Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category
Monday, May 4th, 2026 | Uncategorized | Comments Off on Thank you for 25 Years!
May 2001 to May 2026
For 25 years, Mountain Views has had the privilege of sharing the stories, landscapes, and spirit that make East Tennessee such a remarkable place to call home. As we celebrate this milestone, we pause to offer our heartfelt thanks to the people who made it all possible: our loyal readers and our dedicated advertisers.
To our readers, you have been the soul of this publication from the very beginning. Whether you’ve picked up each issue to discover local businesses, community highlights, gardening tips, or simply to enjoy the beauty of our region, your continued support has given Mountain Views its purpose. You’ve shared our pages with friends and encouraged us to keep going through changing times. It’s because of you that we’ve been able to grow, evolve, and remain a trusted voice in East Tennessee for a quarter of a century.
To our advertisers, we extend our deepest appreciation for your faith in us and your commitment to connecting with our community. Your support has not only sustained this publication financially but has also helped build a bridge between local businesses and the people they serve. Each ad placed in Mountain Views represents more than a transaction—it reflects a shared investment in the vitality and success of our region. Together, we’ve been able to highlight the hardworking entrepreneurs, family-owned shops, and growing enterprises that define the character of East Tennessee.
Over the past 25 years, we’ve witnessed change—new faces, new businesses, new challenges, and new opportunities—yet the heart of this community has remained constant. Through it all, Mountain Views has been honored to serve as a storyteller, a connector, and a celebration of the place we all cherish.
As we look ahead, we do so with gratitude and excitement. The future holds new stories to tell, new partnerships to build, and new ways to serve you better. While the world continues to change, our commitment remains the same: to reflect the beauty, resilience, and spirit of East Tennessee in every issue we publish.
We thank God for you and for this community. We thank God for our good friends Tom and Judy Irmen, who started Mountain Views and graciously brought us on several years ago. We feel so honored to have the opportunity to share the blessings of the incredible people, amazing businesses, and the wondrous beauty of East Tennessee each month.
On behalf of the entire Mountain Views team, thank you for 25 incredible years! Whether you’ve been with us since the first issue or just discovered us recently, you are part of the Mountain Views family. We look forward to continuing this journey together for many years to come.
With sincere gratitude,
Tim & Kathy Rose
Monday, May 4th, 2026 | Uncategorized | Comments Off on Townsend River Walk & Arboretum
Nestled in “the peaceful side” of the Smokies, the Townsend River Walk & Arboretum is a semi-hidden gem that offers a quiet, fun experience combining natural beauty, education, and community spirit. Unlike larger botanical gardens or heavily trafficked tourist attractions, this small but well-planned arboretum reflects the calm, quiet character of Townsend itself. What is an arboretum, you might ask? An arboretum is a “living museum” dedicated to the cultivation, study, and display of a wide variety of trees and woody plants.
The arboretum sits along the Little River, providing a beautiful backdrop to pretty much everything there. Built along a historic route that once served as part of the Little River Railroad corridor, the trail has evolved into a natural retreat where visitors can explore native plant life while enjoying the calming sounds of the river. This combination of history and environment gives the arboretum a sense of continuity, linking the region’s past with its present focus on conservation and recreation.
The Townsend Arboretum is designed to be fun, accessible, and educational. The walking trail itself is relatively short—about a third of a mile—but it is designed to showcase a wide variety of tree species native to the Southern Appalachian area. Each tree is marked with signage that includes its common and scientific name, allowing visitors to learn as they explore. Currently, the Arboretum has 49 signed trees with 2 additions scheduled for planting in 2026. In recent years, the arboretum has expanded its educational approach by adding QR codes to these signs, enabling guests to access more detailed information directly from their smartphones.
This emphasis on learning transforms a simple walk into an interactive experience. Visitors can identify species such as eastern white pine, red maple, tulip poplar, and flowering dogwood, gaining a deeper appreciation for the biodiversity of the region. By presenting this information in an approachable way, the arboretum serves as a kind of outdoor classroom—one that appeals equally to families, students, and casual nature lovers.
The development of the arboretum is also a testament to community collaboration. The project began in 2008, when local groups including the Blount County Master Gardeners and the Tuckaleechee Garden Club partnered with forestry experts to identify and catalog the trees along the river walk. After several years of work, the site was officially certified as an arboretum by the Tennessee Urban Forestry Council in 2011, with subsequent recertifications confirming its ongoing quality and care. Its grassroots origin remains evident today, as the arboretum continues to be maintained largely through volunteer efforts.
Beyond its educational mission, the arboretum is designed to be a welcoming space for relaxation and recreation. The trail runs parallel to the Little River, offering numerous spots where visitors can pause, sit, and take in the scenery. Seasonal changes bring new experiences throughout the year: spring blooms and wildflowers, lush greenery in summer, vibrant foliage in autumn, and quiet, reflective landscapes in winter. This four-season appeal ensures that no two visits are exactly the same.
In addition to its trees, the arboretum includes several fun features that enhance its charm. Gardens dedicated to pollinators attract butterflies and other wildlife, while themed areas like the children’s discovery garden and small “faerie villages” provide imaginative spaces for younger visitors.
Accessibility is another feature. The arboretum is open daily and designed to accommodate a wide range of visitors, including families with children, pet owners, and individuals with mobility needs. Its location just off a main roadway makes it easy to reach, yet the natural setting helps it feel removed from the noise and pace of modern life.
Perhaps what makes the Townsend River Walk & Arboretum most special is its balance. It is neither overwhelming nor overly structured; instead, it offers just enough guidance to educate while leaving room for personal exploration. Whether someone visits for a quick walk, a quiet moment by the river, or a chance to learn about local trees, the arboretum delivers a meaningful experience without requiring a large time commitment.
In a region known for its dramatic vistas and expansive landscapes, this small arboretum provides a different perspective—one that is intimate, thoughtful, and deeply connected to the local community. It stands as a reminder that even modest green spaces can have a lasting impact, offering both knowledge and tranquility to those who take the time to explore them.
Location and Parking Information
PARKING: Park at the Tuckaleechee Camp Ground United Method Church on Highway 321. The Arboretum is on the other side of 321.
GETTING THERE: From the church parking lot walk toward the Townsend Historical Trail (it goes along the Lamar Alexander Parkway) and follow it to the left until you reach the underpass (Walking Trail Tunnel that goes under the Lamar Alexander Parkway) and go through the underpass. Upon reaching the other side the entrance to the Townsend River Walk will be on your right.
Monday, May 4th, 2026 | Uncategorized | Comments Off on The Loudon County Concert Band presents
Honor and Remember: A Memorial Day Celebration
on Monday, May 25, 2026
Loudon County Concert Band is pleased to announce their 2026 presentation of Honor and Remember: A Memorial Day Celebration. The powerful patriotic celebration will be held on Monday, May 25, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Lenoir City, 2085 E. Simpson Rd., Lenoir City, TN 37772. Admission to the concert is free. No tickets are required.
The concert will honor and celebrate the great and often ultimate sacrifice made by thousands of men and women who have served in our Armed Services to defend the freedoms we enjoy every day. We will also be honoring all veterans and active-duty service members as part of the concert program. In addition, there will be a special time of remembrance to honor those who are part of “the Greatest Generation,” who courageously served during World War II. In addition to our veterans, we will also be recognizing the first responders who serve and protect us every day.
The concert program will include An American Fanfare arranged by Rick Kirby, The Star-Spangled Banner arranged by Sean O’Loughlin, Salute to the Armed Forces arranged by Camp Kirkland, American Salute (“When Johnny Comes Marching Home”) by Morton Gould and arranged by Douglas E. Wagner, The Greatest Generation by Robert Smith, Blades of Grass and Pure White Stones arranged by Keith Christopher, Hymn to the Fallen by John Williams and arranged by Paul Lavender, The Battle Hymn of the Republic arranged by Peter Wilhousky, Portrait of Freedom by Steven Reineke, God of Our Fathers by Thomas Knox, America the Beautiful arranged by Carmen Dragon, and National Emblem March by Edwin Eugene Bagley.
This year’s concert will also include a time celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States of America. As part of our concert this year we are also including a special recognition of Knoxville, Tennessee native, Master Sergeant Roderick W. “Roddie” Edmonds, who was recently posthumously awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor by President Donald Trump.
We are pleased to have Sauni Rinehart joining us again this year as our narrator for this special time of remembrance. Sauni is a Southern California transplant who has been a happy East Tennessean for over 10 years. She has been blessed to be a part of drama and worship ministry though the last few decades. She is an actor, speaker and women’s Bible study leader, and she is the author of several devotional books. Her passion is to share God’s Word through the creative arts. Sauni is honored to provide the narration for this moving program.
The Loudon County Concert Band is a volunteer community group of over 50 musicians from Loudon County and the surrounding area. Under the musical direction of David Whipple, Jr., the band plays a variety of concert band literature including seasonal music, thematic pieces, songs from film and Broadway, patriotic marches, as well as original works composed for concert bands.
The band is always looking for new members and welcomes anyone high school age and up. We rehearse on Thursday evenings at 6:30 at the Community Church at Tellico Village. If you would like to join the band, please visit our website at www.loudonconcertband.org and click on the “Join” tab. You may also contact our music director, David Whipple, Jr. at (865) 335-1543, and let him know you are interested in joining.
The Loudon County Concert Band relies solely on the financial donations of individuals and businesses to operate. The band is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, and all contributions are tax deductible. If you are interested in supporting the work of the band as either an individual or corporate sponsor, please visit our website or contact our manager, Kevin Meyer at (586) 929-2333. You may also email us at loudonconcertband@gmail.com.
The Loudon Concert Band is a proud member of The Association of Concert Bands and the Loudon County Chamber of Commerce.
Monday, March 30th, 2026 | Uncategorized | Comments Off on Tennessee Spirit is Alive and Well at Dollywood
Tennessee is known as “The Volunteer State.” That volunteer spirit is, I believe, a result of a more broad attitude of caring for others and ultimately from the greatest commandment – Love thy neighbor.
Dollywood is more than just a theme park. If you ask the employees, Dollywood is a family. If you ask the fans, Dollywood is home!
And we all know Dolly is the patron saint of East Tennessee! With her Imagination Library (donating books to children all over the world) and her many donations to the people of East Tennessee, she is well deserving of that moniker.
We attended our 4th opening day media event at Dollywood on March 13th, and as always, we were impressed by what we learned both “on” and “off stage”.
On Stage: Yes, we got to see Dolly and Eugene Naughton (Dollywood Parks & Resorts President) discuss upcoming improvements. We saw a couple of great shows and ate some wonderful food. That was all a lot of fun and informative.
Off Stage: As a part of the media events, we are assigned a guide, usually a member of the Human Resources or Talent Acquisition department. It is from these guides that we usually learn some extremely impressive information that isn’t often shared, so we thought we’d share some of this information with our readers this month along with our own personal observations. Toward the end of this article are some of the facts we’ve learned over the years that have impressed us the most.
DOLLY PARTON KICKS OFF ADVENTUROUS 2026 SEASON AT DOLLYWOOD, DETAILS UPCOMING ATTRACTION AND EVENTS
On March 13, 2026, Dolly Parton welcomed season passholders and members of the media to the first day of Dollywood’s 41st season during a special media event, setting high expectations for what will be the Smoky Mountain theme park’s most exciting year yet. With a brand-new, one-of-a-kind attraction set to open later this spring, the inaugural Run Dollywood race in April and new exclusive after-hours events, guests have a number of reasons to visit TripAdvisor’s #1 theme park during every festival and season in 2026.
Dolly and Eugene Naughton, Dollywood President, gave guests a closer look at Dollywood’s immersive indoor roller coaster, NightFlight Expediton.
“I’m so excited for everything we have for our guests this season,” Dolly said. “We’re investing a lot of time and money into our big new roller coaster this year, and I can’t wait for everyone to go on the Smoky Mountain adventure NightFlight Expedition is going to offer. The ride takes me back to so many wonderful memories I had as a kid, with all the fireflies and the moonlight making the Smokies have a special kind of magic, so I had to recreate that for everyone visiting Dollywood!”
NightFlight Expedition adds to Dollywood’s already impressive portfolio by becoming the park’s 11th roller coaster. With four thrilling experiences on one coaster, Dollywood’s NightFlight Expedition takes guests soaring on a nighttime flight over the scenic Smokies, on a thrilling whitewater rafting excursion through more than 500,000 gallons of surging water, up and over a mountain ridge, and plunging into a mysterious shimmering lake.
“NightFlight Expedition is the ride that industry experts, media and influencers have all called the most anticipated attraction of 2026,” said Naughton. “This ride is going to be a gamechanger for the theme park world; but it isn’t the only gamechanger for Dollywood this season. I am so excited to participate in Dollywood’s Run Dollywood race alongside the other participants. I also can’t wait to watch families make even more memories together during our brand-new, after-hours events and other festival offerings. This truly will be the most exciting season at Dollywood yet.”
“Being here to kick off our 41st season is so special,” said Dolly. “Can you believe we’re entering our fifth decade?”
Festival Highlights for 2026:
- I Will Always Love You Festival (now through April 12)
- Dollywood’s Flower & Food Festival (April 18-June 7)
- Inaugural “Run Dollywood” race weekend is set for April 25-26. Includes the marquee half-marathon slated for Sunday morning. Companion races—a 1-mile kids fun run (ages 4-12), a 5k and a 10k —are scheduled for Saturday morning. Registation takes place on the Run Dollywood page: Dollywood.com/RunDollywood.
- Dollywood’s Splash Country kicks off its 26th season on May 16. New this season: Neon Nights on select Fridays and Saturdays. This is a separately ticketed, after-hours event.
- Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration (June 15-August 2
- Harvest Festival (Sept. 14-Oct. 31)
- Harvey’s Boo Bash. At this separately ticketed after-hours event, you’ll be able to enjoy all the Harvest Festival sites with smaller crowds and special treats.
- Smoky Mountain Christmas (Nov. 6–Jan. 3, 2024): Wraps up the park’s 2026 season with 6 million lights, festive holiday shows, and the warm, joyful atmosphere guests look forward to each year.
For more information about Dollywood’s adventurous 2026 season, please visit Dollywood.com or download the Dollywood app.
Personal Observations:
Our Dollywood staff guide, Hope, told us that she is working on completing her college degree through the Dollywood Grow U education program. This online program is free to Dollywood employees and is an awesome benefit. Hope has been working for Dollywood since she was 14; she’s close to finishing her degree in Human Resources and was gratefully proud to share that she hasn’t had to pay a cent. She’s already working at her dream job in HR at Dollywood.
We got to see Dolly tell us about how she is doing and future additions to the park. She looked great! It is always really encouraging to see how much she loves her fans and how much they love her. She wanted us all to know she’s not done yet!
At one event we attended, Dolly was asked about the various hats she wears – Entertainer, Businesswoman, and Proud Tennessean. She replied, “Well first off – it’s not a hat, it’s a wig!”
“If the values don’t permeate every element of the company, then it’s phony and you can feel it in the park.” – Susan, from Talent Acquisitions. “It’s not just for show. Dollywood feels like home – for everyone.”
One employee shared with us how fulfilling her job was working with their international hiring program. She was currently helping a young man from Turkey – he had recently lost his entire family, and she was able to help him start a new life in the US.
Monday, March 30th, 2026 | Uncategorized | Comments Off on Custom Glide-Out Shelves for More Space, More Access, and More Joy
Custom Solutions
ShelfGenie custom Glide-Out shelves are the best way to eliminate common frustrations in the kitchen, pantry, and bath. Our design will help fully utilize your space and our shelves pull out the full depth of your cabinets so you can see, reach and retrieve items with ease.
Custom design, sturdy wood construction, quiet rails that hold up to 100 pounds per shelf, and professional installation- all backed by a transferable, lifetime guarantee- will ensure your satisfaction.
Your Experience
Getting personalized attention from the ShelfGenie team is easy. Here’s what you can expect from our custom design process.
– Free Design Consultation: Work with a ShelfGenie Designer to create a custom solution to solve your home pain points, eyesores, and trouble areas.
– Custom Solution: Your personal Designer will present a design plan built just for you and your needs and show you a 3D-rendered plan of what your future home will look like.
– Professional Installation: We handle it all. After measurements are taken and your products are hand-crafted, your Installer comes to your home and installs everything for you in one day.
Schedule Your Free Design Consultation Today!
One of our talented ShelfGenie Designers will come to your home and create a design plan, customized just for you – no obligation required.
Monday, March 30th, 2026 | Uncategorized | Comments Off on Can I Come Back Tomorrow?
By Laurie Fox for Our PLACE
Have you ever wondered what happens under the roof of Our PLACE Memory Day Center?
When I first moved to Tellico Village, I would pass the corner of SR-444 and SR-72 and assume the building on the northeast corner was a small bank. Never did I imagine that inside there was a vibrant community of people smiling and laughing as they listened to music, played games, exercised, and shared their rich histories. It is a community that lives in the precious moments found in meaningful connection, participating in a structured, evidence-based activities program.
Family members and friends who entrust their loved ones to us gain peace of mind. Research consistently shows that programs like ours can improve mood, help maintain abilities, and promote social connection for people living with memory challenges. It’s not surprising, then, to hear a participant ask, “Can I come back tomorrow”?
Let me share some of the benefits of a few of our daily activities.
Music is one of the most powerful tools in dementia care. Even when memory and language decline, the brain often retains the ability to recognize melodies and lyrics. Studies published in journals such as Frontiers in Psychology and The Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease show that music activates multiple areas of the brain, including those responsible for emotion, movement, and memory. Singing familiar songs or listening to favorite music can reduce anxiety, improve mood, and encourage engagement. Participants may clap, sway, sing along, or share memories connected to songs from earlier in life. Music has also been shown to decrease agitation and increase cooperation with care activities.
Exercise is equally important for individuals attending an adult memory day program. Physical movement supports cardiovascular health, balance, strength, and flexibility—all of which help maintain independence. Research in the field of gerontology suggests that regular exercise may slow cognitive decline by improving blood flow to the brain and supporting neuroplasticity. Many participants report feeling more alert and energized after participating in gentle physical activity.
Games and structured cognitive activities, such as word games, simple trivia, puzzles, or adapted board games, help maintain attention, problem-solving skills, and language abilities. According to research on cognitive stimulation therapy, engaging the mind through enjoyable group activities can improve quality of life and may even modestly improve cognitive functioning. Importantly, games in memory care programs are adapted to match participants’ abilities, ensuring individuals experience success rather than frustration.
A typical day of fun recently had me laughing with the other 13 participants. After hearing several jokes, Dave chimed in and said, “Wherever you got those jokes, you should return them!” Moments like that remind us how much joy can be found here, surrounded by a caring, knowledgeable staff and dedicated volunteers.
Our PLACE improves quality of life for adults living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias by providing a safe, engaging day program with therapeutic activities and compassionate care. We also support caregivers through respite, education, support groups, and resources—helping create more “Moments of Joy” for families and participants.
Our PLACE, an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit, encourages anyone with questions to reach out to us at director@ourplacetn.org or (865) 657-7222 to schedule a 30-minute confidential appointment. Together we are better!
OurPLACE TN
103 Cheeyo Way
Loudon, TN 37774
Tuesday, March 10th, 2026 | Uncategorized | Comments Off on Blinds and More – Trusted Business – Now Trusted Neighbor!
In addition to being named Cityview Magazine Best of the Best for Window Treatments for the past several years running, the owners of Blinds and More, Robbie and Jamie Kidd, have recently moved to Tellico Village and are excited to be a part of the local community. Blinds & More E. TN is a true multi-generational family business specializing in “All Things Window.” From soft window treatments – which include draperies, roman shades, cornices and valances – to your functional window treatments such as blinds, shutters, roller and cellular shades, Blinds & More has all your window treatment needs covered.
This month, East Tennessee’s Mountain Views had the pleasure of interviewing Jamie Kidd to find out more about Blinds and More E. TN and their recent move to Tellico Village.
MV: Let’s start with your recent move this past November. Why is being a part of the local community in Tellico Village important to you?
Jamie: Robbie and I are both native Knoxvillians, but we missed the small town feel of our youth. Tellico Village is reminiscent of that quiet small-town feel. We have been coming out here for about 20 years for work and looked forward to finally settling here and becoming a part of this beautiful community that has supported and given us so much over the years. We have met so many wonderful people and look forward to contributing and giving back.
MV: What are some of your favorite things about living in Tellico Village?
Jamie: We absolutely love how beautiful and quiet it is out here. Once we hit the parkway from a busy day, it just feels like home, a sense of peace. All the wonderful people we have met are just icing on the cake.
MV: How did Blinds and More get started?
Jamie: I have always had a bend toward design since I was a little girl. I went to school for interior design in Mississippi but really homed in on window treatments back in 2005 at JCPenney Custom Decorating. They had an extensive window treatment training program that gave me a very strong foundation for this business.
MV: Sounds like the whole family is involved. How does that work?
Jamie: Everyone in the family has a role in the process, from initial meeting to project completion. I (Jamie) meet with the client for the initial design consultation. My husband and co-owner, Robbie, oversees our commercial and outdoor projects, and our oldest son, Del – who joined us 3 years ago after 10 years of service in the Air Force – oversees installation of all projects. Together, exceptional service is the family standard.
MV: What is your favorite part of your business?
Jamie: I love meeting new people and helping them find the best fit for their individual needs. I try to listen and discover what’s important to my client and not just sell a cookie cutter solution to every client
MV: What is your business philosophy?
Jamie: Trust is our core value. We want our clients to trust that we will stand behind our work and at the end of the day always do what is right for them, even if it’s at our expense.
MV: What does the “More” stand for in Blinds and More?
Jamie: Great question! Obviously, part of the “MORE” is our soft division – draperies, valances, bedding, pillows and cushions, but we also have a whole outdoor division that few people know about. We offer outdoor roller shades that can be motorized, outdoor draperies, cushions, Bahama shutters and exterior shutters. We have a couple of exciting things in the works as well that we hope to roll out in the next year to add even more to the MORE 😊.
MV: Is there anything you would like to add?
Jamie: Yes! Custom window treatments are the finishing touches for your dream home. So, it is our pleasure to have the opportunity to be involved in the selection process. It is very important to our family that at the end of the day you are thrilled with your selections and our service.
We would love to start working with you and get the process started. All it takes is a quick phone call to schedule your IN-HOME consultation. We look forward to hearing from you soon.
Blinds and More E TN
114 Daleyuhski Trace
Loudon, TN 37774
https://blindsnmoretn.com/
865-685-8464
TESTIMONIALS:
Jamie and her team were absolutely amazing!!! The entire process was so easy, and the end result was exactly what we were wanting! Jamie and Robbie came by, looked at our space gave advice on what would work best based on our needs. We reviewed multiple types of fabrics and Jamie was great in helping us understand what each one would ultimately look like and how it would perform and function. Installation went so smooth, they were professional, thorough, and efficient. I cannot say enough wonderful things about Jamie and her team and I highly recommend them! – Rachelle B.
Absolutely top shelf! The entire process from blind selection to installation was fantastic. Everyone is extremely knowledgeable, helpful, and friendly. If you need blinds, you won’t find a better company. We even received a follow up call after installation to ensure we were happy – and we were elated. – Jerry J.
Excellent service, installation and products. Wouldn’t use anyone else for window coverings!!. – Dennis T.
Tuesday, March 10th, 2026 | Uncategorized | Comments Off on Elite Exteriors
Monday, February 2nd, 2026 | Uncategorized | Comments Off on CASA Monroe: Changing a Child’s Story — One Voice at a Time
For many children, the courtroom can be a confusing and intimidating place. When abuse or neglect brings a family into the justice system, children often struggle to be heard. That’s where CASA Monroe steps in — providing a consistent, compassionate voice for children who need it most.
Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) was founded in 1977 in Seattle, Washington, when a judge recognized the need for trained volunteers dedicated to representing the best interests of abused and neglected children in court. Since then, the CASA movement has grown into a nationwide network of programs, each committed to giving vulnerable children a voice, stability, and a better chance for a positive future. CASA Monroe began serving Monroe County, Tennessee, in 2007 and now advocates for approximately 200 children each year, helping ensure they are seen, heard, and supported throughout the court process.
Our Mission: Advocacy, Support, and Hope
At the heart of CASA Monroe’s work is a simple but powerful mission: to provide trained and dedicated volunteer advocates who represent the best interests of children who have experienced abuse or neglect and are involved in the court system. These volunteers walk alongside children as they navigate the court process, ensuring their needs, hopes, and rights are heard and considered.
Every child deserves a safe, stable, and permanent home — and CASA Monroe’s advocates work tirelessly to help make that a reality. By building trusting relationships and collaborating with social workers, attorneys, judges, and families, CASA volunteers help guide children toward brighter futures.
Who We Are
CASA Monroe is powered by compassionate staff, volunteers, board members, and community partners who believe every child deserves a voice. Together, we work to provide thoughtful advocacy and meaningful support so each child we serve experiences stability, care, and hope for the future.
How You Can Help: Volunteer and Support
Volunteers are the backbone of CASA Monroe. Becoming a CASA Volunteer Advocate is one of the most impactful ways to make a difference:
1. Application and background check.
2. 5 weeks of comprehensive volunteer training – Next training starts on February 3, 2026. Call 423-442-2750 if you’re interested!
3. Case assignment and ongoing support.
Once trained, volunteers are matched with a child’s case and begin representing that child in court, ensuring their voice isn’t lost in the legal process. Through ongoing communication, investigation, and advocacy, CASA volunteers become vital allies to children who would otherwise go unheard.
Not able to volunteer directly? You can still support CASA Monroe through donations, event participation, sponsorships, or spreading awareness within your community. Every contribution — big or small — helps CASA Monroe continue its mission.
Join Us for These Exciting Community Events
CASA Monroe’s mission is substantially supported by community partnerships and fundraising events that bring people together for awareness, fun, and compassion. Two events that highlight both community spirit and fundraising impact are the Superhero 5K in April and the CASA Monroe Rodeo in September.
Superhero 5K — April 25, 2026
CASA Monroe’s Superhero 5K invites the community to come together for a fun, family-friendly event supporting abused and neglected children. Participants of all ages are encouraged to dress as their favorite superheroes — because it often takes a hero to change a child’s story. Feel free to bring your furry friends along to enjoy the race with you!
The race takes place on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in downtown Madisonville and is open to runners and walkers of all levels. With activities, refreshments, and a lively finish-line atmosphere, the Superhero 5K raises awareness for Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month while supporting CASA Monroe’s advocacy efforts across Monroe County. To register visit: www.casamonroe.org.
CASA Monroe Rodeo — September 11 & 12
The CASA Monroe Rodeo returns September 11 & 12, 2026, for an exciting weekend of professional rodeo action, family fun, and community pride. Hosted at Legacy Horse Ranch at Rarity Bay in Vonore, the rodeo features bull riding, barrel racing, team roping, live entertainment, great food, and activities for all ages.
Recognized as one of the area’s Top New Rodeos in 2024 and named an IPRA (International Pro-Rodeo Association) Top 5 Outdoor Rodeo in 2025, this event combines thrilling entertainment with meaningful impact. Proceeds support CASA Monroe’s advocacy programs, ensuring children who have experienced abuse or neglect have a dedicated voice during court proceedings.
For those looking for an elevated experience, the rodeo offers a special VIP package, which includes premium parking, seating, exclusive hospitality, food & drink, and behind-the-scenes access, making it a unique way to enjoy the action while supporting CASA Monroe’s mission.
Supporting Families Beyond the Courtroom
CASA Monroe’s impact extends beyond courtroom advocacy. As a certified Child Passenger Safety Fitting Station, CASA Monroe educates parents and caregivers on the importance of child passenger safety. Parents and caregivers receive individualized, hands-on support from a Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician, who checks each child’s car seat for proper fit and installation while providing education to promote safe travel.
In addition, CASA Monroe offers free parenting classes that equip caregivers with practical tools to support positive parenting, strengthen families, and promote safe, stable home environments. These classes also provide education on important topics, including opioid awareness and prevention, helping caregivers navigate challenges that can impact children’s safety and well-being. Together, these services reflect CASA Monroe’s commitment to supporting children and families throughout the community.
A Community United for Children
CASA Monroe continues to grow — thanks to community support, generous partners, and dedicated volunteer advocates. Together, with events like the Superhero 5K and CASA Monroe Rodeo, we raise not only funds but awareness for the hundreds of children affected by abuse and neglect.
From the courtroom to the racecourse, from the arena to everyday life, CASA Monroe strives to ensure that every child has a safe, nurturing, and permanent home — and that their voice is never left unheard.
Monday, February 2nd, 2026 | Uncategorized | Comments Off on Pearl Scott Health & Beauty
