Brenda Coates

Veterans Day originated as “Armistice Day” on Nov. 11, 1919, the first anniversary of the end of World War I. Congress passed a resolution in 1926 for an annual observance, and Nov. 11 became a national holiday beginning in 1938. Unlike Memorial Day, Veterans Day pays tribute to all American veterans—living or dead—but especially gives thanks to living veterans who served their country honorably during war or peacetime.
Of the 43 men who have served as US President, a total of 31—or 72%–served in the military before becoming President and commander-in-chief of our Armed Forces.
6 had been professional soldiers: George Washington, Andrew Jackson, William Henry Harrison, Zachary Taylor, Ulysses S. Grant and Dwight D. Eisenhower. James E. (Jimmy) Carter Jr. graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy and served seven years on active duty before returning to civilian life.
The other 24 were citizen soldiers, sailors and airmen who interrupted their civilian lives to serve: Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, James Monroe, John Tyler, James K. Polk, Millard Fillmore, Franklin Pierce, James Buchanan, Abraham Lincoln, Andrew Johnson, Rutherford B. Hayes, James A. Garfield, Chester A. Arthur, Benjamin Harrison, William McKinley, Theodore Roosevelt, Harry S. Truman, John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson, Richard M. Nixon, Gerald R. Ford, Ronald W. Reagan, George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush.
Here are 15 well known Hollywood stars who served in the military:
Laurence Tureaud (A-Team) (Military Police Corp); Chuck Norris (Korean War);
Shaggy (Comedian) (Persian Gulf); Drew Carey (Comedian) (Marine Corp Reserve); J.R. Martinez (Dancing with the Stars) (Iraq); Stanley Kirk Burrell a/k/a MC Hammer (Rapper) (Navy); Elvis Pressley (Army); Samuel Jackson (Air Force); Clint Eastwood (Lifeguard in Army) (Korean); Ice-T (Army); Beau Bridges (Coast Guard); Carly Shroeder (Army-still serving); Oliver Stone –Director (Army – Purple Heart, Bronze Star + other medals); Tom Selleck (Vietnam); Adam Driver – Star Wars fame (Marines)

Dirty Brandy martini – CB Frost, dry vermouth, olive juice, bitters
Royal Blue – Brandy, curacao, cranberry juice, lime juice
Red, white, blue shot – brandy, curacao, grenadine
Army Navy – Brandy, gin, lemon juice, almond syrup
Sidecar – Cognac, Cointreau, lemon juice
Worldly flight – ½ price

Sat. 11/16 – 8 PM Sunlight Drive entertains with Mike Vilenski and Jim Burgard.  The two players met at a Round Robin style Open Mic, hosted by Letters to Abigail. After some gentle nudging from Kelli, they decided to form their current duo, Sunlight Drive, playing a mix of Americana, Blues, Folk and Classic Rock songs spanning the 60s thru today.

Thinking about a Christmas present for that special someone? A present that is unique and one of a kind, just like that special person who will be most impressed at your thoughtfulness, an evening of experiencing the fine qualities of brandy and exceptional brandy cocktails. Select the gift of $25, $50, $75 or $100 or the sky is the limit. You may also visit us online at https://squareup.com/gift/7XG53G5K5FENZ/order

The ghost story telling last Thursday was a huge hit! We learned a lot about local folk lore which got us to thinking about a local but true episode in Henderson County that few folks know about. It was a very important part of not only our local history but reflected the turbulent history of the nation immediately after the Civil War. In Flat Rock a Col. John Davis’ wife had lost her husband and was without help on the large plantation he had left her and for which she now had to manage to support herself and her children. The emancipation of the slaves had left them homeless and without means to support themselves. Widow Richardson knew she needed help or she would not be able to survive or keep her farm so she sent out word that if a former slave wanted to come and work she would provide them with a place to live and food to eat. There was an overwhelming response with the word traveling from Alabama to Mississippi and other southern states from now freed individuals. The call for help was a win-win for both sides and later the group had sufficient funds to buy their own land and proceeded to build their small cabins. They named the safe haven “Kingdom of the Happy Land.” They elected a king and queen to manage the property and give some coherence to the development. Jerry Casey, the last member of “The Kingdom,” died in 1918.
The Civil War veterans, like the early Colonists, felt it was safer to drink alcohol than the typically polluted water. It also served other purposes such as an effective analgesic, gave energy necessary for hard work, as a social lubricant, provided entertainment, facilitated relaxation and contributed to the enjoyment of food; so in general alcohol was thought to enhance the quality of life. There was a great love for the spirits as evidenced by George Washington’s large distillery; Thomas Jefferson treasured his French wines; and the quotable Benjamin Franklin freed generations of pious tipplers of guilt when he declared “Wine is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.” We have researched Civil War drinks and will be offering five of these hardy cocktails. Most appear in the amazing first colonial cocktail book, published by Jerry Thomas in 1862. Thomas established the image of the bartender as a creative professional and was nicknamed “Professor.”

Civil War Cocktail – Brandy, sweet vermouth, Campari, bitters 
Fish House Punch (1732) – Cognac, rum, peach brandy, lemon & lime juice, simple syrup & nutmeg. 
Mint Julep – Brandy, splash of rum, mint, sugar 
Sazerac Cocktail – Absinthe, Hennessy cognac, Rye, sugar, bitters 
The Grog (1740) – Brandy, rum, cinnamon syrup, black tea 
Cognac flight 1/2 price 

Saturday 11/9 starting at 7:00 p.m. The East Flat Rockers are back. David White guitar and vocalist, Gene Robeson guitar and vocalist, Doug Kilgo guitar, and Allan Duncan on drums, plus they have a new member on base.  New songs, more three part harmony, and as always the Gene Robeson incendiary guitar work. You will be in for an evening of complete entertainment with this rock n’ roll band. 

Gift certificates are here for Christmas presents for that special someone who will be most impressed at your creative thoughtfulness. An evening of experiencing the fine qualities of brandy and exceptional brandy cocktails.  Available in $25, $50, $75, and $100. You may pick them up at The Brandy Bar in person as well as purchasing an on-line e-gift card at: https://squareup.com/gift/7XG53G5K5FENZ/order