Knoxville, TN February 2026

Admiral Custom Home Builders

Hope & Precision. Right Here at Home.

OUR REGION’S ONLY PROTON THERAPY CENTER

When it comes to cancer treatment, you deserve the most advanced care available — and now, you don’t have to travel far to get it. Proton therapy represents a revolutionary advancement in cancer treatment, delivering precise radiation directly to tumors while protecting surrounding healthy tissue. Proton beams stop exactly where your doctor aims them, reducing side effects and improving outcomes.

WHEN CLINICALLY APPROPRIATE, BENEFITS OF PROTON THERAPY INCLUDE:

• Pinpoint accuracy that spares healthy organs

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• Improved quality of life

LEADING THE WAY IN CANCER CARE

Thompson Proton Center brings tomorrow’s medicine to our community today. This is more than advanced cancer treatment — it’s a new chapter of hope, made possible by innovation and delivered with heart.

Thompson Proton Center 6450 Provision Cares Way Knoxville, TN 37909

Call 865-353-6683 to learn more or schedule your consultation.

The moments of our lives we remember usually have very little to do with money, but finding a little time now to plan for the future can make more of those memories happen. That’s why we’ve built an in-house, independent team of experts to help you create more moments that matter.

Love Local for Knoxville City Lifestyle

When the February issue rolls around each year, Marc, our team, and I are always excited to have the opportunity to spotlight local businesses, community leaders, and worthy nonprofits that we love. This year’s Love Local issue is especially meaningful as we turn a page and announce that after five and a half years, West Knoxville Lifestyle is now Knoxville City Lifestyle. Our community-driven magazine has always celebrated the people, places and businesses that make West Knoxville feel like home, but we’ve outgrown that name in our story coverage, and our distribution. The Knoxville City Lifestyle name change means more homes and businesses in Knoxville will receive print copies delivered to their mailboxes each month. And more members of our community will be able to pick up the magazine at more distribution points in our city.

By changing our name to Knoxville City Lifestyle, we are now more aligned with the identity of our corporate publisher, City Lifestyle—its demographics, its voice and its networking advantages in the City Lifestyle magazines in almost 300 markets across the country. If you’d like to learn more about partnering with Knoxville City Lifestyle to elevate your brand, please reach out to marc.rochelson@citylifestyle.com.

We are so proud of what our team of skilled photographers, writers, graphic artists, editors and social media specialists has built as West Knoxville Lifestyle. Now, with all of Knoxville as our playground, we’re looking forward to the next chapter, adding new stories, new readers and new advertising partners from across a broader landscape.

For new readers, welcome! For current readers, be assured you will still enjoy Knoxville History Project’s intriguing storytelling and PYA Waltman’s monthly guest columnist insights into real-world financial stewardship, along with more features and profiles about our growing community and the best products, services, entertainment, hospitality and adventures to explore throughout Knoxville month after month.

You are part of this city’s story. Help us tell it!

As Local Story Sharer-in-Chief, I am always looking for ideas and inspiration to share. I would love to hear from you! Please reach out to me at amy.campbell@ citylifestyle.com. On behalf of our entire team, thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your Love Local for Knoxville City Lifestyle.

AMY CAMPBELL & MARC ROCHELSON, EDITOR & PUBLISHER

@WESTKNOXVILLELIFESTYLE

February 2026

PUBLISHER

Marc Rochelson | marc.rochelson@citylifestyle.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Amy Campbell | amy.campbell@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Chelsea Babin | chelsea.babin@citylifestyle.com

COPY EDITOR

Matias Arredondo | matias.arredondo@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Patricia Storm Broyles, Paul James, Jack Neely, Claire Kluth, CFP®, EA

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Shawn Poynter, Ben Finch, Big Slate Media, Nadia Kidd, Amy Campbell

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Jenna Crawford

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler

Proverbs 3:5-6

city scene

1: The Tennessee Theatre announced the opening date of the 612 renovation during a press conference Dec. 9. 2: Becky Hancock announced the opening date of March 20, 2026 for the 612 renovation. 3: Tennessee Theatre Executive Director Becky Hancock, with Owner of “Inside of Knoxville”, Leslie W. Bateman 4: Space that will serve as a community recording studio for visiting guests and nonprofit organizations. 5: Becky Hancock describes the new space to members of the press. 6: Robyn MacAdoo is the Senior Project Manager for the renovation with Partners Real Estate Development. 7: A sneak peek at the future expansion

8: Ossoli Circle “The Oldest Federated Club in the South” celebrated its 140th anniversary Dec. 11. 9: L-R: Janice Hixon, Wanda Sobieski, President of Suffrage Coalition and Women's Suffrage Museum and Jan Coley. 10: Board member Linda Williams dressed as Lizzie Crozier French, Founder of Ossoli Circle, 1885. 11: Wanda Sobieski, President, Women’s Suffrage Coalition and Women’s Suffrage Museum with rendering of future Museum. 12: Jan Coley, current president of Ossoli Circle 13: Ossoili member, Hattie Perry 14: Library Docent, Katie Logan. Ossoli Circle is a women’s club dedicated to education and service.

The Critical Role of Beneficiary Designations in Your Estate Plan

Julie D. Eisenhower, JD, LLM Master Certified Estate Planner ®

PATEL

& EISENHOWER, PLLC

When people think about estate planning, wills and trusts usually come to mind. While these are essential tools, one o en-overlooked component is the beneficiary designation on accounts like retirement plans, life insurance policies, and payable-on-death bank accounts. Ge ing these designations right is just as important as the provisions in your will or trust.

Beneficiary designations allow the account holder to specify who receives the assets directly, bypassing the probate process. is means that assets can transfer quickly and o en with less expense than if they were distributed through a will. However, because these designations override what is in your will or trust, errors or omissions can cause serious issues.

Some common mistakes include failing to name a beneficiary, maintaining outdated designations, naming minor child directly, or creating conflicts with your estate plan. If no beneficiary is listed, the account may default to your estate, potentially triggering probate delays and unnecessary fees. Life events like marriage, divorce, births, or deaths can render old beneficiary designations inconsistent with your current intentions. Naming a minor child directly as a beneficiary may require a court to appoint a guardian to manage the funds until the child reaches the age of majority. Additionally, if beneficiary designations conflict with your estate plan, the designations typically take precedence, which can unintentionally disinherit intended beneficiaries or lead to legal disputes.

Make sure beneficiary designations align with your will or trust provisions. e most detailed will or trust cannot prevent problems if beneficiary designations are incorrect or incomplete. Regularly reviewing and updating these forms is a small step that can save your loved ones from confusion, delays, and unnecessary expenses during an already di cult time.

business monthly

The Dogwood Arts House and Garden Show

The Dogwood Arts House & Garden Show, presented by BlueWing Homes, returns Feb. 6-8, inviting visitors to welcome spring with over 10,000 square feet of Grand Gardens and top vendors in home improvement, interior design and appliances. Guests can shop unique art, jewelry and handmade goods at the Maker Market and attend DIY demonstrations and expert talks on gardening, home improvement, cooking and more. The event is Dogwood Arts’ largest annual fundraiser. DogwoodArts.com.

Scan to read more

Bath Tune-Up at Dogwood Arts House and Garden Show

Be sure to stop by our partner’s Bath Tune-Up Knoxville booth at the Dogwood House and Garden Show. Owner Dave Michael, a University of Tennessee graduate and avid UT fan, leads a local team that delivers quality bathroom remodels, from tub-to-shower conversions to full updates. The company blends national franchise support with personalized service and craftsmanship to help East Tennessee homeowners love their bathrooms. BathTune-up.com/knoxville-tn

Akima Club Cabaret Presents “The Wizard of Hawz”

The Akima Club Cabaret presents “The Wizard of Hawz” Feb. 27-28 at The Mill & Mine. Founded in 1947, Akima is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in its 79th year, with cabaret proceeds benefiting the Akima Grant program for local agencies serving arts, youth, health and social services. Evening performances include dinner, dancing and a silent auction, with a matinée Feb. 28. AkimaClub.org.

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ARTICLE BY KNOXVILLE CITY LIFESTYLE STAFF

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHAWN POYNTER, BIG SLATE MEDIA, BEALL AND THOMAS, NADIA KIDD

GROWING With KNOXVILLE

West Knoxville Lifestyle Becomes Knoxville City Lifestyle

Hello!

If you’re receiving this magazine for the first time in your mailbox, welcome to our growing community. If you currently receive our magazine at your home and are surprised at our new masthead, we want to reintroduce ourselves.

Let us tell you a story.

WE OUTGREW OUR NAME

In May 2020, a veteran health care sales executive, fine arts professional and seasoned podcaster stepped into the Knoxville publication scene — and never looked back. Publisher Marc Rochelson and Managing Editor Amy Campbell lead a team celebrating five and a half years of growth, grit and grace for their print and online publication, West Knoxville Lifestyle. The next exciting chapter holds a name change for a venture that quickly outgrew its own mission, one that more comprehensively reflects the full terrain of community coverage. Knoxville City Lifestyle.

Rochelson, who drives the magazine’s commercial engine, explains, “What we do is so much bigger than West Knoxville. We’ve always been more than a neighborhood magazine, focusing on all kinds of things that matter to Knoxvillians with hyperlocal content and stories told from many different perspectives.”

“With all the new people moving in from out of state, it’s even more relevant to showcase the best Knoxville has to offer. Our cultural center is our whole town. Our archival issues represent just that. Knoxville is growing. So are we. Knoxville City Lifestyle mirrors that expanding mission.”

ELEVATE THE GOOD

As Managing Editor, Campbell is the creative heart and soul behind the magazine. “I think of our magazine as more than a platform, actually more of a home for sharing the everyday goodness of our community—people, some high profile, some working behind the scenes, using their God-given talents to make our community shine,” Campbell says.

“We are the same team with the same core purpose: a commitment to supporting local business, a passion for deep dive storytelling and a commitment to spotlighting the vital work of local nonprofits.” Building strong relationships among readers, advertising partners, local businesses and nonprofits, and the community members featured in its pages is a top priority for Campbell.

“We appreciate our readers investing their time, reading loyalty and purchasing power with our ad partners who make sharing these stories about the best of Knoxville possible month after month. It helps us spread the goodness!”

BACKSTORIES BEHIND THE STOREFRONT

Knoxville City Lifestyle is blessed, Campbell believes, to partner with so many local businesses that have track records of giving back to their communities in truly impactful ways.

“It is a badge of honor to spotlight our advertising partners who work with dedication and discipline, persevere to start a business, build something lasting from the ground up, and endeavor to bring excellence to everything they do for the clientele and community they serve,” Rochelson adds.

“Your trust and collaboration make it possible for us to spotlight this community with purpose and creativity.”

—Marc Rochelson.

Just a few examples of these powerful stories behind the brand include Company Distilling, an East Tennessee spirits distiller, whose corporate mission to Gather Around giving is the powerful directive that spills over into their national nonprofit grant program. Or, financial advisors PYA Waltman, who contribute a monthly guest column to the magazine, and with time and treasure, support nonprofits like Second Harvest Food Bank of  East Tennessee. Or, Dr. Tom Gallaher, a board-certified plastic surgeon, who hosts an annual pig roast and music fest on Veterans Day weekend on his family farm to support Tunnel to Towers and Southern Foodways Alliance.

Opening the door for readers to see behind the success stories of these talented Knoxville business leaders connects them closer to the community that supports their enterprise.

FAMILY ACTS

Knoxville is a town filled with families whose humility, hard work and reputation in their chosen field get handed down, and then, as is so often the case, get taken to the next level. It’s a privilege for the magazine to share generational stories, like beloved Cruze Farm Dairy, now led by daughter Colleen and husband Manjit Bhatti, with its fresh churned ice cream and signature red and white gingham; or, Southern culinary legend Allan Benton of chef-worthy Benton’s Smoky Mountain Country Hams, whose son Darren left a medical career to return and become his father’s right-hand man.

Readers have been introduced to the mother and daughter duo behind acclaimed Patricia Nash Designs; Britton Colquitt (now in Gulf Coast real estate) of the father and sons’ trio of Super Bowl champion punters; the Klonaris family of restaurateurs and event managers; and three generations of the Saah family of fine furniture tradesmen whose story began with immigration to Knoxville in the 1970s.

Family, faith, culture and heritage skillfully passed from parents to sons and daughters in every compelling story.

“We appreciate our readers investing their time, reading loyalty and purchasing power with our ad partners who make sharing stories about the best of Knoxville possible month after month.”

—Amy Campbell.

NONPROFITS STANDING STRONG

Launching a new enterprise in the first year of Covid was daunting, something the magazine has in common with many Knoxville nonprofits. The executive director reminisces in covering arts organizations like Tennessee Theatre, Clarence Brown Theatre, Knoxville Opera, Knoxville Museum of Art, Knoxville Children’s Theatre and Dogwood Arts Festival, “And, then Covid hit.” The resiliency to survive that grows deep in Knoxville soil showed up in these resourcefully creative nonprofits, coming out on the other side stronger than ever.

Heroes come in all sizes in the stories. Little heroes like Andrew, who have an expert team on their side in Children’s Hospital NICU with its preemie-bonding Milk Drops program. Or big heroes like VFL, NFL Quarterback and Aerospace Engineer Josh Dobbs, whose ASTROrdinary Dobbs Foundation introduces Girls Inc. of TN Valley to the U.S. Space & Rocket Center Space Camp.

To anchor readers with the perspective of a 240-year-old history, the magazine’s educational partner, Knoxville History Project, monthly chronicles the city’s stories, many of which have not been previously told, connecting the city to the world.

THE CURIOUS BUSINESS OF Q&A

Since 2014, Campbell built a loyal following for her podcast, The Tennessee Farm Table, interviewing some of East Tennessee’s savviest farmers and foodies, artisan bakers and local chefs, gardeners and growers, makers of all sorts of regional agriculturally based products. A format that translates well in companion pieces in the magazine.

Readers enjoy the casual sit-down Q&A chat that drills down the “how” and “why” behind a personal passion: from legendary University of Tennessee coach and beekeeper hobbyist Phillip Fulmer to world-renowned Blackberry Farm’s Master Gardener John Coykendall, whose sage advice on heirloom seeds and generational planting practices are a regular feature.

Local writers and artists, designers and remodelers, brewers and builders, physicians and financiers, established names and budding entrepreneurs like Rayanne Streeter, who recounts her journey from pop-up truck to bookstore and a 65,000+ Instagram following in less than a year. Must-read interviews keep Knoxville City Lifestyle readers in the know about the community’s up-and-comers and movers and shakers.

“Reflecting on five incredible years of local storytelling, partnerships and growth, we’re reminded this magazine is about more than pages—it’s about people and connection.”

TURNING THE PAGE

“We’re privileged to support local businesses and showcase the goodness that surrounds us in Knoxville,” Campbell says. “Reflecting on five incredible years of local storytelling, partnerships and growth, we’re reminded this magazine is about more than pages—it’s about people and connection.”

“To our advertising partners, your trust and collaboration make it possible for us to spotlight this community with purpose, creativity and consistency. We could not do this without you,” adds Rochelson.

For first-timers and old friends alike, thank you for welcoming us into your home, taking the time to read through stories each month and discovering new possibilities for every area of life. We’re grateful that our readers and ad partners feel they have a relationship with us and have found a home with us. It’s the highest honor you could give us. After all, home is where the people who know you best have your back and encourage you to realize your dreams.

Thank you for being part of our story.

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Brett Mistak Art

Photorealistic oil paintings inspired by wildlife, world travels and the landscapes of the Great Smoky Mountains.

Hours: Monday-Friday and most Saturdays, 11 a.m.–5:30 p.m., or by appointment

865-567-7023

107 Painted Trillium Way, Townsend, TN

v @brettmistakart b Brett-Mistak-Art brettmistakart.com

BRETT MISTAK ART

MARYVILLE PAINTER DRAWS FROM LOCAL LANDSCAPES AND GLOBAL TRAVELS

ARTICLE BY AMY CAMPBELL PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHAWN POYNTER

Sometimes a person comes along who leaves a lasting mark. Brett Mistak is one of those people, both as an artist and as a former student, who stood out early for his promise and dedication. In the late 1990s, while studying art at Carson-Newman College, now Carson-Newman University, Mistak demonstrated advanced artistic skills and talent that set him apart in the classroom. In the decades since, he has continued to refine those abilities, building a body of work rooted in careful observation, technical precision and a deep connection to place.

Mistak’s paintings often reflect the landscapes and wildlife of East Tennessee, particularly the Great Smoky Mountains. For many in the region, the mountains provide a sense of grounding and identity, and Mistak’s work captures that relationship through detailed, exacting compositions. His canvases come to life through a thoughtful treatment of paint, light, shape and color. While landscapes are a central theme, his subjects are varied, mirroring his wide-ranging personal interests and experiences.

A third-generation artist, Mistak came of age with a pencil in hand. As an art major and varsity football player in college, he expanded his natural abilities while taking on challenging new media. Oil painting eventually became his specialty. Known for his photorealistic approach, Mistak devotes hours of studio time to each project, focusing intently on small details such as the scale of a reptile or the filament of a feather. The complexity of blending colors and executing intricate brushstrokes is a challenge he embraces fully.

If art imitates life, Mistak’s work tells the story of extensive travel and close observation of the natural world. He has lived and traveled from Alaska to Africa, from Caribbean beaches to trout streams. Those experiences inform an artistic practice that includes photorealism, still life and contemporary pop art, as well as experimentation with various media and interpretations.

A native and resident of Maryville, Tennessee, Mistak continues to find inspiration close to home. He spends time fishing trout streams, exploring local caves and hiking regional trails. In 2020, he established the Brett Mistak Art Gallery

+ Studio at the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a location that reflects both his subject matter and his connection to the area.

The gallery, located in the Shops at Trillium Cove at 107 Painted Trillium Way, features an open design and a casual, inviting atmosphere. Visitors are encouraged to grab a coffee from a neighboring vendor and stop in for relaxed browsing and friendly conversation. The Shops at Trillium Cove host a range of artisans, from those with a green thumb to baristas and other crafters in between.

Mistak’s original artwork is featured at his gallery and is available for purchase in a range of sizes and media, including prints. His art business has been designated a “Trusted Art Seller” by the Art Storefronts Organization.

Find Brett at his gallery to greet visitors every day and most weekends from 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m., and by appointment. Brett is also a husband and dad of teenagers, and there may be times when he is called away from the gallery. For appointments, call 865-567-7023 and discover more information at BrettMistakArt.com.

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ARTICLE BY PAUL JAMES

Continuing the story from last month, the Knoxville-based Great Smoky Mountains Conservation Association hired Paul Adams to build a proper campsite on Mount Le Conte, just over 100 years ago, in the summer of 1925. As a young, experienced outdoorsman, naturalist and trail guide, Adams eagerly embraced the task with his intelligent canine companion, Smoky Jack, who was now equipped with leather saddlebags to help pack supplies up and down the mountain.

Adams first introduced Jack to Charlie Ogle, the owner of a general store in Gatlinburg. Since the dog weighed 90 pounds, Adams felt that the German Shepherd shouldn’t carry more than a third of his body weight. Fifteen pounds of supplies in each pocket would be enough. Protective of his assignment, the dog would never let anyone pet him when carrying a load.

When Adams wanted to send the loyal dog down to get more supplies, he would issue the command: “Go to the store, Jack. Store!” And off the dog would trot, five miles or more down to Gatlinburg. On

arrival, he would bark and then allow Mr. Ogle to fill his saddlebags before making the return journey on his own.

One day, Jack arrived at the store and found that Ogle had gone to Knoxville, so he waited several hours for him to return. Making several round trips per week, Jack soon earned his keep. His treks not only saved Adams time away from camp, but they also saved portage fees for the Conservation Association, incurred every time the store delivered small supplies up the trail.

In late July 1925, Adams cleared a gap in the woods on top of Le Conte and erected a large tent to accommodate the first group of visitors to camp. He would have been well acquainted with most of the overnight hikers in this party, which included the Ijams family and members of the recently formed Smoky Mountain Hiking Club, including Knoxvillians Brockway Crouch, Albert “Dutch” Roth, and well-known photography brothers Jim and Robin Thompson. Jim arranged the picture, but Robin took the shot with a wide-angle lens. It’s a genuine classic of the early national park era. Adams can be

seen holding an axe while Smoky Jack is hiding under the table—although he was well-behaved, he could also be stubborn, refusing to come out of the shadows for a glamor shot!

Another day that summer, Adams walked down to Gatlinburg to get some supplies of his own. Jack came along, but as they were coming down the Rainbow Falls Trail, the dog, shortly ahead of his master, halted suddenly and began to loudly bark and growl. Adams thought the dog had possibly seen a snake, but as they carried on, an armed man wearing a fake mustache and a wig appeared from behind a tree and told Adams to put his hands up.

The man took away Adams’ pistol from his belt, emptied the bullets and demanded money. He told Adams that if he should turn around before he had the chance to escape, he would shoot. Adams wasn’t about to argue, and within a few moments the highwayman was gone.

Adams encountered the bandit several more times until he realized that the assailant had figured out when large numbers of campers had paid their fees, and

Smoky Jack in camp, 1925. (UT Libraries, Special Collections.)

Adams likely had a sizable wad of cash on him. From then on, he placed most of his camp money safely in Smoky Jack’s saddlebags. He knew that the dog would be a reliable security guard if needed.

Another escapade included memorable interactions with a timber wolf (or eastern wolf), which was then thought to have been locally extinct for more than 20 years. One afternoon, Adams saw Smoky Jack come racing into camp, followed by something unseen. As he wrote in his journal, he cocked his gun and “a lone timber wolf came bursting out of the tangle of blooming hobblebush, ferns and bush-honeysuckle, intent on catching Jack.” The wolf came a few yards into camp, but Jack’s snapping barks were enough to scare the wolf, which wheeled sharply around and took off back into the woods. Over the coming months, they would see the wolf a few times more. The very last time the pair encountered the wolf in the Smokies would be in 1929.

Adams continued to manage the Le Conte camp until the spring of 1926, when he moved to Alpine, Tennessee, where his father served as a pastor. Jack Huff (son of Andy Huff, owner of the Mountain View Inn in Gatlinburg), took over the job and further improved the camp, building what would become the first proper version of what we know today as the famous LeConte Lodge. Still, the stories of Paul Adams and Smoky Jack continue to enthrall readers interested in the legends of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Today, carefully preserved in the park’s archive in Townsend, the most requested item to be viewed by visitors is the saddlebags worn by Jack all those years ago.

Recommended Reading:

Smoky Jack and Mount Le Conte (UT Press, 2016), featuring new introductions and extensive footnotes by Smokies experts Anne Bridges and Ken Wise, is based on Paul Adams’ memoirs; and LeConte Lodge: A Centennial History of a Smoky Mountain Landmark by Tom Layton and Mike Hembree (McFarland Publishers, 2025).

About KHP:

The educational nonprofit Knoxville History Project tells the city’s true stories, focusing on those that have not been previously told and those that connect the city to the world. Donations to support the work of KHP are always welcomed and appreciated. Learn more at KnoxvilleHistoryProject.org.

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A FIVE-YEAR RETROSPECTIVE

A Look Back at Some of Our Favorite Stories

ARTICLE BY KNOXVILLE CITY LIFESTYLE TEAM

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHAWN POYNTER, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED

Five and a half years as West Knoxville Lifestyle flew by in a blur of photo sessions and interviews with remarkable people and their pursuits. We couldn’t let this opportunity to announce our name change to Knoxville City Lifestyle go by without taking one more look at just a few of the stories that helped define West Knoxville Lifestyle.

1. COMEDIAN LEANNE MORGAN:SHARE A LAUGH WITH LEANNE MORGAN

Comedian Leanne Morgan brought warmth and wit to a studio interview during a pivotal moment in her career. From Tennessee roots and motherhood to viral fame, sold-out tours and a Netflix special, Morgan reflected on persistence, family and finding her lane later in life, proving she truly is just getting started on her own terms.

2. FOUNDER ALLAN BENTON AND DARRELL BENTON:  PASSING ON A TRADITION, BENTON’S COUNTRY HAM

Country ham maker Allan Benton welcomed son Darrell into Benton’s Smoky Mountain Country Hams, passing on a tradition rooted in craft and community. A former Knoxville radiologist, Darrell traded medicine for the smokehouse, finding joy, family time and connection, while Allan keeps working because he loves it, and customers savor hams famed nationwide today.

A James Beard Award winner and owner of Michelin Guide–recommended J.C. Holdway, Knoxville chef Joseph Lenn closed our Summer Grilling Series with pitmaster-level tips. Known for wood-fire cooking, Lenn shared a quick grilled shrimp recipe and advice for home chefs, emphasizing simplicity, heat control and bold, flavorful results.

4. LAGOTTO ROMAGNOLO BREEDER AND TRAINER JIM SANFORD:BLACKBERRY FARM, A DOG-FORWARD STORY

Jim Sanford, a former elephant trainer, now breeds and trains Lagotto Romagnolo dogs at Blackberry Farm in Tennessee. Known for finding truffles and forming strong bonds with owners, his Lagotto program includes breeding, training and international truffle-hunting trips. Sanford has delivered over 300 puppies, blending luxury hospitality, canine intelligence and hands-on instruction into a unique, dog-forward experience.

5. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR BECKY HANCOCK: BRIDGING THE GAP. TENNESSEE THEATRE 612 EXPANSION

In support of the Tennessee Theatre, we highlighted the expansion of 612 S. Gay St., linking the historic 1923 theatre to new patron amenities, rehearsal space and community outreach areas. The expansion, set for completion in March 2026, will enhance performances, education and accessibility ahead of the theater’s centennial in 2028 and will serve future generations.

6. PRESIDENT, REV. RENEÉ KESLER, BECK CULTURAL EXCHANGE CENTER: THE DELANEY MUSEUM AT BECK

Rev. Reneé Kesler interviewed on The Delaney Museum at Beck, a restoration of the Knoxville childhood home of artists Beauford and Joseph Delaney, and preserving a vital chapter of African American art history. The Beck Cultural Exchange Center project honors the Harlem Renaissance–era brothers, while anchoring their global legacy in their hometown through education, community partnership and cultural pride.

7. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR KUMI ALDERMAN, ASIAN CULTURE CENTER OF TENNESSEE: THE KNOXVILLE ASIAN FESTIVAL

Founded by Tokyo native Kumi Alderman, the Annual Knoxville Asian Festival celebrates culture, community and connection through food, music and performance. Returning to World’s Fair Park, the event features 13 countries, martial arts, a parade of nations and family-friendly activities, welcoming thousands to share traditions, spark friendships and experience Asia’s diversity in East Tennessee.

8. WBIR ANCHOR ROBIN WILHOIT: AT HOME WITH WBIR’S ROBIN WILHOIT

One of Knoxville’s most beloved journalists, WBIR anchor Robin Wilhoit, reflected on a 30-year career covering defining moments and everyday stories. She shared what she values most—health, family and balance— while encouraging grace, curiosity and kindness. Wilhoit continues connecting with viewers through trusted storytelling and community service, inspiring the next generation of journalists.

9. COOKBOOK AUTHOR

JIMMY PROFFITT: “SEASONED IN APPALACHIA”

Jimmy Proffitt’s debut cookbook, Seasoned in Appalachia, celebrates Appalachian foodways through 75 approachable recipes rooted in family, storytelling and tradition. Raised among “Granny cooks” in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, Proffitt blends history, folklore and hands-on wisdom, inviting readers into a warm, lived-in kitchen where every dish tells a story of place, perseverance and reverence for Appalachia.

10. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR STEVEN MATIJCIO AND ANITA MATIJCIO THE FINE ART OF APPRECIATION. KNOXVILLE MUSEUM OF ART

Steven Matijcio, executive director of the Knoxville Museum of Art, invited East Tennesseans to gather, reflect and connect through visual art. Since arriving in Knoxville, Matijcio has embraced community, family and creativity, curating welcoming exhibitions and experiences that celebrate local heritage while engaging global perspectives and inspiring curiosity, conversation and a shared sense of place for the whole community.

11. DIRECTOR, DR. CHRIS MAGRA, CENTER FOR THE STUDY OF TENNESSEANS AND WAR:HONORING VOLUNTEER STATE VETERANS

Dr. Chris Magra, UT history professor and director of the Center for the Study of Tennesseans and War, leads a student team preserving the stories of Tennessee veterans from the 1700s to today. Through interviews, archival research and digitized collections, the center honors service members, shares their experiences publicly and creates lasting educational and memorial resources statewide.

12. ARTIST PARIS WOODHULL: A DECADE OF LOCAL ARTISTRY

Knoxville Artist Paris Woodhull has spent a decade turning her passion for art into a thriving business. From murals and illustrated maps to prints, keychains and cards, she blends creativity with entrepreneurship. Woodhull credits mentors and community support for her success, emphasizing perseverance, learning from mistakes and giving emerging artists opportunities to grow.

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If This Bill Could Talk

Let me tell you a riddle. I am green. Depending on the angle, I can look really thin or surprisingly wide. People pass me around. Some hold onto me longer than others. I spend a lot of time folded up in dark, leather spaces with friends who look just like me. Once, I even ended up in a washing machine. It was a harrowing experience, but I survived.

Have you figured it out yet?

You’re right, I’m cash. A crisp $20 bill. Well, I used to be crisp anyway. I’ve circled the country a few times, and I like to think I’m soft and lovable now.

I eventually landed in Knoxville, Tennessee, and I have to say, I like this town. There’s so much to do and see, yet it still feels like a tight-knit community. I hope I get to stay here a while.

My current caretaker, a young woman, grabbed me as she headed out the door to meet friends for coffee near Market Square. She passed me across the counter in exchange for caffeine and a pause in her day, the kind where phones sit face-down and laughter comes easily. That felt like a fair trade to me.

After his shift, I went home with a man who worked there. Turns out he’s a dad, the kind who works long shifts and still stops on the way home because birthdays matter. We drove through North Knoxville and pulled into a small local party store for balloons and streamers. I hope they made that little boy feel loved, the way kids should on their birthdays.

Night fell, the party store closed and I went home with the owner to Rocky Hill. Tired feet, full hands, kids waiting. One of them needed supplies for a school project, so off we went again, this time to a craft store just off Kingston Pike. I held my breath. When money goes to big chains, it often leaves town quickly. But whew, another local stop. Glue sticks, poster board and markers landed on the counter, and I got to stay right here in Knoxville.

A few days later, I found myself tucked into a wallet again, heading to a small barbershop in South Knoxville, the kind where everyone knows everyone and no one’s in a hurry to leave. My caretaker traded me for a haircut, a familiar greeting and the comfort of being known. The barber slid me into the register and went back to work, talking about football and family with the next customer.

I may only be twenty dollars, but moments like this remind me that I don’t have to be big to matter.

Each time I’m spent close to home, I get another chance to stay here, supporting paychecks, birthday celebrations, family dinners, haircuts and school projects along the way. Quietly, transaction by transaction, local dollars (like me!) help strengthen the Knoxville community we all share.

That $20 bill didn’t change the world on its own. But multiplied over time, across families, paychecks and small decisions, it made a quiet difference. That’s how money really works.

At its core, financial planning is about intention. At PYA Waltman, it’s about making sure your dollars reflect your values, whether that means supporting local businesses, caring for your family, preparing for the unexpected or building a future right here in Knoxville.

When we plan thoughtfully, our money does more than sit in accounts. It moves with purpose. It supports the life we want to live and the community we’re proud to call home.

PYA Waltman (“PYA”) is an investment adviser registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Registration does not imply a level of skill or training. More information about PYA’s investment advisory services can be found in its Form ADV Part 2 and/or Form CRS, which is available upon request. PYA-25-57

At PYA Waltman, it’s about making sure your dollars reflect your values, whether that means supporting local businesses, caring for your family, preparing for the unexpected or building a future right here in Knoxville.

A SALAD REC IPE TO LOV E

A GORGEOUS, FRESH AND SIMPLE DISH

PEAR, PROSCIUTTO,

Burrata Salad

INGREDIENTS

• Ripe Pear

• Prosciutto

• Burrata

• Lemon Zest

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil

• Dried Figs

• Red Pepper Flakes

DIRECTIONS

1. Slice the ripe pear into thin slices.

2. Arrange pear slices on a plate, creating a base for the salad.

3. Nestle slices of prosciutto in-between pear slices, a perfect combo of sweet and savory.

4. Tear the burrata into bite-sized pieces and scatter them over the salad adding a velvety creaminess to the ensemble.

5. Grate fresh lemon zest over the entire salad, infusing it with citrus flavor.

6. Top with fresh basil, figs and pepper flakes.

7. Finish by generously drizzling extra virgin olive oil over the salad, creating a silky texture that ties it all together.

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

FEBRUARY 4TH

Concertmaster After Dark: Tides of Solitude

Knoxville Museum of Art | 7:00 PM

Concertmaster William Shaub presents a perfect midwinter program on Feb. 4 and 5 at 7 p.m. at Knoxville Museum of Art. Tickets available at KnoxvilleSymphony.com.

FEBRUARY 7TH

The Indelible Appalachians. Documentary, Dinner and Panel (Partnership with UTK)

Beck Cultural Exchange Center | 5:30 PM

The Beck Cultural Exchange Center in Knoxville presents special programming for Black History Month during Feb., featuring art exhibitions, guest speakers and community events celebrating Black history and culture. For the full schedule of February events offering opportunities for education, reflection and community engagement throughout the month, check BeckCenter.net.

FEBRUARY 7TH

Grand Kyiv Ballet Presents Swan Lake

Bijou Theatre | 7:00 PM

The Grand Kyiv Ballet presents the classic ballet Swan Lake, featuring Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, at the Bijou Theatre. Tickets: KnoxBijou.org.

FEBRUARY 12TH

Valentine’s Romance: Star-Crossed Lovers

Knoxville Symphony Orchestra | 7:30 PM

Celebrate love with three Russian romantic masterpieces: Tchaikovsky and Prokofiev’s interpretations of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, framed by Rachmaninoff’s dazzling Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini as a stunning interlude. KnoxvilleSymphony.com

FEBRUARY 20TH

Il barbiere di Siviglia

Tennessee Theatre | 2:30 PM

Rossini’s “The Barber of Seville” bursts with wit, famous “Figaro” arias, disguises and comedy as clever Figaro helps Almaviva win Rosina. Sung in Italian with English translations. KnoxvilleOpera.org

FEBRUARY 21ST

The East Tennessee Chinese New Year Festival

Cox Auditorium on the campus of the University of Tennessee | 6:30 PM

The East Tennessee Chinese New Year Festival is a celebration featuring traditional singing, dance, martial arts and a lion dance, with special guest Yao Lu performing instrumental music. Families and community members are invited to experience cultural festivities celebrating Chinese heritage and the Lunar New Year in East Tennessee. KnoxvilleChineseCulture.org.

ARTICLE BY CHERYL PARTON

BY JANIE JONES

DIY VALENTINES

Simple Projects to Celebrate at Home

The first Valentines were handmade in the 18th century, long before printing presses and mass-produced options. Today, handmade signifies the ultimate in personal mots d’amour.  Enjoy these sweet projects as a couple, a family, or with friends.

1. Arts

Create heart ornaments to hang on a Valentine’s Day tree. The ornaments can be used as clue cards for a Valentine's Day scavenger hunt. Participants find their picture on the tree and hunt for a hidden treasure.

2.Sweets

A home-based holiday is made complete with a dessert table. Whether made from scratch or store bought, a collection of decorated confections is as beautiful as the treats are delectable to eat.

3.Sentiments

Poetry is a most personal way to express your heart. No need to be intimidated by haiku, a short form of Japanese poetry. While there are several variations of the form, a traditional place to begin is with a seasonal word that divides 17 syllables into three lines of five/ seven/five. Simple and sweet.

ARTS SWEETS SENTIMENTS

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