As the winter frost blankets the landscape of Carter County, our excitement for the seventh edition of Carter County Living magazine is unwavering. For six years, we’ve had the privilege of weaving the tapestry of our community through the stories of its vibrant residents. In crafting this winter edition, we faced challenges but found innovative solutions to ensure the continuation of our storytelling journey.
The rising costs of full-color, glossy printing compelled us to explore alternative avenues without compromising the essence of our publication. With steadfast support from local businesses, we navigated these challenges, determined to keep our magazine affordable and accessible to all. Our decision to print the inside on a whiter, thicker paper using our press, outsourcing the glossy cover, and employing our stitch and trimmer was a leap of faith. Testing this method with a job from Knoxville proved successful, resulting in significant cost savings. This strategic move allows us to expand our pages, share more stories, and maintain affordable advertising rates.
Now, let’s dive into the heart of this edition with our cover story, a tribute to Christi Walsh, who embarked on a gymnastics venture in Mountain City 19 years ago. What began as a quest to provide her daughter with a well-balanced, enjoyable dance class has evolved into a thriving studio on Main Street in Elizabethton. Walsh reflects on the journey, proud of the 130 students she teaches, some of whom have become teachers themselves. Her daughter, Summer, now 23, is also part of the teaching team.
As you stroll through the aisles of the local Ingle’s Market, you might encounter
a typical teenage boy at the register, bagging groceries and offering to assist customers. In another feature story, we explore the heartwarming tale of Zachery Edwin Stansell, a senior at Happy Valley High School. Zach, a football and basketball enthusiast, embodies strength and resilience, overcoming the challenges of autism.
Zach’s story begins with a surprising ultrasound revelation that Kim and Chris Stansell were expecting twins. While Zach and his brother, Benjamin Charles Stansell, spent their early days in the NICU, it became evident that Zach faced unique hurdles. A specialist diagnosed him with autism, setting the stage for a life defined by a warrior’s heart.
As Stansell approaches his high school graduation, his story is a testament to the “But God” focus embraced by his family. With an acceptance to Northeast State Community College and a GPA of 3.3, Stansell defies initial doctor reports, proving that God’s promises and blessings supersede any limitations. His journey encapsulates a warrior’s spirit, resilient in the face of societal misconceptions about autism.
These stories, among others in this edition, encapsulate the essence of Carter County. They remind us that within our community’s fabric lies resilience, hope, and the unwavering spirit that makes Carter County the greatest place on earth to live.
We invite you to immerse yourself in the pages of this winter edition, celebrating the diverse narratives that shape our community. If you know of someone with a compelling story, please reach out to us at delaney.scalf@elizabethton.com. Your continued support fuels our commitment to sharing the stories that make Carter County come alive.
General Manager
DELANEY SCALF
delaney.scalf@elizabethton.com
Editorial Director
ROZELLA HARDIN
rozella.hardin@elizabethton.com
Customer Service
KATHY SCALF
kathy.scalf@elizabethton.com
Operations Manager
SCOTT SCALF
scott.scalf@elizabethton.com
Marketing Consultant
BRANDY TRIVETT
brandy.trivett@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
IVAN SANDERS
Contributing Photographers
LARRY N. SOUDERS
TYLER SCALF
6 Zach Stansell
Beats all odds to show the heart of a warrior.
11 Have You Been Spotted
Check out these photos from area events
12 Upcoming Events
Plan ahead for these favorite events.
14 Christi’s Gymnastics & Dance Studio
Classes offer fun, team building skills
18 Why Carter County?
Joshua Culbert, CPA
19 Why I Love Carter County
20 Milligan Cafe
A restaurant where you, the customers, are the stars.
28 Creamy Ham ’n Broccoli
Turn to slow cookers for easy meals.
It was 19 years this past November that Christi Walsh first started up her gymnastics business in Mountain City, where she lived and worked.
“It started because my daughter, Summer, wanted to take classes,” Walsh explained, “but we could not get the [available class] times to work.” Walsh and her husband, Adam, later added son Ethan, now 8, to the mix.
So Walsh decided to take things into her own hands to provide her daughter with a well-balanced, fun dance class. And taking up the reins of teacher didn’t come with much concern for Walsh. “I had danced and done gymnastics most of my life and I wanted my daughter to experience what I loved doing,” Walsh said. “But we lived in small-town Mountain City, Tenn., which did not offer any dance or gymnastics lessons.”
29 Spaghetti with Shrimp, Feta and Dill
Spaghetti is a versatile component in many meals
30 Lemon Poppy Seed Pound Cake
Brings sunshine to the table.
*STORY BY IVAN SANDERS AND PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED
As the cash register at the local Ingle’s Market rings items up for customers, a typical teenage boy stands at the end of the register placing items in bags and offers to take the groceries to the parking lot for customers if needed.
He might not talk a lot, offering up a sheepish smile from time to time, and if you know him really well he might even come up to you and give you one of his burley hugs and tell
you how much he loves you.
His name is Zachery Edwin Stansell and he is a senior at Happy Valley High School where he has participated in football and basketball as a member of the Warrior athletic teams.
If one didn’t know his story, they would think that Stansell was just another teenager doing his thing, however this is far from the truth.
Zach was one of two twins born into the home of Chris
Zach Stansell has overcome obstacles that doctors had given grim reports on but through the faith of his family, Zach continues to exhibit what it means to have a warrior’s heart.
and Kimberly Stansell, a surprise to the parents after an ultrasound technician told them “I see two” when Kim underwent the scan during her pregnancy, changing the lives of the two parents.
Zach was the first to enter the world followed by his brother, Benjamin Charles Stansell, and the brothers would spend nearly two weeks in the NICU due to being premature.
With both boys growing well after being released, Ben took off when it came to communicating but Zach didn’t seem to be keeping up with his younger brother. Becoming concerned, the parents took him to a specialist where he was diagnosed with autism.
Zach wouldn’t be able to speak until he was nearly five years old and the family was preparing themselves on how to deal with a child with autism after doctors told them that he would never be able to read, write, or function normally in school.
Yet, there was one thing that the doctors had not counted on and that was the faith of the Stansell family which ran deep as Zach comes from a rich history of pastors. His grandfather was a minister for 55 years, his great-grandfather ministered for 47 years, and he has a great-uncle who is still pastor emeritus at 96 years of age.
Putting their trust in God for Zach’s future, that diagnosis would turn things around as the Stansells replaced the original diagnosis with the words, “But God!”.
Since that time, the young Stansell has flourished in school making good grades with little or no help as he started at Happy Valley Middle School in 2018 becoming one of the best decisions
ever made according to his parents.
Another change came for Stansell as he began participating in athletics.
“Zachery has always played sports,” said his father Chris. “From rec ball to county leagues, he and his brother have always been involved. Zachery has played football and basketball all through middle and high school being one of the biggest encouragers on the team.”
In fact, Stansell was so proud of being a Warrior that he was named Mr. Happy Valley for his senior year while also winning the spirit award from the football team pre- season.
One of his educators, Sean Golden, reflected on how Stansell has always been full of school spirit recalling how he gives 125% in everything that he takes on.
“When I think about school spirit, I think about Zach,” said Golden. “He gives his all in everything he does whether it is in the classroom, on the football field, or on the basketball court. I love seeing Zach fist bump, hug, give high-fives, or just say hello to teachers and students in the hallway. Zach will do anything for anyone. It has been a pleasure getting to work with and knowing Zach in my time at Happy Valley, and I cannot wait to see what his future holds!”
Stansell became an inspiration to the Warrior football team and his love for his school and his teammates was evident in everything he did from the practice field to the game field and carried onto the basketball floor.
Happy Valley football coach
Jason Jarrett said that he was simply an inspiration and in his 20-plus years of coaching that Stansell was the greatest example of a teammate that he had ever witnessed with the joy brought to the locker room by Stansell on a daily basis being a blessing to witness.
The coach shared just one example of how his young Warrior brought tear-filled eyes for his act of generosity – the type Stansell showed every day.
“I will never forget the time he messaged me about 2 hours before our banquet his sophomore year asking if he could speak and present something to the seniors that year,” said Jarrett. “Little did I know that what Zach was fixing to do would leave hardly a dry eye in the place and a special place in the hearts of everyone that would witness the true love he held for his teammates.
“Zach created an action photo for each one of those seniors and put the photo in a frame. He stood and spoke
about each one of those seniors and what each meant to him. That moment was so heartwarming.”
His love for football showed by him being the first player on the field to work consistently hard to become a better football player, but most of all he just wanted to contribute
and help his teammates be successful.
His faith was always on display as he led his teammates in prayer at the end of practice and was the heartbeat of the team according to Jarrett.
“He worked and worked for four years to get plenty of live snaps in JV and on Friday
nights,” said Jarrett. “Zach is a testament that through hard work, perseverance, resilience, and through the grace of God, anything is possible. I know one thing, Zach Stansell has a special place in my heart and will always. I am a better coach and person because I have been blessed to have spent the last four years with such an inspirational young man.”
As Stansell’s high school career will wrap up when he crosses the graduation stage in May, Stansell continues to exhibit the “But God” focus the family maintains as he has been accepted to attend Northeast State Community College where he will take his 3.3 GPA which continues to dismiss the initial doctor reports because God’s promises and blessings cannot be outdone.
He and his family are members at Roan Street Church of God where his dad serves as the music minister and pianist while both parents work with the youth group. Chris also works as the Director of Client Services for Allied Dispatch Solutions Kim also works as a nurse with Ballad.
Zach has an older brother Aaron Stansell and a “special” brother in Joseph Sowards. His grandmother, Velma, is close by as she resides with the Stansells and attends Roan Street COG as well.
Stansell has had to battle his entire life with a warrior’s heart –a heart that is surely destined to carry the young man through a world where many limit one’s ability as soon as the word ‘Autism’ is mentioned.
However, with God by his side, Stansell knows that all things are possible – that promise has already been proven over and over again in his life.
February 25
Campfire Riddles and much S’more – 8 p.m. - 9 p.m. Meet at Cabin Campfire Ring. Price is $3 and register for the event. Join us during these cool winter nights as we warm up by the campfire. Over the years, riddles and stories have been passed down from generation to generation while sitting around the fire. Come be a part of our history as we bring riddles to share while enjoying some sticky sweet s’mores!
This program is fun for all ages! Those 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult for this event. We will be meeting at the campfire ring located in the cabin area on top of the hill above the playground. All materials will be provided for this event.
Feb. 29
2024 Leap Year Hike - 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. Meet at Cabins Overflow Parking Lot. Price is Free Participant Registration, $10 Participant + $10 Park Donation, $20 Participant + $20 Park Donation. 2024 is a leap year and what better way to celebrate than to leap into a hike at beautiful Roan Mountain State Park? Join Park Ranger Phil Hylen on Thursday, February 29th from 1:00 – 3:00pm for a 1.5-mile loop hike along Moonshiner’s Run, Forest Road, and Turkey Trot trails. This moderate difficulty hike offers gorgeous views of the Doe River, Southern Cove Forests, and ridgetop views of the surrounding foothills of majestic Roan Mountain. All trails are natural surface with a steep 30% grade climb along the
0.10-mile stretch of Forest Road Trail. For more trail and hike eligibility requirements, please see the attached Essential Eligibility Criteria form.
This hike will meet and end at the Cabins Parking Lot Trailhead for Moonshiner’s Run Trail. Once you enter the cabins area off Highway 143, signs will be posted to direct you to the trailhead. This hike is limited to 20 participants, so be sure to register your spot today! Optional donations made will be used for the construction of a back country trail and campsites. Be sure to wear good hiking shoes and dress for unpredictable winter weather.
March 2
Roan Mountain 2024 Weed Wrangle - 9 a.m.- Noon. Meet at the Visitor Center Porch. Register for the event.
Join Roan Mountain State Park rangers and other volunteers on Saturday, March 2nd for an invasive plant mop-up operation at the Visitor Center from 9AM-Noon. Volunteers will work alongside rangers to remove non-native Chinese Privet new growth from the forest edge surrounding the Visitor Center and also plant native plants in the same area to aid in rehabilitating the area against regrowth of privet. Hand tools and protective gear will be provided by the park. Volunteers are asked to bring water and to wear good work clothes and close-toed shoes. March in Roan Mountain can also be quite cold, so be prepared for chilly weather.
Volunteers are limited to 20 individuals and minors under the age of 18 MUST be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the
event. Volunteers also must be a minimum of 12 years of age. Meet your hosts at the Visitor Center porch to begin.
April 26-April 28
Spring Rock Climbing Workshop - 7 p.m. - 3 p.m. Meet at Cumberland Mountain State Park Recreation Lodge. Price is $60 and register for the event.
***NOTE*** THIS PROGRAM IS BASED OUT OF CUMBERLAND MOUNTAIN STATE PARK, CROSSVILLE, TN. ALL TIMES ARE CENTRAL TIME.
Event Description:
• Friday we will start with a meet and greet at the Rec Lodge around 7:00 pm CST. We will cover outdoor climbing basics, including knot tying and belay technique.
• Saturday we will meet at the Rec Lodge parking lot at 8:30 am CST to carpool to the Black Mountain climbing area. Once we get to Black Mountain, there is a short hike to the climbing location from the trailhead (1/2 mile). A number of top rope climbs and a 40 ft. rappel will be set up for the day. Climbs range in difficulty from beginner to intermediate/ advanced.
• Sunday morning we will meet back at the Rec Lodge parking lot at 8:30 am CST to carpool to the Black Mountain for another day of climbing. The day ends around 3:00 pm CST, but you are free to leave earlier as needed (please let one of the staff know if you plan to leave early).
**The Black Mountain Climbing area does not have restroom facilities, please be prepared for each day. We will be practicing Leave No Trace.
Age restrictions:
18 Years of Age and Older
Price:
$60 - instruction and gear for the weekend
Accommodations for Cumberland Mountain State Park:
Camping/Cabin reservations - make them online at https:// tnstateparks.com/parks/cumberland-mountain
Please make your camping/ cabin reservations ahead of time.
Food will not be provided during the course of this workshop. Pack your breakfast, lunch, and snacks for each day. For dinner, we encourage you to bring your own or plan to eat at the Homestead Harvest Restaurant in the park.
Cancellation Deadline/Refund Policy:
Participants may cancel no later than Wednesday, 17th, 5:00 PM with a 50% refund. After April 17th, 5:00 PM there will be no refunds for participant cancellation.
Weather Cancellation Policy: There is no alternate date. In the event of a weather-related cancellation on 4/26/24 or prior we will offer a full refund. In the event of a weather-related cancellation on 4/27/24 or later, we will consider refunds on a case-by-case basis.
March 2
Gardening Seminar Series
- 9 a.m. - Noon. Meet at Visitor Center Gathering Place. The second session in our gardening seminar series will focus on vegetable gardening. Master Gardener Ben Hunter will share his tips & techniques for growing the garden of your dreams! Meet in the visitor center Gathering Room.
Free Admission
March 3
English Country Dancing
- 1:30 p.m. - 4 p.m. Meet at Visitor Center Gathering Place.
Dancing was a very popular social pastime in early America. Beginners and seasoned dancers alike are all welcome to learn early 19th century dances. No cost to attend. Open to anyone, with or without experience or a partner. Meet in the visitor center Gathering Room. Sponsored by the Sabine Hill Social Society.
Free Admission
March 16-17
Spring Fibers Show & Sale - Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Sunday 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Meet at the Visitor Center. Don’t miss this great opportunity to visit with some of the best fiber artists of our region! If you love fibers, this is the place for you! Demonstrations include weaving, spinning, knitting, natural dyeing, and more. A variety of handmade items will be offered for sale.
March 24
Old Time Music Jam - 1:30 p.m. - 4 p.m. Meet at Visitor
Center Gathering Place. Enjoy the rich musical traditions of our region. Old time musicians of all levels are welcome. Don’t play an instrument? Come on over, kick back, and enjoy the tunes!
April 8
Soloar Eclipse in the Park - 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Meet at Visitor Center. Join us for the partial solar eclipse and view one of nature’s most spectacular wonders! Activities will include telescope viewing, making a pinhole solar projector, interpretive programs, and coloring sheets for all ages.
Be Safe! Only use ISO certified solar viewing glasses to look at the sun. Eclipse viewing glasses will be available in the park gift shop while supplies last.
All activities are weather dependent.
Free Admission!
May 11
Spring Knap-In - 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Meet at Fort Watauga. Knapping – with a “K”– has nothing to do with sleep! Knapping is the art of making stone tools. Watch skilled craftspeople make arrow points, spear points and other early survival tools. There will
also be demonstrations of bow and arrow and atlatl throughout the day.
May 18 - 19
Siege of Fort Watauga - Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.Sunday 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. It is the summer of 1776, and war is raging between the frontier settlers and the native Cherokee. Join us as 200 living history interpreters present this dramatic retelling of the attacks in the Watauga valley and the greater war with Great Britain in the colonies. Visit the living history camps, shop with period vendors, and witness battle reenactments both days. Hear the rattle of muskets, smell the campfire smoke, and see history come to life at the Siege of Fort Watauga. Contact the park for a detailed schedule.
June 7-June 29
Liberty! The Saga of Sycamore Shoals - 8 p.m. Meet at Fort Watauga Amphitheater. Friday & Saturday June 7-8, 8 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday - June 20-22, 27-29, 8 p.m. Tennessee’s official outdoor drama presented by local performers
against the backdrop of Fort Watauga. See the American Revolution through the eyes of the Overmountain Men: colonists who defied British law and settled west of the blue ridge. These settlers formed an independent government, made treaties with the Cherokee, defended their homes, and fought a British army at the epic battle of King’s Mountain. Presented in the Fort Watauga Amphitheater with stadium style seating. Sponsored by Friends of Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park. Admission Charge. Contact the park for further details.
July 20
Independence on the Frontier - 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Meet at Fort Watauga. By today’s standards information traveled slowly in the 18th century. Be a guest in Fort Watauga as news of Independence finally arrives on the colonial frontier. What did the early settlers think about a new nation? From fear of war to the hope of a brighter future, walk among historical characters and hear their varied reactions to the Declaration.
Christi’s Gymnastics and Dance Studio
Owner-Director Christi Walsh stands beside a description of a dance teacher inside her new studio now located on the lower level of the Ritz building at 527 E. Elk Ave. in downtown Elizabethton.
It was 19 years this past November that Christi Walsh first started up her gymnastics business in Mountain City, where she lived and worked.
“It started because my daughter, Summer, wanted to take classes,” Walsh explained, “but we could not get the [available class] times to work.” Walsh and her husband, Adam, later added son Ethan, now 8, to the mix.
So Walsh decided to take things into her own hands to provide her daughter with a well-balanced, fun dance class. And taking up the reins of teacher didn’t come with much concern for Walsh. “I had danced and done gymnastics most of my life and I wanted my daughter to experience what I loved doing,” Walsh said. “But we lived in small-town Mountain City, Tenn., which did not offer any dance or gymnastics lessons.”
Her interest piqued, Walsh reached out to a former dance coach,
who suggested Walsh start up a class in Mountain City. “I took some training classes and safety classes and then passed out a few fliers,” Walsh said. “I started with six students just as a hobby and mainly to teach my daughter.”
Her next step was to find a location; she found a kung fu school willing to share-rent a night to her so she could hold class. As long as she was making enough to cover rent and teach her daughter, Walsh was satisfied.
“I fell in love with dance all over again,” Walsh said, “and [with] my students.”
Word of mouth gets out fast in a small town and Walsh’s classes began to grow. Before she knew it, she was teaching five hours in a row to keep up with enrollment.
“A year passed by and I was so excited that my classes had
become something kids were enjoying,” Walsh said. “I [myself] was enjoying teaching so much I decided to branch out to Elizabethton.”
Elizabethton was about a 45-minute drive from where the Walshes lived and Walsh was
already working on her teaching degree at Milligan University.
“I found the parks and recreation center and just stopped by one day and asked if there was a spot I could rent to start up classes,” Walsh said. “They had a room available and once again
I handed out a few fliers, posted some ads in the paper and began my dance and gymnastics journey in Elizabethton.
“Once again my classes filled up and I started realizing that my hobby was way more than ‘just a hobby.’”
Walsh said the “rest is history: Here I am 19 years later,” she said. “I now teach in Elizabethton in my own studio on Main Street in the Ritz building. I now have about 130 students between Mountain City and Elizabethton. I even have students who are
now teachers themselves. My daughter Summer, now 23, is a teacher at my studio as well.
“It has been an honor to be able to work with so many students and watch them grow into amazing dancers and teachers. I have a lot of students who help out in class, but my main teachers are Miss Summer; Miss Katlyn Smith, who has danced with me for 14 years; Miss Alexa Childers, who has danced with me for 13 years; and many other students who have danced since they were just in the ‘tiny’ classes.
“What started as a hobby 19 years ago has turned into
a lifelong passion I hope to continue,” Walsh added. “I love being able to work with so many different students, ranging from 3 to 20 years old. I also have a competition team that I coach and I love watching them work hard on something they are passionate about as well.
“To some, dance is just dance; to me, it’s so much more. This sport has taught me discipline, respect, kindness and most of all has given me a second family. I love my dance family and friends. When you join our studio, we don’t look at you as ‘just a student,’ but as a part of our dance family.”
Walsh added that she gives “all the credit to the good Lord above. God has blessed me with a lifelong career that I love! Not many people get to do what they love and I am so blessed that I was given the opportunity to do something I am so passionate about.”
Walsh teaches by semester,
August-May. Mondays are in Mountain City, where she has about 80 students. Tuesday through Thursday she’s in Elizabethton with 60-80 students.
To join Walsh’s studio family in all kinds of dance of all styles and floor gymnastics, message them on Facebook or call 423768-3966.
Members of one of the pre-teen Christi’s Gymnastics and Dance Studio dance teams hit their pose at the end of a dance routine inside the new lower level studio. They are (left to right) Maelee Turbyfill, Everlee McNeil, Kassadie Phillips and in front is Arianna Lopez.
Flexibility and balance are important attributes for a dancer. Jaylyn Slinger works on both as she watches herself in one of the studio’s full-length mirrors in Christi’s Gymnastics and Dance Studio.
1. What made you choose Carter County and Elizabethton for your services and business? As a Carter County native, I have a strong desire to serve the community where the majority of my family and many of my friends live.
2. What is your purpose as a business? What do you do? We are a full-service CPA firm, providing our clients with solutions in taxes, bookkeeping, payroll, and business consulting. We strive to counsel our clients toward financial freedom.
3. How long have you been in business? We have been in business for 5 months.
4. How long have you, personally, been working in the industry? I have been working in the industry for 10+ years.
5. Are you part of a franchise or are you independent? I am independent.
6. What impact do you think your services/business will have on the Carter County community? I look forward to serving the community by providing premium accounting services. I want to help local businesses thrive, while also keeping them in compliance with all of the accounting and tax responsibilities for which they are responsible.
Ron and Melissa Marvel
Bio: I was born in Georgetown, Delaware and moved to East Tennessee to attend Tennessee Temple University in Chattanooga, where I met my beautiful wife Melissa and have been married since 1992. Also went to Trinity College and Milligan University.
I have been blessed with two wonderful children, Bailey and Ella. Ordained minister working in youth ministry at both Southside Christian Church and Borderview Christian Church. Currently the Director of Development at the East TN Christian Home and Academy (2012) and work part-time for the Elizabethton Star. I have been involved in coaching youth sports since 1994.
1. What do you think makes Carter County unique by comparison to other places?
I know it’s said a lot but the people of Carter County are genu inely a community more than that they’re family. People care for one another and when you’re hurting they’re looking to help. On top of that, it’s just one of the most beautiful places in regards to nature.
2. What is your favorite place to visit in Carter County?
To see the beauty of the top of Roan Mountain after a snow, it’s just breathtaking. You could go up there and walk around and just lose yourself. Enjoy the quiet and meditate, pray and think.
3. Do you think living in Carter County has changed you in any way?
Being involved in ministry for such a long time in Carter County has changed my core values. If you stay here long enough, you become a person that generally cares for others. You see that level of care often lived out in the lives of people around here. I can sincerely say that if I or my family or the children and families I serve at ETCHA had a real need, and didn’t share it there would be people that would be upset.
That tells you a lot about the folks that live here!
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. To just hop in your car, drive around and look at all the colors. I think anyone would be challenged to find a place as beautiful as Carter County in the fall.
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?
Well I think first I would tell people to come with a good camera to capture some of the sights and beauty our area has to offer. Obviously I’d say go to the Covered Bridge. But beyond that the Blue Hole and Watauga Lake. I think
Is it the wonderful natural resources? How about the historic downtown district? Perhaps it’s the people who make up our community? Whatever the reason, we want to know why you love it here. Tell us why you love Carter County and you could be featured in an upcoming edition of Carter County Living. Just send us a message telling us why you love Carter County. You can reach us by email at news@elizabethton.com or you can mail it to 300 N. Sycamore Street, Elizabethton, TN 37643.
*STORY BY ANGELA CUTRER AND PHOTOS BY LARRY N. SOUDERS
Every restaurant, diner, café, bistro, cantina, cafeteria – whatever you want to call it – will offer an atmosphere, an ambiance, a feeling. A first impression might conjure up the thought of a casual place to bring the kids, a fun hole in the wall to toast the end of a workweek, an elegant white-napkin locale to take grandma for her birthday or perhaps a romantic spot to bring your amar on a special night to propose.
Any repeat visit with the
Fish Platter: Our large Pangasius filet can be Grilled, Blackened or hand-breaded and fried to order. Served with hushpuppies with your choice of two sides and bread of your choice.
Pork Chops: Hand-cut, boneless pork chops, Grilled, Blackened or hand-breaded in our kitchen and fried. Choose from either a five ounce or 10 ounce cut. With your choice of two sides and bread of your choice.
Buffalo Chicken Sandwich: Fried chicken breast, hand-breaded in-house and tossed in Frank’s Red Hot Sauce. You can add a slice of provolone ($0.75) and mild sauce is available on request.
same results cements your thoughts about that restaurant. But Milligan Café in Johnson City is different – really different.
Milligan Café is an eatery that offers things you can’t get anywhere else. Sure, it’s a casual place to hang out, a comfortable spot to meet up with friends, and even a place you and your beloved can use to get away to try out some really interesting menu options.
Either way, you’ll be in the right place. Milligan Café includes a chef who makes up his own recipes and a front-of-
house manager who offers free hugs. See? It’s the best of all worlds.
The owners want you to know they care so much about you as a diner that the phone can ring off the hook, but they won’t answer it until they’re done with making you feel comfortable. “If you took the time to come in, we take the time to give you our attention,” Chef John Colson said.
John and Heidi Colson, who now live in the Happy Valley community, have traveled to many different locations, bringing
their love of good food and good company in their wake. The last trip – from Asheville, N.C., to Johnson City – started as an informational visit in a search for a new setting. John kept his eye out for a suitable location, knowing that since food service takes a lot of effort, he and his wife wanted to live within a fivemile radius.
It was beneficial that John and Heidi Colson already survived owning several restaurants throughout their relationship. “It’s a lot of work,” John explained. “But I enjoy cooking and anyone
who meets Heidi can’t help but love her.”
That’s what welcomes diners at the Colsons’ Milligan Café. The couple’s effort is apparent and appreciated, and business is booming.
John is the creative chef who puts his soul on a plate, while Heidi nourishes diners’ souls to encourage complete contentment. And they both love their jobs.
“We’ve owned a lot of restaurants, and we figured that our style of cooking would be welcomed by this community,” John said. “There is a lot of college help around and the customers here are wonderful. We have enjoyed the process and the people we’ve met here.”
John relates that this region’s citizenry is the kind that appreciates a reassuring grandmother’s kitchen kind of experience. That’s why Milligan’s Café’s décor is filled with old signs, pictures from the past and other old-fashioned touches that bring a sense of “home” to the eating experience.
Everything at Milligan’s Café is made in-house, including the Hawaiian meatloaf, a local favorite. But it’s only one of about five meatloaf recipes John cooks. He’s also a wiz with omelets and biscuits and gravy – all made from scratch. “I’m very proud of my food,” he said. “We could make more money buying ready-made ingredients, but that’s not what we want. We want to enjoy the experience, too, and a small restaurant is something we can create and be proud of every day.” Other menu items include a totally unique chicken parmesan, freshly
cut beef tips and grilled pork chops, a Reuben sandwich that one local man claimed to be the second best (after, well, Reuben) in the country, potatoes made all kinds of ways with the 300 pounds of spuds the café uses in a week, and even one-of-a-kind hot dog offerings.
“We appreciate the small details and we know our customers do as well,” Heidi said with a laugh. “We focus on the whole experience. It’s an atmosphere of family and I give as many hugs as possible.”
John is from north-central Florida, while Heidi hails from
central Michigan. Yet here they are, in this little corner of the world.
They have thrown their nets wide, finding comfort where they may. Their restaurants have included a steakhouse, a biscuit house and a barbecue joint, to just name a few.
The types of food they offer is always reflective of the location. They find success because they make sure they are providing something the area will welcome. “Whatever an area needs, we think of what kind of experience to offer,” John said. “We go
into a location only if we feel we’d be a perfect fit. And this time we both wanted a grandmother’s kitchen – comfortable and welcoming, just like restaurants used to be.”
The menu has something for everyone; just be ready to experience food that’s not been near a mix. John makes his own mixes so he knows each and every ingredient present. He does that because he has found that many cooks hide behind the ingredients instead of celebrating the dish itself. Too many chefs use accent items as the main stars of dishes, John said.
That is why John makes his own pimento cheese, his hamburgers are hand patted, his Cajun shrimp and grits are the perfect temperature, the corned beef is roasted in house and the meats are grilled under John’s watch.
That doesn’t mean you can’t get chicken tenders (made from fresh chicken breast) or your usual order of fish (hand breaded with fresh flour, not from a mix, thank you very much). Even the shakers are of the sea salt variety because it’s the best. You’ll not find any “table salt” at Milligan’s Café.
“We offer a different experience,” Heidi said. The couple said they don’t hire employees based on a position; instead, they hire people themselves for their desire to not sell food, but sell experi -
ence. “Those are the kinds of place we go [to eat],” John explained. “When you have a great experience, you want to return.”
The couple both said that ensuring a positive ambiance is crucial to what they want for their business and the people it serves. “We want customers to feel like they are coming home,” they both said in unison. “We moved here on purpose. We chose this place over everywhere else.”
In the end, the Colsons hope their customers will be glad they did.
1 Bedroom. Stove, refrigerator, water, garbage pickup. Furnished. Mini-blinds. Call 423-735-8862
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)5424466
Hiring Cooks!!! Competitive pay, flexible schedules & growth opportunities. 828-898-4040 Contact Cindy or send resume to skifamily04@charter. net visit bannerelkcafe. com for more info and menu.
B&B HOME REPAIR & PRESSURE WASHING
•Carpentry •Plumbing
•Painting •Home Repair •Yard & Garage Cleanup •Dumping & Hauling
GIVE US A CALL, WE
DO IT ALL! ALL TYPES OF REPAIRS! 423-4400651 110 DONNA AVE ELIZABETHTON, TN 37643
•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 423431-8573
MISSING QUIZNOS SPONGMONKEY IN TENNESSEE!
Reward for any information regarding my Spongmonkey’s whereabouts. My Spongmonkey was last reported on a road trip to find the closest Quiznos; has been missing since Wednesday, October 32nd, when I temporarily stepped out of the house to watch the entire Lord of the Rings trilogy. It is a vulnerable and caring creature who has never hurt a fly, despite my best efforts. It only eats subs, so if you find it, please treat it well and take it to your closest Quiznos. I am offering a reward for any photos, sightings, or information regarding its whereabouts. Email QuiznosBob@gmail. com with any intel you may have.
HOME REPAIR & PRESSURE WASHING
•Carpentry •Water, heater, & faucet repair
•Plumbing
•Painting•Yard & Garage Cleanup
•Dumping & Hauling
GIVE US A CALL, WE DO IT ALL! ALL TYPES OF REPAIRS! 423-4400651 110 DONNA AVE ELIZABETHTON, TN 37643
C&J TREE AND LANDSCAPING FALL SPECIAL
•FREE ESTIMATES
•STUMP REMOVAL
•TREE REMOVAL • LEAF
REMOVAL
CHEAPEST PRICES
AROUND. NO JOB
TOO BIG, NO JOB TOO SMALL!!! GOD BLESS! 423-732-4545.
Comcare, Inc FT/PT Direct Support Staff
•Drug-Free Workplace
•Excellent benefit plan Requirements: •S.S Card•Tennessee DL •Vehicle Liability Insurance •HS
Diploma/GED No Calls, Apply-online: www. comcareinc.com EOE
Hiring Full-Time, Part-Time & PRN LPN’s •Low stress environment •Starting Pay of $20.00-$22.50 per hour based on experience •Excellent benefits •Nurse/ patient ratio of 1:2 or less
•Pre-employment drug screening & background check required Apply at:
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
NOW HIRING •Direct Support Professionals
•DSP’s Supported Living (Residential)
•DSP’s Job Coaches
These positions assist people with intellectual disabilities in multipl setting with supportive day to day care, explore meaningful interests, work and community integrated activities and community
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 •$14.00-$15.50 & up to start
•All Shifts Available •35-40+ hours per week •MondayFriday and Weekend shifts available •Full benefits, •Excellent time-off package
•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.dawnofhope. com Facebook: Dawn of Hope
Drivers Wanted: to take patients to doctors appointments (in company vehicle). Full-Time & Part-Time Monday-Friday Must pass drug test. Call 423312-6222
Hearth & Home Realty. Home Buying & Selling Made Easy. 423-543-2307 hearthnhomerealty. com Robert Delozier 423-737-0871
Hermitage Health Center currently has opening for Full Time and Part Time CNA’s. Shifts available are as follows Day Shift: 6:45a-3:00p Second Shift: 2:45p-11:00p To Apply Visit: hermitage healthcenter.com or call 423-543-2571 for more information and set up an interview. EOE/M/F/D/V
Hillview Home Services is currently searching for passionate team members for NonMedical In-Home Care opportunity. Please Apply at http://www. hillviewhealth center.com/careers or call Judy at 423-5420417.
BUYING JUNK VEHICLES!
Paying the best prices in the area! The Boneyard Salvage 423-791-1384
Price Less Foods In Mountain City, Erwin and Johnson City, TN NOW HIRING Full/PartTime Meat Manager & Cutters Apply in-store or on-line at: Houchens. com Phone: 423-7278905 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 in Spruce Pine, NC. Requirements: CDL Class A license, references, and clean driving record. Benefits: vacation pay, health, dental and vision insurance available. Contact 828765-1733
Industrial Hearing Conservation, Is seeking applications for an Audiometric Technician position. Applicants must possess a valid driver’s license and valid insurance. Applicant must pass a DOT physical and a drug screening test. Send resumes to
Industrial Hearing Conservation Services, Inc., 106 East Watauga Ave., Johnson City TN 37601 or email to ihcs@ eartech.com.
4250 Highway
19-E Elizabethton, TN 37643 $549,000
Interstate Motors includes road frontage with multi-purpose buildings 7 garages and one acre of land.
MLS: 9955499 LAYLA
C. WRIGHT REALTOR laylac.wright@gmail. com
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
Monthly Storage in Hampton •Inside & Outside •Located on Hwy •Cheap rates! •Camera security •Boat and camper storage available Call 423895-0351 for more information
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.
TRUCK DRIVER WANTED
Mineral City Transport (based in Spruce Pine, NC) is looking for OTR drivers to pull Liquid Hazmat trailers. We offer an excellent pay package of $0.70 cents per mile plus load and
unload pay. Company paid health insurance, life insurance, paid vacation after one year. Earn up to $100,000.00 annually. Requirements: 2 years of experience, No DWIs and a clean MVR.
For more information call 828-765-2424.
CURRENTLY HIRING
•Dietary Aides •Cooks
•CNAs •Housekeeping Aides, •LPNs and RNs. We offer Competitive Wages and Benefits. Call us today at (423)772-0161 to JOIN our TEAM!
Quillen Rehab Hospital Now Hiring
•Environmental Service Aide/Housekeeper-Fulltime w/benefits
-Day shift Apply on-line at: careers. encompasshealth.com
METRO — Busy families who do not have the time to spend an hour or more in the kitchen preparing weeknight dinners can turn to slow cookers to do the work for them. Slow cookers cook foods on a low temperature over several hours. Slow cookers do not require constant attention, making them ideal for people who want to prep meals before leaving the house and then return to a hot meal in the evening.
Many foods, from breakfasts to appetizers to desserts, can be prepared with slow cookers. But slow cookers are perhaps best suited for hearty meals, such as this recipe for “Creamy Ham ‘n’ Broccoli” from “Casseroles, Slow Cooker & Soups” (RDA Enthusiast Brands) by Taste of Home editors.
Serves 6-8
3 cups cubed, fully cooked ham
1 10-ounce package
frozen chopped broccoli, thawed
1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
1 jar processed cheese sauce
1 can sliced water chestnuts, drained
11⁄4 cups uncooked
instant rice
1 cup milk
1 celery rib, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
1⁄8 to 1⁄4 teaspoon pepper
1⁄2 teaspoon paprika
In a 3-quart slow cooker, combine the first 10 ingredients. Cover and cook on high for 2 to 3 hours, or until the rice is tender. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with paprika.
— Spaghetti has been enjoyed around the world for centuries.
While spaghetti is most often associated with Italy, pasta has deep ties to other Mediterranean nations like Greece, and several territories of the Middle East and Arabian Peninsula. In fact, centuries ago dry durable pasta was one of the main sources of nutrition for Arab traders, including those who landed in Sicily.
The flavor profile of spaghetti can change significantly depending on which ingredients are added. Cooks needn’t feel beholden to the standard “spaghetti and meatballs” recipe. “Spaghetti with Shrimp, Feta and Dill,” for example, may take its inspiration from Greek cooking. Enjoy this recipe, courtesy of “Real Simple Dinner Tonight: Done!” (Time Home Entertainment) from the editors of Real Simple.
Spaghetti with Shrimp, Feta and Dill
Serves 4
12 ounces spaghetti (3⁄4 box)
1⁄4 cup plus 1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound peeled and deveined large shrimp
Kosher salt and black pepper
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
3 ounces feta, crumbled (3⁄4 cup)
2 tablespoons coarsely
chopped fresh dill
Cook the pasta according to the package directions, drain and return it to the pot.
Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the shrimp with 1⁄2 teaspoon salt and
1⁄4 teaspoon pepper and cook, tossing occasionally, until opaque throughout, 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the lemon juice and zest. Add the shrimp mixture to the pasta, along with the feta, dill, the remaining 1⁄4 cup of oil, and 1⁄4 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Toss to combine.
METRO — Cooking at home enables anyone to customize ingredients and gain control of the foods they eat. Too often commercially processed items are contain ingredients that compromise consumers’ overall health. This recipe for “Lemon Poppy Seed Pound Cake” is made from pantry staples.
Whether baking alone or with the family, try this recipe, courtesy of “The Pampered Chef® Stoneware Inspirations” (The Pampered Chef®, Ltd).
Makes 1 cake or 6 mini pound cakes
11⁄2 cups all-purpose flour
11⁄2 cups granulated sugar
2 tablespoons lemon zest
2 tablespoons poppy seeds
1 teaspoon baking powder
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
3⁄4 cup (11⁄2 sticks) butter, softened (do not substitute margarine)
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
4 eggs
2 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon Pantry Double Strength Vanilla
Powdered sugar (optional)
1. Preheat oven to 325 F. Spray Stoneware Fluted Pan with nonstick cooking spray. Combine flour, granulated sugar, lemon zest, poppy seeds, baking powder, and salt in a stainless, two-quart mixing bowl; mix well. In a stainless four-quart mixing bowl, beat
butter and cream cheese on high speed of handheld mixer for 1 minute, or until blended (mixture will form a stiff paste).
2. In a small batter bowl, whisk eggs, milk and vanilla until blended. Add egg mixture to cream cheese mixture in four additions, beating 2 minutes after each addition. (Do not undermix).
3. Pour batter into pan. Bake 55 to 60 minutes or until cake tester inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool cake in pan 10 minutes. Loosen cake from sides of pan; carefully invert onto
a stackable cooking rack, keeping pan over cake. Cool completely.
4. Place cake on serving platter. Sprinkle with powdered sugar or prepare glaze, if desired.
For glaze: Combine 11⁄2 cups powdered sugar and enough lemon juice to make a thick frosting. Spread glaze over top of cake.
