Under the tree 2022

Chief Elf Brooke Simpson and Gina Buckner putting a tree up at Food City. Photo from 2018.

The non-pro t 501 C 3, Children’s Charity of Union County is underway again with our annual “Under The Tree” Toy Drive. This charity provides toys to Union County children only, ages 0-12 years and low income. Applications were sent to Union County Public Schools and returned with the children’s wishes.

Earthquake

It’s so much fun having relatives in Ormond, Florida. Not only do we get to spend time with them, but we also try to take in the various local adventures as well.
On our last trip, we arrived in Florida on a Monday evening. As we were in the lobby waiting to check in, we saw an announcement on the TV about a launch at Cape Canaveral on Wednesday. I saw the look of dread cross Tim’s face. I chuckled and said, “Don’t worry. I have no intentions of us going to the launch.” Believe it or not, I even forget about it.

Knob and tube electrical wiring

It you are much younger that my almost 95 years, you probably have never heard of knob and tube wiring. It was the early form of house wiring. Everything electrical back then was new. The easiest way to wire a house was surface wiring. There probably was only a ceiling fixture in a room.

Baked chili and crackers

Need to fix supper in a hurry? Try this recipe. Supper in half an hour.
Butter a 10 by 7 inch baking pan. Spoon a third of canned chili into bottom of dish. Arrange half of round crackers over chili. Sprinkle half of shredded cheese and seasonings over chili. Repeat layers. Top with remaining chili. Bake in preheated 400 F. oen for 20 minutes or until hot and bubbly.

Acorns: Food on the Wild Side

Those under the age of 50 probably don’t remember Euell Gibbons, a promoter of eating food gathered from the wild. He wrote a book that still sells well called Stalking the Wild Asparagus, and made commercials for Grape Nuts cereal with the famous line: “Ever eat a pine tree?” Anyway, I took down his book again and enjoyed rereading his passion for wild things. I’ve tried several of Euell’s recipes, including acorn bread.

Calling All Home Chefs and Bakers

Chef Leanah Nau tests out the grill for breakfast burritos.
Photo Credit: Helina Bailey

Fall is here and its finally time for the hearty autumn dishes we all love. We’ve waited all year long, unable to use our ovens for fear of heating up our homes during the blazing summer. As it cools down, even with the surprise hot days here and there, many of us are geared up to cook our hearts out. With Thanksgiving around the corner, I’ve certainly got pumpkin pie and roasted turkey on my mind.

No Tricks, Just Treats on Halloween

Trick or Treaters line up at Maynardville’s Trunk or Treat. Photo Credit: Helina Bailey

Trunk or Treat this Halloween was a hit! If you missed it, you might catch it next year. The unprecedented turnout has the Chamber of Commerce wanting to make this event an annual treat for Union County, but the feasibility of this depends on volunteers and donations. All the candy handed out was donated and the “trunks” were set up by local businesses.

Researchers find new clues in the brain linking pain and food

It has long been known that there is an association between food and pain, as people with chronic pain often struggle with their weight. Researchers at the Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience may have found an explanation in a new study that suggests that circuitry in the brain responsible for motivation and pleasure is impacted when someone experiences pain. “These findings may reveal new physiological mechanisms linking chronic pain to a change in someone’s eating behavior,” said Paul Geha, M.D., lead author on the study published in PLOS ONE.

No Fun

When I was a girl, I absolutely loved to rough-house with my uncle, who was a few years older than me. We had so much fun until Mamaw Jo fussed at us to stop because we were “getting on her last nerves.” To be honest, I felt bad for my Mamaw Jo. She had no idea the fun she was missing out on. Ironically, years later, I was the one trying to stop the fun.

PHONE SURVEY

Back a long time ago when I was much younger, I participated in a United Way phone survey. We had high hopes that the survey would yield good results. It helps to know where the emphasis should be for the most effective use of donated funds. A phone survey would be a good tool.
I was an active participant in the local United Way, working on the Speakers Bureau, for instance. When someone suggested a Phone Survey. I volunteered to head the project. That meant finding people to do the survey as well as formulate questions to be asked.

Hawaiian carrots

Carrots and pineapple go good together. What would we do without pineapple? It certainly gets along well with carrots. Try this recipe when you are looking for a change. It is good.

Deer Survival Tactics

I’ve written several articles about our native white tail deer, and every time I do my research I get inundated with information. White tail deer is the most popular game animal in eastern U.S., and there’s been a lot written about it.

Healing Hearts Sober Living provides fresh start for women in Union County

By Helina Bailey
Most of us are familiar with halfway homes. Unfortunately, that’s because many of us have been touched by addiction in some way, shape, or form.
We have lost a loved one to addiction, have a friend who has lost a loved one, or have watched it impact our community. In many instances, addiction is much closer to us than we would like to acknowledge.

BOE gets an overview of new middle school, maintenance ongoing

The Union County Board of Education heard about the preliminary plan for the new middle school. Board member David Coppock was absent.

At the October meeting, the Union County Board of Education got a glimpse of the preliminary development of the new middle school. The Lewis Group, architects for the project, shared a preliminary plan for the property plat and a block drawing for the building. The school will be on John Deere Drive on property located behind the present Goodwill business.

Highlights of September and October commission meetings

County Mayor Jason Bailey reports on the ARPA grant allocation to commission.

Historic Union County went to press before the Union County commission meeting in September. Since the August meeting had no quorum, the business covered two agendas.
County Mayor Jason Bailey was elected chairman and Sidney Jessee Jr. from Luttrell District 2 was elected vice chairman. The mayor appointed new committees and reported that several grants were ready to have contracts signed.

Catching up with Buttercup Bake House

Emily Cooke poses outside of her shop, Buttercup Bakehouse. Photo by Buttercup Bakehouse

Have you stopped in for a sweet treat at Buttercup Bakehouse since their grand opening this summer? If you have not had the opportunity to satisfy your sweet tooth yet, there is no time like the present! Run by the young entrepreneur, Emily Cooke, a local gal and baker from humble beginnings, Buttercup Bakehouse is one of those businesses that you just want to support.

Faye Hardin's 'Thunder Road' receives Best Heritage in festival art show

Best Heritage Award in the 2022 Union county Heritage Festival Art Show is Faye Hardin's Thunder Road.

Not only is Union County known for its country music legends, but also for having a stretch of the famous Thunder Road. Thunder Road was definitely on Faye Hardin's mind when she created the painting that won Best Heritage in the 2022 Union County Heritage Festival Art Show. This was Faye's second year to receive the Best Heritage Award.

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