Independence Day Celebrated in Rugby

There was a record crowd of over 70 at the Hicks’ annual July 4th picnic. Everyone enjoyed the cooler than usual temperatures and the music from Butch Hodgkins blue grass band, Lonesome County Line.

George Zepp got into the spirit of things by reenacting Will Walton’s July 4th tradition of firing a small cannon.

Thanks to John and Kathy Hicks for all their hard work in making this annual event so special.
And thanks to Cheryl Hodgkins and George Zepp for the photos.

Fire Extinguisher Update

by Tom Howell, CFAVFD Secretary

Clear Fork Volunteer Fire Department has had about half of about 50 discharged fire extinguishers inspected and refilled. FireFyter of Knoxville will soon make another trip to Rugby to replenish the remaining units. These units were a gift from Morgan County Rescue Squad.

During the coming week and thereafter, members of our fire department will be delivering a fire extinguisher to every home and business in Rugby (except that Historic Rugby buildings have their own units, which were inspected last week as well). Clear Fork firefighters will have extinguishers in private vehicles as well.

These units will go out free of charge, but Clear Fork VFD will appreciate a donation to assist in defraying the cost -- roughly $1500 total -- of inspecting and recharging the 50 units. These are five- and ten-pound extinguishers, much larger and more effective than the small (one-and two-pound) non-rechargeable extinguishers available in retail stores.

Summer Concert Series Starts Saturday

Historic Rugby’s Summer Concert Series starts Saturday July 11 with An Evening Of Traditional Country with singer Logan Murrell. Logan is a 12-year-old musical prodigy from Knoxville who started singing when she was only 23 months old. She’ll wow you with her renditions of songs by Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, Merle Haggard, Dolly Parton and more…and she might be joined by some other young rising stars.

Tickets $10. Showtime is 7:45 pm Eastern. Tickets with reserved seating now on sale at Historic Rugby - call 423-628-2441 or toll-free 888-214-3400.

Hike Around Rugby

Longtime resident and experienced hike leader Eric Wilson will be leading the next hike for the local chapter of the Tennessee Trails Association on Saturday July 18. Everyone is welcome to join this “Hike Around Rugby” which will be a great introduction to all the hiking opportunities available in the green belt that surrounds the village of Rugby.

The TTA newsletter says this about the hike: “Total distance, divided into several segments, is about 8.5 miles, rated moderate because of some steep climbs and stream crossings, but there are several points where you can return to the village without completing the entire hike….We’ll stop for lunch at Harrow Road Café, or bring your own.”See the Calendar of Events below for more details.

Hangin' Hog Restaurant Closed

Well, there are not many places to eat out in the Jamestown area, and now there is one less. Apparently the Hangin Hog – a barbecue restaurant just off of Highway 127 south of Jamestown – has closed.

Birthdays

July 12 – Jim McBrayer

Calendar of Events

July 10 – History Club – Howard Ray Duncan will appear in his late 1800’s costume and tell about life as a businessman in the Big South Fork. (This performance was supposed to be at the June dinner meeting, but had to be delayed) 7:00 p.m. at the Friendly House.

July 11 – An Evening of Traditional Country with Logan Murrell at Historic Rugby’s Johnson Theatre at 7:45 p.m. Eastern. Logan is a 12-year-old musical prodigy from Knoxville who began singing when she was only 23 months old. $10

July 18 – Hike Around Rugby with Eric Wilson. This hike is sponsored by the Big South Fork Chapter of the Tennessee Trails Association. Total distance, divided into several segments, is about 8.5 miles, rated moderate because of some steep climbs and stream crossings, but there are several points where you can return to the village without completing the entire hike. Meet at the Harrow Road Café at 9:30 a.m. Eat lunch at the Harrow Road Café or bring your own. Dress appropriately for the weather and bring plenty of water and bug spray. For more information contact Eric Wilson at ericavi@nxs.net.

July 25 – Josie, A Mountain Portrait - a theatre event at Historic Rugby’s Johnson Theatre 7:45 p.m. Eastern. Kentucky actress and folk musician Jennifer Rose presents Josie in story and song as a composite rural Appalachian woman from the age of 14 to 50 in this very special theatre event. $14

August 1 – Community Potluck – 7:00 p.m. Eastern

August 8 – Book Club at 7:00 p.m. at Debbie Harris' house. The book will be The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski. Please let Debbie Harris know if your interested at harrisdl1@hotmail.com

Exercise Group – Monday and Thursday at 9:00 a.m. Eastern at the Friendly House

Quilters Group - Wed. and Sat. 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Eastern at the Friendly House

HRI Workshops

(For more details about workshops go to Historic Rugby Website at http://www.historicrugby.org/ )

July 11-12 - Creating With Clay - Instructor June Watts - Two-day pottery workshop will focus on hand building and sculpting in clay and is perfect for beginners or those with limited experience.

July 18 - Kudzu Vine Basketry - Instructor Fuzzy Orange - Learn to weave a basket from Kudzu vines harvested in Rugby and take home your basket to enjoy for years to come.

August 1 – Understanding Birds of Prey & Reptiles – Instructor Katie Cottrell, Kathy Strunk & John Byrd – Slides and live exhibits of birds of prey and reptiles with a focus on natural history and ecological roles of various predators. Donation will be made to the Clinch River Raptor Center.

TO REGISTER FOR WORKSHOPS: Call (423) 628-2441 or Toll-Free 1-888-214-3400. Lodging is available at Historic Rugby with a 10% discount to all workshop participants.

This Week’s Editors - Rick Murphy and George Zepp