By Steve Roark
Volunteer Interpreter, Cumberland Gap National Historical Park
Tree leaves are most appreciated when they go through their fall color blitz that we enjoy every year. But they should also be appreciated for all they do throughout the year, including creating food and fiber through the miracle of photosynthesis, and through their death their provision of a raw materials needed for next year’s growth of new leaves. Going from dead leaves to nutrients that can be taken up by a tree requires an amazing recycling system.

Nestled in the historic community of Paint Rock, Tennessee, alongside Kingston Tennessee, exists a wonderland fit for royalty known as Whitestone Country Inn.
You don’t have to trek through a rabbit hole to get there, but with all the choices of what to see and do, you may think you have; especially after you catch sight of a friendly white rabbit.
The room choices boast breathtaking views of the lake, pond, meadows, and sometimes, all of those. With so many options for exploring the property, you won’t want to spend the day inside.

Whether your memories of Thanksgiving involve a happy group of family and friends gathered around a table overflowing with food, an afternoon spent snacking while watching your favorite football team, volunteering at a homeless shelter, or something entirely different, HUC wants to hear from you.

The Smoky Mountain Homeschool 4-H Club met at Big Ridge State Park on Tuesday, October 24th. The club started the meeting off with Mr. Bill Morgan giving a demonstration on how to build a bluebird house, how to maintain it, and why bluebirds are beneficial to our environment.

There is still a lack of high-certainty evidence on the effectiveness and safety of commonly used painkillers (analgesics) for short bouts of low back pain, finds an analysis of the evidence published by The BMJ.

If you know my daughter Sara, then you know how much she loves to fish. I can see why since she grew up fishing with her daddy. As for me, I went along on a fishing trip when I was kid. I thought it was going to be a fun adventure. Boy was I wrong.

I came today in my archives across a pamphlet of great historical interest to me. Mr. Clifford Stiner, prominent Union County resident, was the author. The pamphlet reveals Mr. Stiner’s occupations/hobbies/interests as historian, pilot, politician, newspaper editor, and author.

Here is a different coconut bar cookie. You should have all the ingredients in your pantry and fridge. Substitute pecans for the walnuts, if desired. Mix all together until well blended. Press in bottom of lightly greased 9 by 13 inch baking pan. Beat eggs until light with mixer, Add sugars, salt and vanilla.. beat well. Add nuts and coconut. Spread over first mixture in pan. Bake at 350 F. for 15 minutes or until just set. Don't overbake. Cut in bars or small squares while still warm. Makes 3 dozen.

Halloween is almost here.
The frost is on the pumpkin.
Add apple pie and pecan, too.
Do your apple dunking.

By Steve Roark
Volunteer, Cumberland Gap National Historical Park

Socially, male and female white-tailed deer live separate lives except for a brief mating period in the fall. Bucks tend to hang in small groups amongst themselves, and does hang out with other females, along with their yearlings and fawns.