Carter County Living Fall 2022

Carter County Living

ARTS H SHOPPING H LIVING H FEATURES H FOOD

Emily Ward

Local songbird continues to compose ‘hope’ for listeners

FALL 2022

Richard Righter

Local artist chose to come back home

Renee Christian

Asks community to give theater a try

More than 80 years of happy moments

Many aspects of life have changed since we opened our doors in 1939. But our commitment to helping create a happy community remains unchanged. With extended hours and flexible services, you can bank when it’s convenient for you. Our DRIVE THRU plus Video Tellers are available Mon – Sat 7am to 7pm, and you can bank 24/7 with online and mobile banking. So whether it’s family time, game time, or just quiet time, we’re here to help you enjoy the happiest moments in life. cartercountybank.com | 423-543-2131

Carter County Living

As we were preparing the fall issue of Carter County Living, I couldn’t help but think about what makes fall so special.

Once we figured that out, we would need to incorporate that into the magazine’s fall edition. Then, I started thinking about where we live and the front-row seat we have when it comes to the beauty of seasons changing from summer to fall. You can pretty much tell it is going on by the cooler nights and mornings, but the one change you can’t miss is the change in color that occurs around us. Our landscape transforms within a few weeks from green to blazes of orange, red and gold.

I am very partial to these mountains and couldn’t imagine living elsewhere. However, I believe that because we live here, we also take for granted the beauty we are experiencing. The array of colors in the mountains with the blue sky as a background is the scene people spend a lot of money on photos and paintings to enjoy. Yet, we get to experience that reality for free. It’s just one of the many reasons why Carter County is the greatest place on earth to live.

Just like the boldness of the color in the mountains, we have a story lineup that fits right in, starting with our cover feature.

Emily Ward was on a road trip to Washington D.C. to see The Steeldrivers in concert when she got the call to be on American Idol. Five years ago, Ward, a talented singer-songwriter, was on her second round of American Idol, where she was able to audition all the way to the round with celebrity judges in New York City.

“Overall it was a great experience,” she said of her final attempt. Ward, who went on to win several local Voice Off competitions, sings, writes her own music, has some songs on Spotify and ITunes, and plays guitar as well. On “Welcome Home,” Ward’s written or co-written songs include “Follow the Lamb” and “Fires

and Floods.” Her story is inspirational to all who appreciate talent, hard work and hope.

Renee Christian will tell you she has lived a good life so far, but there’s more to come now that she’s made her home in East Tennessee. And she’s betting you’ll find a home, too, with something dear to her heart: live theater.

Christian has 35 years of experience in community theater. Christian had only been in Elizabethton for a year after the move from Marion, Ohio, when she contacted the Bonnie Kate through email. Soon, she was involved in the creation of “The Friends of the Bonnie Kate” entity that then launched its first-ever community theater group.

We know that stories often circle back to where they began and lives can do the same thing.

So it has for artist Richard Righter, a local man who traveled with the U.S. Marine Corps but settled back on the land his great-grandfather toiled. His military career took him all over the world. Stationed “everywhere, from Camp Pendleton, Camp Lejeune, Afghanistan, the Mediterranean, Iran, you name it,” Righter said. “Being in the military, to be a Marine, was my life’s goal,” he said. “Art and everything else was unimportant to me compared to that, and I was very unhappy here doing art until I was able to first be a Marine.”

Now, he is focused on that art and sharing his process and his results with our readers.

These are just a few amazing stories in this issue that remind us what makes Carter County what it is today, the greatest place on earth to live.

We hope you enjoy this issue, and if you know of anyone that would make a great story, please let me know at delaney.scalf@ elizabethton.com.

Staff

General Manager

DELANEY SCALF

delaney.scalf@elizabethton.com

Editorial Director

ROZELLA HARDIN

rozella.hardin@elizabethton.com

Human Resources

BRANDY TRIVETT

brandy.trivett@elizabethton.com

Customer Service

KATHY SCALF

kathy.scalf@elizabethton.com

Operations Manager

SCOTT SCALF

scott.scalf@elizabethton.com

Marketing Consultant

JOYCE BARTLETT

joyce.bartlett@elizabethton.com

LINDA JENKINS

linda jenkins@elizabethton.com

Copy Editor

JANIE MCKINNEY

janie.mckinney@elizabethton.com

Composing

ROBIN JOHNSON

robin.johnson@elizabethton.com

Star Correspondents

ANGELA CUTRER

Contributing Photographers

LARRY N. SOUDERS

BRANDON HYDE

6

Richard Righter

Local artist chose to come back home after traveling career.

10

Have You Been Spotted

Check out these photos from area events

12

Upcoming Events

Plan ahead for these favorite events.

FEATURES

18

Why Carter County

Wayward Springs Tack and Consignment

20 Emily Ward

Local songbird continues to compose ‘hope’ for listeners.

23 Why I Love Carter County

Mike Fraley

14 Renee Christian

Asks community to give theater a try.

24 Puerto Nuevo

Mexican eatery offers octopus, other specialties.

On the Cover

Emily Ward was on a road trip to Washington D.C. when she took the call.

Her father lives in D.C. and she lives in Gray and they spend time going back and forth to see each other.

This time, Ward, 30, was headed to see The Steeldrivers in concert. “It was Chris Stapleton’s band before he became, you know, Chris Stapleton,” Ward explained with a laugh. She mainly wanted to see Tammy, the fiddle player, do her thing.

Spicy chicken fires up dinner time.

32

Roasted

Pumpkin Soup with Pumpkin Crisp

Delicious soup perfect for the season.

County Living

31 Pollo Harissa

Local artist chose to come back home after traveling career

• STORY BY ANGELA CUTRER AND PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED •

Stories often circle back to where they began and lives can do the same thing.

So it has for artist Richard Righter, 52, a local man who traveled with the U.S. Marine Corps but settled back on the land his great-grandfather toiled.

“I have lived all over, but this is home,” Righter said of Carter County. “I live in Elizabethton, actually a farm in the Stoney Creek area of the county.”

Righter’s circular path back home meant he first had to get away from a place he knew too well. “When you are young, you feel ‘stuck,’ you feel stuck in a place,” he explained. “When you finally get to go somewhere, back home starts looking pretty good and you choose to come back. I’ve had plenty of time to roam. I’m home now.”

His military career took him all over the world. He’s been stationed “everywhere, from Camp Pendleton, Camp Lejeune, Afghanistan, the Mediterranean, Iran, you name it,” Righter said. “It seemed I would not be able to do that for many years, but God worked to fix my hearing and get me into the Corps. For that I am eternally grateful.

“Being in the military, to be a Marine, was my life’s goal,” he said. “Art and everything else was unimportant to me compared to that, and I was very unhappy here doing art until I was able to first be a Marine.

“Once I was able to serve 20 years, I wanted to come home and be near family; my property adjoins my parents. Twenty years was enough, and I retired as a lieutenant colonel.

“After that, it seemed like time to focus more on art. I try to visually capture some of the awesome things

Richard Righter

that the Lord has let me see and experience.”

Righter’s mother saw that his artist talents should be nurtured. “She saw that I was drawing pictures as I grew up, so she seemed to see something in that and got me into painting classes,” he said.

Righter went on to major in art at East Tennessee State University, receiving a bachelor’s of fine arts in painting and drawing. His master’s degree is in military science from Marine Corps University.

“I’ve done art all my life,” he said. “Sometimes it can be an escape from the way the world is falling apart. You’re observing and capturing, but you can shape it toward the things you like. I’ve never been able to get all that worked through satisfactorily.”

After high school, Righter worked as a photographer at The Elizabethton Star until he ended up doing everything there is to do at the paper work wise. He also worked at the Sheriff’s Department.

“When you have a dream to do something and you can’t, in the meantime, you do all you can where you are,” he said. “Five years after college, I was still wanting to go into the Marine Corps and still couldn’t because of a problem with my ear. So, I was finally able to get that fixed and fulfill my dream. I didn’t do a painting again for 20 years.”

His baseball art started toward the end of his military career. “After the Marines, I started to focus on doing more art, but then a buddy called and asked me to come back to the Sheriff’s Department, and I’m still there as a deputy sheriff.”

Righter has continued to nurture his art. His baseball sketches were created through ballpoint pen drawings. He’s drawn buyer’s faces on baseballs, but his main claim to fame were the ones he did of Major League Baseball stars. Righter has 70-plus artistic

Being in the military was Righter’s life’s goal.

baseballs, complete with the players’ signatures, that he’s kept as keepsakes. While stationed in Florida, he was able to attend spring training for the MLB teams. His art was even featured in Forbes Magazine.

As much as Righter enjoyed his baseball art series, he found it time to move on. “It’s a privilege, if not a duty, as an artist to keep interpreting things,” he said. “I can never stay too long on anything.

“I now enjoy painting cafe scenes and diners. I’ve been able to combine the elements of photography with painting to create historic or vintage elements into current themes. I like to paint what I see, but I like bringing in other aspects. If I travel and see it, I like to bring it back with me somehow.”

This is why once, when a friend invited Righter to walk down where pieces of an old moonshine still lay, he said “That’s boring.” It was a site he’d seen many times before and he found little interest in painting landscapes anymore.

But then, Righter realized he could do something else: He could incorporate something from the past and make the painting of the current area different and unusual.

That’s where his “Moonshine” series comes in. Righter enjoys adding 1940s and 1950s elements, like old cars and even ghosts, into a landscape painting to show how it was in East Tennessee back in the day. Building on Steve Earle’s 1988 best-selling song “Copperhead Road,” which described an actual road northeast of Elizabethton now with the added “Hallow” in the name so people will stop stealing the road signs, Righter re-imagines how life in the time of moonshiners played out.

“My mother told me about an old guy at the store who bought yeast and copper and the smoke coming up from the trees from a still,” he said. “They knew what it was for. That still is still there, busted up, and I’ve been going there since I was a kid.”

Righter continues to expand his art through using the past as an immersion tactic. Even his diner work seems vintage and historical. “Most people would say my work is ‘realism,’ but it’s not,” he said, musing over his style. “It’s realistic; I prefer people in my art now. I may have grown up doing landscapes, but I like to paint what I see.”

And what he “sees” brings yesterday to today, whether it’s in oil, graphite, ink, pencil, charcoal or pastels.

He’s not alone, either, as he works on the mountain. It’s a wellkept secret, though, as to the identity of his mystery helpers. We promised we’d never tell.

“Being in the military, to be a Marine, was my life’s goal.” Art and everything else was unimportant to me compared to that, and I was very unhappy here doing art until I was able to first be a Marine.”

- Richard Righter

Copperhead Road

One, two, three, four

Well, my name’s John Lee Pettimore

Same as my daddy and his daddy before

I hardly ever saw grandaddy down here

He only came to town about twice a year

Buy a hundred pounds of yeast and some copper line

Everybody knew that he made moonshine

Now the revenue man wanted grandaddy bad

Headed up the holler with everything he had

It’s before my time but I’ve been told

He never came back from Copperhead Road

Now daddy ran the whiskey in a big block Dodge

Bought it at an auction at the mason’s lodge

Johnson County sheriff painted on the side

Shot a coat of primer then he looked inside

Well, him and my uncle tore that engine down

I still remember that rumblin’ sound

Then the sheriff came around in the middle of the night

Heard mama cryin’, knew something wasn’t right

Headed out to Knoxville with the weekly load

You could smell the whiskey burnin’ down Copperhead Road

Volunteered for the army on my birthday

Draft the white trash first ‘round here anyway

Done my two tours of duty in Vietnam

I came home with a brand new plan

I take the seed from Colombia and Mexico

Just plant it up the holler down Copperhead Road

Now the D.E.A’s got a chopper in the air

Wake up screaming like I’m back over there

Learned a thing or two from Charlie don’t you know

You better stay away from Copperhead Road

— Steve Earle, “Copperhead Road, 1988

SPOTTED

Photos by: Brandon Hyde

Alena Little

Bryston Buchanan

Drake Teague

Gage Buck

Jazzy Flores

Jessica Hayes

Kamren Lawson

Kay Millsaps

Maddy Hardin

SPOTTED

Photos by: Brandon Hyde

Matt Smith

Michael Whisenhunt

Natalie Sheffey

Rayelyn Tester

Seth Babb

LeAnna Pharris and Lenon Paul

Pat Gibson and Maggie

UPCOMING EVENTS

Plan ahead with fun happenings across Carter County

Sycamore Shoals

October 7 & 8

27th Annual Sycamore Shoals Quilt Show — 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. — Meet at Park Visitor Center. This three-day exhibition, sponsored by the Sycamore Shoals Stitchers, features a show and demonstrations by local quilters. Bed quilts, wall hangings, holiday and baby quilts, miniatures and antique quilts will be on display.

Bird Walk with the Lee & Lois Herndon TOS Chapter — 8 a.m. Meet at the Visitor Center Parking Area. Meet other birders and naturalists at Sycamore Shoals for a morning of birding during the migratory season.

October 9

27th Annual Sycamore Shoals Quilt Show — 1 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Meet at the Park Visitor Center. This three-day exhibition, sponsored by the Sycamore Shoals Stitchers, features a show and demonstrations by local quilters. Bed quilts, wall hangings, holiday and baby quilts, miniatures and antique quilts will be on display.

October 15

Bird Walk with the Lee & Lois Herndon TOS Chapter — 8 a.m. Meet at the Visitor Center Parking Area. Meet other birders and naturalists at Sycamore Shoals for a morning of birding during the migratory season.

October 27

Scary Stories at Fort Watauga — 7:30 p.m. Meet at Fort Watauga. Strange things happen around All Hallows Eve, especially at an old fort by the river. Bring the family and join us for tales that will send a shiver down your spine and tickle your funny bone, with a touch of wit thrown in for good measure. Don’t be afraid, Fort Watauga at Sycamore Shoals isn’t haunted . . . or is it?!?!

October 28

Death Comes to Sabine Hill: Twilight Tour & Wake — 6 - 7 p.m. Meet at Sabine Hill State Historic Site, 2328 West G Street, Elizabethton TN 37643. Price: $12 and register for the event.

Visit Sabine Hill State Historic Site for a special after-hours tour of the historic Taylor House and learn about funeral customs, superstitions, mourning attire, professions, funeral food, and other traditions of death and mourning in Early America. Pay your respects to the deceased at the wake and meet historically dressed interpreters throughout the house and on the grounds as they demonstrate the customs and jobs associated with death, mourning and funerals in Early America. Demonstrations on the grounds will include a coffin maker, grave digger, sexton, professional mourner, burial society, and resurrectionist.

Not recommended for small children. Parental discretion advised.

*Please Note: Only portable toilet facilities are available at this time. Accessibility to the home includes steps and an interior staircase. Tour may be subject to cancelation in the event of severely inclement weather.*

October 28

Death Comes to Sabine Hill: Twilight Tour & Wake — 7:308:30 p.m. Meet at Sabine Hill State Historic Site, 2328 West G Street, Elizabethton TN 37643. Price: $12 and register for the event.

Visit Sabine Hill State Historic Site for a special after-hours tour of the historic Taylor House and learn about funeral customs, superstitions, mourning attire, professions, funeral food, and other traditions of death and mourning in Early America. Pay your respects to the deceased at the wake and meet historically dressed interpreters throughout the house and on the grounds as they demonstrate the customs and jobs associated with death, mourning and funerals

in Early America. Demonstrations on the grounds will include a coffin maker, grave digger, sexton, professional mourner, burial society, and resurrectionist.

Not recommended for small children. Parental discretion advised.

*Please Note: Only portable toilet facilities are available at this time. Accessibility to the home includes steps and an interior staircase. Tour may be subject to cancelation in the event of severely inclement weather.*

October 29

Death Comes to Sabine Hill: Daytime Visit — 11 a.m. - 12 p.m., 12 - 1 p.m., 1 - 2 p.m., 2 - 3 p.m. Meet at Sabine Hill State Historic Site, 2328 West G Street, Elizabethton, TN 37643. Price: $12 and register for the event.

Visit Sabine Hill State Historic Site for a special after-hours tour of the historic Taylor House and learn about funeral customs, superstitions, mourning attire, professions, funeral food, and other traditions of death and mourning in Early America. Pay your respects to the deceased at the wake and meet historically dressed interpreters throughout the house and on the grounds as they demonstrate the customs and jobs associated with death, mourning and funerals in Early America. Demonstrations on the grounds will include a coffin maker, grave digger, sexton, professional mourner, burial society, and resurrectionist.

Not recommended for small children. Parental discretion advised.

*Please Note: Only portable toilet facilities are available at this time. Accessibility to the home includes steps and an interior staircase. Tour may be subject to cancelation in the event of severely inclement weather.*

Death Comes to Sabine Hill: Twilight Tour & Wake — 68:30 p.m. Meet at Sabine Hill State Historic Site, 2328 West G Street, Elizabethton TN 37643. Price: $12

and register for the event.

Visit Sabine Hill State Historic Site for a special after-hours tour of the historic Taylor House and learn about funeral customs, superstitions, mourning attire, professions, funeral food, and other traditions of death and mourning in Early America. Pay your respects to the deceased at the wake and meet historically dressed interpreters throughout the house and on the grounds as they demonstrate the customs and jobs associated with death, mourning and funerals in Early America. Demonstrations on the grounds will include a coffin maker, grave digger, sexton, professional mourner, burial society, and resurrectionist.

Not recommended for small children. Parental discretion advised.

*Please Note: Only portable toilet facilities are available at this time. Accessibility to the home includes steps and an interior staircase. Tour may be subject to cancelation in the event of severely inclement weather.

October 30

Early American Funeral Service — 2 - 3:30 p.m. Meet at Sycamore Shoals Sate Park Visitors Center. The events over the previous days at Sabine Hill featuring the customs, superstitions, and traditions of death and mourning in Early America culminate at Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park as we re-create an Early American funeral service. Join the mourners in the funeral procession and attend the burial service of the dearly departed.

FREE ADMISSION

Program may be subject to cancelation in the event of severely inclement weather.

November 12 & 13

Autumn Heritage Celebration — Saturday 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. Join the festivities at Fort Watauga as the Washington County Militia gather to celebrate recent victories in the War

UPCOMING EVENTS Plan ahead with fun happenings across Carter County

for Independence and give thanks for a bountiful harvest. Enjoy demonstrations of 18th century life and living history presentations.

Fall Fibers Fair — Saturday 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. Fall is the time we plan our winter projects and our handmade holiday gifts! Spend a day visiting our region’s finest fiber producers and artists! The day will include workshops, vendors with handmade items for sale, raw fibers, and demonstrations of spinning, weaving, and more!

November 20 - December 4

Winterfest Art Show — Visitor Center Operating Hours. Meet at the Park Visitor Center. Kick off the holidays at Sycamore Shoals! The Watauga Valley Art League Winterfest Exhibition and Sale is a great

opportunity for holiday shopping! Artwork from the Watauga Valley Art League will remain on display during regular park hours through December 4.

Opening reception: Sunday, November 20, from 1:30 to 4 p.m.

tions of Colonial America as you visit the beautiful and historic John and Landon Carter Mansion, decorated with bright greenery for the holidays. Tours are by reservation only and space is limited. Contact the park at regular operating hours for more information. Admission Charge!

Roan Mountain

Saturday, October 8

December 3 - 4

Christmas at the Carter Mansion — Tennessee’s oldest frame house takes on a special atmosphere during the holiday season. Step back in time and enjoy learning about the Christmas tradi-

Fall-O-Dendron Heritage Festival — 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Meet at the Park Amphitheater in Roan Mountain State Park and the Roan Mountain Citizens Club for our 2nd Annual Fall-O-Dendron Heritage Festival. This FREE outdoor festival celebrates traditional culture, food, art and music.

*Vendor registrations are still being accepted. For more information,

visit https://bit.ly/FOD2022-vendor

Fall-O-Dendron Heritage Fiddle Showcase — 2 - 3:30 p.m. Meet at the Park Amphitheater. Register for the event. Traditional fiddlers of all ages, heritage styles and abilities are welcome to audition by video to compete in the first-ever FallO-Dendron Heritage Fiddle Showcase at Roan Mountain State Park at Roan Mountain’s 2nd Annual Fall-O-Dendron Festival.

Entrance fees are waived for this first year’s friendly fiddle showcase and competition. A $100 prize will be awarded to the Fall-O-Dendron Heritage Fiddle Showcase Champion.

For complete rules and to enter, visit: https://bit.ly/fiddle-showcase-2022

For questions, please contact Marcianne O’Day at marcianne.oday@ tn.gov or 423-491-1383.

Renee Christian, a founding member of the newly-formed Bonnie Kate Community Theatre , holds a sign in front the Bonnie Kate Theatre in downtown Elizabethton, encouraging members of the community to get involved with the theatre.

Christian asks community to give theater a try

* STORY BY ANGELA CUTRER AND PHOTOS BY LARRY N. SOUDERS *

Renee Christian has lived a good life so far. But there’s more to come now that she’s made her home in East Tennessee.

And she’s betting you’ll find a home, too, with something dear to her heart: live theater.

With a major in English and a minor in theater from the Ohio Wesleyan University, Christian gained 35 years of experience in community theater with involvement with the Bucyrus Little Theater, the Delaware Theater Association, the Marion Community Theater and Lake Huron Theater.

She said directing plays and musicals for high school and junior high students brought a joy to her teaching life. She also engaged volunteers to work with OWjL — a program for gifted and talented students in junior high going into high school.

For more than 30 years, she taught English, history and theater to teenagers, a career she loved. Later she turned to being a Storytime librarian to toddlers, who also filled her heart with joy.

But then Christian and her husband Mark needed a change — they had been in their hometown in Ohio all their lives and wanted something different.

Next came the “Big Adventure” when the Christians moved to

Tennessee after retiring.

“We wanted the mountains, we wanted out in the country,” she said. “And when we found this area, we realized it wasn’t that far from home — seven hours or so. And so we bought a place in the country, on a mountain.”

Their place is outside of Hampton. But that was only part of the couple’s dream. Finding the town of Elizabethton served as a catalyst to truly put down roots. “We loved the downtown area and we visited here and there, to get to know the area,” she said. “That’s how we found the Bonnie Kate.”

Christian knew she wanted to participate in additional theater opportunities, but she wasn’t sure exactly where to go to do so. With her husband, she visited Johnson City and other locales, but the Bonnie Kate Theatre in Elizabethton tickled all her proverbial boxes. “I was drawn to it,” Christian said. “And I needed something to do, a way to make new friends. Theater has been a constant in my life.”

Christian had only been in Elizabethton for a year after the move from Marion, Ohio, when she contacted the Bonnie Kate

through email. In turn, Renee was contacted back by other likeminded locals who welcomed her input. This lead to the creation of “The Friends of the Bonnie Kate” entity that then launched its firstever community theater group.

The newly-formed Bonnie Kate Community Theater (BKCT) is led by Christian, Marcia Ross and Robert Clark. Actively involved with theater products and youth theater education, Ross has been with the Bonnie Kate since 2017. Another Ohio transplant, Ross has worked in conjunction with the Elizabethton High School Drama Department, produced dinner theaters, musicals and plays at both her home church Hopwood and at the Bonnie Kate. She also organized and led summer youth theater camps at the Bonnie Kate.

Clark grew up in East Tennessee, and has a long history in education and construction. A graduate of East Tennessee State University, he has taught at both Happy Valley Elementary and Central Elementary before serving as principal at the former Southside Elementary School and Keenburg Elementary. He uses his collective experiences as he works mainly with set design.

BKCT’s very first season is being launched by the classic

Renee Christian, a founding member of the newly-formed Bonnie Kate Community Theatre, discusses the playbill for the upcoming production of Arsenic and Old Lace, by Joseph Kesselring with other members Bonnie Kate’s Community Theatre.

macabre comedy, “Arsenic and Old Lace,” by Joseph Kesselring and directed by Ross. The play will run Oct. 14-16 and 21-23, with 7:30 p.m. presentations and 2:30 p.m. matinees on Sundays.

Christian and her husband, Mark, are both in the play, but only after a significant amount of prodding on her part. “My husband would cheerfully be a hermit if I left him alone,” she said with a laugh.

A second production, the hilarious musical “Seussical,” will follow in March 2023, with Christian directing.

None of the performances would be possible, she said, without the support of the community and other state entities.

“The Friends group is so diligent about raising funds to provide for entertainment for their community,” she said. “So is the Tennessee Arts Commission, which was instrumental in getting grants.

“The community itself — with

Jeff Treadway, Kathy Campbell, John Huber, Clark and Ross — is dedicated to reaching our goals to emphasize the ‘community’ in community theater. I am just one of several to get this thing going.

“Our community in Elizabethton was seeking an outlet for such creativity. There was an interest in performing arts and I was floored as to how much talent is in East Tennessee, especially in Elizabethton. They would have had to travel so far to perform, but thanks to the Bonnie Kate, they don’t have to.”

Christian hopes to involve more of the local community, which she now calls family. “There are things that are different in the ‘South’ than in the ‘North,’” she said of her move from Ohio to Tennessee. “We have found the people in the community to be warm and welcoming. We invite anyone to come every second Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. at the Bonnie Kate to see what the

Renee Christian, a founding member of the newly-formed Bonnie Kate Community Theater, stands in front of the stage of the Bonnie Kate Theatre in downtown Elizabethton. In the next few days the stage will be transformed into the living room set for the upcoming production of Arsenic and Old Lace, by Joseph Kesselring.

But that’s not all. She said in every community there are people who feel alone and without opportunities.

“Theater is the great equalizer,” she said. “People who might not fit in anywhere else might just fit in here. It’s magical to be able to suspend reality for a little while, while also building bonds and friendships.”

Christian said she hopes the future continues to be geared toward entertainment with the addition of educational opportunities as well. She’s interested in providing workshops for teens, especially since not everyone can sparkle on the athletic field.

“Marcia [Ross] and I have spent a lot of time with children and we both feel it’s important for youth to become involved,” she said. “It’s an opportunity to give a person who may not be not athletic a way to shine.”

Renee asks the community to give the Bonnie Kate at least one chance to dazzle them: “Come together and experience live theater,” she said of the October play. “There is nothing like a dark theater while watching a live performance of actors making magic in the light. Watch as they make dry old bones come to life before your very eyes.

“Go to dinner and then come see the show. Support local businesses that way and come see what we’ve done [as well]. Become a part of it and get excited about how far we can go.”

The Bonnie Kate Theater is located at 115 South Sycamore St., Elizabethton. Call 423-895-1762 or visit bonniekate.org for more information.

Renee Christian serves up a little “poisoned wine” as Aunt Abby to set designer Robert Clark, during rehearsal of a scene for the upcoming production of Arsenic and Old Lace, by Joseph Kesselring. Friends group is doing.”

Why Carter CountyWayward Springs Tack and Consignment

We are Justin Mclane, Katie Mclane, and Chelsea Johnson, coowners of Wayward Springs Tack and Consignment. We are dedicated to providing horse equipment and accessories to equestrians in both Western and English disciplines; offering you the opportunity to buy and sell your used tack, also providing brand new tack options for you as well at an affordable rate. We love what you do for your horses, and we want to help you get a good product without breaking the bank! We are very excited to be joining the downtown Elizabethton Community!

1. What made you choose Carter County and Elizabethton for your services and business?

We are all transplants to the Carter County area from Florida, and we all just fell in love with the area, the community, and the history of Downtown Elizabethton. This was such a central location in the TriCities area and we thought it would be a perfect location to set up shop!

2. What is your purpose as a business? What do you do?

We are a dedicated horse tack and consignment store. Our goal is to provide horse equipment and accessories to equestrians in both Western and English disciplines. Something we are very excited about offering is the consignment portion of our shop where customers can bring in used

tack for us to clean and sell for them!

3. How long have you been in business?

We have just opened our doors on Thursday, September 22, 2022. Our shop is young and still growing and we are constantly adding new products to our shelves.

4. How long have you, personally, been working in the industry?

Combined, we have over 21 years of experience with horses!

5. Are you part of a franchise or are you independent?

Wayward Springs is a locally owned independent tack store. Unlike chain supply stores we offer a wide variety of affordable products and a personable staff who is here to help you find what you need. If we don’t have what you are looking for we will find it and order it!

6. What impact do you think your services/business will have on the Carter County community?

Being the only dedicated tack store in the Tri-Cities area, we hope to offer a place for equestrians all around us to find tack, replacement parts for tack, treats, first aid, supplements, etc!

Wayward Springs Tack and Consignment recently held their grand opening in Elizabethton. The tack and consignment shop will provide tack, treats and other equine supplies.

Five years ago, Emily Ward, a talented singer-songwriter, was on her second round of American Idol, where she was able to audition all the way to the round with celebrity judges in New York City.

Local songbird continues to compose ‘hope’ for listeners

* STORY BY ANGELA CUTRER AND PHOTOS BY LARRY N. SOUDERS *

Emily Ward was on a road trip to Washington D.C. when she took the call.

Her father lives in D.C. and she lives in Gray and they spend time going back and forth to see each other.

This time, Ward, 30, was headed to see The Steeldrivers in concert. “It was Chris Stapleton’s band before he became, you know, Chris Stapleton,” Ward explained with a laugh. She mainly wanted to see Tammy, the fiddle player, do her thing.

In the meantime, Ward was willing to talk about her own musical experiences, and they are impressive.

Five years ago, Ward, a talented singer-songwriter, was on her second round of American Idol, where she was able to audition all the way to the round with celebrity judges in New York City.

It’s not an easy thing to do and it was her second time trying out. It was worth the effort, she said.

“Overall it was a great experience,” she said of her final attempt. “They paid for my flight and hotel room for three or four days. I got to meet Luke Bryan, who encouraged me to keep writing and producing songs.”

Katy Perry and Lionel Ritchie were the other two judges and Ward spoke positively about them.

Ward said the ins and outs of the production of the show was pretty much what you see on television, but not exactly.

“There is a long wait,” she said of the main hill to climb to be heard. “It’s one wait after another. They did a pretty good job, though, of capturing how things go.

“A production team followed me around the city and did interviews with me, but that wasn’t shown on the show. You only see me briefly.”

One exciting component of the event was when Ward was placed in a group of other anxious singers. One of the girls told her, “Oh my gosh, I’m so nervous,” to which

Ward responded, “Don’t worry — you’re going to do great.”

You guessed it: The girl was Maddie Poppe, who won the whole thing on American Idol Season 16.

Ward could laugh about the irony and she seemed to be less starry-eyed and more focused on what comes next.

“After American Idol, I wrote some songs, but then felt, I don’t know ... ” she said about the time after all the excitement. But her dispirited state brought forth a song later on that reminded her who had her in his hands the whole time she felt so lost.

“That song — ‘What Kind of Lover,’ talks about the Lord being with me, pursuing me and still loving me,” she said quietly of a song she wrote. “He chased me down and brought me back from a hard place. I realized you can find freedom from your hardships.”

That song is now on an album called “Welcome Home” by The Altar Music, a Johnson City worship

group choir Ward sings with. Ward sounded bright, chipper and relaxed as she discussed the album. She said she enjoyed singing with this group as an outlet for creativity and a way to bless others. Especially those in Carter County,

The song - ‘What Kind of Lover,’ talks about the Lord being with me, pursuing me and still loving me,” Emily said quietly of a song she wrote. “He chased me down and brought me back from a hard place. I realized you can find freedom from your hardships. That song - and others - are now on an album called “Welcome Home” by The Altar Music, a Johnson City worship group choir Ward sings with. She said she enjoyed singing with this group as an outlet for creativity and a way to bless others. Especially those in Carter County, which she thinks of as home.

which she thinks of as home.

“I’m proud to be a part of this community — it’s a special place with its musical history and heritage,” she said. “To me, music is a way to work through things as a coping mechanism. A lot of the music I write speaks of new life, of faith and of hope. Because music is hope.”

Ward, who went on to win several local Voice Off competitions, sings, writes her own music, has some songs on Spotify and ITunes, and plays guitar as well. On “Welcome Home,” Ward’s written or co-written songs include “Follow the Lamb” and “Fires and Floods.”

She’s the daughter of Sheila and Chris Lussier of Gray and Bill and Rayne Ward of D.C. Her grandma, Pearl Trivette, lives in Elizabethton. The rest of her family is mainly in the Tri-Cities area.

Though Ward said she loved and respected her East Tennessee roots, she was still adjusting to life in Gray after living in so many places. She continues to try hard to bring hope to despondent

situations — through her career as well as her side gig. She works at Frontier Health with the crisis team, dealing with suicidal people who need encouragement.

The album came out in April and Ward said she was proud of the production, which was true to the region’s bluegrass roots.

That’s why she was on her way to listen to The Steeldrivers — birds of a feather are they. While she might have been driving away from “home,” in reality, she was just spreading her wings to coast over to another nest full of hopeful song.

Emily Ward, a talented singer-songwriter, is the daughter of Sheila and Chris Lussier of Gray and Bill and Rayne Ward of D.C. Her grandma, Pearl Trivette, lives in Elizabethton. The rest of her family is mainly in the Tri-Cities area.

Biography:

Mike Fraley is a lifelong resident of Carter County and graduate of Elizabethton High School. He began his law enforcement career at the Carter County Sheriff’s Office in May 1989. During his career he has worked with every division of the sheriff’s office. In May 2022 he won the Republican nomination for Carter County Sheriff and then went on to win the General Election. He began his service as Sheriff of Carter County on September 1, 2022.

Why I Love Carter County:

1. What do you think makes Carter County unique by comparison to other places?

Carter County is unique because the people here are family. We are fortunate to have some of the most beautiful views in the world. The surrounding mountains, one of the most beautiful lakes ever, and two of the best fishing rivers all in one area. I can’t think of any place that I would rather be than here at home.

2. What is your favorite place to visit in Carter County?

One of my favorite places to visit is on the banks of the Watauga River. It’s a place that you can relax, clear you mind and if you’re lucky, maybe even catch a fish or two! Seriously, I’ve had times where I’ve needed answers, and I’ve been able to sit and pray for guidance and it’s so peaceful there. God painted a picture that we should never take for granted here.

3. Do you think living in Carter County has changed you in any way? I think growing up in Carter

County helped shape who I am today. My parents instilled values in me that help me to this day. My dad never met a stranger, and he doesn’t care if you are the CEO of a company, or the custodian who sweeps the floors, he treats everyone the same. My mom loved everybody and cooked enough to feed an army. She always had an open invitation for dinner at our house, and a lot of people took her up on it. Evenings were always spent on the front porch, with neighbors and friends sitting and talking, and I cherish those days.

4. What is your favorite time of year?

Fall is my favorite time of the year. The cool crisp air, the changing of the leaves, it doesn’t get any better. I challenge you to drive through Carter County and find a more beautiful place to call home. It simply can’t be done.

5. If you were to meet someone planning a visit to the Carter County area for the first time, what places would you tell him or her not to miss?

If I were to meet someone who was visiting Carter County for the first time, I’d have to suggest visiting Fort Watauga. There is so much history there, and those who love history like I do will be very pleased to see how we got started here. I would also have to add don’t think you can see it all in one day. Take a few days and visit Roan Mountain, see the majestic views from the top of the Roan on a star filled night. Visit Watauga Lake and see for yourself why it’s the most beautiful lake in the country. Bring a fishing pole and try your luck on the Watauga and Doe rivers. You’ll be back once you’ve experienced it.

Why

New Mexican eatery will offer octopus,

* STORY BY ANGELA CUTRER AND PHOTOS BY LARRY N. SOUDERS *

Puerto Nuevo Mexican and Seafood Restaurant in Elizabethton may not be open yet, but the anticipation for its lively menu is predicted to be fierce. The eatery in Roan Mountain has shown that those who live in the area — as well as those just passing through — have good taste and good comments about the food.

“Everything they have is fantastic!” said one diner who showed off a photo on Facebook of her Puerto Nuevo Mexican and Seafood Restaurant food. “But these little beauties are No. 1 on my list — they are the best Carnitas tacos and I would drive here just for these ... ”

The former Lone Star Steakhouse building on Highway 19-E

is the setting for Elizabethton’s newest restaurant. After Lone Star closed, investor Nicolas Leon and his eight brothers thought it would make a great spot for their next enterprise. They already own and manage restaurants in South Carolina, Georgia, North Carolina, Virginia and Tennessee.

“We always focus on the local people because they are always local,” he told the Star in April. This is the group’s 14th location and seats at least 200 people. While alcoholic beverages are not sold in the Roan Mountain location, Leon told the Star he would seek a permit to sell alcohol at the Highway 19-E restaurant.

Leon also said his restaurants are known for their quality offering

octopus, other specialties

because they focus on fresh ingredients. “We do everything fresh and nothing is frozen; we use good quality products on everything — even beans and rice,” he said, adding that in many locations seafood is as popular as the Mexican dishes on the menu.

“We have different dishes with seafood. We have perch, shrimp, scallops, catfish, octopus, tilapia and lots of other seafood.”

Roan Mountain’s manager Bernie Belasco said there will be something for everyone when the restaurant opens. “We have Mexican, of course, but also seafood, like seafood platters,” he said. “We have a very nice seafood platter — it’s very popular. We’ll have a lunch special, combos, dinners and kids meals.”

The menu will include combinations, such as “El Combo” (one chalupa, one chile relleno, one enchilada one taco and one beef

Fajitas: You have the choice of beef, chicken, pork, shrimp, or steamed veggie’s. The Fajitas are served on a sizzling skillet along with onions, peppers, and tomatoes. Served with rice, beans, lettuce, guacamole, sour cream, and your choice of corn or flour tortillas.

Camarones Cucarachas: Spicery shrimp served with lemon wedges, orange slices, cucumbers and sauteed onions. This is a new dish in the restaurants.

Pulla Asado: A delicious chicken breast with sauteed onions. Served with rice, pico de gallo, guacamole and tortillas. This order has refried beans as a substitute for the pico de gallo.

Chilies Poblanos: Two poblano peppers stuffed with Chihuahua cheese and mild spices. Served with rice, beans, and guacamole salad.

burrito served with rice and beans) down to the more simple La Mejor (one chalupa, one burrito and one chile relleno). There will also be 30 choices of other particular combinations that each cost a flat amount, as well as vegetarian combos.

But that’s not all — you will be able to order ribeye steak plates and other meat plates that feature different Mexico enhancements, including Chile Colorado (beef tips in red sauce, rice, beans, flour tortillas and choice of salad) and Bistec Mexicano (ribeye steak with sizzling onions, peppers and tomatoes served with rice, beans and tortillas).

There will also be chicken-based dinners, fajitas, quesadillas, seasonal oysters and fresh salads. Want something less saucy? Try their fish, oyster or shrimp hoagies served with fries or baked potato or a dinner plate like fish and shrimp or scallops and oysters.

Hours for the restaurant are typically 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. The lunch menu will be served 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will include such delights as Speedy Gonzales (one taco, one enchilada, choice of rice or beans), Lunch No. 10 (one Puerto Nuevo cheese steak burrito with rice or beans) or a Coctel de Camaron (lunch portion of shrimp cocktail with chopped avocados, green peppers, onions, tomatoes and cilantro.

According to social media, Puerto Nuevo Mexican and Seafood Restaurant is the place to stop when hiking, kayaking or meeting up with friends on Roan Mountain. Photos show families getting together there for birthday parties as well as for business meetings.

And once Puerto Nuevo Mexican and Seafood Restaurant has its location in Elizabethton up and running, the crew behind the scenes will welcome you as well.

“We are looking forward to serving them,” Leon said.

Fried ice cream (top) and Cinnamon Churros are just two of the many delicious dessert items on the menu at Puerto Nuevo’s.

Chips and Bean Dip: Warm freshly made tortilla chips and the house’s bean dip are served when you’re seated and while you’re looking over the menu.

Every Puerto Nuevo’s offers a self-serve salsa bar where, like Dale Barnett of Newland, NC, you can select your favorite salsa’s. Choices from mild to hot or cheesy to compliment your favorite dishes are available for your dinning pleasure.

Puerto Nuevo’s

Mountain location is a warm, cozy, comfortable dine in restaurant that includes outdoor seating when weather permits.

Puerto Nuevo has a wonderful location just 15 minutes from downtown Elizabethton, located at 8162 Hwy 19E in Roan Mountain, the food is incredible and well worth the drive for dine in or carry-out.

Roan

Marketplace

1 Bedroom. Stove, refrigerator, water, garbage pickup. Furnished. Mini-blinds. Call 423-512-2523

A-1 WorkForce Now Hiring! Assembly, machine op, forklift, construction and clerical. Call today for appointment 765-9400

Americourt, Now Offering Weekly & Monthly Specials!

1515 Hwy 19 E, Elizabethton, TN 37643. Call for Rates! (423)542-4466

•Concrete, brick, block & stone masonry, restoration demo, custom design.

•Patios, retaining walls, walkways, driveways, fireplaces.

•Concrete demo & replace.

•Excavator & Skid Steer Service 26 years experience. Call 423-431-8573

Comcare, Inc FT/PT Direct Support Staff

•18+years

•Clean MVR/Drug

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•Excellent benefit plan Requirements:

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•Vehicle Liability Insurance

•HS Diploma/GED No Calls, Apply-online: www.comcareinc.com

EOE

EXPERIENCED CAREGIVING TEAM

Two sisters looking to care for your loved one. Can provided round the clock care and light housekeeping. Our care comes from the heart! Trustworthy, dependable care, excellent references-$13/hr Call 423-773-7387 or 423-946-7584

Have you ever dreamed of owning your own business? This is your opportunity to own a fully stocked old time hardware store with 2 gas pumps and a fantastic garage with auto hoist. This business has been active for over 30 years and is only sold as an estate. Carter County location.

MLS #9933877

Rick Chantry 423-791-2411

Choice Realty

423-283-8560 Helping you make the right choice.

Civil Construction Company and Environmental Services

3216 Hwy 90 Westlake LA 70669

Immediately hiring Laborers

-$16.00hr and taking applications Heavy Equipment Operators and CDL drivers Any questions please call 337-802-6666

NOW HIRING

•Direct Support Professionals

•DSP’s Supported Living (Residential)

•DSP’s Job Coaches

These positions assist people with intellectual disabilities in multiple setting with supportive day to day care, explore meaningful interests, work and community integrated activities and community relationships.

•Experience with intellectual disabilities/mental health is desired but not mandatory

•Strong skills in creative thinking and helping people discover interests are highly desired

•HS Diploma or GED required

•$12.50 & up to start

•All Shifts Available

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•Pre-employment drug screening required For a truly rewarding employment experience Apply at: Dawn of Hope

500 E. Oakland Ave Johnson City, TN 37601 or www.dawn ofhope.com

Facebook: Dawn of Hope

Hiring Full-Time, Part-Time & PRN

LPN’s

•Low stress environment

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•Excellent benefits

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•Pre-employment drug screening & background check required Apply at: Dawn of Hope

500 East Oakland Ave Johnson City or send Resume to P.O. Box 30 Johnson City,TN 37605

Website: www. dawnofhope.com

Facebook: Dawn of Hope The Dawn of Hope is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer

Hearth & Home Realty. Home Buying & Selling Made Easy. 423-543-2307 hearthnhomerealty. com Robert Delozier 423-737-0871

Hillview Home Services is currently searching for passionate team members for NonMedical In-Home Care opportunity. Please Apply at http://www. hillviewhealthcenter. com/careers or call Judy at 423-542-0417.

Hillview Health & Rehab searching for LPN’s, CNA’s, & RN’s. Please Apply at http://www

hillviewhealth center.com/careers or Indeed or call Penny at 423-542-5061

HOMEWORX SERVICES

Adam Stout (423) 732-1710.

TN Licensed & Insured *20+

Years Experience*

Professional Craftsmanship. Construction, Electrical, Finish Carpentry, Home Repair Maintenance. Painting, Plumbing, Rental. Property Maintenance, Fall Check List, Change Smoke Detector Batteries, Door & Window Sills, Filters, Clean Out Gutters, Limb/Brush Clean Up, Caulk Doors & Windows, Chimney Sweep, General Clean Up (Indoors & Outdoors), Pressure Wash. If items are not listed above, please call. Free Estimates.

Price Less Foods In Mountain City, Erwin and Johnson City, TN NOW HIRING

Full/Part-Time Meat Manager & Cutters Apply in-store or on-line at: Houchens.com

Phone: 423-727-8905

EEO

CDL CLASS A DRIVERS WANTED

Full-time drivers are needed for local and over-the-road hauls. Our trucks do not require ELD’s. Located

Carter County Living • 423.342.4189

in Spruce Pine, NC. Requirements: CDL Class A license, references, and clean driving record. Benefits: vacation pay, health, dental and vision insurance available. Contact 828-765-1733

Lynnwood Apartments Now Leasing 2 & 3 Bedrooms Utilities

Included New flooring, newly renovated bathrooms

Certain income restrictions apply Apply Today at: Lynnwood Apartments

1235 Bluefield Ave Elizabethton,TN or Call:423-543-2031

LYON METAL ROOFING Your Trusted Local Supplier For Over 30 Years.

METAL ROOFING, METAL BUILDINGS, VINYL SIDING, VINYL REPLACEMENT

WINDOWS Installation Contractors Available Call 423-391-7788 www.lyonroofing.com

Mayflower Seafood Restaurant Now Hiring Kitchen Staff, Cooks, Prep People and a Dishwasher. Call 423-542-3667 or Apply in person after 12, Tuesday-Friday.

1733 Hwy 19E, Elizabethton.

Betsytown Shopping Center

Monthly Storage in Hampton

•Inside & Outside

•Located on Hwy

•Cheap rates!

•Camera security

•Boat and camper storage available Call 423-895-0351 for more information

JOIN OUR CREW! Positions available:

•Maintenance

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•Closing Manager. Full-time and parttime. Benefits: Flexible schedules, advancement, and scholarships. To Apply Visit: McDonald’s 461 Pineola St, Newland, NC 28657 or www.mchire.com

CDL Class A Driver: Full time with benefits. Must be able to drive a manual. Tanker endorsement preferred but not required. Apply at 169 Landfill Rd. Elizabethton TN 37643

1-2BR APARTMENTS

Historic Elk Park School If you/ your parents’ age and income qualify, we have apartments available IMMEDIATELY! Call for Appointment: 828-733-1546

Northwestern Regional Housing Authority - Equal Housing Opportunity Agency

PHOENIX MEDICAL PRODUCTS INC

Accepting applications for Manufacturing Engineer and Operators. Apply within Monday-Friday 8am-5pm: 1535 Cold Springs Rd. Mountain City, TN 37683

No phone calls please.

Needed Direct Support Professionals and Home Managers to work with individuals with intellectual disabilities in the

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The Courtyard. 710 E. Second Street. Elizabethton, TN 37643. 423-543-2274.

Section 8. Elderly. 1 bedroom apartment. Stove, refrigerator, water & electricity provided, discounted cable TV. TDD #1-800-848-0298. TN Relay Center. Equal Housing Opportunity.

CURRENTLY HIRING

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Modern Forge Tennessee Position

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Apply in person

M-F 8am-4:30pm

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Call 423-440-4988

Start Forging Your Future with Us! M/F/D/V

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423-557-8870

Franklin Place

ApartmentsHUD housing for low-income 62 & over. Rent based on income. Furnished utilities/ appliances. Yardwork & maintenance provided. Contact Stacey: 423-542-2491

EHO-Handicap

Accessible

Spicy chicken fires up dinner time

METRO - Chicken is a versatile protein that can take center stage on any table. There are scores of ways to prepare chicken, and this recipe for “Pollo Harissa” is seasoned with a fiery, spicy mix that is truly aromatic. Enjoy it, courtesy of “España: Exploring the Flavors of Spain” (Gibbs Smith) by James Campbell Caruso.

Pollo Harissa

(Roasted Harissa Chicken with Couscous)

Serves 4

1 whole roasting chicken, rinsed

1 lemon, cut into 4 pieces

6 cloves garlic

Harissa (see below)

Salt

2 cups couscous

3 cups chicken stock

Heat the oven to 375 F. Fill chicken cavity with lemon pieces and garlic. Rub the chicken generously with harissa. Sprinkle with salt.

Put the couscous and chicken stock in an oven-safe baking dish. Place the dressed chicken on top. Bake covered for 45 minutes. Remove the cover and bake for another 15 minutes, until chicken is cooked through. Serve with a tossed mix of cucumber, cilantro, lemon juice, and oil.

Harissa

1 tablespoon coriander seed

1 tablespoon caraway seed

1 teaspoon cumin seed

4 large cloves garlic, unpeeled

4 large red bell peppers

1⁄2 cup extra virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon sugar

2 tablespoons crushed New Mexico red chiles

Salt and pepper to taste

Stir coriander, caraway and cumin in a small skillet over medium-high heat until aromatic, about 30 seconds. Transfer to a food processor. Cook garlic in the same skillet, covered, over

medium-low heat until tender, about 10 minutes, turning occasionally. Let garlic cool, then peel it and add to processor. Char bell peppers over a gas flame or in a broiler until blackened on all

sides. Enclose in a paper bag; let stand 10 minutes. Peel, seed, and coarsely chop peppers. Add peppers, oil, sugar, and crushed red pepper to processor. Puree. Season with salt and pepper.

Metro Photo

Pollo Harissa (Roasted Harissa Chicken with Couscous)

Delicious soup perfect for the season

METRO - Cooler weather arrives just as prime entertaining season heats up. Those who will be hosting gatherings soon can expand their recipe repertoire to feed guests and keep them satisfied. Borrowing some flavors from the season can make entertaining festive and even more flavorful.

Pumpkins and winter squashes are popular in fall, and their versatility undoubtedly contributes to that popularity. However, when chilly days require something to warm you up from the inside out, nothing can beat a soothing soup. And soup recipes can be altered to easily feed a crowd.

Cooks can step out of their chicken soup comfort zones and try this recipe for “Roasted Pumpkin Soup With Pumpkin Crisps” from “The Complete Mexican, South American & Caribbean Cookbook” (Metro Books) by Jane Milton, Jenni Fleetwood and Marina Filippeli.

Roasted Pumpkin Soup With Pumpkin Crisps

Serves 6 to 8

3 to 31⁄2 pounds pumpkin

6 tablespoons olive oil

2 onions, chopped

3 garlic cloves, chopped

1 3-inch piece of fresh ginger

root, grated

1 teaspoon ground coriander

1⁄2 teaspoon ground turmeric

Pinch of cayenne pepper

4 cups vegetable stock

Salt and ground black pepper

1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Fresh cilantro leaves, to garnish

For the pumpkin crisps

Wedge of fresh pumpkin, seeded

1⁄2 cup olive oil

1. Preheat the oven to 400 F. Prick the pumpkin around the top several times with a fork. Brush the pumpkin with plenty of the oil and bake for 45 minutes or until

tender. Leave until cool enough to handle.

2. Take care when cutting the pumpkin, as there may still be a lot of hot steam inside. When cool enough to handle, scoop out and discard the seeds. Scoop out and chop the flesh.

3. Heat about 4 tablespoons of the remaining oil (you may not have to use all of it) in a large pan and add the onions, garlic and ginger, then cook gently for 4 to 5 minutes. Add the coriander, turmeric, and cayenne, and cook for 2 minutes. Stir in the pumpkin flesh and stock. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer for about 20 minutes until tender.

4. Cool the soup slightly, then puree it in a food processor or blender until smooth. Return the

soup to the rinsed out pan and season well.

5. Meanwhile, prepare the pumpkin crisps. Using a swivelblade potato peeler, pare long thin strips off the wedge of pumpkin. Heat the oil in a small pan and fry the strips in batches for 2 to 3 minutes, until crisp. Drain on paper towels.

6. Reheat the soup and ladle it into bowls. Top with the pumpkin crisps and garnish each portion with sesame seeds and cilantro leaves.

Metro Photo

Roasted Pumpkin Soup With Pumpkin Crisps