COVERING THE MOUNTAIN TOWNS OF EAST TN, SOUTHWEST VA, & WESTERN NC,
Heritage Days will celebrate its 40th anniversary on October 11, 12, and 13, 2019, in Historic downtown Rogersville, Tennessee.
Grand Presenters of this year’s celebration include The Town of Rogersville, US Bank, TVA – John Sevier Combine, Ballad Health – Hawkins County Memorial Hospital, The Rogersville Review, and the Tennessee Arts Commission. Please stop by the grand presenter booths on Main Street to look at the informational displays and say thanks to these contributors.
This year, Holston Electric Cooperative will sponsor the Art and Photography Show and Hawkins County Gas Utility will sponsor the Quilt Show. The Art and Photography Show offers categories for children, youth and adults. Seven categories of art will be judged, including paintings, drawings, sculpture, needlework, photographs, enhanced photographs, and other three dimensional art. The Art Show will be exhibited in the community room of US Bank on Main Street.
The Quilt Show entries will be exhibited in the Hawkins County Courthouse on Main Street.
The First Community Bank Great Chili Cook-off, will be held in conjunction with the Cruise-In on Friday evening. This tasty contest of local cooks and characters will be held in the courtyard of the Hale Springs Inn on Main Street on Friday, October 12.
Cooking begins at 3p.m and judging at 5:30 p.m. Enjoy live entertainment with a beer garden in the Gazebo beginning at 5p.m.
Entry forms - Art and Photography Show, Quilt Show and First Community Bank Great Chili Cook-Off is available at following locations: RHA Depot Museum, the Hale Springs Inn, U-Save Pharmacy, the Rogersville Hawkins County Chamber of Commerce office, Mountain Star Mall, the Local Artist Gallery, The Rogersville Review, First Community Bank (West Main Street) and online at www.rogersvilleheritage.org.
Registration for the annual children’s costume contest and parade will begin at 4:15 p.m. in the parking lot in front of First Baptist Church; judging will begin at 5p.m., followed by the parade at 5:30 p.m. This year’s theme is The People of Our Heritage. The parade is sponsored by US Bank, the Rogersville Hawkins County Chamber of Commerce, and Wal-Mart. For information, contact the Rogersville Hawkins County Chamber of Commerce office at 423-272-2186.
Free family entertainment celebrating our heritage, October 11, 12, and 13, 2019. There is something for everyone!
ANNIVE
The 41st Annual Wise County Famous Fall Fling “Welcome Home”
Kevin Prater Band
Whitetop Mountain Band Bagpipes & More...
Nestled in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, along the Crooked Road, and Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail, Wise is “the place to be” during the second weekend each October. The event features over 125 vendors selling crafts, food, jewelry, and more. Live traditional music ranging from banjos to bagpipes is played continuously from two stages on Main Street.
The theme is “Welcome Home”! We’re bringing back all your favorite events including the 5K Race, Senior Citizen Lunch, Community Yard Sale, and the wonderful newer event, “Anything Apples”, a contest (with prizes) to determine the best apple pie, butter, or dish near and far.
The Kevin Prater Band will headline the Saturday evening concert on the main stage at Big Glades Amphitheatre. Kevin Prater himself has been a fixture in Bluegrass for many years, and he has surrounded himself with the finest musicians from Virginia, Kentucky and North Carolina, all having immersed themselves in traditional bluegrass. White Top Mountain Band will also be performing on Saturday, hailing from the highest mountains of Virginia.
The 41st Annual Wise County Famous Fall Fling kicks off in downtown Wise, Virginia on Saturday, October 12th from 9AM until 6PM. On Sunday the 13th, we’ll come together from 9AM to 5PM.
For more information, and to see a full list of our contests, events, and pre-fling happenings, please visit www.wisefallfling.com . We’ll see you at the Fling!
Song Catching
East Tennessee PBS’ celebration of Over 100 Years of Country Music highlights some of the little known stories of the people, places, and events from East Tennessee that shape the early days of country music. This month we look at art of Song Catching.
Song catching is the process of collecting played an essential part in the early days of country music in Appalachia. It is seen as a key way to preserve early folk music.
In some cases, these borrowed melodies, lyrics, and song progressions were turned into brand new songs. This practice continues today in hip hop and rap music and now referred to as “sampling,” but the same principle applies. But in the early days, groups like the Carter Family helped ensure these songs would live on and not be forgotten.
Cecil Sharp, a music teacher from London, was an acclaimed song catcher from the early 19th century. Sharp self-financed trips to the Appalachian mountains to follow his passion for writing down the traditional songs of the people to preserve their history. Sharp understood the connection of these songs and ballads and how they connected back to the old world to the British Isles. During his trips, he collected almost 1600 songs from over 280 singers from this area and produced a book about it – preserving songs that may have otherwise been lost forever.
The Carter family also has a long history of song catching. When the Carter family began, they sang and recorded songs they already knew to them or their family. The Carter family was fearful of running out of songs to record during the days of the depression. As their recordings were how they made their livelihood.
AP Carter, the founding member of the famous Carter family, used his job as a traveling salesman to wander around and discover music. During these trips he would frequently ask people to sing for him the ballads and ethnic folk songs, looking for songs he had never heard.
Carter met up with Leslie Riddle, a black musician from Kingsport. Riddle was able to bring Carter into the black churches and gathering places at the time – something that was considered taboo at the time. Exposing Carter to a brand new kind of Christian music he had never heard before.
Together they would write down the songs, or segments of songs down and bring them back home. Sara, Maybelle, and AP would work the songs, lyrics, segments up and turn them into a song that they recorded on a 78 and distributed for people to hear.
Scots-IrishFestival
PipeBandChallenge
Saturday & Sunday- All You Can Eat Breakfast Bu et
36th Annual Mountain Glory Festival
Saturday, October 12th, 2019
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Marion - Where Main Street Meets the Mountains
Marion, North Carolina celebrates the arrival of autumn in the Blue Ridge during their annual Mountain Glory Festival. For 36 years, beautiful downtown Marion has hosted this popular celebration on the 2nd Saturday in October. This year, make plans to visit on October 12th between 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM.
Celebrate small-town life in the mountains. Visitors looking for original handicrafts will find plenty of choices shopping with three jam packed blocks, featuring 150 craft, food, non-profit and sponsor booths of locally made arts and crafts; festival foods and local wines and beers. Plus, two stages presenting Marion’s finest musicians.
Don't miss the annual Mountain Glory Quilt Show inside the McDowell Arts Council. The quilt show is the gallery's featured, October exhibit. The kids will have fun in the "Children's Arena" with hands-on activities, local entertainment and the ever popular best-dressed pet contest.
Mon - Tue 8am - 2pm • Thu - Sat 8am - 2pm • Sun - 9am - 1pm 503 Pineola Street • Newland, NC 28657 • 828-737-0314
Countdown to Carolina in the Fall 2019
The 5th
Annual Carolina in the Fall Music & Food Festival, hosted by The Kruger Brothers, takes place on September 20-21 in historic Wilkesboro, N.C. Balsam Range, Chatham County Line, The Black Lillies, EmiSunshine, Hawktail and other distinguished talent will deliver the best in Americana, folk, traditional and progressive bluegrass.
The festival is a pilgrimage for music and food lovers from around the nation. It celebrates the rich musical history of Wilkes County. Winner of the 2017 IBMA Momentum Event of the Year Award, the festival engages audiences with the best of entertainment, including food, local craft brews and wines, heritage crafts, a trail run, the Food Truck Championship, The Jamming Tent, shopping and children’s activities, including a cool splash pad.
The street festival area-free & open to the public. Ticket required to enter the performance stage areas and the Beer and Wine Garden. Children 12 and under -free with paying adult. Purchase tickets, see performance lineup, or more information about the festival. visit or call 336-990-0747.
Shuttle services will run from Rose’s parking lot to the Festival site every half hour. Shuttle service is free. Handicap Parking will be available behind State Farm Insurance. You might even see Bigfoot, Marion’s Official Animal! The festival is sponsored by the City of Marion. For festival information visit www.mtngloryfestival.com 828-652-2215. To find additional area events, attractions and lodging information, visit www.blueridgetravelers.com or call toll free (888-2336111) to receive a free visitor guide and map.
Since we have both soft wood trees and hard woods, we really have two peaks. The sourwoods, poplars and dogwoods give pops of color early in the season, while the oaks and maples are in full splendor in late October, early November. We also have a couple of unique bushes here that draw a lot of attention. The maroon with yellow spots of the Smoke Tree is very beautiful, but the star of the show are our Winterberry bushes. This Holly loses its leaves in the fall to display its bright red berries. Nearly everyday we have visitors ask what it is, and will it grow in their area. Of course, the view from our center is the best on I-26 with the Blue Ridge Mountains ever changing colors. We are also the only spot on the interstate to see the tippy top of Mount Mitchell. If you are in the area, stop by and take it in. You’ll be glad you did!
t Rocks and Things in Downtown Spruce Pine you will find really nice Sterling gemstone jewelry. We have over 1,500 rings for you to choose from including 200 Native American turquoise rings. We have 4 Squash Blossom necklace/earring signed sets, 6 large silver and turquoise necklaces, 20 turquoise and gemstone necklaces, 50 earring sets, 300 gemstone pendants, and lots more silver and gemstone jewelry. Our inventory includes thousands of crystals, from tiny single points to 90 pound single points and clusters up to 80 pounds. We also carry crystal balls, skulls, pendulums, and pendants. We just finished going to the big gem shows in Franklin and Spruce Pine so we have LOTS of NEW STOCK for you to see.
Hours Monday–Saturday 8:30-5:30
Closed Sunday Spruce Pine, NC (828) 765-9133
Outdoor furniture Garden Decor Garden and Landscaping Material
CARSON LEGACY AT THE ORCHARD AT ALTAPASS
Bill and Judy Carson are being honored at the Toe River Arts sponsored Music in the Mountains Folk Festival, on September 21, at the Burnsville Town Center. It’s true that Bill has two left feet, but if you’re at the Orchard in the afternoon, you’ll probably see him on the dance floor shuffling through the thin layer of cornmeal. Judy, a great dancer, pushed him into taking dance lessons—three times. That didn’t work, but he’s out there almost every day. Until five years ago, Judy was there. Now, suffering from Alzheimer’s, she attends only special events but still with a huge smile for everyone. After sister Kit Carson Trubey purchased the Orchard land in the mid 1990’s, the two of them pulled up weeds, repainted the barn, created walking paths, consulted experts, and made it work. Eventually the building became a stage for local musicians. They gave budding musicians an opportunity “on stage” on Wednesdays. Their legacy had begun. Come celebrate their 25 years at the Orchard on September 21. For more information, please visit Facebook or www.altapassorchard.org.
Mums, Asters and Pumpkins Arriving Now! Spring 2020- Now is time to Plant Shrubs, Trees and Bulbs for spring!
Great Gift Selection for any occasion!
JUDY CARSON,
A SMILE A MILE WIDE
Iparked close to the edge of the onelane dirt road. Wasn’t certain I was at the right house. From behind an outof-control massive dense shrub, through the brambles on a one-time path, Judy stepped wearing a big smile and an Orchard at Altapass sweatshirt. I followed her to the porch overlooking a landscape of greening mountains and a, “sit anywhere” as I stood amid six chairs—five rockers. Her companion was already seated; those remaining seemed to be filled with her memories.
In the late ’50s, more and more women were attending college. Judy went to Purdue University in pursuit of a career in Speech Therapy. Young Bill Carson, a year ahead, stayed to get his master’s and woo her. He won both. June 10, 1961, 10 days after graduation, they married. His degree merely a bonus. Her professional career was short-lived; her marriage endured. 30 plus years, she managed a household, raised two children, played with her four granddaughters, and used her untapped talent in the world of graphic design. Bill retired in 1993, they moved to the mountain community of Little Switzerland, Western North Carolina.
That’s when the Orchard at Altapass story begins.
Celebrate the Old-Timey and the Innovative with Two Burnsville Events, Sept. 28th
Two traditions, one old and one new, return to downtown Burnsville Saturday, Sept. 28. The Old Timey Fall Festival, a favorite fall fixture, fills Town Square with relics of yesteryear. Later that evening, the second No Place Like Homeplace Beer Fest brings food, drinks and merriment.
Old-fashioned fun
The Old Timey Fall Festival begins at 10 a.m. with the color guard and National Anthem and then the parade of antique tractors. Antique cars, tractors and trucks will be positioned around the square for your perusal. Throughout the day, heritage crafters demonstrate quilting, candle making, basket weaving, yarn spinning, blacksmithing and more. The event seeks to show today’s younger generation the techniques of the past in hopes that they see the beauty and value in preserving them. A variety of vendors selling homemade items surround the square.
Old-time and bluegrass groups play throughout the day, and cloggers show off their talents. Adults and kids can try their skills at the naildriving contest against the clock. Kids can participate in lawn games, such as bean bag toss, a three-legged race and a sack race. You can indulge in festival specialties, such as soup beans and cornbread, barbecue and freshly made fruit pies.
The raffle this year is a fabulous pedal car, with tickets only $1 or 6 for $5.
Admission to the festival is free. Parking is plentiful and free. Hours are 10 a.m.
to 4 p.m. More info: www.theoldtimeyfallfestival.com.
Bring your family, your neighbors and your lawn chairs for a great day of entertainment.
Sipping something new
After a successful debut last fall, the No Place Like Homeplace Beer Fest brings additional breweries, food options and bands. Eighteen breweries and cideries, including host Homeplace Beer Co., will be on hand pouring small-batch craft beverages in the courtyard of the historic Nu Wray Inn and along South Main Street. All of the participants exhibit an innovative approach to the brewing process and a commitment to showcasing local ingredients. TRACTOR Food & Farms, a local agricultural nonprofit that supports small farmers, is this year’s presenting sponsor.
The lineup includes Fonta Flora and Catawba in Morganton; Archetype, Bhramari, Burial, Eurisko, French Broad River, Ginger’s Revenge, Hi-Wire and Twin Leaf in Asheville; Free Range in Charlotte; Newgrass in Shelby; Sideways in Etowah; Botanist & Barrel in Cedar Grove; Blue Ghost in Fletcher; Mad Co. in Marshall; and Zillicoah in Woodfin.
Tickets are $30 and must be purchased in advance. A ticket includes six beersampling tokens and a commemorative glass. To purchase tickets, go to www. HomeplaceBeer.com.
• The Original NC “Home” T-Shirts
• Burnsville Souvenirs
• Life is Good Apparel
• Mountain Mamas Fashions
• Simply Southern Apparel
• Games, Puzzles, & Crafts
• Children’s Books
• Breyer Horses
• Calico Critters
• TY Plush
• Outdoor Toys
OPEN 7–Days a Week! Open Sundays 11-4
Contributed by Michelle Gosselin How I Make My Pico
Chop 4 medium tomatoes – Roma tomatoes works best. Chop ¼ to ½ red onion
Dice a jalapeño pepper (I use the whole pepper if small – use more or less to your preference), leave some of the seeds and ribs in for hotter flavor. Wear food gloves when dicing peppers to protect your skin.
Chop up about a quarter of your cilantro bunch. Mix all ingredients in a bowl and add lime juice. You could also use kosher salt or a combination.
Let your pico sit an hour for the flavors to meld or store in fridge to use later. Try to eat within a day for optimal flavor but it will keep in fridge for 3 -4 days. The recipe is flexible – experiment with the amounts and ingredients to find what you like best. Some people don’t like cilantro (shocking right?) and sub in some parsley or oregano. You can also add fresh diced garlic. Some people like to remove the seeds from the tomatoes but I find that roma tomatoes are fairly meaty so I just leave them in.
Enjoy your pico with salad, on baked potatoes, in Mexican dishes such as baked chimichangas, bean & rice burritos, and tacos. Use it to top soups and chili for unbelievable flavor, or simply enjoy with tortilla chips.
BURNSVILLE, NC
Located right where you need it - downtown Burnsville. Get further away - come to the mountains. Simple but comfortable, we meet all your needs; cozy clean rooms, free WiFi and friendly service. Call us now: 828 682 6033 Carolina Country Inn, 600 W Main Street, Burnsville, NC 28714 www.carolinacountryinn.com or visit us on Facebook You are invited to the Carolina Country Inn where we
(828) 682-1186
7 Town Square • Burnsville, NC 28714
Hours of Operation: M - F 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturdays 10 a.m.
he Crazy Daisy Thrift Boutique helps support the programs of the Family Violence Coalition of Yancey County, Inc., so every time you donate clothing or household items to the store or make a purchase you are helping the FVC’s domestic violence and sexual assault programs. The FVC is a private, non-profit that has served victims of both domestic violence and rape/ sexual assault in Yancey County, N.C. since 1995. In addition to an emergency shelter for victims of domestic violence
and/or sexual assault and their children, the FVC also provides a 24/7 crisis line, medical and legal advocacy, peer counseling, crisis intervention, referrals and information, multiple support groups, limited transportation and financial assistance, as well as outreach education/awareness. Stopping violence in our communities start with all of us. The 24-hour crisis line for the FVC is (828) 682-0056. Mailing address: P.O. Box 602, Burnsville, N.C. 28714.
Hot Dogs, Tacos, Nachos, Ice Cream, Milkshakes & More!
Rad Dawgz in Burnsville, NC is under NEW Ownership.
HOME of the Mount Mitchell Nachos!
14th Annual Carolina Mountains Literary Festival
The 14th Annual Carolina Mountains Literary Festival will host Keynote speaker, Charles Frazier, author of four novels including Cold Mountain and Varina. Frazier’s deep roots in North Carolina have influenced his work, including Cold Mountain, which was adapted into an Academy Award-winning film. His tales of displacement and journey in the face of emotional upheaval fit this year’s theme- “On the Move” - stories of migration, immigration and travel.
The festival is September 5 through September 7. It opens Thursday night with a free presentation by Red Herring Productions titled “My Grandfather’s Prayers”, the story of the director’s grandfather who had to flee the pogroms in Russia and the Hungarian White Terror. Authors in fiction, poetry, memoir, nonfiction, and young adult literature will give free readings all day Friday and Saturday.
A three- hour writing workshop in Science Fiction is still available. Other writing workshops are sold out. Preregistration $35.
Friday nights banquet features Andrew Lawler, author of The Secret Token- Myth, Obsession and Search for the Lost Colony of Roanoke. Sold Out. He will read from his book on Saturday afternoon.
Charles Frazier’s Saturday night Keynote, is a conversation with author Elaine Orr. Pre-registration is required $25. Visit www.cmlitfest.org for more details.
"Parkway Playhouse is celebrating it's 73rd Season with a very exciting lineup of shows! Our 2019 Mainstage Season will include the bluegrass musical "Along About Sundown", the heartwarming comedy The Dixie Swim Club", the Tony Award winning musical "A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder", the beloved 2017 musical "Amelie", the Tony Award winning dark comedy "The Humans", and the Appalachian classic "Dark of the Moon". Please visit parkwayplayhouse. com for more information regarding our vast array of performances and events."
Greeneville’s Historic Tours Return April 1
Greeneville, Tennessee: Tennessee’s second oldest town is brought to life as you stroll down the same streets that Andrew Johnson did when he returned from the White House in 1869.
The 90-minute ’A Walk with the President’ tour, available through Main Street Greeneville Tours, will take you back in time. Experience the architectural treasures of our historic churches and homes while walking the same streets as notable American heroes. A stop at Old Harmony Cemetery will bring alive such stories as the great cholera epidemic of 1873. Great photo opportunities are available during the stop at
Tennessee’s oldest Goal (jail).
Now in its fourteenth year the walking tour along with its sister tour of the Dickson-Williams Mansion, offered daily at 1:00 pm, is conducted by professional guides ready to share their knowledge of this historic community.
Tickets may be purchased at the General Morgan Inn where tours begin daily Monday through Saturday, April through October, at 9:30 AM. For groups over twelve people please call Main Street Tours at 423-787-0500 a minimum of twenty-four hours in advance to arrange your tour.
Mon-Sat
August 4, 2019 12:30 PM – 4:00 PM (ET)
Sequoyah Remembrance Day
Sequoyah Birthplace Museum in Vonore, TN will be celebrating Sequoyah Remembrance Day and Sequoyah’s contribution to the Cherokee people by creating a writing system, the Cherokee Syllabary with free admission to the museum from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. The 1809 Cherokee Blacksmith shop will be up and running with demonstrations all through the afternoon. Local demonstrators will also be set up demonstrating pine needle baskets and Gary Holt will be talking about the Cherokees in the Civil War in our 1800’s dog-trot log cabin.
September 7 & 8, 2019
Cherokee Fall Festival
The Sequoyah Birthplace Museum, Tennessee’s only tribally owned museum, will host its 28th annual Cherokee Fall Festival on September 7-8, from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. each day. Visitors will have the opportunity to step back in time to experience food, Cherokee arts and crafts demonstrations, music and dance. A blacksmith will be doing on-site demonstrations in the shop both days. Other demonstrations and displays will include Cherokee life in 1700’s and a Civil War encampment.
Mumsy & Eva
The Annual Celebration of the Life and Times of John Sevier, Tennessee’s First Governor
Sunday, September 22nd, 2019 12:00-5:00pm
Marble Springs State Historic Site
Visitors can interact with living historians as they interpret early pioneer and Native American culture through blacksmithing, cooking, weaving, colonial militia and weapons display, storytelling, music, and more. Admission to the event is $5 for adults and $4 for seniors and children 5-17.
Musical historian, Chip Bailey, will perform and discuss 18th century folk music throughout the day, and this year’s event will feature the return of the popular cornhusking challenge and sack races. The trading post gift shop will be open for shopping.
Marble Springs State Historic site is the farm and last remaining home of John Sevier, Revolutionary War hero at the Battle of Kings Mountain.
WE ARE HONORED TO HOST THE SMOKY MOUNTAIN ORCHID SOCIETY http://www.smokymountainorchidsociety.com
Be sure to attend this wonderful event! American Orchid Society will be judging local growers rare and exotic Orchids.
National Dealers selling their products.
Purchase from vendors, orchid pottery, garden art & accessories.
American Orchid Society will be judging Local growers displaying Rare & Exotic Orchids!
September 28-30
(865)573-5508 • Wed.-Sat. 10-5 Sundays 12-5
Guided tours of the cabins - FEE charged 1220 W. Gov. John Sevier Highway, Knoxville, TN 37920 www.marblesprings.net info@marblesprings.net
Friday -Orchid Sales Open to Public - 9am-5pm Sat. - Orchids Show Area Open to Public - 11-5 Sunday 12-4
Be sure to attend this wonderful event! National Dealers will be featured along with pottery and accessories for growing and displaying Orchids! More info - contact Rich Gettings 989-213-8362
PLANNING Is Now for PLANTING next month
October for Trees, Shrubs and Bulbs
Get started for Fall!
MUMS and ASTERS are in bloom & ready to purchase.
Purchase Natives & Still Important - Polinator plants! For birds, bees and butterflies that are still buzzing around this month!
COMING NEXT MONTH
October Classes
Pansy Project
Planting for Spring in the Fall
Be sure to Check our website for more exciting information and details to what’s happening inside of Stanley’s Greenhouse & Farms!
Fall & Winter Hours thru Christmas Mon-Fri. 8-5:30 • Sat. 9-5 • NOW OPEN Sundays 1-5
www.stanleysgreenhouse.com • 865-573-9591 • 3029 Davenport Rd. 5 Minutes from Downtown Knoxville across the river. Left at 3rd red light next to Dunkin Donuts. First stop sign, take a right!
COMPASSION FATIGUE: A New PTSD
By Ms. Ann Bachman, Hereditary Member & Adjutant Knoxville Military Order of World Wars Editor: Owen S. Haddock
PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder, is a well-recognized result of experiencing or witnessing a negative event, especially the ravages of war.
1 in 5 returning veterans suffer from PTSD1
We are just beginning to recognize and understand “secondary traumatic stress” experienced by caregivers of victims of PTSD, also called “compassion fatigue.”
Compassion fatigue, also known as secondary traumatic stress (STS), is described in different ways. Wikepedia describes it as “a condition characterized by a gradual lessening of compassion over time.”
can also be a result of providing close personal care over a long period of time, months into years.
3,400 suicides by active duty service personnel (1 suicide every 36 hours)1
Compassion fatigue is often experienced by healthcare professionals and is especially common among counselors and nurses, even more so in those who experience loss of a patient or a client due to suicide. That suicide might be the triggering even that causes compassion fatigue.
Common Symptoms of Compassion Fatigue
The American Institute of Stress defines compassion fatigue as the “emotional residue or strain of exposure to working with those suffering from the consequences of dramatic events. It differs from burnout but can coexist.” Burnout is one element of compassion fatigue but can also stand alone.
Compassion fatigue is often experienced by individuals (healthcare professionals or family members) who are involved in helping people or animals who have a traumatic event or who are otherwise suffering. While more officially associated with working in a professional role with someone who has experienced a traumatic event, it
• Feeling burdened by the suffering of others
• Blaming others for their suffering
• Headaches
• Loss of sleep or nightmares
• Physical and emotional exhaustion
• Decreased attention span
• Weight loss
• Tension, irritability
• Forgetfulness
• Feelings of inadequacy or hopelessness
• Isolation
• Substance abuse
• Emotional and physical fatigue
• Poor self-care
• Anger
• Poor work performance
1. Vietnamese/American War Memorial Ceremony in Houston, Texas - April, 2019. Vietnamese American citizens are among our bravest patriots.
2. Ms. Bachman served as the Director of the Compliance Department and a Partner at DoctorManagement, LLC, headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee. She retired in 2018, after serving in the medical field for 30 years. She also served as the Executive Director of the American Academy of Provider Offices and Labatories for medical and dental practices. She presented workshops nationwide on OSHA, CLIA and HIPAA, while writing for Tennessee Medicine, Journal of the Tennessee Medical Association and Advance for Medical Laboratory Professionals.
3. Sgt. Freddie Owens is an example of how to heal from PTSD. His intuition took him in the direction suggested by Master Gunny Sergeant John Ubaldi USMC Ret., where vets can interpret surviving stressors in a way that allows them to be an example and teach others how to remain productive in civilian life. Ref: THE NEW BUSINESS BRIGADE by John Ubaldi - ISBN 978-1-937801-50-2
and satisfaction
• Cynical worldview
• Denial
Managing Compassion Fatigue
• Acknowledge the problem and educate yourself.
• Know that you are not alone.
• Form or join a support group.
• Blame the situation, not the person.
• Get help yourself.
• Take care of yourself: eat, sleep and exercise
• Clarify boundaries.
• Develop hobbies different from work.
“Self-care” is a hot topic for today, especially among millennials even if they are not involved in intense care of others. They embrace the importance of taking time for themselves. Self-care may be as simple as regular exercise, healthy eating habits, social activities, journaling, and sufficient sleep.
How does compassion fatigue differ from burnout? Burnout a cumulative process over time that is not triggered by a traumatic event. Compassion fatigue may have a more sudden onset, and, according to some, is easier to treat. There are many commonalities between the two, and management is similar.
As with all health issues, prevention is the best cure. Once someone recognizes the potential for
compassion fatigue, he or she should consider the following practices that may prevent actual fatigue and subsequent loss of compassion.
1. Reducing stressful workloads, whether by reducing time involved or changing some of the responsibilities.
2. Monitoring sleep and taking actions if problems arise.
3. Taking regular vacations. For family members or friends, this may mean tapping into respite services.
4. Meditating
5. Journaling
6. Getting personal therapy to deal with problems
7. Exercising regularly
Not sure if you are headed in this direction? Take the Professional Quality of Life (PROQOL) questionnaire, which was developed by Dr. Beth Hundall Stamm, one of the world’s leading experts on compassion fatigue. It helps differentiate between compassion fatigue and burnout. “Awareness is the first step to recovery.”
Take away:
If you don’t take care of yourself, you can’t take care of others.
1 Art & Healing | PTSD Refers to those returning from or serving in Afghanistan or Iraq.
Our gallery carries our work, fused glass & metal sculptures. We also offer classes. First Friday of the month with a guest artist & classes listed on our FB page, Union St Gallery LLC. jan Bowden Artist, co-owner of Union St Gallery LLC 100 Union St., Erwin, TN 37650 ph (740) 398-0855
Chance favors the prepared mind, and opportunity favors the bold. —Louie Pasteur
Wed. – Sat. 10-5
support our talented local artists such as doll clothes, soaps, homemade buttons, jewelry, embroidered items, photography and more. I also make tee shirt quilts from your collection and long arm quilt new and vintage quilt tops.
