This spring UT Extension challenged our elementary school 4-H clubs to “Walk Across TN.” Each class received a state map, logbook, and pedometers to track their progress. By wearing pedometers to track steps during the day, students got to see how active they are compared to their peers. They encouraged each other to participate in healthy movement throughout the day in a shared goal of making it across the state. By logging steps taken, students learned about record keeping and used important math skills.

Different stretches have different functions. Some focus on a particular muscle or muscle group or limb and improve movement. Others, sometimes referred to as ‘active’ stretches, are intended to increase strength. These three exercises are designed to do both with your back:

The bridge: Lie on your back with your knees pointing up and your feet flat on the floor. Tighten your buttocks and stomach muscles and slowly raise your hips. Hold for a count of ten, and lower your hips. Do 10 repetitions at least once, up to 3 times per day.

Not many people know this but, I absolutely love to watch fire burning in the fireplace or at a bon fire. In fact, I have told Tim I would like to have a fire pit in the back yard. Considering what happened to me as a child, it is surprising that I enjoy watching fires.

A former teacher of mine recently gave me several books. One of them was titled The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom. I believe this is the second time I have read the book, but if so the first was so long ago that I remembered none of the plot.

This recipe is so easy. There is no time wasted preparing meatballs. Start this recipe early in the day before your company comes. You have enough to do. By the way, if you have grape jelly and canned apple juice, you can turn to around and use 1 cup grape jelly and 1 cup apple juice. Who says we can't be adaptable.

Thunderstorms are common during the hot afternoons of summer, and some folks (like me) are invigorated by all the wind, flashes of light, and noise... a sort of natural fireworks show.

As Cadie Chapell approached the front of the room, she was unsure of how her speech would go. Little did she know it would be her first of many.
Chapell, at the time a small, petite, 4th grader talked to her class about a family ski trip never imagining that those small steps would one day lead to her speaking in front of her graduating class and guests at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville.

Join us this Saturday, May 28, as the Union County Farmers Market kicks off our Nourish Kids program. This will be the third season that the market has partnered with Nourish Knoxville to present this program. Through a grant, Nourish Knoxville has been able to assist markets like ours throughout East Tennessee, providing materials and Produce Bucks making this program possible.

Interested in historic homes? Historic downtown Maynardville? East Tennessee history? Have you ever done a double-take and wondered what is that old building, what stories can it tell? If so, join us for a walk through history.

Improper planting depth is one of the most common challenges impacting the growth and health of urban trees. Trees planted incorrectly are not only subjected to the physical stresses of improper placement, they’re also more susceptible to insect pests and fungal pathogens. These issues, combined with the already stressful urban environment, may lead to the untimely decline of trees that would otherwise prosper if planted correctly.