Super quick supper

Back in my working days, i would try to think of what i would fix for supper before I left for home. A little late, you say? Ok, but I did have a few "go-to" menus to dork from. This is one of them.

Molly and Sweetheart

During World War 11 Dad lived at a hotel in Ypsilanti, Michigan when he was an electrician at the Bomber Plant there. He used his winnings from a poker game as the down payment on the 160 acre farm I remember from my teenage years. In those days you were frozen in your job for the duration of the war. Union electricians worked out of the AFL hiring hall in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He had been assigned to a rubber plant in Akron, Ohio. That was a hardship for our family living in Bay City, Michigan. I remember Dad bringing home a butyl rubber sample.

What Are We Missing?

On a cold January morning in 2007 the Washington Post conducted an experiment. They invited Joshua Bell, one of the most famous classical violinists of our time, to play music at the Washington DC Metro Train Station. No introductions, no fanfare, simply stand on a busy walkway and play. He did six famous pieces written by J.S. Bach on a violin worth 3.5 million dollars.

Spring at Union County High School

Spring is in the air and Union County High School is bustling with excitement. Service learners in the agriculture department have been incredibly busy these last couple of weeks. Although they have quite a few projects in the works, the most impressive is the aquaponic system the students have built.

U.S. Congressman Tim Burchett Visiting Union County in March

Our new Tennessee U.S. Congressman, Tim Burchett, who represents our voice in D.C. is visiting Union County on Monday, March 27 at three different locations. This is an opportunity to meet Mr. Burchett face-to-face and share your concerns and ideas. These “Mobile Office Hours” make it easier for constituents to pass on opinions and get federal agency assistance. Appointments are not necessary. Mark your calendar today and plan on bringing two friends!

State Cemetery Preservationist to Speak at Museum

Mr. Graham Perry, developer of the Tennessee Historic Cemetery Preservation Program, will address the Union County Historical Society on Sunday, March 19, at 2:30 at the Union County Museum on Maynardville Highway. Mr. Perry will explain the progress of the historic cemetery program and entertain questions regarding cemetery preservation. Mr. Perry previously was the Curator of Social History at the Tennessee State Museum in Nashville where he developed the permanent exhibit, Tennessee Transforms: 1945-present.

Present the Past to the Future

When I was an undergraduate English major at Lincoln Memorial University, I took a class in Appalachian literature. One of the books we read for that course was Lee Smith’s Oral History. By definition, oral history is a study of the past relayed through the spoken, not the written, word. The transcriptions then are written down for posterity.

Turn about

My mamaw and papaw’s house was not only one of the oldest in the community where I grew up, but it was also considered the center of the community. I often heard it referred to as: “The Clark’s” or “The Clark’s Place.” They often had visitors. Some of them stayed in the driveway.

Ham and bean chowder

Use the last of the leftover ham in this recipe. It is a simple recipe, but good. In saucepan, heat milk slowly over low heat, Stir in remaining ingredients. Simmer, covered, for about 25 to 30 minutes.

American Beech

The American Beech (Fagus grandifolia) is very common in our area and is to me one of the nobler trees in the forest. It has never been in high demand for timber, and so many beech trees have been left to grow large and majestic. The bark is silvery gray, smooth, and easy to identify even from a distance.