Dorothy Brush "Random Thoughts" Published April 10, 2002

Ever been to a Naifeh Coon Supper?

Jimmy Naifeh's name is a familiar one in Tennessee politics. Since 1974, his name has remained a constant in state government. He has served in the Tennessee House of Representatives during all the general assemblies from the 89th through the 102nd. As representative of District 81, Democrat Naifeh became majority floor leader in 1977, then majority leader in 1983 and since 1990 he has been speaker of the House.

Recently, I learned about his annual Naifeh Coon Supper. His late father Oney held the first such get-together in 1945 for a small group of friends who enjoyed raccoon hunting. As Jimmy moved up the ladder in the House of Representatives, the coon supper was expanded to include constituents to come and talk to their local representatives.

Word spread, and the crowds increased year by year until it is now the biggest bipartisan political event in West Tennessee. Hundreds of people, including U.S. senators, governors and former Vice President Al Gore have attended the unique event held on the grounds of the Covington Country Club. Jimmy said, "We have served coon to more than 1,500, though many more show up." Those many more choose chicken or barbecue over coon.

I shuddered when I read about the Naifeh Coon Supper because I have a soft place in my heart for raccoons. Little did I know in those days when I was singing "The Teddy Bear's Picnic" with my youngsters that I would be providing a nightly picnic for hordes of raccoons later in my life.

They have the look of bandits because of the mask markings, but they are winsome creatures. We had hardly moved into our home before they appeared on the open deck about 20 feet above the ground. Not one, not two but soon as many as a dozen were exploring. The deck is easily accessed because it is surrounded by mature trees.

There was no question they were searching for food, and I responded. Using an outdoor table as an anchor, I put pie tins under each leg and filled them with dry dog food. For over a dozen years, I have handed out food. There are no left-overs at our house. The four-footed patrons eat anything. Each afternoon as dusk approaches, the pans are filled with dog food and the bird feeders are brought inside, or they would become an extra snack. When the weather turns bitter, I can expect to see an appealing masked face at the sliding glass door waiting patiently for me to bring on second helpings.

Raccoons are highly intelligent animals, and they are filled with curiosity. I'm glad Mr. Naifeh lives in the far western part of the state so he can't use my friends as food.

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Dorothy Copus Brush is a Fairfield Glade resident and Crossville Chronicle staffwriter whose column is published each Wednesday.