Monroe Life Holiday/Winter 2020 by Bingham Group

HOLIDAY/ WINTER 2020

A Triumphant Story DAVID JOHNSON WOOD

Life

CHARLIE BRAKEBILL

His Life and Legacy

Monroe Holiday Home Tour BY CODY GALBRAITH

YEARS IN BUSINESS

BRADEN’S

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

BUY ONE GET ONE! Buy One Item at Retail Price and Get the Second Item for

1 dollar

This is an amazing deal. Buy one item at manufacturer’s suggested retail, and buy the second item of equal or lesser value for only $1. Buy the finest mattress, and get a Stickley bed for a dollar! Buy a dining table, and get a buffet for a dollar!

THANK YOU, AND ENJOY THE SALE! 11105 Turkey Creek Drive • 865-777-4059 www.bradens.com Stressless is excluded from this event.

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

Celebrating

Christmas Past and Present” The Christmas Season is a special time for family and friends. Our unique shops and restaurants will offer a slower pace shopping atmosphere filled with nostalgic Christmas memories. Take a short drive to Loudon and enjoy the holiday sights and sounds of a small town during Christmas.

Past Tymes Antiques

Annabell’s Emporium and Café

Simply Distressed

The General Store

Loudon West End Florist

Greer’s Home Furnishings

Personal Space Creations

Historically Speaking

Antiques Primitives Gifts 865-368-2570

Antiques Primitives Vintage 865-776-3524

Tommy’s Grill on Grove 865-657-6544

Historic Loudon Theatre & Event Center 865-458-9020

Cook n Craft Academy

Café, Jewelry, Furniture, Gifts 865-657-9845 865-408-8500

Essential oils, Aromatherapy Jewelry 865-454-4321

Little Mama’s Boutique Children’s Boutique & Custom Embroidery 865-657-3988

For kids of all ages 865-394-8796

The Grove Wine and Spirits

The Shoppes on the Square

The Massage Studio

865-244-0207

865-408-1311 865-722-5769

Designs Décor Gifts 865-657-6645 865-458-2047

Antiques & Collectibles 865-816-2819

Changing Faces Anti-Aging Spa 865-458-4697

Serendipity Boutique Women’s Fashions 865-657-9991

Nurtured By Nature Wellness Studio 865-210-6869

25 miles south of West Knoxville | Exits 76 or 72 off I-75 Follow signs to Historic Downtown Loudon

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

YEARS OF BRANDING EXPERIENCE

YEARS OF IN-HOUSE TELEVISION PRODUCTION

CUSTOM MAGAZINES A YEAR

250

LOCAL AND NATIONAL ADDY AWARDS

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

DAY TRIP SHOPPING Sweetwater General Store Natural Elements Dogwood Lane

Contents features

DALE BIEHL

Where There’s God’s Will, He Makes A Way

Under Canvas

Beauty from Ashes:

DAVID WOOD’S TESTIMONY

CHARLIE BRAKEBILL Limitless Life

Holiday Home Tour

WE WISH YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS, WE WISH YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!

departments 8 From The Publisher 34 Happenings 43 East Tennessee Foundation Legacy Awards

LEGACYBOX

This Chattanooga company is the world’s largest digitizer of home movies and photos.

American Holly CEDAR WAXWING

Small Business Focus 46 Rather & Kittrell 72 We Love It

Your life is a series of tr Getting through them is easier

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.

2019

Hal - Age 56 TRANSITION STORY: Hal has spent his entire career building a business. He’s lived and breathed it since he was 24. Now it’s paid off. The money from the sale of his business allows him to retire. So, now what? He’s been so focused on building the business that he’s not sure how to plan for the next phase of his life.

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.

HOLIDAY/ 2020 MONROE LIFE Call or email usWINTER today to write your story.

s cause to pause and reflect, counting blessings and gifts received. The greatest being the birth r Savior, our Father God loved us so much that he sent his only begotten Son so that we t have life everlasting. He also sent three precious gifts to our family, each season is sweeter my beautiful girls, Kathryn, Kelsey and Alyssa. Celebrating the blessings with family and friends, ing traditions from my childhood with my children is a mirror which always reflects love.

ksgiving is upon us, I am grateful for so many beautiful blessings in my life. Thank you for ing us to bring stories of the amazing people and places that make East Tennessee great. In sue, we share about the friendlist place in America and it is located right in downtown Knoxville. k out the amazing Charlie Rhodarmer of the Sequoyah Birthplace Museum in Vonore, he een bringing history to life for years are we are thrilled to share his story.

Publisher

will also have the opportunity to tour the home of Gary & Karen Braden, owners of Braden’s yle Furniture in Turkey Creek. The timeless home is decorated for the holidays inspiring us create a cozy, full of love, Tennessee Christmas. Thanks to Chelsa and Tina Harris for sharing olidayand theme weddingdecor of Chelsea and Drew. This holiday issue is full of love, beauty and revail the christmas abounds... ng with others. gifts received. The greatest being the birth

From the Publisher

he sent his only begotten Son so that we gifts to ourCheck family, out eachthe season is sweeter gift ideas? holiday market in this issue, shop local and let them know you saw rating theLife. blessings family and friends, Farragut Howwith about a vacation or day trip? In this issue, the Holiday Getaway ideas are n is a mirror whichany always reflects love.we hope that our ideas inspire you to explore close to flowing. Choose length of time,

Lisa Atkins-Bingham

e or far away this holiday.

autiful blessings in my life. Thank you for places that make East Tennessee great. In s issue, you will learn about the amazing technology allowing the color blind to see the nd it is located right in downtown Knoxville. saying: towards the light, ging colors of our mountains.It’s Wean haveold a new Governor“Aim and First Lady, it has been a greatand the shadows will fall behind you.” Watching uoyah Birthplace Museum in Vonore, he rilled to get to know Bill and Maria Lee over this year. As the year comes to a close may we all take to share his story. the blazing sun rise over the crashing waves and blackness of night was a reminder that

ment to express appreciation to Governor Bill Haslam for being a great leader. There are so wonderful in owners this issue of Farragut Life. Be sure to enjoy all of the wonderful holiday Gary & Karenstories Braden, of Braden’s our All Powerful the Creator of All, and that no matter the chaos, the pain, the area hasfortothe offer. Most inspiring of all, remember the reasonGod for thisisseason. esisour decorated holidays us

hanks to Chelsa and Tina Harris uncertainty for sharing we may feel at times, the sun will always rise, a new day will always begin, and you warm Merrybeauty Christmas isngholiday issueblessings, is full of love, and and Happy New Year.

God will always destroy the darkness and the pestilence that stalks at night with His Light. Christmas Eve at my

ue, shop local and let them know you saw

- Facebook post from David Johnson Wood. Grandparents with all the McKees.

this issue, the Holiday Getaway ideas are Bingham our of ideas you to explore close toof Monroe, McMinn & Farragut Life Magazines dent Theinspire Bingham Group, Publisher

t year we are starting a profile series as we enter the 10th anniversary of the recession, we have a There is so much to do in East Tennessee consider the triumphant story of those dark ology colorleaders blind to who see thetruly at lineallowing up ofthe local will talk about thriving, not just surviving days.

vernor and First Lady, it has been a great David Johnson Wood a gift for the holiday s the year comes to a close may we all take season slam for being a great leader. There are so to anyone who has been in pain and sure to enjoy all of the wonderful holiday is starting life anew. There is always a new reason for this season.

py New Year.

day, and The Bingham Group is privileged to be able to share David’s story of how his fall from grace led to a rebirth in Christ and a Christmas Eve at my spectacularly successful career. Grandparents with all the McKees.

over the holidays. Discover Christmas festivals, get inspired with decorating ideas and find opportunities to be generous with your donations. Christmas truly is a season of giving, and it is always good to share a bit of the Christmas spirit with those who are less fortunate.

, McMinn & Farragut Life Magazines

We areofalso towe feature veteran we enter the 10th anniversary the proud recession, have another a about thriving, not just surviving those dark days.Brakebill. Locals might in this issue: Charlie know him as die-hard Volunteer and former head of fundraising for the University of Tennessee, but he was also a war veteran with many stories to tell. Within these pages, you will learn more about his life and legacy.

As always, I am incredibly grateful for our advertisers – without you, we would not be able to share these incredible stories. And as the holidays approach, I am also grateful for time spent with my precious daughters. Merry Christmas from all of us at The Bingham Group.

PUBLISHER

Life

The Bingham Group

Monroe President Lisa Atkins Bingham Art Director Brett Hawkins

Graphic Designer Brett Hawkins Lisa Atkins Bingham Contributing Writers CeCe Owens Chris Kittrell Gayle Fisher Jennifer Porterfield Sydnee Brashears Contributing Photographers Brett Hawkins Cody Galbraith Lisa Bingham Robert Burleson Wes Wheeler Advertising Sales Mignonne Alman Tel: 865.523.5999 mignonne@binghamgroup.com Chris McLaren Tel: 865.523.5999 chris@binghamgroup.com Subscription or Editorial Inquiries

THE CHRISTMAS AMARYLLIS ON THE COVER IS IN HONOR OF

Betty Smallin-Roberts 1936-2019 My Aunt Betty spent her life creating beautiful floral arrangements and bouquets. She warmed our hearts in many ways.

Tel: 865.523.5999 www.monroelife.com

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

Holiday Homes Tour

Local designer Rebecca Maples of Rebecca Maples Interiors, along with Dawn Pfundston, enjoy bringing a little holiday cheer to their clients by helping them decorate their homes for Christmas. Take a photographic tour through three stunning homes to get inspiration for your holiday decorations this Christmas season!

Brown House Photography by Cody Galbraith

At the house of Ann and Marty Brown, Rebecca and Dawn chose to go with an upscale farmhouse theme to match the look of the house, which has authentic knotty pine floors. The homeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s design, as well as the Christmas decorations, feature owls -- the owners even have a real-life owl that comes to visit from time to time! From the pinecone-adorned Christmas tree to the sled and welcome sign (personalized touches added by Mrs. Brown herself), this farmhouse Christmas home exudes holiday elegance and cheer.

HOLIDAY/ WINTER 2020 MONROE LIFE

Croley House Photography by Cody Galbraith

For Ross and Sara Croley, the theme was definitely not your standard, traditional red and green. On a trip to Venice, the couple found a beautiful chandelier, which now hangs over their dining room table. That chandelier was the inspiration for the design of the entire interior of the home...as well as the Christmas decorations! Rebecca and Dawn carried the beach glass colors in the Croleysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; home design into their Christmas decorations, wrapping the magnificent spiral staircase in a unique mixture of blue-green and orange. Sara also showed her own keen eye for design by decorating the large tree by the fireplace herself.

MONROE LIFE HOLIDAY/ WINTER 2020

HOLIDAY/ WINTER 2020 MONROE LIFE

MONROE LIFE HOLIDAY/ WINTER 2020

HOLIDAY/ WINTER 2020 MONROE LIFE

Stinnett House Photography by Cody Galbraith

The Stinnett family enjoys living the farm life, and Rebecca and Dawn incorporated that farmhouse style into the decorations in their home, as well. The pheasant feathers and plaid accents help drive home the theme, while snow-dusted pinecones bring the outdoors in. We left spaces on their tree for them to work in their childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s favorite keep sakes. This family-friendly, country home Christmas decor is perfect for celebrating the season with cherished loved ones. 16

MONROE LIFE HOLIDAY/ WINTER 2020

PHOTOGRAPHY

Real Estate, Commercial & Food Photography 865-924-6547 | www.CodyGWise.com | codysclouds@icloud.com

HOLIDAY/ WINTER 2020 MONROE LIFE

Lumber Company

L LC

We offer Custom Made Furniture from character woods and reclaimed lumber. This handcrafted wood furniture is built to reflect the customer’s desire for something uniquely different. Everhart’s woodcrafters create mantels, dressers, headboards, bars, dining tables, coffee tables, bookcases, vanities, kitchen islands or island tops only and many other specialty products.

Lumber Company

LLC

Located in the one of the most biodiverse areas of the United States, Everhart Lumber Company specializes in high quality specialty timber products. Everhart’s is a wood specialty and furniture store in Tellico Plains, Tennessee. Our company’s mill cuts superior strength native hardwood such as flaming box elder, ambrosia maple, walnut, eastern red cedar, and other wood species. Everhart’s offers Extra Wide Wood Slabs, using highly figured wood. We also offer furniture made from local reclaimed woods such as oak and pine. Everhart’s design and build magnificent furniture, along with counter-tops from these the slabs and reclaimed wood.

NEW STORE HOURS 877.857.8062 | 423.253.2323 Tuesday – Friday 9:00 – 5:00 911 HIGHWAY 165, TELLICO PLAINS, Saturday 9:00 – 2:00 TN 37385

www.everhart-lumber.com

Wine Caddies and Charcuterie Boards We also offer smaller items such as Wine Caddies and Charcuterie Boards that can be used for serving trays and cutting boards. The Charcuteries (cutting/serving boards) come with either metal handles or a wood handle. Most of the items are made from wood harvested in East Tennessee such as flaming box elder, figured maple, and other wood species and are sealed with food safe mineral oil. The Wine Caddy and the Charcuterie offers an easy way to feature fine wines and a medley of various cheeses, fruits, nuts & other foods for your family and guest. We provide gift cards to our customers for these items upon request that tell the story about the item and where it was made.

Root Wood Tables We also carry a line of items made from roots of teak wood trees including sofa tables, coffee tables, table bowls and table art. From time to time, you may even see an American Eagle carved from teak wood or a large root sofa table from a Rosewood tree root.

Please visit our Showroom in Tellico Plains TN to see how our wood products are being used by our customers. With busy schedules, we understand not everyone can regularly visit our showroom so we gladly work with customers through phone calls and email contacts to help them find what they need. And, in most cases we can ship anywhere within the United States.

& BRYANT LAND CATTLE

215 Total Acres For Sale 175 Acres in Grass

LOCATED IN THE SWEETWATER VALLEY AT 16365 BLUE SPRINGS ROAD, PHILADELPHIA TN 37846 IN ROANE COUNTY 8.1 MILES FROM I-75 AT EXIT 62

MAIN BARN 70” x 90”

HAY STORAGE BARN 350 - 400 Round Bales 40’ x 100’ Level rock floor Insulated roof

Concrete foundation 4’ Masonry walls East wing under-roof head gate

6” WATER MAIN ACROSS

West wing concrete with a 40-station feed way

FRONT OF PROPERTY.

When I retired from the boat manufacturing business in 2012 after 51 years, I wanted to build my dream farm. In the summer of 2012, I purchased 215 acres that had been in the Price family for years but, in the past thirty years, had not been worked. I love to operate heavy equipment, so I soon bought a 963 Cat loader and rented a nearly new D6 Cat dozer. I started at the front on Blue Springs Road, the process of reclaiming the property. As each area was cleared, I soil tested and brought the PH up to specs with lime. I planted a mixture of Fescue, Rye, Orchard grass and Red Clover on the cleared ground. Today, I have approximately 175 plus acres in pasture. There are two year-round creeks that transverse the farm. Most pastures have Ritche Waterers with underground l” sch. 40 PVC waterline. With my age and no one to continue, it is simply time to sell.

423.337.3639 WWW.BRYANTLANDANDCATTLE.COM

BUILDINGS • Buildings on the farm were built by Gunn Construction • Main barn is 70’ x 90’, concrete foundation with 4’ masonry walls. All wiring is in conduit and up to commercial code • The corral holding area is very convenient to work cattle • East wing houses the underroof head gate, scales and the rotating crowd work area • West wing side is concrete with a 40-station feed way • Last but not least is the cabinoffice with bunk beds, pot-belly woodstove, kitchen, bath & covered porch that overlooks much of the farm.

• Sheds (8) in the pastures for shade. They are 32’ x 24’ and built to high standards

FENCE • 15,000 feet of perimeter fence, 52” 12 gauge woven wire with top strand of barbed wire • Corner posts are 6 5/8 galvanieed steel post • Inline pull posts are 4” galvanized with 2 x 2” brace post • 2” L4 gauge tube with 2xZx3116 ends • Gates are powder coated

HOLIDAY/ WINTER 2020 MONROE LIFE

ow many times have you heard the question, What will be your legacy? Or heard it said that someone left a great legacy? In its basic meaning, a legacy is a gift of money that’s granted by the terms of a will—often a substantial gift that needs to be properly managed. But the word is used much more broadly, as well. Legacy is more about sharing what you have learned or experienced, not just what you have earned or have purchased. Nick Macco and Adam Boeselager have made sharing your legacy easy and amazing. The two began converting old movies and slides into digital files for storage and replay on today’s electronic devices while attending Lee University. They founded Southtree, a direct-to-consumer e-commerce company, in

the garage of a home shared in Chattanooga. The company laid the foundation for what is now the world’s largest digitizer of home movies and photos. Legacybox and their parent company, Southtree, have digitized 3-million videos, and serve customers across the United States. The company has nearly 200 employees, two Tennessee-based offices, and a 52,000-square-foot production facility. It’s very easy! Just visit legacybox.com to order your LEGACYBOX kit. Upon receipt, pack it with your media memories. They include safety barcodes for every item, and a pre-paid UPS® shipping label. Drop your filled Legacybox off at a UPS location and await the magical transformation. They will digitize every item by hand, with personalized updates provided at each step.

LegacyBox.com 800-797-8210 24

MONROE LIFE HOLIDAY/ WINTER 2020

You will receive all your original media back, along with perfectly preserved copies on thumb drive, the cloud or DVD. There’s never been a better time to dust off those priceless photos and clean out your closet full of camcorder tapes and aging film reels. Digitize your old family memories and share them today; it’s a priceless gift to yourself and loved ones. Legacybox ensures your family history is preserved forever.

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423.884.CARE (2273)

www.vonoredental.com Eric Fugate, D.D.S. â&#x20AC;¢ Jerry Johnson, D.D.S.

HOLIDAY/ WINTER 2020 MONROE LIFE

American Holly Cedar Waxwing by Gayle Fisher

ow is the time to recognize our native holly, Aquifoliaceae. The female sets berries in the fall, and birds will enjoy this feast through the coming winter months. The height of American holly, or Christmas holly, ranges from 25 ft. to as tall as 60 ft. The stout, stiff branches of this pyramidal evergreen bear dark green, non-glossy, spine-tipped leaves. Be careful: these hollies can scratch. New growth finally pushes off the old leaves in spring. Bright red berries occur on the female plant only. A shorter, multi-trunked form may grow in lower-light situations. The bark is a light gray color. The evergreen fruiting branches from wild and planted trees are popular for Christmas decorations. Many improved varieties are grown for ornament, shade and hedges. You must have both a male and female plant to have berries, or at least have the opposite sex growing wild somewhere nearby. The male must be the same holly species as the female and bloom at the same time. This is a very slow-growing tree. The whitish, fine-textured wood is especially suited for inlays in cabinetwork, handles, carvings and rulers, and can be dyed various shades...even black! It has been used for piano keys. Many kinds of songbirds, gamebirds and mammals eat the bitter berries of this and other hollies, but the fruits are poisonous to humans. The American hollyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s growth habit is densely pyramidal with branches to the ground when young. With age, the plant is more open and irregular. I have one that is over 45 years old, and it is around 25 feet tall. It was already on the farm when we moved here. I cannot believe how slow it has grown, and it is in full sun. No wonder the wood is so dense!

MONROE LIFE HOLIDAY/ WINTER 2020

The female flowers are a dull white, and the berries are a dull red. Fruit matures in October and persists into winter. Even though this plant is not as showy as our new holly cultivars, it is a native plant and has evolved with the wildlife in the area. Birds recognize the berries immediately. Cedar Waxwings are a favorite of many birders and backyard naturalists. With their fuzzy-looking crests and sharp color accents, they’re such dapper-looking birds. I had a photographer tell me that waxwings are the prettiest of all birds. I totally agree. A large flock of them picking through berries is always a joy to watch. But what’s in a name? Why is it called a waxwing? That’s pretty simple: Cedar Waxwings really have wax wings. The bright red, visible on the wing feathers, is actually a waxy red secretion. Interestingly, the red appendages of Cedar Waxwings increase in number and size with a bird’s age: individuals with zero to five waxy tips are presumable immature birds, while those with greater than nine are thought to be older. Individuals within these two categories tend to associate as mates. Pairs of older birds (those with greater than nine waxy tips) nest earlier and raise more chicks

than do immature birds, suggesting that this plumage characteristic is an important signal in mate choice and social organization. Cedar Waxwings specialize in eating fruit, an interesting adaptation among North American birds. While we think of many birds as dining on berries, in reality, berries are only a small portion of their diets. Cedar Waxwings can exist solely on berries for months. There are more than 1,000 cultivars of American holly. If you are planting hollies, you need one male for every three females. Early Americans had a great deal of superstition about hollies. It was believed that planting hollies near buildings would provide protection from witchcraft and lightning. In Tennessee, these hollies also go by the common names of Christmas Holly, Yule Holly, Prickly Holly and Evergreen Holly. I have several native hollies on the farm. The American Holly outside my dining room window had gone unnoticed until last year. I just happened to be walking by when I saw movement out of the corner of my eye. The tree was alive with birds. At least 35 birds were voraciously eating the berries. Within 10 minutes, all the berries were gone, and so were the waxwings; it was magical.

HOLIDAY/ WINTER 2020 MONROE LIFE

DOGWOOD LANE Dogwood Lane, owned by Kelly Manisealco, showcases a curated collection of trendy and timeless fashion, with a hint of downtown edge. They strive to provide chic, up-to-date style at an affordable price. Let them help you put together a look for day or night, update your home with a beautiful accessory or pick out the perfect gift! If you need a break after enjoying the eclectic items curated by Kelli at Dogwood Lane, check out the latest book by her sister, Kerri! Capturing the Devil is the thrilling conclusion to Kerriâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Stalking Jack the Ripper series. We are incredibly proud that both Kelli and Kerri call Sweetwater home! 107 E Morris Street, Sweetwater www.dogwoodlaneboutique.com

SWEETWATER GENERAL STORE A recent addition to downtown Sweetwater, Sweetwater General is located right next door to Hunter’s Café and carries an assortment of gifts. You will be greeted with welcoming scents as soon as you walk through the door, as well as gorgeous handmade pottery (made by the husband of the store’s owner!) The store carries brands that are tough to find in Sweetwater, like Two Left Feet Sock Company and vegan, handmade soaps from the Buck Naked Soap Company. Displays throughout the store include children’s clothing, unique gifts and seasonal displays. Don’t miss out on this new addition for your holiday shopping needs! 103 E Morris Street, Sweetwater

NATURAL ELEMENT INTERIORS

If your house just doesn’t quite feel like home, then Natural Element Interiors is here to help! Located in downtown Sweetwater, Fairy Lambert’s store is part inspiration, part consultation. The physical store has an array of furniture and decor pieces to help inspire

MONROE LIFE HOLIDAY/ WINTER 2020

you on your quest to create a welcoming and appealing space in your home. And Fairy and her skilled design staff are also available if you’d like a consultation or full-service interior design assistance. Taking into account scale, proportion, balance and harmony, they will use their knowledge and experience to help make your home

comfortable, beautiful and functional. Visit Natural Element Interiors at 211 North Main Street, or find them on the web at www. naturalelementinteriors.com.

T I L E • C A R P E T • H A R D W O O D • R U G • L A M I N AT E • S T O N E • V I N Y L Broadway Carpets and Flooring is proud to offer 24 different lines of tile and stone. We have thousands of different color combinations. Choose by color, name or lifestyle online, or come into one of our stores and visit with a consultant.

Broadway Carpets and Flooring carries several lines of high-performance carpet which have the following: Staining and soiling, no worries. R2X® Soil and Stain Resistance LifeGuard® Spill-ProofTM backing No surprises, worry-free Warranty

ASK THE EXPERTS

Solid vs Engineered Hardwood

Montgomery Wood by Shaw

SOLID

Solid wood is milled from a single 3/4”-thick piece of hardwood. Because of its thickness, a solid hardwood floor can be sanded and refinished over several generations of use. Solid wood flooring expands and contracts with changes in your home’s relative humidity. Normally, installers compensate for this movement by leaving an expansion gap between the floor and the wall, and then quarter round is installed. ENGINEERED

Engineered wood is produced with three to five layers of hardwood. Each layer is stacked in a cross-grain configuration and bonded together under heat and pressure. As a result, engineered wood flooring is less likely to be affected by changes in humidity and can be installed at all levels of the home.

Kingwood by Shaw

CONSIDER THESE FACTORS WHEN DECIDING BETWEEN SOLID OR ENGINEERED HARDWOOD FLOORING: WHERE’S IT GOING?

On grade—at ground level

Above grade—second level or higher Below grade—below ground level, including basements or sunken living rooms Traditional solid hardwood flooring is not well-suited for high-moisture areas, such as bathrooms or below-grade installations. The construction of engineered hardwood gives it enhanced structural stability and moisture resistance so that it may be installed at any grade level.

WHAT TYPE OF SUBFLOOR DO YOU HAVE?

If you plan to install over concrete, you must use an engineered product to ensure structural integrity. Solid wood flooring or engineered flooring may be used over plywood, wood, or OSB subfloors. WILL MOISTURE BE IN THE ROOM? If so, you’ll want to select an engineered hardwood. The moisture resistance of an engineered hardwood makes it suitable for rooms where the presence of moisture is possible, such as bathrooms. Provided by shawfloors.com

TWO LOCATIONS IN KNOXVILLE: 9918 KINGSTON PIKE, 930 NORTH BROADWAY HOURS: MONDAY - FRIDAY: 8:30 - 5:30 SATURDAY: 9:00 - 1:00 www.broadwaycarpets.com

Happenings: December 7

December 14 on Town Square). Starting at 4:00 PM, they will be serving delicious cookies by Tellicafe and coffee or hot chocolate to warm everyone up. At the Visitor’s Center, kids can have an opportunity for a photo-op with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Entry forms (no entry fee) are available at City Hall and on Kiwanis Facebook page. All details are on the entry form. Line up at 1:00 PM, and judging begins at 1:45PM with 1st place $300, 2nd $200, 3rd $100 and the Charles Hall Award (best decorated horse) $100.

18th Century Christmas Where: Fort Loudon State Historic Area, 338 Fort Loudon Rd, Vonore, Tennessee 37885 When: 10 AM - 5 PM, Nighttime 6pm-8pm The 18th Century Christmas event begins with a “roll call” summoning re-enactment soldiers to their posts just as it would have been done 250 years ago. Throughout the day, living history re-enactors will go about their garrison duties, while taking time to interact with visitors. Demonstrations of both crafts and skills also will be conducted, including cooking, laundering, blacksmithing and artillery drills. The daily schedule includes a Christmas church service, wassail tasting and a special candlelight tour of the fort. On this special occasion, the soldiers will perform a rare nighttime firing of the fort’s cannon. If you have questions, please call the park office 423-420-2331. Visit fortloudoun.com/ for more information. December 7

20th Annual Candlelight Walk Tellico Plains Where: Tellico Plains When: 4 - 9 PM Old Fashion Christmas Candlelight Walk. Follow the candlelights from shop to shop to enjoy their open house. Scott Street Gallery will be having food, dulcimer music and lots of Christmas shopping ideas. Come and enjoy!

MONROE LIFE HOLIDAY/ WINTER 2020

For more information, contact Joyce McDaniel 423-253-6530, cell 615-347-0086 or jamcdaniel@tds. net. Find us on Facebook @ Tellico Plains Christmas Parade Horse & Rider Contest 2019

Tellico Plains Christmas Parade: Horse & Rider Contest 3 PM - 5 PM 405 Veterans Memorial Dr, Tellico Plains, TN 37385 Attention Horse/Mule/Donkey/Pony Participants: Tellico Plains Kiwanis is offering the Charles Hall award of $100 to the best Christmas decorated horse/ rider! Last year was a great turnout. Visitors from all over enjoyed seeing all the horses. Let’s get as many participants as possible this year, meet our goal of 100+ participants and make it even more special. This year, use your creativity for a chance to win $100 for 1st place and prizes for 2nd and 3rd place winners. Have fun and start making plans now! Can’t wait to see those amazing costumes!! Feel free to bring candy to pass out to the parade watchers. Horse trailer parking will be in the field next to Tellicafe. Horse staging will be in the field next to Buckets & Brews. For Judged entries, please fill out the attached entry form and see form for where to submit. Entry Deadline is Dec 10 at 5pm. Judged horse entries arrive at 1:00 PM, and be sure to let them know you want to enter the horse judging so they can direct you to the area. Non-judged entries arrive between 1:30-2:00 PM. Parade Route: Main Street to Town Square to Babcock to left onto the Cherohala Skyway, on to Bank Street, ending at the Community Center. General Parade Info: The Tellico Plains Christmas Parade sponsored by Tellico Plains Kiwanis has been scheduled for Saturday, December 14 at 3:00 PM (rain date Sunday, December 15 at 3:00PM). Cookies ‘n Claus Hospitality sponsored by People’s Bank and Volunteer Federal will have four stations (Volunteer Federal in their parking lot; Poplar Bluff Baptist Church at entrance to Visitor’s Center; Charles Hall Museum at Gift Shop/Museum; First Baptist Church

December 5 Etowah Christmas Parade December 6 Sweetwater Christmas Parade December 7 Etowah Lighting of Christmas Tree Niota Christmas Parade Vonore Christmas Parade Madisonville Christmas Parade Copperhill Christmas Parade Ducktown Christmas Parade December 8 Englewood Christmas Parade December 14 Tellico Plains Christmas Parade Benton Christmas Parade

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HOLIDAY/ WINTER 2020 MONROE LIFE

By Sydnee Brashears

ike a sudden storm on the summer sky, tragedy can strike without warning. For David Wood, the structure of his adolescent faith could not stand up to the storm, and the boy sought relief in the abyss of substance abuse. It’s been a long road, and he’s needed a lot of help from both his family and God to climb out of the pit, but the rain has ceased, and his story has not only inspired those in the United States but across the world.

Beauty from Ashes:

DAVID WOOD’S TESTIMONY

It began with a trio of deaths that occurred within David’s teenage years. First, his girlfriend was killed in a car accident. After that, his friend’s younger sister lost her fight with leukemia. Finally, his friend fell into a coma and did not recover. These three deaths devastated young David, and instead of turning to those who could help him cope with his grief, he masked his pain and turned to a quick fix: alchohol. It was a slow fade from alcohol to drugs. Pain and fear overwhelmed David, and he lost his way with the Lord, questioning unanswered prayers and the unjustified deaths of those close to him. The cracked foundation of prayer that had begun in his youth had shattered, and all he wanted was to numb the grief. He found a community with his friends, but there was no hope there. As he dug himself deeper, he lost control just to feel normal. “For those of you who work out,” David states, “you hit a plateau, and you’ve gotta add more weight on. Photoshoot in Naxos Greece to launch new projects.

MONROE LIFE HOLIDAY/ WINTER 2020

What you’re used to doesn’t work.” He was a charmer. Good at lying to others, great at lying to himself. He was an outstanding marine but, according to David, “a horrible person.” He put on a mask to hide the brokenness of his life, and he lied the most common lie on earth: that he was okay. He came out of the marines married to a woman whom he’d gotten pregnant with a son he’d never met. “I felt the light go out of my eyes,” he said. It wasn’t until he went in for a routine blood test that he was forced to confront the thing that he’d created of his life. He was diagnosed with Hepatitis C. “It’s not just a little positive,” his doctor told him. “You’re in serious trouble. You’re dying.” And David was terrified. The treatments would be painful - lesions, cysts, a loss of muscle mass and his hair. Everything that made up who that mask was would be taken, forcing him to face the monster of his own making. This he did...but with his family’s help. It was his older sister, Rachel, who threw the rope to help him climb out of the pit. She busted into his life on Father’s Day of 2005.

“Why haven’t you killed yourself?” the book asked him. “Are you worthy to bear your own cross?” This was the question that brought him to his knees. He realized he didn’t have to. He was not alone, and his cross was already borne for him. In that moment, he begged God to take him back, for what he’d done was his fault. David didn’t experience just an inkling of hope - it was so much more. “I felt what I’d been searching for this the whole time... I was filled with the Holy Spirit.” It wasn’t smooth sailing from then on, however. He described his journey as climbing uphill, on sand. He had to become a Christian again every day, and he had several slips as he struggled closer to God and His grace. He continued to live in his sister’s basement as the treatment continued. “I’m not gonna say that it wasn’t painful,” he says in his testimony, “but is was so much better than a decade before: running and being in pain and shame.”

“I love you,” he remembers her saying, “and I’m not going to watch you die.” She went on further to say that she was going to teach him how to be a father, how to be a man of God. She took her little brother into her home, in a nice room in the basement, and it was the first love he’d allowed in for a long, long time.

He began rebuilding his foundation of faith about 4 months into the treatment, when three storm clouds brewed on the horizon: custody of his son, pending felony charges and a blood test. After three days of fervent prayer, God answered him. The felony charges were dropped, he won custody of his son and his doctor told him that there was no more Hepatitis C in his liver.

During the year-long treatment, he read books to pass the time. He was still scared and lost. Man’s Search for Meaning, he recalls, was the one that convinced him to get ahold of himself. The book was penned by a Jewish man named Viktor Frankl who’d survived the Holocaust and his creation of logotherapy.

After his ordeal, he decided to graduate from UT. He originally wanted to use his experience to reach out to troubled youth, but after meeting with a mentor named Tom Henry and another answered prayer, he decided instead to minister in China. Tom took

him on a mission trip to several cities in China, including Beijing and Shanghai. With his Marine Corps training, he was a great help in his six years of working with the underground church. During his work, he was led into ministry with gang members, triads and the addicted. This only opened more doors. He was able to meet with the Hong Kong elite and chose Hong Kong to live with his new wife and open his own business. In his testimony, David asks his father, John Wood, why he didn’t give up on him. The answer was simple: “Because I have been loved well, by my earthly father and my heavenly father.” He went on to say that David was no worse than he, just braver and more successful Vaiva Paulauskaite Wood, at sinning. “I heard members Model and Mother of the family...they said, ‘You know what? Just give up on him’... And my dad would say, ‘Don’t you ever give up on that young man, he’s my son, and I love him.” And John felt the same. Oftentimes society pressures us to hide the storms we’ve been going through, to pretend we are not drenched in self-hate and grief and brokenness. John has taken his and David’s testimony as an inspiration to his own church. He wants his church to be a place where the congregation can take off the masks and find hope in the salvation of Jesus Christ. Because if church is not a place you can take off the mask, then where will people find hope and fellowship? John Wood, retired Cedar Springs Presbyterian Pastor, with son David.

FAMILY

David is known for his film work in movies like “Ghost in the Shell,” “Vixen” and “The Man from Macau.” He also played a Marine in the last two Donnie Yen films, “Big Brother” and “Ipman 4,” in addition to his television work with Spartan Race’s global “Agoge” Endurance Evolutions. He has three new projects, including one for Netflix.

David’s son, Jaden, was born in December 2001. At the time, he was fighting in Afghanistan as a Marine Sergeant, along with the first boots on the ground after 9/11. He didn’t meet his son until he was six months old. Through custody battles and many obstacles, he gained full custody of Jaden. He raised him as a single father until he met his wife in Hong Kong; she has since helped raise him from the time he was 11 years old. Jaden turns 18 this December; he’s already enlisted in the US Marines and will go Recon. He starts Bootcamp this March. Living and learning together in Hong Kong has been such a blessing. Having him so young and unplanned gave him an almost brother-like relationship, and now they truly are best friends. David’s two twin daughters, Abigail and Isabella, were born in Hong Kong In 2015. They were born four months premature, each weighing around 400 grams at birth. They spent their first four months in incubators, receiving multiple surgeries, fighting for their lives. It was the darkest time in his soul and marriage; his marriage felt like two drowning people trying to save each other. There were no certainties. Every day was another miracle and another day of patience. In April 2016, his daughters came home. They’re now healthy young ladies. They taught him the gift and virtues of patience and positivity in the darkest days. David’s oldest daughter, Michelle, is nineteen years old. He met and discovered her last year through Instagram. Her mother found David through his VOG (@ virtus.outdoors) İnstagram. She was born in Panama in March 2000, following his first deployment to LATAM in 1999. Back then, they had no social media, smartphones, etc., so her mother and David lost touch right after his deployment, neither of them knowing a child was conceived. After seeing her picture last October, David immediately knew she was his. She looks exactly like his mother and older sister. Michelle taught him that there is always time to love, grow and build relationships.

MONROE LIFE HOLIDAY/ WINTER 2020

WHAT IS VIRTUS?

“Virtus is Latin for warrior virtues, virtues of honor, courage, commitment. As a veteran, Virtus to me, is more than a clothing or athletic brand, it is a brand for warriors. I’ve been in the textile game long enough to have seen how clothing is really produced. It’s often a designer based in the States outsourcing to middlemen in Asia without ever getting on the ground and testing anything. They normally never see the factory or even conducting quality control inspections.

To us, the integrity of Virtus is our integrity as veterans, and as warriors. When we put our stamp on it, this brand becomes our honor.” “I have been experimenting with tactical gear since 1999, ever since I joined the Marines. In the military, there’s just a need for good gear. You get mass-produced military gear, but it’s really only the specialized units that get to use Oakley Tactical, FirstSpear, Patagonia, brands like this.

Being an extreme athlete and an outdoorsman, there was a longing to have gear that was made and designed like Patagonia, but was available to those of us in the military. At the end of the day, all we military guys, are extreme athletes. We do everything extreme athletes do, and we do it getting shot at, and often without the support of the great gear that other outdoorsmen have.”

We are launching a new clothing line in mid-November as well as leading global endurance events in Asia, Europe, LATAM, and the USA. You can follow these on our social media. www.virtusapparel.myshopify.com

HOLIDAY/ WINTER 2020 MONROE LIFE

DIGITAL CAMOUFLAGE One of the many products created by David’s company, Virtus Outdoor Group, is digital camouflage. These products are designed to completely fool AI and drones to protect warriors in all conditions. Their products even feature winter concealment for snowy terrain.

EXTREME OUTDOORS Since its launch in 2016, VOG has become an innovator and leader in the realm of extreme outdoors gear. Though initially geared towards military, their products are popular with extreme sportsmen and athletes alike.

WHAT’S NEXT? Giving back is an important part of VOG, and as such, the company is involved in multiple outreach efforts. Nomi Network is a nonprofit agency helping fight human trafficking in India and Cambodia. Another outreach effort is FORCE BLUE; this organization’s mission is to unite the community of Special Ops veterans with the world of marine science and conservation.

MONROE LIFE HOLIDAY/ WINTER 2020

cOngratulatiOns to all 2019 honorees

outstanding philanthropist lynda neWton

outstanding foundation holston conference foundation

for

outstanding corporate philanthropist blount memorial hospital

Outstanding vOlunteer fundraiser joel W. connell

outstanding youth in philanthropy k appa delta sorority

ThoughTful giving

2019 legacy award for outstanding philanthropic leadership mike mcclamroch

fundraising professional of the year bill may

stronger communities

and

better lives

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What Is Your Why? by Chris Kittrell

What’s important to you about money? Stop reading this article, put your coffee down, turn off the TV and for just a minute, ask yourself this question. What is truly important to you about money? There are no wrong answers. It’s the money you have now and your ability to earn money in the future that we’re talking about. It doesn’t matter whether you have a lot or very little. It doesn’t matter if you are a saver or a spender. It doesn’t matter what other people might think. This is your opportunity to define what matters most to you as it relates to money. In my profession, I have the privilege to ask this question daily, and it never ceases to amaze me how many people struggle to articulate their answers. It’s not that they don’t know; it’s more a reluctance to say it out loud. I’ve grown to expect the hesitation and awkward silence when asking this question. People don’t really want to

talk about it. The question forces thought. It makes us examine our values, our motivations and our dreams. Most would prefer to talk about the current political crisis, the latest geopolitical catastrophe or what the stock market is going to do in the future. All of these are interesting topics of discussion but they don’t get you any closer to ultimately defining your “WHY” that rolls you out of bed in the morning and off to your profession of choice. I’ve found that it’s much easier to concentrate on the “HOW” instead of the “WHY”. Most of us would much rather think and talk about “HOW” we’re going make more money, “HOW” we’re going to spend our money or “HOW” we’re going to invest our money. We spend very little time examining “WHY” we are going to bust our tails to make more money, “WHY” we’re going to

spend our money on what’s being marketed to us at any given moment or “WHY” we are choosing to invest our money to begin with. There is great satisfaction available if you can get crystal clear about your “WHY” before deciding “HOW”. One of the most rewarding things I get to experience in my work life is helping someone get above all the noise of the “HOW” to the point of truly concentrating on their “WHY”. It’s where peace of mind around money begins. It allows you to say no when confronted with the next great deal that can’t miss or that shiny new toy that you don’t really need. It allows you the freedom to say yes to the things that matter most like memorable experiences with the people you love, giving more to the charities you care about, or helping a grandchild graduate college debt- free. The possibilities are endless. So, before the never-ending details of “HOW” fill your mind again take a moment and answer the question: What’s important to you about money? Chris Kittrell is co-founder and principal of Rather & Kittrell. He is available at ckittrell@rkcapital.com

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HOLIDAY/ WINTER 2020 MONROE LIFE

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HOLIDAY/ WINTER 2020 MONROE LIFE

Charlie Brakebill

“We bobbed like a floater on a fishing pole for a day; the sea was too rough to take us ship to shore. It’s not gonna look good to get one of these military boats stuck, you know.” It is the simple explanation of how Charlie Brakebill landed on Omaha Beach in World War II. A native of Madisonville, Brakebill entered the U.S. Army at 18 years of age, serving three years in Europe during WWII. Little over four months past the invasion at Normandy, Charlie found himself walking up the steep hill to the unforgettable sight of over 15,000 white crosses of American graves. “Wow, what an introduction to France,” he thought.

Charlie grew up in Madisonville and, as a child, attending primary school on the grounds of Hiwassee College. He recounts fondly the student teachers that taught and cared for the students; one in particular gave a gift to Charlie that was so cherished it remained in his living room until leaving for college. By the look on his face as he shares, you know this was a special time. Moving on

to Madisonville High School, another teacher would have a lasting impact, professor R.W. Howard, whose influence set a passion in Charlie to attend college and become an educator of Vocational Agriculture. With a goal in sight, he set about with determination following his high school graduation in May 1942 and enrolled at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville.

April 6,1943, he arrived at Ft. Oglethorpe, Georgia. Just before his arrival to base, a chance encounter would begin a lifelong friendship, one that would set the path of his unforgettable legacy. At the top of the Incline Railway in Chattanooga, Charlie Brakebill met Ed Boling, a fellow UT student also headed to military service. The impact of this friendship is still felt today.

WWII Graves in France

At the time of entering college, the draft age for the war was 20, which indicated his education would not be interrupted. However, that changed on October 7th, and Charlie welcomed the birthday that signified eligibility to be drafted. Under the advisement of his college roommate’s father, Charlie enter the Enlisted Reserve Corps and was sworn into the U.S. Army on December 12, 1942. It was the following spring before Charlie received orders to report, and on

Following weeks of training, Charlie and Ed headed to Fort McClellan in Anniston, Alabama, where new troops trained for the fighting in North Africa. The next stage was assignment to ASTP, the Army Specialized Training Program located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. By March 1944, Charlie was receiving a battery of testing and enrolled in some engineering classes at the University of Alabama, and by April 1944, he was assigned to the 1675th Engineering Utilities Detachment at Camp Claiborne, Louisiana.

MONROE LIFE HOLIDAY/ WINTER 2020

Ed Boling had also been shipped to Camp Claiborne, reuniting the close friends briefly. Charlie was building Bailey Bridges in Louisiana on D-Day, June 6, 1944, remaining at the base into August, when following a quick trip home, he was in Boston boarding the USS Wakefield heading to Liverpool, England. “I was granted a short leave home, then took a troop train into Boston. Ed was there, as well. We said hello and goodbye, and I boarded the ship,” reflected Charlie, “only to turn around to see Ed again.”

Once in Liverpool, Charlie’s engineering unit was immediately ordered to board a small British ship crossing the English Channel to Normandy. “We left the Wakefield and boarded a train for a 12-hour ride through blacked-out countryside,” Charlie continued. “Ed was headed to London, only to my surprise, there he was walking up the gang plank of that boat crossing the channel.” They would arrive and then again say goodbye on Omaha Beach shores some three months after D-Day, and neither would ever forget the sights and sounds.

Charlie with his wife Joyce and his two children, Linda Brakebill Bilderbach Norris and Larry Brakebill.

Charlie with his Loudon High School F.F.A. class in 1949. Next photo: U.S.Army soldiers Ed Boling, left, and Charlie Brakebill are pictured near Rennes, France, in March 1945. Brakebill served in an engineering detachment first assigned to the 94th Infantry Division and later to the 66th ‘Black Panther’ Division. Boling was in the 1783rd Engineer Parts Supply Company. Right: Ed Boling, left, and Charlie Brakebill were proud University of Tennessee graduates in 1948. Boling earned a business degree. Brakebill, who grew up on a farm near Madisonville, was an agricultural education graduate. The photo was made at Boling’s house, 1819 Highland Avenue. (Charlie Brakebill/Special to the News Sentinel)

Coded message to his mother letting her know where he was stationed. Location revealed using 6 letters to her, changing the middle initial each time to spell out RENNES. HOLIDAY/ WINTER 2020 MONROE LIFE

On May 8, 1945, the war in Europe ended and Charlie would be going home. It was July 4th when the ship bringing him back to the United States viewed the Statue of Liberty. Home on a 30-day leave, Charlie was in Madisonville when the Atomic Bomb dropped on Hiroshima. The war was not over. At Fort Belvoir in Virginia, he and fellow servicemen took a break from the intense training for the planned invasion of Japan and traveled to Washington, D.C. On August 14, 1945, while enjoying dinner at the famous Willard Hotel, their waitress announced that Japan had surrendered. Charlie was actually in Lafayette Park, across from the White House, when President Truman threw his arms upward announcing victory. “The President came out. So did Mrs. Truman and their daughter, Margaret. They were not 50 yards from us,” remembered Charlie. With the war over, he returned to UT and graduated with a degree in agricultural education in 1948. That same year, Charlie married, and Ed Boling was his best man. Following graduation, Charlie taught Vocational Agriculture at Loudon High School. After teaching for three years, Brakebill was commissioned by the U.S. Air Force to serve on active duty for which he continued serving in the Tennessee National Guard until his retirement as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1967. In 1962, Ed Boling, who was the University of Tennessee’s first vice president for development, convinced UT that his best friend from World War II should join him in the new development office. Charlie became UT’s Director of Gifts and Grants.

MONROE LIFE HOLIDAY/ WINTER 2020

Military service may have ended, but the friendship continued to grow and so did the dedicated service to community, state and alma-mater. Charlie and Ed returned home from WWII to serve their state and university side by side, resulting in an impact that is immeasurable. Brakebill was the principal architect of the university’s nationally recognized fundraising program, retiring in 1996. And that best friend, Boling would become the most beloved university president, guiding the institution into the statewide system of today, retiring in 1988 after serving the longest term in school history.

The legacy is vast for Charlie and the University of Tennessee, who had big smiles as he shared amazing details. “Did you know I was the model for the Torchbearer,” he asked. “If not for me, that statue would just be something on campus, not the landmark of today.” The details of that story are almost as famous as the statue. So it goes that in the late 1960s, the campus planner took Charlie with a true to size cutout of the Torchbearer to a location. He was then asked to hold it as the planner drove around it. As embarrassment was taking hold, the planner traded places, asking Charlie to drive around. After it was all over, Brakebill

Left to Right: Ed Boiling, Charlie Brakebill, Andy Holt, & Joe Johnson

was asked to convince his bestie, Dr. Ed Boling, to override the architect and move the statue to its very visible location, and that is exactly what happened. The iconic Torchbearer is in its proper place, burning bright as a campus beacon, a popular place for graduation pictures, and ground zero for the pregame activities on UT home football Saturdays when the Vol Walk passes it.

In preparation for the meeting, Charlie has some big concerns and went to Ed, saying, “I don’t know much about Hollywood, but every actor or actress I’ve seen has got a cigarette in one hand and an alcoholic drink in the other.” With both of them thinking no deal would even be considered without before dinner drinks, the two convinced the university to approve the purchase of bourbon, scotch and gin for the meeting.

Charlie will tell you it is about opportunities, making the most of any chance to build a relationship. Being willing to walk through every door that opened set in motion the relationships that built Brakebill and then allowed him to set the same in motion for others. Charlie was primarily responsible for the $12 million endowment from the noted Hollywood director that established the Clarence Brown Theater. Back in 1967, the university was seeking funds for the construction of a new theater and made arrangements for Ed Boling and Charlie to meet with Movie Director Clarence Brown in California.

When the drink was offered to Brown, he responded with, “Young man, I’ve been out here this long, and I haven’t taken a drink of alcohol during that time, so I don’t think I’m going to start tonight,” Brakebill recalled. What seemed to be an ending became the start of a relationship “opportunity” with Charlie and his wife often welcoming the Browns as family in Tennessee. The Clarence Brown Theatre for the Performing Arts was formally dedicated in November of 1970, with the Browns in appearance. Several times, Brown called the occasion one of the greatest moments of his life.

Photos Right: A rendering of the Clarence Brown Theatre and Clarence Brown. The Brown’s often visited with the Brakebills when in East Tennessee. The last photo is at Charlie’s retirement party from the University of Tennessee.

OM AHA B EACH

Just mention the name Charlie Brakebill, and instantly it is connected with service, a life spent serving family, friends, community, state and country. He continues to make an unforgettable impact, if you want to know about that, just ask him, because he hasn’t forgotten anything, anyone or any time of his remarkable life. It is an honor to know him, talk to him share a laugh, but most of all, it is a priceless treasure to salute this Veteran, who continues to serve!

Charlie cold at Omaha beach. He originally came in on a landing craft and spent 48 hours waiting to land due to 8-10 ft waves. With him is his grandaughter Erin Pate fulfilling a goal of walking on Omaha Beach with her Papaw. (Charlie first landed on Omaha Beach in September of 1944, three months after D-day.

The ground above the cliffs is still “mogul-like” due to the artillery and grenades from 1944.

The Brakebills with Tennessee Ernie Ford.

Brandenburg gate in Berlin

MONROE LIFE HOLIDAY/ WINTER 2020

While repairing a roof of a bombed-out building in Rennes, Charlie Brakebill (at upper left in hat) and a crew of engineers saw a family struggling to get a piano into a 2nd floor apartment. They climbed down and moved the piano for the Guillard family, and Charlie met the daughter, Anthelmette Gullard.

B OOKS ARE A VA IL A B L E ON AM AZO N

Charlie (Left) putting his engineering education to work repairing building damaged from war in France.

THE PIANO LOVE AFFAIR Prior to the Japan invasion, Charlie was stationed in France when he came to the aid of a young woman and her family. He helped them lift a piano into their home…and thus began a brief and seemingly improbably love affair. The young Frenchwoman, Anthelmette, and her family welcomed Southern farm boy Charlie into their home for dinners, and she and the GI from Tennessee would often go on strolls together on the weekends. The

two kept in touch after Charlie returned to the States but eventually married other people and moved on with their lives. In 2013, however, Charlie was reconnected with Anthelmette’s family. She had passed away in 2007, but he flew to France to meet her family and pay his respects at her gravesite. This sweet story was the subject of an autobiography and, more recently, a short film.

Charlie visits Anthelmette’s grave. Upon arriving in Rennes, they were met at the train station by Anthelmette’s children. Left to Right: Maryse and Bernard Letourneux, Charlie and Soazig Padovani. A wonderful welcome followed by tea and treats in the Bernard’s home.

Anthelmette and Charlie in Thabor Gardens, May 1, 1945. Middle photo: Anthelmette Gullard Letourneux at the beach circa 1951. This photo was mailed to Charlie by Soazig in 2013. Last: Charlie and Anthelmette with repaired roof in back. The Piano Love Affair was turrned into a film directed by Gabe McCauley. Many WWII films and stories present the battles, but Charlie’s story shows another side of our G.I.s’ lives. In France, it was common for our soldiers to date, which served to alleviate the daily uncertainty, fear, loneliness, and ugliness of the war. Charlie and Anthelmette’s purity and humility, the end of their relationship, and what happened nearly 70 years later, makes their story unique and beautiful. The short film won several awards at this year’s Knoxville Film Festival.

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

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116 Tellico Port Road, P.O. Box 1030, Vonore, TN 37885 Let Us Go to Bethlehem is a heartwarming paperback book with six chapters each reminding us of the greatest gift of Christmas! Use this study in your Sunday School class, Bible Study group, or personal devotions. May your heart and home be stirred as you think on the love and goodness of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! A Christmas Gift for You! The ladies of the Temple Baptist Church compiled these dessert recipes from dishes they prepared for our annual Pastorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s College. Get your FREE* copy of this spiral-bound collection of dessert recipes with the purchase any one of our Christmas books before November 30th!

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HOLIDAY/ WINTER 2020 MONROE LIFE

Where There’s God’s Will, He Makes a Way HOW DALE BIEHL WENT FROM GEMTRON MANAGER TO RETIREE TO CHURCH PASTOR by Jennifer Porterfield

f it’s God’s timing, God’s will, nothing can stop it from happening. This is a truth Dale Biehl knows all too well.

and the people. Dale jokes that he loved it when the women would say, “Bless your heart.” But eventually, his job would become as such that he was able to move back to his hometown in Indiana so he and his wife could be closer to family.

get into trouble. “Are you doing right, or is it just your ego?”

Then he found a book that he was planning to use in his Sunday School class called The Though he was an Indiana native and Power of a Whisper. In this book, there returned to his roots many years ago, for a were five filters to go through to see if what time, Dale Biehl and his wife, Gaye, called you are wanting to do is truly from God, Dale retired from Gemtron 12 years ago East Tennessee home. The company Dale and Dale felt like this book was meant for and settled into a comfortable life back worked for in Indiana was bought out him. As this was happening, he saw an ad in Indiana where he participated in a by Gemtron, which was headquartered in the local newspaper for an auction for a golf league and would teach a Sunday in Sweetwater. Dale relocated nearby church in Vincennes and to Knoxville, where he and The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in felt like God was telling his wife lived for over a a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be him to buy the building decade. During that time, like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. and start a church. Dale managed multiple Isaiah 58:11, NIV Almost jokingly, he manufacturing plants for mentioned in Sunday School, “I’m gonna School class at the local church he Gemtron, including the Sweetwater plant; attended. The class started at around 20 buy a church. I’m gonna preach.” He didn’t one back in Vincennes, Indiana; and even have any idea if he could even do it. people but within five years had grown one in Mexico! His wife, in the meantime, spent many years as a librarian at Farragut to a whopping 48! Dale began to think This was in May. On June 25th, they held perhaps he had something to offer, High School. but he wanted to make sure he wasn’t an open auction for the church. Now, this wasn’t your average church building. This misinterpreting his calling. It’s easy, he The two loved the beauty of East was a historic, 100-year-old building with Tennessee – the mountains, the food, said, when you’re a confident person to 60

MONROE LIFE HOLIDAY/ WINTER 2020

Wabash Community Church, Established 2018

stained glass windows and a sanctuary that could sit 200 people. What is a church like that even worth? Surely it would go for a pretty penny. The bidding began at $10,000, and Dale thought, okay. I can bid. He went back and forth with another interested party, and when the bidding hit $13,500, he felt like God was telling him to stop right there. So he stopped bidding…and so did the other party. Given the low price, the auctioneer told him he would have to talk with the current owners and would get back with him in a few days. As he waited, Dale told himself if God would let him get that church for such a ridiculously low price, he would never take a penny of salary from it. He’d give it ten

years as pastor (if his health allowed). Or if it became big enough to pay another pastor to take over, he’d hand over the keys for free. A week went by…nothing. Then a week later, he received a call that would change his life. “They’ve accepted your price,” they said. Dale was on the golf course at the time and asked if they’d give him a couple of hours. He went home, walked into the house, and without thinking, he said to his wife, “What do we do?” And Gaye, his wife of over 50 years who’d been a Christian pretty much her whole life, responded with, “We don’t have a choice.” It was that confidence from her that gave him the courage to take the next step, and

from there, it was like every door opened for them. Friends and locals stepped up to help get the church ready. Their piano, organ, and sound board were all donated. A local delivery person even went and picked them up and delivered them to the church free of charge. Volunteers painted the whole inside

HOLIDAY/ WINTER 2020 MONROE LIFE

Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. -Proverbs 16:3, NIV

of the church with free advice on the colors from an interior decorator. A carpet cleaner came and cleaned the carpets completely free of charge. His brother’s church donated all their pew Bibles. He even was able to get incorporated as a 501(c)(3) in a matter of hours, for free, thanks to a helpful local lawyer. This was a process that should have taken weeks and upwards of $2,500! Wabash Community Church opened on Veterans Day, November 11, with about 116 people. Dale knew a lot of people would be there – friends to show support and other locals out of curiosity. Since then, they averaged about 46 people until the end of March, over 60 as of June, and now up to 85 or more! With the added attendance, Dale knew they would eventually need more parking, but God is making a way there, as well. Two houses across the street were donated to the church, and a friend came

MONROE LIFE HOLIDAY/ WINTER 2020

and tore down the houses and hauled away the materials for free. Soon, they will have a new parking lot with an additional 50 to 60 spaces – plenty of space for those coming to enjoy service every Sunday. Dale says the purpose of the church is not necessarily to draw others away from their churches. He even told his fellow church members at the old church he attended not to follow him, to stay where they were. What he truly is seeking to do is draw people who haven’t gone to church before, haven’t been to church in a long time or are dissatisfied with where they are. The size of the congregation is not important to him, either. It’s the people who are coming and knowing that they are getting spiritually fed and experiencing God. It can be a little intimidating at times for Dale. He’s committed himself to putting

together 52 sermons a year! But he knows that God will be with him every step of the way. Through his faith in God and God’s will for his life, Dale went from retired manager to church owner and pastor. God guided him and made a way, and his church will surely continue to be a blessing to those in his community for years to come.

Donna’s Old Town Cafe 1776 - 1843

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

We Cater For All Occasions.

Downtown Madisonville across from courthouse

NEW 2.7 MILLION DOLLAR EXHIBIT

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

Sun-Wed 7am-3pm

Thurs-Sat 7am-8pm

Owned and Operated by the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians

100 COLLEGE STREET, MADISONVILLE, TENNESSEE

HOLIDAY/ WINTER 2020 MONROE LIFE

T HA NK YO U T O

2019

The 7th Annual Monroe Life Balloon Fiesta Returned To East Tennessee At The Sequoyah Birthplace Museum And Was A Huge Success!

The Balloon Glow choreographed to music even had a surprise appearance by Elvis during “Blue Suede Shoes.” 64

MONROE LIFE HOLIDAY/ WINTER 2020

A L L OUR W O ND E RF U L SP ONSO R S ! 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 on the shores of the beautiful Tellico Lake, The Sequoyah Birthplace Museum is the perfect

Recipient of Money Raised

Monroe County

location for all ages to enjoy this fun, family event.

Monroe County Mayorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Office and Monroe County Tourism HOLIDAY/ WINTER 2020 MONROE LIFE

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Plan Ahead

With Kyker Funeral Home Pre-planning is a matter of taking the time to think about your end-of-life desires. By pre-planning your traditional funeral service, cremation or memorial with us, you’re assured that your final wishes are known. Once done, you can relax, knowing your plans are in the hands of reliable friends or family. For more information on how to get started visit our website, www.kykerfuneralhomes.com.

MONROE LIFE HOLIDAY/ WINTER 2020

Sweetwater (423) 337-5033 Kingston (865) 376-6531 Harriman (865) 882-1515

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

Mountain View Cabin Rentals If you’ve ever dreamed of staying in a cabin in the mountains, Mountain View Cabin Rentals has just the spot…all 44 units have unique décor and are located on the beautiful Tellico River, at the top of a hill, in the woods or on a private pond. Amenities include hot tubs, game rooms and grills, with prices starting at $39.95. Mountain View Cabins is biker friendly and open all year. You are sure to find something to fit your dream and your budget! 1006 Cherohala Skyway, 423.519.2000 www.tellicologcabins.com

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

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

225 Cherohala Skyway, 423.253.8010 www.cherohala.org

Open Daily: 10am–5pm, 229 Cherohala Skyway, 423.253.6767, charleshallmuseum@hotmail.com www.charleshallmusuem.com

Tellicafé The Leudemann family can now boast twenty years and four generations of good service and good food at the county’s only sit-down restaurant employing an executive certified chef. The Tellicafe is open seven days a week all year round serving lunch and dinner. Our professional staff can easily serve one person or one hundred with friendly, efficient service. Specialties like Fried Green Tomatoes, Trout Cakes, Fresh Prime Rib, BBQ Menu and Country Cooking keep customers coming back time after time. 128 Bank Street, 423.253.2880 www.tellicafe.com HOLIDAY/ WINTER 2020 MONROE LIFE

Tellico Mountain Realty Helping you make our hometown your hometown. Stop by and see one of our seasoned agents with expertise in our historic and scenic area. 418 Cherohala Skyway, 423.253.6145 email: info@easttennnrealty.com www.tellicomountainrealty.com Find us on facebook Tellico Mountain Realty LLC

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Everhart Lumber Company, LLC Everhart Lumber Company offers wood products from contemporary to rustic styling including wide wood slabs, post and beams, wood flooring and paneling and custom-made cabinets, furniture, millwork and mantels. Everhart has created a niche for extra wide wood slabs from huge trees that are carefully selected for their distinctively unique grain, coloring and textures. We build magnificent furniture and countertops from reclaimed materials and other sources such as Douglas Fir, Native Hardwoods, Southern Yellow Pine & Western Red Cedar. Please visit our Showroom in Tellico Plains and our online store. 911 Highway 165, 423.253.2323 www.everhart-lumber.com

*FREE with purchase of two or more Merle Norman cosmetic products. Cosmetic accessories not included. OOer valid while supplies last at participating Merle Norman Cosmetic Studios beginning August 1, 2019. Limit one per customer. We reserve the right to substitute individual components of gift.

Skyway Realty Land and Homes Skyway Realty's associates create home and land dreamsâ&#x20AC;&#x2039;for buyers and sellers. For buyers, we hone in on and help you select the places you are most likely interested in buying. Sellers have new dreams we help them find as we sell their current properties. We love being helpers in one of the most important decisions of your lives. We make the real estate experience enjoyable from the first call to the close and enjoy win-win transactions with everyone at the table talking to each other as friends...that's what we all like about Tellico Plains, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s warm, friendly, peaceful and successful. Call today 423.253.7100. Email us at info1@tellico-tn.com. We are ready to go. Stop in and see us at our office on the Skyway...where the bears are.

DAN WATSON

The Bears Den Rich Leudemann, owner of The Bears Den and Tellicafe, located in Tellico Plains, TN, grew up in the restaurant business. His father was a restaurant owner and passed his love of the business on to Rich. Over the years, Rich has been around the business in almost every aspect. Rich’s latest endeavor, The Bears Den, a pizza restaurant heavily influenced by his Italian heritage, is now open and already hosting live music and other wonderful events. With seating for over 80 people, you are sure to find your place. Menu consists of New York Style and Sicilian Pizza. They also have specialty pizzas and dessert pizzas, cold beer, hoagies and wings. 9188 New Hwy 68, 423.253.3361 www.bearsdentellico.com

The Bookshelf The Bookshelf is a quaint little bookshop in the Historic District just off the Town Square. Celebrating 10 years as Monroe County’s only full-service bookstore, they offer new local history books and gently used books in all categories. Their friendly and knowledgeable staff also offers free out-of-print book searches. Winter Hours: Thursday–Saturday: 10am-4pm 108 Scott Street, 423.253.3183 www.tellicobookshelf.com

YEARS IN REAL ESTATE!

Selling a beautiful county and surrounding areas. When I started, farmland was $500-$600 per acre, mountain land was $200-$300 per acre and my first house sale was a 3 bedroom 1 bath home for $15,500. I gave up a government job to start selling real estate. I thought my wife would surely leave me. I have been with Norman Lee Real Estate my entire real estate career. It has been good working in this family business. I could not even begin to imagine the monetary amount of sales over this period of time; it would be huge! I love this business!

Tellico Vacation Rentals Savor the serenity of your own cabin in the mountains! Choose from one to five bedrooms thats sleeps from two to ten guests. Select a cabin with a hot tub on the deck, a cozy stone fireplace or a pool table in the game room. Our cabins are ideal for a romantic getaway, a wedding or honeymoon, a family vacation or reunion. With your own kitchen, multiple bedrooms, comfortable living areas and outdoor decks, you’ll find cabin rentals to be a fabulous value for extended vacations for several couples or extended families. Our cabins are private and comfortable, each totally unique. A change in altitude creates a change in attitude! 206 Cherohala Skyway, 866.253.2254 tvr@tellicovacationrentals.com

MAYBE GOD WILL PERMIT ME TO SELL A LITTLE LONGER. So if you have a house, land or commercial property, don’t go whisper in a well! Call Dan Watson, he likes SOLD! SOLD! SOLD! Dan Watson, REALTOR Norman Lee Real Estate Cell 423-253-4700 Office 423-442-3944 Fax 423-442-5906 danwatson@nlre.net

HOLIDAY/ WINTER 2020 MONROE LIFE

Bert’s

Celebrating years of hand made pizzas

Hometown Grill & Pizzeria!1987 est

902 Tellico Street • Madisonville, TN • 423.442.2222 www.bertsgrill.com

MONROE LIFE HOLIDAY/ WINTER 2020

KFC- MADISONVILLE 423-442-4228

t! Buffe

Across from the A&W Drive-In

Susan Sanders

HOLIDAY/ WINTER 2020 MONROE LIFE

We Love It! Tennessee Veterans Cemetary Photos by Cody Galbraith

MONROE LIFE HOLIDAY/ WINTER 2020