Smoky Mountains Around Town / February 2016 by Smoky Mountains Around Town

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Smoky Mountains Around Town

Local Area Map Inside on Page 6 Ober Gatlinburg

Smoky Mountains

Around Town

What To See And Where To Be In The Smokies!

Volume 3, No. 2

Read online: www.smokymountainsaroundtown.com

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Gatlinburg Named Top “Cool Spot for Summer Meetings” “It is no surprise that Gatlinburg is top of the list. Surrounded on three sides by the Great Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg is naturally cooled by the mountains,” said Mayor Mike Werner. “Gatlinburg has all the amenities of a great convention city. We are proud to be recognized by ConventionSouth readers as just that.”

The votes are in! ConventionSouth’s readers and destination Facebook fans have selected Gatlinburg as their top pick for “The South’s Cool Spots For Summer Meetings.” In December 2015, ConventionSouth editors compiled a Facebook ballot with a list of 60 meetings destinations that are well ﬁt for summer meetings as they offer escape from the summer heat. From those 60 “Cool Spots,” fans were asked to vote for their top picks.

The following list of 12 cities gained the top votes. The January print and digital issue of ConventionSouth will share this list with meeting planners from across the country that book meeting sites in the South. Cities appear in order by votes received. 1. Gatlinburg, Tennessee 2. Greeneville, Tennessee 3. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 4. Bowling Green, Kentucky 5. Huntington, West Virginia 6. Chattanooga, Tennessee 7. Gulf Shores, Alabama 8. Outer Banks, North Carolina 9. Virginia Beach, Virginia

“Meeting Planners and event organizers from across the country look for unique destinations in the South to hold their meetings and events. ConventionSouth’s 2016 list of the ‘South’s Cool Spots For Summer Meetings’ provides these planners with interesting insight on some of the South’s milder temperature destinations,” said ConventionSouth Editor Marcia Bradford. “By offering a place to stay cooler during the hot summer months, meeting planners can boost attendance and create a more comfortable experience for participants and therefore, increase the success of the gathering.”

10. Hilton Head Island, South Carolina 11. Alexandria/Pineville, Louisiana 12. Hot Springs, Arkansas For more info on meetings in Gatlinburg, call (800) 588-1817.

Arrowmont Adds Interactive Installation Mil s Park Upgrades Completed by Chalet Comellas Opening February 8 New Playground Equipment and Lighting Installed

Chalet Comellas is an interdisciplinary artist who works in painting, sculpture, ﬁber art, video and new-media installation. Chalet is an Assistant Art Professor at Florida State University, where she received her Master of Fine Arts in 2012. She has performed and exhibited her work in museums, art fairs and galleries including In Light Richmond, hosted by 1708 Gallery in Richmond, VA (2014), Grace Exhibition Space in Brooklyn, New York (2013) and Fountain Art Fair in Miami (2012). Chalet has participated in several public art projects in Florida including an outdoor video installation commissioned by the Tampa Museum of Art during Art Basel Miami (2006). Please visit her website at www.chaletcomellas.com.

Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts is exhibiting an interactive installation, Working Memory, by Chalet Comellas, on view from February 8 through March 11, 2016 in the Geoffrey A. Wolpert Gallery. A closing reception will be held Friday, March 11 from 6 to 8 p.m. Admission is free and the community is encouraged to attend with their friends and family. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This exhibit is on display in conjunction with Touch: Interactive Craft exhibit in the Sandra J. Blain Gallery.

Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts is a national art education center. The school enriches lives by developing aesthetic appreciation and fostering self-expression with hands-on experiences in a variety of media, classes, conferences and seminars. On the leading edge of arts education, Arrowmont utilizes contemporary and ﬁne arts techniques to build upon a foundation of traditional arts and crafts. Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, 556 Parkway, Gatlinburg, 865.436.5860.

Working Memory is an interactive installation composed of a quilt-like structure made of fabric, ephemera, paintings and sound. The exhibit creates narratives from memories by reinventing materials such as clothing, textiles and found objects. The viewer can shift and change the work to construct new narratives.

Neil’s Gallery

L ocal A rtist ...

Robert A. Tino Originals, Canvas, Paper Prints • Oil Paintings • Acrylics • Watercolors

Located at the Covered Bridge in the Glades

Recently installed lighting and new playground equipment is providing Gatlinburg residents and visitors more opportunity for outdoor recreation in Gatlinburg. A Local Parks and Recreation Fund Grant by TDEC made the completed projects in Mills Park possible. Designated as a 50/50 split, the grant for $98,000 offset the cost to replace old playground equipment and install new lighting around the track.

The City Parks and Recreation Department used the funding for the installation of a new tree house-themed playground and state of the art safety surfacing made from recycled rubber. “This completes the City's plan to replace the playgrounds at all three City Parks,” says Marty Nicely, Gatlinburg Recreation Department Director. The grant also provided funding for lighting improvements at Mills Park track.The City replaced the track lighting with state of the art Musco Athletic Field fixtures that match all the lighting at the adjacent Rocky Top Sports World. The environmentally friendly fixtures project brighter light directly down onto the field so there is no bleed over into the surrounding community. “The new lighting makes it possible for Rocky Top Sports World to play events at the track after dark which increases the number of teams that can be hosted for field tournaments,” says Nicely. “Additionally, the lights are programmable and remotely controlled by satellite to be on only when in use, which makes them much more economical for the City.” The City of Gatlinburg maintains three city parks that offer residents and visitors a variety of outdoor experiences. Each park has different amenities, but all have playgrounds, covered pavilions, restrooms, and picnic areas. For more info about Gatlinburg City Parks www.gatlinburgtn.gov/outdoor-activities.

Gatlinburg’s History Inspires Its Artistic & Cultural Heritage

www.neilsgallery.com

849 Glades Road, 2B6 • Gatlinburg •

FOOT GEAR

865-430-4029 Teva Dealer

Of Gatlinburg

We Are The Only UGG’S Dealer In The Area!

Calhoun’s Village •1004 Parkway, #301• Gatlinburg • 865-436-2500

Photo by Ken Wayne. Visit: www.kennethwayne.com Boasting an exciting history steeped in tradition, Gatlinburg was originally settled in the early 1800s and first named White Oak Flats for the abundant native white oak trees covering the landscape.Visitors today can explore the historic sites of Gatlinburg, such as The Red Barn, constructed in 1923 which served as the “model barn” where young men were taught agriculture. The Ogle Cabin above, Gatlinburg’s first home, built in 1807 by the widow and children of William Ogle who told his family of the “Land of Paradise” in the mountains of East Tennessee. With breathtaking natural surroundings that inspire creativity, Gatlinburg’s arts and crafts culture has long held a deep association with the Southern Appalachian mountains. Nowhere else in the South is there a richer heritage of fine craftsmanship than in Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community. Established in 1937, the Arts & Crafts Community is the largest group of independent artisans in North America. Located on an eight-mile loop at the northeast edge of Gatlinburg, the community proudly preserves the craft heritage of the Great Smoky Mountains yearround. Explore the best in a wide range of craft shops, including pottery, woodcarving, candlemaking, quilting, weaving, broommaking and painting, among other fine art forms. Please visit the website at www.gatlinburgcrafts.com.

Smoky Mountains Around Town is Worldwide on the Internet www.smokymountainsaroundtown.com and like us on Facebook

Page 2 Around Town

KEN WAYNE Photography & Gallery

“Lyrics & Lore” a Weekend with Storytellers & Songwriters at the Dollywood's Dream More Resort

Photo Workshop Tours

March 10-13, 2016 By Cyndy Montgomery Reeves

The Smoky Mountains Songwriters Festival and The International Storytelling Center are joining with Dollywood's Dream More Resort to bring you a hands on weekend of Lyrics and Lore.

Entertainment for the Weekend to include a Saturday night concert showcasing artist-singer-songwriter, Daryl Worley in a 'Songwriter Round with Friends' at Dollywood's Dream More Resort. Friday night's featured concert is Emi Sunshine and The Rain. “What a fun ﬁlled weekend the Lyrics & Lore event is going to be,” says Dollywood's Dream More Resort General Manager, Kevin Osborne. “Nothing could be more ﬁtting; as the biggest part of Dolly's life has been storytelling and songwriting.” Osborne observed.

The Lyrics & Lore Weekend is designed to bring the public into an experience with Storytellers teaching them how to tell their family story. People attending this weekend will also have an opportunity to hear a National Storyteller tell a 30-40 minute story in a show Thursday night opening the event.Those attending Thursday night's show will see how a story became a song on Saturday. Sunday morning will offer a brunch and gospel hour with Grammy Award Winner Carl Jackson, Larry Cordle, and Jerry Salley.

Songwriters who have signed up for the SMSWF Lyrics & Lore Co-write w/Hit Writers Project will be in the audience listening to the story and taking notes. The next morning these songwriters will be split into small groups where they will actually write a song based on the story the Storyteller told the night before.The songs created in these groups will be performed at a public luncheon during the event on Saturday.

National Storytellers attending are Beth Horner and Adam Booth. Hit Songwriters participating include Hall of Fame Songwriter Kim Willliams, Bobby Tomberlin, Scott Reeves, Doug Johnson. Theses tellers and writers will perform during the evening and afternoon matinees Friday and Saturday.

Crafts & Gifts Hand-Crafted in the Smoky Mountains

We specialize in handmade soy candles, soaps, and fragrant air fresheners

(865) 325-8142 Located at the Covered Bridge in the Glades Gatlinburg's Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community

Emi Sunshine

Daryl Worley

Songwriter and Storyteller workshops for the public as well as for the more seasoned writers and tellers are being offered Fri. Mar. 11th and Sat. Mar. 12th. Public is welcomed to participate in all facets of this great weekend. Package Deals including lodging are available. Any questions go to smswf@yahoo.com. The “Lyrics & Lore” Weekend begins Thurs. evening Mar. 10th and goes through Sun. morning Mar. 13th. For more information on the workshops and how to participate in the Lyrics & Lore Weekend, go to EVENTS AND SHOWCASES at www.SMSWF.com Support Live Music Singer/Songwriter/Musicians/Artists every chance you get by listening to their music, buying their merchandise, leaving a tip and telling them how much you enjoyed the songs. Venues with live music in Gatlinburg include Sugarlands Distilling Company's Back Porch, Crystelle Creek Restaurant and Grill, The Smoky Mountain Brewery, Three Jimmy's, Ole Smoky Moonshine Holler, The Ship, Hoggs Tavern Downtown, Tom and Earl's Back Alley Grill and Loco Burros.

Photo Restora on Services 865-850-2889 www.kennethwayne.com Smoky Mountains Art’s & Crafts Community

608 Glades Road • Gatlinburg, TN 37738

Every 2nd Monday of the month there is a SMSWF Songwriters Showcase at Crystelle Creek Restaurant and Grill 6-9 PM. If you are a songwriter who would like to share your songs, contact John Condrone in this regard 865-898-7301.

Park Science Colloquium

¬Handcrafted Old World Santas ¬Special Ornaments (865) 436-3339 ¬Thoughtful Gifts

There will be no 2016 ATBI Conference. Instead, DLIA will assist Great Smoky Mountains National Park in putting on another excellent Science Colloquium program to allow for park researchers to present their ﬁndings before colleagues and other interested attendees. And ... attendance is FREE TO THE PUBLIC! Please send an email to Paul Super (as per below) to let him know that you are coming so that we make sure there is a seat for you. ATBI scientists, as well as any and all other park researchers are encouraged to send talk proposals in to park Research Coordinator, Paul Super (paul_super at nps dot gov) by the close of business on Friday, January 29, 2016. Then, for those proposals that are accepted, abstracts will be due by the end of business on February 29, 2016. Plans are just starting to develop. So far the park has set a date, March 17, 2016, and a venue, The Park Vista Hotel, for this annual event.

Home of

Smoky Mountains Arts & Crafts Village

170 Glades Road, #25 • Gatlinburg

The Back Porch Concert Series

Published by: Smoky Mountains Around Town P.O. Box 368, Gatlinburg, Tennessee 37738 www.SmokyMountainsAroundTown.com

Featuring David & Valerie Mayﬁeld

February 15 at Sugarlands Distilling Company, 805 Parkway If you are into the Americana/roots music scene, you probably know David and Valerie Mayfield’s kids. Son David Ray Mayfield leads The David Mayfield Parade. Daughter Jessica Lea Mayfield has 4 acclaimed albums under the belt at age 23. If you’re a little deeper into their music, you probably know that both of the Kent-based siblings began their professional music careers playing with their parents in a touring bluegrass band called One Way Rider they also toured and lived in a old touring bus once belonging to “Bill Monroe” a 1956 flex, known as (The Bluegrass Breakdown) The parents now perform as a duet, proudly billing themselves as “The Parents of David Ray Mayfield of The David Mayfield Parade & Jessica Lea Mayfield.” Those who like their kids’ music should be curious to hear their parents and see where all that talent came from. For information call (865) 325-1355. Admission is Free.

Ten Foods Highest in Magnesium

Magnesium is an essential mineral required by the body for maintaining normal muscle and nerve function, keeping a healthy immune system, maintaining heart rhythm and building strong bones. Magnesium is also involved in at least 300 biochemical reactions in the body. A deﬁciency in magnesium can lead to muscle spasms, cardiovascular disease, diabetes,

high blood pressure, anxiety disorders, migraines, osteoporosis and cerebral infarction. Conversely, consuming too much magnesium typically causes diarrhea as the body attempts to excrete the excess. High magnesium foods include dark leafy greens, nuts & seeds, ﬁsh, beans, whole grains, avocados, yogurt, bananas, dried fruit, dark chocolate, and more.

Dog Boarding Dog Day Care Dog Grooming

Publisher: John F. Patti Editor: Elizabeth Patti Associate Publishers: P. J. West Brook St. Johns Steve Moore Kim Bell Jim England Brian Papworth

Photographers: Ken Wayne

Contributing Writers: Cynthia Reeves Chef JD Kathryn Sherrard Teri Pizza Danny Lewis W. Alan Bruhin Ken Wayne Linda Hyder Glenn K. Turner Stacey Adam Michael Williams A. Jann Peitso Jim Yonan Ben Fuchs

Contact us: 865-255-3557 • smokyaroundtown@gmail.com Smoky Mountains Around Town is published monthly by Smoky Mountains Around Town. Reproduction of any material prepared by Smoky Mountains Around Town and appearing within this publication is strictly prohibited without express written consent of the publisher. Publisher does not purport to authenticate and is not responsible for claims made by advertisers found within this publication. Smoky Mountains Around Town Newspaper claims no responsibilities or statements made by present or past independent representatives. © 2015 - All rights reserved.

Great Food & Entertainment

Neesee on the keyboard singing all your favorites

“OK, I’m ready for dinner”

Some tourist don't stay in a place this nice!

www.barksandrecgatlinburg.com We are located on highway 321, 5.5 miles from trafc light #3 in Gatlinburg Vet Records Required For All Services

(865) 325-8245 Reservations Are Highly Encouraged

2159 East Parkway,Gatlinburg,TN 37738 Open all year round

Open Daily 3 pm

Entertainment Every Night!

Carrie Tillis, Bill Labounty and Bobby Tomberlin

(865) 430-1551

Follow Me To The Tree Appetizers • Salads • Soups • Entrees Italian Dishes • Daily Specials • Desserts Full Bar Service • Free Parking • In House Catering Pet Friendly Sports Porch!

WWW.CRYSTELLECREEK.COM 1654 East Parkway (Next To Dollar General)

Around Town Page 3

Special Olympics Tennessee Winter Games Ober Gatlinburg Hosts Ski Snowboard & Speed Skating Athletes On Sunday night, the public is invited to witness the traditional Opening Ceremonies from 6:45 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. at the Gatlinburg Convention Center. Here they will witness the March of Athletes, the Special Olympics Oath, a welcoming speech and the presentation of the colors. The traditional lighting of the Special Olympics Flame will take place on Monday morning at 9:00 a.m. at Ober Gatlinburg.

Gatlinburg’s Largest Collection of Antiques

You owe it to yourself to stop by our antique shops in Gatlinburg for the best selection of antiques, collectibles and antique furniture in the area.

The Gatlinburg Snow Sports Center (Alpine Skiing and Snowboarding), Ober Gatlinburg Ice Skating Rink (Ice Skating) and Ober Gatlinburg are conducting The Winter Games competition.

Special Olympics athletes from around the state are waxing their skis and snowboards and sharpening their skates in preparation for the Special Olympics Tennessee Winter Games to be held January 31 through February 2 at Ober Gatlinburg. Over 150 athletes with intellectual disabilities will compete in skiing, snowboarding and speed skating in divisions based on age and ability. "Thanks to individuals, organizations and businesses in and around Gatlinburg, the Winter Games will be a great event,” said Meg Takahashi, Director of Competitions. “Our athletes look forward to their Winter Olympics all year!”

Many businesses and civic organizations assist with this event: The American Legion Post 202 and Auxiliary Unit, Gatlinburg Convention Center, Gatlinburg Convention and Visitors Bureau, The City of Gatlinburg, Borden Dairy, Glenstone Lodge, Smoky Mountain Ski Club, Gordon Food Service, Walgreens, The Gatlinburg Snow Sports Center, Ober Gatlinburg, University of Tennessee- Athletic Department, Dick’s Last Resort Restaurant, American Eagle Outﬁtters, Maryville/Alcoa Civitan Club, Accenture, Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders’ and Exhibitors’ Association and many Sevier County residents. Over 14,000 athletes participate in Special Olympics Tennessee, which provides year-round training and competition opportunities in 19 sports. More than 300 athletes participate in Area Winter Sports throughout the state. 2016 marks the 31st anniversary for the Special Olympics Tennessee Winter Games. For more information click here or call Director of Competitions Meg Takahashi at (615) 329-1375.

The Go RetroRunning Weekend in Pigeon Forge and 916 yards in length. This comes out to just under 5.6 miles.

There is a new and exciting race coming to Pigeon Forge we think you are going to love! Not only does the Go RetroRunning event in Pigeon Forge promise to give you a fun and memorable experience in the area, it is also by far one of the most unique foot races you can participate in.

Race organizers said they chose this number because it both gives a fun twist to the event as well gives you a new distance to set a personal best record at.

Unlike any other race event in the area, RetroRunning is only open to racers ages 40 and up. This ﬁts into the retro theme of the race. It also allows you to enjoy the experience with other runners with the similar skill sets as your own.

The race kicks off at the Leconte Center in Pigeon Forge. From there, you will travel from Teaster Lane, down Veterans Boulevard, up River Road, along the Parkway, and then back toward Island Drive.

RetroRunning utilizes a “Progressive Start” format gives every racer a chance to begin the race at the starting line, unlike other races this will push you toward the back and you have to run with a wave of people. Instead, you and your age group will have your own start line to begin on.

The foot race is not the only exciting way you will have fun during the upcoming Go RetroRunning event in Pigeon Forge. There are also several other special events and festivities planned throughout the weekend you are sure to enjoy.

In addition to providing you with a fun and memorable weekend, RetroRunning is also using a portion of racers registration fees to charity to give back to the Appalachian community. One of the things that makes the upcoming Go RetroRunning event in Pigeon Forge unique is it is not your typical foot race. Instead of measuring the distance in kilometers, it is measured in actual miles. It is also not an exact distance. For example, where some races are 2 miles or 10 miles, this race is actually 5 miles

Coming Soon!

Other activities planned include: -Live music concerts at LeConte Hall -Saturday keynote speech from Rudy Maxa -Post-race party -Educational classes -Veterans Appreciation Breakfast with keynote speaker Lee Ellis from Leadership Freedom For more information please visit the website at www.goretrorunning.com.

Tennessee Winter Special Olympics January 31 - February 2

Alibis

See You There!

Gatlinburg’s Newest Casual Restaurant

Featuring home cooked meals, signature salads, hot steam subs and TV’s everywhere for the sport enthusiast! Opening Soon 2015.

Check This Paper for Grand Opening

805 E. Parkway, Gatlinburg

373 P arkway , G atlinburg • (865) 325-1411

Watch and cheer as Tennessee Special Olympics athletes compete for the gold and earn medals at their annual Winter Games two-day sports festival. Events include snow skiing, ice skating and snowboarding. Location: Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort

608 G lades Rd ., G atlinburg • (865) 277-7167 2nd location is in the Arts & Crafts Community

www.facebook.com/AmericanSideshow

T he Smiths The Unique, The Unusual and the Hard-to-Find • Handmade Knives • Scrimshaw in Ancient Ivory

Unusual Antiques & Oddities from Remote Corners of the World

865-436-3322 www.TheSmithsShop.com 680 Glades Road, #2 • Gatlinburg

Wanted Crafters & Artisans A "Handmade Items" store renting various sized spaces for displaying your goods. Clerks on duty full time.

Opening Soon! Send photo, description of items and contact information to: toni2b@frontier.com

Your hosts Kim & David

The Best Place To Dance!

HOGG'S UPSTAIRS TAVERNE Gatlinburg Sports Bar Atmosphere By Day Gatlinburg Fun Hot Spot At Night!

So You Wanna Party ?

Dancing On The Bar

865-325-1750

Dine in • Delivery • Carry out

Patio Seating

With the best view on the strip!

Best Burgers and Wings in Gatlinburg www.hoggsupstairstaverne.com (865) 436-8515 Open 7 Days Per Week from 12 pm until 1 am

745 Parkway, Suite 10 Gatlinburg

Page 4 Around Town

Misty Mountain Soap Co. A Healthier Choice In Skin Care

The Tail of the Dragon Next Issue: Limestone, Tennessee By Ken Wayne Photographer & Travel Writer The Tail is located in Southeast Central Tennessee close to the North Carolina Boarder. Most adventurers staying in the Gatlinburg, Tn. and Pigeon Forge, Tn. area enter the Dragon from the Foothills Parkway South traveling 18 miles on the Parkway to the junction of Hwy. 129. Make a left and you are ready to tame the Dragon. Chilhowee Lake Recreation area will be on your right and the Smoky Mountain National Park will be to your left. After you make the left on to Hwy. 129 you will see a few pull-off areas on your right where many car and motorcycle enthusiasts stop to regroup before entering the Dragon. The actual starting point of the Dragon is 3.7 miles from the end of the Foothills Parkway. Now you have 11.0 miles of twist and turns ending in Deals Gap, North Carolina. There are 318 curves in 11 miles. Yes, you will see a few car parts and cycle parts along some curves but for the most part it is safe at the posted speed limit of 35 mph. If you want the feel of the thrill, drive a motorcycle or a sports car, otherwise you will just be on a very curvy road. The problem as for safety is making sure everybody else driving stays in the proper lanes. I was passed by a Ferrari like I was standing still. Here is the main issue. Many younger folks with sport bikes are trying to do the 11 miles in 12 minutes.

So beware. While on the Dragon, Photographers will be set up on many of the curves. They have large banners with their website addresses so to visit the site and purchase any photo's they have of you going through the Dragon. Not a bad idea when you think about it. The end of the Dragon is in Deals Gap, NC. There are shops with café's and mementos on both sides of the road. Also the Moonshiner 28 highway starts here to the left and travels through Georgia and ends in Walhalla, SC. (110 miles /3 hours). If you go to the right at the split, you can visit the Cheoah Dam in less than 2 miles. The dam will be on your left, also known as the Topoco Dam and the “Fugitive” Dam. This is the dam that was in the movie ”The Fugitive” where Harrison Ford had supposedly jumped from. The Historic Topoco Lodge and Jaspers Restaurant will be about a mile further past the dam on your right. After a little research, did you know this road is designated as one of the greatest motorcycle and sports car roads of all time? Well, yes it is, and the area where the road is today was a game trail used by buffalo and later used by the Cherokee People. Have Fun and drive safely. Ken Wayne Photography & Gallery 608 Glades Road, Gatlinburg • 865-850-2889

Natural Soaps, Lotions & Bath Products hand crafted in our shops!

(865) 430-8084 www.mistymountainsoap.com Two locations in the Arts & Crafts Community! 601 Glades Road (Morning Mist Village) 849 Glades Road (Covered Bridge Complex)

National Park Service Invites Proposals Ship Pub

The Southeast Region of the National Park Service (NPS) has issued a prospectus seeking proposals for the award of a concession contract to operate Smokemont Riding Stables within Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The new concession contract is expected to begin on January 1, 2017 and will be awarded for a ten year term. The services that will be required under the new contract include guided horseback rides, wagon and/or carriage rides along with vending and ﬁrewood, ice and souvenirs sales. Smokemont is located along Newfound Gap Road approximately 6 miles north of Cherokee, North Carolina. The current stable operations have been run by the existing contract holder, Elizabeth Burns Cook, since 2008. This contract is set to expire on December 31, 2016. Under the terms of the NPS Concessions Management Improvement Act of 1998, concession contracts must be awarded through a competitive selection process. The prospectus explains the business opportunities and the terms and conditions under which the NPS will award the concession contract. Pursuant to 36 CFR, Part 51, the NPS Director has determined the existing concessioner is a “preferred offeror” who is eligible to exercise a right of preference for the award of the draft contract. Any proposal, including that of the existing concessioner, must be received by the Chief of Commercial Services, Southeast Region,

National Park Service, 100 Alabama St, SW, Bldg 1924, Atlanta, GA, 30303 by 4:00 p.m. EST on Wednesday, March 23, 2016, in order to be evaluated and considered for award of the Concession Contract. The prospectus is available at http://www.concessions.nps.gov/prospectuses.h tm. Hard copies will be available upon request for a printing cost recovery charge. The fee is $50.00 per copy to be delivered via Federal Express or $45.00 per copy if picked up in person. Persons interested in obtaining a prospectus can submit payment by mail or in person via a check or money order made payable to the NPS. Cash will not be accepted. You must include a business address (no post ofﬁce box) and telephone number to receive a Federal Express package. For personal pick up please contact Molly Schroer, Concessions Specialist, Great Smoky Mountains National Park at 865436-1209 or Bill Stevens, Chief of Commercial Services, Southeast Region, NPS, in Atlanta at 404-507-5636 prior to arrival. If you have obtained your prospectus from the website, please advise Bill Stevens, Chief of Commercial Services, at 404-507-5636 of your contact information in order to receive future responses to questions or amendments to the prospectus. Those requesting a hard copy or who have been placed on the mailing list will be provided with any additional information speciﬁc to the prospectus in writing. Information relative to the solicitation will also be posted to the above mentioned website.-NPS

Open 11 till 10 - Closed Mondays Serving The Area for over 10 Years The ORIGINAL Ship Crew Is Back Happy Hour 4-7 Full Menu • Appetizers • Salads Over 40 Drafts To Choose From

(865) 325-1658 170 Glades Road, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 www.ship-pub.com

Want To Become A

Tennessee Master Gardener?

Steaks Burgers Seafood and much more

Where The Locals Go

Howard's Steakhouse has been in Gatlinburg since 1946 offering the traditional Howard’s menu. Seating is also available outside next to a running stream. The bar is a long time locals favorite with a hometown atmosphere.

Catering Available The Wild Boar Saloon located upstairs offers a lighter fare with tavern style appetizers and specialty bar drinks. Offering a great night life atmosphere with Karaoke.

By W. Alan Bruhin Do you have desire to share the joy of gardening with others? Or maybe you just want to learn and share information about gardening and nature while giving volunteer time back to your community? If you answer yes to these questions, then The Sevier County Master Gardener Program has been waiting for you. The Sevier County Master Gardener Program will be offering its next series of classes starting in February. Classes will be held on Tuesday evenings starting February 16 and running through April 19th. Classes will be held in Sevierville at The University of Tennessee Sevier County Extension Office which is located at 752 Old Knoxville Highway, next to the Sevier County Fairgrounds. Cost of this class is $150. Class topics will cover all aspects of home lawns, landscapes and gardening. To be apart of this next class you need to contact the Sevier County Extension Office at 453-3695 or email me at wabruhin@utk.edu to receive info on the upcoming class. Tennessee Master Gardeners (TMGs) are trained volunteers that help horticultural experts in University of Tennessee Extension and the Tennessee State Cooperative Extension Program share the latest and greatest gardening information. The program's main goals are to increase the availability of horticultural information and to improve the quality of life with community gardening and landscape programs.Master Gardeners help by running plant clinics; answering phone requests for horticultural information; establishing and maintaining demonstration gardens; working with the handicapped, youth, the elderly and other special groups; and designing and implementing community involvement projects. Approximately 2,000 Master Gardeners are active in 46 Tennessee counties. If you'd like to be included among their numbers, visit the Sevier County Area Master Gardeners at http://scamga.org or contact your local county Extension office.

www.HowardsRestaurantGatlinburg.com 976 Parkway, Downtown Gatlinburg (865) 436-3600 Creating Unique Hand Crafted Jewelry Gatlinburg 16th Annual Saddle Up

The Jewelry Spot Gemstones • Wire Art • Enamels Sterling Silver • 14 Kt Gold Filled • Custom Orders Available

440-478-1841 www.thejewelryspot.net 849 Glades Road, Suite 1B7, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 Located at the Covered Bridge in The Glades

Helpful Tips • When washing windows, clean one side with horizontal strokes and the other with vertical strokes. If there are streaks, you'll know which side requires additional cleaning. • Rub a walnut on damaged wooden furniture to cover up dings. • Use nail polish to identify different keys. • Use a magnet to ﬁnd nails and studs in your walls. • Combine 1 teaspoon of tea tree oil to 1 cup of water. Stir or shake thoroughly and put mixture into your spray bottle. Mist mold or mildew mixture on tarnished areas and wipe clean. • Polish silver items with toothpaste instead of silver polish.

February 1 to 29 – Gatlinburg Winter Magic – The City of Gatlinburg magically lights up the nights with dozens of spectacular light displays, featuring all LED bulbs. (GCVBE) (800) 568-4748 March 4 and 5 – Gatlinburg Improv Fest – This event for both performers and spectators at Sweet Fanny Adams Theatre will feature a number of improvisation groups and instructors participating in a series of shows and classes. w w w. g a t l i n b u rg i m p r o v f e s t . n e t , e m a i l gatlinburgimprovfest@gmail.com or call (865) 325-9712. March 17-June 5 - Smoky Mountain Springfest – A countywide celebration of the season featuring special events, local craft shows and much more. (800) 568-4748 March 17 -June 5 -Gatlinburg Smoky Mountain Spring! As part of Smoky Mountain Springfest, Gatlinburg has jam packed April with special events and activities for the whole family! For more info on Gatlinburg Smoky Mountain Spring!, website www.gatlinburg.com, 800-588-1817. March 22 to March 26 – Great Smoky Easter Arts & Crafts Show. Unique handcrafted gifts and products produced by members of Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community are placed on display and offered for sale as they host their annual show at the Gatlinburg Convention Center. Visit www.gatlinburgcrafts.com or (800) 568-4748 March 27 – Easter Sunrise Service at Ober Gatlinburg – Early morning, includes complimentary tram service to the top of the resort begins at 5:45 a.m. Service begins at 6:30 a.m. Breakfast buffet available. (800) 251-9202

Join us as we celebrate the American West at the 16th Annual Saddle Up. We’ll bring you the ﬁnest in cowboy and cowgirl entertainers, a chuck wagon cook off, workshops and seminars, a cowboy dance, cowboy church and much more. Saddle Up is the place to be to let your cowboy spirit shine. Visit www.mypigeonforge.com web page for updates and announcements. We’ll see you and your posse in Pigeon Forge, February 1721, 2016!

A Mountain Quiltfest Celebrate the art and heritage of quilting at the 22ndAnnual A Mountain Quiltfest™. Quilters from all around will come together for this event from March 15-19, 2016 to attend classes that are based on skill level and technique. There will also be a quilt show that displays a variety of quilts for your viewing pleasure. Quilters can choose between different categories from which they can enter their quilts to compete. The winners will go home with some great prizes! Be sure to check out the vendors’ booths for a variety of quilting necessities and unique accessories. For more information go to www.mypigeonforge.com.

Around Town Page 5

Gatlinburg Pickers by Danny Lewis

Sparky’s Glassblowing Ask About Our Glassblowing Classes! Come and watch Gary at work

Hello and thanks again for watching our latest item of choice to show, explain and share. This month we want to take a look at “Repurposing”. Take this wonderful colorful decorative top that once was the back-board of a 50’s Pinball Machine. Many of these that were broken and repaired ended up in scrap piles. Then came the creative adventure of “Repurposing” and turning salvage into art and functional furniture.

Glassblowing at its best! Beautiful, handcrafted blown & sculpted glass

This piece has been separated from the Pinball Machine frame and carefully framed in a thick oak frame so it can be shadow boxed with a light behind it and show those great colors, or put legs underneath and then it can be a small artsy table, etc. Repurposing is great for our ecology. We use less trees, create less trash and create functional and art pieces that you can even sell or enjoy yourself. Well it’s just all good. Thanks for letting me share. Until next time, Danny

(865) 325-8186 American Sideshow Antiques 373 Parkway, Gatlinburg 608 Glades Road, Gatlinburg https://www.facebook.com/AmericanSideshow (865) 325-1411

Jann's colorfully depicted images of quilts, trail “ﬁnds” and whimsical characters, all rendered in her splashes of watercolors, wil bring a smile as you enter and a feeling of “let's return” as you leave. Watercolor classes are available for visitors

upon request, two or three hours. All supplies are furnished. 170 Glades Road, Gatlinburg • (865)436-2363 www.ajannpeitso.com Smoky Mountains Arts & Crafts Village

See Artisans At Work s

Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community

The Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community is the largest group of independent artisans in North America with over 100 artisans. Established in 1937 this 8 mile loop weaves through Gatlinburg. These craftsmen and artisans weave, carve, cast, sew, paint and whittle to create a vast variety of collectibles such as jewelry, ceramics, dolls, pottery, quilts, brooms, baskets, candles, leather, silver smithing, wearable fashions, artistic photography, oils and watercolor paintings, blown and stained glass and so much more. The area also has restaurants, cafes, candy shops, soda fountains, tea rooms and lodging. You'll discover one-of-a-kind crafts, treasures and artwork and watch artisans at work. Stop along the way and chat with a painter or potter, or let a broom maker show you how it's done. This is a great experience for the entire family or just the two of you. There's plenty of free parking at each shop throughout the trail loop. Ride the "Craft Trolley" if you'd like to see it all without

the hassles of driving. A one-fare trip will provide a great way to see everything getting on and off as often as you like. Either way you travel you won't be disappointed, see history in the making and it's the real thing! Turn at trafﬁc light #3 in downtown Gatlinburg onto highway 321,go 3 miles and see sign on the left. Visit www.gatlinburgcrafts.com.

Smoky Mountains Art’s & Crafts Community

849 Glades Road (Covered Bridge Complex)

C ELERY! By Teri Pizza Why, because by now we could all use something green! First, the interesting stuff about CELERY: • In 1897 you could buy a CELERY Nerve Tonic from the Sears Catalog. • Supposedly, it takes more calories to eat and digest CELERY than there is in the celery! • CELERY was used by ancient Greeks and Romans as a flavoring; the Chinese used it as a medicine. • It was at Chicago's Ambassador Hotel Pump Room in the 1960's that the Bloody Mary drink started sporting a stalk of CELERY. • The CELERY that is available in local supermarkets is the Pascal variety. It was first cultivated in Michigan in 1874. • Two billion pounds of CELERY are grown each year in the USA ... two-thirds of it comes from California. Now, some reasons to eat some. • Celery has been associated with lower blood pressure. • Celery has been considered one of the best foods for keeping the body well by neutralizing acids. • Celery is a good blood cleaner and is excellent for arthritis, neuritis, and rheumatism sufferers. • Celery leaves have a high content of vitamin A. • Celery is high in roughage and low in calories. • The USDA reports that 2 medium stalks of celery contain 15 calories, 10% of the body's daily requirement of vitamin A and 15% of vitamin C, as well as vitamins B1, B2, & B6. Two stalks also contain 115mg of sodium, 260mg of potassium, 4g carbs, 2g fiber, and 2g of sugar.

Here are some selection tips: • Pick celery of medium length with thick and solid stalks. • Celery is highly perishable; keep refrigerated and use soon after purchase. • Some cooks recommend wrapping celery bunches tightly in aluminum foil; refrigerate to extend the celery's storage time and crispiness. • Freeze the whole stalk and remove ribs as needed for cooking. Just slice and toss into soups and stews. A little preparation technique on how to "string" a celery stalk. Place a knife under the raised ridges at the bottom of a trimmed stalk; place your thumb on top of the ridges and pull the "strings" away from each stalk. (Peeling will make the celery easier to eat and digest.) And a hint: One medium rib of celery will yield about 1/2 cup of sliced celery. Remember when we all used peanut butter, cream cheese, and jar cheese to stuff them? Still a good idea. Why not enjoy a rib (of celery) or two today? Adapted from Teri's book, SIMPLICITY OF FRESH PRODUCE ©, which contains similar information on 70 types of produce. It's companion book, ENJOY! with over 200 recipes featuring fresh produce, is due out this Spring. She currently resides in Eat TN and Central FL. Her books are available on Amazon or through her publishing website www.ThymetoEatBooks.com.

The Praying Mantis This sign at Route 321 and Glades Road is a landmark to the Arts & Crafts Community

Monday Nites Music At The Creek Featuring: Ben E. Scott Stroupe “A Smoky Jazz Feel With A Bluesy Rock Sound" From 6:00 till 9:00

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Praying Mantis Kung Fu

According to Chinese lore, when Shaolin monk Wang Lung, spurned by a recent combative loss, was studying his Buddhist texts, he was disturbed by the sound of a praying mantis attacking a cricket. Astonished by how easily the mantis

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defeated its prey, Wang Lung prodded the mantis with a piece of straw and observed how the insect jumped back and forth to escape harm. The mantis used its front legs to parry, grasp and crush the straw. After years of studying the insect, Wang Lung developed the 13 arm and hand movements of the mantis, the foundation for seven star praying mantis kung fu. Praying mantis kung fu practitioners hold their arms in a jackknife position in order to mimic the highly adapted raptorial (grabbing) forelegs of the praying mantis. Then, they use their hands’ drooping foreﬁngers to strike an attacker’s vital points. Wang Lung later added monkey kung fu footwork to improve the praying mantis kung fu stylist’s mobility. Note: There is also a southern praying mantis kung fu style, created by the Hakka people, based on observations of a praying mantis attacking a bird.

The praying mantis is named for its prominent front legs, which are bent and held together at an angle that suggests the position of prayer. The larger group of these insects is more properly called the praying mantids. Mantis refers to the genus mantis, to which only some praying mantids belong. By any name, these fascinating insects are formidable predators. They have triangular heads poised on a long "neck," or elongated thorax. Mantids can turn their heads 180 degrees to scan their surroundings with two large compound eyes and three other simple eyes located between them.

Ty p i c a l l y g r e e n o r b r o w n a n d w e l l camouflaged on the plants among which they live, mantis lie in ambush or patiently stalk their quarry. They use their front legs to snare their prey with reflexes so quick that they are difficult to see with the naked eye. Their legs are further equipped with spikes for snaring prey and pinning it in place which they usually begin to eat head first!. Many gardeners and farmers welcome mantids, because the insects they eat are often pests that hurt crops. Moths, crickets, grasshoppers, flies, and other insects are usually the unfortunate recipients of unwanted mantid attention. However, the insects will also eat others of their own kind. The most famous example of this is the notorious mating behavior of the adult female, who sometimes eats her mate just after—or even during—mating. Yet this behavior seems not to deter males from reproduction. Females regularly lay hundreds of eggs in a small case, and nymphs hatch looking much like tiny versions of their parents.

Hands On Gatlinburg Weekend

Gatlinburg is happy to announce tickets are now available for the ﬁrst ever “Hands On Gatlinburg” Arts & Crafts Weekend from April 8 through April 10, 2016. Tickets to this unique event have been made available early to the public as space is limited. The 2016 “Hands On Gatlinburg” Arts & Crafts Weekend provides arts and crafts lovers the opportunity to own a beautifully crafted piece of artwork made with their very own hands. More than 15 studios throughout the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community will host over 40 different workshops, providing guests the chance to learn how to make their favorite crafts from the professionals themselves. An abundance of do-it-yourself style classwork will be offered, from knitting to pastels, painting, jewelrymaking, watercolor, scarf-making, weaving, pottery, crochet, woodworking, soap-making and much more. Festivalgoers can keep the items they make and place them alongside their other coveted works of art. “Hands On Gatlinburg” Arts & Crafts Weekend is April 8 thru April 10. Space is limited. Those interested in signing up for workshops are encouraged to get their tickets early at www.Gatlinburg.com.

Tickets Now Available

Page 6 Around Town

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Appalachian Bear Rescue ABR is Staying Busy!

By Kathryn Sherrard

arrival. As of the MLK holiday (January 19) we are caring for nineteen cubs (now almost yearlings). Eighteen of these are doing very well and making good progress and the other one is coming along, although he still needs some special foods. All of these yearlings will spend the winter at the facility and will be released in the spring. It is quite possible that we will receive even more needy bears during the next two or three months.

Appalachian Bear Rescue had a very busy year in 2015. The nearfailure of the hard mast crop (acorns) led to many bears moving down out of the mountains in their quest for food to bulk up prior to hibernation. The result was more orphaned cubs, whose mothers were killed in traffic or through other calamities. Last month we reported that ABR received five malnourished cubs during November. After writing that piece, we continued to receive needy cubs – ten arrived during late November and December. Already this year we have admitted six more; one of whom survived for only a few days. (As this article was being written, the fifth and sixth cubs arrived). ABR is now up to a total of 243 cubs cared for during our first twenty years! 2016 is our twentieth anniversary!

After a few more releases, ABR started the New Year with nineteen cubs onsite. Although most of the cubs would be spending the winter at ABR, two females, #233 (Cindy Lou) and her sister, #234 (Belle) were healthy enough for release, and plans were made for their return to the wild. They appeared to be more than ready for hibernation by mid-January, and it was assumed that they could be released to hibernate in the wild. However, the two cubs revised the plans when a tree in their enclosure fell during a storm on January 11th.The tree fell on the fence, knocking out the electric wire and creating a bridge that allowed them to cross and gain their freedom. In other words, they “self-released!” After extensive searching did not locate them, the TWRA ofﬁcers decided to close the books on the two cubs, as did the ABR curators. We were only sorry that these two were not collared, and can't be a part of the study that Curator Coy is conducting for his Master's thesis. We are sure that the resourceful cubs will continue to thrive in the wild.

Sadly, we lost two cubs to death during January: #237, admitted on New Year's Eve, fell from a tree and died eleven days later; and #240,a badly injured cub survived for only two days after her

The next generation of bear cubs is being born now, in late January and early February. When their mothers start to bring them out of dens in March and April, we may be called on to help some very young cubs, if the mothers are unable to ﬁnd food for them. If that should happen, we may ﬁnd ourselves still caring for some 2015 cubs (now yearlings) as well as tiny 2016 cubs. That will be a real challenge, but our dedicated curators are up to it we now have Head Curator (Coy Blair) and three assistant curators (Rick Noseworthy, Janet Dalton and Greg Grieco). Each month we make a point of asking residents and visitors to keep their food and garbage away from bears. We reiterate that it is never a kindness to feed a bear, no matter how hungry it appears. The experience of one of our current residents, ABR Cub #236 (Milo Bear) illustrates how lethal our garbage and trash can be. Milo Bear was brought to ABR on December 30th. He was transported to UT College of Veterinary Medicine, as is our procedure, and was prescribed the usual medicines. After two days, the curators noticed that he wasn't eating his food. Returned to UT, it was found that he had been eating garbage before he was found. Something had blocked his system, causing him to lose his appetite. The little cub had his stomach pumped, and the curators were advised to feed very soft and bland foods. It took one more trip to UT for an endoscopy before Cub 236 was on the road to recovery. After several days in The Cub House, where he could be monitored carefully, he was able to enter a Wild Enclosure. He is there now, with another very underweight cub. His story had a good ending, but as you can probably tell, our garbage and trash can be deadly to bears. Therefore, we repeat our request – please don't feed the bears or allow them to get into garbage! To learn more about Appalachian Bear Rescue and the cubs we are caring for, please visit our Facebook page: facebook.com/AppalachianBearRescue. You can also visit our website at www.appalachianbearrescue.org. If you are in Townsend, you can stop by our Visitor/Education Center in the Trillium Cove Shopping Village. We’d love to see you!

Around Town Page 7

Kountry Antics featuring Country Decor, Jams, Salsa Handmake Soap, Cottage Candles

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Raccoon Facts

Smoky Mountain Wine Fest Sanctioned by the Tennessee Wineries Association, the highly successful wine festival features wineries from across Tennessee providing samples of their labels along with small dish fare from the best restaurants in the Smoky Mountains. Wine talks and food pairing demonstrations will be presented throughout the festival by the best sommeliers in Tennessee and top chefs in Gatlinburg. Location: Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, 556 Parkway. Call 865-277-8989.

Helpful Apps For Families By Linda Hyder

An App for helping parents on the topic of bullying? Yes, the SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) has developed FREE apps on some tough topics.

These apps have resources that can help address some of the toughest mental health and substance use challenges, including suicide prevention, bullying prevention, behavioral health following a disaster, and underage drinking prevention. The names and description of these apps are: ·Suicide Safe. This is designed to help health care providers integrate suicide prevention strategies into their practice and address suicide risk among their patients. ·KnowBullying. This app provides information and guidance on ways to prevent bullying and build resilience in children. A great tool for parents and educators, KnowBullying is meant for kids age 3 to 18.

·SAMHSA Disaster App. This app provides responders with access to critical resources – like Psychological First Aid and Responder Self-Care and SAMHSA's Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator to help responders provide support to survivors after a disaster. ·Talk. They Hear You.This app is an interactive game that can help parents and caregivers prepare for one of the more important conversations they may ever have with children – underage drinking. To learn more and to download SAMHSA's free mobile apps use this link: www.store.samhsa.gov/ apps/. Share this information. Help promote positive mental health in our families and community. For more information contact Linda Hyder, UT Extension Sevier County, 453-3695.

smokyaroundtown@gmail.com

Raccoons are highly intelligent and curious creatures, but they can also be a nuisance to any homeowner. These nocturnal mammals can destroy gardens, make a mess by tipping over garbage cans and can cause structural damage in search of food. Their average lifespan in the wild is 2-3 years and can live up to 20 years in captivity. Raccoons are natively found throughout most of North America. Recently, raccoons have emerged in parts of Europe and Japan. Traditionally, raccoons prefer heavily wooded areas with access to trees, water and abundant vegetation. There, they make their dens in the hollow parts of trees as well as abandoned burrows, traveling up to 18 miles to forage for food. Raccoons are extremely adaptable. They are often found in suburban and urban areas, making their homes in man-made structures like attics, sewers, barns and sheds. In urban areas, raccoons tend to stay closer to their dens with a range of only about 1 mile, depending on their age and sex. Raccoons are omnivores with an opportunistic diet; eating almost anything they can get their paws on. In

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urban areas, where wildlife and fresh vegetation are limited, raccoons will be more likely to eat human food and invade trash cans. The majority of their diet consists of sweet foods like fruits and invertebrates. Some favorite foods include: birds, eggs, fish and shellfish, frogs, fruit, insects, nuts and seeds, snakes. Nocturnal in nature, raccoons are mostly active at nighttime. They are most active in spring, summer and fall, and will sleep in their dens for most of the winter. Reproduction begins in late winter. Females, or sows, usually give birth to 1-6 baby kits in April or May. Mothers are very protective of their young until they separate after about a year. Raccoons are independent after 12-14 months of age. Adults live in loose knit communities of 4 - 5 raccoons for better protection against predators. They communicate with each other using over 200 different sounds and 12-15 different calls. Raccoons possess amazing dexterity that gives them the ability to open doors, jars, bottles and latches. They are also great climbers, which allows them to better access food and shelter. Raccoons can carry several bacterial diseases and parasites that can be transmitted to humans and pets through a bite or the ingestion of raccoon waste. Some diseases that can affect humans and pets include: leptospirosis, salmonella, roundworm (Baylisascaris procyonis), rabies. Although raccoons are notorious for carrying rabies, there has only been one recorded human death from raccoon rabies in the United States. Some signs that a raccoon may have rabies include aggressiveness, unusual vocalization, and excessive drool or foam from the mouth. If you think you may have identified a rabid raccoon, call your local animal control authority.

3. Dry-brush your skin - Dry skin brushing improves lymphatic drainage, reduces cellulite, promotes digestion and supports detoxification. You can purchase a skin brush on Amazon, or simply use a dry towel. Gently brush in a circular motion, always moving from the extremities towards the heart, thereby improving blood flow to the heart. Use counter-clockwise strokes on your belly to improve detoxification. 4. Scrape Your Tongue - By tongue scraping every morning, you remove bacteria that can lead to poor digestion and liver stagnation. Brush your teeth before you tongue-scrape. Then use a tongue scraper or a spoon to reach as far back as possible and pull forward, scraping off the white

film, which is candida and streptococcus mutans. 5. Oil Pulling - Oil pulling has been a common detoxification practice for centuries and can be done with coconut, sesame or olive oil. Oil pulling should be done on an empty stomach to ensure maximum benefit. The best times are upon rising and before bed. 6. Detox your products - Detoxing isn’t all about what you eat and drink, it’s also the products you put on your skin. Make sure you’re using personal care products and makeup are free from harmful ingredients. 7. Get Moving - Whether it’s walking the dog, a bike ride to work, stretches at your desk or a quick yoga session, commit to getting your heart rate up and your body moving in the morning. Regular exercise gets the blood moving and is essential for a healthy metabolism. 8. Take a probiotic - Probiotics (healthy bacteria) regulate and restore your intestines’ natural balance, and studies have shown they can help rid the body of heavy metals, free radicals and dangerous bacteria. Make sure to take any other supplements before you head out for the day, too. Just don’t do so on an empty stomach. 9. Eat the Right Breakfast - It’s important to get protein and healthy fats early in the day, versus a bowl full of simple carbs and refined sugar. Protein-packed Greek yogurt is a good choice if you want to get your probiotics and breakfast in one fell swoop. My naturopath encourages me to eat a small amount of eggs, veggies or even dinner leftovers in the morning. (Garlic breath be damned: who says you can’t have chicken and and Caesar salad for breakfast?) A smoothie with avocado, grain-free muesli or a make-ahead breakfast burrito are all good options. 10. Drink Green Tea - Giving up coffee can be rough but at least try to make the switch, even if it’s a couple days a week. You’ll be getting beauty-boosting antioxidants and a metabolism boost, and there’s still caffeine in it. If you’re an iced tea fan, try a Green Tea Energy Drink with chia seeds that provide fiber and omega-3s.

Page 8 Around Town

The Three Forms of Vitamin A

Critical Health News

skin softening properties and there are enzymes in the skin that can break it down and activate it.

By Pharmacist Ben Fuchs

While many topically applied vitamins have skin beneﬁts, none can come close to the wide ranging salubrious effects provided by Vitamin A, a powerful and multifunctional oily nutrient that is available in three major forms.

The most common and the most stable form of Vitamin A is called retinyl palmitate. Retinyl is the Latin designation for Vitamin A and palmitate represents a carrying case or ferry for Vitamin A, acting to shuttle to the nutrient around in a protective bubble. This is the type that is absorbed into the body from the digestive system when we take supplements or eat Vitamin A containing foods. Topically it has some nice moisturizing and

The second form of Vitamin A is known as retinol. It’s more active than retinyl palmitate and, in fact, if you use a high enough concentration of retinol (say 5 to 10 or even 20 percent) you can get a nice exfoliating Vitamin A skin peel. However retinol is quite unstable and for this reason you’re really not going to ﬁnd these kinds of concentrations in topical products. At lower concentrations retinol can be “somewhat effective”, although the amount of retinol in most retail products isn’t going to get you much effect. The third type is the most important; chemists call it retinoic acid. It’s known as active Vitamin A, because in the skin it’s the form that is doing the work.Both retinyl palmitate and retinol have to be converted into retinoic acid to accomplish their Vitamin A effects. In essence when you use retinoic acid, you’re using the real Vitamin A. Retinoic acid is powerful stuff. That’s why it’s available by prescription only and in minuscule concentrations ranging from

0.01 percent to 0.1 percent. However, even at those seemingly infinitesimal strengths, the topical benefits of retinoic acid are well recognized and impressive, including thicker, stronger skin, diminished hyperpigmentation (dark spots), improvement in photo-damage induced fine lines and wrinkles and prevention and healing of acne blemishes The knock on retinoic acid is its potential to cause an irritation known as “retinoid dermatitis” (RD). This is especially likely to occur if the skin is already sensitive. If you’ve tried to use retinoic acid, and ended up with RD, try using or upping your daily dose of essential fatty acids. Low levels of Omega 3 and 6 EFAs can increase the possibility of skin reactions. In deficiency states, RD is much more likely to occur. In my experience, it’s usually people who have some kind of issue with fat malabsorbtion or who aren’t supplementing with EFAs, who have the most problems with retinoic acid sensitivities. What I’ve noticed is with correcting fat malabsorbtion or even simply getting on the Ultimate EFAs or bumping up your dose, you can dramatically reduce or eliminate irritation reactions. Please visit www.criticalhealthnews.com.

Avoid Cabin Fever This Winter, Keep Busy in Your Yard

Winter is here, but this doesn't mean you need to hibernate indoors. There are plenty of things to do in your yard and garden during the cold season, and this includes the planting of trees and shrubs. This is a great time to plant. In fact you have a bit of an advantage when planting in the winter, since many plants are dormant, and will require less water.

However, evergreen plants, such as juniper, arborvitae, magnolia, camellia or holly still need to be watered if we don't receive ample rain. Also, it is a good idea to mulch newly installed plants so as to protect their roots from the cold. These dreary winter skies may have you longing for bright colors, adding plants like witchhazel, red twig dogwood, helleborus, camellias and 'Color Guard' yucca to your landscape for winter interest. These plants are wonderful for adding color, but be sure when purchasing camellias to buy those that are appropriate for your hardiness zone. Just because the nursery has it for sale doesn't mean it is suitable for your climate. Often you will see marginally hardy camellias at nurseries.” Leaf removal is another winter task you can perform. When you've ﬁnished raking however, don't throw the leaves away, you earned them! Instead mulch them with a shredder or your mower, then add them to your compost pile or spread a thin layer on your beds for low cost mulch.This looks especially good in a woodland garden. Another option is to spread a 1-2” layer of mulched leaves over your

By W. Alan Bruhin vegetable garden. The leaves will prevent winter weeds from growing as well as keep the soil from eroding away. In the spring, till the leaves you've accumulated into the soil. This simple act will increase the nutritional content and organic matter of your soil. Finally, winter is a great time to test the pH of the soil in your lawn, ornamental and vegetable garden. Visit your local UT Extension office for details on the procedure for collecting soil samples. This simple test will tell what you can add to your soil to get the most out of your lawn and garden. If you can mobilize yourself into completing these tasks, you will have jumpstarted your gardening season as well as gotten some fresh air and exercise… and it sure beats jogging, right? 2016 Master Gardener Class Scheduled. Make plans now to be apart of the 2016 Sevier County Master Gardener Class. The Extension Office will be offering its next series of classes starting in February. Classes will be held on Tuesday evenings starting February 16 and running through April 19th. Classes will be held in Sevierville at The University of Tennessee Sevier County Extension Office which is located at 752 Old Knoxville Highway, next to the Sevier County Fairgrounds. Cost of this class is $150. Class topics will cover all aspects of home lawns, landscapes and gardening. To be apart of this next class you need to contact the Sevier County Extension Office at 453-3695 or e-mail me at wabruhin@utk.edu to receive information on upcoming class.

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Six Beneﬁts Of Infrared Sauna Therapy

As you might know, sweating is a great way to burn calories and rid your body of unwanted toxins. But how do you sweat when you’re injured, or unable to exercise?

I like to sweat in an infrared sauna. Infrared saunas help your body release a number of toxins, including heavy metals like mercury and lead, and environmental chemicals. The benefits don’t stop there. With infrared sauna technology, you can also lose weight, relax, relieve unwanted pain, increase your circulation, and purify your skin. 1. Detoxification - Sweating is one of the body’s most natural ways to eliminate toxins, making it a crucial part of detoxification. When compared to traditional Swedish saunas, infrared saunas allow you to eliminate about seven times more toxins. 2. Relaxation - Infrared sauna therapy promotes relaxation by helping to balance your body’s level of cortisol, your body’s primary stress hormone. The heat generated by the sauna will also help to relax muscles and relieve tension throughout the body, allowing you to relax and de-stress. 3. Pain Relief - If you suffer from muscle aches or joint pain, infrared saunas can relieve this form of inflammation by increasing circulation and relaxing your muscles. 4. Weight Loss - The heat generated by an infrared sauna will cause

By Dr. Amy Myers your core temperature to increase, which can also lead to an increased heart rate — the same increase in heart rate that you experience when exercising. When your body has to work harder to lower your core temperature or keep up with an increased heart rate, your body will burn more calories, resulting in weight loss. An article, titled Effect of Sweating, in the Journal of the American Medical Association concluded that a 30-minute infrared sauna session could burn roughly 600 calories. 5. Improved Circulation - As the heat from infrared saunas increases your core body temperature, your circulation will increase along with it. Consistent infrared sauna sessions, especially in the middle-infrared level, can stimulate blood flow, improve muscle recovery, and decrease pain and inflammation after intense exercise. 6. Skin Purification - Infrared sauna technology can help purify your skin by eliminating toxins from your pores and increasing circulation, resulting in clearer, softer, and healthier-looking skin. Infrared Levels Infrared sauna treatments may be available at different levels: near, middle, and far. These different levels represent the different sizes in infrared wavelengths and refer to the intensity of the treatment. Most people find that: near-infrared levels are best for wound healing and increased immune function middle-infrared levels are ideal for increasing circulation and promoting muscle relaxation far-infrared levels are used primarily for detoxification purposes My Recommendations If you’re new to infrared saunas, I would recommend starting out with 4-minute sessions at 160-180 degrees Fahrenheit and slowly working your way up to 15- to 30-minute sessions. If an infrared sauna is not available, but you have access to a regular sauna, you can still achieve some degree of detoxification with 10to 20-minute sessions at 180-190 degrees Fahrenheit.

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Top Ten Strategies

For Cancer Prevention By Pharmacist Ben Fuchs 1. Minimize exposure to risk factors including smoking, drugs (illegal and prescription) and excessive alcohol intake. 2. Maintain body weight in within a healthy range. The obese and even overweight are more likely to get cancer. 3. Practice regular, daily deep breathing. 4. Stay physically active. 5. Eat (and drink) more veggies. Reduce intake of processed dairy and meat. 6. Avoid fried and otherwise processed and refined fats. 7. Reduce caloric intake (especially refined flour and sugar) and use intermittent fasting (1-3 days a month). 8.Supplement with essential vitamins and minerals intelligently and strategically. 9. Use relaxation techniques including massage, quality sleep (and naps), as well as emotional and mental strategies. 10.Leverage spirituality by developing a personal relationship and regularly communing with Divine Force through prayer and meditation. Did you know… • That the name cancer refers to the crab like way tumors tenaciously grip and spread into adjacent tissues • The earliest description of cancer was a breast tumor found in an ancient Egyptian medical treatise dating to 1600 B.C. • Lung, prostate, and stomach cancers are the most commonly diagnosed cancers in men. Breast, cervix, and colorectal cancers are the most commonly diagnosed cancers in women. In the world of health and wellness, there’s nothing quite as terrifying as a diagnosis of cancer. As of 2014, nearly 15 million people living in the United States had a history of the dreaded disease. That’s about 5 percent or so of the population. While that’s certainly significant, it also means that 95 percent of Americans are cancer-free. In other words, despite the fear and angst it engenders, full-blown cancer is a relatively rare occurrence. While cancer has become a prosperous and profit intensive industry generating 125 billion dollars a year in revenue, the infrequency of its occurrence implies a certain resistance to the disease that is built into our biology. Visit www.criticalhealthnews.com.

Sevier County Master Gardener Program Planned

By W. Alan Bruhin The University of Tennessee Sevier County Extension Ofﬁce will be conducting the eleventh Master Gardener Program in Sevier County this winter. Classes will be held on ten consecutive Tuesdays starting February 16th and will end on April 19th. Class will start at 6:30 p.m. and end at 9:00 p.m. each day. Fourteen different topics will be taught to local homeowners and gardeners. Master Gardeners are individuals who receive forty hours of training in the areas of soils, insects, diseases, turf production, fruits, vegetables, etc. and volunteer forty hours of community service back to Sevier County. Master Gardeners can assist with delivering educational programs relating to gardening, work with community groups and with young people.

The Master Gardener Program is an excellent program for individuals wanting to learn more about caring for their lawns and gardens and who are interested in volunteering in the community. The cost to participate in this program is $150.00. This covers all books and classes. To be a part of the Master Gardener class, you need to send a $50.00 deposit to the Sevier County Extension Ofﬁce, located at 752 Old Knoxville Highway, Sevierville. Enrollment will be limited to thirty individuals. You need to submit your application early to ensure yourself a spot in this class. For additional information, feel free to contact Alan Bruhin at 453-3695 or wabruhin@utk.edu.

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Around Town Page 9

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This Is What Happens To Your Body If You Eat Avocado Every Day The avocado is believed to have originated in Puebla, Mexico. The oldest evidence of the avocado was found in a cave in Puebla, Mexico and dates back to around 10,000 BC. Native to Mexico and Central America, the avocado is classiﬁed in the same family as camphor and cinnamon. An avocado is botanically, a large berry that grows on a tree that can reach 6 feet tall. Like a banana, the avocado ripens 1-2 weeks after being picked. Avocados are often referred to as the healthiest food due to its impressive nutritional value. An avocado contains these vitamins and minerals: Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6,Vitamin B9, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Phosphorus, Sodium, Zinc • An avocado contains more potassium than a banana. Avocados have 14% and a banana has 10% potassium. • Folate for your hearts health. Avocados have 23% folate which lowers incidences of heart disease. Vitamin E, monounsaturated fats and glutathione are also good for the heart. Folate can lower the risks of having a stroke. • Folate is also essential in the prevention of birth defects such as spina biﬁda and neural tube defect. • Eating avocados help our body’s absorb 5 times the amount of carotenoids (lycopene and beta carotene). • Eye Heath- Avocados contain more carotenoid lutein than any other fruit, protecting against macular degeneration and cataracts.

•High in beta-sitosterol, avocados lower bad cholesterol by 22%, raises good cholesterol by 11% and also lowers blood triglycerides by 20%. • Studies show high oleic acid prevents breast cancer, inhibits tumor growth in prostate cancer and seeks out precancerous and oral cancer cells and destroys them. • Avocados are high in fiber and will help you feel fuller longer, potentially helping with weight loss. High fiber helps metabolic health and steadies blood sugar. • Avocado extract paired with soybean oil can reduce the symptoms of arthritis. • Pholyphenols and flavonoids within avocados have anti inflammatory properties. • Avocados cleanse the intestines, relieving bad breath. • Avocado oil greatly nourishes the skin and is a beneficial treatment for psoriasis and other skin irritations. • Avocados contain an antioxidant called glutathione that prevents heart disease, cancer and slows the signs of aging. • Glutathione also fights free radicals. Our blood and cells carry oxygen all throughout our bodies.When we are exposed to environmental pollutants, these toxins change the oxygen in our mitochondria into free radicals, destroying our cells and DNA.This damage creates chronic illnesses. Researchers from the Federation of American Society for Experimental Biology have found glutathione in avocados can be absorbed into our mitochondria and then neutralize the free radicals.

Nine Spices & Herbs Everyone Should Eat For Optimal Health

Herbs and spices don’t just punch up the flavor; they also boost health and fight accelerated aging. In addition to making your food scrumptious, most spices are high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatories — an overlooked and underappreciated weapon in the war against chronic diseases.

The Benefits of Garlic - Garlic is one of the greatest medicinal foods of all time and is definitely at the top of our list. It has a remarkable ability to lower blood pressure, prevent blood clots, and improve the blood cholesterol profile.

Allicin is the compound that gives this immuneboosting food, which has even been shown to combat symptoms of the common cold, its medicinal properties. Allicin is also responsible for garlic’s fragrant aroma. To get the most allicin from garlic, make sure you crush, press, or chop the cloves to fully release and activate this substance. Allicin is formed only when the garlic is smashed or crushed and the enzyme allinin mixes with oxygen; so swallowing a clove of garlic whole wouldn’t do you much good.

Avoid overheating garlic when cooking because you not only wind up with a bitter ﬂavor, but you also destroy its medicinal properties. Whether you like Asian, Latin, Mediterranean, or other

flavors, work a clove or two of garlic into foods such as stir-fried dishes, salad dressings, soups, and more — and do it as often as possible. The Benefits of Green Herbs - It’s astounding how easy it is to get your hands on organic, fresh green herbs throughout the entire year. They are easy to grow at home on a south-facing windowsill even in winter, or in containers on a balcony or patio. Growing your own herbs is an inexpensive way to ensure a constant supply. If you can’t do this, fresh, dried varieties work beautifully. Parsley is not only for fresh breath it purifies and rejuvenates your entire system because of the high levels of chlorophyll it contains. Studies have linked chlorophyll to everything from stopping bacterial growth to counteracting inflammation to lowering blood sugar. Rosemary has been linked to improved memory and brain function because it contains substances that help to protect acetylcholine, a vital neurotransmitter. Rosemary is also a potent anti-inflammatory compound and is often used to treat arthritis. Sage has an antidiabetic effect in animals. These benefits have yet to be confirmed in humans, but we do know that sage contains antiinflammatory substances and is an antioxidant.

For centuries, it has been used in Ayurvedic medicine as a purifying herb because of its antibacterial and antiviral properties. Thyme, which contains an oil called thymol, has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antiseptic properties. Oregano also contains thymol and is considered the herb with the highest antioxidant activity — four times higher per gram than that of blueberries. In addition to thymol, oregano contains carvacrol (another oil), which has antifungal, antibacterial, and antiparasitic properties. Together, these anti-inflammatory substances make oregano one of the most beneficial herbs you can add to your diet. The Benefits of Savory Spices - Humans are biochemically drawn to certain flavors and nature makes us attracted to these foods for good reasons. Unlike most animals, we humans can’t make our own vitamin C, and many researchers theorize that our attraction to sugar is actually nature’s way of getting us to eat high-in-vitamin-C foods like sweet-tasting fruits. We’re also naturally primed to love most spices. Perhaps nature gave them their appealing scents so that we would eat them and enjoy all their beneficial health properties. After all, spices, by

weight, are perhaps the most nutrient-dense substances we can eat. A recommended few are: Cinnamon contains phytochemicals that increase glucose metabolism in cells (and when glucose is metabolized, it doesn’t get stored as fat). It also can help to lower blood sugar, decrease blood pressure, and reduce triglyceride levels and “bad” (low-density lipoprotein [LDL]) cholesterol. Ginger helps control nausea, but it also decreases the stickiness of blood, which helps to prevent blood clots and decreases inflammation. In animal studies, it lowered cholesterol and slowed the development of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). Turmeric contains curcumin, one of the most powerful compounds in the plant kingdom. Curcumin has been used at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in cancer trials and has been shown to slow memory loss in laboratory animals. It’s extremely healthy for the liver, which is “ground zero” for detoxification. Curcumin has also been shown to improve arthritis symptoms, not surprising with its enormous anti-inflammatory firepower. The research on the benefits of herbs and spices continues, but there is no question that flavoring dishes with these substances can boost the health

Celebrate the National Park Service Centennial and “Hike 100” old, new and skilled—to experience and gain a new appreciation and stewardship for their national park. “I invite people of all ages and backgrounds, including millennials, to join me on this journey as we discover and explore the Smokies,” said Superintendent Cassius Cash. “The Hike 100 challenge allows me to have a personal role in ensuring that the next generation of park users, supporters, and advocates carries on the legacy of the National Park Service for the next 100 years. The lifeline of any legacy is to ensure that our voices are not only heard by the next generation, but also shared in a manner that inspires them to pick up the torch from the previous generation and carry it forward."

In celebration of the National Park Service Centennial, Superintendent Cassius Cash has committed to hike 100 miles in Great Smoky Mountains National Park during 2016 and is challenging the public to do the same. The 100-mile goal is part of the “Smokies Centennial Challenge-Hike 100” program. This program aims to inspire all potential hikers—young and

To complete the Hike 100 challenge, participants must hike any 100 miles of maintained trail within the park boundaries between January 1 and December 6, 2016. These miles can include everything from the front country nature trails to the extensive backcountry network of trails. Participants can choose to hike the same trail repeatedly or choose to hike many different trails to accumulate a total of 100 miles. Participants who reach the 100-mile goal will earn a commemorative “Smokies Centennial Challenge - Hike 100” pin and be invited to a park celebration hosted by Superintendent Cash. As part of the Hike 100 program, the park is hosting hikes for several regional youth organizations throughout the year. These opportunities will provide a chance for groups, who otherwise face barriers to travel due lack of transportation or funding

restraints, a chance to explore the Smokies. These groups will have the added beneﬁt of hiking alongside Superintendent Cash, as well as experienced hikers from the Smoky Mountains Hiking Club and Carolina Mountain Club. The Superintendent is also providing a unique opportunity for the general public to hike alongside him on his way to reaching the 100-mile goal through a series of four hikes open to the public. Two front country hikes in August and December will be completely open to the public, while two backcountry hikes in June and October will be limited to 20 people each. Information about the dates, trails, and how to sign up for one of these public hikes is provided on the park website on the Hike 100 page. In addition to information about the public hikes, the Hike 100 page on the park website provides opportunities for the Superintendent and hikers to share their experiences and reﬂections about their journeys towards their 100 miles, and a hiking log that participants can use to track their miles. Please visit www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/gsmnp-hike-100.htm. The Smokies Centennial Challenge-Hike 100 program is made possible by an Active Trails grant issued by the National Park Foundation and though the continued support of Great Smoky Mountains Association and Friends of the Smokies. For more information about the Smokies Centennial Challenge-Hike 100 program, please visit the park website or contact us by email at gsmnp_hike_100@nps.gov.

New Dietary Guidelines Passed

By Linda Hyder This week the New 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines were passed. The newly released 8th edition of the Dietary Guidelines reﬂects advancements in scientiﬁc understanding about healthy eating choices and health outcomes over a lifetime. This edition recognizes the importance of focusing not on individual nutrients or foods in isolation, but on the variety of what people eat and drink—healthy eating patterns as a whole—to bring about lasting improvements in individual and population health.

The Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion simplified the changes by identifying the top 10 things you need to know about the 2015- 20120 Dietary Guidelines for Americans: 1. A lifetime of healthy eating helps to prevent chronic diseases like obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure, and Type 2 diabetes. 2. Healthy eating is one of the most powerful tools we have to reduce the onset of disease. The Dietary Guidelines recommendations can help you make informed choices about eating for you and your family. 3. The path to improving health through nutrition is to follow a healthy eating pattern that's right for you. Eating patterns are the combination of foods and drinks you eat over time. A healthy eating pattern is adaptable to a person's taste preferences, traditions, culture and budget. 4. A healthy eating patterns includes: a. A variety of vegetables: dark green, red and orange, legumes (beans and peas), starchy and other vegetables b. Fruits, especially whole fruit c. Grains, at least half of which are whole grain d. Fat-free or low-fat dairy, including milk, yogurt, cheese, and/or fortified soy beverages e. A variety of protein foods, including seafood, lean meats and poultry, eggs, legumes (beans and peas), soy products, and nuts and seeds f. Oils, including those from plants: canola, corn, olive, peanut, safflower, soybean, and sunflower. Oils also are naturally

present in nuts, seeds, seafood, olives, and avocados. 5. Healthy eating patterns limit added sugars. Less than 10% of your daily calories should come from added sugars. ChooseMyPlate.gov provides more information about added sugars, which are sugars and syrups that are added to foods or beverages when they are processed or prepared. This does not include naturally occurring sugars such as those consumed as part of milk and fruits. 6. Healthy eating patterns limit saturated and trans fats. Less than 10% of your daily calories should come from saturated fats. Foods that are high in saturated fat include butter, whole milk, meats that are not labeled as lean, and tropical oils such as coconut and palm oil. Saturated fats should be replaced with unsaturated fats, such as canola or olive oil 7. Healthy eating patterns limit sodium. Adults and children ages 14 years and over should limit sodium to less than 2,300 mg per day, and children younger than 14 years should consume even less. Use the Nutrition Facts label to check for sodium, especially in processed foods like pizza, pasta dishes, sauces, and soups. 8. Most Americans can beneﬁt from making small shifts in their daily eating habits to improve their health over the long run. Small shifts in food choices—over the course of a week, a day, or even a meal—can make a difference in working toward a healthy eating pattern that works for you. 9. Remember physical activity! Regular physical activity is one of the most important things individuals can do to improve their health. According to the Department of Health and Human Services' Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, adults need at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity each week and should perform muscle-strengthening exercises on two or more days each week. Children ages 6 to 17 years need at least 60 minutes of physical activity per day, including aerobic, muscle-strengthening, and bonestrengthening activities. 10. Everyone has a role– at home, schools, workplaces, communities, and food retail outlets – in encouraging easy, accessible, and affordable ways to support healthy choices. a. At home, you and your family can try out small changes to

ﬁnd what works for you like adding more veggies to favorite dishes, planning meals and cooking at home, and incorporating physical activity into time with family or friends. b. Schools can improve the selection of healthy food choices in cafeterias and vending machines, provide nutrition education programs and school gardens, increase school-based physical activity, and encourage parents and caregivers to promote healthy changes at home. c. Workplaces can encourage walking or activity breaks; offer healthy food options in the cafeteria, vending machines, and at staff meetings or functions; and provide health and wellness programs and nutrition counseling. d. Communities can increase access to affordable, healthy food choices through community gardens, farmers' markets, shelters, and food banks and create walkable communities by maintaining safe public spaces. e. Food retail outlets can inform consumers about making healthy changes and provide healthy food choices. Submitted by Linda Hyder, UT Extension – Sevier County, 865-453-3695 or lhyder @utk.edu

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Page 10 Around Town

Meet The Locals Eric & Shu at Skiddy’s Bar & Grill Meet “Meow”...Jimbo’s new buddy.

Ben performing at Crystelle Creek Restaurant

Gary at Sparky’s Glassblowing at the Covered Bridge

Cindy at Misty Mountain Soap

A. Jann Peitso displaying some of her beautiful art

Johnny & Janine at Crystelle Creek Restaurant George at Park Vista Hotel

Byron and Ben at Howard’s Restaurant

Austin, Emily and Blake and Food City in Gatlinburg

Happy Valentine’s Day

Kat, Eric & Chrissy at Skiddy’s

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FUN TIME TROLLEY

Heaven on Earth

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Around Town Page 11

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Governor’s Crossing DR Mall

A Luxury RV Resort

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Outdoor Resorts @ Gatlinburg

Tanger Outlet Center At Five Oaks

(Deeded Lot Ownership)

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Apple Barn

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Birdwatchers, bring your Binocs & Logbooks

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www.pigeonforgetrolley.org 865.453.6444

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Fun Time Trolley Office & Transfer Point at 186 Old Mill Avenue

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Dolly’s Splash Country

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Gatlinburg Welcome Center

Did You Know?

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PIGEON FORGE FUN TIME TROLLEY ROUTES

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The Smokies are alive with over 200 species of birds. Many live here year round, and most take advantage of the varied elevations and protected habitat to breed in the forests and hills. Some are passing through on their annual migrations, so there are interesting species to witness all year round. If you know how to listen and look, you may ﬁnd as many as 100 species of birds in a day. If you are an avid birdwatcher on your way to the Park, check out this great book called Birds of the Smokies, from the Great Smoky Mountains Association, full of great photos, tips and 25 years of experience and birdlore.

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The Island in Pigeon Forge

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Don Miles, Broker 4229 East Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738

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www.milesrealestatellc.com

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502-599-6728

www.orgtn.org

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For Ownership Call:

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• Fishing Lake • Restaurant • Laundry • Game Room • Shufﬂeboard • Playground • Tennis Courts

Miles Real Estate Services LLC

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• Olympic Size Pool • Adult Only Pool • Miniature Golf • Gated Community • Basketball-Volleyball • Horseshoe Pits • Two Mountain Streams

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Pigeon Forge W elcome Center

Our Amenities Include:

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Gatlinburg Trolley Smoky Mountain National Park

• There are an estimated 82 million birdwatchers in the US, making it the country's second most popular hobby. Gardening comes in first. • Hummingbirds, colorful daytime birds, evolved from drab nocturnal birds called nightjars. • There are 9,567 different bird species alive today. Fossilized remains, however, show that at one time there were more than 150,000 different bird species on this planet. • Studies show that most wild birds will die in their first year of life. But if they can survive this first year then they stand a strong chance of living for some considerable time. The American robin, for instance, can live up to 12 years and both the great blue heron and the Canada goose can live for more than 23 years, the blue jay for more than 18 years, and some blackbird species for 15-plus years. • Mockingbirds can imitate about any sound imaginable, from a barking dog to squeaky hinges, to the notes from a piano to a cackling hen to even a cat meowing. • A duck’s eggshell is porous to allow the baby duckling to breathe. • Farmers dislike them because of the damage they inflict upon their crops, but many people believe crows and ravens rank among the most intelligent of all birds and have a brainpower comparable to dolphins.

G o T o W. W. W. G A T L I N B U R G T R O L L E Y. O. R. G. .

C L I C K on T R O L L E Y L O C A T O R

Page 12 Around Town

Who You ? l l a C a n Gon

Heartwood Galleries

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Taxi & Mobile Services DRIVER

1450 E. Parkway Gatlinburg, TN 37738 (865) 661-6207

www.heartwoodgalleries.com

865-323-9708 24 Hour Service Available

Local • Airport • Bus Station

Serving Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge-Sevierville

“Your Art is Where Our Heart Is” Largest selection of sculptured wood artifacts in Galinburg DIRECTIONS: In

Gatlinburg turn onto Route 321 at trafﬁc light #3. Go 3 miles. We are on the right.

Yukon Heath's Popcorn Emporium By Chef JD

• GiftingItForward.com • ChefJDs.com

Happy Winter Everyone! Yes you read correctly, it is still winter and will be for a bit longer. Which I am in hopes that we get more winter weather before it's all over with, you? Oh come on... Go skiing, making a snowman, having a snowball ﬁght, making snow angels... just being a child again!

World's Best Popcorn! A Variety of Flavors from Bacon Cheddar, Cajun, Carmel with Candied Nuts, Garlic Parmesean, Old Fashioned Caramel Corn and much more.

Anywho... February is here & Hearts Day is most likely on your mind. Therefore, be prepared if you happen to be affected by the weather & have to stay where you are, home or in a cabin somewhere. So get other there and prepare yourself for a cozy evening... Stock-up on the favorite beverages, bubble bath, oils, candles, and of course the ingredients for the following recipes!

This following recipe has many options; before dinner delights, after dinner delights, or, maybe later in the evening to enhance delights.

Nutty Chocolate & Nutella Strawberries Ingredients: · 1 dozen Fresh Strawberries, large. Stem removed, center removed with paring knife · 1 cup Milk Chocolate Chips, melted (easiest way is using a microwave) · 1/4 cup Nutella, about · 1/4 cup Hazelnuts, chopped · Confectioners' Sugar, to dust with Directions: · Line a cookie sheet with parchment or wax paper · Gently stuff strawberries with Nutella, or pipe it in · Using a toothpick, dip strawberry into chocolate · Sprinkle on the hazelnuts & set on cookie sheet · Refrigerate after removing toothpick until you are ready to serve · Sprinkle sugar onto strawberries just before serving, sharing with each other, or whatever else may come in mind. This next recipe is an old favorite and truly is not a hard dish to make: Beef Wellington for Two Ingredients: · 2 – 6oz. Filets · 1 frozen package of Puff Pastry, thawed · 1 cup Mushrooms, rinsed and sliced (I like using portabella) · 1 small Onion, chopped · 1 Egg, beaten lightly Directions: · Shake salt & pepper on both sides of the filets · In a skillet, on medium-high heat, add 2 tablespoon of Olive Oil · Brown filets on each side for 2-3 minutes each & remove and chill in refrigerator · Add mushrooms and onions to skillet, sautéing until nice and tender · Remove from heat and let cool to room temp · Preheat oven to 425° · Roll out thawed pastry onto a floured surface, cut into about 8 inch squares · Place the filet in the center, top with onions & mushrooms. Brush water lightly on the pastry edges. Bring opposite corners of the pastry together & firmly pinch the seams. · Place your Beef Wellington in a small buttered baking dish. Cut 4 small slits on the top of each pastry and lightly brush each with egg. · Bake 25-30 minutes - Serve with your desired vegetable and potato Now for your cabin fever, February 15th at 12pm, in downtown Gatlinburg, will be a parade honoring Bluegrass legend David Mayfield. Followed by his son David & Valarie Mayfield performing at the Sugarlands Distilling Co. located 805 Parkway, in Gatlinburg. The parade of course is free and so is the admission. Have a wonderful Hearts Day & I'll see ya'll at Sugarlands!

Recipe

City of Gatlinburg Creates Greenway

We Offer A Wide Variety of Gourmet Popcorn Prepared Daily In Our Store Our popcorns are popped in Coconut Oil for a healthier and better tasting product, and most of our popcorn is Gluten-free.

Full-Service Coffee and Espresso Bar - Latte, Cappuccino, Breve, Americano, Mocha and Smoothies! We Offer 16 Flavors of Creamy, Delicious Blue Bunny Ice Cream which we hand-dip in your choice of a cup, cone or wafe cone www.onlinepopcorn.com

606 Parkway in Gatlinburg • 865-325-1711 Yukon Heath's Popcorn Emporium a "must do" when in Gatlinburg!

Rental Space in Arts & Crafts Community

Square feet is available inside American Sideshow at 608 Glades Road. If you are an artist or craftsman this nicely decorated space would be a great place to display your goods. If you can’t be there all the time the shop always has a store clerk available to handle sales and questions about your product. Contact Danny at (423) 432-9476.

Ut Extension Award

The City of Gatlinburg Recreation Department recently completed construction of a greenway around the Rocky Top Sports World Complex and Mills Park achieving the long-term goal of tying all the ﬁelds together with one uniﬁed walking trail.

Both trails begin at Field One next to The Rock Indoor Facility. Marked by green and orange arrows, the two routes are different lengths. The Orange Route is a four tenths of a mile long, paved loop around the Rocky Top Parking Lot.

“Since the planning phase of the sports complex, the City and Rocky Top staff have envisioned a walking trail to tie all the ﬁelds together,” says Mike Werner, Gatlinburg Mayor.“That vision has now become a reality.”

At eight tenths of a mile, the Green Trail consists of paved walkways, a staircase and gravel paths. The trail runs beside Rocky Top ﬁelds one through three, passes Hammonds Field at Gatlinburg-Pittman High School and continues out to Mills Park. From Mills Park, the trail loops back around to the baseball ﬁeld at Gatlinburg-Pittman High School, and ends at Rocky Top Sports World. The Green Trail is closed to walkers from 8:00am to 3:30pm while school is in session.

She provides nutrition education to individuals and families on limited income and participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). During 2015, Meg taught free Eat Smart classes at various locations in the county, enrolling 135 adults, and conducted 30 monthly youth classes.

Parking for the greenway is available at Rocky Top Sports World located off East Parkway at 1870 Sports World Boulevard.

For more information on Meg's programs, you may contact the UT Extension Ofﬁce – Sevier County at 453-3695 or mcurtis2@utk.edu.

Designated as a joint project, Rocky Top Sports World provided the greenway signage and the City Parks and Recreation staff provided the labor.The paths provide visiting teams walking access to all the ﬁelds and an opportunity for residents to see the extent of the sports complex while enjoying outdoor exercise.

By Linda Hyder

Meg Curtis received the East Tennessee Nutrition & Consumer Education Program (TNCEP) Assistant Award. Meg is employed with UT Extension Service in Sevier County.