McMinn Life Fall 2023

DID YOU KNOW?

AT ANY GIVEN TIME IN THE STATE, THERE ARE 100 MILLION PIECES OF LITTER ON TENNESSEE’S ROADWAYS.

Keep McMinn Beautiful - Do your part to help pick it up!

From thePublisher

It’s hard to believe we’ve already reached the tenth annual Monroe Life Balloon Festival. Each year, we work our hardest to throw a great festival for the people of East Tennessee and, more importantly, to raise money for the local Boys and Girls Club.

Preparing for the festival involves finding pilots and vendors, renting booths, hiring a band, doing promotional and advertising work. To tell the truth, it’s exhausting. But it’s all worth it to raise money for the Boys and Girls Club of Monroe County. Supporting my home community is one of my passions, and with your help, we want to make this the best balloon festival ever! Join us for tethered balloon rides, a balloon glow to synchronized music, a Kids Zone, food and craft vendors.

Also, read the story of our latest client, David’s Abbey Carpet and Floors. Its founder, David Hayes, went from milkman to entrepreneur, and his 50-year journey is incredible.

We are also thankful for all our sponsors who make the Balloon Festival possible, and we’re thankful for our advertisers who keep our magazine going. We’ve put a lot of time and care into this issue. I hope you enjoy it. Promoting my home region has always been a passion of mine, so I really hope you enjoy our latest issue.

Also in this issue, find delicious fall recipes courtesy of Ingles as well as a rundown of all the best local events and the exciting stories of the people and places that make East Tennessee so incredible. We’re glad you’re with us! Happy fall!

PUBLISHER

The Bingham Group

President

Lisa Atkins Bingham

Graphic Designers

Cris Littleton

Jason Bowers

Kathryn Bingham

Sid Beaty

Contributing Writers

Matt Hollingsworth

Nancy Dalton

Contributing Photographers

The Moonshine Fliers

Sid Beaty

Advertising Sales

Jessica Hill

Tel: 865.523.5999

jessica@binghamgroup.com

Subscription or Editorial Inquiries

Tel: 865.523.5999

www.monroelife.com

The Bingham Group, Inc. 11921 Kingston Pike, Suite 201 Knoxville, Tennessee 37934

www.binghamgroup.com

www.monroelife.com

www.mcminnlife.com

www.farragutlife.com

We do love Halloween at the Bingham home.

President of The Bingham Group & Publisher of Farragut, Monroe & McMinn Life

45

UNPRECEDENTED DURABILITY

Our proprietary, Color Lock® technology makes Aura® exterior paint unlike any other. Aura’s superior, one-coat performance is like applying two coats of conventional paint. Plus, it dries faster and delivers a smooth, durable finish that lasts year after year, even in the most challenging outdoor environments.

Come

Growing your own garden should be simple, accessible, and attainable. With over a century of experience growing fresh, quality plants, we want to be your go-to partner in successfully growing delicious, fresh food, right at home.

THE UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE Pride Of The Southland Band

SETS GUINESS WORLD RECORD AS THE LARGEST MARCHING BAND TO EVER PLAY LONDON. EVER.

From June 27 to July 2, the Pride of the Southland Band performed in London Band Week, setting a Guinness World Record as the largest band to ever perform in London. Their tour debuted at Potters Field Park, and they went on to play at Tower Bridge, the London Tattoo, and Hampton Court Palace. The Pride of the Southland Band was one of several groups from around the world to perform.

The trip included such surreal moments as playing Rocky Top in a foreign country and having people from all over the world singing it along with them. Pride of the Southland Band director, Dr. Michael Stewart, along with his amazing staff put

together this once-in-a-lifetime London trip. London Band Week is an invitation only event. The selection and invitation process follows The Honors System of the United Kingdom, universally recognized as the King’s Honors & Awards. The Pride of the Southland Band was honored to participate in this event.

Caroline Finch, one of the majorettes, very much enjoyed this trip, saying, “It was very different, because I’m so used to the game day atmosphere, so getting to go there and perform was really amazing… It was an honor and a great experience. I am so humbled and thankful to be a part of this extraordinary band and organization.

The Cherohala Skyway Festival

The Cherohala Festival

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28

On October 28th, attend one of Monroe County’s most popular events—the Cherohala Skyway Festival, held by the Charles Hall Museum. The festival has booth after booth of juried arts and crafts, lots of living history, and incredible food and treats. Test your axe-throwing skills, paint a pumpkin, take a horse-drawn wagon ride, visit our petting zoo, run the 5K, and so much more!

Kressa Mason, Vol Fed’s Sawdust Dig volunteer said, “The festival is wonderful and gets better each year. We love watching the children have so much fun.”

our gracious hospitality. It gives us a chance to show off our Southern heritage and beautiful mountains... The festival is our biggest fundraiser for our beautiful museum to help keep it open to preserve our history. Festival goers get to come and enjoy some of the greatest entertainment and good old Southern food.”

The Charles Hall Museum is dedicated to providing a fun, family oriented, recreational and educational fall festival that perpetuates the music, crafts and culture of the Tellico Plains and Appalachian region; celebrates the anniversary of the Cherohala Skyway; honors Josh Graves, the King of Dobro and Tellico Plains native; and showcases the many artifacts and pictures at the museum! Admission is free; parking is $5 a vehicle.

Get ready to ride! The Charles Hall Museum is giving away a brand new 2023 HarleyDavidson Softail Standard Motorcycle! For only a $50 ticket, this motorcycle could be yours! Thanks to Smoky Mountain Harley Davidson-Maryville, Tennessee for being a top sponsor of the raffle. Drawing will be at the CS Festival at the end of the day! Scan the QR code to enter.

For more information or to be an arts and craft vendor, a food vendor, a pioneer demonstrator, or a sponsor, please visit www.skywayfestival.com or email Charleshallmuseum@hotmail.com The Cherohala Skyway Festival is made possible by community volunteers and sponsors!

SkywayFestival.com

CharlesHallMuseum.com

229 Cherohala Skyway Tellico Plains, TN 423-253-8000

Frances Stewart, a Tellico Plains resident, said, “I love the Cherohala Skyway Festival because it brings so many people to our town that might not ever get to experience

The museum is supported in part by donations and in part by their stores: Museum Marketplace at the Charles Hall Museum where local artisans and crafters sell their wares and Timeless Treasures at the Charles Hall Museum which sells souvenir and women’s boutique items. Visit the museum for a trip through time as you explore our region’s incredible history.

WIN A FREE MOTORCYCLE

For only a $50 ticket, this Harley-Davidson Softail Standard Motorcycle!

SEQUOYAH BIRTHPLACE MUSEUM, VONORE

10th Annual Monroe Life Balloon Festival will return to East Tennessee at Sequoyah Birthplace Museum in Vonore, Tennessee. Enjoy balloon rides, live music, food, games, an inflatable Kid’s Zone and much more all while supporting the Boys and Girls Club of Monroe County. The two-day Balloon Festival begins on Saturday, September 2nd and runs through Sunday, September 3rd, from 4pm – 10pm. The finale each night will be a Balloon Glow set to music with colorful hot air balloons beginning at dusk. We invite everyone to come out and the celebration!

LABOR DAY WEEKEND

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 2nd AND SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 3rd 4 -10 pm

2019 Festival

GLOW IN THE DARK COTTON CANDY • CORN DOGS

PULLED PORK • FRIED OREOS • FUNNEL CAKES • BBQ • TACOS

PULLED PORK • FRIED OREOS • FUNNEL CAKES • BBQ • TACOS

HAMBURGERS • CORN DOGS • LOADED FRIES • KONA ICE

The Moonshine Fliers

Return To The Monroe Life Balloon Festival

LANDING AT THE FESTIVAL!

FESTIVAL VIP PASS ON SALE

$125 A PERSON

Vip Tent

It’s a new year, and the Boys and Girls Club of Monroe County is packed. This non-profit organization provides after-school care and academic help to younger people, and they have over 845 total members with an average daily attendance of 300 across their five sites in Monroe County.

They’ve recently added two new staff, and as always, there are some parents who are unable

MENU BY LONGHORN STEAK HOUSE RESERVED

Buy

www.monroelifeballoonfestival.com

Money Raised Goes To The Monroe County Boys and Girls Club

to pay their fees, so they’re in need of support and donations which is why the Monroe Life Balloon Festival is raising money for them. Every penny we raise goes to support our local kids!

BGC of Monroe County’s Director of Finance Carly Armstrong explained the importance of their work: “The Boys and Girls Club, for a lot of parents, is a lifeline because it allows them to stay on their jobs up until 7 O’clock if they need to… They know [their kids]

are in a safe, caring environment, and they don’t have to worry about them.” Since they stay open all the way until 7 p.m., they can help parents who work odd hours, an essential service to our community.

Support the Boys and Girls Club of Monroe County by attending the Monroe Life Balloon Festival during Labor Day Weekend. Our goal is to multiply our sponsor money to support our local kids, and with your help, we can help more kids!

2022 ISSA Female Vocalist of the Year.

LIVE MUSIC

DUSTY LEIGH HUSTON

6:30 pm

For the 10th Annual Monroe Life Balloon Festival, we are proud to present Dusty Leigh Huston as the performing artist for both days. This incredible country-music artist was named the 2022 ISSA Female Vocalist of the Year. Her debut EP, Roots & Dreams, has been a huge hit, and she’s hard at work on a new album. Her songs have been streamed well over 200,000 times on Spotify. She is from Idaho and now lives in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Come to the festival to hear her perform live!

“Dusty Leigh is quite the unique talent in music, today. Easily said, nobody sounds like Dusty and nobody brings to the table the sound she does, nor do they even come close to bringing to the table the same artistry.” — Nicholas Liddle, PopWrapped

Unprecedented 34 Major Awards!

TIM GRAVES AND THE FARM HANDS

5 pm

Tim Graves and the Farm Hands is one of the most exciting and in demand bands in Bluegrass music. Since their inception in 2010, the band has received over 82 award nominations, winning an unprecedented 34 major awards including Entertainers of the Year, Vocal Group of the Year, Bluegrass Band of the Year overall, and Bluegrass Gospel Band of the Year at the 2019 and 2020 Bluegrass Music Awards.

Touring over 150 dates each year, this talented group features veterans of the world-famous Grand Ole Opry, Grammy award winners, songwriters, and celebrated instrumentalists. They are one of the busiest touring bands in Bluegrass, performing over 150 dates per year at a variety of venues such as festivals, churches, performing arts centers, theaters, and fairs.

THESE RECIPES ARE BROUGHT TO YOU BY INGLES, STARTED IN 1963 BY ROBERT P. INGLE AND COMMITTED TO THE COMMUNITIES THEY SERVE.

FARM TO TABLE

n order to bring the freshest produce available to his customers Elmer Ingle used to visit local farmers in the early mornings, picking up only the best. Today, the store and the people look a little different but the produce doesn’t… everywhere you look the Ingles produce department has the freshest and the tastiest produce available, from local farmers just like Elmer and from around the world. Making sure you have the less traveled – best selection. We have an excellent variety of organic selections and a fresh produce prep area where we can core a pineapple, cut watermelon or put together the perfect combination of fresh vegetables for you, all with knowledgeable and friendly associates ready to help. Next time you visit your neighborhood Ingles, take a little more time to notice how much the tradition of the highest standards still remains with every fruit and vegetable.

INGLES….EXPECT MORE FROM YOUR LOCAL STORE.

MINI PUMPKIN BUNDT CAKES

by: Kaitlyn Baker

Ingredients

1 box devil’s food cake mix or spice cake mix

1 non-stick mini bundt cake pan (12 count)

3 large eggs

1/2 cup vegetable oil

Directions

1 cup buttermilk

1 can chocolate frosting

1 can vanilla frosting

1 pkg. pretzels

1 pkg. vanilla wafers

1 tube orange food coloring

1 pkg, assorted colors of sprinkles syrup colors

1/3 cup corn syrup

Heat oven to 350°F. Prepare cake mix according to package directions with the eggs and oil, but using buttermilk in place of water. Spoon batter into cake pan, filling halfway full. Bake for 15-20 minutes. Remove cupcakes from the pan and place on a cooling rack. Once cupcakes are completely cooled off, use a serrated knife and trim the bottom of each cake to remove any doming that may have occurred during baking, thus creating a flat surface. Next, place a small dollop of icing onto the cut side of the cake, and then sandwich a second cake on top, lining up the pumpkin patterns so the top and bottom pieces match. Cut the vanilla wafer cookies into 1/2 inch pieces to create the “stem.” You can also use pretzels as the “stem.” Decorate pumpkins as desired. Allow icing to set, then transfer finished mini pumpkins to a platter for serving.

www.ingles-markets.com/recipes/mini-pumpkin-bundt-cakes

GRILLED SALMON WITH HEIRLOOM TOMATOES

by Abby J.

Ingredients

Salmon:

4 Skinless salmon filets (1 inch thick) Extra virgin olive oil

Salt and pepper

Heirloom Tomatoes:

2tbsp. white balsamic vinegar

2tbsp. extra virgin olive oil

1tsp. garlic, minced

1 1/2lb. mixed heirloom tomatoes, sliced

1/4 cut red onion, diced

1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn

2tbsp. capers

Directions

Spread out your sliced tomatoes on to a serving dish. In a mixing bowl, add red onion, olive oil, vinegar, garlic, capers, and basil. Whisk until combined and then pour over the tomatoes. Brush olive oil on to your salmon, coating all sides. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Either on the grill or in a grill pan on the stove, grill the salmon for 4 minutes on each side. Place your salmon filets over the marinated tomatoes and serve.

www.ingles-markets.com/recipes/grilled-salmon-with-heirloom-tomatoes

GEORGIA SWEET VIDALIA ONION PIE

by Chef Abby J.

Ingredients

1 deep dish frozen pie crust, do not thaw

1 medium sweet vidalia onion

5 large eggs

1/2 cup whole milk

1/2 cup cream

1 tsp. onion salt

1 tsp. cracked black pepper

1 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, preferably white

1/2 cup chopped jalapenos (optional)

1/2 cup chopped bell peppers, cherry tomatoes for garnish cilantro

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Transfer the frozen crust to your own pie plate. Peel and slice the onion 1/8 inch thick. I use a mandoline slicer to get them nice and thin. Cut most of the rings into halves or quarters, while leaving a few whole for topping the pie. Gently whisk the eggs to break them up, and whisk in the milk and cream. Season with onion salt and pepper. Spread the cheese out onto the pie crust, and then follow with most of the onions, reserving a few rings for the top. Pour the egg and cream mixture into the pie crust. It should just fill the top. Put the pie on a baking sheet, this makes it easier to transfer to the oven and bake for 60 minutes.

www.ingles-markets.com/recipes/ georgia-sweet-vidalia-onion-pie

BROILED LOBSTER TAILS WITH LEMON CREAM SAUCE

by: Joe Lasher, SR.

Ingredients

Lobster Tails:

2 lobster tails

2 tbsp. butter, melted

1/2 tsp. sea salt

1/4 tsp. paprika

1/2 tsp. black pepper

1 lemon, sliced for garnish

1 tbsp. fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Lemon Cream Sauce:

1 tbsp. olive oil

2 cloves minced garlic

1/4 cup vegetable broth

2 tbsp. lemon juice

1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

Directions

Prep lobster tails by using scissors to cut lengthwise down the shell. Cut towards the tail, stopping before the end to keep the tail connected. Using your fingers, push inside the shell to loosen the meat, then gently push the meat up through the butterflied shell. Place on a baking tray. Mix butter, salt, pepper, and paprika in a small bowl then use a pastry brush to coat the meat of each lobster tail. Set broiler on low and place tails on highest rack in oven for approximately 5-6 minutes. Remove tails and brush with more of the butter mixture. Set broil to high and continue to cook tails for another 6-7 minutes until they are completely opaque and browned in places on top. While the tails are cooking, in a saucepan over medium heat, add the olive oil and garlic. Saute until fully softened, not browned. Add the vegetable broth, lemon juice, and heavy whipping cream. Whisk until a low simmer, then remove from heat. Plate the lobster tail drizzled with lemon cream sauce and served with lemon wedge and chopped parsley.

www.ingles-markets.com/recipes/broiled-lobster-tails-with-lemon-cream-sauce

Citrus Fruit

Gummies

by: Chef Julia

Instructions:

1 1/4 cups orange juice

1/2 cups grapefruit juice

1/4 cup lemon juice

4 tbsp. unflavored gelatin

4 tbsp. organic maple syrup

Directions:

Pour juice in a medium sized saucepan with the heat off. Evenly sprinkle gelatin across the surface of the juice. Let bloom for 1-2 minutes. Turn heat to medium and slowly stir in gelatin and maple syrup until the gelatin is completely dissolved. Remove from heat and pour into gummy mold or glass baking dish. Let cool in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours until gealtin has set. For quicker setting time, place in freezer for 30 minutes. If you used a baking dish, cut gummies into squares.

www.ingles-markets.com/recipes/ citrus-fruit-gummies

SCOTT’S WHITE CHICKEN CHILI

by: Scott Culpepper

French Toast

Casserole

by: Kaitlyn Baker

Ingredients:

2 loaves of French bread

8 large eggs

2 cups 2% milk

2 tsp. vanilla extract

2 tsp. cinnamon

1 tsp. salt

3/4 cup brown sugar

Ingredients:

2 tbsp. olive oil

3 white onions, chopped

4 cloves of garlic, minced

2 whole roasted chickens, skin removed, boned, chopped, or shredded

1 32oz. box chicken broth

2 4oz. Cans roasted green chilis, chopped

1 bottle of dry white wine

3 tsp. ground cumin

3 tsp. dried oregano

2 tsp. cayenne pepper

5 cans Great Northern White Beans, undrained

2 cups shredded Monterey Jack Cheese

12oz. container sour cream

16oz. bag frozen mixed vegetables

Directions:

Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and garlic and saute until translucent, about 10 minutes.

Add all other ingredients except for the beans, cheese, and sour cream and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and then add the beans. Simmer heat to low and then add the beans. Simmer for 20-30 minutes to ensure beans are cooked through.

Just before serving, add the cheese and cook until it is melted and creamy. Fill individual bowls and top with sour cream.

www.ingles-markets.com/recipes/scott-s-white-chicken-chili

1 cup raspberries

1 cup blueberries

1/2 cup powdered sugar

1 bottle of real maple syrup (optional)

Directions:

Grab your 9x13 casserole dish and grease it up. Cut the bread into cubes until the casserole dish is about 3/4 of the way full. In a bowl, mix together eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, salt, and brown sugar. Pour the mixture over the casserole. Refrigerate overnight. Preheat oven to 375°F. Bake for about 45 minutes. Top with blueberries, raspberries, and powdered sugar. Serve with maple syrup.

www.ingles-markets.com/recipes/ french-toast-casserole

Athens Community Theatre

DRACULA OCTOBER 27- NOVEMBER 5

Directed by Annette Dufty

Audition dates: August 27 at 2pm and Monday August 28 at 6:30 pm

Casting call: men and women ages 16+

Show dates: 6 Performances

Friday, October 27

Saturday, October 28

Sunday, October 29

Friday, November 3

CHARLOTTE’S WEB SEPTEMBER 14-17

Directed by Autumn Lowry

Show dates: 5 Performances

Thursday, September 14

Friday, September 15

Saturday, September 16

Saturday, September 16

Sunday, September 17

On Sale: August 17

Ticket Options: Adult - $20, Student - $15

Saturday, November 4

Sunday, November 5

On Sale: September 15

Ticket Options: Adult - $20, Student - $15

Audience notes: Mature audiences only, rated PG-13 for disturbing images and suggestion of violence and terror.

For a full schedule of concerts, exhibits, classes, and plays visit athensartscouncil.org

This summer, at the Jr. Musical Theater, students performed Winnie the Pooh

Center

DR. JOHN HALL

In July, Knoxville Comprehensive Breast Center welcomed a new doctor to its practice: Dr. John Hall. Dr. Hall is a fellowship-trained breast imager, and he was looking for a practice that would allow him to continue practicing the full complement of breast imaging and focus exclusively on breast imaging.

Born in Pittsburgh, PA, he attended West Virginia University for both his undergraduate studies as well as for medical school. He then completed his intern year with Allegheny Health Network followed by a Diagnostic

Sevice The Women Of East Tennessee University Center.

completed a 12-month fellowship in breast imaging also at the University of Pittsburgh before joining KCBC. While in residency and fellowship, Dr. Hall was active in teaching both medical students and residents, having been published twice for incorporating direct radiology education into the first-year medical students’ gross anatomy curriculum. He was also an active advocate of providing equitable care in breast imaging to all patients, regardless of gender, with specific focus on providing appropriate care for the transgender population, having given multiple lectures on the topic.

During our interview, when asked about memorable moments, Dr. Hall said, “I am fortunate in my line of work to experience a memorable moment almost daily in the form of a patient previously diagnosed with breast cancer presenting for their annual follow-up, having been cancer-free often for many years.”

So, what can KCBC do for you? They provide early detection of breast cancer and breast disease through a full complement of breast imaging services including 3D mammography, breast ultrasound, MRI, and the region’s only non-compression Breast CT. You’ll get your questions answered by specialists. It is also one of the few centers to offer cryoablation, an inoffice treatment of certain breast cancers, and custom breast prosthetics for breast cancer survivors. All physicians at KCBC have dedicated their lives exclusively to finding breast cancers as early as possible by combining the skills of specialists, like Dr John Hall, and the most advanced breast imaging in the field.

“We welcome all patients, regardless of gender, race, etc.,” said Dr. Hall. “If there is a question of when to start breast cancer screening or if breast cancer screening is right for you, please reach out and the staff will put you in touch with one of the physicians to help provide clarity.”

DavidHayes

Mrs. Hayes was supposed to be off duty duty the day she met her son. She was a nurse at Knox County Child and Family Services when one day, a 19-year-old woman arrived cradling a young baby, just a few weeks old. The woman said she wasn’t going to be able to keep him and wanted to put him up for adoption. Mrs. Hayes interviewed the woman and told her to take the baby back home for a few days before letting them know for sure that this is what she wanted to do. Four days later, she confirmed that she wanted to give the baby up for adoption. In the end, Mrs. Hayes would personally adopt him.

That baby was David Hayes, owner of David’s Abbey Carpet & Floors. I sit with him in our office conference room as he tells me his story.

“I could not have been adopted by a better family,” he says. “We were not rich in money but rich in love.”

David explains that, when he first went to school, kids would talk about him being adopted. “Well, I didn’t know what that was,” David says. “I went home and told my parents, and they sat me down and explained to me exactly what it was…” They said that if he ever wanted to know about his birth mother, “the adoption papers are in the cedar chest in the bedroom.’”

David didn’t look into this until he was an adult. One day, he was listening to the radio

FROM MILKMAN TO ENTREPRENEUR

while driving and heard the story of a reunion of an adoptee with his birth parents. This sparked a curiosity in David, and on Thanksgiving, he asked his adopted parents, and they gave him all the information and papers they had.

“From that, I became obsessed with trying to find the birth mother,” David says, “for the purpose of telling her, ‘Thank you for giving me life.’”

Unfortunately, tracking down adoption records was a lot more difficult then than it is now. He would search for years.

***

It was during this time that David founded his business. I ask him about it, and he reclines in his chair, smiles, and says, “In real life, I’m a milkman.”

Indeed, David was hired straight out of high school by Mayfield Dairy where he worked for 11 years. He served as a milkman then a supervisor, but he wanted to be a salesman. Unfortunately, his boss said that he needed a college degree, and with a wife and three kids, David just didn’t have time to go to college, nor did he believe he was meant to. Nevertheless, David was anxious to sell, so he started his own part-time side-business out of his basement, calling it Hayes Carpet.

He explains, “When I built a house in 1970, I had a friend of mine I bought carpet from, and I started moonlighting with him… We started in January 21 of 1973, and we went to the Atlanta market, and we found us a supplier or two that would sell to us, and we went from there.”

Strangely, many of the suppliers seemed suspicious of them and turned them down. David wasn’t sure why until one day when he got a call from a sales tax guy asking if he was connected to the former Hayes Carpet company on Clinton highway. David said he wasn’t.

“Then you might want to change your name,” the man said. “The former Hayes Carpet closed up for non-payment of taxes.”

Suddenly, David understood why the suppliers had been so suspicious. He quickly changed the company name to David’s Carpet Sales.

For a few months, he worked both jobs— Mayfield and his carpet company. Then, in September, his branch manager told him he had to decide if he wanted to be in the carpet business or the milk business. Now, David had been working since 4 in the morning and it was now 5 in the afternoon with another hour worth of work remaining, so this didn’t sit well with him, and he promptly turned in his notice.

“Don’t do that,” the manager said. “You need to think about this.”

“I did,” David responded. “You told me I needed to make a decision, and I made one.”

After finishing his last hour of work, David loaded up his truck and started home when suddenly it hit him—he was going to have to tell his wife, Judy, now pregnant with their fourth child, that he had quit his job to run his carpet business despite having no money and no business education.

Mrs. Hayes was the was a Child when woman young said be wanted told her home

He spent the drive working up his courage before walking in and telling her what had happened.

“I’m working my notice, and in 30 days, we’ll be full time in the carpet business,” he said.

David Hayes, Owner

Judy was silent for a moment before, supportive as always, she said, “That’s okay. We’ll make it.”

There were times when it was difficult. David recalled, “When I would go to Georgia to purchase carpet, I would write checks that I did not have money in the bank for, but I made sure I covered each check before they would clear the bank. I never bounced a check, thanks to the bank manager, but somedays it was close!”

A few years later, David learned that Knoxville was scheduled to host an upcoming World’s Fair. He did a sixmonth study of where most of his business was coming from and decided he needed a store in West Knoxville. At first, they were doing well, but then several clients ended up not paying their bills, and he lost hundreds of thousands in a time where he didn’t have any money. He went to the bank for a $60,000 loan, but they turned him down, so David left, unsure how he could remain in business.

The next day, he was visited by one of the bank officers who he’d gone to school with.

The officer asked, “David, if the bank makes you this loan, do you think you’ll make it?”

“I think I’ll make it,” David said, “but if I don’t, you’ll be paid someday.”

“That’s all I need to know,” the officer said. A few hours later, David got a call approving the loan.

As David tells this story, my boss, the owner of this magazine, says, “It’s not easy being in business, is it?”

“No, it’s not easy,” David agrees, “but there again, the Lord put someone in front of me who could help me, and it worked. And life’s not been easy for 50 years, but it’s been good. My goal in business is to do what’s right. Sometimes it makes no sense to do what’s right financially, but you do what’s right, and it pays off.”

Fifty years after its founding, David’s Abbey & Carpet is running strong, and David has built an incredible legacy for his children.

A Christian, David sums up his journey by saying, “The Lord has blessed us all the way through this whole thing.” Even when David makes mistakes, God has seen him through. “It’s only by the grace of God,” he says.

Meanwhile, David was still searching for his birth mother. He became involved in a movement called Roots which connected adopted people and birth parents. This group was involved in getting the laws changed to make it easier for people to access their adoption records. Through this, David was able to find his birth mother living just two blocks from his now-adult daughters.

“She never would let me meet with her,” David says of his birth mother. “She told me, ‘I don’t have anything to say. You say whatever you want to, and that’s the best I can do.’ And so, every Mother’s Day after that,

for as long as she was alive, I sent her cards—I sent her non-invasive cards—but I respected what she did.” She gave him life, and for that, he is forever grateful.

When she died, David only learned about it by reading it in the newspaper. Though they’d never met, he attended the funeral, where only a single person knew who he was. In the eulogy, the pastor talked about how sad it was that she had desperately wanted a child but could never have any. No one knew that her only son was sitting there among them.

A week after the funeral, David contacted his birth mother’s sister who couldn’t believe she had a nephew she’d never known about. After confirming David’s identity, she invited him to drive out to Georgia to meet the family. As he pulled into their driveway, he saw decorations and yellow ribbons tied all over the trees and sixteen brand-new family members excitedly waiting to meet him—a family reunion.

David Hayes with his son Mike and daughter Barbie Moore. David's Abbey is a genuine family business.

David'sAbbey

DAVID’S ABBEY CARPET & FLOORS HAS TWO LOCATIONS—ONE IN FARRAGUT AND ONE IN PIGEON FORGE. THEY OFFER A COMPLETE SELECTION OF FLOORING FROM THE INDUSTRY'S LEADING MANUFACTURERS INCLUDING CARPET, HARDWOOD, CERAMIC TILE, NATURAL STONES, LAMINATE, VINYL, AND AREA RUGS.

MADE IN THE UNITED STATES

All of their exclusive carpet brands are manufactured with pride in the United States, and much of their tile is manufactured locally right here in Tennessee. They also come with a Lifetime Warranty on their broadloom carpet collections from Infinity, Alexander Smith, American Showcase, Legendary Beauty, and Pet Defense. David’s Abbey is one of the largest carpet and flooring stores in East Tennessee.

EXPERIENCED INTERIOR DESIGNERS

Still making up your mind about what you want for your new floors or feeling overwhelmed by their incredible selection? David’s Abbey has six experienced and certified interior designers with 89 years of collective experience.They hold specialized certifications in all aspects of flooring. These designers can help you choose the perfect floor, walls, showers, backsplashes, etc. for your lifestyle and budget. All their consultations and measurements are free!

Keith Barber, Ed.D., BEGAN HIS TENURE AS ETF’S NEXT PRESIDENT AND CEO ON APRIL 24, 2023.

He dedicated 30 years of his career to the enhancement of higher education through philanthropy and volunteerism. Most recently, as Vice Chancellor of Institutional Advancement for the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture and the UT Foundation for ten years, he and his team raised over $250 million. He was awarded the UT Foundation Professional/ Academic Award for Outstanding Service in 2019 and has been recognized nationally for his service and leadership. Notably, he was responsible for securing the gift that led to the naming of the second-ever college of agriculture in the United States via philanthropy and the second-ever endowed international center for agriculture in the world. Prior to his leadership at UT, he provided philanthropic impact for Abraham

Baldwin Agricultural College, Clemson University, University of Georgia, University of Florida, and Florida Atlantic University.

Barber stated, “I recognize gracious investors, engaged volunteers, and resilient nonprofit partners contribute to the value and quality of life in East Tennessee. I look forward to the honor of leading East Tennessee Foundation’s team of professionals, along with the support of our board of directors, as we continue to pursue our vision of thriving communities powered by thoughtful giving.”

He was raised in rural North Carolina and earned his Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts degrees from Appalachian State University. He completed his Doctor of Education in Leadership

at Valdosta State University. He is married to Stephanie RussBarber, M.D., and they have four children.

Jeanette Kelleher, who has been serving as Interim President and CEO and has been employed by the Foundation for nearly 20 years, has returned to her role as ETF’s Executive Vice President.

The Golf Capital Of Tennessee

If you enjoy golfing, consider driving to Crossville, the Golf Capital of Tennessee. Crossville has many championship courses, and people play more than half a million rounds there each year.

Heatherhurst Golf Club The Brae

Heatherhurst Brae Course was named in the top 5 courses you can play in Tennessee by Golfweek Magazine!

On the Brae course, the front 9 provides the most challenge including a double

dogleg fairway with two forced carries over Otter Creek on the 4th hole, said to be one of the toughest par 5’s in Tennessee. The back 9 offers three par 3’s, three par 4’s and three par 5’s with undulating fairways and encroaching bunkers. Number 10 is a par 5 that moves downhill to a green overlooking Lake Dartmoor. The Brae is the only course in the area with Zoysia grass fairways.

421 STONEHENGE DRIVE (931) 484-3799

Steve Kraft, PGA

Heatherhurst Golf Club The Crag

The Crag course is player-friendly with tee locations ranging from the most forward Green tees at 3,600 yards to the Blue tees at 6,200. Bentgrass tees and greens, wide fairways—great for short hitters—and strategically placed bunkers add to the fun. The 17th is the Crag’s signature hole. The teeing areas sit on an overlook that will have you pausing to take in the view. Although the 17th is a short hole, driving accuracy is important. A favorite among our furry and feathered friends, don’t be surprised to see deer, turkey, squirrels or other passersby on the Crag course.

421 STONEHENGE DRIVE (931) 484-3799

The Bear Trace at Cumberland Mountain State Park

In 1999, the Bear Trace at Cumberland Mountain State Park was named “One of the Top Ten You Can Play in North America” by Golf Magazine. In 2001, Golf Digest named it “One of the Top Ten Courses in Tennessee”

and the course has been named by Golfweek Magazine as the #1 Public Course in Tennessee for 2012 and for 2013. Today, The Bear Trace at Cumberland Mountain is one of the most sought-after sites among the Jack Nicklausdesigned Bear Trace courses in Tennessee. The

6,900-yard (gold tees), par 72 layout features a design that capitalizes on elevation changes as well as natural features such as flowing brooks and clustered, mature pines. As is typical in Jack Nicklaus Signature courses, there are many risk/ reward opportunities for all levels of golfers.

407 WILD PLUM LANE (931) 707-1640

Steve Kraft, PGA

Steve Kraft, PGA

Steve Kraft, PGA

Golf CROSSVILLE

Dorchester Golf Club

With its secluded, scenic views, Dorchester Golf Club is a favorite among Fairfield Glade residents and guests. By today’s standards it’s not long, but the Bentgrass greens, narrow tree-lined fairways, strategically placed bunkers and water on 8 of the 18 holes, make it a challenge for even skilled golfers. You may want to talk mulligans before you even tee up your first ball.

Dorchester has a mean starting hole, with water coming into play off the men’s tee box and again approaching the green. A creek running through the back nine comes into play on three holes you’ll be talking about for a while. Along with Stonehenge, Dorchester co-hosted the Tennessee State Open for several years during the eighties and nineties.

576 WESTCHESTER DRIVE

(931) 484-3709

Druid Hills Golf Club

On a clear day, you can see forever. Druid Hills is perched at the highest point on the northeast side of the county. Its up and down pitch creates dramatic mountain views that extend for miles. The course has rolling treelined fairways, plenty of water and undulating Bentgrass greens. The second shortest of our five courses, Druid Hills is also the second most difficult. What’s on the menu? Side hill lies, elevated approaches and greens that are difficult to read. It is a position/placement course with several doglegs, so ball placement off the tee (not always with a driver) is essential. Also, Druid Hills is surrounded by homes/out of bounds. “Hello neighbor.”

435 LAKEVIEW DRIVE

(931) 484-3711

Stonehenge Golf Course

Stonehenge Golf Club ranks as one of Tennessee’s top courses. It is host to four statewide championships throughout the year, the Senior Open, Women’s Open, Father/Son Championship and the Tennessee Cup Team Matches. Architect Joe Lee took the rolling, wooded Cumberland Plateau and created a beautiful mountain layout with Bentgrass greens, tees and fairways. Now the fun begins! Natural rock outcroppings come into play on several holes, and a stone retaining wall runs along the left and rear of the signature 14th hole, a downhill par 3. Mixed in are 65 bunkers just to make it interesting. After golf, Stonehenge Grille is the perfect place to cap off a memorable day on the course.

222 FAIRFIELD BLVD. (931) 484-3731

Lake Tansi Golf Course

The Lake Tansi Resort Golf Course is one of the top-rated courses in the state, host to the TN Section PGA Team Championship and the Johnny Majors Invitational.

Lake Tansi golf course is a past winner of the Crossville Chronicle People’s Choice Award as the “Best Golf Course in Cumberland County.”

The course puts a premium on accuracy off the tee. With lush green grass to play on all year long, the rolling fairways and undulating greens provide a true test of golf for the average handicapper from the forward tees as well as the low handicapper from the back tees.

2476 DUNBAR ROAD

(931) 788-3301

We Offer Five Business Courses Guaranteed To Energize Any Workforce. This Is One Of Them.

To the casual observer, this photo may appear to be just a beautiful golf course. But if you’re planning a business meeting or event and considering a hotel to host it, Fair eld Glade Resort with our ve championship golf courses is a far more exciting course of action. Just bring a mission statement and an agenda. We’ll supply everything else. Including some of Tennessee’s best golf to stimulate and excite your attendees. So says Golf Digest, Golfweek and Golf Magazine.

And if you’re on a collision course with boredom at work, we o er numerous highly enjoyable ways to reverse course, in addition to golf. Miles of trails for hiking. Pristine lakes for boating and shing. A world class Racquet Center. And an equestrian facility for horseback riding and hayrides of course. I-40 from Knoxville is an easy course to Fair eld Glade. We’re less than 70 miles away. Stay & Play Golf Packages available. Whether it’s business or pleasure. Here it’s pleasure. Of course.

Now the fun begins. For information or reservations, call 888-334-5233

www.fair eldgladeresort.com

Located between Knoxville and Nashville, just a few miles from I-40 (Exit 322)

COON DOG CEMETERY

COLBERT COUNTY, ALABAMA—SEPTEMBER 4, 1937

Key Underwood kneels in the meadow where he’s made so many happy memories. With the three-foot grave in front of him, he slowly chisels the name of his coon dog into the headstone—TROOP.

For the past 15 years, they hunted racoons together, and in this meadow, they spent many long hours with fellow coon hunters and their dogs. It was Troop’s favorite place, so it makes a fitting burial spot. Finally, Key finishes the headstone. He doesn’t know it, but he has just founded a graveyard that will be listed as historic by the Alabama state government almost 90 years later.

Over the next several years, this spot would become a popular burial place for coon dogs, and eventually, over 300 would lie interred there, including some world champion coon dogs.

Today, it is known as the Key Underwood

Coon Dog Memorial Graveyard, and it draws around 7,000 visitors each year. There are strict requirements allowing only coon dogs to be buried there, no other breeds. A recreation of the graveyard was even featured in the 2002 movie “Sweet Home Alabama.”

Each Labor Day, there is a celebration at the cemetery with music, dancing, and food. The cemetery is overseen by the Tennessee Valley Coon Hunters Association.

By the entrance stands a large granite statue of two coon dogs who have chased a racoon up a tree. Looking around, some graves are marked with simple metal or wood plaques. Others feature professionally-carved headstones. You’ll find names like Blue Flash Jr., Beanblossom Bommer, and Strait Talk’n Tex. And, of course, you’ll find Troop’s headstone, standing endless guard over the remains of a special and much-loved coon dog.

Located in a remote area of Colbert County known as Freedom Hills Wildlife Management Area near the Natchez Trace and the community of Cherokee, the cemetery is the final resting place for more than 150 coon dogs. It’s quite an adventure finding the place, but that doesn’t stop some 7,000 people from visiting each year.

The cemetery is still open for interments, but the Coon Hunters’ Association must verify that the dog is an authentic coon dog. A pedigree is not required, but the dog must have been a hunting dog and must have hunted raccoons exclusively.

4945 COON DOG CEMETERY RD, CHEROKEE, ALABAMA 35616

A granite monument of two dogs barking up a tree marks the entrance to the cemetery.

HAPPENINGSFall

MCMINN COUNTY

CELEBRATION OF THE NATIONS

September 16th

10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Main Street at The Lite House

3 West College Street, Athens, TN, 37303

A day of celebrating diverse people groups within McMinn County through authentic entertainment, food, marketplace vendors, and children’s activities. This will bring the community a unique day of unity, learning, and traveling without going far!

October 14th

10 a.m. 5 p.m.

Downtown Athens

Pumpkintown has become one of the region’s favorite festivals in the last 20 years with plenty of activities for young and old. It celebrates the rich cultural history of East Tennessee.

Native American culture and local history are displayed with elements that are unique and interesting for all ages. Pumpkintown is one of the largest annually attended events in McMinn County with almost 16,000 in attendance.

FriendlyCityFestivals.com

QUILT SHOW

October 3rd through 28th

McMinn County Living Heritage Museum

Over 100 handmade quilts will be on display at our 37th annual quilt show. Vote for your favorite quilt and buy an opportunity ticket to win a beautiful Christmas themed quilt for only $2.00!

LivingHeritageMuseum.org

DOWNTOWN HALLOWEEN

October 31st

5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Downtown Athens

Downtown Halloween sponsored by Main Street Athens will feature shops open late to allow trick-or-treaters, costume contests for all ages, and more!

Athenstn.gov/visitathens

CORN MAZE

September 23rd through October 31st

257 Highway 307 East Athens, TN 37303

The Mayfield family invites you to our Farm Park to enjoy the 40 acres of fun that we have to offer! Our corn maze, pumpkin patch, zip lines, Ball Zone, Hook & Ring Toss, and Our Mountain Slide are just a few of our many attractions your family will love! Come out and visit us this fall season!

MayfieldFarmPark.com

GUTHRIE

PUMPKIN FARM

Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays in October 490 County Road 67 Riceville, TN 37370

Visitors can spend time in the animal petting barn, journey through the corn maze, hop on the wagon for a ride to the pumpkin patch, go crazy on the bounce pad, or enjoy a game of checkers. Guthrie Farm is a great place for families to spend hours of fun together!

GuthriePumpkinFarm.com

Various dates from September through November

1163 U.S. 11, Athens, TN 37303

This year the Scream Chamber takes fear to a whole new level. On the outskirts of Athens, TN there’s a place so haunted the locals won’t go. After 200 years of death and murder within its walls, it is now guarded by the bodiless spirits that protect the Chamber of the Dead. If you’re ready to come face-to-face with your deepest, darkest fears, they’ll be waiting for you.

TheScreamChamber.com

MOTHER SON DANCE

November 4th

6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. 2215 Congress Parkway S, Athens, TN 37303

Athens Parks and Recreation Department will host this event at the McMinn County High School. Mothers and sons can get professional photos taken, dance the night away, and win door prizes.

Athenstn.gov/visitathens

OLD FASHIONED DOWNTOWN CHRISTMAS

November 17th

106 S Jackson St, Athens, TN 37303

Celebrate the beauty of Historic Downtown Athens while the city transforms into an Old Fashioned Downtown Christmas, complete with tree lighting, tree farm, vendors, and much more!

Athenstn.gov/visitathens

MONROE COUNTY

TENTH ANNUAL MONROE LIFE BALLOON FESTIVAL

September 2nd through 3rd 576 Tennessee 360, Vonore, TN 37885

Join us for tethered balloon rides, live music, a dedicated Kids Zone, and much more!

MonroeLifeBalloonFestival.com

CHEROKEE FALL FESTIVAL

September 9th through 10th

10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

576 Tennessee 360, Vonore, TN 37885

TELLICO BLOCKHOUSE GARRISON

October 7th 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

October 8th 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tellico Blockhouse State Historic Site

In this inaugural Tellico Blockhouse garrison, come see it brought to life, learn about the soldiers stationed there, the Cherokees living alongside, and how the course of American history was changed forever.

Facebook.com/ FortLoudounStateHistoricArea

Saturdays through October 28th

106 South Jackson Street

Athenstn.gov/visitathens

The Sequoyah Birthplace Museum will host its 32nd annual Cherokee Fall Festival. Visitors will have the opportunity to step back in time to experience Native American food, Cherokee arts and crafts demonstrations, music and dance. In the museum, we will be demonstrating our 1800’s Acorn Printing Press. A blacksmith will be doing on-site demonstrations in the shop both days. Other demonstrations and displays will include Cherokee life in 1700s and a Civil War encampment.

SequoyahMuseum.org

October 9th

Historic Downtown Madisonville

Taste of Monroe highlights Monroe County’s best foods and beverages. In addition to all the savory foods and sweet treats, guest will also enjoy a Chamber Member Business Expo, Live Music by Sarah Williams, a Car & Motorcycle show plus entertainment for the kids!

MonroeCountyChamber.org

TELLICO VILLAGE WOMEN’S CLUB HOME TOURS

October 15th

On the self-guided tour, guests visit gorgeous homes in Tellico Village. Again this year at the Yacht Club home tour reception, we will feature a sponsor “Meet and Greet” which will give those touring the homes a chance to meet our sponsors.

GFWCTellico.org

HAPPENINGS Fall

GOLD FESTIVAL

October 14th and 15th

10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Coker Creek Elementary School

Arts & Crafts, music, gold panning, and a Queen & Princess contest.

CHEROHALA SKYWAY FESTIVAL

October 28th

10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Charles Hall Museum & Heritage Center

FARRAGUT

VETERANS SALUTE 5K/10K AND FUN RUN

November 11th

7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Farragut Community Center

239 Jamestowne Blvd Farragut, TN 37934

Salute Veterans by participating in the Fleet Feet Knoxville Veterans Salute 5K/10K and Fun Run.

VisitFarragut.org/events

October 31st

Historic Downtown Sweetwater

Join SMPOA and Sweetwater Main Street for Historic Halloween in Sweetwater! This event will feature a trick-or-treat trail, kids activities, and more!

The 7th Annual Cherohala Skyway Festival has booth after booth of juried arts and crafts, lots of living history, and plenty of incredible food and treats! Test your axe throwing skills at On The Road Axe Throw trailer, paint a pumpkin, have your hand sculpted at Waxed Hands, and have your face painted! You’ll find lots of free festival fun like horse drawn wagon rides, a petting zoo, kids train rides, tractor pulled rides, bounce houses, and Mecca Camp’s Game Zone! Live Bluegrass and music will fill the air all day long at Josh Graves Memorial Music Festival!

HALLOWEEN IN THE CITY: MADISONVILLE

October 31st

Historic Downtown Madisonville

The Downtown Madisonville Alliance and the City of Madisonville have partnered together to host a Halloween Event! Enjoy Food Trucks, enter the Halloween Costume Contest.

petting hay bounce Game music the Graves Fort

SkywayFestival.com

GARRISON WEEKEND AT FORT LOUDOUN

November 18th 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

November 19th 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Loudoun, 338 Fort Loudon Rd Vonore, TN 37885

CENTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH HAUNTED HOUSE

October 20th, 21st, 27th, and 28th

7 p.m. to 11 p.m.

6265 Hwy 360, Tellico Plains, TN 37385

Our annual Haunted house returns. The cost is $3 and all proceeds go to the annual Christmas basket fund for the needy.

CenterPres.org

HOT TO TROT 5K/10K AND FUN RUN

November 23rd

7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

11619 Parkside Drive Farragut, TN 37934

This Farragut Thanksgiving tradition is brought to you by Fleet Feet Knoxville and is the perfect start to your family’s Turkey Day.

VisitFarragut.org/events

KNOXVILLE

Dates to be announced

Chilhowee Park

3301 E. Magnolia Ave. Knoxville, TN 37914

Water Lantern Festival is filled with fun, happiness, hope, and great memories that you’ll cherish for a lifetime. This is a family friendly event that can be shared by everyone. Friends, families, neighbors, and lots of people that you haven’t met can come together to create a peaceful, memorable experience.

WaterLanternFestival.com/knoxville.php

September 8th through 17th

3301 East Magnolia Avenue

Knoxville, TN 37914

Ongoing since 1916, this fair offers familyfriendly entertainment to Knoxville and East Tennessee. Fairgoers take part in numerous activities including, rides, live music, competitions, shows, food, actions sports, special events, and so much more!

TNValleyFair.org

Oct 11 - 15, Oct 19 - 22

Oct 26 - 29

3500 Knoxville Zoo Drive Knoxville, TN 37914

Attend Knoxville’s largest Halloween event with your little ones with season. This event is family-friendly and perfect for elementary school children and younger—although the older kids are welcome! Little trick-or-treaters will be able to grab some candy for their collection along the Boo Trail while seeing the sites of the zoo.

BooKnoxville.com

FALL FESTIVAL 2023

October 29th

Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum

2743 Wimpole Avenue

Knoxville, TN 37914

CHEROKEE CAVERNS PRESENTS TRICK OR TREAT IN THE CAVE 2023

October 20th through 22nd

October 27th through 29th

Historic Cherokee Caverns 8524 Oak Ridge Hwy

Knoxville, TN 37931

Bring the family and join us for Trick or Treat in the Cave! Everyone is welcome to wear your favorite Halloween costume and trick or treat along the cave path collecting tricks and treats! This family friendly event is fun for all ages! Enjoy themed scenes and photo ops, thousands of lights, festive music and lots of candy & fun among the stalagmites and stalactites!

HistoricCherokeeCaverns.com

This annual Fall Festival celebrates the end of the growing season with community dance and music performances, hands-on fall crafts and activities, and many local artists and nonprofits. Join on the LeConte Meadow, with the brilliant backdrop of the Great Smoky Mountains in fall color.

KnoxGarden.org/events-all/fall-festival

GATLINBURG

GATLINBURG FARMERS MARKET

Every Saturday through October 21st

8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.

1222 East Parkway across from Food City

Offering local choices for healthy mountain living, the Farmers Market is comprised of local producers. The emphasis is on fresh produce and homemade product offered.

Gatlinburg.com/events

GATLINBURGER WEEK

September 17th through 23rd

Gatlinburg has got the line on a good hamburger. That’s why we are dedicating an entire week to the All-American creation. For seven days, local restaurants will be taking the humble meat patty to the next level and selling that specialty, meaty treat for just $9, all the while contending for the title of GatlinBURGER Burgermeister. Visit Gatlinburg for delicious burgers!

Gatlinburg.com/burgerweek

BOO BASH AT GATLINBURG SKYLIFT PARK

October 1st through 31st 765 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738

As the leaves change color, visitors to Gatlinburg SkyPark will enjoy a family-friendly Halloween Boo Bash. There is no better place in Downtown Gatlinburg to experience the Smoky Mountains in the fall than the Gatlinburg SkyPark! Throughout October, the SkyPark will be covered in beautiful fall decor that creates the perfect fall setting to enjoy the Smoky Mountains! We will have face painting and balloon artists for the kids, SkyPark Prize Pack Giveaways, live music, and games for everyone on the SkyDeck for some Fall Fun at the SkyPark!

GatlinburgSkylift.com

HAPPENINGS Fall

ANDERSON COUNTY

FALL ANTIQUE FESTIVAL

October 6th and 7th Clinton

GATLINBURG CRAFTSMEN’S FAIR

October 5th through 22nd

10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Gatlinburg Convention Center 234 Airport Road, 920 Parkway

Filling the 150,000 square feet of downtown’s Gatlinburg Convention Center, the Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair hosts Artisans and Craftsmen from all over the nation. Two hundred booths with unique and one-ofa-kind handmade products, are beautifully displayed, as these skilled craftspeople demonstrate their talents.

CraftsmenFair.com

RIPLEY’S TRICK OR TREAT KICK OFF KARNIVAL

October 31st

11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 88 River Road, Gatlinburg, TN 37738

A fantastic family Halloween day event, fun for visiting guests and local residents— contests, costumed characters, candy and more await guests who attend this annual Halloween extravaganza. Festival locations will be at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies Plaza in Gatlinburg. All proceeds benefit the Forgotten Child Fund.

RipleyAquariums.com

Easily Clinton’s biggest event of the year with hundreds of antique vendors lining Market St, this year will be the biggest yet! Start on Friday at noon and continue through the entire day Saturday. Live music, entertainment, food, demonstrations and more! It’s the perfect way to kick off the fall season.

HistoricDowntownClinton.org/about

October 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 7545 Highway 411 South Greenback, TN 37742

Every year for the entire month of October, Hyde Farms opens up their Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch! If you’re looking for a day of family fun activities, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve got Concessions, Hay Rides, Playground Activities, Petting Zoo, a Corn Pit, and Bounce Houses!

HydeFarms.net

LOUDON COUNTY

MAPLE LANE FARMS CORN MAZE AND PUMPKIN PATCH

Weekends from September 29th through October 31st 1126 Maple Lane , Greenback, TN 37742

Get Lost in Maple Lane Farms 25th Annual Corn Maze, and enjoy tractor-pulled hayrides to the pumpkin patch, trips through the corn maze, and more!

TNMapleLaneFarms.com

September 30th through October 31st 13100 W Lee Hwy Philadelphia ,TN 37846

Multiple haunted attractions including a walk-through haunted house, a haunted corn maze, 3-mini horror escape rooms, nightmarish virtual reality, and a coffin simulator called ‘Buried Alive’. Each psychologically designed to shock your senses, test your limits, and bring out your deepest fears!

DeadMansFarm.com

HYDE FARMS PUMPKIN PATCH AND CORN MAZE

Hiwassee River & the Scenic Railroad

By Nancy A. Dalton, Tennessee Overhill

The Hiwassee River has its headwaters on the north slope of the Rocky Mountain in northern Georgia. It flows northward into North Carolina before turning westward into Tennessee, flowing into the Tennessee River a few miles west. The river is about 147 miles long. It is dammed by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) in four locations, Chatuge Dam, Hiwassee Dam, Mission Dam & Apalachia Dam. Water is diverted from the stream bed at Apalachia Dam and sent through a pipeline, which is tunneled through the mountains for eight miles; then it flows through the Apalachia Dam and Apalachia Powerhouse to generate electricity. The John Muir Trail in Tennessee’s Cherokee National Forest goes along this part of the Hiwassee River.

The 23 mile stretch of river that flows from North Carolina/Tennessee state line to U.S. Hwy 411 near Delano, TN is designated

as a Tennessee State Scenic River. After exiting the mountains through a spectacular gorge, the Hiwassee broadens, meandering through rural southeast Tennessee. Many marshes and wetlands surround the main channel, providing rich habitats for wildlife and opportunities for hunting and fishing.

You can also view the beautiful Hiwassee River and gorge and the Apalachia Dam on the scenic train excursion “Hiwassee River Scenic Railroad”, the most scenic excursion in this part of the country. The train travels alongside the Hiwassee and circles around the famous “Hiwassee Loop”. The Loop corkscrews up the mountain passing over a bridge 62 feet above the tracks on which the train just traveled.

This is truly a unique railroad experience and has several features that set it apart. The Loop is one of the most unique railroad

structures in the nation. It is reputed to be the third longest rail loop in the world. The train travels across the “Old Line”, a rail that was carved into the mountains and river gorge in 1890 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Hiwassee River Gorge is another striking feature. Tucked into a wilderness area, this natural wonder is only accessible by rail. This gorge has received the USDA National Forest’s highest ranking for scenic beauty.

The Tennessee Overhill along with TVRail offer two train trips; one is a half day trip (Hiwassee Loop) traveling around the Loop and Farner, TN, then returning. The Copperhill Special, day trip, takes the same route but after Farner continues into Copperhill/ McCaysville at the Tennessee/Georgia state line where passengers have a stopover for dining and shopping. All trips begin at the loading stations in Delano, TN on Hwy 411.

The Tennessee Overhill publishes a book on the complete history of the “Old Line Railroad” for a copy call the Overhill.

Farmhouse Restaurant Shares The Love Of Jesus

It’s Thursday morning, and the students at Miracle Lake are gathering at Farmhouse Restaurant for made-from-scratch country cooking provided for free by owner Diane White. About 20 students—men recovering from addiction—sit around the cozy wooden room under the tin roof. Wooden signs line the walls with messages like “pray,” “love,” and “give thanks.” But these are more than just decorations; they’re something Diane has lived out, providing a free meal each week for that last six years to the students of Miracle Lake.

Diane’s restaurant is her ministry, a way to share the love of Jesus.Recently, Diane has been away after suffering a stroke, but today, the students eating at her restaurant are in for a surprise—she has been released from the hospital, and they’re all thrilled to see her. Everyone stands and claps as she’s wheeled in.

“Hey Diane! Give me a big hug,” one student says. He recently relapsed, and Miracle Lake had welcomed him back for a second stay. “Coming here is the highlight of my week,” another student tells her, which makes her smile. They’re always so kind and appreciative. Shortly after her stroke, they made her a jewelry box full of notes and prayers from all of them. In addition, they’d prayed with her and sent her cards expressing their gratitude for all she’d done for them.

Today is broccoli casserole day, which is always a big hit with the students who can’t

seem to get enough of the delicious dish. She smiles as she watches them eat. Diane has three daughters and she’s always said that God never gave her boys because she has the Miracle Lake boys. She thinks of them as her children.

These weekly meals started because one of Diane’s waitresses was friends with an instructor at Miracle Lake. Eventually, Diane met with Jack Bryan, founder and former head of Miracle Lake.

“Jack,” she said, “I’d love to start feeding y’all.” “Oh no,” Jack said. “That’s too much.” But Diane insisted. “That’s how it got started, and we’ve been doing it ever since,” Diane tells our writer. “It’s just a blessing.”

Often, students who have graduated Miracle Lake will bring their families to Farmhouse Restaurant to say hi and thank Diane. Others have even taken jobs working for her. Current students will often give back to her by doing favors like cleaning or even handbuilding custom signs for the restaurant.

Alex Gambrell, a former student who is now a staff member at Miracle Lake, calls her “an amazing lady,” and he would know—not only is he friends with her through Miracle Lake, but a few years ago, she became family: his step-son is married to her granddaughter. Alex says, “It’s who she is, whether someone comes up and asks her for help, or sometimes, she just provides it. She’s like that at home, she’s like that everywhere...

She just does a lot of things behind the scenes that people will never know just how much she really does care about people. She shows the love of Jesus in her life.” “I’ve been blessed so much,” Diane says to our writer. “I try to give back to the community.”

Recently, at his 90th birthday, Miracle Lake founder Jack Bryan passed the reins of leadership on to Byron Goodman, and naturally, Farmhouse Restaurant was there to cater the event, providing the meal at cost, donating their time and labor. Byron Goodman said, “Diane has an extremely generous heart and loves helping people... The guys always enjoy going and seeing Diane at the Farmhouse when she is there and eating and fellowshipping. It’s always an exciting time.”

When our writer asks her why she’s done all this, Diane starts to answer before becoming overwhelmed with emotions. Her daughter, Lori, has to answer for her: “She’s trying to say that the Lord has blessed her so much, and this is the least she can do, is be a blessing to someone else. We’re going to first and foremost give God all the credit for many years of successful business even through COVID... It was just amazing, the support from the community and how they came right through for us.”

One day, Diane’s daughter, Lori, was shopping at Hobby Lobby when she stumbled across a wood sign that read: “Farmhouse—Faith, Family, and Food.” She had to smile at that. It could easily be the restaurant’s motto.

Years Of First For The Women In East Tennesse

First Breast Center In Tennessee

First In-Office Biopsies

In-Office Biopsies

First Mobile Mammography Program

First Multidisciplinary Breast Tumor Conference

First Dedicated Breast MRI

First Digital Hologic Mammography

First Cryoablation of Breast Cancers

First Custom Breast Prosthetics

FIrst No-Compression Breast CT SERVICES ONLY AVAILABLE AT KCBC

No-Compression Breast CT

Cryoablation of Breast Cancers Custom Forms for Survivors

Forty Years Of Earlier Detection To Save Lives!

e Knoville Comprehensive Breast Center is grateful to have been able to serve East Tennessee for 40 years! Dr. Kamilia Kozlowski and sta have always been the leader when it comes to innovative treatment for breast cancer.

No-Compression Breast CT at KCBC

e Knoxville Comprehensive Breast Center (KCBC) is the rst in the Unites States to bring the future of breast imaging to East Tennessee. is exciting new FDA approved technology is 3D breast imaging, but better because patients no longer have to su er from the inevitable “compression” that is inherent with traditional and 3D mammography.

“ is new technology is the biggest breakthrough in breast imaging. It gets rid of the most common complaint patients have,” says KCBC physician and founder, Kamila Kozlowski, “and provides a wealth of information that isn’t available in mammography.”

e Breast CT is the latest advancement in breast imaging. It gives physicians the ability to see behind structures in the breast that naturally get squeezed with 2D and 3D mammography, and patients get the same low dose radiation as they would with mammograms.

“ is will become the gold standard of early detection in the years to come and women won’t have to worry about compression,” says Dr. Kozlowski. “We are proud to continue the tradition of bringing the latest and greatest advancements in early detection to the women of East Tennessee.”