Summer 2008, Tennessee Connections

tnconnections Summer 2008

An OfďŹ cial Publication of Your Locally Owned Municipal Electric System

tnconnections.com

Not Just for Kids Palate-pleasing Mexican popsicles ďŹ nd a niche in Nashville

Small Changes, Big Results Family takes conservation practices in stride

Take Your Pick Fresh fruits and berries make sweet summer treats

tnconnections Summer 2008 Edition Editor Rebecca Denton Editorial Assistant Jessy Yancey Contributing Writer Kelly Price

table of contents FEATURES Not Just for Kids

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Creative Director Keith Harris Photography Director Jeffrey S. Otto

Flavorful Mexican popsicles take frozen treats to another level.

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

Take Your Pick

Senior Production Project Manager Tadara Smith Production Project Managers Melissa Hoover, Jill Wyatt

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Fresh fruits and berries make summertime desserts even sweeter.

Sr. Graphic Designers Laura Gallagher, Vikki Williams

Small Changes, Big Results

Graphic Designers Linda Moreiras, Amy Nelson

The Moore family of Nashville takes conservation practices in stride.

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

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V.P./Visual Content Mark Forester V.P./Editorial Director Teree Caruthers Production Director Natasha Lorens Assistant Production Director Christina Carden

Vistas

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Activities in Tennessee

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Connect to Tennessee Products

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Pre-press Coordinator Hazel Risner Controller Chris Dudley Advertising Sales Manager Custom Division Beth Murphy Integrated Media Manager Robin Robertson Distribution Director Gary Smith Accounting Moriah Domby, Richie Fitzpatrick, Diana Guzman, Maria McFarland, Lisa Owens Custom Sales Support 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 Search our online archives for past stories, photos and magazine covers.

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

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.

tnconnections

Virtual Magazine

table of contents

tnconnectio FEATURES

Not Just for Kids

ON THE COVER:

Summer 2008

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Flavorful Mexican popsicles take frozen treats to another level.

An OfďŹ cial Publication of Clarksville Department of Ele

Take Your Pick

tnconnec

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Fresh fruits and berries make summertime desserts even sweeter.

Small Changes, Big Results

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The Moore family of Nashville takes conservation practices in stride.

Chocolate hot pepper paletas

by Brian McCord

DEPARTMENTS Municipal Power Perspective

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Vistas

10

Activities in Tennessee

12

Connect to Tennessee Products

17

online contents | tnconnections.com

Summer 2008

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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traveler’s

almanac Travel tips and fun finds off the beaten path

and that tasty difference may have something to do with 14 percent butterfat, says owner Bob Jones, who arrives at 6:30 each morning to start mixing the ingredients. The process takes about five hours, and he makes about 30 gallons a day.

The ice cream parlor was originally opened in the former Tic-Toc jewelry store building, and Jones and his wife, Mary, bought the business a couple years ago. They’ve kept the same recipes, décor and small-town friendly atmosphere that have turned the Tic-Toc into a Loudon County landmark.

CHILL OUT WITH COOL CHARACTERS Take a break from the heat and check out the penguins at the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga, where the Penguins’ Rock exhibit features more than a dozen of the cold-climate critters. The interactive gallery includes touch pools so guests can feel the chill of the penguins’ watery world, and lively graphics lead visitors on a penguin fact-finding mission.

Watch a video of the playful penguins, see them live on the aquarium’s PenguinCam or read the Penguin Keepers’ blog online at tnaqua.com (click on “Meet Our Animals”).

While in Chattanooga, enjoy the view from the window of a Tennessee Valley Railroad restored vintage train, or board the Southern Belle Riverboat for a lunch or dinner cruise. Check out other attractions or plan your getaway at www.visitchattanooga.com.

GARDEN OF WINGED DELIGHTS Here’s a treat for anyone who loves butterflies. (And who doesn’t love butterflies?)

The Native Butterfly Garden at Burgess Falls State Natural Area near Sparta is a 20,000-square-foot garden with more than 3,000 native plants that attract monarchs, swallowtails, sulfurs and other beauties.

The project was funded by the Tennessee State Iris Fund and landscaped by the park staff, the Putnam County Master Gardeners and Americorps members, all of whom contributed to the thousands of man-hours required to complete it.

The annual butterfly garden celebration, featuring a day of educational programs, is planned for Aug. 9.

For more information, call (931) 432-5312.

FROZEN ASSETS The Tic-Toc Ice Cream Parlor has been a favorite gathering spot in Loudon – about 28 miles west of Knoxville – for nearly a decade. Folks from miles around seem to gravitate to the quaint downtown ice cream shop, where fresh, homemade ice cream is served up mid-May through Labor Day. Folks who frequent the place say it’s the best ice cream around,

WE’D LIKE TO HEAR FROM YOU We’re sending out an all-points bulletin – a call for help in finding the hidden, unexpected or little-known spots in our home state. The wonderfully special restaurant down a winding back road, miles from the nearest “big city.” The quirky little museum that too few folks know about. Your family’s favorite getaway. A place to go when you’re out for a Sunday drive.

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

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

We’ve

Got It Good Tennessee’s energy costs still beat most of the nation’s

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

MIKE VINSON Executive Director Tennessee Municipal Electric Power Association

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

Summer 2008

I had an interesting conversation recently with a new neighbor. Like so many newcomers to Tennessee, he was amazed that his electric bill was so little compared to “back home.”

He and his wife have a beautiful house, substantially larger than what they had before, and they expected their electric bill to be greater – not less. I remember how I felt when we moved here five years ago. My cost for electricity dropped more than 30 percent, and I couldn’t have been happier. He knew that I worked for an association of municipal electric systems and questioned me extensively about public power here in Tennessee.

You can also imagine how excited I was to have the opportunity to brag on public power. After all, with over 30 years in the electric utility business, my loyalties are well established, and I’m exceptionally proud of our industry. Though some customers of municipal power may feel that energy costs are high, we are still substantially less than most areas of the country. The reasons are many.

The wholesale power provider for

public power is TVA, and it certainly deserves a commendation for its efforts in holding down the cost of electrical energy. But without the dedication and commitment of the municipal electric systems of Tennessee (and each employee of each system), your energy costs would undoubtedly be much higher.

These public-spirited servants have two goals constantly on their minds: outstanding service and competitive energy costs.

They’ve done a remarkable job and continue to do so, often with little or no recognition.

Summer is upon us and that brings potentially higher electric bills for air conditioning your home. We urge you to use energy wisely. Set your thermostat at 78 degrees, use ceiling or oscillating fans for improved air flow, and please change your fi lters on a monthly basis. Closing curtains or blinds on the sunny side of the house can also provide relief as will an annual service check by a reputable air conditioning contractor.

One final note: We maintain a Web site at www.tmepa.org where you can keep up with news from around the state as it affects the electric industry, read about the member systems of TMEPA and view this magazine as well as past issues. We encourage you to visit us “on the Web.” Have a great summer, stay cool and use energy wisely. tnconnections.com

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Not Just for Story by JESSY YANCEY Photography by BRIAN McCORD

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Irma Paz-Bernstein and Norma Paz-Curtis, owners of Las Paletas Gourmet Popsicles 4

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tnconnections.com

veryone loves to cool off with a popsicle on a sweltering summer day, but the exotic flavors offered at Las Paletas, a gourmet popsicle shop in Nashville, take frozen treats to another level.

Sure, they’ve got your conventional strawberry ice pops – but these are served alongside more unusual, sophisticated flavors such as pistachio, hibiscus and chocolate with hot peppers.

The list goes on: raspberry lime, coffee, honeydew, Chai tea … even corn. In fact, Las Paletas has offered up more than 100 different flavors over the six years the shop has been open.

“Every day we have different flavors,” says Irma Paz-Bernstein, who owns the shop near downtown with her sister Norma Paz-Curtis.

“There’s no menu, because what if there are no pineapples in Nashville?

This way, whatever’s ripe, whatever’s in season, that’s what we make.”

In the sisters’ native Mexico, “paletas” refers to popsicles made with fresh ingredients.

“There’s not a formula,” she explains. “Each one is different.

We blend, squeeze, chop or puree each special ingredient.”

Las Paletas has become well known throughout the Nashville area, despite its lack of a sign or advertisements.

“Professors tell me it’s advertising 101. You have to have a sign,” Paz-Bernstein says.

But the sisters’ word-of-mouth method has attracted more customers than any flashing neon.

“I want them to come more than once, and for that, they have to be introduced to the phenomenon,” Paz-Bernstein says. “One customer brings somebody and gives them the whole story. It’s not just a stop; it’s the experience.”

Customers also play a vital role in Tennessee Connections

Kids Palate-pleasing Mexican popsicles give frozen treats a grown-up flair expanding the ever-changing menu.

Paz-Bernstein added peanut butter treats to the lineup when a young boy asked for them – and he served as her taste tester.

“He was so proud!” she says, adding that the request led to peanut butter-banana, peanut butterchocolate chip and other flavors.

“We always have opportunities to be creative,” Paz-Bernstein says.

“It’s not just fruits and veggies – it’s grains, nuts, flowers. You have one idea, and so many more come pouring out.”

The inspiration for a popular rose-petal popsicle bloomed when the sisters were trying to think of an “edible and romantic” flavor for the upcoming Valentine’s Day. Packaged differently, with some coated in chocolate, the rose-petal paletas practically flew off the shelves. Originally offered exclusively around the holiday, high customer demand made the flavor practically a year-round item.

Summer 2008

“Our customers truly run our shop; we just have fun with it,” Paz-Bernstein says. “If you want to be smart, you study. When you want to be wise, you listen.”

That kind of mind-set helped to build Las Paletas into the successful business it is today – even attracting attention on a national level.

In June, Paz-Bernstein will appear on the Food Network’s “Throwdown! with Bobby Flay,” a show in which the celebrity chef surprises a cook renowned for a specific type of dish, challenging them to a “throwdown.”

Despite her brush with fame, Paz-Bernstein remains down-to-earth.

“It’s not how much money you make or how many stores you open,” she says. “We have helped transform the concept of what a treat is.

Customers requesting hot pepper or a 4-year-old asking for avocado – it truly touches my heart. That is, for me, true success.” g

What To Know If You Go g

You’ll find Las Paletas in an unmarked storefront at the corner of 12th Avenue South and Kirkwood in Nashville. Las Paletas’ gourmet popsicles – which cost $2.50 each – can also be found at Fido, Bongo Java, Baja Burrito and Plumgood Foods in Nashville. The shop is open Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 7 p.m. in the summer and noon to 6 p.m. in the winter.

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Unable to make the trek to Nashville? If you have friends in town, get them to pack some paletas in dry ice and ship to you overnight.

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Call (615) 386-2101 for more information. tnconnections.com

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Take

Your Pick Fruits and berries make summertime even sweeter Story by KELLY PRICE

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poet once said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;In summer, the song sings itself.â&#x20AC;?

A cook would add that summerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s delicious and abundant fruits virtually prepare themselves. Berries, peaches, nectarines, apricots and cherries donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need complicated recipes so much as a gentle touch to enhance and show oďŹ&#x20AC; their fresh ďŹ&#x201A;avors, and there are plenty of ways to enjoy summerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largesse.

Here we oďŹ&#x20AC;er a fresh berry pie (easy to whip up and a gorgeous addition to even the most formal table), a fresh strawberry pie, and instructions for easy cherry and peach ďŹ llings that you can add to a store-bought crust â&#x20AC;&#x201C; or your familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own homemade crust recipe.

If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re up for a change, you might also try our unexpected new crust variation made with crumbs of that childhood favorite, Zwieback toast.

Tennessee Connections

CHERRY PIE FILLING

BERRY PIE 2 cups fresh raspberries

6 cups sweet cherries (pitted) or

2 cups fresh blackberries

6 cups pitted frozen cherries

2 cups fresh blueberries

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 lemon: 1 teaspoon zest, 2 teaspoons lemon juice

3 Tablespoons cornstarch 1/8 teaspoon table salt 1 Tablespoon lemon juice 2 Tablespoons red currant jelly 1 pie shell, cooked and cooled Combine berries in a large colander and gently rinse. Spread on a baking sheet lined with paper towels and gently pat dry.

In a food processor, puree 2-1/2 cups mixed berries for about one minute, until they’re smooth and fully pureed.

Strain the puree though a mesh strainer into a non-reactive saucepan, scraping and pressing the seeds to extract as much puree as possible.

Whisk sugar, cornstarch and salt in small a bowl to combine, and whisk mixture into the puree.

Bring the puree to boil over medium heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon. When the mixture reaches a boil and is thickened to consistency of pudding, remove it from the heat, stir in lemon juice, and set aside to cool slightly.

While puree is cooling, place remaining berries in a medium bowl. Heat jelly in another saucepan over low heat until fully melted. Drizzle the melted jelly over the berries and toss gently to coat.

Pour slightly cooled puree into a cooled pie shell and top with fresh berries.

Loosely cover the pie with plastic wrap and refrigerate until the puree has set (three hours or more).

Serve with whipped cream.

1/8 teaspoon ground allspice 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/8 teaspoon almond extract 1 Tablespoon brandy 3 to 4 Tablespoons quickcooking tapioca 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

Pinch of ground cinnamon 2 Tablespoons lemon juice 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 prebaked 9-inch pie shell

Heat oven to 400 degrees.

Tuck prepared fruit into pie shell, scatter butter over fruit, add top crust, flute around edges, and cut four slits at right angles on dough to allow steam to escape.

Place pie on baking sheet. Bake until top crust is golden (20-25 minutes).

Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees and continue to bake until juices bubble and crust is golden brown (30-50 minutes longer).

Transfer pie to wire rack. Let cool to almost room temperature to allow juices to thicken (1-2 hours).

FRESH STRAWBERRY PIE 2 quarts fresh strawberries, washed and hulled (1 quart halved; remaining quart sliced lengthwise into 4-5 slices) 1 cup granulated sugar 1 Tablespoon powdered pectin for lower sugar recipes Pinch of table salt

MORE RECIPES ONLINE Turn those fragrant, juicy peaches into a must-have-seconds dessert that’s easy as pie to make, and try something a little different – and more grown up – with Zwieback toast. Get the recipes for Perfect Peach Pie Filling and Zwieback Pie Crust at www.tnconnections.com.

Summer 2008

3 Tablespoons cornstarch

Puree 2 cups of the halved berries in blender, scraping down sides, until smooth.

Bring puree, sugar, pectin and salt to a boil, stirring occasionally, over medium heat.

Increase heat to medium high and boil until sugar and pectin are dissolved (about 1 minute).

Mix cornstarch with 1/4 cup cold water until smooth.

Remove from heat and add cornstarch to strawberry mixture, then return to boil, stirring constantly over medium heat. Reduce heat to medium low and simmer, stirring, until mixture becomes thick and clear, about three minutes.

Remove from heat, stir in cinnamon, lemon juice and vanilla.

Transfer to a large bowl and cool to room temperature. (Reserve 1/4 cup for topping.)

Fold sliced strawberries into large bowl of glaze, coat thoroughly.

Turn glazed berries into pie shell and spread evenly. Place berry halves in concentric circles, flat side down, points toward center. (Start at center and work out to edge.)

Stir 2 Tablespoons water into reserved glaze to thin, and brush over berry halves. Refrigerate until cold. tnconnections.com

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Small Changes

Add Up

Nashville family takes conservation practices in stride Story by REBECCA DENTON

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rin Moore of Nashville grew up in southern California, where droughts and blackouts were real possibilities, and the experience forever colored the way she viewed energy consumption.

“If you leave the room, you turn off the light, and you don’t let the water run when you brush your teeth – that’s how my parents were,” she says. “I do the same things with my kids. If you’re not using something anymore, turn it off.”

Moore and her husband, Tim, have always incorporated smart energy practices into their lives, and these days they’re doing even more to shrink their carbon footprint.

The modifications may not seem huge, but small changes have a way of adding up.

The Moores use compact fluorescent light bulbs, and they keep their thermostat set lower than most in the wintertime.

“In the winter it’s 65 during the day – 60 at night and when we’re not home,” Erin Moore says.

“We use space heaters to heat up the bathroom and other rooms in the

winter, but we don’t heat the whole house to 80 degrees.”

In the summer they keep the temperature in their home at about 80 degrees during the day and 75 at night.

“If people aren’t sleeping well at night, we make adjustments,” Moore says. “You have to work with your family, but it works well for us – and our utilities don’t average more than $200 a month, including gas, electricity and water.”

They moved into a new house with a smaller yard a little over a year ago, so they switched from a gas-powered lawn motor to the manual kind.

They still use quite a bit of gas to drive to work and to shuttle their two children to school, sports, music lessons and other activities, but they try to be conscious of grouping errands into those trips.

“We try to combine everything into one trip,” she says, “and we carpool with another family to school.”

This summer they’re buying a solar attic fan to help keep their two-story house cool in the summer, and they also plan to add solar screens [window treatments that help reduce glare and SHARE YOUR BRIGHT IDEAS TN Connections is highlighting readers’ energy-saving tips and tales of conservation in upcoming issues, and we’d love to hear your bright ideas. E-mail your energy-saving experiences to tnceditor@jnlcom.com.

Summer 2008

improve energy efficiency] for their home’s eight west-facing windows – a big source of summertime heat.

“Our house has one air unit for the entire house,” Moore says.

“We just want to cut down the intense afternoon sunlight so the air conditioner is more effective.”

They expect a $1,000 total investment for the fan and shades to pay for itself through even smaller utility bills in a year or two.

The Moores’ eco-friendly attitude extends to the food they eat as well.

The family buys locally grown produce and local, grass-fed meats almost exclusively, and they eat organic foods whenever possible. Erin Moore volunteers on Saturdays at a local farmers market, where she buys most of their fruits and vegetables.

“We started doing that because the food tastes better, it’s good for you, and it also has an energy-saving component,” she says. “You’re not buying food that’s been shipped from across the country.”

Ultimately, the Moores say their philosophy comes down to a desire to be good stewards of the earth – and their children, ages 8 and 11, are learning first-hand about conservation in the process.

“These are our natural resources,” Moore says. “If kids understand that these resources have to be cared for, it makes them better citizens of the world.” g

From left: Amanda, Tim, Erin and Ethan Moore of Nashville tnconnections.com

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vistas A bumble bee in Knoxville Photo by Vickie Montgomery-HighďŹ eld

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summer activities in tennessee This listing includes events of statewide interest scheduled in June, July and August 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.

june JUNE 2-8

STANFORD ST. JUDE CHAMPIONSHIP Tournament of Players Club at Southwind, Memphis – Stanford St. Jude Championship is dedicated to the support of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital by presenting a world-class PGA Tour golf tournament.

CONTACT: Stanford St. Jude, (901) 748-0534, www.stanfordstjude.com JUNE 6-7

SHANNON STREET BLUES & HERITAGE FESTIVAL Jackson – Award-winning blues and events.

CONTACT: Jackson Downtown Development Corp., (731) 427-7573, www.downtownjackson.com

BLUE PLUM ART & MUSIC FESTIVAL Johnson City – Outdoor music and art festival in downtown Johnson City.

Includes children’s entertainment, music and more. CONTACT: Christine Murdock, (423) 928-3479, www.blueplum.org JUNE 6-7

COKE OVENS BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL Coke Ovens Park & Museum, Dunlap – Features local and regional bluegrass bands including Valley Grass, The Coalition Band, The Cumberland Band and the Cumberland Gap Connection. Come and enjoy the fun, food and entertainment at this beautiful historical park.

CONTACT: Sequatchie Valley Historical Assn., (423) 949-3483

PROMISE LAND FESTIVAL Charlotte – Includes live stage entertainment, singing, dancing, food, arts & crafts, and more.

CONTACT: Serina Gilbert, (615) 789-5859, www.dicksoncountychamber.com

SHAKESPEARE & FRIENDS RENAISSANCE FAIRE Crockett Spring Park, Rogersville – A recreation of the 1590s in Scotland under the reign of Queen Elizabeth I with storytelling, puppetry, music, period games of skill, demonstrations of period arts & crafts, and a Market Place with merchants’ wares.

CONTACT: Amanda Reeves, (423) 272-2752, www.shakespeareandfriends.org JUNE 11-15

42ND ANNUAL COVERED BRIDGE CELEBRATION Elizabethton – Experience one of the region’s most beautiful areas and celebrate summer with fun activities for the entire family. Music on the Bridge features live entertainment, artisans, Kids’ Island and more. CONTACT: Chamber of Commerce, (423) 547-3852, www.tourelizabethton.com JUNE 12-14

DUMPLIN VALLEY JUNEFEST

JUNE 7

JUNE 13-14

MOSHEIM FUNDAYS

39TH ANNUAL DIANA SINGING

Mosheim – A wonderful small-town festival with food, crafts, music, clogging, children’s games, beauty pageant, and a “Big Bubba’s Fun Run” open car show. Bring your lawn chair and spend the day. CONTACT: Town of Mosheim, (423) 422-4051

Diana – This event began in 1969, now more than 5,000 visitors attend to listen to beautiful a cappella singing.

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

JUNE 7-8

SYCAMORE SHOALS NATIVE AMERICAN FESTIVAL

tnconnections.com

JUNE 7-8

Ivy-Agee Memorial Park, Gordonsville – Art and music festival. CONTACT: Donna Jones, (615) 683-5070, www.smithcountychamber.org

CANEY FORK ART & MUSIC FESTIVAL

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Franklin & Williamson County – A tour of 10 historic properties along the beautiful countryside of Williamson County. CONTACT: Downtown Franklin Assn., (615) 591-8500, www.historicfranklin.com

Dumplin Valley Farm, Kodak – Bluegrass festival with performances from The Isaacs, Kenny & Amanda Smith, The Seldom Scene, Dave Peterson & 1946, and more. CONTACT: Mitzi Soward, (865) 397-7942, www.dumplinvalleybluegrass.com

JUNE 7

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HERITAGE FOUNDATION TOWN & COUNTRY TOUR OF HOMES

JUNE 6-7

JUNE 6-8

Regional bluegrass musicians perform at the Coke Ovens Bluegrass Festival in Dunlap.

JUNE 7-8

Elizabethton – Come and discover the arts, music, dance, crafts, legends and stories of Native Americans.

CONTACT: Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area, (423) 543-5808, www.sycamoreshoals.org

JUNE 13-15

BATTLE OF BURG HILL – LIVING HISTORY CIVIL WAR RE-ENACTMENT Gatlinburg – Features period performers in Civil War camp along with the recreation of the “Battle of Burg Hill.” A cannon drill and music are included in the festivities.

CONTACT: Chamber of Commerce, (800) 568-4748, www.gatlinburg.com Tennessee Connections

JUNE 13-15

JUNETEENTH FREEDOM & HERITAGE FESTIVAL Douglas Park, Memphis – Annual freedom celebration with blues, gospel, hip-hop, jazz, a carnival, picnics and more. CONTACT: Festival Information, (901) 385-4943, www.juneteenthmemphis.org JUNE 14

TOUR DE WAYNE BICYCLE RIDE Clifton – Bicycle ride through the hills and hollows of rural Wayne County. CONTACT: Chamber of Commerce, (931) 724-4337, www.waynecountychamber.org JUNE 14

LOUIE BLUIE MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL Cove Lake State Park, Caryville – This festival, named after Campbell County native and renowned musician and artist Howard “Louie Bluie” Armstrong, features a wide variety of music including traditional string-band, blues, bluegrass, Americana, gospel and mountain jazz.

CONTACT: Peggy Mathews, (423) 562-8189, www.louiebluie.org JUNE 14-15

146TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BATTLE OF PARKER’S CROSSROADS LIVING HISTORY & BATTLE RE-ENACTMENT Parker’s Crossroads – Visit the Civil War-era living history camps or watch the battle re-enactments. CONTACT: Parker’s Crossroads Battlefield Assn., (731) 986-5572, www.parkerscrossroads.com JUNE 14-15

TENNESSEE HERITAGE BARBECUE FESTIVAL Sam Davis Home & Museum, Smyrna – Professional and amateur barbecue cooks vie for cash prizes along with entertainment, crafts, good food, living history demonstrations and lots of family fun.

CONTACT: Sam Davis Home & Museum, (615) 459-2341, www.tennesseeheritage barbecuefestival.com JUNE 20-21

SECRET CITY FESTIVAL A.K. Bissell Park, Oak Ridge – Highlights the heritage of Oak Ridge and its role in World War II. Includes a children’s festival, historic displays, World War II re-enactment and tours of Manhattan Project sites. CONTACT: (865) 425-3610, www.secretcityfestival.com JUNE 20-22

WORLD ON A STRING: NASHVILLE INTERNATIONAL PUPPET FESTIVAL Nashville Public Library, Nashville – Featuring performances by Magdeburg Puppentheater of Germany, Teatro dei Burattini San Carlino of Italy, Le Velo Theater Summer 2008

Bicycle through the hills and hollows of Wayne County at the Tour De Wayne Bicycle Ride. of France and the Dragon Art Studio of China. Special guests including Nashville Ballet and master puppeteer Phillip Huber (Being John Malkovich). Perfect for the whole family. CONTACT: Nashville Public Library, (615) 862-5755, www.library.nashville.org JUNE 21

BELL BUCKLE RC & MOON PIE FESTIVAL Bell Buckle – Celebrate the South’s finest tradition – an RC Cola and a Moon Pie. Includes a parade, crowning of the RC and Moon Pie King and Queen and cutting of the largest Moon Pie. CONTACT: Chamber of Commerce, (931) 389-9663, www.bellbucklechamber.com JUNE 21

ROSE MONT RENAISSANCE Rose Mont Mansion, Gallatin – Built by Josephus Conn Guild in the 1830s, Rose Mont is recognized as one of Tennessee’s outstanding Greek Revival houses. Rose Mont, once the site of the area’s largest thoroughbred horse farm with 500 acres, is now listed on the National Register of Historic Homes. Includes home tour, food, crafts and more. CONTACT: Sumner County Tourism, (888) 301-7866, www.sumnercvb.com JUNE 21-22

traditional music. CONTACT: Roan Mountain State Park, (800) 250-8620, www.roanmountain.com JUNE 22

JEFFERSON STREET JAZZ & BLUES FESTIVAL Nashville – Two days of great music, wonderful food and plenty of fun for the family. Bridging the Gap Mixer will be held June 21. CONTACT: Jefferson Street United Merchants Partnership Inc., (615) 726-5867, www.jumptojefferson.com JUNE 26-29

KUUMBA FESTIVAL Knoxville – The largest African American cultural arts festival in East Tennessee. The festival is a four-day, four-night multi-event celebration with more than 200 entertainers performing on three stages. Live demonstrations and more than 100 craftspeople and food vendors. CONTACT: Nkechi Ajanaku, (865) 546-9705, www.kuumbafesttn.com JUNE 27-28

DICKSON FIDDLERS CONTEST & FAMILY FUN FESTIVAL Dickson – Features a Battle of the Bands, barbecue sausage judging contest, crafts, car show, antique tractor exhibition, children’s activity center, magic show and more.

CONTACT: Bobby Prosser, (615) 446-5914, www.dicksoncountychamber.com

62ND ANNUAL RHODODENDRON FESTIVAL

JUNE 27-28

Roan Mountain – Celebrating the blooming of the Rhododendron Gardens, the most gorgeous display of natural beauty on the North American continent. Features handmade crafts, food and a variety of

Downtown Lynnville – Taste the “World’s Largest Blackberry Pie,” rides for children, Jolly Carnival, blackberry treats, dance the night away and more. CONTACT: City Hall, (931) 527-3158, www.gilescountytourism.com

LYNNVILLE BLACKBERRY FESTIVAL

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JUNE 27-28

JUNE 28-29

JULY 3-6

MINOR HILL RODEO

RAID ON WATAUGA

LIBERTYFEST

Minor Hill Agri-Park, Minor Hill – Come enjoy this rodeo and the crowning of the Rodeo Queen. CONTACT: Minor Hill City Hall, (931) 565-3113, www.gilescountytourism.com

Rocky Mount Museum, Piney Flats – The year 1777 was called “the year of the bloody 7s” in the Watauga Settlement due to the high number of battles, sieges and raids between the Cherokee and the settlers on the Watauga, Holston and Nolichucky rivers. Join re-enactors from across the Southeast as they recreate events typical of the year 1777. CONTACT: Rocky Mount Museum, (423) 538-7396, www.rockymountmuseum.com

Lawrenceburg – Events include a Second Chance Prom, concert and street dance, tailgate party, Big Kahuna Luau, cooking contest, Old-Timers vs. All-Stars Classic Baseball Game, and a traditional huge fireworks display on the 4th. “Bye Bye Birdie” will also be presented at the Historic Crockett Theatre. CONTACT: Anne Morrow, (931) 762-7617, www.cityoflawrenceburgtn.com

july

ANVIL SHOOT AND CELEBRATION

JUNE 28-29

BLOOMS DAYS GARDEN FESTIVAL & MARKETPLACE University of Tennessee Gardens, Knoxville – Offers two days of gardening workshops, arts & crafts market, children’s activities, live music and food. CONTACT: Friends of the UT Gardens, (865) 525-4555, www.bloomsdays.utk.edu

JULY 3

FIRECRACKER 5K RUN FOR ST. JUDE The Racquet Club, Memphis – Be a part of this summer evening of fun and celebration for the entire family.

It’s Tennessee’s RRCA 5K state championship. It’s a dance, pool party, live entertainment and a chance to support the children of St. Jude. CONTACT: (901) 765-4409, www.firecracker5k.com

The Grainger County Tomato Festival features tomato wars and more.

JULY 4 Norris – Old-fashioned celebration with musicians, craftspeople and demonstrations of old-time activities such as sassafras tea brewing, shepherding, rail splitting and more. CONTACT: Museum of Appalachia, (865) 494-7680, www.museumof appalachia.org JULY 4-5

SMITHVILLE’S FIDDLER’S JAMBOREE & CRAFTS FESTIVAL Smithville – State and National Championships in 24 categories plus seven categories for country music beginners, continuous jam session, more than 200 juried craft exhibitors and cash prizes.

CONTACT: Jamboree Office, (615) 597-8500, www.smithvillejamboree.com JULY 4-6

JONESBOROUGH DAYS FESTIVAL Jonesborough – Patriotic celebration of the region’s heritage. The theme this year is “Farmin’ on the Fourth.” Visit villages from different periods in time, see traditional handmade crafts, enjoy concerts and children’s activities. CONTACT: Historic Jonesborough Visitors Center, (423) 753-1010, www.jonesboroughtn.org JULY 5

ROCKIN’ THE DOCKS Lenoir City Park, Lenoir City – Live bands, food, fireworks and children’s play area on the banks of beautiful Fort Loudoun Lake.

CONTACT: Lenoir City Parks & Recreation, (865) 986-1223, www.visitloudoncounty.com JULY 6

HALF MOON MUSIC FESTIVAL Watts Bar Lake, Ten Mile – Come by water or land to enjoy live entertainment. CONTACT: Dr. Wayne Tipps, (865) 717-0584, www.halfmoonfest.com JULY 11-12

LAUDERDALE COUNTY TOMATO FESTIVAL Ripley City Park, Ripley – This festival honors local tomato growers. Includes food, crafts, live music, tomato contest, tomato tasting, Tomato Festival Royalty Contest and more. CONTACT: Lauderdale Chamber/ECD, (731) 635-9541, www.lauderdalecountytn.org 14

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JULY 11-13

JULY 17-19

JULY 25-27

31ST ANNUAL UNCLE DAVE MACON DAYS FESTIVAL

QUILTFEST

GRAINGER COUNTY TOMATO FESTIVAL

Cannonsburgh Village, Murfreesboro – Featuring the National Championships in old-time banjo, old-time buck dancing and old-time clogging; arts, crafts and food. CONTACT: Uncle Dave Macon Days, (800) 716-7560, www.uncledavemacondays.com

Johnson City & Jonesborough – The largest quilting event in the region, drawing quilters from throughout the United States. Quilt exhibits, classes and lectures. CONTACT: Tennessee Quilts, (423) 753-6644, www.tennesseequilts.com JULY 18-20

Rutledge – Events include Tomato Wars, Civil War encampment, 5K fun run, antique engines and tractors, beauty pageant, artisans, entertainment on three stages and more. CONTACT: Doris Stratton, (865) 828-3433, www.graingercountytomatofestival.com

JULY 12

SCOPES TRIAL FESTIVAL

JULY 26

GRAVEYARD TALES Rocky Mount Museum, Piney Flats – Experience spooky stories and haunted tales as told by the Jonesborough Storytellers Guild. Get a taste of Halloween in July.

CONTACT: Connie Gill, (423) 753-9882, www.storytellersguild.org

Rhea County Courthouse, Dayton – Dramatic re-enactment of the 1925 Scopes Evolution Trial held in the original courthouse. Crafts, food, car show, children’s area, music and more. CONTACT: Dayton Chamber of Commerce, (423) 775-0361, www.rheacountyetc.com

68TH ANNUAL RED CARPET HORSE SHOW OF THE SOUTH

JULY 12

JULY 18-27

WATERTOWN JAZZ FESTIVAL & MURDER MYSTERY TRAIN

GATLINBURG CRAFTSMEN’S FAIR

Watertown – After your exciting murder mystery ride, relax and enjoy the exciting lineup of live jazz entertainment at the Jazz Festival. CONTACT: Jazz Festival, (615) 237-9338, www.wilsoncountycvb.com

Gatlinburg – More than 200 of the finest woodcarvers, potters, broom makers, stained glass makers, metal workers, basket weavers, calligraphers and jewelers.

CONTACT: Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair, (865) 436-7479, www.craftsmenfair.com

JULY 12

JULY 24

COLUMBIA SUNSET SYMPHONY

ART.A.MA.JIG

Historic Elm Springs, Columbia – Enjoy an evening of dining and music under the stars.

Dinner available with reservations.

CONTACT: Mike Sharpton, (931) 388-0117, www.sunsetsymphony.com

Tanner Hill Gallery, Chattanooga – This event pairs the culinary and fine arts for an evening of fun and fellowship to support the arts.

CONTACT: Arts & Education Council, (423) 267-1218, www.artsedcouncil.org

Giles County Agricultural Park, Pulaski – One of the largest one-night horse shows in Tennessee. CONTACT: Robert Brindley Jr., (931) 363-2644, www.gilescountytourism.com JULY 26

SWISS HERITAGE CELEBRATION Stampfli Farm, Gruetli-Laager – The celebration provides a flavor of what life was like for the early settlers on this 33-acre farm.

Homesteaded in 1870, the farm still has the original residence, frame corn crib, sweet potato house and other vintage farm buildings.

Features music, home-cooked food, hayrides and farming demonstrations with antique farm equipment. CONTACT: Swiss Heritage Celebration, (703) 622-7895, www.swisshistoricalsociety.org

Enjoy rides, livestock exhibits, food, crafts, contests and entertainment at the Wilson County Fair beginning Aug. 15 in Lebanon.

Summer 2008

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JULY 26-27

AUGUST 8-10

AUGUST 29-31

MONTEAGLE MOUNTAIN MARKET OF ARTS & CRAFTS

DAVID CROCKETT DAYS

AFRICAN STREET FESTIVAL

Hannah Picket Memorial Park, Monteagle – Show and market featuring handmade and home-produced arts & crafts. CONTACT: Chamber of Commerce, (931) 924-5353, www.monteaglechamber.com

David Crockett State Park, Lawrenceburg – This pre-1840s rendezvous includes shooting competitions, traders, games, music, food and more. CONTACT: David Crockett State Park, (931) 762-9408, www.state.tn.us/environment/parks/ DavidCrockettSP/

august

Jackson Fairgrounds Park, Jackson – This event promotes awareness with entertainment, workshops, educational seminars and more.

CONTACT: Society for African American Cultural Awareness, (731) 267-3212, www.saaca.com

AUGUST 9-10

AUGUST 29-31

SOUTHEASTERN INDIAN FOLKLIFE FESTIVAL

REGGAE FESTIVAL

AUGUST 7-9

INTERNATIONAL ROCK-A-BILLY MUSIC FESTIVAL Jackson – The world’s largest gathering of Rock-a-Billy artists and musicians, featuring the pioneers of Rock-a-Billy music as well as developing artists. CONTACT: Henry Harrison, (731) 427-6262, www.rockabillyhall.org AUGUST 7-10

127 CORRIDOR SALE – WORLD’S LONGEST YARD SALE From Gadsden, Ala., to Covington, Ky. – Nationally known series of sales with everything imaginable, including art, antiques, crafts, quilts, decorative sewing and more. CONTACT: Fentress County Chamber of Commerce, (800) 327-3945, www.127sale.com AUGUST 8-9

30TH ANNUAL BELL WITCH OLDTIME BLUEGRASS COMPETITION Bell School Grounds, Adams – Includes a bluegrass music competition, clogging competition and more. CONTACT: Adams Community Club, (615) 696-2593, www.adamstennessee.com

Chucalissa Museum, Memphis – Come and enjoy the weekend learning about the Southeastern tribes that once lived here in this area. Enjoy the various types of dances and a game called stickball.

CONTACT: (901) 785-3160 AUGUST 9-17

ELVIS WEEK

AUGUST 30

Memphis – A celebration of the music, movies and life of Elvis Presley. Fans from around the world gather to celebrate through dances, charity events, conferences, concerts, sporting events and more. The week also includes the annual candlelight vigil on the night of August 15. CONTACT: Graceland, (800) 238-2000, www.elvis.com

16TH ANNUAL CRAPE MYRTLE FESTIVAL

AUGUST 15-23

WILSON COUNTY FAIR James E. Ward Agricultural Center, Lebanon – Tennessee’s largest county fair includes crafts, rides, contests, livestock, entertainment and food.

CONTACT: Fair Office, (615) 443-2626, www.wilsoncountycvb.com AUGUST 16

FEAST WITH THE BEASTS Knoxville Zoo – The zoo offers adults an interesting environment to enjoy live entertainment and sample foods and beverages from more than 40 area restaurants and vendors. CONTACT: Teresa Collins, (865) 637-5331, Ext. 302, www.knoxville-zoo.org

SWINGFEST Coolidge Park, Chattanooga – This event features four performances by some of Chattanooga’s largest swing orchestras. A wooden dance floor is set up in front of the stage to encourage every generation to demonstrate their love of swing dancing.

CONTACT: Chattanooga Downtown Partnership, (423) 265-0771, www.downtownchattanooga.org AUGUST 30-31

FRANKLIN JAZZ FESTIVAL Franklin – Includes jazz, blues and dixieland.

CONTACT: Heritage Foundation, (615) 591-8500, www.historicfranklin.com AUGUST 30-31

MUSIC CITY J.A.M.

SOUTHERN BREWERS FESTIVAL Downtown Riverfront, Chattanooga – One of the city’s most anticipated gatherings, with good reason. Wet your whistle on more than 40 different brews as vendors from around the world serve up their best. Several local cafes are also on hand to provide a variety of culinary delights. CONTACT: Chattanooga Kids on the Block, (423) 757-5259, www.southernbrewersfest.org tnconnections.com

AUGUST 30

DAVY CROCKETT’S 222ND BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

AUGUST 23

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Ardmore – Crafts, live entertainment, children’s games, specialty foods and more. CONTACT: Giles County Tourism Foundation, (931) 363-3789, www.gilescountytourism.com

AUGUST 17

Crockett Tavern Museum, Morristown – Includes refreshments, children’s activities and tours of the museum. CONTACT: Crockett Tavern Museum, (423) 587-9900, www.discoveret.org/crockett

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Turtle Town – Features local and regional talent, including The Natti Love Joys, a dynamic blend of reggae, modern rhythm and blues mixed with drum, bass, hip-hop and jazz.

Caribbean food and international vendors on site. CONTACT: Camp Raggae, (423) 496-9370, www.campreggae.net

Nashville – The melodious sounds of jazz, blues, reggae, funk, soul and R&B will be featured in a musical collage for all to enjoy at Riverfront Park.

CONTACT: Convention & Visitors Bureau, (800) 657-6910, www.visitmusiccity.com AUGUST 30-31

MEMPHIS MUSIC & HERITAGE FESTIVAL Center for Southern Folklore, Memphis – A Labor Day tradition with five stages of Memphis’ top musicians and more. The festival takes place on Main Street between Gayoso and Peabody Place. CONTACT: (901) 525-3655, www.memphismusicandheritagefestival.com Tennessee Connections

connect to tennessee

products SPICY SAUCES WITH A TWIST Grilling season is in full swing, and Tennessee has plenty of great home-grown sauces to spice up your meal. If you have an adventurous soul, check out Tennessee Gourmet’s Hot Apple and Spice sauces. These unique all-natural sauces – useful for grilling, marinating and dipping – come in a range of intensities, moving from Sensible to Sneaky Hot to the award-winning Stupid Hot. They also have an apple base – a new twist for barbecue fans. Check the Web site, www.tngourmetsauce.com, for attractive custom gift boxes, as well as specialty barbecue cookbooks and a selection of snappy sauces, jellies and salad dressings with all-natural ingredients based on apples, apricots, peppers, roasted peanut oil and spices – with habanero and Scotch bonnet peppers in the hotter versions. The Web site also offers recipes for main dishes, sides, desserts and appetizers. Sauces are in the $7 price range.

MEMORIES FROM THE MIDWAY Sue Nichols of Pegram has worked in the amusement industry since 1981, and she’s still drawn to the heady sights and smells of the midway. These days she captures images from amusement parks, carnivals and fairs in watercolor, and she also paints traditional landscapes, houses, barns and storefronts. “I think people respond to the nostalgic quality of my watercolors, the sort of dreamlike features, even though my work is pretty detailed,” she says. “The subjects and the bright colors bring smiles to a lot of faces and memories to many more.” Nichols’ work has received some exciting exposure recently: Six of her rural Tennessee scenes appear in a café scene in Quentin Tarantino’s 2007 Grindhouse movie, and four of her designs were licensed for a scrapbooking catalog. Her original prints are for sale, and many have been reproduced on note cards, prints, ceramic and wooden tile boxes and more. Nichols accepts commissions for just about everything except people. Prices range from about $25 for the tile merchandise items up to $800 for a commissioned large painting. Check out Nichols’ work on her Web site, www.5centride.com.

Summer 2008

A roundup of favorite finds HOMEMADE PIES IN MINUTES Denise Caffey of Woodbury has always received rave reviews and requests for her chocolate pies, and she thought there must be a way to make some money without cooking all the time. Her answer? Pie mixes. Now her company, Down-Home Fixin’s (www.piemix.com), makes “bagged pies,” cleverly packaged microwaveable filling mixes for favorites like chocolate, lemon, chess and buttermilk pies – and even chocolate gravies.

Her all-natural pie mixes can be found in all Tennessee Publix grocery stores, along with some Whole Foods Market stores and specialty shops such as The Old Mill in Pigeon Forge. The mixes take about 15 minutes to make – just add the liquid ingredients, mix, microwave and add to an ovenbrowned pie shell. Now Caffey is working on pie-mix recipes for people with diabetes. Down-Home Fixin’s is headquartered on the family’s 80-acre Rivers Edge Farm. Each bag makes one pie and sells for $4.

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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Summer Energy-Saving Tips Cool Off Your House and Your Energy Bills Looking for ways to beat summer’s heat? Try these tips to stay cool without breaking your budget.

■ Running ceiling fans allows you to set your

thermostat four degrees higher without a noticeable difference in comfort. For every degree above 72 degrees, you save 1 to 3 percent on your summer electric bill.

■ Close blinds during the day to keep out solar heat.

■ Be cool in the kitchen. Do your cooking with

countertop appliances, in the microwave or on the grill rather than firing up the stove or oven.

■ Save heat- and humidity-generating chores like

laundry and running the dishwasher for nighttime.

■ Try “hanging out.” Instead of using your electric

dryer, line-dry your clothes outside and save up to 5 percent on your bill.

■ Speaking of laundry, always use the cold-water

setting to rinse clothes. This can cut your bill by 4 percent.

■ Get the dish on dishwashers. Using the air-dry

cycle will cool off your kitchen and save on energy.

■ Electronically yours … Laptop computers use up

to 90 percent less energy than desktop models.

For more savings, be sure to switch your computer to sleep mode or turn off the monitor when it’s not in use.

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

■ Get unplugged. Seventy-five percent of

power consumed by home electronics occurs while products are turned off. Turn off power strips or unplug devices to eliminate phantom power usage (and reduce the heat these products generate).

■ Compact fluorescent light bulbs produce about

75 percent less heat than standard bulbs, and they last 10 times longer and use 75 percent less energy. Install Energy Star qualified CFLs in your most-used fixtures for big savings.

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE

PAID Lebanon Junction, KY 40150 Permit No. 222