Bedford Life Fall/Winter 2019
• From Bedford’s favorite breakfasts to traditional holiday dinners • Two women work to keep history alive
Features & Profiles 4
Set your mind to it
10
The representative’s representative 7 A heart for service 10 A front porch view 12 Luci’s Christmas
14
A sense of history
28
18
A Christmas Eve feast 24 Sanders family to ‘turnip’ farm fun 28 Holiday Stories 30 The best part of waking up . . . 34 Destinations & Diversions 40 Seen around town 42
30
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Set your mind to it In business, basketball, or animal rescue, Kasey Parsons is primed for success By DAWN HANKINS dhankins@t-g.com
From two state high school basketball championships, to operating local businesses, to rescuing hundreds of stray dogs, it might be said that Kasey Parsons has played a big part in Bedford County life over the last 30 years. Kasey says she learned a lot playing for Shelbyville Central High School Eaglettes with Coach Rick Insell. Older, and perhaps a little wiser, in 2019, she says she still uses a lot of his advice in her business career. She shares from her boss’ chair at Elite Physical Therapy how she and Julie Shoemake first worked at Omni Center post college. They opened their Elite clinic in 2001, which is now located off North Main, in Submitted photos Franklin and Spring Hill. She also has the physical therapy contract with Kasey Parsons Tennova Healthcare-Shelbyville. As for competition, Kasey vows, “You can’t worry about what everybody else is doing. If you do your best job, your job well, then you’ll be fine.” In 2017, Kasey opened Koffee Beanz, a coffee shop which evolved into a full service bistro. Kasey credits all her staffers for her allowing her the ability to move about weekly and to indulge in one of her great joys, which is working with New Destiny Dog Rescue. The 501(c)(3) agency was started by her friends Kelly Skelton Weise and Donna Armstrong Clanton. Kasey explains it’s all about helping those without a voice. Money raised, she says, all goes to the dogs, that is, foster care. Today is a good day as several have homes. “The whole point . . . take care of the homeless, sick and handicapped dogs.” New Destiny rescues from city and county shelters, not owner surrenders. At her home off Highway 130 East, Kasey has three dogs of her own, which she jokes, “aren’t worth a dime.” It’s not unusual for Kasey to shelter five homeless dogs in her backyard kennel. “The first one I sent away to New Jersey, I ugly-cried for two hours. I have since travelled there. My first dog has a home at the beach in New Jersey.” Kasey says she’s blessed to have married her husband, Fayne, 13 years ago; A retail developer, she notes that he is her greatest mentor and also supports her love of dogs. “I’ve learned so much from him. He’s that gentle push . . . supporting me and holding me up to say ‘you can do that.’” In addition, she says her parents, DeWitt and Marie Cartwright, have also been supportive. As a kid, she grew up riding tractors with her brothers, Frank and Blake, on the family farm off Old Nashville Dirt Road. Though tough, she was never too brassy to listen to her mother, she says, though now she understands more of her advice. Kasey in her days on the state “My Mom always told me . . . ‘have faith,’” she said. “As I age, I get it. champion Shelbyville Central High School girls’ basketball squad. It’s going to be fine, no matter what comes up . . . do not worry.”
4 Bedford Life • Fall 2019
Her tenaciousness spirit, she says, comes from her can’t do that with a kid.” daddy, who told her to never accept being second. Like others, she’s envisioned living in other cities, Then, perhaps sounding a bit like Insell, she said, but blame it on her roots, she’s still here. “Anybody can do anything they want, if they set their The 47-year-old proudly estimates she’s had the mind to it. The only thing standing between you and privilege of being involved, in some small part, in the what you want is you.” lives of probably 50 percent of Bedford countians. And Kasey earned a basketball scholarship after SCHS there’s not a day that goes by when someone doesn’t and attended Middle Tennessee State University in ask for her advice, which she says is o.k. Murfreesboro. There just wasn’t enough time for it all, With all she has going on in her life, Kasey surmises she vows. she really is a couch potato at night. After leaving MTSU, she worked full time, “Then, in the morning, having coffee in bed with completing her PT prerequisites. She graduated in Fayne and the dogs . . . working at home with him. To 1997, from the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga. me, that’s the start of a great day.” “I worked two jobs for four years . . . to pay off my student loans and to get out of debt. I worked in two different factories and at a physical therapy job.” She also had a position at Maury Regional Hospital in Columbia, where she worked vacations, holidays and every other weekend. “I’m a ‘D’ personality . . . doer, direct, dominate in that respect. But then if someone needs help . . . I’ll jump in and help them.” Her life has turned out a little different perhaps than that of her peers who became parents. “I don’t feel like I could have done all this . . . helped everybody, if I had of had my own children.” She’s however proud of her stepsons, Holt, 25, now in Chicago and David, 22, who will soon graduate from University of TennesseeKnoxville. She never considered herself a parent and prefers “friend/advisor” to the term “stepmom.” She says she surmised a long time ago that it’s just easier to raise dogs, than children. “If they act up, you can put them in the laundry room . . . do what you need to do. You Rescuing animals is a passion for Parsons.
Fall 2019 • Bedford Life 5
Bedford Life REGIONAL PUBLISHER Shelia Rouse EDITOR John I. Carney EDITORIAL STAFF Dawn Hankins, David Melson GENERAL MANAGER/AD DIRECTOR Diandra Womble
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6 Bedford Life • Fall 2019
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The representative’s representative Unionville woman works for DesJarlais’ congressional office By DAWN HANKINS dhankins@t-g.com
Once the class president of Community High School, Lynne Davis is the now the voice of Congressman Scott DesJarlais. “My job basically is to be out in the community . . . the face of the congressman when he’s not in the district.” There are actually 16 counties in DesJarlais’ district, but Lynne only covers Rutherford and Bedford. Davis, a 1980 graduate of Community, is an awardwinning realtor with Benchmark Realty. She and her husband, Gary, who will be celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary in January, live in the Lascassas community of Rutherford County. “I flip houses and he flips airplanes,” she says with a smile. Lynne explains her aircraft mechanic husband, retired from Nissan, refurbishes damaged airplanes. The Bedford County native’s life since playing basketball for the Community Viqueens has been a journey. Her first child was born premature in 1985, passing away at 5 months. “I had planned for every little second of our lives, but you don’t plan for that.” After five years of marriage, she and Gary had another child. Lynne worked as a stay-at-home mom for 18 years. She started selling real estate when her youngest, Brogen, was 13; he’s now 28. Her oldest, Tiffiney is 33 and middle kid Whittley is 31. One of her three grandkids, a special needs baby, and her family live with Gary and Lynne. She said her granddaughter is the only American child diagnosed with her rare genetic brain disease. “We believe in the Lord for a miracle . . . she’s going to be slow at what she’s doing. We see her getting strong and starting to try and to pull herself up. That’s very encouraging. She says real estate is far more stressful than her current job. Lynne prayerfully prayed for her current job. “When I took the job, one of the things I told the chief of staff . . . don’t want to sit in the office. He said we don’t want you in the office but to go out in the field.” She doesn’t work with constituents, but often speaks
TG Photo by Dawn Hankins Lynne Davis
in the field and attends events like the recent GOP fish fry. “I make my own calendar, so I try to squeeze in as many things as I can go to. It’s the most enjoyable job I’ve ever had. It’s not like work.” Politics isn’t new for Lynne; she started working election polls, then as a registrar and a machine operator. “The next thing I know they placed me in charge of the whole precinct in Lascassas, where we live.” She loves it. It’s not boring. A very interesting trip recently was to the U.S.Mexico border. She tossed her hat in the ring among hundreds for this trip in which only 20 are selected biyearly. “The deadline was almost up. I had two hours to get my paperwork in. I had many people asking me about (Cont. on p. 8)
Fall 2019 • Bedford Life 7
(Cont. from p. 7)
the border. Well, I thought why don’t I see if I can get in.” Lynne says three three-day trip in September was life-changing and thought provoking, to say the least. “Basically, we got to see the process of what happens when an immigrant comes through with their paperwork . . . process that is needed to just get you through to the other side.” She said she saw immigrants coming through Mexico to the United States border as well toured the paperwork stations with U.S Immigration. “It’s sort of like being at the airport. You go through and get scanned. If they feel like something’s not right, you go into a secondary area. If it’s a car, you go through a big screening thing. If there are drugs, they can see it immediately.” Lynne observed that it’s not as easy to cross the Mexico-United States border as people might assume or see on T.V. “I was encouraged. I didn’t realize it would be that strenuous. People in lines were quiet . . . polite and their kids well-behaved.” One day her group ventured over into Ciudad Juárez, Mexico. She literally experienced what it’s like
to cross over into another country. She remembers that morning how five black SUVs with tinted windows picked up her group at the hotel. That was a little scary at first, she recalls, and she asked about her safety. “You couldn’t haven’t even gotten a quarter in between us. We were like in a caravan going over to the other side.” She remembers seeing the Mexican Army guarding with AK-47s. She said the first stop was a Mexican hospital, a very clean and orderly place operated independently from the government, where immigrants take their necessary papers. “They [immigrants] actually have to have all kinds of medical screenings . . . TB (tuberculosis) testing and even a TB room. They are fingerprinted and DNA tested.” “I wanted to know about the ones who come between the ports. The port we went to in Juárez is actually 20 percent of immigrants from the whole world who come through right there . . . correctly.” Lynne said her office does a lot of case work so the U.S. Consulates there wanted them to see the process first-hand. “I think the Wall is a good thing, if not for just the [possible] diseases alone.”
Women’s Mens • Gifts Shop local for the whole family during the holidays at K. Ellen Boutique
Tuesday-Friday 10-6 Saturday 10-4 8 Bedford Life • Fall 2019
She recalls a great memory is all representatives breaking bread together, despite not being on the same political page. “It was a life-changing experience. There were 18 of us . . . 12 Democrats and six Republicans. So we were outnumbered.” Lynne, who’s in her fifth year on the Republican executive committee, explains how she met President Donald Trump in 2016, when she was one of Tennessee’s 11 presidential electors. What she did to get the president’s attention would have certainly embarrassed her kids, she shared. “I’m about three rows back. I wiggle my way closer. I yell, ‘Mr. President, I was one of Tennessee’s 11 electors and I want to say hi!’ The next thing I know, I was up front. We talked for a long time and he was very kind.” Gary got pictures which she says show the president and the back of her head. Davis called the signing of the official documents casting her vote as an elector was “the coolest thing.” “My name is on those documents for 2016,” she said. “It was a very awesome moment.” Davis herself has no plans to run for political office, but she wants to remain an active citizen. “When I’m out of this position,” she said, “I’m going to stay involved in politics. I just think I can make a
bigger difference being me.”
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Destinations &Diversions (pages 40-41)
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. Fall 2019 • Bedford Life 9
A heart for service:
Former special needs student finds fulfillment in the kitchen By DAWN HANKINS dhankins@t-g.com
Mary Ann Lednicky loves her job in the Community High School cafeteria so much, she literally runs to her station after her mother drops her off at work. “I love my job,” she professes. Mary Ann is describing her two-year position as cafeteria staff worker at Community High. Mary Ann started her high school education program years ago at CHS. When she graduated in 2017, Mary Ann told cafeteria workers how she was going to miss them. Mary Ann was enrolled for several years in the Comprehensive Development Class (CDC), as
The cafeteria staff at work.
10 Bedford Life • Fall 2019
T-G Photos by Dawn Hankins Mary Ann packs grab-and-go meal bags.
explained by Community High Principal Robert Ralston. “These classes work with exceptional students who have special needs that required specialized services and instructional practices. Each student is unique with individualized learning programs,” said Ralston. “Students enrolled in CDC classrooms have been identified as needing a small structured environment where core academic areas are addressed at the individuals student’s learning level. In addition to emphasizing academic progress, teachers focus on social skills, self-help skills and self-advocacy.” Cafeteria workers had an idea for Mary Ann following her high school graduation. They contacted Janet Clarkson, Bedford County Schools nutrition supervisor and asked if she might work part-time in the cafeteria. The answer, Clarkson explains, was an immediate “yes.” Having been a part of special education for seven years, Mary Ann seems to appreciate her new-found
freedom. Mary Ann’s other friend and co-worker, who also “I don’t have to ride the bus anymore,” she quips. dotes on her, is Mary Augustus. She also likes earning some extra money with her “They love Mary Ann,” the nutrition supervisor part-time work. Mary Ann still lives at home with her explains as staff work in unison to prepare the mother, Annie. daily lunch menu. “We are so glad to have her as “Mama kisses me on the en employee forehead,” she explains. working with Though she can only school.” work part-time, Mary Ann But what’s makes the most of every not to love hour, Clarkson explains. about Mary She has her own station and Ann? Their eyes refrigerator from which to all glaze over gather her foods. with tears when Mary Ann’s main job talking about entails packing around 120 their young zip bags for the grab-and-go friend. meal line. Her duties include Mary Ann placing in the baggies such gives them items as peanut butter and another big hug. jelly sandwiches, apple sauce “You know and cheese sticks. it’s genuine,” “She is very neat and said co-worker organized,” one of her coKellie. “Mary Co-worker Kellie Brown made this workers shared. “Mary Ann also Ann’s blessed all of us more monogrammed apron for Mary Ann. helps us with cutting up food and than we could ever bless her.” counting portions.” Mary Ann says she doesn’t mind dishwashing duties, either. The only real difference between BIBLE & LITERATURE MISSIONARY FOUNDATION this 23-year-old and her peers: she can’t drive a car, and most likely wouldn’t be able to live alone. It’s a e part of who she is; she doesn’t seem Com a e to mind that her mother brings her to k Ta r ! her job site. Tou Mary Ann dreams of a date with pop singer Justin Bieber. As for boyfriends, she just smiles and avoids that subject all together. Most visitors to the cafeteria area, like alumnus Jake Cartwright recently, say Mary Ann has always been a very special person to be around. With her paycheck, Mary Ann has FIRST PURCHASE been able to purchase new shoes, of ONE COUPON PER CUSTOMER which she’s very proud. She’s also NOT VALID WITH most happy showing off her newlyOTHER COUPONS COnsignment monogrammed apron, made by her co-worker Kellie Brown. 511 Madison Street, Shelbyville,TN 37160 It contains her favorite colors: 931-492-5411 • HOURS:TUE-FRI 10-6 & SAT 10-5 purple, black and brown, she says.
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Fall 2019 • Bedford Life 11
A front porch view By DAWN HANKINS dhankins@t-g.com
A famous person once said, “Make your front porch a part of your home and it will make you a part of the world.” On a recent drive-by, that is, photojournalism adventure, this reporter discovered a lot of beautiful and interesting ways Bedford County residents use and decorate their front porches. Many great literary achievements have been completed in a rocker next to a cool glass of iced tea. From rockers to gliders, it seems taste and styles vary here on front porch comfort. One thing all of the entry ways have in common is the Southern charm which makes this county so unique. A writer named John Sarris once said, “I return to my front porch to find a place where the air smells sweeter and the sun feels warmer than at any other bend in life’s long road.”
This holiday season, it is hoped that many local families will use their front porches, or back ones for that matter (another photojournalism feature for the future) to welcome back, or perhaps, welcome home again after a long hiatus, friends and loved ones.
T-G Photos by Dawn Hankins A classic look, with columns
The porch can be a place to show your style through décor. Sometimes, though, decor makes it impossible to actually sit.
12 Bedford Life • Fall 2019
From the placement of the chairs, we think there must have been a good conversation taking place here.
Ah, the joys of the front porch swing. This looks comfortable.
Not every porch is attached to a house.
A patriotic touch.
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Fall 2019 • Bedford Life 13
Luci’s Christmas
Taylor begins her holiday dinner countdown By DAWN HANKINS dhankins@t-g.com
Assistant chair for Bedford County Complete Census, a wife, mother and even substitute teacher, Luci Taylor is as busy as a bee. But this queen of her hive says nothing will keep her from planning and carrying out her holiday menus. How does she do it all? Luci is truthful; she enlists help from her family on Christmas Day. Loved ones are assigned to bring everything from tableware to deviled eggs. Delegating such help, she says, is the only way to keep things on schedule. A typical Christmas menu at the Taylor home features the traditional ham and turkey, but also includes such great dishes as her son Lloyd’s garlic cheese casserole and her husband Tom’s homemade muffins. Luci is also stepping outside her home range to put together lunch and learn meetings for representatives from the Census Regional office, Partnership representatives from the Census 2020, local mayors,
T-G Photos by Dawn Hankins Luci Taylor, center, and Sylvia Pinson of the Census Complete Count committee receive a proclamation from Shelbyville Mayor Wallace Cartwright.
non profit representatives, ministers for the Latino Community, Bedford County School System, black community and Veteran representatives. Over some of this Bedford County woman’s home cooking, representatives discussed the importance of everyone in Bedford County being counted April 1, 2020. Also discussed was how the awareness phase of the Census really kicks off in January. Just like she in her holiday kitchen, from Luci advises the Bedford County Census Count is really cooking. Luci entertained recently at another Census gathering, held in a meeting M - F 6:00 am - 6:00 pm room at Shelbyville Parks and Recreation Sat. 8:00 am - 2:00 pm Center. “This Census is very important. We Keith & Suzy Johnson, need to get the word out.” owners Luci enjoys providing meals for parties. And she is always willing to share her favorite recipes. “Like every other mother and wife,” Brown’s Body Shop she said, “I have so many more.” 300 Stanley Blvd. • Shelbyville, Tn. Her go-to recipe file includes everything from Pineapple Jello-O Salad to homemade enchiladas. She’s also pretty famous for her mother’s White Chocolate Fudge Cake and for her David Brown homemade tortillas, which she likes to 931-684-3170 spread with butter and fill with slices of Insurance Work Welcome dbrownsbodyshop@united.net bologna. “These make great rolled up
Free Estimates 14 Bedford Life • Fall 2019
sandwiches,” she said. Luci shares a family favorite which is her homemade tostadas. “I serve with refried rice (arroz) or sopa de fideo, maybe with some Jell-O or fruit. It’s a healthy meal and so easy to make,” she said. So, when you grow tired of ham and turkey leftovers, which many of us do at some point, Luci recommends some of her Mexican favorites. She suggests including in party menus tortillas (make sure they’re flour ones, not corn) as a bread item or for making her special Mexican Enchiladas. “I use tortillas homemade or you can go to Miguel’s (Tortilla Gonzalez and Taco Plus.) They are the best and Luci Taylor, left, watches as Bedford County Mayor Chad Graham perfect. These are so easy for any party.” cuts the ribbon for the regional Census 2020 office in Shelbyville. Husband, Tom, is pictured behind Luci.
LUCI’S
PLE PINEAP
JELL-O
SALAD
this on to serve is n io t s e ries day sugg s. Fresh cranber li o h s i’ c liday st (Lu great ho f for gue a a e le k e a c m u t r a let suga rinkle of with a sp such a dish.) for garnish flavor) -O (any ll e ple J f o x d pineap 1 bo e h s u r c can ese 1 20 oz. eam che r c . g k p 1 8 oz. cans pped pe o h c p u ½c r. Add s of wate ing p u c 2 t a hot boil epan, he wl. Add o t, add In a sauc b g in ater is ho n of a mix w e in h t O e ll il ca h Je latin. W . Add the whole e g o t r e ix dients wat e and m ntent. Stir ingre s e e h c cream ice co prinkle le with ju ooden spoon. S p p a e in p w in the o. Place er with a ll h t je e f g o o t p all o to pecans t et. chopped until gelatin is s tor refrigera
HOMEM
ADE FL OUR TO 2 cups fl RTILLA our S 1 tsp. sa lt 1 tsp. ba kin 1 T. shor g powder tening ¾ cup o f warm w ater Mix the sif the shorte ted, dry ingredie nts. Wor ning and k Kneed d m ough. Div ix well. Add th in e id w balls and e the dou ater. le g with a r t set for 20 minu h into small olling pin te on a flou s. Roll dough , making r ed to pancake rtillas round and surface . flat like a Heat to h igh a flat on skille iron skil t. When browned let. Place tortilla cook oth , flip quic er side. P kly to lace on a covered plate wh with a te ich is a towel.
Fall 2019 • Bedford Life 15
MOM’S WHITE CHOCOLATE FUDGE CAKE
ORITE FAMILY FAV TOSTADAS HOMEMADE a until tender. In er at w in s n ea Add pinto Boil pinto b of shortening. p cu ¼ t el m er, yes, by skillet, a potato mash h it w h as m the beans and ith salt. When w n so ea S . ys down, hand, Luci sa has simmered s n ea b to in p juice from the e. l and set asid place in a bow illas in ¾ p fry corn tort ee d t, le il sk bowl In another each one in a e as le P g. in excess cup of shorten el to catch the w to er ap p a that has grease. se, then cheddar chee d il m f o s of p Grate 2 cu ce. Please each u tt le g er eb ic p in another chop up ½ cu ate bowl. Add ar p se a in s these item . pped tomatoes dish, two cho rtillas, ients: corn to ed gr in g in w o tomatoes. Layer the foll ce, cheese and u tt le s, n ea b refried
JELL-O CHEESECAKE 1 box Jell-O Cheesecake Mix (sold in cake mix section) 1 (8 oz.) container whipped topping 1 can sweetened condensed milk 1 graham cracker pie shell Pour the filling of the boxed cheesecake mix in a bowl. Add the sweetened condensed milk, mix with an electric mixer, add whipped topping. Pour into a graham cracker pie shell. Refrigerate.
Frosting: 1 can vanilla frosting 1 oz. white baking bar or vanilla-flavored candy (coated and melted) 1 tsp. vanilla 1 (5 oz.) container of frozen whipped topping, completely thawed. Cake: 1 pkg. Pillsbury Plus White Cake mix 1 ½ cups water 1/3 cup oil 1 tsp. vanilla 2 eggs 3 oz. white baking bar or vanilla-flavored candy coating, melted Fudge Filling: ¼ cup powdered sugar 1 (6 oz.) pkg. semi-sweet chocolate chips 3 T. margarine or butter 2 T. of light corn syrup In a large bowl, beat frosting at medium speed, gradually adding 3 oz. melted white chocolate baking bar. Beat at high speed 30 seconds or until smooth and well blended. Fold in 1 teaspoon of vanilla and whipped topping. Refrigerate. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour a 13x9-inch pan. In large bowl, combine all cake ingredients except white chocolate baking bar. Beat at low speed until moistened, then beat for an additional 2 minutes at medium speed. Gradually beat in 3 oz. melted white chocolate baking bar until well blended. Pour batter into greased and floured pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool cake for about 10 minutes. In a small saucepan, combine chocolate chips and margarine; heat over low heat until melted. Stir in corn syrup and powdered sugar until well blended. Spread fudge filling over warm cake. Cool cake for about 1 hour. Spread cake with frosting. Garnish with chocolate curls and other holiday decorations. Store in refrigerator.
16 Bedford Life • Fall 2019
Let cake rest at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving.
LUCI’S MEXICAN ENCHILADAS Enchiladas: 12 medium size tortillas bulk cheddar cheese. shredded chopped onions lettuce Each item should be placed in separate bowls to serve as fillings for the wrapped enchiladas. Enchilada Sauce: 2 10-ounce cans Old El Paso Enchilada Sauce (mild) You will need two skillets to start-one to put the enchilada sauce in and another for the shortening. Pour the two cans of enchilada sauce in one of the skillets, simmer. Place ½ cup shortening in other skillet and melt. Dip the tortillas in shortening then sauce. Do about six of these at a time. Place on a clean plate. Take one tortilla and fill with cheese, lettuce and a bit of onions to suit taste. Do this until you fill each one, roll each one and place in a large baking dish. Do the remaining tortillas as directed above and place in the same baking dish. Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the rolls, adding a generous amount of cheese as topping. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 30 to 40 minutes or until cheese is melted and sauce bubbles.
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Fall 2019 • Bedford Life 17
A sense of history
Two Bedford County women strive in different ways to preserve the past By DAWN HANKINS dhankins@t-g.com
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Two local women say they cling to the history which makes this county so unique. Katherine Bronn Strobel wants to preserve the legacy she and her late husband, Gene Strobel, started in Bell Buckle many years ago. Ludine Adcock wants a sign just outside the city limits to designate the place she called home as a young girl. While “Mrs. Strobel,” as she’s affectionately known in Bell Buckle, is a Southern belle hailing from Natchez, Mississippi, Adcock was born, educated and, as she puts it, will most likely pass away here. Sitting down with Adcock is like reading a book filled with 83 years worth of local history right down to the gas stations operated here. The two local seniors, despite growing up and still living miles apart, advise they want the best for the place which has served as home for pretty much their lifetimes. Katherine Bronn Strobel Holding a historic photo from the town of Bell Buckle during World War II maneuvers, Strobel says the photo was taken when one of our U.S. military tanks on maneuvers accidentally hit the back end of the local bank. Uniformed soldiers can be seen in the picture examining the wreckage. Strobel and her late husband, Gene, made their own history when he was inaugurated town mayor in 1979. She would serve as the town’s “first lady” for his three terms in office. Though she could have moved back to the deep South following his passing a few years ago, she continues to live in the large T-G Photo by Dawn Hankins Katherine Strobel holds a vintage photo of her Bell home they Buckle home, which was once a funeral home.
18 Bedford Life • Fall 2019
shared in the heart of Bell Buckle. Prior to it being a large living space, the massive-sized home served as the Hoover Funeral Home; she has a picture of it as well. Strobel recalls how her husband of 62 years was instrumental in rebuilding the town and establishing a town hall. She is proud of his accomplishments and also that he served his country in the U.S. Navy. While her husband worked in higher education, and Strobel was also an educator — a dance teacher. The couple raised three daughters and have four grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Though she admits to sometimes rattling around in that big white infamous Bell Buckle house, she says, “My life has been good.” Ludine Holden Adcock While Adcock’s life has not been as happy as Strobel’s, she’s proud to be a life-long resident of the county. Adcock was never able to have children with her late husband, who died a tragic death here many years ago. She admits she’s still ever faithful in the search for what really happened to him. Adcock gives back to this community through her work as a Meals-OnWheels volunteer with Shelbyville(Cont. on p. 20)
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T-G Photo by Dawn Hankins Ludine Adcock
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931-684-2443 Submitted photo Soldiers look at the scene after a tank, on maneuvers in Middle Tennessee during World War II, ran into a bank building in Bell Buckle.
BUY, SELL,TRADE & CONSIGN Fall 2019 • Bedford Life 19
(Cont. from p. 19)
tried to help many who are not really cared for by their families. Bedford County Seniors Citizens Center. As for family, Adcock grew up in what was known She tells the stories of many seniors who depend nearly a century ago as the Fall Creek area; she moved on the meals. In addition, she talks about how she’s to the Midway area, which is what some locals call a wide spot in the road between El Bethel and the Halls Mill area off U.S. 41-A North as a young girl. Adcock says her family moved up to El Bethel in the late 1950s. What is still on her bucket list in her golden years? That would be getting the State of Tennessee to allow her to put up a sign marking her childhood home area as “Midway.” She tells some history of the area when the state built the highway. Ludine also remembers people like the late W. J. Crowell who built a house in the Midway area as did his siblings. She also recalls store owner Stickey Brown, now deceased, also built a home in “Midway.” community. Her list of childhood neighbors goes on and on. Her point being for bringing up the history is to get up that sign for Ludine Adcock wants her neighborhood designated as Midway, its those who have, like herself, cherished historic name. childhood memories there. “Everything has been passed to put a sign up at Midway,” the senior said. “Jim Tracy [former state representative] said it was a done deal. They said there was another Midway close to Tullahoma, but Mr. Eugene Ray [former Bedford County H A Beasley & Company, PLLC Mayor, now deceased] wrote a letter to Certified Public Accountants the state, telling them it was alright to 109 E. Holland St., 931-680-0660 New have another sign in Bedford County. I LocatioN www.habeasley.net Shelbyville don’t know why they won’t put up the sign.” A Positive Difference Through Professional Accounting Service Adcock says she isn’t giving up. Strobel and Adcock come from strong-willed families. You might say they’re pretty tough cookies. 1019 Madison Street Sunday School: Though they both struggle with (The old Dotson’s Produce) 9:00 am being alone these days, they continue 931-684-1087 Sunday Worship: to be about their business. Strobel still 10:00 am attends local Bell Buckle meetings and Wednesday Night: events, while Adcock is not giving up on Pastor Bobby McGee 6:00 pm her quest to have her signage. Blessed Perhaps their lives are indicative of is the Nation whose what author William Wordsworth once God is The Lord said, “The mind that is wise mourns Psalm 33:12 less for that age takes away, than what it
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20 Bedford Life • Fall 2019
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A Christmas Eve feast By DAWN HANKINS dhankins@t-g.com
Every Bedford County cook has known for many years it takes careful planning to pull off that Christmas Eve dinner. Between work, office and church par parties, we make sure to keep our dinner lists handy all throughout December. The recipes here are from some of our older cooks’ collections. In that 2019 Christmas spirit, we’re adding a little updated touch to old faves. These recipes serve a group of 12, so enjoy with possible leftovers. With a little help from local dollar stores, it is also economical to set a table which is sure to get a lot of compliments. In Bedford County, it’s been customary for years to spend either Christmas Eve or Day with those close to us. In this edition, we have decided to help with meal planning and decorating for those who might be a little close on time, yet want to pull off that elegant holiday dinner. We’re starting off with a colorful shrimp appetizer and ending with a rich cup of licorice-flavored coffee — OK, maybe some cookies too! With luck, Santa can have some cookies too! This menu is for all tastes but just another way to keep the holiday traditions alive in Bedford County. PEPPER RELISH AND SHRIMP SALAD In some red and green holiday-themed cups from your local dollar store, this appetizer will look as great as it tastes. 3 red bell peppers 3 green bell peppers Hot peppers to suit your guests’ tastes 2 stalks celery 1 large white onion ½ tsp. garlic salt 1 tbsp. sugar 1½ tsp. celery salt 1 cup vinegar
Chop peppers, onions and celery. Cover with boiling water and let stand 5 minutes. Drain well. Add vinegar, salts and sugar. Serve in small dishes with boiled, drained shrimp. BROCCOLI, CORN AND TOFU SOUP 2 (10 ½ oz.) tofu, soft or firm 2 cans milk 2 cans chicken broth 2 cans cream style corn 2 c. broccoli, chopped fine 1 cup onion, chopped 2 T. butter Salt and pepper to taste Combine milk and tofu in blender. Blend until smooth. Set aside. Saute onion in butter. In pan, combine broth and broccoli, cooking until broccoli is crisp and tender. Add onions, tofu and corn. Heat until hot. Do not boil. Serve hot. BAKED HAM WITH CHERRY SAUCE Bake ham according to directions. Cherry Sauce 4 tsp. cornstarch ¼ C. sugar 1/8 tsp. ground cloves ½ tsp. ground cinnamon ½ tsp. dry mustard 1 can red pitted cherries (pie cherries) drained ½ cup cherry juice Optional ¼ tsp. red food coloring ¼ tsp. salt Mix cornstarch, sugar, salt, cloves, cinnamon and mustard in saucepan. Drain cherries, stir in liquid in cornstarch and other ingredients. Place over moderate heat, stirring constantly until mixture comes to a boil. Boil 60 seconds. Remove from heat. Stir in red coloring and cherries. Serve with ham. Makes 2 ½ cups.
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Obrienj@realtracs.com 24 Bedford Life • Fall 2019
TURKEY TAMALES 12 dried corn husks 3 to 4 pounds of turkey or chicken, cut up 3 quarts water 1 medium onion, quartered 2 tsp. salt 1 garlic clove, crushed
DOUGH 1 cup shortening 3 cups masa harina (such as Bob’s Red Mill brand) FILLING 6 T. canola oil 6 T. all-purpose flour ¾ cup chili powder ½ tsp. salt ¼ tsp. garlic powder ¼ tsp. pepper 2 cans (2 ¼ oz. each) sliced ripe olives, drained Soak the corn husks. Rinse the corn husks to remove any debris, then place into a large bowl and cover them with cold water. Let them soak for at least 2 hours. Cook turkey in oven according to package “Julaftonen” (Christmas Eve), by Carl Larsson, 1904 directions with seasonings and onion. OLD FASHIONED FRUIT SALAD-WITH A TWIST Or, cook chicken with seasonings and onion in water on low simmer, covered, until chicken is tender, about 1 can cherry pie filling 45-60 minutes. 1 can crushed pineapple Cool meat. Remove from bone and shred with fork. 1 can fruit cocktail In a large bowl, beat the shortening until it’s light 1 cup each fresh Mandarin oranges, fresh apples, or orand fluffy, about 1 minute. Measure out 2 cups of the anges, bananas broth and have the masa harina ready. Gradually beat ½ cup of almonds in the masa, adding small amounts at a time and alter alter½ cup pistachios nating the broth. Beat well until the dough is uniform ½ cup raisins and light. Doing the float test in a glass of water is a 1 tsp. granulated sugar good idea. Dough should float to top, if not, beat until 2 Tbsp. salad dressing light enough. In a Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium heat. Stir in the flour until blended. Cook and stir until the flour Mix well. Refrigerate before serving. is lightly browned, about 9 minutes. (This removes even doughy flour taste.) Stir in seasonings, shredded COFFEE ANISE meat and four cups of the reserved broth. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, stirring 1 packet prepared instant cocoa mix occasionally. Simmering allows the mixture to thicken; 1/3 cup brewed coffee this should take about 45 minutes. ¼ tsp. of anise flavoring or anise syrup Drain the corn husks and pat dry, then fill assembly Light whipped cream line style: On the wide end of the husk, spread 3 tablespoons Mix all ingredients in large mug. Top with whipped dough to within ½ inch of the edges. cream. Top each with 2 tablespoons of chicken mixture and 2 (Cont. on p. 26) teaspoons of olives Fold the long sides of the husk over the filling. Make sure they overlap slightly for a secure closure. Fold the narrow end of the husk over. Tie with a strip of husk to secure. Repeat until all of the husks are filled and secured. • Tires To cook: Place in a large steamer Mon-Fri • 7-5 Oil Changes • Brakes basket in a 6-quart stockpot over 1 inch Sat • 8-12 starting at of water. Place the tamales upright in the $35 • Alignments steamer. Bring the water to a boil. Let 923 Colloredo Blvd. • A/C Repair them steam, covered, until the dough s r Shelbyville, TN • Tune-Ups peels away from the husk, about 45 Joel Lande 931-684-9000 minutes.
Fall 2019 • Bedford Life 25
(Cont. from p. 25)
SMILING PUMPKIN COOKIES 2 C. flour (For Paleo used blanched almond flour and unsweetened almond butter) 1 C. quick uncooked oats 1 tsp. baking soda 1 tsp. ground cinnamon ½ tsp. salt 1 cup margarine, softened 1 cup brown sugar, firmly packed 1 cup granulated sugar (or organic sugar) 1 egg, slightly beaten 1 tsp. vanilla extract 1 cup pumpkin puree 1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chip morsels Assorted icing or peanut butter Assorted candies, raisins, nuts Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine flour, oats, baking soda, cinnamon and salt. Cream butter; gradually add sugars, beating until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla. Mix well. Alternate additions of dry ingredients and pumpkin, mixing well after each addition. Stir in morsels. For each cookie, drop ¼ cup dough onto lightly greased cookie sheet; spread into pumpkin shape, using a thin metal spatula. Add a bit more dough to form
stem. Bake 20 to 25 minutes, until cookies are firm and lightly browned. Remove from cookie sheets; cool on racks. Decorate, using icing and peanut butter to affix assorted candies, raisins or nuts for decoration. Yield 19 to 20 cookies. May substitute 1 cup raisins for morsels. GLORY BE CAKE 2 C. self-rising flour, unsifted 2 C. sugar 2 T. instant tea powder 1 C. oil 3 eggs 1 cup chopped prunes 1 C. tapioca pudding 1 cup coarsely chopped pecans Preheat over to 350 degrees. In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients and beat just until blended (approximately 30 seconds.) Do not overbeat. Turn into greased and floured 1 inch tube pan or 2 loaf pans (10x4x3 inches) and bake 65 to 70 minutes. Cool on rack. Note: If less moist cake is desired, use 2/3 cup oil.
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Caramel Icing 1 T, white syrup 4 C. sugar 1 C. milk ¾ C. butter 2 T. vanilla
did You Know?
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compassus.com Fall 2019 • Bedford Life 27
Sanders family to ‘turnip’ farm fun By DAWN HANKINS dhankins@t-g.com
On the outskirts of Shelbyville on the narrow Gregory Mill Road is Sanders Family Farm-a quiet area filled with gourds, sheep, dogs, hogs and sunflowers. Jon Sanders, owner, says it’s just the beginning of his dream come true. Right now, the farm is just starting up. But already, there are fresh turnip greens growing as a cold weather crop in Jon’s pristine garden. Jon’s father-in-law, Rob Holt, sitting with the gray Tabby cat near the produce area, remarks, “I work for tomatoes.” It’s a farm any kid would love to spend the day on, running about through the large sunflowers, which are still producing into late fall. The Sanders family has added very special touches to their property and Jon notes he would love to own more land. More community-oriented adventures are coming, he says. While standing in front of decorative mums, Jon confesses his conduct as a young man was not admirable. Now, this farm is his way of giving back to
his community in a more positive way. Jon uses his farm to also share a very special gift he believes he has for making things look nice. He has that special touch of taking antique farm equipment and turning bare corners into photoworthy sections fit for well, a magazine. Jon Sanders In addition to tomatoes, the Sanders Family Farm has a variety of gourds and pumpkins. “This is about it,” he says, pointing toward the last of the orange, yellow and green varieties. Jon says he’s now anxiously looking forward to the Spring growing season. His customers note while his fruits and vegetables-most purchased from the Mennonite community- are great, it’s the friendliness of the Sanders family which keeps them hanging around the produce stand.
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28 Bedford Life • Fall 2019
In some cases, it’s perhaps that friendly cat which enchants people. This and many more animals have a great presence on the farm. Outside his wife Christy’s pet grooming building-a place where barking dogs let their presence be knownJon has built a very unique settee out of a large cattle trough. “My wife wanted one . . . so I thought I’d try this,” John said, pointing to the finished product. She said o.k. So, this is it.” Need to talk turnip greens with Jon? Look for the large produce sign off U.S. Highway 41A North at Gregory Mill Road. It will turn your vehicle in the direction of serene fall pleasantry.
T-G Photos by Dawn Hankins
“I work for tomatoes,” said Rob Holt.
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Fall 2019 • Bedford Life 29
Holiday Stories Local women contribute to Christmas-themed anthology
By DAWN HANKINS dhankins@t-g.com
Hello, Sweetheart . . . a very blue Monday after a very happy weekend. But I feel a little better after looking at the calendar, because if you come over here on Christmas Day, it will only be three weeks and four days until I see you again.
Lon and Cleo Shelton’s love letters from the 1930s were later discovered by their daughters, Sharon McDonald and Linda McGill.
This letter was one of nearly 90 shared in the 1930s between Lon Shelton and his sweetheart, Cleo Gonce, who would later become his wife. In the 1940s, the Sheltons made their home in Shelbyville, where they raised three daughters: the late Norma S. Bell, Sharon S. McDonald of Shelbyville and Linda S. McGill, formerly of Shelbyville and now of Murfreesboro. The old letters were first read by Sharon then by Linda. The sentiments shared during the Great Depression era can be found in the new Christmas anthology, “True Christmas Stories From the Heart of Appalachia.” Sharon has also contributed her special family Christmas story, “Christmas on the Farm.”
Her fellow Sunday Book Club friend, Kay Hoover Bartley, contributed also with her 1959 Christmas story, “The Power of a Tiny Mustard Seed.” The bound edition was published by the Jesse Stuart Foundation in Ashland, Kentucky. CEO James Gifford, a Shelbyville native edited and compiled the 43 stories along with Judith Kidwell and Wayne Onkst. Among the 39 authors were others with Bedford County connections- brothers Charles “Chock” Woodruff, a research geologist now living in Texas and William “Bill” Woodruff, a retired scientist, of Shelbyville. So the story goes, Jim Gifford contacted friend Sharon, who fanned out other local writers. Turns out, Jim, Chock, Sharon, and Kay’s sister, the late Carol Lee Snoddy, all attended Shelbyville Central HELP OUR NEIGHBORS High School together. HELP THEMSELVES From there, local writers added their strands to the “thread which runs so true.” William writes in his story, “So we Visit Our New Location snuck. Stumbling through the dark and 209 East Depot Street, Shelbyville, TN 37160 descending the creaking stairs, two little Next to the Capri Theater men who weren’t there.” 931-684-4300 Chock’s endearing contribution is
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30 Bedford Life • Fall 2019
T-G Photo by Dawn Hankins Kay Bartley, Sharon McDonald and Linda McGill have their stories included in a new anthology, “True Christmas Stories From the Heart of Appalachia,” co-edited by Shelbyville native James Gifford of the Jesse Stuart Foundation.
“Another Christmas Journey,” which addresses how war can affect the heart. Turning the Christmas storybook pages forward to Shelbyville 1959, Kay shares a completely different Christmas recollection. She writes, “Happiness and Christmas seemed synonymous, then everything about our normal life appeared to come to an abrupt halt . . . fear and uncertainty entered our home. “Our Daddy become critically ill, had very serious surgery and was hospitalized . . . .” Her mother, whom she deems the family rock, was forced to leave Kay and Carol Lee with “very well meaning friends” while caring for their father. Kay assures us there is a happy ending. “Happy” is also the way her friend Sharon describes her memories. You might say Sharon has her own visions of sugar plums and jam cake. (Cont. on p. 32)
Though many of the stories were written about Appalachia, the local writers note our part of Tennessee has its own links with the mountains. The time frame spans nearly 100 years. Local writers Sharon, Kay and Linda are retired educators, mothers, a widow and wives, grandmothers, a financial advisor, a retired military wife, book enthusiasts and musicians. It would seem like they’ve done it all, but they’ve
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Fall 2019 • Bedford Life 31
(Cont. from p. 31)
never been published in an anthology. “Mine came quick,” said Kay. “It comes to you, then you just put it on paper. “I said, ‘well, probably the most pertinent memory I have is not necessarily a happy one.’ There’s a happy part of it. It’s the most memorable one, to me.”
him by name in the book, she says he’s read how he became her muse and is appreciative for the kind words shared.
Kay Hoover Bartley Kay observes that her family would have probably fit, by today’s standards, the picture of a poor family. “We didn’t live on a farm. Daddy’s employment was always questionable.” But her family didn’t feel destitute. In fact, she believes all their neighbors were back then in the same working-class boat. She remembers one Christmas. “Then Pappy gave a silver dollar and an Uncle Leo candy cane to each of the 11 grandchildren. That large heavy coin felt like a lot of money to me!” There is a great ending to Kay’s story, which we will not divulge as this is a story which must be personally savored. (The book can be ordered from various online booksellers.) Kay says she will never forget her sister’s young boyfriend Eddie Wright. While she does not identify
Sharon Shelton McDonald “I think I had already started the Christmas story, before he [Gifford] asked,” advised Sharon. “He had to ask several times.” Sharon mentions how friend Chock’s story about a Vietnam A childhood photo of the late Carol Lee (Hoover) Snoddy, veteran was most left, with her sister Kay touching, especially when he wrote, “I pray (Hoover) Bartley. that he survived and made it back to Alabama, and is living out his life on this good Earth.” She adds that this anthology is a good way to cherish the love of her parents and family, whom she misses very much. Happy She writes, “My sisters and I were Holidays delighted when my Dad, with his Providing viding rec recycling ling services for our community expressive voice, read aloud to us each and promoting a cleaner environment. night. Though he was tired . . . read the We look forward to serving Bedford County story of the birth of Christ and ‘Twas the and surrounding areas. Night Before Christmas.’” One of North America’s Premier processors and recyclers of scrap metal is now part of your community.
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Linda Shelton McGill Linda says her love letter story was probably the one which took the longest time to complete. While she enjoyed the days her family picked out that special Christmas tree from the farm, she believes her parents’ words tell the universal message of Christmas, which is love. An aspiring poet, Linda writes, “During this Christmas season of 1936, Lon and Cleo became officially engaged when he presented her with a small but beautiful diamond ring, which I, as the youngest of their three daughters, now wear on my right hand.”
T-G Photo First Community Bank Fall Fest
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Fall 2019 • Bedford Life 33
The best part of waking up . . . By DAWN HANKINS dhankins@t-g.com
Bedford Countians love their breakfast; they always have, probably always will. Breakfast choices are also pretty diverse, according to 130 readers who responded on social media when the Times-Gazette asked about their favorite breakfast foods. Crystal Morrison loves local breakfast options and says there should be a Ruthies award like in neighboring Rutherford County for the favorite local eateries. The breakfast-serving establishments that got the most responses from our readers were Koffee Beanz and Brad’s Market. Also getting rave reviews for a variety of menu choices were Southern Fare, Coffee Break and the Dinner Table. In addition to great food, many of those responding said those establishments with friendly service keep them coming back for more. The 82 Market in Bell Buckle also received high marks for its generous helpings of sausage and or gravy and biscuits.
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34 Bedford Life • Fall 2019
Heidi Gray and Jennifer Pasalakis at Coffee Break.
Brad’s Market, according to those social media have no time to cook at home. With more people postings, has the best tenderloin biscuits in town. now than ever here work public jobs, grab-and-go Once customer remarked recently, “Once you have establishments are also just as important. one, you will be hooked.” Though everything from scrambled eggs to fruity The bistro Koffee Beanz has a circle of regulars who oatmeal remain on local menus, there are a lot of new say they love everything from traditional breakfast recipes which have emerged topside the banks of the foods to those a little more on the health-conscious Duck River. side, like avocado on wheat berry toast. Don’t forget to head over to SteBe Eatery on North (Cont. on p. 36) Others said you can’t beat the hospitality at Southern Fare. Perhaps it’s the generous helpings. Most of the breakfast eateries making our top list provide ample servings of coffee, either the regular stuff, Americano or Latte. Check Out Our Buffet In 2019, locals also love early morning drinks like butterbeer frappe, 201 Lane Parkway which is a rich drink of brown sugar and 931-684-5663 other syrups. These drinks also come in New Hours sugar free varieties. Tues. - Sat. • 5 am - 8 pm Sun. • 10 - 2 | Mon. • 5 am - 2 pm While so many locals grew up raising Sat. • Breakfast Buffet their own breakfast fare on farms, most Drive-Thur Service Now Available
DINNER TABLE
Fall 2019 • Bedford Life 35
of good old black coffee is a mainstay for most Halls Brittain for the Jamaican Me Crazy Coffee. We’re told Mill Diner regulars. through Facebook posts it’s delicious. While most Bedford Countians prefer a strong cup One post on social media reveals there’s also a great of Java, many say they must have the decaffeinated breakfast drink called a Lotus from The Southern Cup stuff, mainly because doctors have advised them to do on North Main Street. so for health reasons. What in gravy is that, you might ask? There’s certainly plenty of coffee over at Pope’s Cafe A Lotus drink is crafted with botanicals and super on the public square. Anna Cunningham said of the fruits. It’s a natural renown eatery, “I favor beverage made from Pope’s Cafe . . . catch green coffee beans and myself sitting on the pure cane sugar. square a lot and thinking Who knew? how once my sister Janie On the outskirts of owned that cafe and one town, serving its Flat time, she made the best Creek community, is the pies in town. People loved Sunchaser Market and her and thought highly Restaurant on Highway of her. She passed away 82. and I dearly miss her so The Midway Diner much.” in Deason also get high While it’s nice to sit reviews for its southern down and eat breakfast hospitality and great some are on the go in the food. a.m., so they must cling All of the local chefs to the fast food franchises certainly get up early to for bacon, egg and cheese cook for others! or raisin biscuits. You can’t beat the Rightfully named, friendly service also at D’s Fast Track – located Huddle House and Waffle Journey Vandergriff, daughter of Beth Neeley and Baran across from Bedford Vandergriff, has breakfast on the go. House, people post. County Sheriff’s Office – “It’s a little greasy, but ranks right up there in our sooo good,” one post said. poll for its servings of country ham. Speaking of ham, Of course there’s always one Facebook post where some local residents still like red-eye gravy, which is one claims to know a better place up North to get the made with ham drippings and a splash of coffee. best breakfast. Bedford countians are ever cordial with While adults must have their breakfast, it certainly their comments yet tend to post “nahh.” does a kid’s body good too. Students eat free and at There are some with other tastes in breakfast foods some schools, there is breakfast in the classroom. and that’s covered too. Bedford County native Colleen What? A back seat breakfast for kids? Yep, parents Embry says she prefers French toast, while others like say it’s just as good on the fly. Then, everyone gets to fruit-ladden energy drinks and poached eggs with school on time with a full tummy. avocado. On Sundays, locals apparently have a little more Wayne Ringler posted, “Too bad you can’t get a time to enjoy covered and smothered-type omelets good Eggs Benedict in the area. I’ll keep making my from Huddle House and Waffle House and those own.” famous syrupy pancakes. Karen Curtis Smith summed up simply how she No matter your favorite Bedford County breakfast just enjoys her own cooking at home too. Kathy Brooks hang out, one thing is for certain, local patronage is says she enjoys a good old sausage biscuit, scrambled appreciated by all. eggs, fried potatoes with onions, coffee and a glass of From French toast to fruit-ladden power drinks to orange juice. Salute! donuts, Bedford County seems to have all breakfast Sometimes our breakfasts here just revolve around cravings available. the social aspect filled with day’s news. A regular dose What is one special item which Bedford Countians (Cont. from p. 35)
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love on their breakfast plate? That would be a fresh sliced tomato. In this busy world in which we all live, Bedford County included, it’s nice to know there are places that feel like you’re eating at mom’s.
Winning the T-G’s “best breakfast of all” post was parent Bo Walker who explained how breakfast at his house also serves as a great time to catch up with their kids. “Can’t beat that family time,” he said.
Bobby Phillips enjoys breakfast at Southern Fare.
Tammy Holman, in the T-G break room, tries the avocado toast from Koffee Beanz.
Regulars at Southern Fare.
Fall 2019 • Bedford Life 37
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38 Bedford Life • Fall 2019
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Holiday Destinations
& Diversions 25th Annual Chamber of Commerce Holiday Mixer 5-7 p.m., Nov. 26 Blue Ribbon Circle (931-684-3482) Food, fun and a chance to socialize. RSVP required.
Dinner theater: “It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” Dec. 6-7, 13-15 T-G File Photo by Dawn Hankins The Fly Arts Center Santa Claus arrives last Christmas season at Shelbyville Munici(flyartscenter.tix.com) pal Airport. This year’s Santa Fly-In will be Dec. 14. Dinner is served at 6 p.m. with curtain at 7 p.m. for Friday and Saturday performances. The SunLuncheon and Holiday Bazaar day, Dec. 15 matinee will be at 2 p.m. and will not in11 a.m.-1 p.m., Nov. 22 clude a meal. An adaptation of the classic holiday film First United Methodist Church as it might have been performed on the radio, with live (931-684-2535) sound effects and cast members playing multiple parts. This annual community-wide turkey luncheon has featured the same menu, and even the same recipes, for genWartrace Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony erations, including cold sliced turkey, dressing, and side 5 p.m., Dec. 6, Main Street, Wartrace items such as prune cake. A variety of handmade items (931-389-6144) will also be on sale, and the bakery and craft rooms will Caroling, and lighting of the downtown Christmas open at 10 a.m. Tickets are available in advance from lights. Santa photos will be available starting at 3 p.m. the church or members of its United Methodist Women. Parking will be at Big Springs Shopping Center on Lane 46th Annual Christmas Parade Parkway, with shuttle vans transporting customers to the 4 p.m., Dec. 7 (931-307-5285) church nearby. Presented by Shelbyville-Bedford County Chamber of Commerce and Shelbyville Jaycees. The parade route begins at the intersection of Lane Parkway and Cannon Festival of Trees and Holiday Craft Sale Boulevard, proceeds south on Cannon to Holland Street, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Nov. 23, east on Holland to the public square, north on Main to The Fly Arts Center Madison and then east on Madison to Celebration Drive (931-684-8359 or flyartscenter.com) (Handy Dandy Market). Over 30 Chiristmas trees, each decorated by a different local organization, will be on display, along with vendors Bell Buckle Old Fashioned Christmas selling ornaments, home decor and other items. There will Dec. 7, 14 and 21, Bell Buckle (931-389-9663) be story time with Mrs. Claus and craft activities for chilbellbucklechamber.com dren. The trees will remain on display in The Fly, during Sleigh rides with Santa, special refreshments at particinormal hours and special events, until after Christmas. pating merchants, old fashioned lights and greenery will be featured each Saturday. On Dec. 7, there will be a free s’mores bar set up around a fire pit near Southern
40 Bedford Life • Fall 2019
Charm. On Dec. 21, a free concert featuring country star Sylvia will be presented at the Bell Buckle Banquet Hall. There’s no admission charge, but toy and canned food donations are requested. A bufet meal will be available for purchase starting at 5:30 p.m.; the free concert starts at 7 p.m. Ninth Annual Wine Walk 4-8 p.m., Dec. 13, on and near the public square Shelbyville (931-684-3115) Participating merchants will offer tastings of products from area wineries. There is no charge for the wine tastings, but an engraved commemorative wine glass will be available for $10, with proceeds to benefit ShelbyvilleBedford County Public Library. Fly-In Santa 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Dec. 14 Shelbyville Municipal Airport (931-684-1669) Santa will land at the airport at 11 a.m. Children young and young-at-heart can have their picture taken in front of his plane while sitting on his knee telling him their Christmas wishes. Hot cocoa will be served. Other children’s activities will be available, and there’s no charge for admission or parking. Parents should bring a camera or smartphone. Fifth Annual “A Celebration Christmas” 2-5 p.m., Dec. 14, Calsonic Arena (931-684-5915) The indoor holiday festival includes a live nativity scene, an indoor train ride, a petting zoo, vendor booths, per per-
T-G File Photo by Jason Reynolds A train ride, with a little artificial snow, is one of the highlights of the annual “Celebration Christmas” festival in Calsonic Arena. This year’s event will take place Dec. 14.
formances by local church choirs, other live entertainment, and free photos with Santa Claus. Admission is free, but toy and canned food donations are requested. Wreaths Across America Noon, Dec. 14, Willow Mount Cemetery, Hazel Cemetery, Rosebank Cemetery, Hollywood Cemetery, Wheel Cemetery, Pressgrove Cemetery 931-703-3755 wreathsacrossamerica.org A remembrance of deceased veterans, followed by the placement of Christmas wreaths on veterans’ graves at several local cemeteries. To sponsor a wreath, go to www.wreathsacrossamerica.org, click on the words “Local fundraising group” and, where it asks for the group ID, enter TN0167P. New Year’s Eve Dance 8 p.m. to midnight Dec. 31 The Fly Arts Center flyartscenter.com for more information Chase Clanton and Vintage Vibes will perform.
T-G File Photo by John I. Carney Wreaths Across America, planned for Dec. 14, places holiday wreaths on the graves of veterans. This year, the local observance expands to include six cemeteries instead of just one.
Fall 2019 • Bedford Life 41
Seen around town
Vance Clay
Cara and Zoey Hawkins
Joyce King
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42 Bedford Life • Fall 2019
More local faces
Henry Nichols
Nancy June Brandon and Billie Crowell
Charity and Tatianna Eady
Karen Yasui
Randy Morgan
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