Farragut Shopper-News 123013

VOL. 7 NO. 52

www.ShopperNewsNow.com |

IN THIS ISSUE

Fitness

Building a dream,

one Lego at a time

By Betsy Pickle Chris Howard is building his way toward his dream job, one Lego brick at a time.

“I have always been a Lego lover,” says Howard, 37. “I’ve always been passionate about playing and building.

“I never got rid of my Legos from when I was a kid, and I always kept building stuff. I had done some Lego artwork on the side – portraits and small sculptures – and I was interested in doing that full-time, but I didn’t really have the cash in the bank to quit my day job and do the Lego art.”

He tried to come up with a way to teach Lego projects in afterschool programs and camps.

“As I was developing my business plan, I found Bricks 4 Kidz,” he says.

“They had basically already invented this wheel that I was thinking about inventing. It was a no-brainer to buy into the program and open a franchise.”

Bricks 4 Kidz (Bricks4kidz.com/

Special Section Get fit for the new year

➤

See special section inside

Christmas Eve at Christ Covenant Senior pastor Jim Barnes at Christ Covenant Presbyterian Church had a special message for his congregants and guests on Christmas Eve. There was the reading of Luke’s account of the birth of Jesus, a video, traditional celebratory carols and touching special music.

But the message Barnes delivered was one of grace and humble beginnings, a reminder that the news of the birth of Jesus more than 2,000 years ago was told to the lowest on the social and political scale of Biblical times.

➤

Read Sherri Gardner Howell on A-3

Homeownership is about people The camera finds Bob Temple, probably because he’s having so much fun. It’s 10:30 a.m. and he’s chowing down a full plate of ham, potatoes and peas. “Breakfast or lunch, Bob?” “Brunch,” he smiles.

Temple is an unsung hero of Habitat for Humanity’s local work.

➤

Read Sandra Clark on page 5

Butch Jones’ first year The best thing Butch Jones did during his first year at Tennessee was win friends and influence people.

That combination provided a comfortable security blanket against the shrapnel of a disappointing season that looked worse than the record. Nobody that matters blamed Butch.

➤

Read Marvin West on page 5

Righting the record Victor Ashe’s histrionic column about Fort Sanders (published in Dec. 23 ShopperNews) requires some clarification.

The current discussions about the property owned by Covenant Health on Highland Avenue and 18th Street have not been conducted in some kind of secret black box.

➤

Read Jesse Mayshark on page 4

10512 Lexington Dr., Ste. 500 37932 (865) 218-WEST (9378) NEWS news@ShopperNewsNow.com Sherri Gardner Howell ADVERTISING SALES ads@ShopperNewsNow.com Shannon Carey Jim Brannon | Tony Cranmore Brandi Davis | Patty Fecco

December 30,, 2013

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To page A-3

Chris Howard with Bricks 4 Kidz shows some of the Lego Mosaics he designed and built. Photo submitted

A voice in the night

By S By Sherri herr herr he rrii Ga G Gardner ard rdne dne nerr Howell Howell Howe ll Jack and Jean Coleman were “living the American dream,” says Jean, when something turned their lives upside-down: A Christian conversion.

“I heard the voice of God in my bedroom one night, and nothing was ever the same,” says Jean.

Jack was resistant at first, and it was over a year before he “saw that what Jean had was real and turned my life over to God,” says Jack.

Today the Colemans embrace a different life from the typical American one they had in the 1960s when they lived in Maryland, raising three children in a home with a stay-at-home mom and a father who worked for a government intelligence agency.

Jean and Jack are now both authors and missionaries. They have pastored a Maryland church that they saw grow from 70 people when they began to 800 when they left and moved to Farragut.

“Believe me, if anyone had told us in the 1960s that we would pastor a church and make 22 trips to India to spread the gospel of Jesus, we would have said that was ludicrous,” says Jack.

The story of Jean’s conversion

Farragut residents Jean and Jack Coleman preach to a gathering at a church in India. Photo submitted and the life that unfolded afterward is told in her first book, “Chapter 29,” which has been reprinted with updates four times and is now the backbone of her latest book, “Chapter 29

Revisited.” Jack’s writing career has taken a different turn to fiction, and he has written two Christianbased coming-of-age novels, “The Witness in the Window” and “Remembering Redbank.” All

three books are self-published and available in paperback at Cedar Springs Christian Book Store or in paperback or e-book from To page A-3

State parks set ‘first hikes’ of 2014 Tennessee State Parks will sponsor free, guided hikes on New Year’s Day. Each state park will host its own special hike in the first few days of the New Year as part of the quarterly hikes program.

“Our First Hikes have been very popular and we are excited to continue this series in the New Year,” said TDEC deputy commissioner Brock Hill.

Norris Dam: Meet at the Andrew Ridge Trailhead off the West Campground Road at 12:01 a.m. on Jan. 1 for a 1.8 mile hike. Bring a headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries. Dress with layers of warm clothing. Info: 865-426-7462.

Big Ridge: Let’s work off those holiday meals with a nature hike along the Chestnut Ridge Trail.

Meet Ranger Wilson at the CCC stone building at 2 p.m. for this approximately two-mile hike. Wear sturdy footwear and dress for the weather. Info: 865-992-5523.

Fort Loudoun: No reservation required, just meet at the park visitor center at 10 a.m. for a wintertime hike on the Ridge Top Trail. Be sure to wear warm clothes and sturdy shoes for this 1.5 mile moderately strenuous hike. Info: 423-884-6217.

Cove Lake: Kick off the New Year with a 5k fitness walk. Meet

Happy New Year!

at 10 a.m. at the recreation building trail head and walk the entire 3.1 paved trail. We will see a variety of waterfowl species and other unique aspects of the park. Be prepared for the cold weather. Following the hike we return to the recreation building where we can enjoy some hot chocolate and coffee. Info: 423-566-9701.

Burgess Falls: Start the New Year right with a hike to the Jewel of the Eastern Highland Rim – Burgess Falls. Ranger Miller will lead a 2-mile trek above the gorge as the Falling Water River plunges 300 feet over four waterfalls, through Hemlock and Beech For-

est before its confluence with the Caney Fork. This guided hike will cover the history of the park, common flora and fauna of the area and ongoing conservation projects.

January days are typically brisk and blustery in this area, so check the forecast and come prepared.

The 2014 First Hikes are designed for all ages and abilities.

Some hikes will be approximately one mile in length and tailored for novice hikers, while others are lengthier and geared toward more experienced hikers. Details are on the website http://tnstateparks. com/about/special-events/1sthikes.

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FARRAGUT Shopper news • DECEMBER 30, 2013 • A-3

Christmas Eve at Christ Covenant Senior pastor Jim Barnes at Christ Covenant Presbyterian Church had a special message for his congregants and guests on Christmas Eve. There was plenty of celebration, with the reading of Luke’s account of the birth of Jesus, a special video, traditional celebratory carols and touching special Emma and Ethan James pause to pose by the Christmas tree in music.

But the message Barnes the foyer at Christ Covenant. Photos by Sherri Gardner Howell

Gene and Barbara Irwin, at back, catch up with the Ibach family at the Christmas Eve service at Christ Covenant church. Seated, from left, are grandparents Donna and John Matlock, and the Ibachs: Chancelor, Daniel, Chatham and Courtney.

At a Kidz Build camp, Maria Howard tries on a Lego hat to the delight of her daughter, Tori.

One Lego at a time Knoxville) is playtime with an educational component.

It offers afterschool programs, camps and other events that use Legos to teach STEM principles.

Howard and his wife, Maria, moved from Greenville, S.C., to the Concord Road area last May and launched their Bricks 4 Kidz franchise with camps in June and July.

They started in earnest at the beginning of the school year with afterschool programs at Farragut Primary, Concord Christian School and Episcopal School of Knoxville. They added more as fall progressed and ex-

From page A-1

pect to expand this spring.

Maria Howard is the main teacher, and they have several other employees. Meanwhile, Chris Howard spends most of his time on … paperwork?

“My main focus is on maintaining, developing and growing the business,” he says. “I do sales and the paperwork and all the behind-the-scenes stuff.”

That’s no fun.

“I know,” he says. “But it’s a growing business. We’re still debating whether I should get more into the teaching.

“Part of it is, we have four kids between the ages of 5 and 11. With our previous

jobs, we both had to work full-time all the time, and we hated the fact that our kids had to be in daycare the whole rest of the day and that we didn’t really have an option otherwise.”

Now, the couple arranges their schedules so that one parent is usually at home when the children get home from school. “We have that time to do homework with them,” says Howard.

Another family reason for starting Bricks 4 Kidz in this area was that Howard’s parents are retired and living in Sweetwater. Howard grew up in Maine until he was 16, when his family relocated to Alabama. He moved to South Carolina to attend college, where he met Maria.

She was an elementaryeducation major. He kept changing his mind.

He studied computer science and creative writing before finally deciding to major in Bible. He ended up with two minors: creative writing and Biblical Greek.

For the past few years, his computer skills have driven his paycheck. In Greenville, he was the department head for interactive marketing at a company that does textbooks for K-12; his wife worked at the same company.

Howard says his wife was game to try Bricks 4 Kidz.

“I’ve always been a bit of a geek. Maria, I’ve just kind of dragged her along into the geek world. She loves Legos – not quite as passionately

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Sherri Gardner Howell FARRAGUT FACES delivered was one of grace Madison Smits enjoys “Humand humble beginnings, a phrey’s First Christmas” durreminder that the news of ing the children’s message. the birth of Jesus more than 2,000 years ago was told to the lowest of the low on the social and political scale of Biblical times.

“Shepherds,” said Barnes, “were just a notch above lepers. Priests would not even acknowledge them because they were considered unclean.”

The candlelight Christmas Eve service at Christ Covenant, 12915 Kingston Pike, was repeated in churches throughout Knoxville last Tuesday, with some churches holding as many as five, including midnight services to welcome in Christmas Day.

Katie Appleby helps lead as the congregation sings Christmas carols at the candlelight service.

A medley of “The Birthday of a King” and “O Holy Night” was chosen by Gabe Loving as the special music for Christ Covenant’s Christmas Eve service.

as I do, but she’s lived with them, and she enjoys building with them.”

Though their degrees weren’t in STEM, Howard believes they’re a good fit for Bricks 4 Kidz.

“Bricks 4 Kidz has architects, engineers and educators who are developing a curriculum and developing the projects and things that we do,” he says. “We’re able to come in and glean from that and work from there.

“Not everybody has to be a rocket scientist. You’ve just got to be … good with kids and help make that connection for them and guide them.”

Howard, who has photos of his Lego art on his personal website, www.duckingham.com, loves his day job but still hopes for his dream job: creating Lego artwork.

“I would love – after I get Bricks 4 Kidz good and established – to get back into doing that because that’s where my greater passion is,” he says. “This was a good Lego segue for me.”

Voice in the night

From page A-1

Amazon.

After establishing and pastoring the International Christian Center church in Laurel, Md., for 20 years, the Colemans moved to Knoxville 13 years ago, brought here originally to visit one of their daughters, Kathy Wood, who is a University of Tennessee professor. “We were thinking about moving but didn’t plan it the way it happened,” says Jack. It happened one afternoon as the couple visited Kathy, and she talked them into looking at some houses in the area. They walked into an Open House in Farragut. “By 2 p.m. the next day, we owned it,” says Jack.

International contacts with missionaries were part of the outreach of the church the Colemans pastored, and they began traveling overseas to visit their friends. They took their first trip in 1980 and haven’t stopped.

“Our connection with India was through the church in Laurel,” says Jean. “The church became a place where Christian leaders from all over the world would come.

Through the years, the church’s mission program built churches and two children’s homes in India. We love the people, love the churches and love to preach and share with them. I consider it my second spiritual home.”

“Chapter 29 Revisited” is available in five languages – English, German, Norwegian, Spanish and Telugu, the Indian dialect in the area where the Colemans visit.

In addition to Kathy, the Colemans have a daughter in Maryland and a son in Virginia. The couple will pack for India again in January. “We have ministered on every continent except Antarctica,” says Jean. “Our lives have been truly blessed.”

government Righting the record on Fort Sanders

By Jesse Fox Mayshark Victor Ashe’s histrionic column about Fort Sanders (published in Dec. 23 ShopperNews) requires some clarification.

Mayshark The current discussions about the property owned by Covenant Health on Highland Avenue and 18th Street have not been conducted in some kind of secret black box. In fact, Mayor Rogero and Deputy to the Mayor Bill Lyons met and discussed the issue with representatives of both Knox Heritage and the Historic Fort Sanders Neighborhood Association before they ever talked to Covenant.

There is no done deal here, much less one that “negates” the work of the Fort Sanders Forum in 2000 or the Fort Sanders District Plan of 2010.

(Ambassador Ashe does not mention the latter plan, in keeping with his general pattern of acknowledging only those things that happened in Knoxville between 1987 and 2003.)

The discussions are still going on. Most recently, the mayor, Dr. Lyons and Vice Mayor Nick Pavlis had a productive meeting with the leadership of Knox Heritage, at which various alternative proposals were discussed. No decisions have been made about any next steps.

Moreover, the city is in the midst of a comprehensive $17 million redesign of the entire Cumberland Avenue Corridor. This is the main commercial thoroughfare of the Fort Sanders neighborhood, and its haphazard design and perennial congestion have made it a barrier to attractive, functional urban development. The Cumberland Avenue plan aims to reduce through-traffic, improve safety for all users and bolster the district’s standing as a desirable place to both live and visit.

By encouraging more residential density in apart-

GOSSIP AND LIES ■ Dolly Parton says she and husband Carl Dean may renew their vows on their 50th wedding anniversary in two years.

ments clustered along or near Cumberland, it will take some of the pressure off the historic homes in Fort Sanders, which have for generations served largely as student living quarters. By reconfiguring Cumberland as a pedestrian- and visitor-friendly area, it will enhance the desirability and marketability of the neighborhood as a whole. And by taking steps to deal with the parking shortage that floods the neighborhood’s streets with both short- and long-term parkers, it will make Fort Sanders an easier place to navigate for both residents and visitors.

The Cumberland Avenue plan is currently the city’s largest capital project, and the primary beneficiaries of it will be the residents, merchants and property owners of Fort Sanders. Representatives of all of those groups have been deeply involved in its planning since the beginning.

The city is also continuing to work with the neighborhood on other concerns.

Just this month, the city’s Public Officer entered an order to repair a deteriorating, historic home in the Fort Sanders conservation district. When neighborhood representatives asked if garbage pick-up could be switched from Friday to Monday, so that the previous weekend’s refuse wouldn’t sit by the curb all week, the Public Service Department juggled routes to do it and engaged in a month-long public education campaign to make sure residents were aware of the change.

Mayor Rogero and city staff have had multiple meetings with neighborhood representatives to discuss these and other issues, and will continue to meet with them in the future.

None of that may matter to Ambassador Ashe, who – for the record – has not asked a single question about this issue to anyone in the city administration.

But it may matter to those genuinely interested in the future of Fort Sanders.

A-4 • DECEMBER 30, 2013 • Shopper news

Speaking truth to power Halls Elementary School 3rd grade teacher Lauren Hopson was sitting in a Fountain City restaurant being interviewed for this column when a teacher from a distant part of the county came by her table to say thank you.

Betty Bean “She’s saying what every teacher in Knox County wants to say but is afraid to,” the teacher said of Hopson. “All my teachers know her, and every Knox County teacher supports her.”

“Tell them to show up at school board meetings,” Hopson said. “Tell them we need them and that we’re safer if we all stand up together.”

“Keep on keeping on,” the teacher said as she left to resume her Christmas shopping.

This illustrates why Lauren Hopson is my Knox County Person of the Year for 2013.

Although she’d never considered herself particularly political, Hopson went to the October school board meeting and started a revolution.

She was there to protest the stress the school system’s relentless data collection regime is placing on teachers and students. She’d done it before, in January 2012, but got no response.

She decided to try again after two of the most respected teachers she knows received letters of concern, informing them that their jobs were in jeopardy because they got low scores on an unannounced evaluation that required them to hit 61 data points per lesson.

“These are excellent teachers and there’s no reason they should ever be concerned for their jobs. We’d been trying to be heard for 2-3 years, and I was just mad. I didn’t want them to

be able to say that nobody had told them, even though I voiced very specific concerns with the evaluation system 21 months ago.

“I gave (the school board) some very personal stories, and I invited them to talk to teachers, and absolutely nothing happened. Nobody saw it. Nobody heard it. And none of the board members did a thing. It was like they were saying, ‘Okay, little woman. Now get back in your place. All right, shut up now. Get back in the kitchen.’”

By Christmas Eve, a YouTube video of her speech had been viewed nearly 200,000 times. Hopson has been interviewed by national education writers and has gotten fan letters and gifts from teachers she doesn’t even know, and when she went to the November board meeting, 300 of her colleagues stood with her.

“At this point, I’m in too deep to go back,” she said. “I just want people to inform themselves about what’s go-

Lauren Hopson ing on in education and not just believe the soundbites of politicians. They need to know where these changes come from and who’s making money off them. They need to question statements like ‘Change is hard.’”

“It’s not that hard; it’s just plain wrong. Teachers are adaptable. We change all the time. We’re not afraid of working hard. But we have a problem with being asked to do things that are wrong for our kids.”

Mayor downgrades communications

(Jesse Fox Mayshark is Communications Director, city of Knoxville)

The immediate past director was Angela Starke who was a senior director in city government (above the rest) and made $118,000 plus a $5,800 car allowance. She reported to the mayor. Starke’s tenure can best be described as unremarkable. Jesse Mayshark did most of the work without the high pay.

The department now has only a director, Mayshark. He reports to deputy Dr. Bill Lyons.

While Mayshark got a pay bump up to $88,000 from this move plus a car allowance of over $5,800 a year he still earns $30,000 less than Starke. Not reporting

directly to the mayor is a downgrade. It is a strange system where the communications person for the city does not have immediate direct access to the mayor.

It lessens their effectiveness among the media.

The new setup is a cost savings to the taxpayer and a downgrade to the status of the department. The secretary position held by retired Mary Ann Blankenship has been filled by a lower-paid, temporary employee, Alexandra Box, 22, a recent communications graduate of Carson-Newman University.

This marks the second senior position which Mayor Rogero created two years ago but has now eliminated without an announcement.

The other was the Christi Branscom position when she became deputy mayor.

This suggests senior director positions are not all that useful or needed as well as costly.

Eric Vreeland, 50, will take over much of the dayto-day responses to media inquiries but will he have daily direct access to the Mayor? He says he will. He worked 27 years at the News Sentinel. Vreeland’s wife, Emily Jones, has been a

Proving again that nothing works quite like a transcontinental marriage.

■ Cracker Barrel announced it won’t stock Easter bunnies this spring, but two days later reversed its decision saying customers

can browse both bunnies and ducks while waiting for a table.

■ Ducks!???!

■ Rumors that R. Larry Smith may move to Union County and run for constable are exaggerated.

But Smith says he’ll run for something because there’s no squelching his urge to serve.

■ Happy New Year to our friends the politicians.

May 2014 be as much fun as the last few decades!

The new personnel and pay scales for the city’s communications department tell a story which has not been publicly discussed.

Mayor Rogero has downgraded her communications department. How is that?

Victor Ashe

longtime Rogero supporter.

They live in East Knoxville.

Vreeland comes to work too late to participate in the city pension system as his work with Rogero will be only six years assuming a second Rogero term.

Vreeland says working for Mayor Rogero appealed to him because of the ongoing work on the waterfront and Cumberland Avenue. His father, now over 90, was a longtime city administrator for Hillsboro, Mo. ■ The city salary survey adopted by council which can run up to $219,000 will unquestionably lead to a push for higher pay for some city employees above the increase they are already mandated.

A salary survey seldom comes back with a recommended pay cut. It is step one toward higher pay with the excuse the city needs to be competitive with the private sector. However, several Rogero top aides are making far more with the city than they ever made in the private sector including the mayor herself.

Given Knoxville is one of the few cities in the U.S. to have an annual mandatory 2.5 percent pay increase, city employees get an annual pay increase automatically but not as much as city retirees. However, since the 2.5 percent applies evenly to all, it means those four city employees now making over $150,000 a year get an annual $3,000 increase while employees at $75,000 a year

receive half that. The gap between the highest paid and lower paid city employees widens. If council wished to change that inequity it will need to change the ordinance. Otherwise, the gap will continue to grow.

Paying $200,000 plus for a salary survey which could have been secured by a few phone calls seems financially excessive. Council members Marshall Stair, Daniel Brown and Duane Grieve voted to defer the matter to determine the city’s fiscal situation in a few months before rushing to spend this money.

The fire department was mentioned as needing a new rank for pay purposes.

But the fire department has one of the lowest turnover rates of any department in city government. Most firefighters make their employment at KFD a long career. They are fine people but once employed seldom move elsewhere.

■ Deborah DePietro, wife of the UT president, was elected vice chair of the Tennessee State Museum Commission at its recent December meeting in Nashville.

■ Mike Cohen, president of Cohen Communications Group, and former press person for the city Mayor, county Mayor and School Superintendent, has spent the Christmas holidays in South Korea visiting his son, Graham, who is teaching English in a private school for the academic year.

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Shopper news • DECEMBER 30, 2013 • A-5

Homeownership: ‘It’s about the people’ The camera finds Bob Temple, probably because he’s having so much fun. It’s 10:30 a.m. and he’s chowing down a full plate of ham, potatoes and peas. “Breakfast or lunch, Bob?” “Brunch,” he smiles.

Temple is an unsung hero of Habitat for Humanity’s local work. The man who developed Temple Acres in Halls (and built several other homes) has been involved with Habitat virtually since its inception, swinging a

and on Middlebrook Pike had gathered to dedicate the new home on Washington Pike just a block from Belle Sandra Morris Elementary School.

Clark The owner is Nikia Thompson, who will live there with her children, Domenic, 11, and Darmonie, 6. hammer and donating mon- Nikia has been working since Temple age 16 and has dreamed of ey for materials.

“I’ve never seen a fam- her own place.

She was accepted and ily so involved,” he said of Nikia Thompson. Folks began the Habitat process from sponsoring Methodist in 2012. That meant minichurches in Fountain City mizing her debt and attend-

Butch Jones’ first year The best thing Butch Jones did during his first year at Tennessee was win friends and influence people.

That combination provided a comfortable security blanket against the shrapnel of a disappointing season that looked worse than the record. Nobody that matters blamed Butch.

Jones made a remarkable impact on former Volunteers. He treated them with respect, recognized their contributions to the happy part of Tennessee football history and convinced most that he can coach.

Jones gave hope to the beat-up fan base. People quoted his catchy slogans as if they were scripture. Some think next year will be better. Some are again blindly optimistic. Some realize reconstruction may take longer.

It is called a process – culture change, positive attitude, attention to detail, family atmosphere.

I do believe his brick-bybrick building plan might work – if it doesn’t take too long.

I’ve been told that Coach made a speech at Rucker Stewart Middle School in Gallatin where super recruit Josh Malone’s mother is a teacher. He talked for most of an hour about character and discipline and reputation, about leadership and what type young men he seeks for Tennessee football.

Think about that: He used his time to win a few young friends and influence that age group in defining a purpose. Amazing!

Jones pushed his first squad of Volunteers pretty close to the limit but won admiration by working as hard as he asked them to work and won hearts by being the real deal, by caring for them as human beings.

You did read what some seniors said? That they wished they had another year to play for this man.

Such thinking might explain why the team, even when things went bad, did not quit.

Academic progress by the players got my attention.

Jones said the right things.

He was the master motivator.

Making friends and influencing people are basics in Butch Jones’ recruiting plan.

The man has a winning approach. He looks you in the eye. He remembers names.

I do believe that plan is working. Jones establishes relationships that are perceived as sincere. Parents trust him. He may actually take title to the state. The overall commitment count is astounding.

This coach is no phony.

He is selling what he actually has, the place and the people. When he says Tennessee is special, he is believable. He actually knows who the Vols beat in bowl games past. He knows why Bob Neyland’s name is on the stadium. He is quite different from recent leaders.

The checkerboards are secure. Butch appreciates tradition, even if he did the grey thing to encourage the children and give the marketing division something new to market.

sive line, open tournament at quarterback, probable coming in the Marvin makeover secondary? By pointing to West where this staff has been and inviting study of what happened there. It is called a track record.

Perhaps you noticed that When he says he has the Tennessee football wasn’t best coaching staff in the all that sharp in 2013. As a country, I may chuckle, but some of his assistants strategist, the coach graded are obviously outstanding out average. As a communisalespeople (think Tommy cator, Butch Jones was outstanding.

Thigpen).

That rare skill, coupled So, how do you sell loswith forthcoming recruiting ing? By turning it into a rewards, faster, stronger, positive and calling it early more athletic players, may opportunity to play.

How do you sell the fu- sometime make him coach ture when there is so much of the year.

Marvin West invites reader reaction. His uncertainty, new offen- address is westwest6@netzero.com

ing regular classes in addition to her already considerable responsibilities.

With the support of her family, she persevered.

“Fa mily is safe.

Family is everything,” she said in a blurb on H a bi t at ’s website.

Edwards N i k i a’s uncle, a professional carpenter, helped the Habitat volunteers and professionals construct her new home.

Her grandmother Sarah Edwards brought food every day. “Best cobbler pie you’ve ever had,” said Randy Frye, pastor of Fountain City UMC. Grandpa Robert Edwards Sr. just beamed.

“We’re so proud of Nikia.

She’s a wonderful girl.” He had promised at the outset to sit in a chair and supervise the construction.

Nikia is proud of her kids and shared son Domenic’s message to her in a homemade Mother’s Day card. “I love you so much! ... I know it’s very hard doing things on your own, but as life con-

John Voss of Middlebrook Pike UMC hugs Nikia Thompson following the dedication of her home. Photo by S. Clark tinues it will get better. ... If you follow these four things we will make it in life: Hope for joy, justice in life, live and honor, and strength to complete twists and turns.”

In addition to her grandparents, uncle and the kids, both of Nikia’s parents have helped, as has her younger brother and sister. “The process has been amazing, and I am blown away,” she said on the Habitat website.

“Everything you pour into life comes back to you.”

Nikia recently accepted a new job, and on Dec. 21, she received the keys to her new house. The next morning she was at Fountain City UMC, speaking at the early service.

s ’ r a e Y u o w Y e r N o A F h s i W

“Habitat has an unbelievable record of (people) paying off their homes,” said Temple.

“Even during the recession the default rate was low.”

Middlebrook Pike UMC associate pastor, Evelyn Harris, offered a calming prayer with little cousin Zion, who was racing around in a Santa hat.

John Voss, Middlebrook’s project coordinator, said the church has sponsored “8 or 9 houses over 10-12 years.”

And Rick Murphree, a retired banker, said it’s easy to recruit volunteers. “People like to be involved in tangible things.”

“It’s not about the house,” said Voss. “It’s about the people.”

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A-6 • DECEMBER 30, 2013 • Shopper news

2014

2013

Shopper news • DECEMBER 30, 2013 • A-7

Appalachian Christmas comes to Northshore

By Sandra Clark Brenda Haymore and a sanctuar y full of music lovers at St. Mark United Methodist Church rang a joyful noise up and down Haymore Northshore Drive on Dec. 22 with the 7th annual old-fashioned Appalachian Christmas.

Storyteller and church member Jennifer A lldredge gave an animated tale that involved a blind donkey and Alldredge blooming poinsettias (you really had to be there).

Cody Shuler was the lead singer, accompanied by Wayne Crowe from Waynesville, N.C. Cody moved here from Bryson City, N.C., and yes, he’s a cousin to football Vols Heath and Benji Shuler. Cody’s regular band is Pine Mountain Railroad.

Wayne sings with the Crowe Brothers.

Following the music, everyone gathered in the fellowship hall for cookies and cider. Then the youth presented a “lively nativity� on the church lawn, sharing the joy of Christmas with those who passed by.

Pastor David Graybeal engages youngsters at St. Mark’s Appalachian Christmas. Photos by S. Clark

Cody Shuler and Wayne Crowe lead the congregation in “Go Tell It on the Mountain.�

Music Director Haymore attending went home with said the event has grown a goody bag of traditional each year. fruit and candy.

She made sure everyone “Wonderful!� said one

Journey in, journey out A highway shall be there, and it shall be called the Holy Way; the unclean shall not travel on it, but it shall be for God’s people; no traveler, not even fools shall go astray. No lion shall be there, nor shall any ravenous beast come up on it; they shall not be found there, but the redeemed shall walk there. And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

(Isaiah 35: 8-10 NRSV) The world is round and the place which may seem like the end may also be only the beginning.

(Ivy Baker Priest) I am one of those strange people who read the dictionary. The plot is thin, but the language is fascinating.

As I thought about our journey around the sun over the past year, it occurred to me to wonder where the word journey comes from.

Ever since I had a professor of Greek etymology in college who loved what she called “all that nonsense in brackets in the dictionary,�

I means a day (as in bonjour) or a day’s work or travel (from the Latin diurnum, which means day). The dictionary I consulted also adds that “Journey suggests prolonged traveling, especially to a particular destination or for a specific object.�

And that reminded me of

faith

Lynn Pitts

CROSS CURRENTS my experiences with labyrinths.

My Tennessee friend Anne (as opposed to my New Jersey friend Anne) and I spent a weekend retreat several years ago at St Mary’s Sewanee, a convent which hosts spiritual retreats. One part of that weekend was the chance to walk the labyrinth.

Medieval labyrinths were

created not to confuse the traveler, as the ancient Greek lore describes, but to serve as a path for a spiritual journey, particularly for those who could not make the pilgrimage to the Holy Land. A labyrinth has one way in and one way out: the traveler has no chance of getting lost.

The point of the labyrinth is to follow the “sacred path,� to walk prayerfully, centering yourself as you go, moving toward the center, toward the Center of all creation, and then to turn and retrace the same path, this time moving outward toward the world.

It sounds simple. It sounds ordinary. Until you do it.

I have walked simple gravel labyrinths in convent yards, a grass one at Lake Junaluska, and elaborate ones in great cathedrals. The experience never fails to inspire me, to challenge me, to humble me, to change me. It also reminds me of a poem I first heard read at Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis’ funeral: “Ithaka,� by Peter Constantine Cavafy. Here is part of it: Keep Ithaka always in your mind.

Arriving there is what you are destined for.

But do not hurry the

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resident of Manorhouse.

Haymore invited folks from eight assisted living facilities. Church member Dave Stott helped them in and out of their vans.

Pastor David Graybeal talked with youngsters about God’s promise that led to the birth of baby Jesus. He called it the Christmas back-story.

The church was wonderfully decorated with quilts, wooden sleds and old farm implements. Even Pastor Dave wore overalls.

All in all it was a low-key, warm and nostalgic preChristmas afternoon.

Evelyn Harris, associate pastor of Middlebrook Pike United Methodist Church, talks with Scotland, held by Nikia Thompson’s daughter, Darmonie. Middlebrook Pike and Fountain City United Methodist churches joined to help build Thompson’s new home through Habitat for Humanity. See story on A-5.

FAITH NOTES â– First Baptist Concord will start Bible Fellowship groups from 8-9 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 5. Coordinator is Mike Watson. The groups help adults grow together through Bible study, fellowship and ministry opportunities year round. Check the church website to choose a Bible Fellowship class. FBC also offers classes for children and for students in middle school, high school and college. â– Knoxville Christian Science Church will hold a testimony meeting in the reading room at noon Wednesday, Jan. 8. There will be readings from the Bible and Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy.

journey at all.

Better if it lasts for years, ■Central Baptist Bearden plans a family-oriented New Year’s Eve so you are old by the time service from 7 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Enjoy board games, basketball, you reach the island, pool, ping pong, foosball, racquetball, wallyball, movies, food, wealthy with all you and more. Stay the whole night or just a portion. Prayer will be have gained on the way, offered at midnight. not expecting Ithaka to ■Catholic Charities offers counseling for those with emotional make you rich. issues who may not be physically able to come to the office for Happy New Year, and entherapy. All information is completely confidential. Call 1-877-7906369. Nonemergency calls only. Info: www.ccetn.org. joy the journey!

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A-8 • DECEMBER 30, 2013 • Shopper news

Northshore Elementary School students Ashlyn Foster, Levi Newlin, teacher Jessica Thompson and student Logan Rhodes make ornaments together during a party in their classroom. Photos

by N. Anderson

Winter 2014 Classes, Workshops and Events Yoga When: Tuesdays, Jan. 14 – Feb. 18 (6 weeks): 9 – 10 a.m.

What: Includes the basics and beyond in yoga - stretching, posture and gentle positions. Wear comfortable clothing and bring a mat, yoga straps, one blanket and blocks.

Cost: $60 Registration and payment deadline: Friday, Jan. 10

Celina Morgan, London Owens, Chandler Wates, Caroline Craft and Joie Denning compare identical snow figures tops.

‘Tis the Season Holiday fun at Northshore Elementary

Pilates Session 1: Tuesdays, Jan. 14 – 28 (3 weeks): 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Session 2: Tuesdays, Feb. 4 – 25 (4 weeks): 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.

What: Pilates is a mind-body exercise that works the whole body and incorporates yoga poses in order to enhance flexibility, strength and breathing.

Cost: Session 1 – $30; Session 2 – $40 Registration and payment deadlines: Session 1 – Monday, Jan. 13; Session 2 – Monday, Feb. 3 Bricks 4 Kidz – Kidz Night Out (Ages 5 – 13) When: Friday, Jan. 17: 6 – 9 p.m.

What: Parents enjoy an evening out while their children enjoy an evening playing with LEGO toys and games! Price includes pizza and a make-your-own mini figure for each child.

Cost: $30 for first child, $25 for each additional child Registration and payment deadline: Wednesday, Jan. 15

Students and faculty celebrate the holidays together: (front) Catherine Martin, Lucy Beck; (back) teacher Jessica Stephens, student Hayden Hayes and principal Susan Davis.

Tai Chi Beginning Class: Sundays, Jan. 19 – March 30: 9 – 11 a.m.

What: Beginning Tai Chi teaches the sequence of the 108 moves of the Tai Chi set. Benefits include improved circulation, balance and posture; increased strength and flexibility; and reduced stress.

Continuing Class: Sundays, Jan. 19 – March 30: 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

What: The continuing class is for those who have finished the beginning class and will deepen the students’ knowledge of the internal arts as practiced by the Taoist Tai Chi Society of the USA. Cost (for each class): Senior Citizen 60 and over – $20 per month, Adult – $30 per month. $20 non-refundable registration fee payable when a person registers for the first time. Cash or check payment due at first class.

Registration deadline (both classes): Registrations taken through the date of the first class. Call 482-7761 to register in advance.

“The Manhattan Project – Secrets Revisited” Exhibit (Farragut Folklife Museum) When: Monday, Jan. 20 – Friday, May 2. Museum open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

What: This exhibit will feature artifacts and photos from the Manhattan Project period in Oak Ridge.

AARP Smart Driving Program When: Thursday, Jan. 23 and Friday, Jan. 24: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

What: Participants must be 50 years of age or older and complete 8 hours of class time to be eligible for a discount (up to 10%) on their auto insurance.

Cost: $15 for AARP members; $20 for non-AARP members. Bring cash or check to the first class.

Registration deadline: Tuesday, Jan. 21

A sweet deal A.L. Lotts fourth graders Daniel Richter, Kelly Su, Jack Britton and Javier Castro decorate a gingerbread house to donate to the Fantasy of Trees, which raises funds to benefit East Tennessee Children’s Hospital. Photo submitted

Happy New Year! from

Hardin Valley Farm Bureau

Zumba When: Mondays, Jan. 27 – March 3 (6 weeks): 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Cost: $45 OR Mondays, Jan. 27 – March 31 (10 weeks): 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Cost: $65 What: Zumba fitness combines Latin music rhythms and dance styles as well as other international styles and rolls them into the ultimate cardio party!

Registration and payment deadline (both classes): Friday, Jan. 24 Beginning Jewelry (Ages 13 and up) When: Thursday, Feb. 6: 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

What: Students will make a bracelet and earrings to take home!

Cost: $35 (all supplies included) Registration and payment deadline: Tuesday, Feb. 4 All winter classes, workshops and events will be held at the Farragut Town Hall community or assembly room, 11408 Municipal Center Drive, unless otherwise stated.

Hurry - classes fill up fast!!!! Call 966-7057 to register (if required). Payment must be received within 5 business days of date of registration but no later than the registration deadline (unless otherwise indicated on class description). No refunds are given after the registration and payment deadline. The Town of Farragut is not responsible for costs associated with the purchase of supplies when a class is canceled.

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Shopper news • DECEMBER 30, 2013 • A-9

Andrew and Elizabeth Bogen with their bag of games from Family Math Night at Cedar Bluff Elementary School, which was held simultaneously with the book fair.

Emma Sloan plays a dice game during Family Math Night.

Danielle Brinkley and Mariah Dalton play a math card game similar to War.

Cedar Bluff Elementary

Cale Bennett studies the book “Highlight Reel: The Top Plays in Super Bowl History” during family night at Cedar Bluff Elementary School’s book fair. Photos by J. Acuff

Family Math Night and Book Fair

Eyan Kitts shows one of the books that caught his eye at the book fair.

Assistant directors Angie Messer and Kristin Arp chat with Carter High band director Matt McCurry outside the band suite.

was just phenomenal.”

McCurry will have a hard time topping fall 2013. The band flew to Hawaii the day before Thanksgiving, returning Dec. 4.

“We went over and played at the two Pearl Harbor memorials, the U.S.S. Arizona and Missouri, and we marched in the Waikiki Holiday Parade, which was unreal,” says McCurry. “It was tiki torches all the way.”

Wearing swimsuits, the students and chaperones ate Thanksgiving dinner on a beach with palm trees in 82-degree weather.

“We had turkey and Hawaiian-style dressing,” says McCurry. “All the vegetables and stuff had pineapple in it.”

During the trip, the students visited the Polynesian Cultural Center and the famed North Shore,

where they saw a surfing competition, and they hiked to the top of Diamond Head.

They played “Winter Wonderland” and “You’re a Grand Old Flag” at the parade and “America the Beautiful” and “Grand Old Flag” at the memorials.

“One of my absolute favorites was we did the Navy Hymn, ‘Eternal Father,’” says McCurry. “We played ‘Taps’ within that, and I think it got to a lot of people.”

Visiting the Arizona memorial had a deep impact on the students.

“It was eye-opening for them, I think,” says McCurry. “There were a lot on Dec. 7, after we got back, that did a lot of posts about the Arizona and ‘Remember Pearl Harbor.’ I think it showed them some-

thing firsthand that they wouldn’t have gotten out of a book.”

McCurry, who earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Carson-Newman, says arts programs give students ineffable benefits.

They teach “cooperation and teamwork and that hard work does pay off,” he says. “I always say we have the best kids in the school right here that are involved in the art programs because they take what they do here and they learn and they apply it.

“They get their stuff done in their other classes.

They work hard for their teachers. They’re polite.

They cooperate. And I think it just pays off in the long run. The things that they get from that you don’t put a price tag on.”

Kennedy to McCurry: Passing the torch of good teaching

By Betsy Pickle Often, you barely have to scratch the surface to learn that what makes a teacher great is the experience of having learned from a great teacher.

That’s the case with Matt McCurry, band director at Carter High School. Already musically inclined before he entered Powell High School, he joined the band and choir.

“I loved the band, but Matt McCurry I lived in the choir room,” says McCurry, who graduOn Sundays and Wednesated from Powell in 1996. days, McCurry plays organ Choral director Jim Kenne- at Fountain City Presbyteridy – who’s still at Powell – an Church. During his “vagave him opportunities that cation,” he’s camp director set the course for his career. at Carson-Newman Univer“I had a place in the back sity’s summer music camp. of the office where he let me Fortunately, he has Carter use a computer to write mu- Middle band director Chuck sic, and I lived there.

Brock overseeing the drum“It started out with ar- line, which last season won ranging; he would give me two indoor medals and travthings to arrange. And then eled to the Winter Guard Infrom there, it’s fun to try ternational world championyour hand at some original ships in Dayton, Ohio. music.”

This school year already Now that he’s the teacher, has been memorable, startMcCurry hasn’t changed his ing with the Tennessee State habits much.

Division II Championships “I feel like I live here in Franklin on Nov. 2. most of the time,” he says, “We have been working sitting in his office in the our tail off to get in the Top band suite. “If I had a cot, I 10,” says McCurry. “We have would probably sleep here.” been 11th for two years in a His schedule is non- row. This year, for the first stop: marching band camp time ever, we made the Top the last week of July and 10 at the state marching first week of August; foot- band championship, which ball season with the band was the greatest thing for performing at all home and the kids. away games and at four or “When everybody heard five band competitions; in- ‘Carter High School,’ there door drumline and color was this eruption on the guard and concert-band field and in the stands from season hitting at the first our crew that had gone with of the year; concert festival us to support us. It was just season; then spring concert unreal. We waited a long and rehearsal for the band’s time to hear our name over performance at graduation. those speakers.

“We came in 10th, which was awesome. I told the kids at the beginning of the year it didn’t matter what place we came in if you get that Top 10. That was our goal, and they reached it.”

McCurry, whose teaching career started at Holston Middle, came to Carter in 2005 as band director at the middle school and assistant at the high school. When he took over from Angie Messer as high school director, one of his goals was to expand the band’s horizons – literally.

“We try to travel every year somewhere,” he says.

“It’s a pattern: We do a small trip, a larger trip, Disney World and then we do a big trip.

“Our first big trip was in 2009. We went to London and marched in the 2010 New Year’s Day Parade. It

Happy New Year!

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A-10 • DECEMBER 30, 2013 • Shopper news

McDonalds expand Knoxville’s food scene

By Wendy Smith

Bonni and Drew McDonald at the Plaid Apron in Sequoyah Hills. The menu changes weekly, except for breakfast. Photo by Wendy Smith

Chocolatefest Knoxville! set for Feb. 1 It’s a truly sweet event on Saturday, Feb. 1, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. at The Grand Event Center in the Knoxville Expo Center to benefit The Butterfly Fund!

Chocolatefest Knoxville ticket-holders will enjoy chocolate and sweet sam-

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ples from area bakeries, chocolatiers, restaurants and more.

Tickets are $15 for a tasting pass or $30 for a VIP pass.

The $15 ticket will enable guests to travel from exhibitor to exhibitor collecting samples of their sweet offerings.

With the VIP pass, guests will be seated at a table to enjoy the live entertainment while the chocolate and sweet samples are served to them.

Tickets can be purchased at www. chocolatefestknoxville.com or in person at Sugarbakers Cake, Candy & Supplies, 514 Merchants Road or at the door.

months than I had during my entire career.”

Because the couple couldn’t find work in the same place, they returned to the states. Drew started as a line cook at the Hermitage Hotel’s Capitol Grille under chef Tyler Brown, and within two months, he was sous chef.

After 15 months in Nashville, the McDonalds decided to look for opportunities in East Tennessee.

Drew interviewed for two executive chef positions before opting to open the Plaid Apron at 1210 Kenesaw Avenue.

The restaurant, which serves breakfast and lunch six days a week and dinner Thursday through Saturday, offers fresh Southern faire.

That doesn’t mean fried, Drew says. He emphasizes fresh vegetables, and after two-and-a-half years in business, his produce is 90 to 95 percent local.

Everything the restaurant serves is made in-house, including fresh breads and pastries. The only exception is ketchup, Drew says.

“People who come here expect that.”

The McDonalds don’t eat out often because Drew likes to cook, even after long days at the restaurant.

At home, he often prepares ethnic food, and when he does opt to eat out, he chooses Bida Saigon in Downtown West or one of the city’s food trucks.

Knoxville has more limited dining choices than nearby cities like Nashville, Chattanooga and Asheville, says Drew.

People here know good food, but don’t have many options.

“Our goal is to make Knoxville a more informed food scene.”

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When Drew and Bonni McDonald came to East Tennessee, they didn’t know if they would be in the food business or the horse business. The decision was made when they saw an available coffee shop in the heart of Sequoyah Hills.

That coffee shop is now the Plaid Apron. Bonni still trains horses on the side, but her main gig is working as the café’s general manager. Drew is executive chef.

“We always said, whatever we do, we’ll do together,” Drew says.

He has always loved to cook and was influenced by his grandparents, who were good cooks – and avid gardeners.

“At 13, I asked for my own skillet.”

He started college majoring in pre-med, but switched to food systems management. Shortly after, he landed his first job in a restaurant. It felt like a family, he says, and he knew he’d made the right decision.

His first job after culinary school was at the famed Blackberry Farm in Walland. There, he learned the restaurant business from top to bottom. But his most valuable experience was a brief stay in New Zealand.

He and Bonni met in New Zealand during a mission trip and both wanted to return there to live.

Drew was hired by Huka Lodge, a luxury resort in the center of the country’s north island.

Because of its remote location, New Zealand sets the standard for sustainability and imports little, he says. Everyone has their own gardens, and seafood is fresh.

“I learned more in three

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Tonya Alsobrooks, special events planner for the new Milestones Event Center, shows the cozy corner area of the center.

Photo by Sherri Gardner Howell

Event Center offers flexible space

By Sherri Gardner Howell If restaurants are too noisy and other venues too pricey for that wedding shower, family reunion or business meeting in the planning stages, a new venture by Click Funeral Home may be the answer.

Milestones Event Center, located next to Click Funeral Home’s Farragut Chapel at Kingston Pike and Smith Road, is open for booking.

Tonya Alsobrooks is the special events planner for the facility.

“We are excited to offer this venue to the community as well as to the families we serve at the chapel,” says Alsobrooks. “We have designed it to be warm and comfortable, flexible and affordable.”

Alsobrooks says there have been a couple of events at the center already, and they are preparing for a big afternoon at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 9, when they host the Farragut West Knox Chamber of Commerce Networking event. The facility can hold 104 with high-top tables or can accommodate 60 to 80 at a sit-down dinner function. For meetings and conferences, the tables and/or chairs can be arranged to suit the purpose of the customer. The center has Wi-Fi capability and a pull-down screen for presentations.

The development of the center grew from the core business.

“The needs of families who come to a funeral home are changing,” says Alsobrooks.

“They may not have a home base here anymore, and they need a place to have a family gathering or a meal. Or they may want a celebration of life away from the funeral home chapel, either after a service or even in lieu of it. This facility is available to them at no additional charge.”

The dual function of the facility came about because they wanted to offer Farragut something they can’t find easily, says Alsobrooks.

“There really isn’t a space this size with this kind of flexibility in this area. We have a prep kitchen, so you can have catered events or bring your own food. Becky Patterson, who is an incredible decorator, did the décor in warm colors that are easy to work with no matter what the color scheme a customer might want.

“We are pricing the rental to be affordable, whether you need it for an all-day business planning sessions or a wedding rehearsal dinner or a baby shower.”

Alsobrooks can be reached by email at clickeventcenters@gmail. com or at 865-898-6748.

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Shopper news • DECEMBER 30, 2013 • A-11

NEWS FROM PROVISION

OUR PARTNERS Provision Health Alliance is aligned with physicians, providers, payers, and the public through local partnerships. The ultimate goal in working with partners is to provide the most clinically- and cost-effective solutions focused primarily on patient care, clinical outcomes and costs. Provision is proud to work with the following partners: Provision Center for Proton Therapy (865) 862-1600 provisionproton.com Provision Radiation Therapy (865) 437-5252 provisionrt.com Tennessee Cancer Specialists (865) 934-5800 tncancer.org Knoxville Comprehensive Breast Center (865) 584-0291 knoxvillebreastcenter.com SouthEast Eye Specialists Southeast Eye Surgery Center (865) 966-7337 Provision Diagnostic Imaging (865) 684-2600 provisiondiagnosticimaging.com Center for Biomedical Research (865) 684-2613 biomed-research.com Provision Radiopharmacy (865) 684-2616

Make this your last resolution

By Shannon Carey

Provision Physical Therapy (865) 232-1415 provisiontherapy.com Provision Health & Performance (865) 232-1414 ProNova Solutions (865) 321-4544 pronovasolutions.com Provision Healthcare Foundation (865) 342-4509

Did you know that most people who make a New Year’s resolution to lose weight or get fit give up after three weeks?

If this sounds familiar, and you find yourself making the same resolution every year, Provision Health and Performance managing director and chief dietitian Casey Peer thinks you should ask yourself some questions.

“Why did you abandon it?

Was your plan too restric-

tive? Let’s start 2014 with a promise to yourself that you can keep,” she said.

The key to success is having a plan and also changing your way of thinking about the changes you make. Think lifestyle ... not diet.

“We have to continually challenge ourselves in order to create change, but it doesn’t have to be painful or ultra-restrictive,” said Casey.

Casey issues this challenge: Make this the last year you resolve to lose weight

and get fit. Think of this as the start to a new way of living. Make this your best year ever and mean it!

Provision Health and Performance can help you do just that. New for 2014, the health and fitness facility is offering packages tailored to your needs, whether you just want gym access or a full-service package that includes nutrition services and personal training. There’s even a package that includes massages.

“It’s not one-size-fits-all,” said Casey. “We can tailor each membership to meet your needs.”

And, as an added bonus to get your New Year off on the right foot, Provision Health and Performance will waive the enrollment fee for new members joining in January.

“Make this your best year ever and mean it,” said Casey.

Info: 865-232-1414 or www. provisionhealthand performance.com.

Kick off the New Year right Sandy Larson will offer Total Body Total Mind at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 1.

This class will consist of intervals beginning with barre isolated movement for sculpted legs and lifted seat, light weights for sculpted arms, Pilates method for a toned core, Tabata for cardio health, and yoga stretching for lengthening and flexibility. Info: 865-232-1414 or www.provisionhealthandperformance.com

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A-12 • DECEMBER 30, 2013 • Shopper news foodcity.com

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B

December 30, 2013

HEALTH & LIFESTYLES

N EWS FROM PARKWEST, WEST KNOXVILLE ’ S H EALTHCARE LEADER • T REATED WELL .COM • 374-PARK

Making realistic resolutions is the key to keeping them If you make a New Year’s resolution and are able to stick with it until the end of January, you’re already ahead of the game. Statistics show that most people give up on those good intentions before the year is up, and many don’t even last a month.

So what’s the problem? Why do we have such a hard time sticking with plans to improve our lives? Dr. John Kupfner M.D., a board-certified psychiatrist at Peninsula Outpatient Centers, says there are some ways you can make life improvements more possible, and some ways you can set yourself up for failure.

Right-size your expectations “Resolutions are generally always a good thing, because they show we’ve reflected on our lives and found areas that need to be addressed,” says Kupfner.

But if those problem areas have been neglected for too long, they’re simply harder to fix than we imagine.

Kupfner says one of the most common examples is an overweight person who hasn’t exercised or dieted in years but expects immediate results from a New Year’s resolution.

“If you’re picturing yourself suddenly 20 pounds lighter and a whole lot stronger, you’re not being realistic,” Kupfner says, because healthy weight loss is less than five pounds a month and can take a lot of work.

“Or people with addictions resolving a cold turkey quit without support, or without addressing the underlying things in their lives that drive them to use,” Kupfner adds. He says the right way to go about a resolution is to pick something you can be passionate about and that you know you’ll follow through on.

“If we are honest enough with ourselves to make the resolution,” Kupfner says, “we must be honest enough with ourselves to pick resolutions that are personally important enough for us to guarantee follow through.”

Remember that Jan. 1 is just another day The end of a calendar year is an upfront reminder of the things we haven’t accomplished. That can make a person feel pressure to make a change.

“What makes this time of year worse is the anxiety of the New Year, when we think we’re supposed to magically present the discipline and problem solving skills necessary to live out the next year as a new person,” Kupfner says. “We suffer feelings of guilt and shame for not living up to the magical expectation that on Dec. 31 we fell asleep as one person and woke up as someone else.”

“Remember that Jan. 1 is just another day, like March 18 or July 22,” Kupfner says. “Life only moves in one direction, and the holidays don’t offer any magic for removing the choices and relationships we have made in the past.”

“It doesn’t have to be Jan. 1,” says Kupfner. “Any day is a good day to try a resolution again, even if you have failed at it before.”

Don’t go it alone Any major task is easier to undertake if you have some help. Major changes in your lifestyle are no different.

If you’re resolving to lose some weight or be healthier, it’s a good idea to join a gym, a club or a group that can provide support and accountability. If you want to

quit smoking, search online for smoking cessation classes or support groups.

There are also classes and professional advisors for those who want to improve their finances. And Kupfner emphasizes that if the problem you want to overcome is an addiction or an emotional hurdle like depression and anxiety, there is no shame in seeking professional help.

“Unfortunately, mental health and substance abuse treatment are stigmatized as something that you should have handled your-

self or could b e handled in the family at home,” Kupfner says. “But psychiatry is a medical specialty that deals with a chronic medical illness that can be helped and treated.” He compares it to diabetes – a disease which left untreated can have serious, life altering consequences.

“Untreated mental issues can lead to loss of social functioning and in the worst cases, loss of life,” Kupfner says. “It is a medical specialty where the people who work in this field have literally heard everything, and there is nothing to be embarrassed about.”

Kupfner says at this stage in his career, he would challenge anyone to present something he hasn’t heard at least once before. “All of us have treated patients from the very I resolve to stick affluent and to my resolutions successful to past the first the disenfranweek of January! chised. Mental health issues

affect all families. No one is alone.”

Know when it’s time for professional help Kupfner is medical director at Peninsula Outpatient Centers. He says you’ll know it’s time to get help when you are unable to cope. For example, if your depression at times renders you unable to attend work or school, or causes you to have thoughts of wanting life to end, those are signs it’s time to see a mental health professional.

For alcohol, important signs include withdrawal symptoms or an inability to stop drinking once you start. And, just like depression, if it starts to keep you from work or school, or interfere with your relationships, it’s time to get help.

A time that’s meant for celebration as one year changes into another too often turns into a focus on failures. Kupfner says the focus should be positive and forward thinking, and the best New Year’s resolutions are general ones, to simply improve yourself, improve your health and to shore up relationships.

“The health makes us feel physically and mentally stronger,” Kupfner says, “and the relationships offer the safety net for when we don’t. And give yourself wiggle room to forgive yourself if 2014 doesn’t end in the great completion of all resolutions.”

Kupfner says the best advice for surviving the stress of the holiday season and all its expectations is perspective.

If you’re struggling with depression, anxiety or trying to resolve to break an addiction, you can find confidential help and support available through Peninsula Outpatient Centers. Call 865-970-9800 for information.

Get the support you need to make this your best year ever If the burdens you carry the rest of the year start to seem a little heavier as the holiday season winds down, you can find sympathetic and nonjudgmental help from people who are walking the same road you’re on.

Peninsula offers many free support groups for people who have psychological, behavioral and substance abuse issues. This can include grief, depression, alcoholism, drug addiction and

more. There are also support groups for those with loved ones who have addictions or psychological problems.

A comprehensive list of support groups can be found at peninsulabehavioralhealth.org/support. All support groups meet at the Peninsula Lighthouse campus at Dowell Springs Boulevard in West Knoxville. If you have questions, call 865-970-9800.

Taming temptation and triggers If you’ve already made a decision to change your life for the better, good for you! Here’s how to keep your promises and beat temptation during the remainder of the holiday season: If you’re on a diet, offer to bring your own healthier holiday foods to parties and family gatherings. You’ll have an alternative to the rich and calorie-laden options on the table. Eat before you go to the party so you’re not ravenous.

If you’re abstaining from alcohol, bring your own drink to parties. Once it’s in a glass, chances are good that no one will know the difference. Choose an area away from the bar to

To achieve success …

By the middle of January, 25 percent of the people who have made New Year’s resolutions will have already given up. Fewer than half of us will keep our New Year’s resolutions for longer than six months.

Start thinking differently about your resolutions. What can you do in the first half of the year? What are some realistic goals that will give you the jumpstart you need to change your life, long term?

… resolve this, not that

■ Instead of resolving to lose 50 pounds …

Resolve to exercise 30 minutes, three times a week. spend your time and stay busy dancing, socializing or helping the host.

■ Instead of resolving to give up desserts …

If you’re committed to overhauling your Resolve to eat more fresh fruit and vegetables. finances, set a budget before you go out for the ■ Instead of resolving to get out of debt … evening. Plan what you will and won’t buy beforeResolve to pay off one or two bills. hand. Pay for everything with cash, so you’re less ■ Instead of resolving to get married … likely to overspend.

Resolve to make a new friend every month.

If you’re weaning yourself off a toxic re■ Instead of resolving to land your dream job … lationship, remove him or her from your phone’s Resolve to gain new job skills. contact list, so calling is more complicated. Plan acYou’re not lowering your expectations. You’re setting attainable goals tivities to keep busy and keep your mind occupied.

Stay connected with friends, and surround yourself that will help you stay motivated to eventually reach your larger goals and make 2014 your best year ever. with people who appreciate you for who you are.

Are you worried about the safety of a loved one because of addiction or out-of-control behavior?

0901-2300

Peninsula Hospital offers a safe place where chemically dependent patients receive medical detoxification while other issues are addressed. Peninsula accepts voluntary and involuntary commitments. Call (865) 970-9800 or visit peninsulabehavioralhealth.org to learn more.

B-2 • DECEMBER 30, 2013 • Shopper news

Community Calendar

THURSDAY-FRIDAY, JAN. 9-10 Call for artists

Send items to news@ShopperNewsNow.com

THROUGH FRIDAY, JAN. 3

MONDAY, JAN. 6

‘Old-Fashioned Christmas’

Job Resources Group

The Farragut Folklife Museum will host “An OldFashioned Christmas” through Friday, Jan. 3.

The exhibit features items from the museum’s collection as well as pieces belonging to Folklife Museum Committee members. Visitors can view antique toys, games and dolls, including the Rice dollhouse, designed and built in 1929 by local architect Malcolm Rice.

Among the more recent pieces in the exhibit are “Star Wars” toys from the 1970s donated by Mayor Ralph McGill.

The museum is at Farragut Town Hall, 11408 Municipal Center Drive, and is open from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays.

The Job Resources Group will meet from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Monday, Dec. 23, at Concord United Methodist Church, 11020 Roane Drive.

The group provides assistance in preparing for interviews, revising resumes and finding employment.

THROUGH SUNDAY, JAN. 5 Holidays on Ice The Holidays on Ice outdoor ice-skating rink is open through Sunday, Jan. 5, at Market Square in downtown Knoxville.

Hours for Dec. 30 and Jan. 2-5 will be 1 to 9 p.m.

Sunday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

The holiday schedule is 1 p.m. to midnight Tuesday, Dec. 31, and 1 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 1.

The entry fee, which includes admission, skate rental and unlimited time on the ice, is $10 a day per adult, $7 a day per child 12 and under, $45 for an adult season pass and $30 for a child season pass.

To save time, skaters may download liability waivers in advance at www.knoxvillesholidaysonice.com.

MONDAY, JAN. 6 Dance tickets on sale Tickets for the town of Farragut’s second annual adults-only dance – Year of the Horse Adult Dance (A Chinese New Year Celebration) – go on sale at 8 a.m.

Monday, Jan. 6, at Farragut Town Hall, 11408 Municipal Center Drive.

The dance will be held 7-9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8, at the Farragut High School commons area. The local band the Chillbillies will provide live music. Refreshments will be served.

Tickets are $6 per person in advance and $10 per person at the door. Tickets will be available at www. townoffarragut.org (nominal service fee added) as well as at the Town Hall, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays. Town Hall sales end at noon on Friday, Feb. 7.

For more info, contact the Parks and Leisure Services Department, 865-966-7057.

TUESDAY, JAN. 7

The Caregiver Support Group will meet 10 a.m. to noon Tuesday, Jan. 7, in Room E-224 at Concord United Methodist Church, 11020 Roane Drive (use front covered Tai Chi open house entrance).

Guest speaker will be Yvonne Marsh, CPA, an The Taoist Tai Chi Society of the USA will offer independent financial adviser with Marsh Professional beginning Tai Chi classes from 9 to 11 a.m. Sundays at Farragut Town Hall, 11408 Municipal Center Drive. The Group LLC, which will present a guide to financial decisions regarding an end-of-life plan, and asset-based course will begin with an open house at 9 a.m. Sunday, long-term care.

Jan. 5.

The support group, which is affiliated with Tai Chi is cited for reducing tension, improving Alzheimer’s Tennessee Inc., meets on the first Tuesday of circulation and balance, and increasing flexibility and each month. Anyone in the community who gives care to strength.

The Taoist Tai Chi Society is a charitable organization. an elderly individual is welcome to attend.

Refreshments will be provided. For more info, call For more info, call the society at 865-482-7761 or visit 865-675-2835. www.taoist.org.

Job Resources Group The Job Resources Group will meet from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Monday, Jan. 13, at Concord United Methodist Church, 11020 Roane Drive.

The group provides assistance in preparing for interviews, revising resumes and finding employment.

TUESDAYS, JAN. 14-28 A three-week Pilates class will be offered 6:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesdays, beginning Jan. 14, at the Farragut Town Hall, 11408 Municipal Center Drive.

Pilates is a mind-body exercise that works the whole body. The focus is on correct use of core muscles, spinal alignment and proper breathing. Pilates helps to reduce injury, recover from injury and promote muscular balance.

This class has some yoga poses mixed in to enhance flexibility, strength and breathing.

Simon Bradbury is the instructor.

Cost is $30. Registration and payment deadline is Monday, Jan. 13. Cash, check and credit-card payments are accepted at the Town Hall or over the phone, 865-966-7057.

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MONDAY, JAN. 13

Pilates class at Town Hall

Caregiver Support Group

SUNDAY, JAN. 5

The Farragut Arts Council will sponsor a juried art show and juried standard flower show – “Open Art Show 2014: Alchemy – the Magic of Art and Flowers” – in conjunction with the Dixie Highway Garden Club on Friday, May 16, and Saturday, May 17, 2014.

Artwork and artists’ applications and fees are due Thursday, Jan. 9, between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. and Friday, Jan 10, from 8 a.m. to noon. No artwork or applications will be accepted prior to Jan. 9.

Entries will be juried on Saturday, Jan. 11, and will be available for pickup on Jan. 11 from 5 to 8 p.m. and Jan. 12 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Artists may submit as many entries as they wish for an entry fee of $5 per piece.

Applications containing detailed information are available at www.townoffarragut.org/artsandculture and at the Farragut Town Hall, 11408 Municipal Center Drive.

Woman Turns to Surgical Treatment for Difficult to Diagnose Gallbladder Disease Sabrina Brittain knew something was wrong with her body. For more than a year, the 36-year old west Knoxville mom, had abdominal pain, was losing weight, and found it impossible to eat or drink without vomiting.

But, nding a diagnosis was dif cult.

“I went to the doctor and my medical tests kept coming back normal,” says Brittain.

“But it felt like I was having a heart attack every time I ate.”

Brittain was prescribed anti-acSabrina Brittain suf- id and ulcer medifered from difficult to cation, but nothing diagnose gallbladder helped. “One docdisease. tor suggested I was having “woman issues” remembers Brittain. “But, that wasn’t likely since I had already undergone a hysterectomy.”

Brittain, who had a strong family history of gallbladder disease, suspected her gallbladder was the issue. “My grandfather died from malnutrition from undiagnosed gallbladder disease,” she says. Two of Brittain’s aunts also had gallbladder issues.

The gallbladder is a pear-shaped organ under your liver that collects and stores bile, a digestive uid.

A test called a hepatobiliary or HIDA scan to check Brittain’s gallbladder function was also normal. But Brittain’s abdominal distress continued.

“It got to the point where I weighed only 87 pounds and could only eat crackers,” she says.

Finally, a friend, who Dr. Roland Weast, had suffered similar sympSurgeon toms, suggested Brittain consult with a Premier Surgical Associates physician. Brittain met with Dr. Roland Weast at Premier Surgical Tennova North.

“Dr. Weast was wonderful,” says Brittain.

“He really listened to me and took my concerns seriously. He said I had classic gallbladder disease symptoms.”

Dr. Weast says even though Brittain’s HIDA scan was “normal”, she could still have gallbladder issues.

“There’s not a 100 percent accurate test for diagnosing gallbladder disease,” explains Dr. West. “A HIDA scan can rule in gallbladder problems, but a negative result doesn’t always rule it out.”

Based on clinical indications, Dr. Weast removed Brittain’s gallbladder in a laparoscopic outpatient procedure. Dr. Weast’s sus-

“It got to the point where I weighed only 87 pounds and could only eat crackers.” ~Sabrina Brittain, Gallbladder patient picions were con rmed.

“Mine was so sick and diseased, Dr. Weast said it hardly looked like a gallbladder,” says Brittain.

Brittain’s pain and nausea stopped. “Immediately after the surgery, I felt better. I could drink a Diet Coke and keep food down for the rst time in months.”

Dr. Weast says Brittain’s experience is not unusual. “Gallbladder surgery is the most common procedure we do. Occasionally it’s bene cial to remove the gallbladder as a diagnostic treatment when there is a high clinical suspicion for biliary disease, but normal tests.”

Brittain is glad she had the surgery. “It’s the best decision I ever made. I got my life back. I can eat pizza or anything I want now,” she says. “Dr. Weast and his staff saved my life.”

Brittain hopes people learn from her experience. “Listen to your body and keep seeking answers. There is help out there!”

For more information about gallbladder or other general surgery procedures, visit premiersurgical. com or call (865) ( 5) 938-8121.

93

Shopper news • DECEMBER 30, 2013 • B-3

Coffee Break

with

With whom, living or dead, would you most like to have a long lunch?

My parents. They have been gone 21 years and died young of cancer, one year apart.

Other than your parents, who has had the biggest influence on your life and why?

My daughter and son.

Becoming a parent changes you.

John Kennedy

I still can’t quite get the hang of …

John Kennedy loves his truck. The town of Farragut equipment operator in the Public Works department has a theme to his answers to the Coffee Break questions that is pretty easy to follow: He’s a down-home kind of guy who sees value in family, earning an honest wage through hard work, time spent in the great outdoors and a good pickup truck.

“My Chevy truck with four-wheel drive is my favorite material possession,” says John, in answer to one of the questions. “It’s just a great truck for getting around, camping, hauling … anything I need to do.”

John has worked with Public Works for 14 years, getting a tip years ago from a friend who worked for Farragut that there was a job open. “I grew up in North Knoxville and built houses for a while,” says John.

“When my buddy told me about this job, it just seemed to be a good fit for me. The people are great to work with, and it is a good work environment.”

It’s a busy, demanding job, too, says John, which he likes. “Summer is the busiest and is my favorite time.

The days go faster when there is plenty of work to do. A string of days of hard rain, and I’m getting stir crazy to get back outside. There is only so much you can do in Public Works when the weather is bad.”

The responsibilities of his job make for interesting days as well, says John. “We do anything and everything, from weed-eating to hanging Christmas lights to putting up road signs. You get a good feel for what all the town has going on through Public Works.”

Family includes his wife, Zina, and two children, Lauren Kennedy Roberts and Dustin Kennedy. “My children turned my life around. I understood responsibility and knew I had to settle down when I held my baby girl.”

Free time is spent with the family, usually camping.

“I’m not much of a sit-around-the-house kind of guy. I like to be outside.”

In his truck.

Sit and have a Coffee Break as you get to know John Kennedy.

Housework.

What is the best present you ever received in a box?

A big flat-screen television. I don’t watch a lot of television, but this one was something.

What is the best advice your mother ever gave you?

She told me to always believe and trust in God.

What is your social media of choice?

I’m not a computer kind of guy. I barely even watch television. I leave that to my wife and kids.

What is the worst job you have ever had?

I worked in a chicken factory. It was terrible, but it was work, and you do what you need to do.

What was your favorite Saturday morning cartoon and why?

Popeye. He was just a funny guy who stood up to bullies.

What irritates you?

What are the top three things on your bucket list?

What is your favorite quote from TV or a movie?

I would like to buy a new house, a new truck and a houseboat.

“That’s a fact, Jack,” from “Duck Dynasty.”

What is one word others often use to describe you and why?

What are you guilty of?

I am sometimes too kind-hearted. I will give someone my last shirt if he needs it.

Dependable. You can count on me to be there to help.

What is your favorite material possession?

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

My Chevy four-wheel drive truck.

The Shopper-News.

What is your passion?

What was your most embarrassing moment?

The outdoors. I love most anything that takes me outdoors, especially camping and fishing.

I had an accident when I was four-wheeling and rolled my truck. It was pretty bad.

Recycle: It’s the right thing

Cemetery Lots

Carol Zinavage

Carol’s Corner cardboard box and put all your other clean paper in that box,” Salter says. ”At a convenience center the contents of the box can be dumped in the mixed paper and the box can be placed in the cardboard bin.”

49 Trucking Opportunities 106 Dogs

2 Mausoleum Crypts at Lynnhurst Cemetery.

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Real Estate Wanted 50 WE BUY HOUSES Any Reason, Any Condition 865-548-8267 www.ttrei.com

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Manf’d Homes - Sale 85 I BUY OLDER MOBILE HOMES. 1990 up, any size OK. 865-384-5643

What’s one place in Farragut everyone should visit?

Jett’s Pizza

What is your greatest fear?

Spiders. I can handle snakes and most anything else, but I don’t like spiders.

If you could do one impulsive thing, what would it be?

Jump on a plane and spend a week in the Bahamas.

I want my hair back! I had long hair down my back when I started working here.

What are you reading currently?

Remember Oscar the Grouch from Sesame Street? He was the one who sang “I Love Trash.”

Turns out Christmas is his favorite time of year, but not for all the usual reasons.

“The Christmas gift-giving season is known for the large amount of waste generated,” says Tom Salter. He’s not a Scrooge; as Knox County director of solid waste, it’s his job to know stuff like that.

And fortunately he has many suggestions to help ease the holiday trash burden.

“The easiest way to recycle during the Christmas season, and the rest of the year as well, is to take a

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Everyone knows that recycling is the right thing to do, but you may not be aware of its economic advantages.

“Recycling has a significant positive financial impact for taxpayers,” Salter said.

“It’s great to recycle cans and bottles, but the weight is in the paper and cardboard. Reducing weight in the garbage boxes saves taxes. Increasing weight in the recycle boxes increases revenue.”

As for that large, wonderful-smelling tree currently dropping needles all over your living room carpet,

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Knoxville city and county waste disposal services have got that covered too.

“The city will pick up any trees left curbside, and they’ll be processed into mulch,” says John Homa, city solid waste manager.

“But be sure to get all of the decorations off, even down to the last scrap of tinsel!”

County residents may drop off their trees until Jan. 31 at the Halls, Tazewell Pike, Powell, Dutchtown, John Sevier and Forks-ofthe-River convenience centers. The Karns and Carter centers are too small to accommodate tree collection.

Trees should be stripped of

232 Vans

It can be your neighbor, club leader, bridge partner, boss, father, teacher – anyone you think would be interesting to Farragut Shopper-News readers. Email suggestions to Sherri Gardner Howell, gardners@tds.net. Include contact info if you can.

all ornaments, lights and stands. If you’ve bagged your tree to take to be recycled, you’ll need to take it out of the bag when you get there, and bags may be thrown away at the centers after the tree is dropped off.

Salter, who previously was executive director of Keep Knoxville Beautiful, urges everyone to take yearround advantage of Knox County’s many recycling facilities.

“Recycling options at convenience centers include: cardboard, mixed paper, office paper, newsprint, metal cans, plastic, auto fluids, appliances, CFL bulbs, auto fluids and car batteries. The Halls, John Sevier and Dutchtown centers have a Goodwill attended donation center that will

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262 Flooring

take useful items and most electronic waste. There are some restrictions on what is taken. The main thing to remember is that different materials go in different containers or areas of the center. The center operators can answer most questions about recycling.

Salter said about 47,000 vehicles visit county-operated trash convenience centers each week.

Let’s do our part to make that number rise. Recycling reduces the need for landfills and puts money back in your pocket. And it really doesn’t take that much effort.

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352

B-4 • DECEMBER 30, 2013 • Shopper news

Fitness

A Shopper-News Special Section

December 30, 2013

Rejoicing in the effort L

By Carol Zinavage

ike many folks who struggle with ttheir heiir he ir weight, Skoog knew he ht Andrew A d Sk k h had h d a problem but had to be frightened into addressing it.

When he began experiencing abnormal heart rhythms and a racing pulse a few years ago, his doctor ordered a coronary calcium CT scan.

“The test confirmed that I have coronary artery disease with a moderate risk of having a cardiac event within the next 10 years. That scared me a great deal.”

Skoog, professor of voice at the UT music department since 2003, had been a chubby child and teen. Having reached 320 pounds by the end of college, he wanted to slim down before he started graduate school. He took off 150 pounds and kept it off for 16 years.

But, “in 2007, I decided to stop smoking. I began putting the weight back on. By 2011 I’d gained 85 pounds back.” And he’d developed heart problems again.

Along with the bleak cardiac diagnosis came news that he was pre-diabetic and had high blood pressure. He made up his mind then and there to make changes in his lifestyle.

He started by asking his physician for help.

Together they mapped out a fitness plan.

“The program I chose is called VitalSigns,” says Skoog, who is also music director at Sequoyah Hills Presbyterian Church. “I slowly began changing my food choices and over time have replaced those foods with a diet rich in protein, good fats and low carbohydrates. I have eliminated most sugar, processed foods and

Andrew Skoog shows off a lean frame as he poses after an opera production with soprano Dallas Norton. Photo by Judith Bible

simple carbs ca from my diet.

“My exercise routine includes cardiovascular exercise in combination with workouts in strength and endurance training. I try to get to the gym three to four times per week.

“As a result, I have lost the 85 pounds I gained and have developed much more physical strength.”

Skoog a few years ago, unWhen asked how happy with his weight he feels, Skoog raves, “Nothing short of amazing! Having failed at many diets in my lifetime, I finally understand why they don’t work.

It is truly about addressing the lifestyle.

“Feeling healthy far outweighs how something might taste. Plus, there are so many healthy food choices that I actually prefer over bad ones. That in combination with keeping my body moving on a consistent basis has made the biggest difference. I feel more alive now than I did in my 20s and 30s!”

One of Skoog’s musical colleagues agrees.

Judith Bible, a 60-something with the air of a 30-something, is a staff accompanist for UT music students. That means she plays the piano all day, every day.

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MY-2

• DECEMBER 30, 2013 • Shopper news

(Before) Bible in her “chunkier” years. Photo by Curt Bible

Judith Bible poses with the "skinny boats" she loves. Photo submitted For those of you who think that sounds dreamy, be assured that it’s not without a great deal of stress. When she’s not accompanying one student in a lesson, she’s practicing difficult pieces for another 20. She’s constantly onstage in recitals, doing her very best to help a student advance toward graduation. Though she ultimately finds the job rewarding, the repetitive motion, eye strain and nerve drain can get to her.

So she rows.

Her path started years ago

with Weight Watchers. Feeling a little chunky, she enrolled in the program, which also encouraged exercise. She started Pilates training and attended a 5:30 a.m. “boot camp,” but soon traded the gym and the field for the Tennessee River.

“I became a member of the Knoxville Rowing Association,” she says. “The club rows regularly throughout the year. I absolutely love it.

“Those patient folks taught me how to row properly. Sometimes

there are nine of us in a boat, sometimes two. We have raced together, and for the past two summers, a group of us has gone to Pennsylvania to participate in a sculling camp. What fun! I enjoy being on the water and balancing those skinny boats!”

She even bought a rowing machine for her home. “It resides in the half of my garage which I call my health spa,” Judith laughs. “I put a plant and a candle in there.”

When she’s not rowing, she enjoys “mixing it up” with walking,

yoga, hiking and biking.

Both Skoog and Bible offer advice and encouragement for those who want to adopt a healthier, fitter lifestyle.

“Set small, realistic but challenging goals at first,” says Skoog.

“It was daunting for me to think I had to replace the bad foods I was enjoying with healthy ones all at once. You’re more likely to be successful if the changes you make are gradual.

“Even if you’ve never exercised a day in your life, start doing some sort of movement every single day.

It doesn’t have to be much, really.

Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Park your car further away from the supermarket. Take a short walk instead of having a bag of chips.

“Over time, that movement adds up and your body actually begins to crave it. Also, you are less likely

PREVENT • PROTECT • PLEASE

Training for a healthy lifestyle doesn’t have to take a lifetime.

to want to negate all that physical activity by rewarding yourself with an ice cream sundae.

“Then, get started with a fitness regimen. Being a part of a class worked really well for me because it gave me accountability. And it’s helpful to join others that are facing the same challenges. The camaraderie can be so much fun!

“You have to know in your heart that you truly want to change.

That’s what keeps you focused.

That’s what keeps you going.”

“It’s never too late,” Bible adds.

“But don’t expect fitness to happen overnight. Rejoice in the effort!

“I’m not a fanatic; there are many out there who are much more disciplined than I. I still get out of breath, but I’m glad that I can! Life is good, and if I can do this, you can do this.”

Any final thoughts? Both chime, “Don’t give up!”

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Shopper news • DECEMBER 30, 2013 • MY-3

Consistency and counting calories … key to weight loss

T

By Betty Bean

wo years and 55 pounds ago, Chad Tindell had one of those revelations that sneak up unbidden and land with the force of a punch to the gut – which he now realizes was a much too substantial target.

“Everybody has this ‘aha’ moment.

You see a picture of yourself and say, ‘Gee, I really look fat.’ Now, I preach the gospel to people about what I’ve done – there’s no diet, no magic pill – and they’ve all had good success,” said Tindell, who is an attorney with Lacey, Price and Wagner in downtown Knoxville.

That was two Thanksgivings ago.

He was concerned enough to go see his doctor, Doug Davis, who told him that his blood sugar level was dangerously high and that he needed to Chad Tindell, 2011 and 2013. Photos submitted change what he ate.

“I took that as a challenge – a challenge I've met for more than two years now. Most seeds for crunch, Craisins, grilled chicken people say, ‘I need to exercise more.’ No you that I buy frozen from store and throw don’t. Exercise is good for you. I exercise a them on there for lunch time – they’re perlot – but that’s not what caused me to lose fect. Add a light dressing and it comes to weight. My doctor told me, ‘If you want to 483 calories. Breakfast was probably 234 lose weight you have to change what you put calories. I’ll eat that salad a couple days a in your mouth – leaner meats, more fruits week, and I can eat a 1,000-calorie dinner and vegetables,’ ” Tindell said. “I haven’t and still have a weight loss, or at least a balgiven up any particular type of food and I’m anced day. I try to stay under 2,000 calories sticking to a calorie limit.” a day,” he said.

“For a good weigh-loss diet, the key is knowledge (of what are you eating), balance (don't go on a 'diet' or restrict any food, but “The bottom line is get balance your diet for a change you can live up and do something!” with forever) and consistency (staying on top of it daily),” he said.

Once he conceded that calories really do “You log your food every day. It’s like count, he found “My Fitness Pal” and “Calobudgeting. When you start writing down rie Count,” free apps he downloaded onto every penny that you spend, you know what his smart phone. They’ve taken the guessyou’re doing. You can eat a plate of seasoned work out of keeping track of what goes into grilled chicken and green beans for less his mouth. than a medium order of french fries at Mc“You log your food every day,” he said, reel- Donald’s – a medium french fries at Micky ing off his intake on the day of this interview: D’s is 500 calories. Six ounces of grilled “I worked out this morning, had a 100 chicken is 210. A cup of frozen green beans calorie light protein drink (18 grams of pro- is 100 calories and you can add a small tein, no carbs), a banana and coffee. I fi xed baked potato with sour cream for about 120 a grilled chicken salad for lunch with lots of calories. You’re talking about eating grilled greens, carrots, tomatoes, cukes, sunflower chicken, green beans and a small baked po-

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tato for the same calories as an order of medium french fries.

“I burn 2,600 calories a day just by living and breathing. I reduced that by about 20 percent and try to stay under 2,000. “ But what about exercise?

“While I personally work out about four to five times a week now, I lost weight when I wasn't exercising much at all. Exercise will not cause you to lose weight. I exercised regularly and belonged to a local gym when my weight was at its highest.

And you don't have to spend an hour.

Thirty minutes a few times a week is great for your body and mind. Walk or run outside. Or if the weather isn't good, get a quality treadmill or elliptical, a good exercise ball and some light weights. Those and some basic exercises like pushups, squats, jumping rope and sit-ups will give you a varied workout so you don't get bored. Or join a gym if it works for you. The bottom line is get up and do something!”

He’s been featured in Calorie Count’s daily email newsletter as an individual success story of the month.

Chad Tindell’s low-fat recipes Another important component of Tindell’s nutritional plan involves doing it himself. He prides himself in being a good cook, and that has made it easier for him to tinker with recipes and come up with leaner, tastier dishes, two of which he has shared with Shopper-News.

“I love to cook. If you prepare and bring food from home, you control what you put in your body. It’s a little more difficult to eat healthy, and frankly it’s a little more expensive, although the salad I had today probably didn’t cost $2. It’s also less convenient.

I don’t mean to be a food snob, but when I see a grocery cart full of prepared chicken wings, tater tots, I see lots of fat.”

Two of Tindell’s favorite recipes are Banana Cranberry Nut Bread, which saves more than 100 calories per slice over regular bread by substituting stevia and extraripe bananas for part of the sugar and fat.

He said it gets rave reviews.

The second is Brussels sprouts with bacon and onion (yes, Brussels sprouts), which he swears delivers a huge flavor punch at the cost of relatively few calories.

Banana Cranberry Nut Bread

Ingredients: 1 1/4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour (Tindell recommends King Arthur whole wheat) 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon fine salt 2 large eggs, at room temperature 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 1 - 8 oz. package light (not fat free) cream cheese, softened to near-room temperature 1/2 cup sugar 1/2 cup stevia sugar substitute 3 very ripe bananas, peeled and mashed with a fork (about 1 cup) 1/2 cup toasted walnut pieces (Just lightly toast them on a cookie sheet under the broiler for a couple of minutes. Tindell uses more nuts than called for and saves some to top the loaf or muffins.)

1/2 cup Craisins Baker’s Secret non-stick/flour spray Sift flour, baking soda and salt into a medium bowl and set aside.

Whisk eggs and vanilla together and set aside.

Spray loaf pan or muffin tins with nonstick/flour spray (Baker's Secret). Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Cream the cream cheese, stevia and sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually pour in egg mixture. Add bananas (the mixture will appear somewhat lumpy) and stir together.

piles of medications and procedures while those with chronic disease increase in number and severity every year. Doctors are attempting to treat these conditions, which are rooted in lifestyle, with barely effective medications and expensive procedures. These are the illnesses I treat everyday, including diabetes mellitus type 2, heart disease, gout, acid reflux, sleep apnea, low testosterone, osteoarthritis and even many cancers. Several years ago, distressed by this state of affairs, the physicians of Trinity Medical Associates began making a vigorous effort to correct this problem by restructuring our practice and developing VitalSigns Wellness in order to provide tools for teaching and encouraging healthy eating, exercise, adequate sleep, stress management and freedom from substance abuse. m

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With a rubber spatula or spoon, fold flour mixture into the wet mixture until just incorporated. Fold in the nuts and Craisins, transfer batter to the prepared pan(s). Top the center of the loaf or each muffin with a few nuts.

Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean, about 50-55 minutes (20 minutes for muffins).

Cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Turn out of pan and let cool completely on a rack.

Wrap in plastic wrap. Best if served the next day.

Makes one standard loaf or 12 muffins.

Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Onion One pound fresh Brussels sprouts Photo courtesy of Getty Images 3 to 4 slices of bacon (Tindell uses Benton's – more flavor and just, well, better) One-half of a medium onion, chopped (you can use more) Garlic salt, to taste (about a teaspoon) Black pepper, to taste (about 1/2 teaspoon) Non-stick spray (Tindell uses olive oil flavor) Preheat oven to 350 degrees. “Clean” Brussels sprouts by clipping off ends and removing any loose or wilted leaves. If the sprouts are large, cut them in half. Dice the onion and chop the bacon into small pieces. Lightly spray a low-rimmed baking pan with nonstick spray.

Spread the onions and bacon evenly on the pan. Spread the Brussels sprouts over the onions/bacon. Spray the sprouts with the non-stick spray and season with the garlic salt In the battle to get leaner those with a gluten digestion and black pepper. Bake/roast in the oven for 20-30 minutes or until the sprouts are tenand healthier, people have problem have their choice of der, tossing the mixture after about 10-15 minutes to mix the bacon, onion and sprouts been targeting many dif- many nutritious gluten free after the bacon has had time to cook a bit. ferent food groups over the grains to enjoy, including years, from fats to carbo- amaranth, buckwheat, corn, hydrates. Now, experts are millet, non-contaminated weighing in on whether or oats, quinoa, rice, sorghum, not grains might be a culprit teff and wild rice.” in the growing prevalence of certain diseases, including The experts weigh-in obesity and dementia.

A growing number of people are being diagnosed Abs of Conflicting opinions with sensitivity to gluten, Steel!

Stee which is a condition that on carbohydrates “Carbohydrates are aw- can cause a range of health Flexibility...

Flex ful for the brain,” said Dr. problems. Gluten found in we got tthat!

David Perlmutter, neurolo- wheat, barley, rye and in gist and author of the new oats processed in the same book “Grain Brain.” “Eating mills as those grains, cancarbohydrate foods increas- not be digested by those es blood sugar levels, which with celiac disease (CD) causes inflammation and and can affect the health of those who are gluten intolcan lead to dementias.”

However, a recent study erant.

According to the National conducted by the University Can you say of Nebraska showed that Institute of Health, between eating whole grains, such as 5 percent and 10 percent of “calf muscle”? barley and brown rice, actu- all people may suffer from ally helped decrease inflam- a gluten sensitivity of some mation. form. One out of every 133 Carolyn O’Neil, a regis- Americans (about 3 million tered dietitian, also agrees people) have Celiac Disease. with these findings that dis- Individuals with CD do pute the elimination of car- need to consume a glutenfree diet. Nutrition experts bohydrates in one’s diet.

“Nothing could be fur- in the United States and ther from the truth,” O’Neil Canada state there is no evisaid. “A study by Centers for dence eating whole grains Disease Control researchers containing gluten poses projected that if grains were widespread health risks for eliminated then diets would the rest of the population. be extremely low in folic acid, For more information, visit iron and B vitamins. Even www.bestfoodfacts.org.

Do your homework

before cutting gluten

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Special Sections

MyFITNESS, 12/30 MyLIFE, 1/27 MyWELLNESS, 2/24 MyPLACE, 3/24 MyKIDS, 5/5 MyOUTDOORS, 6/4 MyFUN, 6/9 MYLIFE, 7/21

Some experts, like Perlmutter, are also critical of wheat as a culprit in obesity. This is a claim disputed by others, including Judy Adams, registered dietitian with the Wheat Foods Council, who points out that Americans are actually eating less wheat today than they did one hundred years ago. O’Neil adds that those who are cutting gluten out of their diets in order to lose weight may wind up gaining instead.

“You can eat just as many or even more calories when choosing gluten free foods,” she said. “After all, gluten free chocolate chip cookies are still chocolate chip cookies.”

Although gluten may be at the center of the current debate, all sides seem to agree some factors do play a key role in a healthy lifestyle: physical activity; sleep; healthy fats, such as those in olive oil and avocado; and a Mediterranean style diet, which emphasizes fruits, vegetables and seafood.

With these healthy dieting elements in mind, and by keeping yourself informed about the facts and benefits of foods, you can make the most educated decision when choosing what to feed your family.

MyKIDS, 8/4 MyFUN, 9/29 MyPLACE, 10/6 MyWELLNESS, 10/20 MyHOLIDAY, 11/17 MyHOLIDAY, 11/17 MyFITNESS, 12/29

MyFitness

Get kids active

Shopper news • DECEMBER 30, 2013 • MY-5

with fun adventures

T

he great outdoors are full of wonderful adventures for kids. If you want to encourage your children to get active, try to make sure they have positive experiences. It’s always easier to get them engaged when past adventures are full of wonderful memories.

Great experiences are safe ones. Here are a few tips to keep your kids healthy and happy during their adventure: ■ Bring a friend: Whether they are playing at the park or just exploring the neighborhood, kids should always bring along a friend. Remind them that even their favorite television characters often travel in pairs, such as Dora the Explorer and her best friend, Boots. It’s not only safer playing together outside, it’s much more fun.

■ Be careful where you explore: Make sure your children familiarize themselves with their surroundings so they are comfortable biking, skating or exploring. Never let them play in the street – even if a pet or toy goes into the road.

■ Wear protective gear: Some adventures require special gear, like biking, skateboarding and roller skating, in order to enjoy it safely. Make sure your child wears a helmet, kneepads, elbow pads and wrist guards when skating and biking.

■ Be prepared: Bring a backpack with essentials, such as water, healthy snacks and sunscreen.

■ Warm up: Before your children leave for a long bike ride or skate in the park, have them take the time for a few simple stretches. Athletes know this is the best way to avoid an injury or future aches and pains.

■ Keep it clean: After a fun time discovering new adventures, make sure children wash their hands to get rid of any germs. Parents, be on the lookout for any bumps, bruises, mosquito bites, ticks or sunburns, as kids tend to get wrapped up in the fun.

The best way to get your children to step away from the television and kick start an adventure is by setting a good example. For younger kids, toys like the Spin & Skate Dora & Boots doll help promote everyday adventures with interactive roller skating moves. With matching helmet and knee pads, they also remind children to always bring the proper adventure gear along. Get out there with them to enjoy hiking, biking, roller skating and kayaking. They will quickly learn that exercising and exploring is a great way to stay healthy and happy.

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MY-6

• DECEMBER 30, 2013 • Shopper news

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Tips for staying healthy … even with a busy schedule

L

ife can sometimes feel a little too jam-packed with work, errands, carpools, cooking dinner and more.

When that happens, healthy habits often fall by the wayside in favor of convenience. Fast food can replace home cooked

meals and exercise makes way for the television.

Registered dietitians and authors Lyssie Lakatos and Tammy Lakatos Shames, who are also known as “The Nutrition

Twins,” have advice for feeling good and staying healthy despite a busy schedule.

■ Drink up: People often mistake thirst for hunger, prompting them to overeat. Keep seltzer, iced green tea or water with lime in the fridge.

The next time you want a nosh between meals, drink a glass first and see what happens.

■ Sneak in exercise: If it feels like too much of a task to get to the gym each day, sneak in exercise wherever you can. Take the stairs instead of the elevator at work or push your kids on the swings for an arm workout. Even if you walk around the neighborhood for 15 minutes, it counts.

Just get moving!

■ Simplify, simplify, simplify: Mornings tend to be hectic, so The Nutrition Twins get excited when they can eliminate something from their routine. That’s why they love Vitamints.

They’re a vitamin and mint in one that can be taken anytime, anywhere even without food or water; it’s easy to just pop them in your bag or car and go. The twins like the Immune, Energy and Multi for Women varieties. For more information, visit www.Vitamints. com.

■ Bite into some energy: You might think a sugary candy bar from the office vending machine will perk you up, but a healthy, balanced snack will keep you on your toes longer.

Make sure your snack has a quality, high-fiber carbohydrate, like fresh fruit, oatmeal or wholegrain crispbread, for long lasting energy and a lean protein, such as a hardboiled egg or Greek yogurt, to help you feel satisfied. The two will work together to keep your energy up and your desire to visit the snack machine down.

■ Sleep tight: Sleep

deprivation slows your metabolism down and negatively affects your immune system. When you’re busy that’s the last thing you need. Set yourself a bedtime that’s eight hours before you have to wake up and start getting ready for bed 30 minutes prior to that. The last step is tough, but don’t bring your phone or computer to bed with you. Instead, pick up a book to help you relax and drift off to sleep.

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Shopper news • DECEMBER 30, 2013 • MY-7

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Recovery is important to any workout

G

ot an athlete in the house?

Whether she is hitting the soccer field or he’s going for it on the gridiron, what happens postpractice or after a game is just as important as the workout on the field. Allowing muscles to recover properly is essential for a healthy season and off-season training regime.

During a strenuous workout or game, muscle fibers can fray and become damaged. Follow these five steps for a successful season: ■ Pump up protein: After a workout, athletes need a combination of carbohydrates and protein to replenish and help rebuild muscles. Follow the 2:1 ratio rule to make sure you have the right calibration for optimal absorption of protein.

Y A -D 0 1

!

L IA R T

The quickest way to get a proper amount of carbohydrates and protein is through a recovery drink, like Rockin’ Refuel Muscle Recovery, which is made with real milk and provides 20 grams of natural, high-quality protein.

■ Stretch it out: Even if you are sore, gentle stretching is a must after a tough workout or intense game. It can improve circulation, increase range of motion, decrease muscle tension and help prevent joint stiffness. A good stretching routine can take as little as 10 minutes. Remember to avoid over-stretching and stop if you feel any pain or discomfort.

■ Stay hydrated: You hear it all the time, but it’s important to stay hydrated before, during

and after a workout game or practice session. During exercise, when your body loses fluid and electrolytes through sweat, it is crucial to get the extra eight ounces experts recommend athletes drink for every 15 minutes of activity. Drinking low-fat chocolate milk, like Rockin’

Refuel Muscle Recovery, after exercise not only provides the carbohydrates and protein needed to refuel and repair muscles, it also helps replenish fluids and electrolytes (such as calcium, magnesium and potassium) that are lost in sweat. For more information, visit www.

rockinrefuel.com.

■ Rub it out and ice it down: Some athletes pack on the ice bags as soon as they are done with a game or workout. This helps reduce swelling and tames soreness. Pack ice on sore muscles and wrap them with plastic wrap to conform to the muscles in need. Also consider investing in a high-quality foam roller.

Rest is another important item every athlete should add to their workout routine. It not only provides a mental break, but also allows the body time to mend and repair frayed muscle. Cut rest, recovery, nutrition, hydration or stretching out of your exercise plan and your performance is sure to suffer.

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MY-8

• DECEMBER 30, 2013 • Shopper news

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Lower your cholesterol M

aintaining a healthy cholesterol level is an important part of good health. While many Americans try to keep their cholesterol in check, some take medication to improve it. According to the Centers for Disease Control, nearly one in four American adults currently takes statin medications to help reduce their cholesterol levels.

David Grotto, registered dietitian and best-selling author of “The Best Things You Can Eat,” has shared a few tips for those who need advice on how to support their overall health, including ways to help lower cholesterol naturally*.

Eat a healthy diet

Many people may believe that once they are taking a statin medication, they can resume their regular eating habits.

Unfortunately, that’s not the case. To achieve healthy cholesterol levels, it’s important to eat wholesome foods rich in essential nutrients that will help nourish your body, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins.

“Eliminate trans fat, and reduce

… with easy lifestyle changes saturated fat sources in your kitchen and your diet,” said Grotto. “When cooking, opt for canola and olive oil. In general, add foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids to your diet, as this ‘good’ fat can help lower your ‘bad,’ or LDL cholesterol levels.”

The National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) also recommends 2,000 milligrams of plant sterols and stanols as part of a therapeutic diet to help lower cholesterol*. Plant sterols and stanols are naturally present in small quantities of vegetable oils, nuts, legumes and whole grains; however, most people only consume about 200 milligrams through their regular diet.

Take quality supplements There are dietary supplements that may help lower your cholesterol*. Grotto recommends looking for quality supplements from trusted brands verified by a credible thirdparty organization, such as the United States Pharmacopeia (USP). He has partnered with Nature Made ®, the

first national vitamin brand in the U.S. to earn United States Pharmacopeia (USP) verification on many of its products. “I always recommend Nature Made CholestOff® Plus* to my patients because CholestOff Plus is clinically proven to lower cholesterol in just six weeks and provides an additional 1,800 milligrams of plant sterols and stanols to help meet the NCEP recommendation for cholesterol reduction. Nature Made is also the number one recommended brand among pharmacists in eight key product categories† including Cholesterol Management-Natural,” said Grotto.

Stick to your prescription and talk to your doctor

Statin medications work on an ongoing basis, so make sure you stick to the prescribed dosage. Speak with your health care provider or pharmacist to ensure your medications and supplements can be taken together. In addition,

make sure to check in with your doctor as dosage adjustments may be required over time.

For more information on Nature Made CholestOff Plus, visit www. naturemade.com and for more heart healthy tips from Grotto, visit www. davidgrotto.com. *Products containing at least 400 mg per serving of plant sterols and stanols, eaten twice a day with meals for a daily intake of at least 800 mg as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of heart disease.

One serving of Nature Made CholestOff ® supplies 900 mg of plant sterols and stanols per serving for a daily intake of 1800 mg. †Based on US News & World Report - Pharmacy Times Survey for Letter Vitamins, Omega-3/Fish Oil, Coenzyme Q10, Flax Seed Oil, Herbal supplements, Cholesterol Management-Natural, Garlic (tie) and Diabetic Multivitamins (tie).

Brandon

Dolynn

(865) 531-5000 • www.fshfc.com