winter 2009, tennessee connections

Holiday Savings’Tis the season for conserving energy

Strawberry Vinegar?Flavored marinades make interesting salads

tnconnections.com

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connectionswinter 2009

connectionstnAn Offi cial Publication of Your Locally Owned Municipal Electric System

DECK THE FALLSIt’s offi cially time to deck the halls … and the falls. Deep inside Chattanooga’s Lookout Mountain, the spectacular 145-foot-high Ruby Falls is the tallest and most-visited underground waterfall in the country – and it becomes a holiday showpiece from mid-November to early January.

The cave entrance is decorated with twinkling bulbs and festive garlands, and visitors’ trek into the heart of the mountain is rewarded with beautifully lit falls.

Ruby Falls is open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily; closed Dec. 25. Admission is $14.95 for adults, $7.95 for children ages 3 through 12. Plan to spend about 90 minutes, and dress for year-round cave temperatures of 60 degrees.

Find more information at http://rubyfalls.com.

LOST IN LUXURY The historic Greek Revival home that is now the Lylewood Inn Bed and Breakfast near Clarksville was built in 1892 by Maj. Thomas W. Lewis, a Civil War veteran and member of the Tennessee House of Representatives. In those days, the home overlooked the bustling boat traffi c on the Cumberland River.

Nowadays, things are much quieter in the little community of Indian Mound, off Highway 79 between Clarksville and Dover near the Kentucky border.

The inn is owned by Jeff and Mandy Williams, who met right here more than 30 years ago when both were attending church camp. Three antique-fi lled guest rooms with fi replaces and scenic views make the inn a wonderful haven. Be sure to sample Mandy’s jams, jellies and sweet salsa.

Nightly rates are $75 per room.

For more information, visit www.lylewoodinn.com or call (931) 232-4203.

MODERN-DAY COUNTRY STOREThe Hatcher family’s small country store on Arno Road in Williamson County is a throwback to days gone by, with a few modern updates. Here visitors can buy Hatcher Dairy milk – made from the Hatchers’ own grass-fed cows – and lots of other all-natural, locally made products including soap, salsas, jellies, barbecue sauces, cheeses and free-range eggs. The store also offers sandwiches, soups, salads, fresh fl owers, Hatcher tote bags and T-shirts – and free Wi-Fi. Part of the 400-acre farm has been in the Hatcher family since 1831, and the country store is one of the ways this tight-knit family is keeping its dairying dreams alive.

Visit www.hatcherfamilydairy.com.

TORE

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online contents | tnconnections.com

Watch a VideoWatch a cooking demonstration or take a virtual ride on a miniature train in our online video gallery.

FEATURESCaramel Apple A Day 4Tasty treats take center stage in Gatlinburg.

Gourmet Goat Cheese? 6Bonnie Blue Farm makes a different kind of dairy.

Holiday Savings 8’Tis the season to spend – or not. In the spirit of saving, try these simple ideas to conserve energy and prevent waste.

Tasteful Gifts 10Flavored oils and vinegars add kick to salads and marinades – and they make thoughtful presents that are easy on the wallet.

DEPARTMENTSMunicipal Power Perspective 3

Vistas 12

Winter Activities in Tennessee 14

Connect to Tennessee Products 17

Winter 2009 Edition

Editor Rebecca Denton

Associate Editor Jessy Yancey

Contributing Writers Carol Cowan, Jessica Mozo, Michael Nolan, Kelly Price

Creative Director Keith Harris

Photography Director Jeffrey S. Otto

Senior Photographer Brian McCord

Staff Photographers Jeff Adkins, Todd Bennett, Antony Boshier, Ian Curcio, J. Kyle Keener,

Production Project Managers Melissa Bracewell, Katie Middendorf, Jill Wyatt

Sr. Graphic Designers Laura Gallagher, Candice Sweet, Vikki Williams

Graphic Designers Janine Maryland, Amy Nelson

Ad Traffic Marcia Banasik, Sarah Miller, Patricia Moisan, Raven Petty

Additional photography courtesy of Tennessee State Photo Services

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

Sr. V.P./Operations Casey E. Hester

V.P./Editorial Director Teree Caruthers

V.P./Visual Content Mark Forester

Production Director Natasha Lorens

Assistant Production Director Christina Carden

Pre-press Coordinator Hazel Risner

Controller Chris Dudley

Advertising Sales Manager, Custom Division Beth Murphy

Integrated Media Manager Robin Robertson

Distribution Director Gary Smith

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

Custom/Travel Sales Support Rachael Goldsberry

Tennessee Connections is published quarterly by Journal Communications Inc. for participating members of the Tennessee Municipal Electric Power Association. TMEPA represents 61 municipal power distributors in Tennessee, which serve more than 2 million customers.

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Holiday Savings’Tis the season for conserving energy

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FEATURESSmoky Mountain Sweets 4Tasty treats take center stage in Gatlinburg.

A Different Kind of Dairy 6Bonnie Blue Farm offers gourmet goat cheese.

Holiday Savings 8’Tis the season to spend – or not. In the spirit of saving, try these simple ideas to conserve energy and prevent waste.

Strawberry Vinegar? 10Flavored oils and vinegars add kick to salads and marinades – and they make thoughtful presents that are easy on the wallet.

DEPARTMENTSMunicipal Power Perspective 3

Vistas 12

Winter Activities in Tennessee 14

Connect to Tennessee Products 17

Winter 2009 Edition

Editor Rebecca Denton

Associate Editor Jessy Yancey

Contributing Writers Carol Cowan, Jessica Mozo, Michael Nolan, Kelly Price

Creative Director Keith Harris

Photography Director Jeffrey S. Otto

Senior Photographer Brian McCord

Staff Photographers Jeff Adkins, Todd Bennett, Antony Boshier, Ian Curcio, J. Kyle Keener

Production Project Managers Melissa Bracewell, Katie Middendorf, Jill Wyatt

Sr. Graphic Designers Laura Gallagher, Candice Sweet, Vikki Williams

Graphic DesignersJanine Maryland, Amy Nelson

Ad Traffi c Marcia Banasik, Sarah Miller, Patricia Moisan, Raven Petty

Additional photography courtesy of Tennessee State Photo Services

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

Sr. V.P./Operations Casey E. Hester

V.P./Editorial Director Teree Caruthers

V.P./Visual Content Mark Forester

Production Director Natasha Lorens

Assistant Production Director Christina Carden

Pre-press Coordinator Hazel Risner

Controller Chris Dudley

Advertising Sales Manager, Custom Division Beth Murphy

Integrated Media Manager Robin Robertson

Distribution Director Gary Smith

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

Custom/Travel Sales Support Rachael Goldsberry

Tennessee Connections is published quarterly by Journal Communications Inc. for participating members of the Tennessee Municipal Electric Power Association. TMEPA represents 61 municipal power distributors in Tennessee, which serve more than 2 million customers. For advertising information or to direct questions or comments about the magazine, contact Journal Communications Inc., 725 Cool Springs Blvd., Suite 400, Franklin, TN 37067. Phone: 615-771-0080.E-mail: [email protected].

For information about TMEPA, contact:

Tennessee Municipal Electric Power AssociationPaddock 1, Suite C-13229 Ward CircleBrentwood, TN 37027Phone (615) 373-5738 Fax (615) 373-1901tmepa.org

Executive Director Mike Vinson

C U S TO M M A G A Z I N E M E D I A

©Copyright 2008 Journal Communications Inc. and Tennessee Municipal Electric Power Association. All rights reserved. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without written consent.

ON THE COVER:

Flavored Oils and Vinegars Recipes:Raspberry Vinegar and Strawberry Vinegar by Brian McCord

tnconnectionstable of contents

online contents | tnconnections.com

Winter 2009 tnconnections.com | 1


MembershipAlcoa Electric Department

Athens Utilities Board

Benton County Electric System

Bolivar Energy Authority

Bristol Tennessee Essential Services

Brownsville Utility Department

Carroll County Electrical Department

Electric Power Board of Chattanooga

Clarksville Department of Electricity

Cleveland Utilities

Clinton Utilities Board

Columbia Power & Water System

Cookeville Department of Electricity

Covington Electric System

Dayton Electric Department

Dickson Electric System

Dyersburg Electric System

Elizabethton Electric Department

Erwin Utilities

Etowah Utilities Department

Gallatin Department of Electricity

Greeneville Light & Power System

Harriman Utility Board

Humboldt Utilities

Jackson Energy Authority

Jellico Electric & Water Systems

Johnson City Power Board

Knoxville Utilities Board

LaFollette Utilities

Lawrenceburg Utility Systems

Lenoir City Utilities Board

Lewisburg Electric System

Lexington Electric System

Loudon Utilities

City of Maryville Electric Department

McMinnville Electric System

Memphis Light, Gas & Water Division

Milan Department of Public Utilities

Morristown Utility Systems

Mount Pleasant Power System

Murfreesboro Electric Department

Nashville Electric Service

Newbern Electric Department

Newport Utilities

City of Oak Ridge Electric Department

Paris Board of Public Utilities

Pulaski Electric System

Ripley Power and Light Company

Rockwood Electric Utility

Sevier County Electric System

Shelbyville Power System

Town of Somerville Utilities

Sparta Electric System

Springfi eld Electric Department

Sweetwater Utilities Board

Trenton Light & Water Department

Tullahoma Utilities Board

Union City Electric System

Weakley County Municipal Electric System

Amid record fuel costs, our electric rates still fall below national average

Goodbye to aChallenging Year

Th e year 2008 is almost behind us now, and it proved to be a trying one with the drastic increases in gasoline prices – not to mention all the other consumer products that were aff ected by rising fuel costs.

Oil, natural gas, heating fuels, LPG and coal all saw record increases this past year. Th e Tennessee Valley Authority, as well as each of the Tennessee municipal electric systems, was faced with escalating costs of generating the electric power we need each and every day.

Combined with all the other rising costs of doing business, the challenges this past year seemed almost insurmountable at times. Th e continuing drought once again reduced TVA’s ability to fully utilize its hydro system and forced it to purchase power from outside the valley to provide for customers’ needs. Th ese higher coal and natural gas costs, transportation of fuel and the already-mentioned need to purchase power generated elsewhere caused increases in your electric bill in the form of a fuel cost adjustment.

Each of you experienced the record increase this past October, and unfortunately, rising fuel costs continue to plague TVA.

Hopefully, the increases won’t be so drastic in the coming months.

It may be little consolation, but TVA and your local municipal electric power system are doing everything possible to secure future electric energy needs and keep the cost of electricity competitive.

We still benefi t from an electric rate that is well below the national average. We are blessed here in the valley to have dedicated public servants overseeing this most important necessity, electricity.

Here at TMEPA we’re getting ready for the next session of the Tennessee General Assembly, which starts the second Tuesday of January. As usual, we’ll be watching the introduction of bills that may have an adverse eff ect on local electric companies as well as those that would be benefi cial to their operations. In addition, we’ll continue working with our legislators regarding issues such as the right of municipals to off er telecommunication services, fees for attaching to the electric poles by other companies (cable and telephone), workers’ compensation, insurance and any other issue that could cost you – the customers of the municipal systems – more money.

Our goal is to assist the members of TMEPA in providing outstanding electric service, customer service and continued low-cost electricity. We encourage you to let your legislators know that Public Power deserves consideration when legislation is considered that could aff ect your cost or your service. After all, they serve the public as we do.

MIKE VINSONExecutive Director Tennessee Municipal Electric Power Association

Smoky Mountain

SweetsGatlinburg offers a little taste of heaven

4 | tnconnections.com Tennessee Connections

Story by JESSICA MOZO

Photography by TODD BENNETT

Connie Bohanan can think of no better place to make and sell old-fashioned candy than Gatlinburg.

Th ousands of tourists fl ock to the tiny town year-round to marvel at dramatic mountain scenery, breathe fresh mountain air, shop for arts and crafts – and sample mountain-made fudges, brittles, taff y and other treats.

“I’ve been told candy making is the oldest craft in Gatlinburg,” says Bohanan, who owns Glades Homemade Candies in Gatlinburg’s arts and crafts community with her husband, Ronnie. “One of the fi rst businesses in Gatlinburg was a candy shop and bakery. Now there’s a candy shop on every corner.”

Visitors of all ages can’t help but stop and peer through the windows of candy stores that dot the Parkway, Gatlinburg’s main street, to watch machines pull colorful taff y and workers pour fragrant fudge onto marble slabs.

Glades Homemade Candies opened 18 years ago when Connie Bohanan’s father, Bill Moor, talked her into starting the business.

“I had been working for a candy factory in Gatlinburg, and the old man who trained me had been a candy maker for 40 years,” she recalls. “He gave me all his recipes.”

Today, Glades off ers peanut brittle, fudge, caramels, divinity, hand-dipped chocolates, sugar-free candies, maple candy, sourwood honey and more.

“Our caramel is my favorite, but we sell more peanut brittle

Heath Arrowood makes taffy at the family-owned Ole Smoky Candy Kitchen in Gatlinburg.

and fudge,” Bohanan says. “We’re the only candy store in Gatlinburg that pours our brittle on a marble slab, and that makes it very thin and really good. Th e other thing that makes a diff erence is that we use the best ingredients and don’t skimp on anything.”

Glades is the quintessential mom-and-pop business. Connie and Ronnie Bohanan are both Gatlinburg natives who met in the eighth grade and have been married 30 years. Th eir daughter, Amanda, and son, Ronnie, help out at the candy store, and Connie’s parents are also involved.

“My mother, Helen, helps a lot with packing and making candy,” she says. “It’s been a blessing to watch our kids grow up in the candy shop, and now we’re raising our four grandkids there too.”

Th e Ole Smoky Candy Kitchen is another family-owned business, with two stores on the Parkway and

a chocolate factory on Ski Mountain. Owned by the Esther Dych family, Ole Smoky Candy Kitchen has been open since 1950 and is known for its antique taff y-pulling machine in one of the store’s front windows.

“It’s a big draw. People are amazed when we’re running it,” says Heath Arrowood, who has been making candy at the Ole Smoky Candy Kitchen for 13 years. “People stop to watch through the window, and then they come into the store.”

Along with taff y, Ole Smoky Candy Kitchen makes chocolate creams, truffl es, fudge, caramel apples and “almost any kind of homemade candy you can think of,” Arrowood says.

He says the crowds of visitors add to the fun of making candy in Gatlinburg.

“You see a lot of kids and happy families around here.” ■

CAN’T MAKE IT TO GATLINBURG?Both candy stores take mail orders when the weather is cool enough to ship. For more information, contact Glades Homemade Candies at (865) 436-3238 and Ole Smoky Candy Kitchen at (865) 436-4886.



Story by MICHAEL NOLAN

Photography by ANTONY BOSHIER

Bonnie Blue Farm lies on 300 peaceful acres in rural Wayne County, where a ribbon of pastureland winds around rugged hills in Waynesboro. A handsome barn boasts the

sweet smell of alfalfa hay, and a friendly herd of 55 registered Saanen and Nubian goats welcomes the arrival of visitors.

It looks idyllic, but days on the farm are anything but leisurely for Jim and Gayle Tanner, owners of Tennessee’s only licensed Grade A goat dairy and farmstead goat cheese operation.

“On a typical day, we get up around 5 or 5:30 and get to bed about 9:30,” Gayle says.

If it’s birthing season, or if Jim is going to market, they often log 20-hour days.

“I calculated that last year, between the two of us, we did between 8,000 and 9,000 hours of work,” Jim says.

Th at hard work has paid off with some statewide and national recognition. Bonnie Blue Farm was named Small Farmer of the Year in 2008 by the Tennessee State University Cooperative Extension Program in all three categories – best management practices, alternative enterprise and value-added product. Th is was the farm’s second year in a row to take the overall title.

Bonnie Blue Farm’s aged Gouda-style cheese – called “Parker” – also won Best in Show at the

A Different Kind

of DairyBonnie Blue Farm offers gourmet goat cheese and overnight stays on the farm

Bonnie Blue Farm produces a variety of cheeses. Right: Gayle Tanner


American Dairy Goat Association’s national conference in October 2008.

Former residents of northern California, the Tanners bought their fi rst parcel of property in 1995 and began making regular cross-country sojourns to Waynesboro in an RV to build a barn and a home. A building contractor by trade, Jim designed the structures, and the couple completed most of the construction themselves. In September 1999, they loaded up their herd and made their last eastward trek.

In 2003 they began working in earnest to develop a commercial dairy and cheese business, and their herd now boasts 50 does and fi ve bucks. After navigating a mountain of paperwork and passing multiple inspections, they began off ering Grade A farmstead goat cheese for sale in April 2006.

WORKFORCE OF TWOTh e goats pass twice daily through a well-scrubbed

milking room. Th e adjoining room contains a 100-gallon bulk tank where milk is held at precise temperatures until moved to the cheese studio a short walk up the hill. Th ere the milk is pasteurized, and Gayle begins the gentle process of making cheese.

“I made lots of really bad cheese way back when,” says Gayle, who received her fi rst goat as a present for her 21st birthday.

Th rough years of trial and error, she has perfected prize-winning cheeses acclaimed for exceptional mildness and smoothness, which she attributes to

the care given in handling the goats and the milk.“Th ere’s a move in culinary circles toward goat

cheese,” she says, “and if people want goat cheese from Tennessee, we’re the only ones.”

People do indeed want their products. Th e Tanners’ feta and chèvre are heralded by discriminating chefs at restaurants in Memphis, Nashville and Chattanooga, and residents buy their products at farmers markets, some Nashville stores, through the mail – and fresh from the farm.

While Gayle rides herd at home, Jim serves as a one-man sales force and public relations representative. He personally delivers orders to restaurants and produce markets, and he sells Bonnie Blue cheeses seasonally at farmers markets in Franklin and Memphis.

While they don’t have much free time, the Tanners gladly welcome visitors with advance notice. Th ey’ve even built an apartment for themselves above the dairy and barn so they can off er their cozy log cabin for rent. Some visitors soak up the serenity on their own while others volunteer to work as farmhands and help with the goats – getting a temporary taste of the kind of life the Tanners have embraced. ■

For more information about Bonnie Blue Farm, including how to order cheese by mail, call (931) 722-4628 or visit www.bonniebluefarm.com.


Story by REBECCA DENTON

Tis the season to spend … and spend some more. Why not break the cycle? Here are some easy ways you can save

some money and prevent waste.

ADD LOCAL FOODS TO YOUR HOLIDAY FEAST.

Support local farmers who grow sustainable meat and produce. It helps save fuel, supports your community – and it tastes better, too. Find locally raised turkey, chicken, ham or beef near you at www.picktnproducts.org.

RECYCLE YOUR OLD CELL PHONE.

Getting a new cell phone as a gift? Not sure what to do with the old one? You can drop off that old

phone at several major retail stores as part of cell phone recycling programs. Each year, 130 million cell phones are thrown out, weighing approximately 65,000 tons. Recycling your old phone prevents hazardous elements like mercury, cadmium and lead from ending up in landfi lls. To fi nd a drop-off spot near you, visit www.earth911.org. Enter “cell phone” and your ZIP code into the search fi elds, and nearby locations will pop up.

CUT ENERGY USE.Take a New Year’s pledge to

reduce your home energy use by buying energy-effi cient light bulbs. Installing only six compact fl uorescent light bulbs will save the average American family $60 per year. If there’s a fi re in your

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Add some locally raised food to your holiday feast to support local farmers and save fuel.

READ MORE ONLINE Find kitchen tips for an energy-wise holiday at tnconnections.com.

fi replace, turn down the thermostat. Lowering the temperature even fi ve degrees can take 10 percent off your energy bill.

BUY ENERGY-SAVING LED HOLIDAY LIGHTS.

LEDs (light emitting diodes) use 90 percent less energy than conventional holiday lights, and they can save your family up to $50 on energy bills during the holiday season. Th ese lights are available at many major retailers.

RECYCLE YOUR CHRISTMAS TREE.

Ninety-eight percent of Christmas trees are grown on farms, not in forests, and each year 10 million Christmas trees end up in the landfi ll. Many cities off er programs to turn your tree into mulch or wood chips. Check with your city or visit www.earth911.org. Enter “Christmas trees” and your ZIP code into the search fi elds, and recycling locations will pop up.

MAKE YOUR OWN WRAPPING PAPER.

Most mass-produced wrapping paper is not recyclable and ends up in landfi lls. Th is year, wrap presents with old maps, the comics section of the newspaper or children’s artwork. If every family wrapped just three gifts this way, it would save enough paper to cover 45,000 football fi elds, according to the Sierra Club. ■

Oil can be fl avored with a range of herbs, and vinegars can be fl avored with fruits such as strawberries and raspberries.

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Tasteful GiftsFlavored oils

and vinegars make elegant presents

Story by KELLY PRICE

Flavored vinegars and oils add an extra kick to marinades, sauces and dressings – and they happen to make great holiday gifts if prepared carefully. Useful, inexpensive and elegant, they can be dressed

up with decorative bottles and a simple bow.

Here we share recipes for raspberry and strawberry vinegars, which pair beautifully with salads and can be used as light, fl avorful meat marinades.

Our recipe for vanilla-infused oil goes well with a salad of arugula leaves and oranges, and our curry-ginger oil gives sautéed shrimp, scallops or vegetables a subtle curry fl avor.

Just remember to use caution. Oils and vinegars fl avored with garlic, herbs, dried tomatoes or a combination of these must be kept refrigerated and used within a month.

FLAVORED VINEGARSRaspberry Vinegar

You will need:

2 cups raspberries

2 cups white wine vinegar

Wash fresh raspberries in clean water. Bruise berries slightly and place in sterilized quart jar. Heat the vinegar to just below boiling (190˚ F). Pour hot vinegar over raspberries in jar and

SOUP RECIPE CONTEST There is still time to enter! We have extended the deadline for recipe submissions. Visit tnconnections.com for details.


screw cap on tightly. Allow to stand for two to three weeks in a cool, dark place. Strain vinegar through fi ne sieve and discard fruit. Pour vinegar into a clean, sterilized jar. Seal tightly and store in the refrigerator. Use within six months.

Makes one quart.

Strawberry Vinegar

You will need:

2 cups fresh strawberries

3 cups cider vinegar or white wine vinegar

1/4 cup sugar

Clean strawberries, removing stems. Halve berries. Set 1/4 cup aside. Place remaining strawberries in large bowl and pour vinegar over berries. Cover and set aside for one hour. Transfer vinegar and strawberries to a large sauce pot. Add sugar and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 10 minutes. Strain strawberry mixture, pressing out as much liquid as possible. Pour vinegar into a clean, sterilized quart jar.

Add reserved berries, cover tightly, and store in the refrigerator for up to six months.

FLAVORED OILSVanilla-Infused Oil

You will need:

3 whole vanilla beans, split in half

4 cups light olive oil

Place vanilla beans in small saucepan and cover with oil. Slowly heat until hot and vanilla is aromatic. Cool, strain and store refrigerated for up to one month.

This oil is delicious mixed 3 to 1 with white wine vinegar and used on salad of washed arugula leaves, thinly sliced red onion and 1 orange, sectioned.

Makes 4 servings

Curry-Ginger Oil

You will need:

1 qt. canola oil

1/2 cup peeled and minced fresh ginger

1 cup Madras curry powder

In large, heavy saucepan, combine the oil with the ginger and heat over medium heat until the oil is fragrant and the ginger just begins to color (about 8 minutes). Remove from heat and cool completely (about 20 minutes). Place large, heavy sauté pan over medium heat. Add the curry powder to the dry skillet and toast, stirring, until the curry powder smokes slightly (8-10 minutes). Whisk in the ginger and oil, remove from the stove, and cool completely (30-40 minutes). Transfer the oil and spice to a sterilized glass jar, scraping the pan well. Allow the mixture to stand until the oil and curry powder have completely cooled (about 4 hours or overnight). Store in the refrigerator for up to a month.

Makes 1 quart

Some ideas for using fl avored oils:

Toss cooked rice with flavored oil and mix with cooked vegetables.

Roll potato wedges in flavored oil before roasting.

Paint pizza dough or soft tortilla shells with flavored oil before adding toppings or fillings.

Brush French bread slices with garlic-flavored oil and toast in the oven.

Saute onions or mushrooms in flavored oil.

Drizzle flavored oil over cooked vegetables or before roasting or grilling.

PHOTO BY BRIAN MCCORD

READ MORE ONLINE: For more recipes and ideas for using flavored oils and vinegars, visit tnconnections.com.


vistas

Franklin Pike in Williamson County


winter activities in tennesseeThis listing includes events of statewide interest scheduled in December, January and February as provided by the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. Dates were accurate at press time but are subject to change; please call the contact listed before traveling long distances to attend.

Additional information on Tennessee events is also available online through the department’s Web site, tnvacation.com.

DECEMBERThrough JAN. 3SPEEDWAY IN LIGHTS POWERED BY TVABristol Motor Speedway & Dragway, Bristol – A drive-through course that features more than 1.5 million lights and over 200 animated displays. The route allows spectators to drive on the “World’s Fastest Half-Mile,” as well as the dragstrip. CONTACT: (423) 989-6970, www.bristolmotorspeedway.com

Through JAN. 3ROCK CITY’S ENCHANTED GARDEN OF LIGHTSChattanooga – Walk through the award-winning light extravaganza, which features 25 holiday scenes and nearly a million lights. Decorate your own gingerbread cookie and enjoy carolers, hot chocolate and entertainment. CONTACT: See Rock City,

(800) 854-0675, www.seerockcity.com

Through DEC. 30ZOO LIGHTSMemphis Zoo, Memphis – Come see the wildest holiday lights in town. Enjoy twinkling lights, Santa Claus and his reindeer, horse-drawn wagon rides, holiday shopping and more. CONTACT: (901) 333-6500, www.memphiszoo.org

DEC. 3-20CHRISTMAS PAST TOURSJames White’s Fort, Knoxville – Experience the frontier lifestyle through hands-on interpretation of open-hearth cooking, blacksmithing and spinning. CONTACT: (865) 525-6514, www.knoxalliance.com

DEC. 5-28FESTIVAL OF TREESOcoee Whitewater Center, Copperhill – See trees such as Most Imaginative,

Best Children’s Tree, Best Homemade Ornaments, Best Nature Theme, Best Historical Theme and Most Community Spirit. These imaginative creations by local businesses, schools and organizations are guaranteed to delight and inspire you. CONTACT: James Whitener, (423) 496-0102, www.ocoeecountry.com

DEC. 6ADOPT A TREE AT WARRIORS’ PATH STATE PARKKingsport – Come help plant our future woodlands. For every tree you plant in the park, you get to take one home to plant on your own. CONTACT: Warriors’ Path State Park, (423) 239-8531

DEC. 6CONFEDERATE CHRISTMAS BALLMemorial Building, Columbia – Step back in time and fi ll your dance card as you swirl the fl oor to authentic reels, promenades and waltzes popular during the 1860s. CONTACT: (888) 852-1860, www.antebellum.com

DEC. 6VICTORIAN CHRISTMASDowntown Historic District, Savannah – Experience Savannah as it was in the 19th century with a tour of homes, horse-drawn buggy rides through the historic district, a Victorian Ball with period music, children’s activities, and more. CONTACT: (800) 552-3866, www.hardincountychamber.com

DEC. 6OAKLANDS CANDLELIGHT TOUR OF HOMESOaklands Historic House Museum, Murfreesboro – Usher in the holiday season with an enchanting tour of historic homes. The tour will feature beautiful and historic private homes and the graceful Oaklands Historic House Museum. CONTACT: (615) 893-0022, www.oaklandsmuseum.org

DEC. 6VISIONS OF CHRISTMAS 1861Tipton-Haynes State Historic Site, Johnson City – Join the Haynes family as they celebrate a Civil War Christmas. CONTACT: (423) 926-3631, www.tipton-haynes.org

DEC. 6CHRISTMAS IN COLLIERVILLEHistoric Collierville Town Square – Shop at the many quaint stores, take a carriage ride, and listen to the performances in the bandstand. CONTACT: Main Street Collierville, (901) 853-1666, www.mainstreetcollierville.com

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DEC. 6-7PROGRESSIVE DINNERDowntown Historic District, Jonesborough – A much anticipated multi-course dinner and tour of Jonesborough’s fi nest historic homes. CONTACT: (423) 753-9580, www.jonesboroughtn.org

DEC. 6-7CHRISTMAS IN THE COUNTRYExchange Place, Kingsport – An old-fashioned Christmas with fresh greenery, frontier crafts, gifts, yule log burning and food from a historic farmstead. CONTACT: (423) 288-6071, www.exchangeplace.us

DEC. 6-7CRAGFONT CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSECastalian Springs – Historic Cragfont will be traditionally decorated for Christmas and refreshments will be served. CONTACT: (615) 452-7070, www.sumnercvb.com

DEC. 6-7RAMSEY HOUSE PLANTATION CANDLELIGHT TOURSKnoxville – Candlelight tours of the historic home. CONTACT: (865) 546-0745, www.ramseyhouse.org

DEC. 7-23CLARKSVILLE TREES OF CHRISTMASSmith Trahern Mansion, Clarksville – Twenty Christmas trees displayed at the mansion. CONTACT: Martha Pile, (931) 648-5725, www.cityofclarksville.com

DEC. 9OLDE TOWN CHRISTMAS STROLLTullahoma – Sights and musical sounds of an old-fashioned Christmas in Tullahoma’s historic district. CONTACT: Debi Graham, (931) 455-2648, www.tullahoma-tn.com

DEC. 12MAGIC ON MAIN STREET MOVIE NIGHTCollierville Historic Town Square – A magical holiday evening watching an outdoor movie. Features a chili cookoff. CONTACT: (901) 853-1666, www.mainstreetcollierville.org

DEC. 12-13FOURTH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS IN THE PARKPickwick Landing State Park, PickwickDam – Features a Holiday Mart, drive-through lighted displays, carriage and trolley rides, cookies with Santa and his elves, and more. CONTACT: (800) 552-3866, www.tourhardincounty.org

DEC. 12-14CHRISTMAS LIGHTINGChickasaw State Park, Henderson – The

park will have 250,000 lights and 2,500 candle luminaries. The driving tour is a sight to behold and a great way to feel the spirit of the season. CONTACT: (731)-989-5141

DEC. 13CANDLELIGHT CHRISTMAS TOUR AT FORT SOUTHWEST POINTKingston – Experience the sights, sounds and fl avors of the 18th century. Historical stories told by uniformed soldiers and living history interpreters. CONTACT: Mike Woody, (865) 376-3641, www.southwestpoint.com

DEC. 13CHRISTMAS AT CANNONSBURGHCannonsburgh Village, Murfreesboro – The spirit of Christmas will thrive as fresh greenery adorns the mantels and wood fi res crackle in the hearths. Sheep will be tended to by a shepherd, and classical to contemporary music, caroling, dance and storytelling will fi ll the 18th-century rooms. Hot cider and cookies served. CONTACT: Cannonsburgh Village, (615) 890-0355

DEC. 13ELKTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY LOG CABIN TOURElkton – Tour amazing log cabins in Giles County. CONTACT: Carolyn Thompson, (931) 468-0668, www.gilescountytourism.com

DEC. 13-14HISTORIC CORNSTALK HEIGHTS CHRISTMAS TOURHarriman – Enjoy your tour of the fi nely decorated Victorian homes, churches and more. CONTACT: Donna Demyanovich, (865) 882-9230, www.cornstalkheights.org

DEC. 13-14DICKENS OF A CHRISTMASDowntown Franklin – Victorian holiday festival featuring more than 200 costumed characters from Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” horse-drawn carriage rides, holiday arts and crafts, street performers, and Victorian treats. CONTACT: Heritage Foundation, (615) 591-8500, www.historicfranklin.com

DEC. 13-17AT HOME WITH SANTAHistoric Jonesborough Visitors Center, Jonesborough – Family event featuring games, a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, carriage rides, and more. CONTACT: (423) 753-1030, www.jonesboroughtn.org

DEC. 24OLD COUNTRY STORE CHRISTMAS EVE BREAKFASTBrooks Shaw’s & Sons Old Country Store, Jackson – This legendary Christmas Eve breakfast takes place for its 24th year at the famed Brooks Shaw’s & Sons Old

Country Store. As a gift to the city, the Old Country Store serves their world-famous Southern breakfast buffet. Breakfast entertainment performed by the Casey Jones Barbershop Chorus. CONTACT: (800) 748-9588, www.caseyjones.com

DEC. 2725TH ANNUAL KWANZAA CELEBRATIONGordon Memorial Church, Nashville – Kwanzaa commemorates family, culture and community. This is a great event with food, history and fun. CONTACT: African American Cultural Alliance, (615) 251-0007, www.aacanashville.org

DEC. 29PRESIDENTIAL WREATH LAY & BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATIONAndrew Johnson National Cemetery, Greeneville – Presidential wreath laying at the grave of President Andrew Johnson on his 200th birthday. A celebration is planned featuring entertainment and birthday cake. Luminaries will adorn the national cemetery for this evening program culminating with fi reworks celebrating Andrew Johnson. CONTACT: Jim Small, (423) 639-3711, www.nps.gov/anjo

DEC. 29GILES COUNTY’S NEW YEAR’S EVE BICENTENNIAL KICKOFFPulaski Courthouse Square – Food, entertainment and fi reworks will fi ll the night in celebration of Giles County’s 200th birthday! This family affair is fun for all ages. CONTACT: Tim Turner, (931) 363-3789, www.pulaskigilescountybicentennial.com


JANUARYJAN. 10WINTER GARDEN SEMINARWarriors’ Path State Park, Kingsport – Winter is a perfect time to plan for the upcoming growing season. To help you get started, expert gardeners and landscape conservationists will share their talents and knowledge with you. CONTACT: (423) 239-8531

JAN. 10-1719TH ANNUAL WILDERNESS WILDLIFE WEEKMusic Road Convention Center, Pigeon Forge – Eight days devoted to the history, mystery, fact, folklore and future of the Great Smoky Mountains. CONTACT: (800) 251-9100, www.mypigeonforge.com/wildlife

JAN. 16-17MEMPHIS MOUNTAIN DULCIMER GATHERINGMemphis – Workshops for mountain and hammered dulcimer, guitar, and song featuring Mollie McCormack and Tom and Cathy Arnold. CONTACT: (901) 877-7763, www.leecagledulcimers.com

JAN. 17-18CHEROKEE INDIAN HERITAGE &

SANDHILL CRANE VIEWING DAYSHiwassee Wildlife Refuge, Decatur – This annual event pays tribute to Cherokee Indian heritage and the more than 10,000 sandhill cranes at the Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge. Activities include nature and raptor shows; heritage talks; Cherokee arts, crafts and artifacts; and traditional old-time and gospel music. Visitors can ride a free bus shuttle from the school to the viewing area at the Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge. CONTACT: Meigs County Tourism, (423) 334-5850, www.southeasttennessee.com

JAN. 29-MARCH 22STITCHES-IN-TIME QUILT EXHIBITMuseum Center at 5ive Points, Cleveland – Features over 90 quilts submitted from throughout the Southeast for this judged exhibit. Both antique and contemporary quilts are on display. New this year is a Quilt Challenge based on the theme of Tennessee in the Great Depression. CONTACT: (423) 339-5745, www.museumcenter.org

FEBRUARYFEB. 1-28BLACK HISTORY MONTHNational Civil Rights Museum, Memphis – Memphis takes time this month to celebrate the culture, contributions and trailblazers

of African Americans with educational workshops, lectures, exhibitions and events. CONTACT: (901) 521-9699, www.civilrightsmuseum.org

FEB. 5-8ANTIQUES & GARDEN SHOWNashville Convention Center, Nashville –Featuring innovative gardens, fi ne antiques and select garden accessories for sale. CONTACT: (800) 891-8075, www.antiquesandgardenshow.com

FEB. 6-8REELFOOT LAKE EAGLE FESTIVALReelfoot Lake State Park, Tiptonville – Includes eagle watch tours, vendors, storytelling, crafts, art contest, scavenger hunt and more. CONTACT: (888) 313-8366, www.reelfoottourism.com

FEB. 20-22DOGWOOD ARTS FESTIVAL HOUSE & GARDEN SHOWKnoxville Convention Center, Knoxville – Over 200 exhibitors, professionally landscaped gardens, roomscapes, speakers and workshops. Everything for the home and garden enthusiast! CONTACT: (865) 637-4561, www.dogwoodarts.com

FEB. 20-28SMOKE ON THE MOUNTAIN HOMECOMINGSouth Jackson Civic Center, Tullahoma – The Sanders family is back in an all-new show by the creators of the playhouse hits “Smoke on the Mountain” and “Sanders Family Christmas.” The play takes place in October 1945. The war is over and America’s years of prosperity are just beginning, but there is another kind of rite of passage at the Mount Pleasant Baptist Church. CONTACT: (931) 581-7767, www.communityplayhouse.org

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A BRIGHT GIFT IDEAHold on to the best part of summer with elegant, handcrafted beeswax luminaries decorated with hand-picked wildfl owers. Laura and Jeff Otto, owners of Brunswick Beeworks in Arrington, make each luminary from a special mold and fi nish it with a dried fl ower or leaf from their garden. These one-of-a-kind creations make lovely gifts, and they look beautiful on holiday tables, mantels – or even fl oating in a calm pool. Each luminary comes with two tea lights. Brunswick Beeworks will make luminaries with a fl ower of your choosing, and special pricing is available for large orders. The husband-and-wife team raises bees and makes honey and beeswax products by hand, including all-natural skin-care products, on their three-acre farm.

Visit the Web site at www.brunswickbeeworks.com for more information, or call (615) 656-3174.

PLAYING WITH FIRETeresa Brittain discovered glass beadmaking in 1995, and the Oak Ridge artist now makes glass beads full time by hand using what is called the “lampworked method.” She melts rods of colored glass – some opaque, some transparent – over an oxygen propane torch and incorporates glass powders, metallic leaf and other materials to create interesting colors and textures.

“Each bead is made, start to fi nish, over the torch,” she says. “No molds, no forms. All are done freehand.”

She then uses the beads to create one-of-a-kind necklaces, bracelets, pendants and earrings. Brittain exhibits at craft shows in North Carolina and Tennessee, and more than a dozen retail locations carry her work, including the Appalachian Center for Craft in Smithville, Helios Artglassworks in Nashville and Thompson Jewelers in Tullahoma. She also teaches classes and sells online. Prices start at around $45 for earrings.

Check out Brittain’s jewelry at www.brittainbeads.com, or e-mail [email protected].

O CHRISTMAS TREE …If you’re planning to buy a Christmas tree this year, consider taking one home from a local tree farm. Most tree farms offer plenty of extras – wagon rides, petting zoos, hot apple cider and other refreshments – that make great memories and add to the experience of selecting your own tree. Christmas-tree growers will usually cut the tree down, shake off the needles, bag it and strap it to the top of your vehicle if you wish. Many tree farms also sell fresh wreaths, roping, garland and balled and burlapped live trees that can be replanted after the holidays.

To find a tree farm in your area, visit www.picktnproducts.org and click on “Trees, Flowers and Plants,” “Nursery Products” and then “Christmas Trees.” Or visit the Tennessee Christmas Tree Growers Association at www.tennesseechristmastrees.org, or call (931) 788-0455.


PRSRT STDU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDLebanon Junction,KY 40150

Permit No. 222

Living room:

■ Replace your five most frequently used incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs. These bulbs use less energy and can last up to 10 times longer. Install an Energy Star-qualified programmable thermostat, which can help control the temperature while you’re away from home or at night when you’re sleeping. When used properly, these thermostats can save as much as $150 a year in energy costs.

Bathroom:

■ Most showers account for about 22 percent of the total water used in a home. Replace your existing showerhead with a new 2.5-gallon-a-minute (low-flow) showerhead. A low-flow showerhead usually works by mixing air into the water flow to increase the water pressure. The new water-efficient showerhead coupled with a 10-minute shower could save five gallons of water over a typical bath and save more than $100 a year on energy used to heat the water.

Laundry room:

■ To save hot water – and the fuel it takes to heat that water each year – wash your clothes in cold water. Be sure to choose a laundry detergent that is formulated for use in cold temperatures. Save more money by cleaning the lint trap in your clothes dryer before every load of laundry, which

will help increase drying efficiency. Using an Energy Star water-efficient front load washing machine can cut water use by about a third.

Utility room:

■ Lower the temperature on your water heater from 145 degrees to 120 degrees. You’ll only notice the difference in one place – your utility bill.

Kitchen:

■ Repair faucet leaks in the kitchen. Hot water leaking at a rate of one drip a second can waste more than 1,000 gallons of water each year.

Save money in fi ve rooms with these home improvementsWinter Energy-Saving Tips

JOURNAL COMMUNICATIONS725 COOL SPRINGS BLVD., SUITE 400FRANKLIN, TN 37067

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