tnconnections

spring 2014
An Ofcial Publication of Your Locally Owned Municipal Electric System

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Braden Station restaurant knows Southern seafood

BETTER BATTER

Know Your Farmer

Williamson Countys Delvin Farms provides fresh produce to farmers markets and CSA members

TN ALMANAC

Travel, tips and tidbits at a glance

Prepare for Spring Tornadoes
Springtime in Tennessee is more than warmer temperatures and blooming owers its also tornado season. Tornadoes can happen any time of year, but two-thirds of Tennessee tornadoes happen in the months of March, April and May. The best way to protect your family is to be prepared. Determine your homes best tornado safety spot, and make sure all family members know where it is. A basement or an interior rst-oor room or hallway (away from windows) is best. Gather emergency supplies including water, ashlights with extra batteries and a weather radio, and put them in your safe spot. Pay attention to tornado watches. If the weather forecasters issue a tornado warning for your area, seek shelter in your safe spot. Avoid automobiles, motor homes and rooms with lots of windows during tornadoes. If you are caught outside, lie at in a ditch as low to the ground as possible until the storm passes.

Beale Street Is Calling

All roads lead to Memphis during the month of May. The city hosts its world-famous Memphis in May International Festival and this year, the 38th edition honors the Republic of Panama. Memphis in May includes the popular Beale Street Music Festival (May 2-4), the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest (May 15-17) and the Sunset Symphony (May 24), which includes a spectacular air show, reworks and music presented by the Memphis Symphony Orchestra. Educational, international and economic programs also attract tourists from around the globe. The 2013 celebration drew visitors from 50 states and eight foreign countries. Buy tickets and nd more information about the festival at memphisinmay.org.

Catch a Creative Vibe

The arts are in full bloom every March at Lindens Blooming Arts Festival. An annual tradition since 2009, the Blooming Arts Festival celebrates the culture and natural beauty of Perry County with arts and crafts, live entertainment, music, food, kids activities and tributes to military veterans. More than 100 exhibiting artists display their work, ranging from quilting and pottery to handmade soaps and jewelry. Spectators can watch artist demonstrations of stained glass, blacksmithing, ber art and more. The sixth annual Blooming Arts Festival takes place March 21-22, 2014. Visit bloomingartsfestival.org for more information.

CONTENTS

tnconnections
Spring 2014 Edition Content Coordinator Rachel Bertone Content Director Jessy Yancey Proofreading Manager Raven Petty Contributing Writers Leslie LaChance, Tiffany Howard, Jessica Mozo Photography Director Jeffrey S. Otto Creative Services Director Christina Carden Senior Graphic Designers Laura Gallagher, Vikki Williams Graphic Designer Matt West Senior Photographers Jeff Adkins, Brian McCord Staff Photographers, Michael Conti, Wendy Jo OBarr, Frank Ordonez, Michael Tedesco Ad Production Manager Katie Middendorf Ad Trafc Assistants Krystin Lemmon, Patricia Moisan Chairman Greg Thurman President/Publisher Bob Schwartzman Executive Vice President Ray Langen Sr. V.P./Sales Todd Potter Sr. V.P./Operations Casey Hester Sr. V.P./Agribusiness Publishing Kim Holmberg Sr. V.P./Journal Digital Michael Barber V.P./External Communications Teree Caruthers V.P./Visual Content Mark Forester V.P./Content Operations Natasha Lorens Controller Chris Dudley Integrated Media Manager Robin Robertson 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.Email: info@jnlcom.com. For information about TMEPA, contact: Tennessee Municipal Electric Power Association 212 Overlook Circle, Suite 205 Brentwood, TN 37027 Phone 615-373-5738, Fax 615-373-1901 tmepa.org Executive Director Mike Vinson

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Features
4 Better Batter
Braden Station in West Tennessee serves spectacular Southern seafood Delvin Farms provides fresh produce to farmers markets and CSA members Enjoy these springtime spears in recipes for breakfast, lunch or dinner

6 Know Your Farmer

Copyright 2014 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: Cindy Delvin works on her familys farm in Williamson County, Jeffrey S. Otto

10 Amazing Asparagus

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tnconnections
spring 2014
An Ofcial Publication of Your Locally Owned Municipal Electric System

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

Digital Magazine
Flip through the pages of the magazine without leaving your laptop. Print and email articles and instantly link to advertisers.

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Braden Station restaurant knows Southern seafood

BETTER BATTER

Know Your Farmer

Williamson Countys Delvin Farms provides fresh produce to farmers markets and CSA members

Spring 2014

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MUNICIPAL POWER PERSPECTIVE

A New Face
JEREMY ELROD
Director of Government Relations Tennessee Municipal Electric Power Association

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

TMEPA welcomes its new director of government relations

As the new director of government relations for TMEPA, I would like to introduce myself to you by telling a little about myself, my background and how I represent municipal power systems and their customers. I was born and raised in Cheatham County, just 30 minutes outside Nashville. It was a great place to grow up. I learned the beliefs and traditions of a rural community, but I also knew Nashville well as my parents worked and commuted there every day. As I went through school, it was always my dream to be a lawyer, to work in politics and public service, and to help shape public policy so more citizens get better service from their government. When college came around, I enjoyed living in a rural area so much that I went to the University of Tennessee at Martin in West Tennessee. I made the most of my time there, working on campus and making friends from across the state. During an internship with the Tennessee General Assembly, I got to see the process up close, and it led to my rst job out of college. I rst worked for the Speaker of the House in the Clerks Ofce, where I helped maintain ofcial records and bills the legislators voted on. Soon, I was promoted as the staffer dedicated to House
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Transportation Committee, which debates infrastructure issues such as building and maintaining highways and bridges. During the day I would help and advise representatives as they passed, amended or defeated bills, and at night I would attend classes at the Nashville School of Law. During my ten years working with the legislature, I married the love of my life, graduated law school and passed the bar exam. Currently, my wife and I live in Nashville. This fall, I was thrilled to come aboard at TMEPA. As director of government relations, I speak with representatives and senators on a regular basis, sharing information with them or educating them about issues that concern our industry. This can involve advocating for or against legislation, depending how it affects municipal power systems and their costumers. Reliable and affordable electricity is such a vital part of every community, and every policymaker ought to hear about the great job done by the 60 municipal electric systems across Tennessee. Visit us online at tmepa.org to learn more about our organization, and feel free to send us an email if you have anything you would like to share with us.

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Tennessee Connections

TN IN FOCUS
Photo by Brian McCord

A vibrant, thriving backyard garden in Franklin

Spring 2014

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FEATURE

Better Batter
Braden Station in West Tennessee knows Southern seafood
LESLIE LACHANCE PHOTOS BY BRIAN MCCORD
STORY BY

On most days, Braden may be a sleepy little whistle-stop of a town located in West Tennessee about 40 miles northeast of Memphis, but on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings, Bradens railroad crossing on Highway 59 is a high-trac area. Thats because the friendly sta at Braden Station, a seafood restaurant by the tracks, is busy serving up a delicious down-home buet and plate dinners to patrons who drive from miles around to sample the Louisiana Gulf Coast oysters and house-made desserts. Diners come for the food and linger to enjoy the eclectic dcor of the restaurants historic building, a 1908 storefront which once housed the bank, post oce and general store operated by the C.T. McCraw Company, a regional cotton merchant. Braden Stations ample buet features familiar coastal favorites catsh, shrimp and clams, all deep-fried in homemade batters. The oysters, a house specialty, are fresh from the Gulf, fried in a light our batter with a hint of black pepper to give them some sass. Dinner includes traditional side dishes like macaroni and cheese, fried okra, greens and white beans with generous chunks of ham. There are hushpuppies too, of course, along with a jalapeo hushpuppy option for bolder palates. On Thursdays,
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the buet includes frogs legs, another local favorite. To satisfy the sweet tooth, patrons can help themselves to fruit cobblers, including apple or peach, or a sinfully rich chocolate cobbler, all made more decadent by a quick trip to the soft-serve ice cream machine. George and JoAnne Jensen bought the C.T. McCraw building in 2002. Along with their daughter Kim Graves and her husband, Terry, they renovated the structure and opened the restaurant with Terry at the helm in the kitchen and the rest of the family just doing whatever needed to be done, JoAnne says. Why a seafood restaurant? My son-in-law is from Louisiana, George explains, and I knew he could really cook some sh. The McCraw building boasts a high-ceilinged, spacious storefront, and the Jensens have retained many of the original architectural features, including a working freight elevator, the rst one installed in Fayette County. The stores original shelving is now lled with vintage toys, china and farm tools, most of which came from the Jensens own home. Though the big room seats 150 guests and is always bustling, the space still feels homey. Its no wonder folks like to stop over at Braden Station for dinner and just stay a while.
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The Dish on Braden Station

Braden Station is located in the Old General Store, C.T. McCraw Building, 189 Highway 59, in Braden, about 40 miles northeast of Memphis. The restaurant is open for dinner Thursday through Saturday from 5 to 9 p.m. For information, call (901) 594-5959.

Spring 2014

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COVER STORY

KNOW YOUR FARMER

Delvin Farms provides fresh produce to farmers markets and CSA members
JESSICA MOZO PHOTOS BY JEFFREY S. OTTO
STORY BY

Growing fresh fruits and vegetables comes as second nature to the family members of Delvin Farms in College Grove, just outside of Franklin, Tenn. After all, Hank and Cindy Delvin have been farming for more than 40 years. In the late 1990s, the Delvins began the process of turning their 140 acres on the Harpeth River into a certied organic farm. Around that time, their son, Hank Jr., and his family returned to the farm, and shortly after, their daughter Amy rejoined the crew. These days, the Delvins, now members of Pick Tennessee Products, sell both heirloom and traditional produce at many local farmers markets, restaurants, grocery stores and through their Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program. Members of the
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Delvins CSA sign up in the springtime to pick up their shares boxes packed with fresh, seasonal produce weekly or biweekly throughout the regular growing season (though they also oer o-season options as well). Up front, members can learn which crops will be planted for that year. With more than 80 varieties of certied organic produce from kale, broccoli and cabbage to strawberries, peaches and watermelons to squash, potatoes and garlic they are sure to nd many items to tempt their taste buds. The best part is getting to meet people and knowing we are serving our community by providing nutritious, healthy food, says Cindy Delvin. We now have almost 1,000 CSA families who get their food from us each week,
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Hank Delvin Jr. tends to the crops at Delvin Farms in Williamson County. Produce from the farm goes to local farmers markets and CSAs. Spring 2014 tnconnections.com

and we love seeing how happy they are with the food. It makes it all worthwhile. CSA members can stop by the farm to pick up their share, or visit one of 14 convenient drop-o sites in the greater Nashville and surrounding areas, including Mt. Juliet, Murfreesboro, Smyrna, Hermitage, Donelson, Columbia and Spring Hill. CSA members not only have a dependable source of farm-fresh, certied organic produce but they also have the intangible benet of knowing the folks who grow their food. Knowing your farmers and having a personal relationship with them makes you feel a deeper connection to the land, Cindy says. We have two

annual picnics where CSA members can come out to our farm, walk the elds and see their food growing. They enjoy showing their children. Not ready to make the CSA commitment? The Delvins also sell produce at farmers markets throughout the area, including those in Franklin, Nashville, East Nashville, Donelson, Forest Hills, 12 South and the West End Farmers Market, which opened in 2013. Our family strives to provide a fresh and safe product to your family, Cindy says. When you purchase produce from us, you know where your food came from, and you can be assured of the quality and care that was used in producing our products.

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Tennessee Connections

FARM FLAVOR

Amazing Asparagus
Enjoy these springtime spears in recipes for breakfast, lunch or dinner
STORY BY

RACHEL BERTONE JEFFREY S. OTTO

PHOTOS BY

grow, cook, eat, learn

Farm Flavor features hundreds of recipes and follows foods journey from the farmers eld to your kitchen. Browse recipes, cooking tips, garden guides, farmer chats and more at farmflavor.com.

The spring season brings new beginnings, warmer weather and delicious produce gracing grocery store shelves. Fresh, bright and colorful, lots of versatile fruits and vegetables hit their peak during the spring, but asparagus is at the top of our list. This green veggie totes impressive nutritional benets. Its high in ber, bone-building vitamin K and antioxidants such as vitamins A, C and E. Asparagus is a diet-friendly option, with only 4 calories and zero fat or cholesterol per spear. That means you can eat a whole cup of fresh asparagus for just 27 calories.

When youre browsing the produce aisle or at your local farmers market, choose bright green asparagus stalks with purple-tinged tips. Avoid wilted or limp stalks, as these have probably been sitting on the shelf for a while. Youll want stalks with smooth skin, uniform color and a dry, compact tip. To store, wrap the stem ends in a damp paper towel for several days. Refrigerate them, tips up in a cup of shallow water, to extend their life even further. If youre tired of asparagus prepared one way, try another! The versatile vegetable can be broiled, steamed, grilled, roasted or sauteed. Read on for a look at some of our favorite ways to use asparagus.
Tennessee Connections

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Asparagus Pizza Bianca

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 bunch thin asparagus (about 1 pound) cup fresh small sage leaves or rosemary sea salt and freshly ground pepper 1 pre-made pizza crust* cup (about 3.5 ounces) mozzarella cheese, shredded cup Parmesan cheese

Combine 2 tablespoons oil and garlic in a small bowl and set aside. Trim asparagus spears to about 6 inches long. Slice thicker spears in half lengthwise. Toss in a bowl with remaining 1 tablespoon oil, sage or rosemary leaves, salt and pepper. Brush your pre-made or homemade dough with garlic-oil mixture. Sprinkle mozzarella over dough. Arrange asparagus in a circular pattern on the dough with tips facing out. Top with Parmesan and remaining sage. Bake pizza on lower oven rack or grill until cheese is melted and asparagus begins to brown.
*See the recipe for Basic Pizza Dough to make your own crust at farmavor.com/basic-pizza-dough.

Spring 2014

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Asparagus Spinach White Cheddar Frittata

1 cups fresh asparagus (sliced into 1- to 1 -inch pieces) 1 teaspoon water 8 large eggs 2 egg whites cup 1% low-fat milk teaspoon salt teaspoon black pepper Preheat oven broiler. Place asparagus and water in glass pie plate or bowl, cover with plastic wrap and microwave on high for 3 minutes, or until asparagus is tender-crisp and still bright green. Whisk eggs, egg whites, milk, salt and pepper in a large bowl until blended; set aside. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in an oven-proof 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and saute for 1 minute. Add spinach and cook, stirring constantly, until spinach is slightly wilted, about 1 minute. 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided 2 garlic cloves, finely minced 5 cups fresh spinach leaves, loosely packed cup (about 4 ounces) reducedfat white cheddar cheese, shredded teaspoon fresh basil, finely chopped Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in cooked asparagus and remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Pour egg mixture in skillet and stir gently to evenly distribute ingredients. Cook until eggs are almost set, about 8-11 minutes. Eggs will be runny on top, but set on sides and bottom. Remove frittata from heat, sprinkle evenly with shredded cheese, and place skillet in oven. Broil until the center is rm and cheese is completely melted, about 1-2 minutes. Remove and sprinkle with fresh basil, if desired. Cut into 6 wedges.

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Tennessee Connections

Herb Pasta Primavera

pound penne pasta 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1 cup frozen artichoke hearts, thawed 1 bunch asparagus, use tips only (top 2 inches) 1 yellow or red bell pepper, julienned cup frozen green peas, thawed 2 teaspoons lemon zest, nely grated 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice cup mixed herbs (tarragon, parsley, chives, basil), roughly chopped cup grated Parmesan cheese kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste Cook pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente. Rinse under cold water and set aside. Saute artichoke hearts, asparagus and bell pepper in olive oil until tender. Add peas and cook for an additional minute. Add pasta to the pan and toss with the lemon, herbs and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Heat in pan until pasta is warm.

Lightened Up Cream of Asparagus Soup

3 cups (about 1 pound) asparagus, sliced into -inch pieces 2 cups fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth teaspoon fresh thyme, divided 1 bay leaf 1 garlic clove, crushed 1 tablespoon all-purpose our 2 cups skim milk dash of nutmeg 2 teaspoons butter, unsalted teaspoon salt teaspoon lemon rind, grated

In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, combine asparagus, broth, teaspoon thyme, bay leaf and garlic. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer 10 minutes. Discard bay leaf. Place asparagus mixture in a blender and process until smooth. Place our in pan. Gradually add milk, stirring with

a whisk until blended. Add pureed asparagus and ground nutmeg; stir to combine. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes, stirring. Remove from heat, and stir in remaining teaspoon thyme, butter, salt and lemon rind. Just before serving, garnish with a few sprigs of asparagus.

Spring 2014

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EVENTS

Spring in Tennessee
Festivals, celebrations, activities and more

March
March 15, Erin Irish Day Celebration | Enjoy a parade,
food, entertainment and crafts at the largest Irish Day celebration in the area. CONTACT: (931) 289-5100, houstoncochamber.com

March 19-22, Pigeon Forge 20th Annual A Mountain Quiltfest

Large quilt show, vendor marketplace and classes with instruction by some of the nations top quilters highlight this popular event. CONTACT: amountainquiltfest.com

March 21 April 6, Columbia Mule Day | Bring the whole family to one
of the worlds biggest mule celebrations. Events include a mule sale, mule pulling, mule shows, a pancake breakfast, the ea market, a parade and more. CONTACT: (931) 381-9557, muleday.com

March 21 April 21, Pigeon Forge Dollywoods Festival of the Nations

| More than 200 performers from around the world celebrate music, dance and art at this fun festival. CONTACT: 800-DOLLYWOOD, dollywood.com

March 29 April 1, Pigeon Forge 2nd Annual Titanic Authors Week |

Back by popular demand, celebrated authors of Titanic historical books will make public appearances at the Titanic Museum. All Titanic fans will have the chance to meet and interact with authors of many remarkable books written about the event. CONTACT: (800) 381-7670, titanicattraction.com

April
April 1-30, Knoxville 52nd Annual Dogwood Arts Festival |
Since 1961, Dogwood Arts has celebrated the natural and cultural beauty of East Tennessee by producing a dynamic festival featuring blooming gardens and trails, visual arts, music, crafts, theater, culinary arts, dance, lm and literary arts. Enjoy upcoming events, exhibits and performances during the entire month of April. CONTACT: (865) 637-4561, dogwoodarts.com

Bring the whole family to Mule Day, one of the worlds largest mule celebrations, March 21 April 6 in Columbia. This listing includes a selection of events of statewide interest scheduled in March, April, and May as provided to Tennessee Home & Farm by the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. To include your local events in our listing, please contact them at www.tnvacation.com. Due to space constraints, we are unable to list all of the events provided or accept unsolicited events. However, you can nd additional information and events at the departments website. Events are subject to date change or cancellation. Please call the contact listed before traveling long distances to attend. 14

April 1-30, Nashville Awesome April | Enjoy this monthlong

event, which pays musical tribute to the city and promises a major event each weekend. CONTACT: (800) 657-6910

April 4, Memphis MLK Jr. Commemoration | The National

Civil Rights Museum offers this special Tennessee Connections

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Country musician Sarah Darling poses for photographs at the 2013 Nashville Film Festival at the Green Hills Cinema in Nashville, Tennessee. program in Memphis to commemorate the late Civil Rights leader. CONTACT: (901) 521-9699 special art creation area for kids. CONTACT: 4bridgesartsfestival.org CONTACT: (931) 245-4344, riversandspires.com

April 4-6, Knoxville Rhythm N Blooms Festival | The

annual Rhythm N Blooms celebrates the crossroads of Knoxvilles varied musical history. This American Roots music festival spotlights storied songwriters and rich performances from jazz to world-class bluegrass to indie and everything in between. CONTACT: rhythmnbloomsfest.com

April 17-26, Nashville Nashville Film Festival | With

genres from drama to comedy to foreign documentaries, this exciting festival has something for all lm lovers. CONTACT: (615) 742-2500, nashvillelmfestival.org

April 26-27, South Pittsburg National Cornbread Festival | Enjoy

this Southern staple at the annual South Pittsburg festival. Visitors can enjoy the National Cornbread Cook-Off, art, a beauty contest, a carnival, pancakes breakfast and more! CONTACT: (423) 837-0022, nationalcornbread.com

April 21-17, Paris Worlds Biggest Fish Fry | Dont miss

this delicious event, as more than ve tons of catsh are served to thousands of visitors. Theres also a rodeo, parade and catsh races. CONTACT: (731) 644-1143, worldsbiggestshfry.com

April 11-14, Chattanooga 4 Bridges Art Festival | Approximately

150 artists will be selected from across the country to sell paintings, glasswork, jewelry, textiles, furniture, sculpture and more. Artists also compete for $10,000 in merit awards through on-site jurying April 12. In addition, the festival features live entertainment from talented local and regional performers; artisan foods from local restaurants, and a Spring 2014

May
May 2, Pigeon Forge Dollys Homecoming Parade | Nearly
50,000 people line the Pigeon Forge Parkway to watch this parade. Dolly Parton is the grand marshal, and the parade includes oats, local entertainers and more. This will be the 29th year for this spring tradition. CONTACT: www.mypigeonforge.com/parade tnconnections.com

April 24-26, Clarksville Rivers & Spires Festival | This

famous annual festival features more than 100 entertainers, a kids area, car shows, delicious food, jazz and more. Dont miss it!

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May 2-24, Memphis Memphis in May International Festival | This monthlong celebration
includes events like the Beale Street Music Festival and the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest. CONTACT: (901) 525-4611

steeplechase. CONTACT: (866) 207-2391, iroquoissteeplechase.org

May 15-17, Adamsville Buford Pusser Festival | This annual

festival honors the famous Walking Tall sheriff and features good music, food and family fun. CONTACT: (731) 632-4080, bufordpussermuseum.com

May 10, Lebanon Wilson County SpringFest & Garden Tour | Master gardener plant sale takes
place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the James E. Ward Agricultural Center in Lebanon. Admission and parking is free. Mothers Day is that Sunday, so bring your mom for a day of owers, food, fun and fresh air. CONTACT: (615) 444-9584, wcmastergardener.com

May 4-10, Humboldt West Tennessee Strawberry Festival

| Celebrating its 75th year, this fun festival includes parades, live entertainment, a barbecue cook-off, concerts, reworks, and of course, strawberries! CONTACT: (731) 784-1842, wtsf.org

May 16-17, Sevierville Seviervilles Bloomin BBQ & Bluegrass | Make your way to this exciting
event, which features the Tennessee State Barbeque Cook-Off with teams from all over the United States. Theres also fun bluegrass concerts, kids games, great food and authentic mountain crafts. CONTACT: visitsevierville.com/vsevents.aspx

May 13-17, Dayton Tennessee Strawberry Festival |

Celebrate the strawberry at this familyfriendly festival. Guests can enjoy crafts, delicious food, a parade and more. CONTACT: (423) 570-0105

May 6 Nov. 1, Jonesborough Storytelling Live! | Storytellers from

across the country make their way to Jonesborough to share their stories and entertain visitors. CONTACT: (800) 952-8392, storytellingcenter.net

May 17-18, Greeneville 19th Annual Iris Festival | This fun

arts and crafts festival features food, entertainment and more surrounded by the history of Tennessee-born President Andrew Johnson. The annual Woodcarving Show is held each year in conjunction with the festival. CONTACT: (423) 638-4111, greenecountypartnership.com/events

May 10, Nashville 73rd Annual Running of the Iroquois Steeplechase | Spend a day
at the races! This event is the nations oldest continuously run, weight-for-age

May 15-17, Knoxville International Biscuit Festival | Named

one of the countrys top 10 food festivals, this popular event will rise again in downtown Knoxville at Market Square. Guests can enjoy food, fun, music and more throughout the three-day festival. CONTACT: biscuitfest.com

May 22-25, Crawford Americana Music Festival | Enjoy this

three-day camping and music festival that coincides with the taping of an episode of the Jammin at Hippie Jacks Americana Music Series on PBS. Hotel accommodations are available for those who may not be the camping type. CONTACT: (931) 445-2072, myhippiejack.com

May 24, Hampshire Cajunfest 2014 | Spend the day in the

picturesque setting of Amber Falls Winery and support the Boys and Girls Club of Maury County. Enjoy authentic Cajun music, crawsh races, cornhold tournaments, cooking demonstrations and, of course, lots of Cajun food. The festival will serve up boiled crawsh, fried alligator, jambalaya and boudin. Family fun day from 12 to 8 p.m. CONTACT: (931) 285-0088, amberfallswinery.com

May 30-June 1, Memphis Memphis Italian Festival | This

community celebration demonstrates the values of family, faith and fellowship in the Italian-American tradition. Guests can enjoy music, food, games, arts and crafts, and more at this years 25th anniversary celebration. CONTACT: (901) 767-6949, memphisitalianfestival.com 16

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CONNECT TO TN PRODUCTS

Statewide roundup of favorite nds

Where the Red Fruits Grow
In the beautiful mountains of Unicoi County, you can nd a bounty of fresh strawberries, tomatoes and more at Scotts Strawberry & Tomato Farms. The Scotts have been selling their produce to the public since 1959, when Wayne and Mary Lou Scott moved to the farm in Unicoi. They raised ve children on the farm, two of whom are still full-time farmers. Brothers Steve and David have degrees in horticulture and agriculture, respectively, and use their experience and education to work hard and maintain the level of standards that their parents set for them years ago. Strawberries are their rst major crop of the year, beginning in May and typically lasting until mid-June. The Scotts sell their strawberries straight from the farm and throughout East Tennessee. You can nd their berries at Food City stores and roadside stands in Knoxville, Greeneville, Morristown, Elizabethton, Unicoi, Johnson City and Bristol. Tomato season follows, with vine-ripened maters available to the public. They also ship nationwide. The Scotts also raise sweet corn and green beans, which are available steadily through early fall or until the rst frost. Call them at (423) 743-7511 or visit scottfarmstn.com for additional information.

Wash Your Troubles Away

One East Tennessee soap company is about more than clean hands. Good Fortune Soap, founded by Jennifer Strain, focuses on paying it forward and giving back. While working full-time as a graphic designer, Strain taught herself how to make soap by studying the trade and the natural products industry. Since selling her rst bar of soap in December 2006, Strains business has taken off. She recently opened a retail shop near downtown Chattanooga and has expanded her line. Good Fortune Soap: Chattanoogas Green Clean Store now offers a skincare line, an essential oil bar and green clean home products. Strains soaps, lotions, candles, lip and other bath and body products are available throughout Tennessee and in more than 20 states. Her award-winning products and package design have been featured in Southern Living and Country Living magazines. Good Fortunes motto, Wash your troubles away, isnt just a slogan; its also their mission. Their packaging and community efforts inspire customers to live purposefully, think green and pay it forward. And Strain puts her money where her mouth is in 2010, she traveled to Haiti and taught 50 local women how to make and sell soap. Visit goodfortunesoap.com or call (423) 473-6727 for more information.

Spice Things Up
A Parrotsville-based farm specializes in growing one of the hottest peppers on the planet. Having grown more than 60,000 pounds of habaneros, Big S Farms owner Vance Carter attributes the companys success to some of the richest soil in the world. Located in the the Smokies, the farm grows dozens of varieties of habaneros to make its all-natural, preservative-free hot sauce and salsa, which have names such as Tennessee Thunder hot sauce. Big S Farms products are available at Knoxville and Nashville area Kroger stores and online at bigsfarms.net.
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JOURNAL COMMUNICATIONS 725 COOL SPRINGS BLVD., SUITE 400 FRANKLIN, TN 37067

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE Lebanon Junction, KY 40150 Permit No. 222

PAID

Energy-Saving Tips for Spring

Following these steps can save you money this season
Refrigerator: Your fridge is responsible for up to 11 percent of your households energy usage. Make sure the condenser coils in your fridge are free of dust and pet hair. Clean coils allow air to circulate more freely, using less electricity. Pay attention to the seals on your fridges door. They should be clean and tight. Cooling: Instead of replacing a faulty air conditioner, consider an attic ventilator. It can provide as much comfort as your air conditioner at a lower price. The ventilator brings cool air up through your home all you have to do is pump in cool air in the evenings.

Whether you have an air conditioner or attic ventilator, keep doors and windows shut tightly during the day to keep cool air from escaping. Kitchen: Use an exhaust fan to get rid of hot air when youre cooking. Give your stove and oven a break, and use your microwave and countertop appliances to prepare food. Install a ceiling fan in your kitchen to keep air circulating. Bathroom: Install a water saving showerhead, reducing your hot water use without cutting down on time in the shower. Dont keep hot water running nonstop while washing your face or shaving. Take a shorter shower to avoid sending money down the drain. No purchase necessary!