Farragut Life Fall 2024

Labor Day Weekend

MONROE LIFE

BALLOON FESTIVAL

Ingles Table

FALL RECIPES

A 6-PART SERIES ON SENATOR

ESTES KEFAUVER

Taking Care of Our Region, One Child at A Time

East Tennessee Children’s Hospital is committed to providing excellent pediatric care, offering help to every family and bringing healing to our region. We understand that providing the best care for your child means more than just treating their illness or injury. Our team of specialized pediatric healthcare professionals cares for the whole child and provides expert, customized care plans for your family.

To the casual observer, this photo may appear to be just a beautiful golf course. But if you’re planning a business meeting or event and considering a hotel to host it, Fairfield Glade Resort with our five championship golf courses is a far more exciting course of action. Just bring a mission statement and an agenda. We’ll supply everything else. Including some of Tennessee’s best golf to stimulate and excite your attendees. So says Golf Digest, Golfweek and Golf Magazine.

And if you’re on a collision course with boredom at work, we offer numerous highly enjoyable ways to reverse course, in addition to golf. Miles of trails for hiking. Pristine lakes for boating and fishing. A world class Racquet Center. And an equestrian facility for horseback riding and hayrides of course.

I-40 from Knoxville is an easy course to Fairfield Glade. We’re less than 70 miles away. Stay & Play Golf Packages available. Whether it’s business or pleasure. Here It’s pleasure. Of course.

Now the fun begins. For information or reservations, call 888-334-5233

www.fairfieldgladeresort.com

Located between Knoxville and Nashville, just a few miles from I-40 (Exit 322)

12 MONTHS NO INTEREST & NO PAYMENT!

OVER 50 YEARS AS A LOCAL FAMILY OWNED BUSINESS

From the Publisher

There’s a lot to love about fall—the beautiful leaves, football season, Halloween— but for me, the best part of fall is the Monroe Life Balloon Festival. It’s hard to believe this is our eleventh year! Each year, we work our hardest to throw a great festival for the people of Monroe County and, more importantly, to raise money for the local Boys and Girls Club. We donate all of our time and multiply the sponsors money with the event.

SENATOR ESTES KEFAUVER

In this issue, we start a 6-part series on Estes Kefauver. As some of you may know, I purchased the Kefauver house in Madisonville, and we’ve worked for two years to get it on the National Registry of Historic Places. This September, we will finally be approved on the state level. It will go on to the National Park Service for the official approval which takes about 45 days - finally!

In the 1956 Democratic National Convention Kefauver won the Vice Presidential nomination, beating John F. Kennedy in the only election JFK ever lost. Links to footage of the convention and the first ever televised debate are on our site. It was very interesting to me to actually see this famous Tennessean in action.

www.farragutlife.com/kefauver

Next, join us for a breathtaking trip through Yellowstone, Grand Teton, and Glacier National Parks. These three beautiful sites are perfect for nature lovers.

Also in this issue, read about fun events, mouthwatering Ingles Table fall recipes, and more. Looking for great places to take your kids for Halloween? Look no further than our events section! And make some time to enjoy our beutiful Cherohala. Additionally, read Master Gardener Gayle Fisher’s advice on yellowjackets, poppies, and Ginkgo trees.

Promoting my home region has always been a passion of mine, so I hope you enjoy our latest issue. Thank you to our advertisers who make it all possible.

Lisa Atkins-Bingham

The Bingham Group, President & Publisher of Monroe, Farragut and McMinn Life Magazines

SEQUOYAH BIRTHPLACE MUSEUM, VONORE

The 11th Annual Monroe Life Balloon Festival will return to East Tennessee at The Sequoyah Birthplace Museum in Vonore, Tennessee. Enjoy balloon rides, live music, food, games, an inflatable Kid’s Zone and much more all while supporting the Boys and Girls Club of Monroe County. The two-day Balloon Festival begins on Saturday, August 31st and runs through Sunday, September 1st, from 4pm – 10pm. The finale each night will be a Balloon Glow set to music with colorful hot air balloons beginning at dusk. We invite everyone to come out and join in the celebration!

LABOR DAY WEEKEND

SATURDAY, AUGUST 31st & SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 1st, 4 -10 pm

BRING YOUR LAWNCHAIR OR BLANKET, HAVE DINNER AND STAY FOR THE BALLOON GLOW AT DUSK

This is a rain or shine event. No Refunds. Balloons will inflate weather permitting.

GLOW IN THE DARK COTTON CANDY • CORN DOGS • CHEESE STEAK

PULLED PORK • FRIED OREOS • FUNNEL CAKES • BBQ • TACOS

HAMBURGERS • CORN DOGS • LOADED FRIES • KONA ICE

Live Music From Dusty Leigh Huston!

We are proud to present Dusty Leigh Huston as the performing artist for both days of the Festival. This incredible country-music artist was named the 2022 ISSA Female Vocalist of the Year. Her debut EP, Roots & Dreams, has been a huge hit, and she’s hard at work on a new album. Her songs have been streamed well over 200,000 times on Spotify. She is from Idaho and now lives in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Come to the festival to hear her perform live!

Mischief

Mischief is 120,000 square foot, 9 stories tall, birthday is 2019. Basket has a door handicap accessible.

SKIP DURHAM, BALLOONMEISTER and his wife, TONI DURHAM Memphis, Tennessee

Skip Durham, aka “The Skipper,” and Toni Durham, aka “the Crew Chief,” met in the summer of 2009. When Skip told her that he owned a hot air balloon, Toni thought, either he really owns one or that’s the greatest pickup line I’ve ever heard.

Toni said, “I tell people, I fell in love with the balloon, I fell in love with ballooning, and you have to have a pilot, right? So, Skip was part of the package deal.”

The couple married in 2011, and in 2012, they founded their company, Bluff City Balloons, LLC. Since then, they’ve had all sorts of adventures from taking skydivers two miles into the sky and watching them jump out of the basket, to accidentally landing—twice—on the estate of actor Steven Seagal. The balloon they are bringing to the festival is one of only six in the country specially outfitted for people with special needs including people with wheelchairs.

Bill Cunningham Germantown, Tennessee

When he started ballooning 44 years ago, Bill, not knowing any better, thought he could get rich and have fun doing it. He has met exactly half of those goals.

Ballooning may not be a great way to get rich, but it’s certainly a great way to make memories. Bill has flown in 40 states plus Mexico and Canada, and he has logged over 2,300 hours in the air. He says it’s difficult to pick a favorite flight because all these places are beautiful in their own way.

Bill has been married to his wife Martha for 49 years. They have two daughters, Jenny, who is the mother of his three grandkids, and Maggie, who is a Delta Airlines pilot. The highlight and most treasured memory of his ballooning career was three years ago on Father’s Day when his daughters, grandkids and sons-in-law all crewed for him at a balloon event in Memphis, and for the first time in 44 years, he got all his girls (wife and daughters) in the basket with him for their first flight together.

In 1981, Bill started flying in national and international hot air balloon competitions, and since then he’s had 17 top 5 finishes in 25 events plus 2 more 7th place finishes.

Ben Eakes

Meridian, Mississippi

Benjamin Eakes fell in love with aviation as a young child and always found himself looking to the skies. He graduated college with his FAA Airframe and Powerplant license in 2014 and started a career in general aviation specializing in corporate and business jet maintenance. During his time in college, Ben had his first exposure to a hot air balloon and he fell in love! One evening in 2018, he was approached and asked if he wanted to help crew for a balloon piloted by Fred Poole. Little did Ben know this would be the start of a lifelong journey. He continued to crew, and soon Fred offered to teach him to fly. After countless hours of lessons, Ben received his private pilot’s license in June, 2024.

Mike Wahl has been a commercial balloon pilot since 1985, nearly 40 years ago. He’s participated in many balloon rallies and has won several including being the Alabama State Champion for the Balloon Federation of America multiple times. These rallies are navigational challenges where pilots carefully raise and lower the balloon to different altitudes where the wind is blowing in different directions trying to reach a specific target. Whoever lands or drops a bean bag closest to the target wins. When asked if he had any special memories from his time in the air, Mike said, “Every flight is special. Every time, I have a good time flying.”

Brian Dial Decatur, Alabama

Brian Dial leapt from the plane into the open air, parachute on his back, thousands of feet between him and the ground. The wind whipped past his ears, and the Earth seemed to charge towards him. This was Brian Dial’s old hobby—skydiving. His new hobby also involves the sky but in a much more relaxing—and less terrifying—way.

Ben wrote, “My journey from crewing for the first time to now being a pilot has given me so much more respect for the crew. Our sport of flying is not possible without a dependable crew. I am looking forward to a life full of flights and adventure. I highly encourage anyone who is interested to get with a pilot and start the journey for themselves. The sky’s the limit!”

Party On

Mike Wahl

Decatur, Alabama

As a teenager, Brian Dial helped crew hot air balloons, but it wasn’t until he was 45, ten years ago, that he decided to pursue his pilot’s certificate. He bought his balloon, Bandit, which had been used by a previous owner to set the world record for highest altitude reached by a female balloonist for that category of balloon—32,000 feet!

Brian said, “Ballooning is a lot different than other forms of aviation because it’s so quiet and slow-moving. You can drift at treetops and see deer and animals running around, or you can go to a much higher altitude and see long distances, kind of get a panoramic view. But what I really like about it is you have time to look and study and find things, whereas in an airplane or even a helicopter, you’re usually moving really fast and you just catch glimpses of things.”

Brian loves to take his family out flying, including his wife, Beth, and their children—Brady (who is also Brian’s crew chief), Abbi, Savanna and Shianna—as well as his sisters and their families. Brian said, “That’s one of the things I really enjoy about ballooning is it gets the family together.”

Silver Switch Bandit

8 SPECIAL SHAPES

John Cavin

Melbourne Beach, Florida

It all started when, after driving racecars for 10 years, John Cavin was looking for an inexpensive way to get the same thrill. That’s when, in 1979, he came upon Hot Air Balloon racing. It was an adventure from the beginning and John has been flying ever since.

In 1996, John became the owner of one of the most unusual special shape Hot Air Balloons on the planet. After talking with the Shep Wooley, the recording artist that wrote and sang the 1958 hit song, “The Flying Purple People Eater” John knew he a GREAT name for his unique, eye-catching balloon.

In 2012 John acquired Spunky the skunk special shaped hot air balloon. John had some added inspiration when coming up with this look alike balloon’s name. John was visiting his grandkids one Christmas and asked them to help him name it.

Then in 2015 Yellow Bird and Tom Cat became part of John’s Air Force of Special Shapes. John now hires pilots to help him fly all his balloons and he also hired his grammar school friend Tweetie Whitfield to help him drive across country.

Tom Cat

Terry Mouse

Yellow Bird

Firehouse Dog

Police Dog

Spunky

Chuck Waltz

Munith, Michigan

Chuck has been ballooning for close to 35 years with almost 1,500 hours in the air. He is the pilot for Yellow Bird. His wife Cindy enjoys the balloon as much as he does. Their greatest pleasure with ballooning is all the excitement people have watching them and all of the hearts they have touched over the years.

Keith Kohtz Wayland, Michigan

Keith has flown balloons for 18 years with his wife Tammy and two kids, Mickala and Landon. They enjoy flying around west Michigan. He is flying Terry Mouse.

Al Smith Grass Lake, Michigan

Al got his start in ballooning in 1990 by crewing for a local pilot. This evolved into flight training with him, and eventually, Al obtained his pilot certificate which has allowed him to pilot his own balloon for more than 25 years. He has flown at balloon events in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Alabama and New Mexico, and he has flown at Fiesta in Albuquerque, NM for the past 22 years. He’s been married to his high school sweetheart, Karen, for 43 years and is incredibly grateful that she has put up with him for all these years. Al is flying Tom Cat.

Delta Bell

Mike Hanson Greenwood. Mississippi

Mike Hanson has owned and operated a successful small ride operation since 1992 and has flown several high-profile passengers including President Bill Clinton, Al Gore, and the musicians Brooks and Dunn. Additionally, he flew passengers for the Make-A-Wish foundation and for charity fundraisers for Palmer Home for Children and Peavey Electronics Orphan Relief Project. He has been a commercial hot air balloon pilot for Bryan Foods, Sara Lee, Mossy Oak, and Mississippi Printing. In 2016, he was named the BFA Rookie of the Year. Mike has also been the organizer and speaker for the Canton Mississippi Hot Air Balloon Safety Seminar since 2018. He was the Balloonmeister for Grenada Lake’s Thunder on Water and Greenville, Mississippi’s Aviation Days. He also served as the Competition Director and assistant Balloonmeister for the Mississippi Balloon Championship. Mike is currently instructing five hot air balloon students, two under the age of 18.

Fred Pool

Meridan, Mississippi

Fred Poole has been an aviation enthusiast for nearly 20 years. Beginning with skydiving Fred worked as a Tandem skydiving instructor with nearly 700 jumps and currently holds a D-License (expert level). In addition, he holds a Private Pilot Fixed Wing license, Seaplane license, as well as a Commercial LTA (Lighter Than Air) with airborne heater (Hot Air Balloon) license.

Tom Steinbock Crestwood, Kentucky

Tom Steinbock has loved balloons ever since he was seven years old. At that age, his nextdoor neighbor hired someone to fly the very first Kentucky Derby Balloon Race, and Tom got involved with chasing and helping crew the balloons. “I fell in love with it when I was really young, and I’ve been doing it ever since,” Tom said.

This year was the 50th anniversary of the race, and Tom has been involved every single year, with the sole exception of 1982 when he was building a house. But Tom didn’t feel too left out that year, because the finish line for the race just so happened to be his front yard! In 2016, he completed a childhood dream by winning the Kentucky Derby Balloon Race. “That’s got to be one of my top favorite memories of all time,” Tom said. “I was just at the right place at the right time when I won

Flying Saucer

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

FOUNDING SPONSOR

CIVIL AIR PATROL & THE BOY SCOUT’S

With so many people in Monroe County and beyond struggling due to inflation, Boys & Girls Clubs are more necessary than ever. Currently, almost 45% of parents are unable to pay the Club’s low weekly fees. Nevertheless, at Boys & Girls Clubs of the Ocoee Region (BGCOR), no child is ever turned away—regardless of their financial situation—so donations are required to cover the costs of those families in need.

BGCOR’s Monroe County Director of Events & Donor Relations, Carly Armstrong, explained the importance of the Club’s work: “The Club, for a lot of parents, is a lifeline because it allows them to stay on their jobs up until 7 O’clock if they need to…. They know [their kids] are in a safe, caring environment, and they don’t have to worry about them.” Since the Club stays open until 7 p.m., it helps parents who work odd hours, and serves as an essential service to our community.

You can support BGCOR’s Monroe County units by attending the Monroe Life Balloon Festival during Labor Day Weekend. We’ve raised hundreds of thousands to support our local kids, and with your help, we want to raise even more!

FYellowJackets

all is here and we have had a cooling rain and the temperatures have finally dropped at night. Autumn is a beautiful time here in East Tennessee. Our leaves have just started to turn and mums are available in the stores. The days are shorter. The morning and afternoon light is a soft yellow hue compared to summer’s white light. The difference is comparable to summer light being a fluorescent bulb and fall being the yellow light of our old outlawed incandescent filament bulbs.

Two weeks ago I had an exciting day mowing the banks in front of the house. I thought I had stepped onto a fire ant hill when the first yellow jacket stung my leg. Looking down the push mower was buzzing with yellow jackets as well as the ground where I was walking. I quickly sprinted toward the house leaving the lawn mower as heat bait for the wasp. I was stung again before I arrived at the door and I could hear some yellow jackets buzzing around my head.

Boy, did those stings hurt. I had total of four. I had become just another statistic, one of the 500,000 people who visit the emergency room each year after a sting. In America 12-15 people die from snake bites each year. Compare that to the fact that more than twice as many die from wasp and bee stings. We are either smarter or have nicer snakes in our area because in the past 40 years there has only been seven recorded deaths from snake bites in the whole state of Tennessee. Then the shocking statistic (no pun intended) that about 100 Americans die annually from being struck by lightning.

They may look like bees, but ground nesting yellow jackets are actually members of the hornet family. Their large numbers and unmatched aggression make them extremely dangerous, especially when you get near their nests. The colonies are currently at their max size and the hornets are more aggressive now as they near death. You can compare their attitude to a cranky old person who is never happy so they immediately attack everything you say.

If you stumble upon a nest — an unfortunately common occurrence while mowing or weed whacking — and get stung repeatedly, seek immediate medical attention, especially if you experience symptoms beyond the pain of the individual stings, like difficulty breathing. Virtually all of the so-called “bee sting deaths” in the United States are the result of yellow jacket attacks, so you should take such an attack seriously.

The house was cool when I rushed inside and shut the door to keep out the yellow jackets that were still swarming around me. I was able to kill the one that had entered with me. I made a paste of meat tenderizer to put on my stings then took off my boot only to find another angry hornet fly out of my boot and over to the window. Even with the painful stings, my adrenaline was pumping as I grabbed the fly swatter and killed the intruder. Phew!

LIFE CYCLE & HABITAT

Ground-nesting yellowjackets construct paper nests that may contain thousands of larvae and adult workers. These nests are typically located underground in abandoned rodent burrows or in other enclosed spaces such as tree cavities, wall cavities, wood piles, and dense ivy. During the fall, young queens mate and find protected areas (such as fallen logs, tree cavities, cracks in buildings, etc.) where they remain for the duration of the winter. When spring arrives, queens select nesting sites and begin the process of colony initiation (nest construction, deposition of eggs, and hunting for food). Once adult workers emerge, they take over many of the tasks of nest maintenance so that the queen can remain within the safety of the nest and lay eggs. Foraging ground-nesting yellowjacket workers commonly come into contact with people who are eating outdoors and may become extremely aggressive. The colony grows throughout the summer and into fall, and eventually begins production of males and queens. When rain and/or freezing temperatures return, nests typically die out, and newly mated queens find protected areas to overwinter so the process can begin anew in the spring.

THESE RECIPES ARE BROUGHT TO YOU BY INGLES, STARTED IN 1963 BY ROBERT P. INGLE AND COMMITTED TO THE COMMUNITIES THEY SERVE.

Ingles Provides Floral Arrangements for the Monroe Life Balloon Festival

SPICY COCONUT PUMPKIN SOUP

By: Michael McMurtrey

SHOPPING LIST

2 tbsp. tamari (or coconut aminos)

Roasted and salted pumpkin seeds, for garnish

1 tsp black pepper, or to taste

1/2 tsp salt, or to taste

1 lime, juiced

2 Thai red chilis, sliced (or sweet, for garnish)

1 sweet (Vidalia) onion, chopped

2 garlic cloves, grated

1 tbsp. ginger root, grated

1 bunch cilantro, destemmed

2 green onions, sliced, for garnish

1 tsp. turmeric

1 tbsp. tomato paste

1 tbsp. of Thai red chili paste

2 14 oz. cans coconut milk

1 tbsp. coconut oil

2 15 oz. cans pumpkin (not pumpkin pie)

1 cup vegetable stock (no-chicken broth)

DIRECTIONS:

In a pot, sauté onion in olive oil until soft. Add tomato paste, red chili paste, pumpkin, ginger, garlic, 1 can coconut milk, and broth. Combine until thoroughly heated through. Blend with an immersion blender until smooth. (or blend in batches in a blender) Season to taste with salt and pepper. Using second can of coconut milk, swirl 1 tbsp. into each serving of soup. Top with green onion, cilantro, and pumpkin seeds!

https://www.ingles-markets.com/recipes/spicy-coconut-pumpkin-soup

InglesFloral

You’re hosting an event for all your friends and family, and you want your house to look nice. How can you make a good impression?

One easy way is by buying floral bouquets for a table centerpiece. Not only does this brighten your home, but you don’t even have to go out of your way to stop by an expensive florist; instead, come to Ingles, where we have fresh, beautiful cut stems or full bouquets of colorful flowers. If you’re not sure what to pick, our experienced floral experts can help. Not only is Ingles Floral convenient, but it’s also affordable for people of any budget.

Next time you’re grocery shopping, buy some flowers to add a colorful touch to your home that the guests are sure to notice.

SLOW-COOKED ASIAN BEEF SHORT RIBS

By: Caroline Taylor

INGREDIENTS:

8 beef short ribs, cut into 4 equal servings 1/2 cup soy sauce

1 (10 oz.) bottle teriyaki sauce

4 large garlic cloves, minced

CINNAMON SUGAR ALMONDS

By: Clark and Suzy Neal with Unicoi Preserves

INGREDIENTS:

2 large egg whites

1 Tbsp vanilla extract

5 cups whole almonds

1 cup Dixie Crystals light brown sugar

1 cup Dixie Crystals granulated

pure cane sugar

1 Tbsp cinnamon

1/4 Tsp cayenne pepper 1/2 tsp salt

Directions:

Preheat oven to 250°. Line a sheet pan with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper.

1 (14.5 oz.) can tart cherries 1/4 cup rice wine vinegar 1/2 cup honey

4 cups mashed potatoes (Ingles Deli)

DIRECTIONS:

Combine all of the ingredients together, except mashed potatoes, in a crock pot. Simmer on low for 6 hours, until meat is tender and easily pulls apart. Serve on a bed of mashed potatoes and top with cooking liquid.

www.ingles-markets.com/recipes/slow-cooked-asian-beef-short-ribs

Whisk egg whites and vanilla in a large bowl until frothy.

Add almonds, toss to coat. Stir in brown sugar, white sugar, cinnamon, cayenne and salt into almonds until combined.

Spread on prepared pan.

Bake in preheated oven, stirring every 15 minutes, until coating is dry, 75 to 90 minutes. Cool completely, then store in airtight container.

CHICKEN CHEESE SOUP

By: Chef Abby J

4 cups shredded cooked chicken or 1 rotisserie chicken deboned

4 cups water

2 (10.75 oz. each) cans condensed cream of chicken soup

1 (16 oz.) package frozen mixed vegetables, thawed

1 (15 oz.)can diced potatoes, drained

1 lb. Velveeta, cubed

1 tbsp. Abby J’s Smokin’ Hot Sauce

minced chives, parsley, and croutons, for garnishing

DIRECTIONS:

In a Dutch oven, combine the first five ingredients. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer until vegetables are tender, 8-10 minutes. Stir in cheese, just until melted (do not boil).

Top with Abby J’s Smokin’ Hot Sauce and garnish with chives, croutons, and parsley.

PUMPKIN PIE MARTINI

By: Chef Abby J

INGREDIENTS:

2 tbsp. granulated sugar

1 tsp. pumpkin spice lemon wedge

4 oz, vodka

1 1/2 oz. heavy cream

1 1/2 oz. maple syrup

3 tbsp. Pumpkin Puree

DIRECTIONS:

Mix the sugar and pumpkin pie on a shallow dish. Using a lemon wedge, wet the rim of the martini glasses. Dip the glasses in the spice/sugar mixture to coat the rim. In a cocktail shaker full of ice combine the vodka, heavy cream, maple syrup and pumpkin puree. Shake well and strain into glasses. Garnish with cinnamon stick, pumpkin spice, and whipped cream. www.ingles-markets.com/recipes/ pumpkin-pie-martini

WITH SAUSAGE & SPINACH

INGLES FLORAL

By: John Gifaldi

INGREDIENTS:

Have you ever had one of those days when you know a friend needs a little good cheer, a relative needs a quick pick me up or perhaps someone in the office has a birthday… But, you still have errands to run, kids to pick up from school and grocery shopping to do. Now you don’t have to skip anything. Visit the Ingles Floral Department for all those “you deserve something special moments”

2 tbsp. olive oil

1/2 cup yellow onion, diced

1 pound sweet Italian sausage, cut into 1” pieces

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp. kosher salt

1/2 tsp. ground black pepper

1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg

1 1/4 cup chicken stock

1/2 cup dry white wine

1 cup canned pumpkin

1/3 cup heavy cream

1 pound rigatoni pasta

6 oz. fresh spinach

1/2 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese, plus more to garnish

Ingles Floral is a convenient way to shop for beautiful cut stems or full bouquets. Choose from a variety of balloons and ribbons and even plants that will keep on saying “you’re the best” for a long time to come. And, all of our floral departments are stocked with only the freshest and most colorful varieties. Need a little help saying just the right thing with flowers?

DIRECTIONS:

At Ingles you can ask our friendly and knowledgeable floral associates for a hand. Many of our floral employees have years of advanced floral experience. And, our selections may look exclusive but they are priced for value.

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add in the onions and cook for 5 minutes, until starting to soften. Add in the Italian sausage and cook until no pink remains. Add in the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Add in the wine and let it reduce down by half or until you can’t smell the wine any longer. Add in the chicken stock, pumpkin, and cream and bring mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat and cook for 10 minutes on medium-low heat, stirring frequently. While the sauce is simmering, cook the pasta according to the package directions just 1 minute shy of al dente. Drain pasta reserving 1 cup of the pasta water. Stir the spinach into the sauce and cook for 2 minutes, until wilted. Add in 1/2 cup grated parmesan and stir to combine. Add the drained pasta to the sauce and stir to coat. Taste for seasoning and adjust if needed. If the sauce is too thick, stir in a little pasta water.

So next time you want to lift the spirits of a friend or you just need a lift yourself, depend on the Ingles Floral department. It’s convenient, within any budget and I’m sure we’ll have just the thing.

INGLES….EXPECT MORE FROM YOUR LOCAL STORE.

www.ingles-markets.com/recipes/pumpkin-rigatoni-with-sausage-and-spinach

RECIPE SEARCH

ONLINE RECIPE SEARCH

FARRAGUT L

INTRODUCING THE NEW Monroe Life website!

Our new website is the best place to keep up with articles and stories between issues so you never miss a beat of what’s going on in our community. No matter if you’re using a phone, tablet, or desktop, our new website is fully optimized to make reading our content as easy as possible

Our new website is the best place to keep up with articles and stories between issues so you never miss a beat of what’s going on in our community. No matter if you’re using a phone, tablet, or desktop, our new website is fully optimized to make reading our content as easy as possible.

We also publish full versions of our print magazines online the same day they’re being delivered to homes!

We also publish full versions of our print magazines online the same day they’re being delivered to homes!

See all the delicious recipes from current and past issues complete with step by step instructions and an integrated shopping list!

See all the delicious recipes from current and past issues complete with step by step instructions and an integrated shopping list!

Need to Scale a Recipe?

No problem! Our online recipe system allows you to choose how many servings you want and it automatically adjusts the needed ingredients and shopping list!

Need to Scale a Recipe? No problem! Our online recipe system allows you to choose how many servings you want and it automatically adjusts the needed ingredients and shopping list!

www.farragutlif e.com

www.monroelife.com

RESTAURANT SPACE FOR LEASE, SINGLE TENANT SEVERAL RETAIL AND SALON SPACES FOR LEASE

The Kefauver Hotel is located on Main Street in Madisonville. This unique building will be undergoing a major renovation. Madisonville is a Main Street community with an active Downtown Business Alliance. The restaurant has a large dining room with bar, private dining options and possibly a coffee shop.

GinkgoTrees

Ginkgo trees (Ginkgo biloba) often called the “Maidenhair Tree” are today’s living dinosaurs of the botanical world. It is the oldest living species of tree, the sole survivor of the Ginkoaceae family. This tree is recorded in fossil records at the same time that dinosaurs roamed the earth. Ginkgo trees were once widespread in Tennessee, but were destroyed by the Ice Age. We have ancient Buddhist Monks from Tibet to thank for their preservation.

The Ginkgo is a sacred tree in both China and Japan. Writings about the Ginkgo appear in China circa 2800 B.C. The leaves were brewed to make a tea to prevent memory loss. Today the leaves are showing promise in studies concerning Alzheimer’s disease. Alternative minded doctors have published studies stating that it also helps increase blood circulation.

There isn’t a better-looking fall tree. The leaves on the entire tree turn at the same rate so that the tree has a uniform glow. The Ginkgo grows from 80 to 100 feet tall, but no more than twothirds as wide. This makes the tree pyramidal. They have characteristic fan-shaped leaves and are bi-lobed (biloba is defined as two lobes) a duck foot shape. Leaves in the spring are a light green and will suddenly turn a pure, dazzling yellow in the autumn. Unlike my maple and oak trees, the Ginkgo drops virtually all their leaves in one day. They have an incredible ability to resist insects and disease, thus making them a fine ornamental tree.

The best time to plant a new tree is from November through March. Avoid planting if the ground is frozen or muddy. Ginkgoes are slow growing with a maximum increase of about 3 feet per year. This tree is very popular in cities today holding up beautifully in the urban environment withstanding air pollution. An established Ginkgo is drought resistant, and adjusts to a wide range of soil acidity levels. They need a sunny location with adequate drainage. Give them plenty of room to grow with a life expectancy of close to 600 years. These trees are hardy in regions that reach as low as –20 degrees.

This tree sounds too good to be true. The problem with Ginkgo trees is sex. There are male and female trees. Only the female Ginkgo has fruit. Not your usual nut or apple fruit but fruit that appears similar to an apricot. This fruit, which ripens in the fall, gives off an awful stench. The dropped fruit has a near-lethal odor reminding you of rancid butter. The fruit is also a nuisance making a slippery mess. Female trees are a constant problem during the fall months.

The way to ensure that you have a male ginkgo is to have one that was produced by asexual propagation. This would be by grafting or by a rooted cutting. Your nursery should certify that you are receiving a male tree.

My Ginkgo tree presented a fast strip tease last year, the fan shaped leaves deciding to turn a blushing blonde all in one day, only to have the rain come in two nights later forcing him to drop all fan foliage to the ground so that he quickly stood naked waiting for winter.

By Gayle Fisher

Does Your Child Need a Back-to-School Eye Exam?

ith the busyness of summer and the beginning of a new school year, eye exams can be easily forgotten. For children, annual eye exams are especially important to make sure their eyes are developing properly. If a child’s eyes are not sending proper signals to the brain, vision problems can begin and even become uncorrectable if not addressed. Keep in mind visual discomfort and difficulty learning in school can often manifest as behavioral problems. Here is what you need to know when it comes to setting your child up for success this school year:

Signs that your child may need an eye exam may include:

• Squinting

• Head tilting

• Eye rubbing

• Sitting too close to the tv

• Holding books or devices too close

• Difficulty reading or falling behind in school

• Headaches

Even if your child has had an exam recently, you should contact your optometrist if you notice any of these signs or behaviors.

But my child passed a vision screening?

That brings about the question: Are vision screenings enough? Some states actually

Written by Dr. Taylor Greene

require a comprehensive eye exam prior to beginning kindergarten. Many vision problems are missed at traditional vision screenings that may only check for “20/20 vision.” While helpful, a screening at school or at a pediatrician’s office is not the same thing as a comprehensive eye exam with an eyecare professional. A screening may only involve testing vision at a specific distance. With our children spending so much time on digital devices, thoroughly examining the visual system is imperative. Vision screenings are unlikely to pick up on issues such as problems with depth perception or visual processing troubles. Even if your child is not flagged at a screening, he or she should still follow the recommended schedule for comprehensive eye exams set by the American Optometric Association (AOA).

Recommended schedule

According to the AOA, 1 in 5 preschoolers has visual problems, and 1 in 4 children will need corrective lenses by kindergarten. That is why the AOA urges parents to follow their recommended schedule of a baseline exam between 6 and 12 months, followed by exams between ages 3 and 5, before starting kindergarten, and annually going forward.

What to expect at a pediatric eye exam

To ensure that you and your child get the most out of their eye exam, be prepared with your child’s medical history, including

any pertinent birth information. Bringing items such as a favorite stuffed animal or toy and snacks can make for a smoother experience. Don’t forget your list of questions for the doctor!

At Premier Eyecare, a pediatric examination includes: evaluation of vision and ocular health, eye teaming (binocularity) skills, eye movement skills, focusing abilities, amblyopia (“lazy eye”), strabismus (eye turn), and more. These tests are quick and painless, and can ultimately make a significant difference in your child’s academic success and quality of life.

The impact of prolonged near work & screens

The combination of phones, tablets, and computers in addition to other near work causes strain, tired eyes, headaches, and difficulty focusing. These symptoms can be alleviated by reading glasses or anti-fatigue lenses. The anti-fatigue design has a boost in the bottom of the lens that helps the eyes relax when looking between near and far. This allows for comfortable and clear vision at all distances.

It is important to note that anti-fatigue lenses are different from myopia-control lenses. Myopia control slows the progression of nearsightedness while anti-fatigue lenses alleviate visual discomfort from near work.

Genetics and extensive near work and activities both impact vision development and the likelihood of becoming nearsighted.

Children who are diagnosed with myopia in early childhood are much more likely to develop high myopia that can lead to glaucoma, myopic macular degeneration, early cataracts, and retinal tears or detachment. Current methods of managing myopia include contact lenses (orthokeratology or multifocal soft contact lenses) or atropine eye drops.

Early detection of myopia is critical, but detection without management will not slow eye growth and the progression of myopia. The doctors and staff at Premier Eyecare are committed to managing myopia with the latest research and best technology.

Premier Eyecare also participates in InfantSEE, a public health program managed by the AOA. With an InfantSEE provider, infants between the age of 6 and 12 months can be seen for an infant eye assessment at no cost, regardless of family income or insurance coverage.

At Premier Eyecare, we are dedicated to providing the best care throughout this next school year and beyond. Call us at (865) 9660100 or visit our website at www.PremierEyecare.net to learn more about how we can serve you and your family today!

Dr. Taylor Greene always knew that Knoxville would eventually be “home” again. She graduated from Southern College of Optometry in May 2019, and returned to East Tennessee immediately after commencement. Dr. Greene joined Dr. Brent Fry at Premier Eyecare in 2020.

Corn Poppies (Papaver rhoeas) are best known for their soft, breeze-blown flowers. This plant is also known as the common poppy, corn rose and field poppy. On a sadder note it is also the Flanders poppy. Due to the extent of ground disturbance in warfare during World War I, these corn poppies bloomed between the trench lines and no man’s lands on the Western front.

This annual grows well for us. You should sow the seeds in the fall since they need cool weather to germinate. They also require a lot of water to sprout. If the seed dries out during the critical two-to-three-week germination period, the planting will be spotty. I planted mine in a border garden not realizing that they needed special care. The first year must have been perfect, and I had a lovely display. Seeds were set and sprouted once again that fall with no effort on my part. I had another bright spot the following spring. But for the last five years my timing has been off; those wonderful self-sown seeds have not returned, and later I had no success with newly purchased seeds. Maybe if you have automatic sprinklers, you will have more luck getting your seeds to germinate properly.

These Poppies are distant cousins of the opium poppy. The beautiful red blooms grow one to three feet tall and need full sun and soil that is well drained. Seeds are best sown in the garden since plants do not transplant well. If you didn’t get them out in the fall, you can try sowing them in the garden two or three weeks before the last frost date in spring. After germination they need low to medium water requirements. No pests seem to bother them since they stop blooming before Japanese beetles arrive, but they can be susceptible to fungi. Poppies love cool, sunny conditions. They leave before things heat up here below the Mason-Dixon Line, the silk looking blooms only last one day.

They have finely divided fern-like foliage that is a beautiful light green-blue. The blooms are solitary, shallow cupped and paper thin. They close in cloudy weather. On sunny day they turn their face openly to bask in the light. You can grow them in an annual border in gravel or in a rock garden and the seeds can be sown in succession for a continuous display. If you want to see this beautiful nodding lady in mass, our highway beautification program

PCORN oppies

has them planted along the interstate. I also have a (Papaver dubium) poppy this little flower only grows about a foot tall. The blooms are a light orange and they never need planting again. Once and done. When

my friend gave me the seeds she said “you will never lose this plant” it is also known as long-headed or blindeyes. She was right. No matter the weather or conditions it returns year after year usually where I don’t want it.

MASTER GARDENER

GayleFisher

TENNESSEE TOURISM INVITES TRAVELERS TO HIT THE BACK ROADS AND BYWAYS WITH NEW STATEWIDE ROAD CYCLING PROGRAM

Written by: Jenni Veal

Photos by: Brett Rothmeyer

The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development (TDTD) is inviting cyclists to experience Tennessee on 52 new curated road cycling routes that wind their way through the state’s picturesque landscapes. The new program, Bike Tennessee, launched in May at BikeTN.com and allows cyclists to engage with the routes using the app Ride with GPS.

“From our music to our makers, Tennessee is a state full of storytellers and our beauty is unmatched,” said Commissioner Mark Ezell, TDTD. “As travelers increasingly seek sustainable and authentic experiences, we invite them to explore our scenic routes and discover the charm of our small towns. We are pleased to partner with Ride with GPS and showcase the hidden gems and breathtaking landscapes that define our state.”

Tennessee has been named an Ambassador for popular cycling app Ride with GPS, making all 52 routes easily accessible across the platform. Each Bike Tennessee route was meticulously mapped, ensuring cyclists have access to detailed navigation and route information. Ride descriptions provide valuable information about the terrain, waypoints and hidden gems along the way, as well as modifications to tailor each ride to the individual.

TENNESSEE PARTNERS WITH POPULAR CYCLING APP

”Ride with GPS” to Make Routes Easily Accessible

The routes were created in collaboration with professional cycling guide Shannon Burke of Velo View Bike Tours, who brings more than a decade of experience leading cycling tours. Routes were selected with safety and scenery in mind, with 1,739 miles of routes mapped and 53 Tennessee counties included in the Bike Tennessee program. They offer seasoned cyclists mostly rural, low-traffic experiences in some of Tennessee’s most scenic and historic landscapes, including 14 routes in Tennessee State Parks.

“Tennessee has all the right ingredients to be one of the premier cycling destinations in the country—low-traffic backroads, welcoming

communities and stunning scenery,” said Shannon Burke. “It’s an amazing place to ride!”

The outdoor recreation economy generates $11.9 billion for Tennessee, according to the Outdoor Industry Association. Bike Tennessee aims to leverage the growing cycling community to increase visitation and economic impact throughout Tennessee.

Cyclists can learn more about Bike Tennessee and explore the available road cycling routes by visiting www.BikeTN.com. Join the conversation on social media using hashtag #BikeTN.

Photos by: Brett Rothmeyer

The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development (TDTD) is dedicated to driving economic growth and tourism in all 95 counties. TDTD’s global marketing efforts increase visitation to Tennessee, which boosts tax revenue, creates jobs and attracts new investment across the state. Tennessee is a global destination of choice offering visitors worldclass music, live entertainment, family-friendly experiences, charming communities, innovative and classic culinary creations, renowned scenic beauty and outdoor adventure—all centered at the crossroads of rich history and unrivaled hospitality. Vacations “sound perfect” in Tennessee. Visit TNvacation.com and follow @TNvacation on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for travel inspiration.

Jenni Veal is the Rural Destination Development Manager for the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development

Jenni.Veal@tn.gov

c. 615-864-5848 tnvacation.com tn.gov/tourism

DON’T OVERLOOK THIS TRAVEL SAFETY TIP

Keep your child and others around them safe by getting them vaccinated.

Fall is a great time to travel with your child to explore new places. From hiking in national parks to international trips, the options are endless, but it’s important to keep your child safe during your travels. Did you know many popular destinations can be hot spots for different illnesses and diseases?

One of the most effective ways to keep your child safe is getting them vaccinated, especially for highly contagious diseases like measles. According to the CDC, global measles activity is increasing, which means there’s a higher risk of an unvaccinated person infected with measles abroad returning to the United States. The good news is that two doses of the MMR vaccine are 97% effective at preventing measles.

This not only gives you peace of mind but also protects immune-compromised adults and children who your child may encounter. You can never be too careful, especially because some individuals are not able to receive vaccinations due to health complications or have weakened immune systems due to treatments like chemotherapy. In addition, not all vaccinations protect at 100% for every person but population immunity can help keep your child and others around them safe.

Getting vaccinated is not only crucial for travel but also for children throughout the school year. If you start with a routine well exam and ensure children are up to date on recommended vaccinations before school returns, you can help set them up for success throughout the year. “Pediatricians are there for families from first steps to first day(s) of school, and it’s so important that we set children up for good health. That can include a yearly physical, getting your child up to date on shots and providing

early intervention if your child needs some support hitting important developmental milestones,” said Dr. Karie McLevain-Wells, a pediatrician at Children’s Hospital West Knoxville Pediatrics. Every child is vulnerable until they are vaccinated. Immunizations protect children from disease and can help prevent the spread of illness within the community. Children need to be up to date on vaccines, so they can stay healthy and get a leg up when fighting off illnesses like the flu.

It’s never too late to get a flu shot. Each year the flu strand changes, and vaccines globally are adjusted and adapted for that strand of virus to protect your children. Even viruses, such as RSV that are more prevalent in the winter, can appear in early fall. Annual vaccinations are suggested for this reason every year. According to the CDC, the annual flu vaccination generally reduces the risk of illness by 40% to 60% when vaccine matches circulating viruses.

“Pediatricians are always available to help answer any questions you have around your child’s health. It’s our job to partner with you to make the best decisions. We know your child’s history and can help parents make an informed choice,” said McLevain-Wells. Whether you’re about to go on a fall break trip or visiting family during the holidays, East Tennessee Children’s Hospital’s board-certified pediatricians are here to help your child stay safe so they can focus on having fun. To make an appointment with an ETCH pediatrician near you, visit www. ETCH.com.

t’s finally happened just like we’d all hoped. After seven seasons under Coach Tony Vitello’s incredible leadership—three of which made it to the Worlds Series—after being ranked number one in the country multiple times over the last few years, the Tennessee Vols baseball finally won the World Series. Coming into the World Series, they were ranked number one. It’s the first time in 25 years that the number one team coming into the tournament actually won. The program has thrived under Vitello’s leadership, and we’re all excited to see that the team’s hard work has paid off.

Leadership skills are critical to success, so how exactly should you lead a team?

Coach Vitello gave some great advice in our previous article: farragutlife.com/coach-tony-vitellos-advice-for-team-leadership/

TENNESSEE’S SENATOR

My grandmother was from Madisonville, Tennessee and I recall very well her traveling from her home in Maryville to attend the funeral of Senator Estes Kefauver in August of 1963. She retained a fondness for Senator Kefauver throughout her life and never missed an opportunity to vote for him. My grandmother’s affection for Senator Kefauver was most decidedly not shared by her husband, my grandfather, who was a devout Republican.

For over a decade, many Tennesseans did share my grandmother’s admiration and fondness for the man who may well have been the best personal campaigner the State of Tennessee has ever seen.

Carey Estes Kefauver was born on July 26, 1903 in Madisonville, the son of Robert Cooke and Phredonia Kefauver. Cooke Kefauver was not wealthy, although the family lived in an impressive home. The elder Kefauver was also well liked enough by his friends and neighbors to be elected Mayor of Madisonville five times.

Those who knew Estes Kefauver realized an event in his youth traumatized him severely. While swimming with his elder brother, Robert, Estes was headed towards the bank of the Tellico River when friends shouted that his brother had disappeared beneath the water. Estes quickly swam back and retrieved his brother and he and his friends tried to administer artificial respiration They even rolled Robert over a barrel in an attempt to get the water from his stomach and lungs. Robert remained unconscious when they got him home although he later revived.

According to the recollection of a family friend, Robert was well enough later that evening to have a second helping of peach

ice cream with his supper, but he went into convulsions and died on August 9, 1914.

It was a loss from which Estes Kefauver never recovered. Some of his friends believed Estes felt a sense of guilt for not having been able to more quickly save his brother and he pushed himself all the harder to achieve success after the loss of his older sibling. Kefauver’s ambition burned bright beneath his calm and deliberate exterior.

Young Estes attended the University of Tennessee and spent a year teaching before leaving for Yale University. Kefauver not only earned a law degree from Yale, but graduated cum laude. Immediately following his graduation from Yale, Estes Kefauver returned home to commence the practice of law. In 1934, Kefauver met the red-haired, green-eyed Nancy Pigott, who was a native of Glasgow, Scotland. Miss Pigott was visiting Chattanooga when she was introduced to Kefauver. The two were married and their union would produce four children.

Right to Left: Estes’ wife, Nancy Kefauver, Daughter, Lynda, David, Diane, Gail

Estes and his older brother Joe, Estes with his Mother, Phredonia, Joe and sister Nora, the next two photos are Estes with Nancy and Nora, Estes on a Madisonville Middle School baseball team and Estes at Yale.

Senator Estes Kefauver

Kefauver had increasingly become more interested in politics and government through having been the attorney for the Chattanooga News. Kefauver launched a campaign for the Tennessee State Senate in 1938. It was a critical year for the Democratic Party in Tennessee, which was torn asunder by the two prevailing factions, one of which was headed by Governor Gordon Browning, while the other was headed by Senator K. D. McKellar and E. H. Crump.

Kefauver had well prepared himself for his State Senate campaign and even had the support of Senator Fletcher Morgan, who was retiring. Unfortunately for Kefauver, the strongest political organization in Hamilton County was that of County Judge Will Cummings. Judge Cummings supported a young attorney named Joe Bean, who had been defeated by Fletcher Morgan two years previously.

The tall and awkward Kefauver delivered leaden speeches on the campaign trail, which was a poor contrast to Joe Bean, who spoke smoothly and humorously. A successful attorney, as well as a former member of the Tennessee House of Representatives, Joe Bean knew far more about local politics than Estes Kefauver.

“I have always had liberal tendencies,” Kefauver confessed in a radio speech

during his State Senate campaign. That philosophy would be at the center of every statewide campaign Estes Kefauver ever ran in Tennessee.

While campaigning, Kefauver picked up a devoted assistant who would be deeply involved in his political future for decades to come. While attending an ice cream social, Kefauver was approached by a pudgy blueeyed twelve-year old boy who was the son of one of his supporters. Harry Mansfield was bright and friendly and the little fellow and Estes Kefauver hit it off and the candidate asked Harry’s mother if she would allow her son to accompany him on the campaign trail. She readily agreed and Harry Mansfield went everywhere with Kefauver. When the little boy became tired, he was hoisted atop the tall and lanky candidate’s shoulders.

Kefauver hit back hard against Bean and the Cummings organization. Kefauver was aghast at being referred to by Joe Bean as a wealthy corporation lawyer (never an asset in any election), and lashed back by referring his opponent as “Mr. Jelly Bean”, an amusing phrase conceived of by George Fort Milton, publisher of the Chattanooga News.

Kefauver tried for a little humor, saying, “The only objection I have to my opponent calling me a wealthy person is that it gets my creditors excited.”

Kefauver went on to opine, “If we should have a little earthquake, it would shake my small house down to the third mortgage.” The house in which Estes Kefauver lived was actually rented, but it was a great line for a campaign speech.

On Election Night, Kefauver started out in the lead, but the organization of Judge Will Cummings was very strong in Hamilton County and as the returns trickled in, Kefauver’s lead disappeared. Joe Bean won by 307 votes with more than 15,000 ballots having been cast. Little Harry Mansfield was so crushed he cried copiously. Many Kefauver supporters grumbled about election fraud, but Kefauver himself accepted the verdict of the people. It was the only election contest Estes Kefauver lost in Tennessee

Kefauver had been opposed to the county unit bill, which had been proposed by Governor Gordon Browning to destroy the Shelby County political organization headed by Edward Hull Crump of Memphis. Kefauver actually testified against the bill before the legislature.

Estes Kefauver became acquainted with State Senator Prentice Cooper, who eventually opposed Governor Gordon Browning for the Democratic nomination in 1938. Cooper had worked hard to defeat the county unit bill in the legislature and had won the sup-

port for Tennessee’s powerful United States Senator Kenneth D. McKellar in his primary bid. Cooper was then promptly endorsed by McKellar’s close personal friend and political partner, E. H. Crump.

Cooper and Kefauver became friends and even double dated occasionally, according to Kefauver’s biographer, Charles Fontenay. One of Cooper’s lady friends was admiring Kefauver a little too openly while they played golf and the tart-tongued Cooper made mention of it, causing his girl friend to sigh, “But, Prentice, he has such nice-looking shoulders!” Needless to say, she did not become Mrs. Prentice Cooper.

After being elected governor in 1938, Cooper called for his friend Kefauver to serve as Commissioner of Finance and Taxation in his first administration. Kefauver politely refused the first offer and his former rival, State Senator Joe Bean promptly recommended another Chattanooga lawyer for the post. The peppery little governor evidently adamantly refused to consider anybody but Estes Kefauver.

Well after he had left the governor’s office, Prentice Cooper told journalist and Kefauver biographer Charles Fontenay that he insisted upon Estes Kefauver to serve as Commissioner of Finance for the simplest of reasons:

“HE WAS AN HONEST MAN.”

Cooper explained, “You know, people will say ‘It shouldn’t be hard to find an honest man’. But a politically honest man is not only honest himself – – – he sees to it that everyone who works for him is honest.”

Kefauver had asked his senior law partner whether or not he should accept Governor Cooper’s offer and John Chambliss immediately said he should reject the offer. Chambliss pointed out Kefauver was making around $25,000 a year as an attorney, a considerable income at the time. The salary for the Commissioner for Finance was some $4,000 annually. Kefauver was a notoriously soft touch and was frequently sought out by former clients and friends who desperately needed money and the generous Kefauver would dole out small amounts here and there. It was eventually a continuous drain upon Estes Kefauver’s financial resources.

Finally Estes Kefauver relented and accepted Governor Prentice Cooper’s invitation to join his administration, although Kefauver cautioned the chief executive it was only a “temporary” acceptance.

Despite being wealthy, Prentice Cooper had a parsimonious soul and it was not unusual for the diminutive governor to ride

the bus from his Capitol Hill office back to the governor’s mansion. His penchant for penny-pinching certainly extended to government and Estes Kefauver found himself trimming the state’s budget.

Upon his arrival in Nashville, Kefauver walked past a horde of silent state employees with grim faces. Kefauver looked at his executive assistant and murmured, “Tell them to go back to work. I’m not going to fire everybody.”

Working very long hours, besieged by those seeking state jobs, Kefauver often did not end his day until well after the sun went down. His wife, Nancy, would oftentimes come to his office so they could go out to supper together. Kefauver would then return to his office to dictate his mail.

Kefauver finally left his post in April of 1939 and rejoined his former law firm. Kefauver had barely settled back into the routine of practicing law before the Congressman from Tennessee’s Third District died unexpectedly July 11, 1939. There would be a brutal fight inside the Democratic Party to succeed an incumbent who had been in office since 1923.

To the dismay of friends and against the advice of his father, Estes Kefauver announced he was running for Congress.

KMA Kicks Off New Schedule of Exhibitions With JO SANDMAN/TRACES

Opening August 23 - November 10

Knoxville Museum of Art (KMA) is thrilled to launch an exciting new schedule of exhibitions, beginning with Jo Sandman/TRACES, opening to the public on August 23, 2024.

The public is warmly invited to the opening reception that Friday from 6:00-9:00 pm.

A special Members-Only hour will take place from 6:00-7:00 pm, with a Curator’s Talk that begins at 6:15 pm. Attendees can expect to enjoy summer refreshments, a signature cocktail, and a special musical performance at 7:15 pm. The event is free and open to the public, with a cash bar.

Jo Sandman is celebrated for her restless

curiosity, sparked by her time at Black Mountain College, and expressed through her experimentation with various imagery, materials, and processes.

For more than seventy years, she fearlessly explored an interdisciplinary mix of painting, drawing, experimental sculpture, installation, and photography. Close examination of this work reflects Sandman’s desire to try anything in pursuit of her ideas.

TRACES, organized by the Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center, Asheville, NC, offers viewers a rare opportunity to experience the evolution of the artist’s journey over multiple decades.

“We are honored to present Jo Sandman’s TRACES at the Knoxville Museum of Art,” said KMA Executive Director Steven Matijcio.

“Her unique artistic vision and profound impact on the art world make this exhibition a must-see for art enthusiasts and the broader community alike.”

The opening of TRACES marks the beginning of KMA’s fresh schedule of exhibitions, which promises to showcase a rich tapestry of artistic talent and creativity throughout the year.

KMA exhibition opening reception in 2023.

1050 World’s Fair Park Drive • Open to the public Tuesday-Saturday, 10:00 am-5:00 pm Sunday, 1:00-5:00 pm. Admission and parking are free. • knoxart.org

Left to right: Shannon Herron (Dogwood Arts Marketing & Creative Director), Sherry Jenkins (Dogwood Arts Executive Director), and Emily Curran (Dogwood Arts Program Manager - Visual Arts) at a

Jo Sandman (1931 Boston; lives and works in Boston), Untitled, 1952, oil on canvas, 39.75 x 31.5 inches.

Knoxville’s Best Jeweler!

We have been serving this community since 1986, and we pride ourselves on creating the highest quality custom jewelry designs in the greater Knoxville area. We have been blessed to see our small business grow to manufacture, on average, 400 custom in-house designs per year. Using a variety of new and old techniques to accomplish the customers' goals, we are eager to help tailor our shop's abilities to each special moment.

Traditionally, a wax carver would create your item by hand, then it would be cast into gold. The customer would rarely be involved in viewing the item before the casting process. Today's newest technology allows us to rely on the much more accurate and efficient form of milling machines to carve the wax. We can take the same file we send to the milling machine and also 3D print

the prototype into a plastic model, which allows the customer to view the design before we move into the milling or casting processes. These new additional steps give our customers the ability to make changes, edit, and view photorealistic renders from the design software. While this is becoming a standard practice in our industry, we have been using these softwares, milling machines, and printers in our shop since 2004, giving us possibly one of the largest databases of pre-designed custom items in the area. Our archive is growing every day with new versions of projects, so we currently keep a database of images, prototypes, and photos of finished items in the showroom for new customers to discuss or see the level of work we do on a daily basis.

All jewelry is manufactured somewhere in this world, so why not here in Knoxville, and why not exclusively for you? The ability to look past our register, through the glass into our shop, and see your items being created

at our West Knoxville location is something we take much pride in. Without outsourcing the work or purchasing products that were not manufactured to our standards, we can assure our customer base that the priority of our entire team is the quality and workmanship we can provide. While there are many reputable manufacturers in our industry, we truly believe we are able to provide our customers with the same quality, materials, manufacturing, and workmanship that is available at any premier retail establishment in the world."

The engagement of Susan and Erik Ainge, a football player for UT from 2004-2007 Ainge was also the quarterback for the New York Jets. He is currently host of the Erik Ainge Show on FM 99.1 Sports Radio WNML in Knoxville, TN.

MONTANA WYOMING IDAHO

Lisa Atkins-Bingham

My girls and I have a goal of visiting all the states and the major national parks. We recently took an epic trip to Yellowstone, Grand Teton, and Glacier National Parks in Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho.

These three national parks are easy to do in a few days. We took ten days, drove 2,200 miles, hiked, rafted the Snake River and checked off three more states.

It was an amazing trip, and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves the outdoors. So, if you’re planning an upcoming vacation, why not consider this trio of national parks?

GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK

Alpine vistas, gorgeous lakes, wildlife...Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming is a great place to visit, especially for lovers of the Old West. See herds of buffalo graze on the untouched, wide-open lands of the beautiful American countryside. The park is over 300,000 acres, and its tallest mountain reaches 13,775 feet. There’s plenty to do here including scenic hikes, drives, and bike trails. Go fishing, horseback riding, or even mountaineering.

YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK

The world’s first national park and arguably its most famous, Yellowstone is beloved for its incredible wildlife—including thousands of buffalo—and many geysers. In fact, Yellowstone contains more than half of the geysers in the world, including the famous Old Faithful which erupts approximately every 90 minutes.

The Yellowstone River has two waterfalls within a quarter mile known as the Upper Falls and the Lower Falls. Both are spectacular, but the Lower Falls is the most stunning in our opinion. The Lower Falls on the Yellowstone River is the largest waterfall in the Rockies, in terms of water volume, and at 308 feet, it stands almost twice the height of Niagara Falls. Watching this thunderous cascade of water pour into the canyon below is truly incredible.

Landscapes aside, Yellowstone is also known for its wildlife. On its northern edge, the Lamar Valley is dubbed ‘America’s Serengeti’ thanks to its bison, bears and wolves — the latter reintroduced in 1995 in what’s come to be regarded as one of the US’s greatest conservation success stories. Overhead, it’s possible to see ospreys and bald eagles wheeling through the air.

JACKSON HOLE

While you’re enjoying Yellowstone, make sure to check out the nearby town of Jackson Hole, which is a great stop for shopping. There are lots of places to find great souvenirs. This quaint small town also includes a beautiful tram/gondola ride, the infamous “Million Dollar Cowboy Bar,” and the “Jackson Hole Shootout” show every evening except Sunday. Make sure you stop by Judge Roy Bean’s for old timey photos of your family dressed up like the Wild West.

St. Mary Lake

GLACIER NATIONAL PARK

The rugged icy mountains of Glacier National Park stand on the boundary between the United States and Canada. The park’s million acres are home to 700 miles of trails, countless lakes, and unique species of plants and animals. If your family loves the outdoors and nature tourism, this is the perfect place to go. One of the best highlights is the Going-to-the-Sun Road, one of the most beautiful driving trails in the world, passing forests, waterfalls, and glacial lakes. Along the road, you’ll find the one-mile Trail of the Cedars. This raised boardwalk will take you through a beautiful red cedar forest and provide incredible views. And don’t forget to stop by the largest lake in the park, Lake McDonald, a central hub of the park with lots of activities.

St. Mary Lake is located on the east side of Glacier National Park along the Going-to-theSun Road. The 10-mile long lake offers a variety of wildlife viewing opportunities including elk, mule deer and both grizzly and black bears.

Just past the East Entrance, the St. Mary Visitor Center provides opportunities to meet staff rangers, learn about the park and see “the Backbone of the World” (as it’s called by the Blackfeet) through eyes of the Native Americans who call Glacier home.

The Lake Color: The silt is created when rocks underneath the surface of the ice are grinding from the movement of the glacier. The rock flour is very light and stays suspended in the lake water for a long time. The sunlight that reflects off these particles is what gives the lakes their spectacular turquoise blue or green color.

The Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park is an amazing and beautiful drive. It opened at midnight the first day we arrived and still had lots of snow.

If you plan to go, check online to make sure the road is open. It normally opens in June or July for the summer. Make sure to check out Logan’s Pass, the highest part of the Going-to-the-Sun Road and the highest elevation in the park that’s accessible by car.

As you travel on the Going-to-the-Sun Road, you have numerous opportunities to see Jackson Glacier.

Yellowstone is home to nearly 1,000 grizzly bears and countless black bears. Make sure to stay at least 100 yards away, and whatever you do, don’t feed them! It’s illegal to feed the wildlife in Yellowstone.

Alyssa was proud to obtain a Junior Ranger badge. Junior Rangers take an oath to protect and learn about the National Parks, and they earn badges by completing activities.

LOGAN PASS

At 6,646 feet, Logan’s Pass is the highest elevation in the park reachable by car. As such, it’s a very popular destination and may be crowded, so get there early. Not only does it offer great views, but it’s also near the start of the Hidden Lake Trail and the Highline Trail.

Logan Pass is located along the Continental Divide in Glacier National Park, in the U.S. state of Montana. It is the highest point on the Going-to-the-Sun Road. The pass is named after Major William R. Logan, the first superintendent of the park.

Many Glacier Hotel

Many Glacier Hotel is located along the shores of Swiftcurrent Lake inside Glacier National Park. The Great Northern Railroad built this historic hotel in 1915 to accommodate the many tourists passing through Glacier National Park. This quaint hotel provides world-famous scenery, with panoramic views of nearby Grinnell Point and Mt. Henkel. Many Glacier makes the perfect setting for fireside socializing, reading, and writing postcards. Many Glacier Hotel was built in 1914 and 1915 and is the largest hotel inside the park with 214 rooms. Its unique design was modeled after the Swiss chalets and the Swiss theme is carried throughout the hotel. The hotel was partially renovated in 2016.

THE TOWN OF BLUE RIDGE, GEORGIA

Love nature? Blue Ridge, Georgia is a perfect destination containing:

over 106,000 acres of the Chattahoochee National Forest 300 miles of hiking trails the start of the Appalachian Trail 100 miles of trout streams

Blue Ridge was once considered an elite health resort because of its pure mineral waters. It was established as a railroad town, with the depot at its heart. Visitors would ride the train to town, eat dinner and then take a leisurely walk to the mineral springs after dinner. Today, visitors still ride the train and take a walk along Main Street, enjoying the antique and specialty shops, galleries, restaurants, smalltown atmosphere, and friendly people. First-time visitors are amazed at the number and quality of shops and restaurants in downtown Blue Ridge.

BLUE RIDGE SCENIC RAILWAY

Don’t miss the train! Take a ride on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, which runs along the Toccoa River from Blue Ridge to McCaysville. Board the train at the historic depot in Blue Ridge and ride in beautifully restored train cars. The view changes with the seasons — dogwoods in the spring, rhododendron in the summer and gorgeous foliage in the fall.

And now: Railbikes — a fun, do-it-yourself trip on the tracks.

Open March– December; call 1-877-413-8724 or visit brscenic.com.

In 2022, Southern Living Magazine named Blue Ridge one of the South’s best mountain towns. Visit Blue Ridge to enjoy kayaking on the Toccoa River or whitewater rafting on the Ocoee River. The town also features zipline tours, wine tastings, fly fishing, and even a chimp sanctuary. In addition, you can also stop by Mercier Orchards, the largest apple orchard in the Southeast. Enjoy a tractor ride or pick fresh fruit at this beautiful orchard. If you’re looking for a nearby destination for your next trip, why not consider Blue Ridge?

Photo

BLUE RIDGE’S ARTSY VIBE

Blue Ridge has an artsy vibe, with a vibrant arts scene and great arts center, and community theater. Plus, live music is featured at many restaurants, wineries, and breweries. The Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Center, located in the beautifully renovated historic courthouse in downtown Blue Ridge, houses exhibits, a pottery and kiln studio, five artistic guilds, five galleries, and an artist-in-residence program. Don’t miss the gift shop and rotating seasonal exhibits.

HAPPENINGS Fall

FARRAGUT

FAMILY KICKBALL NIGHT

August 22nd

7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Mayor Bob Leonard Park 301 Watt Road Farragut, TN 37934

Ages 6 and up

Join us for a classic, family-friendly competition! Teams will be divided upon arrival; registration is required due to limited space

FarragutParksAndRec.org

September 15th

1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Farragut Community Center

This Farragut family favorite is back with free, outdoor fun for every young art lover!

FarragutParksAndRec.org

Opens Sepember 21st

Hours Vary 9567 Hwy. 11 E. Lenoir City, TN 37772

Take a ride to their pumpkin patch for $15/ person. While you’re there, enjoy a corn maze and hayrides. Check out their website for their full schedule.

DeepWellFarm.com

September 25th

6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Farragut Community Center All Ages

Test your puzzle skills during Puzzle Palooza! Teams will race against each other to see who can finish a 300-piece puzzle first. Up to four participants will be allowed per team. Register on their website beginning August 1.

FarragutParksAndRec.org

FREAKY FRIDAY FRIGHT NITE

October 25th

5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Mayor Bob Leonard Park

301 Watt Road Farragut, TN 37934

Local businesses, community groups, and Town volunteers hand out treats to children. Games and cookie decorating are included among the activities.

VisitFarragut.org

BLACKBURN FARM

Open October 2nd See Website For Schedule

Blackburn Farm is a family owned and operated farm in East, TN.

BlackburnFarmPumpk.wixsite.com/blackburn-farm

TASTE OF TURKEY CREEK

October 3rd

6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Pinnacle Turkey Creek 11251 Parkside Drive Knoxville, TN 37934

Indulge your taste buds and embark on a culinary journey at the annual “Taste of Turkey Creek” event! Prepare to be swept away by an array of flavors, exquisite aromas, and culinary delights that showcase the vibrant diversity of Turkey Creek!

VisitFarragut.org

PUZZLE PALOOZA

ART FEST

DEEP WELL FARM

CAR CRUISE-IN

September 28th

8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Location: TBD

Join the excitement at the Farragut Lion’s Club Car Show! Calling all car enthusiasts! Witness a dazzling display of classic cars, muscle cars, custom builds, and more! Experience the passion and craftsmanship firsthand. It’s not just a car show; it’s a celebration of automotive excellence!

October 27th

2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Village Green Shopping Center 11505 Kingston Pike Farragut, TN 37934

Join the Farragut Business Alliance at Harvest Fest for a celebration of all things fall in East TN. This event features a wide variety of retail and promotional booths including food and beverage vendors and entertainment. Be sure to participate in the Halloween costume contest! This is a FREE event and we look forward to seeing you there.

VisitFarragut.org

3 p.m. to 9 p.m.

World’s Fair Park

Some of the best wings of the south, wing eating competition, wing cooking competition, live music, kid’s corner, fireworks, and over 20,000 pounds of wings.

BKWFestival.com

September 6th through 15th

Chilhowee View Park

Ongoing since 1916, this fair offers familyfriendly entertainment to Knoxville and East Tennessee. Fairgoers take part in numerous activities including, rides, live music, competitions, shows, food, actions sports, special events, and so much more!

TNValleyFair.org

KNOXVILLE BOTANICAL GARDENS FALL FEST

October 27th

1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Gatlinburg Convention Center 2743 Wimpole Avenue Knoxville, TN 37914

Our annual Fall Festival celebrates the end of the growing season with community dance and music performances, hands-on fall crafts and activities, and many local artists and nonprofits. At Fall Festival, our largest outreach event of the season, we welcome hundreds of local families to the grounds to honor our year of growing together.

KnoxGarden.org/fall-festival

BOO AT THE ZOO

October 12-15, 19-22, and 26-29 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. 3500 Knoxville Zoo Drive Knoxville, TN 37914

Attend Knoxville’s largest Halloween event with your little ones this season. This event is family-friendly and perfect for elementary school children and younger—although the older kids are welcome! Little trick-or-treaters will be able to grab some candy for their collection along the Boo Trail while seeing the sites of the zoo.

BooKnoxville.com

HARVEST FEST

THE ARTS CENTER GRAND OPENING

September 8th

2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

The Arts Center

320 North White Street Athens, TN, 37303

Our Board of Directors, Capital Campaign Committee, and staff invite campaign donors, Arts Partners, and arts enthusiasts to a grand opening celebration at The Arts Center. This event is free and open to the public. While patrons look back at the past four-and-a-half decades, they’ll be treated to a glimpse of a future bright with possibilities! Festivities start at 2:00 PM in the newly renovated Peggy Dow Performing Arts Center.

AthensArtsCouncil.org

HERITAGE SCHOOL: EAST TENNESSEE PREHISTORIC CAVE ART

September 21st

11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

McMinn County Living Heritage Museum 522 W Madison Ave Athens, TN 37303

PUMPKINTOWN

October 12th

10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Historic Downtown Athens

Pumpkintown become one of the East Tennessee’s favorite festivals for the last 20 years with plenty of activities for young and old. Pumpkintown is planned and carried out by Friendly City Festivals and is free to the public. It celebrates the rich cultural history of East Tennessee. Native American culture and local history are displayed with elements that are unique and interesting for all ages. Pumpkintown is one of the largest annually attended events in McMinn County with almost 16,000 in attendance.

FriendlyCityFestivals.com/pumpkintown/

OPEN EXHIBIT & ART COMPETITION

September 9th through October 18th

The Arts Center

320 North White Street Athens, TN, 37303

AthensArtsCouncil.org

LOOK AT WHAT YOU MADE US DO

September 13th through 14th

The Arts Center

320 North White Street Athens, TN, 37303

This tribute concert takes the audience on a sonic tour through all the eras of Time magazine’s woman of the year with deep cuts and fan favorites brought to life by regional vocalists. *Family Night Show: radio edit versions of songs will be performed during the Friday concert.

AthensArtsCouncil.org

September 20th through 29th

Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m.

The Arts Center

320 North White Street Athens, TN, 37303

Experience the last days of Willy Loman, a failing salesman, who cannot understand how he failed to win success and happiness.

AthensArtsCouncil.org

MCMINN

Opens September 21st 257 Hwy. 307 East Athens, TN 37303

In addition to their corn maze, try a zip line, ball zone, mountain slide, and more across 40 acres. This farm truly has it all!

MayfieldFarmPark.com

Various Dates 1163 Hwy 11 North Athens, TN 37303

This year the Scream Chamber takes fear to a whole new level. After 200 years of death and murder within its walls, it is now guarded by the bodiless spirits that protect the Chamber of the Dead. If you’re ready to come face-toface with your deepest, darkest fears, they’ll be waiting for you.

TheScreamChamber.com

GREAT SMOKY MTN DOG CLUB SHOW

Oct. 18 - Oct. 20

McMinn County Layman

Agricultural Exposition Center 2405 Decatur Pike, Athens, TN 37303, USA

McMinnCountyTN.gov/calendar.html

HISTORY FOR LUNCH: THE TIGERBELLES: OLYMPIC LEGENDS FROM TENNESSEE STATE

September 26th

12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

McMinn County Living Heritage Museum

Join us for a presentation and book signing with Aime Alley Card, author of The Tigerbelles: Olympic Legends of Tennessee State.

KSO: AN EVENING OF BRASS

October 19th

7 p.m. to 9 p.m. The Arts Center 320 North White Street Athens, TN, 37303

This event treats audiences to an intimate evening of brass classics featuring the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra’s newlyformed brass quintet.

CHATTANOOGA HAPPY HOUR HALLOWEEN BAR CRAWL

October 19th

Time Location

Get ready to haunt the town at the spooktacular Fright Night Halloween Bar Crawl! Embark on an eerie expedition through the best bars in the ghostly heart of the city.

PubCrawls.com

September 21st through 22nd

Camp Jordan Amphitheater

323 Camp Jordan Parkway East Ridge, TN 37412

The Bacon Festival is an outdoor-only event with over 175 craft and commercial vendors, food vendors, entertainment on stage, trackless train rides, inflatables, a petting zoo, pony rides, face painting, and more!

TouchTheSkyEvents.com

CHATTANOOGA BACON & BARREL FESTIVAL

September 27th

6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

1826 Reggie White Blvd Chattanooga, TN 37408

Let’s get hog-wild as we bring together baconloving local restaurants and barrel-aged spirits from around the world to savor an evening of southern indulgence.

ChattanoogaFestivals.com/bacon

September 28h

10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

197 Durham St. Soddy Daisy, TN 37379

Taste from an array of delicious food trucks, enjoy engaging kids’ games, and explore a diverse array of vendors. Experience community performances on our community stage, live music, and activities that are fun for all ages.

KeepSoddyDaisyBeautiful.org

CHATTANOOGA

HIP-HOP WEEK

October 6th through 12th

Time Location

Poetry, live music, fashion shows, a music conference, basketball tournament, and much more! Both kid-friendly and adult events all week!

ChattanoogaHipHopWeek.com

GATLINBURG

HARVEST FESTIVAL

September 4th through November 7th Time

Location

Gatlinburg is rolling out all the stops with seasonal decorations. Gatlinburg Harvest Festival will also feature over-the-top fall displays including life-size, 3-dimensional scarecrow people.

Gatlinburg.com/events/annual-events

FALL GATLINBURG CRAFTSMEN’S FAIR

October 3rd through 20th

10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Gatlinburg Convention Center, 234 Airport Road, 920 Parkway Gatlinburg, TN 37738

The Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair hosts Artisans and Craftsmen from all over the nation. Shop indoors among two hundred booths of unique, one-of-a-kind handmade products that are beautifully displayed for your shopping pleasure.

CraftsmenFair.com

GATLINBURG