Fall 2012, Tennessee Connections

tnconnections Fall 2012

An Official Publication of Your Locally Owned Municipal Electric System

tnconnections.com

Nourishing Body and Soul Pulaski bakery serves up healthy meals and hospitality

Four Seasons of Dogwoods

Enjoy the trees in your landscape year-round

Gorgeous Gourds Celebrate the season at the UT Pumpkin Harvest Display

tn almanac

Travel, tips and tidbits at a glance Tellin’ Tales Love to hear a good story? Head to Jonesborough Oct. 5-7 for the National Storytelling Festival, a local tradition since 1973. The event started with five storytellers (including hilarious Grand Ole Opry comedian Jerry Clower) and an audience of 60. It has grown to include 25 professional storytellers and attracts more than 10,000 listeners. The tale-tellin’ takes place in large circus-like tents throughout Jonesborough, and tales range from cowboy stories to folk tales and personal accounts. The stories are mostly familyfriendly, save a few Midnight Cabarets billed as adults only. For ticket information, visit www.storytellingcenter.net.

Pick a Pumpkin The arrival of fall means it’s time for pumpkin pickin’, and we’ve got some tips to help you pick the perfect one.

If you plan to carve your pumpkin, choose a pumpkin that feels heavy for its size. That will ensure the rind is thick, which will help your jack-o’-lantern last longer after it has been carved.

If you want to cook or bake your pumpkin, know that jack-o’-lantern pumpkins have a traditional flavor, while squash pumpkins tend to be sweeter and milder.

Many bakers swear by buckskin pumpkins for pie because their bright orange flesh keeps its color when cooked. And don’t be afraid to use your microwave when cooking pumpkins – you can even toast pumpkin seeds in the microwave.

Grapes Aplenty Pick fresh muscadine grapes, watch jelly-making demonstrations, and listen to live music and storytelling at the second annual National Muscadine Festival, slated for Sept. 28 and 29 in Sweetwater. The festivities are held in historic downtown Sweetwater as well as at Tsali Notch, Tennessee’s largest muscadine vineyard, located a few miles from downtown.

The two-day event also includes a 5K race, parade, horse show, barbecue competition, inflatables for the kids, art shows, and a Black Tie & Blue Jeans Dinner at Sweetwater Valley Farm.

For more information, visit www.nationalmuscadinefestival.com.

contents

tnconnections Fall 2012 Edition Managing Editor Blair Thomas Contributing Writers Dr. Sue Hamilton, Roben Mounger, Jessica Mozo Photography Director Jeffrey S. Otto Creative Services Director Christina Carden Senior Photographers Jeff Adkins, Brian McCord Staff Photographers Todd Bennett, Michael Conti Senior Graphic Designers Kacey Passmore, Vikki Williams Proofreading Manager Raven Petty Content Coordinator Rachel Bertone Ad Production Manager Katie Middendorf Ad Traffic Assistants Krystin Lemmon, Patricia Moisan Chairman Greg Thurman President/Publisher Bob Schwartzman Executive Vice President Ray Langen Sr. V.P./Sales Todd Potter Sr. V.P./Operations Casey Hester Sr. V.P./Agribusiness Publishing Kim Holmberg V.P./External Communications Teree Caruthers V.P./Visual Content Mark Forester V.P./Content Operations Natasha Lorens Controller Chris Dudley Integrated Media Manager Robin Robertson Distribution Director Gary Smith Receptionist Linda Bishop Tennessee Connections is published quarterly by Journal Communications Inc. for participating members of the Tennessee Municipal Electric Power Association.

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

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

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

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

©Copyright 2012 Journal Communications Inc. and Tennessee Municipal Electric Power Association. All rights reserved. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without written consent.

ON THE COVER: The annual Pumpkin Harvest Display features more than 70 varieties of pumpkins and gourds and is designed by UT research horticulturists. Staff Photo

8 Features 4 Gorgeous Gourds

Have a field day at the UT Pumpkin Harvest Display

8 A Dogwood for Every Season

Enjoy the trees in your landscape year-round

10 Nourishing Body & Soul

Common Ground Café and Bakery serves up hospitality and healthy meals

12 A Dressing Blessing

tnconnections.com tnconnections Fall 2012

An Official Publication of Your Locally Owned Municipal Electric System

tnconnections.com

Nourishing Body and Soul Pulaski bakery serves up healthy meals and hospitality

Four Seasons of Dogwoods

Enjoy the trees in your landscape year-round

Gorgeous Gourds Celebrate the season at the UT Pumpkin Harvest Display

Fall 2012

A farm’s bounty brings families together around the dinner table

Digital Magazine

Departments

Flip through the pages of the magazine without leaving your laptop.

Print and email articles and instantly link to advertisers.

2 Municipal Power Perspective 3 Tennessee in Focus 14 Fall Activities in Tennessee 17 Connect to Tennessee Products

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municipal power perspective

Building Relationships TMEPA works with legislators on electric system issues

Katie Hitt Director of Government Relations Tennessee Municipal Electric Power Association

As we have mentioned before, our primary objective is to represent the members of TMEPA at the legislature.

We had a successful session this year with the passage of legislation that allows the manager of a municipal system to have a contract. This simply gives stability and a level of security to both the manager and the municipal.

The perennial issues of pole attachments and eminent domain were back, and both have been sent to summer study for review. Pole attachment fees are of great importance to us, and any change has a potential impact on the rates. We believe that pole ownership carries not only great responsibility, but substantial costs that should be equally shared by all who attach to the pole.

While the legislature meets in session for four or five months annually, it does not mean the rest of the year is without activity. This year, state Senate seats in even-numbered districts and all House seats are up for election. The August primary has decided a handful of races, and the remainder will be determined with the general election on Nov. 6.

Throughout August, we traveled the state to meet with TMEPA systems, their staff and board members to talk about the importance of the legislative process and how to be involved. With that grassroots training behind us, our 2

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members are now in the process of meeting with their legislators – inviting them to tour their facilities, have a cup of coffee or visit over lunch at a local spot. These meetings are important because they help foster a relationship between the municipal electric systems and their legislators.

As legislators, these men and women are elected to represent their constituents, and in turn, vote on issues to help their districts. They are overloaded with information and often need a reliable, trustworthy source for information. By building and nurturing relationships outside of session, we hope legislators will remember not just our member systems but also our customers during session. They may call for input on a bill, or we may call them to remind them of the impact a piece of legislation would have on municipal electric systems, which is a vital part of their district.

I have the pleasure and the responsibility as the Director of Government Relations to work for each of you to identify and handle day-to-day issues during the legislative session. That responsibility continues during the summer and fall months in building relationships. TMEPA becomes much stronger with the engagement of our managers and their staff as we work to make TMEPA’s presence more present on the Hill.

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

Tennessee Connections

tn in focus Staff Photo

Renovated barn at Hunter’s Hill Farm in Old Hickory, Tenn.

Fall 2012

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cover story

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Tennessee Connections

Gorgeous

Gourds

Have a field day at the Pumpkin Harvest Display designed by UT horticulturalists

story by Jessica Mozo

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Staff photo

ven if you’ve never heard the term “cucurbit” before, chances are you’ve eaten one, carved one and watched a Charlie Brown television special about a great one.

That’s right, cucurbits are pumpkins – and any other plants of the gourd family, including zucchini, cucumbers and melons.

But it’s the fall varieties – winter squash, gourds and, naturally, pumpkins – that draw hundreds of visitors to the University of Tennessee’s West Tennessee AgResearch & Education Center’s annual Pumpkin Field Day. During the afternoon event, pumpkin growers can learn how to

Fall 2012

keep bugs, weeds and mildew off their crops, learn about marketing opportunities for small farms, and discover pumpkin varieties far beyond your average jack-o’-lantern.

In fact, visitors can view more than 70 varieties of these fall favorites in Jackson while touring the annual Pumpkin Harvest Display, the highlight of the field day.

We’re not talking your average autumn decorative porch display.

A whopping 5,000 pumpkins, squash and gourds dot the complex in elaborate scenes, thanks to UT horticulturalist Jason Reeves, who is so widely lauded for both his research and

The Pumpkin Harvest Display at UT’s West Tennessee Research and Education Center, features more than 70 varieties of pumpkins and gourds and is designed by research horticulturists. tnconnections.com

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Staff photos

Every October pumpkin enthusiasts from across the state gather at UT’s West Tennessee Research & Education Center in Jackson for Pumpkin Field Day, where they can view the Pumpkin Harvest Display and learn more about the cucurbits.

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Tennessee Connections

displays that he might as well be known as the pumpkin king.

Reeves and his team grow 80 to 90 cultivars on two acres at the center, with names like Tennessee Dancing Gourd, Caveman’s Club, Knucklehead, Bumpkin, Fairytale and Red Warty Thing. Reeves then creates intricate designs of greens, yellows, oranges and whites: a river of miniature pumpkins; a pumpkin house with cornhusk décor; long, skinny, snakelike green gourds; and giant pumpkins that could serve as Cinderella’s carriage. It’s something you have to see to believe.

In addition, the field day features informative sessions on pumpkin production tailored to commercial scale growers. These sessions provide producers with the latest information on varieties, pest control, marketing tips and alternative production methods.

Homeowners who want to grow pumpkins just for fun can attend less rigorous pumpkin production

Fall 2012

workshops detailing the steps to harvesting a good pumpkin crop.

This general overview class is perfect for first-time growers who simply want to stock their pantry with pumpkins or decorate their home for fall.

Visitors can also attend an hourly UT Extension Kitchen Divas cooking class featuring pumpkin and squash recipes.

If you want tips from the experts for growing your own pumpkins, be sure to come to the Pumpkin Field Day on Thursday, Sept. 27 from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. However, Reeves’ hard work remains visible to the public through the end of November at the West Tennessee AgResearch & Education Center grounds in Jackson, which are open to the public seven days a week from sunrise to sunset.

Learn more by calling (731) 424-1643 or visiting http://west.tennessee.edu.

Pumpkin Field Day is a free event.

The Pumpkin Harvest Display in Jackson includes Orange Minikin pumpkins.

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feature

A DOGWOOD FOR Enjoy the trees in your landscape year-round

story by Dr. Sue Hamilton

T

he flowering dogwood is not the only tree in the woods.

As many as 50 species of shrubs and trees claim the name dogwood, and the variety provides plenty of good choices for a showy dogwood in your landscape during each season.

Fall

Most dogwood species have showy fall foliage, but the twig dogwoods are especially colorful starting in fall and lasting through winter. As they lose their autumn foliage, these dogwoods show off their striking bark. Red is the most common color, but some hybrids have bark colored yellow, orange and amber.

Spring

The familiar Flowering Dogwood, Cornus florida, is probably the most prized of all dogwoods due to its large and showy spring blooms.

Native to our forests, this once common tree has been threatened by disease, which has decimated some populations. In cultivated landscapes, however, it can thrive, and the small, deciduous tree typically grows 15 to 30 feet tall.

Many cultivars exist ranging

in flower color of white, blush pink, deep pink to rosy red.

Summer

Cornus alternifolia or the Pagoda Dogwood is especially striking in early summer when its layered branches are covered with small, creamy white fragrant flowers. Small, round fruits ripen to a deep bluepurple in late summer. The Pagoda Dogwood typically grows to 30 feet tall with a canopy spread just as wide.

Dogwood Festival

Winter

Fall 2012

Staff photo

Japanese Cornel Dogwood is a beautiful winter-flowering tree that is underused in the landscape.

Cornus officinalis usually grows as a large, spreading, multistemmed, deciduous shrub to a small tree up to 15 to 25 feet tall. In late January into February, small but showy clusters of yellow flowers appear. tnconnections.com

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feature

Nourishing Body & Soul Common Ground CafĂŠ and Bakery serves up hospitality and healthy meals

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Tennessee Connections

story by Jessica Mozo

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iles County restaurants put homespun hospitality first on the menu.

One of the area’s most unique eateries is Common Ground Café and Bakery, a delightfully comfy café serving baked goods, sandwiches, salads, desserts and daily specials such as lasagna, quiche and chicken potpie. Locals also love the Hibiscus Lime Tea and appreciate the café’s healthy offerings, some of which are 100 percent organic.

The café is housed in a historic home with a pleasant tea room atmosphere. Visitors are greeted warmly, served wholesome food for a fair price, and invited to stay and converse as long as they wish.

“The idea was to create a gathering place where people can come in and find common ground, have social time and interact with other people of all races, all ages, rich and poor,” says Daniel Wright, one of the owners. “The most important thing is to be friendly to people and give them hospitality and hope.”

One thing Common Ground is known for is freshly baked breads with hearty, robust European tastes and textures. The owners even sell their distinctive breads at the Nashville Farmers Market on Fridays, along with seasonal pies.

Wright and the other owners of Common Ground are members of the Twelve Tribes Commonwealth of Israel, a religious group that established a community in Pulaski.

Twelve Tribes members dress simply, live communally under a strict interpretation of the Bible and work together in self-sustaining

Fall 2012

In fall 2012, however, the café and bakery will change its name to The Yellow Deli and be open 24-hours from Sunday at noon through Friday at 3 p.m. (closed Saturday). The name change will align Common Ground with other Twelve Tribes cafés in Chattanooga, Vermont, New York, Colorado, California and Canada, which are also called The Yellow Deli. The menu will remain mostly the same with a few minor changes.

To learn more, visit www.yellowdeli.com.

Staff photos

Heritage House Cafe and Common Ground Bakery is located at 219 South Third Street, near downtown Pulaski.

businesses such as Common Ground. Begun in Chattanooga in 1973, Twelve Tribes communities and Common Ground cafés can now be found as far afield as Europe, Australia and South America.

Common Ground is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and it closes for the weekend at 3 p.m. on Fridays, so the member employees can observe Sabbath.

“We don’t want to get so busy we don’t have time to be social,” Wright says. “We feel there’s more to life than getting rich.”

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taste of tn

A Dressing

Blessing Families come together around the dinner table

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

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

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staff photo

About the Author

Tennessee Connections

story by Roben Mounger

L

ast year, my daughter’s mother-in-law (to-be) and I were discussing our children’s upcoming church wedding ceremony. I waxed contrast, as I understood it – my heritage, First Presbyterian (USA) and hers, Church of Christ.

Then she said with a musical voice as cleansing as water, “You know the older I get, whatever church I visit, I see the ways that we are alike.” Gulp. I pled my case for stunted growth and learned that humble pie tastes like heaven.

Around the dinner table, my family of origin processed topics in the name of contrast, pointing out striking differences among people, subtly edging our uncertain selves to the forefront. After all as Americans, we assure each other that we are nothing, if not right.

These assumptions can leave us armed against enrichment.

With a new outlook last spring, I sought my place in Shady Grove, Tenn., on a hilltop at Bountiful Blessing Farm for the wedding of my CSA farmers’ daughter, Caroline Dysinger and their farm intern, David Collins. Soon after the wedding, they began their own organic farm requesting tools through a gift registry.

The day was sparkly and the congregation made their way through the clear air over a wellworn path in a wood that opened onto a meadow. With Snow White-like images of flowers, birds and animals, the setting honored a favored ceremony hymn – For the Beauty of the Earth.

Fall 2012

As Seven Day Adventists, the Dysingers elevate personal health as a gift from God to be nurtured.

By growing food in harmony with nature’s rhythms, their mission is enlivened in homes of their CSA members.

A part of their extended family, we have been recipients of their winter produce since 1998. Along the way, they gave us the goods to overcome the saddest of routines – lifeless iceberg salad concoctions, adorned with out-of-season tomatoes.

After the ceremony, the young couple celebrated each attendee, row by row, until they had spoken with and hugged each person. The Dysingers then shared their good fortune with the invitees by tables laden with the farm’s bounty, including a variety of salad greens and the first strawberries of the season.

We laughed. We cried. We reminisced, and certainly, we were fed. We collectively understood that we were one in the presence of love.

So simple an outcome yet seemingly a daily challenge in a culture that has learned to process experience by highlighting the differences.

The resulting euphoria from the wedding triggered a 1984 episode of lasting personal impact. After viewing the movie, Places in the Heart, I sobbed, not in grief, but in unadulterated joy. The final act, resolved of character struggle, portrayed the God given light that infiltrated each life, placing us all in a common journey for daily bread and the liquid sunshine that only well-dressed greens can provide.

Dysinger Dressing Void of the usual oil and vinegar, this dressing is rich in antioxidants through the use of garlic and provides excellent fiber enriched by sunflower seeds.

Serve on salads and cooked greens.

1 cup raw sunflower seeds 1 ¼ cups water 5 cloves raw garlic, minced 1 teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon onion powder 2 tablespoons lemon juice Blend until creamy.

Add water if a thinner dressing is desired.

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events

Cotton Field Day – Sept. 5, Jackson

Fall in Tennessee Festivals, celebrations, activities and more

UT AgResearch will host a field day and cotton tour beginning at 8 a.m. at the West Tennessee Research & Education Center in Jackson. CONTACT: 731-425-4768, westtennessee.tennessee.edu

Southern Heritage Classic – Sept. 6-9, Memphis A football match-up between Tennessee State University and Jackson State University preceded by fun events. CONTACT: 901-398-6655, southernheritageclassic.com

30th annual Smoky Mountain Fiddlers Convention – Sept.7-8, Loudon Festival will be held rain or shine in Historic Downtown Loudon at Legion Field. Over $5,000 in prize money. CONTACT: 865-986-6822, smokymtnfiddlers.com

25th Annual Pioneer Power Days – Sept. 7-9, Eagleville An antique tractor pull and gas engine show featuring a skillet throw, live music, and more. CONTACT: 615-542-5656, eaglevilletvppa.com

Tennessee State Fair – Sept. 7-16, Nashville This year’s fair, themed “Pick Tennessee State Fair,” will showcase the culture and promise of the entire state of Tennessee.

CONTACT: 615-852-8997, tennesseestatefair.org

Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion – Sept. 14-16, Bristol The Tennessee State Fair is Sept. 7-16 in Nashville and will showcase Tennessee agriculture.

This listing includes a selection of events of statewide interest scheduled in September, October and November as provided by the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development.

To include your local events in our listing, please contact them at www.tnvacation.com.

Due to space constraints, we are unable to list all of the events provided or accept unsolicited events. However, you can find additional information and events at the department’s website.

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

SEPTEMBER

One of the most prestigious and longestrunning celebrations of the arts featuring various music artists and performers from across the nation. CONTACT: 615-891-4944, nationalfolkfestival.com

Two days and five stages of the best music, art, crafts, cooks, heritage talkers and storytellers the Memphis/Mid-South region has to offer. CONTACT: 901-543-5310, southernfolklore.com

Boomsday Festival – Sept. 2, Knoxville

Memphis Music & Heritage Festival – Sept. 1-2, Memphis

National Folk Festival – Sept. 1-3, Nashville 14

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Largest Labor Day weekend fireworks display in the nation includes games, children’s activities, food, beverages and live entertainment. CONTACT: 800-727-8045, boomsday.org

Brings quality national, regional and local music to Bristol, the “Birthplace of Country Music,” in honor of its musical heritage and culture. CONTACT: 423-573-4898, bristolrhythm.com

Step Back in Time Festival – Sept. 14-15, Chapel Hill A two-day festival celebrating Tennessee’s history that features arts and crafts, expert demonstrators, food, and more. CONTACT: 931-364-2222

Armstrong Pie Festival & Great Bed Race – Sept. 15-16, Linden A two-day festival in Perry County featuring a pie-eating contest, pie cook-off, and a bed race to celebrate the Armstrong pie.

CONTACT: 931-589-2453, chamber. perrycountytennessee.com

African Street Festival – Sept. 16-18, Jackson This event promotes African culture awareness with entertainment, workshops, educational seminars and more. CONTACT: 731-267-3212, saaca.com Tennessee Connections

Eye Full of Paris Weekend – Sept. 21-23, Paris This celebration of the arts includes three full days of visual and performing arts in a variety of venues. CONTACT: 731-642-9271, visitdowntownparis.com

Heritage Day with Arts & Crafts – Sept. 22, Covington A time-honored tradition with live music, good food, an abundance of arts and crafts, and more. CONTACT: 901-476-9727, covington-tiptoncochamber.com

Buggin’ for a Cure VW Car Show – Sept. 22-23, Greeneville An annual event benefitting the ACS Relay for Life that features all VW cars with local vendors, food, and entertainment. CONTACT: 423-638-4111

Pumpkin Field Day – Sept. 27, Jackson UT AgResearch will host a field day at the West Tennessee Research & Education Center featuring workshops for pumpkin growers and the impressive harvest display of 80 to 90 varieties of pumpkins and gourds.

The field day begins at 1 p.m., but the pumpkins will be on display through Nov. 27.

CONTACT: 731-425-4768, westtennessee.tennessee.edu

Louie Bluie Festival – Sept. 29, Caryville This all-day, family-fun festival is named in honor of Howard “Louie Bluie” Armstrong (1909-2003), who grew up in LaFollette in the 1920s and became one of the nation’s finest string-band musicians. Features three stages of music including traditional old-time, blues, gospel and more. CONTACT: 423-566-0329, louiebluie.org

Sardis Antique Farm & Home Show – Sept. 29, Sardis This annual free event is held at the Sardis City Park and features antique tractors, engines, cars and trucks, along with anything from farming’s past. CONTACT: 731-858-2159

OCTOBER

40th Annual World’s Oldest Barbeque Cooking Contest – Oct. 4-6, Covington Bring the whole family to this annual festival where you’ll enjoy live music, tractor pulls, mechanical bull riding, and of course, barbeque! CONTACT: 901-476-9727, covingtontn.com/bbq.htm

Rock & Road Relay Marathon – Oct. 5-6, Nashville This 2nd annual marathon held in conjunction with the Crazy Owl Marathon, Fall 2012

a 5K and 1-mile foot race benefits the Friends Of Warner Park, a 2,684-acre oasis nine miles outside of town.

CONTACT: 615-541-9890, rockandroadmarathon.racesonline.com

Unicoi County Apple Festival – Oct. 5-6, Erwin Vendors, crafts, a children’s area and entertainment. CONTACT: 423-743-3000, unicoicounty.org

40th Annual National Storytelling Festival– Oct. 5-7, Jonesborough This three-day event features compelling performances by internationally-known professional tellers. CONTACT: 800-952-8392, storytellingcenter.net

Reelfoot Arts & Crafts Festival – Oct. 5-7 Reelfoot Lake, Tiptonville Voted the No. 1 craft show in Tennessee with 300 plus exhibitors. Free admission and toe tapping old time style musical entertainment.

CONTACT: 731-885-7295, reelfootartsandcrafts.com

15th Annual Liberty Square Celebration & Lester Flatt Memorial Bluegrass Day – Oct. 6, Sparta Features a full day of music, crafts, food, games, truck and car show and much more.

Visitors from across the country come to pay tribute to bluegrass legend Lester. CONTACT: 931-836-3248, sparta-chamber.net

Memphis Music & Heritage Festival – Sept. 1-2, Memphis Two days and five stages of the best music, art, crafts, cooks, heritage talkers and storytellers the Memphis/Mid-South region has to offer. CONTACT: 901-543-5310, southernfolklore.com

Annual Union County Heritage Festival – Oct. 6-8, Maynardville Located at Wilson Park and the Roy Acuff Museum. Live country, bluegrass, and gospel music. Art, crafts, and quilt show. Free Admission. CONTACT: 865-679-7071, unioncountyheritagefestival.org

Culture Fest – Oct. 7, Chattanooga Celebrate diversity through performances, children’s events food and art. CONTACT: 800-267-4232, artsedcouncil.org

Northeast Tennessee Beef Expo – Oct. 11, Greeneville Registration begins at 7 a.m. at the UT Research and Education Center in Greeneville for this opportunity to learn from Extension specialists, industry leaders and researchers about new methods and techniques that can help beef farmers achieve a more efficient and profitable operation. CONTACT: 423-638-6532, agriculture.utk.edu

Goats, Music & More Festival – Oct. 12-13, Rock Creek Park, Lewisburg Features concerts, fainting goat shows, barbecue cook-off, games, food, entertainment and more. CONTACT: 931-359-1544, goatsmusicandmore.com

Ames Heritage Festival – Oct. 13, Grand Junction Visit Ames Plantation for a fun-filled and educational day for the entire family celebrating the exciting cultural heritage of Tennessee. CONTACT: 901-878-1067, amesplantation.org

7th Annual History Hayride – Oct. 13, Silver Point

Crafts festival, entertainment, parade, car and motorcycle show and the weigh-off of giant pumpkins for world record consideration. CONTACT: 800-327-3945, allardtpumpkinfestival.com

Sponsored by Friends of Edgar Evins State Park and park employees, Silver Point is located between Cookeville and Smithville.

Ride on hay wagons back to the olden days with several stops along the way where costumed re-enactors will tell about past events and people of the area. CONTACT: 800-250-8619, foeesp.ne1.net

Art in the Park – Oct. 6, Kingston Springs

14th Annual Fall Folklore Jamboree – Oct. 20, Milan

Allardt Great Pumpkin Festival & Weigh Off – Oct. 6, Allardt

Stroll along the Harpeth River to see an impressive showcase of artists, artisans, and musicians. You can even vote for your favorite in the “People’s Choice” Award.

CONTACT: 615-952-5295

National Banana Pudding Festival – Oct. 6, Centerville Come celebrate the ultimate southern treat – Banana Pudding. Enjoy a fun-filled day of entertainment where the nation’s banana pudding champion will be crowned. This festival has been named a Southeast Tourism Society Top 20 Event. CONTACT: 931-994-6273, www.bananapuddingfest.org

Over 100 traditional folk artists, local bluegrass and gospel groups. Demonstration traditional skills such as soap making, black smithing, weaving, quilting and more.

CONTACT: 731-686-8067, milan.tennessee.edu

Biomass: From Grow to Go – Oct. 24-25, Vonore Last year’s biomass field day hosted more than 1,000 interested farmers, business representatives and students over the course of two days to learn from experts that cover the entire scope of biomass to energy.

CONTACT: 615-835-4570, agriculture.utk.edu tnconnections.com

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36th Annual Mountain Makins Festival – Oct. 26-28, Morristown The historic 1892 Rose Center is filled with juried fine arts and crafts, plus enjoy live music, dancing, storytelling, children’s activities, food and expert demonstrations of time-honored traditions. Named a Top 20 event by the Southeast Tourism Society.

CONTACT: 423-581-4330, rosecenter.org

Del Rio Days Fall Color Festival – Oct. 27-28, Del Rio The two-day festival features helicopter rides over the peak fall foliage in the mountains, bluegrass music, an auction on Saturday, crafts, local foods and a car show, as well as the Del Rio Song Contest on Sunday at 2 p.m. CONTACT: 423-487-3161, delriosongcontest.com

Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational Barbecue – Oct. 27, Lynchburg This event has been called the most prestigious barbecue competition in the world. A unique event not to be missed!

CONTACT: 931-759-6332, jackdaniels.com

Zoo Boo – TBD , Memphis The Zoo’s most spooktacular event returns with more activities than ever! Enjoy old

favorites like the Costume Contest and Dracula’s Disco, and take on the Rock Wall, one of our new activities. Get your costume and get ready for the best Halloween event of the year. CONTACT: 901-543-5310, memphiszoo.org

NOVEMBER

Annual Pontoon Boat Color Cruise on Center Hill Lake – Nov. 3-8, Silver Point Sponsored by Friends of Edgar Evins State Park and park employees, ride pontoon boats from marinas at Edgar Evins State Park on an approximately 1-2 hour color cruise on beautiful Center Hill Lake. See homes of the rich and famous, maybe spot local landmarks like the old potato cave.

CONTACT: 800-250-8619, foeesp.ne1.net

Smoky Mountain Winterfest – Nov. 6-Feb. 28, Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge & Sevierville The gateway towns to the Smokies turn into a winter wonderland with more than 5 million light displays and special events. CONTACT: 800-568-4748, gatlinburg.com; 800-2519100, mypigeonforge.com; 888-766-5948, visitsevierville.com

Annual Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas – Nov. 10-Dec. 30, Pigeon Forge The Smoky Mountains’ family Christmas destination features more than four million lights, fun rides and tractions, plus awardwinning holiday shows. CONTACT: 800-DOLLYWOOD, dollywood.com

Gaylord Opryland’s “A Country Christmas” – Nov. 16-Dec. 25, Nashville Sensational decorations, entertainment and some of the most delectable food anywhere.

Features the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, ICE!, and more. CONTACT: 888-OPRY-872, gaylordopryland.com

Deck the Falls – Nov. 22-Jan.1, Chattanooga Celebrate the holidays 1,120 feet underground at Ruby Falls with holiday music, a light show and more festivities.

CONTACT: 423-821-2544, rubyfalls.com

Christmas at Graceland – November through January, Memphis See traditional lights and decorations, a life-size Nativity scene, Santa and much more originally displayed by Elvis. CONTACT: 800-238-2000, elvis.com

Speedway in Lights – November – January, Bristol Tour this stunning display of more than 1 million lights and hundreds of displays by car. Or make a reservation to bring your group through by bus. CONTACT: 423-989-6933, bristolmotorspeedway.com

Green Travel Tips

1

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

2

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

3

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

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Tennessee Connections

connect to tn products

Statewide roundup of favorite finds Sweet as Honey Everyone knows honey tastes sweet, but did you know it smells delicious too? Honey Rock Herb Farm in Blount County makes honey-scented beeswax candles, among other gifts, and sells them in a quaint Herb Cottage on the property.

The Louisville operation is run by husband-and-wife team Jim and D. Brown, and they are celebrating 25 years in business.

Visitors to the herb farm can walk through the greenhouse and gardens and shop in the Herb Cottage for candles, honey, wreaths, herbs and more. The couple also sells beeswax by the ounce or by the pound, which can be used in handmade lip balms and lotions.

For more information, call (865) 984-0954 or visit www.honeyrockherbfarm.com.

Woven & Spun

Farm-Inspired Art

When Phillip and Roxane Whisnant of Cookeville acquired their first alpacas from California in 2000, they began exploring ways to create products from their beautiful fleece. Roxane spent three years studying weaving, design and art at Smithville’s Appalachian Center for Craft, and in 2003, Kush Kuntry Alpacas & Handwoven Designs was born.

With the help of her two daughters, Suzanne and Kaylen, Roxane creates heirloom quality handwoven scarves, baby blankets and other gifts from their handspun alpaca yarns. They also offer raw alpaca fleece, handspun yarn and private weaving lessons. Contact Kush Kuntry Alpacas & Handwoven Designs at (931) 537-3137 or visit www.kushkuntryalpacas.com.

Get a head start on your holiday shopping at Still Hollow Farm, located nine miles southwest of Greeneville. Designated a Tennessee Century Farm, Still Hollow Farm sits on 180 acres of land that has been continuously owned and operated by the Allen and Birdwell families since 1857.

The picturesque farmstead’s 150-year-old granary has been transformed into The Farmer’s Wife gift shop, a country store that showcases farm-inspired home decor crafted by local artists. The shop also specializes in wrought iron for the home and garden and carries freshwater shrimp in season. It is open most days from April through November, but owners recommend calling ahead to confirm hours.

Contact Still Hollow Farm at (423) 638-3967 or visit www.stillhollowfarm.com.

Fall 2012

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Fall Energy-Saving Tips

Keep costs down this fall with these easy steps ■ Insulate:

•

Wrap a water-heater blanket around your water heater and insulate water pipes. This keeps your hot water hot, which can add up to big savings as it takes about 14 percent of your overall utility bill to provide hot water.

•

Check your attic. Since warm air rises, you want to be sure it is adequately insulated. You’ll know it needs more insulation if you can see your ceiling joists.

•

Bundle up! Lower the temperature in your home and put on an extra layer. You save about 2 percent off your heating bill for every degree you lower your thermostat.

■ Minimize heat loss:

• Seal leaks around doors, windows and electrical outlets to ensure that your warm air is staying in and the cool air is keeping out.

• Install foam gaskets behind electrical outlets, light switches and lighting fixtures to reduce heat loss, or install plastic security caps.

• For those with single-pane windows, add storm windows and slice your heat loss by as much as 50 percent.

■ Save in the kitchen:

• Use glass or ceramic pans when cooking in an oven. Your food cooks just as quickly and

you can reduce the cooking temperature by 25 degrees.

•

Make sure your refrigerator door closes tightly.

To check, put a dollar bill in the door as you close it. If it doesn’t hold securely, replace the seal.

• Compost instead of using the garbage disposal and save gallons of water – and money!