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Roan Mountain Magazine
Volume 1, Issue 1
September 2024
STAFF
PUBLISHER/EDITOR
Amy Thurman amy@roanmountainmagazine.com
ASSISTANT EDITOR
Christian Ledford christian@roanmountainmagazine.com
All content herein is copyright protected and may not be reproduced in whole or part without express written permission.
Roan Mountain Magazine is published monthly and can be found at multiple locations throughout the Roan Mountain area, free to readers. We are not currently offering print subscriptions, but please contact us if you are unable to find a copy. (423) 440-9012
Read the Digital Version at: www.RoanMountainMagazine.com
Visit us on Facebook: Facebook.com/RoanMtnMagazine
Roan Mountain Magazine is printed by The Elizabethton Star
Letters to the Editor: We would love to hear from you! Questions, comments, ideas, or whatever you’d like to share, please send to Christian or Amy: christian@roanmountainmagazine.com amy@roanmountainmagazine.com
ARTICLES & FEATURES
13 RMM - Introduction
A look at what Roan Mountain Magazine is all about, our goals, plans, and what to expect.
14 Business Spotlight
This month we highlight two local businesses, both celebrating their one-year anniversary: The Appalachian Station at 19E and H & H Whiteway Grill.
16 Say What?
A collection of local expressions, colloquialisms, adages, and other terms used in the local region. Some you might have heard, some you might have said, and some might get your mouth washed out with soap!
20 Introduction to DART
Learn about the Carter County Disaster Animal Rescue Team.
21 Fall Color Guide
Forecast for the turning of the leaves, when and where to spot this year’s fall foliage, as well as reader-contributed photos of recent years’ color.
24 Highlander Football
Noah Blair interviews Coach Benfield about this season’s gridiron expectations.
26 Photos Around the Roan
Staff photographer and Roan Mountain resident Faith Lynn shares some of her nature imagery from around the area. Featuring scenics, local plantlife, and maybe the occasional bee.
7 9 11 29 30 Editor’s Letter Woods & Water Taste of the Roan What’s Going On The Last Word
ABOUT THE COVER:
We wanted something bright and colorful for the first issue, and the sunflowers in front of Smoky Mountain Bakers seemed just the thing!
Photo by Amy Thurman
Photo by Tonya Brock
Photo by Faith Lynn
Welcome to the first issue of Roan Mountain Magazine!
I’d like to start off by telling you a little about myself so you know who you’re dealing with, a little about my vision for this magazine, then what we’ll need from all of you in order to make it work.
I’m a writer and hope to publish a novel (or ten). Amy Campbell Clark is my pen name; Campbell was my grandmother’s maiden name and Clark is my family name. It’s important from a creative standpoint that all my published writing is under the same name. But, since I hope we’ll be friends, I’ll tell y’all ... my real name is Amy Thurman.
I moved here last November from Liberty County Georgia, south of Savannah, for reasons too lengthy to go into here. Yes, I’m another darn newcomer, but you have my word this magazine is the only “change” I want to make to this community.
I rent a house from Les Roberson, who I’m sure a third of you are related to since every time I mention his name I hear, “Oh yeah, he’s my cousin.”
My three adult kids are scattered everywhere, so currently in residence at my house are my German shepherd, Remington (my four-legged shotgun), two terrorist cats named Hemingway and Tempest, seven chickens and two roosters (though they live in the barn), Sissie, the barn cat I inherited from Les, and Les’s mule, whose name is Todd, but I call him Jud or Pretty Boy, for reasons I’ll not go into here.
Speaking of the two roosters, if you’ve ever raised chickens, you know that’s one rooster too many for that number of hens, so if anyone would like to provide a home to rooster number two, who I call Gilligan, please let me know before Romeo, rooster number one, puts an end to him. Gilligan is a four-month-old buff Orpington and he’s gonna be a big one.
Other miscellaneous details about me … I’m a gun owner and vote accordingly, I’m usually happier outside than in, whether that’s fishing, camping, working in my garden, exploring the area, or porch sitting and talking with friends. Yes, I’m single. No, I don’t want to change that. No, I don’t need any more animals (yet). Yes, I’d love to go target shooting.
Prior to moving here, I published a magazine focused on the water: boating, fishing, marine science, coastal ecology, and so forth. If you’d told me last
December, after I published the final issue (#100) that I’d start another magazine here in less than a year’s time, I’d have told you you’re plum crazy. And yet, here I am, hopping back on that crazy train.
Why? After hearing my response when asked what I did for a living in Georgia, several of you said, “Oh, you should do that here. We need something like that!” Then, the post I made a few months ago on the Let’s Talk Roan Mountain Facebook page about starting a magazine resulted in amazingly positive responses. So the fact that y’all liked the idea played a big part in the decision. Another factor is that I’m not quite old enough to retire yet so I have to earn a living. And this is what I do best. When I met Christian (through that Facebook post) and he was eager to be part of it as the assistant editor, that sealed the deal.
My vision for this magazine is pretty simple. I want to put down on paper the stories, traditions, and history of this community so they’re not lost through time. I want to bring you interesting things to read and useful information every month. And yeah, I might have the idealistic notion that a community-focused magazine will help keep our community united, make us stronger, and that folks will enjoy it.
What I need from all of you is pretty simple, too. I need businesses to advertise – printing costs money. And I need readers to contribute – your stories, your pictures, your recipes, your ideas. Even your criticism. Just please be nice about it. I’m sweet as pie right up to the point where someone’s mean to me or one of our contributors, then all bets are off.
Oh, and I mean what I say about politics and drama. Ain’t gonna be none o’ that in these here pages.
Now why are you still here? Turn the page and read on. Every word. There’ll be a quiz.
See you ‘round the Roan!
Amy Campbell Clark Editor amy@roanmountainmagazine.com
Photo: Gilligan, the buff Orpington rooster. He’s four months old and just learning to crow. You could save his life!
WOODS & WATER
HUNTING & FISHING the HIGHLANDS
By Christian Ledford
Welcome to the Woods & Water column of Roan Mountain Magazine. I’ll be your column host as we talk about what’s going on in the outdoorsmen’s world, as well as celebrate the successes you, our readers, are having throughout the year. This column is meant to be just as fun and rewarding as it is informative.
“How you do that?” Well, let me tell you. Wildlife rules are always changing so I’ll update you on anything you might want to be aware of during hunting and fishing seasons, but also to help guide readers who may be new to the outdoor world and looking to really dive in, or even “teach an old dog a new trick.” Just as rules change, the outdoor world is constantly evolving, and although the standards of hunting and fishing will always remain the same, we can all learn something new every day.
I’ll cap that with this: I am no expert. Far from it actually. I grew up fishing with my Papaw in these very streams and rivers that run rich in Roan Mountain, but I’m self-taught when it comes to hunting Appalachian whitetails, and turkey. By the grace of God, I had some friends who taught me a lot about running hounds for bear and ‘coons. Although I’ll never claim to be an expert, I’ve learned a ton since those early days of screwing up hunts by myself when I was fifteen years old.
or expert I’ve learned more about hunting and tracking in the last ten years than I ever thought possible. Especially when compared to the days when I’d go into the woods four hours before dark and leave with over an hour of light left, not knowing that deer move most at last and first light.
In this column, I want to pass that forward.
It isn’t all about learning though, as there are some hard-core hunters residing in the hills and hollers of Roan Mountain. To see a 140-inch whitetail or a four-yearold gobbler harvested isn’t something that only happens “every once in a blue moon” anymore, and when that does happen, we’re here to celebrate.
Not to say I’ll only share a bunch of “trophy bucks.” I like all happy hunters. From a guy who stands a whole five foot three (with a good pair of boots on), “size don’t matter.” At least when it comes to hunting. If you’re excited, your heart’s racing, and you’re proud of whatever you harvested, it doesn’t matter if it’s a spike or a twelve point, a long beard or a jake, as long as you’re proud and excited, that’s what matters.
Since then I’ve started my own hunting show on YouTube, Appalachian Holler Hunters, which features some of this area’s finest hunters, and through that, I continued to learn the hunting craft with some of the best hunters in Eastern Tennessee and Western North Carolina. This led to receiving job offers to film hunts for TV shows featured on the Outdoor Channel, such as Team Realtree and more. Although I’m no scientist
With that said, we want to share your stories. Whenever you, your kid, your grandparent, your neighbor, or whoever, harvests a deer, bear, turkey, racoon, squirrel, or catches a fish, whatever the harvest, email me a photo (no rough and bloody photos please) and the story of what happened, to possibly be featured in a edition of the Woods & Water column. Email all submissions to christian@ roanmountainmagazine.com.
See you after awhile.
INGREDIENTS
4 cups flour
½ cup cocoa
2 sticks butter
1 cup milk
3 tsp vanilla
1 cup creamy Peter Pan peanut butter
5 cups 1-minute oatmeal
DIRECTIONS
• Mix the first four ingredients on medium heat until it comes to a boil. Boil three minutes.
• Remove from stove and add vanilla and peanut butter.
• Stir until peanut butter melts, then add the first three cups of oatmeal, slowly, while stirring.
• Gradually add remaining oatmeal as needed until there’s a good consistency. The mixture should not be too runny or too thick. Proper consistency will drop easily from spoon onto wax paper. Note: Cookies will not set up good when there is high humidity outside.
TASTE ROAN of the
Kathy’s No Bakes
Submitted by Kristi Heaton-Dugger on behalf of Kathy Heaton
My friend and neighbor, Kristi Heaton-Dugger, contributed this recipe of her mama’s, Kathy Heaton. Although Kristi’s not yet allowed to have close contact with anyone after her recent heart transplant, she’s recovering well and sent me this recipe a few minutes after I texted her. She wrote, “She’s [Kathy] kind of known for them. People would actually request them at holidays. She would make tons of batches to send to people. They’re awesome!”
And what could be better for an early fall snack than chocolate, peanut butter and oatmeal wrapped up in a cookie?
If you have a family recipe or just a favorite dish you’d like to share, get in touch – we might be able to include it in an upcoming issue. Ideally with seasonally available ingredients, and if you have a photo of the prepared dish, send that along too! amy@roanmountainmagazine.com
Roan Mountain Magazine
AN INTRODUCTION
Roan Mountain Magazine will be published monthly and distributed at various locations throughout town and the surrounding communities, free to readers and supported by our advertisers.
Content will be centered around our mission statement and our editorial pillars. It will include regular columns, features and articles, supported heavily by stellar photography and an attractive layout design.
The magazine will engage directly with the community by including news and information from our advertisers and community partners, as well as general interest content such as: interviews with residents and area experts, local school news, ride-alongs, reader photos and memorabilia, and more.
No politics, no drama. We will strive to be an upbeat, positive, informative and entertaining publication, while preserving our history and heritage in print.
We are currently talking with Cloudland High School about getting students involved, and we hope to meet with local non-profit organizations in the coming weeks to discuss how we can best support them and share their news and information with the community. If you are a member of a local organization, please get in touch with us to talk about how we can help.
We are planning additional regular features, to include:
• Church Corner – an update on local church activities and news, prayer requests, and faith-based messages and information. Contributor needed!
• Kid’s Page – puzzles, trivia, coloring, bible quotes, pet care tips, and more. Contributor needed!
• Remember When – a monthly column sharing stories about the history and traditions of the area. Contributor needed!
We have a lot of ideas and look forward to hearing your ideas as well!
However, in order to make this work and keep it going, we need to build our advertiser base. Every ad we place in the magazine helps us to continue. Business owners, if we haven’t talked to you yet, you’re on our list, but please do reach out to us!
We have created a very basic website that initially will feature the magazine in “flipbook” form. We will be adding to this over time, to include distribution locations, lists of resources, an advertiser directory, and more.
In the interim, we’ll work to keep our Facebook page (Facebook.com/RoanMtnMagazine) updated. You’re welcome to message us there, or reach out to us via email or phone which are listed on the masthead on page 5.
We are not currently offering mailed subscriptions, though we will consider it going forward. If you would like to share the magazine with friends and family outside the area, you are welcome to pick up additional copies and send them yourself, or direct them to the website. If or when we offer subscriptions, we’ll post a notice in the magazine and share the information on our Facebook page.
On a side note, this issue has substantially more content than ad space. Please be aware that this will have to change over time in order to cover costs. But we will never have more ad pages than content pages.
We look forward to bringing you a great publication every month and appreciate your patience as we work out the kinks.
Thank you for reading!
Our Mission:
Roan Mountain Magazine is dedicated to celebrating our local mountain community through articles and features of importance to local residents. By focusing on the heritage and history of the area and its people, we hope to preserve and pass along the positive values and traditions handed down over generations. By including our love of the outdoors, local activities and lifestyles, we will endeavor to provide interesting content with something for everyone, in each issue.
Our Editorial Pillars: Community Heritage Nature/Outdoors Lifestyles
Please support our advertisers by shopping locally, and be sure to let them know you saw their ad in Roan Mountain Magazine!
Two local businesses, H & H Whiteway Grill, and The Appalachian Station at 19E, are celebrating their first anniversaries under new ownership this month. We’re pleased to highlight them here and wish them both continued success and growth!
Appalachian Station at 19E
When JD and Tanya Westerman moved to Roan Mountain in September 2023 and purchased The Appalachian Station at 19E, they had a big job ahead of them. They weren’t just buying a pub, but also a hostel and a live music venue.
As Roan Mountain’s only pub, the venue offers both domestic and craft beers – 196 varieties at last count, as well as food. They’ve made a few small menu changes, adding wings, paninis, more sandwiches (using bread from Smoky Mountain Bakers when possible), and appetizers, while keeping old favorites. Occasionally JD will fire up the smoker and offer a daily meal special. The pub has bar and table seating, a pool table and dart boards.
The 28-bed hiker hostel provides both traditional dormitory-style bunks as well as private rooms, a full kitchen and showers. Shuttle service is available to and from the Appalachian Trail entrance, a half-mile away.
Locals and hikers alike can enjoy entertainment in the music hall with Karaoke on Friday nights, sometimes with a theme, such as this month’s Disney theme, when guests are encouraged to dress up as their favorite Disney character. On Saturday afternoons a music circle is hosted, in which area musicians join in on informal jam sessions. The Westermans also frequently book concerts with performances by popular regional musicians.
In addition, all are invited to participate in Dungeons & Dragons in the music hall every other Sunday, starting at 1:00 p.m.
There’s more to come. JD looks forward to starting a craft beer club as well as a regular
dart tournament, while Tanya is excited about starting a sno-cone stand on the property next summer. They also plan to offer specialty coffees and hope to launch that this winter. Follow them on Facebook for updates on each of these future offerings.
The couple strives to provide “something for everyone” in a family-friendly environment, to include the family dog, as long as the pet rules are adhered to.
When asked what challenges they’ve faced since taking over the business, JD and Tanya were optimistic.
“The biggest challenge is cooler space,” JD said. “Trying to keep enough of each beer in stock to satisfy customers between deliveries takes a lot of room.” They’re looking at ways to increase storage space going forward.
“Keeping up with social media can also be a challenge,” JD said. They rely heavily on Facebook to promote upcoming events and specials, as well as sharing information with the public. “It’s time consuming, but it has to be done.”
JD and Tanya enjoy both the running of the business and the area they now call home.
Stop by and enjoy all the pub has to offer and follow The Appalachian Station at 19E on Facebook to stay updated.
Above left: The Westermans during a recent event.
Above: The exterior of the Station.
Photos provided by Appalachian Station at 19E
H and H Whiteway Grill
Tammy Hoag, formerly Street, is originally from Roan Mountain and spent much of her childhood here before moving to Maryland in her late teens. In Maryland she had a 20-year career in Emergency Medical Services as a paramedic and medic, before moving back to Roan Mountain with her partner, Rich Hull, to be near family.
Here, she went to work part-time waiting tables for her sister Michelle, who’d taken over the Whiteway Grill from their parents, until Michelle made the difficult decision to close the business.
“My heart wouldn’t let that happen,” Tammy said. Whiteway Grill had been in operation for over 70 years so she decided to take over the restaurant and give it a shot, with Michelle staying on to cook. Tammy rebranded the restaurant, adding H and H (for Hoag and Hull) to the name and officially assumed management in September 2023.
Now, one year later, business is thriving. She established regular hours, added additional items to the menu, such as appetizers, as well as new breakfast and dinner options. She had new menus designed, set up a new Facebook page, and has a new website in progress.
Whiteway has hosted several events, including a breakfast with Santa at Christmas, and paint parties. The next event is “Paint a Pumpkin” night on September 24, with Tennessee Mountain Arts.
Tammy expanded the business as well by opening a small general store beside the grill, where she offers shirts, locally crafted products, and a selection of useful items such as snacks and grocery items. She’s recently begun carrying a
line of hand-crafted artisan soaps and candles by Roan Mountain Soap & Candle in both the store and restaurant.
Tammy still maintains her paramedic certifications, but for the moment she channels her need to help others into community involvement. Whiteway has an “If You’re Hungry” program, sponsored by both the Grill and customers, in which customers (and staff) pay for food tickets that can be redeemed by anyone in need of a hot meal. Whiteway is also collecting clothes for Cloudland schools.
Whiteway Grill has become known for its homestyle cooking, large breakfast menu, and daily lunch specials. It was voted runner up for ‘Best Burgers’ this spring by Johnson City Press and is currently in the final rounds of this year’s contest in the categories of best breakfast and best restaurant/county cooking.
Tammy is thrilled with Whiteway’s growing reputation, but it’s not without its challenges. Like many business owners, she struggles with finding reliable staff. She relies heavily on her mom and sister, as well as a handful of dedicated employees, but as the business grows, so does the need to hire more people. Rising food costs is also challenging, as well as maintaining an old building.
“But I love it. I love the people, I love the community,” Tammy said.
Follow Whiteway on Facebook for daily specials and notice of upcoming events. Search H & H Whiteway grill and look for the circle logo. And stop in for a meal – you won’t be disappointed.
Above: The Whiteway Grill on 19E
Left: Tammy and Rich (top), family and friends with Santa.
Photos provided by H&H Whiteway Grill
“Say What? ”
Compiled by Amy Campbell Clark
It could be said that every region across this great nation of ours has its own sayings, expressions and unusual terms. Yet I find these regional colloquialisms to be far more colorful and interesting in the southern states, and this part of the Appalachian Mountains bears that out. With style!
As someone who uses words for a living, this is endlessly fascinating to me and I began picking up on unfamiliar expressions within days of moving here. While some are similar to those I’d heard growing up in Southern Missouri, or over the past few decades living in Georgia, many were new and unfamiliar.
One of the first unusual terms I heard was from my friend Les Roberson. (Actually several of the first I heard were from Les, and my neighbor Mike Hagie.) I don’t remember what I said to Les, but his response was “Augh’?” Kind of like “ought” with the T cut off. After hearing it a few times from him and others, I understood it to mean, “Really?” or “You don’t say!” or maybe “wow!”
Here are a few I’ve collected. Where the expression was shared by more than one person, I did not include who provided it.
If y’all have others, send them to me and when I have enough, we’ll run another list. (And yes, after 30 years living in Georgia, “y’all” is still very much a part of my vocabulary, though you’n’s is more prevalent here. Incidentally, you’n’s is what we said where I grew up, too. Who knows when that might creep back into my way of speaking.)
Also, if you have better explanations or more history on any we’ve included here, please send those to me as well!
“Grinnin’ like a mule eating sawbr’ar!”
I had no idea what a sawbriar was, so I looked it up and apparently it’s a thorny vine. So if a mule were to eat it, he might pull his lips back, as if grinning. I’ve yet to offer a sawbriar to the mule in residence at home to see if this bears out, but I might. (Provided by a man who asked to be listed as Robert E. Lee, his “stage name.”)
“I wouldn’t let him walk through my pasture without a muzzle on!”
This might be said of someone who’s overly fond of steak or just loves meat, inferring that your livestock might not be safe if the person in question were hungry enough. (Provided by Les Roberson)
“The Devil’s whoopin’ his wife.”
This is an explanation for rain falling while the sun is shining. And for those of you who “ain’t from ‘round here,” whoopin’ means whipping.
“Colder than a well-diggers hind end!”
Apparently an old one from days when wells were dug by hand, this means very, very cold.
“Busier than a one-eyed cat watching two rat holes.”
Said when one has too much to keep up with.
“Busier than a one-legged man in a hind-end kickin’ contest.”
Can’t say I’ve ever heard of such a contest, but the meaning is pretty clear regardless. [Edited to be familyfriendly.] (Provided by both Les Roberson and Robert E. Lee.)
“That boy can outtalk a Philco radio.”
Someone who never stops talking. Ever. I think we all know a few people who fit this description.
“Older than white thread.”
I did a little research and learned that white thread was first used in the 1500s, so that’s pretty old! (Provided by Les Roberson.)
“I’m older than black pepper.”
When I shared Les’s white thread comparison, Roan Mountain native Jo Buchanan told me a gentleman in her church used to say he was older than black pepper. Given that black pepper was first thought to have been used some 2000 years before Christ was born, that’s saying something!
“Dumber than a coal bucket with the bottom out of it.”
I have to wonder if this might also be used to express that someone or something was useless, as well as dumb, but I didn’t come up with it, so I’ll just leave it here for you to decide.
“There’s more ways than one to skin a cat.”
Meaning there are multiple solutions to a problem. This one was familiar to me, but I don’t recall if I first heard it in as a kid in Missouri or later on, in Georgia. No cats were harmed in the telling of this.
“More confused than a cow on astroturf!”
Has anyone actually tested this to see if cows are confused by astroturf? (Provided by Melvin Johnson)
“Lazier than a cut dog.”
Implying that a neutered dog doesn’t do much but lay around. As one with such a dog, I can’t say I’ve ever found him to be lazy, but who am I to question the wisdom of my elders?
“Bluer than a fishhook.”
I had no idea what this one meant until speaking with W.O. Hampton and John Campbell, who explained it means cold. Blue cold.
“He’s sharper than a mashed potato sandwich.” I thought I’d eaten potatoes in every way imaginable, but I can’t say I’ve ever eaten a mashed potato sandwich. Can’t imagine it having too many sharp edges though, so one could assume the person referenced isn’t very smart. (Provided by Mark Blevins.)
“You can bet your bottom dollar.”
You can be absolutely certain. I’ve heard this one most of my life as well. Not sure why it’s the bottom dollar rather than the last dollar, but it is.
“Faster than greased lightning.”
Lightning strikes move at 270,000 miles per hour with no grease applied. I can only assume if someone were to find a way to apply grease, it would be significantly faster. If anyone would like to accept that challenge, please report back.
“Slicker than snot on a doorknob.”
This could be an insult, referring to someone who might cheat you, or could be the literal meaning as in a slippery surface, such as icy roads.
“I started out with nothing and still have most of it left.”
A reference to a lack of worldly possessions or wealth.
“Oh, you fell away! I didn’t hardly recognize you!” Could also be said, “You fell off.” When Jo Buchanan shared this one with me, I thought I understood it: that the person had lost touch or fallen out of contact. But I was wrong. Fell away or fell off is in reference to the person having lost weight.
“Faster than a cow on roller skates.”
I first heard this from Les Roberson while sitting on my front porch with him, my neighbor Mike, and my friend Cindy who was visiting from up north. The problem with expressions like this is that they frequently distract the listener from the story being told. All I recall of the story was that it was about Mike’s tendency to drive a mite too fast, but I’ll never forget Les referring to him as being faster than a cow on roller skates.
“He’s barking up the wrong tree!”
He’s wrong or doesn’t know what he’s talking about. (Provided by Jo Buchanan.)
“It’s so hot it’ll wither a fence post.”
Can’t say I’ve ever seen a withered fence post, but then again, what y’all think is hot up here is a mild spring day in Georgia. (Provided by Mark Blevins.)
“Harder than a woodpecker’s lips.”
Even given the fact that woodpeckers don’t actually have lips, this one is pretty selfexplanatory.
“Happier than a fat hog, knee deep in ‘poo.’”
Poo is a family-friendly substitute for another word. I suspect a hog would be happier in knee-deep mud, but that wouldn’t be nearly as humorous. (Provided by Mark Blevins.)
“Tighter than Dick’s hatband!”
Meaning the literal version of tight, rather than tight as in cheap. His shirt is tighter than Dick’s hatband! That lid is on tighter than Dick’s hatband! That door’s stuck tighter than Dick’s hatband!” No one seems to know who Dick might have been, but I suspect he was probably prone to headaches. (Provided by Robert E. Lee.)
“More sour than a mother-in-law’s heart.”
Having been a mother-inlaw, I’ll not comment. And for the well-being of the person who supplied this one, I’ll not name names.
“Colder than a mother-in-laws love.” That’s a bit chilly, don’t you think?
“I’d rather be in Hell with my back broke than be above the Mason-Dixon Line!”
I don’t believe this one requires any explanation at all. (Provided by who else, but Robert E. Lee.)
“Crazier than a runover dog.” This is another one I’m not sure I understand fully. I can only assume it’s not a compliment.
“Crazier than a gut-shot boomer.” I’m told a boomer is a type of squirrel. This brings to mind rather gruesome images, but I’m just reporting what I’ve been told.
Terms
Branch
Not just the limb of a tree, a branch around here can also refer to a creek. A road with branch in the name is usually named after the creek it runs alongside.
Holler
A branch.
Awfulest
This is an expression of emphasis and can be used either positively or negatively. “That baby’s got the awfulest smile I ever seen!” Meaning the baby has a cute smile. Or, “That was the awfulest storm we’ve had in years!” Meaning the worst storm. With this word, context, tone of voice and facial expressions are critical to interpretation.
Mess
This means a lot of something. He picked a mess of beans. She cooked up a mess of greens.
Plum
Also a branch.
A hollow – the valley or low area that runs between two peaks. Although it’s spelled ‘Hollow’ on road signs, it is never pronounced that way. Ever.
Another expression of emphasis meaning ‘very’ or ‘extremely.’
She’s plum wore out: she’s very tired. He’s plum full of hisself: he’s very self-involved.
Mountain water
This is in reference to a clear liquid usually contained in a mason jar. It does not come directly from a mountain spring, and that’s all I’ll say on the subject.
Do you have unusual expressions or terms? Send them to us and when we have enough collected, we’ll run another edition! amy@roanmountainmagazine.com
DART: AIDING ANIMALS IN EMERGENCIES
By Jayne Harper MRC Coordinator
Carter County Disaster Animal Response Team
The Carter County Disaster Animal Response Team (CC DART) is a well-trained, well-equipped volunteer force that mobilizes to aid pet owners and livestock farmers during natural disasters or manmade emergencies. CC DART members help their communities by moving affected pets and livestock to areas that have not been impacted, for their safety, feeding and shelter, and to promote and protect the general welfare of the citizens of Carter County Tennessee and the Northeast Tennessee Region.
CC DART is a strike team within the Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) unit serving rural northeast Tennessee. Volunteers are vetted and trained so they are ready to help when a community, to include livestock and pets, needs assistance.
CC DART formed in late 2022 and has been preparing for any type of emergency that may arise in our area. Recently, on August 17, a group of DART and MRC volunteers, Emergency Management Agency leaders, Red Cross staff, Ham radio operators, Tennessee Department of Agriculture staff and other community members conducted a tabletop exercise. The scenario involved learning to evacuate cattle from a farm affected by a wildfire on Buck Mountain to a temporary shelter at a farm in Jonesborough. The experience allowed participants to test their knowledge and learn from one another. CC Dart will meet again at a farm on September 21, to practice setting up a temporary shelter, admitting and tracking animals, feeding and caring for sheltered cattle, and closing down the temporary shelter.
Additional volunteers are always welcome! Volunteers must be at least 18 years old and can come from any county in the region. Some volunteers become credentialed to handle animals while others assist with tasks that do not involve animal care, such as setting up and closing down temporary shelters, manning the shelter during the declared emergency, administrative tasks, and helping out in every way possible to meet the CC Dart mission.
In May of this year, the Friends of CC DART was formed. This non-profit provides support to CC Dart in the way of fundraising, donation raising and grant writing to secure resources and training for DART to carry out its mission of helping pet owners and farmers
during a disaster or emergency. Volunteers are needed to assist with fundraising activities.
Community members wishing to support CC DART through donations to Friends of CC DART can do so, or learn more by reaching out via email: friendsofccdart@ gmail.com. The organization’s website is being designed and will be online at www.friendsofccdart.org
To learn more about the Medical Reserve Corps, visit bit.ly/TN_MRC or contact Jayne Harper: jayne.harper@tn.gov (423) 979-4596.
To learn more about Disaster Animal Response Teams, visit Disaster bit.ly/TN_DART or email friendsofccdart@gmail.com.
Top image: Volunteers practice bandaging techniques on a member’s pet.
Above: Volunteers during a recent training.
Photos provided by CC DART
Fall Foliage Color Guide
By Christian Ledford
Summer is winding down, and September 22 marks the first official day of fall. Before we know it, peak color season will be here and the mountains of Eastern Tennessee will pop with a sea of color, from yellows, to oranges and reds.
A number of factors influence when leaves will reach their color peak, but luckily for us, this has happened for thousands of years and we can get a pretty good grasp of when to have the camera ready.
One important thing to consider first is weather. The 2024 summer season had slightly above-normal temperatures and less than normal rainfall, which could mean colors will be slightly duller than in years with cooler temps and plentiful rainfall. It could also lead to colors taking slightly longer to reach peak, but don’t let that discourage you just yet.
The month of September also plays a tremendous role in the color factor, and fortunately for us, September in the Appalachian Mountains tends to stay true season after season. This month’s cooler nights and wetter days have already begun and will help boost the potential for fall color, just in time for foliage season.
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Photo by Carrie Lynn
September is also one of the most active months during hurricane season and the heavy winds that come with tropical storms, if they reach our region, can thin tree canopies. No major storms have reached us yet this season and the forecast is looking fairly calm and cool.
With these factors all considered, we stand to have great fall foliage this year.
It’s thought that when peak foliage begins, the brightest colors happen at higher elevations first and can travel downward at about 1,000 feet per week.
Now, let’s take a look at the current prediction for peak foliage viewing in the area.
Many thanks to readers who submitted photos of previous fall color! While we didn’t have space for all, we will run reader photos frequently, so there will be more opportunities to share your shots.
Foliage Viewing Guide
Highest elevations, 5,000 feet and above (Roan, Grandfather and Hump Mountains): October 2 – 9 Trails at Carvers Gap and the Roan High Knob can make for colorful scenic hikes.
4,000 feet (Doll Flats and the Linn Cove Viaduct): October 9 – 16
Areas such as the Miller Farmstead in Roan Mountain State Park will have great views.
3,000 feet (the towns of Roan Mountain, Newland and Banner Elk): October 16 – 23
The hills and hollers at our elevation should be vibrant.
2,000 feet and lower elevations (Hampton, Watauga Lake, Mountain City): October 23 – 30
The last week of October and even into the first week of November, these lower elevation areas such as Watauga Lake, will finally start to peak. As the season comes to an end, color may save the best for last as foliage near major bodies of water can have a more robust color, making the scenes around Watauga Lake breathtaking.
Photo above by John Bertocchini
Photo below by Faith Lynn
Photo by Zach Rich
Photo by Teresa Stout
Roan Mountain
Photo by Teresa Stout
Photo by Roger and Linda Stocton
Photo above by Angela Dempster Greene
Photo below by John Bertocchini
Highlander’s Football An Interview with Coach Benfield
By Noah Blair
As cooler weather approaches and preparations begin for fall, one might hear familiar sounds if you are near the old elementary school in downtown Roan Mountain. Those sounds are none other than coach’s whistles, the crackling of pads hitting together, and the thud of cleats racing up and down the practice fields. This can only mean one thing: football season is upon us. In a town with a rich history and tradition for the game played on the gridiron it’s a welcome sound to many and serves as a symbol of the fall season.
Our Cloudland Highlanders are hard at work this football season, running drills, weight training, learning the playbook and getting back into the habits that make good football teams. Each season will provide its own set of challenges that the team as a whole will have to work together to overcome. I was able to connect with the Highlander’s football coach Zac Benfield and ask him a few questions regarding this season, which opened at home against Happy Valley on August 23rd.
Roan Mountain Magazine: What are you most excited for this season?
Coach Benfield: I am excited to see how our kids respond to tough situations and difficult environments. That has been one of our focuses all off-season leading into now at the start of the season. Football is full of those tough situations, and I am excited to see how this group will grow and learn as the season deepens.
RMM: What do you feel are a few keys to your overall success as a team for this season?
Coach: The most important keys to our season are developing mindsets where we hate to lose, and to dominate every facet of the game. It is learning to develop a mindset in which we dominate and perform to the best of our abilities, not just on Friday nights, but even more so in practice, on those last few reps when you want to take your foot of the gas, or in the classroom with our academics. Those are the choices that we will have to make, and answer those
The ‘Landers charge onto the field, prepared for battle against West Greene.
Photo by Matt Laws
opportunities with the right mindset, if we want to continue to develop not only ourselves but the program itself.
RMM: If you were to name one player who has really developed from the end of last season to now, who would that be?
Coach: For the most part, all our kids have done a really good job at developing and applying themselves in the off-season to become better players for us, but if I were to name who is towards the top of the list, I would have to say Walker Gouge. Walker has transformed into one heck of a player for us, his best attribute is his mindset on how he attacks the game; he practices hard and leads by example. He really represents the mindset we want all our athletes to have. I am really looking forward to watching Walker’s hard work pay off for him this year.
RMM: In a world that is offering so many things they could spend their free time doing, why do young men continue to decide to compete in such a demanding game?
Coach: Our town has such a rich tradition in football that as little boys we’re raised around the game our whole lives, and living in a small town like we do, there are less distractions that could potentially draw guys away. Football requires you to be both physically and mentally tough. Young men who have a desire to be part of something that is bigger than themselves and are ok with being uncomfortable are drawn to our sport. Football teaches you so many valuable life lessons like perseverance, work ethic, and sacrifice for others, that when the playing time is done, you’re left with valuable life skills along with friendships that will last a lifetime. Kids who will subject themselves to tough situations and choose to persevere through, are kids who will grow into men who lead our communities and are examples for younger men.
RMM: If you had one more thing you could say about the season what would you like the Roan Mountain community know?
Coach: Our guys have worked hard this off-season in the weightroom, from our lineman to our skill positions everyone bought in and put the work in. I’m excited to see us apply that same work ethic in how we practice, how we approach each week and how we work together as a team. Our goal is simple, we want to make it as far into the playoffs as we can. November is what matters most to us. I am so proud of how our kids have worked and bought in to the program and I hope that as a community, we can put that same effort into supporting these young men each and every week as the season goes on.
Birchfield looks on as Cole tries to escape the West Greene defenders.
Photo by Matt Laws
Cole leads the way for Birchfield for a big Highlanders gain.
Photo by Matt Laws
Cole finds open space as Peppers seals the edge.
Photo by Matt Laws
Around the Roan WITH
FAITH LYNN
Roan Mountain resident and magazine staff photographer Faith Lynn enjoys exploring the trails and backroads of the area, snapping photos of nature. We’re pleased to share some of her images here!
This page, top to bottom: Trail in the woods. A hungry bee. Blue Ridge view.
Opposite page, clockwise from top left: Life cycle.
Something in the orange. Tumbling stream.
Hanging on for dear life. Evergreen forest floor.
Continued on next page.
Continued from previous page.
Left: Rhodedendron snack.
Below: Mountain vista with clouds and fog.
6 Disney Karaoke with Jesse
1 pm to 11 pm
The Appalachian Station at 19E 9367 Hwy 19E
Come dressed as your favorite Disney character!
(423) 732-0450
(event listed on Facebook)
7 Peg Leg Mine Geoventure
6 pm to 7:30 pm
Roan Mountain State Park
Visitor’s Center
Hike back in time to explore the geology and iron mining history of Roan Mountain.
(888) 867-2757
(event listed on Facebook)
9 Food Truck Monday
4 pm to 8 pm
Eric Anderson Community Park
Check Facebook for list of the day’s food trucks. (event listed on Facebook)
14 Night Hike - Salamanders
8 pm to 9:30 pm
Roan Mountain State Park
Visitor’s Center
Discover a phlethora of plethodons and other salamanders on a night hike.
(888) 867-2757
(event listed on Facebook)
21 Autumn Market
10 am to 4 pm
Hosted by Callista
Eric Anderson Community Park
Products by local makers, creators, farmers and more.
(828) 742-1818
(event listed on Facebook)
21 Dead Set on Life Concert
8 pm
The Appalachian Station at 19E 9367 Hwy 19E
Southern rock, classic and modern rock and metal. (423) 732-0450
(event listed on Facebook)
23 Food Truck Monday
4 pm to 8 pm
Eric Anderson Community Park
Check Facebook for list of the day’s food trucks. (event listed on Facebook)
24 Paint a Pumpkin
6 pm (come early to order dinner)
H & H Whiteway Grill
7317 Hwy 19E
Tennessee Mountain Arts leads guests in acrylic painting party. (423) 772-3289
(event listed on Facebook)
7 Food Truck Monday
4 pm to 8 pm
Eric Anderson Community Park
Check Facebook for list of the day’s food trucks. (event listed on Facebook)
12 Fall-O-Dendron Festival
10 am to 5 pm
Roan Mountain State Park
Shop local artisans offering handmade crafts while enjoying live music and food vendors.
www.roanmountain.com
on Facebook)
THE LAST WORD BROTHERHOOD, SACRIFICE AND DURATION
By Noah Blair
We’re heading into a change of seasons and that time of year when we dress in layers – layers that keep us warm during our morning commute, but are easily shed for our afternoon activities. This change of season reintroduces us to many of our favorite traditions and fondest memories: churches making apple butter, God’s hand painting the leaves of our backyard trees, spending Thanksgiving surrounded by our closest friends and family, and for roughly 17.9 million Americans, the best tradition of all starts again. And that is none other than football.
Yes indeed, my friends, football. I’m referring to the game that Taylor Swift’s boyfriend plays. The reason you see young boys on elementary school fields looking like life-size bobbleheads in helmets bigger than their bodies. The game that becomes a part of every young man’s life who laces up his cleats and bravely runs into the controlled violence that can resemble events in the great coliseums of old.
Across our country, little boys and young men alike will buckle down their shoulder pads and snap on their chinstraps to partake in the beloved game of football. Our town is no different as we have a rich gridiron history that has long been a rite of passage for young boys across our community. Our grandfathers played the game. Our dads played. And so, naturally, many of us, their sons and grandsons, continue the tradition and play as well.
Football is a tough and demanding sport. It requires players to compete in temperatures ranging from 90 plus degrees down to below freezing, with the added possibility of rain or snow. Physical pain is a given. And then there’s the mental pressure of performing with a fanatical crowd watching every on-field move.
Across the country, millions of young men play the game. So why do they inflict such physical and mental
pressures on themselves? It can’t be for the money and fame associated with playing professionally because only a very small percentage of those wearing their high school colors on Friday nights will ever be able to don the colors of an NFL franchise on any given Sunday.
If it’s not for money and fame, then just what makes football so special? You could ask 10 players and you’d probably get 10 different opinions. However, there are common themes across generations that consistently arise: brotherhood, sacrifice, and duration.
The brotherhood, or team, is the core of football as it takes all 11 players on the field giving everything they have to achieve their common goal. In a culture where individuals scream “Look at me!” a football team says “Look at us.” The team itself, as a whole, recognizes the efforts of every squad member who produced the scoring result. This creates a camaraderie that measures success not just in wins and losses, but lasting relationships that develop from this brotherhood.
Sacrifice is the piece of the pigskin puzzle that many might see as a deterrent, but players look at as a proving ground. Players must be both mentally and physically tough to play. Many like the glory, but few are willing to make the sacrifices needed to achieve it. Toughness is an essential tool for life in general and the lessons in toughness are plenteous in the game of football.
The duration of time an athlete gets to play football differs for every player; however, everyone faces the inevitable curtain call. Football is special in part because players only have a short time to actively participate. They go to battle with their brotherhood and they make sacrifices that benefit others more so than themselves. Football may cultivate tough young men, but yet, when these proud players walk off that field for the last time, tears stream down their faces.
So, what makes football so special? Is it the brotherhood? The sacrifices? Or is it the time one gets to play the game? I would argue it’s all three, and so much more, as football’s essence is all those things wrapped up in a beautiful display of human connection, intestinal fortitude, and good old-fashioned fun.
Noah, during his own gridiron days at Cloudland High.
Photo by KStarr Photography
VOTED STEAK Best
Reservations highly recommended. Open dinner only Monday-Saturday
