A-2 • FEBRUARY 25, 2013 • FARRAGUT SHOPPER-NEWS
Coffee Break
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? Nothing. I couldn’t have asked for a better husband and family. I am very content with my life.
What is your passion? I love to sew, do crafts and work in the yard.
With whom, living or dead, would you most like to have a long lunch? Margaret Mitchell. “Gone with the Wind” is a favorite movie of mine, and I would love to talk to her about it.
Other than your parents, who has had the biggest influence on your life and why?
with
My aunt. She was in a wheelchair, but it never stopped her from accomplishing her goals.
Arleen Higginbotham Arleen Higginbotham loves all the things “to do” she finds in Farragut. As an administrative assistant with the town of Farragut’s Parks and Leisure Services department, she also has a hand in keeping a fun calendar and the special events rolling for the town. “I am sort of Sue Stuhl’s assistant,” Arleen says of her position in Parks and Leisure. Stuhl is Parks and Leisure Services director. “I also help Lauren Cox with events when needed and just pitch in wherever there is a need.” Arleen grew up in Pittsburgh, Pa., and moved to West Virginia to a small town named Nitro when she married. “Nitro is a chemical manufacturing town,” says Arleen. “We raised our three children there, and they all still live in West Virginia. It was her husband, Robert Lee Higginbotham, who brought her from Nitro to Farragut. “Robert’s parents moved here after his father retired,” says Arleen. “With job changes and the fact that my in-laws loved it here, we eventually picked up and moved here, too.” Of her new home, where she and Robert have lived for almost five years, Arleen says, “I really like it here! There is so much to do. Our 11-year-old granddaughter lives with us, so we not only do the things we enjoy – like the mountains – but also get to take in things like Dollywood.” Granddaughter Taylor has gotten into the spirit of living in Farragut as well. She is officially the youngest member of Farragut’s Unsung Navy (FUN) volunteer program. “She works the events and gets her hours in doing whatever is needed, just like the adult volunteers,” says the proud grandmother. Arleen also loves crafts, and she and Taylor are busy decorating their house for Easter. Although she hasn’t taken on any new projects since Halloween, Arleen also loves to sew. “There were seven kids in my family,” she says. “I didn’t like being in the kitchen, so I occupied myself with the sewing machine.” Arleen also has a real sense of pride at being part of the town of Farragut administration. “People who haven’t lived other places aren’t always aware of just how excellent the services we provide as a town are,” she says. “If there is a limb down or a road that needs clearing, one phone call gets someone on it right away. This is a good group of people, especially in Community Services. They
I still can’t quite get the hang of … Hockey. Being raised in Pittsburgh, you’d think it would be a no-brainer. I even have nephews who play, but I just don’t understand it.
What is the best present you ever received in a box? I’m sure this is probably every woman’s best present: my engagement ring.
What is the best advice your mother ever gave you? She often said to be careful because what goes around, comes around.
What is your social media of choice? Right now it’s email. I hear from my daughters every day at work. Then they call after work.
What is the worst job you have ever had? really are there to help the people of Farragut.” Sit and have a Coffee Break as you get to know Arleen Higginbotham:
What is your favorite quote from TV or a movie? “I’d rather have 30 minutes of wonderful than a lifetime of nothing special.” – From “Steel Magnolias.”
I’d have to say it was the day I volunteered at my children’s school to clean an overgrown lot so the school could build a playground. I ended up with poison sumac.
What was your favorite Saturday morning cartoon and why?
What are you guilty of?
“The Jetsons.” It was amazing to see them rocketing everywhere. I also loved the machines that did everything for you.
I usually do things on my own instead of asking for help.
What irritates you?
What is your favorite material possession? My mom’s sewing machine. It was one of the first things she bought with money from her first job.
What was your most embarrassing moment?
Having to stand in long lines at the grocery store.
What’s one place in Farragut everyone should visit? I think everyone should visit St. John Neumann’s Church. It is an amazing church.
Riding the Mountain Sidewinder at Dollywood and getting drenched from head to toe.
What is your greatest fear?
What are the top three things on your bucket list?
If you could do one impulsive thing, what would it be?
I want to visit the New England states, do an ancestor genealogy on my family and retire to a warmer climate.
Flying. I hate to fly. I’m sure my husband would agree with this: Head to West Virginia and spend time with my grandchildren. – Sherri Gardner Howell
What is one word others often use to describe you and why? Hopefully it’s dependable. I try to step in when needed.
It can be your neighbor, club leader, bridge partner, boss, father, teacher – anyone you think would be interesting to Farragut Shopper-News readers. Email suggestions to Sherri Gardner Howell, gardners@tds.net. Include contact info if you can.
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