Spring 2009, TN Connections

tnconnections Spring 2009

An OfďŹ cial Publication of Your Locally Owned Municipal Electric System

Simply Peachy Recipes to welcome the warm weather

Joust in Time tnconnections.com

Champion teaches the medieval art of lancing

traveler’s

almanac Travel tips and fun finds off the beaten path Instead, you’ll find roasted pear salad with bleu cheese and glazed walnuts; portobello panini sandwiches with feta cheese and caramelized onions; and tomato artichoke soup.

The Tennessee Hot Brown and chicken salad dotted with cranberries also rank among customer favorites, along with desserts such as blackberry cobbler, strawberry shortcake and chocolate decadence.

On Friday and Saturday nights, the Square Market presents an upscale dinner menu and live music, and nationally renowned singer/songwriters perform in the restaurant’s intimate atmosphere at special dinner concerts the fourth Thursday of each month (reservations recommended). g

Visit www.squaremarketcafé.com or call (931) 840-3636 for more information.

TEAPOTS 24/7 HOME, SWEET HOMESTEAD MARKET With its welcoming cedar storefront and flower-lined front porch – and the aroma of fresh-baked bread and pastries wafting through the air – it’s no wonder family-owned and operated Yoder’s Homestead Market has been called the best country store in the Lawrenceburg area.

City Hall in the west Tennessee town of Trenton is the unlikely home of the world’s largest collection of porcelain veilleusetheieres, or nightlight teapots. Originally devised to keep liquids warm and cast soft light in sickrooms and nurseries, the simple, functional warming pots that sat atop candlelit pedestals gradually evolved into elaborate works of art.

Folks from miles around stop in at the market – on Highway 20 between Summertown and Hohenwald in Tennessee’s Amish country – for bread, pies and other baked goods, as well as sliced meats and cheeses from Yoder’s deli case.

Tables inside make Yoder’s Market a favorite spot to gather for morning coffee and hot-from-the-oven donuts. The porch – which doubles as a display for the cedar lawn furniture the Yoder family builds and sells – is a great place to enjoy a home-style deli sandwich.

Dr. Frederick Freed, a native of Trenton, garnered some 525 rare, ornate 18th- and 19th-century teapots during 40 years of world travels. He donated his prized collection to the city in 1976 with the stipulation that the teapots remain on public display day and night so folks can see them anytime. The Trenton police department next door to City Hall admits visitors who show up after business hours.

The store also carries local, handmade baskets and gifts.

Yoder’s Homestead Market is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Monday through Saturday.

Every spring, the city hosts the Teapot Festival, which kicks off with a ceremonial lighting of the pots and, after a week of festivities, culminates with a parade. This year’s festival is scheduled for April 26-May 2.

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Call (931) 796-1646 for more information.

A SQUARE MEAL AT SQUARE MARKET Get in touch with your inner gourmet at Square Market & Café, located on the square in downtown Columbia. You won’t find any greasy burgers or fried foods here, say owners Liz Lovell and Debra Mann.

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Visit www.teapotcollection.com for more information.

tnconnections

table of contents FEATURES

Spring 2009 Edition Editor Rebecca Denton Contributing Writers Carol Cowan, Jessica Mozo, Jessy Yancey

Joust in Time

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Creative Director Keith Harris

Champion teaches medieval lancing at his Westmoreland farm.

Photography Director Jeffrey S. Otto Senior Photographer Brian McCord

Put Your Feet Up at the Patch

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

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Normandy country inn offers plenty of peace and quiet.

Photography Assistant Anne Whitlow Production Project Managers Melissa Bracewell, Jill Wyatt

Easy and Breezy

Sr. Graphic Designers Laura Gallagher, Candice Sweet, Vikki Williams

Brentwood resident puts a wind turbine in his backyard.

Graphic Designers Jessica Manner, Marcus Snyder

Simply Peachy

Ad TrafďŹ c Jessica Childs, Marcia Millar, Patricia Moisan, Raven Petty

Celebrate spring with a meal ďŹ t for company.

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Sr. V.P./Sales Carla H. Thurman Sr. V.P./Operations Casey E. Hester

DEPARTMENTS

V.P./Editorial Director Teree Caruthers V.P./Visual Content Mark Forester

Municipal Power Perspective

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Controller Chris Dudley

Spring Activities in Tennessee

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Advertising Sales Manager, Custom Division Beth Murphy

Connect to Tennessee Products

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Production Director Natasha Lorens Associate Production Director Christina Carden

Integrated Media Manager Robin Robertson Distribution Director Gary Smith Accounting Moriah Domby, Diana Guzman, Maria McFarland, Lisa Owens Custom/Travel Sales Support Rachael Goldsberry

online contents | tnconnections.com

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 ďŹ le.

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.

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table of contents

neeec nec ctio tion n tnconnections FEATURES

ON THE COVER: Candied peaches over vanilla bean ice cream

by Jeffrey S. Otto

DEPARTMENTS

online contents | tnconnections.com ons.com

Simply Si im imp im mply mp mpl pl ply p ly Peachy ly Peeaac P achy ach cch chy hyy h Recip Recipes Recipe Re R ec e ecipes ipes pes ess to to we welco welc wel w welcome elc ellco elco cco om me e warm th the th he e wa warrm m weather wea we wea athe ath ther

Spring 2009

Virtual Magazine

Spring 2009

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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Looking to the 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

Spring 2009

Future

TMEPA is working to protect your interests

MIKE VINSON Executive Director Tennessee Municipal Electric Power Association

It’s been a hectic few months since the General Assembly adjourned last year. We’ve been busy tracking all the newspapers and periodicals to stay abreast of the changing legislative, economic and electric industry issues facing Tennessee and our nation.

It was announced in December 2008 that the United States is officially in a recession, the auto industry is asking for “bail-out” loans, the mortgage industry has already received billions of dollars and is expected to get more, and a Democratic Congress took over in January 2009 with promises to solve all the issues facing our nation. Congress certainly has our support in this herculean effort, but regardless of good intentions, our economic future is hazy.

Your municipal power provider is doing all it can to assist in these areas already.

Here in Tennessee, we have a Republican majority in both the Senate and House for the first time since Reconstruction. Our 106th General Assembly is now composed of 19 Republicans and 14 Democrats in the Senate, and 50 Republicans and 49 Democrats in the House. It’s a majority for sure, but not an overwhelming majority, and a few absentees could easily affect a bill’s outcome. We’ll be

busy this session meeting with the new folks, but we certainly won’t forget all our past friends (Republican and Democrat) in our Legislature who understand and support the municipal systems and public power specifically. We’re thankful for each of them.

One of the areas we typically address each year is pole-attachment fees. Last year a rumor circulated that your cable or telephone bill was higher as a result of the poleattachment fee imposed by the municipal electric systems. Let’s put that in perspective. As an example, let’s say that a particular system has an $18 annual attachment fee. Please note it says “annual,” not monthly. Since most municipals are high density, the cable provider likely has three or four customers on each pole, so the actual “monthly” pole-attachment cost per cable customer is only 37 to 50 cents per month. Not a lot of money is it?

Keep in mind that the electric company has the responsibility of maintaining the pole, trimming the right of way and seeing to all the safety issues involved with a distribution system, including the attachments of other companies.

Rest assured that TMEPA will be doing its part in watching over the interest of the 2 million citizens of Tennessee served by the local municipal electric systems. After all, this is our state, our economy and our home also.

We pray that you will have an outstanding and prosperous new year. tnconnections.com

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Joust

Doing His Job Champion teaches medieval tradition at Tennessee farm

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Tennessee Connections

Story by JESSY YANCEY Photography by BRIAN McCORD

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ach Memorial Day weekend, hundreds of spectators gather in Triune to watch the jousting tournament at the annual Tennessee Renaissance Festival. The crowd cheers as knights – dressed from head to toe in heavy metal armor – enter the arena. Atop their horses, the knights position their lances, hoping to score enough points to be crowned the tournament champion.

But most onlookers don’t realize the event isn’t choreographed; there’s no predetermined winner.

The knights vie for thousands of dollars in prize money and, more importantly, recognition as a jousting champion.

And many of them have Roy Cox to thank.

A NATURAL EXTENSION Cox didn’t plan to become a competitive jouster.

“I was in the wrong place at the wrong time,” he says.

For Cox, a California native, that so-called wrong place was New York City, where he was doing stunt work. He helped a man unload a horse from a trailer, and the man liked the way Cox

handled the horse. When the man’s partner didn’t show up, he invited Cox to joust in his place.

“Like a fool, I said OK,” Cox says. “But I worked with him for a few months, and I learned why his partner didn’t show up.”

More jousting offers followed, and Cox decided to work jousting into his own project – the Cimmerian Combatives Co., founded in 1978.

“We were already doing stunt work, and the horses were a natural extension,” he says.

In 1992, the jousting faction of the group was established as the Free Lancers, after a medieval term.

Hired by Renaissance festivals

Champion jouster Roy Cox gives some pointers to Gesa Wellenstein, a jousting student from Germany, during a seminar at the Free Lancers training school in Westmoreland. Left: Jousting student Cody Powell gets ready for some full-contact action during a two-week session.

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Right: Students Cody Powell, Gesa Wellenstein and Leland Coleman work on their sword technique. Above: Jousting students in full armor practice with lances and horses.

across the country, the group traveled for up to 10 months a year.

Cox also competed in the heavyarmor division at the World Championship Jousting Association.

He’s a 10-time U.S. champion and two-time world champion.

FREE LANCING During this time, Cox married and bought a 66-acre farm in Westmoreland, just south of the Kentucky border in Middle Tennessee.

“The neighbors were a little curious,” he recalls. “But I invited them out for some demos, and they were intrigued to find out what I do.”

Cox teaches two-week jousting sessions at his farm several times a year, depending upon interest.

The seminar attracts people from all walks of life, including Gesa Wellenstein, a self-proclaimed horse fanatic from Biberach an der Riss, Germany. She traveled all the way to Tennessee for jousting lessons.

“I did not have a lot of expectations,” says Wellenstein, who has done everything from barrel racing to bull riding. “I was planning to show up and learn. My first shock was that Roy’s jousting is full contact. When you get hit, you feel it.”

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Wellenstein is among the few women who participate in the sport, so they often compete against men. Cox’s wife, Kate, was ranked second in the nation after him, until she had an accident due to field conditions.

Still, he says that injuries are actually quite rare and that real jousting is safer than the choreographed performances.

“What matters is technique,” he says – a mantra evident in all his workshops.

Cox sticks to a strict schedule, but it’s all for the benefit of his students.

“I went from knowing nothing,” Wellenstein says, “to feeling comfortable participating as a knight in a jousting event.”

The first week of a jousting seminar focuses on riding safely with weapons, while the second week of 12-hour days adds heavy armor to the mix. Draft horses are usually used in jousting, since they can support the additional weight of the armor – about 110 pounds.

“They’re our livelihood,” Cox says of his horses. “I’m a staunch believer that horses are our partners, our friends and magnificent animals.

And they enjoy it. They gallop into the arena with a fire in their eyes and thunder in their hooves.”

A CULTURAL RENAISSANCE Cox takes pride in the fact that his jousting lessons are historically accurate, from the points system used (Henry VIII’s) to the type of armor worn by the nights. Wellenstein – whose hometown was founded in the 800s – shares that fascination with history. So does Mike Freeman, owner of Castle Gwynn – a real castle that drivers can see along State Route 840 between Murfreesboro and Franklin.

During the month of May, Freeman’s property in Triune – Tennessee Connections

about 25 miles south of Nashville – is transformed to look like 16th-century England for the Tennessee Renaissance Festival.

Cox runs the jousting events, which take place each weekend and come to an exciting conclusion with the Gath of Baal National Combat Jousting Tournament on Memorial Day weekend.

“The tournament consists of people from different countries and states who have worked with Roy in some capacity,” says Leland Coleman, one of Cox’s students.

Coleman serves as the festival’s marshal mediate, an emcee who Spring 2009

explains the rules to the crowd and keeps everything going if someone gets knocked off a horse.

These days, Cox stays behind the scenes, recording performances to ensure accuracy in judging.

“I just fill in when needed. It’s hard to worry about competing when you’re running the show.”

But it’s much more than a show.

It’s a true competition in the centuries-old style. And Cox is doing his part to make sure the tradition lives on. g

Visit http://freelancers.faire.net for more information about the Free Lancers and jousting training sessions.

IF YOU GO: The Tennessee Renaissance Festival in Triune takes place every weekend in May, including Memorial Day, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. – rain or shine.

Visit www.tnrenfest.com for details.

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Put Your Feet Up

at the Patch Country inn offers plenty of peace and quiet

Story by JESSICA MOZO Photography by JEFFREY S. OTTO

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f it weren’t for the black and white sign along Highway 269 in Normandy, you’d never know Parish Patch Farm & Inn existed down the adjacent country road. And that quiet seclusion is exactly what draws people to this peaceful estate, where guests can take a nap in a hammock, read a book in the library, fish for trout in the Duck River and even get married in the chapel.

“People will be here 15 minutes and say, ‘I can’t believe how quiet it is,’ ” says David Hazelwood, who owns Parish Patch with his wife, Claudia. “They also comment on how great the stargazing is because there are no city lights around.”

Nestled on a 300-acre working farm in the rolling hills of Bedford, Parish Patch attracts wedding parties, family reunions, corporate and church groups, and couples seeking a romantic getaway. The operation consists of a country inn with 21 guest rooms, a conference center, a 120-seat limestone wedding chapel and Cortner Mill restaurant, which is housed in an 1825 gristmill and specializes in fine dining.

Parish Patch has hosted several notable folks since it opened in 1982, including Merle Haggard in the early years and the Dixie Chicks, who stayed at the inn for a weeklong songwriting retreat with writers from Nashville.

The Cortner Mill restaurant is another important facet of Parish Patch and has become a popular dining spot with Bedford County residents. It’s open by reservation, and entrees average about $19 per person.

“We feature things from a farm or out of the river – trout, catfish, grilled duck breast, frog legs,” Hazelwood says. “We use all fresh produce – nothing canned or frozen – and we even make our own ice cream.”

Although there’s plenty to do at Parish Patch, guests who want to venture off the property won’t be disappointed. Two wineries are located less than 20 minutes away, and the quaint historic towns of Wartrace and Bell Buckle are a short jaunt down the road. The city of Lynchburg and Jack Daniels Distillery are just a 30-minute drive.

Most people, however, are perfectly content to stay put at the Parish Patch. g

For more information, call (931) 857-3017 or visit www.parishpatch.com.

Guests can take a dip in the pool, nap in a hammock or find other ways to soak up serenity at the Parish Patch Farm & Inn in Normandy.

Spring 2009

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Easy and

Breezy Residential wind turbine generates interest and electricity

Story by CAROL COWAN Photography by JEFFREY S. OTTO

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ilbur and Lucy Sensing’s pastoral, 1830s Brentwood estate is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and with a name like Windy Hill Farm, the Sensings figured it was ideally suited for a windmill.

About six years ago, they began exploring the idea in earnest.

“My wife liked the old farm windmills that pump water for the farms, so we started out with that kind of windmill in mind,” Wilbur Sensing explains. “But we found out that those kind of windmills are all gone with the wind.”

And while he had a hankering for a new-fangled, electricity-generating wind turbine, she didn’t like the looks of the space-age propeller.

“We delayed our project about four or five years waiting on her to change her mind,” he says.

In the end, Lucy Sensing relented, as evidenced by the slim, slightly curved blades gently slicing the sky from their perch atop a sleek, silver tower built on the high point of Windy Hill Farm.

Following the installation, Sensing set about getting power from his turbine flowing into the Nashville Electric Service grid – a process that included putting in a transformer next to the tower and running a line underground to a set of meters on the back side of an old-fashioned red barn.

One meter shows the power generated by the

windmill. He gets 15 cents per kilowatt hour for any power generated. Another meter keeps track of power used, and he is charged about 12 cents per kilowatt-hour.

It’s a good deal when the wind blows.

“I tell people that so far we’ve gotten about $25 worth of electricity and $25,000 worth of publicity. We’re just hoping for more wind,” Sensing says with a laugh.

It’s true that middle Tennessee isn’t the windiest part of the state, but the Sensings’ SkyStream 3.7 residential turbine – which retails for around $5,000 and, with installation costs, can total more than $10,000 – is capable of producing power anytime wind speed reaches at least eight miles per hour. In windy weather, it has a potential output close to 1,000 kilowatt hours per month.

So far, his is the only wind turbine on the NES system.

“We’re kind of pioneers in this,” Sensing says.

Of course, not everyone can erect a wind turbine in the backyard. But the Tennessee Valley Authority, through its Green Power Switch Generation Partners program, will purchase 100 percent of power generated by a qualifying photovoltaic (solar) or wind power system installed at a residence or business. (Participation is subject to the discretion of the local power distributor.)

Folks who can’t generate power but still want to support renewable energy can sign up to purchase green power in 150-kilowatt blocks – roughly 12 percent of the average household’s monthly usage – for an extra $4 per block purchased. g

Visit www.tva.gov/greenpowerswitch for more information.

A wind turbine on Windy Hill Farm in Brentwood stands tall behind owner Wilbur Sensing. His wind turbine is the first on the NES system.

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Tennessee Connections

Spring 2009

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In a

Peachy Mood Celebrate spring with a meal fit for company

Food preparation and styling by NASHVILLE STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE CULINARY ARTS PROGRAM Photography by JEFFREY S. OTTO

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3 lbs. boneless pork loin almy breezes, dogwood blossoms, a sprinkling of green to brighten the gray. Spring is on its way, and that means it’s almost time to break out the grill and sample some lighter fare.

Grilled pork chops with bourbon-peach barbecue sauce offer a hearty main course with sophisticated flair – but without too much fuss. Tender spring turnip greens and potatoes complement the main course, and candied peaches over vanilla bean ice cream bring the meal full circle.

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GRILLED PORK CHOPS WITH BOURBON-PEACH BARBECUE SAUCE

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1 tablespoon oil Salt and pepper as needed 4 fresh peaches 6 ounces ketchup 4 ounces bourbon 1 ounce honey 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper Tennessee Connections

Clean and slice the pork into 6 pork chops. Season with salt, pepper and a little cooking oil. Place wrapped in fridge.

Peel and pit peaches, puree peaches until smooth and pass through a strainer, reserving juice. Place in sauce pot with crushed pepper and heat well. Add bourbon and allow to burn off, then add ketchup and honey. Allow to simmer for 5 minutes.

Remove chops and lightly mark on grill. Place in pan.

Brush liberally with sauce and roast at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until chops reach 145 degrees internally.

Serve with additional sauce on the side.

CANDIED PEACHES OVER VANILLA BEAN ICE CREAM 1/2 gallon vanilla bean ice cream 3 whole peaches, peeled and pitted 1 cup sugar 1 cup water Bring water to a simmer and slowly whisk in sugar. Simmer until mixture has thickened slightly. Slice peaches into equal wedges and add to simmering syrup until just softened.

Remove peaches to cool and save syrup. Place 1 or 2 ice cream scoops in a dish and place 3 cooled wedges of peach on top. Drizzle 1 ounce of cooking syrup over ice cream and serve.

SPRING POTATO WEDGES

SPRING TURNIP GREENS WITH PINE NUTS AND SPICY PEPPERS

3 large russet potatoes, cut into wedges

3 bunches turnip greens, cleaned and trimmed

1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

2 slices bacon

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 onion, diced

Salt and pepper to taste

3 ounces toasted pine nuts

4 ounces canola oil

2 poblano peppers, diced

Toss potatoes in all other ingredients and bake at 350 degrees until tender with a golden crust.

Salt and pepper to taste Dice raw bacon and render the fat over low heat in saucepot. Add onion and sweat until translucent. Add poblanos and greens and sautĂŠ until greens are wilted.

Cover with enough water to submerge. Add salt, pepper and pine nuts and simmer until greens are tender.

WE HAVE A WINNER! Vivian Christman of Clarksville (CDE Lightband) is our soup contest winner with her recipe for Tuscan Bread Soup. Runner-up is Judy Hartz of Clarksville with her Roasted Butternut Squash Soup recipe. Visit tnconnections.com to print these winning recipes.

A hearty thanks to all who entered!

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spring activities in tennessee This listing includes events of statewide interest scheduled in March, April and May 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.

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

literary celebration is an opportunity for writers and their fans to come together and enjoy the written word. CONTACT: (423) 267-1218, www.artsedcouncil.org

APRIL 2-5 MULE DAY Columbia – One of the biggest mule celebrations in the world, this includes mule sale, mule pulling, mule shows, pancake breakfast, flea market and parade.

CONTACT: Mule Day Office, (931) 381-9557, www.muleday.com

APRIL 4 WOOLLY DAY Rocky Mount Museum, Piney Flats – Rocky Mount’s annual spring event focuses on 18th century wool processing and other agricultural activities. Come and see sheep shearing, spinning and weaving, and living history tours of the Cobb House and grounds. CONTACT: (423) 538-7396, www.rockymountmuseum.com

APRIL 4 HERB AND WILDFLOWER DAY Townsend Visitors Center – A tribute to the beauty and fascination of wildflowers, ferns, trees, and herbs. Visit with expert botanists, photographers, and naturalists. CONTACT: Townsend Visitors Center, (800) 525-6834

APRIL 4-5 WILDFLOWER WEEKEND

MARCH MARCH 12-14 6TH ANNUAL ANTIQUE FAIRE Strand Theatre, Hohenwald – Selected vendors from middle Tennessee and beyond will bring their antiques and collectibles to Hohenwald. Quilt show, appraisals and more.

CONTACT: John Ford, (931) 796-4519, www.memoryjunctionantiques.com

MARCH 13-14 LONE STAR RODEO Tennessee Miller Coliseum, Murfreesboro – Features bareback bronc riding, calf roping, breakaway roping, steer wrestling, saddle bronc riding, cowgirls barrel racing, team roping and more. CONTACT: Shana Risinger, (615) 494-8879

MARCH 20-21 OLD TIME FIDDLERS’ CHAMPIONSHIP Clarksville – This 34th annual state championship features authentic old-time music. Competition in 12 events with monetary prizes awarded. CONTACT: Tad Bourne, (931) 552-6149, www.tnfiddlers.com 14

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MARCH 21 47TH ANNUAL WEARIN’ OF THE GREEN IRISH DAY Erin – From the Grand Parade, leprechauns and banquets to carnival rides, pageants and arts and craft booths, there is entertainment all around. CONTACT: Chamber of Commerce, (931) 289-5100

MARCH 28-29 HISTORIC MANSKER’S STATION SPRING ENCAMPMENT Historic Mansker’s Station, Goodlettsville – Observe how people lived on the frontier in the late 1800s. Costumed interpreters and re-enactors will camp around Mansker’s Fort. CONTACT: (615) 859-FORT, www.manskersstation.org

APRIL APRIL 2-4 CONFERENCE ON SOUTHERN LITERATURE Tivoli Theatre, Chattanooga – The Arts & Education Council’s Conference on Southern Literature has been bringing writers to Chattanooga since 1981. The three-day

Fall Creek Falls State Park, Pikeville – Explore the park and see wildflowers and breathtaking views. Features a variety of hikes, workshops, driving tours and more.

CONTACT: Betty Dunn Nature Center, (423) 881-5708, www.tnstateparks.com

APRIL 16-19 MARDI GRAS RIDE East Fork Stables, Jamestown – Cajun food, Cajun music, Mardi Gras parade, costume prizes, beads and bingo. CONTACT: (800) 978-7245, www.eastforkstables.com

APRIL 18 SPRING MILE-LONG YARD SALE AND EXCURSION TRAIN Watertown – Ride the train to the huge yard sale, which features arts and crafts, entertainment and more. CONTACT: Jim Amero, (615) 237-1777, www.tcry.org

APRIL 18 DISCOVERY FEST Wartburg – Features rock-climbing wall, hiking, paddling, horseback trail riding, ATV rides, kayaking clinic, children’s activities, food, arts and crafts, live music and more. CONTACT: (423) 346-5740, www.morgancountychamber.com Tennessee Connections

APRIL 18 33RD ANNUAL CANNONSBURGH PIONEER DAY Cannonsburgh Village, Murfreesboro – Food, crafts and demonstrations of life in pioneer times. CONTACT: (615) 890-0355

APRIL 18 THUNDER ROAD FESTIVAL

Collection of Rare Porcelain Veilleuses. The festival begins with a ceremonial Lighting of the Teapots and culminates in the Annual Grand Parade. CONTACT: (731) 855-2013, www.cityoftrentontn.com

children’s events and tempting ramp dishes.

CONTACT: Edgar Rice, (423) 743-6185

APRIL 30 CASEY JONES DAY

Ritter Farms, Rutledge – An agritourism event features homegrown strawberries, tomatoes, recipe contest and local bluegrass music. CONTACT: (865) 767-2575, www.ritterfarms.com

Downtown Rockwood – Includes activities for children, classic car show, antiques, craft booths, food and live entertainment.

CONTACT: (865) 354-0175 ext. 823, www.roanealliance.org

Jackson – Celebrate the anniversary of the legend of Casey Jones, the world’s most famous railroad engineer. Tour his original 1890’s home in Casey Jones Village.

CONTACT: (731) 668-1222, www.caseyjones.com

APRIL 18 ELKTON MILE LONG YARD SALE

MAY

Hwy. 31 South, Elkton – Mile-long yard sale.

CONTACT: (931) 363-3789, www.gilescountytourism.com

MAY 1-2 OLD TIMERS DAY FESTIVAL

APRIL 18-19 4 BRIDGES ARTS FESTIVAL Chattanooga – Enjoy a wide array of original, unique fine art and fine crafts, excellent food, kids’ art activities and live music.

CONTACT: (423) 265-4282, www.4bridgesartsfestival.org

APRIL 20-26 WORLD’S BIGGEST FISH FRY Paris – More than five tons of catfish are on order to serve thousands of visitors at this fish fry. Includes IPRA rodeo, parade, catfish races and more. CONTACT: (731) 642-3431, www.paristnchamber.com

APRIL 25 WHITE COUNTY RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL Sparta – A medieval renaissance festival with a human chess match, storytelling, food, masked ball and much more.

CONTACT: Carol Lee Norris, (931) 738-9238

APRIL 25 & MAY 23 MAINSTREET CRUISE-IN Cleveland – Join classic car enthusiasts around the Courthouse Square and see restored cars and cars of special interest.

Shops, restaurants and entertainment add to the nostalgic atmosphere.

CONTACT: Sharon Marr, (423) 479-1000, www.mainstreetcleveland.com

APRIL 25-26 13TH ANNUAL NATIONAL CORNBREAD FESTIVAL South Pittsburg – Live entertainment, juried arts and crafts, and food. This festival honors cornbread with the National Cornbread Cook-Off. Sample cornbreads and main-dish recipes. CONTACT: (423) 837-0022, www.nationalcornbread.com.

APRIL 26-MAY 2 TRENTON TEAPOT FESTIVAL Trenton – This celebration is centered around the theme of the World’s Largest Spring 2009

Holland Park, Dickson – Everything from a liars contest to Miss Old Timers Talent Contest.

Includes parades, crafts and quilt shows, live entertainment, dancing in the street and more.

CONTACT: Rhonda Adams, (615) 446-2349, www.dicksoncountychamber.com

MAY 1-2 TENNESSEE RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL Triune – Sixteenth-century England comes to life with full contact jousting, food, crafts and artisans. CONTACT: (615) 395-9950, www.tnrenfest.com

MAY 3-9 72ND ANNUAL WEST TENNESSEE STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL Humboldt – One of the oldest festivals in the state. Events include parades, carnival, horse show, live entertainment, barbecue cook-off, concerts, contests, fireworks and more.

CONTACT: (731) 784-1842, www.wtsf.org

MAY 6-8 38TH ANNUAL DAYS ON THE FARM Sam Davis Home, Smyrna – Come find out what life was like on a farm 100 years ago.

This popular living history celebration will feature over 25 demonstrations such as blacksmithing, sheep herding, spinning, butter churning and lye soap making.

CONTACT: (615) 459-2341, www.samdavishome.org

MAY 9-10 STRAWBERRY WEEKEND

MAY 9-16 62ND ANNUAL TENNESSEE STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL Dayton – A celebration of small-town life with hayrides, ice cream, exhibits, food vendors and delicious strawberries. CONTACT: (423) 775-0361, www.tnstrawberryfestival.com

MAY 15-16 GOOD OLE DAYS OF CANNON COUNTY Courthouse Square, Woodbury – Features an array of music from country, gospel, bluegrass and rock. There will also be plenty of food booths, craft booths and local vendors. CONTACT: Christy Wimberly, (615) 563-5518, www.goodoledaysofcc.com

MAY 15-16 TN52 YARD SALE From Portland to Celina – Tennessee’s second-longest yard sale with over 550 sellers. Spans 95 miles and passes through four counties. CONTACT: (888) 301-7866, www.tn52.com

MAY 15-16 BLOOMIN’ BARBECUE & BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL Sevierville – Tennessee State Barbecue Championship, bluegrass concerts, arts and crafts, food, and authentic mountain crafts.

CONTACT: (888) 766-5948, www.visitsevierville.com

MAY 15-16 OLD TIME BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL Dyer County Fairgrounds, Dyersburg – Two days of bluegrass-picking and great food.

CONTACT: Freeman Dudley, (731) 285-2681

MAY 9 4TH ANNUAL HENDERSON COUNTY FOLK FESTIVAL Lexington Courthouse Square – Features live bluegrass and folk music, folk exhibits, contests, games, antique car show and food.

CONTACT: (731) 968-3239

MAY 9 24TH ANNUAL FLAG POND RAMP FESTIVAL Old Flag Pond School, Flag Pond – Authentic Appalachian celebration with gospel and bluegrass music, crafts, tnconnections.com

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historic building tours, children’s activities and delicious food. CONTACT: (888) 214-3400, www.historicrugby.org

MAY 16-17 15TH ANNUAL SEIGE AT FORT WATAUGA

MAY 16 STRAWBERRY JAM FESTIVAL Maple Lane Farms, Greenback – Features food, fun and entertainment for the entire family. CONTACT: (865) 856-3517, www.maplelanefarms.com

MAY 16-17 15TH ANNUAL IRIS FESTIVAL Greeneville – Juried arts and crafts show offering more than 150 crafters, storytelling, dance stage, Merchants Market, entertainment stage, food, Miss Iris Festival Pageant and more. CONTACT: (423) 638-4111

MAY 16-17 35TH ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF BRITISH & APPALACHIAN CULTURE Historic Rugby – Continuous British Isles and Appalachian music and dancing, traditional arts and crafts demonstrations, storytelling,

Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area, Elizabethton – It’s 1776, and the colonies are in the throes of a Revolution and the frontier is in a state of chaos. Militant Cherokee are being armed by the British and threaten to attack the settlements. Come see how settlers of the Watauga Valley defend their lives, families, hearth and home at the “Seige.” CONTACT: (423) 543-5808, www.sycamoreshoals.org

MAY 16-17 GATLINBURG SCOTTISH FESTIVAL AND GAMES Gatlinburg – Scottish games and festivities including concerts, Highland athletics, bagpipe competitions, Highland dancing, food and demonstrations. CONTACT: (800) 568-4748, www.gsfg.org

MAY 20-23 21ST ANNUAL SHERIFF BUFORD PUSSER FESTIVAL Adamsville – Held in the hometown of the legendary Sheriff Buford Pusser of “Walking Tall” fame. People from all over the country come together to enjoy good music, food

and family fun. CONTACT: (731) 632-4080, www.sheriffbufordpusser.com

MAY 21-23 39TH ANNUAL CELEBRATION SPRING FUN SHOW Calson Arena, Shelbyville – Early season preview of the top Tennessee Walking Horses across the country. Many will compete for world championship honors at the Tennessee Walking Horse Celebration in August. CONTACT: (931) 684-5915, www.twhnc.com

MAY 23 LIBERTY SQUARE CELEBRATION AND LESTER FLATT MEMORIAL BLUEGRASS DAY 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 Flatt, and enjoy an entertaining outing.

CONTACT: (931) 836-3248, www.sparta-chamber.net

MAY 23 APPALACHIAN DUMPLIN’ FESTIVAL Winfield Municipal Center, Winfield – Includes games, crafts, live bluegrass music, horseshoe competition, carriage rides, antique car show, food and the largest variety of dumplings in the region.

CONTACT: (423) 569-6139, www.appalachiandumplinfestival.com

MAY 23 11TH GRANVILLE HERITAGE DAY Granville – Includes bluegrass festival, antique car and tractor show, craft demonstrations, food, storytelling and more. CONTACT: Randall Clemons, (931) 653-4511, www.granvillemuseum.com

MAY 23 ROCKIN’ THE DOCKS Lenoir City – Live bands, food, fireworks and children’s area, all on the banks of beautiful Fort Loudoun Lake. CONTACT: (865) 986-1223, www.visitloudoncounty.com

MAY 23-24 LOG CABIN DAYS McBays Log Cabin Village, Pikeville – Arts-and-crafts fair with craft demonstrations, live entertainment, living history reenactors and children’s activities. CONTACT: (423) 533-2732, www.logcabindays.org

MAY 30 NATIONAL MOO FEST Downtown Athens – A day of historical and educational activities that highlight the important role the dairy industry plays in the community. Features tours of Mayfield Dairy Farms, crafts, food, homemade ice cream and live entertainment. CONTACT: Richard Newman, (423) 746-9041, www.nationalmoofest.com 16

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tnconnections.com

Tennessee Connections

connect to tennessee

products A roundup roun of favorite finds

A GIFT THAT A GIVES BACK B Thistle Farms is a place of healing, in more ways than one.

The nonprofit business is run by women who have survived lives of violence and abuse. By hand they create natural bath and body products that are kind to the environment and the body. All proceeds go back into supporting the residents of Magdalene, a two-year residential community in Nashville for women with a history of prostitution and drug addiction.

Through Thistle Farms, these women learn job skills, responsibility and cooperation.

Thistle Farms’ beautifully scented, all-natural products include candles, salt scrubs, body balm, lip balm, lotions, room spray and more. g

Prices range from $3.50 for lip balm to $22 for a hand-poured candle. Visit www.thistlefarms.org or call 615-298-1140.

PAINLESS POTLUCK PREP Knoxville author Cherie Kimmons’ light-hearted handbook for beginning h and a experienced cooks helps frazzled parents, volunteers, fra event eve chairs and hosts feed the masses while keeping their sanity. Her new recipe book, sanit Potluck Potluc Survival Guide: Care & Feeding of the Athletic Supporter, Feedin include includes potluck favorites for all Spring 2009

kinds of events – school, sports, scouting, band, social and church gatherings. It also offers buffet strategies, inexpensive decorating ideas, quantity calculations and fun menu ideas.

Published by Five Star Publications Inc., the book sells for $24.95. Visit www.potluckqueen.com for more information. g

Find Kimmons’ recipe for Strawberry Surprise – a light spring dessert – at tnconnections.com.

TRY THIS TOPPING TN Connections readers Becca and Jim Brasfield of Burns, Tenn., recommend Bell Buckle Country Store’s Burgundy Poppy Seed Salad Dressing for the ultimate springtime salad.

“It is delicious, and we always buy several bottles each time we visit,” Becca Brasfield says. “[Bell Buckle Café] serves it with fresh spinach leaves and strawberries, but we like to add red onion and blackberries or blueberries to the salads we make at home.” g

The Burgundy Poppy Seed Salad Dressing, which sells for about $5, can be found under the Simplify brand at many Tennessee Publix stores and Whole Foods Markets, and through the Web site. Visit www.bellbuckle.com or call (800) 707-0483 for more information.

tnconnections.com

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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

Spring Energy-Saving Tips As spring approaches and temperatures inch higher, the cost of cooling your home can rise, too. Here are some tips and reminders to help you save energy and money this spring.

■ Look Outside: Strategic landscaping can help make

your home more energy efficient. Deciduous trees provide shade during hot months and let the sun shine in during cool months. For optimum energy conservation, plant trees or vines on the south side of your home.

■ Fire Up the Grill: Stoves and ovens are energy-

hungry and add heat to your home, so grill dinner outside if possible.

■ Adjust the Temperature: A water heater setting of

120 degrees Fahrenheit is recommended to help save energy. The savings can also add up when you turn up your central air conditioning thermostat to 78 degrees or higher.

■ Fans Are Cool: Ceiling fans help keep rooms cool

without using a lot of energy. For the warmer months, adjust the fan blades so they create an upward airflow. (In winter, readjust the blades so they’ll force warm air downward.)

■ No Leaks Allowed: According to ENERGY STAR,

preventing leaks by sealing and insulating the exterior of your home (i.e., doors, windows, walls, floors, and ceilings) is an easy way to save up to 20 percent on cooling and heating. Visit www. enerystar.gov for a do-it-yourself guide.

■ Keep It Clean: If you have central air conditioning,

rinse debris off your outdoor condensing unit with a water hose – and don’t forget to have your unit serviced at least every other year.

■ Brush off your refrigerator’s condenser coils so the

machine won’t use extra energy.

■ Consumers Who Conserve: If you’re due for new

drapes, look for those that are insulated and thermal-backed; they will help keep your home cool. And if you’re seeking new appliances or windows for your home, products with an ENERGY STAR label are conservation friendly.