McMinn Life Fall 2018

FALL 2018

Life THE BIGGEST MONROE LIFE

Balloon Fiesta Ever!

Apple Pie Contest BATTLE OF ATLANTA

Cyclorama

FALL 2018 McMINN LIFE

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McMINN COUNTY IS AN IDEAL PLACE TO DO BUSINESS McMinn County is located along a major transportation corridor (Interstate 75) in both the Chattanooga and Knoxville regions in Southeast Tennessee. We offer a great location, a workforce eager to tackle the demands of advanced manufacturing, low cost taxes in a debt-free county, abundant industrial properties, a favorable quality of life, and support services that are hard to match. The McMinn County Economic Development Authority works to attract new investment and jobs in McMinn County and provides life-long support to our existing industries. Please browse our business advantages and community assets to see for yourself why so many industries choose to “Make It In McMinn.�

ATHENS | CALHOUN | ENGLEWOOD | ETOWAH | NIOTA 423.745.1506 makeitinmcminn.org 2

McMINN LIFE FALL 2018

MICHELIN • BRIDGESTONE • PRIMEWELL • FIRESTONE & MORE

Find a Lower Price and We’ll Match It.

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years of Service, Dependability, Smooth Rides and Our Price Match Guarantee! At the time of purchase, if you find a current lower advertised price on the identical, in-stock tire from a local retail competitor’s store, we will match the competitor’s pre-tax price.

GOING THE EXTRA MILE AT H E N S • L E N O I R C I T Y • M A RY V I L L E • FA R R A G U T www.matlocktires.com FALL 2018

McMINN LIFE

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Fall Tablescapes Bring Autumn Colors Indoors

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Apple Pie Contest & Recipes from Last Years Winners

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Contents features

Day Trip: Burnsville, North Carolina And Mount Mitchell, the Highest Peak East of the Mississippi

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Atlanta’s Cyclorama

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Moving History

Bonnets, Beards & Buggies The Mennonite Life

BILL LEE WINS GOP NOMINATION FOR GOVERNOR

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40 40 Flying High Above

Flying High Above the the Sequoyah Sequoyah with with the Monroe Life the Monroe Life Balloon Balloon Fiesta Fiesta

SATURDAY & SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 1ST & 2ND

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departments 6 From The Publisher 28 CASA Corridor 41 We Love It Police Lip Sync Challenge

A Letter From City Manager C. Seth Sumner

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Civil War Frock Coat

44 East Tennessee Foundation Scholarships

Living Heritage Museum

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Where Is The Festival This Weekend?

Wooly Worm Festival

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Autumn At Oz Festival

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15th Annual Pumpkintown Festival

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FALL 2018 McMINN LIFE

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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

Athens Pediatrics PLLC Joy Asbury, F.N.P. | Melanie Long, F.N.P. Kathryn Klopfenstein M.D. | Rachel Worley, M.D.

111 Epperson Street | Athens, TN 37303 | 423.745.5955 | www.athenspeds.com 4

McMINN LIFE FALL 2018

Just in!

New denim styles to spruce up your fall wardrobe...

The Lily Pad Boutique The Gathering Place FINEST LADIES APPAREL

Shop with friends or make new ones here!

209 N Main St | Sweetwater, TN 37874 (423) 337 5537 | Monday - Friday | 10:00 - 5:30 | sweetwaterlilypad.com The Lily Pad Boutique

@shopthelilypad FALL 2018 McMINN LIFE

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Photo by Kelsey Bingham

From thePublisher

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utumn is arriving, the leaves are changing colors and cooler temps welcome the most beautiful season in East Tennessee. The kids are back in school, football friday nights and Go Big Orange Saturdays are upon us. There are so many fun events and festivals to enjoy in and around the area.

It’s very exciting to have the 6th Annual Monroe Life Magazine Balloon Fiesta, a hot air balloon festival fundraiser for CASA Monroe, hosted at the Sequoyah Birthplace Museum in Vonore. The grounds of the museum will play the perfect host for the 20+ Hot Air Balloons, with the reflection from the surrounding water creating a spectacular display of the balloon glow illuminating the sky each night. I am so humbled by the many East Tennessee businesses & restaurants supporting the event. Read more about the Balloon Fiesta in this edition of McMinn Life.

Also in this edition of McMinn Life we share about Etowah’s Apple Pie Contest, so grab your apron and try the winning recipes. You will enjoy reading about all the events at your local historical gem, The McMinn Living Heritage Museum. Then adventure “behind the scenes” in the Mennonite communities of Etowah and Tellico as Lon Shoopman shares in “Bonnetts, Beards & Buggies”. One day trips are the most fun, take the backroad to Burnsville, NC or fast highway route to a unique piece of history at the Cyclorama in Atlanta, GA. We were also blessed throughout the campaign season to sit down with Bill Lee who spent many days throughout the primary campaign in East Tennessee, meeting and talking with residents. Tennessee went to the polls on August 2nd naming Bill Lee the GOP nominee for Governor, we share his victory with you in this issue.

This time of the year seems to bring reflection and appreciation as holidays approach, I am personally grateful for all our advertisers, readers and subscribers who continue to make this publication possible.

Thank you, Enjoy and hope to see you at the 6th Annual Monroe Life Balloon Fiesta!

Life PUBLISHER

The Bingham Group President Lisa Atkins Bingham Graphic Designers Becky Brooks Brett Hawkins Lisa Bingham Contributing Writers CeCe Owens Deanene Catani Jennifer Porterfield Nancy Dalton Lisa Grugin Lon Shoopman Sydnee Brashears Cover Photo Ben Gibson Contributing Photographers Ben Gibson Jeff Lacky JoPhoto Lisa Bingham Lon Shoopman Sam Dean Tammy Lee Advertising Sales Mignonne Alman Tel: 865.523.5999 mignonne@binghamgroup.com

Lisa Bingham Mother to Kathryn, Kelsey and Alyssa President of The Bingham Group Publisher of Farragut, Monroe and McMinn Life

CeCe Owens Tel: 865.385.1358 cece@binghamgroup.com Subscription or Editorial Inquiries Tel: 865.523.5999 Fax: 865.523.0999 www.mcminnlifemagazine.com The Bingham Group, Inc. 11921 Kingston Pike, Suite 201 Knoxville, Tennessee 37934 www.binghamgroup.com www.mcminnlife.com

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McMINN LIFE FALL 2018

THE BINGHAM GROUP WINS THREE NATIONAL AWARDS! The Bingham Group, a Knoxville based, full-service marketing and communications firm, is proud to announce their success in the 39th Annual Telly Awards. The Telly Awards annually showcase the best work created within television and across video, for all screens. Receiving over 12,000 entries from all 50 states and 5 continents. The highest award granted is a Silver Telly, followed by a Bronze Telly in the respective categories. This year, The Bingham Group has been awarded three top honors.

​Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security Domestic Violence​​Awareness Commercial Television Commercial​- ​Silver Telly Matlock Tire Family of Service 65th Anniversary Television Commercial​- ​Silver Telly Smoky Mountain Strong, 2016 Wildfires Documentary - Silver Telly

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Apple Pie Contest October 6th 8:00am-9:30am Everybody loves the all American Apple Pie! Last fall 2017 Etowah added a new feature to their annual Fall Festival, an Apple Pie Baking Contest. Pies came in from McMinn & several surrounding counties. All ages of bakers entries from high school students to grandmothers. The judges were Tennessee State Representative John Fogerty, McMinn County Mayor, John Gentry & Polk County Chamber President Adriane Lambert. The pies were judged on presentation, taste and texture. It was so much fun and received by everyone so successfully that the Festival will have the contest again this year.

Get out your cookbooks, pie tins & aprons!

Brush up on your favorite recipe because

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McMINN LIFE FALL 2018

it is almost time to bake more pies! The 2018 Etowah Chamber Fall Arts & Crafts Festival (Oct 6 & 7) is featuring its second Apple Pie Baking Contest. Bring your homemade apple pie to the Etowah L&N Depot Saturday morning, October 6th between 8:00 & 9:30am. Judging starts at 10:00am. 1st prize $100, 2nd prize $75 & 3rd prize $25.

The 2017 Apple Pie winners were: 1st Place was Englewood’s own Frances Power featuring her “Paper Bag Apple Pie”. Frances is known in her community for her good southern cookin’. She is retired from her Postmaster’s job in Niota.

She is most proud of her family, church

& local fundraising. Frances is a member of the Englewood 1st Church of God. She also headed the restoration of the Niota Depot and sits on the Board of the Tennessee Overhill.

2nd Place winner was Denise Graff of Madisonville. Since moving from Florida in 2009 and retiring from Hiwassee College two years ago, Denise has become a leader in the community. Besides being an avid baker, Denise is an officer of Keep Monroe County Beautiful, a Diplomat of the Monroe County Chamber & she volunteers for the Tennessee Overhill & Hiwassee Rail Adventure.

3nd Place winner was Sandra Tullock Etowah.

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1st Place Winner PAPER BAG APPLE PIE Frances Powers Ingredients: • 6 apples • 1/2 cup brown sugar • 2 tsp 3 Minute Quick Oats

• 1/2 Tsp nutmeg • 1 (9inch) unbaked pie shell • 1 tbsp. water

Topping Ingredients: • 1/2 cup sugar • 1/2 cup 3 Minute Quick Oats

• 1 tbsp. flour • 1/2 cup butter

Directions: Pare, core and slice apples into large mixing bowl. Sprinkle sugar, oats and nutmeg over apples and toss to coat well.

Spoon into pie shell. Sprinkle with water.

Prepare topping by combining sugar, oats and flour. Cut in butter and mix until crumbly. Sprinkle on top of filling mixture.

Slide pie into a heavy brown bag to cover

pie loosely. Fold open and over twice and fasten with paper clips or staples. Place on baking sheet. Bake at 425 for one hour.

Split bag open and remove pie to cooling rack.

Note: Bag will smell like it is burning at first but it will not.

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2nd Place Winner APPLE CRUMB PIE Denise Graff Ingredients: • • • •

5 to 6 tart apples 2 tbsp. sugar 1 teaspoon nutmeg 3 tbsp. milk

• 1 cup flour • 1 cup brown sugar • 1/2 cup butter

Directions: Mix sugar and nutmeg. Pour over apples sliced very thin into pie pan lined with pastry. Place brown sugar and flour in a

bowl, cut butter into this until crumbly.

Pour this over apples, and on top, pour milk. Bake at 350 for 50 to 60 minutes.

For more information on the Pie Contest or the Etowah Fall Festival call Nancy at the Tennessee Overhill 423-263-7232 or Durant at the Etowah Chamber 423-263-2228. The Fall Festival is sponsored by the Etowah Chamber of Commerce.

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October 13th, 2018 A McMinn County favorite returns to Historic Downtown Athens on October 13th, 2018. 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 the famous McMinn Regional Humane Society Adopt-a-Thon, Mutt Strut and Doggie Costume Contest. “Until there are none, adopt one” is the mission. Come early adopt and strut your new furry family member in the Mutt Strutt, followed immediately by the canine creativity of the Doggie Costume Contest.

The Living Heritage Quilt Show is a must not miss during the festival with transportation to the Museum available. Pumpkintown Festival 2018 - Saturday, October 13, 2018 - 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.

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

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McMINN LIFE FALL 2018

SPEEDY SERVICE QUALITY REPAIRS AFFORDABLE PRICES Shop Hours: Mon. - Fri. 8am - 5pm Towing & Roadside Assistance Available 24/7 (423) 746-2600 | www.jproservicecenter.com 107 Decatur Pike, Athens, TN 37303

2017 Board of Directors Standing left to right: Dick Hashe, Wade Shultz, Margaret Bohannon, Alfreda Tilley, Nancy Strasser, Sandra Guthrie, Jerry Flatt. Sitting left to right: Jerry Prince, Tom Strasser, Board President Rush Guthrie, Mike Gentry, Walter Barham.

FALL 2018 McMINN LIFE

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Maple Lane Farm

GET LOST! The Original, Oldest, and Best Maze Located on a Real Farm!

20th Annual Corn Maze starting September 28th Haunted nightly from October 19 - 31 Friday 6-10pm, Saturday 10am-10pm and Sunday 12-6pm

1126 Maple Lane, Greenback, TN 37742

Phone: (865) 856-3511

Admission: Adults $10, Kids 5-11 $8, Under 5 is FREE The Oldest ‘Ten Acre’ Corn Maze in the SouthEast Pumpkin Patch www.tncornmaze.com Hay Rides Kids Activities

Haunted Maze October 19–31 Admission $13

Small children NOT recommended

7 pm Till 10 pm

No Discounts Taken During Haunted Maze

$1 Off Admission Limit 4 persons per coupon

Eight miles west of Foothills Mall off Morganton Road, just off 411 in Blount County, follow the signs to the farm.

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McMINN LIFE FALL 2018

(865) 675-8227 Located in turkey creek 11483 Parkside Drive #202 www.dickeys.com

Proud sponsor of the monroe life balloon fiesta!

Labor day Weekend at the sequoyah birthplace museum in Vonore, TN.

SMOKED ON-SITE

Low and Slow Daily

WE CATER Call 866-BARBECUE FALL 2018 McMINN LIFE

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SATURDAY SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 1ST SEPTEMBER 2ND 2PM - 10PM

NEW BIGGER LOCATION

SEQUOYAH BIRTHPLACE MUSEUM, VONORE The 6th Annual Monroe Life Balloon Fiesta will return to East Tennessee at The Sequoyah Birthplace Museum in Vonore, Tennessee. Enjoy balloon rides, live music, food, games, an inflatable Kid’s Zone and much more all while supporting CASA Monroe. The two-day Balloon Fiesta begins on Saturday, September 1st from 2pm – 10pm, and runs through Sunday, September 2nd, from 2pm – 10pm. The finale each night will be a Balloon Glow set to music with over 22+ colorful hot air balloons beginning at dusk. “We have 22+ of the most talented balloon pilots in the country excited to entertain the community.

We invite everyone to come out and join in the celebration!”

BUY TICKETS EARLY OR AT THE GATE

We will have separate gates for attendees that already have tickets.

www.monroelifeballoonfiesta.com This is a rain or shine event. No Refunds. Balloons will fly weather permitting.

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McMINN LIFE FALL 2018

CRAFT VENDORS • CLOWNS • FUNNEL CAKES • BARBEQUE • CORN DOGS • PULLED PORK SANDWICHES • FRIED OREOS • HAMBURGERS • COTTON CANDY AND OTHER FUN FOODS!

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BALLOONS! MORNING FLIGHTS AT 7AM, SATURDAY AND SUNDAY FLIGHTS AROUND 4- 5PM

GLOW AT DUSK All flights are weather permitting.

FALL 2018 McMINN LIFE

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VIA PASS

ON SALE $125 A PERSON

RESERVED PARKING • INTIMATE ATMOSPHERE • GOURMET SOUTHERN FARE: DICKEY’S BBQ • LONGHORN STEAK HOUSE • WATER TO WINE • SEASONS • CITICO • PUBLIX CATERING • FOOD CITY DELI • INGLES • KROGER • PETROS

BOOK YOUR PERSONAL BALLOON RIDE DIRECT WITH THE PILOT:

www.monroelifeballoonfiesta.com * You must be over 16 years of age

Photos by Tammy Lee

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McMINN LIFE FALL 2018

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

GENERAL ADMISSION TICKETS ADULTS: $10 CHILDREN UNDER 4: FREE

SUMMER 2018 McMINN LIFE

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MEET OUT PILOTS

We are proud to present this year’s balloon pilots! These balloonists from the great states of Tennessee, Iowa, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia will be bringing over 150+ years of combined experience and a diverse collection of vibrant balloons with them to the festival. Our pilots have flown as far as Australia and Costa Rica in search of the most beautiful landscapes many people only dream about. They come from diverse backgrounds, have been in numerous competitions and races and have perfomed aerial stunts. Do not miss some of the greatest pilots in the world. Come and enjoy the sights and sounds of some of the most elaborate balloons known to man.

Steve Davis 2018 Balloon Meister

MEREDITH BENNETT Meredith is from Columbus, OH and has been involved in the ballooning community for over 15 years, with piloting her balloons for over 12 years. She has been travelling to rallies throughout Ohio, North Carolina, Indiana, New Mexico, and Michigan and is excited to add Tennessee to her list. This is her second time flying in the Monroe Life Balloon Fiesta and is very excited to be invited to attend and fly her new balloon Moonshine for you all this year.

DAVID LITTON Living in Statesville NC, our family has always had a natural curiosity for hot air balloons. Seeing a hot air balloon in the Statesville skies was a huge thrill for my family! We have been crewing during the Carolina Balloon festival for seven years and I always had the desire to learn more.

At the 2016 Carolina Balloon Festival, I decided to make my dream of being a hot air balloon pilot a reality. I started taking lessons and became a private pilot in August 2017. My goal is to become a commercial pilot as soon as possible and continue sharing my love for ballooning with others.

My favorite thing about ballooning is that it is something that my family does together.

My crew consists of my wife Candice and our 3 children Abigail (15), Jenna (12) and Owen(8).

Steve is a new resident of Blount County with his wife Amy and their two boys, Beaux and Spruce. Amy Davis is Roy Smith’s daughter.

Steve has been a licensed pilot since 1985 and has logged more than 2000 hours in 35 states and five countries. Some of his favorite locations to fly include the mountains of Montana and Costa Rica. In the late 1990s, Steve also began using a balloon as a platform from which to skydive. This led to the involvement of performing aerial stunts involving a balance beam between two balloons, rope ladders and tea parties on top of balloons.

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KEN DRAUGHN Ken Draughn was born and raised in Burlington, NC. He is a commercial pilot and has been flying for 29 years.

BRIAN HOYLE Brian Hoyle is from Raleigh, NC, and has been involved with flight since the 1980’s, though only recently became a pilot in 2005.

Brian runs Hot Air Marketing, a marketing consulting firm specializing developing promotions, experiential marketing, public relations and social media marketing strategies with partners at the agency and brand levels. His balloon “Papa Red” is one of the nation’s few wheelchair accessible balloons. The Hoyles dedicate much of their balloon work with Papa Red and a portion of proceeds from tethered rides to Project Uplift USA, an all-volunteer group founded by Brian, committed to promoting Americanism and volunteerism through its annual Freedom Balloon Fest held Memorial Day weekend honoring Gold Star family members. Throughout the year, the organization works to provide hot air balloon experiences for military families and children living with mobility challenges and they offer free, K-12 STEM-based educational enrichment programs using hot air balloons as a teaching tool.

him busy at home. Dan was also ordained as a Minister in 2001 so as to allow him to conduct balloon weddings and cremation scattering ceremonies.

WAYNE FORTNEY JOSEPH HURDT Joseph owns Excite Tech Inc, a technology and consulting firm in Shelby, NC. He enjoys working in a field where ideas and solutions are ever-changing. As unique and exciting as his daily tasks may be, nothing compares to ballooning. Joseph’s enthusiasm for the sport began after receiving a surprise birthday flight, and he has been flying or dreaming of flying since. For Joseph, ballooning is about bringing families together; his own, as well as a growing community of pilots and crew. His greatest reward, however, is seeing the sense of wonder and amazement in the eyes of the children and families he’s met while piloting SunCatcher.

DANIEL SASSER Daniel has been involved in ballooning since he was six years old. He attended a balloon rally with his family and has been hooked ever since. Currently living in Charlotte, NC, Daniel has had the opportunity to fly all across the southeast, and has even flown in ‘the big one,’ Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta in New Mexico.

Daniel enjoys sharing his passion with friends, family, and all the cool people you meet along the way. He is thrilled to be returning to beautiful East Tennessee to participate in this event, which is one of his favorites, and fly along so many friends for such a worthy cause.

DANNY CAMPBELL Dan Campbell has been flying hot air balloons since 1973 (44 years) and is the Chief Pilot and Z-Balloon Adventures owner/ operator. An avid Hot-Air Balloon Pilot, Dan averages between 120 to 190 flights a year.

Dan is also a Special Shape Pilot and he owns several unique balloons. Dan holds numerous Hot-Air Balloon records and awards. In 1998 he ranked 1st in the nation in the Balloon Federation of America’s Long Jump Competition. In addition, Dan holds the distinction of being Iowa’s furthest flying pilot. In 1998 Dan also became the first pilot in Iowa in over 24 years to fly in the dark.

Dan has a LifeTime membership in the BFA (Balloon Federation of America), since 1989. Dan is also a BFA Level VII Prominent Aeronaut and a FAA Safety Wings Program Level 12 Pilot. In the last few years, Dan has flown in China, the Philippines, Puerto Rico, Canada and Mexico as well as all over the US. Campbell flies 1-2 Balloon Races a year as the balloon ride business keeps

JOHN PAISLEY During a camping trip in 1985, John, his wife, Joyce, and their 4 children attended a hot air balloon rally in Love Valley, North Carolina. That event was the beginning of a great family adventure. Flying throughout the country since the 1980’s, John has a commercial Lighter Than Air pilot’s certificate. John enjoys flying in balloon competitions, tethering campers at Victory Junction, sharing the joy of ballooning with ride passengers and meeting new friends at festivals. He is looking forward to attending the Monroe Life Balloon Festival this year.

To book a balloon ride with John, contact him at paisley.joyce@gmail.com or call (336) 227-0218.

Wayne Fortney lives in Kingsport and has been flying his balloon named Rosie since 1996. His entire family enjoys the sport, and he even met his wife on a balloon ride in Bristol, Virginia. Wayne has attended rallies all over the US and Canada and will attend The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in October for the 12th time. Wayne’s Team Mantra: “We launch with passengers…We land with friends.”

BILL SCARBERRY, JR. ‘Bluner Bill’, Bill Scarberry Jr. is from LeSage, WV and has been flying for 31 years, clocking over 1000 hours. He has several accreditations including Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Certified and Commercially Rated Hot Air Balloon Pilot. In April 2000, he was commercially licensed by the Directorate of Civil Aviation (DCA) in Kenya, Africa to fly passenger balloons up to 310,000 cubic feet and to train in the 400,000 cubic feet balloon (the world’s largest passenger carrying balloon at that time). Bill was a member of the Balloon Federation of America from 1988, was a member and Piedmont Director of the Carolinas Balloonist Association, and a member of the Iredell Aeronaut Society until they ceased to be. He is currently an AAAA Member. ‘Bluner Bill’ has done business since 1991 as “Sky High Balloon Promotions” from in and around the LeSage and Huntington, West Virginia area, then Abingdon, Virginia, serving the Tri-Cities Area of Tennessee and surrounding areas, then in Concord, North Carolina. Bill and his wife, Kathy now reside in Piney Flats, Tennessee. Now semi-retired as a full time balloon pilot, he flies only for fun, sport and his and Kathy’s favorite charities.

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We’re glad to be able to participate in The Monroe Life Balloon Fiesta.

To book a flight with Buddy call (336) 317-3598.

DALE PATTYN Dale started crewing for a local balloon pilot in 2005 upon moving to Albuquerque, NM while still Active Duty Air Force and fell in love with this different way to fly. He bought his first Balloon in 2009, received an LTA rating in 2010, and his Commercial LTA rating in 2014. He has accumulated 250 hours in balloons and has been a regular instructor at Balloon Ground Schools and Safety Seminars in Albuquerque before relocating to Georgia in 2017 to be the Chief Pilot Instructor at the new Lockheed Martin Hercules Training Center located in Marietta, GA. He is a retired Air Force Command Pilot with over 5,000 flight hours having flown T-37, T-38 and various C-130 aircraft. Along with his Commercial LTA Balloon privileges, he holds an ATP, B-737, & L-382 type ratings.

JAYME NELSON DEREK BROWNING Derek has been involved with ballooning for almost 40 years. He has been a pilot since 1995 and has participated in numerous ballooning events including the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.

Derek and his wife are both retired from law enforcement and have 3 children.

HECTOR COROMINAS

BUDDY CARTER Buddy became a private pilot in 1986 and a commercial pilot in 1989. He has over 660 hrs of flight time. He and his wife live in North Carolina(NC), USA. We got into ballooning to share our sport with those that may never have the opportunity to get close to a balloon otherwise. We visit schools and allow the children to come up and ask questions, touch the balloon and at times do tethers for them. We also take our balloon to Paul Newman’s Victory Junction Camp in Randleman, NC and share our balloon with the handicap children that visit the camp over 6 weeks in the summer each year. Normally we carry 3 of our grandchildren with us when ballooning, the oldest wants to become a pilot and we’re starting to work on getting her certified.

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First balloon flight was while stationed with the U.S. Army in Germany. While photographing the balloons, a German pilot asked if I wanted to go up with him. Moments into the flight I thought to myself, I want to become a balloonist.

Several years later, the desire to fly was still strong. Realizing, “life is short,” I became a balloonist that has traveled the U.S. with my wife Teri, attending over 50 ballooning events from coast to coast and Mexico.

BONNIE CLEVINGER Bonnie has been ballooning since 1994.

This has allowed me to fly east coast and west coast. Great group of people to know.

Jayme is from Anderson, SC and has been in the ballooning world since she was born. Her father, Jim Hendershot, has been a pilot for over thirty years and taught her how to fly.

She enjoys traveling to balloon events around the southeast with her parents, husband, and daughter. Her balloon, Palmetto Paws, represents her love for Clemson and her home state of South Carolina.

MARSHA TREACY “I knew this is what I wanted to do the first time I saw a balloon flying in my hometown, a small town in Michigan in the early 80s,” she recalled. “I stopped dead in my tracks and I knew I had to do that.” Within six months of her first flight, she bought her own balloon. Now, more than three decades later, she has managed and operated a fleet of hot-air balloons for well know corporations across the country. There are only a handful of hot air balloon companies across the country with the same experience Treacy has amassed. For Marsha, a magical attraction to balloons has been at the heart of a career in aerial advertising spanning 34 years. When she talks about the “child-like wonder” that hot-air balloons inspire in people of all ages, she’s discussing the personal as well as the universal experience.

That experience with the “gentle giants,” as she calls them, makes hot-air balloons great canvasses for advertising. Whether she’s flying above thousands of people gathered for a major sporting event or taking a family on a charter ride, she’s never lost sight of her good fortune of making a career out of doing something she loves.

MIKE & KRISTINE TEIS Mike has been involved in ballooning since he was 15 years old when he began volunteering to crew for Bill Smith and his Balloon “Prime Time” in Canton, OH and has been hooked ever since. Mike bought “The Endeavor” and started training for his pilot certificate in 2016. He became a private pilot in June 2018. For Mike, giving others the thrill of flying in a balloon is a great pleasure. Often, it is their first flight, and one they will always remember. Mike receives continual love and support from his wife, Kristine and daughters, Lesley, Sarah and Abby as he continues to follow his dream. This is his first time flying in the Monroe Life Balloon Fiesta and is very excited to be a part of this worthy cause.

PHILLIP MACNUTT Originally from Hammond, Louisiana, Phillip now lives in Salisbury, North Carolina with his wife Renee. In 1986 he received his private pilot’s license for hot air balloons, and then advanced to a commercial rating 3 years later. In 2001, he received his gas balloon rating. With over 1,000 hours to date in balloons, Phillip has flown in 17 states within the US, and also has flown in France, Germany, England, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Belgium, The Netherlands, Mexico, and Austria. In 1994, he built his first balloon system, and then went on to design and construct several more systems including a gas balloon that he flew several times in the America’s Challenge gas balloon race, as well as a replica of Ed Yost’s famous “Silver Fox” transatlantic gas

balloon. Phillip, along with co-pilot Richard Abruzzo flew the 2005 Gordon Bennett gas race, launching from Brussels Belgium and landing 3 days later in eastern Finland near the Russian border, a total of nearly 2,000 kilometers in distance. Phillip has also been quite involved in high altitude balloon work with 3 flights above 20,000 feet, including a flight to 32,000 feet. He has spoken on the subject as a featured speaker at a BFA safety seminar in Houston, Texas. In October 2002, BFA President Phil Bryant presented the BFA Director’s award to Phillip for his contributions and spirit in ballooning. In 2012, Phillip achieved the highest available level (Distinguished) in the BFA’s Pilot Achievement award program.

ROGER CLARK

Roger Clark is a passionate pilot with over 3,900 hours in balloons, and certified 15 pilots. He has flown in most of the largest festivals, many states and about every type of balloon. He has been a flight instructor, ground instructor, safety seminar instructor, balloon manufacturer worker (HEAD) and is currently a FAAST Team member for the Southern Region. He flew for the following major sponsors among others: Ziploc, Re/ Max, Longhorn Steakhouse, Coors Light, Crafted with Pride/Made in USA, WSPA-TV7, WESC-92.5 FM, Freedom Weekend Aloft and numerous individual banner events and sponsors. He was the staff meteorologist for the BFA Nationals in 2006 & 2008 and the weather officer for Camden Balloon Rally (1991), Balloons Over Anderson (2010-2016), Freedom Weekend Aloft (2011-2014) and the Carolina Balloonfest in Statesville (2011-2017). He has also taught at the CBA Safety Seminar in 2011 and 2014, Safety Seminar at Sea in 2012-2014 and 2018 and BFA Approved Southeast Regional Ground School/Safety Seminar in 2012 and 2013.

While his flying has been predominately in the Southeast, he has been around the BFA Nationals and the World’s and is familiar with the needs of the ballooning community at large.

To book a balloon ride with Roger contact him at roger.clark@live.com.

MARC KLINGER Marc Klinger and his wife Ursula currently reside in Troutman, NC. Marc has worked for Piedmont Plastics, Inc. for the past 25 years and is currently the company’s Chief Information Officer. They maintain a small farm in Troutman, North Carolina with some friendly donkeys, chickens and other wildlife. Both Marc and Ursula are both rated balloon pilots and have been involved in ballooning for over 27 years, clocking 750 hours. Marc is involved with the Carolinas Balloon Association, a regional balloon organization, as well the Aero Club of America, currently the only active Gas Ballooning organization in the US. Marc also flies competitively being recognized as the most improved rookie in 2016, finishing 13th nationally.

To book a balloon ride with Marc contact him at mklinger@bellsouth.net

JUDGE DWAINE B. THOMAS

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he Honorable Judge Dwaine B. Thomas of the Monroe County Juvenile Court takes every opportunity available to share how meaningful, valuable and needed CASA-Monroe is to the county, specifically the children. "It is truly the thing that changes children's lives, lives of families and the county", said Judge Thomas, "I encourage involvement with CASA-Monroe, it is instrumental in the function of our court, influencing and changing the county and community."

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McMINN LIFE FALL 2018

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McMINN LIFE SUMMER 2018

Your care is our focus.

Examinations · Contact Lenses · Eye Injuries & Diseases Phone: (423) 746-9988 | Fax: (423) 746-9984 P.O. Box 1864406 W. Madison Ave. | Athens, TN 37371-1864 toomeybaggetteyecare.com

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Together, we will move Athens forward.

Please share your hopes and dreams for a brighter future with us.

www.CityofAthensTN.com

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McMINN LIFE FALL 2018

A Letter From City Manager

C. SETH SUMNER As the school year approaches, many families are hurriedly trying to fit in all of those fun things they promised to do this summer. I found myself in this predicament recently as I promised to teach my 5-year-old twins how to fish this summer. We were blessed to find a weekend that allowed for just that. We visited a local store to find the right rods and reels, and to get a carton of fresh worms. We visited the lake at Athens Regional Park, and although it started off slowly, and the children were getting bored, luck struck, and tiny hungry bream caused great excitement upon the embankment. We ended up having such a wonderful time that Carl Mason begged to go back Sunday, and while Georgia had her fun, she was ready to move on and tackle bicycling.

“Strong, beautiful, prosperous communities don’t just happen.

They require vision, determination, and years of planning.”

As we were enjoying our second day in a row beside the lake at Athens Regional Park, it was impossible not to notice all the other citizens and guests enjoying the park along with us. People of all ages, all abilities, all backgrounds, each there to enjoy a different aspect of the park, or to socialize with friends and family.

It was a truly beautiful occurrence that should be recognized and celebrated. I also couldn’t help but reflect where I had seen that before, and the difference it makes in building a community. During my time serving another city, we built an incredible park, with the coolest feature that remains all the rage among lifestyle amenities still - a splashpad.

I recall the pomp and circumstance of the grand opening celebration of that splashpad as wonderful, yet it paled in comparison to the tearful pride that I felt that day when learning of a particular family and how their lives

were profoundly impacted by the opening of that park. Earlier that day, I noticed a mother and nurse helping a handicapped child into the new handicap accessible swing from his mobility device. The boy was smiling ear to ear as he swung. Later I was with my family on one of the park’s splashpads when the boy in his mobility device wheeled onto the pad. This particular pad was made with jets mounted on the flat surface so all ages and abilities could use it. The jets would spray, the children played, laughing, smiling, children were very interested in the boy, and my one-year-old son loved his “tractor” (mobility device). That’s when the mother introduced herself to me, and in a joyful tearful conversation told me her story. The family lives just outside of the city and for her son to be able to play with children his own age, she was having to drive 2.5 hours to the nearest town with an accessible playground her son could use – which was a rare occurrence. Now, it would be possible for her son to play with other children as often as he likes – and isn’t that what we all want? The same access to a healthier, happier lifestyle with our friends and neighbors.

The Friendly City is seeking to build that beautiful place that appeals to all people, where all ages and abilities will be able to socialize and play together. I believe the new splashpad at Athens Regional Park, our first, will do just that for our community. Athenians are certainly deserving of a greater, more beautiful city, and together, we will move Athens forward.

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Civil War Frock Coat

By Esther Nunley and Ann Davis It was an exciting time recently when the McMinn County Living Heritage Museum acquired a Civil War frock coat with accompanying documentation. The frock coat of Union soldier and McMinn County resident Jacob Ziegler, (1834-1917) was donated by his great, great granddaughter.

The coat was discovered by her great aunt many years ago while cleaning the attic of the house. The coat was full of dirt daubers, a wasp that creates mud tunnels. Jacob’s daughter once lived in the house and it is believed that the coat remained in the attic more than 50 years before her great aunt discovered it. Jacob Ziegler was the only family member who joined the Union. He joined the 4th Cavalry Regiment Tennessee and he quickly rose in rank to Lieutenant.

The coat is a nine button (one is missing) single breasted frock coat, dark blue wool and one that would be worn by either a second or first lieutenant or a captain. It has a linen liner with an inside pocket that was still holding an extra boot

lace. The “skirt” as they call it drops to the bottom of the knee. Officers usually wore dark navy blue pants; enlisted men wore a 4 button sack coat with sky blue pants. Jacob married Annabella Gibbony, (1840-1918) in Athens, Tennessee just one year before the war started.

sank while transporting the prisoners upriver. Over 260 of the 3rd Cavalry Tennessee died on that day, April 27, 1865; a monument in Blount County has the names of those who perished. Several soldiers on the ship were connected to McMinn County and some lost their lives.

Jacob was against succession and felt very strongly about it; so strong that he wrote a lengthy letter to his father Joram explaining his position. His father along with the rest of the family supported succession.

Jacob made it clear in one of his letters to Annabella not to give the middle name Joram to his newly born son John and instead chose Brownlow after a famous unionist and publisher of Brownlow’s Knoxville Whig.

The Sultana tragedy was the worst marine disaster with more people perishing than in the sinking of the Titanic. A monument located at Mount Olive Cemetery, Maryville Pike, Knoxville, lists the names of nearly 400 east Tennessee residents that were aboard the Sultana the night it exploded whether they survived or not.

The Museum has the book, The Sultana Tragedy by Perry O Potter, in the gift shop on sale.

Jacob’s regiment avoided being captured and barely missed the famed Nathan Bedford Forrest when both units were on a campaign in Alabama; the 3rd Cavalry Tennessee was not so lucky and was captured by Forrest and sent to prison. Many of the 3rd Cavalry were on the grossly overloaded Sultana steamship that exploded and

522 W Madison Avenue, Athens, TN 37303 | 423-745-0329 | www.livingheritagemuseum.com 26

McMINN LIFE FALL 2018

CALENDAR OF EVENTS PLEASE SAVE THE DATES!

Serving the area for 35 years!

COMMUNITY ARTIST LEAGUE ART DISPLAY (MONTH OF AUGUST) AUGUST 25

10:30 AM - NOON

MAKING IRIS FOLDING CARDS

BY: CINDY MISHTAL PLEASE CALL MUSEUM TO REGISTER

SEPTEMBER 8 1 PM - 2:30 PM

AMERICAN GIRL JEWELRY & CUPCAKES PLEASE CALL MUSEUM TO REGISTER

SEPTEMBER 15 1 PM - 2:30 PM

AMERICAN GIRL DOLL TEA

Fuller’s Frame Shop specializes in professional custom framing, large Art Gallery with national and local artists.

Now offering Wide ´ Printing Format Giclee

PLEASE CALL MUSEUM TO REGISTER

OCTOBER 2 - 31 9AM - 1PM

ANNUAL QUILT SHOW “FINDING ART IN QUILTS” OCTOBER 13 9 AM - 1 PM

Monday - Saturday 9:30am-5:30pm

302 W. Bank St. Athens 423.745.7489

RUCHING QUILT CLASS COST: $35

BY LINDA ROY

OCTOBER 20

9:30 AM - 3:30 PM EASY ARCH QUILT CLASS COST: $40

BY TONE HAUGEN COGBURN OCTOBER 31 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM

“CHILDREN IN COSTUMES” PHOTOS & TREATS NOVEMBER 8

“HOLIDAY HOUSE” LIVE & SILENT AUCTION OF LOCAL ARTISANS 6:00 PM - FAMOUS BAKE SALE 6:30 PM - BUFFET DINNER NOVEMBER 16 NOON - 1 PM “JAPANESE TEA CEREMONY”

MCMINN COUNTY TOUR ADMISSION: LIVING HERITAGE ADULTS: $5 MUSEUM HERITAGE SR/STUDENTS: $3 SCHOOL ADMISSION: $5 (NON-MEMBERS) FREE (MUSEUM MEMBERS)

Hours:

Tues-Fri (10am—5pm) Saturday (10am-4pm) Sun & Mon (closed)

FALL 2018 McMINN LIFE

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A Home Around Every

CASA Corridor

By Sydnee Brashears

One of a child’s greatest needs is to be loved and cared for. Sometimes, however, the family they’re born into cannot or will not supply such a need. When intervention is required in McMinn, Rhea, or Meigs county, CASA Corridor is there. Advocating for at-risk kids, agents at CASA Corridor make strong bonds with youth, determine what they need, and fight for what is best for the child in and out of court. Though becoming an agent requires commitment, the rewards it brings is monumental not only for the child, but for the agent, too.

The CASA Corridor, which began in 2007, is a non-profit organization that advocates for abused and neglected children by recruiting and training volunteers to

work with the children to find the best possible solution. They work in 4 different courts, including juvenile justice and family court. As they work with the local judges, attorneys, and the justice system, it becomes clear how much of a team effort is necessary to benefit the child. There are many stages and many people needed to make things happen, and each member of CASA Corridor is committed to serving the children and improving the local community one child at a time.

One of the most important aspects of the program are the advocates themselves.

According to Sarah Goforth, an advocate of 2 years, one of their biggest jobs is to “build a relationship with the child.”

R

cASA

Court Appointed Special Advocates FOR CHILDREN They also report what they see, and help the child deal with their situation and get closure for whatever trauma they’ve experienced before or during their time.

These warriors for children are a diverse group. According to Frances Witt-McMahan, the executive director of CASA Corridor, “an advocate doesn’t fit into a molddoctors, farmers, retired schoolteachers, and students [are all advocates].” Some advocates actually work full-time as well as volunteer, as advocates can choose their own schedule Witt-McMahan actually did so for 6 years when she was first starting out.

As long as they have no criminal record and can commit to classes, anyone in the area can become an advocate as long as they can communicate.

Advocates don’t go it alone, however.

Natalie Kelly, supervisor, makes sure they have everything they need. “I go to family court, listen to cases, assist advocates” she says, “and monitor those assigned to us.” When an advocate can’t meet a client due to a scheduling conflict, that’s when

Kelly steps in to help. “We want to have a consistent relationship with the child.” She said. This consistency is what allows the children to feel safe and grounded during their time in the care system. “The most rewarding thing is a positive resolution… to see permanency achieved.” This permanency is the goal of everyone working at CASA Corridor- that the child be placed in a forever home, whether with their family or with a new one.

In order to keep CASA Corridor running, the advocacy group creates events for the local community to raise funding and awareness of the program. In April, they have a 5k marathon for the community to participate in. The biggest, and most fun event, though, is the Red Shoe Gala.

Inspired by Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz, who had only wanted to go home much like the children in CASA Corridor’s care, the Red Shoe Gala is a large party with a silent auction, local band September Song playing live music, and its’ namesake, the red shoe contest. The theme this

year beyond the titular red shoes is White Pumpkin Party. The Red Shoe Gala will be held on the 5th of October at 7pm at the St. Mary’s Parish Community Center. They encourage people to donate to the silent auction, especially local artisans.

What CASA Corridor needs, more than anything, is more advocates. “The people we work with is the most rewarding part of working here,” says Witt-McMahan, “Most of us want the same peace and joy.” While the ideal situation is that each advocate only has one case so that they can bond with the child best, due to the lack of volunteers each advocate is normally working two.

“We’re fortunate to have advocates willing,” says Witt-McMahan, “but we never have enough advocates.” Funding to train and recruit people, if time is not available, is also greatly appreciated.

If you want to find more information on CASA Corridor, or would like to donate time or funds, the website is casacorridor.org.

A Beautiful Fall Table The Southern Autumn season rolls in a welcomed reprieve from the summer heat and our mind begins to set on the gathering of family and friends. It’s the festival season in Tennessee, and yes, it’s also football time, both bring out the savory recipes and decor for welcoming a crowd. Our design partners shared their creations to inspire a beautiful table for this autumn season.

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DESIGN PARTNERS JoPhoto The Bride Link Custom Lane Gifts Dana’s Garden Restoration Rentals Event Rentals by Rothchild Melissa Timm Designs

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Bill Lee Wins Republican Nomination For Governor Bill Lee stepped onto the stage, “I love ya’ll, the first words from the winner of the Republican Primary for Governor. “Wow, I love ya’ll, thank you;” said Lee, who at times appeared overwhelmed and speechless. Fifteen months earlier, Bill and wife, Maria boarded a 13 year old motorhome to visit 95 counties in 95 days. The Lee campaign was considered a long shot against a heavy field of qualified and popular opponents.

On August 2, 2018, in a room packed with family and friends, the results appeared on the state television screen.

A victory speech equaled in humility as every town hall audience experience throughout the grassroots campaign. He is a man of common sense, prayerful consideration, and service.

The true heart of a servant is the only befitting description for businessman, Bill Lee complimented by the unmatched heart for others expressed in his wife, Maria.

In the last two days of this campaign, that motorhome, now 14 years old, was feeling the

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McMINN LIFE FALL 2018

weight of all the miles, but despite the failed air conditioning and hectic schedule, the Lee’s rallied home to Franklin to await election results. It was a non-stop journey, but none along the path saw the exhaustion, stress or felt hurried in conversation.

It was the opposite as they met each Tennessean with genuine sincerity, they listened, they hugged and they shared the vision for Tennessee.

Psalm 71:14; As for me, I will always have hope”, displayed on that RV, the foundation for Bill and Maria Lee, a hope for making the State of Ten-

nessee greatest in America. The results are in...

Tennesseans have spoken, placing their hope in Bill Lee for Governor.

Psalm 71:14; As for me, I will always have hope”

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This festival offers readings from local writers This festival offersfiction, readings local writers over nonfiction, andfrom poetry, writing over nonfiction, fiction, and poetry, writing workshops, and seminars dedicated to both workshops, seminars dedicated to both readers and and writers. readers and writers.

DAY TRIP DAY TRIP

Burnsville, Burnsville, North North Carolina Carolina

By Sydnee Brashears

By Sydnee Brashears

It’s time to get out of the city and return to the It’s time to get out ofofthe city andwith return to the small town charms yesteryear a day smalltotown charmsNorth of yesteryear day trip Burnsville, Carolina.with Witha recent trip to Burnsville, North Carolina.

With recent upgrades to the downtown and fabulous upgradesBurnsville to the downtown andyour fabulous festivals, will satisfy craving for festivals, Burnsville will satisfy your craving for a simple, honest experience. a simple, honest experience.

Don’t let the word upgrade fool you, however.

Don’t letrenovations the word upgrade fool you, Though were made, the however. buildings Though renovations were made, the buildings remain mostly as they were; the theater is remain mostly astheater they were; theater isbox still a one-movie withthe its original still a one-movie theater its original office, even though new with technology has box office, even though new technology has in been applied inside the office. With this been applied inside the office.

With this in mind, you won’t have to worry about being mind, you about won’t have to worry about being reminded the place you left behind. reminded about the place you left behind.

Between amazing food, the Parkway Between amazing food,homemade the Parkwaygoods Playhouse, and several Playhouse, and several homemade goods

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stores lining the streets, downtown always stores lining thetostreets, has something behold.downtown One of myalways has something to behold.

OneSnap of my favorite places to eat was the Dragon, favorite places to eat was the Snap a restaurant named for the ship thatDragon, carried athe restaurant named forCaptain the shipOtway that carried town’s namesake, Burns. the town’sthe namesake, Captain Otway Burns.

Between atmosphere and the delicious Between the atmosphere and the delicious food, I definitely recommend. Once you’re food, I definitely recommend.

Once done eating and want to explore theyou’re done eating and want to explore theshops downtown, there are lovely antique downtown, there are lovely antique shops like Off the Beaten Path, or boutiques like like Off the Beaten Path, or boutiques like a The Grapevine, ltd. If you want something The Grapevine, ltd.

If you want something little more unique and homemade, One of a little more unique and of a Kind Art Gallery hostshomemade, local artists’One works alike Kind Art Gallery hosts local artists’ works pottery, quilts, and jewelry, all for sale. If like andlegs jewelry, all for sale. you pottery, need to quilts, rest your but also need toIf you need to rest your legs but also need to see some fine acting, the Parkway Playhouse see some fine acting, the Parkway Playhouse has entertained audiences for over 70 years. has entertained audiences for over 70 years.

Burnsville, North Carolina has more than a great Burnsville, more than a great downtown;North it alsoCarolina displays has fabled festivals. downtown; it also displays fabled festivals.

Carolina Mountains Carolina Mountains Literaryl Festival Literaryl Festival September 6-8 September 6-8

The Carolina Mountains Literary Festival The Mountains Literary Festival heldCarolina from September 6th-8th.

Given the held from September 6th-8th.

Given amount of artists showcased, it’s onlythe fitting amount of artists showcased, it’s only fitting that wordsmiths find their own spotlight. that wordsmiths find their own spotlight.

Old Timey Fall Festival Old Timey Fall Festival September 29

September 29 If you’ve ever wanted to go back to the good Ifoldyou’ve everiswanted to goplace back to to do theso. good days,this the perfect old days, this is the perfect place to do so.

Hosted by the Yancey History Association, Hosted by thesuch Yancey History Association, craftspeople as basket-makers craftspeople such as basket-makers offer authenic, high-quality crafts and offer authenic, high-quality craftsinclude and an demonstrations.

Other activities demonstrations.

Other activities an antique tractor parade, live music,include arts and antique tractor parade, live music, arts and crafts, kids games, a farmer’s market, and crafts, kids games, a farmer’s market, and local food. local food.

Toe River Festival Toe River Festival November 30 - December 2

November 30 - December 2 Toe River Studio Tour, which is a free Toe River Studio which is a free self-guided tour ofTour, artists studios.

Approxself-guided tour of artists studios. imately 100 artists participate eachApproxitime, mately 100 artists participate each time, and it’s very popular. The next tour is Nov. and it’s very 30-Dec. 2. popular. The next tour is Nov. 30-Dec. 2.

Burnsville may be a small town, but it holds Burnsville may as bean a small town, but holds huge potential entertaining dayit trip. huge potential as an entertaining day trip.

Transport yourself back to the simple life, Transport yourself the simple life, and then come backback for to a longer trip for and then come back for a longer trip for hiking, historic inns, and even more of that hiking, historicgoodness. inns, andWe’ll evensee more that Snap Dragon youofthere.

Snap Dragon goodness. We’ll see you there.

The Mount Mitchell Byway is a very scenic 52mile mountain drive, packed with vistas among the peaks and valleys. This official North Carolina Scenic Byway begins on the highest peak east of the Mississippi and traverses Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway.

The Toe River Valley is the cultural heart of the Mount Mitchell Scenic Byway. It’s an area full of artist studios and quilt trails. Some of the best-known glass blowers on the East Coast are located in the Celo community, just off N.C. 80.

The N.C. 80 portion of the drive concludes in Micaville. From there, the byway runs four miles westward into Burnsville, via U.S. 19E. The route passes Town Square, a one-acre green space, and continues down the Main Street of Burnsville, a Norman Rockwell kind of place with plenty of shops and restaurants.

The byway’s final leg goes nearly 17 miles westward along U.S. 19 to Madison County, where it intersects with Interstate 26. Go east on I-26 to return to Asheville.

The Mount Mitchell Scenic Drive takes 1.5 hours to drive. It crests the Eastern Continental Divide, bisects the Pisgah National Forest and passes 46 WNC Quilt Trails blocks.

One of those places that stand apart from the ordinary, Mount Mitchell’s dramatic summit is the highest point east of the Mississippi at 6,684 feet and was inspiration for one of the nation’s first state parks. From its easily accessible observation deck, the spruce-fir forest of Mount Mitchell State Park leads the eye to unmatched views. A museum explains the mountain’s cultural and natural history, and its trail network allows visitors to explore up close, offering short hikes near the summit and challenging treks leading to adjacent wilderness areas. A nine-site tent campground is open in warm-weather months, and backpacking opportunities abound, including entry onto the Mountains-to-Sea State Trail. A concession area and a full-service restaurant serve visitors from May to October.

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OCTOBER 20-21, 2018

TICKETS Adults.....$6.00 Children..$4.00 (Ages 6-12)

Children....Free (Ages 0-5)

WOOLLY WORM 41ST Annual Festival If you’re looking for a family-friendly festival that’s maybe not warm but certainly offers lots of fuzzy, look no further than the Woolly Worm Festival in Banner Elk! The festival originated from regional folklore about woolly worms – those fuzzy little caterpillars – being used to forecast the weather and a need to help drive local tourism to the area.

The concept? An annual festival where they would pit woolly worm against woolly worm in a race to see which one could be trusted the most to predict the weather.

The first year was very cold, so the worms didn’t go very fast, and there were only three or four vendors. The event has since

grown over 40+ years to now having 160 vendors and hundreds of people who come out each year. The event costs $6 for adults, $4 for children (ages 6-12) and children 5 and under are free. All proceeds go back to the community.

For more information, visit www.woollyworm.com.

Shawneehaw Ave S | Banner Elk, NC 28604

SEPTEMBER 7-9, 2018

Written By Jennifer Porterfield The family-owned Land of Oz located on Beech Mountain in North Carolina is once again open to the public! The park is available for events only, but the upcoming Autumn at Oz Festival, September 7 - 9, 2018, is the perfect opportunity for you to come journey down the Yellow Brick Road

and meet classic characters like Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man and the Cowardly Lion.

The Oz Theme Park has never been about roller-coasters or thrill rides but instead about creating an emotional experience.

So many people know and love L. Frank Baum’s classic story about Dorothy’s adventures in Oz. With the Autumn at Oz Festival and Journey with Dorothy events in June, you can truly become a part of the magic that is Oz. For more information, visit www.landofoznc.com.

Yellow Brick Road | Beech Mountain, North Carolina | Tickets $40 + tax | 2 & Under Free 36

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Bonnets, Beards, and Buggies Photography and Story by Lon Shoopman

In Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland, Alice is a young girl who on a golden afternoon falls down a rabbit hole and tumbles into a fascinating world very different from her own.

Driving along Fairview Road, outside of Tellico Plains, you see a white sign directing you to the Tellico Community Farm Market. Turning onto the gravel road will lead you to the market and into a world very different from the one you know.

Many modern farmers bob along atop massive tractors and other farm machinery, often in air conditioned cabs. However, the work on this farm is done mainly by hand, much as it was one hundred years ago. The men have beards.

The women wear bonnets. The people move about in horse drawn buggies.

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Menno Simons was a priest in the Catholic Church. In 1525, following the Protestant Reformation, he began to teach that baptism should only be for adults. Others accepted his beliefs. They met in secret and re-baptized each other, even though they had been baptized as infants in the state church.

This group was referred to by two names.

Some called them Mennonites, after their founder. Others gave them the name Anabaptist, which means re-baptizers.

Their belief in adult baptism, separation of church and state, and non-violence was considered radical. They were persecuted by both Protestants and Catholics. Many were tortured and killed. The list of Mennonite Martyrs numbers in the thousands.

Who are these people? How did they get to Tellico Plains? Why do they choose to live this way?

In time, many from this group made their way to the United States seeking a place to escape persecution and live in peace with their neighbors.

Many of the locals refer to these peopleas “The Amish.” In fact, they are not Amish.

They are Old Order Mennonites.

Most Mennonites, while holding to the teachings of Menno Simons, have embraced technology. One group has not. These are

McMINN LIFE FALL 2018

the Old Order Mennonites. David Habegger, one of the ministers in the Tellico Community, explains: “Jesus lived a life of simplicity and humility. He was not focused on the world but on the Kingdom of God. As His followers, we feel we need to follow his example by also living a simple, humble life with God’s Kingdom being the focus.”

The Old Order Mennonites moved into our area in 2002. A group from Scottsville, Kentucky were joined by others in purchasing a farm in Polk County near Delano. Their aim was to allot each family approximately 20 acres on the farm and create a close knit community of Christ followers.

Soon people from Polk and surrounding counties began travelling to the Mennonite farm to purchase fresh grown vegetables and fruit as well as homemade baked and canned goods.

When most of the farms were filled in Delano, the group purchased a second farm near Englewood. In 2014 the Delano farm was once again in need of additional space.

Marlin Rhodes and another man were

appointed as a land committee to seek to purchase a third farm. They acquired a 550 acre farm near Tellico Plains.

Marlin Rhodes, his wife and eight children were the first family to move to the new property.

They moved, September 8, 2015, into a dilapidated old house that already existed on the farm. They were soon joined by five other families. These six families were asked to create a community where none had existed before. Marlin began work on his house in October and moved in the following February. Houses, barns, a meeting house, a one room school and a farm market were all under construction. The six families were assisted by brethren from Delano and Englewood. The farm market was opened in 2016.

Today, there are 12 families living on the farm.

There is enough land to eventually accommodate 25 families. The individual farms are laid out like a patch work quilt stretching across the 550 acres.

One of these is the Meeting House.

Mennonite communities have plural ministers. There are two ministers in Tellico, David Habegger and Marcus Martin. They were chosen from among the brethren. Each Sunday morning every person in the community comes to the meeting house for 2 ½ hour worship service. Most Sundays the service is followed by a fellowship meal.

A one room school stands next to the meeting house. Mennonite children attend school for eight years. A 1972 United States Supreme Court ruling allowed the Amish and Mennonites to cease formal education after eighth grade. A member of the community is chosen as teacher. The school term begins on the Tuesday following Labor Day and ends in April. The Mennonites do not observe holidays and the students attend school every day including Christmas.

The Old Order Mennonites are deeply religious, live close to the land, work hard, value humility, dress modestly, help their neighbors and are non-violent. They believe this is the life the Bible teaches them to lead. They do not use electricity and rigidly abstain from most technology believing it might lead them into the world and distract from their focus on following Jesus and His teachings.

The third place central to community life, the one most seen by the public, is the farm market. Each morning of the week, except Sunday, the various farm families bring the produce they wish to sell that day to the basement of the market. Each has an area reserved. The market managers catalog and price the produce then take it upstairs for the public to purchase. Those purchases sustain the Mennonite families.

In addition to the family farm, there are three other central places in Mennonite life.

Every man among them takes responsibility for one or more tasks to benefit the

community. For instance, Norman Martin has taken on the task of “trying.” He serves as the horticulturist of the group. Norman “tries” growing a variety of plants to see which are best suited to the soil and climate. They have discovered even peanuts and rice will flourish in the Tellico soil.

A visit to the Tellico Farm, watching families toiling in the fields, informs you that these Mennonites are an industrious people. Visiting their homes and learning about their community lets you know they are also ingenious people As for the beards and bonnets. The men do not shave their beards because Isaiah prophesized that Jesus would have his beard plucked out at the time of the crucifixion (Isaiah 50:6). They reason, if Jesus had a beard they should have one as well. The tradition of the bonnet is based on 1 Corinthians 11.

There Paul says a woman should have her head covered when she prays. The Mennonites do not use the word bonnet. Instead, they refer to it as a covering.

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While the Mennonites feel called to live apart from the world, that does not mean they do not want to help their neighbors or share their faith with others. They welcome seekers.

If someone wants to embrace their faith and adopt their lifestyle, they would be welcomed.

The process would not be instantaneous, but it is possible. One seeker, Sarah Graziano, a teenaged girl from Georgia, has spent a portion of her summer living with a family on the Tellico farm. “I love this life,” she said.

When asked, “Why?” she was quick with her response. “I love these people. They are warm and welcoming. I admire their faith and even enjoy working in the fields. I want to be a Mennonite!”

David Habegger offers another thought.

“Each of us are called to be as a city on a hill,” he noted. “I would hope any Christian reading about our lives and faith might be encouraged to take one step more in their walk with Jesus, wherever He might lead.”

The days of summer are beginning to wane.

Soon the hills of East Tennessee will be awash with color. You might think the season for gardens has passed for another year. It has not! There still is time to visit the Tellico Community Farm Market.

The Farm Market is located at 1472 Fairview Road in Tellico Plains. The hours of operation are 9-5, Monday through Saturday. The market is open April through November.

WE LOVE IT! WE LOVE IT! ....................................................................................................................................................

2018 Law Enforcement LIP SYNC CHALLENGE McMinn County

Norfolk County

Knox County

Radar Love

Uptown Funk

I Fought The Law

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Cyclorama

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n the last decades of the 19th century, Imassive paintings, 360-degree renderings

not created to last long and eventually were privately purchased or discarded.

of war toured America. Originally intended as tribute to the Union Victory in the Civil War, the popular cycloramas were about making money just like most films of today.

Each tour stop lasted about a year or two before moving to another round building to bring in new crowds. The paintings were

The July 22,1864 Battle of Atlanta was painted to cyclorama by the American Panorama Company, debuting in 1886 to the public at a Minneapolis cyclorama. The unique fact to this particular painting was not promoted until 1892 when the tour

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ended in Atlanta. After a few adjustments to the painting, it was promoted as the “Only Confederate Victory ever Painted.�

The adjustment of frightened rebel prisoners repainted to fleeing Union soldiers worked, it was a great success.

That success lead to a permanent placement for the Battle of Atlanta cyclorama in 1921 at Grant Park. A 3-D effect was achieved in

the 1930s with replica cannons, railroad tracks and plaster soldiers built between the painting and viewing platform. At the 1939 premiere of “Gone with the Wind,” Clark Gable visited Grant Park, after which a Rhett Butler figurine was added to the diorama, it was rumored to be at his request.

After 97 years at Grant Park, the aging building and needed expansion for the Atlanta Zoo brought the Battle of Atlanta cyclorama to a February 2018 moving day. The preparation for this immense move began in 2016 with conservators going inch by inch over the 42 foot, 359 in circumference foot painting. Twin 45 foot mechanical scrolls were assembled so the painting could be rolled, taking four days to completely roll and secure for move.

Two holes were opened on the Grant Park building roof, followed by large cranes lifting and placing the scrolls onto flatbed trucks. The two trucks with the covered scrolls traveled by night on an undisclosed route to the Atlanta History Center.

With the 12 mile journey from Grant Park to the Atlanta History Center complete, the Battle of Atlanta has found a permanent, custom built 23,000 sq.ft home in the Lloyd and Mary Ann Whitaker Cyclorama Building. The custom design allowed for the restoration of nearly 8 feet of sky, 6 feet of a battle scene and other deleted pieces of artwork. The exhibits presented include context about the battles for Atlanta, the Civil War and history of cycloramas. Multiple perspectives interpret the painting as a single battle and a national battle with a country divided by war, including the impacts on American history. Patrons view from 15 feet above ground on a platform to see the entire painting at once. In addition, new exhibits and “behind the scenes” tours are available for better understanding and enjoyment of this history. The experience is enhanced with the placement of the restored 1856

Texas locomotive at the museum entrance.

The Texas , a famed locomotive that played a pivotal role in the 1862s Great Locomotive Chase has been on display with the Battle of Atlanta cyclorama since 1927.

It also required a move and restoration, which was managed by the North Carolina Transportation Museum. The Texas is one of only two surviving Western & Atlantic locomotives, originally built in 1856 with continual upgrades throughout its life of service. The restoration date chosen was 1886, the same year of the Battle of Atlanta cyclorama being painted. It can be viewed in a glass-enclosed exhibit at the front of the museum building, visible at all hours. It the winter of 2018, the Texas, will open to the public with exhibition tours highlighting the nearly 51 years of service on the Western & Atlantic Railroad in Georgia, running between Atlanta and Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Preservation of history is important as growth and development change the landscapes of life. Originally produced to make money, the Battle of Atlanta made its way to the very place it depicts with a story behind the artwork that larger in life, an historical treasure reminding us that significant events happen. With amazing engineering and care, history was moved making it easier to view, understand and enjoy.

The Atlanta History Center is located in the Buckhead area of Atlanta. The 33-acre experience features award-winning exhibitions, historic houses, enchanting gardens, interactive activities and year-round programs for every age. The Atlanta History Museum is located at 130 West Paces Ferry Road, NW, Atlanta, Georgia 30305. Visit www.atlantahistorycenter.com or call 404-814-4000 for more information.

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“A child without education is like a bird without wings.”

Tibetan proverb

Winning a scholarship helps open doors to new educational experiences, the benefits of which can last a lifetime.

Champions for Dreams

By Deanene Catani

he first East Tennessee Foundation scholarship fund was established in 1988, and now, thanks to the generosity of our donors dedicated to investing in the future of the students in our region, ETF currently administers more than 65 scholarships. Often, our scholarship applicants face daily challenges. Many, if not most, would not be able to afford college without the help of ETF scholarships, and several are the first in their families to attend college.

Scholarships offer benefits for students beyond money. As one ETF scholarship recipient commented, “Being picked for this scholarship gave me a huge confidence

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boost.” In addition, the act of applying for a scholarship is a learning experience for the student, and it can help the student clarify his or her goals.

Our scholarship recipients are not just names to us; they are individuals, growing and dealing with what life brings them. One of our scholarship graduates was one of six siblings raised by a single mother. She was in a serious car accident during her second year in college resulting in time spent in intensive care and extended hospitalization. We granted her a leave of absence with the knowledge that her scholarship was secure. She initially returned part-time, and when she was ready, full-time.

She sent us an invitation to her graduation with a note saying, “I will be graduating with a Bachelor’s in Social Work and another in Psychology, and that is all with your help.

The combination of the support you have shown me and my desire to pursue social work continues to drive me to give back to the community. I hope one day I will be able to help others achieve their goals just as you have helped me. I want to change the world, one person at a time, and I will be able to start that dream with my education backing me.”

ETF scholarships not only touch the lives of the recipients; they also impact communities in our region. Our scholarship graduates have returned to the region to work as teachers, social workers, nurses, doctors, veterinarians, engineers, lawyers, active community volunteers, and more. Donors are moved by the thank you notes written by scholarship recipients; it gives them tremendous satisfaction knowing that the scholarships they established are changing lives.

Rally 4 A CELEBRATION OF HOPE EVENT

FREE ADMISSION ADMISSION SAVE THE DATES November 1, 2018

Scholarship applications available for 2018-19 academic year visit, etf.org/scholarships

February 15, 2019 Scholarship application deadline for most ETF scholarships

ETF SCHOLARSHIP FACTS

The Foundation’s 66 scholarship funds have been established to help fulfill the dreams of students wishing to obtain a post-secondary education, whether they are graduating high school seniors or returning adult students.

ETF administers over $21 million in scholarship funds.

Over the past 32 years, more than 1,200 students received scholarships.

Scholarships are available to residents in all 25 counties in our service area and 12 outside ETF’s region.

Scholarship funds are endowed funds, and scholarship awards range from 1 year to 4 years and from $700 to $40,000.

HOW DO I ESTABLISH A SCHOLARSHIP?

An ETF scholarship is a gift that keeps on giving as recipients, their families, communities, and our region continues to benefit for generations.

Scholarship funds are endowed funds, and therefore, will continue to be awarded for years to come.

A scholarship fund may be established with $5,000 if there is a reasonable expectation that the fund will reach $25,000 within three years. Awards are not made until the balance has reached $25,000.

To calculate the amount available for disbursement as scholarship awards, the Foundation uses an annual spending rate, which is adopted by the Board of Directors upon advice from its Investment Committee.

The current spending rate is 4.5% of a twelve quarter (3 year) average of ending market values of a fund.

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2018

Hear the the personal personal Hear testimony of of Scott Scott “Deisel” “Deisel” testimony Smith author author of of Dying Dying to to Live Live Smith

Vendors Outreach Kids Zone Live Music

Testimony Concessions Presentations Demonstrations

Funds must be at ETF for one year before disbursement.

Interested? Contact Beth Heller, Vice President of Scholarship Programs at 865-524-1223 or bheller@etf.org

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