For more information call 865-524-3074. Remember to leave 56 days between donations.

SPEAKER: Al Wiberly, a First Friday regular (except for summers when he is in Maine) since our beginning 4 years ago. Al's topic will be THE ENVIRONMENT--the big picture. He will discuss "Why the environment is going to hell."

Friday luncheons are held on the first Friday of the month, 11:30 am at Ryan's Steakhouse at Hunter's Crossing (Walmart) in Alcoa.

Citizen groups are welcome to join us at all First Friday Luncheons. Our programs tend to be non-partisan with an emphasis on good government and honest officials--both elected and appointed

Blount County Democratic Party Friday Luncheon
Ryan's Steakhouse at Hunter's Crossing (Walmart) in Alcoa
11:30AM TO 1:00PM

Snow is in the forecast and what better time to think about making chili?

CAPPE's Sixth Annual ChiliFest, which is both a contest and tasting opportunity, is set for Saturday, February 2 from 4-7pm at Broadway United Methodist Church in downtown Maryville. Chili chefs will compete for prizes in three categories (beef, other meats, vegetarian). The public will vote for the People's Choice winner.

New this year is live music by the Omega Dogs (Terry Bunde, Carl Gombert and Niki Schrock) at 6pm.

The event begins at 4pm, with tasting and judging continuing until the winners are announced at 6:30pm. In addition to the different chilis and a variety of beverages, you can enjoy tortillas and quesadillas (made to order) and a bake sale of delicious home-made treats. Everyone will be eligible to win door prizes.

To enter the contest, submit an entry form (attached) and the $20 entry fee by January 28. Entry forms are also available from Board members of CAPPE (Citizens Against the Pellissippi Parkway Extension). Each contestant is asked to bring a minimum of four quarts of warm prepared chili in a crockpot, and to provide a ladle and someone to serve.

Suggested donation for admission is $5 in advance and $6 at the door (children under 10 admitted free). Advance tickets are available at Southland Books (601 East Broadway) and Waste Not, Want Not (1505 East Broadway) and from CAPPE Board members. Admission includes tastes of entries and one bowl of chili and one vote for the People's Choice winner. Judges will select the winners in the beef, other meats and vegetarian categories. Each of the four winners will be awarded a $50 gift card.

For more information, call Susan Keller at 982 4267.

The author of "The Ages of American Unreason, Past and Present." will be visiting Tennessee.

Feb 3rd - Susan Jacoby - RET Public Mtng
Award-winning author, Susan Jacoby, will address one of the most thought-provoking issues of our time in an appearance at Pellissippi State Technical Community College on Sunday, February 3 at 1:30 p.m. in Goins Auditorium. Jacoby will discuss “The Ages of American Unreason, Past and Present.” Arrive early for coffee, refreshments and socializing. Stay late for Susan's book signing session.

Her topic, the subject of her upcoming eighth book, “The Age of American Unreason” (Random House 2008), is the widespread new cultural phenomenon characterized by the decline of reading and the rise of scientific and historical illiteracy.

For more information about the book and directions to the event visit the Rationalist of East Tennessee web site at: Link...

There will be a limited number of books for sale which the author will sign.

Darwin Day, Events this week!

199 years ago today was the birth of Charles Darwin.
It is also 149 years ago that On The Origin Of Species was published. Read it at: Link...
Also in audio at Link...

Local Darwin Day events have been organized by the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. A schedule of events can be found here at the UT Evolutionary biology web site: Link...

A big evening event occurs tonight Feb. 12, 2008 at UTK. A lecture by Dr. Eugenie Scott of the National Center for Science Education,
INTELLIGENT DESIGN, IS IT SCIENCE? IS IT VALID?
Tomorrow evening, Feb. 13, 2008 will be the film, WAR ON SCIENCE,INTELLIGENT DESIGN IN THE CLASS ROOM

Forrest Erickson

Darwin Day, Events this week!

199 years ago today was the birth of Charles Darwin.
It is also 149 years ago that On The Origin Of Species was published. Read it at: Link...
Also in audio at Link...

Local Darwin Day events have been organized by the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. A schedule of events can be found here at the UT Evolutionary biology web site: Link...

A big evening event occurs tonight Feb. 12, 2008 at UTK. A lecture by Dr. Eugenie Scott of the National Center for Science Education,
INTELLIGENT DESIGN, IS IT SCIENCE? IS IT VALID?
Tomorrow evening, Feb. 13, 2008 will be the film, WAR ON SCIENCE,INTELLIGENT DESIGN IN THE CLASS ROOM

Forrest Erickson

2/11/2008 notice of meeting

an ad-hoc committee of the blount county planning commission will
meet from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon in room 433 of the courthouse on thursday, february 14, 2008 to discuss possible ridge-top and hillside
development regulations.

JUDGE MEARES
Invites you to join him for Brunch on Saturday February 16, 2008; between 10am and 1pm.
212 High Street, Maryville, TN
As the Committee to Elect Judge Meares Celebrates the Grand Opening of his Headquarters.
For more information visit Link... or call 681-0553.

Feb. 19, 2008
5pm
Heritage High School.

TDOT is holding a public meeting regarding the proposed Pellissippi Parkway extension to 321.

TDOT is asking local officials to be present to answer the public's questions.

Thanks to Nina Gregg for her information in comments.

The Business of Being Born is a documentary film that takes an unflinching look at birth in America today and asks the question: Should most births be viewed as a natural life process, or should every delivery be treated as a potentially catastrophic medical emergency?

There will be a benefit screening of the film on Thursday, February 21 at 6:30 pm in the Sharon Lawson Room at the Blount County Library. A minimum $5 donation is requested, with net proceeds to benefit Lisa Ross Birth and Women's Center. Contact Marva at 379-1955 or marvasolt@yahoo.com, or go to TheBusinessofBeingBorn.com for more info.

The Fur Ball was a Great Success!

The Bouffants put on a rocking good show that got everyone up and shaking it! We had some great donated items that brought lots of interest and helped make a lot of money for the new animal center.

Just wait til next year!

Let’s Raise the Woof