Page 2, Visions Magazine, April 2011
George Washington is the only man whose birthday is a legal holiday in every state of the United States.
Something that is woody or like wood can be described as “xyloid.”
108 S. Seneca Road Oak Ridge, TN 37830 (865) 227-4560 www.acvisionsmag.com Publisher............... Chris Keever Advertising............ Chris Keever, ........................Susan McGetrick Graphic Design...... Chris Keever .......................Kathleen Cowling ..................... Martin Hennessee
CONTRIBUTORS Bena Mae Seivers, June McCreight, RC Goodman, Heidi Greenhalgh, Jean Keever, Jim Munsey, Jimmie Turner, Nancy Cosgrove, Joanne Gailar, Judy DiGregorio, Marsha Layman, Melissa Bishop, Marcia Walker, Melanie Harless, Nancy Dunlop, Karl Flatau and Jim Dodson.
CIRCULATION Visions is direct-mailed to 26,500+ homes in Oak Ridge, Claxton, Clinton, Norris and Oliver Springs on the first Saturday of each month. An additional 2,000 copies are distributed through our county-wide network of display racks throughout Anderson County.
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Advertising Deadline for the January issue of Visions Magazine is Monday, December 23rd
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
Romans 10:9
Visions Magazine, December 2013, Page 3
Knoxville’s 45th Annual Nativity Pageant Whatever else be lost among the years, let us keep Christmas – its meaning never ends. For this reason, we present the Nativity Pageant for the 45th consecutive year.
All performances are at the sure to arrive early to avoid Knoxville Civic Coliseum. having to find seats in the dark. Children are welcome, Admission is FREE. all performances are familyTelling the traditional Christ- friendly. Because it is free to mas story of the birth of Jesus everyone, there are no tickets in Bethlehem. Held at the and it is open seating. Pageant dates and times for Knoxville Civic Coliseum; 2013 are as follows: free admission. With a cast For the Sunday and Monday and choir of 250, professional performances, part of Section Saturday, December 14 orchestra and live animals, the N is reserved for the deaf and at 3:00 pm story is told in pantomime in hearing impaired. the round. Coliseum parking is Sunday, December 15 $5/car. For more information, Spanish Translation for all at 3:00 pm phone 865-258-9985 or go to performances by Rev. Alfonso Marquez. Please bring a radio www.knoxvillenativity.com. Monday, December 16 with headsets to tune into the at 7:00 pm The one-hour performance Spanish translation. starts in darkness. Please be
Para escucher la narracion en Español. Por favor sintonice su radio al 88.9 FM. This Pageant is presented free of charge to all. The financial obligations and expenses are met through the contributions and support of individuals and business throughout the community. Tax-deductible donations may be sent to the following address: Nativity Pageant of Knoxville PO Box 53258 Knoxville, TN 37950-3258
Annual Health & Fitness of Visions Magazine
Coming in January to the please email Chris@acvisonspages of Anderson County mag.com. Visions Magazine; our Annual Health & Fitness issue. The advertising deadline for the issue is Monday, DecemThis annual issue is written by ber 23. The issue will arrive local health and fitness profes- in homes the first week of sionals. We are currently look- January 2014. ing for more qualified articles for this issue. If you are interested in authoring an article for this issue,
Page 4, Visions Magazine, December 2013
In the French court of Louis XI, the fine ladies lived mainly on soup because they...
ORCO Presents Symphonic Sounds to Celebrate the Season In its free concert on Saturday, December 14th at 2:00 pm, the Oak Ridge Community Orchestra will be performing famous music associated with traditional celebrations in December. Everyone will immediately recognize the dashing Sleigh Ride by Leroy Anderson, and the Christmas Carols captured by William Burkhart in his special arrangement, While in the Fields. You can savor the traditional Russian flavor with Polonaise from the Christmas Eve Suite by Rimsky-Korsakov, and Russian Christmas Music by Alfred Reed. Moreover, you will enjoy the lilting style of the traditional Jewish music in Festive Sounds of Hanukah by Bill Holcombe.
Fiedler and the Boston Pops Orchestra. This affiliation ORCO began in 1936, and continued News for the rest of his life. It was interrupted for two stints in Dale the U.S. Counter Intelligence Gedcke Corp, the first in WWII, where his fluency in Scandinavian and European languages Tango, The Typewriter, The was a major asset, and the Sandpaper Ballet, Bugler’s
Leroy Anderson (1908 – 1975) is best remembered for his long alliance in composing music performed by Arthur
second during the Korean War. His list of compositions tops 95, including such hits as The Syncopated Clock, Blue
Holiday, and A Trumpeter’s Lullaby. He started composing Sleigh Ride in July 1946 and finished it in February 1948. Ever since, it has been a popular staple of the winter season. See if you can find the horse that reveals its presence with a whinny near the end of the piece. Will Burkhart is the current conductor of the ORCO. In 2011 he wrote a special Christmas Carol Choral Fantasy that premiered in December of that year as a joint performance
by the ORCO and the Children’s Choir of the Christian Academy of Knoxville. While in the Fields is the 3rd section of that five-movement suite. It has been rearranged to substitute instruments for the original children’s voices. As you listen, you will hear the Christmas carols Joy to the
Hark the Herald Angels Sing.
Russian music has a special intensity not duplicated in the style from any other nationality. This strength is evident in Polonaise by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov (1844 – 1908). This piece comes from the suite of instrumental music extracted from his 1895 opera Christmas Eve. In the opera, the Polonaise is a song praising the Tsaritsa in St. Petersburg, sung by a chorus of Cossacks, hoping to impress the Empress. Shortly after this chorus, the Tsaritsa gives the hero, Vakula, her slippers, which he conveys to his sweetheart, Oksana, to win her hand in marriage. The entire opera involves some wild fantasies, including World, Angels We Have Heard Solokha stealing the moon for on High, While in the Fields, the Devil, her son Vakula flying God Rest Ye Merry Gentle(See ‘ORCO’ on page 11) men, We Three Kings, and
believed that excessive chewing would cause them to develop premature facial wrinkles.
Visions Magazine, December 2013, Page 5
Friends United - Kicking Cancer for Rhonda On Sunday afternoon Dec 8th ,2:30 pm at the historic Grove Center Theater (now home to High Place Community Church ) a multitude of notable singers, musicians and friends will come together and present an afternoon
of entertainment to support one of their own who is in a desperate fight against stage four cancer. Rhonda Whiting,a local star and lead singer of the popular SISTERS of THE SILVER SAGE was diagnosed with stage four cancer close to
a year ago and told that even with aggressive treatment with the latest technology she most likely would live only a few months. Rhonda chose to avoid a tracheotomy and feeding tubes that would have accompanied the aggressive traditional treatment, and opted to use an alternative holistic approach. While there is no happy ending with Rhonda being cancer free as of yet, she is on occasion able to sing with her sisters and certainly passed the few months that she was predicted to live. There is a treatment that is available and has been successful with some patients even with stage four cancer. That treatment includes daily use of a hyperbaric oxygen therapy. The cost is several thousands of dollars and insurance does not generally pay for alternative treatments even when proved to be successful. So
Rhonda’s friends are doing welcome. what friends do. Since many of her friends are talented Some of the facilitators and singers and musicians, they amazing entertainment talent performing will be local cowboy star Marshal Andy; David West and David Farmer of Ciderville Music; Danny Hutchins of the Charley Pride Band; Curtis Young of the Jordanaires; Ava Barber of the Lawrence Welk Show; Johnny Moore; Curtis Young; Mike DeBills; Bill Shannon  and many others!
are gathering on that Sunday afternoon at Grove Center to provide an afternoon of entertainment in her support. While the show is open to the public free of charge, donations will be gratefully accepted and
Donations will be accepted the day of the show, but if you would like to donate prior to that date, donations will be accepted at Ciderville Music Store in Knoxville, Merle Fm Studios, WYSH Studios in Clinton and Hammers Stores of Clinton. They can also be mailed to: Donations for Rhonda 441 Lewallen Hollow Ln. Clinton, TN 37716
Page 6, Visions Magazine, December 2013
The bleakest places on Earth are the two poles: the South Pole has no sunshine for 182 days each year;...
Santa Claus Appearing at Comfort Inn, Oak Ridge Families can kick off the Christmas season with Santa and help a local non-profit volunteer organization at the
in court for an abused and neglected child right here in our community,” said Naomi Asher, Executive Director
10am -7pm and Sundays from Noon-6pm. One dollar from every photo taken will benefit CASA and will be matched by Enrichment Federal Credit Union in Oak Ridge. In addition, Santa will be visiting the Comfort Inn on scheduled Friday and Saturday nights in December as part of a “Cookies and Milk with Santa” overnight package for families. Children will be able to watch Christmas movies and enjoy goodies in the hotel while they wait for their special time with St. Nick. Each child will also receive a Santa hat along with a Christmas ornament craft kit and a photo frame craft kit.
same time by visiting the Comfort Inn Oak Ridge during December. The hotel is offering several different activities for the community to get in the holiday spirit with a portion of the proceeds from each event going to CASA of the Tennessee Heartland. “We are so thankful to Comfort Inn for contacting us with this opportunity. Every dollar raised will help provide a voice
of CASA of the Tennessee The package is available DeHeartland. cember 6, 7, 13 and 14 and The Comfort Inn Oak Ridge includes one room with double will serve as the official site for beds for $95 [maximum 2 “Pictures with Santa” through- adults 2 children]. Ten dollars out the holidays. T. Whigham from each room reserved will Photography will be taking professional photos with Santa at the hotel from through Saturday, December 21. The hours are as follows: Monday through Friday from 4pm - 7:30 pm; Saturdays from
benefit CASA. Reservations can be made by calling the Comfort Inn Oak Ridge at 4818200 or by visiting the website at www.comfortinn.com. Cinderella Carriage will also be offering horse and carriage rides from the Comfort Inn during December with all proceeds going to CASA. The cost is five dollars per person and will be available the following days: Saturday, December 7 3pm - 7:00pm Sunday, December 8 2pm - 6pm Friday, December 13 4pm - 7:30pm Saturday, December 14 3pm - 7:00pm Sunday, December 15 4pm - 6pm
Friday, December 20 4pm - 7:30pm Saturday, December 21 3pm - 7:00pm “Comfort Inn hopes that our support, along with that of Enrichment Federal Credit Union, Cinderella Carriage and Santa will help CASA to fulfill their mission of providing a court-appointed volunteer advocate for every child who needs one,” said Kate Groover, Director of Sales at the Comfort Inn Oak Ridge. “We sincerely hope that the community will visit Santa, take a carriage ride or just drop by to make a donation to CASA this holiday season.” The Comfort Inn® hotel is located at 433 South Rutgers Avenue. For more information call 800-555-7830 or visit the Comfort Inn website at www. comfortinn.com.
the North Pole does slightly better — it has no sunlight for 176 days.
Visions Magazine, December 2013, Page 7
Christmas in Old Appalachia M u s e u m o f A p p a l a c h i a : warmth from within on a chilly The Simple Beauty of Christ- December day. mas in Old Appalachia Inside the cabins, simple At the Museum of Appalachia, cedar Christmas trees are log cabins and barns nestle at draped with paper chains, the base of a hill. Smoke rises popcorn strings, and pine lazily from chimneys, signaling cones “snow-capped” with a
flour and water mixture. In in the Hall of Fame, with toys families during the month of the Dan’l Boone Cabin, a and furniture made by loving December will receive a spedormant sapling wears cotton parents and grandparents; cial discount off regular adult “snow” and scraps of cloth for bows. Pine clippings, magnolia leaves and holly berries line the mantels above the fireplaces. The Little Tater Valley School House is adorned with hand-made ornaments made by the pupils of Norris Elementary School. Tattered or well worn quilts are laid under the trees; topped with carved wooden animals, tin horns, rag dolls, wagons, and spinning tops, all presents found early Christmas morning. There are always practical gifts, like new shoes or books, purchased and Granny Irwin’s traditional Christmas Crazy Quilt with from a mail order catalog. poignant hand embroidered Beginning December 7th sayings such as “Remember continuing through Decem- me” and “God B. O. Family” ber 24th, the Museum will (God Bless Our Family). be decorated for Christmas in Old Appalachia, with the Folks wishing to help others simple gifts and decorations less fortunate are encouraged typical of the Appalachian to bring non-perishable food folk. Special holiday exhibits items for the local food bank. include the Children’s Display Those helping to support local
admission. Browse the regional handmade gifts and books in the Shop at the Museum of Appalachia for unique Christmas gifts. Enjoy hot, southern country-style lunches, served daily from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Museum restaurant. (See ‘Museum’ on page 14)
Page 8, Visions Magazine, December 2013
A Dutch study indicated that 50 percent of the adult Dutch population...
Strength Comes from Weakness I tried to ignore it for weeks, but the pain only got worse. It began because I was attending to a responsibility. You would think that intention and action fulfilling a responsibility would be rewarded. It seemed just the opposite for me. I was cursed for doing a job.
found places to eventually sit down I am sure you are not supposed to! I had to make several decisions and ask myself if this long line was worth what I was supposed to see at the end of it.
Spiritually Speaking Dr. Curtis McClane
Personal, excruciating, physical pain has a way of clarifying My journey with my Achilles As I said, the pain only got your decisions for you! The tendon has taught me several w a s things, and reminded me of worse. I thought that perhaps sad t h i n g if I tried to go about my some fundamental aspects day as if it were not there, of life. things would get better. But I was hourly reminded of First, pain tells me somemy ailment. thing is not right. This may sound trite, but pain Have you had a sore Achilhas a purpose. I remember les tendon? Up and down reading about a young boy several hours on a ladder who could not feel pain. Concreated my “thorn in the flesh.” that I could not keep up with sequently, while playing at But that is not the worst of it. the rest of my family and their home and at school he often For the next four days I tried hectic pace to see everything. broke his arm or leg but did to walk it off as I toured on foot Everything finally came to a not know it because he could Washington D.C. Pounding screeching halt when my wife feel no pain. Though pain is the pavement for four long braved the long line to see the painful, it is communication. “Star Spangled Banner” and days finally did me in. Francis Scott Key display. I This reminds me of life. Pain The attractions in D.C. look could only sit in the foyer and in relationships tells me somedifferent through the lens of bemoan my situation and think thing is not right. The hurta painful Achilles tendon. I of what could have been. ful word, the sarcastic cut, the rejecting look, the angry voice—these all can cause emotional pain at home and at work. When that pain raises its ugly head, I need not go into “knee-jerk-reaction” mode. I have to remind myself that the pain I am feeling is because
something is not right in the the cry of mercy from others. relationship. That cry often comes from the depth of soul where a person S e c o n d , i g n o r i n g p a i n really lives. If I truly want to makes things worse. I tried know them, I need to walk with for day after day to walk and them in their pain. pretend I did not have an Achilles tendon problem. The Third, more pain was needinflammation got so bad that ed to get rid of the pain. The a big knot developed on the physical therapist became side of the tendon! When I both my friend and my enwent to the doctor, he said, emy at the same time. For a “My…it is angry at you!” And while, several treatments went no wonder…I had been trying smoothly. Then one day, he said, “Are you ready for this? to ignore it. This reminds me of life itself. I am going to press, squeeze We all get angry when others and massage as hard as I ignore our pain. Our own pain, can, and as much as you can others’ own pain, is crying out stand. This is to get rid of the for validation and attention. scar tissue that is causing the When our moments of per- pain.” sonal crisis are ignored, we feel like we do not matter to Naively, I said I was ready. I others. This is why I pray to was not ready! I almost went God every day that I be com(See ‘Strength’ on page 22) passionate enough to hear
have never flown in an airplane, and 28 percent admitted a fear of flying.
Visions Magazine, December 2013, Page 9
Dirty Santa’s Dirty Little Secret How do you tell someone you don’t like their gift they got you for Christmas? Simple. You don’t! Can you imagine what the scenario would be like if we all told family and friends that the gifts they got us weren’t really what we wanted? The brand name was wrong. The color was wrong. The size was wrong. It wasn’t even on our list! Instead, we realize the necessity of being civil and polite and expressing thanks. I remember several years ago being so excited with the large box under the Christmas tree. The size was right. The thickness of the box was right. I just knew that my family had finally broken down and gotten me the gift I had always wanted. I eagerly tore into the box when it was handed to me. Ribbons, bow and wrapping paper all in one motion went airborne into opposite directions. I could not get the box open quick enough. Then, I stared in disbelief. It was not the model train I had hoped for. Instead, it was a new office chair for my den. I had to feign excitement and act like it was the cat’s meow! It was hard to do, but I realized
that they all had pitched in and gotten a very nice chair for me. They had no way of knowing what I really wanted. I had not told them in a few years. But I thought they knew. This is perhaps why the game “Dirty Santa” has gained such popularity in the last few years. If you have not been to a
Spiritually Speaking Dr. Curtis McClane But the catch is that someone gets the chance to steal the second-hand gift you have earlier chosen from the pile. It gets wild and crazy. You try to steal from someone their gift that looks like they really want to keep it. Hopefully in the melee you do not create enemies in the process! After the evening is over, all shake hands, give holiday hugs and part mostly happy with a gift they did not bring. The dirty little secret is that we are having fun at others’ expense. Both the original giver and the party goer. We like to take something away from someone else. We enjoy feeling like we got the best deal in the trade. We came, we visited, we chose the gift, we conquered and we left victorious. Even though it is all in fun, and everyone has a crazy good time, it all seems to dance on the edge of reality that is much harsher and plays for higher stakes.
Dirty Santa party, you have really missed out. People bring to the party gifts that they have not really wanted or that have been duplicates over the years kept way back in the closet and out of sight. Then one by one you get to unwrap all of the gifts brought. There is another gift that
seems like it too gets treated like a Dirty Santa. Do you remember St. Luke’s story of the birth of Jesus? At the birth of Jesus we find out that Mary wraps her firstborn child in swaddling clothes and places him in a manger. An angel of the Lord appears to the shepherds in the field and directs them to where Jesus is. They are informed that they will find this baby Jesus wrapped up and lying in a manger. While they are on their way, “a great company of
heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, GLORY TO GOD IN THE H I G H E S T, P E A C E O N EARTH TO MEN ON WHOM HIS FAVOR RESTS.” This is the ultimate gift that was unwrapped when Jesus came to earth: peace. You would never know that this gift was ever offered by how people and nations act. (See ‘Santa’ on page 15)
Page 10, Visions Magazine, December 2013
Potions (Continued from page 24) her years later was horrified. It was remindful of one of the Andy Griffith shows when Aunt Bea and the ladies of the town were enthralled with a traveling medicine man who sold them bottles of highly laced spirits that made them “tiddly.” It was more than mortifying to Aunt Bea who would never serve rum cake at Christmas time. Mama was just as mortified. but she was never tiddly, considering that she had to have her “nerve” medicine every day which was supplied, after all, by Dr. Lydia E. Pinkhams. Mama lived to be almost 102
Sharon (Continued from page 16) over the past several years. She has placed everywhere between first and fourth and has brought home ribbons every time.
years of age so it may be that the “miracle drugs” she relied upon proved to be a miracle after all. She was completely lucid when she died, so maybe they enhanced her brain cells rather than destroying them. Who is to say? She spent the last two years of her life in a nursing home where she pestered the nurses every day to give her her “nerve” pill before it was due. My sisters and I thought of a plan to offset this by bringing in a bottle of Tic-Tacs and making her think they were tranquilizers. Whenever she would insist on her afternooon nerve pill before it was due, we would say, “Here Mama, take one of mine.” She would take it and be asleep in five minutes. Fair and the Civic Center in Oak Ridge in November. It is one of the few shows she attends and sells her crafts. She is a busy person who has always, and still does, worked in the medical field. Today she works with adult patients with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
I discovered Sharon at the Pilot Club Arts and Crafts If you would like to contact Sharon about some Classic décor for your Christmas this year, email her at scoghlan@ bellsouth.net. She has many pieces in stock and she also does custom orders.
Before she was cast as the sultry Uhura on the 1960’s “Star Trek,”... We told the doctor about it and he just grinned and said it was okay. We had been buying the white Tic-Tacs and one day we messed up and started giving her the green ones instead. “I
don’t like these green ones,” columnist for 14 years. She she said. “They’re not as has written a book, Simple Pleasures, which is a collection strong as the white ones.” of stories that focus on family, About the author... small town virtues and closeMs. Seivers’ articles appear in knit neighborhoods in Appalaseveral newspapers in Ken- chia during the 30’s and 40’s. tucky where she has been a
Visions Magazine, December 2013, Page 11
Nichelle Nichols performed as a singer with Duke Ellington. is a unique and memorable rendition of seasonal music that stands apart from what (Continued from page 4) one usually hears on the radio to St. Petersburg on the back in December. It was originally of the Devil, and Solokha try- composed for a symphonic ing to interfere, while flying on band, and then transcribed a broom. for orchestra in 1995 by Clark McAllister, a student of Reed. The 1944 composition by Alfred Reed (1921 – 2005), Bill Holcombe (1924-2010) Russian Christmas Music, was best known as a comcaptures the true character of poser and arranger. But he traditional Russian Orthodox also played saxophone and music. It begins quietly and woodwinds while arranging slowly with the 16th century for the Tommy Dorsey Band, Carol of the Little Russian and with Fred Waring and the Children, then builds to the Antiphonal Chant. The Village song in the third section of the composition prepares for a spectacular finish with an instrumental version of The Cathedral Chorus. This
ORCO
Pennsylvanians. Additionally, he scored music for MetroGoldwyn-Mayer movies and The 101 Strings. In his 1985 arrangement, Festive Sounds of Hanukah, he navigates the audience through the enjoyable melodies of Rock of Ages, Mi Y’ Malel (Who Can Retell), Hanukah - Hanukah, My Dreidel, S’Vivon (Spin Dreidel) and Hanukah - O Hanukah. This eclectic mix of celebratory seasonal music will be performed Saturday, December 14th at 2:00 pm in the Sanctuary of the First Baptist Church of Oak Ridge, on the corner of the Oak Ridge Turnpike and LaFayette Drive. Admission is free. But, modest donations at the door to
support the orchestra’s routine is encouraged to contact the operating expenses will be Personnel Manager, Cyndi appreciated. Jeffers, at orcopersonnelmanager@gmail.com. The orThe Oak Ridge Community chestra welcomes musicians Orchestra is a 501(c)3, non- of all ages with at least 4 years profit, volunteer organization. of experience. For more info Anyone wishing to regularly visit www.OakRidgeCommuparticipate in the orchestra nityOrchestra.com.
Page 12, Visions Magazine, December 2013
A survey revealed that 87 percent of snowmobilers in Maine are males...
The HeART of our Community It is my wish that November brought a time to share your blessings and that you had an opportunity to get together with friends and family. One of the highlights of this past month was a wonderful performance by the Oak Ridge Civic Ballet of The Nutcracker. Always a family favorite, this show combined dance with great music from the UT Chamber Orchestra and Sound Company. My personal favorite are the many children dressed as tiny mice scurrying around the graceful dancers. I also had the opportunity to stop by the Oak Ridge Art Center’s 18th annual “Gallery of Shops and Bake Sale”. This event is always a great way to kick off the season with good food and a chance to pick up a nice gift for that someone special. The month of December provides
children and their teachers an opportunity to recharge their creative batteries during winter break. I suggest taking advantage of one of the exhibits or performances over the next month to help the kids learn more about how important the arts are to our quality of life in Anderson
County and to fill up your soul for the long winter ahead. The Oak Ridge Art Center presents two new exhibitions: “The Art of the Creche II: Nativities from Around the World” and “Selections from the Permanent
Local Arts
Jim Dodson Collection” which opened on November 16 and will run through January 11. It showcases more than 50 nativity sets from many international artists. Although creche are symbols of Christianity, whether one shares in that religion or not, you can celebrate the creativity of those images and relate to the people and their times through them. Art Center galleries holiday closings are: November 28th, December 24, 25, & 26, and January 1st, 2014. Planning and preparations are ongoing for the next
exhibition, “Ebony Imagery” which is scheduled to open on January 19 and “Souper Bowl 2014” fundraiser which is scheduled for January 31. Tickets for Souper Bowl will be available after December 15th. For information on exhibitions, classes and other upcoming Art Center activities, call (865) 482-1441, visit our FaceBook page, or our website at www.oakridgeartcenter. org.
the Best Western Morristown Conference Center in Morristown, TN, at exit 8 off I-81. J.T. Ellison will be leading the fiction workshop. Jane Hicks will lead the poetry workshop. The event will open with an informal social hour on Friday evening; workshop sessions will run from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. on Saturday and from 8:3011:30 a.m. on Sunday. Saturday’s lunch is included in the registration fee of $125. Attendees are responsible for other meals and hotel reservations. Deadline to register is Jan.3rd. More information and a form is available at www. tmwi.org.
The Tennessee Mountain Writers will present two popular workshop leaders who will conduct concurrent writing workshops during “January Jumpstart XIV,” scheduled for January 10-12, 2014 at The Oak Ridge Playhouse presented “Annie” a Mainstage Musical in conjunction with the Jr. Playhouse on November 22- December 8. Leapin’ Lizards! The popular comic strip heroine was (See ‘Arts’ on page 21)
Visions Magazine, December 2013, Page 13
Snowmobiling added $226 million to the state’s economy in 1996.
The Holidays - Stress Less, Enjoy More! First and foremost: Are your expectations for the holidays realistic? Analyzing this is the first step to managing holiday stress.
Avoid unrealistic goals, such as creating the perfect holiday. Remember to take of yourself, so that you have the energy to enjoy this time. Here are some examples:
Make a list of what you expect from yourself and your family 2) Pick Three during the holidays. Your “to do” list is a mile long. In reality, you will never get to Under each item, write down all of them. Pick your top three changes you can make to pre- items and focus on them exvent or reduce stress. Imple- clusively. If you have time for ment the changes that will be more, great! If not, at least you are accomplishing the most most helpful to you.
Your Well Being
Nancy Cosgrove important part of your plan. 3) Practice Self-Care Be good to yourself! Get enough sleep, eat well (most of the time) and keep your sense of humor. Remember:
this season is a time to cel- If you never say “no,” then ebrate. Why wreck yourself in “yes” will never mean anything. If you don’t treat yourself the process? as valuable, no one else will either. This may cause you 4) Take Five Don’t forget to take time for to either become resentful or yourself. Even a five-min- blow up and explode unintenute stretching walk during a tionally. stressful day can stop the flow of the stress hormones. Your 6) Spend Responsibly body needs this in order to Make a realistic budget, and stick to that amount. If your keep working optimally. family/friends really don’t need anything, consider donating to 5) Set Boundaries Say “no,” and say it graciously, a meaningful cause instead of as in, “Oh, I can’t, but thank buying gifts. Send your loved you so much for asking.” ones cards, letting them know Choose the events that you that you’ve made a donation in must attend and that you want their name, and ask them to to attend. Skip the rest. Your do the same instead of giving body will thank you. (See ‘Stress’ on page 38)
Page 14, Visions Magazine, December 2013
Museum (Continued from page 7) Home-made cakes, pies, cookies, and other holiday treats are available all day or can be made special to order for Christmas gatherings. 2nd Annual Christmas Gathering: A Bountiful Southern Feast. The Museum of Appalachia continues the tradition of families and friends gathering around the table to celebrate
There are more than 5,919,682 telephones in New York City, more phones than in the...
the simple joys of the season ticket. There are special offerwith the 2nd Annual Christmas ings for this event for Museum Gathering: A Bountiful South- Members. ern Feast. For those seeking that perfect On Sunday, December 15, gift and a way to support the 2013 a large buffet of authen- Museum, memberships to tic Southern Christmas fare the Museum are available, will be served from 11:30 am to 2:00 pm. Included in the buffet will be some of the dishes the Museum does best, chicken and dumplings, sweet potato casserole, deviled eggs, iron skillet cornbread, and savory desserts. While dining in the Museum’s Heritage Hall, guests can warm by the fire while enjoying local, talented musicians playing songs of the Christmas season. Visitors are welcomed to tour Christmas in Old Appalachia before or after the Bountiful Southern Feast. During the day, special historical demonstrations will be taking place throughout the Village, including blacksmithing, sawmilling, weaving and sassafras tea brewing. The Anderson County chapter of the Sons of the Revolution will tell wintertime war stories around the encampment near the McClung Cabin. Seating for this family friendly event is limited; purchase tickets by December 9 to secure reservations. A self-guided tour of Christmas in Old Appalachia is included with each
Christmas Day). The Museum, a Smithsonian Affiliate and a not-for-profit organization, is located one mile east of I-75, exit 122, near Norris. December hours are 9 a.m. For more info, call 494-7680, to 5 p.m. daily (9 a.m.-3 p.m. or visit the web site at www. on Christmas Eve and closed museumofappalachia.org. providing a year of unlimited Museum visits, discounts on special events, and other benefits.
entire country of Spain. The cables serving the New York City area have nearly 33,072,975 miles of wire.
Santa (Continued from page 9) Peace and goodwill is God’s favor bestowed on the earth. It seems that this gift often goes lacking on our holiday list. Lack of peace is seen everywhere. Fussing and quarreling among families abounds. Arguments in the workplace seem to increase over time taken off during this period. Miscommunication among relatives coming to stay creates tension to the high heavens. Robberies and burglaries
increase. Disrespect and discord abounds between people who believe and those who don’t. It almost seems that the gift of “Jesus” to the world has become a Dirty Jesus! No one wants the real one. He is not on our shopping list, and he certainly does not fit all of our criteria for a materialistic, selfish life. Are we having fun at God’s expense? Does Jesus sit in the closet until the holiday season?
tional and international level we must submit our hearts to God. The price and the value of peace are too enormous to ignore. The benefits are too magnanimous to downplay. We need to remember that inner peace does not depend on my getting what I want all of the time. Rather, inner peace is the serendipity of accepting God’s terms of “peace on earth!” May the gift we unwrap this season be our peaceful heart for the blessing Peace on earth. Only God has of others! the power to deal with human hearts so that peace can be About the author... enjoyed. On a personal, na- Dr. Curtis D. McClane is in
Visions Magazine, December 2013, Page 15
his 10th year as the Minister of Highland View Church of Christ in Oak Ridge. He has recently published a book on Christian hospitality, The
Habitat of Hospitality: Being Jesus for a World in Need, that can be ordered at www. ketchpublishing.com/Hospitality.htm
Cancun
with Mexican classic dishes as well as standard childhood favorites such as pizza, burgers, and French fries. Every child gets a paper menu with puzzles and pictures to color that will keep them busy as they anxiously await their food. Oh, and keep in mind that kids eat free all day on Mondays and Wednesdays. On top of this variety, Puerto Cancun also has classic seafood dishes, sandwiches, and a hefty dessert menu including fried ice cream, apple chimichangas, sopapillas, and more.
(Continued from page 40) 2:00 to 8:00 with lots of great specials. On the weekends, Puerto Cancun celebrates with either Karaoke or a live band on Saturday nights. These two forms of musical entertainment alternate every weekend, so call ahead to see if you can be a singing spectator or a participant. Puerto Cancun takes their food seriously and provide something scrumptious for everybody, no matter what time of day it is. During the week, they offer an express lunch for those on a short lunch hour. If you are bringing in the family to eat, they have a variety of dishes to accommodate a variety of people. They have an All-You-Can-Eat menu of tacos, burritos, or enchiladas for the big eater in your group. They have many vegetarian dishes for the lighter meal, and they have a kids’ menu
Puerto Cancun is a family place, it’s a party place, it’s a place to meet up with friends and savor the flavors that make you happy the quality Mexican food tradition in Oak Ridge is still alive. Puerto Cancun Mexican Grill is open seven days a week. They are located at 299 Oak Ridge Turnpike and they can be reached at 865-483-6397.
A “nullipara” is a woman who has never borne a child.
Page 16, Visions Magazine, December 2013
Sharon Coghlan Brings the Classic back to Christmas One of my favorite things about the holidays is when everything old becomes new again. Hauling decorations down from the attic in dusty boxes, to dig up treasures you haven’t seen in a year, gives you the time to discover each one all over again. Each year you are a little older and can appreciate an ornament in a new way even if it is one that has donned your Christmas tree since you were in kindergarten. I still have a few that
I made in preschool and they are excavated annually to be given a place of honor for a few weeks. Those ornaments, that can now be considered antiques, are special not only because of their sentimental value, but because they have a totally different feel and look that the newly carved cartoon characters or mass produced figures from China lack. These ornaments carry a style that is clas-
Artist of the Month
paints are simple and minimalist, but soft with layers of colors. Many are trimmed with liquid gold.
Melissa Bishop
“It’s a dying art,” Sharon said. Although there is a Knoxville Porcelain Artists and Tennessic Christmas, the archetypes see Porcelain Artists organizaof a holiday steeped in tradition that evokes memories of Christmas past. All too many items can get lost or broken over the years or for some young families, the classic décor hasn’t been handed down to them yet, but they still yearn for that enduring style that the older pieces have. This year, the timeless can be captured through a local porcelain artist, Sharon Coghlan. Sharon is a painter of porcelain pieces such as plates, teapots, mugs, serving trays, and Christmas ornaments. Although these pieces are new, all created sometime within the past seven years since Sharon has taken up the art form, they look as though they came from an antique store. Sharon’s style is definitely Classic. The scenes and Santa faces she
tions that she belongs to, very few artists take up this kind of painting and those who do, tend to be more like Modernists. But Sharon keeps the style true to the time period of porcelain painting’s popularity. In the late 19th and early 20th
centuries, it was a common and acceptable pastime and profession for upper and middle class women. It became a popular outlet for female artists who did not receive the same recognition as male counterparts in the arts. It is an art form that requires precision and patience. Each layer of color is laid on the porcelain and then fired in a kiln. Each piece might go through 3 to seven firings. And if a mistake is made, it is hard to correct since the paint will eat into the glaze already on the porcelain. Sharon has learned from the best and knows that the learning never stops. She still takes porcelain painting lessons with her teacher, Ruth Widener, a ninety-three year old painter. Before meeting Ruth, Sharon had never painted or drawn anything before and was hesitant to try it, but she obviously has a natural talent for it which has emerged through this elegant medium. Sharon has entered the art shows in both the Anderson County Fair and the TVA Fair (See ‘Sharon’ on page 10)
Both names were used only once in the entire series, on the first episode.
Visions Magazine, November 2013, Page 17
Page 18, Visions Magazine, December 2013
George Washington is the only man whose birthday is a legal holiday in every state of the United States.
The Sight Before Christmas The Sight before Christmas He sat on the floor with a (with apologies to Clement wheel-less red wagon, Clark Moore) His eyes were half shut, his arms were a draggin.’ Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house, “The Barbie Town House is the Not a creature was smiling, next toy I’m doing,” especially my spouse. He said as the calico cat he was shooing, The stockings were hung He twisted and glued, he though they were still bare pasted and screwed, But the As I dashed to and fro as fast Barbie townhouse absolutely as I dare. refused The children were sleeping nearby in their bed, To stay put together, no matWhile their dad moaned and ter what groaned with feet full of lead. So he cried and he prayed to
Arts (Continued from page 21) Library Auditorium located at 1401 Oak Ridge Turnpike, Oak Ridge. Beginning at 7:00pm. “Varying Degrees” is a singing group comprised of five Oak Ridge women, brought together by their love of music and performing. They will sing a collection of holiday tunes for your pleasure! The members have been together for six years now and have a repertoire of popular hits, a cappella tunes, and seasonal numbers complete with props and choreography. For more information on this FREE event please call the Library at 865-425-3455 or send an
darn elevator, all a good night. Cursing and yelling, he tried Judy About the author... one more time Jabber To finish the townhouse before Judy Lockhart DiGregorio is the clock chimed, a local humorist and speaker Judy and the author of Life Among DiGregorio The children arose excited the Lilliputians, Memories of and happy, a Loose Woman, and Jest the God of Toytot, But poor dad felt sleepy and Judy (CD). This column is reAnd finally the structure rose cranky and sappy. printed from Life Among the up firm and strong. Though he managed to say as Lilliputians with permission of He hastened to finish it since he went out like a light, Celtic Cat Publishing. Email it was dawn. Merry Christmas to all and to Judy at jdig60@gmail.com. Then he drew a deep breath and relaxed until later When he saw he’d left out the
email to CircLib@oakridgetn. Arts Council to find the new gov . app. I hope these ideas are just the ticket to complete your recipe for a well rounded education in the arts and that you enjoy your family and friends as well as all that Anderson County has to offer this season. We’ll need plenty of inspiration to get through the next few months of winters cold! For further information about any of these exciting events, contact the Arts Council Office at 482-4432 or visit the ACOR website at www.artscouncilofoakridge.org. If you have a smartphone or tablet download our free app to keep updated. Search Oak Ridge
About the author... Jim is the Executive Director of the Arts Council of Oak Ridge and can be reached at 482-4432 or via his email: jdodsonart@aol.com.
The koala is one of the few land animals that does not need water to supplement its food.
Visions Magazine, December 2013, Page 19
The Law of Gifts: BAH, HUMBUG! December is a gift giving time, and that brings up the subject of laws dealing with gifts. And like the good old Grinch that stole Christmas, the laws surrounding gifts can take some of the air out of them. Gift giving is an important aspect of Christmas. But we give and receive gifts at various points in time over our lifetimes. The law on “gifts” is one that people often overlook. They’re so happy about being able to give or to receive gifts that the legal consequences may be totally
ignored. Here are three areas where the gift has a barbed legal hook: taxes, transfers that the law presumes to be fraudulent, and long-term health care medicaid abuse. Medicaid Five Year Look-Back It used to be three years, and now it’s five years because a a few years ago Congress passed a budget balancing bill. (But the budget still hasn’t gotten balanced.) That is the key to the problem for people wondering how long the government can make
Medicaid does if you qualify. The qualification is that you Legal be in the definition of “poor.” Basically you must have less than about $4,000 in asset. But the asset guidelines change. you pay for Medicaid after you’ve made a gift of it, for instance, to your children and go into a nursing home applying for Medicaid to pay the bill for the nursing home. Medicaid is federalstate program providing health care benefits to the poor, as it is rather complicatedly defined by statute. While Medicare is an insurance program funded Since by employer/employee conn u r s tributions, similar to Social ing homes cost many thouSecurity (The Medicare Trust sands of dollars a month and Fund), Medicaid is funded the cost is spiraling, nursing through appropriations, 50% home care could quickly wipe of the funds coming from the federal government and the other 50% by the states. Medicare does not pay for custodial home care or custodial nursing home care,.
Jimmie Turner
out everything that people have accumulated over a lifetime. Nothing would be left for the well-being of families. In fact, many of the children or grandchildren might even be responsible for the costs if they signed an agreement saying they are. The children might even have to take care of their elderly parents. Up until the passage of what is called the 005 Budget Reconciliation Budget, it was common to see to see people approaching their Golden Years make gifts of everything to relatives to qualify for nursing care as a poor person and let Medicaid pay for it. That changed when the 2005 Budget Bill was passed by Congress. A three-year look-back period was replaced by the current five-year look back for asset transfers, and also made an(See ‘Gifts’ on page 37)
Page 20, Visions Magazine, December 2013
When viewed from above, rainbows are doughnut-shaped.
The first U.S. Chief Justice, John Jay, bought slaves in order to free them.
Arts (Continued from page 12) back in one of the world’s best-loved musicals. With equal measures of pluck and positivity, determined little orphan Annie escapes the orphanage and the clutches of embittered Miss Hannigan in search of her parents who abandoned her years ago. Yet with a next-to-nothing start in 1930s New York City, she
manages to charm the hearts of billionaire Oliver Warbucks, a lovable stray mutt name Sandy, and even the President! The Playhouse has also kicked off an online fundraiser. Look for the big green circle on http://my.fundraising.com/ OakRidgePlayhouse and join the campaign. Forty percent of every purchase goes to the Playhouse. The Playhouse Christmas Party is scheduled for Friday, December 13 at 7 pm. Coming this season is
“Ramona Quimby” the next Junior Playhouse production on Jan. 23-26. Taking reservations for school performances now at http://orplayhouse. com/schools.html. For more information, visit www.orplayhouse.com or call 482-4999. The Oak Ridge Community Band/Wind Ensemble will present its annual Christmas Sing-Along concert for the public on Sunday afternoon, Dec. 15, at the First Baptist
Visions Magazine, December 2013, Page 21 Church sanctuary beginning at 3:30 p.m. The band will perform seasonal favorites as well as accompanying the audience in singing familiar Christmas carols. This is a free performance with refreshments following the program. Sunday afternoon Jan. 26 is the date for the ORCB/WE Showcase Concert which will be held at the historic Grove Theater Performing Arts Center. The program will begin at 3:30 p.m. and will “showcase” small ensembles, duets, and solos by band members.
Sound Company! Plus Dan Allcott will share conducting duties with Seth Maples, the new conductor of the Oak Ridge Chorus. We’ll help you get in the holiday spirit with excerpts from Handel’s Messiah, holiday favorites, and a portion of John Rutter’s Mass of the Children. Be prepared to sing along with some holiday favorites as well. Tickets $25 (adult)/$10 (young adult)/$5 (youth). For tickets, call the ORCMA office at 865483-5569 or send an email to office@orcma.org .
Music Arts School student recital was a great success. The next event will be a fundraiser Tuesday, December 10 at the Pizza Inn with musicians interacting with crowd. Music Arts continues to offer opportunities for those individuals interested in learning to play an instrument or for any current musician wanting to learn The Oak Ridge Civic Mu- a few new skills. Visit their sic Association presents website at www.musicartssits Holiday Celebration on chool.org. Sunday, December 15. The Location is the Oak Ridge The singing group Varying High School Performing Arts Degrees will perform at the Center. The concert begins Oak Ridge Public Library on at 3:00pm. One Symphony, Tuesday, December 17 in the two choirs and two conduc(See ‘Arts’ on page 18) tors – Oak Ridge Chorus and The Oak Ridge Community Orchestra will perform at the First Baptist Church of Oak Ridge on Saturday, December 14. Concert begins 2pm. This is a free community concert playing Sleigh-ride, Russian Christmas music, Festive Sounds of Hanukkah, and much more.
Page 22, Visions Magazine, December 2013
Strength (Continued from page 8) through the ceiling. Being macho and manly about it, I only grunted. But big beads of sweat rolled off of my forehead. When we were finished, I asked him if there were lying around somewhere a baseball bat I could use to defend myself the next time!
Cut-outs of a moon and a star were used in colonial times on outhouse doors to designate the...
me of life. Often the most painful thing to do is to face our own pain. It may be of our own making, or others may be causing us the pain, but it seems to hurt even more when we have to look at it. It is the most courageous, brave, mature, and God-honoring thing to do: face our own emotional pain and ask others, and ask God, for healing.
Fourth, daily maintenance Amazing that so much pain is needed. I have had to learn could heal pain. This reminds several types of exercises to perform daily to strengthen surrounding muscles. I was surprised to learn that strengthening the calf muscles would help the Achilles tendon. But I have to do this three or four times daily. It has already made a significant difference. This reminds me of life. I have to daily monitor my spiritual, mental, emotional and physical health. Where any pain surfaces, I have to attend to it daily. This is why daily devotions, daily prayer, daily quiet time are needed. It is possible to be so busy that we “play through” the pain, and act as if nothing is wrong. Busyness is not the right approach for the pains of life. It only prolongs and makes the healing more difficult. Fifth, though small, the Achilles tendon is vital. This tendon connects the calf muscles to the back of the foot. It enables us to walk, run, lift our foot, etc. Even though a small tendon compared to some of the tendons of the body, it is important. Little things often make a big difference! This reminds me of life. Jesus spent his time attending to the pain of what we often (and shamefully) think of as the “little” people: the blind, the beggars, the lepers, the possessed, etc. Their pain should fill our hearts with compassion. A society is civil only if it attends to the cries of its hurting. Even more importantly, the apostle Paul likened the church to the human body.
He indicated that even the smallest part of the body is vital to its function. I wonder if he had been thinking about the Achilles tendon?! Our Achilles tendon is one of our most vulnerable areas. When it flairs up and makes its presence known, that pain
tells us something is not right. We cannot ignore it because it only gets worse. Having some help us to lean into the pain is when healing begins. Daily care and maintenance is needed for ongoing health and healing. Even though it is small, it is important. I need to treat it with respect so that
the rest of my body can function!
About the author... Dr. Curtis D. McClane is the Minister of Highland View Church of Christ in Oak Ridge. See his biography at the conclusion of Curtis’s article starting on page 9.
gender of the intended user. Originally, the moon cut-out was for women and the star was for the men.
Visions Magazine, December 2013, Page 23
“Christmas Gift” Began as a Southern Greeting As I sit at the computer today the weather is cold, rainy and gloomy with a chance of snow on the way. Coming from Knoxville today we noticed the salt trucks had already been spraying the roadways. Folks were out and about getting a jump on the shopping season and Black Friday! I read where one guy was camped out on Nov. 24 in front of a store! Those bargains are not worth that to me!!
that are passed down through the generations of your family.
My grandmother was always the first to make the early Christmas Day greeting on the phone. “Christmas Gift” was what we heard as soon as we answered and we have continued that in our family. My dad always tried to beat me with the call. Now our daughter tries to be the first with the phone call or if here for the holiday, be the first to If you have a large group say it. coming in for Christmas dinner, I hope you have already The greeting is a Southern started a grocery list and are Expression which is traced taking advantage of some of back to 1844. It was used in the good sales in the mar- the rural South then north in kets. Aren’t we glad we have southern Pennsylvania, the home freezers? It is great Ohio Valley, W. Virginia and to be able to make cookies, in northeast Texas as a simcakes, pies and other dishes ple greeting and to recognize the birth of Christ as a gift. ahead of time. I hope you have traditions
begging me, the older sis- sugar to your rolling pin.) ter, to make peanut butSpread with slightly warm Let’s ter rolls. It was a favorite peanut butter. Roll up into winter treat. There were the shape of a log; cut Cook! times when we didn’t in slices and chill before bother to make the rolls, serving. we just mixed powdered sugar, peanut butter and If you need a bubbly drink This and other family tradi- a little milk and stirred it without alcohol, Martitions are the things we re- up in a bowl. Back then nelli’s Sparkling Cider it tasted great from the member the rest of our life. is very good during the spoon! holidays. Here are a few favorite reci pes I like to use during the Here is a new way to These apples are so holidays. AND remember to make the treat. easy to prepare and make Hoppin’ John for the the rosy color blends New Year’s Day meal for a Peanut Butter Rolls right in with the colhappy 2014. This is another 1 can vanilla cake icors of the season. If ing tradition in the South. you can find wine1 lb. bag powdered sap apples, use Always a good choice at sugar those. If not, use an Christmas time is this ambro- 1/2 jar peanut butter apple that holds up sia. Use it as a salad or serve Mix icing and powand doesn’t turn to dered sugar towith fruitcake. mush when cooked. gether well. Mix until it can be rolled out Ambrosia Holiday Apples 14 oz. can pineapple chunks, like biscuit dough. 6 small apples, pare Place on a waxed drained and core. paper sheet that has 4 oranges in slices 2 cups sugar 1 cup moist shredded coco- been covered in pow1/4 cup cinnamon red dered sugar and roll mixture hots nut Alternate layers of orange, out. (You can add powdered (See ‘Recipes’ on page 42) pineapple and coconut and sprinkle with 1/2 cup sugar. Chill. Maraschino cherries and sliced bananas may be added before serving. Diced apples and chopped pecans could also be added, if desired. When my brother and I were growing up, he was always
Mary Cox
The average digestive tract of an adult is 30 feet in length.
Page 24, Visions Magazine, December 2013
Potions and Elixirs There was a time when potions and elixirs were common to every mother who guarded the health of her family. Antibiotics were yet to be developed and doctor visits were few and far between, so they had to rely on common sense and motherly intuition. My mother relied heavily on this motherly intuition upon which she dosed her children during all their childhood diseases. And there were many
of them, many which we did not know the names of and many that would have cured themselves because we were a resilient lot in those days of measles, mumps, whooping cough, croup and stomach ailments. Oh, how I remember some of those home remedies that were worse than the illness. But our mothers meant well. I guess you could call my mother a medicine “junkie,”
Senior Living Bena Mae
Seivers although the term was not a familiar one in those days. Her motto was “Be Prepared.” And prepared she was. When I was growing up, the shelf in the kitchen looked like a drug store pharmacy. If you could injest it, swallow it, sniff it, or rub it on, Mama had it and stuck it on that shelf. I remember some of the old herbal medicines she bought from a partially blind woman named Aunt Lizzie who came by our house once a month. When it was time for her to come by, Mama could hardly wait.
The two of them would sit That shelf got mighty crowded in the front porch swing and at times There was Paregoric (illegal today but widetalk about the latest illly used back then), ness going around and Castoria, Hadacol, a new medicine Aunt Geritol, Dr. Lydia E. Lizzie had to show her. Pinkhams, Indian RivAs they talked, Mama er Tonic, Epsom Salts, would go through the Castor Oil, Cloverine black satchel bag of Salve, and many miracle cures the old more too numerous lady carried--she to mention. was like a kid in a candy store. I t ’s i r o n i c a n d funny that ours No matter what was an alcohol the ailment was... free house, Dadboils, croup, condy being a Baptist stipation, diahrea, deacon who never fatigue, loss of aplet Demon Rum petite, fever, high pass his lips while blood pressure, all the time the low blood pressure, kitchen was full of rashes, vomiting... bottles laced with you name it, Aunt alcohol. But this Lizzie had the cure was unbeknownst to and Mama bought it. And stuck it on that shelf in my mother, who, when we told the kitchen. (See ‘Potions’ on page 10)
Visions Magazine, October 2013, Page 25
Page 26, Visions Magazine, October 2013
The smallest planet in our solar system, Pluto, is a little smaller than Earth’s moon.
Your Home Magazine, December 2013, Page 27
The Cairn terrier is great at catching rats.
The Art of Giving “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” The apostle Paul attributes this saying in Acts 20:35 to the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ and who better to learn from, especially during the Christmas season?
time, talents, energy and resources to bless those around them in all kinds of ways, both big and small. Who are these people?
Some are friends to me: One hot, humid day a friend of mine All month long I have noticed was driving past the park and people around me who are saw a crowd of long-haired, Givers. They give of their teenage skaters hanging out, practicing. Knowing this crowd sometimes gets a bad rap “just because”, she wanted to show them some kindness. She drove to the nearest fast-food restaurant, bought a jumbosized box of chicken nuggets and a bunch of sodas, drove back to the skate park and approached the boys. “Hey you,” she called to this roughlooking crowd, “get over here. I want to talk to you.” The boys walked over warily. When they
tivated an attitude of looking themselves to others Provident beyond and, (2) Each had prepared Living themselves ahead of time to be in a position to give, Heidi should the opportunity arise. Greenhalgh This is self-reliance at work. In the case of the stranger, she brought extra got close enough, she brought out the food and said, “I’ve got something for you.” The boys’ faces relaxed in relief and smiles. “You’re the coolest lady ever! Thanks.” In her eyes, $20 spent on drinks and chicken nuggets was a small price to pay to infuse an entire group of teenage boys with kindness. bags with Some are strangers to me: her. In the case of Yesterday as I was going into my friend, she had extra the new ALDI in Oak Ridge, money in her pocket. a woman coming out noticed I didn’t have any bags to put What is self-reliance and how my groceries in. “Here, have does it relate to giving? Selfsome of mine,” she said and reliance is relying on one’s handed me a fistful of plastic own efforts and abilities to grocery sacks. I was sur- wisely manage our earthly prised and delighted at her thoughtfulness because not only was it extremely helpful to me, it was a kind, simple gesture. No fanfare. In both of these examples, the Givers had two things in common. (1) Each had cul-
resources. Self-reliance has an important purpose and it is this: In order to take care of the needs of others, we must first take of ourselves. How can we feed someone if we ourselves are hungry? How can we give of our substance to someone if we ourselves h a v e nothing to give? How can we shelter someone if we ourselves have none? How
can we minister to others if we ourselves are sick? Self-reliance means we manage and organize our (See ‘Giving’ on page 35)
Page 28, Your Home Magazine, December 2013
The height and width of modern American battleships was originally determined by...
Prepare Your Home for Winter, Protect it from Damage Since winter temperatures have arrived, and even snow as evidenced by last week’s flurry, it’s the perfect time to make sure your home is winter-proofed. By preparing for the potential of winter storms and freezing temperatures ahead of time, you can avoid winter related disasters from wreaking havoc on the home front.
about safeguarding your home when early winter temperatures remain well above freezing. But now is the time to plan ahead and take care of all the things in and around your home you wish you had done when the weather was still nice. Making the effort now to winter-proof your home may save a lot But before the of time, money thermometer and aguish drops again durdown the road ing cold snaps, when the coldyou can take simer weather hits ple steps to safeguard your in the first few months of the home and head off a cold year. weather catastrophe. To prepare for winter, Allstate It’s hard to start thinking and the Insurance Informa-
Special Guest David Erb
This may prevent someone from falling and being seriously injured. Broken stairs and banisters can become lethal when covered with snow and ice.
Inside Your Home tion Institute offer the follow- • Keep the house warm. Set ing tips: the thermostat for at least 65 degrees, since the temperaOutside Your Home ture inside the walls, where • Clean out gutters. Remove the pipes are located, is subleaves, sticks and other de- stantially colder—a lower bris from gutters, so melting temperature will not keep the snow and ice can flow freely. pipes from freezing. This can prevent ice damming—a condition where wa- • Add extra insulation to atter is unable to drain through tics, basements and crawl the gutters and instead seeps spaces. If too much heat esinto the house causing water capes through the attic, it can to drip from the ceiling and cause snow or ice to melt on walls. • Install gutter guards. Available in most hardware and home stores, “gutter guards” prevent debris from entering the gutter and interfering with the flow of water away from the house and into the ground. • Trim trees and remove dead branches. Ice, snow and wind can cause weak trees or branches to break, causing damage to your home or car, as well as injury to people on your property. • Repair steps and handrails.
the roof. Water can then refreeze, causing more snow and ice to build up. This can result in a collapsed roof, and can contribute to ice damming. Ideally, the attic should be five to ten degrees warmer than the outside air. Well-insulated basements and crawl spaces will also help protect pipes from freezing. You may also consider insulating unfinished rooms such as garages to keep pipes from freezing. • Have the heating system serviced. Furnaces, boilers and chimneys should be serviced at least once a year to prevent fire and smoke damage. (See ‘Winter’ on page 32)
insuring they had to be able to go beneath the Brooklyn Bridge and through the Panama Canal.
Your Home Magazine, December 2013, Page 29
When Opportunity Knocks, Open the Door If you’ve been around longtime investors, you’ll probably hear them say, ruefully, “If only I had gotten in on the ground floor of such-and-such computer or social media company, I’d be rich today.” That may be true — but is it really relevant to anyone? Do you have to be an early investor of a spectacular company to achieve investment success? Not really. Those early investors of the “next big thing”
couldn’t have fully anticipated the tremendous results enjoyed by those companies. But these investors all had one thing in common: They were ready, willing and able to look for good opportunities. And that’s what you need to do, too. Of course, you may never snag the next big thing, but that’s not the point. If you’re going to be a successful investor, you need to be diligent in your search for new opportunities. And these opportunities don’t need to be brand-new to the financial markets — they can just be new to you. For example, when you look at your investment portfolio, do you see the same types of investments? If you own mostly aggressive growth stocks, you have the possibility of gains — but, at the same time, you do risk taking losses, from which it may take years to recover. On the other hand, if you’re “overloaded” with
Financial Advice
Michael Ousley certificates of deposit (CDs) and Treasury bills, you may enjoy protection of principal but at the cost of growth potential, because these investments rarely offer much in the way of returns. In fact, they may not even keep up with inflation, which means that if you own too many of them, you will face purchasingpower risk. To avoid these problems, look for opportunities to broaden your holdings beyond just one or two asset classes. Here’s another way to take advantage of opportunities: Don’t take a “time out” from investing. When markets are down, people’s fears drive them to sell investments whose prices have declined — thereby immediately turning “paper” losses into real ones — rather than holding on to quality investment vehicles
and waiting for the market to recover. But successful investors are often rewarded when they not only hold on to investments during declines but also increase their holdings by purchasing investments whose prices have fallen — or adding new shares to existing investments — thereby following the first rule of investing: Buy low. When the market rises again, these investors should see the value of their new investments, or the shares of their existing ones, increase in value. (Keep in mind, though, that, when investing in stocks, there are no guarantees; some stocks do lose value and may never recover.)
Instead of looking for that one great “hit” in the form of an early investment in a skyrocketing stock, you’re better off by seeking good opportunities in the form of new investments that can broaden your existing portfolio or by adding additional shares, at good prices, to your existing investments. These moves are less glitzy and glamorous than getting in on the ground floor of the next big thing – but, in the long run, they may make you look pretty smart indeed.
About the author...
Michael Ousley is a Financial Advisor with Edward Jones in Clinton. Call with questions and comments to 457-1051.
The earliest recorded windmills were in Iran in 700 A.D...
Page 30, Your Home Magazine, December 2013
Are you Prepared for the Unexpected? When you’re working to achieve your financial objectives, you will encounter obstacles. Some of these can be anticipated — for example, you won’t be able to invest as much as you want for retirement because you have to pay for your mortgage. Other challenges can’t be easily anticipated, but you can still plan for them — and you should. Obviously, the word “unexpected,” by definition, implies an unlimited number of possibilities. However, at different stages of your life, you may want to watch for some “expected” unexpected developments. For example, during your working years, be prepared for the following:
• Emergency expenses — If you needed a major car or home repair, could you handle it? What about a temporary job loss? These events are costly — especially if you are forced to dip into your long-term investments to pay for them. To help guard against these threats, try to build an emergency fund containing six to 12 months’ worth of living expenses, held in a liquid, low-risk account.
adequate life insurance.
Financial Advice
Karl Flatau
ments. While diversification, by itself, can’t protect against loss or guarantee profits, it can help reduce the effect of volatility on your portfolio. And here’s one more thing you can do to cope with the ups and downs of investing: Maintain a long-term perspective. By doing so, you won’t be tempted to overreact • Invest- to short-term downturns. ment risk and market volatility — • Long-term disability — Extreme price swings are un- One-third of all people bepredictable, and they can af- tween the ages of 30 and fect your investment success. 64 will become disabled at To defend yourself against some point, according to the wild gyrations in the market, Health Insurance Association build a diversified portfolio of America. Disabilities can containing quality invest- be economically devastating. As part of your benefits package, your employer may offer some disability insurance, but you may need to supplement it with private coverage. • Premature death — None of us can really predict our longevity. If something happens to you, would your family be able to stay in your home? Could your children still attend college? To protect these goals, you need
As you approach retirement, and during your retirement years, you may want to focus on these challenges: • Living longer than expected — You probably don’t think that “living longer than expected” is necessarily a bad thing. However, a longerthan-anticipated life span also carries with it the risk of outliving your money. Consequently, you may want to consider investment solutions that can provide you with an income stream that you can’t outlive. Also, you’ll need to be careful about how much you withdraw each year from your various retirement and investment accounts. • Need for long-term care — If you had to stay a few years in a nursing home, the cost could mount to hundreds of
thousands of dollars. These expenses could jeopardize your financial security, so you’ll need to protect yourself. You could “self-insure,” but as that would be extremely costly, you may want to “transfer the risk” to an insurance company. A financial professional can help explain your choices. None of us can foresee all the events in our lives. But in your role as an investor, you can at least take positive steps to prepare for the unexpected — and those steps should lead you in the right direction as you move toward your important goals.
About the author... Karl Flatau is a Financial Advisor with Edward Jones in Oak Ridge. He can be reached for questions and comments at 483-3643.
Your Home Magazine, December 2013, Page 31
These simple mills were used to grind corn.
Planned Obsolescence Planned obsolescence sounds kind of evil, like a story out of “Law & Order.” In the world of computers, although it may not be planned all the time, sooner or later your desktop, laptop, and yes even tablets and iPads will eventually become obsolete. I am not saying that they will no longer be around; they will however come to a point in their lives that they no longer are practical to maintain, in that way they are like a car.
stopped supporting parts of it quite some time ago as they have not had their programmers make many basic Microsoft products compatible with that older version.
A computer can become obsolete in two ways. One is the operating system and the software that can be installed on it; the other is the hardware. For example most people are familiar with what version of Operating System they have on a computer. If you have Microsoft will stop supporting Windows PC then you could XP on April 8 th, 2014; they have (without going back too
Computer Helpers Dan Jones far) Windows XP, Vista, Windows 7 or Windows 8. You may also have more than one if you have computers purchased at different times. Many of you still have Windows XP, and although it is a good O.S. it is quickly getting to the point where it is becoming obsolete. For instance Internet Explorer 8 is the last version you can install on an XP O.S., they are currently releasing version 11. The newer version boasts much more security, and features, and those will continue to expand and grow leaving version 8 in the dust. Software companies will not pay programmers to make their software work on older O.S’s or continue to support the older versions. They would rather have you buy their latest and greatest. Of course the newer version is
not always compatible with an older O.S. so you have to upgrade the PC as well. Some will go as far to say that an old version is not compatible with a newer O.S., just to try and get you to purchase a later version that can sometimes cost $200 or more. This is again because they do not want to spend the man hours continuing to supporting old programs. Many XP programs can be installed on a newer W i n d o w s 7 PC,
sometimes it takes a couple of tries, and there may be a few other hiccups, but talk to someone who understands software install and you may save enough money to pay for that newer PC. Some software you do not have a choice and if you want to continue to use all its features you may have to cough up the dollars. Some Companies are still making their software compatible with older O.S’s as well as work on
the newer ones, but as you go to upgrade any software, please read the information on the box and see what the requirements are to run the software. Hardware is another side of this two headed coin. Not only is an older machine challenged software wise, but it may not allow you to install newer software as it may not meet the minimum requirements. A slow processor, not enough cores, memory, storage space, or in some cases not enough video memory A double whammy could be you have a shared video chipset, and it does not have the capabilities needed as it shares your ram (onboard memory) with the PC and video. I recently had a client who was looking to install a software program that a Duo Core Processor met minimum specs but recommended a quad core or better to run the program. I would estimate that 80 to 90% of the computers sold on the market would not meet the specs that this software required in order to maximize its potential. Your computer properties are a good place to start to see what your computer proces(See ‘Computers’ on page 33)
Page 32, Your Home Magazine, December 2013
Winter (Continued from page 28) • Check pipes. Look closely for cracks and leaks and have the pipes repaired immediately. Wrap exposed pipes with pipe insulation or heating tape. Allow your faucets to drip lukewarm water to minimize the chances of a pipe freeze. If you plan to travel or be away from home for an extended period of time, have someone check pipes and the temperature in your home on a regular basis. Turn the water off and/or have the water system drained by a professional to keep pipes from freezing. • Make sure that smoke and fire alarms are working properly. Residential fires increase in the winter, so it is important to protect your family with working alarm systems. Also, consider installing a carbon dioxide detector,
The verb “traduce” means to say untrue or malicious things about someone or something;..
since a well sealed home can Have a mechanic look over your car whenever you spot trap this toxic gas. something that seems not • Learn how to shut the wa- quite normal. An inspection ter off and know where your now may prevent your being pipes are located. If your stranded on a cold winter day. pipes freeze, time is of the es- FEMA offers these safety tips sence. The quicker you can to protect you and your car: shut off the water or direct your plumber to the problem, • Check or have a mechanic the better chance you have to check the following items on prevent pipes from bursting. your car:
Oil - check for level and weight. Heavier oils congeal more at low temperatures and do not lubricate as well. Thermostat - ensure it works properly. Windshield wiper - repair any problems and maintain proper washer fluid level.
• Install good winter tires. Antifreeze levels - ensure Make sure the tires have they are sufficient to avoid adequate tread. All-weather radials are usually adequate freezing. for most winter conditions. Battery and ignition system However, some jurisdic- should be in top condition tions require that to drive on and battery terminals should their roads, vehicles must be equipped with chains or snow be clean. tires with studs. Brakes - check for wear and • Maintain at least a half tank fluid levels. of gas during the winter seaExhaust system - check for son. leaks and crimped pipes and repair or replace as neces- To learn more about tips sary. Carbon monoxide is about preparing for winter, Don’t Forget Your Car Winter is just as hard on your deadly and usually gives no or to review your insurance coverage to ensure you are car as it is on your house. warning. • Hire a licensed contractor to look for structural damage. If damage is discovered, you can have it repaired immediately rather than waiting for a more severe problem to occur. Also, ask about ways to prevent water damage resulting from snow-related flooding. Plastic coatings for internal basement walls, sump pumps and other methods can prevent flood damage to your home and belongings.
Fuel & air filters - replace and keep water out of the system by using additives and maintaining a full tank of gas. Heater and defroster - ensure they work properly. Lights & flashing hazard lights - check for serviceability.
properly prepared for a winter storm, please contact David Erb at 865-457-0450 or DavidErb@Allstate.com.
if you have been “traduced,” you have been slandered or vilified.
Computers (Continued from page 31) sor speed, memory, etc. are. I am sure your computer repair technician will be more than happy to help you with gathering that information.
You might also have gone from an ISP (Internet service provider) like AT&T and upgraded to Comcast, only you do not see that big of a speed difference. Your old computer might have a slower network card that is causing the problem. You may have an older Wi-Fi card built into your lap-
top and a simple $20 upgrade to a newer external card may give you the boost you need. You can also use these great little cards to use in a desktop computer that you do not want to run a network cable to. Turn any computer into a wireless unit. If you have a card that is only B, or G capable but your router is N capable these little adapters can get you (excuse the pun) up to speed. There are other hardware issues you may run into the longer you keep the old PC. Some can be addressed by upgrading a part or two, but sooner or later the cost is not worth it. Adding more memory is gen-
Your Home Magazine, December 2013, Page 33 erally the easiest way to improve the performance of a PC. The cost of memory can be very expensive on older computers mostly because of supply and demand. Older machines tend not to support as much memory as newer machines.
would not advise doing an upgrade to an O.S. I would always opt to install a full fresh install. You should discuss all your options with your computer technician before taking any O.S upgrade route. So if you have software compatibility issues, slow Internet that is not Malware related, or looking to upgrade any part of your PC or looking to replace your current unit, seek the help of someone who has the experience dealing with all of them. If not, you may wind up killing your PC and be the star of the next episode of “Law & Order”.
Another way to improve the performance of your computer is to add what is called a dedicated video card. Even on most of your current PC’s the video is built into the motherboard by using what is called a chipset. By upgrading to a dedicated video card you generally get better resolution plus performance, and the video card has its own memory, About the author... freeing up the memory already Dan, owner of Computer Helpinstalled to be used for your ers has been in the computer basic computing processes. business for over 20 years, repairing, selling and teaching Upgrading the operating sys- about computers. Especially tem is one way to get current. enjoys working with fellow There are “however” many seniors. Can be reached at disadvantages to upgrading 332-4076 or at computerhelpan older system. I generally ers@comcast.net
Page 34, Your Home Magazine, December 2013
In Atlanta, Georgia, it is illegal to tie a giraffe to a telephone pole or street lamp.
Some Changes to Reverse Mortgages In less than a month now this year will be history. It’s hard to believe how fast the years come and go…and the older I get the faster they go!
sion Mortgage, better known as the FHA-insured Reverse Mortgage. As you probably know, reverse mortgages are specifically for senior homeowners, age 62 and older, who have equity in their property that they’d like to convert to cash to use now or hold in reserve for future emergencies.
At the beginning of this year I promised to keep you informed of changes in the mortgage industry…and I’m a bit behind…so let’s take some time now to share some major adjustments to one program in particular Reverse mortgage borrowers – the Home Equity Conver- never make a payment on
Mortgages Susan Ruth
home equity borrowers can cial – access has been reduced. A reduction in the total loan • In most cases borrowers amount will preserve equity can’t use more than 60 per- and lessen the drain on the cent of their total loan amount insurance fund. Limiting the until after 12 months has amount borrowers can take out the first year will guarpassed. antee they reserve some of • Borrowers who take out their funds for future needs. more than 60 percent the first Examining income and credit year will pay a higher upfront will protect borrowers from mortgage insurance premium defaulting on the loan bethan those who don’t. cause they failed to pay taxes and insurance. • Since reverse mortgage In a world where people borrowers don’t make payare living longer, health ments on this loan, the care costs are rising borrower’s credit and the retirement file hasn’t been system is contracta considering, the use of home ation up until equity in retirement is now. However, more necessary now than it’s ever been.
the mortgage and aren’t even personally liable to repay the debt. When the last borrower either dies, moves or sells, the loan comes due and payable. The property is sold to pay it off and any remaining equity goes to the heirs. If the home sells for less than is due, the insurance reimburses the lender for the difference. HUD reviews the program each year to make sure the government fund that provides the insurance for reverse mortgages stays healthy so this option can continue to be available for senior homeownafter the ers. But since the fifirst of next year, nancial crisis the fund lenders will examine income has been under a lot of and credit history of the borpressure. rower. This is to help ensure For that reason, on Septem- borrowers will be able to ber 30 new regulations went make their required tax and into effect that are designed insurance payments over the to fix the problems with the life of the loan. insurance fund: These changes should be • The maximum amount of seen as positive and benefi-
All these changes will serve to take pressure off the insurance fund and maintain availability of reverse mortgages for senior homeowners in years to come.
About the author... Susan Ruth is a Home Equity Retirement Specialist with Security One Lending in Knoxville. She may be contacted at 865-556-1327 or SRuth@S1L.com.
twice a day an amount that takes them five minutes to completely clean up.
Your Home Magazine, December 2013, Page 35 talents, and self. These gifts will often bless others more deeply than money ever could. (Continued from page 27) Becoming self-reliant does not own resources so we have imply wealth, it just means we excess to share with others. take care of ourselves which then frees us to take care of How is this done? A wise others. woman, Julie Beck, once said, “We become self-reliant Think outside the box. Learn through obtaining sufficient how to bake homemade knowledge, education, and bread, then take mini loaves literacy; by managing money to neighbors. Leave a quarter and resources wisely, being in the cart at ALDI for the next spiritually strong, preparing person. Show up unexpectfor emergencies and eventu- edly to eat lunch with your alities; and by having physical elementary school-aged child. health and social and emo- Sign up to be a Red Cross Volunteer. Smile and have tional well-being.” a real conversation with the One of the primary benefits of checker at the grocery store. becoming self-reliant is that Eat family dinner by candleit allows us to look outward, light. Have fun learning to rather than inward, to serve be a Giver! others rather than ourselves. When our own temporal needs It doesn’t really matter how are taken care of, we are then you choose to give, just that in a position to help and bless you do. the lives of others. About the author...
Giving
Giving is an art that must be cultivated. It is not enough to just be self-reliant. I know plenty of independent people who manage their own lives very well, yet have never learned to look beyond themselves. Although some people are born Givers, the rest of us must learn. The beauty of giving is that it can happen on many levels and is not dependent on monetary resources. We can also give of our time,
Heidi Greenhalgh is a freelance writer whose work has been published both locally and nationally. She also happens to like being prepared for…whatever. She can be reached for comment at heidigreenhalgh@msn.com.
Page 38, Visions Magazine, September 2013
Tennis pro Evonne Goolagong’s last name means...
The California Academy of Tauromaquia in San Diego is a world renowned school for Matadors.
Gifts (Continued from page 19) nuities vulnerable. It made changes to the transfer penalty so that if a person needs institutional Medicaid within five years of a transfer, they are Medicaid ineligible for a period of time. Now a person applying for Medicaid and seeking cover-
age for nursing home care is ineligible at a rate of approximately $10,000 per month (varying depending on the average cost of nursing home care in a region). This eligibility extends from the time the transfer was made. For example, if someone made 3 simultaneous gifts during the previous three years at $10,000, they would be ineligible for Medicaid benefits for 3 months from the time the
transfer is made and would be responsible for nursing home costs for this period. If they applied for Medicaid 3 months after the transfers were made and otherwise met the eligibility requirements, then the transfers would not make them ineligible. A 5-year look back period applied for transfers into a trust. Under the new law, the 3-year look back is replaced with a five year look back. Under the new law, if you do not need institutional care within 5 years of a transfer, the transfer will not affect your eligibility. However, if you need institutional care
Visions Magazine, December 2013, Page 37
within 5 years of a transfer, the penalty begins to run at the time the n e e d arises a n d you
have applied for and been denied benefits solely because of the transfer penalty. So for instance, if the same person described above applied for Medicaid within five years of the transfer, they would be ineligible for about three months from the time they applied for Medicaid and needed institutional level of care, whether at home or in a nursing home, even though they met the income and resource requirements. Longterm nursing care can quickly exhaust all assets. The present federal law tends to force middle class families to exhaust most of their resources on their medical care as well as causes nursing homes to be more hesitant to admit patients without first verifying
five years of the patient’s records to determine Medicaid eligibility since their federally audited and can be forced to repay money back if ineligibility is determined. Another important provision involves the alteration of the homestead exemption. Under the previous law, a person could qualify for Medicaid while remaining in their home, or if their spouse or disabled child remained in the home. The law exempts the first $500,000 of a home’s value (a state can increase this to $750,000) $$$TAXES$$$ After reading about Medicaid, you might be thinking about transfering something you own. But look at the tax aspects of gift transfers. You don’t have to worry about taxes if it is a small gift. But if it’s a larger one, then old Scrooge Uncle Sam has his eyes on a cut of it. If you give away more than $l2,000, other than to your spouse, then you’re legally obligated to file a gift tax return with the United States Internal Revenue Service. This is done on Form 709, United States Gift (and generation Skipping Trans(See ‘Gifts’ on page 45)
Page 38, Visions Magazine, December 2013
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Americans eat more than 22 pounds of tomatoes...
Stress
(Continued from page 13) you a gift. Act early so that everyone can manage their expectations accordingly. 7) Change family dynamics. George Burns once said: “Happiness is having a large, loving, caring, close-knit family in another city.” Family is a major source of joy and stress, and both are emphasized during the holidays. If you are anxious about family interactions, it’s probably for good reason: You know how the script plays out. So use this knowledge to do some rehearsal of interactions you dread. Keep conversations neutral. Avoid discussing the issues that tend to cause conflict. If the other person tries to engage you in a discussion that will probably become an argument, change the subject or leave the room. Accept the reality of who they are. In dealing with difficult people, don’t try to change the other person; you will only get into a power struggle, cause defensiveness, invite criticism, or otherwise make things worse. It also makes you a more difficult person to deal with. Know what’s under your control. Change your response to the other person; this is all you have the power to change. Be grateful for what you have, and enjoy yourself!
About the author... Nancy Cosgrove, RN, BA is the owner of RNfit Weight Management, an HMR® Program. She’s begun her 12th year of helping people to lose weight and improve their health. She clearly has a passion for wellness, which comes through in working with her clients. She invites anyone to stop by the RNfit office in Jackson Square to find out more. www.rnfit.com
every year. More than half this amount is eaten in the form of ketchup and tomato sauce.
Visions Magazine, December 2013, Page 39
Top10 Tips for Creating a Healthier, Happier, You! Making lasting changes to our health and wellness is not just about changing eating habits and exercising. After all, we are much more than just our physical bodies. Each aspect of our being affects the other. If we are out of balance in our mental and emotional well-being this directly affects our physical health. We may experience something as simple as a tension headache or worse, some type of stress related illness. Personally, I know many people who are impeccable with their nutrition and may even exercise daily and yet they do not seem vibrant, happy, and full of life. By taking a few simple steps toward overall health
and wellness and attending to all aspects of ourselves we can make incredible strides toward lasting happiness and increased energy. As a health coach I specialize in supporting people in making lasting changes and attaining their goals around health. Whether it’s the desire to quit smoking, give up candy, begin an exercise program, or attain one’s ideal weight, we must take a holistic approach. The reality is, in today’s day and age we spend more time and energy taking care of our automobiles and technical devices then we do our own bodies and selves. We get out
fall away naturally and with So, to help you get A Happier ease. started, here are my top 10 You! tips for creating a healthier lifestyle. I suggest you take Serene them one at a time. Set a goal for yourself. One per week or White one per month doesn’t matter of balance too easily, months as long as you are moving maybe even years go by, and toward a total approach for then we find ourselves with feeling good all the time. that nagging inside voice or family member telling us that 1. Begin a body/mind we need to change x, y, or integration practice - Rez. Rather than focusing on search now supports what has the one thing that needs to been known for thousands of change, take a whole body/ years by ancient sciences of mind approach to creating health and healing such as a healthier life. When we at- Chinese Medicine. There is tend to our body and care for interconnectedness between ourselves from a holistic ap- our bodies and our mind/emoEven Hippocrates, proach the unhealthy habits tions. the father of Western Medicine, taught that good health depends on a balance of mind, body, and environment. Nurturing the mind/body connection has profound effects on our overall health. Begin a practice such as yoga, Thai chi, or qi gong. These systems are awareness based practices. They include a self-reflective element and promote quieting the mind and centering one’s awareness on
Part 1 of 2
body sensations and breath. Increasing awareness of the body and breath are essential aspects to living a health based lifestyle. We spend far too much time externally focused and on automatic pilot. We have lost the ability to listen to our own bodies and stay in touch with our own selves on a deep level. Taking even just a few minutes every day to nurture the mind/ body connection can make a difference in the stress response in our bodies and how we feel about ourselves and the world around us. It is difficult to bombard our bodies with unhealthy choices when we are tuned in on a deeper level. People who have some type of self-awareness practice in place are much more likely to succeed at making long lasting health and dietary changes. 2. Begin a breathing practice - One of the most significant factors in maintaining overall health is being able (See ‘Happy’ on page 44)
Page 40, Visions Magazine, December 2013
Glaciers occupy 5.8 million square miles, or 10 percent of the...
Viva Quality Mexican at Puerto Cancun It is sad when a restaurant closes, especially one that holds memories of good times and good food. Memories of flavors only created in that special restaurant closed off from your taste buds as their doors close forever. It was sad when Cancun Mexican Restaurant on the Turnpike in Oak Ridge closed. It had been a place of tradition for many people. It was also sad when Hidalgo Mexican Restaurant on the Turnpike
closed. But now there is some great news for those who are experiencing the love loss of both places: They have been reincarnated into one fabulous Mexican restaurant called Puerto Cancun Mexican Grill! In September, Luis Rosales, former Cancun Mexican Restaurant employee, decided to take over the closing space of Hidalgo and bring the flavors of Cancun back to life. Puerto Cancun is a kind of tribute to the much loved restaurant in
Business Review
made it a focus of the menu. garitas including strawberry, They have their classic lime peach, banana, and more. margarita either frozen or on Puerto Cancun has a full bar
Melissa Bishop a space that was a popular Mexican food destination. Luis brought a crew to the restaurant in September and started revitalizing the space into one that feels like a day at the beach with sea blue walls, soft sandy window treatments, and colorful painted chairs and décor. On October 22nd, they opened up to the public and haven’t missed a beat with dedicated clients from both Cancun and Hidalgo. A good Mexican restaurant can be judged not only on its quality of food, but on its margaritas. Puerto Cancun has taken the beloved drink and
the rocks, but it doesn’t stop there. They also offer what is called, a “Texas Margarita,” which is made with orange juice. It’s delicious. They also have a variety of flavored mar-
that serves up a variety of mixed drinks, wine, and beer. They host a happy hour Sunday through Thursday from (See ‘Cancun’ on page 15)
world’s land surface, as in an area as large as South America.
Visions Magazine, December 2013, Page 41
Clinch River Raptor Center Brings Kids & Wildlife Together Clinton Middle School has something special that no other school in the country can claim. It is a pairing of animals in need and kids with the desire to help them. It is an extra-curricular program at the school that is called The
a place for rescue and rehabilitation of birds of prey. So with a little funding and a lot of convincing, the Raptor Center was created and has since taken in hundreds of owls, eagles, falcons, vultures, and hawks. They come to
Business Review
Melissa Bishop the wild. Many of the birds that have come to The Center could not survive in the wild due to their injuries, so they have become much loved permanent residents. They are cared for by students at the school, volunteers from other schools, and area residents.
The Center either orphaned or injured and find refuge, In 1984, AP biology teacher rehabilitation, and if they can John Bird saw the need for be, they are released back into Clinch River Raptor Center.
Although the kids will tell you how much fun it is to work at the Raptor Center, it is serious business. After school, the kids show up and start weighing out mice to feed to the birds. Mice that have been, in the past, donated to the center from various places, but now they are purchased. One large box of mice costs about $385. “That doesn’t go very far,” said Center Co-Director Katie Cottrell. “Not when you have all these hungry birds to feed.” The kids get excited about the whole process of feeding and cleaning up after the raptors. They have learned so much about the birds and what is
required to take care of them. They are eager to tell about the owl pellets that they collect from the cages and how the pellets are regurgitated bone and fur from the mice, fish, and quail they are fed. It lets them know if the birds’ digestion is working properly. The kids help keep a close eye on the birds’ diet and well being. The Raptor Center runs on volunteers, but not just for care-taking. It is a cause that people are drawn to because these birds need the sanctuary just as the kids need the birds. They choose caring for the birds as their after school activity because they are interested in it and many aim towards a future career in wildlife biology, ecology, or veterinary medicine. They have the opportunity to cultivate these interests while learning so much about these fields of study. Pairing Kids with
animals in need is a win-win situation and because of this, The Raptor Center has succeeded for twenty-nine years. The Raptor Center is a small place, but a big operation that always requires help from the public. Monetary donations, carpentry work, and yard work are always needed and appreciated. And they are always looking for folks who can work with the kids and help care for the birds, because birds never take a day off of needing care. Katie said that before she became a part of the Center, she saw the need for a place such as this in the area. Many years ago, she took in an orphaned screech owl. When she contacted wildlife officials, they told her she had to let it go. To keep a bird of prey or even a songbird is illegal. (See ‘Raptor’ on page 58)
Page 42, Visions Magazine, December 2013
Recipes (Continued from page 23) 2 cups water Combine water, sugar and cinnamon candies and boil 5 minutes. Add and cook apples slowly until tender. Apples may also be cut into quarters or halves if you wish. Chill. (Less sugar can be used if apples are not tart). The following holiday dessert is very easy to make. Tipsy 1 large pkg. vanilla pudding, cooked by directions Flavor with four or five TBS. brandy Enough lady fingers for two layers Place split lady fingers in crystal or glass serving dish, spread pudding over the top, then add another layer of each. Spread whipped cream over all and sprinkle with freshly grated nutmeg OR
The first woman to ride in the Kentucky Derby was Diane Crump on May 2, 1970.
Juice of 2 oranges decorate with drained red fully. Juice of 2 lemons and green maraschino cherRed food coloring Hot Cranberry Tea ries. (Sponge cake layers could be used if you cannot 1 quart cranberry juice Scant 1/2 cup cinnamon red Combine cranberry juice and find lady fingers). red hots in saucepan. Heat hots slowly and stir until candy dis2 cups sugar Quick Mint Brownies solves. Add sugar and water Bake your favorite box of 2 cups water brownie mix. When you remove them from the oven lay Andes Creme de Menthe mints evenly over the top. When soft, spread with a spatula across the brownies. Allow to cool and cut in squares. So Good!! Cheese Biscuits 1 stick Cracker Barrel sharp cheese 2-1/4 cups flour 1/2 tsp. red pepper 2 sticks soft margarine 2 tsp. salt 1 cup finely chopped pecans Sift flour, salt and pepper. Grate cheese; add margarine and flour mixture. Mix well with hands. Add pecans and when well-blended, form into four long rolls about as big around as a quarter. Wrap and chill overnight. Slice into 1/4 inch slices and bake on a greased cookie sheet for 12-15 minutes at 350 degrees until bottoms are rich golden brown. Watch care-
and heat until sugar is dissolved. Add juice of oranges and lemons. Dilute with water to suit taste. Add red food coloring to desired color. Serve hot. Serves 15. Have a very Merry Christmas!
North Dakota is the nation’s top sunflower grower, producing 50 percent of the U.S. crop.
Visions Magazine, December 2013, Page 43
Holiday Adventure Time at Clinton Motors and RV If you are searching for that ultimate family present this holiday season, consider coming together on the open road with a 2010 Sierra 5th Wheel Camper that is currently in stock at Clinton Motor Sales and RV, located at 211 N.
Charles G. Seivers Blvd. approximately one mile from I-75 off Exit 122 (across the street from the local ford dealer). Although the camper is a 2010 model, it looks like it rolled off the showroom floor… Except without the price tag! The estimated retail price for this particular model has a retail price of $48,000. However, right now is the perfect chance to get a great bargain. You can take this 5th wheel camper
and spare tire and carrier.
Test Drive
If you are looking for something else to fill a personal or family wish list, Clinton Motor Sales and RV features a stocked lot full of other pre-owned vehicles, including cars, especially on your next journey for only trucks, mo$32,500.
Derek Fox
This beautiful recreational vehicle is well equipped to bring luxury and convenience to your next adventure. Here are just a few features packed into this camper: 15,000 BTU central/ducted unit, microwave and convection combo, gas grill cook top, 10 gallon gas or electric water heater, 50” LCD TV with HD and surround sound, stereo combo and DVD player, TV antenna with booster, front power leveling jacks, scissor stabilizers jacks, aluminum wheels, awnings for spacious power slide-out rooms, cabinetry upgrades, ceiling fan and electric awning and double steps, fireplace, gas and smoke detector, outside shower, power roof vent, glass shower enclosure, skylight
tor homes, 5th wheel campers and travel trailers. The friendly and helpful staff treats each person walking through the door like family, as well as ensures that each receives great service, a great deal and dependability. This is not a junk used car dealer, every vehicle is road ready. If the service team finds something wrong with a vehicle, it is not put on the lot for someone to get burned. The company’s main focus is ethics and integrity. The staff realizes the value of repeat customers!
The team at Clinton Motor Sales and RV also offers many additional services, including a service department, which is equipped to do everything from oil changes to tires and brakes; free in town pick-up and delivery, professional detailing for personal, industrial or recreational vehicles; financing options with over 30 different lenders and personal and business consignment opportunities. For more information, visit Clinton Motor Sales and RV at their showroom in Clinton or online at, clintonmotorsalesandrv.com or to speak directly with a staff member, call (865) 269-7406.
Page 44, Visions Magazine, December 2013
Happier (Continued from page 39)
get in touch with our own personal, individual biochemical response to food. Rather than looking to nutrition experts or the latest fad diet to tell us what to eat, we can become our own guides. Keep a food journal, not only noting what you eat but how it makes you feel. Note how you feel physically and emotionally before, during and after each meal, snack or beverage. At first it may feel odd or you may not feel any particular way. That is okay—you may just write “fine” or “good.” Use the food journal for your own research into how different foods affect you personally instead of what the “experts” are saying.
to handle stress. Research suggests that 75-90 percent of all doctor visits are due to stress related complaints or illnesses. Forty-three percent of American adults suffer adverse health related issues caused by stress. The majority of us have lost the ability to manage stress and neutralize its effects on the body. Promoting the relaxation response in the body through regular breath work is an essential part in minimizing the damaging effects of stress on the body. Seek out a local yoga instructor to learn breathing techniques. 4. Begin to add in the “good stuff” - Instead of trying to cut 3. Keep a food journal for out the foods that we know are at least one month - We all bad, try crowding them out by know the saying, “you are adding in the good stuff. Make what you eat”, but few of us a point to eat more greens, are truly able to recognize or whole foods throughout this within ourselves. We are the day leaving less room for continually barraged with the unhealthier choices. latest approaches to food and eating, looking to experts in the field of nutrition to tell us 5. Practice the KISS principle what to eat, when to eat, and - The components to a healthy how much to eat. Two people lifestyle are really very simple. can sit next to each other at We want to over complicate lunch and eat the exact same things by trying to follow other thing. One of them leaves the people’s guidelines, fad diets, meal feeling energized and or attempting to make too light while the other will gain many changes too quickly. five pounds and feel like fall- Keep things simple by taking ing asleep on the way home. things step by step and not It’s important for each of us to trying to make radical changes
In Milan, Italy, there is a law that requires a smile on the face of all citizens at all times... all at once. Remember the acronym KISS- “keep it simple, stupid” The KISS principle states that most systems work best if they are kept simple rather than made complex. For greater ease and success in our journey toward health we can lean into this concept, relax and take it easy!
About the author... Serene White is a certified yoga instructor and Holistic Health Counselor. She teaches weekly group yoga classes and works individually with people seeking healing and personal transformation, as well as those who need support transitioning to a healthier lifestyle. View her website at www. www.sereneyogaandhealing.com
Losers (Continued from page 46) Change Challenge: “THIN it to WIN it” hosted by Take Charge Fitness Program!! The Challenge will give participants the necessary tools to successfully lose the excess weight, and the “know-how” on maintaining that loss. Special educational forums will include a dietician, a physician, and a “Healthy Visions” expert as well as a fitness coach for three months!! Participants will be accountable to their coaches and exercise options will be a part of the program. Anyone can participate in this challenge (membership is not required); however, special accommodations have been
made for Challenge participants to exercise at Take Charge Fitness during the 3-month challenge!! “THIN it to WIN it” challenge participant fee is only $25! Enrollment will begin January 2nd and will go through January 16th! For additional information, call Take Charge Fitness: 865457-8237!
About the author... Anna Dark joined Take Charge Fitness Program staff as their Fitness Director in 2006. Anna has dedicated her entire professional career to the fitness industry and has been passionate about making a positive impact in individuals’ lives through health and wellness for over 27 years.
The fine is $100 if they are seen in public without a smile on their face.
Gifts (Continued from page 37) fer) Tax Return. After the first $l2,000 gift exclusion per individual, the tax rate starts at 15% and gradually increases to 45%. Of course you can give up to the $l2,000 to an unlimited number of relatives of people and not have to file the gift tax return. In addition, a married couple can give up to $24,000 per person without filing a return. In addition to the annual gift exemption, the federal government allows you to exclude any annual gifts over $l2,000 against the lifetime exemption of a million dollars. A running tab is kept in the gift tax return of how much of this lifetime exemption is being used, and eventually it decreases the estate tax exemption. The net results of all this is that while Uncle Sam may be looking at the gift
horses, he is actually not col- 33%. lecting much in the way of gift taxes except from the very With regards to gift and inrich or those who neglect to heritance taxes, Tennessee file the proper returns and is another matter. It’s the Tentake the proper exemptions nessee Department of Revand get caught later by him. enue that’s in charge of look ing at these gifts and trying to Let’s say that someone dies get their share. and leaves an estate as an inheritance. There’s no need Sadly to say, Tennessee is to file a federal tax return un- one of only four states that less the amount of the gross has a gift tax. So even if you estate is over two million dol- escape Uncle Sam, you still lars. That does include all life to deal with Tennessee “Revinsurance, joint checking and enuers.” . By the way, the savings accounts, real estate other three states with the gift holdings, and retirement and tax are Connecticut, Louisiannuities. In 2009, the exclusion jumped up to 3.5 million dollars. Of course we never when Congress is going to change the laws or what the effect will be. After all, look at what’s happening in the field of medical insurance and the state of the Affordable Health Care Act or “Obamacare.” It’s hard to see where we are. Alas, the federal estate tax on inherited gifts is from l5% to
Visions Magazine, December 2013, Page 45 ana, and North Carolina. When it comes to gift taxes, Tennessee divides the exemptions into two parts. It allows an exemption of $l2,000 just like the in case of the federal government, but only if the gift receiver falls into a category that is described as “Class A Donee,” which is a linear descendent or ancestor, sibling, or nephew or niece. Everyone else is a “Class B Donee,” who are entitled only to a $5,000 annual gift exemption. A gift to a Class A donee will result in
a Tennessee gift tax rate of l.4% over $l2,000 per individual. A gift to a Class B donee will result in a gift tax of 6.5% to 20/% gift for anything over $5,000 per individual. Gifts to between spouses are deductible and thus not taxed just like in Uncle Sam’s case. Tennessee does not allow the lifetime unified tax exemption credit like Uncle Sam. Thus, it is more likely that you’ll owe gift taxes in Tennessee though you may not owe the federal government. Tennessee also carries the Class A and Class B classification over into the inheritance tax law for some reason, it taxes them the same for inheritance tax purposes. The Tennessee inheritance tax rates start at 5.5% on the net taxable estate and then gradually go up to 9.5% on estates with a net taxable value of over $440,000. (See ‘Gifts’ on page 47)
Fagin, the sinister villain in Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist, was also...
Page 46, Visions Magazine, December 2013
Successful “LOSERS” Weight Loss and maintaining that weight loss is a simple concept. What is the formula you ask? Consume Less + Move More = Calorie Deficit = Weight Loss. If only it were as simple as that! According to the National Weight Control
Registry, there are key factors that work in the weight loss / weight management journey. There is no “magic pill”. It takes hard work and dedication! Members of the National Weight Control Registry have maintained a 30-pound or more weight loss for over one year. By looking at the data of the 4,200 individuals in the Registry, data has identified four common characteristics of those who have lost weight and are keeping it off. Characteristic #1: Eat a low fat, high carbohydrate diet
Special Guest Anna Dark I know that many of you reading this right now are thinking, “NO WAY”. You may be thinking of pasta, bread, or other “white” stuff, but think of this… carbohydrates are in MANY foods. Not only grains but also in beans and many vegetables!! Members of the Registry claim that they get about 56% of their calories from these carbohydrates, 19% of their calories from protein, and 25% of their calories from fat.
fast helps prevent overeating later (if you skip meals, you end up feeling VERY hungry and have a tendency to overeat later). Registry members eat breakfast EVERY day. Characteristic #4: Keep track of your weight and eating Weigh in weekly! Basically this is keeping you accountable! Weekly weigh-ins allow individuals to notice quickly if they have gained a few pounds and can act on it by creating strategies to prevent gaining more. Checking your weight less often may result to discovering that you are 10 pounds heavier one day, which is very discouraging and may cause you to give up.
Characteristic #2: One common thought with Exercise EVERY day Exercise is NECESSARY to maintaining your weight loss. Individuals in the Registry report that they exercise between 1 hour and 1 ½ hours each day. If you don’t have that much time together, you can break up the exercise throughout the day. Registry members’ most common method of exercise is walking. Characteristic #3: Eat breakfast every day Starting the day off with break-
the members of the Registry is that weight loss and weight management are NOT EASY. It is hard work. Programs that advertise easy weight loss and maintenance tend to fail in the long run. The problem for many people is that they work so hard to lose the excess weight but then don’t have the skills/tools to maintain that weight loss. This goes to show that the “art” of weight management is making better choices like choosing to live healthier by adopting those healthy lifestyle habits. If you are in need of shedding some extra pounds, take on the 2014 Anderson County Weight Loss / Lifestyle (See ‘Losers’ on page 44)
the name of Dickens’ best friend, Bob Fagin.
Gifts (Continued from page 45) By the way, gift tax returns are due on April l5 every year too. There are heavy penalties for not filing on time if you owe them (and if you get caught!) Gifts as Fraudulent Transfers Then there’s another tricky area of gifts where a person is in debt, so he or she transfers property to a child, a relative, but it can also include transfers by other legal entities such as corporations to what are called “insiders”,
for instance where a controlling stockholder causes the corporation to transfer property to himself or his relative when the corporation is head over heals in debt. This law infers from the situation that the transferor is trying to pro-
Visions Magazine, December 2013, Page 47 tect the property from creditors. Tennessee is among 40 states that have adopted a uniform law called the Uniform Fraudulent Transfers Act, which essentially provides that these gifts are fraudulent and can be recovered under state law (as well as federal law applying state law in a bankruptcy case) if it can be proved that the transfer made the transfer to keep from paying the debts. There is also a presumption raised from the gift that the transfer was fraudulent if the debtor was insolvent at the time of making the gift. It is treated as a gift under this
statute where the transfer for instance is made to pay off an unsecured debt of a relative. If the debtor is Furthermore, a debtor who is not paying bills when they become due is presumed insolvent. A creditor or a trustee in a bankruptcy can not only sue the gift giver but also the gift receiver. Most legal claims have cut off dates for those aggrieved to take action. In the case of actions in Tennessee arising out of these fraudulent “gifts” under this statute, action must be taken by creditors within four years. In many states it is only one year. Tennessee debtors have less rights than if they lived in some other state. If a person is in debt, making a gift is often a bad idea for a couple of other reasons. First, the person surrenders whatever exemptions that he may be able to claim in the property, In the case of land it can be as much as $47,000. That is they’ve just given up a $47,000 protection possibly. Second, the person who receives it may actually lose what is given. I’ve seen a lot
of times where someone puts someone else’s name on a bank account or transfer a car or land to someone, and creditors of the other person actually attach it and take it for the other person’s debt. In Tennessee as well as other states, if a person has benefited from a nursing home at the expense of Medicaid before they die, then Uncle Sam and the State has its hands out during any probate of their estate—they’re asking to be reimbursed from what would have gone to the heirs. This has been part of the law that’s gone into effect in the past ten years. Merry Christmas. Enjoy the gifts! May they exceed your taxes. Happy 2014.
About the author... Jimmie Turner graduated from ORHS in 1962 and from U.T. Law School in 1967. He and his daughter, Joy Vittone, practice in the Turner Law Firm, 1119 E. Tri-County Blvd., Oliver Springs TN. For comments, you can email him at jim.turner@tnattyatlaw.com.
Page 48, Visions Magazine, December 2013 To submit your Community Calendar event please email us at: chris@acvisionsmag.com. In your email subject line include the words” “Community CalenThe Community Calendar list- dar Listing.” Please be sure to ings are free for musical events, include the organization name, theaters, art galleries, muse- event discription, time, dates, ums, community groups, public place, cost, contact name and events, and non-profit groups. phonenumber with any submitFor-profit businesses offering a ted listing. Please note that we free service or service groups are unable to receive calendar that charge a nominal fee will be listings by US Mail, Fax or phone considered on a case by case calls. Deadline to submit entries for consideration is the 20th day basis.
Community Calendar
The Las Vegas MGM Grand’s 170,000-square-foot casino is larger than the playing field... admission to 250 museums that participated in the ASTC Passport Program. AMSE members receive discounts on Discovery Shop merchandise, discounts on camps, classes, workshops and Thru January 15 The Science Maze where visi- birthday parties. For more infortors get lost in science facts as mation on AMSE memberships, they discover interesting tidbits exhibits, programs and events, of science fields from astronomy go to www.amse.org To schedto zoology. AMSE Second Level. ule a museum group visit, call AMSE at (865) 576-3200. Thru January 26, 2014 Ed Westcott Images which provide a look at the 1940’s history of Oak Ridge as captured through the photographic lens of Ed Westcott, the official U. S. Army Manhattan Project Friday, December 13 photographer. This exhibition is sponsored by the Y-12 National Security Complex. AMSE Lobby. of each month.
AMSE
Children’s Museum
Thru January 5, 2014 Oak Ridge In Art featuring eight framed prints and paintings by residents or former residents of Oak Ridge, including work by Nick Fielder, Helen Guymon, Fred Heddleson, Pat McWilliams Hoskins, Nancy Smith, Irvin Grossman, and Helen Bayless. AMSE Lobby Thru Wednesday, January 15 “The Science Maze” where visitors get lost in science facts as they discover interesting science tidbits from astronomy to zoology. AMSE Second Level December 24 & 25 AMSE CLOSED for Christmas Holidays. AMSE reopens on Dec. 26 on normal schedule 9:00 am - 5:00 pm January 1 AMSE CLOSED for New Year’s Day. AMSE reopens on Jan. 3 on normal schedule 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Please note: The American Museum of Science and Energy, located at 300 South Tulane Avenue in Oak Ridge, is open Monday - Saturday from 9 am - 5 pm and Sunday from 1 - 5 pm. Admission is Adults $5.00, Seniors (65+) $4.00, Students (6 - 17) $3.00 and Children ( 5 and under) no charge. Group rates are available with advance reservations. AMSE memberships are Family $40, Grandparents $35, Individuals $25 and Family & Friends $75. AMSE members receive unlimited AMSE visits and free
Holiday Paper Crafts, 4-5:30 p.m., ages 8-12. Make homemade paper from recycled paper using traditional methods of papermaking. Create exciting designs using paper marbling effects. Make personalized holiday cards using the handmade paper and rubber stamps. Fee is $25 for members, $30 for nonmembers. The Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge, 461 W. Outer Dr., is offering fall pottery classes with professional clay artist Sherrie Carris. She has a BFA from the University of Texas,
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Visions Magazine, December 2013, Page 49
at Wal-Mart to protect the space shuttle from woodpeckers. (Continued from Page 48) an MFA from the University of Iowa and a teaching certification from the University of Tennessee. To register, stop by or call the museum at 4821074 or see www.childrensmuseumofoakridge.org.
chimneys, signaling warmth from within on a chilly December day. Inside the cabins, simple cedar Christmas trees are draped with paper chains, popcorn strings, and pine cones “snow-capped” Thru Tuesday, December 24 The Simple Beauty of Christ- with a flour and water mixture. In mas in Old Appalachia, At the the Dan’l Boone Cabin, a dormant Museum of Appalachia, log cab- sapling wears cotton “snow” and ins and barns nestle at the base scraps of cloth for bows. Pine of a hill. Smoke rises lazily from clippings, magnolia leaves and holly berries line the mantels above the fireplaces. The Little Tater Valley School House is adorned with hand-made ornaments made by the pupils of Norris Elementary School. Tattered or well worn quilts are laid under the trees; topped with carved wooden animals, tin horns, rag dolls, wagons, and spinning tops, all presents found early Christmas morning. There are always practical gifts, like new shoes or books, purchased from a mail order catalog. Beginning December 7th continuing through December 24th, the Museum will be decorated for Christmas in Old Appalachia, with the simple gifts and decorations typical of the Appalachian folk. Special holiday exhibits include the Children’s Display in the Hall of Fame, with toys and furniture made by loving parents and grandparents; and Granny Irwin’s traditional Christmas Crazy Quilt with poignant hand embroidered sayings such as “Remember me” and “God B. O. Family” (God Bless Our Family). Folks wishing to help others less fortunate are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items for the local food bank. Those helping to support local families during the month of December will receive a special discount off regular adult admission. Browse the regional hand-made gifts and books in the Shop at the Museum of Appalachia for unique Christmas gifts. Enjoy hot, southern country-style lunches, served daily from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Museum restaurant. Home-made cakes, pies, cookies, and other holiday treats are available all day or can be made special to order for Christmas gatherings.December hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily (9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Christmas Eve and closed Christmas Day).
Museum of Appalachia
The Museum, a Smithsonian Affiliate and a not-for-profit organization, is located 16 miles north of Knoxville, one mile east of I-75, exit 122. For more information, call 865-494-7680,
or visit the web site at www. east of I-75 north at Exit 122. You must pre-register and pay museumofappalachia.org. for all classes in advance. Call the center at 865-494-9854 to register. www.appalachianarts.net.
UT Arboretum
The University of Tennessee Arboretum Society is a 48 year old, non-profit organization dedicated to furthering the objectives and programs of the University of Tennessee’s 250acre Arboretum in Oak Ridge. Proceeds from fund-raising events go toward the operating expenses and endowment fund for the UT Arboretum. To learn more about the Arboretum Society, and the UT Arboretum Endowment Fund, go to www.utarboretumsociety.org. For more information on the plant sale, call 865-482-6656.
Classes/ Workshops Appalachian Arts The Appalachian Arts Craft Center is a nonprofit center promoting traditional artists and crafts. The shop and class facility are located at 2716 Andersonville Highway 61 in Norris, Tenn., one mile
Saturday, December 7 Soy Candles with Victoria Nicely, 10:00 am to 1:00 pm, Need a special handmade gift for someone special? Learn everything you need to know about making soy candles for yourself, gifts, or setting up shop in a one day learning experience. All material are provided with a choice of organic or artificial fragrance. Beginning or Intermediate. Registration deadline: December 1. Earlybird Cost: Register and pay by November 27 and the cost is $35 for Craft Center members, $45 for nonmembers. After November 27, Cost: $45/$55. ONGOING CLASSES: Weaving with Carol Pritcher Tuesdays, 10 am to 2 pm (six classes) $125 members ($135 non-members) plus a small materials fee. Beginning-Intermediate. Hand Sewing Day with the Quilting Department, Wednesdays, 10 am to 2 pm No need to call ahead; just bring your lunch. No Cost.
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Page 50, Visions Magazine, December 2013 (Continued from Page 49) Make Your Own Class, Got a craft you want to learn? The Craft Center has access to numerous talented craft teachers in a variety of subjects. Gather up 5 or more of your friends and let’s plan your own class. Price to be determined. Erin’s Meadow Herb Garden Saturday, December 7 Christmas Teatime at Erin’s Meadow Herb Farm, 10:00-3:00 Saturday, December 14
Herbal Gifts for the Body and Soul, 1:00, Demo/Class $30. Learn to make fragrant gifts of relaxation and well-being everyone will love! This class will demonstrate how to make soothing, pampering gifts for guys, gals, teens and seniors. Herbal and natural ingredients are blended together to create high quality, yet affordable products superior to the chemical laden offerings found on store shelves. Students will sample and take home recipes. Ingredients and supplies will be available for purchase after the class.
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Warsaw, Poland, holds the distinction of opening the world’s first public library in 1747.
Visions Magazine, December 2013, Page 51
The number of dead bodies in the movies Scream and Scream 2 totals 17. (Continued from Page 50)
Erin’s Meadow is located at 132 England Dr, Clinton (MarSaturday, December 21 low Community) Phone is 435Herbal Gifts from the Kitchen, 1452, www.erinsmeadowherb1:00pm Demo/Class $30. Gifts farm.com from the home kitchen are memorable and most appreciated! Clinch River Yarn Co. Delicious organic herbs create The Clinch River Yarn Coma lasting impression especially pany holds classes many days when hand-crafted with love. each month. Please go online There are so many tasty gift mak- to www. clinchriveryarns.com ing possibilities, you’re certain to for a complete listing of times discover something perfect for and dates for the classes above. family, friends and co-workers! Clinich River Yarn company is loStudents will sample and take cated at 725 N. Charles G. Seivhome recipes. Ingredients and ers Boulevard in Clinton. Phone: supplies will be available for pur- 269-4528. chase after the class.
Business Counseling Wednesdays, Nov. 20 & Dec. 18 Chamber Offers Business C o u n s e l i n g , T h e Te n n e s see Small Business Development Center (TSBDC) advises and assists future and existing business owners. Jutta Bangs, Sr. Business Specialist, is available for free and confidential counseling sessions on Wednesdays, November 20 and December 18, 9 am – 12 noon at the Anderson County Chamber of Commerce, 245 N. Main Street, Clinton. To make an appointment for this, or another day, please call 865-457-2559 or email accc@ andersoncountychamber.org. To learn more about the TSBDC visit www.tsbdc.org. Toastmasters Oak Ridge Toastmasters Club #1858 - Toastmasters welcomes you to visit and become a member. We meet the second and fourth Mondays of each month at 6:00 P.M. at the Roane State Community College campus in Oak Ridge, Tennessee in A-108. Call 865-483-7178 for specific information or check Internet at http://oakridge.toastmaster-
sclubs.org
Events Tuesday, December 10 Fishing University Show Coming to Norris Lake. The host of the Outdoor Channel’s “Fishing University” television show will be on Norris Lake in December filming a show for their upcoming 2014 season. You will have the opportunity to meet the hosts of the show, Charlie Ingram and Ray Brazier and their guests, Dean Smith, CEO and Kody Bradbury, Brand Manager of Legend Boats on Tuesday, December 10, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Museum of Appalachia. This is a free event for the entire family and will give you the opportunity to ask the pros everything you always wanted to know about bass fishing. “We are very excited to have two professional fishermen like Charlie and Ray on Norris Lake,” said Stephanie Wells of the Anderson County Tourism Council. “Norris Lake is one of East Tennessee’s largest recreational assets, a tourist designation and an economic driver for our county and to have it featured on the Outdoor Channel’s “Fishing University” as a bass fishing destination will increase its popularity regionally, nationally and potentially internationally. The “Fishing University” television show features the two hosts, Ingram and Brazier, who are teamed up with special guests, fishing against each other in a tournament like format. While they are battling it out, viewers will be receiving information about tricks of the trade from four people who are some of the best in the industry. The twist in the show is that each team is given identical tackle boxes and they can only use what is in the box. The hosts will also be visiting and filming at Anderson County High School. They will talk with the students about jobs in outdoor recreation and the importance of a good education and work ethic. The 2014 season will start in January on Saturdays at 4:30 p.m., Sundays at 8 a.m. and Tuesdays at 12 noon. The show featuring Norris Lake will air six times during the season. For information on the “Fishing University” show, visit www.fishingu.com. For information on “Fishing University’s” visit to Anderson County, contact the
Anderson County Tourism Council at 865-457-4547 or visit www. yallcome.org. Sat- Mon, Dec. 14-16 45th Annual Nativity Pageant Whatever else be lost among the years, let us keep Christmas – its meaning never ends. For this reason, we present the Nativity Pageant for the 45th consecutive year. Pageant dates and times for 2013 are as follows: Saturday, December 14 at 3:00 pm, Sunday, December 15 at 3:00 pm, Monday, December 16 at 7:00 pm. All performances are at the Knoxville Civic Coliseum. Admission is FREE.Telling the traditional Christmas story of the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. Held at the Knoxville Civic Coliseum; free admission. With a cast and choir of 250, professional orchestra and live animals, the story is told in pantomime in the round. Coliseum parking is $5/car. For more information, phone 865258-9985 or go to www.knoxvillenativity.com. The one-hour performance starts in darkness. Please be sure to arrive early to avoid having to find seats in the dark. Children are welcome, all
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Page 52, Visions Magazine, December 2013
It would take 27,000 spiders, each spinning a single web, to produce a pound of web.
Christmas season? Would you feel good giving a fresh wreath with a bow to a needy family through Aid to Distressed Families of Appalachian Counties? The Oak Ridge Civic Music Association is again taking advance orders for holiday wreaths and bows. A traditional symbol of the holiday season, the wreaths are made of Fraser Fir (Southern Balsam). Proceeds from the sale are used in ORCMA’s long-standing commitment to the funding of local music organizations. The wreaths are madeto-order in sizes ranging from 14 inches to 32 inches, and in custom larger sizes as wanted. Red or maroon velvet bows are also available by order. Prices for wreaths range from $17 to ORCMA Holiday Wreaths $30 and bows cost $7. The Oak Available for Sale. Would you Ridge Chorus, which is runlike to have a holiday wreath ning the wreath sale, will deliver made from fresh evergreens to wreaths and bows to ADFAC for display on your door during the distribution. Wreaths must be ordered by Wednesday, Nov. 21, and must be picked up on Saturday, Dec. 8, between 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. in Fellowship Hall at the First Presbyterian Church in Oak Ridge, Lafayette Drive at Oak Ridge Turnpike. To order wreaths and bows, or to ask questions, call Priscilla McKenney at (865) 482-5374, or Barbara Weber at (865) 463-8269.
tune into the Spanish translation. Para escucher la narracion en performances are family-friendly. Español. Por favor sintonice su Because it is free to everyone, radio al 88.9 FM. This Pageant there are no tickets and it is open is presented free of charge to all. seating. For the Sunday and Monday performances, part of Sunday, December 15 Section N is reserved for the deaf Oak Ridge Community Band/ and hearing impaired. Spanish Wind Ensemble Christmas Translation for all performances Sing-along Concert - 3:30 p.m., by Rev. Alfonso Marquez. Please First Baptist Church, Oak Ridge. bring a radio with headsets to This free performance will be held in the church sanctuary and will feature the band playing seasonal favorites and accompanying the audience as they sing Christmas carols. Refreshments will be served at the conclusion of the program. For more information call 865-482-3568 or visit www. orcb.org.
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Fri. & Sat., January 10-12 Tennessee Mountain Writers
“January Jumpstart” Workshops to Meet in Morristown, Tennessee. Two popular workshop leaders will conduct concurrent writing workshops during “January Jumpstart XIV,” scheduled for January 10-12, 2014, at the Best Western Morristown Conference Center in Morristown, TN, at exit 8 off I-81. J.T. Ellison will be leading the fiction workshop. Jane Hicks will lead the poetry workshop. The event is sponsored by Tennessee Mountain Writers. It will open with an informal social hour on Friday evening; workshop sessions will run from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. on Saturday and from 8:30-11:30 a.m. on Sunday. Participation in January Jumpstart XIV will be limited to 20 registrants per workshop. Deadline for registering is January 3. Coffee and tea before the morning sessions and lunch on Saturday are included in the registration fee of $125. Attendees should mention TMW for a special rate when calling Best Western Conference Center ((423-587-2400) for reservations. For a registration form or additional information on either workshop, see the Tennessee Mountain Writers website, www. tmwi.org, or contact Sue Richardson Orr at theorrs@usit.net. Tennessee Mountain Writers is a non-profit, non-political organization that promotes Tennessee literary arts and supports the
work of Tennessee writers. Its goal is to provide opportunities for people interested in the craft of writing to become better writers. Membership is open to all writers interested in furthering these objectives, regardless of geographic location. Tennessee Mountain Writers is an equal opportunity organization. This project is funded in part under an agreement with the Tennessee Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts. Open House, Each Sunday, 10:45 a.m. First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) 100 Gum Hollow Road, Oak Ridge, www. fccor.org. For more info please call Rev. Sherman at 482-1481.
Health Friday, December 13 Mommy2Mommy Lunch, at noon Mommy2Mommy Lunches give women with babies and young children an opportunity to get together in a relaxed setting. Share experiences with other new mothers, have fun and make friends. Bring your babies or young children to the Cheyenne Ambulatory Center conference room at 944 Oak Ridge Turnpike. A light lunch is served at no charge. For more
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Queen termites may live as long as 50 years. Visions Magazine, December 2013, Page 53 (Continued from Page 52) information, call (865) 835-4662. Monday, December 17 Breastfeeding Evening Class from 6 - 8 p.m. If you’re thinking about breastfeeding register now for this two-hour evening class. We meet at the hospital, located at 990 Oak Ridge Turnpike. You will learn more about the benefits of breastfeeding for yourself and your baby, as well as effective techniques. Handouts are provided and other suggested materials are reviewed. The fee is $10, and financial help with the cost is available. Call (865) 8352250 to register. Exercise Classes Ballroom Dance This Ballroom Dance class is taught free of charge to those who attend each Tuesday evening from 6:00 - 8:00 P. M. at the First United Methodist Church at 1350 Oak Ridge Turnpike. Professional Instructor. For further information contact: pattimcguire@comcast.net Mommy & Co. Exercise Mondays, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Have an adventure in exercise with your new baby or toddler!
The Mommy & Co. exercise classes are held at the Kern United Methodist Church’s Family Life Center, 451 E. Tennessee Ave., in Oak Ridge, and the cost is $2 per class. There is no charge for your first class. Mommy Walk/Baby Roll Tuesdays at 9 a.m. Put on a pair of good walking shoes and bring your child to First Baptist Church of Clinton’s Family Life Center, 225 N. Main St., Clinton. You’ll join other moms and their young children for walking, making friends and having fun. Call (865) 835-2268 for details. BodyWorks Classes Covenant Health BodyWORKS offers safe, effective, and FUN
workouts for adults of all ages/ fitness levels. Participate in any class, any time or location - no sign-up fees or contracts. Anderson County BodyWORKS classes: Kern United Methodist Church 451 E. Tennessee Ave., Oak Ridge. Mon., 5:30 p.m. - Yoga, Tues./Thurs., 8:45 a.m. - Mind & Body, Tues./Thurs., 10:00 a.m. - SitBFit, Mon., 5:30 p.m. and Wed., 8:45 a.m. - Yoga First Baptist Church, Clinton, 225 N. Main St., Clinton, Mon./ Wed., 10:15 a.m., Yoga, Tues./ Thurs., 9:15 a.m. - CardioMIX, Fri., 11:45 a.m. - Power Yoga
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Page 54, Visions Magazine, December 2013 (Continued from Page 53) Thursday Evenings Yoga Classes, FREE, First Christian Church, 100 Gum Hollow Road, Oak Ridge. 7 – 8:30 pm Contact church office 4821481 for more information. Family Life Center Senior Bodyworks Senior Bodyworks classes are designed for people age 50 and older, but we also welcome younger people who need a lighter workout. We recognize that seniors fall under different fitness levels, so we have a variety of classes to meet different people’s needs. This class is offered at two Anderson County locations. Clinton: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:30-11:30 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Clinton, Family Life Center. Oak Ridge: Mondays and Thursdays from 9:00-10:00 a.m. at Kern United Methodist. Sit ‘B Fit Sit ‘B Fit is designed for people with medical and physical conditions that severely limit activity. It primarily focuses on easy muscular resistance and flexibility. Because the majority of exercises are performed while participants sit in chairs, Sit ‘B Fit is great for people who cannot stand for extended periods of time. Classes meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:15 - 11 a.m. in the Kern United Church’s Family Life Center, 451 E. Tennessee Ave., Oak Ridge. The fee is $2 per class for anyone 50 and over and $3 per class for younger participants.
Childbirth and Parenting Classes Before Baby Pre-Pregnancy Planning Methodist Medical Center encourages prospective parents and community groups that work with young adults to schedule a pre-planning pregnancy class. The class helps young people make informed decisions about pregnancy and provides community organizations with valuable information. Instructors are members of the Family Birthing Center staff. There is no charge. To make an appointment, call (865) 835-2250. One2One Childbirth When transportation problems, language issues, and other special situations make it impossible for expectant couples to attend regular childbirth classes, the Family Birthing Center staff may see those couples by appointment. The class fee is $30. Call (865) 835-2250 for details. Great Expectations Childbirth Class Series This three-class childbirth series takes expectant mothers and their families through topics related to childbirth, delivery and newborn care. You will learn about the signs of impending labor, managing active labor, pain management, delivery, c-sections and postdelivery care. All classes in this series meet in the Cheyenne Conference Room in Cheyenne Ambulatory Center, 944 Oak Ridge Turnpike, Oak Ridge. The course fee is $30 per family, and financial assistance with the cost is available. Call 835-4662 for
When released in China, the James Bond film From Russia with Love... a schedule of class dates and times. Quick-Start Breastfeeding Class, Tuesdays from Noon-1 p.m. Has the idea of breastfeeding crossed your mind – even once? Then, this breastfeeding basics class may help you make the decision that’s right for you and your baby. You will find that even a little information can help you succeed with breastfeeding. Bring you lunch and join us in Methodist’s Family Birthing Center, which is located on the hospital’s second floor. Registration is required, and the cost is $5. Call (865) 835-
2268 for more information.
class dates and times.
Breastfeeding Evening Class If you’re thinking about breastfeeding but cannot attend a class during the day, Methodist Medical Center encourages you to register now for this two-hour evening class. We meet at the hospital, located at 990 Oak Ridge Turnpike. You will learn more about the benefits of breastfeeding for yourself and your baby, as well as effective techniques. Handouts are provided and other suggested materials are reviewed. The fee is $10, and financial help with the cost is available. Call (865) 835-4662 for a schedule of
Infant CPR Learn life-saving CPR techniques developed specifically for babies by the American Hospital Association. This 2-hour class meets once a month in the evening and is open to new parents, grandparents, and other caregivers of newborns. Handouts are provided at no charge. The class fee is $10 per family group, and financial help with the cost is available. Instructors are Cheryl Stallings, RN, and members of the Family Birthing Center staff. Call 835-4662 for info about the
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was retitled 007 Averted the Spy Plot. (Continued from Page 54) current month’s class.
also learn how to hold a baby, take a temperature, develop a home safety guide, and maintain and use a first aid kit. Local pediatricians and nurses at Methodist are instructors. This 1-time class meets in January, March, May, July, September and November. There is no charge. Call 835-4662 for info about class schedules.
Drool Time for Parents (basic baby care) Parents learn all about baby care with an emphasis on health and safety. Topics include basic care for minor illnesses, when to call the doctor, when to have the baby immunized, and how to prevent injuries. Participants Big Brothers & Big Sisters
Visions Magazine, December 2013, Page 55 First United Methodist Church in room, 944 Oak Ridge Turnpike. Room 208 or call 483-7178 for There is no charge. Meetings other information. are scheduled on the last Tuesday of each month from 4-5 p.m. Kaleidoscope Support Group (except in July, November and (for parents of special-needs December, when special holiday kids) Children have a special dates are scheduled). For more beauty…like the colorful patterns information about the Stroke of an ever-changing kaleido- Support Group, call Ann Ross at scope. Some children also have (865) 835-3370. special needs. Methodist Medical Center invites the parents Grief Support: Caring and caregivers of these children for Those Who Grieve to attend the Kaleidoscope sup- A basic grief class, Caring for port group. The support group Those Who Grieve is for churchtypically takes place on the third es and other organizations in the Friday of each month at noon community. It takes participants and meets in the Cheyenne through the stages of normal Ambulatory Center’s confer- grief and teaches basic comSupport Groups ence room, located at 944 Oak munication techniques to help Tuesdays Overeaters Anonymous Week- Ridge Turnpike. Registration is people who are grieving. There ly Meeting at 5:30pm at First required. Please call (865) 835(Continued on Page 56) Baptist Church Clinton, Fam- 4662 or 1-800-468-6767. ily Life Center, 2nd floor, look for signs, 230 N Charles Seiv- Stroke Support Group ers Blvd. in Clinton. Do you eat People who have had a stroke when you’re not hungry? Do or are caring for a stroke patient you binge, purge or restrict? Is may benefit from this support your weight affecting your life? group. We meet in the Cheyenne We can help. NO dues, no fees, Ambulatory Center’s conference no weigh-ins, and no diets. For more info call Crystal at (865) 789-5806 The Big Brothers and Big Sisters class is for 3- to 12-year-old boys and girls in expectant families. The children have hands-on fun while learning about and preparing for the upcoming birth of a baby in their family. The class is a 1-time event for each family, and the limit is 12 children and their parents. It meets in February, April, June, August, October, and December. The fee is $10, and help with the cost is available. Instructors are members of the Family Birthing Center staff. Call 835-4662 for info about class schedules.
Clutter Busters Should you need support in keeping promises to yourself to toss items in the recycle or rid CLUTTER from your personal space, we have a twelve-step style CONFIDENTIAL support group to SHARE with you some helpful suggestions. See you any Monday, which is not a holiday, at noon until 1:00pm, at
Sudoku puzzle solution can be found on page 58.
Page 56, Visions Magazine, December 2013 (Continued from Page 55) is no charge for this 1-hour class, which is available by request. For more info, call 835-2268.
Music Saturday, December 14 ORCO Symphony Sounds to Celebrate the Season, In its free concert on Saturday, December 14th at 2:00 pm, the Oak Ridge Community Orchestra will be performing famous music associated with traditional celebrations in December. Everyone will immediately recognize the dashing Sleigh Ride by Leroy Anderson, and the Christmas Carols captured by William Burkhart in his special arrangement, While in the Fields. You can savor the traditional Russian flavor with Polonaise from the Christmas Eve Suite by Rimsky-Korsakov, and Russian Christmas Music by Alfred Reed. Moreover, you will
enjoy the lilting style of the traditional Jewish music in Festive Sounds of Hanukah by Bill Holcombe. Leroy Anderson (1908 – 1975) is best remembered for his long alliance in composing music performed by Arthur Fiedler and the Boston Pops Orchestra. This affiliation began in 1936, and continued for the rest of his life. It was interrupted for two stints in the U.S. Counter Intelligence Corp, the first in WWII, where his fluency in Scandinavian and European languages was a major asset, and the second during the Korean War. His list of compositions tops 95, including such hits as The Syncopated Clock, Blue Tango, The Typewriter, The Sandpaper Ballet, Bugler’s Holiday, and A Trumpeter’s Lullaby. He started composing Sleigh Ride in July 1946 and finished it in February 1948. Ever since, it has been a popular staple of the winter season. See if you can find the horse that reveals its presence
Before she was cast as the sultry Uhura on the 1960’s “Star Trek,”... with a whinny near the end of the piece. Will Burkhart is the current conductor of the ORCO. In 2011 he wrote a special Christmas Carol Choral Fantasy that premiered in December of that year as a joint performance by the ORCO and the Children’s Choir of the Christian Academy of Knoxville. While in the Fields is the 3rd section of that five-movement suite. It has been rearranged to substitute instruments for the original children’s voices. As you listen, you will hear the Christmas carols Joy to the World, Angels We Have Heard on High, While in the Fields, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, We Three Kings, and Hark the Herald Angels Sing. Russian music has a special intensity not duplicated in the style from any other nationality. This strength is evident in Polonaise by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov (1844 – 1908). This piece comes from the suite of instrumental music extracted from his 1895 opera Christmas Eve. In the opera, the Polonaise is a song praising the Tsaritsa in St. Petersburg, sung by a chorus of Cossacks, hoping to impress the Empress. Shortly after this chorus, the Tsaritsa gives the hero, Vakula, her slippers, which he conveys to his sweetheart, Oksana, to win her hand in marriage. The entire opera involves some wild fantasies, including Solokha stealing the moon for the Devil, her son Vakula flying to St. Petersburg on the back of the Devil, and Solokha trying to interfere, while flying on a broom.The 1944 composition by Alfred Reed (1921 – 2005), Russian Christmas Music, captures
the true character of traditional Russian Orthodox music. It begins quietly and slowly with the 16th century Carol of the Little Russian Children, then builds to the Antiphonal Chant. The Village song in the third section of the composition prepares for a spectacular finish with an instrumental version of The Cathedral Chorus. This is a unique and memorable rendition of seasonal music that stands apart from what one usually hears on the radio in December. It was originally composed for a symphonic band, and then transcribed for orchestra in 1995 by Clark McAllister, a student of Reed. Bill Holcombe (1924-2010) was best known as a composer and arranger. But he also played saxophone and woodwinds while arranging for the Tommy Dorsey Band, and with Fred Waring and the Pennsylvanians. Additionally, he scored music for MetroGoldwyn-Mayer movies and The 101 Strings. In his 1985 arrangement, Festive Sounds of Hanukah, he navigates the audience through the enjoyable melodies of Rock of Ages, Mi Y’ Malel (Who Can Retell), Ha-
nukah - Hanukah, My Dreidel, S’Vivon (Spin Dreidel) and Hanukah - O Hanukah. This eclectic mix of celebratory seasonal music will be performed Saturday, December 14th at 2:00 pm in the Sanctuary of the First Baptist Church of Oak Ridge, on the corner of the Oak Ridge Turnpike and LaFayette Drive. Admission is free. But, modest donations at the door to support the orchestra’s routine operating expenses will be appreciated. The Oak Ridge Community Orchestra is a 501(c)3, non-profit, volunteer organization. Anyone wishing to regularly participate in the orchestra is encouraged to contact the Personnel Manager, Cyndi Jeffers, at orcopersonnelmanager@gmail.com. The orchestra welcomes musicians of all ages with at least 4 years of experience. For more information about the ORCO visit www. OakRidgeCommunityOrchestra. com. Sunday, December 15 Oak Ridge Community Band/ Wind Ensemble Christmas
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Nichelle Nichols performed as a singer with Duke Ellington. (Continued from Page 56) Sing-along Concert - 3:30 p.m., First Baptist Church, Oak Ridge. This free performance will be held in the church sanctuary and will feature the band playing seasonal favorites and accompanying the audience as they sing Christmas carols. Refreshments will be served at the conclusion of the program. For more information call 865-482-3568 or visit www. orcb.org.
Sports Saturday Tennis Every Saturday of the year, there is an informal drop-in doubles tennis match at the Jackson Square tennis courts on Broadway Avenue in Oak Ridge. They meet at 1:30pm in the winter and 9am in the summer. Ask for the
Visions Magazine, December 2013, Page 57
constantly getting into trouble and sometimes “making a big, noisy fuss” when things don’t go her way. But, the typical problems facing the middle-class Quimby familyhelp Ramona realize that life is not always fair, Saturday, December 14 and eventually she and Beezus Christmas in the Neighborhood come to realize that while sisters Tennis Anyone? Interested in tennis in the greater - Powell Playhouse is presenting may not always agree, they can Anderson County area? New to “Christmas in the Neighborhood” be good to have around. The the region? New to tennis? Keep on December 14 at 7:00 at the Oak Ridge Playhouse is located an eye on the Oak Ridge Tennis Jubilee Banquet Facility on Calla- at 227 Broadway in Jackson Club! ORTC sponsors spring and han Road in Powell. The program Square, Oak Ridge. Call 482fall leagues (singles, doubles, will appeal to all ages. A special 999 for tickets and show times. mixed doubles), “scrambles” in Christmas dessert and drink will which a coordinator matches up be offered for $4. Tickets are only February 21- March 2, 2014 partners and opponents in ever- $5 and may be purchased at the Other Desert Cities - Main changing combinations each door. For more information, call Stage Drama, Details to come week, and social events. ORTC 947-7428 or 256-7428. Ron in a future issue. is a great year-round source of Houser serves as our MC introinformation for what is going on ducing the cute and clever Loyall In this recent Tony Award-winin the area. Check out the ORTC First Baptist Church Puppeteers ning Broadway play, Brooke web site at oakridgetennisclub. from Harlan, Kentucky; award Wyeth returns home to Palm org or the Oak Ridge Tennis winning vocalist Kelsey North- Springs after a six-year absence Club Facebook page, or email ern; talented gospel singers Bry- to celebrate Christmas with her oakridgetennisclub@gmail.com. an Yow and Guy Womack; soul- parents, her brother, and her ful guitarist and soloist Tara aunt, she announces that she is Gideon; duet gospel singers and about to publish a memoir dredginstrumentalists David Douglas ing up a pivotal and tragic event and Adam Irwin from Clinton; in the family’s history—a wound “Jake, the Homeless Man” a they don’t want reopened. In efthought-provoking presentation fect, she draws a line in the sand by Jim McVey from Kingston; and dares them all to cross it. a special appearance of “Elvis” The Oak Ridge Playhouse is loby the multi- talented Tommy cated at 227 Broadway in JackMathis; and a visit from Santa Claus, aka Jim Mowery, who has a sack with treats for the children. Powell Playhouse is offering a full night of wonderful entertainment for our mutual communities. We welcome our neighbors from the greater Anderson County area. Coordinator when you arrive and you will be matched up with players of similar playing ability. If cancelled due to bad weather, a make-up match occurs on Sunday at 1:30pm. Questions? Call Rangan at 474-0519.
Theater /Arts
January 23-26, 2014 Ramona Quimby - Junior Playhouse, Exasperating. Boisterous. And independent. That’s Ramona Quimby. Always aggravating her older sister, Beezus,
son Square, Oak Ridge. Call 482-999 for tickets and show times.
March 27-30 Huck Finn’s Story, 2014, - Junior Playhouse, Alive with colorful characters and action-filled scenes, this play is for young audiences. The Playhouse is located at 227 Broadway in Jackson Square, Oak Ridge.
January 23-26, 2014 Ramona Quimby - Junior Playhouse, Exasperating. Boisterous. And independent. That’s Ramona Quimby. Always aggravating her older sister, Beezus, constantly getting into trouble and sometimes “making a big, noisy fuss” when things don’t go her way. But, the typical problems facing the middle-class Quimby familyhelp Ramona realize that life is not always fair, and eventually she and Beezus come to realize that while sisters may not always agree, they can be good to have around. The Oak Ridge Playhouse is located at 227 Broadway in Jackson Square, Oak Ridge. Call 482999 for tickets and show times.
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Page 58, Visions Magazine, December 2013 (Continued from Page 57) February 21- March 2, 2014 Other Desert Cities - Main Stage Drama, In this recent Tony Award-winning Broadway play, Brooke Wyeth returns home to Palm Springs after a six-year absence to celebrate Christmas with her parents, her brother, and her aunt, she an-
nounces that she is about to publish a memoir dredging up a pivotal and tragic event in the family’s history—a wound they don’t want reopened. In effect, she draws a line in the sand and dares them all to cross it. The Oak Ridge Playhouse is located at 227 Broadway in Jackson Square, Oak Ridge. Call 482999 for tickets and show times.
Anderson County Visions Magazine Direct-Mails to over 26,600 homes each month. tale of excitement and suspense that is delightfully sprinkled with Mark Twains’s home-spun humor. The Oak Ridge Playhouse is located at 227 Broadway in Jackson Square, Oak Ridge. Call 482-999 for tickets and show times.
April 25-May 10, 2014 Ain’t Misbehavin’ - Mainstage Musical, This Tony-winner March 27-30 evokes the delightful humor and Huck Finn’s Story, 2014, - Ju- infectious energy of 1930’s Harnior Playhouse, Alive with color- lem honky tonk dives, rent parful characters and action-filled ties, and stride piano players. scenes, this play for young audi- The rollicking, swinging music ences reveals Huck as a clever, of the inimitable “Fats” Waller, lovable boy who is baffled by the will get the joint a-jumpin’ as the greed, hypocrisy and absurdity cast struts, strums and sings the of society. His conscience trou- songs made famous in a career bles him about what is wrong that ranged from uptown clubs to and what is right, and on his long downtown Tin Pan Alley to Holjourney down the Mississippi, He lywood and concert stages in the embarkes on an adventurous U.S., Canada and Europe. The
Oak Ridge Playhouse is located at 227 Broadway in Jackson Square, Oak Ridge. Call 482999 for tickets and show times.
Raptor (Continued from page 41)
Submit your Community Calendar listing online at www. acvisionsmagazine.com. Deadline is the 20th of each month.
public. If you would like to learn more about the Clinch River Raptor Center, visit their Website at www.creosnake.com. If you would like to contact them to learn about how you can volunteer your time or money to help the Raptor Center continue to impact the lives of kids and birds, call Katie Cottrell at 483-8265.
The Raptor Center is overseen by Katie and Cathy Strunk, both now licensed to take in wild birds. The birds that can’t be released back into the wild become their educational birds. They are a living education to the kids who care for them, but they have been tamed and can be taken to events, such as the Pictured above is 6th Grader annual ‘Owl Prowl’ in October John Paul Wagner feeds Jesat the University of Tennes- sie the red-tail hawk. see Arboretum to educate the
Sudoku Solution from page 55.
Puzzle Solution from page 53.
However, if the male dies, the female will hook up with a new mate.
Visions Magazine, September 2012, Page 59