MIND WITH HEALTHWISE SERVICES hen the off-duty pilot next to me stopped reading his novel and turned his attention instead to what was going on outside the plane, I stopped reading my novel, too. Not wanting to appear anxious by asking him if I should be, I tried to detect whether he was concerned about the rather strong turbulence the airplane was experiencing.

No sweat beads appeared on his forehead, nor did he volunteer to race to the cockpit and assist. So things must be OK, I thought – no need to stress out.

Still, I was a bit jealous of the two preschool siblings, a boy and girl, just two rows back.

As far as they were concerned, they were on a wild roller-coaster ride. With every dip, bounce and jerk of the plane, they hollered their enjoyment. They were having a blast, while I suspect most of the adults on the plane were like me, a tad nervous and wishing all this turbulence would end.

Dang adulthood, with all its realism and, therefore, all its stress. How much easier it would have been to not fully understand that turbulence in an airplane can be the beginning of quite a dangerous event? Sometimes not knowing eliminates fear.

But escaping stress is not that easy. As we approach the end of another year, the past 12 months probably rate as one of the more turbulent periods many of us have faced.

Retirement funds evaporated, unemployment soared and financial institutions virtually collapsed. Folks have had a lot more things to stress out about than just the everyday stressors that life always involves.

Stress, they tell me, is what you feel when

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you have to handle more than you are used to.

Your body responds as if you’re in danger, making hormones that speed up your heart, make you breathe faster and give you a burst of energy. Some stress is normal and can even be used positively. But if it happens too often or lasts too long, then the effects can be harmful.

I certainly don’t consider myself an expert in this area, which is why I probably got a bit stressed somewhere over Colorado. But I can point you to a simple-to-use reference about handling stress in your own life – just go to our Web site, www.trh.com, and link to our Healthwise Knowledgeable site. You can type “managing stress” in the search box and open up a wealth of information on the topic. And it’s not just information about stress; through Healthwise, you have at your fingertips a phenomenal resource on all health-related topics. Check out symptoms and what they might point to; prescription drugs and their benefits and side effects; and specific medical tests and the reasons behind their use.

Healthwise is just one service TRH Health Plans is glad to offer. For more than 60 years now, we’ve been helping Tennesseans eliminate one potential area of stress: what to do financially when a major health issue presents itself. Nearly 185,000 Farm Bureau members have some type of health coverage with our company.

Aside from occasional airplane rides, few things have become more turbulent in our day than keeping up with increasing health-care costs. For a lot of folks, TRH Health Plans can make that challenge a bit less stressful. Find us at a local Farm Bureau office near you.

About the Author Anthony Kimbrough is vice president of marketing and government relations for TRH Health Plans. His e-mail is akimbrough@trh.com.

For more information about TRH Health Plans, call (877) 874-8323 or visit www.trh.com.

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Exclusive Farm Bureau Member Savings Did you know that your membership with the Tennessee Farm Bureau offers you exclusive savings with each of the products and services listed here at no additional charge?

It is our goal to save our members more than the cost of their annual membership by taking advantage of just one of these special discounts. Farm Bureau values your membership and hopes these benefits will prove to be of value to you!

Looking for information on these benefits?

Toll-Free: (877) 363-9100 • Visit us online at www.tnfarmbureau.org/valueplus

SAVE ON YOUR HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE

Home and Commercial Security System Discount (ADT) FREE Security System* Free fire protection. $5 discount on monthly monitoring.

877.832.6701 www.powerlinkllc.com/tfbf *36-month monitoring agreement required at $31.99 per month ($1,151.64). $99 customer installation charge. Form of payment must be by credit card or electronic charge to your checking or savings account. Offer applies to homeowners only. Local permit fees may apply. Certain restrictions may apply.

Offer valid for new customers only. Other rate plans available. Cannot be combined with any other offer. PowerLink, LLC TN. Cert. #C-0332.

For the latest Value Plus information and more discounts for Tennessee Farm Bureau members, call the hotline at (877) 363-9100. Visit our Web site at www.tnfarmbureau.org/valueplus.

Tennessee Farm Bureau Where Membership Means American Cellular Free phone & accessories headset, car charger, carrying case or 20% off cell phones, smart phones & air cards GREAT GIFT

• Call (888) 653-8323 or visit your local American Cellular location

AmeriGas Propane

• Phones shipped directly to your door

• Save 5 cents per gallon • Visit www.AmeriGas.com or visit your Yellow Pages to find the location nearest you.

Offer applies to Tennessee locations only. Some restrictions may apply. See store for details. Residential customers only. Not valid with any other offer. Offer does not apply to SmartPay, Pre-Buy or Guaranteed Price Programs. Call your AmeriGas dealer prior to having your tank filled to receive your discount.

Offer applies to new activation. 10% cell phones, smart phones and air cards with recommitment to existing contract. www.americancelluar.net (user name and password: tfbf). Available only by calling or visiting American Cellular location.

Online Tax Preparation • Easy to use, do-it-yourself tax preparation • Pricing starts at $14.95 for a 1040EZ • Visit www.fbtaxservice.com for more details

Finance or refinance your vehicle loan and save!

• Low, competitive rates for members • Financing available for cars, trucks, motorcycles, ATVs, boats and RVs • Apply online for an instant response

Dell 7% discount on Home & Home Office products - including Electronics and Accessories www.dell.com/TFBF, select the Shop Full Catalog 1-800-695-8133 Member ID: PS92261593

GREAT GIFT

Save more with a loan from Farm Bureau Bank.

Visit farmbureaubank.com/tfbf today!

Rates subject to change without notice.

Banking services provided by Farm Bureau Bank, FSB. Farm Bureau Bank, FSB is a service to member institution that provides banking services to Farm Bureau members. Services are not available in AL, IL, MI, MO, MS, OH or WY and may not be available in some counties or parishes. Farm Bureau, FB and the FB National Logo are registered service marks owned by the American Farm Bureau Federation and are used under license by FB BanCorp and its subsidiaries, including Farm Bureau Bank FSB. FB BanCorp is an independent entity and the AFBF does not own, is not owned by, and is not under common ownership with FB BanCorp or its affiliated entities.

*Offers are subject to change without notice

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Brian McCord

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Home&Farm |Winter 2010

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Travel

Celebrate

Shelbyville A VISIT TO THE WALKING HORSE CAPITAL IS BIG ON SMALL-TOWN CHARM

STORY BY KAREN SCHWARTZMAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEFFREY S. OTTO

L

ooking for a way to harness those winter blues? Ride on down to Shelbyville, a friendly town filled with plenty of fun activities, historical gems and, like any quintessential Tennessee town, good eats.

Located just over 50 miles southeast of Nashville, Shelbyville offers vacationers engaging entertainment in a scenic country setting. Known as the Walking Horse Capital of the World, Shelbyville plays host to the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration, where the World Grand Champion is crowned. But even during the equine off-season, Shelbyville’s quaint businesses, home cooking and local landmarks keep visitors coming back for more.

1/ HORSING AROUND There’s plenty of things to do in Shelbyville for everyone to enjoy. Chief among them is to take a look at the animal that made the city famous – the Tennessee Walking Horse. The breed, known for its unusual gait, is showcased at the annual

Celebration, which draws a quarter of a million people to Calsonic Arena each August, but the city’s equestrian influence is evident no matter the time of year.

The arena itself attracts visitors for other horse events as well as the annual A Celebration Christmas, during which the grounds are aglow with holiday lights displays.

Another option for horse lovers this time of year is Heritage Jewelers, a jewelry shop on the public square in Shelbyville with an entire Walking Horse collection featuring items from necklaces and bracelets to watches and knives. Equine enthusiasts can also stock up on cowboy hats and boots, saddles, bridles and other supplies at Bedford Tack in nearby Bell Buckle.

Many farms also double as bed and breakfasts. Clearview Horse Farm B&B boards horses and features equine-inspired rooms for people. Surrounding communities such as Wartrace and Normandy are home to the Walking Horse Hotel and Parish Patch Farm and Inn, respectively. Parish Patch is a

SEE VIDEO

ONLINE

Take a tour of historic downtown Shelbyville in the Video section of tnhomeandfarm.com.

Clockwise from top: Horses at Waterfall Farms; downtown Shelbyville; Cortner Mill in Normandy. tnhomeandfarm.com

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16th Annual Christmas Toy Train Show SPONSORED BY: MUSIC CITY CHAPTER TRAIN COLLECTORS ASSOCIATION

WHERE: TENNESSEE STATE FAIRGROUNDS AGRICULTURAL BUILDING, Nashville, TN. (Wedgewood exit on I-65 S.) Plenty of free parking available.

WHEN: SAT. DECEMBER 12, 2009 The show is open to the general public.

Opens at 9 a.m. and closes at 4 p.m.

ADMISSION: $7.00 per person — children 12 and under are FREE! SPECIAL DRAWING OF LIONEL TRAIN SETS — FOR CHILDREN ONLY! Trains will be available for children to play with and experience! Watch actual operating layouts of all sizes in action!

COME AND FIND: Train parts, train objects, trains to operate, train books, collectable trains, new electric trains, refurbished trains.

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Home&Farm |Winter 2010

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Travel

2 3

Downtown Shelbyville invites visitors to catch a movie at the Capri Theatre, left, or try the buffet at Charleston on Main, right.

300-acre working farm and inn, where guests can spend time exploring the farm, cozying up to the fireplace or playing games such as cards, shuffleboard and horseshoe. Bring the whole family and even Fido to the inn, which welcomes pets.

2 / LOCAL HERITAGE Visitors can peek into Shelbyville’s past at the Shelbyville-Bedford County History Museum, which showcases history exhibits as well as art and sculpture displays. The museum is headed by the Bedford Arts Council, which also operates the Fly Cultural Arts Center, where creative classes, workshops and other activities take place.

The longest-running business in Shelbyville, the renovated Capri Theatre serves as a focal point of downtown with its dazzling 1950s-era marquee. The cinema plays first-run films on its two screens – one in the balcony with stadium seating and the other equipped with rocking chairs – and also retains many of its original amenities that add to its majestic ambiance.

The National Register of Historic Places recognizes the entire Our Town/Shelbyville Public Square, which was designed in 1810 as a prototype for town squares all over the South and Midwest. Today, the 200-year-old square plays host to charming shops, boutiques and galleries that provide great gift options, retailing antiques, artwork, books, clothing and much more. tnhomeandfarm.com

3 / DOWN-HOME FAVORITES When it comes to mealtime, visitors won’t starve for choices in and around Shelbyville.

Restaurant options range from music-loving cafés to elegant country cuisine.

The Bell Buckle Café offers good food along with great music and attracts musical talent from all over Middle Tennessee.

Thursdays are songwriters nights, and the café hosts live bluegrass and country on Fridays and Saturdays.

Visitors with a more formal evening in mind should try the Cortner Mill in Normandy. The restaurant, housed in a rustic 1825 grist mill, features a menu its owners call “elegant country.” Entrees include Baked Rainbow Trout, Carolina Country Quail and, for the brave, River Bank Frog Legs.

For more Southern cooking with a twist, head to Shelbyville’s Charleston on Main.

The tea room operates during lunch hours on weekdays and features a lunch buffet Wednesday through Friday with dishes such as Parmesan-crusted chicken and applemarinated pork loin alongside salads, quiches, soups, sides and homemade desserts.

Find goodies to bring home at the Bedford Cheese Store, which makes 100 percent natural cheeses as well as other dairy products, sausage, ham, jams and jellies.

Other locally owned eateries with a loyal following include The Coffee Break‚ Pope’s Café and Uncle Sonny’s Bar B Que.

It’s Your Turn Did we forget to mention your favorite Shelbyville attraction?

Let us know! Leave a comment on this story at tnhomeandfarm.com or send us an e-mail at thaf@jnlcom.com.

Home&Farm

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Photo courtesy of Peyton Hoge

Petticoats and top hats are common attire at Dickens of a Christmas, which is held in historic downtown Franklin on Dec. 12-13.

Tennessee Events & Festivals This listing includes a selection of events of statewide interest scheduled in December, January and February as provided to Tennessee Home & Farm by the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development.

Events are subject to date change or cancellation; please call the contact listed before traveling long distances to attend.

To include your local events in our listing, please call the Tennessee Department of Tourism at (615) 741-7994. Due to space constraints, we are unable to include all of the events provided, but additional information and events can be found online through the department’s Web site, www.tnvacation.com.

December

and welcomes Santa Claus. CONTACT: (423) 472-6587, mainstreetcleveland.com

DECEMBER 4

CHRISTMAS BY CANDLELIGHT HIGH TEA DINNER

CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE & CRAFT FAIR Rose Center, Morristown Celebrate the season with music, dance and good food. Buy your Christmas presents and decorations from the finest craftsmen of the region. CONTACT: Robert Lydick, (423) 581-4330, postmaster@rosecenter.org, rosecenter.org

Grey Gables Bed ‘n Breakfast Inn, Rugby A five-course dinner with entertainment.

Visit the historic 1880s Victorian Village of Rugby while at the Inn. CONTACT: (423) 628-5252, greygablestn@highland.net, www.rugbytn.com DECEMBER 4 & 11

DECEMBER 4

CHRISTMAS IN THE COUNTRY

CAROLS IN THE CITY

Livingston Town Square, Livingston Features carriage rides, Christmas music, and Santa. CONTACT: (931) 823-2218, www.overtonco.com

Historic Downtown Cleveland Mainstreet Cleveland lights the community Christmas tree on the Courthouse Square

42

DECEMBER 4

Home&Farm |Winter 2010

DECEMBER 4-5

CROCKETT CHRISTMAS Davy Crockett Birthplace State Park, Limestone A living history event that provides visitors with a glimpse of Christmas past on the frontier. The birthplace cabin will be decorated in pioneer spirit. Traditional music will be provided along with hot wassail and edibles common to that time period. CONTACT: (423) 257-2167, www.tnstateparks.com DECEMBER 4-5

CHRISTMAS AT THE CARTER MANSION Elizabethton Spend the evening in this 18th-century home on the frontier decorated for Christmas in the style of 1780s. Costumed interpreters, candlelight, refreshments and music highlight the evening. CONTACT: (423) 543-5808 DECEMBER 4-5 & 11-12

A CANDLELIGHT CHRISTMAS Rocky Mount Museum, Piney Flats A visit to Rocky Mount Living History Museum provides a glimpse back to an earlier time. Music, dancing, decorations, and sacred tales will all be part of your experience on this magical candle-lit evening. CONTACT: 888-538-1791, www.rockymountmuseum.com DECEMBER 4-6

CHRISTMAS ON THE MOUNTAIN tnfarmbureau.org

Events & Festivals

Fall Creek Falls State Park, Pikeville Activities for children and adults alike include traditional Christmas decorating, tea parties and a mountain craft show.

Don’t be surprised if Saint Nick drops by.

CONTACT: Fall Creek Falls Nature Center, (423) 881-5708, www.tnstateparks.com DECEMBER 4-JANUARY 3 (Sat.-Sun.)

HOLIDAY EXPRESS AT THE UT GARDENS University of Tennessee Gardens, Knoxville The 4,000-square-foot railway display features 10 garden-scale model trains running through a perfectly proportioned miniature landscape, complete with rivers and waterfalls and decorated for the holiday season. CONTACT: Beth Willis, (865) 974-2712, ewillis2@utk.edu, http://utgardens.tennessee.edu

DECEMBER 5

CHRISTMAS WITH THE LINCOLNS Abraham Lincoln Library & Museum, Harrogate Christmas with the Lincolns features a play that tells the Lincolns’ story of Washington during the Civil War years and visits Union and Confederate encampments. CONTACT: Carol Campbell, (800) 325-0900 ext. 6439, carol.campbell@lmunet.edu, www.lmunet.edu/museum.htm DECEMBER 5

CHRISTMAS TOUR OF HOMES Hohenwald Tours of homes decorated for the holidays.

CONTACT: Paula Spears, (931) 796-3091, pmspears@utk.edu DECEMBER 5

DECEMBER 5

CHRISTMAS IN OUR TOWN Liberty Square, Sparta Horse and buggy rides, entertainment, carolers, music, and more. CONTACT: (931) 836-3552, www.sparta-chamber.net DECEMBER 5

18th-CENTURY CHRISTMAS AT OLD FORT LOUDOUN Ft. Loudoun State Historic Park, Vonore This 18th-century Christmas will have actors in authentic costumes. CONTACT: (423) 884-6217, fortloudoun@tds.net, www.fortloudoun.com DECEMBER 5

ADOPT A TREE AT WARRIORS’ PATH STATE PARK Kingsport Come help plant our future woodlands.

For every tree you plant in the park, you get to take one home to plant on your own.

CONTACT: (423) 239-6786 DECEMBER 5

ELVES HOLIDAY WORKSHOP Livingston Features Christmas crafts, shows and food.

CONTACT: Thelma Danner, (931) 823-5475, www.overtonco.com DECEMBER 5

MERRY TUBA CHRISTMAS Harriman Tuba and euphonium players gather to pay tribute to composers who have embraced these noble instruments with solo and ensemble compositions. Tuba and euphonium players of all ages and levels of ability are encouraged to participate.

CONTACT: Dr. Joseph H. Williams, (865) 882-3446, www.tubachristmas.com

CHRISTMAS BY THE RIVER Savannah See Savannah bedecked in all its Christmas splendor. Luminary-lit historic district, children’s activities, Victorian Tea Party, carriage rides, wine tasting, art exhibit, music, and more. CONTACT: (800) 552-3866, www.tourhardincounty.org DECEMBER 5

WINTER CHILI FESTIVAL Jamestown Participants compete in a public choice chili cook-off. Events include music, pictures with Santa, give-a-ways, and more.

Proceeds go to the Fentress County Children’s Center. CONTACT: (931) 879-9948, www.bigsouthfork.org DECEMBER 5

YULEFEST: A 1780 CHRISTMAS Historic Mansker’s Station Frontier Life Center, Goodlettsville Welcome the holiday season with lively music and entertainment in 1780s fashion.

Tour the Bowen Plantation House and Mansker’s Station. CONTACT: (615) 859-3678, www.manskersstation.org DECEMBER 5

OAKLANDS CANDLELIGHT TOUR OF HOMES Murfreesboro Tour of Homes features beautiful and historic private homes and the graceful Oaklands Historic House Museum.

CONTACT: (615) 893-0022, info@oaklandsmuseum.org, www.oaklandsmuseum.org DECEMBER 5

CONFEDERATE CHRISTMAS BALL Memorial Building, Columbia

Events are subject to date change or cancellation. Please call ahead.

Step back in time and fill your dance card as you swirl the floor to authentic reels, promenades and waltzes popular during the 1860s. On site dance instructions, string band, and light refreshments. CONTACT: Tammy Hatcher, (931) 698-3876 DECEMBER 5

CHRISTMAS IN THE COUNTRY Exchange Place, Kingsport Fresh mountain greenery and wreaths, baked goods and crafts. Ends with a traditional Yule Log Ceremony on an 1800s living history farm. CONTACT: (423) 288-6071, www.exchangeplace.info DECEMBER 5

“CHRISTMAS IS COMING” – A CONCERT OF HOLIDAY CAROLS Rebecca Johnson Theatre, Rugby Experience all the warmth of Christmas through the Christmas carols sung by the Don Breakbill Choir. Begin your evening with dinner at the Harrow Road Café.

CONTACT: (423) 628-2441, rugbylegacy@ highland.net, www.historicrugby.org DECEMBER 5

VISIONS OF CHRISTMAS: 1859 Tipton-Haynes State Historic Site, Johnson City Join the Haynes family as they celebrate an Antebellum Christmas with tours throughout all of the historic buildings.

CONTACT: (423) 926-3631 DECEMBER 5

OLD FASHIONED CHRISTMAS Centennial Park, Dayton Features the Christmas Arts Showcase where artists and crafters open their downtown shops. Features food, pictures with Santa, pet pageant, parade and caroling. CONTACT: (423) 775-0361, www.mainstreetdayton.org DECEMBER 5

DOWNTOWN FOR THE HOLIDAYS Historic Downtown Clarksville Immediately following the Jaycee’s Christmas Parade there will be live music, dancing, and children’s activities.

CONTACT: Brittnye Tranberg, (931) 645-7476, www.cityofclarksville.com DECEMBER 5 & 12

NORTH POLE EXCURSION TRAIN WITH SANTA Tennessee Central Railway Museum, Nashville Come join Santa on this wintertime train ride to Lebanon! CONTACT: (615) 244-9001, www.tcry.org Home&Farm

43

Events & Festivals

DECEMBER 5-6

32nd ANNUAL PROGRESSIVE DINNER Jonesborough Offers an elegant multi-course dinner and tour of the finest historic homes in Tennessee’s oldest town. Reservations required. CONTACT: (423) 753-9580, www.heritageall.org DECEMBER 5-6

CARTER HOUSE CANDLELIGHT TOUR OF HOMES Franklin Evening tour of homes, churches and other buildings decorated for the holidays. CONTACT: (615) 791-1861, carterhouse1864@aol.com, www.carterhouse1864.com DECEMBER 5-6

ROCKWOOD ANNUAL CHRISTMAS TOUR OF HOMES Rockwood Tour historic homes and buildings decorated for the holidays. Includes caroling, holiday food, historic character portrayals and Civil War reenactments. CONTACT: (865) 354-2877, www.rockwood2000.com

DECEMBER 6

DECEMBER 12

CANDLELIGHT TOUR OF HOMES

SPIRITS OF CHRISTMAS PAST

Macon County Candlelight Tour sponsored by the United Women of Macon County. CONTACT: Linda Tucker, (615) 666-2094, www.maconcountytn.com

Grandpa’s House on Ritter Farm, Red Boiling Springs Storytelling with International Toastmaster Karen Davis and guests. CONTACT: Rita Watson, (615) 699-2738, grandpashouse@ nctc.com, www.grandpas-house.com

DECEMBER 6-23

DECEMBER 12

CLARKSVILLE TREES OF CHRISTMAS

GRANVILLE COUNTRY CHRISTMAS

DECEMBER 7

ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF TREES

COVE LAKE’S 25th CHRISTMAS IN THE PARK

DECEMBER 5-31

CHRISTMAS IN OLD APPALACHIA Museum of Appalachia, Norris A winter wonderland awaits within split-rail fences. Christmas in turn-of-century structures including a dirt-floored pioneer cabin, the gaily decorated Homestead House, and an old log schoolhouse. CONTACT:, (865) 494-7680, www.museumofappalachia.org DECEMBER 6

19th-CENTURY CHEROKEE CHRISTMAS Red Clay State Historic Park, Cleveland This event features live history presentations, including pioneer Christmas Home&Farm |Winter 2010

CHRISTMAS AT HISTORIC RUGBY

DECEMBER 6

DECEMBER 5-28 Ocoee Whitewater Center, Copperhill See trees entered in categories such as Most Imaginative, Best Children’s Tree, Best Homemade Ornaments, Best Nature Theme, Best Historical Theme and Most Community Spirit.

CONTACT: James Whitener, (423) 496-0102

DECEMBER 12

Williamson County Community Center, College Grove Features an Historic Holiday Home Tour, Christmas tree lighting, holiday musical performance, and Christmas parade.

CONTACT: (615) 368-3456

Oak Ridge Who needs a sleigh? Catch a ride with Santa Claus on the Secret City Excursion Train. CONTACT: (865) 241-2140, www.southernappalachia.railway.museum

SANTA EXCURSION TRAIN

Features a vendors market, light displays, carriage rides and Santa. CONTACT: (731) 925-2363

Rugby Visit beautifully decorated historic homes to bring an old-fashioned Christmas to life.

Features classical music, caroling, hot wassail, and a sumptuous four-course Victorian dinner at the Harrow Road Café.

Reservations required. CONTACT: (423) 628-2441, rugbylegacy@highland.net, www.historicrugby.org

HISTORIC HOLIDAY HOME TOUR IN THE GROVE

Smith-Trahern Mansion, Clarksville Constructed in 1858 during the troubled preCivil War era, the home reflects the transition between Greek Revival and Italianate styles.

Twenty Christmas trees will be decorated and on display throughout the historic mansion. The Open House will be held on Sunday, Dec. 6, 2009. CONTACT: Martha Pile, (931) 648-5725, www.clarksville.tn.us

DECEMBER 5-6

44

cooking, Cherokee arts & crafts demonstration, storytelling and Christmas carols. Red Clay State Historic Park is the last eastern council grounds for the Cherokee Nation. CONTACT: (423) 479-0339, www.mainstreetcleveland.com

Cove Lake State Park, Caryville Cove Lake’s Christmas in the Park features over 2,500 luminaries, the Lighting of the Tree, firework display, refreshments, children’s crafts and activities, caroling, dance team performances and Santa’s Land. CONTACT:, (423) 566-9701, www.tnstateparks.com DECEMBER 10

OLD-FASHIONED CHRISTMAS AT THE BIRTHPLACE Cordell Hull Birthplace & State Historic Park, Byrdstown Festivities include old-fashioned holiday music, lantern-lit trail hikes, refreshments and seasonal decorations in the restored birthplace cabin. CONTACT: (931) 864-3247, www.friendsofcordellhull.org DECEMBER 11-12

CHRISTMAS IN THE PARK Pickwick Landing State Park, Pickwick Dam

Granville Museum & Sutton General Store, Granville Features Christmas music, antique toy show, Festival of Trees, Christmas tree lighting, A Taste of Christmas, Santa, and more. CONTACT: (931) 653-4511 DECEMBER 12

CHRISTMAS IN OLDE LOUDON Historic Downtown Loudon Step back in time at historic Loudon with games, food, parade and fun for the entire family. CONTACT: Lynda Randolph, (865) 458-9020, thelyrictheatre@bellsouth.net, www.lyricloudon.com DECEMBER 12

CANDLELIGHT CHRISTMAS TOUR AT FORT SOUTHWEST POINT Kingston Experience the sights, sounds and flavors common to the people of the 18th century.

People will be dressed in authentic period clothing, and the event includes bagpipes serenades, and a nighttime firing of the cannon. CONTACT: Mike Woody, (865) 376-3641, www.southwestpoint.com DECEMBER 12

CHRISTMAS IN THE VALLEY Sgt. Alvin C. York Historic Site, Pall Mall Annual holiday celebration in Sgt. York’s hometown of Pall Mall. Events include a visit from Santa, choir singing, lantern walk, and holiday refreshments and decorations.

CONTACT: (931) 347-2664, www.sgtyork.org tnfarmbureau.org

Events & Festivals

DECEMBER 12

AT HOME WITH SANTA Jonesborough Children and parents will enjoy visits with Santa, games, crafts, and carriage rides.

A Santa Mart is available with volunteers to help children buy and wrap surprise gifts for family members. CONTACT: 866-401-4223, info@historicjonesborough.com, www.historicjonesborough.com DECEMBER 12-13

DICKENS OF A CHRISTMAS Franklin A Victorian-themed Christmas with more than 200 costumed characters re-enacting the work of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Victorian crafts, food, horse-drawn carriages, carolers, and Scrooge. CONTACT: (615) 591-8500, www.historicfranklin.com

stories and hot chocolate, live music and more. CONTACT: (731) 642-9271, www.visitdowntownparis.com

DECEMBER 29

DECEMBER 24

Shiloh A birthday celebration to commemorate the establishment of the Shiloh National Military Park. CONTACT: (731) 925-8181, www.tourhardincounty.org

OLD COUNTRY STORE CHRISTMAS EVE BREAKFAST Brooks Shaw’s Old Country Store, Jackson Christmas Eve Breakfast takes place for its 25th year at the famed Brooks Shaw’s Old Country Store. CONTACT: (800) 748-9588 ext. 114, caseyjonestn@yahoo.com, www.caseyjones.com

HAPPY 115th BIRTHDAY SHILOH

DECEMBER 31

NEW YEAR’S EVE FIREWORKS SHOW & BALL DROP Gatlinburg

DECEMBER 12-13

HISTORIC HARRIMAN CHRISTMAS TOUR Harriman Come visit the town that Temperance Built!

Tour decorated Victorian homes and historical buildings. CONTACT: Donna Demyanovich, (865) 882-9230, www.cornstalkheights.com DECEMBER 12-13

“EARTH TREASURES” GEM, JEWELRY, MINERAL, FOSSIL SHOW & SALE Tennessee State Fairgrounds, Nashville Mid-Tennessee Gem & Mineral Society sponsors a two-day indoor show with over 30 dealers featuring demonstrations, exhibits, with a silent auction and door prizes every hour. CONTACT: John Stanley, (615) 885-5704, jstanley@picagroup.com, www.mtgms.org DECEMBER 13

HOLIDAY TOUR OF HOMES Jonesborough Tour elegantly decorated homes and churches throughout the historic district. CONTACT: (423) 753-1010, www.historicjonesborough.com DECEMBER 13

LOG CABIN CHRISTMAS TOUR Elkton The public will visit six private log cabins and homes all decorated for Christmas.

CONTACT: (931) 468-0668, www.elktonhistory.net DECEMBER 18

SANTA’S LAST BLAST Downtown Paris One of the last chances for youngsters to visit with Santa. Craft booths, Jack Foddrill and his birds, s’mores, reindeer goats, Christmas Events are subject to date change or cancellation. Please call ahead.

Home&Farm

45

Events & Festivals

Dyersburg State Campus, Dyersburg Features guest speakers. CONTACT: Jane Vondy, (731) 286-3300

For the 22nd straight year, the Space Needle area at traffic light #8 comes alive at the stroke of midnight with a fabulous fireworks show. Features free party favors and live entertainment. CONTACT: (800) 568-4748, www.gatlinburg.com

JANUARY 16

MEMPHIS DULCIMER GATHERING

DECEMBER 31

Second Baptist Church, Memphis Workshops for mountain and hammered dulcimer and open acoustic jam session.

CONTACT: Lee Cagle, (901) 877-7763, lee@leecagleculcimers.com, www.leecagledulcimers.com

ALIVE IN 2010!

Knoxville Museum of Art, Knoxville All evening there will be a buffet by Fats BBQ, dancing, party favors and a midnight toast.

CONTACT: Michael Gill, (865) 934-2039, www.knoxart.org

JANUARY 18

MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY

JANUARY JANUARY 2-EARLY MARCH

National Civil Rights Museum, Memphis Special programs to celebrate the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. CONTACT: (901) 521-9699, www.civilrightsmuseum.org

BALD EAGLE TOURS

JANUARY 20-23

Reelfoot Lake State Park, Tiptonville Join us for a two-hour naturalist guided bus tour to view Bald Eagles in their natural environment. CONTACT: (800) 250-8617, www.tnstateparks.com

INTERNATIONAL BLUES CHALLENGE

20th ANNUAL WILDERNESS WILDLIFE WEEK ™ Pigeon Forge Wilderness Wildlife Week is a series of outdoorthemed activities designed to connect visitors with the Great Smoky Mountains. CONTACT: (865) 429-7350, events@cityofpigeonforge.com, www.mypigeonforge.com/wildlife

JANUARY 28-MARCH 13

STITCHES-IN-TIME QUILT EXHIBIT Museum Center at 5ive Points, Cleveland An exhibit of biblical antiquities on loan from Bob Jones University Museum & Art Gallery. CONTACT: Tracy O’Connell, (423) 339-5745, info@museumcenter.org, www.museumcenter.org

JANUARY 15

MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. LUNCHEON United States Postal Service

13. Publication Title

1. Publication Title

2. Publication Number

0 2 2

Tennessee Home & Farm 4. Issue Frequency

_

3. Filing Date

3 0

5

5. Number of Issues Published Annually

4

Quarterly

14. Issue Date for Circulation Data Below

Tennessee Home & Farm

Statement of Ownership, Management, and Circulation

7. Complete Mailing Address of Known Office of Publication (Not printer) (Street, city, county, state, and ZIP+4)

September 2009

a.

Extent and Nature of Circulation Total Number of Copies (Net press run) (1)

included in member dues Contact Person Telephone

931-388-7872

Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation, 147 Bear Creek Pike, Columbia, TN 38401 9. Full Names and Complete Mailing Addresses of Publisher, Editor, and Managing Editor (Do not leave blank) Publisher (Name and complete mailing address)

Pettus Read, 147 Bear Creek Pike, Columbia, TN 38401 Editor (Name and complete mailing address)

c. Total Paid and/or Requested Circulation [Sum of 15b. (1), (2),(3),and (4)] d.

Free Distribution

by Mail (Samples, compliment ary, and other free)

f. g.

Pettus Read, 147 Bear Creek Pike, Columbia, TN 38401

h.

10. Owner (Do not leave blank. If the publication is owned by a corporation, give the name and address of the corporation immediately followed by the names and addresses of all stockholders owning or holding 1 percent or more of the total amount of stock. If not owned by a corporation, give the names and addresses of the individual owners. If owned by a partnership or other unincorporated firm, give its name and address as well as those of each individual owner. If the publication is published by a nonprofit organization, give its name and address.)

Complete Mailing Address

147 Bear Creek Pike, Columbia, TN 38401

i.

Total Distribution (Sum of 15c. and 15f) Copies not Distributed Total (Sum of 15g. and h.)

j. Percent Paid and/or Requested Circulation (15c. divided by 15g. times 100)

PS Form 3526, October 1999

46

(See Instructions on Reverse)

Home&Farm |Winter 2010

Tennessee Valley Railroad, Chattanooga Take your Valentine for a rail excursion trip and enjoy a romantic four-course dinner while on board. CONTACT: (423) 894-8028, www.tvrail.com

777

774 7275

7275 8052

8049

638,889

644,492

450

450

639,339

644,942

Knoxville Convention Center, Knoxville The show is the largest house and garden show in Tennessee for the do-it-yourselfer and the gardening enthusiast. CONTACT: Alaine S. McBee, (865) 246-4398, amcbee@ dogwoodarts.com, www.dogwoodarts.com

99

99

Publication not required.

FEBRUARY 20

Date

09/01/09

Complete and file one copy of this form with your postmaster annually on or before October 1. Keep a copy of the completed form for your records.

2.

In cases where the stockholder or security holder is a trustee, include in items 10 and 11 the name of the person or corporation for whom the trustee is acting. Also include the names and addresses of individuals who are stockholders who own or hold 1 percent or more of the total amount of bonds, mortgages, or other securities of the publishing corporation. In item 11, if none, check the box. Use blank sheets if more space is required.

3.

Be sure to furnish all circulation information called for in item 15. Free circulation must be shown in items 15d, e, and f.

4.

Item 15h., Copies not Distributed, must include (1) newsstand copies originally stated on Form 3541, and returned to the publisher, (2) estimated returns from news agents, and (3), copies for office use, leftovers, spoiled, and all other copies not distributed.

5.

If the publication had Periodicals authorization as a general or requester publication, this Statement of Ownership, Management, and Circulation must be published; it must be printed in any issue in October or, if the publication is not published during October, the first issue printed after October.

In item 16, indicate the date of the issue in which this Statement of Ownership will be published.

Item 17 must be signed.

Failure to file or publish a statement of ownership may lead to suspension of Periodicals authorization.

PS Form 3526, October 1999 (Reverse)

VALENTINE DINNER TRAIN EXCURSIONS

636,443

1.

7.

FEBRUARY 6 & 12-14

630,837

16. Publication of Statement of Ownership Dec. 2009 (Winter) issue of this publication.

Publication required. Will be printed in the ________________________

6.

Townsend Activities include illustrated talks, tours, demonstrations, history hikes, music and dance, museum exhibits, walks in the National Park and a Cades Cove reunion.

CONTACT: Jeanie Hilten, (865) 448-6134, jhilten@smokymountains.org, www.smokymountainfestivals.org

DOGWOOD ARTS FESTIVAL HOUSE & GARDEN SHOW

Instructions to Publishers

12. Tax Status (For completion by nonprofit organizations authorized to mail at nonprofit rates) (Check one) The purpose, function, and nonprofit status of this organization and the exempt status for federal income tax purposes: Has Not Changed During Preceding 12 Months Has Changed During Preceding 12 Months (Publisher must submit explanation of change with this statement)

WINTER HERITAGE FESTIVAL IN THE SMOKIES

FEBRUARY 19-21

I certify that all information furnished on this form is true and complete. I understand that anyone who furnishes false or misleading information on this form or who omits material or information requested on the form may be subject to criminal sanctions (including fines and imprisonme nt) and/or civil sanctions (including civil penalties).

None Complete Mailing Address

FEBRUARY

636,443

Editor

Full Name

Rose Center, Morristown Meet the region’s artists with the unique opportunity to buy fine art. Enjoy warm soup or stew for lunch. CONTACT: Becky Hamm, (423) 581-4330, postmaster@rosecenter.org, www.rosecenter.org

644,942

17. Signature and Title of Editor, Publisher, Business Manager, or Owner

11. Known Bondholders, Mortgagees, and Other Security Holders Owning or Holding 1 Percent or More of Total Amount of Bonds, Mortgages, or Other Securities. If none, check box

LUNCH WITH THE ARTS

630,837

(2) In-County as Stated on Form 3541

Total Free Distribution (Sum of 15d. and 15e.)

JANUARY 29

No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date

(1) Outside-County as Stated on Form 3541

(3) Other Classes Mailed Through the USPS

Donoho Hotel, Red Boiling Springs Features bluegrass and gospel music, and fried catfish with all the fixings.

CONTACT: Pam Dean, (615) 699-3141, pamdean1950@yahoo.com, www.donohohotel.com

639,339

(4) Other Classes Mailed Through the USPS

e. Free Distribution Outside the Mail (Carriers or other means)

Pettus Read, 147 Bear Creek Pike, Columbia, TN 38401 Managing Editor (Name and complete mailing address)

Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation

Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months

Paid/Requested Outside-County Mail Subscriptions Stated on Form 3541. (Include advertiser's proof and exchange copies)

Paid In-County Subscriptions Stated on Form 3541 b. Paid and/or (2) (Include advertiser's proof and exchange copies) Requested Circulation (3) Sales Through Dealers and Carriers, Street Vendors, Counter Sales, and Other Non-USPS Paid Distribution

8. Complete Mailing Address of Headquarters or General Business Office of Publisher (Not printer)

Full Name

September 2009 (Fall)

6. Annual Subscription Price

Pettus Read 147 Bear Creek Pike, Columbia, TN 38401

15.

5th FRIDAY FISH FRY

FEBRUARY 4-7

Memphis The world’s premier blues music competition will feature bands and solo/duo acts from various states and countries. The winners receive cash prizes, professional services, and appearances at top blues festivals.

CONTACT: (901) 527-2583, www.blues.org

JANUARY 9-16

JANUARY 29

ANTIQUE APPRAISAL FAIR & SHOW Greeneville The Antique Appraisal Fair offers local and regional antique dealers showcasing and selling treasures and six certified appraisers assessing the value of antiques brought in by the public. CONTACT: Tammy L. Kinser, (423) 638-4111, tkinser@greenecop.com, www. visitgreenevilletn.com tnfarmbureau.org

The perfect holiday gift for your favorite cook!

Down-Home Dumplings

ON SALE

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Recipes From the World’s Greatest Down-Home Dumplin’ Cook-Off!

Order Early for Holiday Delivery

Just in time for holiday feasting! Here’s your chance to own – and give – the world’s best collection of chicken and dumpling recipes. Down-Home Dumplings is filled with more than 70 recipes entered

by TFB members in the World’s Greatest Down-Home Dumplin’ Cook-Off contest (including those of the grand-prize winner and four finalists). Dumpling experts and novices alike will enjoy reading the stories and trying out the different variations of these treasured family recipes!

Order by mail or online.

DOWN-HOME DUMPLINGS ORDER FORM

Purchase online: tnhomeandfarm.com

Send to: Name: ____________________________________________

Quantity: ______ @ $9.95 _______

Address: __________________________________________

Sales tax Quantity: ____ x .92 sales tax ____ (TN residents add 9.25% sales tax)

City: ______________________________________________

Postage: first book @ $3.99 ______ additional books ____ @ .99 ______ Total amount: ___________________

Make check payable to Journal Communications 1 book = $14.86

State: __________________________ ZIP: ______________

2 books = $26.72 Includes 3 books = $38.58 shipping & 4 books = $50.44 sales tax

Daytime phone #: __________________________________

5 books = $62.30

By mail: c/o Journal Communications Retail Fulfillment Center 725 Cool Springs Blvd, Suite 400, Franklin, TN 37067

Orders must be received by Dec. 12 for Christmas delivery THF

Tennessee Home & Farm presents:

Quantity: ______ @ $9.95 ____________ Sales tax Quantity: _____ x $0.92 sales tax ______ (TN residents add 9.25% sales tax) Postage: first book @ $3.99 ___________ additional books ____ @ .99 ___________ Total amount: ________________________ Make check payable to Journal Communications 1 book = $14.86

4 books = $50.44

2 books = $26.72

5 books = $62.30

3 books = $38.58

Includes shipping & sales tax

Send to: Name: _______________________________ Address: _____________________________

As author Pettus Read puts it, “country has been around for a long time.” In this book of his favorite Read All About It columns from the past 30-plus years, Read discusses pulley bones, the disappearance of stick horses, Christmases at Mop-Ma’s and the ever popular Uncle Sid and Aunt Sadie. Full of Read’s wisdom and wit, this Rural Psychology Primer will likely stir up your own feelings of nostalgia for the country way of life.

City: _________________________________ State: ________________ Zip: __________ Daytime phone #: _____________________ By mail: Journal Communications Inc. c/o Retail Fulfillment Center 725 Cool Springs Blvd., Suite 400 Franklin, TN 37067

Portion of proceeds to benefit Tennessee 4-H and FFA programs.

Events are subject to date change or cancellation. Please call ahead.

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Events & Festivals

FEBRUARY 20-21

HOUSTON MUSEUM ANTIQUES SHOW Chattanooga Over 35 exhibitors have antiques, exotic plants and garden accessories for sale.

CONTACT: (423) 267-7176, www.thehoustonmuseum.com FEBRUARY 25-28

10th ANNUAL SADDLE UP! CELEBRATION Pigeon Forge Celebration of the American West featuring cowboy musicians and poets in concert, Cowboy Symphony, Chuckwagon Cookoff, Western Swing Dance, Cowboy Church and more. CONTACT: (800) 251-9100, events@cityofpigeonforge.com, www.mypigeonforge.com/saddleup FEBRUARY 26-28

MEMPHIS COIN CLUB ANNUAL COIN SHOW DeSoto Civic Center, Memphis Buy, sell and trade coins, medals and currency. Features educational exhibits.

CONTACT: Ray Brown, (901) 321-3408, www.memphiscoinclub.org FEBRUARY 26-28

Visit Our Advertisers

ANTIQUES ON THE MOUNTAIN

Farmers Services Inc. www.fbtaxservice.com

Gatlinburg Department of Tourism www.gatlinburg-tennessee.com

Crossville A distinctive array of fine painted and primitive antique furniture, exquisite furnishings, unique accessories, and outstanding collectibles. Features a large selection of rare antiques dating from before 1930. CONTACT: (931) 456-5035, www.antiquesonthemountain.com

General Motors Chevy Dealers

FEBRUARY 27

First Farmer’s & Merchants Bank www.fandmbank.com

Infinity Sales Group – Dish Network Sevierville Chamber of Commerce www.visitsevierville.com Tennessee 811 Tennessee Department of Agriculture www.picktnproducts.org Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation www.farmbureau.org/valueplus Tennessee Rural Health Plans www.trh.com The Gorilla Glue Company www.gorillatough.com Train Collectors Association www.dixiedivisiontca.com Your Man Tours

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Home&Farm |Winter 2010

EAST TENNESSEE YOUNG MUSICIANS BLUEGRASS CONTEST Hawkins Elementary School, Rogersville The contest is open to musicians eighteen and under. Categories include fiddle, guitar, mandolin, banjo and vocal. The contestants are also divided by age groups.

CONTACT: Patricia Humbert, (423) 272-1961, phumbert@rogersvilleheritage.org, www.rogersvillefiddle.com FEBRUARY 27

9th ANNUAL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP PIG TOURNAMENT Forbus General Store, Pall Mall World Championship card tournament of the regionally acclaimed card game called Pig. Event participants meet at high noon to battle for the crown. CONTACT: (800) 327-3945, www.bigsouthfork.org tnfarmbureau.org

View From the Back Porch

Snow & Tell FROSTY MEMORIES BRIGHTEN TODAY’S WARM WINTERS or my money, no winter can top the winter of ’77. Of course, I’ll never be 11 years old again, either, and it seems that our lasting impressions are almost always forged during our growing-up years. I mean, present-day winters just can’t compete, right?

For me, the winters of my formative years happen to fall during a cold swing of the weather pendulum, when wintertime could be summed up by one word: snow.

Back then, kids in my neck of the woods didn’t wonder what it was like to build a snowman or an igloo – they were masters at it. For months, life was a bright white blur of school closings, tire chains, ice-encrusted clothing and boots lined up in front of the wood stove to dry. There were no video games, DVDs or satellite TVs. If you could clearly receive three channels, you were lucky, so kids spent entire days using their (gasp!) imaginations to find ways to play in the snow.

In 1977, our family of five lived in an old farmhouse deep in an Appalachian hollow.

The snows descended just after Thanksgiving and buried my county for nearly four months.

For several weeks, we were practically cut off from civilization. I suppose my dad had provisioned us well with firewood and groceries, because my main memory of that winter is not of being cold or hungry. It is of the rusty hood of a wrecked 1960s-era Volkswagen Beetle.

Someone years before had rolled the old vehicle into a rocky gorge on our property, and – in a moment of inspiration – my older brother climbed down to the car and removed the curved hood. We flipped it over, attached a rope to the end and instantly became owners of the greatest three-man sled ever to grace a slippery slope.

Stamped forever into my memory is the exhilaration of that initial drop as we picked up speed, the sting of tiny snowflakes striking my face and the wind forcing horizontal tears from the corners of my eyes as the three of us rocketed down a steep incline beside our old house, screaming from behind our scarves and ski masks as we disappeared into an adjacent snow

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bank with a powdery thud. Despite the singledigit temperatures, we went up and down until our cheeks were frozen into chapped grins.

I guess it’s natural for me to hold the mild winters of the last 20 years in disdain, but I’m sure my children will have their own memories.

Theirs will be of faded fescue backyards, naked crape myrtles and spirited Nerf football games.

They’ll laugh as they recall Wii bowling tournaments and Hannah Montana reruns on days when an absurd dusting of something resembling snow precipitated a flurry of school closings. They’ll tell their grandkids about balmy, shirt-sleeve days of February when angry storms blasted through Tennessee, only to be followed by crazy drops in the mercury the next week.

Winter will always be about memories.

And, rightly so, it will always be judged by that most perfect snowman, most gratifying mug of steaming chocolate or, quite simply, the greatest three-man sled ever.

About the Author Mark Johnson is assistant editor of the Tennessee Cooperator, the statewide membership publication of Farmers Co-ops, and lives in Murfreesboro with his wife, Holly, and their three kids, Sam, Ava and Pete. Raised in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina just across the border from Johnson County, Tenn., Mark spent the winters of his youth “bobsledding” country roads and building lopsided igloos.

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