DISCOVER Grainger CountyTennessee
Grainger CountyTennessee
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Randy Ball
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DISCOVER
5 ◗ Granger County Tomato Festival Vine Ripened Fun
9 ◗ Clinch Mountain Cowboy Church Rustling Up The Believers For Christ
12 ◗ Gilmore Dock A Granger County icon
15 ◗ Aunt Bea’s Ice Cream A Bean Station Tradition
18 ◗ Lawless Band Living The Dream
21 ◗ Kimmie’s Antiques And The Chamber Of Darkness
24 ◗ Compassionate Care Close To Home
29 ◗ Grainger County Archives Our Local History
The Clinch Mountain Cowboy Church opened its doors in Blaine on March 3, 2024. The thriving church welcomes all. You can nd out more on page 9.
TOMATO FESTIVAL VINE-RIPENED FUN
Grainger’s 32nd Annual
By Rita Dykes Review Correspondent
Grainger’s famous agricultural product is the focus of two days of celebration
Summertime tomatoes and fun will be enjoyed by all who attend the 32nd Annual Grainger County Tomato Festival in downtown Rutledge on July 18 and 19. In keeping with its mission, the festival committee promotes all Grainger County agricultural products—but the renowned Grainger County tomato is the focus. They also promote many local artists, authors, performers, and craftsmen in the area.
The festival began in 1993 and has been going strong ever since. The festival is held in July each year and takes place at 7480 Rutledge Pike. Folks from all over eagerly await the chance to get their hands on the delicious tomatoes—but their taste buds will be even more grateful for a bite of the ever-so-popular tomato sandwich. Bread, mayo, salt, pepper, cheese, and a big slice of a tomato from the heart of one of Tennessee’s foothills…you just can’t get much better than that! Don’t want to eat them? No problem—join in the Tomato Wars Saturday morning and throw them!
This year, pre-festival activities kick off on Thursday the 17th at 6 p.m., across the street from the festival grounds at SunFresh Produce and Service Center Enjoy the evening admiring unique, gorgeous, collectible automobiles at the Cruise-In, then dance the night away at the street dance party!
After resting up from the pre-festival celebration, head back downtown Friday at noon and spend the day at the Tomato Festival. Vendors of all kinds will be there selling produce, prepared food, jewelry, crafts, and more.
Following the festival, at 6:30 p.m., make your way to Rutledge Middle School for one of the weekend’s most anticipated events: the Grainger County Opry. The Opry
will feature whimsical comedy by special guests Miss ‘Minnie Pearl’ and ‘Josephine.’ Many musical entertainers will take the stage as the Opry gets into full swing. The group Praying for Rain will return from Nashville, featuring Grainger County native Jeff Stansberry, along with Mike Bryant, Sheryl Neal, and Chris Natham. Also taking the stage will be The Lawless Band, featuring Matt Whitaker, Robert Cutshaw, Robert Crucilla, Randy Jones, and Steve Sweeker. But don’t count out the Opry legends: Gospel Strings, Bryan Hapner, Jayden Trott, Cliff and Deb Jestice, Roy Lovin, and Central Point Boys!
Saturday’s festivities will be in full swing starting at 9 a.m. Be sure to fuel up if you plan to participate in the Tomato Wars—sign up is a 9 a.m. on the baseball field and the Wars begin at 10 a.m. sharp. Not only is it fun, but all proceeds go to support Rutledge Middle School’s football team. If you don’t want to participate, come watch the warriors in action.
Living history displays and demonstrations will also be a huge part of the festival. People dressed in period
CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS Tomatoes by the basket are available at the Festival.
AppleValleyCreamer y hand dipped icecream
clothing will showcase what life was like during the Revolutionary War. Craftsmen will be set up in this area selling items like leather goods, iron tools, and wooden toys, while they demonstrate their craft and share their knowledge.
Entertainment will fill the main stage throughout the day. Talented authors, artists, craftsmen, commercial vendors, food vendors, and tons of fresh produce will fill the grounds as you mingle with neighbors, friends, and
out-of-towners. Antique cars and tractors will also be on display for your viewing pleasure while some of you reminisce about days gone by.
Pile your whole family in the car and head out for a weekend of entertainment and fun. Remember—it will be HOT! If you bring your fur babies, there will be watering and misting stations to help them cool off!
For more information, visit www.graingertomatofestival. com.
While tomatoes are the focus of the Festival, other local produce is available.
In addition to all of the tomatoes, grillmasters come out in force for the Festival.
Rustling up the BELIEVERS for CHRIST
By Randy Ball
Review Correspondent
BMike Hamilton’s Clinch Mountain Cowboy Church is open to all
LAINE — Mike Hamilton started the Clinch Mountain Cowboy Church last year, and it held its first service on March 3, 2024.
Mike serves as the church’s pastor, and services are held in his barn at his home at 501 Ranch Road in Blaine. Mike explained that the goal is to reach the unchurched and church-hurt people in the community. The church is nondenominational, and is affiliated with the AFCC (American Fellowship of Cowboy Churches), a Texasbased organization.
Mike added “They took us under their wing. They’ve
been wonderful to deal with.”
Mike has had an interesting journey to becoming the pastor of a cowboy church. He recalled, “I had an appliance store in Knoxville for 36 years. I was in the military for three years. I got horses as soon as I could!”
Mike was raised in Corrington and moved to Blaine 17 years ago. The barn where the church meets was built when he moved to Blaine. He added “I’ve had horses all my life. I love to trail ride.
PHOTOS BY RANDY BALL
Mike in the barn where services are held.
“A cowboy church is something I’ve always wanted. I was in a Baptist church, I taught for 30 years,” he said. “I was set adrift; it seemed like God wanted me to start a cowboy church. I had never pastored a church before! I met the AFCC people at a rodeo in Amarillo, Texas. I started the church from scratch, I moved out on faith, realizing that it was what God wants.”
Today, Clinch Mountain Cowboy Church is firmly established and is one of the few cowboy churches in the area. Mike added “when we started, I thought God, it’s in your hands!”
A typical Sunday service starts with breakfast at 9:30 a.m., followed by fellowship time. The music is bluegrass gospel, old hymns and country gospel. They have announcements, circle prayer and
then the message.
“We average about 20 people attending, and the barn will hold up to 40 chairs,” he said.
They have three propane heaters for the winter months. The services are broadcast on Facebook Live and the church has a YouTube channel.
One of the church’s goals is to reach the community.
“I want to reach young people,” he explained. “We let kids experience being around the horses. It’s new and exciting for them.”
The church is open people of all backgrounds and ages. There is no dress code; come as you are.
“Some people have been churchhurt; some people feel unwanted,” Mike said. “They are welcome here. If you want to bring a horse, bring it! If you want to bring your dog,
PHOTOS BY RANDY BALL
Mike at the church.
PHOTOS BY RANDY BALL
Mike & Dusty.
bring it!”
The church reaches out to kids with special events. Ranch Day was held in May. It was a free event that allowed kids to experience ranch life. Chuckwagon food was provided. Music and games were offered for the children. Mike commented, “we try to bring the children in based on age groups, and have workshops especially for each age group.”
The church has reached out in emergencies.
“After Hurricane Helene, we worked with Valley Forge Christian Church to get bottled water to the affected people. We also provided peanut butter, jelly and bread,” Mike said.
More recently, they reached out to help flood victims in Kentucky.
Mike has a sincere enthusiasm for his work at the Clinch Mountain Cowboy Church. He stated “I thank the Lord for my life every day!
“Our goal is to share Christ with the people, whether on Sunday mornings or special events. If you’re looking for a church, or if you’re out of church, you are welcome here. We hope you draw closer to the Lord when you come here.”
For more information, call him at 865-216-8514 or email Clinchmountaincc@gmail.com.
COURTESY PHOTO
A church service at the Clinch Mountain Cowboy Church.
GILMORE Dock
A Grainger County ICON
By Randy Ball
Review Correspondent
GCONTRIBUTED PHOTOS Gilmore Dock owners Dave and Tammy Lemon.
marina/dock owners. Dave was also ready to get out of industrial maintenance and into something new.
ilmore Dock is a marina that has been an icon in Grainger County for many years. The marina sits on Cherokee Lake in Rutledge, and has a gorgeous view of Bird Island. Visiting by car, Gilmore Dock is located at 270 Gilmore Dock Lane; by water, it is located at point 12.
In June 2009, just in time for the 4th of July, Dave and Tammy Lemon purchased the dock and made it what it is today. The couple’s love of all things boating and the peacefulness of the water led them to the decision to become
Dave said, “After we first purchased the dock, Leland Boggs, one of the previous owners of Gilmore Dock, used to kid me about not being too smart because we bought a boat dock. Leland said he never changed the name of the dock after he bought it because he said that new names never change the place—people would still call it Gilmore Dock. So like him, we didn’t change it either.”
Unfortunately, the dock caught fire in February 2021, destroying the ship store, but it was rebuilt and designed better
Gilmore Dock is back to full service after a fire four years ago.
Music and refreshment are available daily at Gilmore Dock.
than before. Due to the COVID supply chain breakdown and some other problems, it took longer than desired to rebuild.
Dave said, “With a lot of help from Gary Dalton and his crew from Pro Tech, we were back up and running by Labor Day 2023. We now have the first space of its kind on Cherokee Lake.”
The ship store offers what is known as “the coldest beer on the lake,” delicious snacks including Hershey’s hand-dipped ice cream, all kinds of different drinks to keep you hydrated, T-shirts, tackle, and more!
Each year, Dave and Tammy like to add something new to the dock, and this year, it features pay-at-the-pump fuel purchases, making it possible to fill up and go. You can access the pump 24/7 and scan a QR code and pay from your phone. If boating in the area, you never have to run out of gas.
Returning this season to the kitchen is none other than River Dog BBQ. Dave said that their menu just gets better every year. The restaurant is open now until Labor Day on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Boating and having fun on the water can work up an appetite, so swing on down to the dock and get some mouthwatering BBQ sure to fill you up and get you ready for more fun in the sun!
Gilmore’s pier is an amazing space to sit, eat, bask in the beauty of nature, listen to some great music from local talent, try your hand at Singo, or join in some fun-filled karaoke. If you are looking for an enjoyable evening or a fun-filled day, look no further… Gilmore Dock has got you covered.
Covered and uncovered boat slips are available for rent. For more information or event dates, call them at 865-767-2177, or
visit Gilmore Dock on Facebook.
Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. They are open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. It is closed on Tuesday, but on nights with live entertainment scheduled, the dock stays open later.
Plenty of fish tales start at Gilmore Dock.
The sun setting on Cherokee Lake from Gilmore Dock.
AUNT B’S
Ice Cream
A Bean Station TRADITION
By Randy Ball
Review
Correspondent
BEAN STATION — Aunt B’s Ice Cream, located at 1026 Main St. in Bean Station, is celebrating six years in business.
The owner is Andy Bunch. At 19 years old, he is already an experienced businessman, having worked at the shop since it opened. Andy gets his entrepreneurial nature honestly; he is a member of the prominent Holt family on his mother’s side. He explained “my grandfather built this shopping center, it’s still in the family.”
PHOTOS BY RANDY BALL
Andy Bunch has owned Aunt B’s since he was 17 years old.
Aunt B’s famous banana split is a customer favorite.
Andy and his mother Becky opened the shop and Andy took over ownership two years ago. Andy said “The shop is named for my mom, she was called ‘Aunt B’ by my cousins. We’re also big fans of the Andy Griffith Show.”
The business displays a Bible verse several places at the shop:
“Oh taste and see that the Lord is good.” ~ Psalm 34:8.
“I’ve always been a strong-believing Christian,” Andy said when he was asked what the significance of that verse was. “I remember that my mom had a spatula with Psalm 34:8 on it.”
Aunt B’s Ice Cream has become a staple of Bean Station. Andy said, “We wanted to add something to the community. I’ve always loved ice cream; the shop gives people something to do.”
The shop sells only Blue Bell brand ice cream. Andy said “we have an exclusive contract with them.”
The flavors constantly change, but some that are often available include natural vanilla bean, peachy peach, sea salt caramel, southern blackberry cobbler, cotton candy, happy tracks, mocha almond fudge, rainbow sherbet, strawberry cheesecake, oatmeal crème pie, cookies n’ cream, coffee, Dutch
chocolate, black cherry, buttered pecan, and strawberry. Andy explained that Aunt B’s is best known for their banana splits and milkshakes. Other specialties that are always available include cookie splits and brownie splits, sundaes, classic cones and waffle cones, floats and brownie sundaes. Their specials that change monthly.
There is a cooler of sodas, but other than that, it is all ice
“Come and Experience the Difference. It’s Just aDifferent Way of Doing Business.”
Ed r dde Chevrolet Company is afamily owned and operated dealership located in the small town of Rutledge, TN, near Knoxville —serving you since 1959 with quality new and used cars, truck and SUVs. We are away from all the hustle and bustle of the big cities, so take thatbeautiful drive down to your local Chevrolet dealership in Rutledge today!
Aunt B’s Ice Cream in Bean Station.
cream at Aunt B’s.
“We try to do one thing and do it well!” Andy said. “We provide great customer service and a great product, and we keep them coming back!”
There are five employees at Aunt B’s: Andy, Emma Dalton, Ayden Harville, Trish Ratliff, and Nolan Wallace. The shop has a definite small-town feel. Andy added “I grew up five minutes from here. I don’t think I’ll be going anywhere.”
There are ice cream-related antiques displayed at the store. Andy said mom and dad are both antique collectors.
One change that Andy is making is that the store will be open year-round. In the past it was seasonal, usually March through October. The hours are 3-9 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday; 3-9:30 p.m. on Friday, and 2-9:30 p.m. on Saturday. Gift certificates are available. The shop is online on Facebook, Instagram and Google.
“I enjoy coming to work,” Andy said. “We’re here because of our customers, you have to take care of the people who take care of you.”
Ice cream related antiques are displayed throughout the shop.
Andy Bunch gets a scoop of ice cream for a customer.
The main menu at Aunt B’s.
By Rita Dykes Review Correspondent
GLiving the DREAM Lawless BAND
Grainger Country rock band started as a hobby, and now is a local sensation
rainger County’s musical sensation, The Lawless Band, is celebrating its third year as a booking band.
Matt Whiteaker, lead vocalist and founder of Lawless, said, “What once began as a hobby quickly took on a life of its own, and we are still pushing on! The crowds still come to hear us perform, and I still enjoy seeing people enjoying themselves.”
The band, described as a country rock group, is bringing back what they call “good country.” Matt’s wife, band manager, and booking agent, Beth, described their style as a mix of ‘80s and ‘90s country with some older outlaw country blended into the genre. She said, “That’s when country was drivin” and made you want to dance! It’s our goal to fill a dance floor and get your feet tapping.”
The name “Lawless” might make one think of a band full of outlaws, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Matt and Beth were tossing around names when Matt suddenly shouted out, “Lawless!” Beth’s mother’s family
name is Lawless—and it just fit. Her mother is honored to have her name as the headline for the band. Beth added, “Lawless is made up of individuals who all share the passion. It gets in your blood, and you just can’t shake it.”
“As a young kid, I always found music to be a way to cope, whether the situation was happy or sad,” Matt recalled. “By singing the songs that I sing, I find it’s a way to release emotions that I couldn’t typically express. I began as a frontman in the 80s and carried on through the 90s. In the late 90s, life happened, and raising children became the priority.
“After our children left home, Beth jumped on board and came along to let me chase my dream. She does all she can to keep this band playing—she’s right there with us.
on board and came along to let me chase my dream. She does all she
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Grainger County’s Lawless Band is a local hit.
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Matt Whiteaker, Founder and Lead Vocalist.
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Lawless bills itself as “Bringing East Tennessee & surrounding areas the best of driving country, outlaw country, classic & southern rock!”
She won’t let me give up.”
Beth added, “His love and ability for singing has always mesmerized me. It’s a drive like no other, and I want Matt to achieve his dream! He’s worked hard to be where he and the band are today. I will always be his number one fan, there to support and keep pushing him to be the best he can be.”
Robert Crucilla is the keyboardist for the band. He trained at the Crane School of Music in New York, and continued his education at the University of South Florida. He has been playing professionally since 1985 throughout the U.S., Canada, and Italy. Rob’s inspiration comes from a family of dramatic stage actors. Beth so genuinely said, “He is the best by far in these parts, in my opinion.”
Lead guitarist Robert Cutshaw has been playing for approximately 53 years. His love for music began in sixth grade when he joined the school band. His father also had an old Silvertone guitar that piqued Robert’s interest in playing. His brother encouraged him to play the bass and even bought him his first one. Robert taught himself from there, and became the skilled musician he is today. He humbly said, “Music saved me. It really did—that’s how I know it’s a gift.”
The newest member of Lawless, drummer Alonzo Holbrook, has been playing for nearly 38 years. His inspiration comes from Nicko McBrain of Iron Maiden. Beth shared that Alonzo tried his hand at mandolin and
guitar, but as he put it, he finally came to the reality that he is a drummer—not a strummer. Alonzo added, “It has been nearly 20 years since I’ve played with a working band. Getting back behind the kit and getting out to play has brought a lot of enjoyment back to my life.”
Beth mentioned that Lawless currently does not have a full-time bassist. She said, “We have been blessed with very talented musicians who are always willing to lend a hand and play. For that, we are grateful to our friends Harold Conley and Gary Westmoreland.”
The band also gives back to their community. They’ve helped with entertainment for the Thorn Hill Volunteer Fire Department’s annual fundraiser, and they perform at the Grainger County Tomato Festival. This year marks
Matt
their first time being invited as one of the special guests at the Grainger Opry. They’re also planning to perform at the Grainger County Fall Festival this year.
Lawless performs all over East Tennessee and in surrounding states. As the band becomes more wellknown, they hope to branch out even further—but playing in Grainger County will always be a treat.
Beth and Matt concluded by saying, “We had the privilege of playing for all the great folks at Gilmore Boat Dock last year—what a great time! We enjoy getting the opportunity to play at home. We’ve met so many great people during this journey—some have become close friends, others have become family, all through the love of music.”
In need of entertainment for a special occasion or event at your venue? Call Beth Whiteaker at 865-206-5306, or email the band at Lawlessband@yahoo.com. To see where they’re playing next, follow them on Facebook. Grab a
friend, family member, or your partner, and go have a great time on the dance floor singing along with the Lawless Band!
IVIE BLOOM PHOTOGRAPHY
“At the end of the day, it must be your ear that leads you to a great performance.” ~ Lawless keyboardist Robert Crucilla
IVIE BLOOM PHOTOGRAPHY
Robert Cutshaw - Lead Guitarist and Vocals
IVIE BLOOM PHOTOGRAPHY
- lead vocals.
IVIE BLOOM PHOTOGRAPHY
Harold Conley-Bass Player.
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Gary Westmoreland on Bass
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Alonzo Holbrook on Drums.
Kimmie’s ANTIQUES &
The
Chamber of Darkness
A unique business combo in Bean Station
By Randy Ball
Review Correspondent
BEAN STATION – Kimmie Dillon opened
Kimmie’s Antiques in Bean Station on May 1. The shop is what one would expect from a southern antique shop. What is unique is that Kimmie’s husband, Josh, is building a haunted attraction, “The Chamber of Darkness”, next door.
BACKGROUND
Kimmie is from Del Rio in Cocke County. Josh is originally from Mooresburg. They now live in the Monta Vista subdivision in Bean Station.
“Last year, we had a store in Morristown, in the Ramsey building,” Kimmie said. “The rent was raised, so we found this one.”
The building at 551 Broadway Drive now houses the antique store, and Josh has built the haunted attraction next to it, and it incorporates the basement of the building. The building was most recently a day-care center, and was, ironically, a funeral home in the past.
Kimmie still works at Shoney’s in Morristown. Josh works full-time at the business, helping with the antique
store, but primarily planning and constructing the haunted house.
KIMMIE’S
ANTIQUES
The antique store features products from several vendors who rent spaces there. Kimmie said, “we have antiques, crafts and home goods.” She said that some
PHOTOS BY RANDY BALL
Entrance to the Chamber of Darkness.
Kimmie and Josh Dillon are owners of Kimmie’s Antiques and the Chamber of Darkness.
items in the store are articulated 3D dragons, fishing reels, lures and fishing hats, wreaths, Trump gear, glassware, and bird houses.”
A wide variety of antiques and collectables are available.
Kimmie added that they offer outdoor selling spaces by the day. She said “this will allow sellers to offer their products in a flea market atmosphere. Food trucks are welcome, too.”
The antique store has been drawing the interest of the community, but the haunted house is the couple’s main focus. Josh added “the shop is here to help us pay the bills; the haunted house will be our moneymaker.”
HAUNTING EXPERIENCE
“I love Halloween, it’s my favorite holiday. I’ve always loved haunted houses,: Josh said. “We had our first haunted house at our home. It was free admission. Last year, we had a haunted house in Morristown, and over 500 people came through it. We think this year, we can double that number.”
Kimmie is intrigued by the building’s past, stating “it has a lot of history.”
She hopes to research the history of the building, but has learned that two paranormal investigating teams have
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visited the building. She explained “they said there was quite a bit of activity in what was once the embalming room. Our nine-year-old daughter doesn’t visit that room. We haven’t experienced anything negative or bad. Wellknown investigator ‘Bubba after Dark’ has been here. I’m going to learn more of the building’s history.”
The Chamber of Darkness re-opens on Sept. 21 for the Halloween season.
Josh Dillon getting his face put on for a haunted house.
Josh and Kimmie dressed and made-up for the Chamber of Darkness.
THE CHAMBER OF DARKNESS & THE OVERLOOK HAUNTED MOTEL
Josh is the creative force behind the haunted house attraction. He said, “we’ll have a good haunted house, it’s scary!”
The attraction includes a haunted trail around a pond and three corn mazes. There is a 1940s theme motel, and ‘Camp Chrystal’ is in the woods. There is a western town façade that includes a church, post office, bank, general store, saloon, and railroad station.
Josh stressed the amount of work that goes into a haunted attraction.
“I’ve been working on this since January,” he said. He added that about 25 actors will be needed to staff the attraction.
Josh said that the actors “will touch you, they grab your ankles, you will get wet!” Josh explained “I just like building a haunted house.” Kimmie added “Josh has put in a lot of work. We hope it will be the biggest and best
haunted house ever in Bean Station.”
The Chamber of Darkness opened for two days, June 13 and 14. It will reopen September 12 through Halloween. The couple is confident that the haunted house will bring in a lot of people. As for the antique store, Kimmie said “Sometimes it takes a while for a business to build up. People are coming by to see what we have. We put reels on Facebook.”
Kimmie and Josh are enjoying living and working in Bean Station; “I love it here. It’s a quaint little town with lots of potential!”
Kimmie at the antique store. Hand-crafted
Kimmie’s Antiques in Bean Station.
Compassionate CARE close to HOME
By Rita Dykes
Review Correspondent
Ridgeview Terrace of Life Care offers quality rehab services in Grainger Co.
Healthcare options in rural areas are often limited, but Ridgeview Terrace of Life Care (Ridgeview), a Life Care Centers of America facility, is a skilled nursing and rehabilitation center located in Rutledge.
The team at Ridgeview is highly trained and offers extensive knowledge of many healthcare conditions, including diabetes, dementia, stroke, and wound care. Many individuals come to Ridgeview for inpatient rehabilitation so they can return to independent living, while others are treated through an outpatient program. Ridgeview’s team of physical, occupational, and speech therapists creates a personalized plan and goals for each individual. Their mission is to help residents reach their maximum potential and, when possible, restore functionality for independent living.
According to Lisa Cabbage, Director of Admissions and Business Development, Ridgeview is not only a place to receive outstanding care, but also a wonderful place to work. Lisa has worked at the facility for more than 25 years. She began her career as an activity director, and
later became a certified nursing assistant so she could better assist residents during outings.
“By getting certified, it allowed the activity department to take residents more places without needing extra staff,” she said. “Eventually, I had the whole department get certified, so we would always be able to care for them.
“Sometimes a resident wanted to do something spontaneous like go fishing, and we could just pack up and go. I’ve been blessed to learn new jobs and grow my career in one place that’s close to home and my family. During my tenure at Ridgeview, I’ve seen high school students volunteer, go to college, and return to pursue careers as nurses. I also had the privilege of watching my 12-yearold daughter volunteer by walking behind residents as they learned to walk again. She was amazed by the therapy aspect of healthcare and knew then that it would be her career someday. Today, she works part-time at the facility doing what she loves.”
Lisa emphasized that Ridgeview offers a high quality of life for its residents. Many are able to remain active in the community by going out to restaurants, attending local events, and participating in other outings. Lisa continued, “Residents are also kept busy at the facility by attending parties for special occasions, playing games, and celebrating holidays with family and friends. Ridgeview’s compassionate and exceptional care for its residents is why it will always be a piece of my heart—I wouldn’t want to work anywhere else.”
Local churches donate to Ridgeview’s on-site store yearround, and during the holidays, the store is filled with festive goodies. Blue Springs Church has provided Sunday school services to residents for over 35 years. Other area churches also offer weekly worship services, where baptisms have taken place.
Robert Parrish, son of a former resident, spoke with great admiration and gratitude for Ridgeview and its staff. He shared, “My family had such a wonderful experience
PHOTO BY MELINDA CARPENTER
Two staff members with a patient at Ridgeview.
PHOTO
PHOTO
PHOTO BY LISA CABBAGE Ridgeview’s Angie Hurd, Lisa Cabbage and Melinda Carpenter with flowers they arranged for patients on Mother’s Day.
with Ridgeview Terrace of Life Care when my 88-year-old mother fell ill. The first impression I got from the Director of Admissions, Ms. Lisa Cabbage, was one of professionalism and reassurance. She guided our family through the process and made the paperwork easy to understand.”
He continued, “My mother felt at home with all the staff—they were courteous and very respectful. Being 88 years old with poor vision and hearing issues can make adjusting to a new environment scary. But the staff was knowledgeable about medications and very respectful of my mother’s privacy. I was regularly updated with all relevant information about her care. She began improving quickly, and was soon helping out where she could. The physical therapy ladies were her favorite—she always wanted to stay busy.
“After only a few months, thanks to the great nursing staff and therapists, she was ready to go! My mother is now 90 and still improving. She loves reminiscing about the times she shared with the staff. God bless this facility!”
Ridgeview Terrace of Life Care and Life Care Centers of America take pride in offering a home-like
atmosphere where all residents feel like part of the Life Care family.
If you or a loved one in the area is ever in need of long-term care or rehabilitation, be sure to consider Ridgeview as one of your options. Ridgeview Terrace of Life Care is located at 165 Coffey Lane in Rutledge. Call 865-828-5295 or visit lcca.com/locations/tn/ridgeviewterrace for more information.
PHOTO BY MELINDA CARPENTER
Patient Greg Coffey went home with plenty of gifts.
PHOTO BY MELINDA CARPENTER Ridgeview Activity Director Melinda Carpenter with patient Rema Blankenship.
PHOTO BY MELINDA CARPENTER Sam Kidd enjoys a snack and a gift while recuperating at Ridgeview.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY LIFE CARE CENTERS
Ridgeview Terrace provides a welcoming atmosphere for all, which begins at the door.
PHOTO BY LISA CABBAGE
Miranda Zydel, Director of Staff and Lisa Cabbage, Director of Admissions and Business Development.
Ridgeview’s Activity Director Melinda Carpenter with Lisa
Director of Admissions and Business Development.
St.John Paul II Catholic Mission
161 Bryan Rd. Rutledge,TN.
Service Times: English-Sat. 4:00 PM Spanish -Sun.5:00 PM BibleStudy- Tues. 4:00 PM
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Grainger County ARCHIVES
Our Local HISTORY
By Randy Ball
Review Correspondent
RUTLEDGE — The Grainger County Archives in downtown Rutledge holds a treasure trove of information.
Housed in the Education Building — known to many as the old Rutledge High School — the archives is the repository for permanent-value records of the Grainger County government and serves as the county research center for history and genealogy.
How the archives came into being is an interesting story.
HISTORY
Mary Lynn Gilmore has been involved with the Grainger County Archives since its beginnings and has worked in the archives since 2002. Then-Mayor Nicky Hammer called her about the project, Gilmore recalled.
“I had been retired from teaching for about two years,” she said.
Records previously were stored in a vault at the courthouse but when the vault flooded, the salvaged records were moved to the old high school auditorium on a temporary basis.
The State Library and Archives initiated a project to help establish and preserve county records.
“Five counties were included: Hawkins, Claiborne, Grainger, Hancock and Union,” Gilmore said. “Dr. Vernon Coffey arranged for two rooms in the school building to be used for the archives. The State Library and Archives sent four people, including Dr. Moore, here in
2002, and with the help of three county commissioners and some trustees, spent three days moving stuff out of the auditorium. James and Stevvi Cook were big assets.
We had a big job!
“All those working to establish the archives were volunteers. Gilmore said the new archives attracted a lot of interest and that she told Mayor Mark Hipshire an archives director was needed. Stevvi Cook began serving in that capacity. Stevvi, James and I went to class to be
PHOTO BY RANDY BALL
The Education Building, home of the Grainger County Archives.
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Stevvi and James Cook and Mary Lynn Gilmore.
COURTESY OF MARY LYNN GILMORE
Composite photos of the condition of Grainger County records before the archives were established.
certified over a period of three years,” Gilmore said.
County historian Ken Coffey does a good job, she noted.
“The courts were crowded with material. When we started, the building had windows broken out, leaks, birds, bats, mold and mildew. I’m very proud of how far we’ve come,” Gilmore said. “I still donate my time. I have enjoyed it. I don’t go as much as I used to, but I need to. We’re getting ready to send another load to Nashville.”
Coffey’s fingerprints are on all things historical in Grainger County. Just down the hall from the archives are the Sports Hall of Fame, the Grainger County Education Archives and the Grainger County History Museum, all his projects and wonderful collections of the county’s history.
HOLDINGS OF THE ARCHIVES
Today the archives holds and maintains a vast amount of documents and records. Most of the oldest existing Grainger County records are held in the archives, including hundreds of bound volumes of records as well as thousands of loose papers. A collection of historical and genealogy books was donated by the Rutledge Public Library in 2005. Since then, the book collection has continued to grow.
The archives has a huge collection of records on microfilm, including the Rutledge Public Library’s collection. Among the archives’ other records on microfilm are birth records (1908-1912), Buffalo Springs Bird Farm & C.C.C. Scrapbook (1937-1938), Chris Livesay Papers, Death Records (1908-1912, 1914-1925), Early Tennessee Tax Lists (1797, 1799, 1805, 1810, 1826,1836), East Tennessee Land Grants and Index, Federal Census (1830-1930), Grainger County News (1922-2007), Grainger Today (2004-2019), Military Discharges (19431982), Paul Gronse Papers, Shields Ferry Logbook (19081909) and Smith Funeral Home Records (1933-1988).
Volunteers at the archives have created indexes of the following loose records collections:
• Marriage records (1796-1950)
• Estate and guardianship settlements (1796-1915)
• County Court documents and cases (1796-1915)
• Circuit Court Cases (mostly criminal cases) (18101915)
• Chancery Court cases (civil) (1830-1925)
THE ARCHIVES TODAY
Those visiting the archives today will be greeted by Linda Alred, the director.
“I showed up in 2022. Stevvi retired and I took her place,” said Alred, who loves her job.
“This is my happy place. I’ve never had a bad day here. ... The archives are important to people. It makes me happy to help people find what they need. If I can’t find something that someone is looking for, I try to steer them in the right direction. Ken and Mary Lynn help a lot.
“I love working here, I love helping people.”
The Grainger County Archives is remarkable, not only for the amount of information it has preserved but also that it’s the result of a labor of love, created by people who care about saving our history.
The archives’ hours are Tuesday and Thursday, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
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CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
James and Stevvi Cook.
