“Eggs”tordinary

At the time I am writing this article, it is the Tuesday afternoon of Easter Week. For Christians worldwide, Easter is the epitome of the Gospel story, as the resurrection of Christ from the dead makes it possible to inherit eternal life in Heaven.

Tuna delight ball

Tuna is one of those "go-to" foods when you don't know what to fix for company. We usually have a tin of tuna on the pantry shelf. You probably do, too. The mashed potatoes makes it go further and softens the tuna flavor.

What is a Creek?

By Steve Roark
Volunteer, Cumberland Gap National Historical Park

I like looking over topographic maps, and I got to pondering all the different forms of water flow that show on a map. We have rivers, creeks, streams (also called brooks), and springs. I found myself asking what makes a creek a creek and a river a river? I assumed there was some size classification set up so that if a body of flowing water was so many feet wide it was a river. Research revealed that a creek is a vague concept.

4-H Gives Back in a Big Way!

On March 14, 2022 Union County Smoky Mountain home school 4-H group, lead by Bill and Debbie Morgan. Gathered at the Tindell's house to have a community service workday. Our goal was to serve Ronald McDonald House in Knoxville, elderly shut ins and the Union County children's services department. There were 34 of us present including 4-H'ers , parents and extension agent Alyshia Victoria.

Tai Chi is Here

Tai chi is a Chinese martial art practiced worldwide for health benefits, defense training, and meditation. It has been observed for centuries and is one of the oldest and best-known techniques that characterizes contrasting and complimentary movements.

If you’ve ever wondered if this form of exercise is a good fit for you, you can still explore that option. Thanks to UT Extension and Family and Consumer Sciences/4-H Extension Agent Alyshia Victoria, the method of Tai chi is being taught in Union County.

Spinning My Wheels

If I had to describe my outlook on life, I would reply: “Always move forward.”
Did you instantly think of how I constantly move around because can’t stand to sit still? Can’t blame you there, but I am referring to life in general. A good example of this recently happened as I was driving to work one morning.

Howdy, Cousin!

I attended the Union County Opry this past Saturday evening. I was not there to enjoy the music, but to sell concessions for the Union County Lions Club with my nephew Joe. There was a gentleman there who once dated a member of our family. In the course of conversation, Joe asked this fellow who he married. He told his wife’s name, a name that was unfamiliar to both Joe and me. Joe said, “So you didn’t marry a Union County girl, huh?” The man replied that he was afraid to, as he might unknowingly be marrying his cousin.

Serviceberry

By: Steve Roark
Volunteer, Cumberland Gap National Historical Park

You may not be familiar with Serviceberry (Amelanchier arborea), but I know you’ve seen it. It’s the earliest native tree to bloom in the woods (late March to early April) and is very striking on a hillside forest still barren and brown from winter. There is another unfortunate early blooming white flower produced by Bradford pears that are being spread by birds and is a bad invasive plant that competes with native trees.