Roan Mountain Magazine
May 2026
Roan Mountain Magazine
Volume 2, Issue 9
May 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)
HIGHLANDER HIGHLIGHTS
Cloudland High School Yearbook Staff
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
ADVERTISING DIRECTOR
Susie Phillips
susie@roanmountainmagazine.com
SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER
Colleen Gainey
DISTRIBUTION MANAGER
Jay Rich (423) 817-3037
CONTRIBUTORS
Ryan Rice, Above Ground Media
RMSP Ranger Daisy Graham
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
ARTICLES & FEATURES
Editor's Letter
Gun Talk with Jon
Taste of the Roan - Cornbread
Highlander Highlights
Recreation Foundation Update
Grandparents Essay Contest
Vintage Roan
Business Spotlight - A New Image
Know Your Place - Tennessee Symbols
Snakes of Roan Mountain
Poem - May Dirt
Facebook Page Info
Spring Photos
Summer Music Series Line-ups
Emergency Alert Info
Magazine News
The Grace Place
May in the Mountains - A Short Story
Fun and Games!
Lessons in Life & Landscaping
The Last Word
ABOUT THE COVER:
The bobwhite quail is Tennessee's official state game bird. You've probably heard their call, but have you spotted one?
Photo by Ryan Rice, Above Ground Media
Iseem to find myself in a lot of conversations about “prepping” lately. Not intentionally, it just seems to be on folk’s minds for various reasons. I don’t consider myself a “prepper” in the sense that I’m not saving tires to build a house, I’m not spending a ton of money on MREs, I’m not stockpiling pallets of ammo, and I’m not constructing a faraday cage to protect my electronics. Not that those are bad things, they’re just not for me. I’m probably not going to have solar panels installed on my roof, buy an expensive freeze dryer, or start loading my own ammo. I don’t have the time, money or patience!
But a certain degree of preparedness is important to me – I’ve lived through enough floods, hurricanes, and extended power outages (not to mention the periods of just being broke) to know that being ready for whatever might come next is a pretty good idea.
So I make the effort in a number of ways. Trying to keep a little money in savings, planting a garden, preserving what it produces and having enough food on hand that I could get by for a few months if I needed to, having multiple light/heat sources on hand, having a generator, having water jugs filled, never letting the truck gas tank get below half, and more. And yes, having the tools (and training) to defend it all, should the need arise.
I’m looking forward to buying a small piece of land that will allow me to do more – maybe a couple milk cows, more chickens, maybe a hog or two, bigger gardens, a root cellar, a green house.
And yeah, a lot of that is “prepping” or maybe it’s just being as self-sufficient as possible. But I have to confess, some of it’s just plain old longing for simpler times. Nostalgia.
There’s something soothing about working in the garden, getting plants to grow, harvesting what I’ve grown, and preserving everything to enjoy through the winter. I enjoy that immensely. It can be hard work at times, and frustrating at times, but I’ll take that over corporate politics or sitting on conference calls any day of the week. Same with tending animals. Gathering eggs, making sure they’re all fed and have clean, safe places to bed down at night, and solving any issues that arise.
And to be honest, I also don’t mind a bit when the power goes out or the internet goes down. As long as I can run the generator so I don’t lose what’s in the freezer, I’m content. During daylight hours I can catch up on chores in the house or garden, go for a walk, spend time with the family or pets, cook on the grill, or sit and read a book. At night, I can use solar powered or oil lanterns to read or do crafts, and going to bed early doesn’t hurt a bit. As far as work goes, it’s almost like a forced vacation. No power and no internet means no work. Granted, I can’t go for extended periods without
bringing in a paycheck, but a few days won’t break the bank.
Looking back at my childhood, growing up on a small farm, it just seems like life was a lot simpler then. Not just because I was a kid and had fewer responsibilities, but because priorities were different then. Going to church on Sunday was something to look forward to. Making popcorn on the stove. Sunday afternoons visiting family and friends. Stretching out with a good book when chores were done. Not being constantly glued to a phone. Waiting for the first ripe tomatoes to make that first tomato sandwich of the summer. The coolness and smell of a root cellar. And having the time to just enjoy all those things, without rushing.
So I’m really not sure how much of it could be considered “prepping” and how much of it is a longing to return to a simpler life. And I’m not sure it matters.
I hope y’all are enjoying getting your gardens in as much as I am and finding ways back to those simpler times.
See you ‘round the Roan!
Amy Campbell Clark Editor amy@roanmountainmagazine.com
Potatoes don't seem to grow well in the hard, compacted soil in my garden. I did a little research and found that they can do well in grow bags, so I'm trying something new this year. Probably not practical for growing enough to feed a whole family through the winter, but any it produces will be more than I had last year! You start with just a few inches of potting mix, then as the plants grow, you add more so only the top couple inches of the plants are showing, until the bags are full. I'll keep you posted!
What do you do if you own a firearm in an obsolete caliber?
In this case, a small 1902 "Boy's Rifle" Remington No. 6 Rolling Block chambered for .32 long rimfire. The only place to find this ammunition nowadays is on the specialty collector forums, seeing as production for this caliber ceased in the early 1940s. But expect to pay up to $200 for a box of 50. (That's almost as much as .50 BMG!)
So, what to do?
Assuming the firearm isn't itself a rare or valuable collector's item, the barrel can be re-machined to a modern, commonly available caliber. In this case, in .22 LR.
The first priority is a thorough inspection of the mechanics and specifications of the little rifle.
• Action: single shot rolling block
• Caliber: .32 LR (also available in .22 short and .22 long)
• Barrel: 20 ¹⁄₈ inches with sporter taper
• Sights: bead front and adjustable "V" notch rear
• Trigger: single stage
• Stock and forend: American black walnut
• Length of pull: 12 ⁵⁄₈ inches
• Overall length: 34 inces
• Weight: 3 ¾ pounds
Being a rolling block design, it's an uncommonly strong action – if a little slower to operate than a boltaction. But also far easier to modify or customize. Next step is to detail disassemble the rifle and place the barrel in the lathe. Using a specialized 8 mm extralong drill bit (14 inches) with a 7.5 mm bronze pilot, I carefully drill out the old rifling to a finished inside bore of 8 mm. Drilling from both ends is necessary here and also ensures a center exit at both ends.
GUN TALK WITH JON
Changing Caliber
By Captain Jon Strydom (aka African Jon)
Please note: My phone number has changed. The new number is (423) 957-1149
Next, a length of .22 caliber rifle barrel liner is lightly sanded to provide a good key surface then thoroughly degreased. This is put inside the barrel and permanently fixed in place with Acraglas engineering epoxy. In the past, this step was done using lead solder, but modern materials like Green Loctite #620 or #609, or even J-B Weld, provide ample strength for the job.
My preference is to cure the barrel overnight at a mild 140 degrees in a "hot box" powered with a 60-watt light bulb.
When it's fully cured, the barrel is placed in the lathe again and the muzzle end of the protruding liner is trimmed back and crowned to match the original steel barrel. Then switch ends and trim the breech end flush with original steel. Next, I run a well-lubricated clambering reamer into the liner. The skill here is to cut the chamber to the precise depth for the headspace required.
Finally, refinish the metal back to its original patina – or reblue if wanted, but be careful not to over invest in the little rifle. It's like drawing the line at a fancy boob job for granny.
Now we have a nice little useable .22 rifle with new, sharp rifling that's good for another 120 years! And by that time, the next gunsmith will convert it to plasma or lazer.
As always - be safe out there, my friends.
INGREDIENTS
1 cup cornmeal
1 cup flour
1⁄₃ cup sugar (optional)
1 tbsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1 ¼ cup buttermilk
2 eggs
DIRECTIONS
■ Preheat oven to 425° with cast iron skillet inside.
TASTE ROAN of the
Submitted by Karen Howell
Friend and landlord, Karen Howell, stopped by recently and handed me a gallon Ziploc bag filled with pale yellow powder.
"A friend of ours ground some cornmeal and I thought you might like to try it."
I've never used freshly ground cornmeal before! It's paler in color, feels lighter, and smells heavenly. And makes delicious cornbread!
Note - the farmer who ground it recommends sifting the cornmeal and flour together for better distribution. Thank you, Karen and Randy!
■ Sift cornmeal and flour together, then stir in remaining dry ingredients.
■ In another bowl, mix together eggs and buttermilk.
■ Gently stir wet ingredients into dry ingredients, just until mixed. There might still be small clumps, but don't overmix.
■ Remove skillet from oven and melt a pat of butter in it, swirling to coat, then pour cornbread mixture into skillet.
■ Bake for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out mostly clean.
PLEASE share your family recipes with us!
And if you have a photo of the prepared dish, send that along too! amy@roanmountainmagazine.com
Cornbread
By Cloudland High School
Staff
Cloudland High School Class of 2026
It’s been a busy spring for Roan Mountain Recreation Foundation. I wanted to update the community on a few items below. Also, a reminder, the shelters and kitchen are available to all residents, if you would like to reserve them, please send a request to roanmtnrf@gmail.com.
Community Parks Restoration: Draft Master Plan Presented
Over the course of the last several months, a Master Plan was drafted for the rebuilding of our three parks. It’s a result of excellent work by a consortium of the National Parks Service, Overmountain National Historic Trail and the Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina. Funding came from the Department of Interior to rebuild the multi-state Overmountain National Historic Trail. The consortium chose Equinox Environmental out of Asheville, NC, to develop the plan, based on recommendations from our community survey conducted last fall. In addition to the Master Plan, partial start-up funding was provided to begin the rebuilding of the main trail in the park. Erik Anderson Park is an official part of the OVT Trail. The plan will be presented to the County Commissioners at a meeting likely in May. Once the plan is approved by the county, we will share the details with everyone at a community meeting. Stay tuned.
Funding Approved for the Parks Reconstruction
The Appalachian Regional Commission dedicated $1 million toward the rebuilding of resources destroyed/ damaged by Helene. That grant is matched by another for $1 million from TDEC, to build new amenities in the parks that meet the standards and limits of the flood plain. It seems like a lot of money; it is, and we are grateful for it. However, understand that when you look at the complete devastation these large tracts of land suffered, it has to be used very wisely for highest priority needs.
Engineering
Firm Chosen for Parks Reconstruction and Development
McGill Associates, of Knoxville, was chosen for the reconstruction and redevelopment of the parks. They met with Roan Mountain Recreation Foundation and over the course of the next month or so, they will review the Master Plan and begin to develop a schedule for the reconstruction of the parks. Patience will be key for the work. Due to the inevitable red tape of the government, RMRF was informed recently by the state that actual work may not begin until the Spring/ Summer of 2027.
Food Truck Monday’s Going Strong
Food Truck Mondays returned to a resounding success April 13, 2026. The rallies will continue throughout the season, every other Monday. We want to send a special THANK YOU to Lela Hughes for organizing these great events!!
RECREATION FOUNDATION
By Tom Niziol
Roan Mountain Recreation Foundation
Summer Music Festival Series Finalized
Roan Mountain Recreation Foundation is trying something a little different with our music at the stage in Erik Anderson Park this year. Rather than concerts every Saturday, we are pooling our talents and resources to provide a Music and Food Truck Festival one Saturday each month. Events will be held on June 13th, July 18th and August 22nd. The entertainment will run from 3:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. each of those Saturdays, with not one, but two great bands to entertain us. The schedule for music and food is listed on page 35. Be sure to pencil these dates in on the calendar, they promise to be extra special. And did I say, it’s FREE to attend! See you all there!
Below: Music in the park starts June 13!
Above: Flooding in the park during Hurricane Helene resulted in massive damage..
May
5/15
5/17 Cripple
5/23 Gunslinger
5/29
5/30
5/31
June
6/6 Lawless
6/13
6/20 Greystone
6/27 Tequila Mockingbird
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
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
In keeping with our vision of celebrating the past, we're starting a new section, Vintage Roan, in which we'll feature old photos of the community and its people, from decades gone by. If you have old photos you'd like to share, reach out to us to learn how your images could be inclucluded, instructions for scanning, or to make arrangements for us to scan them. We're happy to launch this series with these photos, submitted by Mike Gray and his daughter Charity.
(423) 957-0191
123 Buck Mountain Road
Roan Mountain, Tennessee
Follow us on Facebook:
Not All Weight Loss Medications Work the Same
Find the right option — with medical guidance.
Programs
Jump-start weight loss
Reduce appetite short-term
Clinician-guided plan
Oral mediation
Short-term use Regular support
Support appetite regulation
Reduce cravings & portions Focus on sustainability
Injectable medications Ongoing medical supervision
Coaching included
Which One is Right for You?
Our licensed providers guide you through your options and create personalized, safe plans.
Tupper Tip:
Did you know your refrigerator has “zones” for proper food storage?
Top shelf - raw meats & fish
Middle - leftovers & cooked food
Lower middle - lunchmeat & cheese
Bottom - fruits & vegetables Door - drinks & condiments
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT:
By Karen Ciampo
The pursuit of health and wellness is deeply intimate and is a journey we all take at some point in our lives. The most successful people are those who surround themselves with positive influences and a support system that understands the unique challenges of wellness.
My visit to A New Image Weight Loss Clinic & Spa was both professional and personal. On a weight loss journey myself, I was eager to see if they were a good fit. From the first phone call to the moment I walked through the door, I was met with wonderful energy, a clean, bright space and a very warm welcome. Long time office manager, Sarah McCloud, and I fell quickly into comfortable conversation.
Owned and operated by Roan Mountain locals, the team at A New Image is passionate about helping their neighbors, and it’s obvious from the minute the conversation starts that they truly care. That passion and, per Sarah, God’s plan, is the driver behind their success. Everyone I spoke with expressed a level of care that you don’t encounter often.
During their 20-year tenure, A New Image has evolved to stay current with the most beneficial weight loss care, which currently includes GLP-1 and Tirzepatides. Under the supervision of a doctor and a physician’s assistant, clients consult with the staff to find the best fit for their circumstances and needs. A New Image has also hosted a slew of additional services throughout the years, such as skincare, nails, and beauty supplies. Currently, they have a room available for the right person, in a related industry who will add to their services.
Owner Katie Donnells takes pride in supporting the community and has a genuine interest in the wellbeing of others. She supports local schools and events
and thrives on helping people, which is a beneficial characteristic for the industry she chose as a career. With the personal nature of the business, relationships form; when you have a vested interest in your clients well-being, those clients often become friends, and it’s not uncommon for people to stop in for a quick hello.
The staff at A New Image have created a support system everyone can take advantage of. Even if you aren’t utilizing their services, you can drop for a weekly weigh in, or just have a conversation about developing better habits. Sarah aims to remove the fear and anxiety that can go along with seeking out help to lose weight.
“It’s not always about the medicine, and there should be no guilt associated with seeking a little help,” Sarah said.
Their goal is to find the best path forward, tailored to the individual, and that comes from working together, learning about the client’s history and their lifestyle.
Even in our short time together, I already felt like Sarah was invested in my health and wellness journey and I look forward to working with them in the very near future. You can find more information on their Facebook page, A New Image Weight Loss Clinic & Spa, call to schedule a consult, or just stop in for a chat. They would love to see you.
Know
Your Place!
Our wonderful State of Tennessee, founded in 1796, is 230 years old this year! To honor this anniversary we're doing this two-part feature about the state. Look for Part II in June. Every state has adopted symbols representative of its history, people, wildlife, geography and culture. How many of our state symbols do you know?
We all know our state flag! Adopted in 1905, the three white stars represent the three divisions of the state: East, Middle and West.
There are two official salutes to our flag: "Three white stars on a field of blue God keep them strong and ever true It is with pride and love that we Salute the Flag ofTennessee."
Written by Lucy Steele Harrison, adopted 1981 "Flag ofTennessee, I salute thee To thee I pledge my allegiance with My affection, my service and my life."
Written by Miss John Bostick, adopted 1987
Critters
State Amphibian: Tennessee Cave Salamander
Gyrinophilu palleucus is mostly found in limestone caves with streams, in central and southeast regions.
State Bird: Mockingbird
Mimus polyglottus is found throughout the state and is known not only for it's song, but also its ability to mimic other songbirds.
State Game Bird: Bobwhite Quail
Also known as a partridge. Males whistle "bobwhite" and females answer with a four-syllable whistle. The females can lay 10 - 20 eggs!
State Sportfish: Smallmouth Bass
Tennessee has produced the five largest smallmouth bass in the world! Micropterus dolomiue, also called "bronzeback" are the hardest fighing sport fish in the state.
State Commercial Fish: Channel Catfish
Also known as spotted cat or fiddlers, these fish are found in most streams and many lakes throughout the state. They're bottom and current feeders.
State Reptile: Eastern Box Turtle
Terrapene carolina can live 30 to 60 years and rarely roams futher than where it was born. Box turtles are usually small, less than six inches long.
State Wild Animal: Raccoon
Designated in 1971, Procyon lotor can weight 12 - 25 pounds, with males being larger than females. They walk on all fours and are good swimmers. As we all know, they'll eat most anything, but they prefer fish and frogs. Raccoon photo below by Ryan Rice, Above Ground Media
Our State Seal Adopted in 1987, the Roman numerals XVI (16) represent Tennessee being the 16th state admitted to the Union. The plow, wheat and cotton symbolize the importance of agriculture and the riverboat represents the importance of river traffic to commerce.
State Horse: Tennessee Walking Horse
Our state horse ranges in size from 14.3 to 17 hands tall and can weigh 900 to 1,200 pounds. They're known for their gentle ride, in three inherited gaits: the flat-foot walk, the running walk, and the canter.
Artwork above and below by Mara Jade Shell
Growing Things
State Fruit: Tomato
Who doesn't love a ripe tomato fresh out of the garden? And we all have our favorite varieties to grow, eat and cook with.
State Cultivated Flower: Iris
These spring blooming flowers come in 170 varieties, with the most common being "blue flag." Although the congressional act designating this the state flower did not specifiy a color, purple is commonly accepted.
We also have two state wildflowers!
State Wildflower: Tennessee Coneflower
This flower was thought to be extinct until it was rediscovered in the late 1960s. It's found in limestone and cedar glades in Middle Tennessee.
State Tree: Tulip Poplar
Designated in 1947 because "it grows from one end of the state to the other" and "was extensively used by pioneers to construct houses, barns and other necessary farm buildings." It's named for its tulip-shaped flowers.
State Evergreen: Eastern Red Cedar
Used by early pioneers and by Andrew Jackson at the Hermitage. It is a sacred tree of the Cherokee and an important part of Tennessee ecology.
State Wildflower: Passion Flower
Native Americans considered this the most beautiful of all native flowers, while early Christian missionaries considered it a symbol of the Crucifixion with three crosses, the crown of thorns, nails and cords.
State Beverage: Milk
Possibly not what you were expecting! Milk has multiple health benefits, and Tennessee is home to more than 170 dairy farms. Our state produced more than $100 million in milk in 2025!
Bugs
We have two awesome state insects!
Firefly (Lightning bug beetle)
These fun little insects bring back happy childhood memories for many of us! Their flashing tails are used to attract the opposite sex and to repel predators.
Ladybug (Ladybeetle)
This bug was dedicated to the Virgin Mary, "Beetle of Our Lady." They're often sold to farmers to control aphids, and have been used as a natural remedy to cure colic and measles.
Rocks and Such
State Fossil: Pterotrigonia
Nicknamed "Ptero", this was a cretaceous bivalve that inhabited the ocean floor, which covered West Tennessee 70 million years ago.
State Mineral: Agate
This is a cryptocrystalline quartz and a semi-precious gemstone. It was adopted as our state rock in 1969 and redesignated as our state mineral in 2009.
State Rock: Limestone
Designated in 1979, the metamorphic version is known as Tennesseee marble and is widely used in buildings.
State Gem: Tennessee River Pearls
Found in pearl-bearing mussels, "pearling" was a favorite sport in the early 1900s. These pearls are among the most durable and beautiful in the world.
Scottish
Heritage
State Agricultural Insect: Honeybee
Honeybees are critical to our existence due their essential role of pollinating plantlife. And their honey tastes great too!
State Butterfly: Zebra Swallowtail
Eurytides marcellus has black and white striped wings with red and/or blue spots on its lower back.
Tennessee State Tartan
Our state tartan was adopted in 1999 to honor the important role our Scottish ancestors played in Tennessee. The colors represent:
• Natural white - representing the unity of the three Grand Divisions of the state
• Dark green - representing the importance of agriculture
• Purple - representing the iris, our state flower
• Red - representing the sacrifices made by Tennessee soldiers and pioneers
• Dark blue - representing the mountains
Next month we'll share some fun facts about our state in Part II of Know Your Place!
Snakes of Roan Mountain Separating Fear from Fact
By Park Ranger Daisy Graham
Photos by Renate Rohmann
"Spring showers bring May flowers.” May signals spring: gentle rains, new flowers, and the warm sun. Many people take a breath of relief that the harsh winter is over, and summer is around the corner. Humans aren’t the only creatures that start moving around with the newfound warmth though. There are many cold-blooded species that find the increased temperatures and sunlight life-breathing. Oh yes, I’m talking about snakes.
Now, snakes are not a lot of folks’ favorite topic. In fact, around 30% of Americans report being very afraid of snakes. Snakes are often seen as villains. The Bible, Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book, Disney, and Harry Potter are some famous depictions of definitely evil snakes. But in real life, the line between fact and fiction is way off, and snakes really don’t fall under the “definitely evil” umbrella. In this article, I hope to inform and possibly convince you, dear reader, that snakes are helpful, harmless creatures deserving of respect.
Tennessee is home to many types of snakes, 32 different species to be exact. Four of those species are venomous, meaning they express venom through bites. Those venomous snakes are the Northern Copperhead, the Cottonmouth (Water Moccasin), the Pygmy Rattlesnake, and the Timber Rattlesnake. Here in Roan Mountain, we have approximately 23 snake species, with only two of those being venomous: the Northern Copperhead and the Timber Rattlesnake. That means over 90% of the snakes you are likely to encounter here are non-venomous. There are 21 other species of snakes you are liable to see around here in the southern Appalachians. Snakes like the American Black Racer, the Eastern Garter Snake, the Gray Rat Snake, and the Northern Water Snake are extremely common in this area and are often seen. Unfortunately, these guys can be victims of bad press and bad identification, and they get killed for being a “copper-headed-rattle-moccasin.”
People tend to get scared and jump to conclusions about snake species, killing them before they even know what they are looking at. Many of you may have
heard that you can tell if a snake is venomous based on pupil shape or head shape. These can sometimes be helpful, but they are not always reliable. Snakes’ eyes dilate just like ours depending on the light, and body shape can change depending on how the snake is positioned. The best way to identify venomous snakes is to learn the specific patterns and features of the species in your area.
Copperheads and Timber Rattlesnakes have distinct looks. A timber rattlesnake, as the name suggests, will have a rattle on the end of its tail, which it uses to warn of its presence. If you see a Timber Rattlesnake, the best thing to do is leave it alone and allow it to cross your yard or path unbothered. These snakes will only strike if they feel threatened. Timber Rattlesnakes tend to stick to thick, rugged, rocky, often south-facing hillsides of mixed hardwood forests, so you are most likely to encounter one while hiking, mountain biking, or exploring rocky terrain.
Copperheads are a different story, and they are the snakes most misidentified. Many harmless species mimic their general appearance, including juvenile
A non-venomous black rat snake will help control rodent populations on your property. Stock photo
Banded watersnakes (left) are often mistaken for copperheads (right) because of their similar color and markings, but copperheads have "Hershey Kiss" shaped markings on their sides. Stock photos
Eastern Ratsnakes, Banded Watersnakes, Eastern Hognose Snakes, Eastern Milksnakes, and Corn Snakes. The Banded Watersnake is frequently mistaken for a copperhead and is often killed because of it. A copperhead (above right) is going to have what many people describe as “Hershey’s kiss” or hourglassshaped bands, where the narrow part of the band crosses the spine and the wider part sits along the sides. In contrast, a watersnake (above left) will have bands that are widest across the back, sometimes described as looking more like “tornadoes” or “saddles”. Copperheads often have a triangular-shaped head, though this can be hard to judge in the field. Juvenile copperheads (below) also have a bright yellow or greenish tail tip, which they use to lure prey.
Tennesseans are often very concerned about copperhead bites, and while no one wants to be bitten by a venomous snake, this fear is often exaggerated. In the past 60 years, there have only been around four venomous snakebite-related deaths in Tennessee, and only one of those involved a copperhead. Copperheads
do account for a large percentage of reported snakebites in the United States, largely because they are common in areas where people live. However, about half of copperhead bites are “dry bites,” meaning no venom is injected. With modern medical care, the survival rate is extremely high. Out of 10,000 venomous snake bites annually in the entire U.S, only 12-15 are fatal, meaning around 499 out of 500 people survive. Most serious complications come from underlying health conditions or allergic reactions, similar to how some people react to bee stings.
Most snakebites occur when people and snakes come into close contact during everyday activities. Bites are most likely to happen while hiking, gardening, or doing yard work where a snake may be hidden in leaf litter, tall grass, or under logs. The most common cause of snakebite, however, is when someone attempts to handle, harass, or kill the snake. This is why the best way to avoid a bite is simple: give snakes space and leave them alone.
If you are bitten by what you believe could be a venomous snake, it is important to respond correctly. Do not attempt to cut the bite, suck out the venom, or apply a tourniquet. These methods are outdated and can cause more harm than good. Do not waste time trying to catch or identify the snake. I guarantee the hospital will really appreciate it if you do not bring a living or dead snake with you. Instead, remain as calm as possible, limit movement, and keep the affected limb still. A helpful step is to draw a circle around the bite and note the time so medical professionals can monitor swelling. Seek medical care as soon as possible by going to the nearest hospital. The antivenom used
in this region is effective for all venomous snake species in Tennessee. If you begin to feel very ill, experience severe swelling, or have trouble breathing, call 911 immediately.
Snakes, venomous or not, play an important role in the ecosystem. Many species help control rodent populations, which in turn helps reduce crop damage and even limits the spread of diseases carried by rodents and ticks. Snakes are both predators and prey, helping maintain balance in the food web. A single black ratsnake can consume dozens of mice in a season, making them incredibly beneficial neighbors to have around homes, barns, and even chicken coops. If you encounter a snake on your property, the best course of action is usually to leave it alone. Nonvenomous snakes pose no threat and will move on if given space. If one is in an inconvenient spot, such as a coop or garage, it is generally acceptable to gently guide it away using a long-handled tool like a rake or stick, as long as you keep a safe distance and avoid harming the animal. Relocating it a short distance on your own property is fine. However, releasing wild snakes into areas like Roan Mountain State Park is not allowed. This practice can disrupt local ecosystems, spread disease, and significantly reduce the snake’s chances of survival. If you are uncomfortable handling a snake contacting the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency or a licensed wildlife removal specialist is the safest option.
If you encounter a venomous snake, such as a copperhead or timber rattlesnake, the advice is even simpler: give it space and let it be. Do not attempt to kill or handle it. Most snakebites occur when people try to interact with or kill the snake. Snakes do not chase people, and they will typically retreat if given the opportunity. Keeping a distance of several feet and allowing the snake to move on is the safest approach for both you and the animal. If the venomous snake is in an inconvenient area, such as a house, garage, coop, or barn, as mentioned before, you can call TWRA or
a licensed wildlife removal specialist to safely relocate the snake out of your space.
You may have heard locals say that you will not find copperheads on one side of the Doe River or another. This is a common myth. The river is not a magical barrier that keeps snakes out of one area. Snakes cannot read a map, they can swim, and they can and will go where they please. There has never been a recorded venomous snake within Roan Mountain State Park, even though there are many other species of snakes present in the park. The surrounding areas, however, do have reports of both copperheads and timber rattlesnakes. What matters more than which side of the river you are on is habitat. Areas with rocky outcrops, leaf litter, brush piles, wooded edges, and south-facing slopes are more likely to support snakes because they provide shelter and basking opportunities.
If you would like a chance to safely see and learn about some of our local non-venomous snakes, you can visit the visitor center at Roan Mountain State Park, where we have Highlander the garter snake and Jake the corn snake, also known as a red rat snake, which is one of the species most commonly mistaken for a copperhead.
Snakes do not want to hurt you. They want to be left alone. When we take the time to understand them, we begin to see them not as something to fear, but as an important and fascinating part of the natural world around us. Here in the mountains, they are a part of what keeps our ecosystems healthy and balanced. With a little knowledge and a lot of respect, we can safely share the landscape with them.
To learn more about common species, visit: www.tn.gov/twra/wildlife/ reptiles/snakes.html
A juvenile black rat snakes (left) have also been mistaken for copperheads. The timber rattlesnake has distinctive chevron markings, but the big clue is its rattle. Stock photos
May Dirt
By Ericka Hughes
May rolls in dressed pretty, but not everybody gets a soft spring. Some folks greet the month with flowers, others greet it with overdue bills, a mower that won't crank, and boots still wet from yesterday. The grass don’t care if your heart is heavy. It keeps growing. The weeds don’t pause because life hit you low. They rise anyway, mean and stubborn. So you pull them. One hand on the root, one hand holding yourself together. That’s how a lot of us make it, not in glory, not in comfort, but in small steady tugs the world never applauds. Mulch the beds. Trim the hedge. Patch the hole in the fence. Smile when you can. Stay quiet when you must. There’s dignity in surviving that polished people never understand. May sunshine can hit hard too, showing every crack in the driveway, every rust spot on the truck, every tired line in your face.
Still, you keep moving.
Still, you rake the gravel straight. Still, you stand up and call it a life.
Some of us bloom late. Some of us bloom bruised. Some of us just keep roots alive through another season. And there’s honor in that.
’s
Follow Us on Facebook
For many of us, Facebook is a great way to keep up with neighbors, friends and family in the course of our busy days. Whether you scroll through your feed or follow specific people or pages, whether you do so with your morning coffee, while waiting in line, or grabbing a bite of lunch, it’s a quick and easy way to engage, as well as keep up with what’s going on locally.
Roan Mountain Magazine’s page provides local information, advertiser updates, and fun interactive posts, shared with you by our Social Media Manager, Colleen Gainey (who also happens to be our local Tupperware Rep!).
To promote our advertisers, she welcomes new magazine advertisers on Wednesdays, and promotes a different advertiser every Monday. But she also often shares their pertinent posts throughout the week to help them reach more people. Your ad in the magazine isn’t just your print ad, but we actively promote you on our page, too!
Local information can include early closing notices for the schools or businesses (whether they advertise or not), upcoming event information, weather alerts, or anything else Colleen comes across that’s relevant to our community.
Looking for something to do in the area? Every Sunday we share a list of events happening in the week ahead. If you have an event that’s open to the public and would like to share it, send it to Colleen by noon Saturday. Take a look at the previous Sunday’s list to see what kind of information she’s able to include.
We also have a daily “just for fun” post for folks to participate in. Tuesdays are “This or That?” in which
you’re asked which of two options you prefer most. Recent topics included:
Would you rather eat morel mushrooms or ramps?
Do you prefer to text or call when you need to talk with someone?
Would you rather spend the day planting vegetables or hiking?
On Thursdays, Colleen posts “The Question of the Week” in which she poses a random question intended to engage with readers. Recent questions included:
How do you make a difference each day?
What was on your Easter table?
Do you know how to use chopsticks?
For “Friday Favorites”, the post might ask what your favorite part of the day is or who your favorite teacher was in school. On “Show us Saturday” you’re invited to share your pictures on a specific topic, like spring flowers or pets or produce from your garden.
It’s a fun and interesting way to engage with others, and often sparks ideas. One post last year asked followers to share their favorite Bible verse – the participation was high and the range of verses was thought provoking.
If you’re following our page, thank you! We appreciate your support and participation! If you’re not, look us up and join in the fun when you have a few minutes to spare. We love hearing from you!
And, if you’re a small business that’s struggling to make the most of social media, reach out to Colleen through the magazine’s messenger. She might be able to help!
Spring!
We put out a call on our Facebook page asking for readers to share their spring photos. Thank you to all who participated!
Barbara Clawson
Ray Mach
Craig Blake
Beth Fields
Faith Lynn
Colleen Gainey
Faith Lynn
Crystal Decker
Barbara Clawson
Cheyenne McKinney
Amy Thurman
Beth Fields
Jennifer Smith
Jennifer Smith
Patricia Pfeister
Faith Lynn
Amy Thurman
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!
REMINDER – Grandparents Essay Contest Contest Deadline July 31! For details see page 17.
Distribution
Jay Rich has been handling distribution for several months now and is planning to step things up. Going forward, if you run low on magazines during the month, call or text Jay (817-3037) to request more.
He’s working steadily to iron out some distribution kinks, such as how many copies to leave at each location, and to increase our distribution locations in outlying areas.
If you have suggestions for where you’d like to see the magazine distributed, let him know.
New Website in Development
We have begun taking steps to improve our website with the goal of being a better resource for the community. We plan to add:
• Advertising opportunities
• Classified ads
• A store, offering magazine merchandise as well as art and other items from local creators
• Web exclusive content
• A fun page with puzzles, games, coloring pages, and so on
• A community calendar
• A resources section with business listings, useful links, outdoor recreation information, and more
The digital issue will still be available for those of you who read it online or share it with family and friends, and nothing that’s currently on our website will go away, we’ll just have more to offer.
If you would like to offer your artisanal products in the store on consignment, or would like information about any of the other pages, please reach out to us soon.
We hope to launch the new site this fall, so look for an announcement here and on our Facebook page.
New Sections with this Issue
We’ve added three new fun things starting with this issue.
Vintage Roan
Here (page 19 in this issue) we’ll feature old photos of Roan Mountain – the older the better! If you or someone you know has old photos of the area or residents from back in the day, let us know. You can scan and email them to us, or we can pick them up from you, scan them and return them. We’ll always take great care with these precious memories and get them back to you promptly. Reach out to Amy to make arrangements. amy@roanmountainmagazine.com or 440-9012.
Full-size coloring page
Staff artist Kelly McCollum will be creating a fullsize line drawings for the “Fun” section, with art that’s pertinent to the Roan Mountain community, and that’s suitable for all ages. These pages can be colored in the magazine, of course, but we’ll also make them available to print out from both our Facebook page and our website.
Jay's Got Jokes!
Last but certainly not least, we’ve also added a monthly bit of humor. If you’ve met him, you’re probably aware that Jay Rich has an abundant supply of “dad jokes” that he shares readily (whether you want to hear them or not)!
They might make you laugh or they might make you groan, and the magazine can’t be held responsible for your reactions!
Jay’s Got Jokes will appear in a different location every month, so see if you can find them and share them if you dare!
Congratulations to Lacy Plumbing and Plumbers Hardware
For being voted Best of the Best in Carter County again this year! A number of local businesses were given honorable mentions, which suggests that next year, Roan Mountain residents need to make sure to vote for more of our local businesses next year!
GRACE PLACE THE
By Reverend Hunter Greene
When we look in the mirror, it can be difficult not to fixate on all the things that make us different from other people. Our eyes focus in on all the impurities we see, all the unique features that make us stand out, all the mistakes that keep us up at night, all the deep insecurities we’ve buried beneath dazzling performances, and all the stories of rejection we hide behind our smiles. We often go to our mirrors in attempts to rectify and repair our tarnished beauty, but our mirrors seem to leave us with more doubts than assurances about our own belovedness.
Yet, I wonder if the crushing weight of our culture’s impossible beauty standards and constant reminders of our failings have made us forget the healing power of an uncovered blemish. It’s interesting to me just how much we’ve been convinced that our shortcomings are what separate us from others – what, ultimately, makes us isolated from them – when those shortcomings are perhaps the one thing that we have most in common with the rest of the world.
I like to think Jesus' invitation to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe,” was more about God’s willingness to be like us than it was Thomas’ inability to be like God. Given the fact that Jesus could have resurrected without a scratch on his body, it’s certainly intriguing that Jesus leaves the markers of his crucifixion in plain sight for the world to see.
Living with a naked vulnerability before your peers is, generally, a pretty terrible marketing strategy in today’s rat race to become one who is valuable enough to "influence” others, but this is precisely the strategy that God takes in transforming – not influencing – the world. From his birth in a lowly stable to his death by crucifixion to his post-resurrection wounds, Jesus reveals to us that he is more than comfortable with his identity of being fully God and fully human. We might even say that Jesus settles once and for all that the Father is not some cold, distant deity in the clouds but rather the wounded God who enters fully into our mess.
27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.”
28 Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.”
While Jesus’ wounds may be the very reason much of the world can’t take seriously a God who would endure such suffering, his wounds are what enable Thomas to identify him as “my Lord, my God!” It’s far too easy to succumb to the temptation of latching onto fantasies of serving a God who would snap his finger or wave a wand to access the power of a thousand armies. In fear, we often crave a God who would conquer the world if that’s what it took to avoid losing.
But thinking we must be perfect, powerful beyond weakness, is a dark journey that leads us to the secluded island of despair – a place God, himself, didn’t even travel to alone. A wounded God is one that we can trust to hold our imperfections and our wounds with great care and tenderness. God’s intentions in becoming human, in becoming wounded flesh, were always about leading us toward healing and love, not embarrassment or shame.
If that’s not good news to those of us who are painfully aware of our own failings and darkness, then I don’t know what is. The story of Thomas reminds me time and time again that when I’m paralyzed by doubt, burdened by depression, and lost in despair that Jesus is always there, arms and hands extended, inviting me to feel his wounds and see that they are like my own. In those moments, I’m left amazed that God would meet me where I am, just as I am.
In his book “The Wounded Healer,” Henri Nouwen writes, “None of us can help anyone without becoming involved, without entering with our whole person into the painful situation, without taking the risk of becoming hurt, wounded, or even destroyed in the process. The beginning and end of all Christian witness is to give your life for others … Who can save a child from a burning house without taking the risk of being hurt by the flames? Who can listen to a story of loneliness and despair without taking the risk of experiencing similar pains in their own heart and even losing their peace of mind? – In short, ‘Who can take away suffering without entering it?’ – It is an illusion to think that a person can be led out of the desert by someone who has never been there.”
Friends, our Christian vocation lies here in this challenge: to follow Christ with the kind of courage that allows us to lead with our brokenness. Misery may love company, but I’m a big believer that healing loves company more. The characteristics, stories, sins, and flaws the mirror makes so glaringly obvious to us are also the very means through which God’s strength can be made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). In sharing what makes us human, our weaknesses, we give others around us permission to see themselves just as God sees them. In a world where it’s usually unwelcome not to be okay, may we be living witnesses of the wounded and crucified God – reminding each other that God’s love heals all wounds, even death.
Church News
Magill Memorial Church
Annual Summer Program coming soon:
• Families and kids can receive a hot, nutritious meal and free books one day of each week in the summer. More details can be found on the church Facebook page and in the magazine’s June issue.
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 )
Please pray for:
Prayer Requests
• Tony A. (a positive health outcome)
• Frank S. (improved health)
• Margaret S. (improved health)
• Jay and his sons
Send your prayer requests to Hunter!
Photo by Faith Lynn
May in the Mountains
A Short Story by Diana Tolley
The overnight thunderstorm had brought on the green and cleared the air in late springtime. New leaves appeared shiny in the fresh morning light, softly shedding their cover of rain drops, one by one. The woods joined in by giving off the pungent, earthy scent that meant renewal to animals and folks alike in the East Tennessee Mountains. Flowers sprang up everywhere, especially in the neat beds around the side of the house. Everything looked brighter in the early May sunshine as 14-year-old Pen Winters walked out onto his front porch. Mornings didn’t usually bring out his best, nor were they his favorite time of day, but he sure could appreciate the warmer weather that came with longer, happier days in the holler.
He stretched his gangly arms up towards the porch roof, yawning and breathing in deep. “Yessir,” he thought, “I sure love the month of May.” It was mostly because he didn’t have to get up and head towards that old, wooden schoolhouse every single morning. A body could only take so much learning before his eyes crossed and his hair stood on end. Pen’s mama always insisted that he and his siblings get a right, good education, because her and his paw had never had the opportunity.
“Pendley,” she would say, “Get outta that bed and go do some book-learnin’. You ain’t gonna go through life ignorant.” And the boy always got up, minded his mama and walked with his brothers and sisters to school.
“But not today!” Pen thought to himself with a big grin. Today was the start of summer vacation from Ms. Thomas and all them books and writin’ and what-not. Stepping off the porch, he stood for just a minute, his bare toes curled up in the soft, wet grass. He looked down to see two fish worms wiggling around, just beggin’ to go fishing. That was the best idea he could think of, except breakfast. Breakfast always came first. Heading back inside, he smelled hot biscuits and fat-back frying on the stove. Mama always made a big breakfast to last everybody through the day. Paw was already up on the hill doctoring cows so one of the children would have to take him something to eat.
All five young’uns gathered around the table, talking, eager to start their first day of freedom. Mama
stood shaking her head while drying her hands on her apron, then rested her hands on her hips.
“You’d think it was Christmas, the way y’all got up with the chickens this mornin’, chatterin’ like magpies.” She bent down to lift her youngest up and kiss his chubby cheek. Sitting him in the raised chair, she patted his head before going to the stove to start dishing up plates. Lockie, the oldest girl, hurried over to help.
“Son, don’t forget, you have to go up on the hill to help your Paw when you finish up here,” Mama said, without turning around, which was probably a good thing, seeing as how Pen winced like he was in pain. There went his plans for hittin’ the creek early. Everybody knew that fish bit better in the morning because they were hungry, too.
“Yes, ma’am,” Pen replied quietly, his voice relaying his disappointment. His mama kept dishing up food and handing the plates over to Lockie. “Won’t take long. Then maybe you oughta go see if you can catch us some supper. I been hankerin’ for some speckled trout.
This time’a year just seems to make a body crave fish.”
Pendley grinned from ear to ear. “Yes, mam. I’ll get right on that after me and Paw finish up!”
Mrs. Winters smiled to herself. She knew the young’uns needed this day to just be children. There’d be plenty of time later for chores. Lockie set her brother’s plate down with a loud clack. “You better be takin’ Daniel and John with you, seein’ as how you get lost and can’t find your way home til supper time,” She said with squinty eyes. Lockie had that smartalecky look down to a T and never hesitated to pull it on her brother. It made him squirm and more than a little bit mad, and she knew it. Pen felt his own eyes squint, lookin’ at her like he could take her in a fist fight. Maybe. His twelve-year-old sister had a mean streak a mile wide when it came to fightin’ and she usually got the upper hand if a body wasn’t careful as could be. The stare down didn’t last long as their mama turned from the stove and set their Paw’s breakfast, tied up in an old muslin cloth, down beside Pen’s plate.
“You take that to your Paw and I’ll get you a pint jar of milk to take to him.”
Lockie grinned. “Yeah. Better shovel it in, Penny. You got chores to do.” The much younger boys sniggered at the nick-name he absolutely hated. Only his sister got away with calling him that. Sometimes.
Pen nodded his head at her as she walked around to sit down at her own plate. “I think you oughta come help me and Paw, Lockie. You got such a soft touch and could sweet talk stingin’ nettles outta stingin’. I know Paw would appreciate it.”
Before the girl could reply, Mrs. Winters spoke up. “Now, Pen. Lockie has her own chores.” His sister gave him a smirk, which, in turn, made him wanna stick out his tongue. “She’s got curtains to take down and wash, then hang out to dry. Then we might just take all the bed clothes out, too.” The smirk disappeared as quickly as it came. Pen laughed before he could catch himself, then quickly scooped up his last bite of gravy and biscuits.
“That, there, is an eagle. I been sittin’ here watchin’ her fly in and out. Betcha a dollar to a donut she’s got her a nest up there. That’s where they like to build, way up high, higher than anybody else. They like the view,” Paw told him, nodding. As Mr. Winters sat chewing the fried fat-back and biscuits with blackberry jam that his missus had sent up, he pointed at another bird, a-ways out toward the south. “That one right there is gonna poke his nose in where it don’t belong and that mama eagle is gonna pluck his tail feathers in mid-air.”
Sure enough, the two of them sat and watched as a large turkey buzzard started his descent toward the area of the eagle’s nest. Suddenly, in one fell swoop, the bigger bird of prey dive-bombed the buzzard and sent him tumblin’ end over end in mid-air. The eagle’s angry screeching echoed over and over as she chased the would-be pilferer back the way he’d come.
“Guess he learned an important lesson. Never mess with a female watchin’ over her home, son. It could get a might dangerous,” Paw said, chuckling, then turning up the last of his milk. After screwing the lid on the empty jar, he tied it back up into the muslin, then leaned back on his elbows, crossing his feet. “What cow you need me to bring over now, Paw?” Penley asked. Squinting into the sun, his father shifted onto one elbow and plucked his own grassy stem. “Well, now, I believe I got the cows took care of. I been thinkin’, seein’ how this is May now, might be some more important chore to do. Bet your maw would love some fresh trout. It’s her favorite. The rain last night washed the night crawlers up above ground so we should probably take advantage while we can. Won’t be long before garden tendin’ and such comes on, and whatever your maw gets in her head that needs doin’.”
It wasn’t long before he made his way up to the top of the knob where his father sat on the grass waiting. A warm breeze rustled through the trees as pretty little birds sang their hearts out. “Took ya long enough, boy.” The older man said with a grin and ruffled his son’s hair. Giving over the tied bundle and milk jar, Pen sat on the grass beside him and plucked a new blade of sweet grass to chew on. Paw gently elbowed him, then pointed with his chin to the top of the trees across the holler. It wasn’t long before a big, wide-winged bird flew out of the tallest branches and circled high above them.
Pen just nodded with hope in his eyes. “That’s a fact, Paw. Always somethin’ to do, fer sure.”
“I know you had your heart set on tendin’ livestock and muckin’ out the barn today. But I’d appreciate it if you could be put upon to go fishin’ with your old man,” Mr. Winters said solemnly. “Why yes, sir. Whatever you need me to do for maw and the family,” Pen replied. The two looked at each other with pretend, put-upon expressions, then broke out in smiles. Jumping up, the boy gave his dad a hand. As they headed down to the woodshed to get their poles and the worm can, Pen looked up towards the eagle’s nest. Yessir, May had sure brought the mountains back to life after the past winter months. It was good to have the leaves back, along with all the greenery burstin’ at the seams. And the best part was all of God’s creatures seemed to appreciate it just fine … including a boy and his Paw from the holler.
Fun & Games
(For kids of ALL ages!)
I Spy! How many of each thing can you find in the picture above?
May Word Search
Enjoy our new "Coloring Page" (opposite), created by staff artist Kelly McCollum.
There’s a certain kind of green that shows up in May. It’ll fool you if you let it. Everything looks alive. Leaves are stretched wide, grass is pushing hard, and folks start thinking they’ve done something right just because it looks good from the road. But I’ve been out there long enough—with dirt under my nails and a shovel that’s worn smooth—to know better.
May will dress something up real nice … even when it’s dying underneath. You can plant something clean, set it straight, tamp the soil down like you mean it, water it just enough to make it shine for a week or two. From the outside, it’ll pass inspection. Anybody driving by might even slow down and admire it.
But roots don’t care about appearances. Roots tell the truth.
You find that truth when the sun stops playing nice. When the rain holds off longer than it should. When the ground tightens up and the heat starts pressing down on everything like a weight. That’s when the weak ones show themselves. Leaves curl. Color fades. Growth stalls out like a truck stuck in mud. And when you go to pull one up, there it is— nothing holding it. No grip. No depth. Just a shallow little mess that never took hold in the first place.
But that didn’t happen in May. That happened the day it was planted.
Landscaping will teach you something most people don’t want to hear: you don’t fix root problems from the top. You can’t trim your way out of it, you can’t fertilize over it and hope it straightens itself out. If the foundation ain’t right, the whole thing’s on borrowed time.
Life’s No Different.
I’ve seen people talk strong, carry themselves like they’re rooted deep. They’ll say the right things, wear the part, keep themselves looking sharp where folks can see. But when pressure comes—and it always does—suddenly they’re shifting, bending, breaking in ways that don’t make sense unless you know what’s going on underneath. Because roots don’t lie.
Character ain’t built in front of a crowd. It’s built in quiet places. Early mornings, long days and hard choices nobody claps for. It’s built when something in you says quit, but you don’t. When it’d be easier to cut corners, but you take the long way anyway. When nobody’s watching and you still do it right.
That’s root work. And root work is slow. It doesn't get compliments, it doesn't photograph well. Most of the time, nobody even knows it’s happening. But give it time—and more importantly, give it pressure—and that’s when it proves itself. A deep-rooted plant doesn't panic in a dry spell. It reaches. It pulls from places shallow roots can’t touch. The same goes for a person. By the time May rolls around, a lot of what you’re seeing—out in the yard and out in the world—is already decided. You’re not watching something
LESSONS IN LIFE & LANDSCAPING
Roots Don't Lie
By Ericka Hughes
become strong. You’re watching it reveal what it already is.
That’s why I don’t get too impressed by quick growth. Fast and green don’t mean much if it can’t hold when it counts. I’d take something slower any day. Something that took its time settling in, something that had to fight a little to get established. Because when the weather turns—and it will—that’s the one still standing.
So if you’re out there this month, planting, tending, trying to get ahead of what’s coming next—don’t just look at what’s above ground. Don’t let yourself be fooled by a little early success. Get down into it.
Check your work. Loosen the soil. Make sure what you’re putting in has a real chance to take hold. Because once the heat sets in, there’s no faking it anymore.
And if you’re looking at your own life the same way, be honest about it. Ask yourself what’s actually holding you steady; not what looks good, not what sounds good, but what’s real. What runs deep enough to carry you when things get dry, when pressure builds, when the easy way out starts calling your name.
Because one way or another, it’s going to show. May might let you get by on appearances, but summer won’t, and when that time comes, there won’t be any hiding it.
Roots don’t lie.
THE LAST WORD
Happy Mother's Day
By Noah Blair
Amanda Hope (Tipton) Blair was born on July 15th 19-something. I was taught never to speak about a lady’s age so I won’t pinpoint the exact year. Her father, Donnie Tipton, and her mother, Barbara Sue (Fair) Tipton, brought her home to her older sister, Misti (Tipton) Taylor, and their lives would never be the same. Amanda was, and is, a strong-willed, intelligent, and driven individual. This combination of personality traits can make for either leaders of people or prison gangs. Luckily, through the stewardship and parenting she received, she has (at least up to this point) led no prison gangs that we’re aware of.
There are stories from her childhood that allude to her personality as well. Stories of jumping on the bed after being warned not to, leading to broken arms. Stories of metal toy trucks being put into play pocket books and used to hit her older sister in the head. And even stories of her willingness to be her dad’s righthand man for building projects and car maintenance. Amanda has always made her own way, she has never been satisfied with the status quo. She met and fell in love with a goofy blonde-haired boy named Michael and they started a family young. They had three boys (Noah, Joshua, and Elijah) who kept them young while simultaneously making them old. Her boys have never seen a harder-working and more determined woman, and she led them by example, along with her husband. According to most opinions, her oldest is the best of her children …
She has built a successful career, a loving family, and still makes time to care for all of those around her.
She now has three grandchildren (Brynlee, Tytan, and Oaklee) and they all adore her. She loves her Savior and isn’t afraid to share her faith. She is an example (whether she knows it or not) of God’s grace, hard work, and dedication, to her children, daughters-inlaw, and grandchildren.
I am proud to say that Amanda is my mother. I am honored that God chose to give me such a special human being as my mom. She has always had my back, been my loudest supporter, and my toughest critic. She loves unconditionally and with a tenacity that could be heard across any ball field or gymnasium (if you know you know). She is also one of my best friends. I love you, Mom, and happy Mother’s Day.
From the majority’s favorite of your children.
P. S. I am the oldest and the majority that was polled on who was the best child.
Happy Mother's Day!
Amanda with her grandbabies (left to right: Brynlee, Oaklee and Tytan) and husband, Michael.
