The holiday season is upon us. It won’t be long before Christmas carols will croon from every store speaker, the streets will be decorated in dazzling arrays of silver and gold, red and green, and kids will be making extensive lists for the jolly old man in a red suit. It’s easy to get swept up in the craziness of the season, planning Black Friday excursions and buying a plethora of gifts that come with buyer’s remorse in January. What if this year could be different? Have you heard of Pink Friday? And no, I’m not talking about a pop album from 2010. What I’m talking about is a movement to put small business first by shopping small businesses the Friday before Black Friday. In 2020 a group of women put a moniker on it, calling it “Pink Friday”. This year it is November 22, 2024.
There’s no one simple way to describe a small business. The Department of State lists the qualifications, which vary depending on the industry. For example, a home furnishing merchant must have less than 100 employees to be considered a small business, whereas a printing and writing paper merchant must have less than 250 and an elevator/moving stairway company must have less than 1000. These numbers are the max amount of employees, which based on current statistics are moot because 49% of small businesses only employ 1-4 employees. 27% are family owned, however only 11% are truly mom & pop businesses owned by both husband and wife. 59% of small businesses have been operational for 6 or more years, but only 15% have been in business for 25 years or more. There are hundreds of thousands of applications for small businesses each year. Florida has the most applications by total number, but surprisingly Wyoming is one of the top five in applications per capita. Nationwide the most popular variety of start-up businesses are retailers, health and tech. No matter the small business, the pains of operation are the same: financial struggles and staffing.
Enter Pink Friday. Shop small Saturday has been popular for several years, a way of promoting small businesses on the busiest shopping weekend of the year. However, if your dollars are spent at the big box store on Friday, this hurts the small business on Saturday. This year let’s put our focus on small business first.
The vast majority of retail businesses in Fayette County are small. Whether it Twigs-N-Things or Kindred Spirt Style in Oakland, Farmer’s Hardware or Parson’s Decor in Somerville, Cypress Home & Garden or Small Town Boutique in Rossville or Sweet Creations in La Grange; we have these and many more options for gifts in Fayette County. Don’t stop at the shopping, though. While you’re out grab a Loaded Tea, a sweet treat, a cup of coffee, a herb latte, pancakes, BBQ and more from one of our many hometown cuisine establishments. Then go one step further. Ask your neighbor where they love to shop, then tell them about Pink Friday. It might be a brick-and-mortar establishment, but it could be a home-based vendor that sells their items at a marketplace like Twigs-N-Things or Sweet Creations. This is where it gets really good. After you’ve visited some of our amazing small businesses here on Pink Friday, you’ll have a list of places that you want to visit again. Now when family members come for Thanksgiving, take them to visit your favorite places on Small Business Saturday! It’s twice the win for small business! What if you are traveling over Thanksgiving weekend? Well, before you go, visit www.shopthebestboutiques.com/pinkfriday to find a map and list of over 1000 small businesses to visit wherever you are headed. Let’s make this holiday season the best one yet for the businesses that support our communities. Get out there, shop local and of course, shop Fayette first!
According to the US Census Bureau, Fayette County is 706 square miles in size and inhabits around 41,000 people. Every weekend people from Memphis take a drive out into the country, to relax and recharge. What does Fayette County have to offer that Memphis doesn’t? Places to dine that aren’t rushed or hurried, that serve food just like mama fixed it and have charm second to none.
Fayette County is unofficially split into two chunks, each having its own diverse beauty and offerings. This week we’ll visit the southern half of Fayette County to discover a few delicious dining places that you might have already heard of, but in case you need a reminder, let me whet your appetite. The Original Wolf River Café, The Revival at the Depot, Southern Girls Café and Sweet Creations & Our Daily Bread are just the ticket to the food you’ve been craving.
Turning left off of I-269 onto Highway 57, winding your way through the ever-expanding Piperton area, heading east you’ll run into the town of Rossville. With stores like Cypress Home & Garden and Hometown Boutique and the most beautiful, historic downtown; Rossville has plenty to see and do on a weekend cruise. Make sure to stop at The Original Wolf River café. You might have to wait, but it’ll be worth every minute. There’s a park next door and a walking trail just over the knoll for a post-meal stroll. Betty and her team are famous for their catfish on Friday and Saturday evenings, but you can catch a fantastic breakfast there too. Lunch might be a juicy burger or Pig Salad, but no matter your choice, it’s sure to be a good one.
If you decide to continue your cruise eastbound on Highway 57, just a few miles down the road you’ll see a sign for “The Revival at the Depot”. The restaurant is classy and cozy. The food changes with the season. This time of year, you might find Stuffed Acorn Squash Rings or Steak and Shrimp. In the Spring you might find a salad topped with the freshest of fruits and vegetables or Chicken Kabobs with a side of mouth-watering sweet potato fries. If you’re looking for healthy options with all of the flavors, you don’t want to miss The Revival. Christie and her team work hard to ensure your dining experience is memorable. Reservations are suggested, but orders to go are welcome as well. Whether you’re in the area for lunch or supper, stop in at The Revival for something seasonally delicious!
As you continue eastbound, you’ll come to the town of Moscow, said without a cow by the locals. Take a turn left turn towards the original downtown. If you’ve read previous articles, you know that most of downtown was destroyed by a fire. Over time, much of the life in the downtown area moved out. Until recently, that is. Val and Don Sykes and their team are helping reclaim downtown Moscow with her restaurant, “Southern Girls Café”. Don’t worry, Val is still doing her delectable catering, but a café was a dream that has been realized. You can find the popular Smash Burger with a side of seasoned fries or catfish with all the fixings; but you can also find seafood enchiladas, strawberry salad, or a hot honey chicken breast sandwich. Val and her husband put their heart and soul into making this restaurant a quaint place to take a load off whether it’s for a weekday lunch break or a Saturday breakfast. Make sure to notice the two-top tables. They are truly one of a kind, just like the restaurant and its owners.
There’s one final stop awaiting you on Highway 57 before you leave Fayette County. It’s in the heart of La Grange and its many patrons. Sweet Creations and Our Daily Bread will have breakfast or lunch waiting for you depending on where you start your dining expedition. They have all the classics, such as biscuits and gravy or melt in your mouth pancakes for breakfast. Add some bacon and a cup of coffee, it’s a meal sure to start your day off right. If you’re in the area for lunch, you’ll want to try their Naan Pizzas, Meatloaf or even Chicken and Dressing. Don’t forget to try some dessert such as lava cake or peach cobbler. Tim & Cyndi are well known for their cakes which are more than just beautiful, they’re delicious too!
Fayette County has so much to offer both its residents and travelers passing through. If you’re in the southern part of the county, make sure to stop at one of these remarkable restaurants. Your heart and belly will both be full. When the food is delicious, it’s easy to shop local and shop Fayette first!
The glorious days of Fall have begun to set in. Warm days, cool evenings under the Friday night lights, the colors changing and the scent of all things Pumpkin Spice. There’s no shortage of festivals to attend this time of year. If you’ve marked your calendar up, as I have, with every exciting event on the horizon, don’t forget to add Twigs-N-Things Christmas Open House on November 1st & 2nd from 9am-4pm. Ferrane and her amazing crew have been on the move expanding her unique offerings within her flower shop to include space a few doors down for the much anticipated “Twigs-N-Things Marketplace”.
Ferrane Wilson has been crafting beautiful arrangements in west Tennessee for 20+ years. Her selection of fresh flower arrangements mixed with her gorgeous silk creations offer Fayette County endless options. She has always enjoyed being a florist and has worked for a handful, but never dreamed that she would own her own store. About 10 years ago the previous owner of Twigs-N-Things decided to sell the business. She told Ferrane she thought it would be a great fit for her. Ferrane politely declined, but then her husband brought up the same idea. She decided to leave it in God’s hands. She didn’t have to wait long. The very next morning she knew what she was supposed to do and shortly thereafter Twigs -N-Things became her very own.
One of Ferrane’s many giftings was wedding flowers. The flower shop was well established at that time as a general florist. Ferrane began building up the wedding side of the business and also offered silk arrangements for any occasion. It didn’t take long to realize she needed help with the many facets of her business. Currently she has 12 employees, and boredom is a word none of them know. From the moment I set foot in the flower shop, people were on the move, coming and going, purchasing flowers, making creations and the phone was ringing. This influx of business is what caused Ferrane to expand the store, in 2020, into the space next door to the original store. It allowed her to offer a larger selection of gifts for every occasion, candles, silk arrangements and more. She had a small selection of local vendor items she carried in store as well. Ferrane knows none of this would be possible without her incredible staff and the community that supports them. This is what led her to look at more ways to both support and serve the community that has supported her business for so many years.
That’s where the idea for “Twigs-N-Things Marketplace” came from. She wanted to help support other local businesses that might not have a storefront but had a wealth of customers. She knew that bringing many of them to one space would benefit all of them and the surrounding community. As of this writing, there are currently 13 vendors with their own unique booth, in that space. The Marketplace is located in the corner of the shopping mall 3 doors down from the original Twigs-N-Things. In the Marketplace you’ll find Mrs. Bear’s Wood Art, Warren Road Honey, Against the Grain, Dear Tucker, Maverick, Belle’s Grace, Olvia Rae’s, Vintage Pearl, Unique Boutique, Accents by Lisa, Kimmy Lee Cookies and Coffee Memphis. These vendors carry jewelry, wood art, coffee, home décor, clothing from Simply Southern, eclectic western clothing, dog treats and so much more! You can also find Southern Girl’s Catering, Greek Gourmet and Crave Bakery with both fresh and frozen options ready to walk out the door. Looking for a place to take a good lunch break? Come grab a fresh lunch from the cooler and eat it on the patio at the Marketplace. When you’re finished, take a stroll through the store to see what special item you need and grab a frozen meal to take home for supper that night.
The Twigs-N-Things team knows that businesses of all varieties need to band together to ensure success for everyone. I asked about the big box order-gathering companies online. It seems like an easy shortcut to call a nationwide company like that to fill your floral needs because they’re supporting your local florist, right? Wrong. They are middlemen who have zero knowledge of flowers, charge an extraordinary mark up and have been known to deliver a disappointing product or no product at all. So, what do you do if you don’t know who the florist is in another area? Call your local florist. They can help you locate a florist local to the area you are searching. Businesses like Twigs-N-Things are glad to help small businesses no matter where they are. It can take an extra minute to support a local business, but it’s always worth it.
So, what’s next for the ever-growing Twigs-N-Things? Classes! There will be a floral design class available in November. In the future Ferrane hopes to offer cooking classes as well. Ferrane is always looking for ways to help further this community. She was quick to remind me none of the business’ success would be possible without every, single employee. Each of their talents lends itself to the overall success that is Twigs-N-Things.
If you’re looking for a local florist to fill your needs, Twigs-N-Things is the place to call. They are a full-service florist, including delivery. Ferrane sources as many flowers locally as she can and buys the rest direct from farms. By cutting out the middleman she can offer you the biggest and most beautiful arrangements for the best price. Follow Twigs-N-Things on their Facebook page, call them at 901-466-1234, order online at www.twigs-n-things.com or even better, stop in the original store at 7064 Highway 64, Oakland, then take a stroll down to the Marketplace. Fayette County has so much to offer and more coming available every day. Consider the fact that each dollar you spend here puts food on the table, puts a kid through school, supports a fundraiser and helps start a new business for someone local. Remember to shop local and shop Fayette first!
Imagine for a moment being the mother of a small child when you hear the familiar sound of your partner’s vehicle pull into the driveway and it causes your stomach to flip and your child to scurry for her room because no one knows what will happen next, but historically it hasn’t been good. Imagine your partner has placed hidden cameras throughout the house so that he knows exactly what you’ve been up to all day, making it impossible for you to live a normal life. Imagine being beaten and broken, but when you file with the officials they instead inquire as to whether you may have had alcohol and somehow deserved what happened to you. These are all real-life scenarios that happen every day to at least 1 in 3 women, though this is reliant on women reporting abuse and that abuse is severely underreported. What does a woman in any of these three scenarios have for options? Well, if she’s in Fayette County, she has Fayette Cares.
Fayette Cares was started in 1986. It’s original founding was through a group of Irish Catholic Nuns who had heard of the incredibly low standard of living here in Fayette County. During the late 1980’s Fayette County was one of the poorest counties in our nation. From the very start, Fayette Cares sought to unite the entire community in its mission, recognizing that true strength came from embracing all faiths and beliefs. The organization welcomed people from every background, believing that we are all enriched by diverse perspectives and united in our shared commitment to helping others. More than just a shelter, Fayette Cares offered (and continues to offer) life skills, support, and empowerment, striving to provide a hand up, not a handout, to help individuals and families build better futures.
Around 1998, it became clear that domestic violence was unfortunately on the rise. This is due in part to the stigmas around it being recognized and victims being willing to share their stories. Abuse also happens to men, so it was important that Fayette Cares have options available for all victims of domestic violence. This is when Alexandra Porto came on the scene. Humble to a fault, she was quick to tell me that Fayette Cares was not about her. It might not be, but without her optimistic outlook, firm direction and tender heart; the organization would be missing an integral piece in what makes it function. There are several members on the team that work at Fayette Cares taking care of families that have fallen on hard times and victims of domestic abuse. Fayette Cares also has a large board. Some of those board members have been victims of abuse themselves. Amy Oliver is one of those members. I spent nearly 2 hours talking with her. Not all victims of abuse are willing or able to speak of the horrific atrocities they have experienced. Amy has reached a place in her journey where she is able to speak out about what she has been through. It is her place to give the exact details, but if you think abuse only happens to those in low class communities, you are wrong. Amy started out in an upper-middle-class community, but as the abuse began and continued she started numbing out the pain she experienced. Ultimately her life spiraled out of control. When she reached her low point she came to Fayette Cares. They surrounded her with love, gave her direction and helped her get on her feet. And then she went back to her abuser. This is where people get angry. “Why would she be so stupid?!” they ask incredulously. The current statistics say that a woman leaves here abuser as many as 7 times before she finally leaves for the last time. Unfortunately, sometimes that last time she leaves is with the coroner. After Amy went back to her abuser it took time, but eventually she found the resolve to leave and to leave for good. Fayette Cares was with her every step of the way, from helping her find housing, to being by her side in court, to helping get therapy, to inviting her to be a member of the board so that she could give a personal voice in the decisions being made. Today Amy is healthy, happy, in a loving relationship and enjoying being a mother inside that safe space.
If you’ve read many of these articles, you’re probably used to upbeat reviews of businesses here in Fayette County. It’s easy to wonder why we need to spend time on this topic. Domestic Violence affects far more than the man or woman being abused. For every 1 intimate partner homicide, there are 8-9 near fatal injuries to children, bystanders and emergency responders. Nearly 1/3 of law enforcement killed in the line of duty were actively responding to a domestic violence call. In Fayette County, 47% of 2022 crimes against persons were domestic violence crimes. (*Source: Crime in TN 2022- TBI Crime Report). Abuse reaches far beyond the home it occurs in. It can become generational. The good news is that there are organizations all over the United States, like Fayette Cares, that are doing all they can to change its outcome.
In 2007 Fayette Cares expanded to offer their Supportive Housing Program. This was one way they could help combat homelessness in our area. “This program helps end homelessness by building self-reliance through life skills, training, addressing financial management, parenting skills, domestic violence, home readiness, career development, and physical and mental health care.” (www.fayettecares.org/history). Homelessness simply cannot be fixed by handing out money. Fayette Cares is stepping up to fill in the gaps that may have come because of financial, educational or societal shortcomings. In 2014 they were able to expand those services when they added an additional 7 units to their emergency housing program. These 7 units have as many as 30 beds available so there is room to house whole families as they get on their feet. There is an additional studio unit available for a single person who may have fallen on hard times. They also work with the Carl Perkins center to help keep families together. Keeping families together has a ripple effect. There are no band-aids at Fayette Cares, only tools to change lives while they stand beside families in crisis and victims of domestic abuse and guide them through what may be the darkest season of their lives. They are also involved in local schools and religious organizations. Their program, One Love, helps give young people language to express their feelings and to give them a sense of worth. Young people with little or no self-worth are easy targets for abusers. This is one way that Fayette Cares is able to be proactive in a largely reactive endeavor.
Fayette Cares can’t do all of this on their own and that’s where YOU come in. I asked Alexandra what was more helpful, items or money? Money, no question, was the response. She said the reason for that is it is hard to store items for families. Having a dining table in storage does no good if a woman needs a car seat. That is why Fayette Cares no longer accepts household donations. They do, however, accept clothing donations. These items are then placed in the Fayette Cares Store in the town square. Money made from those sales is then used to fund Fayette Cares programs. They also have a plant sale and a golf tournament in April, “Forks & Corks” in June, the famous High Cotton 5K/1K at Cotton Fest in September and “A Night of Southern Elegance” in November. All of these events help families in crisis and victims of domestic violence. Right now tickets are available for “A Night of Southern Elegance”. You can purchase them by visiting www.fayettecares.org/gala or by calling 901-465-3802 ext.223. If you’d like to be a sponsor for this incredible event, visit www.fayettecares.org/gala/sponsor .
There’s a great story that Alexandra loves to tell. A young boy came to the Fayette Cares food pantry with his youth group to donate food they had gathered through donations. During his time at the food pantry he told Alexandra, “I used to live here!” Through her conversation with him she found that it wasn’t a source of shame or disappointment. His time there was one of happiness and love. His family was cared for. He was cared for. This is Fayette Cares’ goal. I hope when you think of Fayette Cares you don’t think of it as a shelter, as a place for “those people”. Instead, I hope you see it as a launching pad for members of our community who are bright eyed and excited about their future. I hope you see it as a place of love, a place of community, a place for dreams to take off. I hope you see it as a place you can give to, knowing a difference is being made. That difference is in the lives touched. Fayette Cares is saving lives. What more could we ask? If you’d like more information on Fayette Cares or are in need of their services, visit their website www.fayettecares.org or call 901-465-3802. Their clothing store can be found at 106 E. Market St. in Somerville. This is a great cause to shop local and shop Fayette first!
Last week Clint Cox shared with us three great ways to make time for what matters so our bodies and minds can be in the best shape possible. This week he finishes with three more ways to maximize our time and efforts.
4. Kettlebell Quickies
Maximum Efficiency, Minimum Time If you’re looking for the most efficient tool for strength and conditioning, kettlebells are the answer. A kettlebell workout can engage multiple muscle groups, boost cardiovascular fitness, and build core strength—all within a short session. The best part is that kettlebells are incredibly scalable; you can adjust both the intensity and duration to fit your schedule and fitness level. A simple 5-10 minute session of kettlebell swings, snatches, or cleans can provide a full-body workout that rivals longer, more traditional gym sessions. However, it’s essential to learn proper form before diving into kettlebell training to prevent injury. Many people hurt themselves by rushing into it without instruction, so it’s worth seeking guidance from a qualified trainer. Once you’ve mastered the basics, a single kettlebell can become your go-to for quick, effective workouts.
5. The Social Media Squat Challenge
Still think you don’t have time to work out? Let’s put that to the test with a simple challenge: Every time you open a social media app, perform 5 bodyweight squats. This challenge works on two levels:
1. It reveals how much time you may be wasting on social media. According to recent data, the average person spends over two hours a day scrolling through social feeds.
2. It shows how little time exercise actually takes. By integrating small bouts of movement into your daily routine, you’ll quickly realize that it doesn’t require hours at the gym to make a difference.
The cumulative effect of doing 5 squats every time you open a time-wasting app on your phone could easily result in 50 or more squats a day, without any formal workout session. It’s a small, consistent habit that can yield impressive results over time.
6. Consistency Over Perfection
At the end of the day, the key to long-term success in fitness—like anything in life—is consistency, not perfection. If you’re pressed for time, the worst thing you can do is nothing. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by the idea of carving out an hour for exercise, start with small, manageable efforts. Five minutes here, ten minutes there—it all adds up. The biggest obstacle is often not time itself, but the mindset that exercise needs to be an all-or-nothing approach. Reframing fitness as something you can do in brief moments throughout your day makes it much more achievable. These small, consistent steps can lead to big changes over time—both in your physical health and your mental well-being. Remember, movement is medicine. It doesn’t need to be perfect; it just needs to happen. Start small, build consistency, and you’ll discover that even with a busy schedule, there’s always time to take care of yourself.
About the Author
Clint Cox is the owner and strength & conditioning coach at Penance Gym. A native son of Fayette County, raised on a family farm and active in athletics throughout his youth, Clint developed a deep connection to physically demanding activities early on. His passion for health and fitness led him to begin his professional training career in 2010, and in 2013, he founded Penance Gym. Originally focused on supporting athletes, Clint soon recognized a greater need for strength and fitness training among adults, prompting a shift in the gym’s mission. Clint believes in a simple, sustainable approach to fitness, emphasizing strength, stability, and exercises that enhance everyday life. He has developed a particular expertise in rehabilitating lower back issues, helping clients eliminate pain and rebuild functional strength. When he’s not coaching, Clint enjoys life on his homestead, where he cares for longhorn cattle, pigs, turkeys, and chickens. He spends his free time enjoying outdoor activities with his family, from camping and kayaking to playing sports—living an active life that reflects his passion for health.
“I Just Don’t Have Time” This is one of the most common objections I hear from both members and potential members of Penance Gym. It’s a sentiment that often comes up in casual conversations with friends or family at gatherings. And while it’s easy to sympathize with the idea that there aren’t enough hours in the day, the truth is that time, or more accurately, the perceived lack of it, has become a universal barrier. In today’s world, time management feels harder than ever. With the rise of technology, we’re constantly connected to work, family, and social obligations, leaving us feeling like there’s no time left to take care of ourselves. In decades past, when the workday ended, people would disconnect, go home, and enjoy personal time. Now, smartphones and constant notifications blur the lines between work and personal life, creating the illusion that we don’t have time to exercise, rest, or even take a break. However, when we break down how we spend our day, small pockets of time do exist—moments we could be using to improve our health. The issue is often less about time and more about our perception of what working out should be. Many of us are conditioned to believe that a “proper” workout requires a significant chunk of time— examples include 30-minute walks, 45 minutes of weights followed by 45 minutes of cardio, etc. This rigid view can make exercise seem overwhelming, even when the reality is much simpler.
Anything Is Better Than Nothing If your current activity level is zero, doing anything is better than doing nothing. You don’t need an hour-long session to see benefits; even five minutes of purposeful movement can positively impact your health. The important thing is to start where you are, rather than overwhelming yourself with expectations of long workouts. In fact, studies have shown that short bursts of activity can significantly improve your health. According to research from the American Journal of Physiology, even 10 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise can boost your cognitive function and elevate your mood. This is especially important in our hyper-connected, busy lives—taking even a small amount of time to move can have a ripple effect throughout your day, improving your energy, focus, and productivity.
Prioritize Strength Training Over Cardio While we often hear about the importance of getting more steps in, it’s crucial to understand the bigger picture—strength training should be prioritized over simply increasing daily movement. Strength training doesn’t just improve muscle mass; it’s vital for joint health, metabolism, and glucose management, which is key to preventing conditions like diabetes and Alzheimer’s. As we age, muscle mass naturally declines, leading to a condition called sarcopenia. Strength training is one of the most effective ways to prevent this, preserving your body’s functional capacity to handle day-to-day tasks. So, if you only have a few minutes, choose strength over cardio. Strength training has a higher return on investment when time is limited.
Short Bursts of Bodyweight Training For those who struggle to find time, consider short, manageable bodyweight exercises that can be done anywhere. Five to ten minutes is all you need. These exercises don’t require a gym, equipment, or a big time commitment. Here are three highly effective movements you can fit into your day: ● Push-ups: One of the best upper-body exercises, working your chest, shoulders, triceps, and core. For beginners, modify by using a wall or countertop to elevate your hands. https://youtu.be/BmSHz9pGkAo ● Bodyweight Squats: This is one of the most essential patterns for us as we age, and it is the pattern I see the most people deficient in. Squats target your legs, glutes, and core while improving balance and flexibility. Beginners can start by sitting down onto a chair and standing back up. https://youtu.be/HjHty0FnDzA ● Good Mornings: This simple hip-hinge movement strengthens your hamstrings, lower back, and glutes—critical areas for those who spend long hours sitting. This also does wonders for the stiff feeling that we often feel in our lower back. https://youtu.be/3h5CjNRJwUw this is shown with a sandbag, but the pattern is the same The beauty of bodyweight training is that you can do it multiple times throughout the day. Just five minutes here and there can make a significant impact on your strength and mobility over time.
Stay Tuned for Part Two!
===== About the Author Clint Cox is the owner and strength & conditioning coach at Penance Gym. A native son of Fayette County, raised on a family farm and active in athletics throughout his youth, Clint developed a deep connection to physically demanding activities early on. His passion for health and fitness led him to begin his professional training career in 2010, and in 2013, he founded Penance Gym. Originally focused on supporting athletes, Clint soon recognized a greater need for strength and fitness training among adults, prompting a shift in the gym’s mission. Clint believes in a simple, sustainable approach to fitness, emphasizing strength, stability, and exercises that enhance everyday life. He has developed a particular expertise in rehabilitating lower back issues, helping clients eliminate pain and rebuild functional strength. When he’s not coaching, Clint enjoys life on his homestead, where he cares for longhorn cattle, pigs, turkeys, and chickens. He spends his free time enjoying outdoor activities with his family, from camping and kayaking to playing sports—living an active life that reflects his passion for health.
When I called Rusty Bliss to ask him if he’d be willing to have me interview him for all of Fayette County to read about, he chuckled then said, “I’m not that interesting. I just cut the grass and stuff.” If you know Rusty, nothing could be further from the truth.
Rusty’s story started in Oklahoma where he was born and returned often because this was his family’s permanent residence. He was raised all over the world as an Army brat; from Japan to Germany and Iceland but spending most of his formative years in the Southeast. He moved 23 times before he was 18 years old!
His great-grandparents were Vaudeville actors, but after many years of acting his great-grandfather decided to attend medical school to become a doctor. After graduating, he struggled to find work as people questioned why he was a doctor so late in life. It wasn’t normal, then, for people to attend medical school at an age when they should have already had a successful career. After some time, he decided he’d create a solution to his problem. He built a hospital. His three sons, one of whom was Rusty’s grandfather, all became doctors and worked in Hubbard Hospital. The hospital remains today but is now a rehabilitation hospital in Oklahoma City. You can read Dr. Hubbard’s story in a book titled “Oklahoma Rebel”. Rusty comes from a long line of military service; his grandfather and two great-uncles served in World War II and his dad was an Army pilot. His life was built around flying from an early age.
At the tender age of 5 he already knew how he wanted to spend the rest of his life: flying airplanes. While doing his basic flight training, he was flying a night solo cross-country and listening to Roberta Flack crooning “Killing me softly with his song”. He said to himself in that moment, “Please God let me do this (flying) for a living.” (Ironically almost 40 years later he had the opportunity to fly Ms. Flack as the Captain on a Delta B747-400 from New York’s JFK airport to Tokyo, Japan and penned a letter to her expressing how influential she was in his career path and hand-delivered it!) He obtained his pilot’s license at 17 and at 24 he was hired by North Central Airlines which would merge with Southern, later becoming Republic Airlines. Republic merged with Northwest Airlines in 1986 and then Northwest merged with Delta Air Lines in 2008. He would fly with them (Delta Airlines) until 2019 when they fired him. Or at least that’s how Rusty’s version of the story goes. “They took my ID card, locked me out of the computer and said I didn’t work there anymore.” He told me this with the most serious of looks. I sat shocked knowing the character of the man in front of me. Then he gave me a sideways grin. “They called it retirement, since I was 65, but I didn’t ask to retire. As a matter of fact, I wrote my congressman.” All to no avail, as you might expect, but it sure does make the story more interesting told from his angle!
For the majority of Rusty’s years as a pilot his route took him to Asia on 12-day tours. It might seem odd to some, but that schedule allowed him to spend the most time possible with his 4 kids and his wife, Kris. After 41 years of flying, they accompanied him on his last official flight which was from Beijing, China. After being fired, I mean, retired, Rusty wasn’t sure what was next for this stage of life. Initially he and Kris thought they would do the Great American Loop. Its courses are somewhat varied, but the general gist is taking a boat south to the Gulf, then winding around Florida, up the East Coast, into the Great Lakes and then home again. In 2019 they set out to complete the Loop. What they didn’t anticipate was a pandemic. As the docks and ports began to close, they realized they had no option but to turn around and make their attempt another time.
God works things in strange ways. It wasn’t long after their dreams had been put on hold that the Fayette County Airport called. Rusty was more than qualified to run the airport and truth be told it needed a little reinvigoration. He was the man for the job. Soon after taking the position as director of the airport, he began hosting once-a-month luncheons. People from all over fly in to eat whatever Kris & Rusty are cooking. It was through one of these lunches that Rusty coordinated a plan with a long-time friend and fellow college roommate who is a pilot for the Titan Formation Team, an aerobatics team. The director, Jimmy Fordham, told Rusty he needed to have an airshow so that’s just what he did. In 2021 the Fayette County Airport hosted their first airshow. Last year they had nine performances and hosted over 5000 people. This year there will be ten performances on September 28, 2024. Tickets start at $5 for General Parking, $11.25 a child and $22.50 an adult. You can also purchase a Family 4 Pack for $60 which includes general parking. Tickets are available online at https://fayettecountytnairport.com/airshow/ This airshow, which takes place in the afternoon, evening and night, is truly unlike any other. Attendees are able to get right up to the performers and be one on one. You won’t find that at the big airshows. In case you think the only place to see world class performers is at one of those big shows, think again. Fayette County is hosting some of the best performers in the world!
I asked Rusty why he does all that he does. He told me he wants to share his passion for aviation, “maybe you plant a seed in a kid”. That happens through instruction, hosting an annual Aviation camp for 10–14 year olds, the airshow and sharing his stories of flying with the next generation. Ever humble, he’s quick to say he doesn’t do this all on his own. He has a great team who help spread the passion for aviation to younger folks by hiring them to help with the day-to-day activities. I asked Rusty if our airport has room to grow. “Growth is mandatory, it’s good for business, good in case of a crisis and good to support our community.” he told me. Many small aircraft and jets pass over the busy Memphis airport in favor of our friendly airport, which I might add is designed and decorated like you would expect to find in the high-end private airports of the Northeast coast. This year so far there have been 16,572 take offs and landings. 40 private jets have used our airport as well. Small town airports are vital to keeping a town going. If ever there were a disaster in Memphis and airports were affected, our airport could step up and help with air traffic flow for both private and crisis aircraft. It’s important that our airport continues to grow as our county grows.
If you have ever thought of being a pilot, or just want to see all that our airport is doing, take a drive out to the Fayette County airport. Rusty and his team would be glad to show you all that they are doing and will help you get set up with an instructor to begin your own aviation hobby or career. Don’t forget to grab your tickets for the airshow, it is an event you don’t want to miss. In the meantime, don’t forget to shop local and shop Fayette first!
This weekend Somerville will host the 25th Annual Cotton Fest. Now that you know the history, you might want to know who’s going to be there. Since we are the Fayette County Chamber of Commerce it should come as no surprise that our biggest passion is businesses here in Fayette County. Often those are brick and mortar but for this one weekend each year it is about so much more. It’s about those who live for festivals like ours bringing their talented giftings to our county and sharing them with you. I wish I could name them all, but space doesn’t permit for such things. So when you visit a vendor take an extra moment to thank them for coming and contributing to our county. We are grateful for each one!
Sweet Lily Cookies based out of Oakland. Laura’s cookies and cookie cakes are beautiful creations made to perfectly reflect whatever event you are celebrating. Whether you need cookies for a baby shower, graduation, birthday or just simply because it’s a Tuesday, look for Sweet Lily Cookies to make your event extra special.
Belle’s Grace All Natural Dog Treats has everything the special canine in your life needs. If chemicals and toxins are a concern for you, look for Belle’s Grace at Cotton Fest. They have blueberry & peanut butter, pumpkin & peanut butter and strawberry & apple treats available…for you dog… if you’re looking for something for you, check out
Warren Road Honey Farms where you’ll find honey that is local to Fayette County. Mix a little honey into your favorite coffee with some cream and have a delicious cup of home sweetened goodness. Local honey is full of nutritious benefits, as well. Make sure to grab a bottle or two at their booth.
KC Poly Clay will be there with a booth full of beautiful, hand-crafted earrings. If you’re looking for a gift for the special lady in your life, stop by Marsha’s booth, you’re sure to find it there. She has earrings for every occasion.
Mrs. Bear’s Wood Art has just what you need to decorate any door in your home or office. Erin’s signs are made with solid wood, are hand-painted and are interchangeable for each season. If you look down the halls of your local school, you’re sure to find one of Erin’s creations decorating classroom doors.
Faith Farms will have their locally famous goat milk soap, lotion, lip balm, laundry detergent, beard oils and more at the 2024 Cotton Fest. Come buy a bar or two and see what all the fuss is about. Goat milk is good for you, inside and out!
This year there are over 40 arts & craft vendors, but there are also boutiques, churches, local businesses with booths and food trucks! Thinking about changing careers? UT Martin will be on site to answer all of your questions about higher education. Blue Oval City will be there showing their commitment to the community. Does physical therapy seem like something you only do after surgery? Stop by the Dynamix booth to learn more about PT and how it can prevent surgery in some cases! Fayette Cares and the Carl Perkins Center will each have booths. Make sure to visit with the wonderful folks running their booths. They would love to share with you ways you can donate time or money to make important changes for your community. Come be part of one of the most highly anticipated events of 2024 here in Fayette County. Come shop local and shop Fayette first!
Cotton Fest. If you’re from Fayette County those words may drum up images of fields slowly turning white as the season changes from the hot and humid summer to warm days with cooler evenings. It might bring back memories of music on the town square, of cotton candy from a vendor, or hearty hellos from neighbors you haven’t seen all summer. And if you’re not from here, Cotton Fest brings with it an air of intrigue.
What started as an egg festival many years ago when Cargill and Rus-Dun egg farms made their home here shifted as the industry shifted from eggs, to BBQ, to now Cotton. Fayette County is currently the third largest producer of cotton in the state of Tennessee. That’s something to be celebrated!
In 1980 the First Annual Egg Festival was held in Somerville. At the time Fayette County was considered the Egg Capital of Tennessee, producing about 35% of the eggs in the state, so it only seemed right to shine a light on that industry. There were games on the arcade, a parade, egg throwing contests, eggs dropped from airplanes (what an idea this was!), pageants, carnival games bake offs, ice cream eating contests, art contests and even a World Chicken Beauty Pageant; complete with a trophy that rivals anything NASCAR hands out! Visiting with the locals, the chicken that stands out in memories is the one that was dressed up like Dolly Parton. Oh, the creativity that must have gone into that one! You could also find egg packing contests, music on the square, a craft fair and I’ve heard delicious tales of the omelets served at the Methodist church. As with all good things, this too had its end. Though it’s hard to find an exact date, there is no mention of the Egg Festival after 1986 in the papers. Egg production had moved out and with it, the festivities.
In the early 1990’s Hog Mania became a headlining event for the Fall season here in Fayette County. Some years it was accompanied by the Fayette County Fair which included a carnival and a rodeo. People came for miles around to show off their BBQ and Backyard cooking skills. In 1996, the “Huff ‘N’ Puff Porkers” from Mississippi took home the trophy for Hog Mania. This was no small honor. The winner of Hog Mania moved on to the World Championship Barbecue contest held later in Memphis. Fayette County knows good barbecue!
In 2000, the First Annual Cotton Festival came to fruition. Cotton is as Southern as biscuits and gravy, so it’s no surprise that it has become the star of the show. The first year a fashion show, beauty pageant, Hog Mania cook off, Cotton picking contest, parade, Cotton Gin tours, art show and arts and craft fair were on the agenda. As the years have progressed Horse shows, Agricultural awards, Galas, a dog show, sidewalk art contest, a motorcycle run and more have all made their appearance in the yearly line up.
Today the Cotton Fest is as highly anticipated as it has been for the last 25 years. It’s a time for neighbors to catch up after a flurry of summer activities and responsibilities. If you are a runner, or just want to be one for a day, supporting Fayette Cares in their 5K/1K charity run is a great way to join the festivities. Are cars the thing that makes your heart beat a little faster? There’s a car show from 8am-3pm on the north side of the square. Many local representatives will be making an appearance in the morning, including State Senator Page Walley, Congressman David Kustoff and State Representative Ron Gant. Make sure to come hungry as there will be a pancake breakfast from 7-10am at the Methodist Church plus a variety of Food Trucks to satisfy, no matter the craving. The Tennessee Farm Bureau Women will be hosting a canning and baking contest. Live music will be provided by Volunteer Country Band with different community members performing in the afternoon. And if all that isn’t enough, don’t forget the plethora of art and craft vendors. You can find everything from pottery to earrings to duck calls to hair bows. There is truly something for everyone. Mark your calendars because September 14, 2024 is a day you don’t want to miss. See you at Cotton Fest!
As you drive south on Highway 76 out of Somerville, take a left on La Grange Rd. Follow the road as it twists and turns through the countryside. Just when you think you have completely left civilization the narrow road pops up into what appears to be Mayberry. The town of La Grange sits quaintly between Moscow and Grand Junction, just miles north of the Mississippi state line. Huge magnolia trees flank the town square, lending their sweet fragrance and incomparable beauty to an idyllic scene. Here, amidst the simplicity, sits the former Cogbill Mercantile store now filled with scents and flavors of Sweet Creations and Our Daily Bread café & catering.
For Tim & Cyndi Oliver, life has not always been the sweetest. Job loss, two rounds of cancer, childhood abuse and poor life choices have made for many bumpy years. But through all of that, God has woven a thread of redemption into their story, and they are determined to pass that blessing along. In 2007 after Cyndi had survived her second round and type of cancer, she was free falling, looking for a purpose. She and Tim have always loved entertaining. They hosted all types of showers: baby, wedding, graduation, etc. Their food was well known among their friends and family. That year Cyndi made a birthday cake for a little boy’s birthday. She said, “I had no idea what I was doing decorating it!” But the cake was a success, so she did what so many of us do: she shared it on Facebook. The cake making was the kindling to a bigger flame. Tim soon joined Cyndi and they began catering. It was simple food, but good food. Spaghetti with all the fixings was a popular catering choice. They often catered for weddings after they were chosen to make the cake. They are still making cakes and catering today. Cyndi says the most important part of their job is listening to what the customer wants. It’s their special day, be it wedding, anniversary or birthday, so it needs to be what they want. She and Tim are quick to stress the importance of a budget. “Give us your budget first and we can give you the most bang for your buck.”
For 16 years cakes and catering were their main focus. Tim worked at Pinecrest using his talents in the kitchen. He joined Cyndi as they baked cakes, cookies, desserts and catered. Early last year Cyndi felt God nudge her to use Cogbill’s store for His purposes. She mentioned it to Tim but was prepared for a solid “No.” To her surprise he said, “Let’s go look at it.” So, they did. Cyndi could see the potential and knew this was where they needed to be. Lucy Cogbill, who owned the building, was all too happy to set the Olivers up. She knew the little town needed something to draw people to it and this was ideal. Tim and Cyndi quickly organized a pop up to gauge interest and it was apparent that wasn’t going to be an issue. People wanted good food. They wanted a welcoming atmosphere. And they wanted to slow down. Our Daily Bread had all that to offer and more.
Today when you visit the café, you won’t even make it through the front door before you’re caught in awe. The building looks like something straight out of a history book. It makes the heart pause in delightful memories of simpler times gone by. In November of 1900 the building was destroyed by a tornado and then rebuilt. It was a General Store at that time. Many years later, in the 1980s, a fire nearly destroyed the store. Lucy reclaimed all that she could and rebuilt the store. Beams and wood from the original store were used in the reconstruction. Inside the store, you’ll find a lighted cabinet from Two Sister’s Notions in Somerville, original wood from the original store used to create the wall behind the counters, a portion of the countertops and the beams down the middle of the store and add to that; the scent of something delicious on the air. Once you order from their extensive menu, take a moment to peruse the vendor offerings within the store. Many items are made locally, and Cyndi is broadening the gift choices in the near future. Take your seat at a table that feels like home. You’re in for a treat. For breakfast you’ll find Southern staples such as Biscuits and Gravy or Grits with Gouda and Bacon in addition to breakfast sandwiches and scramblers. If lunch is on your menu for the day, get the daily hot plate, a Reuben Sandwich, a Meatloaf Sandwich or some smoky BBQ from Loven Fresh. In the mood for something lighter? They have salads including Parmesan Chicken, Buford’s Pulled Pork and Cranberry Pecan available. Recently they introduced Naan Pizzas. You can get pepperoni, chicken and bacon, grilled veggie or BBQ pork or chicken on a light and fluffy Naan crust. Tim and Cyndi are also testing the waters on dinner offerings on Friday nights and hope to have live events in the future.
I asked Tim and Cyndi what their favorite part of owning the restaurant is. Without skipping a beat, the answer was “serving the people and not just with food”. Cyndi excitedly said, “This is just a happy place! We want guests to come here to just breathe, to slow down.” Tim, who is quiet and soft spoke, nodded in agreement. This is his passion, too. Both love visiting with patrons from far and wide. They’ve had guests from England, Australia, Austria and Germany to name a few. Tourists know how to find the gems. Cyndi also has a tree up year-round in the restaurant that helps raise money for different organizations. This month they’re raising money for Carl Perkins here in Fayette County. Carl Perkins has a special spot in Cyndi’s heart. A heart that’s made of gold, I might add.
If you’re looking for a place to slow down and eat a good bite, come on by Sweet Creations and Our Daily bread Wednesday through Friday from 7am – 3pm and Saturday from 7am to 4pm. They are open for breakfast and lunch, to stay or to go. Tim and Cyndi are glad to serve you home cooked food just like grandma made it in their restaurant or cater it to you at your event. You can find them on Facebook at Sweet Creations & Our Daily Bread or call them at 901-232-5806. Remember to shop local and shop Fayette first!
