Blue Streak

One of hosts of the Gatsby party, Leslie Young

One of the hosts of the Gatsby party, Leslie Young

When you’re hot, you’re hot! And it looks like “The Great Gatsby” definitely is hot around here. Last weekend we attended our second Gatsby party in a month and it was another rousing success, old sport.

This one, an immediate sell-out from the time it was announced, was part of the Summer Suppers series of fundraisers that benefit Knox Heritage, our regional preservation organization.

What made this Gatsby party so unique was that, true to the 1925 F. Scott Fitzgerald novel, the water figured into the evening. We gathered at Sequoyah Park, which served as the fictional town of East Egg, and, with refreshing libations in hand, boarded a boat to travel across the Tennessee River to fictional West Egg, where Jay Gatsby lived in the story.

Gatsby’s mansion, in our real life experience, was the lovely Alcoa Highway home of John Butler, perched on the bluff overlooking the river. It was built in the 1920s by famed Knoxville architect Charles Barber, who lived there himself. We partied on the patio on a mild summer evening and feasted on a decadent spread of edibles prepared by the very capable host committee. It was only when we boarded the boat to return to our cars in East Egg, that we noticed the haunting green light reflecting across the water — an eerie presence in the novel.

A very well-done event benefiting a worthy community cause. Here’s the host committee: John Butler, Nancy Butler, Erika and Tom Butler, Elaine Clark and Tim Robinson, Laura Davis, Tony Desmond, Carol Evans, Allison Easterday and Scott Noethen, Mary Jane and Bruce Fox, Judy and Ron Koksal, Bettina McCann, Nancy McGlasson, Jennifer Montgomery, Lucy and Michael Schaad, Allyn Purvis Schwartz, Jill Tennant and Josh Anderson and Leslie Young and Ryan Clearman.

NOTE: Only three Summer Suppers remain this year and two of those are sold out. Click here to claim some of the few remaining tickets to the supper in Sevierville on Sept. 15.

Bill and Susan Morris in "East Egg" (a.k.a. Sequoyah Park) prior to boarding the boat for "Jay Gatsby's" house. All the women were given boas.

Monique and Bruce Anderson.

Pandy and Riley Anderson

From left, Lisa Thomas, Carol Evans, John Schwartz and Elaine Clark

Sam and Nancy Bills

We all were impressed by Michael Combs' tie, which Monique is examining here.

Very appropriate, wouldn't you say?

Soon, it was time to board. Alan Carmichael, in blue, and Bruce Anderson assisted passenger Pamela Chips.

Richard and Dawn Ford during our passage across the river.

Alan Carmichael looking dapper - in a 1920s sort of way!

John Schwartz in timeless preppy casual mode. (I guarantee this outfit came from M.S. McClellan.)

When we arrived, we were greeted by 1920s style hors d'oeuvres. Here's Judy Brookshire passing what were known then as "pastry pigs."

Today we call them "pigs in a blanket."

Here's the pretty setting.

Bruce Fox with deviled eggs, a summertime treat we all still enjoy.

More eggs from Allison Easterday.

I caught Nancy Butler in the kitchen preparing even more eggs!

The oysters were fantastic!

Allyn Purvis Schwartz and Alan Carmichael

Lee Ann Rogers and Steve Drevik

Jane and Rich Ray

The centerpieces were white flowers if various silver containers. Just beautiful.

The centerpieces were white flowers in various silver containers. Just beautiful.

Here's another.

Here's our boat returning with another load of guests.

Captain John Farmer and First Mate Jeanette Farmer of NavCal Marine Services. (www.navcal.com, if you need to charter a boat)

Homeowners John and Margeaux Cowan-Butler, left, with host committee members Lucy and Michael Schaad

Judy and Tom Rechenbach

This smoked salmon was to die for.

The tenderloin also was a huge hit. You just can't go wrong with those two popular entrees, no matter what decade you are in!

A couple of the colorful side dishes: green beans and caprese salad made with Farmers' Market tomatoes.

Cake lolipops. Cute.

Ever-popular brownies

Lemon tartlets

John and Beth Thurman, left, with Scott and Stephanie Daniel

Rose Raney and Kirk Finnerty looking good in stripes.

Evening fell while we were dining and the scene was even more romantic.

John Butler, here with Stephanie Daniel, led us on short tours of his home.

That's where we met Maggie the cat.

Farewell to West Egg. Can you see the green light on the right side? Gave me goose bumps.

Farewell to West Egg. Can you see the green light on the right side and reflected in the water? Gave me goose bumps. As F. Scott Fitzgerald said, "Gatsby believed in the green light."

When we got back to downtown Knoxville, Alan and I decided to have a nightcap and listen to some cool jazz at The Bistro at the Bijou, a restaurant with a kind of 1920s feel of its own. It was an ethereal evening altogether.

Us in our Gatsby get-up. I got that cool headband at Rococo on Market Square. I just happened to see it in the window one day last week. Alan's hat came from Mast General Store. Ahh, downtown living!

Us in our Gatsby get-ups. I got that cool headband at Rococo on Market Square. I just happened to see it in the window one day last week. Alan's hat came from Mast General Store. Ahh, downtown living!

Three different kinds of Jack Daniel's made a great start to our evening of whiskey tasting! Our leader was Terrance Pace of Cedar Bluff Wine & Spirits.

Three different kinds of Jack Daniel's made a great start to our evening of whiskey tasting! Our leader was Terrance Pate of Cedar Bluff Discount Wine & Spirits.

Some time ago, Alan and I decided that from now on when we attend charity events that include auctions, we will not bid on “things” that are offered. We live in a downtown condo and really don’t have a lot of extra wall space for more art or storage space for more “stuff.” We will, however, bid on “experiences” that are offered. That’s how we came to win a trip to see “Iron Chef America” being taped this summer, as well as numerous dinners and excursions.

Our latest experience was a whiskey tasting for 10 people, which was held this past Friday, on the eve of football season, at the Westmoreland home of Hugh and Angelia Nystrom. We bought it at last year’s “Les Trois Chefs” benefiting Childhelp Tennessee, of which Hugh Nystrom is the director of program operations. And boy did we learn some things about whiskey. My most important learning? I sure do like Gentleman Jack!

Here’s how the evening went. Hugh and Angelia had enough glasses set up for us to taste seven different whiskeys with Terrance Pate of Cedar Bluff Discount Wine & Spirits giving us a tutorial on each one. Although he only poured a few sips into each glass, it wasn’t long before we were feeling it. (One of the whiskeys was 129 proof!) That’s why it was a good thing that dinner was then served: a huge spread featuring beef tenderloin sliders and smoked salmon from Sweet P’s Barbeque and Soul House. Sweet P’s proprietor, Chris Ford, consulted with one of our guests, who happened to be his mother, Dawn Ford, about the menu. Dawn had done research on what foods paired best with whiskey and boy did she hit a home run with her picks.

Here's the set-up that greeted us upon our arrival. Looks promising, doesn't it?

Flowers were by Joann Coakley and Kelly Nystrom of Garland House Floral Designs and they were breathtaking.

There is something about seeing all those tasting glasses lined up on a Friday evening that just puts you in a good mood!

Even the tasting table itself was decorated with matching flowers in mint julep cups.

We started with a flight of Jack Daniel's: Black Label, Gentelman Jack and Jack Daniel's Single Barrel. The Gentleman Jack was smooth and slightly sweeter to me.

We started with a flight of Jack Daniel's: Gentleman Jack, Jack Daniel's Single Barrel and Black Label. The Gentleman Jack was smooth and slightly sweeter to me.

Our host, Hugh Nystrom, making a few remarks as we took our first sips.

Richard Ford getting into the spirit of the evening.

Our friend David Butler seemed to appreciate the Jack.

Terrance had a piece of advice for us when it comes to tasting whiskey. “You know how you are supposed to bury your nose in your glass when you are tasting wine?” he asked us. “Well, don’t do that with whiskey. You’ll burn your nose!” (Glad he warned us.)

Next up was Caribou Crossing Single Barrel Canadian, which scored 93 points from "Whiskey Advocate."

Terrance described this one as “richer, creamier and velvety smooth.” He said the flavors in this Caribou Crossing are “straightforward - primarily vanilla, with some creme brulee, toasted marshmallow, tangerine, peaches and cream and gentle rye spice.” Wow. This was starting to tax my ability to concentrate on the specific flavors. But it was fun trying.

Phyllis Nichols trying to discern the flavors.

Ted Smith was among the most experienced whiskey drinkers in our group.

Prichard's Tennessee Whiskey was next up.

Prichard’s, Terrance said, is made with white corn, which has a higher sugar content than yellow corn. Silky smooth from start to finish, it was said to highlight the sweet toasted barrel and fruit flavors, which remain hidden in most bourbons. (Actually, being mostly a wine drinker, these flavors remained hidden from me even in the Prichard’s.)

Gay Lyons is mostly a wine drinker, as well, but like me, she gave it the old college try!

As did Dawn Ford.

Next up: Jameson 12-year-old Irish. This one was the favorite of several of our tasters.

Terrance described this Jameson as “an absolute powerhouse of Irish Whiskey.” He said it is so full-bodied because it matures for 12 years in a combination of seasoned bourbon barrels and Oloroso sherry casks. He said it has great lingering sherry tones and a rich nutty flavor. (By this point, my taste buds were shot to heck. Even his advice to “sniff the back of your hand to reset your senses” did not seem to work. But I was having fun nonetheless.)

I think Jim Nichols was, too.

And Bill Lyons.

Finally, William Larue Weller Bourbon, rated the third finest whiskey in the world by "Bourbon Enthusiast/Wine Enthusiast."

Only a few bottles of this have been available in Knoxville, Terrance said. “The palate entry is dry, complex and toasty; mid-palate offers sweet, grainy tastes of Wheat Thins, oil and sap; aftertaste is oaky, sweet and intensely grainy.” (If he says so.)

Alan Carmichael applying himself to the task at hand.

If you didn't want to finish a glass, you could dispose of the remainder in a pitcher on the table. I swear Richard was just fooling around when he picked up the pitcher and threatened to drink from it!

By now, it was time to join Angelia, who had set up the buffet in the kitchen.

Here are those tenderloin sliders.

And the salmon, which was my favorite.

The new potatoes stuffed with pork belly got raves.

You can't go wrong with a gourmet cheese plate on the buffet.

And what could be a more perfect dessert for this evening than a bourbon pecan chocolate pie from Magpies?

We loved the Grand Ole Opry sign Hugh received as a birthday present.

We also loved the Nystroms' 22-pound cat, Max! What a sweetie!

The Nystroms and Phyllis unwinding in the den after dinner.

Bill and Alan

Thanks so much to our great hosts, Angelie and Hugh, for a fantastic evening.

Thanks so much to our great hosts, Angelia and Hugh, for a fantastic evening.

The 2013 edition of “Les Trois Chefs” is coming up Oct. 4. Click here for ticket information. It is a fun event at Cherokee Country Club featuring a menu by Chef Matt Gallaher of Knox Mason, Chef David Pinckney of Cherokee Country Club and Chef Josh Smith of Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar.

Peter Acly and Ellen Robinson were two of the hosts of Holly Hock Stock.

This has been the year of adults playing dress-up. After a spate of “Gatsby” parties and a “Jetson” party, now this: a trippy “Woodstock” event! But, hey, it was for a good cause, so just pass the magic brownies.

Held last Friday, this gathering for 150 guests was called Holly Hock Stock as a tribute to its instigators, chef Holly Hambright (Holly), bacon purveyor Allan Benton (Hock) and farm owner Kevin Murphy (Stock). Tickets were $100 each and benefited preservation organization Knox Heritage.

It really was a perfect evening to spend in lawn chairs and on picnic blankets on Murphy’s Northeast Knox County property, acquired by his family in 1797. Seven generations of Murphys have lived there in a Gothic Revival cottage built circa 1841. Kevin Murphy did a complete renovation in 2009.

The moon was in the seventh house and Jupiter was aligned with Mars as six bands took the stage. We joined with some of our friends to hire a van service to take us to the farm and home again so we could partake of the signature cocktail of the evening: Hippy Trippy Love Juice (I think it was really sangria!). And, unlike at the real Woodstock, the drug of choice on this particular late summer night was bacon! Peace, y’all.

First you had to get to the farm with all your stuff!

Dawn Ford, left, and Sandy Martin are in the groove.

Dawn Ford, left, and host Sandy Martin are in the groove.

Farm owner Kevin Murphy, left, with City Councilman Finbarr Saunders and Ellen Bebb.

Allyn Purvis Schwartz, one of the hosts

Love the earrings!

Lane Hays and the sentiment of the evening.

Host David Martin, left, with Marie and Bob Alcorn

Host Mary Holbrook looks as if she just stepped out of the Sixties!

Host Mary Holbrook looks as if she just stepped out of the '60s!

Host Caesar Stair, left, with Cindi and Pete DeBusk

Get a load of Cindi's shoes!

Host Dorothy Stair all hippied out!

Host Jenny Blackburn, left, with Faris and Ghada Eid

Kelle Jolly and the Will Boyd Project took the stage early.

Kevin Murphy's sweet dog, Koda.

Hahaha! Ellen Robinson said this button actually is from the '60s!

Host Lee Ann Rogers went all out!

From left, Julia Bentley, David and Nancy Goodson, Rosa Mar, and Gary Bentley

Richard Ford, left, and my hubby, Alan Carmichael

Bill Lyons with hosts Gay Lyons, left, and Holly Hambright

Bill's tee: You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say will be misquote and then used against you! (From a man with some experience dealing with the media!)

Bill's T-shirt: You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say will be misquoted and then used against you! (From a man with some experience dealing with the media!)

Host and Knox Heritage Board Chair Annette Brun demonstrating flower power.

Christopher and Kari Ford, left, with hosts Jennifer and Carey Bruner

Our little Woodstock

Hosts Kelly Absher and Michelle Kenik

Very cool building

Love!

Katie Bahr and Matthew Williams

The individual food baskets were adorable!

The basket lids turned into plates and wooden utensils were tucked inside.

Sandy Martin helped with distribution.

As did hosts Peg Hambright and Scott Carpenter

Bruce and Monique Anderson enjoying dinner

Alan, too!

As the sun was setting, host Tamera Easterday passed out tiny flashlights.

In addition to performing with his band, The Sons of Sphere, Todd Steed was the evening's emcee.

In addition to performing with his band, The Suns of Phere, Todd Steed was the evening's emcee.

Holly Hambright and Allan Benton

Hosts Michael and Evelyn Gill

Hosts Tim Allen and Karen Kluge

Hosts Wes Goddard, left, and Randall De Ford

Christi and Scott Branscom

Bob Deck and Kim Henry, executive director of Knox Heritage

Bob Deck and Kim Trent, executive director of Knox Heritage

Keyes Williamson, left, and Channing Dawson

From left, Cindi DeBusk, Ashley Capps and Tasha Blakney, one of the hosts

Who could resist purchasing those sunglasses? Certainly not Alan!

Who could resist purchasing those glasses? Certainly not Alan!

Hosts Chyna Brackeen and Darrien Thomson

Alan and me

Hosts City Councilman Marshall Stair, left, and Dan Holbrook

WUOT's Cindy Hassil with Alan

Rick and Alta Emmett

Host Sam Maynard

Milton McNally and Melinda Meador

When we left, host David Martin was still opening more wine!

See below for a 15-second video of our pals Ellen Robinson and Peter Acly cutting a rug, ’60s style! At the end, she’s trying to show me her “VD Free” button!

Here’s a 15-second glimpse of the whole scene!

Finally, here’s a peek at sisters Peg and Holly Hambright’s rendition of “Suppertime.” First line: Suppertime, and my skillet is greasy!

The Knoxville Symphony Orchestra performing at nightfall this past Sunday at Ijams Nature Center.

You can’t beat this for a fundraiser. Imagine, if you will, a beautiful park with 500 fun-loving friends eating scrumptious food, sipping wine and then listening to an orchestra perform some of the best music in Western civilization. Pretty sweet, huh?

Stephen and April Harris are longtime presenting sponsors of Symphony in the Park.

That pretty much sums up the 28th annual Symphony in the Park, a fundraiser for Ijams Nature Center featuring music by the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra. Astonishingly, in all those years, it never has rained on this outdoor event.

The theme for this year’s Symphony in the Park was “flight.” To that end, sculptor Derek White created a number of bird-related pieces and offered to donate 10 percent of the sales to Ijams. Maestro Lucas Richman, getting into the spirit of the evening, opened the one-hour concert with “Overture to La Gazza Ladra” by Gioachino Rossini. Translation: “The Thieving Magpie.” Cute. The concert also featured performances by local singer Logan Brill, who wowed us with her ethereal vocals.

This is a beautiful night made even more appealing by the fact that it concludes by 8:30, which is very good because it is on a Sunday.

This large crane sculpture by Derek White greets visitors to Ijams Nature Center.

Two guests at the Moxley Carmichael table were Jim and Phyllis Nichols.

Derek White birds on the lawn.

I thought the tables looked fresh and beautiful.

Here is sculptor Derek White, center, with his parents, Whitey and Ellen Hitchcock, during the cocktail hour and silent auction.

Ham biscuits were among the appetizers being passed.

From left, Diane Desvaux, Anna Ford and Joan Ashe

Ijams' executive director, Paul James, left, with my husband, Alan Carmichael.

Carol and Joe Pelliccia.

Mayor Madeline Rogero with News Sentinel Publisher Patrick Birmingham, center, and University of Tennessee President Joe DiPietro.

From left, Grant Blevins, David Brill, singer Logan Brill and Les Cunningham

Sommerville and Bret Culbertson

The pimento cheese had a little kick to it and was fantastic.

Former Knox County Executive Tommy and Charlotte Schumpert

County Commissioner Dave and Pat Wright

One of Alan's favorite snacks

Here's another Derek White bird piece.

Lots of silver birds

This big feather was pretty cool!

County Commissioner Mike and Jan Brown

From left, Janell, Bill and Lauren Cecil

From left, Betsey Bush, Dr. Michelle Brewer, Jackie Wilson, Sarah Nielsen and Mary Johnson

Evelyn and Tom Shaw

Kristin and Eric Seabrook

Jon and Mintha Roach

Ha! Look at these three great purses! Mintha is planning a trip to Charleston, where she got hers, and the other ladies placed orders for her to bring them each back another one, as well!

Ha! Look at these three great purses! Mintha is planning a trip to Charleston, S.C., where she got hers, and the other ladies placed orders for her to bring them each back another one, as well! That's Sherri Lee in the center and Betsey Bush on the right.

They are beautiful, aren't they?

When it was time to go to our tables, we found plates of this herby focaccia waiting for us. Yum.

When it was time to go to our tables, we found plates of this herbed focaccia waiting for us. Yum.

I was delighted to see the little jars of pickled okra scattered around the table. Love, love okra!

Our table was well prepared in many ways!

Knoxville's favorite diva, Mary Costa, center, with Marilyn and Chris Burkhart getting ready to take their seats. Mary is still so stunning, isn't she?

This was my favorite dinner item: black eyed peas salad served on top of cole slaw. The combination of creamy and crunchy was amazing.

This was my favorite dinner item: black-eyed pea salad served on top of coleslaw. The combination of creamy and crunchy was amazing.

Jennifer and John Duncan

The main course was fried chicken. What could be more perfect for a picnic in the park?

Vice Mayor Nick Pavlis, who joined us at the Moxley Carmichael table, is a leg man!

Amy and Tim Williams

Sweet! Marilyn and Patrick Roddy

More lovebirds: Holly and Russ Watkins

Doug and Melissa White

April Harris, left, with David and Sandy Martin

A snake was spotted on the top level, far left. Yikes! (It was pointed out to me that they live there, and we are just temporary guests. But, yikes!)

Lyle and Trish Irish were guests at the News Sentinel table.

Steve Bowman and Diana Condon of the News Sentinel

Ray and Jackie Fisher

Keyes and Melissa Williamson

County Commissioner Tony and Jani Norman

Knox County Trustee Craig and Brenda Leuthold

County Law Director Bud and Patti Jo Armstrong

Mary Thom Adams of Ijams gives an interview to WATE-TV.

Tasha Mahurin, left, hosting the Knoxville Focus table, with Anita Lane.

Terry and Rachel Ford. She's executive director of the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra.

Angela Howard, center, with her mother, Sue, and boyfriend, Rick Stone

Mark and Cathy Mamantov

Then cam Alan's favorite part of any meal: dessert. In this case, little lemon tarts.

Then came Alan's favorite part of any meal: dessert. In this case, little lemon tarts.

Carol Evans, right, received The Spirit Award for her work as executive director of Legacy Parks Foundation. Bestowing the honor is Karyn Adams, chair of the Ijams Board of Directors.

Getting ready for the performance are, from left, Jennifer Barnett, the KSO's director of education and community partnerships; Maestro Lucas Richman; Stacy Taylor, KSO's director of operations; and Concertmaster Gabriel Lefkowitz

Maestro Richman explaining one of the pieces. The nightfall added drama, don't you think?

Vocalist Logan Brill

Our buddies Mickey Mallonee, left, and Gay Lyons after the show.

Big kudos to caterer Nancy Kendrick, here with my husband, Alan.

Michelle Collins with Satch, who was dressed to the nines in a sparkly tux fit for a cute canine!

Thanks to Lauren Christ of Moxley Carmichael for writing this guest post for the Blue Streak — Cynthia Moxley.

Actress Hermione Gingold may have been talking about many of the guests attending a downtown Knoxville gala when she said, “To call him a dog hardly seems to do him justice, though inasmuch as he had four legs, a tail, and barked, I admit he was, to all outward appearances. But to those who knew him well, he was a perfect gentleman.”

The 2^nd Annual PetSafe Black Tie & Tails Gala was filled with perfect gentlemen and perfect ladies – many of whom also had four legs, a tail and barked. Launched last year, this fun, pet-friendly event is hosted by PetSafe and raises funds for Morris Animal Foundation to support canine cancer research. Sadly, cancer strikes one of every three dogs, and only 50 percent of those affected will survive. That’s why dozens of animal lovers like us attended to support the cause.

Held at the Crowne Plaza on Aug. 10, the event kicked off with a cocktail hour and silent auction that allowed for guests – both human and canine – to mingle. My fiancé and I scored some gift certificates and other goodies from one of our favorite downtown spots, Boyd’s Jig and Reel. Randy Boyd, the founder and CEO of Radio Systems Corporation, which makes the PetSafe brand, and his wife, Jenny, own the Jig and Reel.

When it was time for dinner, the four-legged guests were led to a playroom where volunteers and staff from PetSafe Village entertained them. The two-legged guests enjoyed dinner, fundraising games and a live auction, which included an authentic University of Tennessee football helmet autographed by Peyton Manning and an autographed Taylor Swift guitar with concert tickets.

WBIR-TV anchor John Becker served as Master of Ceremonies. He and his wife, Tricia, have two dogs and are active animal welfare advocates. John promotes adoptable adult dogs available at Young-Williams Animal Center on his 10Pets segment, and Tricia works with Adopt A Golden Knoxville.

John introduced guests to Kevin and Holly Fuller-Young. Kevin and Holly shared the story of their dog Zorro and his battle with cancer. They explained how hard he fought with the help of one of the best veterinary schools in the country right here in Knoxville at the University of Tennessee, and how he eventually, despite his most stubborn efforts, lost that fight. Zorro put a face – an adorable, furry, mischievous face – to canine cancer, especially for those of us in the room who didn’t want to imagine our own beloved dogs facing such a cruel disease.

Zorro’s story was a message of hope, however, because the advanced treatment he received from UT allowed him to enjoy several extra months with his family. That’s why canine cancer research is so important.

If you missed this year’s gala, you can still support cancer research through Morris Animal Foundation and help dogs like Zorro by attending the PetSafe K9 Cancer Walk on Sunday, Sept. 22, at the Cove at Concord Park. Click here to register or donate.

Randy Boyd with his dog, Spankie

Pat Summitt, University of Tennessee women’s basketball Head Coach Emeritus, with her dogs, Sadie and Sally

Travis Vickery of PetSafe and Robbie Arrington of Regal Entertainment Group with Bao the Yorkie

Jessica Medlin and Jim Tedford, both of PetSafe

Blake MacNair with Roxie the Greyhound. Loved the pink tutu!

Teddy modeled a cute bow tie! Teddy’s parents are Annette and Scott Brun.

Amy Buttry with her dog, Red

Roger and Shaun Hyver with me and John Miller. Shaun and I work at Moxley Carmichael. John works for Invisible Fence of the Tennessee Valley.

Pat Hackett with Layla the Doberman. She was one of the most well behaved dogs I’ve ever seen.

Mark Orr with Amanda Hara of from WVLT Volunteer TV

Lynsay Caylor Russell of Pilot Flying J with her husband, Blake, and Carmella the poodle

Latisha Stubblefield, Meghan Morgan and Samantha Lane

Josh and Sarah Loebner, both of Designsensory

Lindsey Staimey, left, with Prudia the pup and Thomas Boyd

Kara McFarland of WBIR-TV Channel 10, right, and her husband, Ian

Robin Rhea of PetSafe, right, with her husband, Kris

Linda Miller with her dog, Little B

Adoptable dog Vivian from the Humane Society was at the event looking for her forever home.

WBIR-TV anchor and Master of Ceremonies John Becker, left, and Jim Tedford of Radio Systems Corporation, who served as chair of the PetSafe Gala Steering Committee

Photo credit: Lauren Christ and Shaun Fulco. Photo including Shaun and Lauren was taken by event volunteer Taylor Rhea.

John Butler and Jackie Wilson at Savage Garden last Sunday.

Arthur Savage, an Englishman, moved to America in 1886 when he was 14 years old to work for his older brother, William, who had a machine shop in Knoxville. Seven years later, Arthur formed a partnership and started a company of his own that manufactured flour mill machinery and, later, marble mill machines. It was located where World’s Fair Park now is.

Arthur Savage and his wife, Hortense, moved to Fountain City in July of 1917 — into a house whose backyard had no trees, just a sinkhole and a pigpen. Arthur Savage immediately started gardening, first just outside his back door. Within a year, however, he had an elaborate design of flower beds in the backyard and he planted a few trees, which grew rapidly.

Also within a year, Savage had the first of two water towers built and a series of ponds. After a trip back to England in 1925, Savage got ideas for an even larger pond, a pump house and an elaborate pagoda.

He put those ideas to use when he returned to his Fountain City home.

The beech tree was planted at Savage Garden in about 1919.

Earlier this week, supporters of the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum were treated to a private tour of Savage Garden by current owners Bill Dohm and Patty Cooper, who bought the Bungalow/Craftsman style house and 1.7-acre garden in 1986 from Arthur Savage’s descendants. And what an interesting couple of hours that was.

It seems that after Arthur Savage poured his heart and soul — and considerable financial resources — into his garden, things took a negative turn. The garden was said to have been at its peak between 1926 and 1930. But three things combined to cause it to fall slowly into disrepair. The Great Depression, which started in 1929, forced Savage to have to reduce and ultimately eliminate the time his longtime gardener, Charlie Davis, spent on the job. Then, in 1937, a tornado struck Fountain City, uprooting 19 trees in the garden. The destruction of these trees tore up the rock foundations in the garden and caused leaks in the ponds. And finally, Savage’s death in 1946 caused the gardens to become even more neglected.

During the next 50 years, the gardens were neglected, but they never were altered or abused. Wildflowers spread, as did English ivy and honeysuckle. The trees that remained grew tall and their canopies spread, causing the kinds of plants that would flourish in the gardens to change from sun-loving specimens to shade-dwellers.

Today, Dohm and Cooper, who also own and run the Garden Montessori School nearby, employ two full-time gardeners to work on the evolving Savage Garden, a real secluded gem just north of Fountain City Park, located at 3237 Garden Drive, a street named for Savage’s handiwork.

The greenhouse, where this stained glass is, was built in 1926.

The greenhouse, where this stained glass is mounted, was built in 1926.

The wall around Savage Garden at 3237 Garden Drive. The garden is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Come on in!

A Ginkgo tree planted in 1919

Lots of trails traverse the 1.7-acre garden.

See the stone water tower in the distance?

Here it is up close.

Owner Bill Dohm discussing the history of Savage Garden.

A charming little stone bridge

When the garden was built in the early 20th century, Japanese art was very popular in America. Savage Garden reflects that influence.

All through the garden are appealing stone benches.

This is the fruit on a poncirus tree, also known as Chinese bitter orange. Because it is so bitter, it is not edible raw, but can be made into marmalade and used as a condiment. It is a popular ingredient in Oriental medicine.

A cute little moon-shaped pond

Betsey Bush, front, followed by Sandra Butler, Jenny and Bert Ritchie

Betsey Bush, front, followed by Sandra Butler, Jennie and Bert Ritchie

Looking up inside the larger of the two water towers is a copper tank.

Looking up inside the larger of the two water towers: a copper water tank.

Hearts-A-Bustin'

Brian Campbell, director of horticulture at the Knoxville Botanical Garden, and Betsey Bush

Andrea Cartwright, left, and Patty Cooper, one of owners of Savage Garden

Andrea Cartwright, left, and Patty Cooper, one of the owners of Savage Garden

This big rock pile provides a spot for wildflowers to grow.

Mounds of flowers line the trails.

A closer look

Through the arch, heading to the bottom of the garden

Here's the arch from the other side.

Bill Dohm, left, and Dr. Alan Solomon

Mary Ann Piper, left, and Jennie Ritchie

More Japanese-inspired garden adornment

This is one year's growth on the banana tree. The leaves die off every year and rebloom.

The garden's signature structure is this large pagoda.

At the top of the pagoda, in the mortar between the large stones, are placed six little pebbles. Bill Dohm said that gardener Charlie Davis let his six-year-old daughter collect and place the pebbles there in memory of her birthday.

At the top of the pagoda, in the mortar between the large stones, are placed six little pebbles. Bill Dohm said that gardener Charlie Davis let his 6-year-old daughter collect and place the pebbles there in memory of her birthday.

These are stepping stones built to let visitors cross the pond when it was filled with water.

Another view of the stepping stones

Georgia and Dr. Lynn Blake

Taking a break, from left, Sam Adams, Brian Campbell, Joan Ashe, Andrea Cartwright and Patty Cooper

This arbor was added to the garden just a few years ago.

There you have it! Another secret that makes Knoxville such a fascinating place to live.

Tom Cervone and Susan Creswell well Leadership Knoxville alum to the homecoming event at the zoo.

Tom Cervone and Susan Creswell welcome Leadership Knoxville alum to the homecoming event at the zoo.

One of the keys to the success of the Leadership Knoxville program — now in its 28th year — is the continued involvement of the more than 1,000 alumni of the program. To that end, once a year, all past participants are invited back to a “homecoming” evening — basically a cocktail party in a fun setting. Last week that meant the Knoxville Zoo.

Amid an upscale safari theme, we gathered in the big plaza at the front entrance to the zoo and caught up with one another. I’m sure the animals were not very amused, as the noise level was substantial at a time I’m guessing they were ready to turn in for the night. With a program that was minimalist — just a few announcements — the homecoming showcased what some say is the most important thing about Leadership Knoxville — the bonds that are formed among participants.

The members of the host committee were the ones wearing safari attire.

Another great Leadership Knoxville program — to which the public also is invited — is the series of “Behind the Scenes” events. Last year, participants went behind the scenes to learn the inside secrets of Clayton Sales School (click here to read about that), Scripps Networks Interactive (click here) and Blackberry Farm (click here). The upcoming “Behind the Scenes series” will feature peeks at little-known aspects of DeRoyal Industries, PetSafe and the Richard Jolley exhibit at the Knoxville Museum of Art. The DeRoyal event will be November 13 at the beautiful North Knoxville home of Pete and Cindi DeBusk. Keep an eye on the Leadership Knoxville website for more information.

Michael Combs plays percussion in the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra, so his choice of props was appropriate.

Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero and Vice Mayor Nick Pavlis were on hand.

Tim Young, left, and Jeff Cupp. Tim is the current board chair of Leadership Knoxville.

Chris and Bob Kahn

Here's how the bar was labeled! Ha.

It was a perfect evening.

Janet Testerman and event photographer Justin Fee. His company is called "Photografee!" Ha.

Mintha and Jon Roach

Judy and John Griess

Gay Lyons and Carson Hughes

Jennifer Holder, left, Alan Carmichael and Tammy White, the executive director of Leadership Knoxville

Peyton and Tonya Hairston, left, with Peter Acly and Ellen Robinson

Peyton and Tanya Hairston, left, with Peter Acly and Ellen Robinson

Mark Walker, left, with Patsy and Charlie Daniel and Bill Elmore, right.

From left, David and Sandy Martin, Karen Pershing, Chuck Morris

City Councilwoman Brenda Palmer, left, with Bill Lyons, center, and Don Bosch

Dr. Susan Dodd, left, with Betsy Child, center and Sue Cange

Richard Cate and Amy Nolan

Everyone simmered down for a few minutes of announcements.

Leadership Knoxville Board Chair Tim Young knows how to read a crowd and keep his remarks brief and to the point! Yay, Tim!

Janet Testerman with Jerry Kruse, owner of The Pour Guys, an excellent bartending service.

From left, Judith Foltz, Rosa Mar and Gay Lyons

Dr. Martha Buchanan, left, with Nancy Young

One of our favorite bands, the Johnson Swingtet, provided tunes.

Stephanie Welch, left, with Kathy Brown

Bruce Anderson, left, with Tom Cervone

Ed and Cile Mathews

Mike and Debbie Magill

Wes Stowers, left, with Lindsay Hammill and H.E. Bittle

As we left the party, we passed my favorite car in Knoxille: Jennifer Holder's Thunderbird convertible. She bought it on eBay!

Maestro Lucas Richman with members of The Eroica Trio, from left, Sara Sant'Ambrogio (cello), Erica Nickrenz (piano), and Sara Parkins (violin).

Maestro Lucas Richman with members of The Eroica Trio, from left, Sara Sant’Ambrogio (cello), Erika Nickrenz (piano), and Sara Parkins (violin).

The dedicated ladies (and one man!) of the Knoxville Symphony League celebrate the opening concert each Symphony season with a gala at Club LeConte. The one this year was made even more festive by the presence of the three beautiful guest stars of the opening concerts, The Eroica Trio. After wowing the crowd at the Tennessee Theatre for two nights, the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra musicians, as well as the guest stars, were ready to unwind. It was a very pleasant evening for audience members like us, as well.

KSO Board Chair Rick Johnson and Executive Director Rachel Ford

With eight Masterworks concerts (sponsored by Moxley Carmichael), five Chamber concerts, four Pops concerts (sponsored by the News Sentinel), the Clayton Holiday Concert and four small shows by Concertmaster Gabe Lefkowitz and friends, the KSO season really has something for every musical taste. Here are the shows I’m most looking forward to:

The Masterworks on Oct. 17th and 18th at the Tennessee Theatre featuring Gershwin’s “An American in Paris.”
The “Autumn in Italy” Chamber concert in the Bijou Theatre on Nov. 3rd featuring music by Rossini, Mendelssohn, Respighi and Stravinsky.
The all Mozart Masterworks on Nov. 14th and 15th at the Tennessee starring violinist Lara St. John.
The biggest seller (so far) of the Pops season at the Civic Auditorium is a tribute to the music of ABBA, if you can believe it! What a hoot that will be on Jan. 11!
A program called “Strauss for the New Year” will be the Masterworks program on Jan. 16th and 17th at the Tennessee Theatre. That will remind me of my cherished grandmother, Myrtle, who loved Strauss.
In preparation for Valentine’s Day (gift idea alert!), the Pops series’ “Dancing and Romancing” program on Feb. 8th at the Civic Auditorium will bring professional singers and dancers performing to Broadway and Hollywood tunes.
The folkie Indigo Girls will join the KSO on March 15 in a Pops show at the Civic Auditorium. That should be fun.
And Gabriel Lefkowitz and friends will participate in the opening of the fabulous Richard Jolley “Cycle of Life” exhibit at the Knoxville Museum of Art when they perform on May 1st in the museum’s Great Hall.

This is just a sampling of the great things to come from the KSO in this, the second-to-last year of Maestro Richman’s tenure in Knoxville. We know he is going to go on to even greater things, so you will want to see as much of him as you can while you can.

There are four ways to order tickets. Call (865) 291-3310. Go to the website www.knoxvillesymphony.com. Go to the KSO office in the Emporium Building located at 100 S. Gay Street, Suite 302, on Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Or, lastly, go to the concert venue one hour before each concert.

I hope to see you in one of the concert halls!

Symphony League members, from left, Rose Mosely, Jenny Kitts, Carolyn Lawrence, Jacqueline Newman and Pat Jobe at the Symphony Gala.

Symphony League members, from left, Rose Moseley, Jenny Kitts, Carolyn Lawrence, Jacqueline Newman and Pat Jobe at the Symphony Gala.

Rose Moseley was wearing a stunning dress by designer Stella McCartney.

Rose Moseley was wearing a stunning outfit by designer Stella McCartney.

Renee and Stewart Anderson were striking.

Bob and Becky Paylor are always fun to sit with at these events.

Mary Johnson, left, with Eroica Trio pianist XXXX XXXX.

Mary Johnson, left, with Eroica Trio pianist Erika Nickrenz.

Orchestra members Ruth Bacon, left, and Stacy Nichell Miller

Orchestra members Ruth Bacon, left, and Stacy Nickell Miller

From left, Gordon Tsai, the assistant concertmaster; Concertmaster Gabe Lefkowitz; and Eroica Trio member XXXX XXXXX.

From left, Assistant Concertmaster Gordon Tsai; Concertmaster Gabe Lefkowitz; and Eroica Trio cellist Sara Sant’Ambrogio.

Orchestra member Cynthia D’Andrea, left, with her daughter, Allison Smith

I thought this centerpiece was pretty clever!

Maestro Richman with the two Orchestra members who have been with the KSO for 45 years: XXXXX XXXX and Norris Dryer.

Maestro Richman with the two Orchestra members who have been with the KSO for 45 years: Elizabeth Farr and Norris Dryer.

League member Cynthia Sowa looking lovely.

Pianist Xxxx Xxxxx tries to play the music on Xxxcxccx Xxxc's tie! It was his first visit to Knoxville. He came here from Xxxx to see a classmate, Xxxx Xxxxx, he had not seen in 50 years!

Pianist Joy Cox tries to play the music on Mike Walters’ tie! It was his first visit to Knoxville. He came here from Laguna Woods, CA, to see a classmate, Rudy Koester and his wife, Elizabeth, whom Walters had not seen in 50 years!

Carolyn and Ron Lawrence join pianist Joy Cox for a song.

Here is Xxxx XXxx and his wife, Xxxxx Xxxxx.

Sherry Chobanian and Bill Kuhn

Eroica Trio xxxxx Xxxxxx Xxxcx, Assistant Concertmaster Gordon Tsai, Eroica Trio xxxx Xxxx Xxxx, and Concertmaster Gabe Lefkowitz

From left, Eroica Trio violinist Sara Parkins, Assistant Concertmaster Gordon Tsai, Eroica Trio cellist Sara Sant’Ambrogio, and Concertmaster Gabe Lefkowitz

Musicians, from left, Bruce Wilhite, Phylis Secrist and Jeffrey Whaley

Musicians, from left, Xxxxx Xxxxx, Xxxxx Xxxxx, and Xxxx Xxxx.

Musicians, from left, Brad McDougall, Gray Ferris and Aaron Apaza.

From left, musicians Jeffrey Whaley, Ebonee Thomas, Shawn White and Gordon Tsai (Photo courtesy of Rachel Dellinger of the KSO)

From left, Terry Ford, Gabe Lefkowitz and my husband, Alan Carmichael

Click here for a link to the News Sentinel’s review of the concert that night.

Now go get those tickets!

Brad Walker, the leader of The Brad Walker Orchestra, dances with Christin Bancroft at Jazz Under the Stars.

Brad Walker, the leader of The Brad Walker Orchestra, dances with Christina Bancroft at Jazz Under the Stars.

Last year, every single one of the Knoxville Jazz Orchestra‘s six major concerts was a sellout. So get your tickets now! And, in addition to the big shows, if you want even more jazz, plan on attending the jazz lunches at The Square Room on the first Wednesday of each month. Or the Tuesday night concerts by band leader Vance Thompson and The Marble City 5 every Tuesday night starting at 6:30, also at The Square Room. Wow. I can’t believe there is so much jazz. It’s just awesome.

The Jazz Orchestra season typically kicks off with a fun outdoor dinner-dance at the beautiful riverside home of Sherri Lee. Sometimes the weather gods are not kind and guests end up crammed into Lee’s garage to avoid the downpour. But this year, the early autumn evening was beautiful. The food was top-notch, catered by Nancy Kendrick. And the music was, of course, amazing.

Click here for a list of upcoming performances. Keep scrolling for a look at the Jazz Under the Stars party.

I love these hedges on the approach to Sherri Lee’s patio. Don’t they just say “fall” in this photograph?

Here’s what we came for: The Knoxville Jazz Orchestra

Dr. Jan Henley, left, with John Diasmore and Susan Tate during cocktail hour.

Ben and Karly McMurry

Our host, Sherri Lee, left, with Jackie Wilson and Sheila Hill

From left, Joan Cronan, Betsey Bush and Cheryl Massingale

Barbara Bernstein, left, with Lisa Rukeyser Burn

Elisabeth and Bill Rukeyser with Johnny Majors, right

Elisabeth and Bill Rukeyser with Coach Johnny Majors, right

Beautiful brie, fig and walnut tartlets were passed during the cocktail hour.

Alan Carmichael, left, and Richard Ford

Peter Acly and Ellen Robinson

My favorite canapes were these smoked salmon cheesecake bites!

From left, Kate Burn, Michelle Rukeyser and Chrissy Rukeyser

Dr. Monroe and Sandra Trout

Caterer Nancy Kendrick also provided herb mushroom turnovers as a passed appetizer.

Melinda Meador and Milton McNally

Rev. Lillian Gaula, Rev. Charles Fels, center, and Bishop Given Gaula

Cathy and Mark Hill

From left, Cindy Hassil, John and Jenny Burns, Dawn Ford

Sid and Jo Blalock

After a salad of red and green leaf lettuce with roasted beets, pistachios, goat cheese and lemon vinaigrette, this arrived: herb crusted filet, crab cake, roasted pepper compound butter, potato gratin and roasted asparagus with lemon. Yum.

It was a lovely scene at sunset.

Milton McNally displays the second most popular fluid of the night — after the wine, of course!

Dessert was flourless chocolate torte and fresh raspberries.

Which, of course, was the highlight of the night for my husband.

And then, dancing! Here are Barbara and Bernie Bernstein.

Lloyd and Betty Rose Adams

Dawn and Richard Ford after the sun set.

Jazz Orchestra leader Vance Thompson thanked the hosts.

Sheena McCall, here with Ken Levine, is the chair of the Jazz Orchestra’s board of directors.

The Jazz Orchestra’s concert season officially starts tonight with “A Big Bad Helping of the Blues with James Carter” at 8 p.m. at the Bijou Theatre downtown. As of this afternoon, there were a few tickets left. Get them while you can! Click here to order tickets. Or call 656-4444.

Big, Bad Helpin’ of the Blues with James Carter

This little bronze – just 10.5 inches tall – is by Knoxville artist Marga Hayes McBride. It is called “Give.”

The preview for Artscapes 2013 is open and the thing that impresses me most about the offerings this year is how many are from artists I actually know. To me, there is something special about acquiring art created by someone I know “in real life,” rather than just by reputation. I guarantee you will know many of these talented folks as well.

Artscapes is an annual auction — with silent and live components — benefiting the Knoxville Museum of Art. Normally held in the museum’s Great Hall, this year it has been moved to the Knoxville Convention Center because the museum is under renovation in preparation for Richard Jolley’s epic glass-and-steel installation, “Cycle of Life.” The event is this Friday, Oct. 11, starting at 6 p.m. Tickets to the black tie optional affair are $150 each. (The website says deadline to purchase tickets has passed, but I’d advise giving them a call if you’d like to go.)

But you don’t have to wait until then to participate. You can go to the Knoxville Convention Center today, Wednesday or Thursday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and take a peek at the preview. Or you can go online at Artscapes and view the art that way. Want to bid on an item? You can do that at the Convention Center or online. So, truly, you do not have to be present to win!

Here is a look at some of the great offerings that I saw at a preview brunch this past Sunday.

Remember Diane and Doug Hanson who used to own a gallery in Bearden? They live in Santa Fe now, but have contributed this fabulous mixed media and carved wood piece called "Maiden Voyage."

Remember Diane and Doug Hanson who used to own a gallery in Bearden? They live in Santa Fe, N.M., now, but have contributed this fabulous mixed media and carved wood piece called “Maiden Voyage.”

Here's a closeup of some of the figures. Isn't it fascinating?

Here’s a closeup of some of the figures. Aren’t they fascinating?

Knoxville's Melanie Wood created this 24" by 24" oil on canvas called, "French Village." It makes me happy just to look at it.

Knoxville’s Melanie Wood created this 24-inch-by-24-inch oil on canvas called “French Village.” It makes me happy just to look at it.

A Knoxville auction would not be complete without a Mike Berry piece. Here is the artist at the preview luncheon standing beside his pastel called “Brasserie Lipp,” a scene in Paris.

Here’s a little closer look.

This stunning oil on canvas caught my attention from across the room. At 24" by 48," it would look great in a large kitchen. (Unfortunately, I have a tiny kitchen!) Here is Knoxville artist Denise Stewart-Sanabria beside her work, "Surrounded by Eggplants."

This stunning oil on canvas caught my attention from across the room. At 24 inches by 48 inches, it would look great in a large kitchen. (Unfortunately, I have a tiny kitchen!) Here is Knoxville artist Denise Stewart-Sanabria beside her work, “Surrounded by Eggplants.”

From left, Nancy Parrott, Bob Alcorn, Gay Lyons, Dorothy Stair and Marie Alcorn enjoying the preview brunch.

Knoxville's Joe Parrott produced this oil on canvas, "Early Sunday Morning." It is 24" by 30."

Knoxville’s Joe Parrott produced this oil on canvas, “Early Sunday Morning.” It is 24 inches by 30 inches.

Not every artist is local, though. This frog teapot is by Utah potter Johnny Hughes.

Artist Terri Jordan is from Clarksville, Tenn. She named this 24" by 18" oil on canvas piece "Sanctuary."

Artist Terri Jordan is from Clarksville, Tenn. She named this 24-inch-by-18-inch oil on canvas piece, “Sanctuary.”

Knoxvillian Jay McBride produced this lovely turned maple bowl. He is a member of the board of the Knoxville Museum of Art.

The women in the Knoxville Symphony League are crazy about San Francisco purse designer Mary Frances. She has several bags in the auction. This one is called “Symphony Purse.”

Another is called “Flower Purse.”

Maybe you'd prefer jewelry? There is plenty here. These royal amethyst earrings and necklace were produced by Asheville artist Mia Katrin.

Maybe you’d prefer jewelry? There is plenty here. These royal amethyst earrings and necklace were produced by Asheville, N.C., artist Mia Katrin.

Ellasandra Walsh, left, and Lisa Walsh attended the preview brunch.

This 39" tall piece made of paper mache and recycled material is by Nashvillian Emily Allison. Hmmm.

This 39-inch-tall piece made of paper-mache and recycled material is by Nashvillian Emily Allison and is called “Tight Lace.” Hmmm.

I loved these wine glasses by Virginia artist Minh Martin.

Local artist Donna Brass produced this 40" by 60" oil on canvas called "Turquoise Boat."

Local artist Donna Brass produced this 40-inch-by-60-inch oil on canvas called “Turquoise Boat.”

Knoxville artist Joyce Gralak used candle wax, found objects, found images and oil paint on recycled paper and reclaimed cardboard to make this 12-inch-by-12-inch piece called “Musings of the Ivory-billed Woodpecker.”

Here are some helpful museum staff members who worked the preview brunch. From left, Kate Faulkner, Susan Creswell and Diane Hamilton.

So, you see? The range of art is amazing. Every taste is covered. I’m sure there’s something for you.

Questions? Call Mary Morris at (917) 280-3135. She will help you.

American Idol finalist Janelle Arthur with Tennessee First Lady Crissy Haslam at the First Lady’s Luncheon. Arthur sang the hymn, “The Garden,” prior to lunch.

When Tennessee’s First Lady, Crissy Haslam, throws a garden party, it’s a doozy! Earlier this month, more than 800 folks attended the First Lady’s Luncheon, an entertaining outdoor fundraiser for the Tennessee Residence Foundation.

This not-for-profit foundation was established to raise and spend funds for the renovation, restoration, reconstruction, expansion and upkeep of the Tennessee Residence where nine Tennessee governors, from Gordon Browning to Bill Haslam, have lived.

The latest project, created with the sponsorship of Knoxville’s Scripps Networks Interactive, is a working kitchen and cutting garden that can be tended by area school children and harvested to help the First Family feed guests of the state of Tennessee. The luncheon was billed as “garden to table,” and featured a menu donated and prepared by Gaylord Opryland for the festive occasion.

Knoxville was well-represented at the affair. Guests included a table of Scripps Networks officials and the keynote speaker, Chris Lambton, the host of HGTV’s “Going Yard” program, who sat with his wife, Peyton, at the Governor and First Lady’s table. The governor’s step-mother, Natalie Haslam, and sister, Ann Bailey, also were on hand with a big group of Knoxville friends.

From left, Kathleen Finch, president of Scripps Networks Interactive’s home category; Chris Lambton of HGTV with his wife, Peyton; Gov. Bill Haslam; First Lady Crissy Haslam and Ken Lowe, Scripps chairman, president and CEO

Fun Knoxville group, from left: Anne Sprouse, Ann Furrow, Juanne Thompson, Aggie Bell, Natalie Haslam, Ilene Cheek, Ann Bailey, Barbara Arant, Sharon Pryse and Margaret Dye

Natalie Haslam greets the First Couple at a reception prior to the luncheon.

The First Couple greets Natalie Haslam at a reception prior to the luncheon.

From left, Cindy McConkey, who heads Corporate Communications for Scripps; Kathleen Finch; Peyton and Chris Lambton. Chris and Peyton are stars of HGTV’s “Going Yard.”

The First Couple flank the TV stars during the reception.

Ken Lowe and Crissy Haslam

Tina Knight of Scripps Networks Interactive shows off the Garden Guide she was in charge of producing. Targeted at children, it describes the new garden at the Tennessee Residence.

Sherri Lee, left, and Sharon Pryse, right, flank Ann Bailey during the reception. Ann is the governor’s sister.

Former state Senator Jamie Woodson, left, with Janet McGaha, the Governor’s assistant.

Rita Roth, left, with Joanne Hazelwood

From left, former Knoxvillian Carolyn Pearre, Jamie Woodson and Molly Sears

Knoxville gals Aggie Bell, left, and Michelle Hardin

Let’s look at that garden!

In his remarks, Chris Lambton said the new garden, which was only planted in March of this year, is an addition to a landscape that had fallen into disrepair. Lambton, who said he has been gardening since he was seven years old, noted, “Anyone who has ever gardened knows that if you turn your back for even a second, nature will take over!”

The new garden, he said, will feature only local plants. This is important because local plants take less water and less care, he said. He added that the new garden will be “a living, breathing textbook” for school children who will help tend it. “We want to inspire the next generation to love gardening and be sustainable,” Lambton said.

Gorgeous lettuce!

Only the fall vegetables have been planted.

Like this kale (I think!).

And Swiss chard.

Signs denote which class is in charge of each bed.

A silent auction featured Tennessee products — like this basket from Nashville’s famous Loveless Cafe.

The city of Memphis provided a basket.

I think I startled Jane Martin in the middle of raising her bid!

This photo of the Tennessee Residence was signed by all five living Tennessee governors.

More than 800 folks were there.

Landscape architect Ben Page, who is in charge of the renovation of the property surrounding the Tennessee Residence, sat at the First Couple’s table along with children’s author Sandra Boynton.

I thought former Governor Winfield Dunn and his wife, Betty, looked great. They sat with the Haslams, too.

Former First Lady Honey Alexander, left, was with her friend Charlotte Parish.

I spotted my friend Leigh Hendry, left, with Lois Riggins-Ezzell. Leigh, who handled PR for the 1982 World’s Fair, lives in Nashville now with her husband, Bo Roberts. (Remember that name?)

Each centerpiece was different, but they all were stunning. And they were for sale.

Here’s another.

And another. Each centerpiece featured plants that will be grown in the new garden.

Just look at this beautiful salad! Artisan greens adorned with local pickled okra, fire roasted grape tomatoes, charred corn, crumbled blue cheese, green goddess boiled dressing and crispy black-eyed peas! (They had me at okra!)

Main course was chicken stuffed with Noble Farms goat cheese served with Muddy Pond Sorghum sweet potatoes, spaghetti squash, rainbow chard and Arrington Vineyard viognier apricot scallion sauce.

Check out the dessert: pumpkin brulee with pecan Florentine and cinnamon cream. Wow.

Ken Lowe and Kathleen Finch headed up the Scripps table.

Katheen Finch, Cynthia Madson and Tim Chandler

From left, Kathleen Finch, Cynthia Madson and Tim Chandler at the Scripps table.

Also at the Scripps table, from left, Sarah Trahern, Vikki Neil and Jillian St. Charles

I spotted Mary Beth West and Jackie Cavnar at another table.

Everyone got to take home some coneflower seeds and some gardening gloves courtesy of Scripps Networks!

Janet McGaha got one of those fabulous centerpieces!

Someone sure was having fun!

As I was leaving, I saw this beautiful pond.

Janelle Arthur appreciated the pond, as well!

The huge walking ivy plant threatens guest Mary Bogert, the general manager of the Knoxville Convention Center. The ivy was a stilt walker provided by One World Circus. Very clever!

The 10-foot-tall walking ivy plant was a little disconcerting. But everything else at the 2013 Green Thumb Gala at the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum earlier this month was perfectly charming.

Sara and Ben Pinnell, co-chairs of this year’s Gala, said they have been enchanted by the historic East Knoxville garden for many years. They have visited it to play kickball, climb trees, attend events and quietly explore the 47-acre site of the former Howell Nurseries. That’s why they chose it as the site for their wedding rehearsal dinner in June of 2010.

The diversity of the garden is what makes it so interesting and appealing to a wide range of visitors. Folks come to learn more about horticulture and gardening, Civil War history, ecology and wildlife, among other things. They come for recreation, education, photography and picnics large and small. Next up for the privately held non-profit: a new visitor center.That’s what part of the proceeds from this year’s Green Thumb Gala will fund.

The garden is located on Wimpole Street, barely five minutes from downtown. Drop by when you can. But, until then, take a look at this wonderful garden party.

Governor Bill Haslam poses with Gay Lyons, left, and Margaret Gehring, a member of the family that originally owned Howell Nurseries, which today is the location of the Knoxville Botanical Garden.

Sara Hedstrom Pinnell and her husband, Ben, were co-chairs of the Green Thumb Gala. I love that the straws at the event looked like birch tree trunks!

Tom and Deanene Catani were co-chairs of the Green Thumb Gala last year. They love the Garden so much that they got married there. Tom’s company, U.S. Cellular, sponsored the opening reception this year.

Allyn Purvis Schwartz and Matthew McClellan during the reception.

Nancy Young with Bill Arant, left, and Bill Cobble

Dr. Steve and Mary Ellen Brewington with Jim Pugh, right

Beef roll-ups were passed during cocktails. Tasty.

Bacon-wrapped water chestnuts

Garlic cheese grits triangles were unusual, but good!

Deconstructed candied apples on sticks were interesting.

Mary liked them!

I loved the artistic shadows of leaves on the ceiling of the huge tent.

Among the creative silent auction items was this clay flower pot signed by Coach Butch Jones.

This antiqued metal deer was donated by Michael Peters Home.

Sara Berry scarecrow given by Wade Richardson

Sara Berry was raising the bid on the whimsical tree person created by Wade Richardson.

I loved this leaf-cast stone birdbath. (But we don’t really need a birdbath in our downtown condo!)

Paul James, left, with Caesar Stair

From left, Rosemary Gilliam, John Butler and Theresa Stone

HGTV stars Peyton and Chris Lambton were on hand. Their current show is called “Going Yard.”

Donna and Craig Griffith, left, with Cathy and Dan Brown

Karen Kalec and Jay McBride

Dr. Jan Henley and John Diasmore

Tom and Anna Ford with Sara Hedstrom Pinnell, right

Ha! Erin Donovan, left, and Tamara Warner have very similar tastes!

Greg and Jennifer Dunn with Jennifer’s father, Tom Scanlan

City Councilman Duane Grieve, left, with Marlene and Jack O’Hanlon

David Butler, left, with state Rep. Joe Armstrong

Pamela and Dan Chips

Victor Ashe, left, with Joan and Neal Allen

Sarah Stowers, left, and Susan Greer

Sandy and Hank Bertelkamp

Mary Bogert, right, chats with Kim and Scott Bumpas

Dinner time! Salad was mixed greens with pears, gorgonzola and maple balsamic vinaigrette.

I loved the shape of the crouton!

But my favorite part of the presentation was the charger!

The centerpieces looked ready to plant!

At the Moxley Carmichael table: Jennifer Lawson, a MoxCar account executive, and Maria Cornelius, our new writer/editor.

At the Moxley Carmichael table: Jennifer Lawson, left, a MoxCar account executive, and Maria Cornelius, our new writer/editor.

Erin Donovan and John Martin were with us, as well.

Lauren Christ, director of client services for Moxley Carmichael, and Mary Bogert helped fill our table.

Lauren Christ, director of client services for Moxley Carmichael, and Mary Bogert helped fill the MoxCar table.

Our account executive Natalie Lester and her boyfriend, Chase Bailey, joined us.

Some table-hopping turned up Terry and Tank Strickland.

And state Rep. Joe Armstrong with City Councilman Duane Grieve.

Joan Ashe visited with Stuart Worden.

Jamie and Lee Butler

Sandra and John Butler, sitting, with Ginny Jones

Andrea Cartwright and Dr. Alan Solomon

Let’s take a look at that entree! Cranberry stuffed chicken breast with orange champagne sauce, mixed wild rice, roasted butternut squash with pine nuts and sweet potato biscuits with honey butter. Yum.

Alan’s favorite part of any meal – dessert. This is pumpkin cheesecake with bourbon infused whipped cream.

Speaking of Alan, here he is with Vicki Baumgartner of the Botanical Garden.

Dino Cartwright did a great job with the nine-item live auction. (Alan and I bought an awesome shrimp boil for 25 courtesy of Allyn Schwartz!)

Here’s Lauren with Keyes Williamson, the executive director of the Knoxville Botanical Garden. Lauren is showing the receipt for the item she won in the silent auction: materials to plant a square-foot garden! Cool, huh?

It looks like Julia and Gary Bentley liked those cool chargers as much as we did!

It looks like Julia and Gary Bentley liked those rustic chargers as much as we did!

Here's Ben Pinnell of Hickory Construction at the end of the evening celebrating a job well done. He and his wife, Sara, were the co-hosts of the event.

Here’s Ben Pinnell of Hickory Construction at the end of the evening celebrating a job well done. He and his wife, Sara, were the co-chairs of the event.

Three good friends: from left, Natalie Lester, Lauren Christ and Erin Donovan.

National Urban League President and CEO Marc Morial presented Knoxville Area Urban League President and CEO Phyllis Nichols the national “Women of Power” award when he was in Knoxville recently.

When National Urban League President and CEO Marc Morial visited Knoxville recently, the local Urban League CEO, Phyllis Nichols, wanted to impress upon him that East Tennessee is more than just bluegrass music and Appalachian landscapes. (Not that there’s anything wrong with either of those.)

“I want him to go back to New York thinking, ‘Wow! I never expected to be so impressed!’” she said.

So, in a time span of less than 24 hours, here’s what he did: attended an intimate reception with about 50 community leaders and had dinner with a few of them following that; attended a breakfast for members of the Urban League “family” (meaning staff, board members and leaders of the Urban League Young Professionals group); toured the Titan supercomputer at Oak Ridge’s National Laboratory‘s National Center for Computational Sciences; and ended with a tour of the Spallation Neutron Source, also in Oak Ridge. Whew!

Moxley Carmichael was honored to sponsor the reception, dinner and breakfast. And I think that after the whirlwind visit, Morial, who also is the former two-term mayor of New Orleans, left with a much changed impression of Knoxville and East Tennessee.

Pilot Flying J Founder and Chairman Jim Haslam with Nichols at the reception.

But, never mind what he learned. Here are some of the things I learned during Morial’s brief but jam-packed visit:

Robert M. Whitten, Jr., a group leader at the National Institute for Computational Sciences, emphatically and repeatedly made the point that we, as a nation and as a local community, must encourage more students to go into the so-called STEM professions: science, technology, engineering and math. “There are more STEM jobs than there are candidates to fill them,” he said.
Something goes awry in our teaching when children reach fifth, sixth and seventh grade. “Everybody wants to be a scientist — until they hit middle school,” Whitten said.
When Morial asked about the cause of that, Whitten said, “There’s simply not enough focus on it. We need to answer the question, ‘How can I use math as a tool to get things done?’ Rather than it just being something you have to get through.”
The Urban League is on board with these goals with the League’s emphasis on education and employment. “Education is a key part of economic empowerment,” Morial told the local Urban League staff and board members at breakfast. “We need to manufacture things in this country. That’s what built us. But for the past seven decades, that’s moved abroad. But China and Indonesia will experience upward pressure on wages because those folks will want a better way of life. The Urban League needs to be a part of training people to do those jobs when they come back.”
Two of the Urban League Young Professionals: Damon Rawls and Syreeta Vaughn at the breakfast meeting with Morial.

Morial said the Urban League supports common core standards and more stringent requirements for graduation. “But parents and schools have to have resources to get there,” he added. “It’s one thing to set goalposts 15 feet high. But players have to be strong enough to kick the ball through them.”
“You can’t have effective reform without intelligent investing,” he said. “We give money to what we think is important. The hogs on the farm don’t get fatter just because you weigh them.”
As chair of the local Urban League Board, I was very interested in what Morial had to say about the organization and its future. “We are trying to penetrate the college and university market,” he said. “We are an institution not of the past, but of the future. You’d better include young people or you will die on the vine. As an institution, you can’t be stuck in the past.”
The Knoxville Area Urban League is among the 62 of the 95 Urban League affiliates that have a strong Young Professionals group. Morial said today there are 6,500 young professionals in those 62 affiliates and that number is expected to double within five years.
I was delighted to hear that he also is a strong advocate of social media. “Concentrate on social media,” he urged the staff and board. “Social media allows David to fight Goliath! Social media builds visibility and advocacy. Get on the front edge of all things related to technology.”
The Urban League as a non-profit organization is not driven by volunteers, but instead has a paid professional staff that works in conjunction with volunteers. “The first job of an Urban League Board is to hire an excellent CEO,” Morial said. “It’s like the NFL: no team is successful without a great quarterback.”
I agreed with him when he said “the skill set required of an Urban League CEO is bigger than those required of the CEOs of multimillion dollar corporations.” Why? “The multiplicity of tasks,” he noted. That is certainly the case with our CEO, Phyllis Nichols. During his visit, Morial re-presented her with the national “Women of Power” award she received this summer at the Urban League’s national convention in Boston. We are very proud and fortunate to have her as one of our community’s most successful non-profit leaders.

The reception was held in the private dining room at Windows on the Park in the Holiday Inn World’s Fair.

Tim Young, left, chats with Phyllis Nichols and Marc Morial.Young is a member of the Knoxville Area Urban League's board of directors.

Summit Medical Group President and CEO Tim Young, left, chats with Phyllis Nichols and Marc Morial. Young is a member of the Knoxville Area Urban League’s board of directors.

Nichols and Morial pose with state Rep. Joe Armstrong, right, and his wife, LeTonia.

WBIR-TV General Manager Jeff Lee, center, with Morial and Jim Haslam at the reception.

Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett, right, was on hand.

With Morial and Nichols are City Council members, from left, Nick Pavlis, Duane Grieve, Dan Brown and Marshall Stair.

State Rep. Bill Dunn, left, with Jerry Harnish, newly named division general manager of Rural/Metro of Tennessee.

State Sen. Becky Massey, left, with her husband Morton and Mintha Roach, CEO of the Knoxville Utilities Board.

Mayor Burchett, left, and News Sentinel Editor Jack McElroy in a convivial mood.

Bob Griffitts, left, of Conressman Duncan's office with Cliff Hawks, president and CEO of Cherokee Farm Development Corporation

Bob Griffitts, left, of Congressman Jimmy Duncan’s office, with Cliff Hawks, president and CEO of Cherokee Farm Development Corporation

Dr. Doug Leahy, left, of Summit Medical Group, and Andy Lorenz, right, vice president of Messer Construction Company. With his side to camera is Jim Nichols, Phyllis’ husband.

Here’s a better picture of Jim Nichols, right, with Jon and Mintha Roach.

Warren Logan, left, is the president and CEO of the Urban League of Greater Chattanooga. We were happy he could join us for Morial’s visit to East Tennessee.

Marc Morial making a few remarks before giving Phyllis the “Woman of Power” award.

Shaun Fulco Hyver is the CFO of Moxley Carmichael. She is from New Orleans and lived there when Morial was mayor. She is a big fan. (But we are glad she lives in Knoxville now!)

Jim Haslam, left, with Jim Nichols, center, and UT’s Rickey Hall

Morial with County Commissioner Sam McKenzie and his wife, Gwen. Gwen’s dad, Woodrow Wilson, was the first president and CEO of the Knoxville Area Urban League. She’s on the board now.

Morial with Mary Bogert, the general manager of the Knoxville Convention Center.

LeRoy Thompson of the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, with Morial.

Morial poses with Jim and Phyllis Nichols.

They both do the honors with Moxley Carmichael President Alan Carmichael, right, and me.

Thanks to photographer Gary Heatherly for taking all the shots at the reception. They are much better quality than the usual ones, taken by me, that are on the blog!

At 7 a.m. the following morning, we gathered for breakfast at the downtown Hilton Knoxville, where Morial was staying.

Morial addressing “the family” at breakfast

I just wanted to show you a few of the people who help Phyllis make the Knoxville Area Urban League the success it is.

From left, Urban League Board member Avis Young, Jan Brown, Leigh White and staff member Felix Harris after the breakfast.

From left, Urban League Board members Avis Young of UPS, Jan Brown of TVA, Leigh White of WBIR-TV, and staff member Felix Harris after the breakfast.

Urban League staff members, from left, Michelle Henry, Wokie Massaquoi-Wicks, Brenda Roper, Bill Myers and LeSean Stewart

From left, staffer Rowena Lundy, board members Lonnie Jones and Al Pirie, and staffer Jackie Robinson

From left, staffer Rowena Lundy, board members Lonnie Jones of Allstate Insurance and Al Pirie of Uster Technologies, and staffer Jackie Robinson

From left, Young Professionals Mark Webb and Fanesha Powell with staff member Ola Blackmon-McBride

From left, board member Rosa Mar, Young Professional Syretta Vaughn, board member Judge Debbie Stevens, and Young Professional Damon Rawls

From left, board member Rosa Mar, who is retired from Levi’s; Young Professional Syretta Vaughn; board member Judge Debbie Stevens; and Young Professional Damon Rawls, who is the president of that group.

After breakfast, we were off to Oak Ridge to accomplish Phyllis Nichols’ goal of impressing Morial!

If you haven’t been there, you might not know that the Oak Ridge National Lab is located on a beautiful sprawling campus with lots of green space.

Here is the view outside one of the glass-sided conference rooms in the Visitor Center.

Morial seemed engrossed as we got an overview of the National Lab from David Keim and Leigha Edwards.

David and Leigha

Inside the Visitor Center

After the overview, we strolled over to the National Center for Computational Sciences to see the Titan supercomputer.

This is the so-called Court of Flags. An ORNL employee by birth hails from every nation represented by these flags. There are more than 100 of them.

Robert M. Whitten, Jr., told us all about the supercomputer and its uses. It covers an acre's worth of floor space.

Robert M. Whitten, Jr., described the Titan supercomputer and its uses. It covers an acre’s worth of floor space.

Here is Titan, one of the fastest supercomputers in the world. It is used for research in the fields of materials science, combustion, nuclear energy and climate change.

Here is Titan, the most powerful supercomputer in the world that is open for scientific research. It is used for research in the fields of materials science, combustion, nuclear energy and climate change.

Soon, we left the supercomputer, hopped into the car and drove the short distance to the Spallation Neutron Source.

In the lobby, we met up with our friend Sam McKenzie, not in his role as Knox County Commissioner, but in his role as head of facility operations at the Spallation Neutron Source. Sam is a physicist.

After a briefing in the lobby, McKenzie led the way to show us the real thing.That’s him on the right. Photo courtesy of ORNL.

McKenzie explaining how and why the Spallation Neutron Source operates.

This photo is courtesy of ORNL.

Marc and Phyllis saying goodbye after his whirlwind trip to East Tennessee.

In case you were wondering about the Spallation Neutron Source, click here for a five-minute video overview.

This visit was valuable and impressive to me on several levels. It drove home the real issues we have with education, especially in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math. It introduced the folks at ORNL to the Urban League as a possible partner in influencing young people to pursue these fields. And it let the leader of the largest civil rights organization in the country in on the fact that some of the most important science in the world is happening in the hills of East Tennessee. All in all, a very worthwhile few hours!

No threat to the Rockettes! Enjoying themselves in a kick-line at the Opera Ball were, from left, Douglas Clark, Dino Cartwright, Mark Hill, Orchestra Leader Brad Walker, Peter Acly, Alan Carmichael and Dan Chips. Photo by Pamela Chips.

I have to hand it to the fun folks at the Knoxville Opera Guild: They are nothing if not flexible!

They built the whole theme of this year’s Opera Ball, held last Saturday at Cherokee Country Club, around the fact that the entertainment would be an internationally acclaimed Cuban soprano, Maria Aleida. Unfortunately, Aleida canceled due to another professional opportunity. But that did not change the “hot Havana night” theme. The Opera just substituted a talented Puerto Rican soprano, Zulimar Lopez-Hernandez, and the spicy tropical party continued as planned.

And what a party it was!

It was great seeing the ladies of the Knoxville Symphony League at the Opera Gala! From left, Jane Venable, Betsey Bush, Sandra Butler, Donie Green and Stacy Moody.

Jerry and Susan Becker at the cocktail reception.

From left, Amy Williams, Cindi DeBusk and Kay Clayton during cocktails.

“Copa girls” Dallas Norton, left, and Sarah Fitch, right, posed with Maestro Brian Salesky and his wife, Diana, in the lobby.

From left, Ellen Robinson, Peter Acly, Rosemary Gilliam and Alan Carmichael.

From left, Theresa Stone, Doug McKamey and Anna Hinds

Pamela and Dan Chips during the cocktail reception and silent auction

It was a festive crowd!

Meanwhile, in the Country Club’s pub, some folks had slipped away to check on the Tennessee-Missouri football scores. That group included Johnny and Mary Lynn Majors.

And Charles and Nancy Wagner

The opera’s PR guy, Michael Torano, took his turn posing with Sarah Fitch of the Copa!

Dorothy Stair, left, with her son, City Councilman Marshall Stair, and his date, Natalie Robinson

Eden Betz and Chris Bishop in the dining room prior to dinner

Kim Henry, the chair of the Ball Committee, and Caesar Stair III, president of the Knoxville Opera Guild

The dancing started right away — even before dinner — with Laura and Shelton Davis leading the way!

The simple, elegant centerpieces were for sale for $25 each.

Reflecting the Havana theme, the salad had tropical elements: mixed baby greens were topped with mangos, oranges, grape tomatoes, key lime vinaigrette, Manchego cheese and toasted almonds.

Music by the Brad Walker Orchestra was perfect for the supper club atmosphere. From left are Jack Funari, Ken Jackson and Tom Johnson.

Ellen Robinson and Peter Acly hit the dance floor often!

Dancer Joanne Holt with orchestra leader Brad Walker.

Dr. Joe Johnson, president emeritus of the University of Tennessee, was honorary chair of the ball. He is flanked by his wife, Pat, and Chris Williams, of the Knoxville Opera staff.

Anne and Jake LeZotte were looking great at the Pilot Flying J table.

So were Jamie and Peter Tarbell.

Jessica and Josh Phillips were at the same table.

Pilot’s Kimberly Linebaugh was there with her fiance, John Billings.

Get a load of this dinner! Grilled aged filet with Zaya rum demi glaze, Cuban black beans and rice, red peppers and zucchini and (drum roll!) an oven roasted lobster tail. Yum.

More table-hopping turned up Doug and Jane McCarty.

Dr. Michelle Brewer

Nick and Rebecca Cazana

Mark and Cathy Hill

And then the floor show started! These dancers are Waldo Solano and Jacqueline Sellers of Salsa Knox Dance Company.

Opera singer Sergio Cepeda paid special attention to my table mate, Ellen Robinson. She loved it!

Soprano Zulimar Lopez-Hernandez did a great job, too.

Dessert was sour cream coconut cake with chocolate ganache.

Dino Cartwright always does a great job as auctioneer. Kudos to the Opera Guild for keeping the live auction short — five items. (Most are way too long. Ask anybody!)

Soon the music started again. Here’s Ken Jackson.

The dance floor immediately filled up.

Gay Lyons and Dennis Perkins

We said goodbye to Bill and Susan Morris as we left.

Great event, everyone! I thought you couldn’t top last year’s, but you proved me wrong. (Click here for a reminder of last year’s Opera Ball.)

Pilot’s founder and chairman, Jim Haslam, right, greets Pilot Celebrity Pumper Dave Hart, the University of Tennessee Athletics Director, at the Pilot on Cumberland Avenue.

In just three days last month, “Pilot Celebrity Pumpers” raised a record-breaking $86,200 for the United Way of Greater Knoxville, which surpassed the previous record by $21,250. The record was $64,950 set in 2012. Over two decades, the special event that Moxley Carmichael developed for Pilot Corporation (at the time) has raised more than one million dollars for the United Way. Pilot Celebrity Pumpers continues to be the charity’s single-largest special event fundraiser, helping United Way assist those most in need in our community.

On a Monday through Wednesday in October, local celebrities, including elected officials, media personalities and UT sports figures, pumped gas and greeted customers to raise funds for the United Way of Greater Knoxville’s 2013 campaign. During the three-day event, Pilot donated five cents of every gallon of gas sold and 10 cents of every dollar spent in-store to United Way.

“We appreciate every customer who stopped by the stores and helped Pilot help Knoxville in such a big way,” said Pilot Founder and Chairman of the Board Jim Haslam. “Breaking last year’s record shows how committed the community and Pilot are to helping the United Way. We also applaud the celebrity pumpers who volunteered time out of their busy schedules to support this worthy cause.”

Celebrity pumpers distributed coupons for a free beverage during the event. Additionally, one lucky customer from each Pilot location won a $100 Pilot gas card.

Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero also chose the Pilot on Cumberland Avenue to pull her pumping shift.

Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero and Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett were among the celebrity pumpers, along with a host of Knoxville City Council and Knox County Commission members and media personalities. Well-known sports figures Holly Warlick, Lady Vols basketball head coach; Michael Annett, NASCAR driver for Pilot racing; and Dave Hart, University of Tennessee athletics director, also participated.

“Pilot Celebrity Pumpers has become a signature event for United Way,” said 2013 United Way Chairman Bob Kesling. “It reminds the community about our annual campaign and the important work United Way does in the greater Knoxville area.

“It’s a team effort and my thanks goes to the whole team: to Pilot for sponsoring this event, to the many celebrity pumpers that gave of their valuable time and to all the Pilot customers who participated.”

Headquartered in Knoxville, Tenn., Pilot operates 40 convenience stores in Tennessee. Pilot Flying J also operates a chain of more than 650 retail locations and, as such, is the largest operator of travel centers and travel plazas in North America.

United Way of Greater Knoxville is a local, independent organization dedicated to improving lives by building a better community. In partnership with 46 agencies, local business, community leaders and ordinary citizens, United Way tackles issues that matter most. By working together, United Way provides a safety net of services addressing Knoxville’s most basic needs while working toward lasting change. For more information, please visit http://www.unitedwayknox.org.

County Commissioner Ed Shouse, left; state Sen. Becky Massey; Jim Haslam; and Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett, right, had some laughs at the Pilot on Northshore Drive near Kingston Pike.

Patrick Birmingham, president and publisher of the News Sentinel, takes a turn at the pumps at the Pilot on Cedar Bluff Road.

Recognize these sweet ladies? Moira Kaye, left, and Abby Ham of WBIR-TV, Channel 10, were working at the Pilot on Broadway at Adair.

Knox County Sheriff J.J. Jones was hard at work at the Pilot on Western Avenue near Knoxville College.

Slugger of Tennessee Smokies Baseball was at the Walker Springs Road Pilot.

WATE-TV, Channel 6, anchors Tearsa Smith and Bo Williams greeted customers on Campbell Station Road.

The weather looked good for WATE’s Ken Weathers at the Pilot on Oak Ridge Highway.

Whitney Kent of WVLT, Channel 8, kept them in stitches at the Pilot on Northshore near Kingston Pike.

Lady Vols Head Coach Holly Warlick was very busy at the Pilot on the Cumberland Avenue Strip.

The “Voice of the Vols,” Bob Kesling, also chose the Cumberland Avenue Pilot.

Lashonda Reeves of Knoxville posed with Tank Strickland of the city of Knoxville and state Rep. Joe Armstrong at the Pilot on Magnolia Avenue.

Farragut Mayor Ralph McGill manned the Pilot on Campbell Station Road.

Folks were happy to see WBIR-TV's anchors Robin Wilhoit and John Becker at the Cumberland Avenue Pilot.

Folks were happy to see WBIR-TV, Channel 10, anchors Robin Wilhoit and John Becker at the Cumberland Avenue Pilot.

Wivik the Frog with his handler, Cody, was on Northshore Drive. It's fun to have a frog pump your gas!

Wivik the Frog, from WIVK-FM, with his handler, Cody, was on Northshore Drive. It’s fun to have a frog pump your gas!

Steve Phillips of WVLZ-AM was at the Northshore Pilot. You may recognize him as the former sports director of WBIR-TV.

Chef Walter Lambert of WVLT also was at the Northshore Pilot.

Chef Walter Lambert of WVLT Volunteer TV also was at the Northshore Pilot.

Lawyer and broadcaster Tim Priest of the Vol Network was talking football with customers at the Cumberland Avenue Pilot.

Knoxville Fire Chief Stan Sharp, left, with Pilot Regional Manager Mike Kitts at Pilot on Magnolia Avenue early one morning.

County Commissioner Sam McKenzie at the Magnolia Avenue Pilot.

WBIR-TV’s Russell Biven chose the Pilot in Rocky Hill as his spot.

Here are Rich Bailey, Kim Hansard and Marc Anthony of WWST-FM (102.1) at the Pilot on Middlebrook Pike.

Rick Russo of WVLT-TV with police officer Dene French on Middlebrook Pike.

Rick Russo of WVLT-TV with Officer Dene French on Middlebrook Pike.

County Commissioner R. Larry Smith took two shifts: one on Emory Road in Powell and one on Maynardville Highway in Halls!

Knoxville Vice Mayor Nick Pavlis, who represents South Knoxville, was at the Pilot on Chapman Highway.

County Commissioner Mike Brown, also from South Knoxville, was at the Pilot on Alcoa Highway. Shortly after Pilot Pumpers, Commissioner Brown had hip replacement surgery. He is recovering nicely, he says.

Pilot’s race car driver Michael Annett was pumping gas and greeting fans at the Pilot on Northshore Drive at Pellissippi Parkway.

City Councilmen Mark Campen, left, and Nick Della Volpe worked together at the Pilot on Broadway at Adair.

Jimmy Hyams of WNML-FM (99.1) was in Rocky Hill.

County Commissioner Jeff Ownby at Northshore Drive near Kingston Pike.

City Councilman Finbarr Saunders was waiting for customers to arrive early one morning at the Pilot on Sutherland Avenue.

City Councilman Duane Grieve, right, waited on customer J. J. Rutledge on Cumberland Avenue.

Knoxville Police Chief David Rausch was a friendly face in the parking lot of the Pilot on Western Avenue.

City Councilman — and former mayor — Dan Brown manned the pumps on Magnolia Avenue.

News Sentinel cartoonist Charlie Daniel and Sheriff’s Deputy Jimmy LaFollette at the Pilot on Oak Ridge Highway.

WBIR’s Beth Haynes was in Rocky Hill.

WVLT-TV anchor Alan Williams, left, with Russell Sanders of the Knox County Sheriff’s Office’s Senior Citizens Awareness Network. They were on Chapman Highway.

WBIR-TV’s weather guy Todd Howell was on Oak Ridge Highway.

Here’s my friend Dan Andrews from the Knoxville Focus helping out customers at the Pilot on Campbell Station Road.

Well, you get the idea! These photos are of fewer than half the great folks who volunteered for this annual project. Thanks so much to all of them — and to the Pilot customers who made this a record breaking year for the event.

Artist Hunt Slonem's historic plantation, Albania. The movie "All the President's Men" starring Sean Penn was filmed there in 2006.

Artist Hunt Slonem’s historic plantation, Albania. The movie “All the King’s Men” starring Sean Penn was filmed there in 2006.

Earlier this month, the Knoxville Museum of Art arranged a trip to New Orleans for 32 Knoxville art lovers. The outing, offered through the museum’s so-called “Collectors Circle,” was a whirlwind three-night stay that offered the opportunity to visit two artists’ homes, two very different museums, as well as the home of a collector, and a plethora of eateries where we consumed about a month’s worth of calories (but who cares?).

Let’s talk about the two amazing artists and their very different homes first. Hunt Slonem may be familiar to Knoxville Museum of Art members because the museum owns two of his large paintings of parrots. Slonem also was the featured artist in 2012 of the museum’s major fundraising art auction, L’Amour du Vin. (Click here for a story about his visit to Blackberry Farm that weekend.)

We were greeted with mimosas upon our arrival at Albania. Here’s Alan Carmichael with his.

A two-hour drive out of New Orleans is Slonem’s historic 16,000-square-foot sugarcane plantation, Albania, built during the years 1837 to 1842. It is near the town of Jeanerette in St. Mary Parish. Although Slonem was not present for our visit, he generously opened his home (one of three mansions he owns) and sent his property manager, Butch Bailey, to show us around.

Being on the grounds of Albania – and later at another artist’s abode in the famous Lower Ninth Ward — gives one that kind of spooky, seductive New Orleans feel that is hard to describe and harder to shake. With that jazzy, sexy vibe, it’s easy to see why the area produces so many artists of every kind. For his part, Slonem obviously felt the same thing because he said the moment he saw Albania, he said to himself, “I have to have it,” although it was in a state of disrepair and he hadn’t even laid eyes on the inside of it.

(Click here for a story on the history of Albania.)

We were asked not to post photos of the interior of Albania on the Internet (drat!), but I’ll tell you it is chock full of antiques and every wall is covered floor-to-ceiling with art, that of Slonem himself mixed in with historic portraits, which he collects. “The thing about Hunt,” our guide Bailey said, “is that his passion is collecting and collecting and collecting!” (Another Slonem collection we were shown: top hats!)

It was at Albania where we were served the best meal of the trip, in my opinion. I’ll put up a post just about the food from the trip in a few days.

Butch Bailey, who lives near to Albania, grows satsumas. They decorated the tables and provided garnish for the mimosas. It was a simple, elegant touch.

It was a pleasure to get to spend time with Jayne and Myron Ely, members of the Collectors Circle.

Susan Seymour, left, and Sarah Stowers were fun members of our group.

So were Maggie Erickson, left, and Cathy Hill.

So were Maggie Erickson and Cathy Hill.

Our friend Sheena McCall is in the financial services industry. She’s always working!

A view of the side lawn. Don’t you love that gauzy, languid atmosphere this evokes?

Mimosas in hand, we gathered on the front porch to hear from Stephen Wicks (blue shirt), the curator of the Knoxville Museum of Art, and Butch Bailey (khakis and green shirt), property manager of Albania.

After mimosas, we gathered on the front porch to hear from Stephen Wicks (blue shirt), the curator of the Knoxville Museum of Art, and Butch Bailey (khakis and green shirt), property manager of Albania.

Since I can post photos of the inside of the house, here is one of the Hunt Slonem paintings owned by the Knoxville Museum of Art. He is all about color and he loves animals.

Since I can’t post photos of the inside of the house, here is one of the Hunt Slonem paintings owned by the Knoxville Museum of Art. He is all about color and he loves animals as subjects.

Here’s the other Slonem owned by KMA. Both are on loan to the Knoxville Convention Center right now and can be viewed if you enter on the Clinch Avenue side across the street from the Holiday Inn Worlds Fair Park.

After the house tour, we enjoyed the view from the porch on the upper level.

Isn’t it restful and enticing?

Barbara Apking thought so!

And Riley Anderson.

Out back is a bayou.

These huge copper vessels were used in the old days to boil down sugar cane. Today, they are mostly used as water gardens or, as Butch Bailey said, “mosquito attractors.” Ha.

Here’s the view of Albania from the back.

John Cotham, left, and Pete Crawford

Watching everyone strolling around near the bayou, I mentioned to one of our luncheon servers my extreme fear of snakes. “Ma’am, there are more things that can kill you in Louisiana than anywhere else,” he said nonchalantly. Comforting.

Fountain cherub

Across the street was some of that sugar cane, which at one time grew on the 6,000 acres surrounding Albania.

Soon, with a little buzz on from the mimosas and the wine served at lunch, it was time to re-board our coach for the ride back to New Orleans and a trip to the Ninth Ward shotgun house and studio of artist Gina Phillips.

Stephen Wicks, right, and Bradley Sumrall, the chief curator/manager of collections at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art, welcome Sylvia Peters to Gina Phillips’ home and studio.

Artist Gina Phillips in her home on Sister Street across the street from the Holy Cross levee in the Lower Ninth Ward.

Gina is a painter and a musician. But, lately, she has become a fabric artist on a grand scale. She has an incredible exhibit at the Ogden Museum, which we would visit the following day.

She works with a swing arm Nolting stitching machine to combine fabric, thread and other objects into a work of art.

Some of her raw materials.

All colors of thread are involved.

A bright painting of a boat.

Here is a large fabric piece.

Guitar

In Gina's backyard, you can get a feeling for the neighborhood. She says all the neighbors are close and get together often.

In Gina’s backyard, you can get a feeling for the intimacy of the neighborhood. She says all the neighbors are close and get together often. She feels safe.

Lush tropical plants like this banana tree thrive in the backyard.

As we were leaving, we couldn’t resist a walk to the top of the levee across the street.

Cathy Hill thought the setting was perfect for a picture of her husband, Mark.

The sunset was stunning.

Talks are under way to possibly bring Gina Phillips and an exhibit of her work to the Knoxville Museum of Art. I hope that works out.

Coming up: A tale of two New Orleans museums with very different approaches to collecting and a look at how that relates to what we are doing with our museum here in Knoxville. Also coming up: Eating New Orleans!

This gingerbread building, Main Street Bakery, was made by students at Farragut High School. It is one of scores of amazing gingerbread buildings on display at Fantasy of Trees this year.

We interrupt this report on the Museum of Art trip to New Orleans to bring you — Christmas!

Fantasy of Trees, the huge display of Christmas trees and all other things related to the holiday, continues through 6 p.m. today (Sunday). If you are not in the Christmas spirit, a brief stroll through this event at the Knoxville Convention Center will do the trick. This year’s theme is “Christmas on Main Street.” Proceeds benefit East Tennessee Children’s Hospital. Click here for ticket info.

Also at the Convention Center, stop by to see the five Christmas-themed sculptures constructed entirely of cans of food! Called “Canstruction,” when this display closes on Dec. 3, all the food will be donated to Second Harvest Food Bank. Admission is free to the “Canstruction” exhibit, which is sponsored by Messer Construction. To vote on the People’s Choice Award, go to Knoxville Canstruction’s Facebook page. Go to the photos of the structures in the album labeled “People’s Choice Award Voting” and “like” your favorite sculpture. (We at Moxley Carmichael helped build “Olaf” from the new movie, “Frozen.” So we are partial to him!)

Well, enough talk. Let’s take a look at Fantasy of Trees and Canstruction, shall we?

From left, Seth Linkous of Children’s Hospital, Whitney Kent and Michele Silva of WVLT-TV, Channel 8, and Jay Cadegan. Don’t they look festive?

When it comes to Christmas decorations, I am partial to nutcrackers and reindeer. There are plenty of both at Fantasy of Trees!

As usual, there has been an awesome turnout. These photos were taken at the preview party on Tuesday night.

The Convention Center was ready for it. This mountain of shrimp was just one of the food offerings on Tuesday!

Children’s Hospital CEO Keith Goodwin and his wife, Diane

Tony Spezia, left, the CEO of Covenant Health, with Betty and Baxter Caldwell

The vendors are just great this year. Here is artist Marcin Chamala who came here from Poland to paint ornaments in the Joy to the World booth.

Another cute gingerbread creation

Peppermint School

This blue house was created by the Emerald Avenue Just Lead Elementary students.

Federal Judge Tom Varlan was there with his daughter, Susanna.

Mary Bogert, left, the general manager of the Knoxville Convention Center, with her friend Anita Lane of the downtown Hampton Inn.

From left, Kimberly Pettigrew, Gay Lyons, Gary and Julia Bentley

One of the most extravagant trees was this large on decorated by Samuel Franklin Floral and Home Decor in Clinton.

One of the most extravagant trees was this large one decorated by Samuel Franklin Floral and Home Decor in Clinton.

One of the cute ornaments

This tree was decorated by students at Brickey McCloud Elementary School.

This Cat in the Hat tree was decorated by students at Brickey McCloud Elementary School.

It’s not hard to guess that this tree was decorated by the American Youth Soccer Organization.

This tree, decorated by Mrs. Amber’s third grade class at Washburn Elementary, kept with the Main Street theme.

As I said, I love reindeer!

Poor Alan had to pose with one!

Cute baby sighting! This is Caroline Cox.

Here are her parents, Steven and Melissa Cox.

And her grandparents, Tami and Bruce Hartmann, flanking Tami’s godmother, June Spargo.

Larry and Jane Martin

Diana Morgan, left, and Mickey Mallonee

Alan and Rebecca Williams. He had to leave the festivities to go back to WVLT and anchor the 11 o’clock news. She’s with the Convention Center, so she stuck around.

Marsha Hollingsworth and Grant Laing

Loved her earrings!

Lively music was by the Vibraslaps. This is keyboardist Jim Rivers.

The Hollywood tree was clever! It was decorated by the Scott L. Schwartz Children’s Foundation.

All kinds of entertainment icons were represented.

I really liked this tree decorated by Farmers Insurance Charlotte Chance Agency.

Who can resist a cuddly-looking owl?

The one thing Alan can’t resist? Dessert! In this case, blueberry cheesecake.

OK. Let’s look at those Canstruction sculptures.

The folks at Massey Electric built an elaborate sleigh.

Messer Construction, the project’s sponsor, weighed in with a huge Santa.

Barge Waggoner Sumner and Cannon made a Christmas mantel with Santa’s feet coming down. And I love that toy train!

These giant nutcrackers were the entry of the UT College of Engineering. They even had music and moveable parts! Wow.

Finally, my favorite! A team made up of Moxley Carmichael, Partners Development and Johnson Architecture teamed up to build “Olaf.”

We covered our cans with white paper to make the snowman from the movie “Frozen.” Vote for your favorite on the Knoxville Canstruction Facebook page. (I hope you pick Olaf!)

Knoxville Museum of Art Curator Stephen Wicks welcoming our group to the New Orleans Museum of Art. That is a Rodin statue at the top of the stairs behind him.

When the Knoxville Museum of Art‘s Collectors Circle members visited New Orleans last month, they got up close and personal tours of two very different museums in that city — the venerable New Orleans Museum of Art and the Ogden Museum of Southern Art. The Knoxville museum’s curator, Stephen Wicks, said that was a deliberate decision on the part of those who planned the trip.

“Those are the two best museums in New Orleans,” Wicks said. “It was meant to be a study in contrasts.”

And, it was for sure. The New Orleans Museum of Art is over 100 years old and contains more than 40,000 objects of art. “Most museums that have been open a long time eventually become encyclopedic, meaning that they contain great collections from all over the world,” Wicks said.

The Ogden, on the other hand, is a relatively new museum. Founded in 2003, it originally contained the collection of one person, Roger Ogden, a New Orleans businessman who donated more than 1,100 works from his private collection to start it. Today it contains more than 4,000 art objects with a focus on artists from the Southeastern United States. It is recognized as containing the largest and most comprehensive collection of Southern art in the world.

“The two museums could not be more dissimilar,” Wicks pointed out. “This means that they don’t compete. They complement each other. If you are a person in New Orleans who wants to leave your art collection to a museum, you pretty much know which museum you are going to leave it to.”

We were admitted to the New Orleans Museum of Art before it opened to the public. When we got there, the staff was misting two huge arrangements of white roses.

For its part, the Knoxville Museum of Art is “right in the middle” between the two New Orleans institutions we visited. One reason for that: we only have one major art museum in Knoxville. “We have a focus on our region, like the Ogden does,” Wicks said. “We did that because no one else was telling our story. We felt that if we didn’t tell the story, it wouldn’t be preserved.”

On the other hand, the Knoxville Museum of Art also has the responsibility to bring the art of the world to the people of East Tennessee, especially young artists, Wicks said.

“If you are a young artist, the great news is that you can connect to contemporary art worldwide here in Knoxville,” he noted. “The art world today is global. There is much more connection than there used to be.” In our museum’s Contemporary Gallery on the top floor, exhibited art works are by people from East Tennessee as well as London, Romania, New York and elsewhere.

The trip to New Orleans was a big success, Wicks said, mostly because the hosts in New Orleans made special times for the guests from Knoxville. We got special access to the New Orleans Museum of Art and a talk by the curator there. Not only did we visit the Ogden, but we were invited to Roger Ogden’s private home to meet him and see his collection.

I’d like to give a plug here for joining the Collectors Circle. I’ll admit that I joined partly because I wanted to go on the trips. But there are many other benefits. Ninety percent of all the money raised by membership in the Collectors Circle goes to fund new acquisitions — and the Collectors Circle members get to have input on those purchases. In addition to the annual trips, members also get special in-town activities such as meetings with artists and behind-the-scenes opportunities. “We want to offer experiences to Collectors Circle members that they probably couldn’t get on their own,” Wicks explained.

Wicks said plans are underway now to decide where the group will travel in 2014. A poll will be taken of members to help make that decision.

To be a member of the Collectors Circle, you must join the Knoxville Museum of Art at the Fellows level ($250). After that, Collectors Circle memberships cost $450 per person or $600 per couple. Alan and I think it’s well worth it.

The New Orleans Museum of Art was established in 1911.

The New Orleans Museum or Art’s curator, Miranda Lash, took us through the current Camille Henrot exhibit.

Camille Henrot, an award-winning young artist from New York City, is fascinated by the Houma Indians in southern Louisiana because they are losing their land to rising water levels every year.

This basket, on display near the Camille Henrot exhibit, is the handiwork of Houma Indians.

This cypress splint basket, on display near the Camille Henrot exhibit, is the handiwork of Houma Indians.

And then there was this gold building called “America” that was produced by Will Ryman during 2013.

You could walk inside it and see that it was made of such things as wood, resin, arrowheads, chains, shackles, corn, cotton, coal, candy, bullets, railroad ties, cigarettes, gas caps, spark plugs, soda tabs, telephone cords, pills, keyboards, iPhones, iPads, lightbulbs and fiberglass. It is some kind of statement about capitalism, I think.

Here’s a closeup of the section made up of gas caps. Hmmm.

Moving along, I sought out a piece by one of my favorite artists, Rene Magritte. This one, produced in 1951, is called, “Love Potion.” (Don’t ask me! I saw a lot of things there I do not understand!)

We weren’t there too long, but you can see that from the Rodin and Magritte pieces to the modern Henrot and Ryman works, the New Orleans Museum of Art really is “encyclopedic” in its holdings. We headed to the Ogden.

Alan outside the charming Ogden Museum of Southern Art.

William Andrews, left, the director of the Ogden, and Bradley Sumrall the chief curator/collections manager. "Welcome to New Orleans," Williams said. "Don't forget to hydrate!" Ha.

William Andrews, left, the director of the Ogden, and Bradley Sumrall the chief curator/collections manager. “Welcome to New Orleans,” Andrews said. “Don’t forget to hydrate!” Ha.

Bernie Bernstein examining a huge fabric piece depicting a postcard of an ice skater by artist Gina Phillips, whose home and studio we had toured the previous day.

Before we were led into the gallery where Phillips’ latest work was displayed, we saw some of her earlier paintings. This one is called, “Self Portrait with Rat.” It is clearly set in her backyard. I’m just glad we didn’t see that rat when we were there!

This is “Mabel on Her Way to Mass” and features Phillips’ neighbor. I really like it!

Get ready for the piece de resistance!

When they opened the gallery for us, this magnificent fabric piece covered an entire wall floor to ceiling. Called “Fort Dirt Hole,” it depicts Phillips’ childhood where she lived with her entire extended family in Kentucky. Corn is growing out of her leg because her grandmother told her after she played in the dirt with the other kids that if she didn’t take a shower, corn would grow from the dirt on her body!

This figure is Phillips’ grandmother who was a musician, as is Phillips.

Closeup of a sunflower in the piece. Isn’t this just fantastic? I love this technique of hers!

Bradley Sumrall talking to our group.

On another wall was this huge tree.

Some fabric renditions of people from Phillips’ past and current life.

Here’s a closeup.

It must be hard to do a shirtless guy.

A dog Phillips used to have.

Baby head

She called this one, “Fats Got Out!” She created it after the rumors that musician Fats Domino was stuck in his Ninth Ward home when Hurricane Katrina hit. He actually escaped.

Our leader, Kent Farris (doesn’t he look like Robert Redford?) urged us to get in the coach for a trip to Commander’s Palace for lunch. (More on that in a later post all about our food.)

After lunch, we took a brief trip to Roger Ogden’s home on Broadway Street in Uptown New Orleans.

Roger Houston Ogden with Knoxville’s Sarah Stowers.

Ogden said the establishment of the Ogden Museum was “the dream of a lifetime,” even though he never had an art course. Instead he first was a lawyer before becoming a real estate developer.

He started collecting art when he was a sophomore at Louisiana State University. At that time, he convinced his father to purchase a painting as a gift for his mother.

“We collect art because we like it,” he said. “I’m drawn to it.” First he acquired a large amount of Louisiana art and later he expanded the collection to include pieces by artists from all over the American South. “I’ve never believed I actually owned the art,” he said. “I believe I am a steward of it.”

Here we are in the Ogden home which is chock-full of antiques and art.

Beautiful chandelier.

Dining room

Unique plant holder

This painting reminded me of Scrooge!

Stephen Wicks was correct. This trip demonstrated very concretely the different philosophies of collecting and displaying art. The members of the Collectors Circle will use these lessons well in the years to come.

Myron and Jaynie Ely were among the 32 Knoxvillians on the trip. Here they are during a toast at Clancy's.

Myron and Jayne Ely were among the 32 Knoxvillians on the trip. Here they are during a toast at Clancy’s, a restaurant near the Garden District.

When folks find out we have been to New Orleans on a Knoxville Museum of Art trip, they ask all about the art we saw, right? No. “Where did you eat?” is what they really want to know.

As folks who read this blog from time to time may know, Alan and I go to New Orleans fairly regularly and we have our favorite eateries, naturally. (Click here or here for info on that.) But on the trip last month, we made it a point to go to several we’ve not visited before. We found some great new (to us) spots. And, I hate to say it, but we were disappointed in one of our old favorites that we did visit.

First, the good news. For my money, the best food we had on the trip was actually a catered meal at artist Hunt Slonem‘s sugarcane plantation. It was catered by the restaurant Clementine Dining and Spirits, located at 113 E. Main Street in New Iberia, about 130 miles from New Orleans proper. Since Clementine is closed on Mondays, the day of our visit, the restaurant’s owner, Wayne Peltier, helped prepare the noon meal for the 32 guests from Knoxville. We dined on the spacious back porch of Slonem’s mansion, overlooking the bayou a few feet away.

Tables on the porch of Hunt Slonem’s plantation, Albania. The placement of the silverware is a hallmark of the restaurant, Clementine.

Clementine Dining and Spirits is named for folk artist Clementine Hunter, owner Wayne Peltier’s favorite painter. She always signed her initials with the C placed backwards, with its arms “reaching out to hug you.” The tines of the fork represent the backwards C. You can see that the knife and spoon form the H in her initials.

Locally grown satsumas in a pretty bowl make up the simple centerpiece. The bread is served tied up in a napkin.

The shrimp and grits were fantastic, full of flavor and slightly spicy. The grits were made with chicken broth and heavy cream.

Alan had the same thing, but added a griod, which is a thinly sliced filet pounded, floured and sauteed.

Alan had the same thing, but added a griod, which is a thinly sliced filet of beef that is pounded, floured, sauteed and smothered in gravy. Yum, yum.

Facing the camera, from left, Lane Hays, Stuart Worden, Charleene Edwards and Mark Hill.

Facing the camera, from left, Krishna Adams, Bob Hawthorne, Susan Hawthorne and Susan Seymour.

Facing the camera, from left, Riley Anderson, Pandy Anderson, Bernie Bernstein and Cathy Hill.

Oh my God, the bread pudding was unbelievable! It was unusual in that it was topped with meringue, which was light and perfect for it.

Alan also raved about his dessert choice, pecan pie a la mode.

So, Clementine provided my favorite food of the trip. I would love to go to the actual restaurant, but the two-hour drive from New Orleans may be a sticking point for getting back there. We shall see.

Alan’s favorite restaurant this time was an Uptown place called Clancy’s. Located at 6100 Annunciation Street, it was packed when our party of 10 arrived, but I do think we were the only non-residents. Clancy’s is a place for locals. It has the kind of atmosphere the old Regas Restaurant in Knoxville used to have — white tablecloths, but homey and comfortable. The wait staff members were personable and helpful. And the food was great. As were the martinis!

Martini girls: Maggie Erickson, right, and me at Clancy’s.

Robin Turner, left, and Sylvia Peters at Clancy’s.

Decisions, decisions.

Clancy’s crabmeat salad got rave reviews.

Several of us had oysters Bienville and oysters Florentine.

Several of us had oysters Bienville and oysters Rockefeller.

The crab-stuffed shrimp were a hit.

Shrimp linguini

Alan ordered seared baby drum and loved it.

My shrimp remoulade was fresh and beautiful.

We couldn’t leave without sampling the creme brulee.

Alan had some kind of damn good thing! After the martini and the wine, I couldn’t tell you what it was. It had the word “toffee” in it, though. Hope that helps.

Another great meal at a place we’d never been before was at GW Fins in the French Quarter. Located at 808 Bienville Street and recommended to us by a friend’s New Orleans buddies, it clearly was a spot for business diners and conventioneers, among others. With a very modern, sleek feel to it, it was a contrast with the cozy Clancy’s. But we really liked the food there, as well. It was our last dinner of the trip, though, and we had to force ourselves to indulge in one more rich meal.

The modern interior of GW Fins.

An interesting wall sculpture contained images of all kinds of sea creatures. This is just half of the piece.

The gumbo hit the spot, although the roux base was a little darker than that my grandmother used to make.

Lobster dumplings are really an appetizer, but I had them for my main course. They were delicate and absolutely delicious. I worried that the dumpling dough would overshadow the lobster, but it did not.

Alan had drum, again. Although it was prepared differently than that at Clancy’s, he still enjoyed it. This one was parmesan crusted.

Robin Turner had a dish called Triple Iceberg Wedge: blue cheese and bacon, thousand island and tomato and creamy basil and shrimp.

I do not know how we managed to eat dessert, but we did! Here is something called Salty Malty Ice Cream Pie. Awesome, to tell you the truth.

In New Orleans, my dessert of choice will always be bread pudding. This one is white chocolate and caramel bread pudding. Yes, it was as good as it looks!

In New Orleans we stayed at a funky hotel in the Arts District called the Renaissance New Orleans Arts Hotel, a Marriott property located at 700 Tchoupitoulas Street. It was filled with all kinds of modern art, which I guess is why it was selected for our group. It was conveniently located not far from the French Quarter and had a bar/restaurant in it called Rene Bistrot. The bar was a great place to grab a table by the window and people-watch while sipping a cocktail. Since we arrived on the afternoon that the Saints were playing a home game, we got to see plenty of festively dressed fans heading to the Superdome. We also saw the various members of our group coming and going and we were able to wave them in to join us for drinks.

Here’s the deal with Rene Bistrot. It has fantastic drinks and appetizers and a great wait staff. But our dinner was dreadful and tasteless. I’ll just show you the good stuff. But you have been warned. Have snacks there, but don’t even THINK about having dinner there.

My husband, Alan Carmichael, at Rene Bistrot. Oysters, anyone?

Why, yes! At happy hour, they are a dozen oysters for $5!

From left, Bernie and Barbara Bernstein and Mimi Turner at our opening night reception.

Smoked salmon appetizers. Very good.

Fried oysters seemed to bode well for things to come.

Even the pizza was good.

And then we sat down to – yuk! Super bland onion soup, mushy gulf fish and my normally favorite dessert, bread pudding with whiskey sauce, that I swear had absolutely no flavor at all.

The other disappointment on our dining marathon was, unfortunately, Commander’s Palace. Located at 1403 Washington Avenue in the Garden District, Commander’s is usually one of our favorite stops. The only thing I can figure is that we normally go on Sunday for Jazz Brunch and perhaps that is just over-the-top great and not a good comparison. Also, we were in a private dining room this time and we were a party of 32, so maybe that was a problem. But you would think a place as storied and experienced as Commander’s Palace could handle that. The food still was good, but customer service was an issue.

We had pre-ordered all the courses: a romaine salad, griddle seared Gulf fish and a praline parfait for dessert. Also pre-ordered were a white wine (chardonnay) and a red wine. When the waiter came to pour the wine, my friend Rosemary Gilliam and I asked if, instead of the pre-orderd chardonnay, we could split a bottle of pinot grigio. We would, of course, pay for it out of our pockets. Incredibly, the waiter acted like this was a problem. When I offered to go to the bar myself and buy a bottle of wine to bring back to the table (I’m not sure there actually is a bar, but I was making a point!), he said he would have to check with the dining room manager. At last he relented and told us we would be allowed to purchase a bottle of pinot grigio.

We learned later that several of our party asked if they could have (and pay for) coffee after dessert. They were told no! Good grief.

Our group filled a private dining room at Commander’s Palace.

The seard Gulf fish was beautifully plated with crab boiled vegetables, local Meyer lemon and brown butter vinaigrette.

The seared Gulf fish was beautifully plated with crab boiled vegetables, local Meyer lemon and brown butter vinaigrette.

The praline parfait consisted of housemade vanilla bean ice cream with chipped chantilly, candied pecans, a crisp tuile and liquefied pralines! It was great.

The praline parfait consisted of housemade vanilla bean ice cream with whipped chantilly, candied pecans, a crisp tuile and liquefied pralines! It was great.

So, there you have it. The good, the bad and the ugly. Fortunately, much more good than anything. We can’t wait to go back to New Orleans. Please post in the comments any suggestions you have or interesting dining experiences you’ve had in the Big Easy.

Mixed greens and carmelized onion tartlettes were the first course at the Raise the Roots dinner.

Mixed greens and caramelized onion tartlets were the first course at the Raise the Roots dinner.

One of our favorite caterers, Holly Hambright, has opened her new sandwich shop in one of our favorite former dives, the infamous Corner Lounge on Central Avenue. “The Corner,” of course, was home for many years to the legendary Con Hunley, one of our favorite entertainers.

With all these favorites in mind, Alan and I were pleased to receive an invitation to the most recent “Raise the Roots” fundraising dinner benefiting Beardsley Community Farm. Appropriately renamed Holly’s Corner, the small eatery at 842 Central, was a great setting for the dinner that previously has been held at The Tomato Head on Market Square and The Plaid Apron in Sequoyah Hills.

The great folks at Beardsley Community Farm are raising money to construct a new education center at the farm. The new facility will contain a kitchen for cooking demonstrations and — this was announced to loud applause — bathrooms!

“We depend on volunteers every single day to provide food for the community,” said Khann Chov, the farm manager. “This will be an important facility to help them do their work.”

Beardsley Community Farm is an urban demonstration site that has promoted food security and sustainable urban agriculture through practice, education, and community outreach since 1998. It is operated on seven acres on the site of the former Beardsley Junior High School by a team of AmeriCorps members and community volunteers overseen by the Community Action Committee.

We go to a lot of fundraising dinners in very nice places like Cherokee Country Club and Blackberry Farm. But, I have to say, the simple vegetarian fare served at the semi-annual Raise the Roots dinners for Beardsley Farm is among our favorite meals.

The farm is run by Khann Chov, center, the farm manager; Julianne O’Connell, left, education coordinator; and Kate Wiggeringloh, volunteer and outreach coordinator.