Responding to the call of science, Crossville lightning bug collectors in 2008 delivered 1,997 grams of lightning bugs. This was almost a 75 percent increase from the 2007 summer's sum of 1,152 grams. Elsewhere, Monterey netters in 2008 ended drawing a "goose egg."
Leading the way for Crossville in 2008 for the third straight year was Hannah Wyatt of Rains Rd., who continued her torrid catching pace that she displayed in 2006 and 2007. In 2008, she and her family scooped in 586 grams of blinking bugs to rake in a check for $248. In the last three years, she has amassed the amazing amount of 1,511 grams to clear checks for over $596.
In second place was the hard-charging netsman Brett Earhart of Jim Garrett Rd., who scooped in 449 grams to rake in a check for over $211. In 2008, he more than doubles his 2007 amount of 221 grams.
Third place honors were earned by another collector of great prowess, Donna Williams of Rains Rd., who netted 353 grams for the net gain of a check for over $149, while the powerful collector Matthew Polson of W. Creston Rd. merited fourth place distinctions by snatching 251 grams of insects to snag a check for over $106.
In fifth place were the rising catching stars Dillon and Haley Mitchell of Shadberry with 94 grams to earn nearly $40, while Riley and McKenna Day of Canary Rd. captured sixth place with 64 grams to earn a check for $27. Len and Alea Griffis of Buck Creek caught 58 grams to clear a check for over $24.
Others doing well were Parker Ashburn of Pomona Rd. who roundedup 33 grams of fireflies to clear a check for nearly $25, and Austin Dent of Stanley St. who had 26 grams.
In addition, a mystery collector donated anonymously some 33 grams for the use of the scientists.
Scientists at Promega Biosciences in San Luis Obispo, CA, use the insects for public health safety testing of food.
While collections are held on a summer by summer basis, it is possible that scientists will be needing more supplies next summer. For more information or to be notified of a collection next year, please contact the Firefly Project, c/o 122 Emory Ln., Oak Ridge, TN or call 1-888-520-1272. The e-mail address is fireflyproject@yahoo.com.
Lifestyles
Wyatt comes through big time in firefly collecting
- Lifestyles
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Widows Sons support TAD
The Widows Sons Masonic Riding Association, Dry Bones Chapter, held a benefit motorcycle ride May 19 to benefit the Teens Against Drugs (TAD) Center in Crossville.
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New Corvette Club shares love for flair, design
If you were reaching maturity during the 1950s through '60s, you were probably either a Chevy guy or a Ford guy. While Chevy guys had reason to admire Ford Thunderbirds and Mustangs, the Chevy sports car enthusiasts have had an ace-in-the hole with the advent of the first production Corvette in 1953 — only six months after it debuted as a GM prototype.
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Arts festival coming in September
Mark on your calendar the dates of September 14-15 (9 a.m. to 3 p.m.) for the Plateau Arts Festival at the Plateau Creative Arts Center, 451 Lakeview Drive (off Peavine) in Fairfield Glade.
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PLEASANT HILL RAMBLINGS: Award-winning artist shares talent with community
Not everyone has the pleasure of living next door to a “real live artist” – not just a Sunday painter as many of us are, but an award-winning career artist who has had 20 solo exhibitions, been accepted into various juried shows and garnered numerous awards.
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2012 Tennessee Senior Chess Tournament winners honored
The chess tournament was a great success, with a total of 18 players representing Tennessee, North Carolina, Georgia and Kentucky. They took home many prizes, plaques and cash playing open section.
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PLATEAU GARDENING: Photographing plants and blossoms
I keep a monthly photographic plant journal. With a digital camera, photography enthusiasts like myself can take lots of pictures at little cost. Not surprised plants are my favorite photo subjects, are you?
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Celebrating Tennessee state parks
Come celebrate National Trails Day and the 75th anniversary of Tennessee State Parks, Saturday, June 2.
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GIVING BACK: Take a look at state of our waste
The county recently submitted its solid waste report to the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation. In the past year, the county collected and landfilled 52,462 tons of waste. Another 6,067 tons of materials were collected and recycled. A total of 58,829 tons of waste were collected by the county.
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The River WILD!
The Big South Fork of the Cumberland River winds its way through the 125,000 acres of the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area before flowing into the Cumberland River and Lake Cumberland in Kentucky. It’s a free-flowing river, with no dams to control release of the water, but the scenery and the magnificent rock formations make it a favorite of paddling enthusiasts who watch the weather to see if they can get out and explore areas that are hard to reach by foot.
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Farmer's Market opens for business June 2
The Cumberland County Farmer’s Market will officially open the growing season as it has every year since 1978. This year’s “opening” will be Saturday, June 2, at the traditional location on Livingston Rd., next to the fairgrounds. Selling will begin early (6:30 a.m. or so), although some vendors may set up a few hours later in order to provide the freshest vegetables picked just that morning. There is usually a good selection until well after noon.
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