Monroe Life Spring 2020

SPRING 2020

EASTER PEOPLE

Life

Dr. Lon Shoopman

Shop Local

Now More Important Than Ever

Monroe Where Does The

Easter Bunny Come From?

LARGEST

Quality

PATIO GALLERY IN TOWN

WWW.BRADENS.COM

Sequoyah Remembrance Day August 2

1776 - 1843

FATHER, SOLDIER, SILVERSMITH,BLACKSMITH, STATESMAN, AND CREATOR OF THE CHEROKEE SYLLABARY. NEW 2.7 MILLION DOLLAR EXHIBIT

Advanced media technologies and electronics enhance visitors’ enjoyment of this all new exhibit. It portrays the Cherokee life and the legacy of Sequoyah in an all new multi-million dollar museum.

Sequoyah Birthplace Museum will be celebrating Sequoyah Remembrance Day and Sequoyah’s contribution to the Cherokee people by creating a writing system, the Cherokee Syllabary with free admission to the museum from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. The 1809 Cherokee Blacksmith shop will be up and running with demonstrations all through the afternoon. Local demonstrators will also be set up demonstrating pine needle baskets and Gary Holt will be talking about the Cherokees in the Civil War in our 1800’s dog-trot log cabin.

Cherokee Fall Festival September 12 & 13

Visitors will have the opportunity to step back in time to experience food, Cherokee arts and crafts demonstrations, music and dance. A blacksmith will be doing on-site demonstrations in the shop both days.

Other demonstrations and displays will include Cherokee life in 1700’s and a Civil War encampment.

Open Year Round Mon - Sat: 9am - 5pm Sunday: Noon - 5pm 423-884-6246 seqmus@tds.net Highway 360, Vonore, Tennessee Owned and Operated by the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians

Labor Day Weekend September 5 & 6 Balloons, Food Trucks, Great Bands, Smoky Mountain Storytellers A Fund Raiser for The Boys & Girls Club & Other Children’s Charities In Monroe County

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MONROE LIFE SPRING 2020

GOOD TIMES ALL THE TIME GOOD TIMES ALL THE TIME

There’s one way we can guarantee to have an all-time summer There’s one way we can guarantee to have an all-time summer and that’s on a MasterCraft. From the unbelievably heavy and that’s on a MasterCraft. From the unbelievably heavy h i t t i n g X S t a r t o t h e u l t r a a ff o r d a b l e N X T 2 0 , t h e r e ’ s a m o d e l f o r h i t t i n g X S t a r t o t h e u l t r a a ff o r d a b l e N X T 2 0 , t h e r e ’ s a m o d e l f o r every family and more than enough stoke to go around. The best every family and more than enough stoke to go around. The best o n otnh et hw t eart eur n ul on cl ok csk st hteh eb ebsets ts us m mm e er r e ev veer r, , eevveerryy ssuu m eaw um mm me e rr ..

G e tG oe n wo a t bo on ab roda rndo n wt am t amsat setrecrrcarfat f. tc.oc m om

SPRING 2020 MONROE LIFE

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EASTER PEOPLE Dr. Lon Shoopman

6

LAMB CHOPS

52

HOME OF THE

Contents

Cherohala Skyway

features

57 JIM BRYANT

Boat Builder Race Car Builder Hot Rod Enthusiast Father and Man of Faith

26 Forsythia Herals The Awakening Of Spring

GOLDEN BELLS

16

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MONROE LIFE SPRING 2020

TENNESSEE WESLEYAN COLLEGE DENTAL PROGRAM

36

GRAIN BIN COMMODITIES Living The Dream

40

WHERE DOES THE

EasterBunny AND COLORING EGGS COME FROM?

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DR. BAINE OF VILL AGE VETERINARY HOSPITAL ON BUNNIES AS FAMILY PETS

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departments 8 From The Publisher Small Business Focus 18 Rather & Kittrell 44 MACA 46 East Tennessee Foundation

MRS. MISCHIEF EASTER FAVORITES BENTON’S HAM & MIGNONNE’S DEVILED EGGS

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ISAIAH 117 HOUSE

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New Balloon To Join The Monroe Life Balloon Festival

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50 Boys & Girls Club of the Ocoee Region 62 We Love It!

SHOP LOCAL More Important Now Than Ever!

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EASTER PEOPLE Do Not Abandon Yourselves To Despair, We Are Easter People And Hallelujah Is Our Song.

Pope John Paul II

B

illy Graham was honored by civic leaders in Charlotte, North Carolina.

After wonderful things were said about him, Graham stepped to the rostrum: “I’m reminded today of Albert Einstein, the great physicist honored by Time magazine as the Man of the Century. Einstein was once traveling from Princeton on a train when the conductor came down the aisle punching the ticket of each passenger. When he came to Einstein, he reached in his vest pocket. He couldn’t find the ticket, so he checked his other pockets. It wasn’t there, so he looked in his briefcase. It was not there. Then he looked in the seat beside him. He could not find his ticket. The conductor said, ‘Dr. Einstein, I know who you are. We all know who you are. I’m sure you bought a ticket. Don’t worry about it.’ Einstein nodded appreciatively.

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MONROE LIFE SPRING 2020

The conductor continued down the aisle punching tickets. As he was ready to move to the next car, he noticed the great physicist on his hands and knees looking under his seat for the ticket. The conductor rushed back. ‘Dr. Einstein, don’t worry,’ he said.

‘I know who you are. No Problem. You don’t need a ticket. I am sure you purchased one.’

Einstein said, “Young man, I too know who I am. What I don’t know is where I am going.”

Dr. Graham continued, “See the suit I am wearing? I bought it for this luncheon and one more occasion. This is the suit in which I will be buried. But when you hear of my death, I don’t want you to immediately remember the suit I’m wearing. I want you to remember this: I not only know who I am, I also know where I am going.”

We Are Easter People Following the crucifixion of Jesus, His disciples retreated to an upper room where they cowered behind doors which were closed and bolted. It was as if a sudden gust of wind had snuffed out every lamp in the upper room.

They were plunged into darkness and despair.

Never again would they find room in their hearts for hope. They were convinced.

Then came Sunday. Early, in the darkness, some women of their company made their way to his tomb. They went to the tomb that morning grappling with a problem. A stone.

A stone over a tomb. When they got there, God had moved the stone.

One of the many great truths of the resurrection is that the solution to our problems does not depend on us. Thank God for that!

The solution to our problems has risen!

The resurrection tells us that He moves stones.

The resurrection tells us Jesus is alive!

No longer are the disciples hiding. They are boldly preaching about the cross and the resurrection of Jesus. They are arrested.

They are beaten and buffeted. Their possessions are confiscated. Many of their number endure horrendous torture beyond our imagining. Many are killed. Through it all they do not “abandon themselves to despair.” They do not renounce their faith.

How do we explain this dramatic change?

They are now Easter people. Living in light of the resurrection.

On March 5, the first Covid 19 case appeared in Tennessee. In the weeks that followed, business places were closed. Jobs vanished.

Some fell sick. Many were confined to their homes. It was a time of unparalleled stress and fear.

in fine print, inform us of our replacements.

We fail to grasp the enormity of this drama.

There are 7.8 billion of us on the earth, and all 7.8 billion must be dead, on schedule, within this lifetime. More than 57 million of us die each year in relative secrecy. About 152,000 each day. We only hear of a few of these deaths, but enough to cause us to ask a question. A question as old as life itself. A question voiced in the ancient Book of Job. “If a man die, shall he live again?” ( Job 14:14)

Easter Provides an Answer The story of Easter is not just any story. It is the greatest story ever told. It is a story throbbing with life and hope.

Most people drive to church on Easter. A few walk. Perhaps some take a bus or a cab. I can’t recall ever seeing anyone run to church on Easter. It is surprising, really. When you read the Gospel accounts, you find a lot of running going on.

The women came early to the tomb. When they found the stone rolled away, and the tomb empty, they ran to tell the others about their discovery.

Peter and John then ran toward the tomb.

Beyond this, tragedy and heartbreak are not unknown among the followers of Jesus. We know many dark days. We are not strangers to turmoil and suffering. Still, we do not live in despair. Like Dr. Billy Graham, we know who we are. We are Easter people! We live in light of the resurrection.

Later in the day, Jesus appeared to two of his followers traveling a road that led to the village of Emmaus. When they recognized Him they ran several miles back to Jerusalem, breathlessly proclaiming: “We have seen the Lord!” All of these people found their hearts pounding with excitement and joy because of Easter.

Hallelujah is Our Song

Then came the morning, night turned into day;

We are left then, with the “where are we going” question.

The obituary pages tell us the news that we are dying off while the birth announcements,

Death had lost and life had won, for morning had come.

(Then Came the Morning – Lyrics by Bill Gaither)

Jesus lives!

The story of Easter is your story and my story.

It can tell us where we are going. Jesus’ words of assurance ring clearly in the hearts of our faith. (John 14:19) “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live…” (John 11:25) Believers are Easter people. We have victory over death because He lives.

Jesus is Alive and Hallelujah is our Song.

Doctor Lon Shoopman is Pastor Emeritus at The First Baptist Church were he served for 41 years.

He is from Knoxville, went to Central High School, then received his Bachelor of Science at the University of Tennessee. He received his Doctor of Ministry at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Lon retired from the First Baptist Church in 2016 and is now pastoring Glenlock Baptist Church in Sweetwater. Lon has been married to Pat for 52 years. They have three children, Hilary, Jennifer and Aaron. They have 10 grandchildren.

The stone was rolled away, hope rose with the dawn.

Then came the morning, shadows vanished before the sun,

SPRING 2020 MONROE LIFE

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From the Publisher

Lisa Atkins-Bingham

W arm weather has finally arrived! Beautiful blossoms wrap their trees in splendor,

birds sing a harmonious new tune, and beautiful flowers brilliantly color the great outdoors.

Springtime is a reminder of all things new. It is commonly thought of as a time for new beginnings and fresh starts.

WE DO HAVE ALOT TO BE THANKFUL FOR! EVEN IN THIS CRAZY TIME! The glorious season of Spring also blesses us with Easter. Our lives are often filled with problems of pain, and regrets, but Easter brings us the hope of new life. Easter reminds us that we are hopeless on our own, but the God of all creation sent His Son to die for us. The great news is, it doesn’t end there. Three days later He had conquered sin and death and rose from the dead!

What a glorious truth that we can know no matter how deep our sorrow and sin, we can have new life in the One who has conquered it all!

As you read this edition of Monroe Life, we hope you are blessed to learn about the beautiful people and places of this wonderful community. As always, we want to offer a special thanks to our readers and advertisers for making this magazine a success.

PUBLISHER

Life

The Bingham Group

Monroe President Lisa Atkins Bingham Art Director Brett Hawkins

Graphic Designer Brett Hawkins Lisa Atkins Bingham Contributing Writers Bethany Wilkes Blaina Best Chris Kittrell Gayle Fisher Jennifer Porterfield JJ Hulet Lisa Bingham Lon Shoopman Tim Eichborn Contributing Photographers Brett Hawkins Lisa Bingham Robert Burleson Advertising Sales Mignonne Alman Tel: 865.523.5999 mignonne@binghamgroup.com Subscription or Editorial Inquiries

My girls were involved in the photoshoot of their bunnies for the magazine - they are not easy to art direct but they sure are cute, my girls and the bunnies!

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

LET’S SUPPORT OUR LOCAL BUSINESSES!

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MONROE LIFE SPRING 2020

T H E

SHOP P ES

AT

HOME S PUN

THE SHOPPES AT HOMESPUN Our Farragut Location The Shoppes at Homespun in Farragut is found nestled between the Fresh Market and Steinmart in Village Green Shopping Center. The doors of this unique hidden gem open since 1992 for more than 9,000 square feet of shopping made up of many entrepreneurs. A wide variety of one of a kind, new as well as vintage merchandise makes it a different experience every time, ranging from primitives, shabby chic, jewelry, gifts, collectibles, garden, antiques and furniture. You name it, you can find it here!

Located in the Village Green Shopping Center at 11523 Kingston Pike, Farragut.

865-671-3444

Our Maryville Location The Shoppes at Homespun in Maryville is located in the Old Cherokee Lumber Company behind the Blount Memorial Hospital. This large, tall, once lumber-filled building offers a perfect home for the wonderful vintage and country primitives, antiques and home decor.

1410 Sevierville Road, Maryville 865-724-2018

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MONROE LIFE SPRING 2020

SWEETWATER ANTIQUES Sweetwater Antiques and Sweetwater Antiques TOO is a unique mix of antiques and collectibles. With 2 locations on historic Main Street in Sweetwater, you will be sure to find something just for you or that perfect gift. Over 10,000 square feet rooms full of antiques. Open everyday 10am-5pm.

We buy antiques and take consignments.

Layaway plans are available.

423-351-9480 / 423-271-6120 309 N Main Street and 305 N Main Street Sweetwater, TN

SWEETWATER GENERAL STORE At Sweetwater General you will be greeted with welcoming scents as soon as you walk through the door, as well as gorgeous handmade pottery (made by the husband of the store’s owner!) The store carries brands that are tough to find in Sweetwater, like Two Left Feet Sock company and vegan, handmade soaps from the Buck Naked Soap Company.

Displays throughout the store include children’s clothing, unique gifts and seasonal displays. Don’t miss out on this beautiful store after quarantine.

103 E Morris Street, Sweetwater 12

MONROE LIFE SPRING 2020

Elder and three partners opened the first store in 1969 “out in the country” just outside the city limits of Chattanooga, Tennessee. Born in North Georgia and living nearby in East Tennessee for the last 25 years of his life.

ELDER’S ACE HARDWARE &

MERCANTILE Elder’s Ace Hardware is a family owned, locally run group of 22 neighborhood hardware stores. We’ve been part of many of these communities since 1969, and we are honored to be your neighbors .

Many of our associates have been part of the Elder’s Ace Hardware family for more than 10 years (and some over 20, 30, or even 40 years!), and we believe the knowledge and experience that come with those years are important to our ability to create a shopping atmosphere centered around helping you.

Elder’s stocks virtually everything you need to maintain your home or business including those small, hard-to-find items; the largest selection of basics like nuts & bolts, air filters, keys, and pipe fittings; exclusive brands like Benjamin Moore Paints, Stihl outdoor power equipment, Craftsman tools, The Big Green Egg; locally manufactured products like bird feeders and houses and dog houses made by the local Goodwill, locally produced honey, Shruptrines relishes, Frost Cutlery knives, and many plants and vegetables.

Elders now has a Mercantile. Beautiful home accessories and gifts. When the quarantine is over spend some time in this beautiful store.

Our Dixie Lee Location 19670 Hwy 11 East, Lenoir City 865-988-5285 Our Hardin Valley Location 10009 Hardin Valley Rd Knoxville 865-240-0961

SPRING 2020 MONROE LIFE

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SLOAN’S VILLAGE HOME CENTER

Sloan’s Village Home Center is located in Tellico Village. Hardware items, lawn and garden, lumber, post office, and also a deli!

200 Mialaquo Center Loudon, Tennessee (865) 458-6336

WHITE STREET MARKET We believe in community and connection...in local artisans, local shops and exceptional customer service...we believe in revitalizing small-town downtowns, and creating opportunities to bring people together.

WSM mission: to enrich our community and revitalize our downtown by being the place to connect, discover, give and shop.

216 N White Street, Athens, TN 37303 • 423-252-0006

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MONROE LIFE SPRING 2020

Golden Bells

Forsythia heralds the awakening of spring

by Gayle Fisher

Forsythia (Forsythia intermedia) is not for the timid. This shrub, also called golden bells, is currently giving our state sunny cheer with its countless bell-shaped blooms.

The stems produce graceful, whip-like branches. Forsythia, a deciduous plant, is one of the showiest early spring flowering shrubs. Having flowers before leaves appear is like having dessert before the meal.

I have lots of room and am enjoying Forsythia growing in several spots. At the front entrance, we have a bank with a sharp drop off down to the road of about 12 to 14 feet. I planted a sweep about 30 feet with beautiful forsythia. I also have some growing weakly in the woods. It prefers full sun but can still produce a few bright yellow flowers if it’s not planted in deep shade. Another planting hides the goat pen from my sun-room view. (Disclaimer, the goats will eat any branches that they can reach; mine climb the fence wire to chew the foliage.)

The reason that I have so much forsythia is that it is easy to grow. I’ve been told that you can just stick a stem in the wet ground this time of year, and the forsythia will root itself and grow into a lovely bush. I have never seen it produced from seeds. It is a vigorous grower but stays put, and you won’t find it sprouting up in other flowerbeds or in the yard. It makes a tall, ever-widening thicket reaching up to 9 feet tall. Birds love to build nests and hide in it. In fact, it’s almost as good as a brush pile for birds. After you get one plant started, everywhere its branches touch the ground, a new plant will root. Also, the roots will run and shoot up new plants.

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MONROE LIFE SPRING 2020

Forsythia needs lots of room to grow to maintain its natural massive mounded habit.

Sadly, when put in the wrong location, if owners start pruning it into a formal hedge, pyramidal or a rounded bush form, it destroys the shape of the plant, doesn’t bloom and makes the forsythia look sad and cramped. Forsythia that’s been sheared produces a non-descriptive bush. They lack the happy, arching exuberant form of forsythia growing in its natural state.

Container varieties may be planted at anytime the soil is workable. Forsythia is extremely adaptable, tolerating a wide range of soil conditions. Avoid using forsythia as a foundation planting close to your house unless you keep your pruners handy and enjoy the challenge of constantly pruning.

This yellow beauty works great as a hedge, border or in a mass planting. Water well the first year until roots are established.

Prune after the forsythia has finished blooming. Remove one-third of the oldest canes at or near ground level or you can renew an old plant by cutting the entire plant down to the ground. After pruning use a well-balanced, slow release granular fertilizer at the rate of one-half cup per 10 square feet, broadcast it under the canopy of the shrub and a little beyond.

In the fall, the foliage is a beautiful red to yellow-orange. It can be used in fall flower arrangements. This plant also is easily forced to bloom in the winter. Cut branches when buds appear in late winter.

Just put branches into water set in a sunny location and watch while the magic happens. You can have a taste of spring while the weather is still dreary.

When planting my new mass border at the entrance, I had a bank nearby already established. I simply took my shovel and dug new plants that had rooted lower on the bank. I chose only small plants about 3 feet tall to move, but my helper continued to move bigger and bigger plants, some of them almost 9 feet tall. When I have help, I never complain, but I was afraid that the bigger plants would require more water and have a harder time surviving transplant shock. At one point, he had dug a giant specimen and was struggling to carry it to its new home. He smiled broadly at me, saying that he was making a “jungle.”

Yes, of course -- a forsythia jungle.

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Getting through them is easier with a plan.

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Hal - Age 56 TRANSITION STORY: Hal has spent his entire career building a business. He’s lived and breathed it since he was 24. Now it’s paid off. The money from the sale of his business allows him to retire. So, now what? He’s been so focused on building the business that he’s not sure how to plan for the next phase of his life.

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Harold - Age 62 TRANSITION STORY: It’s finally come. After a long career, Harold is retiring and ready to spend time with his wife, Rachel, and the grandkids. They’ve saved as best they could over the years, but they aren’t sure if it will be enough to see them through.

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Reed - Age 34 TRANSITION STORY: Reed and his dad, Frank, were always close.

When Frank passed away, Reed was left quite an inheritance, a wonderful gift he didn’t expect and one he had no idea how to handle. He needs help making sure it grows and lasts long enough to see his two kids through college, per Frank’s wishes.

trusted advisors know what you want should an “instant change” happen in your life.

Photo

These items are general, but important, and would help in any situation. It would also leave your significant others in as good standing physically, spiritually or financially as you can control.

Prepare for the Unexpected

by Tim Eichhorn

Blake, my twenty-three-year-old son, told me that the cruise control was set on 72-mph in a 65-mph zone as he came west out of Asheville late Monday night before Thanksgiving. A bear had crossed the other lanes of traffic, climbed over the short median, apparently stepping into his passing lane. The last memory he has before impact is a millisecond of the bear staring straight at him. The next thing he recalls is pushing the airbags out of his face as the vehicle slowly rolled to a stop along I-40.

An instant-that’s all that it took. One minute, clipping along headed home to mom and dad for Thanksgiving with his young family, and the next instant he was assessing everyone, calling 911 while calming his wife Kaci, himself, and the three kids while also trying to get the vehicle off the highway.

We like to think that we have planned for the long-term life changes that we know are down the road, like retirement, a home purchase, college tuition, or even our own eventual passing. Time is on our side with these known changes and we can make course corrections as we move towards them. However, many unforeseen

events enter our lives that change things in an instant, giving us little time to react; a diagnosis from the doctor, the missed red light, or the house fire that changes our normal to a “new normal”. My military friends are fond of saying that every battle plan is good until the bullets fly.

How can you prepare for the unexpected?

Anticipation without the fear of what is to come is important. Preparation during normal times can be the best practical way to help us handle any “new normal” that comes our way.

• Have a plan that includes an emergency fund for unexpected expenses.

• Review all areas of insurance coverage throughout your life.

• Have life affairs in order, such as wills and healthcare directives to name a few.

• Assess where you are investing your time, money and energy on a regular basis to see if you are impacting family and friends as you desire.

• Have important conversations regarding thoughts and plans with your life mates, families, friends, and make sure your

Blake and Kaci wound up with a small loss on the total of their vehicle that they were able to absorb with an emergency fund they had already put into place. Long before the accident, they had chosen the right insurance that covered their towing, rental car and other services to help them make a smart decision without the stress of replacing their vehicle or having to absorb some of those unexpected costs. They were as prepared as they could be for the scenario they were faced with that night. They had the scare of their young lives on that dark lonely road through the mountains of North Carolina. My wife, Beth, and I woke to that late-night phone call that every parent dreads where your child is in trouble and you are hours away. In the end, their family came out of this crisis 100% safe and sound asleep in a warm hotel with the promise of a family Thanksgiving after sunrise.

Tim Eichhorn is a Senior Financial Advisor with Rather & Kittrell. Tim can be reached at teichhorn@rkcapital.com

Securities offered through Securities Service Network, LLC. Member FINRA /SIPC . Rather & Kittrell, Inc. is a Registered Investment Advisor with the SEC.

SPRING 2020 MONROE LIFE

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WHERE DOES THE

EasterBunny COME FROM?

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MONROE LIFE SPRING 2020

THE BIBLE HAS NO MENTION OF A MYTHICAL HARE WHO DELIVERS EGGS TO CHILDREN ON THE DAY OF JESUS CHRIST’S RESURRECTION — SO HOW EXACTLY DID THE EASTER BUNNY BECOME A PROMINENT SYMBOL OF ONE OF CHRISTIANITY’S MOST IMPORTANT HOLIDAYS?

S

o many of our holidays and traditions are steeped in a combination of religious history and folklore. At Christmastime, we celebrate the birth of Christ...along with jolly old St. Nick, who comes down the chimney to bring gifts to all the good boys and girls. On Saint Patrick’s Day, we honor the death of Saint Patrick...while decorating with shamrocks and leprechauns. And for Easter, when we celebrate Christ’s death and resurrection, we get...a bunny?

YES, A BUNNY. BUT WHERE, EXACTLY, DID THE EASTER BUNNY STORY ORIGINATE? Some theorize the legend stemmed from the festival of Eostre, which honored the

goddess of fertility and spring. The animal symbol of this goddess was a rabbit, which has long been a symbol of fertility.

The legend of the Easter Bunny hopped on over to America, however, by way of German immigrants in the 1700s. Their tradition involved a hare by the name of Osterhase who would lay colorful eggs.

Similar to Santa Claus, the hare would only bring these delightful eggs to the children who behaved. In deference to the bunny, children would create nests for the bunny’s eggs, and thus began the tradition of children setting out baskets for the Easter Bunny to leave them goodies.

Why eggs? Well, like rabbits, eggs are also a symbol of fertility and rebirth, and from a Christian perspective, they may represent Jesus’ resurrection and emergence from the

tomb. And decorating the eggs may have come about thanks to Lent. Way back in the 13th century, eggs were typically a forbidden food during Lent. People would decorate them as the period of fasting came to a close and then celebrate by eating them on Easter Sunday.

These days, all the traditions have evolved to include not only dyeing hard-boiled eggs but also using plastic eggs filled with candy for a fun-filled hunt and even putting on Easter parades. Many children will still set out “nests,” or baskets, in hopes the Easter Bunny will bring treats.

Whatever your beliefs, I think we can all agree that the Easter Bunny is a joyful piece of folklore that, each Spring, brings happiness to many children around the world!

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Dr. Katherine Baine of Village Veterinary Hospital

T

“Rabbits Make Great Pets”

raditionally, a member of the order Lagomorpha has been the undying theme of spring and the Easter holiday.

We know this furry, fluffy creature as the rabbit. While wild rabbits may frequent the back yards of many Tennesseeans, some prefer to make them a part of the family.

I asked Lauren, a Knoxvillian rabbit owner of eight years, to tell me about her sweet Standard Rex rabbit Wilber, who has passed away since I last saw her. The resounding adjective she used to describe Wilber was “loyal”. On several occassions during their time as friends, Lauren and Wilber became separated, but Wilber always found her way back to Lauren. Once, Wilber was stolen and released on the University of Tennessee campus. Lauren and her friends hung at least five hundred posters around town. Wilber was eventually picked up by the police, and Lauren was given a citation. Lauren carried Wilber everywhere with her for eight years, even to concerts, in her jacket or in a

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basket. When Lauren had finished giving her endearing remembrance, she thanked me for asking about Wilber.

Dr. Katherine Baine of Village Veterinary Hospital in Farragut agrees that rabbits make great pets but likes to encourage potential rabbit owners to research the animal before making the leap. She says that rabbits are more complex animals than many people realize. Rabbits have a similar digestive tract to a horse or goat. They process mostly fiber and should be fed hay and veggies.

Some foods available could be considered rabbit “junk food” and should be avoided.

It is a good idea to speak with a veterinarian about the specific dietary needs of your animal because they may vary based on breed and age. Dr. Baine says that rabbits are food-oriented and can be taught tricks. They can also be trained to use a litter box, much like a cat.

Pet rabbits may enjoy living both indoors and outdoors, but they are generally more vulnerable to predators outdoors. It is recommended to bring rabbits inside at night and important to remember that a hutch may not necessarily protect rabbits from all predators. Rabbits also need to be supervised outdoors due to potential consumption of poisonous plants. They do not always instinctively know which plants to stay away from, unfortunately. While indoors may seem like a better place for a pet rabbit, experts encourage “bunny-proofing” of the home.

This entails prevention of electrical shock from the chewing of cords and removal of any materials that may be hazardous if ingested, such as shag carpet. If a rabbit is kept indoors, it still needs to explore and exercise for its mental and physical health. An indoor cage or crate may be a rabbit’s “base” indoors, but this should also be chosen carefully, as some designs may prove safer than others.

Breeding of rabbits is widely discouraged by professionals. Rabbits are a prey species, so it is their natural tendency to mate as often as possible in order to keep their bloodline alive .This is great for wild rabbit species but creates an overpopulation issue quickly in domesticated species. That is why vets recommend spaying or neuturing as soon as it is safe for your rabbit. Females may be spayed around six months of age, and males can be neutured around twelve weeks old.

Spaying female rabbits reduces the risk of reproductive cancers, and neutering males decreases aggressive tendencies facilitated by sexual hormones. Spaying and neutering can also make rabbits more calm, loving pets. It is imperative to have any surgery on a rabbit performed by a veterinarian who is experienced with rabbits specifically, as they have definitive needs in regards to anesthesia.

If you do decide that a rabbit is the right pet for you and your family, please check out your local animal shelters and rescue organizations. A new friend could be waiting there just for you.

Lionhead Rabbits are small bunnies with compact, rounded bodies and are considered to be a fancy breed. ... Lionheads are not only cute and perky, they are very good-natured bunnies who are also tolerant of children as well, and as such, they make wonderful pets for kids and adults alike.

Another obvious characteristic to help determine breed is a rabbit’s ears. Here the questions are simple: Are the ears up or down? Big or small? If the ears normally lay along the side of the head, compare your rabbit to the Mini Lop, American Fuzzy Lop, Holland Lop, English Lop, or French Lop. Dwarf and mini lop rabbits have a life span of 9 – 10 years. On the contrary, larger breeds of lop eared rabbits usually survive for 5 – 6 years. The Holland lop rabbits life span is about 5 – 7 years.

Similar to other breeds, a lop rabbit can even survive for 10 years after undergoing the neutering procedure.

Although lionhead rabbits require more attention than traditional rabbit breeds, with the proper care these rabbits can live, on average, anywhere between seven and 10 years. Understanding the basics of rabbit care and the special needs of the lionhead bunny will help ensure a rabbit’s long and healthy life.

Above is Rosie, Cinnabun and Daisey Mae Bingham. Rosie is the Lionhead and the other bunnies are Dwarf Holland Lops.

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We are here for you.

STAY HEALTHY DURING THIS TIME OF CRISES. WE CAN SEE YOU IN YOUR HOME OR BY TELEHEALTH.

423.442.8084 4233 Highway 411 North Madisonville, TN 37354 www.accessmedicalmonroe.com

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530 South Main St. Sweetwater, TN 37874 423.337.7003

Supplying the Sweetwater Valley with Electric,Water, Wastewater & Natural Gas Service for Over 80 Years • Budget Billing* • Electronic Bank Draft Payment • Low-Interest Heat Pump & Natural Gas Loans*

• TVA Industrial & Commercial Comprehensive Services

• eScore Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program*

• TVA Green Power Switch

• Good Neighbor Contribution Program

• Security Light Leasing

400 Hwy 322 East, Sweetwater, Tennessee (423) 337-5081

www.sweetwaterutilities.com

*Some restrictions may apply. Call or come by our office for more details.

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Jim Bryant A Fascinating Life

Not Just a Boat Builder

I

Jim Bryant and God Moments

n life, there are sometimes moments that happen that alter the course of our entire future. Jim Bryant would call those “God moments.”

The first of many God moments in Jim’s life occurred just after his senior year of high school.

He always had a love for cars. Jim’s dad was a school principal, but over the summer, he worked concessions at the Broadway Speedway. When Jim was ten, he sold items from the concessions and tells a funny story about one time when he thumbed a ride to Hickory Star Dock to visit a friend. Back in that day, everyone hitchhiked, even 10-year-old

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by Jennifer Porterfield

boys! The driver asked him if he knew Lloyd Wolfe, who was one of the fastest drivers at the time, and although he had no idea who Lloyd Wolfe was, he chatted on with the stranger. And with a confidence that would not wane as Mr. Bryant aged, he went on to tell the man just how well he knew Lloyd Wolfe. Why, he even helped the man tune his car!

Later, Jim would find out the man who had given him a ride…was Lloyd Wolfe!

With his love for cars firmly in place, Jim and his friends began buying cheap cars and fixing them up. They had an eye on the local Beatty Chevrolet dealership, and when a

‘61 Chevrolet Corvette showed up at the salvage lot, Jim knew he had to have it. His mother borrowed from the teachers credit union and loaned him the $3,300 he needed to buy it, and he went to the bank to purchase the car with a cashier’s check for that exact amount.

But there was someone else interested in the car, someone willing to pay more. Mr. Bachman at the bank asked Jim if he could provide more money, but all he had was the cashier’s check. In that moment, Mr. Bachman could have gone the greedy route and sold the car to the higher bidder…but he didn’t. He honored the original sale price and sold the car to Jim.

The car had a fair amount of damage – the original owner was driving down Gay Street when the front end of the car actually caught on fire. While Jim had experience making cars run again, he didn’t have any body experience. He would go to a nearby company that specialized in small fiberglass fishing boats to buy the fiberglass material he needed to fix the car a little bit at time. The owner of the fishing boat company asked him if he could help build a few boats and even offered to have one of his employees, Vaughn Carpenter, show Jim how (Vaughn would later go to work for Jim at Thunder Craft!). In exchange for helping make the boats, Jim was given the molds, which he eventually started using in his mom’s backyard to make his own boats.

From his mom’s backyard, the boat-building business moved to a location off Tazewell Pike, where Thunder Craft would operate for the next 25 years.

Times weren’t always easy for Jim in the Thunder Craft years. In 1972, they announced there would be no gasoline sold for pleasure boats the next summer, as they were rationing gas. Every order he had at that time, 175 loads of boats, was immediately canceled.

C.H. Butcher was a friend of his; he had a big warehouse in Union County that was vacant, and he told Jim to keep making boats, that

they’d fill the warehouse up. He saw this as another God thing – they kept right on making boats, and when the economy swung back, they were ready! They had about 500 boats, and they sold every one of them.

While Jim was building his boat company, he did not put his love of cars to rest. From the mid ‘70s to the early ‘80s, he was involved in stock car racing. His custom cars were raced by people like L.D. Ottinger, Donnie Allison and Bobby Isaac, who won a 125 Qualifier at the Daytona 500 in one of Jim’s cars. When stock car racing started getting too expensive, he got involved in drag racing. Jim would create his own car bodies – the most unique of which was for a ’57 Chevy – and then send them to Jerry Haas to finish them off on a new chassis. His ’57 Chevy was the fastest vehicle (with doors) on the racing circuit. They’d race it from California all the way to New Jersey, and no one could beat them!

Another God moment happened while on the racing circuit – Jim met his wife of 31 years, Debbie. Though Jim has lived a very full life and has been passionate about many things, from cars to boats to farming, he attests without hesitation that the best thing he’s ever done was marry Debbie.

Drag Racing Magazine “Jim Bryant’s amazing 200-mph Bel Air. It is mountain-motored Pro Stocks in disguise. With aerodynamic tricks that puts Nascar’s best rule benders to shame.This car represents some of the most thourghly conceived and deftly executed doorslammer technology to ever roll through the beams.”

Popular Cars Magazine For the last few months, scattered reports of a awesome ‘57 Chevy , capable of 190 mph has been crossing our desk, we found it hard to believe. Rumor had it that the car lived down in Dixie, around Tennessee, and since 1986 had been tearing up the tarmac. The Thunder Craft ‘57 is completely fiberglass, from front to back, top to bottom. Owner Jim Bryant did it himself, drawing on experience gained from manufacturing Thunder Craft speedboats, his company.

Super Chevy Magazine The yellow, red and blue ‘57 owned by Jim Bryant’s Thunder Craft Boats in Tennessee and driven by Rob Vandergriff is the “World’s Fastest ‘57.” It put on a thrilling show at Super Chevy Sunday. Running mid-sevens at well over 185 miles-per-hour, this Danchuk Manufacturing, sponsored fiberglass bodied run-what-ya-brung Pro Stocker has a strong reputation from coast to coast. It has earned the coveted Editor’s Choice Drag Car six foot tall trophy.

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Rich, Debbie, Jim, Joe holding Julia, Barbara Sam, Allie and Jake. Sadly, Rich passed away in 2009.

Jim and Joe in front of the first Bryant Boat.

Joe and Allie Bryant during a photo shoot.

In the late ‘80s, Jim sold Thunder Craft and took a brief break from building boats until 1990, when his lawyer told him about a warehouse in Sweetwater for sale that would be perfect for a new boat business Jim wanted to start. He and Debbie had already moved out to the Sweetwater area, and they got a great deal on the warehouse… which wasn’t exactly in the best shape. There were trees growing through the roof!

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This warehouse would become the home for Bryant Boats, the legacy for which Jim is probably best known.

Jim has never been an idle man. While running Thunder Craft and racing stock cars, he also had a 700-acre dairy farm in Sweetwater. They were the 3rd largest producer of milk for Mayfield! And though he eventually got out of the farming business, he was called back to it in 2012 after selling Bryant Boats. Jim bought 175 acres out in Roane County that was completely overgrown and spent the next 7 years clearing the land himself.

Though technically he “retired” in 2012 when he sold Bryant, Jim has never quit working. In addition to the farm, which he is currently selling, he leases multiple warehouses in the Sweetwater area. The funny story behind those is he started building his first warehouse to build boat trailers back when he still owned Bryant. He

figured they were paying good money to buy trailers – he might as well make them himself.

But halfway through building the facility to make the trailers, someone approached him and asked if he could lease the property. So Jim agreed, bought more land, and started on another facility to build boat trailers…but he ended up leasing that one, too! All in all, Jim had seven properties he leased and then sold. He also owns a custom hot rod shop in Sweetwater where he continues to put his love of cars to work.

It’s amazing what confidence and trust in God can achieve, and Jim Bryant is a testament to this. He wanted to fix up that old Corvette, and so he learned how to do it, and he did.

He wanted to start building boats, and so he learned how to do it, and he did. He wanted to run a dairy farm, and so he learned how to do it, and he did. Something Jim says is that he is the luckiest guy ever, because every day of his life, he’s gotten to do exactly what he wanted.

And through it all, he’s gotten to do what he loved with those he loved by his side. There is no telling what the future has in store for Jim Bryant, but one thing is certain – he will continue to have wonderful stories to share for years to come.

215 Total Acres For Sale 175 Acres in Grass

When I retired from the boat manufacturing business in 2012 after 51 years, I wanted to build my dream farm. In the summer of 2012, I purchased 215 acres that had been in the Price family for years but, in the past thirty years, had not been worked. I love to operate heavy equipment, so I soon bought a 963 Cat loader and rented a nearly new D6 Cat dozer. I started at the front on Blue Springs Road, the process of reclaiming the property.

As each area was cleared, I soil tested and brought the PH up to specs with lime. I planted a mixture of Fescue, Rye, Orchard grass and Red Clover on the cleared ground.

Today, I have approximately 175 plus acres in pasture. There are two year-round creeks that transverse the farm. Most pastures have Ritche Waterers with underground l” sch. 40 PVC waterline. With my age and no one to continue, it is simply time to sell.

MAIN BARN 70’ x 90’ Concrete foundation 4’ Masonry walls East wing under-roof head gate West wing concrete with a 40-station feed way HAY STORAGE BARN 40’ x 100’ 350 - 400 Round Bales Level rock floor Insulated roof 15,000 FEET OF PERIMETER FENCE 52” 12 gauge woven wire with top strand of barbed wire 6” water main across front of property

LOCATED IN THE SWEETWATER VALLEY

10 MILES FROM CO-OP 8 MILES FROM I-75 AT EXIT 62 15 MILES FROM MAJOR TRACTOR DEALERS

16365 BLUE SPRINGS ROAD, PHILADELPHIA, TN 37846 | WWW.BRYANTLANDANDCATTLE.COM

Lumber Company

L LC

American Eagle Carved from a teak tree root

Lumber Company

L LC

Located in the midst of the most biodiverse area of the United States, Everhart Lumber Company specializes in high quality specialty timber and furniture products. Everhart’s is a wood specialty and furniture store in Tellico Plains, Tennessee. Everhart Lumber Company offers Ready-Made and Custom-Made Furniture from unique character woods such as black walnut, figured maple, flaming box elder, eastern red cedar, teak, and other wood types. We also offer furniture made from local reclaimed woods such as oak and pine.

We create dining, coffee, and sofa tables, and mantles, bars, and island tops as well as other types of furniture. For your dining experience and gift items, we offered Charcuterie boards (cutting/serving), wine caddies, and other usable items. Everhart offers up to extra wide wood slabs for our customers that want to make their own furniture.

You will also find many other decorative items such as eagle carvings, wood wall art, American Carved duck decoys, pottery, etc.

HOURS OF OPERATION Sunday & Monday Closed Tuesday – Friday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm Saturday 9:00 am – 2:00 pm

877.857.8062 | 423.253.2323 911 VETERANS MEMORIAL DRIVE TELLICO PLAINS, TN 37385

www.everhart-lumber.com

Mantles for Indoor & Outdoor Living Spaces

Black Walnut Sofa Table Made from black walnut with a walnut round insert and bark from a poplar tree

Hackberry Wood Coffee Table Made from a hackberry tree with an industrial metal base

Reclaimed Harvest Box Wood American Carved Duck Decoys

Will be offered both Finished & Unfinished

Real Estate Closings through Tellico Title Services

(800) 843-1663 ext. 404 (865) 531-6275 13125 El Camino Lane, Knoxville, TN 37932 Hours: M-F 7:30-5:00, Sat 9:00-12:00, Sun Closed 32

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Providing Solutions

FARM FR

H ES

AL L

PR OD UC E.

NAT K. URAL BEEF AND POR

QUALITY IS EVERYTHING 423-667-6981 | www.HydeFarms.net 7545 Highway 411 South, Greenback, TN

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MEMBER BENEFITS • Farm Bureau Insurance • Auto, Home & Life • Farm Bureau Health Plans • Farm Bureau Tax Service • Tennessee Livestock Producers • Identity Theft, Restoration & Consultation OTHER BENEFITS INCLUDE: • 20% discount at Choice Hotels • 10% discount on Enterprise car rentals* • Discounts at Dollywood, Splash Country and Biltmore* • Discounts on other major electronics, travel, health, security and apparel products • $500 Bonus Cash on Eligible Ford, Lincoln, Mercury Models

MADISONVILLE: 423- 442-2011

•

SWEETWATER: 423-337-9001

Deposit Checks from your Phone when you want, where you want If you have a smartphone or tablet*, you are just a few steps away from being able to deposit checks anywhere, anytime.

Ask us how to get started!

www.foothillsfcu.org 865-458-4347 | rdc@foothillsfcu.org

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Mayor: Glenn Moser City Recorder: Sherri McCrary Alderman: James Bledsoe,

Fred Cagle, Augusta Davis, Linda Hensley and Susan Saunders CITY HALL: 423.442.9416

Biereley-Hale FUNERAL HOME A Family’s Love is Forever

423-442-4404 4650 Hwy 411, Madisonville

423-253-2173 111 Depot St., Tellico Plains

biereleyhale.com Serving Monroe & surrounding counties since 1930 Funerals | On-Site Crematory | Shipping Services Haven Hill Memorial Gardens | Pre-Arranging

Meet Crystal Taylor Crystal is from Niota, TN. She is married to Jason Taylor. They have 3 girls, Amberleigh (13), Kayla (10), Raylyn (2 months). She volunteers her spare time at Monroe County Rescue Squad. She is a great addition to the staff at Family Dental Associates.

210 Warren Street Madisonville, Tennessee 37354 | 423.442.3928 SPRING 2020 MONROE LIFE

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Aubrie Terry, Student, Dr. Grant Willhite, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Randa Colbert, Dental Hygiene Program Director, Dr. Harley Knowles, President, Students, Megan Chrisman and Jessica DenHartog.

Tennessee Wesleyan University Dental Hygiene Celebrates Opening of Miller Hall

by JJ Hulet

TWU recently celebrated the Open House for Miller Hall, the new home for the dental hygiene program acquired from Hiwassee College this past summer.

the doors open for the start of classes in January,” said Randa Colbert, head of the TWU dental hygiene program, not long before the spring semester.

The new home for the dental hygiene program, classrooms, clinic, faculty offices, and more is located in the old McSpadden Furniture building on the northwest corner of College St and White St on the TWU campus.

“The facility is not only beautiful, but also highly functional - it houses the dental hygiene clinic and reception area, a classroom, a laboratory and faculty offices.

We are excited our new location is contiguous to campus and look forward to becoming a part of the downtown Athens community.”

Miller Hall is named for Mitch Miller, the owner of the building and the driving force behind the renovations that made the move possible. After the acquisition of the program, the school thought it would take as long as two years to make the move from the Madisonville site.

Randa Colbert called TWU with the SOS the day she found out Hiwassee was going to close. She is pleased TWU was there for the existing students. She worked hard and fast to get the accreditation as soon as possible.

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March 28 marks one year since Hiwassee’s closing, and no one could have imagined the move to be made so quickly or effectively.

The new location opened its doors in January, however, thanks to Miller’s hard work and generosity, combined with the support of the TWU Board of Trustees.

“The newly renovated dental hygiene space will be a welcome sight for TWU dental hygiene faculty, staff and students when

The academic team of Colbert, TWU Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Grant Willhite, President Dr. Harley Knowles, and Vice President for Institutional Research and Effectiveness Dr. Stephanie Smallen, all worked tirelessly to ensure the program acquisition was approved by TWU’s accrediting body, as well as re-accredited by CODA, the dental hygiene accrediting body.

Miller Hall will be the home for dental hygiene students to receive outstanding training for many years to come, to the benefit of TWU as well as Athens and our surrounding communities.

Courtney Chambers is using the trimmer and Ashley Jackson in holding the typodont. The senior class (in gray) are all transfers from Hiwassee. There are 15 seniors and 30 students total.

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KFC- MADISONVILLE 423-442-4228

Across from the A&W Drive-In

t!

Buffe

SCHEDULE A PERSONAL TOUR OF OUR COMMUNITY TODAY! ∙ All-inclusive monthly rate structure ∙ Long-term care and veterans benefits gladly accepted ∙ 24-hour dedicated caregivers and nursing staff ∙ State-of-the-art Assisted Living with Alzheimer’s and dementia-related Memory Care available ∙ Complete array of in-house services & amenities

2317 US-411 South | Maryville, TN 37801 | (865) 238-5338 www.cloverhillseniorliving.com

Looking for a new place to call home?

James Lee 423-519-0600

Burt Lee 423-519-0700

Dan Watson 423-253-4700

Diane Tomek 423-261-5150

Dave Gatehel 423-519-3384

Bob Mundle 715-222-4366

Michelle Hawkins Office Manager

423-442-3944 4263 Highway 411 N. #2 Madisonville, TN 37354 38

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www.NormanLeeRealEstate.com Norman@NormanLeeRealEstate.com

June 15th - July 31st Please Purchase a Flag to Honor or Memorialize American Citizens; Military or Just Good American Citizens OPENING CELEBRATION

Monday, June 15th at 6:00 pm Courthouse DOWNTOWN MADISONVILLE ASSOCIATION For information contact: Susan Saunders 423-261-5140 or Linda Garrett-Hensley 423-295-4151

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LIVING THE DREAM Grain Bin Commodities Bakes Up Memories

O

n the long and winding path that is life, oftentimes the dreams of our youth can get lost and forgotten. Such seemed the fate for Monroe County native Callie Brackett, who had a goal when she got married to one day open a bakery. But then life happened.

Instead, she ended up working in business affairs at Scripps Networks and later even owned her own insurance company.

Due to concerns with her parents’ health, Callie made the decision to return home to the family farm in Sweetwater. She needed a source of income, however, and decided to try her hand at that old bakery idea.

Callie put a post on Facebook advertising muffins and cookies and said a prayer. The prayer clearly worked. “In 45 minutes, we had seven orders!” she said. “God had bigger plans than we did.”

One of her first deliveries was to a teacher at Sweetwater Primary School, and as word began to spread, her baking business took off. She and her husband, Craig, had two guest bedrooms in their home on the family farm – they took out the beds and used one to store ingredients and the other to store boxes. The orders continued to roll in, primarily via phone, and from September 2017 until late 2019, she operated entirely by word of mouth and without a storefront.

In December 2019, Callie’s once seemingly forgotten dream of owning a bakery was

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realized when she opened Grain Bin Commodities on her parents’ farm. The whole idea behind the storefront was to evoke memories of that delicious homemade dessert after a family dinner.

In fact, the majority of her recipes are her mom’s, her grandmother’s or Craig’s grandmother’s. If you have an old family favorite but aren’t quite sure how to recreate it, she can even make that happen. Recently, Callie made a raisin pie for the first time for one of her customers! If your grandmother made it, she can find the recipe and bring that fond memory back to you in delicious food form.

If you visit Grain Bin Commodities, you can expect a different menu every week – anything from fried apple pies to coconut cream pies, cookies, cupcakes and anything in between. Everything is made from scratch and with the love of someone who is living her lifelong dream. An added bonus is that Callie gets to make these delectable treats alongside her mother, Linda!

Grain Bin Commodities is located at 5215 Holt Road in Sweetwater; they’re typically open Thursday through Saturday (unless they’re working an event), or you can call 865-599-9001 for more information on orders and hours. And if you visit any local festivals you are very likely to find Callie and her delicious baked goods there, as well!

I’m not a cake decorator, I can do a little of that, but there are plenty of decorators out there. I bake the cakes your mom, grandmother, or aunts made. Let’s not lose those old fashion recipes or the memories we have of those loved ones that made them.

Photos Provided by Grain Bin Commodities

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MASON FURNITURE & APPLIANCES

168 WARREN ST, MADISONVILLE

423.442.2940

Donna’s Old Town Cafe University of Tennessee Dance And Cheer Teams Win National Championships Orlando, Florida Day one of the 2020 UCA & UDA College Cheerleading and Dance National Championships wrapped up with Tennessee’s Spirit program putting Rocky Top on top—literally.

We Cater For All Occasions.

Downtown Madisonville across from courthouse

Tennessee’s cheer team claimed the first national championship in its history by placing first in the Division 1A Game Day Competition. The squad entered the finals on top after placing first in the semifinals among a field of 20 competing teams. Cincinnati finished second, followed by Ole Miss in third.

The Vols’ dance team, five-time national champions in the Jazz Dance Competition, finished second nationally in this year’s Division 1A Game Day Competition is a three-minute routine that mimics situations from a live collegiate football game. Cheer teams display the skills used to lead the crowd during a game.

“We just brought Neyland Stadium to the competition floor,” senior cheerleader Anthony Brown said of Friday’s performance. “We wanted to give the crowd an experience of what it’s like to be at the best gameday and best stadium in the country.”

Tennessee was one of just two programs to place both its cheer and dance teams in the top five of Division 1A in the Game Day Competition, joined only by SEC colleague Ole Miss.

Sun-Wed 7am-3pm

Thurs-Sat 7am-8pm

100 COLLEGE STREET, MADISONVILLE, TENNESSEE

The national championship competitions continue Saturday with the dance team competing in the semifinals for jazz and pom routines, the cheer team competing in the semifinals for cheer routines and costumed Smokey competing for the mascot national championship.

Congratulations Coach Chelsea Harris Bowlin

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Summer is Intense! MACA Art, Theatre, and Music Intensives This summer MACA will be hosting three summer arts programs to serve students in the Monroe area who have just completed 5th-12th grades. Each one week intensive is open to those who have received from no training to advanced training. Cost is $100 per week. Contact MACA for more information 423-442-3210 / maca491@gmail.com Follow us on Facebook and at monroearts.com.

Art Intensive- May 26th- 30th from 8:30 am to 2:45 pm This week will be filled with project-based learning of a variety of art mediums and techniques. Students will be visited by artists who share their work and process of creating.

Students will explore works and styles of famous artists Tuesday-Friday, with a half day on Saturday Morning. At the end of the week, art pieces will be displayed in an evening art show for family and community at the Vonore Community Center from 3:00p.m.-5: 00p.m. on Sunday May 31st.

Theatre Intensive - June 1st -5th from 8:30 am to 2:45 pm During this week of theatre learning, students will have the opportunity to get hands on training in theatre techniques, learn best practices for performing, basic videography, and will have the chance to perform Friday evening for parents and friends.

Music Intensive - June 8th -12th from 8:30 am to 2:45 pm During this week of music learning, students will have the opportunity to get hands on instrument and music theory training, learn best practices for singing and performing, and will have the chance to perform in a musical evening for parents and friends.

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MACA’s Kid’s Arts Camp 2020 Art • Music • Drama • Stage Design • Dance Choose one or more weeks to come!!

June 1-5 Week 1 Madisonville Primary School June 8-12 Week 2 Madisonville Primary School Camp times: 8:30-1:30 Monday-Friday Ms. Charlotte and friends host a week of fun filled activities!!!

• (Drop off time 8:15-8:30 for breakfast) • Camp is for Kindergarten through 5th grade • Cost is $75 per week • Performance on Friday to Showcase the Week!! ***Breakfast and Lunch are provided*** For more information Contact Charlotte Lee, 423-836-0441 or chazcharlee@yahoo.com monroearts. com, on the MACA Facebook, or mail payment to MACA at P.O. Box 491, Madisonville, TN 37354/ 423-442-3210

Charlie Mars Saturday May 9, 2020 6:00PM Tsali Notch Vineyard Eat, Drink, and Relax to the sound of Charlie Mars while enjoying the beautiful mountain views from Tsali Notch Vineyard!

Mississippi-born singer/songwriter Charlie Mars is a country- and folk-inflected pop artist blessed with a warm vocal croon and a knack for crafting poignant, earthy songs.

Born in 1974 in Laurel, Mississippi, Mars grew up listening to various styles of pop/rock, from Michael Jackson to the Violent Femmes.

While enjoying this unique outdoor concert enjoy a wine tastings at Tsali Notch’s Tasting room or purchase a bottle to enjoy during the show. Bring your own blankets or chairs! Limited seating will be available.

Food Vendors will be onsite.

Tickets available at: monroearts.com or 423-442-3210

2020 MONROE COUNTY STUDENT ART SHOW Thursday May 14, 2020 6 – 8 PM. Brown Intermediate School, Sweetwater Monroe Area Council for the Arts (MACA), Sweetwater Valley Citizens for the Arts (SVCA), Sweetwater City Schools (SCS and Monroe County Schools (MSC present the 2020 Monroe County Student Art Show. This art show is intended to showcase the artistic talents of our students, encourage creativity, to recognize students, their artworks, honor teachers, parents, guardians and to ‘Support Arts in Education’ Open to 3rd - 12th Grade Students, Public Schools, Private Schools, Home schooled and Full Time College Students to 22 years who reside in Monroe County.

Enter at: https://forms.gle/eWqsTD1YkfhyMDQs6

MACA’s Visual Arts Alliance

JURIED ART SHOW AND SALE Vonore Community Center Open to the public Friday June 12 - Sunday June 14, 2020 Entries Due Thursday June 11. 10AM - 6PM AWARDS & RIBBONS FOR WINNERS Youth Awards 10 -17 yrs.

Best of Show, 1st, 2nd, 3rd Place Awards 3 Honorable Mentions Adult Awards 18+ Best of Show, 1st,2nd,3rd, Place Awards 3 Honorable Mentions People’s Choice Award Non-Juried Vintage Art Display Reception & Awards Presentation Sat. June 13, 6 pm to 8.30 pm Information & Entry Forms: MACA, Visual Arts Alliance P.O. Box 491, Madisonville, TN 37354 423-442-3210 Maca491@gmail.com monroearts.com

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Thoughtful Giving For Stronger Communities and Better Lives

by Jennifer Porterfield

S

ome people believe philanthropy is about what they can do for others, but Mike McClamroch, president & CEO of East Tennessee Foundation (ETF), would challenge those people to think differently. Philanthropy, according to Mike, isn’t necessarily about changing others’ lives. While it’s certainly an added bonus, people should think about giving as a chance to change their own lives. The act of giving could actually change you.

Mike should know – as president of ETF, he works with numerous charities every year, managing nearly half a billion dollars for various companies, families and individuals. But his storied career at ETF almost didn’t happen.

Second Chances Mike jokingly refers to himself as a “recovering lawyer.” He practiced law for many years and liked it well enough, but his true joy was working on Habitat houses on the weekends. He longed to find a way to merge his vocation with his joy, but it was not until a particularly stressful time in his life that this became possible. Mike and his wife at the time, Kim, had a son with medical issues who required constant care, and his father had just had quintuple bypass surgery.

In the midst of all this, someone called and offered him a position as president of ETF.

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His dream of merging his lawyerly skills with philanthropy seemed to have become a reality, but Mike’s response? An empathic no. It seemed like the right decision at the time given all that was happening in his life, but when he went home and told Kim, she immediately questioned his rejection of the offer. This was what he’d been thinking about, praying about, for years! Thankfully, he quipped, God is a God of second chances, and when he called them back the next day, he was able to accept the offer.

And the rest is history.

ETF is a hugely successful nonprofit, community foundation that has grown from an asset base of around $625,000 when it started 34 years ago to now managing $500 million in charitable funds. Just during Mike’s tenure, which began in 2001, the fund has grown by over $400 million.

What is ETF? Some might be surprised to discover that the Foundation is not actually a nonprofit that operates programs. They are not like Habitat for Humanity or the Pat Summit Clinic…but they do work with organizations, companies and even individuals to help manage, grow and distribute their money.

ETF has three core functions: Receives contributions from donors.

They have an entire advancement team led by a lawyer who works with regional advisors to assist donors in maximizing their tax benefits through donation while directing their gifts to funds that will help them achieve their philanthropic goals.

Manages and invests assets. ETF has a financial team that manages donor assets.

Because of the large amount of money they are stewarding, they’re able to benefit immensely from economies of scale.

Gives well placed grants and scholarships. The grants team puts a lot of work, due diligence and expertise into

supporting fundholders that want to make grants out of their funds. They also manage competitive grants that target specific areas of interest, like youth and the arts.

What Makes the Foundation Tick?

Any sort of charitable organization is reliant upon multiple factors for success, including a devoted staff, a far-sighted board and committed donors. Mike knows this trifecta is important but puts particular emphasis on the quality of his board and the 100 percent trust between the board and ETF staff. The board itself is comprised of a diverse group of people representing all of the counties ETF supports. All board members are selected with great thought and due diligence, and every board member undergoes board training, complete with quizzes! Because the board members represent many different counties, this can be a huge time commitment for some who have to regularly travel to Knoxville for board meetings. But according to Mike, the board does a superb job and truly trusts the hard-working staff.

Appealing to the Masses According to Mike, if ETF is able to “tell a story of changed lives,” of transformation in people’s lives as a result of the work his organization does, then it will reach a broad audience – from baby boomers to millennials. He does recognize, however, that there is a slightly different approach to engaging millennials in philanthropy. This particular group tends to think with their heads as well as their hearts. It’s important to appeal not only to the desire to give and help others but also to be able to provide data and facts surrounding how the funds are being used and distributed and the results from those funds.

What the Pat Summit Foundation Means to ETF “This one is really personal for me,” says Mike. He still distinctly remembers the day Pat Summit sat in her kitchen and asked him to help her in the fight against Alzheimer’s.

For a woman as legendary as Pat Summit, “legacy” could have meant many things… but what she truly wanted her legacy to be was the Foundation created to beat the disease that inevitably took her life.

Mike is honored to continue this mission.

ETF is essentially the back office for the Pat Summit Foundation, which requires different handling than other funds. This foundation is national in scope and very high profile. As such, they have two people who primarily work to advance the Pat Summit Foundation. Mike states ETF plans to remain true to their commitment to Pat to ensure her Foundation is, in fact, her most lasting legacy.

Legacy Award In 2019, Mike was presented with the Legacy award for outstanding philanthropic leadership by the Great Smoky Mountain chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. He is only the third recipient of this prestigious award, which recognizes his dedication and commitment to philanthropy. But Mike would does not even recognize this award as being solely his

own – he says it is a huge honor to the entire organization and a reflection on the whole team’s work.

Mike has surely forged his own legacy through his work with ETF. With such a dedicated leader who clearly values his team, it is certain that East Tennessee Foundation will continue to help advance philanthropy in East Tennessee for many years to come.

Mike McClamroch was recently invited to be a guest on a podcast to talk about year-end giving and the importance of philanthropy at this time, this story is from the podcast. To listen, visit http://bit.ly/ powerofphilanthropy or look for the ‘Ms. InterPReted’ podcast on Apple podcasts / iTunes, Google Play, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

COVID-19 Bulletin As COVID-19 has been declared a national emergency and we have begun to see the impact in our region, East Tennessee Foundation (ETF) has activated our Neighbor to Neighbor Disaster Relief Fund. We will begin accepting donations immediately. Please visit etf.org/N2N. ETF will work closely with community leaders and partnering organizations to identify nonprofit agencies providing disaster response and relief services throughout our 25-county region in East Tennessee.

As COVID-19’s public-health and economic impact has begun to surge – including in the state of Tennessee– the nonprofit world is among the sectors particularly hard-hit, and the impact includes not only the ability of non-profits to provide vital services to people in need but also to maintain their staff employment and their own purchases in communities to help support local economies.

“As a voice for philanthropic advocacy, we urge all community foundations nationwide in the U.S. as well as worldwide to join us

in a #COVIDgiveWhereYouLive message, to encourage, broker and facilitate locally-based, community giving – as well as volunteerism – that directly benefit grassroots cities, towns and rural areas alike,” McClamroch said.

“The coronavirus pandemic knows no geographic boundaries and has a lot of folks feeling fear and powerlessness right now.

There is no better way to reclaim a positive mindset than through the self-empowerment of philanthropic support – whether through a financial donation or simple volunteering, which in many ways can be done from home, in compliance with social distancing – such as we’ve seen with people sewing medical masks and garments for their local hospitals,” McClamroch said.

ETF encourages all citizens, non-profits and corporations to contribute their own philanthropy success stories in social media using the hashtag, #COVIDgiveWhereYouLive, and tag a favorite charity. According to ETF, volunteerism success stories are just as important as monetary success stories.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS EX-OFFICIO MICHAEL MCCLAMROCH EX-OFFICIO CAROLYN SCHWENN SAM ALBRITTON KEN AVENT CATE BIGGS LISA BINGHAM THOMAS BOYD DAVID BRADSHAW CLAUDIA CABALLERO PATSY CARSON AMY E. CATHEY KAY CLAYTON BOBBIE CONGLETON STEVE DARDEN DENISE DEAN RICK FOX KEITH GRAY SHARON HANNUM JIM HARLAN BRUCE HARTMANN NATALIE L. HASLAM MARK HEINZ LOGAN HICKMAN ROCIO HUET ELLEN MARKMAN JOE MARLETTE DAVID MARTIN JAN MCNALLY DROCELLA MUGOREWERA GENE PATTERSON BUTCH PECCOLO JOE PETRE PAIGE PRESTON AVICE REID RICHARD ROBERTS STEPHEN ROSEN CASSANDRA STUART CAROL TRANSOU DAVID V. WHITE PAUL WILLSON STUART WORDEN MARGIT WORSHA KRIS YARLETT

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Defending the Cause of the Fatherless

by Jennifer Porterfield

t started as a calling to adopt. It grew to a heart for foster care. And it blossomed into ministry stretching across the State of Tennessee with the noble mission of ensuring every child, even those who are neglected by their own families, feels loved.

In 2015, Ronda and Corey Paulson began Path Training for foster care with the eventual intent to adopt. During that training, Ronda discovered something horrifying – children who had been separated from their families were often brought into cold, windowless rooms and offices to await placement. It tore at her heart that these scared and abandoned children had to await their fates in such a sterile environment. This was the first time she heard God calling her toward some greater mission. According to Ronda, God said, “These are my children, Ronda. What are you going to do?”

A year later, she went to the Carter County DCS office to pick up her foster son; they were asked to go to the back door of the office, and there he was, dirty and wearing clothes that were too small for him. Again, Ronda felt God calling her to create something better – a better situation for these abandoned children. A place where they could go and be loved on, with bedrooms and playrooms and caring people prepared to help ease them into the

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MONROE LIFE SPRING 2020

transition to foster care. And thus Isaiah 117 House was born.

The flagship location began in Carter County.

For the first time in her life, Ronda started a Facebook page in an attempt to garner interest in funding the house. She started posting and sharing about what God was calling her family to do, and she was shocked when the news seemingly started a social media craze. They decided to sell t-shirts and had 100 orders within 30 minutes! As soon as the community discovered what her mission was and why it was needed, they flocked behind her.

And it wasn’t just Carter County. This idea of the Isaiah 117 House began to spread into other counties. Washington County, TN, opened their doors on September 17, 2019. Greene County celebrated its grand opening on November 25, 2019. Sullivan County broke ground on their location in the summer of 2019. And many other counties – Knox, Blount, Monroe and Rutherford, to name a few – have formed committees and are in the fundraising process to bring homes into their areas.

What started as a dream to help an abandoned child has turned into a mission to help all abandoned children discover that they are loved. These Isaiah 117 Houses are proof of that – proof of God’s love through the devotion and generosity of His people.

The Isaiah 117 House will be a place always ready to take in the children of this region in their time of need and help what is inevitably a traumatic transition.

We are expanding! To see the upcomming locations of Isaiah 117 House, please visit isaiah117house.com.

Support the cause Isaiah 1:17 says: “Defend the cause of the fatherless.” We believe this is God’s call for this ministry. Please support the Isaiah 117 House.

For more information: www.isaiah117house.com Mailing address: PO Box 842 Elizabethton, TN 37644

Featured Services Cosmetic Dentistry Implant Dentistry Restorative Dentistry Complete Dentures Crown and Bridge Now a Provider for CPAP Alternative Treatment for Sleep Apnea

423.884.CARE (2273)

www.vonoredental.com Eric Fugate, D.D.S. • Jerry Johnson, D.D.S.

Monroe County Friends of Animals

Wags, Whiskers & Wine Saturday, May 16th 5:30 - 8:30 Kahite Community Center Wine Tasting, Appetizers, Silent Auction, Music.

Tickets $75 • Smart Casual

Tickets available at United Community Bank, Tellico Village, Volunteer Federal Bank (Vonore), and MCFA Thrift Store (Madisonville).

Through proceeds of fundraising events, proceeds from the MCFA Thrift Store and generous donations Monroe County Friends of Animals funds almost 40 percent of the operating costs of the Monroe County Animal Shelter.

To help us continue our work please visit our website: www.monroecountyfriendsofanimals.org and click the donate button.

Shop the MCFA Thrift Store at 3949 Highway 411, Madisonville, TN. Hours: Wed-Sat, 10-4.

And remember, if you are looking for a Cat or Dog to add to your household start your search as the Monroe County Animal Shelter at 170 Kefauver Lane, Madisonville, TN 37354. Hours: Tues - Fri 11am to 4:30pm; Sat 11am to 2pm. Closed Sun / Mon.

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OCO EE

REG ION

•

3 2 0 0

ME MBE R S

•

14

SIT ES

GREAT FUTURES AND ANDOR

Could You Be A Mentor?

Taylor C. kept to herself and barely spoke to anyone when she began attending Boys & Girls Clubs of the Ocoee Region, which serves 3,200 members via 14 club sites in Bradley, Meigs, Monroe and Polk County, Tennessee.

“I made it a mission to get to know Taylor and see if I could get her to open up.” said Isabel Carapia, Unit Director of the Club’s Madisonville Teen Center Unit, who began checking in with Taylor regularly and bonded with the teen over their favorite music artists.

In early January, the Club partnered with Ever After Bridal & Formal Wear and Lee University’s Big Pal Little Pal mentoring program to produce the Seeing is Believing Prom Fashion Show. Through at first reluctant to participate, Taylor warmed to the idea of modeling when Isabel helped her select the perfect bright blue dress to wear down the runway.

“When she got all dressed up, I saw this glow on her face. She took the stage and made it her own, “Isabel said, “I talked to her mother during the show, and she thanked me because her daughter had been more active and seemed happier. She saw a change in her child, and she knew it was because of the Club.”

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MONROE LIFE SPRING 2020

When caring adult mentors take the time to have authentic conversations with youth to understand their passions, interests and ambitions - it can make a critical difference.

According to MENTOR, young people who meet regularly with a mentor are 55 percent more likely to enroll in college, 78 percent more likely to volunteer regularly.

“Mentors are champions for our youth,” said Valerie Killebrew, senior director of youth development programs at Boys & Girls Clubs of America. “The guidance, encouragement, and positive experiences they provide inspire confidence in our young people and enable them to build a strong foundation for a healthy, productive life.”

“We know that a one-on-one relationship with someone that challenges you and asks you hard questions, or just acts as a listening ear, can change the direction of a kid’s life,” said Derrick Kinsey, chief executive officer of Boys & Girls Clubs of the Ocoee Region.

Mentorship relationships aren’t just beneficial for young people. Mentors can expand their personal and professional networks through mentoring and experience satisfaction and joy from helping youth thrive.

The Club’s mentoring program, called Great Futures, utilizes a tracking system where Club staff and volunteer mentors report weekly on interactions they’ve had with Club members so that any mentor can meaningful, informed conversations with the young people they serve.

Be a champion for youth and invest in kids by becoming a mentor. Mentoring relationships are powerful tools for connection and are critical to our country’s future.

The Club also runs a mentoring program for boys, called ANDOR. “Our prisons are filled with a lot of men that were lacking mentors in their life or a father figure,” Derrick said. “ANDOR was created to have men come in and speak into the lives of our young men and guide them through specific skill development.”

OCOEE REGION

BRACES AND CHILDREN’S DENTISTRY

Smile, you're in good hands!

At Tennessee Smiles Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry, we provide a range of complete dental and orthodontic services to help keep growing teeth happy and healthy through every stage

of life.

Dr. Mark Britton, Dr. Andy Turner, Dr. Darryl Phillips

423-436-4800 | tnsmile.com 4233 Hwy 411 | Madisonville, TN 37354

AT H E N S C H A M B E R O F C O M M E R C E

14th Annual Benefit

JACK NICKLAUS GUEST SPEAKER

JUNE 27, 2020 7:00 PM

TICKETS AND TABLES AVAILABLE NOW TO PURCHASE TICKETS CALL 423-745-0334 OR ONLINE AT www.ATHENSCHAMBER.org

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Pan Grilled

LOLLIPOP LAMB CHOPS Finished in a Sweet Tangy Balsamic Reduction INGREDIENTS: Olive Oil Sea Salt, garlic powder and black pepper mixed for seasoning during grilling.

1/8 cup Reserved marinade making sure to get most of garlic, rosemary and onion.

4 TBL Balsamic Vinegar 1/4 Cup Beef Stock

PREPARATION: In sauté pan, heat to med high heat. Add small amount of olive oil to pan coating evenly. Lay the lamb chops evenly. Season and Grill the lamb about 1 to 2 min on each side until Medium Rare and remove from pan to a serving plate.

MARINADE: 1/2 Cup Olive Oil 2 TBL Fresh Garlic Chopped Fine 1/4 Red Onion Dice Fine 2 Sprig Fresh Rosemary Chopped Fine 1/2 tsp Sea Salt 1/4 sp Black Pepper Rack of Lamb or Already Cut into Lamb Chops • Cut Lamb into lollipop chops if not already purchased cut • Place lamb chops in sealable container.

• Pour the marinade over chops and coat completely.

• Let marinate for at least 4 hours but preferably overnight.

Reduce heat to medium and add the reserved marinade to the pan. Heat up the garlic and onion until the onion is translucent. Add beef stock. Very important to keep stirring the ingredients so as not to burn and allow the flavors from the lamb to infuse into the oil and stock. Let simmer until the whole sauce starts to thicken. Slowly stir balsamic vinegar to the pan and let reduce on medium heat until the vinegar reduction thickens again.

Taste… look for sweetness and tanginess in the sauce. When you get the desired flavor.. turn off heat and pour over the chops.

Great accompaniments for this dish are a nice Mediterranean rice and sautéed spinach with fresh tomato.

What I love about this dish: The lamb is tender and juicy when you sear the flavors in with a hot pan. The dish is so easy to prepare. Total preparation time is 20 minutes once started.

The dish is beautiful when plated with rich colors. The aroma is delicious and filled with garlic and onion. It’s sure to get the taste buds interested. The dish itself has a sweet tangy flavor that is amazing with light starches and really sits lightly after dining. Perfect for an Easter gathering.

Steven Covey, Owner/Manager of Longhorn at Turkey Creek.

Turkey Creek, 11644 Parkside, Knoxville • Phone: 865-966-6954 THE MONROE LIFE BALLOON FESTIVAL VIA TENT SPONSOR

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MONROE LIFE SPRING 2020

Benton Country Hams There is nothing quite like tradition to guarantee a quality product, and the succulent dry-cured hams and bacon at Benton’s are a testament to 70 years of tradition! Slow-cured using salt, brown sugar and sodium nitrite, aged 9 to 10 months or even longer, Benton’s meats are nationally recognized and make excellent gifts. Come visit them in Madisonville for the best ham and bacon in the area!

Mignonne’s

Deviled Eggs

Ingredients: 12 large eggs 1/8 cup mayonnaise 1/8 cup Dijon mustard 3/8 cup Dill relish 1 teaspoon Lawry’s Seasoned Pepper Spanish paprika, for garnish

Directions: 1. Put enough water into saucepan that will cover the eggs. Bring to boil and gently lower eggs into the saucepan, allowing enough water that there’s 1 inch of water above the eggs. Keep on rapid simmer and cook for 16 minutes. Remove from heat and rinse under cold water continuously for 1 minute.

platter. Mash the yolks into a fine crumble using a fork.

2. Crack eggshells and carefully peel. They will peel easier when still warm. Gently dry with paper towels. Slice the eggs in half lengthwise, removing yolks to a medium bowl, and placing the whites on a serving

5. Evenly disperse heaping teaspoons of the yolk mixture into the egg whites.

3. In a separate bowl, mix mayonnaise, mustard, dill relish and pepper and mix it well.

4. Gradually add mixture to the crumbled yolks.

6. Sprinkle with paprika. Refrigerate for approximately 1 hour before serving.

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THE BINGHAM GROUP TAKES HOME 10 ADDY AWARDS. WE WANT TO THANK OUR CLIENTS FOR LETTING US BE CREATIVE!

GOLD AWARD: Gatlinburg Strong Documentary

BRONZE AWARDS: Brushy Mountain Story

The state first operated the prison on a convict-lease program, renting out convicts to private coal mining operations in Morgan and Anderson counties. That didn’t last long as the citizen coal miners revolted against the program and the state of Tennessee decided to use the inmates to operate mines located on state property surrounding the prison. Each prison cell of two beds and one toilet housed four inmates on a 12 hour rotation, two inmates worked the mines for 12 hours while the other two inmates utilized the cell. Inmates had daily quotas of coal to meet, with failure resulting in harsh punishments. After 70 years of operation and following the 1967 mining deaths of two inmates, the mines were closed.

Farragut Magazine

Brushy Mountain was the only industry in Morgan County for a long, long time. The county relied on the prison for much more than just employment. The prison doctors and nurses were the only medical staff in the area and delivered many babies for local residents. The local residents also received dental care, hair cuts and other services within the prison walls. With most of the local residents working at Brushy Mountain, the Sunday “dinner on the grounds” included the families of prisoners and workers alike. The prison was a town within a town.

Farragut Spring Cover Braden’s Tennessee Christmas Commercial

BRADEN’S

BACK TO BRUSHY MOUNTAIN

by CeCe Owens

The drive up to Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary finds you wondering if the anxious feeling in your tummy is equal with how the hardened criminals felt as they arrived to serve time. Originally built of wood in 1896 and arranged in the shape of a cross, the prison was completely rebuilt using sandstone that was mined,

hand chiseled and laid by prisoners in the 1930s. However, what you see is a stone, castle like fortress seemingly carved out of the mountain. While the buildings remained in the shape of the cross, an intentional nod to faith based rehabilitation, Brushy Mountain is an intimidating structure begetting anxious feelings.

Lifestyles at Turkey Creek

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Braden’s Online Book

FARRAGUT LIFE SUMMER 2019

Gorilla Marketing 5am Balloon TV

BRADEN’S

Lifestyles at Turkey Creek COMMERCIAL • RESIDENTIAL • HOSPITALITY INTERIOR DESIGN • FURNITURE • ACCESSORIES

Tennessee Christmas

Vanhooseco Folder & Direct Marketing Vehicle Graphics

5am

FARRAGUT PRIMARY AND NORTHSHORE ELEMENTARY

SPRING 2019

The Lord Is My Shepherd MEMPHIS IN MAY

and Lots of Spring Festivals

UT Heart Hospital Jim Gray

The Artist’s Memories

Jeff VanHoose

PRESIDENT

244 Blair Bend Drive Loudon, Tennessee 37774 Tel: 865.458.3998 Cell: 865.389.3429 jvanhoose@vanhooseco.com www.vanhooseco.com

OUR FOUNDATION IS INNOVATION We inflated a Hot Air Balloon at several local schools during morning drop off. We invited the local television stations to join us. They promoted the event during the morning news and weather on each station with live spots.

10,000 flyers were distributed to all schools in the surrounding counties.

11921 KINGSTON PIKE, KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE 37934 • 865.523.5999 • WWW.BINGHAMGROUP.COM 54

MONROE LIFE SPRING 2020

Join us Sat.,Oct. 3 at SQHS for our 80th Annual Meeting.

Visit www.flec.org for information on our monthly anniversary contests.

Proudly serving Blount, Loudon, and Monroe Counties since 1940.

Owned and Operated by Our Membership

116 Tellico Port Rd. P.O. Box 1030 Vonore, TN 37885 Toll Free: 1-877-353-2674

Office Hours: Monday - Friday 7:30 am - 4:30 pm www.flec.org

Bert’s

Celebrating years of hand made pizzas

32

Hometown Grill & Pizzeria!1987 est

902 Tellico Street • Madisonville, TN • 423.442.2222 www.bertsgrill.com

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Discover our trendsetting and eclectic women’s fashions, Sorrelli jewelry, accessories, baby shop, home decor, gift items, Christmas ornaments and more.

Tuesday-Saturday 11:00am-5:30pm 423-536-7046 | 107 E. Morris St, Sweetwater facebook.com/DogwoodLaneBoutique

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MONROE LIFE SPRING 2020

by Bliana Best

POST COVID-19 VACATION DESTINATION: MONROE COUNTY, TENNESSEE As we find ourselves stuck inside at home or self-policing our social distancing while in public to try to do our part to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, now seems like the perfect time to work on vacation planning in order to be ready to have some fun after COVID-19. When planning a vacation spot, it does not get better than Monroe County. We truly do have it all – mountains, rivers, lakes, attractions, shopping, hiking, and more. Since your destination is already locked in, let us help you square away the rest of the details! Use the guide below to make your plans.

Outdoor Recreation The possibilities are endless with the outdoor recreational activities that are available during your vacation with us. The Cherokee National Forest offers the ability to enjoy a scenic drive on the Cherohala Skyway National Scenic Byway, the pursuit of wildlife, the thrill of whitewater, a night under the stars, cycling, and hiking all in the beautiful setting of the Unicoi Mountains.

You can easily stay inside the Cherokee National Forest and find plenty to do, especially when exploring the waterfalls in the area.

Bald River Falls is a popular 90 ft waterfall that can be enjoyed from the comfort of your car. Outside of the Cherokee National Forest, Vonore hosts the Tellico Lake, which is widely known for sport fishing and watersports. Sequoyah Landing provides pontoon boat rentals for visitors to enjoy year-round, weather permitting.

Shopping There is nothing like a quaint southern shopping experience and Sweetwater Main Street offers just that. You will feel like you are stepping onto the set of a Hallmark movie as you explore the shops, talk with the locals, and discover treasures that you will have to take

are looking for even more adventure, the Lost Sea also offers wild cave tours and overnight wild cave tours. home with you. Be sure to check out the replica of the former depot and stop in front of the Sweetwater train for a quick selfie. Additional shopping opportunities can be found in the downtown areas of Madisonville, Vonore, and Tellico Plains, offering their own unique spin to your experience. For the outdoorsmen, checking out Tellico Outfitters on Scott Street in Tellico Plains is a must do. Not only will they meet all of your trout fishing needs, but they also offer guided fishing expeditions with highly experienced guides.

Adventure Did you know that we are home to America’s largest underground lake? The top must do adventure on our list for those who want to truly take in what Monroe County has to offer is The Lost Sea Adventure. With regular admission, you will receive a tour of the caverns, learn the exciting history, and view fascinating developments and formations. You will even get to take a boat ride on a glass bottom boat on America’s largest underground lake – pretty remarkable! If you

History Monroe County has an abundance of history in our area. History enthusiasts can enjoy the Civil War Trail, Fort Loudoun State Historic Park, Sequoyah Birthplace Museum, Tanasi Memorial, Vonore Heritage Museum, Monroe County Archives, Sweetwater Heritage Museum, and the Charles Hall Museum just to name a few. As you visit these places, you are easily immersed into the history of Monroe County and feel as if you were a part of making that history happen. Through your discoveries, you find out why there was a fort in such a secluded area, how the Cherokee capital came to be under water, and how Bald River Falls used to have a railroad track going across it.

Unique Culinary Experiences Our hometown restaurants are filled with great food, even better people, and exquisite selections.

The restaurants adored and patronized by the locals are always the best. You can find a great list of restaurants on our website.

VISIT US ONLINE AT MONROECOUNTYTOURISM.COM OR FIND VISITMONROETN ON FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM AND TWITTER. WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING YOU SOON! HAPPY VACATION PLANNING! SPRING 2020 MONROE LIFE

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SWEETWATER VISITOR CENTER AND DEPOT TO CHATTANOOGA

INDIAN BOUNDARY CAMPGROUND Just off the scenic Skyway on Forest Service Road 345.

Offering 100 campsites as well as day use picnicking, swimming and biking. Open April - November.

Reservations are recommended. Call toll free at 877.444.6777.

TO KNOXVILLE

TURKEY CREEK OVERLOOK 2,630 ft.

Overlook with 3 picnic tables and restroom. Beautiful view from the Appalachians over the Tennessee River Valley.

Tellico Plains can be seen in the distance.

SWEETWATER

TELLICO PLAINS

MADISONVILLE

CHEROHALA SKYWAY VISITOR CENTER

OOSTERNECK CREEK 1,045 ft.

Overlook and boating takeout on the Tellico River. When the water is up, the Tellico River, with its Class III, IV, V rapids, is quite a challenge for canoeists and kayakers.

CHARLES HALL MUSEUM

EAGLE GAP TRAILHEAD

3,600 ft

3,400 ft

CANEY BRANCH 1,370 ft

LAKE VIEW

3,360 ft.

A perfect place to enjoy distant views of Tellico Lake. This lake was created from TVA dams of the Little Tennessee River.

TELLICO RANGER STATION

INFORMATION STATION Bulletin board welcomes visitors with general information about the Skyway and Tellico Ranger District.

GRASSY GAP TRAILHEAD

TELLICO RIVER 950 ft.

The Tellico River is famous for its world class trout fishing.

BRUSHY RIDGE

3,750 ft

Overlooking Sassagras Ridge and other major ridges running south down to the Tellico River.

PHEASANT FIELDS REARING POOLS

BALD RIVER FALLS Located on Forest Service Road 210, you can view Bald River Falls without leaving your car as water cascades over 100 feet onto the rocks below. Further along the road, you may be interested in visiting the state-operated trout hatchery and Pheasant Fields Rearing Pools.

COKER CREEK WELCOME CENTER LEGEND

Restrooms (no water)

Wheel Chair Accessible

Picnic Tables

Camping

Photo Site

Fishing

Hiking

Cell Phone Coverage

HOME OF THE

Cherohala Skyway

Opened and dedicated in 1996, the Cherohala Skyway is a National Scenic Byway crossing through the Cherokee National Forest in Tennessee and the Nantahala National Forest in North Carolina.

The Skyway is a wide, two-lane road connecting Tellico Plains, Tennessee, with Robbinsville, North Carolina, and has elevations ranging from 900 feet to over 5,400 feet above sea level. Enjoy 40+ miles of scenic views, and be sure to stop at one of the many attractions and destinations along the way!

ILLE RYV ILLE A V M TO KNOX &

VONORE ON RAG ED F TH LO TAI

JOYCE KILMER MEMORIAL FOREST In 1936, an extraordinary 3,800 acres of “one of the few remaining tracts of virgin hardwood in the Appalachians” was set aside as a memorial forest in honor of Joyce Kilmer. A 2-mile loop trail winds beneath the towering trees and through a forest carpeted by a rich variety of wildflowers, ferns and moss-covered logs from the fallen giants.

4,470 ft.

Take a leisurely stroll (about 3/10th of a mile) along an easy STRATTON RIDGE grade through hardwood forest 4,420 ft to a fabulous vista overlooking This is a perfect place to the byway and a seemingly stretch, enjoy a picnic lunch (5 endless range of mountains. tables) and a restroom facility. The trail is accessible for the A bulletin board provides physically challenged, and two additional information about picnic tables are easily accessed the Skyway. from the parking lot.

WEST RATTLESNAKE STATELINE (Beech Gap 4,490 ft) ROCK TRAILHEAD

4,000 ft

MUD GAP TRAILHEAD

4,950 ft.

OBADIAH 3,740 ft.

Listen carefully to the sound of Santeetlah Creek far below while enjoying the mountain vista offered at this scenic overlook.

RATTLER FORD GROUP CAMPGROUND

Reservations required through Cheoah Ranger Station.

HOOPER COVE 3,100 ft.

This open area with a view into the Santeetlah Creek drainage offers a perfect spot for a picnic lunch, 4 tables.

SANTEETLAH GAP 2,660 ft.

A park bulletin board with information.

WHIGG COVE 4,570 ft.

4,480 ft

HAW KNOB SLOPES 4,890 ft

BIG JUNCTION

5, 240 ft

WRIGHT COVE 4,150 ft HUCKLEBERRY 5,300 ft

HOOPER BALD TRAIL SANTEETLAH

5,390 ft

Over a mile high in elevation, enjoy a picnic (3 tables) at the highest overlook along the skyway.

5,290 ft.

SHUTE COVE 3,550 ft.

A quiet picnic can be enjoyed at the one table available at this pullover. A few steps to the small wooden platform presents a beautiful view into the valley below.

A quarter-mile hike leads to Hooper Bald, near the site of the old hunting preserve, where many exotic species, including the Russian boar, were imported by George Moore in 1908. An information board, restrooms and two picnic tables are easily accessed from the parking lot.

Cherokee National Forest The Cherokee National Forest is Tennessee’s only National Forest and comprises 1/3 of Monroe County. With such distinction and acreage, it’s no wonder Cherokee is the destination for outdoor recreation in East Tennessee. Enjoy a scenic drive, with beauty and wonder aplenty during any season, hike the many trails for a more close-up experience with nature or get in touch with your wild side with a kayaking experience.

To Robbinsville and the Cheoah Ranger Station

ROBBINSVILLE, NC

SPIRIT RIDGE

UNICOI CREST

4,110 ft

GAP L’S DEA

EAST RATTLESNAKE ROCK TRAILHEAD

HORSE COVE CAMPGROUND

N Visitor Information: Monroe County Department of Tourism 423-253-8010 www.monroecountytourism.com www.cherohala.org SWEETWATER VISITOR CENTER AND DEPOT

305 East Walnut Street, Sweetwater, TN 37874 1.800.245.5428 CHEROHALA SKYWAY VISITOR CENTER

The Tellico Ranger District contains 123,372 acres in Monroe County with its highest peak, Haw Knob, reaching 5,472 feet above sea level.

225 Cherohala Skyway, Tellico Plains, TN 37385 423.253.8010 COKER CREEK WELCOME CENTER

12197 New Hwy 68, Coker Creek, TN 37314 423.261.2286

Photos courtesy of Darrell Cannon, Bill Armstrong, Darrell Young, Ken Gables, Jerry Denham and Monroe County Tourism Department.

Welcome To TELLICO PLAINS The gateway to the Cherohala Skyway and the Cherokee National Forest. Here in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains, a simpler way of life prevails. Enjoy the bakery and the other shops in town that sell fine arts, crafts and furnishings.

There are plenty of restaurants and places to stay. www.tellico-plains.com

The Bears Den Rich Leudemann, owner of The Bears Den and Tellicafe, located in Tellico Plains, TN, grew up in the restaurant business. His father was a restaurant owner and passed his love of the business on to Rich. Over the years, Rich has been around the business in almost every aspect. Rich’s latest endeavor, The Bears Den, a pizza restaurant heavily influenced by his Italian heritage, is now open and already hosting live music and other wonderful events. With seating for over 80 people, you are sure to find your place. Menu consists of New York Style and Sicilian Pizza. They also have specialty pizzas and dessert pizzas, cold beer, hoagies and wings.

9188 New Hwy 68, 423.253.3361 www.bearsdentellico.com

Cherohala Skyway Visitor Center The Cherohala Skyway Visitor Center in Tellico Plains is a “must stop” before starting up the Skyway. Come by between 9am and 5pm daily for free maps of the Skyway and Cherokee National Forest, Skyway driving conditions and local area souvenirs and gifts. Picnic tables and spotless restrooms are also available, with friendly staff waiting to welcome you with important Skyway and area information!

Charles Hall Museum and Gift Shop A local historian and collector since boyhood, Charles also served as mayor of Tellico Plains for 31 years. Showcased in two museum buildings are his magnificent collections of historical local pictures and documents, antique telephones, guns, Native American artifacts, coin and currency collections, a moonshine still, a 1922 Model T Ford telephone repair truck and so much more.

Cherohala Skyway Festival - October 24, 2020

225 Cherohala Skyway, 423.253.8010 www.cherohala.org

Open Daily: 10am–5pm, Admission: Free 229 Cherohala Skyway, 423.253.6767, charleshallmuseum@hotmail.com www.charleshallmusuem.com

Tellicafé The Leudemann family can now boast twenty years and four generations of good service and good food at the county’s only sit-down restaurant employing an executive certified chef. The Tellicafe is open seven days a week all year round serving lunch and dinner. Our professional staff can easily serve one person or one hundred with friendly, efficient service. Specialties like Fried Green Tomatoes, Trout Cakes, Fresh Prime Rib, BBQ Menu and Country Cooking keep customers coming back time after time.

128 Bank Street, 423.253.2880 www.tellicafe.com

The Bookshelf The Bookshelf is a quaint little bookshop in the Historic District just off the Town Square.

Celebrating 10 years as Monroe County’s only full-service bookstore, they offer new local history books and gently used books in all categories. Their friendly and knowledgeable staff also offers free out-of-print book searches.

Hours: Tuesday–Saturday: 10am-5pm 108 Scott Street, 423.253.3183 www.tellicobookshelf.com

Tellico Vacation Rentals Savor the serenity of your own cabin in the mountains! Choose from one to five bedrooms thats sleeps from two to ten guests. Select a cabin with a hot tub on the deck, a cozy stone fireplace or a pool table in the game room. Our cabins are ideal for a romantic getaway, a wedding or honeymoon, a family vacation or reunion. With your own kitchen, multiple bedrooms, comfortable living areas and outdoor decks, you’ll find cabin rentals to be a fabulous value for extended vacations for several couples or extended families. Our cabins are private and comfortable, each totally unique. A change in altitude creates a change in attitude!

206 Cherohala Skyway, 866.253.2254 tvr@tellicovacationrentals.com

Everhart Lumber Company, LLC Everhart Lumber Company offers wood products from contemporary to rustic styling including wide wood slabs, post and beams, wood flooring and paneling and custom-made cabinets, furniture, millwork and mantels.

Everhart has created a niche for extra wide wood slabs from huge trees that are carefully selected for their distinctively unique grain, coloring and textures. We build magnificent furniture and countertops from reclaimed materials and other sources such as Douglas Fir, Native Hardwoods, Southern Yellow Pine & Western Red Cedar. Please visit our Showroom in Tellico Plains and our online store.

Skyway Realty Land and Homes Skyway Realty's associates create home and land dreams for buyers and sellers. For buyers, we hone in on and help you select the places you are most likely interested in buying. Sellers have new dreams we help them find as we sell their current properties. We love being helpers in one of the most important decisions of your lives.

We make the real estate experience enjoyable from the first call to the close and enjoy win-win transactions with everyone at the table talking to each other as friends...that's what we all like about Tellico Plains, it’s warm, friendly, peaceful and successful. Call today 423.253.7100. Email us at info1@tellico-tn.com. We are ready to go. Stop in and see us at our office on the Skyway...where the bears are.

411 Cherohala Skyway, 423.253.7100 www.tellico-tn.com

911 Highway 165, 423.253.2323 www.everhart-lumber.com

Tellico Mountain Realty Helping you make our hometown your hometown.

Stop by and see one of our seasoned agents with expertise in our historic and scenic area.

Iron Works Grill On The River Great Food. Great Beer. Great Place

418 Cherohala Skyway, 423.253.6145 email: info@easttennnrealty.com www.tellicomountainrealty.com Find us on facebook Tellico Mountain Realty LLC

Hours: Wednesday - Sunday: 11am - 9pm 1641 Cherohala Skyway Tellico Plains, TN www.ironworkstellico.com

SPRING 2020 MONROE LIFE

61

WE LOVE IT!

TIPS ON HOW TO TURN YOUR BRAS INTO FACE MASKS TO PROTECT AGAINST THE CORONAVIRUS!

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MONROE LIFE SPRING 2020

Everything is looking like food....is it a chicuahua or a blueberry muffin?

FaceTiming my hair dresser to ask how I fix the cut and color I gave myself

News: don’t even tell us the weather no more they be like good morning CORONAVIRUS

SPRING 2020 MONROE LIFE

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Cafe Home Cooked Meals Cafeteria Style. Plus Full Menu

FOR SALE

The General - All Purpose Dump Truck

Breakfast Served All Day

Homemade Desserts Carry Out Available

Mileage: 6,000

Private Room for Special Events & Meetings

Monday - Friday

8am - 3pm

(423) 442 - 3343 440 Isbill Rd Madisonville, TN 37354

Engine: 250 Cummins

The General is an all purpose dump truck that was used around the farm moving dirt from one side to the other.

Transmission: Allison Auto.

Air Brakes 95% rubber

More info at: www.bryantlandandcattle.com

2020 Save The Date Labor Day Weekend The 8th Annual Monroe Life Balloon Festival Will Returned To East Tennessee Sequoyah Birthplace Museum Labor Day Weekend

It has always been the goal of the Balloon Fiesta to showcase Monroe County and assist the organizations, individuals, and non-profits who directly impact the lives of disadvantaged babies, children or youth. There is no better organization than the Boys & Girls Clubs of Monroe County. They touch the lives of over 1,000 children in our county each year.

Surrounded by the spectacular mountain views on the shores of the beautiful Tellico Lake, the Sequoyah Birthplace Museum is the perfect location for all ages to enjoy this fun, family event. This year we will include a Derby Hat Contest and have video monitors to watch the Kentucky Derby under the VIP Tent. Make reservations now for this great event.

THANK YOU TO ALL OUR WONDERFUL SPONSORS! Balloon Meister & Crew Chief

Skip Durham - aka -“The Skipper” and Toni Durham - aka - “The Crew Chief” met in the summer of 2009. Skip sparked the imagination of Toni when he mentioned that he owned a hot air balloon. In very short order she fell in love with ballooning.

In 2011 Skip and Toni formed the Durham partnership, and in 2012 the Durham partnership founded Bluff City Balloons, LLC. They will be bringing their new balloon, Mrs. Mischief.