McMinn Life Fall 2019

FALL 2019 FALL 2019

Life Tennessee Wesleyan University’s New Colloms Student Center

Awesome Craft Vendors, Food and Activites!

7TH ANNUAL MONROE LIFE BALLOON FIESTA

A Tethered & Glow Fundraiser

Under Canvas

Sweetwater Glamping In Dixie The Youth WINSSmokies WORLD SERIES Great

Under Canvas Jeff Moser Limitless Life

MUTT STRUTT PET COSTUME CONTEST

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YEARS IN BUSINESS

BRADEN’S

Lifestyles at Turkey Creek COMMERCIAL • RESIDENTIAL • HOSPITALITY INTERIOR DESIGN • STAGING • ACCESSORIES

FACTORY DISCOUNT DAYS! Every year our suppliers offer us special incentives to purchase before the fall season. This year we have chosen to pass the savings on to you. For a limited time we guarantee everything in our showroom will be discounted!

40 - 45% OFF RETAIL

All patio is discounted 45% off pre-tarriff prices. A potential 60% savings!

UP TO

60%

OFF PATIO

THANK YOU AND ENJOY THE SALE! 11105

Turkey Creek Drive • 865-777-4059 • info@bradens.com www.bradens.com

Srtessless promotion is separate from this event.

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 &

AIR BALLOONS 20 HOT

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

8/25/15 10:27 AM

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

MARKETING • MEDIA • WEB DESIGN • TELEVISION

Community Health Services

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YEARS OF BRANDING EXPERIENCE

23

YEARS OF IN-HOUSE TELEVISION PRODUCTION

15

CUSTOM MAGAZINES A YEAR

250

LOCAL AND NATIONAL ADDY AWARDS

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NATIONAL BROADCAST TELLY AWARDS

W W W . B I N G H A M G R O U P . C O M • TEL: 865.523.5999 • 11921 KINGSTON PIKE • KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE 37934

AIR COOLED CLASSICS

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Contents features

Candy Corn

Under Canvas

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2019 Balloon Meister, Doug Robertso Restoring, Recycling, Rebirthing Classics

Doug Robertson lives in Bowling Green, KY. H he got his pilot’s license before he got his drive airplanes for 14 years, in 1994 he took his first fl That day changed his view of aviation forever. “ Robertson said, “you have a 360-degree view an as it looks from the ground”.

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Doug has been a commercial hot air balloon pilot since 2004. He has flown INVASION OF THE over 800 flights and thousands of pasLADYBUG sengers with a 100% safety record. He has a hot air balloon tour business in Bowling Green, eHotAir.com. He flies whenever the weather will allow.

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His son attends the University of Tennessee in is “all in” for the Vols. Doug has flown and atten USA and in Canada. He trained in Albuquerque city of US Ballooning and has participated in th largest in the country, over 550 balloons.

14 CRAFT VENDORS • FUNNEL CAKES • LIVE MUSIC

FOOD TRUCKS • TETHER BALLOONS

departments Weather Permitting JEKYLL ISLAND Pristine Small Island With Breathtaking Landscape

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Tennessee Wesleyan University

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FIFT Y FIRST

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6 From The Publisher 7 Letter From City Manager Seth Sumner

10 Book Review: Harry T. Burn 25 Donna's Old Town Cafe Recipe 26 East Tennessee Foundation Pat Summitt Foundation Grants

Small Business Focus 28 Rather & Kittrell FALL FESTIVALS 21 Sequoyah Remembrance Day 22 Pickle Festival 22 Cherohala Skyway Festival

GOLD FESTI VA L

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FALL 2019 McMINN LIFE

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From the Publisher

Lisa At kins-Bingham to Fall into cooler temperatures T hehastime arrived, bringing with it a season of

exceptional beauty. East Tennessee comes alive with vibrant colors, everywhere you turn the view is awe inspiring.This year, my girls are welcoming fall with big changes as my youngest starts middle school and the twins head into high school. Time passes so quickly, they are growing up so fast.

The best time of our year happens in the fall, The Monroe Life Balloon Fiesta, a fundraiser celebrating its 7th year and taking place on the beautiful grounds of Sequoyah Birthplace Museum. This fun fiesta features activities for the whole family, live music, hot air balloon rides, and great food while raising funds for the Boys and Girls Club of Monroe County, who strategically aligned with the Ocoee region to better serve all youth. The VIP tent is hosted

by Longhorn’s Steakhouse, it is going to be a savory festival and we thank Stephen Covey, managing partner of the restaurant in Knoxville for his continued support.

This summer, the girls and I traveled to Jekyll Island, in this issue we share about this amazing, relaxing place on the Georgia coast.

It’s called the Golden Isles and it lives up to every bit of that name, with great beaches, attractions, historical landmarks and golf courses. We also took a quick family “glamping” getaway in the Smoky Mountains, check out how you can have this unique experience in our Under Canvas article.

In our summer issue we featured Hiwassee College, receiving great demand for copies,

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McMINN LIFE FALL 2019

especially the baseball team fans, it was such an honor to commemorate their success. This time we get to share about Tennessee Wesleyan University and the new student center that was built for the whole community, plus did you know they hired over 12 faculty members displaced by the HC closing. We got to taste the great food at Burkett’s Grill in the student center, what a special honor to an incredible man, Burkett Witt. We share a little bit about him in this issue, stay tuned we will be featuring him soon. Everyone on the campus welcomed us and we enjoyed visiting with them, it’s a beautiful campus and wonderful people.

It is so festive in our area this time of year with festivals nearly every weekend, mark your calendars and get out to enjoy the season. A special thing for us is to drive the Cherohala Skyway to view the fall foliage colors up close. Speaking of the Cherohola, we share in this issue about Air Cooled Classics, a shop that restores the air cooled Porsche for which quite a few have enjoyed the skyway curves. Most incredible is that owner, Don Ramsey recycles parts into beautiful artwork.

It is a blessing to share the beauty of our area and the people that are simply the best of mankind, right here in East Tennessee. I am humbled by the support of our advertisers, readers and subscribers. Enjoy this issue and make this fall season one of fun, family, friends, and forging new adventures.

Life PUBLISHER

The Bingham Group President Lisa Atkins Bingham Art Director Brett Hawkins Graphic Designer Ashley Singleton Brett Hawkins Lisa Atkins Bingham Contributing Writers CeCe Owens Chris Kittrell Gayle Fisher Jennifer Porterfield Seth Sumner Tyler L. Boyd Contributing Photographers Brett Hawkins David Long Robert Burleson Tommy Botello Advertising Sales Mignonne Alman Tel: 865.523.5999 mignonne@binghamgroup.com Chris McLaren Tel: 865.523.5999 chris@binghamgroup.com Subscription or Editorial Inquiries

Tel: 865.523.5999 www.mcminnlife.com

The Bingham Group, Inc. 11921 Kingston Pike, Suite 201 Knoxville, Tennessee 37934 www.binghamgroup.com www.mcminnlife.com

Event Calendar: September 14 Fried Green Tomato Festival Where Niota

September 14 Cow Pea Festival Where: Calhoun

October 5 - 6 Arts and Crafts Where: Etowah

October 12 Pumpkintown Where: Athens

A Letter From City Manager

C. SETH SUMNER Howdy friends! I hope all is well with you.

Autumn in “The Friendly City” is a beautiful time of the year when we are able to transition from the long, warm days of summer into the shorter, cooler days of winter. It is a time to celebrate our blessings: The bounty of our harvests, the joys of family gatherings, looking back on another healthy year of life and, hopefully, a successful season for our Vols.

Nature’s paintbrush changes East Tennessee from a dense green to an eye-catching swath of reds, oranges, yellows, and browns, making this region a remarkable place to visit in Autumn. We have many events to celebrate the season and draw people to

and together in our community: Downtown Halloween around the courthouse square and Market Park, celebrating our heritage and the earliest settlers of this area during Pumpkintown, and enjoying shopping for just the right gifts during Old-Fashioned Downtown Christmas.

As the temperatures cool and the leaves begin to fall, take a moment to enjoy the calmer climate by taking your family for a stroll or a bike ride down the Eureka Trail or a hike along the trail at Athens Regional Park.

Or cheer one of our local high school teams to victory on the football or soccer field.

Whatever you choose to do, I am thankful that you choose to do it here.

FALL 2019 McMINN LIFE

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Pumpkin Palooza Family Festival SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2019 Greenway Park and Pavilion 755 Raider Drive Cleveland, TN 10am - 5pm

Family Cornerstones & Touch the Sky Events are teaming up to bring a fun, family-friendly fall festival to the Greenway Park & Pavilion! This festival will include over 150 craft and business vendors, food trucks, entertainment, pumpkin painting, inflatables, and much more for the entire family to enjoy! Proceeds benefit Family Cornerstones - “Strengthening Families for a Stronger Community�

October 12th, 2019 Historic Downtown Athens 10am - 5pm

A McMinn County favorite returns to Historic Downtown Athens on October 12th, 2019. The Annual Pumpkintown Festival, one of the largest attended events in the area celebrates the unique history, heritage and harvest of the region.

Native American dancing, children’s activities, food, crafts, live music and much more fill the day with fun for the whole family.

There is something for everyone to enjoy while embracing the history and heart of the community, which overflows with the famous McMinn Regional Humane Society Adopt-a-Thon, Mutt Strut and Doggie Costume Contest. Strut your furry family member in the Mutt Strutt, followed immediately by the canine creativity of the Doggie Costume Contest.

Over 200 arts, crafts and food booths, local shopping, pancake breakfast and live entertainment on 3 stages. Pumpkin Plinko, Christ’s Legacy Academy 5k and more. Pumpkintown Festival 2019 - Saturday, October 12, 2019 - 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.

For more information, visit http://willsonthropic.org/pumpkintown/index.html.

FALL 2019 McMINN LIFE

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Harry T. Burn: Woman Suffrage, Free Elections and A Life of Service

by Tyler L. Boyd

merican women won the right to vote after seven grueling decades of hard work. The woman suffrage movement in the United States began in Seneca Falls, New York in 1848. Susan B. Anthony was arrested for voting illegally in the 1872 election. In 1917, Alice Paul and Sue Shelton White (from Tennessee) served time in prison for protesting in front of the White House. Carrie Chapman Catt spent years traveling the country, giving hundreds of speeches and coordinated dozens of campaigns advocating for woman suffrage.

The efforts of these women culminated in June 1919 when the U.S. Congress proposed the 19th Amendment to the states for ratification. By March 1920, thirty-five states had ratified it, with only one more needed to make it the law of the land. Nearly every Southern state had rejected the amendment. In August 1920, the Tennessee General Assembly met in a special session to vote on ratification. The 10

McMINN LIFE FALL 2019

state senate overwhelmingly passed the resolution to ratify on August 13. On August 18, the state house of representatives voted on a motion to table the resolution. Both roll calls ended in a 48-48 tie. The House Speaker, an Anti-suffragist who was hoping to kill the amendment in Tennessee (and maybe even in the country), called for a vote on the “merits” of the resolution.

Earlier that morning, the youngest member of the legislature, McMinn County Representative Harry T. Burn of Niota, had received a letter from his widowed mother, Febb Burn. “Hurrah and vote for suffrage, and don’t keep them in doubt….Don’t forget to be a good boy and help Mrs. Catt with her ‘rats.” Is she the one that put rat in ratification? Ha!” Burn had been torn between his belief in woman suffrage and his desire to represent his constituents who he had been misled into believing were against woman suffrage.

On the vote on the merits, Burn followed his mother’s advice. He voted “aye” to break the tie. The vote was then 49-47. The 19th Amendment had been ratified,

making Tennessee the “Perfect 36th” state.

Burn’s vote had put it over the top. It was pandemonium in the House Chamber as the suffragists celebrated and the Antisuffragists seethed in anger.

Unbeknownst to many, Burn’s deciding vote to ratify the 19th Amendment was only the beginning of a long and impactful career in public service. Tyler L. Boyd, a social studies teacher in Lenoir City and Burn’s great-grandnephew, has written a comprehensive biography of Burn. Boyd was inspired to write the book in part to help celebrate the centennial of the 19th Amendment in 2020.

Debunking the errors and apocryphal stories that persist to this day also provided Boyd inspiration to write the book.

Contrary to popular belief, Burn did not vote “no” on the amendment. Rather, he only voted to table it. The letter from his mother was not a letter of admonishment, but of motherly advice. The most popular myth of all is the story of the angry mob of Anti-suffragists that chased Burn out of the Capitol as he feared for his life.

successful careers in law and banking. He voted to ratify not one, but three different federal constitutional amendments. Burn, McMinn County’s most famous resident, understood the impact that local and state government have on our everyday lives.

The impact of his accomplishments is still evident today.

Until Boyd completed his research, the remainder of Burn’s life and career (which lasted into the 1970s) remained unexplored.

Burn served in the state senate and as a delegate to four state constitutional conventions. He was an unsuccessful candidate for governor in 1930. He helped to secure universal suffrage in Tennessee, drafted clean election laws, and led

Burn’s accomplishments during his time in the legislature include securing legislation to improve the roads in McMinn County, incorporate Englewood, and build a new building for McMinn County High School in Athens. He caused uproar over his attempt to expand the city limits in his beloved Niota. Although Burn lived much of his life in Sweetwater and Rockwood, he always

came home to Niota on the weekends. He passed away in his Niota home in 1977.

Boyd’s book, “Tennessee Statesman Harry T. Burn: Woman Suffrage, Free Elections, and a Life of Service,” will be available on August 5th. The History Press, an imprint of Arcadia Publishing, is the publisher. The book can be purchased on www. arcadiapublishing.com and will be sold in several bookstores and museums across the state.

Harry T. Burn

Tyler L. Boyd

FALL 2019 McMINN LIFE

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Colloms Campus Center

I

t’s just a walk in the park for the students and faculty of Tennessee Wesleyan University. Literally, taking a stroll around the campus with lush landscape and magnificent architecture is the same as walking in a beautiful park.

There are more than 20 buildings making up the campus with a design that allows students to move easily between classes, administrative offices and services, athletic events and college activities. This “park like”

by CeCe Owens

setting is the main campus of Tennessee Wesleyan University located in historic Athens, Tennessee.

The newest addition to this beautiful landscape is the Colloms Campus Center featuring new spaces and resources for students, a game lounge, made-to-order grill, student success center, study rooms and much more. It has become the hub of student life, providing opportunities to study, grab some food or relax with friends.

The Honorable Judge Carl Colloms pledged a $2 million gift towards this facility. In honor of this contribution, the building was named the Colloms Campus Center. “I knew my path, and I appreciate Tennessee Wesleyan letting me travel that path,” said the 1964 TWU graduate. It had been planned to dedicate the building in his full name, however, the always humble man requested that it be named after his family.

Colloms Campus Center hosts an exterior design that inhabits the tradition, historic feel of the campus but also stands out in new beauty. The second floor offers a large balcony with rocking chairs overlooking the grassy Commons lawn for which decades

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of graduates have crossed to receive their diplomas. The building offers career services, servant leadership offices, interview rooms, tutoring, a student art gallery, along with a ballroom. It’s a social meeting place for organizations, clubs and students that will encourage learning and creativity. “We wanted to build a place where everybody feels comfortable.” said University President Harley Knowles.

At Tennessee Wesleyan University, it is a belief in the student as a whole, a focus on academics, spiritual, social, and fun that is clearly defined by the interior theme of hard work and serious fun. In addition to providing services for students, faculty and staff, the Colloms Campus center will also have space for meetings and gatherings for community members.

The newest dining option, Burkett’s, is a made-to-order grill. From burgers to smoothies to salad, Burkett’s makes it fresh and cooks it hot. Named in honor of Athen’s most famous resident, Burkett Witt, Tennessee’s first African-American Mayor, elected to office in 1983. A lifelong Athens resident, leaving only to serve his country in World War II. Upon his return, he opened

Ribbon Cutting: TWU President Harley Knowles, Honorable Judge Carl Collums, Former Athens Mayor Burkett Witt.

Bo and Pete’s Southern Soda Shop, in 1956, the restaurant moved to the basement of Townsend Hall and finally moving in 1962 to the Sherman Fine Building to what is now known as the Glenn Lowe Dining Room. In 2014, Burkett Witt was awarded an honorary doctorate of public service, commemorating his more than 30 years of service to Athens.

Taking a stroll inside of Colloms Campus Center it is the colors used in design

that capture attention. The positive, engaging atmosphere is felt throughout and begs for you to start a conversation, have a little fun or walk through the large bookstore with window displays full of school spirit. Upstairs the history of the school is expressed on the walls, the remarkable reminder of the impact of this landmark institution. The artistic talents of students are impressive within the gallery area, allowing one to see the amazing opportunities afforded at the campus.

Colloms Campus Center has combined the history of the campus with the modern needs of both students and community. Taking the opportunity to build into the magnificent landscape a place of gathering, a building honoring legacies and a center of service to the students, faculty, staff and community.

Tennessee Wesleyan University, a dedicated good steward in all aspects of community, education and impact on the world.

FALL 2019 McMINN LIFE

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SATURDAY AUGUST 31ST & SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 1ST 4 -10PM

Candy Co

bertso Doug Ro ica

Amer

Anger Frank

BRING YOUR LAWNCHAIR OR BLANKET, HAVE DINNER AND STAY FOR THE BALLOON GLOW AT DUSK

This is a rain or shine event. No Refunds. Balloons will inflate weather permitting.

The 7th Annual Monroe Life Balloon Fiesta will return to East Tennessee at Sequoyah Birthplace Museum. Enjoy Balloon rides, live music, food, arts & crafts, kids zone and much more all while supporting the Boys and Girls Club of Monroe County. The two-day Balloon Fiesta begins on Saturday, August 31st from 4pm - 10pm, and runs through Sunday, September 1st, from 4pm - 10 pm. The finale each night will be a Balloon Glow set to music with all of the colorful hot air balloons beginning at dusk.

rn Coorn

on

Before the glow, the hot air balloon pilots will be available for tethered rides, come out to meet the pilots, take pictures and take home a collectible, free trading card from each one.

There is even a handicap accessible balloon and a hot air balloon photo opportunity.

New this year is the Blue MMn Scavenger Hunt, great for all ages and prizes awarded. It’s going to be exciting fun for all while supporting a very worthy cause, The Boys and Girls Club of Monroe County that High Jinx Billy Green

recently formed a strategic alliance with Boys and Girls Club of the Ocoee Region. The merger strengthened both organizations to better serve the kids throughout the region.

Across the Monroe County units over 300 kids are served daily, in fact, some units have reached capacity. With the club exploring options to serve more kids, the timing could not be better in choosing to partner with Monroe Life Balloon Fiesta Annual Fundraiser.

It has always been the goal of the Balloon Fiesta to showcase Monroe County and assist the organizations, individuals, and non-profits who directly impact the lives of disadvantaged babies, children or youth. Surrounded by the spectacular mountain views of the on the shores of the beautiful Tellico Lake, The Sequoyah Birthplace Museum is the perfect location for all ages to enjoy this fun, family event.

AND OTHER CHILDREN’S CHARITIES

SOUTHERN STAR, 4pm

DIXIE KINGPINS, 6pm

The Sequoyah Birthplace Museum Amphitheater will kick off the fiesta with Southern Star, followed by Dixie Kingpins and closing the spectacular live music line up is The Austin Zachary Band at 7:00pm. Get ready to clap your hands, tap your feet and dance.

d Fiery Giiar

THE AUSTIN ZACHARY BAND, 7pm Voted Best Male Vocalist in Georgia for 2 Years In A Row!

Sequoyah Birthplace Museum Hwy 411, to HWY 360, Vonore, Tennessee info@monroelifeballoonfiesta.com Skip Durh am

ler Jared Mil

BUY TICKETS ONLINE, AT PEOPLES BANK OR AT THE GATE.

www.monroelifeballoonfiesta.com

COLLECT ALL PILOT CARDS! FALL 2019 McMINN LIFE

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Fabulous Food GLOW IN THE DARK COTTON CANDY • CORN DOGS

CHICKEN COOP • HAWG DAWGS • FUNNEL CAKES • BBQ • TACOS

R AMEN BONES • PASTA • CORN DOGS • GRIPPS GRILLS • KONA ICE

CHERRY ON TOP ICE CREAM • ARTISTIC POPS

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Vip Tent

FIESTA VIP PASS MENU BY LONGHORN STEAK HOUSE ON SALE $125 A PERSON RESERVED PARKING • PREMIER VIEWING Looking for a unique experience, join us in the VIP Hospitality Tent for savory fare from Longhorns Steakhouse, reserved parking, premier viewing of the hot air balloon glow, museum admission, private restrooms, meet & greet with the pilots and so much more. VIP tickets are available online.

w w w . m o n r o e l i f e b a l l o o n f i e s t a . c o m

All Balloons Will Teather And Glow WEATHER PERMIT TING

DOUG ROBERTSON BALLOONMEISTER CANDY CORN Doug Robertson lives in Bowling Green, KY. He is an aviator. In 1981, he got his pilot’s license before he got his driver’s license. After flying airplanes for 14 years, in 1994 he took his first flight in a hot air balloon. That day changed his view of aviation forever. “There is nothing like it”, Robertson said, “you have a 360-degree view and it’s as peaceful in the air as it looks from the ground”.

Doug has been a commercial hot air balloon pilot since 2004. He has flown over 800 flights and thousands of passengers with a 100% safety record. He has a hot air balloon tour business in Bowling Green, eHotAir.com. He flies whenever the weather will allow. His son attends the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, so his family is “all in” for the Vols. Doug has flown and attended festivals all over the USA and in Canada. He trained in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the capital city of US Ballooning and has participated in that event which is the largest in the country, over 550 balloons.

Doug shares his life with his co-pilot, Kim Richards. They met eleven years ago at a balloon event. They both enjoy flying and meeting new people around this wonderful hobby of sport ballooning. Doug is a medical sales professional outside the world of ballooning. However, most of his weekends in the summer are spent introducing new passengers to his larger than life world.

Jared Miller FIERY GIZZARD BALLOONING Jared is from Bowling Green, Kentucky and has been involving with ballooning for since 1997. It’s a family affair with his wife Amy as his crew chief, they purchased their first balloon in 2007. Ballooning is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and spend time working with family and friends while operating a small balloon ride business in Bowling Green. Stop by and meet Jared, Amy, Pierce and Megan Miller, ask them about the name of their balloon.

Michael J Stinson RANDY O

Skip & Toni Durham HIGH JINX

Frank Anger AMERICA

Michael is from Louisville, Kentucky and has been involved with ballooning since the early 80s with his uncle. Experienced flights in several states and Mexico in balloons up to 120,000 cubic feet is just a glimpse of this commercial pilots history. When not up in the air, Michael serves his city as Battalion Chief of the Louisville Fire Department, with 21 years of service to date. He also is the owner/operator of Louisville Tree Care. Proudly married with two children, one of whom is currently a student pilot. The firefighting, hot air balloon pilot is looking forward to being a part of the fiesta.

Skip and Toni have been involved in ballooning since 2009, first as a private pilot flying for fun and then as a commercial pilot.

In 2010, they formed Bluff City Balloon to give others the fun and enjoyment of a private hot air balloon ride. They are one of only 6 balloons in the country specially outfitted to take up folks with any special needs. Giving and sharing is a way of life for the Durhams, they are excited to be a part of the fiesta.

One of 6 Handicap Balloons In The Country!

Frank hails from Tupelo, Mississippi and has been a Hot Air Balloon Pilot since 1995.

Flying the patriotic, “America” balloon is something of which he holds great passion.

Since 1987, Frank has been the owner of Mississippi Bottle Water, he has also enjoyed being a college basketball referee. Feel free to yell, “Go Bulldogs,” when you approach Frank, the former cheerleader and graduate of Mississippi State University has great pride in his alma mater.

He is excited to be a part of this fundraising event, enjoying it all while giving back.

Balloon Glow To Music!

Billy Green WEATHER PERMIT TING BLUE MOON Billy is from Shepherdsville, Kentucky and has been a part of the ballooning community for 19 years.

It started with helping out at a tethered balloon event, followed by pilot training and then getting the first balloon, Billy has both a private and commercial pilot license. In 2018, Billy participated in his first long jump flight for 2 hours and 11 minutes traveling 46 miles, reaching maximum altitude of just over 14,000 feet. We he is not ballooning, it is sharing about the sport and educating others that is enjoyed most. Check him out at www.lighterthanairballoonadventures.com

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WEATHER PERMITTING

Weather Permitting

By Cece Owens You hear it, see it and even discuss it...that phrase, “Weather Permitting.” Which by dictionary definition is “if the weather is good enough to allow it.” Of course, we are all aware that weather controls things like mowing the yard or visiting the beach or playing an outdoor sport. Those that enjoy boating or fishing have a keen understanding of watching the weather as to not get caught on the water in a storm. We know that bad weather can change things rapidly and at times make things dangerous.

For a hot air balloon, the weather needs to be perfect. Too hot, and the balloon won’t float.

Too windy, and it won’t inflate. Too raining, it is just miserable for all. Too stormy, heck any storm and it is a no go! Hot air balloons can only function when weather conditions are safe. Winds above 10mph, lightning, precipitation, and developing weather are not safe for hot air balloons. The Balloon meister and pilots check within a 30 mile radius or further depending on the weather conditions.

Early morning is the best time of the day for flying as the sun is rising and winds are calmer. The best time for tethered rides is the early evening as the sun is setting and the best time of the day for a balloon glow is at dark for more than just the amazing display of lighted balloons. It is the atmosphere, the rising and setting of the sun, the wind and the heat that the Balloon

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meister and pilots watch carefully. If they say it is not safe, then you can guarantee that is fact--if they could, they would as ballooning is their passion, sharing it with others is their love.

the pilot briefing that sets the initial decision of safe weather conditions. The balloon meister will continue through the event to watch the weather conditions and will communicate with all to maintain safety during the event.

At the Monroe Life Balloon Fiesta, the word, “weather permitting,” is stated enough to break a guinness world record. Sometimes a balloon event is cancelled or events changed due to weather conditions. This is for the safety of the pilots, crew, passengers, and spectators. When a gust of wind catches an inflated balloon, it could damage the balloon or vehicles, or injure people or worse.

Stay up to date on the status of “weather permitting” at the Monroe Life Balloon Fiesta by following us on social media. For those at the event, pilot briefings are held on the stage and open to the public. Additionally, Balloon meister, Doug Robertson will make announcements from the stage to keep all spectators updated.

MLBF Balloon Meister, Doug Robertson will communicate with the pilots about 30 minutes prior to the start of operations. The pilots will check-in for the day, go over rules and regulations, and discuss the weather. It is

Weather Permitting... it is going to be a Spectacular Monroe Life Balloon Fiesta benefitting Boys and Girls Club of Monroe County. See ya there...

Weather Permitting!

1776 - 1843

FATHER, SOLDIER, SILVERSMITH,BLACKSMITH, STATESMAN, AND CREATOR OF THE CHEROKEE SYLLABARY.

Labor Day Weekend August 31 & September 1

NEW 2.7 MILLION DOLLAR EXHIBIT

Balloons, Food Trucks, Great Bands, Smoky Mountain Storytellers

Advanced media technologies and electronics enhance visitors’ enjoyment of this all new exhibit. It portrays the Cherokee life and the legacy of Sequoyah in an all new multi-million dollar museum.

Open Year Round Mon - Sat: 9am - 5pm Sunday: Noon - 5pm 423-884-6246 seqmus@tds.net Highway 360, Vonore, Tennessee

A Fundraiser for The Boys & Girls Club & Other Children’s Charities

Cherokee Fall Festival September 7 & 8 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Visitors will have the opportunity to step back in time to experience food, arts and crafts demonstrations, music and dance. A blacksmith will be doing on-site demonstrations in the shop both days. Other demonstrations and displays will include Cherokee life in 1700’s and a Civil War encampment.

Owned and Operated by the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians

FALL 2019 McMINN LIFE

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Cherohala Skyway 4th annual

F E S T I VA L

Saturday October 26th 9am - 5pm

Celebrating the Bicentennial of Monroe County and in commemoration of the Early Settlers of the Tellico Mountains, the Charles Hall Museum will host the 4th Annual Cherohala Skyway Festival on Saturday, October 26, 2019, at the Charles Hall Museum from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will be live music, lots of food, artisans, crafters, pioneer demonstrations, wagon rides antique tractors and a huge Tellico Plains library book sale.

Mountain and Bluegrass music with the #1 Bluegrass Band--The Farm Hands! Also, the Graves Brothers, Faith Willin, and others.

Take a ride aboard the Barrel Train or on the horse-drawn covered wagon, both rides are free! Check out the petting zoo and make woodland crafts at the kid’s table. For a small fee there will be inflatables, including bounce houses and slides, face painting and hair color by the Girl Scouts, plus a unique motorized helicopter ride!

Tellico Plains Junior High and High School Art Classes will surprise festival goers with a special art show that will be displayed in the Museum. Also, inside the museum, the historical Cherohala Skyway DVD will be on display that includes footage of the first

Tellico Plains/North Carolina Wagon Train in 1958 and the dedication of the road in 1996.

Pioneer demonstrations include weaving, pottery wheel throwing, general wood carving, carving Native American flutes, blacksmithing, corn shelling, corn meal grinding, rope pulling, old time salve making in an iron pot, fly fishing demonstrations lessons.

Antique tractor, lawn mowers, small engine, and classic cars will be on display in the field behind the museum, you’re invited to bring your own, just be there by 9:30 am. No fee and no registration is required.

Bring canned goods or non-perishable items to the Tellico Plains Food Pantry area and you will be entered into a drawing for two Dollywood tickets.

The Charles Hall Museum is a non-profit history museum that is funded by 20% of the museum’s gift shop sales, fundraisers, and private donations. For more information visit the Charles Hall Museum Facebook page or contact at charleshallmuseum@ hotmail.com or 423-253-2111.

CRAFTERS

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ARTISTS

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FOOD

VENDORS

51st ANNUAL

GOL D FES T I VA L SATURDAY

October 12, 10am

SUNDAY

October 13, 10:30am The Coker Creek Ruritan Club is excited to host crafters, artists, food vendors, entertainers and more on October 12th & 13th for the 51st Autumn Gold Festival. The popular duo, Faith Willin’ will headline the entertainment both days....Saturday at 10 AM and Sunday at 2 PM. Come enjoy some good foot tappin’ music!

The festival opens at 10am on Saturday, October 12th with the annual flag raising, national anthem and welcoming from the County Mayor.

Admission on Saturday is $10 for adults and free to children 11 yrs & under. On Sunday, October 13th, the festival will open at 10:30am with the Beauty Pageant at 1pm.

Admission on Sunday is $4 for adults, $3 for seniors and free to children 11 yrs & under.

There is so much to enjoy throughout both days of the festival as music fills the autumn air and families enjoy amazing demonstrations that include spinning/weaving, panning for gold and native Cherokee Indians on crafting corn husk dolls and playing stickball. Mark you calendars and don’t miss the Autumn Gold Festival in Coker Creek.

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ENTERTAINERS

Enjoy The Experience of

Shop

E towah

Dine

Etowah Area Chamber of Commerce

Play 727 Tennessee Ave. Etowah, TN 37331 (423) 263 - 2228 info@etowahcoc.org

EXPERIENCE AN UNFORGETTABLE ADVENTURE!

Wild Tours Sweet Shop Restaurant Underground Lake And so much more!

140 Lost Sea Road , Sweetwater, Tennessee 37874

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Donna’s Old Town Cafe

We Cater For All Occasions.

DONNA’S OLD TOWN CAFE RECIPE

Downtown Madisonville across from courthouse

It’s zucchini season! Melissa Graves shows us an unexpected way to use that versatile vegetable.

Zucchini Pizza Casserole

Ingredients 4 cups shredded unpeeled zucchini 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 large eggs 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided

Directions Preheat oven to 400°. Place zucchini in a colander; sprinkle with salt. Let stand 10 minutes, then squeeze out moisture.

Combine zucchini with eggs, Parmesan and half of mozzarella and cheddar cheeses.

Press into a greased 13 x 9-in. baking dish.

Bake 20 minutes. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, cook beef and onion over medium heat, crumbling beef, until meat is no longer pink; drain. Add tomato sauce; spoon over zucchini mixture. Sprinkle with remaining cheeses; add green pepper.

1 cup (4 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese, divided 1 pound ground beef 1/2 cup chopped onion 1 can (15 ounces) Italian tomato sauce 1 medium green pepper, chopped

Bake until heated through, about 20 minutes longer.

Freeze Option Cool baked casserole; cover and freeze. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight.

Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Preheat oven to 350°. Unwrap casserole; reheat on a lower oven rack until heated through and a thermometer inserted in center reads 165°.

Yield: 8 servings.

Sun-Wed 7am-3pm

Thurs-Sat 7am-8pm

100 COLLEGE STREET, MADISONVILLE, TENNESSEE

Donna’s Old Town Cafe PROUD SPONSOR OF THE Monroe Life Balloon Fiesta THANKS FOR FEEDING OUR PILOTS!

A fund of East Tennessee Foundation, Announced Its Largest Grant Awards Year Ever In 2019 The Pat Summitt Foundation, a fund of East Tennessee Foundation, recently announced its 2019 grant recipients.

Eleven grants totaling over $740,000 were awarded to nonprofit organizations across the state, whose programs directly benefit Alzheimer’s patients and caregivers in Tennessee. This is an increase of nearly $250,000 over previous years.

“It is so rewarding to see Coach Summitt’s vision continue to grow. By granting $740,000 to non-profit organizations across the state of Tennessee, we are able to have a stronger impact on Alzheimer’s disease patients and their caregivers.

None of this would be possible without our incredible donors.”

– Joan Cronan, Chair of the Pat Summitt Foundation Advisory Board

2019 PAT SUMMITT FOUNDATION GRANT RECIPIENTS ALZHEIMER’S TENNESSEE, INC. Statewide

MONROE COUNTY SENIOR CITIZENS & FRIENDS, INC. Serving Monroe County

“Live Well with Alzheimer’s Academy” will help individuals with early-stage Alzheimer’s by providing them with coping skills, and information about earlystage Alzheimer’s, community services, and peer-to-peer connections.

Cora Veal Senior Center, Monroe County Health Council, Monroe County Health Department, Access Medical Care, and Ministerial Support Council for Monroe County will work together to develop programs and new ways to serve families with Alzheimer’s disease.

CONCORD UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Serving Anderson, Blount, Knox, Loudon, & Monroe Counties Concord Adult Day Enrichment Services (CADES) will provide scholarship assistance for adults who are impaired with Alzheimer’s and other dementias so they can attend CADES therapeutic and recreational program.

CAREGIVER RELIEF PROGRAM OF BEDFORD COUNTY Serving Bedford, Coffee, Lincoln, & Rutherford counties Caregivers and persons affected by Alzheimer’s disease will receive free home visits by nurses who provide physical and emotional support, education, and respite for the whole family.

KNOXVILLE-KNOX COUNTY CAC Serving Knox County The Music & Memory™ Program, which brings personalized digital music into the lives of elders with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, will be implemented for adult day care and homebound clients.

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UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE - KNOXVILLE Statewide Digital technologies will help provide caregivers of family members with Alzheimer’s disease with personalized information about how to manage their stress, take care of themselves, deal with depression, and other beneficial interventions.

PAGE ROBBINS ADULT DAY CENTER Serving Fayette & Shelby Counties

WEST TENNESSEE HEALTHCARE FOUNDATION Serving Madison and 17 other counties in West Tennessee

A new tub with glide chair entry, UV water purification, and other improved features will make it safer and easier to bathe clients at the day center which serves those with memory loss.

An Alzheimer’s Dementia Caregiver and Patient Resource Center will be located in an easily accessible building adjacent to the Jackson-Madison County General Hospital, and will provide information, education, trainings, and other resources.

SENIOR CITIZENS HOME ASSISTANCE SERVICE Serving Knox and 14 other counties in East Tennessee.

Funds will support fees for clients with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia who rely on financial support for caregiving services.

SHANGRI-LA THERAPEUTIC ACADEMY OF RIDING (STAR) Serving Anderson, Blount, Knox, Loudon, Monroe, Roane & Sevier counties A “farm experience” will be provided for persons with Alzheimer’s disease, and visits will be subsidized for miniature horses and donkeys at Alzheimer’s and Memory Care facilities.

THE PAT SUMMITT CLINIC UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE MEDICAL CENTER Knoxville, Tennessee After providing unwavering Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias care to the East Tennessee region for many years, The University of Tennessee Medical Center joined with The Pat Summitt Foundation in 2014 to enhance care provided to our community and create The Pat Summitt Clinic. The Clinic addresses memory disorders which requires a comprehensive spectrum of services. Under the helm of medical director Roberto Fernandez, MD, MPH, PhD, their experienced multidisciplinary team helps patients with memory disorders, and their families and caregivers.

GET VACCINATED. #Fi gh tFluTN #Im m u n izeTN tn .g ov/h e alth

Your life is a series of transitions.

Getting through them is easier with a plan.

Rather & Kittrell started when two guys shared a commitment to what seemed to them like some pretty obvious ideas about money - how client relationships, trust and guidance were more important than “selling” for short-term gain. Put simply, “If we take care of people, our business will take care of itself.” It struck a nerve.

Nearly 20 years later, based on the steadfast belief that people’s stories matter, a two desk business has grown into an awardwinning SEC-registered investment advisory firm serving successful individuals, families and businesses. We lead clients through the transitions that inherently come with money.

Call or email us today to write your story.

11905 Kingston Pike Knoxville, TN 37934

865.218.8400 www.rkcapital.com

RK is privileged to be recognized by Financial Times as one of the top 300 Investment Advisers in the country

that’s why it stuck with me. If you don’t have the cash, you don’t buy it. No matter what “it” is.

Lessons From Pap

by Chris Kittrell

Financial literacy is the ability to understand how money works. How someone earns or makes it, how that person manages it and how he or she invests it. I’ve seen firsthand the lack of financial literacy in our country.

I’ve discovered that it doesn’t discriminate.

People from all backgrounds are lacking when it comes to skills such as balancing a check book, preparing a family budget, handling debt or determining how much to save for retirement.

introduced quietly, realized years later, and appreciated for lifetimes.

I think about this a lot. Maybe it’s because I help people make smart decisions concerning their money or maybe it’s because I have two daughters transitioning into the “real” world. It’s probably a little of both. So, I began searching for answers to questions like “How do people learn about money?”, “Who taught you about money?” and “Who are you teaching about money?”

My own experience was much the same.

I learned about how money works from people who loved me and wanted me to have a better life. My Pap was one of those people. Pap was a simple man. He didn’t read the Wall Street Journal. He only finished the 7th grade. He drove a coal truck and later became a mail carrier. He never had much: a small house, a small farm, and an even smaller bank account.

But he did have “time”. Time was his gift to me. We spent hours on his farm putting up hay and feeding the cows. As a five year old, I lived for the moment he would pull me up by my arm into his lap and let me “drive” the tractor. Countless afternoons and weekends were spent fishing and hunting or sometimes just taking a long walk.

What I found was that in most cases financial knowledge didn’t begin in a classroom or a book. It started with someone who cared, someone who learned the “hard” way, or someone who was fortunate enough to have a person in their lives that wanted more for them. The lessons were often subtle,

Time together allowed for what I now affectionately call, “Lessons from Pap”.

These lessons were straight forward. He once taught me about the downside of debt by explaining the old expression “Never buy anything on time”. This saying makes me smile with its simplicity and truth. I guess

Why did my Pap take the time to teach me these lessons in his simple, humble way?

He cared. He wanted me to learn from his mistakes and his triumphs. He knew it was important that I understood how money works.

He wanted my life to be full. He wanted me to experience financial peace.

Financial literacy may always be a problem but you can make difference. Just like my Pap.

Jason Kittrell, Frank Summers, and Chris Kittrell

Chris Kittrell is co-founder and principal of Rather & Kittrell. He is available at ckittrell@rkcapital.com

FALL 2019 McMINN LIFE

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Chris Reeder, Don Ramsay, and Keith Hyatt

Air Cooled Classics

Restoring, Recycling, Rebirthing Classics Retro is trending, actually for one German automaker, the trend has never stopped.

Few can claim the fame of retro trending as well as Porsche with the well established air-cooled models of the past. The Porsche 911 has remained so true to the original design, the company has retained a legion of loyal owners.

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Retro is trending, actually for one German automaker, the trend has never stopped. Few can claim the fame of retro trending as well as Porsche with the well established air-cooled models of the past. The Porsche 911 has remained so true to the original design, the company has retained a legion of loyal owners.

Air-cooled engines are considered by purists to be the classic, original choice that worked well

for 40 years of no-compromise engineering, the iconic representation of the Porsche. In 1988, monumental change in engine design introduced a water-cooled engine in the 996 model. No matter the changes, there’s a beauty in the simplicity of an air-cooled engine design.

They are a more lightweight car and can scream around curves. There is nothing like the sound of an air-cooled engine releasing its power with every revolution.

One of the best in air cooled restoration is located right here in Knoxville...

Air Cooled Classics. For many years, Don Ramsay and his team have been restoring, recycling and rebirthing the classic Porsche. “One of the great things about the air-cooled generation, is interchangeable parts,� said Don in talking about the unique ability to exchange parts between varied models.

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Air Cooled Classic has ventured into all available aspects of Porsche from racing to restoration. For Don Ramsay, it was an unexpected career, as post graduating from the University of Tennessee as a Mechanical Engineer, his path seemed set at ORNL. There were a few hints, in college, a professor asked about Don’s sweet ride, next thing you know that Porsche had a new owner and future possibilities where knocking. He continued the “hobby” of buying and selling the classics until finally making the bold move to open a business.

Air Cooled Classics offering service, complete restoration, and racing prefabrication, engines, transmission suspension and set up opened in 1988.

Air cooled classics arrived from around the country for the special attention.

The team traveled around the US with the racing and performance specialities offered. It was the perfection of finding something you love and figuring out how to many money at it.

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Don Ramsay and the Air Cooled Classics team leads the industry in retro-trending restoration with fabrication to create the desired Porsche from any Porsche chassis.

Then the recession hit with a bang, and the classic cars stopped coming, the racing and performance cars ceased needing anything and it looked like the end of the “hobby” business. It could of been for those with less determination and passion, which is not how anyone would describe Don Ramsay. He had to make tough decisions, close certain aspects and become a one man show selling Porsche parts on Ebay. It wasn’t easy, but it worked, keeping alive the passion that has now fully reignited on Lexington Avenue in Knoxville.

Classic Porsche found abandoned is reborn by the Air Cooled Classics team to top racing performance. A total transformation from forgotten to unforgettable!

Being creative is key when surviving the tough times, it was the birth of artistic talent using Porsche parts that show a unique side of this engineering mind. Don creates amazing pieces of art from the unusable car parts, one particular lamp is currently in the garage of a very famous car collector who used to host The Late Show. To date, he has created numerous works, been commissioned for particular pieces and is always looking for ways to design instead of destroying.

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To most a pile of used car parts is good for nothing more than disposal, but to Don Ramsay its inspiration. The owner of Air Cooled Classics creates priceless art from the unusable and wrecked parts of the beloved Porsche. His unique designs include tables, wall hangings, lamps and more as the creations are limited only by Don’s imagination.

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Air Cooled Classics shows no signs of the tough times just 10 years back, in fact, the shop is full and the future plans are big. Don has gathered a talented team

with backstories that prove their paths were meant to cross. Together they restore, recycle and rebirth the Air Cooled Classic!

(865) 671-9146 • aircooledclassics.co • 10402 Lexington Dr. Knoxville, TN 37932

Explore the

Friendly City!

www.CityofAthensTN.com

2018 Board of Directors Standing left to right: Jonathan Pierce, Margaret Bohannon, Alfreda Tilley, Nancy Strasser, Sandra Guthrie, Wade Shultz. Sitting left to right: Mike Gentry, Jerry Flatt, Tom Strasser, Walter Barham, Board President Rush Guthrie.

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Awe... the Great Smoky Mountains, it’s no wonder they are the most visited mountains in America. Just planning a visit fills the mind with a desire to get back to nature, explore the hiking trails, see the magnificent waterfalls and let all of life’s noise fade away.

glamping in the authentic safari-inspired canvas tents. With convenient access to more than 800-square-miles of lush forests, pristine mountain views, and the Appalachian Trail, there’s really no luxury lodging or accommodations near the Smokies like it!

For some it is to pack the bags, make a reservation in one of the many area hotels and others visit the camping store to pack for a truly outdoor experience. The choice of lodging or tent camping is vast and up to the traveler’s wish. But now, you can have the best of it all, an adventure to experience camping in the mountains without losing the convenience or luxury of a hotel. Glamping has come to the Great Smoky Mountains.

Glamping options like The Stargazer that has its own viewing window above the king bed to stargaze at night and ensuite bathroom with a shower, sink and toilet. A wood stove keeps the tent warm at night and a private deck allows you to enjoy the outdoors. All of the luxury tent options offer a private, inside tent bathroom, deck and wood stove for warmth.

Glamping, also known as luxury camping or glamorous camping, is an experience-based kind of travel that allows guests to get outside and enjoy the great outdoors with five-star amenities and unbeatable outdoor access, glamping is where luxury meets simplicity.

Discover the Breathtaking Southern Appalachian Wilderness with Under Canvas in the Smoky Mountains. Wake up to the sounds of nature on the 182-acre camp taking you back in time on an unforgettable journey while enjoying the splendor of

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Under Canvas offers cafe-style dining on camp. Simply place your order at the counter and enjoy a leisurely breakfast in camp, or grab it to-go to get an early start for your adventure. At the end of the day, head back to camp and enjoy dinner under the stars, finishing the night off with s’mores at the community fire pit. They also have boxed lunches available, just place your order the night before and then pick it up the following morning as you head out to experience everything the Smoky Mountains have to offer. There is something for everyone on

the menus including vegetarian choices and nightly specials.

This luxury adventure is not just for the couple or family, if you are looking for the perfect glamping wedding venue or place to have a family reunion, corporate retreat or private event, then you have found it. They offer unique event packages and will assist with all aspects of event planning. Adventure and vacation packages are available for any size family or group, they will guide you through every step of planning a spectacular time away from the hustle and bustle of life.

Under Canvas offers many adventure options from discovering the Great Smoky Mountains National Park at your own pace, to exploring the hidden jewels with expert guides, to taking an extreme helicopter tour over the Chilhowee Mountain Range and Bluff Mountain. There is so much to do in the area, with over 700 miles of wild trout streams, fishing beginners or experts will enjoy every minute. Have you thought about biking in the mountains? It is a unique way to enjoy the sights and sounds of nature as you enjoy a ride on quality, well-maintained mountain bikes with a wide variety of trails available to all riding skill sets.

There is an unforgettable adventure for all ages and memories waiting to be made.

Inspired by the African safari experience, founders Sarah and Jacob Dusek set out to create an immersive outdoor escape that serves as a unique bridge between travel and the outdoors. Under Canvas began in 2009 with the opening of an all-inclusive glamping adventure package and has since grown to include eight luxury glamping resorts and a customized event’s offering, bringing the glamping experience to life anywhere in the country.

The Under Canvas safari-inspired tents include amenities such as daily housekeeping and fresh towels, plush king-size beds, luxurious linens, and bathrooms. Kids and adults alike delight over evening s’mores around the communal campfire as they share their stories of their day’s adventure.

Recognized as the “perfect glamping experience” by Vogue, Under Canvas operates locations in Yellowstone and Glacier in Montana; Moab and Zion in Utah; Mount Rushmore in South Dakota; Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee and Grand Canyon and Tucson, Arizona.

And guess what? You can have Under Canvas come to you! Whether that’s renting a single tent or planning an entire event, they offer for-hire accommodations. Weddings, festivals, corporate events, film shoots, conferences, temporary houses, trade shows and more.

It’s Under Canvas for any occasion, from high class to rustic!

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Fill the tummy on camp in the cafe-style dining at Under the Canvas Great Smoky Mountains. All meals are served in the main tent.

Rustic Luxury is unmatched with the comfort of the fine bedding, comfortable furnishings and your own fireplace.

Under CanvasÂŽ Great Smoky Mountains is located at 1015 Laurel Lick Road, Pigeon Forge.

For more information, visit www.undercanvas.com/great-smoky-mountains.

865-622-7695 | reservations@undercanvas.com

1911 S CONGRESS PARKWAY ATHENS TENNESSEE • 423-745-2630

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GOOD TIMES ALL THE TIME GOOD TIMES ALL THE TIME

There’s one way we can guarantee to have an all-time summer There’s one way we can guarantee to have an all-time summer and that’s on a MasterCraft. From the unbelievably heavy and that’s on a MasterCraft. From the unbelievably heavy h i t t i n g X S t a r t o t h e u l t r a a ff o r d a b l e N X T 2 0 , t h e r e ’ s a m o d e l f o r h i t t i n g X S t a r t o t h e u l t r a a ff o r d a b l e N X T 2 0 , t h e r e ’ s a m o d e l f o r every family and more than enough stoke to go around. The best every family and more than enough stoke to go around. The best o n otnh et hw t eart eur n ul on cl ok csk st hteh eb ebsets ts us m mm e er r e ev veer r, , eevveerryy ssuu m eaw um mm me e rr ..

G e tG oe n wo a t bo on ab roda rndo n wt am t amsat setrecrrcarfat f. tc. oc m om

IN VA SION OF T HE L A DY B UGS Fall is here the leaves are falling, and once again we have our annual invasion of Asian brown ladybugs.

by Gayle Fisher

M

y first memorable experience was twelve years ago on a gorgeous soft fall day. I experienced what sounds like a B-grade movie. My family had just arrived at a vacation lodge when we were bombarded by brown ladybugs. They came in swarms and lit on our faces and clothing, pinching us if we got in their way. Millions were trying to crawl into the lodge. On the inside sitting by the stone fireplace an innocent child moved a curtain to discover that “a cast of a thousand” had already made it inside. We later found brown Asian lady bugs hiding in the bedding, on window sills, hanging in corners and blacking out light fixtures.

These were not the sweet little ladybugs that I knew in my childhood but were very un-lady-like bugs that were trying to move in with us. These new intruders (Harmonia axyridis) are native to Asia. I remember ladybugs being red with black spots. These Asian ladybeetles come in many variations of color that range from orange and yellow to brown. They also vary in the number of spots with some having as many as 19 black spots and others with no spots at all. Our native ladybugs migrate for the winter but these un-lady-like Asian cousins stay put and find a winter home.

They prefer light-colored or sunny sides of buildings. Some years the swarms are larger than others. If they make it into your home they can spend the winter balled up in groups resting. They don’t feed in the winter; they live on their little fat reserves just like bears. In the spring they will wake up disperse, mate, lay eggs and then die.

How did this exotic ladybug get to America?

Rumor has it that in the late 70’s the U.S. Department of Agriculture released Asian ladybugs as a biological control agent (they eat aphids). For several years after the release these lady beetles could not be found so were assumed to be extinct. In 1988 they reemerged in strength. Today native ladybugs are endangered. Cornell University has launched a project to determine why our native red ladybugs have disappeared, for more information go to www.lostladybug.org The sheer number of Asian ladybugs can be a nuisance to the homeowner. These beetles are accidental invaders. This means that they are outdoor insects and only become a problem by wandering indoors during a limited portion of their life cycle. These Asian ladybugs do not sting or carry disease but they do have mandibles so they can pinch or nibble your skin. In large numbers they can produce an odor and they leave a

discolored ‘spit’ where they hang out. I’ve also noticed that where they crawl across my windowpanes they leave a yellow-orange substance that is hard to clean. This substance can also stain walls and fabrics.

Things that you can do to make these Asian invaders act more like ladies are: 1) Fix damaged screens. Calk cracks around doors and windows. You may need to also install an insect screen over your attic and exhaust fans.

2) If they make it into the house vacuum them up.

3) Trap them with a light trap, which has baffling so that the beetles can go toward the light source then can’t find their way out.

(My sister told me she had seen this product and for me not to waste my money).

This B-grade movie cannot have a happy ending since our native ladybugs have moved to Canada. You can only stay diligent in your fight of this un-lady like guest and hope she doesn’t wake up on a warm winter day to drop into your soup or bomb dive a horrified child or guest.

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Nestled on the Georgia coast, lies four beautiful barrier islands: St. Simons Island, Sea Island, Jekyll Island, Little St. Simons Island and the mainland city of Brunswick. Pristine stretches of marshland, punctuated by small islands known as hammocks, define the breathtaking landscape and create the appearance of a continuous stretch of land reaching out to the barrier islands.

Photo by David Long. Driftwood Beach - about 4 AM, the Milky Way moved above the sea mist for a clear view above the tree.

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Sandy beaches stretch on for miles. Worldclass golf is everywhere, with hundreds of holes ensconced within the Golden Isles’ breathtaking views. Historic landmarks, museums, and art galleries present the legacies of the area, while quaint bedand-breakfast inns to five-star resorts showcase unrivaled southern hospitality.

The southernmost island in the Golden Isles, known as Jekyll Island is filled with so many incredible, family-friendly attractions, some of the most pristine stretches of beach and authentic historical landmarks at every turn.

Add to that the nature-preservation-conscious Georgia Sea Turtle Center and the beautiful marshlands surrounding the area.

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In the 1800s, Jekyll Island was an exclusive hunting retreat for famous millionaire families escaping harsh winters up north and exchanging it for the perfect tropical Jekyll Island weather. Some of them you may recognized, the Rockefellers, Vanderbilts, Pulitzers and more. They hosted lavish parties on the private island at the Jekyll Island Club.

In the 1940s, the area was sold to the state of Georgia and became Jekyll Island State Park.

The once private retreat is now part of The Jekyll Island Club National Historic Landmark District, one of the largest preservation projects in the southeast.

From the early Native Americans to guests from around the world, the story of the island has been captivating imaginations for generations. The earliest known archaeological sites on Jekyll Island suggest that this island has been a destination for more than 3,500 years. Jekyll Island, at 5,700 acres, is the smallest of Georgia’s barrier islands.

Jekyll Island has a diverse and significant history. Being a place known to internationally prominent business leaders, it has played host to some important historical events.

AT&T president Theodore Vail placed the first transcontinental telephone call from Jekyll Island on January 25, 1915. Meetings that led

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to the development of the Federal Reserve System were held in secret on Jekyll in 1910.

Using assumed names, the men made their way to Jekyll posing as duck hunters, then spent approximately a week developing the “plan,” which was proposed to Congress in 1912. Congress did not pass the plan, but U.S. president Woodrow Wilson and others used it as the basis for the Federal Reserve Act, creating a central banking system for the United States.

That rich history has remained a vital part of the island, a completely renovated and reimagined Jekyll Island Museum will guide you through the cultural and natural history of the most intriguing barrier island. The new museum, Mosaic, features more exhibit space, more artifacts, and is constructed completely within the existing footprint of the historic stables building. Throughout the island you will step back in time as each historic building’s story unfolds, and the Jekyll Island Club and the National Landmark Historic District come alive.

In 1886, Jekyll Island was purchased to become an exclusive winter retreat, known as the Jekyll Island Club. It soon became recognized as “the richest, most inaccessible club in the world.” Today, the former Club grounds comprise a 240-acre site with 34

historic structures. The Jekyll Island Club National Historic Landmark is one of the largest ongoing restoration projects in the southeastern United States, attracting curious guests from around the world.

Jekyll Island offers an abundance of recreational activities for visitors of all ages.

With ten miles of white sand beaches ideal for shelling, 63 holes of golf, an outdoor tennis complex, the Summer Waves Waterpark, a fishing pier, Jekyll Island dolphin tours, horseback riding tours, nature centers and 20 miles of bike trails, there is enough to keep visitors or all ages busy.

Jekyll Island is one of the most pet-friendly vacation destinations with all but one area being dog-friendly. Many of the island restaurants have outdoor dog-friendly areas as well. Treasures are also abundant, people come from around the globe in January to search for glass orbs that are hidden around the island by volunteers. The island treasures

DuBignon Cottage, 1884, Brian Brown photo

Historic Christ Church Est. 1736

Cherokee Cottage

are hand-made to look like the fishing floats once used to keep fishing nets afloat.

People have been finding these lost floaters since the 1800s. Don’t bother looking in the dunes, they never “hide” them out of reach.

Birdwatching is spectacular, most of the bird species in Georgia find their way to the area

each year. They join the shorebird and gulls that inhabit the island year around. There is also a bird sanctuary in the back part of the Island Campground. Georgia’s only sea turtle education and rehabilitation facility offers a chance to learn about sea turtles and see rehabilitation in action with a host of interactive exhibits and experiences.

Georgia Sea Turtle Center

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Nostalgia and opulence drape the island, historic sites, objects, landscapes, and structures are all chapters of Jekyll Island’s story and provide a record of past human activity, a history that can be found in unexpected locations. Jekyll Island’s Avenue of Palms consists of nearly 300 cabbage palms, many of these palms were originally planted around 1890. In honor of the thirteen original colonies, thirteen oak trees were planted during the October 1976 bicentennial celebration, which is today a favorite scenic stop overlooking the Jekyll River. As you walk about the Historic District, you may discover bricks marking the locations of historic buildings that no

longer exist. The green posts that you see scattered about the lawn of the Jekyll Island Club National Historic Landmark District mark the locations of historic cottages that no longer exist. Old Plantation Road is one of the oldest roads on the island. It dates back to the 1800s and was named such because it leads directly to the “Old Plantation,” now the Horton House Historic Site.

With storybook scenery, fascinating activities, Jekyll Island provides the perfect backdrop for your vacation, honeymoon, getaway and is certainly a must for all “bucket lists.” As they say, “Find your way

back and discover what’s new.” From the sprawling beaches to the historic landmarks, Jekyll Island is a beautiful blend of serenity and discovery. There are simply few places on earth more inviting.

As a State Park, Jekyll Island is a coastal haven where nature and humans coexist. From the moment you see the turtle crossing signs to the canopy of live oaks, you’ll know this is someplace special. Whether it’s through an ancient maritime forest or along the newly updated oceanfront promenade, every path leads to a unique experience you’ll only find at Jekyll Island, Georgia - The Golden Isles.

Browse unique gifts or hand-made artisan collections at Pier Road Shops in the Historic District or sunglasses to gourmet groceries at the Shops at Beach Village. It’s one more part of Jekyll Island you don’t want to miss.

Rent a bike to pedal the more than 20 miles of trails on Jekyll Island.

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McMINN LIFE FALL 2019

ATHENS MEDICAL GROUP Wallace F. Burroughs, II, MD Chris L. Maynard, MD C. Richard Sharpe, MD Jennifer Ronne, NP-C Kim Borris, PA-C Julie Haney, MSN, FNP-BC Sally F. Moss, NP-C Athens Medical Group Same Day Appointments Available.

We accept most insurance plans including Medicare & Medicare Blue Advantage Dedicated Occupational Health Department

423.745.6575 1031 West Madison Avenue, Athens

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WHOLESALE PETROLEUM MARKETERS

Real Estate, Commercial & Food Photography 865-924-6547 | www.CodyGWise.com | codysclouds@iclouds.com FALL 2019 McMINN LIFE

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