Clinton Life April 2015

President of the United States Visits Clinton People of all political persuasions lined the streets to see the presidential motorcade

New Leadership at the Chamber

Rick Meredith recently hired

Sheep Shearing at the Museum Bring the family!

Take a Break at Norris Dam Enjoy the warmer weather April 2015

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April 2015

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From the Editor

W

elcome to the April edition of Clinton Life. As you may have noticed, we haven’t printed a magazine in a few months. That’s because we have moved to a quarterly publication schedule, supplemented by a daily website!

Our website has been very successful in its first couple of months. We are reaching nearly twice as many people now that we publish daily, and we have the opportunity to publish news that needs immediate attention. For example, last month a family of four lost their home to a fire that happened just before midnight. We were able to interview neighbors, publish the story and spread the word within twelve hours.

Because of that and the power of social media, a fundraising site was set up and donation spots were set up all over the area to help the family.

We feel blessed to have been able to be a small part of helping this family and will continue to do what we can to improve our community, one story at a time.

January 2015

Editorial Crystal Huskey, editor, creative director Tara Anderson, creative assistant Stacy Pratt, contributing writer Rebecca Williams, contributing writer Maryann Mulvenon, contributing writer

Advertising

Paul Huskey, Advertising director

Printing and Distribution Century Publishing 5710 E. Seltice Way Post Falls, ID 83854

Production HUSKEY MEDIA

P.O. Box 1003 CLINTON TN 37717 Tel: 865.235.9213 Email: paul@huskeymedia.com

The website also allows our advertisers to change their ads on a more regular basis and reach a broader range of people. Please visit us at clintonlifemagazine.com, sign up for our newsletter, and follow us on Facebook!

If you have a story idea, email us at crystal@huskeymedia.com or call 865-209-0313.

Crystal Huskey

crystal@huskeymedia.com (865) 209-0313 4

April 2015 June 2014

facebook.com/clintonlifemagazine clintonlifemagazine.com

In This Issue: 10

President Obama Visits Clinton

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Meredith to Lead Chamber in May

16

Sheep Shearing at the Museum

17

Fresh Food Close to Home

24

Taking a Break at Norris Dam

Departments 04

From The Editor

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Around Town

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Gotta Go!

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Event Calendar

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And Another Thing ....

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Photo by Crystal Huskey

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Photo courtesy of the Anderson County Chamber

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Photo courtesy of the Museum of Appalachia

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Photo by Crystal Huskey

On the Cover President Barack Obama and Vice-President Joe Biden visited Clinton, Tenn., earlier this year.

Photo by Crystal Huskey

crystal@huskeymedia.com Interested in advertising?

Paul Huskey

(865) 235-9213

paul@huskeymedia.com

April 2015

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Q&A: Business Spotlight on Apple Discount Drugs

by Crystal Huskey

Clinton Life: When did Apple Discount Drugs form as a company?

Apple Discount Drugs: Apple was founded in 1987. We are excited that we are approaching 30 years soon!

CL: Who started it, and why?

AD: Tom and Karen Bright founded the store. They wanted to fill a need in the community. They started the company on Christian values and from the beginning really wanted to be a pharmacy that cared about the whole person, not just filling their prescriptions. They have really lived up to the logo“Where we know you and know your medicine.” We are still trying to do that very same thing today.

CL: What sets your pharmacy and store apart from others?

AD: We will do everything that we can to help people. You are not just a number. Everyone is important.

CL: Tell me about what the store has done for our community.

AD: Apple has really reached out to the schools this year, particularly with the Apple Athlete of the Year. We have supported many of the different sports and have tried to be available to the schools to help in any way we can.

CL: How are things going with the scholarships? When will the final person be selected?

AD: The Apple Athlete of the Year will be announced at the end of baseball season. If it is a senior, we hope we can announce it at graduation. If it is a lower classman, we hope to announce it at their awards ceremony at the end of the school year.

CL: Tell me more about the Athlete of the Year.

AD: Everyone in the community is invited to come into Apple Discount Drugs, located at 520 Clinch Avenue, Saturday - Wednesday of each week and cast your vote for your favorite student athlete. The athlete can be from any sport that is actively in season and he or she must be in good standing academically and disciplinary standing. The contest is for all athletes from Clinton High School and Anderson County High School and the student does not have to be a senior; the money will be set aside for them in a growth fund and awarded at the appropriate time.

Based on your votes, a player will be selected for the “Apple Athlete of the Week.” The player will be recognized through Apple’s Facebook, Twitter, and local media and will be eligible for the year ending prize of a $1,000 scholarship to any school of higher learning. This ends at the end of the school year.

CL: Have any employees stood out over the years?

AD: Katy Filicky celebrated 28 years with Apple this year. She has been here since the store began.

clintonlifemagazine.com

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April 2015

AROUND TOWN

Larry Foster Named ASAP’s Ally of the Year

by Stacey Pratt

The votes are in and the 2015 Anderson County Ally of the Year award goes to Larry Foster!

Mr. Foster competed against other candidates who were nominated for their passion to create a healthy and productive Anderson County. Other candidates included Tom Byrge, Ronnie Fox, Tim Isbel, Robert Jones, and Bear Stephenson. Citizens were then able to “vote” for the candidate or candidates of their choice by making a donation to Allies for Substance Abuse Prevention (ASAP) of Anderson County.

Each dollar counted as one vote and in the end Mr. Foster came out on top. Following closely behind in second place was Robert Jones followed by Ronnie Fox in third place.

Each candidate conducted their own

campaign, but all of the candidates were united by one goal: to use their leadership, influence and communication skills to raise funds to help prevent and reduce substance abuse in Anderson County. Over $4,600 was raised during the one month campaign, all of which will stay in Anderson County to support ASAP’s mission to prevent and reduce youth substance abuse in Anderson County by collaborating with community partners to implement effective intervention strategies.

Please congratulate Larry Foster and all of the candidates who did a great job for a great cause. To learn more about ASAP or to make a donation go to www.ASAPofAnderson.org or call 865-457-3007.

ASAP of Anderson County’s Red Ribbon Rivalry Winners Announced

by Stacey Pratt The Red Ribbon Rivalry heated up this year as Anderson County High School tried to redeem themselves after losing to Clinton High School last year. Clinton High School continued their winning streak to beat out Anderson County once again, but ACHS came much closer this year than last year.

Both schools were recognized at the Clinton versus Anderson County Basketball game and Clinton Principal Eric Snider, School Counselor Mary Tuskan, and students Sarah Thomas, Kelli Kent, and Reagan Wolfe accepted the trophy on behalf of Clinton High School.

Businesses across the county also participated in the Red Ribbon Rivalry this year and included Ace Hardware, Clinton Drug Store, Countryside Tire and Auto, Coal Creek Smokehouse, Git ‘n Go Markets, Hoskins Drug Store, Nikki’s Smartcutz, Powell Clinch Utility District, Say Ow Tattoo, and Secret City Pies.

The rivalry among businesses was also closer this year than last, but Git ‘n Go Market #4 came out on

top.

The Red Ribbon Rivalry is not only a way to raise money for substance abuse prevention in Anderson County, but also a way to raise awareness. In many instances, our culture tends to focus on the negative; this year, ASAP focuses on the positive by celebrating the achievements Anderson County has reached in substance abuse prevention over the past few years which includes a reductions in the rate of past 30 day use of alcohol, tobacco and marijuana by 6th through 12th graders in Anderson County. Funds raised during the rivalry will stay right here in Anderson County and be used to continue Allies for Substance Abuse Prevention (ASAP) of Anderson County’s mission to prevent and reduce youth substance abuse by collaborating with community partners to implement effective intervention strategies.

To learn more about ASAP or to make a donation go to www.ASAPofAnderson.org or call 865-4573007.

April 2015

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April 2015 Pub: CUB

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April 2015

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December 2014

T

President Barack Obama greets reporters as he lands at Tyson McGhee Airport.

All photos by Crystal Huskey except left page, top right, by Lyndsay McGhee

President Obama Comes to Clinton And a big chunk of the county turned out to see him and vicepresident Joe Biden as they traveled with their motorcade to Techmer, PM.

by Crystal Huskey

he reason we’re here is because wherever Americans are doing big things that can help build our middle class and grow our economy and extend opportunity to everybody, I want to be here to lift it up and figure out how we can promote more of it.”

Those were President Barack Obama’s words when he visited Clinton on Jan. 9, 2015, to announce the country’s newest manufacturing innovation hub.

He chose to speak at Techmer PM, a manufacturing plant in Clinton, to discuss the latest in a series of partnerships aimed at boosting advanced manufacturing, fostering American innovation, and attracting well-paying jobs that would strengthen the middle class, according to the White House.

Techmer PM specializes in cutting-edge research on advanced composites materials – such as carbon fiber – that are three times as strong and twice as light as the lightest metals; it demonstrates what is possible when a small company acquires a leading edge in important emerging technologies.

April 2015

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By acquiring a lead in these technologies, Techmer has been able to dramatically expand its employment – growing by over 160 employees since the recession to more than six hundred today.

After a decade of decline, American manufacturing is coming back, adding 786,000 new jobs since February 2010, according to the White House. The White House aims to create

high, and without any type of official planning, it seemed like the entire town came out to see the presidential motorcade and possibly even a glimpse of the president.

Residents came out big for the president, with thousands of people lining Highway 61 from the southern city limits all

with white racing stripes and an electric motor. The car weighs half as much, but is just as strong as the 1960s original Shelby Cobra. It went from concept to prototype in six weeks, and from design to fully printed parts in 24 hours.

“It ain’t my Corvette but it’s okay,” said Biden who jokingly tried to

“If the last decade was characterized by outsourcing, I want to define this decade by insourcing.”

--President Barack Obama

manufacturing hubs across the nation to boost production and jobs.

“These hubs just make sense,” Obama told the crowd at Techmer. “They work. They get people working together.

They create an ecosystem for a particular type of manufacturing and a specialization. That allows them to be a magnet for others that want to participate in this industry.”

On the factory floor in front of machinery and an American flag hanging on the back wall, Obama announced Knoxville would be the site of a manufacturing hub, the country’s fifth. The hub will be home to 122 public and private partners who are teaming up to make materials that are lighter and stronger than steel, according to the White House.

The materials will be ideal for fuel efficient cars or wind turbine blades that produce more energy, Obama said.

Clinton Shows Up

Schools in the area closed early the day the president came to town. The anticipation was

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April 2015

the way to Techmer PM. Locals held homemade cardboard signs spelling out “OBAMA” and “Welcome Y’all.”

Children especially were excited, after many brought home a school note warning parents that many roads would be closed and school would be out early.

Nearly everyone had a smart phone recording videos and taking photos. They jumped up and down, held American flags and waved at the passing motorcade. One family who lived along the route on Hwy 61 had their sloped front lawn painted with an American flag.

Whatever a person’s politics, it was a significant day for the town, a fact recognized by most residents. No other president has ever visited the city.

While at Techmer PM in Clinton, Obama and Biden were given access to a 3D printed, carbon-fiber replica of a Ford Shelby Cobra.

“Where do I get one of these?”

Obama asked his tour guide. “My birthday is coming up.”

Biden stood on the other side of the sleek blue sports scar

get in in the car.

“Biden wants to put on his aviator glasses and get in,” Obama joked.

Residents lined the streets to see the motorcade pass by.

Photo by Laura Hardy

“I understand I am the first president, sitting president, to visit Clinton,” Obama told the Techmer audience. “You’d think Bill would have come down here.”

“A missed opportunity!” Biden chimed in.

“Let me tell you, if there’s an Obama, Tennessee, I’m going to be there,” Obama said.

Manufacturing, according to Obama, was the essential ingredient in building the American middle class in recent decades.

“You punched in, you made something you were proud of -- Made in America, shipped everywhere around the world -- and as a consequence, you were able to take home a good paycheck, could support your family, had good benefits,” he said. “And it was a bargain that involved more than just building things; it reflected the values that this country stood for.”

Over time, technology made some jobs obsolete, according to Obama. Globalization and additional foreign competition meant that some jobs went overseas. American manufacturing lost about one-third of its jobs in the last decade, and the middle class paid the price.

“If the last decade was characterized by outsourcing, I want to define this decade by insourcing,” he said.

Today, factories are opening their doors at the fastest pace in almost two decades, according to Obama.

The President’s visit actually began at Pellissippi State, where he announced his proposal to make two years of community college free for all responsible students no matter their age.

He chose to make the announcement in Knoxville because the Tennessee Promise program, initiated by the state’s Republican governor, served as “an inspiration

for the president’s proposal and demonstrates that the proposal is both ambitious and achievable,” according to Eric Schultz, the deputy press secretary.

“The president believes the success we’ve seen in Tennessee should be available to all 50 states,” said Schultz.

The announcement was described

by Schulz as a way to “start a national conversation about how college access can be expanded for all Americans.

Information provided by a combination of interviews, press releases and pool reports from the presidential motorcade.

President Barack Obama departs Air Force One at Tyson McGhee Airport, followed by Sen. Lamar Alexander, Sen. Bob Corker and Rep. John Duncan.

Photo by Crystal Huskey

April 2015

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New Chamber President Rick Meredith: “Let’s Do This” Meredith brings to the table 20 years of leadership and experience in economic and community development as well as knowledge of both state and local planning.

by Crystal Huskey, with information provided by the Anderson County Chamber

The Anderson County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors has selected Rick Meredith as the incoming Chamber President effective April 1, 2015. Meredith will replace current President Jackie Nichols who announced her retirement effective May 1, 2015.

“My compliments and appreciation to the search committee for their time commitment and to Chamber Board Chairman Stephen Harris for his leadership during the hiring process,” said outgoing Chamber President Nichols. “Meredith was a highly qualified candidate and I believe the perfect selection to continue the Chamber’s current momentum and growth.”

“Back in the 1990s, I was very active in the Chamber when I was elected Register of Deeds,” Meredith said.

From 1990-2001, he was on various committees, including Leadership Anderson County. He was part of the second graduating class. Back then, he was, at various times, Chairman of the Board, Treasurer, and an overall operating part of the Anderson County Chamber of Commerce.

Meredith brings to the table 20 years of

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April 2015

leadership and experience in economic and community development as well as knowledge of both state and local planning. He has a proven track record in the implementation of new programs to foster the creation of jobs and sustained economic growth in both urban and rural areas.

His areas of expertise include budget management and planning, the supervision of a large staff, and state and federal grants.

He joined the Hollingsworth Companies in 2010 as Senior Vice-President for Community Development. In this position, he was responsible for recruiting industry throughout Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, and Mississippi.

He also manages a private industrial park and serves as an adviser to the President of the company on other economic development projects.

Meredith formerly served in Governor Phil Bredesen’s administration as Assistant Commissioner of the Community Development Division of the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development.

He was responsible for overseeing the Main Street, Retire Tennessee and Three-Star programs, as well as programs pertaining to Energy Policy, Local Planning and Grants and Loans. In this role, Meredith pioneered several state programs designed to help business owners. He developed and implemented the Tennessee One Stop Business Resource, an interdepartmental state government cooperative that allows business owners to easily register their business online.

Since its implementation, more than 900 businesses have registered and only two other states in the nation have a similar tool.

“When you work for the state in that capacity,” he said, “you get to hand out grant money, observe good ideas firsthand and really see Main Street; back then I thought to myself that one day I wanted to bring that home.”

Prior to joining the Bredesen Administration, Meredith served as the Anderson County Register of Deeds. He managed all public recording of instruments and an annual budget of approximately $250,000.

Meredith also organized the first-ever Business Enterprise Resource Office Business Matchmaking event providing small businesses with procurement opportunities. He also assisted in the implementation of the $62.5 million federally funded Volunteer State Solar Initiative, comprised of the Tennessee Solar Institute at the University of Tennessee, the West Tennessee Solar Farm, and the Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

“I can make a difference.

I feel like I can.

We have got to go.”

--Rick Meredith

“If you don’t do it now, then later in life you’ll never do it,” he said.

He had many ideas back when he worked for the state, but never had the opportunity to act on them.

He didn’t plan on serving as Chamber president. But when a group of people approached him about it, he began to seriously consider the impact he could have on the economic community.

“It’s not that I’m an expert,” he said, “but I’ve seen things done. Now I have the opportunity to see some of these ideas come to life.”

Meredith is currently serving his second term on the Anderson County Commission.

His district includes Clinton, South Clinton and North Clinton precincts. He is Chairman of the Government Operations and Agriculture Committees and is a member of the Legislative and Human Resources Committees.

He attended the University of Tennessee

Institute for Public Service, and is a Certified Public Administrator. A lifelong resident of Anderson County, he resides in Clinton with his wife, Kim. “I can make a difference. I feel like I can.

I have a lot of help,” he said. “It’s not that Anderson County and/or Clinton or the Chamber isn’t doing well; they are, based on what I know. But we have got to go.”

Over 1,800 jobs are coming to Anderson County, Meredith explained, and quickly.

“We have to act on that,” he said.

He wants to know where all these new employees will live, work, eat and play.

“We have an opportunity to take Anderson County to another level if we can all work together,” he said.

He envisions the Chamber as a one-stop shop for all incoming businesses and even new residents.

“We need to make sure people know where to go when they get here,” he said.

When businesses relocate here, he believes they should immediately receive a relocation package.

“Every time we tell our story,” he said, “someone else hears it.”

In other words, as more businesses come to Anderson County and find success, more will follow.

Retail development will continue to be the main priority. It will be 24/7, according to Meredith. He also wants to inventory all businesses and Chamber members and see what they like or would like to see changed about the Chamber.

“I plan on doing a lot of listening,” he said.

“I have an open door/open phone policy. Just reach out.”

For more information on the Anderson County Chamber of Commerce, visit andersoncountychamber.org or call (865) 4572559.

clintonlifemagazine.com April 2015

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Sheep Shearing Day at the Museum!

The event will be fun for the whole family, and will feature the annual shearing of the sheep as well as a sheep herding demonstration.

Information provided by the Museum of Appalachia Sheep Shearing Day at the Museum of Appalachia will be held on Friday, April 24th, from 10 am-2pm.

The Museum welcomes the warmth of spring with the annual ritual of “Sheep Shearing”. Students and families are invited to participate in a hands-on day of activities surrounding the trimming of a winter’s growth of heavy fleece from its flock of sheep; including demonstrations of carding, spinning and weaving, and the many ways pioneers used wool.

Phi Lakin from Strawberry Plains, and his dog, Kelso, will be doing a sheep herding demonstration as well.

School groups, home-schooled students, and individual families are all invited to participate in the day’s hands-on activities; student and group rates are available.

Please call Kate Campbell at 865-494-7680 for more information and to schedule your group.

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April 2015

Fresh Food in Anderson County

by Rebecca Williams East Tennessee Farmers Association for Retail Marketing (FARM), a nonprofit organization, is pleased to announce the opening of its 39th season of farmers’ markets in East Tennessee, in three convenient locations in Knoxville and Oak Ridge.

Established in 1976, FARM is Tennessee’s longest continuously operating farmers’ market organization.

“We are proud to offer this service to the Knoxville-Oak Ridge community,” said Steve Colvin, president of East TN FARM. “Our membership typically includes about 70 producer-vendors, offering more than one hundred different Tennessee grown products from April through November.”

FARM vendors will offer a wide variety of spring bedding plants, fresh produce, grass-fed and pasture-raised meats, artisan bread and cheese, local honey and fresh eggs. As the season goes on, they offer the freshest produce possible, including just-picked strawberries, peaches, sweet corn and heirloom tomatoes.

Farmers’ markets are the most effective way to support local agriculture. According to American Farmland Trust, farmers only receive about $1.58 per $10 spent by consumers at a grocery store.

But at a farmers’ market, farmers receive closer to $8-9 per $10 spent.

For every $10 spent at a farmers’ market, studies show that $7.80 is re-spent in the local community.

Opening Day at each FARM market will feature a drawing for 20 Market Dollars!

Locations and times are as follows: • Ebenezer Road Farmers’ Market, opens every Tuesday, 3-6 p.m, beginning Apr. 14, at 1001 Ebenezer Road (Ebenezer United Methodist Church). Drawing is at 5:30 p.m.

• Lakeshore Park Farmers’ Market opens every Friday, 3-6 p.m., beginning Apr. 17, at 5908 Lyons View Pike, Knoxville, near the Knox Youth Sports Building and a new handicapped accessible playground opening this spring.

Drawing is at 5:30 p.m.

• Oak Ridge Farmers’ Market opens every Saturday, 8 a.m. – noon, beginning April 18, in Historic Jackson Square, 281 Broadway Ave., with the drawing at 11:30 a.m. The Oak Ridge market is also open Wednesdays 3-6 p.m., beginning May 6.

Seniors over 60 get 5% off every Wednesday at the Oak Ridge Market.

Unlike most farmers’ market organizations, East TN FARM performs periodic inspections of its vendors to ensure they are growing the products they sell.

“You can be sure that everything Eat TN FARM sells is locally made,” said Colvin.

Several FARM vendors are designated Certified Naturally Grown, which is a similar standard to USDA Organic, but less expensive for smaller growers. Other FARM growers use as few pesticides and chemical fertilizers as possible.

“Our growers care very deeply about their land,” said Colvin.

FARM’s weekend markets at Lakeshore Park and in Oak Ridge will feature live music, children’s events, and workshops and lectures on topics such as herb gardening and composting.

FARM also offers weekly email reminders to customers, and a free FARM Fan Club text reminder and shopping rewards program.

Sign up for both at its website, www.

EastTNFarmMarkets.org.

September April 20152014

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“Boy, it’s a beautiful day, ain’t it?”

Wisdom learned on one of the first warm days of the spring season. By Crystal Huskey

A Picture’s Worth a Thousand Words Whether you’re an amateur or professional photographer, we would love to see your work!

Email crystal@huskeymedia.com to show us what’s important to you.

On March 30, 2015, I took a walk at Norris Dam State Park and attempted to photograph the beauty of the first real warm day of the year. I wasn’t the only one: everywhere I walked, individuals and couples, like the pair pictured on the right, were simply sitting or walking, soaking in the sun and warmth.

I drove to the overlook above Norris Dam and struck up a conversation with a man named Ron, who lives along Dutch Valley Road. “Boy, it’s a beautiful day, ain’t it?” he asked, looking up at the heavens. We ended up talking for close to an hour about the peace of the mountains, the wisdom of living simply, and the joys of children and horses. And dogs.

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April 2015

According to a 2010 study conducted by the USDA Forest Service and Pacific Northwest Research Station, Forests -- and other natural, green settings -- can reduce stress, improve moods, reduce anger and aggressiveness and increase overall happiness. Forest visits may also strengthen our immune system by increasing the activity and number of natural killer cells that destroy cancer cells.

For those of us who live near Norris Dam State Park, their findings come as no surprise. Judging by the sunsoaked smiles and contemplative walks being taken by the other visitors to the park, the magic of the forest was already doing its work.

April 2015 June 2014 1919

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April 2015

GOTTA GO! Spring Antique Festival Coming Soon!

The Annual Clinch River Spring Antique Fair starts with a Kick-Off Party on Friday, May 1st from 6 to 9 p.m. with musical entertainment, according to the Tourism Council of Anderson County. The shops on Market and Main Street will be open late and food

vendors will be set up in Hoskins-Lane Park.

On Saturday, May 2nd from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., over 90 exhibitors from East Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia, North Carolina and Ohio will offer a wide range of antiques and collectibles to suit every taste.

A wide selection of foods from local vendors will be available all day.

For more information, call 865-457-5250 or visit their Facebook page.

Fourth Annual Parkinson’s Walk of East Tennessee

by Maryann Mulvenon On Saturday, April 25, 2015, the Parkinson’s Disease Support Group of East Tennessee (PK Hope Is Alive) will host its fourth annual walk to raise funds for Parkinson’s Disease research.

The walk will be held at Bissell Park at the Oak Ridge Civic Center. Registration at the Pavilion will start at 9 am. The walk will take place between 10 am and noon.

PK Hope Is Alive has raised an average of $20,000 in each of its three previous walks.

The local walk will be in conjunction with the 21st annual Parkinson’s Unity Walk held in New York City. This walk is organized by the Parkinson Alliance, a non-profit umbrella organization dedicated to raising funds to help finance the most promising research to find the cause and cure for Parkinson’s Disease. 100% of all funds raised will be distributed to major U. S. Parkinson’s Disease foundations, including the Michael J. Fox Foundation.

Parkinson’s Disease is a disorder of the central nervous system, involving a degeneration of certain nerve cells in deep parts of the brain.

These cells make the neurochemical messenger dopamine. The loss of dopamine causes a variety of movement problems. Estimates suggest that over 1 million people in the U. S. have Parkinson’s Disease and it is estimated that 60,000

new cases are diagnosed each year.

Parkinson’s Disease occurs in equal numbers of men and women. Originally called “shaking palsy”, people suffering from Parkinson’s Disease exhibit a wide range of symptoms in addition to tremors, including rigidity, difficulty swallowing, loss of taste and smell, small handwriting, soft voice, and others.

To register as a walker and join the PK Hope Is Alive team or to sponsor a walker on line go to www.unitywalk.org.

If you would like to make a donation, send a check made out to Parkinson’s Unity Walk to Karen Sampsell at 117 Newhaven Road, Oak Ridge, TN 37830.

There will be a variety of activities at the walk including the bluegrass band, Brandywine, consisting of banjo, guitar and bass. Information tables will be manned by speech and physical therapists, Medtronic, the Parkinson’s Action Network, and East Tennessee Personal Care Services. There will be prize drawings for adults and children and information bags given to participants at the finish line.

T-shirts commemorating the walk will will be given to walkers who have raised $50 and are present the day of the walk while supplies last.

For more information about the fundraising walk, call Karen Sampsell at 482-4867.

April 2015

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June April 2014 2015

AND ANOTHER THING...

Bobby Osborne and Rocky Top X-Press to Headline First Annual Rocky Top Bluegrass Festival

B

obby Osborne and Rocky Top X-Press will headline the First Annual Rocky Top Bluegrass Festival sponsored by Merle 96.7 FM. The festival will be held on Friday, April 24th from 5:30 to 11 p.m. and Saturday, April 25th from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. at the George Templin Memorial Athletic Field located at 214 North Main Street, Rocky Top, Tennessee.

“Mr. Osborne contacted us because the Osborne Brothers were the first to perform and record “Rocky Top” and he wanted to be the first to perform the song in our newly named town of Rocky Top, Tennessee”, said Mike Lovely, Mayor of Rocky Top. “As a result of his interest, we decided to have a festival featuring some of the top groups in bluegrass.”

Bobby Osborne and his band Rocky Top X-Press will be joined by other well known groups including Lonesome River Band, Blue Highway, Junior Sisk and Rambler’s Choice, The Boxcars, and the 2014 International Bluegrass Music Association Emerging Artist of the Year, Flatt Lonesome.

This two day event will also feature arts and crafts as well as food vendors. Spaces for vendors are still available and may be reserved by calling the Anderson County Tourism Council at 1-800-524- 3602. The fee for arts and crafts booths are $50 and $100 for food vendors.

Vendors are required to be set up for both days.

Out of respect for our food vendors, backpacks and coolers will not be allowed in the festival area.

Free parking for the event will be in designated areas and shuttles will be provided to the festival area. Maps for

parking areas are available online at www. rockytopbluegrassfestival.com. Gates will open at 4 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. on Saturday.

Tickets may be purchased online at www. rockytopbluegrassfestival.com or in person at the WYSH AM Studios in Clinton, Rocky Top City Hall and Mark’s Pharmacy in Rocky Top. Prices are $25 plus tax for Friday, $35 plus tax forSaturday, or $50 plus tax for a two day pass and children under 10 years of age are free.

Lodging options include campgrounds, hotels, cabins, and condos. Some lodging facilities are offering discount packages and some will have shuttle service to the festival area. For a complete list of lodging options and their offers, visitwww.rockytopbluegrassfestival. com and click on lodging or call 1-800-5243602.

For a complete list and schedule of entertainers as well as other information, visit rockytopbluegrassfestival.com.

Proceeds from the Rocky Top Bluegrass Festival will benefit the Coal Creek Miners Museum building fund, the North Anderson County Boys and Girls Club, and the soon to be renamed Rocky Top Elementary and Middle Schools.

The First Annual Rocky Top Bluegrass Festival is sponsored by Merle 96.7 FM, WDVX 89.9 FM, the City of Rocky Top, the Rocky Top Chamber of Commerce, and the Anderson County Tourism Council.

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April 2015