I made it to the new Publix store grand opening in Pigeon Forge today. I like shopping at this store in Knoxville and know that I’ll go to this new one from time to time. (Probably will avoid Fridays and Saturdays when tourists pull into town.) It is nice to have another shopping choice in the county.
You have probably shopped at Publix before, but if not, scroll down to see some highlights of the grand opening today. I only went around the perimeter of the store because a trainer once told me that is where the healthy things are located.
Ample parking. Enter from the parkway. You can exit onto Wears Valley Road too.
My friend Sheley will be excited to see a Jersey Mike’s going in beside the grocery store. She is a fan of their chicken salad.
Making a good first impression!
Enter and go right to see the floral department and specials. I did not see a gelato station like the store in Knoxville at Northshore Drive. Nor did I see a soup station nor a stir fry station.
The bakery has some spectacular desserts. If you have a special occasion then this may be the place to order something special.
This cake looks amazing!
This area allows customers to see a recipe (maybe sample it?) and to take a recipe card home. I think that they do one a week. This morning, it was praline french toast.
A nice selection of cheese.
I forgot that they have some of my favorite salads. Love these for lunch.
The hot bar had at least two entrees that were not fried. A plus!
My favorite department is always the produce section.
The meat department had a lot of tempting things. Time to grill out.
No lines in the pharmacy yet.
Restrooms located to the right of the entrance, but you have to look for the sign in the floral department.
As I exited, I noticed a board with special events listed so check it out.
Happy shopping!
SPS Assistant Principal, Dr. Valentine, offers warm greetings and opens the event.
Central Office Supervisors attend, Dr. Jennifer Younger and Dr. Susan Howard. (The Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent’s pictures were blurred so I can’t share them here. The IPad camera was a little sensitive.)
Sue Wilson recites an original poem about the joys of retirement and what our two friends will be missing—but maybe they can come and sub for us some time?
Harriet expresses thanks and memories. Judy Branton, a well loved teacher assistant will be retiring too. What a calm and happy presence Judy has about her. A sweet smile always ready. I have always enjoyed being around her. We will miss you, Judy!
PTO announces that they want to update the second grade playground. Even more, they are going to name it in honor of Harriet Berrier. What a legacy!
Event Co-Chairs: Amy Ribblet Julian, music and vocal arts teacher; Paula Poole, second grade teacher. Tireless work on hallway art, songs, invitees, student participation, etc. Exceptional results today. Thank you!
Harriet’s parents are Cotton and Sarah Berrier. This is the first time that I have seen Harriet’s father, but I would pick him out as a golf pro as soon as he walked through the door.
Friends and church friends.
Happy Retirement, ladies!
We enjoyed the photos! Here are some more from the 2015-2016 yearbook. (Thank you, Glenda Parrish! Well done.) 
Later, I listened to a presentation by Mark Davidson on “Faith, Family, and Freedom on the Frontier: The Scots-Irish in the Southern Appalachians. He talked about their movement from Pennsylvania, through Virginia, North Carolina and Tennessee in the late 1700s.
But what I really wanted to hear was what is regarded as the best gospel choir in Sevier County. Boyds Creek Church of God Choir sang gospel music of the Smokies “in the way that the church’s early African American members sang it,” stated the program. Led by Nichole Donohoo Stinnett, the choir moved everyone with their voices and testimonies. I think that my friend Sheley and I will be visiting their church one Sunday this summer to hear them sing more. Here are some highlights from their program. (Going to try to insert video too. Can be tricky—I’m still learning.)
And our colleague, Chrissy Hopkins!
We saw so many things that I was glad that they gave us a brochure of the tour so I could just concentrate on taking pictures. Of course, there are many interesting things and so many stories. I couldn’t even begin to cover the floods, the fires, the fights, etc. But here are some interesting photos…
Sims Barber Shop was open for business despite the crowds.
In 1856, there was a catastrophic fire downtown. Courthouse records were lost. These are salvaged bars from the jail which was also destroyed.
I loved this Jim Gray painting of the old court house.
I settled on a to-go box from this bbq vendor and took a brisket home for lunch before heading back to the Wilderness Wildlife Week.
Must do this next year for lunch while we are out and about!
I think this topic is kind of frightening and wanted to hear more about his experiences for three decades tracking lost children and adults . An hour wasn’t long enough. He should write a book about this topic.
There was a silent auction with very nicely framed pictures of sports and music icons. Several nice Invicta watches and jewelry items were also up for bid. There was a contest for best bowtie and best ladies hat. Although I was not involved in that, several people commented on my hat which I bought at the Derby Ladies Social here in Sevierville. I proudly told them that I got it at the Sassafras store near the Pottery House Cafe in Pigeon Forge.
If I go back to Memphis some day then this store is a ‘must see’ on the list. Wonder if they make ladies’ suits too?
When I tapped the screen, the sound came on and then I noticed something interesting—flying emoticons! They were everywhere. You will notice them on the bottom of some of the next screen shots. Hyper technology!
Great band! 
She had very good security.
If you want to keep up with Dolly, it looks like her Facebook page is the place to go as evidenced by all the international comments and well wishes. I am just now catching on to that.
Out and About in Sevierville 