🍽️ Supper Tonight, a Co-op Biscuit Tuesday, and Pumpkins Just Over the Hill

Or: A Short Wednesday Church List, Thursday’s Posted Agenda, a Sunday Fellowship Meal and Next Saturday’s Fall Festivals

By Thomas Seest, Dunlap.Today · Wednesday, October 14, 2026

Good morning, neighbor. Pour the coffee and take your time. It is the middle of a hot week — near 88 today — and the middle of a busy one, too. Early voting opened this morning, the Social Security raise news is due, and Medicare season starts tomorrow. Our sister roundups have those covered.

This edition stays with the pews, the potluck tables and the meeting rooms. We keep tonight short, since you have seen the full midweek list before. Then we look farther out than we have yet: Sunday’s fellowship meals, a free breakfast Tuesday morning in Dunlap, next week’s library book sale, and three fall festivals lining up for Saturday, Oct. 24.

Times come from church calendars, church websites, the library, the city, the Chamber and Dunlap.Today coverage. Schedules can change, so a quick phone call before you drive is always wise.

⏱️ What this means for you in 30 seconds

• Tonight (Wed., Oct. 14): Midweek church suppers and services around 6 p.m., plus the free “Future Unfolding” seminar, 6–7:15 p.m., 105 Apache Lane. A pleasant, mostly clear evening near 65.
• Thu., Oct. 15: Last day of the canned-food drive. Dunlap City Hall meets at 5 p.m. — the agenda is now posted.
• Sat., Oct. 17: Still packed — and the first real cold night. Sunny near 63, then about 39 after dark. Bring a coat.
• Sun., Oct. 18: Regular services, plus a 10 a.m. worship with a fellowship meal at the Old German Baptist Brethren church in Dunlap.
• Tue., Oct. 20 – Wed., Oct. 21: Free breakfast for co-op members at SVEC’s Dunlap office (7:30–9 a.m. Tuesday). The Friends of the Library book sale opens Wednesday.

📝 Jot This Down

1. Cans by Thursday: The SCHS sophomore canned-food drive ends Thu., Oct. 15. Drop cans inside North Star Boutique on Rankin Ave. (10 a.m.–6 p.m. today) or in the box at the back entrance by the Harris Park lot.
2. A correction: The Sequatchie County Commission is not expected to meet Mon., Oct. 19. The Dunlap Tribune reported its next regular session is in November. Call 423-949-3479 to confirm.
3. Tue., Oct. 20, 7:30–9 a.m.: Free breakfast and a drink for Sequachee Valley Electric members at the Dunlap district office, 97 Resource Road.

🍲 Tonight: A Short Wednesday Table List

You do not need the whole list again. Here are the midweek gatherings still showing for tonight, Wed., Oct. 14 (Central Time):

• East Valley Baptist Church, 28 Davis Loop — Wednesday 6 p.m., with a meal included. Children 3 and up are welcome, so it is a good one if you have the grandkids. 423-883-0532.
• Fredonia Church of God, 4024 Fredonia Rd. — Wednesday 6 p.m. 423-949-3609.
• Dunlap Church of Christ, 15964 Rankin Ave. — Bible Study 6:30 p.m. 423-949-3286.
• Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist (Whitwell), 215 Mt. Calvary Rd. — Wednesday 6 p.m. 423-800-1861.
• Dunlap Seventh-day Adventist — Wednesday prayer meeting is canceled again during seminar weeks. The free “Future Unfolding” seminar meets instead, 6–7:15 p.m., in the school gym at 105 Apache Lane. Tonight’s session is titled “Charmed by the Supernatural.” 423-949-2814.

Is the seminar still going? Yes. The church’s calendar shows sessions this Friday at 6 p.m., Saturday at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., none on Thursday or Sunday, then Tue., Oct. 20 and Wed., Oct. 21 at 6 p.m. The series ends Sat., Oct. 31. Admission and study guides are free.

Something new to sign up for: East Valley Baptist posted sign-ups this week for an Advent Bible Study, tentatively starting Tue., Nov. 17. Call the church for meeting times and materials.

What it means for you: Tonight is warm and calm, about as easy an evening for a drive as we will get this fall. If you have been meaning to visit a midweek table, this is a good night. Arrive ten minutes early and let a greeter show you where the tea is.

👉 Read more (East Valley Baptist Wednesdays) · Dunlap SDA seminar calendar · Advent Bible Study sign-ups

🏛️ Thursday at 5: Where Neighbors Decide Things

The Dunlap Board of Mayor and Commissioners meets Thu., Oct. 15, at 5 p.m. in the George L. Wagner Municipal Building, 15595 Rankin Ave. The agenda is now posted on the city’s website. It opens with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. Public comment on agenda items comes near the start.

In plain words, here is what is on the list:

• Ordinance No. 321 — a change to the zoning map for 1466 and 1494 Main Street.
• A gas department account adjustment.
• Discussion and a vote on a sludge mitigation proposal for the water and wastewater department.
• Police, fire, gas, water and financial reports.

A correction on the county. Our last two editions said the Sequatchie County Commission would probably meet Mon., Oct. 19, based on its usual third-Monday pattern. That was a guess. The Dunlap Tribune’s report on the September meeting says the commission is scheduled to meet again in regular session in November. Please cross Oct. 19 off your calendar, and call 423-949-3479 if you want to be sure.

Bledsoe neighbors: The Bledsoe County Commission does meet Mon., Oct. 19, at 7 p.m. at the courthouse in Pikeville, according to a public notice. It has two public comment periods.

What it means for you: You do not have to speak to matter. A neighbor in a folding chair tells the board that folks are paying attention. If the Main Street zoning item touches your street, Thursday is the night to listen. City Hall: 423-949-2115.

👉 Read more (City of Dunlap: Oct. 15 agenda) · Dunlap Tribune: county commission · Courthouse Corner: Bledsoe Oct. 19

🤝 Last Call Thursday, and Other Ways to Lend a Hand

Canned-food drive — ends tomorrow. The Sequatchie County High School sophomore class is collecting canned goods for local food help through Thu., Oct. 15. North Star Boutique on Rankin Avenue (next to Patron Mexican Grill) is open inside Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. — so today is your last walk-in day before the deadline. On Thursday, use the box at the back entrance by the Harris Park parking lot.

VFW Post 5772 drive — still on through October. New items in original packaging for veterans at the VA hospital in Murfreesboro: hoodies, T-shirts, underwear, light jackets, jogging pants, shorts, and shoes size 9 and up. Socks and bottled water are not needed this year. Drop at Veterans Hall or the library (227 Cherry St.) during open hours. The library is closed Thursdays.

Food help, any week. The Sequatchie County Fellowship of Churches and Food Bank, 103 Heard St., works by arrangement. Call 423-949-7716 to get help, give or volunteer.

Monday open door. First Baptist Church in Dunlap, 12 Church St., hosts a free Women’s Support Program every Monday, 4:30–7 p.m., with a meal. Next one: Mon., Oct. 19.

A prayer list anyone can add to. East Valley Baptist keeps a daily “Prayer Wagon” list. Neighbors can add a name by commenting on the church’s social media posts. No membership is needed.

A calm word about Harris Park. The City of Dunlap says a social media rumor about the Harris Park playground could not be confirmed. City staff inspected the playground and say it remains open. If you ever see a problem on city property, the city asks you to report it to City Hall or the Dunlap Police Department, not just online.

What it means for you: A few cans today, a new pair of size-9 shoes this month, or one phone call for a neighbor who needs groceries. None of it takes long, and all of it counts.

👉 Read more (Canned-food drive) · Library: VFW drive · City of Dunlap: Harris Park · Prayer Wagon

🧥 Friday and Saturday: Still On — Bring a Coat

Nothing has been canceled. What has changed is the weather. The National Weather Service forecast for Dunlap (updated 6:06 a.m. today) calls for:

• Friday: Sunny, near 78, with northwest gusts up to 25 mph. Friday night drops to about 44, with gusts up to 30 mph. A jacket for the 7 p.m. homecoming football game.
• Saturday: Sunny, near 63, with northeast gusts to 20 mph. Saturday night: clear and about 39.

Friday morning parade: The library’s weekly post says 9:30 a.m.; the library calendar line says 9 a.m. Please arrive early or call ahead.

Saturday, Oct. 17, in short:

• 7–9 a.m. — Fredonia Mountain fundraising breakfast.
• 8 a.m.–4 p.m. — Days of Yesteryear Antique Tractor Show, Coops Creek Commons, 287 Pine St. Free admission and parking. Activities start at 9. It runs Sunday too, same hours.
• 9 a.m.–1 p.m. — Dunlap Farmers Market, Harris Park, with Young Entrepreneurs Day.
• 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. — Seminar sessions at 105 Apache Lane.
• 1–5 p.m. — Fredonia Mountain Community Homecoming, 5242 Fredonia Road: old-fashioned games, fire department gear, railroad history, cake, ice cream and apple cider. No admission price was listed — call ahead if you need to know.
• 5 p.m. — Mount Calvary Fall Festival in Whitwell, 215 Mt. Calvary Rd.: soup and chili cookoff, cake walk and hayride. It will be cooling fast by suppertime. 423-800-1861.

What it means for you: Dress in layers. Morning sun on Pine Street can feel warm, but by the Whitwell hayride you will want gloves and a hat. Mountain spots run colder than town.

👉 Read more (Dunlap Tribune: tractor show) · NWS Dunlap forecast · Fredonia Mountain Homecoming · Mount Calvary Fall Festival

⛪ Sunday, Oct. 18: Pews, a Fellowship Meal and a Thank-You Card

Sunday starts cold after Saturday night’s chill, then turns sunny with a high near 67 — a fine day for church. Here are times still listed (Central Time):

• Old German Baptist Brethren, Sequatchie Valley Church (Dunlap) — Worship 10 a.m.–noon, with a fellowship meal to follow. The church’s calendar says visitors are welcome. Questions: Brian Frantz, 937-307-6679.
• Mineral Springs Baptist Church (Whitwell) — 11 a.m., the next session of its “Roman Road” sermon series. Earlier sessions are posted online if you are homebound.
• Dunlap United Methodist, 1958 Main St. — Sunday School 9 a.m., worship 10 a.m. 423-949-2724.
• Dunlap Church of Christ, 15964 Rankin Ave. — Bible Class 9:30 a.m., worship 10:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. 423-949-3286.
• East Valley Baptist, 28 Davis Loop — Sunday School 10 a.m., worship 11 a.m., evening 5 p.m. 423-883-0532.
• Fredonia Church of God, 4024 Fredonia Rd. — 10 a.m. 423-949-3609.
• Shepherd of the Valley Catholic, 6191 TN-28 South — Sunday Mass 8 a.m. 423-949-6903.

October is Pastor Appreciation Month. Many churches mark it quietly. A handwritten card for your pastor and his family, or for a Sunday School teacher who has served for years, costs a stamp and means a great deal.

What it means for you: If a fellowship meal sounds good after church, bring a covered dish or simply your appetite. Ask first, and you will almost always hear, “Pull up a chair.”

👉 Read more (Sequatchie Valley Church, Oct. 18) · Mineral Springs Baptist · Dunlap UMC · Shepherd of the Valley

☕ Monday to Wednesday Next Week: Biscuits, Books and Weekday Neighbors

Mon., Oct. 19

• 1 p.m. — Chair Dancing for adults at the library (free; first-timers sign a waiver).
• 4:30–7 p.m. — Women’s Support Program at First Baptist.
• 6 p.m. — “Scoops ‘n Stories” at Udderly Yum Ice Cream Shoppe: a free library storytime and craft for families, with ice cream sold separately. A sweet outing with the grandchildren.

Tue., Oct. 20

• 7:30–9 a.m. — SVEC Member Appreciation Morning, Sequatchie District Office, 97 Resource Road, Dunlap. Sequachee Valley Electric Cooperative is serving free breakfast and drinks to members during Cooperative Month. No RSVP. Bledsoe members get their turn Oct. 27 in Pikeville.
• 10 a.m. — “Let’s Talk Medicare” at the library (educational, no sign-up). Free flu shots run 9 a.m.–4 p.m. at the health department — see our Health & Senior Services edition.
• 6 p.m. — Library Book Club (Darling Girls by Sally Hepworth). New members welcome.
• 6 p.m. — Seminar night at 105 Apache Lane.

Wed., Oct. 21

• 10 a.m.–6 p.m. — Friends of the Library Book Sale & Silent Auction, Friends-only day, at the Fair Building, 103 Heard St. A storytime with Mrs. Robin starts there at 10 a.m. The sale opens to everyone Thu.–Fri., Oct. 22–23, 10 a.m.–6 p.m., and ends with Fill-a-Bag Day Sat., Oct. 24, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. The silent auction closes at noon that Saturday. Ask the library about joining the Friends: 423-949-2357.
• 1 p.m. — Chair Dancing.
• Evening — Midweek suppers and services again (see tonight’s list); seminar at 6 p.m.

What it means for you: A biscuit with the folks who keep the lights on, a stack of used paperbacks, and an ice cream cone with a grandchild. A good, gentle week.

👉 Read more (SVEC Member Appreciation Mornings) · Library calendar and book sale

🎃 Looking Over the Hill: Saturday, Oct. 24, and the Rest of October

Saturday, Oct. 24, is shaping up as the Valley’s fall-festival day. Pick one, or make an afternoon of it:

• 2 p.m. — South Whitwell Baptist Fish and Chicken Fry, 111 South Oak St., Whitwell. 423-658-6009.
• 3–5 p.m. — Great Pumpkin Festival at Dunlap United Methodist, 1958 Main St.: hayrides, pumpkin rolling, games and caramel apples (Chamber listing).
• 3–5 p.m. — Daus Baptist Church Fall Festival, 2686 West Valley Rd., Whitwell: free food, face painting, hayrides, games and a chili cook-off you can vote in.
• 10 a.m.–2 p.m. — National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. Find a site at DEATakeBack.com. Any day, the Sequatchie County Sheriff’s Office drop box at 351 Fredonia Road is open around the clock.
• 9 a.m.–1 p.m. — Book sale Fill-a-Bag Day at the Fair Building.

Later in the month: Highway 28 Church of God Fall Party, Wed., Oct. 28, 6:30 p.m., 5847 W. Valley Rd. — costume contest and dinner for kids and youth. The church welcomes pizza donations: 423-949-5811. · Library Fall Festival, Fri., Oct. 30, 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. · Dunlap SDA Fall Festival, Sat., Oct. 31, 5:30–8 p.m. (church calendar).

A note on trunk-or-treats: We have not yet seen a Dunlap church trunk-or-treat posted for 2026. If your church is hosting one, send us the date, time and place and we will share it.

What it means for you: If you like to help, festivals always need cake-walk cakes, chili and a few grown-ups to steer hay wagons. Call the church a week ahead and offer a hand.

👉 Read more (Great Pumpkin Festival) · Daus Baptist Fall Festival · Highway 28 COG Fall Party · DEA Take Back Day

📅 Your Church & Community Week on One Page (Wed., Oct. 14 – Wed., Oct. 21)

• Wed., Oct. 14 (today): Genealogy help 9–11 a.m. and Chair Dancing 1 p.m. at the library. Last walk-in day for the canned-food drive (North Star, 10–6). Midweek suppers and services about 6 p.m. Seminar 6–7:15 p.m.
• Thu., Oct. 15: Canned-food drive ends (back-entrance box). Dunlap City Hall 5 p.m. Shepherd of the Valley Spanish Mass 7 p.m. Library closed.
• Fri., Oct. 16: Homecoming parade (9 or 9:30 a.m. — call ahead). Chair Dancing 1 p.m. Seminar 6 p.m. Football vs. Community 7 p.m. Gusty and cooling.
• Sat., Oct. 17: Fredonia breakfast 7–9 a.m. Days of Yesteryear 8 a.m.–4 p.m. Market 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Seminar 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Fredonia Mountain Homecoming 1–5 p.m. Mount Calvary Fall Festival 5 p.m. Night near 39.
• Sun., Oct. 18: Sunday services. Sequatchie Valley Church worship 10 a.m. with fellowship meal. Mineral Springs Baptist 11 a.m. Days of Yesteryear day two, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
• Mon., Oct. 19: Chair Dancing 1 p.m. Women’s Support 4:30 p.m. Scoops ‘n Stories 6 p.m. Bledsoe County Commission 7 p.m., Pikeville. (No Sequatchie County Commission expected.)
• Tue., Oct. 20: SVEC member breakfast 7:30–9 a.m., 97 Resource Road. Flu shots 9–4. Let’s Talk Medicare 10 a.m. Book Club 6 p.m. Seminar 6 p.m.
• Wed., Oct. 21: Book Sale Friends-only day 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Fair Building. Chair Dancing 1 p.m. Midweek services. Seminar 6 p.m.

✅ Your Front-Porch Church & Community Checklist

• ✅ Pick one Wednesday table tonight — or the 6 p.m. seminar — and call ahead if you are unsure.
• ✅ Drop canned goods at North Star Boutique today or in the back box by Thursday.
• ✅ Cross Mon., Oct. 19 off for the county commission; it is expected in November.
• ✅ Look over City Hall’s posted agenda and sit in Thursday at 5 if you can.
• ✅ Set out a coat, gloves and a hat for Friday night and Saturday evening.
• ✅ Call ahead on the Friday parade time (9 vs. 9:30 a.m.).
• ✅ Write a thank-you card for your pastor during Pastor Appreciation Month.
• ✅ Check your electric bill — if you are an SVEC member, mark Tuesday’s 7:30 a.m. breakfast.
• ✅ Save a few dollars for the book sale, Oct. 21–24.
• ✅ Circle Saturday, Oct. 24: pumpkins, a free fall festival, a fish fry, and old pills to the Take Back box.
• ✅ Bookmark Dunlap.Today for next week’s church and community roundup.

Practical rule: Write down the day, the place and the phone number — and when in doubt, call the church or the office before you drive.

Service times and event details come from church websites, church posts, Dunlap.Directory listings and public calendars, and can change. Dunlap.Today lists them as a community service and does not endorse any congregation or teaching.

— Dunlap.Today

📚 Plain-English Community Glossary

• Midweek service: A Wednesday (or other weeknight) church gathering, often shorter than Sunday, sometimes with a meal.
• Fellowship meal: A shared meal after a service, often covered dishes. Visitors are usually welcome to stay.
• Pastor Appreciation Month: October, when many congregations say thank you to their ministers and their families.
• Advent: The four weeks before Christmas, which many churches mark with special readings and studies.
• Ordinance: A city law. Dunlap’s board votes on ordinances at its public meetings.
• Rezoning: Changing what a piece of land may be used for (homes, businesses and so on) on the city’s zoning map.
• Sludge mitigation: Plans for handling the solid leftovers from treating wastewater.
• Electric cooperative: A power company owned by the members it serves, like Sequachee Valley Electric (SVEC).
• Friends of the Library: The volunteer group that raises money for the library, including the yearly book sale.
• Take Back Day: A free, no-questions-asked day to turn in old or unused medicines safely.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Future Unfolding seminar on tonight?

Yes. The Dunlap SDA calendar lists tonight, Wed., Oct. 14, 6–7:15 p.m., at 105 Apache Lane. Wednesday prayer meeting is canceled during seminar weeks. Next sessions: Friday 6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., then Tuesday and Wednesday next week. Call 423-949-2814.

Is the Sequatchie County Commission meeting Monday, Oct. 19?

Probably not. We said earlier it might, based on a third-Monday pattern. The Dunlap Tribune reported the commission’s next regular session is in November. Call 423-949-3479 to confirm. Bledsoe County’s commission does meet Oct. 19 at 7 p.m. in Pikeville.

What is on Thursday’s Dunlap City Hall agenda?

Ordinance No. 321 to change the zoning map at 1466 and 1494 Main Street, a gas account adjustment, a sludge mitigation proposal for the water and wastewater department, and department and financial reports. Public comment on agenda items comes near the start. City Hall: 423-949-2115.

Who can go to the SVEC breakfast on Tuesday?

The free breakfast and drink are for Sequachee Valley Electric Cooperative members, 7:30–9 a.m. at the Sequatchie District Office, 97 Resource Road, Dunlap. No RSVP is needed. Not sure whether you are an SVEC member? Check who sends your electric bill, or ask SVEC.

When can I shop the library book sale?

Wed., Oct. 21 is Friends-only, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Everyone is welcome Thu.–Fri., Oct. 22–23, 10 a.m.–6 p.m., and Sat., Oct. 24, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. (Fill-a-Bag Day). It is at the Fair Building, 103 Heard St. Call the library at 423-949-2357 about joining the Friends.

Can I drop canned food after Thursday?

The SCHS sophomore drive ends Thu., Oct. 15. After that, the Sequatchie County Fellowship of Churches and Food Bank takes donations by arrangement — call 423-949-7716.

Is the Harris Park playground open?

Yes. The City of Dunlap says it inspected the playground after an online rumor, could not confirm the reported incident, and found no reason to close it. Report any concern to City Hall (423-949-2115) or the Dunlap Police Department.

🔗 Other Resources

• Dunlap.Today
• Dunlap.Directory — find local churches, clubs and services
• Dunlap Seventh-day Adventist Church calendar — 423-949-2814
• East Valley Baptist Church — 423-883-0532
• Fredonia Church of God — 423-949-3609
• Dunlap United Methodist Church — 423-949-2724
• Sequatchie Valley Church (Old German Baptist Brethren) — 937-307-6679
• Highway 28 Church of God — 423-949-5811
• City of Dunlap government and agendas — City Hall 423-949-2115
• Sequatchie County events calendar — 423-949-3479
• Sequatchie County Public Library — 423-949-2357
• Sequatchie County Fellowship of Churches and Food Bank — 423-949-7716
• Sequachee Valley Electric Cooperative events
• Great Pumpkin Festival (Chamber listing) — Chamber 423-949-7608
• National Weather Service Dunlap forecast

☕ Slow Down, Show Up, Pass the Biscuits

This week asks very little of us. A supper table tonight, a few cans before Thursday, a coat by the door for Saturday, and a thank-you card for the pastor. Then a free biscuit Tuesday morning and a box of old paperbacks to carry home. That is a full and good week in the Valley.

We’ll keep watching the church calendars, club notices and meeting agendas for you. Read Dunlap.Today for calm, plain-English Sequatchie Valley news, and send us your church suppers, homecomings and trunk-or-treat dates so we can share them.