Monroe Life Summer 2022

SUMMER 2022

Life Brian Solomon Beautiful Photos and Wise Words

Monroe

Heaven’s Cabins

How an Entrepreneurial Couple Rebuilt After The Gatlinburg Fires Jeff McNelley How to Get Started Hiking

A Bingham Road Trip Laurel, New Orleans, Houston & Waco SUMMER 2022 MONROE LIFE

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ORIGINS

By Stickley

GABLE ROAD

SALE INFORM ATION: h t t ps://br aden s.com /sal es/ SUMMER 2022 MONROE LIFE

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Community Homebuyer Program Renasant Mortgage Lending is committed to the continued growth and support of the communities we serve. We are proud to offer our Community Homebuyer Program to those with low-to-moderate household incomes and those purchasing properties in designated areas. Speak to a Renasant Mortgage Banker today to see if you qualify.

• No Down Payment or Mortgage Insurance Required.*

• Credit score and some income restrictions may apply.

• Up to 100% LTV; loan amounts up to $647,200.

• Single Family Homes, Condos, and Planned Unit Development as Primary Residence are eligible

*Community Homebuyer Program 100% financing conditions include primary residence requirements.

©2022 Renasant Bank. All loans or offers of credit are subject to credit and underwriting approval. Other fees, conditions, and restrictions may apply. This is not a commitment to lend. The interest on the portion of the credit extensions that is greater than the fair market value of the dwelling is not tax deductible for Federal income tax purposes; and you should consult a tax advisor for further information regarding the tax deductibility of interest and charges. Please contact a loan officer for details and questions. Bank NMLS #402669 | 03072022-ACT-1

Mitch Hall

Karen Martin

(865) 385-5107

(865) 909-6388

5000 Kingston Pike Knoxville TN 37919 Mitch.Hall@renasant.com

5000 Kingston Pike Knoxville TN 37919 Karen.Martin@renasant.com

NMLS# 184902 Senior Mortgage Banker

www.mitchhall-renasant.com

Portfolio Manager, AVP

SUMMER 2022 MONROE LIFE

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GAYLE FISHER

Master Gardner GAILLARDIA & LANTANA

THE LONG ROAD BACK

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Contents

33

features

L AUREL • NEW ORLE ANS • HOUSTON • WACO

JEFF MCNELLEY Tips For Beginning Hikers

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MONROE LIFE SUMMER 2022

ULTRARUNNING

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MADISONVILLE HAS A NEW MURAL BY

Curt is Glover

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BRIAN

Solomon

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departments 6 From The Publisher 15 East Tennessee Foundation

The Story of Junior Ranger Aida Frey

55 Heaven’s Cabins

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INGLES TABLE RECIPES

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28 43 59 60 68 70

Small Business Focus Sweetwater Flower Shop Kutters Korner Letter From Dr. Dash East Tennessee Vein Clinic Athens Art Center Tellico Plains

Post 256

: Veterans Serving Their Community

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SUMMER 2022 MONROE LIFE

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Photo by Kelsey Bingham

From thePublisher I

n this issue, we have new local stories for you to enjoy!

Our recipes for this issue have some refreshing desserts to keep you cool in the summer heat—banana trifles and a grapefruit, lime, and mint parfait. Try them out for a cool treat.

Summer is also a time for rest and for relaxing vacations, so in this issue, I shared my family’s road trip in the hope you might discover a place you would like to visit. Our trip took us from the banks of the Mississippi River to Waco, Texas and the shops owned by Chip and Joanna Gaines from Fixer Upper. Read it and maybe you’ll find your family’s next vacation destination. And, the girls talked me into taking our puppy, Smoky Bear, he has his own Facebook page and likes to travel.

One special moment of our trip was travelling to the town where my daughter Alyssa was born, for the anniversary of her adoption. I love my daughters—Kelsey, Kathryn and Alyssa Faith—more than words can say. We were able to visit with my great Uncle Jack, a resident of Houston, he was very kind and helpful during a very stressful time.

Finally, do you love hiking in the great outdoors? So does Brian Solomon, and he has photographed beautiful waterfalls throughout the country. See stunning works of nature captured by his camera. In another article, expert hiker Jeff McNelley gives advice to beginners on how to get started hiking and how to stay safe.

We wish you a wonderful summer. Go make lifelong memories with your loved ones.

Life

Monroe PUBLISHER

The Bingham Group President Lisa Atkins Bingham Graphic Designers Cris Littleton Jason Bowers Lisa Bingham Contributing Writers Matt Hollingsworth Gayle Fisher Brian Solomon Keri Rowe Aida Frey Andre and Lauren Therrien Cover Photo Brian Solomon Contributing Photographers Brian Solomon Jeff McNelley @photographybyjnj East Coast Adventures Misty Herron Wong Ashleigh Wallen Kelsey Bingham Advertising Sales Mignonne Alman Tel: 865.523.5999 mignonne@binghamgroup.com CeCe Owens Tel: 865.385.1358 cece@binghamgroup.com Subscription or Editorial Inquiries

Tel: 865.523.5999 www.farragutlife.com

The Bingham Group, Inc.

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MONROE LIFE SUMMER 2022

A New Mural Celebrates Monroe County

By Matt Hollingsworth

On May 2, Monroe County unveiled its new mural in Downtown Madisonville on the intersection of Locust Street and College Street S—the first thing visitors see when travelling downtown. The mural is the work of the Downtown Madisonville Alliance.

At the unveiling of the mural, Melanie Sloan Atkins, President of the DMA, described how they wanted the mural to represent the whole county, so they formed a committee with members from all four towns.

The DMA hired artist Curtis Glover who has been painting murals professionally for over eight years. He collaborated with Melanie Sloan Atkins and Kim Pennington on the initial design and layout then spent five weeks painting the mural.

“The wall texture was an element to consider when going into fine detail on things,” Curtis said. “The most difficult part was accurately portraying the Monroe County Courthouse.

It has a lot of intricate architecture that you can’t skip over if you want it to look correct.

The airplane (to represent the local airport) and the Sweetwater War Memorial also had some crazy detail, too.”

Overall, Curtis was pleased with his work.

When asked what parts he was most proud

CURTIS GLOVER

The doodle grid is a free-form type of grid that can be used to achieve proper proportions on large-scale walls. The initial symbols, letter, numbers, etc. are applied, a photo is taken of the characters and then the digital work of art or mock-up is applied over that photo in any picture app. The opacity of the artwork layer is then turned down where all the characters show through, thus giving you a loose guide to get your layout the proper size.

of, he responded, “I think the composition as a whole worked out well. The contrast with the bold flag and water tower against the blue sky and saturation of the iris flowers against the dark earth tones of Bald River Falls really balanced everything.”

Finally, he said, “I really enjoyed all the locals that came by to say hello and ask about the

Photo credit: @photographybyjnj

She said, “When admiring the mural, you can see many aspects found throughout our county. We’ve got the mountains, the black bear, and Bald River Falls in Tellico Plains; Tellico Lake in Vonore; and the historical train depot of Sweetwater. We have the plane representing the Monroe County Airport and of course the beautiful Monroe County Courthouse. The committee also wanted to ensure that agriculture was well represented with the addition of farming and the beautiful flowers.”

mural. Special thanks to Clifford Wilson Law Office for offering up the wall space, Melanie and Kim of Downtown Madisonville Alliance for contacting me on this project, Lisa Bingham for letting me use her boom lift, JTEKT for funding the project, and Susan Saunders across the street who offered up drinks and snacks each day as I painted. She was a real sweetheart.”

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Pine Island Double Falls KENTUCKY

PSALM 118:5

I c a l l e d u po n t he Lord in di stre s s: t he Lord a n swe re d m e, a nd se t m e in a l a rg e pl a c e.

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MONROE LIFE SUMMER 2022

Panther Creek Falls OREGON

BRIAN

Solomon

MAY 5th, 2000 This is the day Brian Solomon walked out of a Crack House in Chattanooga after spending more than $4,000 over the course of 80+ hours. For the last 13 years of his life, he’d been using and selling pills, pot, meth, cocaine, crack rock, and heroin. But today, that would all change. It would be the final time he would ever set foot in such a place.

Today, Brian’s life has been turned around, and he’s been clean for over 22 years.

He is an avid hiker who takes beautiful photographs.

Recently, Brian talked about his recovery from addiction, and he concluded by saying, “I’m sharing this not to be judged or congratulated, but to show change, faith, hope, and God’s unconditional love. If we always DO what we’ve always DONE, we’ll always GET what we’ve always GOTTEN.”

“No matter what situation you are facing this morning, there is hope and opportunity to accept change. It’s up to you to decide that you want more, deserve more, and accept more. I promise, once you accept change, you will remember the situations, but you will not remember how they made you feel.

You will replace the hurts, pains, and hatred with LOVE. Today can be that day you start living a new life—one that you LOVE. All you have to do is accept change in your heart and mind.”

SUMMER 2022 MONROE LIFE

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Falls Creek

Falls

WASHINGTON STATE

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MONROE LIFE SUMMER 2022

Thornburg Ridge Falls Fall Creek2022 Falls WASHINGTON STATE

Bailey Falls TENNESSEE

If I’ve learned anything from my life, it’s that sometimes, the darkest times can bring us to the brightest places. I’ve learned that the most negative/bad people can teach us the most important lessons, that our most painful struggles can grant us the most necessary growth, and that the most heartbreaking losses of friendship/love can make room for the most wonderful people.

I’ve learned that what seems like a curse in the moment can actually be a blessing and what may seem like the end of the road/trail is actually just the beginning of a new adventure that may lead us to wonderful places.

I’ve learned that no matter how difficult things seem, there is always hope. And that no matter how powerless we feel or how horrible things seem, we can’t give up. We have to keep going. Even when it’s scary, even when all of our strength seems gone, we have to keep picking ourselves back up and moving forward, because whatever we’re battling in this moment today, it will pass and we will make it through. We’ve made it this far. We can make it through whatever comes next.

Left: FALLS CREEK FALLS IN WASHINGTON STATE I woke up at 5:30 on the West Coast in route to meet up with Aaron for the 6 mile off-trail excursion. I’ve had this off-trail waterfall on my to do list since 2018. This is the lowest section of the 335’ total Falls Creek Falls.

Falls Creek Falls is fed by an extensive network of springs and streams originating on the Red Mountain plateau—itself a product of the volcanic eruptions which created nearby Big Lava Field - Falls Creek sends a considerable volume of water hurtling 335 feet over its valley’s headwall in three distinct steps.

The sounds were deafening, yet were peaceful.

The water flew by, yet time stood still.

She desired to get lost, yet She was found. ~Nature~ Brian Solomon

SUMMER 2022 MONROE LIFE

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Solomon

Spirit Falls WASHINGTON STATE

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MONROE LIFE SUMMER 2022

Panther Creek Falls WASHINGTON STATE

Virgin Falls TENNESSEE

Rich Falls NORTH CAROLINA

Northrup Falls SOUTH CAROLINA

Mysterys Falls KENTUCKY

Wolf Creek Falls TENNESSEE

Virginia Hawkins Falls

SOUTH CAROLINA SUMMER 2022 MONROE LIFE 13

The Devils Bathtup OHIO

Left: The Devil’s Bathtub definitely isn’t your typical waterfall. It has a unique shape— the water slides into a hollowed-out bowl of sandstone, a natural tub for the Devil’s Fork Creek to tumble down. Unlike some of the other waterfalls in Hocking Hills, the Devil’s Bathtub doesn’t follow the rules; it’s a swirling, multi-tiered waterfall that seems to go in every which way before finally hitting a turbulent pool at the bottom.

“NATURE LOVE” Bottom photo: The first thing I noticed as I made the approach to this off-trail waterfall was that the water level in the splash pool had formed a heart.

BRIAN

Solomon

Since I hiked on the first day of the year I decided to keep stats throughout the year just for fun. I wish I could hike more but with a full time job it’s tough.

STATS THROUGH JUNE:

71 hikes 212 different waterfalls 1,778,276 steps Hiked 786 miles Breathtaking Sights: More Than You Can Count!

Big South Fork Big2022 South Fork 14

MONROE LIFE SUMMER 2022

TENNESSEE

www.instagram.com/waterfall_hillbilly/ www.facebook.com/brian.solomon.10

PAT SUMMITT FOUNDATION AWARDED HALF A MILLION DOLLARS IN GRANTS IN 2021 In 2021, the Pat Summitt Foundation awarded over $500,000 to several nonprofits in Tennessee whose work aligns with their mission to advance research for treatment and a cure, provide care and support for patients and caregivers, and educate the public about Alzheimer’s disease.

GRANT SPOTLIGHT In the spring of 2021, the Pat Summitt Foundation awarded $25,000 to Our Place, an adult day-center in Tellico Village, serving residents in Loudon and Monroe Counties.

At that time, Our Place was still in the building process, and it was the largest gift they’d received at that time.

Our Place officially opened their doors in March 2022. Licensed through the State of Tennessee Department of Human Services to serve up to 21 people per day, they will be able to serve approximately 30 to 35 families in total each week with staggered attendance days. Prior to opening, the closest adult day center to residents of those counties was approximately 45 minutes away, making it a challenge for many caregivers and patients to attend.

Director Celia Gruzalski says, “Our Place will provide a significant and ongoing positive impact on the health and well-being for not only its direct participants and their caregivers, but also the community at large by becoming a source of hope, service, education, and advocacy for families and citizens alike. The program will enhance the quality of life for individuals suffering from dementia, while offering an affordable and

Pictured are (Back row L to R) Sharon Moore, East Tennessee Foundation, Director of Advancement; Morgan Vance, Pat Summitt Foundation, Director of Advancement; Adam Waller, Pat Summitt Foundation, Director of Operations and Loudon County Commissioner; (Front row L to R) Trudy Hughes, Arrowmont School of Arts & Crafts, Executive Director; and Jill Murphy, East Tennessee Foundation, Regional Advancement Officer.

accessible model of care for the families.

Through advocacy and education, it will inform community members of the disease and create channels of awareness, growth, and support for those around them.

By being a hub for student interns and volunteers, Our Place will also be a source of education and empathy for generations to come.”

CAREGIVER TRAINING PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENT When Coach Pat Summitt started the foundation in Fall of 2011, she wanted to “take care of the caregivers” as well as the patients. There are approximately 11 million Americans providing daily care for the roughly 6 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease. These primary caregivers provide approximately 70% of the daily care needed, equating to nearly $257 billion in unpaid care. Navigating that road can be challenging. These caregivers (usually spouses, children, family, and friends) often report much higher levels of anxiety, stress,

and depression, and find completing medical related tasks twice as difficult.

It’s with all of this in mind that we are proud to begin our work to develop a comprehensive caregiver training program. Our goal is to provide information and resources for caregivers that address the challenges and complexities of their new role while also providing them with a sense of community.

By addressing their needs as well, we hope to decrease their levels of anxiety, stress, and depression, and equip them for their new role.

If you’d like to learn more about this program and how you can help, please email advancement@patsummitt.org.

520 W. SUMMIT HILL DRIVE, SUITE 1101 KNOXVILLE, TN 37902 easttennesseefoundation.org

CELEBRATING 30+ YEARS OF THOUGHTFUL GIVING FOR STRONGER COMMUNITIES AND BETTER LIVES CONFIRMED IN COMPLIANCE WITH NATIONAL STANDARDS FOR U.S. COMMUNITY FOUNDATIONS.

SUMMER 2022 MONROE LIFE

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

FARM TO TABLE

n order to bring the freshest produce available to his customers Elmer Ingle used to visit local farmers in the early mornings, picking up only the best. Today, the store and the people look a little different but the produce doesn’t… everywhere you look the Ingles produce department has the freshest and the tastiest produce available, from local farmers just like Elmer and from around the world. Making sure you have the less traveled – best selection. We have an excellent variety of organic selections and a fresh produce prep area where we can core a pineapple, cut watermelon or put together the perfect combination of fresh vegetables for you, all with knowledgeable and friendly associates ready to help. Next time you visit your neighborhood Ingles, take a little more time to notice how much the tradition of the highest standards still remains with every fruit and vegetable.

INGLES….EXPECT MORE FROM YOUR LOCAL STORE. 16 16 MONROE MONROELIFE LIFE SUMMER SUMMER2022 2022

TERIYAKI CHICKEN KABOBS

by Clark and Suzy Neal with Unicoi Preserves

Serves: 6 Ingredients 2 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1 inch cubes 10 oz. Laura Lynn Teriyaki Marinade & Sauce 1/4 cup pineapple juice 1 tbsp. ginger, fresh, peeled and grated 2 cloves garlic, fresh, peeled and grated 2 tbsp. Laura Lynn Clover Honey 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1 inch cubes 1 orange bell pepper, cut into 1 inch cubes 1 red onion, cut into 1 inch cubes 1 lb. fresh pineapple, cut into 1 inch cubes sesame seeds green onions, sliced diagonally Instructions Add chicken cubes to a gallon zip top bag. In a small bowl, whisk together teriyaki sauce, pineapple juice, ginger, garlic, honey, and cayenne pepper.

Reserve 1/2 cup of marinade for basting, then pour the rest over chicken. Massage the chicken in the bag to ensure even coverage.

Refrigerate and marinate 1 to 2 hours.

Set up grill for direct cooking or preheat grill pan to medium-high heat. If using bamboo skewers, soak in water to prevent burning.

Thread chicken, peppers, onion, and pineapple onto skewers, alternating items to prevent crowding.

Grill 12-15 minutes, turning frequently.

Baste skewers with reserved marinade several times during cooking.

Remove kabobs to a serving platter, sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onion.

We like to serve these kabobs with a packaged coconut ginger rice mix, prepared according to package directions.

GRAPEFRUIT, LIME, AND MINT PARFAIT

by Jasmin Queen Ingredients 1 cup grapefruit sections 1 cup vanilla yogurt 1 tsp. grated lime zest 1 tbsp. honey fresh mint leaves additional honey, for drizzling on top Instructions In a large bowl, mix yogurt, lime zest, and honey. Alternate layers of yogurt and grapefruit into a glass. Drizzle with honey and top with mint. Switch up the fruit for a totally different treat! www.ingles-markets.com/recipes/ grapefruit-lime-and-mint-parfait

www.ingles-markets.com/recipes/terriyaki-chicken-kabobs

SUMMER 2022 MONROE LIFE

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CORN AND CRAB FRITTERS WITH SPICY LEMON AND DILL AIOLI

by Caroline Taylor

Makes 4 to 6 Crab Fritters Ingredients

olive oil and butter, for frying

CORN AND CRAB FRITTER 1 can crab meat (small) 1 egg 3/4 tsp. spicy brown mustard 2 tsp. fresh dill, chopped 1 ear corn, roasted 2 tbsp. mayonnaise 1/2 lemon, juiced 1/2 lemon, zested plain bread crumbs

SPICY LEMON AND DILL AIOLI 1/2 cup mayonnaise salt and pepper, to taste 1/2 lemon, juiced 1/2 lemon, zested 1/2 tsp. hot sauce or dash cayenne pepper, to taste

TOMATO AND CORN PASTA

by Deborah Adams Ingredients 3 cups uncooked elbow macaroni 1 (15 oz.) can lima beans, rinsed and drained 2 cups cherry tomatoes (one pint) 4 fresh ears of corn, cut off cob (about 1 cup) 1/4 cup red onion, chopped 1/4 cup red bell pepper, chopped 1/4 cup yellow bell pepper, chopped 2⁄3 cup ricotta cheese 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated 1 tbsp. olive oil 1 tsp. minced garlic 1 tsp salt & 1/2 tsp. pepper 2 cups salad greens 10 basil leaves, torn Instructions Combine all ingredients well (except bread crumbs and oil) and let sit in the refrigerator for one hour. Remove from the refrigerator. Scoop into segments with an ice cream scoop. Roll in breadcrumbs and lightly fry fritters in a pan for approximately 2-3 minutes per side until lightly browned. For the spicy lemon and dill aioli, combine all ingredients well and serve over crab fritters.

Cook pasta according to directions on the package. Drain and toss in a big bowl. Stir in olive oil. Add all other ingredients, except salad greens, and stir gently to combine. Serve on a bed of salad greens.

For the mayonnaise, use a good quality brand like Dukes or Hellman’s.

*You can replace the lima beans with any other canned and cooked bean of your choice.

www.ingles-markets.com/recipes/corn-and-crab-fritters-with-spicy-lemonand-dill-aioli

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Instructions

MONROE LIFE SUMMER 2022

www.ingles-markets.com/recipes/ tomato-and-corn-pasta

Ingredients 1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 3/4 cup butter, melted 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped 1 (16 oz.) cream cheese, softened 3 tbsp. Splenda 1 (8 oz.) lite whipped topping 3 (1.5 oz.) packets sugar-free instant vanilla pudding 3 1/2 cups whole milk 3 bananas, overripe/spotted Optional Garnishes mini chocolate chips, chopped walnuts or fresh berries www.ingles-markets.com/recipes/ luscious-banana-trifles

Instructions Pre-heat oven to 350ºF. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, melted butter, and walnuts, mixing to make a dough. Spread evenly on a sheet pan and bake for 20 minutes. Allow to cool before crumbling.

With a mixer, or by hand, beat cream cheese with Splenda. Carefully fold 1/2 to 2⁄3 of the container of whipped topping into the sweetened cream cheese until smooth, light and fluffy. Scrape into a piping bag, set aside.

In the same bowl, add milk and instant pudding, whipping until smooth. Beat in the bananas to create a thickened banana pudding. Set aside.

LUSCIOUS BANANA TRIFLES

by Chef Bruce Brown

Fill the bottom of each individual trifle cup with about 2 tbsp. of the crumbled dough and a few chocolate chips.

Pipe in a layer of sweetened cream cheese on top of the crumbs/chips.

Spoon a thick layer of the banana pudding over the cream cheese layer.

Dollop the top of each cup with remaining whipped topping, chocolate chips, and nuts.

Cover loosely and refrigerate until set and serve.

SUMMER 2022 MONROE LIFE

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A Unique Mix of Antiques and Collectibles on Historic Main St. in Sweetwater.

OVER 10,000 sq ft Two Stores One Street Open Everyday 10am - 5pm 423-351-9480

423-271-6120

309 N Main Street 305 N Main Street Sweetwater, TN 37874 We Buy Antiques and Take Consignments.

Layaway Plans are available.

Check out Sweetwater Antiques online at sweetwaterantiques.com Find us on

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MONROE LIFE SUMMER 2022

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 even 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 Downtown Madisonville, TN (423) 545-9350

423.442.7262 PeoplesBank-TN.com

SUMMER 2022 MONROE LIFE

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By Gayle Fisher MASTERGARDNER

I

f you like hot colors and cut flowers then gaillardia or blanket flower will fill your needs perfectly. This scorching colored annual or perennial (there are two types) puts on a fireworks display especially in June and July.

Gaillardia blooms, which are steamy bright reds and yellows, can give your garden threealarm intensity. I have always appreciated a flower that isn’t afraid to make a spectacular showing. (Other bi-colored gaillardia flowers can be found in red, maroon, orange and yellow.) I know that sophisticated gardeners are supposed to like texture, soft pastels, and muted colors like a true English blueblood, but I just can’t shake my southern roots. This

is one plant that you

you don’t have to

bend over and

peek under the leaf

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MONROE LIFE SUMMER 2022

Gaillardia to see if it is blooming. Gaillardias are right in your face even though they are usually only two to three feet tall.

They have daisy like flowers that consist of a ray of petals surrounding a dense center which produce the seeds. The flowers are produced above a mound of foliage on long stems. They make a great cut flower and cutting will encourage more blooms. My favorite is Gaillardia x grandiflora which is a short-lived perennial. Mine usually live about two years. This North American species is hardy from zones three to eight and is a member of the aster family Asteraceae.

They prefer full sun and average to rich soil that is well drained, but they can also tolerate poor, dry soil and sandy conditions. I made a mistake and planted some in front of a sprinkler one year and had achieved their death within three months.

Once established they require little water and have almost no trouble with insects or diseases. If growing perennial gaillardia, they need to be divided every two to three years.

If not divided they will die out in the center and lose their vigor. You should dig gaillardia for division in early spring or fall. Discard the older portion of the clump and replant the tender young growth. Cut gaillardia to the ground after the first hard frost.

Gaillardia adds a blaze of color to beds and borders. Their hot colors blend perfectly with coreopsis, daylilies, yarrow and salvias.

They also add a flame of color to wildflower meadows. ‘Fanfare’ is a new perennial that promises over 100 blooms per plant. If you’re looking for a more compact plant ‘Goblin’ is only 12 inches tall and offers 1.5-inch blooms.

This smaller plant exhibits red petals splashed with yellow edges. Whether you go short or tall you can’t lose with fiery gaillardia.

Blooms Hot

SUMMER 2022 FARRAGUT LIFE

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Lantana R

emember the dry heat from last August?

It felt like we were living in Death Valley.

When watching TV as a child the show Wagon Train chronicled our move west. Their final leg of travel was across Death Valley. The water barrel was empty and horses and cattle died. There was also a lot of dust swirling around. What kind of plant can thrive in this environment? The best one that I know is Lantana, this plant flowers from spring until fall. Flowers that you never have to water, spray or fertilize. Lantana endures heat and dry conditions. You can choose from a bevy of lantanas in just about every shade except blue. Most popular are the low-growing, spreading types, which are great for using in hanging baskets, cascading over walls or massing in large sweeps.

Four years ago this plant was returning in my garden since we were having mild winters.

The last two years I have had to start with

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MONROE LIFE SUMMER 2022

new bedding plants in the spring. Simply choose a sunny location and plant them in well-draining soil. Although these plants are tolerant of many soil conditions, lantana prefers slightly acidic soil. Mulching with pine needles is an easy way to raise pH levels. They should be planted in spring once the threat of cold weather and frost have ceased. Keep in mind, however, that they prefer warm temperatures so new growth may be slow to appear. Once the temperatures warm up though, they will grow abundantly. While newly planted lantanas require frequent watering, once established these plants require little maintenance and are even tolerant of late summer dry conditions. In fact, a good soaking about once a week should keep them relatively happy. To encourage reblooming, cut the tips periodically. Overgrown plants can be given new life by cutting back a third of their growth.

Native to tropical regions of America and Africa, lantanas are treated as an annual here in East Tennessee. Tiny flowers in tight clusters that resemble miniature nosegays appear nearly continuously in warm weather. They are very popular in pollenating gardens if you enjoy butterflies; no flower does a

better job of attracting our fluttering friends.

I have plants growing at the entrance to my gardens and when I drive by I stop to marvel at the number of bees and butterflies that are enjoying the nectar. This plant becomes alive with life. So you actually get double your money’s worth, both gorgeous flowers and beautiful butterflies.

Our Death Valley California still has the recorded hottest air temperature on Earth.

This was recorded on July 10, 1913. The temperature was an egg frying 134 degrees.

Fortunately, for us the South is not as hot as the West. Our Tennessee record is held by Perryville when the mercury soared to 113 degrees on August 9, 1930. Yes, I had to look up where Perryville is located as you would guess it is on the Tennessee River about half way from Nashville to Memphis. I am sure many of the gardeners there felt lucky if they had lantana growing.

By Gayle Fisher MASTERGARDNER

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Southern Food served with a friendly smile! open daily at 6 am Full menu available.

SOUPS

Homed Cooked Buffet

SALADS

MEATS

Breakfast served all day.

VEGETABLES

DESSERTS

Family Restaurant. family priced.

I-75 & Oakland Road (Exit 62), Sweetwater, TN

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MONROE LIFE SUMMER 2022

phone 423.337.5825

Take-Out 423.337.0948

Shop for Summer!

We have many new styles to refresh your wardrobe and home, or for gift giving.

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for updates.

Tuesday-Saturday 10:30am-5:30pm 423-536-7046 | 107 E. Morris St, Sweetwater facebook.com/DogwoodLaneBoutique

Mayor

Glenn Moser

Recorder

Sherri Anderson

Board Members

Fred Cagle Augusta Davis Edward Dawson Linda Hensley Scott Hunt

Mayor:Glenn AugustaMoser Davis Mayor:

City Recorder Recorder: : Sherri Sherri McCrary McCrary Alderman: James Bledsoe, Board Members: Fred Cagle

Fred Cagle, Augusta Davis, Edward Dawson, Linda Hensley, Hunt, and NancySusan FranklinSaunders LindaScott Hensley

CITY HALL: HALL: 423.442.9416 423.442.9416 CITY

FINGER LICKIN’ GOOD!

KFC- MADISONVILLE Across from the A&W Drive-In

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I

CASEY CAMP HAS BIG SHOES TO FILL.

n September of 2021, she and her husband, Derek, bought Sweetwater Flower Shop from Jack Wilson who had owned the business since 1964. But the business itself was even older than that, having been open for over 100 years. A long legacy—and now they are the new owners.

Casey explained that, prior to buying the store, she had worked in administration for a hospital. While she loved her coworkers, she needed something different, something that would let her express her creativity, something that wouldn’t leave her in an office with no windows, sitting in front of a computer all day.

As a mother to two daughters, Sutton and Kendrick, Casey wanted to create a legacy of her own and have more flexibility for her children. That way, she wouldn’t have to miss any important events with them. All this, combined with her love of flowers, led her to buy the century-old business.

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Fortunately, she and her husband aren’t alone in their entrepreneurial endeavor. The two have kept most of the store’s staff and hired a few others, who have a combined 60 years of experience. The staff have helped them greatly with the transition. Casey was also grateful for “the outpour of love and support” from her friends and family.

Not only does the store sell flowers for weddings, holidays, birthdays, funerals, and other events, but it also has a massive boutique in the front with an assortment of unique gifts. They sell women’s boutique clothing from jeans to dresses and shirts.

They focus on dressy clothing but sell some casual items as well. They also have a wide range of jewelry and accessory lines from Jimmy Crystal to Jane Marie and even BOGG Bags.

The store sells home décor items—one-of a kind wreathes and home interior center pieces—as well as hygiene products like

GALLERY After a national search, Trudy Hughes a native of Monroe County will be the executive director of Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, Dr. Steven Gottlieb, president of the Board of Governors announced today.

soaps, lotions, colognes, and body washes for men and women. One of their bestselling lines is the high-end home fragrance line, Thymes.

Upstairs At The Mansion Casey and Derek rent the floor above their shop to an upscale restaurant called Upstairs at the Mansion. Right now, the restaurant is only open from 11am to 4pm on weekdays, but the owners are planning to expand their hours in the summer starting with brunch. The flower shop is open every weekday from 9am to 5pm as well as Saturday from 10am to 3pm.

Sweetwater Flower Shop 118 West North Street Sweetwater, TN 37874 423-337-6623 www.SweetwaterFlowers.com

Gottlieb said, “The Board is pleased that we attracted a candidate of the caliber of Trudy Hughes. She brings to the position extensive nonprofit management experience and a deep knowledge of the region. Trudy’s years of association with and support of Arrowmont is an important asset.”

Hughes, has been vice president of regional advancement at East Tennessee Foundation for the past eight years. Prior to her tenure at ETF, she worked with children’s advocacy organizations, held adjunct positions at several regional colleges and universities, and early in her career worked in banking.

She holds bachelor’s degrees in Finance and Human Services and a master’s degree in Community Counseling from the University of Tennessee—Knoxville and Chattanooga.

“I am most honored to begin my service with Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts.

Arrowmont has been a significant organization to me since my childhood. I look forward to the opportunity to be engaged daily to encourage, motivate, and assist others as they aspire to develop their creative talents,” Hughes said of her new position. arrowmont.org/arrowmont-gallery

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Lumber Company

LLC

Photographs by Living Life Creative Works

Lumber Company

LLC

T

he Summer Season has arrived with new items to talk about with customers. Deborah and Danny McFalls, owners of Everhart Lumber Company, are pleased to note a large double heart maple log has been purchased and is now being turned into furniture. The above picture features a coffee table using the double heart maple wood.

In the past few months, several of our customers have been requesting small side tables to sit their television remotes, drinks, etc. on. Based on these discussions, we have increased our inventory of small unique side tables to sell. We are also adding new pieces of other furniture including unique poplar and walnut tables. We are offering ready-made and custom-made furniture from wood with character to make dining, coffee, and sofa tables and other types of furniture.

Our inventory of home décor includes charcuterie boards (serving trays/ cutting boards), lamps with hand painted shades, and antiques that blend well with new or vintage furniture We continue to offer wood slabs for customers to make their own furniture. The building supplies include custom-made barn-wood style doors, additional display of mantels, and barn-wood paneling

STORE HOURS 877.857.8062C. | 423.253.2323O. Tuesday - Friday 9:00 - 5:00 911 Veterans Memorial Drive Saturday 9:00 - 2:00 Tellico Plains, TN 37385 30

www.everhart-lumber.com

MONROE LIFE SUMMER 2022

Home Décor Items

Walnut Side Tables

Wine Rack with Walnut Top

Fireplace Mantels

We offer charcuterie boards, lamps, pictures, teak wood art vases, trays, carved bowls, and antiques.

Building Supply Needs

We provide specialized wood building products that includes mantels, wooden tops for kitchen islands, and stair treads from many difference wood species. For the interior walls, we offer paneling made from reclaimed barn wood. We also offer custom-made barn-wood style doors to meet our customers’ needs.

Please visit our showroom to see how our wood products are used by our customers.

FALL 20212022 MONR OE LI FE LIFE SUMMER MONROE Barnwood Doors

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(800) 843-1663 ext. 404 (865) 531-6275 13125 El Camino Lane, Knoxville, TN 37932 Hours: M-F 7:30-5:00, Closed Weekends October–March

Providing Solutions

Blount Memorial Total Rehabilitation at Vonore

Convenient, comprehensive rehabilitation services close to home in Monroe County Our expert rehabilitation specialties include: ■ aquatic therapy ■ athletic training, including sports medicine ■ hand therapy ■ occupational therapy

■ lymphedema treatment and wound care ■ physical therapy ■ speech-language pathology ■ spine care

■ total joint replacement therapy ■ vertigo therapy ■ dry needling ■ balance program ■ neurotherapy

Wherever you live in Monroe County, Total Rehabilitation at Vonore is close to home and ready to serve you.

Total Rehabilitation Vonore 110 Deer Crossing • Vonore, TN 37885 • Phone: 423-884-1901 • blountmemorial.org

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In 2003, Lisa adopted twins, Kelsey and Kathryn. In 2006, she got a message from the girls’ birth mother saying that she was going to have a third child—Alyssa—and asking if Lisa wanted to adopt her too. If so, they needed to come get her. The family drove 18 hours straight to reach Texas with nothing but faith that they would be able to bring the twins’ sister home. The baby went into the NICU, and it took over a month to bring her home. Eventually she was well enough to leave the hospital, but Lisa had to stay for a week to wait for the court date. Her greatuncle, Jack, was very helpful, driving her around Houston with a four lb baby and making sure they were okay. He even went to court with them. Recently, he went into a nursing home and the family was waiting for Covid to end so they could make the trip.

They finally got the opportunity last year, on a road trip across the country, where Lisa Atkins-Bingham and her family returned to Sugarland, Texas to spend the 15th anniversary of Alyssa’s adoption in the city where it all began. Here they were able to visit Uncle Jack who’d been so instrumental FIRST STOP: ATLANTA

1

Alyssa was born in Sugarland, Texas. After taking her from the hospital, I opened the drapes of the hotel to discover this fountain. Faith is Alyssa’s middle name, I knew we would be just fine!

in helping Alyssa find a home in Lisa’s loving family. Jack Atkins is also one of the most successful members of their family. He worked for the finance department of NASA in Houston, Texas. He moved there for work and ended up staying the rest of his life.

It was a great trip, the girls even talked Lisa into taking the new puppy, Smoky Bear!

TWO THOUSAND, ONE HUNDRED, AND THIRTY TOTAL MILES!

First stop: Van Gogh Immersive Experience in Atlanta: For an Art major, this stop was pretty cool. 500,000 cubic feet of projections,60,600 frames of video and 90,000,000 pixels. If you haven’t seen this you need to choose your City. Vangoghexpo.com. It has been held over in Nashville through September.

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SECOND STOP: NEW ORLEANS

2

Go Fourth On The River!

Our second stop was the beautiful city of New Orleans: What could be better than watching fireworks over the Mighty Mississippi!

The Mississippi River looms large in the American identity, from the history and literature taught in schools to the nation’s modern economy.

In New Orleans, you can easily experience the river in all its bustling activity, natural splendor and historical significance via the riverfront area adjacent to the French Quarter. Sweeping vistas, public art, family activities and jumping-off points for riverboat tours are all clustered here along a linear park and walkways.

The Mississippi has always been a working river and for generations most New Orleanians were cut off from any access to it by floodwalls, warehouses and very busy wharves. That began to change in the 1970s through the 1980s, as underused industrial buildings near the French Quarter were razed and replaced by Woldenberg Park, a grassy open space named for local philanthropist Malcolm Woldenberg, and the Moonwalk, a walkway named for the

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former New Orleans mayor Maurice “Moon” Landrieu. Today the area attracts an estimated 7 million visitors annually, according to the Audubon Institute, the organization which runs it.

A great place for a picnic of po-boys or local seafood, a jog or just to catch a cooling breeze on a typically humid New Orleans day, this mile-long stretch of the riverfront is also the setting for many community celebrations and special events. For example, the largest stages for the annual French Quarter Festival (www.frenchquarterfestival.org) are set up here each spring and the park is prime real estate for viewing fireworks during the city’s Fourth of July activities, known collectively as Go Fourth on the River.

A bronze statue of Malcolm Woldenberg in the park that bears his name is one exhibit in what has grown into an informal sculpture garden along the riverfront. Near the philanthropist’s statue is a stainless steel sculpture called “Ocean Song.” Created by local artist John Scott, the piece depicts the motion of water in eight narrow pyramids, polished to a reflective gleam.

Further downriver is the elegant “Monument to the Immigrant,” crafted from white Carrara marble by sculptor Franco Allesandrini.

The work faces the riverfront with a ship’s prow topped by a female figure reminiscent of Lady Liberty, while behind her stands a turn-of-the-century immigrant family looking toward the French Quarter. A few blocks downriver is Robert Schoen’s “Old Man River,” a stone human figure also made from Carrara marble. Weighing in at 17 tons and standing 18 feet high, the statue speaks to the river’s power and majesty in its rounded, circular body forms.

The most recent addition to this collection of public art is the city’s Holocaust Memorial, which was dedicated in 2003. Created

by Israeli artist and sculptor Jacob Agam, the

What could be better than watching fireworks over the Mighty Mississippi! Because of Covid the City did not have enough money to pay for this tradition. Actor Will Smith was in town and offered to pay for the fireworks - thanks Will! Because New Orleans is a little wild for kids, I booked a room that overlooked the river. We watched the fireworks from the safety of our room. There are lots of hotels that overlook the river.

memorial is often described as a “living work” because its images and shapes change as a visitor walks around it.

Park’s linear pathway, you can walk all the way from N Peters and Marigny St to Chartres and Bartholomew St.

Vestiges of the area’s industrial past remain, like the warehouses and wharves that begin behind the French Market and the freight trains that still rumble along a corridor between the river and the French Quarter.

Much gentler rail traffic comes in the form of the city’s red Riverfront streetcars, built in 1988 with a vintage look and modern amenities to carry passengers from Canal Street to the lower end of the French Quarter.

Anywhere you go on the river, you’re likely to spot modern shipping traffic. The ports, refineries and terminals clustered between the mouth of the river and Baton Rouge to the north make the Mississippi one of the world’s busiest rivers, and from a bench along the riverfront visitors can watch as tugs, tankers, freighters, cruise ships and long strings of barges navigate its currents.

Street musicians usually perform nearby for tips, adding to the ambiance with their saxophones or trumpets. Indeed, from the French Quarter, visitors can see with their own eyes how New Orleans earned the nickname the Crescent City as large vessels follow the dramatic turn in the river upon which the French Quarter is situated.

Past the French Market, going along St Peters St, one can spy the latest pedestrian-friendly addition to the city’s riverfront real estate: the entrance to the Crescent Park, an unmissable pedestrian footbridge linked to the ground by an elevator and staircase. The Crescent Park plays with the city’s shipping heritage, drawing upon that legacy to create a severe, post-industrial aesthetic that includes open air pavilions, concrete buttresses, long walking and cycling paths, and rusted metal features like a pedestrian bridge, all laid out in a linear park that runs from Faubourg Marigny through the Bywater. Using the Crescent

If all these maritime vistas give you the urge to use your sea legs, the Steamboat Natchez (504-569-1401) will take you out on the muddy Mississippi and offers tours of varying length and themes. Designed to resemble the old steamships that once brought cotton, gamblers and jazz up and down the river, this modern vessel gives today’s visitors a way to experience the Mississippi up close and view the city’s skyline and intricate French Quarter roof-scape from the river.

Back on dry land, the riverfront area is also home to two of the city’s most popular family attractions, the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas and the Entergy IMAX Theater (both at 1 Canal St., 800-774-7394). The active area outside these facilities is filled with whimsical sculptures of marine life, well-shaded park benches and outdoor vendors serving light refreshments.

Just upriver from the aquarium area is the Spanish Plaza. Dedicated in 1976 during the U.S. bicentennial, the plaza was a gift from Spain in a gesture of friendship to its one-time colony. It features a large fountain ringed by tile mosaics of Spanish coats of arms representing that country’s provinces. Vendors in the plaza serve smoothies and snacks, while the Riverwalk Marketplace Mall is just next door for air-conditioned shopping.

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THIRD STOP: LAUREL

3

A HISTORIC PAST & A BRIGHT FUTURE

How Laurel Became America’s “Home Town.”

For those who identify as small-town folks, the allure of oak-lined streets, quiet afternoons on the porch and lives lived among kindred spirits who know your name as well as your lineage, is both undeniable and ingrained at birth.

For Erin and Ben Napier, this innate sense of place and purpose led to a desire to bring others into the simple way of life that is deeply cherished in their small town in South Mississippi. From the porch of their beloved, craftsman home on one of the most beautiful streets in Laurel’s historic district they dreamed of a new era of prosperity and growth for the “City Beautiful.”

On January 24, 2016, their dream came sparkling into view as they told their story, and the story of their beloved city, through a national HGTV pilot called “Home Town.” Their goal was not to simply provide artistic inspiration, but to help others to see the beauty of small-town life and to encourage them to seek out opportunities to make an impact on the world, starting in their small town.

Why Laurel?

Laurel, Mississippi is a town like no other, yet it tells a story that speaks to the heart of every small town across America. Many young people, seeking big opportunities, are abandoning the small town life in search of new possibilities.

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Laurel had a beautiful July 4th Celebration, we visited the Laurel Mercantile and Ben’s Woodshop.

The Bingham’s enjoyed finding the restaurants and houses that had been featured on Home Town.

Erin, an artist, and husband Ben, a woodworker, have spent their adult lives working to counteract this trend by contributing to their community through entrepreneurship, assisting in community development projects, and actively seeking out opportunities to improve the perception of their home town of Laurel, as well as their state. To them, and others like them, the intensely beautiful culture and people of Mississippi were simply waiting to be unveiled to the world.

Now, they are able to shine a light on the people, culture, architecture, natural beauty, and most of all, the small town spirit of Laurel, Mississippi and all of those who choose to call her home.

About Home Town on HGTV “Home Town” tells the story of finding the perfect, historic home and the following transformation brought about by local architects, builders, and craftsmen under the direction and guidance of Erin and Ben Napier.

Erin and Ben have set out to introduce folks, one by one, to the benefits of purchasing a home in a small town and to highlight the opportunities available to them, no matter where they live. By introducing the newcomers to the local community, helping them to become involved in local initiatives, and by telling their own personal story of international entrepreneurial success attained from their Downtown Laurel studio, the Napiers help each new family find the tools, connections and hope they need to build a prosperous life in their beloved small town.

Laurel put together a guide to help visitors to Laurel– it was created by folks born and raised right here in Laurel, Mississippi, to make sure you don’t miss out on any of the awesome experiences their town has to offer.

Have a question or want more details?

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter – or send us an email!

By Keri Rowe and with Visit Laurel.

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4

If you’re a fan of Chip and Joanna Gaines, then you probably know all about the family’s next stop—the Silos in Waco, Texas.

Here, Lisa and her daughters toured Chip and Joanna’s homey shops. It’s a beautiful space where you can find clothes, jewelry, home décor, furniture, men’s provisions, bath & body products, and more—curated

by Jo! Hungry visitors can stop at the Silos Baking Co. or Magnolia Press, their coffee shop. At the center of the area rests a beautiful church, one of the oldest buildings in Waco. Chip and Joanna found that it had been abandoned for years, so they moved it to their land and restored it to its classic beauty.

Still need more to satisfy your Fixer Upper fix? Just eight minutes from the Silos, find Chip and Joanna’s restaurant, Magnolia Table. Waco is also home to the couple’s original store, now called the Little Shop on Bosque.

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There are many other attractions in Waco, of course, including the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum, the Dr. Pepper Museum and the Cameron Park Zoo, and the Waco Mammoth National Monument, which has fossils of Pleistocene mammoths.

If you plan a trip to Waco, Laurel or New Orleans, we guarantee you won’t regret it.

Smoky Bear is enjoying Texas and the Magnolia shops! Follow his adventures on Facebook!

Alyssa Bingham is the ultimate Dr. Pepper fan!

THE DR. PEPPER MUSEUM Waco was known as Geyser City because of its many artesion wells. One hundred sixteen years ago this was the first building dedicated to manufacturing Dr. Pepper.

Today it is the Dr. Pepper Museum.

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Hot Pepper Red - Black Diamond Edition

Tickets go on sale April 15, 2022

ONLY 1300 TICKETS WILL BE SOLD

You do not have to be present to win!

Tickets will be $100 each Winner will be drawn August 13, 2022

Tickets - $100 each Call Carly at 423-442-6770 x102 for more information

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MORE THAN A HAIR SALON FOR HER As a child, Dawn Curtis would go with her grandmother to Kutters Korner in Madisonville every Saturday to get her hair done. This must have made an impression because Dawn grew up to be a hairstylist. Two years ago, after working in cosmetology for 8 years, she decided to buy Kutters Korner where she’d spent so many hours as a child. Her grandmother still gets her hair done there every week.

“That salon is really special to me,” Dawn said.

Recently, Dawn applied to a Covid relief program from American Express, and her business was one of only 75 nationwide to be chosen. She received a $5,000 grant which she plans to use to expand the shop to offer more services and to turn the currently unused apartment above the shop into an Airbnb.

Wash cut & style Women’s perm Brow tint Speciality color/ double process Full-head highlights Balayage/foilayage Partial highlights Base color Hair extensions Eyelash extensions Wax

It’s a Bird!

It’s a Plane!

It’s… a Barber Shop?

At 6829 Clinton Highway, you’ll find possibly the most unique barber shop you’ll ever see.

Built in the shape of an airplane, the unassumingly named John’s Barber Shop has a strange history.

The Airplane Filling Station, as it was originally called, was built by Henry and Elmer Nickle in 1931 as a gas station—a gas station for cars, not for airplanes, confusingly.

As to its unique look, it was designed to grab the attention of drivers along the highway.

Unfortunately, when the interstate was built, fewer cars passed the station, and in the 60s, it went out of business, changing hands several times before falling into disrepair.

Thankfully, a group of locals decided they wanted to preserve their quirky landmark.

They raised money to repair it and got it listed with the National Register of Historic Places.

Today, the building is a barber shop owned

by John York.

11MAIN STREET• MADISONVILLE • 423-442-2928 SUMMER 2022 MONROE LIFE

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Heaven’s Cabins

In 2014, Andre and Lauren Therrien started Heaven’s Cabins, their first Gatlinburg vacation rental. During the first few years, they purchased fixer-upper cabins, which they renovated themselves. Lauren led the way on that part. She learned all the trades from plumbing to painting, to drywall and tile work.

Wildfires. Andre and Lauren started building their cabins back right away. One year after the fires, only ten cabins had been completely built back in their area.

The Therriens were fortunate to have achieved six of those. They were very blessed to have amazing local banks and a great local builder partner with them.

Towards the end of 2016, they were up to 8 completed cabins. Unfortunately, 7 of them burned down the night of the fires (Nov 28th). For Lauren and Andre, it was the worst night of their lives.

Shortly after the fires, Andre and Lauren began acquiring land in the affected areas.

They knew the road ahead was long and that it would take many years for the area to build back and to look beautiful again, but for them, it was worth the risk.

Over the years, their cabins progressed and became even more stunning. In 2018, they hired their best friends (Matt and Monica) to manage guest experiences and to keep the properties looking amazing and upkept. They do an incredible job!

Although they lost a lot that night, there were so many others who lost so much more.

Between the lives lost and the people who lost personal homes, the fires put things into perspective. The loss of their cabins was insignificant compared to the loss of lives.

According to reports, over 2,400 structures burned down on the night of the Gatlinburg

Heaven’s Cabins currently rents exclusively on Vrbo and has hosted over 40,000 guests.

Each of their cabins is rated a 4.9 or higher (out of 5), with an average review score of 4.95 on over 3,100 Vrbo guest reviews.

They now have 35 luxury vacation rental cabins which range from two bedrooms and 1,000 square feet, to six bedroom and 4,600 square feet. Prices range from $110 to $2,000 per night depending on the cabin.

Andre and Lauren Therrien

HERE ARE THE FEATURES THAT SET THEIR CABINS APART FROM OTHERS: • All their cabins have great views of the Smoky Mountains.

• Heaven’s Cabins moves away from what most people think of when they picture a “cabin.” They’ve modernized theirs a bit, incorporating many different designs focusing on a touch of cabin with much of today’s styles (i.e., contemporary, rustic, and farmhouse blends).

• Their finishings, furnishings, and decorations definitely set them apart from others.

• The way their cabins are stocked (i.e., kitchens), also sets them apart from others.

• Their game rooms are typically elaborate.

• Their decks are always large and well furnished with hot tubs, fire pits, dining areas, gaming, and high-quality furniture.

• All their cabins are new-ish. Most were new construction properties built in the last 4 years, with a few that were remodeled during the same time span.

• Unlike most cabins that are designed on jam-packing as many people as possible, Andre and Lauren prefer to focus on quality. Thus, they limit their guest counts per the number of bedrooms, only using pullout sofas in their 2-bedroom cabins and some of their 3’s.

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HEAVEN’S CABINS WERE FEATURED IN A U.S. NEWS ARTICLE AS ONE OF THE 22 BEST CABIN VACATION RENTALS IN THE COUNTRY: HTTPS://TRAVEL.USNEWS.COM/FEATURES/TOP-CABIN-RENTALS

Eight more cabins are under construction, and the Therriens plan to have them finished this year.

This includes their most spectacular cabin yet which is almost complete—a 7,400-square foot, nine bedroom, 10 1/2 bath chalet, with an indoor pool. It overlooks downtown Gatlinburg and Mt. LeConte.

Most of Andre and Lauren’s cabins are located in Chalet Village North and Greystone Heights.

Their properties are typically booked many months in advance. Their website is

heavenscabins.com.

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e s i u r C -in

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EVERY 2ND FRIDAY NIGHT APRIL-OCTOBER

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Jeff McNelley HIKING TIPS FOR BEGINNERS

Jeff McNelley loves hiking. He loves the quietness and solitude, and he loves the little things he sees along the trail—unique and beautiful rock formations, waterfalls, or even just patches of fungus growing in a striking way. In the last few years, he’s gone on well over 100 hikes, often taking beautiful photographs shown here.

There is so much to enjoy about hiking.

Mr. McNelley wrote that he is humbled by the “quiet solitude of a trail and the views that magnify God’s great creations… You leave technology, the hustle and bustle of the world and can travel at your own pace while enjoying beautiful scenery.

The people you meet on the trails all have an interesting story to share.”

Many people are interested in hiking Jeff and Talley McNelley

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but aren’t sure where to start or have recently started and are looking for tips, so Jeff McNelley offered some advice for beginning hikers.

How Do You Get Started?

A good way to get started is by going on walks in local parks. From here, move on to hikes that you can complete in just a few hours.

Don’t just jump into a 5-day mountain hike where you’ll have to camp along the trail. Instead, work your way up gradually starting with easier trails.

What Clothes Do You Need?

For clothing, McNelley recommended something lightweight. Wear multiple layers and take some off depending on the conditions. Make sure to have a base layer that wicks water away from your skin and dries quickly. Wool socks also wick away moisture which helps prevent your feet from sliding and developing blisters.

Always take a jacket in the winter, though you may end up taking it off as you heat up from the hike.

Also, you should avoid cotton as it will hold in moisture. Overall, McNelley emphasized that you should dress for the anticipated weather conditions.

Many people wonder if you need special shoes or boots. Hiking boots can make the experience more pleasant or stop you from rolling an ankle, but you don’t necessarily need them.

McNelley said, “Tennis shoes are perfectly acceptable—it’s just how comfortable do you want to be?” If you do buy hiking shoes or boots, buy a pair you’re comfortable with, not necessarily the most expensive.

There are stores where you can get fitted. If this sounds like a lot to keep track of, try visiting an outfitter who can help you determine exactly what you’ll need.

What Other Gear Do You Need?

Which Local Trails Are Best?

Trekking poles can be useful. They look like ski poles and can help you keep balanced when going over uneven ground. Also, they help reduce fatigue and stress on the feet, legs, and lower back, and they typically cost between $10 and $100. Additionally, you should bring a map and compass as well as sunblock, hand sanitizer, lip balm, and power cells for your phone so it doesn’t die along the way. A small first aid kit can help if you get cut.

For beginners, McNelley recommended the Gatlinburg Trail and the Middle Prong Trail. Both of these are easy day hikes, so you won’t need to camp along the way. The Gatlinburg Trail is fairly level, and it’s pretty easy to hike even if you have children. The Middle Prong Trail is in the Townsend area and has waterfalls and cascades along the way.

Gatlinburg Trail The Gatlinburg Trail is one of two walking paths on which visitors can walk dogs and ride bikes. Pets and bicycles are prohibited on all other park trails.

The trail travels 1.9 miles one-way from the Sugarlands Visitor Center to the outskirts of the city of Gatlinburg, TN. It is relatively flat and runs through the forest along side the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River. The trail offers beautiful views of the river, which at one point is crossed by a pedestrian foot bridge. Foundations and chimneys of several old homesites are visible along the trail.

Bring a backpack for food and water as well as other supplies. For short hikes, you can just use a normal backpack like the kind that students take to school. There’s no need to spend a lot of money on expensive hiking equipment like specially-made hiking packs if you’re not going to use them regularly.

Middle Prong Trail Middle Prong Trail is a gorgeous waterfall hike in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Though the whole trail is a 8.2 mile round-trip, the rewards come early for this beautiful hike. Plus, this trail offers a look back into the history of the Smokies. Tremont was once a small logging community.

Driving Directions: Head southwest from the Townsend Y junction of Little River Road and TN 73 towards Cades Cove.

After a short drive (0.2 mile), turn left onto Tremont Road. After two miles, you’ll pass the Great Smokey Mountains Institute at Tremont on your left before the road changes to gravel. Continue three additional miles down the gravel road before reaching the road’s end. Park here for the trailhead. On busy weekends, arrive early to secure a parking space near the trailhead.

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bears will be more likely to avoid you. If you do see one, however, don’t run. Just stand still.

You should also use sunblock even in the winter, and some clothing can provide extra protection from the sun as well. This clothing will sometimes have a rating to show how much protection they offer.

How Much Food And Water Do You Need to Bring?

For a day hike, some good options are protein bars, trail mix, and peanut butter. You’ll burn a lot more calories than you expect while walking, so make sure to bring enough.

You don’t have to worry about storing your food in any special way unless you’re backpacking overnight. If you are going to be travelling overnight, some campsites will have a cable system that lets you hoist your food up so that bears can’t get to it. Some state parks even have metal boxes where you can put your food to keep bears out.

When McNelley goes on hikes, he’ll sometimes carry up to 3 liters of water, but with a beginner trail, you’ll probably only need a few 8-ounce bottles of water. Experienced hikers on longer trails will often have a water bladder in their backpack that will hold a few liters.

In the summer, you’ll want about 4-8 ounces per mile, but this varies by the temperature

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and how strenuous the hike is. You can also take a Gatorade or Powerade for electrolytes to prevent cramping.

What Are Some Common Hiking Dangers, and How Do You Avoid Them?

McNelley’s biggest fear during hikes is always twisting an ankle or falling, so he’s always careful where he steps.

One danger that people don’t often consider is limbs falling off trees on a windy day. If one falls on you, you could be hurt or killed. For this reason, McNelley doesn’t hike on windy days. Pay attention to the weather on hikes and look at the forecast beforehand. If there’s going to be a storm, you don’t want to be outside.

Many people are frightened of encountering bears, but McNelley said they’re not that common, and they are typically more afraid of you than you are of them. If you talk loudly and make a lot of noise while hiking, the

Finally, always leave a note with your family before hiking. They should know the trails that you are hiking, what vehicle you will be in (and the license plate number), where you are going to park, and when you’ll be back. Tell them your plan and stay true to it.

“You can easily go out and have a great day of hiking and come back safe,” McNelley said.

To learn more, see the National Park Service’s articles on safety.

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118 West North Street• Sweetwater, TN 37874 • 423-337-6623 • www.SweetwaterFlowers.com

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This medal is awarded to the outstanding young person who exemplifies a positive role model status and volunteers time performing community service.

America, Can I Have Your Autograph,

The Story of Junior Ranger Aida Frey Hi, I’m Aida Frey, and my passion is promoting the beauty and wonder of America’s National Parks. To date, I’ve been afforded the blessing of visiting 362 National Parks during the past 10 years. It has also been my good fortune to experience many other beautiful places and meet some fascinating people along the way.

I’ll share with you the stories of the natural wonders and interesting people that helped create my incredible experiences.

During my travels, I’ve earned the title of “America’s most decorated National Park Junior Ranger,” and am known as “The Sweetheart of America’s National Parks.” I travel with my parents, and our goal is to visit all of our Nation’s National Parks.

I visited my first National Park when I was 9 years old in Effigy Mounds, Iowa, and received my first badge there. Since then, I’ve been

featured in many radio shows, magazines, and newspaper articles, along with several TV interviews and Internet podcasts. Some of these appearances include ABC Channel 7 News in Chicago, Channel 9 WGN, Channel 6 in Michigan, and on ABC’s Channel 27 News in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

I published my first book, “America, Can I Have Your Autograph, The Story of Junior Ranger Aida Frey” in 2016 and have been featured in the Eastern National Bookstores nationwide. In 2017, I received my local School District 300’s Blue Ribbon Society Award, which acknowledges and honors individuals who demonstrate admirable qualities while striving to achieve District 300’s Central Mission. I’ve also been honored with the Illinois Chapter of the “Daughters of the American Revolution” Founders Medal for Youth.

I have worked as a National Park Service Volunteer at Effigy Mounds, Indiana Dunes, Pullman National Monument, William Howard Taft, Mary McLeod Bethune Council House, and many other National Parks. I even started a new Junior Ranger program at Cane River Creole National Historical Park for my 300th visit! Please watch my interviews and check out my links. Thanks for your interest in sharing my stories among the spectacular beauty that is America’s National Parks.

Link to my book: America, Can I Have Your Autograph, The Story of Junior Ranger Aida Frey Link to a book review by Just Chasing Rabbits: Book Review: America, Can I Have Your Autograph? The Story of Junior Ranger Aida Frey - Just Chasing Rabbits Link to my 300th National Park and new Junior Ranger event: Super Junior Ranger Aida Frey has found her 300th Park on Cane River, Natchitoches Times Link to my official Facebook: Junior Ranger Aida Frey Home, Facebook

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256

POST

A Subordinate Unit Of The American Legion

By Matt Hollingsworth

A dozen men stand around the table. They each take off their military caps and hold them to their hearts as the chaplain prays. These men are veterans—the leaders of Post 256, Tellico Lake—and they have spent this meeting discussing ways to serve their community.

Post 256 has 180 members mostly from the Monroe and Loudon County areas. It is a subordinate unit of The American Legion whose Four Pillars of service are: Veteran Affairs & Rehabilitation, National Security, Americanism, and Children & Youth.

Veteran Affairs & Rehabilitation Post Commander Steve Buelow, a Navy veteran of the Vietnam War, told the story of one elderly veteran that the organization had helped. This veteran couldn’t get gas delivered to his house because his driveway was so overgrown, and he couldn’t cut away the brush due to his health problems.

When the members of Post 256 found out about this situation, they cleared four truckloads of brush from his driveway so the utilities could be delivered, and they also made sure people in the community and local organizations knew about his needs and could check in on him. Buelow’s wife even baked cupcakes for the man.

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Post 256 also supports Smoky Mountain Service Dogs. Steve Buelow explained that service dogs can greatly assist veterans with physical and psychological impairments, but the animals cost $22,000 to train.

Smoky Mountain Service Dogs provides these dogs to qualifying veterans for free.

Veterans often come home with severe injuries, and as Buelow explained, “It’s our responsibility as Americans to… improve their quality of life.”

The organization has also donated money to non-veteran oriented charities like Our Place which helps care for people with memory issues like dementia and Alzheimer’s when their normal caretakers are away.

“You don’t have to belong to the Post to receive services from us,” Buelow explained.

“If you’re a vet in need, first thing we’ll do is try to help [you].” For example, several of the Post 256 members are in the Loudon County Honor Guard which will conduct burial ceremonies for any veteran in their community, whether they are a member of Post 256 or not.

National Security Post 256 works to honor veterans’ sacrifices and make sure that no veteran is ever forgotten. At every meeting, there is an empty chair representing prisoners of war and those missing in action. A short speech given at each meeting explains that the chair is “a physical symbol of the thousands of American POW/MIAs still unaccounted for from all wars and conflicts involving the United States of America. This is a reminder for all of us to spare no effort to secure the release of any American prisoners from captivity, the repatriation of the remains of those who died bravely in defense of liberty, and a full accounting of those missing.”

In 2021, Post 256 held its first annual 9/11 memorial service. One member was actually at the Pentagon on 9/11, although he was out of the building when the plane hit. During their memorial service, this member helped commemorate the tragedy with patriotic songs. They also had a table

set up in tribute to the 13 U.S. military members who were killed in the August 26th attack, just days earlier.

Americanism Post 256 holds services on Memorial Day and Veterans Day. On this year’s Memorial Day, as part of their ceremony, the members gave away poppies. Poppies grew in Flanders Fields, a major battleground of WW1, and they became a symbol of fallen soldiers. Post 256 gave these flowers in remembrance of those who have lost their lives.

“The poppy says, ‘Yeah, I remember, and I am grateful for what they did,’” Buelow explained. “We do everything we can to help remember those who served.”

Another way they do this is that, on every Memorial Day, they make sure all veterans buried in local cemeteries have flags on their graves. Annually, they support Wreathes Across America which honors fallen veterans by putting wreathes on their graves during Christmastime.

“They say a veteran dies twice,” Buelow said, “the day that he dies and the day that he’s forgotten… We try to make sure no vet is ever forgotten.”

Children & Youth Post 256 is a sponsor of Boys State and Girls State, programs that teach high schoolers about local government, hoping to inspire a new generation of public

servants. This program can get students interested in local government and help them build their resumes. The Post also helps adults dispose of old and unused medicines to avoid the risk of young children or grandchildren finding and eating them.

Finally, Steve Buelow explained how Post 256 offers “companionship and comradery” to veterans. They can be involved “in an organization that… only veterans can associate with.”

If you’re a veteran in the Monroe County or Loudon County area, consider checking them out. They meet the first Thursday of each month at the Rarity Bay Country Club. You can also visit their website to see upcoming events: tellicolakepost256.org This post was written with help from Steve Buelow, James Patterson, and Tony Adams.

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Help Us Build A Brighter Tennessee

Come by the FLEC Operations Center on Saturday, October 1st and celebrate Cooperation!

Gates will open at 7 a.m. and close at 10 a.m., giving you plenty of time to stop by and register for door prizes, get information on your Cooperative, meet some of the folks, see some of the equipment used daily to keep the lights burning brightly, and get a gift card for breakfast or lunch at a local restaurant!

116 Tellico Port Rd P.O. Box 1030 Vonore, TN 37885 Toll Free: 1-877-353-2674

Office Hours: Monday - Friday 7:30am - 4:30pm ww.flec.org

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Letter From Dr. Dash OF FAMILY DENTAL ASSOCIATES Dear Friends, Family, and Patients: Over the past 41 years, you have blessed me with your trust to take care of your oral health. I have seen many of you as children, and now I get to take care of your own children and, in some cases, grandchildren.

It has been a responsibility that I cherish.

But after 41 years, I feel ready to retire and take more time for me and Ellen. After spending much time and energy searching for my replacement, I have chosen to sell my practice to a husband-and-wife dental team: Drs. Austin and Whitney Johnson.

Drs. Austin and Whitney (Wolfe) Johnson are both thrilled to be moving back here to Dr. Whitney's home state. Serving her community through dentistry has been a dream of hers since high school, and now it has happened. Whitney is from Seymour, TN and went to Heritage High School. She attended the University of Tennessee in Knoxville and obtained her bachelor's degree in mathematics while also competing and earning a scholarship on the Lady Vols Rowing team. Upon graduating college, Whitney became a coach for a local rowing club in Louisville, TN for two years.

She then attended University of Tennessee Center for Health Sciences in Memphis to earn her DDS degree, and here she met her husband and best friend, Austin. It did not take much to convince Austin to settle down with her in East TN, as he equally fell in love with the area.

Austin was born in Abilene, TX and spent his childhood in a military family, his dad serving in the Airforce for 20 years.

Constantly on the move, Austin has lived in Texas, Hawaii, Arkansas, and Tennessee.

He attended high school outside of Little Rock, AR where he excelled playing varsity basketball. Austin earned an academic and basketball scholarship to Christian Brothers University in Memphis where he earned his bachelor's degree in biology.

After that, he was commissioned with the Army upon entry into dental school. He has always been passionate about dentistry, especially with the business aspect, and it has been a dream of his to own and manage a dental practice in a small, close-knit community. Both he and Whitney hope to provide great care in a relaxed dental environment with the ultimate goal of building relationships within the community.

The couple have been living in Saint Robert, MO where Austin served as an active-duty dentist at Fort Leonard Wood. In January of this year, they welcomed their first child, a daughter named June. They also have two cat children, Nova and Mags. They both love sports, traveling, cooking together, and creating a comfortable home life.

Austin and Whitney are ready and excited to move close to family and become immersed in their new community as a dental team.

They look forward to serving their new patients. The changeover in ownership will not fully take place until July of this year.

I will be introducing the Johnsons and helping them though the transition. I hope that you will welcome them as you did me 41 years ago, fresh out of school and new to Madisonville.

Dr. James Dash

Family Dental Associates • 210 Warren Street • Madisonville, TN 37354 • 423-442-3928

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KNOXVILLE’S FIRST VEIN CENTER

Why Should You Choose East Tennessee Vein Clinic?

W

hen it comes to treating varicose veins, customers have a lot of options, but one stands out above the rest.

Founded in 2001, East Tennessee Vein Clinic was the region’s first clinic dedicated to varicose vein treatment, and the owner, Dr. Brittany Clayton, is one of only 913 people certified by the American Board of Venous & Lymphatic Medicine. ETVC is also the only clinic in the area owned and operated by a woman.

However, experience isn’t all that sets them apart. Dr. Clayton explained that ETVC offers the most thorough and comprehensive treatments.

She said that most other clinics will only fix the largest varicose veins that are visible on the surface of the skin. This seems logical at first glance—treating

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vein disorders is often a cosmetic decision, so of course you would only need to fix the veins that are visible on the surface, right?

Unfortunately, that is not the case. Varicose veins occur when the valves that control the flow of blood stop working.

This results in enlarged veins, some visible to the naked eye, others deep beneath the skin. If you only treat the veins you can see, you’ll still have these hidden veins left over which will very likely cause new visible veins to form. By failing to treat the hidden feeder veins, patients are wasting their time,

Dr. Clayton said, because the visible varicose veins will likely just return, possible worse than before—not to mention that hidden veins can still cause pain or discomfort.

The medical professionals at ETVC treat their patients the way they would want to be treated, fixing both visible and invisible

varicose veins which they find using ultrasound. They don’t want to take your money unless they’re comfortable they can give you good results. Other clinics will do a bit of work then brush their patients off when they’ve really only just started, but ETVC keeps going until the job is done, treating both the obvious surface veins and the hidden feeder

veins. This greatly helps to prevent new varicose veins from forming.

ETVC also offers nitrous oxide during procedures, which some other clinics do not. While patients don’t need to take this, and the procedures are generally very easy, they offer it to help reduce pain and anxiety. It’s very safe and quickly wears off after the procedure.

Put An End To Your Leg Pain Today At East Tennessee Vein Clinic!

SPIDER VEINS

VARICOSE VEINS

Dr. Brittany Clayton Is One of Only 913 Doctors Certified

By The American Board of Venous & Lymphatic Medicine.

1344 Dowell Springs Boulevard, Knoxville, Tennessee 37909 www.easttennesseeveinclinic.com (865) 686-0507

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Advanced media technologies and electronics enhance visitors’ enjoyment of this all new exhibit.

It portrays the Cherokee life and the legacy of Sequoyah in an all new multi-million dollar museum.

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Celebrating years of hand made pizzas

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Whenever someone fails to reach the starting line on time for the next lap, that person is disqualified. This will continue until only one winner remains.

EAST COAST ADVENTURES INTRODUCES PEOPLE TO

ULTRARUNNING The man crosses the finish line of the 4.1-mile track, but as he returns to the start line, he knows that the race is far from over—it has just begun.

To many, four miles might seem like a long way to run, and a 26.2-mile marathon might seem as impossible as swimming across the ocean—but it’s nothing for ultrarunners like David Compton and Mike Taylor, founders of East Coast Adventures.

David completes another lap. He is almost 29 miles into the race. How far does he have left to go? He cannot say. The race, called the “Ode to Laz,” will continue with a lap around the 4.1 mile track every hour.

Ultrarunning is exactly what it sounds like—running very, very long distances, sometimes over 100 miles at one time.

David ran his first Ultra in 2015, and he and his friend Mike Taylor started East Coast Adventures last year. Their organization hosts two racing events per year.

After running 154 miles in 37 hours, David finishes the “Ode to Laz.” He comes in 3rd place.

The distance he has run is equal to the distance between Monroe County and Atlanta, Georgia. Even though he has finished first in other races, this is the one he is most proud of because it is the longest distance he has ever run. At least so far...

David finishes his 21st lap on schedule. During the past 21 hours, he has run 86 miles. He follows a pattern—52 minutes to finish the lap, four minutes to sleep, three minutes to eat, and one minute to return to the starting line for the next round.

David and Mike are both proud fathers.

David’s daughter, Kali, and Mike’s daughter, Bella help at their racing events. Both girls are 13 years old and have already run distances of 17 miles.

David emphasized that ultrarunning takes endurance. “You’re racing yourself,” he said. “You have to fight your way through.”

His advice for people wanting to get better at running is to quit trying to pick a date to start. Sign up for a 5K even if you have to walk the whole way.

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helped Jami, he would have to leave his own family. Nevertheless, Armin agreed to help.

By Matt Hollingsworth

THE LONG ROAD BACK: An East Tennessee Family’s Escape from the Taliban I WILL CALL HIM JAMI BECAUSE I CANNOT TELL YOU HIS REAL NAME.

For two days, Jami had been unable to sleep.

He was frightened for his family, trapped thousands of miles away. They’d called him earlier and said that they’d heard gunshots and seen Taliban soldiers on the security camera outside their house.

Here on the opposite side of the world, Jami felt powerless to help his two young kids and his wife who we’ll call Daana. His family, his own flesh and blood, was stranded in a country controlled by people who wanted to kill them.

Not knowing what else to do, he called his American friend, Thomas, who drove him to a church where 200 people prayed for him and his family.

Jami is a quality control engineer from Afghanistan who worked with the United States military during the war. Because of this, he was granted a special immigrant visa that let him move to America, and for the past several years, he and his family have lived in East Tennessee with the status of permeant residents of the U.S. His son was born in America, making him a U.S. citizen.

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In August of 2021, Daana’s father was extremely ill. She wanted to go to Afghanistan to visit him, but there was a problem. At this time the U.S. was withdrawing troops from the country, and the family was wary of the unstable political situation. “I was very worried because over there, it’s too dangerous,” Jami said. However, this could be his wife’s last chance to see her father. She had to go.

Daana and the kids travelled to Afghanistan.

While they were there, the Taliban seized control of the country.

Suddenly, the family found themselves trapped in a nightmare world that had been reset to the Middle Ages. A terrorist group who had murdered Afghanis was now running their country. The family was terrified to even leave their house.

Jami had to save them. With few options open, he contacted his brother-in-law, Armin (not his real name), who was still in Afghanistan, asking him to help Jami’s family escape to America. This would be a huge sacrifice.

If Armin helped them, he would have to travel to America as well or risk the Taliban’s retribution. That was a problem because he also had a wife and kids in Afghanistan. If he

Armin drove Daana and her kids to Kabul, the capital city of Afghanistan, which had the only airport that could take them to the U.S. On the way to Kabul, they passed through two Taliban checkpoints. They knew that if the Taliban found their passports and green cards, they would all be kidnapped, so they hid their information under the seats. Fortunately, the guards didn’t see their documents, and the family was able to pass safely.

Yet all this was just prelude to the scene of horror at the airport. A mob of at least 20,000 people had swarmed the building. Thousands would try to pass through a single gate. It was as if everyone in the country—from the richest to the poorest— was trying to escape. Armin had to carry Jami’s children in his arms to make sure they weren’t trampled to death by the crowds.

As the family approached the Taliban checkpoint at the airport, Armin saw terrorist guards hitting people with the butts of their guns. Shotgun fire rang out over the roar of the crowd as soldiers fired into the air. Women and children sobbed, but the Taliban guards hardly seemed to notice.

Because of the large crowds, the family was unable to leave that day. They called Jami who reached out to his contacts in the American Embassy, pleading for their help. They said his family should return to the airport the next day, and they gave him a specific gate and time. Jami informed his family who did as instructed. The airport was still horribly crowded but less than it had been the previous day.

This time, they were able to board a plane bound for the United States.

Meanwhile in America, Jami learned that his family would soon be landing in Washington D.C. His friend Thomas drove him there, and

the overjoyed family was reunited, finally safe from the Taliban’s regime.

Jami later recalled, “When I saw them, I thought: I have my wife and my kids again.”

He also said: “I’m very appreciative of the U.S. Army. They saved my family.”

Thomas said, “I was blessed to be able to travel with Jami to Washington DC to help reunite his family. My church had helped with funding for the trip. That evening as I carried Jami’s sleeping son into the hotel, the emotions completely washed over as I could feel his beating heart next to mine. He felt the same as my own son.”

Thomas also stated, “Armin is a hero. This is a man that traveled across a war zone through multiple Taliban checkpoints. He sacrificed everything to help two American green card holders and a citizen get to safety. My prayer is that his family will be reunited soon.”

Armin wasn’t the only one to make a tremendous sacrifice in the tragic events in Afghanistan. A few days after the family’s return to America, Sgt. Ryan Knauss, an American soldier from Tennessee, was killed in a terrorist attack at that same airport in Kabul. Knauss gave his life helping countless innocent people like Armin and Daana evacuate to safety.

Thomas said, “I remember talking with Jami after Sgt. Knauss was killed in the bombing at Hamid Karzai airport. We talk about sacrifice like it’s a cliché but I have never seen such a clear path between the sacrifice made by Sgt. Knauss and the fact my friend’s family is whole and well here in East Tennessee.

When I see my son playing with Jami’s children, I see the legacy of Sgt. Knauss.”

Unfortunately, many of Jami and Armin’s relatives are still stuck in Afghanistan, living in fear of a government run by uneducated extremists, as Jami described the Taliban.

Not only are Armin’s wife and children still trapped, but so are many of their other relatives. This is why I cannot give any of their real names, as it would endanger their family members still in Afghanistan.

Jami and Armin are still in contact with their relatives and are trying to get them to America, but the process is painfully slow.

The two described what life is like for their family members in Afghanistan. Before the Taliban came to power, Armin’s wife had been a teacher at the girls’ school, but now girls aren’t allowed to go to school, so she doesn’t have a job. She’s forbidden to even leave her home without a male relative accompanying her.

As a woman, she isn’t allowed to work, and even if she could work, the Taliban only pays people in wheat, not money. For months, almost no one in Afghanistan has been paid with actual money. With her husband thousands of miles away in America, she and the children must live on the money Armin and Jami send them each month.

They want us to live like it’s the 1400s, Jami said. We had everything—internet, democracy—but now we have nothing.

They’ve set us back hundreds of years.

Meanwhile, the Taliban has taken away freedom of speech. Anyone who criticizes them runs the risk of jail where they might be beaten or killed. Men are forced to wear Turbans and grow beards.

Tajik, Hazara, and Uzbek among others—but most people in the Taliban are from the Pashtun ethnic group. When they took power, the Taliban kicked all non-Pashtuns out of the government and said that only Pashtuns can hold office. Additionally, while Jami is a Muslim, the Taliban insists that he is a Christian because he is working with the United States.

“I’m very happy to be here [in America],” Armin said, “[but] I’m worried about my family.”

Jami added, “I’m worried about the ladies.

I’m worried about the young girls. I’m worried about the boys.” He wished there was something he could do to fight the Taliban who he describes as ten times worse than ISIS. For many of us, this conflict seems distant, but for one East Tennessee family, it couldn’t be closer to home. Jami said that for the last 20 years before the Taliban took over, things in Afghanistan had been improving. Girls could go to school. They had democracy. There may have been corruption in the government, but it was still much, much better than the Taliban’s regime.

“I don’t know why this happened,” Jami said.

He loved it when the United States was in Afghanistan, and he wishes that the U.S. had left some troops, even just 1,000. Jami says that when the U.S. withdrew, the Afghani soldiers lost morale; if the United States had left some troops, this might never have happened. He wants Americans to know what is happening in his former homeland, wants them to be aware of the horrors of the Taliban’s rule.

America is my country now, Jami said. This is my mother country.

The Taliban also promotes racist policies.

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The planned interior and exterior of the building after renovations are complete. Renderings created by Main Street Studio Architects.

The Arts Center Is Raising $1.6 Million for Large-Scale Renovations

T

he Arts Center in Athens is raising money to expand their center by 6,000 feet.

The center is part of the Athens Area Council for the Arts, a nonprofit organization promoting musical, visual, and performance art. In 2019, they bought three buildings adjacent to their current one, but they are still raising money to refurbish and improve them, making them a part of the center.

As of February, they have raised over $1 million out of their $1.6 million goal. This includes both the money they needed to buy the new buildings as well as the money they now need to finish renovating it. They are hoping to start work in June once they’ve raised a little more, and they estimate the renovations will take three months. These are just estimates, however, and it’s too early for exact deadlines.

The Art Center hosts concerts from both local musicians and touring celebrities like Judy Collins and Vance Gilbert. The center also performs plays featuring local actors, and they display work from talented artists.

They even offer art classes on subjects like painting or pottery.

holding a concert in their one theater room, they can’t also be rehearsing a play. If they’re displaying artwork in the meeting room, they may not have enough space for a music class.

The new buildings will allow them to hold more events and give separate spaces for visual, musical, and performance arts.

So how are these new buildings going to improve the Art Center? To answer that, Scottie Mayfield, the Council’s Capital Campaign chairman, talked about a meeting at the center a few years ago. He arrived for the meeting only to find an art class being taught in their meeting room. He checked the pottery studio to see if it was available, but there was a class in there too, as well as a rehearsal going on in the theater space and people behind the theater working on the set for an upcoming show. Finally, Mayfield and the others were forced to have their meeting in the lobby as there wasn’t anywhere else they could use.

Mayfield said, “We’re going to be able to do the things we’ve been doing, but just a little bit better and [for] more people.” He described some of the planned features like “practice rooms and a recording studio” in the music space.

He and Executive Director Lauren Brown said that the current center offers a lot of programs but has limited space. This restricts the organization because if they’re

Mayfield was especially grateful for retired actress Peggy Dow who gave $200,000 towards the campaign. They are naming their new performance area after her.

The Arts Council seeks to benefit the Athens community. They provide programs in schools, often at no cost to students’ parents or the school system. Additionally, they’ve paid for works of public art that residents can see around town and collaborated on Sounds of Summer, a free downtown concert series in 2021.

ATHENS AREA COUNCIL FOR THE ARTS • 320 N WHITE ST • ATHENS, TN 37303-3504

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SANDWICHES • FRIED OREOS • HAMBURGERS • COTTON CANDY AND OTHER FUN FOODS!

NINTH ANNUAL

ADMISSION

$10 Day Labor WEEKEND

A PERSON KIDS 4 AND UNDER A Benefit For ARE TheFREE Boys & Girls Club Of Monroe County

Tickets www.monroelifeballoonfestival.com

SUMMER 2022 MONROE MONROE LIFE LIFE FALL 2021

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WELCOME TO

TELLICO PLAINS The gateway to the Cherohala Skyway and the Cherokee National Forest. Here in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains, a simpler way Welcome To of life prevails. Enjoy the bakery and the other shops in townTELLICO that sell PLAINS fine arts, crafts and furnishings. There are plenty of restaurants and The gateway to the Cherohala Skyway and the Cherokee National Forest. Here places to stay. in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains, a simpler way of life prevails. Enjoy the bakery and the other shops in town that sell fine arts, crafts and furnishings.

There are plenty of restaurants and places to stay. www.tellico-plains.com

Find your perfect property with Sharron Jenkins, an experienced Realtor® for over 30 years.

JENKINS REALTY Jenkins RealtyCOMPANY Co. Sharron@JenkinsRealty.com

www.JenkinsRealty.com Find your perfect property with Sharron 5588 Hwy. 360, Tellico Plains, TN 37385 Jenkins, an experienced Realtor® for over (423) 253-3526 30 years.

Come discover the most beautifully biodiverse area in America. We’ll help you find your place on the planet in the East Tennessee mountains with creeks and meadows and a chain of lakes leading to the rivers flowing down to the gulf.

Cherohala Skyway Visitor Center The Cherohala Skyway Visitor Center in Tellico Plains is a “must stop” before starting up the Skyway. Come by between 9am and 5pm daily for free maps of the Skyway and Cherokee National Forest, Skyway driving conditions and local area souvenirs and gifts. Picnic tables and spotless restrooms are also available, with friendly staff waiting to welcome you with important Skyway and area information!

CHARLES HALL MUSEUM AND HERITAGE CENTER 225 Cherohala Skyway, 423.253.8010 www.cherohala.org

CHEROHALA SKYWAY VISITOR CENTER The Cherohala Skyway Visitor Center in Tellico Plains is a “must stop” before starting up the Skyway. Come by between 9am and 5pm daily for free maps of the Skyway and Cherokee National Forest, Skyway driving conditions and local area souvenirs and gifts. Picnic tables and spotless restrooms are also available, with friendly staff waiting to welcome you with important Skyway and area information!

225 Cherohala Skyway 423.253.8010 www.cherohala.org

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A local historian and collector since boyhood, Charles also served as mayor of Tellico Plains for 31 years. Showcased in two museum buildings are his magnificent collections of historical local pictures and documents, antique telephones, guns, Native American artifacts, coin and currency collections, a moonshine still, a 1922 Model T Ford telephone repair truck and so much more.

Open Daily: 10am–5pm, Admission: Free 229 Cherohala Skyway, 423.253.8000 charleshallmuseum@hotmail.com www.charleshallmuseum.com Local handcrafted items and souvenirs in their gift shops!!

Charles Hall Museum and Heritage Center

A local historian and collector since boyhood, Charles also served as mayor of Tellico Plains for 31 years. Showcased in two museum buildings are his magnificent collections of historical local pictures and documents, antique telephones, guns, Native American artifacts, coin and currency collections, a moonshine still, a 1922 Model T Ford telephone repair truck and so much more.

Cherohala Skyway Festival - October 23, 2021

We offer log cabins in the forest and farms in the valleys. And if you want to sell, we can Come discover the most beautifully biodiverse area find the very best buyers for in America.

We’llyou. help you find your place on the

Open Daily: 10am–5pm, Admission: Free 229 Cherohala Skyway, 423-253-8000, charleshallmuseum@hotmail.com www.charleshallmusuem.com You will also find local handcrafted items and souvenirs in their gift shops!

planet in the East Tennessee mountains with creeks and meadows and a chain of lakes leading to the rivers flowing down to the gulf.

We offer log cabins in the forest and farms in the Sharron@JenkinsRealty.com valleys. And if you want to sell, we can find the very best buyers for you!

5588 Hwy. 360, Tellico Plains, TN 37385 423.253-3526

The Bookshelf The Bookshelf is a qu the Historic District ju Celebrating 15 years a full-service bookstore history books and gen categories. Their frien staff also offers free ou

Hours: Tuesday–Satu 108 Scott Street, 423.2 www.tellicobookshelf.

Find us on Facebook

Tellico Vacation Re Savor the serenity of y mountains! Choose fr thats sleeps from two a cabin with a hot tub stone fireplace or a po room. Our cabins are getaway, a wedding or vacation or reunion. W multiple bedrooms, co and outdoor decks, yo to be a fabulous value for several couples or cabins are private and unique. A change in a in attitude!

206 Cherohala Skywa tvr@tellicovacationr

THE BOOKSHELF

The Bookshelf The Bookshelf is a quaint little bookshop in the Historic District just off the Town Square.

Celebrating 15 years as Monroe County’s only full-service bookstore, they offer new local history books and gently used books in all categories. Their friendly and knowledgeable staff also offers free out-of-print book searches.

Hours: Tuesday–Saturday: 10am-5pm 108 Scott Street, 423.253.3183 www.tellicobookshelf.com Find us on Facebook

Tellico Vacation Rentals Savor the serenity of your own cabin in the mountains! Choose from one to five bedrooms thats sleeps from two to ten guests. Select a cabin with a hot tub on the deck, a cozy stone fireplace or a pool table in the game room. Our cabins are ideal for a romantic getaway, a wedding or honeymoon, a family vacation or reunion. With your own kitchen, multiple bedrooms, comfortable living areas and outdoor decks, you’ll find cabin rentals to be a fabulous value for extended vacations for several couples or extended families. Our cabins are private and comfortable, each totally unique. A change in altitude creates a change in attitude!

206 Cherohala Skyway, 866.253.2254 tvr@tellicovacationrentals.com

The Bookshelf is a quaint little bookshop in the Historic District just off the Town Square. Celebrating 15 years as Monroe County’s only full-service bookstore, they Skyway Realty Land and Homes EVERHART LUMBER Skyway Realty's associates create home and land offer new local history books and gently dreams for buyers and sellers. For buyers, we COMPANY, LLC hone in on and help you select the places you Everhart Lumber Company, LLC are most likely interested in buying. Sellers have used books in all categories.new Their friendly Everhart Lumber Company specializes in high dreams we help them find as we sell their Everhart Lumber Company specializes in quality specialty timber and furniture products. current properties. We love being helpers in one and knowledgeable offers free outEverhart's is a wood specialty and furniture staff store in also of the most important decisions of your lives. high quality specialty timber and furniture We make the real estate experience enjoyable Tellico Plains, Tennessee that offers Ready-Made of-print book from the first call to the close and enjoy win-win and Custom-Made Furnituresearches. from unique products. Everhart’s is a wood specialty and transactions with everyone at the table talking character woods such as black walnut, figured to each other as friends...that's what we all like maple, flaming box elder, eastern red cedar, teak, about Tellico Plains, it’s warm, friendly, peaceful furniture store in Tellico Plains, Tennessee and other wood types. We also offer mantles, and successful.

Call today 423.253.7100. Email us Hours: 10am-5pm wooden counter topsTuesday–Saturday: for kitchen islands and at info1@tellico-tn.com. We are ready to go. Stop paneling made from reclaimed barnwood and in and see us at our office on the Skyway...where that offers Ready-Made and Custom-Made 108 Scott Street, 423.253.3183 reclaimed wood previously used to harvest the bears are. mushrooms.

Furniture from unique character woods such www.tellicobookshelf.com & Facebook 411 Cherohala Skyway, 423.253.7100 www.tellico-tn.com 911 Veterans Memorial Drive, 423-253-2323 as black walnut, figured maple, flaming box Open Tues – Fri: 9a – 5p, Sat: 9a – 2p www.everhart-lumber.com elder, eastern red cedar, teak, and other wood types. We also offer mantles, wooden counter tops for kitchen islands and paneling Tellico Mountain Realty made from reclaimed barnwood and reclaimed Helping you make our hometown your hometown.

Stop by and see one of our seasoned agents with wood previously used to harvest mushrooms.

The Thrift Store of Tellico Plains expertise in our historic and scenic area.

While you’re visiting Old Town Tellico, remember to check out the bargains at The Thrift Store of Tellico Plains. All proceeds raised from the sale of household items, linens, and clothing for the whole family are used to purchase food for needy seniors and families in the Tellico area.

Like us on Facebook.

418 Cherohala Skyway, 423.253.6145 email: info@easttennnrealty.com www.tellicomountainrealty.com Find us on facebook Tellico Mountain Realty LLC

TELLICO VACATION RENTALS

Savor the serenity of your own cabin in the 110 Scott Street next to The Bookshelf. mountains!

Choose from one to five Open Monday - Saturday: 9 a.m. - 1:45 p.m. bedrooms that sleeps from two to ten guests. Select a cabin with a hot tub on the deck, a cozy stone fireplace or a pool table in the game room. Our cabins are ideal for a romantic getaway, a wedding or honeymoon, a family vacation or reunion. With your own kitchen, multiple bedrooms, comfortable living areas and outdoor decks, you’ll find cabin rentals to be a fabulous value for extended vacations for several couples or extended families. Our cabins are private and comfortable, each totally unique.

A change in altitude creates a change in attitude!

206 Cherohala Skyway, 866.253.2254 tvr@tellicovacationrentals.com

911 Veterans Memorial Drive Open Tuesday – Friday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, Saturday – 9:00 am – 2:00 pm 423.253.2323 www.everhart-lumber.com

SKYWAY REALTY LAND AND HOMES Skyway Realty’s associates create home and land dreams for buyers and sellers. For buyers, we hone in on and help you select the places you are most likely interested in buying. Sellers have new dreams we help them find as we sell their current properties. We love being helpers in one of the most important decisions of your lives. We make the real estate experience enjoyable from the first call to the close and enjoy win-win transactions with everyone at the table talking to each other as friends...that’s what we all like about Tellico Plains, it’s warm, friendly, peaceful and successful. Call today 423.253.7100. Email us at info1@tellico-tn. com. We are ready to go. Stop in and see us at our office on the Skyway...where the bears are.

411 Cherohala Skyway, 423.253.7100 www.tellico-tn.com

TELLICO MOUNTAIN REALTY Helping you make our hometown your hometown. Stop by and see one of our seasoned agents with expertise in our historic and scenic area.

418 Cherohala Skyway, 423.253.6145 email: info@easttennnrealty.com www.tellicomountainrealty.com

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TELLICAFE The Leudemann family can now boast twenty-five years and four generations of good service and good food employing an executive certified chef. The Tellicafe is open seven days a week all year round serving lunch and dinner. Providing a memorable dinning experience, specialties like Fried Green Tomatoes, Trout Cakes, Fresh Prime Rib, BBQ Menu and Country Cooking keep customers coming back time after time. Enjoy the $7.99 variety burger menu.

128 Bank Street, 423.253.2880 www.tellicafe.com

THE BEARS DEN Rich Leudemann, owner of The Bears Den and Tellicafe, located in Tellico Plains, TN, grew up in the restaurant business. His father was a restaurant owner and passed his love of the business on to Rich.

Over the years, Rich has been around the business in almost every aspect. Rich’s latest endeavor, The Bears Den, a pizza restaurant heavily influenced by his Italian heritage, is now open and already hosting live music and other wonderful events. With seating for over 80 people, you are sure to find your place. Menu consists of New York Style and Sicilian Pizza. Specialty pizzas and dessert pizzas, cold beer, hoagies and wings!

9188 New Hwy 68, 423.253.3361 www.bearsdentellico.com The Perfect Gift “GUIDED FLY FISHING TRIPS” Gift Certificate Tellico Outfitters wants to make sure you have the best experience possible. Our guides are well versed in fishing the Tellico River under a variety of conditions and with a variety of tactics and techniques. Want to learn something specific on your trip such as small stream tactics, tenkara or euro-nymphing? Let us know and we’ll customize your trip just for you.

Tellico Outfitters operates all guided trips under permit from the U.S. National Forest Service. All gear (rods, reels, waders, flies) provided for all trips. Lunch is provided on full day trips. Call for more information or to schedule your trip.

Fly Rods & Reels Fly Tying Materials Fly Line & Backing Packs & Fly Boxes Waders & Boots Landing Nets Fly Tying Hooks & Vises Apparel & Footwear Leaders & Tippet Books, Gifts & Novelties Tenkara USA Camping Supplies 109 Scott St. Downtown Tellico Plains • 423-253-2231 • www.tellicooutfitters.com • Hours: Tuesday -Saturday 9a-5p Sunday 1p-5p • Closed Monday

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MASON FURNITURE & APPLIANCES

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168 WARREN ST, MADISONVILLE

423.442.2940 SUMMER 2022 MONROE LIFE

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