Ober Gatlinburg
Smoky Mountains
Around Town
TM
What To See And Where To Be In The Smokies! Read online: www.smokymountainsaroundtown.com
Volume 4, No. 1
FREE
Smoky Mountain Strong Anticipated Snowflakes of Winter By A. Jann Peitso
would be needed for what was to come.
Star-Studded Telethon Helps Raise Nearly $9 Million, So Far For those wishing to send donations via mail, those contributions should be sent to: My People Fund, c/o Dollywood Foundation 111 Dollywood Lane, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 Donations are also being accepted by texting DOLLY to 501501 for a onetime $10 donation or DOLLY25 to 501501 for a onetime $25 donation. Messaging and data rates will apply.
Photo: Anna Webber
Millions watched the star-studded Smoky Mountains Rise: A Benefit for the My People Fund telethon and nearly $9 million has been raised, so far! The telethon, broadcast on GAC, AXS-TV, RFD and The Heartland Network Tuesday, received huge donations from music stars like Taylor Swift, Kenny Chesney, Chris Stapleton, Chris Young, Paul Simon and Dierks Bentley but also from families across the country who just wanted to give the people of Dolly’s home area a hand up in the tragic wildfires. “I am overwhelmed by the generosity of the people who have donated from all over the country and to my friends who donated their time, talent and money for My People,”Dolly Parton explained. “Right now, in total, we have raised about $9 million dollars for the folks who lost everything in Sevier County.” The total amount raised is expected to rise as mail donations are counted and the telethon is rebroadcast to new audiences. Anyone who would like to make a tax-deductible contribution to the My People Fund may visit dollywoodfoundation.org.
Neil’s Gallery
More than 1300 families have been displaced due to the wildfires which spread across Parton’s home area of Sevier County, Tennessee in late November. Dolly established the My People Fund to provide $1000 each month for six months to every family who lost their primary residence. Artists who donated their performances to the effort include: Dolly Parton, Kenny Rogers, Hank Williams Jr., Chris Stapleton, Reba McEntire, Alison Krauss, Michael W. Smith, Chris Janson, Big & Rich, LOCASH, Chris Young, Montgomery Gentry, Jamey Johnson, Cyndi Lauper, Don McLean, Amy Grant, Alabama, Aaron Lewis and Rhonda Vincent.Dolly hosted the overall telethon with friends HLN’s Robin Meade, GAC’s Suzanne Alexander and Nan Kelly, The Bobby Bones Show’s Bobby Bones, SiriusXM’s Storme Warren, Crook & Chase hosts Lorriane Crook and Charlie Chase, Nash Night LIVE’s Shaun Parr and Elaina D. Smith, and TuneIn Country Roads’ Kelly Sutton will share hosting duties throughout the three-hour broadcast. Continued to Page 5
L ocal A rtist ...
Robert A. Tino Originals, Canvas, Paper Prints • Oil Paintings • Acrylics • Watercolors
Located at the Covered Bridge in the Glades
www.neilsgallery.com
849 Glades Road, 2B6 • Gatlinburg •
The falling flecks, perhaps snowflakes, danced across the windows of cars early Monday morning, November 28. Upon closer examination, these were not the anticipated snowflakes of winter, but tiny ashes blowing into Gatlinburg, portending the conflagration that was to come. The specks became larger and more tightly intertwined until the daylight was diminished as in a solar eclipse. Christmas lights twinkled through the ashflakes as the people began to sense, as all animals do, a sense of foreboding and began to move, to leave their homes, their businesses and possessions. Their lives were more important. Their strength
Now, after the fires, recovery has begun. Through that slow process of looking back, mourning our losses, sifting through the ashes of our lives, we now sense rebirth, a growing closer to one another as we work toward the future growth of our people in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and throughout Sevier County. The Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community shops, galleries, inns and restaurants are totally intact. There was no damage to our handcrafts or to our ability to continue creating. Our hearts are broken but our spirits, as the phoenix of Greek mythology, will rise from those ashes. Perhaps the phoenix is not a myth, but a truth concerning our inner strength. We do rise from our ashes and become better people. We will rise from our ashes and become a stronger community. We can rise from our ashes and regain our humanity.
White Oak Ziplines Ziplines Rafting Horseback Riding Natural Canopy Tours Group Parties Themed Events
865-430-4029
FOOT GEAR
www.whiteoakziplines.com
3629 E. Parkway, Gatlinburg
Of Gatlinburg
Calhoun’s Vil age •1004 Parkway, #301• Gatlinburg •865-436-2500 December Special - 50% Off Rentals different outlook on things.
Volunteers at Three Jimmy’s Christmas Dinner I would like to thank everyone for coming and having Christmas dinner with us. This will forever hold a special place in my heart and everyone that helped along this journey. Myself, my boyfriend Alan and co-worker Terri came from Indiana to Sevier County on December 2nd to deliver box trucks full of donations for the fire victims. When we returned home I had a
By Mariah Wood
I felt horrible knowing that so many families were not going to have their houses back and probably not a Christmas dinner. I enlisted the help of my mom, Holly, my grandma, Nancy and my boyfriend and we decided to set forth a plan. We started contacting restaurants, bakeries, butcher shops, the general population and a sweet corn market in Mays, IN. My friend Haley did a great job collecting deserts and we were looking for donations of 300 lbs of ham, 200 lbs of corn, stuffing, potatoes as well as monetary donations. We went to Facebook looking for food and one bakery donated 500 rolls for this cause. It all came together and I just wanted to express how grateful I am to friends and family for standing by me to make sure the victims of this tragic event had a Christmas dinner. I especially want to thank Three Jimmy’s Restaurant for providing their establishment to enable us to serve the dinner there. My soul is humble and happy as I know so many others are as well. I hope you all had a Merry Christmas and may the New Year be a blessing to you.
446 & 1670 East Parkway
2 HR - $169 4 HR - $299
3 HR - $239 8 HR - $399
Page 2 Around Town
Displaced Gatlinburg Employee Works Through Christmas By WBIR.com
“It felt like a dream for two weeks,” he said. “It still does. You think, ‘I’ll go home and get this,’ and you realize, you don’t have a home anymore.” In his time of need, his Crystelle Creek family stepped up, offering clothing and housing. "I really am turning people down,” he said. “They donated so many clothes that I've passed them on now like three times.”
Kountry Antics Featuring Country Decor, Jams, Salsa Handmake Soap, Cottage Candles
Restaurant co-owner and manager Brent St. John says after the fires, managers brainstormed on how to help other displaced victims like Stoupe over the holidays -- some of whom are still living in hotels and may have no access to kitchens for a meal.
Christmas Day, Stoupe serves a family at the Crystelle Creek Restaurant Some Gatlinburg restaurants stayed open on Christmas day, feeding customers who are still without permanent homes after wildfires swept through Sevier County and damaged 2,400 buildings. At the Crystelle Creek Restaurant and Grill, several servers volunteered to work through the holiday. Some employees were especially motivated after wildfires displaced one of their own coworkers. "I've lived everywhere, being a musician. I've been all around the country, and these people -- when the fire got me -- really restored my faith in humans,” said waiter Ben Stoupe. Stoupe lost more than just his Ski Mountain home to the fires. As a musician, many his most prized possessions were also destroyed, including 52 of his guitars, several studio recordings, and songs he had written and recorded as early as the 1970s.
"We just asked everybody that worked for us: ‘Who would be willing to work on Christmas Day?’ And it was strictly volunteer." Stoupe said volunteering to work on Christmas was a way to give back after the community gave back to him. "No question at all. It was a no brainer!" he said. On Christmas, the "Open" sign outside the restaurant’s doors attracted more customers than expected, keeping the six volunteer servers who chose to sacrifice their holiday extra busy. "Especially on a Sunday, we're four or five times what we would normally be," St. John said. "A lot of people know of my situation, and everyone’s just got a good spirit today,” said Stoupe. “I just want to say Merry Christmas to everyone, and just.. thank you. Thanks for the help.” Stoupe plays every Tuesday night from 6 pm to 9 p.m at the restaurant, and invites the public to listen.
Dogs In Heaven Were Watching Over Barks and Recreation received a text message from a long-time customer. We have provided her dog with daycare and boarding services for years. Her home burned to the ground and she barely escaped with her 4-legged buddy and told me she had to put a towel over her dog's nose so he would not have to breath in the air and ashes from the fire. She asked if Barks and Recreation survived the fire. I told her yes, we did. She then asked if I could keep her dog for daycare and boarding. My answer was a resounding YES. I told her that we would keep her dog for as long as she needed it for no charge. Then it dawned on me, I bet she is not my only customer whose home burned to the ground and they are having problems finding a place for their dog. Well it did not take us long to decide how we could give back to our loyal and longtime customers. We made the decision to provide any of our previous customers whose homes were destroyed or damaged by the fire to provide their beloved dogs a comfortable and familiar place to stay as long as they needed it at no charge.
Barks and Recreation, a Gatlinburg dog boarding and dog daycare business somehow survived the great Gatlinburg fire. Why you might ask? Well we believe the dogs were watching over us for a purpose. That purpose would soon be defined. About 5 days after the fire and a manager that remained on site to take care of the dogs in our facility, I
God bless the families and their furry friends. We love Gatlinburg, our people customers and their wonderful dogs and this is the least we could do to give back to them.
Owners, Steve Moore & Gail Lanier / Manager, Kurtis Ball
600 Glades Rd., Suite 2, Gatlinburg
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 MaponLocator Page 6 21 680 Glades Road, #2 • Gatlinburg
¬Handcrafted Old World Santas ¬Special Ornaments (865) 436-3339 ¬Thoughtful Gifts
SCB wants to help. If your business has been damaged or your home lost, we’ve setup temporary office space with copiers, computers, and Internet access so you can continue to do business. Contact Bond Jones at 453-6101 for details.
The wildfires have put our community into difficult times with more ahead, but we’ll get through them the same way we have for over 100 years… together. As your community bank,
Arts & Crafts Community
If you are a previous customer and your home was destroyed or damaged and need us to board or provide daycare services for your dog, please call us at 865.325.8245.
A Community Bank Here To Help
This is Matthew Converse, President & CEO of Sevier County Bank sending a note to all of our customers.
Come Browse Our Shop Filled With Treasures (865) 436-0040
Loan customers may call or stop by to talk about ways we can provide payment relief until you’re back on your feet. Checking and savings customers can discuss fee waivers on overdrafts, replacement checks or debit cards, reprinting of account statements and cashing of insurance or donation checks. Please get in touch at 453-6101 to discuss how we can help. We want to be a part of your recovery.
Home of
Smoky Mountains Arts & Crafts Village
170 Glades Road, #25 • Gatlinburg Please Don’t Feed The Bears
Sincerely, Matthew Converse and all the employees of SCB
Farmer’s Burger Barn 100% Grass Fed Beef !
Neesee on the keyboard
Come Hear Neesee Wednesday-Sunday & Local Artists Monday & Tuesday Every Second Monday Is Smoky Mountain Songwriters Night
(865) 430-1551 Open Daily 3 pm
Gatlinburg Brewing Company
www.CrystelleCreek.com
Free Range Beef No Additives No Hormones
Watch Your Favorite Team !
Dine In or Carry Out
The areas only Micro Brewery!
“Y’all Come And Have A Bite”
1349 East Parkway, Gatlinburg • (865) 412-1052
Look For Our 150' Lighted Tree Free Parking On 2 Levels Easy Handicap Access
Appetizers • Salads • Soups • Entrees Italian Dishes • Daily Specials • Desserts Full Bar Service • Free Parking • In House Catering Pet Friendly Sports Porch!
1654 East Parkway
(Next To Dollar General)
Around Town Page 3
An Observation by Jann By A. Jann Peitso Leave the main street, Parkway, of Gatlinburg and you will be reeling from the sight of the destruction. Gatlinburg is nestled between mountains and it is as though fire, like lava, poured down on top of homes and buildings. Actually the fire blew through the areas of homes, at speeds up to 9o mph and temps at 200 degrees. Houses went up as though exploding in 40 seconds according to firemen. The rims on car wheels melted and ran down the asphalt, steel beams twisted, melted and the molten metal, now hangs in hardened drips. Up high on Ski Mountain, the trees stand but with the appearance of vertical logs of charcoal. Everything in the burned areas are shades of charcoal with no other color visible.
The craftsmen and artisans are at work and their shops are welcoming. Return, shop, dine, stay in one of the lodgings. The people need their jobs to remain and even return. They are able to receive aid now but the long-term needs are right around the corner.
Downtown, the Winterfest lights twinkle as they beckon visitors to return. In the Arts & Crafts Community, all is well,
What can you do, you ask? Return to Gatlinburg. Your taking a vacation here will be the support needed.
Gatlinburg’s Largest
We mourn those lives lost and rejoice in all those who have survived. This mountain life will return to all of its off-themain-parkway roads and streets, not as before, but as a surviving and new-growth community. Hold our hands and return with us.
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.
www.gatlinburgcrafts.com
Charles the Pig MOUNTAIN TOUGH! inhalation and pain due to his burns.
During the Gatlinburg wildfires, the Holmes family had to leave Charles the pig behind as they fled their home. Unable to get the cars out, Rob, his wife Amy, their daughter Andrea and their 18 month old Wyatt were able to make it to a neighbors house. Many have described the escape from Gatlinburg like driving through Hell. They were able to meet up with other family members at a hotel, but were heartbroken over Charles. The next day the neighbor called to tell them the devastating news that there was absolutely nothing left of the house but that miraculously Charles had survived. Rob went to get Charles and was amazed that the pig had buried himself in the mud to survive. The Sevier County Fair has volunteers at the fair grounds taking in large farm animals affected by the fires so this is where Charles went. After a couple of days of trying to maintain his needs, it was decided that Charles the smart pig needed to go to the University of Tennessee Veterinary Hospital for smoke
Charles is now home after recovering at UTCVM which provided constant medical care to help Charles recover from smoke inhalation and burns to his body. While Charles survived, his home however, did not make it. The Holmes have lost all of their personal belongings and the structure was a total loss. And this family was not insured at the time of their loss. Please help them pick up the pieces and create a new life for their young infant son, pet pig Charles, Rob and Amy, who wish to rebuild on their home site. Give your best Tennessee Volunteer spirit by sharing or contributing to this fund. And thank you for any and all of your help. We would appreciate it if you would help Go Fund Charles the Pig to cover his care at UT Vet. https://www.gofundme.com/charles-the-pig-vet-care And for the whole family go to: https://www.youcaring.com/robholmesamylholmes710470/donate#pp If you would like to help the family of Charles the Pig, go see these sweet people at Shakes & Dawgs. 103 Mills Park Road in Gatlinburg (at the corner of Highway 321 and Mill Park Rd). Great hot dogs and great milkshakes! (865) 325-8284
Judy Jones Pottery
373 P arkway , G atlinburg • (865) 325-1411
608 G lades Rd ., G atlinburg • (865) 277-716 7 2nd location is in the Arts & Crafts Community
www.facebook.com/AmericanSideshow
Echota Family & Urgent Care Now Open their free time. Dana describes the situation: "There were so many people displaced with just the clothes on their backs. Diabetics, heart patients, COPD patients...all of them had their medicines burned in the fire. People had severe burns, smoke inhalation, and they were all dazed, completely in shock. We were treating them in the shelter at Rocky Top with whatever supplies people had donated. I feel like we were treating them at a very high level. I was very proud of the volunteers I worked with. By the end, we were a well-oiled team."
A Gatlinburg Pottery Gallery • Lead Free • Wheel Thrown • Microwave & Dishwasher Safe "Browse and watch potter at work"
www.judyjonespottery.com
(865) 430-3472
In The Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community 530 Buckhorn Road, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Park Reopens Several Trails in Burned Area Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials reopened several trails that were closed due to the Chimney Tops 2 Fire. Hikers are reminded to stay on established trails and to be cautious of overhead limbs and trail hazards throughout the area. The following areas are now open: Gatlinburg Trail, Sugarland Valley Nature Trail, Huskey Gap Trail, Backcountry Campsite 21, and quiet walkways along Newfound Gap Road between Sugarlands Visitor Center and Newfound Gap. Park trail crews continue to clear and assess trails throughout the burned
area. For updated information on backcountry closures, please visit the park website at www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/temproadcl ose.htm or call the Backcountry Office at 865436-1297. The fire ban remains in place at this time and applies to the use of all campfires and grills throughout the park including frontcountry and backcountry campsites and picnic areas. No use of wood or charcoal fires is permitted. Campers may continue to use gas camp stoves at designated campsites throughout the park. -NPS- www.nps.gov/grsm
On November 14th, the first medical office on Glades since Dr. Robert F. Thomas opened its doors. Echota Family & Urgent Care is set off the road in a little house in the center of the Arts & Crafts Community. The clinic is run by Dana Papworth, who has been a physician assistant for more than fifteen years. Dana is no stranger to Gatlinburg: she and her husband Brian have been part of the fabric of the community for years. They already own two restaurants in Gatlinburg, and Dana's embroidery is seen on shirts and towels all over town. Finally, she has been able to use her training in medicine to help the residents and visitors of the area. "I had been working in Morristown, and after marrying Brian, that was a heck of a commute," says Dana. "Besides, it's become very apparent to me that there is a shortage of medical care here in Gatlinburg." Gatlinburg may be a small town of 3500 residents, but more than 12 million visitors come here and to the national park yearly. The two doctors offices already in the area really had their hands full. "The nearest hospital is only about 15 miles away, but when there's a parade or a rod run or any of the other events in town, that drive can seem like ages," she says. "It's my goal to save people the drive if I can, and to give some relief to the other providers in town." The need became apparent after the recent wildfires. The Red Cross brought nurses from all over the country, but they were limited to any medical providers that were willing to volunteer
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!
I can't believe we found Gemi Stewart! Brittany and I both have been so sick that we've been unable to do anything since we got back in town. But we decided that I would go back to the last place we lost him the night of the fire and try to find our little guy.
So You Wanna Party ?
Patio Seating
So I knocked on the door of the closest house of the spot we lost him. A man opens the door, and I ask if he's seen a big, gray cat in the last few weeks. I explained that I lost him in the area the night of the fire when we were looking for a vacant hotel room. He said, "Yeah, a real pretty, fat, gray cat, right? Yeah, he hung around here for about a week, and then I decided to take him to the Sevier County Fairgrounds." "Ahhh! Great! At the least, I know he's safe and out of the cold," I said. So I thanked the man, shook his hand and I drove to the fairgrounds to see if Sevier County Humane Society had Gemi.
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
The other benefit to Echota is the cost. "I don't bill insurance, so I'm able to keep the costs low," Dana says. A typical visit is just $45, in an era when the typical copay is $50, and the typical ER copay is $100. "I can give you a receipt for you to get reimbursed by your insurance, but most of my patients don't bother. And my patients that don't have insurance are thrilled, because they can finally afford to get checked out.”
Echota Family & Urgent Care can be found at 1065 Glades Road. Call them at 865-567-1909, or just stop on by. Dana can also do house calls within 5 miles of the clinic and she's also available after hours. Put her experience to good use today.
I Can’t Believe We Found Our Gemi Stewart Before I left Brittany and I both had total peace and assurance that we would find him. I went to Walmart and bought a carrier, a bag of cat food and a small bag of treats to crinkle as I go on foot to look for him. I drove to the spot we lost him (weeks ago) and I began slowly driving through some of the side roads. This was seeming hopeless. There didn't seem to be much of anyone or anything around, and honestly, I was starting to feel the impossibility sinking in that would seem normal to the situation.
Dancing On The Bar
Now, Dana is ready to get back to work in her clinic on Glades. She offers sick visits, DOT physicals, suturing, breathing treatments...her goal is to keep people from having to go to the ER. "Don't get me wrong. If you're having a lifethreatening emergency, call 911!," she says. "But if you have a sinus infection or bronchitis or something like that, you don't need to sit in the ER for hours."
I registered his description with the front desk, and waited for the lady assigned to cats. She
read the description and was super excited if it was a match. Apparently, Gemi had become pretty popular there, and there were several people already interested in adopting him and his two week hold was almost up. So she took me to him, AND THERE HE WAS! GEMI! I couldn't believe it!! SCHS was amazing. They loaded me up with free cat food, bowls, a litter box, cat litter, all I needed. I signed some paperwork, and a news reporter out of Knoxville happened to be there, snapped this picture of us, and got the story! I'm still in disbelief by how easy it was to find our lost cat/son. Blessing God for how guided it all seemed to go. Thank you all !!!
Page 4 Around Town
Boat Won’t Crank Gary comes from a long family history of musicians and songwriters starting with his grandfather, Fiddlin’ Arthur Smith of the “Grand Ole Opry” who wrote “Beautiful Brown Eyes” and many others. His grandfather was inducted into the Fiddlers Hall of Fame and the Bluegrass Hall of Fame in 2007. Gary has been writing songs and playing guitar for a number of years and is a member of the Nashville Songwriters Association International, the Sylacauga Alabama Songwriters and has been associated with the Smoky Mountain Songwriters Festival. On December 1, he released his newest album Carlisle & Company, “Walking Sideways”. These songs are a collection written by him and his co-writing partner, Frankie Lackey from Nashville. This album features several performing artist from Nashville and a bonus track “God Against the Law” written by Jerry Lackey & Ryan Robertson.
Gary Carlisle Gary is a songwriter/performer and native Alabamian, raised in Birmingham, he spent his next 35 years in Mobile, Alabama with his wife, Robyn. In 2009, he moved to Sylacauga, Alabama to his Lay Lake home.
Gary enjoys spending time at his second home on Ski Mountain in Gatlinburg along with his friends and relatives from the area. He will be performing at Crystelle Creek Restaurant on January 9th, 2017 with the Nashville Songwriting Showcase.
Tennessee Winter Special Olympics 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.
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
Misty Mountain Soap Co. A Healthier Choice In Skin Care
This event takes place at Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort from January 29, 2017 through January 31, 2017. Come and enjoy!!
Sparky’s Glassblowing Winter Is Mild So Far By A. Jann Peitso
Ask About Our Glassblowing Classes! Come and watch Gary at work!
Several of you have shown concern about the animals in the National Park. One newsman yesterday said,"the bears are returning to the Park". The animals, bears, elk, coyotes, racoons, otters, etc. didn't "leave the park". They left the area that was on fire, 17,000 acres out of 1/2 million acres. When you look at a GSM National Park map, that is just a small fraction of the National Park. Our winter is mild so far, most of the trails are open and hiking is terrific, no gnats! Downtown Gatlinburg is a postcard scene at night and the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community is open. Drop around to see us. Watch craftsmen at work and just "yak" for a while. Everyone has a story and a handcrafted item that made it through the Great Gatlinburg fire of 2016. Now those are collectibles!
Gary Will Make You A Special Glass Piece For Your Loved Ones Ashes
Glassblowing at its best! Beautiful, handcrafted blown & sculpted glass (865)
2016 was quite a year that touched all of our lives. If your heart is still palpitating and you southerners have suffered many "a case of the vapors", perhaps let's wish for a more sedate guest in the form of 2017!
Smoky Mountains Art’s & Crafts Community
849 Glades Road (Covered Bridge Complex)
Demolition began December 13 and construction will start in the first quarter of 2017, according to Margaritaburg. The LandShark restaurant is expected to open in spring 2017, and Margaritaville Resort in the Smokies is slated to open in July 2018. Bob McManus, president of Margaritaburg, which own and operate The Island in Pigeon Forge, including the Margaritaville Hotel in Pigeon Forge. Among the investors is Gatlinburg businessman and hotelier Alex Davis, owner of D&S Builders, LLC, who will serve as contractor for the resort. “On the heels of the devastating wildfires, the announcement of this project shows the strength of the tourism industry in Gatlinburg, and we believe Margaritaville Resort in the Smokies
Published by:
Smoky Mountains Around
(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)
Trolley Ride of Lights
PLEASE Don’t Feed The Bears Around Town
Visit our website and read our paper on line at:
www.smokymountainsaroundtown.com
Work Began On New Margaritaville Resort In Gatlinburg
The resort will be at the former site of Best Western Twin Islands. Margaritaburg, LLC, estimates the project as a $35 million investment in Gatlinburg that will generate 150 jobs between the resort and adjacent restaurant.
Hand Crafted In Our Shops!
Please Like us on Facebook
325-8186
www.sparkysglassblowing.com
Natural Soaps, Lotions & Bath Products
Takes place till January 31 - Admission is $5.00
will play a key role in rebuilding the community’s economic health,” McManus said. “The resort will repurpose and transform prime downtown Gatlinburg properties, expanding the city’s offerings to tourists and visitors. Just 1.5 miles from the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the resort will serve as a destination for guests who want to enjoy everything Gatlinburg has to offer with the comfort and amenities of a four-star resort.”
Visitors can soak up the spirit of the Gatlinburg Winter Magic season from the comfort of a Gatlinburg Trolley by taking the relaxing Trolley Ride of Lights. The specially designated trolleys carry their guests on a memorable journey through downtown and adjacent Hwy. 321, allowing everyone to experience the magical wonder of Gatlinburg Winter Magic. Trolley times are at 6:30, 7:30 and 8:30.
The resort will span approximately 5 acres and include a sevenstory, 174-room hotel, a 4,000-square foot outdoor pool with a splash area, hot tub, indoor heated pool, shops and restaurants. In addition to the on-site restaurant, McManus said a LandShark restaurant will be built at the former Hard Rock Café site on the Parkway. Guests at the Margaritaville Resort in the Smokies will have direct walking access to the restaurant.
Featuring one-of-a-kind LED lighting displays along Gatlinburg’s famous downtown Parkway, adjacent River Road, and the triangle juncture of the two, the latest $1.6 million-plus rollout of custom designed and fabricated lighting displays are marked by sections reminiscent of winter forests, evergreens and romance. The Hwy. 321 route features an injection of bright displays as well.
Rooms in the hotel will feature a stacked stone fireplace, private balcony and wet bar stocked with a Margaritaville Frozen Concoction Maker. In addition to the room amenities, the hotel will offer a fitness facility, room service, concierge, bellhops and valet parking, and guests will be welcomed to the property by a one-of-a-kind parrot-themed fountain. The resort location is next to Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies and within walking distance of many Gatlinburg shops and attractions.
Gatlinburg has converted its entire winter lights program to quarter-watt LED bulbs, replacing the 5-watt incandescent bulbs and saving the City some 95 percent in energy cost and allowing the City to light the entire 120 days of the program for what it once cost for three days of electricity.
“Inspired by the lyrics and lifestyle of singer/songwriter Jimmy Buffett, Margaritaville Resort in the Smokies will be the perfect setting to escape the every day and ‘just chill’ in the picturesque mountains of East Tennessee,” McManus said.
Displays featuring animals indigenous to Great Smoky Mountains National Park including deer, foxes, squirrels and rabbits are part of the program. Many of the timeless displays visitors have grown accustomed to over the past 23 years have been converted to crisp LED as well. Most recently, fanciful snowmen, dancing fountains, a group of international children and a shiny rocking horse have joined the lineup.
Town
P.O. Box 368, Gatlinburg, Tennessee 37738
Around Town
www.SmokyMountainsAroundTown.com
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 Linda Hyder Glenn K. Turner Ken Wayne 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.
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.
976 Parkway, Downtown Gatlinburg
www.HowardsRestaurantGatlinburg.com (865) 436-3600
Around Town Page 5
By Teri Pizza Have you seen ugly, brown lumps of something called JICAMA in the produce department? (Usually located near the potato section?) This, may I say, foreigner, usually appears this time of year. With its mild flavor and crunchy texture, it can add a little bite to any salad or soup. It is often eaten raw, sprinkled with salt, lime juice, or chili powder. It is also a great vehicle for dips made with ranch dressing or hummus. JICAMA, is also called the Mexican Potato or Mexican Turnip because of its appearance. It's become a favorite of China and is often used in stir-fry dishes. Plus, jicama is delicious and an economical substitute for water chestnuts. One cup of jicama has about 49 calories and almost zero fat. Jicama is a high source of vitamin C and healthy fiber. It contains valuable B-complex vitamins and healthy minerals (like magnesium, copper, iron, and manganese.) Select blemish free produce without soft spots. It can keep, unpeeled, uncut and unwrapped in your refrigerator about 3 weeks. Prepare jicama for cooking by washing, peeling, and trimming as you would
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.
a potato. Cut into 1/4"-inch sticks for dipping or in ½-inch cubes for cooking. Preserve peeled jicama by wrapping in plastic and refrigerating. Place peeled and cut jicama in vinegar or lemon water to preserve its freshness. (10 ounces of jicama equal 2 cups of cubes.) In its raw state, it can be tossed in salads. It can be treated as a potato in soups. To use as a side dish, place cubes in small amount of boiling salted water. Cover and cook about 5 minutes until the jicama is crisp-tender. Or steam it for the same length of time. If you prefer the microwave, place cubed jicama in microwaveable dish with 2 tablespoons water, cover and cook on full power for 5 minutes or until crisp-tender; stir once. Why not be adventurous this year and invite this new ingredient to your next dinner party? “Have you ever tried jicama?” makes a good conversation starter. More great tips and recipes are in Teri Pizza's books, available at Amazon.com and at Buie Pottery, JDs Corner, and Grace Dyer-Fireside Gallery/Studio in Gatlinburg's Arts & Crafts Community. (Map available at stores and at www.GatlinburgCrafts.com.)
Gatlinburg Relief Fund Receives $500,000 from Food City
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
Ship Pub Closed January 2 - 17 for Maintenance
Open 11 till 10 - Sunday 12 till 6 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
The Gatlinburg Relief Fund received an extremely generous donation from Food City, their associates and customers on Thursday, December 22. The $500,000 check was presented by Steven C. Smith, Food City President/CEO to Gatlinburg Mayor Mike Werner and Sevier County Mayor Larry Waters.
and the customers who shop in their stores,” said Mark Adams, CEO/President of Gatlinburg Convention and Visitors Bureau. “Food City stores have a strong presence in this community, and such a generous act like this really shows their devotion to the people of Gatlinburg and surrounding areas.”
The primary focus of the Gatlinburg Relief Fund is to assist the families of those who lost their lives in the fire, as well as helping those individuals who have been out of work due to their places of employment being completely destroyed.
Officials with the Gatlinburg Relief Fund hope to complete the process of identifying individuals in need of assistance by Friday, December 30 with check distribution beginning as early as Thursday, January 5.
“We are so thankful for the overwhelming generosity shown by Food City, their partners
To make a donation to the Gatlinburg Relief Fund, visit any SmartBank location or go to www.smartbank.com.
Star-Studded Telethon Helps Raise Nearly $9 Million, So Far Continued from Page 1 Celebrities also donated their time to answer phones including: Paula Deen and her sons Bobby and Jamie, Chrisley Knows Best cast m e m b e r s To d d , J u l i e a n d S a v a n n a h , Moonshiners’ cast members Mark and Digger, Nashville’s Charles Esten, cast members of Dolly Parton’s Christmas of Many Colors, country hit-makers Chris & Morgane Stapleton, Mark Wills, Lee Greenwood, Larry and Rudy Gatlin, TG Sheppard, John Conlee, Ronnie McDowell, Kristian Bush, Tim Rushlow, T. Graham Brown, Dolly’s nieces Rebecca Seaver and Danielle Parton, bluegrass hit makers Lorraine Jordan and Darrin Vincent, comedian Henry Cho, KC of KC & The Sunshine Band, hot new country artists Brett Young, Cassadee Pope, RaeLynn, Danielle
Dog Boarding Dog Day Care Dog Grooming
“OK, I’m ready for dinner”
www.barksandrecgatlinburg.com
Bradbury, Lucas Hoge, Denny Strickland, songwriter Becky Hobbs, Jason Crabb and members of the Tennessee Titans. Several other celebrities shared special video messages during the telethon including: Katy Perry, Carrie Underwood, Larry King, Steve Harvey, Good Morning America’s Robin Roberts, Kiefer Sutherland, and Today Show’s Willie Geist. The My People Fund will provide $1000 each month to Sevier County families whose homes are uninhabitable or were completely destroyed in the recent Smoky Mountain wildfires. Any family who lost their primary residence (renters and homeowners) due to the wildfires in Sevier County will be eligible. A pre-application for those affected is available at DollywoodFoundation.org.
We are located on highway 321, 5.5 miles from traffic light #3 in Gatlinburg
Open all year round Vet Records Required For All Services
Still Operating Out Of Temporary Shelter Sevier County Humane Society is still operating out of a temporary shelter at the Sevier County fairgrounds after wildfires caused heavy smoke damage to their building that was located off the spur between Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. The 40-year-old building already needed repairs including ceiling damage and mold issues. "We are desperately wanting a new building, and if we can't make that happen, at minimum, we need to fix the current problems of our shelter,” said shelter manager Michaela Sorey. The county is letting the Humane Society operate out of a livestock barn on the Sevier County fairgrounds rent-free, but additional expenses like heating and staff overtime in the wildfire aftermath have led to tens of thousands of dollars in unexpected and out-of-budget costs.
"We have to get our numbers down because I have too many to be able to house at my size of shelter, and we also have to get our smoke damaged shelter clean,” Sorey said. Generous donations have been rolling in, but Sorey worries that will just be enough to cover unexpected wildfire-related costs and there will be none left for those important repairs, or ideally, a new building. "We're caring for 3,000 a year in a building designed for 1,000," Sorey said. Staff members say the Sevier County Humane Society needs all the financial help it can get right now. Their largest fundraiser of the year – which typically accounts for a quarter of their annual budget – had to be canceled, since it was scheduled for the weekend after the wildfires.
"Not that we don't do good right now, but we could do much better if we had the means,” Sorey said.
They still need volunteers to help sort supplies, and people to come and adopt the animals that need homes. More information is on the Sevier County Humane Society Facebook page.
The county and shelter have agreed on a goal of mid-January to get the animals out of the fairgrounds and back to their building.
Sevier County Humane Society will be open for the next couple of weeks at the Sevier County fairgrounds from noon to 7 pm daily.
(865) 325-8245
2159 East Parkway,Gatlinburg,TN 37738 Reservations Are Highly Encouraged
Why Stink Bugs Are Taking Over You’ve probably noticed an increased number of stink bugs.
Sevier County Humane Society
Some tourist don't stay in a place this nice!
The brown marmorated stink bug is native to China, Japan and Taiwan that was accidentally introduced into the United States in the late 1990s and has quickly become a serious pest to farmers, homeowners and the fragile eco-system of the Appalachian Mountains. The bug, which receives its name for its ability to emit an odor through holes in its abdomen when it feels threatened or attempts to find a mate, invades homes in the fall in order to hibernate through winter; however, once inside, the warmth inside houses often causes them to become active during their winter hibernation — leading the invasive bug to fly clumsily around light fixtures. The bugs are believed to have illegally entered the United States after hitching a ride as a stowaway in packing crates or on various types of machinery. Between 2001 and 2010 there were fifty-four reported sightings of the brown marmorated stink bug at shipping ports in the US. By 2009, the bug had reached M a r y l a n d , We s t Vi rg i n i a ,
Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina, Kentucky, Ohio, Illinois and Oregon. As of 2010, seventeen states had been categorized as having established stink bug populations. Stink bugs are on the rise because the climate in the US is ideal for their reproduction. In optimal conditions, an adult stink bug will develop within 35 to 45 days after hatching. Female stink bugs are capable of laying four hundred eggs in their lifetime and the bugs are capable of producing at least one successful generation per year in all areas of the U S, no matter the climate. In warmer climates, multiple generations can occur annually.
AppalachianMagazine.com Making stink bugs an even greater concern is the fact that the extremely mobile insects have no natural predator in America and the bugs are beginning to show signs of developing a resistance to pyrethroid insecticides, a common chemical used to combat infestations. In Asia, a parasitoid wasp species known as the japonicus serves as the bugs’ primary predator; however, the wasp is not currently present in the United States. Studies are presently underway reviewing the effects of introducing the wasp into the country, but this is believed to be a bad idea due to the fact that japonicus wasp will also become an invasive species with no native predators.Before introducing the Chinese wasp, scientists are trying to find natural predators of the stink bug already present in the U S.
In addition to becoming an additional pest for homeowners left to deal with, the brown stink bugs have become a serious threat to the nation’s agricultural community, as they feed on a wide array of plants including apples, apricots, Asian pears, cherries, corn, grapes, lima beans, peaches, peppers, tomatoes and soybeans.
Researchers have also experimented with different spider species as well as the Wheel bug with some success.
Their ability to sustain themselves upon a vast array of plants makes them extremely versatile as they do not require a specific plant to feed on.
As bad as the stink bug is becoming, the remedy may be worse than the disease- unless you’re a fan of vicious Asian wasps or spiders- lots of spiders!
Page 6 Around Town sometimes simple is really good
GREENBRIER POTTERY Raku, Smoke Fired and Func onal Po ery
David A. Howard Artist
greenbrierpottery.blogspot.com 865-436-8284 865-430-5777 “Handmade by Jeff Hamilton”
Located inside Ar sts A c at Glades Village
(865) 430-3387 10 www.dhowardpottery.net 170 Glades Road, Suite 32, Gatlinburg
Now Open For Breakfast! Delauders BBQ, 680 Glades Road at Blinking Light Behind Shops • 865-325-8680
5
16
680 Glades Rd., #5 Gatlinburg
Sugarlands Visitors Center
Thistle Dew!
New Location
To National Park
Premium Herbs, Spices, Teas, Potpourris, Sachets, Soups, Dips & Oils www.thistledew.yolasite.com
Smokey Bear
The Artsy Olive
Park Vista Hotel Airport Road
6
Local Specials and Promotions
Riverside
Full Bar • Full Menu • Free WiFi
1360 E. Parkway, Suite 4
(At the corner of Highway 321 & Mills Park Rd.)
103 Mills Park Rd. • Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Watch Glass Artist J. Hills Kaleidoscopes Frogman Jewelry Art Glass M&D Hills Photography
o 3
20
8
5
Cardinal Drive
15
Judy Jones Pottery
King Rd.
25
Body Wash & Warmers Dips, Cheeseballs, Soups Tarts, Warmers, Chapsticks Spreads, Butters, Pickles, Jellies Hand Crafted Items
20 19
Glades Village
2A
Baskin Creek Bypass
Newman Road
1A
2B
Ogles Drive West
7
Covered Bridge in the Glades 849 Glades Road # 1C1
Gatlinburg Bypass Road
FOOT GEAR
Little Pigeon River
Of Gatlinburg
8 Dollywood
THE BEARS
Lane
It’s Against The Law
2
5
13
21 18 16
865-436-2500
Powdermill Road Dollywood
Old Mill Ave.
ill Rd
Route 66
Buckhorn Road
Watson Road
24 Covered Bridge
17
1
1004 Parkway, #301 • Gatlinburg (Located behind Calhoun’s Restaurant)
7
3
Old M
Splash Country
2
HillsCreek.com 865-430-7778
Campbell Lead Road
9
Gatlinburg Welcome Center
Duck Pond Lane
680 Glades Road, #8, Gatlinburg
31
23
2 1
DON’T FEED
Arts & Crafts Community
z
The Acquarium
5 3
4
Dudley Creek Bypass
Glades Road
. Rd
Artist Crafts Village
10
Post Office
E. Parkway (Route 321)
3A
Hidden Hills
2 12
6
22
4
30
Frances
7
6
JDs Corner .
Pine Mountain Road
(865) 446-0971
11
Jake Thomas Road
ChefJDs.com
5
25
600 Glades Rd, #4, Gatlinburg
4
454 N.
3
Duck Pond Lane
Wears Valley Road
Upper Middle Creek Rd
Veterans Blvd.
www.ajannpeitso.com
12
Roaring Fork
y To Newport
13
Call-in Orders Welcome
(865) 446-4004 1 2004 Red Bank Road, # 9, Sevierville
6
www.dipsnmore.org
Road
8 Maples Lane
www.theartsyolive.com
Get On The Map!
M & O St.
1402 E. Parkway, #12 & 13 • Gatlinburg
Located in Arts & Crafts Community at Glades Village 680 Glades Rd., #1, Gatlinburg
865-325-8284
LeConte St.
Located in The Wood Whittlers Shopping Center 22
(865) 254-8835 19
Moonshine Dawg
Ski Mountain Rd.
Ober Gatlinburg
1
(865) 277-9063
• Extra Virgin Olive Oils • Balsamic Vinegars • All Natural Sea Salts
Home of The
14
10
Skiddy’s Place
8
Gatlinburg’s Largest Antique Shop
2
Teaster Lane
(865) 325-1411 9
americansideshowantiques.com
1
373 Parkway, Gatlinburg
Pittman Center Road Biblical Times Theatre
Birds Creek Rd. (Route 454)
2
170 Glades Rd. • 865-436-2363
The ONLY Authentic British Pub in East Tennessee!
Since 1998
1 Titanic Museum
2
Little Pigeon River
33 Draught Beers 120 Bottled Beers 30 Hot Teas Traditional British Food
Apple Valley Road
(865) 436-0677 11 Route 66
1065 Glades Road, Gatlinburg Jayell Road
Entertainment
1
Every Night !
Open Daily 3 pm
Follow Me To The Tree WWW.CRYSTELLECREEK.COM
The Jewelry Spot
Available
Gemstones • Wire Art • Enamels
Local Area Map
(865) 430-1551
3
Creating Unique Hand Crafted Jewelry
Sterling Silver • 14 Kt Gold Filled • Custom Orders Available
440-478-1841 www.thejewelryspot.net
Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge-Sevierville
At the Covered Bridge in The Glades
849 Glades Road, Suite 1B7, Gatlinburg
1654 East Parkway• Gatlinburg
Key
Watch Us Make Candles
865-436-9214
15 www.loreleicandlesonline.com In the Arts & Crafts Community 331 Glades Road • 865-436-9214
Neil’s Gallery
Located at the Covered Bridge in the Glades
17
Map Location Numbers Gatlinurg
Pigeon Forge
Traffic Lights
Traffic Lights
Gatlinurg
Pigeon Forge/Sevierville
Businesses
Heartwood Galleries “Your Art is Where Our Heart Is”
Forks of the River
Parkway
Businesses
Map Is Not Drawn To Scale
Get On The Map! Call: 865-255-3557 L ocal A rtist ...
Robert A. Tino Originals, Canvas, Paper Prints • Oil Paintings • Acrylics 24 • Watercolors www.neilsgallery.com
849 Glades Road, 2B6 • Gatlinburg • 865-430-4029
Dolly
arkway Parton P
To I-40
(865) 661-6207 www.heartwoodgalleries.com
4
1450 E. Parkway, Gatlinburg
The Decorium Get
On The 450 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 Map "Affordable Elegance For You and The Home"
FREE PARKING in REAR
23
Or Next Door at Crossroads Inn & Suites
Call865 255-3557
Dine-in Available
865-325-1512 Bar-B-Q,Wings & More SkiMountainPizza.com
14
At traffic light #10 turn right onto Ski Mountain Rd. go 1 mile 631 Ski Mountain Road, Gatlinburg
Around Town Page 7
Gatlinburg Pickers
Fowler’s Clay Works
Coming Together
By Danny Lewis The Smoky Mountains on fire? No way. Tragic loss of life, homes, family, memories and every emotion you can think of. Then came the good people with no names saving lives, giving time, money, helping. You know, I must admit where I work here every day and night I became a bit calloused to the beauty and the great life memories of those that have been here for many years. I personally was humbled by acts of kindness even here in American Sideshow. Previous customers from all over the country checking to see if we were ok and if we needed anything. Unreal.
Take home a memory that wil last a lifetime!
When we were forced to evacuate we had no idea where we were going but we were directed towards Newport. We had customers from Cincinnati tell us that we could stay at their cabin in Newport. Obviously the ole southern hospitality of looking out for each other came out to help little “maw and paw stores like us”. We at American Sideshow are going to contribute 40% percent of every sale to help those that have lost their home. They need love and help. Thanks, Danny and Johnny
865- 412-1003 Facebook/FowlersClayworks American Sideshow Antiques 373 Parkway, Gatlinburg 608 Glades Road, Gatlinburg https://www.facebook.com/AmericanSideshow (865) 325-1411
Lucky Dog, Lucky Dogs health and Zeus is now the official greeter for the Glades Village shopping center.
This time of the year local business owners in the Arts and Crafts Community are busy taking care of business. It appears, however, that some of them are also helping to take care of our fury four legged friends. Chris Overbeck, owner of Zuke’s Woodworkz in the Glades came back to Gatlinburg after a short three day trip to find a dog that had roamed into the Glades Village and did not leave. The other shop owners said it had been there for a few days. Chris noticed it had a color but no tags. He brought it to a vet to check for micro tagging but nothing was revealed. The vet said it was flee infested and very underweight with ribs showing. Chris took the dog, got it back in good
About that time, Stewart LaDuke, one of the owners of Kountry Antics in the Glades closed up shop and went home. He lives near a lake and noticed a dog barking. After a few hours he realized the bark was somewhat weak and not aggressive. It was also unusual for the area. He finally decided to drive around the lake to see what was happening. He discovered a small dog in the lake that apparently did not understand it could get out of the water by swimming a short distance to the shore. Stewart called a number of “authorities” to get help for the dog but none would respond. The dog would not have lasted much longer in that water. Let's just say Stewart said that was the coldest water he ever felt. He already had two dogs so his neighbor took him. Thank you guys and please remember - Don't Feed The Bears!
1402 E. Parkway, #10, Gatlinburg
Eastbend Automotive
Oil Changes, Tires, Brakes, Tune-Ups and Friendly Service! (Next to 1885 East Parkway, at the corner of Highway 321 and Mills Park Road)
103 Mills Park Road, Gatlinburg • (865) 325-8266
Commercial Property Available In The Glades
Southeastern Foot Trails Coalition Leadership Conference
The Southeastern Foot Trails Coalition seeks to promote and protect the long-distance foot trails in the Southeast and to connect trails and their natural trail corridors by building a regional trail system and an active network of hiking organizations. The meeting will be held at the Music Road Inn in Pigeon Forge.
January 18 - January 22 The hiking component of this event is meant to continue the winter hiking tradition popularized for 25 years by Wilderness Wildlife Week, an annual winter event, now being held in May due to winter scheduling conflicts. The appeal of winter hiking in the Smokies, although not for everyone, has a sizeable following and SEFTC is glad to resurrect this winter hiking opportunity.
Located at 303 Henderson Chapel Road in Pigeon Forge. Contact us at (844) 993-9659, president@southeastfoottrails.com. www.southeasternfoottrails.org
Mention this ad for
10% Off
Rare Opportunity. Great location and best parking - in the Arts and Crafts Community. Health issues has squashed our dream - such is life. Asking $339,000.00 with some wiggle room for cash or put $38,900.00 down and will finance. Call me and I’ll give you the skinny.
Straight forward no games. Go look it over...has tons of extras including apartment, storage, building, etc. This looks like a place where John Wayne would tie his horse, cross his feet and kick back on a monster front porch. It’s a winner at a need to sell deal. Please no flakes...be real and so will I. Call Danny at (423) 432-9476.
FlashSteam
www.flashsteam.com
Smoky Mountain Square Dance Proudly the largest liquor store and selection in Sevier County since 1983. Epi’s Fine Wines & Spirits of Gatlinburg, TN offers a huge selection of liquor, spirits, high-gravity beer and wines from local and around the world. We have convenient, unlimited and free parking. www.episliquor.com
At traffic light #3 in Gatlinburg turn onto Rt. 321. Go 2.7 miles and we’re on the left.
1359 E. Parkway, Gatlinburg • 865-436-5287
Join us for the Smoky Mountain Square Dance, also known as Smoky Mountain Celebration! For three days you will experience the excitement and fun of square dancing taught by Bronc Wise from Lakewood, CO and Steve Kopman from Knoxville.
The event will be held at Music Road Hotel & Convention Center and will consist of three dancing levels: A2 - C1 - C2. Located 303 Henderson Chapel Rd in Pigeon Forge. (865) 691-1590. Email: sdkopman@aol.com
Page 8 Around Town
Gatlinburg Featured on Country Channel
A r st T ed W olff Local Hand Made Art • Pressed Flower Art • Local Alpaca Items • Barn Art Melted Glass & Wood Wind Chimes • Mosaics And Much More
Artistic And Traditional Photography
H as S olely H andcra ed E ach K nife and S heath Gatlinburg was featured on Great American Country Channel’s Top 20 Video Countdown Christmas Special and many times around the Christmas holiday season. The episode was generously donated to the GCVB from Scripps and Tangible Visions to help spread the message of Gatlinburg being open for business and ready to keep the Gatlinburg family vacation tradition going. Shows aired on GAC, Channels 144 & 869 in the Knoxville market on Charter/ Spectrum and Channel 36 on Comcast Xfinity.
Free 4x6 Photo Just For Stopping In
• On Site Clothing Available For Photos • Studio and Outdoor Shoots • Small Intimate or Family Group Sittings
www.facebook.com/artlitsol www.facebook.com/strangeseasongiftshop 680 Glades Road, #6, Gatlinburg • (865) 325-8951
The episode included interviews with City Manager Cindy Cameron Ogle, Gatlinburg Mayor Mike Werner, Smoky Mountains National Park Superintendent Cassius Cash, Gatlinburg Fire Chief Greg Miller, Rocky Top Sports World General Manager Lori Moore, Gatlinburg Convention and Visitors Bureau President/CEO Mark Adams and Ripley’s Regional Manager Ryan DeSear.
Open Monday - Saturday
www.blackwolff.com
The Gatlinburg CVB would like to thank the great people at GAC and Scripps Network for all the support they have shown as we work together to spread the message that Gatlinburg is open for business.
170 Glades Rd., Suite 2, Gatlinburg
More on Gatlinburg visit www.Gatlinburg.com or (800) 588-1817.
Discover Life in America
Appalachian Bear Rescue By Kathryn Sherrard
MANY STYLES AND TYPES HANDMADE IN TENNESSEE
Wildfire Note: As most of you know the Chimney Tops 2 Fire was reported in Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Gatlinburg, TN on Wednesday, November 23, 2016. The wildfire began burning in a remote location (Chimney Tops) of the park in steep terrain with vertical cliffs and narrow rocky ridges making access to the wildfire area difficult for firefighting efforts. On Monday, November 28, exceptional drought conditions and extreme winds caused the wildfire to grow rapidly, causing many new wildfire starts from embers carried miles away and downed powerlines in and adjacent to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The Cobbly Nob Fire was one of these fires. On Wednesday, December 7 the Sevier County District Attorney announced that two juveniles from Tennessee, who are not residents of Sevier County, were arrested in connection with the fire. Although these arrests have been made, the investigation into this incident is still ongoing.
The Bears are OK! (and It's Their Birthday!)
The wildfires in the Smokies have been devasting to people as well as wildlife, and the park we all love so much. The best way to help is to donate your time and money to the organizations helping victims and to organizations helping the park recover.
www.dlia.org The ABR facility in Townsend was very fortunate that none of the devastating November wildfires reached us. We are truly grateful and we offer our sympathy to the many friends and neighbors who lost homes and property during the terrible fires. Recent, much-needed rains have helped to reduce the fire danger, but caution is still required and the ban on burning is still in place. We sincerely hope that the winter season will provide rain and snow that will eliminate the extreme drought conditions. In addition to the good news for ABR, there was good news for bears in the area of the Chimney 2 Fire. Many visitors and park aficionados expressed grave concerns about the wildlife, particularly the iconic bears. Park and TWRA officers reported that for the most part bears and other wildlife were able to escape the wildfires. Although, tragically there were 14 human fatalities, there was only one documented case of a bear being killed in the fires. It was a very large (almost 600 pound) bear that succumbed in the area of the Park Vista hotel. Its size was unusual for a Smokies bear, which seldom exceed maximum weights of 350 pounds. Did you know that January is the birth month of bears? This month bears are in their dormant period – hibernation. By now, even our southern black bears are likely denning, although mature males may not stay in a den for more than a few days or a week at a time. These boars (the term for male bears) may be seen on warmer days as they move to a new location or create a new daybed for themselves. Since bears do not enter a deep sleep as do other, true hibernators like groundhogs, they can be roused and move around. This means that you might spot a boar during the winter, particularly on a sunny day. Female bears (sows) on the other hand, will usually be very selective in choosing a den and will stay put for as long as five months. The chances are good that the sow is giving birth, as all bear cubs are born in the period from mid-January to midFebruary. So January is the birthday month for every bear! A
sow with newborn cubs will not leave her den until the cubs are about three months old in April. Bet you didn't know that the preferred den site for a sow who is giving birth is a cavity in a tree that may be as much as sixty feet above the ground! These tree dens provide a cozy, dry place for her to give birth and nurse her cubs, and a place where newborn cubs are safe from potential predators. If she is not giving birth to new cubs, a sow may share the den with her cubs from the previous year. She teaches these nearly one-year-old bears (yearlings) about choosing and preparing a den. She will chase them away a few weeks after they emerge in the spring, and they will be on their own. As always, we must remind visitors that the bears you see in the park or other areas (even if you see them by a rental cabin or in town) are wild animals and should be enjoyed and photographed only from a distance. This is their habitat and we are the intruders. If you see a bear out and about, it may be moving from one den site to another. Please do not interfere in any way but give it plenty of space, enjoying it from afar. To learn more about Appalachian Bear Rescue and to review stories of our cubs please visit our Facebook page: facebook.com/AppalachianBearRescue. Photos are posted almost every day when cubs are in residence. During the next few months you can scroll through previous posts to read about and see photos of the cubs we cared for in 2016 or even earlier. You can also visit our website at www.appalachianbearrecue.org and our blog at abrblog.wordpress.com. If you are in Townsend, please stop by our Visitor/Education Center in the Trillium Cove Shopping Village on East Lamar Alexander Parkway. It is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 to 4. The center is closed on Sunday and Monday and will be closed during Christmas week. You may want to call before you go, to make sure that it is open. The phone number is (865) 7383683. You can find unique bear-themed gifts and souvenirs to purchase. We'd love to see you there!
Why Cardinals Can Be Good For Your Health By Russell McLendon
The northern cardinal is one of North America's most familiar songbirds. From the scarlet feathers and pointed crest of males to the rich, rhythmic songs of both sexes, it's an unmistakable icon of countless American forests, parks and backyards.
New study demonstrates, northern cardinals are much more than just scenery and a soundtrack. As part of eastern North America's native biodiversity, they can also play a key role in keeping ecosystems, including humans, healthy.
That's according to new research from Atlanta, where a team of scientists wanted to figure out why more people don't get sick with West Nile virus. The mosquitoborne virus is zoonotic, meaning it can be spread between humans and other animals by a "bridge vector," a role played by Culex mosquitoes for WNV.
Since WNV was introduced to the U.S. in 1999, it has become the country's most common zoonotic disease carried by
mosquitoes, causing more than 780,000 infections and 1,700 deaths. But for some reason, the virus sickens people in some areas more than others. It's abundant in both Georgia and Illinois, for example, showing up in nearly 30 percent of birds tested in Atlanta, compared with 18.5 percent in Chicago. Yet only 330 human cases have been reported throughout Georgia since 2001, while Illinois has seen 2,088 human cases since 2002. “When West Nile virus first arrived in the United States, we expected more transmission to humans in the South, because the South has a longer transmission season and the Culex mosquitos are common," says senior author Uriel Kitron, chair of environmental sciences at Emory University, in a statement. "But even though evidence shows high rates of the virus circulating in local bird populations, there is little West Nile virus in humans in Atlanta and the Southeast in general." The reason for that difference has remained a mystery for years, prompting a three-year study by a team of scientists from Emory, the University of Georgia, the Georgia Department of Transportation and Texas A & M University. They collected mosquitoes and birds from various sites across Atlanta, tested them for WNV, and analyzed DNA from their blood meals to learn which birds they'd been biting.
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“We found that the mosquitoes feed on American robins a lot from May to midJuly," says lead author Rebecca Levine, a former Emory Ph.D. student now working at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "But for some unknown reason, in mid-July, during the critical time when the West Nile virus infection rate in mosquitos starts going up, they switch to feeding primarily on cardinals.”
Missing Aircraft Found in Park
Research shown American robins act as "super spreaders" of WNV in some cities like Chicago, Levine adds. Something about their blood creates a favorable environment for WNV, so the virus amplifies wildly once a robin is infected, meaning the birds can more efficiently pass it to new mosquitoes when bitten.
A reconnaissance flight by the Tennessee Army National Guard was able to locate the missing single engine airplane within Great Smoky Mountains National Park at approximately 4:43 pm on Tuesday, December 27. The plane was found on an unnamed ridge between Cole Creek and Bearpen Hollow Branch. Paramedics on board were hoisted down to the crash site and confirmed that there were no survivors. The identities of the victims have not been confirmed.
But cardinals have the opposite effect. Their blood is like an abyss for WNV, leading the researchers to describe the birds as "super suppressors" of the virus.
Ground teams searched the steep and heavily wooded area on foot Tuesday, but were unable to access some areas due to the rough terrain. A single Blackhawk helicopter was able to fly late afternoon and spotted the wreckage along the last known flight path of the missing aircraft. Recovery efforts of the three victims will begin on Wednesday, December 28.
“You can think of the cardinals like a 'sink,' and West Nile virus like water draining out of that sink," Levine says. "The cardinals are absorbing the transmission of the virus and not usually passing it on." Cardinals seem to be the top suppressors of WNV, the study found, but similar effects are seen in birds from the mimid family — namely mockingbirds, brown thrashers and gray catbirds, all common in Atlanta. Continued to Page 12
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Turn left and go one mile. On the right.
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The plane was in route to the Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge Airport from Florida on December 26 when it went missing over the park at approximately 4:01 pm. The 3 occupants of the plane, David Starling, 41, Kim Smith, 42, and Hunter Starling, 8, were from Bradford County, FL. The National Transportation Safety Board will be the lead in the investigation of the plane crash. The National Park Service worked closely with the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center, Civil Air Patrol, Federal Aviation Administration, and Tennessee Emergency Management Agency in this search effort. -NPS-
Scenes of Gatlinburg Strong
Around Town Page 9
Chef Brian Papworth and volunteers at Rocky Top Meals for Victims
Thank you Rocky Top Sports World and Firestorm Volunteers for your support Thank You, Jimbo... For all you do for our community!
Jamie and Mason at Artsy Olive in the Glades Jim Yonan, Megan Meagher, Sheena Inman at Rocky Top during fires Victoria Walker and Chef Jenn Blackburn at Arrowmont meal service for Gatlinburg residence and victims of the firestorm
Jim at Treasures In Earthen Vessels Ted, Johnny and Janine at Life Style Log Homes Christmas party at Crystelle Creek Restaurant
Alan, Brook and Mary at Crystelle Creek Restaurant
S.C.U.D. First Responders in Gatlinburg
Tim Keller, Brent and Brook at Crystelle Creek Restaurant
Cindy and DJ at Three Jimmy’s Restaurant
See Charles The Pig story on Page 3
Cansis and Tyneal at Crystelle Creek Restaurant
Joel, Joan, Tim and John, Red Cross Volunteers at Rocky Top Sports World
Doug, Jennifer and Ted at Crystelle Creek Restaurant
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Thank you Kim Bell and your team for the support and for the use of your building for supplies for fire victims
www.smokymountainsaroundtown.com
Page 10 Around Town
Fine Dining & Catering In the Smokies By Cyndy Montgomery Reeves
www.bestitalian.com
“Lyrics & Lore Weekend”
A Weekend with Storytellers & Songwriters
The Original Best Italian Located in back of Elks Plaza shopping center, across Parkway from Hampton Inn & TGI Friday's in Gatlinburg between traffic lights 8 & 9 (865) 430-4090
Best Italian on the Parkway Between Aunt Mahalia's Candy & World Of Illusions between traffic lights 6 & 8 (865) 436-4345
The Smoky Mountains Songwriters Festival and The International Storytelling Center are joining together at Dollywood's DreamMore Resort Jan. 26-29, 2017 to bring the public a 'hands on' weekend of Lyrics and Lore with #1 Hit Songwriters and International Storytellers. The public is encouraged to bring their families and participate in 'Finding the Song Inside of Yo u ' a n d ' M i n i n g M e m o r i e s a n d Discovering Family Stories'. During the weekend all in attendance will have the opportunity to hear internationally recognized storytellers tell their tales, learn the stories behind the songs you hear on the radio and see the #1 Hit songwriter who wrote that song perform it in its original version. Concert entertainment for the weekend includes a Friday Songwriters Showcase featuring Country Artist/Songwriter Keith Anderson “Pickin Wildflowers” up close and personal in a songwriters round with
Keith Anderson Scott Reeves “Made In America” for Toby Keith, Doug Johnson “Three Wooden Crosses” for Randy Travis, and Bill LaBounty “Rock My World Little Country Girl” for Brooks & Dunn. International storyteller, Beth Horner will be part of the opening performance when she tells a 30 minute story that these hit writers co-wrote a song about.
Brady Seals gospel hour with Grammy Award Winner Carl Jackson, Larry Cordle, and Jerry Salley. This brunch is open to the general public as well as those attending the Lyrics & L o r e We e k e n d a t D o l l y w o o d ' s DreamMore Resort. Theses international storytellers and #1 hit song writers will perform free afternoon matinees Friday and Saturday in the Living Room section of the lobby at Dollywood's DreamMore Resort For tickets to Friday and Saturday night concerts and more information on the Ly r i c s & L o r e w e e k e n d g o t o www.smswf.com or call 865-604-9066.
Saturday night's concert showcases international storyteller Bil Lepp, with hit songwriters Brady Seals of Little Texas “God Bless Texas”, Bryan White, “God Gave Me You” for Blake Shelton and Gordon Kennedy, “Change the World” for Eric Clapton. These three hit writers will hold a Q&A session Saturday 3-4:30 PM about the songwriting and music business providing a chance for songwriters and the general public to ask industry questions. They will also share stories of their writing process.
The Lyrics & Lore Weekend is designed to bring the public into an experience with storytellers teaching them how to tell their family story with songwriters showing them how a story can become a song. These workshops are free.
Sunday morning will offer a brunch and
Continued to Page 12
Critical Health News
Tuesday Nites Music at the Creek
Bitter is Better
A Smoky Jazz Feel With A Bluesy Rock Sound
By Ben Fuchs Eating is terrible, it’ll ultimately kill us. Oh I know, you have to eat or you’ll starve to death and perhaps that may be true. But that doesn’t dismiss the fact that how we eat today and how our bodies have evolved over the course of millions of years are as different as John Q. Public is from a caveman. And as far as going paleo, that’s a bunch of marketing gibberish. There’s little available in our modern food supply that our paleo ancestors would recognize. Does anyone think our prehistoric forbearers ate coconut flour or bacon? Yes, it’s true that prehistoric man, was omnivorous and would eat anything, even the dreaded carbs. A recent University of Chicago study suggests that starchy tubers were an important component of the paleolithic diet and critical for speeding up proto-human brain development. But whatever they ate, it was always wild and fresh. And there was a feast or famine aspect for much of our history. Our caveman ancestors would eat anything, but anything wasn’t always around. Consequently the human body learned to eat whatever was available. And, it also evolved to love flavor, which was evolution’s way of assuring that we would enjoy being nourished. Each of us has 10,000 cellular microprocessors on our tongue called taste buds. Appearing like no more than little bumps, each is a bioectrical circuit, hard wired to fire off a jolt of energy that ultimately winds up in a little burst o’ bliss in our brain’s pleasure center. That’s how delicious works!
“Eating fruits and vegetables without phytochemicals would in many ways be analogous to drinking the empty calories of a can of soda” . The human tongue is capable of tasting five distinct flavors: salty, sweet, sour, savory, and bitter which is by far the most medicinal. Unfortunately, as human beings we just don’t like bitterness, which throughout human evolutionary history has been associated with poison. Professor Russel Keats Professor of Food Chemistry at Deakin University in New Zealand states that the bitter taste sends the brain one message: “If excessive, don’t consume”.
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Certainly this avoidance strategy has its place. Bitter means at least a certain degree of toxicity and the human race wouldn’t have survived very long if we found poisonous plants appetizing. But sometimes there’s a fine line between toxic effects and health benefits. What doesn’t kill us makes us stronger and our tendency to completely avoid contact with the bite of bitter can cause us to miss out on a lot of nutritional value. Bitters benefits to the body include sun protection, stimulating the immune system and killing microbes among others. Bitter compounds have anti-oxidant properties too. One ultra-bitter compound from grapefruit called narigenin is an anti-inflammatory that’s especially helpful for the digestive tract. Meals that begin with bitter foods can have a positive effect on enzyme and bile secretion. Bitter foods can help you lose weight as it stimulates satiety and you’ll end up eating less. And, apparently cancer cells don’t like bitter either. The list of these acrid elements with anti-carcinogenic properties now numbers in the hundreds and it seems to grow longer every day.
However, while we grew up eating food that was fresh and nutrient dense, 21st century edibles have been scientifically designed by the most brilliant PhD’s in the world to be the exact opposite. Even so-called good foods, carrots, apples and pears for example, have been modified over the centuries to be high in sweet, and low in bitter. While at first it that may seem like losing the bitter is a good thing, as it turns out it’s not. That’s because what we call plant or phyto- nutrients, the vitamins, flavonoids, sterols and carotenes, are in the bitter fraction of the plant and when it’s genetically modified for palatability, it’s those nutritional elements that are being reduced.
Is bitter strong stuff? Sure it is, and many of us won’t voluntarily include it in our meals. But just the right amount of bitter can create balance. The fattiness of foods can be tempered with a little arugula or chard. And, just a touch of bitterness, perhaps a touch of cocoa or coffee powder can soften the blow of an especially sweet dessert.
Making matters worse, to satisfy our passion for sweetness, food scientists are learning how to completely eliminate these bitter substances, potentially turning natural whole fruits and vegetables in junk foods. According to Dr. Jed Fahey, a molecular biologist at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in Baltimore, Maryland,
As all the instruments in an orchestra play a vital part in the final quality of the music, understanding how to employ bitter in a symphony of tastes can be important for flavor as well as our physical health and well-being. The bottom line on bitter is learn to use it, you’ll be better for it.
Food Safety After Fires
Linda Hyder As people return to their homes after fire damage, and try to salvage what is left, the USDA recommends the following concerning food and cookware. Food in cans or jars may appear to be okay, but if they've been close to the HEAT of a fire, they may no longer be safe. Why? Heat from a fire can activate food spoilage bacteria. If the heat is extreme, the cans or jars themselves can split or rupture, rendering the food unsafe. One of the most dangerous elements of a fire is sometimes not the fire itself, but TOXIC FUMES released from burning materials. Those fumes can kill; they can also contaminate food. Any type of food stored in permeable packaging — cardboard, plastic wrap, etc. — should be thrown away. Toxic fumes can permeate the packaging and contaminate the food. Discard any raw foods stored outside the refrigerator — such as potatoes or fruit — that could be contaminated by fumes. Surprisingly, food stored in refrigerators or freezers can also become contaminated by fumes. The refrigerator seal isn't airtight and
Featuring: Ben E. Scott Stroupe
fumes can get inside. Discard food if exposed to smoke fumes from fire. Basically saving food that's been in a fire is not a good idea. Chemicals used to fight fires contain toxic materials and can contaminate food and cookware. The chemicals cannot be washed off the food. Foods that are exposed to chemicals should be thrown away. This includes food stored at room temperature, such as fruits and vegetables, as well as foods stored in permeable containers like cardboard and screw-topped jars and bottles. Canned goods and cookware exposed to chemicals can be decontaminated. Wash in a strong detergent solution. Then dip in a bleach solution (1 tablespoon of unscented, liquid chlorine bleach per gallon of water) for 15 minutes. Food Safety is a serious matter for you and the health of your family. Of course, always remember the food safety message, when in doubt, throw it out. Contact Linda Hyder, 865-453-3695 or lhyder@utkedu or www.foodsafety.gov.
Value. Everyday. 1219 E. Parkway, Gatlinburg
Home Remedies for Gout Gout is a type of arthritis that can affect different body parts like the ears, small joints on the hands, wrists, ankles or knees. Symptoms frequently include acute pain, swelling, intense tenderness and inflammation in the joints. The exact cause is unknown, but a high amount of uric acid in the body is one of the reasons. Some other possible causes are genetics, excessive consumption of alcohol, lack of physical exercise, excessive protein intake and stress. Gout is linked to other types of health problems, such as hypertension, diabetes, and uric acid kidney stones, so it is important to get proper medical treatment. In addition, some easy-tofollow home treatments can promote healing and provide symptom relief. Here are the top 10 home remedies for gout. 1. Apple Cider Vinegar - Apple cider vinegar, which is used to treat headaches and acid stomach, also helps treat gout and arthritis. The acidity in apple cider vinegar will help relieve acute pain. You can also add honey to the remedy to boost the body’s anti-inflammatory response. Mix one teaspoon of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar in a glass of water. Drink it two to three times daily. If this remedy is helpful, you can increase the dosage of apple cider vinegar up to two tablespoons. 2. Ginger Root - Anti-inflammatory properties present in ginger root can be very helpful in relieving pain and inflammation. There are many ways to use ginger root in the treatment of gout. Mix equal amounts of fenugreek powder, turmeric powder and dried ginger root powder. Have one teaspoon of this mixture along with warm water. Take it twice daily. You can add ginger root in cooking recipes, or eat a small, raw piece of ginger root daily. You can also add one-half teaspoon of ginger root to one cup of boiling water and mix it well. Drink this solution at least once daily. Another option is to make a paste of ginger root with a little water and apply this paste on the
affected area. Leave it on for about half an hour. Do this once daily. 3.Baking Soda - One significant factor contributing to gout is an increase of uric acid in the body. Baking soda can help lower the amount of uric acid, giving you relief from the pain. Mix one-half teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water. Drink this solution four times a day but not more than that. Continue up to two weeks. If you are above 60 years, do not take more than three times in a day. Also, ignore this remedy if you suffer from hypertension. 4. Lemon Juice - To get relief from gout pain, it is essential to alkalize the body and neutralize the excess uric acid in blood stream. This can be done easily with fresh lemon juice and baking soda. Along with lemon juice, also eat other fruits rich in vitamin C to strengthen the body tissues. Mix the juice of one lemon with one-half teaspoon of baking soda. Let it sit for a few seconds until the fizzing stops, and then mix it in a glass of water. Drink it immediately. Another option is to add the juice of half a lemon to a glass of water and drink it three times a day. 5. Cherries - Cherries, whether sweet or sour, can also be very helpful in treating gout due to their antioxidant properties. Cherries also contain anthocyanins, which can reduce inflammation as well as minimize gout flareups. For gout patients, eating 15 to 20 cherries a day is highly recommended. For better results, start your day with some cherries. Another option is to drink a glass of black cherry juice daily. You can also add a few minced garlic cloves in it. 6. Epsom Salt - Epsom salt is another useful ingredient for home treatment of gout and other forms of arthritis. The high amount of magnesium present in Epsom salt will also improve the condition of your heart and lower high blood pressure. Soaking the affected body part in warm water mixed with Epsom salt relaxes aching muscles and relieves pain.
Continued to Page 12
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Smoky Mountain National Park
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Switch To This Natural 2-ingredient Mixture For Laundry
Around Town
Skin irritations and rashes are considered to be an unfortunate but common side effect of using laundry detergent. However, a study by the University of Washington has found that many of the top-selling laundry products are packed full of toxic compounds. Anne Steinemann, one of the professors who worked on the study, said she was amazed by the scale of toxicity found in laundry detergent. Nearly 100 volatile organic compounds were emitted from these six products, and none were listed on any product label. Plus, five of the six products emitted one or more carcinogenic hazardous air pollutants, which are considered by the Environmental Protection Agency to have no safe exposure level.’ Of the many solutions that have been identified, the number one natural solution appears to be white vinegar. This natural product has a range of cleaning benefits in comparison with store bought detergents with no danger of toxicity. •The acidity of white vinegar makes it an ideal solution for sweat and deodorant stains, even on a cold wash. Add white vinegar directly to the stain before washing. •White vinegar has the same softening effect as any unnatural fabric softener. Not only will your clothes come out of the washing machine as soft and smooth as flowery meadow, but they will also cause no damage to yourself or the environment. Add just 1/2 a cup to a regular sized load. •A Japanese study proved that mixing white vinegar and salt isn’t only a delicious addition to fish and chips, but also has strong antibacterial qualities. Any bacterial residue found on your clothes will be killed during a salt and vinegar washing cycle. Use 1/2 cup white vinegar and 2 teaspoons of salt. •Skin irritations caused by detergents often occur as a result of residue that is left on your clothes. Using white vinegar leaves no residue at all. Those of you who still use detergent, adding just half a cup of white vinegar will remove all residue from your clean clothes. •White vinegar fights off bad smells, even those socks that have been sat in your gym bag for awhile! •For stains with the potential to ruin your clothes, e.g. red wine, coffee, grease, etc., simply mixing half a cup of white vinegar and hot water will remove almost any stain. Leave the article of clothing in the solution overnight and then wash them as usual afterwards. •Pet hairs and general fuzz are often a nightmare to shift from clothes. The residue that standard detergents leave is what keeps them stuck to us. White vinegar (using a standard 1/2 cup for regular-sized load) will leave you with no such issue. •Changing from detergent to white vinegar will also save you from the most painful part of any clothes washing situation; static shocks! •For delicates and hand wash only clothes, add six tablespoons of white vinegar to cold water and allow the item to soak for an hour. After an hour a simple scrub will leave you with clean clothes. •The constant cleaning of clothes in your washing machine will eventually lead to a buildup of limescale. Too often we treat this issue with even stronger chemicals, which inevitably end up on our clothes. Next time you need to descale your machine just use 1 cup of white vinegar, it possesses the right level of acidity to remove limescale without harmful toxins.
Eat Two Bananas A Day & Notice Seven Changes 1. You’ll stay fitter and more energetic. The vitamins and minerals in bananas keep your body in good condition and the potassium helps to prevent muscle cramps. 2. You’ll be happier. Your body transforms the amino acid tryptophan into serotonin and releases it in your brain. This so-called happiness hormone helps us to be content and more satisfied. 3. Your blood pressure will go down. Bananas contain very little sodium and lots of potassium which makes them the perfect food for people with heart conditions. 4. You’ll produce new blood much faster. Bananas are rich in iron which your body needs to create red blood cells and hemoglobin. This helps to boost your blood supply. 5. You’ll be in a good mood. Bananas help regulate blood sugar levels and contain vitamin B which has a calming effect on your nerves. 6. Your body temperature will be more regulated. When it’s hot out your can cool yourself down by eating a banana. They can even help reduce your body temperature if you have a fever. 7. You won’t have anymore heart burn. Bananas are natural acid reflux inhibitors. Eating a banana can instantly relieve heartburn.
Page 12 Around Town
Heartwood Galleries 1450 E. Parkway Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Let’s Get Cooking
(865) 661-6207
www.heartwoodgalleries.com
By Chef JD www.ChefJDs.com
Happy New Year everyone! I am in hopes that everyone's Christmas turned out to being grateful for one's life and the things that you do have and received... I know that I am truly grateful for everything I did have, have now and in the future having! On that note, may this year be filled love and kindness for all of us. Speaking of love and kindness... a person in my life forwarded this recipe to me and boy is it good! I know, the holidays are over, but why can't we treat ourselves more often? Chocolate Fudge Rum Balls Ingredients ·1 (25 ounce) package Fudge-Filled Sandwich Cookies ·2 cups Pecans ·1/3 cup Dark Rum ·1/3 cup Bourbon ·3/4 cup Light Corn Syrup Directions In a food processor crumb finely 50 cookies. Place in large bowl. Do the same to the pecans & stir into the cookie crumbs. Add the rum, bourbon and corn syrup and mix until well blended. Process the remaining cookies until crumbs are fine and place in small bowl. Take about 2 tbs of mix and shape into balls. Dust the balls by rolling them around in the cookies crumbs. Put balls in an airtight container and place in frig for up to a week. Now that your teeth are in shock and chattering, here is a recipe that you ought to make and keep on hand at all times.
Cream of Anything Ingredients ·2 cups Powdered Milk ·3/4 cup Cornstarch ·1/4 cup Instant Chicken Bouillon Granules ·2 tsp Dried Onion Flakes ·1 tsp Dried Thyme ·1 tsp Dried Basil ·1/2 tsp White Pepper
“Your Art is Where Our Heart Is”
In large zip plastic bag, place all ingredients inside, shake well and remove air. This will be good for up to a year. Directions Add & stir: 1 cup Water to 1/3 cup of mix in a small pot, over a low-medium heat. Cover and stir until thickened. ** You may add a 1/2 cup of anything you wish: Chopped cooked chicken, Shrimp, and veggies... Update: I have moved my store to the other side of the restrooms next to Kountry Antics, from my old location, (same plaza - 600 Glades Rd). Changed my venue a tad, I will now be offering fabulous Fudge (yes moonshine fudge), Taffy, Old Fashioned Candy and Soda, and still offering my Award Winning Sauces and Marinades, and all of my mixes. Plus, I will even have Chris Jones Pottery! So come and check it out and say hello! In closing, I wish to thank all the people that have helped the ones in need throughout our devastation in Gatlinburg. God Bless and may your Angels be with you all always! Chef JD
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.
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“Arts & Cra s Community is Open. Please Visit” Serving Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge-Sevierville
Arts & Crafts Community has a Free Craft Show Year Round 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.
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 downtown Gatlinburg onto highway 321,go 3 miles, see sign above on the left. www.gatlinburgcrafts.com.
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
Public is welcomed to participate in all facets of this great weekend. Package Deals including lodging are available. Any questions contact us at smswf@yahoo.com or call 865-604-9066.
This sign at Route 321 and Glades Road is a landmark to the Arts & Crafts Community
Why Cardinals Can Be Good For Your Health Continued from Page 8 These birds have all adapted to live among humans in cities, but they still need certain habitat features to thrive. Cardinals nest in dense thickets or low trees with lots of leaf cover, for example, and need a variety of seeds, fruits and insects to eat. And while they can't pinpoint the exact reason, Levine and her co-authors found fewer WNVinfected birds in certain parts of Atlanta: patches of old-growth forest. Atlanta is nicknamed "the city in a forest," and for good reason: It's one of just seven U.S. cities with a high population density, more than 386 people per square kilometer, that still has urban tree cover of at least 40 percent. Chicago, by comparison, retains only 11 percent tree cover. “With the extensive tree cover creating a unique feature of the urban landscape in Atlanta," the researchers write, "we also wanted to investigate how the effect of different urban microhabitats with differing degrees of tree cover might impact the ecology and epidemiology in the area." They found significantly fewer avian WNV infections at old-growth forest sites in
Continued from Page 10 The Smoky Mountains Songwriters Festival is also hosting a SMSWF Co-Write with Hit Writers in conjunction with the Lyrics & Lore weekend. The songwriters participating in the SMSWF Lyrics & Lore Co-Write with Hit Writers will co-write a song about the 30 minute story International storyteller, Beth Horner tells. Songs produced during this co-write will be performed after Beth finishes telling the 30 minute story at Friday night's concert. If you are a songwriter who would like to participate in this SMSWF Co-Write with Hit Writers, please sign up at www.smswf.com or call 865-6049066. The Lyrics & Lore Co-write will take place Thursday evening January 26th.
Atlanta compared with secondary forests, even though the rate of infections in mosquitoes was similar in both forest types. "These are really complex ecosystems, so we cannot single out the specific reasons for these findings," Levine says. "They suggest that there is something unique about these old-growth forests and how they affect avian systems in Atlanta. "This finding suggests that old-growth forests may be an important part of an urban landscape," she adds, "not just because of the natural beauty of ancient trees, but because these habitats may also be a means of reducing transmission of some mosquitoborne diseases." More research is needed to reveal why cardinals and primary forests have this effect on WNV, the researchers say, and to understand why mosquitoes switch from biting robins to cardinals in mid-July. But if such a familiar bird can offer an ecological benefit like this, it's hard not to wonder what other undiscovered perks lurk in old-growth forest fragments across North America — and for how much longer.
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 A Good Time Eatery, Ole Smoky Moonshine Holler, The Ship, Hoggs Tavern Downtown, Tom and Earl's Back Alley Grill and Loco Burros. 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, please contact John Condrone in this regard 865-898-7301.
Home Remedies for Gout Continued from Page 10 For a leisurely bath, add two cups of Epsom salt to warm bath water. Soak your body in it until the water starts losing heat. Do this once a week. If you have severe gout, you can try it two or three times a week. 7. Bananas - Bananas are also very effective in treating gout. The high potassium content in bananas will help convert uric acid crystals into liquid form that will be flushed out of the body later through urination. Bananas also contain moderate amounts of vitamin C, which can be very effective in managing swelling and pain. Simply eat one or two bananas daily, and soon you will notice improvement in your condition. Another option is to add one ripe banana to onehalf cup of yogurt. This will also help to keep diarrhea away. 8. Apples - It is very common to hear people say, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” It’s a good, healthy habit to eat at least one apple daily, especially when you have gout. Experts suggest eating an apple after each meal. The malic acid present in apples will help neutralize uric acid in the body and thereby relieve gout pain and inflammation. If you do not like to eat apples, you can try apple juice. Along with an apple, it is also a good idea to eat raw carrots daily. 9. Activated Charcoal - Activated charcoal is known to absorb uric acid; hence, it can be safely used for gout treatment. Those suffering from
gout should take a charcoal bath twice or three times a week. Mix one-half cup of charcoal powder with some water until it forms a paste. Put the paste in a tub and add more water. Soak your affected body part for at least half an hour. This remedy is a good solution for gout in the ankle joint or big toe. For other affected body parts, make a charcoal paste and apply it on the skin. Leave it on for half an hour; then rinse it off with lukewarm water. Alternatively, you can take activated charcoal capsules orally to relieve gout pain and inflammation. Consult your doctor before using this option. 10. Cold Water - Placing the affected area in cold water will reduce swelling as well as pain. When you have gout, do not use ice directly on the skin; it can damage the skin and make your condition worse. Immerse the inflamed, swollen joint in cold water for 10 to 15 minutes. Repeat the process several times a day. You can use an ice pack for about 15 minutes, but wrap it in a towel before placing it on the affected area. Do this twice a day. Avoid excess use of ice packs because it can lead to crystallization of uric acid. So try these natural remedies to get relief from the pain and inflammation. Bear in mind, there is no quick cure. Time and determination are required to treat gout.