Created in a Media Writing class in 2014, The Motlow Buzz e-newspaper serves as an educational platform for students and the faculty members who teach them.
SMYRNA — Artists of all kinds are invited to take the stage for the 2022 edition of the “Motlow Smyrna Holiday Traditions Show.”
The event, which will occur from noon-1 p.m. Dec. 1 (Thursday), will celebrate all holiday traditions with performances by dancers, singers, songwriters, poets, storytellers, visual artists, and others. The show is sponsored by the Smyrna Entertainment, Arts and Media Club with support from the Student Government Association and the Dean of Students.
Individuals who are interested in performing are encouraged to contact Professor Charles Whiting at cwhiting@mscc.edu or SEAM Club President Kate Kim at kkim0803@mscc.edu. The deadline to express interest is Nov. 28 (Monday).
“Our annual ‘Holiday Traditions Show’ is a wonderful way to share the spirit of Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza and other celebrations,” said Whiting. “We’ll be featuring dance at the event for the first time.”
The show will occur in the Big Room on the first floor of the HSC Building, with food and beverage provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Attendees are encouraged to bring a donated item for Motlow’s food bank. More details will be provided soon.
SMYRNA, Tenn. -- Hollywood Filmmaker, Producer and Sound Engineer Brent Backhus has worked with entertainers ranging from Reese Witherspoon and Farrah Fawcett to William Shatner, Mick Jagger, and Sheryl Crow, receiving more than 100 movie credits on the IMDb movie database.
Students, faculty and others will learn the ins and outs of moviemaking and audioproduction (with a few surprising stories, too) during a special talk from 2-3 p.m. Thursday (Nov. 17) in HSC 323 on the Smyrna campus. The artist’s presentation, “Filmmaking and Recording in Hollywood,” is part of the fall 2022 “Famous Communicator Speakers Series.”
Brent Backhus, filmmaker, producer and sound engineer
“I started my career in Los Angeles as a guitarist, gigging with whomever would let me,” said Backhus, who commutes between Nashville and California. “Once the recording bug hit me, I became fascinated with sound engineering and production.”
But a DVD production stint involving actors Reese Witherspoon and Paul Rudd (“Overnight Delivery”) led to his transition from audio to movie production. Other film projects have included The Bangles (“Live at The House of Blues” on DVD); “Chasing Farrah: Starring Farrah Fawcett” for TV Land; “William Shatner In Concert” with Ben Folds and Joe Jackson for TV Land; the documentary film “On The Brink” (co-directed); the “Solomon Burke Tribute” with Mick Jagger and Raphael Saadiq, performed Live at the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards (archival footage); and “Sheryl Crow: Live at the Capitol Theatre” (Winner Best Music/Performance Blu-ray).
“But if playing with the greats and near greats was fun, recording was even more fun,” said Backhus, referring to the musical part of his career journey.
He has served as a sound engineer and producer for artists such as Ray Manzarek (The Doors), The Whispers, Deacon Jones, William Clarke, Charlie Musselwhite, John Lee Hooker, and The Blind Boys of Alabama: “Spirit of the Century” (Grammy Award for Best Traditional Soul Gospel Album).
Brent Backhus’s “Filmmaking and Recording in Hollywood” talk is free to all students, faculty members, administrators and staff. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis in HSC 323 from 2-3 p.m. on Nov. 17 (Thursday). For more information, contact Professor Charles Whiting at cwhiting@mscc.edu.
SMYRNA -- Award-winning singer/songwriter/visual artist Laura Powers will kick off the fall installment of the “Famous Communicator Speakers Series” with a talk at Motlow Smyrna from 2-3 p.m. Oct. 27 (Thursday).
Powers’ presentation, “Journey into the Arts and Beyond,” will provide insight on how creativity of any kind can spur one’s opportunities for personal growth and success. Her session, which will occur in HSC 323, will feature original music and fine art, as well as stories from the artist’s career journey. Please contact Charles Whiting at cwhiting@mscc.edu if you are interested in attending.
Laura Powers
“Throughout my career, I’ve learned and continue to learn the skills needed for the creation of music, artwork, promotional videos, and websites,” the artist said. “I enjoy collaborating with other musicians, filmmakers and marketing professionals in Nashville and other parts of the world. I hope my presentation will inspire students to believe that any dream is possible.”
Powers grew up in a military family, spending much of her youth in Europe. She studied abroad and began singing professionally in college. The artist later landed a record deal with Carrere Records in Paris, with successful singles and international appearances on radio and television. Her songs have been covered by numerous recording artists, and she has received awards in the television, music and advertising industries. Powers has released six albums of original Celtic-infused music.
The Nashvillian also has a background in visual art (oil painting). She has taught classes and created some of the artwork for her music CDs. Her collection of original paintings “Golden Muses,” which honored female songwriters, was spotlighted in a nationally aired segment on TNN: The Nashville Network. Her landscape paintings have been chosen for several high-profile, juried art shows.
She continues to perform with The L.A. Party Dolls, an all-female show band that belts out classic hits from the 1950s and 1960s. The trio has entertained audiences in cities such as Las Vegas; Reno, Nevada; and Palm Springs, California.
Powers also has experience with the development and marketing of a retail product. She patented a unique jewelry item and launched an Indiegogo and social media campaign for international exposure.
She has garnered numerous awards and recognition, including an Emmy nomination for a Public Television spot on “Television Worth Watching” that promoted PBS programming and membership; a regional ADDY Award for “Best Television Ad Campaign” on “Television Worth Watching”; and finalist for New Age Vocal Album of the Year (“Legends of the Goddess”) by New Age Voice magazine.
“These projects all need marketing and promotion, which can be a time challenge when one’s passion is creating music or artwork,” Powers said.
The “Famous Communicator Speakers Series” will continue on Nov. 17 with a talk by filmmaker Brent Backhus. Admission is free to Motlow students, faculty, administrators and staff. To learn more, contact Charles Whiting at cwhiting@mscc.edu.
(Joan Edens is a student at Motlow State Community College.)
SMYRNA -- Tennessee saw a disappointing voter turnout in this year's midterm primaries, and that needs to change in the next election (especially among young people).
According to a recent article in Tennessee Lookout by Lucas Brooks, only 17% of registered voters cast a ballot. That means 3.7 million voters let 0.5 million decide several issues for the state.
It's been widely reported that Motlow State Community College's major demographic of 18 to 24 years of age has a higher rate of voting. However, less than half (33%) voted in the last presidential election. In contrast, young people can be seen in force protesting, volunteering and speaking out about topics that they care about on social media.
If every young person who expressed their opinion on TikTok or Snapchat would also show up at the polls, they might gain leverage with the politicians who have the power to affect the issues that they care about. Politicians pander to their voter base to get into and stay in office. The way one becomes part of the voter base is by voting.
Races on the Nov. 8 ballot in Tennessee include the U.S. House, Tennessee Governor, State Senate and House, State Supreme and Appellate courts, School boards, and Municipal positions. Readers can check to see what is on the ballot in specific voting districts by visitingwww.BallotPedia.org.
These positions have the power to change day-to-day lives in Tennessee. Most are for state-level positions that can impact issues such as
+ Climate change - water pollution, clean energy sources, recycling.
+ Reproductive rights - including health care and education.
+ Emergency response - Covid, disasters, police and firefighters.
+ Education - charters, banned materials, and school lunches.
+ Health care and drugs - insurance, mental health services, and marijuana.
+ Camping/homelessness - where one can camp without being charged with a felony.
+ Law Enforcement - penalties including death, adult/minor exceptions.
In the past few years, Tennessee has enacted laws regarding many of these issues while answering to a slim percentage of the state's population. When campaign contributors make up the largest voice available to guide representatives, the state loses. Motlow students have the power this fall to help increase the influence of the people, and most especially the young vote. All they need do is show up and vote to support or deny currently proposed candidates and legislation.
Voting might take a little more effort than filling out a social media poll, but the payoff makes up for it. To have your preferences count, register by Oct. 11 and vote, either in early voting or on election day, Nov. 8. To learn more, visit https://ovr.govote.tn.gov.
SMYRNA -- Nothing feels better than beginning a new life adventure. There’s excitement in the air as hundreds of students return and/or arrive for the first time to Motlow’s Smyrna campus. There are a host of activities scheduled this week to get everyone all revved up for Fall 2022.
This is only a small sampling of all the fun students can expect to have this fall here in Smyrna.
* Go-To-Crews will be on hand to welcome and answer any questions students have from 8 to 10 a.m. on Monday and Tuesday.
* Check out our Ice Cream Social from noon to 1:30 p.m. Monday.
* Game Day will occur from 2 to 4 p.m. on Tuesday.
* Enjoy Donuts with our Deans and Faculty members from 8 to 9:30 a.m. Wednesday.
* Visit the HSC Lobby from 2-3:30 p.m. Wednesday and/or 11 a.m.-noon on Thursday for our Club and Resource Days. Tables will be laden with club information. Get involved! It’s a great opportunity to learn and grow in one's academic area of interest.
* Motlow Smyrna’s big Cookout will occur from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday.
Be sure to mark your calendar. Have fun and the take the opportunity to meet fellow students, faculty, administrators and staff. See you soon!
SMYRNA -- Singer-Songwriter/Artist Development Coach Nancy Moran and Producer/Recording Engineer Fett will provide insight on the Nashville music industry during a Zoom session from 12:30-1:30 p.m. March 30 (Wednesday) at Motlow State Community College.
Moran’s and Fett’s presentation, “The Ins and Outs of a Music Industry Career,” is part of Motlow’s “Famous Communicator Speakers Series.” The talk is open to all students, faculty, administrators and staff.
Moran and Fett, who represent Azalea Music Group, are leading educators, entertainers, and decision-makers in Music City.
“We will discuss our roles in the music industry and what students should do to prepare for full-time careers,” said Fett, who oversees a state-of-the-art recording studio in Brentwood, Tennessee.
Nancy Moran is an independent, folk-rock/Americana singer-songwriter who has been singing and performing professionally for more than 25 years at notable folk clubs, performing arts centers, house concerts, and festivals across the nation. With four solo albums to her credit, The Richmond (VA) Times-Dispatch called her “a [modern-day] Joni Mitchell,” as well as “a major force to be reckoned with.”
From 2005-2012, Moran also toured as a member of The Four Bitchin’ Babes, an all-female group nationally renowned for their four-part vocal harmonies and highly entertaining and comedic performances.
As co-founder of Azalea Music Group, she teaches musicians, singer-songwriters, indie artists, and other music-moguls-in-training how to get out of their own way so they can get their music out of their basement and into the world at large where it can make a difference. She specializes in working with the not-quite-mainstream and those “second-timers” coming back to music after a long hiatus. But she’s also been known to work with actors, writers, storytellers and other creatives because the principles of pursuing a creative life are often the same regardless of the medium. Learn more by visiting her website at musicmogulcoaching.com .
Fett is an independent music producer and engineer, author, music career coach, co-founder of the Azalea Music Group in Nashville, and recording/mixing engineer for the 2015 Australian number one album, Jason Owen’s “Friday Night.” He is the author of the popular book “Fett’s Mixing Roadmap: A Step-by-step Guide To Mixing Music In The Studio,” host of www.EmpoweringWomenInAudio.com, and teacher of hands-on recording and production clinics for women.
Fett is the former technology editor for Performing Songwriter magazine, and occasional journalist for CMA Close Up, Drum!, and Keyboard magazines. His diverse list of clients includes Davy Jones of The Monkees, Grammy-winning songwriter Don Henry, and international guitar virtuosos Tommy Emmanuel and Muriel Anderson.
The “Famous Communicator Speakers Series” is sponsored by the Smyrna Entertainment Arts and Media Club and the Mass Communications program at Motlow State Community College. Upcoming speakers include Appalachian Photographer/Author Clark Wheeler on April 13 (Wednesday). To learn more about this event, contact Professor Charles Whiting at cwhiting@mscc.edu.
SMYRNA -- The Smyrna Entertainment, Arts and Media Club and Motlow Humanities program are teaming up to stage the first-ever “Debbie Zimmerman Oratorical Contest” in April 2022.
The contest, which is named in honor of Professor Emeritus Debbie Zimmerman, is open to students from all four campuses who have already completed the COMM 2025 Fundamentals of Communication course, including dual-enrollment students. The registration deadline is April 1 (Friday).
Students who wish to participate in this activity will be asked to prepare and deliver a 10 to 15-minute persuasive speech on a topic of their choosing. Presentations may revolve around societal issues, medical topics, political topics, or topics dealing with other important issues or concepts. The participants will be eligible to receive award certificates and prizes. The overall contest winner will receive an engraved trophy.
Students can enter the contest by e-mailing Professor Robert Davenport at rdavenport@mscc.edu or by calling his office at (615) 220-7963 between now and April 1. They should provide their name, the Motlow campus where they attend, and the semester and year they completed the speech course (COMM 2025). Speech requirements will be e-mailed to students promptly after their contest registration is confirmed.
“Debbie Zimmerman was a longtime Motlow communication professor who was instrumental in building the speech curriculum at the College,” said Davenport, event coordinator and assistant professor of speech. “She is thrilled to have her name placed on the title of this contest and honored to be involved with this opportunity for students.”
The speech contest will feature one semifinal round on the Moore County campus on April 11 (for Moore County and Fayetteville students) and another semifinal round on the Smyrna campus on April 12 (for Smyrna and McMinnville students). The top five speakers from the semifinal rounds will advance to the final round on the Smyrna campus on April 18.
The Dean of Students Office will help promote the event with flyers and announcements in their shell on D2L. Feel free to submit any questions or comments to Professor Davenport at rdavenport@mscc.edu.
“This will be a great opportunity for Motlow students to gain more public speaking experience,” Davenport continued. “It is something they can include on resumes and applications for college and potential jobs.”
Davenport added that the plan is to make the “Debbie Zimmerman Oratorial Contest” an annual event for Motlow students. The SEAM Club and Humanities program are encouraging students to help Motlow make history by supporting this historic event.
SMYRNA, Tenn. -- A host of students, faculty members, administrators and staff members will celebrate the contributions of African-Americans during the day-long “African-American Read-In” on Feb. 28 (Monday).
According to Event Coordinator and Professor Dr. Phyllis Adams, the event will occur virtually on Zoom from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with spoken and visual presentations lasting up to 15 minutes each. A few presenter slots remained available on Friday. Registration for the event will close at 5 p.m. Saturday. Registration is required to attend.
“I want to thank those who have already confirmed their interest in presenting this year,” Adams said. “With the virtual ‘Read-In,’ individuals will have the flexibility to move in and out of the space throughout the day. Thank you for your continued support, presence and participation.”
Adams, who serves Motlow as Professor of Speech and Theatre, and Culture, Diversity and Inclusion, created the event for Black History Month. According to the History Channel, President Gerald Ford officially recognized BHM in 1976, asking Americans to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”
For more information about the “African-American Read-In,” contact Professor Adams at padams@mscc.edu. To register, visit https://forms.gle/hQhh98kRmMHHuoky8.
SMYRNA, Tenn. – Members of the Smyrna Entertainment, Arts and Media Club gathered in Room 320 of the Hiatt-Spivey Center in Smyrna on Nov. 19 to record segments of the upcoming third annual Motlow Holiday Traditions Show.
The SEAM Club released the video in December before Christmas Day on Motlow Buzz Radio at YouTube. To watch the video, click on this link: https://youtu.be/b21j5dBPi6M
It includes performances and/or presentations by Club President and Emcee Megan Goble, Vice President Tatiana Diallo, Secretary/Treasurer Mary Hill, Graphics Director Neo McLeod, Video Editor Adrian Jimenez, student Alexandria Williams, Librarian Paige Hendrickson, Professor Robert Fitzgerald, and Professors/SEAM Club Advisers Charles Whiting and Robert Davenport.
Motlow Speech Professor Robert Davenport explained what the show means to him. “It’s a fun time for students and faculty to share their joy of the season… to not only perform, read poetry, maybe tell stories, “Davenport said. “It’s a unique time where students and teachers can participate together.”
Performances will feature readings, guitar, singing, and showings of visual art. The show will include pre-recorded videos and a special holiday greeting from club members.
SEAM Club members cut up at Rehearsal (Photo by Charles Whiting)
The club has been meeting since the end of September, planning the show by figuring out performances, writing the script, scheduling the recording of the videos, and editing them together to make the final product before the holidays arrive.
The show allows club members, students, administrators, and staff to be part of something together and express their meanings of the holidays.
SEAM Club Graphics Director and Mass Communications major Neo McLeod said why they are excited to be a part of the show. “I honestly think just being a part of something for the holidays is nice,” McLeod said. “My family is not too big on gathering together, so this is fun and new for me.”
Students and staff alike have spoken on the “Motlow Holiday Traditions Show” being a reason for them to spread their joy together, especially during a time where people may not be able to celebrate with family members and friends.
SEAM Club Secretary/Treasurer and Art major Mary Hill speaks on why gathering together was important to her. “Ever since this pandemic started, it was so hard finding a way to be together with others,” Hill said. “This, for me, was the best opportunity I've had in a long time to reconnect with the SEAM Club and feel that sense of togetherness and unity again.”
As the end of the year approaches, many students feel it is important to be part of the show and to continue spreading positivity and joy during a stressful time of the year.
Students, as well as teachers, are rushing against deadlines. This show is an opportunity for students and staff to slow down and be reminded of the holiday season.
“It’s a stressful time of the year with papers and all of that, and frankly there are some students really struggling with different things,” Davenport added. “Not just academics, but personal life and so on, and I think it’s a great way for us to spread some cheer and positive encouragement, reinforcement, to get ready for the new year.”
Many individuals involved with Motlow State Community College have been through very rough times due to the pandemic, and it has had lasting effects. It is always important to remain kind, especially during the holidays when someone may be struggling.
The show provides a positive outlet for the Motlow community to express their art in a shared, safe and diverse environment.
Former SEAM Club members created the first two shows in 2019 and 2020, and current members wanted to acknowledge the hard work and keep it going. The show will be presented virtually for the second year.
The “Motlow Holiday Traditions Show” is a perfect example of resilience during these challenging times. It proves that students and staff are still willing to contribute positivity to their community even when it is not easy.
“I think the students have done a really good job,” Hill added. “Considering multitasking with club duties along with school and work, it was a little difficult on all of us, but we've managed well.”
Although these times have been challenging, things are going back to a new normal. SEAM Club members were able to meet on the Motlow Smyrna Campus for some of their recordings.
While they are able to meet on campus, most of the show has been planned and accomplished through many online meetings. Current SEAM members hope to lead by example along with past members.
Just because so many students were physically separated for a while does not mean they have to be alone. Motlow students and staff have done a great job on keeping clubs, meeting, and togetherness around.
“It’s been such a long time since I’ve been in a physical classroom with other students and just got to talk and be a person,” McLeod added. “It was a great experience to have after such a long gap of time.”
The SEAM Club, staff and other participating members hope that everyone will take the time to watch the video once it has been released.
Further announcements on the release of the holiday show video will be provided by Communications Professor and SEAM Club Adviser Charles Whiting on The Motlow Buzz. The SEAM Club wishes everyone a safe and Happy Holidays!
SEAM Club members hope to welcome more students during the Spring semester to participate in future shows, as well as the fourth annual Talent Show.
For more information about the Smyrna Entertainment, Arts and Media Club, write cwhiting@mscc.edu.
SMYRNA, Tenn. -- The Smyrna Entertainment, Arts and Media Club is keeping an annual tradition alive by staging a virtual version of its "Motlow Holiday Traditions Show."
The show, which was recorded on the Zoom platform on Dec, 16. 2020, features performances and/or presentations by club President Wyatt Wilkerson, Vice President Tatiana Diablo, Secretary/Treasurer Deitra Dunlap, member Hannah Goto, and advisers/professors Robert Davenport and Charles Whiting. Other contributors (planning) included Graphics Coordinator Tahj Tyler and Program Director Zachary Fulkerson. Current members of the club take courses on all four Motlow campuses (Smyrna, Moore County, McMinnville, and Fayetteville).
"We've taken club activities online for the Fall Semester due to the pandemic," said Wyatt Wilkerson, who was elected SEAM Club president in September. "We decided to move forward on the creation of a show video. We were limited on what we could do on the Zoom platform, but we're very proud of the content. There's a lot of heart in our online show."
The video of the show has been posted on the Mass Comm program's new blogging platform, Motlow Buzz Radio. Feel free to share the video link with everyone: https://youtu.be/kXR2_Z0zDIU
SMYRNA -- Microcomputer/ITV Technician Biff Kittii shows off Motlow Smyrna’s new state-of-the-art sound system. Biff describes the system as “amazing… well beyond what the campus has used in the past.” Students, faculty, administrators and staff are in store for breathtaking toe-tapping moments when the sound system is used for future events such as the “Cultural Fusion Festival,” “Hispanic Heritage Read-In,” “African-American Read-in,” “Dance Across the Decades,” and “Motlow Smyrna Talent Show.” Biff made a point to credit some of Motlow's leaders including Professor Heather Koller, Smyrna Academic Dean Gregory Killough, and Executive Vice President of Business and Finance Hilda Tunstill for helping make the new sound system possible. The rest of us are begging Biff and the rest of the tech team to “Blast it, baby!” when the sound system is used in the Big Room. (Photos by Charles Whiting)
Biff Kittii, Motlow Smyrna's sound man, couldn't be more excited about the new sound system.
Biff tries out the sound board.
Biff says the new sound system is well beyond "what the campus has used in the past."
SMYRNA -- Our vocabulary expert, Smyrna Branch Librarian Paige Hendrickson, knows a thing or two about words. This issue, she provides definitions and usage examples for the words Pandemic, Ethos, and Embed.
pandemic pan·dem·ic /panˈdemik/ adjective: 1. (of a disease) prevalent throughout an entire country, continent, or the whole world; epidemic over a large area. 2. general; universal. noun: a pandemic disease.
Synonyms: widespread, prevalent, pervasive, rife, rampant, epidemic, universal, global
Example: Many colleges and universities are offering only online classes for Fall 2020 semester due to the current Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, which has affected nearly every country in the world.
ethos e·thos /ˈēTHäs/ noun: the characteristic spirit of a culture, era, or community as manifested in its beliefs and aspirations.
Example: When students transition from high school to college, the ethos shifts and places the responsibility of assignments and studying on the individual student outside the classroom.
embed em·bed /əmˈbed/ verb (used with object): 1. to fix into a surrounding mass; 2. to surround tightly or firmly; envelop or enclose; 3. to incorporate or contain as an essential part or characteristic. verb (used without object) to be or become fixed or incorporated, as into a surrounding mass.
Example: Especially when taking online college classes, students should look for important links that are embedded to guide them to the online course assignments and other resources to help them be more successful in their classes.
Do you remember the classic hit, “I Got the Grammar Blues?” It sounded great up until Comma Jack hit that sour note on his trombone.
If your writing is a bit hit-or-miss these days, don’t despair. The Writing Center’s team of coaches is standing by to help.
In fact, the Writing Center will continue to operate entirely online through the Fall 2020 semester.
“We miss seeing you on campus, but we've worked hard all summer to make sure we are ready to provide excellent support from a distance,” said Jenna Caviezel, the center’s director and an associate professor of English.
Tutors are available for two types of appointments:
*Live Online appointments allow students to have real-time video conferences or text chats with a tutor. This is ideal for those who miss the face-to-face, on-campus tutoring experience!
* eTutoring appointments allow students to upload their writing assignments and receive written tutor feedback. There is no need to be logged in at the same time as the tutor, which can be ideal for students with very busy schedules or internet accessibility issues.
Students and faculty can also take advantage of the information and handout bank available on the Writing Center’s Lib Guide: https://mscc.libguides.com/c.php?g=1004878
What is the Writing Center? The Writing Center is a free service available to the entire Motlow community. We support a dedicated team of tutors who are attentive and knowledgeable so they can provide exceptional guidance with any project at any stage of the writing process including brainstorming for an English essay, revising a lab report, or polishing a cover letter for a job application.
mscc.libguides.com
Here's what some students who’ve used the Writing Center had to say last year (on the center’s anonymous survey form):
“The Writing Center has been my biggest support system during this Fall semester,” raved one student.
“The Writing Center has been a lifesaver for me,” exclaimed another.
“I would recommend EVERYONE use this resource,” praised a third.
So, if you have the grammar blues (or any kind of writing woes), you know who to call. Rest assured that talented Writing Center coaches are ready, willing or able (or able, willing and ready).
It’s Fall Break! Already? Now that half of the semester is already behind us, it’s time to celebrate (and get a breath of fresh air). We all need it. School will be out from Friday through Tuesday (Oct. 9-13). Following are a few day trips to consider during these beautiful, cool days.
* Drive down the Natchez Trace Parkway. This winding road through the Tennessee wilderness offers overlooks, hikes, historic landmarks, and more. https://www.nps.gov/natr/index.htm
* While you’re over near Nickajack (in Jasper), enjoy an outdoor lunch or dinner at Top of the Rock Restaurant and Brewery. The venue offers delicious meals and breathtaking views. www.topoftherockbrewery.com
