McMinn Life - Holiday 2014

HOLIDAY/WINTER 2015

Old-Fashioned Downtown Christmas A Great Time to Shop, Visit & Enjoy the Activities

Homemade for the Holidays

By Two Special Sisters

A Perfect House To Celebrate Christmas

The Tsali Notch Vineyard is the perfect place to host your wedding or special event. Enjoy sweeping views of the Cherokee National Forest and Great Smoky Mountains. Create memories to last a lifetime! Call or visit us today to make a reservation for your special event.

Come partake in Sweetwater’s National Muscadine Festival! Featuring Tsali Notch’s local grown Muscadine grapes, the festival is perfect for all ages. Try our locally made jellies, butters, and chowchow relishes. Don’t forget to also try our signature wines in our tasting room! This year we are featuring our new Rosé wine, called French Broad, starting in mid-September!

423.506.9895 • 140 Harrison Rd. • Madisonville, TN 37354 • www.tsalinotch.com

Jeff “Jay” Johnson Opens Luc-Jon K9 Solutions

Don’t Miss Greeks Bearing Gifts This Holiday Season.

22

Homemade for the Holidays!

12

Contents features

36

Happy 10th Birthday to

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library

Boxwood Wreath

24

Our Feathered Friends

of the Winter

28

30

This Old House

Bob & Nancy Erwin’s home outside of Calhoun

42

A Perfect House to Celebrate Christmas

6

Framing a Memory

38

departments 4

Letter From The Editor Pat Chester

44

The Bingham Group

46

Happenings

Meth Awareness Campaign in Full Swing Schedule of Events

Old-Fashioned

If Only These Walls Could Talk

18

Downtown Christmas

20

McMinn Life PUBLISHER

The Bingham Group President Lisa Atkins Bingham Local Editor Pat Chester

Letter from the Editor

I continue to hear, “When’s the next issue coming out?” and “You do such a great job. Each Magazine gets better and better.” I love how a “McMinn Life” is anticipated and it thrills me to hear the compliments, but the real thanks goes to The Bingham Group.

The president and owner is Lisa Bingham and I so appreciate her giving me the opportunity to share some of the good things going on in our county. Her staff is the most wonderful people to work with. Mignonne manages the office with abloom and she and Chris Hari make the sales that allows the publishing. Dustin is not only a great graphic designer but his organizational skills keep us on track of what needs to be done and in what time frame. Sloan is not only a talented photographer but a delight when she goes with me to meet those that have graciously allowed us to tell their story. It has been a joy to not only work with her but to see how she masterfully lays out a story. Jennifer is there to make me look good as she proof reads my writings.

With the help of all these fine people, we have for you another special issue full of homes decorated for Christmas, ideas for celebrations, and recipes for homemade goodies from two special sisters.

As always you will rejoice in the activities we’ve had in McMinn county and celebrate with new ones to come.

Enjoy!

Graphic Designers Sloan Burton Dustin Hayes Sam Morris Contributing Writers Pat Chester Judy Davis Gayle Fisher Chris Hari Julie Lofland Julia Reedy Ginger Robinson Cover Photo Lisa Bingham Contributing Photographers Robert Burleson Sloan Burton Ben Finch Jennifer Hardison Bruce Hari Tammy Lee Renee Nicolo Copy Editor Jennifer Porterfield Web Melissa Hitt Advertising Sales Mignonne Alman Tel: 865.523.5999 mignonne@binghamgroup.com Chris Hari Tel: 423.435.1650 chari@binghamgroup.com Subscription or Editorial Inquiries Tel: 865.523.5999 Fax: 865.523.0999 www.mcminnlifemagazine.com The Bingham Group, Inc. 11921 Kingston Pike, Suite 201 Knoxville, Tennessee 37934 www.binghamgroup.com www.mcminnlifemagazine.com

4

McMINN LIFE HOLIDAY/WINTER 2015

HOLIDAY/WINTER 2015 McMINN LIFE

5

A Perfect House to Celebrate Christmas Written By Pat Chester Photography By Renee Nicolo

D

iane White knows how to decorate for her loved ones at Christmas.

She and her husband, Bill, give the glory to God for their many blessings and love to share those blessings every day of the year...but especially when they celebrate the birth of our Lord.

Eighteen years ago, they lived in McDonald, Tennessee, and worked with delinquent

6

McMINN LIFE HOLIDAY/WINTER 2015

teenage boys, but then her sister, Linda McInturff, told them that the Farmhouse restaurant was for sale. They started a new adventure, bought it and moved to Etowah, but their giving spirit came with them.

Young people continued to be important in their giving, so they have put many to work at their business but also welcome them to come to their home and “hang out�. Diane and Bill have three daughters and ten

grandchildren, but their foster sons are still a big part of their life, as well.

Seven years ago, Bill, his father, uncle and sons-in-law built the beautiful home featured here. As you can see, Diane enjoys decorating and making her home feel extra special at Christmas. I was so glad we entered the house through the sunroom, because it makes the child in you dance and feel happy.

The Christmas spirit is definitely alive. From there, you enter the great room with more calming colors, but nonetheless, Christmas is found in every corner. The master bedroom and bath are also decorated for the season.

As we go downstairs, we enter directly into another great room with several bedrooms down the hall for their many guests. Diane has decorated each with a theme. She says she always starts with the wall color and then is off to find bargains to make each room come alive. Diane is a master at DIY projects, and she will freely tell you that they are “down-to-earth country people who love their Lord, love to help others and open their home for others to enjoy.�

HOLIDAY/WINTER 2015 McMINN LIFE

7

Diane’s grandson Landan playing with their dog Roxy.

8

McMINN LIFE HOLIDAY/WINTER 2015

Tanasee Photography UT Certified Photographers

(423) 745-4485

HOLIDAY/WINTER 2015 McMINN LIFE

9

SERIOUS CRIMINAL DEFENSE We believe that the practice of law is an important calling.

We believe Jesus gave us our mandate when he said “whatever you do for the least of these of my brothers and sisters, you have done for me.”

(Matthew 25:40) That’s why if you, or someone you love, is being investigated or has been charged with a crime, call us and WE WILL DEFEND YOU OR THEM. We believe in real justice.

We believe in McMinn County.

We are fearless, passionate and committed.

We are the criminal defense lawyers of

G. Scott Kanavos Chancey, Kanavos, Love & Painter

AT T O R N E Y S

AT

L A W

423.605.8357 • 423.479.9186 Resistance to Tyranny is Obedience to God

P rissyC loset

The

110 East Washington Avenue, TN 37303 | Downtown Athens | 423.745.2565

HOLIDAY/WINTER 2015 McMINN LIFE

11

Homemade for the Holidays!

Written By Pat Chester Photography By Sloan Burton

The Vaughn sisters, Bonnie Swafford and Dean Crisp, grew up in the Brush Creek area during a time where you raised your own food and cooked on a wood stove. Thank goodness they no longer do either, but the skills they learned have continued, as they love to cook homemade dishes for others.

During my visit, they talked of the cooking they did just last week. They prepared a birthday dinner for a brother, fixed six dishes each to take to church for a bereavement meal and then they prepared nine dishes for us to photograph. I’m only sorry that we didn’t have room to feature them all. I’m in awe of what these two ladies can accomplish.

Dean Crisp & Bonnie Swafford

Bonnie is the oldest of the seven children, and she learned around seven years old that she

preferred helping her mother by cooking rather than washing diapers. She would stand on a box to be able to reach the stove and counter. As she reminisced, she laughed about how her father called her first biscuits “cookies” because they were so thin. Dean tells about the sibling order being three girls first then the four boys that followed. She laughed, as well, about how their mother would say the boys were so different from her daughters because they were like four horses running and playing through the house. That activity brought about hearty appetites, and they would also have many friends over to eat with them.

It’s amazing that after all those years of cooking delicious meals for many hungry mouths, they would continue to enjoy preparing food, but these two delightful ladies love to give. They are using their God-given skills and love over and over. I’m confident that during the holidays, many will be delighted with their homemade goodies.

le Snickerdood rees. n to 400 deg Preheat ove ar and eggs Cookies g Mix Crisco, su flour, 1 C. Crisco r 1 1/2 C. Suga 2 Eggs Flour 2 3/4 C. Plain Tartar of am re C 2 Tsp. g Soda 1 Tsp. Bakin 1/4 Tsp. Salt 1 Tsp. Vanilla mon 3 Tsp. Cinna 1 C. Sugar

12

Sift together thoroughly. , baking soda, ar cream of tart above mixture. into salt and stir d form dough into an Add vanilla e size of walnuts), th balls (about her sugar and et g to ix m owl, then a separate b cinnamon in ls in the mixture to bal and roll the ” apart ace about 2 Bake Pl . t. coat them ee baking sh on a greased at 400 degrees. tes 8 –10 minu

McMINN LIFE HOLIDAY/WINTER 2015

Carrot Cake gs and 2 C. Sugar Combine sugar, oil, eg and l ur flo d 1 1/2 C. Vegetable Oi ad n beat well, the ll. Fold 4 Eggs, Beaten cinnamon and mix we ur Flo g ts and nu le, 3 C. Self-risin pp ea in carrots, pin . Pour ed nd 2 Tsp. Cinnamon ble is all til un s raisin pans. nd rou 2 C. Carrots, Grated 9� into 3 prepared d nutes. mi -30 1 Small Can of Crushe 25 for 0 35 at Bake Pineapple, Drained d pe op Ch ts, lnu Wa 1 C. 1 C. Raisins d butter, Cream the cheese an Icing: powdered d d an ne a nill fte va So , d se ad n ee the 8oz Cream Ch ts, and nu the in sugar. Blend 1 Stick Margarine ers and lay the n ee r tw ga be d Su ea spr 16oz Powdered the cake. of es sid d on the top an 1 Tsp. Vanilla ped 1 C. Walnuts, Chop

Almond Tea 3 Family Size Tea Bags 2 Quarts Water 2 Tsp. Almond Flavoring Sugar or Other Sweetener to Taste 2 Tsp. Cherry Sweetened Kool Aid Mix 1/4 C. Lemon Juice 1/4 C. Orange Juice Boil water and add tea bag s for 3-5 minutes. In a hal f-gallon pitcher, add the sugar and Kool Aid mix. Remove tea and pour hot tea into the bags, pitcher and stir until the dry ingredients are dissolved . Then add the lemon and orange juice. Chill and serve.

Coconut Cake x 1 Box Yellow Cake Mi 14oz Coconut 16oz Cool Whip

lk 1 Can Eagle Brand Mi 1 Can Coco Lapez

. You will be using lapez and set aside Mix milk and coco her cake. Mix and ot an for other half 1/2 and saving the on the box in (3) 9� pans. Remove ted bake cake as direc h holes in the while still hot, punc and mixture from the oven and, gle Br Spread half the Ea e cake with a knife. t the cakes set in th Le . up it is soaked on each layer until rature. Turn out and ice each layer pe pan until room tem p with coconut, saving some for d to with cool whip, an the sides and top.

HOLIDAY/WINTER 2015 McMINN LIFE

13

Chocolate Pie 1 1/2 C. Sugar 1/2 C. Plain Flou r 1/4 C Cocoa 3 Egg Yolks 2 C. Water 1/2 Stick Margarin e Dash of Salt 1 Tbsp. Vanilla 19� Baked Pie Cr ust

Potato Sweet o ashed Casser le oked & M tatoes, Co

eet Po 4-6 C. Sw r 1 C. Suga lt a S f o Dash nilla a V . sp T ne 1 ish. of Margari k c baking d ti 3/4 S put in a d n a e v e abo Mix all th Sugar n 1 C. Brow r u 1/3 C. Flo ed Pecans p s.

1 C. Chop arine f potatoe rg a M on top o .

C le k n 1/3 ri sp and s crumbly Mix until 50 for 30 minute 3 t a k Coo

14

McMINN LIFE HOLIDAY/WINTER 2015

Mix sugar, flour and cocoa. Ad d and beat in eg g yolks, then ad water d salt.

Cook in a doub le Add margarine boiler until thick. and vanilla. Be at until smooth, and po ur into a baked crust. Cool and pi then top with Co e Whip before se ol rving.

Fruit Pizza Your Choice Cookie Mix of 1/2 C. Sugar ilk eese, Softened 8oz Cream Ch d Sweetened Condensed M an Br 1 Can Eagle Juice st.

1/4 C. Lemon pan for a cru ar ss on a pizza sug re p ix d M . an ly ix te le m p e Make a cooki til brown, then cool com ad on cooled un th, and spre until Bake at 350 se until smoo d milk and lemon juice ee ch m ea cr se d en and ce d sli n se co U . ed ixture eeten crust. Mix sw n top of cream cheese m nges, blueberries, o ra thick. Spread s, bananas, peaches, o nge on the top. rie arra kiwi, strawber uit of your choice and y fr grapes or an ready to serve. ntil u e at Refriger

Red Velvet Cak e 1 1/2 C. Sugar 2 C. Vegetable 2 1/2 C. Self-ri Oil sing 3 Eggs 1 C. Buttermilk Flour 1 Bottle Red Fo 2 Ts p. Vinegar od Coloring 1/2 C. Cocoa, 2 Tsp. Vanilla Scant Mix sugar, o il, eg flour, butterm gs and red food colorin ilk g together. A in 3 well-gre , vinegar and vanilla an dd cocoa, ased round pans at 350 d beat until smooth. Bak d e eg rees for 25-3 Icing: 0 minutes.

8oz Cream Ch eese, Softened 1 Tsp. Vanilla 1 C. Walnuts, Ch 4 C. Powdered 1 Stick Marga opped Sugar rine Mix cream ch eese and mar and vanilla.

Blend in nuts garine in a mixer, add p ow an sides and to p of the cake d spread between laye dered sugar rs and on th . e

HOLIDAY/WINTER 2015 McMINN LIFE

15

Celebrating 60 years!

From our establishment in 1954 by the employees of Bowaters Southern Paper Corporation to serving the whole community today, your credit union is still the place where you can be sure that everything we do, we do for you.

The proof that your credit union is not-for-profit and member-owned is shown in our:

Loans with low rates Savings designed for to help you meet your goals

Checking without fees or strings Call or visit us today and see what its like to own your financial institution.

Your savings federally insured to at least $250,000 and backed by the full faith and credit of the United States Government

EQUAL HOUSING

LENDER

NCUA

National Credit Union Administration, a U.S. Government Agency

Bowater Employees Credit Union • Athens • Calhoun • Cleveland 1112 Congress Parkway S. • Athens, TN •37303 www.bowaterecu.org • 423-252-1140

HOLIDAY/WINTER 2015 McMINN LIFE

17

If Only These

Walls

Could

Talk

Written By Pat Chester Photography By Ben Finch

110 E. Washington Ave. in Athens in 1991.

18

McMINN LIFE HOLIDAY/WINTER 2015

(Left to right) Missy Ford, Madison Ford and Carolyn Ford. To the right is an old photograph of Carolyn Ford and Missy Ford.

In the early 1920s, a brick building was built on 110 E. Washington Avenue in Athens to house Tuell’s Grocery. In 1990, Missy and Carolyn Ford and their husbands, Todd and Doug, purchased the building to open The Prissy Closet, a fashionable shop for women to purchase clothing and accessories.

If only the walls could talk, we would hear many a story of a time when people made special trips into town for the necessary groceries and special items. When the building was purchased from Bacon Walthal on a handshake, it had been unused and in disrepair, but they stylishly brought back the old charm. Doug used a hammer and chisel to expose the inside brick wall, and they left the original hardwood floors where the worn areas and dark spots could definitely tell many a story.

As mother and daughter-in-law, the two

ladies work together exceptionally well.

They divide up their responsibilities but at the same time have the same focus.

When at market, they want to bring home updated, traditional items. Missy says, “We want what you buy this year to build with next year.” They know their customers, buy what would look good on them and always keep different ages in mind.

Through the 23 years of business, they’ve enjoyed seeing families come. Susan Willis was their very first customer, and now her daughter, daughter-in-law and granddaughters are customers. Many young children have come in with their mothers to shop, and now they make a point to come back from out of town as adults to shop.

The biggest change they’ve seen through the years is the internet, which gives the

opportunity to shop at home.

The Prissy Closet gives you a reason to shop in Athens with the personal attention, fun trunk shows and delightful fashion shows and meals on their hidden courtyard out back.

I’m convinced that the walls of this old building are still talking as friends gather to let these two special ladies make us all feel special.

The Prissy Closet (423) 745-2565 prissycloset@att.net www.prissycloset.com

HOLIDAY/WINTER 2015 McMINN LIFE

19

Old-Fashioned Downtown Christmas Saturday, November 22 3pm - 8pm Downtown Athens

To start the Christmas season, the Downtown Business Association sponsors the Old-Fashioned Downtown Christmas in Athens. It’s a time for families and friends to come together to shop, visit and enjoy a variety of activities while shopping the locally owned stores in Athens. Of course, there will be music, horse drawn carriage rides, reindeer and a petting zoo. I bet if you look real close, you’ll find Santa as he gives out his hearty “Ho-Ho-Ho.”

20

McMINN LIFE HOLIDAY/WINTER 2015

Former barber gone to the dogs.

Narcotics K9, Folly.

Life’s Journey Takes Athens Man “Right Where He Needs To Be” Written By Chris Hari

M

ost everyone in McMinn County knows Jeff “Jay” Johnson. His father is “Red” Johnson, who owned/ operated TWC Barbershop for many years. This was where Jay initially began his career path. In 2005, a terrible twist of fate changed all that. Jay got accidentally sprayed in the face with chemicals/pesticides, which got into his eyes and which he inhaled.

Jay began a frightening journey to regain his life. He lost his vision for a month and had peripheral neuropathy so bad that he spent months in a wheelchair, and he was on so much medication that he was unable to get beyond where he was. Three neurologists told him he might not live.

Jay knew he could not continue in the direction he was going and vowed,

22

McMINN LIFE HOLIDAY/WINTER 2015

Photography By Bruce Hari

“I will no longer be a patient and will work toward getting order back in my life.” This meant getting off disability, which also meant getting off all the medications, because private insurance wouldn’t pay for them. This proved to be a bonus for Jay. Once off the meds, his head cleared, and says Jay, “I became present.” He began the slow process of relearning activities of normal life, forcing himself to do things even when it caused pain. He learned to walk, use his hands and get his balance back. It took over four years, but Jay was finally able to return to work.

At this point, his journey took another unexpected turn. A lifelong friend, Jon Wilson, asked Jay if he would consider working with him in Iraq, using a dog to search for IEDs on a Department of Defense contract. This was a big change

and became Jay’s first opportunity to work as a contract dog handler and trainer for Vohne Liche Kennels, one of the largest dog training facilities in the world. The assignment was initially for three months in Iraq and required 200 hours of training at the Indiana facility.

While in Iraq, Jay learned how to run the kennels and was encouraged to further

his education by earning his Kennel Master training certificate. This was a major turning point for launching a serious career in training dogs.

Jay Johnson, pictured with the 3rd Brigade 101st Airborne TEDDs.

A domino effect was driving Jay’s journey by now. Within months of his return, he deployed again on an assignment for VLK to Kabul, Afghanistan. This time, he was responsible for training bomb dog teams to protect the American Embassy, which led to a return to the Indiana kennel to become a Field Service Representative for the Army to train Tactical Explosive Detector Dogs (TEDD Program).

He was assigned to the 3rd Brigade 101st Airborne Division and trained with them for five weeks in Indiana, then four weeks at the Yuma, Arizona, Proving Grounds prior to deployment. Says Jay, “One of my biggest blessings is that I deployed with 13 teams, they all succeeded, and 13 teams came home to their families.” His biggest heartache is also associated with his overseas tours.

Jay adopted his devoted partner, Bikse, a Belgian Malinois. “I can’t begin to tell you the value of that dog. He always had my back.” Bikse came back to the States and became a family dog with Lesley, and the couple’s sons Lucas and Jonas, but it was over eight months before Jay could return. Bikse died from an aggressive auto-immune disease within

a few days of Jay’s homecoming. “His death almost broke me. After everything we had been through, and now this.” Jay returned to the barbershop.

But it wasn’t to be. People in the community began to ask Jay to help with their dogs, so he started to train a few days each week.

Then another friend needed help, and then another. People just kept asking for training, and Jay’s Jeep became his office. Two clients were so certain that Jay needed to be training dogs that they formed a partnership with him to open Luc-Jon K9 Solutions, located at 2513 Cardinal Street in Athens. After only one year, the facility is already running out of space. Luc-Jon provides training, grooming, daycare and boarding for all breeds, all dogs, all ages. Training includes everything from potty training to personal protection.

Jay’s dream is to rescue dogs from the shelter and “repurpose” them.

His plans are to donate dogs that didn’t have a chance to veterans who suffer from PTSD and to others with

Plate carrier worn in Iraq & Afghanistan.

disabilities who would benefit from a K9’s assistance. Other dogs may qualify to become police K9s and could possibly be donated to small town police departments with little money for a police dog. According to Jay, “We have a great community, and Luc-Jon K9 Solutions would like to partner with local leaders to fill the K9 needs in our area.”

For further information on Luc-Jon K9 Solutions, please call (423) 252-0653 or visit them on Facebook.

Explosives Detector Dog, K9 Tango.

HOLIDAY/WINTER 2015 McMINN LIFE

23

Boxwood Wreath Written By Gayle Fisher

The Govenor’s Palace in Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia, is beautifully decorated in boxwood wreaths for the Holiday Season.

C

olonial Williamsburg, the capital of the colony of Virginia from 1699 to 1780, has been celebrating the Christmas Holidays for over 300 years. No one really knows exactly how the 18th-century residents of Williamsburg prepared their homes for the Christmas season. But we speculate that early residents of the colonial city used what was at hand – natural greens, fruits and berries. We do know it was a festive occasion to celebrate the birth of Christ. There was also a lot of socializing with relatives and friends.

I treasure this thought of being with the people you love.

With that idea in mind, the staff of our colonial city has adopted a 20th-century theme using what they think would have been used in the 18th century. Visitors will find no giant bows adorning the natural wreaths and garlands along the streets. It's all native and natural material. Ribbon was very precious in the 18th century and was used very sparsely.

I won’t be going to Williamsburg this Christmas, but I can make a wreath.

Boxwood wreaths are a favorite of mine, and if I don’t incorporate the fruit, I can break from tradition with a large, flowing bow.

One of the most ubiquitous plants in Tennessee is the boxwood (Buxus sempervirens). Boxwoods are a dense, slow-growing evergreen and have been used for centuries. The first recorded boxwood hedge was in Egypt in 4000 B.C. We have found boxwood useful for hedging, edging, topiary and foundation plantings. Boxwoods tend to border on being dull; at their best, they are a green, unchanging bush. Anytime that you travel 24

McMINN LIFE HOLIDAY/WINTER 2015

to an historic house or an antebellum home, you are sure to see some boxwoods reaching toward the second story window. This formal plant is used in knot gardens, mazes and privacy screening.

There are about 70 species of the Buxus genus. They are found in Europe, Asia, Africa and Central America. Boxwoods are grown for their foliage, and they have a great ability to withstand clipping. They can be grown in any fertile, well-drained soil, preferably in partial shade. Buxus prefer alkaline soil with a ph of 6.5 to 7.2, just the opposite of the requirements for acid lovers like rhododendrons and azaleas (that means they don’t grow well together). The scorching summer sun can produce dull foliage. A midday sun is especially harsh in the winter. High dappled shade, even from a leafless

deciduous tree, helps. A northern exposure is ideal.

My grandmother rooted ten boxwoods for me years ago as a gift for my new home. Fast forward 25 years, and we are changing the landscape. Danny dug up the boxwoods and heeled them in under the maple trees. The next spring, we replanted them back in front of the house. Digging a five-foot plant once would be stressful, but we moved them twice. I have kept them watered, but at first, they suffered from transplant shock and way too much sunshine.

Besides moving, old boxwoods do not respond well to heavy pruning. If you are lucky enough to have established boxwoods, they can easily be maintained at the desired height. There are three

methods for accomplishing this task.

1) Pinching is the preference of aficionados; this involves using your fingers to pluck back new growth in the spring. It is time-consuming and finger numbing, but it does allow for a natural, thick look.

2) Shearing requires hedge clippers or shears; this leaves brown discoloration where the leaves are cut. This method

is used to form a formal, topiary or architectural shape.

3) Thinning out some branches to allow air and light to enter the interior of the plant.

Now is a great time to lightly prune and get the greenery for a wreath or other decorations. Don’t trim late in the summer. Late shearing will only encourage new growth that may die in the winter. If left unpruned, Buxus will have a loose, cloudy-like shape.

For hedges, cut the sides on a slight angle, wider at the base than the top.

This allows light to penetrate into the bottom of the plant.

Mulch boxwoods in late fall after dormancy. Take care not to disturb the shallow roots; our dog has actually moved transplanted boxwoods out of the ground by scratching against them.

Also resist the temptation to knock snow off; doing so can easily damage the plant. The last characteristic to be mentioned is the “cat-pee” aroma.

Some love it, some hate it and some can’t detect it.

Now that you know all I know about growing boxwoods, let’s make a wreath.

This wreath can be made on a straw or Styrofoam base. ·20-inch wreath form if you use straw (wrap with green plastic first) ·50 floral pins ·One bushel of 5-inch sprigs of boxwood (these are best if cut the day before and allowed to condition in water in a cool place overnight) ·A pair of clippers for trimming and shaping the wreath Assemble a cluster of three to four sprigs of boxwood and lay them on the base. Stick a floral pin over the stem of the boxwood and push it in. Assemble another cluster of three to four sprigs.

Lay on top of the first cluster one to two inches down on top of the foliage so that they overlap; the second cluster should cover the pinned end. Secure it with a floral pin. Continue pinning clusters of boxwood into the base, working in one direction. Attach the last cluster of boxwood by lifting the first and pinning the last cluster under it.

Repeat the same steps for the outer, HOLIDAY/WINTER 2015 McMINN LIFE

25

and enter edges of the wreath. Continue pinning until all area of the wreath is covered. Clip off any protruding pieces. Now you can add the fruit and pine cones. ·20 pieces of No. 16 gauge floral wire in 18-inch lengths ·2 oranges ·6 medium red apples ·6 limes ·6 lemons ·20-24 small white pine cones ·20-24 4-inch floral picks Push a piece of wire midway through the side center of each orange, apple, lime and lemon so that it protrudes an equal distance on each side of the fruit. Bend the wires into a ‘’U’’ shape toward the stem end of each piece of fruit. Visualize

We offer a wide variety of services for your pet, including Daycare, Boarding and Grooming Services. We also carry an array of supplies, including holistic foods, toys, handmade collars, leashes and harnesses!

1046 Congress Pkwy N, Athens, TN 37303

Mon. - Fri., 7am - 7pm Sat. 7am - 5:30pm Sunday Drop off & Pickup available

26

McMINN LIFE HOLIDAY/WINTER 2015

how you want the finished wreath to look, and then center an orange at the top of the wreath. Attach the orange to the wreath by holding the wire ends two inches apart and pushing them through the middle of the form. Twist the wires several times at the back of the wreath to secure the fruit. Continue attaching fruit until you are pleased.

Wire the white pine cones on four-inch floral picks by looping the wire on the picks in and around the bottom row of scales on the cone. Wrap the wire tightly around the floral pick several times.

Place the pine cones on the outside edges of the fruit around the wreath.

Now you have a beautiful Williamsburg wreath – enjoy the compliments. Take time to be with your friends and loved ones, and enjoy your Christmas.

Fair Trade & Handmade Items 45 Third World Countries Represented

Do Good, Feel Good, Shop Fair Trade

•Jewelry •Woven Goods •Purses •Table Lenins •Pottery •Musical Instruments

3230 Highway 411 N. Englewood, TN 37329

•Baskets •Shawls & Scarves

Most Mattress Sets In Stock

Locally owned retailer of MurMaid Mattresses.

Jim Reynolds (Sales) and Mike Hodsden (Sales)

276 Dennis Street, Athens, Tennessee 37303 | 423.745.1512 HOLIDAY/WINTER 2015 McMINN LIFE

27

J

ennifer Hardison’s photography talent is to be admired and is enjoyed by many. When you ask her how she does it, she replies, “Aw, I just point and shoot. It’s all in having a good camera.”

That may be true for her, but it’s obvious that she had the talent to know how to frame her subjects and bring out the personality of each bird. You feel as though you are outside perched right next to our feathered friend.

She does 90% of her photography in her wooded back yard within the Athens city limits. Their deck has six birdfeeders and one “heated” birdbath. She entices the birds with black oil sunflower seeds and suet, which has been placed in holes that have been drilled into a log. This log is secured to their deck with a “seed catcher” underneath it. Many of her photographs are taken while sitting at their kitchen table in the warmth of their home. Her camera is always on the table so that she can be ready to photograph through a large pane of glass in the door leading to the deck.

Our Feathered Friends

of the Winter Written By Pat Chester Photography By Jennifer Hardison

28

McMINN LIFE HOLIDAY/WINTER 2015

We are honored that Jennifer shared some winter bird photographs with us. She also makes note cards with her photography, and the proceeds of the sales goes to support the projects of P.E.O., a philanthropic educational organization that supports the education of women through scholarships, loans, grants and the stewardship of Cottey College (www.cotteycollege.com). If you are interested in purchasing some of her cards, you may contact her at jenniferhardison@comcast.net

(Left to Right) 1st Column: Mockingbird, Male Red-bellied Woodpecker and Tufted Titmouse. Second Column: Male Cardinal, Goldfinch and Carolina Wren.

Third Column: Mourning Dove, House Finch and Tufted Titmouse. Fourth Column: Male Red-bellied Woodpecker, Male Cardinal and Mourning Dove.

HOLIDAY/WINTER 2015 McMINN LIFE

29

This Old House Written By Chris Hari Photography By Bruce Hari

It was meant to be for Bob and Nancy Erwin to purchase the old house in the country outside of Calhoun.

Nancy heard about it at a yard sale and went to look only out of curiosity. She went on a beautiful spring day with the sun shining on the creek, but even with a perfect day, the empty old house looked “tired.” Perhaps it was the Cherokee blood running through the Erwin

30

McMINN LIFE HOLIDAY/WINTER 2015

veins that made it impossible to turn away from the house built on Cherokee lands for a Cherokee bride circa 1826. In 1979, over 150 years after the house was built, it became the Erwin home.

The house, built by Alexander Harvey Wilson for his Cherokee bride, Jane Swan, was the center of a plantation that consisted of 875 acres. Cherokee encampments dotted the ground across the creek from the house and they were frequent visitors in the home.

When the Erwins purchased the house it had been empty for a year and was in sad

disrepair requiring one project after another to restore it. Says Nancy, “living in a house this old was almost like being an adult living in a play house with no rules…if at first you don’t succeed, try again.” Through the years, the Erwins have come to feel a special kinship with those who lived there before them. “As did those before us, we have rejoiced in weddings and births, and grieved in deaths, gathered the generations together in joyful family sharing, and attempted to fill the house with memories that speak to future generations.”

There is no time more special at the Erwin home than when friends and family gather for Christmas. Every room is decorated with historic and meaningful ornaments, many made by hand. Three Cedar or Boxwood trees are brought in, each to become a tree with special significance.

The tree in the living room uses things like fruit and flowers that may have decorated Christmas trees in earlier times. A second tree is decorated entirely of ornaments gathered over the 57 year Erwin marriage with new additions each year. Last, but not least, is the third tree decorated with colorful soft, unbreakable ornaments for the great-grandchildren.

The Christmas decorations most dear to the Erwins are the wonderful Santas handcarved by their late son, Scott. Each Santa is unique and peeks out from a corner here and a table or dresser top there. A painting done by Scott depicting a horse drawn sleigh driving down the road in front of the Erwin home is one of the first things visitors see upon entering the foyer.

(Left to right) The painting done by Scott and one of the three Christmas trees brought into the home for decorating.

HOLIDAY/WINTER 2015 McMINN LIFE

31

32

McMINN LIFE HOLIDAY/WINTER 2015

The Erwins feel very privileged to live within the walls of the house that has withstood the test of time and become the center of their family as it did for generations before them. It gives them great pleasure to share it with guests….“our sincere hope is that guests will enjoy their visit and, upon leaving, discover they have taken with them some of the love and warmth that the house so freely gives.”

HOLIDAY/WINTER 2015 McMINN LIFE

33

START YOUR CHRISTMAS SHOPPING HERE! BOUTIQUE CLOTHING NEW ARRIVALS

ELF

ON THE

SHELF

CHANGING THE WAY YOU SEE THE OUTDOORS

EDI

A LANDSCAPE DESIGN & INSTALLATION COMPANY

design group 34

McMINN LIFE HOLIDAY/WINTER 2015

www.edidesigngroup.com

423-745-4491

HOLIDAY/WINTER 2015 McMINN LIFE

35

Happy

10th Birthday to

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Written By Julia Reedy and Judi Davis Photography By Renee Nicolo

The Big Blue Bus rolled in to the Mayfield Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch on Saturday, September 20, 2014, as part of the statewide tour of the Governor’s Books From Birth Foundation celebrating ten years of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Tennessee.

The “Kid City” class with alumni from Ingleside School, led by teachers Carol Russell and Beth Caulfield, and accompanied

by Pam Thigpen and the Tennessee Wesleyan Band, sang the national anthem, led the pledge, and then entertained with “You’re a Grand Old Flag.” The TWC Band and the Etowah Town Band offered their musical talents during the entire event.

There were lots of fun activities for the children including: face painting, cow train rides, a zip line, a giant slide, a sand hill, tire swings, a giant jumping pillow, and many more. Some children came dressed as their favorite story book characters. Hot dogs and ice cream were enjoyed by all.

Michael Mayfield welcomed the crowd and shared how he and his wife, Jamie, enjoy reading the Imagination Library books that come free, every month, to their young son.

The opening ceremonies were led by the McMinn County Education Foundation Officers: Jennifer Hershey, Beth Jackson, and Shane Sewell, who introduced and welcomed the special guests. Judi Davis, the Imagination Library Coordinator for McMinn County recognized Braylon Bohannon, son of Seth and Jessica Bohannon, as the recipient of the 270,000th book given to a child in McMinn County.

36

McMINN LIFE HOLIDAY/WINTER 2015

Mariah Mayfield, Michael Mayfield, Dean Baggett, Crissy Haslam and Clarice Baggett.

Julia Reedy, Executive Director, gave accolades to League of Extraordinary Teens member, Samantha Coleman, and candidates: Ashlyn Songer, Bethany Carideo, and George Sullins who were there to register children and sell items to raise money for IL. She then introduced, Theresa Carl, President of the GBBF, who thanked the MCEF for its hard work and determination to get books into the hands of preschool children.

Special guest, Tennessee’s First Lady, Crissy Haslam, spoke about the importance of exposure to books and reading for children from the very earliest age. She said that children who receive Imagination Library Books have an academic advantage over those who do not. She also stated that reading is learned through third grade, and is a means of learning thereafter; so if a child is behind in reading in third grade, he/she will more than likely stay behind throughout school.

Certificates of appreciation were given to Dean and Clarice Mayfield Baggett, John and Elaine Mayfield Cathcart, Scottie and Lisa Mayfield for their family’s involvement with Imagination Library from the very beginning and for their continued support of this valuable program. Also, honored was Judi Davis, the McMinn County Imagination Library Coordinator, who has been the driving force behind McMinn County’s first and/or second ranking out of all 95 counties in Tennessee having the highest percentage of children registered to receive books.

All MCEF Board Members, McMinn County Rescue Squad, Fire Department, and Sheriff’s Department Members were in force manning the kitchen, supervising activities, meeting and greeting guests, etc…to make this event a safe and fun one for all. Happy 10th Birthday to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library!

Tennessee’s First Lady, Crissy Haslam, speaking about the importance of exposure to books and reading for children from the very earliest age.

HOLIDAY/WINTER 2015 McMINN LIFE

37

Framing a Memory Written By Ginger Robinson Photography By Renee Nicolo

What do you do with a war hero’s prized medals, a child’s heirloom christening gown, the blushing bride’s beautiful portrait? How do you preserve the story and the sentiment? For the last 30 years, folks in the McMinn County area have taken their treasures to Fuller’s Frame Shop on Bank Street in Athens.

Timberly Fuller Guffey inherited the legacy of preserving significant life moments from her father, Sam Fuller. Fuller’s has been

38

McMINN LIFE HOLIDAY/WINTER 2015

(Left to right) Artist Robin Champagne beside Owner Timberly Fuller Guffey, Image Specialist Lisa Bell and Framer Nicholas McCall.

home to ballet shoes, leotards, imported crafts and fine art for over a quarter of a century. Currently, Timberly and Lisa Bell, the in-house artist, have filled the downtown shop with original works of art, home décor and interesting pieces that catch our eye and warm the heart. You enter their world and are greeted with a smile and an ear waiting to hear how they can preserve your treasure or help you find just the right piece for the secluded corner in your hallway.

Fuller’s Frame Shop has a reputation of working with local artisans who have garnered more recognition. You will see work by Arnold McDowell and prints of “A Wonderful Life” by Bill McDonald depicting the Strand Theater. Timberly and Lisa listen as friends explain where a picture will live, the deepest sentiment behind the treasure and how lighting streams into the room. They concentrate fervently on the story behind the picture to ensure the treasure is preserved for future generations.

Great history is not just made, it is preserved. There is a yarn behind every work, a passion for doing the best and a legacy that continues with each ring of the bell at the door of Fuller’s Frame Shop.

HOLIDAY/WINTER 2015 McMINN LIFE

39

www.millerandmcphailcpa.com

Over 20 years tax experience.

•Knowledge.

•Skill.

•Experience.

•Results Tax preparation for individuals & businesses Retirement & estate planning Complete payroll service QuickBooks & Peachtree consulting

Miller & McPhail, CPA’s, PLLC. 17 WEST MADISON AVENUE | ATHENS, TN 37303 | 423-745-6680 9481 DAVID SMITH LANE, STE 125 | OOLTEWAH, TN 37363 | 423-910-0898

40

McMINN LIFE HOLIDAY/WINTER 2015

HOLIDAY/WINTER 2015 McMINN LIFE

41

Touching the Future

Written By Julie Lofland

T

he school has always been a center of any community, whether you’re in the city, the suburbs or the country. One of the strengths of our country has been its focus on education – not just for the wealthy but for all children. The cornerstone of American democracy has been an educated citizenry. America’s public education system is unique in the world, even today.

42

McMINN LIFE HOLIDAY/WINTER 2015

Most of us have memories of our childhood education experiences. We remember the class trips, the games we played at recess, the lifelong friends we made in those early days, our favorite teachers, the programs we presented and the feeling of achievement we received when we mastered that difficult math or science idea. School is the centerpiece in a child’s life.

From 1838, when a small school was built in Athens, to the present day, our city schools have been a vital part of our community. Education has gone through many changes and continues to change today. The focus on learning isn’t just about books or tests; it includes working with others, finding their own interests and taking care of themselves mentally and physically. In other words, we work

to reach the whole child – not just teach lessons and skills.

Athens has long been recognized as an outstanding system in our state. Our students go on to become leaders in the community, active and involved in what helps Athens. To achieve this growth for our students, we try to give them various experiences to bring out their talents.

Athens City Middle School has added several new sports for their students.

Boys’ and Girls’ Soccer, Boys’ and Girls’ Basketball, Girls’ Softball, Boys’ Baseball, Tennis Teams, Cross Country Teams, Golf Team, Girls’ Volleyball and Cheerleading are all offered to interested students. These programs are all part of TSSAA, the state athletic organization.

Athens has been recognized statewide for Kids’ Connection, our Before and After School Care program. This program is available at each of our five sites. It has been recognized as a Best Practices Site by the TN Department of Education. Kids really enjoy the summer program each year. With the library and wetlands close by, it’s a great outdoor experience. After school includes snacks, physical activity, tutoring and enrichment activities.

Camp Ooh-Tah-Nee-Noh-Chee is the premier school camping program offered

by Athens City Schools. With over sixty

years of camping experiences, this camp serves all 2nd through 8th graders and gives them an appreciation of the natural beauty of our locale. Students take day trips in the early grades, and they have overnight camping in the later years.

Nothing compares to Watts Bar Lake in the fall and spring during camp time.

The connection between school and parent is vital to a student’s success.

Athens City has an excellent Family Engagement program in each school.

Along with Coordinated School Health and Kids’ Connections, parent seminars are offered quarterly after school. These seminars reach out with ways to help students succeed, tax information for parents, build-a-book nights, healthy meals and holiday entertaining, to name a few.

Schools host Donuts for Dads and Muffins for Moms annually. Parents complete a yearly survey to rate our activities.

assistants are vital to the success of our students, as well. Special needs students are active and involved in all programs.

This year, a program offering free breakfast and lunch to all students was initiated. A full-time nurse and a part-time nurse take care of the health needs of our students.

The faces in the schools may change from year to year, but the goals of our system remain the same. We focus on the needs of the child – academic, physical, mental, emotional, social – and work for the success of each child.

Excellence is...Athens City Schools!

Many of our students are involved in the Science Olympiad. These students spend countless hours preparing for rigorous tests, activities and projects. They have advanced from local, regional and the state level contests at MTSU. We’re really proud of these scholars.

Each of our schools offers art and music for students. Each school has a full-time Physical Education teacher, guidance counselor and librarian. Instructional

HOLIDAY/WINTER 2015 McMINN LIFE

43

Meth Awareness Campaign in Full Swing

If

you listen to the news, you will find story after story about the Meth problem in the state of Tennessee.

The Bingham Group is doing something about that problem by taking it head on with a statewide campaign as part of a five year contract with the Department of Homeland Security. Radio and Television commercials have begun airing across the state and they are

using every creative means possible to reach meth users and their families.

that if they make meth around their children, they will lose custody of them.

“It’s not a simple process to figure out how to reach these individuals,” states Linda Meyers, Chief Media Strategist for The Bingham Group. “We have to get into their minds and find creative ways of reaching them.” The entire campaign is focused on informing meth addicts

The television commercial created by the Bingham Group and radio spot have begun airing in high profile places to reach the largest number of individuals possible to raise awareness of this growing problem. These spots have generated significant attention for this

program and the reach has extended well beyond the intended audience.

In Monroe County, besides traditional media outlets, new media opportunities are being explored and tested. This includes a Mobile Geo-Fencing Campaign specifically designed for the County, a Cell Phone App Awareness Campaign, and Convenience Store Marketing programs. “These new media platforms allow us to reach individuals on the go,” Meyers comments. “With half of the meth labs being mobile, we are looking for new ways of reaching individuals who are in transit through their cell phones.”

A documentary is also in process for this Campaign. Inmates addicted to meth in the McMinn County jail

were interviewed on camera for this documentary. With the help of Sheriff Joe Guy and others, their stories will be available to help with awareness.

“Through the use of several camera angles, we were able to accurately portray an explosion and the dangers of creating this toxic drug.”

To give a graphic portrayal of what happens when things go awry in the meth making process, The Bingham Group staged a “meth camper” explosion in the McMinn County Landfill with the help of the Meth Task Force and the local fire and police departments. This re-enactment was captured on film and will be used in commercials and in the documentary for the campaign. “We wanted to show in a very graphic way what happens during a meth explosion,” says Ben Gibson, Director of Broadcast Production for The Bingham Group.

The Bingham Team’s ability to tell stories and place them in high visibility outlets is the driving force behind what makes campaigns such as Meth Awareness successful. Lisa Bingham, President of the Bingham Group added, “It is our hope that through these efforts we will see a significant reduction in the number of meth labs in Monroe County and across the state of Tennessee.”

For help with Meth Addiction, call:

800.889.9789

Happenings: November 14 CASA Monroe Presents Festival of Trees Time: 6pm–11pm Location: Tellico West Conference Center CASA Monroe will be holding its breathtaking Festival of Trees at the Tellico West Conference Center. Please mark your calendars to come out and support this wonderful organization. CASA Monroe is dependent upon the generous financial support of private individuals, community and church donors, as well as state funding.

For more information, contact Alisa Hobbs at alisa.hobbs@casamonroe.org or call 423.442.2750 November 15 Breakfast with Santa Time: 8:30am–11am Location: Tellico West Conference Center Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive on a fire truck at 8:30am. Pancake breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus will be from 8:30am–11am. Browse the Trees and Silent Auction from 11am–6pm.

Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children 4-11, children under 3 are free and $5 for adults after Santa’s Breakfast.

December 1 Athens “Jimmy Liner Memorial Christmas Parade” Location: Downtown Athens Time: 7pm The theme this year is “Christmas on Parade”.

December 2 Arts on the Side Location: The Arts Center Time: 12pm–1pm “You bring lunch; the art is on us!” Enjoy Cherokee Singers from McMinn County High School as they bring songs of the season to our black box theater.

No charge www.athensartscouncil.org or 423.745.8781 December 4 Etowah Christmas Parade Location: Downtown Etowah Time: 7pm There will be no theme this year to allow participants to be more creative.

December 4 TWC Campus Christmas Tree Lighting Location: TWC campus quad. If inclement weather, the event will be held in Townsend Auditorium.

46

McMINN LIFE HOLIDAY/WINTER 2015

Time: 8pm Open to the public For more information, call Stacie Clifton, 423.746.5330 December 5-7 Jazzy Little Christmas Location: The Arts Center Time: 12/5 & 12/6 @ 7:30pm, 12/7 @ 2pm Our annual holiday cabaret is back. Reservations are required, as tickets sell out fast.

Cost: $10-12 www.athensartscouncil.org or 423.745.8781 December 6 & 7 Christmas on the Mountain Time: 5pm–8pm On the weekend following Thanksgiving, the Coker Creek Welcome Center and Gift Shop will hold a Holiday Open House with discounts on select gift shop items. Refreshments will be served at all of the local shops in Coker Creek.

Don’t fight the Black Friday crowds this season.

Enjoy a magical day of shopping in picturesque Coker Creek instead.

For more information, call 423.519.2896.

December 7 Whistle Stop Holiday Tour of Niota Time: 1pm–3pm Location: The tour will begin at the Oldest Standing Depot in TN. Located on Highway 11, at the traffic light, turn east to Main Street.

The Niota Depot Preservation Committee is hosting the Whistle Stop Holiday Tour of Niota.

Come and enjoy viewing the historic houses and buildings of Niota! All proceeds go to preserve the Niota Depot.

For more information, call 423.268.7232.

December 12 “Eat, Drink and Be Tacky!”

Location: The Arts Center Time: 7:30pm Dig out your ugliest holiday sweater and join us for a night of dancing and karaoke in support of AACA’s Arts in Education programming.

Cost: $5-10 www.athensartscouncil.org or 423.745.8781

December 26 Kwanzaa begins December 31 New Year’s Eve January 1 New Year’s Day January 5- March 1 High School Art Show Location: The Arts Center Time: 10am – 5pm See artwork by local high school artists in our annual High School Art Show. www.athensartscouncil.org or 423.745.8781 January 5 Arts on the Side Location: The Arts Center Time: 12pm–1pm “You bring lunch; the art is on us!” A sing-a-long with members from Athens Community Theatre.

No charge www.athensartscouncil.org or 423.745.8781 January 16 Opening Reception for High School Art Show Location: The Arts Center Time: 5:30pm See artwork by local high school artists and enjoy light refreshments.

No charge www.athensartscouncil.org or 423.745.8781 January 16 Run Boy Run Location: The Arts Center Time: 7:30pm Continues the spirit of innovation in traditional American music pioneered in recent years by bands like Nickel Creek.

Cost: $8-15 www.athensartscouncil.org or 423.745.8781 January 19 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

December 16 Hanukkah begins December 21 Winter Solstice December 24 Christmas Eve December 25 Christmas Day

January 30 St. Paul & The Broken Bones Location: Athens City Middle School Time: 7:30pm

Grit, elemental rhythm, tight-as-a-drumhead playing and a profound depth of feeling; these are the promises of a great soul band.

Cost: $10-12 www.athensartscouncil.org or 423.745.8781 February 2 Groundhog Day February 3 Arts on the Side Location: The Arts Center Time: 12pm–1pm “You bring lunch; the art is on us!” We celebrate Black History Month with a dramatic presentation. www.athensartscouncil.org or 423.745.8781 February 14 Valentine’s Day

No charge www.athensartscouncil.org or 423.745.8781 March 3 Arts on the Side Location: The Arts Center Time: 12pm–1pm “You bring lunch; the art is on us!” We’ll have a recitalist from TWC. March 13 DUKES of Dixieland Location: Athens City Middle School Time: 7:30pm The DUKES of Dixieland blow traditional jazz and Dixieland into the 21st Century, weaving strands of pop, gospel and country with authentic New Orleans sound.

Cost: $10 -12 www.athensartscouncil.org or 423.745.8781 March 20 Opening Reception for Regional College Student Art Show Location: The Arts Center Time: 5:30pm See artwork by regional college student artists and enjoy light refreshments. www.athensartscouncil.org or 423.745.8781

February 16 President’s Day

February 19-March 1 “Pippin” Location: The Arts Center Time: 2/19-21, 2/26-28 @ 7:30pm; 2/22 & 3/1 @ 2pm Unforgettable music propels this Grammy and Oscar winning show as the young price Pippin sets off on a journey and finds true happiness in the extraordinary moments that happen every day.

Cost: $8-12 www.athensartscouncil.org or 423.745.8781 March 2-April 30 Art Show Location: The Arts Center Time: 10am–5pm See artwork by regional college student artists in our annual college student art show.

March 20 KJ Denhert Location: The Arts Center Time: 7:30pm Consistently praised for her pathos, originality and impeccable musicianship, KJ is a one-of-akind songwriter, guitarist and performer.

Cost: $8-15 www.athensartscouncil.org or 423.745.8781 March 25 The 2nd TWC International Day Location: TWC Campus’ Exhibition at Glenn Lowe at 10am, Fashion Show in the Dining Hall at 12pm Time: 10am to 3pm A unique event hosted each year by TWC to showcase the International awareness within the TWC and Athens community.

Free and open to the public For more information, call Augustin Amevi Bocco, PhD, at 423.746.5324 March 27 Evening with the Stars Location: The Arts Center Time 7:30pm Don’t miss this annual showcase of community talent.

Cost: $5-10 www.athensartscouncil.org or 423.745.8781

COX ENTERPRISES

Deborah Scruggs-Cox Books available at

& SmashWords.com deborahcox.scentsy.us www.rtpr.com promo code: 89100

423-368-0140

HOLIDAY/WINTER 2015 McMINN LIFE

47

Don’t worry about the cost of a funeral!

Cremation Starting at

$695.00*

Brian Miracle Licensed Funeral Director/Embalmer and a Licensed Pre-Need Agent

Funerals Starting at

$1,295.00*

Serenity Funeral Home and Cremation Center is Etowah’s lowest cost funeral home. We accept all current pre-need and burial policies from other funeral homes.

We write guaranteed funeral pre-need policies that exlude no one, regardless of health or age.

For more information, call Brian Miracle at (423) 263-6700.

Funeral Home & Cremation Center

300 Tennessee Avenue Etowah, TN 37331 (423) 263-6700 Toll Free (866) 243-6319 www.serenityfunerals.com

Serving all of McMinn County and the surrounding area.

Direct Cremation, $695- this charge includes removal of remains-$195 Crematory fee- $400 Cardboard alternative container- $100 Immediate Burial, $1,295-this charge includes immediate burial fee -$400. A cloth covered oval top fiberboard casket -$895

Creating You

A full-service hair and nail salon located in the heart of downtown Athens.

Spa pedicures, gel nails, Shellac™ gel polish, facials, waxing, Helix™ hair cuts, perms, Japanese straightening color. and hair colo Holly McKeehan, Ada Robinson & Olivia Whitted

Serving the area for 30 years!

Fuller’s Frame Shop specializes in professional custom framing, large Art Gallery with national and local artists.

Now offering Wide ´ Printing Format Giclee

Monday - Saturday 9:30am-5:30pm

302 W. Bank St. Athens 423.745.7489

48

McMINN LIFE HOLIDAY/WINTER 2015

MAKING METH

AROUND KIDS IS A FELONY:

UP TO 25 YEARS IN PRISON

AND LOSS OF CUSTODY.

GET HELP NOW: 800.889.9789 “THIS PROJECT IS FUNDED UNDER AN AGREEMENT WITH THE STATE OF TENNESSEE, DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION, OFFICE OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE PROGRAMS AND IS SUPPORTED BY AWARD #2010-DJ-BX-0016 AWARDED BY THE BUREAU OF JUSTICE ASSISTANCE, OFFICE OF JUSTICE PROGRAMS, USDOJ.”

Celebrating 78 Years

Your Health...Our Misson

Our 160 Slice CT Scanner is Still

Bigger, Faster and Safer....

•Anesthesiology •Ear, Nose & Throat •Emergency Services •Endovascular Surgery •Family Medicine •Gastroenterology •General Surgery •Home Health Care

www.sweetwaterhospital.org 865.213.8200

•Industrial Medicine •Internal Medicine •Medical Oncology •Nephrology •Obstetrics & Gynecology •Orthopedic Surgery •Pathology •Pediatrics

•Physical Therapy •Podiatry •Radiology •Sleep Studies •Urology