NORTH / EAST VOL. 3 NO. 18
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INSIDE
Holston to present
FHS tops at state Students at Fulton High School continue to prove themselves competitors in state events, and not just on the football field and the basketball court. FulCom’s technology students recently attended state competition and brought home several top awards for their hard work.
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See Ruth White’s story on page 6
Bag-A-Bargain More than 1,000 people hit the steps of the Jacob Building early March 7 for the 29th annual Junior League of Knoxville Bag-a-Bargain. By 10:30 a.m., most large items had been purchased, and “sold” signs were showing up on treasures throughout the building.
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See Cindy Taylor’s story on page 3
Calling Clarence One way or another, Knox Countians may soon get a real-life demonstration of why elections matter.
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See Betty Bean’s story on page 4
New films feature top talent Past, present and future provide a backdrop for this week’s new movies. But no matter what time frame it occupies, each film boasts at least one actor who has won or been nominated for an Academy Award.
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See Betsy Pickle’s story on page 5
Emerald Academy Monday, March 30, is the cutoff date for students to apply to the Emerald Academy, Knox County’s first public charter school. Principal Jon Rysewyk says 120 kindergarteners and 120 first graders will be taken and about double those numbers have already applied. A lottery will be held within 10 days of the cutoff.
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See Betty Bean’s story on page 7
Holston Middle School Kids in America Show Choir will present Dreamworks’ “Shrek the Musical Jr.” Thursday, March 26, through Saturday, March 28, in the school auditorium, under the direction of Natalee Beeler. Travel to a place far, far away with Shrek, the likable green ogre, as he rescues Princess Fiona and works to regain his swamp from Lord Farquaad. Love is in the air and spells have been broken, but the fairy-tale ending may not be as by-the-book as one expects. The show will be presented daily at 6:30 p.m. with a matinee at 2:30 p.m. Saturday. Tickets may be purchased online at www.seatyourself.biz/holstonms or at the door. Ticket prices are $6 for general admission and $4 for students and senior adults. Online reserved seats are $9 and $7 for students and seniors.
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Read Marvin West on page 4
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‘Shrek the Musical Jr.’
Cast members Josh Beeler, Hunter Webb, Tiffany Taggert and Lexie Beckner rehearse a musical number from “Shrek the Musical Jr.” Photo by R. White
Career Academy looks to double enrollment in fall By Bill Dockery
The snow closures are over and 125 freshmen at Knox County’s new Career Magnet Academy are looking toward May and the completion of their first year in high school. At the same time, school administrators are gearing up to double the enrollment of the school in fall 2015, as the academy takes in its second first-year class. “We had 174 applicants this year,” said Melissa Stowers, assistant principal of the academy, which is on the Strawberry Plains campus of Pellissippi State Community College. “We will take in
students on getting the knowledge and skills to get jobs in local industry and give them a boost toward a community college education. “We appeal to two kinds of kids – the ones that want a jump-start on college and the ones that want to graduate from high school and get a good-paying job,” said Cameron Molchan, magnet facilitator. Molchan Stowers Graduates of the academy can take 14 classes that will lead to only 125, so all of the applicants their high school diploma and will go into a lottery, the same as also give them 42 hours of credit every other magnet school in Knox toward an associate’s degree at Pellissippi State. County.” “We are intentional about how The academy is the latest effort by Knox County Schools to focus we prepare kids,” Stowers said.
“We are sending a product to our community businesses. The pathway system is changing the face of career education.” The program offers students four pathways that let them explore careers. Choices include advanced manufacturing, homeland security, sustainable development and teaching as a profession. “We’ve had an 88 percent success rate,” Stowers said. “In the semester that started in August, our students have earned 396 college hours total.” Students can earn an associate’s To page 3
Five Points Up to host cleanup
Five Points Up, a community-led coalition, is hosting its first East Knoxville Communitywide Cleanup from 9 a.m. until noon Saturday, March 21. The event kicks off at the Harvest Center Plaza parking lot, 2410 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. “The consensus opinion is that a clean community is a safer, healthier and more beautiful place to live, work and play,” said Albert Nelson, Five Points Up member and KnoxvilleKnox County Community Action Committee (CAC) East Neighborhood Center
manager. From the Harvest Center Plaza parking lot, participating community members will disperse into their own neighborhoods to collect litter. Snacks and beverages and the use of cleanup tools, gloves and supplies will be provided to participants at no cost. The event will also feature tips on maintaining a clean community. The coalition is encouraging everyone to participate. The CAC East Neighborhood Center, Project Grad, city of Knoxville, East Knoxville Business and
Professional Association, Keep Knoxville Beautiful, Knox County Health Department and AmeriCorps have partnered with the coalition to help. Neighborhood groups involved include City View Sanders Center Association, Cold Springs Neighborhood Watch, Delrose Neighborhood Association, Dandridge Avenue Community Association, Eastport/Lee Williams Neighborhood Watch, Michael Meadowview Neighborhood Association, Parkridge Community Organization, Parkridge
Resident Association and Town Hall East. Five Points Up hopes to improve the health of those living and working in the area by increasing the sense of community through local activities and events. According to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, promoting meaningful community participation builds trust and relationships among neighbors, empowering them to become advocates for their communities. Neighborhood involvement helps communities
mobilize to reach healthrelated goals and helps empower residents to change behaviors and improve health outcomes. In 2010, the Knox County Health Department received grant funding from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to address environmental barriers to good health in three at-risk neighborhoods. KCHD is continuing this evidencedbased work in Five Points and other targeted neighborhoods by providing staff support and facilitation to neighborhood organizations.
Remembering Richard Beeler
Spring practice Once upon a time, spring practice was thought to be the birthplace of college football teams. That thought has evolved. Winter workouts are now very important, more for individual improvement than team functionality. Summer togetherness is critical for bonding, all for one, one for all.
March 18, 2015
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By Betty Bean One summer day in 1988, I got onto an elevator in the Andrew Johnson Building with Richard Beeler, a young attorney who represented an outfit called the Knox Solid Waste Authority, a misbegotten city/county agency whose sole purpose was to build and operate a vastly expensive mass burn incinerator. I’d been looking for a chance to get him alone because I’d heard that he’d been doing a lot of target shooting at the KPD firing range and had gotten a carry permit because he was involved in an FBI investigation and was wearing a wire. I dug around and found out that the target was a state legislator. From there, it wasn’t difficult to figure out the probable target. “So, Richard,” I began. “You wired up today?”
He turned red as a fire engine and said he didn’t know what I was talking about. When I said I’d heard that he was involved in an FBI investigation of a state legislator, he stammered and stuttered and denied it and kept getting redder as the elevator climbed. Richard Beeler was a lousy liar. I was the Knoxville Journal’s county government reporter at the time, and the project drew such overwhelming opposition that covering it had become a full-time job. In the process, I got to know Richard Beeler quite well. He was a straight arrow whose job it was to defend an indefensible project. By the time I got on that elevator, I had been reassigned to state government and would soon be departing for Nashville. This was during the McWherter adminis-
tration, and Democrats dominatEditor’s Note ed Tennessee politics. Democratic Rep. Ted Ray Miller Richard Beeler, former Knox was the most powerful legislator County law director, died March in the Knox County delegation. He 12 of an apparent self-inflicted chaired the State and Local Govgunshot. He was 57. ernment Committee and was reputed to be very close to Gov. Ned McWherter. Ned Ray and Ted Ray, the feds picked Miller up in the people called them. downstairs bar at the Hyatt Regency, where he was meeting with Heading for Nashville Richard on a Sunday evening beI kept after Richard, and after fore he went back to Nashville on awhile he finally owned up, in ex- Monday. I wrote all night, and change for a promise not to com- although the News Sentinel got promise the investigation. I went enough of a late tip to run a headon over to Nashville and started line in the morning, we broke the watching Chairman Miller, as he second-biggest story of the year was called – if I’d been a legislator, that afternoon. I felt awful. I’d spent so much they’d have called me Lady Bean. That’s how they talked in those time with Ted Ray that I’d come to like him. He’d told me about days. The investigation came to a his life, and I had a lot of sympahead the following spring when To page 3
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2 • MARCH 18, 2014 • Shopper news
health & lifestyles
In spite of the storm
Cancer patient tells her story in a new book It was Christmas Day, and the presents were unwrapped with the usual enthusiasm. A young Michelle Ironside Henry tore into one particular gift that was a dream come true. It wasn’t a doll or a game, a new bicycle or a trampoline that thrilled her that morning. It was a typewriter. “I would sit on the back patio and write my books, and just be so happy,” Henry says. “I wrote a whole series of books about a girl named Little Lily and all the trouble she would get into.” Henry thought she would be a writer someday. She never expected to write the story that would result in the book she most recently published.
The other side of the story As a writer for a public relations firm, Henry frequently interviewed patients for medical news features. She began to notice a common theme in the stories she was hearing. The patients expressed, over and over again, the importance of not taking life for granted. During the same time period, she attended the funeral of a man who died as a result of a very sudden heart attack. These experiences made such an impact on her that she mentioned them to her Sunday school class. “I remember telling the class about my stories and reminding them we’ve got to make the most of every single minute because we just don’t know,” Henry says. “It was coming from a place deep inside, and I knew I was saying it as much to myself as I was to them.” A short time later Henry was diagnosed with cancer. She went from interviewing patients to becoming one, spending weeks at a time at Fort Sanders Regional
Michelle Ironside Henry is grateful to the staffs at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center and Thompson Cancer Survival Center for the treatment she’s received during her battle with cancer.
Medical Center and undergoing treatment at Thompson Cancer Survival Center. Henry was gaining firsthand knowledge of what her interview subjects had experienced. She endured a long journey of victories and setbacks she has chronicled in her new book, “My Anchor Holds.”
bowels and stomach, but nothing seemed to help. Two years later, a colonoscopy revealed that Henry had Stage 4 colorectal cancer that had spread into her liver. Chemotherapy and radiation at Thompson were overseen by Daniel Scaperoth, MD, and two surgeries were performed by Greg Midis, MD, FACS, at Fort Sanders Regional. With their Something wasn’t right help, Henry fought the disease Always in good health, Henry and won. was concerned when she started “All the doctors said, ‘You’re a experiencing digestive problems, miracle. We’ve never seen anyone but she didn’t want to be an alarm- do as well as you’ve done,’ ” Henry ist. She easily accepted a doctor’s says. She was ready to close this diagnosis of irritable bowel syn- chapter of her life, go home and drome and went on with her life. write a book about her successful “I was just happy to have some- story. one tell me I was OK,” she says. However, Henry’s story was far Instead of getting better, she from being finished. During roucontinued to feel worse. She tried tine scans, tumors were discovvarious means of soothing her ered in both of her lungs.
Henry was put back on chemotherapy, but the tumor in her left lung continued to grow. So Dr. Lacy Harville, MD, performed surgery to remove the upper left lobe of Henry’s left lung. After returning home from surgery and beginning to recover, Henry suddenly began feeling worse. “My lung had collapsed and I had infection all the way around it,” Henry says. Surgery was performed on her lung again, but this time, the lung wouldn’t seal. “They put in valves that finally helped it close up, but I had to go home carrying a chest tube.” During this time, Henry was hospitalized for a month, had symptoms of tuberculosis and finally hit a critically low point in her journey when she realized she might miss her son’s wedding. She remembers thinking, “I’ve tried to be a good sport about all this, but really?” Her mother, Barbara Ironside, called and offered up a sustaining prayer of her own. “Lord, we don’t understand but we trust you.” Henry says faith has pulled her through every valley, and this one was no exception. The diagnosis of tuberculosis turned out to be a false alarm. She was released from the hospital with a chest tube, in time for the wedding.
Moving on When Henry walks into a room today, there is no indication of the life and death struggle she’s endured and continues to endure. Although she is back on chemo to address the cancer in her right lung, Henry has a positive attitude with a quick wit and a healthy dose of humor. These are important weapons in the war against cancer. “Your attitude matters,” Henry
insists. “I could have given up so many times, but I stayed focused on the positive.” Henry also gives credit to the excellent health care at Thompson Cancer Survival Center and Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center. “I wouldn’t go anywhere else,” Henry says. “I trust them, and I’ve seen what they do.” She recounts the way nurses and staff cared for her, even washing her hair when she wasn’t able to take a shower for weeks on end. “You can tell it’s more than a job for them,” Henry says. But above all, Henry says paying attention to your body can mean life or death when it comes to cancer. “If something’s going on with your body that you know isn’t normal, keep checking until you get an accurate diagnosis.”
Putting it in writing Henry says her “game changer” was Caringbridge.com, a website that allowed her to write a public journal about what was happening to her. Those journal entries turned into the book that she hopes will help and inspire others. This is Henry’s second book, but by far the most personal. “We don’t have any guarantee that we’re going to be healthy tomorrow or that we’re going to be here tomorrow,” Henry says. That’s why she’s determined to make the most of every moment and encourage everyone around her to do the same. To learn more about Michelle Henry’s story, you can visit www. michelleironsidehenry.com. For more information about services provided by Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center and Thompson Cancer Survival Center go to fsregional.com and thompsoncancer. com.
Surgeon says early detection = better odds Early diagnosis of colon cancer is easier than ever. That means your odds of beating it are better than ever, too. Colorectal surgeon Gregory Midis, MD, FACS, points to better education about colon cancers, risk factors, symptoms and early detection. “People are definitely more aware of the importance of having a screening colonoscopy starting at age 50, or earlier if you’re at risk for colon cancer,” Gregory Midis, MD, Midis says. “Physicians are FACS required to educate patients about the colon screening guide-
lines,” says Midis. “They discuss it with their patients, so most people can’t say they don’t know about colon screenings. It’s just a matter of patients making the decision to do it.” “There’s also more in-depth genetic testing available for people at risk who may have inherited colon cancers,” says Midis. “There’s a better awareness in the medical community that inherited colon cancers may require a different surgical strategy, potentially removing the entire colon, instead of just part of it.” There can be a variety of reasons people neglect that all-important screening colonoscopy. Besides plain and simple procrastination, Midis says there is some misinformation about the discomfort involved. Midis says the test is simple and can
save lives. “There is very little excuse not to have a colonoscopy,” he says. “Don’t put it off.” As in the case of Michelle Henry, the initial symptoms of colon cancer can sometimes be mistaken for irritable bowel syndrome, or even hemorrhoids. That’s another reason patients may put off getting a colonoscopy and getting the right diagnosis. “With IBS you often have acid reflux and belly pain, and there are some crossover symptoms,” Midis explains. “With hemorrhoids you have rectal bleeding, which can also be a sign of colon cancer.” Midis says in the majority of cases, those symptoms and conditions are not related to colon cancer. “But if you are someone who has a high risk of colon cancer and you develop symptoms, why take chances?”
Midis says. “Have it checked out.” With early screening, colon cancers can often be detected before severe symptoms develop. Midis says by the time a person does have symptoms, “the train has left the station.” Midis emphasizes that early detection is the key to better odds at beating the disease. “We should detect and address a colon polyp before it becomes too large to be removed by a scope,” Midis says. “If there is adequate enough detection time, issues can be addressed before surgery is necessary.” Midis says the bottom line is that colon cancer is very treatable if it’s caught early. Talk to your doctor about scheduling a colonoscopy, and to learn more about oncology services at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center, visit fsregional.com.
CENTER OF EXCELLENCE: ONCOLOGY Fort Sanders Regional and Thompson Cancer Survival Center provide the region’s most comprehensive cancer care. From diagnosis to treatment to rehabilitation, we offer care options not available anywhere else in our region. Working together to provide the best patient care that’s Regional Excellence!
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community
NORTH/EAST Shopper news • MARCH 18, 2015 • 3
Bag that bargain fast! More than 1,000 people hit the steps of the Jacob Building early March 7 for the 29th annual Junior League of Knoxville Baga-Bargain. By 10:30 a.m., most large items had been purchased, and “sold” signs were showing up on treasures throughout the building.
Cindy Taylor
The $5 admission fee, along with donated ice cream, fresh-cut flowers, T-shirts and homemade brownies sold during the event, raised funds to support the league’s community projects for the upcoming year. “We had everything this year,” said Junior League president Suzanne Prince. “There was a great turnout, and more than 100 people were camped out this morning waiting for the doors to open.” The majority of items are donated by Junior League members and their friends and family. For the convenience of contributors, the league has special arrangements with movers to pick up large items. All donations are made through a league member and are tax deductible. “We work on this all year,” said league member Emily Faye Abbott. “We start planning for next year as soon as we finish today.” Brenda Relford and her daughter Lori Scholebo left with a truckload of furniture and other items.
Suzanne Prince talks with Union County resident Debbie Calloway, who found four sets of likenew shutters at Bag-a-Bargain.
Brenda Relford and daughter Lori Scholebo found enough bargains to fill their truck. Not pictured is daughter Susan Thompson, who had gone to bring the truck around. Photos by Cindy Taylor
First-year Junior League member Rachel Sliger, Suzanne Prince and Kayla Wyrick prep the table for T-shirt and flower sales.
“We come to this every For info about the Junior jlknoxville.org. year and always find great League of Knoxville check Contact Cindy Taylor at ctaylorsn@gmail. com buys,” said Relford. out its website at www.
Richard Beeler
From page 1
Alma Elliott served others By Sandra Clark
Tandem instructor Jerry White, Madeline Rogero, videographer Bill May and Richard Beeler at Seymour Airpark on June 25, 1995. Rogero has a framed copy in her home office. thy for this fatherless boy who’d pulled himself up by strength of will and street smarts and knew what it was to struggle against long odds. He fed the hungry and delivered loads of coal to the cold. He was funny and charming, and I wished I could warn him to stop shaking people down. The Miller investigation was proceeding on a parallel path with an ongoing operation called Rocky Top. Contrary to other reports, Miller Time was entirely separate from Operation Rocky Top, which targeted bingo operators. Capitol Hill was engulfed in suspicion. One day I was talking to Ted Ray, and he motioned toward the wall that separated his office from that of Shelby Rhinehart, who chaired the Black Hole Subcommittee where disfavored bills were sent to die. Ted put his finger to his lips as if to shush me. “Rhinehart’s office is bugged,” he warned. The biggest story of the year came on July 17, when Ted Ray put a shotgun in his mouth and pulled the trigger. It was the day before he was due to be indicted under the Hobbs Act for extorting $30,000 from Beel-
er in exchange for not filing a bill that would cripple the incinerator project.
The aftermath Richard, who liked Ted Ray too, was devastated. He didn’t leave the house for weeks. But here’s the thing. As an officer of the court, he had an ethical duty to report that his client was being shaken down. Not everybody recognized that, but one who did was Carlene Malone, who had become his nemesis in the incinerator fight. “I couldn’t help but like him,” Malone said. “And I’ve quoted him many times over the years about the sunshine law. Richard was smart and funny and he played fair. He didn’t hold a grudge and had a more thoughtful base from which he operated.” Years later when Malone ran for City Council, Beeler, who liked bright, mouthy women, quietly supported her. “I always got the feeling Richard was pulling for me,” Malone said. “He was a fair and honest man who just really liked things being done well.” Democrat Madeline Rogero served two terms on
County Commission when Beeler was law director, and remembers him fondly. “There were 19 people on commission in those days, and sometimes things would get a little crazy. I’d lean back and look his way, and make eye contact. It was like, ‘Really, did I hear that correctly?’ “He was very smart and did a great job. I could depend on him for advice.” Years later, Beeler bucked his party and supported Rogero for mayor. But the thing Rogero remembers best is when he talked her into trying skydiving. “Richard was in the plane. He jumped first,” Rogero said. “There was a guy with a video camera on his head and the tandem guy and me. The tandem guy and I descended pretty rapidly, and as we are descending, Richard is circling around us, waving and saying hi. It was an experience like none other, and I’ll always remember that – I keep this picture in a frame on my bookcase.” It is a shot of Rogero, Beeler and two dive professionals with a plane in the background, forever young and smiling under a sunny blue sky.
Alma Elliott passed away on March 10 at age 84. She and husband Harry were longtime leaders in the Holston Hills community, folks who could be counted on to help with projects large and small. They were married for 63 years. Harry, of course, is known as the typewriter guy. He owned and operated Cherokee Typewriter Co. until it closed in 2004. Probably, he’s still got a drawer full of spare parts and sevAlma Elliott eral vintage machines. Alma was a Realtor with a countywide base and special emphasis on her home territory on the east side. Her obituary states: “She was a wonderful loving wife, mother and grandmother to her family as well as being a respected and prolific contributor to both her church and community. Her infectious smiles and laughter will be missed.” Alma was a graduate of Knoxville High School and worked first for South Central Bell. She was active with Akima Club, Holston Hills Community Club, Dogwood Arts Festival, PTA and Brownie Scouts. She taught Sunday school and worked with college youth at Broadway Baptist and First Baptist churches. She is survived by Harry; son John; daughter and spouse Judy and Kevin Buxton; grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Career Academy certificate in applied science with 15 hours of credit from Pellissippi State. More ambitious students can earn an associate’s degree from the community college by continuing an additional year at the academy after graduation. “Some students are not interested in going to college,” Stowers said. “Each can continue in a pathway whether they plan on college or not.” The teacher preparation pathway will prepare academy graduates to take the substitute teacher test with Knox County Schools. The academy takes into account those 14-year-olds who might change their minds. The curriculum is set up so that all students take early courses in the teaching and sustainable development pathways. Those courses allow the
From page 1 students flexibility if their career goals change as they age. Creating an innovative school from the ground up was no simple assignment. “Starting a school is one of the most challenging things I’ve undertaken,” Stowers said. “The hard part was having to step back from the big picture to get the minutiae in place. “We had done all the intense work on curriculum and career paths, and then we had to write a student handbook.” The faculty and administrators called on sister Knox County academies for help and advice to get the school rolling on time, after taking possession of the space only a day or so before the academic year started. Molchan is responsible for encouraging area businesses to support the acad-
CARTER SENIOR CENTER ■ Wednesday, March 18: 8-10 a.m. Weekday Walkers; 10:30 a.m. Inspiration class; 11:30 a.m. Helping Hands program; 1 p.m. bingo; 2 p.m. History of Knoxville class, Wii Bowling; 3 p.m. Conversational Spanish. ■ Thursday, March 19: 8-10 a.m. Weekday Walkers; 9 a.m. pinochle; 11 a.m. Tai Chi for Beginners; 11:30 a.m. Tai Chi Arthritis; 12:30 p.m. Cardio Craze; 2 p.m. SAIL exercise; 3:15 p.m. Wii Bowling. ■ Friday, March 20: No programs in the big room; 9:30 a.m. “Put a Spring in Your Step” event. ■ Monday, March 23: 8-9:30 a.m. Weekday Walkers; 9 a.m. Euchre; 10 a.m. quilting; 11:30 a.m. beading; 1 p.m. art class, Diabetes class.
emy. He works to make local industries aware of the opportunities the school offers to both students and businesses. The magnet faculty are on extended contracts, and Molchan is seeking opportunities for the teachers to take short summer internships in area work places. “We’re called on to incorporate the pathway content into the everyday curriculum,” he said. “We want our teachers to experience things in the field, and we’re looking for businesses that would be willing to host a teacher for a week this summer.” Despite the focus on acquiring academic knowledge and work-related skills, the school is not denying its students a chance at the fun parts of high school. They recently had a CMA spirit week and a winter dance, and the robotics team has sent out a call for cheerleaders for the regional competition. The students have formed a number of interest clubs. “The best thing about this school is that the administration knows every single student in the building,” said Stowers. “The personal relationships are such a blessing.”
government
4 • MARCH 18, 2015 • Shopper news
Clarence ‘Eddie’ Pridemore, come on down! E-911 board punts
on radio decision
Mayor Rogero made her debut appearance to the E-911 board last Friday after more than three years as mayor. The meeting was well covered by local media. Basically the board punted on a decision on new radio equipment pending reviews of more providers and less cost. This ensures that the high-profile coverage will continue and both mayors will be present for the meetings over the next several months when a decision might actually occur. Rogero, who never conferred with her proxy on E-911, Gary Holiday, now says she will not send him should she miss a future meeting. Wise decision. She needs her own independent representative, but it is imperative she schedule regular meetings with whoever represents her if it is to have any value. Rogero skipping the 911 meetings for three years created the impression she is not a hands-on mayor but leaves the lower-profile activities to others. As she embarks on her campaign for a second and final term this approach may be changing. ■ Gov. Haslam is inviting all 33 members of the state Senate to dinner at the Residence on Curtiswood Lane in two groups of 17 and 16 each. ■ Lynn Duncan, wife of U.S. Rep. Jimmy Duncan, is recovering from a minor stroke at home. She is doing well. ■ Bill Baxter, former TVA board chair and state commissioner of Economic Development, got a new hip recently, as did former UT football coach Johnny Majors. Baxter’s recovery has been so fast that he was back at work for an hour at Holston Gases Inc. three days after surgery. ■ Hannah Parker, the new GOP election commissioner, who takes office May 1 (if appointed by the State Election Commission) was born in Knox County and graduated from Fulton High School in 2004 prior to attending the University
Victor Ashe
of Tennessee, where she got a degree in political science and English. She received a master’s in civic leadership from Lipscomb University in 2013. Parker lives on Emoriland Boulevard and is the daughter of Tim and LeeAnn Parker. Her father is pastor of CrossPoint Church, and her mother is a music teacher at Bearden Elementary School. They live in the Strawberry Plains area. She describes herself as a lover of art, music and Diet Coke and drives a Jeep Rambler. She has a hound dog named “Hank.” At 28, Parker may be the youngest person ever to serve on the Knox County Election Commission. After interning with then-Sen. Jamie Woodson, she worked in then-Mayor Haslam’s office doing policy and downtown coordinating. She likes concerts at the Bijou and Tennessee Theatres. She moved to Nashville when Haslam became governor. She was assistant for special projects and deputy for operations. She returned to Knoxville because “I just missed being here and my family is here.” She goes to work for the Emerald Youth Foundation (not Academy) this week. She votes regularly but was not yet a member of the Knox GOP precinct committee when interviewed last week. ■ It is unclear whether Tammy Kaousias will get a second term on the Election Commission. She was the choice of Rep. Gloria Johnson, who was defeated. Her patron is not there to assure her renomination. It falls to Rep. Joe Armstrong, the lone Democrat left on the Knox delegation.
One way or another, themselves. Knox Countians may soon Jones said the criticism is get a real-life demonstra- unjust. tion of why elections matter. “When the sheriff and the chief of police can’t get together and talk about public safety, something’s amiss,” he said, just before Betty he announced that he plans Bean to ask county Law Director Bud Armstrong to take the matter before Chancellor Clarence “Eddie” Pridemore for reconsideration. Last Friday, Sheriff JimOn the surface, that anmy “JJ” Jones came in the nouncement had little to do door loaded for bear and with the subject at hand – wasn’t shy about saying why how to break the stalemate when he made his open- over who gets the contract ing remarks at the E-911 to install a new radio sysboard meeting that had tem that will be used by all been called for the purpose of Knox County’s emergency of coming to a consensus on first responders. There were three bidders the contract for a new radio – Motorola, which had held system. It’s that gosh-darned the contract for 25 years, sunshine law that’s getting Harris Corp. and Tait Comunder his skin, especially munications (low bidder since he and Knoxville Po- and second-place finisher). lice Chief David Rausch The Request for Proposwere accused of violating als was the beginning of an it by discussing the negoti- 18-month process that beating process for buying a gan with a user committee new radio system amongst composed of subject matter
■ Ed and Bob (that’s Ed Brantley and Bob Thomas) came
to Powell on Tuesday to hear from constituents and to tour the Powell Station Park. Stay tuned. ■ Mike Lowe is heading to the county’s detention center to serve a one-year sentence after pleading guilty last week to bilking taxpayers of
In 2007, Pridemore’s predecessor, Daryl Fansler (a Democrat), removed 12 county commissioners after a jury ruled that they had violated the state’s Open Meetings law during the notorious Black Wednesday meeting. He also put down an order informing them that he would take a dim view of future violations. Since that time, county law directors have taken Fansler at his word and held the elected officials to a strict standard of conduct. Too strict, say some say, and Jones – who has been twice re-elected to sheriff since he was appointed by a bunch of soon-to-be-ousted Black Wednesday county commissioners – is among them. Jones is term-limited and cannot run again. Fansler was defeated for re-election last summer by Pridemore, a barely qualified and inexperienced lawyer who had little going for him but the R behind his name. These dots are not hard to connect.
Money, trust and confession Last week the big news was about people who took money that didn’t belong to them. In Thursday’s paper we learned that longtime (and former) Knox County trustee Mike Lowe was taking a plea for felony theft from the county’s tax coffers. We also read that the treasurer of St. George Greek Orthodox Church has admitted embezzling maybe $360,000 from the congregation, leaving the church in deep financial straits. These stories of people in positions of trust who turned out not to be trustworthy moved me to reflect on my own fallen estate. With the season of penance upon us and me not having planned any appropriate Lenten sacrifices, I have resolved to confess how I, too, once came up short. From 1946 till 1962, my father, Joe Dockery, was the trustee of Sevier County. In the old courthouse, he had the first office to the left inside the front door. A schoolteacher before he went off to fight in World War II, he ran
GOSSIP AND LIES ■ Knox County Commission will pick a new member for the Board of Zoning Appeals in March, but they’ll never find one who takes the job as seriously as did John Schoonmaker.
experts setting up the scope of the work, and an evaluation committee to score the proposals. Harris Corp. came out with the recommendation. Law enforcement representatives didn’t like it. In January, the county mayor’s surrogate’s motion to award the contract to Harris Corp. didn’t get a second. Last week’s meeting was supposed to break the stalemate, but the board decided instead to have the user committee look into signing up with Tennessee Valley Radio Systems, a regional radio system used by multiple counties and municipalities. Whatever the outcome of the internecine battle between the top cops who clearly want Motorola and the bean counters who want the process honored, Jones’ invocation of Chancellor Pridemore’s name may have the most serious implications of anything discussed that morning.
several hundred thousand dollars. (Or, as Lowe puts it, failing to supervise a couple of runaway employees.) ■ Sheriff Jimmy “JJ” Jones can make Lowe a trusty (hmmm, trustee to trusty) entitling him to leave jail during the day. We’ll keep watching.
Bill Dockery
for and was elected trustee when he came home from Europe. He was collegeeducated (a rarity then) and had a way with figures, so the election came easy. (Besides, his predecessor had made the mistake of hiring a Democrat as an office assistant.) My brother and I grew up in the courthouse, haunting the musty courtrooms, poking through unused offices and trying (without luck) to get into the clock tower. We were “Joe’s boys.” Everyone knew us. We had the run of the place, except for the clock tower. Dad’s office was an austere place with big, chesthigh desks where the huge leather-bound ledgers could be laid out for recording property tax payments, with pens and inkwells, and with an electric adding machine. The office also had a built-in safe with a beautiful painting on the door, and it had a cash drawer. At the time I’m remembering, I was about 4 or 5 years old – old enough to notice that everyone else seemed to have money. I thought it would be nice if I had some, too. So at some point I reached into that
cash drawer and made a withdrawal, a handful of change, not much, five or six coins, just enough to jingle in the pocket of my jeans. I went out into the central hall with the black-andwhite checkerboard tile and felt like a man of means. But money is no good if you can’t show it off, so pretty soon I sidled up to the old janitor and pulled the loot out of my pocket. I could tell he was impressed. When 5 o’clock rolled around, I went back into the office to find the trustee standing beside his cash drawer. He was closing up shop and reconciling the cash when he came up short. He’d also had a little talk with the janitor. He asked me about the money in my pocket and I readily fetched the coins. What happened next wasn’t capital punishment – it was somewhere south of there – and to my chagrin, Dad’s clerk (a Republican) stayed to witness the whole thing. When we were done, I had lost all interest in taking money that doesn’t belong to me, a disinterest that stays with me after 60-odd years. Decades later I learned that Dad and his clerk once had spent two weeks poring over the handwritten figures in those massive ledgers, looking for a one-penny error that was holding up closing out the books for the fiscal year. They found it, too, and Dad left office
in 1962 having handled $16 million in county funds over 16 years – with every single penny properly accounted for. This is the event that joins me in brotherhood with Mike Lowe and John Duncan III. Like me, these men in the trustee’s office stole from the people of their county. Lowe was industrious in his thievery, figuring out ways to take large sums of money for himself and his cronies. Duncan III, like me a descendant of honest and able public servants, was less ambitious. Though he pled guilty to official misconduct, his crime amounted to petty fraud – a dishonesty that netted him only a few thousand dollars but cost him his job and dishonored his family name. There’s only one difference between them and me – they got off easy. Duncan got a year’s probation, with the possibility of applying for judicial diversion. Lowe may spend seven months in the local jail and have to pay back $200,000, but that’s a pittance compared to what his malfeasance has cost the county and state. I don’t know whether any of that punishment will change the central crime they committed – a cynicism toward the public trust that let them steal from us for a little walking-around money. I wish they could have had a little time with Joe Dockery.
Listing top objectives of spring practice Once upon a time, spring practice was thought to be the birthplace of college football teams. That thought has evolved. Winter workouts are now very important, more for individual improvement than team functionality. Summer togetherness is critical for bonding, all for one, one for all. August is precision time, “process” refinement, semifinal determination of who can do what. You are supposed to deduce from the previous paragraphs that playing Tennessee football is a yearround job. This spring segment is more important than some previous because more is expected of the forthcoming team. It is supposed to be much better than the recent four or five – or six or eight.
Marvin West
Expectations have been puffed up to perhaps fill the Sugar Bowl. The No. 1 spring objective is the transformation of Dontavius Blair from deadly disappointment to starting left offensive tackle. The 2014 offensive line was somewhere between inept and awful. It just has to get better. Blair is the best bet. He is 6-8 and a truckload. He was recruited as the designated replacement for the dearly departed Tiny Richardson. He appeared to
be the ideal solution. I remember the exact words of line coach Don Mahoney: “He is a perfect fit for what we are looking for in a tackle.” Blair was a junior college all-American. He hadn’t needed great conditioning to prevail. He was big. Technique wasn’t terribly important. He was powerful. Attention to details? Assignments were not too complicated. Last spring was shocking. Blair couldn’t hold the first-team job he had been awarded. Fifth-year walkon Jacob Gilliam beat him out. Insiders thought that was temporary, a coaching move to motivate Blair. In pre-season camp, Dontavius would no doubt reclaim what was rightfully his.
You know how that turned out. Gilliam, on one leg, was better. Blair redshirted. This time, those who know say Blair has learned all he needs to know about the facts of life. He will take nothing for granted. If he can now play left tackle, Joshua Dobbs’ life expectancy goes up. Other linemen can be placed in more advantageous positions. The line may actually perform better. Hooray. The No. 2 spring objective is to develop a No. 2 quarterback. Here is new QB coach Mike DeBord’s first opportunity to shine. Early enrollees are Quinten Dormady and Jauan Jennings, superb prospects according to stargazers. If neither emerges, the
opportunity will fall to fellow freshman Sheriron Jones when he arrives in summertime. Butch Jones says preparing freshmen for this key responsibility is an opportunity and a challenge. “So much goes into playing the quarterback position that you’d kind of like to have them develop at their own pace. But unfortunately, that’s not where we’re at in our program.” That is code for rush job. Tennessee must have a second quarterback. The No. 3 objective is to establish some semblance of order at middle linebacker. The best newcomer, Darrin Kirkland Jr., is out with an injury. Jakob Johnson played just enough last season to show he wasn’t ready. Alas, he won’t get ready
this spring because of shoulder repairs. Kenny Bynum got some experience against Butch Jones Iowa but may not run fast enough. Redshirt freshman Dillon Bates, outstanding outside prospect, could move inside. Gavin Bryant is a maybe. There are other possibilities. Those of us who expect Tennessee to compete for championships should monitor these and other spring uncertainties. Improvement is a given. How much is absolutely necessary remains debatable. Exactly how far is it to the Sugar Bowl?
Shopper news • MARCH 18, 2015 • 5
Living in dystopia, on the Christian path and on the run Past, present and future provide a backdrop for this week’s new movies. But no matter what time frame it occupies, each film boasts at least one actor who has won or been nominated for an Academy Award. See if you can identify them all; answers at the bottom. Shailene Woodley returns as Tris Prior in “Insurgent,” the follow-up to last year’s “Divergent” (and the presumptive prequel to the not-as-well-rhymed “Allegiant,” which will come in two parts). War is looming between factions in the dystopian world Tris inhabits, and she must try to save herself and the ones she loves as she fully embraces her Divergence. Every choice has a consequence, as she has already discovered. The cast also includes Miles Teller, Theo James, Naomi Watts, Kate Winslet, Maggie Q, Ashley Judd, Ray Stevenson, Daniel Dae Kim and Octavia Spencer. Robert Schwentke directs. Twelve people whose lives are going in different directions unexpectedly intersect and discover there is power in the cross of Jesus Christ in “Do You Believe?” It starts with a pastor (Ted McGinley) driving home through the streets of Chicago late one night who has a chance encounter with a risk-taking street-corner preacher (Delroy Lindo). The pastor is reminded that he needs to live his faith, and as his life changes, so do the lives of people around him. “Do You Believe?” also stars Mira Sorvino, Sean Astin, Alexa PenaVega, Cybill Shepherd, Lee Majors, Andrea Logan White, Brian
weekender FRIDAY ■ Flux Pavilion with An-Ten-Nae, Luce Wayne and Two Sevenz, 9 p.m., The International, 940 Blackstock Ave. Info/ tickets: http://internationalknox.com. ■ Kukuly and the Gypsy Fuego will perform, 7 p.m., Casual Pint Fountain City, 4842 Harvest Mill Way. Info: 240-4589 or http://fountain-city.thecasualpint.com/.
Betsy Pickle
■ Live After Five Concert: Kelle Jolly & The Will Boyd Project, 6-8:30 p.m., Knoxville Museum of Art, 1050 World’s Fair Park Drive. Admission: $10, $5 with membership or student ID, ages 17 and under free. Info: Michael Gill, 934-2039 or mgill@ knoxart.org.
Bosworth and Tracy Melchior. Jonathan M. Gunn (“God’s Not Dead”) directs. Sean Penn stars in the Rrated “The Gunman.” Penn plays a mercenary sniper who has to go into hiding to protect himself and the members of his team after killing the minister of mines in the Congo. Years later he returns to the Congo and finds that he has a price on his head, and he has to Delroy Lindo plays one of a dozen characters whose lives intertrack down his former team sect in “Do You Believe?” members and old girlfriend for help in finding out who wants him dead. Penn’s co-stars include Shailene Javier Bardem, Idris Elba, Woodley Ray Winstone and Mark Ryreturns in lance. Pierre Morel (“Takthe “Diveren”) directs. gent” sequel Oscar answers: “Insurgent.” “Do You Believe?” – Mira Sorvino (winner), Sean Astin (nominee, but not for acting) “The Gunman” – Sean Penn (two wins, three other nominations), Javier Bardem (one win, two other nominations) “Insurgent” – Kate Winslet (one win, five other nominations), Octavia Spencer (winner), Naomi Watts (nominee)
Sean Penn plays a former Special Forces soldier trying to clear his name in “The Gunman.”
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■ Maradeen, Tree Tops will perform, 8 p.m. Preservation Pub, 28 Market Square. Info: 524-2224. ■ “Mozart and Mendelssohn” concert by the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra, 7:30 p.m., Tennessee Theatre, 604 S. Gay St. Part of the Moxley Carmichael Masterworks Series. Tickets: KnoxvilleTickets.com, 656-4444 or 877-995-9961. ■ RB Morris with Hector Qirko & Friends, 10 p.m., Scruff y City Hall, 32 Market Square. Info: 524-2224 or http://www. scruff ycityhall.com. ■ Tango Buenos Aires “Song of Eva Perón,” 7 p.m., Ronald and Lynda Nutt Theatre, Clayton Center for the Arts, 502 E. Lamar Alexander Parkway, Maryville. Info/tickets: box office, 981-8590 or 981-8591; www.claytonartscenter.com; KnoxvilleTickets.com, 656-4444 or 877-995-9961. ■ Third Day “Soul on Fire” tour, with special guest Ellie Holcomb, 7 p.m., Knoxville Civic Auditorium, 500 Howard Baker Jr. Ave. Info/tickets: Knoxville Civic Auditorium-Coliseum box office, 215-8999; KnoxvilleTickets.com, 656-4444 or 877-9959961. ■ WDVX World Class Bluegrass featuring Marty Raybon, Irene Kelley and Mae Beth Harris, 8 p.m., Bijou Theatre, 803 S. Gay St. Info/tickets: http://www.knoxbijou.com
SATURDAY ■ Get the Led Out: The American Led Zeppelin will perform, 8 p.m., The International, 940 Blackstock Ave. Info/tickets: http://internationalknox.com. ■ Kelsey’s Woods will perform, 7 p.m., Casual Pint Fountain City, 4842 Harvest Mill Way. Info: 240-4589 or http:// fountain-city.thecasualpint.com/.
SUNDAY ■ Tellico Village Community Concert by the Knoxville Symphony, 4 p.m., Tellico Village Community Church, 130 Chota Center, Loudon. Tickets: $25. Info/tickets: Pat McDermott, 423-884-3098. ■ Young Pianist Series Concert, featuring award-winning, internationally acclaimed pianist Shen Lu, 2:30 p.m., Sandra G. Powell Recital Hall, Natalie L. Haslam Music Center, 1741 Volunteer Blvd. on the UT campus. Tickets: $25 adults, students free; available at the door or online at www. youngpianistseries.com. Info: 408-8083
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6 • MARCH 18, 2015 • NORTH/EAST Shopper news
Representing Fulton High School at state are Chris Muncey, Hannah Rose Libby, Taylor Nichols, Sarah Emory, Courtney Rader, Tyler Rigger, Barret Long, Destiny Cullom, Warren Sanders, Tinaya Gist, Charles Stansberry, Simmone Smith, Zach Sain, Elijah Roach and Matthew Dinges. Photo by Steve Morrell, FulCom Clay creations by first-grade students Lavendar Maynard and Seth Sparks are on display under glass at the event.
Fulton High technology students place at state
Beaumont second-grader Ransley Greenoe’s portrait of Stephen Hawking, part of a timeline featured at the exhibit
Beaumont students’ own versions of royal portraits
Beaumont shines
The snowy weather might have canceled the Beaumont Magnet Academy Exhibit Night several times, but it couldn’t keep proud parents away forever.
The event was held Monday, March 9, and the hallways were lined with student artwork for guests to enjoy. The night also included dance performances by third-grade students and
the DanceWorks group. Vocal music was provided by the second-graders in celebration of Black History Month, and instrumental entertainment closed out the night.
Spring is here.
Ruth White
row for video. Upon arrival at the conference, the team had 24 hours to make a short horror video. Tommy Gibbons, television teacher, worked with this crew. Matthew Dinges won first place for the Promotional Graphic that he created before the competition.
Prom etiquette class The Cardinal School of Etiquette and Protocol will hold prom etiquette classes at Imagination Forest, 7613 Blueberry Road in Powell. Classes are 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 19, and Thursday, March 26, for students ages 14-18. Topics will include how to ask, or say yes or no; dresses and tuxedos, flowers, transportation, cell phone etiquette, con-
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During the final round of competition, the CHS band performed first and set the bar high for the bands that followed. The group jumped six places from the previous year, giving the group a fourth-place finish. The Carter color guard placed third in finals competition after a stunning performance.
Oak Ridge Ballet to present ‘Cinderella’
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versation, table manners, dancing, after party and whom to thank. Ann White, owner of the Cardinal School of Etiquette and Protocol, is a graduate of the American School of Protocol and is certified to teach corporate and children’s etiquette. Classes are $20, and space is limited. To register, email jennifer@ imaginationforest.com or call 947-7789.
Sarah Jett (as the fairy godmother) and Nicole Lindsley (as Cinderella) will perform with the Oak Ridge Civic Ballet in “Cinderella.” Photo submitted
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Sandi Campbell and Steve Morrell, Digital Design teachers, worked with Promotional Graphics students. Simmone Smith brought home third-place honors in Photographic Technology. She put together a portfolio before attending the conference and then had to do another shoot and present it to the judges once she was there. Simmone was mentored by Steve Morrell. FulCom students also competed in Video Game Design, Music Production, Storybook Design, Technology Bowl and Technology Problem Solving.
Carter band
The Carter Marching Hornets placed fourth in state championship competition, performing against the top 21 bands in the state. The Marching Hornets had an impressive showing in the preliminary competition with a sixthplace finish, securing a place in the top 10 finals round.
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Photos by R. White
Students at Fulton High School continue to prove themselves competitors in state events, and not just on the football field and the basketball court. FulCom’s technology students recently attended state competition and brought home several top awards for their hard work. The Webmaster team of Zach Sain, Taylor Nichols, Elijah Roach and Charles Stansberry won first place, securing a three-peat for the team. The group is responsible for building a website and submitting it before the competition, later being interviewed by the judges about the design and the work each member contributed. The web design team is mentored by web design teacher Matt Mosley. The On-Demand Video team includes members Tinaya Gist, Destiny Cullom, Sarah Emory, Courtney Rader, Warren Sanders and Tyler Rigger. The team was given first-place honors for the second year in a
The Oak Ridge Civic Ballet Association will present “Cinderella” (with a special opening by Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs) and “Giselle” at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 28. Senior Corps member Nicole Lindsley and demisoloist Aimee Young will take turns as Cinderella, while soloist Sarah Jett will
be featured as Giselle. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for students/senior adults. Students may attend for a penny with a paid adult/senior, as part of the Penny 4 the Arts program. All performances are at the Oak Ridge High School Performing Arts Center. Tickets may be purchased at the door or at www.orcba.org.
Shopper news • MARCH 18, 2015 • 7
Emerald Academy ready to roll By Betty Bean The Emerald Academy administration hasn’t yet moved into the old Moses School in Mechanicsville, but principal Jon Rysewyk says Knox County’s first charter school has met its goal of having two student applicants for each of its 120 seats and will hold a certified lottery to see who gets in. March 30 at 5 p.m. is the cutoff date for students to apply (they will be called scholars if they are accepted) to enroll in the inaugural kindergarten and first-grade classes. The lottery will be held within 10 days of the cutoff. Eventually, the school, which is a public charter subject to state education laws, will serve kindergartners through eighth graders, with one additional grade to be added each year to reach that goal. Classes will start July 27, and Emerald Academy will not only operate under the “balanced calendar” being advocated by Knox County Schools, but will also have extended school days. There will be two teachers per 30-student classroom, and students will wear uniforms. School culture and curriculum will be modeled on the Breakthrough Prep School in Cleveland, Ohio.
The goal, as stated on Emerald Academy’s website, is to create a school built on four pillars: “Academic excellence, effective teaching, a highly relational culture grounded in high expectations, and robust parent and community engagement.” Jon Rysewyk Rysewyk and dean of academics Jamie Snyder, most recently the principal of Corryton Elementary School and before that an assistant principal at Inskip, were the first employees. Cheryl Robinson joined the staff last week as director of family engagement. Job fairs will be held to hire teachers. Rysewyk, who won a Milken Educator Award in 2008 for work he did as assistant principal at Fulton High School to redesign the curriculum there, was promoted to principal a year later. He moved to the central office as executive director of innovation and school improvement in 2013 and was considered one of the system’s superstars. Snyder was a member of Knox County’s first Leadership Acad-
emy class. Rysewyk said he didn’t leave Knox County Schools for a bigger paycheck or because he was disgruntled. His motivation, he said, is his passion for educating inner-city kids. “This is a missional calling to do something we believe in. Neither Jamie nor I got pay raises to come over here. If we get this thing right, I see it as benefiting all our urban children – not just Emerald Academy scholars.” He professes to be somewhat gobsmacked by the icy reception that met his recent recruiting letter to parents in target neighborhoods, featuring charts showing poor academic performance and touting Emerald’s innovative approach. He said he didn’t intend to disparage existing urban schools. “Coming off my Fulton experience, I love this whole area and my heart has never left the inner city. I like to walk beside people, not on top of them. When Emerald had this idea to do some of these radical instructional things – extended time, two teachers per classroom, 10 laptops in every K-5 classroom – I felt a calling. “I have a firm belief that personalization is how you reach kids.”
World Rotary Day works locally By Cindy Taylor More than 60 Rotarians from local clubs including North Knox, Downtown, Farragut, Knoxville Breakfast, Turkey Creek and Farragut braved the cold start to the day March 7 to spruce up the outside of the Cerebral Palsy Center Group Home on Highland Avenue. “There are about 10 people who live at this location,
and North Knox Rotary handles about 80 percent of their yearly funding,” said club president Nic Nicaud. “We plan to donate funds for professionals to renovate the inside of the house within a year.” Independent club members donate money throughout the year for local projects. Each local club contributed $500 to North Knox Rotary Club president Nic Nicaud and UTK Rotasponsor the work day at the ract Club member Olivia Hysinger work in a raised bed at the Cerebral Palsy Center Group Home on Highland Avenue. Photo Group Home. by Cindy Taylor
Support for the Angel Tree The community fund of Barge, Waggoner, Sumner and Cannon Inc. has contributed $2,500 to the Angel Tree program of the local Salvation Army. Pictured are Maria Down of the Salvation Army; Casey Tyree, Barge Waggoner Knoxville civic group leader; and Major Yvette Villafuerte, associate area commander for the Salvation Army. Photo submitted
Pike: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. SaturVolunteer Income Tax days, through April 15. Farragut Town Hall, Assistance (VITA) program, which offers free tax 11408 Municipal Center preparation by certified vol- Drive: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Friunteers to low- to moderate- days through April 10. Westside Unitarian Uniincome families and households, is available at three versalist Church, 616 Fretz Road: 5-8 p.m. Tuesdays and locations. Goodwill, 5307 Kingston Thursdays, through April 14.
Free tax assistance available
Stofko joins Tennova Douglas L. Stofko, D.O., neurological surgeon, has opened his new medical practice at Tennova Neurosciences. He is accepting new patients at his office at Physicians Regional Medical Center, 930 Emerald Avenue. Dr. Stofko is one of a select number of neurosurgeons in the country – and the only one in East Tennessee – trained in both traditional neurosurgical approaches as well as endovascular procedures, enabling his patients to have the full range of treatDr. Stofko ment options available to them under the direction of one surgeon. Info: 1-855-836-6682.
Documents needed include: Social Security card and birthday for each person on the return; taxpayer photo ID; original W-2s, 1099Rs, SSA1099s, etc., for all income; proof of health
insurance – a new requirement. Optional documents: last year’s return, proof of account for direct deposit and expenses for deductions. Info: www.irs.gov.
As part of the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, UT law students will offer free tax preparation help and electronic filing to qualifying members of the community. The program is available to those who generally make $53,000 or less, persons with disabilities, the elderly and limited-English-speaking taxpayers who need assistance in preparing their
own tax returns. The services are available 5-7:30 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays through April 15 in Suite 157 of the College of Law, 1505 W. Cumberland Ave. Appointments not required. Visit www.tiny.utk.edu/vita to learn what documents are needed. Info: Morgan, 974-2492 or rmorgan2@ utk.edu.
Claiborne Hauling: local success The best part of my job is getting to meet wonderful business owners. Last week it was my pleasure to speak with Todd Claiborne, owner of Claiborne Claiborne Hauling in East Knox County. I was impressed with what he has accomplished with his company. Claiborne graduated from Carter High School, and two days later he was in the Army. He says he just needed some time to figure out what he wanted to do with his life. After a stint with the 82nd Airborne Division, he returned home and attended Pellissippi State Community College on the GI bill, earning an associate’s degree in Business Finance and Business Management. Claiborne began his venture into business by servicing construction companies’ trucks. In 1997, he traded in his own pickup as a down payment on a dump truck and soon began hauling rock, gravel and sand for many of those same construction companies. He laughs and says the dump truck was his only vehicle, so when he took someone out on a date she had to ride in it. Fast-forward to 2015. Not only does Claiborne own Claiborne Hauling, but he also owns TLC Truck Repair in Knoxville, as well as American Sand Company in Monterey, Tenn. He has 110 trucks and 140 employees. TLC Truck Repair works on diesel trucks, which Todd says gives his customers “one-stop shopping” and provides him with “inhouse servicing” for his own fleet. Todd’s dad, Tracy, and brother Toby work with him now. Tracy worked in the lumber business for 40 years and joined Todd at Claiborne Hauling about three years ago. Toby also worked in the lumber business for years and now works in the heavy haul division and in sales. So what exactly does Claiborne Hauling do? Todd says they haul “just about
Nancy Whittaker
everything.” They cover the gamut from delivering topsoil, gravel, sand and landscaping materials to individuals – “whatever the customer needs” – all the way to huge commercial jobs. Demolition has also become a big part of their work. Todd says no job is too large or too small. The heavy haul division of Claiborne Hauling, started in 2003, delivers bulldozers and all types of heavy equipment to job sites. Whether local or cross-country, they have the proper trucks to transport any size load. You’ve probably seen Claiborne Hauling’s trucks. They have different themes including American flags, Ice Bears hockey and the zoo. Claiborne Hauling also hauls and dumps the rubber ducks for the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley Duck Race each year. Todd is most proud of his “Touch a Truck” project, which got kids involved with putting their handprints on all the trucks. He enjoys projects that help keep kids in school. Having grown up in East Knox, he says community involvement is important to him. Did Claiborne envision the growth his company would experience when he bought that first dump truck back in 1997? He says he just took things one step at a time and started to grow as his customers’ needs were met. The company doubled its business every year from 1999 to 2007. He says servicing his customers in the best possible way has been the key to his success. Claiborne Hauling Contractors is at 6210 Rutledge Pike. Info: www. claibornehauling.com or 540-4409.
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ResourceMFG is recruiting for Packers & Machine Operators ResourceMFG is recruiting for entry level packers & machine operators for an East Knoxville Manufacturing Company. All positions are 12 hour rotating shifts. Candidates must be able to stand for 12 hours a shift & operate in a fast paced environment. Overtime built into your schedule every week!! Work 15 days out of the month! Every other weekend off!!
No admission charge, but a love offering will be taken. DON’T MISS IT!
Worship with us! New Beverly Baptist Church
Apply online at www.ResourceMFG.com or call us for more information at 865-558-6224. We want to hear from you!
8 • MARCH 18, 2015 • NORTH/EAST Shopper news “You CAN Grow Your Own Rose Bouquets,” 3:15-4:30 p.m., Humana Guidance Center, 4438 Western Ave. Presented by Knox County Master Gardeners. Free and open to the public. Info: 329-8892.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18
International Folk Dance Class, 7:30-10 p.m., Claxton Community Center, 1150 Edgemoor Road, Clinton. Sponsored by the Oak Ridge Folk Dancers. First visit free. No partner or dance experience required. Adults and children accompanied by an adult welcome. Info: Paul Taylor, 898-5724; www.oakridgefolkdancers.org; on Facebook. RCS Hiking Club hike: Old Settlers Trail to Little “Science of Sound” program by Knoxville Symphony Bird Branch and out to Hwy. 321. Six-mile moderate Orchestra, 1 p.m., The Muse Knoxville Planetarium. A new shuttle hike. Meet 9 a.m. at Gatlinburg City Hall Park & educational program for students in grades 3-5. Info: http:// Ride. Info: Ray, 314-2279, or Kate, 573-9258. www.themuseknoxville.com/calendar/science-sound-kso.
FRIDAY, MARCH 20
WEDNESDAY-THURSDAY, MARCH 18-19 AARP Driver Safety class, noon-4 p.m., O’Connor Senior Center, 611 Winona St. Info/to register: Carolyn Rambo, 382-5822.
THURSDAY, MARCH 19 Burlington Game Night, 5:30-8 p.m., Burlington Branch Library, 4614 Asheville Highway. Info: 525-5431. Family Pajama Storytime, 6:30 p.m., Halls Branch Library, 4518 E. Emory Road. Info: 922-2552.
SATURDAY, MARCH 21 Book Launch/Signing for “Life With Charley: A Memoir of Down Syndrome Adoption” by Sherry McCaulley, 2-3 p.m., Halls Branch Library, 4518 E. Emory Road. Info: 922-2552. Emory Road Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) will meet 10:30 a.m., Nichols Gibbs Homestead, 7633 E. Emory Road, Corryton, for a tour of the homestead. Info: 938-3187 or 938-8641. NWTF Norris Lake Longbeards Annual Banquet & Auction, 6 p.m., Union County High School. Silent auction, live auction, raffles, dinner, gun giveaways and more. Info/ tickets: Ashley Mike, 660-1274 or ashley.mike@utk.edu.
SATURDAY-SUNDAY, MARCH 21-22 Daffodil flower show, 1-5 p.m., Ellington Plant Sciences Building, 2431 Joe Johnson Drive. Free. Craft and plant vendors on site. Info: Brian, 591-6774.
TUESDAY, MARCH 24 “La Technique Knife Skills” class, 6:30-9 p.m., Avanti Savoia, 7610 Maynardville Pike. Cost: $60. Bring a good paring knife and chef’s knife. Info/to register: www.avantisavoia.com or 922-9916.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25 The Bits ’n Pieces Quilt Guild meeting, 1 p.m., Norris Community Center. Program: Members Dot Fraser, Cyndi Herrmann and Loretta Painter will lead a discussion on ways to quilt your quilts. Guests and new members welcome. Info: Diane Bogan, 377-3837, or bnpquilt@gmail. com. Computer Workshop: Word Basics, 2 p.m., Burlington Branch Library, 4614 Asheville Highway. Requires “Introducing the Computer” or equivalent skills. Info/to register: 525-5431.
NEWS FROM TENNESSEE CANCER PATIENT COALITION
Prostate cancer survivor advocates legislation to help others receive life-saving proton treatment By Anne Hart If Don Denton had followed the advice of the urologist who diagnosed his prostate cancer in the fall of 2010, his life would have turned out much differently. And if by some chance he were still alive, he would likely be incontinent, impotent and awaiting the very real possibility of the cancer recurring. In other words, his quality of life would be so dramatically diminished it might hardly seem worth the struggle. But Denton had a lot to live for, and he would be the first to tell you he didn’t like the doctor’s odds. So after hearing the diagnosis and anticipating a gloomy future, he and his wife, Sulynne, began researching options to the treatment the urologist had recommended. For several weeks they scoured the Internet and gathered books and networked with cancer survivors, learning everything they could find on treatment for prostate cancer. Meanwhile, the doctor’s office kept calling, wanting to schedule surgery. Denton kept putting them off. “We did incredible
Sulynne and Don Denton. Don is a prostate cancer survivor and created the Tennessee Cancer Patient Coalition, a grassroots group that aims to encourage the passage of legislation that would require insurance companies to cover proton therapy treatments for cancer patients.
research, but we weren’t daunted and we weren’t praying for a miracle. We always felt God would lead us to the right choice. We just hoped He would make it so obvious we wouldn’t miss it,” Denton says with a smile. Just before Christmas of that year, the couple heard about a Blount County prostate cancer support group. “We thought it would be a good idea to talk with others, and the meeting was going to take place just two minutes from our home in Townsend, so it seemed like a good idea. “What we learned from two of the members just blew us away. They had both had proton treatment, which is
non-invasive, painless and allows the patient to lead a normal life while undergoing treatment and afterwards. It sounded too good to be true, but we went home and started researching it.” Knoxville’s Provision Center for Proton Therapy wasn’t open yet. The nearest proton treatment center was in Jacksonville, Florida. Denton applied there, and several days later on Christmas Eve, he was notified that his insurance company wouldn’t cover the cost of proton therapy. “The insurance company said the treatment was ‘experimental,’ despite the fact that at that time there were nine proton centers open in the US and 14 more under construction or development. Denton said he learned that the treatment was far
from experimental. “The concept was developed in 1946, the first patient was treated in 1954, and the FDA approved the treatment and Medicare began covering it in 1988. At the time of my diagnosis, tens of thousands of people worldwide had been cured of cancer through outpatient proton treatment and my insurance company was saying it was experimental. “At that point we were devastated. We were ready to mortgage our home and do whatever else it took to get this treatment. Through Christmas of that year we worked with an attorney on an appeal, and then the center asked that we let them file the first appeal with the insurance company.” The insurance company finally agreed to pay. Don Denton had the treatment as an outpatient over a period of two months, and in the following week after the end of his treatments, he and his wife enjoyed hiking in the mountains and playing three rounds of golf. Today he is free of cancer and has had no permanent side effects or quality of life issues. Denton’s story has a happy ending, and he wants others
diagnosed with prostate and breast cancer, which is also treated with proton therapy, to have a similar outcome. He has written a book about his experience. “Calming the Storm” is available on Amazon.com. You can also find him on Facebook under that title. In addition, he’s on the speaker’s circuit at every opportunity, telling others about his experience and urging them to contact legislators in support of a bill now in the General Assembly and co-sponsored by state Rep. Ryan Haynes of Knox County and state Sen. Doug Overbey of Blount County. The bill will force insurance companies to allow patients and their doctors to determine the best medical treatment, including proton treatment. “We hope everyone will contact their legislators and ask for support of the Cancer Patient Choice Act,” Denton says. “Insurance companies shouldn’t be allowed to deny benefits to cancer patients who choose proton therapy, and that’s exactly what is happening today.” For additional information:
www.tncancerpatient.org info@tncancerpatient.org
Don Denton is the author of “Calming the Storm” which chronicles his journey of cancer diagnosis, his research and discovery of proton therapy treatment for prostate cancer, and his treatment and ultimate cure of cancer after proton therapy. Don’s book is available for purchase on Amazon or at the Provision Center for Proton Therapy. Proton Therapy Facts: ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
Proton therapy is NOT experiemental Proton therapy was approved by the FDA in 1988 Medicare/CMS have reimbursed proton therapy since 2000 More than 100,000 patients have been treated with proton therapy worldwide The cost of proton therapy for prostate cancer is now the same or lower than conventional treatments, without the damaging side effects Five-year, peer-reviewed study just released by the University of Florida Proton Therapy Institute found that 99% of prostrate cancer patients remain cancer free There are 1.6 million new cases of cancer diagnosed each year Tennessee ranks 5th in the nation for deaths from cancer
Make a difference Proton Therapy is the most advanced form of cancer treatment in the world, and now Tennessee has the Provision Center for Proton Therapy located right here in Knoxville. Our Tennessee proton center is one of only 14 operational centers in the nation. However, due to decisions by insurance carriers in Tennessee, if you are between
the ages of 19 to 64, you are not covered for this unique treatment option. If you live in a neighboring state like Georgia, Kentucky, South Carolina, Virginia or Florida, you are covered and you can come to our center in Tennessee to receive treatment. Help us make sure that this treatment option is available to ALL
Tennesseans that need it. Visit the Tennessee Cancer Patient Coalition at tncancerpatient.org to learn more. Also visit the facebook page at facebook.com/tncancerpatient Make a Difference. Urge Your Representative to vote YES on House Bill 1006 and Senate Bill 0902. Find your representative here: www. capitol.tn.gov/legislators
I agreed to sponsor the bill because it reflects sound public health policy for the citizens of Tennessee. Patients in Tennessee should have available all treatment modalities. ~ State Senator Doug Overbey
Make sure yo u r l o ca l re pre s e n t a t i ve p lans to
VOT E YES ON THE CANCER PATIENT CHOICE ACT This VOTE ABillVoteIs AAgainst Vote Against
RIGHT C A N C E R PAT I E N T S VI S I T
T N C A N C E R PAT I E N T. O R G
T O FIN D O U T MO RE A B O U T T H E B ILL