Biographical Information
Pete Rogers retired after 31 years with Tennessee State Parks. He served as Ranger at Norris Dam State Park, as well as, Ranger Naturalist and Interpretive Specialist at Johnsonville State Historic Park. During his tenure at Panther Creek State Park, Pete served as the Park Manager. He is a Tracking Instructor for state, federal, county and city law enforcement agencies.
Jimbo Whaley is a singer and songwriter who grew up in Pigeon Forge. He has pulled so many memories reflecting that Smoky Mountain area upbringing and written numerous songs including: The Foundation, M.R.'s Rolling Store, The Legend of Jack Huff, and the fan favorite, The Kings of Orebank. Jimbo currently performs with the bluegrass band "Greenbrier". Whaley helped lead this band to become an International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) emerging Artist of the Year nominee for two years in a row.
Alligator Aaron – Silly Safari conservation educator, Alligator Aaron, has been providing live animal outreach programs throughout the United States since 1997. Silly Safari is the leading provider of live animal outreach conservation education programs in Indiana. Join Alligator Aaron and Jungle John for a thrilling look at some mountain animals. www.sillysafaris.com
Herman Adams is a native of Pigeon Forge. He has many anecdotes of his years growing up in ‘downtown’ in the 1950’s.
Donna Allen is a native of Pigeon Forge and attended elementary school here. She is a descendant of William Hatcher, a pioneer settler of the area.
Anne Allison is a retired educator and a member of The American Bear Association (ABA). She volunteered for several years at the Vince Shute Wildlife Sanctuary in Minnesota. Anne collaborated with Kathy Sherrard in designing and maintaining the website for the organization for three years. In 1999 they created a children’s activity book about bears. More recently, she has become a member and volunteer for Appalachian Bear Rescue in Tennessee, and a volunteer for Wild For Life Center for Rehabilitation of Wildlife in Asheville, NC. Anne has presented programs in Minnesota and North Carolina and annually at Wilderness Wildlife Week.
Email: wildscove@hughes.net
Dr. Fred Alsop III is a Professor of Biology at East Tennessee State University. He is a master birder, wildlife photographer and author of 9 books including Birds of the Smokies. Additionally, he is the author of the Smithsonian Handbook: Birds of North America (2001), and North America Backyard Birds (2003).
Email: alsopf@mail.etsu.edu
Jeff Alt is a talented speaker and author of the award-winning books, A Walk For Sunshine and A Hike For Mike. Jeff has walked the 2,160-mile Appalachian Trail, the 218-mile John Muir Trail with his wife. Last summer he carried his 21-month old daughter on a family trek across a swath of Ireland. Jeff is a motivational speaker and teacher with a Master’s Degree in Communication Disorders. He has been featured on ESPN’s Inside America’s National Parks, Hallmark Channel, CNN-Radio, USA Radio Network, Chicago Sun Times and many more. Email: altjt@juno.com
American Eagle Foundation is a 501(c)(3) not for profit organization dedicated to the mission and vision of preserving the USA’s majestic eagles and fragile environment for future generations to enjoy. They are also dedicated to caring for other birds of prey, many of which have been injured or orphaned. Their goal is to rehabilitate raptors for reintroduction into the wild, yet provide a home for those that are permanently disabled. At the Dollywood based facility, they are federally licensed caregivers to more than 60 resident birds that are non-releasable due to physical handicaps or accidental imprinting on humans. Some are trained for educational purposes, while others are placed in captive breeding projects. As a result of their reproduction efforts, they have released dozens of eagles into the Great Smoky Mountains. Email: aefeagles3@comcast.net
Lloyd Arneach, an enrolled member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee, learned his first
legends from two storytelling uncles on the reservation. Lloyd’s stories range from the
“old stories” of the Cherokee to more contemporary stories. He is also a published author, lecturer and teacher. He has performed at the Kennedy Center (2001), the National Folklife Festival, Washington, D.C. (2003) at the request of the Smithsonian Institute and for the Grand Opening of the American Indian Museum in Washington, D.C. Lloyd currently has a new book awaiting release.
Email: larneach@dnet.net
Rev. Jack Bailey is the pastor of Laurel Grove Baptist Church in the Walden’s Creek community. He entered the ministry November 1952 and has pastored Rocky Grove, Mt. Zion, Henderson’s Chapel and Laurel Grove (he has been here 35 years). Rev. Bailey serves on various Baptist association committees. He is owner and operator of Sevierville Auto Trim Shop.
Louise Bales is a self taught artist who lives “off the traveled path” in Gatlinburg, as her family has for generations. The quality of Louise Bales’ delicately detailed watercolors reflects her dedication to her craft. The scope of her subject matter and the rich and abundant wildlife of her mountain home are the expression of a woman whose roots are deeply planted in the rich soil her family has owned for generations. Website: www.louisebales.com
Stephen Lyn Bales – Lyn, a native of Gatlinburg, has been on staff at IJAMS Nature Center in Knoxville for eight years as Development Manager and Naturalist. He routinely implements programs for groups of all ages. Lyn also writes about nature
for local publications and has recently published a book, Natural Histories: Stories From The Tennessee Valley, with UT Press. Email: lynbales@comcast.net
Rev. Andy Ball is pastor of Maples Branch Baptist Church. He has pastored several churches in Sevier County and has been called upon to hold many revivals and has conducted numerous weddings and funerals during his years as a minister.
Alfred Ballinger is a retired instructor from the Health and Physical Education Department at Tennessee Technological University. He taught Outdoor Recreation courses in camping, backpacking, canoeing and rock climbing. He currently owns Cumberland Mountain Outdoor Sports, an outdoor equipment and supply shop in Cookeville, TN and guides adventure trips to the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Cumberland Island, Boundary Waters Canoe Area and other wilderness areas.
Email: cmosports@tn.access.com
Boogertown Gap – Ruth Barber and Keith Watson are environmental musicians who perform the traditional Old Time music of their ancestors. They incorporate true stories and facts from their ancestors and these mountains. Website: www.boogertowngap.com
Email: boogertowngap@comcast.net
Mike Braun resides in Maryville, TN. He is an avid hiker and backpacker, and is a volunteer in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, in both Resource Education and Backcountry Information/Reservation Office. Mike is a certified “Leave No Trace” trainer, and has adopted several backcountry campsites. On his days off, you can usually find him on the trail.
Bob Brittle and Sharon Brittle perform at various community activities, resorts, churches and social functions in the Pigeon Forge area. Bob is a tour guide for Smoky Mountain Tour Connection, and both are natives of Florida. Bob and Russell Fox provided a weekly summer program at the Elkmont Campground Amphitheater for three seasons.
Email: bbrittle@netzero.net
Fred Brown, Senior Writer for the Knoxville News-Sentinel, has been a journalist for more than 30 years. He is a member of the Scripps Howard Hall of Fame and a recipient of the Malcom Law Trophy for Feature Writing. Fred’s newest book is entitled, Marking Time – East Tennessee Historical Markers and the Stories Behind Them. He is also the author of Serpent Handlers and Their Faith and is a co-author of Discovering October Roads: Fall Color and Geology in Tennessee with Harry Moore.
Email: brownf@knews.com
Tom Brosch owned and operated a popular hiking store near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park for several years. His deep knowledge of history on the park, the people who lived here and the location of the many trail systems provides him with ample skill to serve as the Wilderness Wildlife Week Transportation Director. Email: amtnhiker@aol.com
Alan Bruhin received his BS degree (Animal Science) and his MS degree (Extension Education) from the University of Tennessee. He has been with the Extension for 30 years, the last 18 years serving as Extension Director in Sevier County, TN. He is the Sevier County Master Gardener Coordinator.
John Burgess is an avid hiker. John has enjoyed his participation as hike leader and hiking with retired citizens for more than ten years.
John Byrd is associated with the Clinch River Environmental Studies Organization that works with high school and college students and specializes in radiotelemetry on snakes, bird banding, aquatic salamanders and more. Email: cresosnake@aol.com
Glenn Cardwell retired as a Park Ranger from Great Smoky Mountains National Park. He grew up in “Big Greenbrier” and now lives in Pittman Center, TN where he serves as Mayor.
Jack Carman is a graduate of Mississippi State University and a retired aeronautical engineer. An amateur botanist and recipient of several photography awards, Jack is the author of Wildflowers of Tennessee, Tennessee’s first color photographic field guide. Email: jcarman@WildflowersTn.com
Rev. Melvin Carr as a little boy lived in the Sugarlands section of the GSMNP, moving in 1931 to the Pittman Center area. After 56 years as an ordained Baptist Minister, he has seen many changes from the Old Mountain Church Services.
Stuart Carroll has been a Ranger/Naturalist with Fall Creek Falls State Park for more than twenty years. He received his B.S. Degree from the University of Tennessee – Martin and a Master’s Degree from Tennessee Technological University. He has been a recipient of the coveted “Ranger of the Year” award from Tennessee State Parks and additional numerous conservation and education awards.
Email: stuart.wcarroll@state.tn.us
Frank Carter has been a member of Retired Citizens of the Smokies for more than 19 years and hikes every Friday year-round. He also has a genuine interest for wildflowers and the history of the Smokies.
Hank and Jane Caruso are members of the Retired Citizens of the Smokies, and have hiked nearly every Friday for 4 years. They live in Blount County on Chilhowee Mountain overlooking Cades Cove and Thunderhead Mountain.
Kendall Chiles is a freelance nature photographer with more than 20 years of photography experience. His photographs have appeared in numerous books, magazines and brochures. He is an Instructor for the University of Tennessee/Smoky Mountain Field School and a Board Member of Southern Appalachian Nature Photographers. His prints are available locally at Papworth Gallery. Email: kchiles@esper.com
Herb Clabo grew up in the Spruce Flats area of the Great Smokies. He and his family spent many, many hours collecting herbs for the family’s medicine and for selling. He has a broad knowledge of the uses of many of these herbs that he learned from his mother. Clabo tells that he and his brothers rode “Old Doll”, their horse, over to Greenbrier to sell their time-consuming collections.
Virginia (Ginny) Cliett has been playing the lap dulcimer since 2004. She is a member of the Knoxville Area Dulcimer Club. She plays and performs in two groups – T.N.T. and Highstrung. Email: dulcinote@aol.com
Gwen Cody is the Genealogist at the Pigeon Forge Public Library. Gwen grew up on Dixie Avenue in Pigeon Forge and attended elementary school in the old building near what is now Patriot Park. She also attended the new schoolhouse on the site where the City Hall is now located. Her ancestors are some of the first families of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.
Allen Coggins is a free-lance writer, photographer and researcher who supports his passion for all three by working as a semi-retired subcontractor for the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education and as a Smoky Mountain tour guide. His book Place Names of the Smokies, explores the origins of the names of streams, ridges, valleys and other features within our nation’s most visited national park. He has written over a hundred magazine and journal articles including several entries in the Tennessee Encyclopedia of History and Culture, “Historic River Hamlet of Pigeon Forge: A Walking Tour”, “Historic Pigeon Forge: A Driving Tour” and “A Walking and Driving Tour of Historic Gatlinburg and Vicinity” (which he co-authored). He is a former chief naturalist with both Georgia and Tennessee State Parks. Email: ursey@bellsouth.net
Rob Cole is the Volunteer Coordinator at Bays Mountain Park. He attended East Tennessee University, and majored in Communications with a concentration in Public Relations. He is a Certified Tennessee Tourism Professional (CTTP) with more than 10 years experience in the tourism industry.
Babette Collavo is the Volunteers-In-Parks Coordinator and Leave No Trace Master for
Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Babette has a 26-year background with the
Park, having served in a variety of areas, such as Volunteer Bear Research Assistant, Backcountry Law Enforcement Ranger and Secretary to the Superintendent. Email: babette_collavo@nps.gov
Dan Conner is the son of the late Jehu S. and Nellie Lenore Bradley Conner. He lived in the Smokemont community of the Great Smoky Mountains until 1949, when at the age of 21, he and his wife Norma Jean Burnett Conner moved to South Pigeon Forge. His father operated a country store at Smokemont when Conner was a boy. As a young adult, he opened a Gulf gas station in Pigeon Forge in 1952, just as the first lane of the new blacktop road was opening. That road was soon to be the Parkway. He later opened the Norma Dan Motel across the road from the Gulf station. The Conners have one daughter, Danette Conner and three grandchildren.
Robin Cortvriend has hiked the Smoky Mountains for the past seven years, particularly trails in the GSMNP. Robin has led many hikes for the Haywood Hiker group and is a member of the Carolina Mountain Club.
Dr. Thomas L. & Pat Cory have been professionally involved in photography since 1989. They teach photo workshops and conduct guided photography trips throughout
the United States, Europe and the South Pacific. Email: tompatcory@aol.com
Katie Cottrell has held the volunteer position as Co-Director of the Clinch River Raptor Center for more than 21 years. She has been active in the rehabilitation of songbirds, water birds and birds of prey during that time and attended five national symposiums sponsored by International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council and National Wildlife Rehabilitation Association. Katie has completed many classes associated with wildlife rehabilitation. Email: kathleencottrell@bellsouth.net
Tom Cox has been studying and teaching mushroom identification for approximately 5 years. He has worked closely with the Forest Service Biologist to provide them with a species list of mushrooms.
Jungle John – Silly Safari conservation educator, Jungle John, has been providing live animal outreach programs throughout the United States since 1997. Silly Safari is the leading provider of live animal outreach conservation education programs in Indiana. Join Jungle John and Alligator Aaron for a thrilling look at some mountain animals. www.sillysafaris.com
Arleen Decker has been actively involved with the Cumberland Trail effort for more than 10 years as a trail volunteer. She then became the Development Director for the Cumberland Trail Conference raising $2.1 million for land acquisition. Arleen now serves as President of the Board of the Friends of the Cumberland Trail, a nonprofit group that supports the park. She also served on the Governor’s Council on Greenways and Trails for six years, helped start the Cumberland River Compact, and has made presentations about the Cumberland Trail on the local, state, and national level. She and her husband Ed reside in Maryville where they operate a wilderness adventure business and hostel.
Bill and Rosemary Deitzer – Bill is an adjunct physical education instructor at Cincinnati State College and the University of Cincinnati leading hikes and map/compass usage classes. Bill has hiked in all 50 states and leads trips to the Smokies for a local health club. He is a member of the Highpointers Club, Appalachian Trail Conference and the Sierra Club. He is a member of the 900 Miler Club having completed all 800 trails in the Smokies. Email: billdeitzer@nuvox.net
E. Kim Delozier is the Wildlife Biologist for GSMNP and is responsible for the Black Bear Management Program. A native of Sevier County with a degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Science, Kim has been employed with the National Park Service for more than 23 years. His expertise extends to black bear management, exotic wild hog control and river otter and peregrine falcon restorations. Most recently, he has also become involved with the experimental release of elk into the GSMNP.
Email: Kim_Delozier@nps.gov
Liz Domingue is the originator and owner of Outdoor Adventures through which she leads guided interpretive hikes in addition to conducting environmental education for youth, adults and fellow educators. She holds a Master’s Degree in Wildlife/Conservation Biology and has conducted research on amphibians, birds, mammals and reptiles. She is the author and photographer of Paddling Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge and a contributing writer, photographer and consultant for McGraw-Hill Science Textbooks. She now resides in Sevierville, TN.
Email: justgetoutdoors@aol.com
Website: www.justgetoutdoors.com
Kenneth H. Dubke is a member of the Tennessee Ornithological Society and has been tracking the states nesting Osprey for more than 40 years. More recently he has been working with Golden Eagles in the Southern Appalachians and the endangered Whooping Crane in the Eastern United States.
Mark A. Dunaway holds a bachelor and Masters degree in Biology from East Tennessee State University. He studies avian communication and specializes in wildlife and nature recordings. Email: mmdunaway@bellsouth.net
Terry Edgington is a retired agricultural education teacher with a Bachelor’s Degree
in Animal Science and a Master’s Degree in Administration. Terry has been an educator for more than 30 years and is a Certified Hunter Education Instructor with the Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency. Email: terrye@charter.net
Nikki Edwards has worked as a Keeper/Trainer with the Knoxville Zoo Free-Flight program for eight years. She trains birds and performs with them at the zoo as well as for school outreach programs during the winter.
Mrs. Mabel Ellis has been with the City of Pigeon Forge for almost forty years. She came in 1969 when there were but a handful of employees to operate the fledgling town. Mrs. Ellis is city tax clerk and has the responsibility of collecting and recording the millions of tax dollars which come into the city each year. In this position she has become acquainted with the town’s business population from the sixty or so when she first came to the hundreds in business today.
Judy Felts moved to Nashville to pursue her career in music by performing at Opryland. After leaving Opryland, she began singing and playing keyboards for Grand Ole Opry star Bill Anderson. She recorded her first Christian CD in 1995. She is the founder & President of “Christian Women in the Marketplace”, a Nashville based organization. She is also on the board for ACT (Artist in Christian Testimony). The last several years she has had an open door to the Tennessee Prison for Women serving as a facilitator for their Friday night worship service for the inmates. Judy and her husband Mike have two children and live in Franklin, TN. Email: JudyFelts@kw.com
Bill Fortney is a professional photographer of 35 years experience. He has been a newspaper and magazine photojournalist. Bill was the official photographer for the Washington Redskins in their strike shortened Super Bowl Championship season. Bill has done medical photography, and for the last 16 years has been one of America’s leading nature photographers. His best selling books include The Nature of America, America From 500 Feet, and Getting Serious About Outdoor Photography. Four years ago Bill joined Nikon as an NPS Technical Representative. He covers the southern U.S. and the entire country for the natural history market. Bill lives in Corbin, KY with his wife Sherelene. Email: wfortney@nikon.net
Rev. W.A. Galyon was ordained to the gospel ministry of Southern Baptists at the age of 31 and has pastored churches in Sevier, Blount and Jefferson Counties. He has preached many revivals and more than 850 funerals. Rev. Galyon is a native of Sevier County. Rev. Galyon is a native of Sevier County. During WWII, he served in the U.S. Army stationed in Naples, Italy.
Steve & Regina Garr have been frequent guests on many gardening and nature television and radio programs. They are recent recipients of an “Environmental Stewardship” Award form the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation. Steve is the owner of Birds-I-View wild bird and nature store in Jefferson City, Missouri. Steve is Vice-president of the Missouri Bluebird Society, and a Past-president of the North American Bluebird Society. Email: steve@birds-i-view.biz
Robin Goddard is retired from a 32-year teaching career. She received many education honors including Tennessee Environmental Teacher of the Year, Who’s Who Among American Teachers and VIP National Park Service – Little Greenbrier School Interpreter. She also teaches at Tremont. Email: rlgoddard@aol.com
Rhonda Goins is a graduate of East Tennessee University. She has worked closely with wolves for more than 7 years, and headed the socialization of the last two additions to the pack at Bays Mountain Park, the 2003 pack and the 2007 pack.
Email: rangerrhon@yahoo.com
Erin Gray has worked as a Keeper/Trainer with the Knoxville Zoo Free-Flight program for five years. She trains birds and performs with them at the zoo, as well as for school outreach programs during the winter.
Mrs. Mary Gregory lived with her family in the Cades Cove section of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. She continues to be involved with the preservation of that area’s heritage through the Cades Cove Preservation Association. Mrs. Gregory currently serves on the board of the CCPA.
Mike and Kathy Gwinn love to share the ‘coming home’ feeling through their stories and songs. They will share their talents so that you can meet some of the interesting and colorful characters that called these mountains ‘home’. Mike and Kathy have entertained numerous groups including church, military and corporate groups. Kathy has been a guide with the Smoky Mountain Tour Connection for the last 8 years. They have been sharing their music and stories for the last 3 years. Email: gmikegwinn@yahoo.com
Kevin Hamed is an Assistant Biology Professor at Virginia Highlands Community College in Abingdon, VA. He earned a B.S. degree in Biology from Tennessee Technological University, and a M.S. degree in Biology from ETSU. He is currently conducting research on amphibian and small mammal populations. Email: khamed@vhcc.edu
Lucas Harkleroad works with the Sevier County Electric System and is associated with Green Power, a cooperative program involving the Sevier County Electric System and Tennessee Valley Authority. The program is concerned with fuel alternatives that work with the environment. Email: lharkleroad@sevces.org
Tom Harrington is a retired Insurance Agent. He is a Volunteer Interpreter with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park assigned to Resource Education in Cades Cove. He also works with the National Parks Community Outreach Program. He is a graduate of East Tennessee State University. Tom has been hiking weekly in the GSMNP
for 25 years. Email: t3hiker@ntown.com
Robert Hatcher retired in March 2001 as the Coordinator of the Non-Game and Endangered Wildlife Program for the TN Wildlife Resources Agency. Since his
retirement, he has answered all eagle email inquiries to the American Eagle Foundation. He received his Master’s Degree from Auburn University in 1962 and had been employed with TWRA since 1963. Bob has been associated with the release of approximately 310 young bald eagles and 47 golden eagles at 7 Tennessee hack sites. Email: hatcher2@bellsouth.net
Jim Hedrick owns the Comedy Barn Theater in Pigeon Forge. He has been a pig farmer for eleven years and is well versed in pigology. He considers himself a Ham. Arnold the pig was discovered to have mind-reading ability and is part of the Comedy Barn show.
Dr. Alan S. Heilman retired from the Dept. of Botany at the University of Tennessee where he was a Professor for 37 years. He continues to photograph plants and conducts photography workshops regularly.
Mr. Lloyd Helton rode along with the Pigeon Forge Police Chief in the 1960’s, serving as a volunteer. He remembers the time when there was a drive-in movie theater and a couple of drive-in restaurants in town. It didn’t take too long to patrol the entire town in those days. Crimes were not as urgent and could usually be controlled by a couple of men.
Michael Hodge is a park ranger at Frozen Head Natural Area and State Park. He grew up on the Cumberland Plateau. He holds a degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Science from Tennessee Technological University and a Master’s in Biology from Eastern Kentucky University where he studied the Bewick’s Wren. Email: michael.e.hodge@state.tn.us
Bill Hooks is a former naturalist, ranger and tour guide in GSMNP. Bill is also a nature
photographer with his specialty being floral in nature. He recently co-authored Whistle over the Mountain, a history of the Little River Lumber Company and the Little River Railroad.
Richard Iceland (Rich) has been a photographer/instructor for 39 years. His work has been published in People Magazine, The Sunday New York Times, The Bergen Evening Record, Palm Beach Post, Orlando Sentinel, Inside Track Magazine, and National Speed Sport News. In addition to teaching photography on the college level, he has been working the NASCAR circuit. As a prior WWW presenter, he passes on the experience of a seasoned news, sports, and travel photographer to anyone willing and wanting to learn to take better pictures. Email: photo.fast@yahoo.com
Richard Isenberg is a life long Sevier County resident. He is a graduate of Maryville College. In the 1950’s and 60’s, he operated Isenberg Motors, and American Motors dealership, in downtown Sevierville. In 1968 he joined Sevier County Bank and retired from there in 1993. He still serves on the Board of Directors of Sevier County Bank. Richard is a World War II Veteran. He was recently inducted into the Sevier County High School Sports Hall of Fame. He and his wife Ada still live in Sevierville. They have two daughters, Janet Proffitt and Mary Ann Helton who is the wife of our very own Butch Helton
Paul James is the Executive Director of Ijams Nature Center in Knoxville. He has a keen interest in extinct and endangered species. He is a board member of the
Knox County Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and the Smoky Mountain Planned Giving Council. Email: pjames@ijams.org
Jim Jenkins graduated from Tennessee Technological University with a B.S. in Wildlife Management. Jim is also knowledgeable about the plant and animal identification. He has hiked extensively in GSMNP and has been a tour guide for 27 years.
Ken Jenkins, professional photographer and creator of Wilderness Wildlife Week, is known throughout North America. He is an accomplished author of numerous books covering black bears, grizzlies, and other wildlife. He and his wife Vicki own Beneath the Smoke, a nature company and gallery in Gatlinburg. Because of Ken’s vision 18 years ago, WWW is now an award-winning event, having won the prestigious International Festivals and Events Association’s Pinnacle Award for Best Environmental Event and Best Educational Program from among approximately 1500 award entries.
Kristine Johnson is the Natural Resource Specialist for GSMNP. She holds a Master’s Degree in Forestry from the University of Tennessee. Her duties include forest insect and disease management, control of exotic plants and ecological restoration.
Email: kristine_johnson@nps.gov
Dr. Harley E. Jolley is a retired historian with a master’s and Ph.D. in History. He served as a seasonal park ranger for the National Park Service for more than 26 years. He is a recipient of the “Thomas Wolfe Literary Award” and “The Edward H. Abbuehl Environmental Education Award.”
Brad Jones has been a Park Ranger, Naturalist and Special Events Coordinator with the Johnson City Parks and Recreation Department for 18 years. As a member of the Tennessee Recreation & Parks Association, Brad has served as the North East District and Resource Management Chairs. He has participated in several environmental and study exchange programs that have taken him to places such as Russia and South Korea. Brad lived and worked at the Grand Canyon and has explored and experienced the canyon in many ways. Email: cbjwdp2@johnsoncitytn.org
Glenna & W.C. “Dub” Julian are Sevier County Master Gardeners. They volunteer often at the UT gardens and at the Sevier County Senior Center and Kodak Library. Glenna has been featured on The Learning Channel (TLC) and has been a Dogwood Arts Festival and UT Bloomsday speaker. She is a retired USPS Rural Carrier. Their 2-acre garden is a National Wildlife Federation Certified Backyard Habitat and a Monarch Waystation which “creates, conserves and protects Monarch butterfly habitats.” Their garden in Kodak has been featured in The Knoxville News-Sentinel and The Mountain Press. “Dub” received his BA from Carson Newman College and is a retired Senior Chief with more than 30 years in the military.
Joe Kelley served as a National Park Service Ranger for more than 30 years mainly in the Smokies and on the Blue Ridge Parkway. He retired in 1994 as Superintendent of
Obed Wild and Scenic River in Tennessee. He actively conducts talks and provides instruction of “old ranger skills” such as tracking, search and rescue and map
and compass use. He also serves as a guide with the Smoky Mountain Tour Connection.
Email: KelleyTown@charter.net
Veta King has been the organizer of “Our Search For The Past” for many years. She is the author and publisher of Mountain Folks of Old Smoky, a book primarily of reprinted stories that ran in The Mountain Press newspaper. Her collection from the weekly column contains interviews of people who talk of old time mountain ways. King has an interest in preserving mountain heritage and worked as the organizer of the Smoky Mountain Heritage Festival in Pigeon Forge. Her paternal grandparents lived in the Dudley Creek and Glades areas. She works part time at the Pigeon Forge Public Library.
Dale Knight is a photographer/technologist. For years, photography was his hobby. He eventually moved into the professional ranks in wedding and portraiture photography, commercial imaging and nature photography. Email: daleknight@gmail.com
Knoxville Zoo Bird Show offers some natural history about birds of prey and a talking African Grey Parrot. Staff includes Stephanie White, Lead Keeper/Trainer;
Nikki Edwards, Keeper/Trainer; Erin Gray, Keeper/Trainer; Jill Berry, Keeper/Trainer; and Elisabeth Zafiris, Keeper/Trainer.
Email: stephw@knoxville-zoo.org
Knoxville Zoo – Zoomobile – The Zoomobile travels all over East Tennessee teaching the wonders of the natural world with a variety of small live animals. Steve McGaffin schedules visits to schools, preschools, churches, senior citizen centers and community
events. More information can be found at www.knoxville-zoo.org/outreach.htm
Bert Kunze grew in the Bavarian Alps where he was an avid hiker and outdoorsman. Bert now resides in Hiawassee, Georgia where he continues to enjoy his hiking and outdoor activities. Bert has belonged to the Mountain Patrol for 16 years.
Betty Large taught school in Pigeon Forge for 38 years. She has lived in Pigeon Forge for 52 years. She and her husband Eugene have one son (Phil), daughter-in-law (Amy) and two grandchildren.
Rev. Earl Lane grew up east of Sevierville not too far from the old Harrisburg covered bridge historic sight. He lived through World War II ‘on the home front’ while his brother fought. This Sevier County minister tells that he tried to volunteer for service twice but was declined both times.
Bill Lea, Nature Photographer, captures intimate images of wildlife, scenery, wildflowers, and a variety of other natural subjects in “just the right light”. He may best be known for his artistic documentation of deer and bear behavior and the various moods of the GSMNP. He has been teaching photo workshops at Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont since 1992. More than 6,000 of his photos have been presented in an array of books, calendars, magazines, advertisements and other publications. In 2005, Bill authored a coffee-table book titled Great Smoky Mountains Wildlife Portfolio and recently co-authored the Great Smoky Mountains Wonder and Light book. His newest book is Cades Cove – Window to a Secret World. You can see more of Bill’s photos at www.BillLea.com
Lee Lewis has been involved in search and rescue, including technical rescue since 1990. As a volunteer, he has responded to incidents across Sevier County including the GSMNP in field operations and search incident management. Lee has over 965 hours of SAR training and is a graduate of the National Search and Rescue School.
He is certified as a Search and Rescue Technician II, Wilderness First Responder and Man-tracker. He is a member of the National Assoc. For Search And Rescue (NASAR) and the Society of Professional Rope Access Technicians (SPRAT). He is currently only one of two people who have hiked all six trails to Mt. LeConte in under 24 hours. Lee has led numerous hikes into the GSMNP for Wilderness Wildlife Week.
Email: lplewis@planetc.com
Deby Libby is self-taught on the lap dulcimer. She has been playing since 2002. Deby is a member of the Knoxville Area Dulcimer Club, plays/performs with Highstrung, T.N.T., and Dogwood Dulcimers & Friends. Email: dlibby@utk.edu
Dr. Donald W. Linzey is the author of a major new book entitled Natural History of Great Smoky Mountains National Park (2008) by UT Press. He is also the author of Mammals of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Mammals of Virginia and Snakes of Virginia. He is a Professor of Biology at Wytheville Community College in Virginia. He received his Ph.D in Vertebrate Zoology from Cornell University, worked as ranger/naturalist for GSMNP and has conducted mammal research in the park since 1963. Dr. Linzey also served as principle investigator for endangered species research on the northern flying squirrel and northern water shrew in the southern Appalachians for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. He is currently coordinating mammal research for the All-Taxa Biodiversity Inventory in the park and researching the causes of declining amphibian populations in Bermuda. Email: wclinzd@wcc.vccs.edu
Lost Mill String Band – Jerry and Joan Paul have been entertaining together for more than 10 years. Their smooth vocal harmonies, Joan’s claw hammer banjo, their diverse song selection and presentation style provide for an educational and entertaining experience.
Leo Lubke received a BS and MS degree in education from the State University of NY. He holds an earned doctorate in Instructional Communications also from SUNY. He is retired after 33 years in public education. Leo, a TN master Gardener, and his wife Linda live in Kodak, TN, where they enjoy gardening. He is a member of Garden Writers Association and writes a weekly garden column. Email: LHLubke@aol.com
Colleen M. Mattison is a longtime member of TEEA and Teacher for Blount County Schools. Ms. Mattison offers workshops for school systems worldwide.
Email: mattisonc@blountk12.org
Charles Maynard is the Director of Development for the Holston Conference Camp and Retreat Ministries. In addition, he has authored several books including Churches of the Smokies and co-authored Time Well Spent-Family Hiking in the Smokies and Waterfalls and Cascades of the Great Smoky Mountains. Email: smokycwm@aol.com
Dwight McCarter is a retired Ranger for the National Park Service. Dwight has published his book, Lost, that includes his collection of true stories and gripping personal accounts of tracking hopelessly lost persons in the Smoky Mountains. He has recently completed another book entitled Mayday! Mayday! involving 54 plane crashes in the Smokies from 1916 to 1999. Email: shiconge@bellsouth.net
Lynne McCoy is a state and federally licensed independent wildlife rehabilitator and environmental educator. She has worked with mammals and birds for more than 31 years. She is the Past President of East TN Wildlife Rehabilitation Council and writes a newsletter, “It’s A Wild Life”, about rehab experiences and information. Email: Backwoodslynne@aol.com
Arthur McDade is a Park Ranger with the National Park Service at Great Smoky Mountains National Park. He works in the North District of the Resource Education Division. He has been with the National Park Service since 1985. He authored the book Old Smoky Mountain Days, published in 1996 by Panther Press and in 2000 he authored Natural Arches Of The Big South Fork published by the University of Tennessee Press.
Email: Arthur_McDade@nps.gov
Don McGowan is the owner/operator of EarthSong. After living in Sevier County
for several years, Don now lives at the head of Beaverdam Valley near Canton, North Carolina. He gives photographic tours of GSMNP, conducts nature photography workshops, offers fine art prints, stock photography and natural light commercial images. His work has appeared in numerous publications including Blue Ridge Country, Georgia Journal, Outdoor Photographer, National Parks Conservation Association magazines and National Geographic Trails Illustrated maps. He is a guest instructor of photography at John C. Campbell Folk School. Email: mcgowan592@aol.com or don@earthsongphotography.com
F. Carroll McMahan is a Sevierville native. He moved back to East TN after 25 years in Nashville and one entire summer in Glacier Bay, Alaska. He enjoys hiking in the Smokies, history, folklore and storytelling. He has visited most major national parks. He is currently the Special Projects Facilitator for the Sevierville Chamber of Commerce. Email: cmcmahan@scoc.org
Mike Meldrum has been a National Park Service Ranger implementing resource education for several years in the Cades Cove District. This is his eighth year in the Smoky Mountains. Email: mike_meldrum@nps.gov
Bob Miller has been the Spokesman for Great Smoky Mountains National Park since 1989. He serves as the park’s key liaison with Friends of the Smokies. Bob is a 31-year veteran with the National Park Service with assignments at Acadia National Park in Maine, as well as Ford’s Theater, the White House and the monuments of Washington, D.C. Email: Bob_Miller@nps.gov
Douglas D. Mills is Co-Producer and Videographer of “The Heartland Series” for
the past 21 years. He has experienced many wonders of the outdoors since he began with
the series. According to Douglas, the challenges and rewards of filming in this beautiful region keep him going. Email: dmills@wbir.gannett.com
Charles Monday – Organizer of the musical component of Townsend’s Fall Old Timers Day and their Spring Festival. Charlie also manages the Carolina Bluegrass Boys. Years ago Charlie realized that he had the “gift” of dowsing which can also be referred to as “water witching”. Putting this talent to work in Knoxville last year, Charlie was instrumental in locating a previously unmarked Confederate cemetery that until then was only a rumor.
Harry Moore is the Geotechnical Director with TDOT in Knoxville. Prior to his career, Harry earned his Bachelor & Master’s Degree in Geology from the University of Tennessee. He is licensed as a Professional Geologist and has authored several Geology books. He, along with Fred Brown, co-authored Discovering October Roads: Fall
Color and Geology in Tennessee. His new book is entitled, The Bone Hunters: The Discovery of Miocene Fossils in Gray, Tennessee was published by the University of Tennessee Press in 2004. Email: hlaamoore@aol.com
Dr. William & Susan Morrow – Doc is a retired professor from the University of Mississippi Medical Center. He has previously served on the Appalachian Bear Center’s Board of Directors. They are both extremely involved with several organizations including Friends of the Smokies and the National Park Service. The Sevierville Chamber of Commerce selected doc and Susan as Volunteers of the Year for 2000. Susan was announced as the Pigeon Forge Volunteer of the Year in 2006.
Scott Noethen “Crash Test Dummy” has southbound thru-hiked the Pacific Crest Trail, as well as, the International Appalachian Trail, Appalachian Trail, Benton Mackaye Trail, Georgia Pinhoti, Alabama Pinhoti, Florida National Scenic Trail (which comprise the Eastern Continental Trail).
John Orehovec is both a nature photographer and mathematics educator. With a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Administration, this teacher, lecturer, and award-winning artist has been invited to participate in more than 450 shows and exhibits in 16 states, Washington, D.C. and Canada. He has conducted one-person exhibits at the National Wildlife Federation, the United States Senate, the United States Department of the Interior (5 times), and numerous other corporate venues.
Larry Perry is a certified Photoshop instructor and well known nature photographer who leads seminars and workshops around the country on the use of Photoshop in combination with nature imagery. Larry is a popular speaker who is always entertaining. Email: larryperry@worldnet.att.net
Ron Plasencia has been a photographer for 40 years. He holds a BS in Education. Ron is the President and Founder of the Photographic Society of East Tennessee, and the Past President of Springfield, OH, Photographic Society. Ron currently teaches photography classes at Walter’s State Community College in Morristown. Email: ron@pset.org
Mike Povia has more than 32 years experience as a hike leader, backpacker and rappelling instructor. Mike is intimately familiar with the trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Brief side trips to points of interest frequently accompany his hikes. Email: hiknmik@aol.com
Mr. Bobby Quarrels retired from the City of Pigeon Forge Utility Department after many years of service. He began work for the utility board even before the city was formed, then left for armed service and returned to the position when he came home. Mr. Quarrels lived in one of the nice homes along River Road when the Old Mill area was the center of activity here.
Jeanne Renfro is a naturalist and storyteller who worked as a ranger in Cades Cove for seven years. She has a B.S. degree in Outdoor Recreation and Nature Interpretation from Southern Illinois University. She and her husband, Jim, have three children.
Jim Renfro is the Air Quality Program Manager with GSMNP. Jim coordinates, monitors and implements research on regional airborne pollutants that contribute to acid deposition in streams and soils.
Email: jim_renfro@nps.gov
Allen Ricks is the Information/Education Officer with Tennessee Wildlife Resources
Agency. He volunteers as the East Tennessee District Director for the National Wild
Turkey Federation. He is an avid wild turkey hunter.
Email: allen.ricks@state.tn.us
Charles B. Robinson is a native of Washington, D.C., but now lives in Beltsville, MD and Maryville, TN. He is a volunteer Wildlife Interpreter at Patuxent Research Refuge and the National Wildlife Visitor Center. He is a member of Operation Migration and the Whooping Crane Conservation Association. Since 1992 he has led or worked on projects at the refuge involving nature trails, outreach programs and helping the quality of life of Refuge wildlife. He has close to 5000 hours of volunteer time at the Refuge and
specializes in habitat, wetlands and Whooping Cranes. Email: cnprobinson@aol.com
Pamela Rodgers is a native of the Appalachian Mountains of East Tennessee. Her family was one of the first families to settle in what is now the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. She earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Leisure Services from Carson Newman College. She was employed for a number of years as a Seasonal Resource Education Ranger for the GSMNP and currently holds the position of Backcountry Information Specialist.
Scott Rogers is an avid outdoorsman, camper and hiker. He became the first above the knee amputee in history to hike the 2,174 mile Appalachian Trail in 2004-2005. Scott is also a pilot and apprentice aircraft maintenance mechanic. He and his wife, Leisa, reside in Washburn, TN with their seven home-schooled children. Email: Tes2fy@gmail.com
Phylis Rollins has been rehabilitating wildlife for over twenty years specializing in mammals and reptiles. She is a certified backyard wildlife naturalist, nature
writer and environmental educator, and has presented at state and national wildlife symposiums as well as numerous regional events on a variety of subjects. She serves on the board of directors for the International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council and is the current president of the East TN Wildlife Rehabilitation Council (etwrc.org). Email: phyliscritter@yahoo.com
Timothy Seaman of Williamsburg, VA plays his own style of dramatic and expressive hammered dulcimer and flute. He is a backpacker and former English teacher. His 15 CDs include music for Shenandoah National Park, Virginia State Parks, Jamestown Parks and other natural and historical agencies. Email: tseaman@visi.net
Ray Sellers has lived in the Great Smoky Mountains area for more than 28 years. He is a retired Park Ranger and has worked in several diverse National Parks. He is an avid hiker and outdoorsman and can be found somewhere on a trail on any given day. Ray has a sincere interest in Wilderness Wildlife Week and works tirelessly toward a successful event each year. He was the “Volunteer of the Year – 2001/2002” for the City of Pigeon Forge’s Office of Special Events.
Sandy Sgrillo opened her llama trekking company in January of 2001. Previously, a resident of Miami, FL and a limo driver, Sandy moved to Sevier County in 1998 due to her love of the mountains, nature and animals. She found a way to combine both by establishing and operating Smoky Mountain Llama Treks. Email: llamahiking@aol.com
Frances Fox Shambaugh is a native of the area as well as an artist, weaver and historian. She knows the people and their stories and has been collecting and documenting them for 28 years. Recently, the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community appointed her Historian. She holds a Master of Arts degree in Religious Studies and has completed 30 classes for credit in the Art Education program of the Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts.
Kathy Sherrard is a retired educator and member of The American Bear Association (ABA). Kathy has volunteered for several years at the Vince Shute Wildlife Sanctuary. Kathy collaborated with Anne Allison in designing and maintaining the website for the organization for three years. In 1999 they created a children’s activity book about bears. More recently, she has become a member and volunteer for Appalachian Bear Rescue in Tennessee, and a volunteer with Wild for Life Wildlife Center for Rehabilitation of Wildlife, in Asheville, NC. Kathy has presented programs in Minnesota and North Carolina and annually at Wilderness Wildlife Week in Pigeon Forge.
Email: wildscove@hughes.net
Andrea L. Shetley is a published, award-winning nature photographer, and has been active in photography for more than 30 years. She teaches photography classes locally, gives programs and lectures nationally, and judges and competes internationally. Andrea moved from Virginia to Fayetteville, TN in 2004, and is creating a wildlife habitat/wilderness area on her farm. She is a previous WWW presenter. Email: alshetley@hotmail.com Web address: www.photosource.com/1188
Marty Silver is a Park Ranger/Naturalist with the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation. He has worked within the Tennessee State Park system for more than 27 years and has received numerous environmental education awards.
Linda Smith is self-taught on the lap dulcimer. She has been playing for 6 years. She is a member of the Knoxville Area Dulcimer Club, and she plays and performs with Highstrung and T.N.T. Email: actin4450@mypacks.net
Marti Smith has lived in Sevier County for eleven years and has hiked over 600 miles of the trails in the GSMNP. She manages two Great Smoky Mountains Association Bookstores at the Gatlinburg Welcome Center and the Parkway Welcome Center. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from the University of Cincinnati. Hiking is her favorite past time. Email: martha_smith1204@yahoo.com
Michael Dean Smith has lived on the Colorado Plateau since 1976 and in Moab since 1989. His love for the Plateau was ingrained while working at Phantom Ranch in the bottom of the Grand Canyon in the mid-70’s. He later earned degrees in Outdoor Education and Recreation Management from Colorado Mountain College and in Outdoor Recreation and Resource Management from Prescott College, Arizona. He worked as a National Park Service Ranger in visitor and resource protection and interpretation at Arches, Canyonlands, natural Bridges, and Dinosaur National Parks and Monuments, and has guided for numerous outfitters including OARS at the Grand Canyon and Canyonlands Field Institute in Moab, UT. Michael was Manager of Sand Flats Recreation Area, Moab, home of the famous Slickrock Bike Trail from 1998 to 2004. He is also a licensed landscaping contractor and Master Gardner.
Email: info@plateaurestoration.org
Alfred Stewart received a BS in Horticulture and Nursery Management from Auburn University in 1979, moved to Nashville, TN, and has been a landscape contractor for the past 27 years. Born and raised in Birmingham, he spent most of his summers with his family and cousins on the Cumberland Plateau in Beersheba Springs which gave Alfred a love and appreciation for the outdoors. He began rock-collecting 47 years ago at the age of 5 when a friend of the family introduced him to the amazing world of gems and minerals. His love continues to this day. He enjoys sharing his collection!
Email: stewart7057@comcast.net
Lisa L. Stewart is the Curator for Appalachian Bear Rescue (ABR). She
has been a wildlife rehabilitator since 1990 possessing permits from Tennessee and Mississippi. She holds a degree in Animal Science. Lisa is a member of East Tennessee Wildlife Rehabilitation Council and she regularly conducts educational outreach programs for ABR. Email: appblackbear@aol.com
Harold Stinnette has been involved in nature photography for the past 18 years.
For the last 15 he has been teaching nature photography workshops and speaking on the subject to various groups throughout the southeast. Harold has been with Wilderness Wildlife Week for 16 years. He is founder of Natural Impressions Nature Photography Workshops. Harold is the author of Camping Tennessee. He lives with his wife Donna
and son Brandon in Spring City, TN. Email: NaturalImpressions@juno.com
Bill Stiver is a Wildlife Biologist with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. He
coordinates the wild hog control program and wildlife inventory. He also monitors and assists with black bear and wildlife management activities. A native of Michigan, he received a B.S. degree in Fisheries and Wildlife Management from Michigan State University and an MS degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Science from the University of Tennessee. Email: bill_stiver@nps.gov
Kathy Strunk has been a Co-Director of the Clinch River Raptor Center in Clinton, TN for the past 22 years. She is a math teacher and has been the co-director of the Clinch River Environmental Studies Organization, a research project for high school students. She holds a permit from the National Birdbanding Laboratory and involves students in the M.A.P.S. birdbanding project, which is a national effort to learn more about our migratory songbirds. Kathy has attended four National Symposiums sponsored by the International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council and the National Wildlife Rehabilitation Association and attended numerous classes. Email: hawkicu@ccol.net
Dr. Chuck Summers is a Minister and Photographer and currently resides in Middlesboro, KY. Chuck, an award winning photographer, enjoys sharing the beauty of God’s creation through his photography. His images have appeared in a number of magazines and he is the author of A Year In The Big South Fork and A Year In The Cumberland Gap National Historic Park.
Email: chucksummers@newwavecomm.net
Joe Taft is a Retired Senior Naturalist. Joe has a B.S. degree in Agriculture from the University of Tennessee and a Master’s Degree in Forestry. He worked at Bays Mountain Park in Kingsport for more than 25 years. He enjoys wildflowers, photography and hiking. Email: jhtaft@earthlink.net
Mrs. Mary Alice Teague and husband Houston D. Teague have been residents of one of the oldest residential districts in Sevierville for fifty years. She taught seventh and eighth grades and was principal at Sevierville Middle School. Mrs. Teague also served as liaison for Smoky Mountain Children’s home residents and Sevier Co. School System. In retirement, she is a tax preparer. Mrs. Teague shares her aunt’s stories about the Red Cross on this year’s program about the ‘home front’.
Earlene Teaster, Pigeon Forge City Manager, has been with Pigeon Forge since 1962, before the town was one year old. She began as a secretary and clerk and has held the position of city recorder and assistant and acting manager before being named city manager in the 1980’s. Mrs. Teaster has been instrumental in guiding the city’s growth during some of the most critical development years.
Stan Tekiela holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Natural History Interpretation (Naturalist) from the University of Minnesota. He has been a professional naturalist for more than 20 years and is a member of the Minnesota Naturalist Association, the Outdoor Writers Association of America, North American nature Photography Association, and Canon Professional Services. Stan actively studies and photographs nature throughout the U.S. He received an Excellence in Interpretation award from the National Association for Interpretation, and a regional award for Commitment to Outdoor Education. Stan lives and gardens near the Twin Cities with his wife Katherine and daughter Abigail. Email: stan@naturesmart.com
Mr. Jimmie Temple moved to downtown Sevierville from Oak City when he was only six years old. He managed the Temple family business, Temple Milling Co., for many years. He has served as mayor of Sevierville and county commissioner. As commissioner, Mr. Temple has performed numerous marriage ceremonies due to his close proximity to the courthouse and referrals. He has also hosted an early morning radio talk show that began in 1955. Mr. Temple is married to Marie Johnson Temple. They have one son, James A., Jr. and their daughter is the late Jane Elizabeth.
Carolyn Templeton is a member of the Smoky Mountains Hiking Club. She is a volunteer for the Back Country Office and the Sugarlands Visitor Center of Great Smoky Mountains National park. Carolyn enjoys leading “window shopping” hikes at a leisurely pace.
Tony Thomas is known for his guitar playing but is also an accomplished musician on other instruments including harmonica, banjo, bass, fiddle, mandolin and just about anything acoustical, as well as, most electrical stringed instruments. He is also known for his song writing that tells stories about the people of the region, the history, the way people lived back then and the way people live today. Having taught himself to play, his music has been heard and played around the world. He has two CDs (featuring more than 100 original compositions), one music video and two instructional videos to his credit. Tony volunteers as a porch picker for the Museum of Appalachia. He also performs for the National and State Parks Services and schools. Tony’s music includes Appalachian music, bluegrass, old country, civil war music, gospel and ballads.
Email: tonycthomas@comcast.net
Jim Thurston, has been a landscape photographer, using a 4x5 view camera for nearly twenty years, making all his own color and black and white prints. His posters and notecards, along with his new Smokies Calendar, are available in the National Park visitor centers in the Great Smoky Mountains and Yosemite. Jim’s original prints are available locally at the Papworth Gallery.
A. Christine Tipton was a faculty member of the History Department at ETSU for 12 years, and has authored the book entitled Civil War In The Mountains focusing on East Tennessee and North Carolina. For two years, she and her husband, Sam Pinkerton, coordinated Civil War Days, an encampment entailing the Battle of Red Banks in 1864 and were instrumental in erecting a Tennessee Historical marker for the Battle of Red Banks. She is a past member of the Tennessee Civil War Heritage project that is funded by Congress to research, interpret and preserve the state’s history during the Civil War and Reconstruction. Email: Shinemtn@preferred.com
Mr. Sam Trentham lived in the Forks of the River/Sugarlands section of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park until he was ten years old. The family farm was located where McCarter’s Riding Stables are today. His parents, Noah and Mary Jane Ogle Trentham, and their family left the Smokies in 1933. Mr. Trentham has been a carpenter/builder by trade.
Rick Varner is a Wildlife Biological Technician with GSMNP. Rick has been involved in the control of the exotic wild hog within the park since 1988. He has coordinated the installation of food storage cable systems at all of the park’s backcountry sites.
Email: rick_varner@nps.gov
Greg Ward is the owner of Rocky Top Outfitters, Inc. in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Greg has conducted fly-fishing courses for more than 23 years. He has written and
published articles in several popular outdoor magazines and newspapers. The popular book, Fly Fishing Guide To The Great Smoky Mountains, includes a chapter that he contributed. Website: www.rockytopoutfitter.com
Email: RockyTopOutfit@aol.com
John Waters, Jr. was born and raised in Sevierville, TN. He graduated from the University of Tennessee with a B.S. degree in Finance in 1952, and earned his Doctor of Jurisprudence from UT law School in 1961. Mr. Waters was engaged in the practice of law in Sevierville from 1961 to 1984. In 1969 President Nixon nominated Waters as Federal Co-Chairman of the Appalachian Regional Commission to work with economic development programs including highways, health, vocational education, sewer and water projects and land reclamation. In 1984 President Reagan nominated Waters to the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) Board of Director, and in 1992, President Bush named him Chairman of the TVA Board. Mr. Waters is the author of DOWNBOUND: From Jaybird on the Little Pigeon River to Chairman Tennessee Valley Authority, Memoirs of JBW.
Mr. Ronnie Whaley was a Pigeon Forge police officer in the 1970’s when the city operated with only one or two patrol cars. The streets were much more vacant then and there were still large empty spaces along the Parkway. Officers knew most residents by name. Mr. Whaley operates his own business now and serves as a Sevier County Commissioner.
Mr. Jimbo Whaley is a singer and songwriter who grew up in Pigeon Forge. He has pulled so many memories reflecting that Smoky Mountain area upbringing and written numerous songs including: The Foundation, M.R.’s Rolling Store, The Legend of Jack Huff, and the fan favorite, The Kings of Orebank. Jimbo currently performs with the bluegrass band ‘Greenbrier’. Whaley helped lead this band to become an International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) Emerging Artist of the Year nominee for two years in a row.
Stephanie White has worked as a Keeper/Trainer with the Knoxville Zoo Free-Flight program for eight years. She trains birds and performs with them at the zoo, as well as for school outreach programs during the winter. Email: stephw@knoxville-zoo.org
J. David Whitehead has been the Wildlife Manager with the State of Tennessee for 21 years. He manages two Wildlife Management Areas totaling 200,000 acres in Monroe County. Email: david.whitehead@state.tn.us
Robert E. Whittemore is the Chief Geologist, General Shale Brick, Johnson City, TN for 38 years. He leads interpretive geology hikes for Roan Mountain State Park, Warriors Path State Park and the Johnson City Parks and Recreation Dept. He presents geology talks to area middle schools and is a Certified Professional Geologist.
Theresa D. Wiliams is a Genealogist for the Sevier County Public Library System. She is President of the Spencer Clack Daughters of the American Revolution. She is a volunteer for the Veterans Administration Volunteer Service at the Veterans Hospital, Mountain Home at Johnson City, TN. She is a Charter Member of the Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary, Unit 94, Sevierville, TN and a member and Past President of the American Legion Auxiliary, Unit 202 in Gatlinburg, TN. She is an active participant in the Scorecard for Results, a Research and Demonstrations Project implemented by The Institute of Museum and Library Services.
Alma Williamson is a member of the 900-miler club by almost 2 times. She has a great love of the Smokies and enjoys exploring the old settlements, homesites and cemeteries.
Mr. Edgar Williamson was born in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in a little community known as Rooster Town near the present day Cosby Campground. He lived at three different houses, a little farther downstream each move, inside the park. He attended grammar school at Webb’s Branch, and after high school went to the CCCs. Mr. Williamson’s parents were Oscar and Virgie Webb Williamson. He later retired from Alcoa Aluminum Plant.
Mr. Olie Williamson lived with his parents, Bruce and Maude Barnes Williamson, in the Hen Wallow section of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. They moved out around 1920 before Olie was born, but moved just outside the park across a little dirt road. Mr. Williamson later moved to Florida in the 1950’s. His employment has been with Farm Bureau Insurance.
Andrea Wilson works primarily in the medium of pen and watercolor. In addition to her butterfly and leaf paintings, she also paints landscapes of the Great Smoky Mountains area. Andrea has painted for more than 32 years and her work continues to evolve with creative ideas. Website: www.andreawilsonartist.com
Email: andreas-studio@comcast.net
Wings of America is an up-close look at America’s magnificent Birds of Prey. This educational program features non-releasable birds including eagles, hawks, owls, falcons and vultures, some in amazing free flight. The program is a dramatic and effective way to learn about wildlife, environmental and ecological concerns.
Bill Work has been creating watercolor, pen and ink, and pencil art for 33 years. He has been a nature photographer for 8 years. He is a published writer with an undergraduate degree from Middle Tennessee University. He has worked as an Inspector with the Goodrich Corporation for 28 years. Email: bwork51@hotmail.com
Joel & Kathy Zachry are a husband and wife team. Joel is a retired college Biology Professor and Kathy is a medical company consultant. Together they own Great Outdoors! Adventure Travel! leading sessions and hikes throughout the country for more than 26 years. Joel has served as Board Member and President of a Montana based Great Bear Foundation and our regional Appalachian Bear Center.
Website: www.gowithgoat.com. Email: joel@gowithgoat.com
Receive Instant Updates