By Steve Roark
Volunteer, Cumberland Gap National Historical Park
Since childhood I have always enjoyed Christmas carols, preferably AFTER Thanksgiving, and especially the old ones. Some go back to the 1600s, and sometimes have some obscure language that may not make sense in our present era. So, I thought it interesting to check a few out.
Union County Business & Professional Association named Martin Shafer and Donna Riddle as Man and Woman of 2022 at its Annual Banquet on November 12 at Maynardville Fellowship Church Fellowship Hall. The dinner was catered by Pete’s Place with coffee provided by Ridge and Valley Coffee House. Brenda Sweet greeted guests and collected tickets, and Rev. Matt Cooke delivered the invocation.
Archie Reynolds addressed the November meeting of the Union County Historical Society (UCHS). He spoke of the traditions of Native Americans. He explained how warrior societies were formed to carry on the culture and sacred beliefs of indigenous people.
Maynardville, TN, November, 2022 — Union County churches, groups and individuals want children in need around the world to receive a gift this Christmas season and to experience the love and hope that can only be found in Jesus Christ.
People from our area partnered with the Samaritan’s Purse project, Operation Christmas Child, to make a difference in the lives of children affected by war, disease, disaster, poverty and famine.
The Union County Lions Club annual pecan sale is now underway. You can purchase one pound packages of pecans for $10 at Commercial Bank and First Century Bank (Maynardville branches only) during their normal business hours. Regular pecans are available in half pieces. Pecans covered with white or amaretto chocolate and chocolate dipped peanuts are available while they last.
For additional information contact Ronnie Mincey (865-278-6430).
It’s time for Christmas lights, so you know what that means: “Light It Up” is back! UT Extension has partnered with the Chamber of Commerce again to host the annual Light It Up contest for the county.
On Monday, November 28th, a group of hardworking students at Union County High School received special recognition for going above and beyond the school standards. These youngsters were surprised to find their names emblazed on a plaque from Ace Hardware when they were called into the business technology classroom during lunch.
The Union County Board of Education will have a new sound system that will include individual microphones that can be controlled by the member and a central location such as the chairperson. The board's action at its November meeting addresses concerns from board members and parents who had difficulty hearing the discussion at the meetings. Chip Brown offered the board several options but recommended the local vendor known as Avco because of the high quality at less expense.
The Union County Commission faced several agenda items concerning pay issues at its November meeting. The first item to be resolved involved confusion regarding a motion in the minutes of the October 24 meeting to distribute bonus pay to essential workers with funds from the Capital Projects Budget. The commission was unaware of a law that passed in 2016 that reduced the majority vote requirement if a member had a statutory conflict.
Union County Business & Professional Association enjoyed quiche, coffee, and sweet treats during a morning Meet 'n Mingle on December 7, 2022. The event was held at Emily Cooke's Buttercup Bakehouse. Members chatted and visited to the smell of fresh baked cinnamon rolls. Shannon Brooks of First Bank organized the event with incoming president Tammie Hill of Realty Executives. UCBPA meets monthly on the second Tuesday at noon at Li'l Jo's in Maynardville.