Psalm 1 is the beginning of a collection of 150 individual Hebrew poems known as The Book of Psalms. Although each Psalm can stand by itself, the Book of Psalms is not intended to be an all-time top 150 Hebrew poetry list. Each poem has been intentionally placed or compiled in its specific order by scribes sometime after the Jewish exiles in Babylon returned to Jerusalem. If one reads and studies the Psalms in their entirety, it becomes clear that the Book of Psalms tells the story of God’s chosen people.

The 2nd Annual Union County Veterans Appreciation Picnic will be held on Saturday, November 15, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Veterans, families of veterans, and citizens who want to show their appreciation for our veterans are all welcome to this FREE event.

Pitmaster Fred England will start serving his popular pork butt BBQ at 11:30 a.m. on a first-come, first-served basis. The Union County American Legion is donating the pork. Local bands will provide entertainment.

Stop by and help celebrate our veterans!

Years ago, UT Extension Agent Carol Sue Hunter asked me to help teach 4-H middle schoolers a lesson on Etiquette. We set up a mock restaurant on the school stage and had our play teaching table manners with the students acting it out.

By Steve Roark
Cumberland Gap National Historical Park Volunteer

After the thrill of autumn coloration is gone, those who have yard trees must deal with the bushels of leaves when they fall off. An acre of trees in a forest can produce over two tons of leaves each year, and I think my yard trees can beat that estimate.

The Union County 4-H Honor Club will hold its next meeting on Wednesday, November 13, at 5 p.m at the Union County Extension Office. Youth can look forward to an exciting evening featuring a guest speaker, free food and an interactive escape room activity.

The 4-H Honor Club is open to students in grades 6 through 12, and 5th graders are welcome to attend as well. The club focuses on community service, leadership and teamwork, providing members with opportunities to give back to their community while having fun and building friendships.

As the holiday season approaches, the Union County Fresh Wagon program is asking for the community’s help to collect non-perishable food items for local families in need. Donations will be accepted November 1-14, and every contribution helps make a difference for a neighbor this holiday season.

We are currently collecting boxes of stuffing mix, packages of instant mashed potatoes and boxes of macaroni and cheese. Any brands and sizes are acceptable.

Of all my education, including college classes, I learned more about local and national politics and government in 6th, 7th and 9th grades from two teachers. I will always be grateful for Ms. Ann Crass and Mr. Harrell Edmondson. Because of those two teachers, I developed an appreciation for the government that has kept our great nation free for almost 250 years.

Union County 4-H members and families gathered for a morning of food, fun and fellowship during the 1st annual Fall Fun with 4-H event. The day began with a hearty breakfast featuring pancakes, sausage, muffins and fresh fruit, setting the stage for a day full of energy and excitement.

Participants enjoyed a variety of hands-on games, creative activities, and even a meaningful community service project. The excitement continued with rounds of high-stakes Bingo that kept everyone smiling and engaged.

The Union County Family and Community Education (FCE) Club invites the public to attend its November meeting on Thursday, November 21, at 10 a.m. at the Extension Office.

This month’s meeting will serve as the group’s annual Thanksgiving gathering, featuring a menu of soups and sandwiches. Members and guests are encouraged to bring a soup, sandwich, dessert or drink to share as everyone enjoys a time of food and fellowship.

Horace Maynard Middle School’s Red Ribbon Week is an annual campaign dedicated to promoting drug prevention and a healthy, drug-free lifestyle. The week included a highly successful and well-attended Family Night, designed to connect students and families with crucial community resources and provide a night of fun and engagement.