Union County, a small yet mighty portion of our state, consists of small businesses rooted in entrepreneurship and thinking outside of the box to larger businesses that boost economic growth and large job opportunities for new community members and graduates. This diverse array of opportunities allow for creative thinking, entrepreneurial drive, and “doing what you love.” Goin’ Somewhere Photography and Gifts is just one example of a small business that encompasses all three of those fundamental steps to success.

It’s not a comfort, of course, to know that millions of Americans are afflicted with lower back pain. Just know that if you are one of them, you’re not alone. As common as the problem is, there are steps you can take to minimize your exposure to the problem. Here are a few that are recommended by the American Chiropractic Association:

Are you a fan of something? Most people that I know are fans of a sport or of an entertainer. If you know me, then you may think I am a fan of chocolate and baseball. While you would be correct, I’m also a fan of fans.

I was a young child. I know this because we lived in one of Jessie Buckner’s rental houses on Academy Street in the “Chinatown” section of downtown Maynardville. We lived there from approximately 1968/1969 to 1971, so I was between three and five years old, most likely four.
My mother made some homemade fried onion rings. I remember still how good they tasted. I just couldn’t seem to get enough.

In shallow dish, whisk together the first 7 ingredients. Then preheat a well greased griddle over medium heat. Dip bread in egg batter mixture, letting it soak in for a few seconds on each side. Cook on griddle until golden brown on both sides. Serve with butter and maple syrup plus any desired toppings. Makes 4 servings. Recipe can be doubled.

Spring has moved on from blooming wildflowers to trees in bloom, and so I’ve been trying to catch native trees and shrubs in flower. While observing American Holly flowers I was reminded that some trees do thing different. Several species like the holly produce flowers of one sex only, and so there are literally boy and girl trees, which is not common in the plant world.

Mark Allen Martin of Maynardville. graduated from the University of Tennessee and taught music in the Union County school system for 27 years. He was known as a terrific teacher, highly skilled and talented musician, friendly, and loved to joke around. The Union County Lions Club honors his memory by awarding scholarships to UCHS High School seniors in his name.

The Poet Voices will start this special concert with a sing-along of famous hymns and will then introduce the Union County High School Band, under the direction of Hunter Collins. The band will open with the National Anthem, accompanied by the Poet Voices bass singer KC Armstrong, a former member of the US Air Force Singing Sergeants and, later, the US Army Chorus.

Tennessee is called the Volunteer State because people in this state, the people in this county, step up to help one another. The Union County Lions Club is looking for some cheerful volunteers to assist with various functions of their fundraiser, the Freedom Concert with the Poet Voices and the Union County High School Band, on May 18th. The monies raised will provide eye exams, glasses and sometimes hearing aids to Union County residents. Doors open at 6:00 and we are looking for folks to take tickets, hand out free CDs, sell tickets at the door and various other tasks as needed.

Exercise is generally beneficial for you, but there are right and wrong ways to go about it. You certainly don’t want to injure yourself while doing something that’s meant to benefit you. Here are a few things to consider: