Kick off the holiday season right!

Join us at the American Legion Hall in Harriman on November 30 at 7pm for the American classic 'It's a Wonderful Life - a live radio play'.

Tickets are just $10.00 and include the show, dessert, and beverage. Proceeds benefit the Harriman Public Library.
Any questions, just give them a call. See you there!

'Happy High School Reunion?' is this coming Saturday (August 25th) and the Lions of Harriman still have some tickets left!
I know --- I don't understand it either!!!

But the good news is - you can still get in on the fun. Now, this amazing evening includes:
Dinner buffet
Adult beverages
Non-alcoholic beverages
Dessert buffet
A live, interactive murder mystery show
and silent auction

And while all of that is really amazing, that's not even the best part!! The best part is that it benefits the Harriman Lions Club. Yep, that's right - the money that you spend on this super entertaining night out stays right here in Roane County working to make this county even better

Tickets are $40.00 per person and are all-inclusive.
Tickets sites include:
Roane Street Grill in Harriman
and
Roane Alliance in Kingston

or message me and we will get them to before they're all gone!

The Harriman Lions Club will be hosting the 2nd Annual Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre to benefit their annual community projects. And that means that YOU get to enjoy a great dinner, amazing entertainment, a little mayhem, murder, revenge, payback, ... anyway, you get the idea.

So, here are the details:

The Lions Club is celebrating its centennial in 2017! And to commemorate this milestone, the Harriman Lions Club is hosting a tailgate party to die for!

The Harriman Chapter is hosting ‘Murder in the End Zone’ dinner theatre- an entertaining evening of good friends, great food, and murder. The night’s entertainment will include a full tailgate dinner buffet, dessert bar, and an interactive murder mystery that gets the audience out of their seats and into the hunt for a killer. There will also be a Silent Auction offering great gifts and getaways to the highest bidder.

The details are:
What: ‘Murder in the End Zone’ dinner theatre
When: Saturday, August 26, 2017
7:00pm
Where: American Legion Hall
624 Morgan Street (behind HUB)
Harriman, TN
Tickets: $40.00 pp (includes: dinner, dessert, beverages, and
show)
Tickets are available at the:
Roane County Chamber office
N. Kentucky Street
Kingston, TN

Have questions? Visit the Harriman Lions Club Facebook page.

It's fall in Tennessee--a time for costumes and parties--It’s time for a PIRATE FEST! Join us on Sat/Sun, October 8 & 9, from 11am-6pm for the first annual TENNESSEE PIRATE FEST! It’s brought to you by the creators of the Tennessee Medieval Faire. The PIRATE FEST is an adult targeted (PG13) but still family friendly celebration of those outlaws of the sea. Professional entertainment include live music, interactive comedy shows, roaming characters, free games, karaoke, a costume contest, great crafts, food and beverages, including beer. The only thing missing is YOU!

So, if you can talk like a pirate, think Jack Sparrow should still rule the seas, and believe that 'swashbuckler' is the coolest word in the dictionary--THIS IS WHERE YOU NEED TO BE!

Tennessee Pirate Fest
October 8 & 9, 2016
11am-6pm ET
550 Fiske Rd
Harriman, TN 37748
$13 - ages 13 & up
$8 - ages 5-12
4 & under free
Free Parking

For more info and festival rules: (link...)
865-248-8414, TNFaire@comcast.net

It's your last chance - don't miss out!

BOO-TOWN will be open nightly Thursday (10/29) through Saturday (10/31), and then it's gone...!

Join us for a family friendly Halloween - complete with games, craft vendors, storytellers, bouncy house, magic, and more. There is even an additional Haunted Hayride (if you dare...). Tickets are $5 for kids, $8 for adults (Hayride extra). Hours are 5:00-10:00pm nightly.

Boo-Town is located at the TN Medieval Faire site at 550 Fiske Road, Harriman. Visit (link...) for more information

The fun is closer than you think!

Are you ready for a merry-not-too-scary, outdoor, Halloween adventure?!? Come to Boo-Town--a new, family-friendly, Halloween event at the TN Medieval Faire site (550 Fiske Rd, Harriman, TN). If you like costumes (Steampunk, Cosplay, Princesses, Pirates, Medieval, Theatre...) Boo-Town is the place for you!

5 show days: Oct 23-24, 29-30-31. Hours 5-10p EDT.
Tickets sold at gate. We can accept cash & credit cards. Free parking.

General Admission [Rain or Shine]
$5 (ages 2-12), $8 (ages 13+)
Visit Treat Village and the Bouncy House. Play the Games and listen to the Story-Tellers. Join in the Costume Parade (6-6:30 nightly), and Monster Music & Dance - plus enjoy the Costumed Characters. Don’t forget the Crafts, Food, Beer, and Soda available for purchase.

And if you dare…
Haunted Hayride [Fair weather only]
Additional $10 (ages 8+ only)
Ride through the deep, dark woods, pulled by an ancient tractor and even more ancient driver! Ghouls await! What could go wrong?!?

More info: (link...). 865-248-8414 TNMedievalFaire@gmail.com or TMFaire@comcast.net

Reform or Status Quo?

Taxes. Tennessee ranks highest among all 50 states in a new study of state and local sales taxes according to the nonpartisan research organization - The Tax Foundation. In fact, according to their study, Tennessee has the highest combined state and local sales tax rate with an average of 9.43 percent. (link...)

Existing Tax Holidays. Since 2006, Tennessee has held its sales tax holidays during the first week of August for clothing, school supplies, and computers. The holiday last for three days. During a few select years the sales tax holidays have also taken place in April; however that hasn’t happened for the last several years.

Economic Impact of Tax Holidays. According to Vanderbilt University Economist, Malcolm Getz - "What the consumer saves on taxes reduces government spending, so the net effect is zero." Reference - The Tennessean.

Current Grocery Tax. The state sales and use tax rate on sales of food and food ingredients is currently at 5.25% plus the applicable local sales and use tax rate. Prepared food, dietary supplements, candy, alcoholic beverages and tobacco continue to be subject to the general state sales and use tax rate of 7% plus the applicable local sales and use tax rate. There has been much debate and some progress on lowering the tax on food; however, Tennesseans still pays amongst the highest combined sales taxes on food in the entire nation.

Learning from the Past to Improve the Future. I remember how my mother and grandmother bought groceries; they used the freezer and pinched pennies whenever they could. I remember them stocking up on non-perishables, while buying the perishable fruits, vegetables, bread and milk weekly and only buying meat once a week, if even then. Your family was more than likely just like mine. These are Tennessee traditions, our values.

Reform. I would propose legislative reform that would allow a semi-annual 3-day Holiday on the Grocery Sales Tax for food and food ingredients from the 5.25% rate to 0%. This proposed Sales Tax Holiday on Groceries could help families plan for their future while saving money on their taxes. This proposal would be another bold step in the right direction; not the ending point.

Status Quo. What has Ken Calfee proposed? Vague generalities. The election is right around the corner. It’s time for Kent Calfee to provide specifics. Who is Kent Calfee? What is Kent for? He has proven that he’s not willing to debate for anyone to find out.

Unveiled! I hope voters realize that Kent has always been for the status quo, even though he's trying to re-invent himself and seems to think that the opportunity to represent you is a foregone conclusion. I ask you to stand with me against the status quo. We can reform the government to make it work for the people and the economy.

My leadership in the community is not just campaign fodder. I am a candidate that cares deeply about my fellow citizens. I am ready to work for you. I am ready to discuss the issues. I am accessible. I am ready to lead.

I ask for your vote.

Jack

Vote New, Jack McNew
Vote New in 32

Missing? I attended the Oak Ridge League of Women Voters Forum tonight at 7 p.m. I was joined tonight by Conservative Allen Cole. As typical, Kent Calfee was not present. The moderator ended up reading a statement provided by Mr. Calfee that said he had another engagement. I have to ask, what was more important tonight? The Roane Alliance had their Elected Officials Appreciation event tonight at 5:30 p.m., but Kent is not an elected official. So where was he?

Presumptuous? House Speaker Beth Harwell seems to have already anointed Mr. Calfee as the State Representative for the 32nd District by default; however, Kent hasn't yet won the election. I don't believe that he should already be referred to as State Representative Kent Calfee by Speaker Harwell. Do you? The campaign is far from over. His actions are presumptuous. He seems to believe that he’s already won the election and doesn’t need to debate. I have participated in three debates so far. Kent showed up at the Tea Party debate, which ended up getting him in hot water for his misstatements. Kent failed to show up for the remaining debates during the primary season too.

Unanswered Questions? The debates and forums give the people the opportunity to learn about the candidates. The voters have the opportunity to compare us side by side. I have to ask, do the people of the 32nd District really know the real Kent Calfee? Is he a leader? Is this how a leader is supposed to act? Even though Kent Calfee held a seat on the County Commission for 20 years, I don’t believe the people of Roane and Loudon Counties truly know the politician Kent Calfee. During the primary season, the voters only heard the talking points of a well-funded campaign run by outsiders masked by the now re-made candidate Kent Calfee.

Unsuccessful Leadership? We know that Kent has been unsuccessful fighting against the disabled tigers at Tiger Haven. He also lost in his fight against the Crete Carrier, the trucking company that invested millions in Lenoir City and Roane County. Kent was even on the opposite side of the Roane County Commission and the County Mayor in his efforts to stop economic development.

Unveiled! Is Kent scared to debate me? Is Kent even scared of the public? I have proven that I am accessible. I stand by the fact that I am not for sale as a candidate. I pledge that I will not be for sale as your State Representative. I will fight for bold reform for the 32nd District and all of Tennessee.

Reform or Status Quo? I hope that you will take the time to understand who I am. I am for reform that will position the State well for the future. I hope you realize that Kent has always been for the status quo, even though he's trying to re-invent himself and seems to think that the opportunity to represent you is a foregone conclusion. I ask you to stand with me against the status quo.

I am ready to work for you. I am ready to discuss the issues. I am accessible. I am ready to lead.

I ask for your vote.

Jack

Vote New, Jack McNew
Vote New in 32

The Creative Arts Co-op has reached a milestone - double digits. The Co-op is celebrating 10 years of the arts in Roane County. What began as a few scattered classes throughout the county has grown into a 100 seat performing arts center with ongoing arts classes for the young and the young-at-heart.

The Creative Arts Co-op continues its summer activities with its 10th Annual Creative Junction Summer Camp series. Programs include students from Pre-K through 12th grade. Half-day and full-day camps are scheduled for June and July.

Please contact the Creative Arts Co-op at 865/765-1129 or visit (link...) for more details.

It's true!

If there is enough interest, and everyone pulls together, the hospital building in Harriman, Tennessee, soon to be vacated after a move of Roane Medical Center to new facilities in Midtown (2013), could become a new regional Veterans Hospital! Are you willing to help?!

The Creative Arts Co-op's 5th annual New Year's Eve Extravaganza is set for...you guessed it - New Year's Eve. The show is entitiled 'The 15th Annual Me-Me-Me Awards'. The interactive murder mystery takes on a New Year's glint with all the glitz and glamour of a celebrity awards show. Everyone will make a grand entrance...one will make a grand exit.

The show includes hors d'oeurves, non-alcoholic beverages and toast, dessert bar, party favors, and of course, the show.

The details are:
'The 15th Annual Me-Me-Me Awards'
December 31, 2011
Evening begins at 8:00pm
At the Creative Arts Co-op Visual & Performing Arts Center,
426 Ruritan Road, Harriman
Tickets are $30.00 per person and can be purchased by calling the Creative Arts Co-op at 865/765-1129 or by visiting (link...).

The Creative Arts Co-op is proud to present its annual Christmas production. This year's show is the American classic 'It's A Wonderful Life- A Live Radio Play'.

Join us as the characters come to life in front of you and George Bailey's story unfolds.

The details are:

'It's A Wonderful Life - A Live Radio Play'
December 16 & 17, 2011
Both Shows begin at 8:00pm
Tickets are $5.00 at the door.
at the Creative Arts Co-op Visual & Performing Arts Center, 426 Ruritan Road, Harriman.

For more information, contact 865/765-1129 or visit (link...).

The Creative Arts Co-op opened its sixth season of murder mysteries to an enthusiatic audience. 'Corporate Killings', the fourteenth orignial play developed at the Co-op, takes an up close and very funny look at the dirty side of white collar crime.

It's unofficially the beginning of summer! And to kick it off, The Creative Arts Co-op is going to kill someone. And eat cheesecake, of course.

The new season of Murder a la Mode 2011 is about to start- and do we have a season for you. Our first show, 'Corporate Killings', just goes to prove the law of the jungle rules the boardroom, too.

The Creative Arts Co-op is gearing up for another 'Season of Murder' beginning in June. Our 'almost famous' interactive murder mysteries will kick off its 6th year in 2011.

We open the season with a little white collar crime entitled 'Corporate Killings'. Our cast of characters can't wait to meet you - at least until you start interrogating them. An interactive evening - the show begins when you walk in and doesn't stop until 'justice is served.' With a zany cast of characters, clue hunts, suspect interrogations, and our delicious dessert buffet, you can't help but have a great time.

Here are the details:

'Corporate Killings'
June 11 & 18, 2011
Both shows begin at 8:00pm
Tickets are $20.00 per person and include dessert, beverages, and show.
Reservations are recommended.

For more information, please conatact the Creative Arts Co-op at 865/765-1129 or visit (link...).

Summer is almost upon us - that's a lot of time to fill. Visit the Creative Arts Co-op's web site for a full list of summer camps for kids of all ages.

You can also check out the summer line-up of live performances gearing up as well - murder mysteries to comedy shows to children's mysteries - we have something for ages 3 to 103.

Visit (link...) or call 865/765-1129.

Have a happy summer!

Way back around 1971 I took an anthropology class at the University of Tennessee taught by Dr. William M. Bass, who had just arrived at the university that same year. Dr. Bass oversaw the development of the discipline at UT Knoxville, which culminated with the creation of the Forensic Anthropology Center within the Department of Anthropology, and many resources for students, researchers, and law enforcement agencies.

Dr. Bass began to see the need for a "body farm" back in 1977, after making a self-admitted 112 year mistake in judging the age of the decomposing body of Col. Shy, a Confederate soldier who had died in 1864, from a wound on the battle field just 12 miles from his home near Franklin, TN.

"I got the age, sex, race, height and weight right but I was off on the time of death by 113 years."

Read more on this HERE!

I was wondering around the alley behind the Princess this week, thinking about the work that will soon begin. Upon this roof we should soon see men busily working on putting down a new 40-year roof. That will signal the start of the restoration work! However, the work inside cannot begin until a new roof is firmly in place.

Muse Watson and Gary Baker, among others, have been meeting with Frank Sparkman, and the finer points of the restoration blueprints have been worked out. A roofing contractor has been hired and the work should begin in short order.

More on the Princess Blog!

'Gumshoe Memoirs'
June 12 & 19, 2010
Show begins at 8:00pm
at the new Creative Arts Co-op Visual & Performing Arts Center
426 Ruritan Road
Harriman

With summer break beginning for most schools and the whimper of 'I'm bored!' looming in the back of most parents' minds, there is hope.

The Creative Arts Co-op continues to offer a variety of summer camps - from Pre-k through high school. With a vastly expanded schedule, the Co-op offers art camps, stage camps, pre-k camps, playwright camps, Kite camp, and more. With half-day and full-day camps available, there is something for everyone.

For more information, call the Creative Arts Co-op or visit (link...).

The Creative Arts Co-op is excited to announce the fourth season of Murder a la Mode - scheduled to begin with the throwback mystery 'Gumshoe Memoirs'. Step back to a time of dames, P.I.'s, trench coats, and smoking guns.

Our new, larger location is...
the Creative Arts Co-op Visual & Performing Arts Center
426 Ruritan Road
Harriman, TN 37748
Please call for reservations as seating is limited.

Tickets are still $20.00 per person and include dessert and the show.

For more information, call the Creative Arts Co-op at 865/765-1129 or visit (link...).

It's that time of year again... another season of murder and mayhem and delicious desserts, of course.

Our fourth season of Murder a la Mode is scheduled to begin with the throwback mystery 'Gumshoe Memoirs'. Step back to a time of dames, P.I.'s, trench coats, and smoking guns. This show is a little different from previous seasons, but just as entertaining.

The details are...

'Gumshoe Memoirs'
June 12 & June 19, 2010
shows begin at 8:00pm
at the new Creative Arts Co-op Visual & Performing
Arts Center
426 Ruritan Road
Harriman, TN 37748
Please call for reservations as seating is limited.

TIckets are still $20.00 per person and include dessert and the show.

For more information, call the Creative Arts Co-op at 865/765-1129 or visit (link...).

The Creative Arts Co-op announces its annual Spring Break Art Camp for 1st through 7th graders. The day camp offers students a chance to get creative -and sometimes messy- while exploring the arts. The cost is $85.00 per student and includes all materials and snacks.

For information or registration, please contact the Creative Arts Co-op at 865/765-1129 or visit (link...)

The Creative Arts Co-op is excited to announce the opening of its new home. The Creative Arts Co-op Visual and Performing Arts Center is located at 426 Ruritan Road, Harriman. The larger facility offers more space for our theatrical productions, camps, and classes as well as our soon-to-be famous murder mysteries. There will be an official grand opening later this month (once the paint dries), so we will keep everyone posted. And we hope to see you there!

For more information on any of our programs, please contact the Creative Arts Co-op at 865/765-1129 or visit us at (link...).

Open Auditions for the annual high school level performance of a classic Broadway musical. Anyone in 9th through 12th grades is invited to audition.

Participants must be prepared to sing.

When: Tuesday, February 23, 2010
7:00pm
Where: 505 N. Roane Street, Harriman
(next to Adkisson’s Florist)

For more information, please call the Creative Arts Co-op at 765-1129 or visit (link...).

The Creative Arts Co-op closed its community theatre production of 'A Christmas Carol' Saturday, December 19, 2009. And the show was an amazing success. The cast of young adults succeeded in presenting the iconic tale in an entertaining and lively way - engaging the audience. And brought to life the meaning of Christmas. To those of you who joined us over the two weeks of performances - THANK YOU! To those of you who missed it, you missed a great show.

Our next show will be our murder mystery 'The Lady Luck Murders' on New Year's Eve. You can visit us at (link...). We hope to see you there!

The Creative Arts Co-op is proud to announce....

Our next performance is set for New Year's Eve - after all, what better way to kick off the New Year?!? This year end blowout wil be 'Vegas style'. So, get ready for some fun on the casino tables, show girls, and a Vegas style Tribute Show - and that doesn't even include the dead body.

The details are:

'The Lady Luck Murders'

Thursday, December 31, 2009

Show begins at 8:00pm

at Holy Joe's
426 N. Roane Street
Harriman

Tickets are $30.00 per person and include party favors, non-alcoholic toast, hors d'oeurves, and our all-you-care-to-eat dessert bar - as well as our always entertaining live performance.

Pre-paid tickets are required for the New Year's Eve show,

For more information or to make reservations, please call the Creative Arts Co-op at 865/765-1129 or visit (link...).

The Creative Arts Co-op is proud to announce the upcoming community theatre production of the Dickens' classic 'A Christmas Carol'. The community theatre production will take the stage December 12, 18, and 19 at Holy Joe's in downtown Harriman. Tickets are just $5.00 per person.

For more information, please contact the Creative Arts Co-op at 865/765-1129 or visit (link...).

We hope to see you there!