MARYVILLE, Tenn. – Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee would like to thank their supporters for their overwhelming generosity during the food bank’s 9th Annual MAYDAY on May 10. Donations from the radiothon raised $188,000 to help provide food for children at risk of hunger this summer.
“Second Harvest is grateful for the community’s support on MAYDAY,” said Second Harvest’s Executive Director, Elaine Streno. “Each year MAYDAY helps our efforts for children to receive the nutritious food they need, and we cannot do it without you!”
Second Harvest would like to thank Rand Property Management, NS4ED, Casey’s General Stores, Vanilla Feeds Tomorrow and Republic Plastics for their generosity and support.
About Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee
Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee, a member of Feeding America, has worked to compassionately feed East Tennesseans experiencing hunger since 1982. Second Harvest distributes more than 22 million pounds of food across an 18-county service area through multiple feeding programs and 630+ community partners.
Knoxville, Tennessee – May 4th, 2022 – BESCO, an industry leader in providing electrical and mechanical services throughout the Southeast region and across the United States, today unveiled new brand identities and leadership changes for both BESCO and its subsidiary, Engert, LLC. These strategic moves are all part of recently
promoted President Bridgett McMahan’s plan to accelerate their current growth trajectory by better integrating both company’s capabilities to provide a more comprehensive mechanical, electrical and plumbing service offering to its customers.
According to BESCO President, Bridgett McMahan, Jason Johnston will continue to oversee Engert’s mechanical services and but will also assume responsibility for BESCO’s electrical operations in Knoxville. In addition, Donna Johnston, Engert President Emeritus, will now be focusing her efforts on community outreach efforts and
building external relationships. McMahan has also developed a new brand identity for Engert which brings it close in line with the new BESCO look and feel while also maintaining its autonomy.
McMahan commented, “I am excited about better integrating these two great teams together so we can deliver a more holistic offering of electrical, mechanical and plumbing solutions to our customers.” She added, “Our cultures are a perfect match and the new brand identities of both BESCO and Engert better reflect the passion and innovation that our team represents. Jason is a perfect fit for his new role, and he will be invaluable in making our joint offering in the Knoxville market even stronger and seamless.”
According to Johnston, “I am eager to take on this new role where I can represent both brands to provide onestop-shop mechanical, electrical, and plumbing services.” “We both make a great team, and I am looking forward to bringing more value to our customers. Our reputation for providing excellent service plus a more comprehensive range of services will be a game changer in this market. It is exciting.”
BESCO is a leading electrical contractor based in Knoxville, Tennessee, providing electrical construction and maintenance across the Southeast region and the country. BESCO also owns Engert, LLC, a mechanical company based in Knoxville, Tennessee. Since 1950, BESCO has supported the regional growth in the area as the Tennessee valley grew from an agricultural center to a thriving economy of technology, manufacturing, higher education, and healthcare. In addition to the growing industries in the region, BESCO is a proud partner for commercial, healthcare, industrial, utility, and nuclear energy companies as well as federal, state, and local governments for electrical infrastructure and emergency storm response. For more information, please contact Jessica Maples - p. 865.342.0080 e. jmaples@besco.com.
Officials for Soaky Mountain Waterpark, 175 Gists Creek Road in Sevierville, Tenn. today announced the waterpark will officially open for the 2022 season on May 14 and 15, and then daily starting May 20. A season pass holder celebration day is planned for Friday, May 20 from 10 am to 6 pm. All pass holders who purchase a 2022 souvenir cup will receive fee refills on all soda for the day.
According to Dave Andrews, general manager of Soaky Mountain Waterpark, “We are super excited for our third season. We listened to the feedback from our season pass holders and we’ve made our park even better for 2022.
Changes include addition of a new dueling watercoaster, The Edge set to open most likely in late-June.
“‘The Edge’ is going to be a showstopper!” says Andrews. It will be perched on the edge of our waterpark, and will span two football fields in length. It’s fusing together WhiteWater’s Master Blaster water coaster with their iconic Boomerango. But, we are not adding just one slide, we are doubling it for a dueling thrill!”
A 70-foot tower will be home to the new slides. On it, double tubes will sit side by side, each in their own assigned lane. When the light turns green they will be propelled down a three-story mega drop that leads to the first valley of the ride. Then, they will be quickly blasted up a hill and into a section featuring a kaleidoscope of colors.
“Riders are sure to be mesmerized by the coaster’s AquaLucent rings (colorful circles) designed into the tube segments,” adds Andrews. “The distance between the rings will get closer and closer, giving riders an appearance of acceleration before they are surprised to see their competitors again as they are dropped into another heart-pounding drop.”
A second uphill blast will take riders into another enclosed tube segment, where this time they will be awed by colorful, laser-like AquaLucent stripes. These stripes will start longer, and then become shorter and shorter, giving a sense of sci-fi speed while the riders progress into a turn. When the riders shoot out of their tube, they will see not one, but two imposing Boomerango walls ahead of them, before dropping to the base of the wall, feeling extreme Gs. As the momentum takes the riders up the parallel walls, they will be able to see their competitors as they feel a sense of weightlessness before sliding back down. As a finishing touch, the riders will go over a zero-G hump to the end of the ride, the finish line is stacked with lights and effects to indicate who is the winner and who went over ‘The Edge’.
Andrews states, “The Boomerango is loved the world over, but our guests will be treated to very special version of it that has never done before. Our Boomerango walls are being designed to make the riders feel like they are going off ‘The Edge’ of the coaster. It is going to be spectacular.”
Other changes in the waterpark will include an expanded Tacolicious food truck; a new PHILLY UP! cheesesteak food truck; two new deck spaces with 1,000 new seats; and the addition of four more clamshell cabanas, three cabanas and five two-story cabanas.
Soaky Mountain Waterpark also includes the Avalaunch, a first-of-its kind watercoaster with four flying saucer features that create a drop-and-dive sensation and one wave curved wall; Soaky Surge, a massive, 35,000 square foot wave pool capable of generating waves 6 feet high; Black Bear Rapids, an adventure river encompassing 24,000 square feet; and The Hive, a bee-themed play-and-spray feature with countless hands-on activities for younger children.
If that’s not enough, there is also Boomers Bay, a super fun kid activity pool area with smaller versions of the adult-size towering slides including Lil’ Rattlers and Mini Mayhem so kids can experience the thrills and chills of the waterpark on their level; an adventure pool with a water obstacle course; a 3,800 square foot flat-water cabana pool for relaxing poolside; and Hang 10essee, a double FlowRider®️ surfing simulator.
In addition to the Avalaunch watercoaster, there are other massive slides including two five-person raft rides; a tubing tower with five flumes; two high-intensity body slides; and a four-lane, head-first mat racing challenge to satisfy everyone’s racing desires. Some of the slides feature translucent tubes which create a swirling array of light effects and others are themed in colors like the Rainbow’s Revenge which features all of the colors of the rainbow and the American Racer’s Rush which features red, white and blue stars and stripes.
Season admission passes are on sale now through April 30 for $109.99 and include one guest daily admission ticket. Starting May1 they will be $119.99. Daily admission tickets are $47.99 (if purchased online) for anyone above 42 inches and $39.99 for anyone under 42 inches. Children ages three and up require a ticket. The waterpark will be open through Labor Day and then weekends in September (weather permitting). Wilderness at the Smokies guests can purchase a discounted daily admission ticket for $19.99.
Wilderness Resorts and Waterparks currently owns and operates Wilderness at the Smokies in Sevierville, and Wilderness Resort, Glacier Canyon Lodge, and Wilderness on the Lake, Wild Rock Golf Course, Sundara Spa and Glacier Canyon Conference Center in Wisconsin Dells.
For more information visit: SoakyMountainWaterpark.com.
PIGEON FORGE, Tennessee (Tuesday, May 10, 2022) — Dollywood’s Rock the Smokies returns for the first time since 2019, and excitement for the event has prompted event organizers to add a third showtime for the Saturday, Aug. 27 event. Concertgoers can now select a 7 p.m. showtime for the inspirational event featuring headliners TobyMac and Newsboys at DP’s Celebrity Theater.
Several other contemporary Christian artists visit during this well-loved event. Christian hip-hop artist Aaron Cole, Katy Nichole, sister pop duo RENEE and Ben Fuller are set to perform for park guests on stages in the park. All performances outside of DP’s Celebrity Theater are free with park admission. Actor and comedian Heath Arthur serves as the emcee for the performances in DP’s Celebrity Theater.
Super early bird pricing ends June 24, and early bird pricing ends July 29. Meet & Greet opportunities are available through the platinum VIP package. Special Dollywood season passholder pricing also is available on the event website.
By combining all the adventure of a day at the theme park with great music, Dollywood has crafted a unique event packed with fun for all ages. A ticket purchase includes admission to Dollywood. Discounts are available for groups, season passholders and guests who order tickets early. Packages are available that include VIP seating, t-shirts, pictures with the artists and much more!
For more information about the event, visit rockthesmokiesfest.com. To learn more about multi-day ticket options or 2022 Dollywood season passes, visit Dollywood.com or download the Dollywood app.
OAK RIDGE, Tenn. -- Upwards of 2,000 athletes will hit the waters of Melton Hill Lake in Oak Ridge, Tennessee this month for three of the most prestigious regattas in the country, the American Athletic Conference (AAC) Women’s Rowing Championship (May 14 - 15), American Collegiate Rowing Association (ACRA) Championship (May 20 - 22) and the Dogwood Masters Classic (May 28).
“It is an honor to host the best teams in the country on our waters,” said Oak Ridge Rowing Association’s (ORRA) Regatta Director, Matt Kaminski. “Each race will showcase teams in their peak postseason form. I expect the competition to be as intense as ever.”
Squads will descend on Melton Hill to wrap up their rowing season with the 2022 AAC Women’s Rowing Championship on Saturday, May 14, through Sunday, May 15. This is the second time Oak Ridge will host the championship regatta. Teams in the AAC vying for this title include the likes of Temple University, Southern Methodist and several more. Fans can catch the competition live on ESPN+.
The ACRA Championship will also garner national recognition as teams embark on their pilgrimage to Oak Ridge after back to back covid-related cancellations in 2020 and 2021. Between Friday, May 20, and Sunday, May 22, over 50 programs will compete for the highly coveted national title. ORRA’s highly functional course featuring long, dedicated warmup areas won the bid for the championship destination back in 2020. Unlike all other qualified courses, ORRA will eliminate wake from leisure boats with the closure of boat access points to Melton Hill. Amongst many other teams participating in the event, colleges from California, Washington State, Vermont and Florida are expected to impress as they compete along miles of Melton Hill’s sheltered waters bringing teams from all four corners of the US to town.
Wrapping up the trifecta of rowing events, the Dogwood Masters Classic, will take place Saturday, May 28. The annual event pushes the rower's endurance through a series of 1000-meter sprints. This seven lane interaction will feature teams including the likes of Cincinnati and Pensacola and will conclude the 2022 spring regatta season for ORRA. Like its May counterparts, the Dogwood Masters Classic expects to attract a large number of visitors to the East Tennessee region.
Spectators and fans are welcome to attend all three events. The ORRA Melton Hill course includes parking for more than 50 team trailers, 1,000m of shaded spectator area along the race course, picnic facilities, permanent modern restrooms, a children's playground, and access to the Melton Lake Greenway and Haw Ridge Park, with 778 forested acres and more than 28 miles of single track and mixed-use trails. Spectator access and parking at the Melton Lake Venue are free.
For more information about the event, please visit the Oak Ridge Rowing Association’s website.
WHAT: 2022 AAC Women’s Rowing Championship
WHO: Matt Kaminski, Oak Ridge Rowing Association
WHEN: Friday and Saturday, May 14 - 15, 2022
Friday, Saturday and Sunday, May 20 - 22, 2022
WHERE: Oak Ridge Rowing Association on Melton Hill
697 Melton Lake Dr, Oak Ridge, TN 37830
About Oak Ridge Rowing Association
Oak Ridge Rowing Association is a small non-profit organization, located in Oak Ridge, TN, that serves the youth of the Oak Ridge community through its Atomic Juniors and Adult competitive and recreational rowing programs. ORRA’s programs are structured to support all area youth and adults, recognizing and embracing the benefits of diversity, equity and inclusion. Our mission statement, since the club was founded in 1978 is simple- “supporting rowing in East TN”. We enjoy the opportunity to positively influence, shape and hopefully improve the lives of area youth through this sport that we all love.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (May 9, 2022) – Naf Naf added another location to its growing footprint and is now inviting more Tennesseans to experience the best flavors of the Middle East at its second Knoxville-area location!
Located at 6485 Kingston Pike in the popular Bearden, the new restaurant gives hungry diners the opportunity to discover, delight and share Naf’s Middle Eastern signature items like pita, crispy falafel, award-winning chicken shawarma and scratch-made signature sauces. Knoxville’s new Naf is open Sunday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. The opening marks the second Naf in Tennessee for Franchisee Nick Ibrahim and the 30th systemwide for the brand.
“The brand received a warm welcome in The Volunteer State so far with our first Knoxville restaurant, and we look forward to inviting more guests to share our delicious Middle Eastern dishes with one another,” said Naf CEO Greg Willman. “With a strong franchisee like Nick in the market, I’m very excited for the brand’s future in Tennessee.”
After signing several multi-unit deals to develop new locations throughout the country in 2021 and early 2022, Naf is seriously “fanning the flame” of expansion. The emerging brand is projecting 11 open new units in 2022, which includes three new markets for the brand – Atlanta, Dallas and Charlotte, each with multiple locations planned.
To learn more about Naf, visit nafnafgrill.com.
Naf Naf Middle Eastern Grill: Fan The Flame of Your Passion (and your appetite).
About Naf Naf Middle Eastern Grill
Naf is making fresh Middle Eastern cuisine a mainstream favorite across the United States. Inspired by tradition, Naf’s genuine hospitality paired with handmade dishes derived from Old World recipes create a welcoming atmosphere where guests are invited to fan the flame of culinary exploration. Every order is customized to the guest’s liking with choices of top-quality meats, like its award-winning Chicken Shawarma roasted on a vertical spit, to freshly ground falafel and pillowy pita baked in-restaurant throughout the day. Naf is headquartered in Chicago with 30 locations nationwide. For more information, visit nafnafgrill.com.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development announced today that letters of intent are now being requested for the Tennessee Historic Development Grant Program (HDGP).
The first round of the program, approved by the Tennessee General Assembly in April 2021, provided $4.8 million to projects that aim to renovate and preserve the state’s commercial historic buildings. Gov. Lee and the Tennessee General Assembly approved a second round for this program in April 2022 after overwhelming support and interest in the first year. The funds encourage communities and private developers to invest in buildings that have contributed to a community’s history but now sit idle. These buildings can once again contribute to the economy through job creation and commercial opportunities.
A letter of intent is required to participate and can be submitted from May 9 to June 15, 2022, to confirm eligibility of the historic property by TNECD and the Tennessee Historical Commission. Applications will be accepted June 30 through August 19, 2022. This program will be highly competitive, and applications will be scored based on project need, impact, overall plan, financing, feasibility, support and location.
Various criteria must be met for a structure to be eligible for a grant. Eligible properties that qualify as certified historic structures are defined here. Additional frequently asked questions can also be found on the website.
Applicants will be notified of award later this fall, and contracts are expected to begin within a month following announcing awards.
TNECD will be hosting a webinar for those interested to learn more about the letter of intent and program guidelines. Webinar information can be found below:
The webinar will be recorded and uploaded to the website for those unable to attend. Additional information about the grant, eligibility and application can be found here.
About the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development
The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development’s mission is to develop strategies that help make Tennessee the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high quality jobs. To grow and strengthen Tennessee, the department seeks to attract new corporate investment to the state and works with Tennessee companies to facilitate expansion and economic growth. Find us on the web: tnecd.com. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn. Like us on Facebook. Subscribe to our YouTube channel.
[Knoxville, TN] Big Brothers Big Sisters of East Tennessee (BBBS-ETN) will host their inaugural event, The Big Night Out, presented by FirstBank on May 12. The Big Night Out will be an evening celebrating the driving force of our mission, Mentors. The awards dinner from 5:30pm-8:30pm at The Mill & Mine, 227 W. Depot Avenue.
At The Big Night Out, BBBS-ETN will induct three new individuals to the BBBS-ETN Hall of Fame. Beal Bourne of Jarnigan & Son Mortuary and BBBS-ETN’s first black Big Brother; Chip DeBlois, and William “Ed” Harmon are the 2022 inductees. DeBlois and Harmon are co-founders of BBBS-ETN. Additionally, Compassion Coalition and First Horizon will be inducted as Community Partners. The Hall of Fame honors individuals and partners that have been instrumental in providing direction, energy, and support to the shaping of BBBS-ETN.
BBBS-ETN will honor Jim Clayton as the first winner of the East Tennessee Mentor of the Year award recipient. This new award honors someone who has made a positive and lasting impact in East Tennessee through mentorship (personal and professional).
Visit www.TennesseeBig.org/events for more information.
About Big Brothers Big Sisters of East Tennessee
Big Brothers Big Sisters of East Tennessee has been transforming the lives of children since 1970. We are a member agency of the oldest and largest youth mentoring organization in the United States, consisting of more than 350 agencies nationwide. Our mission is to create and professionally support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of East Tennessee youth.
PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (Friday, May 6, 2022) — For the third time since the award’s inception in 2018, Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa was named the number one Amusement Park Hotel in the country by USA Today readers in the publication’s 10Best Readers’ Choice awards.
A panel of experts and USA Today 10Best editors selected which properties and attractions would compete for titles across several categories in the award competitions that took place in April. Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa earned the top spot for best Amusement Park Hotel, while Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Cabins finished sixth in the same category.
During its history, DreamMore Resort and Spa has earned several awards including being named one of Southern Living’s “Best Places to Stay in the South,” one of Travel + Leisure’s “25 Resorts in the US that are Perfect for Families” and the #2 Best Family Resort in 2021 by USA Today.
Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa, which celebrates its seventh anniversary in July, has quickly become a sought-after resort destination. Nestled in the Smoky Mountains next door to Dollywood theme park and Dollywood’s Splash Country water park, Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa provides guests with a full-service, comfortable home-away-from-home experience that only Dolly Parton could create. Inspired by Parton’s childhood in Locust Ridge, Tennessee, a love for music and storytelling, and a desire to create a place for families to grow and play, Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa brings Parton’s vision for a premiere family destination to life.
Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa has several unique areas and experiences for families to spend quality time together. Families gather to play checkers by the fireplace in one of the resort’s grand living rooms, enjoy a glass of sweet tea in a rocking chair on one of the many porches or swap stories on one of the beautiful garden benches. The resort’s lavish 20-acre property includes premiere amenities and perks to help guests create their own special moments and memories.
Full-service dining, a full-service salon and spa, indoor and outdoor pool complexes, and exclusive park privileges—like complimentary transportation to Dollywood theme park and complimentary TimeSaver passes for Dollywood rides and shows—make the property a must-visit experience. Additionally, there are a variety of on-site activities at the resort for families. Through fun-filled activities including arts and crafts, storytelling and summertime pool parties, Camp DW is designed to inspire children’s imaginations. At night, families gather around the fireplace for a bedtime story with a book selected from Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Guests also can roast complimentary marshmallows to make s’mores each night around the fire pit.
For more information about Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa and Dollywood’s 2022 season, please visit Dollywood.com.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Craft Brewers Guild has concluded its first statewide set of the “Farm to Tap” festivals and will continue to plan events that bring growers, brewers and consumers together over the coming year.
“Our brewers nailed it! They turned Tennessee crops into great beer. These events put a spotlight on Tennessee herbs, fruits, and other home-grown ingredients," said Sharon Cheek, Executive Director of the Guild.
“’Farm to Tap’ celebrates what is uniquely Tennessee and I’m really proud of our brewers, vendors, and volunteers who made these events a success,” Cheek said.
The festivals kicked off in Knoxville, followed by Nashville, and ended in Memphis to highlight Tennessee agriculture and its partners. These three events gave participants the chance to sample a variety of Tennessee-brewed beer and interact with brewers and Pick Tennessee Products partners to learn more about where their products are sourced from and how they are made.
The “Farm to Tap” initiative was conceived to bring Tennessee brewers and farmers together to encourage the further use of homegrown farm products in local craft beers. It officially started in November 2021 with various kick off events throughout the state.
The Guild contracted with Rhizome Productions to carry out the vision and logistics of these state-wide tasting experiences. Both Tailgate Brewery in Nashville, and Wiseacre Brewing in Memphis generously provided space for the events. Suttree Landing Park and the Tennessee River served as Knoxville’s backdrop.
The program’s state funding was continued for a second year in the state legislative session that ended last week.
More than 1,500 people attended the three festivals. Additionally, more than 30 Tennessee breweries showcased their craft brews utilizing Tennessee grown crops and several local vendors also attended and offered their products for sale.
“’Farm to Tap’ exceeded our expectations and reinforced the strong appeal of Tennessee products in the rapidly growing craft beer industry in Tennessee,” said Tennessee Department of Agriculture Business Consultant Kyle Hensley.
“One element of year two will be a more focused education component for the potential farm partners,” Hensley said.
The mission of “Farm to Tap” is to provide a common ground for Tennessee farmers and brewers to foster new relationships and collaborate on new projects with the help of the Guild. The brewers quoted below share their experience with the festivals and their plans for continued partnerships.
"Working directly with farmers is a unique experience as a brewer to get to see their product from the ground up. We are so happy that the Tennessee Craft Brewers Guild has made this relationship a priority and we look forward to continuing our partnership," said Ryan Allen, Owner and Master Brewer of Soul & Spirits Brewery.
“It was great to see the ‘Farm to Tap’ festivals come to fruition after having worked so long with Sharon and Kyle, among others, to get this program off the ground. I'm happy to see how supportive the beer community has been for the ‘Farm to Tap’ launch and the excitement of our guests and customers who all got to be a part of it. I'm excited to see ‘Farm to Tap’ continue and can't wait to participate in all future events,” said Chad Mueller, Head Brewer of Tennfold Brewing.
About The Tennessee Craft Brewers Guild:
The Tennessee Craft Brewers Guild is a 501(C)6 nonprofit membership organization representing independent craft breweries across Tennessee. It exists to advance the interests of and serve as the collective voice for the Tennessee craft brewing industry. For more information about the Guild, visit www.tncraftbrewers.org/. For more information about Farm to Tap, visit www.farmtotap.org/.
The Flatwater Tales Storytelling Festival, featuring three nationally renowned storytellers, is back with in-person performances June 3 and 4. Early bird ticket prices are available through May 15. This popular annual event will return live at the Historic Grove Theater, 123 Randolph Road, Oak Ridge, Tennessee.
All tickets, including the early bird special, can be purchased online at Eventbrite or the Ferrell Shop (cash or check only) in Oak Ridge. Tickets for individual performances and events are available.
The three-day event will feature storytellers Sheila Arnold, Bil Lepp and Kim Weitkamp known to audiences nationwide for their wit, wisdom and ability to make audiences laugh, cry and reminisce. Two special events have been added to the weekend: a writing workshop by Bil Lepp, on Thursday, June 2, and a special tour of Oak Ridge by Oak Ridge Historian, Ray Smith on Friday, June 3.
The festival has received significant corporate sponsorship for 2022. Consolidated Nuclear Security at Y-12 National Security Complex is the Presenting Sponsor for the entire Festival, and Pinnacle Bank is underwriting the Friday night premiere performance by Sheila Arnold. Other corporate sponsors are Bridgewater Balance and Hearing, Chuck’s Car Care Center and TNBank.
On Friday night, June 3, 7 p.m. Flatwater Tales has commissioned acclaimed storyteller Sheila Arnold to write and tell the story of the Scarboro 85, the 85 brave youngsters who desegregated the Oak Ridge Schools in 1955. Few people know of this 1955 milestone event. Sheila will honor the Scarboro 85 in her presentation, “The Secret City’s Secret City: Scarboro,” by telling some of their stories. Storytellers Bil Lepp and Kim Weitkamp will also perform Friday evening. Friday evening tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children.
During the three shows on Saturday, June 4, the storytellers will share different stories for each performance. The morning family show, from 10:00 a.m. to noon will offer tickets at $10 for adults and $5 for school-age children. The afternoon show is from 2-5:00 p.m. and the evening show is from 7-10:00 p.m. Tickets for the afternoon and evening performances are $25 for each show. All shows are Eastern time zone. Early bird pricing is currently available through May 15 at $40 for both the Saturday afternoon and evening shows. For groups of ten or more tickets will be $20 each for either the afternoon or evening performances.
Storyteller Bil Lepp, star of the History Channel’s “Man vs. History,” will present a special writing workshop “Bringing a Story to Life and Including Your Audience in the Experience” on Thursday June 2, 2-4:00 p.m. at the UT Arboretum Auditorium, 901 S. Illinois Avenue in Oak Ridge. Tickets for the workshop are $50 and are also available at Eventbrite and the Ferrell Shop in Oak Ridge. The Ferrell Shop accepts cash or check only.
A first-time special event has been added to this year’s Flatwater Tales. Oak Ridge Historian, Ray Smith, will lead a tour of some historic Oak Ridge sites on Friday, June 3, at 1p.m. Tickets for this free tour are available on Eventbrite. The event is FREE but registration is required. Learn the history of Oak Ridge by spending the afternoon with Ray.
The tour (in your own vehicle following Ray), will include the Oak Ridge International Friendship Bell, the Secret City Commemorative Walk, Historic Jackson Square, the Alexander Guest House, the Chapel on the Hill, a drive by of several historic alphabet houses including the "D" house that famous Manhattan Project photographer Ed Westcott lived in during his retirement years. Options also include details of what to expect in Oak Ridge's five museums (American Museum of Science and Energy, Oak Ridge History Museum, K-25 History Center, Y-12 History Center (if Covid allows), and Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge) as add on self-guided destinations. An additional option will be the Manhattan Project National Historical Park visitor center for those who desire to get their National Park passport stamped.
The Flatwater Tales Storytelling Festival is led by volunteers from all three Oak Ridge Rotary Clubs.
May 3, 2022 (Knoxville, TN) - Today, River Breeze Event Center announces its first two
concert events. UB40’s BIGGA BAGGARIDDIM TOUR with The Original Wailers featuring Al Anderson, Maxi Priest and Big Mountain brings Reggae vibes to Knoxville on August 18, 2022. Funk band Here Come the Mummies, with special guests Saxsquatch, perform on September 9, 2022. Both shows are on sale now at www.goriverbreeze.com.
With this announcement, River Breeze Event Center reveals that the late summer/fall 2022 season will mark the highly anticipated “soft-opening” of Knoxville’s new premier outdoor venue. Look for additional 2022 “sneak peek” shows—open to the public, but with limited capacity—leading up to the venue’s official Grand Opening in 2023 to be announced soon.
Those who would like to be the first to know about all things River Breeze are encouraged to subscribe to the newsletter at www.goriverbreeze.com.
Thursday, August 18 @ River Breeze Events Center
UB40’s BIGGA BAGGARIDDIM TOUR with The Original Wailers featuring Al Anderson, Maxi Priest and Big Mountain
Tickets starting at $45.00 / All Ages Welcome
Friday, September 9 @ River Breeze Events Center
Here Come the Mummies w/ special guests Saxsquatch
Free River Breeze Shuttle service to/from the event is included with each ticket purchased. Onsite parking is very limited and we highly encourage using the free shuttle - it’s part of the River Breeze experience!
About River Breeze Events Center:
Located just minutes from Downtown (6110 Asheville Hwy. Knoxville), the River Breeze site first opened to the public in 1950, operating as the city’s beloved Drive-In Movie Theater for over 30 years before shuttering its doors in 1980. Today, the 7+ acre property stretching along the Holston River has been re-imagined as a state-of-the art outdoor venue.
Born from and fostered by Knoxville natives and business owners, in collaboration with
regional and national live event specialists, River Breeze’s ethos is to host exceptional event experiences that seamlessly blend Knoxville, Tennessee’s unique local heritage and hospitality with world-class appeal. Event attendees, music fans, local residents, visitors to Knoxville—you are the River Breeze community. This is your space.
River Breeze Event Center will host top notch local, national, and international concerts and entertainment events—almost year-round. Look for diverse concert & event programming, delicious food & beverage offerings, exceptional venue operations and unique venue experiences. River Breeze Event Center will also be available for private rentals: weddings, business conferences, school and community fundraisers, and more.
FARRAGUT, TN -- Daddy Mac's Down Home Dive, located at 11335 Campbell Lakes Drive in Turkey Creek, is looking for the next great singer! Blind auditions for Daddy Mac's Voice Off will begin at the restaurant on Saturday, May 7th, continuing on May 14th and May 21st.
Finalists will compete weekly in front of a panel of judges to move on to the next round. The Voice Off winner will win $1,000 and a recording session from Wildwood Recording Studio in Maryville, TN.
The Daddy Mac's Voice Off Competition will begin in May. Registration for local singers to participate in the Blind Audition round is open now!
Blind Auditions will be held at Daddy Mac's:
The 2022 Voice Off Winner will receive $1,000 and a recording session at Wildwood Recording Studio in Maryville, TN
Daddy Mac's Down Home Dive
Event Page | eatatdaddymacs.com/voiceoff
Facebook Event | facebook.com/events/3114316772164610
Orlando, FL (May 4, 2022) – Huey Magoo’s - the “Filet Mignon Of Chicken®” - celebrates its newest franchise store with the grand opening today of its first restaurant in Tennessee in Kingsport, President and CEO Andy Howard announces. Huey Magoo’s Kingsport is the 24th restaurant opening system-wide spanning five states, with over 200 franchises currently sold in nine states. The 3,600 square foot Kingsport restaurant features indoor seating, an outdoor patio and a double drive-thru. This is the first of 20 Huey Magoo’s restaurants to open in the Tri-Cities and Nashville market area under franchisees Odus, Addie, Rudy and Katie Mundy, who have also been multi-unit Fazolis franchisees for 26 years. Huey Magoo’s Kingsport will offer dine-in, take-out and delivery through third-party delivery services DoorDash and Uber Eats in the future.
“We are very excited for the opening of Kingsport,” says the Mundy family. “We’ve been fortunate to be able to hire some great people that share our same passions and goals. This is really the culmination of a lot of time, effort and hard work by my team, who we are extremely appreciative of. Kingsport is a great area to be in. We’ve been eyeing the tri-cities area for some time and were thrilled when the opportunity presented itself to enter the market. We’re elated to be here and serve the Kingsport community for years to come.” Howard continues, “This is an exceptionally thrilling opening for the entire brand as it’s the very first Huey Magoo’s restaurant in Tennessee. We are very fortunate to have our excellent franchise team the Mundy’s spearheading our growth there, and we look forward to seeing them open many more restaurants throughout the state.”
Huey Magoo’s restaurants offer safe dine-in/out, take out, delivery through third-party delivery services, drive-thru and curbside pickup at participating restaurants. (Check www.hueymagoos.com for updates on all restaurants’ dining room openings). All guests will enjoy Huey Magoo’s signature grilled, hand-breaded or “sauced” premium chicken tenders, farm fresh salads, sandwiches and wraps. Each Huey Magoo’s tender is always made all natural, with no antibiotics ever, no hormones, no steroids and no preservatives.
Enjoy Huey Magoo’s Chicken Tenders now open at 2700 E. Stone Drive, Kingsport, TN 37660 (Kingsport Pavilion). Hours of operation are daily 11am-9pm (dine-in), 11am-10pm (drive-thru). For more information and a complete list of locations, visit www.hueymagoos.com, and call 423-405-1430 for the Kingsport restaurant. For franchising inquiries, contact Andy Howard at andy@hueymagoos.com.
Huey Magoo’s was founded in 2004 by Matt Armstrong and Thad Hudgens, two southern boys with a passion for quality chicken and a penchant for serving others. Voted “Best Fried Chicken”, “Best of the Best Chicken Tenders”, “The Best-Rated Fried Chicken in Florida” and “America’s Hottest Startup Fast Casuals”, Huey Magoo's is rapidly expanding and franchising throughout the Southeast with multiple locations throughout Central Florida, in South Florida, Jacksonville, Greater Tampa, Georgia, Mississippi, Tennessee and coming soon to South Carolina, North Carolina, Ohio, Las Vegas and many more. Huey Magoo’s prides itself on providing the greatest tasting chicken tenders in a clean, family-friendly environment, while showing their love for people. Huey Magoo’s delivers delicious, cooked-to-order chicken tenders, and they do it to perfection. Huey Magoo’s gives back a portion of profits to not-for-profit organizations and community groups. Committed to building a culture of excellence in service and food quality by serving only premium hand-breaded or grilled chicken tenders dipped or "sauced" in uniquely flavorful signature sauces, Huey Magoo’s attracts a loyal following of Millennials, families and neighboring businesses craving quality, delicious food at reasonable prices.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (May 3, 2022) — Eonix LLC, whose semi-autonomous ATLAS-system reduces timelines for energy storage materials design from years to months, today announced an exclusive collaboration with Schrödinger, Inc. to accelerate the discovery and design of materials for safer, energy dense lithium-ion batteries.
During this three-year collaboration, Schrödinger will develop physics-based and machine learning models leveraging the comprehensive and chemically diverse database generated from Eonix’s rapid, semi-autonomous materials screening ATLAS-system to enable 100,000’s of chemical candidates to be accurately computationally screened. These models will be deployed in conjunction with Eonix’s ATLAS-system to identify low cost, industrially-available compounds that improve the safety, temperature stability, energy density, and charging rate of both conventional and anode-free lithium ion batteries for grid storage, consumer electronics, defense and electric vehicle applications.
“Schrödinger is the ideal partner to accelerate our lithium-ion battery materials design and discovery,” said Eonix CEO Don DeRosa. “Schrödinger’s physics-based platform and expertise complements our rapid, semi-autonomous materials screening ATLAS-system. Schrödinger will be able to use rapidly generated lab data from Eonix’s ATLAS-system combined with physics-based predictions to develop and iteratively train robust machine learning models that will ultimately identify next generation materials for better batteries. This collaboration marks the first time a rapid materials screening lab-based technology will be paired with rapid computational screening technology in the battery industry to supercharge materials discovery.”
“Designing safer, less expensive, and more effective batteries is a critical challenge, and we are excited to collaborate with the Eonix team to apply our platform at scale to develop the next generation of lithium-ion batteries,” stated Mat Halls, Ph.D., Senior Vice President, Materials Science at Schrödinger, Inc.
This collaboration will be conducted jointly by the Schrödinger and Eonix scientific teams. Schrödinger is contributing the equivalent of more than $5 million in software, computer time, and services annually to support the collaboration. Schrödinger received an initial equity stake in Eonix and will be eligible to receive additional equity upon the successful completion of technical milestones during the collaboration.
Eonix has created the first semi-autonomous materials R&D system, ATLAS-system, that drastically reduces the time and cost to design new materials for lithium-ion batteries. This breakthrough process shrinks product development cycles of application specific lithium-ion battery chemistries from years to months. Eonix's novel ATLAS-system enables the rapid design of drop-in compatible electrolyte solutions that address the market specific barriers electric vehicles, grid storage, and hybrid defense systems to drive clean tech adoption. To learn more, visit EonixEnergy.com and follow us on LinkedIn.
PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (Tuesday, May 3, 2022) — As Dollywood’s Splash Country prepares for its May 14 season opening, a few special guests have an opportunity to take to the water before the general public. Job applicants to the next Dollywood Parks & Resorts hiring event might just leave with a job, free food, door prizes and a tan!
On Tuesday, May 10, job applicants who visit Splash Country to interview for a number of available positions on teams across Dollywood Parks & Resorts properties can stay and play until 6 p.m. It’s certainly the coolest job fair ever, and applicants don’t need a suit and tie—only their swimsuit. Many will receive job offers on-the-spot, and following their interview, applicants can enjoy the beauty of the award-winning water park. Free food, door prizes and even more fun await attendees. The event begins at 2 p.m.
Several exciting new perks—including free lunch for all employees during their shifts—competitive wages, and more add to the reasons why The Dollywood Company is the perfect fit for anyone regardless of their career aspirations. Interested applicants may view opportunities, as well as job descriptions and basic requirements for each position, at dollywoodjobs.com. Applicants can signify their interest in a position by following the online instructions to complete the application process.
Full-time, part-time and seasonal positions are available across properties. Peak season openings, which are perfect for applicants looking for a fun summer position or for those looking to earn a little extra money during the Christmas holidays, also are available. Applicants must be 14 years of age or older.
Forbes named The Dollywood Company as one of the best mid-size employers in the country in both 2021 and 2022. The company also was named to the Top Workplaces USA list for 2022.
Dollywood Parks & Resorts hosts receive a variety of unique benefits including access to the Dollywood Family Healthcare Center, along with complimentary Dollywood and Dollywood’s Splash Country admission for family and friends. Hosts are provided free meals for every working shift, and also take part in Dollywood’s Park Perks program which provides free or reduced admission to a large number of regional attractions, theaters and experiences. A comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision, is available for qualified full-time employees.
Through Dollywood’s operating partner Herschend Enterprises’ GROW U. program, all hosts are eligible for 100 fully-funded diploma, degree and certificate programs across 30 learning partners within Guild Education’s Learning Marketplace. Herschend’s GROW U. utilizes Guild’s Marketplace to offer classes in high-demand fields such as business administration, culinary, finance, technology and marketing. The company also will provide partial funding for 150 additional programs in fields including hospitality, engineering, human resources and art design.
Dollywood also pays a portion of childcare costs for hosts whose children are cared for at a WeeCare-affiliated provider. Additionally, numerous development opportunities are available to help employees grow leadership skills, including an apprenticeship program in conjunction with Walters State Community College.
For more information about working at Dollywood Parks & Resorts, please visit dollywoodjobs.com.
MARYVILLE, Tenn. – Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee will host our 9th annual MAYDAY Radiothon on Tuesday, May 10 from 6:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. This one-day event will raise funds for children in East Tennessee who are at risk of hunger. Donations will support Second Harvest’s Food for Kids and School Pantry programs.
“More than 12,600 children benefit from Food for Kids in 280 schools in Second Harvest’s service area. No one should ever have to wonder where their next meal is coming from. With Food for Kids and School Pantries, Second Harvest provides children and their families with the food they need to thrive,” said Elaine Streno, Executive Director of Second Harvest Food Bank. “We need your donations to help us continue to fight hunger and feed hope in East Tennessee.”
Second Harvest would like to thank Rand Property Management, NS4ED, Casey’s General Stores, Vanilla Feeds Tomorrow and Republic Plastics for their generosity and support.
About Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee
Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee, a member of Feeding America, has worked to compassionately feed East Tennesseans experiencing hunger since 1982. Second Harvest distributes over 22 million pounds of food across an 18-county service area through multiple feeding programs and 630+ community partners.
Friedrichshafen, Germany (27 April 2022) -- During the AERO Friedrichshafen press conference, Cirrus Aircraft announced its continued global expansion with investment in two new European locations to meet increasing customer demand. The company will open a European regional operations office in Rotterdam, Netherlands, scheduled to launch in June 2022, in addition to the recently announced aircraft sales presence based in Valenciennes, France.
“Cirrus Aircraft’s mission is to deliver a premium aviation experience and continue introducing the benefits of personal aviation to people around the world,” said Zean Nielsen, Chief Executive Officer of Cirrus Aircraft. “Our new locations and increased presence in France and the Netherlands will allow us to continue elevating the experience our current and future aircraft owners enjoy with Cirrus Aircraft.”
The expansion comes at a significant time for the aviation industry in Europe, as the upward trajectory of personal aviation interest continues to reach new heights due to renewed demand for premium leisure and business travel.
Cirrus France and Rotterdam will complement the existing European ecosystem of Cirrus Sales Agents (CSAs), Cirrus Training Centers (CTCs), and Authorized Service Centers (ASCs). Our European network includes five CSAs, 13 CTCs and 24 ASCs.
SR Series Deliveries Soar for Two Decades
The SR Series continued paving its legacy as the best-selling single-piston aircraft for two decades as the only certified, high-performance aircraft to achieve multipurpose personal, business and flight instruction functionality. In 2021, Cirrus Aircraft delivered 442 SR Series. The company has delivered over 8,500 SR Series aircraft with flight time surpassing 14 million hours since 1999.
With the 2022 G6 SR Series introduction, Cirrus Aircraft refined the aircraft design with reduced drag for increased fuel efficiency and added customer convenience features such as a keyless baggage door, Spectra™ illuminated steps and multifunctional USB panel charging for mobile devices. The Cirrus Aircraft Xi Design Studio captured audiences by revealing its all-new exterior paint collection and premium leather interior, offering customers a tailored 2022 G6 SR Series experience.
Cirrus IQ™ introduced a new status screen along with the Tech Pubs, Maintenance Minder, My Trips and Warranty sections, offering pilots advanced aircraft connectivity.
The company announced TRAC SR Series purchase agreements with United Aviate Academy and Kansas State University Salina Aerospace and Technology Campus. The TRAC SR Series are high-performance aircraft designed to meet training demands and prepare students for airline careers. The advanced training aircraft features a robust list of capabilities, including the Garmin® Perspective+ flight deck with dual 12-inch flight displays, a Flight Management System (FMS) keypad controller, and an Electronic Stability and Protection (ESP) system, as well as an integrated engine indication and crew alerting/warning systems.
The G2+ Vision Jet® Adds 25% Takeoff Performance
The Vision Jet is the world’s first single-engine Personal Jet™ and has been best-selling for three years. The innovative Vision Jet continues to attract new customers with its award-winning Safe Return™ Emergency Autoland, flexible cabin configuration, unmatched ownership ecosystem and low operating cost. The G2+ Vision Jet now offers more mission capabilities with the optimized performance of the Williams International FJ33-5A engine providing a 25% improvement in takeoff performance in high-density altitudes (hot and high conditions). The G2+ Vision Jet achieves greater weight and range capacity from airports and improved climb gradients to reach altitudes faster.
Cirrus Aircraft provides a complete ecosystem to support and transition people to Vision Jet ownership. With JetStream, Vision Jet owners receive a maintenance package that includes regular wear item replacement, recurrent training and a dedicated level of support. The Vision Pilots and Owners (VPO) community is a program designed to help owners transition into the Vision Jet. The VPO features an exclusive website where position holders and owners can learn about the Vision Jet, jet ownership and gain direct access to Cirrus Aircraft’s Vision Jet experts. The program also features exclusive fly-in events, online tools and more.
In 2021, the company delivered 86 Vision Jets, with over 330 deliveries since entering the market in 2016. Over 650 pilots have completed their Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) type rating for the Vision Jet at the Vision Center in Knoxville, Tenn. The revolutionary Vision Jet has received certification by the FAA, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the UK for Safe Return Emergency Autoland.
Cirrus Approach is the industry-recognized comprehensive training program that provides a framework for pilots to learn and engage. The courses teach pilots to fly with the utmost skill and safety, offering in-depth, digital instruction on procedures to learn safe, predictable and repeatable skills. In 2021, Cirrus Approach grew to over 8,000 users, a 47% increase over last year and comprised primarily of pilots from the United States, Australia and Germany.
In addition to inviting more people into personal aviation, Cirrus Aircraft released complimentary refresher courses, including ‘Takeoffs and Landings’ and ‘Maneuvers,’ to aid pilot proficiency and safety.
Visit Cirrus Aircraft at AERO Friedrichshafen booth #A3-400.
Cirrus Aircraft is the recognized global leader in personal aviation and the maker of the best-selling SR Series piston aircraft and the Vision Jet®, the world’s first single-engine Personal Jet™, and the recipient of the Robert J. Collier Trophy. Founded in 1984, the company has redefined aviation performance, comfort and safety with innovations like the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System® (CAPS®) – the first FAA-certified whole-airframe parachute safety system included as standard equipment on an aircraft. To date, worldwide flight time on Cirrus aircraft has passed 14 million hours, and 220 people have returned home safely to their families as a result of the inclusion of CAPS as a standard feature on all Cirrus aircraft. The company has six locations in the United States, including Duluth, Minnesota; Grand Forks, North Dakota; Knoxville, Tennessee; Greater Dallas, Texas; Greater Phoenix, Arizona; and Greater Orlando, Florida. Learn more at cirrusaircraft.com.
Knoxville, TN – KUB and its partners are introducing a new way to support solar power to the Knoxville-area community.
KUB Community Solar, a partnership between KUB, the City of Knoxville, and TVA, will provide homeowners, renters, and businesses the opportunity to subscribe to a portion of a 1 megawatt solar array. KUB invested $1.4 million to build the array, which will be placed on City of Knoxville property just off I-40.
“KUB Community Solar is the first of its kind for Knoxville, and we are honored to bring this option for locally generated solar energy to our community,” said Gabriel Bolas, KUB President and CEO. “KUB, along with our project partners, has been working hard to make this project a reality, and I am excited to kick off construction.”
The solar array will generate 1.36 gigawatt hours of solar power annually, avoiding approximately 964 metric tons of CO2e emissions. That amount is equal to saving more than 100,000 gallons of gasoline.
“Creating local projects like this community solar array was a priority for the members of my Climate Council to meet our greenhouse emissions goals,” said Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon. “I’m happy we could partner with the KUB team to make this a reality, and we look forward to subscribing to support it.”
Solar Alliance Southeast, LLC is constructing the array. Once construction is complete, and the program launches later this year, customers can subscribe for a monthly fee. In exchange, customers will receive a financial credit for the amount of renewable energy produced by their share(s) of the solar panels. This provides a solution for many customers interested in solar.
“In some cases, we see a community member that wants to support solar energy, but their home is just not in the right orientation or the property is shaded,” Solar Alliance Vice President Harvey Abouelata said. “What KUB is offering with community solar is a solution to that, as well as a solution for renters.”
KUB Community Solar builds upon KUB’s long-standing commitment to renewable energy and environmental stewardship. In 2021, KUB announced a solar investment made through TVA’s Green Invest program that will result in 20% of KUB’s energy to come from solar by 2024.
“Renewable energy is deeply rooted in TVA's culture, and is a vital element as we deliver innovative solutions that transform our seven-state region and beyond,” said Don Moul, TVA Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. “This community solar facility demonstrates the strength of the Valley’s community energy model, as we work with KUB and the City of Knoxville, to build a greener future that leaves no one behind in the new clean energy economy.”
For more information about KUB Community Solar or to complete an interest survey, visit www.kub.org/communitysolar.
KUB is a municipal utility serving Knox and parts of seven adjacent counties and provides electric, natural gas, water, and wastewater services to more than 473,000 customers.