Up a Creek With a PaddleFormer LL Bean Guide Brings a Sense of Adventure

July 2014

Meet the Artist: Murals of Anderson CountyPainting Clinton Schools

How to Eat Local on a Budget

From the Farm to Your Table

Tennesseans for Living History Keep the Past Alive

2 July 2014

3July 2014

4 June 2014

From the Editor

I would like to thank everyone for your overwhelming support of our publication! As some of you may know, Clinton Life was formerly owned by a

different media company. In April, my husband, Paul, and I formed Huskey Media, allowing us to have sole ownership of the magazine. It was an exciting, scary decision, but one that has worked out very well. The June edition was the first published under Huskey Media, and since then we’ve heard from many of you about what you would like to see more of in the magazine. We also have over 600 likes on our Facebook page; if

you haven’t ‘liked’ us yet, do it now! It’s a great way to connect with your friends and neighbors in Clinton and discuss community news.

Writer Paula Johnson recently met with a couple of farmers in the area, including Glenda Ross, owner of Greenbriar Farm & Nursey and Blueberry Hill farm in Norris. They talked about the benefits of eating local and growing your own food. She wrote about her experience, which is published

on pages 14-17. We’ve also highlighted new business owner John Marquis, an ambitious guy who brings his love of the outdoors to Anderson County (page 20).

Finally, be sure to read the city manager’s State of the City address on page 7! Lots of cool stuff going on in Clinton.

If you would like to contribute a story or photos, simply send me an email (below) or call 865-209-0313. If you would like to advertise in Clinton Life, email the same address or call 865-235-9213. Since we are locally owned and operated, if you would like to meet in person, we’re just around the corner.

Have a wonderful, fun-filled summer!

Crystal Huskeyclintonlife@outlook.com

EditorialCrystal Huskey, Editor, design

Paula Johnson, Contributing writerYvonne Hart, Contributing writerJanet Hawkins, Contributing writerLois Engel, Contributing writerDaniel Butler, Contributing writerRoger Houck, City Manager and contributing writerEmily Sutherlin, Copy Editor

AdvertisingPaul Huskey, Sales and marketing

Printing and DistributionCentury Publishing 5710 E. Seltice WayPost Falls, ID 83854

PaginationGail Lane

ProductionHUSKEY MEDIAP.O. Box 1003 CLINTON TN 37717Tel: 865.209.0313Email: clintonlife@outlook.com

July 2014

4 July 2014

5July 2014

In This Issue:07 City Manager Discusses Clinton

14 How to Eat Locally Grown Food

on a Budget

18 The Artist Behind the Murals

20 Up a Creek With a Paddle

21 Celebrate Christmas in July

24 Tennesseans for Living History

04 From The Editor

07 Around Town

23 Gotta Go!

27 Event Calendar

30 And Another Thing ....

On the Cover

Departments

John Marquis, owner of Norris Paddling Adventures, takes a paddle board out to Norris Lake. A Maine transplant, he and his wife, Patti, moved to the area a couple of years ago. Flip to page 20 for the story. Photo courtesy of John Marquis

Interested in advertising? Call our sales representative today!Paul Huskey(865) 235-9213paulrhuskey@outlook.com

clintonlife@outlook.com

14

18

Photo courtesy of Angela Galen

Photo by JEM Farm

Photo courtesy of Gale Hinton

Photo courtesy of John Marquis20

21

7July 2014

AROUND TOWN City Manager Discusses the State of the City

The City of Clinton was awarded two Federal Grants over the last year: one for four firemen, which paid 100% of their salaries and benefits for two years, and the other for one School Resource Officer (SRO). The City partnered with Clinton City Schools to provide two additional SROs, which allowed for a full-time police presence in each City School. The Clinton Police Department was also awarded the Excellence in Police Services Award by the Tennessee Municipal League in June. This award recognizes the top police departments throughout the state. TBI statistics show for 2013 that crime was down 5.4% in Tennessee; however, in Clinton we saw a 20% reduction in crime.

The Public Works department began a much needed paving project in 2011, and to date has paved 25 percent of the City streets totaling approximately 21,250 tons of asphalt. This has been the largest paving project in the past 25 years for the City. The Parks and Recreation Department is in the process of applying for a Local Parks & Recreation Fund Grant to reconfigure the baseball fields at Jaycee Park while adding new bleachers, concessions and restrooms. The grant includes a new concession stand and restrooms at the baseball field adjacent to the Community Center and a splash pad for the South Clinton Park. Clinton will be in its fourth consecutive year without a property tax increase, which is $.76 per $100.00 assessed value. This is the 14th lowest tax rate in the State for a city the size of Clinton. The City of Clinton has seen four years with a balanced budget and was for the first time able to create a Capital Reserve Fund, which allows us to pay for capital purchases without borrowing money. The City’s annual Audit has not received any new findings for the past two fiscal years and we currently have an unassigned fund balance of over $5 million and have reduced over the last four years our debt by $1.8 million. The Clinton Fire Department will see its biggest change in over 20 years with the re-opening of Fire Headquarters as a 24/7 operating station. This will allow the response time to be less than four minutes for the first fire unit to be on scene anywhere in the City. The location for this third station was determined by an extensive study by UT MTAS Fire Specialists. Plans are to build a fourth station in the vicinity of the I-75 interchange when our growth numbers support it. Since 2010 Clinton has seen major growth in it industrial development. Ten of the industries have a made a combined $202,000,000.00 investment in their facilities and equipment. This has created 1,071 new jobs in our city! The City will continue its relationship with the Anderson County Economic Development Association to recruit new companies to Anderson County. With support of the Mayor and City Council, the outstanding job by the Department Heads and the dedication of every city employee, I take a quote from the Police Chief Rick Scarborough: “We have set a standard on how government agencies can not only maintain, but thrive during struggling economic times.”

Roger Houck City Manager

SAFETY IN SCHOOLS, SPLASH PAD, CITY CRIME REDUCED BY 20%

8 July 2014

People Caring for People

FMCOR Free Medical Clinic of Oak Ridge

to benefit the Free Medical Clinic of Oak Ridge

Saturday, August 16, 2014 5-10 p.m.

St. Mary’s Parish Life Center Oak Ridge, TN

Dinner ♦ Drinks ♦ Dancing ♦ Auctions

New this year

Atomic Blast Signature Drink & Celebrity Dance Contest!

Ticket sales begin Monday, June 16th for more information, visit www.fmcor.org or

call 865.483.3904 $60 per ticket

The Free Medical Clinic of Oak Ridge provides primary healthcare and related services at no charge to residents of Anderson, Morgan and Roane Counties who are uninsured and who cannot afford to pay for medical care. Since opening in 2010, the clinic has served almost 3400 patients in over 16,000 visits.

9July 2014

Shop ‘Second Saturdays’by Donna RainesCommunity Contributor

Don’t miss the next Second Saturday on Market Street on July 12th. There will be produce, several local artisans, barbecue from Riverview Grill, snow cones and more.

Many of the 25 shops on Main and Market Streets will be having their summer sale. If you have been waiting to purchase an antique piece of furniture, something collectible, or a special gift, Second Saturday would be a great time to check out each shop. The Historic Downtown Merchant’s Association is looking for local vendors who have grown their own produce or local artists to set up for the July and August event. There is no charge to set up. To find out more information please contact Donna Raines at 865-604-4796. Shops open at 10 a.m. on this day and vendors start setting up at 9. Plan to bring the family and enjoy the day in Clinton. The Clinton Library will also host a reading program for children and their parents in Hoskins-Lane Park on Market Street at 10:30 a.m. Historic Downtown Clinton is the largest antique district in Tennessee.

‘Second Saturdays’ will offer fresh produce, food vendors and shopping. Photo courtesy of Donna Raines

COMMUNITY

10 July 2014

Would you like to massively improve your productivity? And your life? We are often blinded to what on earth we are here for. We do not realize our unique gifts. We do them as natural as breathing and believe everyone else does the same. Participants in my VIP days are often empowered by realizing they are especially gifted or excel in an area that comes easily. That is the joy I find in conducting self-discovery. By focusing on two key areas, we can perform at the top of our game at work or in life. Each has had volumes written about them, but are briefly highlighted below.

Awareness of one’s purpose:

a) Skills you’ve learned from education or experience

b) Personal strengths you’ve identified

c) Personality- the preferences and traits that make you distinct Stability or balance of inner life

a) Physical fitnessb) Emotional stabilityc) A sound Mental focusd) Spiritual renewalWe perform at

our peak when we are confident of who we are and what our contribution can be. In addition to emotional stability, we must balance our physical fitness with mental focus. All on a foundation of spiritual inspiration acknowledging a universal purpose larger than ourselves.

You are the expert on you. No one else has the knowledge of your past to tell what’s best for you. Often, this is where a coach can help with objective curiosity. Coaching is the attempt to consistently integrate the personality, skills, talents, experiences and values of a person to operate from a place of wholeness. Certified Coach Yvonne Hart’s expertise is partnering with professionals who want to improve productivity. Find her by visiting AFocusedPurpose.com. Follow her on Twitter at @AFocusedPurpose or professionally connect via LinkedIn.

Find Your Purpose and Improve Productivityby Yvonne HartCommunity contributor

Yvonne Hart, certified life coach. Photo courtesy of Yvonne Hart

ADVICE

11June 2014

Choosing Stay-at-Home Care for Seniors

Many seniors and their families will at some time face the inevitable and difficult question as health conditions become an issue: Is it possible to remain living independently in my home, or will I need to move into some form of senior care facility?

Nursing homes are an option that may appeal to seniors with mobility problems. While the staff of such facilities see to all of the residents’ needs, the attention can be clinical or impersonal, making the transition from home and the freedom they are accustomed to even more difficult. What they may miss the most is a lack of personal time and privacy. Assisted living facilities offer another option for those who find the performance of everyday activities, such as bathing and meal preparation, difficult

as a result of mobility restrictions and health issues. This provides extended help in such tasks while still allowing a level of independence and personal space. Despite these advantages, however, an on-site assisted living residence still lacks the comforts and familiarity of home.

The use of an adult care service, such as Seniors Helping Seniors, can give the senior the best of both worlds. Seniors Helping Seniors can provide a personal care provider who comes to a senior’s home and carries out such tasks as basic chores and laundry, as well as giving medical reminders, running errands like grocery shopping and transportation to appointments. The variety of services allows elderly people to remain in their own homes with dignity and freedom while receiving the help they need with everyday basic needs of life.

The main reason for the popularity of in-home adult care is that it allows a

senior to wake up in a familiar bed and go through life in the place they call home. Another benefit, apart from the assistance of daily cares, is that Seniors Helping Seniors care providers offer a feeling of friendship and companionship that might otherwise be unavailable. A senior with a person coming into the home to do chores has the comfort of knowing there will be regular contact with someone who can be relied on.

The first step for the family members of a senior, of course, is to discuss with the senior what type of living conditions they would prefer to be in. Then answer the question of whether staying at home verse a senior living facility is the best for that senior. What ever the decision, there are options available that will make it easier to enjoy the comforts of home for as long as possible.

For more information about Seniors Helping Seniors, contact Lois Engel at 865-269-4483.

by Lois EngelCommunity contributor

12 July 2014

You’re Doing It Wrong: Exercise Myths ExposedThere is no magic pill, but there are a few guidelines that make the work a little easier.

ASK THE EXPERT...

by Daniel Butler Community contributor

MythYour muscles have a mind of their own and have to be outsmarted.

The truth is, your muscles are pretty dumb. They don’t know if the resistance they feel is from a dumbbell or a cable ma-chine. Likewise, your muscles can’t tell if the aerobic activity that you are performing is on a bike, treadmill or stair climber.

What your body does know is that it is only going to work as hard as it has to unless you force it to work harder. That’s why when we as exercise professionals hear someone say, “I just did 500 reps of sit-ups,” it draws a chuckle, because if you can do many more than 20 reps of anything, you’re probably not using good form, or there isn’t enough resistance.

MythExercise a muscle from ev-ery conceivable angle. Again, your muscles are pretty

dumb in the fact that when you contract one, you contract the whole thing, not just part of it. That’s why when someone says that they have to do incline, regular and decline chest press to “completely” work their chest muscles, we point out

that they are wasting their time. Any of the above mentioned exercise works the pectorals completely.

MythKeep your heart rate in the “Fat Burning Zone” to lose weight.

We’ve all seen those very scientific looking charts on the wall next to the treadmills and elliptical telling us what “zone” to keep our heart in while exercising. Usually there is an “aerobic” zone and a “fat burning” zone, which accomplishes nothing more than utterly confusing our members. Here’s the thing: when your heart rate is up, you burn calories, and the higher it goes, the more calories you burn. Keep your heart rate at a high level for long enough and you’ll lose weight, simple as that. The calories you burn are not exclusively from fat, carbs or protein, but rather from a mixture of all the above.

MythTrain for a specific event or activity in order to do well in it.

There is a principle in the fitness world called S.A.I.D, which means “Specific Adaptations for Imposed Demands”. It sounds good in theory, but so did General Custer’s battle plan before Little Bighorn. In practice, the S.A.I.D principle is about as useful to exercise professionals as a trumpet is to a deer hunter. Your body simply knows how long it has to exert energy, with zero concern for the activity that it is doing. This is why the American Heart Association says that you can break up your recommended 60 minutes of daily activ-ity into 10 six-minute bouts and still achieve the same result. The most important thing is the duration and intensity of your cumulative physical activity, and the harder you train, the less time you have to train for.

Old habits die hard, especially when they are accepted by a lot of uninformed people. Hopefully I have been able to shed some light on what may work better and given you some-thing to experiment with in your fitness routine. If you have any questions, please give us a call at 865-457-8237 or stop by and ask us in person.

Daniel Butler is certified through the American College of Sports Medicine as a Health Fitness Specialist. He is an exer-cise professional at Take Charge Fitness, located at 1921 N. Charles Seivers Blvd. in Clinton.

Exercise professionals (from left) Anna Dark, Joy Winchester, Daniel Butler and (bottom) Mika Yoshida at Take Charge Fitness. Photo courtesy of Take Charge Fitness

There haven’t been many truly groundbreaking developments in the health and fitness industry in the last forty or so years. A five-pound dumbbell still weighs five pounds, you still have to burn more calories than you eat if you want to lose weight and, as of this writing, there is still no magic pill you can take that will make you fit and trim. However, there are a few concepts that, through practical application and smart research (in that order), have proven to be a bit outdated.

13July 2014

14 July 2014

How to Eat Local, Organic Food on a Budget in East TennesseeAnd on the 8th day, God looked down on his planned para-dise and said, “I need a caretaker.” So God made a farmer. So begins Paul Harvey’s well known speech.

by Paula Johnson

ANYONE aware of the local food movement is probably

familiar with the phrase, ‘Get to Know a Farmer.’ It’s not just a cliché, and the best place to find farmers is your local farmers’ markets.

East Tennessee is home to many farmers’ markets, but the Market Square Farmers’ Market in downtown Knoxville is the largest. In 1854, land was donated to the city of Knoxville for the specific purpose of building a Market House, a place to bring farmers together with the general public looking for fresh food. As a Food Tours host, I have met many people who remember going to the Market House when they were children. “Oh you could get anything you wanted,” some say. “The fish was right at the front door,” others

recall. “They would pull the trucks up and sell right off the truck” or “They made the best hamburgers!” Fast forward 150 years, and that notion is going stronger than ever in the form of an outdoor farmers’ market. Big trucks still pull up on Market Square, and their cargo is life itself. I recently got some great ideas about how to eat locally on a budget from Market Square vendors JEM Farm and Greenbriar Farm & Nursery.

Get out your shovels Eating local is more affordable if you decide to take on more of the work yourself. “We always say, there’s nothing more local than your front yard,” says Glenda Ross, owner of Green-briar Farm & Nursery for Edibles and Blueberry Hill blueberry farm in Norris. Her husband, Paul Baxter, is

co-owner. Although their farm is in Norris, Glenda invited me out to their house in West Knoxville to see her edible yard concept. The entire yard is filled with edible flowers, vegetable plants in containers, and raised beds, but no grass. Glenda surprises me by saying we are going to pick the strawberries, which make up a large part of the front yard. The berries are at their peak, bright red and warm from the after-noon sun. There is no greater culinary delight in the world than a freshly picked, sun-warmed berry. We go back inside and Glenda tells me to have a seat at the dining room table. I sit down at an empty spot and she says I can just sit at the end of the table. I suddenly realize that there is a place set especially for me and Glenda is making tea for us. I am also mindful that I only met her a few days ago for less than a minute at Market Square, but a farmer is a nurturer, and Glenda Ross embodies this qual-ity. I really enjoy this uncommon hospitality, from a

farmer, in a subdivision, in Glenda Ross, co-owner of Blueberry Hill farm in Norris. Photo courtesy of Glenda Ross

15June 2014

Our afternoon tea consists of muffins, tea, fig jam made from figs from her yard, candied ginger, and those fresh, just picked strawberries. “And this…is eating your yard,” Glenda says. As we take tea, Glenda expounds on her business. Her background is in education and Paul’s is in agriculture. “I always had this idea of the edible yard in the back of my mind,” she says. At Greenbriar they sell edible plants such as blueberry, blackberry, bush cherry, currant, elderberry, fig, grape, gooseberry, kiwi, mulberry, muscadine, papaw, persimmon, and raspberry. They don’t do installation, but they offer something even better – workshops so you can learn to do it yourself.

“Your yard can be a major food source.”

--Glenda Ross

An affordable way to have an edible yard would be to do it incrementally, Glenda tells me. “Add new beds, edible flowers, vines, shrubs, hedges, and trees as you are able.” She adds that your yard can be a major food source. If you live in a small place or apartment, you could plant in pots on balconies. “We usually get one or two things out of the yard to eat every day. We freeze things like berries and peppers and give away extras,” she says. Greenbriar Farm has set up at farmers’ markets for six or seven years now. “There is a lot more interest now, more vendors, more customers,” says Glenda, noting that there is a complexity of personalities of people interested in local food that covers all education levels, ethnic groups, and segments of the population. “When you buy local, you know that farmer. There is a nationwide change in eating,” Glenda adds. “People are realizing how important it is to have fresh and local food.” A fun day out would be to Glenda and Paul’s Blueberry Hill U-Pick blueberry farm in Norris. The blueberry farm has been in business for over 30 years now and has six mini seasons so that blueberries are available to be picked from Memorial Day in late May to Labor Day in early September. Visit them at 101 Reservoir Road in Norris or search for them on Facebook by typing in “Blueberry Hill Farm” in the search bar. Glenda tells me that she and Paul will soon be retiring from their farm work, but never fear, the business will be continued by their family – Holly Jones, a horticulturalist and organic specialist who already works with them, her husband Michael Smith, Mindy and Jason Wells, Kristen and Tyler Cunningham, and B.J. and Brian Baxter are some of the four generations who will continue the work of Greenbriar Edibles and Blueberry Hill.

16 July 2014

Powerhouse in the local food movementJohn and Elizabeth Malayter, the namesakes of JEM Farm, began farming part time in 2004 because they wanted better food for their daughter. With 20 acres in the rural area of Rogersville, they have become a pow-erhouse in the local food movement of Knoxville. They raise pigs, cattle, goats, meat chickens, egg chickens, turkeys and duck along with vegetables and herbs By 2011, they were both working full-time on the farm. The

Malayters sell at three farmers’ markets a week, sup-ply to the local food co-op Three Rivers Market, along with providing product to local restaurants. JEM Farm is a Certified Organic, Non-GMO (Genetically Modified Organism) farm. “We wanted to set the standard,” says John. Although being Certified Organic is an expensive and time consuming task, involving thousands of dol-lars, piles of paperwork, and the invasiveness of an inspector walking through their property, Elizabeth feels that the certification adds value to their product and adds insurance to the buyer that, “we are not just telling you a tale.” “Our prices for meats are in line with the Fresh Mar-ket,” John tells me. And I smile at Elizabeth’s observance, “If the chick-ens could just eat air, we could bring the prices down.” It’s expensive to run a farm. But that would never stop a farmer from having a giving heart. At the end of a day at the market, a fellow comes by and John tells him to, “Take it. Just take it all.” I assume he has made a deal to sell him all that is left of the greens and herbs.

“I’m from the Society of St. Andrew,” the fellow tells me and tries to explain. His nonprofit gleans food that is left from the harvest and delivers it to needy organi-zations such as food banks or shelters.

“Having access to local food is a really, really big deal.”

--Elizabeth Malayter

“John is very generous,” the fellow tells me. John, in humble farmer fashion, acts as if nothing has transpired at all, when all three of us know that his remains of the day will fill hungry bellies tomorrow. In order to eat locally on a budget, the first thing John suggests that people should do is, learn how to cook. When I relate the number one item on John’s list to Elizabeth, she giggles in a way that makes me instantly think that she must have been the one to teach John how to cook. “The practical knowledge of knowing how to cook can help people spread products out over a number of meals,” John continues. “Having access to local food is a really, really big deal,” Elizabeth relates. So important, that she encour-ages using creative tactics, imagination, thought, and thinking outside the box to work out a way for it to be affordable. Fresh ingredients can be purchased at a local farmers market or

picked from your own garden. Photo courtesy of JEM Farm

An heirloom tomato grown at JEM Farm. Photo courtesy of JEM Farm

17

“Approach local farmers and ask if you can work a share,” she suggests. This might include offering not only to do work on the farm, but working at the farmers’ market booths, making a delivery, bookkeeping, updating a website, writing a blog, hauling trash, sewing, cleaning or even doing laundry. “See if you can take a farmer’s seconds, and go on the halves with them with canning,” she continues. Going “on the halves” -- splitting the goods for doing part of the work -- is an idea that has been around for a long time. I’ve known folks to go “on the halves” with entire fields of crops in order to get them in and saved from ruin.

“Everybody eats, and it matters to everybody.”

--Elizabeth Malayter

“Buy products in bulk seasonally and divide them among friends,” Elizabeth suggests. “Ask if you can get a discount for buying in bulk.” Elizabeth notes that eating locally is a lifestyle that does take time, organization, and commitment, and that “the way people are looking at local food and health is changing. People’s values are changing.” It is apparent that Elizabeth is very passionate about raising quality, local food, and sharing it with as many in the community as possible. “Everybody eats, and it matters to everybody. Local purchasing also keeps money in the local economy,” she says. Her “absolute fantasy” would be to have a program where a truck would pick up produce from farmers all over, including ones who don’t have a way to a local market, and deliver to various places around town to sell and then take whatever is left over to be sold at a discount or given to the needy. That’s the thing about a farmer…they are always looking out for others. Alright now, go get to know a farmer. This is Anderson County, and as long as there are caring, giving, nurturing hearts, and a bit of dirt, you can always find a farmer. And if you’re feeling ambitious, it’s not too late to go out and plant a garden.

About the author: Paula Johnson, the creator of Knoxville Food Tours, has made herself an expert in Knoxville history, haute cuisine, hole in the wall eateries, and hidden culinary hot spots. Since 2010, Paula has led over 400 Food Tours, hosting over 4,000 guests. An East Tennessee native, she is active in preserving the history of this area as a member of the East Tennessee Historical Society, the historic preservation group Knox Heritage, and the Museum of Appalachia. For more about Paula, visit knoxvillefoodtours.com.

Photo courtesy of JEM Farm

So God Made a Farmer (excerpt)by Paul Harvey

And on the 8th day, God looked down on his planned paradise and said, “I need a caretaker.” So God made a farmer. So begins Paul Harvey’s well known speech.

“I need somebody with arms strong enough to rustle a calf and yet gentle enough to deliver his own grand-child. Somebody to call hogs, tame cantankerous machinery, come home hungry, have to wait for lunch until his wife’s done feeding visiting ladies and tell the ladies to be sure and come back real soon -- and mean it.” So God made a farmer.

God said, “I need somebody strong enough to clear trees and heave bails, yet gentle enough to tame lambs and wean pigs and tend the pink-combed pullets”…so God made a farmer.

God had to have somebody willing to ride the ruts at double speed to get the hay in ahead of the rain clouds and yet stop in mid-field and race to help when he sees the first smoke from a neighbor’s place. So God made a farmer.

Somebody who’d bale a family together with the soft strong bonds of sharing, who would laugh and then sigh, and then reply, with smiling eyes, when his son says he wants to spend his life ‘doing what dad does.’” So God made a farmer.

18 July 2014

by Crystal HuskeyEditor

Hinton has been painting professionally for 50 years. She first started painting at the age of two, when her father -- an artist in his own right as well as an architect and engineer -- gave her a cabinet full of paper and art supplies. Hinton has a Fine Arts degree, and even spent a little bit of time interning for Disney. “Back then, there were no computers,” she recalls. “Everything had to be hand

drawn.” The corporate art world was not for her, however, and after painting a few windows for businesses, she realized that her natural talents made for a good career. Becoming an artist wasn’t something she planned; it was just something that happened. She’s never once advertised and relies on the quality of her work to speak for itself. So far, that hasn’t been an issue. She now travels the country

painting murals for businesses, schools, churches, hospitals and personal homes. In any given year, she may travel to California, Boston, Canada and even Key West for jobs. “I always have to travel by car because of all the paint I carry with me,” she says. She charges by the job, but for

churches and schools it’s always half price. A lot of businesses in Knoxville are proud to have her work displayed on their walls, including Agrifeed on Kingston Pike in Knoxville and a host of McDonalds across the nation. It was her work through the McDonalds Corporation in the 1990s that really launched her career. Many of the indoors play areas have treehouses and other scenes portrayed by Hinton.

If you’ve ever walked into a school in Clinton or Anderson County, you may have noticed skillfully painted masterpieces gracing the halls. Clinton

Elementary, Clinton Middle, Andersonville Elementary and many others have been lucky enough to enlist the talent of Gale Hinton, a Knoxville native and experienced muralist.

Photo by Crystal Huskey

Hinton is responsible for most of the murals in Anderson County and City of Clinton schools, including Andersonville Elementary and Clinton Middle.

Meet the Artist: Gale Hinton

19June 2014

Rather than oils or pastels, Hinton uses plain exterior house paint in her work. It’s durable and easy to work with -- a little like Hinton herself. When she has a project, she gets ‘in the zone,’ often taking no breaks until she’s finished. She frequently works 15 hours a day, seven days a week, until the project is done. “I forget to eat sometimes,” she laughs. “It’s hard to stop when I get going.” The scale of her work is sometimes staggering. When painting high school gyms, for example, her work can sometimes be 12 ft. tall and 18 ft. across. She has to stand on a scaffold for hours at a time. Visualizing the scale of the project is something that comes natural to her. She sometimes uses chalk to sketch out the initial design, but usually she just lets the mural tell her what to do. She keeps track of the size, scale and ratios in her mind, thinking five minutes ahead of where she is at all times. Once, she painted a ceiling of a home that was 60 ft. around. Like Michelangelo, she lay on a scaffold for days as she perfected all the details. A recurring scene that she has painted in multiple homes and businesses is the Magic Treehouse, a concept initially created by author Mary Pope Osborne and illustrator Sal Murdocca. Osborne actually came out once just to see Hinton’s work and loved it. Other writers and illustrators have come to see her

interpretation of their stories over the years as well. All in all, she has painted around 20,000 murals in her lifetime. “I’ve lost count over the years, though,” she says. Hinton also plays piano in her free time. She has two children and five grandchildren. For more information on Hinton and a portfolio of her work, visit galehinton.com.

Nearly all of Gale Hinton’s murals contain a hidden ant -- or, like at one high school in Chattanooga, 3,000 ants! “I add little tiny ants to everything I do,” she says. “Twenty or so years ago I was at a business here in Knoxville, and a little boy, around four or five years old, had just lost his father from a heart attack. Of course, he was very sad. They asked him if he wanted to watch me paint. “So he sat there the entire time and watched me silently. I painted this elaborate mural for Agrifeed; a nature scene. All of a sudden he said, ‘Ms. Gail, can you put a bug on there somewhere? On a boogie board?’ So I put it on there. Then he said, ‘Can you put one on a tube?’ Then he wanted one on a motor-cycle. “By the time I finished, there were quite a few bugs in the mural. He got so excited and started laughing, talking and smiling, and they were so glad that he was happy, even if just for a moment. I thought, well if that little ant can do that for one little

boy, I can do it for others!” The ants take less than 30 seconds to paint, ac-cording to Hinton. She has parents personally call her from hospitals to tell her how much their children love the ants. The ants below are from a hallway at Andersonville Elementary in Andersonville.

A mural at a school painted by Gale Hinton. Photo courtesy of Gale Hinton

THE STORY OF THE ANTS

July 2014 19

20 July 2014

by Crystal HuskeyEditor If you’re the parent of a pre-schooler, you may be familiar with a quote featured regularly on PBS Kids: ‘Get out. Explore. Discover.’ It’s good advice for kids; it’s even better for adults. John Marquis, owner of Norris Paddling Adventures, moved to the Knoxville area from Maine a couple of years ago with his wife, Patti. He spent 11 years of his life leading people on outdoor adventures back in Maine through LL Bean, a company devoted to bringing people outdoor adventures, and now hopes to bring those adventures to the people of Anderson County. Marquis is a licensed wilderness guide and is certified in outdoor recreation, wilderness first aid, fitness and sports nutrition. When Marquis first moved to the area, he taught a number of outdoor recreation programs at River Sports Outfitters in Knoxville. “One of the reasons I left was because there was a lot of trash down on the river,” he said. “I decided to move away from the city when I saw a cow floating downstream.” Adventures on the water are for people of all ages and all fitness levels, according to Marquis. Last year, Marquis had a 70-year-old client who had tried paddle boarding at a different company but was never able to do it. Marquis recalls taking the time to show the man, who had arthritis, exactly how to do it, and he is now a regular customer. “Paddle boarding burns around 500 calories per hour,” says his wife, Patti. “But you barely even realize

you’re exercising. It’s quiet, it’s serene. It’s just so relaxing.” “It’s just a few minutes from the city but miles away from the stress,” John adds. “It beats going to a gym. It’s also a great group activity.” Marquis offers canoe and kayak rentals (single, fishing and tandem), stand-up paddle boards and hydro-bike rentals. The hydro-bikes are one of the most unique aspects of the company. Customers can rent the boats for a couple of hours, a full day or even multiple days. He also hosts classes, the most popular of which is his Discovery Class. Other classes and tours include sunset tours, yoga classes and guided adventures that allow you to explore the lake and its coves. Marquis encourages Clinton residents to get out, try something different, and experience Norris Lake in a completely new way. Rentals start at $25 per hour and classes average around $35.

For more information, call (865) 384-1788. You can also visit norrispaddlingadventures.com, or Facebook.com/norrispaddling.

UP A CREEK With a PaddleLIVING THE GOOD LIFEIN ANDERSON COUNTY

John Marquis, owner of Norris Paddling Adventures, on one his company’s hydro-bikes. Photo courtesy of John Marquis

21July 2014

Get in the holiday spirit and get some shopping done early.

by Angela Galen Community contributor

Saturday, July 26th, Clinton will hold its 6th Annual Christmas in July. Many shops will be decorated with

a holiday flair, playing Christmas music and having refreshments for customers throughout the day. Santa will make an appearance in town and everyone loves to see him during the summertime -- he has quite a different look from the fur-trimmed red velvet winter suit he usually wears! Occasionally, he will bring Mrs. Claus along for a day of shopping, in a city that boasts the most antique shops in the South. The Antique Shops in Clinton have been the recipient of Busy Bee’s Readers Choice Award for “Best Weekend Trip”. Clinton is an outstanding choice for a day or weekend trip. As one local resident said, “Our city is rapidly becoming a destination for travelers from northern states like Michigan and Indiana that regularly stop off to antique on their way south.” For those of us in this area, Clinton is a great one day trip close to home with a days worth of antique and specialty stores along with a few great lunch spots. The Antique Merchants in Clinton represents over 100 dealers that offer their wares in 20 shops and malls located in and around the Historic Downtown District along Market and Main Streets. Unlike a mega mall, Clinton is a town of small business establishments that offer shoppers an opportunity to stroll the sidewalks between historic buildings visiting shops in a quaint Historic setting, with restaurants, an old-time drug store, and a lovely town park complete with an old fashioned gazebo. All the shops sell a wide array of antique furniture and collectibles and some offer items

like custom made jewelry, antique clocks, vintage clothing, stained glass, decorator accessories, and unique period furnishings.

For more information about this unique antique shopping experience Clinton has to offer, you can call 463-8699, 457-5250 or visit HistoricClintonsAntiques.com.

Santa and Mrs. Claus will be celebrating Christmas in July in downtown Clinton. Photo courtesy of Angela Galen

Celebrate Christmas in July

22 July 2014

23June 2014

The Anderson County Fair, which was voted “2nd Runner Up Champion of Fairs AAA Division” in 2011, will continue to increase its rich tradition by getting bigger and better with each passing year, according to its website.

Fair Prices and AdmissionGeneral Admission - $5.00 Season Tickets - $20.00 Children Under 6 - freePay-One-Price Armbands for an entire evening of fun carnival rides - $20.00

Events include the Fairest of the Fair pageant, Little Ponderosa petting zoo, 4WD stock truck qualifying pull, Tractor Parade of Power, Tennessee Mountain Wrestling, Antique Car Show, live concerts and a Demolition Derby, among many others. For a full list of events and specials, visit andersoncountyfairtn.com.

July 14-19 It’s Time for the Anderson County Fair!

July Classes at the Appalachian Arts Craft Center

The Appalachian Arts Craft Center is offering multiple classes throughout the month of July.

• July 10: “I’ve Finished My Story, Now What?” with Kathleen

Fearing • July 12: “Wheel Throwing” with Sandra McEntire. • July 14-18: “Pottery for Kids” • July 19-26: “Crocheted Rag Rugs”

The Appalachian Arts Craft Center is located at 2716 Andersonville Highway in Norris. For more information on these classes and

more, call (865) 494-9854. You can also visit appalachianarts.net.

GOTTA GO! See. Do. Enjoy.

The Appalachian Arts Craft Center in Norris. Photo courtesy of Appalachian Arts Craft Center

Follow the crowds to the Anderson County Fair. Photo courtesy of the Anderson County Fair

24 July 2014

History is alive and well -- even interesting -- thanks to Tennesseans for Living History, a new group of old friends who conduct entertaining and educational living history programs.

Tennesseans for Living History represent a broad spectrum spanning from the 1600s to the present time. Here, the group took part in a reenactment at the David Hall Cabin open house, located off Old Edgemoor Road in Clinton. Their programs are conducted with enthusiasm and knowledge acquired through experience and research, according to group member Lynn Fox.

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Send Us Your PhotosWhether you’re an amateur or professional photographer, we would love to see your work! Email clintonlife@outlook.com to show us what you see.

Tennesseans for Living History

25June 2014

From top left: Paula Green, Libby Bumgardner and Harry Bumbardner, Lynn Fox (as John Sevier), Rachel Walker and Jim Young as Robert E. Lee. From bottom left: Chairity Daily, David Daily, Sarah Grace Walker and Faith Walker.

For any historical events or programs, contact Lynn Fox with Tennesseans for Living History at (865) 719-9947 or email ovta1780@aol.com.

26 July 2014

27July 2014

UPCOMING EVENTS... Schedules are subject to change. Call venues to con-firm event information.

JULY

Monday 7 - Aug. 31Department of Energy Bus Tours in Oak RidgeVarious timesWHAT: This tour is free with paid admission to the American Museum of Science and Energy and runs Mondays through Fridays during the summer, except holidays. Explore the original Manhattan Project sites around Oak Ridge and learn the history behind the development of the world’s first atomic weapon which helped to end WWII. WHERE: American Museum of Science and Energy, South Tulane Avenue, Oak RidgeINFO: For more information, contact AMSE at 865-576-3200 or visit www.amse.org. Must be 10 or older.FAMILY

THURSDAY 10Anderson County Mayor/Sheriff’s Debate6 p.m.WHAT: Join local residents and find out what sets the candidates apart. WHERE: Ritz Theatre, 119 N Main St., ClintonFAMILY•FREE

FRIDAY 11Concerts on the Commons (every Friday night)7 p.m.WHAT: Concert on the Commons, Norris’ outdoor music series, will be held each Friday evening at 7:00pm. Everyone is encouraged to bring a

lawn chair, blanket and picnic basket. This year’s line-up will feature a varied mix of musical styles and genres with artists drawn from near and far. WHERE: Norris Commons Area (in front of Norris Middle), Norris FAMILY•FREE

Friday 11 (every Friday in July)Wing Night at Sequoyah MarinaAfter 5 p.m.WHAT: Start off your weekends on Friday night with Sequoyah’s famous “Wing Night” at the dock. WHERE: Sequoyah Marina, 336 Lakeview Ln., AndersonvilleINFO: For more information, call 865-494-7984 or visit www.sequoyahmarina.net. FAMILY • FREE • FOOD

Friday 11-12 (every Friday and Saturday)Big Valley Barn After 5 p.m.WHAT: Come visit the Big Valley Barn for great country music and dance every Friday and Saturday night. Enjoy 3 hours of new and traditional

country music on Friday nights with various artists. WHERE: 901 Mountain Road, ClintonINFO: Contact Joy Patterson at 865-323-5103 FAMILY • FREE • FOOD

Saturday 12 (every Saturday in July)Sundown Saturdays6 - 10 p.m.WHAT: Live music, beautiful scenery at the Stardust Marina. WHERE: Stardust Marina, 149 Stardust Lane Andersonville. INFO: Visit stardustmarina.com or call 855.494.7641 FAMILY • FOOD

Saturday 12Second Saturdays in Downtown ClintonAll dayWHAT: Shopping, eating and being with friends in downtown Clinton. WHERE: Start out along Market St., ClintonFAMILY•FREE•FOOD

Thursday 10-13 1776: The Musical!8 p.m., 2 p.m.

WHAT: It’s the summer of 1776, and the American nation is ready to declare independence from England - if only our founding fathers can agree to it! The seminal event in American history blazes to vivid musical life as human faces are put on the men behind the national icons. WHERE: Oak Ridge Playhouse, 227 Broadway inHistoric Jackson Square, Oak RidgeINFO: Visit orplayhouse.com or call 865.482.9999FAMILY

Interested in advertising? Let us help boost your business.

Contact Paul Huskey at 865-235-9213 or email clintonlife@outlook.com.

28 July 2014

Saturday 12 (every Saturday)Clinton High School Flea Market7 a.m. - 1 p.m.WHAT: Proceeds will benefit the Clinton High School athletic department. Farmers are welcome to sell produce.WHERE: Parking lot in front of Don Lockard Gymnasium, Clinton High SchoolFAMILY•FREE•FOOD

Saturday 12Big Clinch River Clean-Up8 a.m. - 2 p.m.

WHAT: Everyone who enjoys the river, from anglers to kayakers to wildlife watchers, is invited to help remove litter from the Clinch and its banks. The communitywide cleanup is an expansion of annual pickups run for many years by members of the Clinch River Chapter, Trout Unlimited. WHERE: Register at Museum of Appalachia, 2819 Andersonville Highway, Norris.INFO: Visit crctu.org for more information or contact buzz.buffington@gmail.com or (865) 463-7167, or jimferguson41@gmail.com or (865) 494-8081.

Tuesday 15-1820th Annual Samuel

Dewitt Proctor Institute for Child Advocacy Ministry at CDF Haley FarmAll dayWHAT: Join leaders and faith-based advocates for children at CDF Haley Farm in Clinton for several days of spiritual renewal, networking, movement building workshops, and continuing education about the urgent needs of children. WHERE: 1000 Alex Haley Lane, ClintonINFO: Visit childrensdefense.org/proctor for more information.

Thursday 17-Aug. 17

Shakespeare on the Square7 p.m.WHAT: Shakespeare On The Square features two of the magnificent plays of Williams Shakespeare, comedies, tragedies and histories, rotated nightly outdoors on Market Square in the heart of downtown Knoxville. WHERE: Register at Museum of Appalachia, 2819 Andersonville Highway, Norris.INFO: Visit tennesseestagecompany.com for more information.FAMILY•FREE•FOOD

UPCOMING EVENTS...

29July 2014

Friday 18-19Secret City Excursion Train RideAfter 5 p.m.WHAT: Enjoy a summer train ride on the Secret City Excursion Train on July 18th or 19th. Departure times will be at 11am, 1pm & 3pm on the 19th. On the 18th, trains will depart at 11am and 1pm. During the ride, passengers will hear the story of the Manhattan Project, which was one of the most remarkable industrial achievements ever accomplished. There will also be a dinner train on the 19th at 6pm. Diners will be treated to a delicious entrée prepared by Chef Andras. WHERE: Hwy 58 East TN

Technology Park, Oak RidgeINFO: For more information, call 865-241-2140.FAMILY • FOOD

THURSDAY 25Clinton City Council meeting5:30-6:30 p.m.WHAT: Participate in your local government and let your voice be heard. WHERE: City Council board room, Clinton City Hall INFO: Monthly on the fourth Thursdays. Open to the public.

Friday 26The Neon Vibe 5K 7:30 p.m.-10

WHAT: The Neon Vibe After Dark Fun-run will ahve you and your friends glowing crazy with color and dancing all night. INFO: For more information, visit the neonvibe.com.

30 July 2014

The R.C. “Dudley” Hoskins Awards are given annually to an outstanding male and female for their contribution to the community through the Chamber and other organizations. This award is named for Mr. Hoskins, founder of Hoskins Drug Stores, and the Clinton Businessman’s association that became the Clinton Chamber in 1932, and renamed the Anderson County Chamber of Commerce in 1984. Daughters Dudley Bostic and Molly Scarbrough and their families still manage the drug store and a medical supply business on Market Street. Natalie Erb is co-owner of Allstate: the Erb Agency in Clinton. Natalie serves on the Chamber Board, Youth Leadership Anderson County Board, Events Council and is currently enrolled in the Leadership Anderson County Class of 2015. A positive voice for the Chamber in the community, she has provided numerous hours of in-kind support to the Chamber. Interested in the Chamber’s future, Natalie’s professional approach to business has been a driver to bring the Chamber to a higher level. Despite her busy schedule with business and family, she makes time to give back to the community. Steve Sumner, recipient, is CEO of Thermocopy of Tennessee, a long-time Chamber member. Steve serves on the Chamber Board and Chamber Operations Council, offering support through financial and in-kind contributions. As a businessman Steve is eager to share innovative ideas and experiences to promote fellow Chamber businesses. His interest in the Chamber’s future and visibility, his “how can I help?” attitude, his treatment of fellow employees and his optimistic approach to life represent a true community volunteer. Steve shows his appreciation for his customers by giving back to the community.

Giving Back to Their CommunityThe Anderson County Chamber of Commerce announced the two winners of the R.C. “Dudley” Hoskins Volunteer Awards at their 3rd Annual “Tribute to Business” Dinner on June 6.

by Janet HawkinsCommunity contributor

AND ANOTHER THING...

Natalie Erb and Steve Sumner, winners of the 2014 R.C. “Dudley” Hoskins Volunteer award.Photos courtesy of the Anderson County Chamber of Commerce

The Anderson County Chamber of Commerce – ‘working for business since 1932’, is located at 245 N. Main Street, Ste. 200, Clinton. For more information contact the Chamber at 865-457-2559 or visit andersoncountychamber.org.

31July 2014

P.O. Box 1003Clinton, TN 37717

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