Shortleaf pine (Pinus echinata) is my favorite of the pines. It is a beautiful tree to behold with its long straight trunk of map-patterned bark. It and Virginia pine are the most common pines found in our area, and can be found in almost any woodland hike. They are easy to tell apart just by looking at the trunk. Shortleaf usually has few limbs, whereas Virginia is very limby and often has dead stubs sticking out. Also, Virginia tends to hang on to its old pine cones, so they will appear numerous in the tree. Another commonly used name for shortleaf is yellow pine.

The Union County Lions Club annual pecan sale is now underway. You can purchase one pound packages of pecans for $10 per pound 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).

By Helina Bailey
I am a coffee lover. My morning routine includes a large cup of iced coffee. If I am being honest, it’s more like two or three cups, with a few more in the afternoon. I’m not fancy with my cup o’ Joe. I’ll drink it black in a pinch, but I prefer it iced with a bit of milk. Every once in a while, I will give in to a craving for a decadent frappuccino, when I’m missing the Northwest.

Did cold season glide in on an Autumn breeze this year? It feels as though sickness is in the air, with coughs, sneezes, and the stomach flu finding their way into all of our homes. Many counties in East Tennesse have recently closed due to the high number of students and faculty falling ill. Union County opted to have virtual education this month, but many are still sick, with neighboring counties closing their doors before the holiday.

November 8, 2022, was Election Day, but for Sonja Saylor it was her Graduation Day for East Tennessee Regional Leadership Association. Graduation was held at Hunter Valley Farm in Knoxville, and Ms. Saylor was one of the key planners of the event. She worked with representatives from Knox County and Cocke County to acquire the speaker, design and send the invitations, set the program, and organize a silent auction.

Union County FCE members attended the 40th Annual Tennessee Association for Family and Community Education (TAFCE) Conference held November 13-16, 2022, at the Franklin Cool Springs Marriott. Their theme ‘Saddle Up with FCE’ was played to the hilt with decorations, hospitality room spreads, games, line dancing, and seated line dancing!

FCE members are recognized state wide for the certified volunteer hours they donate, their participation in the cultural arts contest, fashion revue, and creative writing.

Q: Are chiropractors allowed to practice in hospitals or use medical outpatient facilities?

A: Chiropractors are being recognized to admit and treat patients in hospitals and to use outpatient clinical facilities (such as labs, x-rays, etc.) for their non hospitalized patients. Hospital privileges were first granted in 1983.

Q: Do insurance plans cover chiropractic?

When I first saw the two rocks, I thought “Ah man. This is not going to be good for me.” Did you think I was climbing? Nope. I was playing miniature golf in Ormond Beach.
It’s a tradition. Every time we visit our relatives in Florida, we play putt putt at Pirate’s Cove. Believe it or not, I am not that secure in my ability to play miniature golf. It’s not like playing softball. When I walk out onto a ballfield, I am confident on how I will play the game, but when it comes to putt putt or bowling, I just ever know.

Was your Thanksgiving dinner when you were a youngster different than what you celebrate now? Mine was. Mother and Dad are gone as are my two brothers. Back in the day that was it, just the five of us. We seldom had company during the dark days of the Great Depression. It was just the five of us and Banjo, our supposed Beagle.

Do you remember when Bisquick came out with several "impossible pie" recipes? They are super easy to do. However, I had forgotten about them until I was going through my recipe file a while back. I found this one. It's easy . I hope you'll try it.