Mcminn Life Summer 2017

SUMMER 2017

HISTORIC TAPOCO LODGE WATER POWER

The Dams That Shaped Our Region

Mike McClamroch

President and CEO of East Tennessee Foundation

SOLAR ECLIPSE EVENTS

SUMMER 2017 McMINN LIFE

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McMINN LIFE SUMMER 2017

Muscadine Balloon Fiesta Labor Day Weekend

Saturday & Sunday, September 2nd & 3rd At Tsali Notch Vineyard MADISONVILLE

BALLOON GLOWS EACH NIGHT AT DUSK Bring a lawn chair, have dinner and enjoy the choreographed balloon glow to music! www.muscadineballoonfiesta.com 423.442.2750

SUMMER 2017 McMINN LIFE

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Volume 2, 2015

A magazine for the people of Farragut, West Knoxville & surrounding communities.

Seasonal Culinary Inspirations Truffle Ricotta Cheese Recipe With Chef Deron Little

KIPPY BROWN Behind The Scenes With

Seattle Seahawks Coach Kippy Brown And His Amazing Life Story

THE MUSCADINE FESTIVAL &

AIR BALLOONS 20 HOT

Tsali Notch Vineyard The Largest Muscadine Vineyard In The State Is Also The Prettiest!

DR. HAROLD BLACK

One Of The First African-Americans To Attend The University Of Georgia

Farragut_Summer_2015.indd 1

8/25/15 10:27 AM

MONROE LIFE MAGAZINE’S 5TH ANNUAL

Benefiting CASA Monroe

T E N N E S S E E

HUNTING & TRAPPING GUIDE

EFFECTIVE AUGUST 1, 2015 - JULY 31, 2016

» New White-Tailed Deer Buck Bag Limit: see page 25 » Hunter/Landowner Permission Card: see page 67 » New Hunter Education Field Day Exemption: see page 12

www.tnwildlife.org Follow us on:

Includes 2016 Spring Turkey Season

MARKETING • MEDIA • WEB DESIGN • TELEVISION

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Community Health Services

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YEARS OF BRANDING EXPERIENCE

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YEARS OF IN-HOUSE TELEVISION PRODUCTION

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CUSTOM MAGAZINES A YEAR

250

LOCAL AND NATIONAL ADDY AWARDS

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NATIONAL BROADCAST TELLY AWARDS

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SUMMER 2017 McMINN LIFE

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July 4th Events

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36 HIWASSEE BASEBALL

First Ever Win At NCCAA National Tournament

Photo By Ben Finch

Contents features Memphis Weekend

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Walter Brend Knives

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East Tennessee Foundation: Getting To Know President and CEO

Mike McClamroch

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SCOTTIE MAYFIELD

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departments 6 From The Editor 8 Niota Depot

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The Historic Tapoco Lodge & Tavern Restaurant A Dream Spot For Active Vacationers

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20 Lisa Grugin with Meadow View

Easy Plants for East Tennessee

28 Athens City Schools

Blending Learning Opportunities For All Students

30 Solar Eclipse Events 46 Happenings

WATER POWER

The 5 Dams That Shaped The Region

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McMinn Life PUBLISHER

The Bingham Group President Lisa Atkins Bingham

Letter from the Editor

The days are long, the trees are brilliantly green, and the kids are out of school. The Dog Days of Summer are here and there is no better place to be than East Tennessee in the summertime. You can raft, bike, horseback ride, or go hiking on the many trails that abound in the hills, ridges and mountains. For children with the, “there’s nothing to do” syndrome, check into all the opportunities for them at the E. G. Fisher Library, the Carnegie Library, the YMCA, and the Athens Area Council for the Arts, to name a few.

The Sounds of Summer has become a favorite community and family event each Saturday night at Market Park in Athens. Come out and sit under the stars and kick back to a different genre of music each week.

A once in a lifetime event will occur on August 21, 2017. A rare total solar eclipse will occur and residents of East Tennessee are in just about the best place in the world to view it. Athens and just about every community in the surrounding area will have special events to help make the eclipse something you’ll always remember. Find out what is going on in McMinn County in an article on the eclipse in this issue.

Speaking of “Dog Days,” please remember to bring your pets inside when it’s too hot outside, and never leave children or pets in a hot car.

Thanks once again to all the wonderful writers that make McMinn Life magazine such a good read.

A huge thanks to our advertisers for support that enables us to bring you stories of the people, places, and events in the awesome county we call home.

If you have a suggestion for an article for the magazine, please contact me at either chari@ binghamgroup.com, or (423) 435-1650. Have a safe, happy and healthy summer.

Local Editor Chris Hari Art Director Abby Swabe Graphic Designers Rachel Britt Alexys Lambert Contributing Writers Ron Clayton Katherine Cox Gayle Fisher Lisa Grugin Chris Hari Halea Lingerfelt Jennifer Porterfield Contributing Photographers Ron Clayton Bruce Hari Chris Hari Copy Editor Jennifer Porterfield Advertising Sales Mignonne Alman Tel: 865.523.5999 mignonne@binghamgroup.com Chris Hari Tel: 423.435.1650 chari@binghamgroup.com Susie Smyre Tel: 865.523.5999 susie@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.mcminnlife.com

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Planning your event at Tsali Notch The vineyard hosts weddings, receptions, reunions, civic clubs and other events. In addition to the vineyard grounds we also offer the following facilities: • The Tasting Room • The Upper Barn (for large events) • The Jackson Lounge We can also arrange for a tent for your event.

Please give us a call at 423-506-9895 for availability and to inquire about rental rates.

SUMMER 2017 McMINN LIFE 423.506.9895 • 140 Harrison Rd. • Madisonville, TN 37354 • www.tsalinotch.com

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Preserving The Niota Depot Written & photographed by Gayle Fisher

I

n most cities you have the town divided into two districts, especially if a railroad runs through it. We have all heard that you either “live on the wrong or the right side of the tracks.”

In Niota we don’t have that problem.

When the railroad was built everyone wanted to be close to the tracks. In 1837 the first railroad in Tennessee began construction in Athens but the tracks did not reach six miles away in Niota until 1852. As with any new idea or venture there were lots of starts and stops and bankruptcies along the way. In 1854 the East Tennessee and Georgia Railroad bought 5 acres from the James Willson Sr. heirs to build a future depot in then Mouse Creek. This Niota Depot is still standing today and is recognized as the oldest standing depot in the state of Tennessee. The building is 120 feet by 40 feet with the freight room being its largest feature. The large warehouse room was used by farmers to store grain ready for transporting to other communities. There is an 8 foot overhang around the building and the walls are solid brick 16 inches thick. Originally

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Drawing by Charles Mahery

the roof was wooden shingles. Both waiting rooms were equipped with wood burning pot-bellied stoves. Other than church this was the gathering place for the community. Locals would arrive by foot, horse or wagon at the depot asking questions about friends, local news, and political affairs and maybe get to read an out of date newspaper left behind by someone who had caught the passenger train a few days earlier. We even know that the Post Office was housed in the depot in 1869.

The depot was built by the citizens of Niota and with such a large project there was need of meals for the laborers. Mrs. Shults volunteered to cook for the crew

in her home. Several attempts were tried to let the men know that a dinner was ready. A signal was finally agreed upon.

Mrs. Shults was to hang a pair of her husband’s long red underwear out of the upstairs window. Seeing the long johns, work was stopped and a short walk ensued to her home. Not only did the local people build this structure they also financed its future. The citizens of Niota who bought one full share of stock would receive one free ride to Knoxville each year. (I assume it was a two way ticket).

The railroad tracks and the new “iron horse” bisected the community with several prominent members wanting the railroad even closer to their homes.

Some of these fine homes still stand today. The Willson and Cate homes located on the west side of the tracks and the Hill and Shearman homes on the east. These large land owners kept the city balanced. Both sides of the tracks proved to be good places to live.

In 1972 the Southern Railroad ceased use of the Depot. In 1980 the City of Niota

located City Hall to the old depot. The Niota Depot Preservation committee today consists of Mintie Willson, Boots Snyder, Frances Powers, Fred Underdown, Lois Preece, Todd Baker, and Lena Beth Reynolds.

With a combination of grant money from TDOT, McMinn motel tax, and private contributions, financing was approved in July 2012 to refurbish the depot. This historical structure has boldly stood for 162 years. We hope today’s work will help this landmark be around for another 100 years.

Special Thanks to historians Joe Guy, Effie Lones and Mintie Willson.

Beauty waits just outside your door‌ (423)920-2574

info@avltn.com www.avltn.com

Design. Create. Maintain.

SUMMER 2017 McMINN LIFE

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The King Of Grinders:

Walter Brend Written and photographed by Ron Clayton

M

ention the name Walter Brend around collectors of knives, swords and daggers, and smiles will fill the room. With decades of experience hand producing highly collectable weapons, Walter is considered by knife experts to be one of the most sought after creators of hand ground knives in the world.

After living in several states, Walter and his wife moved to rural McMinn County home and soon began turning out new styles for collectors in an expanded work shop. The shop is filled with different sized belt grinders and unique equipment needed to cut and finish his one-of-a kind creations. Several machines were designed by him and built by a specialty company. Along with constantly developing new and unique knife design styles, Walter also takes special orders from collectors who have their own ideas. Buyers in other countries often seek special creations, asking for both hunting and collectable knives. Walter said his most expensive weapon created was a sword that sold for $30,000 to a collector in China.

But the current success was not always a part of his life. Twenty years ago disaster struck.

“I was a meat cutter for 15 years, and everyone told me if you ever let the knife slip, you will cut yourself,” said Walter. “I was fast with the knife, but unfortunately the warnings became a reality. A slip with the knife happened,

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and after two surgeries a specialist said my hand was useless.”

He had movement, but no strength with a nerve severed. Walter had often dreamed of creating new knife styles – he grew up in the central Florida swamps where owning a knife could be a lifesaver. But with the injury that dream was impossible. He was on workman’s comp with little to live on, and no money to purchase equipment.

door. I stumbled and instinctively grabbed the door knob. Suddenly I had full strength in my hand. God healed me that morning.”

“My cousin said to make a knife the old fashioned way with sandpaper,” so in desperation he opted to try and file out a knife from a steel blank – to see if the impossible could become the possible.

That began a new life with his dream becoming reality. Success soon followed and Walter was the first person to ever make the knife makers guild in one year.

After three years of part-time work, he began full time creating a variety of knives. He now is known in knife circles as “The king of the grinders” and a featured maker in many knife shows.

“I do some knives in 3 hours but some take 20 or more,” Walter said. He is teaching a grandson the trade, but to date will not let him work with the larger grinders. “They are too dangerous.”

“I started to file on this knife, but my arm would give out. I started praying to God, if it is in your perfect will, please heal my hand,” said Walter. “I started to work again, all of a sudden I was covered in sweat, and turned to go through a

One unique creation which Walter especially favors, is for the 82nd Airborne Special Forces, several members telling him those knives saved their lives in many precarious situations.

The knives, called model two’s, have no

markings on them to reveal who created them or who owns them.

He has also styled special knives for missionaries who go into the jungles of South America, with several admitting the knives have saved their lives from attacks by rogue tribesmen bent on killing the missionaries. In addition, he has designed specialty knives for movie and music personalities, often using rare woods with epoxy resin along with silver and gold for handles.

At age 72 Walter has admittedly cut back on the number of hours he puts in each week, but plans to never quit designing new creations - “It’s in my blood,” he said, as he stepped up to the grinder to cut a new blade.

Walter’s web site is walterbrend.org

SUMMER 2017 McMINN LIFE

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An Interview With:

Scottie Mayfield Written and photographedby Ron Clayton

W

hen the name Scottie Mayfield is mentioned, thoughts automatically go to Mayfield Ice Cream commercials where he is spokesman for the company. The checkered shirts, the bow tie, and the infectious smile is what the public sees of Scottie.

But there is another side to the dairy icon, a workshop at his farm homestead near Athens where he creates unique wood working projects. Sporting an old shirt and tattered cap, Scottie saws, planes and sands wood from large trees to create unique items including bowls, furniture, primitive carvings and hand made joinery.

“I became interested in woodworking after Lisa and I were married,” Scottie said. “I started building picture frames out of barn wood. At that time I just had a small table saw, a router and a hand miter box.” Fellow woodworker and tutor Jerry Irons helped him build a larger workshop where Scottie learned to make dove tails, mortise and tenon joinery and other carpentry tricks.

Over the years additional tools were added to the shop, now a work place many a woodworker would only dream about.

“What are my favorite things to create?

I’ve been piddling with turning bowls, making little Christmas trees, and I really

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love what is called crotch wood,” said Scottie.

“When a tree grows up into two limbs and you saw it a certain way, you get what looks like a beautiful flame, sort of resembling a feather,” he added. “I also love knots in wood and limbs with imperfections.”

When the Mayfields built their home in 2001, Scottie came home one day from work and asked wife Lisa if he could buy a bass boat. But then he said “I really want to buy a saw mill and they cost about the same as a bass boat.” She laughingly agreed, and that mill allows him to cut boards up to 24 inches in width.

For years, life was going well for the woodworker, a place where he put the business world behind and simply enjoyed his hobby.. But in early 2010, disaster hit the Mayfield work shop.

Scottie was burning trash near a shed and an ember apparently blew into the wood storage area. His saw mill was in that building and sawdust covered the stored boards.

“I had hundreds of pieces of wood stacked up like pieces of kindling,” admitted Scottie.

After he had left the area the ember ignited gas cans stored near the shed, and the building along with all of his wood storage was destroyed by the fire. He and Lisa

stood in the door of their home watching hours of work going up in flames.“It was an unfortunate situation,” said Scottie of the memory. “When I built back, I put in a dust system.”

Over the years, in addition to building items for others, Scottie has created many pieces of furniture for the family home, including beds, and chests. Lisa says woodworking is a wonderful diffusion of stress for him.

“He has a very creative mind,” she said.

“He has built special blanket chests for each of our children on their 21st birthday.” She said the chests are made of mahogany that earlier belonged to her father. The wood originally was used as ballasts on banana boats. Even the locks and hinges are made from the mahogany.

In addition to his woodworking skills, Scottie has become a popular speaker, is active in his church, serves on a number of committees in the area - and of course, is the ice cream television idol. Does he still enjoy his work with the dairy?

“I”m the companies president emeritus, and still do some public relations work for them, but I don’t have to worry about a thing,” he said with a smile, as he returned to chipping wood for a new bowl.

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Play 727 Tennessee Ave. Etowah, TN 37331 (423) 263 - 2228 info@etowahcoc.org SUMMER 2017 McMINN LIFE

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From Pyramids To Graceland:

A Weekend In Memphis

Looking for the perfect weekend family vacation? Look no further than Memphis, Tennessee, which offers a range of attractions sure to entertain those of all ages.

Begin your weekend getaway at a Memphis icon, The Pyramid. Measuring 535,000 square feet, it’s one of the largest pyramids in the world. If not for the modern design, you can almost imagine you’re standing next to a real monument—it’s that big! In case you aren’t sure you’ve got the right pyramid, just look for the Bass Pro Shops logo on the front—the outdoor retail giant not only has a megastore inside The Pyramid, but they were responsible for transforming the building into what it is now.

You don’t have to be a fan of outdoor gear and apparel to enjoy The Pyramid experience.

Inside those slanted walls is interactive fun for just about anyone. The enormous structure houses an aquarium, an indoor cypress swamp, an alligator habitat, the Ducks Unlimited Waterfowling Heritage Center, a bowling alley, a gun center, an arcade, a restaurant and bar, and, if you want to go on a 28-story elevator ride (the tallest free-standing elevator in the world), there is an observation deck and restaurant at the top called The Lookout with gorgeous views of Memphis and the Mississippi River.

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If that sounds like a lot to do in one day, Bass Pro Shops has you covered with the Big Cypress Lodge. This wilderness-themed hotel features treehouse suites and cabins, and most rooms even include a porch with rocking chairs so you can look out at the cypress swamp in true Southern fashion.

Guests at the hotel receive access to all The Pyramid’s fun features during their stay, and it is convenient to downtown Memphis if you want to get out of the wilderness and explore the city.

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However, if you’re feeling a little less wilderness and a little more rock ‘n’ roll, you can continue your weekend adventure at Graceland, which has implemented some serious renovations.

Improvements include the restored racquetball building, an enhanced trophy building that gives more details on Elvis’s family life and, if that wasn’t enough, a $45 million expansion. This expansion is “Elvis Presley’s Memphis,” a 40-acre entertainment complex that gives visitors a closer insight into Elvis’s professional life, hobbies, childhood and influence. Exhibits will show detail on Elvis’s time in the army, his influence in both music and fashion and his broad collection of cars and motorcycles.

Fairgrounds are also included in the complex, designed to take visitors back to the 1956 Mississippi-Alabama Fair, where Elvis returned to his hometown as a famous performer and when “Elvis Presley Day” was announced in Tupelo.

Stop in for a bite to eat at Gladys’ Diner. This 50’s themed diner proudly serves classic American cuisine along with some of Elvis’ favorites dishes. If your taste buds desire more regional fare, try Graceland’s Vernon’s Smokehouse, which serves authentic Memphis BBQ and all the fixings.

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From Pyramids To Graceland:

A Weekend In Memphis Exploring these new additions might take quite a bit of time, and Graceland is prepared to help. Just across the road from Graceland Mansion is a brand-new hotel designed to give you a star-worthy experience. The Guest House at Graceland is the largest hotel project in Memphis in nearly a century. With an intricate mix of modern glamour and an homage to throwback designs, the hotel immerses guests in a sense of luxury and stardom that can only be brought on by The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll himself.

Left: The Guest House at Graceland offers luxurious accommodations with 19 specialty suites. Above: The Grand Entrance

In addition to being a full-service hotel, The Guest House also features two restaurants, a theater for live performances and movies, space for conferences and events and shuttles to downtown Memphis. The Guest House offers a multitude of packages to help you make the most of your stay, in whatever budget you can afford.

Taking Care of Business Package

Follow Elvis’ personal motto – “Taking Care of Business” – with this package, which includes a stay at The Guest House at Graceland, breakfast for one at Delta’s Kitchen, complimentary Internet and self-parking.

To plan your Memphis vacation, visit www. basspro.com/pyramid, www.big-cypress. com and www.graceland.com to learn more about these fantastic Memphis hot spots!

Photos courtesy of Graceland.com SUMMER 2017 McMINN LIFE

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Watch history come alive!

The Museum houses over 10,000 artifacts in 30 living history permanent exhibits. Rotating exhibits highlight aspects of our collection in detail with the collaboration of community artists and local historians. Come visit today.

Summer Events: Antique Quilt Exhibit Showcasing some of the oldest documented quilts in Tennessee!

July 5 - July 31, 2017 Summer Luncheon and Fashion Show “Hattitudes” Hats with attitude.

July 29, 2017 at 11:30 a.m.

Ikebana Classes Japanese Flower Arranging July 7th, 14th, 21st August 4th, 11th, 18th, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Lego Adventure

“The Midwives Quilt” by Dr. Gail Palmer

Quilt Presentation & Book Discussion July 11, 2017 at 6 p.m.

“Moonwalking”

Ages 5-12 years old Total Solar Eclipse Awareness Party An afternoon filled with games for the entire family and adventure while learning August 19, 2017 at 1p.m. about the history of Legos!

Saturday, August12, 2017 at 1 p.m.

www.livingheritagemuseum.com

(423) 745-0329522

W Madison Ave. Athens, TN 37303

Happy

4 th

of

d

g Athens

Pyro Fireworks Show at 9:30pm at Athens Regional Park.

The celebration begins at 12:00pm with Bob Miller and Model Aviation. This is sure to be fun for the whole family. Games will be played on the park plaza. The annual pie eating contest will take place at 9:00pm with the fireworks show beginning at 9:30pm.

Watch fireworks that are synchronized to patriotic music on WJSQ/WLAR. This spectacular show is free to the public. Come join the celebration! For more information, call Athens Parks and Recreation at 423-744-2704.

g Etowah

The annual Old Fashioned July 4th Celebration will occur this July 4th in Etowah, TN. Come join thousands for this family-fun event! This celebration at the L&N Depot will feature activities for the whole family including a 5k race/walk, lots of delicious food and food-eating contests, a beauty pageant, live music and bands, craft vendors, and much more! Celebration will continue with a fireworks show at 9:45pm with live music to follow. Call Etowah City Hall for more information, details, and a complete schedule of events. (423) 263-2202

A Delicious Summer Drink

the fire cracker

Fireworks don’t have to be limited to the sky. Sip a taste of summer with a refreshing mixed cocktail that’s sure to leave your tongue sizzling for more! Simply mix Vodka, Sprite and Grenadine. Then add blueberries, blackberries and strawberries

Special thanks to Castleton Farms and Ben Finch Photography

SUMMER 2017 McMINN LIFE

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Written By: Lisa Grugin

Congratulations! You are lucky to live in an area with a long growing period where you can enjoy flowers for much of the year. With that said, there are still some challenges to gardening in this area. Temperatures can go up and down like a rollercoaster, and the heat and humidity make this a breeding ground for disease and insects. Over the years, I have learned what some of the “tough” guys of the annual flower garden are, so let’s talk about them. I’ll talk about the sun lovers first.

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Hands down, the toughest plant that we sell is Lantana. This beauty takes heat and drought like a champ, and rabbits and deer don’t like it. It is available in several colors and in an upright or sprawling form.

Flowering vinca is number two on the tough scale. It is a prolific bloomer available in shades from white to red. The only downside to this plant is that it should not be planted in the same bed repeatedly. It harbors a fungus in the roots that will build up after about 3 years. Try alternating it yearly with another flower.

If you are absentminded about watering, Portulaca is your friend.

It has a succulent leaf and takes the summer sun and heat very well. The flowers do close in the middle of the day, but that is the time that most of us are least likely to see it anyway!

Verbena is another tough little sprawler and is available in several colors. It also comes in a perennial form if you love it so much you want to keep it!

Angelonia is a terrific plant that will add a little height to your landscape or containers. Some people call this the

summer snapdragon because of the similarity in blooms. It is heat and drought tolerant once established.

Zinnias are an old-fashioned plant that has stood the test of time. The larger blooming ones make great cut flowers, and the smaller Profusion varieties are great in the landscape.

Petunias, and their mini-me friends the calibrachoa, are great plants that can fill up an area quickly. They do prefer weekly fertilizing and may need the occasional haircut. I had a Cali survive in a pot all winter!

Now let’s talk about the shady guys: Impatiens are the probably the most popular shade lover, which is why the impatien downy mildew problem a couple of years ago hit so hard. As a reminder, there were no greenhouses in the state with this disease. That is another reason to always buy from a local grower. Impatiens can take some fairly deep shade and will let you know if they are dry. Give them a drink and they will perk right back up!

Green leaf begonias are a close second for shade gardens. They are available in white, pink and red. Their larger cousins the big leaf and dragon wing begonias are also wonderful

if you are looking for something a little bigger for containers or beds. Tuberous begonias have stunning colors, and there are also some new varieties in the Angel wing family.

I love caladiums and have them in most of my pots. Those big, heart-shaped leaves make a dramatic statement in containers as a background for smaller plants.

Coleuses have beautiful foliage and are another great backdrop for smaller plants, or do fine as a standalone. The Kong series is my favorite.

Have you seen the Torenia? It is also called Wishbone flower and is available in blue, which is unusual. I like it because it is pretty and because it is very attractive to bees. We need to help our pollinators!

My last shade loving recommendation is the good ole fern. Boston ferns look great hanging, and Kimberly Queen ferns are an upright that can take some sun. Both are heavy feeders that will love to be fertilized every other week or so.

These are, or course, just a few of the plants that we have in stock. We also have a great selection of perennials, and we will be happy to help you make good choices for your yard!

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Clayton Homes of Athens 423-745-4752 | www.newclayton.com

SUMMER 2017 McMINN LIFE

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Behind East Tennessee Foundation:

AN INTERVIEW WITH

PRESIDENT & CEO MIKE McCLAMROCH

ANDERSON BLOUNT CAMPBELL CARTER CLAIBORNE COCKE GRAINGER GREENE HAMBLEN HANCOCK HAWKINS JEFFERSON 24

McMINN LIFE SUMMER 2017

We want you to tell our readers about who you are! Can you begin by telling us about your childhood?

When you hear “East Tennessee Foundation,” you might immediately think of the many charitable resources this foundation has contributed to East Tennessee over the past 30 years.

From scholarships to wildfire relief funds, this organization has its hand in charity work all across our region, with over $250 million in cumulative grants awarded since 1986. Many, however, do not know the story behind East Tennessee Foundation’s President and CEO, Mr. Mike McClamroch.

Mr. McClamroch graduated from Webb School of Knoxville, Furman University and Cumberland School of Law. He was a lawyer with the firm of Egerton, McAfee, Armistead & Davis as well as an active volunteer in the community before taking the lead role at the East Tennessee Foundation in 2001. He and his team helped build the foundation from total assets worth $30 million to now over $300 million.

We had the privilege of speaking with Mr. McClamroch at his office in downtown Knoxville. Sincere gratitude and thankfulness radiated from Mr. McClamroch as he discussed his upbringing, his faith and family, his present-day accomplishments and what the future may hold.

Tell us about your son. We know he is very important to you.

"I am from Knoxville. My parents are from Knoxville, all the way back to my greatgrandparents, so I am an East Tennessean born and bred. I grew up in the country in West Knoxville and had all kinds of animals growing up. I was the only kid at Sequoyah School who was a member of 4-H. I grew up with lots of space, and we did everything outside. You know, it was a great way to grow up. We had a garden, not because we had to have it to eat. We had a garden because it was great fun. And I still have a garden, I still work in the yard and I still work outside. That’s how I relax."

"It is a huge part of my life. It, in fact, is the driver for almost everything that I do.

I learned a reliance early on where it feels absolutely natural for me, when confronted with a problem, to hand it over to God and ask for guidance and wisdom and strength and the wherewithal to get through it. And that serves me really well."

"He is the most important thing to me. I am continually amazed by him. He is a wonder to behold. I could not be more proud of him, and not just in his accomplishments. He is a great athlete, and a great student, but he also is a deep thinker and really well spoken.

Sometimes it is shocking to me and I have to remind myself that he is only fifteen. I love seeing him be a natural born leader. I love seeing him interact with his peers. He is one of those children who is equally at ease with his peers as he is with adults."

"I would not be here with ETF if I hadn’t had enough faith to take a real jump, a real counter-intuitive jump. You know, I went to a lot of people to seek advice. I went to my dad, and I said, “Dad, they’ve come to talk to me about this job. What do you think?” And he said, “Are you crazy? Your law practice is booming.

You are doing so well. You’ve worked so hard. My advice is no way.” And for your gut, your heart, to tell you that your dad is just dead wrong, because he doesn’t know you as well as God knows you, or you know yourself, that was a hard thing for me to do. But I knew it was the right thing to do, and I called them back and I said, “Yes.”

"Recently, we cooked and served dinner at Knoxville Area Rescue Mission and Michael’s response to that was not, “Oh my gosh, that was such hard work.” We stood for hours and made 34 pork tenderloins.

The hair on both my arms was singed from the oven. It was hard work. His response was, as we got in the car after dinner and were driving home, “If we made a grant out of our fund to KARM, what do you think they need the most?” That’s the stuff that makes you cry as a parent. I believe as parents we cannot impart that to our children—that is a God-given sensibility. I am just gratified that he has it. And he has a lot of it."

Can we talk a little bit about your upbringing as far as your faith is concerned? Is it a big part of your life?

JOHNSON KNOX LOUDON McMINN MONROE MORGAN ROANE SCOTT SEVIER SULLIVAN UNICOI UNION WASHINGTON SUMMER 2017 McMINN LIFE

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What sort of goals did you have when you were younger?

"You know, my goals have morphed or matured over time. I was really idealistic at twenty-five. Back then, I really thought that I could reform public policy. But as I grew older and I got deeper into politics, I grew increasingly weary of politics for the sake of politics. Back then, I was the youngest-ever GOP chair and I may be the only GOP chair that counted the seconds until my term ran out. It was an eye-opening experience for me and a great way to pivot and shift gears. I recognized that I needed to figure out a better fit for me to make changes in our community."

"Part of my job is to make sure that everyone here who is crunching numbers or reading grant applications, proofreading the newsletter or whatever it is, feels connected.

To the ones whose lives we are changing.

It is not uncommon for me to read the thank you letters, the gut-wrenching stories, in our staff meetings. I encourage everybody to go on the site visits, to serve on the scholarship committees, to do all of that work. It is what they have to do to stay focused and to remember that their job has meaning, no matter how difficult it is that day.

It is easy for me, because I am at a 20,000-foot level, and at any point, I can go down and get involved in any part of it, but I think that it is important for our team. And it matters."

Tell us a about the East Tennessee Foundation and what you do there.

What ETF accomplishments are you most proud of that have taken place in the last year?

"ETF was founded in 1986 and I joined shortly after 9/11 as the economic crisis of 2001 was underway. Our growth since then has been really significant, with the crash of 2008 sitting right in the middle of that.

We were able to maintain our grantmaking through both crashes, and it provided survival dollars for a lot of organizations, especially arts organizations that would have gone out of business otherwise.

Cumulatively, our grants in the region are over $250 million. That goes a long way and changes a lot of lives in East Tennessee.

We are all proud of that."

"I am proud of so much, but I am most proud of the way our team works with each other to get it all accomplished. This is not false modesty, but anybody that knows the Foundation and sees the way that it works, day in and day out, knows it is not a reflection of me. It is a reflection of this team. I am a part of, always, a larger whole, and the way they respect each other, the way they communicate with each other, the way they are able to advance the mission of the Foundation and just, one after another, set records in all of these accomplishments…it’s a reflection

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MILLION ASSET MARK, BEYOND PASSING THE $ ETF ALSO RECENTLY CELEBRATED: • Over $250 million in cumulative grants awarded since 1986 • The opening of the Pat Summitt Clinic as provided by ETF’s Pat Summitt Foundation • Funding significant disaster relief and recovery support after the devastating wildfires of 2016 • Establishing community funds specific to 16 out of the 25 total counties served as part of the “Give Where You Live” initiative across the region – with more anticipated to occur in 2017

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on them. Overall, I think the thing I am most proud of is our work environment, because it is conducive to success. It makes success not just possible, but likely.

And I am really proud of that."

Looking ahead at the next couple of years, what is the ultimate goal?

"The ultimate goal is to stay in that position where we are managing, guiding and feeding that growth. We are going to be stretching in some areas in which we have never been able to stretch before, and we have done a great job on a meager budget on name recognition and brand recognition. We have done a great job on becoming the conversation starter for meaningful philanthropy in East Tennessee, so we have to continue all that. But we are going to be exploring really fascinating things like mission investing and other things that are going to be really attractive to potential donors, potential fund holders, and will multiply, I hope, exponentially, our impact in the region.

When we get to invest, not just through grants but through investments in projects that are changing people’s lives, our impact and the benefit we provide is going to increase exponentially. I am really excited. We are now positioned to not only watch it happen, because there is nothing passive about any of this, but also to make it happen."

The Foundation is a grant-making institution comprised of over 425 charitable funds established by donors interested in impacting their communities. ETF can accept almost any asset of value. If you have questions about charitable giving, feel free to contact Mike or his staff at 865-524-1223 or visit their website for more information:

www.easttennesseefoundation.org.

2017 Board of Directors Standing left to right: Wayne Benson, Jerry Prince, Jerry Flatt, Dick Hashe, Mike Gentry, Wade Shultz and Walter Barham. Sitting left to right: Margaret Bohannon, Nancy Strasser, Board President Rush Guthrie, Sandra Guthrie and Alfreda Tilley.

SUMMER 2017 McMINN LIFE

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Athens City Schools

Blended Learning Opportunities For all Students Written by Julie Lofland, Athens City Schools Family Engagement Coordinator

A

thens City Schools is proud to announce the new and exciting ways of enriching learning for all students from Pre K to 8th Grade.

Technology has always been important for classrooms, and this year teachers and administrators are beginning to incorporate more technology as they begin to transition to a blended learning environment. Technology devices such as laptops, iPad minis, iPads , or notebooks are being used in the classroom to enhance the teaching of subjects so that students can benefit hands on.

We believe the integration of technology into all curriculum areas improves student performance by making learning more meaningful, challenging, and engaging. Technology integration focuses on the learning process rather than on the technology itself.

It allows the teacher to become a powerful facilitator in a student-centered learning environment.

Athens City Middle School is now one-to-one with technology.

One-to-One means one device per child.

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Every student at Athens City Middle School has been assigned a laptop. The students use them every day and take it with them to their classes. One-to-one technology lets teachers combine the use of digital content and activity with traditional instruction. This is showing improved student learning.

City Park and Ingleside school are integrating technology with the quality instruction of our superb teachers and staff but adding activities and learning with iPads and iPad minis in the classroom. North City and Westside are also blending more technology into instruction by using mini notebooks.

This improves student performance by allowing more varied learning opportunities in the classroom.

The technology department at Athens City Schools has implemented and executed an incredible system of monitoring, supporting, training, and assisting with this great initiative this year. As part of the new integration of technology at Athens City Schools, parent seminars and support are always available

to help families and students.

Athens City Schools invites you to schedule an appointment to take a tour in one of our schools to see the great things happening in the classroom.

Excellence Is‌Athens City Schools.

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SUMMER 2017 McMINN LIFE

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Once-in-a-lifetime

Solar Eclipse Written By Jennifer Porterfield | Eclipse Photo By Dr. Paul Lewis

W

hen was the last time you saw a total solar eclipse?

Chances are, your answer to this question is going to be, “Never.” Even if you have seen a solar eclipse, the likelihood of it having been a total solar eclipse is very slim. But on August 21st, those within what is called the “path of totality” will have a chance to witness a historic event with their own (properly shielded) eyes. And it just so happens this narrow path stretching from Pacific to Atlantic runs right through Sweetwater, Tennessee.

A solar eclipse is when the moon passes between the sun and the earth, fully or partially blocking the sun’s light. According to UT Professor and Director of Space Science Outreach, Paul Lewis, what makes a total solar eclipse so special is the sun’s corona.

All of those wispy trails of heat, much hotter than the surface of the sun itself, are only visible to the naked eye during a total eclipse!

The folks in Sweetwater are not taking this momentous occasion lightly—they have created an entire festival around the eclipse. Tens of thousands of people will witness history while enjoying local

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vendors, including crafters, artists, food vendors and much more. Souvenir t-shirts and viewing glasses will also be available.

All the hotels in the area are already booked for the event, with visitors coming from all over the world to share in the spectacle. Jessica Morgan, who works for the City of Sweetwater, is excited about what this event means for the Sweetwater area. “We are looking forward to tourism dollars to spur economic development, and it’s an educational experience for students locally and regionally, something we will never forget.”

The next total solar eclipse will not happen for another seven years, and there are no guarantees the path of totality will be this close again. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to witness a scientific phenomenon, make new friends, peruse some local businesses and enjoy a funfilled day out in Sweetwater, Tennessee.

The Solar Eclipse festival in Sweetwater is from 10am to 5pm on August 21st.

Totality will begin around 2:35pm in Sweetwater and typically only lasts a couple of minutes. For more information, visit: www.sweetwatereclipse.com.

Eclipse Safety Tips Whether you choose to watch the eclipse out in Sweetwater or from your own home, remember to always properly protect your eyes. You should never look directly at the sun, even during an eclipse. Viewing packages, which include a t-shirt and certified glasses, are available at http://www. sweetwatertn.net/eclipse.html. If you’re feeling crafty, you can make your own homemade viewing device using household items, like a mirror and an envelope.

Resources for homemade viewers can be found at the NASA website: https://eclipse2017.nasa.gov/resources.

For More Information Visit: www.sweetwatereclipse.com SUMMER 2017 McMINN LIFE

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Solar Eclipse Viewing Events

Standing In The Shadow Of The Moon #Totality in Tellico Sponsored by The Charles Hall Museum and Monroe County Tourism

Tellico Saturday August 19

Weiner Wagon will sell hot dogs, nachos and cheese, candy, chips, and drinks.

4:30-5:30 p.m.- Astronomy informative videos including Total Solar Eclipse scenes.

Charles Hall Museum Building 2 Meeting Room 1O a.m.-Noon - Native American Dream Catcher Class.

Local Tellico Plains resident, Cherokee descendant, and artisan, Tonya Dockery will guide you in creating a handmade dream catcher.

Supplies include our native grapevines, along with feathers, leather, sinew, and beads. During the instruction, Tonya will recite Native American historical, cultural, and spiritual stories about our solar system including the function of the dream catcher. Class size is limited to 20. Cost that includes supplies: $15 Register by emailing Pam at charleshallmuseum@hotmail.com or calling 423-253-2111.

Garden Area 8-10 p.m. - Starry Night In Tellico Plains #The Milky Way Star Party (Weatherpermitting) Hosted by The Smoky Mountain Astronomical Society. Bring binoculars, telescope, lawn chair, drink, and if desired a bag of Milky Ways, Star Bursts, or Moon Pies to share. Soft drinks and water will be available for a fee. Enter the field behind the Visitors Center by the Walking Bridge in the Garden area of the Walking Trail Astronomy Club members will man 10-12 Telescopes in the Field beside the Garden Spot. They will allow folks to gaze through the telescopes as they point out the marvels of our night skies. Handouts will be available. For more information go to www.smokymtnastro.org.

(8p.m. Star Gazing Party if weather did not permit on Saturday)

Sunday August 20

12-3:30 p.m- Appearing on a trailer in the south side of the field and using a state of the art PA system will be McKee Promotions. The DJ ‘s will start the Eclipse Party with star themed music. Tonya Dockery, a Cherokee Story Teller and local resident, will entertain the crowd with traditional and historical Cherokee stories about the Milky Way and the Cherokee’s connection to the sun, moon, and stars. Members of the Smoky Mountain Astronomical Society will describe the details of the skies beginning an hour before the eclipse and during the eclipse. Warning: Do not look in the area of the sun without eclipse glasses!

The Charles Hall Museum and the Visitor’s Center currently have eclipse glasses, but they are selling fast! An amateur Weather person will announce the changes in temperature, humidity, and wind.

Noon-4:30 p.m.- The 1962 complete first two shows of the Jetsons and the 1965 first two shows of Lost in Space will play.

4:30-6:30 p.m. - Star Trek II The Wrath of Khan.

Inside the Visitor’s Center and Charles Hall Museum Building 1 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.- Star theme videos will show through the day.

6:30-8 p.m.-20 minute video will loop on Star Gazing basics and our August night skies as folks gather in the field beside the Garden Area for the Star Gazing Party to begin at dark.

Charles Hall Museum Building 2 Meeting Room 9 a.m.-11 a.m.- Biblical “sky’’ experiences from a Christian perspective will loop in Building II.

Inside the Visitor’s Center and Charles Hall Museum Building 1 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.- Star theme videos will show through out the day including eclipse videos, clips of the first 1962 Jetsons television show, the first 1965 Lost in Space television show, John Glenn’s 1962 first orbit around the earth, Neil Armstrong’s 1972 walk on the Moon, and Michael Jackson’s 1982 first Moonwalk dance!

12:30-2:30 p.m.-Native American Dream Catcher Class In this 1.5-2 hour class, local Tellico Plains resident and artisan, Tonya Dockery will guide you in creating a handmade dream catcher. Supplies include our native grapevines, along with feathers, leather, sinew, and beads. During the instruction, Tonya will recite Native American historical, cultural, and spiritual stories about the function of the dream catcher. Class size is limited to 20. Cost that includes supplies: $15. Pre-register by at charleshallmuseum@ hotmail.com or calling 423-253-2111.

Outside the Visitor’s Center, the Charles Hall Museum’s buildings, and the Garden Area 1-9 p.m. - WoodSongs SongFarmers of Tellico Plains First Annual Song Harvest Festival. Multiple jams will be held under the different shade canopies. All ages are invited to listen, sing, or bring acoustic instruments to play.

Bring a chair, snacks, or non-alcoholic beverages.

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2:30-3:30 p.m.- NASA’s Space journeys including John Glenn’s first orbit around the earth in 1962 and Apollo 11 ‘s Neil Armstrongs Walk on the Moon.

3:30-4:30 p.m.- Lost in Space TV Show, Season 1, Episodes 1 & 2.

Monday August 21 The Charles Hall Field 7 a.m.-5 p.m.-Cost to park in the field: $5/car A southern view of the sky will provide an excellent view of the eclipse. Enter the west side of the field by the Skyway Realty Sign on Bank Street and across from Hardees. You can access the Museum, Library, and Visitor’s Center from the walking trail beside the east side of the field.

Brink drinks, lawn chair, hat, sunscreen, sun umbrella, and eclipse viewing glasses.

The Charles Hall Field Weiner Wagon will sell hot dogs, nachos and cheese, candy, chips, and drinks.

Inside the Visitor’s Center and Charles Hall Museum Building 1 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.- Star theme videos will show throughout the day.

Charles Hall Museum Building 2 Meeting Room 10-11 a.m.- NASA’s Space journeys including John Glenn’s first orbit around the earth in 1962 and

August 21, 2017

Apollo 11 ‘s Neil Armstrong’s Walk on the Moon. ll a.m.-3 p.m.- NASA’s Live Stream video (hopefully) This is a non-alcoholic event. Restrooms are available inside the Visitor’s Center and both buildings of the Charles Hall Museum. Admission is free to the Charles Hall Museum. Portable potties are available in the Charles Hall field behind the Visitor’s Center and Library. A Weiner Wagon with hot dogs, snacks, and drinks will be available 1-9 on Saturday and 10-4 on Monday. Never view the sun without eclipse glasses including during an eclipse!

Maryville Monday August 21 Harmony Family Center The Harmony Family Center in Maryville will be hosting an eclipse viewing party. The pool and basketball courts will be open. There will be food and beer trucks. The center will have experts speaking at the event. Attendees will receive viewing glasses. People are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets. Tickets can be purchased for $25 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under.

T-shirts and sweatshirts can be purchased when getting tickets online. For more information, visit HarmonyFamilyCenter.org.

Townsend Monday August 21 Totality Tuber Solar Eclipse Celebration at River Rat Tubing The Totality Tuber Eclipse Celebration will take place during the total solar eclipse from 11a.m. until 8p.m. at River Rat Tubing in Townsend.

Tubers will be able to float down the river for a unique perspective of the eclipse, and walk away with a commemorative t-shirt as well.

There will be live music and family activities at the main building. Note: You may not be able to see the actual eclipse while floating down the river, but you will be able to experience one and a half minutes of near-darkness on the water which could make for a thrilling experience!

There is a $15 per person fee. Price includes tubing and the t-shirt. For more information visit smokymtnriverrat.com/tubing/

Cades Cove The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is hosting an informal eclipse viewing site at Cable Mill in Cades Cove. There will be no charge to participate. Vehicle access to these sites, though, may be closed when parking becomes full or roads become congested.

Clingman’s Dome Clingmans Dome Trailhead parking area will be converted to a special ticketed event site for experiencing the eclipse with the assistance of experts, educational exhibits, and story tellers.

Ocanuluftee The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is hosting an informal eclipse viewing site at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center. There will be no charge to participate. Vehicle access to these sites, though, may be closed when parking becomes full or roads become congested.

Madisonville Monday August 21 Total Eclipse of the Park at Houston Park Picnic will be held at Houston Park on Monday, August 21st from 11 am until 4 pm. There will be food, drinks and snacks, vendors, and music.

The city officials will be awarding prizes to the winners of the recycled art project contest at 3 pm that day at the library. T-shirts and special eclipse glasses are now on sale at the Madisonville Library and at City Hall and will be available to purchase at the event as well.

Madisonville is in the path for a total eclipse at 2:32 pm so come and join the fun at our beautiful Houston Park.

Vonore Monday August 21 Fort Loudoun State Historic Park 12:30pm-3pm - Join us for this historical event at this historical park. The solar eclipse is one giant cover up when the full moon is in line with the sun and earth blocking the sun’s light. The fort will experience the full eclipse beginning at 2:33 p.m. and will last approximately two and a half minutes, the longest for any East Tennessee State Park. Eclipse glasses will be provided to protect

your eyes. In addition to the viewing, learn about 18th century beliefs of solar eclipses as well as the actual science behind the sun’s cover-up.

Sweetwater Friday August 18 Downtown Sweetwater Vendor setup open beginning at 5pm.

Sunday August 20 Downtown Sweetwater Movies in the park - beginning at dusk.

Monday August 21 Downtown Sweetwater 7 am - Shuttle begins from Sweetwater Flea Market and pre-sell parking.

10 am - Festival begins Duck Park Bandstand (Main Stage) The Joey Pierce Project 10-Noon Romeo Kings Noon- 2pm.

Traincar Park- Live with WBIR Gazebo Mr. Charlie Price, Apollo Engineer 10 am, 12 pm, Countdown to Totality, Learn to moonwalk with Salt & Light Studios- 11 am Dancing in the Streets- 3:30-5 p.m.

Depot 98.3 Broadcast, Little Pete’s Train Rides Corner of Main & North Danette McCrary For additional information visit www. monroecountytourism.com/total-solar-eclipse/ Tsali Notch Vineyard Tsali Notch Vineyard will be hosting a viewing party held jointly in City of Sweetwater and at The Vineyard. They will be open from 10am - 5pm. Be sure to bring your lawn chair!

Coker Creek Gold Prospectors Association of America –– Viewing & Party August 21th.

SUMMER 2017 McMINN LIFE

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McMinn County

Solar Eclipse Viewing Events

Athens Monday August 21 2017 Total Eclipse Party Athens Regional Park, Athens, TN. Time: 10am-3pm Be prepared for a good time with food and music as Athens welcomes in the Eclipse!

Etowah Monday August 21 Hang Out in the Dark Starr Mountain Outfitters Bring your hammocks (chairs are welcome too) and hang out with SMO to see the eclipse! Food and entertainment by Chris Hennessee will also be apart of the event. For more information, visit their facebook page: facebook.com/ starrmountainoutfitters Etowah Eclipse Extravaganza “Official NASA Viewing Location” All are welcome to the Etowah L&N Depot for viewing of the Solar Eclipse. Activities include learning the Moonwalk and other educational stations featuring fun activities. Free solar eclipse viewing glasses will be given to the first 500 attendees. For more information, contact the Etowah Chamber.

Central High School Bill McConkey, physics instructor at McMinn Central High School (located between Etowah and Englewood), is planning a “Great American solar eclipse” party on the campus of Central High School. The school is inviting everyone who would like to safely view the eclipse onto our campus on August 21, 2017. McConkey and his students will have a few telescopes set up with solar filters as well as safe viewing devices that will have a rear projection set up with pinhole camera type boxes. For more information contact McConkey by 423-263-5541 or by email, wmcconkey@mcminnschools.com Niota Monday August 21

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Niota Public Library All American Eclipse educational programs are happening prior to the Eclipse at the Niota Public Library. Students will learn about the planets as well as general safety in preparation for the Eclipse. Everyone is invited to participate. For more information on how to pre-register for these events and specific dates and times, call 423-568-2613.

Niota Total Eclipse Festival Niota will be joining in the Eclipse fun by hosting a festival that will feature multiple bands, food vendors and ice cream! Michael Genest, US Space program Veteran who worked at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, will be speaking to attendees.

Free Solar Eclipse glasses will be available!

Festivities will begin at 12:30pm. Call Niota City Hall for more information. 423-568-2584 Polk County Monday August 21 Sun & Moon Festival August 20-21 Reliance, TN. Activities on the 20th include S’Mores and stargazing in Reliance, TN beginning at 7pm. On the 21st, activities are expected to begin at 12pm. This family friendly event will feature free solar eclipse viewing glasses, storytelling and more! For more information, visit ocoeecountry.com Polk County Chamber of Commerce Total Solar Eclipse Viewing Party will take place at Savannah Oaks Winery in Delano, TN. The fun begins at noon. Enjoy a full weekend of events leading up to the eclipse-viewing party.

This local winery will also release a limited-edition Eclipse Wine. For more information call 423-3385040 or visit www.OcoeeCountry.com Delano Total Solar Eclipse Viewing Party will take place at Savannah Oaks Winery in Delano, TN. The fun begins at noon. Enjoy a full weekend of events leading up to the eclipse-viewing party.

This local winery will also release a limited-edition Eclipse Wine. For more information, please call

Savannah Oaks Winery at 423-263-1513.

Ocoee, TN Monday August 21 Adventures Unlimited Eclipse Trip Adventures Unlimited is planning an experience of a lifetime on August 21st! Join Adventures Unlimited for a rafting trip during the eclipse.

After this exciting event, stay for a fun-filled afternoon including a space-themed dinner, social that is family friendly, live tunes, giveaways and a night of camping. For more information on pricing and camping availability, call 800-662-0667 Quest Expeditions A viewing party will take place on outpost grounds all day. Call (423) 338-2979 for more information!

Ducktown Monday August 21 Eclipse Viewing at the Hoist House Ducktown Basin Museum.

Time: 12-3 pm.

More information: Ken Rush at 423-496-5778 www.press.tnvacation.com/news-archive/ experience-total-solar-eclipse-southeasttennessee-aug-21-2017 Cleveland Monday August 21 Solar Sip & See Join The Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce for Solar Sip and See. This event will take place at Morris Vineyard and Winery in Charleston, TN. Live music, afternoon snacks, special viewing glasses and wine tastings. Admission is $5 a person. Food vendors will also be present. For more information, visit www.clevelandchamber.com

Sweetwater’s Gallery on Main

SINCE 1901

Gifts and Fine Art

Tuesday—Friday: 11:00am - 4:00pm | Saturday: 10:30am - 5:00pm Sunday—Monday: Closed

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Bread

We support more than 25 local artists. We have many kinds of art, from paintings to jewelry, wood carving to wood turning and fused glass. Visit us for your next gift idea.

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Like us on Facebook or visit our website!

109 E. Morris St. | Sweetwater, TN 37874 423.337.7400 | www.sweetwatergalleryonmain.com

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Madisonville: 423.420.0001 Vonore: 423.884.6499 Etowah: 423.263.2217 Village Home Center: 865.458.6336

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Phone: (423) 746-9988 |Fax: (423) 746-9984 P.O. Box 1864 | 406 W. Madison Ave. Athens, TN 37371-1864 | toomeybaggetteyecare.com SUMMER 2017 McMINN LIFE

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HIWASSEE TIGERS FIRST EVER WIN AT NCCAA NATIONAL TOURNAMENT The Tigers made their return to Mason, Ohio to participate in the NCCAA World Series this past week. This marked the second year in a row making it to the national tournament and the Tigers were seeded 10th.

Hiwassee College baseball posted its first ever win at any NCCAA National Tournament in school history. The Tigers ended the season with their third straight 30 win season by posting a 31-21 overall record and finished ranked 8th in the nation.

In the third game of pool play, the Tigers faced a familiar foe in Oakland City University (IN) (NCAA Division 2). The Tigers got on the board early and never looked back in route to the programs first ever win at the World Series. Jake Williamson threw a complete game and scattered 6 hits over 9 innings.

His performance earned a spot on the All World Series Team. The Tigers won 8-1 and remained alive for a semi-final berth.

In the final game of pool play, The Tigers faced off against Bethesda University (CA) (NAIA) with the winner remaining alive for a National Semi-Final berth. Both starting pitchers were outstanding as Cameron Alday matched the Flames starter pitch for pitch. Bethesda plated 2 runs in the 5th and another 2 in the 7th to push their lead to 4-0. The Tigers left 8 runners on base and could not push across a run. The Flames took the game 4-0. The loss, eliminated the Tigers from advancing to the semi-finals.

Head Coach Shane Gardner went on to say, “We had chances all week to drive runs in but could not get the big hit when we needed it.

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All in all, we are happy with the win and setting that record but we really feel like we left some wins on the board. Going into the last game and having a chance to play in the semi-finals was a testament to this team and how they never quit.

We only had 3 seniors so we feel like we can get back next year and have a shot to win it.”

The baseball team also participated in community service while at the World Series. Men’s Wearhouse donated shoes to Matthews 25: Ministries, a non-profit organization that aid and assist more than 20 million people during major disasters and individuals who live in poverty in third world countries. The baseball team helped to sort out shoes and pack them into boxes to be sent across the world.

BIOLOGY, BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION, CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP, DENTAL HYGIENE, EQUINE MANAGEMENT AND TRAINING, EQUINE SCIENCE, INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES.

Hiwassee College prepares its students to become educated and ethicalitsleaders Hiwassee College prepares studentswho to enter the marketplace ready to make substantial and educated meaningful become andcontributions, ethical leaders regardless of their backgrounds. who enter the marketplace ready to make substantial and meaningful contributions, Our Seven Centers of Excellence enable Hiwassee students to thrive through a regardless of their backgrounds. process of transformational learning in critical academic disciplines, which is the hallmark of our Centers. The Centers provide practical leadership, ethics, Our Seventraining Centers in of Excellence enable research, career development, best practices that lead graduates a competitive Hiwassee students to to thrive through a advantage.process of transformational learning in critical academic disciplines, which is the

Hiwassee is committed to developing its students to be the best that they can be hallmark of our Centers. The Centers through learning, faith and service. This is what makes Hiwassee College the right provide practical training in leadership, place to be and where every studentethics, can make a difference! research, career development, bestofpractices that lead graduates to a Our Centers of Excellence, led by faculty in each our majors, include Biology, competitive advantage.

Business Administration, Christian Leadership, Dental Hygiene, Equine Management and Training, Equine Science, Interdisciplinary Studies.

Hiwassee is committed to developing its to be the best that they can be Please visit our website at: students Hiwassee.edu through learning, faith and service. This is what makes Hiwassee College the right place to be and where every student can make a difference!

Our Centers of Excellence, led by faculty in each of our majors, include Biology, Business Administration, Christian Leadership, Dental Hygiene, Equine Management and Training, Equine Science, and Interdisciplinary Studies.

Please visit our website at: Hiwassee.edu SUMMER 2017 McMINN LIFE

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WATER POWER Five Area Dams That Helped Shape Our Region The mighty structures known as dams have been an integral method for controlling water levels and producing energy since ancient times. On the Little Tennessee and Cheoah Rivers sit five dams that helped to shape our region. These looming historic landmarks are certainly worth a visit, both for the history they embody and the beauty of their surroundings.

Cheoah Dam The oldest of the dams, Tapoco (the Tallahassee Power Company) began construction on the Cheoah Dam, located in North Carolina on the Little Tennessee River, in 1916. Workers completed the dam in 1919. At the time of its completion, Cheoah Dam was the world’s highest overflow dam at 225 feet. Fun fact – this dam was also a filming location for the movie The Fugitive! In 2004, Cheoah Dam was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

SHOOTING THE MOVIE, THE FUGIITIVE: Dr. Richard Kimble’s (Harrison Ford) Kimble escapes Dep. U.S. Marshal Sam Gerard (Tommy Lee Jones) by jumping off the dam - Cheoah Dam, Graham County, North Carolina

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Couple viewing Lake Santeetlah from Lucky Point, 1940s.

Lake Santeetlah was formed in 1928 by the construction of Santeetlah Dam by a subsidiary of Aluminum Company of America.

The 212-foot-high dam created the lake of 2,863 acres and 76 miles of shoreline.

Santeetlah Dam Another dam from the Tapoco Project, construction of the Santeetlah Dam began around 1926 and was completed in 1928. Standing 212 feet high, the dam was one of the first structures to be built using vibratory damping to control concrete quality. The dam is located on the Cheoah River in Graham County, North Carolina, and the entire development consists of the dam, a pipeline/tunnel facility and powerhouse. Like Cheoah Dam, Santeetlah was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2004.

This postcard probably dates from the 1930s. It is a view of Santeetlah Dam looking southward from near Gold Mine Branch. Funnel Top Mountain can be seen in the top right.

This postcard from the 1950s is looking across the top of Santeetlah Dam in a northeastward direction. Old US 129 is the road visible along the lake shore.

Mark Singleton Photo

Today, the recreational features of Lake Santeetlah are better than ever. The lake is maintained at constant levels, and much of the shoreline remains undeveloped. Fishing is excellent, and the are many secluded coves to explore. Lake Santeetlah remains a special place.

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Fontana Dam Although not officially part of the “Tapoco Project,” Fontana Dam is the primary flow control facility for the lower Little Tennessee River, controlling Cheoah, Calderwood and Chilhowee. It was built in the early 1940s and was a collaborative effort between Alcoa and TVA. Through an agreement between the two, TVA held possession of the dam and control of its releases while guaranteeing Alcoa would be the primary benefactor of its electrical output for at least 20 years. To house the dam’s workers, the village of Welch Cove (later renamed Fontana Village) was constructed just south of the dam. The dam is 480 feet tall, and at the time of its construction, it was the tallest dam in the world! More importantly, the dam provided crucial energy for aluminum production in the closing months of World War II. Fontana dam is so high that gates on top of the dam are impossible, as the falling water could undermine the dam’s foundation. Some of the statistics regarding the construction of the dam are most interesting. The dam reaches an elevation of 1,727 feet and is 480 feet high, 376 feet wide at its base. A 22-foot road crosses the top of the dam, and lake waters can be released through tunnel spillways. The reservoir extends 30 miles into the mountains, covering 7,276 cleared acres, 10,530 acres at full pool. The shoreline measures 240 miles. The first generator was placed in operation in January 1945 and puts out 67,000 kilowatts. A second came into production in March of that same year and a third in February 1954. The rated continuous output is now 202,500 kilowatts.

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There was a total of 2,171,100 cubic yards of excavation; 760,000 cubic yards of fill; 2,813,000 cubic yards of concrete; 5,000 tons of reinforcing steel; 700 tons of structural steel; 4,679,900 square feet of forms; 97,500 cubic feet of grout; and 274,700 linear feet of cooling pipe used in the construction of the dam. Construction started January 1, 1942, and dam closure (beginning of reservoir filling) was November 7, 1944.

A rare water release from Fontana Lake, through tunnels once used as diversions for the Little Tennessee River while the dam was under construction.

Fontana: Facts + Figures Construction of Fontana Dam began in 1942 and was completed in 1944.

Fontana Dam is a hydroelectric facility. It has three generating units with a net dependable capacity of 304 megawatts. Net dependable capacity is the amount of power a dam can produce on an average day, minus the electricity used by the dam itself.

The dam is 480 feet high and stretches 2,365 feet across the Little Tennessee River.

Fontana Reservoir provides 238 miles of shoreline and 10,230 acres of water surface for recreation activities.

In a year with normal rainfall, the water level in Fontana Reservoir varies about 56 feet from summer to winter to provide seasonal flood storage.

Fontana has a flood-storage capacity of 514,000 acre-feet.

The Fontana Dam Visitor Center opens in May.

www.tva.com/About-TVA/Our-History/Built-for-the-People/The-Miracle-in-the-Wilderness SUMMER 2017 McMINN LIFE

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Much of the lake has been essentially drained since September 2015. That’s when Brookfield dropped the lake’s water level 40 feet below normal to allow crews to inspect and repair seepage problems at the dam. The drained reservoir has attracted spectators interested in a peek at the past. The low water level has revealed old bridges, roads, and building foundations on the lake bed from the days before Chilhowee Dam was built in the 1950s.

Chilhowee Dam The youngest of the dams, Chilhowee Dam is located on the Little Tennessee River in Blount and Monroe Counties. Construction began in 1955 and was completed in 1957, and it resulted in Chilhowee Lake, a 10-mile reservoir between Chilhowee and Calderwood Dams. The dam and its powerhouse, which is equipped with three Kaplan turbines with a generating capacity of 48 megawatts, are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

After a year and a half of inspections and repairs, crews say Chilhowee Dam is on track to reopen this summer.

Calderwood Dam, along the Little Tennessee River in Blount County, Tennessee, USA. The sixth gate from the far end of the dam is open, allowing the white streak of water to spill over.

Calderwood Dam Completed in 1930, the Calderwood Dam is a hydroelectric dam located along the Little Tennessee River in both Blount and Monroe Counties. The dam was named after an Alcoa engineer (Isaac Glidden Calderwood), who supervised the dam’s early operations. Calderwood was one of the last dams to be completed before TVA took over the watershed in 1933. Calderwood, Tennessee, resulted from the dam construction, as it was created to house construction and maintenance crews. Calderwood Dam joined the National Register of Historic Places in 1989.

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Brookfield Renewable Energy Partners purchased Tapoco’s four dams in 2012 and renamed the operation Smoky Mountain Hydropower. Along with the Chilhowee Dam, Brookfield operates the Calderwood Dam and Cheoah Dam upstream from Chilhowee on the Little Tennessee River. The Santeetlah Dam was also obtained as part of the Tapoco purchase.

Directions to Tapoco Lodge from Athens, TN From McMinn County Courthouse via Mecca Pike Beginning at the McMinn County General Sessions Courthouse, (1317 S. White St, Athens, TN 37303) head south on TN-30 East for 7.3 miles. Turn right onto Tennessee Avenue and continue on this road for 0.9 miles. Take a left onto State Hwy 310/Mecca Pike and travel on this road for 6.4 miles. You will continue on TN-39/Mecca Pike until you reach TN-68 in Tellico Plains. You will turn right and in 0.5 miles, take a slight left turn onto Cherohala Skyway/Unicoi Turnpike. You will then continue on Cherohala Skyway/Unicoi Pike toward Herford St. Drive along the Cherohala Skyway that will lead into North Carolina (41.3 miles). Turn left onto Santeetlah Rd. In 2.3 miles, turn right onto Joyce Kilmer Rd. In 5.9 Miles, turn left onto US-129N/Tapoco Rd. In 7.1 miles, turn left onto County Road 1130. Continue on this road for 374 feet until you reach Tapoco Lodge.

From McMinn County Courthouse via Highway 11 Beginning at the McMinn County General Sessions Courthouse, (1317 S. White St, Athens, TN 37303), head North on S White St/TN-30 toward Davidson Road. Continue to follow TN-30. In 1.77 miles, take a slight right onto Ingleside Avenue/TN-305. In 2.82 miles, turn right onto Congress Parkway North/US-11 N. Continue to follow US-11 N for 11.34 miles. Take a right turn onto Highway 68. Continue on this road for 21.64 miles. Turn left onto Cherohala Skyway/Unicoi Pike toward Herford St. Continue to follow the Cherohala Skyway into North Carolina.

(41.3 miles) Turn left onto Santeetlah Rd. In 2.3 miles, turn right onto Joyce Kilmer Rd. In 5.9 miles, turn left onto US-129N/Tapoco Rd. In 7.1 miles, turn left onto County Rd 1130. Continue on this road for 374 feet until you reach the Tapoco Lodge.

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By Katherine Cox

Find Your Adventure At The Historic Tapoco Lodge NAMED AFTER TALLAHASSEE POWER COMPANY The Tallassee Power Company began construction of the first of five dams in 1916. The Tapoco Lodge was built by the Aluminum Company of America as part of the hydroelectric efforts in Graham and Swain counties of North Carolina. The lodge itself was used for company functions while the town of Tapoco on the property provided housing for hundreds of dam workers.

If you love the outdoors and adventure, Tapoco Lodge is for you! In 1930, the Tapoco Lodge was built in the Nantahala National Forest to house workers for hydroelectric dams. Now that lodge is a dream spot for active vacationers.

The area around Tapoco Lodge offers 10 miles of hiking trails for all experience levels, as well as paths for mountain and road biking. Prefer to fly instead of walk? There are several ziplines in the area!

For water lovers, fly fishing is available on lodge property, and lake fishing and boating are also available at lakes nearby. If you are looking for a different sort of adventure, Cheoah and Nantahala Rivers offer whitewater rafting, canoeing and kayaking.

On calmer days, you can visit the Cheoah Dam, featured in the movie The Fugitive, the Kilmer Memorial Forest or take a scenic drive on the Cherohala Skyway. Adventurous drivers can also explore the popular winding road known as The Dragon, which will keep you on your toes with its 318 curves in 11 miles.

Tapoco Lodge has rooms varying from spacious lodge suites to cabin rooms with scenic views.

Private areas are available on the property for retreats, meetings or weddings. Book your stay now by visiting http://www.tapocolodge.com.

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TAV E R N The “Dam Drink," a popular drink from the cozy bar at Topoco Lodge Tavern, made with Jim Beam Bourbon, sweet tea and local honey from Wehrloom.

The Tapoco River Grill also stocks 40 brands of craft beer.

Photography By Chelsea Turner

Perched on the banks of the world famous Cheoah River, Tapoco Tavern combines the very best of classic pizzeria and all-American flavors with a view and environment unmatched in all of Western Carolina. Order up a brick oven pizza for the family or indulge in the house favorite, “The Dam Drink” from our full-service bar. From steaks, burgers, salads, hummus and local Carolina Mountain trout, there’s something for everyone.

New for 2016 – Our Tapoco Tavern has been renovated and expanded. Now offering a full lunch and dinner menu. We have plenty of indoor seating, or relax at the outdoor riverfront tables. Private room available for groups.

Call ahead for pickup at 828.498.2800.

Historical Gas Station located outside Tapoco Lodge.

Happenings: July - August Athens Farmer’s Market Every Tuesday and Thursday from 3pm - 6pm at the Market Park Pavilion.

July 1 Kinslee Melhorn at Sounds of Summer Free concert series in downtown Athens.

Bring a chair or a blanket, sit back and enjoy!

Where: Market Park Pavilion Time: 7pm For more information, please visit www.cityofathenstn.com/parks/# July 1 Monroe on the Move Farmers Market Every Saturday in June-October. Local growers will present produce in downtown Madisonville acrossfrom City Hall. Every 2nd Saturday of the month Monroe on the Move Farmers Market will be as Tsali Notch Vineyard in Madisonville.

Call Gabby at 423-545-3015 for more information.

Where: Downtown Madisonville Time: 9:00am- 2:00pm July 1 Tellico Plains Annual Square Dance Tellico Plains Annual Square Dance and Independence Day Celebration hosted by the Tellico Plains Kiwanis Club is back on July the 1st! The club is excited to organize the event for the second year in a row. This event is the main fundraiser for the Tellico Plains area for the year, and supports children in the area or existing children’s programs that benefit Tellico Plains families. The event began in 1958 and organizers and locals alike are excited for family fun, live music, kid zones, food and much more again this year. For more information, visit www.tnvacation.com July 4 Happy Independence Day

July 8 Remote Area Medical- RAM RAM will hold a free medical clinic on July 8-9 in Athens, TN, at McMinn County High School.

Anyone interested in these free services are asked to be at McMinn County High School on Friday night to join the line. Numbers will be given out according to one’s order in line at 3:00am. Doors will open at 6:00am and the clinic is first come, first serve. No proof of insurance or identification required. RAM will be

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offering free vision, dental and medical services.

For more information, visit ramusa.com or call 865-579-1530.

July 8 Dreams of Kings at Sounds of Summer Where: Market Park Pavilion Time: 7pm For more information, please visit www.cityofathenstn.com/parks/# July 15 Joe Lasher, Jr. at Sound of Summer Where: Market Park Pavilion Time: 7pm For more information, please visit www.cityofathenstn.com/parks/# July 22 September Song at Sounds of Summer Where: Market Park Pavilion Time: 7pm For more information, please visit www.cityofathenstn.com/parks/#

July 29 The Crew at Sounds of Summer Where: Market Park Pavilion Time: 7pm For more information, please visit www.cityofathenstn.com/parks/#

August 12 Old Millennial at Sounds of Summer Where: Market Park Pavilion Time: 7pm For more information, please visit www.cityofathenstn.com/parks/# August 12 Feast with the Beasts Where: 3500 Knoxville Zoo Drive When: 7pm-11pm “Feast with the Beasts,” now in its 23rd year, is a signature event for Zoo Knoxville with food, libations and live entertainment. Ticket price includes all food, drink and entertainment.

Open only to guests 21 and older; photo ID is required. Feast with the Beasts is a wine, food and brew event featuring more than 40 purveyors of fine food and drinks to sample. The evening’s entertainment includes live performances by The Vibraslaps on two stages. For additional information visit www.zooknoxville.org/event/ feast-with-the-beast/ August 12 & 13 Garrison Weekend Garrison Weekend will celebrate the daily routines and lives of those who lived in Fort Loudoun. It is a free event perfect for the whole family. This is a living history event, sure to please any audience. For more information, go to www.fortloudon.com Where: Fort Loudon State Historic Park Time: 10am-2pm August 19 Calling Glory at Sounds of Summer Where: Market Park Pavilion Time: 7pm For more information, please visit www.cityofatenstn.com/parks/#

August 5 Hot Nights, Cool Jazz with Kelle Jolly & Will Boyd Where: Market Park Pavilion Time: 7pm For more information, please visit www. cityofathenstn.com/parks/#

August 21 Solar Eclipse Events!

See pages 34 for events happening in the Mcminn County area.

August 6 Sequoyah Remembrance Day The Sequoyah Birthplace Museum will host this event with Cherokee artisans that will demonstrate the skills and art of the Cherokee people. This special day is set aside to remember the man, Sequoyah, who created and gave the Cherokee people their own language. For more information about this event or the Sequoyah Birthplace Museum, visit sequoyahmuseum.org or contact Charlie Rhodarmer at seqmus@tds.net

August 26 MendingWall at Sounds of Summer Where: Market Park Pavilion Time: 7pm Form more information, please visit www.cityofathenstn.com/parks/#

1911 S CONGRESS PARKWAY ATHENS TENNESSEE | 423 745 2630

The Gaery Boutie & Day Spa Visit us for all your Summer Beauty needs!

Hair Designs And Services

Laser Hair Removal

Nail Care

Photo Rejuvenation

Permanent Cosmetics

Eyelash Extensions

Boutique Featuring Clothing

Skin Care

Jewelry And Vera Bradley Items

Waxing Services

423.746.0464 | 122 North Jackson Street, Athens, TN 37303 | facebook.com/TheGalleryBoutique SUMMER 2017 McMINN LIFE

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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

601 Congress Pkwy N. Athens, TN 37303 • Unlimited monthly yoga membership (includes discounts on massage) • Alpha Spa Capsule • Isolation Float Tank Call for details 423.920.5507 Facebook/CreeksideMassageStudio

creeksidemassageandyoga.com

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Dedicated To Delivering Compassionate

CARE Life is too short to wait!

HOURS OF OPERATION Monday 8:00 am - 4:00 pm Tuesday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm Wednesday 8:00 am - 4:00 pm Thursday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm Friday 8:00 am - 4:00 pm Saturday 9:00 am - 1:00 pm Sunday CLOSED Walk-Ins Welcome

HWY 411 North, Madisonville 423.442.2121

909 Congress Pkwy N, Athens 423.745.6610

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SWEETWATER HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION AND ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS ARE PROUD TO ANNOUNCE:

FOUR NEW BOARD CERTIFIED PHYSICIANS AS MEMBERS OF THEIR MEDICAL STAFF

DR. VERNON PEGRAM III Board Certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist

DR. SEAN DeLAIR Board Certified Urologist

DR. WALTER CHILES III Board Certified Urologist

DR. TIMOTHY LeROY Board Certified Urologist

Dr. Vernon Pegram III completed his undergraduate work at the University of the South in East Tennessee and then moved to the University of Alabama, where he obtained his medical degree in June of 1993. He completed his OB/GYN residency at Greenville Hospital in Greenville, South Carolina, in 1998. Dr. Pegram is a board certified OB/GYN and a member of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists, Fellow.

Dr. Sean DeLair earned his medical degree from the Virginia Commonwealth University. He completed his urology residency at the University of California School of Medicine in 2007. Dr. DeLair is a board certified Urologist and a member of the American Board of Urology.

Dr. Walter Chiles III earned his medical degree from the University of Tennessee College of Medicine in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1999. He completed his urology residency at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock, Arkansas, in 2005. He was also Chief Resident from 2003 to 2005. Dr. Chiles is a board certified Urologist and a member of the Board of Urology and Fellow American College of Surgeons.

Dr. Timothy LeRoy obtained his medical degree from the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina in Greenville, North Carolina, in 2006. He completed his general surgery internship and urology residency at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, in 2011. Dr. LeRoy is a certified Urologist and a member of the American Board of Urology.

All physicians are accepting new patients. Sweetwater Hospital Association is fortunate these physicians have chosen to serve our community. Their offices will be located in the Sweetwater Hospital Association Professional Office Building, 304 Wright Street. To schedule appointments, please call: Dr. Pegram (865) 213-8592, Dr. DeLair (865) 938-5222, Dr. Chiles and Dr. LeRoy (865) 690-3811.

www.sweetwaterhospital.org

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865.213.8200