Good Deeds In The Tennessee Smoky Mountains
Christmas is a terrific time to recognise others for their giving hearts. Today we recognise the Collier Restaurant Group’s Pigeon Forge Golden Corral and the American Eagle Foundation, in Pigeon Forge Tennessee.
The Pigeon Forge Golden Corral set out to raise $10,000 for the Disabled American Veterans, in doing so they served FREE meals to 334 veterans. Guests were asked to contribute change from purchased meals, a whopping total of $16,116.89 tells me many great Samaritans dug deeper into their pockets. Thank you all for your kind hearted gifts of love and for the great job done by the Collier Restaurant Group staff throughout Sevier County.
The American Eagle Foundation, Pigeon Forge TN, recently took on another carelessly wounded bald eagle. The eagle was brought from Cumberland County, where it had been shot, resulting in multiple wounds. Dedication of the foundation’s staff has given the young eagle a much better chance than was originally predicted by veterinarians from the University of Tennessee.
The eagle shares a special flight cage with two other bald eagles that had been recently injured. We know no luck plays in the hand of returning this beautiful bird to freedom. It is by the grace of God and dedication of American Eagle Foundation staff, that this eagle will receive a second chance if it is to receive any.
We thank the non-profit American Eagle Foundation staff for the countless efforts they make to restore these majestic birds back to nature. Once again you have answered the call to aide when resources are so limited.
Do you know of an individual or group that should be recognized in the Sevier County Tennessee Smoky Mountains area? If so, leave a comment or story that can be posted here.
Smoky Mountains National Park Road Closing
Clingmans Dome Road will close this next Tueday for the winter season. However when the road opens there will be many new and exciting changes.
The road and parking lot will undergo improvements. Just as importantly, the 60 year old toilet systems will be replaced with vault toilets on December 2nd. The new toilets will be installed at the west end of the parking area and will accommodate all visitors including those with disabilities.
The existing comfort station facilities will be reused as a seasonal visitor contact station and Great Smoky Mountains Association sales outlet (April - November). The facility will permit visitors to receive training on key park issues such as air quality and forest health. Product sales will support training with books and other educational materials.
Michael Jackson Mercedes Gatlinburg Tennessee
Michael Jackson’s 1985 500 SEL Mercedes was recently sold at auction for about $105,000. The Mercedes was purchased by Hollywood Star Cars Museum co-owner Charley Moore. Mr. Moore hopes to have the car on display by Wednesday, for Thanksgiving visitors to the Smoky Mountains Hollywood Star Cars Museum.
The price for the 24 year old car was high, but with proof that Michael Jackson owned and had driven the Mercedes the deal was a bargain.
Gatlinburg Parade fans may actually get to see the Mercedes in this year’s parade. Keep an eye out and congrats on Hollywood Star Car’s winning bid.
Gatlinburg And Tennessee Smoky Mountain News
Gatlinburg Parade - December 4th, 7:30pm is the start of the Gatlinburg Parade. A major annual event, visitors to the Smoky Mountains are sure to enjoy the memorable thrills of the various parade activities. Cabin Fever Vacations is honored to have a float in the parade this year. Many local businesses and performance groups will travel the route from traffic light 1A on Highway 321 to light #10 downtown Gatlinburg. Be sure to dress warm and have a great family Winterfest in the Great Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee.
Gatlinburg TN- Gatlinburg city officials are considering forward movement of Undergrounding Phase VI. Surveys and studies seem to show that efforts to remove unsightly electrical, phone and data cables wires to underground have proved effective in the appearance of Gatlinburg. Visitors seem to appreciate the more open views and seemingly reduce clutter of high pedestrian walkways.
The Nutcracker Sweet - Great Smoky Mountain Dance Theatre and the City of Gatlinburg will host a presentation of The Nutcracker Sweet November 27th and 28th at 7pm. at the WL Mills Auditorium, downtown Gatlinburg. For more info call 865-453-9702.
Gatlinburg City Hall held a public meeting for the proposed 15.6 mile , 12 segment, Gatlinburg Greenways Master Plan. Efforts are underway to seek interest and support for 12 segmented stretches of property that would form Greenways, multipurpose trails, throughout the Gatlinburg area.
Seems promoters of the idea are quick to share the Greenways would service hikers, while skateboarders and skaters would not be allowed. Considering most visitors to Gatlinburg bring families with children and there is little room for bikes in the trunk. What is your opinion as to if provisions were made to allow skateboards and skates? Please post opinions and refer back for updates as this story develops. Constructive comments, pro or con, will be posted.
Pigeon Forge - Dollywood’s Splash Country Waterpark won the Must-See Waterpark Award at the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions Expo in Las Vegas.
Gatlinburg Tennessee Host To Harley Bike Rally?
Annual Harley Biker Rally - Smoky Mountain Harley Davidson & Buell representatives met with Gatlinburg City Commisioners to discuss an annual bike rally downtown Gatlinburg in the month of May, prior to Labor Day. The event would bring an estimated 6,000 to the city with over $2.6million in revenue in its first year. The proposal was out of respect for the city of Gatlinburg. Requests were that one lane of traffic to be closed for motorcycle parking during the event and closure of Airport Rd one night for a proposed event-ending-outdoor concert.
Forks Of The River Cemetery Walk
Go back in Sevier County History, Civil War and More
Passing the Forks Of The River Cemetery almost daily, I have over time wondered about the few stones that lie beneath the flags. There seemed so few stones that I thought it to be a private family cemetery. It appears by “The Mountain Press” article that there is at least 200 souls that came to rest in that small cemetery by the river.
Saturday, Nov 14th from 1pm-2pm, a FREE Forks of the Little Pigeon River Cemetery Walk. Sponsored by the Spencer Clack Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), the event will portray some of the known inhabitants of the cemetery.
Many of the stones are weathered and much is lost from their surface. The diligent efforts of family members, DAR and the Sevier County Public Library Genealogy have made it possible for visitors to learn things about some of the Sevier County’s early settlers and George McMahan, a black Civil War veteran having served in the First United States Colored Troops Artillery unit. The program will begin with the playing of bagpipes and end with a rendition of Taps. Parking is limited, however the very close Mountain National Bank has been kind enough to open their parking lot.
Cutest Dog Competition Miss Ellie
Miss Ellie performed at the Comedy Barn, Pigeon Forge Tennessee. - The Comedy Barn, well known for utilizing animals from the local Sevier County Humane Society to perform in their live performances, invited local businesses and Sevier County locals to see Miss Ellie and others in action.
A tribute to Miss Ellie’s current success in having made the Top 5 in the “Cutest Dog Competition” and a Thank You to Sevier County. They wished thanks to all those having taken the time to vote for Miss Ellie, the many supporting contributions to her campaign as well the Sevier County Humane Society efforts.
Miss Ellie made it as the Top 5th selection with the support of her community. Having witnessed the extensive efforts made by so many throughout Sevier county, it comes to prove why this is one of the greatest places to live in Tennessee. Sevier County ralleyed around a great cause. They can hold their heads high for having united to the cause of Miss Ellie and others like her.
Veteran Returns A Thank You
Thank You Rylee Jo Maples And Many Others!
As a military veteran I am often touched when attending numerous local shows year after year in the local Pigeon Forge Smoky Mountains area. Sometimes I find myself wiping tears of gratitude and remembrance. The fact these shows take the time to recognize the sacrifices made by the country’s military never grows old.
One of the lucky ones, after a 20.5 year career, I returned home. Some of my shipmates, fellow Marines and Army faired not as well. Even when not faced with gunfire or other seemingly insurmountable circumstances, the military is a hard life that not all are cut out for. Separation is hard, missing major family altering events, spending extreme hours under extreme pressure are only a few items each military member faces daily. We ask not for pity or re-ward, but it makes us feel better when others recognize the sacrifices we choose to bear. We took an oath to God and Country, despite our likes or dislikes of particular policies and leaders, we held true to our oath! We believe in our country and the need to defend the freedoms given by our forefathers.
Rylee Jo Maples, age 11 of Maryville Tennessee, took the time to recognize her grandfather, a Vietnam Vet, as well as ALL other military. Her little letter made it into the local paper, ”The Mountain Press.” Needless to say this small act of gratitude touched my heart, the memories of many years spent serving beside some of the greatest Americans, and how important it is just to hear a kind ”Thank You” especially from one so young. Rylee Jo Maples, thank you for having touched me this Veterans Day!
USN(Ret) ITC Charles Rhodes
Veterans Recognized With FREE Meals
Tennessee Smoky Mountain Veterans Recognized By Local Restaurants
Honoring military veterans on Veterans Day has been made special by the Johnson family owned restaurants. The Smoky Mountains area family owned restaurants Alamo Steakhouse , Bennett’s BBQ , Mama’s Farmhouse will provide a FREE meal for Active Duty Military and Veterans. Military Family Members also enjoy a 20% discount, November 11th! Call (865) 429-0082 if you have questions.
Smoky Mountains area Golden Corral’s will offer Veterans and Active Military a FREE meal. This is a annual Veteran’s Day event. The offer is valid from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. November 16th, Monday.
First time seeing Applebees participating for Military Veteran in http://www.applebees.com/vetsday/
Limited Construction Traffic Closed Section of Foothills Parkway
Great Smoky Mountains National Park managers are advising recreational users of the 9-mile unopened portion of the Foothills Parkway east of Walland,Tenn. to watch out for vehicles from November 12 through December 22. The section is popular with hikers, cyclists and horseback riders who have had the unopened gravel road to themselves. During the next six weeks these users can expect to encounter construction vehicles each Monday through Friday while a Park contractor does some core drilling at the far eastern end of the roadway.
