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Saturday's Parade Ushers Christmas into Mountain City


Reprinted from the Tomahawk
Mountain City, TN
By Paula Walter
Freelance Writer

Main Street in Mountain City came to life this past Saturday as it was the setting for the annual Christmas parade. The lights on the Christmas trees up and down the street that are part of “Light Up Mountain City” were glowing and the air was festive with Johnson Countians offering each other Christmas greetings. Even the weather cooperated as the air was mild and the skies were clear.

The Christmas parade is sponsored by the Johnson County Chamber of Commerce. “We didn't have as much response this year,” said Nancy Drake, chairperson of the parade committee. For the past two years, the weather for the Christmas parade has been cold and snowy and Drake believes this had a direct impact on the number of businesses, organizations and churches that decided not to participate in this year's event.

Despite the smaller parade, Johnson Countians came out in record numbers to enjoy the festivities. Main Street was packed with people sitting in camping chairs, leaning against their cars and standing along the parade line as they awaited the start of the town's Christmas season. Hot chocolate and other goodies were offered at several locations.

The Johnson County Honor Guard led the parade and was soon followed by the Johnson County High School Color Guard and band. Doe Valley Elementary School cheerleaders, all decked out in Santa hats and their matching uniforms, were eagerly throwing candy from their float. Employees of Food Lion followed their large truck, handing out candy and bags of chips while giving hugs to their many customers. Even Smokey the Bear made an appearance as he waved to the crowd from his perch atop the United States Forest Service truck. Students and staff from Mountain Youth Academy were dressed in the University of Tennessee's orange and white colors. A colorful wooden train pulled adults and children down the parade route led by its own conductor. Many of the people on the floats threw candy, prizes and promotional items to the crowd.

There were approximately two dozen floats and participants at this year's Christmas parade. Dry Run, Trade Fire and Rescue, complete with Sparky the fire dog waving to the crowds, Laurel Bloomery, Butler, Neva and Doe Valley, as well as Mountain City and Johnson County Emergency Services made an appearance with their horns and sirens blasting through the air to the delight of many in the crowd. The Johnson County Cruisers rode in the parade with an impressive collection of makes and models of various vintage as well as newer cars.

The first place winner for the best decorated float in the non-profit category was awarded to Doe Elementary cheerleaders, with second place going to the Johnson County Knights organization. In the church category, first place was awarded to Rainbow Mennonite Church. Both God's Country Church and Pine Grove Church tied for second place. The floats are reviewed by out-of-town judges.

Everyone's favorite seemed to be that jolly old elf himself, Santa Claus. He made an impressive appearance in his horse-drawn white sleigh, decorated with greenery and bows and pulled by a striking white horse. As the parade came to an end, Santa meandered over to Donnelly Street and was spotted taking a left out onto 421, presumably heading back to the North Pole.

 

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Mountain Youth Academy “Relay for Life MYA Style!”



As members of the Johnson County community begin to prepare for the National Cancer Society’s Relay for Life walk, students at Mountain Youth Academy also walked for the cure and to create cancer awareness through their “In house” relay for life walk.

Mountain Youth Academy is a residential treatment facility for boys and girls. The actual building that houses MYA has been a part of the Johnson County community for decades, first serving as the community hospital before transitioning to a residential care facility.

It is a rarity to find a family or community that has not been touched by the effects of cancer, and Mountain Youth Academy is no exception. When the leadership team at Mountain Youth Academy learned about the community walk, not only were they excited to sponsor and participate in the community walk, but they were also enthused about providing the Relay experience for the students. The challenges of offering this experience to students at Mountain Youth Academy, were quickly faced with teamwork, dedication and the drive to accomplish the common goal of providing positive and rewarding experiences for MYA students and staff. Activities Coordinator Zach Striebich, Team MYA captain Amanda Ohlson, and Human Resources Intern Smeeta Lavani joined efforts to organize an event that would be enjoyable and safe while making sure to relay the Relay for Life message.

On Friday, July 2 Mountain Youth Academy staff worked to transform what is normally their back recreation field into a Relay for Life track. Outfitted in matching MYA “Club Cure” t-shirts, designed by Lead MHA Pam Yates and sponsored through the local Kiwanis Club, students and staff walked to raise awareness and funds for cancer research. A variety of activities including, jump rope, hula hooping, face painting and limbo were situated along the track to encourage walking while keeping students interests.

As of today, Mountain Youth academy as raised over $800.00 that will be donated to the American Cancer Society at the community walk on July 16-17.
 

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Mountain Youth Academy awarded CARF Accreditation


Mountain City, TN— March 19, 2010 — CARF announced that Mountain Youth Academy has been awarded a three-year term of accreditation. This latest accreditation is the 6th consecutive year that CARF accreditation has been awarded to Mountain Youth Academy.

An organization receiving a three-year term of accreditation has voluntarily put itself through a rigorous peer review process and demonstrated to a team of surveyors during an on-site survey that it is committed to conforming to CARF accreditation conditions and standards. Furthermore, an organization that earns CARF accreditation is commended on its quest for quality programs and services.

Mountain Youth Academy is a residential psychiatric hospital for youth ages 7-17 located at 332 Hospital Road in the old Johnson County Hospital building. The facility employees approximately 100 staff for Mountain City and the surrounding areas.
From the U.S. to Canada, Europe, and South America, rehabilitation and human services providers seek CARF accreditation. CARF accredits only those programs that meet the rigorous standards established by CARF. The mission of CARF is to promote the quality, value, and optimal outcomes of services through accreditation that centers on enhancing the lives of the persons served. A CARF-accredited organization shows commitment to continually improving its services.
 

 

 

           

 


 

 

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