How to Eat Local on a Budget From the Farm to Your Table
Meet the Artist: Murals of Anderson County Painting Clinton Schools
Tennesseans for Living History Keep the Past Alive
Up a Creek With a Paddle
Former LL Bean Guide Brings a Sense of Adventure July 2014
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From the Editor
I
would like to thank everyone for your overwhelming support of our publication! As some of you may know, Clinton Life was formerly owned by a different media company. In April, my husband, Paul, and I formed Huskey Media, allowing us to have sole ownership of the magazine. It was an exciting, scary decision, but one that has worked out very well. The June edition was the first published under Huskey Media, and since then we’ve heard from many of you about what you would like to see more of in the magazine. We also have over 600 likes on our Facebook page; if you haven’t ‘liked’ us yet, do it now! It’s a great way to connect with your friends and neighbors in Clinton and discuss community news. Writer Paula Johnson recently met with a couple of farmers in the area, including Glenda Ross, owner of Greenbriar Farm & Nursey and Blueberry Hill farm in Norris. They talked about the benefits of eating local and growing your own food. She wrote about her experience, which is published on pages 14-17. We’ve also highlighted new business owner John Marquis, an ambitious guy who brings his love of the outdoors to Anderson County (page 20). Finally, be sure to read the city manager’s State of the City address on page 7! Lots of cool stuff going on in Clinton. If you would like to contribute a story or photos, simply send me an email (below) or call 865-209-0313. If you would like to advertise in Clinton Life, email the same address or call 865-235-9213. Since we are locally owned and operated, if you would like to meet in person, we’re just around the corner. Have a wonderful, fun-filled summer!
Crystal Huskey
clintonlife@outlook.com
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July2014 2014 June
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Editorial Crystal Huskey, Editor, design Paula Johnson, Contributing writer Yvonne Hart, Contributing writer Janet Hawkins, Contributing writer Lois Engel, Contributing writer Daniel Butler, Contributing writer Roger Houck, City Manager and contributing writer Emily Sutherlin, Copy Editor
Advertising Paul Huskey, Sales and marketing
Printing and Distribution Century Publishing 5710 E. Seltice Way Post Falls, ID 83854
Pagination Gail Lane
Production HUSKEY MEDIA
P.O. Box 1003 CLINTON TN 37717 Tel: 865.209.0313 Email: clintonlife@outlook.com
In This Issue: 07 City Manager Discusses Clinton 14
How to Eat Locally Grown Food on a Budget
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The Artist Behind the Murals
20 Up a Creek With a Paddle 21
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Photo by JEM Farm
Celebrate Christmas in July
24 Tennesseans for Living History Departments 04
From The Editor
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Around Town
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Gotta Go!
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Event Calendar
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And Another Thing ....
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On the Cover
Photo courtesy of Gale Hinton
Photo courtesy of John Marquis
John Marquis, owner of Norris Paddling Adventures, takes a paddle board out to Norris Lake. A Maine transplant, he and his wife, Patti, moved to the area a couple of years ago. Flip to page 20 for the story. Photo courtesy of John Marquis
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Photo courtesy of Angela Galen
clintonlife@outlook.com Interested in advertising? Call our sales representative today! Paul Huskey (865) 235-9213 paulrhuskey@outlook.com July 2014
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AROUND TOWN
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City Manager Discusses the State of the City
SAFETY IN SCHOOLS, SPLASH PAD, CITY CRIME REDUCED BY 20% he City of Clinton was awarded two Federal Grants over the last year: one for four firemen, which paid 100% of their salaries and benefits for two years, and the other for one School Resource Officer (SRO). The City partnered with Clinton City Schools to provide two additional SROs, which allowed for a full-time police presence in each City School. The Clinton Police Department was also awarded the Excellence in Police Services Award by the Tennessee Municipal League in June. This award recognizes the top police departments throughout the state. TBI statistics show for 2013 that crime was down 5.4% in Tennessee; however, in Clinton we saw a 20% reduction in crime.
The Public Works department began a much needed paving project in 2011, and to date has paved 25 percent of the City streets totaling approximately 21,250 tons of asphalt. This has been the largest paving project in the past 25 years for the City. The Parks and Recreation Department is in the process of applying for a Local Parks & Recreation Fund Grant to reconfigure the baseball fields at Jaycee Park while adding new bleachers, concessions and restrooms. The grant includes a new concession stand and restrooms at the baseball field adjacent to the Community Center and a splash pad for the South Clinton Park. Clinton will be in its fourth consecutive year without a property tax increase, which is $.76 per $100.00 assessed value. This is the 14th lowest tax rate in the State for a city the size of Clinton. The City of Clinton has seen four years with a balanced budget and was for the first time able to create a Capital Reserve Fund, which allows us to pay for capital purchases without borrowing money. The City’s annual Audit has not received any new findings for the past two fiscal years and we currently have an unassigned fund balance of over $5 million and have reduced over the last four years our debt by $1.8 million. The Clinton Fire Department will see its biggest change in over 20 years with the re-opening of Fire Headquarters as a 24/7 operating station. This will allow the response time to be less than four minutes for the first fire unit to be on scene anywhere in the City. The location for this third station was determined by an extensive study by UT MTAS Fire Specialists. Plans are to build a fourth station in the vicinity of the I-75 interchange when our growth numbers support it. Since 2010 Clinton has seen major growth in it industrial development. Ten of the industries have a made a combined $202,000,000.00 investment in their facilities and equipment. This has created 1,071 new jobs in our city! The City will continue its relationship with the Anderson County Economic Development Association to recruit new companies to Anderson County. With support of the Mayor and City Council, the outstanding job by the Department Heads and the dedication of every city employee, I take a quote from the Police Chief Rick Scarborough: “We have set a standard on how government agencies can not only maintain, but thrive during struggling economic times.”
Roger Houck City Manager
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to benefit the
Free Medical Clinic of Oak Ridge
Saturday, August 16, 2014 5-10 p.m. St. Mary’s Parish Life Center Oak Ridge, TN Dinner ♦ Drinks ♦ Dancing ♦ Auctions
New this year Atomic Blast Signature Drink & Celebrity Dance Contest! Ticket sales begin Monday, June 16th for more information, visit www.fmcor.org or call 865.483.3904 $60 per ticket The Free Medical Clinic of Oak Ridge provides primary healthcare and related services at no charge to residents of Anderson, Morgan and Roane Counties who are uninsured and who cannot afford to pay for medical care. Since opening in 2010, the clinic has served almost 3400 patients in over 16,000 visits. FMCOR
People Caring for People
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Free Medical Clinic of Oak Ridge
COMMUNITY Shop ‘Second Saturdays’ by Donna Raines Community Contributor
Don’t miss the next Second Saturday on Market Street on July 12th. There will be produce, several local artisans, barbecue from Riverview Grill, snow cones and more.
‘Second Saturdays’ will offer fresh produce, food vendors and shopping. Photo courtesy of Donna Raines
Many of the 25 shops on Main and Market Streets will be having their summer sale. If you have been waiting to purchase an antique piece of furniture, something collectible, or a special gift, Second Saturday would be a great time to check out each shop. The Historic Downtown Merchant’s Association is looking for local vendors who have grown their own produce or local artists to set up for the July and August event. There is no charge to set up. To find out more information please contact Donna Raines at 865604-4796. Shops open at 10 a.m. on this day and vendors start setting up at 9. Plan to bring the family and enjoy the day in Clinton. The Clinton Library will also host a reading program for children and their parents in Hoskins-Lane Park on Market Street at 10:30 a.m. Historic Downtown Clinton is the largest antique district in Tennessee.
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ADVICE Find Your Purpose and Improve Productivity by Yvonne Hart Community contributor Would you like to massively improve your productivity? And your life? We are often blinded to what on earth we are here for. We do not realize our unique gifts. We do them as natural as breathing and believe everyone else does the same. Participants in my VIP days are often empowered by realizing they are especially gifted or excel in an area that comes easily. That is the joy I find in conducting self-discovery. By focusing on two key areas, we can perform at the top of our game at work or in life. Each has had volumes written about them, but are briefly highlighted below. Awareness of one’s purpose: a) Skills you’ve learned from education or experience b) Personal strengths you’ve identified
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Yvonne Hart, certified life coach. Photo courtesy of Yvonne Hart
c) Personality- the preferences and traits that make you distinct Stability or balance of inner life a) Physical fitness b) Emotional stability c) A sound Mental focus d) Spiritual renewal We perform at
our peak when we are confident of who we are and what our contribution can be. In addition to emotional stability, we must balance our physical fitness with mental focus. All on a foundation of spiritual inspiration acknowledging a universal purpose larger than ourselves. You are the expert on you. No one else has the knowledge of your past to tell what’s best for you. Often, this is where a coach can help with objective curiosity. Coaching is the attempt to consistently integrate the personality, skills, talents, experiences and values of a person to operate from a place of wholeness. Certified Coach Yvonne Hart’s expertise is partnering with professionals who want to improve productivity. Find her by visiting AFocusedPurpose.com. Follow her on Twitter at @AFocusedPurpose or professionally connect via LinkedIn.
Choosing Stay-at-Home Care for Seniors as a result of mobility restrictions and health issues. This provides extended help in such tasks while still allowing a level of independence and personal Many seniors and their families will space. Despite these advantages, at some time face the inevitable and however, an on-site assisted living difficult question as health conditions residence still lacks the comforts and become an issue: Is it possible to remain familiarity of home. living independently in my home, or will The use of an adult care service, such I need to move into some form of senior as Seniors Helping Seniors, can give the care facility? senior the best of both worlds. Seniors Nursing homes are an option that may Helping Seniors can provide a personal appeal to seniors with mobility problems. care provider who comes to a senior’s While the staff of such facilities see to home and carries out such tasks as basic all of the residents’ needs, the attention chores and laundry, as well as giving can be clinical or impersonal, making medical reminders, running errands like the transition from home and the grocery shopping and transportation to freedom they are accustomed to even appointments. The variety of services more difficult. What they may miss the allows elderly people to remain in their most is a lack of personal time and own homes with dignity and freedom privacy. Assisted living facilities offer while receiving the help they need with another option for those who find the everyday basic needs of life. performance of everyday activities, such The main reason for the popularity as bathing and meal preparation, difficult of in-home adult care is that it allows a
by Lois Engel Community contributor
senior to wake up in a familiar bed and go through life in the place they call home. Another benefit, apart from the assistance of daily cares, is that Seniors Helping Seniors care providers offer a feeling of friendship and companionship that might otherwise be unavailable. A senior with a person coming into the home to do chores has the comfort of knowing there will be regular contact with someone who can be relied on. The first step for the family members of a senior, of course, is to discuss with the senior what type of living conditions they would prefer to be in. Then answer the question of whether staying at home verse a senior living facility is the best for that senior. What ever the decision, there are options available that will make it easier to enjoy the comforts of home for as long as possible. For more information about Seniors Helping Seniors, contact Lois Engel at 865-269-4483.
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ASK THE EXPERT... You’re Doing It Wrong: Exercise Myths Exposed There is no magic pill, but there are a few guidelines that make the work a little easier. by Daniel Butler Community contributor
Exercise professionals (from left) Anna Dark, Joy Winchester, Daniel Butler and (bottom) Mika Yoshida at Take Charge Fitness. Photo courtesy of Take Charge Fitness
There haven’t been many truly groundbreaking developments in the health and fitness industry in the last forty or so years. A five-pound dumbbell still weighs five pounds, you still have to burn more calories than you eat if you want to lose weight and, as of this writing, there is still no magic pill you can take that will make you fit and trim. However, there are a few concepts that, through practical application and smart research (in that order), have proven to be a bit outdated.
Myth
Your muscles have a mind of their own and have to be outsmarted.
The truth is, your muscles are pretty dumb. They don’t know if the resistance they feel is from a dumbbell or a cable machine. Likewise, your muscles can’t tell if the aerobic activity that you are performing is on a bike, treadmill or stair climber. What your body does know is that it is only going to work as hard as it has to unless you force it to work harder. That’s why when we as exercise professionals hear someone say, “I just did 500 reps of sit-ups,” it draws a chuckle, because if you can do many more than 20 reps of anything, you’re probably not using good form, or there isn’t enough resistance.
Myth
Exercise a muscle from every conceivable angle.
Again, your muscles are pretty dumb in the fact that when you contract one, you contract the whole thing, not just part of it. That’s why when someone says that they have to do incline, regular and decline chest press to “completely” work their chest muscles, we point out
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that they are wasting their time. Any of the above mentioned exercise works the pectorals completely.
Myth
Keep your heart rate in the “Fat Burning Zone” to lose weight.
We’ve all seen those very scientific looking charts on the wall next to the treadmills and elliptical telling us what “zone” to keep our heart in while exercising. Usually there is an “aerobic” zone and a “fat burning” zone, which accomplishes nothing more than utterly confusing our members. Here’s the thing: when your heart rate is up, you burn calories, and the higher it goes, the more calories you burn. Keep your heart rate at a high level for long enough and you’ll lose weight, simple as that. The calories you burn are not exclusively from fat, carbs or protein, but rather from a mixture of all the above.
Myth
Train for a specific event or activity in order to do well in it.
There is a principle in the fitness world called S.A.I.D, which means “Specific Adaptations for Imposed Demands”. It sounds good in theory, but so did General Custer’s battle plan before Little Bighorn. In practice, the S.A.I.D principle is about as useful to exercise professionals as a trumpet is to a deer hunter. Your body simply knows how long it has to exert energy, with zero concern for the activity that it is doing. This is why the American Heart Association says that you can break up your recommended 60 minutes of daily activity into 10 six-minute bouts and still achieve the same result. The most important thing is the duration and intensity of your cumulative physical activity, and the harder you train, the less time you have to train for. Old habits die hard, especially when they are accepted by a lot of uninformed people. Hopefully I have been able to shed some light on what may work better and given you something to experiment with in your fitness routine. If you have any questions, please give us a call at 865-457-8237 or stop by and ask us in person. Daniel Butler is certified through the American College of Sports Medicine as a Health Fitness Specialist. He is an exercise professional at Take Charge Fitness, located at 1921 N. Charles Seivers Blvd. in Clinton.
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How to Eat Local, Organic Food on a Budget in East Tennessee And on the 8th day, God looked down on his planned paradise and said, “I need a caretaker.” So God made a farmer. So begins Paul Harvey’s well known speech. by Paula Johnson
ANYONE
aware of the local food movement is probably familiar with the phrase, ‘Get to Know a Farmer.’ It’s not just a cliché, and the best place to find farmers is your local farmers’ markets. East Tennessee is home to many farmers’ markets, but the Market Square Farmers’ Market in downtown Knoxville is the largest. In 1854, land was donated to the city of Knoxville for the specific purpose of building a Market House, a place to bring farmers together with the general public looking for fresh food. As a Food Tours host, I have met many people who remember going to the Market House when they were children. “Oh you could get anything you wanted,” some say. “The fish was right at the front door,” others
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recall. “They would pull the trucks up and sell right off the truck” or “They made the best hamburgers!” Fast forward 150 years, and that notion is going stronger than ever in the form of an outdoor farmers’ market. Big trucks still pull up on Market Square, and their cargo is life itself. I recently got some great ideas about how to eat locally on a budget from Market Square vendors JEM Farm and Greenbriar Farm & Nursery.
Get out your shovels
Eating local is more affordable if you decide to take on more of the work yourself. “We always say, there’s nothing more local than your front yard,” says Glenda Ross, owner of Greenbriar Farm & Nursery for Edibles and Blueberry Hill blueberry farm in Norris. Her husband, Paul Baxter, is co-owner. Although their farm is in Norris, Glenda invited me out to their house in West Knoxville to see her edible yard concept. The entire yard is filled with edible flowers, vegetable plants in containers, and raised beds, but no grass. Glenda surprises me by saying we are going to pick the strawberries, which make up a large part of the front yard. The berries are at their peak, bright red and warm from the afternoon sun. There is no greater culinary delight in the world than a freshly picked, sun-warmed berry. We go back inside and Glenda tells me to have a seat at the dining room table. I sit down at an empty spot and she says I can just sit at the end of the table. I suddenly realize that there is a place set especially for me and Glenda is making tea for us. I am also mindful that I only met her a few days ago for less than a minute at Market Square, but a farmer is a nurturer, and Glenda Ross embodies this quality. I really enjoy this uncommon hospitality, from a farmer, in a subdivision, in
Glenda Ross, co-owner of Blueberry Hill farm in Norris. Photo courtesy of Glenda Ross
Our afternoon tea consists of muffins, tea, fig jam made from figs from her yard, candied ginger, and those fresh, just picked strawberries. “And this…is eating your yard,” Glenda says. As we take tea, Glenda expounds on her business. Her background is in education and Paul’s is in agriculture. “I always had this idea of the edible yard in the back of my mind,” she says. At Greenbriar they sell edible plants such as blueberry, blackberry, bush cherry, currant, elderberry, fig, grape, gooseberry, kiwi, mulberry, muscadine, papaw, persimmon, and raspberry. They don’t do installation, but they offer something even better – workshops so you can learn to do it yourself.
“Your yard can be a major food source.” --Glenda Ross
An affordable way to have an edible yard would be to do it incrementally, Glenda tells me. “Add new beds, edible flowers, vines, shrubs, hedges, and trees as you are able.” She adds that your yard can be a major food source. If you live in a small place or apartment, you could plant in pots on balconies. “We usually get one or two things out of the yard to eat every day. We freeze things like berries and peppers and give away extras,” she says. Greenbriar Farm has set up at farmers’ markets for six or seven years now. “There is a lot more interest now, more vendors, more customers,” says Glenda, noting that there is a complexity of personalities of people interested in local food that covers all education levels, ethnic groups, and segments of the population. “When you buy local, you know that farmer. There is a nationwide change in eating,” Glenda adds. “People are realizing how important it is to have fresh and local food.” A fun day out would be to Glenda and Paul’s Blueberry Hill U-Pick blueberry farm in Norris. The blueberry farm has been in business for over 30 years now and has six mini seasons so that blueberries are available to be picked from Memorial Day in late May to Labor Day in early September. Visit them at 101 Reservoir Road in Norris or search for them on Facebook by typing in “Blueberry Hill Farm” in the search bar. Glenda tells me that she and Paul will soon be retiring from their farm work, but never fear, the business will be continued by their family – Holly Jones, a horticulturalist and organic specialist who already works with them, her husband Michael Smith, Mindy and Jason Wells, Kristen and Tyler Cunningham, and B.J. and Brian Baxter are some of the four generations who will continue the work of Greenbriar Edibles and Blueberry Hill.
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Powerhouse in the local food movement
John and Elizabeth Malayter, the namesakes of JEM
Farm, began farming part time in 2004 because they wanted better food for their daughter. With 20 acres in the rural area of Rogersville, they have become a powerhouse in the local food movement of Knoxville. They raise pigs, cattle, goats, meat chickens, egg chickens, turkeys and duck along with vegetables and herbs By 2011, they were both working full-time on the farm. The
Fresh ingredients can be purchased at a local farmers market or picked from your own garden. Photo courtesy of JEM Farm
Malayters sell at three farmers’ markets a week, supply to the local food co-op Three Rivers Market, along with providing product to local restaurants. JEM Farm is a Certified Organic, Non-GMO (Genetically Modified Organism) farm. “We wanted to set the standard,” says John. Although being Certified Organic is an expensive and time consuming task, involving thousands of dollars, piles of paperwork, and the invasiveness of an inspector walking through their property, Elizabeth feels that the certification adds value to their product and adds insurance to the buyer that, “we are not just telling you a tale.” “Our prices for meats are in line with the Fresh Market,” John tells me. And I smile at Elizabeth’s observance, “If the chickens could just eat air, we could bring the prices down.” It’s expensive to run a farm. But that would never stop a farmer from having a giving heart. At the end of a day at the market, a fellow comes by and John tells him to, “Take it. Just take it all.” I assume he has made a deal to sell him all that is left of the greens and herbs.
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“I’m from the Society of St. Andrew,” the fellow tells me and tries to explain. His nonprofit gleans food that is left from the harvest and delivers it to needy organizations such as food banks or shelters.
“Having access to local food is a really, really big deal.” --Elizabeth Malayter
“John is very generous,” the fellow tells me. John, in humble farmer fashion, acts as if nothing has transpired at all, when all three of us know that his remains of the day will fill hungry bellies tomorrow. In order to eat locally on a budget, the first thing John suggests that people should do is, learn how to cook. When I relate the number one item on John’s list to Elizabeth, she giggles in a way that makes me instantly think that she must have been the one to teach John how to cook. “The practical knowledge of knowing how to cook can help people spread products out over a number of meals,” John continues. “Having access to local food is a really, really big deal,” Elizabeth relates. So important, that she encourages using creative tactics, imagination, thought, and thinking outside the box to work out a way for it to be affordable.
An heirloom tomato grown at JEM Farm. Photo courtesy of JEM Farm
“Approach local farmers and ask if you can work a share,” she suggests. This might include offering not only to do work on the farm, but working at the farmers’ market booths, making a delivery, bookkeeping, updating a website, writing a blog, hauling trash, sewing, cleaning or even doing laundry. “See if you can take a farmer’s seconds, and go on the halves with them with canning,” she continues. Going “on the halves” -- splitting the goods for doing part of the work -- is an idea that has been around for a long time. I’ve known folks to go “on the halves” with entire fields of crops in order to get them in and saved from ruin.
“Everybody eats, and it matters to everybody.” --Elizabeth Malayter
“Buy products in bulk seasonally and divide them among friends,” Elizabeth suggests. “Ask if you can get a discount for buying in bulk.” Elizabeth notes that eating locally is a lifestyle that does take time, organization, and commitment, and that “the way people are looking at local food and health is changing. People’s values are changing.” It is apparent that Elizabeth is very passionate about raising quality, local food, and sharing it with as many in the community as possible. “Everybody eats, and it matters to everybody. Local purchasing also keeps money in the local economy,” she says. Her “absolute fantasy” would be to have a program where a truck would pick up produce from farmers all over, including ones who don’t have a way to a local market, and deliver to various places around town to sell and then take whatever is left over to be sold at a discount or given to the needy. That’s the thing about a farmer…they are always looking out for others. Alright now, go get to know a farmer. This is Anderson County, and as long as there are caring, giving, nurturing hearts, and a bit of dirt, you can always find a farmer. And if you’re feeling ambitious, it’s not too late to go out and plant a garden.
So God Made a Farmer (excerpt) by Paul Harvey
And on the 8th day, God looked down on his planned paradise and said, “I need a caretaker.” So God made a farmer. So begins Paul Harvey’s well known speech. “I need somebody with arms strong enough to rustle a calf and yet gentle enough to deliver his own grandchild. Somebody to call hogs, tame cantankerous machinery, come home hungry, have to wait for lunch until his wife’s done feeding visiting ladies and tell the ladies to be sure and come back real soon -- and mean it.” So God made a farmer. God said, “I need somebody strong enough to clear trees and heave bails, yet gentle enough to tame lambs and wean pigs and tend the pink-combed pullets”… so God made a farmer. God had to have somebody willing to ride the ruts at double speed to get the hay in ahead of the rain clouds and yet stop in mid-field and race to help when he sees the first smoke from a neighbor’s place. So God made a farmer. Somebody who’d bale a family together with the soft strong bonds of sharing, who would laugh and then sigh, and then reply, with smiling eyes, when his son says he wants to spend his life ‘doing what dad does.’” So God made a farmer.
About the author: Paula Johnson, the creator of Knoxville Food Tours, has made herself an expert in Knoxville history, haute cuisine, hole in the wall eateries, and hidden culinary hot spots. Since 2010, Paula has led over 400 Food Tours, hosting over 4,000 guests. An East Tennessee native, she is active in preserving the history of this area as a member of the East Tennessee Historical Society, the historic preservation group Knox Heritage, and the Museum of Appalachia. For more about Paula, visit knoxvillefoodtours.com.
Photo courtesy of JEM Farm
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Meet the Artist: Gale Hinton Hinton is responsible for most of the murals in Anderson County and City of Clinton schools, including Andersonville Elementary and Clinton Middle. by Crystal Huskey Editor
Photo by Crystal Huskey
I
f you’ve ever walked into a school in Clinton or Anderson County, you may have noticed skillfully painted masterpieces gracing the halls. Clinton Elementary, Clinton Middle, Andersonville Elementary and many others have been lucky enough to enlist the talent of Gale Hinton, a Knoxville native and experienced muralist. Hinton has been painting professionally for 50 years. She first started painting at the age of two, when her father -- an artist in his own right as well as an architect and engineer -- gave her a cabinet full of paper and art supplies. Hinton has a Fine Arts degree, and even spent a little bit of time interning for Disney. “Back then, there were no computers,” she recalls. “Everything had to be hand
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drawn.” The corporate art world was not for her, however, and after painting a few windows for businesses, she realized that her natural talents made for a good career. Becoming an artist wasn’t something she planned; it was just something that happened. She’s never once advertised and relies on the quality of her work to speak for itself. So far, that hasn’t been an issue. She now travels the country
painting murals for businesses, schools, churches, hospitals and personal homes. In any given year, she may travel to California, Boston, Canada and even Key West for jobs. “I always have to travel by car because of all the paint I carry with me,” she says. She charges by the job, but for churches and schools it’s always half price. A lot of businesses in Knoxville are proud to have her work displayed on their walls, including Agrifeed on Kingston Pike in Knoxville and a host of McDonalds across the nation. It was her work through the McDonalds Corporation in the 1990s that really launched her career. Many of the indoors play areas have treehouses and other scenes portrayed by Hinton.
Rather than oils or pastels, Hinton uses plain exterior house paint in her work. It’s durable and easy to work with -- a little like Hinton herself. When she has a project, she gets ‘in the zone,’ often taking no breaks until she’s finished. She frequently works 15 hours a day, seven days a week, until the project is done. “I forget to eat sometimes,” she laughs. “It’s hard to stop when I get going.” The scale of her work is sometimes staggering. When painting high school gyms, for example, her work can sometimes be 12 ft. tall and 18 ft. across. She has to stand on a scaffold for hours at a time. Visualizing the scale of the project is something that comes natural to her. She sometimes uses chalk to sketch out the initial design, but usually she just lets the mural tell her what to do. She keeps track of the size, scale and ratios in her mind, thinking five minutes ahead of where she is at all times. Once, she painted a ceiling of a home that was 60 ft. around. Like Michelangelo, she lay on a scaffold for days as she perfected all the details. A recurring scene that she has painted in multiple homes and businesses is the Magic Treehouse, a concept initially created by author Mary Pope Osborne and illustrator Sal Murdocca. Osborne actually came out once just to see Hinton’s work and loved it. Other writers and illustrators have come to see her
A mural at a school painted by Gale Hinton. Photo courtesy of Gale Hinton
interpretation of their stories over the years as well. All in all, she has painted around 20,000 murals in her lifetime. “I’ve lost count over the years, though,” she says. Hinton also plays piano in her free time. She has two children and five grandchildren. For more information on Hinton and a portfolio of her work, visit galehinton.com.
THE STORY OF THE ANTS Nearly all of Gale Hinton’s murals contain a hidden ant -- or, like at one high school in Chattanooga, 3,000 ants! “I add little tiny ants to everything I do,” she says. “Twenty or so years ago I was at a business here in Knoxville, and a little boy, around four or five years old, had just lost his father from a heart attack. Of course, he was very sad. They asked him if he wanted to watch me paint. “So he sat there the entire time and watched me silently. I painted this elaborate mural for Agrifeed; a nature scene. All of a sudden he said, ‘Ms. Gail, can you put a bug on there somewhere? On a boogie board?’ So I put it on there. Then he said, ‘Can you put one on a tube?’ Then he wanted one on a motorcycle. “By the time I finished, there were quite a few bugs in the mural. He got so excited and started laughing, talking and smiling, and they were so glad that he was happy, even if just for a moment. I thought, well if that little ant can do that for one little
boy, I can do it for others!” The ants take less than 30 seconds to paint, according to Hinton. She has parents personally call her from hospitals to tell her how much their children love the ants. The ants below are from a hallway at Andersonville Elementary in Andersonville.
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UP A CREEK With a Paddle LIVING THE GOOD LIFE IN ANDERSON COUNTY
by Crystal Huskey Editor If you’re the parent of a pre-schooler, you may be familiar with a quote featured regularly on PBS Kids: ‘Get out. Explore. Discover.’ It’s good advice for kids; it’s even better for adults. John Marquis, owner of Norris Paddling Adventures, moved to the Knoxville area from Maine a couple of years ago with his wife, Patti. He spent 11 years of his life leading people on outdoor adventures back in Maine through LL Bean, a company devoted to bringing people outdoor adventures, and now hopes to bring those adventures to the people of Anderson County. Marquis is a licensed wilderness guide and is certified in outdoor recreation, wilderness first aid, fitness and sports nutrition. When Marquis first moved to the area, he taught a number of outdoor recreation programs at River Sports Outfitters in Knoxville. “One of the reasons I left was because there was a lot of trash down on the river,” he said. “I decided to move away from the city when I saw a cow floating downstream.” Adventures on the water are for people of all ages and all fitness levels, according to Marquis. Last year, Marquis had a 70-year-old client who had tried paddle boarding at a different company but was never able to do it. Marquis recalls taking the time to show the man, who had arthritis, exactly how to do it, and he is now a regular customer. “Paddle boarding burns around 500 calories per hour,” says his wife, Patti. “But you barely even realize
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you’re exercising. It’s quiet, it’s serene. It’s just so relaxing.” “It’s just a few minutes Marquis, owner of Norris Paddling Adventures, from the city John on one his company’s hydro-bikes. but miles Photo courtesy of John Marquis away from the stress,” John adds. “It beats going to a gym. It’s also a great group activity.” Marquis offers canoe and kayak rentals (single, fishing and tandem), stand-up paddle boards and hydro-bike rentals. The hydro-bikes are one of the most unique aspects of the company. Customers can rent the boats for a couple of hours, a full day or even multiple days. He also hosts classes, the most popular of which is his Discovery Class. Other classes and tours include sunset tours, yoga classes and guided adventures that allow you to explore the lake and its coves. Marquis encourages Clinton residents to get out, try something different, and experience Norris Lake in a completely new way. Rentals start at $25 per hour and classes average around $35. For more information, call (865) 384-1788. You can also visit norrispaddlingadventures.com, or Facebook.com/ norrispaddling.
Celebrate Christmas in July Get in the holiday spirit and get some shopping done early. by Angela Galen Community contributor
S
aturday, July 26th, Clinton will hold its 6th Annual Christmas in July. Many shops will be decorated with a holiday flair, playing Christmas music and having refreshments for customers throughout the day. Santa will make an appearance in town and everyone loves to see him during the summertime -- he has quite a different look from the fur-trimmed red velvet winter suit he usually wears! Occasionally, he will bring Mrs. Claus along for a day of shopping, in a city that boasts the most antique shops in the South. The Antique Shops in Clinton have been the recipient of Busy Bee’s Readers Choice Award for “Best Weekend Trip”. Clinton is an outstanding choice for a day or weekend trip. As one local resident said, “Our city is rapidly becoming a destination for travelers from northern states like Michigan and Indiana that regularly stop off to antique on their way south.” For those of us in this area, Clinton is a great one day trip close to home with a days worth of antique and specialty stores along with a few great lunch spots. The Antique Merchants in Clinton represents over 100 dealers that offer their Santa and Mrs. Claus will be celebrating Christmas in July in downtown Clinton. Photo courtesy of Angela Galen wares in 20 shops and malls located in and around the Historic Downtown District along Market and Main Streets. Unlike a like custom made jewelry, antique clocks, vintage mega mall, Clinton is a town of small business clothing, stained glass, decorator accessories, and establishments that offer shoppers an opportunity unique period furnishings. to stroll the sidewalks between historic buildings visiting shops in a quaint Historic setting, with For more information about this unique antique restaurants, an old-time drug store, and a lovely shopping experience Clinton has to offer, town park complete with an old fashioned gazebo. you can call 463-8699, 457-5250 or visit All the shops sell a wide array of antique HistoricClintonsAntiques.com. furniture and collectibles and some offer items July 2014
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GOTTA GO!
See. Do. Enjoy.
July 14-19 It’s Time for the
Anderson County Fair!
The Anderson County Fair, which was voted “2nd Runner Up Champion of Fairs AAA Division” in 2011, will continue to increase its rich tradition by getting bigger and better with each passing year, according to its website. Fair Prices and Admission General Admission - $5.00 Season Tickets - $20.00 Children Under 6 - free Pay-One-Price Armbands for an entire evening of fun carnival rides - $20.00 Events include the Fairest of the Fair pageant, Little Ponderosa petting zoo, 4WD stock truck qualifying pull, Tractor Parade of Power, Tennessee Mountain Wrestling, Antique Car Show, live concerts and a Demolition Derby, among many others.
Follow the crowds to the Anderson County Fair. Photo courtesy of the Anderson County Fair
For a full list of events and specials, visit andersoncountyfairtn.com.
The Appalachian Arts Craft Center in Norris. Photo courtesy of Appalachian Arts Craft Center
July Classes at the Appalachian Arts Craft Center The Appalachian Arts Craft Center is offering multiple classes throughout the month of July. • July 10: “I’ve Finished My Story, Now What?” with Kathleen
Fearing • July 12: “Wheel Throwing” with Sandra McEntire. • July 14-18: “Pottery for Kids” • July 19-26: “Crocheted Rag Rugs” The Appalachian Arts Craft Center is located at 2716 Andersonville Highway in Norris. For more information on these classes and
more, call (865) 494-9854. You can also visit appalachianarts.net. June 2014
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Tennesseans for Living History Send Us Your Photos
Whether you’re an amateur or professional photographer, we would love to see your work!
Photography by Crystal Huskey
Email clintonlife@outlook.com to show us what you see.
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History is alive and well -- even interesting -- thanks to Tennesseans for Living History, a new group of old friends who conduct entertaining and educational living history programs.
Tennesseans for Living History represent a broad spectrum spanning from the 1600s to the present time. Here, the group took part in a reenactment at the David Hall Cabin open house, located off Old Edgemoor Road in Clinton. Their programs are conducted with enthusiasm and knowledge acquired through experience and research, according to group member Lynn Fox.
From top left: Paula Green, Libby Bumgardner and Harry Bumbardner, Lynn Fox (as John Sevier), Rachel Walker and Jim Young as Robert E. Lee. From bottom left: Chairity Daily, David Daily, Sarah Grace Walker and Faith Walker. For any historical events or programs, contact Lynn Fox with Tennesseans for Living History at (865) 719-9947 or email ovta1780@aol.com.
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UPCOMING EVENTS... JULY Monday 7 - Aug. 31 Department of Energy Bus Tours in Oak Ridge Various times WHAT: This tour is free with paid admission to the American Museum of Science and Energy and runs Mondays through Fridays during the summer, except holidays. Explore the original Manhattan Project sites around Oak Ridge and learn the history behind the development of the world’s first atomic weapon which helped to end WWII. WHERE: American Museum of Science and Energy, South Tulane Avenue, Oak Ridge INFO: For more information, contact AMSE at 865-5763200 or visit www.amse.org. Must be 10 or older. FAMILY
THURSDAY 10 Anderson County Mayor/Sheriff’s Debate 6 p.m.
WHAT: Join local residents and find out what sets the candidates apart. WHERE: Ritz Theatre, 119 N Main St., Clinton FAMILY•FREE
FRIDAY 11 Concerts on the Commons (every Friday night) 7 p.m.
lawn chair, blanket and picnic basket. This year’s line-up will feature a varied mix of musical styles and genres with artists drawn from near and far. WHERE: Norris Commons Area (in front of Norris Middle), Norris FAMILY•FREE
Friday 11 (every Friday in July) Wing Night at Sequoyah Marina After 5 p.m.
WHAT: Start off your weekends on Friday night with Sequoyah’s famous “Wing Night” at the dock. WHERE: Sequoyah Marina, 336 Lakeview Ln., Andersonville INFO: For more information, call 865-494-7984 or visit www.sequoyahmarina.net. FAMILY • FREE • FOOD
Friday 11-12 (every Friday and Saturday) Big Valley Barn After 5 p.m.
WHAT: Come visit the Big Valley Barn for great country music and dance every Friday and Saturday night. Enjoy 3 hours of new and traditional
Schedules are subject to change. Call venues to confirm event information.
country music on Friday nights with various artists. WHERE: 901 Mountain Road, Clinton INFO: Contact Joy Patterson at 865-323-5103 FAMILY • FREE • FOOD
Saturday 12 (every Saturday in July) Sundown Saturdays 6 - 10 p.m.
WHAT: Live music, beautiful scenery at the Stardust Marina. WHERE: Stardust Marina, 149 Stardust Lane Andersonville. INFO: Visit stardustmarina.com or call 855.494.7641 FAMILY • FOOD
WHAT: It’s the summer of 1776, and the American nation is ready to declare independence from England - if only our founding fathers can agree to it! The seminal event in American history blazes to vivid musical life as human faces are put on the men behind the national icons. WHERE: Oak Ridge Playhouse, 227 Broadway in Historic Jackson Square, Oak Ridge INFO: Visit orplayhouse.com or call 865.482.9999 FAMILY
Saturday 12 Second Saturdays in Downtown Clinton All day
WHAT: Shopping, eating and being with friends in downtown Clinton. WHERE: Start out along Market St., Clinton FAMILY•FREE•FOOD
Thursday 10-13 1776: The Musical! 8 p.m., 2 p.m.
Interested in advertising? Let us help boost your business. Contact Paul Huskey at 865-235-9213 or email clintonlife@ outlook.com.
WHAT: Concert on the Commons, Norris’ outdoor music series, will be held each Friday evening at 7:00pm. Everyone is encouraged to bring a
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UPCOMING EVENTS... Saturday 12 (every Saturday) Clinton High School Flea Market 7 a.m. - 1 p.m.
WHAT: Proceeds will benefit the Clinton High School athletic department. Farmers are welcome to sell produce. WHERE: Parking lot in front of Don Lockard Gymnasium, Clinton High School FAMILY•FREE•FOOD
Saturday 12 Big Clinch River CleanUp 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.
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WHAT: Everyone who enjoys the river, from anglers to kayakers to wildlife watchers, is invited to help remove litter from the Clinch and its banks. The communitywide cleanup is an expansion of annual pickups run for many years by members of the Clinch River Chapter, Trout Unlimited. WHERE: Register at Museum of Appalachia, 2819 Andersonville Highway, Norris. INFO: Visit crctu.org for more information or contact buzz. buffington@gmail.com or (865) 463-7167, or jimferguson41@ gmail.com or (865) 494-8081.
Tuesday 15-18 20th Annual Samuel
Dewitt Proctor Institute for Child Advocacy Ministry at CDF Haley Farm All day
WHAT: Join leaders and faithbased advocates for children at CDF Haley Farm in Clinton for several days of spiritual renewal, networking, movement building workshops, and continuing education about the urgent needs of children. WHERE: 1000 Alex Haley Lane, Clinton INFO: Visit childrensdefense. org/proctor for more information.
Thursday 17-Aug. 17
Shakespeare on the Square 7 p.m.
WHAT: Shakespeare On The Square features two of the magnificent plays of Williams Shakespeare, comedies, tragedies and histories, rotated nightly outdoors on Market Square in the heart of downtown Knoxville. WHERE: Register at Museum of Appalachia, 2819 Andersonville Highway, Norris. INFO: Visit tennesseestagecompany.com for more information. FAMILY•FREE•FOOD
Friday 18-19 Secret City Excursion Train Ride After 5 p.m.
WHAT: Enjoy a summer train ride on the Secret City Excursion Train on July 18th or 19th. Departure times will be at 11am, 1pm & 3pm on the 19th. On the 18th, trains will depart at 11am and 1pm. During the ride, passengers will hear the story of the Manhattan Project, which was one of the most remarkable industrial achievements ever accomplished. There will also be a dinner train on the 19th at 6pm. Diners will be treated to a delicious entrĂŠe prepared by Chef Andras. WHERE: Hwy 58 East TN
Technology Park, Oak Ridge INFO: For more information, call 865-241-2140. FAMILY • FOOD
THURSDAY 25 Clinton City Council meeting 5:30-6:30 p.m.
WHAT: The Neon Vibe After Dark Fun-run will ahve you and your friends glowing crazy with color and dancing all night. INFO: For more information, visit the neonvibe.com.
WHAT: Participate in your local government and let your voice be heard. WHERE: City Council board room, Clinton City Hall INFO: Monthly on the fourth Thursdays. Open to the public.
Friday 26 The Neon Vibe 5K 7:30 p.m.-10
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AND ANOTHER THING...
Giving Back to Their Community
The Anderson County Chamber of Commerce announced the two winners of the R.C. “Dudley” Hoskins Volunteer Awards at their 3rd Annual “Tribute to Business” Dinner on June 6.
by Janet Hawkins Community contributor The R.C. “Dudley” Hoskins Awards are given annually to an outstanding male and female for their contribution to the community through the Chamber and other organizations. This award is named for Mr. Hoskins, founder of Hoskins Drug Stores, and the Clinton Businessman’s association that became the Clinton Chamber in 1932, and renamed the Anderson County Chamber of Commerce in 1984. Daughters Dudley Bostic and Molly Scarbrough and their families still manage the drug store and a medical supply business on Market Street. Natalie Erb is co-owner of Allstate: the Erb Agency in Clinton. Natalie serves on the Chamber Natalie Erb and Steve Sumner, Board, Youth Leadership Anderson winners of the 2014 R.C. “Dudley” County Board, Events Council Hoskins Volunteer award. and is currently enrolled in the Photos courtesy of the Anderson County Chamber of Commerce Leadership Anderson County Class of 2015. A positive voice for the Chamber in the community, she has provided numerous hours of in-kind support to the Chamber. Interested in the Chamber’s future, Natalie’s professional approach to business has been a driver to bring the Chamber to a higher level. Despite her busy schedule with business and family, she makes time to give back to the community. Steve Sumner, recipient, is CEO of Thermocopy of Tennessee, a long-time Chamber member. Steve serves on the Chamber Board and Chamber Operations Council, offering support through financial and in-kind contributions. As a businessman Steve is eager to share innovative ideas and experiences to promote fellow Chamber businesses. His interest in the Chamber’s future and visibility, his “how can I help?” attitude, his treatment of fellow employees and his optimistic approach to life represent a true community volunteer. Steve shows his appreciation for his customers by giving back to the community. The Anderson County Chamber of Commerce – ‘working for business since 1932’, is located at 245 N. Main Street, Ste. 200, Clinton. For more information contact the Chamber at 865-457-2559 or visit andersoncountychamber.org.
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POSTAL PATRON
P.O. Box 1003 Clinton, TN 37717