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December 25, 2009
The Mountain Press for December 25, 2009
The Mountain Press Sevier County's Daily Newspaper Vol. 25, No. 359 December 25, 2009 www.themountainpress.com 50 Cents Friday INSIDE `A child is born ...' Holiday openings, closings Restaurants open Christmas Day (partial list) GatlinbuRG Bear Creek Grill (4 p.m.) Blaine's (2 p.m.) Eleanor's Restaurant Hard Rock Cafe Howard's Legends by Max Lineberger's McDonald's on 321 (noon) Papa John's Park Grill Park Vista Peddler Ripley's Aquarium restaurant Smoky's Sports Pub The Lodge at Buckberry Creek Buddy's Bar-B-Que Calhoun's Corky's Denny's Flapjacks Golden Corral Happy Days Diner Hardee's Kinkaku La Carreta Louie's Grill, Holiday No Way Jose's Papa John's Shoney's (by Dixie Smoky 5All-County teams named Sevier County's finest football players are honored SPORTS, PaGE a8 PiGeon FoRGe 5Unhappy ending Hollywood's Susan Sarandon, Tim Robbins call it quits after 23 years. CELEBRITIES, PaGE a6 Inn Nation On to the president ... Senate passes bill that could usher in near universal health care PaGE a4 Stampede) Mountain Pancake House Star Buffet Chinese TGI Friday's Thai Thani, Oishi Wood Grill Buffet Applewood Ball's Supper Table Longhorn Steak House Moe's Southwest Grill Thai Palace SevieRville Weather Today Mostly cloudy High: 49� attRaCtionS Ripley's attractions WonderWorks Ober Gatlinburg Gatlinburg Ziplines Sources: Chambers of Commerce, Web sites Tonight Mostly cloudy Low: 29� DETaILS, PaGE a6 The nativity scene at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Pigeon Forge sets a tranquil mood for this Christmas Day. Curt Habraken/The Mountain Press Seymour remains in hunt for $100,000 Submitted reports Obituaries Estalee Moore, 97 Agnes Williams DETaILS, PaGE a4 Index Local & State . . A1-A4,A6 Calendar . . . . . . . . . . A2 Opinion . . . . . . . . . . . . A7 Sports . . . . . . . . . . A8,A9 Advice . . . . . . . . . . . B10 Comics . . . . . . . . . . . . B10 Classifieds . . . . . . . B8,B9 Nation . . . . . . . . . . . . . A5 World . . . . . . . . . . . . A11 Meals spice up holiday tradition By DEREK HODGES Staff Writer SEVIERVILLE -- For plenty of Christmas revelers, ensuring the makings for the traditional dinner are on hand is as important as buying the presents and decking the halls. Shoppers from both near and far filled local stores Thursday making their last-minute purchases, and for many it was turkey and ham, not Barbies and G.I. Joes, that filled their carts. The sound of the Christmas dinner necessities running across the scanners was like angelic carols to the ears of local grocery store staffers. "This is one of our busiest days of the year," said Matt Jennings, manager at See TRADITION, Page A4 Corrections The Mountain Press is committed to accuracy. Please report factual errors by calling 428-0748 Ext. 214. Sevierville Kroger staffer Vanessa Cinnamon helps customers make their Christmas dinner purchases Thursday morning. Derek Hodges/The Mountain Press Seymour High School fell to second place, but remains very much in the running for $100,000 in the U.S. Cellular Calling All Communities campaign. U.S. Cellular released the Top 100 leaderboard on Thursday. Seymour lost the No. 1 spot that it had held for the past four weeks. Tennessee still has two schools in the Top 10. Voting ends Jan. 15, and the 10 schools with the most votes will win $100,000. Tennessee schools currently in the Top 100: Seymour High at No. 2, Temple Baptist Academy in Powell at No. 8, Grace Christian Academy in Knoxville at No. 19, Roberts Elementary in Livingston at No. 21, Knoxville Jewish Day School at No. 26, West High School in Knoxville at No. 71 and Sunbright School at No. 100. More than 110,000 votes have been cast for 5,400plus schools. Those ranking in the Top 100 have earned at least 180 votes. About 450 votes mark the threshold for the Top 50, and approximately 2,000 votes are needed to make the Top 10. "In some instances, only a handful of votes separate schools," said Jack Brundige, director of sales for U.S. Cellular in See SEYMOUR, Page A4 A2 Local The Mountain Press Friday, December 25, 2009 community calendar Editor's Note: The community calendar is printed as space permits. Only noncommercial, public events held in Sevier County will be considered. They are listed by date. To place an item phone 4280748, ext. 214, or e-mail to editor@themountainpress. com. Items may be faxed to 453-4913. T-shirt and cholesterol evaluation. Angel Food orders: n 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 to 7 p.m., First Smoky Mountain Church of the Nazarene, 2652 Upper Middle Creek Road. 9081245. Angel Food Monday, Jan. 4 Prayer In Action Prayer In Action meets 6 p.m. Pigeon Forge UMC for a time of prayer for the United States and its government. Nondenominational. Lane, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Fellowship Hall n Sevier Farmers Co-op, 321 W. Main, Sevierville, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Angel Food orders: n 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 to 7 p.m., First Smoky Mountain Church of the Nazarene, 2652 Upper Middle Creek Road. 9081245. Support Group meets at Senior Center. Supper 6 p.m. program 6:45 by Barbara Edwards on stress. 428-5834 or 654-9280. DAR Spencer Clack Chapter meets 7 p.m., Sevier County Library. Program, History of Silver, presented by Carrie Murphy. Angel Food orders: n 2 to 5 p.m. Gum Stand Baptist Church, 3031 Veterans Blvd., Pigeon Forge. 429-2508. n 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 to 7 p.m., First Smoky Mountain Church of the Nazarene, 2652 Upper Middle Creek Road. 9081245. Angel Food DAR Wednesday, Jan. 6 Sevierville Story Time Preschool story time 10:30 a.m., Sevier County Main Library. 453-3532. en's Bible study: n 9 a.m., Pigeon Forge UMC n 2 p.m., Blue Mountain Mist B&B, Pullen Road, Sevierville n 6:30 p.m., Seymour UMC, Chapman Highway, back entrance n 6:30 p.m., Sevierville UMC, Conference Room GateKeepers Hot Meals Saturday, Dec. 26 Tree Recycling Recycle Christmas trees today through Jan. 4 at Pigeon Forge Community Center parking lot. Remove stands and metal objects. 428-3113. GateKeepers men's community Bible study, 6:30 p.m., 2445 Scenic Mt. Drive, Sevierville. (865) 310-7831. Blood Drive Friday, Jan. 8 Angel Food orders: n 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Gum Stand Baptist Church, 3031 Veterans Blvd., Pigeon Forge. 429-2508. n 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 to 7 p.m., First Smoky Mountain Church of the Nazarene, 2652 Upper Middle Creek Road. 9081245. Preschool story time 11 a.m. at Kodak Library. 9330078. Medic blood drive, Sevierville Post Office, 711 Dolly Parton Parkway, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Bloodmobile. Angel Food Women's Bible Study Sunday, Dec. 27 Boyds Creek Singing Boyds Creek Baptist Church service in song, 7 p.m. with Boyds Creek Trio. Garlands of Grace women's Bible study: n 10 a.m. Seymour Heights Christian Church (enter last door on right), Chapman and Boyds Highway n 1 p.m., Gatlinburg Inn Medic blood drive, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Evergreen Presbyterian Church, 1103 Dolly Parton Parkway, Sevierville. Angel Food Smoky Mountain Area Rescue Ministries provides hot meals 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at First United Methodist Church in Sevierville. TOPS Thursday, Jan. 7 Democrats Sevier County Democrats meet 7 p.m., third floor of courthouse. Visit sevierdemocrats.com or call 617-2145. TOPS weight loss chapter meets at 6 p.m., Parkway Church of God in Sevierville. 755-9517 or 429-3150. Seymour Story Time Monday, Dec. 28 GateKeepers Preschool story time 11 a.m. at Seymour Library. 573-0728. Kodak Story Time Gatlinburg Gardeners GateKeepers men's community Bible study, 6:30 p.m., 2445 Scenic Mt. Drive, Sevierville. (865) 310-7831. Medic Blood Drive Medic blood drive, 10 a.m. to 6 pm. Food City, Gatlinburg, 1219 East Parkway. Bloodmobile Garlands of Grace women's Bible study: n 10 a.m. Seymour Heights Christian Church (enter last door on right), Chapman and Boyds Highway n 1 p.m., Gatlinburg Inn Women's Bible Study Tuesday, Jan. 5 NARFE National Association Retired Federal Employees meets at 6 p.m., Holiday Inn Pigeon Forge. 4534174. Gatekeepers men's Bible study, 6:30 p.m. 1328 Old Newport Highway, Sevierville. 908-0591. Gatlinburg Garden Club will meet at 1 p.m. at Community Center. Club will present "Tea Time Tidbits" by Kappy Lapides, Black Bear Tea Co. Meeting canceled if weather closes schools. Blood Drive Hot Meals Saturday, Jan. 9 Angel Food orders: n 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Gum Stand Baptist Church, 3031 Veterans Blvd., Pigeon Forge. 429-2508. n 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 to 7 p.m., First Smoky Mountain Church of the Nazarene, 2652 Upper Middle Creek Road. 9081245. Angel Food orders: n 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Seniors In Touch (S.I.T.) Gum Stand Baptist meets 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Church, 3031 Veterans MountainBrook Village, 700 Blvd., Pigeon Forge. 429Markhill Drive, Sevierville. 2508. 428-2445. n 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 to 7 p.m., First Smoky Alzheimer's Support Mountain Church of the Alzheimer's Support group Nazarene, 2652 Upper at MountainBrook Village Middle Creek Road. 908meets from 5-6 p.m. 1245. Program by Bobby Fields of Alzheimer's Association. Friday, Jan. 15 428-2445, ext. 107. Tuesday, Jan. 12 Angel Food S.I.T. Smoky Mountain Area Rescue Ministries provides hot meals 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at First United Methodist Church in Sevierville. Angel Food Gatekeepers men's Bible study, 6:30 p.m. 1328 Old Newport Highway, Sevierville. 908-0591. Angel Food orders: n 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Gum Stand Baptist Church, 3031 Veterans Blvd., Pigeon Forge. 429-2508. n 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 to 7 p.m., First Smoky Mountain Church of the Nazarene, 2652 Upper Middle Creek Road. 9081245. Gatekeepers Angel Food Angel Food orders: n 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Gum Stand Baptist Church, 3031 Veterans Blvd., Pigeon Forge. 429-2508. Tuesday, Dec. 29 Gatekeepers Gatekeepers TOPS Angel Food Garden Club Trip Gatekeepers men's Bible study, 6:30 p.m. 1328 Old Newport Highway, Sevierville. 908-0591. Video Contest TOPS weight loss chapter meets at 6 p.m., Parkway Church of God in Sevierville. 755-9517 or 429-3150. Garlands of Grace women's Bible study: n 9 a.m. UMC Pigeon Forge n 2 p.m. Blue Mountain Mist B&B, Pullen Road, Sevierville n 6:30 p.m. Seymour UMC, Chapman Highway, back entrance n 6:30 p.m. Sevierville UMC, Conference Room, Sevierville Wednesday, Dec. 30 Blood Drive Medic blood drive 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Pigeon Forge Care & Rehabilitation, 415 Cole Drive. Donors receive free T-shirt and cholesterol evaluation. Sevier County Right To Life video contest open to high school students in Sevier County. Entries due today. 654-7685 or e-mail to firstname.lastname@example.com. Women's Bible Study Monday, Jan. 11 GateKeepers men's community Bible study, 6:30 p.m., 2445 Scenic Mt. Drive, Sevierville. (865) 310-7831. Garlands of Grace women's Bible study: n 10 a.m. Seymour Heights Christian Church (enter last door on right), Chapman and Boyds Highway n 1 p.m., Gatlinburg Inn Sevierville Garden Club will meet at noon in Room 133 of Senior Center for lunch followed by trip to tour composting facility. Nonmembers call 609-8079 for reservations. GateKeepers Monday, Jan. 18 SCHS Football Banquet Sevier County High football banquet 6 p.m. at Park Vista, Gatlinburg. $25; players free. RSVP with money by Jan. 8 to Smoky Bears Club, P.O. Box 5625, Sevierville 37864. Wednesday, Jan. 13 Sevierville Garden Club will meet at noon at Sevier Senior Center. Lunch served. Tom Leonard, manager of Sevier Solid Waste Inc., to speak on recycling. Board meeting at 11. Kindness Counts Thursday, Dec. 31 Blood Drive Medic blood drives: n 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Food City, Sevierville n 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Food City Seymour Donors receive free Kindness Counts meets 7 p.m. at Sevierville IHOP. 654-2684. Women's Bible Study Garden Club Pokemon League Sevierville Pokemon Trading Card Game League meets noon to 2 p.m. in community room at Sevier County Library on Court Avenue. 310-5140. Blood Drive Medic blood drives: n Gatlinburg First Baptist Church, 111 Oglewood Thursday, Jan. 14 Women's Bible Study Garlands of Grace wom- GateKeepers Cancer Support Group Smoky Mountain Cancer GateKeepers men's community Bible study, 6:30 p.m., 2445 Scenic Mt. With pricing this low... IN TERRA k Stoc In Now! EW ALL N MC 2010 G JUST ADD A BOW! BUSINESS OWNERS Up to $2000 Bonus Cash AND 0% for 72 months on select models Up to $25,000 Immediate 2009 *IRS tax Deduction! Tax code 179 These vehicles qualify: PA869 SAVE $8,225 New Pontiac G5 2007 Jeep Wrangler Limited-Sahara #P6994, 4x4, 35K miles MSRP: $19,920 PZ8696 Final Clearance on All 2009 Models! $11,695 Now: SAVE $9,530 New Pontiac G6 GXP MSRP: $31,525 $21,995 #P6150, Low Miles, Super Clean! 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Last year over 2,600 Sevier County members took part in public speaking, by giving a speech at their local club. This year's public speaking emphasis is taking place in January 4-H club meetings. To help 4-H members prepare for this year's speaking contest, public speaking workshops will be held Jan. 11 and 12 from 5:30 to 7 p.m., at the 4-H Office, 752 Old Knoxville Highway, adjacent to the Sevier County Fairgrounds. 4-H'ers attending should bring tion how 4-H is related to your subject. 2) Collect and organize your thoughts: do some research on your subject and then put your thoughts into an easy to understand order. their speech to the work- Include an introduction, shop, to get the maxibody and conclusion. mum benefit. 3) Write your speech: Adults will work indiUse note cards. Become vidually and in small familiar enough with it groups with members to that you only need to improve their speeches glance at your notes. and speaking skills. A good speech is never Members can attend read. either one workshop or 4) Time your speech: both. Fourth through sixth The following suggesgraders should be two to tions will help you as you three minutes; seventh prepare that speech for and eighth grades should your January club meetbe three to five minutes ing. long and ninth through 1) Decide on a subject: 12th graders should not good speeches are based exceed seven minutes. on things you know about 5) Practice giving your or an experience you speech: say it in front of a have had. The speech mirror, your pet, parents does not have to be about and friends. Listen to 4-H, but you might men- their advice for improving your speech. Also, remember to have good eye contact, keep good posture and speak with a pleasant voice. Each member giving a speech will be recognized in their club meeting. Those wishing to speak competitively can participate in the county speaking contest to be held in February. Sponsors for the public speaking contest: The Mountain Press, the Sevier County 4-H Endowment Fund and the Sevierville Sunrise Rotary Club. If you need more information about the public speaking contest or other 4-H opportunities, please contact me. -- Glenn Turner is a Sevier County agricultural extension service agent. Call him at 4533695. ARRESTS Editor's Note: The following information was taken from the intake reports at the Sevier County Jail. All people listed within this report are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. Regina Gwen Collins, 35, of Alcoa, Tenn., was charged Dec. 23 with forgery. She was released on $2,500 bond. Gabriel Douglas Fierstine, 33, of 1105 Lee Cardwell Drive in Pigeon Forge, was charged Dec. 23 with a juvenile court warrant. He was being held in lieu of $2,400 bond. Jessie Lee Henry, 29, of 318 McMahan St. in Sevierville, was charged Dec. 23 with a circuit court warrant. He was being held. William Howard Johnson, 32, of Cleveland, Tenn., was charged Dec. 23 with a third count of violation of probation. He was being held in lieu of $3,000 bond. Leonardo Teodoro Mejia, 25, of 1038 Trotter Way in Pigeon Forge, was charged Dec. 24 with reckless driving, DUI and driving without a license. He was released on $5,750 bond. Adam Lee Roberts, 29, of 237 Coyote Peak Way in Sevierville, was charged Dec. 24 with possession of burglary tools and unlawful possession of weapons. He was being held in lieu of $1,500 bond. Robert Ray Shelton, 38, of Newport, was charged Dec. 23 with a misdemeanor warrant from general sessions court. He was being held. Darren Scott Skeen, 28, of Kingpsort, was charged Dec. 23 with a fourth count of DUI, driving while revoked and violation of implied consent law. He was being held in lieu of $10,000 bond. Angela Marie Smith, 32, of 634 Hawk Hollow Road in Sevierville, was charged Dec. 24 with theft of property. She was released on $5,000 bond. Martin Edward Stone, 35, of 459 Lot 7 W. Mill Creek in Pigeon Forge, was charged Dec. 24 with public intoxication. He was released on $2,500 bond. Dennis Ronald Trentham, 37, of 1411 Woodhaven Drive in Sevierville, was charged Dec. 23 with forgery. He was released on $1,000 bond. Darrelyn Melissa Turner, 36, of 634 Hawk Hollow Drive in Sevierville, was charged Dec. 23 with theft. He was released on $1,000 bond. Give your Christmas tree `life' after holiday At the end of every Christmas season, various items find their way to local landfills. One of these items is a staple of Christmas: the Christmas tree. To make your Christmas greener this year, Wayne Clatterbuck, a forestry professor at the University of Tennessee, has some suggestions that will keep your holidays merry, bright, and green. When Christmas ends, Dr. Clatterbuck reminds consumers not throw away their trees. "There are many alternative options for recycling your used as mulch for gardens, parks and trails. Christmas trees can be used for more than holding ornaments. After Christmas, Clatterbuck suggests placing your tree outside and using it as a birdfeeder. Utilize orange Christmas tree," Clatterbuck slices, peanut butter, suet, and seed to attract birds. states. "Many communities offer Christmas tree recycling They will come for the food and stay for the shelter in the programs." branches. The web site www. When placed in ponds and earth911.com offers a waterways, Christmas trees search engine that will locate places near you that provide excellent habitat, refuge and feeding areas for offer Christmas tree recycling. The trees are usually aquatic life. They can also shredded and chipped to be serve as effective barriers and filters to lessen soil erosion from adjacent lands into streams, much like a slit fence used during construction activities. Christmas trees can have many more uses than just for decoration during the holiday season. Look into recycling your tree in your community instead of allowing it to take landfill space. For more information, e-mail to wclatterbuck@utk. edu. -- Alan Bruhin is the Sevier County agricultural extension service director. Call him at 453-3695. 2nd location in the Gatlinburg Space Needle! The BEST homemade Pizza and Italian Food in Town! We Serve Beer and Offer Daily Specials! On Pigeon Forge Parkway between lights 3&4 Mention this ad for a 20% discount! Open 7 days a week. 865-365-1218 Independently owned-not affiliated with Americana Inn Virginia standoff suspect was angry at government WYTHEVILLE, Va. (AP) -- A man accused of taking three people hostage in a Virginia post office told them he was angry at the federal government because his son had died in Afghanistan and his beloved truck was about to repossessed, one of the hostages said Thursday. Suspected hostage-taker Warren "Gator" Taylor, 53, of Sullivan County, Tenn., was arraigned Thursday on kidnapping and other federal charges. The hostages were released unharmed after about eight hours Wednesday and Taylor surrendered without incident. Federal officials said Taylor was angry at the federal government and told them he had planned the standoff for months or years. Hostage Jimmy Oliver said Taylor told him he picked the small-town Wytheville post office at random because he was driving through the Blue Ridge Mountain town and it reminded him of Gatlinburg, Tenn., a tourist destination ... hours away. "He was really down on the government," Oliver told The Associated Press on Thursday in an interview at his mother's floral shop. "About the government taking over the right to bear arms ... he was angry at the government over taxing us." Oliver said he was at the post office to mail Christmas presents to his family when a man pushed his wheelchair in and slammed what looked like a bomb on the counter. The man, who had four guns, fired a shot at the postmaster as he fled, then ordered Oliver and two other people to get down on the floor, Oliver said. Oliver suspected the man might have served in the military, so he tried to bond with him by introducing himself and talking about his own military service. He said the asked a negotiator for a pizza he shared with the hostages and asked for cigarettes for Oliver to smoke. At some points during the ordeal, Oliver said, he feared for his life, but he tried to win the man's trust. the Check Out The Mountain Press HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS I LOVE YOU! Smoky Junction Restaurant located next to train museum Townsend, TN Christmas Day Buffet $11.95 Turkey, Ham, Roast Beef and all the trimmings Soup & Salad Bar Hot Vegetable Bar Dessert Included No reservations needed. (865) 448-6881 A4 Local/Nation The Mountain Press Friday, December 25, 2009 OBITUARIES Estalee Ballard Moore, age 97, of Seymour passed away Wednesday, December 23, 2009. She graduated from Harrison Chilhowee Baptist Acadamy. She was preceded in death by her husband John Houston Moore, Sr.; father and mother Audley and Nova Ballard; daughter-in-law Eva Sue Moore, sisters Georgia Davis and Jean Taylor. Survivors: Son and Daughter-in-law: John "J.H." "Jay" and Sylvia Moore; Grandsons and wives: Johnny and Tonya Moore, Rick and Lisa Moore; Great-granddaughters: Ashley Moore, Stacy Moore, Brylee Moore; Sister: Juanita Graves; Nieces: Barbara Davis and Beverly Sparks. Funeral service 7 PM Sunday in Atchley's Seymour Chapel with Rev. Richard Emert, Rev. W.A. Galyon and Rev. Ed Cloud officiating. Interment 11 AM Monday in Zion Hill Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Wayne Moore, Dale Carr, Lynn Sparks and Howard Davis. The body will lie in state from 12�5 PM Sunday. The family will receive friends from 5-7PM Sunday at Atchley Funeral Home, Seymour, 122 Peacock Ct Seymour, TN 577-2807. n www.atchleyfuneralhome.com Estalee Ballard Moore In Memoriam Victoria Kennedy, widow of Sen. Ted Kennedy hugs Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nev. on Capitol Hill in Washington on Thursday as Sen. Banking Committee Chairman Sen. Christopher Dodd, D-Conn, looks on at center, after the Senate passed the health care reform bill. Associated Press Agnes G. Hurst Williams Agnes G. Hurst Williams, born Nov. 22, 1924, died Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2009. She was a member of Middle Creek Church of God. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ruthard Williams; infant son, J.D. Williams; parents, Issac and Glennie Hurst; brothers, Virgil Hurst, Richard Hurst, and Bob Hurst; sisters, Norine Terry and Genieve Woods. She is survived by: son and daughter-in-law: Billy Ray and Phyllis Williams; daughters and sons-in-law: Norma and Jimmie Proffitt, Rita and Jim Ivey, Ava and Leon Williams; 11 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; brothers: William Charles Hurst and Roy Lee Hurst; sister: Wanda Reed; many nieces and nephews. Funeral service 7 p.m. Saturday in the Chapel of Atchley Funeral Home with Brother James Prince officiating. Interment 2 p.m. Sunday in Templin Cemetery. The family will receive friends 5-7 p.m. Saturday at Atchley Funeral Home, Sevierville. n www.atchleyfuneralhome.com Senate passes historic bill House must still OK health plan, but it's expected By ERICA WERNER Associated Press Writer WASHINGTON -- Senate Democrats passed a landmark health care bill in a climactic Christmas Eve vote that could define President Barack Obama's legacy and usher in nearuniversal medical coverage for the first time in the country's history. "We are now finally poised to deliver on the promise of real, meaningful health insurance reform that will bring additional security and stability to the American people," Obama said shortly after the Senate acted. "This will be the most important piece of social legislation since Social Security passed in the 1930s," said Obama, standing with Vice President Joe Biden in the State Room of the White House. The 60-39 vote on a cold winter morning capped months of arduous negotiations and 24 days of floor debate. It also followed a succession of failures by past congresses to get to this point. Biden presided as 58 Democrats and two independents voted "yes." Republicans unanimously voted "no." An exhausted Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., initially cast a "no" vote by mistake, then quickly corrected himself as fellow senators burst out laughing. The tally far exceeded the simple majority required for passage. The Senate's bill must still be merged with legislation passed by the House before Obama could sign a final bill in the new year. There are significant differences between the two measures but Democrats say they've come too far now to fail. Both bills would extend health insurance to more than 30 million more Americans. Obama said the legislation "includes the toughest measures ever taken to hold the insurance industry accountable." Deputy White House press secretary Bill Burton, speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One as Obama flew to Hawaii, said the House and Senate versions were "95 percent similar." "We're going to be actively working to iron out the rest of the differences and get a bill passed and signed," Burton said. Vicki Kennedy, the widow of Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, D-Mass., who made health care reform his life's work, watched the vote from the gallery. So did Rep. John Dingell, D-Mich., the longest-serving House member and a champion of universal health care his entire career. "This morning isn't the end of the process, it's merely the beginning. We'll continue to build on TRADITION 3From Page A1 Kroger's Sevierville. "There are always a lot of people out on Christmas Eve." With food being a huge part of all the cold-weather holidays, from Thanksgiving's turkey to Easter's ham and everything in between, Jennings guessed most of the purchases made Thursday weren't just people stocking up because they knew the stores would be closed today. "I think they're probably mostly buying stuff for Christmas dinner," Jennings said. "Christmas is also a big day for breakfast, so we sell a lot of that today. People who don't usually breakfast really throwdown on Christmas morning because they've got the whole family there and they're all awake and together in the morning." With traditions an important part of the holiday, Tim Receiver wasn't about to let Christmas get by without a ham and potatoes meal for his family. The Fredricksburg, Va., man may have been far from home for Christmas, but he had his family, a kitchen in their Wilderness of the Smokies suite and an eye to keeping some tradition to the celebrations. "We came down here to meet some of my family from Indiana. It's kind of a midway point," Receiver said. "We wanted to do something a little different, but we have kids, so it's important that they get some continuity." Beyond just being something of a middle ground for the Receiver family, Sevier County served as something of a neutral zone for the group. Though they would soon enough spend the weekend with extended family in Indiana, they took time before that to isolate themselves with just their immediate clan. "It's been a crazy year, so we just wanted to kind of get away for a little while," Receiver said. While Receiver was going with ham, something of a traditional Christmas meal, Sevierville resident Tasha Pitsenbarger's family has a more unique ritual. "We love Mexican food. Christmas dinner is always Mexican food at our house," Pitsenbarger said. Though the family has lived here for some 18 years, it's still kept plenty of the traditions it cultivated at its previous home in California. "Our custom is chili verde on Christmas," she said. "It's different but we love it." No matter if it's ham, turkey or even chili, Jennings said Christmas dinner traditions are vital for plenty of local folks. "For a lot of people it doesn't feel like Christmas if they don't have that meal," Jennings said. "It's a big deal for people." n firstname.lastname@example.com this success to improve our health system even more," Reid said before the vote. "But that process cannot begin unless we start today ... there may not be a next time." At a news conference a few moments later, Reid said the vote "brings us one step closer to making Ted Kennedy's dream a reality." The Nevadan said that "every step of this long process has been an enormous undertaking." Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont., chairman of the Finance Committee, said he "very happy to see people getting health care they could not get." It was the Senate's first Christmas Eve vote since 1895, when the matter at hand was a military affairs bill concerning employment of former Confederate officers, according to the Senate Historical Office. Want a smile that is beautiful and bright? Come in to Dr. David's office to get your teeth white! Teeth Whitening Specials for December and January Also offering incentives for new patient examinations. Dr. Reed M. David, D.D.S., P.C. Gatlinburg, TN For more details, call 436-5024 DAVID G. MCCARTY, LFD, MGR., OWNER 607 Wall Street in Bradford Square ~ Sevierville, TN 37862 PHONE: 774~2950 SEYMOUR 3From Page A1 Tennessee. "That's why we encourage everyone to keep getting those votes in right up to the deadline." Although the Top 100 list will not be released again during the campaign, updates of the Top 20 will continue to be posted at participating U.S. Cellular stores, at uscellular.com/ callingallcommunities and on U.S. Cellular's facebook page. Anyone 18 or older can visit any U.S. Cellular store -- there are stores in Sevierville and Seymour -- to pick up a voting code, and each voting code can only be used once. Winning schools will be announced in February. No purchase is necessary to vote. See official rules at uscellular.com/ callingallcommunities. Paralyzed player homers on last swing of career By PAUL NEWBERRY AP Sports Writer ATLANTA -- Chance Veazey will always remember that pitch. Fastball. Low and inside. He'll always remember what it felt like, too, when his bat connected with the ball. "The best feeling in the world," he said. Veazey looked up to see the ball soaring high over the right-field fence, slamming off the top of the scoreboard with a most satisfying thud. It was only a practice game at the University of Georgia, the chance to get in some fall swings before the season began in the spring, but the rush of hitting one out of the park still surged through his body. "That's the way you want to go out," Veazey said, his face revealing both sadness and satisfaction. Two days later, he was paralyzed from the waist down when his scooter slammed into the side of a car. In all likelihood, he'll never walk again, much less return to the sport that was such a big part of his life. Here was a scrappy 19-year-old who seemingly had it all. A scholarship to Georgia, one of the country's top college baseball programs. A starting job waiting for him at second base in his freshman season. The dream of someday making it to the big leagues. It was snatched away before he got a chance to play his first college game. ------ Veazey was one of the shortest guys on the team at 5-foot-9, but he made up for his lack of size with guts and guile. Like he always told his dad, baseball was much more of a mental game than a physical game. "I just wanted to be the little fireball of the team," he told The Associated Press during an interview in his room at the Shepherd Center, one of the country's leading facilities for spinal injuries. "In your face baseball. I wasn't going to back down from anyone." Veazey arrived on the Georgia campus this past fall and made an immediate impact during a series of intrasquad games. He batted over .300 while striking out fewer times than anyone on the team. He played solid defense and showed he was capable of stealing a base. Sure, it was only practice. Things would get a lot tougher when Veazey was going against other Southeastern Conference schools. Still, coach David Perno was convinced that this little learn to pop up the front wheels, lean back just so much, and push the back wheels with enough force to get them up and over. Even more tricky is getting down a curb, which involves much the same process but more timing than strength. One of the first times he tried, he didn't lean back far enough and tumbled onto the floor. Everyone around him panicked, rushing to his side to make sure he was OK. To Veazey, it was no big deal. "The harder I push myself, the faster I can get out of here and start living my life again," he said a couple of weeks ago. On Dec. 18, Veazey did just that. He checked out of Associated Press Shepherd and returned Georgia freshman baseball player Chance Veazey practices negotiating curbs in his wheel- home to Tifton, Ga., to spend Christmas surchair with physical therapist Corrie Aegglen at rounded by family and the Shepherd Center in Atlanta on Dec. 9. friends. Several local builders gave him quite thing like that can jar spark plug of a player a homecoming present from rural south Georgia the body and it will only -- the family's two-car be temporary," he said. had what it took to be a garage was converted "But as I was laying there into a custom, handistarter in his very first on the ground, I knew. I game. capped-accessible apartcouldn't move my legs. "He played the right ment for Veazey. I knew it wasn't tempoway," Perno said, "and He'll have to return to rary. he played for the right Shepherd on Monday to "The odds of me walkreasons." begin the next phase of ing again are nothing." On Oct. 28, two days his rehab. But these 10 ------ after that last fall scrimdays at home are a big After recovering from mage, after rapping out boost to his outlook. surgery to stabilize his three hits including the "I almost forgot what shattered vertebrae, aforementioned homer home was like," Veazey in his final at-bat, Veazey Veazey was transferred said when reached on to the Shepherd Center was studying for a psyhis cell phone at his new to prepare for this new, chology test with some digs. "It just felt good to friends and teammates at unexpected phase of his feel normal again." life. a learning center on the ------ Despite losing more Georgia campus. Of course, Veazey than 20 pounds, he took He finished up about still faces perhaps the on rehab with the same 10:30 p.m. and hopped most difficult part of his determination he showed rehab -- a full acceptance on his scooter for the on the baseball field. short ride back to his of all that he's lost. For He learned everything dorm room. paraplegics, this is a profrom dressing himself He never made it. cess that everyone goes to driving with only his Veazey said a car through on their own turned in front of him as hands to maneuvering a terms. wheelchair over curbs, a he was going through a "From what the people daunting challenge that green light. He made a at Shepherd told us, it split-second decision that most folks just take for could take Chance a year granted. may have saved his life and a half or two years "You never see the type to adjust to his injury," but severed his spine. of obstacles that people "I was doing about said his father, Todd in wheelchairs have to go Veazey. "There's going to 30 or 35 mph," he said. through until you're actu- be times he's riding down "I didn't have time to ally in that situation," swerve or anything like the road and he may Veazey said. "It's a lot that. I knew I could hit need to pull over, cry a more difficult than you the car and go flying 40 little, then get back in his think it is." to 50 feet. So my first truck and move on." For instance, to get instinct was to lay it It's already been tough his chair over a 6-inchdown. Just lay the bike enough on his parents. high curb, Veazey had to Chance's mom, Darby down on its side. I hit the pavement. I was conscious the whole time, but I don't really know what happened. I know I From Insulated Storage Buildings at Flat Creek Village slammed into the car, but $ I don't remember that Any building on the lot for sale with this coupon. part. I just remember layExpires: 12-31-09 ing it down and then not being able to get up from the concrete." Veazey knew right away that he was paralyzed. "Sometimes, they say, the impact from someVeazey, played softball at Florida State, and both she and her husband had been so looking forward to watching their boy play for the Bulldogs. In fact, just a few days before his accident, she had completed the travel and hotel arrangements for them to attend his games next season, both home and away. "It's been hard for me because I know the price I paid and I know the price he's paid," Darby said, tears streaming down her cheeks. "I got to live my dream, and I know what that meant to me. He didn't get to live his dream." A few weeks ago, Chance and his father were able to get away for a hunting trip. On their way back to Shepherd, all of Todd's emotions came pouring out to his son. "I thought it was important for Chance to know from me, that when he signed with the University of Georgia, that was good enough for me," Todd said, choking up. "I felt like that validated everything I knew about him as a player." When Chance earned a starting job before he ever played his first college game, Todd couldn't have been more proud. That feeling remains, stronger than ever. "I know what that feeling must have felt like," the father told his son that day, when it was just the two of them. "And you know Chance, I don't think you could've duplicated that feeling, even if you ended up in the pros one day. I think you hit the pinnacle in baseball, knowing you made it to a great university and you were going to be a starter. I want you to know that, for dad, that was enough. I was completely satisfied." ------ The Veazey home is located in a rural area outside of Tifton. When Chance was 9 years old and already showing how much he loved baseball, his father and uncle built a regulation Little League field next to the house for the youngster to practice on. When Chance made the high school team, Todd expanded the field. The family had so many good times on that field: Todd hitting grounders to Chance out at second base, his mom over at first taking his throws, Chance's grandfather standing just off the kid's shoulder, filling his head with fielding tips. They called it their own "Field of Dreams." The father still walks out to that field from time to time, remembering the good times and doing his best to cope with the overwhelming reality of Chance's dreams being snuffed out in the blink of an eye. But you know, even with his paralysis, Chance will be able to have kids some day. The Veazeys will keep their Field of Dreams for the next generation. "I can hardly wait," Todd said. ------ On the Web: -- Veazey's blog: www. caringbridge.org/visit/ chanceveazey -- Shepherd Center: www.shepherd.org Note to readers: A "Prayers for Chance" fund has been set up to help offset Veazey's medical expenses. Donations can be made to Athens First Bank and Trust Company (AFB&T), senior vice president Phil Bettendorf, P.O. Box 1747, Athens, Ga., 30603. Friday, December 25, 2009 The Mountain Press Nation A5 Carry Out SPECIAL 4-7 PM ONLY 2 HAND TOSSED Fresh made, 1 topping pizzas Family Sized BREADSTICKS With HOMEMADE MARINARA Dipping Sauce $ additional toppings just $1 each 1499 (865) 429-9800 Located on Teaster Rd. in Find ou r entire menu yspace .com/ twogu Merry Christmas 75.00 OFF www.m at a yspizz BooksMart 911 Dolly Parton Parkway BUY 2 GET 1 IN DECEMBER! Come Trade Your Books! Across from McDonalds HALF PRICE BOOKS (865) 365-1501 www.seviercountysingles.com A6 The Mountain Press Friday, December 25, 2009 SuNriSe iN the SmokieS toDAy'S briefiNg Local toP StAte NewS Lottery NumberS Note to readers: Stop-smoking classes planned SeVierViLLe 120,000K recalled vaccines distributed NASHVILLE (AP) -- The Tennessee Department of Health says 120,000 doses of a recalled swine flu vaccine were distributed in the state. The department said in a news release Wednesday that the doses represent 6.3 percent of the total doses distributed in Tennessee. MedImmune announced the recall Tuesday of nearly 5 million doses because the nasal spray appears to lose strength over time. State health officials said they are working with federal representatives to ensure that providers who received affected lots are notified to discontinue use of those products. State officials said they continue to recommend vaccination as the best way to prevent the illness. State may seek $500M in grants Fort Sanders Sevier Medical Center will sponsor Freedom From Smoking classes beginning Jan. 11 from 6-7 p.m. at the Senior Center. Freedom From Smoking is an eightweek program designed by the American Lung Association. The class requires a $50 deposit that is refundable at completion of class (if the participant meets the attendance requirement) and a $25 non-refundable materials fee. For more information or to register, call 4539355. SeVierViLLe NASHVILLE (AP) -- A new state law that lets wineries send bottles directly to Tennessee residents' doors has had few wineries participate. The Tennessean reports that out of more than 5,000 wineries around the country, only about 160 have signed up to take part in the state's 6-month-old direct shipment program. Direct wine sales gets few takers CHATTANOOGA (AP) -- Tennessee is looking at submitting an application for as much as $500 million in federal "Race to the Top" money. Gov. Phil Bredesen has called for a special legislative session in January to change education laws needed for Tennessee to qualify for a share of the $4.35 billion available to states that submit plans to reform K-12 education. The Chattanooga Times Free Press reported that the state would be asking for twice the amount suggested by the U.S. Department of Education. In order to enable the staff of The Mountain Press and its carriers to spend more time with their families on the holiday, there was an early deadline; therefore Thursday's lottery numbers, the stock report and some other late-breaking national stories are not included in this edition. thiS DAy iN hiStory Today is Friday, Dec. 25th, the 359th day of 2009. There are 6 days left in the year. This is Christmas Day. toDAy'S foreCASt Coed volleyball league forming LOCAL: mostly cloudy The Sevierville Recreation Department is accepting roster and entry fees for the coed volleyball league. Play will begin Jan. 14 at the Community Center. Entry fee is $125 and is due by Jan. 7. Packets can be picked up at the gym office at the Community Center. This league is open for persons who are 18 years of age or older. Serious volleyball players can join the "A" division, or those who want to have fun can play in the "B" division. For more information call Patrick Oxley at the Community Center, 4535441. SeVierViLLe In this season of miracles, a local group is hoping for one. Just one week before it's required to end an annual fundraising campaign that helps keep the doors open at 27 local community service agencies, United Way of Sevier County is at just 55 percent of where it needs to be to help meet local needs. Locally a year ago: High: 49� Low: 29� Wind 5-10 mph Chance of rain 50% On Dec. 25, 1818, "Silent Night," written by Franz Gruber and Father Joseph Mohr, was performed for the first time, at the Church of St. Nikolaus in Oberndorf, Austria. today's highlight: Saturday Partly cloudy Scholarship to honor Leah Avril high: 46� Low: 27� Sunday Mostly cloudy In A.D. 336, the first recorded celebration of Christmas on Dec. 25 took place in Rome. In 1776, Gen. George Washington and his troops crossed the Delaware River for a surprise attack against Hessian forces at Trenton, N.J. on this date: Leah Avril, a former student and cheerleader at Sevier County High School, died recently. Her cheerleader coach, Tammie Leo, has begun a scholarship in Leah's memory through the Sevier County High School Foundation. A scholarship will be awarded this spring to a student who was a junior varsity cheerleader. Taxable donations can be made to the SCHS Foundation, P.O. Box 4124, Sevierville, TN 37864; mark the check Leah Avril Fund. For more information, contact Nancy Hewitt at 607-0032. SeVierViLLe high: 41� Low: 25� Lake Stages: Douglas 959.6 D1.3 ober ski report Base: 20-30 inches Primary surface: Groomed Trails open: Bear Run (upper half), Castle Run, Cub Way, Ski School, Mogul Ridge SpaceshuttleDiscovery's astronauts finished their repair job on the Hubble Space Telescope and released it back into orbit. A Cuban airplane crashed in northern Venezuela, killing all 22 aboard. ten years ago: President George W. Bush urged Americans to help the neediest among them by volunteering to care for the sick, the elderly and the poor in a Christmas day call for compassion. five years ago: quote rouNDuP "What this case is about is deception, exploitation -- exploitation of the children of the Heenes, exploitation of the media and exploitation of people's emotions -- and money." -- District Judge Stephen Schapanski in sentencing richard and mayumi heene, ending the "balloon boy" saga. how to SubSCribe Just mail this coupon in with your payment to: the mountain Press P box 4810 .o. Sevierville, tN 37864-4810 0r Phone 428-0746 ext. 231 Ask about Easy Pay. . 55 or older? Call for your special rates In County Home Delivery Rates 4 weeks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 11.60 Tai chi classes begin in January "It is Christmas every time you let God love others through you ... yes, it is Christmas every time you smile at your brother and offer him your hand." -- Mother Teresa of Calcutta (1910-1997). thought for today: On Jan. 21, Sevier County Extension will be offering an Arthritis Foundation tai chi program. The seven-session program is designed for people with arthritis. Classes will be held every Thursday, Jan. 21 through Feb. 25, with one additional class on Feb. 23. Each class will be from 6-7 p.m. at the Extension Office near the fairgrounds. The cost of the seven sessions is $40. For more information or to sign up, contact Linda Hyder at 453-3695 or e-mail to lhyder@utk. edu. Registration is needed by Jan. 15. gAtLiNburg CeLebritieS iN the NewS "When Amtrak, one of the most vital transportation links on the East Coast, is habitually underfunded, not even an outage as widespread as this one can be considered a surprise." -- Sen. Chuck Schumer in commenting about an electrical malfunction outside New york City that brought train service to a standstill. "He is really sad, he doesn't want to go. Gilmar Mendes stripped him of his right to expression, to open his mouth and say he doesn't want to go. In his own country, he's not respected. Here, he's under a gag rule." -- Silvana bianchi, Sean goodman's maternal grandmother, in speaking to the newspaper estado de Sao Paulo about her 9-year-old grandson's feelings on returning to the u.S. with his father after a five-year custody battle. 13 weeks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 37.70 26 weeks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 74.10 52 weeks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 145.60 Susan Sarandon, tim robbins Name: _________________________ Address: _______________________ City: _______________St: ____ Zip: ____ Phone: ________________________ City to observe holiday closings Gatlinburg city offices, including City Hall and the Community Center, will be today in observance of Christmas. City offices and the Community Center will also be closed on Jan. 1 in observance of the New Year's holiday. The Community Center will close at 4 p.m. on Dec. 31. The Sanitation Department will run its normal schedule on all holidays. The Mountain Press Staff Publisher: Jana Thomasson editor: Stan Voit Production Director: Tom McCarter Advertising Director: Joi Whaley business manager: Mary Owenby Circulation Distribution manager: Will Sing (ISSN 0894-2218) Copyright 2008 The Mountain Press. All Rights Reserved. All property belongs to The Mountain Press and no part may be reproduced without prior written consent. Published daily by The Mountain Press. P Box 4810, Sevierville, TN, 37864, .O. 119 River Bend Dr., Sevierville, TN 37876. Periodical Postage paid at Sevierville, TN. "A UT-TPA Prize Winning Newspaper" Subscriptions how to reach us: Carrier Delivery (where Available): $11.60 Phone: (865) 428-0746 per 4 weeks Fax: (865) 453-4913 in-County mail: $13.08 per 4 weeks P box 4810, .o. out-of-County mail: $19.60 per 4 weeks Sevierville, tN 37864 Postmaster: Send address changes to The Mountain Press, P Box 4810, Sevierville, TN .O. Departments: 37864 News: Ext. 214; e-mail: editor@themountainpress. com office hours: Sports: Ext. 210; e-mail: mpsports@themountain8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Weekdays press.com Located at 119 Riverbend Dr., Sevierville, TN Classifieds: Ext. 201 & 221 37876 Commercial Printing: Ext. 229 LOS ANGELES (AP) -- One of Hollywood's most enduring couples has separated. Susan Sarandon and Tim Robbins, partners for 23 years and parents of two sons, split up over the summer, publicist Teal Cannady said in a statement Wednesday. She did not elaborate. Sarandon, 63, and Robbins, 51, met while shooting the 1988 film "Bull Durham." Sarandon and Robbins never married. Instead, they have been compared to other longtime Hollywood pairs who remain committed despite never officially tying the knot, such as Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell. Sarandon stars in "The Lovely Bones," opening worldwide next month. The Mountain Press Page A7 Friday, December 25, 2009 Mountain Views commentary The birth of Jesus Christ, celebrated by Christians worldwide today, is a compelling, powerful event. The story from the Books of Matthew and Luke deserves to be retold on this most special of days: Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife; for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. "And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins." Now all this was done, that it "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peacably to assemble and to petition the government for a redress of grievances." --united States constitution, amendment one It's the time of year when college instructors grade papers. Having done this for more than 10 years at the Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism here at the University of Southern California, I would offer this general rule: Students usually think they deserve a half-grade better than what they get. Give them a B, they think they should have gotten a B-plus. So, watching "60 Minutes" the other night, I was not surprised when President Obama gave himself a B-plus for his first year in the White House. I think he has done a good job in the most difficult of circumstances, probably the most frustrating set of interlocking circumstances since Franklin D. Roosevelt came into office in 1933. (A bit of disclosure: I have a daughter who works on the White House staff, so, from a personnel standpoint, the man can do no wrong in the Reeves family.) All presidents are students. After all, only 44 men know or knew what the job is like and they are or were all prisoners of events unforeseen. As a candidate, Obama probably did not understand how bad the American economy really was. He certainly did not realize that the loyal opposition, Republicans in Congress, would stamp their tiny little feet and shout "No, no, never!" every time he stood up in class to answer a question. The hyperpartisanship of the Republicans surprised many people. We seem to be living in a time when "motherhood and apple pie" is a divisive issue. Well, I guess apple pie is still OK, though some environmentalists, people of the left, might question that. I mean, how were these apples grown? So, it is not only Republicans and conservatives throwing sand into the wheels of progress. Purists of the left -- former Democratic national chairman Howard Dean for one -- can be just as intransigent. But there is a difference: The Democrats do have leaders, beginning with the president, though he may be a bit too thoughtful (or cool) for the job. The Republicans have entertainers, beginning with Rush Limbaugh and Glenn Beck. Obama has generally pushed forward on the issues he brought up in the campaign, even if they sometimes seem to be in the thousands, some of them ill-advised, most notably military success in Afghanistan. He has greatly improved the United States' standing in the world, though perhaps not to the satisfaction of those Americans who do not want to be part of the world. On health care, climate change and financial regulation, too, he has been pragmatic and persistent -- and he will prevail on important aspects of those issues. He has, in general, pushed forward the agenda he proposed during the 2008 campaign -- even if many on the left feel he is moving too slowly and most on the right yell "socialism" no matter what he does. All of that will be tested in the 2010 congressional elections. The conventional wisdom is that Republicans will gain some because of Obama's "mistakes." I would not bet on that. "Stop!" is not the most effective campaign slogan I've ever heard. But, who knows? The political gap in the country is about the worst I remember. I was in a doctor's waiting room the other day, forced to listen to a guy who began by saying climate change was a conspiracy, health care a plot and the president was giving away the country. I was surprised to learn that he did not have his own radio program. Going inside, my physician said that any doctor in the country could solve the health care crisis in 20 minutes. "We need a single-payer system like every other civilized country in the world," he said. "But that can't happen because the insurance companies, the hospitals, the doctors, the pharmaceutical companies and other medical suppliers all have enough money and power to protect their own pocketbooks." This is a tough country to govern these days and Obama is not doing badly. From a professor's viewpoint, though, he has done less original work than many hoped he could do. So that means his real grade this year would be a B. His new assignments are getting out of Afghanistan and finding a way to raise the revenue of the federal government. -- Richard Reeves, a presidential scholar and expert on six presidents, is the author of several books, including profiles of Richard Nixon and John Kennedy. Column distributed by Universal Syndicate. Republicans thriving as entertainers Still a powerful story Christians worldwide celebrate remarkable event today might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, "Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us." Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife. And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name Jesus. And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flocks by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone about them; and they were sore afraid. And the angel said to them, Fear not: for behold I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born today in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you: Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will towards men. editorial Political view Public forum Republican Party's actions on health care debate deplorable Editor: The effort to provide health care reform to this nation may soon be coming to a conclusion. I am extremely grateful to those that worked to achieve this major social reform issue. This President set several lofty goals, and there is no doubt how difficult this one is. The outcome and impact are still uncertain, but I am completely convinced of its necessity. As grateful as I am to those that championed this cause, I am equally disgusted with the conduct of those that chose the path of least resistance, the easy road of illogical criticism and changing the message by distorting and lying about the facts. Remember the mandatory abortion and government-funded abortion clinics, socialized medicine, Obamacare, witch doctor depictions and other racial remarks and illustrations, Nazism and pictures of Jewish bodies in death camps, persons coming armed to the rallies, and who could forget those death panels. In various rallies and gatherings, members of Congress promoted fear, anger and distrust. They spoke proudly of antigovernment sentiment and portrayed it as patriotic -- the very employer for which they worked, were paid by and received reliable, affordable health care insurance. This, of course, aroused the interest and support of the far right anti-government extremist groups; as if an AfricanAmerican Democratic family living in the White House wasn't enough. Recent national polling shows that more people are uncertain of a successful outcome on this issue. It is disgraceful that it has taken this direction. There are those in the Republican Party who propose that the process start over. "That's right, Charlie Brown; she won't move the ball this time." This party has opposed major social issues including Social Security. Medicare, civil rights and a woman's right to choose. Their position is quite clear. The art of demonizing health care reform has been taken to extraordinary lengths; even Christmas and the birth of Christ have been exploited. The conspiracy theorists are working overtime. Ideally, with logical thinking and cool, rational conduct, the legitimate concerns could have been debated and resolved, giving this nation affordable health care for most, if not all. "Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness" -- was that for all or only those that can still afford it? Bill Dayton Sevierville letters to the editor policy and how to contact us: We encourage our readers to send letters to the editor. Letters must contain no more than 500 words. 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The Mountain Press .O. and its publishers do not necessarily agree with the opinions expressed in letters and columns on this page. editorial board: Jana Thomasson, Publisher Stan Voit, Editor Bob Mayes, Managing Editor Gail Crutchfield, Community News Editor State legislators: rep. richard montgomery rep. Joe mccord 1-800-449-8366 Ext. 1-5981; 207 War Memorial Bldg., Nashville TN 37243 firstname.lastname@example.com 1-800-449-8366 Ext. 1-5481; 207 War Memorial Bldg., Nashville TN 37243 firstname.lastname@example.com 1-800-449-8366 Ext. 10981; 320 War Memorial Bldg., Nashville TN 37243 firstname.lastname@example.com federal legislators: u.S. Sen. bob corker u.S. Sen. lamar alexander u.S. rep. Phil roe (202) 224-3344; Dirksen Senate Office Bldg., B40A, Washington, D.C. 20510 (202) 224-4944; S/H 302, Washington, D.C. 20510 (202) 225-6356; 419 Cannon House Office, Washington, D.C. 20515 (202) 225-5435; 2267 Rayburn Office Bldg., Washington, D.C. 20515 Sen. doug overbey u.S. rep. John J. duncan Jr. All-Sevier County Football team Sports Visit: The Mountain Press.com View/Purchase Sports & News Photos The Mountain Press A8 Friday, December 25, 2009 Most Valuable Player: Zach Flynn -- QB, Sevier County 60% passing for 2,477 yards, 16 TDs Coach of the Year: Steve Brewer -- Sevier County 1st team offense QB - Zach Flynn Sevier County 2,477 yds, 16 TDs RB - Chase Travis Pigeon Forge 1,407 yds, 15 TDs RB - Blake Overton Seymour 744 yds, 10 TDs WR - Bryant Gilson Sevier County 817 yds, 7 TDs WR - Bryce Whaley Sevier County 739 yds, 4 TDs WR - Ron Durbin Gatlinburg-Pittman 560 yds, 2 TDs TE - Hunter Crain Seymour 234 yds, 1 TD OL - Ross Heatherly Sevier County OL - Caleb Krug The King's Academy OL - Elijah Casey Gatlinburg-Pittman Offensive Player of the Year: Chase Travis -- RB, Pigeon Forge 222 carries for 1,407 yards, 15 TDs 1st team defense OL - Seth Munasque Pigeon Forge OL - Joe McCarter Seymour ATH - Jon Rose The King's Academy 761 tot yds, 12 TDs ATH - Cory Clark Seymour 217 yds, 3 TDs, 4 INTs DL - Robert Whitelaw Sevier County 67 tkls, 8 TFL, 4 sks DL - Nick Smith Seymour 111 tkls, 16 TFL, 7 sks DL - Bill Huskey Gatlinburg-Pittman 105 tkls, 24 TFL, 5 sks DL - Jake Reppert Sevier County 64 tkls, 8 TFL, 5 sks DE - Paul Howard Gatlinburg-Pittman 72 tkls, 24 TFL, 10 sks LB - Hunter Douglas Gatlinburg-Pittman 105 tckls, 15 TFL, 3 sks LB - Keegan Newport Seymour 101 tkls, 9 TFL, 6 sks LB - Kel McCarter Sevier County 97 tkls, 11 TFL, 2 sks LB - Caleb Brien Gatlinburg-Pittman 132 tkls, 22 TFL, 2 sks DB - Colin Meier Gatlinburg-Pittman 38 tkls, 8 INTs DB - Jeremiah Foster Sevier County 43 tkls, 7 TFL, 2 INTs DB - Matt Spangler Sevier County 99 tkls, 2 TFL, 1 blk DB - Ryan Taylor Gatlinburg-Pittman 33 tkls, 5 INTs, 1 sk K - Stephen Martin Seymour 6-9 FG, long of 48 Defensive Player of the Year: Nick Smith -- DT, Seymour 111 tackles, 7 sacks, 16 TFL, 17 hurries Friday, December 25, 2009 The Mountain Press Sports A9 All-County 2nd team QB - Tye Marshall Gatlinburg-Pittman RB - Dillon Reagan Gatlinburg-Pittman FB - M. Lombrana Pigeon Forge WR - Rodney Porter Pigeon Forge ATH - D. Chastain Sevier County OL - Oscar Aleman OL - Bryson Maples Pigeon Forge Sevier County OL - Chris Ledford Gatlinburg-Pittman OL - Chris Humphrey Seymour DL - D.J. Ball Gatlinburg-Pittman Freshman of the Year: Jared Baxter -- K, Sevier County Kicked well for Bears, including game-winner vs. Seymour DL - Wes White Seymour DL - D. Kirkpatrick TKA DL - T. Hamilton Sevier County DL - Cody Watson Seymour DL - Coty Young Pigeon Forge COLLEGE FOOTBALL Vols invited to Senior Bowl Mobile, Ala. -- With the addition of yet another 1,000-yard rusher, the South squad's backfield in next month's Under Armour Senior Bowl is shaping up to be one of the best ever. Tennessee running back Montario Hardesty and defensive tackle Dan Williams have officially accepted invitations to the 2010 game, bowl officials announced Wednesday. The 61st annual event is scheduled for January 30 at 4 p.m. (ET) in Mobile's Ladd-Peebles Stadium. The game will be televised live by the NFL Network. "Montario and Dan had outstanding senior seasons and were a big reason for Tennessee's turnaround this year," Senior Bowl President and CEO Steve Hale said. "We feel like they are both great additions to the roster and with Hardesty's acceptance we will now have three 1,000-yard rushers in the South backfield this year." Auburn's Ben Tate (1,254 yards in 2009) and Mississippi State's Anthony Dixon (1,391 yards in 2009) have also accepted invitations to the 2010 game. Hardesty earned second team All-SEC honors this season (AP, Coaches) after rushing for 1,306 yards and 12 touchdowns for the Volunteers. His 108.8 rushing yards per game ranked third in the SEC this season and he was tied for third in the conference in touchdowns scored (13). The New Bern, N.C., native saved his best effort of the season for last, rushing for 179 yards and three scores LB - Cody Sands Seymour DB - Josh Johnson Sevier County DB - Jeremy Hibbard Gatlinburg-Pittman DB - Chris Ellison Pigeon Forge K - Jared Baxter Sevier County COMMENTARY AND OPINION Choosing All-County team is both joy and headache Football, much like life, is made up of winners and losers, the overrated and the overlooked. Its become an annual tradition at The Mountain Press to name an AllCounty Football team every Christmas Day. In doing so, we're sure to miss out on some deserving players, but we're also honoring a bunch of kids that worked all season to be the best they can be. Of course, we can't share all the blame or the praise brought on by our picks. We were working with a stacked deck. Over a month ago, I asked the county's head coaches to nominate players from their teams for both the All-County teams and the superlatives listed on these two pages. Some players we thought would be nominated weren't. And if a player wasn't given the nod by their own coach, it sure makes it tough to warrant giving them a spot on our teams. Additionally, some hard choices had to be made, specifically at certain positions which proved to be extremely talent-heavy. For example, 11 defensive lineman were nominated, as were nine offensive lineman. Obviously, something's got to give. That's why we include a secondteam. Choices on who went on which team were based on statistics and other factors, which definitely includes our own personal convicple who watched Seymour play know just how he influenced their games. Always in the backfield or disrupting blocking schemes, Smith altered opponents' offenses unlike any other defender we saw. tions about these players. MVP Zach Flynn had After all, both I and Cobey Hitchcock saw each similar impact. Defenses that made misof the teams play multiple times, having ample oppor- takes against SCHS found Flynn hitting receivers tunity to see which playdown field again and again, ers were really the game resulting in a 10-0 regular changers. A great example of that is season mark for the Bears. As much a headache as our selection for Defensive picking the team can be, Player of the Year -- Seymour defensive lineman it's also one of the more fun things we get to do as Nick Smith. sportswriters. And imagWhile Smith might not have gaudy defensive num- ining what these players bers in the sack and tackles could all do together in a real game -- that's exciting. for loss departments, peo- in the Vols' regular season finale against Kentucky. Hardesty enters Tennessee's bowl game against Virginia Tech with five 100-yard games on the season and has not fumbled the ball once in 264 attempts. For his career, Hardesty has rushed for 2,352 yards and 25 touchdowns. He has also totaled 34 receptions for 326 yards and a score. A first team All-SEC selection (AP), Williams' 61 tackles this season is the fourth most by a Tennessee interior lineman since 1990. DONE RIGHT AUTOMOTIVE Open Sat. by Appt. Hours: Mon-Fri FREE TOWING W/REPAIR 8:30am to 5:30pm COMPLETE AUTO RV MOTOR HOME AND TRAVEL REPAIR 865-908-7814 $ SPECIALIZING IN REBUILDING ENGINES & TRANSMISSIONS OIL, LUBE & FILTER Most U.S. cars. Not valid with other coupons or specials. $ 97 Replace plugs, check engine, check fluids, check timing when applicable 4 Cyl., 6 Cyl., 8 Cyl TUNE-UPS $ 7 HEATER CHECK-UP Most U.S. cars. Not valid with other coupons or specials. Disposal Fee $2.00 19 1897 97 $ Inspection, bleed & flush, brake adjustment DISCPADS OR BRAKE SHOES 2 Wheels with other coupons or specials. Labor not included. Semi-metalic pads extra. Most U.S. cars. Not valid BRAKE MAINTENANCE 4497 & up $ 2497 Most U.S. cars Starting at Balloon drop at midnight. New Year's Eve Favors Party starts at 9:00 PM Will serve breakfast starting at 12:30 AM to 3:00 AM Food specials all night long. Karaoke with DJ Brian Anderson from GatlinburgDJ.com with variety of dance music with Giant screen MTV music videos Saturday's College Football on the big screen including Pay-Per-View games, Sunday NFL and Monday Night football Monday - Saturday 11:00 AM - 3:00 AM Sunday 12:00 PM - 3:00 AM 1341 Dolly Parton Parkway 865-453-1488 ALWAYS READY TO SERVE YOU! WITH A SMILE 36 - 48 MONTH TERM WITH APPROVED CREDIT BLOW OUT PRICES (865) 579-0003 2003 LANCER ES Sign and Drive Out W.A.C. YEAR END $500 Down 1998 CADILLAC INCLUDES $500 DOWN � $279 DOC FEE � 9.95% SM2637 $ 4495+++ SM2589A $ 3595+++ 2004 ALERO 2004 PT CRUISER SM2706 $ 1995 BRONCO 4499+++ SM2664 $ 4295+++ 2002 SENTRA SM2615A $ WWW.SMOKYMOUNTAINAUTOCENTERS.COM 2995+++ SM2689 $ 4799+++ A10 The Mountain Press Friday, December 25, 2009 Calista Rashea Gibson Daughter of Jeff & Bridget Gibson Jackson Keith Gibson Cambria Alexis Brown Gabrielle Rose Grooms William Raymond Marshall Clark Age 22 months Son of Jeff & Bridget Gibson Daughter of Travis Brown & Miranda Pelfrey Daughter of Tim & Bonnie Son of Raymond Clark & Deborah Hathaway William Raymond Marshall Clark Age 22 months Kellen Wyatt Brown Jordan Nicholas Billings Age 2 1/2 yrs Son of Holley Varnes & Marshall Billings Grandparents: Elizabeth Billings & C.C. & Terry Billings Larry & The late Christine Varnes Great Grandparents: Joan Varnes & The late Daniel Varnes Haylee Jo Franklin Daughter of Bradley & Shelly Franklin Grandparents: Jack & Terry Franklin Jack & Pam Wayer Son of Raymond Clark & Deborah Hathaway Son of Ken & Lisa Brown Chloe Disanto James Distano Lily Abigail Yates Age 9 months Emma Grace Yates 3 yrs old Daughter of Cody & Brittney Distanto Son of Cody & Brittney Distanto Daughter of Rusty & Melissa Yates Daughter of Rusty & Melissa Yates Elise Morgan Justice Daughter of Kristin Justice & Robert Justice Grandparents: Tim & Denise Fox Jackie Justice, Betty & Willie Bryant Great Grandparent: Pauline Fox Kinley Addison Kreger Daughter of Kristen Kreger Grandparents: Kim Abbott & Dean Cole Ramsey Messick Mollie Messick Son of Lewis & Elizabeth Messick Daughter of Lewis & Elizabeth Messick Aubrey Messick Callie Messick Ellen Brooke Rawlings Daughter of Chad & Cheynne Rawlings Grandparents: Doris & Mason Branch, Bill & Paula England Great Grandparents: Roy W. Whaley & Pat Clark Jackson West Huskey Son of Wesley & Amy Huskey Grandparents: Ronald & Sandy Reagan, Dale & Myrel Huskey Son of Lewis & Elizabeth Messick Daughter of Lewis & Elizabeth Messick Tommy Levi Atchley Age 2 1/2 yrs Peyton Brylee Atchley Age 15 months. Lucas Malachi Atchley Age 15 months. Hayden Joshua Parrish Son of David & Jennifer Parrish Grandparents: Danny & Janice King, Terry & Debbie Parrish Son of Lucas & Cassidy Atchley Daughter of Lucas & Cassidy Atchley Son of Lucas & Cassidy Atchley Friday, December 25, 2009 The Mountain Press World A11 Threats, Ashoura bring blue Christmas in Iraq By LARA JAKES Associated Press Writer BAGHDAD -- Christmas is bumping into Shiite Islam's most mournful ceremony this year, forcing Iraqi Christians to keep their celebrations under tighter wraps than usual. Midnight Mass will again be celebrated in daylight across Baghdad, and security around churches is heavier for a community that's been threatened by sectarian violence since the 2003 U.S.-led invasion. A deadly Christmas Eve ambush of a Christian bus driver and a bombing earlier this week targeting a 1,200-year-old church, both in Mosul, underscored their concerns. But this year, Christians feeling an extra need for caution are toning down the Christmas glitz, and the plastic Santas aren't selling as well as usual. At least one Catholic archbishop has discouraged Christmas decorations and public merrymaking out of respect for Ashoura, a period of Shiite mourning and self-flagellation. "We used to put the Christmas tree with its bright lights close to the window in the entrance of our home," said Saad Matti, a 51-year-old surgeon and Basra city councilman. "But this year, we put it away from the window as a kind of respect for the feelings of Shiite Muslims in our neighborhood because of Ashoura," he said. Ashoura caps a 10-day period of self-flagellation and mourning for the Prophet Muhammad's grandson, Imam Hussein, killed in 680 A.D. during a battle that sealed the split between Shiites and Sunnis. During the 10 days, throngs of Shiite pilgrims march to the holy Iraqi city of Karbala, 80 kilometers (50 miles) south of Baghdad. The lunar Islamic calendar varies against the West's, and this year Ashoura happens to climax on Dec. 27. Bomb kills 9 in Shiite neighborhood BAGHDAD (AP) -- Iraqi officials say a bomb exploded at a funeral in a Shiite neighborhood of the capital, killing at least nine people and wounding 33 others. Police and hospital officials say the bomb exploded inside a funeral tent in Baghdad's Sadr City, a predominantly Shiite neighborhood. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to media. The killings come as Shiites from around the country commemorate the death of a revered Shiite saint, and authorities questioned whether the bomb was intended to hit such a commemoration. Nasek Kareem, 11, shops for a Christmas dress in Sulaimaniyah, 160 miles northeast of Baghdad. Many Iraqi Christians are taking Christmas underground this year for several reasons. Shiites are the majority of Iraq's 28.9 million people and now dominate the country politically, giving other sects more reason to accommodate them. Few weddings are held during Ashoura, and any business associated with beauty -- flower shops, jewelry stores, photography studios -- loses money. "No weddings, no work," Nijood Hassan, a Sunni, complained at her flower shop central Baghdad. "Why do they have to do this?" But the compulsion to preserve an outward appearance of harmony is strong. Hassan's sister, Nadia, quickly interjected: "There is no sectarian division any more, and we have no objection whatsoever about that." The archbishop of the southern Shiite-dominated city of Basra, Imad al-Banna, called on Christians "to respect the feelings of Muslims during Ashoura and not hold the public celebrations during Christmas. ... to hold Mass in the church only and not receive guests or show joyful appearances." Some 1.25 million Christians, 80 percent of them Catholic, used to live in Iraq. An exodus that began after the 1991 Gulf War, when Saddam Hussein imposed more Islamic policies, intensified after 2003, when Christians became targets of sectarian violence, and some 868,000 are left. Iraq's top Catholic prelate, Chaldean Cardinal Associated Press Emmanuel III Delly, said he used to hold Mass at midnight on Christmas Eve but in recent years switched the services to daylight hours, when the streets are safer. He said he was unaware of the Basra priest's Ashoura edict. "We will do our religious rituals as usual and on its dates, and our Muslim brothers will feel happy that each one has his own dear religion," Delly told The Associated Press. The Defense Ministry said patrols will be stepped up around churches, Christian neighborhoods and places of celebration, mostly in Baghdad, Mosul and Kirkuk. That didn't stop unidentified gunmen from ambushing a Christian man in Mosul on Thursday, shooting him after pulling him from the bus he was driving in Mosul, police said. It was not clear if the attack was religiously based. The added security also didn't deter Mosul bombers from attacking the Mar Toma Church, or the Church of St. Thomas, on Wednesday with an explosive hidden in an abandoned cart a few yards away. Two Muslim passers-by were killed, police said. Christians aren't the only imperiled worshippers. Two dozen Shiite pilgrims preparing for Ashoura rituals were killed over the last two days in bombings in Baghdad and Hillah, about 60 miles (95 kilometers) to the south. Earlier this week, in Baqouba, two Shiites were gunned down while leaving a mosque where they had been flogging themselves for Ashoura. It was not known if they were targeted because of their beliefs. Adnan al-Sudani, a cleric in the Shiite-dominated Sadr City neighborhood of Baghdad, said Christmas generates no ill will among his followers. "We as Shiites respect Christian occasions and share their happiness in our hearts," he said. Shiite shop owner Ali Qassim wished more people would have themselves a very merry Christmas. His electronics shop, in the mixed Muslim-Christian neighborhood of Karrada, is packed with artificial pine trees and cherry-cheeked faces of plastic Santas, called Baba Noel in Arabic. But few were sold. "Nothing is in the streets. Nothing is in the shops," said Qassim, looking out on the bustling midday traffic. "In the past, fashion stores used to put up Baba Noel and a tree in front of the shop. But out of respect, many families will not celebrate because of the Ashoura and to sympathize. Looking for the perfect gift for your hunter? Now Open � Carrying a full line of Black Gold Dog Food Silver - Gold Filled - Platinum Buying GOLD! Riverside Kennels & Hunting Supply THE DIAMOND HOUSE Pigeon Forge 453-3294 We y We y Pa Pa We'll Beat ANY Price - Check Us LAST! HIGH SPEED INTERNET IS NOW WITHIN YOUR REACH... HughesNet MICROTECH SATELLITES, INC. 404 W. Main St. Sevierville (865)453-0044 525 Dolly Parton Pkwy. Sevierville (in KO Family Square) RiversideKennelsandHuntingSupply.com 865-244-0930 � 865-244-0929 BIG BUCKS We Pay Call Today! "And the angel said unto them, fear not for behold I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a savior which is Christ the Lord." A12 The Mountain Press Friday, December 25, 2009 www.carlhatcherfurniture.com (865) 453-3620 HOURS: MON, TUES, THURS, FRI 8:30-6:00 WED: 8:30-5:00 SAT: 8:30-4:00 Mountain Life The Mountain Press B Section Friday, December 25, 2009 Your Favorite Christmas Memories The Mountain Press readers share holiday tales, traditions By GAIL CRUTCHFIELD Community Editor Christmas is a time where lasting memories are often made. The Mountain Press put out the call for our readers to share their favorite Christmas memories and pass them on to you. Like always, you responded with great enthusiasm. The stories you shared range from short but sweet recountings of Christmases past, traditions you still carry on today and remembrances of gifts you received or even gave to loved ones. So grab a cup of coffee or hot cocoa and curl up on the sofa or in your favorite chair, and enjoy spending a few minutes reading the memories or your fellow readers. I hope this Christmas is full of happy memories for you to recall through the years. Merry Christmas! Playing baby Jesus Probably this doesn't count, since I was only 3 months old, so technically it's not a "memory." I was baby Jesus in the annual Nativity pageant at Beech Springs Baptist Church in 1955. I was born in September that year and was probably the perfect size for the manger! Imagine, a female baby Jesus! Bet the Baptists have never allowed THAT again! Please note: I was very cute, and did not look like a boy at all. (I am certain). -- Pam Huffaker Evans, Kodak Christmas of 1933 it seemed that I did not receive a gift. Hard for a nine-year-old to take. Early the previous year, the effects of the Great Depression had brought our family to a Stocking stuffer small farm in the Missouri Every year Santa has filled Ozarks. But there was still a stocking for me and my some money in circulation, brother, even as adults - yes, I so there were several gifts, BELIEVE! :) But several years including some from relatives ago when I was in college, back in Oklahoma. This year we decided that Mom & Dad things were tight for us and should have stockings too! So them. of course we wrote to Santa to On Christmas Eve, my threesee what could be done and he year-old sister had hung a made our wish come true. stocking on the wall next to Their stockings were filled the heater. Our brother, six, with super balls and silly had left his socks with the rest bracelets, and other such gifts. of his clothing, piled on the Our parents cried! Seems that floor under the baby's crib. when they were little there My parents waited until the was no money for stockings to younger children had gone put out for Santa's deliveries, to bed, then came to where I so this was the first year that sat facing the wood stove that they had ever had this small provided our heat. My mother Christmas treasure. stood uncomfortably without Needless to say, Santa has speaking, and I sensed that kept up this new tradition something was wrong. My and it's the best part of our father spoke with a strange Christmas morning. I still voice, straining to get the remember how it made me feel words out. the first time their stockings "We went to town to get were filled! presents and found some for -- Sue Dempersmier the other two," he said slowly. The greatest gift Lauren Weeks works on her annual birthday cake for Jesus. This picture was made when she was 6 years old. Submitted Happy Birthday Jesus My name is Lauren Weeks. My parents are Travis and Tracy Weeks. One of my special Christmas memories is I always make a birthday cake for Jesus. Following is a summary about the cake. Jesus' Birthday Cake All children enjoy birthdays and birthday cakes. This cake is a symbol of Jesus' love for us. Make a round cake (chocolate to symbolize our sins), cover with white frosting (Jesus' purity covers our sins. Top with a yellow star and angel (bearer of the first glad tidings). Place 12 red candles (Christ our light through the years). Encircle the cake with evergreens (symbol of everlasting light). -- Lauren Weeks, Seymour I stood up and took the unwrapped gifts from them. Both items had their price scratched over with a pencil but still readable. Ten cents. I folded the cardboard which held a doll-size knife, fork and spoon set so it would fit in my sister's stocking. The box with a game of some sort went under my brother's pants where he would find it the next morning. Later I would remember they had not mentioned the baby, so I supposed he didn't get anything, either. By then, I knew my parents were embarrassed, so I went on to bed. The pain on my father's face would have made it difficult to say something, anyway. Christmas morning brought me a resigned acceptance, and I found some joy in the pleasure of the two siblings as they discovered their treasures. Of course, I could not tell them who Santa had been. I struggled to feel "adult" about it. It took a few years for me to realize what my gift had cost. To realize that if my father had had more than twenty cents in cash money, there would have been another present. To recall the anguish in those eyes and to recognize the price he paid because he loved me. Much later still, I saw a connection between that Christmas and the very first one - when a Heavenly Father gave his embodied love to a world that still does not realize the cost of the Greatest Gift. -- By Eugene (Gene) Cloninger, submitted by his daughter, Gail Canney, Gatlinburg Then, in a rush, "We couldn't find anything we thought you would like, so we figured you might like to play Santa Claus and put these out for them." I stared at the floor, not wanting them to see my face. Surely there had been someI grew up in a large family, thing they could have found. and Christmas has always been How could there be Christmas a special event. The whole with no present? After what family has always tried to get must have seemed a long time to them, I nodded. Swallowing See MeMorieS, Page B2 the lump in my throuat, Christmas away from home B2 Local The Mountain Press Friday, December 25, 2009 MeMories 3From Page B1 together at that time. A memorable Christmas, for me, took place in 1963 when I could not get home for Christmas. It was my third year in the U.S. Air Force and I had been transferred to a small base at Trabzon, Turkey (eight time zones from East Tennessee) in February 1963. The result was I didn't complete my tour of duty there until May 1964. There may have been 450 men (no women) on the base. Most of them were like me; in their early 20s, on their first enlistment and away from home at Christmas for the first time. I doubt if many would admit it, but all of us were pretty homesick. December 24th our shift had a party in the barracks with lots of snacks and other refreshments. We even exchanged gifts! Our leader was a newly promoted Tech Sergeant, who was a career man. He was more like an older brother to us rather than our boss. (He seemed to miss his family just like the rest of us.) Christmas Day came and the Air Force just outdid itself for us for our Christmas dinner. The menu included several meats, vegetables, fruits, nuts and desserts. The base commander even wrote us a note in the printed menu, thanking everyone for their service. Later we had the kids from the local orphanage up to the base for a special meal and gifts for them. Moslem kids helped us to celebrate Christmas! The weatherman even cooperated as we had a white Christmas. Our Christmas tree looked nice with the decorations and a light coating of snow. Our biggest disappointment was that Bob Hope, who did come to Turkey that year, did not come to Trabzon. The United States had a number of bases in Turkey at that time. Our base was very small, and probably inaccessible to his group. -- George L. Fowler, Sevierville A white Christmas I was 10 and was hoping for a White Christmas. My sisters, brother and I had asked for new skis from Santa. We got our wish! Almost a foot and a half of snow. Eli came bounding across the side yard, a wide grin appearing between his red cheeks as he asked, "May I come in for a little while?" "Of course, Eli," I said. "I'm decorating and I've just baked some cookies. If you help me, then perhaps we can eat some." His delight was apparent by the sparkle in his eyes as he exclaimed, "Sure, I'll help!" We quickly went about the work at hand and watched as little by little our family room soon took on the appearance of a winter wonderland, complete with white twinkling lights, bright red bows and a miniature Submitted village displaying skatThe Bohanan family rides in the Sevierville Christmas parade in 1995. ers softly gliding across a frozen pond. Just as our decorating was coming to Counting your blessings an end, my eyes focused We are blessed, to be stressed during this Christmas season. Church, family, friends are all a special Christmas on the wooden cabinet in memory. the adjoining room. I always look forward to attending church for Christmas programs, always praying someone will come and be The open drawers saved. reminding me that the We love to make a birthday cake for Jesus each year. For our family Christmas dinner, Mama always cooks so stack of papers and boxes many good things. She tries to fix what everybody likes. next to it needed to be put Daddy is now with Jesus, along with many others. He and I always enjoyed the Christmas cards and the away. Tired, but not ready Christmas parade. The Big Belgian horses pulling the wagon load of family and friends down the streets of to quit until everything Sevierville. Granddaughter Lauren makes Christmas special for all of us. was perfect, I sighed and Lets all count our blessings and be happy, and be ready to meet Jesus when he comes again. said, "Eli, there are still -- Diane Bohanan Weeks, Seymour drawers that need closing!" After our traditional My gift to him was Oh yeah, and in a small box of chocolate-covered "Yes," he said, "but I Christmas morning already boxed, wrapped shiny box was a beauticherries; for the women, also see cookies that need breakfast we were off and contained a wool ful glittering pink and new underwear and dust- eating!" to Bogus Basin, 36-inch scarf and a pair of cuff white pin and earring set ing powder. Wrapping This was the first time base and over 12 inches links with his initial on in yellow gold that Dick paper would be scattered I experienced what we of fresh powder and had them. took out of his pocket across the room. And for now call our "cookie a fantastic time with On Christmas Eve, and gave me. I still have one day out of the year, moments." family and friends! Dick knocked on the that pin and earring gift. we would all be together. Day to day living will -- Michelle Meade front door, kissed me Needless to say, afterI don't remember always present us with Jestice "Hello" and asked me wards I was very carewhen the Christmas Eve closets that need cleanto hold the door open, ful in telling him what gatherings ended. I only ing, clothes to be folded which I did. In he came I wanted for Christmas. know I was fortunate to and drawers that have to Be careful what with a medium-size Was that man resourceinclude my own children be closed, but fresh baked you ask for wrapped package, then ful or what? Of course, a before Granny's mind cookies not immediately couple years later, I mar- began to dim and she This is perhaps not my a very long awkwardly eaten soon lose their flawrapped gift, which were ried him! moved to the nursing very favorite Christmas vor. put under my family's -- Doris Gainer, home. But those sweet experience, but it's one This joyful holiday seatree. These were followed Sevierville memories of my childof my most memorable. son, remember to savor all by a very huge, very hood Christmas Eves are of your "Christmas cookie Back in the holidays heavy wrapped box. indelibly etched in my of 1948 when Dick and moments!" God gives Christmas Eve He was panting a little memory, and each time I us each day and how we I were teenagers and tradition as he bent to place this remember, I feel incred- spend it is our gift to him. high school sweethearts one under the tree, but ibly blessed. in Bristol, Va., we both The chill of winter -- Ellen Moore-Banks, -- Carol E. Myers, had a big sense of humor the darn thing slipped air replaced the blast Seymour and slammed to the Sevierville and had more fun than of heat from the wood floor. Well, the lights on stove as we opened the anyone. We two figured A perfect gift the Christmas tree went probably we might get door. The smiling faces Enjoy your My favorite Christmas out. married some day, but of aunts and uncles My Dad came to see for now neither was and the flushed faces `cookie moments' memory is when I was expecting my first child. what had happened, and of cousins. The smell of ready for a formal comJoy stands for Jesus, The first time I felt her after a few minutes of mitment. Money was the cedar tree cut by my Others, then Yourself. move was on Christmas scarce for both of us even scrambling and confufather. The aroma of all- Often times in this mad day. I thought to myself though Dick worked part sion we got the lights day cooking filling our rushing world our priwhat a wonderful back on. Daddy wasn't noses. And most of all, time in a optometrist's orities become switched. Christmas present. exactly filled with peace the giddy anticipation office. One evening our neigh-- Diane Brown, and good will. of seven children. This A few weeks before bors' son clearly helped Seymour Well, of course, I was Christmas Eve at Christmas all I heard to show me what was was, "Seriously, what DO wasn't about to wait until Granny's. see MeMories, Page B3 important. There would be laughyou want for Christmas?" morning to open these weird items, so I set to ter and the sounds of a I kept side-stepping and work right away. dozen different converevading because I didn't From a pawn shop, want him to go spend sations. There would be there was a railroad more than he could food-ham, green beans, watch with a homemade afford. Finally, I told always the plate of jelfob. There was the most him "I'd like a railroad lied cranberry -- which watch with a fob, a man- garish umbrella ever we could only nibble at made, and the big heavy hole cover and a beach in our excitement. There thing was, you got it -- a would be presents: one umbrella." city of Bristol manhole Dick grinned his from the drawing of Free grand opening gift with any service famous grin and seemed cover he had gotten from names, and a crisp five 1811 Parkway #101 Walk Ins Welcome the city maintenance satisfied. He didn't ask dollar bill from Granny; Sevierville, TN (856) 365-1601 me again what I wanted. department -- on loan. for the men, socks and a (Across from IHOP) $150 Off Your First Months Rent Expires December 31, 2009 Smoky Crossing 865-573-4801 www.SmokyCrossing.com Grand Opening! $5.99 Large 1 topping EVERYDAY $4.99 Lunch Specials: 10" One Topping Pizza & 20 oz. Drink Oven Baked Pasta & 20 oz. Drink add a side salad for $2.00 Anderson Used Office Furniture & Miscellaneous Office Items: or Take Out & Delivery VALENCIA OAK COLOR OFFICE DESK 2761 Newport Hwy., Sevierville, TN 37876 3 1/2 miles past new Walgreens on the right (just past Chambers Market) Retails: $700.00 741 Dolly Parton Pkwy., Sevierville, TN 37862 453-9999 Mon.-Fri. 8:30a.m.-5:00p.m. 865-908-0068 $125.00 You Pay: 25% OFF www.themountainpress.com Offer good through January 6, 2010. ALL PHOTO ORDERS! Click on the Buy Photos tab at the top. Friday, December 25, 2009 The Mountain Press Local B3 MeMories 3From Page B2 ARts & EntERtAinmEnt Editor's Note: The Arts/Entertainment calendar is printed as space permits. Events within a two-hour drive will be considered. To place an item phone (865) 428-0748, ext. 215, or e-mail to email@example.com. Items may be faxed to 453-4913. n Superhero Christmas The Christmas of 1994 was my most memorable. Christmas morning we got up way earlier than usual, mainly because I think my mom was more excited than I was. My mom and step dad led me to our living room with my eyes closed. I opened my eyes and saw my presents, none of which were wrapped but were just laying under the Christmas tree. The floor was full of X-Men and Spider-Man action figures and when I say full, I mean you couldn't walk there were so many. I must have gotten 50 or maybe even more. I spent the rest of the day just opening them up, finally culminating with the war to end all action figure wars. It was a great day. -- Brandon A. Lane, Sevierville Johnson Swinget Dance Band Local Entertainment 10 p.m. Thursday during a New Year's Scottish Hogmanay Party at McClarens in the Food City Shopping Center, Dolly Parton Parkway, Sevierville; tickets $15 advance, $20 door, 429-9889 Regional Entertainment n Jeff Dunham 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at Thompson-Boling Arena, Knoxville; tickets $46.50, www.knoxvilletickets.com Tennessee Shines The Breeden family in 2006, including the dog K.D. that Bob Breeden received for Christmas. From left, in back: Dustin, Shawn, Bobby, Mildred, Rod; on couch: John, Morgan, Tracy, June, Bob; in floor: Kathy with Dakota, who is holding K.D., Whitney, Karen with Britney, Drew, Dale. Submitted 7 p.m. Wednesday at Bijou Theatre, featuring Buddy Miller, Larry Cordle, Jill Andrews, Julia Nunes and The Drunk Uncles; tickets $15 advance, $20 day of; (865) 656-4444, www.knoxbijou.com B.B. King Puppy love 8 p.m. Jan. 8 at Tennessee Theatre; tickets $64, $84.50, (865) 656-4444, www.tennesseetheatre.com Christmas tradition Adding to the general displeasure in the house was the fact that we couldn't cook Christmas dinner. Well, Tennessee ingenuity won out, and we cooked the entire meal Christmas on our gas grill outside --that's a turkey and sevin the dark eral vegetables. Of course, I guess it was about all our our refrigerated 1994 when a Christmas items had been moved ice storm took out our outside in a cooler so electricity for several days. they wouldn't spoil. In Being 16 years old at the time, the majority of my Christmas gifts required electricity, as did the toys of many of my nieces and nephews gathered at our get the full story everyday! house. 865-428-0748 ext. 230 My favorite memory is more like a tradition still true to this day. Every year when I was little. It just wasn't Christmas time until I had watched "Smoky Mountain Christmas." It was on just the other night and I watch it every year. It is my favorite Christmas movie ever! I hope Becca Lynn likes it just as much as I do. -- Stephanie Balser Loveday Mine was probably the year (either `05 or `06) that I got my dad a puppy for Christmas. He had wanted one for so many years, but my mother was dead-set against it. That particular year, she called me out of the blue and said she wanted to get Dad a puppy for Christmas. We found the perfect one (not from a store, as I don't believe in those). He had always wanted a Jack Russell Terrier, so that's what we found. On Christmas Eve (that's when my family opens presents), we had our dinner, and all the kids opened their presents. We had hidden the puppy in our car. I went outside to "make a phone call" and when I returned, I had the puppy tucked in my jacket. I sat down beside my father and waited for the perfect moment to catch him off guard. At some point, the puppy started whimpering and he wondered what the noise was. The cat, or in this case, the dog, was out of the bag. I reached into my jacket and pulled the puppy out... red ribbon and all. My father's eyes swelled up with tears and we all started to cry. He hugged and kissed the puppy as though he wouldn't get to keep her past that night. Dad lived to see one more Christmas. My mother still has the dog. Every time I see them it reminds me of that Christmas and my dad. --Shawn Breeden, Sevierville addition, once it started getting dark we rigged up a lamp inside to one of the cars outside with an extension cord and we gathered around and played board games and card games, and essentially had more fun and togetherness than we ever would have had the power been on. -- Jason Davis, Seymour The Necks 8 p.m. Jan. 16 at Bijou Theatre; tickets $15, (865) 656-4444, www.knoxbijou.com Local Festivals/Events n Dance with the Sharks New Year's Eve Party 9:01 p.m. Thursday at Ripley's Aquarium; tickets $139.99 couple, $79.99 single, $35.99 children 3-11, reservations required, (888) 240-1358, www.ripleysaquariumofthesmokies.com Puttin' On the Ritz 6-10:30 p.m. Jan. 30 at Sevierville Civic Center, semi-formal dinner and dance; $50 person, proceeds benefit Relay For Life., 428-0846, 654-9280, 3975556, 603-1223 Local Arts n Women in Wood Exhibition Through Jan. 2 at Blain Galleries, Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, opening reception with guest lecturer Betty Scarpino, 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 16, 436-5860, www.arrowmont.org SUBSCRIBE TODAY No prior or lapsed insurance? Are you a new driver? Do you need a SR22? Do you have a foreign drivers license and need insurance? Low Down NO PROBLEM Affordable Payment Rates FREE QUOTE B4 Local The Mountain Press Friday, December 25, 2009 Christ's impact felt far and wide Mark Twain (18351910) wrote in a letter to a friend, "The Christmas holidays have this high value: they remind Forgetters of the Forgotten, and they repair damaged relationships." In a parallel vein, Dr. James Allan Francis (1864-1928) emphasized in his book, "The Real Jesus and Other Sermons," that the Christmas story brings a message of inner peace during outward turmoil; that it spotlights humility and family; and it speaks of faith, hope and love. Mark Twain and Dr. Francis were probably far apart in their theological beliefs, philosophies and methodologies, but they both realized the validity of what we commonly refer to as the Christmas Spirit. The two also spoke of the amazing influence and history-changing life of the Christ of Christmas. Published in 1869, Mark Twain's bestselling book during his lifetime, "The Innocents Abroad," contained this passage he wrote while visiting Capernaum in the Holy Land: "One of the most astonishing things that has yet fallen under our observation is the exceedingly small portion of the earth from which sprang the now flourishing plant of Christianity. The longest journey our Saviour ever performed was from here to Jerusalem -- about 100 to 120 miles. The next longest was from here to Sidon -- say about 60 or 70 miles. "Instead of being wide apart -- as American appreciation of distances would naturally suggest-- the places made most particularly celebrated by the presence of Christ are nearly all right here in full view, and within cannon-shot of Capernaum. Leaving out two or three short journeys of the Saviour, he spent his life, preached his gospel, and performed his miracles within a compass no larger than an ordinary county in the United States. It is as much as I can do to comprehend this stupefying fact." In 1926, as pastor of the First Baptist Church of Los Angeles, Dr. James Allan Francis presented a message at a meeting of the National Baptist Young Peoples Union that included his much-published words: "Here is a man who was born in an obscure village, the child of a peasant woman. He grew up in another obscure village, where he worked in a carpenter's shop until he was thirty. Then for three years he was an itinerant preacher. He never wrote a book. He never held an office. He never had a family or owned a home. He never set foot inside a big city. He never traveled two hundred miles from the place he was born. He did none of the things that usually accompany greatness. "While He was still a young man, the tide of popular opinion turned against him. His friends deserted him. He was turned over to his enemies, and went through the mockery of a trial. He was nailed to a cross between two thieves. While he was dying, his executioners gambled for the only piece of property he had -- his coat. When he was dead, he was taken down and laid in a borrowed grave. "Nineteen centuries have come and gone, and today he is the central figure for much of the human race. All the armies that ever marched, and all the navies that ever sailed, and all the parliaments that ever sat, and all the kings that ever reigned, put together, have not affected the life of people on this earth as powerfully as this One Solitary Life." Today, may the Christ of Christmas impact your life -- and the lives around you -- in a positive way. -- � Carl Mays, author and speaker. E-mail to firstname.lastname@example.com. Among the Stitch and Chatter members who helped make items year-round are, from left, Eva Reeves, Jean Dew, Geraldine Clark, June Ramundo, Kathryn Lathan, Susan Agnello, Ann Matuszak, Barbara Storms, Ruth Matthews, Stephanie Curtis, Mildred Donley and Betty Heldman. Submitted Stitch and Chatter sews up 10th year Submitted report The Stitch and Chatter group celebrated 10 years together in June. The group started at First Presbyterian Church in Sevierville and moved to Fort Sanders Sevier Senior Center in the summer of 2003. Many afghans and other crocheted or knitted items are made and given away each year by members. The group meets each Wednesday at 10 a.m. Distribution in 2009: n June 10: The group gave awauy 26 baby blankets and 35 hats at Fort Sanders Sevier Medical Center, and 48 afghans/lap robes and a chair pillow to the Ben Atchley State Veterans Home in Knoxville n Dec.2: Eight afghans, 44 hats, 48 scarves and 14 pairs of mittens given to Mission of Hope in Knoxville n Dec. 9: 31 baby blankets, 40 hats and a sweater given to Fort Sanders Sevier Medical Center; and 60 afghans/shawls/capes and a pillow to Meals on Wheels in Sevier County, Sevier County Health Care Center, Pigeon Forge Care & Rehab, churches and community friends Members of the group who participated: Susan Agnello, Geraldine Clark, Stephanie Curtis, Willie Delozier, Jean Dew, Ruth Fincham, Betty Heldman, Kathryn Lathan, Martha Manos, Ruth Matthews, Annie Matuszak, Annilee McGill, Sieta Neuteboom, June Ramundo, Eva Reeves, Joan Renaud, Debra Roberts, Barbara Roy, Barbara Storms and Vicki Stradley. Donations of yarn are always welcome. H e a lt H D e pa r t m e n t I n s p e c t I o n r e p o r t s The Department of Health is responsible for regulation of food service establishments in Tennessee The law requires that restaurants have an unannounced inspection at least once every six months to determine if they are in compliance with applicable rules and regulations at the time of inspection. In addition to routine inspections, unannounced inspections are conducted in response to individual complaints. Tennessee uses a 44-item inspection sheet with a maximum of 100 points. Thirteen of the items are considered critical. Critical items, found out of compliance, must be corrected within 10 days. Inspections since Dec. 15: n n 91 n n n Corky's Ribs & BBQ ... Geno's Pizza ... 87 Greenbriar Restaurant ... 88 n Guarino's Italian Restaurant ... 72 n Park Vista lower kitchen ... 95 n Party Hut ... 93 Bennett's Pit BBQ ... 85 Black Bear Jamboree ... 94 n G-S-M Murder Mystery Dinner Show ... 96 n Gourmet Coffee Shop and Upper Room, Old MIll Avenue ... 93 n Huck Finn's ... 92 n Kinkaku ... 89 n Long John Silvers ... 93 n Mad Dogs Creamery ... 95 n Norma Dan Motel breakfast ... 94 n Papa's Hot & Cold, 2879 Parkway ... 97 n n n Parkway Pancake House ... 83 n Ruby Tuesday ... 84 n Smith Family Theater ... 91 n Super 8 ... 92 n Thai Thani ... 75 n Woodgrill Buffet ... 85 PIGEON FORGE Ball Supper Table, Pullen Road ... 94 n SEVIERVILLE Hank's Pizza ... 92 Islamorada Fish Company ... 80 n New Center Ice Cream & Pizza ... 92 n Outback Steakhouse ... 93 n River Islands Golf Club ... 85 n n n Zaxby's ... 90 SEYMOUR Chapter 7 � STOP: FORECLOSURES FREE CONSULTATION / PAYMENT PLANS RELIEF: SAVE HOME-AUTO GET A FRESH START ELIMINATE & CONSOLIDATE DEBT LAWSUITS / COLLECTIONS REPOSSESSIONS DEBT PAYCHECK GARNISHMENT CREDITOR CALLS BANKRUPTCY � Chapter 13 www.GoBankruptToday.com 320 Wears Valley Road Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 Catherine B. Sandifer, Esq. admitted in Tennessee & Florida "We are a debt relief agency. We help people file for bankruptcy under the Bankruptcy Code" (865) 428-5263 Atrium Restaurant ... 89 Chapel in the Park ... 96 GATLINBURG We Connect you to your neighborhood, this region, and the world. Digital Home Advantage offer requires 24-month commitment and credit qualification. Customer receives credits for each of the first 12 months. If service is terminated before the end of 24 months, a cancellation fee of $15 per month remaining will be charged. All equipment is leased, and must be returned to DISH Network upon cancellation or an equipment fee will be charged. Limit 4 tuners per account; lease upgrade fee will apply for select receivers; additional monthly fees apply for each receiver added beyond the first. HBO/Showtime: Customer receives credits for each of the first 3 months; customer must call or use website to downgrade or then-current price will apply. Cinemax: Requires AutoPay with Paperless Billing. Offer ends 1/31/10; first-time DISH Network customers only. HD programming requires HD television. All prices, packages and programming subject to change without notice. Offer is subject to the terms of the Promotional and Residential Customer Agreements. Local channels are only available in certain areas; additional fees may apply. HBO� and related channels and service marks are the property of Home Box Office, Inc. SHOWTIME and related marks are trademarks of Showtime Networks Inc., a CBS company. iPhone is a trademark of Apple, Inc. SLICKS1725_Q3RtlrAd_A3.3_bw Friday, December 25, 2009 The Mountain Press Local B5 Et CEtEra Showing at Reel Theatres' Movies on the Parkway in Sevierville. For show times, call 453-9055. *It's Complicated (R) -- Stars Meryl Streep and Alec Baldwin. An aged, divorced mother becomes "the other woman" in her ex-husband's life when the pair enters into an unexpected affair during and out-of-town trip. *Alvin & The Chipmunnks: The Squekqeul (PG) -- Stars Zachary Levi and the voice talents of Justin Long. The world famous singing pre-teen chipmunk trio return to contend with the pressure of school, celebrity and a rival femal music group known as The Chipettes. Avatar (PG-13)-- Stars Sam Worthington and Zoe Saldana. A reluctant hero embarks on an epic adventure, ultimately fighting to saves the alien world he has learned to call home. Did You Hear About the Morgans? (PG-13) -- Stars Hugh Grant and Sarah Jessica Parker. When an estranged New York City couple witness a murder, they are entered into the Witness Protection Program and whisked off to small-town Wyoming where their marriage will either finally crash and burn, or their passion will re-ignite. The Princess & The Frog (G) -- Stars the voice talents of Anika Noni rose and Bruno Campos. A modern twist on a classic tale, about a beautiful girl named Tiana, a frog prince who desperately wants to be human again, and a fateful kiss that leads them both on a hilarious adventure through the mystical bayous of Louisiana. The Blind Side (PG-13) -- Stars Sandra Bullock and Quinton Aaron. The true story of Michael Oher, a homeless AfricanAmerican youngster from a broken home, taken in by a well-to-do white family who help him fulfill his potential and eventually become an All-American offensive left tackle and NFL player. *Indicates new releases this week Front Porch Restaurant Live bluegrass, 7-9 p.m. Friday and Saturday; live folk and acoustics, 6 to 9 p.m. Sunday. (423) 4872875 Fireworks to cap off celebration GATLINBURG -- The city will welcome the arrival of 2010 with its 22nd annual New Year's Eve Ball Drop and Fireworks Show at the Space Needle Dec. 31. At the stroke of midnight, the Space Needle area will shine with a red glow at the beginning of a music program that includes selected songs followed by a choreographed fireworks show produced by Pyro-Shows of LaFollette. Leading up to midnight, live entertainment and music delivered by Kevin McGuire will be on the balcony of the Gatlinburg Convention Center at the Historic Nature Trail/Airport Road entrance. Performers will entertain the crowd prior to midnight at the free event, with party favors available near the base of the Space Needle. "It has become a tradition for families from across America to come back to celebrate the New Guarino's Italian Restaurant Michael Hicks sings and plays piano, 6-10 p.m. every Friday in Gatlinburg McClarens Marci Pace, Ni Crowe, Dec. 26, Songwriters Open Mic with Marci Pace, Dec. 27; all starting at 10 p.m., Food City Shopping Center, Dolly Parton Parkway, Sevierville, 4299889 New Orleans on the River Amelia & Louis perform 6 to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 933-7244 Ripley's Aquarium Bluegrass group Smoky Mountain Travelers 10-4 p.m. Saturday in front of Aquarium in Gatlinburg Shamrock Pub Shamrock Pub on Reagan Drive in Gatlinburg; acoustic duo New Rain every weekend through December 7 p.m. Year here in Gatlinburg," said George Hawkins, special events manager. "We expect to have another big crowd to help us usher in 2010 with their family and friends." The highlight of the evening is the ball drop from the Space Needle. Then music encouraging crowd participation and the fireworks show off the 342-foot structure will welcome the new year. Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies offers a "Dance With the Sharks" party from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. on New Year's Eve. A ticket includes hors d'oeuvres, champagne toast, fireworks viewing from Aquarium Plaza, and two dance floors, one with an eight-piece band, the other with a DJ. Kids arrangements and programs are also available. Submitted For information on The fireworks show to kick off the new year other parties and activi- caps an evening of entertainment and activities ties, call the Gatlinburg in Gatlinburg. Chamber of Commerce at 800-568-4748, or visit www.gatlinburg.com. Skiddy's Place Skiddy's Place on Birds Creek Road in Gatlinburg; Karaoke, Tuesday and Thursday nights; Locals Night, 4-7 p.m. on Wednesdays; various performers on weekends. 436-4192 Co-ed volleyball league now registering teams This league is open for persons who are 18 years of age or older. Serious SEVIERVILLE -- The volleyball players can Sevierville Recreation join the "A" division, or Department is accepting roster and entry fees those who want to have fun can play in the "B" for the coed volleyball division. Participants can league. Play will be on Monday practice on Wednesdays from 6:30 to 9 p.m. and and Thursday, beginSundays from 1-6 p.m., ning Jan. 14, 2010, at but must have eight playthe Community Center. ers present. Entry fee is $125 and is For more information due by Jan. 7. Packets call Patrick Oxley at the can be picked up at Community Center, 453the gym office at the 5441. Community Center. From Submitted Reports Holiday Gift Certificates Available Now: $10 $20 $50 A gift filled with FUN and EXCITEMENT Great for All Ages! 2891 PARKWAY PIGEON FORGE, TN (LOCATED AT TRAFFIC LIGHT#4 IN PIGEON FORGE) Smoky Mountain Brewery In Gatlinburg, 9:30 p.m. to 1 a.m.: karaoke/DJ, Monday-Tuesday; live music, Wednesday-Sunday. In Pigeon Forge, 9 p.m. to midnight: karaoke/ DJ, Sunday-Monday; live music, Tuesday-Saturday Buy ONE Complete Pair of Single Vision Glasses and Get One FREE INCLUDES EXAM INCLUDES EXAM $ $ 109.95 109.95 2 Boxes of Disposable Contacts Smoky's Sports Pub & Grub 1151 Parkway (Light #10) Gatlinburg: Weekly live entertainment and karaoke. 436-4220 Dr. Lane's Payless Optical Sunset Grille 142 Thinwood Drive Newport: The show starts at 9 p.m. Dreaming? Retiring? Investing? ON ALL REMAINING NEW 2009 CHEVYS WAC* 0 72 APR* FOR % To add or update items to the weekly entertainment calendar, call 428-0748, ext. 205, or e-mail to editor@themountainpress. com. LOCAL THEATERS 2010 CAMARO AVAILABLE n Black Bear Jamboree: 908-7469 n Blackwoods Breakfast Show: 908-7469 n Comedy Barn: 428-5222 n Country Tonite Theatre: 453-2003 n Dixie Stampede: 4534400 n Elvis Museum TCB Theater, featuring Matt Cordell: 428-2001 n Grand Majestic Theater: 774-7777 n Great Smoky Mountain Murder Mystery Dinner Theater: 908-1050 n Magic Beyond Belief: 428-5600 n Memories Theater: 4287852 n Miracle Theater: 4287469 n Smith Family Theater: 429-8100 n Smoky Mountain Theater: 774-5400 n Smoky Mountain Palace Theatre: 429-1601 n Sweet Fanny Adams Theater: 436-4039 n Tennessee Shindig (formerly Fiddlers' Feast): 908-3327 n WonderWorks "Hoot N' Holler" Show: 868-1800 2010 EQUINOX IN STOCK 2009 Aveo Hatchback The Smokies' Favorite #9699 #9609 4 CAMAROS IN STOCK 2009 Cobalt 2-Dr MSRP $17,785 Factory Rebate $2,500 Chevy Over Stock $1,000 or GM Buy Back Guarantee $500 0.0% APR up to 72 mos. available WAC WISHBOOK for Grown-ups! MSRP $15,685 Factory Rebate $1,500 Chevy Over Stock $1,000 or GM Buy Back Guarantee $500 0.0% APR up to 72 mos. available WAC $ 12,639 2009 Chevy Impala $ 13,591 2009 HHR LS #9592 2009 Chevy Malibu #9615 2009 Silverado Crew Cab 2WD #9714 MSRP $20,975 Factory Rebate $2,500 Chevy Over Stock $1,000 or GM Buy Back Guarantee $500 0.0% APR up to 72 mos. available WAC #9752 $ 16,660 MSRP $24,020 Factory Rebate $3,500 Chevy Over Stock $1,000 or GM Buy Back Guarantee $500 0.0% APR up to 72 mos. available WAC 0% $ 18,680 MSRP $27,505 Factory Rebate $2,000 Chevy Over Stock $1,000 or GM Buy Back Guarantee $500 0.0% APR up to 72 mos. available WAC $ 23,321 MSRP $31,535 Factory Rebate $3,500 Chevy Over Stock $1,000 or GM Buy Back Guarantee $500 0.0% APR up to 72 mos. available WAC $ 25,333 Andy's Junction, 10237 Chapman Highway, Seymour: Country Tradition, 7-10 p.m. Friday; live music, 7-10 p.m. Saturday Andy's Junction Look For Our Signs 2009 Silverado 2009 Silverado 2009 Avalanche 2009 Corvette Ext. Cab 4WD Crew Cab 4WD LTZ 4WD Z06 #9791 Available Here throughout the area Jerry and Joan Paul perform Appalachian music most afternoons in Gatlinburg at Alewine Pottery in Glades. 774-6999 Appalachian Music HOMESANDLAND.COM SERVING OVER 30,000 COMMUNITIES FROM MYRTLE BEACH TO MALIBU! Blue Moose Burgers and Wings MSRP $32,324 Factory Rebate $3,500 Chevy Over Stock $1,000 or GM Buy Back Guarantee $500 0.0% APR up to 72 mos. available WAC #9712 $ Located on the Parkway behind Bullfish Grill and Johnny Carino's: Live music, 7-10 p.m. Fridays. 286-0364 STOP BY ANY LOCAL REAL ESTATE OFFICE OR CALL 1-800-277-7800 FOR A FREE COPY! VOLUNTEER CHEVROLET Certified The Right Way. The Right Car� 26,586 MSRP $37,240 Factory Rebate $3,500 Chevy Over Stock $1,000 or GM Buy Back Guarantee $500 0.0% APR up to 72 mos. available WAC #9801 #9537 $ 30,659 MSRP $48,221 Volunteer Discount $2,126 Factory Rebate $3,500 or GM Buy Back Guarantee $500 0.0% APR up to 72 mos. available WAC $ 42,095 MSRP $77,415 Factory Rebate $4,000 Chevy Over Stock $1,000 Volunteer Discount $6694 or GM Buy Back Guarantee $500 0.0% APR up to 72 mos. available WAC $ 65,221 www.volunteerchevrolet.com SALE HOURS Mon-Fri 8AM - 7PM Sat 8AM - 5PM *Tax, title, tags & lics. fees extra. W.A.C. Dealer retains all rebates and/or incentives. Due to adervitising deadlines some units may be USED CARS sold. Pictures are for illustration purposes only. Program expires Jan. 4, 2010. 0.0% APR available on select model in lieu of rebates and/or incentives. Prices includes $399 customer service fee. B6 Local The Mountain Press Friday, December 25, 2009 REAL ESTATE TRANSFERS DisTricT 1 12 Kodak Charles Cravens and Imperial Properties Inc. to Mark Blakley and Primitive Properties LLC for $19,500 for 2 tracts, Lin Creek Road Phillip and Gioconda Stieve to Albert and Madeline Crawford for $62,000 for unit 231, English Mountain Condominiums 8 7 Catlettsburg 15 Millican Grove 3 New Center 1 Jones Cove Traditional Christmas flower a native of Mexico By FRANK STOFFLE Special to The Press The poinsettia is one of the country's most traditional symbols of Christmas. But did you realize that this Christmas flower was a native flower of Mexico? In 1825 a South Carolinian, Joel Robert Poinsett, the first U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, visited Taxco and found the red plants known as the "flower of ever" growing on the hillside in the Mexican landscape. Poinsett, a botanist, sent some of the plants to his home in Greenville, S.C. In Germany in 1833 the botanical name was given as Euphorbia Pulcherrima. The poinsettia, however has remained the accepted name in English speaking countries in honor of Joel Poinsett. Joel Robert Poinsett's historical influence in South Carolina resulted in the naming of several landmarks in his honor. Poinsett Bridge is located in Greenville County, S.C. Poinsett State Park is also named for him. In addition to the natural legacy of Joel Poinsett, Poinsett Hotel in downtown Greenville was built in 1924, replacing the old Mansion House. The historic Poinsett Hotel was listed on the National Register of Historic Places and recently underwent extensive renovations. The $20 million project included a plaza, along with the renovated Poinsett Hotel, now called the Westin Poinsett. Joel Robert Poinsett died in 1851 and was buried at the Church of the Holy Cross in Stateburg, S.C. During Christmas time masses 14 Oak City Boyds Creek 9 Sevierville 4 Middle Creek Caton's Chapel 17 10 Dupont 5 16 13 Pigeon Forge Pittman Center Glades 2 DisTricT 3 Waldens Creek 6 Wears Valley Gatlinburg 11 Judith Foreman and Peter Sacharczyk to Adam and Felicia Carpenter for $146,600 for lot 8A, Glendale Sherrel Reagan to Rikki Small for $124,000 for lot 6, Freeman's Place Roswell Holdings LLC to Conway and Lois Wilson, and Kim Frazier for $325,000 for lot 61-R1, New Center Estates for lot 90, Boone Docks Jeffery and Janet Johnson to Larry Garner for $59,900 for lot 147, Cherokee Hills DisTricT 10 Federal National Mortgage Association, Johnson and Freedman LLC to Christopher and Celissa Hayes for $185,000 for lot 24, phase I, Sterling Springs Brock and Scott PLLC, Terry and Lisa Dyes to James Mize for $45,000 for 1 acre in District 10 Fannie Mae Federal National Mortgage Association to Monique Boudreaux for $156,000 for lot 100, phase 1, Sterling Springs Knight to Donald McCarter for $12,000 for 0.44 acres, Locust Ridge Road Bank of America and J. P. Morgan Chase Bank to Jason and Kevin White for $90,000 for lot 1482, Section B, Sky Harbor The poinsettia is a symbol of Christmas, and is a native flower of Mexico. of poinsettias decorates his grave. By an Act of Congress, Dec. 12 was set aside as National Poinsettia Day. The date marks his death. I can't imagine the Christmas holidays without poinsettias. No plant says Christmas like a bright red poinsettia. More poinsettias are sold in the United States every year than any other flowering potted plant. People have fallen in love with its brilliant red color. Submitted DisTricT 4 DisTricT 14 Sykes & Wynn PLLC, Don and Shirley Clabough to Tennessee State Bank for $31,437.14 for 4.67 acres, Indian Gap Road Marty and Robin Allen to Allan and Pamela Morgan for $182,000 for unit 64, phase 2, Hidden Springs Resort Darrell Keene to Leigh Ann Parton for $75,000 for unit Two, lot 27R-1, Murphy Farm Darrell Keene to A. Katie Parton for $75,000 for unit Two, lot 28R-1, Murphy Farm Joseph and Christy Sagliano to James and Joan Wagner for $36,500 for 5.604 acres in District 4 DisTricT 16 Larry Carr to John Lee for $129,900 for lot 4, Rainwater Properties Jeanette and Barbara Nees and Robert Schreiber to Larry Carr for $168,000 for lot 6, Waldens Creek Mountain Retreat William and Doris Carringer, Jeffrey and Lynn Taylor to JP Family Limited Partnership, Joe Morris Sr. and Patricia Ann Morris for $270,000 for lots 15, 16, 17 and 18, Shagbark Sutton Funding LLC to REO Protium for $396,386.28 for lot 96, phase three, Cedar Falls REO Protium, Barclays Capital Real Estate Inc. and HomeQ Servicing to Craig and Marlene Layman for $216,000 for lot 96, phase three, Cedar Falls The true beauty of the poinsettia isn't the flowers. Rather, it's the bracts of the large leaves that turn vibrant colors, taking center stage in the Christmas displays mixed with other holiday decorations. So the next time you shop for the poinsettia, "Christmas Flower," remember Joel Robert Poinsett and his holiday legacy to South Carolinians and all Americans. DisTricT 11 Nationwide Trustee Services Inc., Charles and Marguerite Douglas to JPMC Specialty Mortgage LLC for $124,572 for property on Old Greenbrier Road Shapiro and Kirsch LLP, Bette and James Lambert to Morequity Inc. for $120,000 for lot 7, Kenview Estates Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., Freddie Mac, National Default REO Services and First American Asset Closing Services, to Dennis Kern for $154,900 for lot 490 Chalet Village North DisTricT 5 Stephen and Dawn DeBlois to Don and Brenda Baldridge for $114,000 for lot 7, Marshall Addition Number 4 Robert and Cherry Rhines to Jacob and Rebecca Seaton for $20,000 for lot 21R-2, Sims Vista Stephen and Andrea Kraft to Jeffrey and Laura McLeod for $206,000 for unit 125, Sherwood Forest Resort Ronnie and Evangeline Gibson to Barbara Gibson for $50,000 for lot 8, Williams and Parton Rentals Federal National Mortgage Association and Johnson and Freedman LLC, to Larry Russell for $192,900 for lot 99, phase 4, Alpine Mountain Village Mortgage companies have attorneys CIVIL LITIGATION working hard for them, let us work hard for you to stop your foreclosure or help modify your mortgage loan CIVIL LITIGATION 103 Commerce St. Sevierville, TN 37862 OUR GIFT TO YOU... $ DisTricT 17 John and Rose Marie Owens to Fred and Colleen Cianelli for $340,000 for lot 21, Cobbly Nob, Foxwood Section Fred, Colleen, Alfred and Frances Cianelli to John and Rose Marie Owens for $196,100 for lot 40, Cobbly Nob, Little Bit of Heaven Section 49.95 HOLIDAY SPECIAL LAST CHANCE TO RECEIVE STIMULUS REBATE DisTricT 12 Fred and Judy Stansberry, Wayne and Phyllis Jones to Stephen Black for $9000 for lot 9, Spout Springs Save up to $3000 on new systems DisTricT 13 Federal National Mortgage Association, Fannie Mae, Wilson and Associates PLLC to Jason Redman for $178,000 for unit R, and Unit 18, Summit View Robert and Marylea Remkus to Jeffrey and Sandra Swynenberg for $120,000 for lot 12, Ella Reagan Property Michael Knight, Deanna Thornton and Deanna (865)453-0977 DisTricT 6 Brock and Scott PLLC, Randy and Vicki Taylor to Branch Banking and Trust Company for $42,143.41 for lot 71, unit 4, phase I, Homestead in Wears Valley NFL Ticket College Game Plan Come watch your favorite team "I can unlock great information with my finger" DisTricT 7 Thomas and Ellen Byrne to Donna Swartz for $157,000 for lot 44, Oak Haven Resort DisTricT 8 Sherri Case, Benjamin Ragan and Beatrice Ragan, deceased, to Mountain National Bank for $103,615.49 for 1.29 acres, Mutton Hollow 11am-3am 12pm-3am each day until 10pm (865) 774-3336 DisTricT 9 Walt Dickson to Scott Hall for $50,000 for lot 14, High Meadows Preferred Properties Investments LLC to Carlos Perez for $87,500 for lot 4, phase 1, Hidden Ranches Frank Sanjurjo to Mark Canterbury for $205,000 SPREAD THE HOLIDAY CHEER Friday, December 25, 2009 The Mountain Press Food B7 Save cash on do-ahead hors d'oeuvres JIM ROMANOFF For The Associated Press A homemade hors d'oeuvres beats out-ofthe-box frozen any day. And while your guests are sure to appreciate the personal touch, it's the savings to your entertaining budget that will have you smiling. On average, frozen party nibbles cost between $5 and $7 per dozen. This recipe for baked new potato halves topped with roast beef and horseradish cream can be prepared in about 30 minutes for about $2.50 per dozen. For convenience, the potatoes can be baked a few hours ahead so you can quickly reheat them and assemble the hors d'oeuvres as needed. If you like, use sliced pastrami, corned beef or even deli sliced roast turkey instead of the roast beef. Turkey Sausage Stir-Fry is a lighter option to the traditional. Courtesy of Family Features Lighten up the new year with Turkey Sausage Stir-Fry dish The New Year is a great time for choosing lighter meal options, but that doesn't have to mean sacrificing great flavor. Protein is a great way to feel fuller, longer, which means you're less likely to fill up on unhealthy foods. To keep your meals interesting, look for lean ways to jazz them up: n Add flavor with herbs and spices. Try dishes with curry, chili powder or ginger to wake up your taste buds. n Add savory vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms or red onions to salads, sandwiches and main dishes. n Roast veggies, like carrots or green beans, with a little olive oil and some herbs. The flavors deepen into a nutty-sweet combination that melts in your mouth. Turkey sausage is also a great option to help keep you on track in the New Year. It's a lighter choice and adds lots of flavor to any dish. With great flavor developed through a natural hardwood smoking process, Johnsonville turkey sausage also eliminates the need for extra spices and seasonings - saving you both time and money. In fact, this turkey sausage stir-fry can be prepared for just $1.12 per serving. For more great turkey sausage recipes to help keep you on track in the New Year, visit www.johnsonville. com. AP Photo/Larry Crowe New Potatoes with Roast Beef and Horseradish Cream Start to finish: 35 minutes (15 minutes active) Servings: 60 30 very small red potatoes, halved lengthwise 2 T. extra-virgin olive oil Salt, to taste Ground black pepper, to taste 3/4 c. reduced-fat sour cream 1/4 c. reduced-fat mayonnaise 3 T. well-drained ground horseradish 1 T. Dijon mustard 1/2 pound thinly sliced deli roast beef, coarsely chopped 2 T. chopped fresh tarragon Place a rack in the lower third of the oven. Heat the oven to 425 F. Brush 2 baking sheets with oil. Place the potato halves on the baking sheets, cut side down. Sprinkle with Turkey Sausage Stir-Fry Yield: 6 servings 1 pkg. (13.5 ounces) Johnsonville Smoked Turkey Sausage or Smoked Turkey Cheddar Sausage 2 T. olive oil 1 pkg. (16 ounces) fresh or frozen stir-fry vegetables 6 T. Kung Pao sauce, stir-fry sauce or sweet-and-sour sauce 2 c. hot, cooked rice Cut sausage into 1/4-inch bias slices. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add sausage; saut� for 1 minute. Add vegetables; cook and stir for 6-8 minutes or until hot. Add sauce; cook and stir 1 minute longer until coated. Serve with hot rice. These easy to make new potatoes with roast beef and horseradish cream cost half what frozen hors d'oeuvres do and serve nicely with a variety of sliced meat toppings. salt and pepper. Bake for 15 minutes, or until wellbrowned on the underside and tender at the center. The potatoes can be prepared up to 2 hours ahead. Let cool to room temperature and cover with plastic wrap. Meanwhile, in a bowl, stir together the sour cream, mayonnaise, horseradish and mustard. To assemble, reheat as many potatoes as you want to serve at one time, in the oven or microwave. Top each potato with about 1/2 teaspoon of horseradish cream and 1 teaspoon of chopped roast beef. Sprinkle with tarra- gon. Serve warm. Nutrition information per serving (values are rounded to the nearest whole number): 77 calories; 11 calories from fat; 1 g fat (0 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 4 mg cholesterol; 14 g carbohydrate; 3 g protein; 1 g fiber; 46 mg sodium. Courtesy of Family Features The Mountain Press Friday, December 25, 2009 Legals 100 Announcements 200 Employment 300 Services 400 Financial Classifieds 500 Merchandise 600 Rentals 700 Real Estate 800 Mobile Homes 900 Transportation 8B LEGALS IN THE JUVENILE COURT FOR SEVIER COUNTY, TENNESSEE NO. 09-001776 STATE OF TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN'S SERVICES PETITIONER v. ELIZABETH ANN VANCE, Mother And JASON LOUIS KRAFT, Putative Father Respondents IN THE MATTER OF: CHRISTIAN "BLAKE" TULLOCK, d.o.b: 2-6-2000 LEGALS A CHILD UNDER EIGHTEEN (18) YEARS OF AGE ORDER FOR SERVICE BY PUBLICATION It appearing to the Court from allegations of the Petition for Termination of Parental Rights, and the Affidavits of Diligent Search that the whereabouts of the Respondent Jason Louis Kraft are unknown and cannot be ascertained by diligent search, therefore, the ordinary process of law cannot be served upon Jason Louis Kraft. It is therefore, ORDERED that said Respondent be served by publication of the following Notice for four (4) con- LEGALS secutive weeks in the Mountain Press, a newspaper published in Sevier County, Tennessee. It is further ORDERED that if the Respondent Jason Louis Kraft does not enter an appearance or otherwise Answer the Petition, further personal service or service by further publication shall be dispensed with and service of any future notices, motions, orders or other legal documents on this matter may be made upon the Respondent Jason Louis Kraft, by filing same with the Juvenile Court Clerk for Sevier County, Tennessee. LEGALS NOTICE TO THE RESPONDENT: Jason Louis Kraft The State of Tennessee, Department of Children's Service, has filed a Petition against you seeking forever your parental rights to CHRISTIAN BLAKE TULLOCK. It appearing that ordinary process of law cannot be served upon you because your whereabouts are unknown. You are hereby ORDERED to serve upon Daniel K. Smithwick, Attorney for the Tennessee Department of Children's Services, 115 Allensville Rd., Suite 105, Sevierville, TN 37876, Phone NO: (865) 429-7012, an Answer to the Petition for Termination of Parental Rights filed by the Tennessee Department of Children's Services, within thirty (30) days of the last date of publication of this notice, which will be January 2, 2010, or appear personally in the Juvenile Court of Sevier County, Tennessee, at 125 Court Avenue, Sevierville, Tennessee, 37862, on the 17th Day of February, 2010 at 8:30 a.m., to personally answer the Petition for Termination of Parental Rights. Failing to appear for the hearing on this date and time, without good cause, pursuant to rule 39(c) of the Tenn. R. Juv. P., will result in the loss of your right to contest the petition to terminate your parental rights to the child listed above. You may view and obtain a copy of the Petition and any other subsequently filed legal documents at the Juvenile Court Clerk's Office, 125 Court Avenue, Sevierville, Tennessee 37862 Entered this 10 day of December, 2009 Hon. Jeff Rader Sevier County Juvenile Judge 12-11-09, 12-18-09, 12-25-09, 01-01-10 LEGALS It appearing to the Court from allegations of the Petition for Termination of Parental Rights, and the Affidavits of Diligent Search that the whereabouts of the Respondent Elizabeth Ann Vance are unknown and cannot be ascertained by diligent search, therefore, the ordinary process of law cannot be served upon Elizabeth Ann Vance. It is therefore, ORDERED that said Respondent be served by publication of the following Notice for four (4) consecutive weeks in the Mountain Press, a newspaper published in Sevier County, Tennessee. It is further ORDERED that if the Respondent Elizabeth Ann Vance does not enter an appearance or otherwise Answer the Petition, further personal service or service by further publication shall be dispensed with and service of any future notices, motions, orders or other legal documents on this matter may be made upon the Respondent Elizabeth Ann Vance, by filing same with the Juvenile Court Clerk for Sevier County, Tennessee. NOTICE TO THE RESPONDENT: Elizabeth Ann Vance The State of Tennessee, Department of Children's Service, has filed a Petition against you seeking forever your parental rights to CHRISTIAN BLAKE TULLOCK. It appearing that ordinary process of law cannot be served upon you because your whereabouts are unknown. You are hereby ORDERED to serve upon Daniel K. Smithwick, Attorney for the Tennessee Department of Children's Services, 115 Allensville Rd., Suite 105, Sevierville, TN 37876, Phone NO: (865) 429-7012, an Answer to the Petition for Termination of Parental Rights filed by the Tennessee Department of Children's Services, within thirty (30) days of the last date of publication of this notice, which will be January 2, 2010, or appear personally in the Juvenile Court of Sevier County, Tennessee, at 125 Court Avenue, Sevierville, Tennessee, 37862, on the 17th Day of February, 2010 at 8:30 a.m., to personally answer the Petition for Termination of Parental Rights. Failing to appear for the hearing on this date and time, without good cause, pursuant to rule 39(c) of the Tenn. R. Juv. P., will result in the loss of your right to contest the petition to terminate your parental rights to the child listed above. You may view and obtain a copy of the Petition and any other subsequently filed legal documents at the Juvenile Court Clerk's Office, 125 Court Avenue, Sevierville, Tennessee 37862 Entered this 10 day LEGALS of December, 2009 Hon. Jeff Rader Sevier County Juvenile Judge 12-11-09, 12-18-09, 12-25-09, 01-01-10 110 SPECIAL NOTICES NON-RESIDENT NOTICE NO.2009-0859-1 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR SEVIER COUNTY AT SEVIERVILLE, TENNESSEE JASON PATRICK KENNAN vs. SUMMER LEE MCCARTER In this cause, it appearing from the Complaint, whick is sworn to, that the Defendant, SUMMER LEE MCCARTER, is a nonresident of the State of Tennessee, it is ordered that publication be made for four consecutive weeks, as required by law, in the MOUNTAIN PRESS, a newspaper published in SEVIERVILLE, Tennessee, in said County, notifying said nonresident Defendant to file an answer with Plaintiff's Attorney, JAMES W. GREENLEE, TN 37861 and the Circuit Court of Sevier County, Tennessee, within 30 days from the last date of publication, exclusice of said last date of publication, or a judgment by default may be entered and the cause set for hearing ex-parte as to DEFENDANT, on the 22 day of FEBRUARY, 2010 at 9:00 a.m., before the Honorable BEN W. HOOPER II, Circuit Judge. This 13 day of NOVEMBER, 2009 Rita D. Ellison Circuit Court Clerk Heather Estabrook Deputy Clerk 12-18-09 12-25-09 01-01-10 01-08-10 does not recommend or endorse any product, service or company. For more information and assistance regarding the investigation of FINANCING, BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES AND WORK AT HOME OPPORTUNITIES, this newspaper urges its readers to contact the Better Business Bureau, 2633 Kingston Pike, Suite 2, Knoxville, TN 37919, Phone (865)692-1600. 236 GENERAL Local cabin company taking applications for Reservationist, Assistant Manager, and Cleaners. Apply in person at: 333 Ski Mtn. Rd. Gatlinburg. 356 STORAGE BUILDINGS 10X10 or 10x20 SELF STORAGE Convenient Location! 411 South, left on Robert Henderson Rd., 1/4 mile on right at Riverwalk Apts. 429-2962 Quality Control Earn up to $100 per day. Evaluate retail stores. Training provided. No experience required. Call 877-696-8561. 238 HOTEL/MOTEL LEGALS SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE'S SALE WHEREAS, default having been made in the payment of the debts and obligations secured to be paid by that certain Deed of Trust executed on June 3, 2005, by Rick L Clayton and Judith L Clayton to PRLAP Inc., Trustee, as same appears of record in the Register s Office of Sevier County, Tennessee, under Book No. 2265, Page 584, ("Deed of Trust"); and WHEREAS, the beneficial interest of said Deed of Trust was last transferred and assigned to Bank of America N.A.; and WHEREAS, Bank of America N.A., the current owner and holder of said Deed of Trust, (the "Owner and Holder"), appointed the undersigned, Nationwide Trustee Services, Inc., as Substitute Trustee by instrument filed for record in the Register s Office of Sevier County, Tennessee, with all the rights, powers and privileges of the original Trustee named in said Deed of Trust; and NOW, THEREFORE, notice is hereby given that the entire indebtedness has been declared due and payable as provided in said Deed of Trust by the Owner and Holder, and that the undersigned, Nationwide Trustee Services, Inc., Substitute Trustee, or his duly appointed attorneys or agents, by virtue of the power and authority vested in him, will on Thursday, January 7, 2010 (having been postponed from the previous sale dates of November 5, 2009 and December 3, 2009), commencing at 2:00 PM at the steps of the Main entrance of the Sevier County Courthouse, Sevierville, Tennessee, proceed to sell at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for cash, the following described property situated in Sevier County, Tennessee, to wit: Situated in the Fifth (5th) Civil District of Sevier County, Tennessee and being all of unit 25 of the Sherwood Forest Resort, Phase 1 a Planned unit development as shown in the plat of record in LM BOOK 4 PAGE 65 in the register s Office for Sevier County, Tennessee, to which plat specific reference is here made for a more particular description. Subject to all of the covenants, restrictions, conditions, easements and other provisions of record in book 1322, page 750, in said register s office. Subject to any and all applicable restrictions, easements, boundary lines agreements and building setback lines of record in Map Book 32, page 360 and LM Book 4 page 65 in said Register s Office. Being all of the property conveyed to Rick L. Clayton and wife, Judith L. Clayton from Pleasant Cove, Inc., a Kentucky Corporation dated June 3, 2005, of record in Book 2265 Page 582 in the Register s Office for Sevier County, Tennessee. 110 SPECIAL NOTICES CLARION INN & SUITES Looking for dependable, detailed and customer service oriented personnel. Now accepting applications for the following full time positions: �Front Desk Excellent wages, bonus and benefits! Please apply in person M - F, 9:30am - 3pm. 1100 Parkway Gatlinburg, TN 500 MERCHANDISE PHOTOS SUBMITTED If you submit a photo for publication, please pick it up after it runs in the paper within ONE MONTH of publication date. Our photo files will be discarded each month. Thank You! 556 FIREWOOD Firewood for sale. All hardwood. $45 rick. 865-977-8903 Find BIG Savings... When You Place Your Ad in the Classifieds! Call 428-0746 110 SPECIAL NOTICES PROPERTY ADDRESS: 4435 Forest Vista Way Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 Classifieds After the first insertion, want ads scheduled to be published again on Tue., Wed., Thu., or Fri. may be canceled or corrected between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. on the day prior to publication. For ads on Sat., due Thu. prior to 3 p.m.; for Sun., Fri. prior to 10 a.m. and Mon., prior to 11 a.m. Notice of typographical or other errors must be given before 2nd insertion. The Mountain Press does not assume responsibility for an ad beyond the cost of the ad itself and shall not be liable for failure to publish an ad for a typographical error. CURRENT OWNER(S): Clayton Financial Group, LLC The sale of the above-described property shall be subject to all matters shown on any recorded plan; any unpaid taxes; any restrictive covenants, easements or set-back lines that may be applicable; any prior liens or encumbrances as well as any priority created by a fixture filing; and any matter that an accurate survey of the premises might disclose. SUBORDINATE LIENHOLDERS: Bank of America N.A OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES: N/A All right and equity of redemption, statutory or otherwise, homestead, and dower are expressly waived in said Deed of Trust, and the title is believed to be good, but the undersigned will sell and convey only as Substitute Trustee. The right is reserved to adjourn the day of the sale to another day, time, and place certain without further publication, upon announcement at the time and place for the sale set forth above. THIS IS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. IN THE JUVENILE COURT FOR SEVIER COUNTY, TENNESSEE NO. 09-001776 STATE OF TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN'S SERVICES PETITIONER v. ELIZABETH ANN VANCE, Mother And JASON LOUIS KRAFT, Putative Father Respondents IN THE MATTER OF: CHRISTIAN "BLAKE" TULLOCK, d.o.b: 2-6-2000 A CHILD UNDER EIGHTEEN (18) YEARS OF AGE ORDER FOR SERVICE BY PUBLICATION Corrections 110 SPECIAL NOTICES Nationwide Trustee Services, Inc., Substitute Trustee c/o NDS1 Nationwide Trustee Services, Inc. 1587 Northeast Expressway Atlanta, GA 30329 (770) 234-9181 (ext. ) File No.: 158.0930437TN Web Site: www.msplaw.com December 11, 18 and 25, 2009 Unauthorized use of The Mountain Press tubes for circulars or any other advertisement authorizes a minimum $250 charge for which the advertiser will be billed. Edition Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Good News in the Smokies Deadlines Deadline Friday, 10 a.m. Friday, 11 a.m. Monday, 10 a.m. Tuesday, 10 a.m. Wednesday, 10 a.m. Thursday, 10 a.m. Friday, 10 a.m. Thursday, 10 a.m. http://www.themountainpress.com OR, www.adquest.com All line ads published in The Mountain Press are placed FREE on a searchable network of over 500 newspapers' classifieds located at http://www.themountainpress.com. WANT TO KNOW WHEN A CLASSIFIED ITEM IS AVAILABLE? Go to http://www.adquest/request/ to register your request and we will notify you by e-mail when it becomes available in the Classifieds. Online www.themountainpress.com www.themountainpress.com Your key to finding a new home! Check out the Classifieds to find the perfect home. 105 YARD & TREE SERVICES 105 YARD & TREE SERVICES 106 HOME IMPROVEMENTS 106 HOME IMPROVEMENTS 106 HOME IMPROVEMENTS 106 HOME IMPROVEMENTS 115 ROOFING SERVICES 117 ELECTRICAL KELLY'S HOME Quality Work - Reasonable Prices Coplen Construction Home repairs, Remodeling Additions, Elect, Plumbing, Kitchen, Bath, Painting, Flooring Big or Small, we do it all Licensed & Insure IMPROVEMENT FIREWOOD � Carpentry � Electrical � � Plumbing � Kitchens � � Bathrooms � Painting � Licensed & Insured Call Ty 368-2361 Call Carl 865-654-6691 Professional Painter for hire 1st class guaranteed work. Over 25 yrs. exp. All types of roofing All New roofs Re-roofs Work Repairs Guaranteed Free Estimates Call: 865-430-2599 118 EXCAVATING Nicks Roofing 428-0746 C B Builders Experienced local carpenter Does all types remodeling Additions & Repairs Licensed & Insured Sevier County Roofing Quality Work *Senior Discounts *10 yr Warranty Call Conley Whaley 428-2791 or 919-7340(cell) Phone Sam 865-453-6811 Free Estimates countyroofingcorp.com 865-236-2698 Excavating, Footers, Water Lines, Fill Lines, House Sites, Land Clearing, Tractor Work, Driveway Grading, Bushhogging, Long Reach Bushhog, Roadsides and Hillsides. Call Greg - 850-6706 9B Classifieds LEGALS 589 FURNITURE The Mountain Press Friday, December 25, 2009 699 HOME RENTALS Newly remodeled 4BR 2BA Farmhouse off the Spur on Kings Branch. $900 mth 8502487. 710 HOMES FOR SALE NOTICE OF SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE`S SALE WHEREAS, default has occurred in the performance of the covenants, terms and conditions of a Deed of Trust dated December 5, 2005, executed by Kenneth A. Schryver and Carol A. Schryver, conveying certain real property therein described to Larry A. Weissman, as Trustee, as same appears of record in the Register s Office of Sevier County, Tennessee recorded on December 19, 2005 at Book/Instrument No. 2422, Page 110-137 and modified at Book 2599 Page 519; and WHEREAS, the beneficial interest of said Deed of Trust was last transferred and assigned to SunTrust Mortgage Inc. who is now the owner of said debt; and WHEREAS, the undersigned, Everett L. Hixson, Jr., having been appointed by as Substitute Trustee by instrument to be filed for record in the Register s Office of Sevier County, Tennessee. NOW, THEREFORE, notice is hereby given that the entire indebtedness has been declared due and payable, and that the undersigned, Everett L. Hixson, Jr., as Substitute Trustee or his duly appointed agent, by virtue of the power, duty and authority vested and imposed upon said Substitute Trustee will, on J anuary 14, 2010 at 11:00 AM at the SEVIER County courthouse door where the foreclosure sales are customarily held at the SEVIER Courthouse, located in Sevierville, Tennessee, proceed to sell at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for cash, the following described property situated in Sevier County, Tennessee, to wit: SITUATE IN THE SECOND (2ND) CIVIL DISTRICT OF SEVIER COUNTY, TENNESSEE, AND BEING ALL OF UNIT 93 OF ELK SPRINGS RESORT, AS THE SAME APPEARS IN PLAT MAP OF RECORD IN LARGE MAP BOOK 6, PAGE 104, IN THE REGISTER`S OFFICE FOR SEVIER COUNTY, TENNESSEE, TO WHICH REFERENCE IS HEREBY MADE FOR A MORE PARTICULAR DESCRIPTION. SUBJECT TO THE RESTRICTIONS, CONDITIONS, EASEMENTS, MAP NOTATIONS AND ALL OTHER ISSUES OF RECORD IN MAP BOOK 9, PAGE 60; LARGE MAP BOOK 6, PAGES 7 AND 104; BOOK 2295, PAGES 294, 301 AND 308 AND BOOK 2298, PAGE 503, ALL IN THE REGISTER`S OFFICE FOR SEVIER COUNTY, TENNESSEE. BEING ALL OF THE PROPERTY CONVEYED TO KENNETH A. SCHRYVER AND WIFE, CAROL A. SCHRYVER, FROM MOUNTAIN TOP DEVELOPERS, LLC, A TENNESSEE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY, BY GENERAL WARRANTY DEED OF RECORD IN VOLUME BOOK 2422, PAGE 108, IN THE REGISTER`S OFFICE FOR SEVIER COUNTY, TENNESSEE. PROPERTY ADDRESS: The street address of the property is believed to be 1921 Elk Springs Resort Unit 93, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 In the event of any discrepancy between this street address and the legal description of the property, the legal description shall control. CURRENT OWNER(S): Carol A. Schryver, Kenneth A. Schryver OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES: The sale of the above-described property shall be subject to all matters shown on any recorded plat; any unpaid taxes; any restrictive covenants, easements or set-back lines that may be applicable; any prior liens or encumbrances as well as any priority created by a fixture filing; and to any matter that an accurate survey of the premises might disclose. This property is being sold with the express reservation that it is subject to confirmation by the lender or Substitute Trustee. This sale may be rescinded at any time. The right is reserved to adjourn the day of the sale to another day, time, and place certain without further publication, upon announcement at the time and place for the sale set forth above. All right and equity of redemption, statutory or otherwise, homestead, and dower are expressly waived in said Deed of Trust, and the title is believed to be good, but the undersigned will sell and convey only as Substitute Trustee. The Property is sold as is, where is, without representations or warranties of any kind, including fitness for a particular us or purpose. THIS LAW FIRM IS ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. Everett L. Hixson, Jr., Substitute Trustee Rubin Lublin Suarez Serrano, LLC One Park Place, Suite 380 6148 Lee Highway Chattanooga, TN 37421 WWW.RUBINLUBLIN.COM/PROPERTY-LISTINGS.PHP Tel: (888) 890-5309 Fax: (423) 296-1882 December 18, 25, 2009 and January 1, 2010 A-1 pre-owned dryers, washers, ranges & refrigerators All with warranty. Cagles Furniture and Appliances For Sale 696 APARTMENTS FOR RENT 696 APARTMENTS FOR RENT 698 MOBILE HOME RENTALS 453-0727 1100 sq. ft. 2BR/2BA $600 mth + $500 dep. 1 yr lease. No Pets. 428-0713 or 389-5780 SPACIOUS OPEN HOUSE 12 Homes to view 1 & 2 BR avail. Some Pets OK. $400 UP WATER INCLUDED Murrell Meadows 1/8 mile from Walters State College Allensville Road Walk to lake Reasonable Rates FINCHUM PROPERTIES Leasing 1 & 2 BR apts Hardwood floors, plus many extras, 1 year lease, no pets. TVA energy efficient 865-453-8947 865-776-2614 693 ROOMS FOR RENT RENT NO MORE! RENTERS, LET YOUR RENT BE YOUR DOWN PAYMENT! ONLY 10 HOMES LEFT Sevierville Doublewide 2BR $500 mth + deposit. No pets. Ref. 933-6544 1600 sq ft home w/garage, Great Location to school etc. Newly Remodeled. Great Starter Home Must see. $144,000 OBO 680-4290 or 6965721 Large Wears Valley Rd 2 story Farmhouse Z-Com 3br 2ba $225K D-588-4554 722 BUSINESS BUILDINGS 4 office rentals + large garage. S. Blvd Way $249,000. 933-6544 724 REAL ESTATE WANTED 654-7033 Clean, Quiet 1BR Eff. W/D. All utilities. $620 a mth. Located on English Mtn. 865-654-1486 CROSSCREEK 2BR/1.5BA $545 2BR/2BA Large Garden apartment $570.00 to $580.00 865-429-4470 For Rent: 2BR $550. 1st & Last mo., w/d conn. New construction, downtown Sevierville & Riverwalk. Call Phyllis 455-5821. Furnished, utilities. $135 wk. 1st, last & dep. 865-3109545. Mountain View Townhome apartment for rent 2BR 1.5BA. Newly remodeled with hardwood flooring & new carpet. Located in Gatlinburg. 1st mth rent & security deposit required. For more information call 865-868-0449 Mon-Fri 8:30am5:30pm or 865356-3015 after hours & weekends RIVERWALK 1BR/1BA TO 2BR/2BA $545.00 to $695.00 865-429-2962 Sevierville Duplex 2BR 2BA Whirlpool. $650 mo. No pets. References. Tony414-6611 Spacious 1100 sq ft 2BR 2BA Almost new. 4 minutes from town. 865742-6176 697 CONDO RENTALS 865-453-0086 2BR 2BA trailer $600 mth 1st & last required. Absolutely no pets! 429-4574 or 453-8243 CLOSE IN TO SEV 2BR/2BA, Stove, Fridge, D/W, Includes Mowing. $575 a mo Fresh paint. Lease, Ref. Req. 1st, Last and Damage. No Pets. Rebecca 621-6615 Kodak 3BR 2BA $500 mth + dep. No pets. Refs. 9336544. 699 HOME RENTALS 699 HOME RENTALS Private Motel Room Great for 1 person! 1 bed, full size frig. microwave, cable TV $120 weekly $50 deposit 436-7745 Gatlinburg Small house on Parkway for lease. Great for small business. With living quarters. 8502487. HUD PUBLISHER'S NOTICE All real estate advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation, or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, family status or national origin, or intention to make any such preferences, limitations or discrimination. State laws forbid discrimination in the sale, rental or advertising of real estate based on factors in addition to those protected under federal law. We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination, call HUD Toll-free at 1-800-6699777, The Toll-free telephone number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275. Wanted to buy 2BR 2BA duplex or condo with no steps. 240-533-6375 No brokers please. Affordable Housing in Gatlinburg Rooms for rent, weekly rates, furn., cable TV, same rent all year. 436-4471 or 621-2941 428 Park Rd. near trolley stop CHEAP- $100 weekly Includes All Utilities. Cable, Laundry, Kitchens, Clean Rooms, NO PETS. DOWNTOWN SEVIERVILLE 800-359-8913 3BR 2BA in Red Bud Subdivision. Appliances included. $750 & up + deposit. 428-5212 New Homes for Rent. 3BR/2BA starting at $700 - $850 & $1000 per month. No pets. 865-850-3874 829 MANUFACTURED HOME SALES 28x80 5BR $34,900. Very nice. 9336544 Includes Phone, Color TV, Wkly Housekeeping Micr./Frig. Available $169.77+ Family Inns West Weekly Rentals 2 BR APT. in Pigeon Forge area. $550/mo, $275 damage dep. up front. No pets! 865573- 6859 or 3895229 NICE, CLEAN IN KODAK Pigeon Forge 865-453-4905 � 696 APARTMENTS FOR RENT 1 or 2BR Apartment. Quiet neighborhood. No pets. Call 453-3177 or 850-1693. 2 weeks free. 2BR 1.5BA Spacious with balcony. Water incl. Garden Setting. $550 mth Shadowwood Apts. 429-6925 3 BD / 2 BA 4 MILES FROM EXIT 407 $700/MONTH & DEPOSIT. NO PETS. 865-712-5238, 865-705-9096 2BR & 3BR houses for rent. Sevierville. Starting at $750. Dep & Refs required. 654-2099. 3BDR 2BA ranch style house on cul-desac, CH/A, city water & sewer, Sevierville area. Good neighborhood, pets negotiable. $725/mo, plus depoisit & last mo. rent, call 453-1201 M-F for application Christmas & New Years Deadlines Attention Advertisers: 2BR 1.5BA Townhouse Gatlinburg Beautiful 2BR 2BA Furnished Condo with Fireplace, Overlooks stocked trout stream and has heated pool. Walk to downtown Gatlinburg, includes water, cable, Flat screen TV. Immediate occupancy, Minimum 1 Year lease $875 mth. 865-771-9600 698 MOBILE HOME RENTALS Retail and Classified Display Advertising Issue Deadline Apartments, mobile homes and trailer lots for rent SEVIERVILLE RENTALS BIG BROKER BOB's REALTY 865-774-5919 SILO APARTMENTS in Sevierville Offers 1/2 BR Units Pet Friendly CATUE �2009 Tribune Media Services, Inc. All Rights Reserved. LINTE 453-2959 NICE, CLEAN 1 BR / 1 BA IN SEVIERVILLE $380.00 + DEPOSIT NO PETS 865-712-5238 PIGEON FORGE 2BD/2BA APARTMENT 2-3 BR Homes New Center 3BR/2BA Garage, Pet Friendly Peaceful Settings Mountain View Hwy 321 Pittman Center area. 1BR cabin on creek fully furnished Utilities included. $225 wk 850-2487. Large home on lake for lease in Kodak area. Minutes from Exit 407. 4BR 4+ BA, large deck, 2 fireplaces. $2000 per mth. 850-2487 POEQUA VERYUP Now arrange the circled letters to form the surprise answer, as suggested by the above cartoon. NEW BIBLE Jumble Books Go To: http://www.tyndale.com/jumble/ Will Be Closed Friday, December 25th, 2009 for Christmas Day and January 1st, 2010 for New Year's Day. Central H/A. All appliances + W/D. Very nice. Great location. PF City Limits. $650/mth + damage dep. No pets. 428-1951 Ask for Ron 3BR 1.5BA New paint, carpet & windows. Covered carport, washer/dryer, large yard, quiet neighborhood. 1/10 mile off Parkway in Sevierville. Refs. No pets or smoking. $850 mth + dep & last mth. 865-429-1335 or 865-654-6623 THAT SCRAMBLED WORD GAME by Mike Argirion and Jeff Knurek Unscramble these four Jumbles, one letter to each square, to form four ordinary words. Sevierville Tues. 12/29/09 Wed 12/30/09 T 865-933-0504 Answer: Yesterday's A " " Kellum Creek Townhomes 2 BR $645.00 incl. water & sewer. 5BD/4.5BA Fully furnished, w/hot tub, washer, dryer, etc. Wears Valley 1BD/1.5BA Pet Friendly Very Nice Unit Kodak 2BR/2BA $465 (Answers tomorrow) Jumbles: GAUZE NERVY SEETHE BUCKET Answer: She drew the brainy student's attention with this -- HER EYE CUE 865-908-6789 865-368-6602 Classified Line Advertising Issue Deadline In order to serve you better, please observe these special deadlines. If you need assistance with your advertisement, please call your Ad Representative today at 428-0746 or 428-0748. B10 Comics Family Circus Close to Home The Mountain Press Friday, December 25, 2009 Advice `Some assembly required' inspires amusing poem Dear Readers: Merry Christmas! Here's a little something sent in by a reader (author unknown) who thought it would provide some holiday cheer: `Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house, I searched for the tools to hand to my spouse. Instructions were studied and we were inspired, in hopes we could manage "Some Assembly Required." The children were quiet (not asleep) in their beds, while Dad and I faced the evening with dread. A kitchen, two bikes, Barbie's townhouse to boot. And, thanks to Grandpa, a train with a toot. We opened the boxes, my heart skipped a beat -- let no parts be missing or parts incomplete. Too late for last-minute returns or replacements, if we can't get it right, it goes in the basement. When what to my worrying eyes should appear, but 50 sheets of directions, concise, but not clear, With each part numbered and every slot named, so if we failed, only we could be blamed. More rapid than eagles the parts then fell out, all over the carpet they were scattered about. "Now bolt it! Now twist it! Attach it right there! Slide on the seats, and staple the stair! Hammer the shelves, and nail to the stand." "Honey," said hubby, "you just glued my hand." And then in a twinkling, I knew for a fact, that all the toy dealers had indeed made a pact but a living kidney is much better than a perfect match from a deceased donor. Today we are both healthy and have become great friends. Currently more than 104,000 people are waiting for an organ transplant. Nearly 82,000 are waiting for a kidney. Every day, 18 people die while waiting. In making their holiday gift lists, I encourage your readers to think about giving something truly useful -- a gift that can't be bought at any price and requires no wrapping or shipping. The National Kidney Foundation's Holiday Gift of Life campaign reminds us that for any occasion, the greatest gift we can give is the promise to save or enhance someone's life with organs and tissues that we no longer need. If possible, consider becoming a living donor. Give the gift of life. Your readers can learn more at www.kidney.org. -- Santa Rosa, Calif. Dear Santa Rosa: On behalf of our readers, warm thanks to you and others who give life. You are greatly admired. Annie's Mailbox is written by Kathy Mitchell and Marcy Sugar, longtime editors of the Ann Landers column. Please e-mail your questions to email@example.com, or write to: Annie's Mailbox, P.O. Box 118190, Chicago, IL 60611. To find out more about Annie's Mailbox, and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com. Zits Blondie Baby Blues To keep parents busy all Christmas Eve night, with "assembly required" till morning's first light. We spoke not a word, but kept bent at our work. Till our eyes, they went bleary. Our fingers all hurt. The coffee went cold and the night, it wore thin, before we attached the last rod and last pin. Then laying the tools away in the chest, we fell into bed for a welldeserved rest. But I said to my husband just before I passed out, "This will be the best Christmas, without any doubt. Tomorrow we'll cheer, let the holiday ring, and not have to run to the store for a thing! We did it! We did it! The toys are all set For the perfect, most perfect, Christmas, I bet!" Then off to dreamland, at last sweet repose, I gratefully went, although I suppose, There's something to say for those self-deluded. I'd forgotten that batteries are never included! Dear Annie: Three years ago, I was privileged to donate a kidney to someone I didn't know. I had been a registered organ donor for many years, but at age 66, I realized I might outlive my organs' usefulness. My recipient and I weren't a great match, Beetle Bailey t o d Ay ' s p u z z l e Garfield Barney Google and Snuffy Smith For Better Or Worse Tina's Groove