Fall 2009, Tennessee Connections

tnconnections fall 2009

An Official Publication of Your Locally Owned Municipal Electric System

tnconnections.com

A Cup of Comfort Warm up with cozy fall drinks

5 Minutes of Caring Saving energy can be fun for kids

Going Global Halls collector has the world at his fingertips What’s Online VIDEO OF COLLECTOR’S UNIQUE MAP SHOP

traveler’s

almanac Travel tips and fun finds off the beaten path

ALL ABOARD! In the 1930s, the U.S. Government established the city of Oak Ridge as one of three top-secret sites that developed materials for the Manhattan Project during World War II. But the secret’s out, and visitors can get the scoop aboard the Southern Appalachia Railway Museum’s Secret City Scenic Excursion Train, pulled by a 1950s diesel locomotive.

The historic train ride passes through a former secret atomic facility and chugs through beautiful rolling hills.

Call the Southern Appalachia Railway Museum at (865) 241-2140 for tour information.

WATCH FOR FALLING WATER Looking for a scenic fall hike? Head to Maury County and Stillhouse Hollow Falls, which opened to the public in June 2006. Located just off U.S. Highway 43, south of Mount Pleasant, the 90-acre state natural area is named for its most significant feature, a 75-foot waterfall that cascades into a moss and fern-covered bowl formation.

The 2/3-mile Stillhouse Hollow Falls trail leads from a parking area to the top of the falls and showcases the greenery on the steep slopes of the surrounding hollow. A carpet of wildflowers covers the ground, and the trees are ablaze with color during the fall season.

Visit www.state.tn.us/environment/na/natareas/stillhouse/ for more information.

BETTER HURRY TO FAST MAC’S Mac Sutton says his bustling Obion barbecue joint is basically a little hole in the wall, but folks drive 100 miles or more to savor the flavor of his unique, wood-fired barbecue.

“On Friday nights, we serve rib-eye steaks, all you can eat,” he says. “They’re cooked different from anywhere else – over an open, cherry and pecan all-wood fire.”

On Saturdays, the buffet features baby-back ribs, tenderloin, barbecue chicken, barbecue bologna and barbecue pork.

Sutton’s signature jalapeno hash browns and chocolate cobbler are customer favorites.

The restaurant, at 6380 Bud Barker Road, is open Thursday through Saturday, 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Call (731) 538-3676.

table of contents

tnconnections Fall 2009 Edition

FEATURES

Editor Rebecca Denton Contributing Writers Carol Cowan, Jessica Mozo Creative Director Keith Harris Photography Director Jeffrey S. Otto

Going Global

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Halls collector Murray Hudson has the world at his fingertips.

Senior Photographer Brian McCord Staff Photographers Jeff Adkins, Todd Bennett, Antony Boshier, Ian Curcio, J. Kyle Keener Photography Project Manager Anne Whitlow Production Project Managers Melissa Bracewell, Katie Middendorf, Jill Wyatt Sr. Graphic Designers Laura Gallagher, Candice Sweet, Vikki Williams Graphic Designers Jessica Manner, Marcus Snyder Ad Traffic Marcia Millar, Patricia Moisan, Raven Petty

A Passion for the Past

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Retired fire chief rescues Bedford County artifacts from the embers.

5 Minutes of Caring

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Learning to save energy can be easy and fun for kids.

A Cup of Comfort

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Cozy up with warm drinks as cooler days move in.

Additional photography courtesy of Tennessee State Photo Services Sr. V.P./Sales Carla H. Thurman Sr. V.P./Operations Casey E. Hester V.P./Editorial Director Teree Caruthers

DEPARTMENTS Municipal Power Perspective

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V.P./Visual Content Mark Forester V.P./Custom Publishing Kim Newsom

Vistas

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Fall Activities in Tennessee

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Connect to Tennessee Products

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Production Director Natasha Lorens Associate Production Director Christina Carden Controller Chris Dudley Advertising Sales Manager, Custom Division Beth Murphy Integrated Media Manager Robin Robertson Distribution Director Gary Smith

online contents | tnconnections.com

Accounting Moriah Domby, Diana Guzman, Maria McFarland, Lisa Owens Office Manager Shelly Grissom 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.

Watch a Video Check out Uncle Lester and his dancing shoes or take a virtual ride on a miniature train in our online video gallery.

Find a Recipe Print or e-mail a recipe from our online recipe file.

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

Enter a Contest Find entry forms and rules for contests, sweepstakes and other special promotions.

Executive Director Mike Vinson

Browse the Archives View past stories, photos and magazine covers in our online archives.

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

ŠCopyright 2009 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.

tnconnections

table of contents

nnec neecctio ctio tion on tnconnections Fall 2009 Edition

FEATURES

Editor Rebecca Denton

Contributing Writers Carol Cowan, Jessica Mozo

Going Global

Creative Director Keith Harris

Halls collector Murray Hudson has the world at h his is fifingertips ngertips

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Virtual Magazine

Photography Director Jeffrey S. Otto

An Official Publication ica atio on ooff Y Your Local Locally lly Owned ed d Mu M Mun Municipal unicipal ic c Electric Electri ctric c System fall 2007 Senior Photographer Brian McCord

ON THE COVER:

A Passion for the Past

Staff Photographers Jeff Adkins, Todd Bennett, Antony Boshier, Ian Curcio, J. Kyle Keener

Ad Traffic Marcia Millar, Patricia Moisan, Raven Petty

5 Minutes of Caring

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Learning to save energy can be easy and fun for kid kids. ds.

AC Cup Cu up up of Comf Co Com C oom omf mff m Comfort

A Cup of Comfort

Sr. V.P./Sales Carla H. Thurman

Production Director Natasha Lorens Associate Production Director Christina Carden

Municipal Power Perspective Vistas

Integrated Media Manager Robin Robertson

Office Manager Shelly Grissom 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

3 12 14

5M Minut Min Minutes Minute Minu iin inute nut nu n u ut ute te of of Caring C Ca Car Carin ari arin ar a rrin in in

Connect to Tennessee Products

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Energy-Saving Tips for Fall

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Distribution Director Gary Smith Accounting Moriah Domby, Diana Guzman, Maria McFarland, Lisa Owens

Warm War W arrm arm a rm u up p with co cozy c ozy o oz zzyy fall fa fa fal all ll drinks dr dr

Summer Activities in Tennessee

Controller Chris Dudley Advertising Sales Manager, Custom Division Beth Murphy

Going Global

Fall 2009

DEPARTMENTS

Sr. V.P./Operations Casey E. Hester V.P./Editorial Director Teree Caruthers V.P./Visual Content Mark Forester

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Cozy up with warm drinks as cooler days move in.

Additional photography courtesy of Tennessee State Photo Services

Murray Hudson’s globe collection Staff Photo

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Retired fire chief rescues Bedford County artifacts rom the embers embers. s. tnconnections.com tnconnec nconnec necctss ffrom

Photography Project Manager Anne Whitlow Sr. Graphic Designers Laura Gallagher, Candice Sweet, Vikki Williams Graphic Designers Jessica Manner, Amy Nelson

Saving iin ing ng n g energy en en nerg ne eerg ergy rg gy cca gy can online contentsSSa oa n nss.c com |aavvvitnconnections.com be fun fu fu un n ffor fo orr k o kid ki id id be kids

Watch a Video Check out Uncle Lester and his dancing shoes or or take a virtual ride on a miniature train in our online ne video gallery.

Flip through the pages of the magazine without leaving your laptop. Print and e-mail articles and instantly link to advertisers. tnconnections.com

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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 Systems 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 Town of Somerville Utilities 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

Fall 2009

Get Reimbursed for

Saving Energy MIKE VINSON Executive Director Tennessee Municipal Electric Power Association

Consumers who want to save energy by adding insulation, reflective roofing or installing more energy-efficient windows, doors or heating systems can get the federal government to pay for 30 percent of these home improvements via a federal tax credit authorized by the stimulus bill passed by Congress earlier this year.

Consumers can receive a tax credit of up to $1,500 for efficiency improvements made this year and next year. That means a household that makes $5,000 worth of energy-efficiency improvements by the end of 2010 can get the maximum tax credit of $1,500, or 30 percent of the cost.

Some equipment – notably solar panels and other home energy systems that use renewable energy – qualifies for the same tax credit, but with no upper limit. People who install solar water heaters, solar panels, geothermal heat pumps, small wind systems or fuel cells are eligible for a federal tax credit that will cover 30 percent of the cost of these systems. The systems must be in place by 2016.

For the following types of projects, the installation costs, as well as the cost of the equipment, are covered by the tax credit: HVAC systems, biomass stoves, water heaters, solar panels, heat

pumps, wind energy systems and fuel cells.

Tax credits of between $2,500 and $7,500 are available for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. Tax credits also are available for hybrid vehicles, for both personal use and business use.

Home builders are eligible for a $2,000 tax credit for a new energyefficient home. A tax deduction of up to $1.80 per square foot is available to owners or designers of new or existing commercial buildings that save at least 50 percent of the heating and cooling energy of a building that meets ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2001.

More information about the tax credits is available from the Environmental Protection Agency’s Web site. Get the details at www.energystar.gov/taxcredits.

More information about the Tennessee Municipal Electric Power Association is available at www.tmepa.org.

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WHAT’S ONLINE: Take a video tour of Murray Hudson’s shop and learn more about his unique hobby. Visit tnconnections.com.

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Tennessee Connections

Going

Global Halls collector has the world at his fingertips

Story by JESSICA MOZO

STAFF PHOTO

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ou might say Murray Hudson put the tiny West Tennessee town of Halls on the map.

After all, it surprises most people when they learn that Hudson operates his world-class antiquarian book, map, print and globe shop in a 2,200-square-foot red brick building that used to be the town’s post office. His collection includes more than 30,000 items – 1,600 of which are globes – and dates back as far as the 1530s.

“I’m sort of obsessed with collecting things,” Hudson admits. “I could put on an exhibit of any U.S. state and have over 100 maps.”

Hudson spends most days buried in maps, globes and atlases in his shop, answering calls and e-mails from collectors and buyers as far away as Germany, Australia and Hong Kong.

“I just had a call from Ralph Lauren Polo,” he says.

“They have bought a number of globes to use as décor in their shops.”

Hudson’s name can even be found on the contact list of the map experts at the Library of Congress, home to the world’s largest map collection.

“I get a lot of calls where I just give advice,” he says.

“Many people call wanting to buy gifts for people who are crazy about maps or globes. I also have historical prints of battle scenes, Indian portraits, ships, planes and a lot of Civil War scenes.”

Hudson started his map collection in 1964 while taking graduate courses at Oxford University in England.

He began his career as an English professor at Auburn University and later became a stockbroker.

In the mid-1970s, Hudson moved back home to his

family’s farm in Dyer County, Tenn. It was then that he began seriously collecting American maps. In 1979, Hudson set up his map business out of his Dyer County home.

“It did so well that three years later, I was making a profit,” he says. “Ten years later, I started doing it full time.”

When talking about items in his collection, Hudson describes them as if they were his children – each one loved and unique in its own right. Items in his collection range in value from $25 to $25,000 and up. Of course, there are some he considers priceless.

“There are two or three extraordinary globes,” he says proudly. “One is a needlework globe that was done for a Philadelphia Quaker school in the 1800s.

It’s stuffed with wool and has silk for the earth’s surface, with the continents outlined in needlework.

There are only about five of them in private hands.”

Another globe made in the same time period has the continents drawn and labeled by hand. Still others feature oceans of black and silver instead of the traditional blue.

Even though he’s approaching retirement age, Hudson has no intention of giving up his career.

After all, it means the world to him.

“Curiosity is a major part – I’ve always loved the idea of travel, and I want to know what other countries look like and where they are in relation to one another,” he says wistfully. “I have no thoughts of retiring. I’m enjoying this too much.”

To learn more about Hudson’s shop, visit www.murrayhudson.com or call (800) 748-9946. ■

Murray Hudson’s world-class collection includes more than 30,000 items. His shop has been in the former Halls post office for 20 years.

Fall 2009

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A Passion for the Story by CAROL COWAN Photography by JEFFREY S. OTTO

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Past

Tennessee Connections

Retired fire chief’s eclectic collection documents Bedford County history

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uring 41 years with the fire department – 30 of them as Shelbyville Fire Chief – Garland King amassed enough local historical memorabilia to fill every nook and cranny of several large buildings in downtown Shelbyville.

Since his retirement in 1999, King has reigned as curator of his own Bedford County museum, and he’s more than willing to give visitors the grand tour.

“Everything here is history,” King says, pointing out a pre-Civil War quilt, a 1996 Olympic torch, an old slot machine from the Silver Moon night club, a player piano that belonged to Wayne Newton’s mother, old books, typewriters, cash registers, sheriffs’ badges and murder weapons.

Other items include a jail-cell door, blacksmiths’ tools, dentists’ tools, drug records from the old pharmacy – even the wooden leg of a Confederate soldier who reportedly walked home on it from Chickamauga.

And those barely scratch the surface of King’s collection.

“I’ve got 50 old cars,” King says, referring to the exquisitely restored antique automobiles parked throughout the buildings.

His collection includes 1924 Buick and 1937 Chevrolet sedans, a Model T Ford and several classic

models from the 1950s and 1960s.

A fleet of fire trucks occupies another section, including some antique models and one that’s covered in signatures. King drove that fire truck thousands of miles, stopping at cities and towns all over the state to garner support for the establishment of the Tennessee Fire Service and Codes Enforcement Academy in northern Bedford County. Then he drove the giant “petition” to the state capital to make his point. King’s strategy worked, and the state-of-the-art training facility opened in 2001.

King’s passion for local artifacts started in the early days of his career when the city’s urban renewal plan called for the controlled burning of certain houses. King would go through the structures and rescue any significant items he found. He also photographed and jotted down notes about each house. Index cards for the 535 houses that were burned cover a wall in the museum. Other walls are plastered with old newspaper clippings, license plates and signs. Shelbyville’s first traffic light hangs from the ceiling, and its original street signs line the shelves.

“All my life I’ve kept the old history,” he says. “Just call me anytime and I’ll show you around.”

Call Garland King at (931) 684-5304 to schedule a tour. ■

Garland King has collected enough Bedford County memorabilia to fill several large buildings.

Fall 2009

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5 Minutes

of Caring Try fun, easy ways to help kids go green Story by CAROL COWAN Photography by JEFFREY S. OTTO

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hildren are never too young to learn how to conserve energy and care for the environment. But let’s face it – sometimes parents could use a little help coming up with fun and effective ways to reinforce green behavior.

Enter www.CoolMomsCare.org.

Started by Nashville mother Michelle Andrade, www.CoolMomsCare.org (a sister site of www.CoolPeopleCare.org) is an online community for parents and kids who want to make a difference.

Daily posts feature helpful, doable tips and ideas for activities that can be accomplished in short blocks of time – from saving water while you brush your teeth to recycling, composting and catching water in rain barrels. Posts are archived by topic so busy parents can find information easily.

“At CoolMomsCare.org, we know time is the most valuable commodity of the 21st century, and that goes double for parents,” says Malinda Moseley, organizer, planner and editor of the site. “So we keep our daily posts short and sweet. We call them ‘Five Minutes of Caring.’”

Moseley says the best way to get kids on board is to set the example.

“My 4-year-old has been helping sort our recycling since she was 2,” she says. “As she has grown, she has enjoyed learning more about what recycling is and why we do it.”

If you’re just getting started, let the kids decorate or make labels for recycling bins.

Then make a game out of scouring the house for recyclables. When you visit the grocery Fall 2009

store, bring along your reusable bags.

Turning off the lights when whe h n you leave a room, unplugging electronics aren’t lug uggi g ng n ele ect c roni n cs that ar ren’t in use and being eing ei ng mindful min i df d ul of of water w teer usage ar wa are also good habits bits bi ts to start sttart forming form fo rmin ingg early.

Accordingg to the he EPA, EPA PA,, turning turn tu rnin ingg off the t e th tap while you teeth save u brush b us br ush h your y ur yo u tee eeth th ccan an ssav avee up to 3,000 gallons off water per person water er p er p per erso son n per year.

“As children grow, can ren gro r w, w they ca an take part in more morre things, such h aass planting a tree ee in the backyard d in honor of Ar Arbor rbo b r Day,” Mosely says.

And a growing ow win ingg number of organizationss – including Moseley’s ose s ley’ y’ss – advocate turning urning n off the television sion n and making time for unstructured ured play outdoors, s, where children en can cultivate a lo love v of nature and da sense of responsibility ons nsib ibil i it ityy for the earth.. ■

WHAT’S ONLINE: For more green ideas and activities for kids, check out these sites: www.coolmomscare.org, www.epa.gov/kids, www.energystar.gov, www.greenhour.org, www.kidsgardening.org.

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A Cozy Cup of

Comfort Try traditional fall drinks with a twist Story by REBECCA DENTON Photography by BRIAN McCORD

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Tennessee Connections

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s the brisk, crisp days of fall move in, there’s nothing quite as cozy as curling up with a mug of hot chocolate, tea or cider.

Our caramel apple cider is rich and sweet, and it can be made with ingredients you may already have on hand. Spiced tea is an aromatic fall favorite, and Mexican hot chocolate offers a spicy variation on the classic.

Perfect for a holiday party or after-dinner treat, these tasty drinks welcome the new season in style. ■

CARAMEL APPLE CIDER Ingredients: 1/4 cup heavy cream 1/4 cup brown sugar 3 cups apple cider 1/2 cup water

HOT SPICED TEA Ingredients: 5 cinnamon sticks 1 tablespoon sliced ginger 2 cloves, buds removed 1 cup of fresh stevia leaves 8 black tea bags 5 oranges 5 lemons Directions: Bring 1 cup of water to a boil in a large pot. Add cinnamon sticks, spices and stevia. Remove from heat. Let sit for at least 15 minutes. Strain and transfer to a pitcher. Boil 8 cups of water. Remove from heat, and steep tea bags. Remove bags. Juice the lemons and oranges.

Before serving, add the spice-infused water and lemon/orange juice to the tea and heat, but try not to let it boil.

Whipped cream topping: 1/2 cup heavy cream 1 tablespoon brown sugar Cider directions: Combine cream and brown sugar in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Add the cider and water. Stir and raise the heat to medium-high. Heat only until the cider starts to steam (about 4 minutes), stirring almost continually.

Whipped cream directions: Chill a bowl and beaters for easier whipping. Whip the heavy cream and brown sugar together until soft peaks form.

Ladle caramel apple cider into mugs and top with about 2 tablespoons of whipped cream.

Makes 4 servings.

Fall 2009

MEXICAN HOT CHOCOLATE Ingredients: 4 cups whole milk 1 1/3 cups (8 ounces) chocolate chips 2 tablespoons sugar 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon chile powder 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon Pinch of salt Directions: In a large saucepan, combine all the ingredients and 1 cup water over medium heat, whisking constantly until hot but not boiling, about 8 minutes (the mixture should smooth). tnconnections.com

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vistas

Floating leaf at Discovery Center at Murfree Spring in Murfreesboro Photo by J. Kyle Keener

fall activities in tennessee This listing includes events of statewide interest scheduled in September, October and November as provided by the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. Dates were accurate at press time but are subject to change; please call the contact listed before traveling long distances to attend.

Midway rides, animal and variety shows, live stage presentations, livestock, agricultural and craft competitions, game booths and more. CONTACT: (615) 862-8980, www.tennesseestatefair.org

Additional information on Tennessee events is also available online through the department’s Web site, tnvacation.com.

SEPTEMBER 12 CHARLOTTE FESTIVAL Charlotte Historic Square, Charlotte – A fun day filled with a variety of music, delicious food, children’s activities and more. Come and experience a relaxing hometown event.

CONTACT: (615) 789-4184

SEPTEMBER 12 WINGS OF FREEDOM FISH FRY Smyrna Airport, Smyrna – Features live music, dancing, plenty of good food and flight aircraft. CONTACT: (615) 459-2651, www.rotaryofsmyrna.org

SEPTEMBER 18-19 BELL WITCH BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL Old Bell School Grounds, Adams – Come out and celebrate the oldest bluegrass competition in the state. CONTACT: Omer Gene Brooksher, (615) 696-2589, www.adamstennessee.com

SEPTEMBER 19 OLD TIMER’S DAY

september SEPTEMBER 5-6 20TH ANNUAL FRANKLIN JAZZFEST Franklin Public Square, Franklin – Two national and seven popular regional jazz acts will perform on two stages. The lineup brings back some of the most popular acts of this annual event. CONTACT: (615) 479-7751

SEPTEMBER 6 JAZZ IN THE FORK Leipers Fork Big Band favorites from the American Songbook featuring Billy Adair and The Establishment performing at the Lawnchair Theatre. CONTACT: (615) 715-1995, www.leipersforkvillage.com

SEPTEMBER 11-12 CASEY JONES OLD-TIME BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL Casey Jones Village, Jackson – Features festivities and live performances showcasing bands made up of members of the Plectral Society as well as impromptu shade tree pickin’ on the grounds. CONTACT: (800) 748-9588, www.caseyjones.com 14

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SEPTEMBER 11-12 CLARKSVILLE RIVERFEST CELEBRATION Cumberland RiverWalk, Clarksville – Clarksville celebrates its river heritage with this music and art festival. Features a variety of musical acts, arts and crafts and more.

CONTACT: (931) 645-7476, www.clarksvilleriverfest.com

SEPTEMBER 11-12 SMOKY MOUNTAIN FIDDLERS CONVENTION & CRAFTS FAIR Legion Field, Loudon – Every year since the 1982 World’s Fair, bluegrass musicians have been coming to Loudon to play, listen and compete. CONTACT: (888) 568-3662, www.loudoncity.com/fiddler.htm

SEPTEMBER 11-12 40TH ANNUAL DIANA SINGING Diana – More than 5,000 visitors attend to hear beautiful a cappella singing.

CONTACT: Jack Parks, (931) 363-3204, www.dianasinging.com

SEPTEMBER 11-20 TENNESSEE STATE FAIR Tennessee State Fairgrounds, Nashville –

Veteran’s Memorial Park, LaVergne – This outdoor festival includes a country ham breakfast, music, fireworks, children’s activities and more. CONTACT: Angie Mayes, (615) 287-8690

SEPTEMBER 24 12TH ANNUAL TASTE OF AUTUMN Gatlinburg Convention Center, Gatlinburg – Sample signature dishes from the area’s finest restaurants. Enjoy live entertainment and a live auction. CONTACT: (800) 568-4748, www.gatlinburg.com

SEPTEMBER 25-26 SOUTHERN FRIED FESTIVAL Columbia – Enjoy live music, scarecrow contest, tractor show, delicious food, children’s activities and more. CONTACT: Rick Alexander, (931) 381-0954, www.southernfriedfest.com

SEPTEMBER 25-26 MAIN STREET FALL FESTIVAL Dyersburg – Includes a cruise-in, Forked Deer Antique Car Show, music, food and fun.

CONTACT: Steve Guttery, (731) 285-3433

SEPTEMBER 26 ANNUAL BLUE GREY BALL Old Spencer Mill, Burns – Features dinner, live period music and dance instructor.

CONTACT (615) 412-5169, www.oldspencermill.com Tennessee Connections

october OCTOBER 2-3 CLARKSVILLE EDELWEISS OKTOBERFEST Clarksville – Polka bands, woodchopper dancers, German food, German souvenirs, music grinder and carnival rides. CONTACT: (931) 624-5475, www.edelweissclarksville.org

OCTOBER 2-4 ALLARDT GREAT PUMPKIN FESTIVAL & WEIGH OFF Bruno Gernt Park, Allardt – Features crafts, live entertainment, parade, antique car and tractor show and the weigh-off of giant pumpkins for world record consideration.

CONTACT: (800) 327-3945, www.allardtpumpkinfestival.com

OCTOBER 2-4 NATIONAL STORYTELLING FESTIVAL Jonesborough – Known as the oldest and most prestigious storytelling festival in the world, this three-day event presents over 25 nationally-known storytellers from its stages. CONTACT: (800) 952-8392, www.storytellingcenter.net

OCTOBER 3 APPLE BUTTER FESTIVAL White Bluff – Experience the old-fashioned way to churn butter and make apple butter jelly. Enjoy homemade candy apples, quilters, blacksmiths and some of the best bluegrass and gospel music in Tennessee. CONTACT: (615) 446-2349, www.dicksoncountychamber.com

OCTOBER 4-10 42ND ANNUAL DAVY CROCKETT DAYS Davy Crockett Cabin, Rutherford –This festival honors the memory of Davy Crockett, who lived here from 1822 until the fall of 1835. The event features food, fireworks, pioneer trades, crafts, pet show, parade and music. CONTACT: (731) 665-7166, www.davycrockettcabin.org

OCTOBER 9 WHITE BLUFF MAIN STREET FESTIVAL White Bluff – Includes live music, food and street vendors. CONTACT: (615) 797-3131, www.townofwhitebluff.com

OCTOBER 9 AUTUMN GOLD FESTIVAL Coker Creek Village, Coker Creek – This two-day event brings crafters, artists, food vendors and entertainers from near and far.

Features board-splitting demonstrations, gold and gem panning, and wagon and horseback rides for children.

CONTACT: (423) 442-9147, www.cokercreekvillage.com Fall 2009

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OCTOBER 15-17 THE HAUNTED WOODS Williamson County Lions Park, College Grove – A Halloween event the whole family can enjoy. A wagon hayride for the little ones and a guided haunted trail through the woods for the thrill-seeking ones.

CONTACT: (615) 368-3456

OCTOBER 17 AUSSIE FALL FEST CHILLIN’ & GRILLIN’ Greeneville – This cook-off event features a chili cook-off and a barbecue and wings cook-off. The event also offers crafts, antique cars, a Kids’ Zone, karaoke competition, food and more. CONTACT: (423) 638-4111, www.visitgreenevilletn.com

OCTOBER 17 8TH ANNUAL ELKTON MILE-LONG YARD SALE Elkton – Yard sale full of bargains.

CONTACT: (931) 468-0668, www.gilescountytourism.com

OCTOBER 17-18 OKTOBERFEST Lebanon – Over 100 craft vendors, activities for children and families, military vehicle displays, electronic gaming and outdoor laser tag. Indoor arts and culture center features contests and displays of photography, quilting, collectibles,

art, as well as artisan booths. CONTACT: Becky Jennings, (615) 443-6635

OCTOBER 17-18 WEBB SCHOOL ARTS & CRAFTS FESTIVAL Bell Buckle – Juried art and craft show featuring photography, clay, wood, metal, iron works, jewelry, paintings baskets, glass and fiber works. CONTACT: (931) 389-9663, www.bellbucklechamber.com

OCTOBER 22 29TH ANNUAL GILES COUNTY CHILI COOK-OFF Historic Pulaski Square, Pulaski – A variety of different chili all cooked for your enjoyment. Hot, mild and somewhere in between. CONTACT: (931) 363-3789, www.gilescountychamber.com

OCTOBER 23-24 WITCHES WYND Exchange Place, Kingsport – Exchange Place needs no props after dark for a spooky atmosphere, with its shadowy corners of ancient log buildings where storytellers wait to relate chilling tales of the past. CONTACT: (423) 288-6071, www.exchangeplace.info

OCTOBER 23, 24 and 30 GHOST TOURS AT THE SAM DAVIS HOME Sam Davis Home, Murfreesboro – Tour the

grounds on a haunted hayride before entering the historical home for a guided ghost tour. Not recommended for children under 10. CONTACT: (615) 459-2341, www.samdavishome.org

OCTOBER 24 NASHVILLE SYMPHONY AT THE HISTORIC CROCKETT THEATRE Lawrenceburg – The Nashville Symphony will perform a special concert.

CONTACT: (931) 762-7617, www.cityoflawrenceburgtn.com

OCTOBER 30-31 GHOST TRAIN HAUNTED MUSEUM Lynnville Railroad Museum, Lynnville – Includes a haunted museum with scary scenes held in the steam engine and each rail car. The entire grounds occupied by ghosts and ghouls. CONTACT: Tim Turner, (931) 478-0880, www.lynnvillerailroadmuseum.com

november NOVEMBER 5 20TH ANNUAL WINTERFEST KICKOFF Pigeon Forge – Fun, food and entertainment highlight the kickoff to our award-winning four-month festival. CONTACT: (800) 251-9100, www.mypigoneforge.com

NOVEMBER 7 CELTIC FEST Casey Jones Village Amphitheatre, Jackson – Enjoy a full day of family entertainment including stage performances, demonstrations, artisans, vendors, Celtic Clans and much more. CONTACT: (800) 748-9588, www.caseyjones.com

NOVEMBER 7-8 CHRISTMAS IN THE COUNTRY Dickson County High School, Dickson – Over 15 booths of beautiful arts & crafts made by craftsmen from all over the south.

CONTACT: (615) 943-6275

NOVEMBER 7-8 HOLIDAY BAZAAR Greeneville – Holiday bazaar and craft fair with over 125 vendors.

CONTACT: (423) 639-7102, www.mainstreetgreeneville.com

NOVEMBER 13-15 FAYETTEVILLE…HOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST Fayetteville – Festivities include Christmas Craft Show, storytelling, craft demonstrations, musical performances, activities for children and more.

CONTACT: (931) 433-1234, www.hostofchristmaspast.com 16

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Tennessee Connections

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products A roundup of favorite finds

Market, where he made products and cut meat,” Odom says.

“Then in the mid-1950s, the Tennessee Pride logo was born.”

Odom’s products can be found at most grocery stores in Tennessee and beyond. Visit www.tnpride.com for recipes and more information.

GREEN NEVER LOOKED SO GOOD Nashville Wraps believes gifts should come with a little something extra – peace of mind that the packaging won’t clutter up the planet. Nashville Wraps, located in Hendersonville, makes eco-friendly retail gift and gourmet packaging, including 100 percent recyclable paper ribbon. The company recently introduced its Green Way® line of eco-friendly retail packaging products, which are natural, recycled, degradable or environmentally sustainable.

All of its new Christmas designs are made from recycled materials. Nashville Wraps is a wholesaler to the retail gift, gourmet food and gift basket industries and specializes in exclusive designs and custom printed packaging.

Visit www.nashvillewraps.com for more information.

A RECIPE FOR SUCCESS Odom’s Tennessee Pride Real Country Sausage has been a staple with Southern cooks since the family-owned company was founded in Nashville in 1943.

THE NAME SAYS IT ALL The South’s Finest Chocolate Factory in Knoxville has been turning out tasty, preservative-free chocolates for nearly a quarter century.

One of its signature products is the Cashew Whisper, made with homemade caramel, using half-and-half and whipping cream. The caramel is funneled onto salted cashews, and they’re topped with white chocolate. Another signature product is New Orleans Fudge, which is creamy and smooth and made with milk or dark chocolate.

Each February, the company offers its highly anticipated Strawberries in the Snow, available only on the 13th and 14th of the month – just two days out of the year. These are fresh strawberries dipped in white chocolate and placed in red cups. The company has been making them since 1983, and it keeps two midnight shifts going to keep up with the demand.

The South’s Finest Chocolate Factory sells its products at two retail locations in Knoxville and online. Visit the Web site at www.chocolatelovers.com or call (800) 682-4449.

“The Odoms come from a long line of meatheads,” says company president Larry Odom with a laugh. “We go back a number of generations of butchers. My grandfather, Douglas Odom Sr., was a meat cutter, and his brother and dad were meat cutters. He had a burning desire to make sausage, and he liked experimenting with different seasonings.”

When Douglas Odom Sr. finally settled on the perfect blend of flavors for his country sausage recipe, he made it available to the public by starting Odom’s Tennessee Pride Real Country Sausage. Today, the company is headquartered in Madison and runs a manufacturing plant in Dickson.

“My grandfather started with a stall at the Nashville Farmers Fall 2009

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JOURNAL COMMUNICATIONS 725 COOL SPRINGS BLVD., SUITE 400 FRANKLIN, TN 37067

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE

PAID Lebanon Junction, KY 40150 Permit No. 222

Energy-Saving Tips for Fall Try These Easy Ways To Improve Efficiency This Season J

Use a programmable thermostat to control the temperature in your home automatically.

A top-of-the-line unit (around $100) usually provides a seven-day menu with four program periods per day, while a low-cost unit (around $30 to $40) offers one schedule for weekdays and another for weekends. The Energy Star experts say that when used properly, a programmable thermostat can save about $150 per year on utility bills.

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Take advantage of the sun’s warmth in winter.

Open south-facing window shades and drapes on sunny days, and close them at night.

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Check the furnace filter each month, and wash or replace it at least every three months. A dirty filter increases your energy bill and shortens the life of your heating and cooling system.

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Stop air leaks. Energy Star reports savings of up to 20 percent from effective home sealing and insulation. Seal gaps around windows and doors with caulk and weather stripping. Close the fireplace damper when it’s not being used. Check your dryer vent cap to make sure it closes tightly.

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Use precut foam insulation to wrap the exposed pipes coming from your hot-water heater. It’s cheap

and easy to install. If you have a gas model or boiler, don’t use foam wrap near the flue. Instead, use unfaced fiberglass pipe wrap. Secure with foil tape or wire.

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Add fiberglass insulation to the attic floor and house walls and save up to 30 percent on your heating and cooling costs.

Visit www.energystar.gov for more information.