NORTH / EAST VOL. 2 NO. 14
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April 7, 2014
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IN THIS ISSUE
What’s that in my backyard?! West Knox County homeowners should pay attention to what happens at Thursday’s MPC meeting regarding rezoning in Northshore Town Center. The change would allow Flournoy Development of Columbus, Ga., to build 246 apartment units on 10 acres adjacent to a neighborhood of single-family homes.
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is huge gamble
Read Wendy Smith on page 4
Christenberry ball fields get a redo The city-owned Christenberry ball fields – at least the one that is the home field for the Fulton High School softball team – has a whole new look this season, thanks to an outpouring of community co-operation that led to some $30,000 worth of renovations. The Fulton High School Booster Club, headed by club president Will Gunn, coordinated the effort.
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Read Betty Bean on page 3
UT football Butch Jones is one fine philosopher. He says things you can print on fancy paper in old English script, trim orange matting to fit, frame and hang on the wall. “Your win-loss record starts today,” said the coach before the first practice in pads.
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Read Marvin West on page 5
Legislative disconnect At a League of Women Voters forum last week, all six candidates for school board pretty much agreed about one thing: Charter schools – they don’t much like them.
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Read Betty Bean on page 4
Fulton’s perfect end to perfect season Fulton’s football team ended the perfect season in a perfect way – handing out the state championship rings to every member of the team. Breaking state records, setting new school records and the perfect season make coach Rob Black happy, but the fact that his players show good character makes him proud.
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School board member Doug Harris and CMA principal John Derek Faulconer pose for a Knoxville Chamber promotion, touting the new Career Magnet Academy. Photos by S. Clark
See the story on page 6
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By Sandra Clark “You pays your money and you takes your chances.” Money is tight, but Knox County Schools is set to open a brand new high school in August. Officials toured the construction site last Monday. We’re spending $3.75 million to retrofit the basement of
the former Panasonic Building on School board members Pam Trainor, Gloria Deathridge and Lynne Strawberry Plains Pike for classFugate explore the new school. Board members Indya Kincanrooms and student labs. non, Mike McMillan and Doug Harris (not pictured) also attended. The Career Magnet Academy (CMA@PSCC) joins Pellissippi State Community College which Doug Dillingham, supervisor media center, wellness center, has offered classes in the building of facilities and construction, said teacher workrooms, guidance ofsince 2012 and currently has 300 Knox County’s space will contain fices and a cafeteria. students enrolled. 13 classrooms, two science labs, To page 3
Green Magnet students honor teachers with ‘hat day’ By Betty Bean Linda Hill has been cancer-free for a year now, but she hasn’t forgotten how the kids at Green Magnet Math and Science Academy helped her through the hard times by being extra-careful to keep their hands washed and not to sneeze or cough on her, so what they did on Hat Day didn’t surprise her a bit. “We take care of them, and these babies, they took care of me,” said Hill, an instructional assistant for reading intervention. “We take care of each other here.” The kids at Green Magnet are still doing their part. In March, they honored Hill and speech/language therapist Mary Rhodes (who is undergoing cancer treatment) by raising money for the American Cancer Society by holding two “hat days” when students could pay a dollar and wear a hat to class. They raised
more than $200, and on March 27, they presented a check to a representative of the American Cancer Society. Third grade teacher Matt Horton spearheaded the fundraiser to honor his colleagues and to
Green Magnet students display their certificate of appreciation from the American Cancer Society: (front) O’Tavius Harris, Josiah Libby, Mason Tanner, Shawn Prater, Zea’Quan Hardy, Walter Neal; (back) Miracle Neal, Mary Rhodes, Matt Horton, Linda Hill. Photo by Betty Bean
educate the children about the disease, which they are seeing so much of these days. “We’d seen these staffers fight-
ing cancer and we thought we could do something positive to answer the students’ questions and raise awareness,” Horton said.
Patrols are adequate, says sheriff hood patrols are thin – fewer than tors calls to By Sandra Clark 30 officers on a Knox County Sheriff Jimmy shift – and it’s a “J.J.” Jones says he has all the question of the patrol officers in neighborhoods sheriff’s priorithat he can afford, that he’s almost ties. The former doubled the count from January chief of detectives 2007 when he became sheriff, promised more ofand that Bobby Waggoner knows ficers on patrol if better than to scare people about he’s elected. home safety. In an interview Waggoner Waggoner, who is challenging Jones last week, Jones Jones in the May 6 Republican Primary, earlier said neighbor- said his office continuously moni- ment patrols
allocate officers to areas of highest crime. “When I took over we had some 17 to 18 officers on (patrol) duty. Now it’s about 30.” Knox County outside the city (the Knoxville Police Departinside the city) is
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Analysis divided into 12 zones with a patrol car assigned to each. There is overlap during peak times (9 p.m. to midnight) and times of heavy traffic. Jones says response time is crucial, so he has fewer officers on patrol during the middle of the night To page A-3
2 • APRIL 7, 2014 • Shopper news
health & lifestyles
A life changing night of sleep Scott Beverly of Knoxville, 53, has been taking better care of his health lately, ever since he experienced atrial fibrillation, the most common type of irregular heartbeat. Working out and losing weight have helped. But Beverly has also visited Dr. Thomas G. Higgins at the Fort Sanders Sleep Disorders Center for an exam and a sleep test in the summer of 2013. “My wife (Toni) kept saying I was snoring a whole lot at nighttime, and she could tell I stopped breathing during the night,” Beverly said. At the sleep center, Beverly was diagnosed with a condition called obstructive sleep apnea. This occurs when a person’s airway relaxes during sleep and collapses on itself. This causes loud snoring and periodic lapses in breathing, which in turn can strain the heart. And of course, it makes for a lousy night’s sleep. At the sleep center, Beverly had a thorough exam by Higgins and then was scheduled for a sleep test. He arrived at 7 p.m. to spend the night in one of the center’s suites, complete with a comfortable bed and bathroom. “It was very nice, almost like home,” Beverly said. Except that patients are connected all night to monitors recording their heart rate, brain activity, breathing
dreamed. I hadn’t done that in forever!” Today Beverly wears a CPAP mask every night to sleep and has seen a dramatic improvement in his energy level. The machine is about the size of a shoe box and sits beside his bed. “I’m 100 percent better. I didn’t feel it at first. But my wife and even boss and others could tell the difference. I have more pep and a more normal energy level,” Beverly said. Beverly said he would recommend the Fort Sanders Sleep Disorders Center to anyone who needs a better night’s rest. And the added bonus of treating his sleep apnea has been a more regular heart beat. “My atrial fibrillation has gone from spells four times a week, to maybe once every two weeks, if that,” he said. “Dr. Higgins thinks maybe when I stopped breathing so many times during the night, it was triggering the irregular heartbeat. “I had excellent care at Fort Scott Beverly and his wife, Toni, in Annapolis, Md., where their son, Brandon, is a junior at the United States Naval Sanders,” he said. “When you walk in, you’re not a number, Academy you’re a person. It’s a great place, rate and limb movements. then I was awake for 15 seconds.” and mask and into the patient’s and I can’t say anything bad “They hooked me up to all After trying to sleep for two nose to keep the airway open all about it.” those wires, and I slept for two hours, the staff technician put night. hours,” said Beverly. “And out Beverly in a mask attached to a This time, Beverly slept sound- For more information or to schedule an appointment, call the Fort of that two hours, for every one CPAP (continuous positive air- ly. “When they woke me up, I felt Sanders Sleep Disorders Center at minute of sleep I got, I stopped way pressure) machine. The ma- like I had slept way more than 865-541-1375. breathing for five seconds, and chine forces air through a tube five hours,” he said. “I finally
Science of a good night’s rest Getting a good night’s rest is not a luxury but rather a necessity for good health, according to Dr. Thomas G. Higgins, a neurologist and sleep disorders specialist at Fort Sanders Sleep Disorders Center. “Most people need at least seven or eight hours of sleep,” said Higgins. “There are shorter sleepers, but most people getting five hours are not getting enough sleep. Your body temperature, horDr. Thomas G. mones and everyHiggins thing in the body functions better if you’re attaining enough sleep.” A lack of sleep can affect the body in many negative ways, Higgins said. “The immune system is affected,” he said. “People who do not get enough sleep are more likely to become ill. People with insufficient sleep are more likely to put on weight, because a lack of sleep affects metabolism. That can lead to diabetes and heart disease. “Obtaining good sleep reduces your sensitivity to chronic pain.
doesn’t get to a deep stage of sleep. Sleep apnea is managed by wearing a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine at night. This machine forces air through a tube and mask, and into the patient’s airway to keep it open. “In one study, they took photos of patients before and two months after using a CPAP machine, and asked other people to rate who was more attractive. The people judged most attractive were the ones who had used the CPAP for a couple of months. “So if you want to Fibromyalgia, for example, can be aggravated by a lack of sleep,” be good looking, healthy and feel better, use your CPAP,” said Higsaid Higgins. One of the most common sleep gins with a laugh. disorders is obstructive sleep apFor more information about nea, in which a patient’s airway diagnosis and treatment of your relaxes and collapses on itself sleep problem, call the during sleep, causing loud snorFort Sanders Sleep Disorders ing, choking and momentary Center at 865-541-1375. lapses in breathing. These wake the patient up, and he or she
Myths about sleep Myth: Some people only need 4 to 5 hours per night. Truth: Everyone needs 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night, and others need up to 9 hours. Sleep is productive time, in which brain and body cells rejuvenate. Myth: Sleep problems only affect older women. Truth: Insomnia affects everyone, but is more common in older women. Men in their 30s and 40s are most likely to get sleep apnea. And narcolepsy, a serious sleep disorder, most often begins in a person’s teens and 20s.
When to call the doctor If you have a problem getting to sleep, it’s probably a sleep hygiene issue. Try keeping regular sleep hours, use the bedroom only for sleeping don’t work on the computer or watch TV just before bed and avoid caffeine after dinner. Get exercise every day, but not right before bed. Do something relaxing before bed, like take a bath or read (as long as it’s not exciting). Keep the lights low or even off. Before there were electric lights, people regularly slept 9 hours per day. If you keep waking up during the night, that’s more likely a physica problem such as sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome or any one of a number of sleep disorders. If you’ve tried good sleep hygiene and still can’t fall asleep, call your doctor. Or if you’re waking up in the middle of the night repeatedly that’s a reason to call a doctor as well.
Get Your Life Back Chronic sleep deprivation or poor quality sleep can leave you feeling exhausted, irritable and unable to focus. It can also lead to serious health problems. The professionals at the nationally accredited Fort Sanders Regional Sleep Disorders Center can help you get a refreshing night’s sleep – and get your life back.
Fort Sanders Professional Building 1901 Clinch Avenue, S.W., Suite 303 Knoxville, TN 37916
For more information, please call the Fort Sanders Sleep Disorders Center at (865) 541-1375.
NORTH/EAST Shopper news • APRIL 7, 2014 • 3
Patrols are adequate
Fulton softball coaches Brittany Nichols and Lydia Gunn flank senior standout Dominique McCue
Photo by Betty Bean
Christenberry ball fields get redo The city-owned Christenberry ball fields – at least the one that is the home field for the Fulton High School softball team – has a whole new look this season, thanks to an outpouring of community co-operation that led to some $30,000 worth of renovations. The Fulton High School Booster Club, headed by club president Will Gunn, coordinated the effort. Gunn, whose wife Lydia is the team’s head coach, has a long list of people and businesses to thank for the sparkling new field: The city contributed about $3,000 for supplies to help with the renovations; General Shale donated block; PPG donated paint; the Schaad Road Home Depot and ECB Masonry provided tools; Jeff Pickens, father of first-base standout Kaitlyn Pickens, laid block; and Mike Rogers, owner of Painters & More did the painting. “The team and its booster club have worked nearly every weekend on the field since November,” said Joe Walsh, city parks and recreation director. “They obtained sponsorships and they did the labor. This project is truly commendable and something in which the players should take pride.”
Betty Bean
Broyles selected to leadership institute County Commissioner Amy Broyles will represent Tennessee and Knox County at the National Association of Counties’ Leadership Institute next month, and she says she is thrilled to have been chosen through an extremely competitive application process. The press release announcing Broyles’ acceptance says this: “Of the 233 alumni from this program, only four are from Tennessee. All four are men and were mayors at the time of their participation in the CLI. This is the first time a woman or someone from the legislative branch of county government, has been accepted into the program from the state of Tennessee.”
Chilhowee Park Saturday, April 12. It’s an all-day (9 a.m.-6 p.m.) event, and “Chicken Whisperer” Andy Schneider will announce the show and personally present a copy of his book, “The Chicken Whisperer’s Guide to Keeping Chickens” to the grand champion and junior grand champions. Aspiring urban chickenraisers could get lots of questions answered at the event, says club president Eddie Dunlap, who raises standard langshans (a tall, meaty, even-tempered bird ■ Broyles on that originated in Asia). “They should come on leadership group out to our show and talk to County Commissioner experts that can educate Amy Broyles will represent them,” Dunlap said. “These Te n n e s s e e days everybody wants and Knox their own eggs. When you County at buy eggs from the store, the National you don’t know what those Association chickens have been fed.” of Counties’ Leadership ■ STEM freshman Institute on USA dive team next month, L&N STEM Academy Broyles and she freshman Jacob Siler is one says she is of 16 divers named to USA thrilled to have been chosen Diving’s 2014 Junior Elite through an extremely com■ Dixie chickens at Squad. petitive application process. Chilhowee Park Jacob claimed first place The press release anThinking about joining in the diving event at the nouncing Broyles’ accepthe ranks of backyard chick- Knox-area Interscholastic tance says this: en farmers? The Tennessee Swim League earlier this “Of the 233 alumni from Valley Poultry Club’s Dixie year, and is the son of Cheri this program, only four are Classic Spring Open is com- and Stanley Siler of Foun- from Tennessee. All four are ing to the Jacob Building at tain City. men and were mayors at the
time of their participation in the CLI. This is the first time a woman or someone from the legislative branch of county government, has been accepted into the program from the state of Tennessee.”
when traffic is sparse. South Knox has two zones, East Knox has two, North has three plus Halls and West has three plus the town of Farragut. There are precinct stations in Halls and Farragut, and “about 44 to 50 square miles in each zone,” Jones said. In addition to the patrol officers, other certified, gun-carrying officers are in the field, Jones said, especially during the day when civil and criminal warrants are served. “We have 220 officers (in addition to patrol) out in neighborhoods and in school zones. The men and women of the sheriff’s office do a great job.” Jones pegs neighborhood safety as “8 to 8.5” on a 1-10 scale. “People feel safe because we work hard,” he said. “People don’t want to live in a neighborhood that’s crawling with cops. What people want is quick response – an officer there when they need one.” As to Waggoner’s criticism about “luxury SUVs,” Jones said his 4-wheel drive vehicles were bought “straight off the state bid list and cost about $2,000 to $3,000 more than a regular police car.” He’s glad he had them during the snows of the past winter. “Vehicles
are not a luxury item for law enforcement.” Meanwhile, Waggoner continues to turn up the heat. He’s the most serious opponent Jones has faced since he was beaten by then-Sheriff Tim Hutchison in the GOP Primary in 2002. Jones then refused to endorse Hutchison and worked for Attorney General Randy Nichols, a Democrat, before patching things up with Hutchison and returning to the sheriff’s office. Hutchison has endorsed Jones in this election. Waggoner said last week that Jones could spend more on patrol if he didn’t serve as a “retirement home for former county commissioners.” Waggoner said six of them work for Jones, costing the county about $170,000 per year. The six are: Greg “Lumpy” Lambert, Mark Cawood, Ivan Harmon, Larry Clark, Lee Tramel and Fred Flenniken. Four were on Knox County Commission when Jones was appointed to replace the term-limited Hutchison on the day now known as Black Wednesday. One was hired the next day, said Waggoner.
Huge gamble KCS will provide food services and security. The hook is dual credit for juniors and seniors – up to 33 college credits with no tuition cost. Don Lawson, CTE supervisor, said projected enrollment is 125 freshmen the first year, adding 125 each year for a total of 500. “Forty percent of enrollees are girls and inquiries mirror the racial mix of the system,” said Indya Kincannon. Mike McMillan is cautiously optimistic. “We’re spending almost $4 million here, and it has the potential to be something really great. … I hope it doesn’t hamper the traditional vocational programs in other high schools.” He worries that the lack of athletics will restrict enrollment. Principal Ryan Siebe doesn’t expect the CMA to weaken the nearby Carter High School. “The special thing about Carter is that it’s a comprehensive high school with strong programs in academics, athletics, band and the arts. We offer things that are not available in the magnet schools and provide experiences that make Carter special.”
From page A-1
From page A-1 John Derek Faulconer, CMA principal, has visited every middle school, working to recruit 8th graders for the fall’s freshman class. He explains the four clusters: Advanced Manufacturing, Homeland Security, Sustainable Living and Teacher Preparation. Students are not expected to commit to a career path until their sophomore year, he said. The promise to parents: “A learning environment like no other … a culture of high expectations and high outcomes … hands-on, project-based learning with a highly trained staff dedicated to success.” Business partnerships with ALCOA, DENSO and Republic Plastics enable job shadowing, field experience and internships. Transportation will be provided from base schools, and the hours of operation are weekdays 9:30 to 4:30, following the KCS calendar. Enrollment information is available at www.knoxschools.org/.
Will this new school work? L&N STEM Academy made sense from its launch. L&N appeals to the kid who trades football and pep rallies for a tech-based curriculum in a unique historic building downtown with easy access to UT professors and labs. Students have enrolled from across Knox County and this year’s waiting list is almost 200. CMA is a bigger risk. With windowless classrooms on the outskirts of nowhere, the school is closer to Jefferson or Sevier county residents than the population center of Knox County. The career magnet seeks the eighth grader who can visualize post-high school work-life, not as a chemical engineer but as a homeland security or sustainability technician, whatever that even means. Anyone who has known (or been) an eighth grader has cause to cringe. “You pays your money and you takes your chances.”
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4 • APRIL 7, 2014 • Shopper news Rosalyn Tillman, dean of the Pellissippi State Magnolia Avenue Campus, (right) talks with school board member Gloria Deathridge at last week’s forum. Behind them are Bart Rountree and Tommy Bounds, husbands of candidates Amber Rountree and Patti Bounds. Photos by S. Clark
Siler needs Republican votes to win While there is focus on the Richard Briggs challenge to state Sen. Stacey Campfield in the August Republican primary, there is also a Democratic candidate, Cheri Siler, an educator who lives in Fountain City.
bill) much thought.” She was unsure how the state attorney general should be chosen. She is not sure if the state constitutional amendment Victor banning a Cheri Siler Ashe state income tax is wise and not sure how she would vote on it this November. She was also undecided on the constitutional Local Democrats say she is a credible candidate and a amendment changing the judicial selection process. She viable alternative to Campsaid she would like to serve field if he wins the primary. on the Education Committee If Briggs wins, Siler has a much tougher contest in No- and Government Operations Committee if elected. Govvember as he does not have ernment Operations is not a the Campfield negatives. major committee. This writer recently met She says she has never with Siler. She presents an met Gov. Haslam, even when interesting profile for local he was mayor. She feels that Democrats if she manages Haslam “was much more her campaign well with a for the regular people of compelling message. Knoxville” as mayor, but She is the mother of six children at age 42. They are as governor he “is more Carsten, 21; Tyler and Ryan, big-business- and corporate minded, headed in a differ19 (twins); Zachary, 18; Jacob, 15; and Kayley, 13. She ent direction.” She does back is an instructional coach for Haslam’s Drive to 55. Asked how the race Knox County Schools workwould differ if Briggs defeats ing at Carter, South-Doyle Campfield, she says, “I have and L&N STEM Academy seen nothing to suggest he is and has tenure. She also different from Campfield.” helps her husband operate Her campaign manager Volunteer Paving, a small joined our interview. He is business. Andrae McGary, 33, former While raising her chilmember of the Chattanooga dren she was active in the City Council and unsuccessPTA/PTO of the various ful Democratic nominee for schools they attended including president of the PTO state senator in 2012. He at Shannondale Elementary moved to Tennessee in 2005 from Texas and won election and Gresham Middle. The in 2009 for one term. He and Silers live on Shannondale his wife, Cheryl, have 5 chilRoad inside the city. dren. He will spend several She comes across as a days a week here in the Siler calm, sincere individual. campaign. They met recently She said it was this past December that she decided at a Democratic campaign seminar in Clarksville. to enter the political arena In this writer’s opinion for the first time “because Siler’s electability will deI was dissatisfied with the pend on whether she is seen representation we had” as a Wayne Ritchie, Tommy (meaning Campfield). Schumpert or Phil Bredesen Her website lists educaDemocrat in a district that tion, jobs and healthcare as is overwhelmingly Republiher major issues. On some can. She must give Republiissues she is quite clear while on others she is vague cans a reason to vote for her. She is not there yet. or undecided. For example, ■ U.S. Supreme she does not favor popular election of the county school Court Justice Antonin Scalia will be in Knoxville superintendent. She thinks it would be “a on April 15 to speak at noon great idea” for the Knox leg- at UT’s Cox Auditorium. It is open to the public. Get islative delegation to hold there early if you want a regular Saturday meetings seat. for the public while the Justice Scalia visited legislature is in session. Poland while I was ambasThat practice was disconsador. In fact, he was our tinued some 15 years ago. She thinks the state should last houseguest prior to our leaving. Regardless of one’s participate in Obamacare. She favors a minimum wage views on his ideology, his personality was delightful of $10.10 an hour over the and given to robust discuscurrent $7.70 and thinks it should be enacted in stages. sions on whatever issues arise. The Poles who met However, she said she him were impressed. had “not given (her first
John Becker, news anchor of WBIR-TV, moderates the League of Women Voters’ forum.
Vote on charter schools shows legislative disconnect At a League of Women Voters forum last week, all six candidates for school board pretty much agreed about one thing:
Betty Bean Charter schools – they don’t much like them. “Troublesome,” said board chair Lynne Fugate, who said the Metro Nashville school district loses $9 million to charter schools annually. Incumbent Pam Trainor said she has concerns: “I don’t like to see public money going to private entities.” Challengers Sally Absher, Scott Clark and Amber Rountree said they don’t like charters (with Absher saying that only half of charter schools outperform public schools). Clark recommended putting teacher/ coaches back in the class-
room to lower student/ teacher ratios, while Rountree said that charters don’t play by the same rules and recommended that Knox County Schools focus on community schools instead. Patti Bounds, running unopposed, said she doesn’t like them either and fears that the charter trend will lead to public education for profit. The candidates – challengers and incumbents alike – pretty much mirrored the view of the school board, where only Doug Harris is an outright advocate for charter schools. Bounds is either remarkably prescient or keeps close tabs on what’s happening in Nashville because the next day after the forum, the House Education Committee – chaired by Knox County’s Harry Brooks – voted 8-7 to approve House Bill 1693, which “removes the present law prohibition against a public charter school contracting for the management or op-
eration of the charter school by a for-profit entity.” Brooks and fellow Republicans Bill Dunn and Roger Kane voted yes, and the bill moved on to the Calendar and Rules Committee (chaired by Dunn) to be scheduled for a floor vote. But the for-profit bill failed in the calendar committee after Speaker Beth Harwell showed up to oppose it. She said she feared it would hurt non-profit charters, and she doesn’t want Tennessee taxpayer dollars going to out-of-state companies. Brooks and Dunn both voted to approve it, but Harwell prevailed, 7-10-1. Dunn hopes the bill can be salvaged and said he would hold it in his committee rather than referring it back to the Education Committee. When asked why he supported a bill that his school board clearly doesn’t want, he said the bill is set up to allow local school boards to vote on charter applications “which would have the man-
agement arrangement in it.” So who’s got their ear? Maybe those 59 lobbyists being paid to push vouchers and charters? “These lobbyists and (education commissioner Kevin) Huffman’s people are crawling all over. I don’t think (Brooks, Kane and Dunn) are hearing it from their constituents,” said Democrat Gloria Johnson, a career teacher who couldn’t get a seat on the Education Committee. “There’s millions’ worth of outside special-interest money flowing into Tennessee elections to influence privatization policies,” she said. “A family with students in a public school whose funding is getting squeezed more and more has to wonder who is benefitting. We’ve got to stop taking orders from corporate lobbyists and start listening to educators and parents.” Or maybe legislators should just let the elected school boards manage the schools.
‘What’s that in my backyard?!’ West Knox County homeowners should pay attention to what happens at Thursday’s MPC meeting regarding rezoning in Northshore Town Center. The change would allow Flournoy Development of Columbus, Ga., to build 246 apartment units on 10 acres adjacent to a neighborhood of singlefamily homes. The Council of West Knox County Homeowners is certainly paying attention. At last week’s meeting, president Margot Kline encouraged members to contact MPC commissioners to ask them to vote “no” on amendments to the K nox v ille Margot Kline O n e -Ye a r Plan and the Southwest Sector Plan that would allow for high-density residential zoning. The progress of this development, as well as the
Wendy Smith
nearby Westland Cove development, should be monitored by those who live along the Pellissippi Parkway corridor. City Council’s apparent support of the Flournoy project, and County Commission’s rezoning in favor of Westland Cove, foretell a multi-story apartment complex in your backyard. Frank Slagle, who represents Northshore Landing at the homeowners council, reported on a meeting of individuals who oppose Westland Cove, John Huber’s proposed 312-unit complex on Emory Church Road. The meeting was rife with rumors about possible development on properties along Westland Drive and George Williams Road. “We have to fight these,
or they’re going to be everywhere,” he said. That may sound farfetched, but a perusal of annual Development Activity Reports on MPC’s website (www.knoxmpc.org) shows a rise in multi-dwelling residential units built in the county’s southwest sector since 2009. In each of the four years leading up to ’09, other county sectors saw more units built. In ’09, the only units added in the entire county were in the south sector. In ’10, ’11 and ’12, the southwest sector had more multi-dwelling residential units built than all other sectors combined. Data for 2013 is not yet available on the website. Obviously, Southwest Knox County has become a desirable place to build apartments. Residents like Becky Benson may suffer because of the trend. Her property is adjacent to the proposed Westland Cove development, so she is contemplating the view of a four-story
apartment building from her lakeside home. The development is currently in litigation, but even if it fails, she fears the rezoning of the property from Agricultural to Planned Residential could open the door for more apartment complexes in areas where single-family homes are currently the norm. “It sets a precedent for development at five units per acre,” she says. Huber’s plan consolidates allowable units from a 100-acre parcel. Jim Pryor, an appraiser with Dunn & Metz Appraisal Group, says that as long as apartments are lucrative for developers, they’ll continue to spring up. “If Westland Cove works, the likelihood is increased that others will try it.” The good news is that builders typically tailor their developments to the market, and the market can bear only so many apartment buildings, he says. Until then, keep an eye on your backyard.
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Featured Speaker Michael Howard, M.D. Member of the medical staff
Shopper news • APRIL 7, 2014 • 5
Music bonds Look at these rascals. There, down in the lefthand corner of the formal band photo. See those guys leaning? They got into a lot of trouble for that. You won’t recognize any faces in that photo. It’s from a distant land called Waynesville, N.C., and a faraway time known as 1973. Its members are now in their late 50s, though some of them haven’t made it past that. One of them, in particular, is on my mind. He made his exit recently. His name was Robert. In the photo, he’s the fourth male from the left, finessing the prank with just the slightest tilt. When he was diagnosed with cancer three years ago, he fought it into remission. He, his children and his wife of seven years – soul mates if ever I saw them – were just getting used to breathing easier. But last November the disease came back in another form, and this time it meant business. It took him down – savagely – in four months. With a remarkable, highly decorated Air Force career, he was possibly, said a colleague at his funeral, “the best attack pilot this country has ever produced.” His receiving line lasted five hours. Every intersection in town was blocked off for his funeral cortege. He received full military honors at the gravesite, including a jet flyover that was one of the most astounding things I’ve ever experienced – “unraveling,” said a friend. One by one, each soldier saluted his
Carol Zinavage
Carol’s Corner coffin. It took a long time; there were a lot of them. They came from all over the country to honor him. They were his family. But during his final months, it was his old bandmates who took care of him. Some of them gave him a last party at home. In his prime, he was one of the finest big-band drummers on the planet. He could have made a career of it. So his pals had brought him a box drum – the kind you sit on and play with the flat of your palms – along with some instruments of their own. The jamming went on until he was too weak to continue. By all accounts, he had at least one night late in the game when he was happy, joyous and free. One of those guys stayed on 24-hour call for months. He did everything from helping Robert to the bathroom, to spelling his exhausted wife in her vigil, to holding Robert’s hand late at night when he’d wake up terrified. In hospice, a former flag carrier kept Robert’s family, and everyone else who had come to say goodbye, supplied with delicious homemade meals. When it looked as if the funeral would be sooner rather than later, Robert’s
The 1973 Tuscola High School Marching Mountaineers of Waynesville, N.C.
This bond was forged early in life. The author is in the center. wife asked for old pictures. I, a former piccolo player, had a treasure trove of newspaper articles and other ephemera. I sent them to a former French horn player who scanned them into his computer, cleaned them up and mounted them for display. At any time of day or night, a steady stream of
Photo by Jo Ridge Kelley
former Marching Mountaineers entered the quiet, dark room to hold Robert’s hand and tell him how much he meant to them. Every request from his family was instantly gratified by these same people. The night Robert passed, several were there to hold and comfort his wife. His funeral featured live
Win-loss record starts today Butch Jones is one fine philosopher. He says things you can print on fancy paper in old English script, trim orange matting to fit, frame and hang on the wall.
excited about the new coach and the assumption that serious progress was coming soon. The forecast was for at least 7-5 and a small bowl game that Tennessee would obviously win. Some have conveniently forgotten that 7-5 was the consensus. I tabulated the Marvin optimistic outlooks and West talked myself into believing enthusiasm was a satisfactory substitute for talent and depth. I am old enough “Your win-loss record to know better. starts today,” said the coach Well, you do remember before the first practice in how last season turned out. pads. Tennessee won one game, Jones wants the Vols to against South Carolina, that work very fast, finish spring was unexpected. It came practice in high gear. It ap- close against Georgia. The pears he is teaching tempo. Vols looked awful losing to a It could also mean there is very ordinary Florida. Misstill more to do than avail- souri’s second-team quarterback was considerably able working hours. This time a year ago Ten- better than Tennessee’s No. nessee football fans were 2.
South Alabama caused acute indigestion, but winning ugly is significantly better than losing. I am still unable to explain how the Jaguars scored the final 17 points. The gut punch last season was the loss to Vanderbilt – the failure to gain one yard for a necessary first down and standing by as Commodores drove 92 yards in the closing minutes, 12 plays, clincher by Patton Robinette, Maryville High grad rejected by the home team. Oh my. Here we are a year later, getting excited about our upbeat coach’s second year. A major reconstruction job in the offensive and defensive fronts is ongoing. Butch will eventually identify a quarterback. After that, the honoree must be coached up to a competitive level.
Photo by Ray Rouser
A spirited website, NationalChamps.net, offers a preview of this fall. It has nine SEC teams in the top 25. It did not include Tennessee. There are fans who just can’t believe our team is still 10th or worse in the conference. How can this be with so many famous recruits? NationalChamps.net says this is its 13th season of uncanny accuracy. It does not provide a lot of original material but averages the opinions of Athlon, ESPN, USA Today, Fox Sports, CBS – all armed with highly paid people who should know.
jazz – his favorite music – provided by his friends. And three of his old drum crew helped to carry his coffin. These days, when school music programs are fighting to survive, you hear a lot about what music does for the brain. It’s all true. Kids who play an instrument do better in school. The study
of music encompasses history, geography, languages and math. It improves eyehand coordination and teaches perseverance and discipline. It also gives you friends – true, valiant friends – for life. Send story suggestions to news@ShopperNewsNow. com.
Predictions look much like the past: 1. Florida State; 2. Auburn; 3. ALABAMA; 4. Oregon; 5. OKLAHOMA; 6. Michigan State; 7. Stanford; 8. California-Los Angeles; 9. SOUTH CAROLINA; 10. Ohio State. 11. Clemson; 12. Louisiana State; 13. Central Florida; 14. Baylor; 15. Southern Cal; 16. Texas A&M; 17. MISSOURI; 18. GEORGIA; 19. OLE MISS; 20. Notre Dame. 21. Duke; 22. Louisville; 23. FLORIDA; 24. Nebraska; 25. Arizona State. You are no doubt familiar with several on this list. The seven in capital letters are on the UT schedule. Please circle the ones you think the
Vols can beat. The other five foes are supposedly softer: Utah State, Arkansas State, Chattanooga and Kentucky at home and Vandy on the road. Please circle projected victories. Add up your circles. Does Tennessee qualify for a minor bowl game? The goal is to get better soon, to become competitive with good teams, be relevant again in the SEC, attract more paying customers (full-price tickets), sell more popcorn, earn more standing ovations. If all that happens, the great philosopher is coach of the year. (Marvin West invites reader reaction. His address is westwest6@netzero.com.)
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6 • APRIL 7, 2014 • NORTH/EAST Shopper news
Day signs with Hiawassee College Carter High senior Joe Day has signed to play baseball at Hiawassee College after graduation. The lefth a n d e d pitcher was named to the AllDistrict 2A Joe Day team his sophomore and junior years and was named District 2A Pitcher of the Year last year. Joe is a four-year starter for the Hornets and has done “a
lot of good things for Carter,” according to his coach, Scott Rimmer. Joe selected Hiawassee because of the smaller campus size. He plans to study liberal arts and major in history, hoping to become a history teacher and a baseball coach. Attending the signing were his grandparents, Joe and Dorene Watkins, aunt and uncle Clare and Darrell Watkins and many members of the Carter High baseball team.
Baron Von Shrimp on the scene L&N STEM Academy robotics team members Nathaniel Heinrich, Alex Walker, Jonathan Bueckman, Eric O’ Reilley, Chris Colley and Michael Glass huddle around team robot Baron Von Shrimp while preparing for the FIRST Robotics Competition Smoky Mountains Regional at the Knoxville Convention Center. Photo by S. Barrett
Fulton makes perfect ending to perfect season
Terry Dailey can’t contain his excitement as he sees his new ring for the first time.
Jackson
Rollins-Davis
Fulton’s football team ended the perfect season in a perfect way – handing out the state championship rings to every member of the team. Breaking state records, setting new school records and the perfect season make coach Rob Black happy, but the fact that his players show good character makes Fulton High football players Zack Bobson, Kalem Blair and him proud. Zach Winston show off their state championship rings during The 2013 Falcons are unan unveiling ceremony. Photos by Ruth White
Roper
Stokes
doubtedly the best team in the history of the school and were recently recognized as the top team in the state. Ten players were named to the Class 4A All-State team. Team members voted for their top picks in various categories, and awards were handed out to Akeem Cooperwood, best offensive lineman; best defensive backs Domonique Wil-
Williams
liams and Lennox Roper; best linebacker D.J. Campbell; special-teams award De’Ontay Tate; most improved Sidney Jackson; and 110 percent K.J. Roper. Daryl Rollins-Davis was named best offensive back and was given the captain award. Xavier Hawkins was named best receiver, received the captain award and was named MVP by
Hawkins
the coaches. Quarterback Penny Smith was given the captain award. Tyler Stokes was selected best defensive lineman, received the academic award by the coaches and was given the top honor, the Tony O’Brien Award. The O’Brien Award is voted on by the coaching staff and is given to the member who best exemplifies being a team player.
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Shopper news • APRIL 7, 2014 • 7
Maintaining visibility for Knoxville Center merchants
Jeff Archer, MPC senior planner, discusses plans for the East Towne Corridor.
Nancy Whittaker
Several new members and guests attended. Archer also shared other planned improvements for East and North Knoxville through 2033. For more information on the East Towne corridor project, Archer encouraged attendance at the MPC meeting at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, April 10.
Find the agenda at www. knoxmpc.org. New members were spotlighted. Barry Brogan, manager of Food City, brought a delicious breakfast. Brogan discussed the company’s interesting history, special promotions and community activities. Robert Elmore with Modern Woodmen of America shared goody bags and encouraged people to check out his website – w w w.moder n-wood men.
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Reed is Realtor with a big heart
A wonderful part of my job is meeting special people. Debbie Reed, a Realtor with Hammontree Real Estate since 2006, is at the top of my list for the week. Reed worked in real estate in the early 1980s just before “the interest rate went crazy.” She says real estate has always called her name. “If a house is empty, it needs a family,” and she loves helping people find exactly what they are looking for. Asked about her special attributes, Reed immedi-
News from Moxley Carmichael
The Moxley Carmichael Method: Spring into action By Cynthia Moxley Another beautiful East Te n n e s s e e spring has arrived, and we’re anxious to enjoy the sunshine, admire the dogwood blossoms Moxley and jump in the lake for a swim. That restless urge to “get out and do something” may be a familiar feeling for professionals and smallbusiness owners who want to dive deeper into digital media but don’t know where to start. We recommend the huband-spoke model. Just as the spokes on a bicycle wheel all connect to the hub, digital media activities should direct back to one central source of information – your website. Engage key audiences using digital media, but drive traffic back to your website, which contains the most and best information about your organization, plus opportunities for sales, registrations and more. Here are some tips for an effective hub-and-spoke strategy for digital media: Embrace your blog. Your blog is the heart of your website and therefore part of the hub. Google used to put
an emphasis on keywords – specific, competitive words used to market businesses – and how often they appeared. Now, search engines have shifted to algorithms that track how frequently websites are updated. The more often fresh, relevant information is posted to your blog, the better your website ranks in search results. When consumers do an Internet search for related goods or services, your website will appear higher on the results page. Engage using social media. In 2014, digital marketing focuses even more on user-generated content like conversation and images shared by customers and potential customers. While blogs allow for commenting, the majority of customer-driven content is developed via social media. Determine which social media best fit your organization’s needs and audiences. Many companies use Facebook and Twitter, but other platforms also can be effective: ■ YouTube is the secondmost popular search engine after Google. Provide content where people search for information. ■ Instagram, used to share photos and videos, is growing the fastest of all social-media sites worldwide,
according to 2014 GlobalWebIndex research. ■ Pinterest serves to inspire, provide tips and share products for sale. Approximately 25 percent of U.S. social network users made a purchase on a retail website after clicking from a social network in the past year, says Javelin Strategy & Research’s January report. Shoppers clicking from Pinterest are particularly lucrative, with an average order value of $123.50 – 126 percent more than Facebook users’ $54.64 average. ■ FourSquare, Google+ and LinkedIn, as well as digital tools like e-newsletters and online advertising, also should be considered. Cross-post. Promotion through all digital tools should be complementary. Start with a blog post telling the story of your latest product, new employee, philanthropic activity or special event. Share a link to the blog through tailored posts on each social-media platform, ensuring all the spokes share the same key messages and return people to the hub – your website. If you’re excited about digital marketing, get organized with a hub-and-spoke model and spring into action. With a little planning and some practice, you’ll drive traffic to your website and reap the rewards.
News from Pellissippi State Magnolia Campus
Celebrate jazz at PSCC
org. Elmore also furnished a door prize. Manager Chris Lane and Jimmie Haynes of Lowe’s attended. Haynes shared tips on home gardening and also furnished door prizes. Momentum has built in a short time – join the excitement at 8 a.m. Wednesday, May 7, at New Harvest Park community building.
Jeff Archer, senior planner with the Knoxville/ Knox County Metropolitan Planning Commission, shared ideas for improved visibility from I-640, better directional signs, new parking standards and enhanced circulation around the interchange at last week’s meeting of the East Towne Area Business and Professional Association.
business By Heather Beck
Debbie Reed, affiliate broker with Hammontree Real Estate Photos by Nancy Whittaker
ately says she has found a niche by finding properties that are handicap-equipped and accessible. She also enjoys assisting with estate sales in the Knoxville area. Reed makes sure all of the proper steps are taken to avoid excessive travel for out-of-town family members. Free market analysis and working with first-time homebuyers are also special to Reed. Her company’s motto is “making it work for all concerned,” and after talking to Reed for just a short while, I get the feeling this is definitely her goal. Contact Debbie Reed at Hammontree Real Estate, 573-0145, and check out her listings at www. hammontreerealestate.com.
Jazz Appreciation Month will be celebrated with a musical concert at 6 p.m. Friday, April 11, at Pellissippi State Community College’s Magnolia Avenue Campus. The concert begins with a performance by Pellissippi State’s jazz band and select student and faculty artists. Beginning at 7, jazz pianist Donald Brown presents a short lecture and concert. “This is the last of our performances in Donald Brown this year’s The Season of Music concert series,” said Rosalyn Tillman, dean of the Magnolia Avenue Campus. “We’re celebrating Jazz Appreciation Month with a special performance by the very talented pianist Donald Brown.” Brown is a renowned composer, pianist and educator. An associate professor of jazz piano at the University of Tennessee, the Mississippi native grew up in Memphis and performed early on with Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers.
Brown has had his compositions performed and recorded by a wide variety of top modern jazz musicians. Trumpet great Wynton Marsalis earned a Grammy nomination for his recording of Brown’s “Insane Asylum.” The Jazz Appreciation Month concert is part of The Season of Music at Magnolia Avenue. The Season of Music is a series of musical concerts and presentations that have run throughout the 2014 spring semester. The series introduces music from a historical perspective, opening a rich cultural experience to campus students and the local community. Media sponsor of The Season of Music is the Shopper-News, which will provide light refreshments for the Jazz Appreciation Month event. The Magnolia Avenue Campus is at 1610 E. Magnolia Ave. For more information about the campus, visit www.pstcc.edu/magnolia or call (865) 329-3100. To request accommodations for a disability, contact the executive director of Human Resources at (865) 6946607 or humanresources@ pstcc.edu.
News from The Knoxville Area Urban League
Staying rooted with the Urban League By Phyllis Nichols Carlton Johnson built his house when he was 29 years old. “ T h e last thing I wanted to do was lose it,” he said. However, when JohnNichols son was laid off from his job and out of work for three months, he fell behind on his mortgage payments. Johnson heard a commercial on the radio about the “Keep My Tennessee Home” program and called the Knoxville Area Urban League for help. “I was skeptical at first,” he said. “But the Urban League helped me get approved. I needed help to catch up on my payments, and the Urban League made that happen.”
The Urban League believes every adult in America should have access to the financial security that comes from owning a home. The Knoxville Area Urban League helped to relieve the mounting toll of the financial stress so Johnson could focus his efforts on finding employment. Since his approval with the program, Johnson was able to get a new job. “If I hadn’t heard that commercial, I wouldn’t be where I am today,” Johnson said. “It took a while getting the paperwork finished and approved, but everyone at the Urban League was so helpful. They gave me several options and helped me make a decision on how to get assistance. Once I got them the information they needed, it was good to go.” Johnson acknowledged he was initially reluctant to
ask for help, but he encouraged community members who may be dealing with anxiety over delinquent mortgage payments to contact the Knoxville Area Urban League for assistance as soon as possible. “The phone call to find out if you qualify doesn’t cost a thing,” he said. “Don’t procrastinate because if you keep putting it off, you could end up worse than where you are now.” The Knoxville Area Urban League is a Housing and Urban Development (HUD)-approved nonprofit counseling agency. Professionally trained and certified homeownership counselors customize action plans for every client’s situation. To start the process and see if the Urban League can help you, call 524-5511. Phyllis Nichols is president and CEO of Knoxville Area Urban League.
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8 • APRIL 7, 2014 • NORTH/EAST Shopper news
This ain’t yer Pappy’s
moonshine
By Cindy Taylor Neil Roberson jokes that he “stumbled” into his trade because of his love of beer and wine. He quickly adds that he wouldn’t call what he does making a living, but it sure is a job – and it’s one he loves. Award winner and master distiller Neil Thomas Roberson, known for marketing purposes as the Tiny Hillbilly, manufactures moonshine flavors for distribution through his company, East Tennessee Distillery. Roberson doesn’t sneak out in the middle of the night to check the still, and he isn’t hiding his brew from revenuers. What he concocts soars as high as 150 proof and is 100 percent legal. But this ain’t yer Pappy’s moonshine. MC’s Wine and Liquor on Strawberry Plains Pike sponsored a premiere tasting of East Tennessee Distillery’s newest moonshine flavor, Honey Ginseng, on a recent Friday. Folks poured in from all over to get a glimpse of company co-founder “Tiny,” who has made an appearance on the History Channel’s show “Appalachian Outlaws.”
While cuttin’ up with Tiny, folks could sample the new flavor along with tastes of Mellomoon Original, Peach, Coconut, Caramel, 150 Proof WhiteLightnin’ and Strawberry. The moonshine business has been booming since it became legal in Tennessee in 2009. Distribution that Tiny and his sales team thought would take three years to establish in this part of the country took less than three months. Looking at his history, one could say that Tiny pretty much “sailed” into this line of work. “My first experience with distilling was in the Navy running the ship’s evaporators to distill fresh water from salt water,” he said. “Out of the Navy I went to school and got a degree in industrial engineering, worked in a lab and then discovered my life’s calling.” There is no suit and tie for this engineer, who prefers a cloak of sleeveless Tshirt, felt hat with feather, corncob pipe and overalls. Seems like a long voyage from salt water to moonshine, but he says not so.
Shopper s t n e V enews
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THROUGH SATURDAY, APRIL 26 Registration open for Anderson County Relay For Life. Event will take place 5 p.m.-5 a.m. SaturdaySunday, April 26-27, in Clinton on the streets around the courthouse. To register team: www.relayforlife. org/eastandersontn or Kelly Lenz, 457-1649.
THROUGH SUNDAY, JUNE 8 Registration open for AMSE Science Explorer Camp for rising 5th, 6th and 7th graders. Two sessions: June 9-13, June 16-20. Info/to register: http://amse. org/visitors/summer-camps/.
TUESDAY, APRIL 8 April in Appalachia cooking class, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Avanti Savoia’s La Cucina, 7610 Maynardville Pike. Cost: $50. Info/reservations: 922-9916 or www. avantisavoia.com. Springtime Storytime, 6:30 p.m., Carter Branch Library, 9036 Asheville Highway. Info: 933-5438.
THURSDAY, APRIL 10 Parent to Parent Support meeting for parents of children with mental health diagnoses, 6-8 p.m., KTOWN Youth Empowerment Network, 901 E. Summit Hill Drive. Info: Alicia, 474-6692 or abanks@tnvoices. org. Seniors program, 10 a.m.-noon, Heiskell Community Center, 9420 Heiskell Road. All seniors invited to wear Easter Bonnets for the Easter Parade. Entertainment by the Grace Notes from Grace Baptist Church. All seniors over 55 invited. Bring a dessert and a friend. Info: Janice White, 548-0326. Fontinalis Club meeting, Central Baptist Church, 5364 N. Broadway. Board meeting, 9:30 a.m.; social time, 10; general meeting, 10:30. Program by Honor Awards Committee with presentation of candidates and voting to follow. All members should attend. Living with Diabetes, 2:30-4:30 p.m., Fountain City Branch Library, 5300 Stanton Road. Sponsored by Summit Medical Group. Info: 689-2681.
FRIDAY, APRIL 11 Tasting: The World’s Finest Balsamic Vinegars and Extra Virgin Olive Oils, two seatings: 6:30 p.m. and 7:45 p.m., Avanti Savoia’s La Cucina, 7610 Maynardville Pike. Cost: $5. Info/reservations: 922-9916 or www.avantisavoia.com.
SATURDAY, APRIL 12 Thunder Road Gospel Jubilee, 6 p.m., WMRD
Neil “Tiny Hillbilly” Roberson grabs as many bottles of Roberson’s Tennessee Mellomoon as he can hold. Photos by Cindy Taylor
Tiny (center) autographs a bottle of Mellomoon for Robin and Mike Nyderek.
He claims to be the runt of the litter, but Tiny, who is well over 6 feet tall, says he loves to drink, and it was getting way too expensive a hobby for a guy his size. Once he discovered that he had a knack for distilling whiskey, it didn’t take much persuasion from friends to get him to
dive into his own business. The roller-coaster ride, as Tiny calls it, that became East Tennessee Distillery and Roberson’s Tennessee Mellomoon (Fine Tennessee Sippin’ Shine) blossomed into a thriving business in less than two years. The company is located, not hidden, in the hills of Piney Flats, Tenn.,
94.5 FM, 1388 Main St., Maynardville. All pickers and singers welcome. Winter Market: an indoor farmers market, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Historic Southern Railway Station, 306 Depot Ave. Hosted by Nourish Knoxville. Info: http:// www.marketsquarefarmersmarket.org. Cades Cove tour with Bill Landry, 9 a.m., departing from the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center in Townsend. Tickets: $50 per person; includes light snacks and a cold beverage. Reservations required: 448-8838.
SATURDAY-SUNDAY, APRIL 12-13 Dogwood Art Detour, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Appalachian Arts Craft Center, 2716 Andersonville Highway in Norris. Free event. Artist demonstrations. Info: 494-9854 or www.appalachianarts.net.
SUNDAY, APRIL 13 New Hope Christian School 20-year celebration, 10:45 a.m., New Hope Baptist Church, 7602 Bud Hawkins Road. Guest speaker: Ralph Waggoner. Lunch at the Pavilion of Washington Pike Presbyterian Church will follow services.
MONDAY, APRIL 14 Family Movie Night: “Frozen,” 5:30 p.m., Burlington Branch Library, 4614 Asheville Highway. Info: 525-5431.
TUESDAY, APRIL 15 Advanced Sushi cooking class, 6-9 p.m., Avanti Savoia’s La Cucina, 7610 Maynardville Pike. Cost: $75. Info/reservations: 922-9916 or www.avantisavoia.com.
THURSDAY, APRIL 17 Parent to Parent Support meeting for parents of children with mental health diagnoses, 6-8 p.m., KTOWN Youth Empowerment Network, 901 E. Summit Hill Drive. Info: Alicia, 474-6692 or abanks@tnvoices. org.
FRIDAY, APRIL 18 Good Friday Celebration sponsored by Club Shabach, 8 p.m., World For Christ Church Inc., 4611 Central Ave Pike. Info: 249-7214, worldforchrist@bellsouth.net.
FRIDAY-SATURDAY, APRIL 18-19 “His Life for Mine,” 7 p.m., Cedar Ford Baptist Church, 3201 Hwy. 61 East, Luttrell. Everyone is invited. Info: 992-0267 or cedarford@bellsouth.net.
SATURDAY, APRIL 19 Big Ridge State Park Easter Egg Hunt. Times: 10 a.m., 2-year-olds and younger; 10:30, 3- to 4-year olds; 1 p.m., 5- to 7-year-olds; 1:30 p.m., 8- to 10-year olds. Info: 992-5523. Sharps Chapel Easter Egg Hunt for children ages 12 and under, Sharps Chapel Community Park. Bring a basket. Meet in front of Sharps Chapel Senior/Commu-
and distributes from there. Info: www.mellomoon.com or 423-391-0383. Even if you love the taste, you might not want to know what Tiny says goes into making the distinct flavors – although he often speaks tongue-in-cheek. “You know moonshine really is pretty much any-
thing that the government doesn’t have defined as a class,” said Tiny. “I’ve heard tell of people putting roosters and chickens in there.” He grinned. “It is classified as spirits by the government, but most important, moonshine is an American tradition.”
nity Center, 11:15 a.m.; hunt begins 11:30. Sponsored by Sharps Chapel Family and Community Education (FCE) Club. Luttrell City Easter Egg Hunt, 10 a.m.-noon, Luttrell City Park. Info: Luttrell City Hall, 992-0870. Thunder Road Gospel Jubilee, 6 p.m., WMRD 94.5 FM, 1388 Main St., Maynardville. All pickers and singers welcome. Happy Travelers trip to Ciderville Music Barn in Claxton; depart 6:30 p.m., North Acres Baptist Church, 5803 Millertown Pike. Free. A love offering will be taken for the bus driver. Info/to sign up: Derrell Frye, 9388884.
TUESDAY, APRIL 22 UT Extension Open House, 3-6 p.m., 3925 Maynardville Highway. Refreshments, 4-H photo contest on display. RSVP: apadgett4@utk.edu\. Happy Travelers Gathering and Luncheon, 10:30 a.m., North Acres Baptist Church fellowship hall, 5803 Millertown Pike. Deeper Faith will sing. No charge, but suggested contribution: $7. Deadline to register: Thursday, April 17. Info/to register: Derrell Frye, 938-8884. First Line - First Page - First Chapter writing workshop, 6-8 p.m., Appalachian Arts Craft Center, 2716 Andersonville Highway 61 in Norris. Instructor: Kathleen Fearing. Registration deadline: April 15. Info: 494-9854 or www.appalachianarts.net.
SATURDAY, APRIL 26 KUCB Luttrell City Clean up/Beautification Day. Includes a road cleanup, plant giveaways, food and awards. Open jam session bluegrass, country, gospel music; 7 p.m.; old Rush Strong School, Leadmine Bend Road in Sharps Chapel. Free admission. Refreshments. Donations appreciated. All invited. Anderson County Relay For Life opening ceremonies, 5 p.m., Main Street around the courthouse. To participate: www.relayforlife.org/eastandersonTN. Thunder Road Gospel Jubilee, 6 p.m., WMRD 94.5 FM, 1388 Main St., Maynardville. All pickers and singers welcome. Winter Market: an indoor farmers market, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Historic Southern Railway Station, 306 Depot Ave. Hosted by Nourish Knoxville. Info: http:// www.marketsquarefarmersmarket.org. Introduction to Wet Felting, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Appalachian Arts Craft Center, 2716 Andersonville Highway 61 in Norris. Instructor: Tone Haugen-Cogburn. One of the “Featured Tennessee Artist” workshop series. Registration deadline: April 19. Info: 494-9854 or www. appalachianarts.net. Happy Travelers trip to the Cornbread Festival in South Pittsburg, Tenn.; depart 8:30 a.m., North Acres Baptist Church, 5803 Millertown Pike. Cost: $25. Info/ to register: Derrell Frye, 938-8884. Franklin Square Spring Garden Festival, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., The Shops at Franklin Square, 9700 Kingston Pike. Vendors will be selling annuals, perennials, herbs, garden art, bird houses and more. Info: Linda Wimbrow, 966-2421.
SATURDAY-SUNDAY, APRIL 26-27 2014 Outdoor KnoxFest, The Outdoor Adventure Center at Knoxville’s Volunteer Landing. Events for all ages. Proceeds to benefit Legacy Parks Foundation. Info/to register for events: www.OutdoorKnoxville. com.