The Fairfield Glade Lions Club has been the sponsor of the Windows Adventure Travelogue Series since 1980. At least six worldwide places of interest and beauty have been seen each year. That totals over 180 adventures that you have enjoyed right from your seat in the theater.

The 2010-2011 Season will begin October 4, 2010 with six shows at the Palace Theater. Season ticket prices remain the same @$30.00 per person or just $5.00 per show. Two people for any three shows on the ticket can use one Season ticket for additional savings. Tickets will be available at the door for each show at $6.00 per person.

Season tickets can now be purchased from any Fairfield Glade Lions Club member. You may also call ticket chairman Alex Ebneth, 456-1391, and arrangements will be made to get the tickets to you.

All Travelogue shows are on Monday nights beginning at 7:00pm. Each show lasts about two hours with a 20-minute intermission half way through.

The dates and show subjects for this year’s series are as follows: October 4, 2010 “Texas”, November 1, 2010 “Yellowstone: Trails & Tails”, December 6, 2010 “Ireland: Celtic Myths & Splendors”, February 7, 2011 “Inside the Tuscan Hill”, March 7, 2011 “Northern Europe”, April 4, 2011 “Barbados”.

All of the shows are professionally filmed and narrated by the author. Dale Johnson, Sandy Mortimer and John Wilson have all been on our stage before. We will welcome two new speakers this year, Marlin Darrah and Steve Gosner. So mark your calendar, purchase your Season ticket and make plans for another great year of travel.

The Travelogue Series has been a major fundraiser for the Fairfield Glade Lions Club for thirty years. Every penny of profit goes to help pay for projects that serve the youth and needy families in Cumberland County. Annual dues pay for all administrative costs.

CAPTION: Long horn cattle are certainly a symbol of the State of “Texas”. But there is much more to learn about the State at the October 4th Lions Club Travelogue at the Palace Theater.

The Cumberland County Imagination Library received a financial boost in their effort to raise funds for 1720 children in the Cumberland County Governor’s “Books from Birth Foundation” program.

Howard Hickerson, member of the Cumberland County Imagination Library Advisory Board, received two 2010 season tickets to the Tennessee Vols Football. Howard had placed his name in a drawing at the Ace Hardware store on Peavine Road in Fairfield Glade in a drawing. Realizing the value of the tickets, he decided to sell the tickets and donate the funds to the IL fund raising campaign currently in progress. A private offering was held and Geoffrey Fine of Fairfield Glade offered the top bid! Way to go Howard!

The Literacy Program is a three-way partnership between Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library (the Dollywood Foundation), the Governor’s “Books from Birth Foundation” which pays half the cost and the local affiliate which funds the other half of the cost.

Each child receives one book each month until the child reaches the age of five. The Imagination Library program not only prepares our children for school and develops their vocabulary, but it also builds the bond between a parent and child and creates a love of learning.

Tennessee is the first and only state that has made this program available statewide to every child under five by having the governor’s support and a state allocation that pays for half of the cost. There are 95 counties in the state and every county is participating in the program.

Contributions to the program are being accepted by mailing a check to the Imagination Library, Art Circle Public Library, 3 East Street, Crossville, TN 38555.

CAPTION: Shown here is (l-r) Geoffery Fine, Jerry Lewis, Ace Hardware Manager, Howard Hickerson and Leonard Stark.

Saturday, September 11, 2pm – 6pm is Chapter picnic and potluck at Dartmoor Marina in Fairfield Glade.  Activities include pontoon boat rides on the lake and swimming.  If you will be attending, please RSVP by September 6 – Cheryl Heckler at 931-456-6437or thehecklers@charter.net

Saturday, September 25 hike is at Cumberland Cove: Cowpens Trail and Stillhouse Rock overlook.  Charley Massey and Teresa Targosz will lead the hike on the Cowpens trail and back to the parking lot, then down the other creek across the bridge and up to the Stillhouse rock overlook and to the cars in the other park.   This is a moderately difficult hike of approximately 3.5 miles.   Depart from Tractor Supply at 8: 00 AM CDT.  For more information contact Charles Massey at  931-839-8283 or chas.massey@frontiernet.net.

Seventy years ago, this country entered a decade in its history like no other.  Coming out of one of the most trying times people had lived through, every street, in every town had someone proudly wearing a uniform from any branch of the armed services. Women were entering the work force, while young men were leaving to serve their county.  From this decade we have icons such as “Rosie the Riveter”, “Kilroy was here”, and big band music.  It was the Forties, a decade of prosperity and war; a decade in which this country was united for a common cause; a decade worth honoring.

On September 24th, the Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency’s Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) program of Putnam County will be paying tribute to the “Fantastic Forties” at their annual fund raising theme dance.  It will be held at Delmonico Winery in Baxter from 7:00 until 11:00 PM, with a sponsor’s pre-dance celebration from 6:00 to 7:00 pm.  The dance will feature door prizes, silent auction, games and trophies awarded for the best dancers and most authentic costumes judged in three themes:  fashion, wartime and entertainment.  Proceeds support the activities of Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers. One set of music will be provided by a live big band.  The night’s meal is being donated by O’Charley’s Restaurant.

“The passion of the CASA program and its volunteers is one to be recognized and praised.” Said Phyllis Bennett, Executive Director of the Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency, “We are proud to have people so dedicated to the children of this area in our organization.”

CASA volunteers are judge appointed advocates who assist in determination of the best possible outcome for abused, neglected, or exploited children on a case by case basis. Despite the state’s attempts to help, these children may become trapped in the court and child welfare maze spending their childhood moving from one temporary shelter to another.  CASA becomes the voice of these children. CASA serves Cumberland and Putnam Counties.

Johnnie Wheeler, Career Center Coordinator, stated, “The CASA program fund raising dance is a wonderful opportunity to gather and support an extraordinary program involving extraordinary people.  This is a chance for the community to show their support financially and have a good time too.”

Also included in this year’s dance is a night of instruction and encouragement as Tennessee Tech Swing Dance Club will be offering lessons for the dances of the 40”s.  This is free for anyone who purchases tickets for the CASA dance.  Separate tickets may be purchased for the lessons at $5 each and is being held at the Memorial Gym dance studio on September 20th.

For information about the dance ticket purchases call: 931-267-6559 or on how to become a CASA volunteer, contact the Tennessee Career Center at Cookeville at 931-520-8733 and ask for CASA.

There are two big changes this year – chip timing and online registration! ChampionChip timing will ensure accurate and timely race results.  “Runners have come to expect this technology at all legitimate races, and we are excited to offer the addition,” said Fall FunFest Event Director Dennis Freeman.

Runners also have the option of registering online at www.fallfunfest.com. Save a stamp, save some time and register from the convenience of your computer. If you would prefer, you can still print a race application from our website and mail or bring it to the CityScape office at 345 S. Jefferson Street, Suite 303 in Cookeville.

The 5k/10k run begins promptly at 7:00 a.m.  Packet and chip pick-up begins at 6:15 a.m.  The event is designed to appeal to runners and walkers of every level whether a running enthusiast, recreational jogger, health walker or one who just wants to enjoy the streets of beautiful downtown Cookeville.  Officially certified as exactly 5k and exactly 10k, the race enjoys a quick downhill start at Dixie and Broad Streets and a straight flat push to the finish at Dixie and Freeze.

Both the 5k and 10k will feature award medals for top finishers in multiple age categories.  All run participants will receive a commemorative t-shirt and goody bag.  The overall male and female winners in both distance events will receive a $50 cash prize.

Entry fee for individual runners is $25 pre-race and $35 on race day.  Team entry fee for groups of four is $80 pre-race and $120 on race day.  For more information or to download an application, go to www.fallfunfest.com or call Cara Sheets at 931-520-5297 or send email to cara@cookeville-tn.org.  Applications are also available at the CityScape Office.

Fun Run organizer Cary Sheets credits the TTU ROTC department, the City of Cookeville Police Department, Food Lion and a host of volunteers for giving their time and resources to insure the success of this event.

One of the premier fall events on the Upper Cumberland Plateau, Fall FunFest offers a variety of events for the entire family, including The Cookeville CookOff championship barbeque contest, Family Fun Zone, Teen World, WCTE’s Stations of Imagination, and TACA art and craft area.  A variety of musical entertainment will perform on three stages, and local and regional vendors will offer food and concessions.  Admission to the event is free.

Fall FunFest is owned and operated by CityScape, Cookeville’s local “Main Street” organization that works to preserve, protect and promote the heart and soul of Cookeville – its downtown.  CityScape is a group of concerned citizens working hand in hand with partners such as the City of Cookeville, local merchants and property owners to develop downtown as a destination for business and pleasure.

Fall Funfest would not be possible without the valuable support of our sponsors: Kroger, AUI LLC, Premier Diagnostic Imaging, First Tennessee Bank, Charter Communications, Charter Business, N2TheNet, Streamliner Creative, Cookeville Regional Medical Center, Cookeville Communications, JWC Broadcasting, Papa John’s Pizza, Stone Steel, American Bank and Trust, Dixie HomeCrafters, F & M Bank, Putnam County Clean Commission, Herald-Citizen, Lamar Advertising, Cookevilletimes.com, and BB&T Legge Insurance.

Downtown Cookeville is located approximately 1.5 miles off I-40, at exit #287 (Cookeville/Sparta).

For more information, visit the Fall FunFest website, www.fallfunfest.com.

Playhouse star and multiple national-tour veteran, Britt Hancock plays American hunter Tommy Albright, who meets new Playhouse brunette beauty Lindy Penzick as Fiona McLaren of Brigadoon, one misty morning in the Scots Highlands.   Albright’s hunting buddy is played by resident actor Daniel Black (Duck Hunter, Smoke), with featured guest Greg Pendzick as stunning Celtic tenor Charlie Dalrymple, on whose decision to leave Brigadoon, the musical story turns.

Also starring is Nashville Top-ten songwriter Bobby Taylor as wise Mr. Lundie, and feisty newcomer Nicole Bowles as flirty Meg Brockie.   Taylor, who directs and stars in the new 2010 CCP production of Smoke On The Mountain, along with returning Smoke favorites Jason Ross and Patty Payne,  starred in the New York Off-Broadway production of Smoke  after being “discovered”  by SMOKE creator Alan Bailey .

Brigadoon, a Broadway hit and multiple Tony Award Winner, starred Gene Kelly in the famous film.   Michele Colvin directs and choreographs, with Ron Murphy leading the infectiously gorgeous music, including standards like Almost Like Being In Love, and Celtic beauties like Come To Me, Bend To Me.

Currently at the Playhouse is romantic, risque’ musical comedy, A Little Night Music, rated PG-13 for mature themes, situations and language, thru October 1; and the poignant, witty, late-in-life love story, Southern Comforts, rated PG and sponsored by Mariner’s Pointe and Tennessee Heart, thru November 11.  Tickets for all shows are $13 to $26.  For more information, visit us at www.ccplayhouse.com or call 931.484.5000.

CAPTION: Britt Hancock & Lindy Pendzick in the 2010 production of Brigadoon.

CAPTION: From left are Davis, students Adam Barnett and Veronica Castle, Roane State art professors Bryan Wilkerson and Stacy Jacobs, and student Christine Schutt.

Also returning to the all-star cast is director/actor/musician Daniel Black, seen for the first time as Uncle Stanley, the tough ex-con who “comes home” to church and family. He is joined by Lauren Marshall as fiddlin’ Mama Vera, Leila Nelson as twin daughter Denise and Austin Price as her brother Dennis—all multi-year veterans of Smoke.

“Our company has made Smoke a real Tennessee tradition and we’re excited to reunite Jason, Bobby and Patty in the Playhouse cast one more time,” said Playhouse Producer and CEO Jim Crabtree in announcing the 2010 cast. “Playhouse alumni have helped bring Smoke to the entire country in the nearly two decades of our production including New York, National Tours, and at theaters across the South, including the Ryman, Chattanooga’s Tivoli and Knoxville’s Bijou in Tennessee.  The CCP production has also played in Memphis (Bartlett), Athens, Morristown, Greeneville, Cookeville, Newport, La Follette, and many other towns.”

Performances with this cast of Smoke 2010 are limited, and tickets are expected to go quickly, so advance reservations are strongly recommended. Also in the Fall Repertory for the Crossville theater are Lerner and Loewe’s classic musical Brigadoon, retiree romance and comedy Southern Comforts, family comedy The Best Christmas Pagent Ever and She Loves Me, a holiday musical which inspired the Tom Hanks film You’ve Got Mail.

Currently at the Playhouse one of Broadway’s biggest musicals, Hello, Dolly! rated G and sponsored by Comfort Suites, Holiday Inn Express and Hampton Inn, playing thru August 22; the “Musical Comedy Cavalcade” of Tennessee history, Tennessee, USA!, sponsored by Crabtree, Rohrbaugh & Associates, thru August 28; and the romantic musical comedy, A Little Night Music, rated PG-13 for mature themes, situations and language, thru November 6.  Tickets for all shows range between $13 and $26.  For more information, visit us at www.ccplayhouse.com or call 931.484.5000 to reserve your tickets today.

CAPTION: Jason Ross & Patty Payne reprise their roles as Rev. Oglethorpe & June Sanders for Smoke 2010

College officials, political leaders, business leaders and community members participated in the July 29 celebration. Mid-State Construction Company of Livingston is building the facility, and the $1.28 million project is expected to be completed by August 2011.

Financing for the incubator project was supported with federal, state and local resources.  The Cumberland County Commission and Crossville City Council each committed $250,000 for construction of the CBI. In addition, Roane State received an $880,000 grant from the U.S. Commerce Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA).

“This is a dream that’s come true,” Crossville Mayor J.H. Graham III stated. “One of the finest things that we have ever done for the City of Crossville and Cumberland County is to build the Cumberland Business Incubator.”

Cumberland County Mayor Brock Hill stated, “We are very proud to be a part of this project. We are here as a government to provide your services for today but to also help plan for the future so that we all have an opportunity to hold our little part of the American dream.”

The Cumberland Business Incubator (CBI) will be a 10,000-square-foot, energy efficient business facility with nine office areas and three bays suitable for light manufacturing operations.

“Today, we have the great opportunity to begin construction of the new Cumberland Business Incubator,” Roane State President Dr. Gary Goff said. “This will allow us to bring entrepreneurs into a cocoon and provide the guidance, advice and support to create their businesses and assist them out of the incubator and into facilities in Cumberland County to create jobs.”

Don Sadler, director of the Tennessee Technology Center at Crossville; Stone Elementary School Principal Susanne Wilson; and Jerry Wood, board chair of the Crossville-Cumberland County Chamber of Commerce also spoke as part of the ceremonies.

The Tennessee Board of Regents, which oversees the state’s public community colleges and the public universities outside the University of Tennessee system, made land available for constructing the building on the Cumberland County campus. Roane State will operate the CBI. Robert Safdie, who has taught at the college for many years and has worked extensively on planning the CBI, will serve as the incubator’s director.

The project is unique because it not only provides a brick-and-mortar location to house businesses, but also access to consultants and programs that can help businesses deal with the challenges they face during their first three years of operation. According to the EDA, the project is expected to create more than 120 jobs in the area by supporting the growth of entrepreneurs and small businesses.

Partners in the project, in addition to Roane State and the county and city, include the Appalachian Regional Commission, the Crossville-Cumberland County Chamber of Commerce, the Cumberland County School System, ETHRA Workforce Development, the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Tennessee Technology Center at Crossville, Tennessee Technological University, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development.

For more information about the CBI, call Roane State’s Cumberland County campus,  (931) 456-9880, and ask for Robert Safdie or Brad Fox. Email may be sent to cbi@roanestate.edu.

CAPTION: Ground has been broken for the new Cumberland Business Incubator (CBI) at Roane State’s Cumberland County campus in Crossville. From left are Randy Graham, CEO of First National Bank of Tennessee; CBI director Robert Safdie; Stone Elementary School Principal Susanne Wilson; Jim Purcell, retired director of the Tennessee Technology Center at Crossville; Don Sadler, director of the Tennessee Technology Center at Crossville; Jerry Wood, board chair of the Crossville-Cumberland County Chamber of Commerce; Cumberland County Mayor Brock Hill; Crossville Mayor J.H. Graham III; Dr. Carl Mueller; James Jordan-Wagner, dean of the Tennessee Technological University College of Business; Roane State President Dr. Gary Goff; Roane State associate professor Brad Fox; and Kim Chamberlin with Upland Design Group.

“Putting people to work and meeting key infrastructure needs for communities in Cumberland County are critically important,” said Rep. Davis. “I am glad to see such badly needed investments coming to the rural Fourth Congressional District. ”

According to Crossville Mayor J.H. Graham, III, a Recovery Act infrastructure loan of $1,700,000 and grant of $800,000 will be used to upgrade about 10.2 miles of smaller pipe to a 10-inch water transmission line to meet the volume and pressure needs in this rapidly growing part of the county.” The line will be laid along State Highway 70 North.

“Safe, reliable water is a basic necessity for families and is essential for economic development,” said Goode. “Thanks to the support of Congressman Lincoln Davis, USDA has the financial resources to help the residents of Cumberland County meet this infrastructure need.”

Others participating in the event included Area Director Jerry Jolley and RD staff member Jonathan Boyce.

The Recovery Act is designed to jumpstart the nation’s economy, create or save millions of jobs and put a down payment on addressing long-neglected challenges so our country can thrive in the 21st century. The Act includes measures to modernize our nation’s infrastructure, enhance energy independence, expand educational opportunities, preserve and improve affordable health care, provide tax relief, and protect those in greatest need.

More information about USDA’s Recovery Act efforts is available at www.usda.gov/recovery.

USDA Rural Development invests in jobs, businesses, community infrastructure, homeownership and affordable rental housing in rural communities. Last year Rural Development assisted more than 866,000 Tennessee families and businesses with more than $619 million in financial assistance through affordable loans, loan guarantees and grants.

For more information on Rural Development programs available in Cumberland County contact the Rural Development Area Office in Cookeville at 931-528-6539 ext. 2, toll free at 1-800-342-3149 extension 1493, or visit us online at www.rurdev.usda.gov/tn.

CAPTION: Pictured here are (l-r) Linclon Davis, US Rep. for the fourth congressional district, USDA Rural Development State Director, Bobby Goode, City of Crossville Mayor, J. H. Graham, III and Jerry Jolley USDA Rural Development Regional Director (Cookeville office).

The only other contested race on the county level besides commissioner seats was for Road Superintendent. In that contest, challenger Scott Blaylock defeated reigning office holder Wendell Houston by the widest margin seen in this election (9268 to 5370).

Circuit Court Clerk Larry Sherrill, County Clerk Jule Bryson and Register of Deeds Judy Graham Swallows were unopposed in their campaigns for reelection.

In the district 9 county commission race, of which Fairfield Glade is a part, incumbents Clyde Cramer and Carmin Lynch held off Art Meharg to retain their seats.

The race of interest at the state level was the one for State Representative. Cameron Sexton defeated present lawmaker Eric Swafford in the Republican primary and will face Democrat Charles Ray Rains in the November election. Knoxville mayor Bill Haslem was victorious in his bid to be the Republican nominee for Governor. He is set to face Democrat Mike McWherter in the state general election.

Southern Fried Jazz Band (SFJB) was organized by Don Edwards, a Big Band veteran and consummate musician.  Edwards stated “Jazz is especially reflective of our nation’s personality and spirit.”  Having watched the decline of that vibrant era in music in recent years, Edwards decided to use SFJB as a vehicle to show how vital good jazz is to the nation’s landscape and how it helps people connect to one another on a purely artistic level, allowing them to share in an experience that is part of the nation’s past, present and future.

Edwards has shared the stage with show biz legends including Nat King Cole, Ella Fitzgerald, Mel Tormé, Sarah Vaughn, Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack, among others.  He also backed jazz great Louis Armstrong and the World’s Greatest Jazz Band.

SFJB blends music with narration and personal anecdotes into a seamless history lesson of jazz in America and evolves into an experience to be remembered long after it has left the stage.

Tickets for Southern Fried Jazz Band are $11 students and $23 Adults.  All shows in the Playhouse’s rotating rep schedule are online at  www.ccplayhouse.com and by phone at 931.484.5000.  Currently running shows are one of Broadways’ biggest musicals, Hello, Dolly!, rated G and sponsored by Comfort Suites, Holiday Inn Express and Hampton Inn, thru August 22; the “Musical Comedy Cavalcade” of Tennessee history, Tennessee, USA!, rated G, sponsored by Crabtree, Rohrbaugh & Associates, thru August 28; and romantic musical comedy, A Little Night Music, rated PG-13 for mature themes, adult situations and language, thru November 6.  Tickets for these shows range between $13 and $26.

Thursday, August 12, 5:30pm – 7:00pm is the Chapter Meeting. Organic Farm Tour and Pot Luck at Dave Myers Organic Farm on Vandever Road in Crossville. Directions from town:  Travel about 7 miles south on Lantana Road. Prior to the upcoming left turn, you will pass the 101 Market on the right, a cemetery and the old Lantana elemetary school (closed) on the left. Just after the school, Vandever Road turns to the left. This left is directly across from the Lantana Church of Christ.  Proceed on Vandever Road 1.2 miles. The organic farm is on the left. There is a large red barn and the drive is just past the barn.For those who want to car pool, meet at Grace Community Church at 2125 Miller Avenue at 5:15 PM.    Please let Cheryl Heckler know what dish you are bringing so there won’t be any duplications.   Contact Cheryl Heckler at 931-456-6437 or thehecklers@charter.net

Saturday, August 14, 8am – 3pm is a hike at John Litton Loop, Big South Fork National Park, Jamestown, TN.  The John Litton loop is about a 6 mile long hike with some small waterfalls and some rock formations along the way. The trail is named for John Litton who settled in the area around 1900 and his dwelling and outbuildings are still standing. The hike is rated moderate. Meet behind the Cracker Barrel at 8 a.m. CDT. For more information and to register, contact Howard Owens at 931-484-1328 or owenshb@charter .net

Saturday, August 28, 8am – 3pm is the  Rock Creek Loop Hike, Big South Fork National Park/Pickett State Park, Jamestown, TN.  This is 7 mile hike and is rated moderately difficult due to the steep climb at the end of the hike. The trail follows the banks of Rock Creek, a tributary of the Big South Fork River. It also overlaps parts of the John Muir and Sheltowee Trace Trails. The trail follows part of the old Stearns Logging Railroad along Massey Branch. Meet at 8 a.m. CDT behind the Cracker Barrel in Crossville. For more information and to register, contact Carolyn Miller at 931-839-3213 or cardan@ frontiernet.net.

John Litton homesite

Although Lake Tansi is a private lake for residents or property owners only, Dave Sutton, POA General Manager, wanted to show its community support for such an important service agency by hosting Hilltoppers first annual fishing tournament.  Licensed fishermen from the surrounding area will be offered an opportunity to fish the largest private lake in Cumberland County during this tournament.

Entry forms may be picked up and paid for at the Frontier Communications Office at 174 Sparta Highway, across from Kroger’s during regular business hours or at the Lake Tansi Marina.  First place is $250, second, $150, and third, $100.  Cost is $25. per person or $50 per boat, if received by Sept. 1st, which includes a burger (catered by Big Boy’s BBQ), chips, drink, launch fee, and a raffle ticket for many other prizes.  There will be a rod & reel for biggest fish.  The tournament will be limited to 40 boats.   After Sept. 1st, the cost will be $30 per person or $60 per boat.  Rules are posted on the entry form and will be enforced by weigh in team.  Please make your check payable to Hilltoppers Inc., and for more information, please call the Lake Tansi Marina at 931-788-6423.

CAPTION: From left, Frank Massaro, Community Resource Director, Hilltoppers Inc., Dave Sutton, General Manager, Lake Tansi POA, and Scot Hale, Local Manager, Frontier Communications.

As Danielle Downey walked off the 18th green at Stonehenge Golf Club on Saturday, she thought she’d lost the Tennessee Women’s Open by a shot to amateur Margaret Shirley.

Then she heard something that stunned her. “I heard somebody say, ‘The playoff will begin at No. 1’ ” Downey said. “I thought, ‘What?’ Somebody must have added the scores wrong.”

In the scorer’s tent, Downey, who shot a final-round 74 for a 2-under-par 214 total, learned that no mathematical errors had occurred. And as strange as it seemed, Downey, the second-round leader who trailed by six shots after shooting a front-nine 40, was in a playoff for the championship. Shirley, who was 4-under for the round and 6-under for the tournament after the 10th hole, closed with a 72 for her 214.

Once Downey, who plays on the LPGA Tour, got over her initial shock, she went to work. At No. 1, the first playoff hole, she hit a pitching wedge to two feet. Downey didn’t even need a birdie after Shirley three-putted for bogey, but she drained it anyway.

“Unbelievable,” Downey said. “After the front nine, I just told myself to hang in there for myself, to try and bounce back no matter who won the tournament.”

Shirley, who won the Georgia Open two times as an amateur, seemed determined to add the Tennessee Open to her resume. Starting the day two shots behind Downey at 2-under par, Shirley quickly pulled even at the par-4 No. 1 hole when she made birdie to Downey’s bogey. Shirley grabbed the lead and went to 4-under with another birdie at the par-3 third hole, and got to 5 under with a third birdie, this time at the par-3 sixth.

Meanwhile, Downey was going south. After a bogey at No. 4, a double bogey at 6 and a bogey at 7, she stood 1-over, six shots behind Shirley, who finished the front in 33 to Downey’s 40.

Shirley kept charging with a birdie at the par-5 10th to get to 6-under, but two holes later, some oil began leaking when she made a bogey at the par-4 12th. That didn’t seem to matter at the time, nor was Shirley too concerned after Downey birdied the tough par-3 14th and went to 1-under par. Shirley was still 5-under at that point.

Shirley drove into the water at the par-5 15th and made bogey, but still seemed in control with a three shot lead with three holes to play.

Downey birdied No. 16 to trim the deficit to two shots, and that’s when the heat turned up on Shirley. Trying to hit a punch shot at No. 17, Shirley left her approach 20 yards short of the green and made her third bogey of the back nine.

Downey probably won the tournament at 17 after her approach landed in the bunker. It was a shot she’d seen in a practice round earlier in the week.

“I knew I couldn’t go right at the hole,” Downey said. So she blasted left and her ball settled 18 feet below the hole. Trusting her newly improved putting stroke, Downey slammed the par put in the cup. But she still trailed Shirley, who was 3-under, by a shot.

At 18, Shirley’s approach found the bunker. She blasted to five feet, but when her putt slid past the hole and Downey made par, it was on to the playoff. Even if Downey wasn’t aware of it.

“I’m proud of the way I hung in there,” Downey said. “After the start I had, to come back and win … this will help my confidence down the road.”

Shirley, the assistant women’s golf coach at Georgia, was tough on herself after losing, but she needn’t have been. Despite not playing much golf since joining the Georgia staff a year ago, she’s had a great month of July, finishing second in the Georgia and Tennessee Opens and qualifying for the U.S. Amateur.

“I pretty much chocked my guts out the last four holes,” Shirley said. “It’s been a while since I’ve been in this position. But give credit to Danielle. She played great to come back and win it.”

Downey thanked the huge crowd around the 18th green and hole that applauded competitors as they completed their final round. “I’ve played several LPGA Tour events when there weren’t this many people around the 18th hole,” she said. “Thank you for being here today.”

Ashli Bunch finished third overall and second among professionals. First-round leader Mallory Blackwelder wound up in seventh place overall and fifth among professionals.

For a complete list of players or to learn more about the Tennessee Women’s Open Championship Presented by The City of Crossville visit www.tnwomensopen.com

CAPTION: Tennessee Women’s Open champion Danielle Downey blasts from a sand trap during the final round of the tournament. Downey, from Clearwater (FL), took the title in a one-hole playoff. (Photo courtesy Walt Riches)

WOMEN'S OPEN CHAMP-Danielle Downey (center) shot a two-under 214 to win the Tennessee Women's Open on July 24, topping second-place Margaret Shirley (left), who was also the low amateur. Downey is from Clearwater, Florida, while Shirley, the assistant women's golf coach at the University of Georgia, is from Athens, Georgia. Downey won the tournament, played at Stonehenge Golf Club at Fairfield Glade near Crossville (TN), in a one-hole playoff. Making the trophy presentations was City of Crossville mayor J.H. Graham III. (Photo courtesy Walt Riches)

The Fairfield Glade Lions Club 21st Annual Golf Tournament will again offer hole-in-one prizes on all 4 par three holes. Hole 14 alone carries a $5,000 cash prize. Please don’t think that it is impossible.

Last year Jackie Van Dyke shot her first hole-in-one and won a vacation trip for her and her husband, Ken, on a cruise ship to Cozumel, Mexico. Her teammates, Janice Olsen, Georgette Wenger and Ann Boos were ecstatic. The Eagle helped her team win prize money for placing 2nd in the ladies flight.

But, that is only one reason to sign up for the September 11th Lions 8:00am Tournament at the Heatherhurst Crag Golf Course.

$70 entry fee has been extended to August 15. 1st, 2nd, 3rd place prizes in each flight. Goody Bags and Free Range Balls for all. Continental breakfast and lunch served at Heatherhurst. Rain checks and prizes awarded at luncheon if it rains.

Proceeds from this event helps pay for the sight and hearing tests for all Cumberland County Elementary School children, glasses for needy adults, eye testing for preschool kids, high school “Student of the Month” awards and scholarships and ongoing support for numerous non-profit organizations that help serve underprivileged members in our community.

Entry forms are available at all four Fairfield Glade golf courses. Please call Duane West, 484-3441 if you have any questions or need additional information.

CAPTION: Jackie Van Dyke won a vacation cruise for two by scoring a hole-in-one in last year’s Fairfield Glade LIons Golf Tournament. You can do it too. Prizes given on all 4 par three holes plus much more. Please sign up today.

“Year after year, UCDD/AAAD host the best attended and most anticipated Senior Expo in the Upper Cumberland area”, said Wendy Askins, Executive Director of the UCDD/AAAD.  “The Senior Expo is a one-stop shop for information on all types of things that pertain to the lifestyle of the 50+ generation.  Health care organizations will be on hand to offer a wide range of free medical screenings, and attendees will find a wealth of valuable information on healthy lifestyles, retirement, legal issues, care giving, medical equipment, home health, housing options, finances, nutrition, leisure activities, government services, assisted living and other retirement facilities.  I would like to invite everyone to attend and take advantage of the free screenings, educational information and great give-a-ways from the vendors.  Come prepared to spend the morning with UCDDAAAD and enjoy the informational booths, free health screenings, freebies, door prizes, lunch, and meeting new friends.   Seniors, baby bombers, and family caregivers are invited to spend some time with the UCDD/AAAD staff and participate in “An Enjoyable Journey Through Aging” .  For those who haven’t been to one of our Senior Expo’s, please come out and enjoy a day of fun and excitement and meet our friendly UCDD/AAAD staff.   Mark your calendars and we’ll see you there,” stated Mrs. Askins.

This year the keynote speaker during lunch will be Mary Hance“Ms. Cheap”.  Ms. Cheap is a regionally renowned speaker who is very sought after throughout the south.   She writes for the Nashville Tennessean and appears on National TV shows.   Ms. Cheap will share money saving tips on bargain shopping.   If there is a bargain to be found – she will find it.

Last year’s event was the largest in its eight year history with 1,513 attendees and 151 vendors participating.  This year’s event promises to be bigger and better.   The highly anticipated one day event offers a day of fitness demos, workshops, health screenings and wall to wall community resources in one convenient central location.

Numerous health screenings will be offered at several information booths throughout both levels by Health Care Professionals who will also be willing to answer your questions. Health screenings will be added to the program daily up until the day of the event.  Screenings such as; Diabetic foot screening, ostoscopic exam, blood pressure, healthy heart, balance, depression, and chiropractic evaluation, are already planned.

Health Care Professionals will be available to talk to participants on such topics as: General Surgery, Dentistry, Eyes, Diabetes, Heart, Hearing, Bones, Arthritis, Cancer, Allergy, Asthma, Alzheimer’s and more.

Many non-profit organizations will be present to offer information on; Adult Protective Services, Services for the Blind, Legal Aid, Epilepsy, Arthritis,  CASA and many more.   Parking and admission are free and lunch will be available for $5.50.

If you are a business or organization and would be interested in reserving a booth, please call Jane Mee at the UCDD/AAAD office 931-432-4111.

CAPTION: Jane Mee/Family Caregiver/Volunteer Coordinator/Expo Coordinator.    Standing:  L-R   Judy Roberson, Director Area Agency on Aging and Disability, Holly Williams, Assistant Director Area Agency on Aging and Disability, and Wendy Askins, Director Upper Cumberland Development District Area Agency on Aging and Disability.

“There are roots rockers, and then there’s Webb Wilder. For over 20 years, Wilder has mined rock ‘n’ roll’s most hallowed ground, but unlike so many others, he has approached it all with a rare irreverence and wit.  Wilder’s music has a sense of fun and imagination often lacking among his peers.” Gibson Guitar magazine.

Tickets for Webb Wilder are $15 for adults and $8 for students and can be purchased with cash or check at the Palace Theatre, 72 South Main Street, Crossville.  Or you may purchase your tickets with a credit card by calling the Cumberland County Playhouse Box Office at 484-5000 or online at www.ccplayhouse.com ( a small convenience fee will apply.)  More information about the “First Friday” performance series and about PAART and the can be found at www.performingartsalliance.org.

Kelle is currently featured in Tennessee, USA! as escaped slave, Martha and as Blues singer, Bessie Smith.  As Martha, she sings a haunting and bone-chilling Many Thousands Gone and as Bessie Smith, her great voice and high energy add that extra “Wow” to Memphis Blues and St. Louis Blues.  Combine Kelle’s voice and Will Boyd’s talent and you are sure to have an evening with the finest blues, jazz and rock stylings.

As the Will Boyd Experience,  this talented Tennessee couple appears in theaters, clubs and cruise ships, from Knoxville to Japan,  and Will has played with the world famous Temptations.  Both artists are skilled in multiple styles, from classical to jazz, from rock to R&B.

Tickets for The Great Women of Jazz are $10 students and $20 Adults.  All shows in the Playhouse’s rotating rep schedule are online at  www.ccplayhouse.com and by phone at 931.484.5000.  Currently running shows are:  the dazzling comedy Duck Hunter Shoots Angel! rated PG-13 and sponsored by Stonehaus Winery, thru July 30; one of Broadways biggest musicals, Hello, Dolly! rated G and sponsored by Comfort Suites, Holiday Inn Express & Hampton Inn, playing thru August 22; and the “Musical Comedy Cavalcade” of Tennessee history, Tennessee, USA!, sponsored by Crabtree, Rohrbaugh & Associates, thru August 28.  Tickets for these shows range between $13 and $26.

Whether it could be determined that the U.S. won or not, it is difficult to argue that there is no difference between South and North Korea today – South Korea is westernized and a very “Big Player” among the world’s industrialized nations, even though it is small in size.  North Korea continues as a dark, unproductive, dictator overrun country.

Plateau Chapter #297, Korean War Veterans Association, was chartered in Cumberland County in the Spring of 2004.  To celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the start of the Korean War, members have written or expressed their individual involvement of service.  Some of us were right on the line, while others were backing us up somewhere in the world; it takes up to six personnel to back up every man on the line!  If you know them or meet them, please express your thanks for their sacrifices.

DAN BROOK

U.S. Air Force

Current Chapter Treasurer

After 18 months in the U.S. Merchant Marine sailing oil tankers and a year of college, followed entry into a pre-engineering course of study, I joined the Air Force when the conflict was becoming very serious: November 1950.  I became a heavy equipment operator in what was to become the Air Force Engineers, basically airbase maintenance with operation of tractors, dozers, graders, rollers, crushers, plus crane and shovel operation.

Nagoya, Japan, Headquarters, 5th Air Force and its airfield, Komaki AFB, home of a jetfighter squadron, a B-29 air-sea rescue and a C-ll9 transport squadron where by early 1952, I became the sole crane and shovel operator on the massive base-city and found that after volunteering for Korean duty, I was frozen in my skill with no replacement.

Duties varied from building new taxiways and road maintenance to mud-jacking (leveling) ex-Japanese airfields throughout Japan for emergency landing fields to rehabilitating an old Japanese bomb depot; until I pulled a still-armed 500 pound bomb from a pond with a dragline bucket.  We kept our rock-crusher supplied with river rock we trucked in on weekends.  Another event was extinguishing a coal depot fire over 3 days for the newly arrived 3rd Marine Division.

Although never officially reported, I was assigned with a Japanese work crew to dismantle a tent-city in late 1953.  As the initial work began the boom on my crane grounded electric wires supplying the camp, shorting out an electric transformer which blew flaming oil over the compound.  The camp was completely destroyed while I and my crane left unannounced.  I’ve often thought of the huge amount of money I saved the government from this incident by eliminating a month or more of salvage work.

One other important, but not envious duty entailed the recovery of downed airacraft, which no one in our small outfit (14-16 men) ever talked about.  I was honorably discharged in the Fall of 1954 and returned to college.

PAUL CHMIELEWSKI

Sgt., U.S. Air Force

After two years study at Marquette University, I found myself short on funds and facing a draft notice. On September 29, 1965, I enlisted in the Air Force and headed for basic training.  Following technical school, I received my first duty assignment to Detackment 5, 1503 Air Transport Group at Kimpo Air Base, Korea.  Upon arrival in March 1966, I began working in traffic control with the group and coordinated troop and cargo shipments on both military and civilian contracted aircraft.  After my 13 month tour, I was rotated back to the States to the 437th Military Airlift Wing at Charleston, South Carolina. where I worked in load planning for C-141′s.

Spring 1968 arrived and so did the North Korean capture of the USS Pueblo.  I volunteered to return to Korea that same day.  One year to the day that I first left, I landed back at Kimpo to begin my second 13 month tour of duty, this time with Detachment 55, 7th Aerial Port Squadron at Osan, where I was assigned to help coordinate the massive influx of National Guard members called up to supplemenmt our existing forces.  The build-up was huge.  Tent city grew overnight on the athletic fields and supplies were arriving so fast that at times pallets were left along the taxiways because there was no more room in the warehouse, hanger, or other open ground.  To add to the tumult, the North Koreans proceeded to shoot down a Navy weather recon C-121 Super Constilation, a slow four engine prop plane converted from civilian use.  That raised the alert level to a new high.

I was priviledged to have been present when the crew of the Pueblo, plus remains of the deceased, were repatriated and saw them board the flight for their return home.  It is something I will never forget.

KEITH COMSTOCK

Col., U.S. Army, Ret.

From early fall 1950 until December 1951, I was a platoon leader in the 10th Combat Engineer Battalion of the 3rd Infantry Division. In Korea, one of our duties was to accompany tank patrols into Chinese territory.  The tankers always felt more secure when an engineer was riding in the lead tank looking for mines or other explosive devices.  On one of my rides with the tankers, I spotted a suspicious looking disturbance that we could not by-pass.  I got out lof the tand and carfully checked out what I had seen.

While I was busy checking out this apparent disturbance, the Chinese began shelling us – emphasis on me(!!!), exposed out in front of the tank column.  I could tell from the sounds when the rounds hit, that they were small 45mm mortar rounds and not too bad until they got much closer.

I finished my observations as quickly as possible, retreated to the lead tank for reasonable safety.  To my surprise, lthe tank was “all buttoned-up”!  The hatch to the bow-gunners position was closed tight.  I removed my pistol, rapped on the tank and said, “Open that hatch, things are not too good out here”!  From deep within, a muffled voice said, “but sir, they are shooting at us”!  Ater a few more military field expletives, the hatch was opened by a sheepish crew member and I was once again inside the tin can and we finished our patrol without any hits.  The Chinese were not great marksmen.

I tried to avoid that tank on future patrols!!!

JIM DOUGLASS

U.S. Air Force

In 1950, I was in the military reserves after graduating from high school.  On August 22, 1950, I received orders to report to Rantoul, Illinois, for induction into the Air Force.

Wearing the brown uniforms that were the issue at that time, not the Air Force blue issue, I reported to Mather Field, Sacremento, California, for Air Crash Rescue duty.

One of the incidents that is still in vivid memory is the crash that killed General Travis and 50 others at Souson Air Field Base near San Francisco.  General Travis crashed his plane into a base housing area.  As fate would have it, this was a training flight that was cancelled due to bad weather!  The General was made a hero instead of being court-martialed.  Too bad!  Our air base and others around the Frisco area were called into action to replace and aid the Fairfield Souson base that was virtually wiped out by that crash.

I was a member of Air Crash Rescue 24 hours a day, and 24 hours off, consequently, I was able to play on the Base Baseball Club.  We placed second on the combined Service Club West Coast Play-Offs.

One of the funniest experiences of my service was during lifeboat rescue.  Our crash unit was summoned to San Diego for training in lifeboat recue.  This incident called for dropping a 20 man boat into the harbor from an aircraft.  When the boat hit the water, it broke into many pieces rendering it useless.  Sorry to say, I laughed so hard, it cost me a stripe!  Colonels have no sense of humor!

Joining the Air Force was one of the best moves in my life!

DONALD ELIASON

U.S. Air Force

Current Chapter Commander

I enlisted in the Air Force August 29, 1949, took basic training at Lackland AFB.  After several schools and additional training I was given a one year extension courtesy of President Harry S. Truman.  I was shipped to Camp Stoneman, California, July 23, 1950 and sailed on July 29 to Yokohama, Japan, arriving there on August 13.

Upon arrival, I received orders to report to Itazuki AFB, Fukoka, Japan, working in a Gun Camera Processing Lab.  During the Pusan Perimeter battles, I flew often to K-1 and K-2 delivering and picking up gun camera film.  In October 1950, I was assigned to the 45th Tac. Recon Squadron in Komaki, Japan.  From there we were sent to K-2 Air Base, Taegu, Korea in December 1950.

Our Squadron flew missions virtually every day – or approximately 15-20 sorties.  Several of our missions took pilots  above the Yalu River where one aircraft was downed in January 1950 and the pilot picked up by a Chopper.  In the first three months of duty our Squadron lost approximately 10 aircraft and 5-6 personnel.

In the summer of 1951, the Squadron was moved up to K-14, Kimpo Airfield north of Seoul.  Now, we were flying more sorties each day, losing more aircraft and pilots.  I rode shotgun on a weapons carrier from Taegu to Kimpo, about 120 miles, and stayed overnight in Taejon in a bombed-out school.  At Kimpo, we slept in tents between the flight line and mess hall and were visited frequently by Bed Check Charlie.

Summers at K-2 and K-14 were hot and dusty, monsoon season created plenty of mud, water was trucked in from local rivers, treated and then used for cooking etc., we had no showers at either place.

In February 1952, I rotated back to the states on the General Walker – the conditions for living were greatly enhanced, three good meals a day!  I came back in one piece and would do it all over if necessary.

I was instrumental in starting Plateau Chapter #297, Korean War Veterans Association in Spring 2004, and was fortunate to revisit South Korea in 2008.

CHARLES E. FERGUSON, SR.

Pvt. U.S. Army

I enlisted in the U.S. Army on November 24, 1949, completing basic training at Fort  Knox, Kentucky.

From there, I went to Japan, joining the Occupational Forces of the 7th Infantry Division, 49th FA Bn., Btry. B, travelling the full length of Korea after leaving Japan.

I took part in most of the major battles in Korea, including the Pusan Perimeter breakout, Inchon Landing, Battle of Seoul, pushing north to the Yalu River, back to the Chosin Resevoir, the battles of Hamhung and Hungnam, and then back to the evacuation to Pusan.

After these battles, we headed back North and I was captured by the enemy on February 12, 1951, after an approximately two hour fire fight where we ran virtually out of ammunition and had no way to escape.  Being captured resulted in a long walk north to POW Camp #1 in Chong Song, almost where I was at Christmas 1950.  I was released at Panmunjom in August 1953.

Subsequently I was awarded the Bronze Star with V-Device, which reflected bravery during the fire fight before being captured.

GARRISON “GUNNY” GIGG

U.S. Marines

I landed at Inchon, Korea, on September 15, 1950, assigned to the 1st Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division, as an Engineer Construction Foreman.

During my tour in Korea, I participated in in the assault and seizure of Inchon, capture and securing of Seoul during September and October 1950, the Wonson-Hungnam-Chosen Reservoir campaign in North Korea during November and December 1950, and many operations in south and central Korea until July 1951.

THEODORE HIRABAYASHI

Sgt., U.S. Air Force

I come from a famiy of 8 children – 4 brothers and 2 brothers-in-law served in WWII in China, Burma, India, and Australia.

When the Korean War started, I enlisted in the Air Force.  After basic training, I spent a year going to several schools.  After schooling was complete in 1952, I was flown to Japan and then to Seoul, Korea for a short time – from Seoul to Cho Do, a tiny island 50 miles north of the 38th Parallel, and off the coast of North Korea.

At Cho Do, I was assigned to an Aircraft Control & Warning Squadron.  When Jet Pilots were in the combat zone, we kept them informed of the altitude and direction of enemy planes.  In addition, when one of our planes was shot down, “May Day”, we had two Choppers available to search and rescue the pilots.

We were shelled and bombed daily.  Occasionally, Navy’s USS Missouri would anchor off shore.  The enemy remained silent during their visit!  My only fear was the thought that the North Koreans would quietly row to our island at night.  We were easy targets with only 60 or so military personnel.  Of the 60, 15 were Air Force personnel who could not shoot a weapon and several cooks.  The balance were Artillery personnel, both from the Army or the Marines.  In hand to hand combat, we did not stand a chance.  To this day, I am reminded by the thought of it, and Thank God I am still here to enjoy life!

When the truce came in July 1953, we were given a few days to vacate and return the Island to North Koreans.

Upon my return to the U.S., I received an early discharge and returned to college.

ROBERT W. JOHNSTON

U.S. Air Force

In December 1950, I boarded the USS General E.T. Collins, a Kaiser Troop ship at San Francisco, sailing to Yokohama, Japan, arriving mid January 1951.  On February 1951, we flew to Pusan, Korea, and checked into the 607th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron, part of the 502nd Tactical Control Group – at that time, I was a radar mechanic.

In April 1951, a radio operator and myself were volunteered to direct the 5th Air Force strikes in front of the Turkish personnel, which lasted approximately a month after which we returned to the 607th AC&W in Wonju. Korea.

In June of 1951, two other airmen and myself (two radio operators & a radar mechanic) were sent to a small island in the Yellow Sea, just above the 38th Parallel and about 1 1/2 miles north of the North Korean coastline to set up a TPS-10 Radar Set to monitor North Korean air traffic and ground movements.

When the tide went out, you could walk from the island to the mainland.  If we observed North Koreans coming to the island, we would contact the ARK ROYAL, a Royal Navy aircraft carrier and the Sea Furries would clear out the area.  We stayed on the island until November 1951 and returned to the 607th AC&W Squadron in Wonju, Korea, remaining there until February 1952, when I rotated back to the States.

Last September, my wife and I attended the 502nd Tactical Control Group reunion in Nashville.  We intend to attend the next year’s reunion in Biloxi, Mississippi.

HERBERT W. KENZ,

U.S. Army

Chapter Charter Member

I first set eyes on the Land of the Morning Calm as an Army Private in the Infantry from the deck of a military troop ship, The General Black.  We were anchoring in the Pusan, Korea harbor at the end of World War II.

Six years later, I again set my eyes on the Land of the Morning Calm as a new “Shave-Tail” (!) or 2nd Lt., assigned to U.S. Army Artillery.  At this time, the Land of the Morning Calm, was not calm!  My tour in Korea lasted 19 months.

Thus began my army career of 42 years of service to my country!

RICHARD W. “DICK” MALSACK

S/Sgt. U.S. Army

Current Chapter PIO

When called to serve in the military, I was fluent in German, consequently I believed I was destined to service in Germany!

Trained as a Supply Specialist and arriving late April 1953 in South Korea, I was assigned to the 7th MP Company, within the 7th Infantry Division.  At that time we were just 2-3 miles south of the DMZ and did assist in filling the Main Line of Resistance for about a week prior to the end of the war in July.  American troops were better trained and had superior armor, plus outstanding leadership, but MP’s were really not trained for front line duty.

At the end of the war, we were able to move back another 3-4 miles from the DMZ, and established Camp Casey, still in use today.  I pulled some MP duty at check points, etc., after which the Provost Marshall learned I could type, consequently, I was assigned to his command.  Until rotation and eventual discharge, I not only did clereical work, but participated in anything the Colonel wanted us to do – namely apprehending AWOL’s, handling black market situations, controlling prostitution and thievery, and finding infiltrators.  Not much of it was pretty or invigorating.  The Korean National Police were the biggest crooks!!!

The Colonel reupped before I rotated and became PM of the Port of Yokohama.  While rotating, the ship stopped in Yokohama, I called the Colonel, who got two of us passes for the day.  The Colonel took us out to a fine dinner and we all had too much to drink.  My buddy on this escapade was Peter Griffith, father of movie actress, Melanie Griffith, not yet born!

JIM MARENTETTE

U.S. Navy

I was asked by Dick Malsack, PIO of the local chapter of the Korean War Veterans Association, to submit a descriptive writing about my four year Navy commitment to the Korean War from 1951 to 1955.  My first thought was, “I really didn’t do that much, I was stationed in the States all four years.

Dick reminded me of the total effort it takes to fight and win a war.  The magnitude and diversity of that effort includes training and support personnel.  Actually, it is overwhelming!

Yes, the troops on the ground, on the front line, bear the greatest risk…..GOD BLESS THEM!!!

I was stationed on an aircraft carrier, USS Mindoro CVE-120, out of Norfolk, Virginia.  Our mission was to train new Navy pilots to land and take off on the carrier.  Shortly after boarding ship, I was sent to Key West Sonar Training Center for eight months.  Back on the Mindoro as a sonar operator, my job was to search, identify, and relay the sub’s position to the bridge.  The flight commander would then send anti-submarine warfare planes to attack.

My last eight months of service I was transferred to the Naval Air Station north of Key West.  I served as a Chaplain’s Assistant until discharge in February 1955.  It was all good duty!

In conclusion, I am very proud to have served my country.  I have the greatest respect for those who had their “boots on the ground”, but it is the total effort that wins wars.

MONTY PEPPERELL

U.S. Army

Current Chapter Secretary

I entered the US Army through Ft. Knox in September 1961.  I spent all of 1962 and 4 months of 1964 with the office of the Secretary General Staff, 7th Logistical Command, Taegu, Korea.  Though the nasty, tough part of the war had been over for some nine years, we still spent a fair amount of time on alert as there were always breeches around Seoul.  I was very fortunate to have been assigned to the SGS stasff HQ.  The Office of the Commanding General is a lot better place to serve than on the front.  When I left Korea, I was a Spec 5 and that rank gave me a top notch assignment with the X11th U.S. Army Corps in Atlanta, Georgia.  No military base and a 9 to 5 administrative job.  I lived off post and enjoyed a great year and a half or so enjoying my Army job and the great city of Atlanta.  Offered an E6 promotion and a pretty good re-up piece of change to re-enlist, but Vietnam was kicking up and I had little desire to spend anh more time in another Asian country.  Make no mistake about it, the climate and terrain in Korea is not much to write home about.

Though it has been some 49 years since I joined the Army, I can honestly say I  would do it all over.  I am extremely proud and privileged to have been able to serve this great country.  I am the proud grandfather of a fine young man who has finished basic at Ft. Benning, additional AIT at Ft. Polk and Ft. Campbell,  and is slated to deploy soon to Afganistan as a member of the 101st Airborne.  Of course, I worry for him, but with God’s help he will return home as another of the country’s great warriors.

BOBBY R. PHILLIPS

U.S. Navy

Aviation Metalsmith Petty Officer, 2nd Class

When the Korean War started on June 25, 1050, I was assigned to Helicopter Squadron One (HU-1) based in SanDiego at Miramar Naval Air Station.  The value of the helicopter in combat was definitely accepted in the Korean War.  The U.S. Navy assigned helicopter units consisting of two Pilots & 5/6 maintenance/crewmen to operate from Aircraft Carriers, Battleships, Cruisers, and modified LST’s and other landing areas.

I was assigned to a Unit that shipped out of San Diego in late July 1950 aboard the SALISBURY SOUND AV-13 with four helicopters, eight Pilots, and supporting crewmen.  The ship anchored in Japan in mid August.  After training, our Unit was detached to the Carrier USS BADOEING STRAIT CVE 116.  The carrier was part of a Task Force operating off the East Coast of Korea in the Sea of Japan.  The Marine F-4U’s provided ground support for the advancing troops as well as attacking designated enemy targets.  The helecopter on board the Carrier served as “Angel Guard” during the launching and recovery of aircraft plus miscellaneous duties.

After the Chinese advance in December 1950, our Helicopter Unit participated in evacuation of UN troops at Hungnam.

In late February 1951, the USS BADOEING STRAIT returned to San Diego and returned to Korea later that year.  The Secretary of the Navy awarded the USS BADOEING STRAIT the Navy Commendation for Korean serevice.

Late July 1951, I was detached to Helicopter Unit 17 and returned to Inchon, Korea.  We flew lto Japan, traveled by small boat to Pusan, then by rail to Yong Dong Po, and jeep to Inchon.  In Inchon,we were assigned to LST’s to perform reconnaissance work with Mine Sweepers on the Yellow Sea.  The helicopter would proceed with Mine Sweeper boats to spot any mines that may have been in the sweeps path.  Also, to participate as needed to fly behind enemy lines for rescue of downed pilots.

While operating in the Yellow Sea near Inchon, we would sometimes fly into Seoul Airfield and trade cases of beer for spare parts for the helicopter – the Pilots controlled the beer!

In August 1951, Admiral Turner Joy, head of the UN team of negotiators for a cease fire, detached Unit 17 to the UN Camp at Munsen-Ni to provide transportation to the ongoing talks with the North Koreans.  We were issued Army fatigues during this assignment and slept in tents and showered from an elevated barrel.

Later in early October, our helicopter was badly damaged by groundfire 50 miles behind enemy lines and had to abort a rescue of a downed Pilot.  Our Chief Mechanic was wounded and transferred to Japan and we were able to return the helicopter to Inchon with the assistance of an Airforce mobile crane and lowboy.

Unit 17 was detached to a different LST in the Sea of Japan with replacement helicopter to continue our reconnaissance work with Mine Sweepers.  During this duty in 1951, Unit 17 operated from four different LST’s.  Our unit was returned to San Diego in early December 1951.

Units from Helicopter Squadron One rescued 429 persons between July 3, 1950 and July 27, 1953, many of which rescues were carried out over hostile territory in the face of enemy fire.  This Squadron was awarded USA Presidential Unit Citation for their Korean activities.

CARROLL REUSCH

U.S. Army

I received my infantry and medical basic training at Camp Pickett, Virginia.  After a short leave I reported to Camp Stoneman, California.  We shipped from Oakland, California going under the Golden Gate Bridge and seeing it get smaller as we headed west.  I felt a sadness and wondered what was in store for me.  I knew one thing for sure, I was going to be sea sick.  We stopped at Formosa and Okinawa before arriving in Japan, then on to Korea.

I was assigned to the 65th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Division, pool of medics.  Soon after I was assigned to Charley Company, 2nd Platoon.  After more training, we advanced to the North across the 38th Parallel.  We had 38 Korean soldiers (KATUSA’s) spread out in our company of about 200 men with Sgt. Kim overseeing them.  I had close ties with two Koreans, Jin Bung Han and On Mon Mo.  Being a medic I seemed to be well liked by all of Charley Company – that was naturally a good feeling!

A few months later the war ended and being short of 36 points to rotate home, I spent the balance of my 15 months in Korea as we continued training in case the armistice was broken by the North Koreans.  We all received two cans of beer a few days after the signing and the Greek Army personnel next to us on our right flank celebrated for three days.  Evidentaly they got more than two cans of beer!

It was a good learning experience and I was happy to serve my country as my father did in WWI and my brother in WWII!

CHANDOS SMITH

U.S. Air Force

In June 1950, shortly after the Korean war began, with the advice of my parents, I enlisted in the US Air Force in January 1951.  After basic, I ended up at Dow AFB in Maine and subsequently moved to Grenier AFB in Manchester, New Hampshire.

Working as a Personnel Affairs Specialist, a requisition came down for my MOS and I was on my way to Korea via San Francisco and Tokyo, Japan, being assigned to the 18th Fighter BomberWing, located near Chinhae, South Korea.  I was assigned as the NCO in charge of Wing Legal Affairs – I also pulled guard duty at night!

On December 1, 1952, I rotated to the States via Yokohama and San Francisco, arriving on December 15th.  After the normal processing, we boarded a Charter C-54 flight for Chicago, where it was my plan to jump on a plane for the short flight to Des Moines, Iowa, where I would meet my parents and bride of less than two years.

That’s where the real problem began – this flight was cancelled due to a mechanical problem.  Sitting dejectedly in the airport, I was approached by a United Air Line ticket agent.  Explaining my problem to the agent, I was told to sit tight.  Soon thereafter, the ticket agent reappeared and instructed me to follow him.  Somehow this agent and United personnel engineered me on a flight that would deliver ONLY ME to Des Moines.  I am still grateful to these United Airlines personnel!!!

My remaining two years of service were spent at Moody AFB, near Valdosta, Georgia, where I again handled legal affairs and was the night manager at the Officers Club.

E. RUSSELL UBOLDI

U.S. Army

On June 25, 1950, the Communist Armies of North Korea attacked our ally, the Republic of South Korea.  The US military only had advisers helping to train the South Korean Army personnel.  The first ground troops to enter the war were from the 24th Infantry Division, stationed in Japan.  Task Force Smith, a group of 409 men from the 24th Division, were rushed to Korea and put in before the advancing North Korean forces.  They fought for three days before being annihilated.  Their sacrifice gave the rest of the 24th Infantry Division time to assemble all their units and be brought to South Korea to enter the apparent war.  General Dean, our Division General, was captured fighting with his men and spent two and a half years as a prisioner of war.  Our prisioneres were treated very harshly by the North Koreans and Chinese during their imprisonment.

ROGER VAN RECKOM

U.S. Air Force

It has been written that it takes “X” number of men and women in non-combat roles to support one who fights on the front lines.  I was one who served in a non-combat role as I was stationed at an Air Force Base in Texas.

In the early years of the war, our base was a pilot training facility, where in addition to our own Pilots, we had Pilots from NATO countries that we trained.  I remember we had a group of French Pilots that when they went to town, they would act up like little kids and give “cat calls” to the local girls.  I figured they learned that from the GI’s in WWII!!!

I was a very popular person on the base as I was the base cashier.  Every person transfering in and out of our base and those who went TDY came through me.  I got to know the Pilots pretty well.  As the Pilots returned from Korea, some were assigned to our base and started flying the new North Amererican F-100′s, which was disastrous in several cases as the aircraft would crash for unknown reasons (remember, these were seasoned Pilots!).  North American Aviation kept their people there for the most part of a year and kept the aircraft grounded repeatedly for inspections.  At this time, we were now part of an Tactical Air Command.

Shortly, we became Headquarters for the 19th Air Force as a command and planning element for deploying tactical forces.  We had no units or aircraft permanently assigned, but during contingencies became an operational headquarters for the composite air strike force.  It drew from Tactical Air Command whatever resources were necessary and thus became known as the “Suitcase Air Force”!

RICHARD WERDERITCH

U.S. Army

Uncle Sam drafted me on February 22, 1951.  Sent to Fort Custer, Michigan, I picked up my G.I. Issue of clothing and supplies, and was sent to Ft. Bragg, North Carolina.  At Ft. Bragg. I was assigned to the 525th Military Installation Service Group.  There, myself and others received a quick basic (approximately three months) and was granted a furlough.  After returning I was assigned to a Photo Interpreter Group.  This Group received photos of North Korea and interpreted what our forces were doing and whast they should have been doing.  In September 1951, I was sent to the Army General School where I was schooled in basic Japanese, Korean, Chinese, and Russian map symbols – this class lasted approximately five months.

After graduation, I returned to Fort Bragg and continued analyzing photos of the conflict.  In February 1952, I was reassigned to the 304th Military Service Group until I was discharged in February 1953 and returned to civilian life in the Detroit, Michigan area.  During my military service, I was cleared for top secret material.

PAUL E. WHALEY

U.S. Marine Corps

The Korean War Memorial in Washington is a reminder that “FREEDOM IS NOT FREE”.  It affords us a good opportunity to reaffirm the precious values of world peace, freedom, and democracy everywhere.

The 1st Marine Division landed in Puson, South Korea the early part of 1951.  We then moved over land to Mason, which we called our “home port”.  I was a tanker, so you can see that we were on the move.  My first job was assistant driver, or “bog gunner”, then loader, driver, gunner, and finally tank commander.

Our T-0 weapon was a 45 caliper pistol and each tank was issued a Tommy-Gun.  We were very close to the infantry and became good friends.  When we lost a track for some reason, we would bail out and become infantyrmen until we worked the track back in place.

My experience gave me the sense of belonging to a team with the honor of upholding it, the shame of letting lt down.  But, it also has to do with my belief that I care for others and I volunteered to be there.

What was accomplished in South Korea out-matches the wars of history – MILITANT COMMUNISM WAS STOPPED!!!

JERRY BADGEROW

U.S. Navy, CT3

I served in the US Navy from January 2, 1952 to December 23, 1955.

Although I had many interesting things happen during my Navy tour, the following tops all the rest, by a great deal!

With orders in hand for a (TAD) tour of duty on the USS New Jersey, I along with severeal shipmates arrived in Yokuska, Japan, just in time to watch the Jersey pull out of the harbor.  The following day, I was put on PBY and flown down to Sasebo, Japan with the intent of catching the ship there.  As luck would have it, the Jersey didn’t make port in Sasebo, but headed right out to Korean waters to relieve the USS Wisconsin.  After spending a few days in Sasebo recieving command, I was put on a tanker heading out to fuel the fleet, transferred on high seas to a cargo ship, and then to a Destroyer Escort, to an ammo ship, to another DDE, to a couple of Destroyers and finally to the Jersey!  All in all, I rode seven highlines (ship to ship transfer at sea) in 48 hours, which I was told tied the Pacific record for riding highlines!

Being a young man of 21 years and a bit of a daredevil, I  was having the time of my life.  However, I cannot say the same for a couple of my buddies.  One in particular had to literally be picked up and placed in each bosun chair for each transfer (and he went kicking and screaming each time!).  I had the privilege of serving on the Jersey from May through October 1952, and was part of the ceremony when the armistice was signed in July 1953.  The Jersey saw plenty of action the few months before the armistice, was signed from artillery support in Wonson Harbor and along the Battle Line.  When relieved of duty on the Jersey, I was shipped back to Oahu, Hawaii to finish my tour of duty which ended in December 1954.  After 60 days leave back in the States, I was shipped to French Morocco before being discharged.

MELBOURNE “LEROY” ROGERS

U.S. Army, PFC

Guest Writer from the Knoxville/Maryville KWVA

When I registered for the draft at age 18 in 1947, I wondered why!

On March 7, 1951, I got married and was drafted March 13, because there was a war on in Korea.

I was in an 8 weeks service company training and our CO told us in our 7th week we were no longer a service company.  Casualties were rising very fast in Korea and we were now in the infantry for 6 more weeks extensive basic training and would be on our way to Korea as soon as possible because replacements were needed sooneer than later.

I left Seattle, Washington, on September 19, 1951 and landed at Inchon on October 8.

My worst experience in General Custer’s 7th U.S. Cavalry was October 22, when I shot our Comapany runner.  We were told enemy activity had been spotted and to shoot anything in front of us and challenge later!  My single shot from my M-1 rifle hit Pvt James Brown in the chin and just grazed it – he yelled, “Don’t shoot, it’s Brown!  Pvt. Brown had become lost on his way back to the Command Post.  The night was rainy and foggy and visibility was approximately 20 yards.

JACK SIMPSON

U.S. Army

I recieved the usual greetings from the draft board at the age of 20.  The notice informed me that I had been recommended for service by my neighbors and friends.  I steamed all over town looking for the so-and-so who had recommended me before realizing that was just something written on all draft summons.

I was stationed just south of the 38th Parallel, in the central sector, beginning my service in the field attillery.  At a slim 112 pounds, I attempted to lift a 94 pound projectile several inches up into the breach of a Howitzer, when I lost my grip and dropped it.  Nothing happened, but that was the last time I handled those heavy projectiles.  That near miss, coupled with my clerical abilities, allowed me to be reassigned to the Supply Department where I retained the rank of Supply Sgt.

Thousands of young soldiers gave up several years of their life, and many made the ultimate sacrifice.  Loss of life in wars can never be justified, but I believe the effort put forth by the United States to assist South Korea was done in good faith, and with the best intentions, and I remain proud to have served my country.

Wheels ‘n Squeals will be held in conjunction with the scheduled July 24 Classic Car Cruise-In downtown, said mayor J.H. Graham, and will feature a full slate of events.

“This is a fully-sanctioned event, governed by The Memphis Barbeque Network,” said Graham.  “We are very excited to be associated with the network on the cook-off, and this will be a day packed with activities for everyone.”

The event is one of dozens held annually by the prestigious Memphis Barbeque Network  (MBN). The mission of the MBN is “to promote, educate, and enhance the aspects of pork barbecue cooking and competition that are associated with the unique style of Memphis barbecue,” its website says.

The Crossville competition will be judged by MBN-approved judges in the Palace Theater in the following categories and at the following times: 10 a.m. – Shoulders, 11:15 – Whole Hog, 12:30 – Ribs.

Food for the public is not normally a part of this level of barbeque contest, but event coordinator Billy Loggins said there will be local cooking teams to provide BBQ  for sale.

“Competitive barbeque events have exploded in popularity in recent years,” said Loggins, “partly due to the weekly cable TV series ‘BBQ Pitmasters,’ which airs on The Learning Channel on Thursdays of each week.

“We are hopeful the competition here might finds its way onto that show, which would be a huge boost to the event and the City of Crossville,” Loggins said. “Many of the people who grill on the show have become big-time celebrities, and we are also hopeful we will have some of these master barbequers here with us.”

Classic Car Cruise-In

The Classic Car Cruise-Ins are held from 1-5 p.m. on the fourth Saturday of each month between April and October.

Streets are closed off at 12:15 p.m., so the “classics” can begin rolling. Cars will be in place at 1 p.m., and the the public will be allowed to stroll main street, and center lanes, with traffic detoured around the downtown area.

Music will be a big part of the afternoon activities, and admission is free to people and cars.

There will be something for everyone at the July event, including Ladies Day at the Depot, a food court with five local food vendors, a fresh market with local farmers and businesses, and tours of the downtown area.

For more information, contact the City of Crossville at 931-484-5113.

With so many spectators at the finishing hole in last year’s Tennessee Women’s Open, tourney officials are challenging area residents to assemble in record numbers around the 18th green in support of the 2010 championship contestants.

“Our target is to gather 1,000 spectators around the 18th green at Stonehenge Golf Course on Saturday, July 24, and create a day in Tennessee golf history,” said a tournament spokesperson.

Stonehenge will host the Tennessee Women’s Open on July 22-24. The event, officially known as the Golf Capital of Tennessee Women’s Open, will be played over the 6,500-yard layout for the second straight year. Stonehenge has already played host to the Tennessee Senior Men’s Open this year.

The Tennessee Golf Association event has been held at a Cumberland County course since 2003, with Bear Trace at Cumberland Mountain State Park hosting the tournament for five years prior to it being moved to Stonehenge.

“We hope you will join us as we kick off one great week of golf and competition as the City of Crossville welcomes the top women professional and amateur competitors from all around the world,” said Crossville Mayor J.H. Graham III. The City of Crossville is the title sponsor for the event.

About the Women’s Open Championship

Professionals and amateurs will compete in 54 holes of stroke play, with the field being cut to the low 60 scorers and ties after 36 holes.

This year’s field is expected to be more competitive than ever, with a new handicap reduction from 10 to 7, and the dropping of the “Tennessee only” amateur restriction of previous years, opening the field nationwide.

The champion will have her named engraved on the Tennessee Women’s Open Trophy and receive a replica trophy.  The low amateur will receive a crystal award and the top 10 low amateurs will receive medals and gift certificates to the Stonehenge golf shop. Professionals will be competing for a $25,000 purse, with the low professional taking home $5,000.

Admission to the Women’s Open Championship is free.  For more information,  visit www.tnwomensopen.com or call The Tennessee Golf Association @ 615-790-7600.

Cumberland County’s Jr Grillers cooking team will compete at Wheels ‘n Squeals July 24th on the courthouse lawn, officials announced last week.

The Jr Grillers team is made up of four local teens who compete in professional level barbecue cook-offs throughout Tennessee.  Jessica Sexton from Pleasant Hill, Logan Adams from Stone, and Daniel and John Teeples Jr. from Stone Memorial High School are all local 4-H members who joined the Jr Grillers, a part of the Jr SkillCenters program, to get exposure in professional level events.

The Jr Grillers 2010 schedule includes 10 Kansas City Barbecue Society’s (KCBS) Tennessee Championship Events, along with Wheels ‘n Squeals, sanctioned by the Memphis Barbecue Network (MBN).  In KCBS events, the Jr Grillers prepare and cook brisket, chicken, ribs and pork butts, with several other  competitions as Anything But, Desserts or Sausage.  The recipes are judged in a blind box.

MBN uses an interview process where team interact with the judges. Sanctioned  judges score the team on personality, appearance and food quality.

“This cook-off is a little different that what we are use to, but we’re at home and our friends get to see what we do on the road,” said team Under Chef Daniel Teeple. “So far this year in just three events we have competed against 130 teams. Coming home to a smaller event will be fun.”

The barbecue event is held in conjunction with the scheduled July 24 Cruise-In downtown, and will feature a full slate of events.The Classic Car Cruise-Ins are held from 1-5 p.m. on the fourth Saturday of each month between April and October.

For more information on the Jr SkillCenters or the Jr Grillers, you can visit www.jrskillcenters.com or call Mark Davis, executive director, at (931) 210-1032.

GETTING THE HARDWARE – The Cumberland County Jr Grillers took 4th Place in the “Anything But” category at the Kansas City Barbecue Society’s Tennessee Championship BBQ Cook-out in Lawrenceburg last month.

In excess of 75 years, students and host families have broadened their horizons through Rotary Youth Exchange. More than 80 countries and over 8,000 students each year participate in the program, which is administered at the regional level by Rotary districts and at the local level by Rotary clubs.

Youth Exchange is a Rotary-sponsored program that provides thousands of young people with the opportunity to meet people from other lands and to experience their cultures through long-term exchanges of an academic year or short-term exchanges of up to three months.

High school students between the ages of 15 and 18.5 are eligible to participate.

These exchanges plant the seeds for a lifetime of international understanding. Exchange students are ambassadors of the Rotary clubs that sponsor them and of their country. Rotary clubs and communities benefit by having students from another country in the community for an extended period of time.

The five students: Tino Janifowv of Slovakia, Niklas Utrobicic of Germary, Clara Roth of Belgium, Idun Eiken of Norway and Vanessa Hofbauer of Austria spent a fun filled weekend of activities at The Glade. Their visit began on a Friday night with a picnic at Robinhood Park hosted by Rotary Member Jeanene Doran. Saturday morning they met for breakfast at Druid Hills followed by a tour of Fairfield Glade conducted by Rotary Members Wilson Pitt and Paul Wennermark. That afternoon the girls went swimming at the pool while Rotary Member Len Stark and the  boys took in a round of golf. The afternoon was spent on boat ride provided by Rotary Member Bob Henderson and swimming on Lake Dartmoor. The students were welcomed by numerous Rotary members to a cookout at the home of Rotary Member Joe Crowell and his wife Esther. After a great Sunday morning breakfast the students left Fairfield Glade. This visit was one of the final events these students would have in the States as they wound up their year long exchange experience.

All who attend can look forward to an enjoyable social hour and great entertainment, a catered dinner and plenty of homemade desserts.  Cost is $15.00 per person.  The reservation deadline is July 23, or until sold out, so mark your calendars.  A reservation form is available ,here, on-line at www.fairfieldgladevista.com.

Many Glade residents from the South have attended this dinner in the past and have found it to be an excellent opportunity to “meet and greet” fellow Southerners. You qualify as a “Southerner” if anyone in your household is originally from one of the following:  Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia or West Virginia.

Entertainment will be provided by cast members from the Cumberland County Playhouse.  Attendees are requested to bring any memorabilia from their states for decorations, such as flags, home-state license plates, etc.

Please make checks payable to Southern States Dinner.  For further information, call Howard and Judy Hickerson at 456-9163.

The Art Guild at Fairfield Glade’s Golf Fundraiser will play its 7th Annual Event on July 30th.  We will have a 7:30 am shotgun start for all teams. Entries are starting to arrive, and since we are limited to 12 teams in each division, you need to get your entry in ASAP.  If we fill any division, your team will be put on a waiting list.  Only paid in full entries are considered as entered.  The divisions you may enter are all women, all men, or mixed teams.  The cost, $70 per person, includes your golf with cart, lunch at Legends, and door prizes.  There will be a minimum of two winning teams in each division, Low Gross and Low Net.  You will, also, have the chance to purchase items from our Unique Auction during the lunch at Legends.

This is our opportunity to help The Art Guild support our “Picture Person” program in the Cumberland County Schools.  As a special treat this year at Legends, we will display some of the children’s art work.  You are in for a treat!

The golf committee is hard at work making sure this event is better than ever.  We thank our many sponsors for their donations of $100 as tee sign sponsors.  If you would like a committee member to contact you, or if you have any questions, please call Dawn Robb 456-5601.

The Art Guild at Fairfield Glade is a not-for-profit 501 ©(3) organization and an equal opportunity provider.

The show is set in Tinyard Hill, GA in 1964, a town too far away from the world to pick up a good radio signal, but close enough for a dangerous world to affect it as Vietnam heats up in the wake of JFK’s death.  Greg Pendzick, former star of The Miracle in Pigeon Forge where he originated the role of Judas,  joins Nashville’s Billboard top-ten songwriter (and off-Broadway star of Smoke On The Mountain) Bobby Taylor as rural American blacksmiths.  Young David Kingsley (played by Pendzick) is just 18, and helps his dad Russell (played by Taylor) continue the 200-year old family smithy’s tradition.

Tour veteran Weslie Webster (Julie and other roles in Carousel’s National Broadway Touring Company) plays the Kingsley’s neighbor lady, May Bell Whitehead.  New Yorker Aileen Garrett, who scorns and then falls for David Kingsley, is played by Lindy Pendzick, new bride of leading man, Greg, and also a member of The Miracle’s premiere cast.

David has big dreams of turning family business into a garage and body shop, but his life changes when “yankee” Aileen spends the summer with her Aunt May.  Love unexpectedly blooms between Aileen and David, but Vietnam intervenes when Russell intercepts a draft notice for David. Tinyard is a bittersweet love story with a powerful patriotic thread, which expresses a deep love for rural America and the challenge of balancing the calls of home, family and country.

Currently at the Playhouse the just “held over” comedy  Duck Hunter Shoots Angel!,  rated PG-13 for a little salty language, sponsored by Stonehaus Winery, now thru July 30.  Also running is the family musical full of laughter & songs, Hello, Dolly! rated G, sponsored by Comfort Suites, Holiday Inn Express, and Hampton Inn, thru August 22; and the musical comedy cavalcade that launched the Playhouse 45 years ago, Tennessee, USA!, rated G and sponsored by Crabtree, Rohrbaugh & Associates, thru August 28.  Tickets for all shows range between $13 and $26.  For reservations call 931.484.5000, or visit www.ccplayhouse.com.  Don’t delay!  Get your tickets today!