When the daffodils and forsythia punch their bright flash of yellow flowers through the winter gray my spirits lift, and the spring bug bites. Old hyacinth friends pushing up through the dirt promise purple-blue flowers and brim with a fragrance that is, for me, the essence of springtime.
It is a time of renewal. Perennials use the strength gathered from nutrients while dying back last season to burst forth again. Compost is made from fallen leaves and garden debris and used to nurture the new flowers.
My admiration for this efficient cycle is probably why I am drawn to the discussion going on in our community right now about recycling. It makes sense to try to reuse what we can and help our planet. As a family, we have periodically gathered old newspapers and cans, but we have never made a lifestyle change. Why not? A lack of awareness, a lack of an easy system and a lack of a nearby facility to take all of these items could have been reasons in the past. Not any more. There's a change going on in our town, and it is time for us to get involved.
Two Quick Steps toward joining the effort:
1. Attend the free Martin Beautiful Earth Day - Recycle event slated for Saturday, April 25 beginning at 9 a.m. at Vincent Implements. Dennis Kosta and David Carithers from UTM Recycles! will be hosting the first seminar titled: Recycling for Us. A second seminar at 10:45 and conducted by Vaughn Cassidy, a local West Tennessee environmental coordinator, is titled: The Cost of "Away." This event is round two of a series of spring seminars hosted by Martin Beautiful. Their website has the dates and information for the next seminar scheduled in May and is a resource for information about getting involved in celebrating the beauty in our town.
2. Take your items to the UTM Recycles! center. They are accepting recyclables at the facility behind the old National Guard Armory on Moody St. The building is the largest warehouse-type structure at the endof Moody St. on the right. According to Dennis Kosta, a strong supporter of the facility, you can bring :
glass
bottles
plastic (including bags)
aluminum cans
paper and cardboard
steel cans
scrap metal
used clothing in good shape
eyeglasses
cell phones
ink cartridges
The center is open and bins are available for drop off of your items. If you need assistance in unloading materials, call 881-7640 M-F between 7:30 and 4:00 p.m. to setup up an appointment to have someone help you unload.
These are just a few quick actions to become more involved in the recycling effort in Martin. The Moore family has taken one baby step this week with the decision to use an organic weed barrier in our Century 21 "Veggie Village" Kids' Garden. We're using old newspapers instead of plastic. Our learning curve is high, but the movement is in the right direction.
I'm a member of the Martin Business Association and serve on the activities committee. It is easy to be involved when there are such great events in our town. This one is almost here. Wait, let my friend, Adonis, tell you all about it:
Howdy.
The UTM 41st Annual Spring College Rodeo is slated for April 16-18. The Martin Business Association is jumping in there to help promote this fun, family event that brings many dollars back into our community.
Start planning now for the MBA Rodeo Days Window Display and Window Art Contest set for April 10 - 16.
We will also be promoting a “Dress Western Day” for Friday, April 17 to encourage the entire city to dress western and show support for the rodeo.
The idea is to wow our visitors with the excitement and fun our local businesses can bring to the event. Imagine, visitors walking around town on that Friday to see EVERYONE dressed in western garb.
And, when locals and visitors drive through town during Rodeo Week, imagine if windows everywhere were decked out in a western theme. It can happen, and it is up to us to make it so.
Here's the scoop:
What: Martin Business Association Rodeo Days Window Display and Window Art Contest
Open to: Martin Business Association Members
Details: Gear up with the best Western theme you can find and be creative!
You can 1) create a display in the front windows of your business, or 2) decorate or paint your front windows. The only requirement is to stick to a “Western or Rodeo” theme.
Judging will be conducted by members of Martin Beautiful and will be based upon a single category or a combination of the categories below: Originality, Creativity, and Best Use of Theme
Dates: Email entry with: 1) Company name; 2) Address; 3) Theme of Your Design; 4) Office hours; and 5) Contact information. Send by Friday, April 10 by 5 p.m. to: Leslie@LeslieHaywood-Moore.com.
Windows and Window Art should be ready to be viewed by: Monday, April 13 at 5 p.m.
Judging to be completed on Tuesday, April 14 at 5 p.m.
Winners will be notified on Thursday by noon and winners will be announced at UTM Rodeo, Thursday night .
Additional: Participants will be featured in an MBA website listing encouraging all members to visit and view the displays. The competition will also be mentioned in other publicity efforts surrounding Martin’s MBA Rodeo Days celebration. You also get to have FUN.
Best Part: The Prize! Two tickets to the UTM Rodeo Thursday night performance and dinner for two at Cowboy's Cafe on Lindell.
Questions: Call Leslie at 731-225-2619 or Lynette Wagster at 731-431-8156 or any other member of the MBA Activities committee for details.
So, if you have a business in Martin, TN with any kind of front window, you are in luck. Out of town reader? Make plans to visit. As usual, there will be plenty of things to do.
Special thanks to Benton, KY native, Adonis, for being this post's spokesperson and to his family, Bev and Harry Reed, for sharing him.
Anyone want to take a stab and caption this photo?
It was a normal day. Tim and I were driving back from showing a home to a client. At the intersection of Hamm and Hyndsver Road, it struck. An alien sign was right here on the outskirts of Martin. Air mail, duck crossing, giants---these thoughts crossed through my confused mind when I saw the street sign.
It is a bit unusual, I'll admit. Yet, I think it is a creative solution to a nagging problem. As a real estate agent, street signs are important to me when locating homes, especially when I'm out on country roads. You can Map-Quest all you want, but you and your clients sometimes need the name of the street to turn at the right spot.
But there are more important issues. If you are waiting for an ambulance in a dire emergency, it would be nice that the drivers, even the ones from here who know most of the county roads, have a street sign to follow to find your home. There is the somewhat dependable GPS, and I don't know about you, but I want my ambulance driver to have a street sign instead of relying on that droning voice commanding the driver "to turn right in 50 yards." In a pinch, give me the sign.
Vandals see it differently. Wait, I don't think they see it at all. Signs are destroyed and, more often, stolen. It is an expensive problem. Therefore, a "tall" preventative measure was established.
"It borders on being ridiculous, but you have to almost be ridiculous when people act this way " said Weakley County Road Supervisor, Kermit Hopper.For years, there has been about $25,000 allocated for sign replacement. "We've spent almost every penny every year on vandalism. Very few signs get run over accidentally. Most are torn down," he said.
Budget cuts have made it harder to keep up with the amount of signs needing replacement. Hopper said the department made adjustments and started putting up the tall signs.
"We have seen signs done this way in other areas," said Hopper. The 15-foot elevated signs are a little more expensive on the front end and are only being used where signs have been vandalized more than once. There are about 50 of these tall signs scattered around the county. Hopper says the measure has slowed down the destruction and stealing.
I asked Hopper what to do if you come across a stolen sign. He said just return it to the Highway Department, Highway 22 in Dresden, or leave it near the flagpole in front of the building. "We are not looking to prosecute anyone bringing a sign back; however, we will prosecute anyone caught in the act of stealing or destroying a sign," he said.
My caption to the photo: Look Up! County stands tall in finding a solution to street sign vandalism.
Take a walk in the downtown district Tuesday night. The weather is forecasted to be beautiful with temps in the high 50's to low 60's at 6 p.m. moving down to a little cooler temp around 9 p.m. If the sky is as crisp and clear as it was on Monday afternoon, we are all in for a treat.
It is St. Patrick's Day and an opportunity to shrug off the winter blues and mix and mingle with friends. Yes, it is a Tuesday night. Yes, you have to go to work the next day. But, it is a springtime evening and something is happening downtown! It is called a Pub "Crawl," but let's just take the "walk." Here are the approximate number of steps (translation: exercise) involved:
1. 162 normal walking steps from Olivia's Opera House across Lindell St. to Cadillacs.
2. Then it is 241 steps across Lindell and down the walk to The Stable.
3. And then, about 80 steps back to Olivia's to start again.
Linger at one place. Take a group and meet for dinner. Play pool with friends at Cadillacs. Watch the dart game and buy a great photo at The Stable. Just enjoy the fact that there are events going on in the downtown district.
A few highlights:
Olivia's Opera Houseis hosting a beer tasting featuring craft beers and will also have a green beer special.
Olivia said the dining room menu for the night includes:
Grilled Irish Lamb Chops, marinated in a whiskey rack sauce.
Shepherds Pie, green peas, carrots, onions and ground beef covered in a rich demi-glace and then topped with mashed potatoes--the whole entree is then roasted in the oven.
Dessert: Berry Crumble with Whiskey Butter Sauce.
Cadillacs will host their Happy Hour with drinks and beer specials, including green beer. Owner Rick Wilson says the grill will be offering their famous cheeseburgers as well as appetizers. Caddy's will be giving away lots of trinkets and beads and will, as always, feature pool for the groups who decide to stay and play.
Find free jukebox music, free pool, snacks and green beer specials at The Stable. According to Sherrie Leggins, visitors can watch or even join in the regular Tuesday night dart game with sign-up at 6:30 p.m. A tradition for years, this game can last up to two hours, depending upon the amount of players. If you play, be warned, some of these players are exceptionally skilled, said Sherri.
Make sure and take a look at the photography display and sale at The Stable featuring works by Weakley County Press members. This great group of writers, artists and photographers is donating part of the proceeds of the sale of their work to the Arts Co-Op.
And, although not part of the Pub Crawl, the Arts Co-Op has an event underway from 7 to 9 p.m. featuring special guests sharing a treasure trove of Irish folktales and stories.
The first ever Pub Crawl in downtown Martin will be from 5:30 until 10:00 p.m. There will be tokens at each of the three venues. Collect them and trade them in at Olivia's for a prize. There's a rumor a leprechaun will be filtering through crowd, so wish him well as you walk. Remember, the old tale about a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow? What is the reward at the end of this evening? Why, it will have been a chance to share laughter and friendship on a sweet, springtime evening and support a downtown event.
Want a t-shirt? There is a limited amount and all three venues have them for sale.
Here are a few links about the holiday that may be interesting:
Special thanks to Memphis native, Drake Gingery, UTM student and Pi Kappa Alpha member , who modeled the t-shirt at McTees. The opinions expressed in this blog are solely my own. The information in this weblog is provided “AS IS” with no warranties, and confers no rights.
Join in the celebration today at C.E. Weldon Public Library! It is Dr. Seuss' birthday--he would be 105 today.
Here are the details:
Come and Go Birthday Party
Monday, March 2
3:30 to 5:00 p.m.
C. E. Weldon Library, 100 Main St., Downtown,
And it is for all ages.
According to the Director of Children's Library Services, Sabrina Exum, there will be cake, games, door prizes, Dr. Seuss stories and face painting. The library has been hosting this party for years, and it is presented by the UTM STEA Group. You can call 587-3148 for more details. For Facebook users, Sabrina has created a helpful library page. Not into Facebook yet? Here's the link to the library website.
Here is just a tidbit I found interesting about Dr. Seuss from the Wiki:
Dr. Seuss, his real name, Theodor Seuss Geisel, wrote his Beginner Books with a list of 250 words. His publisher created the list because of a 1954 article in Life magazine about a report that claimed children's books were boring and, consequently, children were not learning to read. The Cat in the Hatbecame the first book of many created from this list of words. Read more about Dr. Seuss' life and works.
Another quick tidbit: Geisel penned many favorites under a pseudonym, Theo. LeSieg--Geisel spelled backwards. He wrote this group of books, and others illustrated them. One book included in this collection is I Wish That I Had Duck Feet. This treasured story, one my daughter and I have read together countless times, is about a little boy who wishes for all sorts of animal parts so he can wow the neighbors and his friends: antlers to carry books and supplies, a tiger tail to jump rope with, or an elephant snout to help firemen put out fires. He discovers each addition creates its own set of problems, and he decides, in the end, he's better off just the way he is.
Want more information on Dr. Seuss' books? Here is a Biblio.com bibliography with links to many of the 60 wonderful tales Geisel created.
See you at the party!
Photo courtesy of Sabrina Exum, C. E. Weldon Public Library.
Puttering down a backroad in Martin today, I couldn't believe the color spreading before me. What a joy to discover the flash of yellow peeking out from the drab brown hillside. There is a bit of spring in Weakley County.
What are you doing for Valentine's Day? If you want to stay in Martin on this loveliest of holidays, I believe you need to adopt an attitude of making things happen. Your fun is up to you. Would you like a little help? Here is my plan for spending Friday and Saturday of Valentine's weekend right here at home.
Friday Night: Begin With Words
Go to The Arts Co-Op Friday night, February 13 for an evening of "poetry and prose."
Romancing the Word is an open-mic night featuring the Martin and UTM writing community, according to co-hosts, UTM English professors, Anna Clark and Leslie LaChance.
Visitors can charm their guests and others by reading aloud their original works or by reading the works of a favorite writer.
Carithers & Coffey will provide a blend of acoustic music beginning at 6:30 pm. Reading sign-ups will begin at 6:45 and readings will take place from 7 until 8:30 pm.
Admission is free. Hor d'oeurvres will be served. Romancing the Word is a soulful way to begin the weekend. Take your special friend on a visual tour of the works offered by our local artists, hear the readings from the writers in our area and, perhaps, find a new treasure at the gallery.
The Arts Co-Op is a new addition to our downtown area and a benefit to all of us. Read more about them from an earlier blog post.
Saturday Afternoon: Continue with Contact
Join UTM as they meet up with Tennessee Tech for a rough and tumble, physical game of rugby! According to New Zealander and head coach, Dr. Paul Higgs, the team is expecting a larger turnout for their second home game at UTM.
"A lot of people are interested in watching their first rugby game, and with weather being so good, there could be a good crowd coming. Tech is also the best team in the division which makes it a big game for us," said Paul.
In case you are new to rugby, it is similar to football, without the pads and helmets, but with a non-stop soccer pace. There are 15 players who play constantly for an entire game of two 40-minute halves and a five-minute intermission. Any football fan, girl or guy, can appreciate the game. Treating your significant other to the competition might be one of the best decisions you make all weekend.
The UTM Rugby team is developing and in their first year of competition play. Some of the club players are from West and Middle Tennessee. "There are many on the team who played on the Brighton,TN team in high school. Our captain is from Nashville," said Paul. "We also have several new people who have never played before. They have all done extremely well," Paul added.
Another twist to the local nature of this game is that the coach of the Tennessee Tech rugby team is a Weakley County native, Scot McCreight, son of Diane and Wayne McCreight of Dresden. Scot is a former rugby player at Tech who is applying his talents in coaching his top team.
With their first win behind them when they crunched the University of Memphis team 17-0 last week, the UTM Rugby team is ready to play this Saturday. Bring your lawn chairs, a picnic lunch and while away the afternoon watching these teams of dedicated athletes play their hearts out.
UTM Rugby: UTM vs Tennessee Tech
Game time has been moved up to 12 Noon
UTM Intramural Field, across the street from the Day's Inn.
Park in the Elam Center parking lot off of University Street.
There are some bleachers. Bring your chairs or maybe, a blanket.
Saturday Night: Start with Romance and Roses
Olivia's Opera House is filling up fast for their Romance and Roses package for Valentine's night. They are offering a five-course meal highlighted with roses and champagne. Won't you be considered thoughtful by your special one when you include this package in your plans to start off your Valentine's night?
The selections are varied for each course of appetizers, soup, salad, entree and dessert. Here are the choices for the main course entrees: Red Chile Crusted Filet; Roasted Ginger Salmon; Chicken Cordon Bleu; Lamb Cutlets with Rosemary Marinade; and Spinach and Portabella Alfredo. Packages are $100 per couple.
You and your favorite can start the night in a beautiful setting with a scrumptious meal. All you have to do is show up and enjoy. But you need to call restaurant manager, Daniel Fitzgerald, now to reserve your table.
Olivia's Opera House Restaurant 214 South Lindell Street, Martin Saturday Hours- 5 pm to 10 pm 587-8000
Later Saturday Night: Stroll Down to The Stable
It is live music with a folksy touch at The Stable in Martin. Treat both of you to an introduction to folk music with talented artist, Richard Thorne. He is making his way through the area. You can read all about him in the entertainment section of this Thursday's edition of The Weakley County Press.
Visit The Stable with its comfortable, low-key atmosphere. Play pool or just sit at the bar and listen to the music. The hostess, Sherri Leggins, always makes sure you feel welcomed when you come in. See her in a great photo my friend, Newscoma, recently took of her.
Listen in for a sample of Richard's music below and then make plans to end up at The Stable to meet good folks and enjoy good folk music.
The venue may be a bit out of the ordinary for some in Martin, but we all need to stretch once in a while, don't you agree?
Enjoy the time in Martin with your special person. What about the rest of the weekend? Well, just make it up as you go. You'll be fine. Happy Valentine's weekend!
Photos: 1st photo: The Arts Co-op poster; Rugby photos-special thanks to Dr. Paul Higgs, UTM; Richard Thorne photo and video taken from www.myspace.com/richardthorne; The opinions expressed in this blog are solely my own. The information in this weblog is provided “AS IS” with no warranties, and confers no rights.
My husband is going to miss Doug Sterrett this year. A close friend, Doug has taught Tim both how to compete on the racquetball court and how to stay afloat in a sailboat. Waving goodbye will be tough as Doug and the crew of Aliikai launch their 18-month voyage around the world.
Doug, Peter Willems and Bryan Boggs, will jump aboard Doug’s 37-foot Tartan, Aliikai, this week and sail out of Grand Rivers, KY for: North Florida, Central America, The Marquesas, The Galapagos Islands, Australia, South Africa, many additional stops along the way and miles and miles of oceans. Doug has been dreaming of this voyage and planning for it for over nine years. He will take a leave of absence from his career as Dean of the College ofEngineering and Natural Sciences at the University of Tennessee at Martin to make it come true.
Years ago, when Doug, 55, talked about circumnavigating, 2009 seemed far away. He spoke of his plans to seek out, purchase and prepare the right boat and assemble the right crew. He talked about gaining further sailing experience by crewing on several blue water crossings, including an Atlantic crossing from the east coast of the U.S. to Spain. Then, over the years, he ticked off these to-do's on his list. Preparing for the voyage has taken hours of work, both on and off the boat. “The last year it feels like it has been every waking moment,” said Doug.
Anyone who knows Doug well, recognizes and appreciates his tenacity, determination and strength of purpose. His varied experiences appear to spell out a road map toward this journey as sailor and captain. Doug spent years of practical training working as a diesel mechanic prior to and during his own university days. He hiked the entire 2000 miles of the Appalachian Trail, and he spent 14 years of working as an engineer in Alabama, Florida and Washington D.C. including time owning and operating his own engineering consulting firm. Doug and his wife, Laura, moved to Martin in 1994 where he joined the faculty at UTM teaching engineering and working with other faculty and administration toward the current School of Engineering accreditation status. Doug then assumed his current position as Dean of the College of Engineering and Natural Sciences at UTM.
Additionally, Doug weathered family responsibilities starting with his and Laura’s trip to Russia to adopt their beautiful baby girl, Tamara, in 1998. The Sterretts then had two more children, John, 1999, and the youngest, Nicholas, in 2005. Nicholas was premature and fought for his life during his first twelve months--a long year of many hospital stays and an agonizing full reconstruction of his critically narrow trachea.
When asked about a trip itinerary, Doug is reticent. “This is circumnavigation vs. destination,” he politely murmurs, “because we will have to wait for weather windows and let the ocean truly decide our timing.” Doug said he built a spreadsheet mapping out the entire course designed to mirror any changes and reset arrival times. He did this work duringbaby Nicholas' trachea surgery in fall of 2006. Nicholas had been medically paralyzed to allow the trachea to heal. Doug said he would sit with his laptop and massage his baby’s toe every five minutes or so while he researched and entered in the 25 to 30 ports of call on their voyage. “Our goal is to be at the right place at the right time of the year.” Translation: Keep the boat and crew away from threatening weather if possible. He speaks about one exciting Atlantic crossing. The boat he was crewing on was hit by five gales and a major three-day storm. Not only was the boat knocked down twice in 30 to 50-foot seas, but the engine stopped working, "Knockdown," Sailing Magazine. The crew and boat then limped into Gibraltar only to meet, a day later, a young European couple, fresh and rested, who said they avoided the bad weather by tracking the storm, hoving to and waiting it out before sailing to shore. “I learned a valuable lesson that day. My boat will have the electronics to monitor and track weather events, he said.”
A few weeks ago, Doug sat with Laura in our kitchen and answered questions others may ask:
Are you ready? “We are never ready because there is always more to do. Thank goodness we (the crew) are all engineers and very meticulous. We will be working all the way down the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway to Mobile in order to be ready when we reach the Gulf. We are now completing the installation of our watermaker and some necessary electronics.”
What is the biggest focus now? “We are intent on storage right now and the biggest thing on our list is making the boat knock-down proof. This means installing latches on all the hatchboards—anything that could open and spill contents—when the boat is knocked on its side by wind or wave. Imagine taking the boat and turning it upside down and shaking it. This is what we are preparing for.”
What do you say to folks who say they would be afraid to be “out there” in the wide ocean because of the storms and the danger? “People who grow up on the sea say the same thing about bears in the woods.”
What is your first planned stop once on the Gulf? “We will wait for the weather window once there and plan to do a few days in the ocean to see how she (Aliikai) behaves. Then we plan to stop in Fort Walton to visit a few buddies I want to see. We will lay over in Punta Gorda for a week, rent a car and visit Fort Lauderdale before taking off. We will be working all this time on last minute provisioning and preparations.”
What is your route and what will the weather be like?” “We are taking what is called the “equatorial route” which means shorts and sandals for most of the trip once we are out of the Gulf. To give you an idea of position: The latitude of Martin, TN is about the same as the latitude of the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa, 34 degrees, our highest point south on our trip. When we round the Cape it will be around January 2010 with temps equivalent to our July weather here.”
What about keeping healthy? “As captain, my goal is to keep the mood as light, relaxed and jovial as we can because research shows this helps to avoid sea sickness. We have the provisions to treat minor ailments and illness. We will have plenty of exercise and fresh air. ”
What about communications? “We won’t be connected most of the way under sail, and we will make our contacts at port. We have email on the boat via a satellite connection. It could be two or three months once under way before we get to talk to home via phone. Laura will update our position on the website when we make contact. We have a satellite phone on board and of course, emergency communication devices as well.”
Tell us about the crew’s responsibilities: “All of us will be responsible for our watch and will share daily duties on the boat. I am responsible for the bottom line—the safety and navigation of ship and well-being of the crew. I think I continually vacillate between Captain Ron and Captain Bligh,” Doug joked. "Peter Willems (pictured far right) is from Columbia, TN and is the ship’s carpenter. He can out woodwork even me, “ Doug said. “Peter is a mechanical engineer from Tennessee Tech and is amazing at what he can build. Bryan Boggs, (pictured in middle) a recent UTM engineering graduate and also from Columbia, TN, will serve as the ship’s provisioning master. Bryan has also been diligently connecting ahead of time with every ambassador of every country we are visiting to ensure an easy transition in and out of ports. Both Peter and Bryan have signed on for the entire trip. They are also leaving family and friends for a long time.”
Speaking of family, what are your plans for yours during this voyage? “When I first began talking of this trip, Laura and the children were coming with me. Plans changed, and we decided to include: for me, a trip or two back to the states to see the family, a few trips which will include Laura visiting, and trips where each of the older children, Tamara (10) and John(9) will spend three months or so individually sailing with me and the crew. I will miss my family and will want to see everyone. We will work it out as we go.”
What has influenced your decisions on sailing and how did you get here? “I read the book, Tinkerbell, by Robert Manry, when I was 15. He crossed the Atlantic in the 60’s in a tiny thirteen-foot boat. I was hooked and decided I wanted to circumnavigate the world then. I decided to really do it in 2001. I think Hal Roth’s book, How to Sail Around the World, has been influential because I am basing this voyage on the same concept of his of keeping it “simple.” The two things different about this voyage from Roth’s voyage is that I have a watermaker and refrigeration.”
It is “Bon Voyage” for Aliikai, which means “Sea Queen” in Hawaiian. Tim will have to come to terms with his lack of a racquetball partner and sailing buddy for the next 18 months. Doug and the crew, will quietly leave their slip at Green Turtle Bay, KY and embark on their adventure. You can follow their trip at www.voyageofaliikai.com.
Bryan Boggs, Peter Willems and Doug Sterrett stopping their preparations long enough for a photo!
Have you ever seen a welded Christmas tree? It looks straight out of Dr. Suess' The Grinch Who Stole Christmas. It was one of 14 entries in our recent Martin Business Association's "Christmas Tree Competition." Held in honor of the inaugural year of our new 20 foot city Christmas tree, the competition sprouted from a small MBA Activities committee members meeting and grew beyond what we all imagined.
The contest was open to all Martin Business Association members. These participants took hold of the idea, jumped in with both feet not knowing what to expect and outdid themselves! I can only imagine the fun my friend, Newscoma, had stringing pork rinds for the entry, Redneck Christmas.
It has been as much fun touring these trees as it was creating the event. There is so much creativity to enjoy. Well, so much that the Martin Beautiful judges, headed up by Lon May, decided we didn't need just one winner, but one Overall and two Honorable Mentions. Congrats to all.
Make a time to visit these trees. Turn it into an event with a few of your friends. You will enjoy the show, and you'll spread a little more Christmas spirit around our wonderful town of Martin.
Not a member of MBA? There is no fee to join. Consider the benefits and jump in like these participants in the competition. So much reward for the effort, I promise.
Did I mention the prizes this year in the contest? First place was an awesome "Big, Red Bowl" handcrafted and donated by Clint Riley of Six Toe Studio here in Martin. The fabulous Honorable Mention prizes were "Empty Bowl Project" bowls created by David McBeth and his students. The proceeds from the sale of these two bowls are donated to the Weakley Co. We Care Food Bank.
Big Red Bowl by Clint Riley, Six Toe StudioFirst Place Awarded to: Country Pet Resort & Spa: Rock Candy Christmas.
Happy Holidays!
Christmas Tree Slide Show Photos courtesy of: Sabrina Bates & Tracy Sharp, Weakley County Press, Thank You!
Just when you figured out about everything you could do with your sailboat, a competition comes along. And, if you know anything about sailors, they can't pass one up.
Lighthouse Landing, in Grand Rivers, KY is just a quick hour drive from Martin, and our home away from home. Marina owners, Marty and Brenda Colburn, revived an old holiday tradition of pitting sailors and campers against each other in a friendly competition. It involved twinkling lights, bribes for the judges, and an evening tour of entries in the Lighthouse Landing Lighting & Holiday Celebration this past Saturday. 15 sailboats and 4 campsites took the bait and worked like crazy in the cold this weekend to make our "homes" shine! "Grog Nog, Hot Damn, Hot Buttered Rum, Spirited Coffee" as well as Christmas cookies and treats were offered to judges and visitors as we traipsed through the tour.
Of course, Tim and I had to compete. Friends Mike and Becky Brann from Evansville worked with us on our lighted tribute to the Christmas grump. We won second place, by the way.
Take a roadtrip from Martin to the lakes this winter and see the sights! The lights are hard to photograph, so you need to see them for yourself, and Marty keeps the lights on the boats through the New Year. While there, drive through Grand Rivers to see the Festival of Lights in town. There are also great vacation homes in this area. It is worth the visit!
The Crew! The little one practicing her "grinchy" grimace!
There is a sheer golden curtain draped around my home and others in my neighborhood right now. When the sun hits it just right, in the early afternoon, it is mesmerizing. I am drawn into the picture postcard scene. And, you would think that when there are no cars on the street, it would be very quiet and peaceful; instead, there is a muffled, soft sound like when snow is steadily falling. Is it the sound of hundreds of yellow leaves making their way to the ground?
It is a stunning audio-visual display, and one that has made me catch my breath a few afternoons this week and snap photos. Of course, these pics never do justice to what nature offers; however, I can try. Living among huge, old, deciduous trees provides a canopy of green and shade in the summer, and when the leaves turn, the show begins. I didn't have to drive a great distance to enjoy it either.
It was love at first sight! Over ten years ago, when we drove into the driveway of the log home, my client, after several visits to houses throughout the area, found her dream. The rich, deep auburn color of the logs inside and out, the mountain resort feeling that whispered, "retreat" sealed the relationship. It was personal.
And so it is with log home owners. Maybe its the scent of fresh cut pine or other wood, the emphasis on natural materials or the idea of owning a home "closer" to nature but with today's features that draws some to this unique style of construction.
The types of log homes range from manufactured to hand crafted log construction, and the number of companies offering log homes seems limitless. According to the Log Home Council, National Association of Home Builders, there are over 26,000 log homes built every year and the majority of these homes are the owners' main residence.
Building a log home is similar to stick-frame homes when it comes to doing your homework. Invest the time to research the type of construction you want, the company you buy from, the quality of materials used and where they are coming from, as well as testimonials of people who have purchased the homes. I've listed several resources at the bottom of this entry where you can link into additional information.
For many, building may not be in your plans. If you love the country nature of a log home, then take a good, long look at a log home currently for sale here in Martin.
Local contractor Randy Edwards, built this Lincoln Log Homes International residence in 2006. Randy says this home is hand-constructed with each log being placed individually. It took five months to build. The home's exterior shell is completely logs, and the home's plan name is The Waco. It features warm and natural pine log exterior walls with a mixture of traditional and log home interiors. When asked about the benefits to a home owner, Randy highlighted energy efficiency and maintenance. The walls have an insulation factor of R-40. "The finished, sheet rock walls in the home are built on top of the log walls adding to the energy efficiency." Randy said. If you need more information about the construction of this home, you can visit my website or email Randy at: RBTS1@msn.com.
For other facts and information, link into these websites.
The Arts Co-Op has just opened its doors in downtown Martin, and what a treat to have a place where our area artists can highlight and sell their works!
Thanks to the efforts of local artists, Robert Nunley and Les MacDiarmid, as well as many others who share their vision,
The Arts Co-Op will offer a variety of artistic endeavors---
painting, pottery, woodworking, photography and more. And according to Les, who I spoke with while visiting the shop, there are plans after the first of the year to also host exhibits of guest artists.
I have always appreciated and bragged about the wonderful galleries in Hopkinsville and in Mayfield, KY where the works of local and area artists are featured. They were always the places during my travels where I could relax and refresh my mind and, usually, pick up something special as a gift for someone or myself.
So, take a moment and enjoy the talent we have here in our area. The Arts Co-Op is located at 217 Lindell across from The Opera House Restaurant and is open on Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 2 p.m. until 9 p.m. Print out the coupon below and take with you for a discount on your first purchase.
One of the favored neighborhoods in our town of Martin is Scenic Hills with its charming street names--Bunny Lane, Strawberry Lane, Mockingbird Lane and Pine Tree Cove. Over the years, I've had clients ask me about the origin of the street names, and I went looking for the answer the other day. It turns out, it is a family thing!
Scenic Hills is a close-knit neighborhood located in the western section of Martin off of University Street. It is a convenient location with easy access to shopping, UTM and downtown. This is a community of caring neighbors who plan a very successful, annual neighborhood garage sale and host one of the largest turnouts of Halloween trick-or-treaters in the town. The car line into the neighborhood spills out onto the side of the highway on that day, and Martin police safely direct traffic in and out of the neighborhood.
Some in town can remember when this area was just farmland, including my father-in-law, Mickey Moore, who helped develop the neighborhood. In 1961, Robert Overton bought the land which consisted of gently rolling farmland and a thick stand of pine trees bordering what was then the "two-lane" Union City highway.
Mickey built the "first" home on this farm around 1962. Interestingly, this home wasn't located in what is now the subdivision but on road frontage at Courtright Road. Tim, my husband, was a baby when the family moved to this two-story home which now has stately trees gracing the front yard and shading the drivers on their way to Wal-Mart. There were no additional streets at that time on the land.
A gravel driveway was added from the current subdivision entrance and branched to the left when J.B. Coley built the first house in what is now Scenic Hills. Between 1962 and 1965 several more homes were built and shared access from this gravel drive. This drive did not become an actual street until after Scenic Hills was established and the city took the drive in as part of the neighborhood.
In 1966, Overton Builders named the subdivision, Scenic Hills. According to Mickey, as developers, he and Robert planned to enhance the large, rolling and treeless stretch of farmland. Ten of the acres were cultivated into a "pick-your-own" strawberry patch. They hired local FFA boys from the high school to then plant tree seedlings in the rows of the strawberries knowing they would be laying in streets soon.
In 1968, Mickey built his family the first home to the right of the current entrance of the neighborhood. The road at that time branched to the right and ended just beyond the home. His driveway entered from the Union City highway. He said everyone thought he was crazy because he sited the home facing into the empty fields and the backyard facing the highway, but he knew the plans. So, the house was built "backwards."
According to Mickey, one afternoon he and Robert found out that they had to quickly have the plat recorded and all of the streets named prior to qualifying for government loans they needed to develop the remainder of the subdivision. Mickey went home that evening with the subdivision plat in hand and spread it out on the kitchen table. Tim, his mom, Barbara, and his sisters, Gina and Terri, were pulled into the decision making.
Of course, Strawberry Lane was easy and fell into place quickly since remnants of the pick-your -own patch were still visible.
Mockingbird Lane - Mickey says there was a mockingbird that year that nearly drove Tim crazy because it would light on their chimney and make all sorts of racket interrupting Tim's tv time. Hence it was an easy decision to include the mockingbird in their street's naming.
Bunny Lane - The rabbits abounded in this stretch of farmland. Tim says he remembers trailing behind his dad and others while they rabbit hunted this area. Mickey recalls it was some of the best rabbit hunting land in Martin. So, Bunny Lane found its origin.
Pine Tree Cove, although the first driveway into the subdivision, was the last "street" added to the neighborhood. Mickey says he believes it found its name due to the beautiful pine trees hiding the homes on this drive from the highway. Unfortunately, these trees had to come down when the two-lane grew to a four-lane.
Now, well-manicured lawns, shade trees and quiet streets surround and highlight the 65 homes in Scenic Hills. It is a desirable location for many who move to Martin and homes sell well--- when you can find people who are moving out! In my next blog on the neighborhood we will visit with the neighbors, Vernon and Aloha Prather, who are planning their 40th year celebration in Scenic Hills in 2009!
I am glad you are reading! I am glad to be living here in Martin, TN. Not a native, I joke I kept a suitcase packed and ready to go in the closet for the first three years when Tim and I relocated back to Martin from Nashville with our children. I just was not prepared for living in my husband's hometown community where everyone knew everyone and, I knew hardly anyone.
As the years have marched on, I have a much enlightened view of life in our small town. The last six years of traveling in the pharmaceutical business from Tupelo, MS to Memphis and then into western KY and all of the small towns in between have bestowed upon me a great appreciation for our way of life. Twenty years of raising three children and living in this community has given me a new hometown.
This is why I have started this blog. As a Realtor® working with customers and clients from all walks of life and geographic areas, I talk with many who have to make the decision to make a home and a life here. Others are just moving down the street or across town, and the move is still a big decision.
Highlights on our way of life and our town with its myriad of unique personalities and families, interesting businesses, places to live, community gatherings, and some just plain quirky happenings is what I want to share. Readers, be gentle. This is a new undertaking and will take some practice.
MartinTNLiving is not about just what street, in what subdivision, in a home with so much square feet and so many bedrooms. It is a community blog rich with its own flavor and character.
Low key lunching that doesn't involve a car and a drive-through window can be challenging at times in Martin. Those of us who frequently take the easy way and eat out--because we didn't plan the night before to take a lunch, or don't really have time to go home, or just want to be social--we need additional places to liven up the midday break.
At the last Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours at Lake Nowhere Mule and Donkey Farm, Kara Kidwell, the daughter of Jim and Deb Kidwell of Lake Nowhere fame, told me Cadillac's downtown was serving plate lunches. Imagine--the old "pool hall" and our college hang-out serving easy, quick and inexpensive lunches. Kara helps out in the kitchen and with the menus, and she even sends out a text message if you want it with the day's menu as a reminder.
Kara and Sandy - Happy Birthday to Sandy this week!
Tender pork chops, roasted potatoes, green beans, cole slaw, sweet tea--the lunch last Tuesday made a believer out of my college-aged son, Harrison, and me. We visited with some of the regular diners and spoke of Cadillac and Mildred, the original owners. We talked with Sandy, who plans the menus and cooks, and with her husband Andy, who joked he stops here to get a "home-cooked" meal. It was a fun time.
The pool hall atmosphere hasn't changed. Be prepared to stop and let your eyes adjust when you walk in from the sunny outside. Sit at the bar and discover what I found to be a relaxed and good lunch. $7.00 will get you a full meal with tea. I mean, you get old-fashioned Tennessee iced tea!
According to owner Rick Wilson, Caddy's reinstated the tradition of serving hamburgers and similar fare when he bought the place 17 years ago. Sandy started adding new dishes several years ago, and her weekly selections have become a standard lunch option for both local diners and college kids craving home cooking. Sandy said she has had calls from parents thanking her for the good food their kids talk about when they get home.
The menu changes weekly, but there are favorites too. According to one fellow eating with us, the "spaghetti and meatballs" every other Thursday is a meal not to be missed. After tasting Kara's "Cheese and Chicken Quesadillas" on a subsequent visit, I definately rank them as another "best choice."
It is so nice to have options. I know, you may not have been there since college, or you may have never entered their doors! Here is your chance. Cadillac's is located downtown and easy to find on the corner of Church and Lindell. Lunch is served from around 11 or 11:30 a.m. until about2 p.m. So, here is this week's menu. Enjoy the flavor of Martin - one eating experience at a time!
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All about living in the wonderful town of Martin, TN and surrounding areas in Weakley and Obion Counties! Real estate, Homes, Rentals, Investment Properties, Restaurants, Entertainment, Art, Music, Photography, Interesting People and Philanthropic and Community Events.
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When the daffodils and forsythia punch their bright flash of yellow flowers through the winter gray my spirits lift, and the spring bug bites. Old hyacinth friends pushing up through the dirt promise purple-blue flowers and brim with a fragrance that is, for me, the essence of springtime.
ort in Martin. The Moore family has taken one baby step this week with the decision to use an organic weed barrier in our 
Howdy. 
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It is a bit unusual, I'll admit. Yet, I think it is a creative solution to a nagging problem. As a real estate agent, street signs are important to me when locating homes, especially when I'm out on country roads. You can Map-Quest all you want, but you and your clients sometimes need the name of the street to turn at the right spot. 
Take a walk in the downtown district Tuesday night. The 
A few highlights:
ng upon the amount of players. If you play, be warned, some of these players are exceptionally skilled, said Sherri. 
Want a t-shirt? There is a limited amount and all three venues have them for sale. 
Are you interested in finding out more about the new First-Time Homebuyer Federal Income Tax Credit?
y Night: Begin With Words
our of the works offered by our local artists, hear the readings from the writers in our area and, perhaps, find a new treasure at the gallery. 
Olivia's Opera House is filling up fast for their 
The selections are varied for each course of appetizers, soup, salad, entree and dessert. Here are the choices for the main course entrees: Red Chile Crusted Filet; Roasted Ginger Salmon; Chicken Cordon Bleu; Lamb Cutlets with Rosemary Marinade; and Spinach and Portabella Alfredo. Packages are $100 per couple.
nd assemble the right crew. He talked about gaining further sailing experience by crewing on several blue water crossings, including an Atlantic crossing from the east coast of the U.S. to Spain. Then, over the years, he ticked off these 
and let the ocean truly decide our timing.” Doug said he built a spreadsheet mapping out the entire course designed to mirror any changes and reset arrival times. He did this work during
maker and some necessary electronics.”.jpg)
Tell us about the crew’s responsibilities: 
he 60’s in a tiny thirteen-foot boat. I was hooked and decided I 
Big Red Bowl by Clint Riley, Six Toe Studio
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I am glad you are reading! I am glad to be living here in Martin, TN. Not a native, I joke I kept a suitcase packed and ready to go in the closet for the first three years when Tim and I relocated back to Martin from Nashville with our children. I just was not prepared for living in my husband's hometown community where everyone knew everyone and, I knew hardly anyone.
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