The story behind the opening of trade relations between the United States and Japan is an intriguing one. For context, Japan during the Tokugawa period (1603-1868) had limited to no interactions with the West. At the beginning of the Tokugawa period, Japan traded with European countries such as Spain, Portugal, and England, but due to concerns about religious influence, particularly Christian influence, trade with these countries was cut off. The Japanese would deal only with the Dutch, and even that was restricted to ports in Nagasaki.

Are you in need of prescription eyeglasses but cannot afford them? Do you have eyeglasses that you have taped back together again because they are broken, and you are trying to make do? Did you lose your glasses and are struggling to see? Or do you have a prescription but not the funds to purchase glasses? Well, the Union County Lions Club has you covered - fill out an application and give it to one of your friendly neighborhood Lions Club members!

County Commission completed the purchase of the Hubbs property lower parcel at the October meeting. The core borings on the lower 10-acre parcel of the Hubbs property showed no issues. No sonar services were needed. With the upper tract of 10 acres at a cost of $300K plus 2 acres donated for a drug rehabilitation facility and the lower 10 acres for $250K, the total property would be 22 acres at a cost of $550K. The new jail and rehab center would be on the upper parcel with no immediate plans for the lower parcel.

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.