And How Our Neighborhood Grocer Is Recovering From
ESTES KEFAUVER
Series Part 2
Gayle Fisher Winterberries
Hurricane Helene
The founder of Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd., Genichi Kawakami, set a clear standard for Yamaha brand engineering and manufacturing when he said, “It isn’t a product if it isn’t world class.” 60 years later, Yamaha continues its endeavors to create diverse value through products and services, and we promise to keep delivering excellence in order to create a more fulfilling life for people all over the world
PROUDLY ASSEMBLED IN VONORE, TENNESSEE
The 42-acre Vonore manufacturing facility borders Lake Tellico and serves as the primary point of Yamaha boat production for the USA, Canada, and select International markets. The state-of-the-art facility has more than 450 employees and was recently expanded to include an additional 7 acres - with 36,000 additional square feet for future boat production.
www.yamahaboats.com
From thePublisher
This time of year is blessed as we get to connect with family and friends sharing love, laughter, memories, great food, and the Reason for the Season. All of which starts right now inside the pages of this Holiday Issue.
Don’t make your holiday grocery list until you check out the Ingles Table Recipes, ten pages of amazing food with lots of sweets. Looking for ideas cooking the turkey? Look no further than Turkey 101- everything you would want to know about cooking this tasty tradition. As you prepare for all the stories to be shared, take a moment to read about Senator Estes Kefauver, the Madisonville native who played football for University of Tennessee and served as a member of the United States House and Senate. You will enjoy talking about this historic Vol4Life at the table.
Laughter comes in all ages, extra special when it's a giggle of joy from a child. This time of year, we are reminded and given opportunities to bring the smiles of hope at the East Tennessee Children’s Hospital Fantasy of Trees. This annual fundraiser marks its 40th Anniversary and has become a community tradition, with activities for all ages. So, put up the Christmas tree and hang up the lights! It might be cold outside, but our hearts are forever warmed by the love of celebrating our Savior’s birth. Gathering together to love, laugh, share, and celebrate is the definition of true happiness.
We hope you have a wonderful Holiday season this year, and Thank you for supporting this magazine and this beloved community. As you head out to connect with the community, please visit our advertisers, SHOP LOCAL.
LisaAtkins
President of The Bingham Group & Publisher of Farragut, Monroe & McMinn Life
Photo by Jerry Denham
Cedar Springs Mission Hall, 350 Feet, Exhibit
TheKefauver
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.
No Need To Travel To The North Pole For Custom Jewelry!
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."
Winterberry Holly
What a terrible time men have finding gifts for women. Since I am always on a diet this immediately cuts out two of the possible gifts, chocolate candy and a dinner out. That leaves the possibility of perfume (hope he knows the correct brand). A beautiful card or hand written note telling of his undying love is a good choice or jewelry. The last choice is sexy underwear that always seems to surprise women, like “you really want me to wear this”?
I love to garden so this year my gift is Winterberry plants. Winterberry (Ilex verticillata) is a deciduous holly. Unlike most hollies they lose their leaves when fall arrives. This produces a beautiful plant with outstanding red berries shining on bare limbs that would look better in the fancy nightgown than me.
Winterberries are native to the eastern United States. They can thrive in sun or shade and can tolerate various soils if it is acidic. More berries are produced if they are planted in full sun. They can even grow in standing water, which makes them an excellent choice for a bog area or around a pond. This upright shrub has multiple stems. The bark is thin, smooth and grayish-brown in color. The fruit or berries are 1/4 inch in diameter, reddish-orange to bright red hanging in clusters of 2 to 4 berries. Winterberry looks great in a woodland setting, a foundation planting, or in a mixed shrub border. They also have a slow growth rate.
Since they are native they don’t require fertilizing, spraying or pruning. Note I keep saying they, this is a plant that you need two (a male and a female) to produce fruit.
Luckily you can plant the male in the background within 10 to 15 feet of the female and still get berries. One male plant can typically pollinate 6 or more females. Male winterberry plants don’t produce fruit. When ordering or buying from a nursery make sure you have the correct pollinating male for the female plant.
Winterberry makes an effective showy border and comes in a variety of sizes. ‘Winter Red’ is the standard and grows 8 to 10 feet tall. If you plant ‘Winter Red’ also plant ‘Southern Gentleman’ for pollination.
‘Red Sprite’ is the smallest variety with the largest berries and grows 2 to 4 feet. ‘Red Sprite’ would be your best choice for a small garden.
In summer Winterberry has rich green foliage. In fall the leaves turn yellow before revealing cluster of bright red fruit. The fruit will persist into late winter unless the birds find them. Being a native plant birds will enjoy foraging on the berries until they are gone. I love to have birds in the garden so losing the berries is a small trade off. Cut winterberry branches can be used in flower arrangements and for Christmas decorating. These beautiful branches with bright red berries can hold their berries for months.
Getting the greatest impact from bark or berries can be tricky. A contrasting background of evergreens will help my winterberries to stand out. I am obviously going to need a row of evergreens to show them off to their best advantage. This project is definitely going to need mulch and watering for the first few years. Maybe jewelry would have been cheaper.
Gayle Fisher
MASTER GARDENER
LOCAL CHILDREN’S AUTHOR BLAINA BEST
eet Blaina Best, a children’s author from Tellico Plains. She is the Director of Tourism from Monroe County where she lives with her husband and two daughters. Blaina has written and illustrated three books for young readers: “A Helping Heart,” “Sleep Well, Mi Amor,” and “Dale Defeats the Dark.” Find them on Amazon.
We talked with Blaina about writing and the importance of books for young children. Here is what she had to say.
How did you get started writing and illustrating?
The journey of motherhood ignited my passion for writing and illustrating. As I navigated the ups and downs of parenting, I found myself wanting to create stories that would resonate with my daughters and help them navigate life.
What is the importance of literature for children?
Literature for children is crucial because it opens up entire worlds for young minds. Stories help children understand themselves and the world around them, fostering empathy and creativity. Books can be a refuge and a source of comfort, providing tools for navigating emotions and social situations. They also lay the groundwork for literacy and lifelong learning, instilling a love for reading that can influence a child’s future. It’s just that important.
Have books impacted your life and the lives of your daughters?
Books have always been a cornerstone in my life. Growing up, I found solace and adventure in stories that transported me around the world and into different eras of time. For my daughters, reading has been a cherished bonding experience for us. It’s a way for us to connect, share values, and explore different cultures together. I’ve seen firsthand how books have sparked their imaginations and shaped the perspectives in their little minds, allowing them to dream big and think critically.
What is your process for writing?
My writing process is quite organic. I start with an idea or a theme that resonates with me— often inspired by my daughters’ experiences or the lessons I want to impart. I don’t push it and I just allow the idea to sit with me and develop naturally. I try to create a narrative that flows while ensuring that it’s relatable for children. Revisions are key; I often share drafts with my daughters and my husband to get their feedback. They have heard stories of mine that I may never publish, but they still enjoy them nonetheless. Their reactions are invaluable in shaping the final story and the illustrations that bring the words to life.
How do you hope your stories will impact children?
I hope my stories provide comfort, joy, and a sense of belonging. I want children to see themselves in the characters and recognize the importance of kindness, courage, and resilience. If my books can spark meaningful conversations between parents and children, or inspire a child to overcome a scary challenge—like their fear of the dark—then I feel I’ve succeeded.
What else should readers know about you and your books?
I think it’s important for readers to know that my books are deeply rooted in my personal experiences faith and values. My stories reflect themes of love, resilience, and cultural connection, often inspired by my own upbringing in the South and the diverse experiences I’ve had as a parent.
I also strive to create characters that children can relate to, seeing themselves in their journeys and challenges. I aim to include messages of kindness and empathy, encouraging young readers to not only understand their own feelings but also
Blaina's bilingual book, “Sleep Well, Mi Amor,” won the Purple Dragonfly Book Award and Literary Titan Book Award.
Let Us Take Care of Your Family.
Primary Care. Here for You.
At Blount Memorial Physicians Group in Vonore, we’re dedicated to serving our neighbors with primary care services. Certified physician assistant Katherine Whaley provides preventative care and chronic illness management while assisting with the routine and unexpected medical needs of your family.
Some services offered:
■ Acute care of illnesses and injuries
■ Minor injury laceration repair
■ Annual Medicare wellness visits
■ Well patient care
■ Preventive health screenings and annual physicals
■ Basic procedures such as electrocardiogram (EKG)
■ Patient health education
■ Physician referral for specialized treatments
■ Flu/strep/COVID testing
BY DAVID LUTTRELL
My 99 Year Old Father's War Story
A (mid) Journey Back In Time
Acouple of years ago when the term AI was being used I was intrigued and a bit trepidatious about what it really meant. Everything from being replaced as a creative, no matter what medium, to having killer robots hunt you down in a post-apocalyptic world. Then again there is the upside, a tool to use to make better use
of your time or aid in your own creative process. I had an idea I really wanted to explore. My dad was in the Pacific in WW2. He was on a ship that helped clear mines to create an open path for Marines in landing on enemy occupied islands. As I was growing up I was aware he had been in the service but he really didn’t
talk about it. It wasn’t until much later that he spoke of his experiences. Time, age, and the fact that many veterans of that era were passing as well as books, movies and retrospectives of the conflict honored the heroic exploits and the sometimes futility and horror of war gave him a reason to relive that time.
A lot of us have been lucky not to have participated in such conflicts but there are those who have given a lot of themselves to protect us. And as in most wars it’s the younger generation that is asked to step forward. My father turns 99 today, the 5th of July and I was able to show him my efforts in depicting the event that is seared in his mind from that April morning in 1945, he was 19 years old.
The ship was USS PGM-18, a motor gunboat that originally served as a submarine chaser. It was later configured to protect minesweepers and destroy the mines as they were cut and floated to the surface. That morning they were working in tandem with YMS-103 clearing and destroying mines in Okinawa’s Nakagusuku Bay. That morning Zero’s were coming out of the sun and there were a lot of things happening at once. I don’t know that much about removing mines but in the heat of battle a mine was missed and the PGM struck one still submerged.
The explosion was dramatic, devastating and fatal to many of the crew. The ship began to take on water and the survivors jumped for their lives, including my father.
There was initial hesitation but then he jumped, with 2 things. A life jacket and a homemade knife in his pocket, one that he had fashioned from a scrap of metal he picked up at Pearl Harbor. When he hit the water he gave his life jacket to one of the guys who couldn’t swim.
They were pulled aboard the life boat and realized along with everyone else that the life boat was still tethered to a sinking ship.
No one could get the rope untied and no one had a knife to cut them free. Except……… he passed it to the guy closest to the bow and he cut them free……..and in the chaos let the knife slip from his hands. The minesweeper hit mines attempting to come to the rescue, sank and both ships lost at least half their crews. A lot of sailors were lucky that day but many were not. My dad misses his buddies and of course the knife, but that knife saved everyone on that life boat.
I showed these to my dad and his reaction was that they captured the event that has stuck with him for almost 80 years. This is as close to understanding what he went through as I ever have.
THESE RECIPES ARE BROUGHT TO YOU BY INGLES, STARTED IN 1963 BY ROBERT P. INGLE AND COMMITTED TO THE COMMUNITIES THEY SERVE.
PEPPERMINT PIE
By: Kaitlyn Baker
2 cups of whole milk
2 boxes of white chocolate pudding mix
1/2 Teaspoon peppermint extract red food coloring Whipped topping
Ingredients
2 cups of whole milk
1. Whisk together the pudding mixes and milk in a large mixing bowl until they are well combined and stiff peaks form.
2. Add the peppermint extract and whisk.
2 boxes of white chocolate pudding mix 1/2 Teaspoon peppermint extract Red food coloring Whipped topping
Mix
3. Add a generous amount of red food coloring and whisk until no streaks.
Let it chill for 4 hours in the refrigerator
4. Add about 1 cup of the whipped topping to the pudding mixture and whisk to combine. Add a bit more red food coloring to get the pie to your desired shade if needed.
Pick up a premade pie crust or make one Layer pie filling and make little stars around the pie
Add crushed peppermint on top and put in the refrigerator for 4 hours.
5. Pour pie filling into the sandwich cookie crust. Cover and place the pie in the refrigerator to chill for at least 4 hours.
Cindy Mixon Deli Operations
6. Before serving, place the remaining whipped topping in a piping bag fitted with a 1M open star tip, then pipe it in single squeezes all the way around the outer edge of the pie.
7. Sprinkle crushed candy canes or peppermint candy inside your whipped topping border.
PEPPERMINT JULEP
By: Kelli Smith and Erin Barnett
Serves 2
Ingredients
1 cup crushed ice
1 oz. peppermint simple syrup
2-3 oz. cranberry ginger ale
1 sprig fresh mint
1 candy cane, for garnish
Directions
Add peppermint simple syrup to the bottom of a glass. Add ice. Pour in the cranberry ginger ale. Add fresh mint and candy cane for garnish.
For some extra holiday flair, we added fresh cranberries and rimmed the glass with crushed peppermint.
Fill a glass with ice and serve the cocktail from a clear ornament.
ROASTED BEEF TENDERLOIN WITH FRENCH ONIONS
by Smokin’ Joe Lasher
Ingredients
3 lb. whole, trimmed beef tenderloin
1/2 cup olive oil, divided
1 kosher salt, to taste
1 tbsp. granulated garlic
3 tbsp. cracked black pepper, divided
1 fresh thyme leaves, for garnish
1 fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
French Onion
2 lbs. thinly sliced onions
4 tbsp. butter
1 tsp. chopped, fresh thyme
1 tsp. chopped, fresh rosemary
1 bay leaf
1/4 cup rice wine vinegar
Horseradish Sauce
2/3 cup mayonnaise
2/3 cup sour cream
3 oz. prepared horseradish
1/2 tsp. lemon, zest and juice
Coat large, heavy bottom pot or cast iron with oil over medium heat, add butter and let melt.
Stir in onions, seasoning liberally with salt and pepper. Stir frequently until onions begin to soften. Add thyme, rosemary and bay leaf and let onions cook slowly until caramelized, stirring occasionally. Once onions are caramelized, remove herb sprigs and bay leaf and add rice wine. Let simmer for another 15 minutes or so. Keep warm until serving.
Horseradish Sauce Direction
Combine mayo, sour cream, horseradish, lemon zest and lemon juice in small bowl. Whisk until combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then refrigerate until ready to serve.
Roasted Beef Tenderloin Directions
Pre-heat oven to 450°F. Prepare tenderloin in baking pan with rack. Bring to room temperature for at least 20 minutes.
Coat beef with olive oil on all sides. Mix salt, granulated garlic and black pepper in small bowl and then liberally coat the tenderloin. Place in over and roast uncovered until internal temperature reaches 130°F.
Remove from oven and lightly cover with foil. Let rest for approximately 15 minutes.
Carve into 1/4 inch slices and serve on a platter with French onions and horseradish sauce on the side.
French Onion Directions
SPATCHCOCK TURKEY
Spatchcocking a turkey involves removing the backbone and flattening the turkey so it cooks more evenly: Remove the backbone: Place the turkey breast side down on a cutting board and use sharp kitchen shears or a boning knife to cut along both sides of the backbone. Remove and reserve the backbone for stock.
FLATTEN THE TURKEY: Turn the turkey over and press down on the breastbone with your palms until it cracks and the turkey flattens.
PREPARE FOR ROASTING: Place the turkey breast side up in a roasting pan, tucking the wings under and spreading the legs out.
SEASON: Season the turkey with your choice of herbs and spices.
ROAST: Roast at a temperature between 400° and 450° F until the turkey reaches an internal temperate of 165° F in the thigh. The turkey is done when it reaches this temperature in a couple of places, as measured by an instant-read meat thermometer. Let the turkey rest for a few minutes before carving.
www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=i5iuFpPc7jM
LOBSTER DIP
by Jerrica Brown
Ingredients
6-8 oz. of cooked lobster, chopped
1 shallot, minced
8 oz. cream cheese, softened
8 oz, shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 tsp. of paprika
1 tbsp. olive oil
1/2 cup of sour cream tortilla chips for diping
Instructions
1. In a skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil.
2. Saute the shallots and garlic until fragrant.
3. In a mixing bowl, add lobster meat, shallots with garlic mixture, softened cream cheese, sour cream, half of the cheddar cheese and paprika. Mix well.
4. Once mixed add mixture to an oven safe dish.
5. Top with remaining cheddar cheese and bake for 5 - 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
6. Garnish with parsley and paprika.
7. Serve with tortilla chips and enjoy!
NEW ENGLAND CLAM CHOWDER
by Sweet Memories
Shopping List
2 1/2 -3 dozen fresh littleneck clams, scrubbed or
3 cans chopped clams and juices
4 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
2 tbsp. unsalted butter
3 stalks celery, finely chopped
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
2 tsp. chopped fresh thyme or 1/4 tsp. ground
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 large russet potato, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch cubes
2 cups half-and-half
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper fresh chives, chopped for topping
Instructions
Rinse the clams several times under cold running water. Transfer to a large pot and add 3 cups of water. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat, then cover and cook until the clams open, about 6 minutes. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl; reserve the broth. Transfer the clams to a bowl and cover with plastic wrap so they don’t dry out. (If using chopped, canned clams, separate clams from juice & reserve.)
Cook the bacon in a large pot over medium heat until crisp, about 10 minutes; remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Melt the butter in the same pot over medium heat. Add the celery, onion and thyme and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft, about 10 minutes. Add the flour and cook, stirring, 1 minute. Stir in the reserved clam broth/juice, 1½ cups water and the potato. Bring to a simmer and cook until the potato is tender, and the soup thickens slightly, about 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, remove the clams from their shells and roughly chop. Reduce the heat under the soup to medium low. Whisk in the half-and-half and warm through (do not boil). Remove from the heat. Stir in the chopped clams, season with salt and pepper, to taste. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with the reserved bacon and chives.
Notes: So Versatile...its luxurious and silky quality makes a delicious starter for an elegant dinner, or, simply served in a bowl with your favorite sourdough bread or soda crackers for lunch.
BLOODY MARY
by Cultivated Cocktails
Serves: 1
Ingredients
2 oz. Asheville Vodka
2 oz. Charleston Bloody Mary mix
1/2 oz. worcestershire sauce
1/4 oz. lemon juice
1/4 oz. pickle juice
2 dashes crawfish boil bitters
2 dashes Crude Pooter bitters
bloody mary salt rim
Directions
Using lemon or lime juice, rim your glass with Bloody Mary salt.
Prepare your mix by adding all ingredients, except vodka, to a separate glass.
Pour 2 oz. of this prepared mix into a cocktail shaker, add vodka, and fill halfway with ice.
Shake for 10 seconds, then strain into the rimmed glass.
Top with remaining mixture and garnish. (olives, celery, pickled veggies, lemon or lime wedges).
Grandma Blue’s Molasses Cookies
by Sarah Elizabeth
Shopping List
5 cups flour
1 cup shortening
1 cup sugar
1 cup molasses and 1 teaspoon baking soda, stirred together
1 cup sour milk* and 1 teaspoon baking soda, stirred together (*add 1 tblsp to one cup of milk to make your sour milk)
1⁄2 tsp cinnamon
1⁄2 tsp powdered ginger
1⁄2 tsp salt
WHITE CHOCOLATE PEPPERMINT CUPS
By Freshop Test Kitchen
Ingredients
6 candy canes
(or red and white peppermint starlight hard candies), crushed 1 lb white chocolate (chips, buttons or chopped bark)
1 tsp vegetable oil
Select a store to add ingredients to your list
Directions
Instructions
Cream butter and sugar in a stand mixture, with a hand mixer on low, or by hand. Add the cinnamon, powdered ginger, and salt to the mixture and combine.
Add molasses as mixed with the baking soda. Add sour milk as mixed with the baking soda. Add flour, a little at a time, and mix until a firm dough is formed.
Chill dough in the refrigerator overnight. When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350 degrees. Roll your dough out on a well floured, flat surface to about a 1/4 inch thickness. Cut with your favorite cookie cutter shapes.
Bake for 10 minutes on a cookie/pizza stone or flat pan on parchment paper. Do not overbake!
Crush the candy canes or hard candy in a small plastic zipped freezer bag. Melt chocolate in double boiler with 1 teaspoon oil, continue to stir until smooth. Remove from heat and add 1/2 of the crushed candy canes. Pour into mini muffin pans sprayed with vegetable oil. Cool in freezer for 5 minutes, remove from pans. Use the tip of a knife and very gently pry the candy cup loose. Store at room temp in air tight container.
Chef’s Tips
The chocolate can be melted in the microwave but sometimes it gets grainy.
Variations
Substitute milk or dark chocolate instead of the white. Substitute the round white & red peppermint hard candies instead of the candy canes. The white and green spearmint hard candies could also be used and make a pretty display when they are mixed together.
GINGER CRINKLE COOKIES
Source: Freshop Test Kitchen
Ingredients
2 1/4 cups shortening 3/4 cups molasses
3 eggs
6 3/4 cups flour
1 cup granulated sugar
6 tsp baking soda 1/2 tsp salt
3 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp ground cloves
3 cups brown sugar
1 cup white chocolate, melted
Select a store to add ingredients to your list
Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Cream shortening, brown sugar, molasses and eggs until light and fluffy. Sift dry ingredients together: flour, baking soda, salt, ginger and cloves. Add to creamed mixture. Form into 1 inch balls, roll in granulated sugar. Place on cookie sheet 2 inches apart and flatten.
Bake at 375 for 10 - 15 minutes. Remove from cookie sheet to cool. Melt white chocolate in double boiler and dip half of cookie in chocolate. Let sit until chocolate is set.
Chef’s Tips
The cookies are just as good without the chocolate, so if you are in a hurry you don’t have to feel bad skipping this step.
Variations
Add sprinkles to cookies right after dipping in chocolate for a pretty look at holiday time
This is a recipe that is incredibly versatile and a lot of the choices for decorations are totally up to you. The main thing is having fun with it and getting creative!
KELLOGG’S RICE KRISPIE REINDEERS
by Kaitlyn Baker
INGREDIENTS
8 Kellogg’s Rice Krispie Treats 16 candy eyes
8 Red Candy M&M’s or Red Hots Candy
8 wooden sucker sticks or cake pop sticks
4 oz. decorative icing in black or brown
7 oz. chocolate candy melts 16 candy eyes
DIRECTIONS
Add a wooden stick to each Kellogg’s rice krispie treat by gently pressing halfway into the treat. Line your baking dish with rice krispie treats and start by carefully adding your chocolate antlers by drawing a line of decorative icing to each corner on the top and then crossing with 2-3 shorter lines. Use a drop of the decorative icing to attach candy eyeballs and candy red nose.
OPTION 2 DIRECTIONS
In a small bowl, melt chocolate candy (candy melts) in the microwave for 30 seconds. Stir, and repeat for 15 seconds. Stir and repeat for 15 seconds or until the chocolate is smooth. Dip each krispie treat halfway into the melted chocolate. While still wet, apply the mini pretzels for your antlers at the top right and left corner. Then apply your candy eyes and finish with the red candy for the nose.
Turkey 101
NOTE:
TWO WEEKS BEFORE:
Turkey 101
If you’re going to cook a frozen turkey, this is the time to head to the store. The largest and smallest birds will sell first, so you’ll find the size you want if you shop early. Figure 11/2 pounds per person.
THREE TO FIVE DAYS OUT:
Time to move your frozen turkey to the refrigerator. Cooking a partially frozen turkey will add additional time to your cooking. Figure 24 hours per 4 to 5 pounds for defrosting time.
TWO DAYS OUT (for dry brining):
If you’re going to dry brine your turkey, now is the time to start that process. Dry brining a turkey is the act of rubbing salt all over it and placing it into a bag or container that just fits it. The salt will initially draw out moisture from the turkey but then the salty liquid that’s produced will be reabsorbed into the meat, taking some of the salty flavor with it and breaking down some of the proteins to help keep it moist. You can also add citrus zest, garlic, herbs, and peppercorns for more flavor.
ONE DAY OUT (for wet brining):
If you’re going to wet brine your turkey, it’s best to do so between 12 and 24 hours before you’re going to cook it. A wet brine starts with a solution of water and salt (approx. 1 cup salt to 1 gallon of water). Some people swear that adding 1/4-1/2 cup of white or brown sugar to each gallon of water produces a browner skin and adds flavor. When wet brining, make sure you place it in a large enough pot or bucket and put in enough liquid to completely cover the turkey. Keep the turkey cold and covered with a lid. Add citrus zest, garlic, herbs, and peppercorns for more flavor.
Whether to rinse off the brine before cooking is a debated subject but, according to the USDA, rinsing raw poultry puts you at risk of contracting foodborne illnesses. That’s because the poultry may harbor the bacteria that cause salmonella poisoning, and the only way to destroy this bacteria is to cook the meat thoroughly. If you do decide to rinse off the brine, be sure to thoroughly disinfect your hands, the sink, and the surrounding area before you do anything else. Whichever you decide, make sure you pat the turkey dry with paper towels before placing it in the oven. This will give you a crisp exterior to hold in all the juices.
FOUR HOURS BEFORE DINNER:
This is when you would put your unstuffed 16lb. turkey into the 325°F oven. Figure approx. 15 minutes of cook time per pound. A stuffed turkey could take slightly longer. All ovens are different so remember, a turkey is fully cooked when the thigh registers 165°F with an instant read thermometer.
30 MINUTES BEFORE DINNER:
Don’t let all your hard work and planning be destroyed by cutting into your turkey too soon. We know you’re hungry, but you need to let your cooked turkey rest for at least 30 minutes before slicing or all the liquids will run out leaving you with a dry bird.
ENJOY THE HOLIDAYS!
INGLES, OUR NEIGHBOR FOR OVER YEARS.
Ingles is a very special family. A family of farmers, ranchers, and dairymen… clerks, butchers, bakers… deli workers, pharmacists and florists. They work hard everyday to bring you the very best. And now they are working even harder. Ingles corporate headquarters is in Asheville, North Carolina. Their distribution center is located in Black Mountain. They were horribly Impacted by Hurricane Helene’s devastating storm.
Ingles Markets Inc. has shared some improvements since Hurricane Helene affected the operation of the company’s stores and its distribution center in North Carolina in late September.
Of its 198 grocery stores, 194 stores are currently open. The following four stores sustained damage due to flooding and winds and are temporarily closed:
120 Carbon City Road, Morganton 955B Cranberry Street, Newland 125 Greenwood Road, Spruce Pine 2299 US 70 Highway, Swannanoa
Ingles expects all four to reopen over the next three to nine months. The grocer’s distribution center in Black Mountain is now fully operational and has returned to normal. Ingles currently estimates that the financial impact of inventory and property loss at
between $35 million and $55 million, for which it expects between $10 million to $15 million of insurance reimbursement. The company will include this impact in its upcoming report on the fiscal quarter and year ended Sept. 28. Ingles pointed out that the ultimate financial impact of inventory and property loss may differ materially from current estimates due to, as the company put it, “the complexity and preliminary nature of the information currently available to us.”
Ingles released the following statement in the wake of Helene’s destruction: “Our thoughts are with everyone impacted in our communities who lost lives, loved ones, homes and access to basic necessities. We are proud to see our hard-working associates come together with neighbors and local resources to continue the Ingles commitment of serving our customers and communities.”
Hurricane Helene brought damage and devastation to North Carolina on an unprecedented scale. This was widely reported to be the deadliest storm in the state’s history, having caused at least 96 North Carolinians to lose their lives. The impact on infrastructure and the economy has been staggering, according to a report from the North Carolina Office of State Budget and Management.
Ingles operates supermarkets in six southeastern states. In conjunction with its supermarket operations, the company runs neighborhood shopping centers, most of which contain an Ingles supermarket. It also owns a fluid-dairy facility that supplies its supermarkets and unaffiliated customers. Ingles is No. 54 on Progressive Grocer’s 2024 list of the top food and consumables retailers in North America.
Let's All Show Ingles A LittleLove This Holiday Season.
Ingles Markets Inc. operates 198 supermarkets in six southeastern states. Its corporate headquarters in in Asheville, North Carolina. The distribution center is located in Black Mountain, North Carolina.
DAVID’S ABBEY CARPET & FLOORING GETS MOST OF ITS TILE FROM RIGHT HERE IN TENNESSEE.
MEET THEIR LOCAL MANUFACTURERS.
DEL CONCA
Headquartered in Loudon, TN, The Del Conca Group is one of the most important industrial entities in the Italian ceramic tile industry
LANDMARK
Founded in 2013, in Mount Pleasant, TN, Landmark is a 100% American ceramic company, specialized in the production and marketing of high-quality porcelain for every possible architectural, residential or commercial use.
MILESTONE
Florim USA in Clarksville, TN, which makes MileStone tiles, is one of the largest floor and wall porcelain tile manufacturing plants in North America. They source raw materials within a 500-mile radius of the facility, achieving local independence and strength in the manufacturing process.
WONDER PORCELAIN
Wonder Porcelain, an American porcelain tile manufacturer based in Lebanon, Tennessee, was founded in 2015 as a wholly owned subsidiary of one of the largest and most successful tile companies in the world. From this start-up beginning, they blazed a path forward with a portfolio of products featuring technically advanced finishes, large format sizes and fashionable designs.
CROSSVILLE
Based in—surprise, surprise—Crossville, TN, they are America’s leading manufacturer of porcelain tile, and they offer a variety of glass and natural stone tile for interior and exterior floors, walls, and countertops. Made in the United States, these innovative tile products are sustainable and expertly designed to last a lifetime.
STONEPEAK
Nestled in the hills of Tennessee's Smoky Mountains, is a company with a uniquely American character that honors the time-proven tradition of fine Italian porcelain ceramics.
Design
David’s Abbey Carpet & Floor has been owned and operated by David Hayes since 1973. He and his experienced and knowledgeable staff are committed to providing customers with superior quality products and installations, from start to finish.
David’s daughter, Barbie Moore, and son, Mike Hayes continue in there father’s footsteps to drive their business with a commitment to maintaining their business tradition of excellence for years to come.
DAVID’S ABBEY CARPET & FLOORS NOW HAS THREE LOCATIONS—ONE IN FARRAGUT, PIGEON FORGE AND NOW MARYVILLE. THEY OFFER A COMPLETE SELECTION OF FLOORING FROM THE INDUSTRY'S LEADING MANUFACTURERS INCLUDING CARPET, HARDWOOD, CERAMIC TILE, NATURAL STONES, LAMINATE, VINYL, AND AREA RUGS.
David’s Abbey Carpet & Floors take pride in giving back to the East Tennessee area. Their derived employee charity fund has contributed to over forty local organizations and charities since 1998. David’s Abbey Carpet & Floors is committed to serving the community.
MADE IN THE UNITED STATES
All of their exclusive carpet brands are manufactured with pride in the United States, and much of their tile is manufactured locally right here in Tennessee. They also come with a Lifetime Warranty on their broadloom carpet collections from Infinity, Alexander Smith, American Showcase, Legendary Beauty, and Pet Defense. David’s Abbey is one of the largest carpet and flooring stores in East Tennessee.
EXPERIENCED INTERIOR DESIGNERS
Still making up your mind about what you want for your new floors or feeling overwhelmed by their incredible selection? David’s Abbey has six experienced and certified interior designers with 89 years of collective experience. They hold specialized certifications in all aspects of flooring. These designers can help you choose the perfect floor, walls, showers, backsplashes, etc. for your lifestyle and budget. All their consultations and measurements are free!
865-233-6250
David Hayes, Owner
David’s Abbey Carpet & Floors
S
hawn Tawater bends over the workbench, tools in hand, creating beautiful cabinets and other wood pieces. This is the woodworking shop at Miracle Lake in Etowah, a Christian ministry that changed Shawn’s life and the lives of so many other people—and this is how Shawn gives back.
Long-time readers probably know that we are big fans of Miracle Lake. Since 1980, this Christian training center has had over 2,400 students in their recovery program for drug and alcohol addiction. It has saved countless lives and been an incredible blessing to the East Tennessee community. Search our website for “God Provides” and “Paying it Back” for stories of Miracle Lake’s founder, Jack Bryan, and its executive director, Byron Goodman, who previously graduated from its recovery program.
Shawn Tawater graduated from Miracle Lake on August 11, 2021. As somebody whose life had been torn to shreds by addiction, this ministry was an indescribable gift. He has become “a different person, a new creation.” Shawn explains his gratitude: “I prayed to the Lord to allow me—the rest of my years, all my energy and all my experience—to do something for Miracle Lake that would help them, that would create an income stream that would help… [them] grow and continue… I couldn’t imagine being anywhere else doing anything else. There’s no grey area there for me. This is my retirement plan.”
MIRACLE LAKE Custom Cabinetry,Furniture, And Restoration of Historic Windows
All who know Shawn brag about his incredible work. One staff member at Miracle Lake commented that Shawn “boarders on a genius,” in terms of his woodworking ability. He’s training the current students, giving them meaningful work and teaching them important skills.
Shawn says, “It warms my heart that my natural talents are [used] in a carpentry shop, and, in my belief system, Jesus was raised in a carpentry shop. It’s a humbling thought.”
Running this massive campus with dozens of students takes a lot of money, and Miracle Lake spends far more on each student than they get in tuition, so it is heavily dependent on donations. The woodworking shop provides critical income to help keep the students fed and housed. One hundred percent of the money earned is put back into the ministry.
Miracle Lake has been making furniture for about two years, but they began focusing on cabinets in spring of 2024, and it’s been a huge success. They installed their first set two weeks early. They’re very busy and are already bringing in good money for the ministry. They have several jobs lined up including building new cabinets for this magazine’s founder, Lisa Bingham.
“It’s all been divine providence,” Shawn says.
One of their recent customers, Van Watson with VWCA Construction, said, “I think… their process is fantastic, and I will continue to use Miracle Lake’s cabinetry.” Of course, what he loves most about Miracle Lake is how they lead men to Christ.
Another important goal of the woodworking shop is to give the students “meaningful work… a trade to learn while they’re here in the program,” Executive Director Byron Goodman explains. “Working with your hands as a student and seeing something from start to finish is really rewarding… It’s soothing to the soul.” It helped Byron with his own recovery years ago.
Byron explains that these pieces are being built by those who society counted out, people who were never given a chance until they came to Miracle Lake. Maybe we’re all like that. Even if we’re not struggling with addiction personally, even if it seems like we have it all put together, at the end of the day, we’re all sinners in need of God’s grace.
Find Miracle Lake’s furniture in their store in Etowah. Buy something to support this incredible ministry.
Miracle Lake Furniture Store 712 Tennessee Avenue, Etowah, TN 37331
Hours: Thursday, Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The Largest Porche Driving Event In The Country!
Join Porsche enthusiasts for a weekend trip through 600+ miles of mountain roads including the most dangerous road in America—the Tail of the Dragon. Every few months, these Porsche owners gather to experience the natural beauty of the East Tennessee and North Carolina sfrom the window of their beautifully-crafted cars.
The events begin and end at the Fontana Village Resort in North Carolina. Here guests will meet other Porsche drivers and learn the route. There will have a tour guide/lead car, and the group will communicate with walkie-talkie radios as they drive. They even have photographers placed along the road to capture gorgeous pictures of the cars which guests can get as souvenirs. The event usually has between 200 and 250 Porsches, making it America’s largest Porsche-driving event.
The organization’s website explains, “We will look after you for a few days of great driving, sharing good company, and unlock some of the secrets of this very special place we call ‘home.’” If you decide to join, remember to stay in your lane, and don’t drive above your ability.
Josh Vandergriff, the founder of Rennsport Dragon Rally and host of 40+ annual driving events, said, “The greatest roads in America are located here in eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina.” He explains that
people come from all over the U.S., and often from Canada, to participate in the rally.
“The best part [of the event] would definitely be the people,” Vandergriff said. “Just the community that we’ve got here, it’s very special.” He also owns 129 Hub, a merchandise shop on the Tail of the Dragon.
The group also cares about the communities they drive through. This year, they raised nearly $27,000 to support victims of Hurricane Helene.
Erik Barnett, Marketing Coordinator for Historic Tapoco Lodge, explained that events like this are great for local businesses like theirs.
An owner in Texas brought 8 cars on a car hauler to the event. The car to the right is a Singer
“We were always looking forward to them coming,” Barnett said, referring to the people in the rally. “We know the atmosphere, the vibe, the energy that’s coming with them, and it’s always so positive.”
DATES:
April 4th-6th, 2025 (Air cooled only)
June 6th - 8th, 2025
October 23rd-26th, 2025
Restomod. It is valued at over 1 million dollars.
Killboy Photography
THE CHEROHALA SKYWAY: The Skyway is a 43-mile National Scenic Byway from Tellico Plains, Tennessee, to Robbinsville, North Carolina.
THE TAIL OF THE DRAGON: The Dragon is a twisting serpent of a road on the Tennessee-North Carolina state line, famously said to have 318 curves in 11 miles. It can be dangerous, as testified by the tree at the beginning of the route decorated with pieces of crashed cars, but it’s also exciting. It’s a beautiful road that we covered in our Summer, 2024 issue that you can find on our website. It is a highlight of the Rennsport Dragon Rally.
Timothy Leach Photography
Killboy Photography
FONTANA DAM PHOTOSHOOT
They take over the Fontana Dam for an epic photoshoot during their events. With this many Porsches we have made it into a rolling parade of 200+ Porsches, completely covering the dam.
At 480 ft, the equivalent of a 50-story skyscraper, the Fontana Dam is the tallest dam east of the Rockies. It is located on the Little Tennessee River and makes for some unforgettable views.
Timothy Leach Photography
MADISONVILLE’S SENATOR
Congressman Sam D. McReynolds had first been elected in 1922 and had been reelected consistently ever since. McReynolds had been highly popular in Tennessee’s Third Congressional district and he had routinely easily turned back every challenger inside the Democratic primary and the general election as well.
When Senator Nathan L. Bachman died in 1937, Congressman McReynolds toyed with the idea of either being appointed or running for the United States Senate in 1938. Ultimately, McReynolds opted to run for reelection to Congress where he chaired the House Foreign Affairs Committee. McReynolds died unexpectedly in Washington, D. C. on July 11, 1939, leaving his seat vacant.
The most formidable obstacle to Kefauver’s proposed run for Congress was the possible candidacy of James B. Frazier, Jr. Frazier was the namesake and son of a former governor and United States senator; he was also the incumbent United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Tennessee. Frazier had been appointed to his post by Senator Kenneth D. McKellar and was
Senator Estes Kefauver
Senator Estes Kefauver
highly popular in the Third Congressional district. Much to Kefauver’s relief, Frazier soon announced he would forego a race for Congress, preferring to remain in office as U. S. Attorney. When Kefauver retired from Congress in 1948 to seek election to the United States Senate, Frazier did resign as U. S. Attorney and was elected to Congress.
It was clear Estes Kefauver would have opposition for the Democratic nomination for Congress and Judge Leonidas D. Miller announced he would run. Miller had made a race against Congressman McReynolds in 1938, but had lost badly. Miller had been an attorney for many years, served in the Tennessee General Assembly and believed he could count on support in each of the district’s twelve counties.
As is usually the case in such races, Kefauver’s Congressional campaign was affected by infighting inside the Democratic Party. Judge Will Cummings, County judge for Hamilton, was under assault from one of his former allies. Wilkes Thrasher, a member of the Hamilton County Court, had hungered to go to Congress himself and had actually challenged Congressman
McReynolds in 1934. Despite their alliance, Judge Cummings supported Congressman McReynolds and Thrasher’s anger with his former friend still burned bright. Thrasher and his allies took control of the County Court, defeating candidates supported by Judge Cummings.
Wilkes Thrasher and his friends appeared at the Democratic convention called for the special election to Congress and supported Judge Miller. Having little other option, Judge Cummings backed Kefauver, which proved to be decisive. Kefauver had wanted an open primary, free from the poll tax and Judge Will Cummings and his organization helped Kefauver achieve his goal.
Judge Miller, growling that the results of the convention made Kefauver the favorite for the Democratic nomination, dropped his candidacy. Another minor candidate for the Democratic nomination also dropped out, leaving the field to Estes Kefauver.
Kefauver was the Democratic nominee for the special election and faced Republican Casto Dodson and perennial candidate Dr. John R. Neal, who was running as an
Independent. Kefauver took little for granted as the Third District had elected a Republican Congressman in 1920 and the GOP candidate in 1928 had come within 3,000 votes of defeating Sam D. McReynolds.
Kefauver had been elected to Congress. “Aw, Lee,” Kefauver drawled, “they’re a dime a dozen. But it just might lead to something.”
Even then Estes Kefauver’s ambition knew no bounds.
Estes Kefauver concentrated his efforts in the eleven counties outside his own Hamilton County, making himself known to voters who had no idea who he was; often times taking his red-headed wife with him, the two made a formidable duo.
According to Kefauver’s biographer Charles Fontenay, Kefauver and his friend Lee Allen were driving back on Election Day, having worked the polls and despite the fact no returns had been posted, Allen noted
Lee Allen’s confidence in Kefauver’s election was well justified, as Kefauver carried every county in the district save for one.
He won 14,268 votes to 5,355 for Dodson, while Dr. Neal tallied a meager 363 votes.
The world was already changing. Hitler’s armies had crossed the Polish border and within weeks had conquered Poland. Britain and France had declared war on Germany and the spark ignited the flames of the Second World War. Estes Kefauver was still in Chattanooga, trying to rearrange his affairs before leaving for Washington, D.C. Kefauver was caught by surprised when a special session of Congress was called and he and Nancy hurried off to the nation’s Capitol. Having no home in Washington, Kefauver and his wife took a room at the Mayflower Hotel before visiting the office that had belonged to Congressman Sam D. McReynolds.
Greeted by the late Congressman’s secretary, Kefauver went across the street to the House of Representatives, only to be barred from entering the Chamber by a zealous Capitol police officer who insisted Congressman Kefauver had already passed by.
An irritated Kefauver had to send for Congressman Jere Cooper from West Tennessee to come out and verify his identity before he could step onto the floor of the House for the first time.
Kefauver became acquainted with the Speaker of the House, William Brockman Bankhead of Alabama. Father of the celebrated actress Tallulah Bankhead, Kefauver quickly developed a liking for the Alabamian. It was Bankhead who advised Kefauver, “Work on your mail, young man. When people write you, see that they get good answers, and promptly. Sign them yourself. Send them some literature.”
Kefauver took the advice and only Senator K. D. McKellar likely wrote more letters.
Kefauver naturally consulted with Secretary of State Cordell Hull. Hull had been a Congressman and senator from Tennessee and would become the longest serving Secretary of State in U. S. history. Revered by many in Tennessee, Congressman Kefauver went to see Hull who advised him to master only one subject as a Member of Congress.
The Chattanooga Congressman’s maiden speech in the House was a talk in support of Cordell Hull’s Reciprocal Trade Agreements legislation.
It wasn’t long before Kefauver decided the elegant Mayflower, while a mighty nice hostelry, was a bit too expensive. Congressman Kefauver and his wife moved into the Hotel Washington, which was more economical, but even then when he first arrived, he encountered a skeptical desk clerk, who promptly informed the Tennessean rooms were $8.00 per day.
At the time, that was rather pricey, as many fine hotels across the country charged half that. Kefauver, grinning, pointed out he was a Congressman from Tennessee and the desk clerk snapped, “That’s all right. We have no objection to your staying here.”
Not surprisingly, Congressman and Mrs. Kefauver did not remain at the Hotel Washington long and soon settled into a comfortable apartment at the Wardman Park, which is where Secretary of State Cordell Hull lived.
With the help of Jere Cooper, Kefauver won an assignment to the House Judiciary Committee, an excellent assignment for a freshman legislator.
Estes Kefauver’s first years in Congress were apparently a happy time for he and Nancy. Largely unknown in Washington, they were able to spend more time together as a couple and not having any children, they were free from most home responsibilities. The Kefauvers did have a cocker spaniel, or several, at a given time.
It was not long before Congressman Estes Kefauver had won a reputation for taking care of the folks back home. He was a staunch supporter of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt and the Tennessee Valley Authority.
Left: William B. Bankhead and Secretary of State Cordell Hull
Estes Kefauver had been in Congress for a couple of years when he ran afoul of the most powerful member of Tennessee’s Congressional delegation and one of the most formidable figures in Volunteer State politics: Senator K. D. McKellar.
McKellar had come to positively loathe David Lilienthal, Director of the Tennessee Valley Authority. McKellar’s office had been flooded with complaints from East Tennesseans, where the senator was highly popular, who were concerned about the construction of Douglas Dam. The Tennessee Farm Bureau was especially
distraught about the possibility Douglas Dam would flood thousands of acres of prime farm land, ruining both farmers and businessmen. McKellar, already angry with Lilienthal, and always one to pay attention to his constituents, the influential senator announced his own opposition to Douglas Dam.
Snarling David Lilienthal was Uriah Heep come to life, Senator McKellar singlehandedly stopped construction of Douglas Dam. It was only a personal plea from President Roosevelt that caused the senator to change his mind when the United States was engaged in fighting World War II.
Throughout his short political career, Estes Kefauver had been aligned with politicians and political organizations who were solidly allied with Senator K. D. McKellar. Governor Prentice Cooper was much closer to McKellar than he was to Memphis Boss E. H. Crump. Judge Will Cummings was a strong McKellar man and perhaps it is not surprising Congressman Estes Kefauver sided with the senator when McKellar bickered with Lilienthal over the schedule of dam construction in East Tennessee.
Congressman Kefauver trespassed against Senator McKellar’s authority when he refused to back the McKellar amendment, which would have required the TVA to return to Congress continually for operating funds. McKellar passed his amendment through the United States Senate, but Kefauver spoke against it on the floor of the House. The McKellar amendment failed in the House and Estes Kefauver found himself on the bad side of K. D. McKellar.
Senator K.D. McKellar
November 29th through January 5th 17 Market Square Knoxville, 37902
Whether with family, friends or on a date you’ll love skating in the heart of Downtown Knoxville in Market Square! Join us at Holidays on Ice presented by Home Federal Bank to make memories that will last long after the holidays are over. Enjoy skating under the stars and twinkling lights while listening to music every night.
KnoxvilleTN.gov
REGAL CELEBRATION OF LIGHTS
November 29th
5:15 p.m. to 9 p.m. 504 Market Street Knoxville, TN 37902
Join us for the lighting of our 42-foot tall Mickey Mallonee Christmas in the City Tree in Krutch Park Extension. Enjoy live music with Jingle Five at 5:15 p.m. with the lighting of the tree ceremony starting at 6 p.m.; free activities start after the tree lighting!
WIVK CHRISTMAS PARADE
December 6th
7 p.m. Gay Street
Join us for everyone’s favorite parade, the WIVK Christmas Parade! Bands, dancers, lighted floats, characters and Santa Claus parade down Gay Street and brings fun holiday spirit to all!
WIVK.com
December 14th
500 Howard Baker Jr. Avenue Knoxville, TN 37915
Prepare to immerse yourself in holiday joy at the fantastic, free, and family-friendly holiday bike ride presented by Visit Knoxville and Bike Walk Knoxville.
VisitKnoxville.com/tour-de-lights
CHEROKEE CAVERNS PRESENTS CHRISTMAS IN THE CAVE 2024
Various Historic Cherokee Caverns 8524 Oak Ridge Hwy Knoxville, TN 37931
historiccherokeecaverns.com
NEW YEAR’S EVE AT THE SUNSPHERE
December 31st
9 p.m.
963 World’s Fair Park Drive Knoxville, TN 37902
Bring in 2025 with your friends and family at World’s Fair Park with food trucks, free activities including a silent disco at 9 p.m., DJ music with Knox Vegas DJs on the main stage starting at 9 p.m., live music with Mikki Norwood Band starting at 10 p.m. through 11:55 p.m. with the ball drop from the Sunsphere at Midnight.
KnoxvilleTN.gov
FIRST FRIDAY ARTWALK
First Friday of every month 5 p.m. Downtown Knoxville
On the first Friday of each month, the streets of Downtown Knoxville come alive for a casual evening of experiencing art in all forms. Explore galleries, studios, and artist collectives; enjoy performance art and live music in the streets and a variety of venues; drop in restaurants along the way and treat yourself to drinks and great food.
VisitKnoxville.com/events
FOUNDING SPONSOR
Terry Chvisuk
Paul Wilson
A FUNDRAISER FOR THE BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
Thank You!
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!
