Dwayne Wilkerson Wins Challenge Losing Weight and Feeling Great
Hometown Pride: the McKameys 60 Years of Singing as a Family
Doing Good at Home & Abroad
Spotlight on the Clinton Rotary
Festival Inspires New Tradition Shop Antiques Every Second Saturday Downtown
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From the Editor
I
’m not sure which season I like best here in Clinton. I have to admit that this past winter did not exactly bless my soul, but watching the weeping cherry tree in my front yard come to life and bloom delicate pink blossoms this past spring more than made up for it. And the dogwoods! What a beautiful sight. And now, it’s finally summer. Make sure to take advantage of the various farmers markets throughout the area. You can’t beat fresh, local produce, and supporting local farmers is always a good idea. The closest farmers market is the one in Norris, which you can find in front of Norris Middle on Mondays from 3-6 p.m. The Oak Ridge Farmers Market is another. You can find them at Jackson Square on Wednesdays from 3-6 p.m. and on Saturdays from 8 a.m. until noon. Find out more at easttnfarmmarkets.org. If you know of any other local vendors or places to pick up fresh produce, email me at clintonlife@outlook.com and I’ll make sure to spread the word! In this month’s edition, we feature the Clinton Rotary. This group of folks has done more good in the community than most people realize. For example, did you know that they recently received an award for their efforts in eradicating polio worldwide? Read the story on page 20. We’ve also featured the Gospelsinging McKameys, a wonderful local family who has been singing together for decades (page 14). If you would like to contribute a story or photos, simply send me an email (below) or call 865-209-0313. If you would like to advertise in Clinton Life, email the same address or call 865-235-9213. We are now locally owned and operated, so if you would like to meet in person, we’re just around the corner. Have a wonderful, fun-filled summer!
Crystal Huskey
clintonlife@outlook.com
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June2014 2014 June
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Editorial Crystal Huskey, Editor, design Sandy Baskeyfield, Contributing photographer David Erb, Contributing writer Paula Johnson, Contributing writer Meg Harrison, Contributing writer Yvonne Hart, Contributing writer Janet Hawkins, Contributing writer Emily Sutherlin, Copy Editor
Advertising Paul Huskey, Sales and marketing representative
Printing and Distribution Century Publishing 5710 E. Seltice Way Post Falls, ID 83854
Pagination Gail Lane
Production HUSKEY MEDIA
P.O. Box 1003 CLINTON TN 37717 Tel: 865.209.0313 Email: clintonlife@outlook.com
In This Issue: 07 The Biggest Loser, Clinton Style 14
Singing McKameys Come Home
18
Review: Lunch at the Museum
20 Spotlight on Clinton Rotary 21
Relax at Rabbit Run Retreat
07
Photo by Crystal Huskey
Departments 04
From The Editor
07
Around Town
23
Gotta Go!
24
Snapshots
27
Event Calendar
30
And Another Thing ....
14
18
On the Cover
Photo courtesy of Roger Fortner
Photo by Paula Johnson
Hundreds of visitors flocked to the 10th Annual Clinch River Spring Antique Fair in early May. Because of the large turnout, organizers decided to make the second Saturday of every month a minifestival. Find out more on pages 24-25. Photo by Sandy Baskeyfield
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Photo courtesy of Clinton Rotary
clintonlife@outlook.com Interested in advertising? Call our sales representative today! Paul Huskey (865) 235-9213 paulrhuskey@outlook.com June 2014
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AROUND TOWN
Local news you can use.
Thin It to Win It: Biggest Loser, Clinton Style Dozens of people lost significant weight during Take Charge Fitness’ annual fitness challenge. by Crystal Huskey
Editor
I
f you’ve ever watched CBS’ hit show ‘The Biggest Loser,’ then you’re familiar with the concept of people teaming up with professional coaches to lose weight. This year, Clinton had its own real life version of the program. Dozens of residents signed up for the three-month weight loss challenge at Take Charge Fitness, located at 1921 N. Charles Seivers Blvd., and while some dropped out early, many participants saw significant weight loss results. The intensive program began Jan. 20. A total of 93 people signed up to keep a food log, exercise regularly and join one of three teams: Team Mika, led by Mika Yoshida; Team Joy, led by Joy Winchester; and Team Daniel, led by Daniel Butler. Each team met together for team challenges and weekly weigh-ins and measurements. By the end of the program, participants lost a combined 660.4 pounds and a whopping 484.25 inches. Dwayne Wilkerson took home the prize for both Most Inches Lost and Most Pounds Lost categories. He lost 35 inches and 64 pounds, resulting in a body fat reduction of 17.6 percent. “I’ve lost some weight before, but not like this,” he says. “I think just loving the competition is what motivated me.” According to Wilkerson, he changed what he ate drastically. No sweets, breads or pasta. “I ate a lot of green beans,” he says with a smile. “I kept a very strict log of everything I was eating. I was surprised by how much I used to eat, but once I started logging I was surprised by how easy it was. Eating something as small as a Hershey’s Kiss makes a difference.” Wilkerson loves how much better he feels and how much energy he now has. He also likes how his clothes fit, and now participates in Six Mile Mondays, something he never thought he would do. Team Joy took home the prize for most pounds lost as a team. Her team lost a total of 209 inches and 306 pounds. On Winchester’s team was Kelly Lenz, co-owner of Clinton Physical Therapy, which happens to share a building with Take Charge Fitness. Lenz exercises regularly and is extremely active, but, she says, she is going through menopause. “In October, I gained five pounds in 10 days,” she says. “That’s a lot for 10 days! I knew that this challenge was coming up, and I decided that menopause was not going to own me. I’m going to take care of this.” Belly fat, according to Lenz, is one of the most dangerous
Dozens of people participated in the Thin It to Win It Challenge offered by Take Charge Fitness.
Coach Joy Winchester, left, and grand prize winner Dwayne Wilkerson, at Take Charge Fitness. Photos by Crystal Huskey
types of fat, and that’s where she gained her weight. By the time the challenge was done, that was no longer a problem. She attributes her success to the popular smartphone application called My Fitness Pal. For example, before she would order dinner at a restaurant, she would plug her three top choices into the app. Often, what she assumed was the healthiest was not. Many participants successfully used My Fitness Pal to log their meals and snacks. Take Charge Fitness now offers accountability sessions with a coach for those seeking to lose weight. For more information, visit takechargefitnessprogram. com or call (865) 457-8237.
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to benefit the
Free Medical Clinic of Oak Ridge
Saturday, August 16, 2014 5-10 p.m. St. Mary’s Parish Life Center Oak Ridge, TN Dinner ♦ Drinks ♦ Dancing ♦ Auctions
New this year Atomic Blast Signature Drink & Celebrity Dance Contest! Ticket sales begin Monday, June 16th for more information, visit www.fmcor.org or call 865.483.3904 $60 per ticket The Free Medical Clinic of Oak Ridge provides primary healthcare and related services at no charge to residents of Anderson, Morgan and Roane Counties who are uninsured and who cannot afford to pay for medical care. Since opening in 2010, the clinic has served almost 3400 patients in over 16,000 visits. FMCOR
People Caring for People
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Free Medical Clinic of Oak Ridge
Summer Movies at the Ritz by Crystal Huskey Editor
Did you know that the Ritz Theater, located at 119 N. Main St. in Clinton, plays the most recent, highly anticipated movies of the season? And, it’s only $5. Even the snacks are cheap! Spend an evening at the Ritz Theater this (Because who wants to summer and watch some of the latest hits. Photocourtesy of the Ritz Theater. pay over $50 to take your family to a movie?) The facility is clean, upto-date, comfortable and surprisingly modern. Still, you can’t ignore the pleasant sense of stepping back in time when you first enter. And how could you not? The place is practically dripping with history. Most movies are family-friendly. Call (865) 463-0440 to see what’s playing tonight.
Fizz, Boom, Read! by Meg Harrison Community Contributor
Help prevent reading skills from sliding and have fun at the same time with a science-themed summer reading program at the library this summer. Registration is June 1 through July 7 online and in the library. The program is open to those from birth-18. Children and teens either count books they read or books that are read to them between their registration date and the date of our Water Science Fun Finale on July 19. The library staff is always happy to help pick out a new favorite! There are going to be great activities for the kids to participate in all summer long starting with a kick-off party with Royal Magic Events on June 9 at 1 p.m. and a visit from Mr. Bond the Science Guy on July 7 at 1 p.m. We’re also going to have a great series of science themed family story times every Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. for preschoolers and their families and, of course, we’ll continue to hold our popular Lego Club. There are also robot fun, mad scientist, food science, and bubble science programs for elementary aged kids. We’ve even expanded into teen programs this summer and are offering a three part stop motion film camp for those in grades six and up. For more information, call the library at 865-457-0519 or contact Meg at director@clintonpubliclibrary.org or Michele at youthservices@ clintonpubliclibrary.org.
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ADVICE Is It Time to Let Go or Level Up? by Yvonne Hart Community contributor
Ever notice how the circus trapeze artist must let go of one swing to fly to another? As a coach, I work with people who hold on to a familiar job or secure leadership position and never let go. These people have stopped moving forward. It is more secure to hold on and avoid risks. Some leaders, heads of organizations, long-term leaders, or others hold on because they don’t want to lose the power, control or prestige of their present positions. Some are afraid they might never find another fulfilling role so they hold on to what they have. Some fear their visions will fade or their work might be undermined if another person takes over. Often we get stuck, unsure of which direction to follow. There are situations
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Yvonne Hart, certified life coach. Photo courtesy of Yvonne Hart
where change is not on the horizon and we must imagine what it would be like to make peace with our circumstances and move on. That may require exploring the idea of changing your expectations rather than changing the situation. This too can free you from
feeling trapped. If you’ve been settling for less or just coping, begin to imagine a future where an unfavorable circumstance is totally eliminated. What would that look like? What would change? Be specific as you begin to list dreams and ideas. An example of that would be someone who doesn’t feel their current job gives them an outlet for helping others. This person may find a volunteer position where he can not only help others, but also have his need met. This type of adjustment allows him to return to what once seemed like a boring job with an energizing new perspective. We live in a world where the only constant is change. All of these tactics help you define what may be your new normal. Yvonne Hart is a certified life coach in Clinton. Visit afocusedpurpose.com.
Only those who care for others know what it’s really like to care for others. That’s why AARP created a community with experts and other caregivers to help us better care for ourselves and for the ones we love.
aarp.org/caregiving or call 1-877-333-5885
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ASK THE EXPERT... Q: What Type of Life Insurance Is Best for Me? Purchasing life insurance can be daunting; make sure you invest wisely. by David Erb Community contributor Life insurance helps provide peace of mind that your family is financially protected when you are no longer around. Still, buying life insurance can seem like a daunting task because of the variety of products that are available. It can be hard to approach the idea that you should plan for a time when you’re not around. However, life insurance is a critical component to financial well-being, so it is a discussion you should not postpone. To help you get started, consider these two common questions: What type of insurance should I buy? How much life insurance do I need? The answers to these questions will arm you with the basics to begin your assessment of life insurance options.
term, you can choose to renew at a new rate, discontinue protection or select a new policy. Permanent life insurance is in some respects similar to owning a home. It provides insurance throughout your life. Because it is designed to last a lifetime, permanent life insurance accumulates cash value like the equity in your home -- and is priced for you to maintain over a long period of time. If you make regular premium payments and avoid loans, withdrawals or surrenders, the full-face amount will be paid.
David Erb, owner of All-State, the Erb Agency. Photo courtesy of David Erb
Q: What type should I buy? A: There are many kinds of life insurance, but
they generally fall into two categories: term life insurance and permanent life insurance. Term life insurance is in some respects similar to renting a home. When you rent a home, you get to take full advantage of the entire property immediately and for as long as you continue paying rent. As soon as your lease expires, you must renegotiate your lease or move out. Even if you rented the house for 30 years, you have no “equity” or value that belongs to you. This concept could be applied when thinking of term life insurance. You establish a term, or amount of time you’d like life insurance protection for, and you will pay the premiums for this certain period of protection. At the end of the 12
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Q: How much life insurance do you need? A: A general rule of thumb is
that your life insurance should be at least five to seven times your annual salary. However, the amount you need can vary because it is dependent on so many factors including income, expenses, assets, and liabilities. You need to think about your current situation and how that situation may change in the future. Your insurance agent or financial professional will likely have a worksheet to help you calculate your needs.
Q: Which one is better? A: Just like buying or renting a home, neither
option is always right or always wrong. Rather, the type of policy that’s right for you depends on your specific situation. For more insurance advice, visit allstate.com/ daviderb.
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Singing as a Family for the Past 60 Years
This month, the Gospel-singing group will release their 50th album. by Crystal Huskey Editor
Peg McKamey, a preacher’s daughter and
matriarch of the Gospel-singing McKameys, has been singing since she was a little girl. This month, she and her family return to Clinton for their annual Hometown Sing.
Q: How did you first get involved in performing?
My daddy was a preacher and he sang. My oldest sister, Dora, sang with him when she was old enough. After a few years, she wanted me and my sister Carol to give her harmony. So in 1954 we started singing together.
Q: What was that like?
We were just little kids. We sang acapella and would go to different churches to sing. After a few years, Dora’s church wanted us to sing on a Sunday morning and I met my now husband there. This June we’ll have been married for 55 years!
Q: Was he musical as well?
Oh yes, he sang with his family and he played the guitar. I was fascinated with the guitar. We had a lot of things in common. There were 12 kids in my family and 12 in his, we sang, they sang, so we started courtin’ and courted a couple of years. He would play for us and for his family when they sang. Eventually he played more with us once we started courting. After a couple of years of courting we got married, still sang. Once we made our first recording in 1968, Dora asked Ruben, my husband, to add a fourth part. 14
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Q: How many records have you made now? In 1968 we made two long play albums. We just recently finished our 50th project. It comes out in June.
Q: Did you all write most of the songs?
People send us their new material and I listen to it. Our daughter is a writer and has written more than a hundred songs and we’ve recorded close to 100 of her songs.
Q: Who exactly makes up the McKameys?
Ruben and I had two girls, Connie and Sheryl, and when my oldest sister Dora retired from singing to
The McKameys live in Clinton but tour all over the nation. They are known for their Gospel music and highpowered performances. From left: Ruben Bean, Peg McKamey Bean, Sheryl Farris, Roger Fortner, Connie Fortner and Eli Fortner. Photo courtesy of Roger Fortner go into the medical field, and my sister Carol retired to start her family, Ruben and I continued the band with our girls. Ruben and I are the Beans. Our baby daughter, Sheryl, who is the writer, came off the road to start her family and my sister Carol came back in her place. She sang with Connie and myself and Ruben for 26 years. Then, she retired again to spend time with her 12 grandchildren and Sheryl was able to come back to the group. Since 1980, Ruben, myself, and our daughters have performed full-time. Connie’s
husband Roger plays some music, he plays guitar and piano. Their son Eli has always traveled with us and sings and plays as well. So six of us.
Q: Are you originally from Clinton?
No, I was born in Campbell County, a coal mining town. I moved to Anderson County and have been here since we started singing. My and Ruben’s brothers and sisters all live here.
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Q: How often do you tour, and where all do you go?
We tour every week except a couple of weeks for vacation and sometimes three weeks for Christmas. We’ve been in Maine, New York, British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, California. We have
then Oklahoma and then back home. Because I love people I love seeing the different cultures. Everyone’s different and interesting to me. But I don’t love the travel like I used to. But my strength comes from the Lord. I am energetic and I thank the Lord for that. If it weren’t for him I’m sure I wouldn’t be. We’ve had our personal struggles too. Eli was diagnosed with nephritic syndrome when he was five months old and was on chemo for years. It destroyed the kidney’s filters. In 2007, his daddy gave him a kidney and he’s traveled with us with all this. It keeps us humble because we know God’s in control. My youngest daughter has also had health issues and takes chemo in a pill form. We treasure each moment we have with her. We realize life is short and enjoy it to the fullest. We praise the Lord for the privilege to travel the country and share the Gospel.
Q: What was it like touring while raising a family?
Ruben Bean, Peg McKamey Bean, Connie Fortner and Sheryl Farris. Photos courtesy of Roger Fortner
toured out west, but it’s been a few years since we traveled that far. We’ve performed on cruises and taken trips to Hawaii. Our home church is Batley Baptist Church and we make it back almost every Sunday.
Q: What do you love most about your lifestyle?
It’s a joy to be with the family on the weekends. Sheryl lives in Georgia just outside of Chattanooga. Connie lives in Clinton and takes care of McKamey Publishing. I like seeing other parts of the country. I love out west where the sky is so big. I like going into Amish settlements and singing a couple of days and hearing the click clack of the horses and buggies.
Q: Is the tour schedule a challenge?
It’s tiring. For example, one weekend we’ll start out on a Thursday in Savannah, Tenn., then Ohio, 16
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Before, Ruben was a contractor and built houses. I helped him decorate with wallpaper and paint. The whole family was involved in that and we traveled in the band. The girls would get their homework done in the van by the dome light. You just do what you have to do. They graduated with honors. We’ve just grown up together and have been close. We adopted two boys; they don’t sing but they followed in their daddy’s footsteps in the carpentry work.
Q: Can you tell us more about the Hometown Sing?
It’s Friday and Saturday, June 6-7. A lot of the people stay and go to church on Sunday and we have our homecoming there. We usually have over 20 states represented. The first thing we do is set up and get everthing ready, including ourselves. Then we wait at the product table, greet people and sell our products. A lot of time people will ask us to sing specific songs and we’ll take requests. We make a list of prayer requests as well. We’re proud to be from Clinton and enjoy getting to sing for people here at home. For more information, visit McKameysonline.com.
The McKameys sing all over the U.S. Bottom left, the three original sisters, Carol, Dora and Peg, with Ruben Bean, Peg’s husband. Huge crowds often come to see them perform (bottom right). Photos courtesy of Roger Fortner
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Comfort Food at the Museum You never know who you might meet when you visit one of the most popular museums in Anderson County. by Paula Johnson Community contributor
Photo by Paula Johnson
You mean to tell me, there’s an entire museum dedicated to us?”
my friend asked incredulously when she found out where I was eating for lunch. Yes. There is an entire museum dedicated to us, to all those who came before us, and to all those who will come after us…here in this paradoxical world of the Mountain South. The Museum of Appalachia began as the dream of John Rice Irwin in 1969. Today it boasts 36 pioneer buildings, numerous authentic artifacts collected from the first settlers of this region – Cherokee, English, Scotch-Irish, and a highly prized Smithsonian Affiliation. The first day I went for lunch at the Museum of Appalachia just happened to be Sheep Shearing Day. It’s a springtime ritual at the museum, drawing many visitors and school groups to watch and participate in demonstrations, and both the ground and restaurant
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were packed with guests. I placed my order at the counter, not even noticing there weren’t any tables available. Being on the lookout for their customers’ comfort, the sweet lady who took my order helped me find a place to sit, and introduced me to a regular patron sitting alone. The patron, whose named was Jack, said he would be delighted if I would join him for lunch. He looked to be somewhere in his 80s, well educated, with a kind
and gentle disposition. “You from around here?” he asked. I became suddenly aware that while most everyone there was dressed in denim or shorts, I was wearing my ‘armor’ from the city – black skirt, black sweater, scarf wrapped around my neck. “I’m from Knoxville,” I replied, knowing that could explain... well, just about anything. “Oh, me too!” Jack exclaimed. We had found our common ground. Following a career in engineering, Jack moved to the scenic area of Norris, to be near the lake. He has a meal, consisting of a vegetable plate, oatmeal cookie, and coffee, at the museum’s Restaurant, usually 5 days a week.
His favorite dish is the Fresh Garden Casserole, which is not on the rotating menu today, so he has opted for the TCO – Tomato, Cucumber, & Onion Salad. As Jack and I talked, I took a bite of the day’s ham special, looked out the large windows to the peaceful green pastures. “You some kind of journalist?” Jack brought me back in. “Not exactly,” I said, filling my fork full of green beans. I explained to Jack how I had come there to learn about the restaurant.
“That’s what the museum is all about: carrying on a tradition.” Kristy Wells, Chef
“Oh, you need to talk to Kristy, she runs the kitchen.” John Rice Irwin describes Appalachian people in some quotes around the museum as a warm, colorful, happy, independent, jolly lot. This description fits almost everyone I grew up with in Southern Greene County, and, Kristy Wells. This petite lady has overseen the museum kitchen with a staff of six for the past three years. “Did you get you some dessert?” she asks me. “Oh, I had the blueberry salad,” I say. Blueberry Jello Salad to be exact – blueberries suspended in gelatin, with whipped cream. “Oh, honey, that’s not dessert…that’s a salad. Let me go get you some dessert,” Kristy insists. I’ve learned one thing in this life: if you run into a really good cook, sit quietly and eat everything they offer you, otherwise, you might miss out on some wonderful flavors. “I was hired here for my cooking style. This is real southern cooking, with all the butter,” Kristy tells me.
Kristy Wells, chef at the Museum of Appalachia. Photo by Paula Johnson
“The biggest thing is, I taste as I go, to make sure everything is well seasoned. We have a garden where we grow vegetables and herbs. We like to use as many fresh ingredients as we can.” Kristy has brought out a sampler for us – blackberry cobbler, a peach cobbler trifle, mounds cake, pineapple upside down cake, and a “spring” red velvet cake, with fresh berries. As Jack, Jane and I divide up the desserts, the pace slows down a bit and Kristy talks about her inspiration. “My Mother taught me how to cook and can. That’s what the Museum is all about – carrying on a tradition. She put the love into the food.” I smiled to myself, as I thought about hearing my own mother say many times, “I cook with love.” And it seems that’s the way it goes. We learn over the years from these larger than life people, then one day, we become them.
Cooking Up a Southern Feast Jane Kirk, the marketing director for the museum, and I laughed a bit about a recent article in a national magazine claiming congealed salads were making a comeback. Here at the Museum of Appalachia, and in most Southern homes, they never left. Items offered are of Appalachian heritage. Some of the most popular include chicken and dumplings, meatloaf, ham, steak and gravy, pinto beans, fried green tomatoes, fried okra, potatoes, wilted lettuce, deviled eggs, cast iron cornbread, and of course, congealed salads. They also make an apple cake, German chocolate, hummingbird, lemon blueberry and more. June 2014June 2014
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Rotary: Think Globally, Act Locally
The Clinton Rotary focuses its efforts on community outreach and has had a big impact on the town behind the scenes.
The Clinton Rotary hosts the annual Daddy-Daughter Dance.
Members of the Clinton Rotary at the annual Christmas party.
Photo by Tim Baird, Legends Event Photography
Photo courtesy of Michael Bowers
by Crystal Huskey Editor
The Rotary Club is an organization of business and professional leaders worldwide who provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations and help build goodwill and peace in the world. In more than 160 countries worldwide, 1.2 million Rotarians belong to more than 30,000 Rotary clubs. In Clinton, approximately 30 members participate in the local club. The main objective of Rotary is service. Rotarians develop community service projects that address many of today’s most critical issues, such as children at risk, poverty and hunger, the environment, illiteracy and violence. They also support programs for youth, students, teachers and other professionals. The motto for Rotary is “service above self,” and that’s something the Clinton Rotary does well. Current president Michael Bowers joined the club three years ago as a way to give back to the community where he was raised. Longtime member Jerry Schlandt joined for much the same reasons. “It’s a good way to be involved in the community,” Schlandt says. “We don’t call much attention to ourselves, so it’s fun to do things behind the scenes.” The “things behind the scenes” have made a remarkable impact on the community, the most public of which is the spring Daddy-Daughter Dance. The brainchild of Schlandt, who observed a similar tradition in Athens, Tenn., it took a few years before the other members jumped on board. Once they did, however, a Clinton tradition was born. “The night before the dance the first year,” says
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Schlandt, “we had sold 20 tickets. But, by the time the dance began we had sold over 200.” The second year, they sold 500 tickets, and this year even more were sold. The proceeds, totaling $3,000, were donated to six Clinton schools. The club hosts a Christmas party every year for needy children in the community. Around 20 children are nominated by teachers and principals, and Rotary members purchase clothes and toys for each. “The Rotary Club is happy to share in the kids’ Christmas,” says Bowers, “and its one of my favorite things that we do for the community.” They also host a winter coat drive in partnership with the Knox-area Rescue Ministries (KARM) and collect over 200 coats. Additionally, the club has donated dictionaries to all Clinton city schools. “We’ve always contributed to the libraries at the elementary schools,” says Schlandt, noting that part of Rotary’s mission is literacy. One well-known aspect of Rotary is its efforts in combating polio worldwide. By 2018, most of the world should be free of polio, in part due to Rotary’s efforts. The Clinton branch was awarded the Polio Eradicator Award for raising $1,100 to combat the disease. The theme for the 2014-2015 Rotary year is “Light Up Rotary.” It is inspired by the Confucious quote which states: It is better to light a single candle than to sit and curse the darkness. Rotary members strive to light a candle in the darkness at home; together, they want to light up the world. For more information on the Clinton Rotary, look up “Clinton Rotary Club” on Facebook.
Relax at the Rabbit Run Retreat
At a time when things are supposed to slow down, this retired couple is stepping up their game and bringing hospitality to Anderson County. by Crystal Huskey Editor Judy Valentine, a San Diego, Calif., native, is no stranger to running her own business. However, hosting dozens of strangers on her property on any given date is something she is still getting used to. She and her husband, Jim, own Rabbit Run Retreat, a large property just behind the Museum of Appalachia where families can stay for a night or an extended period of time. The Valentines moved to Clinton in the 1970s after her parents moved here for work. She recalls going to pick strawberries with her father at a large pick-your-own strawberry farm soon after moving to town. “We were walking back to our car,” she recalls, “and as we walked, people kept greeting us and asking how we were. I was suspicious, since I had
moved from a big city where people just didn’t do that. My dad told us, ‘that’s just how things are here. This is how it’s supposed to be.’” It was a no-brainer when it came time to make a decision to move and raise their family in Clinton. They ended up starting a business -- Value Signs in Oak Ridge, now managed by their son -- and laying down deep roots. In 1997, they purchased a home in Norris. When they tried to sell it during the recession, their real estate agent suggested that they convert it to an inn or a retreat center. After having been retired for the past ten years, they began a new phase of life nearly two years ago by opening up Rabbit Run Retreat. “We’ve been getting established, but we’ve done pretty well,” Valentine says.
Nestled in Tranquility
“That’s just how things are here. This is how it’s supposed to be.” Rabbit Run Retreat is a large home on 8 acres that can sleep 21 people comfortably; more, if you want to lay out a few pallets on the floor. According to Valentine, it’s ideal for church retreats, family reunions or corporate get-aways. Valentine notes how the age of the internet has helped small businesses like hers prosper. Rabbit Run Retreat is listed on VRBO.com, a website that maintains a list of independently-owned vacation homes. Most of their business comes from there. Anderson County is a great place for gatherings, according to Valentine, because it’s a central location for both northerners and deep southerners. For more information, visit rabbitrunretreat.com.
Large gatherings are welcome at the Rabbit Run Retreat. Photo courtesy of Rabbit Run Retreat
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The “It’s Only Another Beer” Black and Tan 8 oz. pilsner lager 8 oz. stout lager 1 frosty mug 1 icy road 1 pick-up truck 1 10-hour day 1 tired worker A few rounds with the guys Mix ingredients. Add 1 totalled vehicle.
Never underestimate ‘just a few.’ Buzzed driving is drunk driving.
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GOTTA GO!
See. Do. Enjoy.
June 7, 8 Tour Living History
at the David Hall Cabin
The David Hall Cabin in Clinton, owned by Libby and Harry Bumgardener. Photo courtesy of Libby Bumgardner
This Historic David Hall Cabin will have an open house on June 7-8 from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Come for a visit and take a step back in time at one of the earliest homes and businesses in Anderson County. David Hall was a Revolutionary War soldier and he also ran a tavern and inn here. He and his family are buried in the cemetary located a few hundred yards behind the cabins. There will be a reenactment of the Hamilton and Burr duel, a lye soapmaking demonstration, blacksmithing, bluegrass and Gospel music, butterchurning demonstrations, storytelling, and various Revolutionary and Civil War reenactors. Many old documents and pictures will be on display, including receipts that show civil war soldiers staying at the inn during the war. Food and drink will be available for sale. Admission is free, and donations will be accepted to help rebuild the Hall cabin chimney. The Hall cabin is located at 830 Old Edgemoor Lane, Clinton. Contact Libby or Harry Bumgardner at (865) 945-3807 or (865) 789-1478.
Pool at Norris Dam, now open to the public. Photo courtesy of Norris Dam State Park
Jaycee Park pool. Photo courtesy of City of Clinton
Summertime is Swimming Time You won’t run out of options this summer when it comes to places to swim. Check out the Jaycee Park city pool, located at 304 Nave St. Opening weekend was May 29 and it will remain open throughout the summer. It’s open Monday- Saturday, noon-5:30. On Sundays it’s
open from 1:30-5:30 p.m. Call 865457-0642 for more information. Alternately, visit the indoor pool at the Clinton Community Center, located at 101 Hicks St. The price is $2.25 but the window to visit is small. Visit clintontn.net for more information. The pool at Norris Dam is open to the public this summer Wednesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Call
865-426-7461 for more information. Other wet places to hang out this summer include: • Splashpad in Powell (2318 Emory Rd., Powell). Call 865-215-6600. • Pool at the KOA campground (2423 N Charles Seivers Blvd.). Call 865-494-9386. If we missed any, email clintonlife@outlook.com. 23 June 2014
Photography by Sandy Baskeyfield
Taking a Step Back in Time Hundreds of people flocked to downtown Clinton for the 10th Annual Clinch River Spring Antique Fair.
Send Us Your Photos Whether you’re an amateur or professional photographer, we would love to see your work! Email clintonlife@ outlook.com to show us what you see.
Photography by Sandy Baskeyfield
The popularity of the 10th Annual Clinch River Spring Antique Fair inspired the organizers to start “Second Saturdays.”
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“Second Saturdays” will give people the opportunity to shop for antiques in downtown Clinton on the second Saturday of the month during the summer months. It began on May 10. The next will be June 14, followed by July 12 and Aug. 9. In addition to the shopping, there will be fresh produce, plant sales, vendors and live entertainment.
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Photography by Sandy Baskeyfield Photography by Sandy Baskeyfield
For more information on the Second Saturday events, visit their Facebook page. In the search bar, type in Second Saturdays in Clinton TN.
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UPCOMING EVENTS... JUNE
Sunday 1 - July 7 Library Sign-Ups for Summer Reading Program 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
WHAT: Sign up to participate in the library’s summer readings program for kids birth - 18. WHERE: Clinton Public Library, 118 S. Hicks St. INFO: Contact Meg Harrison at director@clintonpubliclibrary. org or call 865-457-0519.
FAMILY•FREE Monday 2 - Aug. 31 Department of Energy Bus Tours in Oak Ridge Various times WHAT: This tour is free with paid admission to the American Museum of Science and Energy and runs Mondays through Fridays during the summer, except holidays. Explore the original Manhattan Project sites around Oak Ridge and learn the history behind the development of the world’s first atomic weapon which helped to end WWII. WHERE: American Museum of Science and Energy, South Tulane Avenue, Oak Ridge INFO: For more information, contact AMSE at 865-5763200 or visit www.amse.org. Must be 10 or older. FAMILY
FRIDAY 6 Concerts on the Commons (every Friday night) 7 p.m.
WHAT: Concert on the Commons, Norris’ outdoor music series, will be held each Friday evening at 7:00pm. Everyone is encouraged to bring a lawn
chair, blanket and picnic basket. This year’s line-up will feature a varied mix of musical styles and genres with artists drawn from near and far. WHERE: Norris Commons Area (in front of Norris Middle), Norris
FAMILY•FREE Friday 6 (every Friday in June) Wing Night at Sequoyah Marina After 5 p.m.
WHAT: Start off your weekends on Friday night with Sequoyah’s famous “Wing Night” at the dock. WHERE: Sequoyah Marina, 336 Lakeview Ln., Andersonville INFO: For more information, call 865-494-7984 or visit www.sequoyahmarina.net. FAMILY • FREE • FOOD
Friday 6-7 (every Friday and Saturday) Big Valley Barn Grand Re-Opening 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: Contact Joy Patterson at 865-323-5103 FAMILY • FREE • FOOD
Saturday 7 (every Saturday in June) Sundown Saturdays 6 - 10 p.m. WHAT: Live music, beautiful scenery at the Stardust Marina.
Schedules are subject to change. Call venues to confirm event information.
WHERE: Stardust Marina, 149 Stardust Lane Andersonville. INFO: Visit stardustmarina.com or call 855.494.7641
FAMILY • FOOD Saturday 7-8 Open House at Historic David Hall Cabin 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
WHAT: Take a step back in time and find out how the pioneers lived while learning about Anderson County history. WHERE: 830 Old Edgemoor Lane, Clinton. INFO: Contact Libby Bumgardner at 865-945-3807.
FAMILY•FREE Monday 9 - 13 Adventure Summer Camps All day
WHAT: 4th-6th grade students, sign up for the most exciting adventure of your summer! Join for a week of ropes course, canoeing, climbing, rappelling, mountain biking and more! Sign up quickly…the spots are filling up fast! WHERE: Life Development Center, 299 Old Edgemoor Rd. Oak Ridge INFO: Cost is$200 per student. For more information on any of these events, call or email Megan Duncan at 200-1790 or mduncan3@acs.ac.
FRIDAY 13-14 Secret City Festival Various times
Oak Ridge unique. This awardwinning, 2-day event includes live music and entertainment, WWII living history activities and demonstrations; Oak Ridge history exhibits, arts and crafts, and tons more. WHERE: Oak Ridge Civic Center, Oak Ridge INFO: For more information, call 865-425-3610 or visit www.secretcityfestival.comFAMILY • FREE • FOOD
Saturday 14 Second Saturdays in Downtown Clinton All day
WHAT: Shopping, eating and being with friends in downttown Clinton. WHERE: Start out along Market St., Clinton
FAMILY•FREE•FOOD
Interested in advertising? Let us help you boost your business. Contact Paul Huskey at 865-235-9213 or email clintonlife@ outlook.com.
WHAT: The Secret City Festival celebrates 12 years of family fun, great entertainment, arts & crafts, and commemorates the incredible history that makes
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UPCOMING EVENTS... SATURDAY 14 Secret City Cruise-In 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
WHAT: Secret City Cruise–In Car Show presented by the Clinton Region Antique Automobile Club of America, WHERE: Lower level parking lot of the American Museum of Science and Energy, S. Tulane Ave., Oak Ridge INFO: Email kim@andersoncountychamber.org for more information.
THURSDAY 19 Networking at Fox Toyota 8 a.m.
WHAT: Anderson County Chamber will host a coffee at Fox Toyota. WHERE: Fox Family Lane, Clinton. INFO: Visit andersoncountychamber.org for more information.
THURSDAY 19-20 Mini Summer Camp 8 a.m.
WHAT: 4th-9th grade students who want a shorter adventure, but still tons of fun! WHERE: Life Development Center, 299 Old Edgemoor Rd. Oak Ridge INFO: $100 per person. Call or email Megan Duncan at 865-200-1790 or mduncan3@ acs.ac.
FRIDAY 21 Lavendar Festival 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
WHAT: The Annual Lavender Festival in Historic Jackson Square offers great food, fun activities for children, interest
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ing herb demonstrations, crafts, antiques, music and much more. WHERE: East Tennessee Ave., Oak Ridge INFO: Visit JacksonSquareLavenderFestival.org for more information.
FAMILY•FREE•FOOD FRIDAY 21 Big Kahuna Wing Festival All day
WHAT: 6,000 pounds of wings, lots of fun, lots of stuff to do. WHERE: World’s Fair Park, Knoxville INFO: Visit bkwfestival. com for more information.
FAMILY •FOOD MONDAY 23 27 Adventure Summer Camps All day
WHAT: 7th-9th grade students, sign up for the most exciting adventure of your summer! Join for a week of ropes course, canoeing, climbing, rappelling, mountain biking and more! Sign up quickly… the spots are filling up fast! WHERE: Life Development Center, 299 Old Edgemoor Rd. Oak Ridge INFO: Cost is$200 per student. For more information on any of these events, call or email Megan Duncan at 2001790 or mduncan3@ acs.ac.
THURSDAY 26 Clinton City Council meeting 5:30-6:30 p.m.
WHAT: Participate in your local government and let your voice be heard. WHERE: City Council board room, Clinton City Hall INFO: Monthly on the fourth Thursdays. Open to the public.
Saturday 28 Meadowlark Music Festival at Ijams Nature Center Starts at 2 p.m.
WHAT: All day music festival at one of the most beautiful sites in east Tennessee. Join WDVX and Ijams for the Meadow Lark Music Festival at Ijams Nature Center. Indoor and outdoor stages. WHERE: Visit Ijams.org for more information, including a line-up of performing artists. INFO: Tickets are $17.50 if purchased early.
SATURDAY 28 Dragon Boat Race Festival All day
WHAT: Event features the adrenaline-pumping action of dragon boat racing. Enjoy the fun and community spirit as you cheer on teams that consist of 20 paddlers, a drummer, and a steerer all in a 46-foot long dragon boat. WHERE: Cove at Concord Park, Knoxville INFO: Visit gatewaydragonboat.org for more information.
SATURDAY 28 Fire on the Water
TBD
WHAT: One of the largest Independence Day fireworks display in Tennessee. WHERE: Sequoyah Marina, 336 Lakeview Ln., Andersonville INFO: or more information, call 865-494-7984 or visit www. sequoyahmarina.net.
FAMILY • FOOD SATURDAY 28 Cherokee Heritage Day 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
WHAT: Guests will also have an opportunity to visit a Cherokee campsite, interact with members of the militia, tour the
fort, and see a variety of pioneer skills displayed. Cherokee Heritage Day is a cooperative effort between the James White’s Fort Association and Indian Creek Productions, Inc. WHERE: James White’s Fort is located at the intersection of Hill Avenue and Hall of Fame Drive in downtown Knoxville. INFO: For more information or reservations call 865-5256514.
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and folk music will be played and sung on the porches of the cabins and in the old log church, hymn singing and church services will be conducted. WHERE: Museum of Appalachia, Andersonville Highway, Clinton INFO: For more information, please contact the Museum of Appalachia at 865-494-7680 or visit museumofappalachia. org.
FAMILY• FOOD
FRIDAY 4 46th Annual Norris Day Celebration Various times throughout the day
FRIDAY 4 Clinton Fireworks Celebration 5-10 p.m.
FAMILY•FREE• FOOD
FAMILY•FREE•FOOD
WHAT: The Norris Lions Club brings you the 46th Annual Norris Day celebration in downtown Norris. Tickets for the dinners will be on sale in front of the Norris Post Office, at Hensley’s and at Archers prior to July 4th as well as in the cafeteria that day. WHERE: Norris Commons, Norris INFO: For more information, call 865- 368-4884.
WHAT: Backyard Bouncers will be set up complete with a 68 foot obstacle course, 3 lane water slide, bungee run, and more. Kids can also participate in a free round of laser tag. There will be food vendors, live entertainment and antique cars to view. A corn-hole tournament will also begin at 7pm, registration beginning at 6pm. WHERE: Lakefront Park, Clinton INFO: For more information, call the parks and recreation department at 865-457-0642
FRIDAY 4 July 4 Celebration and Anvil Shoot All day
WHAT: July 4th will be celebrated in an unusual, dramatic, and traditional fashion at the Museum of Appalachia with historic anvil shoots. In addition, there will be demonstrations of mountain arts and crafts. Bluegrass, old time
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AND ANOTHER THING...
Local Businesses to be Honored at Third Annual Dinner You never know who you might meet when you visit one of the most popular museums in Anderson County. by Janet Hawkins Community contributor The Museum of Appalachia will be the place to be on Friday, June 6, as the Anderson County Chamber of Commerce pays tribute to local businesses at the third annual “Dinner on the Lawn” event. Everyone is welcome to attend. Guests will be treated to valet parking when they arrive at 6:30 p.m., social hour on the porch, live music on the lawn and a fun live auction. Dinner will be served at 7:30 p.m. followed by our Tribute to Business award ceremony, honoring a diverse category of businesses. This prestigious event has grown from a “great idea concept” to a “must attend event” for the Anderson County business community. In order to accommodate the increased crowd, this year’s event will be at the picturesque Museum of Appalachia in Norris. The large, open fields, rustic structures and charm of simpler times is perfect for a “Dinner on the Lawn” evening. Sponsors include All Occasion Party Rentals, Allstate: the Erb Agency, Fox Toyota Scion/Chevrolet, ORNL Federal Credit Union, Community Trust Bank, Inc., Thermocopy of Tennessee and Peoples Bank of the South. For more information please contact the Chamber office at 865-457-2559. (Editor’s note: in the event that this magazine reaches your home after June 6, please note that the Chamber hosts events throughout the year. For more information and to keep up with the Chamber, visit andersoncountychamber.org.)
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Guests gather at the 2nd Annual Tribute to Business Dinner. Photo courtesy of Janet Hawkins
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P.O. Box 1003 Clinton, TN 37717