CROSSVILLE —
I am pretty sure that someone in Crossville has the poll for Sunday’s Nascar race in Phoenix, AZ. Traveling into work this morning on Lantana Motor Speedway, a black vehicle literally flew by me in the left lane of traffic. This person was weaving in, out and around vehicles at such a high rate of speed, and so masterfully, I knew he was either trying to qualify for Sunday’s race or I had taken a wrong turn and ended up on Interstate 285 in Atlanta — a road I have often though should be added to the Sprint Cup Series.
Speaking of Nascar, Danica Patrick’s first ever female poll win was overshadowed last weekend by an accident that left numerous Nascar fans hurts and several others exploring their legal options. A Nascar vehicle veered off the track in Daytona, FL, during the Nationwide Series Drive, tearing down protective fencing and injuring some fans as many as 40 rows up. The incident occurred as several cars got tangled up, setting up a dangerous chain reaction that sent one vehicle flying into the air and stands. The accident has left fans across the country calling for increased safety measures so they are protected when watching their favorite sport.
Last Sunday’s race was won by Jimmie Johnson, with Dale Earnhardt Junior placing second and Mark Martin, third, in Sprint Cup points after the opening run of the 2013 season. Patrick placed seventh and took home around $370,000. Not bad for a day’s work, huh?
Anyway, I will be watching for this week’s poll winner. It may be the first time, ever, that someone from Cumberland County nabs the coveted top spot in the race.
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Speaking of competitions, the Avalon Center’s annual Parade of Beauties “beauty” contest has been slated for Friday, April 12, at the Palace Theatre. This hilarious fundraiser features local men in women’s pageant attire vying for the crown and entertaining the audience. The tickets are $12 and available through the Palace Theatre’s website. It is www.palacetheatre-crossville.com.
I have some school-related “high fives” I want to share. Congratulations to the Cumberland County High School Jets and Stone Memorial Panthers men’s basketball teams. They both won their district championships. The Jets lost a close one in their opening round of region play. The Panthers made it to the second round of their region before losing by just three points to the Fulton Falcons.
Congratulations also to the South Elementary Girls basketball team. Coaches Andy and Becky Brown led their team to the state TNT championship. The boy Rebels finished as state runners up. They are coached by Randy Herring. Both South Cumberland teams won the county elementary championships.
Becca Patton, daughter of Earl and Rachel Patton and Becky and Jason Atkinson, is the new 2013 Cumberland County High School Sweetheart.
The annual TAD Center Fundraising Fashion Show, featuring fashions by Gigi’s and the Screen Door, food by Forte’s on the Square, door prizes and a silent auction, is slated for Monday, April 8, at Forte's from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tickets are $20 and include lunch and the fashion show. You may purchase your tickets at the Screen Door or Gigi’s in Crossville.
Lifestyles
AROUND THE TOWN: Racing on Lantana Speedway
- Lifestyles
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Lots of choices promised for Roan Mtn. hike
The Plateau Chapter of the Tennessee Trails Association holds a leaderless hike every Wednesday morning. These are typically five to seven miles in length. For additional information, contact Bill Harris at 484-9152 or visit the Plateau Chapter Blog at http://ttaplateauchapter.blogspot.com.
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AROUND THE TOWN: Welcome summer with a few good books
The unofficial start to summer begins this weekend with the Memorial Day Holiday. Although summer does not officially begin until June, for most of us, this first warm weather holiday is the preview of about three months of boating, fishing, camping, vacationing, picnics, family reunions and cook outs.
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Schatz named May artist of the month at PCAC
Jessica Schatz, the artist of the month at the Plateau Creative Arts Center, has been an artist for as long as she can remember. She also remains busy as an interior designer, specializing in staging and new construction, and is also a pet portrait photographer. In addition, she donates her photography services, photographing homeless pets in order to help them find homes.
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Folksinger to perform May 31 in Pleasant Hill
The award-winning folk singer Tom Neilson will be bringing his message of “Music for Social Change” to Pleasant Hill, on Friday, May 31, at 7 p.m. in the Pleasant Hill Community Church, UCC. The Shalom Center for Continuing Education, a non-profit educational center is sponsoring this appearance of the nationally well-known artist.
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127 Seniors plan for annual picnic
On May 17, the members of the 127 South Senior Center had an enjoyable time socializing and playing bingo, dominos and billiards. Numbers were called by John Bohrman, with the prizes furnished by Dr. M. Stewart Galloway, M.D.
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Pleasant Hill Ramblings: Pleasant Hill Elementary honors volunteers
Mary Ann Kotus-Huff, principal of Pleasant Hill Elementary School (PHS), recently welcomed volunteers to the annual Volunteer Tea. It was held in the gaily decorated new all-purpose room of the new annex. Volunteers were treated to sandwiches, fruit, cheese and crackers and cupcakes.
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Plateau Gardening: Transplanting tips
My landscape is perennial–based. There are vines, trees, shrubs as well as herbaceous (soft-stemmed) vegetation in assorted categories-ornamentals, herbs and food crops like rhubarb. Annuals in containers are used to add splashes of color. At this time of year, I usually have a few recently purchased plants waiting to be transplanted (see the accompanying photo).
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Fair Park offering help for senior dog owners
A dog is a senior's best friend. Family and friends are not around much, and everyone is so busy. After retirement the free time seems to be longer. Many seniors would be very lonely if it was not for their four-legged friends. Dogs are a big part of the family, so they need to learn to be obedient to make it easier on the relationship.
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The beginnings of Cumberland County Discovery Gardens
It was a great day in 2004 when Walt Hitch looked out his window and studied the three unused acres that accompanied his hundreds of acres of AgResearch lands.
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CCHS Class of 1963 congratulates Class of 2013
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