Clinton Life -- January 2015

Robotics Team Leads the Way

High School students embrace technology

Upward Basketball A different way to play ball

State of the City

Scott Burton offers 2015 forecast

John Harris

The voice of WYSH

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From the Editor

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appy New Year! We at Clinton Life magazine hope that you have the most successful and enjoyable year ever. According to Mayor Scott Burton, the city of Clinton has a lot to look forward to this year. The efforts to get a splashpad in Clinton have paid off, a new bridge will be constructed and action is being taken on Magnet Mills. Flip over to page 7 for the full story.

Thank you all for your continued support of Clinton Life magazine.

We hope to continue providing you with positive, engaging stories for the rest of this year. Feel free to send story suggestions or photos to our email address, below, any time!

Our magazine is full of stories about interesting people and events this month. If you have a story idea, email us at crystal@ huskeymedia.com or call 865-209-0313.

January 2015

Editorial Crystal Huskey, editor, creative director Tara Anderson, creative assistant Cynthia Clark, staff writer Yvonne Hart, contributing writer J.J. Stambaugh, contributing writer Anna Dark, contributing writer Natalie Erb, contributing writer Stacy Pratt, contributing writer Stephen Krempasky, contributing writer

Advertising

Paul Huskey, Advertising director

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Production HUSKEY MEDIA

P.O. Box 1003 CLINTON TN 37717 Tel: 865.235.9213 Email: paul@huskeymedia.com

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Crystal Huskey

crystal@huskeymedia.com (865) 209-0313

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January June 2014 2015

In This Issue: 07 Mayor Scott Burton Discusses 2015 14

RoboDragons Focus on Technology

18

Basketball: Reaching the Community

20 Thin It to Win It: Weight Loss

Challenge 2015

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Jim Harris: The Voice of WYSH

Departments 04

From The Editor

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Around Town

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Community Voices

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Gotta Go!

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Event Calendar

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And Another Thing ....

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Photo courtesy of Theresa Barrington

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Photo courtesy of Cynthia Clark

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Photo courtesy of Jim Harris

30

Photo courtesy of Jamie Jordan

On the Cover The Clinton High School RoboDragons work on a robot.

Photo courtesy of Cynthia Clark

crystal@huskeymedia.com Interested in advertising?

Paul Huskey

(865) 235-9213

paul@huskeymedia.com

January 2015

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January 2015

AROUND TOWN

Mayor Scott Burton Looks to 2015

by Scott Burton, City of Clinton mayor

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his year has ended with a bang with two big industrial announcements during the last few months of the year. These two announcements included an expansion with SL America and 3M purchasing the old Food Lion distribution center. These two industries will combine for a total of 270 million dollars in capital investment and create 1,200 jobs for the City of Clinton and Anderson County.

The bad news is that the city and county are running out of industrial space. The Anderson County Economic Development Association (ACEDA) has been and continues to search for more industrial land in Anderson County and should be a top priority in 2015. I want to thank Tim Thompson, President of ACEDA, for all the great work in 2014 and throughout his tenure with ACEDA. The landscape of our city will begin to change in 2015 and will continue over the next few years. First will be the old Magnet Mills building. A few years ago the city council passed what is called a Slum Ordinance. This ordinance gives cities likes ours more teeth in dealing with unsafe and unsound structures such as buildings like Magnet Mills and houses throughout our city. Over the last couple of years, Magnet Mills was deemed as an “Unsafe Structure,” and was condemned by our codes enforcement officer. Thus, the Slum Ordinance has been set in motion. The latest update on Magnet Mills is that the owners admit that the Mill building is unsafe and needs to be demolished. The plans for this demolition should be submitted to the city within thirty days. I hope we will see some visual changes with the property sometime in 2015. Stay tuned.

Second is the Lewallen Bridge (The Green Bridge). We should start seeing some work begin toward the latter part of 2015. The new bridge will be built next to the existing bridge on the side of Lakefront Park. The bridge will consist of four lanes with an emergency lane in the middle, and a pedestrian/bike lane on both or on one side of the bridge. This is a Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) project, so they will control the timeline of replacing the bridge. Completion date should be sometime in 2017, and yes, we will try and meet the request by our citizens that the color green will be a part of the new Lewallen bridge.

Some other changes that will begin in 2015 are with our parks. At the South Clinton park we plan to construct a splash pad in the upper portion of the park. I want to thank the members of Clinton for Kids in helping support the funding for this project. Specifically, I would like to thank Jessica and Todd Temple for their perseverance toward this project of the last few years. At JC Park, the city is still planning to reconfigure the baseball and softball fields.

The concessions will be moved to the center of the fields and a fourth field will be added. This is called a “clover leaf” layout and will provide better viewing for spectators, and add a much needed field for our T-Ball league. The reconfiguration of the baseball fields will take a couple of years to complete so it won’t interfere with the baseball and softball seasons. Last, but not least, work should start soon on our baseball little league field which is located next to the Community Center. Plans are to demolish the current concession stands and replace it with a new concession stand and bathrooms.

The city is able to take on all the projects above because of our healthy fund balance and our fiscal responsibility.

Our fund balance to start 2015 is over 5 million dollars, which does not include capital project dollars for planned expenditures. Its hard to believe that the city was two million dollars in debt just five short years ago. With that being said, the budget year for ’15 and ’16 will be challenging. Over the last few years, the city has been lucky enough to receive grants for public safety, specifically, grants for SRO officers to protect our children at our three elementary schools, and a firemen grant that paid for fireman for the first few years. Those grants are running out in 2015 and we have to make sure we have the funding to ensure that our public safety is at its highest level. Our new budget begins July 1st of 2015, and we have our work cut out for us in finding reoccurring funds to support these programs.

I am also proud to announce that the city council voted to extend City Manager Roger Houck’s contract by an additional five years, ending March of 2020. Roger has done a tremendous job over the last four years, as well as his department heads and the rest of the city staff. We are so blessed to have such good people who work for our city each and everyday. I hope everyone had a good 2014 and are looking forward to a great 2015.

God Bless, Mayor Scott Burton

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January 2015

COMMUNITY Red Ribbon Rivalry Kicks Off This Month

by Stacey Pratt, contributor

Allies for Substance Abuse Prevention (ASAP) of Anderson County is pleased to announce the 2015 Red Ribbon Rivalry! This year, in Anderson County, we will hold the Red Ribbon Rivalry during the month of January, culminating on Friday, January 30. The main goal of the RRR is to raise funds to prevent and reduce substance abuse here is Anderson County.

Every $1 dollar invested in prevention yields up to $10 savings in health costs, criminal and juvenile justice costs, educational costs, lost productivity, physical and mental health care, etc. (SAMHSA) This year there will be even more community participation in the RRR. Local businesses will compete against each other by selling Red Ribbons for a $1 donation and displaying them in their businesses to show support for substance abuse prevention. Winning businesses and employees will receive recognition for their efforts. Anderson County High School and Clinton High School will also compete again this year to see who will be the recipient of the RRR trophy to be displayed at their school for the year. Clinton has maintained their winning streak since the beginning of the contest in 2012, but ACHS students have been making a plan for victory.

This year there will also be the first ever ASAP’s Anderson County Ally of the Year Award. Candidates for the award were nominated for their passion for creating a healthy and productive Anderson County and are united by one goal: to use their leadership, influence and communication skills to raise funds to help prevent and reduce substance abuse in Anderson County. Each dollar raised by the candidates will count as one vote.

The person with the most votes will be named ASAP’s Anderson County Ally of the Year and be recognized at a luncheon on January 30. See who has been nominated and vote online at www.ASAPofAnderson.org.

For more information about the RRR go to ASAPofAnderson.org/red-ribbon-rivalry-sponsorships.

There you can support either CHS or ACHS in their rivalry and find out which local retailers you can visit to support them in the Red Ribbon Rivalry this year.

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ADVICE Your Best Possible Self in 2015

by Yvonne Hart Community contributor My goal for 2015 is to guide professionals to a stress free way of living that’s in line with their purpose.

Are you living the life your were meant to lead?

How do you define happiness?

Yvonne Hart, life coach “What does based in Anderson County. happiness mean to you?” That’s the central question, Pharrell Williams asks in his song Happy. No matter where you measure on the happiness scale, you can increase it.

Isn’t it wonderful to start a new year? A blank slate? I want to remind you, you have more control over the outcome of 2015 than you may first imagine. For many years, I thought happiness was like a butterfly that would alight in my life for brief periods, but be gone in an instant, and that I had no influence on it’s longevity. In the last decade there is emerging empirical evidence about happiness; we do have more control than we first believed. I love making this statement: No matter what your happiness level, YOU can increase it!

That’s good news. The research shows that over 40% of our happiness is based on the choices we make. Why not start this new year...this beautiful white slate, with a goal that could increase your happiness level. Not only that, it could improve you current lifestyle and future goals.

I am having so much fun sharing this concept in my workshops and keynotes.

Happiness is as unique as we are. There are

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so many variables, just as our purpose is distinct, what makes us happy is exclusive, as well. Just as the purpose journey is one-of-akind, happiness is remarkably exceptional.

Start 2015 with a twist on a new year exercise. You must commit to at least 2030 minutes for this specific work. Imagine yourself in the future (perhaps December 30, 2015 or beyond). If everything goes as well as you hope and you’ve worked hard and succeeded in your goals, write down exactly what that will look like.

Writing is highly structured, systematic, and rule bound, it prompts you to organize, integrate and analyze your thoughts in a way that would be difficult, if not impossible to do if you were just fantasizing. Include not only the success, but what steps it took to get there. By doing so, you are building a best possible self today. Among the research about happiness, we’re finding that our words are often self-fulfilling.

Robert Lewis Stevenson said it this way: “An aim in life is the only fortune worth finding.”

What does this mean for employers? People who are really happy are found busily in motion whether that is creating, building, or educating. When we are happy, we are motivated to spread the happiness to those around us. When you find a happy person, you find a project moving forward. Could employees happily working toward their goals be a goal for you? Let’s make 2015 your best year yet!

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PEOPLE...

New Year’s Resolutions: Financial Peace

by Natalie Erb, contributor

We’re all familiar with New Year’s resolutions. A new year is a time for us to reflect as well as an opportunity to promise to do something that we’ve wanted to accomplish for ourselves. The same holds true for businesses.

A new calendar year often means Natalie Erb, CPA a new fiscal year.

The beginning of a fiscal year is an excellent time for businesses to reflect on the year that is ending and to look forward into the new year. Referencing the company’s business plan can be an effective place to start in reviewing the business’ strategy and realigning resources with the business’ upcoming goals and priorities.

Review the mission statement The mission statement is a few sentences about the business’ purpose and its reason for existing. Businesses will change and adapt to stay competitive and relevant in the marketplace. However, a business will want to ensure that changes in the purpose and in the work to be performed are deliberate rather than unintentional mission creep.

Evaluate products and services offerings.

The products or services offered support the mission of the organization. Assessing the benefits to current and prospective customers as well as comparing them to competition is a meaningful exercise. Existing products and services may need to be modified or enhanced.

New products and services may be brought to market or old products and services may be discontinued depending on where they are in

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the lifecycle. Research may also need to be performed to better determine what resources the business may want or need to invest in.

Evaluate marketing and sales plans. The marketing strategy will differentiate a business from its competition. The marketing strategy is aimed at meeting customer’s needs within a target market through communications that are timely and relevant. The sales plans are activities that will capitalize on the marketing plans. The activities of the sales plan start with identifying prospects, prioritizing leads, and working a process towards closing a sale that will grow the business’ revenues.

Assess operations and talent management The company’s operations and personnel are an important component to examine.

This includes evaluating human resources across many different aspects from reviewing procedures and responsibilities to evaluating compensation to assessing skills and the need for continued education. Performing annual reviews is a practical tool to align individual expectations with team goals to accomplish organizational objectives.

Analyze financial information Within the business, it is essential to review historical financial data, identify trends, and prepare budgetary and prospective financial information. Financial information is information based on past performance. A budget and financial forecasting are tools to project the future and tie together each of the aspects of the business plan.

In looking to the new year, review last year’s performance, assess the business’ current position and ask questions. What worked well?

What could have worked better? What should the new year promise?

Natalie Erb is a Certified Public Accountant and Certified Treasury Professional with My CPA, LLC. Email her at Natalie@MyCPAchoice.com.

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December 2014

Clinton High students participated in the TN FIRST Robotics competition last year.

Photo courtesy of TN FIRST Robotics

Robotics Team Leads the Way A team of students at Clinton High School -- the RoboDragons -- is learning about technology in a fun, informative way.

by Cynthia Clark

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n Jan. 3 at high noon, Ben Barrington will get an email. It’s not just any ordinary email, it’s “the” email that will dictate the next six weeks of his life and the lives of the Clinton High School RoboDragons, the CHS FIRST Robotics team. The email, sent to every team in the country, will contain the instructions they’ve all been waiting for: what their robot is supposed to do to win the game in this year’s FIRST Robotics Competition.

Barrington, who teaches all six engineering courses at Clinton High School, is the leader of the RoboDragons. His wife, Theresa, is a retired school teacher and mentor. Her job is to “do whatever Ben needs me to do,” she said. They’ve been leading the FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics team at CHS for three years.

“I said God placed this in front of us right when I retired,” Theresa said. “I taught fourth graders and I don’t think I would have had the energy to do both.”

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FIRST Robotics is a nationwide program designed to “transform our culture by creating a world where science and technology are celebrated and where young people dream of becoming science and technology leaders,” according to Dean Kamen, the founder

at events.

The not-for-profit organization hopes to make science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) accessible to all students and create innovative programs that motivate young people to pursue educational STEM careers while building self-confidence,

launchers and putting them on a mobile base. But Ben went to the Anderson County School Board and went to Parrott at the Career and Technical Center.

Dr. Parrott was real interested in this program, too,” Theresa continued. “Ben had to convince a lot of people because it was so

“I’ve learned team-working skills and how to properly run a business.”

--Wesley Clark, CHS Robodragons team member

of FIRST Robotics. Kamen is an inventor, entrepreneur and advocate for science and technology. He invented the Segway personal transporter, among many other popular inventions. It was founded in 1989 and this year will include over 180,000 volunteers, 400,000 students, 38,700 teams, 34,000 robots, 90,000 mentors and adult supporters and 90,000 volunteers

knowledge and life skills.

Ben Barrington, along with Dr. Tim Parrott, Director of Secondary and Career and Technical Education for Anderson County Schools, were instrumental in getting a FIRST Robotics team off the ground in Clinton. “Ben was doing a few things two years before FIRST Robotics,” Theresa Barrington said. “They were building t-shirt

The 2014-2015 CHS Robodragons team.

Photos courtesy of Antioch Baptist Church

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expensive.”

Participation in FIRST Robotics really gives students a leg up on the competition in realworld skills, Theresa said, and it shows prospective employers that “you’re smart enough to do this and work for six full weeks with total dedication. You’re a dedicated, mature, goal-oriented student.”

The experience students gain is “super significant,” Theresa said.

They’ve had Robodragons who have gone on to be interns for NASA, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the Huntsville Space and Rocket Center.

They even had an engineering student from CHS go on to be accepted at the prestigious MIT in Massachusetts, ranked the best university in the world in 2012.

Wesley Clark, a member of this year’s Robodragons, said he’s learned a lot about technology and business since he’s been on the team. “I’ve learned team-working skills and how to properly run a business,” he said.

FIRST Robotics gave out $20 million in college scholarships in 2014, which is another of the huge benefits to participants. “If you’re going into a STEM career, you’re not turned down for at least a $500 scholarship,” Barrington said.

“Having that on your resume opens doors for you and bumps you up the list.”

It also gives students the opportunity to find out if this is what they want to do.

“It opens doors to your future,” Theresa Barrington said. “It teaches time management, getting along with others, problem solving … these kids are the best thinkers and these are the kids that motivate other kids. Even if you decide it’s not what you want to do, you’ll leave here with skills that transfer to whatever you decide to do. It’ll teach you life skills -- it’s a competitive world.”

Clinton resident Joe Harper has mentored the Robodragons every year, even though he had to slow down a little bit due to a recent stroke. He set up their first direct mail campaign to help promote the group to 240 area businesses to help generate awareness and raise funds. He has been a constant and invaluable supporter of the team,

Theresa Barrington said, and has been there as a mentor every step of the way. Clinton’s Robodragons are sponsored this year not only by the Anderson County School Board, but also by Gear-Up Tennessee and Techmer PM. One thing on their wish list this year is to have funds available to design and build two identical robots simultaneously, which many teams do. This would give the students the opportunity to continue to work on a twin robot while the competition robot is sitting in storage awaiting the big day. This would help the students gain invaluable practice time and give them the opportunity to tweak their robot before the actual competition and transfer that insight to the competition robot.

“The program teaches them not just about building robots and winning. It’s about assisting others.”

--Theresa Barrington, assistant coach Once the build parameters are set with the Jan. 3 kickoff, team members will work feverishly for the next six weeks to design and build their competition robot. Students will work after school every day and into the night and work most weekends, too. Home economics teachers at CHS will prepare food for the latenight sessions twice a week and parents will fill in the rest of the time.

About two weeks before deadline, they’ll kick into overdrive to finish the robot. Barrington will probably spend 80 hours a week on top of his teaching job to finish the build.

Then, at exactly midnight six weeks later, their time is up. The robot will be put in a big plastic bag, sealed up and sent to the storage facility in Knoxville, where the robots will sit dormant until

the Smoky Mountain Regional Competition April 1-4 at the Knoxville Convention Center.

The first year the Robodragons only had 6 to 8 kids on the team. There were 55 teams competing and they finished 22nd their rookie year, Theresa Barrington said, which was “pretty impressive.”

The first year the robot performed one of three required functions.

They didn’t have the time, money or skills, Barrington noted. The second year they did better with their robot.

However, they finished 25th the second year. Past competitions have included scoring basketballs into hoops, collecting soccer balls in their goals, hanging inflated plastic shapes on grids and a variety of other games.

Being part of an alliance requires “coopertition,” as Ben Barrington calls it. “It’s working together even though it’s a competition.”

Participants also know it as “gracious professionalism,” meaning to always be kind, helpful and courteous.

“The program teaches them not just about building robots and winning,” said Theresa. “It’s about assisting others. Kids go pit-topit asking for parts and everyone steps up to help each other out. It’s amazing how it’s all about working as a team and making someone’s robot better, even if it’s not yours.

They’ll drop everything to try. It’s not about “We’re not going to help you.”

It’s about give and take,” she said.

Winning teams from the Smoky Mountain Regional Competition in April will advance to the national competition held annually in St. Louis, MO. Donations for the RoboDragons can be made to CHS Robotics, Attn: Ben Barrington, 425 Dragon Drive, Clinton, TN 37716.

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Upward Basketball: A Different Way to Play Ball This month marks the beginning of the 2015 season for over 200 Clinton-area basketball players and cheerleaders.

by Cynthia Clark

The Clinton Upward League has been ministering to youth in kindergarten through sixth grade for almost 10 years. But it’s about much more than just sports to the players, parents, coaches and directors.

Clinton Upward League is a collaborative ministry sponsored by First and Second Baptist Churches in Clinton, who share facilities for games and practices. Their goal is to provide a program that builds the self-esteem and character of the children who participate.

Carol Cole, co-director from Second Baptist Church along with Jason McGuffey, has been ministering to youth since she was 18. “I love kids and I love Christ. That’s where my heart is,” Cole said. “I like the way they teach them Bible verses, teach them right and wrong, and how to be Christlike in the real world. They learn the skills, too, but that’s what’s most important.”

Kevin Bowling, one of the directors from First Baptist Church, explained, “We evaluate the kids, they go through drills, they practice dribbling, we see how good their hand-eye coordination is … we don’t want to stack teams so that one team has only really good players and one doesn’t.”

Bowling, a full-time engineer at Y-12, said love is what motivates him and other volunteers to spend so much of their free time dedicated to children. An average game day involves more than 70 volunteers including coaches. “We want to show these kids that they can experience the love, grace and forgiveness that is Christ even through sports,” Bowling said. “We feel like this program lets us spread the teachings of Jesus while letting us have fun and make good friends.” One of the things he likes best about the program is that each child gets equal playing time regardless of ability or experience.

While giving a training session to coaches,

Bowling said the kids never cease to amaze him.

“I’ve been moved so many times … when you think the kids aren’t listening to you, but then something amazing happens.” Good behavior is encouraged by coaches, who reward players for effort, sportsmanship, offense, defense and Christlikeness. Parent involvement is also key. Children look to their parents and coaches as models for sportsmanship, respect, authority and positive attitudes.

Referees lead the teams and cheerleaders in prayer at center court before every game and the coaches teach a practice devotion and scripture.

They don’t allow negative cheers or behavior and don’t permit terms like “beat,” “kill,” “fight” and “defeat.” Upward reinforces the idea that every child is a winner. The season will end with an awards ceremony at Second Baptist on March 9.

If your child would like to participate in Clinton Upward, they accept new players up until the first game. Practice starts the week of Jan. 5 and the first game is Jan. 17. You can visit their website at www. clintonupward.org or call First Baptist at 865-4579353 or Second Baptist at 865-457-2046.

Director Kevin Bowling conducts an Upward coaches training session at First Baptist Church.

Photo by Cynthia Clark

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Right: Upward basketball cheerleaders from First Baptist Church of Clinton.

Photo courtesy of First Baptist Clinton

Bottom: Four-year-old Ethan Brown practices drills during his evaluation for Upward Basketball. His mother, Amanda, said he’s been excited to start playing basketball like his siblings.

Photo by Cynthia Clark

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This Year, Get Ready for Mission Slimpossible!

Fitness instructor Anna Dark reveals this year’s fitness challenge theme at Take Charge Fitness in Clinton.

by Anna Dark, contributor may be greater.

Are you one of many millions of Americans that need to lose some extra pounds? Have you been thinking of getting help with those extra pounds by enrolling in a weight loss program?

Like many Clinton residents, you may be considering losing weight as one of your New Year’s resolutions.

What do you look for? How do you go about choosing the right program for you? Well, it can be overwhelming to choose a program, but there are key items that one must look for when choosing a program: • Successful long term weight control must focus on your overall health! Choose a program that emphasizes your overall health! Not just a crazy diet!

• Effective weight loss programs include ways to keep the weight off for good by developing healthier eating habits and physical activity habits.

• Guidance or coaching from a certified professional that will help you develop those good habits.

• Accountability • Ongoing feedback, monitoring, and support.

• Slow and steady weight loss goals (1-2 pounds per week). Keep in mind, that initial weight loss

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Take Charge Fitness Center will be offering its 2nd Annual Weight Loss/Lifestyle Change program in 2015. The name of our 2015 Program is Mission Slimpossible. Our program emphasizes your overall health as mentioned earlier by providing you all the tools and knowledge to not only lose the excess weight, but to live a healthier lifestyle! You will have your very own coach to give you ongoing feedback and support as well as accountability.

There will be educational and motivational forums conducted by guest speakers. We will also offer exercise sessions specific for program participants.

The program is a safe and effective program that is approved by area physicians. Our 2014 program winner lost 64 pounds, dropping his overall body fat percentage 17 points!

Participants lost a total of 660 pounds -- that’s an average of 12 pound loss per person. The average inches lost by participants was 8.8 inches. In addition to the excess weight loss, many participants were successful in lowering their cholesterol levels, triglyceride levels, decreasing blood pressure, and reducing prescription medications with MD approval.

Enrollment for Mission Slimpossible begins January 2nd, and the program Kick Off is Monday, Feb. 2, at 6 p.m. Stop by Take Charge Fitness and make a commitment to your health.

You are worth it!

If you have any questions, feel free to contact Anna Dark at 865-457-8237 or email her at adark@takechargefitnessprogram.com.

The Voice of WYSH Jim Harris says he’s here to stay.

by J.J. Stambaugh, contributor

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t doesn’t matter if you know him from “Trading Time” or “Ask Your Neighbor” or even the morning news. If you’ve lived in Anderson County for any length of time, then you know Jim Harris.

His voice, at least.

Jim’s is the dominant voice of WYSH 1380 AM, which means he’s pretty much the dominant voice of Clinton. When it’s time for high school sports, in fact, it’s even a title -- he’s been the official “Voice of the Dragons” for more than 15 years. Hard as it may be to believe, however, neither Jim nor his wife, Kelly, are from Anderson County, or even East Tennessee. But that hasn’t stopped them from calling this small county “home” despite the occasional siren song of more wealth or prestige from a larger market.

“People ask me why I stick around, and it’s because I think this is a special place,” Jim, 43, explains. “I think WYSH is a special station, and while I’m here I think I make a difference, no matter how small it may be. I try to protect and entertain.”

And while Jim may be best known for his irreverent and offbeat sense of humor, it’s clear from his tone of voice that it’s the “protect” element of the equation he takes most seriously.

As WYSH’s news director, Jim spends hours each day talking to police officers, firefighters, and officials at all levels of government in order to keep his listeners informed. And while he doesn’t like to call himself a “real reporter” -- he sees himself as a sportscaster first and foremost -- the fact is that he has turned WYSH’s website into a digital newspaper that’s every bit the equal of its printed peers.

More to the point -- and whether he admits it to himself or not -- Jim has the soul of a journalist.

“People ask me why I don’t give my opinion on the radio,” he says. “I like to keep mine to myself as part of my job. I like to be as fair and objective as possible, regardless of my personal biases – and I do have few.”

His soul aside, it’s clear where Jim’s heart lies:

with Kelly, who also works at WYSH as the traffic and billing director (“she’s the glue that holds the station together”), and with their 3-year-old daughter, Carolina (“we tried for years and the universe rewarded us with the perfect child at age 40”).

When it comes to work, however, it’s clear that Jim’s truest love is sports. It’s a passion he shares with his father, Frank. A dyed-in-the-wool football fanatic, Jim grew up near Washington, D.C., and spent countless Sunday afternoons by his father’s side watching their favorite team, the Redskins.

“I love sports but did not enjoy getting hit,” he says. “But I always enjoyed the broadcasting aspect of it. I used to turn down the TV and do the play-by-play on Sunday with my dad. To this day I don’t if he enjoyed that, but he let me do it.”

After graduating from the University of Colorado nearly two decades ago, Jim migrated to Knoxville (his parents had retired there) and ended up working for a local rock’n’roll station.

He came to WYSH in 1999 as a part-time board operator but soon found himself fulfilling his lifelong fantasy.

“They said they needed a sports announcer and that’s all I ever wanted to do,” he recalls. “I was in.”

His relationship with WYSH owner Ron Meredith has become one of the station’s cornerstones. “Working for a small station allows me to balance my work and family lives,” Jim says.

“Ron is also a family man, and he allows me some leniency in how I take care of my family but also in how I do my job.”

It took a few years, but by the mid-2000s it was clear to both Jim and the city of Clinton that theirs was to become a lifelong love affair.

“I knew I had been accepted in the community of Clinton when Freddy Fagan knew my name,” he says. “And I knew I loved this place because of how Clinton takes care of Freddy. It was that relationship between the two that typified what a small town should be.”

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GOTTA GO!

See. Do. Enjoy.

Fishing University Discusses Life, Career and Fishing with Lake City Middle School Toward the end of 2014, Anderson County Tourism Council Executive Director Stephanie Wells had the honor of accompanying the host of Fishing University and their guest as they addressed the eight grade class at Lake City Middle School.

Fishing University is a 28-year-old television show that features Ray Brazier and Charlie Ingram. It is currently on the Outdoor Channel.

The premise of the show is that each host has a guest and separate boats but the same tackle, so they fish against each other. A component of their show is to visit a local high school to talk to the students about jobs in the outdoors.

When the tourism council was planning the show’s visit, they were unable to work out a time for the group to speak to the Anderson County High School students, so Wells suggested they talk with the 8th graders at Lake City Middle. As a board member of the Lake City Chamber of Commerce, Wells was aware of a partnership with the middle school and the chamber to bring in monthly speakers for the 8th graders to talk about different jobs and career paths. The hosts of the show said they were very impressed with the students and the school.

The first question that Charlie Ingram, host of the show, asked was, “who here likes to fish?” Every one of the students raised their hand. Each of the speakers talked about how they followed their passion and therefore, are doing what they love for a living.

One of the guests, BASS Fishing Pro John Crews told the students that “no matter what you do, challenge yourself to be the very best at it. In life, there is always going to be competition and sometimes you have to compete against your last attempt.”

The hosts always invite someone from the community that has a job in the outdoors to speak with the students. Brent Galloway, General Manager

of the Coal Creek Company and Windrock Park was the guest this year and last. He told the students that “you don’t deserve a nice house, a nice car or boats -- you have to earn it.” He also talked about how important it was to find out what you enjoy doing and take whatever steps to do that whether it is college, technical school or an apprenticeship.

The students seemed to be soaking up the advice, and to quote the school’s principle, Kelvin McCollum, when he addressed the students at the end of the program, “this is advice that you can use now, in high school and as an adult.”

The other speakers included BASS Fishing Pro Mike McClelland, Professional Fisherman Michael Neal, owner of Cashion Rods Dr. Matthew Cashion and Paul Bension, National Sales Manager for Cashion Rods.

They collectively caught 35 bass on the first day of their trip this year. If you are interested in helping with the mentor program at Lake City Middle School, contact the Rocky Top Chamber of Commerce at 865-426-9595 or info@ rockytoptnchamber.com.

(Information provided by Anderson County Tourism Council.)

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Daugherty Building Gets New Lease on Life Cadence Craft & Trade hosted an open house in mid-December.

A Picture’s Worth a Thousand Words Whether you’re an amateur or professional photographer, we would love to see your work!

Email crystal@huskeymedia.com to show us what’s important to you.

Top: the building known as the Daugherty building (307 Main St.) is now Cadence Craft and Trade. It houses antique vendors that sell unique items such as coalminer lamps (above), handmade items like local soaps, left) and a wide assortment of other items. The building has been completely remodeled -- much of the wood is reclaimed from the original interior -- and includes a small cafe and deli.

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January 2015

Above: The antique printing presses at Cadence are functional. Typesetting classes will be offered.

Photos by Paul Huskey

The first two floors are for the cafe, antiques, hosting workshops including antique printing. Tentative plans for the rest of the building include the basement becoming a woodworking shop and bakery while the upper floors will potentially become a bed and breakfast and personal apartments.

January 2015June 2014 2525

AT FIRST I WAS EMBARRASSE D. ME, A CAT, LIVING WITH A SINGLE GUY. BUT WHEN I WATCH HIM PICK SOMETHING UP WITH HIS HANDS AND EAT IT, I CAN’T HELP BUT LOVE HIM. — MARU adopted 01-10-10

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January 2015

UPCOMING EVENTS...

DECEMBER FRIDAY 9-10 (every Friday and Saturday) Big Valley Barn After 5 p.m.

WHAT: Come visit the Big Valley Barn for great country music and dance every Friday and Saturday night. Enjoy 3 hours of new and traditional country music on Friday nights with various artists.

WHERE: 901 Mountain Road, Clinton INFO: CALL 865-805-8715 or 865-805-1723.

FAMILY • FREE • FOOD

SATURDAY 10 - FEB. 14 Advanced Wheel Class 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

WHAT: Advanced wheel class with Katie Cottrell. This is a clay

potter’s wheel. Students should have some experience.

WHERE: Appalachian Arts Craft Center, 2716 Andersonville Highway, Norris INFO: Call 865-494-9854 for cost and registration.

THURSDAY 8 - MARCH 21 America’s First Investigation Ghost Tour 8 p.m.

WHAT: Haunted Knoxville Ghost Tours are a one-of-akind ghost-hunting adventure.

These tours are hands on paranormal investigation of Knoxville’s traumatic past.

WHERE: Market Square, Knoxville INFO: Call 865-377-9677 or visit hauntedknoxville.net.

Schedules are subject to change. Call venues to confirm event information.

THURSDAY 8 Tennessee Tastes and Toasts Cocktail Tours with Knoxville Food Tours 5:30 p.m.

WHAT: This is every week on Thursdays; follow Paula Johnson and make your way through Knoxville like a local.

Learn the history of the city and sample foods.

WHERE: Various Knoxville locations.

INFO: $59 per person.

Call 865-201-7270 or visit knoxvillefoodtours.com.

FOOD

THURSDAY 8 Knoxville Ice Bears vs.

Huntsville Havoc 7:30 p.m.

hockey game.

WHERE: Knoxville Civic Coliseum, 500 Howard Baker Jr. Ave., Knoxville INFO: Call 865-525-7825 or visit knoxvilletickets.com.

FRIDAY 9 Civil War History Cruises 3 p.m.

WHAT: NavCal River Rides civil war history cruise; use an 1864 map to see civil war sites along the river.

WHERE: Star Landing, 300 Neyland Dr., Knoxville INFO: Call 865-765-3407 for rates and more information or visit navcal.com.

WHAT: Head to Knoxville for a

January 2015

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UPCOMING EVENTS...

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January 2015

FRIDAY 30 The Man Who Came to Dinner 8 p.m.

WHAT: In Kaufman and Hart’s 1930 comedy, famed author and personality Sheridan Whiteside invited to dinner during a speaking tour slips on the doorstep, breaking his hip. A tumultuous six-week of confinement follows.

WHERE: Oak Ridge Playhouse, 227 Broadway Ave., Oak Ridge INFO: Call 865-482-9999 or visit orplayhouse. com.

facebook.com/clintonlifemagazine clintonlifemagazine.com

Email crystal@huskeymedia.com to include your events in our calendar.

anderson county ally of the year

January 2015

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AND ANOTHER THING...

Off and Running at Clinton City Schools

by Jamie Jordan, contributor

Many students from Clinton city schools participate in afterschool running clubs.

Photo courtesy of Jamie Jordan

Students at all three Clinton City Schools are getting healthier due to their participation in the “Get Moving” running clubs. The running clubs started up last year with funding from the Coca-Cola “Get Moving” Grant. However, this year, the interest in running has exploded.

In fact, more than 160 students, 15 percent of the total school system’s population, is actively involved in afterschool running. This percentage would probably be higher, but there are other afterschool programs that take place at each school.

The running club meets once or twice a week, depending on the schoo,l for an hour. Students are not only involved in running and relays, but they are also active in stretching, agility training, power walking, motor skill building activities, health education and games. The clubs are open to kindergarteners through sixth graders. The excitement and interest for the running clubs has led to a waiting list for new enrollment.

The instructors have noticed many positive developments because of the running club. Sarah Hendry, Clinton Elementary School Guidance Counselor, mentioned that students really enjoy the club and have verbalized being able to run farther and how the program has made them

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January 2015

healthier. According to Mindy Wilson, North Clinton Elementary School sixth grade teacher, the students love that they get to run through their neighborhood.

“The running clubs have been great for those students who may not be as athletic as others. It shows them that an active lifestyle can be fun,” said Amanda Shoopman, South Clinton Elementary School Guidance Counselor.

The teachers report that the skills the students learned last spring have carried over into this year’s running club.

The success of the program can best be heard from the voices of the student runners. A second grader at South Clinton stated, “I just like running.

I run more than I ever have before.”

The learning that is taking place during the running clubs is translating into practice. Some parents are really excited and volunteer to run with the students. Several of the students and their families participated in the Clinton 5K in October. Clearly, the running program is a huge success at Clinton City Schools.

Body language can tell you all sorts of things.

Like someone is having a stroke.

SPEECH DIFFICULTY

FACE DROOPING

ARM WEAKNESS

strokeassociation.org

TIME TO CALL 911

Know the sudden signs.

Spot a stroke F.A.S.T. January 2015

31

POSTAL PATRON

P.O. Box 1003 Clinton, TN 37717

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January 2015