Arts + Culture

Knoxville’s Early Christmas Traditions

Article by Paul James and Jack Neely | Photography by Photography and illustrations by Beck Cultural Exchange Center, McClung Historical Collection, TAMIS, Wikipedia For many years, the Clarence Brown Theatre has staged a production of Charles Dickens’ classic novella, A Christmas Carol . The story, about the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge and his visits by four apparitions who encourage his moral reclamation, continues to be told and dramatized throughout the world, and it doesn’t appear to be...

Arts + Culture

Seasoned in Appalachia

Jimmy Proffitt’s Guide to Appalachian Foodways, Folktales and Family Recipes Article by Amy Campbell | Photography by Abby Stewart and Amy Campbell Jimmy Proffitt’s debut cookbook is brimful of 75 Appalachian staples and celebrates a homegrown heritage of passionate cooking that began in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. “Seasoned in Appalachia” spills the sweet tea on recipes Proffitt grew up loving and learning to make in a houseful of “Granny cooks” and a father who was also a volunteer fireman...

Finance + Legal Services

Brain Crave

Article by Melissa Ballard, CFP® | Photography by Ben Finch I’m fascinated by our brains—how and why we make decisions. Whether we want to admit it or not, there is a tug-of-war in our minds between innate desire and rational thought. We all fancy ourselves rational beings, too evolved to make irrational decisions. But the truth is that we all do it. As a wise friend of mine says, “We cannot deny our biology.” Have you ever experienced that little jolt of excitement when clicking “add to...

Food + Beverage

Holiday Breakfast Simplified

Simple Solutions to Celebrate With Family and Friends Article by Recipes and Styling by Angela Broockerd | Photography by Janie Jones The holidays are filled with family gatherings. Enjoy these easy, make-ahead recipes to simplify your holiday breakfast and impress your guests.   Croissant Lemon Berry Delight Casserole Ingredients: 6 large croissants (from the bakery) sliced into cubes 3 cups mixed berries  1 package cream cheese, softened  1 cup sugar 5 eggs at room temperature 2...

Food + Beverage

Company Distilling's Invitation to Gather Around Giving

A Tennessee-Based Distillery Supports Nonprofits Across the United States Article by West Knoxville Lifestyle Staff | Photography by Shawn Poynter West Knoxville Lifestyle is fortunate to partner with businesses in our region who are committed to giving back to their communities in meaningful ways that offer lasting impact. We have been inspired by an East Tennessee distiller whose corporate mission is to Gather Around ™ as they create “Spirits Worthy of Sharing,” visionary ideals that spill...

Education

Cozy December Reads

Article by Chelsea Bauer | Photography by Amy Campbell Cozy up with our December book picks, perfect for winter reading. From heartfelt memoirs to festive fiction, these stories warm every reader’s season. This month, Chelsea Bauer, book buyer at Union Ave Books, has a few suggestions for your next new read.    Having People Over: A Modern Guide to Planning, Throwing, and Attending Every Type of Party by Chelsea Fagan This incredibly accessible book is filled with tips, tricks, recipes and...

Arts + Culture

“A Christmas Carol” A Knoxville Treasure

With “A Christmas Carol,” Dickens Captured Art Magic in a Bottle Connected to Christmas, Which He Loved, and That Spirit of Fun Comes Through Article by Patricia Storm Broyles | Photography by Shawn Poynter and Le Anna Jacobson Associate Professor Jed Diamond came to the University of Tennessee in 2005 after a two-decade run as a freelance teacher and stage actor in New York City and regional repertory theatre. He was founding faculty and associate director of the Shakespeare Lab at the New...

Finance + Legal Services

The Lens of Gratefulness: A Thanksgiving Reflection

Article by April Smith, FPQP™ | Photography by Ben Finch grate·ful / ˈɡ rātf(ə)l/ adjective 1. feeling or showing an appreciation of kindness; thankful In our family, we have a cherished tradition during Thanksgiving. Before the feast begins, each of us takes a moment to share something we’re thankful for. The elders speak of specific moments or meaningful relationships that have left a lasting impression over the past year. The middle-aged often recall a special event or...

Arts + Culture

Knoxville National Cemetery

Article by Paul James and Jack Neely | Photography by Photography and illustrations by: Shawn Poynter, Knoxville History Project, Library of Congress Many people are familiar with Knoxville’s Old Gray Cemetery, located on Broadway. With its winding tree-lined lanes and old gravestones, ornate obelisks and memorial statuary, there is no other place quite like it within the city. Yet, immediately to the north, across a low stone wall, is another burial place that is totally different. In...

Wellness

Feeding Neighbors. Strengthening Families. Building Communities.

A.R. Johnson Legacy Society Creates Sustainable Funding for Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee Article by Patricia Storm Broyles | Photography by Shawn Poynter With the recent launch of the A.R. Johnson Legacy Society, Knoxville native A.R. “Rick” Johnson embarks on the second chapter in his 20+ year history with Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee. A business management and planning consultant with a corporate executive background, Rick’s first chapter began in 2003 as a...