Clinton Life -- December

Sweet Aroma Cafe Flavor and roots run deep

Oasis of Love Reaching out to victims of domestic abuse

Furry Friends Need Your Help

Adopt a pet or volunteer

It’s a Wonderful Life

Clinton celebrates Christmas with festivities, family and giving December 2014

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December 2014

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From the Editor

M

erry Christmas, Clinton! This has been a fantastic year for Huskey Media. We’ve gotten to know so many of you, and have learned so many inspiring stories in a short amount of time. Thanks to everyone for sending us story suggestions and supporting Clinton Life magazine.

We would like to welcome Susan McGetrick to the Huskey Media team this month. She has already proved to be an incredible asset to our team, and we’re thrilled to have her on board.

She’s a hard worker and already becoming a great friend. We also launched Secret City Living, a magazine just like this one, but focused on Oak Ridge. As we enter the new year, our goal is to continue bringing you news you can use. Keep sending us your great story ideas and photos!

As always, call or email me any time. I’m always open to suggestions, comments and ideas.

November 2014

Editorial Crystal Huskey, editor, creative director Paula Johnson, contributing writer, creative assistant Tara Anderson, creative assistant Cynthia Clark, staff writer Yvonne Hart, contributing writer Alanna Hunsaker, contributing writer Eddy Robinson, contributing writer Danna Axmacher, contributing writer Cheri Bridges Floyd, contributing writer

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Paul Huskey, Advertising director Susan McGetrick, Territory sales director

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

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In This Issue: 07 Furry Friends Need Your Help 14

Helping Those in Need

Over the Holidays

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Reaching Out to Victims

of Domestic Violence

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Photo courtesy of Oak Ridge Animal Shelter

20 Sweet Aroma is Steeped in Flavor 24 Dispatch from Papua New Guinea Departments

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From The Editor

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Around Town

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Community Voices

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Gotta Go!

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Event Calendar

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And Another Thing ....

Photo courtesy of Cynthia Clark

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Photo by Paula Jones

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Photo Cheri Bridges Floyd

On the Cover Two children, Lily and Phoenix, share a look of glee before opening presents on Christmas. Photo taken at Samuel Franklin Florist in Clinton.

Photo by Jennifer Brown

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Paul Huskey

(865) 235-9213

paul@huskeymedia.com

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susan@huskeymedia.com

December 2014

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AROUND TOWN

Furry Friends Need Our Help Through the Holidays and Into the New Year

by Crystal Huskey, editor

I

t’s been a tough year at the Oak Ridge Animal Shelter, a facility that takes in dogs from Oak Ridge, Clinton and the surrounding county.

After two rounds of distemper went through the shelter, volunteers have sadly had to euthanize over 80 dogs. Canine distemper is a contagious disease that is often fatal, and, if the dog survives, often leaves them with nerve and brain damage.

After shutting down to clean the facilities and put some new procedures in place, the shelter is up and running and in need of donations. The shelter is currently requesting donations in the form of dog and cat food, nursing kits, animal beds and blankets and other pet-related items.

“We take in hundreds and thousands of unwanted, lonely, frightened, abandoned, abused, maimed, sick, diseased, surrendered, and stray animals,” volunteer Beverly Kay wrote in a letter to the shelter’s supporters after the shelter was shut down

temporarily. “We become their home, their hope, their medical providers, their companions, their caregivers, their loves, their very sustenance... But the silence is deafening. It is heartbreaking. It never leaves us. We will never forget. But there are more to be loved and cared for. Intake doesn’t stop. Hope remains.”

Distemper had been nearly wiped out in the Appalachias, but it has resurfaced over the past year.

To prevent from something similar ever happening again, the dogs taken in at the Oak Ridge facility will be vaccinated and then quarantined until the vaccine has gone into full effect. They have also placed metal sheets between the crates so that the dogs cannot touch noses and spread disease. Because of the resurgence of distemper, the shelter encourages all pet owners to vaccinate against it.

For more information about donating or adopting a pet, call (865) 425-3423.

The shelter regularly takes in strays, lost pets and owner surrenders. Donations are accepted year round, and volunteers are encouraged to find out more about ways they can help.

Photo courtesy of Friends of Oak Ridge Animal Shelter

December 2014

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COMMUNITY More Students Nominated for Scholarship

by Danna Axmacher, contributor

From left: athletes AJ Hawkins, Corey Morgan, Zachary Jones and Scott Fisher. Photos courtesy of Danna Axmacher

Apple Discount Drugs is continuing to nominate a student athlete every week. Since our last edition, four additional students have been nominated.

• AJ Hawkins/ football/ ACHS • Corey Morgan/ football/ ACHS • Zachary Jones/ football/ CHS • Scott Fisher/ football/ CHS 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.

Every customer that comes into Apple Discount Drugs gets a vote. Additional votes are as follows: one vote for every purchase; five votes for filling a current prescription; 10 votes for filling a new or transferred prescription; 10 votes for purchasing any CHS or ACHS t-shirts, key chains, or dog tags. 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.

At the end of the year, one student will be selected as the recipient of a $1,000 scholarship.

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ADVICE Take Time to Stop and Enjoy the Holidays

by Yvonne Hart Community contributor The decorations were hung, the tree up, and the family is sitting quietly observing the glow of the holiday lights. Don’t you love that moment when we can actually appreciate the meaning of the holidays? Is this typical for you? Or are you the one rushing around trying Yvonne Hart, life coach to make sure everyone is based in Anderson County. happy, warm and full of figgie pudding?

If so, you may not be enjoying the holiday season.

Many lumber through decorating, cooking and shopping, focusing on accomplishing small, but vital tasks. You may feel driven. I have met some who dread the approach of the holiday season. What can you do to change that feeling? Realize that stress is often frustration over unmet expectations, hopes and desires. What about asking the family what is most meaningful to them? You may be surprised at their answers. It could reduce the flurry of your activity if you realize they simply appreciate time with the family. They may not be seeking the perfection or performance you believe they desire.

Once you’ve got an idea of what the family appreciates during the season, set about making preparations as early as possible. Taking the time to plan the month of activities reduces stress.

Make lists and complete your shopping as early as possible. This reduces the tension of desperately looking for a gift when the best has been taken.

Create a vision from the input of your family.

Let this vision be unique to you and your family.

Decide what joys you want to include in your holidays: greeting cards, gifts, decorations, recipes, music, donating, watching movies with your kids or grandkids, serving food. Decide what is most important and prioritize what is truly most rewarding for you and your family.

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Think of past holidays and decide what made them most enjoyable. Planning early, seeking input from the household and priority management can change your holidays; all the way from Thanksgiving to New Years. You’ll find it less stressful and there will be time to enjoy and feel apart of the festivities yourself.

Accept what you cannot change; and have courage to change what you can. Practicing healthy boundaries are also necessary in reducing stress over the holidays. There are a myriad opportunities.

Only chose those that fit your lifestyle and your family. Make peace with the word NO. It is a complete sentence. You do not need to explain yourself. Build in time to care for your own mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. We’re so tempted to put our feelings on the shelf until January and just make everyone happy. I use this illustration to explain. When you are flying on an airplane, the stewardess spells out the emergency procedures just in case there is need. She will tell you that if you are traveling with a child, be sure to put the mask that drops down on yourself first. If you think it is more important to put it on the child, you may not be there to continue the child’s care. The message is clear: taking care of yourself first, enables you to be present for others in need.

The last tip to decrease stress during the holidays: sit down with those most important to you and decide on a budget. Financial pressure contributes to January’s blues. If you’ve decided on the budget and you’ve made purchases within that budget, you will face the new year without the dread of debt.

Pick and choose which tips might apply to your life and whatever you decide to do, take time to enjoy the warm glow of the lights and turn any dread into a true Holiday Happiness. My wish for you is the Happiest Holiday season ever.

Yvonna Hart is a Certified Life Coach with A Focused Purpose Coaching. Visit her online at AFocusedPurpose.com.

December June 2014 2014

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PEOPLE...

Girls Inc Strives to Build Self-Confidence in Girls of All Ages

by Alanna Hunsaker, contributor

Girls Inc., formerly known as Girls Club, was founded in 1976. Originally the facility was located at Highland View Elementary School, which is now the Oak Ridge Children’s Museum. We moved to our permanent home in July 2000 at 1798 Oak Ridge Turnpike. We serve girls from all over the area, including Clinton, Oak Ridge and Oliver Springs.

Girls Inc has grown to become an integral part of the Anderson and Knox County communities.

We have successfully and genuinely benefited thousands of girls’ lives throughout the past 37 years. We provide a research based informal curriculum in our afterschool program as well as in our Summer Camp and specialty programs. We currently offer tutoring and mentoring programs to all girls to assist in developing self confidence and success in all aspects of girls’ lives. Currently, we serve over 500 girls in Anderson County.

One program that is unique to the area is our Leading Lady program. The Leading Lady program provides interaction with women in our community to encourage career exploration, think about their futures, and provide positive successful role models for girls. At least once a month, female professionals speak to the middle school girls and expose them to a wide range of career opportunities in order to begin to set career goals

and learn about paths they need to take to achieve those goals. Most recently, Jessica Fain shared her story of how she became a scuba diver and her upcoming adventure of living in an underwater habitat Aquarius. Fain is also an adjunct professor at Roane State Community College alongside Bruce Cantrell. The two recently broke the world record for living consecutively underwater which surpassed the 30-day mark record set by famed explorer Jacques Yves Cousteau’s oceanauts in Conshelf II (1963) and by astronaut Scott Carpenter in SEALAB II (1965).

Fain also set the record for a female living underwater. The previous mark was 14 days, set in 1970 by renowned scientist Dr. Sylvia Earle. The girls also watched Fain host “Classroom Under the Sea”, and an online lecture series presented

by Roane State and the marine Resources Development Foundation on Key Largo. Girls Incorporated mission is to inspire all girls to be strong, smart, and bold and this program does that by providing interaction with strong, smart, and bold women.

For more information about Girls Inc. programs, or if you are interested in becoming a Leading Lady contact Alanna Hunsaker at (865) 482-4475, or visit girlsinc-oakridge.org.

Girls Inc participants pictured with Jessica Fain from Left to right back row: Annalisa Rael, Myrah Forgerty, Semaj Clark, Brooklyn Henderson. Front row from left to right: Delanie Shipley, Jada Coates, Natalie Vishnivetshaya, Eden Hatmaker, Aiya Davis, and Marissa Cook. Photo courtesy of Alanna Hunsaker

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Helping Those in Need Over the Holidays It’s that time of year when the churches of Clinton show their love to those less fortunate in the community -particularly to the children.

by Cynthia Clark

For some, Thanksgiving and Christmas are a time to celebrate, come together as a family and enjoy good food and company. But for others, the holidays can be a time of difficulty and even depression. At a time when we are expected to be joyful, the difficulties of life can be felt acutely. Fortunately, the community of Clinton reaches out to those who are in need every year.

One of the most popular ways to brighten the holidays for Clinton’s youngest residents is through the Angel Tree. The Angel Tree program began in 1975 as a community service project of the West Knoxville Business & Professional Women’s Club. Its goal was to provide Christmas gifts for 70 underprivileged children. It later changed hands to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Knoxville and in 1994 incorporated as its own charitable organization.

Through the years, it has given birth to other Angel Trees in neighboring communities like Clinton.

The Salvation Army also has an Angel Tree Program which has been in existence since 1979. They get the names

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of their ‘angels’ from social service agencies and schools.

Corporate sponsors put up trees in a variety of locations such as shopping malls and you can sponsor an angel by picking their name from the Angel Tree and providing the items on their wish list.

Churches like St. Mark’s United Methodist in Clinton help 40 to 50 children each year. They include all the children in the family, even if they are teenagers, because “teenagers need Christmas, too,” according to Cindy McGhee, outreach witness chairperson for the church.

“They all go on the tree if they’re still in school,” she said.

Church members choose their angel and provide the items on their wish list, including outfits, shoes, ageappropriate toys and gifts.

The church will host a party for them on Dec. 16 at 3:30 at the church, where they’ll give them cookies and treats, and Santa will come and give out presents. The children take their gifts home to open them.

“For many of these kids, these are the only presents they’re going to have under the

tree, so we let them take them home,” McGhee said.

They don’t forget about the rest of the family, either. They also provide a Christmas Day box full of food for Christmas breakfast and dinner.

“We’re a little church, but we have a big heart,” McGhee said. “When it comes to the children, our church members really show up.”

As an added bonus, they include recipes in the food baskets in case some recipients might not know how to prepare a meal with the included ingredients.

They determine who will be an angel for their tree with input from Clinton-area schools. Contact McGhee at (865) 457-0556 for more information about the ministries or programs of St. Mark’s United Methodist Church.

Whitney Baxter at Antioch Baptist Church in Clinton said they also have an Angel Tree for students at North Clinton Elementary. They’ll help about 60 children this year and the families will also get a basket of food. Baskets will be handed out Wednesday, Dec. 17 and Sunday, Dec. 21.

According to the Angel Tree’s website, “these gifts in truth give poor children food for the soul – the hope of a brighter future and the reassurance that someone does indeed care about them.”

At Antioch Baptist, it’s not just the adults who are helping others this holiday season. The young adults at the Well at

The Women’s Ministry collects items for the elderly at their Women of Hope Christmas Event on Dec. 6 from 6-9 p.m.

They are collecting socks, gloves, lotions, word puzzles, candies and other items.

Antioch’s Masterwork Small Group, taught by Gary Swaggerty, collects items to

members of Antioch Baptist, have their own unique way of bringing smiles to children’s faces at Christmastime. They accept donations of stuffed animals and give them out to children at the Clinton Christmas Parade through their motorcycle group Bikers of Antioch. Group leader Dave Smith explained

“These gifts in truth give poor children food for the soul – the hope of a brighter future and the reassurance that someone does indeed care about them.”

--Angel Tree mission statement

Antioch are collecting items for CARE packages for college students who are living outof-town and on campus. They can always use donations of mints, gum, individually wrapped snacks, playing cards, personal care items, ramen noodles, hot chocolate mix, devotionals and personal notes of encouragement.

send overseas for Operation Christmas Child through Samaritan’s Purse. They fill shoeboxes with toys and other items to send to children in need in foreign lands. For many of those children, it’s the first gift they’ll ever receive. A small shoebox can help teach them about the love of God. Dave and Linda Smith, also

how this ministry started with just one simple gesture.

“Last year, someone gave us a big bag of stuffed animals,” he explained. “We washed them up and we gave them out to the kids during the parade. The look on their faces was awesome. It’s a totally different reaction than giving out candy. It really meant something to those kids.”

On left, children participate in the children’s ministry on the night of Antioch’s Christmas program. Right is a pile of stuffed animals that the Bikers of Antioch will be giving out at the Clinton Christmas Parade Dec. 13.

Photos courtesy of Antioch Baptist Church

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The Bikers of Antioch will have a float in the parade and will have several elves helping hand out stuffed animals to the children. The theme of their float this year will be a musical Christmas, complete with a drummer, guitarist and

was very close to her Antioch church family and made a huge impact on all of their lives, according to Smith.

They began their ride to raise money to help pay her funeral expenses.

“We started right then,”

her honor to give $500 book cards to help young adults from their church with the expense of buying textbooks for college.

There are currently about 26 members of the Bikers of Antioch and Smith said he

“[Destiny] sure taught a lot of us older folks a lot about faith.”

--Dave Smith

bass player. They even rewrote The Monkees’ song “Hey, Hey, We’re the Monkees” and changed the lyrics to “Hey, Hey, It’s My Birthday” in honor of Jesus’ birthday.

The Bikers actually do outreach all year long, starting with their “Ride for Destiny” in memory of 11-year-old Destiny Keathley, who died in November 2012 following a battle with brain cancer. She

Smith said. “There was $1,300 left to pay and we collected just enough to pay off the expenses.”

Destiny’s strength and courage during her illness was inspiring to those who knew her.

“She sure taught a lot of us older folks a lot about faith,” Smith said. They continue to ride in her memory and have started a scholarship fund in

The Angel Tree and donated gifts at Antioch Baptist Church in Clinton.

Photos courtesy of Antioch Baptist Church

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would love to have more.

You don’t have to be a church member to be part of the group, he added. They participate in other charitable rides as well, including the recent Toys for Tots Toy Run, a ride for fallen comrades and a 9/11 Memorial ride. They also get together and visit shut-ins “to let them know they’re not forgotten,” Smith said.

For more information about the Bikers of Antioch (some of who are pictured to the right) or to donate stuffed animals, call Dave Smith at (865) 292-3322 or Linda Smith at (865) 202-7326 or visit their Facebook page at facebook.com/ BikersOfAntioch.

Many Clinton-area churches are participating in The Angel Tree for local children and Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes for children in other countries, among other outreach programs. Check with your local church for more information about participating or donating much-needed and muchappreciated items or funding.

This year’s Clinton Christmas Parade is Saturday, Dec. 13 at 6 p.m. in downtown Clinton and the theme is “The Gifts of Christmas.”

To register and participate, contact the Anderson County Chamber of Commerce at (865) 457-2559.

About the author: Cynthia Clark is a reporter for Clinton Life and Secret City Living magazines. She is a freelance writer and blogger originally from Knoxville who now calls Clinton her home, along with husband Al and sons Wesley and Tommy. She is a former newspaper editor and reporter who now publishes the Smoky Mountain Post blog at cadescovelovers. blogspot.com. You can email her at smokycyn@gmail.com or follow her on Twitter @smokymtnpost.

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Reaching Out to Victims of Domestic Violence When Janice Wilson moved to Clinton 17 years ago, she was a woman on a mission: a mission of love for victims of domestic violence.

by Cynthia Clark

J

anic Wilson, a former drug addict and victim earlier in 1997. His works can be seen at the of domestic violence, is now 81 years old.

Museum of Appalachia, Ciderville and hanging in She believes that she has been kept alive for many area churches. this long for a specific purpose: to help other A 20-year-old girl currently staying at the Oasis women who are victims of domestic violence. said she was “thrown out” by the father of her She carries out this mission through Oasis of Love 6-month-old baby. If not for the Oasis, “I would Ministries in South Clinton. probably be on the streets or couch jumping. That’s “I’ve been here 17 years in January,” she said. not something you do with a baby,” she said while “I’m just the overseer.” tending to her teething infant.

She helps women by providing the tools to start “My mom and dad haven’t been in my life since over.

I was eight,” she said. “I was tossed around in “My goal is to get them out on their own, help foster homes until I got into it with my foster mom them get a job, help them get cars and help them when I was 18 and she threw me out.” find the Lord if possible,” she explained.

Knowing she has a safe place for her and her The ministry can serve about five women at a baby to stay has given her hope. time as well as house manager Regina McMillan.

“It makes me feel like people do care and The house used to be a boys’ home and now I’m very blessed to have this place.” Referring to serves the women well with bedrooms, living room, Wilson, she said, “She treats me like I’m her own chapel, kitchen and entertainment area, as well as kid. It’s amazing what God does for you.” a nice playground out back for children and several Just last year, Wilson received a doctorate storage buildings. Women who find themselves degree in Christian counseling. She has raised four in need of her services learn of the Oasis through children. To donate to the Oasis of Love Ministries, schools, churches and law enforcement, Wilson call (865) 457-2659. explained.

The Oasis doesn’t get funding from the

BY THE NUMBERS government or United Way, Wilson said, but is funded through local churches, businesses and • Females (71.9%) were almost three times generous donors who have helped her keep the more likely to be victimized than males doors open.

(28.1%) in domestic incidents in the state of Tennessee “I let the women stay about four months • From 2010-2012, victims were six times and give them a chance to get on their feet,” Wilson said. “Since I don’t take any government more likely to be abused by a spouse than an ex-spouse in domestic offenses funding, I can do what God wants me to do.

• Boyfriend/girlfriend relationships were the I don’t run them through here like a herd of most frequently reported, accounting for cattle.”

44.2% of all domestic violence from 2010A painting that hangs prominently on the wall 2012 in the chapel was painted by O.D. Abston and • Domestic violence resulted in 275 murder/ portrays the theme of her ministry. non-negligent homicides during the three“It’s an oasis of unconditional love for people year study period who are hurting,” Wilson said.

• At the national level, the NCADV reports that approximately 1.3 million women are victims Abston was a well-known Appalachian folk of domestic physical assault yearly artist who died in 2000 at the age of 98. He painted the oasis for Wilson just three years 18

December 2014

Information provided by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation

Top left: Janice Wilson, left, founder of Oasis of Love Ministries, and Oasis house manager Regina McMillan stand in front of a painting by renowned Appalachian folk artist O.D. Abston, who painted the oasis for Wilson three year prior to his death at the age of 98.

Top right: This 20-year-old resident of Oasis of Love Ministries tends to her 6-month-old baby. She said being at the Oasis has given her hope.

Photos by Cynthia Clark

Bottom: Janice Wilson, the 81-year-old founder of Oasis of Love Ministries, stands in front of the playground at the Oasis in South Clinton. Often women who take refuge there need a safe haven for themselves and their children. Photo by Cynthia Clark

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Sweet Aroma: Where Flavor and Roots Run Deep

Owner Cinnamon Kennedy discusses her role in creating the “best café in Anderson County.”

by Paula Johnson, contributor

I

f I ever go missing, if you ever think I’ve disappeared, one place you might find me is roaming through an antique store on the main street of a small historic town, searching for a treasure of the moment. It might be a jadeite measuring cup from the 1940’s, pink depression glassware with a very thin and delicate lip, or, my most recent find, a pair of porcelain Chinese soup spoons with the palest of blue designs. Following, before, or in the middle of my scavenger hunt, there’s always lunch in a cute café, which I’ve already chosen, of course, before I ever even leave my house. I call it having a “Paula Day”.

Imagine my delight when I was recently invited by one of my friends to go on such an outing. It was fun to learn that other girls have their own “Paula Days”.

“Then we can have lunch at Sweet Café,” she quickly added, noting her pre-chosen restaurant selection for that day.

Even though it was my first visit to Sweet Café, I had already heard good things about it from several local folks. Sweet Café opened in March, 2010, and is located in an 84 year old building on Market St. in Downtown Cinton, right in the middle of their many antique shops.

We quickly find a table for two in the small space, and immediately I see a gorgeous salad with huge, plump blackberries going by us. “That’s my salad,” I think to myself and find it listed on the menu as their New! Black and Bleu Salad with mixed greens, blackberries, pecans, and bleu cheese crumbles.

You’d be hard pressed to find an East Tennessean who doesn’t like blackberries. It’s built into our DNA. It’s partly the thrill of the hunt – making our way through tall grass, maybe climbing up the side of a hill, always having to be on the look out for snakes, bears, chiggers, ticks, and sharp briars to attain the supple, succulent, alternately sweet and tart fruit. Of course you can always hear a tale from some of the old timers about how their parents sent them out to pick berries and advised them to “not come back until you have enough for a pie.” They may have tired of this sport,

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but that generation always seems to know where to find a blackberry patch. During blackberry winter they watch for the blooms, and take great pride in being able to guide youngsters to a respectable blackberry patch. And as the cunning Br’er Rabbit infamously exclaimed, most of us were, “Born and bred in the briar patch!”

I paired my Black and Bleu Salad with a half of the Southern Egg Salad Sandwich and a glass of Pineapple Tea. My friend also chose the half sandwich option, but with a cup of soup to warm up a chilly day, and a different choice from the many flavored teas offered at Sweet Café. “Let’s add this,” I say, and point to one of the side items – Pecan Cream Cheese Ball with Crackers. Sweet Café was pleasantly reminding me of tearooms I have visited.

“I won’t serve subpar, plain food, or something that I wouldn’t eat myself.”

--Cinnamon Kennedy, owner of Sweet Café

But owner Cinnamon Kennedy doesn’t think of -- or promote -- Sweet Café as a tearoom. “We took away the tablecloths to take away a tearoom image,” she tells me. “We offer 50% hot sandwiches, and 50% cold sandwiches,” Cinnamon continues, noting how she evens out the menu to appeal to both men and women. The menu lists Hot Grilled Panini Sandwiches, Mike’s Grilled Cheese Combo, and the “Ultimate Man” Club, which Cinnamon added at the urging of her husband who told her, “Every man wants to eat a club sandwich.” We laugh a little at the differences in men and women’s eating habits, as Cinnamon tells me more about the menu.

“We serve fresh food, nothing frozen or canned.

I won’t serve subpar, plain food, or something that I wouldn’t eat myself,” Cinnamon emphasizes.

“If it costs more, we’ll just charge a little more.

Chicken Salad is our signature item,” she says of their bestselling rotisserie chicken salad. They also offer wraps, homemade soups, and, of course, a multitude of sweets such as pies, cakes, brownies, and chocolate covered cherries, strawberries, and pretzels. Cinnamon’s Dad makes the soups and all the sweets and has been right there offering his support and encouragement since day one. “He loves to cook, he thinks it’s fun, he thinks it’s funny,” Cinnamon affectionately says of her Dad. “Both my

parents instilled a strong work ethic in me, and I work very, very hard. I learned from my Dad, he would say, “All you have to do is try,”” she reminisces.

Prior to opening Sweet Café, Cinnamon spent eight years running a wedding flower business.

Then the economy changed, and she also wanted to spend time with her 5 year old. Knowing she wanted to do something with food, and be able to make some money, Cinnamon opened a catering business out of her garage. She took fliers and samples to 15 or 20 businesses, and by the end of the day, had 2 orders for the next day. She did box lunches and party trays for a year.

Then, business owners on Market Street in Clinton began to approach Cinnamon, asking her to open a café. They realized having a restaurant nearby would keep shoppers around the Downtown area longer. She knew it was a daunting task, but had an overwhelming feeling that, “If I don’t do this I’m going to explode!” She used money from her tax return, a credit card, and members from her church gave her furniture to get started. Her initial goal was to do 50 lunches a day.

The first day they did 43, and the second day they did 50.

When asked about her inspiration for Sweet Café, Cinnamon has no doubt, and makes it perfectly clear, “It was God.” Her menu proudly states that Sweet Café has a Comfortable Christian Atmosphere.

This year, Sweet Café was voted Best Café in Anderson County by the Clinton Courier. The café is open for lunch Tuesday through Saturday til 5:00, and is closed Sunday and Monday. They do accept reservations, and offer evening private parties, custom menus, catering, party trays of sandwiches and sweets, and delivery to Clinton, Oak Ridge, and Knoxville. Also contact them for information on ordering for your holiday parties.

So here’s your assignment – go find a good friend, and go out and treat yourselves to a “Paula Day”, or, just a day of your very own.

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GOTTA GO!

See. Do. Enjoy.

Dec. 6-24 Christmas in Old Appalachia

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opcorn balls and paper chains… fruits and nuts in their stockings … carols by the fire …a cedar tree cut in the nearby woodsthat’s the Christmas most rural Appalachian children knew. And it’s the Christmas the Museum of Appalachia recreates each year throughout the Museum village at our special Join the Museum of Appalchia as they recreate a meaningful holiday of simpler pleasures and homier joys. Traditional trees and homemade decorations, typical of austere pioneer days, transform the Museum’s authentic log buildings; and in the oneroom, dirt-floored “Dan’l Boone” cabin, strings of popcorn and cotton bolls circle a dormant tree. Paper chains and other ornaments trim the tree in the Little Tater Valley Schoolhouse.

moonshine jellies, and beautiful pottery, along with baskets, quilts, and plenty of Appalachian specialties.

Or just come and enjoy a homemade southern country lunch in front of the warm fireplace.

For more information, please contact the Museum at (865) 494-7680. The museum is located at 2819 Andersonville Highway in Clinton. Visit museumofappalachia.org.

Sweet gum and sycamore balls are strung throughout the Mark Twain Family Cabin, and a traditional silver star tops a native red cedar Christmas tree in the turn-of-the-century Peters Homestead House. Apples, nuts, homemade toys, and oranges fill stockings hung in the cabins.

Sing Christmas carols along with musicians in the Peter’s Homestead House, where they’ll be singing holiday and traditional songs every day during December. Sit and visit with the kids over some hot chocolate and Christmas cookies from the Museum Restaurant.

Pick up some stocking stuffers in the Museum Gift and Antique Shop, which features everything from hand-crafted ornaments, locally made muscadine and

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Dispatch from Papua New Guinea Anderson County High graduate Cheri Bridges Floyd has lived in Papua New Guinea with her family for the past few decades. Here, she shares her story.

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.

“Anyone else remember those Christmas decorations hung on the posts around Clinton in the 1970’s? The cold weather, seeing those decorations go up, getting a paper bag of fruit and candy at church, Charlie Brown’s Christmas on TV -- those all prepared me for Christmas.

“Then, I married an Australian whose childhood Christmas memories include hot weather, going to the beach, church on Christmas morning every year and hoping to find a sixpence in his Christmas pudding.

“We are raising our boys with Papua New Guinean Christmases. The poinsettias bloom all year round and grow as tall as we are. Carols are sung in a different language. There isn’t much about Santa or Christmas trees for our PNG friends, but rather a day for church, family, food and sports in the village.

“I still smile when I remember the older Papua New Guinean man who sat at our table sharing a cup of tea. He stared and stared at our Christmas tree.

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Top: Traditional paint on a Papua New Guinean tribesman.

Bottom: Cheri’s son, Jono, and his classmates isten to the story about the students at Andersonville Elementary and their community who raised funds for PNG schools to receive sporting equipment. Andersonville Elementary kids and their community raised so much money that they not only bought sports balls, but they also helped transport a shipping container of donated school supplies from Australia. Photos courtesy of Cheri Bridges Floyd

“After the last drop drained from his cup, he finally asked, “Did that tree grow those flowers or did you decorate it?” He hadn’t seen Christmas decorations before!

Top: Friends of Cheri and Don dressed in traditional Papua New Guinean clothes.

Right:Cheri and a friend in Papua.

Photos courtesy of Cheri Bridges Floyd

“Which kind of Christmas is the best? Having tried all three, I say that the best Christmas is the one shared with people you love. And Christmas is especially sweet for me because as I celebrate Baby Jesus’ birth each year, I believe He is still with me, wherever I am on the globe. Seeing as he was born in a stable, I’m sure he is just as happy in a thatch roof church with a dirt floor in Papua New Guinea as he is in any of the lovely church buildings of Anderson County.”

About the author: Cheri Bridges Floyd is a 1987 graduate of Anderson County High School. While attending the University of the Cumberlands in KY, she spent a summer as a mission volunteer with the Wesleyan Church in Papua New Guinea (PNG).

She met a fellow volunteer from Australia during that time. In 1991 Cheri married Don Floyd and they moved to serve as full-time missionaries in PNG. Cheri’s parents and her paternal grandmother still live in Anderson County. Cheri, Don and their boys come back to Tennessee periodically to visit family, friends and churches.

2014 2525 DecemberJune 2014

AT FIRST I WAS EMBARRASSE D. ME, A CAT, LIVING WITH A SINGLE GUY. BUT WHEN I WATCH HIM PICK SOMETHING UP WITH HIS HANDS AND EAT IT, I CAN’T HELP BUT LOVE HIM. — MARU adopted 01-10-10

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December 2014

UPCOMING EVENTS...

DECEMBER FRIDAY 5-6 (every Friday and Saturday) Big Valley Barn After 5 p.m.

WHAT: Come visit the Big Valley Barn for great country music and dance every Friday and Saturday night. Enjoy 3 hours of new and traditional country music on Friday nights with various artists.

WHERE: 901 Mountain Road, Clinton INFO: CALL 865-805-8715 or 865-805-1723.

FAMILY • FREE • FOOD

SATURDAYS 6 Cookie Swap 11 a.m.- 1 p.m.

WHAT: Bring some cookies, a recipe and your sweet tooth to

the Women’s Ministry of First Baptist Church’s cookie swap and spend the afternoon sampling homemade cookies.

WHERE: 225 N Main St. Clinton FAMILY • FREE

SATURDAY 6-7, 13-14 Santa Train Ride

various times WHAT: Santa and Mrs. Clause will be riding the Secret City Excursion Train during two weekends this month.

Passengers will receive gift bags, refreshments, and have time to pose for pictures with Santa. During the ride the story of our home’s Manhattan Project will be told.

WHERE: 2010 Highway 58 East TN Technology Park, Oak Ridge.

INFO: Call 865-241-2140 for

Schedules are subject to change. Call venues to confirm event information. more information, or visit www. secretcityrailroad.com

SUNDAY 7WEDNESDAY 24 Christmas in Old Appalachia

various times WHAT: Experience an oldfashioned, pioneer Christmas this month at the Museum of Appalachia. Visitors will see Christmas from another time while having the chance to have a hot lunch at the museum’s restaurant and buy hand-crafted goodies in the gift shop..

WHERE: 2819 Andersonville Highway, Norris, TN. INFO: Info: Find out more by calling 865-494-7680 or visiting www.museumofappalachia. org.

SUNDAY 7 “Let’s Build A Snowman With Wool” Class 1 p.m.- 4 p.m.

WHAT: Learn how to make 2-D and 3-D snowmen at The Appalachian Arts Craft Center.

The needle felted craft make perfect Christmas presents and decoration.

WHERE: 2716 Andersonville Highway 61, Norris.

INFO: Info: To find out more call 865-494-9854 or go to www.apalachianarts.net.

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UPCOMING EVENTS...

THURSDAY 11 Senior Christmas Party Starts at 11 a.m.

WHAT: Seniors age 60 and older are invited to stop by the Clinton Community Center for an afternoon of games, prizes, food, music, and yuletide fun.

WHERE: 101 S Hicks St, Clinton.

SATURDAY 13 Second Saturday in Clinton 9 a.m.

WHAT: Head downtown to browse and shop antiques provided by local merchants only once every month. There will also be a farmers market for

anyone interested in produce and plants.

WHERE: Market and Main Street, Clinton

SATURDAY 13 Clinton Christmas Parade 6 p.m.

WHAT: Grab a lawn chair, a blanket, some Christmas spirit and come enjoy the annual Christmas parade festivities. This year’s theme is “The Gifts of Christmas.”

WHERE: Market and Main Street, Clinton INFO: For information about being in the parade contact Clinton’s Chamber of Commerce at (865) 457-2559.

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December 2014

FAMILY

SATURDAY 13 Oak Ridge Christmas Parade 6 p.m.

WHAT: The “Holiday Homecoming” Christmas parade will begin at Corporate Center, continue on the Oak Ridge Turnpike, and end at Oak Ridge High School. Stop by First Baptist Church of Oak Ridge during the parade to warm up with some free hot chocolate.

WHERE: 151 Lafayette Drive, Oak Ridge INFO: Info: Call 865-483-1321 for more information

SUNDAY 14 Christmas Sing-a-long 3:30 p.m.

WHAT: The Oak Ridge Community Orchestra and the choirs of First Baptist Church of OakRidge are inviting you and your family to help them celebrate the Christmas season with a festive night of holiday tunes.

WHERE: 1101 Oak Ridge Turnpike, Oak Ridge

NOV. 26- DEC. 21 A Christmas Carol

various times WHAT: Watch Ebenezer Scrooge take a journey with the three ghosts of Christmas onstage at the Clarence Brown Theatre. The Charles Dickens’ classic will feature music and dancing to tell the heartwarming Christmas tale.

WHERE: 1714 Andy Holt Ave, Knoxville.

INFO: Visit www. clarencebrowntheatre.com for information on tickets and show times.

FAMILY • FREE

FRIDAY 12, 13, 14 The Clinton Christmas Spectacular various times

THURSDAY 25 CHRISTMAS!

WHAT: Second Baptist Church will having three Christmasthemed performances as a part of their “Three Weekends of Christmas”. Each show will include music and an element of drama.

WHERE: 777 Public Safety Lane, Clinton INFO: For more information call 865-457-2046.

FAMILY

facebook.com/clintonlifemagazine clintonlifemagazine.com

It’s Christmas Time at Hoskins Drug Store Everything you need For all your gifts!

111 North Main Street to decorate!

NEW! Christmas shop at 333 Market Street Live Boxwood Wreaths Garlands - Trees

Friday November 28th Market Street Open Late For Tree Lighting.

Vera Bradley - Sorrelli Jewelry Col. Conk Razors - Calico Critters And Much More!

Saturday November 29th Small Business Saturday

Join Us For Cider & Cookies At Both Locations

333 Market Street & 111 N. Main Street

457-4340

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AND ANOTHER THING...

Christmas Parades Scheduled for Mid-December in Clinton and Oak Ridge Information provided by the Tourism Council of Anderson County

The Grand Marshall of the 2013 Clinton Christmas parade.

Photo courtesy of Shari Bryant

This year’s Clinton Christmas Parade theme is “The Gifts of Christmas” and will be held in downtown Clinton on December 13th beginning at 6:00 p.m. Prior to the parade, be sure to join the merchant’s of Historic Downtown Clinton to celebrate Tennessee’s largest antique and specialty shopping district.

In addition to the great antique shopping, there will be a farmers market and plant sale starting at 9:00am.

In Oak Ridge, the “Holiday Homecoming” Christmas parade will begin at 6:00 pm. The route will begin at Corporate Center, located at 151 Lafayette Drive in Oak Ridge. From there, the parade will travel down to the Oak Ridge Turnpike. It will continue west on the Turnpike to Oak Ridge High School.

For more information, visit yallcome.org.

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December 2014

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POSTAL PATRON

P.O. Box 1003 Clinton, TN 37717

Come check out our collection of scarves, candles, jewelry and Christmas decor.

We have something for everyone!

December 2014