A fond memory from my childhood is packing the whole family, and quite often several friends, into the vehicle nearing the Christmas season. All of us children, and our parents too, itching with excitement waiting on the darkness to fall so all of the dainty lights could glow through the car windows. Simple or extravagant, that did not matter. The cruising, the laughing, and the twinkle from those beautiful Christmas lights that we had looked so forward to admiring are a strong memory from our youth.

Take a look at your life today; and remember tomorrow, it’s history. Good or bad, it’s history.

In our modern times, it appears we have gotten too busy to teach our children old fashioned values. With our fast paced lifestyle, we are no doubt too dependent on our computers and smart phones. Children are playing with their phones rather than learning common social skills.

The Parks & Recreation Board of Union County would like to thank all who came out to the Comprehensive Parks Master Plan Meeting on November 2nd.

This meeting was a great opportunity for everyone to participate in being a part of seeking a Parks & Recreation Grant for our county.

This winter, get involved in your community in a way that will bring joy to all. Deck out your workplace, home, church, school, etc. by stringing out some lights and holiday décor. Make it a family or club event with some hot cocoa and music. It will be a nice fuzzy feeling we can all share, to take a spin thru town and enjoy the holiday cheer. Join in on “Lighting Up Union County”. All you need to do is send in the form below and drape up some lights to participate. Hurry and get your form in and help get this town decorated!

Ashley Mike is a country girl through and through, with a life spent on a farm and a love of home, family and the outdoors. So, it's no surprise that she's found a career in the UT Extension, an organization dedicated to helping families and communities develop important rural skills, stay healthy and be successful right here at home.

I thought you might enjoy the Song of Cove Creek Dam by Union Countian Ruben Cleatus Burnett.

The Song of Cove Creek Dam
by Ruben Cleatus Burnett
Sharps Chapel, Tennessee

When the old Cove Creek Dam first was started, most everyone said it would be so grand
For they did not realize the water that was going to cover this land.

Many a time that bill went through Congress, to the Senate it would go
Even if it passed the Senate, it would only meet a President’s veto.

I have a recipe for Mincemeat Fruitcake. There was a time when the amount of spices in your mincemeat showed off how much you could afford. Not me. I buy the cheaper store brand. There is no meat in mine either, just green tomatoes. The Puritans would have liked mine. It is booze-less. I am always looking for a way to save money. Meat and candied fruit are expensive. Green tomatoes aren't.

What is it about old places that draws a body? Creaking boards, slightly sunlit beams, narrow and steep stairs, and marshy little spring branches all seem to have a lure that we just can't resist. They give us that warm feeling like we belong there or was maybe once a part of these magical old places that represents our history. Old houses, old farms, old stores, and old school buildings reach out and grab us by the collar and just won't let go until we pay our due respects to them.

Union County Vendor Mall located at 155 Durham Drive, Maynardville TN, hosted its Second Annual Fall at the Mall Sale on Saturday, November 4th, 2017, by offering great bargains on a variety of antiques and collectibles.

This event was very exciting with vendors showcasing their booths. The doors were open just before 9:00 am and closed at 3:00 pm. The Vendor Mall has doubled in size this past year offering a fantastic place for customers to do their Christmas shopping.

I, like many of you, am shocked and appalled when I see the things happening in the news these days. It seems that mass shootings and terrorist attacks have become an everyday occurrence. These things are evil and should never happen. They seem to be carried out by people who have a deep seeded hatred toward another person or group of people. I am no psychologist, but still I try to analyze what would make a person commit such evil acts. The only conclusion that I can make is the people who commit such acts of violence have been overwhelmed by hatred and evil.