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Mountain Sentinel ™
YOUR Hometown News Source
April 6, 2015 Edition
Johnson County Celebrates National Public
Health Week
Names for the April Full Moon are Pink
Moon (for pink phlox), Grass Moon, Egg
Moon, and Fish Moon. (Farmers’ Almanac)
The Hill Report
Join the Johnson County
Health Department in
working to help Johnson
County propel the U.S.
toward being the
Healthiest Nation in One
Generation – by 2030!
That’s the goal of National Public Health Week,
celebrated April 6-12, 2015. NPHW is a time to
recognize the contributions of public health and
highlight issues important to improving the
health of our nation.
Hospitals Update the Hated Hospital Gown
This week, Governor Bill
Haslam announced the
federal government has
agreed to provide
assistance to 35 Tennessee
counties still recovering
from the severe winter
storm of February 15 to
February 22, 2015. The storm took 30 lives and
caused widespread damage across the state.
Whether a patient is in
the hospital for an organ
transplant, an
appendectomy or to have
a baby, one complaint is
common: the gown. You
know the one. It might as
well have been stitched
together with paper towels and duct tape, and it
usually leaves the wearer’s behind hanging out.
Contents
Johnson County: National Public Health Week......... 2
What To Do During April .......................................... 2
Things To Do ............................................................ 3
Food & News Shorts ................................................. 9
The Hill Report ....................................................... 13
Hospitals Update the Hated Hospital Gown ............ 16
Just Ask .................................................................. 18
TN Information and Assistance .............................. 18
Our Blue Planet ...................................................... 19
Read All About It .................................................... 22
Haslam Introduces Budget Amendment ................. 23
Obituaries............................................................... 24
TN Nutrition Services ............................................. 25
Senior Discounts .................................................... 26
TNDH: Protect Yourself from Mosquitoes .............. 27
March 911 Calls ...................................................... 29
City Council to Meet April 7 ................................... 31
Mountain Sentinel™ * Katherine Hegemann, Editor and
Publisher * Jill Penley, Correspondent and Marketing
495 Wisteria Lane * Benson, NC 27504 * (919) 600-9352
[email protected]
Copyright 2011-2015
We reserve the right to refuse subscription or
advertising service to anyone.
Page 1 of 31
Johnson County Celebrates National Public Health Week
Join the Johnson County Health Department in working
to help Johnson County propel the U.S. toward being the
Healthiest Nation in One Generation – by 2030! That’s
the goal of National Public Health Week, celebrated
April 6-12, 2015. NPHW is a time to recognize the
contributions of public health and highlight issues
important to improving the health of our nation.
“Public health protects and promotes the health of people and the communities where they live,
learn, work and play,” said Rebekah English, Regional Health Director. “We work to prevent people
from getting sick or injured in the first place and promote wellness by encouraging healthy
behaviors. Join us in celebrating National Public Health Week by asking yourself what you can do to
invest in your health. Take the stairs, walk with a friend, choose water instead of soda, quit smoking
- each of us can make these and other small investments and they do pay off in better health.”
The Johnson County Health Department is taking an active role in the health of the community
through the Tennessee Department of Health’s Primary Prevention Initiative. This statewide effort
challenges county health department staff members, in collaboration with community partners, to
develop projects designed to address a health need in their communities. The Johnson County Health
Department’s PPI projects so far have included immunization promotion, substance abuse
awareness, and tobacco use prevention for youth and adults efforts.
This year’s National Public Health Week focus areas include what data reveal about America’s
health; addressing geographic disparities; the momentum building around a commitment to our
nation’s health; expanding partnerships and celebrating accomplishments of the public health
community.
The Johnson County Health Department is planning activities for National Public Health Week.
Please contact Angie Stout, Health Educator, at 423-727-9731 for more information.
National Public Health Week is sponsored by the American Public Health Association. Learn more at
www.nphw.org.
What To Do During April
Doe Mountain Adventure Trails – Open Every day,
8am-Sunset. 1203 Harbin Hill Road, Mountain City, TN
37683. Open Daily, 8am-Sunset. Doe Mountain, an 8,600
acre mountain range in the heart of the Appalachian
Mountains is now open, and with over 10 miles of
Mountain Biking trails and 45 miles of Hiking & ATV
riding trails currently available, Doe Mountain
Recreation is quickly becoming the premiere outdoor
recreation area in the South! Open Daily, 8am-Sunset.
Call (423)727-9696 or visit http://www.doemountain.org
for additional information and trail passes. The Doe
Mountain Visitors Center (423) 460-1295 is located at 1203 Harbin Hill Road- off Hwy. 67 West, in
Mountain City, Tennessee 38783. ADDITIONAL Trail Building is underway!
April 2-5 — Watauga Lake Winery Opening: Thur-Sat: 11am to 5pm and Sunday: 1pm to 5pm.
Other events for April: Beta Theta Festival, 4/11/2015; LaCucina Cooking Class, 4/13/2015; Memphis
Blues & BBQ, 4/18/2015. For more information, visit http://www.wataugalakewinery.com.
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April 15 — Red Tail Mountain ResortGolf Course Re-opens for the Season.
Redtail Mountain Resort, the regions
premiere Golf course, will re-open for the
season, and all are invited to come
experience one of the best, most
challenging, and beautiful golf courses in the
Southeast Region! For tee times or
additional information, please visit
http://www.redtailmountain.com or call
(423)727-7600.
April 17 — Johnson County Community
Foundation’s “Youth Talent Show” at
Heritage Hall Theatre. Heritage Hall is
located at 211 N. Church Street, Mountain
City, TN 37683. For more information or
tickets call (423)727-7444 or visit:
http://www.heritagehlltheatre.org.
April 18 — Johnson County Humane
Society’s Semi-Annual Rummage Sale:
National Guard Armory on S. Shady Street
(Hwy.421 S.), Mountain City, TN 37683. Sale
starts at 8am, so get there early to nab the best deals! For more information, or for donations, please
contact Mrs. Della Dione: (423)727-4665
April 25 — “Carson Peters’ Band”- Heritage Hall Theatre: Heritage Hall is located at 211 N.
Church Street, Mountain City, TN 37683. For more information or tickets, call (423)727-7444 or visit:
http://www.heritagehlltheatre.org.
Things To Do
HERITAGE HALL NEWS
Heritage Hall is delighted to announce that the Barter
Players have rescheduled their performance of Anne of
Green Gables for Thursday, April 2 at 7pm. All tickets are
just $5 with open seating, so come early and grab a good
seat for a great show. This is a heart-warming classic
enjoyed by most ages 9 and up. You can’t beat the price,
AND you don’t have to leave town. Great show, great
price, great entertainment for the entire family.
Marilla Cuthbert and her brother Matthew are determined to adopt an orphan boy to help them run
Green Gables, their farm on beautiful Prince Edward Island. But their well-ordered lives take a
surprising and hilarious twist when the boy they hoped for turns out to be a redheaded slip-of-a-girl
named Anne Shirley, whose wild imagination leads her into countless scrapes, as well as a place in
our hearts forever. Come join Anne and her friends in this timeless coming-of-age favorite! Because
of the late booking, all patrons pay at the door for open seating.
Sat, April 25 at 7pm, An Evening with Fiddlin’ Carson Peters, sponsored by H & R Block and HuxLipford Funeral Home, Carson Peters, or “Fiddlin’ Carson Peters,” as he is also known, started
playing the fiddle at the ripe old age of 3 when his parents bought him a 1/8 size fiddle. By age 4, he
was playing in fiddle competitions and jamming at musical festivals. Carson has continued to hone
his fiddling and singing talents with which he feels so fortunate to have been blessed and has won
many competitions along the way. In fact, in September of 2014, Carson performed “Blue Moon of
Kentucky “ with Ricky Scaggs at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. He is quickly making a name for
himself in the music industry. This will be a great show and local patrons will one day be able to say,
“I saw him when…” Adv $10/ Door $12/ All Youth $5
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Heritage Hall is a nonprofit organization
dedicated to serving the area with great
shows and pricing. For more information ,
visit heritagehalltheatre.org. Most tickets
are $10 advance and $12 at door. Most youth
seats are $5. For tickets, or reservations, call
423-727-7444 and leave a message. The Box
Office is open on Tuesday – Friday, 12 – 2
pm at 126 College Street, between Sr. Center
and JC Schools Central Office.
JOHNSON COUNTY GOVERNMENT
ANNOUNCEMENTS
The Johnson County Beer Board will hold
their quarterly meeting on April 2, 2015 at 6
pm in the Johnson County Courthouse,
Lower Courtroom, 222 West Main Street
Mountain City, TN.
The offices of Johnson County Government
will be CLOSED April 3, 2015 in observance
of Good Friday.
The Johnson County Planning
Commission will meet on Monday April 13,
2015 at 6 pm in the Johnson County Courthouse, Upper Courtroom, 222 West Main Street Mountain
City, TN.
WATAUGA LAKE WINERY OPENING
April 2-5 — Thur-Sat: 11am to 5pm and Sunday: 1pm to 5pm. Other events for April: Beta Theta
Festival, 4/11/2015; LaCucina Cooking Class, 4/13/2015; Memphis Blues & BBQ, 4/18/2015. For more
information, visit http://www.wataugalakewinery.com.
FREE MOUNTAIN CITY HEALTH CLINIC
Thursday, April 23, 2015, 4:00 PM – 6:30 PM, ETSU Student Center, Kellogg Drive Mountain City,
(pass the Phoenix Medical office, next to the old Levi Strauss building). TN Walk-Ins only! Services
to include: Sick Walk-Ins, Cholesterol Check, Blood glucose, Additional Blood work if indicated,
Physicals, Sports physicals, School physicals, Blood Pressure, Height and Weight, Hearing Exam, EKG
if indicated, PAP smear and Women’s Health, Men’s Health and Physicals, and Lung Function
Screening. For more information, please contact Carolyn Sliger, (423) 439-6737 [email protected].
This event is being brought to you by James H. Quillen College of Medicine of ETSU, Third Year
Medical students, Physicians and Mtn. States Health Alliance.
JOHNSON COUNTY FARMERS MARKET
I would like to thank you for your support, both vendor and customer, of our 2014 season. We had a
great year with wonderful vendors and supporters.
We are now gearing up for the 2015 Johnson County Farmers Market Season. We are kicking the
season off with a pre-season informational potluck dinner meeting. The meeting will take place on
Saturday April 4 at 4:00 pm. The meeting will be held at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church on
Main Street in Mt. City. We would love to have you all participate. We ask that you bring something
to share; we will supply drinks, plates, napkins, forks. At the meeting, we will discuss the 2015 Rules
and Regulations, as well as the fees. We would also like to answer questions and brainstorm to make
our 2015 Season the best ever! If you know of anyone that is interested in the JCFM please feel free to
share this email. If you have any questions, feel free to send an email to
[email protected] or give me a call at 423-707-5173. 2015 Schedule: Saturdays 9 am - 1
pm starting May 2. JCFM website is johnsoncountyfm.org. We look forward to seeing you on April 4.
Robert Back, Market Manager, Johnson County Farmers Market.
ROAN CREEK BAPTIST CHURCH MEDICAL EQUIPMENT MINISTRY: RCBC needs your
donations. While you are waiting for an ailment (hopefully, it will not happen), a neighbor needs
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your unused equipment now. Tremendous
needs this past few weeks have depleted our
inventory. Wheel chairs, shower chairs,
walkers in good repair, clean bedside potty
chairs (commodes), mattress for a hospital
bed, and other articles are always in demand.
PLEASE call our church office 727-7061 if
you have a donation that needs picked up.
You can also call Junior Maze 440-2351, or
Harry Cunningham 727-5441.
FREE MEDICAL SERVICE: Crossroads
Medical Mission, the free medical service
sponsored by First United Methodist Church,
comes to Mountain City’s St. Anthony’s
Church, where a food pantry is also located,
on the first Thursday of each month. The
next clinic is Thursday, April 2. Patients are
seen beginning at 9:00 am. Crossroads is a
mobile medical clinic and Christian mission
providing free healthcare to the uninsured
and underserved of the Mountain Empire.
The Doctor’s Office on Wheels provides
medical care and can often help with testing,
lab work, minor surgeries, and in some instances medications. For more information, call Crossroads
Office at 276-466-1600. Schedules and directions can be found on the internet at
crossroadsmedicalmission.org. If schools in your area are closed for weather, the clinic will be
canceled.
CHALLENGE TO JOHNSON COUNTY
From Roan Creek Baptist Church: “Someone has said that if Christians really understood the full extent
of the power we have available through prayer, we might be speechless.”
There is a group now forming here in the US, following England’s lead to drop whatever you are
doing every evening at 9:00 PM (Eastern Time) and spend just one minute praying for the United
States and for a return to a Godly Nation. Recognizing that our prayers are the most powerful asset
we have, and as a token of your commitment, we challenge everyone to call the church office – 7277061 –and have your name put on our list of praying Christians.
If you believe in prayer, we would love to hear from you. roancreekbaptist.com
BRIDGE PLAYERS WANTED: Anyone wishing to play bridge, locally, call Calvin at 423-291-1331.
ON-GOING GED / HiSET CLASSES: GED / HiSET classes are “up and running”!! Don’t get left
behind. If you are in need of your High School Equivalency Diploma, now is the time to pursue it. Day
and Night classes are in “full swing”, both in Johnson and Carter Counties, and we also offer ESOL
classes in Johnson Co. and will soon be offering ESOL classes in Carter Co. in the near future! Stay
tuned for updates….Graduation for all our graduates will be this Spring. Don’t miss it! For
information or enrollment/orientation to our Adult Ed. program, please call 727-2654 (Johnson Co)
or 518-1212 (Carter Co.) Hope to see you soon.
DMRA MEETING NOTICES: All DMRA meeting notices and minutes are posted on
doemountain.org. Please note that DMRA Board meeting minutes are available for viewing after the
next scheduled Board meeting, at which the previous meeting’s minutes are approved.
April 2015
The Doe Mountain Recreation Authority Board will meet on Tuesday, April 7th, 2015 at 1:00 pm.,
First Tennessee Development District conference room, 3211 North Roan Street, Johnson City, TN.
The DMRA Marketing & Outreach committee meets 1st Tuesday of each month at 5:30 pm, Johnson
County Courthouse lower courtroom, 222 West Main St., Mountain City, TN.
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The DMRA Administration committee meets 3rd
Wednesday of each month at 12:00 noon, Johnson County
Mayor’s Office, 222 West Main Street, Mountain City
Tennessee.
DMRA Roads & Trails Committee meets 4th Monday of
each month at 6:00 p.m., Johnson County Courthouse
lower courtroom, 222 West Main Street, Mountain City
Tennessee.
ADVERTISERS: If you keep your listing out there where
customers can see it each week, they will automatically
think of you when the time comes that they need your
product or service. Advertising pays!
FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH: First United
Methodist Church, 128 N. Church St., has an open heart,
an open mind, and an open door for all to come in and be
welcomed by a gracious and friendly church family. We
have a traditional service with strong preaching,
children’s church, and an exceptional music program. One of our major areas of concern is local
missions to which we donate, along with member contributions, the earnings from our Unique
Boutique, located behind the church on Butler Street. Each Sunday morning Coffee begins at 9:30;
Sunday School at 10:00; and Morning Worship at 11:00. mountaincitymethodist.org
COMMUNITY NOTICE: The office hours for groundwater protection services (septic permits) are
available on Wednesdays from 10:00 am – 11:30 am, in the County Mayor’s office, 222 West Main
Street, Mountain City TN 37683. To schedule an appointment to meet with the environmentalist,
please call J.K. Perkins at (423) 547-5885 or (423) 298-5355.
REECE CEMETERY MAINTENANCE: The Reece Cemetery on Bulldog Road in Trade has been nicely
maintained by donors whose family members are buried there, and we really appreciate that
assistance. If you have one or more family members in this cemetery and would like to continue to
or begin to donate money toward its upkeep, please send your contribution to Bobby Wills, 903
Harbin Hill Rd., Mtn. City, TN 37683. Also, if you are interested in mowing this cemetery, please send
your bid to the same address.
JCHSI RECYCLING PROGRAMS: As part of our fundraising to help the animals of Johnson County,
the Johnson County Humane Society collects aluminum cans for recycling. Our collection bins are at
the Mountain City Food Lion (just outside the north entrance near the soda machines and phones)
and at the Mountain City Food Country (in between the east entrance and Auto Zone, next to the
soda machines). Both bins have a magnet embedded in the lid. If a can sticks to a magnet, it's not
aluminum and we can't use it.
UNIQUE BOUTIQUE OPEN: Unique Boutique, sponsored by First United Methodist Church, is a
thrift store with something for everyone. Located at 122 Butler Lane in Mountain City, you can shop
on Wednesdays, when the ‘OPEN’ sign is out, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Over 80% of all profits made at
the thrift store are donated to community organizations and local missions. None of the money
leaves the community.
CANS TO CASH PROGRAM: The A.C.T.I.O.N. Coalition/Johnson County Volunteer Center is
recycling aluminum cans to fund youth programming in the county. You can drop your aluminum
cans off at the A.C.T.I.O.N. Coalition Office on 138 East Main St. from 8 am to 4 pm M-F. The cans
must be in bags when they are dropped off. For further information on the collection of aluminum
cans, you may contact Denise Woods at 727-0780.
TRADE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH: Sunday Worship 9:30 am; Sunday School 10:45 am;
Wednesday Choir Rehearsal 6:30 pm; Holy Communion is the first Sunday of each month.
trademethodist.org
REGULAR ORGANIZATION MEETINGS:
A.C.T.I.O.N. COALITION, INC.: The ACTION Coalition meetings, 3rd Tuesday of each month,
Community Center, 11:30 am – 1:00 pm, jctnac.org Contact Person: Angela Wills, 727-0780
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ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS: AA, Monday and
Thursday at JC/MC Community Center, at 7:00 pm. Call
Chuck at 768-0643 for more information.
AMATEUR RADIO CLUB: The Johnson County Amateur
Radio Club, 2nd Tuesday of each month at 7:00 pm,
conference room at the Johnson County Hospital. For
more information, call Danny Herman [K4DHT] AT 423727-0723.
BUTLER RURITAN: 4th Monday of every month at the
Butler Ruritan Hall, 6:30 pm for the potluck, 7:00 pm
meeting. We welcome any interested seasonal and
permanent residents, as well as businesses, to our
meetings. Located just one block off Hwy. 67, on
Piercetown Rd., above the Butler Fire Dept. Inquiries? Call
423-768-3936 or 423-768-3159.
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: The J.C. Chamber is
organized for the purpose of advancing the economic,
industrial, professional, cultural, and civil welfare of the Johnson County area. The Chamber
meetings are each month on the 3rd Tuesday, 6:30 p.m. at the Johnson County Welcome Center.
johnsoncountytnchamber.org
CROSSROADS MEDICAL MISSION: Crossroads Medical Mission is held the 1st Thursday, St.
Anthony’s Catholic Church, 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. They perform urgent care, screenings, minor
surgery, patient education, referrals, pharmacy and labs. This is done without regard to one’s ability
to pay, although they will accept donations. This service is open to the public and sponsored by First
United Methodist Church.
FIBROMYALGIA SUPPORT GROUP: Fibromyalgia support group meetings are held the 1st Tuesday,
2:00 pm, Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, 3385 Roan Creek Rd, Mountain City, TN 37683.Enter
through lower level rear door. 423-727-0345.
FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY: Meets quarterly and supports the library through fund-raising events
Contact Linda Icenhour 727-6544 for details.
HIGHER GROUND PEER SUPPORT GROUP: This is a social support group for those recovering
from mental illness and/or substance abuse. Call 727-8685 for more information. We are now open
three days a week Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9:00 am- 5:00 pm. Activities are subject
to change, and Higher Ground does not run a pickup service on those days with snow.
JOHNSON COUNTY TRAILS COMMITTEE: Meets as needed throughout the year. For more
information email [email protected], visit johnsoncountytrails.org, or write to P.O.
Box 16 Mountain City, TN 37683
MOUNTAIN CITY NAMI: NAMI is a support and education group for people with a mental illness
and for their family, friends, and caregivers. Someone you know has a mental illness. That's why
there is NAMI. Meetings are held on the 3rd Tuesday, 7:00 pm, 1404 Crossroads Drive. Call Coy Lauer
at 727-4794 for more information.
NEWCOMERS CLUB: The Newcomer’s Club will be meeting the 2nd Thursday, 6:30 pm. If you’re new
to the area and enjoy good food, conversation, and meeting new friends, please come and join
us! Contact Carol Frank at 727-5487 for directions and other information.
ROTARY CLUB: The Mountain City chapter of Rotary International, a service organization with
both local and international projects, meets on the 2nd and 4th Mondays, noon, JC Public Library
conference room. For more info, call Howard Moon at 727-3009.
SENIOR CITIZENS ADVISORY COUNCIL: 3rd Wednesday, noon, Senior Center. Call 727-8883 for
more info.
SHADY VALLEY RURITAN CLUB: 2nd Thursday. Contact person: Jean Sparger 739-4326
TEA PARTY MEETING: TAFL TEA Party Meeting. 4th Tuesday, American Legion Hall on Hwy. 91 in
Mountain City (North Church St.), TN, 6:30 pm until ? Free Admission, finger food, and drinks
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UNITED WAY OF MOUNTAIN CITY/JOHNSON COUNTY: Regular meeting dates: monthly – then
weekly during campaign. Contact person: Judy McGuire 423-727-6737
WATAUGA WATERSHED ALLIANCE/SIERRA CLUB: 2nd Tuesday. Contact Gloria 423-727-4797 or
Dennis 423-534-4804 for details.
Food & News Shorts
The Mountain Sentinel’s editor believes the material posted in this article constitutes fair use.
Note to Small Farms: Keep Food Safety Front and Center
When Donating or Selling to Food Banks
By Cookson Beecher
I’m semi-retired — after working as a staff writer for an
agricultural publication for 12 years — I write freelance
articles for Food Safety News and donate time (and passion)
to various community organizations. As part of that, I
volunteer at Helping Hands Food Bank in Sedro-Woolley,
WA. Our food bank is a busy place. Each Wednesday, we give
out food to 600-plus families (sometimes as many as 800
families), which represents more than 2,000 people who
receive food from us each week.
http://www.foodsafetynews.com/2015/03/note-to-smallfarms-keep-food-safety-front-and-center-when-donating-or-selling-to-food-banks/#.VRvb2fnF8QA
Enjoy a Food-Safe Easter With These Simple Guidelines
By Deirdre Schlunegger
Springtime, egg hunts, candy, bunnies and delicious family meals. These festive events are the
hallmarks of Easter and, with a few tips from STOP Foodborne Illness, those celebrating this year can
be assured of a safe and happy holiday. “It is important to take precautions with eggs and other
perishable foods to avoid foodborne illness,” said Deirdre Schlunegger, chief executive officer of
STOP Foodborne Illness, the leading national advocate for safe food. “Because a few simple facts and
steps can make Easter safer, STOP wants to make sure that the public knows how to buy, prepare and
safely handle eggs and other food items on this holiday.”
http://www.foodsafetynews.com/2015/04/enjoy-a-food-safe-easter-with-these-simpleguidelines/#.VR7ulfnF8QB
Report to MD Government: Raw Milk Benefits Don’t Outweigh Health Risks
Drinking raw milk has an increased risk of foodborne illness, according to a report prepared for the
Maryland General Assembly. Last year, the House of Delegates’ Health and Operations
Committee was considering a bill to legalize the on-farm sale of unpasteurized milk in Maryland and
asked researchers at the Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future (CLF) to review the benefits and
risks associated with drinking raw cow’s milk. http://www.foodsafetynews.com/2015/03/publichealth-center-to-md-government-raw-milk-benefits-dont-outweigh-risks/#.VRvb3vnF8QA
NC Restaurant Owner Calls for Mandatory Hepatitis A Vaccinations
After an employee of Dogwood Southern Table and Bar in Charlotte, NC, tested positive for the
Hepatitis A virus last month, the Mecklenburg County Health Department advised staff members and
patrons who visited the restaurant over a two-day period to get a vaccination.
http://www.foodsafetynews.com/2015/03/nc-restaurant-owner-calls-for-mandatory-hepatitis-avaccinations/#.VRvb0fnF8QA
Listeriosis and Produce: What’s the Connection?
Editor’s Note: The contamination has not been found to originate where the plants are grown but in the
storing and processing. Therefore, watch what you buy when it comes to premade food, as in the deli, and
wash produce before using and eating. Yes, even melons!
By Danisha Garner
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In the United States and other industrialized nations,
consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables is considered a
key component of a healthy diet. There are many benefits
to eating fresh produce such as receiving adequate
vitamins and minerals, reducing the risk of heart disease,
lowering blood pressure, and preventing some types of
cancer. Even healthy foods, however, can be vehicles for
foodborne pathogens. Indeed, fresh produce is now
considered a major contributor to human foodborne
disease, and an increasing number of produce-associated
foodborne disease outbreaks have occurred in recent
years. An especially worrisome trend is the increase in
outbreaks of listeriosis, involving the pathogen Listeria
monocytogenes … In all investigated cases, the source of
contamination was the packing/processing environment
or equipment. These outbreaks highlight the importance
of having good sanitation practices in the
packing/processing facility to prevent or reduce
contamination with Listeria and other pathogens.
http://www.foodsafetynews.com/2015/04/listeriosis-and-produce-whats-theconnection/#.VRvjM_nF8QA
Hannaford Announces Recall of Two Mixed Nut Items
Hannaford Supermarkets is alerting customers of a product recall. Nature's Place Roasted Unsalted
Mixed Nuts and Nature's Place Cranberry Mix have been recalled due to potential salmonella
contamination. http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm440721.htm
Aurora Products, Inc. Expands Voluntary Product Recall to Include One Additional Private
Label Branded Customer and to Clarify the Name of Two Bulk Products Previously Recalled
That Used Walnuts in Them Due to Possible Health Risk
Aurora Products, Inc. is expanding its voluntary nationwide recall of certain lots of NATURAL
WALNUTS and TRAIL MIXES CONTAINING WALNUTS, to include one additional Private Label
branded customer and to clarify the name of two products previously recalled. Products are being
recalled because they have the potential to contain Salmonella which can cause serious and
sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened
immune systems. http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm440716.htm
Anglo-Saxon cow bile and garlic potion kills MRSA
Microbiologists were astonished to find that not only did the salve clear up styes, but it also tackled
the deadly superbug MRSA, which is resistant to many antibiotics. A thousand-year-old medieval
remedy for eye infections which was discovered in a manuscript in the British Library has been found
to kill the superbug MRSA. Anglo-Saxon expert Dr Christina Lee, from the School of English, at
Nottingham University, recreated the 10th century potion to see if it really worked as an antibacterial
remedy. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/science/science-news/11504166/Anglo-Saxon-cow-bileand-garlic-potion-kills-MRSA.html
Silver Lake Cookie Company, Inc. Issues Allergy Alert On Undeclared Eggs In "Easter Egg
Cookies"
All lots of Silver Lake brand Easter Egg Cookies, NET WT. 8 OZ (226g), have been voluntarily recalled
due to undeclared egg (Allergen) in the ingredients. For people who have an allergy or a severe
sensitivity to eggs run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these
cookies. The cookies are safe for consumption by those who do not have egg allergies.
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm440305.htm
USDA Awards Food Safety Research Grants
Earlier this week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture
(NIFA) announced the recipients of its latest round of food safety research grants. The nearly $19
million awarded to 36 institutions through the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative, which is
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authorized by the 2014 Farm Bill, will help in understanding
antimicrobial resistance, the development of processing
technology, identifying and targeting food safety needs,
improving food safety, and improving food quality.
http://www.foodsafetynews.com/2015/04/usda-awards-foodsafety-research-grants/#.VR0ocvnF8QA
Oceana Study: 38 Percent of Supposed Chesapeake Bay Blue
Crab Cakes are Fraudulent
The Chesapeake Bay’s iconic blue crab is said to carry a distinctly
fresh taste that’s prized by locals and tourists alike. But the crab
cakes sold as authentically local at some restaurants in the
Chesapeake region might actually be fraudulent crab shipped from as far away as Indonesia,
according to a new study by Oceana that reportedly found 38 percent of Chesapeake crab cakes to
be mislabeled. http://www.foodsafetynews.com/2015/04/oceana-study-38-percent-of-supposedchesapeake-crab-cakes-are-fraudulent/#.VR0oYvnF8QA
Laser Brand Corned Beef Recalled for Lack of Inspection
Aadji & Manten International LLC of Rockville, MD, is recalling approximately 1,108 pounds of Laser
brand canned corned beef products not presented at the U.S. point of entry for inspection, the U.S.
Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced Wednesday. The
products bear the establishment number “EST. Brazil 337” inside the country’s mark of inspection.
These products were shipped to retail locations in Maryland and Virginia and are currently en route
to a distributor in California. http://www.foodsafetynews.com/2015/04/laser-brand-corned-beefrecalled-for-lack-of-inspection/#.VR0oVvnF8QA
FDA to Withdraw Approval for Arsenic-Based Drug Used in Poultry
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced Wednesday that it has received a letter of
commitment from Zoetis Animal Health that, by this coming fall, the company will suspend the sale
of Histostat (nitarsone) and formally request that FDA withdraw approval for the drug by the end
of the year. Nitarsone is the only arsenic-based animal drug that is currently approved for use in food
animals. Nitarsone is approved for the prevention of blackhead disease (histomoniasis) in turkeys
and chickens, but it is predominantly used in turkeys. http://www.foodsafetynews.com/2015/04/fdato-withdraw-approval-for-arsenic-based-drug-used-in-poultry/#.VR0oE_nF8QA
GetGo from Giant Eagle Voluntarily Recalls Select Grab-and-Go Subs Due to an Undeclared
Egg Allergen
Select GetGo from Giant Eagle brand individually wrapped Grab-and-Go subs, sold from Grab-andGo/”Fresh-to-Go” display cases inside GetGo locations, have been voluntarily recalled by GetGo due
to an undeclared egg allergen. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to egg run the risk of
a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products. The products are safe
for consumption by those who do not have an egg allergy. There are no reported illnesses to date
associated with this recall. http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm440810.htm
Giant Eagle Voluntarily Recalls Multiple Items Due to Undeclared Egg and Milk Allergens
Select Giant Eagle brand Danish pastries, Bolillo rolls, specialty cheese, meringue pies and heat &
serve fried fish, prepared and sold from the Bakery, Cheese and Prepared Foods departments inside
Giant Eagle and Market District stores, have been voluntarily recalled by Giant Eagle due to
undeclared egg and milk allergens. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to egg or milk
run the risk of a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products. The
products are safe for consumption by those who do not have egg or milk allergies. There are no
confirmed illnesses to date associated with these recalls.
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm440837.htm
Maya Overseas Food Inc. Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Peanuts in “Cumin Powder”
Maya Overseas Food Inc. of 48-85, Maspeth Ave., Maspeth, NY 11378, is recalling its 7 ounce
packages of “Cumin Powder” because they may contain undeclared peanuts. People who have
allergies to peanuts run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these
products. The recalled “Cumin Powder” were distributed NY, CT, NJ, MA, PA and VA in retail stores.
Page 12 of 31
The product comes in a 7 ounce, clear plastic package and is uncoded. http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm440911.htm
Are Supplements and Meds Wrecking Your Liver?
Turns out you don't need a prescription to buy a major liver issue.
By Julia Westbrook
Just because you don't need a prescription for everything in your
medicine cabinet doesn't mean what you're taking can't hurt you.
In fact, drug-induced acute liver failure is more likely to come
from over-the-counter meds and supplements than from
prescription drugs, according to research published in the journal
Gastroenterology. While drug-induced acute liver failure is still fairly rare (the risk is about 1.61
cases per million people per year), the researchers calculated that acetaminophen was implicated in
56 percent of those cases and that dietary or herbal supplements accounted for 19 percent of the
cases. http://www.rodalenews.com/supplements-and-liver
King Puck
By Eric Grundhauser
A proud bronze billy stands as an eternal symbol of Ireland's oldest festival, where a goat is made
king. All hail King Puck, Lord Goat of Killorglin! Staring off into the future as proudly as a goat can,
the statue of King Puck in Killorglin, Ireland is a monument to the country's oldest festival, the Puck
Fair. During this ancient celebration, a wild male goat (known as a "puck") is crowned king of the
town for three days before being returned to his normal life in the Irish hills, his royalty all but
ignored by his fellow goats. The festival begins each year on August 10th when the captured goat is
brought to the town square where he is crowned by the "Queen of Puck," who is not another goat, but
a young girl from the town. http://www.atlasobscura.com/places/king-puck
The North Carolina Board of Pharmacy has ordered a recall
The North Carolina Board of Pharmacy has ordered a recall for all lots of non-sterile and sterile
products compounded, repackaged and distributed by Prescription Center Pharmacy located at 915
Hay Street, Fayetteville, NC, between September 10, 2014, and March 10, 2015. In addition to
ordering a recall, the Board of Pharmacy ordered the Prescription Center closed. The Board has not
received a complaint of an injury caused by any recalled product, but use of compounded products
lacking assurance of sterility, stability, and potency places patients at risk.
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm441046.htm
Lebanese Butcher Slaughter, Inc. Recalls Beef, Goat, and Lamb Products Due To Misbranding
and Being Produced Without Benefit of Full Inspection
Lebanese Butcher Slaughter, Inc. a Warrenton, Va. establishment, is recalling approximately 902
pounds of beef, goat, and lamb products due to misbranding and because the products were further
processed without the benefit of full inspection, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety
and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The following products are subject to recall: 406
pounds of beef cuts in unlabeled plastic bags, 496 pounds of lamb or goat cuts in unlabeled plastic
bags. http://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-casearchive/archive/2015/recall-055-2015-release
The Hill Report
By. TN Rep. Timothy Hill
A weekly wrap-up of legislative news
Pro-Life Bills Advance In House
Legislative proposals sponsored this year to place restrictions on abortion
procedures following the passage of Amendment 1 last November moved
forward this week in the House committee process.
Amendment 1, which was approved by the people of Tennessee during
the November 2014 general election, overturned a 2000 Tennessee
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Supreme Court decision that restricted the legislature’s ability to
provide commonsense regulations to the state’s abortion
policies.
Two of the major bills that moved forward this week pertaining
to abortion include House Bill 1368, which requires state
licensure and inspection of abortion facilities in Tennessee, and
House Bill 977, which provides for informed consent and
establishes a 48-hour waiting period following that consent
before an abortion can occur. Currently, Tennessee has no laws
regarding these areas of abortion law.
Supporters of these bills agree the proposals fulfill a promise
made by legislators last summer that the General Assembly would work to restore commonsense
protections for women considering abortion in Tennessee.
As data from the Centers for Disease Control notes, 1 of 4 abortions in Tennessee are performed on
women residing in another state, the 3rd highest out-of-state abortion rate in the nation. Such
numbers have resulted in Tennessee becoming known as an abortion destination.
Legislators hope by passing these bills that safeguards will finally be in place to ensure state laws are
strong enough to protect women seeking an abortion in Tennessee.
Governor Haslam Announces Federal Disaster Assistance For 35 Tennessee Counties
This week, Governor Bill Haslam announced the federal government has agreed to provide assistance
to 35 Tennessee counties still recovering from the severe winter storm of February 15 to February 22,
2015. The storm took 30 lives and caused widespread damage across the state.
The following counties are included in the declaration: Anderson, Bedford, Bledsoe, Blount,
Campbell, Clay, Coffee, Cumberland, Fentress, Giles, Grainger, Grundy, Hamblen, Hancock,
Hardeman, Jefferson, Knox, Lawrence, Loudon, Marshall, McMinn, McNairy, Meigs, Monroe, Moore,
Morgan, Obion, Overton, Putnam, Roane, Scott, Sevier, Van Buren, Warren and White.
The disaster declaration has a designation of DR-4211 and will allow government entities and certain
private non-profits in the declared counties to apply for reimbursement of specific expenses related
to disaster response and recovery, under the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Public
Assistance Program.
State and local governments and electrical utilities spent more than $30.4 million in their response
and recovery actions before, during, and after the winter storm.
The federal assistance will allow eligible entities in the designated counties to receive a 75 percent
reimbursement for costs related to debris removal, emergency protective measures, and rebuilding
and repairing roads, bridges, water control facilities, buildings, utilities and recreational facilities.
The severe winter weather event began in West Tennessee in the early morning of February 15, with
record snow and sleet accumulations and then lesser amounts of ice and freezing rain. The winter
storm continued in multiple waves, with sleet, snow, freezing rain, and dangerously cold
temperatures and wind chills throughout each region of Tennessee before ending on February 22.
For only the seventh time in the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency’s history, the State
Emergency Operations Center activated to a Level II state of emergency as the storm progressed.
Emergency Services Coordinators and TEMA staff maintained operations at the SEOC on a 24-hour
basis through the duration of the emergency.
The National Weather Service characterized the event as one of the worst ice storms to hit Tennessee
in two decades and temperatures reached record lows in many parts of the state. Of the 30 reported
weather-related fatalities, more than half were due to hypothermia.
Power outages peaked at 67,000 people on February 16, and more than 32,000 people were still
without power on February 22. The lack of power forced businesses, universities, K-12 schools and
daycares to close, disrupting communities and residents throughout the state.
Multiple state agencies were involved in the response, including the Tennessee departments of
Agriculture, Commerce and Insurance, Correction, Environment and Conservation, Finance and
Page 14 of 31
Administration General Services, Health, Human Resources,
Human Services, Transportation, Military, Safety and the
Tennessee National Guard, Tennessee Emergency Management
Agency, Tennessee Highway Patrol, Tennessee Wildlife
Resources Agency and the Commission on Aging. The response
involved approximately 3,500 state employees.
For more updates regarding the state’s response, visit the TEMA
website at http://www.tnema.org.
Childhood Apraxia Of Speech Awareness Resolution
Unanimously Passes House
Earlier this week, a resolution sponsored to raise awareness regarding childhood apraxia of speech
passed the House of Representatives with unanimous support from state lawmakers.
As introduced, the resolution details the importance of early and intensive intervention to address
the needs of children with apraxia of speech and the importance of supporting improved awareness
of this condition.
Childhood apraxia of speech is a neurological and motor disorder of unknown cause. Children with
apraxia have trouble enunciating sounds and coordinating the muscles used for speech. These
children are often misdiagnosed as having delayed speech, hearing disorders, or even as being
autistic. Because of misdiagnoses and delayed treatment, many of these children suffer from selfesteem issues and even bullying.
The full text of House Joint Resolution 12 can be found by visiting
http://www.capitol.tn.gov/Bills/109/Bill/HJR0012.pdf.
Good Samaritan Legislation Receives Overwhelming Support to Include Animals
In last year’s session, House Republicans moved forward with legislation to implement liability
protection for Tennesseans that break a car window in an attempt to rescue a minor locked in a
vehicle if they believe the situation threatens the child’s well-being.
The bill was filed following tragedies that have occurred across the state over the years when infants
and young children have lost their lives after being left unattended in hot vehicles, especially during
the summer months.
The requirements under last year’s legislation deemed that it was still necessary for the citizen to
make sure the car was locked and there was no other way for the minor to get out of the vehicle
without outside assistance.
Over the past year, citizens across the state have asked this protection to also extend to those who
break a car window to rescue an animal. This week, the House passed House Bill 537 to do exactly
that.
Once signed into law by Governor Haslam, citizens attempting to rescue an animal will not be
considered liable for damages as long as the citizen believes the animal is in eminent danger before
acting.
Just like last year’s legislation, this bill is the first of its kind implemented in the entire nation and
proponents hope the bill will lead to the prevention of unnecessary and unintentional deaths of
minors and animals across the state.
Legislature Acts to Ban Powdered Alcohol in Tennessee
Legislation that would ban the sale of powdered or crystalline alcohol in Tennessee continued to
move forward in the legislature this week in Nashville. House Bill 404 would make it a Class A
misdemeanor offense to sell the product, which is currently pending approval by the U.S. Food and
Drug Administration (FDA).
Palcohol, which is the brand name for the new product, was approved last year by the federal Alcohol
and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau before the agency rescinded that decision over labeling issues.
When mixed with water the powdered alcohol becomes an instant cocktail. It is being promoted as a
product that can be easily transported by the consumer.
Page 15 of 31
The powdered alcohol product is creating concern nationwide
that it would be an easy and accessible target for abuse by
underage drinkers, including the possibility of being
snorted. There is also concern that the product could be misused
by adults if it is sprinkled onto someone’s food or drink without
their knowledge. In addition, there are concerns that it would
greatly increase the risk of over-drinking and alcohol poisoning if
it is not properly mixed.
Powdered alcohol products would not be defined as an alcoholic
beverage under current Tennessee law because it is not a liquid
and would be free from regulation by the Tennessee Alcoholic
Beverage Commission. This means it could be sold directly to minors in grocery stores, over the
Internet or in any other location.
Thirteen states have enacted similar legislation banning powdered alcohol.
The bill now goes to the House Calendar & Rules Committee for consideration before moving to the
full House floor for debate.
Fact Of The Week
Montgomery Bell State Park in Dickson County gained its name after the industrialist, Montgomery
Bell, built the area into one of the largest and most lucrative iron industries in Tennessee.
Known as the "Iron Master of the Harpeth”, Bell's Cumberland furnaces cast cannonballs that were
used in the War of 1812 by General Andrew Jackson's troops at the Battle of New Orleans.
In addition, Bell created the Patterson Forge Tunnel, a 290-foot long tunnel cut through solid
limestone, which became the first full-scale water diversion tunnel built in the United States and
served as the basis for Bell's iron empire.
The Patterson Forge Tunnel and remnants of Bell’s iron empire can still be visited today at
Montgomery Bell State Park.
In Pursuit of Patient Satisfaction, Hospitals Update the
Hated Hospital Gown
By Shefali Luthra, Kaiser Health News
Whether a patient is in the hospital for an organ
transplant, an appendectomy or to have a baby, one
complaint is common: the gown.
You know the one. It might as well have been stitched
together with paper towels and duct tape, and it usually
leaves the wearer’s behind hanging out.
“You’re at the hospital because something’s wrong with
you – you’re vulnerable – then you get to wear the most
vulnerable garment ever invented to make the whole
experience that much worse,” said Ted Streuli, who lives
in Edmond, Okla., and has had to wear hospital gowns
on multiple occasions.
Put another way: “They are horrible. They are
demeaning. They are belittling. They are disempowering,” said Camilla McRory of Olney, Md.
The gowns are among the most vexing parts of being in the hospital. But if efforts by some health
systems are an indicator, the design may be on its way out of style.
The Cleveland Clinic was an early trendsetter. In 2010, it introduced new gowns after being
prompted by the CEO, who often heard patient complaints when he was a practicing heart surgeon.
That feedback led to a search for something new, said Adrienne Boissy, chief experience officer at the
hospital system.
Page 16 of 31
The prominent academic medical center ultimately sought the
help of fashion icon Diane von Furstenberg, settling on a
reversible gown with a front and back V-neck, complete derriere
coverage, and features such as pockets, softer fabric and a new
bolder print pattern.
Patients “loved the gowns,” Boissy said. “People felt much more
comfortable in the new design, not just physically but
emotionally.” In recent years, she added, “hospitals are looking
at everything they do and trying to evaluate whether or not it
contributes to enhancing the patient experience.”
It’s all part of a trend among hospitals to improve the patient
reviews and their own bottom lines – fueled in part by the health law’s focus on quality of care and
other federal initiatives. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services increasingly factors patients’
satisfaction into its quality measures, which are linked to the size of Medicare payments hospitals
get.
Sometimes the efforts involve large capital improvement projects. But they can also mean making
waiting rooms more comfortable, improving the quality of food served to patients or, as in this case,
updating hospital gowns.
Ultimately, this focus leads to “a better patient experience,” said John Combes, senior vice president
of the American Hospital Association.
The Detroit-based Henry Ford Health System is in the process of updating its gowns, an initiative
that began when the system’s innovation institute challenged students at the city’s College for
Creative Studies to identify and offer a solution to one hospital problem.
The students responded with the suggestion to redo the garment that has often been described by
patients as flimsy, humiliating, indecent and itchy. The process took three years, but last fall, the
institute unveiled a new and improved version. It’s made of warmer fabric – a cotton blend – that
wraps around a patient’s body like a robe and comes in navy and light blue, the hospital’s signature
colors.
Patient expectations are part of the calculus. They “are demanding more privacy and more dignity,”
said Michael Forbes, a product designer at the Henry Ford Innovation Institute.
When the institute tested his gown design, Forbes said, patient-satisfaction scores noticeably
increased in a few days.
The new gown “was emblematic … of an attitude that was conveyed to me at the hospital – that they
cared about me as a whole human being, not just the part they were operating on,” said Dale Milford,
who received a liver transplant during the time the redesign was being tested. “That was the subtext
of that whole thing, was that they were caring about me as a person and what it meant for me to be
comfortable.”
But replacing the traditional design is no easy task. What patients wear needs to be comfortable yet
allow health professionals proper access during exams, meaning it must open and close easily. The
gowns also need to be easily mass-manufactured, as well as efficiently laundered and reused.
New designs, though, can be expensive. After Valley Hospital of Ridgewood, N.J., switched to
pajamas and gowns that provide extra coverage, costs went up $70,000 per year, said Leonard
Guglielmo, the facility’s chief supply chain officer, because the new garments cost more to buy and
maintain.
Beyond cost, more ingrained cultural expectations might also play a role in what hospitals think
patients should wear, said Todd Lee, an assistant professor of medicine at McGill University, who coauthored a 2014 study [http://archinte.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=1907001] in the
journal JAMA Internal Medicine, examining whether gowns were important and whether patients
might be fine wearing their own or hospital-provided pants, instead of or along with gowns.
Often, doctors reported that pants or undergarments beneath gowns would have been okay, but
patients said they were never given those options. Traditional gowns make it easier to examine
Page 17 of 31
patients quickly, and several doctors Lee spoke to seemed
shocked at the idea that patients might wear garments
other than the open-backed gown during their stay.
But the most common challenge isn’t necessarily doctor
expectations or costs. It’s navigating hospital
bureaucracies, said Dusty Eber, president of the
California-based company PatientStyle, which designs and
sells alternative gowns. In his company’s experience,
hospital decisions are often made by committees, not
individuals.
“There’s a lot of bureaucratic runaround,” Eber said.
Kaiser Health News (KHN)
[http://www.kaiserhealthnews.org/] is a nonprofit national
health policy news service.
http://kaiserhealthnews.org/news/in-pursuit-of-patient-satisfaction-hospitals-update-the-hatedhospital-gown/
Just Ask
Question: Do you celebrate Easter. If so, how do you celebrate?
1. We usually go to church and have a family meal.
2. We will attend a Sunrise service at church, which will be followed by a breakfast with other
church members. We will then attend Sunday School and the worship service. We will be
remembering the tremendous sacrifice by Jesus Christ to make atonement for the sins of all
people!
3. Go to church and holy week services! Also try to do something for someone in need!
4. Our family gathers for fellowship and a grand Easter dinner.
5. No, we don't. The sale on Easter candy the day after is pretty good, however.
6. My family celebrates Easter for what it is by attending Mass....Christ has risen and is our
Savior that is what it is ALL about; NOT chocolate candy rabbits in baskets, colored eggs &
pretty dresses and little suits for babies & toddlers.
7. Yes I do and always have celebrated Easter. It is the most important day in the church and
solemnly celebrated. In addition has always been a family holiday; a day to be with family and
close friends, to share a meal and celebrate the resurrection and rebirth that is Spring.
8. I do celebrate Easter by going to sun rise service at my church and then to church services
later that morning. I do this because I serve a risen savior. I also spend time with family that
day too.
9. We do celebrate Easter. We try to spend time with family and friends. Rain or shine, an Easter
egg hunt is always part of the celebration. The adults enjoy hunting eggs too! We hide plastic
eggs filled with candy and certain eggs have gift certificates to area fast food restaurants.
Deviled eggs are a part of the evening meal along with ham, green beans, potato salad, and
coconut cake! Easter baskets are a big thing too. The Easter Bunny leaves a basket beside
everyone's bed...The baskets contain a little candy (A Chocolate Bunny for sure) and lots of
age appropriate items. Cookie cutters, a pack of tissues, a nail file, purse sized hand lotion for
Mom, Dad would love dental floss, breath mints, chewing gum, razors etc....Small children
love coloring books, crayons, chalk, travel games, a stuffed bunny or lamb, etc... Teens love
electronics like earbuds, gift certificates, Chap Stick, etc! It's nice if everyone can attend
Easter services together as a family. It's a glorious day for all Christians because Our Savior,
Jesus Christ arose from the grave and ascended into Heaven to join God, The Father, who gave
his only son that we are forgiven of our sins and may also have life everlasting... Praise God
and Happy Easter.
10. Yes, I do. I spend time in reflection on the resurrection of Jesus. Also, my family has a good
old, southern spring meal in the evening. Roasted chicken and baby potatoes plus greens and
biscuits are the usual fare.
TN Information and Assistance
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1-866-TENNOPT (1-866-836-6678)
The Information and Assistance (I&A) program is a way
to connect people to health and human services needs,
as well as provide information of a more general nature.
When people are uncertain about what is available for
them, or even about what they really need, they are able
to describe what is happening, are provided information, and then pointed in a direction to best suit
their individual situation.
I&A specialists, on the community level, help a caller determine what they need, then find the best
way to get help. These specialists are trained to establish whether a caller may be eligible for certain
programs, to help in crisis situations, and to provide extra help when needed. With the right
information, people can often solve their problems and improve their lives!
A quick way to locate services in your community is to call the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116.
You may also call the TENNOPT line at 1-866-836-6678. Another good source of information is the
Resources section on the homepage of this website.
Before contacting an I&A program, or prior to using an online I&A program database, be prepared to
write down the information that is provided to you. You may be asked to answer a few questions
about yourself, such as: where you live; if you have a family; income level; etc. This information may
be necessary in order to assist in finding the right program for your particular needs. I&A services
provide free and confidential information and will not share any personal information that you
provide.
The Tennessee Commission on Aging and Disability's Information and Assistance program is
established by the Older Americans Act and guided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services Administration on Aging [http://www.aoa.gov/]. It is a member of, and follows the standards
set forth by, the National Association of State Units on Aging and the Alliance of Information and
Assistance Systems.
Our Blue Planet
Saving the World’s Holy Places
By Jay Walljasper
A narrow interpretation of what’s sacred limits efforts to protect natural treasures
Imagine if your place of worship or other sacred spot were bulldozed to make way for the golden
arches of McDonald’s. That’s how many indigenous people regard the continuing development of
their sacred lands for mining, tourism, highways or other uses.
Lakota and Cheyenne Indians oppose development proposals around Bear Butte, a sacred site in
South Dakota that has become a state park. They've fought against a massive rifle range, noisy
Page 19 of 31
helicopter tours, liquor sales at a neighboring campground and a
proposal for “the world’s biggest biker bar,” all of
which undermine its special spiritual character. At one point,
South Dakota’s governor proposed creating a buffer zone to
protect the sacred site, but the plan was voted down in the state
legislature.
Indigenous people around the world face an uphill battle in
protecting their holy places. Because these cultures traditionally
did not privately own land or keep written documentation of
spiritual practices, it is difficult to legally prove the religious
significance of their places of worship. These troubles are
compounded by the fact that their sacred sites are often entire landscapes, such as the San Francisco
Peaks in Arizona or vast tracts of rainforest in the Amazon.
One hopeful sign is scientific research showing unique geophysical properties at certain sites, which
is valuable in helping native peoples establish these places as worthy of preservation, notes James A.
Swan, a former professor of psychology and environmental studies who became an authority in the
field of sacred places. But he cautions that measurable factors such as electromagnetic fields and
negatively charged ions cannot be found at many locations traditional cultures deem holy.
Based on my own experiences visiting Bear Butte and other places holy to various cultures, I feel
strongly that saving these places (both natural and man-made) is important to people of all beliefs
because they are part of the richness of humanity’s cultural commons, which we have a duty to
preserve for future generations. We should do all we can to broaden scientific and legal definitions of
what’s sacred so these unique and powerful places are not lost, both to indigenous people and all
humanity.
Something's Happening Here
I visited Bear Butte years ago as a travel editor at Better Homes & Gardens magazine.
Approaching the butte, which rises dramatically from the flat plains east of the Black Hills, I stared
through the windshield transfixed. It did look, as the legends say, like a sleeping bear. Getting out,
notebook in hand, I soon came across a young Native American man tying small parcels to tree
branches. My guide explained they were spiritual offerings.
Starting up the steep trail, I experienced a weird sensation. It was like déjà vu mixed with the
exuberance you feel on a rainy day when sunlight suddenly appears from behind the clouds.
Everything seemed different. Time slowed down, and each rock or bush I glanced at felt infused with
special meaning.
It was not an altered state—more like a heightened sense of ordinary existence, an exciting twist on
reality. Trained to be skeptical as a journalist and thoroughly steeped in a rational sensibility, I was
baffled. Could too much coffee on the airplane explain these feelings? Or the change in altitude? No.
There was definitely something going on at Bear Butte. But what? I hadn’t the faintest clue.
The only thing I knew for sure was that I could not explain this to eight million readers of Better
Homes & Gardens — or to my editors back at the office. Mystical experiences don’t really happen in
the modern world, at least not to people like me.
Later I learned that archeological records show humans have gathered at Bear Butte for at least
10,000 years, and that as many as 30 North American Indian tribes consider the mountain sacred. For
the Cheyenne, it is Noahvose, the center of the universe where the Great Spirit passed elemental
knowledge to the prophet Sweet Medicine, which became the basis of their religious and moral life.
The courage of the Lakota (Sioux) leader Crazy Horse is said to have been predicted in a vision
revealed to his father on “Mato Paha” (Bear Mountain, as it is known to the Lakota).
Jim Jandreau, the first Native American park manager at Bear Butte, noted, “Everyone that comes off
this mountain, it doesn’t matter if they are Indian or non-Indian . . . are changed spiritually and
morally. They may not know it when they drive out of the gate, but that stays with them.”
That’s certainly true for me. I vividly remembered that day, playing it over and over in my mind.
Page 20 of 31
Sacred Sweden and the Mystical Mississippi
Something similar happened in Sweden a few years later when I
was covering elections for Utne Reader magazine. I had a free
day, and decided to inspect a Viking burial ground near the
university town of Uppsala. The spot was lovely: sloping grassy
hills dotted with trees, and a cozy Lutheran church that staked a
Christian claim to this pagan site.
As I strode toward the nearest of three large burial mounds I
noticed something odd. This place was nothing like Bear Butte —
not topographically, not historically, not ethnically — yet I was
overcome with a similar uplifting feeling. Wandering around the
site for almost an hour in a mood of joyful aimlessness, I felt intensely connected to this patch of
earth in a faraway country.
Again, I discovered only later that the place was once a spiritual center, the site of a major pagan
temple. It was reputed to be the home, depending on which medieval texts you consult, of either the
Norse goddess Freya (who we honor every Friday, Freya’s Day) or the most powerful Viking god Odin
(or Woden, who is remembered each Wednesday). In 1164, it was chosen as the seat of Sweden’s first
Catholic archbishop.
Through the years, strange stirrings continued to strike me in places I was lucky enough to visit. The
ruins of Apollo’s Temple in Delphi, Greece. An abandoned monastery in Croatia. An old Spanish
mission in Arizona. Madeline Island in Lake Superior, holy to the Ojibwe and Cree. And the
confluence of the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers, a short bike ride from my home in
Minneapolis, which is the center of the universe according to many Lakota people. These places have
nothing in common except that they are recognized as sacred in some religious tradition and that I
felt deeply aware and alive when setting foot there.
Almost all societies hold particular places holy —from humble houses of worship and burial sites to
mountains (Fuji, Olympus) and vast landscapes (the Four Corners region in the American Southwest,
Tibet’s Lake of Heaven).
Joseph Campbell, the great scholar of world myths, once remarked, “The idea of the sacred place . . .
is apparently as old as life itself.” Indeed the most ancient written tale, which can be traced back
5,000 years to the Middle East, tells the story of Gilgamesh, who forces his way into a holy cedar
grove, destroying the trees to build himself a palace. Gilgamesh then endures a string of tragedies as
punishment.
Thin Places
Today we associate sacred sites with non-Western religions, especially the nature-centered beliefs of
indigenous people. Yet monotheistic religions are rich with holy places: the Wailing Wall in
Jerusalem, Mecca and Medina, the sacred wells of Ireland, the pilgrim’s path to Santiago de
Compostela in Spain, shrines to Francis of Assisi and Our Lady of Guadalupe, and magnificent
cathedrals and temples around the world.
The Celtic tradition offers the evocative phrase “caol áit” (thin place) to describe parts of the earth
that seem to bring us closer connection to the past, to heaven, to the Creator. Mindie Burgoyne, an
American who leads tours of mystical sites in Ireland, describes them as “places where the veil
between this world and the other world is thin.” In these settings, she says, we sometimes “sense the
existence of a world beyond what we know through our five senses.”
Burgoyne’s interest in thin places was sparked on a trip to Ireland when she and friends became lost
one evening in the countryside of Tipperary, and pulled their car to the side of the road. While her
traveling companions consulted the map, she got out to inspect the ruins of an old monastery. At
first it felt “creepy,” she recalls, then she began to wonder: Who lived here? Who touched these
stones? Who prayed here? What kind of yearnings did they have? Why did the monks choose this site
to build their monastery? Suddenly she heard her friends shouting, “How long are you going to keep
us waiting?” They said she’d been wandering for half an hour — to Burgoyne it felt like a couple
minutes.
Page 21 of 31
What Makes a Place Sacred?
Researchers exploring the outer boundaries of psychology, geology and physics attempt to explain
scientifically why people report strange sensations or mystical insights in certain places. Their
theories focus on areas located near fault lines or that register high levels of naturally occurring
radioactivity, electromagnetic fields or positively charged ions, all of which have been shown to
evoke a response in some humans.
Other causes have been singled out for particular spots held sacred by native peoples: the waters of
Indian Hot Springs in Texas contain high levels of dissolved lithium; the Serpent Mounds in southern
Ohio were built atop a unique geological formation created by either a meteorite or a volcano.
“There are more than a dozen factors that contribute to the presence of energy at the sacred sites,”
notes Martin Gray, the author of Sacred Earth, who spent 20 years studying and photographing such
places for National Geographic and other publications. “It is the combination of a number of these
factors, rather than just one, that catalyzes the psychological and physiological effects in human
beings.”
“Not having scientific devices to measure the high-energy fields of these sites, how did prehistoric
people determine their precise location?” Gray asks. “Ancient people, living in harmony with the
earth and dependent upon its bounty for all their needs, may have developed skills that modern
people no longer use, cultivate or even recognize.”
Gray provides a plausible reason for another mystery I've always wondered about: why my wife, Julie,
and I once hopped off a tour bus in Iceland and scampered euphorically across a remote meadow as if
we’d arrived in the Promised Land. It wasn’t just because we were on our honeymoon. The meadow,
called Thingvellir, is cherished by Icelanders as a national shrine, the place where tribal chieftains
gathered in 930 CE to establish an open-air parliament, which continued to meet in that spot until
1789. The meadow also happens to occupy a location charged with geological energy — a fault line
where the tectonic plates underlying Europe and North America meet.
http://www.onthecommons.org/magazine/saving-the-world%E2%80%99s-holy-places
Read All About It
Is Cousin Clod Happy?
Pettus L. Read writes for the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation. He may be contacted by e-mail at
[email protected].
Since I no longer drive to work, I now am pleasantly awakened each
weekday to the sound of my favorite radio station WSM and the Bill Cody
program. “Cody In The Morning” is one way I start the day and have
been doing so for some time. His radio show is like a radio program
should be on a station with a legacy like WSM. It has always been a
mainstay in my family and has also been around ever since I came into
this world. As a matter of fact, we had an old brown Philco radio bought
at the local Firestone store that sat on top of the white, green-trimmed
cabinet in the kitchen that only would pick up “The Air Castle of South.”
I still think it ought to be the law that all kitchen radios be tuned to a
local AM station and the radio knobs pulled off so the station can’t be
changed.
At high noon each day back on the farm we always stopped for dinner, to
not only eat, but also to listen to the market report on John McDonald’s Noontime Neighbors radio
program. Whenever that dinner bell would ring you knew it was time for us children to get quiet
because Daddy had to hear if the livestock market was up or down. The results of that market report
also helped with his attitude when we went back to work in the field. Always liked it when they said
the market was up.
During my time of listening recently to the Nashville station, not only at home but also in my pickup,
I heard a commercial that dealt with a certain brand of chicken you could buy at your local grocery.
The thing that caught my attention in the advertisement was that they were referring to how happy
their chickens were back on their farm. They said their birds didn’t receive antibiotics or other drugs
Page 22 of 31
like other chickens grown on other farms, and that they lived in special houses that helped keep their
chickens healthy and happy.
I appreciated the image the commercial presented, talking about the health of their fowl and that
they were taking extra steps to keep their product safe for the consumer. It’s good to know that
poultry producers are very aware of providing clean, safe and comfortable housing for their chickens
and the consumer’s concerns are always a part of maintaining their operations.
The thing that I have a problem trying to understand is how to tell if a chicken is happy or not.
Telling folks your chickens are healthy and content is understandable, but saying they are happy is
somewhat hard for many of us country residents to grasp. I raised chickens for years and was even
the grand champion winner in my county 4-H club six times in a row for having the best group of
twelve pullets. I have even had the grand champion Rhode Island Red rooster at the Tennessee State
Fair, but I have yet to hear a chicken laugh. I can’t even tell if a chicken is smiling or not. They all
have that sort of silly look with their mouths open, but I don’t think that means they are happy.
Cousin Clod has a silly look and also walks around with his mouth open at times and I know for a fact
he is not the jolliest person you would ever want to meet.
Maybe they cackle every now and then, but does that mean they are happy? A lot of people think
because a hen cackles after she lays an egg she is proud and happy of the accomplishment. I think
she is just glad that the ordeal is over for the day and she doesn’t have to think about it again until
tomorrow.
We are still trying to figure out which came first, the chicken or the egg. Nobody really knows why
the chicken crossed the road. Is it true that the term dumb cluck comes from an observation of the
abilities of chickens? Do we run around at times like a chicken with our head cut off? And, just what
are the Colonel’s secret ingredients in his fried chicken recipe?
Who would have ever thought all of this high level fowl pondering would have resulted from a WSM
radio program. Maybe you would have thought it considering the shows content, but I still am not
sure that a chicken can smile or be called happy.
Haslam Introduces FY 2015-2016 Budget Amendment
Legislation includes significant education investments and funding for new state museum
Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam today unveiled additions to the FY 20152016 budget that will be considered by the General Assembly in the
coming weeks.
The supplemental appropriations amendment to SB1399/HB1374
reflects $30 million more in recurring funding, which tracks closely to
the governor’s original budget proposal presented to the General
Assembly on February 9.
The proposed budget amendment designates those additional
recurring dollars to K-12 education, specifically to increase state
funding of health insurance coverage for teachers.
“This budget proposal continues our administration’s ongoing
commitment to quality education in Tennessee,” Haslam said. “All
of our additional recurring money is going to fund K-12 education in
addition to the $144 million from our original budget proposal. We
are also making significant investments in higher education.”
Due to Franchise and Excise tax collections that exceeded estimates last month as a result of an
unusual one-time event, along with other revenue collections and program savings, there are nearly
$300 million more than anticipated in non-recurring funds. The budget amendment proposal
includes the following non-recurring investments:


$120 million to fund the state’s commitment to a new $160 million Tennessee State Museum,
$40 million of which will be raised through private funds;
$50 million for economic development projects bringing more high-quality jobs to Tennessee;
$40 million to complete renovations of the Cordell Hull building;
Page 23 of 31




$36.5 million for the Rainy Day Fund in addition to the
$36.5 million proposed in the original budget bringing the
total reserve to 4.5 percent of state revenues;
$12 million for maintenance and improvements to higher
education facilities across the state;
$5 million to fund new equipment in our Tennessee
Colleges of Applied Technology to meet job training
demands across the state;
$1.9 million for the Department of Mental Health and
Substance Abuse Services to fund adolescent residential
alcohol and drug treatment grants.
The proposal also restores full funding to the TennCare Bureau for level two case management
services. Nearly half of the funding, $5.2 million, is included as recurring dollars while the rest of the
funding is designated as non-recurring. The administration will continue to review the program and
look at possibilities for efficiencies in the process.
The budget amendment is scheduled to be filed Tuesday, April 7. Finance and Administration
Commissioner Larry Martin begins presentations on the amendment to finance committees of the
Senate and House of Representatives today.
Obituaries
REVERAND BILL GUY
Rev. Bill Guy, age 61 of Crumpler, NC, passed away Monday evening, March 30, 2015 at Johnson City
Medical Center.
Funeral services were held on Friday, April 3, 2015 at 2pm at Boone Family Funeral Home Chapel
with Rev. Jim Hopson, Rev. Sam Holder, Rev. David Gragg and Rev. Ricky Miller officiating. Burial
will follow in the Guy Family Cemetery in Mountain City, TN.
Rev. Guy was born in Johnson County, Tennessee on Thursday, December 17, 1953 to the late Billy
Howard Guy, Sr. and Thelma Diane Morefield Guy. He was the owner of B&M Body Shop. He was a
loving husband, father and grandfather and will be missed by all.
He is survived by his wife, Dianne Guy; three sons, Michael Guy of Crumpler, David Guy of North
Wilkesboro, and Billy Guy, Jr. of Jefferson; one brother, Leroy Guy of Lenoir; two sisters, Sally Horne
and husband Richard of Mountain City and Rosemary Woodard and husband Bill of Mountain City;
seven grandchildren; two special nieces, Thelma Horne and Sue; and several nephews.
Flowers accepted or memorials may be made to the family, c/o Boone Family Funeral Home, PO Box
786, West Jefferson, NC 28694.
This obituary is a courtesy of Mountain City Funeral Home, http://www.mountaincityfh.com.
FRED WINTON ROOP
Fred Winton Roop, age 70, of Damascus, Virginia, passed away on Thursday, April 2, 2015 at the
James H. Quillen VA Nursing Home. He was born on December 9, 1944 to the late Fred and Fairy
Trivette Roop. In addition to his parents, Fred was preceded in death by a step-son, Kevin Swift;
brothers: Paul Roop, Bob Roop, and Harley Roop.
Fred loved the outdoors and enjoyed fishing. He also enjoyed music, especially the banjo, which he
could also play.
He was a United States Veteran.
He is survived by his wife, Betty Roop; daughter, Sandy Roop; stepsons: Bobby Swift and David Swift;
sisters: Edna Briggs and husband Larry, Mae Harrington, Gay Parker and Mildred Anderson; brother,
Howard Roop; grandchildren: Michael Roop and Ronnie Slagle; step grandchildren: Ashley Taylor,
Kristy Swift, Heather Swift, Faith Swift, David Swift Jr. and Bret Owens; great granddaughter, Prailey
Roop; special friends: Robert Neely, Charlie Fields and Beverly and Chuck Bolling, and several nieces
and nephews.
Page 24 of 31
The family will receive friends from 10-11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 7, 2015 at the Mountain City
Funeral Home with the funeral service following at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Steven Spencer officiating.
Graveside Service and Interment, with Military Honors accorded by the Johnson County Honor
Guard, will be held on Tuesday afternoon at the James H. Quillen VA National Cemetery. Pallbearers
will be Ronnie Slagle, Randy Garr, Michael Roop, Charlie Fields, Bobby Swift and David Swift.
Honorary pallbearer is Robert Neely.
At other times, the family will receive friends at the home of Fred’s daughter, Sandy Roop, 1551 Deer
Run Road, Mountain City, TN 37683.
Condolences may be sent to the family through our website at http://www.mountaincityfh.com.
The family of Fred Winton Roop has entrusted his services to Mountain City Funeral Home, 224 S.
Church Street, Mountain City, TN 37683.
TN Nutrition Services
Home-Delivered Meals
Older Tennesseans not able to leave their homes get one meal a day delivered. Meals are
nutritionally balanced to support good health. The deliverer provides a friendly visit and a safety
check.
Meals are served at no cost, but donations are appreciated and encouraged. Donations allow for more
nutritious meals to be served to homebound older Tennesseans.
In 2013, the Tennessee Commission on Aging and Disability network served over 1,200,000 homedelivered meals.
Congregate Meals
Healthy, tasty meals are served at over 200 senior centers, churches,
schools, and community centers across the state. These centers serve
meals Monday through Friday, except for holidays.
Meals are available to anyone 60 years old and older, and their
spouses, at no cost. Donations are appreciated and encouraged.
Donations allow for more nutritious meals to be served to older
Tennesseans.
Senior centers also offer many activities and opportunities to make
friends. Activities include exercise classes and bingo, health education
and screening, shopping assistance, transportation, and information assistance.
In 2013, the Tennessee Commission on Aging and Disability network served over 800,000 congregate
meals.
Nutrition Screening
Older Tennesseans who participate in home delivered and congregate meals programs receive
additional services at no cost. Nutrition screenings check to see if the participant is getting the
nutrition they need. Nutrition education teaches participants how to stay healthy through good diet
and exercise. Nutrition counseling provides one-on-one assistance to the participant in using diet to
better manage diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.
How do people sign up?
Contact your Area Agency on Aging and Disability
[http://www.tn.gov/comaging/localarea.html]. They can tell you if you
are eligible, as well as provide the locations of nutrition centers in your
community.
More Help for Older Tennesseans
There are many programs that can help older Tennesseans get the food
they need.
Page 25 of 31
Call 1-866-836-6678 or visit http://www.tnaaad.org to locate food pantries and other services in your
community.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps older Tennesseans avoid have to
choose between food and medicine. If you have high medical or shelter costs, you may qualify for
extra assistance. To learn more and apply, call 1-866-311-4287 or visit the TN SNAP Web site
[http://www.tn.gov/foodstamps].
Item of Interest: Five Signs Your Aging Parent Isn't Getting Enough Food
[http://www.nfesh.org/featured-columnist-5-signs-your-aging-parent-isnt-getting-enough-food/].
The National Foundation to End Senior Hunger has posted a short list of warning signs to help you
spot when the seniors in your life may not be getting enough to eat.
Senior Discounts
NOW, go out there and claim your discounts -- and remember -- YOU must ASK for discount -- no
ask, no discount. I know everyone knows someone over 50. Please pass this one on!
RESTAURANTS:
Applebee's: 15% off with Golden Apple Card (60+)
Arby's: 10% off ( 55 +)
Ben & Jerry's: 10% off (60+)
Bennigan's: discount varies by location (60+)
Bob's Big Boy: discount varies by location (60+)
Boston Market: 10% off (65+)
Burger King: 10% off (60+)
Chick-Fil-A: 10% off or free small drink or coffee (
55+)
Chili's: 10% off ( 55+)
CiCi's Pizza: 10% off (60+)
Culver's: 10% off
Denny's: 10% off, 20% off for AARP members ( 55
+)
Dunkin' Donuts: 10% off or free coffee ( 55+)
Einstein's Bagels: 10% off baker's dozen of bagels
(60+)
Fuddrucker's: 10% off any senior platter ( 55+)
Gatti's Pizza: 10% off (60+)
Golden Corral: 10% off (60+)
Hardee's: $0.33 beverages everyday (65+)
IHOP: 10% off ( 55+)
Jack in the Box: up to 20% off ( 55+)
KFC: free small drink with any meal ( 55+)
Krispy Kreme: 10% off ( 50+)
Long John Silver's: various discounts at locations (
55+)
McDonald's: discounts on coffee everyday ( 55+)
Mrs. Fields: 10% off at participating locations (60+)
Shoney's: 10% off
Sonic: 10% off or free beverage (60+)
Steak 'n Shake: 10% off every Monday & Tuesday (
50+)
Sweet Tomatoes: 10% off (62+)
Taco Bell : 5% off; free beverages for seniors (65+)
TCBY: 10% off (55+)
Tea Room Cafe: 10% off ( 50+)
Village Inn: 10% off (60+)
Waffle House: 10% off every Monday (60+)
White Castle: 10% off (62+) This is for me ... if I
ever see one again.
RETAIL & APPAREL:
Banana Republic: 30% off ( 50 +)
Bealls: 20% off first
Tuesday of each
month ( 50 +)
Belk's: 15% off first
Tuesday of every
month ( 55 +)
Bon-Ton
Department
Stores: 15% off on
senior discount
days ( 55 +)
C.J. Banks: 10% off every Wednesday (50+)
Clarks : 10% off (62+)
Dress Barn: 20% off ( 55+)
Goodwill: 10% off one day a week (date varies by
location)
Hallmark: 10% off one day a week (date varies by
location)
Kohl's: 15% off (60+)
Modell's Sporting Goods: 30% off
Rite Aid: 10% off on Tuesdays & 10% off
prescriptions
Ross Stores: 10% off every Tuesday ( 55+)
The Salvation Army Thrift Stores: up to 50% off (
55+)
Stein Mart: 20% off red dot/clearance items first
Monday of every month ( 55 +)
GROCERY:
Albertson's: 10% off first Wednesday of each
month ( 55 +)
American Discount Stores: 10% off every Monday (
50 +)
Compare Foods Supermarket: 10% off every
Wednesday (60+)
DeCicco Family Markets: 5% off every Wednesday
(60+)
Food Lion: 6% off every Monday (60+)
Fry's Supermarket: free Fry's VIP Club Membership
& 10% off every Monday ( 55 +)
Great Valu Food Store: 5% off every Tuesday (60+)
Gristedes Supermarket: 10% off every Tuesday
(60+)
Harris Teeter: 5% off every Tuesday (60+)
Hy-Vee: 5% off one day a week (date varies by
Page 26 of 31
location)
Kroger: 10% off (date varies by location)
Morton Williams Supermarket: 5% off every
Tuesday (60+)
The Plant Shed: 10% off every Tuesday ( 50 +)
Rogers Marketplace: 5% off every Thursday (60+)
Uncle Guiseppe's Marketplace: 15% off (62+)
TRAVEL :
Airlines:
Alaska Airlines: 50% off (65+)
American Airlines: various discounts for 50% off
non-peak periods (Tuesdays - Thursdays) (62+)and
up (call before booking for discount)
Southwest Airlines: various discounts for ages 65
and up (call before booking for discount)
United Airlines: various discounts for ages 65 and
up (call before booking for discount)
U.S. Airways: various discounts for ages 65 and up
(call before booking for discount)
Rail:
Amtrak: 15% off (62+)
Bus:
Greyhound: 15% off (62+)
Trailways Transportation System: various
discounts for ages 50+
Car Rental:
Alamo Car Rental: up to 25% off for AARP
members
Avis: up to 25% off for AARP members
Budget Rental Cars: 40% off; up to 50% off for
AARP members ( 50+)
Dollar Rent-A-Car: 10% off ( 50+) Enterprise RentA-Car: 5% off for AARP members Hertz: up to 25%
off for AARP members
National Rent-A-Car: up to 30% off for AARP
members
Overnight Accommodations:
Holiday Inn: 20-40% off depending on location
(62+)
Best Western: 10% off (55+)
Cambria Suites: 20%-30% off (60+)
Waldorf Astoria - NYC $5,000 off nightly rate for
Presidential Suite (55 +)
Clarion Motels: 20%-30% off (60+)
Comfort Inn: 20%-30% off (60+)
Comfort Suites: 20%-30% off (60+)
Econo Lodge: 40% off (60+)
Hampton Inns & Suites: Up to 20% off, depending
on location
Hyatt Hotels: 25%-50% off (62+)
InterContinental Hotels Group: various discounts
at all hotels (65+)
Mainstay Suites: 10% off with Mature Traveler's
Discount (50+); 20%-30% off (60+)
Marriott Hotels: 25% off (62+)
Motel 6: Stay Free Sunday nights (60+)
Myrtle Beach Resort: 30% off ( 55 +)
Quality Inn: 40%-50% off (60+)
Rodeway Inn: 20%-30% off (60+)
Sleep Inn: 40% off (60+)
ACTIVITIES & ENTERTAINMENT:
AMC Theaters: up to 30% off ( 55 +)
Bally Total Fitness: $100 off memberships (62+)
Busch Gardens Tampa, FL: $13 off one-day tickets (
50 +)
Carmike Cinemas: 35% off (65+)
Cinemark/Century Theaters: up to 35% off
U.S. National Parks: $10 lifetime pass; 50% off
additional services including camping (62+)
Regal Cinemas: 50% off Ripley's Believe it or Not:
@ off one-day ticket ( 55 +)
CELL PHONE DISCOUNTS:
Jitterbug: $10/month cell phone service ( 50 +)
Verizon Wireless: Verizon Nationwide 65 Plus Plan
$29.99/month (65+).
MISCELLANEOUS:
Great Clips: $8 off haircuts (60+)
NOW, go out there and claim your discounts — and
remember — YOU must ASK for discount — no ask,
no discount. I know everyone knows someone over
50. Please pass this one on!
https://www.onmogul.com/
TNDH: Travelers Protect Yourself from Mosquitoes
Chikungunya Virus Disease Spread by Bites
The Tennessee Department of Health is reminding
vacation and business travelers about the importance of
protecting themselves from mosquitoes that may
transmit chikungunya virus and other mosquito-borne
illnesses like dengue. The first confirmed case of
chikungunya virus disease in Tennessee occurred in
2014; since then 42 additional cases have been
documented, all involving travel outside the state.
“Travel plans to warmer destinations should include
necessary precautions to avoid mosquito bites,” said
TDH Commissioner John Dreyzehner, MD, MPH.
“Because there is no vaccine to prevent chikungunya
virus disease, the only way to prevent its spread is the
effective use of repellants and personal protection
Page 27 of 31
strategies.”
Prior to 2013, chikungunya virus disease was found primarily in Africa, Asia, Europe and in the
Indian and Pacific Ocean areas. The illness draws its name from an African word meaning “to
become contorted” as most patients suffer from severe joint pain. Chikungunya is rarely fatal, but
can cause fever, joint and muscle pain, headaches, fatigue and rash. It can also lead to chronic joint
pain. In the past year, health organizations have reported the disease spreading in additional areas,
including the Caribbean and the Americas.
“Since it first surfaced here chikungunya has sickened more than one million people in 44 countries
and territories in the Western Hemisphere,” Dreyzehner said. “We take the growing threat of
chikungunya seriously and we are worried we will see more of it.”
Reason for Concern: The number of cases of chikungunya continues to rise in the Caribbean, South
America and Mexico, increasing the chances for American travelers to become infected with
chikungunya. Chikungunya and dengue are very similar mosquito-borne illnesses; both go from
mosquito to human to mosquito directly. Dengue symptoms include high fever, severe headache and
muscle/bone pain.
Tennessee Department of Health recommendations for preventing mosquito bites include:
Use insect repellants such as DEET, Picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535 on your skin,
following all label recommendations for usage. Pay particular attention to recommendations
for use on children and never apply any of these products around the mouth or eyes at any
age. Consult your health care provider if you have questions.
Certain products containing permethrin are recommended for use on clothing, shoes, bed nets
and camping gear. Permethrin is highly effective as a repellent. Permethrin-treated clothing
repels and kills mosquitoes and other pests and retains this effect after repeated washing.
Some commercial products are available pretreated with permethrin. Permethrin is not to be
used directly on skin.
Do not use perfumes, colognes or scented deodorants or soap if you’re going outside, as
fragrances may attract insects.
Remember “long, loose and light” when selecting outdoor wear. Long-sleeved shirts and long pants
are best, and for improved effectiveness, tuck your pants into your socks and your shirt into your
pants to form bug barriers. Wear loose-fitting clothing to prevent bites through the fabric. Lightcolored clothes are less attractive to many insects and may allow you to spot them more easily.
“People at risk for more serious effects from chikungunya virus disease include newborns, those over
age 65 and those with health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes or high blood pressure,” said
Abelardo Moncayo, PhD, director of the TDH Vector-Borne Diseases program. “While there is no
medicine to treat or cure the infection, rest, fluids to prevent dehydration and medicines like
acetaminophen to relieve fever and pain are helpful. Fortunately, once a person has been infected
with chikungunya, he or she is likely to be protected from future infections, and the disease rarely
results in death.”
Chikungunya is the latest mosquito bite-borne threat to travelers that threatens to become more
common as ill travelers return home and mosquitoes that bite them can sicken other people. Other,
longer-standing threats include dengue, malaria and West Nile virus. None of these illnesses are
prevented by vaccine, so the Tennessee Department of Health urges you to use repellents to help
prevent mosquito bites.
For additional information about chikungunya virus disease, visit:
http://www.cdc.gov/chikungunya/index.html.
The mission of the Tennessee Department of Health is to protect, promote and improve the health and
prosperity of people in Tennessee. TDH has facilities in all 95 counties and provides direct services for
more than one in five Tennesseans annually as well as indirect services for everyone in the state, including
emergency response to health threats, licensure of health professionals, regulation of health care facilities
and inspection of food service establishments. Learn more about TDH services and programs at
http://health.state.tn.us/.
VIDEO AVAILABILITY: A broadcast-quality video interview with Dr. Moncayo on chikungunya
available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rXkoI1sB1C4&feature=youtu.be
is
Page 28 of 31
March 911 Calls
From Director Jerry Jordan
City Law Enforcement
Incidents
Out of Service
Need Investigator
Checking Vehicle
4 Wheeler
Alarms
Alarms_False
Alarms_Actual Break In
Animal related
Assaults
BOLO
Break Ins in Process
Break Ins not in Process
Child Abuse
Disorderly House
Disorderly Person
Disturbing the Peace
Domestic Violence
Drag Racing
Drive Off
Driving With No License
Drugs Present (possible)
Drunk Driver (possible)
Elderly
Exposure of Person
Extra Patrol Requested
False Call
Fight
Fire- Alarm
Fire- Brush
Fire- Structure
Fire- Vehicle
Fire Calls
Flooding/High Water
Funeral Escort
Gas Drive Off
Harassment
Hazard
Hit & Run
Kidnapping
Illegal Dumping
Larceny
Law – Other
Mental Transport
Missing Adult
Missing Child
Motorist Assist
Open 911 Line
Pager Test
Prowler
Psychiatric
Public Drunk
Rape
Mar
2015
0
0
115
1
14
0
0
6
3
2
0
1
0
0
4
2
5
1
0
1
0
0
0
0
1
0
6
5
0
0
1
0
0
10
0
1
1
3
0
0
0
9
0
0
2
2
2
0
1
0
2
0
City Law Enforcement
Incidents
Reckless Driver
Riot
Runaway Child
School Traffic
Shooting
Shoplifting
Smoke Investigation
Speak to an Officer
Stolen Vehicle
Suicide or Attempted
Suspicious Person
Suspicious Vehicle
Theft
Threats
Trespassing
Unruly Juv
Unwanted Guest
Vandalism
Violation of Order of Protection
Welfare Checks
Wreck with animal
Wreck without injury
Wreck with injury
Totals
County Law Enforcement
Incidents
Out of Service
Need Investigator
Dead Animal
DOA
Checking Vehicle
4 Wheeler
Alarms
Alarms_False
Alarms_Actual Break In
Animal related
Assault
BOLO (Be on look out)
Break Ins In Progress
Break Ins Not In Progress
Child Abuse
Disorderly House
Disorderly Person
Disturbing the Peace
Domestic Violence
Drag Racing
Drive Off
Driving No License
Drugs Present (possible)
Drunk Driver (possible)
Elderly
Exposure of Person
Mar
2015
6
0
0
0
0
3
0
19
2
0
3
5
9
2
0
2
2
6
0
3
2
4
0
269
Mar
2015
0
0
0
0
96
0
23
0
0
24
0
9
1
3
0
0
2
3
11
0
0
0
5
0
0
0
Page 29 of 31
County Law Enforcement
Incidents
Extra Patrol Requested
False Call
Fight
Fire Vehicle
Fire Alarm
Fire Brush
Fire Structure
Fire Calls
Flooding / High Water
Funeral Escort
Harassment
Hazard
Hit & Run
Illegal Dumping
Kidnapping
Larceny
Law – Other
Mental Transport
Missing Adult
Missing Child
Motorist Assist
Open 911 Line
Pager Test
Prowler
Psychiatric
Public Drunk
Rape
Reckless Driver
Rock Slide
Runaway Child
School Traffic
Shooting
Shoplifting
Smoke Investigation
Speak to an Officer
Stolen Vehicle
Strong Arm Robbery
Suicide or Attempted
Suspicious Person
Suspicious Vehicle
Theft
Threats
Trespassing
Unruly Juv
Unwanted Guest
Vandalism
Violation of Order of Protection
Welfare Checks
Wreck with animal
Wreck without injury
Wreck with injury
Totals
Medical Incidents
Earache
Toothache
Abdominal
Mar
2015
12
0
0
0
3
6
2
3
0
0
1
13
0
0
0
0
39
0
1
0
3
2
0
7
2
4
0
18
4
0
0
0
0
2
19
2
0
0
6
10
13
6
1
2
5
9
1
11
5
14
9
412
Mar
2015
0
0
5
Medical Incidents
Allergies
Animal Bite
Assault
Back Pain
Breathing Problems
Burns
Carbom
Cardiac
Chest Pain
Choke
Convulsions / Seizures
Diabetic Problems
Drowning
Eye Problems
Falls Under 6 Feet
Falls Over 6 Feet (Traumatic)
Headache
Heart
Heat
Hemorrhage / Lacerations
Overdose
Pregnancy
Psychiatric
Sick Person
Stab or Gun Shot
Stroke (CVA)
Trauma
Unconscious / Fainting
Unknown
Transfers
Med Related
Discharged
Dialysis
Doctor Aptm
Medical Alarms
MDOA
Totals
Mar
2015
2
0
1
6
26
0
0
3
12
0
5
5
0
0
30
1
1
5
0
6
0
2
4
52
0
5
1
11
5
82
1
37
48
18
0
1
375
City 911 Calls-Hung Up
2
County 911 Calls-Hung Up
6
Voids-Zone 798
29
Unk's-Zone 799
41
Incidents Received By Fire Dist
Trade
Shady Valley /
/ Sutherland
26
21
2
1st Dist / Laurel Bloomery
2nd Dist.
59
177
City
Neva
Dry Run
477
82
34
Butler
Doe Valley
Totals
50
97
1025
Page 30 of 31
City Council to Meet April 7
AGENDA, TOWN OF MOUNTAIN CITY, CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING, TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2015
CALL TO ORDER 6:30 PM City Council Room
ROLL CALL
Mayor Lawrence C. Keeble
Vice Mayor Bud Crosswhite
Alderman Kenny Icenhour
Alderman Jerry Jordan
Alderman Bob Morrison
INVOCATION
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE AMERICAN FLAG
PRESENTATIONS
None
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Public Hearing and Second and Final Reading of Ordinance #1426, an ordinance establishing a comprehensive
Infectious Disease Control Policy for the Town of Mountain City in compliance with the rules and regulations
established by the United States Department of Labor.
STATEMENT OF ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: Individuals interested in addressing the City Council on any
agenda item or topic must fill out a form provided at the door, and turn it in to the City Recorder prior to
6:30 p.m. A form does not need to be submitted for public hearing items. Forms turned in after 6:30 p.m.
will be held until the next regular meeting.
At this time speakers wishing to address the City Council on an item that is not on the agenda will be
called upon in the order that their speaker card was received.
Please be aware that the maximum time allotted for individuals to speak shall not exceed five (5) minutes
per speaker. Please be aware that the City Council retains the right to not take action or entertain
extended discussion on a topic not listed on the agenda. Please show courtesy to others and direct all of
your comments to the Mayor.
CONSENT CALENDAR
All matters listed on the consent calendar to be approved with one motion unless a member of council requests
separate action on a specific item.
1. Approval of minutes: March 3, 2015 City Council Meeting
2. Second and Final Reading of the following Budget Amendment Ordinances:
#1429
$900.00
42100-326
PD/Clothing/Uniforms
#1430
$14,850.00
43100-932
STR/Stream Mitigation
END OF CONSENT CALENDAR
COUNCIL MEMBER ITEMS OF CONCERN / COMMENTS
1. Alderman Kenny Icenhour
2. Alderman Bob Morrison
3. Vice Mayor Bud Crosswhite
4. Alderman Jerry Jordan
5. Mayor Lawrence C. Keeble
CITY RECORDER – Sheila Shaw
CITY ATTORNEY – Steve McEwen
DEPARTMENT SUPERVISOR REPORTS / COMMENTS
NEW BUSINESS
1. Approve a resolution adopting an Infectious Disease Control Policy.
2. Open bids on one (1) new excavator and trailer for the Collection and Distribution Department and
accept the best bid.
3. Open bids on trench boxes for the Collection and Distribution Department and accept the best bid.
4. Open bids on the lease for the Town’s 43 acre farm property located on Lumpkins Branch Road. The
lease request was for five (5) years.
5. Discussion concerning the Streetscapes Project.
6. First Reading of the following Budget Amendment Ordinances:
#1431
$1,978.00
44420-340
CC/Insurance Pass Thru
#1432
$3,500.00
52200-332
WWTP/Motor Vehicle Parts
ADJOURNMENT
The City does not discriminate on the basis of disability in the programs and activities, which it operates pursuant
to the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Public Law 101-336. If you need provisions to
attend this City Council meeting notify Sheila Shaw at (423) 727-8005.
Page 31 of 31