‘An Evening with Lewis & Tolkien’


Friends of the Library of Sewanee: The University of the South invites you to attend the fifth annual Tom G. Watson Memorial Event. This year, we are offering a play, “An Evening with Lewis & Tolkien,” written and directed by David Payne. The play will be at 7 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 2, in Guerry Auditorium. The public is invited to attend and there is no admission charge. This event is being co-sponsored by the Friends of the Library, Library and Information Technology Services, University Lectures Committee, School of Theology, Department of English, and Dialogue Across Difference.

The year is 1963 and J.R.R. Tolkien is at an Oxford pub waiting for his long-time friend, C.S. Lewis, to arrive. Lewis is recovering from a heart attack and Tolkien is aware that Lewis’ failing health means the opportunities for them to meet up may be less than either would like. Tolkien has chosen to meet in the Eagle & Child pub where, in the early years of their friendship, they met weekly – the pub they always referred to as The Bird & Baby.

David Payne, playing the role of C.S. Lewis, is the author, actor, and director of the play. David’s first time on stage was at the age of 56 at Nashville’s prestigious Tennessee Performing Arts Center (TPAC). He had been in Nashville for a music project when he read a theatrical bulletin which contained seven words that would change his life – “Auditions for Shadowlands, British accents a help.” He had never been on stage before but, having been born in London in 1942, he did have a British accent! He went along to the audition hoping to get a small part and to everyone’s surprise — not least his own — won the lead role of C.S. Lewis. Following his Nashville debut, he has performed his much acclaimed one man show, “An Evening with C.S. Lewis,” more than 1,500 times. An earlier version of that show on YouTube is nearing 2.5 million views. He has written and performed in numerous self-penned productions, including “An Evening with Lewis & Tolkien.” David will return to TPAC this coming Christmas season with his latest production, “Christmas with C.S. Lewis.” In 2023 David will tour with “Churchill,” a show that he wrote in 2020 when most of his schedule was cancelled due to Covid . Already being hailed a master class in acting, David portrays the famous British politician as he recalls the events and people that did much to prepare him for his wartime role including the two most important women in his life, his wife, Clementine and Queen Elizabeth.

Gregory Williams Welsch will play the role of J.R.R. Tolkien. Having trained in New York, Greg is based in Nashville. He has received awards for his many portrayals including Vladimir in Samuel Becket’s “Waiting for Godot”; Mitch in the Tennessee Williams classic, “A Streetcar Named Desire”; and his portrayal of 12 different characters in “The Life and Times of Lenny Bruce.” Four years ago, Greg teamed up with David Payne for the premiere presentation of the production “An Evening with Lewis & Tolkien.” During those four years, his portrayal of the author that gave the world “The Lord of the Rings” has thrilled audiences. Because the demand for David’s production “An Evening with C.S. Lewis” was more than David himself could perform, Greg has been entrusted with the role for which he has also received much praise. This coming Christmas season he will join with David, and actor Jonathan Swenson, in portraying the renowned British author in David’s “Christmas with C.S. Lewis.” Three actors are required as the production will be over a four-week period and will play in 14 cities. David is delighted that Greg will be portraying C.S. Lewis for this Christmas tour and all the more so since Greg joined David in the UK for the rehearsals. “Greg’s audiences are going to be enthralled by his performance which will, once again, prove what an accomplished actor he is.” You can find more about the upcoming plays at <https://birdandbabyproductions...;.

There will be an intermission during the play and the actors will offer a brief Q&A session following the talk. Parking will be available on University Avenue.

More information about the Friends of the Library can be found at their website: http://libguides.sewanee.edu/FOL;. If you have questions about the talk or joining the Friends of the Library, please contact Penny Cowan at (931) 598-1573 or <pcowan@sewanee.edu>.

63rd Annual Lessons and Carols


On Christmas Eve, 1918, the Chaplain of King’s College, Cambridge took a Cornish Christmas tradition and brought it to the world. Weaving together biblical readings with seasonal music, the service prepared participants to hear the announcement of the birth of Jesus Christ. For over 60 years, Sewanee has hosted its own service, and coming as it does at the end of the Advent semester, the gathering becomes, for many, the Christmas celebration of the University. In addition to the students, staff, and faculty of the University, the service is open to the broader community in Sewanee and beyond.

We look forward to welcoming the extended Sewanee family back into All Saints’ Chapel in 2022. With a seats for over 1,000 guests, we anticipate being able to seat every person who comes to worship in All Saints’ Chapel. Two services, Saturday, Dec. 3, at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 4, at 4. p.m., feature walk-up seating, and doors will open an hour in advance of the service. The 7 p.m. service on Saturday, Dec. 3 will be live-streamed <https://vimeo.com/event/167828...; for friends and family who are unable to attend in person. The service at 4 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 3, features reserved seating, and tickets for that service will become available closer to November. Please note that large bags or backpacks will not be allowed in All Saints’ Chapel. Email us with questions <lessonsandcarols@sewanee.edu>.

St. Mary’s Sewanee Thanksgiving Catering is Back


It is hard to believe the 2022 holiday season is already near. The hustle and bustle of holiday parties, travel, and, yes, cooking, can sometimes overwhelm. St. Mary’s Sewanee is here to help.

The culinary team, led by Chef Emily Wallace, is offering Thanksgiving catering again this year. The menu includes turkey or ham, homemade dressing, green beans, sweet potato casserole, gravy, Emily’s special cranberry relish, rolls, and various pies for dessert. An entire meal to serve as many as six guests can be ordered (pre-cooked, only reheating required) for $125. Partial orders can also be placed based on supply. Desserts are extra.

This offer is for a limited time only, so place your order early by contacting the Reservations office. The deadline for orders is Nov. 10 and the last day for meal pick up is Nov. 23. All orders must be paid for in advance. Please, no exceptions.

If you want to find Rest, Renewal, and time for Reconnection this Thanksgiving Holiday, let us take care of the cooking for you.

To order contact Reservations (931) 598-5342 or <Reservations@stmaryssewanee.org>.

Altamont Opry Coming in November


The Florence Scruggs Auditorium at 1433 Main St., Altamont is slated to be the venue for the Altamont Opry starting on Saturday, Nov. 5, at 6 p.m. The event will take place the first Saturday of every month and features country music the way it used to be played. Local musicians making the lineup are Bob Townsend, Billy Campbell, Bud Seals, Kenny Barrett, Trent Kiell, Phillip James, John Sparkman, Mark Roberts and Mike James. The group had been playing at Hobo Junction in Irving College for many years, but when the owner of the property decided to sell, they were left without a place to perform. Mark Roberts reached out to Mayor Jana Barrett who was eager to have the gentlemen make the Florence Scruggs Auditorium their new home, “We have been revamping the auditorium to accommodate more events like this. It is a beautiful place to come, bring the family and enjoy some good wholesome entertainment. I am so happy that Altamont has the privilege to host the Altamont Opry.”

Admission is free to the Altamont Opry, however, there will be concessions available from various 501(c)(3) organizations. The doors open at 5 p.m. and the music begins at 6 p.m. There is plenty of seating and handicapped parking is available in the city hall parking lot as well as regular parking both there and across the street in front of the Altamont Baptist church. This is a family friendly event so there will be no Alcohol or profane language. Other activities going on at the Florence Scruggs auditorium are Christian Heritage Wrestling events presented by Livin’ It Ministries every third Saturday at 7 p.m., with doors opening at 6:30 p.m., as well as various programs put on by local churches. Mayor Barrett says that the city council is also working toward starting a community theater in the future and states, “Events like these will draw attention to the wonderful facility we have here and it is our goal to become known for producing good, wholesome family entertainment.”

Theatre/Sewanee Presents ‘Sense and Sensibility’


by Bailey Basham, Messenger Staff Writer

Fans of Jane Austen and other classic creatives are uniquely well-suited to Sewanee, particularly to the University’s theatre department. The department has premiered quite a long list of classic works in previous years, and as of this week, the fall semester is joining the ranks with “Sense & Sensibility.”

Written by Austen in 1811 and at first published anonymously, “Sense & Sensibility” is the story of the Dashwood sisters, Marianne and Elinor, as they navigate young womanhood, the loss of their father, and complex family dynamics. Austen’s work was adapted for the stage by American playwright Kate Hamill and made its Sewanee debut this week. This production is directed by Visiting Assistant Professor Sarah Lacy Hamilton and will play in the Proctor Hill Theater through Sunday, Oct. 30.

Hamilton, who is in her first year at Sewanee, has specialized in directing throughout her academic career. Most recently, she directed Sarah Ruhl’s “In the Next Room,” at River & Rail Theatre Company in Knoxville. Hamilton has also directed “Sweat” by Lynn Nottage, “HIR” by Taylor Mac and a variety of new works by writers in the prestigious Iowa Playwrights Workshop.

“I’ve always known I wanted to be a director. Some of my earliest memories are of directing my childhood friends and family members in backyard productions when I was a little girl. Before studying directing formally, I trained as an actor, and that still has a major influence on my artistic and academic work,” Hamilton said. “As a director, I am most passionate about plays with great heart that embrace all of the contradictions of life and that hold the tragic and the comic in the same breath. I specialize in actor-driven new and contemporary works that foreground the human condition and highlight the experiences of underrepresented communities.”

“In this production, I’ve worked very closely with our Movement Director, Olivia Millwood, to create a style of movement and choreography that is playful and evokes the Regency era.”

Olivia Millwood, movement director and light designer for the production, has been dancing for most of her life and began exploring choreography within the last 5 years.

“Theatre is a culmination of all my interests. It can be very political, bold, and quite philosophical, but simultaneously asks both its makers and the audience to push beyond the boundaries of reality. It’s entertaining while also challenging the mind to think creatively. It’s a field in which we are constantly learning about anything and everything,” Millwood said.

Kalia Thompson, a senior english and theatre double major, is playing Marianna Dashwood, who is referred to as the sensibility aspect of the play. Thompson has been acting since she was 5-years-old and said that she originally became interested in acting as an extension of her desire to better understand others.

“I gravitated towards acting due to the ability to step into someone’s shoes and understand their story better. I’ve always loved stories, and acting allows me to bring them to life,” Thompson said.

Hamilton added that, as with almost any production, she is most looking forward to seeing the audience experience the play.

“It is playful, goofy and very fun. I can’t wait to have the energy of the audience in the room, to hear their vocal and physical responses, and to see how that changes the experience of the play,” Hamilton said.

For more information about the production, or to reserve your free tickets, visit <www.eventbrite.com/e/sense-and-sensibility-tickets-430396636927>.

Sewanee Council Grapples with Bike-Lane Danger


by Leslie Lytle, Messenger Staff Writer

At the Oct. 24 meeting, the Sewanee Community Council grappled with how to address danger to cyclists, especially children biking to school, caused by frequent student parking in the University Avenue bike lanes. The council also took up questions about lease fee spending, reinstituting Lifelong Learning programs, the need for a walking path on Breakfield Road, and additional representation on the Sewanee Village Ventures board.

Residents and council members stressed the danger to University Avenue cyclists swerving out into traffic to avoid parked cars, as well as danger from car doors opening unexpectedly. “Parents fear for their children’s lives,” said council representative Marilyn Phelps. Sewanee Police Captain Dylan McClure said parking in bike lanes was illegal, and the police ticketed violators, but the verification process was time consuming. Acting Vice-Chancellor Nancy Berner speculated University Avenue bike-lane parking increased because during the pandemic students got in the habit of parking there when going to McClurg to pick up their green-box meals.

Council member Phil White proposed suspension of student violators in addition to the $50-$100 fine. Solutions proposed by residents included slowing traffic and a multimodal path on University Avenue. Others proposed eliminating the bike lanes if the no-parking law could not be enforced. One resident offered to help write tickets. Another resident observed the ultimate goal was “trying to change the behavior.”

Berner said she would make sure there was “follow up.” The new University master plan being drafted could be brought into service to address the parking-shortage problem, but Berner acknowledged the need for “something faster” and suggested a “working group” to come up with a short-term solution.

Taking a question about spending plans for the lease fee revenue generated by increased property assessments, Superintendent of Leases and Community Relations Sallie Green explained the lease fee had two parts: ground rent and the municipal services fee. The ground rent portion helps fund University operating revenue such as benefits and salaries. The University anticipates collecting $500,000 in ground rent this academic year. The municipal service fee funds police and fire protection and community services such as parks, lighting in commons areas, and the community funding project. In 2020-2021 the University spent $2.2 million on municipal services, with leaseholders responsible for 18 percent of the total (approximately $400,000).

Council member John Solomon asked about plans for the Lifelong Learning Academy program resuming. Berner concurred there was “a lot of enthusiasm” for the program. Although currently there was no director, the University was trying to “figure out a way forward.” Acting Provost Scott Wilson said he hoped some programming would be offered next semester.

Solomon also proposed the need for a walking path extending beyond the point where the Breakfield Road walking path ended. He cited dangers to pedestrians, cyclists, and horseback riders from motorists with poor visibility due to navigating a curve and driving directly into the sun at certain times of year. Solomon spoke with Domain Manager Nate Wilson about the University creating a gravel path in the wooded area to alleviate the problem. Acting Provost Wilson said the University was “looking into it.” Domain Manager Wilson had consulted with him about the possibility and facilities management had also joined in the discussion.

Raising a third question, Solomon asked why the community did not have “more direct representation” on the Sewanee Village Ventures board. University Vice President for Economic Development and Community Relations David Shipps acknowledged “the omission” and proposed forming an advisory committee composed of faculty, staff, business owners, council members and perhaps others. “[An advisory committee] would be a gentler, easier path than expanding board membership,” Shipps said. Affirming Solomon’s point, council member Lynn Stubblefield said, “The business community feels like they are not consulted.” Council member Eric Keen suggested also including the Roberson Project and St. Mark’s Community Center on the advisory committee.

In other business the council approved a constitution amendment clarifying the residential requirement for council membership and welcomed new Parks Committee Chair Charles Whitmer.

Sewanee Community Chest Sets Goal

The 2022-23 Sewanee Community Chest (SCC) Fund Drive is underway. Sponsored by the Sewanee Civic Association, the SCC raises money yearly for local organizations serving the area. This year’s goal of $106,425 will help 17 local organizations that have requested basic needs funding for quality of life, community aid, children’s programs, and those who are beyond Sewanee but still serve the entire community. The following organizations will receive funding when the goal is met.

SES Parent Organization, $25,525

Sewanee Children’s Center, $12,000

Sewanee Senior Center, $12,000

Housing Sewanee, $11,000

Sewanee Mountain Messenger, $10,000

MARC, $7,000

Community Action Committee, $5,000

Folks at Home, $5,000

Animal Harbor, $4,000

Blue Monarch, $4,000

Fourth of July Celebration, $3,500

Reach Out and Read, $2,200

Tennessee’s South Cumberland Tourism Partnership, $1,950

Mountain Goat Trail Alliance, $1,500

St. Mark’s Community Center, $1,000

Arts Inside, $500

Little Bellas, $250

The Sewanee Community Chest is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and donations are tax-deductible. Send your donation to Sewanee Community Chest, P.O. Box 99, Sewanee, TN 37375.

For more information or to give through PayPal Giving, go to

http://sewaneecivic.org

SUD: Proposed Rate Increase; Commissioner Election


by Leslie Lytle, Messenger Staff Writer

At the Oct. 18 meeting of the Sewanee Utility District Board of Commissioners, SUD manager Ben Beavers previewed a draft budget for 2023 calling for a 5 percent rate increase in order to pay employees a fair wage and cover the rising cost of fuel, electricity, and chemicals. The board discussed the upcoming election of a Marion County commissioner and approved a request to extend water service on Deepwoods Road, provided the prospective customers agreed to install a 6-inch service line.

Beavers’ draft budget included an 8.7 percent increase for employee wages to match the Social Security Administration’s increase to seniors. In addition to employee raises, rising chemical and electricity costs “will drive the budget” for next year, Beavers said. Chemicals and supplies for the water plant increased 12 percent last month, and TVA has raised the wholesale rate for electricity. On materials, Beavers expects 10-14 percent cost increase. “The killer is anything made out of metal,” he insisted.

A 5 percent rate increase on water and sewer charges would increase customers’ monthly bills in the range of $1.50-$4.

The board is considering charging a monthly fee to the 197 grinder pump customers. Grinder pumps cost $1,600-$1,800 and last eight to 10 years. “[Implementing a fee] would make grinder pump replacement more sustainable,” Beavers said. A $10 per month grinder pump fee could offset the necessary rate increase by as much as 1.5 percent. However, Commissioner Donnie McBee pointed out a $10 per month fee would only generate $1,200 in 10 years, not enough to cover grinder pump replacement.

Beavers will factor the various scenarios into the budget and present the data for the board’s review at the Nov. 15 meeting.

Marion County SUD Commissioner Ronnie Hoosier is term limited and cannot pursue reelection. The board is seeking candidates for the December election. Prospective candidates must be Marion County residents and SUD customers. (The board consists of four Franklin County commissioners and one Marion County commissioner.) SUD commissioners serve a four-year term, are expected to attend monthly meetings and to participate in commissioner training. Commissioners receive a $50 monthly stipend.

Prospective customers on Deepwoods Road requested SUD extend water service to two lots which may be divided into four lots. In keeping with SUD policy, the customers agreed to assume all installation and infrastructure costs. Rather than extending the service with a 2-inch or 4-inch line, the board decided the extended service must be done with a 6-inch line to accommodate a fire hydrant. Commissioner Doug Cameron stressed the importance of a hydrant not only for fire protection, but to allow for line flushing to prevent disinfectant byproducts from accumulating in the line. Cameron also noted, distance from a hydrant was factored into calculating fire insurance premiums. “We should go with a 6-inch line, regardless,” said Board President Charlie Smith. “There is still a lot of interest in getting water out there.” McBee concurred, “Do it right the first time.”

The board approved a resolution acknowledging SUD’s financial responsibility to pay a 15 percent match ($250,500) for American Recovery Plan grant funding. Beavers commented, the expected reimbursement from the University for the Highway 41A project would come close to offsetting the matching funds requirement.

Sewanee Community Council: Meet the Candidates


Editor’s Note: This is the seventh in a series of interviews with some of the local candidates running for office. Federal & State General Elections, and Muncipal Election voting is Nov. 8. Early voting for the Sewanee Community Council will be from Oct. 19–Nov. 3 at the Lease Office. Regular voting will take place at Sewanee Elementary School coincident with the General Election on Tuesday, Nov. 8.

District 1 — one open seat

Ben Tarhan — Ben is a recent Sewanee transplant, having moved here in the fall of 2020. A Brooklyn native, Ben has fallen in love with the Sewanee lifestyle and is looking for ways to give back. During the day, you can find Ben working from home as a software developer, and in his spare time, he likes to spend time with his fiancée Elise, plus their two dogs and five cats.

District 2 — one open seat

Julia Bates — I’ve been an educator for my adult career, first teaching English in middle and high school and then working in a teacher preparation program at St. Mary’s College of Maryland. I have also run a nonprofit community grants organization and was the liaison between St. Mary’s College and the St. Mary’s County Public Schools for several grant projects. I became a grants consultant and program assessor for public school grants.

My husband of 49 years, Robin Bates, and I have retired to Sewanee. Currently, I am Board President of the Hospitality Shop Auxiliary and a Godly Play Sunday school teacher at St. Mark and St. Paul.

Ben Beavers — My name is Ben Beavers, and I am running for election to the Sewanee Community Council in District 2. I graduated from the Sewanee Academy and then attended the University of Tennessee Knoxville. My wife and I moved back to the Mountain in 1993 and have lived in the Jump Off community since 2004. We have two children that were born and grew up in Sewanee.

I previously served on the community council, representing District 2 when we lived on the Domain. I am a member of the Sewanee Volunteer Fire Department and have served in various volunteer roles at St. Andrew’s-Sewanee School. I was a small business owner for 15 years in Sewanee as well. Currently, I am the manager of the Sewanee Utility District.

I look forward to being an active voice for all the people in District 2 and would appreciate your consideration.

District 3 — one open seat

No Candidates. We will accept late petitions for District 3 until Nov. 3. Qualified candidates submitting a petition by the deadline will be included in the Nov. 8 regular election. Petitions will be available from John Solomon or at the University Lease Office.

District 4 — one open seat

Marilyn Phelps — I moved to Sewanee in 2012 with my husband Tom Phelps , C’74. I am a retired Licensed Clinical Social Worker and worked as a private practitioner here for 10 years. My husband and I have been co-chairs of the fundraising committee of the Sewanee Community Chest. I finished 4 years as a board member of Folks at Home in December. I think my experience with Folks at Home and the Sewanee Community Chest, as well as my professional experience as a social worker for 30 years, has enabled me to understand the needs of our community. I look forward to serving on the Community Council if I am elected.

At-Large — two open seats

Rhea Bowden — Rhea Bowden is running for an open at-large seat on the Community Council. He is a 1976 graduate of the University. Rhea and his wife, Nancy, have owned a home in the Deepwoods area since 2010, and moved to the Mountain in 2013. After a 32-year career in sales and manufacturing in Greenville, South Carolina, and a 12-year stint with the University Relations department at Sewanee, Rhea retired in July 2020. He is a member of the Monteagle-Sewanee Rotary Club and is active in various service projects the Club engages. Rhea is very appreciative of the people who live and work in Sewanee and is deeply interested in the welfare of the community.

Laura Willis — Laura Willis has lived in Sewanee since 1991 when her husband, John, joined the College faculty. They have raised two sons here and have been active members in the community.

For 10 years, Laura was the director of the Community Action Committee where she mobilized volunteers to greatly expand the CAC’s services. She was later editor of the Sewanee Mountain Messenger, adding new voices and columns to the weekly paper. She also has served as the University’s representative to the Duck River Electric Membership Corp. Laura has been involved in many area organizations including the University Day Care Center, Sewanee Business Alliance, and Folks at Home.

Serving on the Community Council as an at-large member, Laura believes she can offer fair and thoughtful representation to the entire community rooted in her years of experience in Sewanee.

Monteagle: CD Purchase Approved; Rate Increase Tabled


by Leslie Lytle, Messenger Staff Writer

At the Oct. 18 Monteagle Council Special Called meeting, the council agreed to move forward with an 18-motnh $677,000 certificate of deposit investment. The council tabled the water tap fee rate increase in order to collect more information, given the difference between the proposed rates to the rates of neighboring municipalities.

At the September meeting, two council members questioned moving the $677,000 from a money market to a 36-month CD, since the town might need the funds before the term ended for water tank rehabilitation. At the council’s request, Mayor Marilyn Campbell Rodman investigated the interest on an 18-month CD. The approved CD investment will yield 2.25 percent, an increase of more than a percentage point from the current money market investment.

Taking up the proposal to increase water and sewer service rates, Utilities Manager John Condra said some of the fees were too high, particularly the fee for a 2-inch commercial tap. Alderman Nate Wilson observed Monteagle’s proposed fee was 20-30 percent higher than Tracy City and Big Creek, but well below Sewanee.

“Is the concern we would price ourselves out of market?” Wilson asked.

“There’s too much variation,” Alderwoman Dorraine Parmley said.

The council will revisit the proposed rate increases after collecting more information.

Tracy City Receives $2.1 Million Trail Grant


The Town of Tracy City, in partnership with the Mountain Goat Trail Alliance has been awarded a $2.1 million grant from the Transportation Alternatives program of the Tennessee Department of Transportation. The grant will be used to extend the Mountain Goat Trail almost two miles, from downtown to Firetower Road north of Tracy City.

“The Mountain Goat Trail has been a great asset for Tracy City. We’re excited to partner with the Mountain Goat Trail Alliance to extend the trail and give people even more access in our town to walking, running, and cycling,” said Tracy City Mayor Nadene Moore.

The MGTA has recently completed a section of trail connecting Tracy City to Monteagle, bringing the total distance of completed Mountain Goat Trail to almost 12 miles. Planning is underway for construction of the trail through the I-24 intersection, from its current terminus at Mountain Outfitters to Tower Community Bank.

The Mountain Goat Trail is a rail-trail initiative to build a 40-mile walking and cycling path along the route of the historic Mountain Goat Railroad, from Cowan in Franklin County to Palmer in Grundy County. For more information go to https://www.mountaingoattrail.org;.

Fire on the Mountain Chili Cook-off


The South Cumberland Chamber of Commerce annual Fire on the Mountain Chili Cook-off will be on Saturday, Oct. 29, at Hannah Pickett Park, 16 Dixie Lee Ave., behind Monteagle City Hall. This year, the Chili Cook-off will take place in conjunction with Jeeptober Fest and children’s games and activities by the Monteagle Fire Department. The Jeeptober Fest will have prizes for the scariest Jeep and the best decorated Jeep. They also will have some other Halloween themed contests with a costume contest for adults, kids, and pets, as well as for best decorated pumpkin. These events will begin at 10 a.m. and run until 2 p.m.

The Chili Cook-off will be open to the public for the tasting at 11 a.m., Central Time. The public can sample all the entrant’s chili for $5. Chili Cook-off teams will represent some of the surrounding areas, as well as the mountain’s finest restaurants, businesses, and community groups. There are two categories of awards for the chili contest. The first award is “People’s Choice Best Chili” and the second is “People’s Choice Best Booth.” The chili can be made on-site or brought to the event. The Best Chili first place will receive $250 and a trophy. The Best Booth will receive $100 and a trophy.

Handmade Arts & Craft vendors will be set up in the park.

The South Cumberland Chamber of Commerce will have concessions available and the Monteagle Fire Department will be on hand with desserts.

There is still room for you to enter and use your secret recipe. To download the rules and application for the Chili cook-off or to be an Arts & Craft vendor, go to <www.south cumberlandchamber.com> or contact the chamber office at (931) 924-5353.

Met Live in HD Tickets Available


Everyone associated with the world-renowned Ralston Room in duPont Library is excited to host, for the first time, a full season of the Met Opera Live in HD. The repertory involves operatic classics like “Don Giovanni,” “La Traviata,” and “Der Rosenkavalier,” while also bringing some contemporary works to life. These include “The Hours,” an operatic treatment of Michael Cunningham’s novel (also the basis of the 2002 film starring Meryl Streep and Nicole Kidman) and “Champion,” based on the life of boxer Emile Griffith. Terence Blanchard, the celebrated jazz trumpeter, composed “Champion” and, when his hugely successful opera “Fire Shut up in My Bones” was produced at the Metropolitan Opera last year, became the first African-American composer ever represented in that house.

The first broadcast of the season, at 11:45 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 22, features “Medea” by Luigi Cherubini. Cherubini, the Italian/French composer who lived in bloody revolutionary times around 1800, writes the tour-de-force title role for the vengeful, murderous anti-hero, sung at the Met for the first time by Sondra Radvanovsky. Tickets ($25) are limited and must be purchased in advance <https://www.tickettailor.com/events/sewaneesummermusicfestival/756980>;.

The Ralston Room, known formally as the William Ralston Music Listening Library & Archive, is located on the second floor of Jessie Ball duPont Library, at 178 Georgia Ave., Sewanee. For more information, please email Stephen Ray Miller <smiller@sewanee.edu>.

‘Christian Icons’ at Frame Gallery


Frame Gallery is hosting a reception with conversation for their upcoming show, “Christian Icons,” written by Sr. Eliseea Papacioc 5–6:30 p.m., Friday, Oct. 21. The Rev. John Runkle and Martha Keeble, icon writer and teacher will discuss the icons on display and information about icon writing. The public is welcome to attend. Several icons will be for sale and commissions for new work are available.

Sister Eliseea Papacioc is an internationally-known iconographer and a nun in the Romanian Orthodox Church. From her home in the village of Bradetu, located in the foothills of central Romania, Sr. Eliseea creates an impressive portfolio of icons, several of which have been exhibited in Moscow, Beijing and New York.

For many centuries, icons have played a significant role in the spirituality of Christians in the Eastern Orthodox Church, serving more than as simply religious paintings, but as windows into the divine. In recent years, icons have grown in popularity and spiritual significance for many in the Western Church. According to journalist Andreea Câmpeanu, “Sr. Eliseea’s iconography has caught the attention of experts and enthusiasts around the world as much for its exquisite detail as for its unique style.”

Sr. Eliseea was raised in a devout Orthodox family, during the mid-20th century when the ruling communist regime attempted to crush Christianity and all who practiced the faith in Romania. Both her father and uncle were imprisoned. Her father, an Orthodox priest, did not survive imprisonment and her uncle, an Orthodox bishop, suffered lifelong disabilities. Sr. Eliseea, her mother and brother endured severe ostracism and deprivation during this period of communist oppression. After the fall of communism in Eastern Europe and the rebirth of the Orthodox Church and the spiritual arts, she and other Romanian artists were discovered by the West.

The Smithsonian Institute first brought Sr. Eliseea to the United States to take part in its annual Folklife Festival in 1999. Soon thereafter, she returned to the US and has several exhibits at the John Paul II Cultural Center in Washington, D.C. Her patronage has expanded to include not only museums and churches, but also private commissions.

2,900 Volunteers Needed by Friday


With five days until the tnAchieves mentor recruitment deadline, 2,900 volunteer mentors are still needed to meet student demand. Franklin County still needs 19 mentors to meet the local goal of 53 recruited.

Those interested in mentoring can visit https://www.tnachieves.org/mentors. The deadline is this Friday, October 21.

“Now more than ever, one person can make a difference,” said tnAchieves President and CEO Krissy DeAlejandro. “One person can change the life of a local student and leave a lasting impact on their community. As we approach our recruitment deadline, we encourage any individual who believes in the power of community support and the potential of local students to apply to serve as a tnAchieves mentor.”

tnAchieves mentors commit just one hour per month to serve students in their community. All mentors in 2023 will begin working with their students in November of 2022 and will meet their students in person at the student’s high school in December or January. Mentors will receive training and a handbook guide to the program.

Mentors must be 21 years of age and are subject to a background check. Those interested in joining us can visit https://tnAchieves.org/mentors.

tnAchieves is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that has been providing scholarships with mentor support since 2008. Any interview requests or questions can be directed to Tyler Ford at tyler@tnAchieves.org or (309) 945-3446.

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