Spring 2008, Tennessee Connections

tnconnections Spring 2008

An OfďŹ cial Publication of Your Locally Owned Municipal Electric System

All Fired Up Delicious grilled veggies can take the heat

Saving Money the Smart Way Clarksville reader shares energy-conservation tips

When Life Hands You Lemons Columbia couple earns living squeezing lemonade and roasting corn tnconnections.com

traveler’s

almanac Travel tips and fun finds off the beaten path

SOAK UP THE SERENITY The peaceful view from the rolling hills above Watts Bar Lake is your first indicator that Whitestone Country Inn in Kingston is, as touted, a sanctuary for the soul.

Adjoining a 5,400-acre wildlife and waterfowl refuge, the inn’s natural setting beckons you to slow down and relax.

Whitestone owners Paul and Jean Cowell – and their attentive staff – work diligently to ensure that the inn lives up to its credentials in every way. Rooms and suites are available in one of five settings on the estate’s 360 acres.

Each is designed for elegant comfort with amenities including fireplaces, canopied beds, waterfall showers and whirlpool baths.

The country breakfast, served in a dining room and enclosed porch overlooking the lake, is fit for a king but satisfying enough for a farmhand, with blueberry waffles, bacon, eggs, hash browns and fresh fruit.

For more information, visit www.whitestoneinn.com, or call 888-247-2464.

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GONE TO THE DOGWOODS When clouds of white dogwood blossoms fill the forests, it’s high time to celebrate spring – and Knoxville does it in style with a huge Dogwood Arts Festival that starts in February and really gets going in April. Some key events this year include a jazz tribute concert honoring Ella Fitzgerald at the Bijou Theater on April 8, a “Let the Bloomtimes Roll” parade on Friday evening, April 11, and a full-out festival April 11-13 with live music, art displays and demonstrations, kids’ activities, dancing and more. The dogwood trails – the inspiration for the festival – open April 9, with more than 70 miles of trails throughout Knox County and Oak Ridge. The scenic drive is populated with landmark homes and gardens, and all trails are open for touring and photography. Free, guided bus tours start from the festival venues for the Knoxville trails, but many folks prefer to set their own agendas with a self-guided tour. Local trails also provide splendid scenery for bike rides, jogs and walks.

J For all the details and a calendar of events, visit www.dogwoodarts.com.

HANDS IN THE COOKIE JAR Food couldn’t get much closer to farm fresh than what you’ll find at the Cookie Jar Café in Dunlap. As a matter of fact, this restaurant is the centerpiece of a working dairy farm that’s been in the Gray-Johnson family for generations.

Three Johnson sisters – Bonnie Johnson Hudson, Sue Ann Johnson Lockhart and Peggy Johnson Farley – cook up fixins just like their Mamaw used to make. Succulent ribeye steak, flaky catfish, fried chicken livers and the very popular grilled meatloaf set Cookie Jar guests’ mouths watering.

The sisters opened the restaurant in order to keep ownership of the farm in the family after their father retired. A former herdsman now runs the dairy, and the whole operation has been turned into a family-friendly agri-tourism destination including dairy tours, hayrides, a corn maze and a petting zoo.

J For more information and directions, visit www.johnsonfamilyfarm.com.

WE’D LIKE TO HEAR FROM YOU Do you know of a wonderfully special restaurant or a quirky little museum?

Send your ideas to TN Connections Editor, 725 Cool Springs Blvd., Suite 400, Franklin, TN 37067, or e-mail tnceditor@jnlcom.com.

tnconnections

table of contents FEATURES

Spring 2008 Edition Editor Rebecca Denton Editorial Assistant Jessy Yancey

When Life Hands You Lemons

Contributing Writers Carol Cowan, Jessica Mozo, Kelly Price

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Columbia couple travels Tennessee with treats in tow.

Creative Director Keith Harris Photography Director Jeffrey S. Otto

All Fired Up

Staff Photographers Jeff Adkins, Wes Aldridge, Todd Bennett, Antony Boshier, Ian Curcio, Brian McCord

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Try our foolproof tips for fresh veggies on the grill.

Senior Production Project Manager Tadara Smith

Fishing for a Good Meal

Production Project Managers Melissa Hoover, Jill Wyatt

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CatďŹ sh Hotel in Shiloh welcomes big appetites.

Sr. Graphic Designers Laura Gallagher, Vikki Williams Graphic Designers Linda Moreiras, Amy Nelson

Saving Money the Smart Way

Ad TrafďŹ c Meghann Carey, Sarah Miller, Patricia Moisan, Raven Petty

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Rex Christensen of Clarksville shares his conservation tips.

Additional photography courtesy of Tennessee State Photo Services

DEPARTMENTS

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

Municipal Power Perspective

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

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Production Director Natasha Lorens

Vistas

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Assistant Production Director Christina Carden

Activities in Tennessee

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Connect to Tennessee Products

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Pre-press Coordinator Hazel Risner Controller Chris Dudley Integrated Media Manager Robin Robertson Distribution Director Gary Smith Accounting Moriah Domby, Richie Fitzpatrick, Diana Guzman, Maria McFarland, Lisa Owens Custom Sales Coordinator Patti Cornelius

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 Search, print or e-mail a recipe – or share your own – in our online recipe ďŹ le. You can even watch cooking demonstrations of our favorite dishes.

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 ŠCopyright 2008 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.

Search our online archives or past stories, photos and magazine covers.

tnconnections

FEATURES

Editor Rebecca Denton

Editorial Assistant Jessy Yancey

When Life Hands You Lemons

Contributing Writers Carol Cowan, Jessica Mozo, Kelly Price

Spring 2008

Photography Director Jeffrey S. Otto Staff Photographers Jeff Adkins, Wes Aldridge, Todd Bennett, Antony Boshier, Ian Curcio, Brian McCord

An OfďŹ cial Publication of Your Locally Owned Municipal Elec All Fired Up

Senior Production Project Manager Tadara Smith Production Project Managers Melissa Hoover, Jill Wyatt Sr. Graphic Designers Laura Gallagher, Vikki Williams

Lemons

by Todd Bennett

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6

Try our foolproof tips for fresh veggies on the grill.

Fishing for a Good Meal

8

CatďŹ sh Hotel in Shiloh welcomes big appetites.

Graphic Designers Linda Moreiras, Amy Nelson

Saving Money the Smart Way

Ad TrafďŹ c Meghann Carey, Sarah Miller, Patricia Moisan, Raven Petty

Rex Christensen of Clarksville shares his conservation tips.

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Additional photography courtesy of Tennessee State Photo Services Sr. V.P./Sales Carla H. Thurman

DEPARTMENTS

All Fired Up

Sr. V.P./Operations Casey E. Hester

V.P./Editorial Director Teree Caruthers

Municipal Power Perspective

V.P./Visual Content Mark Forester

Vistas Delicious grilled veggies can take the heat Activities in Tennessee

Production Director Natasha Lorens Assistant Production Director Christina Carden

3 10 12

Pre-press Coordinator Hazel Risner Controller Chris Dudley

Connect to Tennessee Products

Integrated Media Manager Robin Robertson

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Saving Money online contents | tnconnections.com the Smart Way

Distribution Director Gary Smith

Accounting Moriah Domby, Richie Fitzpatrick, Diana Guzman, Maria McFarland, Lisa Owens Custom Sales Coordinator Patti Cornelius

Clarksville reader shares

Tennessee Connections is published quarterly

Spring 2008

Virtual Magazine

Columbia couple travels Tennessee with treats in tow.

Creative Director Keith Harris

ON THE COVER:

table of contents

tnconnection

Spring 2008 Edition

W t h

Vid

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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Municipal Membership Alcoa Electric Department Athens Utilities Board

Power Perspective

Benton County Electric System Bolivar Energy Authority

Protecting Our Public Power Interests

Bristol Tennessee Essential Services Brownsville Utility Department Carroll County Electrical Department Electric Power Board of Chattanooga Clarksville Department of Electricity Cleveland Utilities Clinton Utilities Board Columbia Power & Water System Cookeville Department of Electricity Covington Electric System

MIKE VINSON Executive Director Tennessee Municipal Electric Power Association

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 2008

At the time I’m writing this, it’s about 12 degrees outside. I realize you’ll be reading this in the spring and the temperatures are certainly more moderate – but today it’s cold, cold, cold.

Fortunately, and as usual, customers of public power had an uninterrupted power supply during the cold weather. But this is the spring issue so I need to talk about what’s coming up in the spring and summer.

On Feb. 19 we turned our attention to Capitol Hill in Nashville, where the system members of TMEPA hosted a reception for members of the 105th General Assembly. This is an annual activity that we have been doing for many years. This Legislative Rally & Reception gives system managers and their board members a great opportunity to meet with their respective legislators and discuss issues of local importance. Like their Washington counterparts, the legislators in Tennessee typically are friends of public power and are receptive to the needs of Tennessee’s citizens regarding electric power. There are a number of potential issues facing your municipal electric system in the legislative arena. As usual, we’ll follow them closely and give an update in the next issue.

The week following our visits on Capitol Hill in Nashville, many of our members made the annual trip to our nation’s capital to visit with our Tennessee delegation (representatives and senators) and to apprise them of the many issues of concern to public power on a national level. We are blessed to have congressional representatives who not only understand public power but work hard to protect our interests in Washington. They realize that public power serves their constituents (each one of you), and your concerns are their concerns.

The trip also gives the opportunity for us to personally thank these public servants for the outstanding job they do on our behalf in our nation’s capitol.

Meanwhile, on the home front, we continue to watch the activities of our legislators on Capitol Hill and review the many bills introduced for passage. We’ll keep doing our job just as all municipal electric systems across this great state will do their job – and that is to continue to bring you outstanding electric service, a dependable power supply and to constantly improve customer service. That’s what they do best.

TMEPA’s 42nd annual meeting will take place in Franklin at the Embassy Suites Hotel at Cool Springs on July 9-11, 2008. This is by far our largest meeting each year, and it offers members the opportunity to hear outstanding speakers on the issues facing our industry.

Have a great spring. We’ll talk again in the summer issue. tnconnections.com

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When Life

Hands You Lemons Roasted corn and lemonade business brings couple sweet success Story by CAROL COWAN Photography by TODD BENNETT

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f you’ve been to Mule Days in Columbia or the Tennessee Renaissance Festival in Triune – or any number of regional fairs and festivals – chances are you’ve seen Elliott and Susan Stockard in action, squeezing lemonade and roasting corn at their concessions booth, the Main Squeeze Lemonade Co. When the Stockards say their lemonade is “freshsqueezed,” they aren’t kidding. Susan, who’s known as

Lemons – and lots of them – are the basis of Elliott and Susan Stockard’s Main Squeeze Lemonade Co. 4

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Tennessee Connections

the lemonade lady, puts each lemon in the squeezer and squeezes the juice directly into a serving cup before mixing it with their handmade syrup. Elliott adjusts the secret formula according to the weather – sweeter when it’s cool, and more tart when it’s hot. Folks come by just to watch the process.

“I can squeeze a lemon about every seven or eight seconds if I’m going really fast,” Susan says, “Sometimes every 10 seconds. And I keep that up – I mean, I do it a lot.”

That often means upwards of 1,500 times a day.

When you start talking corn, Elliott’s the one who lights up.

“We have a broker in Nashville who buys corn from all over. There’s one outfit in Ohio – oh my, they grow good corn!” he says. “We cook our corn in the shuck, and people say, ‘I bet you soaked that in water overnight to get it so juicy.’ But we just cook it in its own juice. And you know, yesterday that corn was growing in the field.”

It all started about seven years ago when Elliott’s friend Mark Thornell – now his business partner – became convinced they could get rich selling caramel apples and bottled water at festivals. So they gave it a try.

“We were still selling that same batch of apples nine months later,” Elliott says with a laugh.

That first show didn’t make them rich, but it fueled their interest in the concessions business.

And they happened to set up their booth right next to a corn roaster.

“I kept watching him,” Elliott says. “Afterward I told my partner, ‘This is what we need to be doing.’”

The cost of a corn roaster – about $10,000 – was out of their reach, so the partners designed their own and had it built.

“To this minute it works just fine,” Elliott says.

The roaster debuted at a tractor show in Lawrenceburg.

“We started selling corn as fast as we could pull it out of that thing. And I thought, ‘This is a money machine! We’re gonna retire!’ And then it started raining. We never sold corn that fast again.”

But they kept selling it, hauling the trailer-mounted roaster to shows within a 100-mile radius of the couple’s home in Columbia – nearly every weekend from April to mid-October. And they added sweet iced tea and loaded baked potatoes to the Main Squeeze Lemonade Co. menu.

Their vegetarian fare has helped them get “in” at events that are sometimes closed to new vendors.

One aspect of the business the couple particularly enjoys is dressing in medieval costumes for the Renaissance Festival each spring. Another is looking up from the squeezer or the roaster and seeing old friends they haven’t seen in 20 or 30 years.

Susan and Elliott have roots deep in the Middle Tennessee soil, and after traveling separate paths that led away from home, they eventually returned – and found each other. That was 20 years ago, and they have been each other’s main squeeze ever since.

“This is an interesting way to make a living,” Elliott says.

“We have fun,” Susan adds. “He’s my main squeeze, and I’m his main squeeze …”

“And we sell lemonade,” Elliott says. Q

Susan and Elliott Stockard sell lemonade and roasted corn at the Southern Fried Festival in Columbia, Tenn.

Spring 2008

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All

Fired Up Veggies can take the heat – if they’re grilled just right Story and Recipes BY KELLY PRICE Photography by JEFFREY S. OTTO

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resh-from-the-garden vegetables will soon be making their way to our tables, and grilling is a great way to add some interest to old favorites.

All too often, grilled vegetables are served blackened and bitter or virtually raw – and that’s probably why most people save the grill for burgers and steaks.

But fresh vegetables benefit almost more than meats from cooking over charcoal. The caramelizing of natural sugars gives old reliables new style, intensifying their flavor and drawing out natural sweetness.

We tossed in our recipe for lemon, thyme and mustard basting sauce, which lends a fresh, light taste. And a few key techniques will help ensure that juicy vegetables come to the table in a tender way that preserves – and enhances – their naturally bright, delicious flavors. Just right for spring.

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ROASTED VEGETABLES WITH BALSAMIC VINEGAR 2 red peppers 1 yellow pepper 2 small zucchinis 1 red onion (or 4 leeks) 12 cherry tomatoes Olive oil Fresh thyme 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 Tablespoons balsamic vinegar salt and pepper Cut peppers into chunks.

Slice zucchinis and onion or leeks.

Tennessee Connections

Toss in a bowl with 1/4 cup olive oil, a bunch of fresh chopped thyme and two cloves of minced garlic.

Start with whole, washed peppers (red, green or chile peppers) and a hot fire.

Place the vegetables onto a medium-hot grill and turn once, cooking until they are tender-crisp.

Place peppers over fire, turning frequently until they are charred and blistered on the outside.

Toss in a bowl and splash with two Tablespoons of balsamic vinegar. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Take the peppers from the fire and immediately place in a paper bag.

LEMON, THYME AND MUSTARD BASTING SAUCE 1 stick butter, diced

Close the bag and let the peppers sit for about 10 minutes.

Remove the peppers from the bag and scrape the black blisters off with a small knife.

Cut the pepper open, and discard the stem and seeds. Q

1/3 cup chopped shallots 1/4 cup olive oil

TIPS

3 Tablespoons Dijon mustard

Size and shape matter: Cut the vegetables into large, flat pieces with an even thickness throughout.

(Make sure the pieces are large enough to prevent them from falling into the fire.) Onions should be cut into thick slices. For bell peppers, cut the tops and bottoms off, seed and cut into four pieces. Thin vegetables such as asparagus and scallions grill best if left whole.

2 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice 2 Tablespoons chopped fresh thyme 1 Tablespoon grated lemon peel Combine all ingredients in a heavy medium saucepan.

Whisk over medium heat until butter melts and sauce is well blended.

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Season to taste with salt and pepper. (This can be made three hours ahead.) Cool. Whisk over low heat to re-warm before using.

J Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper and seasonings such as lemon and thyme before they go on the grill.

Brush vegetables with a good olive oil before putting them on the grill. (They have no fat to self baste.)

FIRE-ROASTED WHOLE PEPPERS

J Avoid marinades that contain sugar. It causes the exterior to blacken too much.

Fresh, fire-roasted peppers and chile peppers can be substituted in any recipe that calls for peppers.

J Cook more than you need, and use the extras in omelets, pizza or pasta salads.

Spring 2008

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Homemade hushpuppies are one reason foodies keep checking into the Catfish Hotel.

Fishing for a

Good Meal Catfish Hotel serves up fried catfish and fond memories Story by JESSICA MOZO

T

he Catfish Hotel in Shiloh isn’t the kind of place you’d stumble upon during a leisurely drive. Hidden away in a no-frills shack-turned-restaurant at the end of Hagy Lane on the banks of the Tennessee River, it’s the kind of place you have to seek out to find.

But those who make the effort are glad they did.

If you’ve eaten at the Catfish Hotel before, chances are you heard about it from one of the locals in nearby Savannah, who proudly claim to live in the “Catfish Capital of the World.” And that claim has merit, considering some of the largest catfish on record have been caught in the area, as well as the fact folks in these parts know how to cook catfish like it’s nobody’s business.

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The Catfish Hotel has been cooking up buttermilk-battered fried catfish and crispy, golden hushpuppies since 1938.

“Some people drive two hours to get here, so we take a lot of pride in what we do,” says Jim Hagy, who co-owns the restaurant with sisters Melody and Molly.

Their grandparents, Norvin and Dorothy Hagy, started the restaurant 70 years ago.

“He had this great catfish recipe and he’d have fish frys there on the river,” Hagy says of his grandfather Norvin. “All his friends would end up camping out for the night, so they nicknamed it the Catfish Hotel.

And the name stuck.”

It became a bona fide restaurant when former Tennessee Governor Gordon Browning came to visit.

When he tasted Norvin’s catfish and hushpuppies, Browning encouraged him to open for business.

Eventually Norvin’s sons, Jack and Rob, took over the business, adding four dining rooms to the old shack. At one time, the Catfish Hotel was big enough to seat 400 people.

But just when it seemed to be at its prime, a fire burned down the building in 1975.

“It was really devastating for us, but my dad was determined to reopen it,” Hagy recalls.

A year later, the present structure opened, and the Catfish Hotel was back in business.

Today, it’s one of Tennessee’s oldest family-owned restaurants.

The same Hagy family recipes are used daily, and Hagy reports the restaurant is busier now than ever.

“One unique thing we do is our cole slaw recipe, which my grandfather started. It’s cabbage, dill pickle and carrots topped with homemade French dressing,” Hagy says. “My grandma’s Lemon Rub Pie is also still on the menu.”

Hagy credits the restaurant’s success to the people who’ve worked there for decades and the loyal customers. Managers Joey and Barbara McAfee have been at the Catfish Hotel for 30 years.

“We enjoy our regular customers and meeting new customers visiting from other areas,” Barbara McAfee says. “We’ve made a lot of friends.”

Following his grandfather’s footsteps, Hagy is now operating his own restaurant and catering company, Chef’s Market, in Goodlettsville. But he always makes time to return to his roots by visiting the Catfish Hotel.

“It’s a great place to sit and watch the river, and the Shiloh area makes a great day trip,” he says.

Attractions near the Catfish Hotel include Shiloh National Military Park and the Tennessee River Museum and historic Cherry Mansion in Savannah. Q Tennessee Connections

Saving Money the Smart Way ‘Mindset of conservation’ reduces electricity, adds to wallet Story by CAROL COWAN

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ex Christensen of Clarksville saved $404 in the first eight months of 2007 just by implementing a few simple changes. His average monthly bill went from $135 to $92 – a savings of about 30 percent.

Christensen believes that a little awareness can go a long way toward reducing our electric bills – and the size of our collective “carbon footprint.”

But concern for the environment wasn’t his initial motivation. Like most people, Christensen simply wanted to keep his expenses down.

In the fall of 2006, he did a little research to determine changes that he, as a homeowner, could make to reduce his electric usage.

“One of the first changes I made in my energy-savings campaign was to purchase and install compact

fluorescent light bulbs,” he says.

Then, month-by-month, he compared his bills to those of the last four years. The immediate difference made him want to save more.

In the spring, he installed window treatments for the westfacing, arched windows in his home.

“This simple and inexpensive change made a dramatic difference in the comfort level of several rooms in my home,” Christensen says.

A little more research led him to his biggest money-saver yet – an automatic timer for his swimmingpool pump. He spent $73 on a highquality timer that reduces pump run-time from 24 to 12 hours daily.

“The savings realized from this single change offset the cost of the timer in just 43 days,” he says.

“If you can automate these things, it’s really worth it. If you’re already

in bed and suddenly remember, ‘Oh, I left the pool pump on,’ you’re just going to leave it on all night.

A timer will take care of it for you.”

Christensen’s No. 1 tip?

“Adopt a mindset of conservation,” he advises.

For example, adjust your thermostat by just two degrees, turn off ceiling fans and lights when you leave a room and don’t leave outdoor floodlights on during daylight hours.

“You could say that I’m doing this for the money,” Christensen says, “but if everyone reduced their usage by 15 percent, not only would they save money, but it would also make a huge difference in periods of peak demand – and it would reduce the size of our carbon footprint.” Q Editor’s note: In fall 2007, TN Connections asked our readers to share their own tips for saving electricity. Many of you responded, and Rex Christensen of Clarksville is our Bright Ideas contest winner! For offering some practical tips, tracking his own savings over time and sharing his experience with us, Christensen received a full-color Images of Tennessee photo book. Read on to find out how he saved money and resources.

Other readers’ tips will be highlighted in upcoming issues, and we’d love to hear more of your bright ideas. E-mail your tips and tales of conservation to tnceditor@jnlcom.com.

An automatic timer for a swimming pool pump can translate into savings.

Spring 2008

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vistas Horses graze at a farm on Old Columbia Road in Dickson.

Photo by Brian McCord

PHOTO CONTEST ONLINE | Get snapping.

Daffodils, soft rains, dogwoods. It must be springtime in Tennessee. Send us your best photos of Tennessee vistas, and we’ll send the contest winner a print of one of our Tennessee Vistas, courtesy of our staff photographers.

To enter, go to www.tnconnections.com.

spring activities in tennessee This listing includes events of statewide interest scheduled in March, April and May as as provided Tennessee Department of Tourist Development.

Dates were accurate provided by by thethe Tennessee Department of Tourist Development.

Dates were accurate at at press time subject to change; please contact listed before traveling press time butbut areare subject to change; please callcall thethe contact listed before traveling long long distances to attend. distances to attend.

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

MARCH 8 FIREBIRDS AND BUTTERFLIES Carl Perkins Civic Center, Jackson – The Jackson Symphony’s Concertmaster, Sue Jean Park, performs The Butterfly Lovers Violin Concerto which tells the tragic story of young lovers in China. This concert also features Stravinsky’s magical Firebird Suite.

CONTACT: Jackson Symphony Orchestra, (731) 427-6440, www.jso.tn.org/index.htm

MARCH 8-9 TOP GUN SPRING NATIONALS “CRUISIN THE LAKES” CAR SHOW SERIES

All Nations American Indian Festival, Murfreesboro, March 1-2

march MARCH 1-2 ALL NATIONS AMERICAN INDIAN FESTIVAL Murfreesboro – Dedicated to the culture and heritage of the American Indian, this festival includes a Native Arts Market, exhibition dancing, cultural exhibits, family entertainment and more.

CONTACT: Georgia Dennis, (615) 796-4210, www.mtsu.edu/powwow

MARCH 7-9 SOUTHERN WOMEN’S SHOW Agricenter International, Memphis – Food, fashion, travel, home décor and more, all in one fun package. CONTACT: (800) 849-0248, www.southernshows.com, (AC)

MARCH 7-9 ANNUAL HOME SHOW Cumberland County Community Complex, Crossville – Features exhibits, builders and suppliers showcasing ideas new and familiar for home and garden. CONTACT: Home Builder’s Assn. of Cumberland County, (931) 484-6601, www.golfcapitaltenn.com, (AC) 12

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Paris Landing State Park, Buchanan – Truck, car, motorcycle, tractor and race car show. Participating entries can be modified, mild custom, stock, pro-street and radical low riders are welcome.

CONTACT: Billy Peale, (800) 250-8614, www.bluegrasscarevents.org, (AC)

MARCH 10 TASTE OF THE MOUNTAIN FOOD FAIR Monteagle – This fair makes the most of the unique qualities that characterize Monteagle with area restaurants, caterers and bakeries providing taste samples of their specialties. Features live musical entertainment. CONTACT: (931) 924-5353, www.monteaglechamber.com, (AC)

MARCH 12-16 A MOUNTAIN QUILTFEST Pigeon Forge – This event pays tribute to the art of quilting with a quilt show, more than 200 quilted pieces, a large vendor area and classes taught by the nation’s top quilting experts. CONTACT: Office of Special Events, (800) 251-9100, www.mypigeonforge.com

MARCH 14 WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN THE CIVIL WAR: TWO WOMEN ONE WAR Abraham Lincoln Library & Museum, Harrogate – This program looks at the difficulties faced by two sisters whose husbands choose different sides during America’s Civil War. Through deaths of a child and husband, the families are torn apart as dramatically as was the nation during those four traumatic Civil War years.

CONTACT: Abraham Lincoln Library & Museum, (800) 325-0900, Ext. 6235, www.lmunet.edu/museum/index.html

MARCH 15 46TH ANNUAL WEARIN’ OF THE GREEN IRISH DAY PARADE & ARTS & CRAFTS FESTIVAL Erin – A celebration of Irish heritage with a leprechaun and grand parade, pageants, golf tournament, variety show and more.

CONTACT: Chamber of Commerce, (931) 289-5100, www.houstoncochamber.com

MARCH 22-23 OLD TIME FIDDLER’S CHAMPIONSHIP Clarksville – State championship featuring authentic old-time music. Competition in 12 events with monetary prizes awarded.

CONTACT: Hilldale Civitans Club, (931) 552-6149, www.tnfiddlers.com

MARCH 28 CARIBBEAN SOUND: AN AMERICAN CARNIVAL Ned. R. McWherter West Tennessee Cultural Arts Center, Jackson – This full stage production mixes the sound and culture of the Caribbean through calypso, soca and Latin music with classical, American pop and original compositions.

CONTACT: Jackson Centre, (731) 425-8587, www.jacksoncentre.com

MARCH 29-30 HISTORIC MANSKER’S STATION SPRING ENCAMPMENT Goodlettsville – Watch woodworking, blacksmithing, cooking over the campfire and bread-baking. Tour Mansker’s Fort and the Bowen Plantation House, built in 1787. CONTACT: Mansker’s Station, (615) 859-FORT, www.manskersstation.org

april APRIL 5 GILES COUNTY’S GOBBLER GALA Pulaski – This community event includes delicious turkey, entertainment, games and crafts. CONTACT: Giles County Tourism Foundation, (931) 363-3789, www.gilescountytourism.com

APRIL 5 CIVIL WAR BALL “SALLIE’S SPRING COTILLION” Old Spencer’s Mill, Dickson – Dress in Civil War attire and enjoy the grand march, social and authentic Civil War music.

CONTACT: Trish Miller, (615) 412-5169, www.dicksoncountychamber.com, (AC) Tennessee Connections

APRIL 5 SPRING WILDFLOWER TOUR River Ridge Farm, Clinton – Come along for a spring wildflower tour on the farm.

Tour wildflower habitats, upland oak forests and moist riverbluff. CONTACT: Marvin Wolfenbarger, (865) 457-6774, www.riverridgefarmtn.com, (AC)

APRIL 5 WOOLY DAY Rocky Mount Historic Site, Piney Flats – Focuses on 18th century wool processing and agricultural activities. Come see sheep shearing, spinning and weaving demonstrations, living history tours of the Cobb House, and more. CONTACT: Rocky Mount Historical Assn., (423) 538-7396, www.rockymountmuseum.com

APRIL 11 23RD ANNUAL DOLLY PARADE Pigeon Forge – Dolly Parton is grand marshal of this spring parade, filled with area entertainers, floats, marching bands and more. CONTACT: Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism, (800) 251-9100, www.mypigeonforge.com

APRIL 11-12 TENNESSEE CRITTERS Bicentennial Mall State Park, Nashville – Features Tennessee’s critters from the bald eagle to fossils. CONTACT: Bicentennial Mall State Park, (615) 741-5280, www.state.tn. us/environment/parks/Bicentennial

APRIL 12 PLANES, TRAINS & AUTOMOBILES – RIPLEY ON THE MOVE! Ripley Court Square, Ripley – A fun-filled day of events centered around transportation with an old-fashioned soapbox derby race, hot air balloon, model trains, antique cars, a kite demonstration, food and crafts.

CONTACT: Linda Yancy, (731) 635-3848

experimental, foreign, documentaries and short films, the festival has something for every filmgoer to enjoy. CONTACT: Nashville Film Festival, (615) 742-2500, www.nashvillefilmfestival.org

fun and excitement of opera and Italian culture. World-class opera performances, wine tastings, Italian Street Fair and more.

CONTACT: Knoxville Opera, (865) 524-0795, www.rossinifestival.org

APRIL 18-20 FIDDLERS GROVE STORYTELLING FESTIVAL

APRIL 19-20 ARDMORE RENAISSANCE FAIRE

Fiddlers Grove, Lebanon – Come enjoy great storytelling and storytelling workshops. CONTACT: Festival Committee, (423) 272-8549, www.tnstorytelling.org

APRIL 18-20 22ND ANNUAL AFRICA IN APRIL CULTURAL AWARENESS FESTIVAL Memphis – Celebration featuring education, economics, fashion, arts & crafts, music and cuisine. The 2008 honored country is The Gambia. CONTACT: Africa in April, (901) 947-2133, www.africainapril.org

APRIL 19 ROCKWOOD’S THUNDER ROAD FESTIVAL Downtown Rockwood – Dress up as a moonshiner or revenuer and win a contest.

Includes arts & crafts, antiques, classic car show, entertainment, fried pie contest, food, live bluegrass music and a Daisy Duke looka-like contest. CONTACT: Erika Schenk, (865) 354-6800, www.roanealliance.org

APRIL 19 OLD TIME BLUEGRASS & FIDDLERS JAMBOREE Holladay – Contests in banjo, mandolin, dobro, guitar, fiddle, buckdancing, food and refreshments. CONTACT: Marty Arnold, (731) 584-6874, (AC)

APRIL 19 ROSSINI FESTIVAL Knoxville – This festival brings a taste of Europe to East Tennessee and celebrates the

Ardmore – Shop the marketplace, indulge in delectable edibles, test your skills in the gaming glen. Cheer on dashing knights engaged in games. CONTACT: Chamber of Commerce, (931) 363-3789, www.gilescountytourism.com, (AC)

APRIL 19-20 UNDER THE SEA The Orpheum Theatre, Memphis – Delve into the mysterious world of life in the deep blue with this shimmering, visual feast.

Joseph Jefferies’ stunning Little Mermaid is paired with Trey McIntyre’s much acclaimed Barramundi for one amazing adventure.

CONTACT: (901) 737-7322, www.balletmemphis.org, (AC)

APRIL 20-26 WORLD’S BIGGEST FISH FRY Paris – More than five tons of catfish on order to serve thousands of visitors at this fish fry. Includes IPRA rodeo, parade, catfish races and more. CONTACT: Chamber of Commerce, (800) 345-1103, www.paristnchamber.com

APRIL 25-27 15TH ANNUAL APPALACHIAN ANTIQUE FARM SHOW Gray – More than 500 antique tractors, engines and equipment on display.

An antique tractor pull, kiddie tractor pull, tractor parade, quilt exhibit, live entertainment and more. CONTACT: Ron Alley, (423) 357-3619, www.tsapa.com

APRIL 17 GATLINBURG’S RIBFEST & WINGS Downtown Gatlinburg – Enjoy the entertainment and a delicious sampling of the area’s best barbecue ribs and chicken wings. CONTACT: Chamber of Commerce, (800) 568-4748, www.gatlinburg.com, (AC)

APRIL 17-19 RIVERS & SPIRES FESTIVAL Clarksville – Five stages with more than 100 entertainers, Kidz Zone, arts & crafts, International Streetfest, car shows and more.

CONTACT: Doug Barber, (931) 552-9006, Ext. 233, www.riversandspires.com

APRIL 17-24 NASHVILLE FILM FESTIVAL Nashville – More than 240 feature films from 44 countries. Films crossing all genres from drama, comedy, animation, family, Spring 2008

Old Time Bluegrass & Fiddlers Jamboree, Holladay, April 19 tnconnections.com

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MAY 1-3 BOXCAR PINION MEMORIAL BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL

MAY 4 56TH ANNUAL COSBY RAMP FESTIVAL

Raccoon Mountain, Chattanooga – Bluegrass festival honoring Boxcar Pinion, keeping his memory alive with music and fun. CONTACT: Tanya Jones, (423) 877-0321, www.boxcarforeverbluegrass.com

Cosby – This bluegrass music, food and family festival celebrates the ramp, an onionlike vegetable that grows in East Tennessee’s mountains. Includes green eggs and ramps, barbecue chicken served with ramps, Appalachian crafts and more. CONTACT: Kathy Cody, (423) 623-1009, www.cosbyrampfestival.org

MAY 1-4 50TH ANNUAL OLD TIMERS DAY FESTIVAL

Clarksburg Hummingbird Festival, May 3

Dickson – The theme for 2008 is “A Time to Celebrate History.” Includes everything from a liars contest to Miss Old Timers Talent Contest, parades, crafts and quilt shows, live entertainment, dancing in the street and more. CONTACT: Rhonda Adams, (615) 446-2349, www.dicksoncountychamber.com

MAY 1-31 MEMPHIS IN MAY INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL

APRIL 26 SQUARE FEST Gallatin – A celebration with local musicians, dancers, martial arts, food, and arts & crafts vendors around the square. CONTACT: Sumner County Convention & Visitors Bureau, (888) 301-7866, www.sumnercvb.com

APRIL 26 EARTHFEST World’s Fair Park, Knoxville – Earthfest is Knoxville’s celebration of Earth Day. Features environmental exhibits, arts & crafts, food and more. CONTACT: City of Knoxville, (865) 215-2000, www.knox-earthfest.org

APRIL 26-27 12TH ANNUAL NATIONAL CORNBREAD FESTIVAL South Pittsburg – Live entertainment, juried arts & crafts, and food. This festival honors cornbread with the National Cornbread Cook-Off. Sample cornbreads and main dish recipes. CONTACT: Cornbread Office, (423) 837-0022, www.nationalcornbread.com, (AC)

may MAY 1-3 6TH ANNUAL TRAIN STOP STORYTELLING FESTIVAL Maury County Park, Columbia – Enjoy train rides, storytelling by a variety of tellers presented in many forms and styles including traditional tales, tall tales, story in dance, story in song and more.

CONTACT: Maury County Parks & Recreation, (931) 375-6103 Spring 2008

Memphis – Memphis hosts Turkey as its 2008 honored country. Events include the Beale Street Music Festival, May 2-4; World Championship Barbecue Contest, May 14-16; and Sunset Symphony, May 24.

CONTACT: Memphis in May Office, (901) 525-4611, www.memphisinmay.org

MAY 2-3 JAZZFEST Murfreesboro – Features cool contemporary jazz, family entertainment, unique vendors, delicious food and great music!

CONTACT: Main Street, (615) 895-1887, www.downtownmurfreesboro.com

MAY 3 CLARKSBURG HUMMINGBIRD FESTIVAL Clarksburg – Includes a pet show, talent show, dunking booth, live entertainment and cake walk. CONTACT: Terry McCoy, (731) 986-5547

MAY 3-26 (Sat. & Sun.) TENNESSEE RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL Triune – 16th century England comes to life with full contact jousting, food, crafts and artisans. CONTACT: Tennessee Renaissance Festival, (615) 395-9950, www.tnrenfest.com

MAY 4-10 71ST ANNUAL WEST TENNESSEE STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL Humboldt – One of the oldest festivals in the state. Events include two parades, carnival, horse show, live entertainment, barbecue cookoff, concerts, contests, fireworks and more. CONTACT: Chamber of Commerce, (731) 784-1842, www.wtsf.org

MAY 9-10 SUNDROP BBQ COOK-OFF Giles County Agri Park, Pulaski – Professional and amateur barbecue contest including chicken, ribs, pork shoulder and brisket. State Barbecue Championship sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbecue Society.

CONTACT: Jay Aymett, (931) 424-2134, www.gilescountytourism.com

MAY 9-10 OUR BIG FAT GREEK FESTIVAL Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, Memphis – Offers a unique opportunity to take in the sights, sounds and tastes of a country that influenced so much of the nation’s civilization. CONTACT: (901) 327-8177, (AC)

MAY 10 POLK SALAD FESTIVAL & PAGEANT Downtown Harriman – Includes the Miss Polk Salad Pageant, food, crafts, live entertainment and more than 200 vintage automobiles on display. CONTACT: David Webb, (865) 882-8867, www.roanealliance.org

MAY 16-17 BLOOMIN’ BARBECUE & BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL Sevierville – Tennessee State Championship Barbecue Championship, bluegrass concerts, arts & crafts, food and authentic mountain crafts. CONTACT: Chamber of Commerce, (888) 766-5948, www.bloominbbq.com

MAY 4 INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL

MAY 17 ROBBERY MYSTERY EXCURSION TRAIN RIDE

Clarksville – Features 25 countries, represented with food, dance, music and entertainment. CONTACT: Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, (931) 645-6275, (AC)

Tennessee Central Railway Museum, Nashville – Ride the 90-mile mystery train and try to solve “who did it.”

CONTACT: Terry Bebout, (615) 244-9001, www.trcy.org (AC) tnconnections.com

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MAY 17 MOUNTAIN SOUL VOCAL COMPETITION Downtown Sevierville – Hear 20 finalists from around the United States compete for cash and a Nashville recording session by singing songs written by Dolly Parton.

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

MAY 17 ARMED FORCES DAY CELEBRATION Veterans’ Museum, Halls – A tribute to all who serve and have served in the Armed Forces. The location is the site of a WWII Army Air Force B-17 Training Base from 1942-1945. CONTACT: Pat Higdon, (731) 836-7400, www.dyaab.us

MAY 17-18 34TH ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF BRITISH & APPALACHIAN CULTURE Historic Rugby – Continuous British Isles and Appalachian music and dancing, traditional arts & crafts demonstrations, storytelling, historic building tours, children’s activities and delicious food. CONTACT: Historic Rugby, (888) 214-3400, www.historicrugby.org

MAY 17-18 SEIGE AT FORT WATAUGA Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area, Elizabethton – American and British re-enactors along with Native American

allies from all over the Southeast demonstrate life on the western frontier during the late 1700s. CONTACT: Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area, (423) 543-5808, www.sycamoreshoals.org

MAY 17-24 20TH ANNUAL BUFORD PUSSER MEMORIAL FESTIVAL Adamsville City Park, 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: City Hall, (731) 632-1401, www.sheriffbufordpusser.com

MAY 22-24 38TH ANNUAL CELEBRATION SPRING FUN SHOW

Children’s Festival of Reading, May 31

Shelbyville – Early season preview of the top Tennessee Walking Horses from across the country. Many will compete for world championship honors at the Tennessee Walking Horse Celebration in August.

CONTACT: The Celebration, (931) 684-5915, www.twhnc.com

MAY 24 APPALACHIAN DUMPLIN’ FESTIVAL

MAY 24 ROCKIN’ THE DOCKS Lenoir City – Live bands, food and fireworks on the banks of Fort Loudoun Lake.

CONTACT: Lenoir City Parks & Recreation, (865) 986-1223, www.lenoircitygov.com

Winfield – Includes games, crafts, live bluegrass music, food and the largest variety of dumplins’ in the region. CONTACT: Town of Winfield, (423) 569-6139, www.appalachiandumplinfestival.com

MAY 24 HALLOWED GROUND: A LANTERN TOUR OF THE STONES RIVER NATIONAL BATTLEFIELD Murfreesboro – Visitors will appreciate the cost of war through the stories of soldiers, and their loved ones, who are buried in Stones River National Cemetery. A ranger will lead the group on a lantern walk through the cemetery and stop at several gravesites where volunteers portraying soldiers and civilians will share stories taken from the letters and diaries of the period.

CONTACT: Stones River National Battlefield, (615) 893-9501, www.nps.gov/stri

MAY 31 NATIONAL MOOFEST Downtown Athens – Features unique activities that demonstrate Athens’ role in the dairy industry during the town’s past, present and future. Crafts, food, homemade ice cream, entertainment and more.

CONTACT: Richard Newman, (423) 746-9041, www.nationalmoofest.com, (AC)

MAY 31 CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL OF READING World’s Fair Park, Knoxville – The festival hosts children’s authors and illustrators, storytellers, magicians, musicians and more. CONTACT: Mary Pom Claiborne, (865) 215-8767, www.knoxcounty.org/library 16

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Tennessee Connections

connect to tennessee

products A roundup of favorite finds hand – no machine work. That’s why we can guarantee them never to shed.”

JEWELRY WITH CHARM Fascinated with jewelry since she was a child, Suzanne Myers has been creating her own jewelry designs since high school. Now the Nashville native and former teacher has found a niche with her hand-created, personalized “name charm” necklaces – casually elegant designs of hammered silver that can be personalized with children’s names. Featured in Child magazine in 2007, these pieces – suspended from an oxidized sterling chain along with two small semi-precious stones – have become especially popular with fashionable moms across the country who appreciate something a little different. Myers creates many other jewelry styles, all with an organic, modern and sleek look, in her Nashville studio. Popular among entertainment industry stylists, her clients have included Martina McBride, LeAnn Rimes, Sharon Stone and Faith Hill.

Prices for the name charm necklace run from $120 to $140.

J Visit her Web site, www.suzannemyers.com, for more information.

SWEEP, SWEEPING AWAY These brooms are made for sweeping, but most folks can’t bear to spring clean with a carefully crafted work of art. David Ogle has been making brooms by hand full-time at Ogle’s Broom Shop in Gatlinburg since he was 13 years old – and that’s 41 years of hands-on experience, so you can bet they’re made just right. David and his wife, Tammie, grow most of their own broom corn, and they hand-pick wood from the forest and dry it for a year before creating the handles. David carves old men’s faces, bears, eagles and other decorations into the handles, and Tammie takes care of all the stitching and finishing.

“We make 22 different kinds of brooms,” says Ogle, a third-generation broom maker. “We hand-stitch all of ours and put them on the handle by Spring 2008

David’s grandfather, Lee, started selling handmade brooms in the 1920s, and his father, Wayne, continued the tradition and taught young David the craft. Now folks come from all over to buy brooms at the Ogles’ shop on Glades Road in Gatlinburg, and most end up on display.

“They’re made to be used, but some people don’t want to use them because they’re so fancy,” Ogle says. The brooms range in price from $14.95 to $250. The Ogles also sell handmade children’s rockers, toys, doll furniture and walking sticks.

J For more information, call (865) 430-4402 or visit http://oglebrooms.tripod.com.

A FINE CATCH Tucked away in the West Tennessee town of Savannah, Kelley’s Katch Caviar is making quite a name for itself – and the Tennessee River.

Co-owned by Mike and Vickie Kelley, Kelley’s Katch was one of the first small caviar producers in the nation to begin labeling its own product. And it’s been a big hit. In fact, the Wall Street Journal has raved about Tennessee’s paddlefish product, naming the salty gray eggs the “best value” in American caviar.

For more than 20 years, it’s been snapped up by fish-egg connoisseurs looking for a more moderately priced alternative to the belugas and sevrugas.

All of the caviar either comes from the Kelleys’ own fishing boats or is bought from local commercial fishermen, giving proof to its marketing slogan: “The Freshest in the Nation.”

For more information and recipe ideas, visit www.kelleyskatch.com, or call (731) 925-7360.

J

SEND US YOUR FAVORITES If you know of a great Tennessee-made product, we’d love to hear from you. Send the name of the item, a brief description and contact information to tnceditor@jnlcom.com – or send a sample to TN Connections Editor, 725 Cool Springs Blvd., Suite 400, Franklin, Tenn., 37067. tnconnections.com

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Energy-Saving Tips for Spring Prepare for warmer days ahead Warmer days will soon be upon us, and spring is the perfect time to get outdoors and enjoy the weather – and to open the windows and let the fresh air in.

Give your energy bill a break by turning off your heating and cooling system whenever moderate temperatures allow. Then follow these homeimprovement tips that will help net energy savings all year round.

Q Clean leaves and dirt from the outside of your

cooling system unit, and have a professional give it a tune-up before hot weather hits.

Q Some carefully planned yard work can save on

energy costs. Shrubbery planted about one foot from exterior walls creates a dead-air space that insulates your home in summer and winter.

Q Install room air conditioners in a north-facing wall

or window to keep the unit out of direct sunlight.

Planting trees nearby to shade the unit will reduce electric usage by about 10 percent.

Q Insulate yourself from through-the-roof energy

loss by having at least 15.5 inches of insulation on the attic floor.

Q Installing window film not only saves on cooling

costs and protects furniture from fading, but it’s also eligible for a federal tax credit.

Q Make the switch. Compact fluorescent light

bulbs use one-fourth the energy and last 10 times longer than regular incandescent bulbs. That translates to a savings of $30 to $40 over the life of each bulb.

Q Get with the program. An Energy Star

programmable thermostat, which automates the task of adjusting your home’s temperature for day, night and away-from-home settings, can save you up to $115 per year.

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

Q Turn back the dial. If you have central

air conditioning, you could save between 6 and 7 percent for every degree above 78 that you adjust your thermostat.

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE

PAID Lebanon Junction, KY 40150 Permit No. 222