Big Ridge State Park had a record year last year in visitation despite being closed for about a month in the spring.
This summer was another record year for Big Ridge as it was for all parks across the nation. As the season winds down the staff here at Big Ridge can finally take a deep breath.
Everyone that works at Big Ridge deserves a great big shout out for their hard work the last couple of years. We truly have a great team working together.

I try most every yeast bread dough that comes along. These doughnuts are especially good. They are light, airy and melt-in-your-mouth yeast raised doughnuts and stir together quickly. They don't need kneading. That is a plus. Try them.

I had lunch with some dear friends today. One was Debbie Gillenwater, currently co-director of the Union County Family Resource Center. Many Union Countians will remember Ms. Debbie as a wonderful first grade teacher at Maynardville Elementary School.

By: Steve Roark
Volunteer Interpreter, Cumberland Gap National Historical Park
Deer are social creatures and they need to communicate with one another. Sometimes it’s one-on-one trash talk, while other times it’s an alarm to an entire group.

For Molly, she had looking forward to going to Papaw’s garden
She and her brother Johnny each get to pick out a pumpkin

Johnny looked at the large ones, but kicked the small ones away
Molly knew her pumpkin had to be special, so she closed her eyes to pray

She asked God to send her the perfect one to use
Something hit her foot, which sent mud on her shoes

It was a little pumpkin that Johnny had left behind
Molly picked it up and ran her hand over the rind

Starting your day the right way can give your body a little boost as it prepares for the activity that’s ahead of it, Whether that be work or play. here are some tips:

When you get out of bed, greet the day with some stretching. There are lots of different stretches, but try this: stretch your arms above your head and hold for 10 seconds and feel your spine straighten out. Put your hands on your hips and rotate gently at the waist. Hold for 10 seconds to the right, and then 10 seconds to the left.

It was the summer of 1983. I had just graduated from Union County High School and was waiting to begin attending Lincoln Memorial University in the fall. I knew that I would be living on campus and that I would have a roommate. The college sent me his name, but nothing else. Of course I was somewhat apprehensive about having to live in such close quarters with a total stranger. My concern was greatly alleviated when my future roommate wrote me a letter more or less introducing himself to me. What a difference a letter can make!

Biscuit mix makes stirring together a biscuit dough easy as pie. It makes a fine coffeecake as well. Crushed pineapple is one of my favorite go-to fruits to bake with. Stir up this for your next Sunday morning breakfast.

By: Steve Roark
Volunteer Interpreter, Cumberland Gap National Historical Park

Spiders have been stereotyped as being dangerous and the natural tendency is to squash them before taking time to consider how beneficial and interesting they are. Their most unique talent is producing silk and spinning it into webs to catch prey.

Listen up! Here is a hooping, affordable sporting opportunity for Union County youths. The Union County Youth Basketball (UCYB) League is currently tipping off signups.