Lions Club Vision Van Coming to Union County Sept. 29

Submitted by Shannon Carey on Mon, 09/10/2018 - 23:59
Lions Club

If you or someone you know needs vision care and can't afford it, the Union County Lions Club is ready to help. The Lions Club Vision Van will come to Union County High School Saturday, Sept. 29, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., to provide eye exams or glasses to those in need. Hearing needs may also be addressed during this time, and services are by appointment only.

Union County Lions Club president Kathy Chesney said the event was made possible by overwhelming community support of a spring musical fundraiser, a gospel singing held at Union County High School featuring the Primitive Quartet, the Valley Boys and several other groups. More than 1,200 people turned out for the show, which raised more than $4,000 for the Lions Club.

For the Vision Van to visit Union County, the Union County Lions Club provided $3,500 for equipment and materials used. Proceeds from the singing more than covered the cost.

"Thank you to everybody who supported this fundraiser," said Chesney. "It really was a wonderful success. I was amazed at it, and I was surprised at not just the number but the enthusiasm of the crowd to really join in and be part of the event. It was a very spirit-filled, very active thing."

Chesney compared the singing to the Lions Club's other major fundraiser, selling Hawaiian Ice at festivals and events.

"It takes a lot of Hawaiian Ice to make $3,500, and to do it in one event is just awesome," she said.

All healthcare professionals at the Vision Van event donate their time and services for the day, and two to three weeks later, the Lions Club will host another event in which people can come and pick up their new eyeglasses.

The Lions Club is considering hosting another singing next spring, and Chesney said her personal goal would be to bring the Vision Van to Union County every year. Since transportation is difficult on a fixed income, bring the service to the community instead of sending people elsewhere makes sense, she said.

Chensey asked folks to continue supporting Lions Club fundraisers, like the upcoming winter pecan sale. Plain and chocolate-covered pecans ordered from Georgia will be available in local banks soon. There is also a box for donated, used eyeglasses at Food City. She also encouraged the community to come to Lions Club meetings and consider joining the club.

"I think the Lions Club is such a noble organization that has been active for so long worldwide," she said. "We're people who want to get together and better understand the needs of Union County, especially when it helps supportive services. Being able to hear how important that is to every aspect of your life and letting those services be available to everybody no matter where you are on the income spectrum is such a noble cause. We would love the community to come and find out what we do and join us."

The Union County Lions Club meets at noon every third Monday at Hardee's in Maynardville. All are welcome to attend.

Vision Van services are by appointment only and are income-based. For information or to schedule an appointment, call 865-566-3289.

Tags: 
Union County Lions Club
Kathy Chesney

Comments

Kathy Chesney's picture

Kathy Chesney

Tue, 09/18/2018 - 10:14

We quickly filled up the appointments for this event. Now the task is to get enough volunteers to handle the crowd! We need: 6 Greeters, 3 to check out patients, 2 nurses (or clinical professionals to cover clinical history with patients), 2 to operate the Titmus machine and 1 to operate the Auto Refractor (operators can be trained morning of even, very easy to operate!).

Please call 865-566-3289 if you would like to volunteer.

I would personally like to invite our area churches to wear your church t-shirts or name badges (or I will provide name tags) so that as a community we can demonstrate loving our neighbors in the name of Jesus!

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Submitted by Shirlee Grabko on Thu, 10/31/2024 - 10:39

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4-H Biscuit Baking

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Artwork by Shirley McMurtrie

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Persimmon Picking

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Persimmon fruit

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Submitted by Staff on Tue, 10/15/2024 - 10:17
Headquarters on Market Street 2024, Home Federal Collection

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Artwork by Shirley McMurtrie

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Submitted by Shirlee Grabko on Mon, 10/14/2024 - 13:22

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Submitted by Marilyn Toppins on Mon, 10/14/2024 - 11:08

Cheri Christie poses with her Best of Show Quilt

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Submitted by Marilyn Toppins on Sun, 10/13/2024 - 09:50

Reed Reno skillfully hits the nail in the Heritage Olympics Nail Driving Contest.

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Nail Driving Contest

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Submitted by Marilyn Toppins on Thu, 10/10/2024 - 09:58

Heritage Festival Parade Grand Marshals: Mayor Jason Bailey, Grandpa Jack, Cousin Jed, and Doily Parton.

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HAM Radio Operators Coordinate Relief Efforts in North Carolina

Submitted by Staff on Wed, 10/09/2024 - 21:51
AdobeStock 734733997

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Submitted by Shannon DeWitt on Tue, 10/08/2024 - 16:09
Road leading to a washed out bridge in North East Tennessee. Photo taken by Melissa Shelton

Road leading to a washed out bridge in North East Tennessee. Photo taken by Melissa Shelton

In response to last week’s article on how to assist in the days immediately following the floods caused by Hurricane Helene, we’re sharing additional ways you can help the ongoing recovery efforts. As the floodwaters recede and the extent of the damage becomes clearer, both short-term and long-term support are crucial for affected communities.

Puffball Mushrooms and their fascinating history

Submitted by Shannon DeWitt on Tue, 10/08/2024 - 14:19
Three large puffball mushrooms near trees and leaves

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Have you noticed little mushrooms popping up in yards this week? They seem to be everywhere lately! The rainfall from Hurricane Helene has certainly created ideal conditions here in Union County. This week, Union County Agriculture Extension Agent Shannon DeWitt identified a mushroom with a fascinating history: the Puffball mushroom. These large, white mushrooms, about the size of a basketball, were growing just along a tree line, characteristically in dead leaves.

Union County Heritage Festival Announces 2024 Exhibit Winners

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Oatmeal Coconut Cookies

Submitted by Shirley McMurtrie on Tue, 10/08/2024 - 10:31
Artwork by Shirley McMurtrie

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The Impact of Electricity in 1946

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By the Seat of His Pants

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Heritage Festival Pie Baking Winners

Submitted by Marilyn Toppins on Mon, 10/07/2024 - 14:07

Brittany Bowlin's Grand Champion Pecan Cream Pie

Carol Pratt of Union County FCE and Abby Thomas of UT Extension Union County announced the winners of the 2024 Union County Heritage Festival Pie Baking Contest on October 5, 2024. FCE Judges tasted and judged the overall appearance, the crust, and the taste in addition to reviewing the recipe with each pie. Brittany Bowlin was named 2024 Grand Champion Pie Baker and received $100 for her Pecan Cream Pie.

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Submitted by Steve Roark on Mon, 10/07/2024 - 14:03
How bright the fall colors will be depends a lot on the weather leading up to mid-October

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Submitted by Dr. Darrell Johnson on Mon, 10/07/2024 - 11:42

Here are two more tips to strengthen and protect your back while working.

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Thank you, Union County !

Submitted by Shirlee Grabko on Mon, 10/07/2024 - 07:33

The American Legion Post 212 would like to thank all the many people who stopped long enough at the intersection of Hickory Star Road and Maynardville Hwy on October 5 to plop some money into the buckets held by our Veterans. Many drivers were in a hurry to get to the Heritage Festival in Wilson Park, but still slowed down long enough to make a donation. (Luckily, no Veterans were hit while playing in traffic).

Kerns Food Hall

Submitted by Shirlee Grabko on Sun, 10/06/2024 - 15:02

Peter Kern, a German immigrant, established a bakery at the corner of State Street and Main in Knoxville and sold cookies, made from flour and molasses, to Union soldiers. They were known as Kern’s Confections and he later expanded to ice cream. Kern built a new three-story structure in 1876, the Kern Building (now The Oliver Hotel), on Market Square in Knoxville, which is on the Register of Historic places. Peter Kern died in 1907 and his descendants sold the company in 1920 to the Brown family.

KidSight Outreach in Union County

Submitted by Shirlee Grabko on Sun, 10/06/2024 - 10:54
KidSight in Union County in September

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Great Expectations

Submitted by Ronnie Mincey on Thu, 10/03/2024 - 13:19

Who would have thought that a hurricane that made landfall in Florida could have such devastating effects more than one thousand miles away in the hills of Appalachia?
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Missing in Action

Submitted by Shirlee Grabko on Tue, 10/01/2024 - 10:58
POW MIA Flag AdobeStock_520125258

According to Wikipedia, “Missing in action (MIA) is a casualty classification assigned to combatants, military chaplains, combat medics, and prisoners of war who are reported missing during wartime or ceasefire. They may have been killed, wounded, captured, executed, or deserted”. The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency researches, investigates, recovers and identifies American service members who never returned from wars and various other operational loss incidents and whose bodies have never been found and identified.

Events

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Submitted by Shannon DeWitt on Thu, 08/01/2024 - 11:54

Soil health experts from the Natural
Resources Conservation Service will
teach the basics of soil health principles,
and their context within organic
management systems. Presentations may
identify barriers, challenges, and
potential solutions for fostering soil
health on organic operations at any scale.
Participants will learn hands-on low-cost
methods for assessing soil health in a
field setting. Instructors will also cover
advanced soil testing for soil health
indicators and interpretations. Field

Big Ridge Bluegrass is August 16

Submitted by Ethan Sane on Thu, 08/01/2024 - 17:38

Big Ridge State Park will be hosting its 43rd annual Bluegrass Festival on Friday, August 16. The music will start at 6 p.m. and will rcontinue until 10:30. There will also be food trucks and a variety of craft vendors. The event is free to the public.
Performances By: Norris Freeway, Tennessee Brushfire, Scrap Iron, The Beason Family, The Teno Family and John Alvis.

University of Tennessee Steak & Potatoes Field Day

Submitted by Shannon DeWitt on Thu, 08/08/2024 - 11:42

CROSSVILLE, Tenn. — The annual Steak and Potatoes Field Day presented by the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture will include topics of interest to beef cattle producers, fruit and vegetable producers and land managers. Throughout the morning, experts from both UT AgResearch and UT Extension will share their knowledge to help producers enhance their operations.
This in-person field day is scheduled for Thursday, August 22, 2024, at the Plateau AgResearch and Education Center.

UCCC Under the Tree Distribution December 7

Submitted by Marilyn Toppins on Tue, 08/13/2024 - 09:00

Treasurer Brooke Simpson, Chairperson Gina Gilbert, Chief Elf Carol Pratt, and a host of volunteers will be distributing toys and gifts from Under the Tree, a project of Union County Children's Charities, on Saturday, December 7, 2024. The big orange applications will be sent by the end of August to be returned before the end of September. Wish Trees will be set up on November 1 at Food City and surrounding businesses. As toys and gifts are donated, the elves will be bagging the them for the Saturday, December 7 Distribution Day.

Overdose Awareness and Memorial Service

Submitted by Kathy Chesney on Wed, 08/14/2024 - 14:56

PLEASE JOIN US
"Loved and Lost"
3rd Annual InternationalOverdose Awareness Day Candlelight Service
Remembering those loved and lost to substance use disorder
iF YOU WOULD LIKE TO ADD YOUR LOVED ONE'S NAME AND/OR PICTURE TO OUR MEMORIAL BOARD, EMAIL US AT Samantha.brantley@unioncountytn.gov
Saturday August 31, 2024 7:30 - 9 PM
Miller's Chapel (across from McDonald’s) 2719 Maynardville Hwy., Maynardville, TN 37807
This project is funded under a grant contract provided by the

Women's Fall Backpacking Workshop

Submitted by Holly Frerichs on Tue, 08/20/2024 - 11:50
Women's Fall Backpacking Workshop at Norris Dam State Park

Join Ranger Holly Frerichs for an overnight experience in the backcountry! This is a beginner-friendly workshop for women where we will learn best practices for overnight camping and some survival tactics. The hike to the campsite is 3.5 moderate miles in and the same route back out. This workshop is open to women and girls 15 and older.

Obituary

Helen Mae Wolfenbarger

Helen Mae Wolfenbarger-age 80 of Luttrell passed away Friday morning, November 1, 2024 at her home. She was a member of Willow Springs Missionary Baptist Church, Luttrell. Preceded in death by husband, Floyd Wolfenbarger; parents, Charlie and Bertha Thomas; siblings, Ed, Bill, Earl, Georgia and Blanche.

Judy Ann Bailey

Judy A. Bailey-age 79 of Luttrell, died peacefully Wednesday, October 30, 2024, at the home of her niece and caregiver, Michelle Strunk. She was a 25-year employee of Flowers by Bob. Preceded in death by her husband, Ronald Bailey; her parents, Fred and Mettie Dukes; sisters, Ilah Washam, Reba Herron, Nalda Slaughter; brothers, Ted Dukes, Roy Dukes.

Dorothy Louise Cummings

Dorothy Louise Cummings born on April 16, 1939, a resident of the Karns Community in Tennessee went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, October 30, 2024. Dorothy was raised by her grandparents, Otha Taylor Stoffel and Matilda Jane Stoffel. Dorothy worked at and retired from Robert Shaw. She was married to Lionel “Jack” Cummings for 38 years. Dorothy loved her family and was always there for them. She was a devoted Christian and grandmother to numerous grand, great grand, and great great grandchildren.

Oralia De Leon Briano

Oralia De Leon Briano – age 63 of Strawberry Plains, went to be with the Lord Monday, October 28, 2024 surrounded by her family. She enjoyed walking, cooking, working in her garden and walking with her dog. She is preceded in death by her parents, Ana Lopez and Arnulfo De Leon; brother, Jose Luis De Leon.

She is survived by her husband, Ruben Briano; children, Dalila Leek (Josh), Ruben Briano (Emily), Cindy Briano (Tanh); grandchildren, Alexia Leek, Jacob Cao, Catherine Davenport, Sophia Briano, Ana Lucia Cao; three sisters and six brothers, many nieces and nephews.

Roy Glenn Williams, Sr.

Roy Glenn Williams, Sr-age 76 of Tater Valley in Washburn passed away surrounded by his family Monday, October 28, 2024, after a long illness, we believe to be ALS/Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Roy was a lifelong member of Mount Eager Baptist Church in Hogskin. Roy was a long-time employee of Magnavox in Jefferson City where he made many lifelong friendships. He loved his job and their monthly breakfast gatherings and reunions. Roy finished his work career with the Grainger County Highway Department where he forged many more lasting friendships.

Berneice "Bea" Larmer Lee

Berneice (Bea) Larmer Lee-age 88 of Washburn passed away Friday morning, October 25, 2024 at The Willow Ridge Center, Maynardville. Bea was a member of Black Fox Primitive Baptist Church and a retired employee of Magnavox in Jefferson City. Preceded in death by husband, Delmer Gail Lee; parents, Oak and Carrie (Nicley) Larmer.

Survivors include many cousins with a host of friends and other relatives.

Angela Newman

Angela Dawn Newman - age 59 of Luttrell, passed away October 12, 2024. She loved spending time with family and friends, but most of all she enjoyed any time spent with her grandkids. Angela enjoyed being out at the lake fishing and spending time with her dog, Beauty. She will be greatly missed by many.

Larry Eugene Miller

Larry Eugene Miller, age 67 of Halls, TN, passed away Wednesday, October 16, 2024 at Sacred Ground Hospice House after fighting a battle with cancer. He was born July 2, 1957 in Knoxville, TN to Ralph Miller and Mary Carmichael. He was a Halls High school graduate class of 1975. He worked most of his life, in jobs ranging from Mynatt Brothers to Cooks and Pioneer Pest Control.

He is proceeded in death by his parents; Ralph Miller and Mary Carmichael, and Caitlynn Carmichael.

Melissa Michelle Schubert

Melissa Michelle Schubert-age 54 of Knoxville passed away Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at U. T. Medical Center unexpectedly after she lost her battle with cancer. She loved the Lord and had accepted Jesus as her savior. She was a very hard worker and loved being creative. She enjoyed painting, drawing and decorating. She was a free spirit and loved her children and grandchildren. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. She has been rejoined with her son, Michael Conatser who passed away in 2022 and her baby brother, Michael.

Sandra Ann Muncey

Sandra Ann (Brown) Muncey-age 62 of Maynardville passed away Tuesday evening, October 15, 2024 at Willow Ridge. Preceded in death by her mother, Juanita (Asbury) Brown; father, Wayne Brown; brother, Tony Brown; sister, Mary Brown.

She is survived by her daughters, Cassandra Muncey of Mississippi, Jessica Nicley of Maynardville, Bridget Muncey of Maynardville; grandchildren, Christian Fox of Mississippi, Emily Erwin and Ashley Erwin of Chattanooga; brother, Donnie Brown of Maynardville and several nieces, nephews and a host of other family members and many friends.

Carlos Anton Dew

Carlos Anton Dew-age 51 passed away Tuesday, October 8, 2024. Carlos loved spending time with his family and friends but loved most his two sons, Matthew and AJ. He was a voracious reader and always will be an Eagles fan. Preceded in death by his father, Larry Dew; grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Dew.

Left to mourn his passing, his mother, Dinah Dew; sons, Matthew and AJ; brother, Matthew McMillan; close relatives, Cathy Nowak, Jodi Moore, Melissa King; close friend, Dylan Squires.

Ricky Lynn Fife

Ricky Lynn Fife-age 65 of Tazewell passed away Sunday, October 13, 2024 at Claiborne Health and Rehabilitation. Preceded in death by his parents, J.M. and Billie Marian (King) Fife.

Left to mourn his passing, granddaughter, Christine Charlene Poole.

No services are planned at this time. Arrangements by Cooke-Campbell Mortuary, Maynardville.

Kenneth George Hayes

Kenneth George Hayes-age 84 of Maynardville passed away peacefully Thursday, October 10, 2024, at his home. He was a member of Mountain View Church of God of the Union Assembly, Luttrell. Kenneth was retired from the U.S. Navy after 30 years of serving. He was the owner of Hayes Hollow Apiary. Preceded in death by his wife, Mary Hayes; parents, George A. and Billie Virginia (Goss) Hayes; sister, JoAnn Human; brother-in-law, Leonard Ray Johnson.

Josie Rhea Rauhuff

Josie Rhea Rauhuff-age 15 of Corryton passed away suddenly October 8, 2024. She was born January 23, 2009 at UT Medical Center. She had the biggest heart and a dark sense of humor. She loved drawing, music, parkour, Lego’s, puzzles and playing with her dog Ceasar and cat Asher. There was never a dull moment with “Jo” around.

She is survived by her parents, Jerry and Lori Rauhuff; sisters, Kelsey Davis (David), Serena Buckner (Dillion), Abigail Rauhuff; nieces and nephews, Harper, Lincoln, Aria, Ryder; grandmother and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Aundra Dawnella Shoffner

Aundra Dawnella Shoffner-age 57 of Sharps Chapel passed way Tuesday morning, October 8, 2024, at her home. She was born April 7, 1967, at Oak Knoll Navel Hospital in Oakland, California and was a member of Oak Grove Primitive Baptist Church, Sharps Chapel. Aundra was a former employee of D.T.R. in Tazewell. She was a graduate of Dixon High School, Jacksonville, North Carolina. Aundra was a loving and caring person who was hard working and had a great sense of humor.

Bill Howard

Bill Howard-age 87 of Tazewell, Tennessee, formerly of Luttrell was born in Ages, Harlan County, Kentucky and passed away on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, at LaFollette Medical Center. He was a member of the Tazewell Church of Christ. He was preceded in death by his parents, John H. and Nannie Howard; and his wife, Lena Howard.

Bill served in the United States Air Force and was honorably discharged. By occupation Bill worked for the Phone Company, was a Coal Miner, and then worked for Straight Creek Boat Dock.

Betty Lou Nicley

Betty Lou “Speedy” Nicley – age 89 of Washburn, passed away October 8, 2024 peacefully at home. She was a member of Central View American Christian Church. She was cherished by so many and will be remembered for her love and kindness. Betty enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, camping, gardening, coloring and any sport involving her grandchildren.

Charlotte Elaine Daniels

Charlotte Elaine Daniels-age 73 of Sharps Chapel passed away Friday, October 4, 2024 at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center. She was a member of Oak Grove Primitive Baptist Church in Sharps Chapel and she loved all of her church family. Graduate of Horace Maynard High School, Class of 1969. Preceded in death by parents, Bonder and Ruth (Lay) Daniels; sister, Jann Longmire.

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