February 2025
Roan Mountain Magazine
Roan Mountain Magazine
Volume 1, Issue 5
February 2025
STAFF
PUBLISHER/EDITOR
Amy Thurman amy@roanmountainmagazine.com
EDITORIAL ASSISTANT
Diana Tolley
EDITORIAL ASSISTANT
Susie Phillips
GUN TALK WITH JON Captain Jon Strydom
NEWS FROM THE ROAN Ranger Marcianne O'Day
THE LAST WORD & THE GRACE PLACE
Noah Blair
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Faith Lynn
CONTRIBUTORS
Ericka Hughes
Andrea Mathews
Nick Sluder
Copyright © 2025
All content herein is copyright protected and may not be reproduced in whole or part without express written permission.
Roan Mountain Magazine is published monthly and can be found at multiple locations throughout the Roan Mountain area, free to readers. We are not currently offering print subscriptions, but please contact us if you are unable to find a copy. (423) 440-9012
Read the Digital Version at: www.RoanMountainMagazine.com
Visit us on Facebook: Facebook.com/RoanMtnMagazine
Roan Mountain Magazine is printed by The Elizabethton Star
Letters to the Editor: We would love to hear from you! Questions, comments, ideas, or whatever you’d like to share, please send to Amy: amy@roanmountainmagazine.com
ARTICLES & FEATURES
14 Saturday Music Circle
If you enjoy music (playing or listening) this fun weekly event is just what you need!
16 Love and Providence
The story of how local residents Jo Nell and Dana Dean Young met, written by their granddaughter, Andrea Mathews.
19 The Valentine Interviews Diana went into the community to ask, "How did you meet your other half?" These are their stories.
22 Hellbenders
Learn more about these famous residents of Roan Mountain State Park!
23 A New Groove in Town Ericka Hughes fills us in on a new band, Jazz Funk Adventure.
24 February Fun Facts
National holidays, historic events that happened this month, and more.
25 Be My Valentine
A short story about first love, by Diana Tolley.
Editor’s Letter
Gun Talk with Jon Taste of the Roan The Grace Place News from the Roan Kid's Page What's Going On ... The Last Word
ABOUT THE COVER:
While it doesn't actually pertain to anything in this issue, this bluebird brings the promise of spring coming soon. And we just loved it!
Photo by Nick Sluder Color Effects Photography
Late again! And I’m so sorry! There are a lot of moving pieces to putting this magazine together, from ad designs/revisions to submitted articles (and writing a few), to the layout. And I have a “real job” as well. So I hope y’all can forgive me for this being so late in the month. (And last month.)
It’s a little stressful. But I’m also well aware that one of the biggest sources of my stress is my own inner voice saying, “Why haven’t you gotten the magazine done yet?”
The goal is to have the print copies out around the beginning of the month, but we’re still working out all the kinks and trying to establish routines. So to reduce my stress a bit, I’m going to promise y’all that we’ll have an issue out every month (baring another major disaster, God forbid), and that we’ll work to get it out in a timely manner. And hopefully, that will encourage my inner voice to whisper, rather than shout at me at 3:00 a.m.
I’m really kind of proud of this issue though. We have a range of great content!
Diana has written such a sweet short story this month, taking us back to when times were simpler and maybe even reminding us of our own first crushes. She’s also given us a tasty pasta recipe that will serve well as comfort food on a cold day.
In keeping with our mission to share the stories of our community, Andrea Mathews wrote about her grandparents meeting and falling in love, then building a life and a family together here in Roan Mountain. It’s a heartwarming story and we look forward to more from Andrea in future issues.
There’s more, and you’ll find all the usual content as well. We hope you enjoy each page. However, I’ll warn you now, Noah’s "The Last Word" will have you in tears. He lost his beloved pup, Saban. If you’ve ever loved a dog, you’ll understand. I know you’re all with me in offering Noah our sincere condolences. And the assurance that he will have many special pups in his life.
Also, a note about the cover. While we typically do try to select a cover photo that in some way pertains to the issue, that’s not always possible. Sometimes a great photo crosses my desk and I have to run with it. Thanks to Millie Harrison Gardener for drawing my attention to Nick Sluder’s wildlife photos on the Let’s Talk Roan Mountain Facebook page. And of course, thank you Nick, for allowing us to share it with our readers. It’s beautiful and brings the promise of spring, just around the corner.
If you haven't yet been to the Saturday Music Circle at Appalachian Station, learn more on page 14.
We’ve also finally touched on music this month. Ericka Hughes has written an article on a new music group in town, Jazz Funk Adventure, and we hope to have more from her on the local music scene in the future, too.
We also did a “man on the street” piece this month. Diana went out in the community and asked a number of you, “How did you meet your other half?” Those answers are recorded in “How I Met My Valentine.” We’ll do this again with other topics on occasion.
We’re already lining up the next issue with news about new services from Tire Express, and much more. I hope you’ll each remember to thank our advertisers for supporting Roan Mountain Magazine, and if you enjoyed a particular article, let me know so I can pass on your appreciation to the writer. Or tell them yourselves when you see them around town. We all like a pat on the back on occasion and it means more coming from all of you than it does coming from me.
Thank you for reading!
PS: You creative types, please see the ad over there on the opposite page "Calling All:"
Amy Campbell Clark Editor amy@roanmountainmagazine.com
In early February there was another gun show in Grey. And, as usual in the days following, a handful of clients come into my shop to show off their new purchases. And this is where the mistakes are sometimes revealed. You might be surprised how often these guns are still loaded!
All black powder firearms are first checked by using the ram rod. You measure outside from the touch hole to the muzzle, then the ram rod is pushed down the barrel as far as it will go and the measurements compared. Mostly they match, but quite often the ramrod will come to a hard stop a few inches short of the touch hole. This is where it gets interesting. I then use a small specialized camera to show the client the ball or bullet nesting down there.
I've been told very firmly "That's impossible! That musket has been in a museum for the last 60 years!" And one in particular gave me chills. A man in his late 80s wanted me to restore an original Springfield Model 1861. He told me how, as a child, he and his brothers would play "Cowboys and Injuns" at his grandma's house with it, dry firing it hundreds of times over the years while chasing each other with the old Civil War relic. The rifle then spent many decades hanging on
a wall in his home and his children, grands and great grands played with it. The trigger guard and hammer were missing.
When I used a wooden dowel rod to check the bore (the original ram rod was missing) it stopped almost five inches short. The camera showed the tapered nose of a mini bullet down there. I then put a good squirt of WD-40 into the touch hole and down the barrel and let it soak to make the powder charge inert. Next, using a specially modified grease Zerk fitting and a good grease gun, I managed to remove a double powder and shot load. He looked a little shaken when he realized that Springfield had been double-shotted for probably 90 or more years! If someone had put a percussion cap on the nipple, even that 100 year old gunpowder could have ignited.
Matchlocks, flintlocks, percussion guns or modern firearms all have the possibility of being loaded when we find them at shows, yard sales or even at grandpa's house. Please treat all firearms as if they are loaded. When in doubt, ask a knowledgeable person to check or bring it to my gunsmith shop in Roan Mountain. There’s never a charge for a safety check.
Be safe out there.
We all know (or should) the four primary rules of gun safety, one of which is to treat all guns as if they're loaded. But it can be difficult to tell, especially with many antique firearms, such as the Burnside carbine percussion gun (at top of page) and this flintlock (above).
Photos by Oleg Volk, blog.olegvolk.net
Forever Youthful Rejuvenation Spa
INGREDIENTS
1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, your choice)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chicken broth
2 cans of Cream of Chicken soup
1 cup heavy cream
1 can (14.5 oz) Rotel tomatoes
1 cup pasta (I used ditalini)
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped (I used frozen)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (I love cheese so I used a whole cup)
Salt and black pepper, to taste Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
DIRECTIONS
TASTE ROAN of the
Creamy Italian Soup
Submitted by Diana Stockton
Diana made this at Christmas and said, "This creamy and flavorful soup is sure to be a hit at your table!" It's also quick and easy to prepare for a weeknight meal. Serve it with crusty bread for a complete meal.
(Note: Ditalini is a small tubular pasta that holds more sauce than flat pastas.)
Enjoy!
• In a large pot, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until it is browned, breaking it into small pieces while it cooks. Once done, remove from the pot and set aside.
• In the same pot, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, allowing them to soften and slightly caramelize.
• Pour in the chicken broth then stir in the cream of chicken soup; bring the mixture to a simmer.
• Stir in Rotel tomatoes and add cooked sausage back to the pot. Bring back to a simmer.
• While the soup simmers, cook the pasta in a separate pot of boiling water according to the package instructions, which typically takes about 8-10 minutes. Drain and add to the soup pot.
• Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped spinach..
• Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the spinach wilts and the soup becomes creamy.
• Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper to your liking.
• Ladle the soup into bowls, garnishing with extra Parmesan cheese and parsley.
If you have a family recipe or just a favorite dish you’d like to share, get in touch – we might be able to include it in an upcoming issue. Ideally with seasonally available ingredients, and if you have a photo of the prepared dish, send that along too! amy@roanmountainmagazine.com
By Noah Blair
As I sit here and write this column, looking out over the snow and ice that covers everything in sight, one thing comes to mind. Salt. Salt is our friend yearround, but in winter it can be a lifesaver. The very salt we use to season our food is the same salt our road departments use to melt snow and de-ice the roads for safer travel. This got me thinking about the many scriptures we find in the Bible that reference this multiuse, chemical compound commonly known as salt.
Salt has many purposes in the modern lives we live today, but if you go back 2000-odd years, salt’s purposes were more plentiful and so was its value. Matthew wrote the familiar scripture we find in chapter 5:13, “Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? It Is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.” Matthew understood the value of salt and all it could do for the people of his day. I want to discuss three purposes of salt.
The first being to preserve food. Salt was used to preserve a variety of different foods at the time of Matthew’s gospel. With the first refrigerator being around 1900 years in the future, finding ways to preserve vital food for yourself and your family was of the utmost importance. Luckily salt was available. Just like those valued foods salt preserved, we as Christian’s could be viewed as being salt for
GRACE PLACE THE
"Ye
the world, preserving those around us and the world we see. I think we can all see the slow erosion of the world we live in and it’s our job to preserve the people we interact with by spreading the Gospel. The truth of God’s word will preserve us not only from the decay of our world but it will also preserve us until we reach our heavenly home.
Secondly, let’s think about how salt purifies. Purification was most certainly a needed part of the process in biblical times. Without the use of salt to purify or clean, wounds would go untreated, which would lead to more and more issues. This sounds a lot like when we allow sins to go unchecked and just how quickly it can spiral out of control. We must remember that our Heavenly Father loves us and desires to have a relationship with us. The purifying of ourselves is a necessary part of growing closer to the Almighty.
are the salt of the earth"
To wrap up, let’s end with how salt enhances. Salt we add to our food enhances the flavors of the food. We should also be enhancing the world around us. As Christians we need to be willing to share our joy, peace and love with others just like the Father does for us. Enhancing the world around us makes the world better and helps us be more like Jesus.
What’s the lesson? Let’s be like salt and preserve, purify and enhance every aspect of our lives so we can glorify the Almighty and live the life he would have us to.
God loves you!
Music Circle Every Saturday
By Amy Campbell Clark
There’s a vastly unappreciated event going on in Roan Mountain every Saturday afternoon. It’s Appalachian Station’s Saturday Music Circle, and I say unappreciated because when I attended last weekend, the musicians outnumbered the listeners. Y’all just don’t know what you’re missing!
The Music Circle is an open invitation to any and all musicians to sit in on an informal jam session for two hours (3 – 5 p.m.). The genre? Anything goes.
I arrived at The Appalachian Station a little after three with my friends, Susie and Kevin. We got our drinks and followed our ears back to the music hall where we found over a dozen folks sitting in a large circle with various instruments. The first song after our arrival was The Sound of Silence. Over the rest of the afternoon, they played a range of songs, some I knew, some I didn’t, some that made me laugh and some that threatened to bring tears, but all played well.
The range of instruments was impressive. During that session there were two stand-up basses (which I love and was thrilled to see), about five mandolins, plus fiddles, banjos, harmonicas, acoustic guitars and even an electric guitar, though the musician played with ear buds. I think I also saw a couple portable keyboards. The musicians ranged in age from early 20s to a couple in their 80s and there was a mix of men and women. Really, the only commonality was a love of music.
So how does it work? It’s very informal. Bring an instrument, pull up a chair, play along, suggest a song here and there if you’d like, make music and have fun. No cover charge (for musicians or listeners). It’s really just that simple.
Simple, but incredibly impressive. At one point, someone in the group suggested a song and told the others what key, then started playing. When the song was finished, I overheard one of the bass players ask the fiddler sitting next to her, “Do you know what song that was?” The fiddler shrugged her shoulders and shook her head. They’d played the whole song through by ear, not even knowing what it was. What talent! Some musicians only sat in on a few songs, some played all the way through. At one point Bruce, the cook, even came out of the kitchen and sat in with a borrowed guitar for a song.
Musicians, I urge you to bring an instrument and join in. Music lovers, I urge you to go give them a listen. There are few better ways to spend a Saturday afternoon. Maybe I’ll see you there!
In December and January, we bid a happy retirement to two of our longest-serving employees:
▪ Our “First Lady of Roan Mountain,” Vicky Dyer, retired as our clerk, after 43 years of service.
▪ Our Gift Shop founder, Donna McKinney, retired with 30 years of service. We’ll miss seeing them every day, of course, but we’re excited to see what retirement brings each of them!
STAFF PROMOTIONS
▪ Our former Administrative Assistant I, Paige Russell, has been promoted to an Area Admin position. We’ll miss her, but we’re happy for all the parks in our region to benefit from her expertise.
▪ Heather Pendley is our new Clerk 3, and you’ll see her in our headquarters office most days of the week. Heather has worked in housekeeping and in our laundry operations for over 5 years.
▪ Carissa Bailey has been promoted to a Clerk 3 position and will be our new Gift Shop Lead. She has spent the last 3+ years learning everything from Donna McKinney and has already hit the ground running!
NEWS FROM THE ROAN
By Marcianne O'Day Park Ranger
▪ Mary Birchfield, who has been a Clerk 3 in our headquarters office for 5 years, has been promoted to fill our open Administrative Assistant I position.
▪ Manning Suttle has returned to service in our Maintenance Department and is our new Maintenance Supervisor, replacing Chris Barnett who retired back in October.
OPERATION OF THE MONTH: HOUSEKEEPING
Roan Mountain State Park has one of the best cabin rental operations in Tennessee State Parks, thanks in no small part to the dedication and consistency of our housekeeping staff. Our crew services 30 cabins and our laundry year-round. Our current full-time housekeepers include supervisor Cleo Johnson, plus Jackie Brown, Hannah Blair and Danielle Stanley. Heather Pendley was recently promoted and we’ll be hiring her replacement in a short while. If you’ve been thinking about a career change, our housekeeping operation is first-rate and a great way to start in parks!
If you’ve got visiting family and need accommodations, we’re running a winter special. Using the coupon code CABIN25 will get you 25% cabin stays taking place through the end of February!
If you’re a local maker with merchandise you think would fit well in our shop, please contact our gift shop at (423) 547-3906. We prioritize locally-made and “green” items. We’d love to hear from you!
Roan Mountain State Park
Newly Promoted Administrative Assistant Mary Birchfield (standing) and Clerk 3, Heather Pendley (seated).
Park Housekeeping Staff
LOVEANDPROVIDENCE
The Story of Jo Nell and Dana Dean Young
By Andrea Mathews
Rhododendron photos by Faith Lynn Family photos provided by Andrea Mathews
Love and providence carried me to the other side of Roan Mountain into Hendersonville, North Carolina where I live today with my Tar Heel husband. But I will always call Roan Mountain home. My Roan Mountain roots run deep. I grew up hearing the gospel at the First Baptist Church of Roan Mountain. I spent my childhood summers at the state park, riding bikes around the campground, and catching crawdads in the creek with my cousins. I was a Cloudland Highlander through and through and still get misty eyed when I hear “Scotland the Brave.” The majority of my family could say the same about their upbringing, but my mama’s mama (“Nannie,” as her grandkids call her) is not from around here. Providence brought my Nannie to Roan
So they kept their marriage a secret until Nannie’s arrival made that impossible. With a new baby girl, the McCollums were without work. Everett (my Papaw) eventually found work in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, so they packed their bags and moved to “The Secret City.” We now know what kind of work was being done there, but my Papaw did not. He simply took the plans that scientists drew up and made the things they asked him to make. Papaw worked at the Oak Ridge Laboratory until the end of World War II and then moved his family to the nearby town of Loudon.
Nannie graduated from Loudon County High School in 1959 and because she was a gifted piano player, she earned a scholarship to Middle Tennessee State College (now University) where she graduated in 1963 with a degree in music. She was the first in her family to earn a bachelor’s degree. Nannie worked during the summer of 1963 at Ridgecrest, a Southern Baptist conference center in Black Mountain, NC. There, she met the nephew of Paul Cates who was the principal of Cloudland High School. He told her that his uncle’s school needed a music teacher. So an interview was arranged.
Nannie’s mom (my Mimmaw) drove her up a curvy, backwoods-y
road to Roan Mountain for the interview. The further they drove up the mountain into what seemed like the middle of nowhere, the more nervous she became and regretted agreeing to the interview. She begged her mom to turn the car around. “Now, Jo Nell,” Mimmaw told her. “You gave Mr. Cates your word. You’re going to honor your commitment.” So she found the courage to follow through and after the interview, she was offered the job as Cloudland High School’s next music teacher.
Nannie moved to Roan Mountain in the fall of 1963. She lived with a lady she called “Maw” Honeycutt and befriended her daughter-in-law, Orpha. Little did Nannie know, Orpha was a bit of a matchmaker and she happened to know of a handsome Roan Mountain native who was single, named Dana Dean Young.
Dana Dean, my Paw, had been something of a Cloudland High School basketball legend. Tall, and athletic, he could shoot lights out. Before coaching guys like Charles Barkley and Chuck Pearson, Sonny Smith was trying to keep up with Dana Dean while playing pickup ball on the goal behind his house. But Dana Dean’s talents extended beyond just athletics. Like my Nannie, he was also an incredible musician. He played the trumpet in the Cloudland High School marching band and led music at the First Baptist Church of Roan Mountain with his booming tenor voice. He went on to play ball for Milligan College (where he had a few rematches with his friend, Sonny Smith at the annual alumni game) until he graduated in 1962 and began a career in education. Dana Dean was a catch.
Orpha’s plan was simple. She asked my Nannie to help her drive around town to sell magazines. Eager to help her new friend and to be shown around the community, Nannie agreed. Orpha drove straight to Carter Street and parked her car directly in front of a quaint, white house where Dana Dean lived. “I’ll be right back! Wait here!” she told my Nannie as she got out of the car and began walking down the street.
Nannie sat there on Carter Street, waiting patiently for Orpha’s return, unaware that her life was about to change forever. My Paw noticed a car parked in his driveway and upon further inspection, discovered that there was a beautiful young woman sitting in the passenger seat. He walked outside to investigate and tapped on her window. She rolled it down. He introduced himself and she did the same. The two hit it off and a date was arranged before Orpha returned.
Her plan was a success. Soon, another date was planned. And then another. Although there were other suitors who tried to woo Roan Mountain’s newest bachelorette, Jo Nell loved Dana Dean. But she didn’t realize it until a visit with her family in Loudon. While telling her mother about the man she’d been spending
Jo Nell and Dana Dean. He's clearly besotted!
time with, it suddenly dawned on her. She later said it was as if God spoke to her and said clear as day, “Jo Nell, you know you love that Dana Dean.” The two were engaged shortly after she returned, and they married on March 6, 1964, a mere six months after their first introduction. Three children soon arrived who had children of their own. They now have eight grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
Although my Nannie is not originally from Roan Mountain, she and Paw have left a lasting legacy on our little community. They both had long and successful careers as educators. My Paw taught at the old Beech Mountain school just across the North Carolina border for over 40 years, and my Nannie taught in Roan Mountain until she retired in 1997. Two of their three children became educators and three of their grandchildren (including me) followed suit. In fact, my younger brother, Timothy Guinn, now holds the position at Cloudland High School that brought my Nannie to Roan Mountain over sixty years ago. After learning to play on my Paw’s old trumpet, he studied music like my Nannie did at the University of Tennessee and returned to Roan Mountain to direct the Highlander Marching Band. He also stands next to my Paw every Sunday at the First Baptist Church of Roan Mountain, helping him lead the congregational in singing while my Nannie plays the organ. They have been serving First Baptist in this way since my Nannie joined the church in 1963.
Top: Then, on their wedding day (left) and now.
Above: The family a lasting and happy marriage created.
In the spring of 2021, I waited in my car, parked in front of a white house on Carter Street where I’d told Caleb Mathews to meet me for our first date. Just like my Nannie, my life was changed there forever. Caleb and I married less than a year later at the First Baptist Church of Roan Mountain. My Nannie played the organ and my Paw led the
Below: The author with her Nannie on her own wedding day.
soon to be my husband, I thanked God for His faithfulness and for the example of a godly marriage Dana Dean and Jo Nell Young have given their family. They’d be the first to tell you that their years together have not all been easy. But the Lord has been faithful to them and with His grace, they have been faithful to each other.
I am eternally grateful that the Lord providentially brought my Nannie to my Paw’s doorstep and that He gave them an enduring love that grows stronger with each passing year. I can’t help but smile when I hear my Nannie say, “I think your Paw Dana Dean and I are more affectionate now than ever!”
VALENTINE The Interviews
Compiled by Diana Stockton
Roan Mountain Magazine hit the town to ask, “How did you meet your other half?” Here’s how you responded. Happy Valentine’s Day!
John and Regina Buck were “hooked up” by friends more than 25 years ago. Their first date was four wheeling out in the woods near an old dynamite shack. That’s where they shared their first kiss and, John said, “That’s when the dynamite went off!” Not really, he was quick to point out, but he sure did feel like it did. Two of the qualities John loves best about Regina as a person are her good heart and wonderful personality. “She cares about everybody.”
Brian Church had his Valentine for over 40 years. He and Terry met in 1981 and married in May of 1982. He loved everything about her, and even though Terry passed away two years ago, she will ALWAYS be his sweetheart Valentine.
J.D. and Tanya Westerman have been married for 28 years but have been together longer. Tanya met J.D. through his sister, with whom she worked. Her first impression of him? “He was fine!” And she still thinks so today. The couple own and run The Appalachian Station at 19E. Tanya loves that he is so hard working. J.D. loves his wife’s kindness and devotion.
Bruce and Sherri Swift have been together 37 years as husband and wife. They were each friends with another couple who tried numerous times to set them up. Yet they each made excuses not to meet, for over a year. Finally, fate intervened and they’ve been together ever since.
Bruce loves that Sherri is down to earth and, he adds, “she’s smart and sparky.”
Leanne and Shane Heaton grew up together. They met through friends at a very young age and finally married in 2006. For over 20 years they have been Valentines and are still going strong. Leanne loves that Shane always thinks about and puts his family first. Shane loves that Leanne is a good person. And that she’s a good cook. “Why do you think I’m so fat? She’s a great cook!” They do say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach!
Tyler Jordan and Kendra Childers have been sweethearts for three months now. The two of them met in school and still attend Cloudland High School together. They started dating at a high school football game, where she’s a cheerleader and he plays ball. Tyler loves that Kendra is pretty, super sweet and a good Christian girl. That’s what he has been looking for and he considers himself blessed. Young Valentines!
Frank and Marty Church met at Roan Mountain State Park when they were very young. Frank thought she was the most beautiful girl in the world and that she seemed to love everybody. That did it for him and he said it still holds true today, that Marty is always concerned for folks, no matter the need. Frank finally asked Marty out when she turned 21 and they’ve been together ever since. Married for 30 years now, Frank says he and Marty are still Valentines.
Carrol and Patsy Hill have been married since 1963. They met as children in Cove Creek, where they used to play together with other kids. When Patsy turned 15 and Carrol was 17, they married and have had a good life together. He said with a big smile, “We get along good and we’re a lot alike. She’s a great person even though sometimes the Hughes does come out.” Carrol also said that Patsy has always been, and will always be, his Valentine.
Lance and Laura Jarrett met at Roan Mountain State Park when they were just kids. Laura was there camping with her parents and Lance saw her as he was hanging out with his buddies. They have now been married 32 years. When asked what he loves best about his wife as a person, Lance replied, “She’s real laid back and she puts up with me.” He added that Laura is still his Valentine today, and she’s “hot as ever!”
Paige Barnett and Chris Hughes have been a couple for over eight years. The two met online when she wished him Happy Birthday … but it wasn’t his birthday. He messaged her to let her know and they started talking every day after that. Paige says one of the best things about Chris is his “crazy sense of humor.”
Steven and Allyson Evans met at a Donor Party in Houston, Texas years ago. Steven says that he was sitting at a table when “in walks this beautiful, hot blonde” and he knew he had to meet her. After trying to catch her eye, a friend finally introduced them and they talked for hours. Steven ended up hiring her as his realtor, gave her an extra five thousand dollars in commission then married her. Steven loves that Allyson is one of the most caring people that he's ever met and a very good Christian lady.
Gary and Regina Oaks met on a blind date, which was set up by friends. They went bowling and had a wonderful time. They ended up dating for six months, then got married and have been together 54 years. Regina states that Gary is the same person anywhere he goes. She loves that he’s always been a good man who treasures his family. His kindness is one of the things she likes best about him as a person.
Bertha Johnson and Barney Brown met when he came to buy a hog from her daddy many years ago. She was just “a young’un” then so they didn’t date for a long time. Some years down the road, Barney asked Bertha out on a date and they were together for 48 years after that. Bertha always loved that he liked to take care of people, especially family. He was a good provider and a genuinely good person. Even though Barney passed away in 2022, Bertha says that he will always be her Valentine.
Darla and Chris McKinney have known each other most of their lives (their parents were friends), but it was quite a while before they started to date. They ran into each other at a CHS football game when Chris was home from college, and began talking. They’ve now been married for 35 years and will always be Sweethearts. Chris fell in love with his wife because of her deep love for God and her musical talent. Darla loves that Chris always puts God first and his family next.
The Eastern Hellbender: North America's Giant Salamander
By Marcianne O'Day Park Ranger
Roan Mountain State Park
The Eastern Hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis alleganiensis) is the largest salamander in North America, growing up to 29 inches long. Often called a “snot otter” or “devil dog,” this fascinating amphibian lives in fastflowing, rocky streams across the eastern United States. Hellbenders have flat, wrinkled bodies and slimy, mucuscovered skin, which helps them absorb oxygen directly from the water. Because their lungs are underdeveloped, they rely mainly on cutaneous respiration, making clean, well-oxygenated water critical for survival. Their short, stout legs and webbed toes allow them to grip slippery rocks and move against strong currents. Their mottled brown and gray skin provides natural camouflage among rocky streambeds.
As a fully aquatic species, Eastern Hellbenders require cool, clear rivers with large, flat rocks for shelter. They are mostly nocturnal and feed primarily on crayfish, but they also eat small fish, insects, and worms. As top predators in freshwater ecosystems, hellbenders serve as key indicators of water quality. When hellbenders are thriving, it’s a sign that other species in the ecosystem are also doing well. Conversely, declining hellbender populations signal worsening environmental conditions, making them a sentinel species—a “canary in the coal mine” for aquatic health.
Unfortunately, hellbender populations are declining due to habitat destruction, pollution, and river damming, which reduce water flow and oxygen levels. Sedimentation from agriculture and deforestation can bury the rocky riverbeds they depend on for shelter. To help protect their habitat, we ask visitors not to move, stack rocks, or build rock dams in the Doe River.
Although elusive and often misunderstood, the Eastern Hellbender plays a vital role in maintaining healthy aquatic ecosystems. Protecting their habitat is essential for their survival and for preserving biodiversity in North America’s freshwater streams. By safeguarding clean waterways, we can help ensure this mysterious, ancient species thrives for generations to come.
The Eastern Hellbender is currently being considered for federal protection. Look for more information in future issue
Top of page: A hellbender underwater. Above: Park Manager Monica Johnson and Park Ranger Marcianne O’Day observing Hellbender researchers in June 2023.
A New Groove in Town
By Ericka Hughes
Jazz Funk Adventure is bringing an energetic, groove-driven sound to Roan Mountain. With Jesse Smith on vocals and acoustic guitar, John Schaffner on drums, and H.R. on electric bass, the trio blends jazz, funk, and soul into a style that’s both rhythmic and ever-changing. Their performances are not just about playing music—they’re all about feeling it, shaping each set based on the moment and the energy of the crowd, hence ‘’Adventure” in the band’s name.
On December 28, 2024, they made their Roan Mountain debut at The Appalachian Station at 19E, an intimate venue known for hosting diverse musical acts. The performance introduced local audiences to their unique fusion of funk and jazz, and their ability to bring something different to the region’s music scene. Their setlist reflected their signature style, featuring Fly Like an Eagle by The Steve Miller Band, Lovely Day by Bill Withers, and the song that brought them together: Superstition by Stevie Wonder.
These artists, and others, have helped shape the rhythmic, groove-heavy sound Jazz Funk Adventure brings to the stage. For those unfamiliar with funk, it’s a genre that sits between boogie-woogie, soul, and jazz, built around deep basslines, syncopated drum patterns, and expressive instrumentation. A defining characteristic is “16 to the bar,” where each measure is divided into sixteen beats, creating a fluid and danceable rhythm. Unlike traditionally structured songs, funk allows musicians to stretch and explore within a rhythmic framework, letting each performance take on a life of its own.
Jesse Smith, the band’s frontman, has been surrounded by music since childhood. He grew up listening to The Beatles and The Beach Boys on his family’s transistor radio, singing along and matching harmonies by ear. He later joined his church choir, which helped him develop his vocal skills. It was several years later, while attending a Pure Prairie League concert and hearing the song Amy that he became completely mesmerized by the guitar. In that moment, Jesse told himself, “I’m going to learn how to play the guitar. I don’t care what it takes.”
Despite being diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) and losing his vision completely by age 27, Jesse never stopped playing. His ability to hear and feel the
rhythm and melody is pure instinct, allowing him to fully connect with every song.
John, who started playing drums in ninth grade as part of the marching band, found rhythm to be second nature. Later, he picked up the bass guitar, which also came naturally to him. He has recently been focused on learning piano, practicing daily with dedication and consistency, with the potential of adding it to future performances. When it comes to how Jazz Funk Adventure selects their songs, John describes it as, “like making spaghetti—throwing it against the wall and seeing what sticks.” The band doesn’t overthink their setlists; they let the music unfold organically, adjusting to the mood of each performance.
H.R., the band’s bassist, is a multi-talented musician, also proficient in drums, keyboard, and harmonica. Though his harmonica playing is exceptional, it has not yet been introduced into their live sets. The day Jesse and John asked him to join Jazz Funk Adventure, a rainbow stretched across the sky, with purple standing out—a moment they all took as a good sign.
Aside from their debut performance in Roan Mountain, the band has performed at The Eseeola Lodge, The Banner Elk Café, and The Mountain Boomer Tavern in Pineola, which has since closed. Looking ahead within this year, they plan to expand their performances, including applying for the Roan Mountain summer concert series. Fans can also expect them to launch social media pages in the near future, making it easier to follow their journey and upcoming shows.
Jazz Funk Adventure delivers an energetic, evolving sound to Roan Mountain’s music scene. Their ability to adapt, explore, and reinvent each performance ensures that no two shows are the same, making every set unique.
Their next performance is February 15th at Appalachian Mountain Brewery in Boone, NC, from 6 to 9 PM. As always, Jesse encourages fans to bring their enthusiasm and be part of the experience.
February
Fun, Facts and Frivolity
February Flowers: Violets and Primrose
Birthstone: Amethyst (Thought to prevent intoxication and help the wearer think clearly!)
Signs: Aquarius and Pisces
Full Moon: Snow Moon (because February typically has most snowfall) or Hungry Moon in Cherokee lore, because food was so scarce during this time.
Historic February Events
1, 1878 – Birth of Hattie Caraway, in Bakersville, TN, who later became the first woman elected to the U.S. Senate.
1, 2003 – On its 28th flight, the Space Shuttle Columbia disintegrated on re-entry. All seven souls were lost.
2, 1870 – The 15th Amendment to the Constitution was ratified, guaranteeing (male) citizens the right to vote.
2, 1913 – The 16th Amendment to the Constitution was ratified, granting Congress the authority to collect income tax.
2, 1943 – The U.S. Army transport ship Dorchester was hit by a German torpedo. Four Army chaplains aboard gave their own life jackets away, sacrificing their lives for others.
3, The day the music died. Buddy Holly, Richie Valens and The Big Bopper were killed in a plane crash.
6, 1895 – Birth of baseball player George Herman "Babe" Ruth. He held or shared 60 Major League records, including pitching 29 consecutive scoreless innings and hitting 714 home runs.
11, 1847 – Birth of Thomas Edison, considered one of the greatest inventors of all time. To learn more visit thomasedison. org/inventions
14, 1931 – The original Dracula film was released in theaters, starring Bela Lugosi.
18, 1885 – Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn was published.
18, 1930 – The 9th planet, Pluto, was discovered, though in 2006 it was reclassified as a dwarf planet.
19, 1968 – Mister Rogers first aired on TV.
20, 1962 – Astronaut John Glenn became the 1st American launched into orbit. He was the third American to go into Space.
22, 1732 – Birth of George Washington in Westmoreland County, Virginia. He served as commander of the Continental Army during the American Revolution and became the first U.S. President.
22, 1959 – The first Daytona 500 was run.
23, 1945 – U.S. Marines raised the American Flag at Iwo Jima.
25, 1836 – Samuel Colt patented the revolver.
29, 1872 – Yellowstone became the first national park.
Fun Facts:
▪ Due to it being a short month, there isn't always a full moon in February. This is called a "black moon" and only happens about every 19 years.
▪ The Latin root word of February is "Februum" meaning purification. The Romans held a purification festival on February 15 called Februalia.
February Weather:
• On average, February sees more snow than any other month
• According to the Farmer's Almanac, this is a good month for sowing seeds indoors for later transplant
• Fog in February means frost in May (and we've had a lot)
• "Married in February's sleety weather, Life you'll tread in tune together!" (Unless you're Scottish. In Scotland it's considered unlucky to wed in February!)
February National Holidays
1 - Dark Chocolate Day, Freedom Day
2 - Groundhog Day
3 - Chaplains Day (look it up!)
4 - Homemade Soup Day, Thank a Mail Carrier Day
7 - Periodic Table Day, Send a Card to a Friend Day
8 - Boy Scouts Day, Kite Flying Day
9 - Pizza Day, Bagel and Lox Day
10 - Umbrella Day
11 - Inventor's Day, Shut-in Visitation Day, Don't Cry Over Spilled Milk Day, and Make a Friend Day (It's like the other days aren't even trying!)
12 - Plum Pudding Day
13 - Cheddar Day
14 - Organ Donor Day, Valentine's Day, Ferris Wheel Day
16 - Do a Grouch a Favor Day, Almond Day
17 - Random Acts of Kindness Day, President's Day (3rd Monday), and Cabbage Day
18 - Drink Wine Day, Stuffed Flounder Day
19 - Chocolate Mint Day
20 - Leadership Day, Love Your Pet Day, Cherry Pie Day, and Muffin Day
21 - Boiled Peanuts Day, Caregiver's Day (3rd Friday)
22 - Cook a Sweet Potato Day, Margarita Day
23 - Dog Biscuit Day, Banana Bread Day
24 - Tortilla Chip Day
25 - Clam Chowder Day
26 - Letter to an Elder Day, Set a Good Example Day, Tell a Fairy Tale Day, and Pistachio Day
27 - Retro Day, Polar Bear Day, Strawberry Day
28 - Toothfairy Day, Floral Design Day
29 - Leap Day (but not this year!)
February is American Heart Month.
Be My Valentine
A Short
Story by Diana Tolley
February always held few redeeming qualities. The winter winds, snow and ice always seemed to put a damper on life in the East Tennessee mountains. The harsh weather in the second month of the year came at a time when folks had had just about enough of the bitter cold and were yearning for the warmth of Spring. Hattie Grace Wilson had reasoned long ago that God put Valentine’s Day in February as a reminder of His love. She figured He was aware that by that time of year everything was frozen and needed a good thaw;
maybe hearts as well as the creeks.
Considering herself a romantic (since the day she had learned the definition of the word), Hattie Grace loved Valentine’s Day. The young girl had never actually had a beau, but she’d recently taken to imagining what it would be like to celebrate with someone special.
She’d always loved to make Valentine gifts for her younger siblings and all the kids that attended the one room school in Cove Creek. Made of round river rock and tucked underneath the Roan, the school house was a wonderful place of learning for more generations than a body could count. The children there had seemed to like the little pictures, paper hearts and bracelets made from her mama’s old Sears and Roebuck catalog. She’d learned to be fast in searching out and squirreling away just the right pages before Papa had taken the rest of the book to the outhouse.
But this year was different. This year, she had made a special gift for a certain someone. It might happen to be a boy … but nobody needed to know that. After all, Hattie Grace had turned 13 years old in January and had a right to her privacy.
Thomas Adam Calhoun was the tallest boy at school. He stood almost a head taller than the teacher, who happened to be his mama, and had hair as black
as a raven’s wing. In fact, it was so dark it almost looked blue in sunlight. Blue was her favorite color, which also happened to be the shade of his eyes.
Thomas was older than any of the other students. At fifteen, it wouldn’t be long before he’d graduate, then move on to make his way in life. As far as Hattie could remember though, he’d never talked about leaving the Cove before. In fact, she knew that Thomas hadn’t ever been further than the Roan village before. She’d heard him talking to Pauly Barnett about it while they were on lunch break.
“One day,” Thomas had said, “I’m gonna head toward Elizabethton with Will Gardner and his loggers. Heck, I may end up goin’ all the way to Johnson City!”
Pauly had just huffed out a laugh. “You ain’t goin’ to no Johnson City. Unless your mama says you can go, you’ll be lucky to make it down to Hampton. She don’t want you bein’ no logger.”
Hattie Grace had listened to the boys banter back and forth while she ate, until Teacher had called them to order. Thinking about what she’d overheard, Hattie made her way to her desk where the older kids were seated. She’d only known a couple of people who had ever been as far as Johnson City. The older folks used to call it Johnson’s Depot and it was a world away from where she’d grown up. Discounting Preacher Dobbs, who lived over in Buladean, she figured there wasn’t that many folks who cared about traveling for weeks to and from someplace. Hattie looked over as the older boys sat down. She sure would hate it if Thomas left. That was a terrible thing to think about, in her eyes.
Mrs. Calhoun called for their attention, then let each row go to the back and get their mailboxes. The wood boxes were actually made from leftover lumber that her husband and Thomas had made for each of the children. Teacher gave out writing assignments each week and it was mostly stories but occasionally they got to write letters. Since nobody could afford stamps, they just “delivered” the letters to each other. It was part of their English studies and the boys seemed to hate it, while most of the girls didn’t mind a bit. Sometimes, the letters could be quite interesting.
As Hattie retrieved hers, she kept glancing at Thomas out of the corner of her eye. She had put a special Valentine’s gift in his mailbox and she couldn’t wait to see what he thought. There was a little something she’d made in each of the children’s boxes but his was surely unique. Hattie had worked hard on it and she hoped with all her heart that he would like it.
And better still, she couldn’t wait for him to realize that she’d be of a mind for courtin’. Of course, only if he was likeminded. Mama always said that you never could tell about a boy’s mind.
Hattie saw a puzzled look cross Thomas’ face as he sat back down. Pauly leaned over and raised his eyebrows, looking inside the box on his friend’s desk. As Thomas reached his hand in to slowly pull out her gift, the room grew kind of quiet. He held the heartshaped pinecone up by the tiny piece of red ribbon attached to the top. The cone had been dyed red and was decorated with tiny paper hearts. Hattie had snuck in the kitchen one morning and dipped the whole thing in Mama’s starch pot then had let it dry by the wood stove.
Thomas just stared at the pinecone as it slowly twirled round and round. Hattie rubbed her damp palms on her dress tail as she waited for his reaction. The little piece of plain white paper with her message on it was folded and hung down one side. Thomas didn’t even read it. In fact, he smacked one of the older boy’s hands when they reached out for it. He slowly laid it back down in the box, his eyes concentrating on the letters he removed next. Thomas never looked around, never made eye contact with anyone, but the tops of his cheeks were bright pink.
As the noise picked back up, Hattie felt her chin quiver just a little as she tried to swallow a huge lump in her throat. Quickly she grabbed her own letters, not feeling in the least interested in them. But all the other girls would know something was wrong if she didn’t. As she opened each page, her heart sank lower and lower. They all said about the same thing and even if she had been paying attention, she knew none of them would make her heart feel better. It seemed as if Thomas wasn’t like minded. He didn’t want to be her sweetheart. In fact, from all appearances, he was embarrassed that somebody had given him a gift. And it was just a stupid pinecone dipped in boiled starch. Who would care about that? In fact, as she thought about it, Hattie realized she was just plain silly thinking a handsome, smart boy like Thomas would ever give a thought to her being his sweetheart. She sniffed a little but was determined the tears that had welled up in her eyes would not leak out. So she widened them as far as she could and softly blew air up over her lips to dry them. Keeping her head down, she opened the very last letter and took a deep breath to help ease the pain in her chest. Blinking a couple of times, she read:
Dear Hattie Grace,
Time stopped.
Just like Hattie’s heart. And her breath. Slowly, she raised her head and looked towards the group of boys huddled across the room. She didn’t hear a sound. It was like her ears were wrapped up in cotton wool.
There he sat, with one arm draped over the back of his chair, listening to Pauly telling another tall tale. All his attention seemed to be focused on what the others were saying but suddenly, he turned his head.
When he saw her holding his letter, Thomas looked straight into her eyes and slowly nodded once. The broom straw he'd been chewing on was draped in the corner of his mouth. Nothing has ever made a boy look manlier, Hattie Grace thought. Her heart finally kicked back into gear, reminding her to breathe. Thomas stared at her for a full minute, then slowly nodded once again. Then he turned back to Pauly’s story like nothing had happened.
Hattie slowly folded the letter and slid it into her dress pocket. The others she straightened out and took to the teacher’s desk for grading. She didn’t quite comprehend what Mrs. Calhoun said to her but she smiled anyway and turned to go back to her seat.
Right before sitting down, she glanced over at Thomas and a smile slowly crossed her face. There he sat, his raven hair all shiny, his blue eyes on her and a smile as warm as Spring. Just for her.
We have been known to each other since forever. I think you are nice and smart and very pretty . Prettier than all the other girls. Nicer too.
Since
today is that heart day, I am wondering if you would consider on it to be my girl. I like you. A lot. If you would do me the honor of being my girl, I would be real happy to go talk to your Paw and ask his permission to call on you.
Sincerest regards,
Thomas A. Calhoun
And in his hands, he carefully held that starched pinecone, elbows resting on top of his desk. Thomas looked down at the pinecone then back up at her. With a slow, easy grin, he mouthed the words “Thank you.” Hattie felt her heart grow wings and try to fly out of her chest. Returning his smile, she nodded back at him, softly whispering the words, “Happy Valentine’s Day.”
+ T
Fun & Games
(For kids of ALL ages!)
February Word Search
Amethyst
Boyfriend
Candy
Chaplains
Chocolate
Cupcake
Cupid
February
Flowers
Girlfriend
Groundhog Day
Harrison Heart
Lincoln Love
Organ Donor
Periodic Table
Presidents
Primrose Reagan
Snow Moon
Super Bowl
Sweetheart Valentine Violet Washington
There are multiple solutions to this maze. How many can you find?
FIND 10 DIFFERENCES
Recurring Events
Dart Night
Every Tuesday, 7 pm
The Appalachian Station at 19E 9367 Hwy 19E (423) 732-0450
Karaoke with Jesse
Every Friday 7 pm to 11 pm
The Appalachian Station at 19E 9367 Hwy 19E (423) 732-0450
Music Circle
Every Saturday 3 pm to 5 pm
The Appalachian Station at 19E 9367 Hwy 19E (423) 732-0450
February
21 Senses of the Night Hike
8 pm
RM State Park Visitor’s Center Park Ranger Rodriguez will lead you through the dark on a half mile hike and discuss nocturnal wildlife. (888) 867-2757 (event listed on Facebook; must register)
22 Youth Movie Night
5 pm
Lower Shell Creek Christian
Bring a chair and enjoy The Forge. Pizza & popcorn provided, all kids welcome.
(event listed on Facebook)
22 Tree Ring Printmaking
6 pm
RM State Park Visitor’s Center
Use repurposed wood from Hurricane Helene to create your very own work of art!. (888) 867-2757 (event listed on Facebook; must register)
23 Teacher Appreciation
Noon - 1:30 pm
Lower Shell Creek Christian
Join us as we celebrate teachers. Lunch of soup & sandwich after morning service. (event listed on Facebook)
28 Food Distribution
1:30 - 2:30 pm
Lower Shell Creek Christian Monthly food distribution for anyone in need. (event listed on Facebook)
28 Raptors of the Roan
4 pm
RM State Park
Meet the owl ambassadors and learn about birds of prey. Limited spots available. (888) 867-2757
(event listed on Facebook; must register)
What’s Going On ... February Events
March
1 2025 Weed Wrangle
8 pm
Roan Mountain State Park
Remove invasive plants on grounds and replace with native species. (888) 867-2757 (event listed on Facebook; must register)
1 Mark Henes Concert 7:30 pm
The Appalachian Station at 19E 9367 Hwy 19E
Nashville based artist with a blend of sounds. No cover charge. (423) 732-0450 (event listed on Facebook)
If you would like to attend an event hosted by Roan Mountain State Park but can't afford the fee, Roan Mountain Magazine might be able to sponsor you! Email request to amy@roanmountainmagazine. com
To have your events included, send to: amy@ roanmountainmagazine.com
THE LAST WORD In Memory of Saban
By Noah Blair
What is it about a dog? What makes the bond between a man and his dog so special? Is it the loyalty they show us day in and day out? Is it the therapeutic presence they add to our home, or could it be a chemical response in our brains when the oxytocin dumps into us when we share a moment of bonding with our furry friends? I believe it’s all of these things and more; or at least I know it was with my pup.
I recently had to put down my yellow lab. I named Saban after former head football coach at Alabama, Nick Saban. Yes, I’m an Alabama fan in Northeast Tennessee and all I will say about this is an emphatic Roll Tide! My wife arranged to get a pup for me while we were still in high school, and a close friend of mine left with me at 3:00 a.m. to make the drive to Murfreesboro to meet the breeder. I always joked that Saban was more than I bargained for. One example of this is that what I thought it was going to cost for me to get him home almost tripled due to a speeding ticket that a friendly Tennessee Highway Patrol officer felt I deserved for potentially running a little too hot down the interstate. But the funny thing about the joke was that I was right all along. Saban was always way more than what I bargained for.
When I picked that little yellow fuzz ball up for the first time, I had no idea that this puppy and I would have so many adventures and pass so milestones together. Saban and I grew together, he grew taller while I grew as a young man. A young man experiences a lot of changes and challenges over the years between 16 and 26 and my furry sidekick was right beside me through all of them. Saban was there as I graduated high school and then college. He was in my wedding and made every step I made as we built our house. He saw me bring my beautiful daughter and adventurous little boy home when they came into this world, and watched over them as they grew as well. Saban was gentle and loving with
both humans and other furry friends along the way. His little docked tail (injury at birth) would wag the best it could at the chance of behind-the-ear rubs or belly scratches, and nothing made him happier than when his dog bowl was filling up or the snack jar’s lid would pop off. Well, except for one thing: when he saw my vehicle pull in the driveway. He would bounce with just his front two paws with excitement at every step I took up the porch steps. As I got to the top I was always greeted with those brown eyes and that crooked smile he had.
Saban taught me so much in his years with me. Lessons that made me a better human, husband and father. Lessons like never being too busy to sit on the porch and enjoy the sunshine, or to never waste the opportunity to show those you love how much you love them. The best lesson he taught me, however, was the very last one: make sure that when your time is up you have left memories of joy, forgiveness and love with all of those who will remember your name.
I don’t think I ever really realized a dog could mean so much until I had to stand up and walk out of the vet without Saban. In that moment my heart broke in ways it had never broken before, but his final lesson of compassion gave me comfort.
They say you only get one good dog in your life. If that’s true, mine’s name was Saban and he was a really good dog. I hope you are able to find yours if you haven’t already, and if you do, or have, please toss them an extra treat today, for my Saban. And if you have a pet or someone you care, about hug their necks and tell them you love them. And don’t forget that God loves you too.
[Editor’s Note: You absolutely can have more than one good dog in your life. You’ll never forget any of them, but you’ll love them all. I promise.]
Saban, sharing a happy dog smile.
Photo by Noah Blair
YOUR AD COULD BE HERE!
WHY ADVERTISE
• The magazine is distributed at multiple locations in and around Roan Mountain, as well as nearby communities – we reach both locals and visitors!
• It will always be free to readers.
• 2000 are printed and distributed each month (as a start), as well as an accompanying website and social media pages.
• Highly competitive pricing, no set-up or design fees if you provide logo and images. Discounts available for long-term agreements, veterans and first responders.
• Co-op ad design and billing available.
• Discounts available for multi-media ad packages (web and print, when available).
• We’ll promote your company on our social media pages.
• We will actively support our advertisers through focused ad placement, referrals, information sharing, spotlight articles, and more.
• Your support of Roan Mountain Magazine demonstrates your support of our community, allows us to continue to support the community, and allows us to provide the magazine and our website free to our readers.
