Monroe Spring 2016

SPRING 2016

A magazine for the people of Monroe County and those who come to visit.

Find Out What’s New At

Cleveland State

A Story Of Perseverance

Glen & Mary Summitt

MasterCraft

Wins 2015 IndustryWeek’s Best Plant Award

Volume 2, 2015

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

Seasonal Culinary Inspirations Truffle Ricotta Cheese Recipe With Chef Deron Little

KIPPY BROWN Behind The Scenes With

Seattle Seahawks Coach Kippy Brown And His Amazing Life Story

THE MUSCADINE FESTIVAL &

AIR BALLOONS 20 HOT

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

DR. HAROLD BLACK

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

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T E N N E S S E E

HUNTING & TRAPPING GUIDE

EFFECTIVE AUGUST 1, 2015 - JULY 31, 2016

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

www.tnwildlife.org Follow us on:

Includes 2016 Spring Turkey Season

MARKETING • MEDIA • WEB DESIGN • TELEVISION

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MONROE LIFE SPRING 2016

Community Health Services

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YEARS OF BRANDING EXPERIENCE

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YEARS OF IN-HOUSE TELEVISION PRODUCTION

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CUSTOM MAGAZINES A YEAR

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LOCAL AND NATIONAL ADDY AWARDS

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NATIONAL BROADCAST TELLY AWARDS

W W W . B I N G H A M G R O U P . C O M • TEL: 865.523.5999 • 11921 KINGSTON PIKE • KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE 37934

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GROWING PRO EAST TENNESSEE COMPANY TURNS SURPRISE DISCOVERY INTO BLACK GOLD FOR GROWERS! At Proton Power, we’re proud to introduce our first soil amendment product: Pro-C Carbon Soil Enhancer. Researchers were stunned by the dramatic growth (400% & 800% respectively) of poplar trees after Pro-C was introduced to the soil. From this discovery, we set out to create the best, most natural line of sustainable soil products available for gardeners, nurseries, farmers and arborists.

Pro-C 40 tons/acre 2lb/ft2

Without Pro-C

Three rows of poplar trees were planted March 7, 2014. This photo was taken only six months later. The native clay soil in rows #1 and #3 were amended with 40- and 10-tons-per-acre application rates of Pro-C™ Carbon Soil Enhancer. Our test Row #2 received zero amendments. You can see the difference the Pro-C makes.

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A HAPPY SURPRISE. We discovered soil needs carbon to help it retain water and nutrients, prevent compaction and promote healthy roots. The rich,black carbon in Pro-C transforms soil, altering its physical structure. Pro-C is ideal for ornamentals, vegetables, herbs, trees and turfgrass.

TOTALLY NATURAL. MADE IN EAST TENNESSEE. Here’s the best part: Pro-C is made by carbonizing renewable organics like wood and grass.

Nothing artificial. Pro-C is a safe and natural product made right here in the Knoxville area.

When you buy Pro-C, you’re not only getting long-term gain in soil fertility, you’re investing in the local economy.

ADD PRO-C TO YOUR GARDEN TODAY.

Pro-C 10 tons/acre .5lb/ft2

Visit Amazon.com, email pro-c@protonpower.com and schedule a time to pick up at 240 Sam Rayburn Parkway, Lenoir City, TN 37771.

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Wins “Blue Ribbon Small Business Award” Proton Power has just received the Blue Ribbon Small Business Award, a national honor bestowed upon small businesses by the United States Chamber of Commerce. The award is only given to only 100 businesses nationwide and is judged by many factors, including strategic planning, employee development, customer service and community involvement.

As if this honor was not enough to fuel their incredible momentum, Proton Power is now eligible for the Dream Big Small Business of the Year Award. On March 9th, regional finalists will be chosen from 2016’s 100 Blue Ribbon Award winners.

The winning business will receive a $10,000 cash prize and the acclaim and prestige that goes with such an honor. Proton Power will hold its breath while the decision is made, while still maintaining the level of quality and ingenuity that brought them the honor in the first place.

Proton Power is truly a business that Knoxvillians can be proud of, a rising star that is now being recognized on the national level. Looking past their brilliant engineering and modern business practices, what we should be most proud of is the deeply rooted stake they have in the community and the grand vision to make the world a more sustainable place. We certainly expect great things from them in the future, and congratulate them once again for such a monumental achievement.

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LET CHOTA BE YOUR

PRIMARY CARE PROVIDER

Chota Community Health Services (CCHS) is a non-profit Community Health Center offering comprehensive primary healthcare to the residents of Monroe County and surrounding areas. Recognized by the National Committee for Quality Assurance, CCHS has a staff of doctors, nurse practitioners, and behavioral health counselors dedicated to serving patients’ needs and ensuring their ongoing health through lasting relationships.

Madisonville Location Now Open 7 Days A Week

Community Health Services

www.chotahealth.org

Short Wait Times

Continuity of Care

Madisonville 4798 New Highway 68 Madisonville, TN 37354 Phone: (423) 442-2622 Hours: 8:00 am – 5:30 pm, M – F 8:00 am – 5:30 pm, Sat – Sun Tellico Plains 412 Hunt Street Tellico Plains, TN 37385 Phone: (423) 253-6545 Hours: 8:00 am – 5:30 pm, M – F Vonore 1206 Highway 411 Vonore, TN 37885 Phone: (423) 884-7271 Hours: 8:00 am – 5:30 pm, M – F

Welcoming New Patients

CELEBRATE the

NATURAL

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SPRING

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MERCY HOUSE

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Contents

A Picture Of Perseverance

features

Discover A Local Couple’s War-Time Love Story

Find Out What’s New At Cleveland State

26

34

Sequoyah Sweethearts

Deaf, Deaf, Oral Deaf

54

Highlights From The Mason-Bowers Wedding

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Donna’s Old Town Cafe Great Food & Southern Hospitality

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The Furniture You Want

KNOXVILLE

departments

WHOLESALE

10 From The Publisher

FURNITURE

40 Small Business Feature Fit Stop

Makes Luxury Affordable

70 Master Gardener Gayle Fisher

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Azaleas

80 We Love It!

Facebook: Find Your Park Look Out For Cindy Moser!

Sloan’s Center If You Can’t Find It At Billy’s, You Can’t Find It Anywhere

MasterCraft

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Wins 2015 IndustryWeek Best Plant Award!

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Tennessee’s Rodeo Queen

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SPRING 2016 MONROE LIFE

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Letter from the Publisher As the cold, dreary days of winter melt into spring, I feel renewed and refreshed to see the first daffodils spring up and the birds sing their sweet melodies for the first time in months. Easter is always a beautiful season of hope, reflection and renewal for me.

Monroe Life James Atkins, my nephew, son of Doug & Kristi Atkins

In this edition of Monroe Life, you will learn about Glen and Mary Summitt, an amazing story about a soldier and his wife who endured great hardship during the World War II era.

You will also discover the breathtaking showroom at Knoxville Wholesale Furniture, Knoxville’s largest furniture retail store. You will hear a mother’s innermost thoughts in the story “Deaf, Deaf, Oral Deaf” and learn how she coped upon discovering her baby boy was born deaf.

Next, you can read the fascinating history behind the Sloan’s Store and how it all began in the back of a rolling truck in 1901. You will discover what is new at Cleveland State Community College, experience the wedding of two Sequoyah sweethearts and meet Tennessee’s Rodeo Queen, Kelsey Hawkins.

These are just a few of the many stories you will find in this edition of Monroe Life.

As we welcome in the breathtaking colors of spring, I hope you are reminded of the wonderful promise of new life that we find in the Easter season. I am so happy to be sharing another year of Monroe Life with all of our wonderful readers.

As always, I want to offer a SPECIAL THANKS to all of our advertisers, readers and subscribers who continue to make this publication possible. We are so thankful for you!

Wishing you a joyful spring season,

Lisa Atkins-Bingham

PUBLISHER

The Bingham Group President Lisa Atkins Bingham Graphic Designers Dustin Hayes Abby Swabe Contributing Writers Mary Burns Caroline Duvall Gayle Fisher Phil Roulier Kacy Weigle Cover Photo JoPhoto Contributing Photographers Lisa Bingham Ben Gibson Shane Hawkins Tammy Lee JoPhoto Copy Editor Jennifer Porterfield Web Dustin Hayes Advertising Sales Mignonne Alman Tel: 865.523.5999 mignonne@binghamgroup.com Cheryl Lee Tel: 865.523.5999 cheryl@binghamgroup.com Michelle Johns Tel: 865.523.5999 michelle@binghamgroup.com Subscription or Editorial Inquiries Tel: 865.523.5999 Fax: 865.523.0999 www.monroelife.com

The Bingham Group, Inc. 11921 Kingston Pike, Suite 201 Knoxville, Tennessee 37934 www.binghamgroup.com www.monroelife.com

EXPAND YOUR HORIZONS This is a study in size for more than just the sake of size. Larger but more nimble than ever. More amenities, yet still more spacious. Extraordinarily refined and impressively powerful. The horizon marks the edge of what’s possible—the furthest place we can go. This is the new MasterCraft X26 and it’s going to completely redefine your horizons.

Knoxville Wholesale Furniture: The Furniture You Want!

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here is nothing better than supporting a local, family-owned business. We have many such businesses based in East Tennessee, and Knoxville Wholesale Furniture is certainly one worth checking out. Voted best furniture store in the city by CityView Magazine and Knox News Sentinel, Knoxville Wholesale Furniture has been bringing you the furniture you want since Tim Harris started with his first store in 1992. Clearly, those in our area appreciate the huge selection at Knoxville Wholesale Furniture’s two locations and clearance center. In mattresses alone, the

$42 million

business has grown from selling $1.5 million to $7 million in the past five years. They sold over in furniture last year, more than the next five competitors combined!

D I N I N G R O O M • B E D R O O M • C U S T O M U P H O L S T E R Y • R U G S • L A R G E S T PAT I O G A L L E R Y I N T O W N

Knoxville Wholesale Furniture has thousands of accessories for your home, including beautiful flower arrangements that look and feel incredibly realistic and will stay beautiful all year long.

C H I L D R E N ’ S F U R N I T U R E • PA U L A D E E N E • T R I S H A Y E A R W O O D • T H O U S A N D S O F A C C E S S O R I E S

M A RQU ESA B E R N H A R D T Knoxville Wholesale Furniture’s newest line is Marquesa by Bernhardt, a neo-traditional collection by Bernhardt. While European elements are distinctly recognizable, Marquesa carves out its own modern path: oak solids and veneers carry a low-sheen Gray Cashmere finish for a rustic modern feel. Sleek forms are paired with delicate shapes, evidence of Marquesa’s graceful restraint. Decorative metal grille work in a Hearthstone finish is present throughout the collection over wood, glass and antiqued mirror, while a graphite finished metal is featured on key forms. Hardware is blackened silver finish that works flawlessly with unique accents such as metal rosettes, silver leaf eglomise with a silver outline and fretwork detail in a Moorish tile motif. This unique mix of finishes, materials and fabrics combines to create an appealing earthly palette. In the end, Marquesa by Bernhardt is a complex collection, one that exudes luxury while remaining elegantly understated.

D I N I N G R O O M • B E D R O O M • C U S T O M U P H O L S T E R Y • R U G S • L A R G E S T PAT I O G A L L E R Y I N T O W N

DELICATE SHAPES

Shapes abound in headboards. hardware or metal overlays.

These uncommon forms bring movement to any room, while mirrored glass on signature pieces makes spaces seem bigger, providing bounces of light.

C H I L D R E N ’ S F U R N I T U R E • PA U L A D E E N E • T R I S H A Y E A R W O O D • T H O U S A N D S O F A C C E S S O R I E S

Custom Upholstery Have a dream in your head of custommade furniture that suits your unique style? Knoxville Wholesale Furniture and its team of professional interior designers will help you turn your decorating vision into a beautiful reality. You’ll have over 65 sofa styles and more than 10,000 fabrics and colors to choose from. Our selection and high quality is unsurpassed. When you’re thinking of custom designs and making sure the look is your very own, come to Knoxville Wholesale Furniture.

In addition to their custom upholstery lines, Knoxville Wholesale Furniture has a total of over 150 sofas on display, most of which are ready for immediate delivery.

Furniture As Unique As You Are!

D I N I N G R O O M • B E D R O O M • C U S T O M U P H O L S T E R Y • R U G S • L A R G E S T PAT I O G A L L E R Y I N T O W N

65 CUSTOM SOFAS ON THE FLOOR

10,000 FABRICS TO CHOOSE FROM

C H I L D R E N ’ S F U R N I T U R E • PA U L A D E E N • T R I S H A Y E A R W O O D • T H O U S A N D S O F A C C E S S O R I E S

Trisha Yearwood Knoxville Wholesale Furniture features collections from names we in the South both know and love. Trisha Yearwood’s collection pairs timeless charm and classic, comfortable design. As someone who travels a lot, Trisha understands the importance of time spent at home. The creation of the Trisha Yearwood Home Collection is more than just Southern inspiration; it’s a way of life expressed in the craftsmanship of every piece.

D I N I N G R O O M • B E D R O O M • C U S T O M U P H O L S T E R Y • R U G S • L A R G E S T PAT I O G A L L E R Y I N T O W N

Trisha’s Custom Upholstery is North Carolina Made!

A collection of inspirations from Trisha combining a warm, Southern style with a classic twist for some truly remarkable and timeless designs. From her Southern roots to her vast travels comes a heartfelt collection of authentic designs with form and functionality at the core of every piece. A special recipe for living centered around Southern hospitality and a welcoming place at the table, or in the living room, for you and your guests.

Knoxville Wholesale Furniture keeps most of Trisha’s furniture in stock and ready to deliver.

C H I L D R E N ’ S F U R N I T U R E • PA U L A D E E N • T R I S H A Y E A R W O O D • T H O U S A N D S O F A C C E S S O R I E S

Paula Deen

Knoxville Wholesale Furniture also showcases traditional Southern comfort with Paula Deen’s Home Collection.

With her popular country chic style, Paula Deen makes it easy to own classic, affordable pieces that will bring any room together. Knoxville Wholesale Furniture invites you to shop the entire collection from bedroom furniture to dining room pieces, tables and desks. Come home to Southern hospitality with the Paula Deen Home Collection.

D I N I N G R O O M • B E D R O O M • C U S T O M U P H O L S T E R Y • R U G S • L A R G E S T PAT I O G A L L E R Y I N T O W N

C H I L D R E N ’ S F U R N I T U R E • PA U L A D E E N • T R I S H A Y E A R W O O D • T H O U S A N D S O F A C C E S S O R I E S

The Largest Patio Gallery In East Tennessee!

One of the latest trends in outdoor living is creating natural extensions of indoor living spaces. This includes outdoor kitchens, fireplaces, bars and plush seating. Knoxville Wholesale Furniture has an array of outdoor furniture and accessories to complement any outdoor living space.

Rugs Choose from 175 all-weather performance fabrics with the same soft, rich colors and vibrant patterns as indoor upholstery.

D I N I N G R O O M • B E D R O O M • C U S T O M U P H O L S T E R Y • R U G S • L A R G E S T PAT I O G A L L E R Y I N T O W N

Furniture from Mexico

Accessories Galore!

KWF just purchased an entire container of rustic, handmade furniture from reclaimed wood, dining rooms, bedroom furniture and many accent pieces.

With over 220,000 square feet of furniture available at wholesale prices, we are able to offer East Tennessee more than sixty top name brands, like Paula Deen, Flexsteel, Lane, Bernhardt, Trisha Yearwood, Serta, Simmons Beautyrest and many more. By purchasing furniture by the truckload, we do not pay full price, and neither will you. We have over twelve million dollars of furniture in stock and ready for immediate delivery. We also offer flexible financing options with no one turned down for credit. Come by today and visit one of our beautiful superstores.

WEST KNOXVILLE:

North Peters 865.671.5300

NORTH KNOXVILLE:

Callahan Drive 865.947.3355

CLEARANCE CENTER:

7428 Kingston Pike 865.212.4050

C H I L D R E N ’ S F U R N I T U R E • PA U L A D E E N • T R I S H A Y E A R W O O D • T H O U S A N D S O F A C C E S S O R I E S

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Shop. Dine. Play.

Whether you spend an hour or the whole day in Historic Downtown Sweetwater, we are sure you will enjoy discovering all that we have to offerand will find yourself returning to our wonderful town again and again!

National Muscadine Festival at

www.nationalmuscadinefestival.com

www.visitsweetwater.com

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A Picture of Perseverance Glen And Mary Summitt Face The Struggles Of The World War II Era With Love & Courage.

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ast Tennessee resident, Glen Summitt, was drafted into the U.S. Army in March of 1945, leaving his family to complete basic training at Camp Blanding, Florida, with a unit scheduled to invade Japan. During Glen’s initial training, the United States dropped two atomic bombs in Hiroshima. World War II was over, and Glen’s camp was deactivated. Japan’s surrender began Glen’s long journey across the States, the ocean and much of Europe. On April 1st, 1946, Glen sailed to Europe, settling in Lenzing, Austria.

“In Austria, my unit was responsible for ID checkpoints. The language barrier caused a lot of problems,” Glen remembers. “I

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found a German-English dictionary, which we used to communicate.”

On the 4th of July that same year, Glen joined a group of soldiers heading to Vöcklabruck to celebrate. “There were two girls standing outside the movie theatre entrance,” Glen said. “They could not get inside without tickets. So, we began talking, and I told them I could trade cigarettes for movie tickets.”

Glen told one girl, Mary, to come back the following night so they could

see a film. Mary was shocked. “I can’t have anything to do with you,” she said. “You’re an American soldier.” Mary was only 19 years old then, and Glen was 20.

The following night, Glen returned to the movie theatre and found Mary. “I don’t know why he picked me,” Mary remembers. “I was so young.

The girl I was with was a blonde and more mature than I was.

I looked like a board.” True to his word, Glen traded a few cigarettes for movie tickets, and they went inside to watch a silent film featuring Charlie Chaplin.

“I knew she was the girl I was going to marry,” Glen stated.

Above is Josef Schachinger, far right in photo, at age 19. He was born January 21, 1902.

At left is Irmgard at age 2 with her parents, Franziska and Josef Schachinger.

Irmgard Schachinger Grew Up In Austria During Hitler’s Rise To Power Although they were only a few months apart, Glen and Mary had lived very different lives. From a young age, Mary was exposed to the horrors of World War II. At 11 years old, Mary’s father Josef was drafted and taken to the Russian front.

Josef was soon taken prisoner at Leningrad and held for several years after the end of the war.

Growing up as an only child, Mary was reared as a Roman Catholic and enjoyed skiing to school in the winter and biking in the summer. After her father was taken, Mary and her mother struggled to survive. “We had a hard time making our payments,” Mary said. “When I was 14, I had to go to work. My mother cried a lot.

I remember that.”

Above is Josef Schachinger; the photograph is dated after 1947. At left is the Golden Loyal Nobility award certificate presented to Mary’s father, Josef, for his longstanding membership with the Retiree Association of Austria.

Above is Josef Schachinger while in the Army, dated 1940. At left is Irmgard. When she was 7 years old, she became very sick, and her parents had feared that she would not make it and was given last rights. At right is Josef with a neighbor, Mr. Ahamer.

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At left is Irmgard at her communion April 19th, 1936. Top left is Irmgard’s mother Franziska in front of their house, 1957.

Above right is the school at Regau near Vöcklabruck, Austria, where Irmgard went to school. Below are pictures from Mary and Glen’s wedding.

During those years without her father, Mary only had one pair of old ski shoes that she wore to school year round. “Everything was rationed,” Mary remembers. “We had coupons to buy things, but when I needed shoes, I was told no. I also needed a coat, because in the winter, the temperature would drop to -15 degrees.” Mary’s mother took an old blanket and made her a coat of many colors, like Joseph’s coat from the Bible. “I was fine after that,” Mary said.

“I didn’t freeze to death, and I went to

school when the snow was knee deep. We practically starved though, like the poor little kids you see on television–that was me.”

at least five blood tests taken. We had to keep multiple copies of everything to prove we were legitimate.”

When Glen and Mary left the movie theatre that night, they stood in the hallway and talked for another hour. Glen would be stationed in Austria for another year, so they began filing the necessary paperwork to become legally married

The papers were eventually approved by President Harry Truman. “It took about a year to get everything sorted and to be given final approval,” Glen said. “During that year, my unit was sent to the States where we converted to Military Police (MP). I was assigned to Wels, Austria, when Mary’s father came home from prison camp. Mary came to Wels and worked in the PX selling the stars and stripes.”

“We had to receive permission from doctors, chaplains from Baptist and Catholic churches, get clearance from several city offices, my commanding officer and several separate agencies’ approvals!” Glen says. “Mary had

Mary’s father, Josef, was very sick upon his return. He was sent home from Russia because of spots on his lungs from working in poor conditions around asbestos. The doctor thought he had Tuberculosis. The Red Cross kept him for a few days. He wore the only pair of shorts he had, and he owned nothing else. Mary told her father that she was engaged to an American soldier.

Top left: An overhead view of Vöcklabruck, where Mary grew up. Mary worked in the hospital before she met Glen.

Across from the hospital was a bluff with an opening to an underground shelter; her job was to take the babies down to the shelter and protect them from the bombing raids. Mother Superior Berta, who cared for Irma as a girl, at Salzburg Hospital. Glen Summitt, standing 5th from left, with his regiment at Camp Blanding, Florida, 1945. Glen Summitt at Camp Blending, Florida, in 1945. At far right is Josef Schachinger with prize-winning rabbits.

“My father told me that I belonged to someone else and that he couldn’t help me now,” Mary remembers. Glen and Mary were wed on July 17th, 1947, and went to their upstairs home in Wels for cake and coffee. “My best men were there and all of our neighbors. Our transportation was a buggy pulled by a black and white horse,” Glen said.

Despite their differences in culture, the effects of the war and the extensive paperwork, the young couple was happily married and began their lives together.

Glen and Mary were expecting their first child when the Russians threatened a blockade in Vienna. They had ceased all forms of land traffic in Berlin, and supplies had to be flown in. The U.S. Army began to dispatch more troops throughout the town. “My unit was ordered to go,” Glen said. “I mentioned this to one of Mary’s co-workers, who was the daughter of the town Commander, Colonel Hupfer. She said, “You can’t go. I’m going to tell my mother,” and she did just that. She called the General’s wife, and the next day, I was transferred to the unit remaining in town,” Glen said.

On May 6th, 1948, their daughter, Jo-Ann, was born on a cold, snowy day, weighing almost 10 pounds. During Mary’s pregnancy, the couple often went to the Service Club for their favorite drink, “chocolate toddy,” which Glen blames for Jo-Ann’s healthy weight. After bringing her home from the Army hospital in Linz, Glen and Mary began looking for a new place to live.

Glen’s Army Unit wanted him to enlist, but Glen had other plans. “I chose to come home and be a civilian again,” he said. “I had to return to the States for six months, but I did not receive assurance that I could come back to Wels, or I probably would have stayed in the service.” Glen received orders to travel to Frankfurt, Germany, but would be traveling without his papers.

“Mary’s parents saw us off; it was very hard.

They did not want to let Jo-Ann go.” On August 16th, 1948, Glen, Mary and Jo-Ann took a train and stayed in Frankfurt.

“My temporary orders never arrived,” Glen remembers. “Mary and I ate a lot of chili.

We had to beg for graham crackers for Jo-Ann to eat, and we could not go in the

PX without a pass.” On August 28th, Glen and his family boarded a military plane to Paris, France, where they bought a bottle of Chanel No. 5 perfume. When they landed, Mary discovered the bottle had broken in the suitcase, and all they had left were several good-smelling diapers.

The Summitts then traveled to Azories, Newfoundland, then to the Army base at Westover Field, Massachusetts. The entrance fee to the United States was $6.00. Before leaving the plane, it was sprayed down with an insecticide. Mary thought that they were going to be poisoned and covered Jo-Ann’s mouth with a diaper before realizing that the powder was harmless.

“We were finally processed and put on a bus,” Glen said. “We were still in our wool clothes from traveling. It was over 100 degrees when we arrived.” Glen spent the night with the male soldiers, while Mary and Jo-Ann stayed with the other women. They had no food or milk for Jo-Ann. Glen took some sugar and milk from the mess hall to give her. The next morning, Glen found his family, and they boarded a train and finally got a meal.

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From left to right: Summitt Family with Mary’s parents. Portraits of Jo-Ann and Ricky Summitt. Glen on mail route in Loudon. Mary with students at Hiwassee.

Glen received temporary orders for his family and their suitcases, and they began their journey back to Sweetwater, Tennessee.

“One and a half days later, we were in Sweetwater!” he said. “We stayed in the hotel, James Monroe, while Mary and Jo-Ann cleaned up and went to find some food.”

Finally, after hours of traveling by plane, boat, train and bus, the Summitts arrived to Glen’s home unannounced on September 2nd, 1948. “I had not been home for 2 years,” Glen remembers. “My sister was breaking beans on the porch when the taxi pulled in. She stood up and screamed, ‘That’s Glen!’ We were finally home!”

Glen, Mary and Jo-Ann visited with his family for the next month. “We went to movies, and I showed my wife and daughter off,” he said. At the end of the month, Glen reported to Fort Knox, Kentucky, for three more months of Army service, while Mary and Jo-Ann stayed with his family.

“When I arrived at Fort Knox, it was a chaotic scene and an awful mess. They were processing soldiers. Men were coming and going. A Sergeant told me to find an empty bunk and to watch my stuff.”

While he was in the barracks, Glen became very ill with scarlet fever. After 2 shots of penicillin every day for 15 days, he was released from the Army hospital and assigned to a training company where he guarded prisoners. After completing his service, Glen was discharged and sent home on November 26th, 1948.

With $80 of unemployment pay in his pocket, Glen and his family settled in Loudon.

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The young family rented a house for $45, and Glen began to look for work. Not long after moving in, Glen and Mary were informed that they needed to move. The house they were renting had been sold.

“We had very little money, no insurance and now no place to go,” Glen said.

Shoe Repair Shop, Oak Ridge & the US Post Office Soon after, the unemployment office asked Glen if he would like to learn a trade. Glen replied with a resounding, “Yes!” He said, “I was told to talk to Mr. Ferguson, and we came to an agreement.

I worked there almost two years when he told me he was trying to make ends meet, and if I could find a job, I should take it.”

Glen applied to several different places with no luck.

After talking to a neighbor, Glen applied at Oak Ridge, and less than 90 days later, he was employed.

While working at Oak Ridge, Glen enlisted in the National Guard, where he served from July of 1957 until retiring in July of 1986. After 9 years and 50 weeks at Oak Ridge, Glen was laid off in 1960. He soon got a job working for the U.S. Post Office in Loudon and later Concord, retiring from there in 1991.

“After Jo-Ann was born, the doctors said that Mary could not have any more children.” Glen remembers. “In 1957, our doctor said it was fine.” Ricky Lynn was born on April 25th, 1958, at Loudon Hospital. He weighed only five pounds.

As their children grew, Mary was able to return and visit Austria several times.

She took Jo-Ann with her in 1954. While in Austria, she became ill and had her

appendix removed there at only six years old.

Mary returned several times with Jo-Ann and Ricky. Her last visit was to bury her father, Josef, in 1988.

Mary taught in several schools in Loudon County and at Hiwassee College while Jo-Ann and Ricky grew up. She also went to school to receive her Masters in German, French and English as a second language with honors. “She didn’t think she had enough sense to go to college,” Glen says. “She was wrong.”

Jo-Ann received her RN from St. Mary’s Nursing School and began a career that would allow her to work at Union University in Memphis, Presentation College at Aberdeen, S.D., Lakeview College in Danville, Illinois, and she now works at ETSU. Jo-Ann has a Doctorate in Education and is currently a nurse practitioner.

She has a daughter, Ashley, who lives with her and her husband, John Marrs.

Ricky has a consulting company located in Hardin Valley. After graduating from the University of Tennessee, he worked for Duke Power, Inc., which took him to Switzerland, France, Brazil and to many other companies in the U.S. to instruct and advise businesses on the safety and operations of nuclear power plants. Ricky has a Master’s degree in nuclear engineering. He and his wife Linda have a son, Eric, who currently attends the University of Tennessee.

Despite all of the suffering and challenges Glen and Mary faced throughout the World War II era, their resilient spirit, unwavering character and love for one another carried them through the darkest days. It is their undying courage and bravery that inspires others to endure difficult times with grace and dignity. Glen and Mary Summitt are a true picture of perseverance in the darkest of days.

MasterCraft Honored

With 2015 IndustryWeek Best Plants Award On January 19th, 2016, MasterCraft Boats joined the list of very elite companies being named the 2015 IndustryWeek Best Plants, a prestigious award honoring operational excellence in leading-edge manufacturing facilities across North America.

For over two decades, the IndustryWeek Best Plants award has recognized companies that have successfully implemented strategies to increase competitiveness, enhance customer satisfaction and foster stimulating work environments. The goal is for other companies to then emulate these best practices. Highly respected, U.S.-based manufacturers such as Harley Davidson, Lockheed Martin and Toyota have won this honor in the past.

“MasterCraft is honored to earn the 2015 IndustryWeek Best Plants award and be recognized among these elite manufacturing facilities,” said Terry McNew, President and CEO of MasterCraft. “Across the company, we continue to set new benchmarks for operational excellence and establish best practices in manufacturing. Our dedicated employees, management team and board members each were instrumental in the company earning this award.”

One of the key drivers for MasterCraft was its successful employee empowerment program, an ongoing company-wide initiative that encourages factory line workers to suggest improvements to the production process. More than 13,000 employeegenerated improvements were implemented over the course of the last fiscal year alone.

The positive results can be readily seen across the company’s operating metrics, including an improved first-pass quality yield of close to 75% and a significant reduction in warranty costs. MasterCraft is able to offer an industry-leading, five-year, bow-to-stern warranty, and the company’s customer satisfaction index bested the national average three years in a row.

MasterCraft also remains the only marine manufacturer to achieve three separate ISO certifications for Quality, Environmental and Safety management systems. ISO certifications remain the international standard for quality management systems with independent third party verification and more than 60 years of best practices used as criteria to obtain these endorsements.

MasterCraft will be profiled in an upcoming issue of IndustryWeek Magazine as well as honored during the 2016 IndustryWeek Manufacturing and Technology Conference and Expo to be held in early May. For more information regarding MasterCraft, please visit www.MasterCraft.com.

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Spring into Spring with elliottsboots.com

Turkey Creek West Haven Center 620 Campbell Station Road 3903 Western Avenue

Farragut, TN 37934 Knoxville, TN 37921 Phone: (865) 673-8520 Phone: (865) 523-7463 32

MONROE LIFE SPRING 2016

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What’s New

At Cleveland State?

Written By Phil Roulier

As he reached his second anniversary at Cleveland State Community College, Dr. Bill Seymour, President of the college, could not help but be proud of the faculty and staff, the administrative team that he had had the pleasure of working with and the many accomplishments that they have achieved together. Chief among these accomplishments are the many students who achieve their academic goals at Cleveland State and, from their successes, realize that they are well trained and ready to satisfy the community’s incredibly diverse business and industry needs.

The college is now guided by a new Cleveland State 2020 Community First Plan developed with significant community input. The college wants our community to expect something new from Cleveland State–they have new leadership, a new plan and most importantly, they have a new attitude.

Cleveland State’s Community First Plan focuses on all five of the counties they serve.

So what exactly is new at Cleveland State?

Let’s find out, shall we…

• CSCC recently completed the SACSCOC reaffirmation process. This gold standard approval from their accreditor confirms the quality of their educational programs and the strength of their efforts to complete their mission.

• The college has fully implemented the Tennessee Promise program, increasing the number of high school students attending CSCC from their service area by 15% and making a college education more accessible for our community. To 34

MONROE LIFE SPRING 2016

Above: Joannie Goodner of Chattanooga takes a break between classes at CSCC. Bottom right: Monroe County Mayor Tim Yates looks on as three Monroe County middle school students show him their robot design at the first complimentary STEM Camp hosted at CSCC’s new site in Vonore, located at the Tellico West Conference Center. This hands-on experience teaches young students about science, technology, engineering, math, teamwork and communication skills in a fun and exciting way.

celebrate the official start for this new class, the college was honored to have Governor Bill Haslam on campus to welcome these students.

• They have achieved the first enrollment increase since 2011. Bucking a state and national downward trend due to an improving economy, the influx of traditional aged students moved the college closer to their 5-year goal of 4,000 students.

• CSCC has opened a new Monroe County Center in Vonore, TN. This new center will focus on providing industrial training and workforce support in the northern section of their service area.

• Focusing on new courses and programs at the Athens Center with advanced manufacturing, agribusiness, business and medical office certificate and degree

programs planned for Fall 2016. The Athens Center serves 450 students and provides additional opportunities for many general education classes close to home for those in their northern service area.

• Implemented new academic programs and strengthened selected current programs to meet community needs. New programs included Medical Informatics and Paramedic. Enhancements were made to their Agriculture, Industrial Technology and Honors Program.

So what is ahead for the year to come?

• In January, the college implemented the Department of Dynamic Instruction, which will be responsible for injecting their curriculum with additional innovation, technology and enhanced modes of delivery to strengthen student engagement and success.

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Top left: CSCC recently unveiled the new Studio Connect space at its Athens Center, which offers a relaxed, high-tech space for students to gain experience using emerging technologies, providing an opportunity to enter the workforce highlighting their skills and experience. Pictured from left to right:(Seated) Kelly Blevins, PC/Network Technician, Kim Harris, Admissions Recruiter, Stefanie West, Assistant Director, Athens Center and Ken Phillips, Title III Grant Project Coordinator. (Standing)) Wanda Lane, Keyboarding Instructor, Rebecca Decker, Librarian, Marchelle Wear, Secretary and Patty Weaver, Director of Off-Campus Centers. Top right: CSCC is home to the OneSource Workforce Readiness Center made up of mechatronics assessment machines that assess an individual’s aptitude and skill set for electrical, mechanical and PLC (programmable logic control). This method of assessment and training is unique to the region. Pictured: CSCC Student Mitchell Norwood uses one of the machines to assess his skills. Bottom left: Monroe County middle school students attended the first complimentary STEM camp hosted by Cleveland State during their fall break at the new Vonore Center. Bottom right: Penni Jo Wilson, Associate Professor of Biology (center) and two of her students in an Anatomy Lab.

• The college will start a new Cleveland State Advisory Board. Representatives from each of their five counties along with key staff will establish an ongoing vehicle for communication, advice and feedback to enhance their commitment to the ideal of “community first.”

• This spring, Cleveland State will inaugurate the Community First Awards to honor community individuals from their five counties who exemplify the ideal of putting community first before self.

• Cleveland State is currently establishing the Tennessee Valley Early College at Cleveland State–an opportunity for local

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high school students to complete an Associate Degree while earning their high school diploma.

“

I chose Cleveland State for the great academics, athletics and the beautiful campus.”

Casey Griffin

Current Student

As you can see, Cleveland State is gaining a great deal of momentum that will power them toward the level of excellence that is expected and required. None of this could be possible without the inspiration and support

received from the community they serve.

With all of the changes and progress, one might be overwhelmed. But the truth is, a college education is pretty much a necessity in today’s society, and with the increased competition, those campuses that are not stepping up their game will fall by the wayside. Cleveland State’s changes will not only bring a new spark and a chance to shine; it will also help give a new chance for many in East Tennessee who wish to enhance their career, their education and their lives.

More information on the Cleveland State 2020 Community First Plan and enrollment can be found at www.clevelandstatecc.edu.

Stem Camp

Summer Enrichment Program Summer 2016

What is STEM?

STEM is an acronym that stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. Once a leader in STEM thought and knowledge, the U.S. is now being outperformed by other nations. The STEM program is a nationwide effort to close that gap and give young students the tools they need to excel in STEM areas of study in college. It’s time for us to close the knowledge gap.

MONROE

Enter the world of robotic engineering as we set out for a week of exploring, designing, building and programming using Lego bricks.

BEGINNER LEGO ROBOTICS JUNE 20-24, Ages: 8-10

INTERMEDIATE LEGO ROBOTICS JUNE 20-24, Ages: 11-14

ATHENS

CLEVELAND CULINARY ARTS CAMP

JUNE 13-17, Ages: 11-14 Learn culinary arts by discovering the chemistry, methodology and cooking styles that create great food.

BEGINNER LEGO ROBOTICS JULY 18-22, Ages: 8- 10

ADVANCED LEGO ROBOTICS JULY 18-22, Ages: 11-14

JUNE 6-10, Ages: 8-10

Get Hands-on Experience and Learn Practical Engineering and Robotics Skills!

INTERMEDIATE LEGO ROBOTICS

BIO-CHEMISTRY CAMP

BEGINNER LEGO ROBOTICS

JUNE 6-10, Ages: 11-14

JULY 18-22, Ages: 11-14

Spend a week in a lab setting performing experiments and learning techniques from local industry experts!

INTERMEDIATE LEGO ROBOTICS JULY 18-22, Ages: 11-14 Enter the world of robotic engineering as we set out for a week of exploring, designing, building, and programming Lego bricks.

PASTRY ARTS CAMP JULY 25-29, Ages: 11-14 Learn culinary arts by discovering the chemistry, methodology and cooking styles that create great food.

For more information, visit mycs.cc/stem.

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Written By Mary Burns | Photography By Tammy Lee

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H

eather Watson, owner of The Fit Stop Health Shop, began her journey into health and fitness not because she was healthy, but because she was not. Once athletic, but not necessarily nutritionally sound, several years ago Heather was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), and the outlook was grim.

Not one to stop, Heather commented, “I spent my energy experimenting with clean foods (those void of processed sugar and chemicals). But I wanted the clean foods to taste good. Taste good to my ‘then’ taste buds, a palate that had grown accustomed to the dirty foods (those laden with artificial flavoring and other things that trick the brain into believing something is good).

Over time, my recipes became a wealth of nourishment and delectableness. Today, I have an improved quality of life!”

“While I’m not 100%, are any of us?” Heather asks. “But I’m far and away better off than when first diagnosed. However, I didn’t conquer this herculean task alone. I have an incredible team of people who supported me. They were the driving force to spur me on as I healed. Their urging fostered my desire to help others heal and to open Fit Stop. My thanks go out to my God, my husband Van, the incredible team at Any Time Fitness, my Nutritionist, Diana Davis, Dr. Jessica Smiley, Dr. Brandes of Hope Neurology and Fit Stop Manager, Laura Hawkins. It’s also due to Monroe County’s

willingness to support our efforts and the Chamber of Commerce efforts to promote us that helped make the Fit Stop possible.”

Fit Stop starts with a great team of people.

Their mission – empower, educate and enlighten people with their taste buds and demonstrate that nutritionally healthy foods that are both healing and good for you can taste incredible. A well-stocked wall of supplements is conveniently located within Fit Stop to help the novice or the seasoned veteran of nutrition. Sumptuous bakery items, bold coffee and delightful Chai tea are all paleo and gluten free. The Shop’s all-time favorite smoothie, “Jacked Coffee Colada,” is full of phytonutrients and micronutrients, protein, coconut oil, chocolate, greens, banana, espresso grounds and almond milk. Drop by for a real “power lunch” and enjoy one of the weekly panini specials. Experience a gluten free meal, a paleo snack or pick up a couple of ketogenic diet items, and if you aren’t sure what any of those are, well, – the Fit Stop health baristas and nutrition gurus are just waiting to be asked!

“Best kept secret in Madisonville!” says Tim Conway, patron of the Fit Stop and member of Any Time Fitness Center next door.

Visit Fit Stop at 4439 Highway 411 in Madisonville, TN, on their webpage www.fitstophealthshop.com or like them on Facebook.

Fit Stop offers a wide range of healthy and nutritional foods that taste great. Everything from the “Not a Sandwich, BLT” to fit muffins can be found here.

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For Shirley, every minute mattered.

When you’re experiencing chest pain, every minute

matters. Being an accredited Chest Pain Center means Starr Regional Medical Center has achieved a higher level of expertise to care for patients with heart attack symptoms— FAST. Working in healthcare, I was very impressed with the professional level of care I received at Starr Regional. Upon entering the ER, they immediately began working with me to treat my problem.

The staff remained calm and professional, which kept me from being afraid in a very tense situation.

They saved my life.

–Shirley Matoy, Niota, TN

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StarrRegional.com

50+

YEARS & STILL COUNTING! ACCOUNTING SERVICE AUDITS, REVIEWS, COMPILATIONS, FORENSIC AND LITIGATION SUPPORT SERVICES QUICKBOOKS CERTIFIED ADVISOR ESTATE, TRUST, INDIVIDUAL, PARTNERSHIP AND CORPORATION TAX PREPARATION CONSULTING SERVICES: Buying and Selling a Business | Financial and Retirement Decisions Estate, Trust, and Gift Planning

CALL OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE TODAY

WWW.WANDTCPA.COM

SWEETWATER - MAIN OFFICE

606C SOUTH MAIN STREET | 423.337.5003

MADISONVILLE

409 NORTH COLLEGE STREET, SUITE 2 | 423.442.3890

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Monroe County’s Fifth Annual

BRIDAL EXPO May 14, 2016 10am - 3pm

Eclectic Vibe Centre Downtown Madisonville 560 Monroe St Photo By JoPhoto

SPECIAL THANKS TO: My Kind of Lovely

Embellished Elegance

Eclectic Vibe Centre Venue (Sara Martin) Donna’s Cafe LLC Catering

Lemongrass Spa by Karen Carey Always Blooming Event Rentals

Younique By Christina (Christina Goins) Thirty-One Gifts (Kaitlyn Melton)

Premier Designs High Fashion (Kayla Hatcher) Coker Creek Village (Leal Giddens)

Photography by Sabrina (Sabrina Dowdy) Le-Vel Thrive (Heather Mills)

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Voted Best Salon in Monroe County

We are a Redken Salon offering the newest trends and techniques in hair color and styling.

We offer manicures, pedicures, Shellac and acrylic nails in a sanitary and professional atmosphere.

We offer microdermabrasion, glycolic chemical peels, enzyme peels, brow and lash tinting and perming and full body waxing services.

We offer a variety of massage therapy including hot stone, Swedish, deep tissue, pregnancy massage and reflexology.

Stop in and see our Merle Norman Beauty Consultant for a Free lesson makeover and receive a free gift with purchase.

1255 Hwy 411 Suite #5 • Vonore, Tn 37885 • 423-884-3285 SPRING 2016 MONROE LIFE

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�

Sequoyah Sweethearts �

Written By Caroline Duvall Photography By Shane Hawkins

T

he First Baptist Church in Madisonville, Tennessee, celebrated the wedding of two Monroe County natives last summer.

Allyson Mason and Caleb Bowers took their first steps as husband and wife before their family and closest friends on July 18th, 2015.

Allyson has attended First Baptist with her family since childhood; she is the daughter of Larry and Karen Mason. Her sisters, Andrea and Alicia, were her Matrons of Honor, joined by 6 other close friends as bridesmaids. Her niece, Sydnie Russell, was the flower girl. Caleb is the son of Caleb and Shauna Bowers and Capri Seiber. Longtime friend, Brandon Webb, was his best man. Honorary best man, Frankie Watson, was killed in action in late 2011. He was remembered by his uniform hat carried by the junior bridesmaid. Caleb had 5 other close friends as groomsmen; his cousin, Coy Green, was the ring bearer.

Caleb’s parents hosted the rehearsal dinner at their home where the bridal party enjoyed a cookout and fellowship over food and playing horseshoes. The special day began with a bridesmaid brunch hosted by Allyson’s aunt, Marilyn Moses.

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Top left are the ring bearer, Coy Green, and flower girl, Sydnie Russell. Top Right is junior bridesmaid Lynsey Gunter carrying Frankie Watson’s uniform hat; he was the Honorary Best Man. Bottom left, Allyson gets ready with her sisters and mother. Allyson had a bridesmaid brunch at her aunt’s, Marilyn Moses’s, house pictured above.

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Top left is Allyson with her two sisters, Andrea and Alicia; they were her Matrons of Honor. Lower right, Caleb and Allyson were wed at First Baptist Chruch in Madisonville by Pastor Lon Shoopman.

Lower right is Allyson with her mother, Karen Mason. Allyson was escorted down the aisle by her father, Larry Mason.

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Mr. and

Mrs.

After walking down the aisle, Allyson requested her father, Larry Mason, sing “I Loved Her First” by Heartland before giving her away. First Baptist Pastor Lon Shoopman performed the ceremony, praying over the couple before pronouncing them husband and wife.

Allyson and Caleb met while attending Sequoyah High School. Caleb was a senior and played on the football team, while Allyson was a junior and played basketball. Just before the end of the football season and the beginning of basketball season, Caleb and Allyson sustained minor injuries, requiring them to sit out of their weightlifting class.

Weightlifiting class was where they really got to know each other. “It gave us time to talk,” Allyson remembers. “We began dating on November 21st, 2007.” On their first date, Caleb took her to a movie then to dinner at the Texas Roadhouse in Turkey Creek. “And the rest is history!” Allyson said. “We both knew early in our relationship that we were meant to be.” Allyson planned to complete her college degree before they were wed, a request that Caleb honored by waiting to propose.

Allyson almost ruined the engagement by accident. The couple traveled with the Mason family to vacation at Myrtle Beach in 2009, the first time they had been to the beach together with Allyson’s family. While Caleb assured Allyson that the proposal would be a complete surprise, Allyson unintentionally looked over the exact place where the ring was hidden on the trip.

“Apparently, I am the hardest person to surprise,” Allyson admitted. But the ring stayed safe, and Caleb proposed on July 16th, 2014. “It was a complete and total surprise!”

Allyson said. They have been going to Myrtle Beach together ever since.

Allyson and Caleb both enjoy spending time together and with their families. They love being on or around the water and still participate in sports, especially football and basketball. The newlyweds will continue to reside in Monroe County, where Caleb works at Alcoa. Allyson completed her Masters of Education from Lincoln Memorial University in December. She is currently the PE teacher at Vonore Elementary and the Assistant Women’s Basketball coach at Sequoyah High School.

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Shane Hawkins Photography took photos of the ceremony. Flowers were provided

by Mickye Trentham at West End Florist.

Donna’s Old Town Cafe catered the reception, and the cake was made by Donna Necessary. Reception rentals were provided by Anderson Rentals, the tuxedos were provided by Savvi’s of Knoxville and the bridesmaid dresses were purchased from Alfred Angelo of Knoxville. Chris Moore sang before and after the ceremony.

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MONROE COUNTY

Friends of Animals Champagne & Cash Bar Happy Hour, Dinner, Pianist, and Silent Auction.

When: May 6, 2016 Price: $75 per person Dress: Smart Casual Contact Marsha St. Hilaire to purchase your tickets at 423.884.2179.

Ask about our early purchase discount price if purchased before March 30th.

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SALT & LIGHT DANCE STUDIOS

• Dance Camp • Dance Camp • Princess Camp • Princess Camp • Art Camp • Art Camp • Musical Performance Camp • Musical Performance Camp • Sewing Camp • Sewing Camp • Ninja Turtle Camp • Ninja Turtle Camp • New Basic Gymnastics • New Basic Gymnastics

Lunches provided

SWEETWATER MARTIAL ARTS, TTJC

• Nunchuks, Kamas & Bo Staff • Self-Defense • Tumbling & Tricking • Board Breaking • High Energy • Discipline • Spar Wars

Visit us on Facebook!

Ages 3 & Up

6 0 3 Vo n o r e R o a d , S w e e t w a t e r, T N 3 7 8 74 • ( 4 2 3 ) 3 3 7- 4 9 2 8 SPRING 2016 MONROE LIFE

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Deaf, Deaf, Oral Deaf Written By Kacy Weigle

I

entered the vault-like room designed to be soundproof with my sister and one and a half year old by my side. Inside, the women handed an earphone set to me so that I might communicate with them as they went to the next room over and began to berate us with multiple sounds at increasing frequencies. I smiled as my son Abel seemingly responded to some of the prompts by looking and pointing at the small black flashing box located beside us.

He sat on my lap, and I admired his newly forming curly tendrils. What a perfect little head, I thought.

I was beginning to feel a little encouraged that he responded to at least one or two sounds when the women re-entered the soundproof room with the words, “This informal test leads us to believe that your son is experiencing bi-lateral hearing loss…

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he is deaf. “ Just like that, I had answers to so many questions. I was also flooded with so many more. I cried as my sister picked up my middle child and took him out in the hall to play with bubbles. In his eyes, there was nothing different about that day. In mine, I felt as if a dream had died that day. I sat with the audiologists and tried to gather myself. Weeks later, an ABR (Auditory Brainstem Response) test confirmed that Abel was profoundly deaf in one ear and severely hard of hearing in the other.

gist of a CI is that it’s a device inserted into the cochlea that allows access to sound while a hearing aid is for the purpose of amplification of sound. In a way, a cochlear implant is bionic hearing. It’s incredible and that’s how we choose to present Abel’s deafness to him. He has an amazing opportunity to work hard and overcome obstacles at a young age that many of us won’t deal with in a lifetime. That perfect little curly head would soon be operated on for the first of many times.

With much trepidation, we began the process of getting him cochlear implants (CI). I remember sitting down and searching the Internet for information.

What is the difference between a hearing aid and a cochlear implant? I didn’t know.

I had seen a cochlear implant before, but I had no idea what its purpose was or even what it was called. I had a lot to learn. The

The surgery lasted several nerve-wracking hours. I waited with my husband as my mom and aunt drove our newborn over to the hospital every two to three hours so he could nurse. I didn’t tell anyone, but our new baby also failed his hearing tests at birth. He was later discovered to be hearing, but the stress of all these changes weighed heavy on my shoulders as I prayed

“In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.” -Albert Einstein to God in the waiting room that day. Please guide the surgeon’s hands. Give us peace that this is your will for him, for us.

I thought that was hard, but the following year proved to be even more challenging.

Abel wasn’t a typical patient. Many children are up and moving the next day and waiting patiently for the first time the implants are activated (typically 2-4 weeks post op). My little Abel has never been typical! His experience was much more trying. Initially, he was off balance for weeks, and his features began to droop with Bell’s Palsy affecting half of his face. The side effects didn’t stop there.

After months of struggle, his pediatrician diagnosed him with a serious infection in his right ear. Eventually, after many months of trying to treat it, the right implant had to come out. The surgery to remove it came a couple of days before

his one-year hearing anniversary. I was devastated. Despite his infection, he was progressing well, with one cochlear implant providing him the ability to access sound frequencies. For the first time in his life, he was hearing mama’s voice, the cry of a newborn, vacuums, airplanes and his own sneezes. It was magical to see him experience each new sound. The first time his implants were turned on, he was frightened, but he soon became eager to hear and asked for his “ears” as soon as he woke up each morning. Cochlear implants are not a cure for deafness. He is still very much deaf. His hearing depends on charging batteries and placing the processors in a drying box every night.

Even more than that, his hearing depends on a professional team of caring therapists, audiologists and doctors. Additionally, we rely on helpful friends and family who step in to aid us in caring for the other

brothers while we run Abel to his weekly appointments. Unlike people who lose their hearing later on, Abel has to learn to listen. Without speech therapy, he would not know how to make sense of what he is hearing. It is a long, trying process.

Einstein once said, “In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.” That quote is framed in his room, and I look at it every evening as we are sitting down together, one on one, and having our own therapy sessions. A dream of mine for him may have died that day, but it was only because a new one was forming. God had bigger plans for my boy! Through each curious stare from a stranger or each revelation of a communication barrier, if I listen, I can hear God reminding me of the verse in Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future.”

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SPRING IS HERE, AND IT’S TIME TO TAKE A LOOK AT YOUR INSURANCE. Now proudly offering Nationwide Insurance. The Mike Dyer Agency.

CALL US TODAY. “AS INDEPENDENT AGENTS, WE WORK FOR YOU AND NOT FOR AN INSURANCE COMPANY”

Find us on Facebook and Twitter!

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

Sweetwater’s Gallery on Main Gifts and Fine Art

Our gallery supports more than 30 local artists. We have many kinds of art, from paintings to woodcarving, and many gift items. Like us on Facebook!

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

Merle Norman Cosmetics 530 South Main Street Sweetwater, Tennessee 37874 423.337.7003

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Donna’s

Old Town Cafe

Bringing Family Values Back To The Table Written By Caroline Duvall

D

onna’s Old Town Cafe is more than a cafe, it’s a community.

Family owned and operated since 1994, Donna’s believes in feeding and giving back to the people of Monroe County.

“We want to do whatever we can to make life better for people,” says Melissa, Donna’s daughter and an employee at the Cafe. The full-service restaurant features Southern-style cooking and buffet, including cold sweet tea and delicious homemade desserts! Items on the menu include local produce, family traditions and her Grandmother’s recipes.

With great food and a real understanding for Southern hospitality, Donna’s Cafe is a great place to meet for lunch, throw a party and host a banquet. They currently host the Madisonville Kiwanis Club for lunch every Tuesday, supporting their efforts to enrich the lives of children and young adults in the community.

Donna’s also supports and hosts organizations such as the Madisonville

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Downtown Association, CASA Monroe, the Disabled Veterans Association Chapter #93, the Festival of Trees in Vonore and the Sequoyah Majorettes.

This year, Donna’s Old Town Cafe donated meals to the Muscadine Balloon Fiesta at Tsali Notch Vineyard, benefitting CASA Monroe and supporting their mission to raise funds for court appointed special advocates in the community. They are also preparing an event to benefit Toys for Tots, where they train local Police Officers how to wait tables, serve food and even roll silverware!

Donna’s Old Town Cafe is located at the renovated historic Bank of Madisonville that was constructed in the 1800s.

The Cafe features antique photos of downtown, as well as the metalpressed

ceiling that is original to the bank.

If you are planning a trip to Madisonville, Tennessee, Donna’s Old Town Cafe is sure to feature something to interest any appetite. In addition to the buffet, Donna’s Old Town Cafe offers breakfast, lunch and dinner meals.

With a banquet room that seats over 100 guests, they are prepared to cater events both big and small, including luncheons, church events, business meetings and wedding receptions.

Stop by Donna’s Old Town Cafe, or contact them for your next event. You are sure to leave full, happy and feel like a part of the family.

100 College Street South Madisonville, Tennessee, 37354. Call (423)422-3304 to reserve your table today, or visit on the web at oldtowncafe.com

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(800) 245-5428 (423) 442-9147 info@monroecounty.com www.cherohala.org www.monroecounty.com

Nicole Yates, Director Depar tment of Tourism 225 Cherohala Skyway Tellico Plains, TN 37385

Why is banking so hard ?!

We make banking easy.

Experience the Good Life.

www.PeoplesBank-TN.com 423-442-7262 60

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SLOAN’S CENTER:

A Family Affair Walking into a Sloan’s Store, it is hard to imagine that the sprawling buildings with hundreds of shelves all started in the back of a rolling truck. It began in 1901 when William H. Sloan returned from the Civil War. He decided to offer the convenient ‘store on wheels’ to local families and farmers who could not make frequent trips to town, so he brought the store to them. Sloan stocked his truck with everything from sewing kits and nails to farm tools and fuel, even bringing people live chickens and roosters for their farms.

The original Sloan’s Great-Great-Grandson Bill operates the stores today, which are open in Madisonville, Vonore, Loudon and Etowah. Sloan’s Stores have remained in the family, with Bill’s son T.K. managing the Vonore store and his daughter Whitney managing the Tellico Village location. Each store offers something a little different, such as groceries and hardware, plants and paint, or clothes and sporting goods.

Just like the original Sloan, the stores are still the “one stop shop: everything for your home and farm.”

The Sloan’s Store in Vonore has a fresh meat counter where shoppers can purchase cuts or call in special orders from the on-site butcher. The store

in Tellico Village specializes in plants and hardware, even offering customers an indoor Post Office for shipping and receiving packages and mail.

Just as William H. Sloan visited his regular customers on his truck route, Bill and his wife, Bobbi, still recognize their local customers who have shopped with them for years. The Sloans work on the floor and prefer interacting with customers, rather than working from an office. We sat down with Bill and Bobbi to talk about their stores; it was amazing to go back in time through photos and ledgers to see how it all began.

Bobbi and Bill met outside a Sloan store when Bill pumped gas for Bobbi’s family.

Bobbi and her family moved to the area in 1961, and when she first saw Bill, Bobbi remembers that her “hair was still wet, and up in rollers!” They were married in 1963 and have been at the store together ever since.

On the door to their shared office and across the wall are hundreds of photos of their children, grandchildren and pictures of local customers who have grown up shopping at Sloan Center.

Photos span the lifetimes of their family, showing babies that have grown to have children of their own.

Several times during our discussion, Bill got up to answer a pricing question or help a customer find a product.

Left: Bill Jr. poses with a 6-foot-tall tobacco plant, grown with fertilizer sold at Sloan’s. Right: Bill Sloan Sr. standing in front of the Old Sloan’s Madisonville on Tellico Street.

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Family History: An original ledger documenting a transaction. All purchases were recorded by hand.

Original photo of the Delivery Truck.

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Left: Vonore’s Go-To Store: Employees from the Meat Department pause for a photo. Sloan’s Center offers fresh cuts of meat to order. Right: Sloan’s offers everything you may need for hunting and fishing trips.

When we visited the Vonore store grocery department, we heard someone call over the loudspeaker, “I need 2 railroad ties loaded in the back please, 2 railroad ties loaded in the back!” The Sloans pride themselves on excellent customer service, and we got to see that service in action.

Sitting on 4 acres, the Sloan’s Center has 23,000 square feet of merchandise.

Keeping the Tradition Alive: Daughter, Whitney, and Son, T.K., continue to manage Sloan’s Centers in East Tennessee.

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A known saying around the county is, “If you can’t find it at Billy’s, you can’t find it anywhere.” And that saying has been true since 1901. William H. Sloan passed down a tradition of offering quality products and excellent customer service. If you ask around Vonore and Loudon Counties, that tradition still exists today. If you haven’t shopped at a Sloan Center yet, stop by the nearest location to visit!

New Friendships are Blooming at...

First United Methodist Church Madisonville

Nature reminds us that Spring is a season of reflection and renewal as new bursts of life emerge all around. At First United Methodist Church Madisonville, we offer fellowship and worship to warm the soul. For children and youth we have fun events and activities for K through 12th grades.

All are invited to join us and meet some new friends this Sunday.

® Pastor Carole Martin SUNDAY: Sunday School at 10am and Worship Services at 11am.

WEDNESDAY 6PM: IGNITE (K–5th) and Youth (6th –12th) activities, including dinner.

143 College Street, Madisonville, Tennessee, 37354 423-442-2471 www.firstumcmadisonville.org

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The Mercy House A Home With A Mission Written By Caroline Duvall | Photography By Ben Gibson

J

ust inside the Cherokee National Forest, in a bend on the Tellico River, there is a large brick house that overlooks the surrounding mountains.

The house was given a new name in 2011 and has offered dozens of women a place to call home since then. Mitchell Payne and his wife Roma have named it The House That Mercy Built, and it truly lives up to the title.

Payne and his wife decided to open The Mercy House with the mission to help women who struggle with drug addiction and face a life of imprisonment. The Mercy House is a non-profit, faith-based residential program that seeks to provide a safe, familyoriented living facility where women can rebuild their lives on a strong foundation.

Payne has been the Pastor at River of Life Ministry for the past 28 years. The Mercy House is an extension of their service to the East Tennessee Community. The Mercy House and its staff are dedicated to helping women who struggle with drug 66

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addiction become clean, healed and whole.

They show the women how to develop a strong relationship with Christ through daily Biblical instruction and discipleship training.

The Mercy House also offers classes to help with goal development, parenting skills, health and nutrition, as well as teaching their members a good work ethic to prepare them for life after addiction. They also have an in-house tutor to assist in GED completion and college preparation through educational materials and seminars.

For women who are interested in coming to The Mercy House for rehabilitation, Payne says, “We have a waiting list.” All applicants must submit an application for approval.

They must show a desire to fully commit to the program for 1 year, as well as living a drug-free life before they can be considered for enrollment. “The girls have to be diligent,” Payne says. “They have to persevere.”

Tammy Conner persevered and successfully graduated from The House That Mercy

Built. She is currently 4 years sober.

Conner used methamphetamine for 15 years, often living in the woods to hide from the police. “I turned into a junkie,” Conner remembers. “That was number one. My family, everybody else, I just used them to get what I had to get.”

After she was arrested for the 42nd time, Conner gave her life to God completely and soon came to The Mercy House to become drug-free. When participants arrive at the Mercy House, they must have blood work done to add to their file.

Conner tested positive for Hepatitis C from coming in contact with contaminated blood. Upon graduating from The Mercy House, Conner had more blood work done, and the results showed that she was completely healed. “What’s incurable with man, that’s the business that God is in,” Conner said, smiling.

The Mercy House is successfully helping women transform their lives. By offering a safe and spiritual place to live and heal,

The Mercy House has begun to repair families damaged by addiction. Payne and the staff at The Mercy House are on a mission to teach and love women struggling with drug abuse. But it is not a battle that they can fight alone; The Mercy House relies heavily on volunteers, donations and materials given by the community. Their continued success depends on these gifts to help transform the lives of women like Tammy Conner.

Conner got her GED through The Mercy House and is set to graduate from Cleveland State University this Fall. But she could not have gotten so far without the help of the people serving at The Mercy House. “I tried to quit,” Conner admitted, “but the only way was through the Lord.” She encourages those who may still be struggling with addiction to “give it to the Lord,” because there is a “fulfillment in him that the world cannot offer.”

The Mercy House has graduated over a dozen women since its beginning and doesn’t plan on stopping there. The success of the program is evident in the lives that The Mercy House has touched, including the relationships that have been restored. When asked about his graduates, Mitchell Payne said, “Now they are living a life that they never thought possible. They’re doing it.”

To learn more about ways to get involved, please visit www.housethatmercybuilt.com

Top left is the cutting ceremony when The House That Mercy Built first opened. Top right is the barn that sits behind the house. Middle left are founders Mitchell and Roma Payne. Middle right, people work to maintain the flower bed during a volunteer day. Above, the house guests and their families enjoy the outdoors with games and activities.

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Written By Gayle Fisher

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I

f you have lived in the South for longer than 3 years, there is an unwritten rule stating that you must own an azalea. Azaleas arrived to the South from Japan in the 1800s and became an instant favorite. Azaleas are not your polite, retiring Southern belles; they are in-your-face vibrant harlots.

Azaleas belong to the Rhododendron genus, which has over 900 species. There is a large range of colors, including pink, white, red, salmon and lavender; they are born on funnel-shaped blooms.When choosing your azaleas, be sure that you purchase them while blooming. It is disappointing to water and care for a group of azaleas through summer, fall and winter, then to have one explode in a shocking red the following year when all her neighbors were the lovely shade of purple you had chosen. Because their color is so vivid, you need to plan carefully. To be safe, choose plants of one color so they won’t clash. If you have to have a combination, limit it to no more than two colors, which harmonize with similar shades of the same color. Pastels and whites are the easiest to work with.

Local discount stores have azaleas for sale at unbelievable prices, like $1.50 for a one-gallon stick plant. These can be great for naturalizing your woods, but remember that bloom times vary, so your display could be sporadic. Azaleas look best when planted in graceful sweeps.

These painted ladies will perform for years with the proper planting and maintenance.

Azaleas like acid soil with a ph of 5.5 to 6. Dig a hole twice the size of the root ball, and make sure that your soil drains. Lousy drainage is the number one killer of azaleas. Azaleas need lots of organic matter. Thoroughly mix leaf mold, aged grass clipping, wood chips or peanut hulls with soil, then toss this mixture into the hole before planting. Unlike most plants, azaleas can be planted almost 2 inches above the ground level. Azaleas are shallow rooted and moisture loving. Make sure that you mulch to retain moisture, to protect from the cold and to prevent weeds. They’ll need a soaking once a week for the first year. Light shade is also important. After blooming, some the petals will turn brown and stick to the bush. If you can’t stand this ugly stage, you can sweep the dead blooms off with a kitchen broom.

These Southern streetwalkers can be seen blooming in our yards each spring. The only thing that can stop them is a late spring freeze. Azaleas are not heavy feeders, and since they are shallow rooted, fertilizer can burn new roots. In the spring after they have flowered, use a slow release 12-5-9 fertilizer.

This will keep your plants looking their best. Epsom salt is hydrated magnesium, and working a small bit into the soil around each plant will acidify the soil and provide magnesium. You can also just buy azalea fertilizer.

Expect your standard azalea to grow six feet tall and six feet wide. Unfortunately, everyone has seen them pruned into a square when they become too large for a foundation planting around a house. Hybrids come in all sizes now, so it is easier to choose a plant to fit your location. Pruning should occur after they have finished blooming. Don’t prune after the first of July, or you’ll be cutting off next year’s flowers. Dead branches can be pruned at anytime. We have azaleas growers in our area so that we don’t have to buy Florida azaleas. Look for a local grower so that your plants won’t be shocked or die when the temperature drops to -10 degrees.

A soft spring rain and beautiful azaleas is the perfect setting for relaxing in a rocking chair on the porch. Get a tall glass of sweet iced tea with a sprig of mint. This makes for an afternoon of just enjoying being alive. Or in Scarlet O’Hara’s case, “I won’t think about that now. I’ll think about that tomorrow.”

After the azaleas stop blooming.

The azaleas that we are the most familiar with are the evergreen type, meaning that they keep their leaves in the winter. Recently I’ve noticed more native azaleas (deciduous) available to the public. They are not as particular about soil acidity and winter shade, but they are more sensitive to summer heat.

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Meet Tennessee’s Rodeo Queen

Kelsey Hawkins Written By Caroline Duvall

O

n December 30th, 2015, Kelsey Hawkins walked across the arena at the Liberty Bowl Rodeo in Memphis, Tennessee. As the sun set behind the mountains, the lights around the arena flickered on one by one. The crowd in the stands sat silently, waiting for the announcement.

Over the loudspeaker, Kelsey heard the announcer call in his booming voice: “Ladies and gentlemen, may I present to you, your new Miss Rodeo Tennessee of 2016!” With a cheer, the crowd leapt to their feet, clapping wildly.

Kelsey was handed a bouquet of flowers and stood for the pinning of her sash.

Previous Rodeo Queen Tennessee, Alina Bonacquista, was present to pass the title along. Kelsey and Alina left the arena together as the crowd cheered again. Kelsey signed autographs and posed for pictures in the whirlwind of activity. “I was so excited, I was shaking!” Kelsey remembers.

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A Knoxville, Tennessee, native, Kelsey and her family moved to Madisonville when she was 11. “I always wanted horses,” Kelsey said. “I just kept pestering my parents about it.” She attended camp at Split Pond Stables in Philadelphia, beginning with English Jumping and ending with Barrel Racing, which she finds “much more exciting.”

In 2009, Kelsey’s interest for barrel racing grew. Her dear friends Nancy and Joel Sherlin fostered that interest, taking her to rodeos and teaching her about performing. “I began watching rodeos on TV I loved it.” Kelsey said. “It’s just how it was supposed to be!” The Sherlins sparked Kelsey’s love for barrel racing, which put her on the road to becoming Rodeo Queen.

Kelsey began riding with the Hedrick Rodeo Company over the next two years, where her love for competing grew into a passion for all things rodeo. Kelsey

traveled with the Hedricks across the States, riding in the opening ceremonies and carrying the American flag. She also learned several trick riding routines to entertain the crowds between events.

While riding with the Hedrick Rodeo Company, Kelsey met 2013 Miss Rodeo USA Lauren Terry, who inspired Kelsey to work towards becoming a Rodeo Queen. “Since then, we have been very good friends,” Kelsey says. “She helps me out a lot.”

Kelsey continued to ride with the Hedrick Rodeo Company, traveling to South Georgia, Kentucky, Virginia and all across Tennessee. She was part of the Specialty Act for the Southeastern Professional Rodeo Association in 2014, along with the Hedrick kids, which was “a very exciting year.”

Looking ahead, Kelsey is ready to embrace her duties as Miss Rodeo Queen Tennessee. Her year will be filled with travel, including attending Tennessee rodeos, and the rodeos of the other State Queen Winners. Kelsey is looking forward to the Cheyenne Frontier Days in July, which takes place in Wyoming.

At the end of November, Kelsey will travel to Las Vegas to compete at Miss Rodeo of America. Kelsey is currently looking for travel sponsors to partner with her and help fund her trips across the state.

“I am very persistent in my goals,” Kelsey says. “I kind of live by my motto, to ‘never give up.’” Kelsey currently attends Hiwassee College and will graduate in May with an Associates of Science Degree.

To learn more about Kelsey or to receive sponsor information, email her at missrodeotn2016@gmail.com

As Miss Rodeo Tennessee, Kelsey has an exciting year ahead of her. She will be traveling around the country attending rodeos, such as the Cheyenne Frontier Days in Wyoming, and performing her duties as Miss Rodeo Tennessee. To learn more about Kelsey and to receive sponsor information, email her at missrodeotn2016@gmail.com.

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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

Jenkins Realty Reliance Group LLC Helping you make our hometown your hometown. Stop by and see one of our seasoned agents with expertise in our historic and scenic area. Find us on Facebook Jenkins Realty Reliance Group LLC. 418 Cherohala Skyway, 423.253.6145 email: info@easttennnrealty.com www.easttennrealty.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 fullservice 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.

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

225 Cherohala Skyway, 423.253.8010 www.cherohala.org 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 Motel T Ford telephone repair truck and so much more. Admission: Free Open Daily: 10am–5pm, 229 Cherohala Skyway, 423.253.6767 Email: charleshallmuseum@hotmail.com www.charleshallmusuem.com

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KramBonz BBQ If you’re looking for some of the best BBQ in Tellico Plains, then head out to KramBonz, located at 9188 New Highway 68. From tender briskets to juicy pulled pork and fall-off-the-bone ribs, KramBonz BBQ is sure to delight even the most discerning palate. The establishment is motorcycle-friendly, open Monday through Thursday from 11am to 9pm, Friday and Saturday from 11am to 10pm and Sunday from 11pm to 8pm.

9188 New Hwy 68, 423.253.2019

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’s 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 Tellicafe 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 a 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

Mountain View Cabin Rentals If you’ve ever dreamed of staying in a cabin in the mountains, Mountain View Cabin Rentals has just the spot…all 44 units have unique décor and are located on the beautiful Tellico River, at the top of a hill, in the woods or on a private pond. Amenities include hot tubs, game rooms and grills, with prices starting at $39.95.

Mountain View Cabins is biker friendly and open all year. You are sure to find something to fit your dream and your budget!

133 Rafter Road, 423.519.2000 www.tellicologcabins.com

Tellico Vacation Rentals Savor the serenity of your own cabin in the mountains!

Choose from one to five bedrooms, sleep 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

MARY’S MADHATTER BOUTIQUE Come in and escape reality for a few minutes and have fun trying on crazy hats, vintage clothing, wedding gowns and jewelry. Mary opened the shop because she loves to interact with people and enjoys sharing her creativity with others through her collection of vintage hats. Her creative talents can be seen in the great hats she creates and also in beautiful one-of-a-kind wreaths.

Open: Thursday, Friday and Saturday 10am-4pm 108 Scott Street, 423-253-2623 Tellico Kats Deli Located on the river with a wonderful view for lunch, Tellico Kats Deli has daily specials as well as homemade salads, goodies and soup. Join them for gourmet coffee or Luzianne iced tea and a friendly hello.

1929 Cherohala Skyway, 423.253.3411 www.tellicokats.com

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Bert’s

Hometown Grill &Pizzeria! 1987 est

Won Taste of Monroe With Bar-B-Q

HAND CUT STEAKS, CHARBROILED CHICKEN , BLACK ANGUS BURGERS, HOMEMADE PIZZA. 902 Tellico Street • Madisonville, TN • 423.442.2222 www.bertsgrill.com

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H & V MOTORS, INC Home of AfFORDable Cars & Trucks

Dan Harvey Owner 610 Englewood Road Madisonville, TN 37354

(423) 420-1066

the 6th annual

RAMP

$10 Adult $ Children Tickets 5 Under 12 April 23, 10am–4pm Dinner 11am–2pm

Festival

157 Ballplay School Rd, Tellico Plains, TN 37385

RURITAN

423-295-2434

2016

CLUB

BALLPLAY

FAMILY ACTIVITIES | LIVE MUSIC | VENDORS LOCAL COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS | ENTERTAINMENT RAIN OR SHINE | FREE ADMISSION | FREE PARKING For more information, visit our Facebook Page Ballplay Ruritan Ramp Festival

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WE LOVE IT!

https://www.facebook.com/nationalparkservice/?fref=photo

“The sign was right. It was more fun naked.”

- Cindy Moser Artist, Retired Teacher, Beautiful Monroe County Native.

Photo Taken By Cindy’s Neice, Jill Vandagriff, Photographer.

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Your Pharmacy Should do More Than Just Fill Prescriptions

The Family Wellness Group Let Our Family Take Care Of Yours!

Pneumonia, Shingles and other immunizations AVAILABLE EVERY DAY

Three High Performing Pharmacies that can make a difference in your health.

510 South Main St. Sweetwater 423-337-7933 Hours: Monday-Friday: 8:00am-6pm, Saturday: 8:30am-1pm www.littledrugs.com

1121 Hwy 411, Vonore 423-884-6274 Hours: Monday-Friday: 8:30am-6pm Saturday: 8:30am-1pm www.vonoredrugs.com

707 Veterans Memorial Dr., Tellico Plains 423-253-6003 Hours: Monday-Friday: 9am-6pm Saturday: 9am-1pm www.tellicofamilyrx.com

We offer Medication Management that limits the trips you have to make to the pharmacy, monthly reviews of all the medications you are taking and special packaging that helps you take your medications on time every day.

Please compare our medication prices to any pharmacy.

Ask about our Free Vitamin Program for adults and children, because we care about your family’s health.

Compounding • Medical Equipment • Diabetic Shoes • Smoking Cessation• Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement • Lift Chairs Vaccinations • Veterinary Compounding • Pre-packaged Medications • Cholesterol Screenings • Diabetic Screenings Drive-thru Window • Ship your packages via UPS Delivery • Diabetic Classes • Gifts and Cards

Download Our Apps

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Celebrating Years Of Caring fOr the PeOPle Of MOnrOe COuntY! FAMILY PRACTICE Sigrid Johnson, M.D. Sweetwater Family Medicine 205 Summit Avenue Sweetwater, TN 37874 (865 351-7000 Hasmukh Kanabar, M.D. Hometown Medical Clinic 167 Warren Street Madisonville, TN 37354 (423) 442-5480 Ben Coffey, D.O. Sweetwater Hospital Association Sweetwater Professional Building 2 304 Wright Street Sweetwater, TN 37874 (865) 213-8595 Tracey Beverley, M.D. 321 South Tellico Street Madisonville, TN 37354 (423) 442-9711 Heidi Fisher, P.A. 321 South Tellico Street Madisonville, TN 37354 (423) 442-9711 GENERAL SURGERY Terry Lee Adams, M.D. Tennessee Surgical Specialists 9217 Park West Blvd # C2 Knoxville, TN 37923 (865) 218-7470 Thomas Layman, M.D. 304 Wright Street Sweetwater, TN 37874 (423) 745-2598 Ray Villanueva, M.D. 604 South Main Street Sweetwater, TN 37874 (423) 337-4508

INTERNAL MEDICINE Thomas S. Evans, M.D. Sweetwater Hospital Association Sweetwater Professional Building 2 304 Wright Street Sweetwater, TN 37874 (865) 213-8595

INTERNAL MEDICINE Chris Shamblin, M.D. Sweetwater Hospital Association Sweetwater Professional Building 2 304 Wright Street Sweetwater, TN 37874 (865) 213-8595

ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY Chris Bowman, M.D. Sweetwater Hospital Association Sweetwater Professional Building 2 304 Wright Street Sweetwater, TN 37874 (865) 213-8595

PEDIATRICS Bill Dawson, PA-C, MPAS Sweetwater Hospital Association Sweetwater Professional Building 3 304 Wright Street Sweetwater, TN 37874 (865) 213-8593

Ken Kozawa, M.D. Sweetwater Hospital Association Sweetwater Professional Building 1 304 Wright Street Sweetwater, TN 37874 (865) 213-8590

EMERGENCY MEDICINE Celia Harrison, M.D. Sweetwater Hospital Association Emergency Room 304 Wright Street Sweetwater, TN 37874 (865) 213-8510

Brian S. Edkin, M.D. Tennessee Orthopedic Clinic 988 Oak Ridge Tpke Ste 100 Oak Ridge, TN 37830 (865) 213-8595

PODIATRY Andrew W. Lynn, D.P.M. Sweetwater Hospital Association Sweetwater Professional Building 2 304 Wright Street Sweetwater, TN 37874 (800) 422-3338 (865) 481-3338

Renea Cagle, N.P. Sweetwater Hospital Association Sweetwater Professional Building 1 304 Wright Street Sweetwater, TN 37874 (865) 213-8590 Michelle Davis, N.P. Sweetwater Hospital Association Sweetwater Professional Building 1 304 Wright Street Sweetwater, TN 37874 (865) 213-8590 Thomas Vance, N.P. Sweetwater Hospital Association Sweetwater Professional Building 1 304 Wright Street Sweetwater, TN 37874 (865) 213-8590 Eric C. Poston, M.D. Sweetwater Hospital Association Sweetwater Professional Building 2 304 Wright Street Sweetwater, TN 37874 (865) 213-8595

NEPHROLOGY Yaqub Ali, M.D. Sweetwater Dialysis Center 921 New Highway 68 Sweetwater, TN 37874 (423) 337-5770 OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY John R. Ameen, M.D. Sweetwater Hospital Association Sweetwater Professional Building 3 304 Wright Street Sweetwater, TN 37874 (865) 213-8592 David J. Creutzinger, M.D. Sweetwater Hospital Association Sweetwater Professional Building 3 304 Wright Street Sweetwater, TN 37874 (865) 213-8592

www.sweetwaterhospital.org

OTOLARYNGOLOGY Leonard Brown, M.D. 501 19th Street Suite 401 Knoxville, TN 37916 Sweetwater Hospital Association Sweetwater Professional Building 2 304 Wright Street Sweetwater, TN 37874 (865) 213-8200 (865) 632-5999 PATHOLOGY Frank Beuerlein, M.D. Sweetwater Hospital Association 304 Wright Street Sweetwater, TN 37874 (865) 213-8200 PEDIATRICS Wendy Saint-Robbins, M.D. Sweetwater Hospital Association Sweetwater Professional Building 3 304 Wright Street Sweetwater, TN 37874 (865) 213-8593

PULMONOLOGY Ronald R. Cherry, M.D. Sweetwater Hospital Association Sweetwater Professional Building 2 304 Wright Street Sweetwater, TN 37874 (865) 213-8595 RADIOLOGY Lynda Rogers, M.D. David Norris, M.D. Tina James, M.D. Joanna Blankner, M.D. Sweetwater Hospital Association 304 Wright Street Sweetwater, TN 37874 (865) 213-8200 UROLOGY Frederick Klein, M.D. Sweetwater Hospital Association Sweetwater Professional Building 2 304 Wright Street Sweetwater, TN 37874 (865) 213-8595 (865) 544-9254 (800) 776-7623

865.213.8200