During the course of our lives, on very special occasions we encounter people who inspire us to not only see the best in others, but to ultimately realize the best in ourselves. They are the individuals who believe and understand that everybody, regardless of station, has a dream and a purpose to offer this world. I have been fortunate to know many such mentors in my life and have again   Read More ...

Americans live in the most imaginative, productive and prosperous country on the entire planet. That prosperity was seeded by our founders in our Declaration of Independence, which recognizes the God given right of each of us to the “pursuit,” notice I said “pursuit” – of happiness.  That first resolute generation, sowed those seeds with blood, sweat, tears and grit.  As it was for them in their time, it is now   Read More ...

We are each born with a unique gift.  Sometimes we know what it is right away and sometimes it takes us some time to discover what it may be.  At the end of the process, it is important to know that what we are is God’s gift to us. What we become is our gift to God. Daniel Devaney Jr. was born and raised in Rahway, NJ on August 18,   Read More ...

“It’s the little things that make the big things possible. Only close attention to the fine details of any operation makes the operation first class.” – J. Willard Marriott Sometime during the month of March 2010, the state of the art Spring Hill Suites by Marriott will open for business in Pigeon Forge. This unique property will feature 112 spacious suites, indoor and outdoor pools, 37” high definition flat screen   Read More ...

Christmas is a celebration of love symbolized by the Nativity, Santa, reindeer, poinsettia, evergreens and mistletoe. All these things represent the spirit of peace and happiness. Christmas is joy, giving, sharing, laughter, family and friends. But most important, Christmas is love. A few days ago, a guest of the hotel I manage presented my evening clerk with a small contribution of fresh mistletoe for our lobby. While kissing under the   Read More ...

Tom Kirkpatrick is a geologist and co-owner of Salvage Unlimited, a store that sells just about anything for a great price at 105 Knife Works Lane in Sevierville. This is the 3rd installment of his partner Shawn Wilmoth’s prosperous brainchild. After 5 successful years in Jefferson County , Wilmoth opened a 2nd location at Bean Station in Granger County last October. With a master’s degree in geology, Kirkpatrick is admittedly   Read More ...

Cades Cove is located in the far western Tennessee section of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park.  This beautiful slice of Heaven on Earth stretches five miles in length by two miles in width and is completely surrounded by living mountains. European descendents first settled Cades Cove in 1818, as the majority journeyed from the Watauga Settlement in northeast Tennessee.  But, prior to their arrival, Cades Cove was a cherished   Read More ...

Freedom is not given, it is taken.  As a result, we are as free as we choose to be.  Free enough to help an unemployed neighbor fix his car so he can find a job.  Free enough to find housing for and feed an elderly couple abandoned by their children.  Free enough to protect a child from abusive parents.  Because freedom is a choice, we will be free. Freedom is   Read More ...

In the fall of 1861, The State of Tennessee held a special election to determine if a convention would be needed to decide to remain with, or cede from the US. The citizens overwhelmingly chose to continue in the Union by almost 65,000 votes. However, when Abraham Lincoln later called for 75,000 volunteers to put down the rebellion that ignited in South Carolina, Tennessee changed her mind. Still, a strong   Read More ...

“Almsgiving (the act of voluntary giving) tends to perpetuate poverty; aid does away with it once and for all. Almsgiving leaves a man just where he was before. Aid restores him to society as an individual worthy of all respect and not as a man with a grievance. Almsgiving is the generosity of the rich; social aid levels up social inequalities. Charity separates the rich from the poor; aid raises   Read More ...