Summer 2009, Tennessee Connections

tnconnections summer 2009

An Official Publication of Your Locally Owned Municipal Electric System

tnconnections.com

Simple and Satisfying Take summer supper to the grill

Sold on Solar Power

Raise Your Glass What’s Online ARCHITECTURAL FIRM OFFERS TIPS FOR GOING SOLAR

Tennessee wineries innovate, win awards

traveler’s

almanac Travel tips and fun finds off the beaten path

FUN ON THE BIG SOUTH FORK Big South Fork, in Oneida on the Tennessee-Kentucky border, is a great summer destination – especially if you’re looking for active adventures.

This 125,000-acre recreation area on the Cumberland Plateau has 150 miles of hiking trails that lead into the river gorge scattered with boulders and sandstone bluffs. Thrill seekers can hit the river for Class III and IV white-water rafting or take to the 180 miles of horse trails. The scenic railway, which dips to the floor of the river valley, is a family favorite.

One train stop is the reconstructed Barthell Coal Mining Camp, where visitors can stay overnight in a miner’s cabin.

Other rooming options include the backcountry Charit Creek Lodge – which can only be reached by foot, bicycle or horseback – and the more modern Wildwood Lodge.

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Call (423) 286-7275 or visit www.nps.gov/biso for more information.

COUNTRY DIVA’S DIGS Loretta Lynn is proud to be a coal-miner’s daughter, and visitors to her ranch in Hurricane Mills (in Humphreys County, about an hour west of Nashville near Interstate 40) can take a walk in her shoes with a tour of a simulated Kentucky coal mine and a replica of her Butcher Holler, Ky., home.

The 14-room Plantation House where the star lived following her rise to fame is also open for tours, as are the 18,000-square-foot, memorabilia-packed Coal Miner’s Daughter Museum, the Doll and Fan Museum and the Grist Mill Museum.

This popular family destination also has an RV park, gift shops, trail rides and more.

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Concerts, trail rides and other events take place throughout the year. Visit www.lorettalynn.com for tour and ticket information.

TENNESSEE’S UNDERGROUND Discovered by a surveyor in 1810, Cumberland Caverns – a U.S. Natural Landmark that spreads more than 32 miles underground, with some of the country’s largest underground rooms – has been attracting national attention for decades.

The McMinnville caverns’ spectacles include a large room dubbed “Hall of the Mountain King,” a sound-and-light show recounting the biblical story of Creation, and the Volcano Room displaying a three-quarter-ton chandelier.

Open all year long, Cumberland Caverns offers several tour options and spelunking opportunities. Visitors also can pan for gems and fossils at the gem mine, and Cumberland Caverns hosts monthly bluegrass concerts.

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Visit www.cumberlandcaverns.com for more information, or call (931) 668-4396.

tnconnections Summer 2009 Edition Editor Rebecca Denton Contributing Writers Carol Cowan, Anita Wadhwani

table of contents

Creative Director Keith Harris Photography Director Jeffrey S. Otto Senior Photographer Brian McCord Staff Photographers Jeff Adkins, Todd Bennett, Antony Boshier, Ian Curcio, J. Kyle Keener

FEATURES Raise Your Glass

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Photography Assistant Anne Whitlow Sr. Graphic Designers Laura Gallagher, Candice Sweet, Vikki Williams Graphic Designers Jessica Manner, Amy Nelson Ad Traffic Jessica Childs, Marcia Millar, Patricia Moisan, Raven Petty Additional photography courtesy of Tennessee State Photo Services

Crown Winery goes solar, and Beachaven Winery wins awards.

Spanning the Years

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Covered bridges evoke nostalgia and history.

Sold on Solar Power

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Architecture firm takes its own green advice.

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

Simple and Satisfying

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Fresh flavors combine for a tasty summer supper.

Production Director Natasha Lorens Associate Production Director Christina Carden Controller Chris Dudley

DEPARTMENTS

Advertising Sales Manager, Custom Division Beth Murphy

Municipal Power Perspective

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Integrated Media Manager Robin Robertson Distribution Director Gary Smith

Vistas

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Accounting Moriah Domby, Diana Guzman, Maria McFarland, Lisa Owens

Summer Activities in Tennessee

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Connect to Tennessee Products

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Custom/Travel Sales Support Rachael Goldsberry 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.

online contents | tnconnections.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.

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

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

Executive Director Mike Vinson

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

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

ŠCopyright 2009 Journal Communications Inc. and Tennessee Municipal Electric Power Association. All rights reserved. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without written consent.

nn nec ne eec ctio ioon tnconnections tnconnections Summer 2009 Edition

Virtual Magazine

table of contents FEATURES

Editor Rebecca Denton

Editorial Assistant Jessy Yancey Raise summer 2009 An Official Publication ati tion oof ti fY YourYour Loca Locally aGlass lly Owned ed dM Mun Municipal unicipal ccipal pal p pa all E Elect Elec Electr Electric c System Contributing Writers ?

ON THE COVER:

Creative Director Keith Harris Photography Director Jeffrey S. Otto Senior Photographer Brian McCord Staff Photographers Jeff Adkins, Todd Bennett, Antony Boshier, Ian Curcio, J. Kyle Keener Production Project Managers Melissa Bracewell, Jill Wyatt Sr. Graphic Designers Laura Gallagher, Candice Sweet, Vikki Williams

Grapes at Beachaven Vineyard and Winery

by Jeffrey S. Otto

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Architecture firm takes its own green advice.

Simple and Satisfying

Additional photography courtesy of Tennessee State Photo Services

Sr. V.P./Operations Casey E. Hester V.P./Editorial Director Teree Caruthers V.P./Visual Content Mark Forester Production Director Natasha Lorens Associate Production Director Christina Carden Controller Chris Dudley Advertising Sales Manager, Custom Division Beth Murphy Integrated Media Manager Robin Robertson Distribution Director Gary Smith Accounting Moriah Domby, Diana Guzman, Maria McFarland, Lisa Owens Custom/Travel Sales Support Rachael Goldsberry 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,

Summer 2009

tnconnections.com tnconne n on onne nne Covered bridges evoke nostalgia, history.

Sold on Solar Power

Fresh flavors combine for a tasty summer supper. err.

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

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Crown Winery goes solar, and Beachaven W Winery inery garners awards.

Spanning the Years

Graphic Designers Jessica Manner, Amy Nelson Ad Traffic Jessica Childs, Marcia Millar, Patricia Moisan, Raven Petty

DEPARTMENTS

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Municipal Power Perspective Vistas

Summer Activities in Tennessee

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Sold Sol So S ol old olld d oon So ola ol la la arr Powe Po Pow P ow o we Solar Power online contents | tnconnections.com ctions.co Connect to Tennessee Products

Watch a Video Check out Uncle Lester and his dancing shoes oes or o k i l id i i i i li

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

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

Summer 2009

On Politics and

Pole Attachments Get the facts, and gear up for summer MIKE VINSON Executive Director Tennessee Municipal Electric Power Association

By the time you read this article, the 106th General Assembly most likely will have adjourned after one of the more interesting sessions in quite some time. Politics has never been so well exemplified as when the Speaker of the House was determined to be a Republican but was supported only by Democrats.

More than 2,300 bills were introduced covering a variety of issues. This year, our legislators “on the hill” were especially focused on the budget deficit, stimulus funds from Washington, TennCare, unemployment and continuing issues such as pole attachments and workers compensation. Check our Web site at www.tmepa.org for the latest information.

A quick word on pole attachments: Our friends in the cable industry continue to talk about that unfair pole-attachment fee we electric companies charge.

It’s implied that it’s a monthly fee.

That is wrong. It’s an annual fee, and it averages about $15 per YEAR across the state. Some systems charge less and some charge more. If you want to talk about monthly fees, it’s about $1.25 per month per pole.

Per customer – assuming three customers per pole – that’s a little over 41 cents per family.

TMEPA has spent this past

session monitoring legislation introduced that could adversely affect our member systems and their customers – folks like you.

Those who assist us have worked tirelessly to protect the interests of our members and their customers.

Our friends in the Legislature realize that the municipal power providers of Tennessee are doing an outstanding job, and, for the most part, they really don’t care to fix something that’s not broken. We applaud their efforts and work hard to justify that confidence.

In July, the members of TMEPA will gather in Knoxville for our annual meeting. The focus will be on the burgeoning “green” industry, energy conservation, and technological strides made over the past few years in construction, energy conservation, automated meter reading and telecommunications.

Back on the home front, your municipal power providers are ready for summer. Your hometown power provider will deliver economical and dependable electricity exceeded only by its commitment to customer service.

We encourage you to be conscious of your energy usage by evaluating your home for efficiency. Have a licensed A/C contractor do a tune-up on your system, check the caulking around your windows and doors, and be sure your attic is properly insulated and ventilated. We recommend 78 degrees as the optimal thermostat setting. You’ll be pleased with the result and happier with your electric bill. tnconnections.com

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Raise Your Crown Winery goes solar, Beachaven Winery wins awards

Glass Story by CAROL COWAN Photography by JEFFREY S. OTTO

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olling hills, fertile soil and a long, sun-kissed growing season make Tennessee an ideal setting for the small commercial vineyards and wineries that dot the state.

Close to 40 wineries operate throughout Tennessee, benefiting farmers and turning out thousands of cases of award-winning wines.

A newcomer on the scene, HRH Vineyards and Crown Winery is located on the centuryold Hamilton farm just outside Humboldt in Gibson County.

The principal owners – British gas physicist Peter Howard and former Miss Tennessee Rita (Wilson) Howard – bought the place in 2004 and harvested their first official crop of grapes in 2008.

And the operation has gone green with solar electricity.

“It’s perfect for solar power because we get so much sun,” says Rita Howard. “Peter’s been way ahead of his time as far as alternative energy goes. The solar panels were expensive to install, but so far we’ve generated more electricity than we’ve used.”

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Tennessee Connections

Beachaven Vineyards and Winery in Clarksville is one of the state’s oldest. Its wines have won more than 450 awards, and its first strawberry wine debuts this summer.

The rooftop photovoltaic panels – one of the largest private installations in the state – generate an estimated 22,543 kilowatt-hours of electricity per year, which is sold to TVA through its Green Power Switch program. The system offsets some 15 tons of carbon dioxide emissions.

Crown Winery held its grand opening in conjunction with the West Tennessee Strawberry Festival in May 2009. The winery introduced inaugural vintages such as Strawberry Strut – made from Gibson County strawberries – and Sole Mio – a Cayuga-chambourcin blend. Crown Winery makes a variety of red and white wines.

About two hours northeast in Clarksville is Beachaven Vineyard and Winery Ltd. – one of the oldest wineries in the state and an important player in the history of Tennessee wineries.

Montgomery County Judge William O. Beach founded the winery with his son-in-law and daughter, Ed and Louisa Cooke, soon after commercial winemaking became legal.

Prohibition had dried up the state’s budding wine business back in 1919, but Beach planted a small Summer 2009

vineyard in 1970 and began studying the art and craft of winemaking for his own enjoyment.

His hobby ultimately led him and a few fellow amateur vintners to pioneer legislation in the late 1970s that brought the Tennessee wine industry back to life.

“We didn’t get the very first license,” recalls Louisa Cooke, managing partner at Beachaven Winery. “But we got license No. 10. After that, the wine industry began to blossom in Tennessee.”

Beachaven wines have won more than 450 awards over the years.

“We make everything from very dry, French-style wines to sweet wines. The most unusual thing we do is make this French-method champagne,” Cooke says. “It is why my father started the wine business; it’s our foundation. But our best-selling wine is Golden Rose –

a red sweet wine that is made from Concord grapes.”

The most important components of an award-winning wine, says Cooke, are good grapes and a lot of loving care.

“And we also use stainless steel and oak for fermenting and aging,” she adds. “We believe they are the best vessels.”

The winery is offering its first strawberry wine this summer, made with freshly picked strawberries from Milan, Tenn.

Beachaven is also known for its free Jazz on the Lawn concert series, with free parking and music from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. two Saturdays each month from May through October.

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Visit www.beachavenwinery.com and www.crownwinery.com for more information.

TOUR TENNESSEE WINERIES: Tennessee’s 37 (and counting) wineries make great agri-tourism destinations. Most offer tours, winetasting, gift shops and retail wine sales, and many hold concerts and special events on the grounds. Find out more by downloading the Guide to Tennessee Wineries at www.tennesseewines.com.

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Spanning the

Years Story by CAROL COWAN Photography by TODD BENNETT

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overed bridges in Tennessee – once common sights spanning rivers and creeks – have all but disappeared, replaced by bridges of iron and steel. Maybe that’s why they evoke such nostalgia.

Of the dozens of covered bridges constructed throughout the state in the 19th and early 20th centuries, only four of these historic structures remain.

The mid-1800s marked the height of innovation in wooden truss bridge design, and architects, engineers, builders and farmers erected bridges large and small to span crossings along public roadways and private lands.

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Covered bridges evoke nostalgia and history

In those days, bridge coverings were needed to protect wooden trusses from the weather. They also afforded privacy for romantic moments, which led to their nickname: “kissing bridges.”

Tennessee’s longest and perhaps best known is the 150-foot, Bavarian-style covered bridge at Elizabethton. Built over the Doe River in 1882, it survived a 1901 flood that destroyed every other bridge on Carter County’s major rivers – despite being battered by floodwaters and debris and even having a barn smash into it. Today the Elizabethton bridge remains the pride of area residents.

“It’s the center point for our community,” says Larry Gobble, the city’s tourism director. “It sits at the foot of our historic downtown, and it’s the most Tennessee Connections

Tennessee’s longest covered bridge is the 150-foot, Bavarian-style covered bridge in Elizabethton. Built in 1882, it spans the Doe River.

photographed landmark in the county.”

About 10,000 people turn out for the city’s Covered Bridge Celebration Days, which is held in honor of the bridge during the first full week of June each year.

Located 40 miles southwest of Elizabethton, the Bible covered bridge near Greeneville spans Little Chucky Creek. Built by the E.A. Bible family in 1923 for private use, the bridge was purchased by Greene County in 1940 for $750.

County Mayor Alan Broyles remembers when the bridge provided sole access to the Bible farm.

“My dad watched Mr. Bible build that bridge – just plain, nothing fancy,” he says. “And that was the only way to get off the main road to his farm across the creek.

“We’ve ridden horses across it, seen cars and tractors and milk trucks go across it. I took a hay-baler across it once; I had about a half-inch clearance on each side.

And I’ve gotten a hay-rake stuck in it.”

An adjacent bridge erected in 1988 handles the cars and farm equipment nowadays, but pedestrians can still enjoy a leisurely walk across the old bridge, which got a new covering in the mid-1970s but still has its original trusses, substructure and floor.

“We’re very proud of it. It’s a landmark around Summer 2009

here,” Broyles says. “Everybody knows where the covered bridge is.”

The state’s only registered historic covered bridge still open to vehicular traffic is located east of Sevierville in north central Sevier County just off Old State Highway 35. It spans the East Fork of the Little Pigeon River.

In the late 1800s, the community of Harrisburg flourished there. But when a new road bypassed the town in 1915, the small community faded away – all but the Harrisburg covered bridge, which Sevier County maintained.

Several times, the 83-foot bridge faced closure due to deterioration, but each time funds were raised for its repair. Most recently, a grant from the National Historic Covered Bridge Preservation Program paid for extensive rehabilitation, and in 2004, the Harrisburg bridge re-opened for traffic.

On the west side of the state, a 100-year-old covered bridge adorns the city park in Trimble. Farmer W.E. Parks built the bridge over a drainage ditch between two of his Obion County fields, but erosion at its original site threatened the historic structure.

The community moved it to the park in 1997. ■ tnconnections.com

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Sold on

Solar Power Architecture firm takes its own green advice

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Nashville architecture firm with a reputation for promoting green building design has switched to solar to power its offices.

Street Dixon Rick Architecture installed the large-scale solar panel system on the rooftop of its twostory office building in May 2008.

Since then, the firm estimates it has avoided emitting 63,721 pounds of greenhouse gases into the skies over Nashville and saved more than 25 percent on its monthly electric bills.

“Architects are advising clients to ‘think green,’ and we wanted to lead the way,” says Steve Rick, principal of the firm.

But even for a firm whose architects are all trained in green building design, going solar wasn’t an easy or obvious step.

It took a “perfect storm” – as Rick describes it – to nudge the firm into installing 72 costly photovoltaic panels on its roof.

Then rising energy prices, the availability of state and federal grants, and a new program from Nashville Electric Service to pay back commercial customers for the energy they generate convinced the firm’s leaders that the time was right for a green investment.

The firm became the first to apply for a Tennessee Small Business Energy Loan Program, Summer 2009

which provides low- or no-interest loans of up to $300,000 to qualified businesses to upgrade their energy efficiency. It also became the first company to take part in the Nashville Electric Service Generation Partners Program. The partnership allows both commercial and residential customers generating solar or wind power to “sell” it back to the Tennessee Valley Authority for 15 cents per kilowatt – meaning that electricity customers don’t just get a break for the limited energy they purchase from the power company. They also get a credit on their bills for every kilowatt of power they generate.

Rick estimates the energy savings will pay for the $100,000 solar cell installation within 10-12 years.

A solar monitor on the company’s Web site offers a realtime look at the kilowatts the system is generating and a tally of greenhouse gases not being emitted.

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Visit www.sdrarch.com to view Street Dixon Rick Architecture’s online solar monitor.

READ MORE ONLINE: Considering going solar? Steve Rick, principal of Street Dixon Rick Architecture, offers some tips. Visit tnconnections.com.

PHOTO COURTESY OF STREET DIXON RICK ARCHITECTURE

Story by ANITA WADHWANI

Street Dixon Rick Architecture in Nashville installed a solar panel system in May 2008. tnconnections.com

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Simple&

Satisfying Fresh flavors for a tasty summer supper Story by REBECCA DENTON Photography by JEFFREY S. OTTO Food Preparation and Styling by NASHVILLE STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE CULINARY ARTS PROGRAM

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s the balmy days of spring give way to the more sultry days of summer, there’s no better time to take dinner out to the grill. Here’s an idea for a substantial summer supper that won’t weigh you down – or lighten your wallet too much.

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Chilled melon soup is a cooling appetizer that nicely complements this spicy summer rub – a simple dry rub with a kick – on a flavorful skirt steak. Garden rice pilaf is an easy way to use your garden-fresh zucchini and squash. (Those colorful veggies will soon be multiplying faster than you can think up new ways to use them).

Finish it all off with summer fruit turnovers dusted with cinnamon.

Fresh, fragrant and satisfying. Just Like summer.

Tennessee Connections

CHILLED MELON SOUP 3 cantaloupes – seeded and diced (large) 1 cup orange juice 1/2 cup lemon juice 5 ounces honey 2 ounces cornstarch Puree melons in food processor or blender. Strain the juice into a saucepan. Add honey and orange juice. Bring to a low simmer on low heat. Make a slurry with lemon juice and cornstarch and slowly drizzle into simmering soup. Stir until thickened, chill and serve. Garnish with fresh berries, melon balls or fresh mint.

SUMMER FRUIT TURNOVERS 1 package of frozen won-ton wrappers (6 medium wraps) 3 Granny Smith apples 1/2 cup brown sugar Pinch of cayenne pepper 2 tablespoons bourbon 1 stick unsalted butter (4 ounces) 1 ounce cinnamon 2 ounces lemon juice Canola oil for frying

GRILLED FLAT-IRON STEAK WITH SPICY SUMMER RUB 1 pound skirt steak Ingredients for rub: 1/2 teaspoon cayenne 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon onion powder 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 1 tablespoon honey

Core, peel and small-dice the apples. Place apples in water with lemon juice and set aside. Melt butter over low heat and slowly stir in sugar until dissolved. Drain apples and add to the pan. Add cayenne pepper and bourbon and cook until the apples are soft. Remove apples from heat.

Lay out the won tons on a clean surface. Place a heaping spoonful of filling in the middle of each wrapper. Lightly moisten the edges of the wrappers with water and fold the wrapper over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Crimp edges closed with a fork. Lightly pan-fry the filled won tons in Canola oil until the turnovers are golden brown on each side. Drain on paper towels and dust with cinnamon.

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 1 teaspoon Italian herbs Mix rub ingredients together in a mixing bowl and set aside for later. Place steak under plastic wrap or in a freezer bag.

Pound with a mallet (smooth side) until steak is about 1/2-inch thick. Remove from wrapping and coat with rub.

Grill to desired temperature and slice thin to serve.

Summer 2009

WEB EXTRA: Garden rice pilaf makes a light and easy side dish. Get the recipe at tnconnections.com.

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vistas A sailboat on the Ocoee River Staff photo

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.

McGregor Park RiverWalk, Clarksville This concert series will be sure to entertain this summer with music and dancing at Clarksville’s beautiful RiverWalk located on the Cumberland River. CONTACT: (931) 645-7476, www.cityofclarksville.com

JUNE 17-20 SUMMERFEST Riverbluff Park, Ashland City Features live concerts each evening, food, arts and crafts, games and midway rides. CONTACT: (615) 792-2655, www.cheathamchamber.org

JUNE 19 TENNESSEE HERITAGE BBQ FESTIVAL Sam Davis Home & Museum, Smyrna Events include professional and amateur barbeque cooks vying for cash prizes.

Includes entertainment, crafts, good food, living history demonstrations and lots of family fun. CONTACT: (615) 459-2341, www.tennesseeheritagebarbecuefestival.com

JUNE 19, JULY 17 & AUGUST 21 JAMMIN’ IN THE ALLEY

june

JUNE 8-13 CLAY COUNTY FAIR

JUNE 4-7 SMOKY VALLEY MOTORCYCLE RALLY

Clay County Fairgrounds, Celina County fair with entertainment, rides, games, food and more. CONTACT: Don Sherrell, (931) 243-2256

Loudon Municipal Park, Loudon All makes and styles for motorcycle enthusiasts of all ages. CONTACT: (865) 458-7525, loudonparks.com

JUNE 5, JULY 10 & AUGUST 7 FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE! Downtown Historic District, Murfreesboro Outdoor summer concert series. CONTACT: Kathleen Herzog, (615) 895-1887, www.downtownmurfreesboro.com

JUNE 5-6 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 5-SEPTEMBER 25 (Friday only) FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS Holland Park, Dickson Live entertainment and activities for the entire family. CONTACT: Shari Wilson, (615) 566-7735, www.dicksoncountychamber.com 14

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JUNE 11-13 DUMPLIN VALLEY JUNE FEST Dumplin Valley Farm, Sevierville Three days of bluegrass from rising stars and legends. CONTACT: Mitzi Soward, (865) 397-7942, www.dumplinvalleybluegrass.com

JUNE 13 6TH ANNUAL TOUR DE WAYNE Wayne County One-hundred mile bike tour through scenic Wayne County. CONTACT: (931) 724-4337, www.waynecountychamber.org

JUNE 13 LOUIE BLUIE MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL Cove Lake State Park, Caryville Features Appalachian string band music, storytelling, theater, arts and crafts, Southern cooking and more. CONTACT: (423) 566-3641, www.louiebluie.org

JUNE 13, JULY 25 & AUGUST 8 CONCERTS IN THE PARK

Strawberry Alley, Clarksville This concert series features a stage of talented performers at the newly renovated Strawberry Alley. CONTACT: City of Clarksville Parks & Recreation, (931) 645-7476, cityofclarksville.com

JUNE 19-20 SECRET CITY FESTIVAL A.K. Bissell Park, Oak Ridge Join us for this citywide celebration featuring the largest multi-battle WWII re-enactment in the South! Features tours of Manhattan Project sites, children’s festival area, Euro Bungy, rock climbing wall, arts and crafts, antique dealers and exhibitors showing off their wares. CONTACT: Jane Gibson, (865) 425-3610, www.secretcityfestival.com

JUNE 19-20 MOUNTAIN MEMORIES QUILT SHOW Cumberland County Community Complex, Crossville This event showcases over 200 quilts in categories of bed quilts, wall hangings, wearables and accessories, along with home decor. There will be vendors, door prizes and demonstrations by quilters. CONTACT: (931) 484-8444, www.ccpiecemakers.com

JUNE 20 11TH ANNUAL LAVENDER FESTIVAL Historic Jackson Square, Oak Ridge Herb fair featuring the farmers’ market, music throughout the day, enticing food, vendors, cooking demonstrations, handmade Tennessee Connections

soap, jewelry, pottery, culinary and garden items, as well as arts and crafts. CONTACT: Barbara Ferrell, (865) 483-0961

JUNE 20 LIONS CLUB WALKING HORSE SHOW Clay County Fairgrounds, Celina Features 23 classes of walking horse competition. CONTACT: Don Sherrell, (931) 243-2256

JUNE 20 BELL BUCKLE RC & MOON PIE FESTIVAL Bell Buckle Celebrate the South’s finest tradition – an RC Cola and a Moon Pie. Country and bluegrass music, clogging dancers, Moon Pie games, crafts and the ever popular “Synchronized Wading Extravaganza.”

Cutting of the world’s largest Moon Pie rounds out the day. CONTACT: (931) 389-9663, www.bellbucklechamber.com

july JULY 3-4 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: Jack Barton, (615) 597-8500, www.smithvillfiddlersjamboree.com

JULY 10-12 32ND ANNUAL UNCLE DAVE MACON DAYS FESTIVAL Cannonsburgh Village, Murfreesboro National Championships in Old-Time Banjo, Old-Time Buck Dancing and Old-Time Clogging, as well as juried arts and crafts, specialty foods and impromptu jam sessions throughout the village. CONTACT: Gloria Christy, (615) 893-2369, www.uncledavemacondays.com

JULY 10-18 KINGSPORT FUN FEST Kingsport Enjoy sports, concerts, plays, children’s activities and much more, leading to the grand finale with hot air balloons and fireworks. CONTACT: (423) 392-8800, www.funfest.net

JULY 12 HALF MOON MUSIC FESTIVAL Ten Mile Come by water or land and enjoy live entertainment on Watts Bar Lake. CONTACT: Dr. Wayne Tipps, (865) 717-0584, www.halfmoonfest.com Summer 2009

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JULY 17-26 GATLINBURG CRAFTSMEN’S FAIR Gatlinburg Over 200 of the finest woodcarvers, potters, broom makers, stained glass makers, metal workers, basket weavers, calligraphers and jewelers. Country and bluegrass music shows daily. CONTACT: (865) 436-7479, www.craftsmenfair.com

JULY 25 FOLKLIFE FESTIVAL Warriors’ Path State Park, Kingsport Enjoy a day full of old-time music, games and tales. Delight in traditional life-skills demonstrations and contests. CONTACT: (423) 239-6786, http://state.tn.us/ environment/parks/WarriorsPath

august AUGUST 3-8 SUMNER COUNTY FAIR Sumner County Fairgrounds, Gallatin Old-fashioned county fair with blue ribbon contests for homemade goodies, crafts, livestock and carnival rides. CONTACT: Foster Brooks, (615) 417-5146, www.sumnercountytnfair.com

artists and musicians, featuring Rockabilly pioneers well as new artists. CONTACT: (731) 427-6262, www.rockabillyhall.org

AUGUST 6-8 ROCKABILLY FESTIVAL

From Covington, KY to Gadsden, AL You will find everything from antiques and collectibles to furniture and dishware. Fresh garden produce, homemade jams and jellies,

Jackson The world’s largest gathering of Rockabilly

AUGUST 6-9 HIGHWAY 127 CORRIDOR SALE WORLD’S LONGEST YARD SALE

food vendors and live entertainment are only some of the things you’ll find on the road.

The 127 Corridor Sale has over 4,000 vendors lined along the 654-mile scenic yard sale route. CONTACT: (800) 327-3945, www.127sale.com

AUGUST 11-23 CUMBERLAND COUNTY FAIR Cumberland County Fairgrounds, Crossville Award-winning fair and midway with pageants, contests, live music, food and livestock/best in show judging contests.

CONTACT: (931) 484-9454, www.golfcapitaltenn.com

AUGUST 13-15 TROUSDALE COUNTY YOUTH & COMMUNITY FAIR Hartsville Features exhibits, concert, auto show, health fair, poultry show and sale and more!

CONTACT: Judy Woodard, (615) 374-2295

AUGUST 21-29 WILSON COUNTY FAIR James E. Ward Agricultural Center, Lebanon County fair with nine days of family entertainment on four stages. Features demonstrators of historical trades, midway carnival rides, food concessions, fireworks nightly and more. CONTACT: (615) 443-2626, www.wilsoncountyfair.net

AUGUST 26-SEPTEMBER 5 71ST ANNUAL TENNESSEE WALKING HORSE NATIONAL CELEBRATION Historic Celebration Grounds, Shelbyville The world championship show of Tennessee’s native breed of show horse.

Champions in 34 divisions will be crowned with the World Grand Champion Tennessee Walking Horse being named. CONTACT: The Celebration, (931) 684-5915, www.twhnc.com 16

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products A roundup of favorite finds ice for a cooling drink, just right for savoring at the end of a hot day. A 12-ounce jar (25 servings) of Miss Merlyne’s Spiced Tea sells for $6.95 and can be found online or at the Loveless Café Hams & Jams store in Nashville. Visit www.hamsandjams.com or call (800) 889-2432 to order.

FRUITS OF HER LABOR In the market to upgrade your homegrown tomatoes? You might turn to Marianne Jones of Dickson. She owns an heirloom tomato business, Marianna’s Heirloom Seeds, and gardeners can choose from hundreds of seeds on her Web site.

PEGGY’S PIES Peggy Bermack has been baking pies for nearly 40 years, and she turned that talent into a licensed business – Peggy’s Pies – in 2006. Her Clarksville home is equipped with a commercial kitchen (inspected twice a year by the

Tennessee Department of Agriculture), and she delivers the sweet treats at no extra charge to folks in the Clarksville area by request.

Bestsellers are lemon meringue, chocolate fudge and pecan, but Bermack sells a host of other flavors.

“If one doesn’t come out the way I like it, I won’t sell it. I start all over,” she says, “because I want them to have my best.”

Prices range from $8 for chess pie to $15 for chocolate delight and apple pecan.

To learn more, visit her Web site at http://home.bellsouth.net/p/PWP-oven, or call (931) 905-0994.

Tomatoes of purple, gold, white and black. Long ones that look like sausages, tiny ones that look like grapes, even nearly hollow varieties perfect for stuffing. You’ll find seeds for them all – along with pepper seeds and live plants – in Jones’ collection.

Gardeners can visit her 36-acre farm at 1955 CCC Road in Dickson to pick out their own plants and seeds, or they can order online.

Visit www.mariseeds.com for a catalog and more information, including helpful growing tips.

SPICING UP TEA TIME Miss Merlyne of Nashville has been making her spiced tea for years. This delightful drink became a family favorite that her grandson wanted to preserve – and make available for other folks. Miss Merlyne’s Spiced Tea mix includes hints of orange, lemon and several spices.

Just mix with hot water, and you have a flavorful cup of comfort. Serve it over Summer 2009

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

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE

PAID Lebanon Junction, KY 40150 Permit No. 222

Save Energy This Summer As the weather warms up, try some of these cool tips Turn Up Your Thermostat Set your thermostat to 78 degrees when you’re home and 85 degrees or off when you’re away. Using ceiling or room fans allows you to set the thermostat higher because the air movement will cool the room.

Use Appliances Wisely Use the warm- or cold-water setting for washing your clothes. Always use cold water to rinse clothes.

Line dry clothes whenever you can.

When you need to use the dryer, run full loads, use the moisture-sensing setting, and clean the clothesdryer lint trap after each use.

Run the dishwasher only when it’s fully loaded, and turn off the dry cycle. Air-dry dishes instead.

Eliminate Wasted Energy Turn off appliances, lights and equipment when not in use.

Unplug electronic devices and chargers when they aren’t in use. Most new electronics use electricity even when they’re switched off. Turn computers and printers off at the power strip.

Solar-control window films applied to existing glass in windows and doors are an effective way to reduce peak demand during hot months.

Invest in a New Air-Conditioning Unit If your air conditioner is on the way out, buy an ENERGY STAR® air conditioner.

Install Window Shading

Seal Your Ducts

Install patio covers, awnings, and solar window screens to shade your home from the sun. For additional future savings, use strategically planted trees, shrubs and vines to shade your home.

Leaking ductwork accounts for 25 percent of cooling costs in an average home, so have your ducts tested and have any leaks or restrictions repaired by a qualified contractor.