Winter 2011, Tennessee Connections

tnconnections winter 2011

An Official Publication of Your Locally Owned Municipal Electric System

tnconnections.com

Welcome Home!

Show off your holiday style with a handmade wreath

Back to Your Roots

Root vegetables serve as a healing winter repast

A Step Back in Time

Buttonwillow Plantation gives a glimpse of the Civil War era

tn almanac

Travel, tips and tidbits at a glance Reindeer Games A few of Santa’s reindeer have migrated to a Middle Tennessee farm, and they’re adding some spark to holiday parties and special events throughout the region. Santa’s Reindeer Tour, based at the 100-acre Strickland Place farms in White House, has four reindeer – Comet, Holly, Prancer and Snowflake – available for appearances at events or for display at retail stores within a 200-mile radius. It’s the only farm of its kind in the Nashville area, and Santa’s Reindeer Tour is among only a handful of such companies in Tennessee.

The reindeer will be at The Streets of Indian Lake shopping center in Hendersonville Dec. 14-23 from 2 to 7 p.m.

Call Jill Swenson at (615) 604-4237 for more information, or visit www.santasreindeertour.com.

All Aboard!

For a holiday train ride kids won’t soon forget, check out Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum’s North Pole Limited excursion – a 75-minute round-trip journey to the “North Pole” from Chattanooga. The ride includes a story, light refreshments and an appearance by Santa. New this year is the option to ride in Santa’s private car, complete with hot chocolate served in a keepsake mug, fresh-baked cookies and pampered service. The train runs Nov. 19-Dec. 22.

The museum also offers the Christmas Special excursion, a four-course meal on board a restored 1924 dining car, Dec. 4-18. Visit www.tvrail.com for more information.

Heart and Soil If you’ve ever wondered what organic farming is all about – and would like to find out first-hand – World-Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms, or WWOOF, might be a good place to start. This effort links volunteers with organic farms, allowing volunteers to learn practical farming skills and be part of the organic agriculture movement. Generally, a half day of volunteer help is traded for food and accommodations, with no money exchanged. Opportunities include growing vegetables, keeping bees, working with animals, making wine and much more.

The WWOOF-USA Host Farm Directory lists more than 1,000 organic farms and gardens across the country, including eight in Tennessee (in Gallatin, Franklin, Lafayette, Liberty, Woodbury and Nashville). Membership is $30, which provides full online directory access to participating farms, including location, general responsibilities and lifestyle.

Call (949) 715-9500 for more information, or visit www.wwoofusa.org.

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tnconnections Winter 2011 Edition Managing Editor Jessy Yancey Contributing Writers Catherine Darnell, Rebecca Denton, Morgan Hardy, Roben Mounger Marketing Creative Director Keith Harris Photography Director Jeffrey S. Otto Media Technology Director Christina Carden Senior Photographers Jeff Adkins, Brian McCord Staff Photographers Todd Bennett, Antony Boshier Senior Graphic Designers Janine Maryland, Vikki Williams Proofreading Manager Raven Petty Content Coordinator Jessica Walker Ad Production Manager Katie Middendorf Ad Traffic Assistants Krystin Lemmon, Patricia Moisan Chairman Greg Thurman President/Publisher Bob Schwartzman Executive Vice President Ray Langen Sr. V.P./Sales Todd Potter, Carla H. Thurman Sr. V.P./Operations Casey E. Hester V.P./External Communications Teree Caruthers V.P./Visual Content Mark Forester V.P./Custom Publishing Kim Newsom V.P./Content Operations Natasha Lorens Controller Chris Dudley Advertising Sales Manager, Custom Division Tori Hughes Integrated Media Manager Robin Robertson Distribution Director Gary Smith Custom/Travel Sales Support Rachael Goldsberry Office Manager Shelly Miller Receptionist Linda Bishop Tennessee Connections is published quarterly by Journal Communications Inc. for participating members of the Tennessee Municipal Electric Power Association.

TMEPA represents 61 municipal power distributors in Tennessee, which serve more than 2 million customers.

For advertising information or to direct questions or comments about the magazine, contact Journal Communications Inc., 725 Cool Springs Blvd., Suite 400, Franklin, TN 37067.

Phone: 615-771-0080.E-mail: info@jnlcom.com.

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 Executive Director Mike Vinson

©Copyright 2010 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.

ON THE COVER: The mixed evergreen wreath. Staff Photo

10 Features 4 Welcome Home!

Show off your style with a handmade wreath.

Look for this logo that identifies green articles, tips and fun facts.

9 By the Light of the Moon

Lunar cycles guide gardeners on when and what to plant.

10 A Step Back in Time

Buttonwillow Plantation was built to fully represent an 1860s home – inside and out.

12 Back to Your Roots

tnconnections.com contents

tnconnections Digital Magazine

tnconnections

Winter 2011 Edition Managing Editor Jessy Yancey Contributing Writers Catherine Darnell, Rebecca Denton, Morgan Hardy, Roben Mounger Marketing Creative Director Keith Harris Photography Director Jeffrey S. Otto Media Technology Director Christina Carden Senior Photographers Jeff Adkins, Brian McCord Staff Photographers Todd Bennett, Antony Boshier Senior Graphic Designers Janine Maryland, Vikki Williams Proofreading Manager Raven Petty Content Coordinators Jennifer Graves, Jessica Walker Ad Production Manager Katie Middendorf Ad Traffic Assistants Krystin Lemmon, Patricia Moisan

winter 2011

An Official Publication of Your Locally Owned Municipal Electric System

tnconnections.com

Chairman Greg Thurman President/Publisher Bob Schwartzman Executive Vice President Ray Langen Sr. V.P./Sales Todd Potter, Carla H. Thurman Sr. V.P./Operations Casey E. Hester V.P./Content Development Teree Caruthers V.P./Visual Content Mark Forester V.P./Custom Publishing Kim Newsom V.P./Content Operations Natasha Lorens Controller Chris Dudley Advertising Sales Manager, Custom Division Tori Hughes Integrated Media Manager Robin Robertson Distribution Director Gary Smith Custom/Travel Sales Support Rachael Goldsberry Office Manager Shelly Miller Receptionist Linda Bishop Tennessee Connections is published quarterly by Journal Communications Inc. for participating members of the Tennessee Municipal Electric Power Association.

TMEPA represents 61 municipal power distributors in Tennessee, which serve more than 2 million customers.

For advertising information or to direct questions or comments about the magazine, contact Journal Communications Inc., 725 Cool Springs Blvd., Suite 400, Franklin, TN 37067.

Phone: 615-771-0080.E-mail: info@jnlcom.com.

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 Executive Director Mike Vinson

Back to Your Roots

©Copyright 2010 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.

ON THE COVER: The mixed evergreen wreath. Staff Photo

Welcome Home!

Show off your holiday style with a handmade wreath

10

Features 4 Welcome Home!

Show off your style with a handmade wreath

Look for this logo that identifies green articles, tips and fun facts.

9 By the Light of the Moon Lunar cycles guide gardeners on when and what to plant

10 A Step Back in Time Buttonwillow Plantation was built to fully represent an 1860s home – inside and out

12 Back to Your Roots

Root vegetables serve Root vegetables serve as a healing winter repast as a healing winter repast

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A Step Back in Time

tnconnections Digital Magazine

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table of contents FEATuRES

Summer 2009 Edition

Editor Rebecca Denton

Raise Your Glass

Editorial Assistant Jessy Yancey Contributing Writers ?

winter 2011

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Crown Winery goes solar, and Beachaven Winery garners awards.

Creative Director Keith Harris

Photography Director Jeffrey S. Otto Senior Photographer Brian McCord

Spanning the Years

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An Official Publication of Your Locally Owned Municipal Electric System Covered bridges evoke nostalgia, history.

Staff Photographers Jeff Adkins, Todd Bennett, Antony Boshier, Ian Curcio, J. Kyle Keener Production Project Managers Melissa Bracewell, Jill Wyatt

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Sold on Solar Power

Architecture firm takes its own green advice.

Sr. Graphic Designers Laura Gallagher, Candice Sweet, Vikki Williams Graphic Designers Jessica Manner, Amy Nelson

Simple and Satisfying

Ad Traffic Jessica Childs, Marcia Millar, Patricia Moisan, Raven Petty

DEPARTMENTS

Municipal Power Perspective Vistas

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12

Summer Activities in Tennessee Connect to Tennessee Products

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

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Welcome Home!

Fresh flavors combine for a tasty summer supper.

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

Flip through the pages of the magazine without

2 Municipal Power Perspective 3 Tennessee in Focus

14 Winter Activities in Tennessee

2 Municipal Power Perspective 3 Tennessee in Focus 14 Winter Activities in Tennessee 17 Connect to Tennessee Products

Watch a Video

17 Connect to Tennessee Products leaving your laptop.

Buttonwillow Plantation gives Print and e-mail a glimpse Civil War era articles of and the instantly 14

Show off your holiday style 17 with a handmade wreath

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

Back to Your Roots

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

Enter a Contest

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

Root vegetables serve as a healing winter repast

link to advertisers.

Executive Director Mike Vinson

A Step Back in Time

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

Virtual Magazine

Update

©Copyright 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

Buttonwillow Plantation gives a glimpse of the Civil War era summer 2009

with 1st

ON THE COVER:

Departments

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.

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

Raise Your Glass

TOC

Tennessee wineries innovate, win awards

page

Cover description here

by Jeffrey S. Otto

Departments

Flip through the pages of the magazine without leaving your laptop.

Print and e-mail articles and instantly link to advertisers.

Root vegetables are a healing winter repast.

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

Simple and Satisfying Take summer supper to the grill

Summer 2009

Sold on Solar Power

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Winter 2011

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municipal power perspective

Weathering the Morally Changing Climate

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

Mike Vinson Executive Director Tennessee Municipal Electric Power Association

Fall is here, and Thanksgiving is right on top of us. In fact, some of you may receive this magazine after the date.

To those who get it before, we wish you a happy and blessed Thanksgiving with friends and family. To you folks who get it a little later, we pray you had a great time and remembered all that we have to be thankful for. And let’s not forget that Christmas is next month. We certainly wish each of you a blessed and merry Christmas.

I personally ask that you remember the reason for the season as you meet with family and friends.

Well, it’s time to ramble a bit, so bear with me …

Over the past few months I’ve been reminded several times by articles in the newspapers, TV, radio and Internet postings about the changing climate, both politically and morally. Like many of you, I grew up in a time when personal honor and integrity was an individual’s most valuable possession.

Honesty was absolutely critical, and everyone was held accountable for what he or she said and did. It often seems that nowadays people tell you what they think you want to hear; they ignore facts and create fictionalized scenarios solely to meet their personal goals; they “bad-mouth” all who hold contrary opinions; and quite frankly, seem to think that their actions shouldn’t be judged, even when those actions are the opposite of what they 2

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say. The old saying that “actions speak louder than words” seems to no longer apply, and that’s a shame.

CDE Lightband – Clarksville

I’m thankful my parents raised me to hold sacred personal integrity. My dad often told me that it was the only thing that couldn’t be taken against my will.

We can lose family, possessions, jobs and homes in ways beyond our control. The economic downturn has certainly proven that to be the case, and the changing political climate has also had a negative impact on many.

But personal integrity, honesty, forthrightness, compassion and humility can only be lost by a personal decision. When people make the decision to do “wrong” instead of “right”, they do so at their own volition.

Then they try to justify their decision.

Cookeville Department of Electricity

I’m convinced that our society has brought some of this on itself. It appears that too many just don’t hold their fellow employees, family, friends and especially those who represent us accountable for their actions as we once did. Far too many have stopped teaching children this valuable lesson.

Even in the workplace we’re encouraged to no longer confront such behavior. Politically speaking, we make excuses for bad decisions and behavior. I’m tired of hearing the phrase “politically correct.” Have we become a nation of pacifists blindly accepting any and all behavior as tolerable, requiring no one to do right and holding no one responsible? I hope not, and I hope we can turn this around – if not, the future looks grim.

I’ll leave you with two thoughts: 1. Always do right, even when it hurts.

2. Just because it’s legal doesn’t make it right.

Cleveland Utilities Clinton Utilities Board Columbia Power & Water System 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 Smithville Electric System 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

Tennessee Connections

tn in focus Staff Photo

Holly Tree Gap Road, Brentwood

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cover story

Welcome Home!

About Our Expert Gilene Gardner made and sold her first orchid corsage when she was in the fourth grade – learning the art of flower arranging at her mother’s business, Betty’s Flowers, in Centerville. She later worked for a Fairview florist, Louise Bates, for eight years. She opened her own shop, Peachbrook Florist, in Centerville in 1993 but gave up her business in 1999 after contracting Lyme disease.

Gardner – who was president of the Centerville Garden Club – does wreath-making demonstrations for clubs and groups by request.

Show off your style with a handmade wreath

story by Catherine Darnell

S

ure, you can go to Drive-Thru Wreaths and pick up something for the door this month and be done with it. That would be the easy way, but it wouldn’t be Gilene Gardner’s way.

Gardner is a retired florist who cut her teeth on arranging flowers – holiday wreaths included. And she is terrific about using what she has on hand or on the property of her Hickman County home. We asked her to design five wreaths especially for our readers, each one sporting a different look.

Great for your own home, these styles also make perfect holiday gifts for the hard to please. Who could resist something handmade just for them?

For the Birds What you will need: Straw wreath ring; small birdseed; flour; water; cranberries; nuts; dried corn; toothpicks; twigs; raffia.

Easy directions: This wreath will first be used as a circular arrangement around a punch bowl for a holiday party, both for

decorative and utilitarian purposes. In other words, it serves as good protection for your party table. “Just make sure it’s on a tray of some sort so it doesn’t scratch your table,” Gardner says.

Glue small birdseed with something bird friendly, like a paste of flour and water. Make designs with cranberries, nuts and dried corn.

Add twigs for a bird perch. Top off with a raffia bow. After the punch is gone, hang it out for the critters.

Retro What you will need: One Styrofoam circular wreath form; Styrofoam balls; toothpicks; holiday fabric scraps for covering wreath and making bow; spray paint; wire to strengthen bow fabric.

Easy directions: Wrap strips of fabric over form. Stick balls with toothpicks (think Sputnik) and spray paint the balls the color of your choice; then stick them into the fabric-wrapped form (some glue may be

Right: The freeform swag wreath is one of five designed by Gilene Gardner. Staff photo 4

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Tennessee Connections

necessary). Use wire to run into edges of fabric to strengthen and form bow.

Mixed Greens What you will need: Styrofoam wreath form; magnolia leaves; any other kind of evergreen available; filler pins to attach greenery; fabulous bow.

Easy directions: Take an individual magnolia leaf, top it with a sprig of the greenery and then attach it to the form, using the filler pins. Wooden filler pins are an excellent choice, as they expand when damp.

Attach the leaves and greenery all in the same direction, overlapping and making sure they all face the same direction, until you cover the complete form.

A pretty bow ties everything up beautifully.

Proud as a Peacock What you will need: Peacock feathers; solid ribbon to pick up feather colors; grapevine form; holiday balls in accent colors.

Easy directions: Use your hot-glue gun to

attach all these pretty pieces in a charming way. Use Gardner’s photo as a guide, and things will go smoothly.

“

These styles also make perfect holiday gifts for the hard to please. Who could resist something handmade just for them?”

Freeform Swag What you will need: Evergreen branches; fresh fruit; wooden picks; wire and/or glue.

Easy directions: Tie the branches together with light wire. Use the fruit as accents, attached with wooden picks or wire.

Counter clockwise from top: The edible art wreath around a punch bowl; the mixed evergreen wreath; the retro wreath; proud as a peacock wreath

Tricks of the Trade • Use Spanish moss when gluing to grapevine wreaths. Stick it in amongst the empty spaces where you are going to put something, and it will help hold the item in better.

• It doesn’t take a heavy wire to put things together. Sometimes less is more.

• Use a good glue that will hold together in cold weather or decorations will pop off. (If you are using a glue gun and get burned, put hand under cold water to get glue off and apply basic white Colgate toothpaste to your hands.

Crest works, but Colgate is the best.)

• Spritz fresh greenery with water every few days. Or try a florist product called Crowning Glory, which forms a plastic shield to help the wreath stay moist. Check hobby shops for availability.

• Don’t hang a wreath between a storm door and the regular door or everything will melt. Get a nice holder and put it on the outside of the storm door.

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feature

By the

Light

of the Moon

Lunar cycles guide gardeners on when and what to plant

T

he moon is one of the earliest agricultural aids, and many gardeners are turning to the moon for sage advice on the best time to plant, prune, weed and harvest.

The moon moves through a complete cycle approximately every 29 days. The cycle is divided into four quarters. The first two quarters are during the waxing of the moon, and the moon changes from the new moon to half full, and from half full to full.

During its waxing, the moon rises toward its full status and its gravitational pull influences the tides. Everyone knows tides are exceptionally high during full and new moons.

First Quarter

However, everyone does not know that the moon’s gravity also affects underground water tables. So if you plant while the moon is waxing, the water table is rising and water is more easily available to new plants. The abundant moisture encourages seeds to swell and burst into life quickly. During the first quarter, moon gardeners plant leaf crops that produce seed on the outside of the plant, such as broccoli, lettuce and corn.

Third Quarter

During the third and fourth quarters, the waning moon goes from full to half full, and from half full to a new moon. As the moonlight decreases, the water table drops, and plants put their energies into their roots. The third quarter is when moon gardeners plant root crops such as turnips, carrots, onions, potatoes and radishes.

Fourth Quarter

The fourth quarter is considered the dormant period.

It is a good time to prune plants and is also the ideal time for weeding and cultivating the soil.

Moon phases may have an effect on the quality of harvest, too. Since water is more abundant during a waxing moon, plants will be loaded with water, nutrients and those essential oils that result in flavor.

Fruits are juicier and leafy vegetables more flavorful.

Second Quarter

As the moon heads toward the second quarter, the moonlight becomes stronger, creating good leaf growth and enhancing germination of light-requiring seed.

The best crops to plant at this time are those that produce seeds within their fruit, such as tomatoes, peppers, beans, cantaloupes and watermelons.

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feature

A Step Back

in Time Buttonwillow Plantation was built to fully represent an 1860s home – inside and out

story by Morgan Hardy photography by Brian McCord

On a rough one-lane road alongside the Smoky Mountains, Steve Gipson finally found his nirvana – a perfect location for his dream home.

Building a home in the foothills surrounding Whitwell – a small town in Marion County – literally required Gipson to carve his place in the side of the mountain. Most would have seen the spot as only a hardscrabble building site that might be more trouble than it’s worth, but Gipson saw a Civil War plantation house – a place where he, his wife, Allison, and their family could look down over civilization below, yet still be a good bit away from it.

“I just wanted to get in the middle of my own property and hide,” Gipson says. “There are no convenience stores or anything like that up here.”

Nowadays, people who pass by the three-story manor called Steve and Allison Gipson’s home is a Civl War-era plantation house. Right: Decor in the home is historically accurate.

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Tennessee Connections

Buttonwillow Plantation can see his vision in reality. And it’s impressive.

Built from timber cut from the site, the home truly represents Civil War heritage – even down to its price. Gipson explains that Buttonwillow Plantation was built to represent a Civil War-era family with an average income level of $6,000 to $8,000 a year. Now that doesn’t sound like a lot of money until you consider that the average house during that time cost $50.

To create such a historically accurate home requires a great deal of patience and a deep interest in this time period – both of which Gipson has. “It’s just been this way since I was a little kid. I guess I was just born this way,” he says. “I like to say that in school I never really studied any history past Reconstruction.”

A former cartoonist and comedian, Gipson would often travel for work, and he would visit historic Civil War sites to get a feel for the era. He also has learned a lot from Civil War re-enactments. Examples of his research are evident in details in the home.

Winter 2011

All of the wallcovering designs are accurate to the time period, and furniture, decorative items and small touches add to the feel.

Allison is a master craftsman when it comes to creating accurate reproductions. She is responsible for many of the home’s details, such as the bedroom furnishings and curtains, which have been carefully made not only with period design but also materials. She also hand-carves Civil War reproduction dolls and sews the doll’s period clothing. Even more impressive is that her talents come naturally.

“The funny thing is, I’ve never had any sort of formal training,” she says.

“We didn’t have a lot of money growing up, but Santa Claus brought me a crafting kit every year.”

Coming up on the house, there are few clues to give away that you’re not in the 1860s. There’s siding instead of clapboard on the house, but Gipson says this concession is by necessity.

Everything else, though, is spot-on Civil War. And Gipson wouldn’t have it any other way.

Now Performing The Gipsons used to host tours of Buttonwillow Plantation at Christmas, but now their time is dominated by the popular Civil War dinner theater that they opened five years ago in Whitwell – just 40 minutes west of downtown Chattanooga. The business is a creative endeavor in which the Gipsons are just as careful with each historical detail in the show – and the menu – as they are with the details in their home.

At Buttonwillow Church Civil War Dinner Theater, guests watch an original two-hour performance rich in 1860s history while dining on food made from authentic period recipes. The Gipsons put on a Christmas show each year, which includes a Christmas twist on the original show, elaborate Victorian Christmas decorations and some trivia about Christmas in the 1860s.

“It’s over the top,” Steve Gipson says.

“People think they have stepped back into the time of Charles Dickens. They can come here to get their history fix.”

The Christmas show runs Nov. 26-Dec. 31. All seats are by reservation only.

Call (423) 658-7478 for more information, or visit www.buttonwillowchurch.com. tnconnections.com

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taste of tn

Back to Your

Roots Root vegetables serve as a healing winter repast story by Roben Mounger photography by Brian McCord

A About the Author Roben Mounger, known as Ms. Cook, has a penchant for searching out locally produced ingredients for her family’s meals. For some 15 years, she has eaten year round by way of CSAs and farmers markets. In 2009, she began an organic farm internship with Arugula’s Star of Neal Family Farms.

Roben writes a weekly column about food and people for The Columbia Daily Herald and blogs about eating locally at www.mscookstable.com.

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cknowledging a loss, I recently delivered a meal to a heartbroken friend. Later when we spoke, she said the food had satisfied her unlike anything had for some time. I embraced her and her sentiment because when a person is truly fed, healing can begin.

During the colder season, plants store their nutrients underground in a protective design. Wintertime produce served by creation is as foundational and varied as in any season.

Amid hasty lives, we forget that eating seasonally is a continual option. Winter roots provide energy to the body with plentiful amounts of minerals and Vitamin C. They can be delicious main characters for the table on a cooler night. With observation of local area produce farmers, you can transition and opt for the most affordable foods of the year – potatoes, parsnips, turnips, celeriac, beets, carrots, onions, winter squash and rutabagas.

From my own novice garden, I harvested a small crop of potatoes this year. Nothing could compare to the smell of the earth as my shovel upended strings of Yukon Gold potatoes revealing a long forgotten truth.

Sustainable sustenance under the earth waits each winter to be cleaned and steamed for our pleasure. Planting seeds or locating a farmer to provide these for you will order your sense of what it means to be fed.

A melange of roasted roots can regularly serve as a nimble and quick dish. A friend shared her choice winter recipe with me.

“You’ll never need another,” she said, and I’ve proven this tip true more cozy meals than I can recall. The root juices mix and caramelize, enhancing any plate partner.

The method for winter repast 101 is simple. She instructed: Clean, peel and cut two pounds of choice roots, roast in a 400 degree oven with olive oil for 45 minutes.

After 30 minutes, scatter peeled cloves of garlic. Before serving, add some chopped herbs and balsamic vinegar. The smell has a depth from which rich memories are drawn.

Certainly, this preparation can be eaten at any temperature or time of day. With minimal prep, the red, yellow, orange and white can be brought with trust to the table from God’s hands to your mouth.

Play around with different combinations of various winter roots. Deep down having been fed, your people will be better for it.

Tennessee Connections

Root Vegetable Couscous with Apricots 1 onion, chopped 2 carrots, diced ½ pound potatoes, diced 2 parsnips, diced 1 turnip, diced 1 pound rutabaga, diced ½ teaspoon turmeric 1 cup dried apricots, diced ¼ cup olive oil 2 cups couscous ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground cumin, warmed in a dry pan until fragrant ¼ cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley Juice of 1 lemon Salt and freshly ground pepper In a saucepan, combine the onion, carrots, potatoes, parsnips, turnip, rutabaga, and turmeric with lightly salted water to cover by 1 inch. Bring to a boil, simmer until tender, about 10 minutes.

Pour the cooking liquid into a measuring cup, and add water to equal 3 cups. Bring this liquid to a boil in another saucepan.

Stir the apricots, olive oil and couscous into the boiling liquid.

Remove from heat and cover tightly. Let stand 5 minutes or until all the liquid is absorbed. Combine the couscous with the cooled vegetables, cinnamon, cumin, parsley and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper.

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events

Winter in Tennessee

Christmas at the Carter Mansion – Dec. 3-4, Elizabethton Spend the evening in this 18th-century home on the frontier, featuring the beautiful interior craftsmanship decorated for Christmas in the style of 1780s. Costumed interpreters, candlelight, refreshments and music highlight the evening. CONTACT: Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area, 423-543-5808

Festivals, celebrations, activities and more

A Candlelight Christmas – Dec. 3-4 & 10-11, Rocky Mount Museum, Piney Flats A visit to Rocky Mount Living History Museum provides a glimpse back to an earlier time. Music, dancing, decorations and sacred tales will all be part of your experience.

CONTACT: Rocky Mount Museum, 888-538-1791, rockymountmuseum.com

Christmas in Our Town – Dec. 4, Liberty Square, Sparta

Photo Courtesy of Peyton Hoge

Refreshments, entertainment, carolers, music and more.

CONTACT: Chamber of Commerce, 931-836-3552, sparta-chamber.net

18th-Century Christmas at Old Fort Loudoun – Dec. 4, Fort Loudoun State Historic Park, Vonore This 18th-century Christmas will have actors in authentic costumes.

CONTACT: Fort Loudoun, 423-884-6217, fortloudoun.com

Dickens of a Christmas takes place Dec. 11-12 in historic downtown Franklin.

Merry Tuba Christmas – Dec. 4, Harriman

This listing includes a selection of events of statewide interest scheduled in December, January, and February as provided by the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development.

Events are subject to date change or cancellation; please call the contact listed before traveling long distances to attend.

Tuba and euphonium players of all ages gather to pay tribute to composers who have embraced these instruments. Tuba and euphonium players of all ages and levels of ability are encouraged to participate.

CONTACT: 865-882-3446, tubachristmas.com

Due to space limitations, additional information and events can be found online through the department’s Web site, www.tnvacation.com.

DECEMBER

were so popular at that time. Twenty Christmas trees will be decorated and on display throughout the historic mansion.

CONTACT: Barbara Brown, 931-801-0822, clarksville.tn.us

Christmas bazaar for all! Lunch served at noon, reservation suggested.

CONTACT: 931-598-0774, radelo50yahoo.com

Carols in the City – Dec. 3, Historic Downtown Cleveland

Sewanee Senior Center Christmas Bazaar – Nov. 29-Dec. 3, Sewanee Senior Center, Sewanee

Clarksville Trees of Christmas – Dec. 1-17, Smith-Trahern Mansion, Clarksville Constructed in 1858 before the Civil War, the home reflects the transition between Greek Revival and Italianate styles, which 14

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Main street Cleveland lights the community Christmas tree on the Courthouse Square and welcomes Santa Claus. The crowd then walks to the historic downtown churches for a musical presentation on the steps of each church. CONTACT: Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce, 423-472-6587, mainstreetcleveland.com

Oaklands Candlelight Tour of Homes – Dec. 4, Murfreesboro Tour of Homes features beautiful and historic private homes and the graceful Oaklands Historic House Museum. Stops along the our will be festively adorned historical homes and churches. Additionally, the Sons of the Confederate Veterans, Murfreesboro Camp #33 will present living history demonstrations on the lawn of the mansion.

CONTACT: Oaklands Historic House Museum, 615-893-0022, oaklandsmuseum.org

12th Annual Confederate Christmas Ball – Dec. 4, Memorial Building, Columbia Step back in time and fill your dance card as you swirl on the floor to authentic reels, Tennessee Connections

promenades and waltzes popular during the 1860s. On-site dance instructions, string band and light refreshments.

CONTACT: Tammy Hatcher, 931-698-3876

Old-Fashioned Christmas – Dec. 4, Centennial Park, Dayton The event features the Christmas Arts Showcase, where artists and crafters open their downtown shops and demonstrate their creative process. Features food, pictures with Santa, Christmas parade, and caroling at the historic courthouse after the parade.

CONTACT: Dayton Chamber of Commerce, 423-775-0361, mainstreetdayton.org

Rockwood Annual Christmas Tour of Homes – Dec. 4-5, Rockwood Tour historic homes and buildings decorated for the holidays. Includes caroling, holiday food, historic character portrayals and Civil War re-enactments. CONTACT: Rockwood 2000, 865-354-2877, rockwood2000.com

Santa Excursion Train – Dec. 4-5 & 11-12, Oak Ridge Who needs a sleigh? Catch a ride with Santa Claus on the Secret City Excursion Train. CONTACT: 865-241-2140, southernappalachia.railway.museum

19th-century Cherokee Christmas – Dec. 5, Red Clay State Historic Park, Cleveland

This event features live history presentations, Cherokee arts & crafts demonstration, storytelling and Christmas carols. Red Clay State Historic Park is the last eastern council grounds for the Cherokee Nation.

CONTACT: Red Clay State Historic Park, 423-479-0339, mainstreetcleveland.com

Oaklands Home School Holiday Tour – Dec. 9, Oaklands Historic House Museum, Murfreesboro This Victorian Holiday Christmas Tour includes a tour of the mansion decorated for the holidays and customs from the 1800s. Reservations are required.

CONTACT: Oaklands Historic House Museum, 615-893-0022, oaklandsmuseum.org

Christmas in Olde Loudon – Dec. 11, Historic Downtown Loudon Step back in time at historic Loudon with games, food, parade and fun for the entire family. CONTACT: Lynda Randolph, 865-458-9020, lyricloudon.com

Dickens of a Christmas – Dec. 11-12, Franklin A Victorian-themed Christmas with more Winter 2011

than 200 costumed characters re-enacting the work of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Victorian crafts, food, horse-drawn carriages, carolers and Scrooge.

CONTACT: Heritage Foundation, 615-591-8500, historicfranklin.com

Cades Cove, and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. CONTACT: Jeanie Hilten, 865-448-6134, smokymountainfestivals.org

Historic Harriman Christmas Tour – Dec. 11-12, Harriman

The show is the largest house and garden show in Tennessee.

CONTACT: 865-637-4561, dogwoodarts.com

Come visit the town that Temperance built! Tour decorated Victorian homes and historical buildings.

CONTACT: Donna Demyanovich, 865-882-9230, cornstalkheights.com

Santa’s Last Blast – Dec. 17, Downtown Paris One of the last chances for youngsters to visit with Santa. Craft booths, Christmas stories and hot chocolate, live music and more provide holiday fun for the whole family.

CONTACT: 731-642-9271, visitdowntownparis.com

Dogwood Arts Festival House & Garden Show – Feb. 11-13, Knoxville

East Tennessee Young Musicians Bluegrass Contest – Feb. 26, Hawkins Elementary School, Rogersville Young musicians perform with other musicians. The contest is open to musicians age 18 and under.

CONTACT: Patricia Humbert, 423-272-1961, rogersvillefiddle.com

Happy 116th Birthday Shiloh – Dec. 29, Shiloh

Green Travel Tips

A birthday celebration to commemorate the establishment of the Shiloh National Military Park. CONTACT: 731-925-8181, tourhardincounty.org

Carpool whenever possible to reduce your carbon footprint – and you’ll also spend less money on gas.

JANUARY

Elvis Presley’s Birthday Celebration – Jan. 7-10, Memphis This event featues live entertainment at Graceland Plaza, a gospel celebration and a symphonic performance by the Memphis Symphony Orchestra. CONTACT: Graceland Reservations, 800-238-2000, elvis.com

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Staying overnight? Unplug major appliances to save energy and lower your electric bill.

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Support Tennessee’s sustainable tourism. Find green lodging, dining and attractions at tnvacation.com/green.

Sound & Speed – Jan. 8-9, Nashville Attendees can get up-close-andpersonal with NASCAR and country music stars for autographs, storytelling, question-and-answer sessions, and show car displays, as well as a blockbuster country concert.

CONTACT: info@soundandspeed.org, soundandspeed.org

FEBRUARY Winter Heritage Festival in the Smokies – Feb. 3-6, Townsend A celebration of the human history, natural beauty, and cultural traditions of Townsend,

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Statewide roundup of favorite finds Heavenly Treats Divine Art Toffee in Brentwood is exactly what the name suggests: a combination of spirituality, art and toffee. Owner Paula Hock’s heavenly, handmade toffee drives the online business, and the website, www.divinearttoffee.com, includes her spiritually inspired acrylic paintings.

Hock started making toffee with a recipe learned from her aunt, and she experimented with many toffee varieties before settling on the four flavors she offers through Divine Art Toffee: milk chocolate, dark chocolate, butterscotch and coconut. Hock’s original artwork is reproduced on each 6-ounce package of toffee, and a Divine Gift Ensemble includes a package of each variety along with a gift card. Hock’s toffee and art can also be found at the Nashville International Airport and in some Whole Foods Market stores in the Memphis and Nashville areas.

Pop-ular Snack The gourmet popcorn produced by Pulaski-based Merritt-Pop Popcorn isn’t quite like what you would typically purchase at the grocery store – it’s grown locally, in soil that no average corn could prosper in. In addition, only the best seeds are selected, ensuring less unpopped corn and more for you to enjoy.

Merritt-Pop Popcorn offers microwave popcorn in a variety of flavors, including butter, light butter, natural, kettle corn and jalapeno. The family-owned business also sells commercial and concession stand packages, as well as supplies.

The business started out small in 1980, but now, Merritt-Pop Popcorn sells at the Dollywood amusement park in Pigeon Forge, as well as in major grocery stores across the south. For more information or to place an order, visit www.merrittpop.com or call (931) 363-7708.

Winter 2011

A Greener Way To Ship Move over, Styrofoam. A Lebanon company has developed a safe, biodegradable packing material called Puffy Stuff. The three-ingredient packing peanuts are made mostly of grain sorghum, or milo, and dissolve quickly and harmlessly in water.

According to the Puffy Stuff website, direct contact with water causes the loose fill to degrade to inert proteins, which are quickly consumed by soil bacteria. If not reused, Puffy Stuff can be put in a landfill or even hosed down in the garden for fertilizer.

Other bonuses: The durable, static-free packing peanuts are not affected by oil prices. And if your pet or child happens to eat some, you don’t have to worry.

The all-natural fill is edible and digests easily.

Puffy Stuff is available in standard size, marshmallow size or Puffy Fluff. Custom shapes are also available by request. Call Puffy Stuff at (615) 732-3624 for more information, or visit www.puffystufftn.com. tnconnections.com

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Winter Energy-Saving Tips

Focus on these five areas to stay warm and save money Tennessee residents can keep heating costs low this winter while remaining warm and cozy and enjoying the season – just by making a few simple changes around the home.

Hot Water • Use less by installing low-flow showerheads and fixing leaky spouts.

• Try using warm or cold water when washing clothes. Washing one large load instead of several small ones can cut costs too.

Fireplaces •

To make sure your heat isn’t flowing out the chimney, firmly close the damper – an open damper is equivalent to keeping a full-size window open during the winter.

• Plug and seal your chimney flue if you never use your fireplace.

Heating Equipment • Once a month, check your furnace air filter and clean it or replace it – dirty or clogged filters can force furnaces to work harder, costing you more.

• Clean your warm-air registers, baseboard heaters and radiators. Make sure carpeting, furniture and drapes aren’t obstructing the heat.

Insulation • Leaky doors and windows can be a costly problem.

Save money by caulking and weather-stripping those drafty areas.

• Check the insulation in various areas around your home to ensure they meet the levels suggested for your region.

Thermostat • Set your thermostat at the lowest comfortable temperature possible when you’re home.

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If there is a time during the day when no one is home, set your thermostat at 65 degrees instead of the usual 72. Maintaining 65 degrees for eight hours a day may cut your heating bill by as much as 10 percent.