Union County Business & Professional Association held its regular Member Meeting on Tuesday, August 13, 2019, at Hardee's in Maynardville. President Martin Shafer called the meeting to order and quickly dispensed with the routine business of the minutes and treasurer's report. The treasurer's report was presented by Gail Corum and as of July 31, 2019, the balance was $5,543.24.

During the program, John Coykendall, Master Gardner of Blackberry Farm in Walland, Tennessee, shared the importance of heirloom seeds for not only offering a tasty plate but also for the nutritional value of the produce. He allowed members to see some of the bean and pea seeds that were popular in East Tennessee. The planting of heritage seeds is experiencing a Renaissance due to their complex favor. According to Coykendall, many people, especially millennials, are looking for healthy alternatives to the “tasteless vegetables and fruits brought to our grocery store from Monsanto”. Young people are turning to owning mini-farms or backyard gardens and shopping farmer's markets to find a healthy alternative. Coykendall related that with freezing, seeds could be preserved and germinated several years in the future. This option gives the individual the ability to pass along these seeds to their grandchildren. Also interest groups like The Seed Exchange are maintaining sources for heirloom seeds.

BPA has scheduled a KUCB pickup for Saturday, September 14, 2019, starting at 9:00 at Commercial Bank.

September 10 is the next BPA Member Meeting at Hardee’s at Noon. The program will include Emergency Workers and Veterans Recognition.

Announcements included Big Ridge Park Bluegrass Festival (August 16), Motorcycle Ride & Car Show-Kennedy Hill, FFA Homecoming Candidate (August 24), Thunder in the Park at Wilson Park 5-10 PM (August 31), Thunder Road Author Rally, 9:00-1:00 at Maynardville Public Library (September 7), and Farmer’s Market at Wilson Park, 9:00-12:00 (every Saturday).

Thunder Road Printing & Graphic Design has a Special Offer -Fall Festival Package-Call 992-7741.