Benchmarks 2016: Community (Section E)

Section E

Community The Greeneville Sun

Benchmarks — March 26, 2016

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THE GREENEVILLE SUN BENCHMARKS EDITION Saturday, March 26, 2016

Capitol Theatre Enjoys Packed Houses, New Events First Friday events planned for the downtown area.

In October, Capitol management geared up for the long-standing Halloween Happenings by auditioning people interested in being horrific presences on the premises for “The Hunted Theatre: A Spooky Guided Tour.”

The theme for the third annual Windows to the Past Festival in June was “Thunder Road,” highlighting the prohibition era in Appalachia that led to the birth of stock car racing.

Naturally, the Capitol showed 1958’s blockbuster “Thunder Road” starring Robert Mitchum.

For Greeneville’s Fourth of July celebration, “American Downtown,” the Capitol opened its door for two shows. An afternoon viewing of the 1996 Will Smith hit “Independence Day”

BY VELMA SOUTHERLAND LIVING EDITOR

Four packed houses in the past year have been a highlight for The Capitol Theatre of Greeneville, said manager Rhonda Humbert.

In just the second year of ownership

by Tracy Solomon, the downtown landmark has gone from deserted to hopping and from looking worn to a new paint job with plans for a complete makeover.

A Greeneville facade g rant announced in Aug ust 2014 helped kick off the new look, and a $150,000 capital campaign, “Light Up The Capitol,” announced in July 20015, could finish the job. The renovation will include refurbishing the marquee.

SUN FILE PHOTO BY SARAH R. GREGORY During the past Crews from Pillar Painting, of Greeneville, were busy in September putting a new coat of gray paint on The Capitol Theatre. year, the Capitol The downtown landmark is in the midst of renovations to appear reminiscent of its heyday in the 1950s. has sponsored the sold-out performances of Scott Miller, the August 4 Subcontractor of the Year. The year capital campaign announced in July has was offered free.

During the annual Christmas in show of Emi Sunshine, the “Evening before, Solomon received the SBA’s 2014 “sort of morphed into raising money for Downtown holiday event, the Capitol of Bluegrass” with Barry Bales and Small Business Person of the Year for the bluegrass series.”

“We are getting new sponsors every was open for keepsake photographs by Friends, and the 2014/15 New Year’s Tennessee.

Jerry Hankins.

Because the Capitol management is day,” he said. “There’s a lot of interest.”

Eve show that was part of Greeneville’s At the moment, Carter stated that since scheduling age 21 and older events, a beer Midnight on Main. the bluegrass revival is seen as the cor- THEATER CAMP, COMEDY permit was applied for and approved.

Veteran thespians Steve and Erin In June, the Beer Board approved beer nerstone of revitalizing the Capitol, the CAPITOL MAKEOVER Hensley Schultz conducted a weekRenovation plans to restore the Art sales for on-premises consumption at the “focus is on making this a success.”

The first official show of the bluegrass long theater camp for three age groups Deco building to its 1950s-look were Capitol. The theater’s location in an area presented to the Greeneville Historic designated as Greeneville’s “central busi- series was a March 2016 performance of children in early June. The camp Zoning Commission in April and July. ness district” overrides the restrictions on by Mountain Faith of Western North taught skills from basic movement and beer permits due to the location’s proxim- Carolina. The band was a semi-finalist on character development to writing and Both were approved. producing a script and theatre history, NBC’s “America’s Got Talent.”

Since then, new gray paint has been ity to a church.

With the first Saturday bluegrass series etiquette and storytelling. Erin Schulapplied to the exterior. Inside, the in place, Carter anticipates that other tz continues to be a board member of orchestra pit is being covered. Con- REVIVING BLUEGRASS the Capitol.

In December, Carter and Keely Lowe, regular shows might be implemented. struction was to be completed by early The couple is also central to the Blue also a new board member, announced the March.

Place Special comedy evenings.

The additional space between the revival of a successful series of musical FESTIVALS The Capitol has assumed a central posifront row of seats and the stage can events which the two instituted several tion in a number of downtown festivals, VARIETY OF USAGE be used in a number of ways that will years ago.

Back long ago, in its heyday, the CapThe two men were members of the including the new BBQ & Bluegrass, depend on the event, said Tim Carter, president of the Capitol’s board of direc- board of one of the Capitol’s earlier own- which the Capitol’s board organized along itol was a movie house, and movies can still be seen today, as Sunday Classic ers, Little Theatre of Greeneville Inc. with the Town of Greeneville. tors.

October’s BBQ & Bluegrass had two Matinees, field trips for school chilPlans call for a new, gray color scheme, During LT’s times in the venue, Carter granite panels for the lower portion of and Lowe’s first Saturday bluegrass series shows on the Capitol stage. Strong Ties dren or as part of area festivals.

Most of the events scheduled in provided a free show in the afternoon, the building, an enclosed ticket booth, was a welcome bright spot.

In that incarnation, the series grew so and a performance by Lonesome Pine the historic structure are enternew window and door trim, illuminated that it packed the theater each month. and Town Mountain carried a $15 ticket tainment, but not all. The Greene poster displays and new lighting.

County Sheriff ’s Department and The marquee is scheduled to be Carter, Lowe and everyone else associ- price.

For this festival, the “Main Street Mile Greene County Partnership backed ated with the rebirth of the Capitol are repaired, then reinstalled.

The fundraising campaign was understandably eager for the bluegrass Run/Walk” was revived after about two a three-day Basic Crime Prevention announced in July, when Solomon accept- revival series to catch fire as the earlier decades. The run/walk started at the Course by the National Crime PreCapitol. ed a major award from the U.S. Small version did.

The Capitol is also involved in the new Carter said in mid-February that the Business Administration — Region PLEASE SEE CAPITOL | 3

On The Cover The last year has seen major accomplishments in Greene County athletics, as chronicled by the three Greeneville Sun Sports section covers displayed on this cover of the Community section of Benchmarks. In May 2015, the Greeneville High School Lady Devils brought their first-ever softball state championship to GHS (see story on page 4). In October, the Lady Devils soccer team captured their first state championship (see story on page 5). And earlier this month, the South Greene High School Lady Rebels basketball team won their fifth state title in program history (see story on page 6).

Each sports section cover was designed

by Sun Sports Editor Darren Reese.

Benchmarks cover design by Hala Watson.

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Lisa Crum State Farm ..........................................7 Locust Springs Thrift .......................................... 17 Lynn Hope Towing Service .................................. 11 McInturff, Milligan & Brooks ................................4 Mountain View Bulk Foods ...................................3 NFS ...................................................................15 People’s Choice Guide ..................................18-19 Pinecrest Cleaners ............................................. 17 Printing Guide .................................................... 17 Roberts Furniture & Appliance .............................5 Roto-Rooter .......................................................16 Scott’s Farm ......................................................16 Town of Greeneville ..............................................2 Tusculum Monument Co. .................................... 14 Wine Guide ........................................................16

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THE GREENEVILLE SUN BENCHMARKS EDITION

Saturday, March 26, 2016

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By day, John Price, far left, can be found selling hot dogs and other tasty treats to his hungry lunchtime crowd in downtown Greeneville. However, when the Capitol Theatre was open for the first First Friday evening, the Hot Dog Man was found picking and singing in the lobby during a jam session of local musicians.

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Starts on Page 2 vention Council, with the Capitol as the host for the December 2015 event.

T he Capitol has been a natura l f it for the Gr e enev i l le T heat r e Gu ild, wh ich, in its f irst season, mou nted th ree productions at the Capitol. “ Father O f T he Br ide” a nd “ L end Me a Tenor ” were products of the g u i ld , wh i le “ L i k e K i s s i n g Mo on l i g ht ” was a n or ig ina l show t h at pr e m ie r e d at the Jo h n s o n C it y C om mu n it y T he at r e a nd was brought t o Gre enev i l le for t wo shows on the Capitol stage.

Carter says that the guild has four shows scheduled at the Capitol this year.

A nother repeating usage is by the Academy of Arts, which is producing “ The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe” from the Narnia series.

In addition to numerous single musical events or shows, other usages of the Capitol have included:

SUN FILE PHOTO BY O.J. EARLY

A video highlighting the story of Tracy Solomon, owner of the Capitol Theatre, and TEVET LLC, played during a July event when Solomon was recognized by the Small Business Administration the second year in a row. The night also introduced the “Light Up The Capitol” campaign.

• the September kickoff event for the United Way of Greene County; • the Miss Greene County Scholarship Pageant; • dance recitals; and • as artwork for Par-

rish Properties’ 2016 calendar.

Humbert said that a wedding is planned in the Capitol and there are “a lot of fun and exciting things, with lots of music” in the plans.

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THE GREENEVILLE SUN BENCHMARKS EDITION Saturday, March 26, 2016

Lady Devils Captured Softball State Title In May 2015

BY DARREN REESE SUN SPORTS EDITOR

The mission was completed in the spring of 2015.

Four years earlier, a group of freshmen came to Greeneville High School determined to put the softball program on the map.

Last May, they left their final mark in the Lady Devils’ history book with the ultimate prize — a TSSAA state championship.

Greeneville needed two games to do it against Lexington at the Starplex in Murfreesboro, but after dropping the opener 7-2, the Lady Devils returned to win the decisive showdown 7-4 and claim the Class AA softball title.

“This is incredible,” said Lorena Leon, one of six senior starters on the team. “We’ve been saying we were going to win state all year — really ever since we lost in last year’s state tournament.

“We finally did it. I just can’t put it into words.”

Greenev ille (39 -7) came into the f inals out of the winner’s bracket, leaving Lexington needing to beat the Lady Devils twice to claim the championship.

T he Lady T igers got halfway there as they used a f ive-run fifth inning to win the f irst game and force the deciding night cap.

After a two-plus hour break between games, Greeneville came back looking like a completely different team than the one that scored just two runs — a pair of Jordan Fortel solo homers — and committed five defensive errors in the opener.

“We had some issues that first game, but we all went our separate ways after it was done,” senior Reagan Lowery

SUN FILE PHOTO BY DARREN REESE

The Greeneville HIgh School softball team won the TSSAA Class AA softball championship in May 2015. said. “ We came back together and did what we knew we could.”

T he Lady Dev ils churned out 10 hits in game two, led by the two home runs and four RBIs from senior c at c he r Na d a ly n n Sauceman. Leon and Hope Ottinger each contributed two hits, while Jordan Fortel walked four times and scored twice.

Each one of those players were seniors.

The season was a culmination of a journey

several years in the making for the senior class, as they helped rewr ite the school record books under sixth-year head coach Bob Fortel.

Prior to Fortel taking over the helm, the Lady Devils had gone a combined 3-27 in district play the previous three seasons.

Greeneville worked its way toward the .500 mark his first two seasons, and then began to really make noise in 2012 when the Lady

Devils claimed district and region championships for the first time in school history.

Jordan Fortel, Reagan Lowery, Hannah Holt, Hope Ottinger and Lorena Leon were rookies on that squad — Nadalynn Sauceman transferred in a year later.

Last yea r ’s state tournament proved to be a culmination of the countless hours of hard work and sacrifice put in by the Lady Devils in order to achieve a

goal they set for themselves many years ago.

“It still seems surreal to me,” said Jordan Fortel, a University of Chatta nooga sig nee.

“After that last play, I just fell to the ground.

In a way, it was just so much relief because we’ve been working so hard for this for so long and I just wanted it so bad for the rest of these girls.”

Tea rs have come f requently for the Greenev ille sof tba ll girls in recent years

— both due to happiness and heart break.

The Lady Devils lost in the state sectional round in both 2012 and 2013, barely missing out on the program’s f irst-ever trip to the state tournament those years.

They f inally broke through that barrier in 2014, defeating Alcoa 2-0 to advance to Murfreesboro.

At the end of that PLEASE SEE SOFTBALL | 19

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Saturday, March 26, 2016

THE GREENEVILLE SUN BENCHMARKS EDITION

SUN FILE PHOTO BY DARREN REESE

The Greeneville High School girls’ soccer team earned the TSSAA A/AA state championship in October 2015.

Lady Devils Soccer Overcame Odds In State Title Run

BY DARREN REESE SUN SPORTS EDITOR

The tears were flowing as Katelynn Hadjopoulos came off the field and fell into the arms of head coach John Eiskamp.

Fellow senior Lexie Gregg sobbed uncontrollably as the Greeneville girls’ soccer team received its new title — State Champions.

The journey wasn’t easy, but the reward was great.

The Lady Devils used four goals from junior Jessica Sallah to make program history on Halloween 2015, defeating Chattanooga Christian 4-1 in the TSSAA Class A/AA state soccer championship game at the Richard Siegel Soccer Complex.

Greeneville finished the season with a 25-2 overall record. One of those losses came to the same CCS team earlier in the season.

“This is just a bittersweet moment,” said Hadjopoulos, one of four senior captains along with Hannah Haynie, Lauren King and Jamie Roths. “This is what we’ve been wanting our entire lives. This is what we’ve worked for.

“This was a dream, and for it to finally happen ... it just doesn’t seem real. It’s just unbelievable.”

No one on this year’s Greeneville roster had ever played in a state tournament. The six seniors — the four captains, as well as Gregg and Kelsey Kershaw — had lost to CAK in the state sectional round the previous three seasons.

They weren’t just satisfied with making it to the big dance this year, though.

“We had the determination to get it done,” Haynie said. “It started back in the summer and it just kept building and building. We didn’t want to see our season end like it had in previous years.”

King added: “We wanted to make history, and we did that in this game.”

It marked Greeneville’s first-ever soccer state championship. It was a journey that for many of the players began several years ago.

The six seniors on the team began playing together, for the most part, with the Greeneville Galaxy organization as children.

“It’s definitely been a journey,” King said. “We consider each other family. There is no way to separate us. We’ve came this far together, and it feels good to accomplish it together.”

Roths added: “It’s exciting to do this with your family.

It’s a wonderful feeling to be with your best friends every day.”

Along the way, they added other talented players to the mix, such as this year’s junior and sophomore classes, which provided key pieces to the puzzle.

But for all the experience, and all the chemistry, and all the talent, state tournament play had eluded this group of Lady Devils throughout their entire high school careers.

Each season ended the

same: with a loss to CAK in the state sectional round.

Everyone was certain that 2014 was the year that that streak was going to end, but CAK defeated the Lady Devils in the most heartbreaking fashion — on penalty kicks.

The current Lady Devils had endured multiple seasons of watching their seniors walk off the field in tears. This year’s group was determined to change those fortunes.

They wanted tears of joy, not tears of defeat. Andthat’s exactly what they got.

“They know that that feeling is the worst,” head coach John Eiskamp said. “We made some comments on the way home from Murfreesboro, just about how happy we were and how on the flip side, how dismal a ride back it would have been had we lost in the state championship game.

“There wouldn’t have been a celebration and there wouldn’t have been a lot of happiness, that’s for sure.”

The success didn’t come easy, but it was earned. Some of the seniors pointed out that this year’s graduating class was once larger but that it had lost girls along the way for various reasons.

There were also doubters on the journey.

Prior to the state tournament, the Lady Devils took offense to opponents pointing out a “weak schedule” as a reason the team wouldn’t have an extended stay in Murfreesboro.

Greeneville quickly quieted that notion with a 6-0 rout of state regular and defending tournament runner-up Notre Dame in the quarterfinals.

The Lady Devils then easily dispatched Page 4-0 in the semis.

“We were on a mission and we rode that wave all the way through the tournament,” Eiskamp said “As coaches, we’re obviously always nervous about everything. But we just had a feeling that these kids could do it. After we got that first win, we were just like, “These kids are going to do it. They’ve got the drive and determination.’”

Greeneville ended the season with a 25-2 record and allowed just seven goals all year.

“As devastating as it’s been for us to see our season end the past couple of years, this just makes everything worth it,” Kershaw said.

“The blood, sweat and tears.

The hours and hours of practice. It all paid off.

“It’s been a great journey and I will cherish every single moment.”

The soccer team became the second GHS program to win its firstever state championship last calendar year. The Lady Devils’ softball team accomplished the same feat in May 2015.

“Our experience here has been beyond perfect,” Hadjopoulos said. “We’ve had so much fun, from the hotel to the eating, to the games. This championship tops it off, but it’s just one part of it. We’ve had such a great experience together. We really became closer than we already were.”

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THE GREENEVILLE SUN BENCHMARKS EDITION Saturday, March 26, 2016

SUN FILE PHOTO BY DARREN REESE

The state championship won by the South Greene Lady Rebels this year is the program’s fifth.

Young Lady Rebels Bring Fifth State Title To South Greene

BY DARREN REESE SUN SPORTS EDITOR

The “Baby Rebels” grew up learning about the legacy. Now they are a part of it.

With what figured to be one of the youngest line-ups to ever when a state title, South Greene brought the gold ball back to Rebel Hill earlier this month.

On March 12, the f i f t h-ra n ked L ady Rebes defeated No. 2 Gibson County 61-55 in the championship game

of the TSSAA Class A Girls’ Basketball State Tournament at MTSU’s Murphy Center, earning the program’s fifth state title.

The Lady Rebels also won it all in 1987, 1988, 1991 and 1992.

This year’s team finished with a 35-4 overall record.

South Greene handed Gibson County (37-1) its first loss of the season.

“I can’t think right now,” South Greene head coach Stephen Gregg said after the

game. “I’m just excited for these girls. They deserved all that they got today.

“I just can’t stop smiling.”

South Greene accomplished the feat with no seniors and only one junior — Lyndsey Cutshaw — on the roster. Gregg started two f resh men (Braely n Wykle and T.K. Franklin) and two sophomores (Kinsley Wykle and Taylor Lamb) in the state championship game.

“It’s just remarkable,”

Gregg said. “I just sit back in amazement at what these girls have accomplished this year.

It was all them. We (coaches) played a small part in it.

“It’s been such an enjoyable season. I wish it didn’t have to end.

They’ve set the bar high now.”

Individually, South Greene’s season was highlighted by the onetwo punch of sophomore forward Taylor Lamb and freshman point guard Braelyn Wykle.

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listened to all of their accolades — it’s a great accomplishment for Taylor to be here,” Gregg said after the Miss Basketball ceremony, held at MTSU prior to the start of the state tournament.

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The two shared District Player of the Year honors for 2015-16.

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Saturday, March 26, 2016

THE GREENEVILLE SUN BENCHMARKS EDITION

7

Last Year Was Full Of Accomplishments For Local Athletes

BY DARREN REESE SUN SPORTS EDITOR

Greene County athletes had lots of reasons to celebrate in 2015.

Here is a recap of the last year’s sports highlights.

GREENEVILLE BASEBALL WINS FIFTH STRAIGHT DISTRICT TITLE Junior Lincoln Bowman’s strong right arm and a clutch hit by sophomore Caden Ramsey in the top of the ninth inning propelled Greeneville to a thrilling 5-2 victory over the Grainger Grizzlies at Tusculum’s Pioneer Park in the finals of the District 2-AA Baseball Tournament in 2015.

The Devils had to beat Grainger twice to claim the title, and they did just that, taking the first game 7-2 to force the decisive second game.

The extra inning championship game had several highlights, but Bowman’s pitching was at the top of the list. He went the entire nine innings, hurled 134 pitches, and allowed two runs, neither of which were earned.

It was Greeneville’s fifth straight district title.

FIVE INDIVIDUAL TENNIS PLAYERS EARN TRIP TO STATE Five tennis individuals from Greene County earned a trip to Murfreesboro by winning a region championship in 2015.

Greeneville High School brought home two titles as Madison Hite and Gracie Blair claimed the girls’ doubles crown, while Griffin Leonard won in boys’ singles.

South Greene’s duo of David Worley and Elijah Worells won the boys’ doubles championship.

NORTH GREENE SOFTBALL WINS FIRST REGION TITLE SINCE SINCE 2008

again — he wanted them to make history.

That’s exactly what the Greene Devils did.

Thanks to a late goal by freshman Josh Sanchez, Greeneville defeated the Madison Magnet Mustangs 2-1 in the quarterfinals of the Class A/AA state soccer tournament at Richard Siegel Soccer Complex.

NORTH GREENE BASEBALL The win gave the BEATS SOUTH GREENE FOR Greene Devils their firstFOURTH STRAIGHT REGION ever state victory in their TITLE North Greene head fifth consecutive trip to coach Tim Lady simply the TSSAA Spring Fling. shook his head and said, “Sometimes it’s better to STATE TRACK AND FIELD Several local athletes be lucky than good.”

That’s how he described earned All-State honthe final play of the ors at the 2015 TSSAA Region 1-A baseball State Track and Field championship game in Championships in MurMay 2015, as his Huskies freesboro, highlighted by rallied for a 5-4 victory West Greene’s Kaci Ray, over cross-county rival who finished second in South Greene for their the discus.

Greeneville’s Katelynn fourth straight region Hadjopoulos placed third crown.

With two outs in the in the 400 meter dash. bottom of the seventh inning, South Greene GHS TENNIS FINISHES AS pitcher Trey Brown STATE RUNNER-UP Greeneville’s first time caught Dawson Russell swinging at strike three competing in the state tennis tournament didn’t as it broke into the dirt.

It appeared the Reb- end how the Lady Devels still had life and the ils had dreamed, but at game would be headed to the end of the day there extra innings, as catcher was much for them to be Nolan Gilliam gathered proud of.

Greeneville played in the loose ball to make the the championship round throw down to first.

It was a throw Gil- of the TSSAA Class A/AA liam had made dozens Girls’ Team Tournament of times this year, only against Notre Dame in this time the unthink- May 2015.

The Lady Irish took able happened — the ball deflected off of Russell’s three of the five singles helmet as he ran down matches and then scored a doubles victory to claim the base line.

The ensuing bounce a 4-2 victory and the proproved fortuitous for gram’s third state chamNorth Greene as it let pionship in the last four Elijah Sauls cross the years.

“It’s disappointing to plate for the game-winlose, but the girls have ning run. no reason to be disapGREENEVILLE SOCCER WINS pointed about the season FIRST-EVER GAME AT STATE they’ve had,” Greeneville Greeneville boys soc- head coach Richard Tipcer coach Jerry Graham ton said. “This was our told his players on the first time ever being at bus that he didn’t want state. This was the first them to be satisfied with time we’ve lost this seajust making it to state son. Nobody probably One week after losing to University High 16-7 in the District 1-A championship game, the North Greene softball team got revenge in a big way.

The Lady Huskies defeated UH 6-1 at ETSU’s Betty Basley Field for their first region title since 2008.

even gave us a chance to Series at Hunnicutt Field make it to doubles today, last summer.

The victory gave the but the girls played hard Astros their first title and never quit.” since 2004.

Afterward, players, ASTROS WIN APPALACHIAN coaches and team offiLEAGUE TITLE All season long, cials were awarded the League Greeneville Astros man- Appalachian ager Lamarr Rogers championship trophy and preached to his team the then celebrated by popimportance of focusing on ping bottles of champagne the process instead of the on the field as fans who had made the three-hour end result.

The Astros reached the trek from Greeneville final stop of their 2015 stuck around to enjoy the season, and boy, oh boy ... moment, as well. how sweet it was.

Greeneville went on the GHS VOLLEYBALL WINS road and came out on top SECOND STRAIGHT CROWN The Greeneville volleyof an 8-7 slugfest with the Princeton Rays in game ball team made easy work three of the Appalachian of Grainger last year and League Championship in doing so successfully

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Prior to last year, the Lady Devils had gone 14 years without a title.

Now they have won two straight thanks to a 3-0 sweep of the Lady Grizzlies, coming by the game scores of 25-18, 25-22 and 25-21.

“The girls played awesome tonight,” Greeneville coach Erin Franklin said after the win. “They came out from the start ready to take charge. We had a good start and it just got better and better. It was awesome to take this one 3-0, and I really didn’t PLEASE SEE ATHLETES | 19

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THE GREENEVILLE SUN BENCHMARKS EDITION Saturday, March 26, 2016

USS Greeneville Celebrates 20th Commissioning Anniversary

BY KEN LITTLE STAFF WRITER

The USS Greeneville is going strong and has already had a busy 2016.

The Los Angeles-class fast attack submarine named after Greeneville recently celebrated the 20th anniversary of its commissioning.

The submarine was commissioned on Feb. 16, 1996, at the Norfolk Naval Base in Norfolk, Va. COMMISSIONING ANNIVERSARY The submarine has spent most of its service life based at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

The crew of the USS Greeneville marked the 20th anniversary of the ship’s commissioning on Feb. 16 at its Pearl Harbor base. “Twenty years ago today Greeneville joined the f leet as the newest and most capable submarine in the Navy. Since then, the Greeneville has established and maintained a tradition of excellence and a reputation of accomplishment,� a U.S. Navy news release said.

The February anniversary saw the crew preparing for an upcoming deployment to the Western Pacific in support of Navy and national

PHOTO COURTESY U.S. NAVY

Sailors from the USS Greeneville and the Japanese submarine Kuroshio gather for an event aboard the USS Greeneville.

objectives, according to the release.

Lt. Cmdr. Ron Hatt, executive officer, Sonar Technician Senior Chief Kevin Asleson, chief of the boat, and Cmdr.

Gabe Anseeuw, commanding officer of the ship, celebrated the occasion with the crew, cutting a cake.

The crew took time out to reflect on the USS Greeneville’s accomplishments over the past two decades.

Asleson said in the news release he was “honored to serve onboard such a fine

ship with an extremely capable crew. She might be 20 years old, but she still performs as well as our newest submarines.

There is nothing this crew cannot accomplish.�

Anseeuw said the celebration “honors 20 years of faithful service to the nation, none of which would have been possible without the extreme dedication and patriotism of our nation’s finest men.� “It is they who have given every single day to

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Tipper Gore, the sponsor of the USS Greeneville, speaks during the ship’s commissioning ceremony on Feb. 16, 1996, in Norfolk, Va. Then-Commander Duane B. Hatch listens in the background.

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USS Greeneville Starts on Page 8 make the Greeneville the finest ship I have ever served on. They have earned every accolade and recognition through their hard work and personal sacrifice,” Anseeuw said.

JAPANESE VISIT Recently, 30 Japanese officers and sailors from the Japanese submarine Kuroshio visited the USS Greeneville in Pearl Harbor.

The officers and crew of both submarines met and learned from each other in what was dubbed a highly successful event, according to a Navy news release.

“During the visit, Greeneville’s crew showcased their tremendous warfighting capabilities and dedication to mission readiness,” the release said.

The meeting marks the first time the Japanese have visited USS Greeneville in recent history, solidifying the relationship between the U.S. and Japanese navies, the release said.

Overall, the event was very well received by both the Kuroshio and the Greeneville crews, it added.

It is made even more significant due to the Greeneville’s history.

Nine boys and men died when the submarine surfaced beneath a Japanese fishing vessel, the Ehime Maru, on Feb. 9, 2001, off Oahu.

Anseeuw was also invited shortly after the tour to a “Sayonara”

Saturday, March 26, 2016

party, marking the departure of the Kuroshio from Hawaiian waters.

“I was extremely happy to have this opportunity to meet with the officers and crew of the Kuroshio.

The crew’s pride in the ship was clearly evident and helped to solidify relations. The visit was extremely positive,” Anseeuw said.

“I was humbled by the extreme friendship and generosity displayed by our Japanese friends at the Sayonara party, partaking in the evening’s ceremonial customs and traditions,” he added.

REUNION PLANNED USS Greeneville Inc., the local organization that successfully lobbied the U.S. Navy to name a nuclear submarine after Greeneville, has been involved in numerous activities to support and honor the ship, its crew members and their families for more than two decades.

In conjunction with past and present crew members of the Greeneville, USS Greeneville Inc. is assisting with the 20th year reunion of the submarine’s commissioning this summer, according to a news release.

Reunion activities are scheduled for July 1- 4 in Greeneville, with approximately 100 past and present crew members and their families expected to attend, said Dale Long, president of USS Greeneville Inc. On July 1, the crew members, their families and GreenevilleGreene County community lead-

Campground Church of God 4570 Asheville Highway, Greeneville, TN Rev. Stephen Aiken, Pastor Bronson Carter, Youth Pastor 423-638-6822 or 423-823-2259

ers will participate in a meetand-greet on the terrace of the General Morgan Inn in downtown Greeneville.

The following day, the guests plan to work on a community project yet to be announced, followed by an informal cookout at Long’s home.

The reunion event itself is set for July 3 in the General Morgan ballroom, including a sit-down dinner featuring speakers from the U.S. Navy and the Greeneville-Greene County community.

Then, on July 4, reunion attendees from the Greeneville submarine will serve as co-grand marshals of the town’s Independence Day Parade, along with local men and women who were deployed in Operation Desert Storm.

On the evening of July 4, crew members plan to attend the Greeneville Astros home game with a ship representative throwing the first pitch.

Additionally, during their stay, the guests will visit local churches, participate in shopping expeditions and play at area golf courses.

“Greeneville has played an active role in the life of the USS Greeneville submarine,” Long said.

“The boat and crew members will forever hold a place in this community’s hearts. We are so excited that our Navy friends are returning to Greeneville to share the celebration of the ship’s 20th anniversary.”

A nyone wanting to assist in planning reunion activities can contact

Cedar Creek Church of God 2800 Cedar Creek Road, Greeneville, TN 423-639-3468

Worship Opportunities

Andy Christiansen, Senior Pastor E.J. Swatsell, Youth Pastor Worship Opportunities

Sunday School: 9:30 a.m.

Sunday Worship: 10:30 a.m.

Children’s Church: 10:30 a.m.

Sunday Evening worship: 6:00 p.m.

Sunday School: 9:00 a.m.

Worship: 10:00 a.m.

Sunday Evening Worship: 6:00 p.m.

WEDNESDAY: 6:30 p.m.

Children’s & Youth Ministries - Adult Bible Study Nursery provided for all Services

WEDNESDAY NIGHT MINISTRIES Youth Ministry: 6:45 p.m.

Adult and Children’s Bible Study: 7:00 p.m.

First Church of God 1505 West Main Street 423-638-4818 Dr. Nathan Leasure, Senior Pastor

Worship Opportunities Sunday School: 9:00 a.m.

Morning Worship: 10:00 a.m.

Sunday Evening: 6:00 p.m.

WEDNESDAY: Wednesday Night Ministries & Activities for All Ages: 6:30 p.m. www.greenevillefcog.org and Facebook

Home of Noah's Ark Childcare & Preschool

Freedom Fellowship Greeneville Non-denominational, Contemporary Church Casual Dress. Serious Faith.

First Presbyterian Church 110 N. Main St., Greeneville

423-638-4533

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Sunday 8:30 a.m. Worship with Weekly Communion 9:30 a.m. Sunday School for All Ages 10:45 a.m. Worship (broadcast beginning at 11:00 a.m. on WSMG 1450 AM) Youth Fellowship Weekly MUSIC OPPORTUNITIES Vocal and Handbell Choirs WEDNESDAY After School Youth Program, Family Supper, Worship & Education for all

Greeneville Cumberland Presbyterian Church 201 N. Main St.

423-638-4119

James W. Lively, Pastor Andy Blackwelder, Director of Youth & Children Roy Blakeburn, Pastor of Counseling Abby Cole Keller, Pastor for Senior Ministries

Ministries for newborns to adults every Sunday @ 10:30

Worship Times

3144 W. Andrew Johnson Hwy. www.freedomlakeway.net Scott Childs 865-397-9000

Sunday School: 9:30 a.m.

Morning Worship: 8:15 & 10:30 a.m.

Ministries for All Ages Nursery Provided .www.GCPChurch.org

Horse Creek Church of God 900 Old Jonesboro Rd., Chuckey, TN 37641 423-638-5240 Bobby Morrison, Pastor Billy Dyer, Sr. Youth Director Chelsea Bailey, Jr. Youth Director

Worship Opportunities Sunday School: 9:30 a.m.

Sunday Worship Service: 10:30 a.m.

Senior youth Service: 6:00 p.m.

Jr. Youth Service: 6:00 p.m.

Sunday evening: 6:00 p.m.

WEDNESDAY Wednesday Prayer & Bible Study: 6:30 p.m. www.horsecreekchurchofgod.com “Where Salvation Makes You a Member”

Kingsley Avenue Free Will Baptist

Wednesday Services: 6:30 p.m.: AWANA Club (Preschool-12th Grade) 7:00 p.m.: Prayer Meeting

Oldest Methodist Congregation in Greeneville 307 South Main St. 638-6224 Linda Bass, Pastor

email - christumc307@yahoo.com

Worship Opportunities 10:30 a.m. Traditional Sunday Worship 4:30 p.m. Life Tree Children & Youth 6:00 p.m. Casual Worship - Fellowship Hall

Wednesday Night Activities: 4:45 p.m. Life Tree Children & Youth 5:00 p.m. Fellowship Meal 5:45 p.m. Bible Study 6:30 p.m. Choir Rehearsal

First Saturday of the Month: 10:00 a.m. Artisan & Crafters

Monday Nights 5:00 p.m. Quilters 5:00 p.m. EverGreene Woodcarvers

Greeneville Free Holiness 1710 Whirlwind Rd.

423-823-2271 Mike Lamb, Pastor Worship Services Sunday Worship: 10:00 a.m.

Evening Worship: 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday: 7:00 p.m.

1st Friday of the month: 7:00 p.m.

Limestone Free Will Baptist Church Worship Opportunities

Sunday School: 9:30 a.m.

Morning Worship:10:30 a.m.

Sunday Evening: 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday Bible and Youth: 7:00 p.m.

Sunday School: 10:00 a.m.

Morning Worship: 11:00 a.m.

Evening Worship: 6:00 p.m.

WEDNESDAY Bible Study & Children/Youth Group: 7:00 p.m. email: office@limestonefwb.org www.limestonefwb.org

1985 Buckingham Rd. 638-7464 • Fax 638-6026 email: office@toweringoaks.org

9:30 a.m.: Sunday School 10:30 a.m.: Morning Worship 6:00 p.m.: Evening Worship/Youth Class (6-12th Grade)

Christ United Methodist Church

Worship Opportunities

Towering Oaks Baptist Church

Billy Gragg, Pastor Stuart Harmon, Youth Pastor Sunday Services

SUBMARINE BACKGROUND The submarine was built by Newport News Shipbuilding, based in Newport News, Va. A subsidiary of that company, Greeneville Industries Inc., operated in Greeneville for several years, but closed in the early 1990s.

L ong, who was a super visor with Greeneville Industries in the early 1990s, and who is now print and distribution manager for The Greeneville Sun, spearheaded the campaign and was joined by several Greene County off icials and business leaders.

After an intense campaign lobbying lawmakers and the U.S. Navy, in 1989 Secretary of the Navy H. Lawrence Garrett III decided to name a new sub after Greeneville.

Twenty years have passed quickly for former USS Greeneville crew members like Stan Simmerman.

“It’s gone by very fast. I guess for all the crew members, there’s a warm place in their hearts for Greeneville and Greene County and all the folks down there,” he said during a recent inter view.

Like m a ny for mer USS Greeneville crew members, Simmerman plans on attending the July reunion.

For more information about Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, visit www.csp.navy.mil and www. navy.mil/local/subpac /.

3709 Old State Route 34, Limestone 423-257-3163

2320 Old Tusculum Blvd.

Dr. James K. Pierce, III, Sr. Pastor Worship Opportunities Sunday School: 9:00 a.m.

Sunday Worship: 10:30 a.m. & 6:00 p.m.

WEDNESDAY All Adult, Youth and Children’s Activities Begin By 6:00 p.m. www.toweringoaks.org

9

Long at 423-329 - 0400 or via email at Subma r i ne @ Greenev ille Su n. com.

213 Kingsley Ave. 423-639-6785 Doyle Pruitt, Pastor

Oak Grove Free Will Baptist Church 423-639-9241 • oakgrovegreeneville.com

THE GREENEVILLE SUN BENCHMARKS EDITION

Tim Roach, Pastor

Victory Church of God 166 Sanford Circle, Just Off Asheville Hwy.

423-798-1992

Rev. Jim Fillers, Pastor Worship Opportunities Sunday School: 9:30 a.m.

Morning Worship: 10:30 a.m.

Children’s Church: 10:30 a.m.

Evening Worship: 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday Evening: 6:00 p.m.

Youth Programs: Sun & Wed 6:00 p.m.

10

THE GREENEVILLE SUN BENCHMARKS EDITION

Saturday, March 26, 2016

www.greenevillesun.com

www.greenevillesun.com

Saturday, March 26, 2016

THE GREENEVILLE SUN BENCHMARKS EDITION

11

Community Honors Veterans With New Memorials c ou ld b e c omplet e d.

The piece, engraved

by Tusculum Monument, includes three massive granite slabs that tip the scales at over 4,000 pounds.

The Memorial Stone sits on a 36-foot circular concrete base. The entire site is handicapaccessible, utilizing a stamped concrete finishing safe for wheelchairs.

BY SARAH R. GREGORY STAFF WRITER

Monuments honoring all Greene Countians who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces were unveiled in late 2015, but work continues at the newly dedicated Veterans Memorial Park.

A special ceremony on Nov. 11, 2015, made Veterans Day a landmark day at Veterans Memorial Park on Forest Street.

For the f irst time, the local Veterans Day Service was held at the park, rather than in front of the Greene County Courthouse.

On Veterans Day 2014, the park was rededicated as a permanent, public space to pay tribute to Greeneville and Greene County’s veterans.

In 2015, at the end of the Veterans Day service, a large stone monument dedicating the site to all local veterans was unveiled.

The “Memorial Stone” bears engravings of a full-color A merican f lag, the Prisoner of War/ Missing in Action f lag, emblems of the branches of the U.S. armed forces and a brass eagle over an inscription.

“It’s an awesome sight,” said Veterans Memorial Park Committee Chairman and American Legion Post 64 Commander Grady Barefield after a tarp was removed from the monument.

“No other city around us has this stone,” Barefield said. “Others have war stones, but not color monuments.”

The stone bears the inscr iption, “ Honoring and remembering the men and women

SUN FILE PHOTO

A Memorial Stone with an inscription dedicating Veterans Memorial Park to all Greene County veterans and a vacant seat awaiting the return of prisoners of war and those missing in action, unveiled in late 2015, makes for a solemn scene during snowfall earlier this year. of Greene County who served in the armed forces of the United States of America to preserve our freedom” and “Freedom is not free.”

A not her fe at u r e unveiled during the ceremony will ser ve as a solemn tribute to prisoners of war and those missing in action.

An empty chair is roped off in the center of the site, where a plaque dedicates the seat as reserved.

“No one will sit in this chair,” Barefield said, adding that it is to be kept empty as it awaits the return of those who are missing.

That monument was

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constructed with the assistance of the Rolling Thunder organization, a nationwide group of motorcyclists dedicated to Prisoner of War/Missing in Action advocacy.

IN DEVELOPMENT SINCE 2012 The idea for a permanent place to honor local veterans was sparked in 2012 at a meeting of the Greene County Veterans Association, Barefield said.

A search for the proper site began around that same time.

In early 2014, Eagle Scout Evan Miller installed a bench at the park, historically

known as Forest Park, and dedicated it to the county’s Gold Star Mothers — those who have lost sons and daughters in service to the nation.

Up on c omplet i n g that project, Miller approached the Gre enev i l le B oa r d of Mayor and Aldermen to urge the town to formally dedicate the space as Veterans Memorial Park.

Town officials agreed, and, at a Memorial Day service in 2014, a temporary sign bearing the new, permanent name was unveiled.

In late 2014, a communitywide capital campaign to raise funds for

the site’s development kicked off.

Numerous individuals, churches, civic orga nizations, businesses and others have chipped in for the effort.

“We’ve had a lot of help from a lot of businesses,” Barefield said, noting that many have contributed s e r v i c e s , e q u ip m e n t a n d m a n power t o develop t he sit e.

Notable among t h e m wa s G r e e n e v i l le businessman and ph i la nt h ropist S c ott N i s w o n g e r, who provided funds to e n s u r e t h e p a r k ’s pr i m a r y monu ment , the Memor ia l Stone,

MORE MONUMENTS PLANNED The Veterans Memorial Park Committee is continuing its fundraising efforts to develop the next phase of the park.

That part of the project will include installation of “War Stones,” bearing the names of all Greene County veterans killed in action in World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War and wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. About 250 soldiers from Greene County perished in those wars.

The final phase — and likely the most difficult — will include reserach to create stones that list the names of all Greene Countians who have served in the various conf licts.

The committee must raise funds and determine the logistics of such a sig nif icant undertaking, Barefield said. It is estimated that 5,000 Greene Countians have served in times of war.

Members of the committee g uiding the park’s design have been adamant that the site will honor all of Greene County’s service members — those killed PLEASE SEE VETERANS | 12

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THE GREENEVILLE SUN BENCHMARKS EDITION Saturday, March 26, 2016

Veterans Starts on Page 11

SUN FILE PHOTO

Veterans Memorial Park Committee Chairman Grady Barefield speaks after unveiling the park’s primary monument, the Memorial Stone, during a communitywide Veterans Day service in 2015.

in action, those who served and returned alive, prisoners of war and those missing in action.

“This is going to be something the community can be very, very proud of,” Barefield said. “ This will remember those who died and honor those who returned.”

Another project at the site, installation of a new f lagpole that will feature the U.S. and POW/MIA f lags, will be installed as a future Eagle Scout project, while new lighting, installed by the Greeneville Light & Power System, will shine on the new monuments and f lags.

So far, no timeline has been outlined for the next phases of work.

Committee members remain active in their fundraising efforts.

Anyone wishing to help with the park’s development can contact Barefield for more information at 552-8838 or maxbare4ut@embarqmail. com.

Tax-deductible donations can be sent to the Greene County Veterans Association, earmarked for Veterans Memorial Park, at P.O. Box 803, Greeneville, TN 37744.

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Saturday, March 26, 2016

THE GREENEVILLE SUN BENCHMARKS EDITION

13

Downtown Events Produce Growing Crowds, Energy

BY VELMA SOUTHERLAND LIVING EDITOR

The number of people coming to downtown Greeneville appears to be reaching record numbers for recent years — if attendance at the numerous festivals in 2015 is any indication.

Not only are more people attending, but existing events are adding activities, and new festivals are being created with the express purpose of inviting people to Greeneville’s main streets.

New in 2015 were the BBQ & Bluegrass Festival, sponsored jointly by the Town of Greeneville and The Capitol Theatre of Greeneville, and the First Friday block party, spearheaded by Robbie Britton, a deejay and proprietor of Moments on Depot Street.

At BBQ & Bluegrass, on Oct. 17, 2015, caterers

and competitive barbecue teams set up smokers and tables where hundreds of hungry folks enjoyed the fare and compared the various flavors.

Music was everywhere — bluegrass music, live acoustic jam sessions and cloggers twirling to tunes.

The Capitol Theatre hosted jam sessions and two musical shows, one in the afternoon and another in the evening.

The event kicked off in the morning with a revived downtown tradition: the Main Street Mile walk/run, a competitive race that benefited the Greene County Chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

The walk/run was organized by Leah KeicherThwing and her mother, LeAnne Thwing, in memory of late Greeneville High School athletic trainer Brian Keicher. The run aimed to raise awareness

and increase support for those diagnosed with mental illnesses.

“This was an amazing event with fabulous food and fun,” organizer Rhonda Humbert, who also manages the Capitol, said following the event. “We couldn’t have asked for a better day as the streets were filled with people shopping, eating and just having a good time.

Planning for next year is already underway.”

Organizer Amy Rose, public relations manager for the Town of Greeneville, added, “It took an entire community of businesses, individuals, churches and organizations to make BBQ & Bluegrass happen.”

November’s easy weather provided a perfect backdrop for the town’s “First Friday” event, PLEASE SEE DOWNTOWN |15

SUN FILE PHOTO

Rusty Edwards, from the Hoggy Bottom Boys Catering and Competition Barbecue Team, hands off a plate of slow-smoked pork barbecue during the inaugural BBQ & Bluegrass Festival.

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THE GREENEVILLE SUN BENCHMARKS EDITION Saturday, March 26, 2016

2015 ATHENA Award Winner Is Former Educator

BY VELMA SOUTHERLAND LIVING EDITOR

During a red-carpet gala on June 16, 2015, educator Joyce Johnson was announced as the recipient of Greeneville’s second ATHENA Leadership Award.

The event was held in the ballroom of the General Morgan Inn. ATHENA Leadership Awards are backed by ATHENA International, “a non-profit organization that supports, develops and honors women leaders nationally and internationally, inspiring women to reach their full potential,” said Gregg Jones, who presented the award to Johnson. Jones is co-publisher of The Greeneville Sun, which presented the award locally.

The ATHENA Awards have been presented in other cities, states and countries around the world since the early 1980s. The honorees have included Pat Summitt, Marlo Thomas and Billie Jean King, among others, Jones said.

The first Greene County award was presented to Dr. Drucilla Miller, dean of Walters State Community College’s Greeneville- Greene County campus, in 2014.

The announcement of the 2015 recipient was made by Pam Johnson, owner of Roberts Furniture, Bedding and Gifts, which sponsored the 2015 ATHENA Leadership Award.

“This is quite an honor,” Joyce Johnson said to the approximately 200 people attending the dinner event. “My family won’t believe this, but I don’t know what to say.”

To her fellow nominees for the ATHENA award, Johnson said, “Ladies, you all have so many talents.”

Selected as finalists with Johnson were Tammy Albright, Dr. Cindy Bowman, Vicki Culbertson, Mary Fitzpatrick, Betty Fletcher,

SUN FILE PHOTO BY BRIAN CUTSHALL

Eleven of the 12 finalists for the 2015 ATHENA Leadership Award hold roses presented to them during the 2015 award program at the General Morgan Inn. Shown, left to right, are: Angelia Forby-Manuel, Paige Mengel, Betty Fletcher, Sarah Webster, Debbie Oldenberg, Laura Pendleton, 2015 ATHENA recipient Joyce Johnson, Tammy Albright, Vicki Culbertson, Dr. Linda Stroud and Dr. Cindy Bowman. Not pictured is the 12th finalist, Mary Fitzpatrick.

Angelia Forby-Manuel, Paige Mengel, Debbie Oldenberg, Laura Pendleton, Dr. Linda Stroud and Sarah Webster.

Jones explained that the selection of the award recipient was made by an anonymous and diverse five-member committee not connected with the staff of the Sun or its parent company, Jones Media Inc. JOHNSON’S BONA FIDES Johnson is a retired foreign language and cultural skills educator and volunteer mentor. She has developed and implemented numerous language and cultural programs over the years.

She is a 1964 magna cum laude graduate of CarsonNewman College, now Carson-Newman University, with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a minor in Spanish.

A master’s degree in speSUN FILE PHOTO BY BRIAN CUTSHALL cial education from Pea- Joyce Johnson accepts the 2015 ATHENA Leadership Award from Greeneville Sun body College of Education Co-Publisher Gregg Jones. and Human Development

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at Vanderbilt University followed in 1968.

Beginning in 1973, Johnson taught in the Greeneville City School System from elementary to high school. She created the first fitted program for elementary students.

She taught Spanish at Greeneville High School from 1986-99 and at Carson-Newman College from 1999-2001.

From 2001-06, she taught Spanish at Tusculum View Elementary School.

She has served on the board of directors for the Tennessee Foreign Language Teaching Association and as president of Youth Builders of Greeneville Inc. Johnson is credited with the 2006 development of a cooperative ministry of First Presbyterian Church and Asbury United Methodist Church that offers free English classes for Spanish speakers.

She continues to interpret for teachers and provide transportation to medical appointments, courts and schools for those in need.

She also volunteers with Spanish-speaking students at Tusculum View Elementary School.

Johnson has been a member of First Presbyterian Church since 1975 and an elder for more than 25 years. She has served on several church mission trips.

She serves on the Session, coordinates an adult Sunday school class, participates in the choir and bell choir, and serves as a deacon. She served as youth ministry coordinator from 1976 to 1987.

“Joyce is always ready to reach out in support of others. She sees the opportunities for growth in other people and encourages them to grow and learn. Her friends, fellow church members and educators turn to her often for the vision and energy that she so readily shares,” her pastor, Dr. Dan Donaldson, wrote in his nomination of her for the ATHENA Award.

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Downtown Starts on Page 13 which started as a festival and will sometimes, but not always, be organized to bring the public downtown as local shops remain open for extended hours. First Friday is being celebrated by towns all across the nation.

“It’s not meant to be a big festival. It’s about getting people to shop locally.

It’s a ‘bring life to the heart of the town’-type event,” Britton said.

“Depot Street had a whole new positive vibe Friday night. Stores were open with shoppers after dark,” Rose, who helped plan the festivities, said days after the first event.

“Live music brought dancers and foot-tappers of all ages. It was exciting to see the community support for this event, and I hope it continues.”

First Friday was held in conjunction with Main Street: Greeneville’s annual “Christmas in Downtown” in December and the Town of Greeneville’s “Midnight on Main” New Year’s Eve party.

Both holiday events reported increased attendance.

Jann Mirkov, executive director of Main Street: Greeneville Inc., noted that it is difficult to gauge the attendance at the Christmas event, which is spread out.

She noted that, following the lighting of the tree on the courthouse lawn, there were more than 150 people in the lobby of the General Morgan Inn for jazz music and dancing, hundreds of children and their parents at The Capitol to have photographs made with Santa and between 50 and 60 people viewing the outdoor movie.

Another Main Street event where it is difficult to do a head count is the

popular, and growing, Halloween Happenings, which is huge, according to Mirkov.

“There were probably about 5,000 people last year. We’ve always had over 4,000,” she said, acknowledging that the good weather probably accounted for the increase.

“It’s a safe place for people to bring their children to trick-or-treat,” Mirkov said.

Some businesses, such as The Greeneville Sun, were so swamped with trick-or-treaters they reported running out of candy.

Growth was easier to gauge at Town of Greeneville’s “Midnight on Main.”

Rose said attendance at the event tripled in just its second year.

The Capitol Theatre was sold out for its concert that featured three acts: High Culture, Sunflowers & Sin and Shiloh. Spokesperson Rhonda Humbert said that 340 tickets were sold for the concert event.

The General Morgan Inn and the Catalyst Coffee Company offered free musical performances by the Johnson City-based band The Whiskey Sticks, bluegrass musician Josh Miller, vocalist Zachary Wampler and Middle Tennessee State University recording industry major Tyler Warren.

On the terrace of the General Morgan Inn, a 21and-older crowd enjoyed a 1980s-themed party with a $10 cover charge and Robbie Britton providing the entertainment.

An outdoor street dance at the intersection of Main and Depot streets attracted hundreds, and New Year’s Eve revelers of all ages could be found among the crowd, including some from out-of-town, organizers reported.

Another fairly new downtown tradition experiencing growth is the American Downtown

Saturday, March 26, 2016

Fourth of July Celebration.

Rose, with the Town of Greeneville, said that she is definitely seeing growth as the third parade, held in 2015, had a lot more entries.

She set the attendance number at thousands but has no real count because of the scope of the event.

Another third-year event that continues to grow is the annual “Windows to the Past Festival,” held in June. The 2015 theme of “Thunder Road” put the focus on cars, and art teacher Sherry Hensley’s design was used for

THE GREENEVILLE SUN BENCHMARKS EDITION

the mural at City Garage Car Museum.

The vendors reported that this was the best year ever for the event, and that sentiment was echoed by Andy Daniels, a member of the mural committee.

Festivals don’t have to be young to continue growing, and the venerable Iris Festival, which is in its 22nd year, is proof.

Vickie Andrew, vice president of chamber operations with the Greene County Partnership, said the Partnership does not do head counts.

“The streets are full

and there’s no way we can tell,” she said. She lists the attendance number as thousands.

The number of vendors and activities, however, are countable and keep growing. Last year, there were approximately 150 vendors, including food, arts and crafts, and merchants.

The 2016 festival will add a car show and a Depot Street farmers market.

A more recent addition to the downtown area is Lyrics on the Lawn, organized by Main Street: Greeneville. The event

started off with a bang — more than 350 people for its first performance the first Thursday evening in 2014 — and has grown to average about 550 people per performance in 2015.

Audiences for some performances topped 600 people, Mirkov said.

The weekly concerts are on the lawn of the Dickson-Williams Mansion and feature music by regional artists.

“With so many different events in downtown, there seems to be a shift in focus on downtown,” Mirkov said. “We’re headed in the right direction.”

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THE GREENEVILLE SUN BENCHMARKS EDITION Saturday, March 26, 2016

PHOTO SPECIAL TO THE SUN

The cast of “Like Kissing Moonlight” included, from left: Paige Mengel, Matt Quick, Melanie Yodkins, Dave Hutton, Larry Bunton, Joy Nagy, Karen Mabe, Emily Nagy and Hunter Hall. The Greeneville Theatre Guild brought the production by the Johnson City Community Theatre to the Capitol Theatre for two shows in April 2015.

Theatre Guild To Ramp Up After Opening Season prop and costume stor- with “Playing a role in age. the community,” while the back features the logo. The VOLUNTEERS WANTED lettering is in white and the The guild continues to logo is green and white. encourage participation by Shirts are available in everyone in the commu- small, medium, large and nity — those interested in extra-large in purple, characting and/or those who coal gray and black. prefer to remain in the The T-shirts are $20 each. background. There are Anyone interested in volnumerous ways a person unteering or purchasing a can assist the guild with- shirt can contact the guild on out ever treading the stage the Facebook page at https:// www.facebook.com/Greenboards, Mengel said.

“We can always use evilleTheatreGuild/; at the guild’s website www.greenmore,” Mengel said. evilletheatreg uild.org; by writing to Greeneville FUNDRAISER T-SHIRTS To raise funds, the Theatre Guild, P.O. Box guild has had a num- 2002, Greeneville, TN ber of T-shirts made up. 37744; or calling 470The front is emblazoned 2792.

BY VELMA SOUTHERLAND LIVING EDITOR

Having adopted the mission “to enrich, entertain and educate our community through high-quality theatrical presentations,” the Greeneville Theatre Guild has announced five shows for its second season.

The group formed in 2014 and produced two shows in its inaugural season of 2015: “Father of the Bride,” directed by Bill Regan, and “Lend Me A Tenor,” directed by Steve Schultz.

The guild also presented “Like Kissing Moonlight” to Greeneville. The latter work was written and directed by regional playwright Stacey Bracey. It premiered at the Johnson City Community Theatre. The JC production included a number of Greene Countians in the cast.

The new season is heavily sprinkled with comedy, Southern-style, as it begins with two shows that focus on relationships defined by that geography.

On the menu for the guild’s second season are: • “Southern Fried Funeral” — which ran March 11-13 and 1821, a comedy about family directed by Bill Regan, which focuses on the best and worst of human nature when a loved one dies; • “Dixie Swim Club” — May 6-8 and 13-15, a comedy directed by Jim Holt that is a tale of school friendships that continue and evolve over the years; • “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” — June 17-19 and 24-26, directed by Brian Ricker, which will be the guild’s first musical comedy and, despite the spelling bee storyline, is typically staged with young adults as the show features some adult themes; • Agatha Christie’s mystery/thriller “ The Mousetrap” — Sept. 1618 and 23-25, directed

by Steve Schultz, the world’s longest running stage play; • “Stocking Stuffers” — Dec. 8-11, will be a variety of vignettes directed by people of

SUN FILE PHOTO

Steven Ayers, left, displayed his winning logo design for the Greeneville Theatre Guild, as David Hendricksen, secretary of the guild’s board of trustees, holds checks totaling $500 that were presented to Ayers, who donated a portion of his prize to the art department at Chuckey-Doak High School. the community who are new to directing, according to Paige Mengel, business coordinator for the guild.

Three coordinators are responsible for the day-to-day guild business: Sandy Neinaber, ar tistic coordinator, Christy Hoeke, educational coordinator, and Mengel.

The board of trustees is responsible for fundraising and oversight of the coordinators. The board is comprised of Pat Russo, president; David Hendr icksen, secretary; Walt Brumit, treasurer; Dr. Melinda Dukes, Stuart Hoeke, Andy Daniels, Dr. Jerry Ward, Dr. Thomas Beckner and Ruth Moss.

LOGO CONTEST HELD Very early in 2015, the guild held a competition from which it selected a logo designed by Steven Ayers, who won $ 500 for first place.

The other f inalists were designs by Patricia Brady and Paige Mengel, who won $200 when the decision was made in Febr uar y 2015.

REHEARSAL AND SHOW LOCATIONS At the moment, the guild is leasing the

Coming Soon

stage of The Capitol Theatre of Greeneville for its shows.

Since the guild has access to the Capitol for only the last week before each opening night, the sets, props and costumes must be accumulated and stored off-site.

Frank and Paige Mengel have purchased a building on Depot Street, which they are leasing to the guild.

The first part of the building was purchased in March 2015, and the f inal portion of the same building was purchased in January.

Located at the corner of West Deport and Cutler streets, the guild is calling the location the Theatre Depot. It is being used for rehearsals, set building, and

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THE GREENEVILLE SUN BENCHMARKS EDITION

Saturday, March 26, 2016

17

‘Healing With Flowers’ Blossoms With Volunteers

BY VELMA SOUTHERLAND LIVING EDITOR

The petals were barely wilted from the death of Greeneville’s Random Acts of Flowers when the Healing With Flowers ministry burst into bloom.

The mission of both organizations is to recycle flowers and deliver smiles.

Healing With Flowers will mark its first anniversary April 10.

HWF delivered its 5,000th bouquet on Feb. 25, according to Cindi Laws, treasurer of the HWF board, and Gypsy Tweed, board president.

HWF’s arrangements are created from flowers donated after weddings, funerals, church services and the events of local clubs and organizations, as well as flowers donated by grocery store floral departments.

The new arrangements are delivered to patients and residents of hospitals and nursing homes and those in hospice care.

The Knoxville-based Random Acts of Flowers lasted in Greeneville barely one year before closing the office Feb. 23, 2015, due to financial shortfalls.

The local branch had opened in January 2014.

The 501(c) 3 organization had concluded that its branches need to be located in cities larger than Greeneville in order to be self sustaining, according to a spokesman.

Each month, the local branch’s expenses totaled nearly $5,000. Included in that amount were rent, utilities, materials, an amount for corporate and the salaries of two employees.

Even as RAF was struggling with whether the local office would close or remain open, the seed of a new non-profit organization was germinating in the mind of Cindi Laws, of Greeneville, a volunteer with RAF. “We wanted to restart something smaller that we could just run in Greeneville independently, and not have a corporate entity to report to,” said Gypsy Tweed, president of the Healing with Flowers board, for an October 2015 story.

“We really feel like this is a ministry in the community. The volunteers that are keeping this going feel very strongly about it.”

Healing With Flowers has eliminated most of the expenses RAF paid.

The new organization is enjoying donated space in the former Pet Milk building, sharing space with Gifts for Kids in a warehouse owned by LandAir Transport Inc. Utilities are also donated. All the work is performed by volunteers who do not take a salary.

Tweed said that new

SUN FILE PHOTO

Former Random Acts of Flowers Greeneville Executive Director Angee Woody, right, delivered flowers to Lucille Casteel Johnson at Laughlin Memorial Hospital in January 2014. Mrs. Johnson died April 22, 2015, at 99 years of age. The Greeneville chapter of Random Acts of Flowers closed Feb. 23, 2015. volunteers are coming on board about every month from all walks of life.

Even icy January had 25 or so who managed to show up and get the work done.

WISH LIST Nearly all supplies are donated by the Greene County community, Laws said.

Leftover flowers, small to medium vases and ribbons are daily needs.

“We always have flowers on Mondays, but the other days are sometimes sketchy,” Laws said.

While the site is open seven days a week, normally it is just Laws who is in unless HWF has a supply of flowers, she said.

Laws and Tweed elaborated that monetary donations are welcomed as there are some items that are not gifted to the organization: wires for the bows, card holders, flower food, gas for the delivery vehicles and some tools used in making the arrangements.

“Our biggest wish right now is a van for delivery,” Laws said.

VOLUNTEERING OR DONATING People are needed for every step of the Healing With Flowers process: picking up the donated arrangements, deconstructing the arrangements and sorting the

flowers into buckets by type and color, making the new arrangements and delivering the floral gifts to their destinations.

HWF delivers to the two local hospitals, six different nursing homes, two assisted living locations, the soup kitchen and two companies who manage houses for displaced Greene Valley residents.

In addition, some volunteers go to the HWF site, pick up ribbon and make bows while watching TV, Laws said.

HWF has partnered with Holston United Methodist Home For Children in delivering the flowers. Both organizations believe the Holston Home children benefit by interacting with elderly and/or ill people and that the recipients are cheered by the young people.

To volunteer for any step in the process or to donate flowers, call 423708-HEAL. The organization has just started giving a HWF T-shirt to one volunteer per month. Each time a volunteer works, that person writes his name on a slip of paper and puts it into a vase from which the winning slip is drawn.

“We’ve just started that and it’s been a huge hit,” Tweed said.

“We want anyone who participates at any level

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THE GREENEVILLE SUN BENCHMARKS EDITION Saturday, March 26, 2016

Community Rallies For Year Of Giving Aid To Needy

BY LISA WARREN STAFF WRITER

Greene Countians are often known for a spirit of giving.

Through the years, people here have generously supported various charitable causes — even during times when funds are tight for most households.

Despite lean times, Greene Countians continued to support a variety of causes during the past year through charitable fundraising campaigns, sponsored walks and many other ways.

Among those was the annual Greene County United Way Campaign, which directs funds toward 24 partner agencies and programs.

Since 1958, the United Way of Greene County has been conducting an annual fundraising campaign for services that aid citizens in a wide variety of ways.

This year, the organization hopes to reach a fundraising goal of $ 600,000, which officials say will be used to help 30,000 Greene County residents.

Despite lean times, Greene Countians continued to support a variety of causes during the past year through charitable fundraising campaigns, sponsored walks and many other ways. have, to date, raised just over $ 69,000, according the Greene County Relay for Life web page in mid March.

Since the Relay for Life’s founding in 1995, supporters have raised nearly $2.5 million for the fight against cancer.

This past year, one longtime volunteer became involved in the East Tennessee regional fundraising effort.

The American Cancer Society Mid South Division named Greeneville resident Nicki Sentelle to serve on the Division Relay Leadership Team.

In this role, Sentelle is the volunteer lead for all counties serviced by the Johnson City and Knoxville markets.

The team, made up of volunteers from across the six-state division, oversees the execution of divisionwide strategy and new volunteer support initiatives for the region’s Relay for Life organizations.

RELAY FOR LIFE Several charitable walks and other annual fundraising efforts also continued successful campaigns during the past year — especially the Greene County Relay for Life, an annual community fundraiser for the American Cancer Society.

This year marks the 21th anniversary of the Greene County Relay for Life. Although a variety of fundraising events are already being scheduled by teams participanting in the fundraising, the main event is scheduled for Saturday, June 11, from 1-11 p.m. at the Greeneville Middle School Track, located at 433 E. Vann Road next COAL FUND This past year’s Coal Fund campaign, sponsored to Hardin Park.

While final totals won’t be counted until later annually by The Greeneville Sun, raised more than this year, so far, there are 31 teams and 230 par- $117,000 to aid local needy families.

The Coal Fund is administered free-of-charge ticipants signed up for this year’s relay, which

by Greeneville-Greene County Community Ministries, a multi-faceted outreach of the GreenevilleGreene County Ministerial Association.

The Coal Fund program was established years ago to provide financial assistance to those who need help heating their homes. Although the annual official campaign begins on Thanksgiving and continues through the end of the year, Coal Fund donations are accepted year-round.

The Coal Fund also guides people to use the Wood Ministry, which chops, cuts and delivers wood to needy families with wood stoves.

OTHER MAJOR DRIVES Numerous other local groups have also seen continued support for their fundraising walking events held in Greeneville during the past year, including: • Last yea r ’s Greenev ille Ma rch for Babies, a commu n ity f u nd ra iser for the Ma rch of Dimes, netted nea rly $ 54,0 0 0 to benef it the orga n i zat ion t h at work s t o prevent bi r t h defe c t s a nd premat u re bi r t h s. T h is yea r, Ma rch for Babies orga nizers hope to ra ise at least $ 6 0,0 0 0 as pa r t of the wa lk set for Su nday, May 1, at the Laughlin Memor ia l Hospital wa lk ing tra il, wh ich is located on the hospita l ca mpus.

• The annual Greeneville MS Walk held last April resulted in just over $21,000 being collected to aid multiple sclerosis research and patient services.

Contributions raised through this annual walk, which is hosted each year by the Greeneville MS Self-Help Group, benefit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. This year, event organizers hope to raise at least $25,000.

The 2016 Greeneville MS Walk is set for Saturday, April 23, on the campus of Tusculum College. Registration for the event will begin at 9 a.m. at the Tusculum College Indoor Sports Complex, located just off Shiloh Road beside the football field.

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Saturday, March 26, 2016

Softball Starts on Page 4 game, center fielder Selena Leon — one of only two seniors on the squad, along with Sarah Luttrell — sat down in the outfield and began crying.

“I can understand the emotion that Selena was feeling because she has watched it come full circle,” coach Bob Fortel said at the time. “She was here when we were not so good and now they are getting opportunity to go win it all.”

The Lady Devils had the chance to win it all the year before the state title game, but in reality, they weren’t ready, according to some of the members of this year’s team.

Greeneville finished fourth at the 2014 state tournament. “I think last year we came in a little nervous,” Holt said in 2015.

“There was none of that this

Lady Rebels Starts on Page 6 carries herself and her work ethic. She’s such a humble kid and doesn’t really want to talk about this kind of stuff, but she is so deserving of this recognition.”

Lamb played some of her best basketball of

year. We came down here knowing we could win it.”

Lowery agreed, saying, “We were probably a little timid last year, but it was good for us to experience that and get a feel for everything. I think that was the main difference between last year and this year.”

Greeneville went 4-1 at the 2015 state tournament, rolling through Lexington, CAK and Chattanooga Central before suffering a setback against Lexington in the finals. The Lady Tigers had to beat GHS twice to capture the title, though, and Greeneville responded with a 74 win.

Third baseman Hope Ottinger gloved the final ground ball and threw it to first. Cayla Woods caught it and the celebration ensued.

“It felt amazing,” Ottinger said. “All season, our goal was to make sure we got back here so that we could finish this time.

It’s something I will always remember.”

the season at the state tournament, as she recorded a total of 80 points and 33 rebounds in three games. For her efforts, she was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player.

Cutshaw and Wykle were also named to the All-State Tournament Team.

T hree of South Greene’s four losses this season came to

THE GREENEVILLE SUN BENCHMARKS EDITION

Sauceman hit two home runs in the finale, and her tears started falling as she embraced Leon after the game.

“I can’t describe this moment,” Sauceman said. “You always say your goal is to win a state championship, but to go out and actually do it — it’s unbelievable.

“I think back on all the hours we’ve put in, all the hard work, just to see it all pay off.”

The Lady Devils declared before the season started that they were going to win a state championship. But it was harder to put into words the night the dream had been realized.

“We’ve been saying all year that we were going to do this, but now that we finally did it ...

I can’t even explain it, it’s just incredible,” Leon said.

Fortel added, “This is just something that started off as a dream, but every year we saw it get a little bit closer and closer, and that just made us work harder and harder.”

Morristown West. The Lady Trojans made it to state, as well, in Class AAA. The Lady Rebels defeated North Greene for both the District 1-A and Region 1-A titles, and then thumped Midway in the state sectional game to earn a trip to Murfreesboro for the second straight year.

Lamb was one of the key players for South

Greene a year ago, as well, and she said the familiarity of playing on the big stage helped her this time around.

“I had a lot of nerves last year,” Lamb said.

“I was really uptight.

I was more loose this year and more upbeat, because I was more comfortable with my surroundings.

That really helped me this year.”

19

Athletes Starts on Page 7 expect that.

“I am really proud of the girls. They came ready to play today and took care of business.”

CHUCKEY-DOAK SOCCER SETS SCHOOL RECORD FOR WINS The Chuckey-Doak girls’ soccer team had a season to remember in 2015 as the Lady Knights set a school record for wins (19) and advanced to the state sectional round for the second time in three years.

TUSCULUM INTRODUCES ODOM AS NEW FOOTBALL COACH Tusculum College in December announced Jerry Odom as the new head football coach after the school parted ways with long-time coach Frankie DeBusk following the 2015 season.

Odom was formally the defensive coordinator at Jacksonville University.

GREENEVILLE’S FOSTER WINS STATE TITLE, DEVILS ADVANCE AS TEAM After six minutes of a knock-down, drag-out style fight, Nick Foster found enough gas left in his tank to get one more take down and win a state championship in the 220-pound weight class at the TSSAA Class A/AA Indiviual Wrestling Champion- ships at the Williamson County Ag Expo Center in Franklin.

“This feels amazing,” Foster said. “It was an awesome match and we went back and forth, but I knew if I just kept pushing him, eventually he would try to push back and give me an opening. As soon as we got to overtime, I got a new energy and just told myself I’m not going to lose the state championship.”

At the state duals wrestling tournament, Greeneville finished fourth, losing to Alcoa both in the opening round and later in the third-place matchup.

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Saturday, March 26, 2016

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