The Autumn Equinox is one of two times of the year when the Sun is exactly above the Equator and day and night are equal in length. That’s as far into the science of what’s going on that I’ll go. It’s the astronomical beginning of fall, which is my favorite season of the year. After a long hot and humid summer, the crisp cool mornings, balmy temperatures, and visual clarity of lower humidity are very welcome.

Both authors and readers alike, rightfully romanticize the role of fantasy in their lives. But we often underestimate how drastic its potential is in influencing children. Centuries of storytellers have used memory to invoke tremendous imagery, to relay tales of long dead heroes,

As the young child walked through the rows of chickens her eyes lite up as she lifted her head to see a lighted Ferris wheel spinning in circles waiting for her to catch a ride.
This moment is one many of us have experienced walking through the fair as a young child and even still we feel a small glimmer of child like happiness when we see the line of carnival rides, games, and those delicious, candied apples.

“Wow, it sure is nice to come to one of these [cruise-ins] with a good crowd,” commented a participant who relaxed under a shade tree at the 2021 Thunder in the Park. Gary England manned England's Sound Machine as “Elvis” opened with the National Anthem. The crowd had some 200 vehicles to inspect, admire, and photograph while the sounds of “Achy, Breaky Heart” and other traditional favorites played in the background. One enterprising young man was selling his truck and revved the engine to a roar in keeping with the thunder theme and the pleasure of the crowd.

District Attorney General Jared Effler and staff, in partnership with the Children’s Centers of the 8th Judicial District, will be hosting the 6th Annual Clays for Children Sporting Clays Tournament at Chilhowee Sportsman’s Club in Maryville, Tennessee on Friday, September 24th. Funds raised from this tournament will ensure that our Children’s Centers continue their worthy mission of serving abused and neglected children. This successful fundraiser has grown every year and is now the largest event held at the Chilhowee Sportsman’s Club.

The Union County Heritage Festival is right around the corner. Did you know that you can enter your items into the Festival Exhibit Contest with UT Extension Union County? You have already put in the hard work, now seek some reward. There are categories for adults as well as youths grades kindergarten thru 12th.

Steve Johnson, CEO of Horticulture Lighting Group (HLG), addressed members of the Union County Business & Professional Association (UCBPA) at its August meeting.
Johnson related how HLG grow lights developed into the world's best horticulture lights in less than five years. He said that his desire to grow tommy toe tomatoes year round sparked his quest to develop the perfect grow light.

Despite the high prevalence of musculoskeletal pain during pregnancy, few women in
underserved populations receive treatment for their low back pain. Moreover, researchers
found that pain in a previous pregnancy may predict a high risk for musculoskeletal
complaints in future pregnancies. 85 percent of women who experienced pain in a previous
pregnancy reported pain during their current pregnancy.

Hubby and I headed east last weekend to Flat Rock NC. We had passed by the exit countless times, saying to each other, “That sounds fun. Maybe we’ll go there someday.”
Now one thing you must understand is that me and Hubby, we like to veer off the beaten path; like, way off. Many times we see a road that looks like it should go somewhere fun and we take that road. We have rarely been disappointed.

I have often said only certain things happen here in East Tennessee. One great example of this happened many years ago.
My Mamaw Jo got up one morning and went to the kitchen to start her coffee. That was usually the first thing she did. On this particular morning, she noticed stuff lying on her kitchen counter that wasn’t there the night before. She looked closer at them, which sent her into a state of panic. With what she thought it was, I really don’t blame her.