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/
Tennessee Smoky Mountains Area News
Duggar Family Pigeon Forge Tennessee- The Duggar family, form TLC’s 18 Kids and Counting, flipped the switch for the cermonial lighting of the Pigeon Forge Winterfest lights. They will be attending the ever popular “Cowboy Church” ,at Country Tonite Theater, this Sunday.
If you can’t make it to Country Tonite’s “Cowboy Church,” look up their live broadcast http://smokymountaincowboychurch.com/ or on satellite radio.
Kodak Tennessee - Kodak Library will host two free teen movies. The movie “Smoke Signals” will show Nov. 7th, this Saturday, 2p.m. while Walt Disney’s “Pocahontas” will show Nov 21st at 2p.m. . Interesting is, ”Smoke Signals” was the first film written, directed, and acted completely by American Indians.
Dolly Parton- BBC Series On Faith. Dolly will join with Tony Blair, England’s former Prime Minister, on a BBC series that will explore the roles in which belief plays in the lives of high-profile figures. Dolly Partonwill share how she balances her flirtatious stage image with her religious faith.
Exit 407 Flea Market Get Boost - Sevierville Tennessee - Sevierville brought in more industrial growthto the area, along with this growth is the need to expand the road lanes on Dumplin Valley Rd to 12 feet each way and add 4 foot gravel shoulders on each side. This makes access to the Flea Market easier for Smoky Mountain visitors and deliveries. There was no mention of placing a light at the intersection where Dumplin Valley Rd. and Hwy 66 intersect, but I am sure that will follow shortly, if it doesn’t happen before the road widening.
Christ In The Smokies- Gatlinburg Tennessee - According to The Mountain Press, Christ In The Smokies will offer free admission during November and December. Local residents are asked to bring nonperishable food items or a near new coat for the Sevier County Food Ministries. For more information call (865)436-5155.
Gatlinburg Veterans Day Event
Gatlinburg will hold its annual Veterans Day event 11a.m. on Nov. 11 on Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies plaza.
The Veterans Day National Committee and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs have designated Gatlinburg as an official regional “Site for the observance of Veterans Day.”
The Veterans Day event will recognize attending veterans and feature a fly over by the local Air National Guard. There will also be an American bald eagle appearance, representative military and local speakers, musical tributes by 3 local high school bands, and Knoxville Pipe & Drum.
Pigeon Forge Tennessee Area News Updates
Titanic Museum has not yet sailed and already she demands a red light. As politics play out we can be assured the light will be installed soon, so travelers be ware of changing traffic patterns.
It appears Waldens Landing shopping center may get a new theater that would replace the current putt-putt golf course. Will devulge more info as it develops.
Pigeon Forge’s Dollywood Splash Country water park announced the addition of Slick Rock Racer, a multi-lane mat slide available for the 2010 season.
“Me and my brothers and sisters used to play in the creeks around home in the
Smoky Mountains, and more times than not, we`d land on a mossy covered rock that
sent us for a ride like you wouldn`t believe,” Dolly Parton said. “That`s the
same kind of unexpected thrills and adventure that I had in mind when I chose
Slick Rock Racer for families to enjoy together at Dollywood`s Splash Country.”
Slick Rock Racer spans 300 feet and features four water-drenched lanes, each
side by side. Positioned belly down on mats, each rider travels head first on a
channel which includes an initial dip to build speed. Multiple bumps along the
length of the slide allow riders to gain additional momentum which propels them
to the finish. The new attraction can accommodate approximately 600 guests an
hour. Dollywood Splash Country operates from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Gatlinburg Smoky Mountain Tennessee News
Gatlinburg Goes Green!
Gatlinburg Chamber of Commerce Foundation was proud to announce their 200th member having joined the Gatlinburg Goes Green program. Ma’s Kitchen on Glades Road proudly signed onto the program October 7th to learn energy and money saving tips through the Chamber Foundation’s educational business program.
National Park Hosts A Live Electronic Field Trip
On Tuesday, November 3, millions of students from all over the country will visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park on an Electronic Field Trip, during which they will explore one of the richest ecosystems on earth. The National Park Service, National Park Foundation, UPS Foundation, and Apple are teaming up to showcase the biodiversity of the Park for students around the country via this live broadcast. From the comfort of their classrooms, elementary and middle school students will be able to interact with National Park Rangers and local student hosts from North Carolina and Tennessee and learn about biodiversity and the wonders of the Smokies.
An interactive website, www.smokymountainseft.org, is now available for teachers and students to prepare for the electronic field trip through six learning modules with interactive games, video podcasts, and lesson plans. Schools can still register to participate in the broadcast through the website. Once schools have registered on the website, they can begin their adventure to Great Smoky Mountains National Park exploring the Park’s rich biodiversity of plants and animals. During the live broadcast, students can call in or e-mail their questions, and a bank of experts from the Park will be available to answer them. The live 60-minute program will air via satellite, cable and webcast from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. EST on Tuesday, November 3.
“The Smokies is home to more than 17,000 known species of plants and animals making it world renowned for its biological diversity,” said Park Superintendent Dale Ditmanson. “Even so, new species are continually being discovered in this mountain wonderland. We’re excited that students around the country will learn about biodiversity, what it is, why they should care about it, and what they can do to protect it both in the Smokies and in their own backyards,” continued Ditmanson. Local students in 6th through 8th grades in East Tennessee and Western North Carolina auditioned to be the student talent who will work with Park Rangers in the field during the broadcast to search for salamanders, sift through leaf litter, and turn over rocks in streams in order to showcase the biodiversity of the park for other students. The show will be based in and around the Twin Creeks Science and Education Center in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Gatlinburg’s Craftsmen’s Fair Oct 8 - 25, Downtown Gatlinburg
More than 200 booths featuring some of the nation’s finest work. Artisans on hand to demonstrate their skills, answer questions, and offer their unique art for sale. Live bluegrass and country music. Location: Gatlinburg Convention Center.
Eric Berry - UT Football Heisman Trophy Push
In true University of Tennessee (UT) fashion, the Big Orange has poured throughout Tennessee and into neighboring states. Pushing billboards, printed materials and most importantly the viral internet world for a lonely UT player named Eric Berry.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hr2MOiEnnF8&feature=player_embedded
Videos fill Youtube and other well known video sites demonstrating the spirit of this tremendous player. More importantly is the faith his coaches, team members, other athletic teams, and faculty place in his ability to represent well the “Heisman Trophy” and all it represents.
Not a big football fan myself, I was impressed and touched by the videos of this man’s performance on and off the field and UT’s Big Orange bustling against the odds of a non-quarterback to score the treasured “Heisman Trophy.”
So many have volunteered their time, talents and resesources to selectively place one person, above all the rest, as deserving of the “Heisman Trophy”. Win or loose, Eric Berry has witnessed the selflessness and support of his team and so many others. This in itself is the ultimate win!
Good luck to Eric Berry and BRAVO ZULU to the thousands supporting his run to the “Heisman Trophy” !
Sevier County News - Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Sevierville
Former President George Bush will visit Sevierville Tennessee this Wednesday as a guest speaker for the “Celebrate America” Christian conference.
Smoky Mountains has permitted another Bear Hunt season, as of last Friday they had killed 24 Black Bears.
Cades Cove - October 17th the Smoky Mountain Astronomical Society and the Park Service will provide powerful telescopes for visitors to view the stars. Visitors are asked to meet at loop road parking area by 7:30, where they will walk a one-eighth field mile to the telescopes. Please bring blankets and chairs. For more information call (865) 448-4104. (As per The Mountain Press)
Pigeon Forge locals, those planning to move to Pigeon Forge, and out-of-state property owners will be pleased to know that the city of Pigeon Forge web site, www.cityofpigeonforge.com, will be getting a much needed face lift after 7 years. A whole lot of bragging was done along withsome ideas of what might come in the future, however little was revealed as to what would happen withthe currently planned changes. Wonder if Pigeon Forge asked area residents and businesses what their needs were for the site to be useful for them in working with the city? Wonder if the city ever thought to form a volunteer committee of area web talent in planning and suggesting effective changes, thus possibly saving the city sorely needed tax dollars?
Open Car-Bike Show - October 10th, Saturday, will be the 12th Annual Smoky Bear Open Car Show and silent auction from 9am - 3pm at the Sevier County High School. The show is open to all year and model cars, motorcycles, and custom vehicles. Viewer admission is FREE. Vehicle Pre-registration is $25 and $10 less with donation of an unwrapped toy for Toys For Tots. More information, call (865) 453-1076 or (865) 933-9019.
Sevierville economy appears to be waking up from the recession slumber - The big development projects are starting to move.
Companies and investment groups like WalMart, Dumplin Creek (Knoxville’s Turkey Creek developer, Goodman Company (out of Florida), and Bridgemont Group have been working behind the scenes, instead of heavy equipment pushing and hauling dirt, appears these entrapaneurs have been digging into the stimulus funds and pushing political buttons to grow Sevier County. Requests for funding for a new intersection along the I-40 408 mile marker have been made and funds sought for even more upgrades to Exit 407. The Goodman Company appears to have purchased lands, across Highway 66 from the Sevierville Events Center, and are working to market that area. Yes sir, this town won’t be the sleepy town it once, Sevierville Tennessee will now be able to contend with her sister cities in drawing a crowd.
By the way, what is Sevierville doing to revitalize its current downtown? So many older smaller cities and towns throughout Tennessee offer antique shops and other unique stores worthy of parking the car and walking through the town, seems downtown Sevierville has been forgotten.
Smoky Mountains Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Sevierville News
Tennessee Smoky Mountains - The rain has stopped for the moment and the temperatures are brisk. The town is busy getting ready for the fall season. Last night I had to fire up the wood stove, love the smell of wood permeating the early morning air.
Visitors to the Smoky Mountains should be very happy, the fall colors are starting in at higher elevations. Looks as though the colors will be very vibrant this autumn.
Pigeon Forge Tennessee -
Got their grant to build a new fire station. The fire station will be located off Veteran’s Boulevard.
Pigeon Forge city leaders are looking to the possibility of adding some needed features to their new fire truck for better service to the community. They will also be discussing adding 3 in-car cameras to their police cars.
Unaware Pigeon Forge High School had a greenhouse, they were selling mums from there, called and they are sold out. Maybe next year folks.
PANCAKES After High Noon - The Kiwanis Club of Sevierville will host its annual fall pancake day from 4pm-7:30pm at Flapjacks Pancake Cabin on the Parkway. Tickets are available at the door for $5.00. For more information call Leslie at (865) 453-7545.
Gatlinburg Tennessee -
General Lee Comes To Gatlinburg - Ben “Cooter” Jones, who starred in “The Dukes of Hazzard” tv series, will lead the charge of the first “Hazzard County Run.” Owners and drivers of General Lee replica cars will gather in Nashville starting noon Friday. They will leave Nashville Saturday morning to arrive in Gatlinburg late afternoon to early evening Saturday. Get those cameras ready folks and start your engines for Gatlinburg Tennessee!
Christ In The Smokies Museum and Gardens has opened in Gatlinburg. Appears several area locals pulled their resources, talents, and dedication so see this attraction to completion. The Gatlinburg museum replaces the former Christus Gardens. Located at 510 River Rd Gatlinburg. Hours are 9am - 9pm. Admission $11 Adults $5 Children 6-12. Additional info, call (865) 436-5155.
Hard Rock Cafe celebrated their 10th year in Gatlinburg.
Gatlinburg has made large efforts to “Go Green” and encouraging local businesses to get on board. Would be very interested in hearing from Gatlinburg businesses and Gatlinburg officials as to what efforts have been made utilizing solar and wind as sources for power? Ever see the small windmill generators mounted atop higher end sailboats, these little lightweight but sturdy wind generators pack a lot of power and are virtually invisible due their very compact size. Mount a few of these on the Gatlinburg Space Needle, the Ober Gatlinburg Tram line, and dozens of other suitable structures, see some power savings then. By the way, does any of the GatlinburgCity staff have information as to if the city is looking into replacing some of the Christmas light displays with longer lasting LED lights that consume far less power?
Military Widows Meet In Gatlinburg Tennessee
Members of the non-profit American Widow Project, dedicated to military widows from this generation, will meet in Gatlinburg Tennessee this Friday. The organization holds events across the country to bring military widows together.
This weekend they will enjoy horseback riding, relaxing at a cabin in the Smoky Mountains area, and a day at one of the local spas.
For more information on the American Widow Project and tour events visit http://www.americanwidowproject.org .
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