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 In This Holiday Issue
(Click on title to go directly to story)
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Laurel Rematore, executive director of Mesa Verde Museum Association in Colorado since 2008 and director of membership and development at Yosemite Association prior to that, has been named to take over the helm at Great Smoky Mountains Association. Rematore steps in to the leadership role at GSMA as its current executive director, Terry Maddox, is set to retire at year's end after 26 years.
Laurel brings to GSMA some 15 years executive and senior management experience in the partner to public land association arena. Her experience includes seven years as executive director of Mesa Verde Museum Association and at Yosemite Association for nearly the same span of years.
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The National Park Service Centennial kicks into high gear this January as we celebrate a century of protecting the most beautiful and historically important places in America (407 national parks in all).
Here in the Smokies, look for some amazing special events like "Hike 100 Miles with the Superintendent," some wonderful new publications like "Pictures for a Park," and some cool commemorative products including shirts and coffee mugs. Just keep an eye out for this special Centennial logo in park visitor center stores in and around the park. All purchases benefit the Smokies! And hats off to GSMA graphic artist Karen Key for creating the new official design.
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Test your knowledge of country stores
Country stores were a gathering place not only to purchase needed items, but to catch up on community news.
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Picture this - Everyone at GSMA is wearing ugly Christmas sweaters and doing the "happy dance." It's our way of paying tribute to our members who are responding so generously to our Thanksgiving Legacy Fund request. Yes, the Legacy Fund's goal is substantial, but we know we're making progress with your help. If you haven't received your request but want to help, please email Lisa or give her a call at 865.436.7318.
In addition to our members, we must say a really big 'thank you' to one of our amazing vendors: Flow397 is a brand with purpose - to support America's national parks and public lands. At their inception there were 397 national park units, so they donate 3.97% of the sales of this tee back to the parks that offer their products to their visitors. Their commitment to GSMA and the Smokies resulted in a donation of more than $950 this year! You can order this shirt NOW and ensure that Flow397 writes us an even bigger check next year. :)
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GSMA members are invited to check out our lineup for 2016 winter Branch Out activities HERE. We start the new year with two educational bird programs, move into February and March with two stretch-your-leg hikes to historically significant park sites, and head to Cades Cove's wetlands to look for frog eggs as spring gets closer.
Most Branch Out programs are $20 for members and $35 for non-members, which includes a free annual membership. Hemlock members can register for all Branch Out programs at no cost. For more information, email us or call the Membership Department.
THIS JUST IN - GSMA is planning a special Centennial-themed hiking program in 2016 to help our members who are planning to hike their way to the Centennial 100 Mile pin next year (image coming in January, but trust us, it's super cool.) We plan to offer 10 10-mile hikes during 10 months of 2016, starting in February. We're still working out the details, but it's our hope that these hikes will add to the many programs being planned for park visitors to hike 100 miles in the Smokies during the National Park Service Centennial.
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It's easy to snuggle with the one you love when you're both wearing these warm Smoky Mountain fleece jackets. Click HERE to get your snuggly fleece.
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Looking for another way to stay warm this winter? This 50x60 super soft throw is made from 90% acrylic and 10% polyester recycled fibers, making it environmentally friendly and machine washable. It is designed to warm you - not the Earth.
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| | Do you know Wishbone's story? Click on his image to learn more about why this little bear is such an important representative of the Smokies' most iconic symbol - the black bear. |
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Can you imagine the Smokies without the black bear? Neither can we! This fuzzy bear is a great way to share your enthusiasm for wildlife with the next generation.
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*Arrival by Christmas is guaranteed provided Santa doesn't run into any weather or unforeseen delivery issues
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Our newest park map is a work of art
Do you have a cartophile in the family who also happens to love the Smokies? If so, our newest hand-drawn map is exactly the thing for their stocking. H istorical, cultural and natural features have been included in this 18" by 24" map to best represent all aspects of the national park. It will be the focal point in whatever setting you decide to hang it. Not only do all online and in-store purchases support Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but Xplorer Maps has commited to give 5% of their proceeds from the sale of the all maps back to the park through GSMA.
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The Cades Cove section of the map features three historic structures, a white-tailed deer and a section of the Foothills Parkway along the park's northwester border.
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GIVE the GIFT of KNOWLEDGE - Give our 6 most popular field guides in a complete set and save over $20. With this set you get books on...
- Trees
- Birds
- Wildflowers
- Mammals
- Ferns
- Reptiles & Amphibians of the Smokies
The more a person knows about this park, the more he'll value it. The more he values it, the more he'll want to protect it.
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A little-less-sweet treat for the holidays
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Honey Blackberry Yogurt Dip
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Sweet treats typically take center stage this time of year - cookies, cakes, eggnog, candy canes, snow cream - the list goes on and on.
If you're looking for something slightly less taxing on your sweet tooth, pair this de'light'ful dip with fresh fruit, veggies, whole wheat chips, pretzels or the recommended cinnamon pita chips. And when you purchase the main ingredients - blackberry preserves and sourwood honey - from GSMA, you can crunch away knowing your snack plate is supporting the Smokies.
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Either way, these mugs featuring iconic Smoky Mountain image make the very best delivery vehicles. We know that to be a fact because we've heard it from so many visitors who love it. This made-in-the-USA pottery mug will remind you of your trip to the Smokies with every sip. It comes in four colors with four different logo options: historic cabin, tulip poplar, black bear and all three. Collect all four!
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Our 2016 members-only ornament is truly something to behold. Die-cut from a beautiful piece of silver metal, this members-only, exclusive "Get Rooted in the Smokies" Christmas ornament features tiny green bear paw
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GSMA's full line of Christmas ornaments includes many made right here in the Smokies. Click on the image above to see what's available. All purchases support the park!
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leaves on a luxurious white trunk. A green satin ribbon serves to affix your ornament to your tree this holiday season. It's all kept safe from season to season in a felt-lined solid green gift box.
Members: Remember to sign into your account before you add this and other items to your shopping cart to be sure you receive your discount. In addition to finding it in all visitor center locations, the 2015 GRITS ornament can be ordered from the 'Member Items' section of our online store.
Give the Gift of Membership
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The snowy white beard, the bright red shirt - could that be Santa himself admiring our Membership Tree all decked out for Christmas? Even better, it's our own Westy Fletcher, GSMA business membership representative. Individuals and businesses alike benefit from membership. Find out more HERE.
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Dear Members: Don't keep GSMA all to yourself this holiday season. Share the warm, fuzzy feeling membership gives you with your friends and family.
Membership in Great Smoky Mountains Association includes a generous lists of benefits, including a yearly subscription to our award-winner Smokies Life Magazine and discounts on all our ranger-approved Smoky Mountain educational merchandise.
Members in 2016 will contribute to a full slate of GSMA-funded aid-to-park projects, including:
* $11,000 for viewshed projects in Cades Cove and Cataloochee Valley
* Nearly $40,000 to refurbish the Palmer House Museum,
also in Cataloochee
* Support for Student Conservation Association youth with $255,500 in funding
* Almost $75,000 to NPS Centennial projects
Better still, giving a membership requires no shopping, wrapping or shipping, and it comes with the knowledge that you're helping others discover the wonders of this national park. Get started HERE.
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Business of the Month Mast General Store
Various Locations in TN & NC
A family of Mast Stores can be found along Main Streets in several communities in the Appalachian Mountains, including downtown Knoxville, TN, Greenville, SC, Asheville, Waynesville, Hendersonville, Boone, and Valle Crucis, NC. You'll still find most everything you'll need from traditional clothing and home décor to comfortable footwear and gear for the trail and even a little something to satisfy your sweet tooth from barrels brimming with 500+ kinds of candy.
GSMA Members receive 15% off one regular-priced item (some exclusions may apply)
NEW Business Members
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The Smokies are just a click away...
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Got questions? We have answers.
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The Cub Report will be taking a short winter nap.
Look for us again on January 30th.
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Connecting Today to Yesterday; Preserving Today for Tomorrow
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