We all know about Black Friday, but did you know that the following day is dedicated to small businesses? Established in 2011 by American Express, and later sponsored by the SBA (Small Business Association), the Saturday after Thanksgiving was designated as a small business shopping day so that small businesses could get in on some of the holiday shopping action, which is the busiest time of the year for retail stores. Here in Union County, we do not have an abundance of retail shops, but we still have plenty of family run mom and pop shops offering giftable items/services.

Now that Thanksgiving has passed, Christmas is fast approaching. With it comes the beloved Christmas festivities! So, what does December have in store for the community? There are plenty of fun, family friendly events this month.

Q: Does chiropractic treatment require a referral from an MD?

A: A referral is usually not needed to see a doctor of chiropractic (DC); however, your health plan may have specific referral requirements. You may want to contact your employer’s human resources department — or the insurance plan directly — to find out if there are any referral requirements. Most plans allow you to just call and schedule an appointment with a DC.

Q: Is chiropractic treatment ongoing?

When I saw the dark, menacing clouds in the distance, my heart filled with dread. That is exactly how I felt as a child when I realized a storm was heading our way.

This salad makes a big batch. It keeps well in the fridge. I make it and much on it for several days. Very good..

In small saucepan, combine the sugar, vinegar, oil and salt.. Bring to a boil over medium low heat, stirring occasionally. Let cool to room temperature. Meanwhile, in large bowl, combine remaining ingredients. Add dressing. Toss to coat. Cover and chill for at least 4 hours. Serve with slotted spoon. Makes 25 servings.

We all have heard adults fussing over a baby, called he/she silly names like “Snookums”, “Itsy-bitsy Sweety-pie”. Well, maybe not those exact words, but you get the idea.

My Dad had such a name for me, “Sally.” My given name is Shirley. My middle name is Delora, his mother’s name. Mother would explode whenever she heard him call me Sally. “We named her Shirley! Don’t call her Sally!”

Shortleaf pine (Pinus echinata) is my favorite of the pines. It is a beautiful tree to behold with its long straight trunk of map-patterned bark. It and Virginia pine are the most common pines found in our area, and can be found in almost any woodland hike. They are easy to tell apart just by looking at the trunk. Shortleaf usually has few limbs, whereas Virginia is very limby and often has dead stubs sticking out. Also, Virginia tends to hang on to its old pine cones, so they will appear numerous in the tree. Another commonly used name for shortleaf is yellow pine.

The Union County Lions Club annual pecan sale is now underway. You can purchase one pound packages of pecans for $10 per pound at Commercial Bank and First Century Bank (Maynardville Branches only) during their normal business hours. Regular pecans are available in half pieces. Pecans covered with white or amaretto chocolate and chocolate dipped peanuts are available while they last. For additional information contact Ronnie Mincey (865-278-6430).

By Helina Bailey
I am a coffee lover. My morning routine includes a large cup of iced coffee. If I am being honest, it’s more like two or three cups, with a few more in the afternoon. I’m not fancy with my cup o’ Joe. I’ll drink it black in a pinch, but I prefer it iced with a bit of milk. Every once in a while, I will give in to a craving for a decadent frappuccino, when I’m missing the Northwest.

Did cold season glide in on an Autumn breeze this year? It feels as though sickness is in the air, with coughs, sneezes, and the stomach flu finding their way into all of our homes. Many counties in East Tennesse have recently closed due to the high number of students and faculty falling ill. Union County opted to have virtual education this month, but many are still sick, with neighboring counties closing their doors before the holiday.