Once a month, generally the third Wednesday of each month, volunteers from Lions clubs all over East Tennessee gather at the Fountain City Lions Club to test the vision of folks who cannot afford eye exams and glasses. Two of the Union County Lions, Debbie Sylvia-Gardner and Shirlee Grabko, participate every month in various duties.

In 1938, local farmers tried to keep up with the changing times with help from the Extension Office. Automobiles were replacing horse-and-buggy transportation, and new, modern ways were emerging. Other programs assisting Union County residents included the Home Supply Program, the Victory Committee, the War Bond Drive, and the Red Cross Campaign. The Depression was ending, and people were seeking employment in ways other than farming. The Extension Office assisted farmers by helping them purchase new farm equipment, such as tractors.

Plant life is absolutely lush in our part of the world. If land is not paved or has a building on it, it usually has plants growing on it or trying to get a toe hold, which brings up the topic of how plants spread if they are literally rooted to the ground? The answer is in seed design, and several ingenious mechanisms are used to allow plant embryos (seeds) to move away from the shadows of their mother plant.

The Union County American Legion has one fundraiser a year to help pay for their many projects, and that fundraiser is coming up on Saturday, October 5, from 8 a.m. until noon. They will be at the intersection of Maynardville Hwy. and Hickory Star Rd. asking for your donation. On your way to the Union County Heritage Festival, grocery shopping or just driving around, please go by this intersection and help our American Legion help our Union County veterans, many of whom are alone and/or incapacitated, and donate what you can to the American Legion Post 212.

Thursday October 3, 2024

WATE 6 On Your Side is proud to once again to be partnering with Operation Honor Guard, a 501(c)(3) organization with their annual donation drive. It is the goal of all Honor Guards to offer a last tribute of respect to their departed comrades by rendering military funeral honors to any honorably discharged veteran, without any regard to sex, race, color, creed, national origin, or military rank. There is no cost to the family for this service.

Attention Tennessee Gardeners
We have an exciting opportunity for you. Join us for the Welcome Home to My Tennessee Garden series, held on Mondays: October 14, 21, 28, and November 4, from 2 to 3:30 p.m.
In this series, you will learn about:
• Soils and Climate
• Lawns
• Flowering Plants
• Shrubs and Trees
Whether you’re a beginner or looking to enhance your gardening skills, this class is perfect for you.
Location: 2721 Maynardville Highway, Maynardville, TN 37807
Cost: $30 which includes a free soil test with personalized recommendations

Attention Beef Cattle Farmers: UT Extension Union County is excited to announce that we will be hosting the Tennessee Master Beef Producer Program this October and November. This comprehensive educational initiative is designed to help Tennessee cattle producers enhance the profitability of their cow-calf operations.

In 1937, the first Achievement Day took place in Union County. It was created to showcase the many crafts such as rug making that Home Demonstration Clubs created. They made quilts and much much more. They did this at the local high school. Weather effected the turnout out, so the following year (1938) Chairperson Pearl Snodderly. had 54 women compete from the various communities where they met.

Cool season cover crops offer numerous benefits for gardening and farming, especially in regions where summer conditions can be less favorable. These crops improve soil structure and fertility by adding organic matter, which enhances water infiltration and nutrient retention, crucial for subsequent crop growth.
They also establish quickly, effectively suppressing weeds by competing for light, water and nutrients, thereby reducing the need for herbicides.

The blanketflower is a dazzling little plant that is easy to grow, easy to combine and easy to love. With its long flowering time, gorgeous coloring and tolerance to summer heat, it’s a powerhouse sure to be a treasure all year long.