NORTH / EAST VOL. 2 NO. 16
IN THIS ISSUE
S ummer C a mp! It’s that time of year again, time for kids to look forward to summer break, and time for parents to think about filling those long summer days. Lucky for them, there is an abundance of camp opportunities right here in East Tennessee.
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Check them out on pages 6-7
$1 movies at Regal Regal Entertainment Group will host kids at $1 movies this summer. The 23-year-old program will be available at 350 Regal theaters across the country. The nine-week film festival will be at 10 a.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays, start date based on local school schedules. A portion of the admission goes to the Will Rogers Institute. Each week two films will be shown.
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See the story on page 9
Battling bullying At first glance, “U R Beautiful,” written in big pink and blue letters on the sidewalk in front of Whittle Springs Middle School, looks like the work of a daring tagger – right smack on the school’s doorstep. But at second glance, it’s something entirely different, and pretty wonderful.
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April 21, 2014
Nature Play at Knoxville Zoo By Betty Bean Visitors to the Knoxville Zoo will find an updated something old, plus a bunch of somethings new there this spring. The “ZooChoo,” a trackless reproduction of the much-loved miniature train that used to carry kids around between exhibits, will be in service. The train tracks became problematic to maintain, so the train was mothballed but never forgotten. This spring, the zoo is rolling out the new ZooChoo, a rubber-tired conveyance that will loop around the northern end of the new Nature Play outdoor creative-play area. Masterminded by grounds curator Jen Henderson, Nature Play will feature plants and flowers and baby animals as well as magical nooks and crannies like a vine-covered tunnel leading to a fairy garden, teepees made of living vines and mysterious doors to nowhere. There will be an area where kids can build their own tent forts or walk into a teepee that is soon to become the frame for string-bean vines (right next to strawberry beds and other edibles). Nature Play will be opening in the next few weeks and aims to encourage kids to use their imaginations while learning more about plants and animals. There will also be a touch and scent garden (with some carnivorous plants) to encourage visitors of all ages to think about starting their own butterfly gardens to encourage pollinators. Benches and chairs hewn with a chainsaw by one of Henderson’s talented co-workers will invite tired parents to rest a spell while the kids explore. Artworks like an organic “twigloo” by Kelly Brown of Bower Bird Sculptures and Henderson’s elephantear bird bath (a sand sculpture of the botanical kind of elephant ear, not the kind elephants hear with) will invite the eye. Although Henderson shares the credit for the
Read Betty Bean on page 8
David Hull (left) and Mike Smith (right) work in the Knoxville Zoo’s new Nature Play area with grounds curator Jen Henderson. They are building the bamboo frame of a teepee that will be covered with pole beans. Photos by Betty Bean
To page 3
City Council approves Prosser Road project By Betty Bean City Council has approved a $1.4 million contract with Twin K Construction of Helenwood, Tenn., for improvements to Prosser Road between Knoxville Zoo Drive and Magnolia Avenue, a sinkhole-dotted area that has flooded for years.
Seeking trail lovers The newest way to show Volunteer spirit is through the Trail Volunteer program. A partnership between Knox County, the city of Knoxville, the town of Farragut, Ijams Nature Center, Outdoor Knoxville and Visit Knoxville, the program gives people who already enjoy using local trails and greenways the chance to be ambassadors for them.
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Read Betsy Pickle on page 4
KUB will kick in more than $288,000 for infrastructure improvements. The contractor will pay a $200-per-day penalty if the work is not completed on time and $1,000 a day after Sept. 1 if the work on Knoxville Zoo Drive isn’t finished, or if two 12-foot travel
NEWS news@ShopperNewsNow.com Sandra Clark | Betsy Pickle ADVERTISING SALES ads@ShopperNewsNow.com Shannon Carey Jim Brannon | Tony Cranmore Brandi Davis | Patty Fecco
downstream because “the amount of (water) storage remains the same” as the roadbed is raised. Hagerman said the city will be pumping the Timothy Avenue retention area regularly to reduce the likelihood of flooding there.
The legacy of Black Wednesday four countywide officeholders – all having been “invited to leave” by the court following their disregard of the charter amendment imposing a two-term limit, adopted by voters in 1994. Sheriff Tim Hutchison was replaced by his handpicked successor, Jimmy “J.J.” Jones, who in turn hired Hutchison until the new pension kicked in – a lifetime pension that started for Hutchison at age 54 at $80,000 per year and escalates annually. Register of Deeds Steve Hall This spring’s ballot is littered with names from Black Wednes- was replaced by his chief deputy, day. And that’s remarkable. Some Sherry Witt, who in turn hired participants were tainted to the Hall, who continues to be empoint of political destruction; oth- ployed in the office. Both Jones and Witt are runers skated with no apparent fallout. Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2007. ning for what amounts to a third That’s the day 19 Knox County term, and both are likely to win. County Clerk Mike Padgett commissioners met to select eight replacement commissioners and was replaced by sitting Commis-
By Sandra Clark
When we read in another paper about “Black Friday,” we knew it was time to revisit our county government’s worst day. Betty Bean writes about Black Wednesday in her column (page 4), and two excommissioners (Phil Guthe and Mark Harmon) actually published books about it.
Analysis
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lanes open to Prosser Road traffic are not completed (to accommodate the Tennessee Valley Fair). In response to questions, Engineering Director Jim Hagerman said the project will be completed by year’s end. He doesn’t anticipate an impact on areas up- or
sioner Billy Tindell. Padgett is unopposed as the Democratic nominee to regain his old job this year. Trustee Mike Lowe was replaced by his chief deputy, Fred Sisk, who hired Lowe back. Sisk did not seek election when John Duncan announced for the job. Lowe is headed to court on criminal charges; Duncan resigned after paying bonuses people had not earned; and the commission appointed Craig Leuthold, a commissioner during Black Wednesday, to the job. He’s on this year’s ballot. Others with a Black Wednesday connection: Michele Carringer, who was appointed to replace Scott Moore after he was ousted, seeking election as a commissioner at-large. Mike Hammond, a commissioner on Black Wednesday, is a candidate for Criminal Court Clerk.
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Phil Ballard, also a BW commissioner, is the property assessor, up for re-election in 2016. Greg “Lumpy” Lambert, Larry Clark, Ivan Harmon and Mark Cawood are Black Wednesday commissioners who voted for Jones and now work for him. Other voting commissioners with ties to the sheriff were Paul Pinkston, whose wife worked in inmate medical services, and Scott Moore, whose wife went to work for the sheriff after Black Wednesday. Guthe writes about commissioners who: “… have no particular background, education or training for the position. … Only a fraction of eligible voters choose a relative unknown with perhaps questionable talent from a short list.” Whether they advocate for government big or small, once there most never want to leave.
2 • APRIL 21, 2014 • Shopper news
health & lifestyles
Quick thinking saves stroke victim’s life During a stroke, every second counts. Ellen Sullivan of Richland, Miss., knew time was important on March 13 when her husband, Bert Sullivan, suddenly had several symptoms of a stroke. He had one previously in 2001, so she knew it was crucial to get him to a hospital quickly. A stroke, often called a “brain attack,” is when a blood vessel in the brain becomes blocked or ruptures. The Sullivans were visiting with family in a Sevierville hotel. They were sitting down to breakfast when Bert’s speech became confused. “And then I saw his face start to droop. I knew he was having a stroke,” Ellen Sullivan said. “My sister-in-law went to call 911, and the ambulance arrived quickly, and, of course, they saw he was having a stroke, too,” she said. Emergency personnel took Sullivan to Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center. As a Comprehensive Stroke Center, Fort Sanders has stroke experts on call 24 hours a day and advanced technology and physicians who can remove blood clots or repair bleeds. When a stroke diagnosis is assured, emergency personnel will take patients directly to Fort Sanders Regional. If the diagnosis is unknown, patients are taken to Regional’s sister facility LeConte Medical Center for diagnostic testing. “The young man who drove the ambulance was so good, we practically floated to the hospital,” said Ellen Sullivan. “They took care of Bert and me, and let me know what was going on.” About 87 percent of strokes are caused by blood clots. If a clot is
Bert and Ellen Sullivan celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary with their grandchildren. The Mississippi residents found themselves at Fort Sanders Regional when visiting East Tennessee in March. Bert Sullivan received life-saving care after suffering a stroke and is now back home and undergoing therapy. diagnosed within the first three hours, it can be treated with a powerful clot-busting medication called tPA (tissue plasminogen activator). While many people do not seek treatment during the time window (for example, if their stroke occurs during the night), Sullivan was fortunate that his stroke happened while he was awake, and that his family called for help.
Sullivan received tPA. He was also taken to Fort Sanders’ neurointerventional suite. There, neuroradiologist Dr. Eric Nyberg and diagnostic radiologist Dr. Scott Wegryn removed the blot clot in a minimally invasive procedure called brain angioplasty. “This is a good example of an interdisciplinary team working to provide care,” said Dr. James
Hora, a neurologist at Fort Sanders who also saw Sullivan. “The emergency room physician recognized the stroke. The interventional radiologist recorded the clot on the CT angiogram. We got called and confirmed the stroke and discussed the options with Mr. Sullivan and his family, and we made a decision all of us together. Off he went to the neuro-
interventional suite, and he did very well,” said Hora. Ellen Sullivan said all her husband’s treatments were finished within two hours. “We were there at 9:10 a.m. and I’d say they were done with everything at 11 a.m.,” she said. “Dr. Nyberg came in to the waiting room, and he was so good about letting us know what was going on. He talked on the phone with my son who is a nurse in Mississippi. I thought that was going above and beyond the call of duty.” Ellen Sullivan said she received a warm welcome at Fort Sanders. “The people there were so nice to me,” said Ellen Sullivan. “Bert got the best of care, and the two young ladies working the desk really took care of us. Even the man cleaning the floor offered us cookies from his church. He said they were made with love for all of us.” Bert Sullivan was able to go home to Mississippi in record time. “They thought it was going to be two weeks, then it was one week. Well, we were out of there in four days!” said Ellen Sullivan. “I feel like Bert got the best care and they saved his life with their efficiency and speed. They worked so well together.” Today, Sullivan is undergoing speech and physical therapy near his home and is making steady improvement from his stroke, Ellen Sullivan said. “We’re just praying for complete recovery. This was a very emotional, bad time,” she said. “But at Fort Sanders you felt the comfort that you do when you’re at home.”
Recognize the signs of a stroke FAST! The early symptoms of stroke are often overlooked or ignored. If you suspect that you or a loved one is having a stroke, think FAST:
F – FACE: Look at your face. Is one side sagging? A – ARMS: Hold out your arms. Is one arm lower than the other or harder to hold in place? S – SPEECH: Is your speech slurred or garbled? T – TIME: Time is critical when trying to minimize the effects of stroke.
Call 911 and get to a hospital as quickly as possible. And be sure your hospital is a stroke-ready, Comprehensive Stroke Center, like Fort Sanders Regional.
Advanced stroke program recognizes certification’s one-year anniversary Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center is marking its one-year anniversary of earning its Advanced Certification for Comprehensive Stroke Centers by The Joint Commission. This certification recognizes that Fort Sanders has devoted significant resources to infrastructure, staff and training to provide stateof-the-art complex stroke care. As part of the effort, Fort Sanders is developing a team of neurohospitalists as well. These are neurologists who work only at the hospital and do not have a private practice of their own. “We have neurologists in the hospital on a full-time basis,” explained
Dr. James Hora, Fort Sanders’ first neurohospitalist. “We are hospitalbased and do nothing but see acute neurologic problems in the hospital.” Hora said an additional neurologist will be on staff Dr. James Hora in summer 2013, and he also has a nurse practitioner working with him, Krystel Hatfield. “I assist in seeing and treating patients alongside Dr. Hora,” said Hatfield. “I also serve as a resource for many aspects of the Stroke Cen-
ter. This includes providing education and support for nurses as well as patients and their families.” By having dedicated staff assigned to stroke and other neurological patients, Fort Sanders is able to offer quick and quality care to anyone with a brain injury or illness. “It makes access to specialized neurologists easier,” said Hora. “We have 24/7 coverage, and this will provide more rapid access to a neurologist for acute neurologic problems. “When it comes to stroke, we always say ‘Time is brain.’ The faster we can get to somebody, the better the outcome will tend to be.”
Krystel Hatfield, Nurse Practitioner at the Stroke Center at Fort Sanders Regional
COMPREHENSIVE STROKE CENTER:
FORT SANDERS REGIONAL Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center is the only facility in our region to hold a Comprehensive 6WURNH &HQWHU FHUWL¿ FDWLRQ IURP 7KH -RLQW Commission, as well as multiple CARF* Accreditations for stroke rehabilitation. Comprehensive stroke care ~ from diagnosis to treatment to rehabiliation. That’s Regional Excellence!
www.fsregional.com * Commission on the Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities
NORTH/EAST Shopper news • APRIL 21, 2014 • 3
City unveils plans for Magnolia Corridor By Sandra Clark As reported here last week, the city of Knoxville has unveiled plans for a model block to kickstart redevelopment of the Magnolia Corridor. The illustration at right was provided by Dawn Michelle Foster, deputy director of redevelopment. It shows the “gateway� to the corridor with a blend of commercial and residential land use and a forest of trees. The designs were released last Wednesday at a public meeting. Mayor Madeline Rogero promised money in next year’s budget (to be released at noon Thursday) to begin. A resident said, “We’ve studied and we’ve planned. When are we
going to do something?� Redevelopment Director Bob Whetsel said the project will “take a couple of years to start,� but the city is moving. “It takes time,� particularly when dealing with a state road such as Magnolia. Sketches show bicycle trails and pedestrian walkways. “It makes the environment attractive to incentivize private development,� said council member Nick Della Volpe. The model block will include the former Swan’s Bakery and the campus of Pellissippi State Community College. “It’s an area of immense potential, surrounded by strong neighborhoods,� he said. “The time is right to start this project.�
Nature Play
Members of the A-E forensics team: (front) Destiny Cunningham, Stephanie Spidell, Mikiyah Webb, Jackson McDowell; (back) Alicia Lewis, Skai Harris, Jonathan Chandler, Savannah Covington, Tierra Harper, Malik Baines, Moriah Brothers and Ashley Toepfer. Photo submitted
A-E forensics team racks up honors at state meet The newly formed forensics team at AustinEast Magnet High School competed against 44 other teams in state competition earlier this month and came home from Brentwood with a carload of honors. Sponsored by performing-arts teacher Doug James, the students are in grades 10-12 and perform in both acting and speech events. Malik Baines and Stephanie Spidell took first place in Duo Interpretation (a 10-minute presentation in which actors cannot look at or touch each other). They presented “The Face of Emmett Till.� Team members Jackson McDowell and Ashley Toepfer placed third in this category. Skai Harris and Moriah Brothers placed second in Duet Acting (a 10-minute piece in which actors can touch and look at each oth-
Betty Bean
er). The A-E team placed fifth in One-Act Play competition, a 45-minute theatre piece where actors must perform and do technical assistance without outside help. Malik Baines and Moriah Brothers were chosen to be a part of “all-star cast,â€? which is the top 10 actors of the day. Austin-East Magnet High School will host the state competition in 2015. â–
Walking trail extension
City Council voted last week to apply for a $200,000 Tennessee Department of
Environment and Conservation Recreational Trails Program Grant to extend the Sarah Moore Greene Trail from the Sarah Moore Greene Elementary Magnet School to the Knoxville Botanical Gardens and Arboretum. The city will fund an additional $50,000 for the project, which began several years ago in partnership with Knox County and Knox County Schools. Joe Walsh, city director of Parks & Recreation, called it “a small but important segment� to the overall plan of connecting the Botanical Gardens to Williams Creek trail and ultimately down to the Tennessee River at Gov. Ned McWherter Park. He said the idea came from an assistant principal at Sarah Moore Greene. Last year, the Sarah Moore Greene Elementary Magnet School installed
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a Jeffersonian Heirloom Garden as part of an Edible Schoolyard Project, which is now incorporated into social-studies course work on America’s history, gardening and land stewardship. â–
Chilhowee School ribbon-cutting
Superintendent Dr. Jim McIntyre and school board member Gloria Deathridge will be at Chilhowee Intermediate School at 10:45 a.m. Tuesday, April 22, for a ribbon-cutting to celebrate school renovations. The project includes reconfiguration of existing space to allow for an additional classroom, new ADAcompliant entrance and elevator to improve accessibility and new HVAC system. Deathridge is a candidate for re-election with early voting under way.
From page A-1
fanciful, yet practical space with zoo administrators who are always on the lookout for ideas from other gardens, assistant marketing director Tina Rolen says Henderson is too modest. “She’s the mastermind grounds curator, and her ideas fit perfectly with our mission,� Rolen said. Now encompassing 53 acres, the Knoxville Zoo opened in 1948 and hosts more than 400,000 visitors annually, making it the biggest year-round attraction in Knoxville.
The beginning of the modern zoo is credited to the efforts of the late Guy Lincoln Smith II, who stepped into the zoo’s leadership in 1978 after he attempted to place his pet lion, Joshua, there and became appalled at the conditions he found. Smith took on the job as director for the salary of $1 per year, and he remade the zoo into a point of local pride. More information can be found on the zoo’s Facebook page and its website at www.knoxvillezoo.org/.
Food on the farm at Right by Nature By Libby Morgan A year ago, I found, by way of Tom and Faye Hardin, a couple of energetic folks dedicated to living off the land and providing themselves (and lucky friends) with the bounty of their place, Right by Nature Farm. I found the couple, Darren Farquar and Tamara Bernadot, in their new home, where they had moved to be in a better climate than Wisconsin. At that time, I was amazed with the progress the two had made in just months in establishing a greenhouse, orchard, flowerbeds and gardens. They had already become a Sharps Chapel “outlet� for the Hardin’s heirloom tomato plants for a few weeks last year. This year, they will be selling more than 30 varieties of heirloom tomato plants, herbs, baked goods,
cut flowers, potted plants and an assortment of fresh fruits and vegetables as well as working with Hardin’s Mountain Organics. Classes in winemaking and Italian prosciutto, among others, are planned. Darren had an opportunity to hone his prosciutto-making skills when he processed two large hogs last fall. Lately, Right By Nature has become home to four new lambs and more beehives, and the couple expect to have honey for sale in the fall. They are working with “Pick Tennessee� initiatives to develop a regional Farm Trail Map to promote agritourism in Claiborne County and surrounding areas. The farm will be open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and by appointment. Facebook: Right By Nature Farm.
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government The Supreme Court battle The August election for the state Supreme Court, normally a sleepy affair, could become highly contested in the next 100 days. It may revolve around who the next state attorney general is and whether the Republicans can win it.
attorney general selection from politics, has forced these three justices into a political fight statewide for their survival on the court. Some legislative Republicans are unhappy with current AG Bob Cooper’s refusal to sue over the constitutionality of Obamacare as requested by the General Assembly. The Supreme Victor Court on Sept. 1 will choose Cooper or a new attorney Ashe general for an eight-year term. Many Republicans do not like having a Democrat as AG when all other state Three justices are seeking offices are Republican-held. retention (retain or replace The current selection vote). All are Democrats – process has resulted in no Cornelia Clark from Middle woman, no Republican and Tennessee and the two East no African-American ever Tennessee justices, Gary being Tennessee’s attorney Wade of Sevierville and general. The court has not Sharon Lee of Madisonville. adopted an open process The two other justices an(or any process) to choose nounced their retirement. the AG. It is unknown what There is considerable procedure the court will speculation that wealthy adopt in 2014. conservative forces outside It is fair to ask candidates Tennessee will wage a “no for the court through retenvote� on these justices, tion to answer questions as spending as much as $2.5 to how they will choose the million. This has already new attorney general and happened in the U.S. Senate whether the process will be contest and on legislation to transparent. This is separate repeal the Hall income tax. from deciding a case, which No sitting justice has they cannot answer. been denied a term since It is unclear whether Penny White was defeated Gov. Haslam will get inin 1996. She is now a provolved. However, if one or fessor at UT College of Law. more of the three justices All three justices are is replaced then he can taking this seriously, but appoint their successor to perhaps Wade is doing the the court before Sept. 1. most with an April 24 fund- Haslam and Wade were raiser at the home of Pete investors in the Smokies and Cindi DeBusk in North baseball team before it was Knox County. The host sold to Randy Boyd. committee includes former The justices will travel U.S. Rep. Bill Jenkins; Lynn across Tennessee to inDuncan, wife of Rep. Jimmy troduce themselves and Duncan; Sam Furrow; Lew respond to this challenge. Conner (close friend of Sen. However, the GOP probably Alexander); former GOP needs to defeat just one of state chair John Waters; and them to have three Republongtime GOP leader Lewis licans on the court, which, Donelson of Memphis. in theory, would bring a Why all the fuss over Republican AG. three justices who are State media have ignored generally middle of the road this issue to date. in their judicial approach? ■Knoxville lost a There is little patronage highly respected and wellthey can dispense (hire a liked attorney with the law clerk or two), there are untimely death of Robert no promises on judicial Watson. He was invalumatters they can make and able to both Mayor Randy their position is low profile. Tyree and me in advice on Wade’s background important and sensitive gives him the most political issues. He was a lawyer’s experience, having been lawyer and a devoted mayor of heavily Republifather and husband. He can Sevierville for 10 years, will be missed and long and he has many strong ties remembered. among Republicans. ■Mayor Rogero However, Tennessee’s announces her budget at unique constitutional provi- 11:30 a.m. Thursday at sion to have the Supreme Christenberry Ball Field. Court choose the state The public can attend. Do attorney general places the not be surprised if there is a justices in the middle of a property-tax-hike request. political firestorm. It is iron■Early voting for ic that this process, which county offices is in full was designed to remove the swing. Be sure to vote.
4 • APRIL 21, 2014 • Shopper news
Trail lovers sought for new volunteer program The newest way to show Volunteer spirit is through the Trail Volunteer program.
Betsy Pickle
A partnership between Knox County, the city of Knoxville, the town of Farragut, Ijams Nature Center, Outdoor Knoxville and Visit Knoxville, the program gives people who already enjoy using local trails and greenways the chance to be ambassadors for them. “We’re going to take 75 in this first group,� says Doug Bataille, senior director of Knox County’s Parks & Recreation Department. “We may have more than 75 apply, but that’s all we’re going to use this first year because we want it to be manageable and grow it from there if we think we need to.� Standing in the parking lot at Mead’s Quarry, jumping-off point for several trails into the Urban Wilderness, Bataille says the screening committee is looking for volunteers to cover the entire community. “Certainly there are trails that are more popular than others, but that’s one of the things we’re going to look at in the applications,� says Bataille. “We ask you to tell us your top three trails that you use, so we’re going to try to make sure that we get a volunteer on every single trail.� Volunteers can be adults of any age or physical condi-
Doug Bataille displays the design for the Trail Volunteer T-shirt. tion. They must be at least 18, own a cell phone and commit to volunteering on a trail at least once a week. Bataille says they would like to finish collecting applications by the end of this week, select the top 75 applicants, have them complete a national background check and then do training. The goal is to have them out on the trails in their specially designed T-shirts by June. Volunteers will have to pay for their background checks, but the T-shirts (and matching jackets) are being paid for by sponsors. Bataille says the “three basic tenets� of the program are to greet, to inform and to assist. “We want these folks to be good, friendly faces on our trail system, to be goodwill ambassadors of the community,� he says. “Where we’ve
seen this program in other communities, it works really well. You have these nice Tshirts that you’re identified by, so people know they’re approachable.� Trail volunteers will be familiar with the trail they’re on and will be able to help with directions and suggestions for other trails that might be suitable. They will also educate others on trail etiquette and rules. Volunteers will assist in various ways. Some can help with first aid; others will know how to repair a flat tire on a mountain bicycle. They’ll also be “eyes and ears� to observe maintenance problems on trails and report them. “It’s great to have people out on the trails,� says Sue Stuhl, Farragut’s director of parks and leisure services. “I think it makes people feel
Photo by Betsy Pickle
more comfortable if they see a volunteer out there. We have good signage on our greenways, but we still get lots of questions.� Brian Hann, president of the Appalachian Mountain Bike Club, expects many AMBC members to volunteer. “A lot of our members are excited about it,� says Hann. “Most of our members are really friendly, and they can help out other riders or hikers that are out here. “Almost every trail system or organization like ours has a similar program, so I think this fits really nicely in our mission to assist and inform. It will blend seamlessly with what we’re doing now.� For info and an application, visit http://knoxcounty.org/parks/trail_volunteer/index.php.
Remembering Black Wednesday Remember when: ■Knox County Commission meetings were punctuated by long and frequent recesses so the boys could go out back to smoke and return with done deals? ■Mike Arms served two years on county commission while he was chief of staff to county Mayor Mike Ragsdale and nobody said squat? ■County commissioners figured they could pick their successors after a judge booted them out of office for ignoring a term-limits referendum for 13 years? So Black Wednesday wasn’t all bad. But Jan. 31, 2007, still lives in local infamy, and Knox newcomers who find the term a bit overwrought are probably wondering what, exactly, it was about. And what was the big deal about some old ex-sheriff? That’s because seven years ago might as well be in the Paleozoic Era. And who remembers 1999, when Sheriff Tim Hutchison demonstrated his clout by getting Big Jim Haslam booted off the
Betty Bean Public Building Authority, which he’d chaired since the beginning of creation? They subsequently made up, but make no mistake: Hutchison was powerful in his domain, and Black Wednesday was about ego, relationships, power and money – just like any other kind of politics. At the heart of the conflict was Hutchison’s desire to remain eligible for the lucrative Uniformed Officers Pension Plan that was on track to become law before the year was out. Second was his desire to see Ragsdale, with whom he was locked in an ongoing feud, ousted from office. The first official act of Sheriff Jimmy “J.J.� Jones, the first Black Wednesday appointee, was to create a cushy sinecure for Hutchison until the new pension kicked
in. Jones also kept Lee Tramel, a Hutchison political operative/deputy whose Black Wednesday appointment to commission proved as difficult as a breach birth on a wagon train. Once installed, Tramell in due time voted for the UOPP. It was expected that his dominant personality would allow him to lead the charge to remove Ragsdale (it didn’t happen that way). Tramell was soundly defeated in 2008 when he ran for the commission seat to which he had been appointed (and subsequently removed by court order). A gaggle of other former commissioners (all of whom voted for Jones) are now court officers, and Jones is considered a prohibitive favorite to be re-elected. Trustee candidate Craig Leuthold was a Black Wednesday commissioner who abstained from voting when his father, former commissioner Frank Leuthold, was nominated to replace the ousted John Griess. Leu-
thold is expected to run a strong race, bolstered by the power of incumbency. Black Wednesday appointee Sherry Witt’s biggest immediate problem was how to remove her Register of Deeds predecessor, Steve Hall, from the big office that was supposed to be hers after she hired him as an assistant. So she waited until he went on one of his trips to Florida and moved his crap out. She is also expected to win re-election. How, one might ask, do these incumbents, especially Jones, escape the wrath of the voters, who have now twice rejected Hutchison by overwhelming margins? One insider sums it up like this: “JJ doesn’t mess with people like Hutch did. He hasn’t built the animosity. He’s just a nicer guy. All the time Tim spent building an empire ‌ people have to remember that they’re just temporary custodians of these offices. If you don’t, it’ll catch up with you.â€?
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Shopper news • APRIL 21, 2014 • 5
Bits ‘n pieces support salaries. “This does not include the sizable leadership fee paid to the athletic director.” Losses were free. Orange and White leftovers: Post-game dinMarvin ner was another Butch West Jones object lesson. Defensive Vols had beans and franks on paper plates. Victorious offenders feasted In the wake of the on steak and fancy fi xings $25,000 raise for Tennes- on fine china. Nice napkins see ace recruiter Tommy were provided. Corey Vereen received Thigpen, a reader emailed this thoughtful financial the Andy Spiva Award as gem: Each Volunteer foot- the most improved defenball victory last season cost sive Vol in spring practice. $1.4 million in coaching and The very promising sophoReaders are priceless. Readers who write are really special.
Love so amazing May I never boast of anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For neither circumcision nor uncircumcision is anything; but a new creation is everything! (Galatians 6: 14-15 NRSV)
more end from Winter Garden, Fla., may not know the name behind the trophy. Howard Anthony Spiva was a very busy linebacker in the declining years of the Bill Battle era. He set the school record with 194 tackles in 1976. He was almost as good as a sophomore and junior. His record for career hits, 547, still stands. He caused the most fumbles, 14, in school history. Think about that – more than Steve Kiner and Al Wilson. Spiva played a few minutes for the Atlanta Falcons. Alas and alack, he died young, at 24, after an Atlanta auto accident. Some spring award winners go on to total obscu-
Cross Currents
Lynn Pitts
Sunday and then skip directly to Easter morning. If we see Jesus as a victim, however, we lose sight of the Christ. If we see Jesus as a victim, we misunderstand exactly what was going on. We forget that Jesus, even under the Sometimes I think we as a victim. Don’t misun- burden of the cross that he lose sight of the big pic- derstand me. It is impor- carried on his f logged and ture. tant, even necessary, that bleeding back, went up the During Holy Week we we walk with him through hill to Golgotha of his own focus so intently on the the last days of his earthly free will. passion – the suffering – life. We cannot, dare not, Remember what he had of Jesus, that we see him enjoy the triumph of Palm said on the Sunday before, Were the whole realm of nature mine, That were an offering far too small; Love so amazing, so divine, Demands my soul, my life, my all. (“When I Survey the Wondrous Cross,” Isaac Watts, 1707)
rity. Others become stars. Through the years, some pretty good names have appeared on the Andy Spiva Award list; Reggie White, Keith DeLong and John Henderson come to mind. Touch of Tennessee: There will be a touch of Tennessee on some hot coaching jobs this autumn. Kurt Roper, new offensive coordinator at Florida, is supposed to teach and refine his no-huddle, hurry-up plan of attack and save head coach Will Muschamp’s job. Lane Kiffin is charged with leading the Alabama offense in pursuit of Auburn while keeping his mouth mostly closed and avoiding conflict with Nick Saban. Kurt Roper was three
times at Tennessee on his way up. He was a lad playing around on the rug when his dad, Bobby, was defensive coordinator on John Majors’ staff in the late 1970s. Kurt began coaching as a Tennessee graduate assistant in 1996. He returned in 2006 as coach of running backs. Roper was quarterback coach for David Cutcliffe at Ole Miss (Eli Manning) and Duke. Most quarterback coaches are thought to be cerebral, easygoing, mild mannered, even soft on players. Roper is tough. “I have more of my dad’s defensive mentality with how I try to coach,” Kurt said. “It’s just the Roper coming out in me I guess. Everything that I do on a
football field comes from my dad.” Kiffin at Alabama? I don’t know what to think. He doesn’t say much. Basketball anyone? Bruce Pearl recruited the top-ranked junior college player in the country, 6-7 power forward Cinmeon Bowers from Chipola to Auburn. Large catch. Bowers is famous. He does come with baggage. He was originally signed by Florida State but was released after being accused of eating marijuana in order to conceal it from police. Junior college has a cleansing effect on top talent.
as he rode into Jerusalem on a colt, with ardent admirers putting down palm branches in the road ahead of him, the crowds shouting “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord”? Some Pharisees urged him to put a stop to the accolades. He countered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the stones would shout out.” He was the King, and he knew it. Jesus also knew that his entrance into Jerusalem – the seat of Roman power in this small corner of the vast Roman Empire – had made the Roman authorities nervous. Thousands of Jewish pilgrims from all over the known world came to Jerusalem for Passover. The city was
crowded with a polyglot population, and Pontius Pilate was responsible for governing. To say that Pilate was nervous is an understatement. To have the crowds see Jesus as the King amounted to a potential coup d’etat, if not an actual one. That was on Sunday. By Friday of the same week, Jesus had taught in the Temple, read and commented on the hearts of those who put offerings in the Temple coffers (I believe he still reads the hearts of people today, every time the offering plate is passed!), sparred with the chief priests and scribes, outwitted the Sadducees, eaten a final Passover meal with his disciples, been betrayed
by one of the Twelve, endured a brutal beating by the Roman authorities, died a horrific execution by a method designed to inf lict significant pain, and was buried and sealed in a tomb. Did he know the end of the story when he was being tortured? There is no way we can know the answer to that. He did know, however, and said as much, that he was in God’s hands. At the end he offered his spirit back to God, just as he had lived his life: in complete and utter trust that he belonged to God, and that God knew what God was doing. We should live so well! Happy Easter!
Overcoming the darkness By Ruth White For Christians, the Easter season represents Jesus’ victory over the grave and the promise of salvation. Fast forward to present time, and the victory is still relevant. Melanie Porter has spent the past five years working on a drama for Fairview Baptist to present to the community. The story involves one family’s struggle through a season of warfare and their victory over the darkness. Porter began writing scripts when she felt that she couldn’t find good mate-
rial for the large cast at the church. Pastor Bryan Wright would discuss sermon ideas with her, and from there she would begin to write. They bounced ideas off one another and did a lot of praying over the content until the final script was written. The idea for an Easter program quite different from a typical musical came to her from her own life experiences. “I was living defeated and felt that Satan was putting things in my path to discourage me,” she said. Porter knew that others
must be having the same struggles, and she began to write. The script is a relatable story, featuring parenting issues, social media, finances and daily struggles. “The story shows the free will that God gives individuals and how to have victory and not live defeated.” This message of victory is one that has been told before, just in a different way. Mixed in with the drama is uplifting and encouraging music that helps bring the truth to the surface.
Marvin West invites reader reaction. His address is westwest6@netzero.com.
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Fairview Baptist will present “Overcoming the Darkness” at 4 and 7 p.m. Saturday, May 3, and Sunday, May 4. Doors will open 30 minutes prior to each performance. The community is welcome to attend, but the drama is intended for those 10 years and older. Fairview Baptist is at 7424 Fairview Road (off Emory Road) in Corryton. Info: 687-5648 or www.fairviewbaptist.com/.
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6 • APRIL 21, 2014 • Shopper news
! p m a C r e S umm
I
t’s that time of year again, time for kids to look forward to summer break, and time for parents to think about filling those long summer days. Lucky for them, there is an abundance of camp opportunities right here in East Tennessee, with something exciting for every age and interest group. Whether your kid is an adventurer, artist, scientist or athlete, summer camp can keep them entertained all summer long!
â– Angela Floyd Schools, with locations in West and North Knox County, will offer performing-arts camps for a variety of ages and interests, including: Princess Camp, ages 2-5, learn ballet with a different Disney princess each day; Teen Idol Camp, ages 6 and older, learn jazz and hiphop using music from Disney Channel shows; Hero Camp, ages 2-5, learn ballet with a different Disney heroine each day; and All-American Camp, ages 6 and older, learn ballet
&* ' Kids Place is revving up to kick off our 21st year of summer camp. Each week will have a new theme, and will include two action-packed ďŹ eld trips to Camp KP Millertown where lunch is provided. Some of the exciting activities your child will enjoy in Summer Camp 2014 are: Theater • Art • Low Ropes Course • Ground Zip Line Climbing Wall • Kick Ball • Wifeball • Swimming Pedal Karts • Water Slides • Archery • Paint Ball Pool • Obstacle Course • Gaga Ball • Gem Mining Flag Football • Pool Climbing Walls • Game Pavilion Sand Volleyball • Putt-Putt Golf • Guest Speakers * Early Bird Special: $40 per child for those who pay entire registration fee by 5/1, receive an extra T-shirt. Full-time (5 days) $116.00 LOCATIONS Knox County: Amherst Elementary 660-7154, Carter Elementary 660-7124, Copper Ridge Elementary 660-7149, Millertown Pike 933-7716, Fountain City Elementary 660-7134, Gibbs Elementary 660-7131, Inskip Elementary 660-7145 Sevier County: Northview Elementary 660-7128, Sevierville Primary 660-7143, Seymour Intermediate 660-7153
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and lyrical with a differentt American Girl each day. Cost ost is $100 per week. Info: 865-675-9897 for West Knox, 865-947-9894 for North Knox, or online at www.angelafloydschools.com â– Beverly Park ll Golf Course off Tazewell Pike offers summer juniorr golf camps for ages 7-14. n, Camps run 9 a.m. to noon, June 3-5, July 8-10 and Aug. 55-7. Cost is $80. Info: 865egolf.org 689-6445, www.knoxvillegolf.org ff camps â– Camp Big Fish willl offer at Middlebrook United Methodist Church and Friendship Church, with praise and worship, weekly swimming, sports, art, music and weekly field trips. Info: www.campbigfish.org or call Jeremy or Molly at 865-386-0779 â– Camp Wallace at Wallace Memorial Baptist Church offers summer day camp May 22 through Aug. 8 for children who have completed kindergarten through 6th grade. There will be field trips three days a week, movies, weekly devotions, Vacation Bible School, and arts and crafts. Info: Kristie Bell, 865-688-7270, or www. wmbc.net â– Camp Webb at Webb School of Knoxville offers more than 100 specialty camps and sports camps for a variety of ages, along with adventure camp and mini-camps. Lunch is included. Info: www.campwebb.com or 865-291-3840 â– Camp Wesley Woods over-
night summer camps offer a traditional Bible camp experience for boys and girls, kindergarten through 12th grade. Info: 865-448-2246 or www. CampWesleyWoods.com â– Concord Park Par Three Golf at 10909 S. Northshore Drive, will offer two-day camps for ages 6-8, and three-day camps for ages 9-17. Call 865-966-9103 for info or to register. Also offered is Girls Golf with Catherine Duggan, LPGA. Visit www.GirlsGolfOfKnoxvilleTN.com or call 865-966-9103 to register. Starting New at Golf (SNAG) will be offered 9-9:45 a.m. Saturdays. Call 865-9669103 to register. â– Garden Montessori School, 3225 Garden Drive, Knoxville, will offer summer day camp for age 2 through 8th grade June 8 through July 25, and a summer film camp for middle and high school students July 7-18. Info: 865-688-6776 or www. gardenmontessori.org
Our award-winning Kids U summer program is an exclusive opportunity for area youth in grades K-12. Children come to UT and learn from university faculty, staff, and graduate students in fields from art to chemistry, cooking to anthropology, and the ever popular veterinary medicine. Our high school level classes offer a focus on potential careers. Camps are offered for one or two weeks in the morning or afternoon. Class sizes are limited and fill up quickly.
Register at
www.utkidsu.com or call 865-974-0150 for more information.
Shopper news • APRIL 21, 2014 • 7
HAPPY • MAGICAL • SUNNY • FRIENDLY ■ The Goddard School for Early Childhood Development offers unique learning experiences through age-appropriate and innovative activities. Locations in Farragut and Knoxville. Info: goddardschool.com
dancers, classes in ballet, pre-pointe and variations from “Sleeping Beauty”; July 21-25, Guest Artist Intensive, experienced dancers will learn a variety of techniques from Joy Davis of Smith College; July 28, Guest Artist Intensive, a full week with Houston Ballet Academy’s Beth Everitt and Danah Bella of Radford University; June 30-July 18, a range of three-week dance workshops for age 4 through advanced dancers. Info: 865-539-2475 or www. studioartsfordancers.net
■ The Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont offers Summer in the Smokies in June and July, with programs for ages 9-17, encouraging stewardship and a lifelong appreciation of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Get your kids outside this summer as they explore nature through hands-on explorations, games and crafts. Info: 865448-6709 or www.gsmit.org/SummerYouth.html ■ Kids Place summer day camps offer a whole summer of themed camps at local elementary schools throughout Knox and Sevier counties, along with two action-packed field trips to Camp KP Millertown. Ages 5-12 years. Specials are available for early registration. Info: 865-933-7716 or www. kidsplaceinc.org ■ Knoxville Jewish Alliance offers a variety of camp experiences for kids of all faiths at the Arnstein Jewish Community Center on Deane Hill Drive, including: Camp K’ton Ton, age 2 through pre-K, exciting weekly themes including nature, music, art, literacy and swimming; Milton Collins Day Camp with age-appropriate experiences for kindergarten through 10th grade; British Challenger Soccer Camp June 16-20 for ages 4-15; and Bricks 4 Kidz LEGO Camp. Info: www.jewishknoxville.org or 690-6343
8-10 for ages 8-14, and July 22-24 for ages 8-16. Camp package includes lunch every day, snacks and drinks, camp picture, goody bag, prizes, course fees and range balls. Info: David Reed, 423-258-4972 or www. davidreedgolf.com
■ Studio Arts for Dancers offers camps for all ages and experi■ Knoxville Twisters Cheer and Tumbling ence levels, including: at 6930 Gemini Way in Halls offers a variety of June 16-20, Cinderella camps, including: Art Camp, 9 a.m. to noon, June 2-5, ages 5 and older; Tumble, Stunt and Cheer Camp, Dance Camp, 6-12 years, new and experienced 9 a.m. to noon, June 9-12, ages 4 and older; Coed dancers, featuring ballet, Stunt Clinic with T.J. Baxter, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., June art class and in-studio 14; Backhand Spring Clinic, 10 a.m. to noon, June 19 and 20, or July 14 and 15; Dazzling Diva Camp, 9 a.m. performance; June 23-27, Musical Theatre to noon, June 16-19. Info: www.KnoxvilleTwisters. Camp, 8-15 years, new com or 865-377-3783 and experienced dancers ■ Pellissippi State Community College will learn acting, dance, offers summer camps for kids in June and July. A voice and more; July variety of camp themes and age levels are available. 7-11, African Dance and Some themes include Claymation, ZumbaKids, the Drumming Workshops, CSI Experience and more. Info: 865-539-7167 or with separate sessions www.pstcc.edu/bcs for 8-12 years and age 13 and up; July 21-25, ■ Ruggles Ferry Golf Club will offer Junior Mini-Intensive Camp, Golf Summer Camp June 3-5 for ages 5-10, June 10-13 years, experienced 10-12 for ages 8-14, June 24-26 for ages 5-10, July
Junior Golf Summer Camp Camp package includes: • Lunch Everyday • Prizes • Snacks & Drinks • Course Fees • Range Balls • Camp Picture • Goody Bag (Titleist hat, 2-ball pack, tees & more)
• Summer Golf Camp 1 June 3-5, ages 5-10
• Summer Golf Camp 2 June 10-12, ages 8-14
• Summer Golf Camp 3 June 24-26, ages 5-10
• Summer Golf Camp 4 July 8-10, ages 8-14
• Summer Golf Camp 5 July 22-24, ages 8-16
Register Early & Save! LIMITED SPACE AVAILABLE!
R gg Ru Ruggles ggle le es Fe Ferry err rryy Go Golf lff Club Clu ub
LIMITED AVAILABILITY
Junior Camps
Beginners welcome! To register or for more information contact: David Reed at Ruggles Ferry Golf Club
SUMMER 2014
423-258-4972 www.davidreedgolf.com
Now enrolling for
SUMMER CAMPS & CLASSES June 16-20 – Cinderella Dance Camp for ages 6 to 12, new and experienced dancers. Along with ballet, there will be art class and an in-studio performance. June 23-27 – Musical Theatre Camp for ages 8 to 15, both new and experienced dancers. Learn acting, dance, voice and prop-making, along with performing excerpts from Phantom of the Opera, Wicked and Aladdin among other selections. July 7-11 – African Dance and Drumming Workshops, one for ages 8-12, another for ages 13 and up. July 21-25 – Mini-Intensive Camp for young dancers, ages 10 to 13, experienced dancers. Dancers
will have classes in ballet, prepointe and learn variations from the ballet Sleeping Beauty. July 21-25 – Guest Artist Intensive. Experienced dancers will expand their exposure to different techniques including Counter Technique with Joy Davis from Smith College as well as Flamenco, Pilates and Feldenkrais Technique. Variation and pointe class will also be featured. July 28 – Guest Artist Intensive. Houston Ballet Academy instructor Beth Everitt will teach a full week of incredible technique and variation classes. Danah Bella, associate professor of dance at Radford University, will lead modern classes in technique and improvisation. June 30 to July 18 – A range of three-week dance workshops will be available for students age four through advanced.
1234 Rocky Hill Road, Knoxville info: www.studioartsfordancers.net or 539-2475
■ The University of Tennessee’s Kids U summer camps offer unique experiences for kids in kindergarten through 12th grade. Your kid can come to UT and learn from university faculty, staff and graduate students in a variety of fields, such as art, chemistry, cooking and veterinary medicine. Highschool-level classes focus on potential careers. Camps run one or two weeks, morning or afternoon. Register soon as classes fill up quickly. Info: www.utkidsu.com or 865-974-0150
2014 Summer Camps
2-DAY CAMPS
3-DAY CAMPS
Ages 9-17 • $100 Ages 6-8 • $75 For more information or to register, call 865-966-9103
SNAG LPGA • USGA L Catherine Duggan, LPGA For more info or to register, go to GirlsGolfofKnoxvilleTN.com or call Concord Park 865-966-9103
Starting New At Golf SNAG contains all the elements of golf but in a modified, player-friendly format.
Saturday mornings • 9:00-9:45 Call 865-966-9103 to register
10909 0909 SS. Northshore o t s o e Drivee • Knoxville o e
kids
Mona Jumanne performs a scene from “Zombie Macbeth” during the student showcase. Photos by Ruth White
8 • APRIL 21, 2014 • NORTH/EAST Shopper news
Brittney Linkous leads tours of Fulton’s television studio showing the news desk donated by WBIR. Brittney is a self-proclaimed movie maniac who enjoys learning new skills in the studio.
Whittle Springs Middle School students Sara Lindsey, Jurnee Roper and Alyssa Mynatt with Project U sponsor Jen Tedder.
Photo
by Betty Bean
Whittle Springs kids battle bullying Simmone Smith shows projJiuseppe DeMaria demon- ects that students in Fulton’s strates light efficiency for communications department guests at Fulton’s student have created using Photoshop. showcase.
Falconfest showcases student talents By Ruth White
Fulton High School celebrated both academics and the arts in a recent student showcase called Falconfest. The band performed several pieces to open the show, including “Counterbalance” by Todd Stalter and “The Sphinx” by Gary Gilroy. Mona Jumanne followed
with a scene from the recent production of “Zombie Macbeth.” Guests toured the Small Learning Communities to see artwork, learn about projects in the communications wing, get an idea of the skills learned in the healthscience wing and visit the health fair.
By Betty Bean At first glance, “U R Beautiful,” written in big pink and blue letters on the sidewalk in front of Whittle Springs Middle School, looks like the work of a daring tagger – right smack on the school’s doorstep. But at second glance, it’s something entirely different, and pretty wonderful. It’s the work of Project U, a school club made up of students who want to put an end to bullying. The Project U sponsor, Jen Tedder, is a school behavior liaison. She is charged with working with the students to im-
prove attendance, academic achievement and social-skill development. She says a big part of her job is “helping students find the tools that they need to overcome barriers to school success.” Project U is a grantfunded, student-led, countywide campaign. The chalk art on the sidewalk is just one of the group’s activities. There are reminders in the morning announcements that bullying isn’t cool, artwork and schoolassembly programs. Sixth-grader Alyssa Mynatt joined Project U because she has been a victim of bullying.
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“It happened a lot in the 5th grade and the 6th, too. It got pretty bad.” Alyssa said her mother is very happy that she has joined Project U. “I haven’t been bullied in a while,” she said. Sara Lindsey wrote a song about bullying called “Getting Up From Bullying” to encourage victims not to be dragged down when people say mean things. She performed it in assembly. Jurnee Roper helped with the sidewalk art and with making an anti-bullying video. At the end of the video, students can sign pledges not to bully written on cutouts of handprints and get a spe-
cial wristband. The hands will be put up in the cafeteria – “So everybody can see there are a whole lot more kids who don’t want to bully than those who do,” Tedder said. “The whole point is accept, unite, impact.” Project U has other activities planned this school year, including placing positive sticky notes on lockers and holding a “No Mirror Monday” when mirrors will be covered with butcher paper covered with slogans. “They’ll say it doesn’t matter what people say, you look good. Don’t let words bring you down,” Tedder said.
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business
Shopper news • APRIL 21, 2014 • 9
Bill Walkup and the governor’s wife Hey, I’m clearing out my voice mailbox and inviting your call to 661-8777 (or email sclark426@aol.com). Trust me; the PR people already have both. But you don’t have to hire a PR firm to get coverage in the Shopper-News. Just call. We’re looking for new hires, job openings, expansions and joy. There are other places to find gloom and despair. So let’s begin. ■ Children’s Hospital taught injury-prevention techniques to thousands of kids during a special safety day at Smokies Stadium. Sponsored by Kohl’s Cares, the event hosted more than 3,000 students from Blount, Greene, Jefferson and Morgan counties. ■ Home Federal Bank has earned the highest ranking by BauerFinancial for the 88th consecutive quarter. This five-star rating is shared
Sandra Clark
by fewer than 10 percent of the nation’s banks. President Dale Keasling is grinning, but is this really news? The news would be if Home Federal failed to get the award … and that’s not on the horizon. My dad, Herman Clark, made our living at Home Federal. Over time he did virtually every job there, retiring as a vice president. My cousin Sonny Steele worked there, and everyone in Halls is a friend of retired bank CEO David Sharp. Never in the history of humans has such a conservative bunch been assembled to operate a bank. Longtime presi-
dent Bill Walkup counseled: Don’t worry about the return on your money; worry about the return of your money.” Good advice today. ■ Bill Walkup: Since I thought up this column about five minutes before deadline, I didn’t do any work on it. So I’ll share my favorite Bill Walkup story. Back in the day (1972) I ran for state representative (and won, of course). Since Bill Walkup had the biggest and best house in Fountain City (among people I at least somewhat knew), I asked if he and Ann would host a reception. “I’d like to bring in the governor’s wife.” “Oh, yes,” they said, envisioning a white-gloves tea. Mary Lou Horner, my campaign guru, got right on it. I hustled up postage stamps from everybody I knew (disclosure laws were weak or nonexistent) and we mailed more than 3,000
News from Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation
Dialogue about disability By Alvin Nance “So, let’s chat.” That’s how Kathy Moore, senior services manager at the disABILITY Resource C enter, opened the f i r s t- e ver Nance Chatty Café meeting held at the Guy B. Love Towers social hall with more than 20 attendees in early April. Earlier this year, the Love Towers Fellowship Association and its president, Tom Higens, saw a need for more conversation and support for the nearly 250 elderly and disabled residents at Guy B. Love Towers in North Knoxville. The association reached out to the disABILITY Resource Center for help. Chatty Café is a peer support group of seniors and people living with disabilities that meets every other Wednesday, with the first gathering held April 2. The program, presented by the Love Towers Fellowship Association and the disABILITY Resource Center, offers attendees a seat at the table
Love Towers Fellowship Association president Tom Higens at the first meeting of the Chatty Café at Guy B. Love Towers. Photo submitted to discuss challenges and get information about services available in the community. “This program is for anyone who wants to talk,” Higens said. “Chatty Café is a place to be socially interactive. We hope Chatty Café will help unite Love Towers residents and everyone from the community.” Chatty Café has two main goals: to foster social interaction between residents and to provide access to disability resources available in the community. One of the biggest dangers for seniors and people living
with disabilities is isolation. Chatty Café provides a reason and a place for residents to gather and talk. The Fellowship Association also invites guests from local service providers to come and discuss important disability issues, such as health insurance and transportation. Love Towers residents are inviting other people living with disabilities in the community in hopes that this program will start a community-wide dialogue about disabilities. “Chatty Café fosters selfesteem, self-growth and self-confidence,” Moore said. “Everybody’s important. There are no ‘less than’ people. If we can bring that message to anyone who thinks they are, then I think a wonderful, positive goal has been met.” I am very proud of the Love Towers Fellowship Association and thankful for the disABILITY Resource Center for stepping up to take on this important role for our residents. I look forward to this program expanding to the entire community and to my invitation to speak because those who know me know I am pretty chatty.
Regal to offer $1 movies Regal Entertainment Group will host kids at $1 movies this summer. The 23-year-old program will be available at 350 Regal theaters across the country. The nine-week film festival will be at 10 a.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays, start date based on local school schedules. A portion of the
admission goes to the Will Rogers Institute. Each week two films will be shown. Titles include: “Hotel Transylvania,” “Smurfs 2,” “Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs,” “The Pirates: Band of Misfits,” “Arthur Christmas,” “Despicable Me 2,” “Lego,” “Free Birds,” “Adventures of
Tintin,” “Rise of the Guardians,” “Kung Fu Panda 2,” “Madagascar 3,” “Croods,” “Epic,” “Turbo,” “Walking with Dinosaurs” and “Mr. Peabody & Sherman.” Business sponsors are needed. See local theater manager. A full schedule is available at www. REGmovies.com/.
invitations. Our volunteers baked hundreds of cookies. Mary Lou lined up the Sheriff’s Office to direct traffic. Betty Dunn came, along with Tom and Carolyn Jensen and numerous other dignitaries. The receiving line extended out the door, around the house and down the hill. After pleasantly shaking hands with hundreds, Mr. Walkup finally asked, “How many people did you invite to this?” “Oh, Mary Lou handled that,” I said. It was a glorious day. ■
Around town
North: Marco’s Pizza opened in Halls a weekend ago. The celebration created a traffic jam on Afton Drive with people parking at Grace Baptist Church, R. Larry Smith’s office building and even Bob Johnson Insurance. Awesome! South: Exciting news soon for Shopper-News and Johnson University. East: Look for Patricia Williams, coming soon in Shopper-News. West: The Chest Pain Center at Turkey Creek Medical Center has received full accreditation from the Society of Cardiovascular Patient Care, an international organization. Dr. Ravi Mehta said, “This recognition validates our hard work.” Downtown: Tennova Healthcare hosted a neat event with Chef Garrett Scanlon talking about healthy eating at The Foundry at World’s Fair Park.
Josh Hemphill, Sarah Flinchum, Ara Wooten and Mike Davis enjoy the teamwork at State Farm. Photo by Nancy Whittaker
Insurance office with a small-town feel
Mike Davis grew up in a small town. When he opened his State Farm office, one of his main goals was to keep a small-town feel for his customers. I definitely think he has succeeded. Mike started as a State Farm claims adjuster in 1997. In January 2007, he opened his office at 5336 Millertown Pike. With his claims background, Mike says his customers appreciate his knowledge and ability to explain the complete claims process. Mike’s dedication to his customers is obvious. “I want to know all of my customers and their individual needs – they become like family,” he says. His customers have responded to his treatment with referrals to their friends and co-workers. Mike is active in promoting all businesses in the East
Nancy Whittaker
Towne corridor. He is secretary for the East Towne Area Business and Professional Association and also helped start a local BNI chapter. In addition, Mike stays busy with his 11-year-old son and almost 8-year-old daughter. He laughs and says his daughter will be 8 in May and definitely doesn’t want to still be considered just 7. Posted hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, but Mike and his staff are flexible. Give them a call at 637-8616 or check out the website at www. mikedavisagency.com.
News from Pellissippi State - Magnolia Campus
Elizabeth Lane is lifelong learner By Heather Beck Age is no barrier to learning, according to a student at Pellissippi State Community College’s Magnolia Avenue Campus. Elizabeth Lane, 72, has returned to school after spending nearly 50 years out of state, working and retiring, then returning to Tennessee. “You know, I can’t knit and I just couldn’t figure out what to do with myself,” she said, joking. Lane’s decision to return to college to earn an associate’s degree was inspired by her volunteer efforts with Friends of Literacy. She spends around eight hours a week working with adults who cannot read, tutoring them not only in English but also in other subjects. “I’ve found that volunteer work is very rewarding,” she said. “This is my purpose, and this is my plan.” But she did hit one stumbling block in her mission of helping others. “I tried to tutor a student in mathematics, and I under-
Pellissippi State Community College student Elizabeth Lane with her grandson, Jake. stood that the way it is taught now is not how I learned it. So I decided to go back to school at Pellissippi State and relearn some of these things. Right now I’m taking mathematics and Spanish.” Lane doesn’t intend to stop with volunteering for Friends of Literacy once she’s brushed up on her math and can understand Spanish. In fact, she hopes to expand her efforts and volunteer tutor at the Knox County jail. “I feel a real calling to do
this,” she said, “because I know that the level of education is in inverse correlation – to use one of my mathematics class terms – to recidivism [returning to jail].” Meanwhile, Lane says, she has enjoyed taking classes at the Magnolia Avenue Campus. She compliments the instructors at Magnolia Avenue, crediting them for helping her transition back into school. She’s also impressed by the students. “These young people are just so nice to me. They offer to help me with my classwork. I complimented a young lady on her knit hat, and she brought me one. I am touched beyond what I can tell you about how young students are not only tolerant of, but supportive of, someone my age who is returning to school.” 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.
Endorsed by the Knoxville News-Sentinel
The right experience # The right time # The right choice Meet Kristi Davis. Experienced, hardworking, honest & independent. ✔Lifelong resident of Knox County ✔Honors Graduate from UT Law School; Law Review; Awards for legal writing and oral argument. ✔Began career as a judicial clerk; worked her way to partner in one of our area’s most respected law firms. ✔14 years of trial and appellate experience before the TN Court of Appeals; TN Court of Criminal Appeals; Tennessee Supreme Court; and US Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals. ✔Active in our Community in professional, charitable and service organizations
A servant’s heart “I am proud to be a native of Knoxville. I love this community and can think of no greater honor than to serve the people of Knox County as their judge.”
I would greatly appreciate your vote in the Republican Primary on May 6. Early Voting begins April 16.
Please follow our campaign facebook.com/kristidavisforjudge www.electkristidavis.com Paid for by the Committee to Elect Kristi Davis - David Wedekind, Treasurer.
DAVIS Kristi
for CIRCUIT JUDGE Knox County - Div ision 1
Paid for by the Committee to Elect Kristi Davis – David Wedekind, Treasurer.
10 • APRIL 21, 2014 • Shopper news
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NORTH/EAST Shopper news • APRIL 21, 2014 • 11
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THURSDAY, APRIL 24
SATURDAY-SUNDAY, APRIL 26-27
Living Well with Diabetes, 2:30 p.m., Halls Branch Library, 4518 E. Emory Road. Info: 922-2552.
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.
THURSDAYS, APRIL 24-MAY 22 Diabetes Management Series, 6:30 p.m., Knox County Health Department auditorium, 140 Dameron Ave. Free five-part series; open to the public. To register: 215-5170.
THROUGH SATURDAY, APRIL 26
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.
Singing, 7 p.m., Ailor Dale Baptist Church on Beard Valley Road in Maynardville. Featuring the Melody Singers from Georgia. Everyone welcome. Barbecue fundraiser, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Powell Lodge #582, 7700 Fersner Road. 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. 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. Married People Night Out, 7-9 p.m., Wallace Memorial Baptist Church, 701 Merchant Drive. $10 per couple. Info: Chad, 688-4343. East Tennessee Aglow Spring Gathering, 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., New Covenant Church, 10319 Starkey Lane. Info: Diane Shelby, 687-3687. Fundraiser for Sharps Chapel Elementary School, 6 p.m., at the school. Sponsored by Blazing Star Lodge #455 F&AM. Music; hot dogs, chips and drink for $5 donation; cake and pie auction; snacks available for purchase. Ballroom Dance, 7-9 p.m., Halls Senior Center, 4405 Crippen Road. Live music by the Nigel Boulton Band. Admission: $5 per person. Info: 922-0416.
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/.
MONDAY APRIL 21 Monthly Luttrell Senior’s luncheon, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Luttrell Community Center. Melba Greene and son Ted will sing. Bring a dish to share. Schoolyard Garden Monday, 5 p.m., Paulette Elementary School. Topic: companion planting, planting by the signs and planting tomatoes for best results. Everyone welcome.
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\.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23 Bits ‘n Pieces Quilt Guild meeting, 1:30 p.m., Norris Community Center. Social time will begin at 1. Members Patty Ashworth and Cyndi Herrmann will discuss labels for quilts. Guests and new members welcome. Info: Pat Melcher, 498-0124, or email bnpquilt@ gmail.com. Computer Workshops: Internet and Email Basics, 2 p.m., Burlington Branch Library, 4614 Asheville Highway. Requires “Introducing the Computer” or equivalent skills. Info/to register: 525-5431.
SUNDAY, APRIL 27 Gospel Singing, 11 a.m., New Liberty Baptist Church, 5901 Roberts Road, Corryton. Glorylanders will perform. Open to everyone.
MONDAY, APRIL 28 Free group art therapy for adults with epilepsy/ seizure disorder, 6-8 p.m., Epilepsy Foundation of East Tennessee office, 1715 E. Magnolia Ave. 8-week session. Registration deadline: Thursday, April 24. Info/to register: 522-4991.
TUESDAY, APRIL 29 Halls Outdoor Classroom Celebration, 6-8 p.m., at the Outdoor Classroom, located on Halls High campus behind the softball field. Free event. Includes: barbecue, homemade ice cream, live bluegrass music, children’s activities, pie eating contest.
THURSDAY, MAY 1 Bee Friends beekeepers meeting, 6:30 p.m., Tazewell Campus of Walters State in the auditorium. Jay Heselschwerdt, the owner of Sweet Life Bees and a club member, will be speaking on natural and organic beekeeping.
SATURDAY, MAY 3 Thunder Road Gospel Jubilee, 6 p.m., WMRD 94.5 FM, 1388 Main St., Maynardville. All pickers and singers welcome. Hard Knox Roller Girls vs Little Steel Derby Girls, 6 p.m., Knoxville Civic Coliseum, 500 Howard Baker Ave. All bouts doubleheaders. Tickets available at Coliseum box office. Info: www.hardknoxrollergirls.com. Registration for Knoxville 24 Hour Student Competition, 1-3 p.m., Scruffy City Hall, 32 Market Square. Workshop follows, 3-4 p.m.; Crew and Casting Call Mixer open to all participants, 4-6 p.m. Student registration: $20. Info: www.knoxvillefilms.com. Benefit for Ethan Anderson family, 4-7 p.m., Union County High School. Dinner for $6 includes spaghetti, bread, dessert and a drink; silent auction; bake sale. Ethan is a student at Union County who has been diagnosed with a brain tumor. Info/to donate: 332-9221.
When you come before the courts and your life or your business is on the line
EXPERIENCE MATTERS... 30+ Years of Legal Experience
Veteran
Public Servant
For these reasons, his service to his country, state and county, I respectfully ask all my friends living in Knox County to vote for, support and elect Billy Stokes as Judge, Div. 1, Knox County Circuit Court. - Retired Four Star General, Carl Stiner
Elect
BILLY STOKES Circuit Court Judge
TRIAL TESTED
TRIAL TRUE
www.BillyStokesforJudge.com Born and raised in Knoxville, attended Beaumont Elem. & Rule Jr-Sr. High, raised his own family here 30+ years of litigation experience before the courts Peer rated AV Lawyer by Martindale-Hubble (Rated: Preeminent) Tennessee Supreme Court Listed R. 31 Mediator Veteran (Active Duty 1979-1982), Honorably Discharged as CPT, Judge Advocate General’s Corps (JAGC), U.S. Army Former Juvenile Counselor, Knoxville Police Department (KPD) Worked a full time job while paying his way through law school at the University of Tennessee Member of American Legion, Post 2; American Legion Riders; Master’s Lodge #244, F&AM; Knoxville Scottish Rite; The National Rifle Association (NRA); and The Federalist Society Member of the American, Tennessee and Knoxville Bar Associations Member of the Hamilton Burnett Inn of the American Inns of Court Former member of Governor Don Sundquist’s Cabinet, initially appointed Commissioner, Tennessee Department of Employment Security. Promoted to Governor Sundquist’s Senior Staff as Special Assistant to the Governor Former Knox County Republican Party Chairman Mayor’s appointee to the City of Knoxville Civil Service Merit System Board for ten years Appointed to a City-County Government Efficiency Committee by the Knox County Mayor Appointed to the Board of the Knoxville/Knox County Public Building Authority and was elected Chairman of that body in 2010. Appointed to the Knox County Charter Review Committee by Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett. Co-author of Unemployment Compensation, Survey and Update, Labor Law Journal, 47 (9) at 602-612, September 1996; Bad Faith: General Application in the Insurer-Insured Relationship, Lorman Education Services, 2007; and various letters and guest columns published in magazines and newspapers, including three articles published in The Congressional Record. Served as the Governor’s appointee to the Juvenile Justice Reform Commission Served on the Board of the Knoxville-Knox County Community Services Agency, appointed by Governor Phil Bredesen Serves on the Boards of the Museum of Appalachia and Golden Gloves Charities, Inc. Volunteered as an attorney for indigent clients through the KBA Pro Bono project Active in the Knoxville community and served on several nonprofit boards Billy and his wife Bay are both very active in Second Presbyterian Church
Vote Early: April 16- May 1 Republican Primary: May 6 Paid for by Committee to Elect Billy Stokes for 1st Circuit Court Judge- Treasurer- Howard Vogel & Kimberly Wood
12 • APRIL 21, 2014 • Shopper news