FCE goes 'hog wild'

The Union County FCE (Family Community Education) Big Ridge Club had a field trip to the TVA & I Fair for FCE Day. It was free admission and parking for FCE members. The clubs donated gift cards to U.S. veterans and crafted patriotic cards to hold the gifts. This was a community service event for the Eastern Region FCE. They will be distributed to veterans in Johnson City.

Pickin' in the Park

đŸ‚đŸŽ¶ **18th Annual Pickin’ in the Park** đŸŽ¶đŸ‚
**Friday, October 2, 2026 | 5:00–9:30 PM**
Fall just feels a little sweeter at Norris Dam State Park! 🍁
Join us for an evening filled with **live Appalachian-inspired music, delicious local food, handmade treasures, and good old-fashioned community fun** at the 18th Annual Pickin’ in the Park!

Deer Class coming to Union County

Saturday, October 10, 10:00 a.m.
Johnson’s Deer Processing
520 W. Mountain Road
Corryton, TN
FREE

Grainger County is hosting this year’s Deer Class, and we’re excited to have this hands-on educational opportunity taking place right here in Union County.

This free class will provide practical information and demonstrations to help you safely handle your harvest and make the most of your venison.

Fall Palooza report

The Fall Palooza of the Union County Farmers Market was less of a Palooza than was hoped. Coincidentally, this was also the opening weekend of the Tennessee Valley State Fair, which drew some of the usual Farmers Market customers southwards to that annual event. But lower attendance didn't stop Rustic Ridge Cheesecake and Fire on the Mountain from selling out by the end of the market day.

Stepping Out

I used to love summer as a kid. It was a time of playing and having fun. But the summer of 1979 was different for me because it was a time of new adventures.
For one, I saw the Atlantic Ocean for the first time. While that in itself was exciting, it was also my first trip without my parents. I went with my cousin Julie and her mom and aunt. It was kinda freeing in a way. I felt less like a kid and more like a real 14 year old teenager.

Strengthen The Core

It’s good, of course, to keep all your muscles strong and limber. But the strength of the body’s core — the muscles in your belly and mid- and lower back, is one of the keys to long term health and stability as you grow older.