Roan Mountain Magazine
July 2026
HOURS:
TUESDAY:
Roan Mountain Magazine
Volume 2, Issue 11
July 2026
STAFF
EDITOR
Amy Thurman
amy@roanmountainmagazine.com
STAFF WRITERS
Ericka Hughes Nicole Barnett
GUN TALK WITH JON
Captain Jon Strydom
COMMUNITY SERVICE COLUMN
Shellie McKinney (Citizen’s Club)
Tom Niziol (Recreation Foundation) CeCe Studer (Roan Mountain State Park)
THE GRACE PLACE
Reverend Hunter Greene hillbillytheology@gmail.com
SHORT STORY AUTHOR Diana Tolley
THE LAST WORD & SPORTS
Noah Blair
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS
Faith Lynn
Lilly Forbes
STAFF ARTISTS
Kelly McCollum
Mara Jade Shell
SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER
Colleen Gainey
ADVERTISING & DISTRIBUTION MANAGER
Jay Rich (423) 817-3037
jay@roanmountainmagazine.com
CONTRIBUTORS
BearWise.org
Ashlyn Blake
Ryan Rice, Above Ground Media
Daniel Wagner
Copyright © 2026
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 by Roan Mountain Creative, LLC, and can be found at multiple locations throughout the Roan Mountain area, free to readers. For print subscriptions, please contact us for info. (423) 440-9012
Read the Digital Version at: RoanMountainMagazine.com
Visit us on Facebook: https://bit.ly/RMM_Facebook
Roan Mountain Magazine is printed by the Elizabethton Star
& FEATURES
Editor's Letter
Gun Talk with Jon
Taste of the Roan - Greek Salad
Best of the Roan Contest
Recreation Foundation Update
Grandparents Essay Contest
Vintage Roan - Early Photos
Marketing 101
Return of Bald Eagles
A Portrait: Ellie Hjemmet
Summer Music Series
Kid-friendly Xtreme Roan Adventures
Business Spotlight - Plumbers Hardware
Bear Watching A Visit to the White House
The Grace Place
Perseid Meteor Shower
Poem - A Gift for Us All Fun and Games!
Coloring Page
EMA App Information
Lessons in Life & Landscaping
The Last Word
ABOUT THE COVER:
Our beloved national symbol, the American Bald Eagle, is making a comeback. Learn more in the article by Ryan Rice, starting on page 22.
Cover Photo by Ryan Rice, Above Ground Media
I’ve been asked a couple times recently why I decided to include a marketing series in the magazine (page 21). After all, small business owners or those wanting to start a small business make up a very small percentage of our readership.
There are a few reasons.
First, while they do only make up a percentage of those who read the magazine, those local business owners make it possible for there to be a magazine. It’s not large corporations that advertise and pay for the magazine to be printed every month, it’s small independent businesses, owned by our families, friends and neighbors.
Another reason is that without large industry in easy driving distance, going into business is the best way for many in this community to either support themselves or supplement their existing income. Whether that’s a farmer selling what he produces, or a local restaurant, someone selling their craft creations, or all the local tradesmen we have here. They (we) all rely on their business income and customers rely on them to continue.
Which brings me to the other important reason: When one local business fails, we all suffer from it – one less product or service, less money into our local economy, and it feeds the negative (and faulty) perception that there isn’t enough business to go around. That’s a vicious circle.
But the flip side is that every local business that thrives, benefits all of us. More money into our local economy, more products and services we don’t have to drive elsewhere to get, and a thriving local community. That’s a beneficial circle.
Therefore, helping local businesses in any small way we can just makes sense. Not every business will take something useful away from every article, but maybe they’ll get something useful from some of them, and others may find something useful in other articles. Even non-profit organizations, such as churches and aid organizations can use many of the tips we’ll be sharing.
And let’s face it, helping this community thrive is part of the mission of this magazine.
If you’re not responsible for promoting a business or organization, I hope you’ll be patient with us as we support those who do, or who plan to. Marketing 101 may not run in every issue and it won’t run forever. And we still try to make sure there’s plenty of good content with something for everyone!
If you are responsible for running a business or organization and have questions, need marketing guidance, or are even just struggling with a business management or start-up issue, please feel free to get in touch. If it’s social media you’re struggling with, reach out to Colleen, our social media genius (see her ad on page 28 for contact info).
Best of the Roan Contest Launched!
Our 2nd Annual Best of the Roan Contest has officially launched! We had fun with it last year, and I hope we’ll have even greater participation this year! Take a look at page 13 for instructions and a link to the online survey. There’s also a link on the magazine’s website. The survey will be on our website if I can figure out how to make that work.
Writer's Needed!
We are blessed to have a phenomenal team of writers, photographers and artists who contribute regularly to the magazine, but we still need a couple more writers. Now that the page count has grown, a lot more content is required, and we have a lot of ideas and potential articles, but we need writers to bring them to life. If you’re interested please get in touch. This is not a full-time position, nor is the pay great, but if you’d be interested in writing an article (or two) per issue, we’d love to have you join our team!
Proofreader Needed!
If you have a little time to volunteer each month, and are good at spotting errors and suggesting improvements, we could use your help with proofreading, to make our magazine shine. It would be helpful if you have:
• A solid grasp of grammar, punctuation and usage
• Familiarity with AP Style is a bonus
• A computer with a pdf reader is necessary
• Availability to read pages and return corrections quickly
If you're interested, please get in touch!
Thank you all for reading this issue! Please be sure to reach out to our writers, photographers and artists if you enjoy what they've provided. Everybody appreciates a pat on the back on occasion.
See you 'round the Roan!
Amy Campbell Clark Editor amy@roanmountainmagazine.com
Almost every gun owner has seen, heard of, or owns a Ruger 10/22. It is considered America's most popular semi-automatic rimfire rifle, with over seven million produced since 1964. Easy to manufacture, easy to service and nowadays- as widely customizable as the AR15. But how many people know about its military adoption?
The Israeli Defense Forces first adopted a heavily modified 10/22 in early 1987 during the First Intifada. Barrels were cut to 9.5 inches and threaded for a suppressor. Some models were cut to 14 inches and the barrel was ported four inches from the chamber to bleed off excess gasses from standard velocity ammunition. This excess was captured inside the suppressor body by extending the tube back to within 2.5 inches of the receiver for a total suppressor length of 17 inches. This gave an exaggerated "bull barrel" look. The bolt face, bolt stop and hammer were extensively modified to eliminate the metal-on-metal "clack!" with every shot and make it reliable with lowpower subsonic ammunition.
The classic wood stock was cut out to accommodate the suppressor size. This weapon was topped with a 4x Tasco scope and rode on a standard Harris bipod.
In practice it was used against mass riot ringleaders, Molotov cocktail throwers or "David" type sling throwers, targeting feet, ankles, knees and hands. This effectively removed them from the battlefield with lessthan-lethal ammunition. This bridged the gap between non-lethal smoke or gas grenade launchers like the Schermuly, and "lethals" like the 5.56mm, 7.62mm, or 12 gauge live ammunition.
A shooter, concealed up to 200 yards from the riot, could work the crowd and "take out" the prime troublemakers. Battlefield studies show that one wounded leader results in the removal of up to 12 others around him, effectively dousing the flames of revolt. Three or four (or more) to carry him out, four or more to film everything for the vital propaganda, the hangers-on all shouting to draw attention to the latest 'martyr', and a driver for the car to remove him to hospital. One 3-cent bullet ended a 4,000-person riot many times.
A YouTube search for 'IDF "The Ruger"' turns up a 26-minute video showcasing its accuracy at ever increasing ranges, until he's ringing the gong at 309 yards! You read that correctly: subsonic, suppressed rounds hitting steel at 309 yards!
Mine is equipped with a night vision scope and I use it on snapping turtles at 90 yards on dark moonless nights.
Eventually, whether real or aggravated by special interest groups, the 10/22 platform was redesignated "Lethal" and limited to use only when live ammunition was authorized.
I'm gearing up to build replicas of that rifle in the shop and it's the ultimate weapon for your ground
GUN TALK WITH JON
The Ruger 10/22
By Captain Jon Strydom (aka African Jon)
Reminder: My phone number has changed. The new number is (423) 957-1149
hogs, chicken coop rats or the snapping turtles that kill all the fish and ducklings in your pond. Very quiet with standard velocity ammunition, very accurate and a ton of fun for the whole family to plink on a lazy Sunday. I'm awaiting final documentation from the ATF which should arrive by the time this goes to print. Then I'll be able to modify your own 10/22 to those specifications, or buy your old one - preferably the older, wood stock models. You will still need to submit a FORM 4 to ATF, requiring a fingerprint card and passport style photos - but it no longer costs $200. This is a two stamp gun, SBR and suppressor, so two forms are required.
Stop by the shop anytime for more information and to examine the prototype.
As usual, be careful out there, my friends.
Greek Salad
TASTE of the ROAN
Submitted by Amy Campbell Clark
There are dozens of ways to make a Greek salad and every restaurant and family has their own version. This one does not use lettuce, but instead combines traditional salad vegetables, with Greek antipasto favorites. It has the added benefit of being extremely good for you!
INGREDIENTS
Cucumbers, sliced and seeded
Tomatoes, chopped (or cherry tomatoes cut in half)
Red onion, diced
Red, yellow or green bell pepper, diced
Artichoke hearts, chopped
Seedless Kalamata olives
Pepperoncinis, chopped
Feta cheese
Fresh dill, stems removed, chopped
Fresh basil leaves, chopped
Additional ingredients could include chopped raw spinach, canned (and rinsed) chickpeas/garbanzo beans, cooked and chilled orzo, sugar snap peas, baby green peas, or chilled asparagus. Or grilled chicken to make a meal of it.
For the dressing:
½ cup red wine vinegar
½ cup extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp each - dried basil, thyme, oregano, and sage
2 tbsp feta cheese crumbles
(Double ingredients as needed for larger batches.)
PLEASE share your family recipes with us!
And if you have a photo of the prepared dish, send that along too!
amy@roanmountainmagazine.com
DIRECTIONS
■ Mix all dressing ingredients in a container with a lid. Shake well, then refrigerate for at least a half hour, until herbs have rehydrated and flavors have melded.
■ Combine all salad ingredients in a large bowl, stirring gently as each is added, until well combined.
■ When dressing has chilled, place salad on individual plates or bowls, shake dressing well, and pour generously over salad.
2nd Annual Best of the Roan Contest
We're thrilled to launch our second annual Best of the Roan Contest! The purpose of this is to have fun while recognizing some key folks and businesses in the community. We'll tally the results and print them in the September issue in honor of the magazine's second anniversay. There are multiple ways to enter:
▪ Write in your answers here, scan it and email it to amy@roanmountainmagazine.com or give it to Jay when he delivers magazines.
▪ Mail it to Roan Mountain Magazine, PO Box 132, Roan Mountain TN 37687
▪ Write in your answers, take a picture of it and text it to Amy (phone number on page 5).
▪ Complete the survey online at: freeonlinesurveys.com/s/QNLKkGrA (link also available on our website) Please keep it friendly and fun! Survey cut-off date is Friday, August 21, 2026.
Most talkative resident:
Quietest resident:
Best resident joke teller:
Best resident storyteller:
Resident with the best beard:
Resident who drinks the most coffee:
Best homemade pie:
Longest marriage (enter names and date of marriage, both partners must still be living):
Oldest living resident (enter name and date of birth; date of birth will not be made public):
Best hunter/trapper:
Best fisherman:
Most knowledgeable local history buff:
Most grandkids (list living grandparent's names and number of grands and great grands):
Nicest mailbox (home or business):
Longest Sunday sermon:
Best customer service (any local business):
Nicest business exterior:
Nicest business interior:
Establishment with the coldest beer in town:
Establishment with the best cheeseburger in town:
Best mechanic in town (a specific person, not a business):
What do you love most about living in Roan Mountain:
Please provide your name and email address or phone number in case we need info to contact the winners or clarification. (We won't share your information or your votes.)
Phentermine Programs
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Reduce cravings & portions
Focus on sustainability
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Ongoing medical supervision
Coaching included
Which One is Right for You?
Our licensed providers guide you through your options and create personalized, safe plans.
The strength of our community has always come from its volunteers. From churches and civic clubs to local foundations, dedicated individuals give their time and talents to keep Roan Mountain thriving.
The Roan Mountain Recreation Foundation is responsible for managing and maintaining our county-owned parks. Because our community is unincorporated and Carter County does not have a full-time Parks and Recreation Department, the Foundation relies entirely on volunteers to care for these valuable community assets.
We are seeking community members willing to help with:
• Mowing and grounds maintenance
• Facility cleaning and upkeep
• Grant writing and fundraising
• Music and event coordination
• Board membership and leadership
• Serving as Roan Mountain's representative on the Carter County Parks and Recreation Commission beginning in August
Today, only eight volunteers are responsible for maintaining more than 25 acres of park property. Their work includes mowing and trimming, cleaning restrooms, collecting trash, maintaining shelters and facilities, managing the community garden, coordinating park reservations, and securing grants that bring music and events to our community. Since Hurricane Helene, additional responsibilities and challenges have placed even greater demands on this small group.
Without additional volunteers, park services and programs may have to be significantly reduced—or could eventually cease altogether.
RECREATION FOUNDATION
By Tom Niziol
Roan Mountain Recreation Foundation
Whether you can contribute a few hours each month or take on a larger role, your help can make a meaningful difference.
The Roan Mountain Recreation Foundation will hold a new membership meeting next month at the stage in Erik Anderson Community Park. Stay tuned for details. If you are interested in helping preserve and improve our community parks, please contact us at: roanmtnrf@gmail.com
Together, we can ensure these parks remain a vital part of our community for generations to come.
7/19
7/24
7/25
Essay Contest
Honoring Grandparents
After reading Brayden Townsend’s tribute to his grandparents (published in the September 2025 issue), we decided to host an essay contest focused on grandparents. Entries will be read by magazine staff and the best essay in each age group will be published in the September 2026 issue, in honor of National Grandparents Month. Depending on how many entries we receive and if space allows, we’ll try to publish all essays on the magazine’s website. Additional prizes may be awarded (to be announced).
We will have multiple age categories:
• 8 – 10
• 11 – 13
• 14 – 16
• 17 and up.
This isn’t just for kids, adults are welcome to enter too!
The focus of your essay should be related to your grandparents. It could be about an important lesson, skill, or way of thinking they've taught you, how they live their lives, the role they play in your family, or the community, ways they’ve impacted your life, or any other way you'd care to pay tribute to them. It can be about any grandparent, or all, even those who are no longer with us. Otherwise, what you write is up to you.
Contest Rules:
• No entry fee required.
• All entries must be received by July 31.
• Only one entry per person.
• Your age at the time you send it in is the category you will be placed in.
• You must have written it yourself. No AI submissions will be accepted.
• If you are under the age of 18, parent or guardian permission is required.
• Do your best with spelling, grammar, punctuation, and usage, but consideration will be given to age and no one will be disqualified – it’s important, but your story is of most importance. It’s acceptable to have a parent, teacher or friend read it and recommend minor edits to spelling, punctuation and grammar, but professional editing is not allowed.
• Essays should be about real people, not fictional characters. Grandparents can be referred to however you address them, such as Papaw, Mamaw, Granny, etc.
• You can write about grandparents, great grandparents, or step-grands.
• You may include a photo of your grandparent or you with the grandparent(s), but it is not required and will
TIME IS RUNNING OUT!
Entries due by July 31!
not influence judging. Printed photos will be returned.
• Clean language only.
• The essay can be written in essay style (first person) or told as a story. The writing style is up to you.
• Length will depend on age group. Ages 8 – 10 can be any length. Ages 11 – 13 must be at least 400 words, but can be longer. Ages 14 and up must be at least 600 words, but no more than 2,000.
• Essay must have the author’s name, age, and the names of the grandparents the essay is about at the top of the page, and each essay must have a title. If the author is under 18, the name and phone number of a parent must also be included. Over 18, please include your phone number. We will not share your contact information, but may need to contact you for clarification or to notify winners.
Entries can be submitted in the following ways:
• Typed into a word document and attached to an email or typed into the body of an email and sent to amy@roanmountainmagazine.com.
• Handwritten, scanned, and emailed as an attachment.
• Handwritten and mailed to the address below.
• Or message us on Facebook and we’ll meet you to pick up your entry if you live locally.
Please reach out to Amy if you have any questions. We look forward to reading your entries!
If mailing submissions, send to: Roan Mountain Magazine PO Box 132 Roan Mountain, TN 37687
Vintage Roan
Contact amy@roanmountainmagazine.com to submit your photos or arrange to have them scanned.
Above (Submitted by Terry Jarrett): Delores Holtsclaw Jarrett and her brother Dennis Holtsclaw. Picture taken at Pumpkin Center, at the mouth of Smith Branch Rd in front of Jarrett's County Store. Photo dated November 1955. Below (Submitted by Tim Decker & Pam Braswell): Man and boy on far left unknown; Front Row, 2nd from left: Josie Morgan, Bea Tripp, Patsy Ann Grindstaff, Earl Honeycutt; Back Row, 2nd from left: Ab Morgan, Patsy Watson, Alma Honeycutt; older lady on the far right is Mary Green.
What does the Statue of Liberty stand for? Because it can’t sit down!
Did you hear about the kid who started a business tying shoelaces?
It’s a knot-for-profit!
What did the patriot put on his skin?Revo-lotion!
Did you hear the joke about the Liberty Bell? Yeah, it cracked me up!
Why aren’t there any 4th of July knock knock jokes? Because freedom rings!
Can I make you some hot water with leaves in it? It’s my special tea!
Marketing 101: Starting from Scratch
By Amy Campbell Clark
You have an idea for a business and you know what you want to produce, sell or service. The next, and possibly most important decision is what to call it. Key factors to consider when naming your business: Purpose, location, length, simplicity, uniqueness, and future growth. And your specific business may have other factors that come into play.
Purpose
Declaring the purpose of your business in the name is important. It’s fine to be creative, but there are plenty of opportunities for creativity in other aspects of marketing. An unusual name can be seen as an opportunity to explain what you do, but you won’t always be standing in front of them when they see the name. And even if you are, they may not ask. Simply adding a word to whatever creative name you come up with can go a long way in helping promote your business and eliminating confusion. Rather than calling a jewelry business “Smith Designs” it might be better to call it “Smith Jewelry Designs.” Rather than calling your computer services company “Jones Solutions,” maybe call it “Jones Tech Solutions.”
Location
If you have a physical place of business and/or no intentions of expanding to other locations, you can include a location in the name. This magazine is specifically for our community, so Roan Mountain Magazine works. Also, Roan Mountain is the name of the mountain that multiple communities nearby see and visit, so it’s still appealing to outlying communities.
If you want to expand a little further in the future, you might use broader regional terms, like Appalachian or Blue Ridge, or East Tennessee. However, this can still be limiting and it adds length to the name. You could shorten it with “mountain” or “highland” to denote the area significance. Another option to keep things shorter is to use the location in your tagline, rather than your name. “Serving Roan Mountain.”
Length and Simplicity
The length of your business name is important for multiple reasons. From how you answer the phone, to how it fits on printed materials, to your website domain name and email address. Short is sweet. You don’t want it broken up into multiple lines of text to fit on the face of the business card, nor do you want to have to make
the font so small that people of a certain age can’t read it.
And you’ll have to say, type and write the name thousands of times over the life of your business. Does it roll off the tongue easily or is it difficult to pronounce? If in doubt, ask friends or even total strangers to take a look. And listen to how it sounds when they say it.
Is it easy to spell? Does it require special characters like hyphens, commas or apostrophes to be grammatically correct? Keep it simple to make life easier for you and your customers.
Uniqueness
Your name must be unique, not only to differentiate you from other businesses, but also for legal and marketing purposes. There may not be another business with the name you want in this area, but there might be one across the state. To make sure your name is original, first visit the Tennessee Secretary of State website and do a business name search.
You’ll also want to do a domain name search. I use GoDaddy, but there are other services, or you can just type it into the search bar and see what comes up. If another business in El Paso Texas has the domain you want, you may need to get creative in deciding on an alternative, just keep it short and simple.
Future Growth
You may initially see your business as being a small, local endeavor, but what if you hit on something that takes off and there’s room for expansion in the future, either for you, or if you pass it on to your kids? Sure, you can always rebrand and change the name later, but that’s risky for an established business. So allow room for future growth. What if you start out selling only cupcakes but then expand into multiple other types of baked goods? Cathy’s Cupcakes is no longer practical as a business name.
All of these rules CAN be broken under the right circumstances, but think it through carefully and choose wisely.
Already have a name and not happy with it? It’s never too late. If you’re just starting out and haven’t invested heavily in business registration and marketing materials, or don’t yet have a huge following, it’s fairly simple to start over. If you have already done those things and can’t afford to “rebrand” then there are ways to work with what you have to make it more efficient and effective. Email me and I’ll be happy to help with suggestions.
Return of Bald Eagles
Article and Photos By Ryan Rice
In the early 1960s, the American bald eagle was nearly extinct in the continental U.S. Although native to the Southern Appalachian region, prior to the 1980s bald eagles had not been seen here for decades. Now the local population is flourishing and their sightings are on the rise, including in Roan Mountain. In Northeast Tennessee specifically, reports of bald eagle sightings on ebird.org date back to 2005, but the local population didn’t really begin rebounding until around 2010.
As a kid, I liked to draw this national symbol of the U.S., checking out bald eagle books from the library since I couldn’t see the birds in real life, due in large part to pesticide use and loss of habitat.
Growing up in the '80s, the bald eagle was a symbol of what we were losing—a majestic icon relegated to textbooks and documentaries. I never imagined that
the same birds I once carefully sketched from library books would one day soar and nest in the place I call home. Seeing them return isn't just a conservation success story; it's a childhood dream realized.
I have documented approximately twenty nests spanning the mountain region of Northeast Tennessee, Southwest Virginia, and Western North Carolina. This includes sightings across counties like Carter, Washington, and Johnson, stretching to Watauga County, N.C. Tracking down eagle nests also requires team work. I often work with others who share my passion to find nests and track their results for the season. Some of these nest locations are known by very few people while others are widely known, such as the nests on Boone Lake near Winged Deer Park in Johnson City, and on South Fork Holston River in Bluff City. These two nests have gained thousands
American Bald Eagle landing on a partially submerged log on the Watauga River.
of followers thanks to cameras mounted by East Tennessee State University that offer 24/7 coverage of eagle life.
The regional population has surged, defying the harsh reality that only 50% of eagles survive their first year. Bald eagles normally lay two to three eggs. It is not uncommon for an eagle pair to lose some or all of their eggs for a season.
Despite these difficulties, the Winged Deer nest has had two different female eagles (Shima and now Jolene) and two different male eagles (Noshi and now Boone). The pairs at this nest have produced 27 eaglets since 2013. The South Fork Holston River/Bluff City nesting pair, Frances and two different mates (Eugene and now Franklin), have produced 29 eaglets since 2012. Like many bird species, the males share responsibilities with the females in all aspects of nest building, egg incubating and eaglet feeding.
As the eagle population in an area grows, it brings changes. The first change is pairing. Eagle pairs normally mate for life, but as we’ve seen at the two nests mentioned above, younger eagles will come in and compete for and take over territories and mates. While it can be emotionally taxing for nest camera viewers who have developed an attachment to specific eagles, these natural outcomes are actually vital indicators of a resilient and healthy eagle population.
The second change is decreasing territory sizes. Traditionally in our area, the eagle pairs had a territory size of a 2- to 3-mile radius around their nests. This means you previously wouldn’t find two eagles nests closer than around three miles. This shrinking territory size is evident in Sevier County near Douglas Dam where three active eagle nests can be found within less than two miles of each other.
The third change is where the eagles will settle down and nest. Fish make up 70-90% of a bald eagle’s diet. They also almost exclusively nest along large areas of water. So the place to look for them is around our many rivers and lakes such as the Watauga River and Lake and the South Holston River and Lake. But as the population grows they have started nesting along smaller rivers and even creeks. This is likely why they have recently been spotted regularly along the Doe River in the Roan Mountain area.
While the bald eagle rebound is evident in our local area, there are places where it is even more apparent. One is a place considered the ‘Mecca’ of bald eagles in the Eastern United States: Conowing Dam in Maryland. There, eagles gather by the hundreds in the spring and fall, providing a high-octane spectacle of
Top Right: Feeding time for eaglets in a nest on the Clinch River. Both parents take responsibility for feeding their young.
Bottom Right: Eaglets in a nest on the Holston River.
constant fishing and fighting. This phenomenon even draws in another species by the thousands: Homo sapiens, migrating to the riverbanks with long lenses and binoculars in tow.
I was blessed to be able to witness this once. Hours of eagles grabbing fish right in front of me and bringing them into the trees directly over my head to eat. In contrast, finding eagles in the Appalachian high country requires a much more disciplined, patient approach.
Getting good eagle photos in our region has required a lot of diligent work. More often than not, my excursions result in little more than a quiet day on the water. These birds are creatures of habit, and as you learn their favorite trees for perching, for example, your odds of getting the money shot increase. Some of the nests are very hard to get to. Some nests are tucked away in reaches of the river where the only access is by water, requiring me to navigate a kayak silently into position, balancing camera gear and the current to find the right angle.
Some are located in trees on steep terrain. Sometimes permission from landowners is needed in order to observe a nest on their property. One
example of this is a nest on a large farm along Holston River. I have been able to gain the trust of the land owners and experience this secluded nest several times. I’ve learned that to truly witness the natural lives of wildlife, one must often be alone. Without the distraction of other people, you can more easily blend in with the landscape.
My hope is that while the human population here continues to grow, the eagles will continue to flourish. As the eagle population increases, we are seeing these majestic birds expand their reach beyond larger lakes and rivers into smaller waterways like the Doe River. My desire is we will continue to be able to observe bald eagles in the wild for generations to come.
Left: Our national icon looking suitably regal, perching near Watauga Lake.
Right: With feathers fluffed against the cold (an action called piloerection) near the Clinch River.
Above: A juvenile bald eagle, before gaining the white feathers of a mature bird.
Below : An eagle after grabbing a fish at Conowingo Dam in Maryland.
In the Northeast Tennessee region, nesting bald eagles:
• Normally stay year round.
• Have one clutch per year.
• Lay their eggs at the end of January/beginning of February.
• Lay 1-3 eggs.
• Eggs are incubated by both parents for a period of around 34 days.
• Eggs hatch around early March.
• The eaglets are around 10-12 weeks old when they fledge. They are essentially the same size as their parents by that time.
• They don't get their adult colorings until around 5 years old. They are not fully mature until they get their white head, solid brown body and white tail.
• Have a nesting territory of around a three-mile radius.
• Nest along larger waterways as fish are their main food source.
• Use the same nest year after year.
The nests:
• Are 5-6 feet in diameter.
• Are added to each year and can get up to eight feet tall.
• Can eventually fall or break the limbs supporting them, in which case the eagles normally rebuild in a nearby tree.
Links:
www.etsu.edu/cas/biology/eagle-cam/ previous_seasons.php
www.youtube.com/@ ETSUEagleCameras/streams
www.easttn.us/attractions/categories. aspx/Wildlife/
A Portrait: Ellie Hjemmet
By Nicole Barnett
In the classic holiday movie, George Bailey learns that the world would be a much darker place if he’d never existed. In reality, Eleanor “Ellie” Hjemmet knows with certainty that “It’s a Wonderful Life”. At 82 years young, Ellie has no desire to sit back and watch life pass by. “I’ve always had a happy life. I’ve had a lot of hard stuff,” Ellie says, “but I’ve always been a happy person.” An accomplished artist and musician, natural talent, creativity, and a desire to give back, is woven into Ellie’s DNA.
For 12 years, Ellie served as manager of the now 125-year-old handweaving production center, Crossnore Weavers, at Crossnore School, in Newland. She has been an advocate for children with disabilities, trained in the Partners in Policymaking Institute, and has coordinated the Meals on Wheels Program in Roan Mountain for approximately twenty years. Today, she is an active member of several local bands and is tasked with booking performers for the summer concert series held at Erik Anderson Memorial Park.
Originally from Boston, Ellie spent her formative years immersed in family tradition, influenced and inspired by her Norwegian roots and her parents’ musical gifts. As an adult, Ellie lived in New York City for several years, where she studied alla prima portrait painting in oils. When the time came, Ellie made the decision to leave NYC and set out on her own personal odyssey in search of an art school and teachers who would nurture her innate ability. She travelled the United States from coast to coast, visiting friends and meeting new people along the way. At every turn, Ellie seemed to be driven by divine intervention.
One fateful stop in Florida led to a romantic connection with the brother of a close friend. During their courtship, she received a letter from him along with a gift – a candle from a shop in Boone, North Carolina. He told her that he was in the mountains and she should come because she would love it. In her own words, what brought Ellie to the mountains was love!
She and Mike married and finally found their forever home when they settled into their own property on Buck Mountain.
Ever the artist, when she’s not at the spinning wheel, Ellie’s music weaves its way into the very heart of her audiences. In the aftermath of the devastating flood of 1998, she was inspired to write poetry based on what she experienced. Those words encapsulate the fear and uncertainty felt by those whose lives were scarred by the unprecedented event.
Twenty-six years later, the song “Roan Mountain Flood” would once again describe a reality no one was prepared to face when Hurricane Helene caught the Southern Appalachians by surprise. After having performed “Roan Mountain Flood” at a gathering of friends, Ellie received a request from longtime friend, author, and editor, Hilda Downer, to add the lyrics to an anthology by Appalachian poets about Hurricane Helene and the effects of the storm on the region. Ellie’s contribution can be found on page 109 of the book Had I a Dove: Appalachian Poets of the Helene Flood. You can listen to the song at: www.reverbnation.com/TheRepossessed.
Ellie Hjemmett - artist, weaver, musician, and active in the community at the young age of 82.
ROAN MOUNTAIN FLOOD
Lyrics: Eleanor Hjemmet
Music: Rick Dodge
It was a harrowing night of darkness and fear Rain so hard on the roof that’s all we could hear I saw folks standing drenched on the side of the road Watching houses and lives washed away by that flood
The January snows on the top of the Roan Melted by twelve inches of rain Came down the slopes dragging trees, rocks and mud And the towns were disfigured by hard rushing flood
CHORUS:
The waters they rushed and the boulders they roared Lives were forevermore changed by that flood Come morning we learned that seven had drowned Washed away in the darkness by that Roan Mountain Flood
I remember the stories of friends that were saved As they watched headlights gleaming from under that wave Our neighbors were lost when they crossed on that bridge Washed away in the darkness by that Roan Mountain Flood
CHORUS:
The waters they rushed and the boulders they roared Lives were forevermore changed by that flood Come morning we learned that seven had drowned Washed away in the darkness by that Roan Mountain Flood
The waters they rushed and the boulders they roared
The waters they rushed and the boulders they roared
The waters they rushed and the boulders they roared
Music th Parks
Erik Anderson Park
June 13
Music: Seagan
Billy Crawford
Food trucks:
Lakeo Steakhouse of Japan
Mountain Smoke Barbeque SMASHED Craft Burgers
July 18
Music: My New Favorites
Preston Benfield
Food Trucks:
Lakeo Steakhouse of Japan
Mountain Smoke Barbeque SMASHED Craft Burgers
BeBa's Meatballs
August 22
Music: J.P. Mathes
Carson Peters and Iron Mountain
Food Trucks:
Lakeo Steakhouse of Japan
Mountain Smoke Barbeque SMASHED Craft Burgers
BeBa's Meatballs
Festival begins at 2 p.m.
Roan Mtn. State Park
May
22 Marshall Ballew
Opening act begins at 3 p.m.
Main act begins at 5 p.m.
For updates and additional information, visit Roan Mountain Recreation Foundation on Facebook.
29 The Corklickers
June
5 Bandwagon Fallacy
12 Jim & Cheri Miller
26 The PF Flyers
July 3 Stemwinder
10 Brown Mountain Lightning Bugs
17 Noah McKinney
31 Tom & the Roan Mountain Gals
August
7 The Roan Crows
14 The Acoustic Corner
21 Matthew Tonner
28 Amber Taylor
September
4 Jenny & the Weazels
All concerts begin at 7 p.m. For additional information visit tnstateparks.com/park/roan-mountain and click on "upcoming events"
FOR BOTH
VENUES
Bring blankets or lawn chairs. Events may be canceled due to inclement weather - check Facebook for cancellation notices.
The musicians welcome tips!
Kid-friendly Xtreme Roan Adventures
It's time for adventure and kid-friendly family fun! Please join The Friends of Roan Mountain for the Xtreme Roan Adventures - 2026 at beautiful Roan Mountain State Park.
This year's program will be packed with over 20 kid friendly adventures scaled for short legs and short attention spans. Expect fun for the whole family!
Free Friday Night Adventures (July 24) Open to all! Join us Friday evening at 8:15 p.m. at the Roan Mountain State Park Amphitheater. First, there will be a presentation on the stage, followed at 9:00 p.m. with several adventures like the Night Hike. Please dress in layers and wear sturdy shoes. The park can be chilly after dark.
Saturday Adventures (July 25) Pre-registration required.
You must pre-register online! You may also choose to purchase a lunch options when registerting, up until July 22. After that, or if you choose not to purchase a lunch, you will need to bring lunches for your party as no food options will be available onsite. Pre-Register on line at xtremeroanadventures.org/
Special instructions for the Blueberry Adventure:
• Dress in layers and be sure to bring a warm sweater and rain jacket in prep for varying weather extremes on the mountaintop.
• A hat is a good idea. There is no shade on the balds.
• Bring a small day-pack to carry snacks and water for the 2-mile hike.
Special instructions for the Stream Ecology Adventure:
• You will be wading into the creek. Wear closed-toe shoes that you can (1) get wet and (2) allow you to avoid sharp objects (rocks and possibly human trash).
• Bring spare shoes and socks.
• A towel may come in handy too.
Adventure Schedule
Friday Evening, July 24
8:15 p.m. Stage Presentation: The Secret Life of Bats
9:00 p.m. Moth Party
Salamanders at Night
Lightning Bug Adventure
Saturday, July 25, 2026
8:00 a.m. Registration and ticket Pick-Up
8:45 a.m. Introductions
Round 1 9:00 a.m. Adventures at the Amphitheater
Animal Signs Adventure
Snake Adventure
Salamander Adventure
Owl Helpers Adventure
My Secret Plant Adventure
Round 2 10:30 a.m. Adventures at the Amphitheater
Animal Signs Adventure
Snake Adventure
Salamander Adventure
Owl Helpers Adventure
My Secret Plant Adventure
Wet & Wild Adventure
11:45 - 1:30 Lunch and Adventures at the Conference Center
Fossil Casting
Nature Crafts (two options)
Animal Helpers
Skins & Skulls
Bay’s Mountain State Park
Flint Knapping
12:45 p.m. Owls of the Roan
1:30 p.m. Adventures
Some of these Adventures will involve driving to other locations on the mountain.
Butterfly Adventure
Blueberry Adventure
Owl Pellet Dissection
Underwater Adventure (ages 12+)
Nature Journaling and Drawing
Back in Time – Butter Making History
Build a Bird House Visit https://xtremeroanadventures.org/ to register and for important information. For questions, call, text or email Ken: Ken@XtremeRoanAdventures.org 423-366-9326
Pick your adventures and join in the fun!
Adventurers getting hands-on time with a snake!
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Business Spotlight: Plumbers Hardware
By Nicole Barnett
When my kids were small, I teased that for birthdays and Christmas, I was no longer going to buy toys, because, like kittens at play, the box and accessories the toys came packaged in usually wound up being the main source of entertainment while the toys were tossed aside, long forgotten. “Instead,” I told them, “I’m going to a hardware store to load up a bucket full of pipe fittings, nuts, bolts, and tools.”
I meant to teach the kids to be more selective about their wish lists so we wouldn’t wind up with a house full of forgotten and neglected toys. Instead, my threat had the opposite effect. From their reactions, you’d have thought I’d promised a trip to Disneyland.
“Yes, please, Mom! Can you get some latches and some of those big pliers … ooh! And some rope?”
Off they would go to make a shopping list and cultivate big plans for what they could build with their wares, and I stared after them, only partly surprised that they, of course, would love to have their own stock and supply of miscellaneous items.
A DIY project might not be comparable to a trip to The Magic Kingdom for most adults, but the relief of easy access to quality supplies and expert advice is just around the corner. So why spend stressful hours driving and searching high and low for materials when Plumber’s Hardware, Inc. has you covered?
Brothers Michael and Perry Gray began working in plumbing in their teens. After learning the ins and outs of the business while working for a contractor, they decided to branch out and work for themselves in the early 1970’s. From their parents’ garage, their business, Modern Plumbing and Supply, was born.
Eventually, they moved to an old garage in the middle of town and saw the growing demand for a more diverse storefront as more and more customers came in looking to buy this item or that.
In April of 1992, the current business, Plumber’s Hardware, Inc., opened its doors to the public and has since been the salvation of many undertakings, large and small.
Now, as in the past, family-owned and operated
Plumber’s Hardware prioritizes customer service. Donnie Sparks, who manages the store for his brothers-in-law, says that’s what sets the business apart. “Most people don’t know what they want or what they need, so we make sure they get whatever it is.” With over 50 years of experience in plumbing and more than 30 years in the hardware industry, you’d be hardpressed to find a big box store that can better serve you.
“We sell a lot of ECHO equipment, which can be serviced here,” Sparks says. “We specialize in plumbing, of course, but we also have electrical stuff, a lot of hardware items, and a full line of septic materials, including fill lines and septic tanks. Something we carry that’s hard to find in many places anymore is pump wire. The store sells a lot of pumps, and people come here when they need help with them.”
Help After Helene
“The first two days after Helene were crazy,” says Charity Gray, daughter of Mike and Brenda and a longtime employee. People were desperately looking for generators and parts to keep them running, propane for cooking, and other items that can only be found at a hardware store.
Donnie Sparks recalled, “Before Helene, it was Covid. As business was just starting to come down from that, Helene hit and put it into hyperdrive again. It's just now starting to come back down off of that curve.”
Although the press for services after Helene struck has somewhat waned, Plumber’s Hardware is never in danger of shuttering its doors for lack of customers. Be sure to drop by, say hello, and shop around. You’re guaranteed to find something you need and maybe something that inspires you the way a box full of goodies inspires a child’s imagination. If you can’t find something in-store, staff will go above and beyond to locate and order specific tools not kept in their standard inventory.
Every small town needs its classic mainstays, and Plumber’s Hardware is one Roan Mountain couldn’t do without.
Bear Watching
By BearWise.org, Reprinted with Permission
Photos by Daniel Wagner
Seeing a bear in the wild is an unforgettable experience. If you’d love an opportunity to observe bears, early morning and early evening are good times for viewing and photography. Enjoy bears from a safe and respectful distance. Keep at least 50 yards – that’s ten car lengths, or half a football field – between you and the bear. If your presence causes the bear to change its behavior in any way, you are too close. Through a good pair of binoculars is the safest way to watch bears close-up.
Safe Ways to Watch and Photograph Bears
Your vehicle is a great place to sit quietly and observe or photograph bears. Pay attention to parking restrictions, and don’t block the road. Many bears that live in and around state or national parks, wildlife refuges and other areas with lots of bears and lots of people may seem almost tame; that’s because bears have had to learn to tolerate people in order to get on with their daily lives. But all bears are wild animals and can be unpredictable and potentially dangerous. You can roll down the window but stay in your vehicle. Never approach bears or offer food in hopes
they’ll come closer (feeding wildlife is wrong and usually illegal). Bears are powerful animals; you don’t really want a curious bear to come check you out. Trying to snap a selfie close-up or take a video with a bear is not just irresponsible, it’s asking for trouble. Bears find being stalked and approached threatening and may react accordingly.
Why Did the Bear Cross the Road?
Usually because it’s the only way to get from here to there. Hundreds of bears are killed on America’s roads every year. Collisions with bears are scary, dangerous and not always covered by insurance. Black bears on black roads can be hard to see, especially at dawn, dusk and at night. If you slow down you’ll avoid many problems and see more birds and wildlife. Put someone on bear watch, stay alert and scan the roadsides. If a bear crosses the road, stop and wait and watch for cubs before you drive on. If you do hit a bear, don’t approach or try to help it. Cubs often refuse to leave their mom’s side and moms seldom abandon dead or injured cubs, so stay in your vehicle and call 911 or report to authorities as soon as possible.
Stash Your Trash
Trash and garbage along roadsides, sidewalks and trails gives off smells and looks appealing (to a hungry bear.) Every year discarded items lure bears onto roads and into danger. Even seemingly harmless items like apple cores and banana peels tempt bears to venture into the roadway or hang around trails and picnic grounds. Get in the habit of keeping a sack in your vehicle for trash and recycling. If you’re hiking or picnicking, pack it in, pack it out – don’t leave anything behind. Use bear-resistant containers wherever they are provided, and please be sure to close and latch up after you stash your trash.
Dogs Are Not Into Bear Watching
If you really want a chance to observe bears being bears, leave your dog at home. Even though a bear could easily injure or kill any size dog, bears generally try their best to avoid both people and canines. Most dogs, on the other hand, are not inclined to leave bears alone.
Many encounters with bears that people perceive as aggressive are actually defensive responses to barking, lunging dogs. Dogs can easily be injured, or even killed; people who come to their dog’s defense are often injured as well. And even though the bear was usually provoked into defending itself, out of an abundance of concern for human safety, the bear involved may be killed.
If you still choose to walk your dog in bear country, keep your pet on a non-retractable leash whenever you are outdoors, even if you’re just going to the car or letting the dog out in an unfenced area. Letting your dog approach or bark aggressively at a bear might make you feel safe, but in reality you’re putting yourself and your pet in danger.
For more on black bears, including safety tips and more, visit BearWise.org. Click on BearWise Resources (top right) for information, printables, and more!
A Visit to the White House
You might recall in April 2025 we ran a story about Ashlyn Blake, daughter of Craig and Tracy Blake, who own Doe River Resort. Ashlyn is a member of the West Virginia University Rifle Team, winners of the NCAA National Championships in 2025. That prestigious win earned this 19-year-old and her team a visit to the White House! Congratulations!
By Ashlyn Blake
On April 21, 2026, the West Virginia University Rifle Team was invited to the White House for NCAA Champions Day 2025. It was one of the coolest experiences of my life and something I will never forget.
Thanks to generous WVU donors, our team was able to travel to Washington, D.C. on private jets. Flying on a private jet was already exciting enough, but knowing we were going to the White House made the trip even more special. When we landed, a coach bus was waiting for us at the airport.
Our first stop was actually the White House, where we dropped off our National Championship trophy with the staff. Once that was taken care of, we had some time before our official White House visit, so we explored a few places around Washington.
We visited the World War II Memorial and took pictures near the West Virginia column. After that, we headed to the U.S. Capitol Building. We were originally supposed to meet with West Virginia’s representatives, but unfortunately they were unavailable. Even though that didn’t work out, we still got to walk around the Capitol for about thirty minutes and take in all the history and architecture.
Later that afternoon, it was finally time to head back to the White House. Before entering, all of the championship teams had to gather at a designated gate. Once we were allowed through, we went through three different security checkpoints. After security, we walked through a temporary enclosed walkway because parts of the White House are currently being renovated.
As we entered, the United States Marine Band
was playing We Are the Champions, which made the moment feel even more surreal. It was one of those moments where it really hit me that we were National Champions standing inside the White House.
Before meeting President Trump, we had some time to explore several rooms inside the White House. The first room we saw was the ballroom, which was incredible. It had a giant portrait of George Washington and felt exactly like something you would see in a history book.
The next room was what I called the green room because everything in it was green. One thing that stood out to me throughout the entire White House was how historic everything felt. The furniture wasn’t modern at all. Every room was filled with beautiful antique furniture and decorations that reminded you just how old and important the building is.
The room we spent the most time in was directly below the Oval Office. While we were waiting, President Trump was actually upstairs working, which was pretty crazy to think about. I called this room the yellow room because of its color. It had three large windows overlooking the South Lawn and a perfect view of the Washington Monument.
One of the staff members told us that the middle window was actually a door and that President Trump
President Trump with the WVU Rifle Team (Ashlyn is second to the right of the President).
sometimes walks out there and practices his golf swing. I thought that was such a funny and random detail because it’s not something you would ever think about when you picture the White House.
The last room we visited was the red room. That room was especially meaningful because it was the same room where the WVU Rifle Team met President Obama after winning a National Championship back in 2017.
My favorite decoration in the entire White House was a portrait of President Trump after the assassination attempt, showing him with his fist raised in the air. Seeing it in person was something I wasn’t expecting, and it was definitely one of the pieces that stood out to me the most.
After exploring the White House, it was finally time to meet President Trump. There were four teams ahead of us, and although we couldn’t see him yet, we could hear him talking and joking with the other teams. Hearing his voice while waiting honestly made the anticipation even greater.
After about twenty minutes, it was finally our turn. As soon as he walked into the room, he said, “Let’s Go Mountaineers!” which immediately got everyone excited. It was honestly the perfect way to start the conversation.
One thing that surprised me was how funny he was. A lot of people think of him as very serious, but he spent a lot of time joking with our team. At one point he told us, “Barron is a great shot, me not so much. I don’t go hunting.” Since many of us are involved in shooting sports, everyone thought that was pretty funny. Barron Trump apparently enjoys hunting, which made the comment even better.
Meeting a sitting President of the United States was something I never imagined I would get the opportunity to do. No matter your politics, it’s an incredible experience to meet someone who has held the highest office in the country.
As a thank-you for visiting, President Trump gave each of us a challenge coin that he designed himself. It’s something I will definitely keep forever and a reminder of an unforgettable day.
One of my favorite parts of the entire trip was actually watching the Secret Service. As someone who loves White House movies, it was fascinating to see them in real life. The White House honestly looks exactly like it does in the movies, and seeing the agents doing their jobs up close was amazing.
Watching the Secret Service operate made me feel like a little kid. They were professional, organized, and constantly aware of everything happening around them. Being able to see that level of security in action was something I found incredibly interesting.
I am extremely grateful and thankful for the opportunity to represent West Virginia University, celebrate our National Championship, and visit the White House. Being able to meet the 45th and 47th President of the United States, President Donald Trump, is a memory I will carry with me for the rest of my life.
It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and one that I will never forget.
P.S. Trump isn’t actually orange—he’s just really tan.
The team posing with the White House in the background. Ashlyn in the front row, far right.
Front and back of the challenge coin, designed by President Trump, given to each team member.
GRACE PLACE THE
By Reverend Hunter Greene
What makes someone a Christian? Or better yet, what even is a Christian? These are the kinds of questions people have argued over for centuries. At times, we've even fought wars over such questions –which hardly seems like a good start to answering them faithfully.
Nevertheless, the challenge of defining what or who a Christian is has kept us busy in our attempts to live faithful lives.
I suppose there is an irony in proclaiming a Gospel where one must “become like a little child” in order to understand it while also, at times, getting lost in the myriad of ways one might define the nature of their Christian-ness. We might say that the Gospel, stated as simply as possible, is the truth that God loves the world – that God loves you. But then what? Is one becoming or identifying as a Christian in response to that truth merely a shift in one’s theological beliefs and perspectives, or is it more? Is “Christian” a doctrine? Is it a prayer? Is it a political platform? Is it a music genre? Is it a culture? Is it a way of life?
When I consider all the possibilities of how one might come to define their relationship to Christ or the term “Christian,” the wide variety of answers can feel pretty overwhelming. If everyone gets to define “Christian” for themselves, it seems like we might lose the simplicity of the “child-like faith” that Jesus invites us into. This isn’t to say that diversity of thought and perspective in the church are somehow an obstacle to Christian faithfulness. Rather, it is an invitation for us to ponder where we’ve gone wrong if the question “what is a Christian” leads us more to factions and fights than to unity and fellowship.
If you’re hoping I’ll solve the mystery of our search for The True Christian in this short column, I’m afraid I won’t be of much help. However, a story about a socalled “Christian” might do the trick.
There was an Amish man working out on his farm one day. He was minding his business and carrying
Then Barnabas departed for Tarsus to seek Saul. And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.
about with his daily chores. To the Amish farmer’s surprise, he noticed a well-dressed man driving a nice car towards his house. The well-dressed man was a tourist from the big city who had always been curious about the Amish way of life, especially as it was so different from his own. The tourist pulled up beside the Amish farmer, rolled down his window, and introduced himself. After a few minutes of small talk, the tourist decided to ask the Amish farmer a more personal question. He asked, “Sir, if you don’t mind me asking, are you a Christian?” The Amish farmer paused, looking almost perplexed by the question. The tourist, feeling embarrassed by his forward question, apologized to the Amish farmer. It was then that the Amish farmer said, “No, no… you’re fine, my friend. It’s just that to get the answer you’re looking for, I think you will have to ask my neighbor.”
You’ll have to ask my neighbor. That seems simple enough to me. For many of us, it might seem counterintuitive to give our neighbors and our community the power to determine our status as Christians, but what if “Christian” was never meant to be a term of self-definition and self-invention? What if “Christian” was always meant to be a label – a crown of endearment or perhaps even a demeaning insult –given to us by those who see and hear from us most?
When I read Acts 11, I read it in similar fashion to the Amish farmer’s story. The early followers of Jesus did not know themselves to be “Christians.” It was only after they were called that by their neighbors in Antioch did that collective name mean anything to them. But for me, the interesting thing in Acts is not what these early followers of Jesus are called but why they are called what they are.
The word Christian comes from the Greek word "Christianos.” Christianos can be broken into two parts to understand its Greek meaning. The first part of the word is Christos – which is where we get the word “Christ.” As it turns out, Christ is actually not Jesus’
last name (bad joke, I know), but rather, it is a title denoting his social and political function as “messiah” or “the anointed one.”
The second part of the word comes from the Greek suffix -ianos. This suffix added to the end of a word denotes that something or someone carries the characteristics or properties of the root word. Simply stated, -ianos implies there is a cause-and-effect relationship – similar to the way offspring are derived from their parents and ancestors.
If we put it all together, to say that someone is a Christianos, like those in Antioch, it is to say that they are clearly derived from and produced by the messiah (Christos) as evidenced by the similar characteristics and properties they demonstrate. Just as a child might be the spitting image of their parent, so too will a Christianos be the spitting image of their Christos.
If it’s all Greek to you at this point, I wouldn’t blame you for checking out. But the good news is that, from first-century Antioch to Carter County today, what it means to be a Christian has not changed. Thankfully, you don’t need to understand Greek or Hebrew (or English) to be a Christian. You don’t need to find the perfect church or live the perfect life. It turns out you just need to live in such a way that you remind your neighbors of Jesus – so much so they might accuse you of being a spawn of Christ.
While we may assume our vocations are to draw lines and set boundaries of who is in and who is out, Jesus was pretty clear on how he defined a Christianos – a “Christian” – even before those in Antioch coined the term: “By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35). If you aren’t sure how you fit His criteria, perhaps you should ask your neighbor.
Please send all general inquiries, church information, upcoming church events, and special prayer requests to Hunter at hillbillytheology@gmail.com.
Check out Hunter's Hillbilly Theology site: hillbillytheology.com/ (Linktree: https://linktr.ee/hillbillytheology )
Church News
Magill Memorial Church Annual Summer Program Tuesdays, through July 28
Families and kids can receive a hot, nutritious meal and free books, as well as a food bag to take home each week. More details can be found on the church Facebook page.
Prayer Requests
Send your prayer requests to Hunter!
Photo by Faith Lynn
Perseid Meteor Shower
Happening soon, in a sky near you!
By Nicole Barnett
“When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?” Psalm 8:3-4
If you look up after dark from around mid-July through late August, and you can exercise the tiniest bit of patience, you might be treated to an awesome wonder which many never have the pleasure of experiencing. You could catch a glimpse of a falling star. Or to be more exact, a meteor shooting through Earth’s atmosphere, appearing to originate from the constellation Perseus. In fact, they are the result of Earth’s yearly passage through the debris left by comet Swift-Tuttle.
Roan Mountain is an excellent place to sky-watch! If you’re up for it, the top of the Roan is your best bet. Not because of the elevation, but rather the large unobstructed views that allow you to see a greater area than if you’re sitting in your front yard. A motivated person might hike up to Round Bald for even more sky area, but a chair beside your car in the parking lot at Carver’s Gap works just as well.
If you’d rather stick close to home, there is no doubt that one can relax in their own yard and watch the Perseids perform. The more sky you have available to you, the better your chances of seeing meteors and
The Perseid Meteor Shower can be viewed from mid-July through late August, with peak nights expected on August 12-13. Stock photo
fireballs. Choose a spot where there is as little light pollution as possible. If you have outdoor lights that can be turned off, do so and allow at least 10 minutes for your eyes to adjust to the darkness. Within 20 to 30 minutes your eyes will have achieved their maximum night vision capabilities.
If you must use a light, you will have to allow your eyes to adjust again to be able to better view the more faint meteors. Red lens flashlights are ideal, because they allow your eyes to stay “dark adapted”. If you do not have a red filter, you can make one by using red cellophane which can be purchased at most craft stores and many grocery stores.
Put down your phone, sit or lie back, and enjoy the awesome wonder that is the Persied Meteor Shower! The peak this year will happen between August 12th and 13th. The number and intensity of the meteors will gradually increase as the night goes on, with the predawn hours often being the most optimal time to view them. However, with a new moon occurring during the peak nights of the shower, any time after dark is sure to be a good time to catch a few falling stars!
A Gift to Us All
A Poem by Ericka Hughes
Before it was a page, it was pine and storm, rooted in mountains that learned our names in the wind.
It did not begin with ink, but with light held inside wood. It becomes fragile only in our hands, yet carries what we cannot: a memory that refuses to vanish.
A folded letter.
A record of birth. A hymn written down so it will not drift away.
Now it is harder to find, as if the world is forgetting how to hold itself still.
But paper does not rush. It waits.
Long after the voices have quieted, after the porch swings have stopped creaking, after familiar hands are gone from the table, a page remains.
Yellowed by time, softened by years, it keeps watch over the stories entrusted to it. The names. The places. The ordinary moments that proved, once and for all, that we were here.
And when someone turns that page decades from now, the past will breathe again… not in pixels or passing signals, but in ink, memory, and the gentle rustle of paper refusing to forget.
Fun & Games
(For kids of ALL ages!)
How many words can you make?
INDEPENDENCE DAY
July Word Search
America
Apple Pie
Bald Eagle
Barbecue
Baseball
Black Bears
Buck Moon
Dog Days
Fireworks
Freedom
Gratitude
Hardware
Heat
Thunderstorm Vacation
Water
Watermelon
White House
Help the American patriots find their flag!
Enjoy our "Coloring Page" (opposite), created by staff artist Kelly McCollum.
It might seem that cutting down a tree starts with a chainsaw. It doesn't. Long before the first cut is made, an experienced tree cutter is already making decisions. We're studying the tree. Looking for rot. Looking for weaknesses. Determining where it's still solid and how sturdy it really is. Because a tree can appear strong on the outside and be rotten at its core.
That's true of a lot of things. People, situations, and even dreams can look solid from a distance. Sometimes it takes a closer look to discover what's really holding them up—or what's causing them to slowly fall apart.
Deciding on the Fall
One of the biggest decisions in tree work is figuring out where it’s going to fall. It comes down to one thing: the path of least resistance.
The path of least resistance isn't about taking the easy way out. It's about understanding the forces already at work. A skilled tree cutter doesn't waste energy fighting gravity, they work with it. They understand the lean of the tree, the weight distribution, and the direction it naturally wants to go.
Life works much the same way. Sometimes we spend years fighting battles that don't need to be fought. We try to force situations, relationships, and outcomes that are leaning in a different direction. Wisdom often comes from recognizing reality and learning how to work with it instead of against it.
Experience Over Equipment
What separates a skilled tree cutter from someone who simply owns a chainsaw is experience. Years of it. Tree work is one of those skills where confidence alone can get you hurt. Experience teaches things that no book can: judgment, patience and integrity.
One of the biggest dangers in tree work is being too confident. Overconfidence can make you skip steps you shouldn’t skip. It makes you assume instead of checking, and in tree work, assumptions don’t hold weight when things start moving.
When a climber reaches a difficult cut high above the ground, they don't simply assume they've got everything figured out. They stop, they reassess, make sure they haven't missed anything.
That's a lesson worth carrying into everyday life. Pride has a way of convincing us we already know enough. Experience teaches us to slow down, take another look, and remain humble.
Trust And Awareness
Trust is another thing you can’t overlook in this work. You need at least one person completely sync with you on the ground. In a moment where timing
LESSONS IN LIFE & LANDSCAPING The
Art of Cutting Trees
By Ericka Hughes
matters, trust becomes the difference between control and chaos. In this kind of work, it can be life or death.
Life is often no different. We all need a few people we can trust completely. People who pay attention. People who tell us the truth. People who help carry the load when things get heavy.
Height and Perspective
The best part of this work, for me, is being up in the height of it. It clears everything else out. Your problems stay on the ground. Up there, it’s just you, the tree, and what needs to be done. It demands full attention. Nothing else matters until you’re back down.
Many people don’t understand that; they see chainsaws and falling wood instead of the focus, the awareness, and the responsibility that comes with every cut.
Life's Lesson In Trees
Perhaps the greatest lesson of all comes from the trees themselves. Many of the giants we remove have been standing longer than we've been alive. They've survived storms, droughts, ice, wind, and generations of change. There is something humbling about standing beside a living thing that has witnessed so much. And that's one of the many reasons why
Whenever possible, save them. There are already too few of them left in many places. But sometimes a tree becomes hazardous. Sometimes it threatens a home, a road, or the people around it. Sometimes the difficult decision has to be
Working around trees teaches you that life is beautiful and precious. It teaches you to pay attention. It teaches you respect, and to respect others. And it reminds you that even when something has stood strong for a long time, there may come a day when change
The key is making that decision with wisdom and respect—for the tree, for the work, and for the life we've been given beneath their shade.
THE LAST WORD
Hairy, Hungry, Ball of Joy
By Noah Blair
If sunshine could grow fur, it might well become a Labrador retriever. Labs are equal parts enthusiasm, loyalty, and pure unadulterated energy, moving through the world as if every moment is a small party thrown exclusively in their honor. And somehow, everyone they meet ends up agreeing.
A Labrador does not simply enter a room. It arrives with the full force of its personality: tail sweeping like a boat oar and knocking over anything in its path. Eyes bright with the firm conviction that you have been waiting your entire life for this exact reunion, even if you were only in the kitchen for twenty-seven seconds. There is something innocent about a Labrador’s affections. They do not discriminate between kings and mail carriers, toddlers, and tennis balls. All are equally deserving of boundless love and, occasionally, a slightly slobbery greeting. In the Lab’s moral universe, everyone is good, everything is interesting, and every stick is potentially historic. We mere humans can’t fully appreciate their ability to hear a treat being opened from unimaginable distances, or the fact they can be fast asleep but up and ready to go at the first sound of keys jingling from across the house.
Ah, the glories of a stick. Or a ball. Or the sock that was never meant to leave the laundry basket, or the occasional shoe, wet with slobber and missing material from their chewing. Labradors are collectors of momentary treasures. They carry their findings with great pride, as though presenting artifacts from a grand expedition far from home. “Observe,” their eyes seem to say, “this leaf. I discovered it near the mailbox. It is, I believe,
important.”
And then there’s water. Labradors do not so much like water as they are spiritually aligned with it. A puddle to them is not a nuisance, it is a portal. Lakes, rivers, sprinkler systems, suspiciously damp patches of grass: all are invitations to joy. A Lab encountering water becomes a blur of splashes and delight, as if remembering an ancestral truth known only to their kind. With their deep desire to make their owners happy they will then come next to you and share this joy, as they shake what seems to be the contents of a small pond’s worth of water and mud all over you, regardless of whether you’re ready for it or not.
Yet beneath this cheerful chaos lies a deeply steady heart. Labradors are companions in the truest sense, not merely present, but truly invested in their people. They lean against you on difficult days, sit quietly when words fail, and celebrate your victories with the same exuberance they show a squeaky toy. Their loyalty is not loud (except when it is), but it is unwavering.
They are also magnificent eaters. Time itself seems to bend around a Labrador at mealtime, or snack time, or at two in the morning when they’ve sniffed out a gummy snack misplaced by the toddlers who share their home. Food is not simply consumed. It is to be honored, inhaled, and dreamed about in between meals. A Labrador believes in abundance, especially if that abundance can be found in your hand, your plate, or your unattended sandwich.
To live with a Lab is to accept a certain rearrangement of priorities. Clean floors become a theory. Personal space becomes a fond memory. Clothes without dog glitter (shed hair) are merely figments of your imagination. But in return, you receive a daily masterclass in delight: the joy of a walk, the triumph of a returned ball, the deep satisfaction of simply being
In the end, Labradors remind us gently and repeatedly that happiness is not complicated. It is a wagging tail at the door, a shared moment in the sunshine, a muddy adventure that ends in laughter. It is, quite simply, the art of loving the world with your whole heart, and not worrying too much about the dirt along the way. If you ever consider adding a dog to your home, as far as this writer is concerned, you can’t go wrong with a Lab! Remember, Jesus loves you.
Murph and Hazel
