East Tennesee's Mountain Views December 2022 Edition

Rock City Opens New Realm: HEART OF THE MOUNTAIN

Rock City is taking the Enchanted Garden of Lights to a whole new realm as the attraction continues to celebrate its 90th anniversary year with never-before-seen views, themes, and activities! Rock City Gardens is merrily anticipating the addition of a Christmas Market, an all-new realm and a seated dinner available nightly in Santa’s Workshop & Kitchen! Jolly adventures await guests as the 28th season of this beloved holiday tradition which began on Nov. 18, with over a million sparkling LED lights adorning Lookout Mountain through Jan. 1 (closed Christmas Eve). Rock City Gardens opens at 8:30 a.m. for the daytime experience, and the roundhouse gates and realms open at 4:30 p.m. for the Enchanted Garden of Lights nighttime event, with all activities beginning at 5 p.m.

“This year we are so excited to unveil a brand-new realm as part of the Enchanted Garden of Lights, named the Heart of the Mountain,” said Doug Chapin, president and CEO of See Rock City Inc. “This part of the Enchanted Trail from Fat Man’s Squeeze through the Hall of the Mountain King has never been open at night during this event before, and we cannot wait to share it with you! Over the past few years our team has worked to en hance this area, building on the lore of the Hall of the Mountain King to highlight the handiwork of the trolls who sculpt with stone, glass and metal to create an amazing experience for our guests.”

Over 90 years ago, Rock City opened its gates to the

public and began to share the magic and wonder that is an intrinsic part of its unique natural landscape. Co-founder Frieda Utermoehlen Carter brought together her love of fairytales and passion for nature to create pathways that celebrate the best of the natural world combined with the gems of timeless stories. Rock City’s newest artful instal lation reimagines the folklore and art that inspired Frieda as she helped create this magical space. As guests journey into the new Heart of the Mountain realm, Ibsen the sculpted troll offers safe passage, with glow steps, new waterfall features and the enhanced Rainbow Hall light ing the way to Observation Deck where for the first-time guests can get photos of the waterfall and Christmas star!

This innovative section is layered with both traditional and multi-colored creative lighting. Heart of the Mountain colorfully illuminates the natural beauty of an iconic attraction, paired with a whimsical world of gnomes, trolls and fairy tales - and new views for peak memory-making!

Start at the roundhouse gate entrance to journey down North Pole Highway to see the Nativity Light Story and visit the six uniquely themed realms: Heart of the Mountain, Magic Forest, Arctic Kingdom, North Pole Village, Yule Town

The Holiday Season Is Merrier & Brighter Than Ever Across East Tennessee In 2022

The holidays are here, and across Tennessee, destinations, both big and small, are ready to celebrate. From millions of twinkling lights to festive live music, from Dollywood to Graceland, the 2022 season is shaping up to be one the merriest and brightest in recent memory. Discover what’s happening this year during the holidays in East Tennessee.

Pigeon Forge

Pigeon Forge Winterfest (thru Feb. 19): During this annual citywide celebration, Pigeon Forge is draped in more than six million holiday lights, creating a winter wonderland for locals and guests alike to enjoy.

Courtesy tNVaCatioNs Com

Hatfield & McCoy Christmas Disaster Dinner Feud (thru Dec. 31): Join Pa Hatfield and Ma McCoy as they try to set aside their legendary differences in the spirit of the season during this side-split ting dinner theater experience.

Dollywood

Smoky Mountain Christmas (thru Jan. 1): Voted America’s Best Christmas Event for more than a decade, Smoky Mountain Christmas transforms Dolly Parton’s Dollywood into a shimmering holiday dreamscape with over 6 million dazzling lights. The new Dollywood Express Light Experience train ride is a unique way to see the lights as you snuggle up and marvel at the sights and sounds of the season. Don’t miss the Glacier Ridge Christmas Light Show set to symphonic music. And, weather permitting, the “Merry & Bright” fireworks set to music will fill the sky every Friday and Saturday night.

Gatlinburg

Your visit to the Great Smoky Mountains is made even more magical at Anakeesta’s

Enchanted Winter event. The park’s tradi tional decorations are more magical than ever. And, new this year, Astra Lumina brings the popular Enchanted Night Walk Series to Anakeesta, the first in the U.S. Immerse yourself in the lights, projections and sounds thru Dec. 23, 2022.

Chattanooga

Rock City’s Enchanted Garden of Lights (thru Jan. 1): Warm your heart during Rock City Gardens’ nighttime family tradition as you stroll through a magical Christmas lights experience, including the

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Courtesy seeroCkCity Com

Anakeesta

and Fairyland Caverns. Walk through one of the world’s tallest and one-of-a-kind Christmas trees with lights that “dance” to music in the Magic Forest. Watch icy borealis colors twinkle in the Arctic Kingdom. Stop by Café 7 in North Pole Village and warm up with holiday drinks like the house-made favorite hot cocoa, and delicious food offerings like loaded potato soup and three-cheese macaroni. Do some holiday shopping and try some German-themed eats and treats in the new Bavarian-style Christmas Market! From birdhous es, gnomes and ornaments to buy, and turkey legs and chili to try, this is sure to become a holiday favorite. Mrs. Claus is there too for story time and gingerbread cookies to decorate! In Yule Town visit Santa’s Workshop & Kitchen, for a seated meal available nightly and photos with St. Nick (through Dec. 23)! Fairyland Caverns is also open for those who do not want to pass up a chance to relive their childhood with storybook vignettes and fairytale charms.

Celebrate the wonder of Christmas and discover the enchantment of Rock City Gardens…in a whole new light! Tickets are only avail able online at www.seerockcity.com/lights and must be purchased in advance, except for annual passholders who may come at any time, even during sold-out timeslots (hint: now is a great time to give the gift of an experience - like annual passes to Rock City)! Visit www. seerockcity.com/lightsfaqs for more details on this event and follow Facebook for updates such as when tickets may sell out nightly.

Rock City Gardens is proud to continue partnering with Ronald McDonald House Charities, giving a portion of each ticket sold to benefit local families whose children are hospitalized. Over $270,000 has been donated from proceeds of this event in the last two

Rock City is one of the South’s most popular

of nature

Rock

Holidays in Tennesee

glowing Grand Corridor in Yule Town and twinkling icy lights in the Arctic Kingdom

Johnson City

Candy Land Christmas (thru Jan. 8): Named Top Christmas Tree Display in America by Fox News, this free, family-friendly event in downtown Johnson City offers more than 150 12-foot Christmas trees that span across two parks in the historic district. You can also cross off your holiday shopping list during Small Business Saturday on Nov. 26, featuring locally made goods and great deals.

Bristol

The Pinnacle Speedway In Lights at Bristol Motor Speedway (thru Jan. 7): The largest holiday light show in the region, Speedway In Lights is a four-mile trek through three million lights. Attendees also have the chance to take a lap around “The World’s Fastest HalfMile,” circling the famed concrete oval as part of their festive drive.

Jonesborough

Christmas in Olde Jonesborough (thru Dec. 18): A month-long holiday series held every Saturday between Thanksgiving and Christmas, Christmas in Olde Jonesborough offers a different theme each week. Pay a visit to Santa Claus, sing along with traditional carols, bring your four-legged friends for Doggone Christmas (Dec. 3) and much more. Claim your spot on the parade trail for the night time Jonesborough Christmas Parade (Dec. 10), which is filled with bands, church choirs, floats illuminated with Christmas lights and a live nativity scene.

decades. For more information on this organization and how to help, go to www.rmhchattanooga.com.

natural attractions. Known for its unique geological and botanical wonders, the enchanted 4,100-foot walking trail is a true marvel

featuring massive ancient rock formations, a waterfall that cascades down Lookout Mountain and a seven-state view.

City Gardens is located atop beautiful Lookout Mountain in North Georgia; approximately six miles from downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Pigeon Forge Winterfest

Christmas Angel

I’ve had my share of visits from “angels”: the 2 guys that appeared from nowhere to push my car to safety after I ran out of gas at the bottom of the freeway off ramp - the unseen one that prevented the huge out of control RV from crashing into my car (even though it was coming straight for me) which subsequently flipped over right behind me, - or the one that steered my car to safety when my brakes locked and my car spun out of control in heavy freeway traffic. Each visit left me feeling very small and grateful to God for His protection.

This one was a bit different.

In 1990, I took the week before Christmas off work so I could do all those fun Christmas things I never had time for – baking, making pres ents, etc. We lived in the San Francisco Bay Area at the time, and one of our cars was in the shop, so I needed to take Tim to the BART station so he could get to work one very foggy morning. On my way back, I stopped for breakfast at Burger King in Pinole just off of I-80. As I sat in my car eating my breakfast and listening to Christmas music, a car drove up and parked beside mine. A woman who appeared to be in her 70’s got out and approached my car; she was very upset and confused.

“Do you know where the hospital is?” she asked in a very shaky voice. She was trembling. Her husband was in the hospital, but she couldn’t find it. I explained that it was just on the other side of the freeway. As I watched her try to figure out what I was telling her, I realized that with as upset as she was – and with the fog – she would have a hard time.

“Why don’t you just follow me – I’ll lead you to the hospital,” I told

her. I drove a few hundred yards down Fitzgerald Drive, turned left onto Appian Way and headed over the freeway toward the hospital – making sure the woman was close behind every moment. The trip was barely more than a quarter of a mile.

I parked my car and the woman parked beside me.

“Thank you so much, I don’t know what I would have done without you,” she said. She was still upset and trem bling, so I asked her if she’d like me to go into the hospital and help her find her husband. She gratefully accepted.

She clung to my arm as we walked into the hospital. It took only a few minutes to find her husband, who was more than a little irritated that his wife had such a hard time finding the place. “She’s always getting lost,” he said while rolling his eyes.

I spoke with the woman and her crusty husband for a few minutes then said goodbye. The woman, who was a stranger to me 20 minutes earlier, gave me a long, huge hug and a tearful “thank you”. I did some thing that took very little of my time, but it meant the world to her. I was there when she needed help - when she was panic stricken.

It was such a simple thing.

That was probably my best Christmas ever. It didn’t matter what presents I got that year, nothing compared to that woman’s hug and her simple expression of gratitude. I felt very small and humble – to have been God’s instrument. For about twenty minutes, I got to be someone else’s angel and have been blessed by the experience for over 30 years. May you and yours have a truly magical Christmas and a very Happy New Year!

From all of us at East Tennessee’s Mountain Views

Tim & Kathy Rose, Tom & Judy Irmen, & Meredith Hancock

Making Your Money Last as Long as You Do

By yVoNNe marsh, CFP®, CPa

It’s been a tough year in the markets so far, and for new retirees it’s even more anxiety inducing. Is their nest egg going to last as long as they thought it would, knowing they need it to provide income for perhaps the next 25 or 30 years?

Whether you’re new to retirement or not, as you begin drawing on your investments, please be aware of a phenomenon called Negative Sequence of Returns Risk, or Negative Sequencing for short.

Why Negative Sequencing Can Put Your Retirement at Risk

In a nutshell, we know that market returns are quoted on an average. For example, “My IRA returned an average of 7%/year over the last three years.” But we also know that the average was earned as the market roller-coaster was in motion –some years returning more than 7%, some years less than 7%, but averaging out to 7% over that three-year period.

When you are building wealth as a pre-retiree, we really don’t care about that “sequence of returns” – some years up and some years down. The math shows that you end up with the same amount of money, no matter the sequence. But when you start withdrawing money, it does affect you. If you are withdrawing money in a down-mar ket cycle or a “negative sequence” very early in your retirement years, then the account is shrinking by BOTH the negative market return AND your needed withdrawals. And when that happens, your account balance won’t last as long in your retirement years, as the average rate of return would mislead ingly predict.

A person retiring during a negative mar ket cycle will be more likely to run out of money in their long lifetime than another person retiring during a positive market cycle. Their average return will be the same, but one will be broke and one will not. And the worst part is that you DON’T KNOW which market cycle you’re retiring into until you’ve retired!

Put

into Buckets

Investments

Your

The good news is that Investment Bucket segmenting is an effective way to mitigate the unknown Sequence of Returns Risk

that you’ll face. Here’s how you do it:

A NOW bucket has your bank accounts in it: safe, rainy-day money that everyone needs. No risk, but no reward either. That’s OK – gotta have it.

A SOON bucket has accounts that you’ll access for income in Phase 1 of retirement, roughly eight to 10 years. This may be a brokerage account and/or an IRA from which you’ll draw your RMD’s. These accounts are invested more conservatively to make their stock market ride a kiddie roller-coaster, with gentle ups and downs. This creates the income bridge to your LATER bucket.

A LATER bucket holds the rest of your accounts. These accounts are reserved for Phase 2 of retirement, roughly 10-plus years out. They can have a stronger growth orientation, and their stock market ride can be an adult-sized roller-coaster, knowing they have the magic word “time” to stay invested in the markets. Using the Rule of 72, LATER bucket accounts that earn an average of 7%/year will double every 10 years. So as these accounts grow, a por tion of them will be poured back into the SOON bucket to refill those conservative accounts as income withdrawals slowly deplete them.

This Investment Bucket strategy is re peatable over and over again, throughout your long-lived retirement years, and is designed to reward you with growth in the LATER bucket while giving you confidence and security in the SOON bucket. It’s an effective strategy for mitigating the unknown sequence risk while you relax and enjoy life. Call or visit our website to learn more.

Marsh Wealth Management, LLC Fiduciary Registered Investment Advisor 504 Ebenezer Road Knoxville, TN 37923 865-622-2162 www.marshwealth.com

on file with the SEC at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.

Following are just a few of the Special Features in this beautiful custom-built home:

• 2,109 sq. ft. of living area with a modern Craftsman style front elevation and a courtyard garage entrance.

• This beautiful home also includes a partially finished and conditioned lower level for storage and workshop area.

• Massive coffered ceiling throughout the main living area, a double tray ceiling in the master bedroom, tray ceiling in the dining room/office and beamed ceiling in bedrooms #2 and #3 add a sophisticated feeling of elegant volume.

• The spacious and functional kitchen design includes stone counters, upgraded, top-of-the-line “Kemper Echo” cabinets and premium Frigidaire Gallery appliances, including refrigerator.

• The master bath features an exotic, oversized custom-built curbless walk-in door-less shower with built-ins for soaps, shampoos and accessories, and a transom window supplies plenty of natural light.

• Huge “his” and “her” walk-in closets with deluxe shelving and drawer stacks.

• Custom gas fireplace with stone surround.

• Beautiful hardwood floors throughout the entire living area and master suite.

• Large laundry room is fully cabinetted.

• Dual fuel high-efficiency heat pump with propane back-up.

• The garage will have large windows and a “man door” and it will be completely finished, trimmed and painted and will include a utility sink and attic space.

• 10’ x 17’8” open grilling and sunning patio with gas valve for your grill.

• Enormous 10’x25’ screened

Imagine living on the fabulous golf course in Kahite in our newest, custom upscale model home…

Just a few of the Special Features of this Impressive Home:

• 2,386 sq. ft. of living area with a 944 sq. ft. 3-car garage or optional 1,324 sq. ft. 4-car garage.

• Outstanding curb appeal and impressive craftsman style architecture.

• Award winning designer floor plan that optimizes floor space (no wasted space in this home!)

• Every room is a practical and a functional size.

• The great room features a gas fireplace (select a “traditional” or stone surround.)

• All rooms will have unique ceilings. The office will have a tray, the master bedroom will have a double tray, the dining room will have a very dramatic reverse tray. Both bedrooms #2 and #3 will have unique beamed ceilings.

• As you enter through the front door, the spacious foyer features a very practical coat closet.

• The great room features a gas fireplace (still time to select a “traditional” or stone surround.)

• The elegant and functional kitchen design includes stone counters, upgraded top-of-the-line “Kemper Echo” cabinets, Frigidaire Gallery (or equivalent) appliances (refrigerator not included). *NOW! If you hurry – this is where you can make many custom upgrades.*

• The master bath features an exotic, oversized custom-built curb-less walk-in shower with seat and built-ins for soaps, shampoos and accessories and a large drying area with seat. A very large transom window supplies plenty of natural light.

• Bedrooms #2 and #3 share a “Jack and Jill” bath with an oversized garden tub/shower unit and large transom window.

• This home also features a conveniently located half bath.

• This home will have the largest laundry/drop zone we have ever built. *If you hurry, you can have a hand in designing and customizing this great space.* This area could include a large number of cabinets, a bench, a closet or even an area for a second refrigerator or a freezer.

• Hardwood floors are included in the main living areas and in the master bedroom. Tile will be in the baths and laundry.

• The large covered and screened deck and open grilling porch with gas valve provide an abundance of practical outdoor living space.

• The spacious office features a built-in bookcase.

• The garage will have a large window and a “man door” and it will be completely finished, trimmed and painted and will include a utility sink. The doors of this oversized garage will have 8 ft. high doors and they will have unique frosted glass door panels.

have

believeRX & believeRXtra –Equipping You to “Live Your Best Life”

Local pharmacist and entrepreneur, Ellen Phillips, operates a unique, client-centered concept in pharmaceutical care: believeRX, located at 9627 Countryside Center Lane near the intersection of Middlebrook Pike and Bob Kirby Road in Knoxville.

Ellen and her compassionate, caring team of highly trained pharmaceutical associates have a mission to provide traditional pharmacy services combined with a holistic approach to health and well-being. Now, with the addition of their newest pharmacist, Arlyn Cuccia, the care available at believeRX just got even better.

believeRX is a full-service traditional pharmacy where you can get all of your medications and supplements, as well as receive a personal approach to your health. Ellen and her staff believe there is more than one way to prevent or treat disease, and we offer alternative therapies such as Halotherapy (dry salt therapy for breathing conditions, skin and mental well-being), infrared heat sauna ses sions, peptides, and a large selection of high-quality supplements such as Terry Naturally products, and many more.

believeRX is very different from the “na tional chain” pharmacy you are used to. Believing it’s time to focus on patients, not just their prescribed medications, staff members even receive additional training to become Certified Health Coaches.

Ellen and her team strive to provide a custom-tailored experience for each cus tomer/patient by treating them as a whole individual and not just their specific ail ments or prescription medications. Their name says it all, “We Believe in You” and your goal for better health, well-being, and longevity.

In addition to believeRX, Ellen and her team of health-conscious professionals have created believeRXtra in the same location, offering fresh, healthy great tasting fresh juices, smoothies, and bowls, made with real ingredients and without any added sugar. They are sweetened with only natural sweeteners such as local honey or agave - and they taste fantastic!

Medical grade protein, Blender Bombs, YourSuper, CBD Oil, MCT oil, collagen, and many other options to help promote weight loss round out the offerings to help equip you to maintain good health, and

Meet Your New Pharmacist

Arlyn Cuccia joined believeRX as a pharmacist in April 2022 after working at Walgreens for the past 14 years. She brings over 22 years’ experience to this new role. Originally from the Memphis, TN area, she completed her Doctor of Pharmacy degree at the University of Mississippi.

Arlyn has always been passionate about her patients and improving their health. Along with managing their prescription medications, she has taken an interest in a more holistic approach, which is what brought her to believeRX. Arlyn recently obtained her Integrative Pharmacy Specialist Level 1 certificate and is currently working on completing Level 2. When not working, she enjoys spending time with her husband, two daughters, and their dog Biscuit.

break sugar addiction!

Remember the old-fashioned pharma cies of the 60’s? Like believeRX, they also featured personal, caring service and after-hours home delivery, when need ed. Some even had ice cream and soda fountains. Also, like believeRX, they were very different from many assembly-line medical pharmacies of today. Those phar macists knew their customers and treated them as individuals and friends. Going into a large, chain pharmacy, many feel treated like only a number. It is refresh ing and encouraging that believeRX still

believes in personal, caring, and holistic customer service.

To experience a friendly, caring phar macy that you might have thought no longer existed in today’s big box, assem bly-line pharmacy world, you are invited to visit believeRX or believeRXtra today!

believeRX/believeRXtra 9627 Countryside Center Lane Knoxville, TN 37931 865.214.6672 www.believeRXtra.com Monday - Friday 9 am to 6 pm, Saturday 9 am to 2 pm

Our agents have the expertise and unmatched experience in just about every situation you can imagine. From finding your dream home on the lake, or your forever home on the golf course, or the magical home with spectacular views of the mountains and an extra bedroom for the grandkids

For over 30 years we have been here in Tellico Village serving all of Loudon, Monroe, and Knox Counties. We are good at what we do. This is why we come to work every day - to make your life a little easier and help you Through the Transitions.

Family, friends, and a cozy home in which to enjoy them all. All of us at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Lakeside Realty wish you all of the above for the holiday season.

Wherever life takes you, we’ll help you get there.

Celebrate Christmas and Advent at First Baptist Church of Tellico Village

First Baptist Church of Tellico Village is pleased to invite the community of Tellico Village, as well as the surrounding communities, in joining us as we continue our celebration of Advent every Sunday morning in December at 9:00 and 10:30 with worship led by our Sanctuary Choir and Orchestra, and a message from God’s Word by our Interim Pastor, Charlie Campbell.

Christmas Eve is a special time of scripture, singing of carols and sharing communion. Worship concludes with a ser vice of candle lighting. There are two oppor tunities for you to worship with your family on December 24th, Christmas Eve at 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. There are no tickets required for this service.

On December 25th, Christmas Day, we will have one service only at 10:30 a.m. There will be no Bible study classes on Christmas Day.

For more information about worship opportunities at First Baptist Church of Tellico Village during the Advent and Christmas season, visit our website at www.fbctv.org, or call our church office at (865) 408-0110. First Baptist Church of Tellico Village is located at 205 Chota Road, Loudon, TN 37774.

PASTORAL SEARCH: We are now accepting applications for a new Lead Pastor for First Baptist Church of Tellico Village. For more information about our church, qualifications, and an application please visit our website at www.fbctv.org and click on the banner on our home page.

First Baptist Church Of Tellico Village 205 Chota Road, Loudon, TN 37774 (865) 408-0110 | www.fbctv.org

Appreciating the Beauty that Surrounds Us

By Pastor Phil ViCkers

Having only lived in Tennessee for a couple of months, I am still amazed every day at the natural beauty in this part of the country. I am from Mississippi originally but have not lived there in quite some time. Most of my ministry has been in Kansas. While the Kansas prairie has its own kind of natural beauty, I must admit a preference for these mountains where I now reside. The prairie always struck me as too flat, too lonely, and with too few surprises. I think my children are getting tired of me pointing out how beautiful the mountains and hills are, but they will get used to it.

It is sad when things of which we are initially in awe become so commonplace that we do not notice them. Even something which stops us in our tracks in wonder at first sight can dull in luster over time. The good news is that we can slow down and appreciate again those things, and that goes for the beauty of people as well as the beauty of nature. C.S. Lewis wrote about how even the most ordinary person you know is a wonder and full of possibility. There are no truly ordinary people he said. We forget this too often. We assign the people in our lives labels based on what they do for us: doctor, waitress, colleague. Perhaps even the titles wife and husband sometimes limit our appreciation for the rich individuality of those closest to us. They are more as people than how they relate to us. Perhaps one of the greatest gifts we can give each other this season is the gift of truly seeing each other, not just as a function or roll, but as the wonders which God has made us to be. That would be a gift not only to them, but to us as well. We can forget to look up at the mountains and appreciate them. Worse, we can forget to look each other in the eyes and appreciate the children of God all around us. But, when we remember, life gets a lot more beautiful.

Shepherd of the Lake Lutheran Church 143 Chota Center Loudon, TN 37774 865-816-4756 shepherdofthelaketn.org

December 4th

December 11th

CCHRISTMAS

From childhood to now, songs are at the heart of our Advent and Christmas celebrations. But how often do we sing these joyous refrains of the Christ child without really knowing what we are celebrating? Join us this Christmas season as we dive deeper and sing Songs for a Savior!

9am & 10:30am 9am & 10:30am

December 11th 7pm

December 12th 4pm & 7pm

December 15th

December 18th December 24th

December 25th January 1st

Songs for a Savior: The Angels’ Song Songs for a Savior: Mary’s Song

Community Church Christmas Program

Community Church Christmas Program 6pm Service of Hope and Remembrance Songs for a Savior: John’s Song

9am & 10:30am 4:30pm & 7pm 10:30am 10:30am

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service

Songs for a Savior: Simeon’s Song Songs for a Savior: Our Song

these American Legion Post 256 members and others par ticipating in

at a local business near you. The money collected will support the efforts on 17 December, National Wreaths Across America Day, an organization called the same has a mission to Remember, Honor and Teach by coordinating Veteran wreath-laying ceremonies at the Knoxville National Cemetery, Arlington National Cemetery, as well as more than 3,400 additional locations in all 50 U.S. states, at sea and abroad. The American Legion appreciates those local Patriots who donated; and because of your support a wreath will be placed on a Veteran’s gravesite. For more information about the American Legion visit: www.TellicoLakePost256.org.

American Legion Post 256 Donating to Support Veterans

Having similar missions to help Veterans: American Legion Post 256: To enhance the well-being of America’s veterans, their families, our military, and our communities by our devotion to mutual helpfulness.

- And -

Smoky Mountain Service Dogs organization: To en hance the physical and psychological quality of life for wounded Veterans by providing custom-trained mobility assistance service dogs (at no cost to the Veteran).

Post 256 recently made a donation to help with the continuing quality and proper training of service dogs that will improve the quality of life for

physically and psychologically wounded Veterans. For more information about

go to: www.TellicoLakePost256.org and for more informa tion about

www.smokymountainservicedogs.org.

many

the American Legion

the service dogs for Veterans

American Legion Post 256 Members Supporting Veterans (LtoR) Bruce Blodgett, Linda Ullom, Frank Pinto, Bob Ullom

(LtoR) Steve Buelow, Com mander of Post 256; Suzy Kitchens, Smoky Mountain Service Dogs Chairman Emer itus; Stan Stosiak, Finance Officer Post 256.

Your Experience

present a design plan built just for you and your needs and show you a 3D-rendered plan of what your future home will look like.

» Professional Installation: We handle it all. After measurements are taken and your products are hand-crafted, your Installer comes to your home and installs everything for you in one day.

Schedule Your Free Design Consultation Today! One of our talented ShelfGenie Designers will come to your home and create a design plan, customized just for you – no obligation required. ShelfGenie® 865-270-5465 www.shelfgenie.com

lease help us with our fundraising efforts for the Upcoming Christmas Season. On December 14 and 15, please purchase your favorite retail items and all the proceeds from the retail sales will be donated to The Salvation Army Angel Tree Program.

Please help us provide the mag ic of Christmas for thousands of underprivileged Children and Seniors while we enjoy the gift of giving.

Thanks for supporting our Salon Family for another wonderful year and let’s help make Christmas even more special this year.

Merry Christmas, Brian K Whitehead

The holiday season is in full swing as party invitations arrive and plans with family and friends are finalized for this special time of year. Whether you’re shopping for the perfect gift or something special just for yourself, we are here to help you select all the perfect pieces!

If you are considering women’s apparel as a gift, re member how difficult and sometimes frustrating shopping can be. You’re sure you’ve chosen the perfect gift, only to discover that it’s not even the right size. How disappointing when you wanted to please her!

This is where Santa’s helpers at The Lily Pad come in! We’ll ask questions relating to hair color, eye color, approx imate height and weight, and lifestyle so we can assist you in selecting the perfect items. Unfortunately, there’s no uni versal sizing code in women’s apparel, so we may suggest a size 6 from one company and a size 10 from another, basing our suggestions on how each garment is fitting. Our sales

aving first begun her search for a new family dentist online, Vicki Ailey found Heritage Family Dentistry.

“They had all five-star reviews,” she said. “Heritage Family Dentistry is a wonderful practice. I have major ‘dental anxiety,’ and they always put me at ease. They treat you like family. Dr. Bradshaw and his team are very gentle and make sure you are comfortable throughout your entire procedure.”

Vicki’s first procedure was a dental implant. Dental implants are fast becoming the preferred treatment option for patients with missing teeth. Most patients can’t tell the difference between dental implants and their natural teeth. And, more importantly, dental implants continue to promote healthy bone density in the jaw. In the absence of natural teeth or dental implants, bone density can deteriorate, often creating a sunken or premature aging appearance.

“Dr. Bradshaw is also very informative,” said Vicki. “He takes the necessary time to explain everything in detail and always makes certain that you fully understand the recommended treatment plan and procedure.

“Heritage Family Dentistry is the best dental office I have been to. I have moved often and have seen at least 10 dentists. I would absolutely recommend them to others. They are the best dentistry team I’ve ever experienced.”

Patients at Heritage Family Dentistry can further relax with warm neck wraps and their choice of soothing music or nature television.

The

A Gift Certificate to Lily Pad

associates are knowledgeable about each line, how they’re sized, the care involved in cleaning, fabric contents, and general information about all the lines we represent.

If you aren’t comfortable selecting clothing, a Lily Pad gift certificate is a wonderful gift that every woman will appreciate! That way she can choose the pieces she really

wants. And, best of all, with each $100 gift certificate purchased before Christmas, you’ll be entered to win a $500 gift certificate! This drawing will take place on December 26th.

During this holiday season more than ever, our thoughts turn gratefully to those who have made our success possible. In this spirit we simply, but sincerely, thank you and our wishes for a joyous holiday season!

The Lily Pad Boutique 209 N. Main Street Sweetwater, TN 37874 423-337-5537

www.lilypadboutiqueonline.com Mon-Sat: 10am-5:30pm

@shopthelilypad

East Tennessee Wildlife

Photographing the beauty of Tennessee, and the wildlife who call it home.

By Kalley CooK

Bobcat

This time of year, you might be hearing “screams” during the night. These screams can sound like a human hollering and can send chills down your spine - if you don’t know what it is. If you have red fox es around your yard, then you are probably used to this sound, but given the time of year it might not be a red fox, but rather a bobcat. Yup, bobcat mating season is here, and they scream just like foxes. At this time, your chances of seeing these elusive animals increases while they are out looking for mates. Most believe bobcats are deep wooded animals; they can be, but most people don’t even realize they are closer to home than we think. I often see them in neighborhoods, industrial parks, golf courses, and even at gas stations. People often get a little scared if they know one these cats is around, but I’ve been eye to eye with these beautiful animals but felt no threat; bobcat attacks are so rare. The bobcat knows how to outsmart us humans and knows how to stay unseen even at these busy places. Most of my encounters usually go without ever getting a photo; they take off immediately if they have been spotted. Always expect the unexpected when it comes to animals, and this is why my camera goes with me in my car, even if I am just driving to the bank. I wish I had more images for this article, but they don’t make it easy!

Contact: Kalleybcook@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/kalleycookphotography https://kalleycook.smugmug.com

Alert Bobcat - I came across this bobcat in an industrial park walking a trail on a cold frosty morning; they always seem to be out on a really cold morning. I was sitting in my car quite far from it, and yet it could still sense my presence; they have excellent hearing and smell. It briefly looked back at me and then continued on its way. I was able to photograph that “bobbed tail” which range from 4 to 7 inches in length and is also how they get their name. Male bobcats will overlap territories whereas the females will not share with any other female. So, it’s possible the three I saw this morning were all males, or two males and one female. This was the most I have ever seen in one trip, but I was still only able to get just a few photos of only this one!

Bobcat on the Prowl - What an encounter this was and my best one yet with a bobcat! The whole encounter maybe lasted 2 minutes, and it was over. I was just sitting on a trail waiting on an owl when this bobcat unexpectedly came around the corner. While bobcats are twice the size of a domestic cat, at first glance I just thought I was seeing a cat until I realized I was actually 15 feet from a bobcat! It paused. I paused, and got only a few photos in before it was gone. You can notice those black ear tufts which are known to improve their hearing and the beautiful markings bobcats have which helps them blend in.

Hunting Bobcat - How I managed to see this bobcat is a surprise. It blended in perfectly with the terrain; the main reason we rarely see them. It was just quietly sitting on the edge of a field hunting. Bobcats typically go after small mammals, such as mice, birds, rabbits, squirrels, etc. They can leap up to ten feet in the air, pounce on and eliminate their prey in one bite. Unlike domestic cats, bobcats are excellent swimmers and will occasionally go after fish.

c c e s s o r i e s , o n e o f m y f a v o r i t e w a y s t o a d d c h a r a c t e r t o a s p a c e i s t o c r e a t e " l i t t l e m o m e n t s " a n a r e a w h e r e t h e a c c e s s o r i e s p l a y o f f o f e a c h o t h e r i n a w a y t h a t i n s p i r e s a s t o r y o r e m o t i o n O n e e x a m p l e m i g h t b e a t e a c u p o n t o p o f b o o k s w i t h a l a m p a n d a t h r o w b l a n k e t a c r o s s t h e c h a i r A n o t h e r c a n b e s e e n i n t h e p i c t u r e a b o v e , w i t h a p a i r o f s l i p p e r s , a f a u x f u r b l a n k e t , a n d t h e b o t t l e o f c h a m p a g n e w i t h g l a s s e s o n a t r a y D u r i n g t h e h o l i d a y s , I l o v e c r e a t i n g a n d e n j o y i n g t h e s e " l i t t l e m o m e n t s " e v e n m o r e t h e a r o m a s o f s p i c e a n d v a n i l l a i n m y t e a , a d d i n g t h e e x t r a l a y e r s o f b l a n k e t s a n d p i l l o w s t o m y w i n t e r b e d d i n g , a n d l o o k i n g f o r w a r d t o t i m e w i t h f a m i l y a n d f r i e n d s I t ' s i n t h e s e " l i t t l e m o m e n t s " t h a t I r e f l e c t o n e v e r y t h i n g t h a t h a s h a p p e n e d t h i s y e a r I a m a m a z e d a t a l l t h e b l e s s i n g s I ' v e h a d i n m y b u s i n e s s a n d f a m i l y l i f e I ' m g r a t e f u l f o r a l l o f o u r w o n d e r f u l c l i e n t s , o u r b u s i n e s s r e l a t i o n s h i p s , o u r c o n t i n u e d h e a l t h , o u r s u c c e s s e s , a n d s o m u c h m o r e A s w e m o v e i n t o o u r t h i r t e e n t h y e a r i n b u s i n e s s i n 2 0 2 3 , I t h i n k a b o u t a l l o f t h e h o m e s w e ' v e b e e n a b l e t o h e l p d e s i g n o v e r t h e y e a r s I t i n s p i r e s m e t o c o n t i n u e h e l p i n g f a m i l i e s l o v e t h e i r h o m e s W i t h d e s i g n s y o u c a n t r u s t , o u r c l i e n t s l i v e c o m f o r t a b l y i n t h e i r h o m e s t o g e t h e r , s h a r i n g a n d c r e a t i n g t h e i r o w n " l i t t l e m o m e n t s " H a p p y H o l i d a y s e v e r y o n e ! M a y 2 0 2 3 b e f u l l o f " l i

The Elf on the Shelf® is a cherished Christmas tradition celebrated in households around the world. This November, for a seventh straight year, Santa sent some of these magical Scout Elves from the North Pole to Knoxville, Tennessee to be adopted by over two dozen downtown Knoxville businesses. Families are invited to explore downtown and find where these little Scout Elves have landed each night for a fun-filled holiday scavenger hunt.

The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition is a magical story about how Santa’s Scout Elves help him manage his naughty and nice lists. Once a Scout Elf is adopted and named, the elf receives its Christ mas magic and can fly to the North Pole each night to tell Santa about the day’s ad ventures. Each morning the Scout Elf returns to its fami ly and perches in a different place to watch the festive fun, creating a unique fam ily moment. Children love to race around the house and see where their Scout Elf has landed.

The number one best-sell ing book, which comes in a keepsake box set with one of Santa’s Scout Elves, was writ ten by mother-daughter duo Carol Aebersold and Chanda Bell. Aebersold, a graduate of the University of Tennessee Knoxville, is delighted that Knoxville will once again host the country’s original community wide The Elf on the Shelf® scavenger hunt. “We’re looking forward to The Elf on the Shelf Adven ture adding to the magic of the season and helping create fun family memories in Down town Knoxville,” she said.

Scout Elves landed in Knoxville beginning the scavenger hunt on Friday, November 25. Children of all ages are invited to pick up a North Pole Pass at Mast General Store or Vis it Knoxville to help guide them through the adven ture. A downloadable ver sion will also be available at downtownknoxville.org/ elf. As a special treat, Santa has granted permission for these Knoxville Scout Elves to remain in Knoxville until Sunday, January 8.

The 2022 event is again sponsored by Mast General Store (the Downtown Knox ville Santa-Approved Scout Elf Adoption Center), the Downtown Knoxville Al liance and Visit Knoxville. The scavenger hunt is part of a jam-packed, season-long, holiday schedule of events in Downtown Knoxville. Information about the scav enger hunt can be found at downtownknoxville.org/elf.

Information about all that’s happening in Downtown Knoxville this holiday sea son can be found at down townknoxville.org/holiday. City-wide holiday events can be found at visitknox ville.com/events/christmas/. For more information about The Elf on the Shelf®, visit elfontheshelf.com.

By Jim Fairweather owner/lPl FinanCial adviser Fairweather FinanCial

It’s no secret the last couple years have seen a fair share of unexpected ups and downs, and this year is no exception. Last Christmas, many of us won dered if our presents would reach their places beneath the Christmas tree in time, or if they’d remain stuck on ships at anchor in our ports during the height of the supply-chain crisis. Unfortunately that question still isn’t entirely absent this year either, and with the cost of living going up, many of us may find it neces sary to tighten our belts, even during this year’s holidays.

Jim Fairweather Owner/LPL Financial Advisor

and food prices, and polit ical uncertainty in our day to day lives. With so many variables out of our control, it can be easy to give up on on even the best-laid finan cial plan. However, staying true to your commitments, even if your plans require adjusting and tweaking to manage each new wave of difficulty, is a far better strategy than the inadvisable approach of doing nothing.

Parents and grandparents both revel in the holiday experience as families gather for traditional holiday meals, catching up on months past, and our all-time favorite: watching the children tear open their gifts in just minutes that took hours to wrap. Treasuring these holidays creates all new family mem ories that will last a lifetime, for par ents and children, spouses and siblings alike. But don’t ignore your year-end financial planning responsibilities that will secure your family’s future and your retirement goals.

At the end of the day, how many gifts populate the Christmas tree skirt this par ticular year won’t be what sticks in our memories, but rather, how well we pre pared our families for times both good and bad. We’ve all felt the impact of new tax proposals, rising inflation, rising gas

At Fairweather Financial, we are de termined to help you make this year the best and most memorable Christmas season ever. We encourage you to take a close look at what’s under your tree this Christmas, not focusing on the gifts that might not arrive on time, but rather on offering your family the gift of se curity: a well thought through and pro fessionally-implemented financial plan that will secure your family’s Christ mases in the years to come.

Getting started is simple. Just call us today at 423-337-6565 to set up your private, at no cost or obligation consul tation. We’re ready to guide you through the steps toward the best Christmas gift you can offer your loved ones this year. It’s time to make this season one you’ll treasure in the years to come.

Fairweather Financial 107 West North St. Sweetwater, TN 37874 423-337-6565

www.fairweatherfinancial.com

Disclosure: Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial a registered investment advisor, member FINRA/SIPC.

Wishing You and Your Family a Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

Jim Fairweather Amber Fairweather Pam White

Let us help you to secure your family's future and your retirement dreams with a comprehensive financial plan.

107 West North St., Sweetwater, TN 37874, 423-337-6565

@FairweatherFinancial | www.fairweatherfinancial.com

Securities offered through LPL Financial FINRA/SIPC

LUXURY VINYL PLANK FLOORING

For the Look and Feel of Genuine Hardwood or Stone

By riCK Kleveno owner – Country CarPet & Flooring / CaBinets

In my over four decades of experience in the carpeting, tile and hardwood floor ing industries, I have observed firsthand the ongoing evolution in the residential and commercial flooring products marketplace. I have seen some truly innovative new prod ucts introduced. But, the one product that really stands out in my mind is Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring or LVP.

This posh Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring is one of the most sought after interior features by both homeowners and designers today. Available in both wood and stone finish es, these surfaces offer unparalleled beau ty, versatility, longevity and resale appeal. And you can now install LVP Flooring in any room of your home or business, below grade, in kitchens and baths, there’s no lim itation. Virtually indistinguishable from their genuine hardwood or stone cousins, Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring offers authentic wood and stone surfaces rich in texture, grain and contour, and in all the colors, tones and hues imaginable, just as nature intended.

If you’re contemplating a single room or an entire home update or remodel, I would like to personally invite you to visit our showroom located 3107 High way 411 in Madisonville, across from Se quoyah High School.

Let us show you the virtually unlimited selection of Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring and explain their many advantages over traditional wood floors. LVP Flooring won’t warp or stain, is waterproof and highly resistant to scratching. We can help you to create that classic look of traditional hardwood and stone flooring for less mon ey and maintenance.

And while you’re visiting, be sure to ask about our semi-custom, solid wood, kitch en and bath cabinetry lines. Discover how to achieve that showcase look for far less then you might have imagined.

Country Carpet & Flooring / Cabinets

3107 Highway 411

(Across from Sequoyah High School) Madisonville, TN 37354 423-442-8860 countrycarpet@bellsouth.net www.country-carpet-and-flooring.com

Once upon a time, you wouldn’t think twice about perching on a stool to reach those high kitchen shelves or crouching in your bathroom to grasp an item under your sink. Today, it’s a different story. If you have mobility issues, you may be using those storage areas less and less. You love your home and aren’t ready to downsize. Now, you don’t have to. Get your cabinets back, and more, with the space experts at Shelf Help!

Celebrating five years in business, Shelf Help specializes in sturdy and attractive custom roll-out shelving and orga nizers for your kitchen, bath, and pantry. We’re your neigh bors in Knoxville - not a franchise, but locally owned and operated. Because we’re a small business, our customers

save 50% or more when compared to national brands. Best of all, everything we do is custom tailored to you.

In the Kitchen…

Whether you have limitations in movement or are sim ply “vertically challenged,” pull-down units will provide effortless access to those hard-to-reach upper shelves in your kitchen cabinets. For help managing heavy pots, pans, and skillets, a soft-close pot and lid organizer pullout can be installed in lower cabinetry for clutter-free and easy-to-handle storage. And you no longer have to strain your eyes to see into those deep corner cabinets - we have a variety of solutions like a lazy susan, pull-out shelf, or corner half-moon shelf.

TN

In the Bath…

Stop stooping in your bathroom to retrieve grooming products by installing a Salon Station with roll-out orga nizers for brushes, blowdryers, and other supplies. Or, try a powered vanity drawer that stores your plugged-in electric grooming appliances with an automatic shut-off switch when the drawer is closed. Under the sink, recover unused space around the plumbing with custom roll-out shelving, and try a removable basket to hold cleaning products.

In the Pantry…

From pull-outs to swing-outs, maximize your pan try with convenient rolling shelves that will store your canned items, dry goods, paper products and more. No matter the size of your pantry, you’ll be shocked at the amount of space you’ll gain after installing custom shelving. And pre pare to do away with cum bersome, door-mounted storage racks - you won’t need them!

Make your day-to-day living comfortable and your house fully usable with Shelf Help cus tom-designed roll-out shelves for your kitchen, pantry, or bath. Call us today for your free, no-ob ligation, in-home consul tation. Our experienced design consultants will evaluate, design, and mea sure according to your life style and unique needs, and our professional installers will provide thorough and competent service with a smile. Make it easy on yourself - call us for a free consultation today!

Shelf Help 865.675.5098

ShelfHelpTN.com

Come

meet multiple well ness practitioners and provid ers from

local community. Browse

tables and booths. Learn about various holistic type therapies. Experience mini sessions, sample products and ask questions. Find hol iday gifts for others and yourself. Pur chase gift certificates, buy a product or schedule a session with a local practi tioner or provider.

Best of all, you get 5 tickets to enter to win door prizes that our practitioners and providers have donated. You get to choose which door prize you would like to have a chance to win. If 5 tick ets are not enough, you can purchase more. NOTE: The drawing will be at 8:15 pm. You must be in attendance to claim your prize.

Here are some of the practitioners and providers that will be there:

PROVIDER,

BUSINESS - PRACTICE

Charles West, LMT, Massage WorksKinesiologist and Manual Therapist

Linda Battani, Wellness DirectionsStem Cell Activation

Linda Clinger, LoveSong Reiki - Reiki and Tuning Fork Sound Therapy

Kerry Brown, Strong Roots ResourcesSmall Scale Food Production

Location: The Patriot Church is located just off from Hwy 321, 270 Hickman Street

CHEO of Greater Knoxville Area, is a non-profit educational organization whose purpose is offering education about alternative, natural and comple mentary health modalities. We provide information so the public can easily ac cess information about local alternative healthcare providers and services.

For more information, check the CHEO website www.cheoknox.org or call Diane Minch at 423 884 6031.

In the Garden December

By lisa grugin

This month I am going to focus on holiday plants, but first let’s talk a bit about landscaping:

» You can still plant trees and shrubs. Our soil seldom freezes, so most root growth happens during the fall and winter. Another advantage is that landscapers are generally less busy, so you might get a faster response.

» If you haven’t mulched lately, consider adding enough for about 3”. This will keep the soil temperature and moisture levels stable. Natural materials are best.

» Evaluate your landscape after the leaves fall. Is it boring? Do you need to add plants for visual interest in the winter?

» Keep weeding! It is amazing how quickly weeds can take over your yard.

» Now let’s talk about seasonal plant care: Christmas Cactus

The Christmas cactus and its cousins are very low maintenance, but there are a few tricks to growing them:

» They are tropical cactus, not desert cactus. They don’t like hot afternoon sun and do not like to get bone dry. They do like lots of light, however, and won’t bloom well if kept in too dark a spot.

» The bloom cycle is triggered by cool temperatures and longer periods of

darkness. Keep them away from heat sources, and give them 13 hours of darkness per day.

» Don’t overwater. Every couple of weeks is fine for most homes.

Once the blooms have finished, let them rest for a bit by withholding water for 4-5 weeks. When you see new growth, it is time to resume regular watering. If the plant has been in the same pot for more than 3-4 years or if it is very crowded, you will need to up-pot. Don’t worry if you accidentally break some pieces off because they are easy to propagate. Call us if you need instructions.

Cut Christmas Trees and Greenery

The tree shortage from last year has lessened, but there are still problems getting larger specimens. They don’t grow overnight you know!

Our trees and greenery are now available. We will do a fresh cut on your tree, but you need to get it in water within 20-30 minutes or the cut will re-seal. If that happens, do another cut when you get it home. Use a tree stand that holds at least a gallon of water and keep it full. Once a tree dries out, the cut seals and it will no longer “drink.”

As for wreaths and garland, they will do best if they are sprayed with an antitranspirant or regularly misted with water.

9885 Highway 11E, Lenoir City, TN 37772 www.meadowviewgreenhouse.com 865-986-7229 ALL POINSETTIAS ARE GROWN ON OUR FAMILY FARM

They are also happiest if they get some shade from hot afternoon sun.

Poinsettia

I would love to kick the person who decided a tropical flower would be a great plant for Christmas. If you want to keep a poinsettia alive, follow these guidelines:

Always buy from a greenhouse or garden center. The box stores and groceries simply do not have the experience to handle a poinsettia.

Don’t purchase a plant that is already in a plastic sleeve. This camouflages damage and creates a fungal breeding ground. The plant should be placed in a sleeve for transportation, but remove the sleeve when you get home by cutting it off or pulling it from the bottom. Please don’t pull it over the top like you are taking off a t-shirt!

Don’t expose the poinsettia to cold temperatures. Anything below 50 will damage it. Freezing temperatures will kill it in less than a minute.

The bracts are very fragile because of their size. Put them where they will not be bumped or brushed against.

The poinsettia is mildly toxic. Some people (and animals) may have a reaction to the sap, so keep plants away

from pets and children.

» Water when the soil feels dry. I find it easiest to take it out of the wrap and put it in the sink to water it. After it drains, put it back in the wrap. They are prone to root rot, so don’t let them sit in water.

Amaryllis, Cyclamen, and other plants marketed at Christmas have specific growing needs. Some of them will live yearround, some prefer to go outside, and some will go dormant after they flower. Please give us a call if you have any questions!

Remember, we are here all winter long to answer questions and help plan for spring. We will be closed Sundays and Mondays in January and February, but you can always call or email.

From all of us at Meadow View, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Happy New Year. If you celebrate another holiday, we hope it is wonderful, too! Thank you for your loyalty. We really do have the greatest customers ever.

Meadow View Greenhouses & Garden Center

9885 Highway 11E Lenoir City, TN 37772 865.986.7229

EXPAND YOUR OUTDOOR LIVING SPACE WE WE

WITH AN UNDERDECK CEILING

INVENTED IT. WE PATENTED IT. STAND

Visit us for Your Holiday Decorations! Ladies’ Night Out November 18 • 6-8 PM Vendors, wine, finger foods! Shop our garden gifts and décor sale! Christmas trees and poinsettias available for purchase 423-267-0091 | UndercoverSystems.com SEE MORE INCREDIBLE TRANSFORMATIONS!

Create a Dry, Useable, and Beautiful Area Under Your Deck FINANCING AVAILABLE

WHY USE UNDERCOVER SYSTEMS? WHY USE UNDERCOVER SYSTEMS? PROUDLY MADE IN THE USA AND BACKED BY A TRUE LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY

While most of your family events will be moving back indoors for the winter season, why not surprise your family this holiday season with a special gift that will ensure a future of unlimited out-of-door events? Winter is the perfect time to install a totally

unique underdeck ceiling system under your home’s existing raised decks. This underdecking system will ensure that future family events will be protected from unexpected and unwanted rain and next year’s searing summertime sun.

“This is the perfect time to weatherproof all of your future out-of-door events,” said Jim Conn, owner of Undercover Systems. “Throughout the entire process, our skilled craftsmen work with you, each step of the way, until your project is completed. Because your project will be completed this winter, you can begin enjoying your new outdoor living spaces at the first sign of spring.”

Undercover’s patented system also helps extend your outdoor season of enjoyment by protecting you from early spring showers, July and August’s relentless sun, and autumn rains.

You’ll also appreciate Undercover Systems’ attention to detail, which comes from years of experience, as they help you craft a seamless transition from your home’s interi or to your new out-of-door living spaces, which will perfectly complement your existing architecture and landscaping plan. Homeowners also appreciate the fact that Undercover Systems does not use those generic, off-the-shelf components used by the competition. Every system they install is customized to perfectly fit your home.

A complaint-free member of the Better Business Bureau, Undercover Systems offers homeowners the peace of mind that they deserve in a building contractor.

Why not surprise your family this holiday season with the gift of unlimited and memo rable out-of-door activities for the New Year? Call Jim Conn at 423-267-0091 today and let the memories begin.

Undercover Systems 423-267-0091 www.UndercoverSystems.com The Perfect Holiday Gift for the Entire Family Unlimited Out-of-Door and Fun-Filled Family Activities

Closet Organization

Reach-in closets get a bad reputation for how inef fective they can be for storing clothing. From one-rodand-shelf closets to sliding doors that block accessibility, they are often not very efficient.

Fortunately reach-in closets

can be transformed with design solutions to maximize every inch of available space for how you want to use your closet. Are hanging clothes a preference? Do you like everything neatly folded? Elements like hanging rods, adjustable shelves, custom

drawer sizes, and shoe racks, and closet accessories combine to create the perfect system for you to manage every part of your wardrobe.

Double your Hanging Space

With designated hanging space for long and short items, you can fit more in your closet in less space. Multiple hang ing rods create one section for long items like dresses, with other tiered rods that stack two up for hanging shorter items like blouses, jackets, and pants on fold over pants hangers.

Restore Order with Drawers

Drawers in a small closet are your secret weapon to organiz ing items that otherwise would turn into clutter. Drawers can store whatever you don’t want on display, things that are small and easily misplaced. A jew elry drawer can also be added. Full-extension wire baskets, which are like drawers, but you can see what is stored in them, are great for children’s closets so they can see their stuff.

Add Versatile Shelving

Adjustable shelves will hold stacks of folded clothes, shoes, purses, and hats. They are effi cient for keeping favorites items front and center in your closet.

Multiple shelves can accommo date all the folded elements of a wardrobe and keep everything on display and quickly accessi ble. Since the shelves are easily adjusted, you can move them to fit what you are storing in either tall or short stacks.

Doors or No Doors

Who says a closet has to have a door? In some circum stances, removing the door for an open view may enhance ac cessibility, as well as create a modern, minimalist look. Oth er options instead of a door could be a fabric curtain on a decorative rod, a barn door that slides to cover the open ing, or pocket doors that re tract into the wall.

With The Tailored Closet you can have your picture-per fect reach-in closet with effi cient storage solutions as well as a custom style, so it coor dinates beautifully with your home and your budget.

ONE WORD

By Connie Ferraro telliCo hearing solutions

“—Thank you, Honey!”

Reading this exchange, you may be wondering just what Mary heard. For her part, it never occurred to her to give the exchange a second thought that is until she came home to find the ornaments still in the attic and realized how similar can and can’t can sound in day-to-day conversation. While in this case it only caused a moment’s confusion between spouses, there are so many other instances where one misheard word can have real consequences

For example, here we have this unfortunate exchange: “Sweetie, does this dress make me look fat?”

“It totally does(n’t).”

Need we elaborate further?

But imagine if every sentence you heard left you double-guessing, wondering if you missed something, be it a single word? As relatable or humorous as the instances described above may be, I think we can all agree loss of hearing, however small, can significantly affect our day-to-day conversations. Have you had to ask others to speak up lately? Or even when conversations stayed at higher volumes, have you still struggled to clearly make out each word? Are you finding yourself less willing to engage with others due to the added hassle of parsing what they’ve said, perhaps not once, but multiple times?

If you’re struggling with hearing loss, you are far from alone. In fact, that’s why we’re here. Tellico Hearing Solutions was started to help you find out if a hearing device might benefit you, your spouse, or your family member to recover lost hearing, allowing them to confidently engage in the conversation once again, no matter the setting. In fact, Robert, our Certified Hearing Instrument Specialist, having experienced hearing loss himself, and being a hearing instrument wearer, knows what it’s like, not just to lose ground in his ability to socialize, but how it feels to finally win it back. That’s why our chief goal always remains offering the best solution for your hearing needs.

Using the latest cutting-edge technology, we’re able to conduct testing either in our office, or if more convenient, in the privacy of your home. If appropriate for your sit uation, we will then equip you with the optimal hearing aid for your budget and you. And not only that, but we can also provide assistive listening devices, specifically for

use with your tv, phone, or audio equipment, making your day-to-day activities easier.

So, get yourself or your loved one in for a free hearing test and evaluation of your/ their current hearing situation. It’s free, and it’s easy. Come to know the compassionate care you will only find at Tellico Hearing Solutions. Again, not only is Robert a Certified Hearing Specialist, but he is also a hearing instrument wearer who’s been in your shoes. Call us today and say good-bye to all those awkward words heard wrong, and hello to confident conversation.

Tellico Hearing Solutions, PLLC 865-635-1887 contact@TellicoHearingSolutions.com www.tellicohearingsolutions.com

We’ve all seen it: The house that is the epitome of curbside appeal -- until the garage door opens, revealing a disorga nized mess.

If your garage’s main purpose is random storage, maybe it’s time to repurpose all that valuable space. PremierGarage of Knoxville can help you transform your overlooked and underused garage into function al living space, starting with a custom garage floor to take your garage from frantic to fabulous.

Why consider anything beyond your stan dard-issue concrete garage floor?

Protect concrete from the harsh chemicals and liquids that leak from your automobile. Even the water, salt, and snow your car brings into the garage promote deterioration and cracking. Cleaning is easier. Untreated concrete gives off dust, but a flooring system significantly reduces dirt and dust. It prevents materials -- from cars and your other garage-based activities (garden ing, building, painting) -- from soaking into the porous concrete.

Fill and cover-up existing cracks for looks, safety, and protection.

Open up new activities in your garage. It could double as a workout room, gardening center, or children’s play area.

Increase the resale value of your home.

For a striking and durable garage floor coating that is easy to maintain, Knoxville’s PremierGa rage can transform an oil-stained, pitted, and peel

ing epoxy-coated garage floor into a showroom quality look. PremierGarage, serving East Ten nessee for more than 10 years, combines its pro prietary hybrid polymer flooring system technol ogy with their extensive industry knowledge and experience to provide a high-quality finish that is chemical, stain and slip resistant.

The two-day process starts with technicians who diamond grind the floor to the ideal sur face condition to achieve a permanent chemical bond that substantially outlives traditional ep oxies. The polyurea topcoat, which cures two times harder than epoxy, provides a continuous, non-porous coating surface that naturally resists various liquids that may leak from your automo bile’s engine. It’s like armor for your concrete floor. Your garage will look more ‘finished’ and cleanup requires only a hose or mop.

Available in dozens of various chip and col or combinations, you can customize your garage flooring to fit your home and style. PremierGa rage’s flooring solutions are also suitable for com mercial and light industrial applications.

Discover the affordability and beauty of trans forming your garage floor. Home really does begin in the garage!

We also know how stressful those times can be, especially for caregivers, and adults with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Imagine how that increased activity level is felt by care givers and their loved ones, and that can lead to frustration and tears. Don’t cancel Christmas! Head off the boiling point and make the holidays calm for all involved. Here are a few tips that can create memorable moments of joy during this blessed season.

Talk to family members beforehand to explain any losses you have seen in the family member and discuss realistic expectations. Enlist other family members to help with decorations, bring part of the holiday meal, or host the dinner. Provide a safe, quiet place to retreat with your loved one if they become overwhelmed.

Set aside time for yourself, deciding what activities can be modified, eliminated, or shared with other family members. Tend to your emotional needs, and reach out for support to friends, family, church, or Our Place.

Keep it simple - maybe just a few cherished decorations are needed instead of the 6-foot tree. Ask your loved one about their most meaningful tradition and focus on that together. Find traditions you can enjoy together - singing Christmas carols, watching a holiday movie, or baking that favorite recipe.

Last year, I had the opportunity to spend time before the holidays with a dear friend with dementia. She shared with me her desire to make her son the cranberry orange bread that was her annual gift to him. Knowing she was not able to make the bread on her own, I suggested we make it together. She carefully chopped the cranberries and walnuts, working to get them exactly the right size; we measured the other ingredients as she faithfully followed each step on the recipe card. It was the gift of love baked into each loaf that we experienced that day. That moment of joy and accomplishment, side by side, will remain with me always.

The staff and volunteers of Our Place wish you a blessed Christmas and holiday season and thank you for sharing your loved ones with us at Our Place. There are two ways you can support the work of Our Place during the holiday season. One is to donate to our Angel Program, our an nual membership campaign, which pro vides programming, increases education and training for staff, and continues our outreach through our Caregiver Support Group. The other opportunity is through Burkes Community Connects Program, Lenoir City. Ornaments on the store tree have suggestions for gift card denom inations or individual items in the store needed for Our Place. Information can be found at OurPlacetn.org, or by calling 865-657-7222. Our Place is a 501C 3 non-profit organization. Our Place 103 Cheeyo Way, Loudon OurPlaceTN.org (865)657-7222

Has

rug

and yours is no exception. If you picked it out, it’s a representation of your particular taste, and if you inherited it, it’s a manifestation of your family’s history. In both cases, it’s a special investment-after all, you’ll never have another rug exactly like it. Preserv ing its colors, protecting its longevity, and maintaining its attractive appearance requires maintenance and care.

That’s where Superior Rug Cleaning comes into the picture. Thanks to their commit ment to innovation in new, state-of-the-art technology, they provide the comprehensive servicing your rug needs. But don’t just take our word for it. Just see below what their customers have to say about the service they received:

» Superior Carpet and Rug Cleaning is a fine specialist in handling handmade rugs. Owner, Kerry McDuffie, analyzes the make, age, and condition first and THEN carefully proceeds. He is thorough and knowledgeable and treats each rug with vital individual care. - J. Harmer, Lenoir City, TN

» I am so pleased! My 20+ year old oriental rug looks new... The colors are so vivid. I highly recommend them. Thank You! - W. Shepherd

» I wanted to thank you for the excellent job you did on the jute rugs in our den. They look as nice as they did when we first purchased them! The rugs in our hall and bedroom look equally as clean. We have been pleased each time we’ve used your company. - S. Wallace

» Fantastic experience from start to finish. Kerry and his team were extremely pro fessional. They showed up exactly when they said they would and did an amazing job. We were very pleased with the value we received and will absolutely use them again. Anyone looking for this type of service should look no further! - M. Stooks bury

» I have known Kerry and used Superior Carpet and Rug Cleaning for many years. My rugs are cleaned perfectly and are always returned in beautiful condition. Supe rior Carpet and Rug Cleaning will always be my choice. - K. Gotcher Don’t wait! Call or text Superior Rug Cleaning at 865-680-1450, or email them at info@superiorofknoxville.com or reach out on Facebook to schedule your Oriental rug cleaning today. Restore your rug to its full beauty and, once again, experience the “mag ic” of what it’s like to be absolutely in love with it!

Superior Rug Cleaning 865.691.5686 www.superiorofknoxville.com

The Appalachian Ballet Company Presents: The Nutcracker

Two weekends, Two venues!

Knoxville Civic Auditorium, Knoxville, TN

Saturday, December 3 - 7:00 pm

With The Knoxville Symphony Orchestra Sunday, December 4 - 3:00 pm and Clayton Center for the Arts, Maryville TN Friday, December 9 - 7:00 pm

With The Knoxville Symphony Orchestra Saturday, December 10 - 3:00 pm

The Appalachian Ballet Company will present the annual holiday tradition - The Nutcracker in their 51st season. The pro duction features live music by the Knox ville Symphony Orchestra for the evening performances. The Appalachian Ballet

Company will present four public shows December 3 at 7:00 pm & December 4 at 3:00 pm at the Knoxville Civic Audi torium AND December 9 at 7:00 pm and December 10 at 3:00 pm at the Clayton Center for the Arts in Maryville.

Dancing the role of the Nutcracker Prince will be Australian dancer, Aaron Smyth, who was featured in Disney’s The Nutcracker and the Four Realms He will be partnering Ahna Lipchik of Indianapolis Ballet as the Sugarplum Fairy and the following weekend will be partnering with Brazilian dancer, Deise Mendonca. This year’s production will include several new pieces of choreog raphy and costumes. ABC will be fea turing guests artists James La Russa as Herr Drosselmeyer, Seattle based danc er, Guillaume Basso as the Snow King

with Sabrina Foutch as Snow Queen for the Knoxville shows and Alex Gonzaga and Samantha Reister of The Cincinna ti Ballet the following weekend in the roles of Snow King and Queen.

For over 100 years, this classic story has proven to be a favorite, enchanting audiences of all ages. Come see the mag ic with lavish scenery, glorious tutus, soldiers, snowflakes and sugar plums at the Knoxville Civic Auditorium or The Clayton Center for the Arts – the first and second weekend of December. For tickets; appalachianballet.org or Clayton Center 981-8590.

Appalachian Ballet Company 865.982.8463 215 W. Broadway, Maryville, TN. 37801

Appalachianballet@gmail.com Appalachianballet.org

“The Carol!” at

Knoxville

Knoxville Children’s Theatre, in partnership with the Clay ton Foundation will present the world premier live pro duction of “The Carol!” This comedy is written by KCT Artistic Director, Steve Sherman. The play will be performed De cember 2nd through the 18th: Thursdays and Fridays at 7 PM, Sat urdays at 1 PM and 5 PM, and Sundays at 3 and 6 PM. There will be school matinees on December 9th.

The entire family will enjoy this holiday comedy! A community theatre is trying to keep its head above water and when famous stage actor Sir Anthony Stewart is unable to play Scrooge in their annual production of A Christmas Carol, their technical director and house understudy has to step in. A farce that includes the guy who takes theatre a little too seriously, the girl who is always late, the guy who doesn’t prepare, the spoiled grandson of Sir Anthony, lots of teenage drama, and a major error by the new marketing person that throws everything into a tailspin. Ending with lots of Christmas joy, this show will be fun for everyone!

The play is performed by 18 talented young actors, from ages 10 to 18. KCT veteran Conard Belitz will portray Scratch with Maxwell Collins playing Fred, Lily Segars will portray Laura, and Annika Kallstrom plays CJ. Joining the cast is Eden Carnes (play ing Debbie), who is making her KCT debut in this production. They will be joined by KCT veterans, Truman Ball, Jenna Blum berg, Sybella Crane, Jake Javors, Lena Kennedy, Henry Lubke, Thomas Ludwig, Katie Moon, and Avery Waller. Making their KCT debuts in this production are Madisyn Beckman, Weston Bucher, Isabella Mollenhour, and Connor Watters. The show is directed by KCT Artistic Director Steve Sherman. Ava Bradshaw will provide the scenic design with assistance by Gabby Claflin and Annabel Dattilo. Len Norton will provide the lighting design. Sam Owens will provide the costume design with assistance from Eva East. The properties will be designed by Hattie Perry and Lee land Robbins. Additional crew members include Alyssa Kennedy, Riley Powell, and Ella Straussfogel. The play’s stage manager is Cape Kurtz with assistant stage manager, Delaney Rickman.

KCT is East Tennessee’s leading producer of plays for children and families.

The play will be performed at our theatre at 109 E. Church well Avenue, Knoxville, and tickets are available on our website at Knoxvillechildrenstheatre.com.

Good Shepherd Center Lottery Begins

Tina Smith, Executive Director of the Good Shepherd Center, announced that beginning November 15th, 2022, the center began selling a State of Tennessee approved lottery. “Our goal is to begin the new year with funding that will continue to allow us to continue to provide free food, clothing, and other services to those in need in Monroe County.” Our Theme this year is: Challenging Times Calls for Helping Your Neighbor in Need.

The lottery is set to offer only 600 tick ets priced at $50/ticket with awards set at 1st Prize $5,000, 2nd at $2500 and 3rd at $1500. The lottery will end February 23rd with a computerized random num ber drawing. Margaret Cummings, Presi dent of the Board said: “certainly Covid, inflation and economic conditions have increased demand and increased costs of purchasing food. We hope the lottery pro vides a fun way to bolster our necessary funding. All proceeds from the sale of lot tery tickets will be used in our purchase of food to meet the growing needs of our clients. Unfortunately, a fact of operations not known by many people is that most of our food given out is indeed purchased food rather than donated food.”

The Good Shepherd purchases food from Second Harvest which is a national food distribution organization focused on

food pantries, the center can leverage fi nancial donations by 4 to 5 times because of Second Harvest’s discounted purchas ing power.

Tickets will be sold by members of the Board and Volunteers and at several lo cations throughout Monroe County or on Monday-Thursday 9am-12pm at the Good Shepherd Center, 5150 Hwy 411 S, Mad isonville, TN 37354. The Center’s phone number is 423-420-8888.

kinds

“By asking for financial donations from everyone, we are hoping to build a sense of community,” said Tina Smith, Executive Director of the Good Shepherd Center. “The people of our area have al ways been outstanding in support of our mission, whether it’s been individually or through their places of work, civic clubs, or their church organizations. While the demand is huge, we are always there to provide what we can to those in need.” The Center is also building reserve funds for an addition to the existing building to increase the level of service to our clients.

People can make a one-time donation or a pledge over time: monthly, quarterly, or semi-annually. Any level of donation would be appreciated. Contributions are tax deductible. The Center is a 501 (c) 3 organization. The current campaign will continue through February; however, funds are accepted year long. Many individuals are using stocks, IRA’s using the tax laws to transfer monies to the center.

Donations can be mailed to: The Good Shepherd Center, PO Box 353, 5150 Hwy 411 S, Madisonville, TN 37354. The Cen ter’s phone number is 423-420-8888.

What does Good Shepherd Provide?

Shepherd serves approximately 1500 people and 30,000 lbs. of free food per month and provides free clothing as well. In addition, we offer such things as:

The Kid Friendly Food Program of fering meals/snacks when school’s out

The Christmas in July Program pro viding back-to-school clothing

The ETHRA Transportation Program

The Layette Program providing all