“Oh Lord!” That’s what I think when I’m out in public and I hear somebody call me by my full first name. You surprised? Brooke is a shortened version of my name, which I don’t like at all. I’ve tried to make peace with it for most of my life to no avail. I think that is one of the reasons names and even nicknames fascinate me. Seriously, I love hearing the stories of how people have not only their names, but also their nicknames.

Food pantries in Union County this week:

***TUESDAY October 20th
Fresh Wagon distribution starts between 12 and 1pm (whenever truck arrives and they get it sorted)
Big Ridge Elementary school
3420 Hickory Valley Rd.
Line up at the lower parking area, away from the front doors.

***TUESDAY October 20th
Beneath the Cross Mission Center
Free clothes closet
2pm - 5pm
3244 Hwy 61 E. Luttrell
2nd & 4th Tuesday, unless posted otherwise.

Wilson Park 12:00 – 4:00 November 7, 2026

The American Legion Post 212 invites you to celebrate the more than 1,200 Union County Veterans and all Veterans on Saturday, November 7, from noon to 4:00.

This is a FREE event for all Veterans, their families, friends, neighbors, and anyone else who appreciates the work and sacrifices these men and women have made for us and our country. We honor and thank our Veterans!

November 7, 2026 Wilson Park Maynardville

Calling all motorcycle riders! Join the American Legion Post 212 for this annual ride to the Veterans Overlook at Clinch Mountain, a scenic roadside memorial and viewpoint in Grainger County.

While I was growing up, I often heard the expression: “That went crossways.” Have you ever heard it? In my family, it meant that not only did something not work the way it should have, but also there was no going forward or backwards. Tim and I recently experienced this.

UNION COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION
WORKSHOP
Union County High School
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2026
6:00 p.m.

After a hearty breakfast, NJROTC Mia Tamayo opened the meeting by leading the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Adjutant Norman Gillen recognized the different branches of service attending and, as a Navy man, reminded everyone that October 13 marked the 251st anniversary of the US Navy's founding. They then observed a moment of silence to remember the fallen soldiers of all services.

Fear can be an icy grip that often paralyzes people. We’ve all seen or known someone who missed an incredible opportunity because they froze in fear. For example, a student who studied hard might know the answers but never advance because of apprehension. Similarly, a man might miss out on a promotion at work because his fear of failure prevents him from applying. Fear doesn’t just whisper worst-case scenarios; it shouts about possibilities, robbing us of what could have been.

By Steve Roark
Volunteer Cumberland Gap National Historical Park

The late summer/early fall season puts on a good flower show in our area, especially asters, those daisy-and sunflower-like species that come in a variety of colors, yellow being most prominent. One species that is not only pretty to see but can also be enjoyed as a seldom used vegetable is Jerusalem Artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus).