McMinn Life Winter 2022 by Bingham Group

HOLIDAY / WINTER 2022

FUN LOCAL EVENTS FOR YOUR FAMILY

Our Favorite Things The Best of Christmas Gifting

Ingles Table

GREAT RECIPES TO TRY

Two Heartwarming Adoption Stories

“THEN THERE WERE THREE” AND “CHRISTMAS IS AN ADOPTION STORY”

Life

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JOIN THE MOVEMENT WE CAN’T FIX THE LITTER PROBLEM OVERNIGHT, BUT WE SHOULD ALL DO OUR PART TO HELP STOP LITTERING.

DID YOU KNOW? AT ANY GIVEN TIME IN THE STATE, THERE ARE 100 MILLION PIECES OF LITTER ON TENNESSEE’S ROADWAYS. Keep McMinn Beautiful - Do your part to help pick it up!

KEEP McMINN BEAUTIFUL 6 E. Madison Avenue • Athens, TN 37303 HOLIDAY/WINTER 2022

McMINN LIFE

sweetwater general? Cool Men’s Stuff? Yup. Bath & Body? Check. Hand-Thrown Pottery? You betcha. All the Best Candles? Of course. Sarcastic Humor? What do you think? Jewelry? Sure thing. Pet Products & Toys? You know it! Baby & Kids Gifts? No brainer. Candy, Fabulous Lamps, Lounge Wear, Handbags and Optical? Yes, Yes, Yes, Yes, and Yes

And did we mention...

sweetwater general is stocking stuffer central!

Open 10am-6pm Monday-Saturday | 11am-4pm Sundays In Historic Downtown Sweetwater next to Hunter’s Cafe.

We’re worth the trip (if we do say so ourselves)! Check us out on Facebook or give us a call 423-836-9004 2

McMINN LIFE

HOLIDAY/WINTER 2022

ENJOY THE HOLIDAYS IN

Etowah

Shop

Play

Shop Local This Season

Contents features

EAST TENNESSEE’S

Favorite Holiday Traditions Photo by Bruce McCamish

Hiwassee River Rail Adventure “The Loop”

ET VEIN CLINIC

Ingles Table Recipes

McMINN LIFE

HOLIDAY/WINTER 2022

38 DR. BRITTANY COOK

Amaryllis GAYLE FISHER

Master Gardner

departments 7 From The Publisher 14 Message From The Athens City Manager 49 Balloon Festival Thank You Sponsors! & Volunteers DECORATING WITH SOUTHERN

Magnolia THEN THERE WERE THREE A Beautiful Story of Adoption and Courage

Christmas

IS AN ADOPTION STORY

NOVEM

LIGHT

Downtown Madisonville, TN - November 26 & 27, December 4 & 11

he Downtown Madisonville Alliance and the City of Madisonville proudly present

‘Madisonville Christmas Festival on the Square’. This first time event will take place in

downtown Madisonville and will feature thousands of beautiful Christmas lights and performances by The Voice winner, Chris Blue and American Idol contestant EmiSunshine. Madisonville Christmas Festival on the Square will be held in downtown Madisonville, through

out College Street for the first time, starting a2022 new Christmas tradition. Madisonville Christmas Take a magical5 ride through HOLIDAY/WINTER FARRAGUT LIFE

downtown Madisonville sipping on some hot chocolate or cider and taking in all the beautiful lights!

Festival on the Square will kick off the holiday season on November 26th at 7:00 p.m. with a Lighting of the Square event. The town will be illuminated with thousands of Christmas lights featuring the historic Monroe County Courthouse. Chris Blue will entertain the outdoor crowd directly in front of the courthouse. Downtown Madisonville Alliance is a 501(c)3 nonprofit with a mission of encouraging economic revitalization, facilitating re-development of commercial and residential prop erties and contributing to a vibrant downtown.

• Over 100 v crafts, bout

• Performanc dancers, ch

• Cookie dec rides, smor Santa shop -

• Entrance to require a fe

C H R I S T MA S I S AN ADO PT I O N STORY By: Matt Hollingworth

WHAT IS CHRISTMAS?

decree that all the world should be taxed.

the redemptive cost on the cross so that by

Christmas is an adoption story. It is yet

In what must have seemed at the time like

adoption, all men might call God Father.

another example of how God has sovereign-

humiliation upon humiliation, amidst all

Christmas truly came through adoption.

ly used adoption to accomplish His will. But

the whisperers, Joseph of Nazareth took his

Christmas came by adoption. And Christmas

most importantly, the purpose of Christmas

espoused wife Mary, who was very pregnant,

came for adoption.

is adoption.

to Bethlehem. When they arrived, there was no room for them, so they stayed in a stable.

Today, we live in a world with millions of

Now, you might know an awful lot about

While they were there, Joseph’s adopted

orphans. Are you an adopted son or daughter

Christmas, and this is the first time you’re

son—the Son of God—was born, and they

of God? Do you worship the adopted Messi-

hearing these things, but let me assure you,

laid Him in a manger. The 700-year-old

ah, Jesus? If so, if you’re a Christian, you have

they’re all true.

prophecy of Micah that the Savior would be

been called to care for the orphan.

born in Bethlehem, had been fulfilled. And Let me take you back about 2,000 years. This

with the birth of Christ, a sliver of hope had

This Christmas, why not trade away material-

was a very dark and hopeless time. Israel had

slipped into this hopeless world.

istic insignificance for doing something bigger

been occupied by a whole series of foreign

than yourself? This Christmas, as you ponder

oppressors. One of these oppressors, a

When the Magi visited and King Herod

the birth and the adoption of your Savior,

man named Antiochus Epiphanes, had

learned of the birth of the Christ, he con-

as you consider your own adoption by God

actually rededicated the Temple to Zeus

spired to kill all the baby boys in Bethlehem.

the Father, realize this—you can do for the

and desecrated it by sacrificing a pig on the

It was the adopted father of Jesus, Joseph,

orphan what God did for you. You can bring

altar in the Holy of Holies.

that fled with the Christ child, saving Him

hope to the hopeless through adoption.

from Herod’s slaughter. But amidst all this darkness, God was still at work. Through adoption, God raised up

A little over 33 years after that first Christmas,

yet another oppressor. It was this adopted

the Son of God, this adopted son of a man,

man of war, Caesar Augustus, who issued a

the Messiah who had lived a perfect life, paid

“I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.” –John 14:18

This article was transcribed (with permission) from a video written by Steve Eimers. Steve and his wife Melissa have adopted six children. The video was edited and published by their oldest daughter, Hannah Eimers, who passed away in 2016. She is dearly loved and missed by all who knew her.

McMINN LIFE

HOLIDAY/WINTER 2022

PUBLISHER The Bingham Group President Lisa Atkins Bingham

“The giving of gifts is a natural response to Jesus’ stupendous act of self-giving, when he laid aside his glory and was born into the human race. The concern for the needy recalls that the Son of God was born not into an aristocratic family but into a poor one. The Lord of the universe identified with the least and the most excluded of the human race.” –Timothy Keller, Hidden Christmas

Letter From The Publisher In this issue we highlight dozens of fun events in East Tennessee this holiday season. We also showcase some of our area’s best local shops including Sweet & Sassy, Trout Mountain Coffeehouse & Inn, and Treasure’s Jewelers. Perhaps it will prompt some gift ideas. Also in this issue, master gardener Gayle Fisher gives tips on growing amaryllises and southern magnolias. November is Adoption Month. We have a wonderful adoption story written by Lon Shoopman. Many of you have gotten to know Mignonne over the past 14 years that she has worked for The Bingham Group. She shares her families adoption story, “Then There Were Three”. Gotcha day for my twins was November 18th, seventeen years ago, it really made for a special Christmas, just like Mignonne’s story. Matthew Hollingworth brings us the story of Steve Elmers and his thoughts on Christmas as an adoption story. As always, we are grateful for our wonderful readers and sponsors. Merry Christmas from The Bingham Group. We wish you joy and love as you celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, our Savior!

Graphic Designers Lisa Bingham Chris Littleton Jason Bowers Contributing Writers Matt Hollingsworth Lon Shoopman Natalie Jacoby Contributing Photographers Bruce McCamish Advertising Sales Mignonne Alman 865-523-5999 mignonne@binghamgroup.com Subscription or Editorial Inquiries 865-523-5999 The Bingham Group, Inc. 11921 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, Tennessee 37934 www.binghamgroup.com

“We were really struggling last year during covid and when our story came out in Monroe and Farragut Life Magazines, we had droves of customers coming in - it saved our business!”

The Lacy

Fine Furnishings, Antiques and Gifts

Lisa Atkins-Bingham Lisa Atkins-Bingham

President of The Bingham Group Publisher of Monroe, McMinn and Farragut Life Magazine HOLIDAY/WINTER 2022

McMINN LIFE

SHO

Lottie Gillem, Daughter of Adam & Caroline Pennnigton Gillem 8

McMINN LIFE

HOLIDAY/WINTER 2022

SHOP LOCAL • SHOP LOCAL • SHOP LOCAL • SHOP LOCAL • SHOP LOCAL • SHOP LOCAL • SHOP LOCAL

SHOPPING LOCAL FOR OUR FAVORITE THINGS Department stores and global businesses are more common than ever, but they aren’t your only options. This Christmas, check out unique gifts from some of East Tennessee’s best local shops and small businesses.

Smart Toys and Books FRANKLIN SQUARE

Jan Brett’s take on this Christmas classic is a visual masterpiece! The quintessential holiday poem tells the tale of Christmas’s most anticipated visitor, complete with dashing reindeer and gleaming presents. Jan Brett expands on the magical spirit of the classic poem in her beautiful imagining of the iconic story of Santa’s visit (spunky elves and reindeer escapades included!). Complete with her classic borders and detailed picturesque scenes, the board book edition of this holiday staple will be perfect for reading aloud in merry excitement.

Butttermilk Sky Pies FARRAGUT “It’s pie. Do we even need to say anything else? Stop by one of their shops or order a pie online. They have everything from key lime to Southern custard to coconut cream. See what strikes your fancy.”

HOLIDAY/WINTER 2022

McMINN LIFE

SHOP LOCAL • SHOP LOCAL • SHOP LOCAL • SHOP LOCA

• SHOP LOCAL

Starr Mountain Outfitters ETOWAH

“Gear up! Find what you need for your next hiking or biking adventure. Find shoes, backpacks, maps, sunscreen, and much more.”

The Trout House TELLICO PLAINS

Trout Mountain Coffeehouse & Inn: Enjoy the friendly atmosphere, delicious breakfast food, and great coffee. This combination restaurant and hotel is also a good place to spend the night during a daytrip to Tellico Plains. Check it out, and if you like it, buy a gift certificate, and surprise an overworked loved one and their spouse with a short vacation.

Treasure’s Jewelers MARYVILLE & MADISONVILLE Find a beautiful engagement ring for the woman you love. Treasure’s Jewelers also has necklaces, earrings, wedding bands, and all kinds of wonderful jewelry to put a smile on her face. They have locations in Madisonville and Maryville. EAST TENNESSEE’S LARGEST BRIDAL SELECTION

McMINN LIFE

HOLIDAY/WINTER 2022

OP LOCAL • SHOP LOCAL • SHOP LOCAL • SHOP LOCAL • SHOP LOCAL • SHOP LOCAL • SHOP LOCAL • SHOP

Buddy Gregg Motor Homes FARRAGUT

Buddy Gregg RVs & Motor Homes: You start your morning in Tennessee and end it in Florida. Along the way, you pass beautiful scenery, unique local shops, and all kinds of interesting landmarks. An airplane might get you to your destination faster, but it can’t compete with the freedom and flexibility of an RV. Explore the open road with new and used RVs. Customers at Buddy Gregg even gain access to their exclusive campground.

Donna’s Old Town Cafe MADISONVILLE

Donna’s Old Town Café: At this familyowned restaurant in Madisonville, you can enjoy delicious breakfast food and classic Southern meals. If you’re especially hungry, pay $10 for their buffet. If you like restaurants with small town charm, visit Donna’s. Gift Certificates Available

The Knoxville Ice Bears

KNOXVILLE The Knoxville Ice Bears: Looking to give your kids a day out of the house? Take them to an Ice Bears hockey game. This is a great— and inexpensive—way to spend time with your children.

HOLIDAY/WINTER 2022

McMINN LIFE

SHOP LOCAL • SHOP LOCAL • SHOP LOCAL • SHOP LOCAL • SHOP LOCAL • SHOP LOCAL • SHOP LOCAL

Smoky Mountain Harley Davidson MARYVILLE

2021 Harley-Davidson Road King “Buy stylish new and used motorcycles or get maintenance on your current one. They even have classes and practice courses for new and experienced riders. Enjoy the ride, and drive carefully.”

Tic-Toc Ice Cream Parlor LOUDON If you’re in Loudon, stop by to choose from 29 flavors of homemade ice cream. We hope you smile at their old-style Southern charm and great service.

FARRAGUT

McMINN LIFE

HOLIDAY/WINTER 2022

Kat’s Lash Lounge is your go-to solution for all your makeup and beauty desires. Kat’s Lash Lounge has emerged as one of the most popular and reputed eyelash extension and waxing studios in the area. They also offer Facials: Each facial will include personalized aromatherapy, skin diagnostics, and a recommendation regarding your skin care routine. Your esthetician will develop a comprehensive treatment plan to meet your needs and expectations. Gift certificates available.

CAL

Sweet & Sassy Treasures and Antiques MADISONVILLE

Get paints and designs to make your furniture beautiful. You can also find gifts, decorations and custom-painted furniture for you and your loved ones. The store ven offers painting classes. Dixie Belle Elite Premier Retailer. Custom Painted Vintage Furniture. Re-Design by Prima Transfers Retailer. Iron Orchid Designs Retailer. 205 Tellico Street Madisonville, TN 37354 (423) 545-9350

HOLIDAY/WINTER 2022

McMINN LIFE

A Letter From City Manager

C. SETH SUMNER

Howdy Friends! A fewand years ago,a Istep charged Recently, I hit pause took my staff with celebrating the remarkable back from the intense workday that stories of their service to our consumes my life — and my community, family to identify highlight incredible and friends’and lives, too. I the devoted much difference Team Athens is making here time duringthat that period to reflection, in our hometown. From that challenge, recollection, and prayer. an info-graphic was developed and is now annually ouraffirmation fellow citizens. Idelivered prayed for clarityto and for I amcurrent pleasedpath. to share the latestwho Annual my Individuals are Year-In-Review the Fiscal called to ServantInfo-graphic Leadershipforoften bear Year ending June 30, 2020 with you on Atlas proportioned burdens. The needs, the City of Athens’ Facebook page (www. demands, and stressors of a community facebook.com/CityofAthensTN). Within can feel like the weight of the world and the pages of the you will this see the always come firstreview and, in time, takes the hard work mywho staffbear has aculmination toll on the of wonderful people accomplished this past year and the success the load day in and day out. stories that our community can share last summer. Itogether recalledsince a speaker I heard several years ago, whose name I cannot recall. I hope Our McMinn she’ll forgive County that andEconomic the poor paraDevelopment Authority has scored our phrase, because I was moved by her

second Tax-Increment Project message to “be well, doFinanced good.” As a true in three years with the up-and-coming Vol, I have worked always to exemplify Athens Marketplace. first TIF the Volunteer spirit, The but lately I’veproject been three years agofrom was the installment disconnected people thatofI the new Food downtown Athens. serve - I’veCity beeninin board rooms andThe on Athenscalls, Marketplace willitbe Zoom and there hasa multi-venue been so retail for development encompassing over hard me to see the good that comes 100,000 square feet of new retail space from my work and volunteerism – and anticipating apparel shops,I actually cosmetics, separated from those whom discount retail, bath & beauty, and serve. restaurants. I reflected on a program from my Early in in theClifton, fiscal year, paid a church FeedweHiswere Sheep. specialper visitweek by Tennessee Once we wouldGovernor cook andBill boxLee as we broke ground what willinbecome meals, deliver them on to people need, the state for higher with and makemodel personal contacteducation with those the completion of the McMinn County we served. It was truly an uplifting and Higher Education Center. This center humbling experience. will house TCAT-Athens, Cleveland State Community College, of This reflection is whattheledUniversity me to think Tennessee’s Agricultural Extension about Table Graces, a local feedingServices, and AdultinEducation all under one roof. This program Athens. So, I just showed center will last driveWednesday workforce in development up on the October to in collaboration witha hand. local industries and is ask if they needed Of course, well underway in construction the entire they did and I got put straightfor to work. Athens willminutes become to thefind center Itregion. only took a few thefor workforce rhythm anddevelopment machinationinofthe thesoutheast process Tennessee and just likecorridor. that – I was lost in service. Once the assembly line slowed, I took The Main Street Athens that time to step outside, toprogram, place food boxes merged with the Downtown Business in vehicles, to see those we were serving. Association the yearnoted prior,that haswe made Afterwards, it was hadgreat a strides in the240 revitalization of ourNot historic record day: meals served. the commercial core downtown, kind of record wedistrict, hope to see. the heart of our community. Along with the development of an Walking The best day would beHistoric when zero food Tour, Main Street Athens boxes are needed by ourpartnered neighbors.with the Southeast Tennessee Until then, there are manyDevelopment of us who District complete funded can helptoour friendsgrant in need. Thisfacade improvements for downtown businesses. experience let me focus on monotonous

www.CityofAthensTN.com www.CityofAthensTN.com 14

McMINN LIFE

HOLIDAY/WINTER 2022

Main Street Athens also embarked physical labor all the while makingona adirect, visioning process developingand newits visible impact on and our iscommunity plans to reinvigorate downtown. underserved members. On to city finances, Fiscaland Yearhumbling 2020 marked There it was – uplifting years of Excellent Financial Reporting, –28that feeling of doing good and being an award presented by the well. It is well with my soul.Government Finance Officers Association heralding ourprayer exemplary management of taxpayer My for you this Holiday season is fundsif and our financial that you the findtransparency yourself likeofI did, mired stewardship of workaday the public’slife trust. or blasé in the we This tendmakes to Athens oneif of theare best fiscally managed lead — or you getting caught up cities in the entireyour United States.—Athens in things beyond control pause.is in a very stable and sound fiscal position, maintaining among tax rates in Pause and find a waythetolowest do good. Tennessee for our service level. There are countless volunteer opportunities Finally, another success story thatwith has all been in our giving community. Even the more than years in the making, the growth andfifteen advancement we’ve experienced Athens Cityfew Council Board in the past years,and wethe stillAthens have many of Education to reach an agreement neighbors in worked great need. on approaching the needs of our school system and the of our children As we stroll intofuture the holiday season, may regarding our school Theifcitizens you remember to be buildings. kind, to give you of Athens their desire can, and tovoiced find some way toand do willingness good; it to pay foryou the be consolidation of our four will help well. elementary schools by approving the referendum to raise the local option sales Genuinely, tax by 0.75% last summer. Groundbreaking C. Seth Sumner on the new school building is set for December 21, 2020. All in all, we have had a tremendous year here at the City of Athens and we look forward to another year of progress in the Friendly City. May God bless you and may God bless the City of Athens! Genuinely, C. Seth Sumner City Manager

Cute Dresses • Tops • Skirts • Jewelry ACCESSORIES • Home Decor • and more! 202 E Washington Avenue, Athens TN 37303

(423) 404-3297

Dale Kennedy, D.D.S. Jamie Muscari, D.D.S.

HOLIDAY/WINTER 2022

McMINN LIFE

Downtown Madisonville, TN - November 26 & 27, December 4 & 11

he Downtown Madisonville Alliance and the City of Madisonville proudly present ‘Madisonville Christmas Festival on the Square’. This first time event will take place in downtown Madisonville and will feature thousands of beautiful Christmas lights and performances by The Voice winner, Chris Blue and American Idol contestant EmiSunshine. Madisonville Christmas Festival on the Square will be held in downtown Madisonville, through

out College Street for the first time, starting a new Christmas tradition. Madisonville Christmas

Take a magical ride through downtown Madisonville sipping on some hot chocolate or cider and taking in all the beautiful lights!

McMINN LIFE

HOLIDAY/WINTER 2022

THREE WEEKENDS:

NOVEMBER 26, DECEMBER 4 & DECEMBER 11 Mayor Recorder

Board Me

LIGHTING OF THE SQUARE AND CHRIS BLUE CONCERT Friday, November 26th at 7pm Stage at the Courthouse

Kiwanis Christmas Parade December 4 at 4:00 pm Stage at the Courthouse

EMI SUNSHINE AND THE RAIN December 11 at 6:00 pm Stage at the Courthouse

MISS MERRY CHRISTMAS PAGEANT Saturday, November 27, 10:30 a.m. Madisonville Primary School, 268 Warren St.

MAYOR Augusta Davis RECORDER

Sherri McCrary MORE DETAILS ABOUT THE EVENT: • Over 100 vendors will be present each weekend including crafts, boutiques, food and nonprofits • Performances by local musicians, church and school choirs, dancers, cheerleaders and majorettes • Cookie decorating, carousel rides, petting zoo, hay rides, carriage rides, smores, a candlelight service, breakfast with Santa, and a Santa shop for kids will be taking place each weekend • Entrance to the event is free to the public, certain activities require a fee More information about the event, including a schedule for each weekend and vendor highlights, can be found on Facebook @MadisonvilleChristmas

BOARD MEMBERS

Fred Cagle Edward Dawson Linda Hensley Scott Hunt Charlie McDonald

THREE WEEKENDS:

November 26, December 4 & December 11

November 27

DECEMBER 4

DECEMBER 11

8:00am-10:00am

8:00am-12:00 NOON

Pancake Breakfast – Republican Headquarters

Breakfast with Santa – First Baptist Church

12:00 NOON-8:00PM

10:30AM Miss Merry Christmas Pageant – Madisonville Primary School

12:00 NOON-8:00PM Volunteer Federal Kids Zone with Petting Zoo Treasure’s Jewelers Live Elf on the Shelf Donna’s Cafe Christmas Buffet Donna’s Cafe Free Kids Beverage with Adult Purchase The Buzz Letters for Santa Drop Off Rustic Respun Black Friday Sale Sweet & Sassy Free Gift Wrap with $10 Purchase Pictures with Santa Claus

Volunteer Federal Kids Zone with Carousal Treasure’s Jewelers Live Elf on the Shelf Boys & Girls Club Santa Shop Donna’s Cafe Christmas Buffet Donna’s Cafe Free Kids Beverage with Adult Purchase The Buzz Letters for Santa Drop Off Christmas Bingo – Rustic Respun Free Ornament Craft for Kids – Sweet & Sassy Pictures with Santa Claus

12:00 NOON-4:00pm Carriage Rides

12:00 Noon-6:00pm

12:00 NOON-4:00pm

Cookie Caper – FBC Tribe

Hay Rides

12:00 Noon

12:00 Noon-6:00pm Cookie Caper – FBC Tribe

Madisonville Primary School Choir*

1:00pm

12:00 Noon Madisonville Intermediate School Choir*

Notchey Creek Singers*

2:00pm

1:00pm

Island Creek Performers*

Salt & Light Studios*

3:00pm

2:00pm

Born 2 Danz*

Ornament Hunt*

4:00PM

2:00PM-6:00PM

Kiwanis Parade

Carriage Rides

5:00PM-7:00PM

3:00pm Madisonville Middle School Twirlers*

5:00PM-8:00PM S’mores with the Madisonville Fire Department & the Eric Hazuda State Farm Grinch

6:00pm Doyle Tallent & Friends Concert* Hosted by Dann Black

Spaghetti Dinner – Republican Headquarters

5:00PM-8:00PM S’mores with the Madisonville Fire Department & the Eric Hazuda State Farm Grinch

7:00PM Candle Light Service – Presbyterian Church Sequoyah Majorettes*

* Main Stage Event at the Courthouse

Memory Lane Senior Activities – Cora Veal Senior Citizen’s Center

12:00 NOON-8:00PM Volunteer Federal Kids Zone with Carousal Treasure’s Jewelers Live Elf on the Shelf Santa Shop with the Monroe County Health Council Donna’s Cafe Christmas Buffet Donna’s Cafe Free Kids Beverage with Adult Purchase The Buzz Letters for Santa Drop Off Wheel of Fortune with Rustic Respun Pictures with Santa Claus

12:00 NOON-2:00pm Cookie Decorating – Presbyterian Church

12:00 NOON-3:00pm Team Lexi Princess Photos

12:00 NOON-4:00pm Hay Rides

12 noon-6:00pm Cookie Caper – FBC Tribe

12:00 Noon Emma Thompson*

1:00pm Madisonville Tornadoes Cheerleading*

2:00pm MIS, MMS, Junior Chiefs & SQHS Cheerleaders*

2:00PM-6:00PM Carriage Rides

3:00pm Dr Hugh McCampbell Conert – Presbyterian Church Madisonville Ju Jitsu*

4:00pm Armfield Dance Academy*

5:00pm Jan’s Line Dancing* Story Time with Mrs. Klaus - Sweet & Sassy

5:00PM-8:00PM S’mores with the Madisonville Fire Department & the Eric Hazuda State Farm Grinch

6:00pm EmiSunshine & the Rain* with Ashcraft & Gibbs 18

McMINN LIFE

HOLIDAY/WINTER 2022

Saving Money Has Never Been Easier For Farm Bureau Members! McMinn County

Download your TN Farm Bureau Member Savings app or register at www.tnfarmbureau.org/membersavings to start saving today Find out about great savings from these partners and many more:

Farm Bureau Members Save on Travel

Save $10 on Adult or Child One Day Tickets

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DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS OR WANT MORE INFORMATION ON BECOMING A MEMBER? Contact McMinn County Farm Bureau • 208 Congress Pkwy S • Athens, TN • 423-745-4521

HOLIDAY/WINTER 2022

McMINN LIFE

HOLIDAY/WINTER 2022

MASTER GARDNER

Gayle Fisher

Amaryllis E

arlier this month my daughter from Knoxville played Santa Claus and brought me one of my favorite plants the Amaryllis, Hippeastrum. I didn’t even ask her what color it was going to be as I was so excited to see the bulb head was already rising out to the soil. When the flowers started to open I was pleased to discover it was an Apple Blossom bulb. This beautiful flower has an elegant bloom of pink and white stripes. This seasonal bulb is great for indoor growing providing us with Christmas cheer. The first commercial breeders were our friends the Dutch. They imported several species from Mexico and South America and began developing cultivars and hybrids. These beautiful hybrids reached America in the early 19th century. Most cultivar bulbs will put up more than one flower spike but I am happy with one. These trumpet shaped flowers include colors of red, rose, pink, white, orange, yellow and pale green with variations on these, including different stripes on the petals. The stalks are erect, hollow, and round. They stand regally at between 12 and 36 inches tall. There are five types: single, double, miniature, cybister and trumpet. Single and double are the ones we see most often. Dutch bulbs usually produce flowers first, and then after finishing blooming will begin

growing leaves; bulbs originating from South Africa put up spikes and leaves at the same time. After blooming a bulb must produce at least four large healthy leaves in the summer season before it can send up a spike the following year. If you want to try to have a return blooms next year follow these instructions: In the spring after all danger of frost has passed bury the entire pot in the garden bed and fertilize the bulb two or three times per month which sounds like a lot. Bring your Amaryllis indoor in September. I have been wrong all these years. I should have written this article on Amaryllis in 2006. I have always kept my bulbs in the house, fertilizer was never in the picture and I usually only had two wimpy leaves. My bulbs diminished in size each year and I never had a repeat bloom the following year. The third year it went into the recycling bin. Amaryllis bulbs that you buy are between two and five inches in diameter. When shopping for bulbs they should be firm to the touch and greenish white with thin brown outer layers like an onion. Nearly all bulbs for sale are healthy but watch out for those that are soft, have blue or green mold, look decayed, or are extremely dried out. Sometimes bulbs will already have flowers spikes or leaves started. This is OK.

Most stores and nurseries only sell a few varieties but you can find a complete selection on the web. When potting up a new sleeping bulb in the fall remember that Amaryllis does well in either clay or plastic pots (clay pots will need more watering). Always choose a pot with an open drain hole. Position the bulb so that the top third is above the soil line. You can use any good commercial potting soil. Place the bulb where it will get some sun every day. Care should be given not to overwater until growth is visible or the soil is really dry. Most bulbs will take about a month to bloom after being potted. You do not fertilize while the bulb is blooming. Cut off any faded flowers and then remove the flowering stalks after all blooms have died. When decorating for the holidays you can add dramatic effect to any room or arrangement by using Amaryllis. Years ago, I visited New York City before Christmas and was stunned when I entered the hotel lobby and there was an enormous arrangement of Amaryllis. They were breathtaking! They also make an excellent hostess gift when visiting with friends and family.

HOLIDAY/WINTER 2022

McMINN LIFE

Story by Lon Shoopman

THEN THERE WERE THREE

“Those who leave everything in God’s hand will eventually see God’s hand in everything.” ANONYMOUS

McMINN LIFE

HOLIDAY/WINTER 2022

THE YEAR WAS

1945

It was raining in Chicago. William and Kathryn Barber were traveling by taxi to a nearby hospital to claim their adopted daughter. She had been born 3 days earlier on Kathryn’s birthday. The birth mother, Lucienne, an emigrant from France, worked at the Chicago YMCA, where many members of the United States Army were housed. A soldier named Bill Harm became a friend, and then a lover. Lucienne became pregnant. Their situation was deeply troubling. It was wildly scandalous in those days to be pregnant and unwed. Moreover, Bill was already married. He had wed in 1942, and fathered a daughter, Evelyn, now three years old. He was in the process of obtaining a divorce, but it would take time. Dr. Coulon, a trusted family physician, suggested a possible solution.

LUCIENNE HARM

BILL HARM

He spoke of a couple who had been married five years. During this time, the wife had two miscarriages and a baby that was stillborn. They desperately wanted a child. With evident courage Lucienne and Bill concluded, given the present circumstances, their child would have a better life with these adoptive parents. Within a few weeks, Bill’s divorce was final. He and Lucienne were married. In years to come they had two additional children. A daughter, Mignonne, and a son named Dwight. They never told anyone about their first born child.

The Aragon Ballroom, where Bill & Lucienne danced & the YMCA in Chicago.

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Florence Barber

William and Kathryn delighted in their new daughter. They welcomed her into their home and into their hearts. She was given a family name, Florence Edith Barber. Her parents never let her doubt she was loved. With her Mom and Dad she learned lessons in faith, family and kindness. Flo always knew she was adopted. “I was told I was adopted, before I knew the meaning of the word,” she remembers. “Mom and Dad were wonderful. With them I always felt I had won the adoption lottery,” she adds. Flo spent the first twelve years of her life in Chicago before her family moved to Florida.

With the joy of Florence in their lives, Kathryn had a successful pregnancy and gave birth to Anna just 20 months later, so Florence grew up with a sister.

In her teens, Kathryn and William told her what they knew about her biological parents, and the possibility of siblings. They offered to help her search if she wanted to try and make contact with them. Flo declined. “I was not interested,” she recalls. “I was happy and content with my life.” After college, Florence married and had two daughters in her 20’s. It was not long after the birth of her first child that Flo’s Mom handed her an envelope one day, simply saying, “These are your adoption papers.” Flo placed the envelope in a filing cabinet and gave it no thought. It was several years later that she examined the papers. She found herself astonished. The papers contained the name of her birth mother, Lucienne Harm. As you grow older, you become busier. Time goes faster and faster. The months push each other rudely out of the way. Quickly days slip off the calendar into the past.

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Above: the Barber family. Left: Kathryn and Bill on their wedding day, June 1, 1941

THE YEAR WAS

2013 The poet, Edwin Markham, said, “Choices are the hinges of destiny.” In her 67th year, Flo Barber Hancock made a simple choice that changed her destiny and that of several other people. Companies began offering DNA testing around 2005. Soon, more than 30 million people had submitted their DNA for evaluation. DNA testing is a powerful tool for discovering countries of origin, finding family or uncovering unknown health risks. Florence Barber was interested in knowing more about health risks. By this time she had 2 daughters and 2 granddaughters, and having medical information to share with them was growing in importance.

Florence Barber, 1974 and New Year’s Eve 1972

“I decided I had put, ‘Adopted, medical history unknown’ on forms far too many times,” Flo said. In early June, 2013, Flo Barber-Hancock made a choice that her husband Dallas fully supported. She ordered a DNA testing kit from “23andMe,” submitted her sample and waited. The results were returned to Flo in late June. The section dealing with relatives offered nothing of promise.

Ann knew nothing. Flo’s hope of finding her birth family began to wane.

Flo had no way of knowing, her half-sister Evelyn, who was age three when Flo was born, had made a similar choice. She also submitted her DNA to “23andMe” for analysis. Strangely, “23andMe” did not connect the two women. Finally, in August, Flo connected with Ann Simmons, a RN in California, was a likely 2nd cousin. Flo contacted Ann seeking information about her birth mother, Lucienne Harm.

On a separate occasion, Evelyn contacted Ann to try to determine how they were related. Ann did not know. It did occur to Ann that the two women identified as possible 2nd cousins might help each other. Ann asked Flo for permission to forward her information to Evelyn. Flo agreed. She had not checked her emails from 23andMe for over two months, so she was about to get a big surprise!

Dallas & Florence Barber-Hancock

Mignonne & Dwight Harm

Mignonne & Jack Alman

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McMINN LIFE

deeply relieved to know the daughter she had thought of each day across these many years had known a good life. She wished that her husband Bill, Flo’s father, had lived to hear this happy news. Front Row:Dwight, Mignonne, Lucienne, Florence & Evelyn Second Row: Lai, Jack, Ted, Dallas, Dick, Back Row: Christine, Liv and Gregory

Immediately Evelyn wrote to Flo: “OMG!!! Lucienne is my stepmother!!! ” Did this mean her Mother was still alive? The half-sisters immediately got on the phone to talk. Evelyn assured her, Lucienne, now age 92, was alive and living in California. Sadly, Bill passed away in 1992. Evelyn also informed Flo she had a sister and a brother. Flo’s heart pounded with excitement! Flo now knew about her birth family, but they did not know about her. It was left to Evelyn to inform her half-brother Dwight, who was living in Los Angeles. She called him later that evening and began by asking, “Are you sitting down?” Breathlessly, she shared her conversation with Flo. Additionally, Evelyn’s daughter, Kate, had found a You Tube video of Flo. She bore a striking resemblance to Mignonne. “I was stunned,” Dwight recalls, “But as the

40th Wedding Anniversary in 1986, still dancing after all these years.

evening wore on, I became convinced Flo was the real thing.” It was then Dwight’s turn to make a call to his sister Mignonne in Knoxville, Tennessee. He began with the same question. “Mignonne, are you sitting down? I think we have a sister!” Initially Mignonne was flabbergasted, but then thrilled and deeply grateful their sister had found them. The one person who did not yet know about Flo was her mother. Evelyn, Mignonne and Dwight conferred and it was decided Dwight was the logical one to talk with his Mother since she lived only four blocks from his home. One day he had a quiet conversation with his Mother. “I want us to talk about something that may be difficult for you, from when you lived in Chicago,” he began. When he told her about a call from an apparent daughter, Lucienne quietly shared with him the story of her pregnancy and the birth and adoption of her baby. Dwight does not remember his Mother being emotional as they talked, but rather

A few days later, Flo and Lucienne talked by phone for the first time. Flo expressed her deep appreciation to her Mother. “When you were a young woman, needing a home for your baby, you had the courage to place me in a loving, happy home and I am grateful,” Flo said. Mignonne also made a call to Flo to say, “Hi, I am your sister Mignonne. I am so glad you have found us. Can you and your husband come to our home in Knoxville at Christmas for a family reunion?” The answer was “Yes!” Evelyn and her husband Richard, Dwight and his wife, Lai, and Lucienne all arrived at Mignonne and Jack’s home, before Flo and her husband Dallas. The hours leading up to seeing Flo for the first time were filled with nervous excitement. When at last someone shouted, “She’s here!” There was a rush to the door. When Flo walked into Mignonne’s home, into the arms of her family, the room erupted in shouts and rejoicing. There were tears and embraces. In the coming hours, Lucienne and Flo, repeatedly embraced and wept. Finding what they thought they’d lost forever….was a gift from God.

“Those who leave everything in God’s hand will eventually see God’s hand in everything.” ANONYMOUS 26

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CONCERT FOR A CAUSE “15th Annual Benefit Veterinary Piano Concert”

Saturday, March 19 at 7pm

SW Elementary School, 301 Broad Street, Sweetwater Adults $15 • Students $10 • Pre-School Free Tickets on sale at the door

Piano, Banjo, Songs, Tales A fun family-friendly event that supports the Prostate Cancer Foundation, Sweetwater Valley Citizens for the Arts and local Boy Scout troops. If you have any questions or would like more information about the event, Dr. McCampbell can be reached at mccampbellhm@charter.net or (423) 836-6016.

Dr. Hugh McCampbell

Serving Bradley, McMinn, Meigs, Monroe and Polk Counties.

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THE RECIPES ARE BROUGHT TO YOU BY INGLES, STARTED IN 1963 BY ROBERT P. INGLE AND COMMITTED TO THE COMMUNITIES THEY SERVE.

GRILLED BLACKBERRY STUFFED PORK LOIN SERVES: 4 -6

PORK: 3 lb. pork loin 1 tbsp. coarse ground black pepper 1 tbsp. kosher salt 1 tbsp. garlic powder 1/2 cup roasted pecans, chopped 2 oz. cream cheese 1 tbsp. olive oil 1/2 cup fresh blackberries fresh rosemary, for garnish

BLACKBERRY SAUCE: 1 1/2 cups fresh blackberries 1 tbsp. honey 1 tbsp. lemon juice 1 tsp. vanilla extract 1 tsp. cinnamon

BLACKBERRY SAUCE INSTRUCTIONS: Prepare blackberry sauce by cooking all ingredients on stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until blackberries begin to break down and form a thickened sauce.

PORK INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Preheat grill to medium high heat for direct and indirect cooking. 2. Butterfly pork loin and roll out flat

INGLES FLORAL Ingles Floral is a convenient way to shop for beautiful cut stems, full bouquets or holiday arrangements. All of our floral departments are stocked with only the freshest and most colorful varieties. Need a little help saying just the right thing with flowers? At Ingles you can ask our friendly and knowledgeable floral associates for a hand. Many of our floral employees have years of advanced floral experience. And, our selections make look exclusive but they are priced for value. It’s convenient, within any budget and I’m sure we’ll have just the thing. INGLES….EXPECT MORE FROM YOUR LOCAL STORE.

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3. Spread cream cheese thin and then add pecans, some fresh blackberries, and a couple tbsps. of blackberry sauce, saving some for service. 4. Roll the loin and rub with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and garlic powder; tie with butcher’s twine. 5. Sear each side of loin over direct heat for approx. 2 mins. per side, then move to indirect side of grill. 6. Pork loin is ready when the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let rest for 10 mins., slice and serve over bed of blackberry sauce.

JOE LASHER, SR Co-Owner and Founder M7 Event Solutions and Catering

PORK LOVES THE COMBINATION OF SWEET, SALT, AND SMOKE, JOE LASHER, SR MAKING THIS EASY BLACKBERRY SAUCE Co-Owner and Founder M7 Event Solutions and Catering THE PERFECT ACCOMPANIMENT.

JOE LASHER, SR Co-Owner and Founder M7 Event Solutions and Catering

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CHEF ABBY J Founder of Abby J’s Gourmet Proprietor Blackhawk Flyfishing

SWEET AND TANGY GLAZED CARROTS WITH CRANBERRIES SERVES: 4 1 lb. young carrots, scrubbed clean 3/4 cup frozen cranberries 1/4 cup maple syrup 1 large orange, zested 2 tbsp. olive oil 2 tbsp. Thai sweet chili sauce 1 garlic clove, finely grated 1 tbsp. garlic salt 1/2 cup almond flakes 1. Set oven to 350°F and line one large baking tray with parchment paper. 2. Trim the green tops off the carrots and cut carrots into halves lengthwise. 3. Coat cranberries in 1 tbsp. maple syrup and mix in orange zest. 4. In a separate bowl, combine olive oil, 3 tbsp. maple syrup, chili sauce, thyme leaves, and 1 tbsp. garlic salt. 5. Coat dry carrots in the maple and chili and space them out on a large baking tray while placing the cranberries at the other end. 6. Roast for about 25 min., until carrots are tender, the exterior is slightly caramelized, and cranberries are soft and jammy. If cran berries are done sooner, remove them from the tray with a spatula and set aside. 7. Toast almonds lightly in a hot pan until lightly browned. 8. Place roasted carrots and cranberries on a large serving platter. Sprinkle with toasted almonds and fresh thyme.

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Serving these carrots whole makes a beautiful presention. But eating them will transport you directly into fall.

ORANGE GLAZED BRUSSELS SPROUTS AND BUTTERNUT SQUASH SERVES: 6 BRUSSELS SPROUTS AND BUTTERNUT SQUASH: 1 lb. brussels sprouts, washed, trimmed and halved 1 1/2 lbs. butternut squash, peeled then diced into 1/2 inch cubes (about 3 cups) 3 tbsp. olive oil, divided 2 tsp. kosher salt 1 cup pecans GLAZE: 2 tbsp. butter 2 tsp. honey 3 tbsp. orange juice 1 tbsp. orange zest 1/2 tsp. black pepper 2 tsp. apple cider vinegar

1. In a large saute pan, heat 1 1/2 tbsp. olive oil over medium heat. Swirl to coat pan, then add in squash. Stir the squash pieces so they are coated with oil and sprinkle with 1 tsp. salt. Shake the pan so squash spreads out in an even layer and let cook, without stirring, so that they brown a bit on one side, about 5 min.

5. Turn heat down to low and add the squash back to the pan, along with the pecans. Mix all glaze ingredients together, and stir into vegetables, coating and warming through. 6. Transfer to platter and serve!

2. Stir and spread the pieces out again and let cook without stirring so more sides brown. Cover, and cook about 6 min., until the squash is soft, but holds its shape. Once done, remove from heat and pour into a bowl. 3. Heat remaining 1 1/2 tbsp. olive oil over medium-high heat using the same pan. When it’s very hot, place the brussels sprouts cut side down in the oil, sprinkling with 1 tsp. salt. Turn the heat to medium, and sear on one side until nicely browned, about 5 min. 4. Turn the brussels sprouts and cook on the other side until nicely browned and tender, about 5 min. Some of the leaves can be charred dark brown or black.

JOE LASHER, SR Co-Owner and Founder M7 Event Solutions and Catering

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CHOCOLATE COVERED PRETZEL RODS 12 oz. bag large pretzel rods 16 oz. chocolate wafers, divided 1 tbsp. vegetable shortening assorted toppings/decorations. 1. Fill a small saucepan halfway with water. Fit a glass bowl over the top to create a double boiler, ensuring that the bowl is NOT touching the water. 2. Over medium heat, melt 3/4 of the chocolate with vegetable shortening, until smooth, stirring often. 3. Remove bowl to a towel. Allow chocolate to cool to between 95F - 100F, stirring constantly. Add remaining chocolate wafers and stir until smooth and glossy with no solid bits. 4. Grab a pretzel rod at the end, dip it into the melted chocolate and coat by twirling, leaving about 2-1/2 inches on the end uncoated. Hang the pretzel upside-down over the chocolate to drip off any excess. 5. While holding over a bowl of decorations, sprinkle the desired bits over the chocolate to stick before it solidifies. Stand up, bare end down, in an egg carton; allow to dry. 6. For stripes, lay the wet pretzel carefully on a parchment-lined sheet pan. Drizzle an alternating color of melted chocolate across the pretzel to create stripes and designs. 7. Allow chocolate to set upon each pretzel rod. Store in an air-tight bag or container for two weeks.

BRUCE BROWN Chef/Owner, Bruce’s Fabulous Foods Star of ABC’s “Carolina Kitchen”

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DIXIE CRYSTALS CRANBERRY ORANGE BREAD Mark Keady

1 1/2cups all-purpose flour 1 tsp. baking powder 1/2 tsp. salt 2 large eggs 1 cup Dixie Crystals extra fine granulated sugar 1 tbsp. fresh orange juice 1 tsp. vanilla extract 1/2 cup whole milk 1/2 cup vegetable oil 1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries, sliced in half zest of 1 large orange 1 cup Dixie Crystals confectioners powdered sugar 2 tbsp. fresh orange juice

INSTRUCTIONS Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x5 loaf pan with butter. Set aside. In a medium sized bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, orange juice, and vanilla extract. Add half the flour mixture, then whisk in milk. Add remaining flour mixture, then whisk in vegetable oil. Fold in cranberries and orange zest.

Pour mixture into loaf or pan of your choice. Bake for 60 to 70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let bread cool for 10 minutes in pan and then transfer bread to a cooling rack and let cool completely. Whisk together powdered sugar and orange juice until smooth. Pour on top of bread and let rest for 10 minutes. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for up to a week.

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McMINN LIFE

TENNESSEE’S FIRST VEIN CLINIC

EAST TENNESSEE VEIN CLINIC HAS A NEW OWNER

or 20 years, Dr. Andrew Douglass has helped patients with varicose veins, but he recently announced his retirement in August, putting Dr. Brittany Cook in charge of his practice as the new owner and manager. Dr. Douglass founded East Tennessee Vein Clinic, Tennessee’s first clinic to specialize entirely in treating varicose veins. Dr. Cook, who now owns the practice, is a member of the American Vein & Lymphatic Society, made up of leading experts on vein diseases. She is also a Registered Phlebology Sonographer. In an email to the clinic’s customers, Dr. Douglass wrote, “It has been an absolute honor to help in the care of your legs in any small way.” He also praised the new owner: “I also wanted to tell you of my confidence in Dr. Brittany Cook, who is taking over my practice. Many of you have already met her, as she has worked alongside me in our office for well over a year now… It makes me so happy to be able to entrust the future care of our patients to someone of her very high caliber of knowledge and expertise.” The clinic aims to reduce patients’ pain and swelling caused by varicose veins and make their legs look better. Without treatment, symptoms might grow worse.

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ClosureFast Procedure Varithena TM Procedure VereSealTM Closure *Covered by Medicare & Most Commercial Insurance Plans

East Tennesee Vein Clinic offers different kinds of treatments for varicose veins: EVLT Ambulatory Phlebectomy Ultrasound Guided Foam Sclerotherapy Cosmetic Sclerotherapy Dr. Brittany Cook

The clinic has information on these treatments on their website at www.easttennesseeveinclinic.com/treatments/overview (865) 686-0507 HOLIDAY/WINTER 2022

MONROE LIFE

Magnolia SOUTHERN

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othing says Southern more than a Magnolia growing in your garden. They are not native to this area but can survive our usual freeze and thaw winters. I have a neighbor who lets me come every Christmas to cut branches from his stately magnolias. They are currently about 50 feet tall and have a beautiful symericial shape. Last winter he told me that I should come and dig up some small magnolias and transplant them to my yard. I agreed but obviously the program I have going now is working great for me. I love to decorate using magnolia leaves yearround, but especially at Christmas. They are quick to style and provide a huge impact with very little effort. The leaves can stay green for days even without water. They don’t shed like most leafy plants, and I love their versatility. The leaves add beauty to your homes in so many different ways. You can create a fresh garland with branches wired together and draped over the mantel. Make an arrangement of branches in a vase or clustered on a table. To accentuate the season, you can add Christmas ornaments to your magnolia greenery for a dining table centerpiece. I also use magnolia branches outside to dress up my planters. I just push the branches into the soil, add some holly with red berries and tie a red bow at the base. When the holidays roll around, these glossy green stalwarts lend an air of sophistication and traditional comfort that is hard to match. Whether it’s with leaves, branches, garlands, or decorative florals, nothing creates a gracious Southern welcome like the quintessential Magnolia. These sturdy plants have a hardy nature as well, which makes them easy to arrange. If

you have this tree or a friend or neighbor who is willing to share try making a magnolia wreath. I think it is the gold standard at Christmas. I love the ones where the leaves alternate, turned both front and back showing brown and green. Now all we need is a bow. The Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) is an evergreen broadleaf with a height up to 80 feet and spreads to between 30 and 50 feet. This glossy baby is going to need a lot of room. It likes a sandy or loam soil, full sun to partial shade, and prefers its roots wet to moist. This is why we usually see them in the swamps on the way to the beach during Spring break. This plant gives shade year round and is an excellent specimen tree. The typical Magnolia lives for around 80 years and is not bothered by insects or disease. Magnolia flowers are white glossy blooms and are very fragrant producing more abundantly in southern areas than northern areas. If you don’t have room for a big tree try ‘Little Gem’ which is a much smaller (dwarf) and slowergrowing cultivar of the Southern magnolia. I remember when my tree produced its first magnolia bloom. I was so excited; I let out a squeal and ran to put my face in the sweet, sticky, pollen laden bloom. The smell was delightful. Now for the hard part, should I cut the bloom and bring it inside or leave it on the tree to prove to that this is indeed my flower? We all know that no decision is a decision, so by the time I decided to cut it; the waxy petals had already faded and fallen to the earth. Happy Holidays and gardening to you and yours. MASTER GARDNER

Gayle Fisher HOLIDAY/WINTER 2022

McMINN LIFE

Holiday EVENTS

NOVEMBER 24-28 GATLINBURG FESTIVAL OF TREES The 2021 Gatlinburg Festival of Trees will kick off on November 24th at the WL Mills Conference Center. The festival will feature a children’s craft area, play area, entertainment throughout the week, photos with Santa and beautifully decorated Christmas trees and wreaths. Proceeds from the Gatlinburg Festival of Trees will benefit the Boys & Girls Club of the Smoky Mountains and the Gatlinburg Chamber Foundation. W.L. Mills Conference Center, Historic Nature Trail, Gatlinburg

NOVEMBER 25 HOT TO TROT 5K/10K & FUN RUN 7:30-10:30 AM

This Farragut Thanksgiving tradition is brought to you by Fleet Feet Knoxville and is the perfect start to your family’s Turkey Day. 11619 Parkside Dr., Farragut, TN 37934 https://visitfarragut.org/event/hot -to-trot-5k-10k-and-fun-run/

www.gatlinburgfestivaloftrees.com/

NOVEMBER 12 - JANUARY 9 ICE SKATING AT THE WILDERNESS NOVEMBER - JANUARY 2 SHADRACK’S CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND AT SMOKIES STADIUM This 1.5-mile drive through LED light and music experience is considered one of the most immersive drive-through Christmas experiences on Earth. Spreading Christmas cheer is our prime motivation and in doing so, we find great importance in giving back to our local community. This year our show is in six different locations. Within those cities, Christmas Wonderland supports numerous charitable non-profit organizations. shadrackchristmas.com/sevierville/

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10 -10:30 pm Saturday - Sunday, Thanksgiving and Christmas Break 4 am -10:30 pm, Monday - Friday

We’re so excited to share that we are remaining committed to continuing our holiday tradition of ice skating at the resort! That’s right! A portion of our 3,200 square foot outdoor wave pool will once again be converted into a festive, real ice skating rink, where hotel guests and the public can have fun together. Music and holiday lights will add to the fun atmosphere. Call (877) 325-9453 or www.wildernessatthes-

NOVEMBER 26 & 27 DECEMBER 4 & 11 Make this year’s holiday season extra special with a visit in Downtown Madisonville. Get into the spirit of the holiday season with Christmas lights galore, activities for the whole family, holiday eats and treats and of course shopping! Save the dates! https://www.facebook.com/Madi sonvilleChristmas

NOVEMBER 20-DECEMBER 23 TENNESSEE VALLEY RAIL NORTH POLE TRAIN RIDES Our most popular annual event, North Pole Limited train rides have been a family tradition since 1999. During the magical holiday season, our trains take you on an imaginary journey to the North Pole. Along the way, you’re treated to refreshments and storytelling while you write your own personal letter to Santa. As the North Pole Limited train gently rolls down the rails, a number of lighted displays can be seen outside. NOTE: due to uncertainty surrounding the pandemic, it is very unlikely Santa will be on the train. He will, however, be visible to passengers at the North Pole. TSA require masks to be worn inside the depot and on the train ride. They may be removed briefly while eating or drinking.**If you want to sit with another family, you must call 423-894-8028 or email ncooper@tvrail.com at least 24 hours prior to your departure. www.tvrail.com/train-rides /north-pole-limited/

NOVEMBER 23 - JANUARY 2 FARRAGUT LIGHT THE PARK Dusk to 10 PM nightly

Thousands of holiday lights will twinkle along Campbell Station Road from the I-40 commuter lot to Mayor Ralph McGill Plaza at the Campbell Station Inn as part of the Town’s Light the Park event.

NOVEMBER 26-JANUARY 2 DOWNTOWN KNOXVILLE ELF ON THE SHELF SCAVENGER HUNT www.downtownknoxville.org/elf/ The Elf on the Shelf® is a magical Christmas tradition recognized in households around the world. This year some of these magical scout elves will be sent from the North Pole by Santa and will land in Knoxville, Tennessee to be adopted by more than two dozen downtown Knoxville businesses. Families are invited to explore downtown and find where these little scout elves have landed each night for a fun-filled, holiday scavenger hunt. Admission is FREE!

As always, kids can drop letters to Santa in the big mailbox at Founders park at Campbell Station. There will be daily giveaways food trucks and caroling from local organizations and a special day of horse-drawn carriage rides at the plaza! Learn more by following Farragut Parks & Rec on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Carriage ride registration begins Nov. 1 Founders Park at Campbell Station, 405 N Campbell Station Road in Farragut

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NOVEMBER 26 - JANUARY 2 DOWNTOWN KNOXVILLE PEPPERMINT TRAIL Stroll around downtown to enjoy trees, windows, doors, and patios dripping in lights and dipped in peppermint. More than 100,000 lights and garlands throughout downtown create a Winter Wonderland and restaurants, bakeries, coffee shops, bars and boutiques feature peppermint specials. Knoxville, Tennessee

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Photo by Bruce McCamish

THE HOLLY HOUSE

Christmas Tree Barn Bringing fresh Frasier Firs to Dogwood Hollow the Crisp's are ready to share their family holiday tradition with yours. Come to the family farm for Christmas trees, fresh greenery, hot cocoa, hayrides, and an outdoor movie.

NOVEMBER 26 RICEVILLE

CHRISTMAS CONCERT

Open the Friday after Thanksgiving

AT THE HOLLY HOUSE

215 County Road 726, Riceville, TN 37370 www.the hollyhousetn.com

WITH SEPTEMBER SONG 6PM HOLIDAY/WINTER 2022

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Gatlinburg SkyLift Park Brings Back Holiday Lights Celebration, Doubles the Lights

“Best Large Commerical Installation” at the 2019 National Christmas Decor Annual Conference

NOVEMBER JANUARY general manager. “With beautiful trees and The Lights Over Gatlinburg- event runs from

ne of Gatlinburg’s top and most historic attractions, the Gatlinburg SkyLift Park, will again transform North America’s longest pedestrian suspension bridge into a dazzling winter wonderland. With a 300-foot tunnel of vibrant lights and over 40,000 synchronized lights and dancing trees throughout the park, the holiday celebration is an outdoor activity that the entire family can enjoy.

November 13, 2020, to January 31, 2021, at Gatlinburg SkyLift Park, illuminating the “best seat in the Smokies” and inviting guests to experience the attraction with twice the lights on top of the mountain it had last holiday season.

LIGHTS OVER GATLINBURG SKYLIFT PARK

“Gatlinburg is an unforgettable experience

bright lights on every corner during the season, we’re proud to have had our inaugural Lights Over Gatlinburg display recognized with a national award and to have seen it be the most popular event in the history of the SkyLift Park. And we’re certain this year will be even better and brighter.” Lights Over Gatlinburg was awarded the honor of “Best Large Commerical Installa-

during the holidays,” said Randy Watson, The most popular holiday event in Gatlinburg returns, bigger and better than ever.This year, we’re wrapping the SkyBridge and SkyDeck with over 40,000 lights plus new decorations and features. If you’re visiting Gatlinburg anytime from November through January you absolutely must see Lights Over Gatlinburg.

DECEMBER 2tion” at the 2019 National Christmas Decor Annual Conference, with more than 300 franchises across the country entered.

LENOIR CITY Visitors can also enjoy seasonal snacks and CHRISTMAS PARADE drinks in the warmth of the SkyCenter rest 6:30 PM

area or take in the view of the bridge by the firepit on the park’s observation area, the SkyDeck. The event is included with every ticket.

Kick off the holiday season with the Lenoir City Christmas Parade! Each year, thousands of families come together on a magical December night to watch the excitement of a parade and catch the first glimpses of Santa as the holiday season begins. Historic Downtown Lenoir City provides beautiful lights and sounds that will please parade fans everywhere! (865) 986-1223

765 PARKWAY, GATLINBURG, TN 37738 865.436.4307 info@gatlinburgskylift.com Get your tickets at the SkyLift Park ticket office or online at gatlinburgskylift.com/lights.

www.gatlinburgskylift.com /events/lights

DECEMBER 2 BLOUNT COUNTY FESTIVAL OF TREES

CELEBRATE THE SEASON

6:30 PM

NOVEMBER 29

4:30-7 PM

CITY OF ALCOA TREE LIGHTING

Get in the holiday spirit at Celebrate the Season from 4:30 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 2, at the Farragut Community Center.

6:15 PM

Pedestrian Bridge at the Springbrook Corporate Center Come celebrate the lighting of the City of Alcoa Christmas Tree at our new location. The ceremony will take place at the pedestrian bridge at the Springbrook Corporate Center located at 223 Associates Boulevard, Alcoa. Following the ceremony, there will be special music, refreshments, visits with Santa Claus, and hayrides for the children. Event is free. 42

DECEMBER 2

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Kids can get photos taken with Santa and enjoy cookie decorating and face painting! A holiday movie is also part of this free evening of fun. This festive evening features photos with Santa Claus, cookie decorating, crafts, Farragut Museum tours, and other live entertainment. https://visitfarragut.org/event/celebrate-the-season/

The Blount County Courthouse lawn will be illuminated by live Christmas trees of all sizes, colors, and themes. This unique month-long event allows the community to enjoy the festival by driving by or walking through for a closer look. The Festival opening will take place on the Courthouse lawn and will include entertainment, refreshments, and visit with Santa Claus. For information on entering a tree in the festival, please contact the Parks & Rec Office at (865) 983-9244 Blount County Courthouse

DECEMBER 2 OAK RIDGE CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY & COMMEMORATIVE WALK The Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony is sponsored yearly by the Recreation and Parks Department. The tree, a Norway Spruce, was presented by the Woman’s Club to the City and has become part of a growing community tradition. Participants should gather at the AK Bissell Park Pavilion for seasonal music and light refreshments beginning at 6:30 pm. After the program, participants will walk to the Commemorative Walk on the east side of the Oak Ridge Library parking lot for a brief ceremony ending with the lighting of the tree. In the event of inclement weather, the program will begin in the Civic Center Gymnasium. https://exploreoakridge.com/event/

DECEMBER 3 GATLINBURG CHRISTMAS PARADE The 46th annual award-winning Gatlinburg Christmas Parade will begin at 7:30 pm on December 3, 2021. The event will take place through Downtown Gatlinburg in celebration of the winter season and the arrival of the man in the red suit himself: Santa Claus. HOLIDAY/WINTER 2022

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DECEMBER 3 WIVK CHRISTMAS PARADE 7 pm Join us for the WIVK Christmas Parade! Bands, dancers, lighted floats, characters and Santa Claus parade down Gay Street in Knoxville and brings fun holiday spirit to all!

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HOLIDAY/WINTER 2022

DECEMBER 4 CLINTON CHRISTMAS PARADE 6 pm The Clinton Christmas Parade will take place on December 4th in Downtown Clinton on Market Street.

DECEMBER 5

DECEMBER 6

www.adventureanderson.com/events/clinton-christmas-parade

TOWNSEND CHRISTMAS PARADE

CITY OF MARYVILLE TREE LIGHTING

1 pm

Enjoy the fun and festivities of the Christmas season at theTownsend Christmas Parade. The Parade will start at IGA and end at Nawger Nob Village.

5-8 pm

Come and enjoy the City of Maryville Tree Lighting ceremony hosted by the City of Maryville. This annual event features community entertainment, refreshments, and Santa Claus. Event is free.

DECEMBER 6

DECEMBER 4 10:00 am to 1:00 pm

DOWNTOWN SEVIERVILLE 59TH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PARADE

ATHENS JIMMY LINER MEMORIAL CHRISTMAS PARADE 6:30 PM The Athens Area Chamber of Commerce announces The Jimmy Liner Memorial Christmas Parade. For more information, please visit the Facebook page of Athens Area Chamber of Commerce @AthensTNChamber

DECEMBER 11, 2021

DECEMBER 11

OAK RIDGE CHRISTMAS PARADE

LOUDON CHRISTMAS PARADE

6-8 pm

6-7 pm

Lines up at 5pm on Cater St. and Loudon High School Downtown Loudon.

The Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce is pleased to present the 2021 Christmas Parade. The theme of this year’s parade is “The Twelve Days of Christmas.”

HOLIDAY/WINTER 2022

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DECEMBER 10 - 11

DECEMBER 18

CANDLELIGHT CHRISTMAS AT THE MUSEUM OF APPALACHIA

CHRISTMAS IN THE LITTLE TOWN WITH THE BIG BACKYARD WILL LIGHT UP THE TOWN.

Tour the museum village by candlelight, enjoy Appalachian Christmas stories, drink hot cider, sing carols in the Irwin Chapel and more. Families will experience the beauty and simplicity of a pioneer Christmas. 2819 Andersonville Hwy, Clinton www.museumofappalachia.org/

DECEMBER 17 ‘TWAS THE NIGHT WITH NO PARENTS 6-9 p.m. Get your holiday shopping done or just relax when you send your children (kindergarten through 5th grade) to the community center for the evening! For just $10 your kids will enjoy an evening of pizza, games, a craft and a holiday-themed movie. Registration opens Nov. 1. Please be aware that not all food allergies can be accommodated. $10 per kid /www.farragutparksandrec.org/programsandevents

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HOLIDAY/WINTER 2022

The Town of Tellico Plains and Tellico Plains Kiwanis announces the annual Christmas Parade will be held Saturday, December 18 starting at 5:30 PM. Kiwanis is proud to honor all our Veterans and has asked them to serve as our Grand Marshal. We invite all Veterans to meet at the Gazabo at 4:30 PM. Cookies ‘n Claus will have five hospitality stations. The stations will be located at Volunteer Federal parking lot, first parking entrance to Visitor’s Center, Charles Hall Museum Gift Shop, Cherohala Skyway at Bank Street (near Skyway Realty) and Town Square. Starting at 4:30 pm each station will be serving delicious cookies from Tellicafe and volunteers from churches/organizations will be serving coffee or hot chocolate Kids be sure to visit Santa at the front entrance to the Visitor’s Center for a great photo opportunity. The parade will begin on Veterans Memorial and proceed thru town, right on Bank Street, left on Cherohala Skyway, right on Bank Street and ending at the Community Center.

DECEMBER 31 NEW YEAR’S AT NOON 11 am-12:30 pm

Join us for a New Year’s celebration at noon! Enjoy dancing, NYE snacks and child-friendly bubbly drinks and while celebrating the new year at an easier time of day.

DECEMBER 31

COUNTDOWN TO 2022 THE ISLAND IN PIGEON FORGE

NEW YEAR’S EVE BALL DROP AND FIREWORKS SHOW

Join us at The Island in Pigeon Forge as we countdown to 2022 with a dazzling midnight fireworks production on December 31! The Island in Pigeon Forge will be open on Dec. 31 from 10 a.m. to midnight, and we look forward to celebrating with you as we ring in the New Year! Our rides, retail and dining establishments will operate as scheduled, including the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel – so we invite you to bring your family and enjoy spending quality time together at The Island before the fireworks go off at midnight! The Island in Pigeon Forge is excited to offer families the opportunity to celebrate and make cherished memories together while ringing in the New Year in spectacular fashion! Join us on New Year’s Eve for a day of family fun and incredible fireworks, and let’s kick off 2022 with a bang! https://islandinpigeonforge.com/ new-years-eve/

Gatlinburg will welcome the arrival of 2022 in unique style with its Annual New Year’s Eve Ball Drop and Fireworks Show around the intersection of Parkway and Historic Nature Trail at the base of the Space Needle late December 31. Nearly 50,000 people will gather around the intersection of Parkway and Historic Nature Trail at the base of the Space Needle on December 31 to ring in the New Year. At the stroke of midnight on January 1, 2022, fireworks will blast off the rooftop of the 400-foot tall Space Needle with special music choreographed for the fireworks show produced by Pyro-Shows of LaFollette, Tennessee. The Space Needle has added rhythmic LED lights to the tower, making for a spectacular display.

MARKET SQUARE Ring in the New Year with your friends and family on Market Square! Performances starting at 10 PM, ball drop and fireworks at Midnight. This is a family friendly event for all! Admission is FREE!

DECEMBER 31 NYE EXTRAVAGANZA WEEKEND AT CAMP RIVERSLANDING 9 pm - midnight Ring in the new year with your family at Camp Riverslanding! 9 PM-midnight at the Barn New York ball drop on TVs, live music, snacks, beverages, midnight toast. Reservations: campriverslanding.com

DECEMBER 31 NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATION AT THE VENUE

DECEMBER 31

Pre-registration required and can be found here https://townoffarragut.recdesk.com/Community/Program. $2 per child: adults are free.

Due to popular demand, The Venue at Lenoir City is bringing back its epic New Year’s Eve Celebration! With fancy food stations, a live band & dancing, casino games, inside and outside celebration space, a cash bar with a complimentary champagne toast at midnight, and a latenight breakfast buffet, this is one party you don’t want to miss! Tickets are $75 per person, or a table of 10 for $700. The last time this event was held, it sold-out. So, be sure to buy your tickets early so you can ring in the New Year with 300-400 of your closest friends! allison@venuelc.com (865) 986-8340

DECEMBER 31 NEW YEAR’S EVE CABARET PARTY Ring in the new year at The Read House’s New Year’s Eve Cabaret Party with overnight accommodations, tickets to the party, and much more! *You must book an overnight stay package to attend the party. Chattanooga https://stayhappening.com/e/newyear%E2%80%99s-eve-cabaret-party-at-theread-house-E2IS U0A2LAU

HOLIDAY/WINTER 2022

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HOLIDAY/WINTER 2022

THANK YOU TO ALL OUR SPONSORS!

The 8th Annual Monroe Life Balloon Festival Returned To East Tennessee And Was A Huge Success! It has always been the goal of the Balloon Fiesta to showcase Monroe County. The Sequoyah Birthplace Museum is the perfect location for all ages to enjoy this fun, family friendly event. Thank you to all the Volunteers!

$50,000 RAISED FOR THE BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB IN MONROE COUNTY.

HOLIDAY/WINTER 2022

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