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.

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.

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

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/

Fully computerized LED lighted displays will adorn the route along with holiday tunes.  The route is nearly a mile long and lasts approximately 20 minutes.  Hours are 6p.m.-10p.m. daily.  Admission as follows:

• $10 per car Monday -Friday, $15 Saturday and Sunday
• $20 per activity van
• $30 per limo
• $65 per bus

Proceeds will benefit area food ministries.  Call (423)652-0120 for any additional questions.

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.

 The building, originally used as a Post Office in 1940, was one of Franklin Roosevelt’s last WPA New Deal projects.  The building is now on the National Register of Historic Places.  Housed are tributes to the area people of Sevier County, veterans of foreign wars and the Civil War, along with exhibits showing how people made their living in the region, religion, farming, home life and much more.

Entrance is FREE.  Open every day, except Wednesday, from noon to 5p.m.. For more information call (865) 453-4058.  They are a great resource for genealogy research.

]]> http://gatlinburg-blog.cabinfevervacations.com/?feed=rss2&p=240 http://gatlinburg-blog.cabinfevervacations.com/?p=234 http://gatlinburg-blog.cabinfevervacations.com/?p=234#comments Tue, 03 Nov 2009 21:18:10 +0000 admin http://gatlinburg-blog.cabinfevervacations.com/?p=234

     Pigeon Forge, TN - There’s no place like the Smoky Mountains for the holidays and there’s no Christmas show in the Smokies quite like Country Tonite! Country Tonite’s Smoky Mountain Christmas promises a little holiday bonus for everyone.  In fact, it’s  like getting two shows for the price of one as the first half of the show features highlights from the regular season show, while the second half opens to a winter wonderland and a full hour of Christmas cheer.   This spectacular show premieres November 3rd and will continue through the end of the year with a special New Years Eve Show at 10pm.

Guests will hear a wide variety of seasonal music during the Christmas portion of the show.  Everything from traditional carols to songs with country, boogie and even a little jazz influence make for a widely diverse musical experience. And of course there are plenty of spiritual tunes that bring home the true meaning of Christmas.   So whether its holiday favorites like “Jingle Bells”, “White Christmas” and “Winter Wonderland,” mixed with novelty songs, and dances, to meditative classics like O Holy Night, there’s music to bring smiles to the face and warm the soul.

You’ll also find a few special guest performers during the Christmas production that you certainly won’t see any other time of the year, Frosty the Snowman, Santa Claus, and everyone’s favorite ballerina in the dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy. Toys will also come alive in the magical song “Where are you Christmas”.  Add in festive holiday sets and colorful costumes and you’ve got the makings of a Country Christmas you won’t soon forget.

 The nine-piece band also performs throughout the show and the bands enthusiasm on stage exemplifies the spirit of Christmas.  Audiences will marvel at breathtaking production numbers as the theatres remarkably talented cast delivers a musical masterpiece you will soon not forget.

Since Country Tonite opened in Pigeon Forge 12 years ago, it has been wowing audiences and winning awards.  20001-2009 Show of the year by the NACMAI and multiple winner of the Reader’s Choice Awards - Best Show.  For more information, visit www.countrytonitepf.com or call 865-453-2003.  Country Tonite is having Sevier County Days November 14th- November 22nd for only $5.00.   Just show proof that you live or work in Sevier County.