Volume 3, 2015
A magazine for the people of Farragut, West Knoxville & surrounding communities.
Antiques In Autumn A Tour Through East Tennessee
BILL ROBINSON The Longest-Held POW In History SHARON REEDY-RAMSEY Living Like No One Else!
Steve and Donna File Their Amazing Life Story
CHRIS HIGGINS
Capturing the Unexplored
Chief Jim Henry
The Perfect Way To End A Career
Volume 2, 2015
A magazine for the people of Farragut, West Knoxville & surrounding communities.
Seasonal Culinary Inspirations Truffle Ricotta Cheese Recipe With Chef Deron Little
KIPPY BROWN Behind The Scenes With
Seattle Seahawks Coach Kippy Brown And His Amazing Life Story
THE MUSCADINE FESTIVAL &
HOT AIR 20 BALLOONS
Tsali Notch Vineyard The Largest Muscadine Vineyard In The State Is Also The Prettiest!
DR. HAROLD BLACK
One Of The First African-Americans To Attend The University Of Georgia
Farragut_Summer_2015.indd 1
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T E N N E S S E E
HUNTING & TRAPPING GUIDE
EFFECTIVE AUGUST 1, 2015 - JULY 31, 2016
» New White-Tailed Deer Buck Bag Limit: see page 25 » Hunter/Landowner Permission Card: see page 67 » New Hunter Education Field Day Exemption: see page 12
www.tnwildlife.org Follow us on:
Includes 2016 Spring Turkey Season
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Community Health Services
25
YEARS OF BRANDING EXPERIENCE
20
YEARS OF IN-HOUSE TELEVISION PRODUCTION
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CUSTOM MAGAZINES A YEAR
150
LOCAL AND NATIONAL ADDY AWARDS
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NATIONAL BROADCAST TELLEY AWARDS
TEL: 865.523.5999 • 11921 KINGSTON PIKE • KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE 37934
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Antiques In Autumn A Tour Through East Tennessee
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Contents
Jim Henry
The Perfect Way to End a Career
54
features
Sharon Reedy-Ramsey Leads A Life Of Love, Faith, And Inspiration
30
Return With Honor Madisonville resident recounts his time as a prisoner of war in North Vietnam
36
Donna & Steve File Their Life Story
46
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CHRIS HIGGINS CAPTURING THE UNEXPLORED
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departments
Fall Flavors To Warm You Up With
SEASONS
4 From The Publisher
66
6 Letters To The Publisher 12 Strange, Spooky and Unexplained Tales A Tale By Joe Guy
29 School Is In Session
Dream Katcher Lodge
Luxury Accommodations For Your Pet
42
Admiral High School Band
65 Farragut’s Best Premier EyeCare
68 Restaurant Guide 72 Knoxville Film Festival
REDISCOVERING THE
OVERHILL
CHEROKEE COUNTRY
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A Little History and Some Spooky Ways To Celebrate In East Tennessee
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Letter From The Publisher There is no denying that Autumn has arrived to East Tennessee. With cooler temperatures on the way and the colors of the leaves changing all around, it is time to celebrate the new season! Our Fall edition of Farragut Life will tell you amazing stories about the people and places that make up our community. In this edition, we share a little history on the tradition of Halloween and offer a few suggestions for fun places to find candy and show off your costume. We also included a local’s insight on a tour of the unique antique stores in our area. Each store has something a little different each day, you never know what you may find! We sat down with Governor Haslam’s new Chief of Staff, Jim Henry, to learn about his service in Tennessee Politics. Henry used his life experiences to transform the way people see Children’s Services. We also had the honor to share “Bill” Robinson’s incredible story and his life as the longest detained Prisoner of War in Northern Vietnam. Farragut Life also contains the amazing life of Steve and Donna File, from their adventures working at Cypress Gardens, to their home in Gatlinburg Tennessee; they are truly an inspirational couple. Sharon Reedy-Ramsey, wife to Dave Ramsey, is also featured in our Fall edition. She opened up about her life, her family and how her faith keeps everything together. My dream job would be to work for Southern Living. I love everything Southern; the food, beautiful porches (mine is featured on the cover), the scenery and especially the people. 18 years ago, we toured a Southern Living Idea Home in Kennesaw, Georgia. I immediately fell in love. We bought the plans and built our home in true Southern Living style. Without having to move to Birmingham, Alabama, I am enjoying our Southern Life right here in East Tennessee. I hope you enjoy Autumn in the South as much as I do. Thank you to our faithful readers, subscribers and advertisers - with your help and support, we get to share these wonderful stories with the world. I hope we can bring a little southern living to your home this Fall, living in East Tennessee is truly a pleasure! Wishing you a safe and Happy Halloween,
Lisa Atkins Bingham Publisher
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PUBLISHER
The Bingham Group President Lisa Atkins Bingham Graphic Designers Lisa Bingham Dustin Hayes Abby Swabe Contributing Writers Clay Allen Vanessa Barr Caroline Duvall Dr. Brent Fry Joe Guy Derron Little Phil Roulier Emily Walls Contributing Photographers Lisa Bingham Ben Gibson Chris Higgins JoPhoto Cover Photo Lisa Bingham Copy Editor Caroline Duvall Web Melissa Hitt Advertising Sales Mignonne Alman Tel: 865.523.5999 mignonne@binghamgroup.com Cheryl Lee Tel: 865.523.5999 cheryl@binghamgroup.com Michelle Johns Tel: 865.523.5999 michelle@binghamgroup.com Subscription or Editorial Inquiries
Tel: 865.523.5999 Fax: 865.523.0999 www.farragutlife.com
The Bingham Group, Inc. 11921 Kingston Pike, Suite 201 Knoxville, Tennessee 37934 www.binghamgroup.com www.farragutlife.com
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Makes a Splash with Safety Award This Spring, Sea Ray was given the
Letters To The Publisher
Brunswick Corporation. The Sea Ray Tellico location was one of six facilities
The Tennessee Overhill has been advertising in Monroe Life & McMinn Life since the beginning with successful response. We started advertising in the new Farragut Life this Summer & Fall issues. We could tell the day that Farragut Life hit the streets with our ad. Our phones were ringing-off-the-hook from all over Knoxville & the surrounding areas. They were asking for our new Waterfall brochure & wanting local tourism information. So many new locals have been coming to ride our Hiwassee River Train Excursion & hike our trails, discovering & exploring our beautiful Southeast Tennessee due to your magazine. The staff at the Bingham Group is so professional & friendly in the planning & placement of our ad layouts. Thank you Lisa & the Bingham Group staff for helping us spread the word of our fabulous State of Tennessee and all its wonders.
around the world to receive recognition
Nancy Dalton Tourism & Marketing Coordinator, Tennessee Overhill Heritage Association
Sea Ray Boat Manufacturing Facility in
Hi Lisa!! The magazine is STUNNING!!! Congrats. We love it and I am so happy for you. Eden K. Stewart LMT Patient Coordinator, Gallaher Plastic Surgery & Spa MD Farragut Life has increased our business by at least 20%. We love our ads and everyone with Farragut Life has been such a joy to work with! We would highly recommend any local business working with Farragut Life. Kevin & Jessica Moore Studio 135
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2014 Chairman’s Safety Award from the
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for their outstanding safety record and performance in the boating industry. Sea Ray Tellico Employees donated the $10,000 award to the East Tennessee Children’s Hospital in Knoxville. Keith Goodwin, President and CEO of the hospital, accepted the donation at the Vonore, Tennessee. Brunswick is the parent company of Sea Ray, Brunswick Chairman and CEO Dusty McCoy with President and COO Mark Schwabero also attended the event.
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Halloween
A Little History and Many Ways to Celebrate the Holiday in East Tennessee. Written By Clay Allen
T
he history of Halloween dates back to Celtic tribes almost 3000 years ago. The Celts believed that there was a sacred day where the season of life met the season of death. The day essentially was where summer met winter. On this sacred day, known as Summer’s End, the Celts thought that the spirits of the dead could rise up and walk around with the living. The tribes would have bonfires and put on makeup to confuse the spirits, and the Druid priests determined whether or not a tribe would
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make it through the coming season. In order to put an end to this pagan practice, eighth century Pope Gregory III established All Hallows Day to celebrate all saints, known and unknown. Even though All Hallows Day caught on, most Europeans didn’t feel any need to stop celebrating Summer’s End altogether. The pagan holiday was celebrated the night before and became known as All Hallows Eve. After that, it wasn’t long before Halloween was the common name.
America did not always celebrate Halloween. Because our first colonies and many founding fathers were Puritan, no such pagan rituals were tolerated. It wasn’t until the mid 1800s that Halloween appeared in the U.S. The Potato Famine in Ireland drove around one million immigrants to the land of the free, and with them came Halloween. But because they were in a melting pot of new culture, traditions began to change. Instead of bonfires, they began to light candles inside of
carved gourds, which gave us the tradition of jack-o-lanterns. Also, the disguises used to fool the spirits came to be the costumes and masks we now know today. Trick-or-treating still has a debated history. Many believe that it stems from the children of poor families going door-to-door, praying for the souls of dead relatives in exchange for cakes and sweets. This custom has been known as souling in different cultures.
By the early 1900s, Halloween was becoming an institution in America. Eventually companies began to massproduce masks and costumes, and the holiday was making billions of dollars for retailers. As you can see today, Halloween means different things to different people. To kids, it is a chance to don the appearance of a personal hero. To others, it is simply a chance to be another character for a night of fun. Free candies and sweets always make Halloween more fun, and is an easy reason to put on a costume.
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October 22-25 5:30pm–8pm
Boo! at the Zoo, presented by U.S. Cellular This October marks the 29th year of Boo! at the Zoo, and promises to offer families safe and not-too-scary fun! Tickets are $8 per person, children ages 2 and under are free! Parking is $5 Zoo members receive a $2 discount on admission with FREE parking! Tickets are available for purchase at the Knoxville Zoo or by phone at 865-637-5331 The Knoxville Zoo is located at 3500 Knoxville Zoo Dr, Knoxville, TN 37914
October 25 1pm–5pm
Free Howl-o-Ween Pooch Parade and Pet Expo Sponsored by the UT Gardens This year, the UT Gardens and College of Veterinary Medicine will host a food drive to benefit the Pantry for Feeding Pets, a Pooch Parade, and a Costume Contest! Pre-registration is required for parade participants. Contact Beth Willis at ewillis2@utk.edu for more information.
October 21-31 6pm–10pm
Maple Lane Farm Maple Lane Farms opens their corn maze and invites you to an a-maze-ingly haunted time. Haunted Maze tickets are only $13.00! Visit www.tnmaplelanefarms.com for more information.
October 1–31 Opens @ 7:30pm
Dead Man’s Farm For those looking for a spookier Halloween, visit Dead Man’s Farm all month long from Thursday to Sunday for a self-guided tour through their truly Haunted House. Parking is free! Located at 9567 Highway 11E in Lenoir City, TN 37772 Visit deadmansfarm.com for hours and ticket information
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The Soldier in the Picture From Joe Guy’s Haunted History:
Strange, Spooky, and Unexplained Tales Written By Joe Guy
We had just completed the tour of the Carter House, the last remaining structure and centerpoint of the Civil War Battle of Franklin, Tennessee. The brick house, built in 1830, sat directly behind the Union lines which were assaulted by Confederate forces under General John Bell Hood on November 30, 1864. It was a disaster for the southerners, for after several suicidal charges some 7,000 Confederates were killed, including Generals 15, and Patrick Cleburne, who was found astride his horse on the Union earthworks. The brick house still maintains evidence of the damages it received that day and bears the story of young Tod Carter, the son who was raised in the house only to find himself one of the Confederates charging the Union lines in his own front yard. Carter was mortally wounded in the action and was brought into the house to die in his home two days later. 12
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After taking the tour, I could not help asking the one question in my mind: “Have you ever seen any ghosts here?” The tour guide replied “No, I haven’t. But….” Her voice trailed off for a moment “…actually, there is something you might want to see. Follow me back to the gift shop.”
“I took that picture about a year ago,” the young man said. “Those guys were here to do a program for some school kids, and we took their picture at the end of the day.”
My wife and I trailed along behind her. We entered the warmth of the gift shop as the girl called to another employee, a young man working behind the cash register “They want to see the picture. They just took the tour, and they asked if we’d ever seen any ghosts here.”
“They don’t look much like ghosts,” I joked. “No, they don’t,” he said. “But look in the trees behind them.” My eyes drifted over the picture, behind the grey-uniformed men and the cannon, back to the trees where once had been the Union lines and some of the bloodiest fighting that awful day. And then I saw it.
The young man disappeared behind the counter to the office, then led us over into a corner and handed me a photograph. The picture was of a group of Confederate reenactors posing around one of the cannons in the yard of the Carter House.
Standing in the trees, half hidden by the Autumn leaves, was another man. But he was less visible than the others, a little blurry, and he was dressed in a long blue uniform coat and blue hat. I immediately recognized him as a Union soldier.
“Another re-enactor?” I asked, somehow knowing what the answer was already.
Sheriff Joe Guy is a nationally published author, syndicated newspaper columnist, storyteller, and historian from Athens Tennessee. As a student of history, Sheriff Guy
“That’s the thing,” said the young man. “There were no Union re-enactors here that day. Only Confederates. I was here, and there was no one dressed like that on the grounds. We didn’t notice it until days later when I had the picture developed.”
has published a historical narrative titled Indian Summer: The Siege and Fall of Fort Loudoun, which was acclaimed by newspapers, historical groups and tourism associations. He has also written historical articles for Appalachian Life Magazine, Backwoodsman Magazine and McMinn County: A History of its People. Sheriff Guy has also written for “Hidden History”, a regional column in several East Tennessee newspapers. He has also authored a book of historical stories called The Hidden History of McMinn County.
We examined the picture for several minutes, hardly believing what we were seeing. Even a vague image of the soldiers face was visible. The young man shrugged when we handed him back the photograph. “I mean, maybe someone was here we just didn’t see. Maybe there is some explanation for it, but we sure can’t figure it out.” But someone or something was there, and the evidence was in the picture. We thanked them for sharing the story with us, bought a few souvenirs for our boys, and walked out into the cold evening. Walking back to the car, I glanced over to the treeline, wondering about the story and the soldier in the picture. A stab of cold wind wrapped around us, reaching under our jackets, and a slight chill crept over my skin.
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There is nothing quite like strolling through Main Street in the Fall and visiting the unique Antique Stores in East Tennessee. We spent a beautiful afternoon visiting with the Antique owners that open their doors to curious shoppers and seasoned collectors. There are plenty of treasures to be found, all you have to do is step outside and go take a look! Farragut The Shoppes at Homespun offers over 9,000 square feet containing vintage merchandise, jewelry, gifts, garden art, antiques and furniture, shoppers can find new and one-of-a-kind items to make their trip worthwhile. Homespun has locations in Farragut and Maryville, so no matter what side of town you find yourself on, you can swing by for a look at the wares from several different vendors. Just down the road from Homespun in Knox County, Wayne and Susan Flynn operate the Gatehouse Antique Market, which offers exceptional antique furniture, linens and quilts, rugs, jewelry, glassware and toys! Many of the Gatehouse Antiques date to the late 1700’s, which offer visitors a wide variety of items to see. With over 20 dealers under 1 roof, their collection changes a little each day, making each trip an exciting one.
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Sweetwater Sweetwater has a variety of shops and restaurants for locals and visitors alike. Our first stop was a large, white building with a sign that read “Antiques at the Mill.” The store was overflowing with unique and old items, even spilling out onto the porch and the sidewalk by the road. We saw vintage water pumps, a yellow traffic light, plenty of furniture, and even an large rail car that was filled with old feed bags and dry goods. Michelle has owned Antiques at the Mill since Spring of 2011, which is open 7 days a week, and primarily fills the store with items from estate sales and auctions. “It’s exciting to find things,” she says: “It’s a feeling, you know?” Michelle enjoys the hunt, the find, and bringing the treasure back to the store to arrange among everything else.
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Just down the street from Michelle we met Martha Presley who owns The Picket Fence; a collection of 40 dealers and sellers offering individual wares. The Picket Fence also has another unique vendor for visitors who need to stop and refuel - The Back in Time Cafe and Bakery offers sandwiches and goods to customers who have worked up an appetite, or just need to satisfy a sweet tooth. Walking towards a large, red brick building, we found Cooney’s Corner. Cooney’s not only offers antiques from 19 different dealers, but features watch and clock repairs on the weekends. The downstairs gallery was filled with beautiful furniture pieces, while the upstairs led to smaller, novelty items. There is an old cargo elevator upstairs and even an original wooden spinning wheel that made us feel like watching Sleeping Beauty.
Madisonville If you are heading South from Sweetwater, stop by Madisonville to see Wren Cottage Antiques and Home. The cottage makes you feel right at home, giving visitors a chance to step back in time. Offering Vintage and Antique items, as well as Home Decor, you are sure to be inspired to take a little piece of the store back with you. If your travels take you from Madisonville to Maryville, stop by CC’s Trade Store on Highway 411 for a unique trip to an antique general store and flea market.
Next door to Cooney’s is Main Street Antiques, which hosts over 30 individual dealers, and sells everything from fine china, books and clothes, to old farm tools. They even had an old hardware store cabinet with individual drawers labeled “seeds”, “long nails” and “screws”. It was a truly unique place!
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CRANBERRY HOLLOW Maryville Located just 15 minutes from Downtown Sweetwater, Maryville Tennessee sits at the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. Just outside of downtown, Restoration Broadway specializes in beautiful antiques and painted furniture. With a full painting service on-site, they can customize any antique. Maryville shoppers can also tour Backcountry Antiques, which operates out of an original 1900’s stone home that opens into a parlor and dining room - the store truly feels like home! Parkway Antique Mall, near Maryville College, has something for everyone. If you are looking for a large piece of furniture, clock or a small gift, Parkway Antiques is the place to shop.
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If you are visiting East Tennessee for the first time, or have lived here for years, walking through the antique stores in early Autumn is a wonderful way to slow down and take in the town. It is also a fantastic place to pick up some unique items that will commemorate your visit for years to come, and enjoy the beautiful weather that transforms Tennessee with the vibrant colors of Fall. Alyssa Bingham finds a real treasure above! Left: Lisa Bingham and our new copy editor Caroline Duvall antiquing and enjoying lunch in downtown Sweetwater.
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CHRIS HIGGINS:
CAPTURING THE UNEXPLORED Written By Caroline Duvall Photography By Chris Higgins
For remote location photographer Chris Higgins, capturing the perfect shot isn’t just his job, it’s a way of life. Higgins was born and raised in Knoxville and currently works part time at Blue Ridge Mountain Sports. The rest of his time is spent planning, traveling and documenting mountain and cave explorations across the globe. This summer, Higgins took a trip to Mexico with the idea to climb the tallest mountain and photograph the deepest cave. Higgins, with friends Matt Bumbalough and Mike Green, flew out to Mexico City to attempt a feat that has never been tried by the same team on the same trip. The team would begin climbing Iztaccihuatl Mountain, which is 17,159 feet tall, to get acclimated to the altitude. Iztaccihuatl, or ‘White Woman’ overlooks Mexico City and the nearby active volcano, Popocatepétl. When they were fully acclimated, Chris Higgins and his friends set their sights on the tallest mountain in Mexico: Pico de Orizaba. Standing at 18,491 feet tall, it is the third largest mountain in North America. Higgins and his friends spent a total of 2 weeks hiking the mountains in Mexico, a trip that he has already scheduled for next year. After conquering the mountain, Higgins and Green began the next part of their adventure: documenting the Sistema-Huautla cave, which is the deepest cave in Mexico at 5,069 feet deep and over 40 miles long. But first, they needed to get there. Hailing a cab to
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Birds Eye View: Higgins photographed PopocatepĂŠtl Mountain, an active volcano, just outside Mexico City. FALL 2015 FARRAGUT LIFE
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Descending into Sistema-Huautla, Higgins and his team repelled over 60 times to get to the bottom of the cave.
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Getting Prepared: The team takes a break to tighten straps and crampons as night falls on the mountain.
the small village of Tlachichuca proved to be more difficult than Higgins and Green had imagined, not because of distance, but because of they could not correctly pronounce the name of the town.
Higgins and the PESH team left only footprints behind when they explored Sistema-Huautla. At almost a mile deep, they spent an entire week underground with only their watches to show the passing time. They hiked down into the cave, repelling over 60 different times, passing several waterfalls and underground rivers on their way down.
Once they found a driver who understood them, they were joined by the research team PESH (Proyecto Espeleologico Sistema Huautla) to document, explore and survey the cave. Higgins has always enjoyed being outdoors, hiking and exploring with his family was a part of his childhood. When he turned 16, Higgins spent more time traveling to the hidden caves of the world that very few people have ever seen before. Photographing the caves became the best way to document his travels and show some of the deepest places in the earth to those on the surface. “It’s really the last frontier,” Higgins said. “The ocean, and caves. It’s the only place left unexplored.”
“…There is no weather underground, and no one else has ever been there before. Your footprints stay there forever.”
on one-time-use magnesium explosive bulbs to illuminate the rest of the cave. The 100 watt magnesium bulbs must be manually fired, so Higgins usually needs an extra set of hands. When setting up a large shot, Higgins times the photo to capture the cave surrounded in light, placing lights on small tripods to illuminate the area. With help from Green and the PESH crew, he counted down and snapped the photo. Once the bulbs burned out, Higgins realized that he had left the lens cap on and didn’t make the shot. For the thousands of photos Chris Higgins takes, about 10% of those make it to his client or his website. Missing a shot is part of the job, so Higgins didn’t waste any time in recreating the setup.
“It felt like one long day,” Higgins remembers, “It was always dark and always quiet, we set alarms to remind us when to sleep and when to wake up.” PESH invited Higgins to photograph the cave, which requires descending with his camera, batteries, and lots of lighting equipment. Setting up a shot for a photograph can take anywhere between 30 minutes and 2 hours, depending on the size and depth of the cave. Sistema-Huautla was so large, it took over 10 minutes to hike around the entire perimeter. Higgins uses 2 or 3 electric flashes when he is setting up a shot, relying
In addition to taking photographs, hiking and biking, Higgins is scuba certified and enjoys exploring underwater caves. He is also currently the only out of state member on the South Carolina FEMA Task Black Hawk Rescue Squad as a certified EMT and rescue diver. Groups hiking to remote caves can hire him to document the trip, or a research team may fly him out to capture whichever cave they want to survey. Higgins has led trips for Boys Life Magazine and brought 30 Scouts through a cave, which was the first time any of them had experienced total darkness.
Higgins captures the FEMA Task Black Hawk Rescue Squad in action.
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The view from the top; at the summit of Pico de Orizaba in Mexico.
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Chris Higgins is currently working on hiking all of the 14,000 foot mountains in the United States, and frequently travels to Colorado when he has time between expeditions. His biggest goal is to document the Himalayan Mountains, hiking up and skiing down the peaks to experience the true beauty of one of the most remote ranges in the world. It takes a talented eye, the right equipment and plenty of fearlessness to be a remote location photographer. Higgins feels right at home in the great outdoors and enjoys documenting some of the deepest and tallest places in the world to share with his friends and family back home. For more information on Chris Higgins and his work, or to see his photographs from his latest trip, visit www.chrishigginsphoto.com
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Farragut Admiral High School Band
W
hile many local high school sports teams prepare for their respective preseason, another group of equally dedicated young people prepare for their time in the spotlight. Though the word “football” will surely be on the tip of everyone’s tongue as we approach the Fall season, there is so much more to a football game than simply the players giving it their all on the field. There are the rowdy fans in the stands, the smell of fresh popcorn and other delicious snacks, and at the center of it all, the band. This year, no one has worked harder than the Farragut High School Band. Over 148 students make up its entirety. The last two weeks of July have been spent diligently learning new material for the upcoming football season. Everyone loves a good halftime show, and that is where the Farragut High School Band will shine. The band will perform at every Farragut High home game as well as every away game! This winter, The Farragut Admirals High School band will travel to Hawaii, a trip they have earned almost exclusively through fundraising. The band will be marching in the Waikiki Holiday Parade on Friday, November 27th. While in Hawaii, the band is scheduled to tour famous sites such as Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial and give a public performance at the Pearl Harbor Museum and Visitor Center. The band will also take part in many competitions this year, including several local events held at Seymour and Karns high schools. The band will take part in the MTSU Challenge of Champions hosted in Murfreesboro, TN. They will end the season by competing in The University of Tennessee- Chattanooga Southern States Championship. This year, the band will be directed by Keith Clupper and assisted by Michelle Clupper. The program is further assisted by Farragut Middle School Directors Chris MacTavish and William Hunley. The guard is directed by Katie Eaton.
On October 17th, the Farragut Admiral High School Band hosted 15 high school marching bands, who came from all over Middle and East Tennessee. This year, the Halls High School Band took home the ACI Award. The 2015 Admirals Cup Invitational is one of the band’s largest fundraisers for the year, and the Farragut Admiral High School Band needs your support for equipment, instruments and the opportunity to play all over the world. Thank you to everyone who came out to sponsor, cheer, and enjoy the amazing live performances!
FRUIT SALE The band also organized a Fruit Sale this year, for more information on purchasing fruit or placing an order, visit the Booster Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/ groups/farragutbandboosters All items purchased will be delivered in the first week of December.
If you have any questions about any of these events or how to support or sponsor the Farragut High School Band, please contact Larry Murphy, Co-President of the Farragut High School Band Booster Club at 865-850-9838 or lmurphy5@vols.utk.edu.
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Written by Emily Walls Written By Emily Walls
EAST TENNESSEE MONROE NATIVE NATIVE LIVING LIKE LIVING NO ONE LIKE ELSE: NO ONE ELSE:
Sharon Sharon ReedyReedyRamsey Ramsey LEADS A LIFE OF LEADS LIFE OF LOVE,AFAITH, LOVE, FAITH, AND INSPIRATION AND INSPIRATION
W
it thatmakes makesa a hathat is is it that person truly exceptional? person truly exceptional? theirsocial socialstatus, status, Is Isitittheir their acquired wealth, their acquired wealth, fame or fame or education?Perhaps Perhapsininhighly highlysuccessful successful education? individuals, we wemiss misssomething somethingtruly truly individuals, extraordinary – their ability to love others extraordinary – their ability to love others and give give sacrificially sacrificially of of themselves. themselves. This This is and iscertainly certainlytrue trueofofSharon SharonRamsey. Ramsey.Sharon is the wife of Dave Ramsey, an author, Sharon is the wife of Dave Ramsey, an radio personality and speaker focusing author, radio personality and speaker on helping debt-free. His focusing onpeople helpinglive people live debt-free. syndicated radio program His syndicated radio programis iscalled called“The “The Dave Ramsey Show” and airs on more Dave Ramsey Show” and airs on more than than 500 radio stations across the country, 500 radio stations across the country and with over 6 million listeners every has over 6 million listeners every weekday. Sharon has been his greatest weekday. Sharon has been his greatest supporter and partner in life, and their supporter and partner in life, and their journey has taken them on paths of great journey has taken them on paths of great hardship and joy. Through it all, her faith hardship and joy. Through it all, her faith has guided her throughout the different has guided her throughout the different seasons of her life, beginning right here in seasons of her life, beginning right here in East Tennessee. Monroe County, Tennessee. Sharon Reedy-Ramsey grew up in Monroe Sharon Reedy Ramsey grew up in Monroe County and recounts her sweet days of County and recounts her sweet days of childhood. On Sunday mornings, she childhood. On Sunday mornings, she could could be found attending church with her be found attending church with her family. Sunday afternoons meant hiding family. Sunday afternoons meant hiding in in her favorite spot as her cousins chased her favorite spot as her cousins chased her her down. She loved time she spent at down. She loved this time she spent at her her grandparents’ home nearby. She also grandparents’ nearby. also to cherishes thehome memories of She traveling cherishes theVirginia, memories to set Clintwood, to of seetraveling her other Clintwood, Virginia, see her other set of of grandparents andtocousins. As a small grandparents and cousins. As a small girl, her mother would send her offgirl, on her mother would send her off on the the Trailway bus in Knoxville with peanuts Trailway bus in Knoxville with peanuts and and crossword puzzles in hand. It was crossword puzzles in hand. It was such such an exciting time to travel and beanable exciting timefather’s to travel andofbethe able to see to see her side family. her father’s side of the family.
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Summertime herher Summertimemeant meantsplashing splashing cares away at the community pool cares away at the community pool in in Madisonville. Before she could enjoy Madisonville. Before she could enjoy thethe day’s activities,she shehad hadtotoget getallallofofherher day’s activities, work done atather herfather’s father’sstore, store,Reedy’s Reedy’s work done Market, locatedininEnglewood. Englewood.Sharon’s Sharon’s Market, located father and mother, Floyd and Marie father and mother, Floyd and Marie Reedy, Reedy, in her her siblings and herthe siblings instilledinstilled in her and the importance of working hardalways and importance of working hard and always striving for their best. So every striving for their best. So every summer and summer and holiday, with holiday, Sharon, along Sharon, with her along brothers her brothers and sisters, assisted in the and sisters, assisted in the family business. family business. It is the hereinvaluable she learned the It is here she learned lesson invaluable lesson that working hard truly that working hard truly does pay off. This does pay off. This lesson still resonates lesson still resonates with her today. with her today. Together with her twin Together with her twin sister, Karen, and sister, Karen, and older siblings, Rebecca, older siblings, Rebecca, James and Allen, they James and Allen, they continue to carry continue to carry on the Reedy family on the Reedy family values of dedication values of dedication and determination. and determination. In high school, Sharon was a cheerleader In high school, Sharon was a cheerleader and loved the thrill of going to basketball and loved the thrill of going to basketball and football games. The cool fall nights, and football games. The cool fall nights, cheering fans and the smell of popcorn at a cheering fans and the smell of popcorn at a football game created such excitement for football game created such excitement for the community. She loved the games. In the community. She loved the games. In fact, fact, she carried on that love for football as she carried on that love for football as she and she and her family had the tradition of her family had the tradition of going to UT going to UT football games in the fall. The football games in the fall. The University of University of Tennessee (UT) is still an Tennessee (UT) is still an important university important university to her family. In fact, all to her family. In fact, all of Dave and Sharon’s of Dave and Sharon’s children graduated or children graduated or are graduating from UT. are graduating from UT. SharonUT, herself Sharon herself started attending pursuing started attending UT, pursuing a degree in a degree in business in the fall of 1978. Little business in thethat falltwo of 1978. did she know years Little downdid theshe road, know that two years down the road, life life was about to change drastically. was about to change drastically. In the fall of 1980, Sharon took a Marketing In the fall of 1980, Sharon took a Marketing class at UT. In her class was another student, class at UT. In her class was another student,
Daniel, Daniel, Sharon, Sharon, Rachel, Rachel, Dave Dave and and Denise Denise Ramsey Ramsey enjoy enjoy aa family family tradition tradition of of attending attending the the University University of of Tennessee Tennessee football football games. games.
Dave, who made no qualms about how he Dave, who made no qualms about how he felt about her. In fact, he was quite persistent felt about her. In fact, he was quite in asking her to go out with him. Every time persistent in asking her to go out with him. he asked, the answer was “No”…until Every time he asked, the answer was “No”… February. After several months of an until February. After several months of an unsuccessful pursuit, she became very sick unsuccessful pursuit, she became very sick with the flu for two or three with the flu for two or three days. She received a phone days. She received a phone call from Dave saying, “I’ll be call from Dave saying, “I’ll be there to pick you up at 7:00.” there to pick you up at 7:00.” So, with much empathy and So, with empathy and the flu inmuch full force, Sharon the fluoutinon fullher force, Sharon went first date with went out on her first date Dave Ramsey. Unfortunately withSharon, Dave Ramsey. for a UT sorority Unfortunately Sharon, member, RUSHforweek was a UT sorority member, RUSH also going on. Not attending week was also going on. RUSH meant a fine for Not attending RUSH meant a fine
perpetrators. She was caught by one of her for perpetrators. She was caught by one of her sorority sisters, who saw her out at a restaurant sorority sisters, who saw her out at a restaurant with Dave, and was fined fifty dollars. Despite with Dave,going and was finedthem fifty dollars. Despite everything against that night, Dave everything going against them that night, Dave Ramsey and Sharon Reedy fell in love and were Ramsey in andthe Sharon engaged fall ofReedy 1981. fell in love and were engaged in the fall of 1981. Sharon learned quickly Sharon quickly that shelearned was interested that in a she manwas whointerested was an in aentrepreneur. man who wasAtanthe age entrepreneur. At thehad age of 18, Dave already of already his18, realDave estate license.had his estate license. Shereal knew he was going She knew he was going to do whatever it took to to do whatever it took succeed. His outspokento succeed. Hishisoutspoken nature and relentless nature and his drive to succeedrelentless were drive to succeed were a
a part of who he was as a person, and she part of who he was as a person, and she was was proud to be by his side. While in college proud to be by his side. While in college her her senior year, Sharon changed majors from senior year, Sharon changed majors from Business to Home Business to Home Economics to finish Economics to quicker so she finishgetquicker could married. so she could get She switched majors married. a couple of She times but switched realized shemajors did not a couple of times have enough hours realizedbefore she tobut graduate did notmarried. have getting Sharon and and Dave Dave with with Sharon enough Smokey at at the the University University of of Her fatherhours was to Smokey Tennessee Alumni Alumni Breakfast. Breakfast. Tennessee graduate before unhappy that getting married. Her father was unhappy she was not graduating, but despite his that she wasshe notwas graduating, despite his opposition, married inbut June of 1982 opposition, she was married in June of 1982 and then moved to Nashville. and then moved to Nashville.
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Sharon worked in Nashville as a bank Sharon worked in Nashville teller/loan processor as a bank teller/loan for a local bank. In processor for a local bank. 1985, Sharon and Dave In 1985, Sharon and Dave welcomed their first baby, Denise, welcomed their first baby, Denise, into the into the world. It was then Sharon world. It was then Sharon knew she wanted knew wanted at home to stayshe at home with to herstay children. In the with herofchildren. summer 1987, with a young child at home, Sharon made the decision to come back to InKnoxville the summer of 1987, a young and finish herwith degree. With child only atthree home, Sharon made the decision to with classes left, she graduated from UT come back toDegree Knoxville and finish her a Bachelor’s in Home Economics. degree. With only three classes left, That same year, her second daughter,she Rachel, graduated fromfour UTyears with later a Bachelor’s was born, and in 1991, they would welcome third child, Daniel, Degree in Hometheir Economics. That same into the life, year, herworld. secondThroughout daughter, Sharon’s Rachel, was hard work andyears dedication corethey values born, and four later inare 1991, she has carried with her, but more than that, would welcome their third child, Daniel, she credits her faith in God for bringing into the world. Throughout Sharon’s life,her through the good times and the bad. Dave hard work and dedication are core values sheis alsocarried proudwith to have histhan side that, and often has her, her but by more she quotes Proverbs 31:30 about her, which credits her faith in God for bringing her says, “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; through the good times and the bad. but a woman who fears the LORD, is to be Dave is also proud to have her by his side praised.” Sharon is a woman whose faith has and often quotes Proverbs 31:30 about guided her throughout her life. her, which says, “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears Faith to Run the Race the LORD, is to Sharon is a Since Sharon wasbea praised.” little girl, she remembers woman whose faith has guided her always being in church. When she was little, throughout life. Methodist church, but she attendedhera local as she got older, she began attending First Faith to Run the Baptist Madisonville. HerRace father worked on Since Sharon wassoaher littlemother girl, shetook remembers the weekends, her and always being inand church. she was little, her brothers sistersWhen to church. she attended a local Methodist church, but highgot school, recalls a memorable asInshe older,Sharon she began attending First mission trip to South Dakota where she Baptist Madisonville. Her father worked on worked on an Indian hadand a the weekends, so her reservation. mother tookIther tremendous impact on her life, and it was her brothers and sisters to church. an experience she never will forget. It was at Baptist Madisonville that ashe received InFirst high school, Sharon recalls memorable 32
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mission trip to South Dakota where she Biblical workedteaching on an from Sunday It Indianher reservation. school teachers had a tremendous and youth leaders, impact on her life, and it was an experience she and she credits this for laying the foundation never will forget. It was at First Baptist Madisonville of her faith in her early years. that she received Biblical teaching from her Sunday school teachers and youth leaders, and As she moved on to college, she met Dave she creditsDave this for thegrown foundation Ramsey. hadlaying never up inof her faith in herand early church, sheyears. specifically remembers her
God used this moment in his life to open his eyes about his need for something more. He inwas hisnow spiritual of awarelifeofand his has needbeen for aa part Savior. church with Sharon ever since. It was truly Since that moment, Dave has grown in his an answerlifetoand prayer something that spiritual hasand been a part of church would help guide them through some with Sharon ever since. It was truly anof the mosttodifficult in their lives.that would answer prayer days and something help guide them through some of the Itmost was in September of their 1988 lives. that the difficult days in Ramseys would rely on their faith to pull them some dark days. They It wasthrough in September of 1988 that thefiled for bankruptcy, and it was in this time that Ramseys would rely on their faith to pull grandmother quoting to her 2 Corinthians they had nothing left but could only trust them through some dark days. They As shethat moved to college, mettogether Dave 6:14 says,on“Do not be she yoked in God. During this time, Sharon says, filed for bankruptcy, and it was in this Ramsey. Dave had never grown in church, and with unbelievers. For what douprighteousness “God taught us grace, wisdom and trust.” time that they had nothing left but could she remembers her grandmother andspecifically wickedness have in common? Or what When they had nothing left, they learned only in God. this in time, quoting to her Corinthians 6:14darkness?” that says, “Do fellowship can2light have with Her to relytrust on Him. GodDuring used this theirSharon lives says, “God taught ustograce, and not be yoked together For what grandmother warnedwith herunbelievers. that a follower of to bring them closer Him wisdom and to teach trust.”that When nothing left, they do righteousness wickedness havewho in was Christ should notand marry someone them “Wethey gloryhad in our sufferings, learned to rely on Him. God used this in common? what fellowship have with not also aOr follower. Despitecan thislight warning, because we know that suffering produces their lives to bring them closer to Him and Sharon pursued her relationship Dave, perseverance; perseverance, character; darkness?” Her grandmother warnedwith her that a to teach themhope. that “We our not and theyofwere and character, Andglory hopeindoes follower Christmarried. should not marry someone who sufferings, because we know that put us to shame…” After time, suffering was not also a follower. Despite this warning, produces perseverance; Sharonpursued remembers her first days marriage God delivered them fromperseverance, this trial, but Sharon her relationship withofDave, and whenwere shemarried. would long for Dave to go to through it, and he helped the Ramseys learn character; character, hope. And hope they church with her. She wanted to share in to “livenot likeput nous one so youAfter can time, does toelse, shame…” that partremembers of her lifeher together, he was live no one them else.” from This principle Godlike delivered this trial, of but Sharon first daysbut of marriage not interested in attending church at all. In learning to live sacrificially and without through it, he helped the Ramseys learn to when she would long for Dave to go to church January of 1985, Dave attended a business debt throughout theirlike no “live has likeguided no onethem else, so you can live with her. She wanted to share in conference in Atlanta where he heard a lives together and has given the Ramseys one else.” This principle of learning to live that part of her life speaker say in order to be successful you astounding financial success. they sacrificially and without debtToday, has guided together, but he was have to have three things: are millionaires, and Dave Ramsey speaks them throughout their lives together and not interested in attending church at all. to people across has given the Ramseys In January of 1985, Dave 1) A healthy body the country about “Sharon stuck it out and astounding financial attended a business “Sharon stuck it out and even learning was patient and loving, 2) A healthy mind to live debtwas patient and loving, even success. Today, they are conference Atlanta where when I was misguided and 3) A healthyinspiritual life. free. Sharon states, when misguided and millionaires, and Dave he heard a speaker say in insistedI was on learning things “God gave David a insisted learning the hardon way. She’s things shared Ramsey speaks order to bethis moment God used microphone to glorify the hard way. She’s shared all the pain and joy of our to people across the successful youopen havehis to have all the pain and joyfinancial of our in his life to his kingdom.” They experiences, from country about learning experiences, from financial three things:his need for eyes about truly believe debt is distress to financial peace, distress to financial peace, to live debt-free. Sharon and is the most wonderful something more. He was bondage, and through and is the most wonderful person that I can imagine.” states,trials, “God gave David a 1) A healthy now aware ofbody his need their they’ve person that I can imagine.” 2) mindthat microphone to and glorify his forAa healthy Savior. Since learned to trust Dave Ramsey Dave Ramsey 3) A healthy spiritual life. moment, Dave has grown depend on They God intruly kingdom.”
believe debt is bondage, and through their trials, they’ve learned to trust and both the good times and the Now they depend on God in both thebad. good times have the privilege of helping others all over and the bad. Now they have the the world. privilege of helping others all over the world. Some people may imagine that living with wealth is an easy road, but it requires a Somedeal people may imagine that living with great of work and sacrifice. Sharon wealth is an easy road, but it requires a great recalls the days her children were growing dealand of work and sacrifice. recalls up remembers how itSharon was often likethe days her children wereWith growing and being a single parent. Daveupattending to the business traveling to speaking remembers howand it was often like being a single engagements across the country, was parent. With Dave attending to theshe business often left to raising the children on heracross and traveling to speaking engagements own. She would attend all of their sporting the country, she was often left to raising the events and extracurricular activities alone, children on her own. She would attend all of because Dave would goneextracurricular every weekend. their sporting eventsbeand There were great sacrifices to be made, but activities alone, because Dave would be gone she learned even more the importance of every weekend. There were great sacrifices to learning to trust God through every season be made, but she learned even more the of her life. importance of learning to trust God through every Ramsey season of herLegacy life. The Today, the Ramseys are excited about being The Ramsey grandparents. TheirLegacy oldest daughter Denise thetheir Ramseys areRachel excitedis 27 about isToday, now 29, daughter and their youngest Daniel, is 23.inDenise meeting their child, first grandchild August. isTheir employed Dave Ramsey’s oldestbydaughter Denisecompany, is now 27, The Lampo Group, and currently their daughter Rachel is 25 andruns theirThe Ramsey Family a foundation youngest child,Foundation, Daniel, is 21. Denise is created to give to local non-profits and employed by Dave Ramsey’s company, community She also worked The Lampoorganizations. Group, and currently runs for Mercy Ministries, an organization focused The Ramsey Family Foundation, a on serving young women “who face a foundation created to give to local combination of life-controlling issues such as non-profits and community eating disorders, self-harm, drug and alcohol organizations. She also worked for Mercy addictions, depression and unplanned Ministries, anInorganization focused on Bill serving pregnancy.” 2011, Denise married young womenBill“who face a combination of Whittemore. is the Varsity Head Football life-controlling issues such as eating disorders, Coach for Franklin Road Academy. self-harm, drug and alcohol addictions, Rachel Cruze currently traveling with her depression andis unplanned pregnancy.” dad to speak the younger and In June 2011, to Denise married generation Bill Whittemore.
Bill is the Varsity Head Football Coach for twenty fundraising events for a variety of Franklin Road Academy. local organizations. She loves knowing that their parents about planning financially for For loves go tointhe YMCA shefun, trulySharon can make anto impact lives college. She discusses the many principles and work out. She is a runner and hasSharon Rachel Cruze is currently traveling with her throughout her community. For fun, she learned through the years from her completed eight half-marathons. She also dad to speak to the younger generation and loves to go to the YMCA and work out. She parents. Dave joins her and adds to the loves being involved in her local church their parents about planning financially for is a runner and has completed eight discussion from his perspective. They are also and spending time with her friends both college. She discusses the many principles she half-marathons. She also loves being working on a book together that is targeted in her church and in her neighborhood. learned through the years from her involved in her local church and spending to parents from the child’s perspective. In Her hobbies include reading, water skiing, parents. Dave joins Winston her and Cruze. adds toWinston the time with herBible friends bothtraveling in her church 2009, Rachel married snow skiing, study, and discussion from his perspective. They are also and in her neighborhood. Her hobbies works for Dave’s company managing real spending time at the lake. working on a book together that is targeted to include reading, water skiing, snow skiing, estate investments. parents from the child’s perspective. In Bible study, traveling and spending time December 2009, Rachel married at the lake. Daniel studied Marketing at the Winston Cruze. Winston works for Dave’s University of Tennessee, and is also company managing an entrepreneur likereal his father. eastate investments. He graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2014. Daniel is a Marketing major at the As her children have grown University of Tennessee, andolder, is also Sharon is more involved with He is an entrepreneur like his father. the community enjoysLife being actively involvedand in Young and part of local organizations such as plans to graduate in 2014. the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt where As her children have grown older,she serves on the Executive Board. She Sharon is more involved with the has also volunteered for years with community and enjoys being part of Rachel and Winston Cruze, Floyd Reedy, Daniel, Sharon, Dave, the Friends & Fashion Luncheon Denise and Bill Whittemore at The Lampo Group Christmas party. local organizations such as the Monroe and Fashion Show. She loves Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt andFather’s WinstonDay Cruze, Floyd Reedy, Daniel , Sharon, Dave, serving lunch once a month at the Children’s Rachel Every weekend, she looks where she serves on the Executive Board. She has Denise and Bill Whittemore at The Lampo Group Christmas party. Hospital. In addition to the work she does at forward to spending time on the lake at alsohospital, volunteered twoserves years toasassist withforthethe the sheforalso Chair her annual familyDay reunion. It wasshe a tradition Every Father’s weekend, looks Friends & Fashion Luncheon and Fashion Show. Second Harvest Food Bank. She is a Board that was started in her family bythe her lake dad at her forward to spending time on She loves of serving lunch once a Library month atand thehosts member the Brentwood annual reunion. It wasmoved a tradition that when herfamily brothers and sisters Children’s Hospital. to theinwork was started in her family dad when fundraising effortsInforaddition the library hershe home across the state. Every year,by allher of her does atthey the hospital, she also serves as Chair for the her brothers and sisters moved across the where invite different authors to come children and thirteen nieces and nephews state.together Every year, all ofski herand children and Secondthe Harvest Food She is a Board attend event. SheBank. has served for two years come to water hang out thirteen nieces and nephews come the Brentwood Library and hosts atmember the UTofWomen’s Alliance Committee, on the lake. One year, Sharon surprisedtogether to water skiaand out on the lake. Last fundraising effortsonforthe theHonorary library in her home and she served Committee her dad with hothang dog steamer so he could year, Sharon surprised her dad with a hot ofwhere the Mercy Clinic. Throughout year, they invite different authors tothe come attend make his infamous “Reedy Dogs,” just like dog steamer so he could make his infamous the aboutfortwenty fundraising the delicious hot dogs he made at Reedy’s the Ramseys event. Shehost has served two years at the UT “Reedy Dogs,” just like the delicious hot events forAlliance a variety of local organizations. She Market. brought suchMarket. wonderful Women’s Committee, and she served on dogs heIt made at back Reedy’s It brought loves knowingCommittee that she of truly make memories the family memories working inof thethe family the Honorary thecan Mercy Clinic.an back suchofwonderful impact in lives her community. market together. Throughout thethroughout year, the Ramseys host about working in the market together. FALL 2015 FARRAGUT LIFE
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Throughout her life, Sharon Ramsey has held on to the core values of hard work, determination, faith and family. She understands, in the many seasons of life, that peaks and valleys come. But through it all, she believes you should gain as much wisdom as you can, be courageous and hold firm to your faith. She looks forward to the days ahead as she enjoys the many blessings she has received in life: her faith, family and her community. She hopes that she can share those blessings with others as she plants seeds that will continue to grow for many years to come. She truly desires to leave a legacy that produces a harvest of faithfulness, love and courage that carries on for generations. Sharon Ramsey truly lives like no one else, not because there is a lot of money in her bank account, but because she leads a life of love, faith and inspiration to all who know her or are impacted by her generosity and desire to serve others. Ralph Stanley and Sharon Ramsey at a private party.
“We’ve worked hard and been fortunate to build a high net worth, but Sharon and I have never stopped budgeting. We still sit down together every month and plan out a written budget. Every dollar is spent on paper before the month begins, and we follow it exactly.” Dave Ramsey
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Dave Ramsey was inducted into the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Hall of Fame at the NAB Show on April 9 of this year in Las Vegas.
WHO IS DAVE RAMSEY? I have an unusual way of looking at the world. My wife, Sharon, says I'm weird and truthfully—I am weird. But there's a reason. Starting from nothing, by the time I was 26, I had a net worth of a little over a million dollars. I was making $250,000 a year—that's more than $20,000 a month net taxable income. I was really having fun. But 98% truth is a lie, and that 2% can cause big problems, especially with $4 million in real estate. I had a lot of debt—a lot of short-term debt—and I'm the idiot who signed up for the trip. The short version of the story is that debt caused us, over the course of two and a half years of fighting it, to lose everything. We didn't tell anyone what was going on, but if we had to do it again, we would learn from the wisdom of others who have been through it. We soon learned that we were not the only ones at the bottom. Barbie and Ken (you know, the couple who appear to be perfect—perfect clothes, perfect car, perfect house) are broke, and I don't take financial advice from broke people anymore. After losing everything, I went on a quest to find out how money really works, how I could get control of it and how I could have confidence in handling it. I read everything I could get my hands on. I interviewed older rich people, people who made money and kept it. That quest led me to a really, really uncomfortable place: my mirror. I came to realize that my money problems, worries and shortages largely began and ended with the person in my mirror. I also realized that if I could learn to manage the character I shaved with every morning, I would win with money. I went back to my first love, real estate, to eat and to get out of debt. Along the way, I began another path—the path of helping others, literally millions of others, take the same quest to the mirror. I formed The Lampo Group in 1992 to counsel folks hurting from the results of financial stress. I’ve paid the "stupid tax" (mistakes with dollar signs on the end) so hopefully some of you won't have to. I wrote the book, Financial Peace, based on all that Sharon and I had learned, and I began selling it out of my car. With a friend of mine, I started a local radio call-in show called The Money Game, now nationally syndicated as The Dave Ramsey Show. Our company history is full of landmarks leading up to the release of our fourth best-selling book in 2011—EntreLeadership—and we're not slowing down. The Lampo Group now has more than 300 team members and a variety of products and services to help you reach your financial goals. Many companies define success based on the dollars coming in, but at The Lampo Group, we define our success by the number of lives changed: listeners getting out of debt, readers taking their first Baby Step and saving $1,000, FPU graduates investing for their future. We learned early on that if we help enough people, the money will come. Our mission statement isn't just lip service—it's our mantra:
MISSION STATEMENT: "The Lampo Group, Inc. is providing biblically based, common-sense education and empowerment which gives to everyone from the financially secure to the financially distressed."
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RETURN WITH HONOR MADISONVILLE RESIDENT CAPTAIN WILLIAM A. “BILL” ROBINSON RECOUNTS HIS TIME AS A PRISONER OF WAR IN NORTH VIETNAM.
O
n September 20, 1965, A1C (E-4) William A. “Bill” Robinson’s life took a turn that the 22-yearold had not anticipated. During a rescue mission over North Vietnam, Robinson’s HH43B aircraft was shot down. All on board survived the crash, and now they had to survive the jungle and the North Vietnamese militia. It was impossible to blend in, as the men stood much taller than the North Vietnamese, but they tried to hide with the jungle as their cover until evening when a rescue could be attempted. Soon, however, the crew was surrounded by the enemy and captured. For the next seven and a half years, Robinson would endure life as a prisoner of war. Born in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, in August 1943, Robinson remembers visiting the Wall of Honor for World War II veterans with his grandfather. The wall included names of men from his own family, but some names in particular caught his attention. They each had a star by their names, and Robinson wondered what the star meant. His grandfather explained that the star reminds us freedom is not free and those individuals
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Written by Vanessa Barr
had given the supreme sacrifice – their lives – for their country and the nation’s freedom. He continued and said one day that responsibility might be the younger Robinson’s; after all, the draft was still active. After graduation from Roanoke Rapids High School, Robinson voluntarily and eagerly accepted the responsibility by enlisting in the newest branch of the military, the United States Air Force, in 1961. “I liked airplanes and always had been mechanically inclined,” Robinson explained. “In the Air Force, I was able to work on helicopters, but I also got to fly in them.” After spending a year at Osan Air Force Base (AFB) in Korea, Robinson returned to the United States only to be reassigned in four months to the 38th Air Rescue and Recovery unit in Thailand. Robinson arrived in the spring of 1965. The unit’s main mission was to rescue downed American pilots, and although the missions were in hostile territory, Robinson and others in his unit did not think much about the danger. They had a mission to do,
and they would do what was asked of them to the best of their ability. The dense jungle made it impossible to rescue the downed pilots with airplanes, so the military used the slower helicopters to hover above the thick green floor below. “We didn’t always have the equipment we needed, but we had responsibilities and a mission,” Robinson said. “We weren’t set up for combat, but we made do with what we had to get the job done.” When the crew prepared for their rescue mission that September day, Robinson said none of them thought about not coming back to the base, but as their guide with the fire power led the rescue helicopter to the downed pilot, the guide was hit in its rocket pod and had to peel off and jettison the pod. The rescue team had a decision to make. Despite not having any fire power of their own, the crew decided to continue with the mission anyway and hope for positive results.
Robinson joined the United States Air Force in 1961. He served as a crew chief on a rescue helicopter at Osan Air Force Base in Korea (1963).
As the helicopter flew in at a low altitude, the crew located the pilot and hovered so the pilot could climb into his rescue ride. The pilot was almost in the helicopter when it was hit by enemy fire and plunged ninety feet to the jungle floor – the only thing that cushioned their crash. Because the pilot had been down already for two hours, the North Vietnamese had been looking for the aircraft at the same time as the rescue team, and they were close to their location, the pilot warned.
Less than six months after arriving in Thailand, Robinson became a POW and would spend the next eight Thanksgivings, Christmases, and New Year’s Days in a North Vietnamese prison. “That was a turning point in my life,” Robinson said. “There were many times when we were not sure we would make it out of there.”
The POWs remained bound during the day, fed In 1967, North Vietnam very little, and created this stamp showing Robinson captured and The group moved away were forced to being led to a POW camp. from the crashed airplane march all night. Robinson says the photo was staged to increase war because the United States They returned support in North Vietnam. forces would destroy it to keep to the village in sensitive military information out of the different ways so enemy’s hands. The men tried to hide in the as to confuse cover of the jungle but were overcome by the them. Robinson said for the most part, it local militia. After being bound and beaten, worked. The village was waiting for the North the captured men were put on public display Vietnamese military to arrive to take the at the local village as a kind of pep rally for the prisoners back to Hanoi to the prison there communist leader. nicknamed the Hanoi Hilton.
Growing up, Robinson always liked airplanes and by joining the United States Air Force, he was able to work on helicopters and participate in rescue missions.
The POWs were stripped of all identification and clothing and were issued pajamas, a straw mat, a toothbrush, a cup, and a few other personal items. They would become all too familiar with the cold, empty concrete walls. Leg irons made for men of typical North Vietnamese stature were too small and would leave marks on the men’s ankles. Each day, they were given three cigarettes and two meals that consisted mainly of rice, bread, and grains, but sometimes the food was served cold to irritate the captured men. “They would do anything to frustrate us,” Robinson said, “but we knew we had to stay positive.”
The POWs convinced the guards to let them form a choir. One person from each building joined the choir as a way for the POWs to communicate between buildings.
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In the land of the “Big BX,” or base exchange in the Philippines, Robinson and others visited a school in the Robinson was able to see what items were available for purchase Philippines on Valentine’s Day and were at the base after seven years as a POW. welcomed with overwhelming support.
The prisoners – called criminals by the North Vietnamese – learned how to communicate with one another using a tap code that represents the letters from the English alphabet. The code is designed by dropping the K and arranging the remaining letters into a 5x5 letter block. The first set of taps indicated the row, and the second set was the column. They learned about each other using their secret code, and each protected the information through beatings, constant interrogation, and tough intimidation.
Then there were those times when they were faced with leg irons, handcuffs and ropes, and they were beaten into submission. The men learned to live with pain from broken arms and dislocated shoulders. They prepared as best they could for those times and supported one another with all the common encouraging phrases like “They cannot get the best of you,” “You’re tougher than them,” and “You are doing great. Your family would be proud of you.”
Robinson says the mistreatment one received depended on the interest they had in you at the time. Robinson considers himself fortunate for only spending six months in solitary confinement when other POWs spent years and only weeks in the small leg irons versus months like others. The POWs were threatened that they would never return home to their families, and they constantly were used as propaganda. They were badgered for information, but they would only give name, rank and date of birth.
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Robinson with other POWs at the camp in Hanoi.
The POWs had their highs and lows, but Robinson said it was key to maintain composure and keep emotions in check at all times. Through it all, the men never gave up because they all wanted to return with honor to their family, friends, and fellow troops. “We had to satisfy the person within,” Robinson said. “Our rule was never to do anything you couldn’t live with for the rest of your life.” New prisoners would bring optimism and hope for getting out before Christmas, but eventually, the POWs were faced with news headlines about the growing anti-war movement in the United States. It was an advantage the North Vietnamese used to try to persuade the captured to their beliefs.
The POWs practice in the choir and join in a game of basketball. Many of the POWs were still listed as MIA, but once the photos were distributed, the United States military could change their status to POW and inform their families.
Another blow to the POWs’ morale occurred in 1966, Robinson said, when Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara said the POWs
The POWs were escorted to viewings of conquest or anti-war films from the United States in an attempt to break their spirit. After the war, POWs identified those in the photos because many men were – and still are – missing.
were expendable. It was an attempt at reverse psychology to get the North Vietnamese to release the POWs, but it did not work. Then in 1968, Robinson said he and his cell mates felt abandoned when the United States stopped bombing North Vietnam.
about their family members being held in North Vietnamese prisons. Some families even traveled to Paris to participate in and support the peace talks.
better meals and more medical attention, all giving the troops hope that they would return home soon.
For Robinson, he did not see any real progress to end the war until Richard Nixon was elected president in 1968. Four years of negotiations would finally bring the POWs home.
Nixon also took a stand by ordering the Son Tay Raid to try and rescue the POWs. Unfortunately, the men had been moved before the United States troops arrived. The raid made it clear, though, that the POWs were not expendable.
The United States began pulling out troops, but it would take two more years before Robinson would be stateside again. Although the war was essentially over, the POWs remained in the prisons, and North Vietnam was not rushing to an agreement on how to return them.
Nixon strengthened and built up the military while negotiating peace. He invited the families of POWs to the White House and encouraged them to speak up and often
The raid also helped to improve conditions at the Hanoi Hilton. Prisoners were moved to groups of about forty – the most people some had seen in years; they received
The United States stopped removing troops and responded with Operation Linebacker II, an operation that dropped more bombs on North Vietnam than any of
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Robinson is presented the key to the city in his hometown of Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina
the other previous missions. Eleven days later, North Vietnam reconsidered and reached a resolution with the United States to return Robinson and his fellow troops. Robinson said the POWs could see a difference in the guards, almost a sense of jubilation, now that the war was ending. On February 12, 1973, Robinson was one of 120 POWs to be released first from the prison that had been his home for seven and a half years. “It was a great taste of freedom,” Robinson said. “I think about those who didn’t come home, and I appreciate their sacrifice. They are the reason I am free.” Robinson arrived back in the United States at Scotts AFB in the middle of the night during a snow storm on February 14. Despite being told by the North Vietnamese guards that they would not be welcomed back, Robinson and the other men were 40
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Robinson and Neil Black stand tall during their commissioning ceremony, recognizing their conduct while being held as POWs.
met by approximately 5,000 people. The snow storm had not stopped them from greeting the POWs and honoring their service. The next day, Robinson was reunited with his family. Robinson then began what he calls a life of recovery. The Air Force welcomed the men home and tried to catch them up on what they had missed since being captured, but Robinson thinks about one of his friends who did not return home.
as missing in action (MIA) as was his friend. Robinson’s status changed to POW shortly after, but he reflects on his friend who is still listed as MIA. His body has not been returned, and his family does not have closure. “It would be an injustice to him and all those who did not return if I did not live a happy and full life,” Robinson said. “I honor them by living the full, free life they sacrificed and gave to me.”
For Robinson, he feels it is important to share his story because so many Robinson celebrates his freedom and meets with the community in Robersonville, North won’t and do not feel Carolina on March 2, 1973. appreciated. Many of the men were brought back to the United States in the middle of the night to avoid After being shot down, Robinson was listed public ridicule.
Robinson explains it was faith in himself, those around him, his country, and his God. His faith in his country was recognized upon his return to the United States when Robinson was one of three enlisted men to receive a direct commission to lieutenant in the United Sates Air Force. The honor was approved by President Nixon in recognition of his conduct while held as a POW.
Robinson is the first recipient of the Air Force Cross.
“We didn’t run. We did what our government asked us to do,” Robinson said. “One of the saddest moments for me was to see so many people forgive those who ran before honoring those who served.” That’s what makes East Tennessee so special for Robinson. He feels a sense of renewed patriotism made evident by the number of people who lined Highway 411 to honor the sacrifice Lance Corporal Frankie Watson made for his country and the welcome that World War II veterans receive when they return from visiting the World War II memorial in Washington, D.C. “We answered our nation’s call to serve with honor, and we made sure we returned
with honor,” Robinson said. “We need to be proud of those who have previously served and those currently in uniform.” He says that although he was not always able to choose his situation, he was able to choose his response. Even in confinement, he and the other POWs found ways to communicate. They tried to have normal, everyday conversations and not get overcome with hate. “You had a choice – to handle the situation either with faith or with hate,” Robinson said. “Most of us chose faith.”
POW Medal
Legion of Merit Air Force Cross
Bronze Star
Silver Star
Purple Heart
Robinson and fellow crew member and POW Neil Black were the first enlisted men to receive the Air Force Cross (second only to the Congressional Medal of Honor). He also received the Silver Star, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, POW Medal, and two Purple Hearts, along with seventeen other awards. Captain Robinson completed Aircraft Maintenance Officer Training in 1975 and was assigned to the 33rd Fighter Wing at Eglin AFB as an aircraft maintenance officer, where he served until his medical retirement in 1984. He gave 23 years of dedicated and honorable service to his country and the United States Air Force and now continues to honor his fellow veterans and enjoy life with his wife, Ora Mae; his children; and his grandchildren. Robinson had visited Tennessee during a family reunion, and in 2004, he and his family decided to move to the area. After looking at homes in Dayton, he and his wife visited homes in Madisonville. When she walked into the third house, his wife said, “This is home.” Robinson has been proud to call Madisonville home ever since then. FALL 2015 FARRAGUT LIFE
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LUXURY ACCOMMODATIONS FOR CATS & DOGS When planning a trip out of town or a weekend vacation, there are always details to see to before you can walk out the door. You have to make arrangements for your neighbor to get the mail, get someone to water your plants and keep an eye on the house. But most important for dog and cat owners is assuring excellent care for their four-legged family members while they’re away. Dream Katcher Lodge is here to help you have a worry-free trip...at least where your pet is concerned.
LIVE-STREAMING WEBCAMS
Dream Katcher Lodge offers luxury accommodations and top of the line care for your pet. However far your travels take you, there is peace of mind in knowing your four-legged “kids” are getting the attention they deserve. The Lodge is prepared to accommodate canine and feline friends, providing spacious suites and windowed apartments, even offering livestreaming webcams so you can check in on your pet at anytime. Windows look out into a courtyard with native East Tennessee plants, a koi pond, and a tranquil waterfall.
SPACIOUS COURTYARD
BRING YOUR PET’S FAVORITE TOY OR BLANKET
Each room provides a comfortable secure place for your pet to stay. The canine and feline wings are completely separate, and are individually equipped with an ultraviolet air treatment system to minimize airborne bacteria and other allergens. For arthritic pets or animals unaccustomed to cooler weather, The Lodge offers heated floors with individual thermostat control. Dogs from the same family can share a suite, as can cats from the same family. And you
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can bring a favorite toy or blanket to make your “kids” feel even more at home. Interested in taking a tour? No appointment is needed...just come during regular business hours. Dream Katcher Lodge recommends each family attend a Guest Orientation to ensure every member of your family will be comfortable while you are away. The Lodge provides several pet services at no additional charge, including administering oral and topical medications, offering an easily-digested prescription food as the inhouse diet, and serving a tasty bedtime treat. Additional services include canine baths, extra brushing, nail care, as well as extra playtime. The professional staff is dedicated to making your pet feel completely at home, and their attention to detail will put any owner at ease.
CANINE BATHS, BRUSHING AND NAIL CARE PLUS: TURN DOWN SERVICE WITH A TASTY COOKIE!
If your trip is for business or pleasure, for a weekend, a week or even longer, you can fully enjoy guilt-free travel, because the 4-legged member of your family is safe, secure, and loved. Stop by Dream Katcher Lodge in Knoxville, Tennessee for an in-person visit. You can also take an online excursion through the facility at www.DreamKatcherLodge.com. Dream Katcher Lodge 11253 Kingston Pike Farragut, TN 37934 865-777-9777 Monday – Friday 9am – 6pm Saturday 9am – 4pm Sunday 1pm – 4pm
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DR. MILI BASS The owner of Dream Katcher Lodge, Dr. Mili Bass, is a 1981 graduate of the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine. She established Village Veterinary Clinic in 1982, and currently practices veterinary acupuncture and pain management in the former Village Veterinary Clinic building, just in front of Dream Katcher Lodge. Dream Katcher Lodge opened in 2004, with Dr. Bass’ goal being to constantly strive for excellent care for each “guest”, in a home-like environment. Every Kuddler (employee) of Dream Katcher Lodge joins in a daily pursuit of excellence.
Chilhowee RV CENTER
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Steve and Donna File: “DREAM AS IF YOU’LL LIVE FOREVER, LIVE AS IF YOU’LL DIE TODAY.” Written By Caroline Duvall
Early Life: In 1972, Donna married her highschool sweetheart, Roland Davies (known as Rollie to friends). Born and raised in Florida, Roland was a World Champion Water Skier and Donna was a member of the Ski Club of the Palm Beaches. Donna even babysat for Rob Shirley(show director) at a young age, who would go on to create the boating company, MasterCraft. Soon after their marriage, Roland began working for the Cypress Gardens Professional Ski Team, where Donna started working just three days later. This began their great adventure across the water and across the world.
Celebrating a successful flight: Rolands father, Red, with Donna, Roland, his mother Marie and his brother Billy.
Billed as Florida’s first commercial tourist theme park,Cypress Gardens opened on January 2, 1936 as a botanical garden planted by Dick Pope Sr. and his wife Julie. Over the years it became one of the biggest attractions in Florida, known for its water ski shows, gardens, and Southern Belles. It became known as the “Water Ski Capital of the World” because it was the site of many of the sport’s landmark firsts and over 50 world records were broken there. On April 14, 2014, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
—Wikipidia
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With the Davies on the scene, the CG Team continued practicing and performing shows in Winter Haven. In 1974, Steve File was working to create the Disney Christmas Sky Spectacular, which included 6 parasails, 6 flying kites, 4 hot air balloons, a firework display and over 8 minutes of skiing. File knew that the CG Professional
Ski Team were exactly what he needed. A friendship was formed, and Roland, Donna, and Steve became inseparable. When the Disney show ended, Steve began skiing with Roland and Donna at Cypress Gardens.
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In addition to high performance skiing, Roland and Steve pioneered hang-gliding, a sport that was gaining popularity in Central Florida. Roland and Steve were the ‘Top-Dogs’ of the hang-gliding world. With their experience on the water, they rigged a tow system so boats could lift their gliders above the ground, catching enough wind to soar through the air. File took the State Championship for Hang Gliding in 1975, and Roland won the title in 1976. They both won the World’s Double Championship in 1976. As File and Davies were practicing their skills in the air, Donna was perfecting her talent on the water. Donna was tall and lean, her pale blonde hair made her easily recognizable on the water, while her skiing abilities were unmatched anywhere else. “She became the best on the water,” Steve File said.
Career: As their fame spread, the Cypress Gardens Ski Team began to travel outside of the United States. In 1977, they traveled to Australia to perform for the annual Moomba Celebration. Over 500,000 people attended, gathering around the river to watch the skiers perform. In the early 1980’s, they traveled to Jordan twice to perform for King Hussein’s Birthday. Upon landing, the pilot announced that the VIP’s on board would be allowed to disembark first. “We waited for them to get off the plane,” Steve remembers, “until we realized that it was us!”
TEAM TRAVELS Acapulco Japan - 2 months Guatemala Cross country trip FL to CA - 2 months Australia - 3 times Hawaii - 3 times Jordan - 2 times for King Hussein birthday celebration Steve has performed in Jamaica Nassau Bimini Bahamas & 33 of the States
The Davies and File continued performing shows and scheduling practices at Cypress Gardens. “It was fun, but it was work.” Donna Davies said, “In the summer, we had four shows a day with practices in between. During holidays eight shows were performed and I remember eating lunch while running down the hallway to change for the next show. In the winter, we wore rubber gloves under our costumes to keep our hands from freezing.” Donna appeared on four different magazine covers one summer, she was the popular choice for events, shows, and photographs. In late March, Donna traveled to Chicago to appear in a Boat Show. On Saturday at 4:00pm, three days before she would return home, Donna got a call from Steve File. “I knew something was wrong,” Donna remembers. It was a cold
but sunny day, Roland took a trip to hang glide off Lookout Mountain. On February 1st, 1977, Roland’s hang glider crashed, he did not make it back. He was 24 years old. On Steve’s last hang gliding flight for Roland’s funeral, Steve flew over the Cypress Gardens Lake Eloise to spread Roland’s ashes. As the sun began to set, Steve flew over one of the ski jumps out on the water. “There were birds perched on the jump, as Steve flew over, they took off and flew with him.” Donna said. “It was beautiful.” After Roland’s death, Steve and Donna found comfort in their friendship. “Donna was very strong.” Steve said. “We cried on each other’s shoulders, but I could not have gotten through that without her.”
Air Force to establish safety procedures for hang-gliders. After successfully completing 87 combat missions, Steve understood the need for proper guidelines. “We knew the risks.” Steve said about pursuing hang-gliding. “It was a dangerous sport. We were losing a friend a month.” His work ensured that Cypress Gardens would not lose anymore hang-gliders to injury or death.
After Roland’s death, Steve used his technical training from his service in the
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The File’s continued to work at Cypress Gardens. Steve began commentating for ESPN events, he even helped Disney create waterproof mascot costumes so the Disney Characters could ski at their yearly shows.
Family: Roland always told Steve “If anything happens to me, take care of Donna.” Steve kept that promise, marrying Donna in 1985. Their son, Steven, was the ringbearer at their ceremony when he was just 5 years old. “Steven skied at 16 months old and was swimming at 3 months.” Donna said. “We were always out on the water.” At just 2 years old, Steven returned to Australia with his parents, visiting the Children’s Hospital with several Disney Mascots to introduce to the patients.
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When Donna became pregnant with their first child Steven in 1979, named after his father Steven, Sr., she worked in the sewing room at Cypress Gardens to create and repair costumes for the shows. In 1988 Donna and Steve welcomed their second son Rollie, whom they named after Donna’s first husband Roland. The Files’ lived on the water, both Steven and Rollie grew up skiing, wakeboarding, and boating. As he got older, Rollie enjoyed playing sports, participating in swimming, baseball, football and soccer. Life with Ripley’s: In 1997, Steve began working with Ripley’s Entertainment, helping build a new aquarium in Myrtle Beach. In 1999, the File family moved to Gatlinburg, Tennessee, while Steve helped establish the new aquarium there. Rollie attended Gatlinburg Pittman High school where he continued to play sports. Rollie’s passion for soccer continued into his freshman year of college at Carson-Newman and in 2006, Rollie’s soccer team went on to the Conference Championship, winning the title and celebrating an undefeated season. When prompted to write a paper for his creative writing class, Rollie titled the paper “Soccer Spotlight”, writing about the benefits that a well-lit soccer field would provide for the coaches, players, and fans. Installing lights over the field would allow the teams to play at dusk and into the evening, rather than scheduling games during the heat of the day.
A Trying Time: With their boys out of the house and off to college, Steve and Donna took a vacation to the Dominican Republic. At Noon on February 23rd, 2007, Steve and Donna got a phone call. Rollie was in a car accident with several of his teammates on their way back to campus. Rollie’s teammates walked away from the crash without injury, but Rollie was killed on impact.
Steve’s boss arranged for a Ripley’s Private Jet to pick Steve and Donna up from the Dominican Republic. They went through customs in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, then flew to Tennessee. Ripley’s had a limo waiting to drive them from TAC, the private airport, to the parking garage at the McGhee Tyson Airport. The limo brought them to Steve’s truck so they could drive from Knoxville to Gatlinburg, where they met Steven. At Rollie’s service, his friends and teammates lined up to pay their respects. The line stretched out the door and over a block away, as the community gathered around Steve, Donna and their son, Steven to honor Rollie’s memory. Steve remembers that the funeral procession was so long that he could not see where it ended. After the funeral mass at St. Mary’s they were touched by all the shop owners and residents that stood on the street of downtown Gatlinburg to pay their respects.
The File family requested that in lieu of flowers, the community donate to the “Soccer Spotlight Fund”. Steve created the fund to continue Rollie’s passion for soccer, based on his idea to install lights on the Carson-Newman field. By the second game of the season, the lights were installed and working. The placement of the lights allows for equal dispersion, preventing the soccer players from being distracted by shadows or glares. Steve remembers the installation project being like therapy. “It was a part of healing, and a part of letting go.” Steve said. “Donna and I had each other, we have a very strong faith. The prayers of our friends and family held us up.” In the weeks after Rollie’s funeral, friends and family brought the File family food, flowers, and support.
In Memory: When Steve and Donna went to CarsonNewman to Rollie’s dorm room, they found several pieces of artwork that Rollie created. In addition to playing soccer, Rollie studied graphic design. Many of his pieces included the phrase “Dream as if you’ll live forever, Live as if you’ll die today.” After the crash, several of Rollie’s teammates and brother honored Rollie’s memory with tattoos. One player had the saying inscribed on his arm surrounding a cross.
Last February, the month of Roland and Rollie’s passing, Steve and Donna took Rollie’s dog, Judy, for a walk. At almost 14 years old, Judy does not go on very many walks, but Steve and Donna followed her to Rollie’s cemetery near their home. The cemetery looks out over Mt. Leconte and the soccer field where Rollie used to play. As Judy led Steve and Donna, the sun reflected off of Rollie’s memorial bench, shining brightly and almost blinding them. Every February, for almost two weeks out of the entire year, the sun is positioned to reflect off of Rollie’s bench. It is a beautiful reminder to Steve and Donna of how precious life is.
“You can’t go through it alone,” Donna said. “It was a trying time, but God gives you the strength you need. He gets you through.”
Steve and Donna File currently reside in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, where Steve has worked with Ripley Entertainment for almost 20 years. He recently won the MVP (Robert Masterson Award) for exceptional management. Their son, Steven File, also lives in East Tennessee.
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MASON FURNITURE & APPLIANCES
168 WARREN ST, MADISONVILLE 52
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423.442.2940
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He was then elected to the Tennessee House of Representatives in 1980, a position that he would hold for the next 12 years. After being elected to the legislature he was elected Republican Leader in 1980 and Chairman of the Party in 1984 serving in both positions for 2 years from 1984-1986.
“A Perfect Way To End A Career”
J
Written By Caroline Duvall
im Henry, the Governor’s current Deputy and Chief of Staff, is passionate about the Tennessee Community. After three attempts to retire from his involvement in local politics, he has agreed to serve as Deputy to the Governor and Chief of Staff, and is ready to make a bigger impact to benefit the generations to come. Henry accepted the position earlier this year, stating it would be “a perfect way to end his career.” Henry grew up in Madisonville, Tennessee, moving to Kingston at the age of 13. He attended Hiwassee College, studied at the University of Tennessee, then served overseas during the Vietnam War. Once he returned to the States, he followed his father’s involvement in politics and soon became an active city councilman in Kingston. At 28 years old, Henry successfully ran for Mayor of Kingston, remaining in office until 1978. Jim Henry and his family
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During his time as a Tennessee State Representative, Henry and his wife, Pat, raised three children. They soon discovered that their son, John, faced a life of intellectual disability. “Having a child with mental disabilities changes how you see the world.” Henry said. “Pat and I were brought closer to others who faced the same obstacles, and we were brought closer to our faith.” Henry began organizing programs and activities at the Michael Dunn Center, where his wife was the chairmen of the board. The activities mainly centered on building a supportive network to give families with children like John the help that they needed. The startling lack of support for children who have intellectual disabilities inspired Jim Henry to begin his own company, Omni Visions. As CEO, Henry directed Omni Visions to focus on helping children with intellectual disabilities, providing a network of stability that reduces the risk of abuse within the foster care system. After working with Omni Visions for 17 years, Henry prepared to retire. He had just completed an intense round of chemotherapy to treat cancer when Governor Haslam invited him to attend a meeting. In that meeting, Henry discovered that
the Tennessee Legislature was prepared to act on a petition that he had begun years ago. The petition was focused on creating a separate legislative branch of Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities. The Legislature finally agreed to create the Department of Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities (DIDD), and Governor Haslam asked Henry to be the first commissioner. Henry would serve as commissioner for two years before retiring from full-time involvement. Henry told his wife Pat that this would be “the perfect way to end a career.” With his experience in the legislature, along with his understanding of intellectual disabilities, Henry successfully established DIDD. After serving as commissioner for two years, Henry prepared to step down and retire. But as the DIDD was succeeding, the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services (DCS) was struggling. Due to a lack of funding, leadership, and priority, the DCS had an abnormally high death rate among children in the Foster Care system. Governor Haslam asked Henry to serve as DCS Commissioner for another two years. “It was such an honor to be asked, I couldn’t turn it down.” Henry said. “I figured I’d work a little bit longer. Once I took a look at it, I realized it’s a great opportunity to make a difference.” Henry had found another perfect way to “end his career.” As Henry began his work with DCS, the department continued to receive bad press from the local media. Henry invited the news to join him and his staff on a Priority One call. A Priority One call includes
an environment where a child or several children live in a home of toxic stress. The environment may include abuse, neglect, a broken family, or a family where one or both parents abuse alcohol, drugs, or are completely absent. The Priority One call took them to inner city Nashville. “It was an emotional experience for me” Henry remembers, “If it wasn’t for us, these kids wouldn’t have a chance.” After the call, the media began to understand the challenges that DCS faced. Three years later, Henry had succeeded in completely transforming the way that the public saw child services and care. “We went from one of the worst programs in the country to being the best.” Henry said. He continued his efforts on preventing the factors that cause generational toxic stress, working proactively instead of reactively to remedy years of abuse and neglect. “The science is finally catching up with it.” Henry said, “the toxic stress for children is permanently damaging. If you live in a house where you’re scared that someone will come and abuse you, mistreat you.. that has a lasting impact. That’s why you see poverty and these different characteristics continually repeating themselves.” This type of stress prevents victims from developing mentally,
from doing well in school and having a successful future. Solutions do not lie in better education or funding, but in repairing the family unit and providing children with a safe, secure place to grow up. Henry will continue to find solutions for families who live in poverty and homes where children experience toxic stress. With his years of community service and political experience, Henry knows that lasting and effective change begins with the youngest generation: “It is about creating sustainability, something that the next generation can take and make better.” Henry states. “It’s about educating our youth and giving them the opportunity to do great things. We do not intend to lose the next generation. We have to show people that loving families are the right thing to invest in.” Jim Henry will continue his political career as Deputy to the Governor and Chief of Staff, pursuing the same level of excellence that has characterized his entire life. After Henry helped DCS succeed, the Governor asked him to postpone his retirement for a third time. Henry agreed, stating with some humor that he really did expect this to be his final position before retirement. Being appointed as Deputy to the Governor and Chief of Staff really would be “a perfect way to end a career.”
MY DREAM By John Henry
I dream of a country where truly all people are created equal. Where it doesn’t matter how you look, feel or communicate. I feel there is a hierachy of importance. Wealthy people are the most valued. Individuals with a handicap are least valued. The country needs to realize that we are People too. “We treated him like a King, Pat and I worked hard to give him everything he needed. It was difficult at times, but nothing was more beautiful than his smile.” -Deputy to the Governor and Chief of Staff, Jim Henry
The Henry Family: James, Jim, Lisa, John and Pat.
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Day trip
Written By Halea Lingerfelt
Shop. Dine. Repeat. Located just 35 minutes south of West Knoxville along Interstate 75, the perfect destination for the curious traveler’s day trip patiently awaits. Unique and unforgettable shopping, attractions, dining, recreation and vineyard proudly distinguish Sweetwater, Tennessee, from the typical “Southern Small Town”. The town has been awarded national recognition for its diverse attractions and events for the visitor and resident alike. Travelers are welcomed with a friendly greeting to a hassle-free environment where it is easy to kick back, shop, dine, explore and relax while enjoying this treasure nestled at the foothills of the Cherokee National Forest in beautiful East Tennessee. The Lost Sea and Tsali Notch Vineyard, Tennessee’s largest muscadine vineyard, are both located just a short drive from the heart of the town. It’s not hard to see, a day trip to Sweetwater, Tennessee, will leave visitors with memories of a unique and quaint town that calls them back for a quick getaway time and time again.
35 miles south of West Knoxville Take the TN-322/Oakland Rd exit, Exit 62, toward Sweetwater.
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Rediscovering The Overhill
CHEROKEE COUNTRY
Written by Linda Caldwell Photo by Darrell Young
The Tennessee Overhill region takes its name from the Overhill Cherokee towns that were located in East Tennessee in the 1700s. The term “overhill” referred to the Cherokee settlements that rested on the western slopes of the Appalachian Mountains – on the other side of the mountains from the Cherokee settlements in the Carolinas and Georgia. The Overhill towns were located primarily in the Little Tennessee, Tellico, and Hiwassee river valleys and tributaries.
Unfortunately, this did not quell the
Band. • We invite you to explore the
Country was a hotbed of political intrigue.
United States’ desire for more land, and in
Overhill Cherokee Homeland, learn the
France and Britain were vying for the right
1838, the remaining Cherokee people
history of the Overhill Cherokee people,
to trade with the Cherokees and also for
were moved west on what is now known
and celebrate the resilience and heritage of
control of the continent. During the
as the Trail of Tears. • The Overhill
the Cherokee people. Much has changed
American Revolution, and later into the
Cherokee settlements faded into time,
here over time, but some things remain.
1790s, the Overhill towns were damaged
but the Cherokee people did not. The
You will see the same ridgetops and streams
repeatedly by attacks from colonial and
Cherokee Nation, based in Oklahoma,
that were here in the 1700s. You will notice
territorial militia. Eventually, many of the old
is a thriving and sovereign nation of over
place names that remind us of the Native
Overhill towns were abandoned altogether.
200,000 people. The Eastern Band of
People who gave them those names –
In the Treaty of 1819, the Cherokee ceded
Cherokee Indians has over 12,000
Chestuee, Oostanaula, Tellico, Hiwassee,
their lands from the Little Tennessee River
enrolled members. Another 15,000
Ocoee, Chilhowee, Citico. Following are
south to the Hiwassee River, ending
Cherokees are members
suggestions for places to visit to
Cherokee control of the Overhill Country.
of the United Keetoowah
learn about Cherokee heritage.
By the mid-1700s, the Overhill Cherokee
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Sequoyah Birthplace Museum Sequoyah, inventor of the Cherokee syllabary, was born around 1776 in what was then the Overhill town of Tuskeegee, located near the present site of the Sequoyah Birthplace Museum. He grew up in the midst of the American Revolution. Like many other Overhill Cherokees, Sequoyah and his family left to find refuge in the Chickamauga settlements in Alabama. Sequoyah recognized that his nation’s illiteracy was a legal obstacle in the struggle to preserve Cherokee lands, so he developed a way to render the Cherokee language in written form. The Cherokee “alphabet” was introduced to the world with the publication of the Cherokee Phoenix, a bilingual newspaper that was produced in New Echota in Georgia. The museum exhibits focus on the lifeways of the Overhill Cherokees and Sequoyah’s accomplishments. Authentic Cherokee crafts can be purchased in the gift shop. The museum sponsors festivals and educational programs throughout the year. 576 Hwy 360 – Vonore 423-884-6246 – www.sequoyahmuseum.org Hours: Mon-Sat, 9:00-5:00; Sun, Noon-5:00
Chota/Tanasi Throughout much of the 18th century, the Overhill towns of Tanasi and Chota were important Cherokee centers of government. At different periods, they were recognized as capitals of the Cherokee Nation – beloved towns where Cherokees gathered for important councils and religious events. When Virginia militia invaded the Overhill Country in 1776, they spared Chota.
SE-QUO-YAH – a lithograph from “History of the Indian Tribes of North America.” This lithograph is from the portrait painted by Charles Bird King in 1828.
During the expedition of 1789, Chota, Tanasi, and the other Overhill towns in the lower Little Tennessee River Valley were destroyed. The State of Tennessee takes its name from Tanasi. After the waters of Tellico Lake covered the sites of Chota and Tanasi in 1979, memorials to commemorate these important Overhill Cherokee towns
were placed at the edge of the lake near the site of each town. The Chota Memorial is designed to resemble the layout of the old Chota Council House. Oconostota, the Great Warrior of Chota and Principle Chief, is buried at the entrance. Stop at the Sequoyah Birthplace Museum for directions to the memorials. 423-884-6246 www.sequoyahmuseum.org
exchange for their furs as well as learn farming and mechanical skills. Interpretive exhibits situated among the ruins tell the story of the Tellico Blockhouse and its role in maintaining order along the Cherokee frontier. Visitors to the site can wander among the foundations and look across the river toward the old Cherokee Nation. Blockhouse Road (just off Hwy 411) – Vonore 423-884-6217 – www.fortloudoun.com Hours: Everyday, 8:00–Sunset
Fort Loudoun State Historic Area Fort Loudoun was painstakingly built in the wilderness during the winter of 1756-57 at the request of pro-British factions at the Overhill town of Chota. For awhile, the fort helped rally the powerful Cherokee Nation to the English cause, but relations soon soured. The Cherokees laid siege to the fort at the outset of the Anglo-Cherokee War of 1760-61. The garrison surrendered under terms that allowed their return to South Carolina. After one day’s travel, Cherokee warriors ambushed the garrison near Belltown, Tennessee, killing about 25 soldiers. The Cherokees sacked the fort, and a year later, they burned it. The reconstructed fort sits on a hill overlooking Tellico Lake. Visitors can look inside reconstructed barracks, the blacksmith
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shop, and other support facilities. A reconstructed Cherokee Winter House sits just outside the fort’s palisade. Living history demonstrations and educational programs take place throughout the year. The visitor center presents information on the fort’s history and artifacts that were recovered prior to the fort’s reconstruction. A fifteen-minute film adds to the visitor’s understanding of the historical period in which the fort was built and ultimately destroyed. 338 Fort Loudoun Road – Vonore 423-884-6217 – www.fortloudoun.com Hours: Open everyday, 8:00–Sunset
Charles Hall Museum Tellico Plains sits at the crossroads where travelers have passed for hundreds of years. The Overhill Cherokee town of Great Tellico was located near there. The Unicoi Path, used for a thousand years for trade and war, passed through there. The museum’s collection includes an exhibit of Native American artifacts that were recovered from the area. Hwy 165/Cherohala Skyway – Tellico Plains 423-253-8000 – www.charleshallmuseum.com Hours: Everyday, 9:00–5:00
Tellico Blockhouse The remains of the Tellico Blockhouse, built in 1794, are located across Tellico Lake from Fort Loudoun. There, federal and territorial officials implemented the “Factory Act of 1795,” which was a U.S. government plan to “civilize” Indians by maintaining federal “factories,” or trading posts where Indians would receive fair
Cherohala Skyway
Don't miss the Cherohala Skyway this Autumn. Start your trip across the scenic byway at the Charles Hall Museum.
Cherokee Removal Memorial Park The Cherokee Removal Memorial Park is located at the confluence of the Tennessee and Hiwassee rivers in Meigs County. Around 10,000 Cherokee people gathered at this site to cross the river on the Trail of Tears. A park has been created at the site to honor the Cherokee people who were deported during that time. There is a winding interpretive wall of granite that details the story of the Trail of Tears and the people who were affected. A small amphitheater with a floor that depicts the Trail of Tears routes is located on the grounds, and a log house contains exhibits and information. A boardwalk leads to an overlook and shelter on top of a bluff that overlooks the river and Jolly’s Island. 6800 Blythe Ferry Road – Birchwood 423-339-2769 – www.southeasttennessee.com
McMinn County Living Heritage Museum Museum exhibits include a display that interprets American Indian pre-history and Cherokee history in McMinn County and the surrounding area. An emphasis is placed on the Mouse Creek archaeological culture. The museum is located in Athens, where a significant court case took place that led to the Trail of Tears. In 1834, Cherokees James Foreman and Addison Springston were tried for the murder of Cherokee leader Jack Walker. The trial, ultimately heard by the Tennessee Supreme Court, held that Cherokees were subject to the laws of the State of Tennessee rather than the Cherokee Nation. This established a precedent that propelled the forced removal forward. 522 West Madison Avenue – Athens 423-745-0329 Hours: Mon-Fri, 10:00-5:00 www.livingheritagemuseum.com
Red Clay State Park
Red Clay was the last capital of the Cherokee Nation in the eastern U.S. After the state of Georgia banned assemblies of Cherokees in groups of three or more, the Cherokee Nation moved its national assembly from New Echota in Georgia to Red Clay in Tennessee. The Red Clay Council Grounds became the center of the Cherokee Nation’s diplomatic efforts to avoid removal. The State of Tennessee manages the site today as a state park. The grounds include a museum, outdoor replicas of an 1830s Cherokee Council House, sleeping huts, and a farmstead. An eternal flame was placed at the site in 1984. A blue spring is also located on the grounds. 1140 Red Clay Park – Cleveland 423-478-0339 www.tennessee.gov/environment/parks /RedClay
Nancy Ward Grave
Nancy Ward was born in 1738 in the Cherokee town of Chota. When her first husband, Kingfisher, was killed in the Battle of Taliwa against the Creeks in 1755, she took up his rifle and led the Cherokee to victory. This was the action that, at the age of eighteen, gave her the title of Ghigau, or Beloved Woman. This was a powerful legal and diplomatic distinction that meant she had the power to sit in councils and, along with other Beloved Women, to issue pardons. She married a second time to Bryant Ward, a South Carolina colonist and Indian trader. At some point, Nancy Ward moved to Womankiller Ford on the Ocoee River. She opened an inn there, on the Old Federal Road. One of Ward’s great-grandchildren, Jack Hildebrand, was four when Ward died. He told of being present when “a light rose like a bird, left through an open door, and disappeared toward Chota.” Nancy Ward’s grave sits on a hill beside Highway 411, south of Benton, Tennessee, overlooking the Ocoee River. Her son, Five Killer, and her brother, Longfellow, are also buried there. The site is managed by Tennessee State Parks. Hwy 411 – Benton 423-263-0050 Hours: Daily, Sunrise-Sunset
Unicoi Turnpike Trail
Travel the path that Overhill Cherokees, European explorers, traders, soldiers, and settlers used for hundreds of years. Known in early times as the Unicoi Path, the trail was used for trade and warfare even before written history. A portion of the trail from Vonore, Tennessee, to Murphy, North Carolina, was declared a National Millennium Flagship Trail in 2000. Named the Unicoi Turnpike Trail, the route has been interpreted and promoted as a driving tour. A restored section of the original trail is open for hiking in the Cherokee National Forest at Coker Creek. The Tennessee Overhill Heritage Association provides free trail guides by calling 877-510-5765. Visitors can also pick up maps for the hiking section and additional information at the Coker Creek Welcome Center. 877-510-5765 – www.tennesseeoverhill.com
Fort Marr
The last surviving blockhouse of Fort Morrow (known as Fort Marr), the original military post was built in 1814 on the Old Federal Road near the Conasauga River. Initially designated Camp Lindsay, the post was renamed Fort Morrow after the addition of three blockhouses and a palisade enclosure in preparation for the Cherokee Removal. By May of 1838, the fort housed one mounted company and two infantry companies of Tennessee militia under the 62
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command of Captain John Morrow. These troops were assigned to collect Cherokee people and transport them to Fort Cass to await deportation on the Trail of Tears. The one remaining blockhouse has recently been relocated to the grounds of the Hiwassee/Ocoee State Park Ranger Station at Gee Creek Campground in Delano, where it is undergoing restoration. Hiwassee/Ocoee State Parks Gee Creek Ranger Station – Delano 423-263-0050
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CelebrateLife AT
MILESTONES E V ENT C ENTER
Milestone
Milestones Event Center is the ideal sites for many memorable occasions. Whether you need space for a small meeting or dinner for a family reunion; bridal or baby shower; or even a place to celebrate someone’s life, The Milestones Event Center is the perfect place for any event. Located inside the Farragut Office Park off of Kingston Pike in the heart of Farragut, the Milestones Event Center is open and available for whatever “Milestone” event you need.
Celebration of Life Memorials • Weddings & Parties • Business Meetings & Conferences
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Call us today at (865) 458-8824 to set up a time to tour our wonderful facility or contact us at contact@clickeventcenters.com for more information.
FARRAGUT LIFE FALL 2015
Eye Care and Eyewear… What’s the difference?
I
f you watch television for any amount of time, you are sure to see an advertisement for BOGO glasses or online contact lenses. As a consumer of eye care products, how can you possibly know all of the options that you have available to you? Are they all the same?
that will optimize your vision. For instance, did you know that there have been some extraordinary advancements in the optics of ophthalmic lenses? Digital surfacing of lenses has revolutionized how we see out of our glasses. If you shop strictly on price, you may never know these advanced products exist.
The best place to begin is with your eye doctor. Your eye doctor should be able to discuss all of your options when it comes to choosing eyeglasses or contact lenses. Technology has rapidly advanced the eye care industry, if you don’t know what is available, you may be missing out on some great products which help provide excellent vision.
Some people can get by with a simple disposable contact lens. If you have astigmatism, corneal disorder, or if you are over the age of 40 and have noticed trouble with focusing up close, then the “simple” contact lenses will not get the job done for you. There are many highly advanced contact lenses available to treat a variety of refractive conditions. Make sure you choose a doctor experienced in fitting specialty contact lenses.
Developing a relationship with your eye doctor and his staff is a good place to start. You should rely on your doctor’s office to educate you on new, advanced products
then we have answers for you. Premier Eyecare takes pride in providing their patients with excellent eye care and educating them on available treatment options. Dr. Brent Fry, Premier Eyecare’s optometric physician, will take the time to examine your eyes thoroughly, answer any questions you may have, and provide a variety of treatment options. Premier Eyecare has three licensed dispensing opticians with a combined 42 years of optical experience. Our licensed opticians have an advanced level of knowledge and skills required to provide you with the best possible vision from your eyeglasses or contact lenses. Schedule an appointment for your eye exam today by calling 865-966-0100 or visit us on the web at Premier-Eyecare.net.
If you are feeling a little overwhelmed with your options for clear, comfortable vision,
Premier Eyecare, 11121 Kingston Pike, Suite A Knoxville, TN 37934 865-966-0100
www.Premier-Eyecare.net FALL 2015 FARRAGUT LIFE
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FALL FLAVORS TO WARM YOU UP Written By Deron Little Food Photography By Ben Gibson
The days of bright berries, crisp salads and succulent summer fruit are behind us for another year. While you might be disappointed to see the last of the seasonal salads, don’t fret - there are delicious replacements on the way with fall fruits and vegetables.
2. Sweet potatoes. Despite its name, the sweet potato is not related to the potato. Good-quality sweet potatoes will be firm, smooth-skinned and tan to light rose color. They are ideal for baking, grilling or steaming, and you can substitute them in any recipe that calls for potatoes.
as they are both bitter orange hybrids, but the main difference is that clementines are often seedless. They go well with chicken dishes and seafood
Autumn is a season of fruits and vegetables that have rich flavor and are wonderful for your health.
3. Pumpkins. These are more than just Halloween decorations. The pumpkin’s bright orange color and sweet flavor lends itself to a variety of uses. It’s great served as a tasty side dish for a main meal and ideal for making hearty winter soups, as well as being baked into bread and pumpkin pie.
6. Pears. Pears are almost as versatile as the apple. You can use them in low-fat pancakes, sliced on sandwiches or poached and drizzled with maple syrup for a warm, sweet dessert.
Here are some delicious items. Make them a regular part of your dining experience. 1. Parsnips. These might look like white carrots but they have a delicate, sweet flavor. Look for smooth and firm, small to medium sized parsnips for the best quality.
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4. Clementines. These are the baby cousins of the Florida orange and are also known as mandarin oranges. They can be quite difficult to distinguish from tangerines,
5. Apples. Apples are great for more than baking. Try them in fruit chutney over a grilled salmon.
7. Cranberries. If you are looking for berries that ripen in the autumn, look no further than cranberries. Only about 10% of the commercial crop is sold fresh - mostly in September through to December. The rest can be found as juice, dried or as cranberry
sauce. Fresh cranberries can be too tart on their own, but they pair wonderfully with other fruits such as apples and pears. Cranberries work well added to muffins and other baked goods and in compotes, relishes, chutneys and fruit desserts. 8. Figs. These often-overlooked fruits are full of flavor and their chewy texture makes them a tasty, nutritious addition to sweeten up mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes.
Roasted Turkey with Port Wine and Pear The fruitiness of the pear nectar, combined with the unique nuances of port wine, provide a delightful accompaniment to the holiday flavors of this honey and sage roasted turkey.
Turkey Glaze Ingredients: 4 cups 2 cups 1/2 cup 1/4 cup
pear nectar of a tawny-style Port wine of butter honey
1 1/2 tsp fresh sage, minced (or you can substitute 1/2 tsp of dried rubbed sage) Combine all the above ingredients in a large saucepan and bring to a boil. The mixture should reduce to about 2 cups (this should take 40 or so minutes) once reduced, remove from heat. You will keep 1 cup of the mixture for the sauce (gravy). 1 1 tbs 1/4 1 tsp 1 tbs 1 tbs 3 1 2 3 cups
20 lb Turkey minced garlic cup olive oil sage sea salt cracked black pepper Celery stalks onion (quartered) carrots (peeled and halved) Chicken Stock
Procedure: Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Mix oil and above dry ingredients together in a small bowl. Take the paste-like mixture and rub the outside and inside cavity of turkey. Put celery, onion, and carrots inside cavity. Pour 1 cup of chicken stock in bottom of roasting pan. Place turkey in roasting pan and cover with foil. Place in oven for 45 minutes. After 45 minutes, remove
turkey and brush with glaze. Reduce oven temperature to 350 and continue roasting for 2 additional hours – basting every 30 minutes with pan juices – keeping turkey covered. After two hours, uncover the turkey and baste once more. Continue cooking until turkey is golden (should be about 15 additional minutes). Remove the turkey from the pan and place, under a tent of aluminum foil, on a large platter.
Sauce (Gravy) Ladle the remaining pan juices into a large saucepan. Put over medium heat and add the remaining 2 cups of chicken stock. Bring to a boil and thicken with cornstarch ( 2 tsp dissolved into about 2 tablespoons of water). Whisk in cornstarch mixture, allow to boil until thickening begins, and reduce heat. Add remaining glaze mixture – continue to stir – sauce should thicken slowly as it simmers. Garnish turkey platter with fresh herbs, berries, or nuts. Serve both sauce and turkey separately. As a nice accent, prepare your favorite stuffing or dressing recipe and enhance by adding currants, nuts, or golden raisins.
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Restaurant Guide TURKEY CREEK
Abuelo’s Mexican Food Embassy Mexican food at its finest! 11299 Parkside Dr, Knoxville, TN 37934 Apple Cake Tea Room Now Celebrating 29 years! Can you believe it? A tradition with good food and great friends! 11312 Station W Dr # A, Knoxville, TN 37934 Aubrey’s Restaurant Part of a local chain, this easygoing comfort-food venue & bar serves burgers & Southern fare. 102 S Campbell Station Rd, Knoxville, TN 37934 Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar Chef-driven burger joint that uses a mix of local and artisanal ingredients to create delectably unique burgers. 11683 Parkside Dr, Farragut, TN 37934 Baskin Robbins Colorful ice cream parlor chain known for its many flavors plus sorbet & yogurt. 11051 Parkside Dr, Knoxville, TN 37922 Bombay Palace Knoxville’s source for authentic Indian cuisine, offering dine-in, carryout, catering, delivery and a lunch buffet seven days a week! 10901 Parkside Dr #101, Knoxville, TN 37934 Bonefish Grill Top-of-the-line fresh seafood and an array of styles. Try their Bang Bang Shrimp and be propelled into a state of deliciousness. 11395 Parkside Dr, Knoxville, TN 37934 Brixx Woodfired Pizza Originally conceived woodfire pizza with a great beer selection. Come in after 10 and take advantage of their buy-oneget-one free pizza deal, one of the best values in town. 10978 Parkside Dr, Knoxville, TN 37934 Buffalo Wild Wings Lively sports bar chain dishing up wings & other American pub grub amid lots of large-screen TVs. 11431 Parkside Drive, Knoxville, TN 37934-1974 Buttermilk Sky Pie Shop Fresh, Southernbased desserts that rival some of the best in the country. 5400 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919 Calhoun’s Turkey Creek Award-winning BBQ and some of the best ribs in the city. The menu includes something for nearly every taste and preference. 625 Turkey Cove Ln, Knoxville, TN 37934 Chipotle Fast-food chain offering Mexican fare, including design-your-own burritos, tacos & bowls. 11380 Parkside Dr, Knoxville, TN 37934 Connors Steak & Seafood One of the finest steakhouses in town. Steaks are fat and juicy, and their crab bisque is nothing short of exquisite. 10915 Turkey Dr, Knoxville, TN 37934 Cracker Barrel Homey chain restaurant serving American comfort food, with an on-site general store. 716 N Campbell Station Rd, Knoxville, TN 37934 Cru Bistro & Wine Bar Sleek find with an internationally inspired tapas-style menu
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FirstWatch complemented by a global wine list. 11383 Parkside Dr, Knoxville, TN 37934 Dickey’s Barbecue Pit Authentic and innovative Texas-style barbecue. All meats are smoked on site, the same way it was done in 1941! 11483 Parkside Dr #202, Knoxville, TN 37934 Dunkin’ Donuts Long-running chain serving signature donuts, breakfast sandwiches & a variety of coffee drinks. 715 Campbell Station Rd, Units 101 & 102, Knoxville, TN 37934 Einstein Bros. Bagels Counter-service chain offering egg sandwiches, soups, salads, baked goods & a variety of bagels. 11693 Parkside Dr, Farragut, TN 37934 First Watch Cafe chain for health-minded breakfast, brunch & lunch options such as omelets, salads & soups. 11682 Parkside Dr, Knoxville, TN 37934 Five Guys Burgers and Fries There is nothing better after a long day than biting into a juicy Five Guys burger, throwing in some of their peanut oil french fries and slurping it all down with a soda. Simply delicious. Turkey Creek, 10922 Parkside Dr, Knoxville, TN 37923 Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar The most elegant and amazing restaurant in Knoxville. Truly awe-inspiring selection of steak, seafood and more. The perfect setting for anniversaries, birthdays or other celebrations. 11287 Parkside Dr, Knoxville, TN 37934
Gigi’s Cupcakes Bakery chain offering a rotating selection of gourmet cupcakes, plus cookies filled with frosting. 11665 Parkside Dr, Knoxville, TN 37934 Great American Cookies This mall-based chain selling cookies & brownies offers some specialty flavors, plus cookie cakes. 10972 Parkside Dr, Knoxville, TN 37934 Hurricane Grill & Wings Tropical-themed chain offering spiced-to-order wings with an array of sauces, pub grub & a full bar. 319 Lovell Rd, Knoxville, TN 37934 IHOP Restaurant The International House of Pancakes; serving breakfast, lunch and dinner all day long. Come in anytime for great food at great prices. 313 Lovell Rd, Knoxville, TN 37922 Jimmy John’s Fast, easy and oh, so good. Counter-serve chain specializing in sub & club sandwiches, plus signature potato chips. 11055 Parkside Dr, Knoxville, TN 37934 Juice Bar Juices, Smoothies and much more! 11681 Parkside Dr, Knoxville, TN 37934 Kabuki Fushion Sushi & Grill Artfully presented Japanese sushi & hibachi-grilled fare served in a sleek, contemporary setting. 10901 Parkside Dr #105, Knoxville, TN 37934 Kasumi and Thai Cafe Asian cuisine for dine-in or carryout, including Thai, Chinese and Japanese offerings. 743 N Campbell Station Rd, Knoxville, TN 37934
La Cabana Cuban Flavor Flavor-packed Cuban cuisine with authentic dishes and daily specials. 723 N Campbell Station Rd, Knoxville, TN 37934 La Parrilla Mexican Grill Traditional and authentic Mexican cuisine offered at affordable prices in a friendly atmosphere. 11639 Parkside Dr, Knoxville, TN 37934 Lenny’s Sub Shop Outpost of a chain specializing in Philly-style cheesesteaks & submarine sandwiches. 150 Lovell Rd #103, Knoxville, TN 37934 Little Bangkok Vast menu of Thai dishes from curries to crab rangoon, served in an airy, colorful space. 603 N Campbell Station Rd, Knoxville, TN 37934 Longhorn Steakhouse Delicious steaks for affordable prices, Longhorn Steakhouse will never disappoint or fail to satisfy. 11644 Parkside Dr, Farragut, TN 37934 Marble Slab Creamery Customize your ice cream experience with dozens of delicious flavors and toppings that are rolled together right in front of you! The best place for ice cream, bar none. 10972 Parkside Dr, Knoxville, TN 37934 McAlister’s Deli Easygoing counter-service chain known for its sandwiches, stuffed baked potatoes & sweet tea. 11140 Parkside Dr, Knoxville, TN 37934 Mellow Mushroom Funky, art-filled chain
pizzeria featuring craft beer, calzones & creative stone-baked pizzas. 635 North Campbell Station Road, Farragut, TN 37922 Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt It’s cool, it’s hip, it’s Menchies Frozen Yogurt! Make your own bowl however you want and enjoy the creamiest frozen yogurt around! 11162 Parkside Dr, Knoxville, TN 37934 Mimi’s Cafe Southern-style restaurant with a modern flair. Great and unique food items that will spur your imagination and send your taste buds on a journey they won’t soon forget. 10945 Parkeside Dr., Knoxville, TN 37922 Moe’s Southwest Grill Welcome to Moe’s! Stuffed burritos, tacos and quesadillas made right in front of you, your way! 11322 Parkside Dr, Knoxville, TN 37934 Newk’s Express Cafe With a modern menu and a variety of fresh items, Newk’s is one of the most popular new restaurants to hit Knoxville. 11527 Parkside Dr, Farragut, TN 37934 Noodles and Company This healthconscious noodle restaurant offers everything pasta from mac n’ cheese to Bangkok Curry. Nutritional awareness makes this restaurant a favorite for those who wish to enjoy a delicious meal in a healthy way. 11083 Parkside Dr, Knoxville, TN 37934 O’Charley’s One can never go wrong with O’Charley’s, the benchmark of good old-fashioned
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Amercian dining. 11036 Parkside Dr, Knoxville, TN 37934 Olive Garden Great Italian food at excellent prices, not to mention the unlimited salad and breadsticks, make Olive Garden a great go-to for many. 10923 Parkside Dr, Knoxville, TN 37934 Panda Express Fast-food chain for Chinese standards, including some health-conscious options. 11480 Parkside Dr, Knoxville, TN 37934 Panera Bread What happens when you roll a bakery, a cafe and a coffee shop all in one? Why, Panera Bread, of course. Casual yet chic, Panera Bread has always wowed us with its unique, home-baked flavor and its healthy menu options. 11361 Parkside Dr, Knoxville, TN 37934 Pei Wei Asain Diner Counter-serve Pan-Asian chain for health-conscious noodle & rice dishes & more. 11301 Parkside Dr #1200, Knoxville, TN 37934 Potbelly Sandwich Shop Retro-style counter-serve chain known for made-to-order toasted sandwiches, salads & baked goods. 11661 Parkside Dr, Knoxville, TN 37934 Red Burrito/Hardee’s Fast-food chain duo serving fried chicken, big burgers and delectable burritos. 609 N Campbell Station Rd, Knoxville, TN 37934 Red Robin Gourmet Burgers With a truly remarkable variety of sandwiches and burgers, you could dine at Red Robin every day for a year and still have so many things to look forward to. 11433 Parkside Drive, Knoxville, TN 37934 Salsarita’s Fresh Cantina Fast, fresh and brilliantly tasty. 10919 Parkside Dr, Knoxville, TN 37934 Schakolad Source for European-style chocolates & truffles made on site. Some have kosher & vegan options. 10944 Parkside Dr, Knoxville, TN 37934 Seasons Innovative Bar & Grille American Bistro style restaurant designed around moderate pricing and high-quality cuisine. 11605 Parkside Dr, Knoxville, TN 37934 Shane’s Rib Shack The place to go for the best BBQ, ribs, chicken and more. 11036 Parkside Dr, Knoxville, TN 37934 Smoky Mountain Brewery This brewery/ restaurant is sure to satisfy even the most beer-savy of friends with their selection of handcrafted microbrews. Enjoy some of their pub-inspired appetizers and drinks, or sit down for a meal with the family. Here, it’s the best of both worlds. 11308 Parkside Dr, Knoxville, TN 37934 Starbucks Coffee Must...order...another... frappuccino... 11038 Parkside Dr Knoxville, TN 37934 Steak ‘n Shake The very best place to sip on a milkshake and enjoy the American diner experience.
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310 Wild Geese Road, Knoxville, TN 37934 Subway Casual counter-serve chain for buildyour-own sandwiches & salads, with health-conscious options. 10900 Parkside Dr, Knoxville, TN 37934 Sweet Frog National chain with dozens of flavor combinations of soft-serve frozen yogurt, plus sorbet. 10901 Parkside Dr #102, Knoxville, TN 37934 Texas Roadhouse With amazing burgers and sandwiches, ribs and chicken, why would you want to eat anywhere else? Did we mention the all-you-caneat peanuts? 11001 Turkey Dr, Knoxville, TN 37922 Wasabi Chefs cook hibachi-style fare & roll sushi at this Japanese eatery in contemporary, romantic digs. 226 Lovell Rd, Knoxville, TN 37934 Wild Wing Cafe A wide variety of wings are the focus of this go-to chain also serving sandwiches, burgers & soups. 11335 Campbell Lakes Dr, Farragut, TN 37934 Zaxby’s Chain eatery serving up fried chicken fingers, wings, sandwiches & other American comfort eats. 11636 Parkside Dr, Farragut, TN 37934 Zoe’s Kitchen Offering zesty salads and bright and flavorful sandwiches, this is perhaps one of the more unique restaurants in the area. Always choose the pasta salad as a side, truly astounding. 11378 Parkside Drive, Knoxville, TN 37934
KINGSTON PIKE
Back Yard Burgers Counter-serve chain offering creative beef, turkey & veggie burgers, plus shakes & sides. 10008 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37922 Buddy’s Bar-B-Q Laid-back local chain eatery serving up pulled pork, ribs, smoked chicken & other BBQ staples. 121 West End Ave, Knoxville, TN 37934 Bullfeathers Café West Knoxville’s #1 karaoke bar, featuring all-you-can-eat wings and many other daily specials. 10535 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37922 Calhoun’s Chain serving Tennessee BBQ, fresh-ground burgers & sandwiches, plus homestyle sides & craft beers. 10020 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37922 China Pearl Simple Chinese eatery featuring a large array of stir-fry dishes & lo mein, plus some Thai curries. 115 Brooklawn St, Knoxville, TN 37934 Dinner A’Fare Gourmet studio kitchen with meal prep stations and fresh ingredients. Come in and prepare delicious dinners to cook at home! 138 West End Ave, Knoxville, TN 37934 Domino’s Pizza Delivery/carryout chain offering a wide range of pizza, plus sandwiches, pastas & wings. 11408 Kingston Pike Ste 100, Knoxville, TN 37934
Dragon Den Chinese Restaurant Delicious, moderately-priced Chinese food for delivery, dine-in or carryout. 10205 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37922 East Japanese Restaurant Japanese restaurant serving incredible food in an authentic atmosphere. 11509 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37934 El Charro Knoxville’s “numero uno” Mexican restaurant with over 20 years of experience. 10420 Kingston Pike # I, Knoxville, TN 37922 El Mezcal Easygoing Mexican eatery with colorful decor serving traditional fare with seafood specialties. 11110 Kingston Pike # 130, Knoxville, TN 37934 Firehouse Subs Counter-serve sandwich chain offering made-to-order hot & cold subs, plus a variety of hot sauces. 4916 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919 French Market Creperie & Café French crêperie in cozy space with chandeliers & bleached wood, plus sandwiches, cider & import shop. 161 Brooklawn St, Farragut, TN 37934 Fruition Cafe Fresh, home-style alternative to fast food. 129 West End Ave, Knoxville, TN 37934 I Love NY Pizza Italian and American cuisine in a fun, family atmosphere. 10420 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37922 Jet’s Pizza Counter-serve chain offering deepdish or classic pizzas with flavored crusts, plus wings & subs. 11124 Kingston Pike, Farragut, TN 37934 Krispy Kreme Longtime chain serving a variety of donut flavors & shapes, plus coffee & frozen drinks. 11208 Kingston Pike, Farragut, TN 37934 Little Joe’s Pizza Neighborhood pizza joint with handmade pizzas and homemade sauces.13100 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37934 Mario’s Pizza and Grill Family owned and operated Italian/American restaurant featuring pizzas and much more. 10943 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37934 Meksiko Cantina Classic Mexican cuisine in an upscale atmosphere...without the upscale price. 120 West End Ave, Knoxville, TN 37934 Papa John’s Take-out/delivery chain for pizzas, wings & breadsticks, offering a side of peppers with every pie. 10820 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37934 Papa Murphy’s Chain outlet offering buildyour-own takeaway pizzas, to be cooked at home. 133 Brooklawn St., Knoxville, TN 37934 Petro’s Chili & Chips Unique, Southwestern food made fresh to order. 10518 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37922 Pizza Hut Family-friendly chain known for its made-to-order pizzas. 10402 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37922
Sam & Andy’s West Knoxville’s favorite burger since 1942, with all items available for catering in box lunches or in bulk. 11110 Kingston Pike # 165, Knoxville, TN 37934 Snappy Tomato Pizza Standard pizza chain offering a variety of eats such as pasta, subs & wings for delivery or dine-in. 11507 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37934 Subway Casual counter-serve chain for buildyour-own sandwiches & salads, with health-conscious options. 126 West End Ave, Knoxville, TN 37934 The Egg & I Family-friendly diner-style chain serving homestyle American breakfast & lunch standards. 111 Lovell Rd, Farragut, TN 37934 The Shrimp Dock Knoxville’s premier fresh seafood market since 1993, with Friday fish fries and everything you need to make your own seafood boil at home. 11124 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37934
NORTHSHORE
Anaba Japanese Cuisine One of East Tennessee’s premier Japanese restaurants offering fresh sushi, noodle bowls, rice bowls and hibachi. 9405 S Northshore Dr, Knoxville, TN 37922 Cazzy’s Corner Grill Classic American cuisine created with a trend-setting spirit and served in a contemporary environment. 2099 Thunderhead Rd, Knoxville, TN 37922 Dunkin’ Donuts Long-running chain serving signature donuts, breakfast sandwiches & a variety of coffee drinks. 9411 Northshore Dr, Knoxville, TN 37922 Five Guy’s Burger & Fries Fast-food chain with made-to-order burgers, fries & hot dogs, plus free peanuts while you wait. 2032 Town Center Blvd, Knoxville, TN 37922 Fulin’s Asian Cuisine Locally-owned and operated Chinese and Japanese fine dining experience. 2060 Town Center Blvd, Knoxville, TN 37922 Great China Gourmet Flavorful and distinctive Chinese cuisine. 9435 S Northshore Dr, Knoxville, TN 37922 Lakeside Tavern Sleek, stone & steel decor plus water views for a long menu of surf ‘n’ turf & buzzing happy hour. 10911 Concord Park Dr, Knoxville, TN 37922 Moe’s Southwest Grill Counter-serve chain dishing up Southwestern staples from burritos to nachos in lively environments. 9450 South Northshore Dr., Knoxville, TN 37922 Northshore Brasserie French & Belgian standards such as steak frites & duck confit offered in a bright bistro setting. 9430 S Northshore Dr, Knoxville, TN 37922
Ruby Tuesday Casual chain with American fare, featuring burgers, a salad bar, cocktails & a convivial vibe. 9637 Kroger Park Dr, Knoxville, TN 37922 Snappy Tomato Pizza Casual pizzeria for pies, calzones, pasta & wings in a no-frills space. 9450 S Northshore Dr, Knoxville, TN 37922 Subway Casual counter-serve chain for buildyour-own sandwiches & salads, with health-conscious options. 9450 S Northshore Dr #107, Knoxville, TN 37923 Tokyo Hibachi & Sushi Traditional hibachi in a cozy atmosphere, as well as a variety of delicious sushi offerings. 9420 S Northshore Dr # 103, Knoxville, TN 37922 Uncle Maddio’s Pizza Joint Customers can build their own pizzas & salads, assembly-line style, at this family-friendly chain. 2052 Town Center Blvd, Knoxville, TN 37921
DIXIE LEE
Dunkin’ Donuts Long-running chain serving signature donuts, breakfast sandwiches & a variety of coffee drinks. 615 N Watt Rd, Knoxville, TN 37934 Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen Louisianaaccented fast-food chain known for its spicy fried chicken, biscuits & sides. 615 N Watt Rd, Knoxville, TN 37934 Subway Casual counter-serve chain for build-your-own sandwiches & salads, with healthconscious options. 615 Watt Rd, Knoxville, TN 37934 Iron Skillet Delightful and moderately-priced restaurant with buffet options and friendly staff. 722 Watt Rd, Knoxville, TN 37934
RENAISSANCE
Marco’s Pizza Pizzeria chain for specialty or custom pies in simple, counter-serve environments. 12552 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37934 Rice King Fresh Chinese food with a wellpriced lunch buffet and takeout options. 12564 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37934 Restaurant Linderhof Lively locale with old-world ambiance providing traditional German fare & premium Bavarian lagers. 12740 Kingston Pike #106, Concord, TN 37934 Big Kahuna Wings Award-winning wings made fresh to order, seasoned with either Original or Fire Blend seasoning and served with your choice of dipping sauce. 12828 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37934
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“Space Cadet” Wins $20,000 Prize! Written By Caroline Duvall Photos By JoPhoto
On September 17th, the line to Regal Downtown West Cinema 8 was longer than usual. The Cinema hosted the 3rd Annual Knoxville Film Festival, celebrating 41 films from 11 states and 4 different countries. The 41 films were narrowed down from a submission list of 275 entries, over double the submissions since last year. The Knoxville Film Festival ran from September 17th to the 20th and included workshops, educational events, filmmaking competitions and networking opportunities for filmmakers of every experience level.
In addition to the Student Filmmaking Competition, the Festival hosted a 7-Day Shootout Filmmaking Competition that brought some of the best producers, writers, and videographers to the big screen. With a Grand Prize of $20,000, the competition was fierce. The Grand Prize funds provide the best studio with the opportunity to create a feature length film that would screen at the 2016 Knoxville Film Festival. Chad Cunningham, owner, director and for Local Studio Wild Heart, took home the
first place prize with his short film “Space Cadet”. His film also won the Audience Favorite, as well as Best Cinematography from Joe Atkins, and Best Use of Music by Travis Patton. Based out of Knoxville Tennessee, Wild Heart Studios has a passion for visual storytelling and combines original writing, filming, and music to document and inspire their audience. The Knoxville Film Festival is sponsored by the Ornl Federal Credit Union, Secret City Films, Dogwood Arts, Film/Knox and Regal Entertainment Group.
For more information on “Space Cadet”, visit www.wildheartstudios.com
For the complete Film Festival schedule and list of winners, visit www.knoxvillefilmfestival.com 72
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