Monroe Summer 2016

SUMMER 2016

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

HAPPY 100th

America’s National Parks!

Our Smoky Mountains Ranked #1

Limited Edition Pendleton® A Must-See At Chilhowee RV

Red, White and Beautiful

Photographer Ben Finch Inspires

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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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

SUMMER 2016 MONROE LIFE

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MONROE LIFE SUMMER 2016

Written By Reneé Gibson

The furniture industry is abuzz, talking about how TV’s popular series featuring Chip and Joanna Gaines, are launching a lifestyle collection --- a collection that makes it easy for homeowners to duplicate and be inspired by their fabulously chic style.

Knoxville Wholesale Furniture, the leading furniture retailer in this region, has exclusivity to feature their trademark furniture. It’s available now for purchase in KWF’s beautiful, expansive showrooms located in West and North Knoxville. This is reportedly the largest display of the Magnolia Home gallery in the mid-South.

“We’re super excited to share the couple’s enthusiasm for a lifestyle promoting home and family,” states Tim Harris, President of Knoxville Wholesale Furniture. “This is a highly anticipated compilation and we are extraordinarily pleased to bring this to this area as the exclusive retailer.”

The gorgeous, eclectic furniture features furnishings for every room as well as decorative accessories with unexpected flair; hand-finishing with paint brushes; and or pops of fresh colors. Furniture shoppers can choose from various themes such as Primitive, Industrial, Boho, French Inspired, Farm and Traditional genres.

WEST KNOXVILLE:

410 North Peters Rd.

NORTH KNOXVILLE:

2381 Old Callahan Drive www.knoxvillewholesalefurniture.com

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Join Us At Tennessee National!

Just 30 minutes southwest of Knoxville, with 3 1/2 miles of frontage on Watts Bar Lake, Tennessee National offers an exceptional lifestyle for golf, nature and water enthusiasts. Tennessee National was ranked Top 10 golf courses in Tennessee in 2015 by Golf Digest. Tennessee National Golf Club offers affordable options for a remarkable private club experience with memberships available for residents and non-residents. With its walkable layout, the Greg Norman Signature Course is uniquely playable. Our newly renovated Grill and Clubhouse provides a welcoming indoor/ outdoor gathering spot for all occasions.

Homesites starting in the low $40’s and Homes in the $300’s.

New to Tennessee National in 2016, townhomes starting at $299k.

We are currently taking reservations.

Also, there is a limited number of Trial Golf Memberships now available starting at only $395 per month. Tennessee National is a Troon Managed course and receives all the benefits of Troon Management, which grants you access to all Troon Clubs worldwide.

The new marina includes slip rentals, fuel dock, hospitality

dock and a pavilion with an amphitheater. Memberships available for residents and non-residents, starting at $195 per month.

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tennesseenational.com 8301 Tennessee National Drive, Loudon, Tennessee 37774

The Limited Edition Pendleton® At Chilhowee RV

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Photo By JoPhoto

Contents

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features

The National Park Service Celebrates Their Centennial Anniversary

18 CASA Monroe Celebrating Success!

Red, White and Beautiful

Photographer Ben Finch Inspires

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10 Ivan Worrell

A Sweetwater Tennessee Hero

Foxcreek Cellars Have A Picnic On The Hill

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Susan Webb-Curtis

Cleveland State’s Outstanding Employee

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INTRODUCING

Magnolia Home Furnishings & Collections

by Joanna Gaines at Knoxville Wholesale Furniture

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Service-Learning Program At CSCC

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departments 8 From The Publisher 26 Day Trip

LifeSigns

55 MACA’s New Director

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68 Visit Tellico Plains

Teaching the tools for Success

Welcome Crystal Smith

72 We Love It!

Facebook: Smoky Mountain National Park

OF THE MONROE AREA

Need Your Help

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4th Of July Events in Monroe County

SUMMER 2016 MONROE LIFE

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Monroe Life PUBLISHER

The Bingham Group President Lisa Atkins Bingham

Kelsey, Alyssa & Kathryn Bingham Photos by Joe & Kathleen Atkins

Letter from the Publisher Summer is finally here and what better way to enjoy it than with good food, great music, and even better friends. I always love watching my kids run around barefoot in our backyard, and I feel truly blessed to live in such a beautiful place like East Tennessee.

From family picnics to 4th of July fireworks, Monroe County is full of events that the whole family can enjoy.

The Summer season here in East Tennessee is unlike anywhere else with the Smoky Mountain National Park in our backyard. We’re just a short drive away from breathtaking mountain views, and the walking trails are a hiker’s dream. This year the National Parks Service is celebrating their 100th Anniversary. We have included a story about what our local National Park is doing to help celebrate this monumental occasion.

Summer is also wedding season. Be inspired for your summer wedding by the patriotic photo shoot that photographer Ben Finch worked on with other caterers and wedding planners from the local area. All of the collaborators displayed creative ways to use the classic red, white, and blue to make a wedding scene that was both romantic and playful.

Here in Monroe County there are many inspiring people that chose to make this part of East Tennessee home. People like Ivan Worrell, a military veteran who fought in Vietnam and is still an active in the community today, or Susan Webb-Curtis who works for Cleveland State Community College and has worked with Sherry Holloway to create the award winning Service-Learning program there.

As always, a special thanks to all our Monroe Life advertisers, readers, and subscribers who have made this publication possible.

Graphic Designers Dustin Hayes Abby Swabe Contributing Writers Jack Alman Mary Burns Caroline Duvall Reneé Gibson Halea Lingerfelt Phil Roulier Amaris Seepe Abby Swabe Cover Photo Ben Finch Contributing Photographers Lisa Bingham Ben Finch Ben Gibson Tammy Lee Copy Editor Halea Lingerfelt Web Dustin Hayes Advertising Sales Mignonne Alman Tel: 865.523.5999 mignonne@binghamgroup.com Cheryl Lee Tel: 865.523.5999 cheryl@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

Lisa Bingham

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

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www.binghamgroup.com www.monroelife.com

Ready For Summer

Lakehouse Grill Now Open 7 Days A Week Live Entertainment On Weekends – Cabin Rentals For Fall –

801 Hwy 411, Vonore | 423.844.2770 | www.sequoyahmarinaresort.com

Independence Day Inspiration Written By Caroline Duvall | Photography By Ben Finch Photography

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en Finch of Finch Photo recently collaborated with Castleton Farms to create an amazing wedding photo shoot inspired by the 4th of July.

Castleton Farms, established in 2009, is the premier wedding venue in East Tennessee.

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The shoot continued with several pictures of the couple with an American Flag, facing each other in a vintage rowboat, and sharing a kiss on a beach bicycle. For the inspirational reception, Cakery Bakery featured a tiered cake decorated in strawberries and blueberries, paired with ice cold lemonade in mason jars.

The photo shoot took place at the Woodland Gardens. With a stone aisle surrounded by tall trees strung together with lights, it is the perfect place to say “I do”! Ben shot Rachel wearing a beautiful, sleeveless gown accented with an ornate, jeweled belt. Her style was created by Rachel Ridner and Kelly Schmid, and her hair was styled by Bangs and Blush.

Bliss, Coldstream Market and All Occasions Party Rentals collaborated to turn Woodland Gardens into a patriotic reception, including a cozy couch between antique wing-backed chairs. Carnations sat in vases of glass bottles and refreshments were served on a reclaimed wooden table. Creative invitations were provided by Liddabits Products.

The couple kissed under a natural wooden arbor decorated with white fabric and surrounded by lit candles. Sarah’s bouquet of red peonies was matched by the flowers hung over the arbor, arranged by The Katelier Florist.

Ben’s children, Brennan, Knox and Molly Finch, are featured with Rachel and Joey, and added some family fun to the inspirational shoot. Through the collaboration of Finch Photo, Castleton Farms, and many others, the photo shoot was a big success!

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Celebrating 100 Years Of Service On

AUGUST 25, 2016 The National Park Service turns 100!

The Centennial will celebrate the achievements of the past 100 years.This celebration is really about the future. The National Park Service and National Park Foundation are working closely with partners and stakeholders across the country to ensure that the Centennial is more than a birthday. They want people everywhere to embrace the opportunities to explore, learn, be inspired or simply have fun in their 407 national parks, as well as understand how the National Park Service’s community based recreation, conservation, and historic preservation programs positively impact their own communities.

Find out more at: www.FindYourPark.com

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Million Number of Visitors To The National Parks In 2015

2015 MOST VISITED NATIONAL PARKS

1. Great Smoky Mountains

2. Grand Canyon 3. Rocky Mountain 4. Yosemite 5. Yellowstone 6. Zion 7. Olympic 8. Grand Teton 9. Acadia 10. Glacier

SOURCE: NPS

Commemorative Coins These coins commemorate more than 400 beautiful, historic and exquisite sites, over 80 million acres consisting of approximately 18,000 miles of trails, more than 75,000 archaeological sites and at least 247 species of threatened or endangered plants and animals.

Commemorative Stamps

National Park Service’s 100th Anniversary to be Celebrated on Forever Stamps:16 Parks to be Previewed on stamps.

NATIONAL PARKS ADVENTURE IMAX

Just in time for our Centennial, the National Park Service is excited to be featured in the film National Parks Adventure. This amazing large-screen format presents parks in never-seenbefore, breathtaking ways! Now playing in Chattanooga. www.tnaqua.org

Photo by: Tammu Lee

Smokies Centennial Challenge

HIKE 100

To honor the first 100 years of the National Park Service and launch into the next century, the Park Superintendent has committed to hiking 100 miles of park trails during 2016 -- and he invites you to join in on this challenge!

Photo by: Tammy Lee

Whether you are new to hiking in the Smokies or have seen most or all the trails in the park before, the park encourages you to set a goal of reaching 100 miles during this special year of celebration, between January 1-December 6, 2016. You may

hike any 100 miles of maintained trails in the park. Your miles can include everything from front country nature trails to the extensive trail network in the backcountry.

You may hike the same trail repeatedly or different trails; you may hike them solo, with a group or even with a guide. The goal is to inspire you to explore and enjoy the many benefits the park has to offer.

Explore the park website for information about hiking safety, trail recommendations, weather, road and trail closures, and the park’s trail map. If you plan to include overnight trips in your hiking plan, be sure to obtain a reservation and permit for all overnight stays in the back-country.

When you are ready to take on this challenge, plan your hikes and get out on a trail! Download a mileage log, create your own log, or purchase a ‘Hike the Smokies’ log book to keep track of your miles. The

‘Hike the Smokies’ log book is available for $1.00 at bookstores in the park or on the Great Smoky Mountains Association website.

After you have hiked 100 miles this year, send an email to let us know! You will then receive information about the Hike 100 Celebration on Thursday, December 8, 2016 to receive your commemorative “Smokies Centennial Challenge - Hike 100” pin!

For more informaiton and to check out a variety of gifts that you can buy, visit the park’s website at www.smokiesinformation.org

M arking the historic centennial of the

National Park Service, two iconic American brands - Airstream and Pendleton Woolen Mills - have joined together to create 100 limited edition travel trailers. Inspired by a mutual love for the great outdoors and American craftmanship, each trailer is a treasure and a tribute to the parks - and to the adventures we all share.

Founded by two remarkable men - Wally Byam (Airstream) and Thomas Kay (Pendleton), their legacies are built upon entrepreneurial vision fueled by an authentic love for exploration and innovation.

A TIME-HONORED TRADITION OF QUALITY.

Detailed design considerations bring the Pendleton to life while celebrating our treasured lands. A special awning package comes standard, and an exclusive accessory kit features selects from Pendleton’s iconic National Park Collection, including woolen blankets, a dining set, throw pillows, hand towels, and more.

Photography From Airstream

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The screened rear sport hatch opens wide to welcome in the outdoors, while dual Quietstream™ air conditioners keep the inside cool in the summer’s heat. With over 84 million acres of National Parks out there to explore, in the Pendleton, everything feels right.

Vivid colors and bold patterns inspired by our wildest lands are included throughout the limited edition travel trailer, which includes choices from Pendleton’s famous National Park Collection. Find woolen blankets and shams, wool-down blend bed pillows, toss pillows, bath and hand towels, a dining set, a pet bed, a cuddly teddy bear, and even a scented candle.

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Interior walls feature a wall map of Yellowstone, the world’s original national park, as a way of celebrating our glorious natural cathedrals, places which have hosted countless Airstream adventures. It’s a reminder to never stop wandering – to escape, explore, and discover.

EVERYTHING, INCLUDING THE KITCHEN SINK.

Every detail has been considered to make the Pendleton feel like a home away from home: it even features a lighted handle and doorbell. In the wide galley, you’ll find a 8” deep sink with a removable Corian® cover, a stainless steel oven, and cooktop with glass cover. Now America’s greatest lands are right at your doorstep (and it’s made of a durable, premium, lightweight aluminum).

Harbor plank vinyl resembles real hardwood flooring, and Rustic Hickory laminates make the Pendleton® perfect for those who love the great outdoors. Brown Peat Ultraleather™ is custom-embroidered with Pendleton’s American Treasures design, which evokes the forests, rivers, and mountains protected by the National Park Service, while geometric patterns honor the Native Americans who have cared for our lands for centuries.

Still not sold yet? To see more about the Pendleton you can visit Chilhowee RV Center on Alcoa Highway.

Chilhowee RV Center 4037 Airport Hwy Louisville, TN 37777 Phone: 865-970-4085 Toll Free: 800-423-9580 SUMMER 2016 MONROE LIFE

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

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

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

MONROE LIFE SUMMER 2016

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” 300 Main Street, Madisonville, Tennessee 37354 | 423-442-2224 | dyerm5@nationwide.com agency.nationwide.com/mike-dyer-in-knoxville-tn

SUMMER 2016 MONROE LIFE

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Mon roe li f e

taste the adrenaline: Anderson County Adventure is a delicacy reserved for those who detour from the beaten path. It is the taste of mud in your mouth, sweat in your eyes and dirt under your fingernails. It is pure, unadulterated fun, paired best with the sweet satisfaction of discovering yourself in places not found on a map.

Where to next? That’s entirely up to you.

norris lake

Museum of appalachia

UNCHARTED More than 800 miles of unspoiled shoreline on Norris Lake. Three hundred years of American history from the Museum of Appalachia, to the WWII Secret City to the Civil Rights Era. Over 300 miles of off-road terrain at Windrock Park.

Endless opportunities for fishing, hiking, biking and exploring. Satisfy your hunger for adventure, history, culture and the great outdoors.

If you are in search of a typical weekend getaway, keep looking. If you are hunting for unparalleled experiences, discover something uncharted.

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nderson County is the ideal destination if you want to explore the outdoors, discover America’s heritage and history or just relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

250,000 acres

1,000 miles of trails

Our mountains and valleys create the perfect landscape for the outdoor enthusiast whether you are an adrenalin junky or wildlife observer. You can boat, ski or fish along our 800 miles of shoreline on Norris Lake, or fish one of the world’s premier trout fisheries.

We also have over 250,000 acres of wilderness that are ideal for hiking, biking, off-roading, horseback riding, wildlife and wildflower viewing. Our more than 1,000 miles of trails meander along river banks and climb into majestic mountains while providing many picturesque resting spots. Whether you prefer a challenging climb or a casual stroll, the perfect trail is waiting for you to explore.

Anderson County also offers the unique opportunity to travel through 300 years of American History. You can be transported from 18th Century Appalachia to the atomic age to the Civil Rights Era and into the future.

The term “Appalachian” is not only the name of the mountain range in Eastern North America. It also refers to a unique American culture of crafts, music, cuisine, heritage and beliefs. This culture is on display throughout Anderson County at the Museum of Appalachia, Lenoir Museum Historical Complex and Appalachia Arts Craft Center.

From beautiful rural countrysides to picturesque mountain settings, from eclectic cosmopolitan cities to small “Mayberry” like living, Anderson County’s diversity is appealing to anyone who visits and wants to stay.

MICHELIN • BRIDGESTONE • PRIMEWELL • FIRESTONE & MORE

Find a Lower Price and We’ll Match It.

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years of Service, Dependability, Smooth Rides and now Our Price Match Guarantee! At the time of purchase, if you find a current lower advertised price on the identical, in-stock tire from a local retail competitor’s store, we will match the competitor’s pre-tax price. So call today and experience the hometown legacy of Matlock Tire Service.

GOING THE EXTRA MILE AT H E N S • L E N O I R C I T Y • M A RY V I L L E • FA R R A G U T www.matlocktireservice.com

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Ivan Worrell A Sweetwater Tennessee Hero Written By Jack Alman

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van Worrell was born on December 4, 1927, in small town Holden, West Virginia. Although a West Virginian by birth, Ivan soon found his way to the rolling hills of East Tennessee. At 13 years old his dad, who worked as an electrician in the West Virginia coal mines, lost his job during the Great Depression and moved his family to Tennessee where they settled in Maryville. Ivan attended Maryville High School and, after graduation at age 18, joined the Navy. He was soon faced with a life changing decision. His whole family served in the military. His father who had been trained as an electrician while in the Navy, served during peace time in the 1930’s between WWI and WWII. Ivan’s grandfather fought in the Spanish American War, and his great grandfather served for the southern Confederacy as an officer with the 50th Infantry in the Army of Virginia. With a family history like his, Ivan knew his life’s path would lead him to also serve in the United States Military. As an enlisted man, Ivan was assigned to serve aboard the USS

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Rodman and later reassigned to the USS Hamblen. Upon his release from the Navy after serving two years at the end of WWII, Ivan returned home and attended Maryville College. He later transferred to Georgia Military Academy where he took his ROTC training and graduated as 2nd lieutenant after two years in the program. He then transferred to the University of Tennessee where he met and married Alice Robinson Kirk and graduated from the Tennessee College of Business where he studied journalism. His education proved to be invaluable later on in his life. He entered the United States Army as a commissioned officer 2nd lieutenant in 1951 after he was sent to Fort Benning, Georgia. Here he attended Officer Training School and was assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division (later split to be commissioned as the 101st Airborne Division) where he attended jump school. He completed the required five jumps to earn his “wings”, but he didn’t stop there. The adrenaline burst kept him jumping out of a perfectly good airplane over 300 times!

Above left is Forty-eight-year-old Nguyen Bo, held captive by the Viet Cong for thirteen months, telling his story to Major I. G. Worrell, Staff Officer of the 101st Airborne Division’s First Brigade. Bo and nine other prisoners were rescued from a Viet Cong prison camp located in dense mountain jungle near Tuy Hoa in the Phu Yen Province. The American Troops were led to the prison camp by an escaped prisoner who reported that 20 other prisoners were beaten to death by their communist guards.

Top right is Ivan Worrell in Viet Nam, 1966. Below left is the First Brigade color logo.

Ivan’s training continued as he was assigned to the Korea Officer Training School for Psychological Warfare at Fort Riley, Kansas. After this training, he was sent to Soule, Korea, and assigned to I Corp as platoon leader for the 8th Army Headquarters. Here, he was the officer in charge (OIC) and led a team that operated loud speakers broadcasting American propaganda into North Korea at the 38th parallel.

In 1953, Ivan returned to the States as the executive reconnaissance officer for the 90mm reconnaissance unit for the 325th Infantry Regiment, a division of the 82nd Airborne. His next assignment would transfer him to become the 10th

Special Forces A Team Leader at Fort Bragg. This training would prepare him to enter the war in Germany. The Special Forces training he received here was extremely intense as he learned to scuba dive in harsh conditions, mountain climb various terrain, and endure the weather in snow survival training. After 3 years, he was again reassigned to the 101st Airborne at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Here, he gained Captain’s bars and was assigned to the S-2 Intelligence Battle Group and was promoted to Troop Information Officer. Ivan then took on another reassignment as 1st Company Commander of the First Airborne Battle Group of the C “Cobra” Company. Ivan still attends the reunions of this company as the historic group made a huge impact on his career and life. Worrell

soon found his way back to Germany to serve in leadership as team leader with the 10th Special Forces S-2 section under the direction of Major Ralph Puckett. Only a short time after this assignment, Worrell was called back to the States to Fort Brag to serve as the team leader for the 6th Special Forces Group. After time spent in this position, Worrell found his path leading him to Vietnam, where he joined up with the First Brigade of the 101st Airborne. Ivan took a short break after his tour in Vietnam to further his education in journalism at the University of Omaha.

A military man at heart, Worrell put his education to practice and returned to serve as the Information Officer at Fort Sheridan, III. One more reassignment would return him to Fort Brag with the 82nd Airborne as the Information Officer. Worrell would remain in this position until his retirement in 1969. His many exploits and positions held has provided him with many honors

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First page from left to right: Ivan Worrell in 2015. Ivan with a replica welcome sign at the First Brigade reunion. Ivan with the First Brigade Welcome sign, 1966. Below is Ivan laying the memorial wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Washington D.C. on May 28th, 2014.

and recognitions. He holds ribbons from each of the countries in which he served as well as the “combat infantry badge”.

Although Ivan is retired from military service, he still believes in serving those around him. He is an active member of the Kiwanis Club of Sweetwater, Freemasons, Odd Fellows, and the Sweetwater Arts Council. Ivan is also actively fundraising for the Boys Scouts of America National Council. He serves independently with the Ketchum Agency, a public association headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Ivan can add being an accomplished writer to his list of accomplishments as well.

He is the author of a multipage tabloid keeping veterans apprised of the events and happenings of the 101st Airborne entitled, “The Always First Brigade”. Ivan resides in Sweetwater and maintains an office on Main Street in the antique district of downtown. Ivan is a very active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Sweetwater.

Ivan’s legacy of service to our country lives on and has inspired others. Ivan has 3 children, one of which is currently an Officer of State at the Fort Knox Armor Training School. He also has a grandchild that is currently a colonel in the United States Army.

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

(800) 245-5428 (423) 253-8010 info@monroecounty.com www.cherohala.org www.monroecounty.com

SUMMER 2016 MONROE LIFE

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Sail Into Summer At

The Lily Pad Boutique FINEST LADIES APPARREL

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ocated in the beautiful Sweetwater Valley, about midway between Knoxville and Chattanooga, lies the historic and quaint little town of Sweetwater. A shopper’s delight, whether it’s antiques, art, apparel, shoes or home decor that appeals to you, you’ll find shopping a pleasure when you park and stroll around the lovely downtown area.

The Lily Pad Boutique, a ladies clothing store, is celebrating its 38th year in business, with customers enjoying the fabulous selection of ladies apparel and unsurpassed customer service the store has become famous for.

Ladies Apparel For All Ages & Sizes • Gift Certificates • Complimentary Gift Wrap • Wardrobing and Make-Up by Renee • Infant Gifts • Accessories Galore • Complimentary Alterations • arT by fisher jewelry • Home Decor and Jewelry • Purses Let your summer shopping begin in Sweetwater as you experience the unique, fashion forward approach that The Lily Pad brings to our area.

The Lily Pad...The Gathering Place--- Shop With Friends or Make New Ones Here!!!

The Lily Pad Boutique | 209 N Main St, Sweetwater, TN 37874 | 423.337.5537 | sweetwaterlilypad.com

www.PeoplesBank-TN.com

423-442-7262

Find us on Facebook and Twitter!

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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

Congratulations Alan Johnson!

New Book When Forever’s Over Now Available

Get your copy today on amazon.com

It’s 1966, and ‘the times, they are a-changin’. For Cubby James, his best friend Danny MacMahan and the kids living in the East Tennessee mountain town of Lincoln, everything is all mixed up. As they begin high school, the reality of events makes them question all they learned as children. Leaders once respected, fail to measure up. Beliefs held as truth, begin to crack. The good die young. It looks to them as if the world is turning up-side down. Closer to home, when the County Sheriff, with a woman not his wife, crashes his new vehicle with a trunk full of moonshine, Cubby and Danny get their first taste of local politics as they work to elect Danny’s older brother, a recently returned Viet Nam veteran. Nationally, the daily news is a drum beat of body counts and battles fought in a war half-way around the world, that increasingly makes no sense, while protests mount at home. Against this backdrop, the teens must work

through the changes occurring in their lives as they start to become adults, enter high school and get caught up in sports.

Along the way, the guys come to the realization that girls really are different— and not half as bad as they once thought.

As 1968 begins, war worries increase, politicians lie and leaders are assassinated.

The people look to religion to anchor their lives in the chaos, and the teens begin to deal with emotions and situations that are constantly changing around them.

But even religion can be twisted, and they learn that words, when taken to extreme, have consequences. WHEN FOREVER’S OVER transports the reader to a time when things were supposed to be simple, but instead were a maze of conflicting values and passions. In the end, friendship is the only thing that lasts forever. Told from the young teen’s viewpoint, in authentic dialect and in the tradition of mountain storytelling, this “coming of age” tale is a trip back in time.

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Education Through Outreach:

Cleveland State’s Service-Learning Program

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Photography Courtesy of Cleveland State Community College

or many college students, classes are about mastering a subject and earning a grade. Go to class, study, take the test, move on. But through their Service-Learning Program, Cleveland State Community College (CSCC) offers students a chance to do more than just learn—they have the opportunity to make an impact.

Program History The Service-Learning Program began in 2008, conceptualized by Dr. Carl Hite, the college’s president at the time, and spearheaded by Susan Webb-Curtis. Susan was instrumental in ensuring the success of the program. Having been with the college since 1988, she was able to leverage longterm relationships at the college to engage faculty and promote the initiative. She worked with Tennessee Campus

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Compact to acquire AmeriCorps VISTA positions and also helped write a $2 million Title III grant.

As a result of this grant, they were able to hire Sherry Holloway in 2010, who joined the team as the Service-Learning Coordinator. Together they developed a program infrastructure and helped identify faculty and staff to serve on the Advisory Council.

Susan and Sherry proved to be an effective team, building excitement for this new program and working strategically to attract influential faculty members to get on board with servicelearning. Since its inception in 2008, the program has thrived, with over 56 percent of CSCC’s faculty now incorporating service-learning into their curriculum.

What is Service-Learning?

Service-learning is a unique opportunity that integrates community service, instruction and reflection. Students earn college credit while also volunteering

their services to worthy local causes. At CSCC, students are involved in a semesterlong service project designed to address a community need. They then reflect and share these experiences in seminars, online discussions, class presentations and journals. Service hours obtained through these courses can even be used to meet scholarship requirements.

Classes range from 1 to 3 college credits.

There are general options with minimum volunteer hour requirements as well as more major-specific courses. Construction Technology: Service-Learning Habitat is geared towards Construction majors.

It enables students to have hands-on involvement in a Habitat project where they can make use of concepts presented in class in a real-world environment. There is also History Laboratory for History majors, which allows students to volunteer at an area museum, archive, historical society or other historical collection.

Many instructors at the college incorporate service-learning projects into their courses.

Business students help the Salvation Army with marketing plans. Accounting students help the Computer Repair Shop with bookkeeping procedures. Education students assist with the annual Dr. Seuss Day for local children. Social work students coordinate a free store in the local community.

Connecting Students with Opportunities In the beginning, the CSCC team actively sought partnerships with various community agencies but intentionally kept partnerships to a manageable limit, planning for annual growth. They wanted a variety of partners but needed to ensure they had enough students to actually provide volunteers to the agencies.

As the program grew, they added more opportunities. Holloway coordinates an annual Volunteer Expo with 60+ community agencies, bringing together faculty, staff, students, agency reps and community members and giving students the opportunity to “shop” for a volunteer project.

Moving Onward and Upward The program continues to grow and exceed expectations every year. In 2014, Dr. William Seymour became the sixth president of CSCC and gave his support to the program, and in 2015, the number of dedicated community partners reached over 100 agencies.

Sherry and Susan remain very active champions of the program. They present workshops and serve as mentors for other colleges throughout Tennessee and nationally. As a result of their dedication, CSCC has been honored three times by the

Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS). In 2010, 2013 and 2014, CSCC was named to the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll, one of only 33 community colleges to receive this honor. Susan Webb-Curtis has also received numerous awards, including the 2015 Service-Learning Visionary Award for her leadership.

CSCC truly understands that education is not only about classrooms, textbooks and tests. It’s about hands-on learning experiences, community and making an impact.

According to Susan, “Having the opportunity to build a servicelearning program

at the community college that serves my home community has been the favorite project of my career. Sherry Holloway who now serves as Director of ServiceLearning is incredible and has taken our program to new heights. The supportive administration and the incredible faculty at Cleveland State who have embraced the concept of connecting their classes to hands-on community service opportunities, will touch the lives of more students, service agencies and community members than I could have ever done in my classes alone. What our college and many other colleges across the nation are doing is absolutely putting more college student hands into action helping others.”

Susan Webb-Curtis lives in Monroe County and now serves as the Dean of Business and Technology at Cleveland State.

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Pictured above is Dr. William Seymour, CSCC President, Sherry Holloway, Director of Service-Learning, Webb-Curtis, and Dr. Denise King, Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Susan Webb-Curtis: Cleveland State’s Dedicated Employee

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more students to achieve their educational and career goals. Susan Webb-Curtis is among the finest instructors I have had the pleasure of knowing.”

usan Webb-Curtis has had an incredible 25+ years at CSCC. Originally hired as a Title III Retention Specialist, over the years, her role at the college has evolved considerably.

She served 14 years as a director in Student Services, coordinating freshmen orientation, career planning & placement, scholarships, and student relations. She then served as Director of Cooperative Education and taught co-op and job search courses for many years. In 2008, she became the Director of Service-Learning, a program she helped both develop and cultivate. She was instrumental in recruiting both students and faculty to the program, which has become such a success, both she and the college have received numerous awards and recognitions.

· 2015 CSCC Service-Learning Visionary Award. · 2013 John and Suanne Rouche League for Innovation Excellence Award · 2010 NISOD Excellence Award · 2010 Tennessee Campus Compact “Tennessee Treasure” Award · 2009 Cleveland State Distinguished Faculty Member · 2006 and 2009 Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers · 2003 and 2010 CSCC Faculty Star Award for Community Service

“Susan exudes energy in her pursuit of opportunities for students,” stated Dr. Denise King, Vice President for Academic Affairs. “She has been consistently creative over many years in finding new ways for

It truly is an honor to have such an exemplary woman residing in our area, someone clearly committed to both the students at CSCC and the community in which she lives.

MONROE LIFE SUMMER 2016

Here is a look at some of the outstanding awards and recognitions Susan has received over the years:

Access Medical Care Monroe County A new facility providing primary care and walk in services to the greater Monroe County community.

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We offer manicures, pedicures, Shellac, hard gels 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.

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

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Happy 4

th

of July

Tellico Plains

Tellico Plains Flag Day June 12th 1pm—5pm The Tellico Plains Outreach Group will be having a patriotic celebration lining the businesses throughout Tellico Plains with flags.

The celebration will include a parade, vendors, presentation of the colors, and music.

For more information contact Marion at (423) 519-0346 Annual Square Dance July 2nd in Downtown Tellico Plains The Annual Square Dance will be hosted by the Tellico Plains Kiwanis Club and will be the fund-raiser for helping the children of Tellico Plains. Come out and enjoy live music, kid zone, vendors, and much more!

For more information call (423) 253-8010

Madisonville

4th of July Celebration at Kefauver Park July 4th 4pm—9:30pm Come enjoy live bands, vendors, crafters, and Firework show by Pyro.

For more information call (423) 442-9416

vonore

4th of July Celebration: Downtown Vonore July 4th Celebration to include parade and fireworks over the lake at dark For more information call (423) 884-6211

sIndependence weeTwaTer Day Celebration Monday July 4th 6am - Registration begins for 5k road race and kids fun run “duck park dash” 7:30am - 5K Road Race begins followed by kids run 9am - Road Race ceremony at gazebo 10am - Vendor set-up. All vehicles out by 1 p.m.

11:30am - Registration for cornhole tournament at Fire Hall #2 (Play starts at Noon) Cash prizes - 1st place $300, 2nd place $200, 3rd place $100, $25 per team to enter, double elimination 12pm - Cornhole Tournament begins at Fire Hall #2 2pm - Parade line up begins (location TBD) 3pm - Parade begins 3:30pm - Ceremony at gazebo 3pm–4pm - Registration for karaoke contest begins at gazebo (18-20 people MAX) 3pm–9pm- Music at Duck Park bandstand (band: The Crew), Kid Zone opens, Vendors, and Food 3:30pm–6:30pm - Karaoke Contest at the gazebo 8:30pm - Dancing in the Streets 9:30pm (Dark)- Fireworks by Pyro Shows Times are subject to change. Sweetwater’s Facebook page will have the most up to date info:www.facebook.com/City-of-Sweetwater-Tennessee-Government

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History of McGill Click Funerals & Cremations ith a vision, much ambition and a lot of hard work, McGill Click Funerals and Cremations opened at the beginning of 2015. The McGill and Click families are very experienced in the funeral business; many of the

staff literally have grown up in the business. Being family owned means that anyone we serve will receive the utmost in

personal care during a very difficult time. The funeral business is so much more than a job or even a profession. It is a lifestyle and a calling that we at McGill Click are honored to call ours. We hope you find our establishment to be the epitome of compassion and professionalism, because we are “Committed to Compassionate Care”.

Amy McGill Millsaps

Larry Click

MCGILL CLICK FUNERALS & CREMATIONS • PO BOX 301 • 1366 HIGHWAY 72 NORTH • LOUDON, TN 37774 • 865.408.3001 48

MONROE LIFE SUMMER 2016

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FUN TIMES FOR KIDS THIS SUMMER!

First United Methodist Church Madisonville Calling All Kids!! There’s going to be lots of fun at the

Surf Shack, the place to be at our Vacation Bible School this summer, plus other fun activities for kids K through 12th grades.

Visit the website for details on how to register your child.

New Friends Are Always Welcome. Ours is a church committed to community outreach programs, fellowship, and spiritual growth among friends.

All are invited to join us each Sunday and make our church your summer home.

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 SUMMER 2016 MONROE LIFE

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OF THE MONROE AREA

Need Your Help Written By Amaris Seepe

T

he Boys and Girls Club is a nationally known and recognized community organization dedicated to helping and teaching children that are in low socioeconomic households. They offer many programs centered around giving children the best opportunities possible and helping them become well rounded young adults so they can reach their goals. They have a long standing history of helping children in need, but now The Monroe Area Boys and Girls Club needs your help.

The Boys and Girls Clubs in the Monroe Area have been chartered since 1996 and is celebrating its 20th year of changing kid’s lives. The Club relies heavily on community support to be able to foster these young lives, but since the economic downturn of 2009, it’s been increasingly difficult to get that support from the community.

Fund-raising, donations, and grant income has been on a steady decline since 2009, while expenses have continued to increase.

In fact, income was down $95,000, or 10%, from 2014. In order to continue

the great services that the Club provides, the board of directors have worked persistently to bring expenses down.

They have worked so intensely, that they have been able cut expenses down $284,000, or 25%, without having to cut any of the services they provide to the community. The Boys and Girls Club has 6 units in Monroe county: Madisonville, Sweetwater, Vonore, Rural Vale, Teen Center, and Coker Creek. With only 6 clubs across the county enrollment is at a whopping 800 kids a year, and about 70% of these children are on free or reduced scholarships. The average daily attendance records show that the Club can impact as many as 300 children a day.

Although it is awe inspiring that the club are able to touch this many lives, with this many children, it’s very difficult to keep staff levels high enough to give each and every child the attention they deserve. The staffing levels are set by the enrollment levels at the club, Federal Government Regulations, and Boys and Girls Club’s standards.

The major problem with the staffing situation, though, is that wage and staff benefits take up 62% of all Boys and Girls Club expenses. This along with the drop in community contributions, crippling loss of fund-raising income, and a jaw dropping 60% decrease in program fees received has brought The Boys and Girls Clubs of the Monroe Area to a difficult point.

It’s extremely simple to support the Club, all you have to do is promote it around the city, donate or volunteer.

It can also be fun to help out the Boys and Girls Club. You could show your support by attending their annual auction on July 30th or go to their Fall wine tasting in Tellico Village tentatively scheduled for October 22nd. For information or to buy tickets call 423-442-6770. Tickets sell extremely fast so make sure to reserve yours today.

Visit their website at bgcmonroearea.org to learn more about up-coming events and other ways to help The Boys and Girls Club.

Every Donation Counts.

Help The Monroe Area Boys and Girls Club By Making A Donation Today.

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800 kids a year are enrolled at a Monroe Area Boys and Girls Club.

Of those 800 more than 70% of children are on free or reduced scholarship The Club’s annual income has dropped 10%, or $95,000, since 2014; and there has also been a 60% decrease in program fees received.

According to the average daily attendance records, the Boys and Girls Club can impact as many as 300 children a day!

Support your local Boys and Girls Club by attending their upcoming events: Annual Auction Fall Wine Tasting July 30th, 2016 October 22nd, 2016 Tellico West in Vonore Tellico Village SUMMER 2016 MONROE LIFE

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Pictured from left to right: Melissa Hooper, Administrative Assistant; Nancy Dunsmore, Volunteer Supervisor; Jodi Swiderek, Volunteer Coordinator Assistant; Lyne Schoeck, Volunteer Coordinator and Alisa M. Hobbs, Executive Director.

Congratulations CASA Monroe on all your success!

CASA Monroe has received several important distinctions. In 2015, CASA Monroe’s Executive Director, Alisa M. Hobbs, received a Certificate of Appreciation from Governor Bill Haslam presented by Jim Henry, the then DCS Commissioner who now serves as Governor Haslam’s Chief of Staff. In November, Alisa M. Hobbs was elected by her peers to the TN CASA Board and serves as 1 of 3 agency representatives on this board. In 2016, CASA Monroe was recognized as the Organization of the Year by the Monroe County Chamber of Commerce. In April 2016, Alisa M. Hobbs was elected to the National CASA Rural Leadership Council. This is a position that is held by only 1 of 10 other CASA Executive Directors from throughout the nation. She will provide leadership and direction to other rural CASA programs throughout the United States and will assist in training at the National CASA Convention in Washington, D.C. in June 2016. CASA Monroe is looked upon as one of the most successful rural CASA programs in Tennessee.

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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

The art of Cindy Moser from Madisonville can be found at Sweetwater's Gallery on Main. We support more than 25 local artists. We have many kinds of art, from paintings to jewelry, wood carving to wood turning and fused glass.

Visit us for your next gift idea.

Like us on Facebook or visit our website!

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

SUMMER 2016 MONROE LIFE

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Thomas R. Cox III. M.D.

Juliana Williamston, M.D. Alexandra Feliciano, M.D.

Richard K. Fisher Jr., D.O. Psychiatrist

Heather Bolinger, FNP

Mary Brown, FNP

Charles Cyrus, FNP

Kelci Hunter, FNP

Jennifer McKenzie, FNP

Julie Sutter, LCSW, LADAC

William Thorton, FNP

Katy Tilley, FNP

Meet your

Barbara “Libby” King, FNP

Jodi Watson, FNP

PRIMARY CARE PROVIDERS

Chota Community Health Services (CCHS) is a 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, psychiatrist, and behavioral health counselors dedicated to serving patients’ needs and ensuring their ongoing health through lasting relationships.

www.chotahealth.org

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

Welcome MACA’s New Director: CRYSTAL SMITH Written By Halea Lingerfelt

C

rystal Thomas Smith, educator, lover of the arts and Monroe County native, is the new executive director of Monroe Area Council for the Arts. A graduate of Tellico Plains High School, Crystal discovered her love for the arts on an elementary school field trip to Hiwassee College to see the play, Oklahoma. After receiving degrees from Hiwassee College and Tennessee Wesleyan College, Crystal moved to Blount County to work in the school system. Her love for the arts has called her back to work in her hometown. “I feel so very blessed to be the new director of MACA, and I am thoroughly thrilled about the event schedule we have coming up.”

This feeling of gratitude is especially evident as Smith has dreamed of working with MACA for years. Smith applied to work with the organization as a new graduate of Tennessee Wesleyan but did

not receive the position. Although her life experiences were short at the time, the zeal she had as a graduate for Monroe County, the arts and children’s programming has carried on through the years. Smith says she is thankful she didn’t get the job right after college and credits her later life experiences for fully preparing her for the job.

Crystal and her husband Jason Smith, a native of Sweetwater and graduate of Loudon High School, currently live in Sweetwater on a farm with their 11 year old son and 3 year old daughter.

Although Smith plans to introduce many new exciting performers to the year’s schedule, she is currently excited to welcome a hometown name back to Monroe County. Justin Moses, lead instrumentalist for Sierra Hull band, will be coming to perform in March 2017. A graduate of Sequoyah High School, Justin has traveled

with the folk-Americana band and has played on stages such as the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee. Sierra Hull has been closely compared to and promoted by Country-Folk singer, Alison Krauss and is a graduate of Berklee College of Music.

As always, MACA is hosting their Summer Art Camp series with director, Monroe County educator, Charlotte Lee. This year’s theme entitled, “It Could Happen at the Zoo!” begins in early June in Madisonville at Madisonville Primary School with the Sweetwater camp and an additional Madisonville camp happening later in the month. Children in pre-K to 7th grades are encouraged to attend.

For more ticket information, full event schedule, and information for signing up for this year’s Summer Art Camp, please visit monroearts.com or call 423-442-3210.

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Have A Picnic On The Hill At

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o beautiful that neighbors have built their homes to face the vineyard, Foxcreek Cellars and Vineyard was once a mass of jumbled bramble and overgrown brush. Hilly land once deemed unsuitable for farming is now the home of a graceful vineyard, appearing to be plucked from another bygone time.

Foxcreek was quietly sowed some seven years ago as cattle prices bottomed out and the home building business fizzled.

Always reinventing themselves the Givens family, Randy, Hayley, son Dillion and daughter Rachelle began again in earnest.

Now a high school student, Dillion talks about his involvement in the family’s business. “Through FFA, Future

Farmers of America, I’m working on my proficiencies in order to obtain college scholarships. This will help me understand more about agriculture and running a business. But it’s the growing part of this that appeals to me most.”

Randy, his father added, “We, as a family, set the first vine seven years ago on my birthday, and we have been all in ever since.

With an average of 25 ton grapes last year, I guess we’re doing okay. We grow sweet Muscadine because it’s the variety of grape that grows so well here in the foothills of Tennessee. But we have some Concord grapes and soon, if all goes well, some other varieties, maybe even for Chardonnay. Of course we put in strawberries every year

and people swarm here in the spring for them. Our blueberry bushes have also yielded some outstanding jams along with our raspberry and blackberry crops. We are putting out some flavorful sweet wines.”

Winning the Sole Conservationist Award from McMinn County in 2014, the vineyard has expanded to include a sumptuously rustic wine tasting room open Thursday and Fridays from 4-7 and Saturday and Sunday from 12-7. Located in Sweetwater on County Rd 350, tours of the vineyard and intimate picnics on the scenic overlook are by appointment. Call 423-536-8901 or email foxcreekvineyard1@gmail.com, like them on Facebook or visit the website at www.foxcreekcellars.com

Above are the owners of Foxcreek Cellars and Vineyard Randy and Hayley Givens with their children, Dillion and Rachelle.

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Are you TIRED of landscape edging around your yard that FALLS DOWN or DOESN’T CONTAIN your mulch or rock?

Volunteer Curb Appeal offers a permanent, beautiful solution to this problem! ● A proven solution to landscape edging. ● Keeps mulch, rock, or straw contained in beds and off sidewalk and driveways ● Cheaper than rock and sandstone ● Does not fall over or break like conventional landscape edging. ● A wide variety of colors and designs make it an exciting process for homeowners.

Affordable long term solution to your landscape edging needs.

Call to get 10% off today!

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MONROE LIFE SUMMER 2016

For free estimate and more information contact Volunteer Curb Appeal at (865) 318-1484 or visit their website at www.volunteercurbappealtn.com

SUMMER 2016 MONROE LIFE

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Want to take take giant strides toward your education or professional goals, stay close to home, and not break the bank? Then sign up for summer classes at Cleveland State! With new programs starting in the fall, there’s never been a more exciting time to turn up the heat on your education.

Let us be your #1 choice this summer!

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MONROE LIFE MAGAZINE’S 4TH ANNUAL

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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

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

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LifeSigns

Teaching That Volunteerism, Education and Training Equals Careers Written By Mary Burns | Photography By Abby Swabe

T

he dedicated volunteers of LifeSigns, a 501(c)3, nonprofit organization, are working incredibly hard with a common goal to teach skills and provide training which will prepare participants of the LifeSigns programs to obtain jobs and move into higher education opportunities.

“Our people are making profound changes in their lives to become successful.”

Jeannie Anderson, Director of LifeSigns states proudly.

The organization is managed by volunteers from all walks of life, like graduates from WORTH (Woman On the Road To Herself) and 2nd Chance, a program designed to help the incarcerated. From offering literacy tutoring through the A.B.L.E. program and GED prep classes, LifeSigns starts with the basics and builds up to the WORTH and 2nd Chance classes which provide career and financial skill sets. After completing the programs, further assistance is provided for those who wish to pursue

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higher education or career placement.

The WORTH program, launched in 2014, offers hope, help and opportunity to women who want and need to change their circumstances. Candidates include women who have the willpower to step out of their current situation to create a better life for themselves. The ultimate goal is to create change by helping to break generational cycles, beginning with immediate needs and moving forward to a future of opportunities.

“Women are then apt to set an example for their children to follow if they’re initially equipped with the necessary resources and with the right tools.” Anderson explained.

The 2nd Chance program is one more of LifeSigns success stories. Director Jeannie Anderson wanted to begin a classroom

forum where introspective discussion, curriculum, and attainable goals could come together. In 2015, Anderson began working with Sheriff Tommy Jones and Chief Deputy Sheriff Randy White of the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department to bring inmates into the classroom.

“The classes are not mandatory as a part of a court order,” Anderson explains. “But they are a viable option for real transformation.

We don’t want anyone taking the classes that doesn’t want to change.

Each individual must be willing to be brutally honest with themselves. We do not ask our men and women to forget the past, but rather to remember it in such a way as to make it the reason to begin again, to forgive others and to ask for forgiveness.”

LifeSigns has grown their facility to include many services such as a shipping store, laundry services, and a concessions counter that has free wifi for guests.

LifeSigns is bringing about real and lasting change to people who desperately need a second chance. “We teach by example,” Anderson says. “We teach the art of giving back to the community. All of our graduates are expected to volunteer.” With the initial WORTH and 2nd Chance programs underway, LifeSigns now seeks to conquer other daunting challenges related to job placement and new business entrepreneurs – how to get student experience in a job and how to get good references.

In November of 2015, LifeSigns celebrated the grand opening of two new business operations, the LifeSigns operated Laundromat and the Ship It n More Store, located in the same building complex with the LifeSigns operated Community Thrift Center business. Formerly Magic Wash Maytag Coin Laundry, the previous owners leased day to day operations to LifeSigns, allowing the nonprofit to expand its Business and Entrepreneurial Training Center (BETC).

James Frank, a member of the 2nd Chance Program, completed several remodeling projects at BETC. With the expansion, LifeSigns has gained incredible momentum

in the community. With the help of the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department, Anderson is confident this momentum will continue. “I think we are a cohesive team, working toward getting people back on the right road.” She said.

“As we establish the BETC in Madisonville, graduates of LifeSigns programs are immersed into an environment that promotes positive thinking, creative problem solving and lifelong learning tools.” Anderson stated. “It’s all good news for the LifeSigns organization. Our programs are reaching people who need them and our efforts to train and provide people with on the job training and valuable references are just beginning to emerge.”

Jeannie went on to explain how each facet of the LifeSigns BETC works: The Shipping Center – Ship It n’ More provides WORTH graduates hands on training in the shipping industry, including shipping, receiving, faxing documents and customer service.

The Community Thrift Store and “The Shed,” an adjacent three season building,

contains larger used items such as furniture and used appliances. Selected current, former and future students of the 2nd Chance Program help sort, launder, hang, price and merchandise donations.

The Laundromat provides graduates the opportunity to help run the much needed service for the community.

LifeSigns graduates obtain valuable experience running a “mini-business”, such as shipping, customer service, and meeting community needs. Written References go along with the graduates’ volunteer efforts to further their career paths.

“As always, funding is a major issue as it is for most nonprofit organizations. We are all in this together. Our folks who provide donations are unsung heroes. Their acts of kindness are often absorbed into the thousand things we do for our community each year.” Anderson said.

Goals for the 2016 year are to obtain transitional housing for graduates of the program, with the opportunity to reestablish themselves in a fresh, drug-free environment to obtain jobs and recreate their lives.

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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

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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

Tellico Mountain Realty Helping you make our hometown your hometown. Stop by and see one of our seasoned agents with expertise in our historic and scenic area.

418 Cherohala Skyway, 423.253.6145 email: info@easttennnrealty.com www.tellicomountainrealty.com Find us on facebook Tellico Mountain Realty LLC 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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Farmers Market Tellico Plains Farmers Market celebrates 4 seasons of friendly faces combined with locally grown produce, artisan breads, local honey, free range eggs and crafts galore. Check out their Facebook page to view produce availability.

Come shop to improve your health and local economy in this open air market. This is sure to be a great Summer treat for the whole family!

Summer hours: Wednesdays and Saturdays: 9am-1pm (weather and produce permitting) Cherohala Skyway, between Visitors Center and Tellico Plains Public Library www.facebook.com/MCFarmMarket/

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 Arts Center The Tellico Arts Center hosts 79 artists of varied media who reside within 30 miles. Fabric art includes quilts, hand-woven items, hand-knit sweaters and painting on fabric. There are metal works, pottery, beading, wheat weaving, leather works, stained glass, Intarsia, local authors, local music CDs, photography, soaps, candles, paintings and mixed media represented.

113 Scott Street, 423.253.3003

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

Dan Harvey Owner

Providing Service and Quality Since 1988

610 Englewood Road Madisonville, TN 37354

(423) 420-1066

WHOLESALE PETROLEUM MARKETERS

Celebrating Over 25 Years of Serving East Tennessee 423.337.6671 www.sweetwatervalleyoil.com LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED

SUMMER 2016 MONROE LIFE

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WE LOVE IT!

https://www.facebook.com/GreatSmokyMountainsNPS/?fref=ts

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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

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We are Proud to Announce...

Now Open

New Physician Offices Our mission is to provide the highest quality medical care available in our service area within our scope of care.

We will continue to have a reputation for having highly knowledgeable and technically skilled staff members providing outstanding patient care in state-of-the-art facilities with genuine kindness and compassion for others.

www.sweetwaterhospital.org 865.213.8200