My Aunt Fleetie Thomas introduced me to Mark Twain.
This is one of the flukes in my reading experience, as my aunt was neither highly educated or literary. I was staying with her for a few days during a summer when I was in the upper elementary grades. Either she bought me the volume that contained two of Twain’s most popular books (The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn), or I bought it myself. I do remember it came from a rummage sale. I loved that book.

There are many good peanut butter recipes. Here is another one. This makes a lot of cookies. There will be some to share with your friends. In large mixing bowl, cream shortening, peanut butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg whites and vanilla. Combine flour, baking soda and baking powder. Gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well. Stir in cereal, nuts, coconut and oatmeal.

The autumn coloration of trees is always looked forward to with anticipation, and is beginning to show in the higher elevations. The presence of a large number of tree species having brilliant fall foliage is more unusual than you think, as the only other places in the world with a similar abundance of foliage colorations are northern China, Korea, and Japan.

The theme of Union County Heritage Festival on October 7 is “Going to Grandma’s.” The 19th festival will immerse you in all things that remind you of the most lovable grandmothers you can imagine from eating hot, freshly baked biscuits and pie to admiring finely stitched quilts and purses.

Mayor Jason Bailey was re-elected by acclamation to be the chairman of the Union County Commission at the regular meeting on September 25.
Commissioner Sidney Jessee Jr., who represents District 2, was also re-elected to serve as vice chairman. Although absent from the meeting,

Plainview City will not allow tiny homes to be built inside the city limits due to the passage of Ordinance #157 on its second reading at the September 12 meeting.
The ordinance does allow homes of at least 401 square feet, which is only one square foot more than the definition of a tiny home at 400 square feet.

"Stitched with Love, Remembering Grandma" is the 2023 Union County Heritage Festival Limited Edition Collectible Print. The inspiration for the 2023 Limited Edition Collectible Print by noted artist Betty Bullen was her own memories of grandmothers who lovingly stitched quilts for their grandchildren. This year’s festival theme is “Going to Grandma’s.”

The Luttrell community enjoyed an evening of great local musicians and delicious local food last month. Admission was free and the event is sponsored by the City of Luttrell and The Tennessee Arts Commission. The goal of this event is to showcase local musicians in a fun-filled, festive family atmosphere.

The Union County Lions Club held elections for officers for the 2023-24 fiscal year. Kathy Chesney, pastor at both Miller’s Chapel UMC and Irwin’s Chapel UMC, was elected president. Vice-president is Bill Sexton; Treasurer, Dr. Ronnie Mincey; Secretary, Debbie Sylvia-Gardner; and Publicity, Shirlee Grabko.

Union County High School’s Horace Maynard FFA Chapter is diligently active in community service work amongst members. One of their projects is the backpack program or Food for Kids. Members, alongside Advisor John Fugate, provide backpacks to 160 students at all five of the county’s elementary schools, as well as the middle school, on a weekly basis to subside food shortages over the weekend to students who may have the need.