PARIS!

FOR THE SUMMER 2024

On The Cover: “Nurse Nora Stitches” checks on her patient’s condition before Halloween in Downtown Paris. The pair received an honorable mention for Dyersburg State Community College at last year’s Scarecrows On The Square competition. Photo by Karen Geary.

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Editor’s Notes

AUTUMN IS UPON US!

Don’t you love Autumn? Cooler weather, less humidity, shorter days causing the trees to turn an array of orange, yellow, and red. It’s a special season with its refreshing powers.

Steve McCadams knows that feeling and writes about it in his article about Autumn’s arrival and its transition with anticipation.

It’s also a season of activities and festivals in the area. Caleb Grissom, director of the Paris-Henry County Arts Council, writes about ARTS ’Round The Square returning in September. Holy Cross Catholic Church invites us all to Oktoberfest at the Henry County Fairgrounds.

Meredith Vajda tells readers about Paris Academy for the Arts selling tickets for a fantastic giveaway to the Opryland Hotel plus a fun show and cruise. Also, there is information about their upcoming Open House.

The Krider Performing Arts Center and the Paris Parks & Recreation has several activities scheduled like chorus for homeschoolers, A Night of Praise community choir, ukulele classes, Fall Projects performances, and the ever popular Spooktacular at Eiff el Tower Park.

Speaking of spooky, be sure to read about the scarecrows that will take over the courthouse square in October. Of course, we can’t forget Halloween and its invasion of trick-or-treaters into one Paris neighborhood.

Our features stories profile actress Anna Hefner and dance studio owner Kaley Fletcher – two young women with as much talent as they have gumption.

We remember the sacrifice of Smokejumper Richard Bennett and the 75th anniversary of his death. After Shady Grove Baptist Church was destroyed by a tornado, the congregation built back and now celebrating their 200th year of existence.

We can’t escape the approaching political season, and John Watkins explains in his quippy article why he is backing the Garden Party. In Paris Cuisine, we learn peanut butter isn’t only for sandwiches anymore.

Lastly, don’t miss our Faces & Places, crossword puzzle, and calendar of events.

Happy Fall, ya’ll!

Smantha

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In This Issue

Read online or get your copy.

REMINISCENCE: Smoke Jumper. The Death of Robert Bennett

By Shannon McFarlin

He was only 22. That’s what keeps running through your mind when you think of Robert Bennett and his too-short life. Read More >>

GREAT OUTDOORS: Autumn's Arrival; Transition with Anticipation

By Steve McCadams

My health improves once autumn arrives. Something about a jacket morning giving way to a shirt sleeve afternoon that puts pep in my step. Read More >>

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT: Arts 'Round the Square Returns in September

By Caleb Grissom

The picturesque courthouse square in Paris will transform into a vibrant hub of creativity and culture on Saturday, September 28. Read More >>

SPOTLIGHT: Anna Hefner; Aspirations and Hard Work

By Noah Way

Anna Hefner was born and raised in Paris, with a family larger than most. She has eleven nieces and nephews, and is the second youngest of six siblings, only beating out her twin sister by three minutes. Read More >>

FEATURE: New Beginnings for the New Genesis Dance Company

By Noah Way

Being part of a military family, Kaley Fletcher moved around a lot as a child. Despite numerous schools, friends, and geographical locations over the course of her adolescence, there was one thing that remained a constant – dance. Read More >>

FEATURE: The Winner Is... Paris Academy for the Art to Hold Raffle and Open House

By Meredith Vadja

School has just started and Halloween is yet to come, but it’s not too early to be thinking about Christmas. Many people include a visit to Nashville’s Gaylord Opryland Hotel in their holiday plans. Read More >>

FEATURE: The Most Wunderbar Time of the Year

By Karen Geary

Most people think about cooler weather, raking leaves, pumpkin spice, and University of Tennessee football when Autumn arrives. But in Henry County, the folks at Holy Cross Catholic Church have one event in mind: Oktoberfest! Read More >>

AROUND OUR TOWN: Scarecrows Take Over the Courthouse

When October arrives, you might see some unusual characters around the Henry County Courthouse lawn. Some will make you laugh, and some might even be a little on the creepy side, while others will wow you with their ingenuity. Read More >>

’ TIS THE SEASON: Halloween in the Hood

By Karen Geary

Goblins and ghouls. Fairy princesses and superheroes. Carved jack-o-lanterns and lots of miniature candies. It must be Halloween in Paris — and that’s just the adults! Read More >>

FEATURE: Fall Family Fun with Paris Parks & Recreation and Krider Performing Arts Center

By Rhonda Stanton

When you’re planning your family fun, don’t forget SPOOKTACULAR at Eiffel Tower Park! Our celebration is scheduled for Saturday, October 26, from 1 to 4 pm. There’ll be a costume contest, guess the weight of Pumpkin Pete, candy, characters to meet, games and more fun kids and adults! Read More >>

JUST FOR FUN: Autumn Crossword Fun

Join these Halloween critters for our Paris-themed crossed in the autumn issue of PARIS!
Read More >>

REMEMBER WHEN: Shady Grove Baptist Church - Standing 200 Years on Solid Ground

By Shannon McFarlin

Shady Grove Baptist Church has reached a milestone very few do. The church celebrated its 200 years as a congregation on July 28th the old-fashioned way: with a homecoming, special services, singing and a revival. Read More >>

FACES & PLACES: People & Events About Town

Don’t miss this fun section chock full of the latest happenings in Paris and Henry County in these and many more sightings around town. Read More >>

IN THE GARDEN: The Politics of Gardening

By John Watkins

Kind of like that old Garden Weasel cultivator you haven’t used in years, I may not be the sharpest tool in the shed. But if I do know one thing, it’s that gardening is a subject best left at the garden gate. However, the fact is that it is indeed an election year, and it’s also a fact I could never resist the opportunity to get up on my stump and speak my mind. So just this once, I’ll throw caution to the wind and give it the old college try. Read More >>

PARIS CUISINE: Peanut Butter; Not Just for Sandwiches

Peanut butter has kind of a bad reputation – many people see it as a high fat, kid food. (Crustless PB&Js, anyone?) That’s not a fair assessment. There are a lot of nutritional, financial and practical benefits to peanut butter that shouldn’t be overlooked. Read More >>