Big Ridge State Park Ranger Hannah Pascall informed the UC Historical Society about the restoration projects at the park during the November meeting. Ranger Pascall explained that Big Ridge was set up as a demonstration park in 1939 with the buildings and stone works built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). The historical park will have three major renovation projects from 2024 through 2030 including the gatehouse, the cabins and the beach house.

In the Culinary Arts 2 class, I asked Peyton why she took this course. She really likes to cook and enjoys learning different cooking techniques, like sautéing or braising. Previously, she mostly baked and loved that, but now finds cooking to be more interesting and challenging. Using different knives for different cuts was a whole new concept for her.

Longtime Union Countian Jessica Montoya has achieved a remarkable milestone, becoming the 41st person in the United States to be admitted into the Academy of Veterinary Surgical Technicians as a Veterinary Technician Specialist in Surgery. With fewer than 50 veterinary surgical nursing specialists nationwide, University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine (UTCVM) is proud to have two of these esteemed professionals on its team.

Back in about 1986, Big Ridge Homemaker member Fontella Suffridge worked at the Big Ridge State Park. The park was going to start a new bluegrass festival the third Friday in August. She volunteered the Big Ridge Homemakers to provide the concessions. This was a huge undertaking and required all members to participate.

sold grilled hot dogs and hamburgers. Each member brought various baked goods that were the highlight every year. Husbands and family members helped out by cooking at the hot grills. This taught us all how to appreciate the work done at a fast food restaurant.

May your dressing be tasty
May your turkey be plump.
May your potatoes and gravy
Have not even one lump.
My your salads be ...

You don’t have to be a world-class — or even weekend — athlete to develop aches and pains. Just try being a parent! Starting with a child’s infancy, it’s bending over to change diapers, lifting them into car seats, strollers and high chairs, getting down and playing on the floor, piggyback rides and at the end of the day picking up toys. Throw in lugging groceries, cooking dinner, making beds and talking on the phone, maybe with a baby on your hip, and it can equal back pain.

Nobody likes to be ignored or brushed aside. When I was a kid, I found out the hard way what a struggle that can be.

It started when my parents went on a day trip on a Saturday. I was 11 years old at the time and I didn’t want to go. A couple who was our friends offered to take me to the American Museum of Science and Energy in Oak Ridge while my parents were away. I was excited since I had seen the commercials on TV. Plus, I wanted to see peoples’ hair stand out when they touched the electric ball.

My paternal grandparents, J. L. and Mary Katherine Nicely Mincey, were blessed with six children. Four of them lived to adulthood. Their son Fred was kicked to death by a mule when he was almost eight years old. Their daughter Faustine died when she was almost three and a half years old. No one seems to know for sure why, though she is said to have been a sickly child from birth.

The Mark Monroe corn crib on the grounds of the Union County Museum sports a new roof, thanks to Dan Wyrick and the employees of Wyrick Roofing on Highway 33, who donated their labor to preserve a Union County historical landmark. Billy Myers contributed new lumber to make sure there were no leaks. Judson Palmer and Dennis Johnson, both members of the Union County Historical Society, assumed the responsibility of providing the cedar shakes and materials so the Wyricks could use their skill.

There are usually a few slices of turkey breast left over from the big dinner. Of course, there are other pieces, but they are smaller. It is a shame to cut up those nice slabs of white meat. Here is a recipe that will do them justice.