North/East Shopper-News 050615

NORTH / EAST VOL. 3 NO. 18

BUZZ Visit Vestival!

The 15th annual rendition of South Knoxville’s own arts and heritage festival is this Saturday at Candoro Marble, corner of Maryville Pike and Candora Avenue.

Want food?

There’s a Mother’s Day brunch at 11 a.m., free and open to all and generously sponsored by Three Rivers Market and South Knox farmers. There will also be food vendors on site.

Want music?

Two stages will be rockin’ and twangin’ all day. Highlights on the Maryville Pike stage will be The Blue Print featuring Keith Brown, Kevin Abernathy Band, the Lonetones, Exit 65 and Quartjar.

On the Carriage House stage, Ewan Carawan and the Celtic Collaborators will start things off at noon, and there will be a special remembrance of Carawan’s father, Guy Carawan, who passed away last week.

Want art?

The Vestival 15 Art Exhibit has an opening reception at 7 p.m. Friday and will be on display all day Saturday. Artists and crafters will demonstrate and sell their wares on the grounds Saturday.

Free shuttle service will be provided all day, with stops (and parking) at the South Knoxville Community Center, Mary Vestal Park, ETTAC (East Tennessee Technology Access Center), South Knox Collectors Mall, the new UGO (old Food City), Vestal United Methodist Church and Immanuel Baptist Church.

Get your project some SOUP The second Knoxville SOUP will be 6 p.m. Saturday, May 16, at Ijams Nature Center.

Presented by the South Knoxville Alliance, the event will feature up to four presentations by groups or individuals seeking microgrants to help them fund projects.

Proposals are due Saturday, May 9. Info: southknoxvillealliance.org.

Shopper seeks graphic artist We’re looking for a new member of our creative team.

There’s a long list of “oughta-haves,” but basically we need someone who can work from our Farragut office and has working knowledge of Adobe InDesign and Photoshop.

If you’ve already got a job and want some evening or weekend work, we can handle that, too. Just give a call or send email to: Sandra Clark, 865-661-8777 or sclark426@ aol.com.

7049 Maynardville Pike 37918 (865) 922-4136 NEWS news@ShopperNewsNow.com Sandra Clark | Bill Dockery ADVERTISING SALES ads@ShopperNewsNow.com Patty Fecco | Tony Cranmore Alice Devall | Shannon Carey

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May 6, 2015

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A-E principal Perry ready for new season

By Betty Bean At the end of his last day as principal, when Benny Perry walks out of Austin-East High School, past the signs urging students to dream big dreams and work hard to achieve them, he’ll leave behind a very different school than the one he found when he took the job in 2008.

In those days, A-E was teetering on the verge of state takeover for poor academic performance, and the surrounding community was seething with uncertainty and fear. Perry, a West Tennessee transplant who had been recruited to come to Knoxville to coach basketball 22 years ago but was channeled into administration when he failed to get an interview for a coaching position, was tasked with saving the school.

The first step was hiring a new faculty (or deciding whether to rehire). Nobody’s job was safe. He remembers that first day as the low point of his time there.

“Coming in on April 30, 2008, as principal, it was just a bad time,” he says. “The previous principal had been removed, and the students were resentful of me. The school

Austin-East principal Benny Perry (center) is joined by staff members Rhonda Woodruff and Lasheika Jones. File photo by Ruth White

had consistently been on the state’s list of failing schools, and my administrative team and I were entrusted with ‘redesigning’ the entire academic program. If we could do it over, we’d do it differently, but it was a new situation – different from anything we had encountered before.”

Perry said the turning point was when he brought the ex-principal back to preside over graduation night and hand out diplomas.

“Those were his kids, and this began to turn the community in my favor.”

Always eager to share credit, Perry says he doesn’t know what he

would have done without assistant principal Alvin Armistead, whom he calls “my strong right arm.”

Perry says he has no idea who his successor will be, but the school he will hand over when he and wife Carmelita (who recently retired as principal of West View Elementary) move to Nashville to be close to their grandchildren is bursting with high expectations and pride.

During Perry’s tenure, A-E has produced two Knox County Ethics Bowl champions, its first National Merit Scholarship winner and a state championship in forensics.

Last fall, A-E opened Knox County

Schools’ first audio production studio complete with two recording studios and a dual enrollment partnership with Pellissippi State, and hosted a community celebration when the school was formally removed from the state’s “accountability list” of failing schools.

Perry can look back at a record of academic improvement, capped off by two years of earning a Level 5 designation (the state’s highest, based on student achievement – A-E was a 1 when he arrived).

“What this shows is our kids can compete intellectually with To page 3

Knox High all-class reunion Saturday Six to join Hall of Fame

By Betty Bean

Wayne Smith and Eleanor Bartlett Deal Smith – Knoxville High School Class of ’49 – know better than most that high school reunions can be life-changing events.

In 1999, Smith lost his wife of 47 years. Deal, with whom he’d had one date in high school (“I was dating her best friend and never called her again”) was newly widowed, as well (her late husband was a fraternity brother of Smith’s at the University of Tennessee and Smith had been in their wedding).

They got reacquainted at their

Knoxville High School alums Paul Barnhart and Wayne Smith at the 2012 reunion. Photo submitted

50th class reunion, dated for a year and were married in 2000.

They’ll celebrate their 15th wedding anniversary later this month.

But first, they’ve got a date to attend the Historic Knoxville High School All-Class Reunion at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, May 9, at Bearden Banquet Hall. The speaker will be Rick Dover, CEO of Dover Development, which won the contract to redevelop the old high school building and will convert the historic structure into senior living space with commercial spaces on the ground floor.

Lenoir City lawyer Harvey Sproul was a member of KHS To page 3

Loving care for seniors and their families

By Carol Shane

Here’s a term you may have heard: “the sandwich generation.” It refers to people who are caring for both their own kids and their aging parents.

According to the Pew Research Center, it applies to just over one out of every eight Americans age 40 to 60.

These folks have a lot to deal with, and it’s easy to become overwhelmed.

Thankfully, many churches and other houses of faith are stepping up to help.

Church Street United Methodist Church’s Kay Senior Center is a day program for individuals in need of supervision who can benefit from daily activities and time spent with

strives “to enhance the quality of life for seniors and their caregivers by supporting, strengthening, and giving a well deserved respite to the entire family.” The state-licensed adult day care center provides “a safe and caring environment, which promotes independence, self-esteem, individuality, and dignity for impaired senior adults in the Knoxville community.”

In addition to regular, fun activities such as word and trivia games, arts and crafts, music and pet therapy, the center also hosts Kay Senior Center participant Jack Brown works on conintergenerational progregational care cards for Church Street United Methodist grams at least four times a Church. Photo by Judith Winters month. So kids and elders get to visit and share their others. It’s also for caregivAccording to its mission lives with each other.

Coffee in the morning, ers who need a break. statement, the program

lunch and a snack are also provided.

Judith Winters has been director of the center for the past seven years. “The most rewarding thing about working here at the Kay Center,” she says, “is knowing that we are helping our participants continue to be involved in the community and with other people while giving their caregivers the chance to continue working or take respite from caregiving.

“I enjoy seeing our participants find something they enjoy doing and something they can succeed at. It is a good feeling, knowing that we are here to help our seniors and their families.”

Info: kaycenter.com or 865-521-0289.

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LASTS AND LASTS AND LASTS.™

2 • MAY 6, 2015 • Shopper news

health & lifestyles

Knowing signs of stroke helps wife save husband’s life Alvis Earl, 71, credits his wife’s quick thinking with recognizing the symptoms of a stroke and saving his life.

On April 2, Alvis and Sharon Kay Earl were at their home in Knoxville, finishing up an old sitcom rerun on television before going to bed.

“All of a sudden I didn’t feel anything.

My right arm wasn’t moving,” Earl remembered. “I said, ‘What’s this hairy arm doing here?’ And I reached down and grabbed it, and thought I was massaging it. I thought it was asleep.

“And then I said something to my wife. In my mind, I could tell what I was saying, but to her it sounded garbled. She said, ‘You’re having a stroke. I’m calling 911.’ ” Sharon Kay Earl, 53, recognized the symptoms of a stroke in part because of a billboard she saw daily on her way to work. It said “FAST,” an acronym for the symptoms of a stroke: Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call 911.

But Alvis Earl didn’t believe her.

“I said, ‘No, no, no, don’t do that.’ I was like a drunk who says he can drive,” said Earl.

“I was doctoring my own case.”

Sharon Earl called 911 anyway. “You hate me tonight but you’re going to love me tomorrow,” she said.

Within four minutes, emergency medical responders arrived, and they confirmed his stroke symptoms. “The ambulance people said the best treatment for a stroke that this town offers is at Fort Sanders,” said Earl.

Within 20 minutes of his first symptoms,

Sharon Kay Earl knew the acronym FAST and was able to contact 911 in time to get her husband Alvis to the Comprehensive Stroke Center at Fort Sanders Regional. Ultimately her quick action helped saved Alvis’ life.

Earl was at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center undergoing a CT scan.

Fort Sanders has been recognized as a Comprehensive Stroke Center by the Joint Commission and the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. Part of the certification involves protocols for rapid diagnosis and treatment of stroke.

A stroke is a blood clot or bleed in the brain, which deprives the brain tissue of oxygen. Every second counts, and the quicker blood flow is restored, the better off the patient will be.

In Earl’s case, the ambulance personnel called Fort Sanders as they drove to the hospital, and a team of stroke specialists was waiting.

“They took me right away back to a machine and did a CT scan to determine what was going on in my brain,” said Earl. “The clot was in the left part of my brain, which controls the speech.”

The clot was too deep for a surgical intervention. “But the doctor said I was the perfect candidate for tPA,” said Earl.

Tissue Plasminogen Activator, or tPA,

is a protein that breaks down blood clots.

Given intravenously, tPA works to dissolve the clot and improve blood flow to the affected part of the brain. It can significantly improve chances of recovery from a stroke.

But, it must be given within a short window after the first stroke symptoms, typically within 3.5 hours. Because Sharon Earl could tell the doctor exactly when Earl’s stroke began and it was within just one hour, Alvis Earl was a great candidate for the drug.

“They told me there was a 6 percent chance it won’t work, and if it didn’t you may die. I appreciated them telling me the truth,” said Earl. “I was able to speak to my wife. I said I didn’t want to live like I was, so we decided 94 percent was better than 6 percent.

“I said let’s do it. They gave me the treatment and I don’t know how long it was, but when I woke up I was much better,” he said.

“I could speak!”

Earl spent five days at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center and healed rapidly.

“I was just overly impressed with everybody there,” said Earl. “The nurses, therapists, and even the cleaning crew were exceptionally nice.”

Earl’s speech returned, and he has no significant lingering effects of the stroke.

“After I got home, I cut the grass two days later,” he said. “I feel fine, and that’s my point.

“If you see someone with symptoms of a stroke, get them to the hospital and let those people do their work. And preferably, go to Fort Sanders!”

The reality of stroke A stroke happens when there is an interruption in the flow of blood to the brain. Brain tissue is deprived of oxygen and nutrients, and brain cells begin to die within minutes.

Having a stroke means you have a greater risk for another (recurrent) stroke. The good news is that there are steps you can take to prevent a recurrent stroke. It has been suggested that 80 percent of secondary strokes can be prevented by a combination of lifestyle changes and medical interventions. Here are the facts: ■ Approximately 795,000 Americans experience a stroke each year – about 185,000 of those strokes are recurrent strokes.

■ At least 1 in 4 (25-35 percent) of the 795,000 Americans who have a stroke each year will have another stroke within their lifetime.

■ Recurrent strokes often have a higher rate of death and disability because parts of the brain already injured by the original stroke may not be as resilient.

■ Within 5 years of a stroke, 24 percent of women and 42 percent of men will experience a recurrent stroke.

Arthur Moore, MD, medical director of the Comprehensive

Stroke Center at Fort Sanders Regional, says a first stroke in and of itself is a risk factor.

“It’s a symptom of underlying vascular disease,” Moore explains.

“The first stroke says, ‘Hey, you have a propensity – you have a chance of having more strokes.’ ” Since the risk of recurrent strokes is so high, and because an initial stroke is a symptom of underlying vascular disease, the Stroke Center takes a multi-layered approach to treating stroke patients.

“The initial focus is on treating the stroke,” Moore says. “When a stroke patient is coming into the hospital, unless something unusual is going on, I don’t care what caused it. At that point in time I just care that we do something about it.”

Once the acute treatment is administered, stroke care divides into two pathways. The first pathway is identifying the cause so it never happens, again. The second pathway is working to restore the patient’s quality of life with rehabilitation and therapy through Patricia Neal Rehabilitation Center.

“By the time the patient leaves the hospital, I can usually tell them with a pretty high degree of certainty why they had the stroke.”

The big five With strokes and the risk of recurrent strokes a harsh reality, it’s important to switch into reverse when it comes to our thinking about strokes and pay attention to the risk factors. Moore says there are five major risk factors that can increase your chances of having a stroke.

“Some people have a genetic predisposition,” Moore says. “But the most common risk factor is age.” The risk of stroke automatically begins to increase in the age range of 50 to 55.

While we can’t control that risk factor, there are others we can.

Moore says blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes and smoking round out the Big Five.

“Those four are what we call modifiable risk factors,” Moore says. “Those are the biggest risk factors for stroke, and if you can stop smoking, get the best control over your diabetes that you can, get the blood pressure under control as well as you can and get your cholesterol under control, then you reduce your risk as much as possible.”

Moore is quick to point out that blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes can usually be controlled simply with changes in diet and exercise.

Arthur Moore, MD, medical director of the Comprehensive Stroke Center at Fort Sanders Regional

Atrial fibrillation and stroke Another major risk factor for stroke is atrial fibrillation, which is a heart condition. Moore says it actually increases your risk of stroke by about fivefold.

“The heart has a top and a bottom, with the atria on the top, the ventricles on the bottom,” Moore says. “The bottom part sends blood to the body, and the top part sends blood to the bottom part of the heart. When that top part starts to contract unevenly, blood stagnates, and when blood stagnates, it clots.”

If a clot is pumped down to the bottom of the heart, then it can be pumped out to the rest of the body. Moore says about 40 percent of the time the clot will go to the brain, because the brain receives 40 percent of the blood supply from the heart.

Atrial fibrillation can be treated with blood thinning medications, and Moore says that reduces a patient’s stroke risk from 10 -12 percent per year to about 2 percent per year.

For more information about stroke, its risks, prevention and treatment, visit fsregional.com/stroke or call 865-673-FORT.

stroke: LIKE IT NEVER EVEN HAPPENED. Leading the region’s only stroke hospital network www.covenanthealth.com/strokenetwork

Certified as a Comprehensive Stroke Center by The Joint Commission and accredited by the Commission on the Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities

0094-0093

No comprehensive stroke and rehabilitation center in our region does more to reverse stroke’s devastating effects than Fort Sanders Regional Medical Fort Sanders performs Center. That’s why hospitals clinical trials and procedures for stroke not available across East Tennessee refer their most complex stroke patients to anywhere else in our region. us. And only Fort Sanders Regional is home to the Patricia Neal Rehabilitation Center, East Tennessee’s elite rehabilitation hospital for stroke, spinal cord and brain injury patients.

community

NORTH/EAST Shopper news • MAY 6, 2015 • 3 Tony Lawrence, Kate Meyer and Richard Keninde Olowoyo pause for a picture on a busy Friday night at Bravo!

Cucina Italiana. Lawrence, who works in the kitchen, and Meyer, the restaurant’s general manager, will be honored with the Spirit of ADA award from the disAbility Resource Center. Lawrence is training Olowoyo in backkitchen duties at Bravo!

Event to honor Spirit of ADA winners On 25th anniversary of federal law

By Bill Dockery

Last fall, Tony Lawrence decided to take his future into his own hands. He’d gone to Central High School, and now he needed to find a job. In October he made a cold call on Bravo! Cucina Italiana restaurant, looking for a workplace that could use his particular abilities.

Kate Meyer, one of the restaurant’s managers, interviewed him and was impressed, though she realized Lawrence had some developmental disabilities.

She gave him the task of readying silverware setups for the tables.

“I knew when I talked to Tony that there were things in the restaurant he couldn’t do,” Meyer said, “but I had this feeling about him.

There was just something … so I asked our other managers to take a chance.”

Since then, Lawrence has become a valuable employee of the restaurant, taking on more back-kitchen duties and even training another worker to share his napkinrolling responsibilities.

On Thursday, May 14, both Lawrence and Bravo! will be honored with Spirit of the ADA awards by Knoxville’s disAbility Resource Center at a citywide celebration at 11 a.m. on Market Square. The center recognizes people annually who have embodied the spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which was passed in 1990 to ensure that people with disabilities receive equal treatment under the law.

The ceremonies will involve Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero and state Sen. Becky Massey, executive director of the Sertoma Center for adults with intellectual disabilities, said Lillian Burch, executive director of the center. The festivities coincide with a twoday visit to Knoxville by the

ADA Legacy Tour, a traveling display commemorating the 25th anniversary of the act’s passage.

Bravo! will receive the center’s award for employers, and Lawrence, the consumer award. Six other individuals and two groups will also be honored.

Gary Harmon, a Knox County English teacher and motivational speaker, will take home the award for an individual showing the Spirit of the ADA. He is the author of “My Daddy Takes His Legs Off,” a book that makes children comfortable with the disabled body.

U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander will be recognized for his legislative work to put federal authority for disability services under the Department of Health and Human Services.

Dean Rivkin, a University of Tennessee law professor, and Brenda McGee, a Knoxville lawyer, will be recognized along with the students of the UT Educa-

tion Practicum for advocacy work on behalf of children caught up in the Knox County Juvenile Justice System.

The couple focus specifically on students of color who have disabilities and are likely to be cited to court and removed from school.

Jason Gaul will be honored for his volunteer work and fundraising efforts.

Anne Woodle at East Tennessee Children’s Rehabilitation Center will receive the award for an exemplary service provider. A special award will go to the Knoxville Mayor’s Council on Disability Issues, which is completing its 35th year of advocacy for the city’s people with disabilities.

The ADA Legacy Tour bus and displays will spend two days here. On May 13, the bus will be parked in the lot beside the Regal Cinemas Pinnacle 18 theater on Parkside Drive in Turkey Creek. It will be open 11:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. and will have a display in the Regal lobby.

The tour bus will move to Market Square on May 14 and will remain there all day for the DisAbility Resource Center festivities.

Some 35 service providers and advocacy organizations are expected to have booths and displays at the event.

Info: drctn.org or 865637-3666.

East meets west; both shall dance Debra Johnson lives in northeast Knoxville while Shelia Roberts resides on the west end. The two met in 2008 and formed a partnership in 2011 to create Delightful Movement Soul Line Dance. But these aren’t your typical dance instructors.

Cindy Taylor

Johnson has always loved to move and has been involved in dance since high school. Roberts’ story is much the same. Both are fitness buffs who feel that God has gifted them so that they Fitness line-dance instructors Debra Johnson and Shelia Robcan bless others in return. erts warm up before class. Photo by Cindy Taylor Their soul line dance classes are similar to the Let’s Move campaign, allowing them to inspire individuals of ing, but the music is very partment building, 1400 all ages to get up and move different. The venues may Loraine St. But one of their change, but Roberts and favorite places to hold class through dance.

“I have always loved to Johnson spend most of their is at Broadway Towers, 1508 dance, but guys don’t usu- time ministering through McCroskey Ave. “Going to Broadway Towally like to dance,” said dance in Knoxville’s inner Johnson. “The first time I city. Current classes are ers once each month is the saw people line dancing I held each Tuesday at New most rewarding thing for fell in love with the moves Hope Missionary Baptist me since we started this,” because you don’t need a Church, 2504 Cecil Ave., said Roberts. “The largest and Monday and Thursday class we have ever had was partner.”

Soul line dancing is simi- at the assembly room at there. We all have so much lar to country line danc- the city’s Engineering De- fun, and they never want us

All-class reunion Class of ’51 – the last class to graduate before the school was shut down. He said he’s expecting approximately 200 people to attend the reunion, which has been consolidated and converted to a daytime event as alumni numbers dwindle.

Sproul, who is familiar with Dover’s historic restoration work in Loudon County, is optimistic about the prospect of the develop-

From page 1 er restoring his alma mater to its former splendor, and he thinks the alumni at the meeting will enjoy hearing about the restoration project, which will take more than a year to complete.

“I like the plans he’s adopting, and I think it’s going to work out fine,” Sproul said. “We’re pleased that he’s going to be our speaker.”

The other order of busi-

ness will be introducing the new members of the KHS Hall of Fame, who will be added to the 100-member list introduced at the KHS 100th-year anniversary in 2010 at the Tennessee Theatre.

“We decided there were a lot more people who should be on that list, and we’ve added six or seven a year in succeeding years,” Sproul said.

This year’s inductees include Malcolm W. Cagle (Class of ’37), a vice admiral

to leave.”

During an hour-and-ahalf class, the two take students through more than 13 different dances that involve cardio, dance and fitness. They say their classes create fellowship and family because all involved support each other through encouragement, patience and understanding. For those who are physically unable to do the moves, the class teaches modifications so all can learn and succeed.

“We have a diverse class in age and physical capability,” said Roberts. “I dance now because I am more seasoned in age and to stay fit I have to do something that I enjoy. When we see our students and the fun and laughter they have together, it makes everything worthwhile. God has really blessed us.”

Delightful Movement will hold their Oldies But Goodies party from 7 p.m. to midnight Saturday, May 23, at Days Inn, 5335 Central Avenue Pike. More events are planned for the remainder of the year. Anyone who’s looking for a fun way to get or stay fit and/or enjoys dancing is always welcome.

Johnson and Roberts also perform and lead dance at family reunions, parties, etc. Info: 363-9489 or 7051232, shelia@coacho.com or johnsonda3@comcast.net.

who won the Navy Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross and a Navy Cross for service during a career that began in World War II and ended in the Vietnam era.

Other new members are Marion M. Pickle Jr. (Class of ’41), Col. James T. “Tommy” Haynes (Class of ’44), Neal Caldwell (Class of ’50), Jim Elson (Class of ’50) and a surprise, secret inductee to be named Saturday.

AREA FARMERS MARKETS ■ Dixie Lee Farmers Market, Renaissance|Farragut, 12740 Kingston Pike. Hours: 9 a.m.-noon Saturdays through Oct. 31. Locally grown produce, free-range eggs, grass-fed meats, honey, potted plants, fresh-cut flowers and herbs, cheese, baked goods, pottery, soaps, organic skin care, handbound books, photography and other handmade crafts. Info: dixieleefarmersmarket.com; on Facebook.

■ Ebenezer Road Farmers Market, Ebenezer UMC, 1001 Ebenezer Road.

Hours: 3-6 p.m. Tuesdays through late November. Grass-fed meat, hand-picked produce, farm-fresh eggs, artisan bread and cheese, local honey, flowers and handmade crafts. Info: on Facebook.

■ Knoxville Farmers Market, Laurel Church of Christ, 3457 Kingston Pike. Hours: 3-6 p.m. Fridays through late November. Grass-fed meat, hand-picked produce, farm-fresh eggs, artisan bread and cheese, local honey, flowers and handmade crafts.

■ Lakeshore Park Farmers Market, 6410 S. Northshore Drive. Hours: 3-6 p.m. every Friday through Nov. 20. Grass-fed beef, fresh eggs, artisan bread and cheese, local honey, fresh flowers and in-season vegetables. Info: on Facebook.

■ Market Square Farmers Market, 60 Market Square. Hours: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesdays and 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays through Nov. 21.

Producer-only market. Ornamental plants, in-season produce, dairy, eggs, honey, herbs, meat, baked goods, jams/jellies, coffee and artisan crafts. Info: marketsquarefarmersmarket.org.

■ Maryville Farmers Market: Church Avenue. Hours: 9 a.m.-sellout, Saturdays through Nov. 17. Producer-only market featuring seasonal vegetables, fruits, honey, plants, baked goods, cut flowers, free-range eggs and meats.

■ Maryville Farmers Market: New Providence Presbyterian Church, 703 W. Broadway, Maryville. Hours: 3:30-6:30 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays, June 6-Aug. 29. Producer-only market featuring seasonal vegetables, fruits, honey, plants, baked goods, cut flowers, free-range eggs and meats.

■ New Harvest Park Farmers Market, 4700 New Harvest Park Lane.

Hours: 3-6 p.m. Thursdays. Locally grown produce, meats, artisan food products, plants, herbs, flowers, crafts. Info: on Facebook.

■ Oak Ridge Farmers Market, Historic Jackson Square, 281 Broadway Ave. Oak Ridge. Hours: 3-6 p.m. Wednesdays; 8 a.m.-noon Saturdays through late November. grass-fed meat, hand-picked produce, farm-fresh eggs, artisan bread and cheese, local honey, flowers and handmade crafts. Info: on Facebook.

■ Seymour Farmers Market, lower parking lot of Seymour First Baptist Church, 11621 Chapman Highway. Hours: 8 a.m.-noon Saturdays, June 6 to Oct. 10. Info: seymourfarmersmarket.org; on Facebook.

■ “Shopping at the Farm” Farmers Market, Marble Springs, 1220 W. Governor John Sevier Highway. 3-6 p.m. Thursdays through Nov. 1. Fresh, locally produced products, including sauces, seasonal produce, herbs, perennial plants.

■ UT Farmers Market, UT Gardens, Neyland Drive. Hours: 4-7 p.m.

Wednesdays, May 13-Oct. 21. Fresh produce, local food, entertainment, children’s events, educational info and more. Info: vegetables.tennessee.edu/UTFM.html; on Facebook.

Principal Perry anybody,” he said. “I’m proud of what we’ve done, but not satisfied. I’m never satisfied.”

He also gives a big share of the credit to schools Superintendent James McIntyre.

“I came in (to A-E) the same year as Dr. McIntyre.

He takes so many bullets, but he’s been the best superintendent I’ve worked with in my 40 years in education.

Everything I’ve asked for, he’s given me – plus some things we didn’t ask for.

And KCS has always provided me with quality administrators to support our progress.”

Perry is proud of the list of his assistant principals who are now principals: Catherine Banner of West, Rob Speas of Fulton, Paula Brown of Mount Olive and Stephanie Thompson of Farragut. He is liberal when praising others.

“With me, it’s all about the team. You’ve got to have people believing in the right

■

From page 1 thing and believing in what you’re working toward to be successful.”

He is also a believer in TAP (Teacher and Student Advancement Program), which he says taught him more than any other program in 40 years as an educator.

“My first three years, we looked at different instructional programs to help us get a focus for our kids and the community, but it was not until we became a TAP school that we were able to get the right seat on the bus.”

Perry will miss AustinEast (he still says “we” when he talks about future challenges), but he says it’s time for him to go.

“There is a time and a season for everything, and I’m moving into a new season. Forty years is a long time to do anything. Knoxville will always have a special place in my heart, and I’m not saying goodbye, just so long. You’ll probably see me again.”

Appalachian Arts Craft Center to jury new members

Anyone interested in selling their handmade crafts in the Appalachian Arts Craft Center’s shop in Norris should submit completed forms and three samples of their work to the center beginning Monday, May 18, and no later than noon Friday, May 29, for the jurying process.

Visit www.appalachianarts.net or the center, 2716 Andersonville Highway (Highway 61), for required forms.

A nonrefundable $25 jurying fee is required when forms and items are submitted. Info: 494-9854.

Catch up with all your favorite columnists every Wednesday at www.ShopperNewsNow.com

4 • MAY 6, 2015 • Shopper news

Old Vols in the NFL

Beware of coffee-shop debates about Tennessee football. Bruises and even lacerations are possible.

Egos can be damaged. Feelings may be hurt beyond repair.

I innocently walked into one the other day and was immediately challenged to settle the disturbance.

“Speak up,” said one combatant. “You know it all.”

“You’ve been around forever,” said another.

In commemoration of the NFL draft, at issue was which former Volunteer, born in Tennessee, played the most pro football games?

Under consideration were Doug Atkins, Bill Bates and Reggie White.

Right here, out of courtesy, we pause for two seconds so you can vote.

Pause over.

Marvin West

Atkins, defensive end from Humboldt, played in 205 pro games (mostly Chicago). He struck fear into the hearts of quarterbacks and sometimes alarmed rival linemen assigned to block him. He is one of the really big men in the college and pro halls of fame.

Bates, defensive back from Farragut, played in 217 games, all with the Cowboys, and finished as one of the all-time stars of special teams. He has coached and also distinguished himself as a father.

White, a rare gladiator who included foes in his prayers and then dented their helmets, made the trip from Chattanooga to UT to Philadelphia to Green Bay and finally to Carolina. He played in 232 NFL games over 15 seasons.

Before anyone could ask, I told them Reggie intercepted three passes, scored two touchdowns and had 198 career sacks. That made an impression.

“You are pretty smart,” said one listener.

“I have a reference library,” said I. The coffee caucus seemed surprised to learn that homegrown Raleigh McKenzie from Austin-East played center and guard in 226 pro games, mostly for Washington but two years each for Philadelphia, San Diego and Green Bay.

One budding genius suddenly remembered that Raleigh works for his twin brother, Reggie, as a scout for the Oakland Raiders.

Reggie is general manager and also a very famous father. His son, former prep star Kahlil McKenzie, defensive tackle, 6-4 and 319, is coming soon to Tennessee.

Reggie is very smart but did not play nearly as many NFL games as Raleigh.

It took time to return to the subject, Tennessee-born Vols who survived the rigors of pro football for extended periods. If you are guessing, offensive linemen do have a better chance for longevity than backs, receivers and linebackers.

Judge Tim Irwin, former Central High tackle, played in 201 games, almost all with the Minnesota Vikings. Chad Clifton from Martin played in 158 for the Packers. Mike Stratton of Tellico Plains played 156 for Buffalo. Bruce Wilker-

son from Loudon played in 147, mostly for the Raiders. Harry Galbreath from Clarksville made it through 141 with Miami, Green Bay and the New York Jets.

Nashville tackle John Gordy, teammate of John Majors, did 134 NFL games for the Detroit Lions. Defensive tackle John Henderson (Nashville) had 133.

Cleveland’s Bob Johnson was Cincinnati’s center for 126 games. Linebacker Al Wilson (Jackson) lasted for 125. Linebacker Mike Cofer

(Rule High, Knoxville) played 123.

Don’t set this list in stone. Jason Witten (Elizabethton to Dallas) has established a few records and is gaining on 200 games.

He holds the NFL record for consecutive starts by a tight end and is third alltime to reach 10,000 yards in receptions.

One or more of the Colquitts (Knoxville) may kick forever.

Marvin West invites corrections from other know-it-alls. His address is westwest6@netzero.com.

Farragut revenue tops $9 million

works, community developBy Sandra Clark David Smoak, adminis- ment, engineering and adtrator for ministration.

The vision for 2025 inthe town of F a r r a g u t , cludes the desire for a disspoke about tinctive residential comthe town munity with a focus on the last week to history and beauty of the the Farra- area with an eye toward gut Rotary. strengthening the local He’s also economy.

Sales tax funds one half p r e s i d e ntDavid Smoak elect of the of the budget. The town has group. We’ve got this report been debt-free since 1995 by way of Tom King and the and plans to operate without debt. There is no propclub newsletter, day suspension.

Incorporating in 1980, erty tax.

Sam McKenzie was not Currently, revenues are convinced. “You know what the town’s population stood happens during prom sea- at 6,360. It had grown to $9.1 million with $6.8 mil21,390 by the 2013 census. lion in expenditures. Operson.”

He made a substitute mo- The town encompasses 16 ating costs are 42 percent of tion for $1,000 or a 60-day square miles with most of the budget, with personnel suspension. The motion the area south of I-40. The costs making up the balpassed 8-2 with Brown and township provides public ance.

Jeff Ownby voting no and Amy Broyles absent.

The commissioners doubled the usual fine, collectKnox County Law Director Richard “Bud” Armstrong ing $16,000 from offenders. spoke to the annual Halls High AcademChair Brad Anders asked ic Achievers dinner held April 30 at the David Buuck, assistant law Grande Event Center on Clinton Highway. director, to research whethTed Hatfield reports that seniors, juer the county could allocate niors and sophomores were honored for a portion of the fines to the making a minimum of a 3.5 grade-point Metropolitan Drug Commisaverage and were given letters, medals, sion to boost education and trophies and plaques. enforcement.

“The Halls High School Chapter of the Offenders were from all National Honor Society inducted over 50 parts of Knox County and Armstrong students in an outstanding candle-lightincluded CVS Pharmacy on ing ceremony,” said Hatfield. The annual event has been Middlebrook Pike and Ingles hosted for years by the Regal Entertainment Group FounMarket in Halls. dation, along with local business and professional groups.

Watching out for neighbors’ kids Beer board prepares for prom season

By Sandra Clark

Knox County Commission, sitting as the beer board, had some 16 offenders hauled in to explain why their business had sold beer to minors.

Most mumbled about untrained staff making a mistake. But a couple of businesses stood tall, taking responsibility and pledging renewed efforts to prevent a recurrence.

Art McCammon, 12-year owner of Bullfeathers, ended by saying, “May we never meet this way again.”

He brought his entire server staff to the meeting to hear him say: “(The violation) was wrong; it was against the law; it was unexcusable.

“I am sorry and will do everything within my power to make sure it never happens again. ... “(The violation) raised questions about our dedication to enforcing the letter of the law. ... Are we worthy of your trust to responsibily serve beer in Knox County?”

McCammon outlined his strategy to avoid future problems. He was fined $1,000 for a first offense.

John Deichler, category manager for Murphy Oil, oversees alcohol sales in 335 of Murphy’s 1,268 stores.

“It’s not a fun thing to stand before our partners and neighbors to explain ourselves,” he told the commissioners.

Deichler had a lawyer present. He did not need to come. Yet he drove 10 hours to make the meeting to per-

sonally apologize for his store’s error.

He said every employee is seller-certified using an online program. Also, a thirdparty company does monthly stings of every store.

“I doubt there are many companies nationally that take this as seriously as we do,” he said. “We’re a large company, but we still operate very much as a small company – because it’s the right thing to do.

“We want to be neighbors. We want to be part of your community. And neighbors look after each other’s kids.

“It’s very disappointing that our staff members failed you, and I apologize.”

Commissioner Mike Brown said Murphy Oil is strong on training. Brown moved for a $500 fine or 30-

Armstrong talks to Halls achievers

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Shopper news • MAY 6, 2015 • 5

Burchett’s budget won’t win friends Mayor Tim Burchett will give his budget speech at 9 a.m. Monday, May 11, at the City County Building. Then he will set out to visit senior centers and libraries to meet with residents to sell it.

Guess what? His friends will like this budget and his foes probably won’t.

Burchett doesn’t seem to mind. He talked with most commissioners and key department heads, and then he left town on vacation because it’s spring break for his stepdaughter.

There won’t be any lobbying Burchett this week. He’s out of town.

OK. So let’s speculate.

Burchett won’t call for a tax increase. (That was not a hard guess.)

Burchett won’t call for new debt to build three new schools, as requested by the school board.

He will propose a continuation budget with a roughly two percent increase.

That’s if revenue projections keep pace with recent years.

He will anticipate less revenue than he eventually collects – another Burchett tactic to tamp down desires of various commissioners with various pet projects.

And he will hold off efforts by Dave Wright to fund a middle school for Gibbs.

Will he find $3 million to fund the much-discussed third grade reading initiative? Not sure. Burchett has not been pleased with the school system’s perceived failure to prove the program’s effectiveness, particularly when third grade reading scores actually dipped last year.

Knox County Schools asked for $441.5 million. It will get less. And that will

Burchett sets community meetings Following the budget ad- tel Lane dress, Mayor Tim Burchett Strang Senior Cenwill host a series of public ter, 1:30 p.m., 109 Lovell Sandra meetings to allow residents Heights Road Clark to ask questions and learn Halls Senior Center, about the budget. All are 2:45 p.m., 4405 Crippen Monday, May 11.

Road Here is the schedule: Carter Senior Cendetermine whether teachers South Knox Senior ter, 4 p.m., 9036 Asheville get a raise and how much.

Will teachers get the APEX Center, 11 a.m., 6729 Mar- Highway. bonuses they’ve qualified for.

If Burchett trims the schools’ request by $5 million, that’s a huge hole. If he also removes the $3 million for the reading initiative, that will mean some layoffs.

Burchett won’t spend one-time money for recurring expenses, but he might dip into reserves for one more year with the reading initiative.

The school board is chaired by the penny-pinching Mike McMillan, joined by new members Amber Rountree and Patti Bounds, who opted not to support the budget initially.

This writer doesn’t see six votes on the commission to increase Burchett’s proposal. That’s why the mayor has an advantage in budget negotiations. Once he crunches the numbers, anyone wanting to increase one department must take money from another.

A flat or 2-percent budget without funding for new schools won’t win friends, but it would be consistent with Tim Burchett’s philosWith Chilhowee Baptist Church in the background, members ophy and past practices. of Town Hall East gathered at the pocket park beside the BurInitially, I thought Burlington Branch Library to plant a magnolia tree. “This is the chett would try to fund gateway to Knoxville,” said Sharon Davis. Pictured at right are a middle school at Gibbs.

City Council member Nick Della Volpe and Eston Williams, Upon reflection, now I don’t. president of Town Hall. Also present were Jeff Petrik and Terry We’ll find out May 11, and Raby, owner of Airtech Tools. Raby hauled in the tree and used that’s what makes this game his equipment to inject nutrients. Photo by S. Clark fun.

Tree brings community together

Ryan Haynes looks forward (Note: Ryan Haynes will speak at the Union County LincolnReagan Dinner 6 p.m. Saturday, May 16, at Union County High School.)

By alRyan Haynes most any standard, Ryan Haynes is young. He celebrates his 30th birthday this week (Happy Birthday, Ryan!), which means he was born in 1985 − the year “The Breakfast Club” came out. Those of us who grew up in the ’80s feel like that was five minutes ago.

But Haynes has more experience than many politicians twice his age. He began his tenure in Tennessee’s House of Representatives in 2008 at age 23 and was re-elected three times.

As the state’s newly ap-

Wendy Smith

pointed Republican Party chair, Haynes is still young, but seasoned. He describes himself as being one of the more senior members of the Legislature, in spite of being its youngest member the entire time he was in office.

He stopped by Long’s Drug Store to chat about the next stage of his career. He’s been sworn in to his new job but has yet to officially resign his House seat. He hopes the special election for his replacement can coincide with city elections.

It’s a bittersweet goodbye, he says, but he looks forward to interacting with his former colleagues through his new role.

One thing that won’t change is his hometown.

While he’ll be a “floater” during the week, he hopes to return to Knoxville on weekends.

“This is my home. I have every intention of staying here.”

While Haynes was unopposed in two of his four elections, his first was hardfought, he says. His limited opposition was due to the strength of the party, he says.

“Good policy makes for good politics. That’s the key to success.”

He recalls his early days in the House of Representatives. There were so many people to know and issues to understand that it was “like drinking from a fire hose.”

His age initially caused some confusion. Someone on the elevator asked in whose office he worked.

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bers when they present their first bill, and a fellow legislator asked why an intern was allowed on the floor.

Before he went to Nashville, he didn’t realize how many good people served in state leadership. He applauds the work of Gov. Bill Haslam, House Speaker Beth Harwell and Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey given their small salaries.

He plans to use his experience to encourage other young people to get involved in politics. It’s a hard sell these days, but people like voting for energetic candidates who are new on the scene, he says. Knox County has a track record of sending young leaders, like Jamie Woodson and Shopper-News publisher Sandra Clark, to Nashville.

His predecessor, Chris Devaney, left the GOP in “wonderful condition,” and Haynes hopes to make a robust effort to recruit

government Visiting Nepal The massive April 25 earthquake in Nepal has caused more than 7,000 deaths already with the count rising. The tragic news from Nepal, which lies between China and India, brings back memories of five trips over 40 years.

I first visited Kathmandu in 1975 on an aroundthe-world trip. It was a neat place that attracted hippies who smoked pot and used extensive drugs.

I was only age 30 when I was in Kathmandu and the historic Thamel area of the city, which suffered heavy damage. Pollution had not yet become the major issue in the valley where Kathmandu lies that it is today.

In 1982, I went to Nepal to trek up to the base camp of Mount Everest. With me were then-District Attorney General Al Schmutzer and Rob Delozier, who also lived then in Sevierville.

Getting to the Everest region was no easy task, and it is not much easier three decades later.

We were on the trek itself for 15 days after flying into Lukla – which contains one of the most unusual and difficult airfields in the world, being on the side of a mountain. The field is on an incline with a dirt runway.

The planes held about 14 passengers each.

Once we arrived in Lukla, the trekking began with an eight-mile hike to Namche Bazaar, which in those days did not have electricity or running water.

It was the largest town in the Khumbu region where Everest lies and most Sherpas live.

Sherpas by religion are primarily Buddhists while most Nepalis are Hindus.

Sherpas assisted Edmund Hillary as he became the first climber to reach the top of Mount Everest.

The three of us walked with five Sherpas who assisted us for the next 15 days. One of them, Gelyzen Sherpa, became a close friend and visited East Tennessee several times before he was killed in a plane crash flying for Royal Nepal Airlines. We still stay in touch with his widow and children, who are safe but living in tents. Schmutzer and Delozier actually reached the base camp

while I was unable to do so due to altitude sickness and bronchitis. We were above 14,000 feet virtually the entire time.

We ran into actor Robert Redford going up one of the mountains in tennis shoes as we were finishing up our trek. Former President Jimmy Carter did the same trek a few years later.

We were impressed by the character of the people living there in the shadow of absolutely magnificent mountains. Their lifestyle in 1982 was little changed from four centuries earlier. The Nepali people are wonderful, hard-working individuals.

I returned in 1987 with both Deloziers, along with my wife, Joan. We hiked in the Annapurna region and camped out.

In 1999, after my fourth election as mayor, I went to the Everest region again, this time with a different group that included thencity parks director Sam Anderson, city architect David Collins, then-city service director Bob Whetsel, nowretired city police officer Ron Humphrey and Marsey Williams of Knoxville. Our trek was cut short by an avalanche, which blocked part of our trail to the Everest base camp.

While I was mayor, the then-Crown Prince of Nepal, Dipendra, visited TVA in Knoxville. TVA and I hosted a luncheon for him at the East Tennessee History Center. He was the person who murdered his parents (the king and queen) on June 1, 2001, at dinner with seven others before killing himself. The monarchy never recovered and no longer exists.

The political system has continued to be broken and inadequate.

■ State Rep. Ryan Haynes is expected to resign his seat in the Legislature this week despite some speculation he might continue to November.

young, Hispanic and minority voters. He also plans to solicit volunteers to work in elections in surrounding states.

He won’t admit to a favorite presidential candidate.

The GOP has the strongest set of candidates in years,

he says, and he’ll work with each of them as they come through the state.

Haynes is looking forward with excitement while looking back with gratitude.

“It’s been a pleasure to serve the citizens of this area.”

Victor Ashe

6 • MAY 6, 2015 • Shopper news

Tennessee Trout

By Mystery Diner

Daniella (Sofia Vergara) uses all her charms to get what she wants while a stunned Officer Cooper (Reese Witherspoon) watches in “Hot Pursuit.”

Witherspoon, Vergara form unlikely alliance in

By Betsy Pickle A new film odd couple emerges with “Hot Pursuit,” the week’s only major release.

Petite Reese Witherspoon and statuesque Sofia Vergara put their comedic talents and disparate physiques to humorous use in “Hot Pursuit.” Witherspoon helped develop the project as a producer, while Vergara put in double duty as executive producer.

Witherspoon plays a police officer in San Antonio, Texas, whose career got off to a bad start. Now working in

the evidence room, she’s thrilled when her boss (John Carroll Lynch) assigns her to help transport a couple of witnesses to Dallas for a trial.

Vergara plays the wife of a drug dealer. She and her husband are supposed to testify against his big-time drug boss, but before they can get out of San Antonio, she has already become a widow.

Officer Cooper and now-widowed Daniella Riva end up on a wild ride across Texas, pursued by determined gun-toters from both sides of the le-

gal line. They start out hating and not understanding each other, but … you know the drill.

Also starring are Robert Kazinsky (“Pacific Rim”), Richard T. Jones, Michael Mosley, Matthew Del Negro, Jim Gaffigan, Mike Birbiglia, Vincent Laresca and veteran stuntwoman Jodi Lyn Brockton. And a suitcase full of high-heeled shoes.

Anne Fletcher (“The Proposal,” “Step Up”) directed the comedy, which used Louisiana to double for Texas.

steaks, Mountain Gourmet Burgers and, my choice, Tennessee Trout.

The large filet of trout had none of the pungent trouty aroma, a real plus in my book, and was light and well-seasoned. It flaked easily to the touch of a fork, and herbs, compound butter and pecans were a perfect seasoning. Served over a slightly sweet tomato relish, the trout was delicious.

We also tried the Primitive Bread and Butter, which are rounds of fried bread that look like hushpuppies but are wonderfully sweet, and the Front Porch Flatbread, which was good but needed a little more attention to the distribution of the “goodies” on top. When the bite included crisp bacon, a blackberry and the balsamic glaze, it was a perfect accompaniment to the goat cheese base.

The Front Porch recently started opening for lunch. Mystery Diner is going for lunch soon, because I really need to save room for something heavenly from the dessert case.

Judging a book by its cover often leads to disappointment. Outward appearances at The Front Porch, 1509 W. Emory Road in Powell, might get your taste buds ready for country-fried steak, mashed potatoes covered in gravy and turnip greens.

Leave the John Deere cap at home and grab your top hat. The Front Porch has a menu worthy of any of Knoxville’s fine dining establishments and a kitchen crew that knows how to deliver excellent cuisine.

You actually don’t have to leave your cap at home. A down-home atmosphere permeates this lovely 1910 house with seating in the two front rooms plus an ample patio. Upstairs is a primitive country store, and browsing is encouraged. The history of the house and its roots in Powell are on the back of the menu.

Entrees include Blackberry Barbecue Duck Breast, Habanero Lime Chicken and several other chicken dishes, Wild Game Ribeye and other

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Shopper news • MAY 6, 2015 • 7

Oysterfest:

Food and fun at the marina

By Carol Shane “He was a bold man that first ate an oyster,” said Jonathan Swift. We don’t know whether the esteemed satirist, essayist and author of “Gulliver’s Travels” was actually an oyster eater. We’re not even completely sure he said that – it’s famously attributed to him, but apparently scholars disagree, as scholars will.

But whether you love the little shellfish or not, it’s hard to argue with the sentiment.

Fans of the briny slimy sea creature can salute that first bold man and eat as many oysters as they can hold at The Greatest Oysterfest on Earth this weekend.

On its website, the 20-year-old event boasts “thousands of oysters” served “all sorts of ways, along with shrimp ’n’ grits, BBQ chicken, jambalaya, fried okra, steamed mussels with crusty bread, mac ’n’ cheese, and gourmet popsicles for dessert!”

There’s even a French fry bar. As we say in the South: “Lord help.”

And what could be better

■ Alive After Five: Taboo, 6-8:30 p.m., Knoxville Museum of Art, 1050 World’s Fair Park Drive. Tickets: $10; $5 for members/students. Info: 934-2039.

■ The Knoxville Breakfast Rotary presents Jeanne Robertson, 8 p.m., Bijou Theatre, 803 S. Gay St. Info/tickets: www. knoxbijou.com

FRIDAY-SATURDAY ■ “The Rat Pack Is Back,” 8 p.m., Tennessee Theatre, 604 S. Gay St. Info/tickets: Tennessee Theatre box office, 684-1200; Ticketmaster.com; www.tennesseetheatre.com.

FRIDAY-SUNDAY ■ “Almost, Maine,” Haslam Family Flexible Theatre, Clayton Center for the Arts, 502 E. Lamar Alexander Parkway, Maryville. Performances: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m.

Sunday. Info/tickets: 981-8263, www.claytonartscenter.com.

SATURDAY

than gor ging on all that incredible food while you’re on – or at least near – the water? Concord Marina is the site for the party.

It’s going to happen rain or shine, and tents are provided.

There’ll be a cash bar, and acoustic/electric rock provided by the Dave Landeo Band. Naturally, you can dress in casual attire.

Rabies vaccination clinics set

Shoney’s of Knoxville is a locally owned and operated franchise.

The Knox County Health Department and the Knoxville Veterinary Medical Association are offering rabies vaccinations for $10 per animal 2-4:30 p.m. Saturday, May 9, at select Knox County schools: Anderson Elementary, Bearden High, Bearden Middle, Brickey-McCloud Elementary, Carter Middle, Cedar Bluff Elementary, Chilhowee Intermediate, Christenberry Elementary, Copper Ridge Elementary, Gibbs Elementary,

Delivering more …

FRIDAY

Proceeds from the oysterfest go to benefit Childhelp, a national nonprofit dedicated to the elimination of child abuse. “Since 1995, Childhelp has gone on to help over 10,000 children in East Tennessee,” says the organization’s website. “The Childhelp Children’s Center of East Tennessee provides forensic services, medical exams and mental health counseling for victims of child abuse. Additionally, the Childhelp Foster Agency of East Tennessee provides foster care, case management and adoption

services for victims of child abuse.”

So you get to enjoy a terrific, tasty party while helping kids at the same time.

It all adds up to a win-win situation for you and your family and pals.

The Greatest Oysterfest on Earth takes place at 6 p.m. Saturday, May 9, at Concord Marina, 10903 S. Northshore Drive. Tickets are $95. To purchase tickets, or for any questions regarding the event, contact Hugh Nystrom at 865-6371753 or hnystrom@childhelp.org.

Hardin Valley Elementary, Karns Elementary, Mount Olive Elementary, Norwood Elementary, Ritta Elementary, Sunnyview Elementary and Shannondale Elementary.

All pets must be restrained. Dogs should be on a leash, and cats should be in carriers or pillowcases (a pillowcase is preferred because the vaccine can be administered through the cloth). Those with aggressive or uncontrollable dogs are advised to leave the pet in the car and ask for assistance at the registration desk. Info: knoxcounty. org/health/rabies.

MOTHER’S DAY BUFFET SUNDAY, MAY 10

■ 15th Annual Vestival: South Knoxville Arts and Heritage Festival, 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Candoro Arts and Heritage Center, 4450 Candora Ave. Free Mother’s Day Brunch (11 a.m.); live music on two stages all day, including Exit 65 (1:30), The Lonetones (2:30), Quartjar (3:30), The Blue Print (4:30) and Kevin Abernathy Band (5:30); kids activities; history exhibit; craft demos and vendors; square dance (4 p.m.); puppets, dancers, acrobats and magic. Info: www.candoromarble.org.

■ Rhythmic Circus: “Feet Don’t Fail Me Now!,” 8 p.m., Ronald and Lynda Nutt Theatre, Clayton Center for the Arts, 502 E. Lamar Alexander Parkway, Maryville. Info/tickets: 9818263, www.claytonartscenter.com.

■ The Black Jacket Symphony performs Eagles’ “Hotel California,” 8 p.m., Bijou Theatre, 803 S. Gay St. Info/tickets: www.knoxbijou.com.

■ “Tribute to Elvis Presley,” 8 p.m., Civic Auditorium, 500 Howard Baker Jr. Ave. Part of the KSO’s Knoxville News Sentinel Pops Series. Tickets: at the door; 291-3310; www. knoxvillesymphony.com.

SUNDAY ■ Knoxville Jazz Orchestra: Jazz Jam at the Emporium, 4-6 p.m., Black Box of The Emporium Center, 100 S. Gay St. Open to any and all who wish to play; hosted by Vance Thompson, Jamel Mitchell, Keith Brown, Clint Mullican and Nolan Nevels.

Info: 573-3226, www.knoxjazz.org.

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Join the crowds at the Rocky Top BBQ Fest. The 2015 Tennessee State Barbecue Championship, will feature two days of great food, live music, vendors and entertainment for all ages.

Watch 50 contestants from all over the U.S. as they compete for $10,000 in prizes.

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8 • MAY 6, 2015 • NORTH/EAST Shopper news

Destiny Woods and Malaya Thomas study the manual for instructions on assembling their model.

Russell Mayes, Courtney Rader and Caleb Gaston celebrated National High School Radio Day with a simultaneous broadcast with the Kent High School station in Worton, Md. Photos by R. White

The Voice of Fulton High

Graham Baer shows tapes that were once used to play music on the radio.

Fulton High students celebrated High School Radio Day with special broadcasts from WKCS-FM 91.1, Falcon Radio, and used their voices to raise awareness of the dangers of texting and driving. The station also held a simultaneous broadcast with a station at Kent High School in Worton, Md., talking about the history of the station and the type of music that is shared over the airwaves.

Students Courtney Rader and Caleb Gaston joined broadcasting teacher Russell Mayes in the studio

and enjoyed talking with student broadcasters from another state. Falcon Radio has been on the air since 1952, and the field of listeners has grown over the years.

The station began with broadcasts during school hours and has grown to operating full time, with oldies music, sports broadcasts and informational segments. Mayes, a 1995 graduate of Fulton, enjoys working with the students and has had several students go on to study in related fields in college.

■ Bain signs with Hiwassee College

Nick Bain

Carter High senior Nick Bain signed to play baseball at Hiwassee College next year. The Hornets’ catcher was named to the All-District team, and he helped his team earn a district championship last season.

Nick selected HC because it was close to home but far enough away to gain independence. He also liked the baseball program and thought it was a good fit for him. While at Hiwassee, he plans to study business and pursue a career in sports management.

While playing for Carter, Nick feels that he learned to focus and play the game all

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THROUGH SATURDAY, JUNE 20 Online registration open for Race to benefit the Corryton Community Food Pantry, to be held Saturday, June 20. Event is part of “The Run and See Tennessee Grand Prix Series.” To register: https:// runnerreg.us/corryton8mile. Info: corryton8miler@ yahoo.com; ron.fuller@totalracesolutions.com; or Joyce Harrell, 705-7684.

THROUGH SUNDAY, MAY 17 “Harriet the Spy,” Knoxville Children’s Theatre, 109 E. Churchwell Ave. Performances: 7 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays; 1 and 5 p.m.

Saturdays; 3 p.m. Sundays. Info/reservations: 208-3677; knoxvillechildrenstheatre.com; info@ childrenstheatreknoxville.com.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 6 International Folk Dance Class, 7:30-10 p.m., Claxton Community Center, 1150 Edgemoor Road, Clinton. Sponsored by the Oak Ridge Folk Dancers.

First visit free. No partner or dance experience required. Adults and children accompanied by an adult welcome. Info: Paul Taylor, 898-5724; www. oakridgefolkdancers.org; on Facebook.

THURSDAY, MAY 7 “Bug Me. Really. Bug Me.” 1 p.m., Cansler Family YMCA, 616 Jessamine St. Presented by Knox County Master Gardeners. Free and open to the public.

Info: 637-9622.

“Pruning Hydrangeas,” 3:15-4:30 p.m., Humana Guidance Center, 640 Plaza, 4438 Western Ave. Presented by UT Master Gardeners. Info: 329-8892, TTY: 711.

FRIDAY, MAY 8 Free movie in the park, Luttrell City Park.

Movie starts at dusk. Some concessions available.

Communicating with Lego bricks Jatoria White shows her artwork.

By Sandra Clark Chris and Maria Howard, franchise owners of Bricks for Kidz in Franklin Square, brought Lego kits to the Sarah Moore Greene newspaper club on April 29.

Reporters raced through the five Ws to get to the project. It was a day everyone had anticipated.

Maria, a former teacher, said she has four kids, and Chris is the biggest. Chris said he’s been playing with Lego bricks since he was young. He finally figured out how to make a living at it.

The Howards brought kits that let kids build a motion machine, which was Xavier Hill ponders his Lego machine. used to create spring art.

the way through, fighting to the end. Coach Scott Rimmer said that Nick is “a great young man and a solid high school catcher and hard worker who loves the game.” Assistant coach Scott Bray added that Nick is “an excellent student athlete and young

Bring blankets or chairs and enjoy. Movie will be family friendly. Everyone welcome.

GO! Contemporary Dance Works auditions for 2015-2016 season, Studio Arts for Dancers, 1234 Rocky Hill Road. Times: 4:45-6:15 p.m. level IV to Intermediate; 6:30-9 p.m. level Intermediate II to advanced. Must be proficient in classical ballet, modern and improvisation. Info: 539-2475.

History of Luttrell celebration, 2-4 p.m., Luttrell Library. Part of Preserve Union County Month.

Picnic in Pittman for the Park, 6 p.m., 517 Emerts Cove Road, Pittman Center. Co-hosted by Phillip and Vicky Fulmer and Jim Ogle. Proceeds go to support education, historic preservation, wildlife management programs and more in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Info: www.friendsofthesmokies.org or Lauren Gass, 932-4794.

Union County Farmers Market, 4-7 p.m., behind the Union County Arts Cooperative in Maynardville.

Fresh produce, meat, plants and cut flowers. New vendors welcome. Info: 992-8038.

FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MAY 8-9 Rummage sale, 8 a.m.-noon, Faith United Methodist Women, 1120 Dry Gap Pike. Variety of items and bake sale. Proceeds to benefit mission work and the Faith Kids Kloset. Info: 688-1000.

FRIDAY-SUNDAY, MAY 8-10 “Doubt: A Parable,” Judge William H. Inman Humanities Theatre, Walters State Community College campus in Morristown. Performances: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets: www.etcplays.org or 423-318-8331.

SATURDAY, MAY 9 Free beekeeping hands-on workshop, Well-Being Foundation, 557 Narrows Road, Tazewell. Program presented by longtime beekeeper and UT Extension agent John Hamrick. Sponsored by Bee Friends, a local beekeeping group. Info: Julianne Behn, 617-9013.

Paulette PTO Flea Market, 8 a.m.-2 p.m., Paulette Elementary School, 3006 Maynardville Highway. Spaces $5 each; tables not provided. In case of rain, the event will be rescheduled.

SUNDAY, MAY 10 “Meet Our Historic Structures,” 2 p.m. Tour begins at the Union County Museum. Part of Preserve Union County Month.

MONDAY-TUESDAY, MAY 11-12 Auditions for “The Hobbit the Musical!” 4 p.m., Rose

man who is eager to learn every aspect of the game.”

Attending the signing were his parents, Gregg and Lisa Bain, his sister Lizzie, teammates and a host of friends.

Center, 442 W. Second North St., Morristown. Prepare 16 bars of music from a musical theatre selection; might be asked to cold read from the script. Looking to cast 20-30 individuals. Info: 423-581-4330 or Nathan@rosecenter. org.

TUESDAY, MAY 12 Neighborhood Watch meeting, 7 p.m., Paulette Elementary School, 3006 Maynardville Highway.

Sushi 101 cooking class, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Avanti Savoia, 7610 Maynardville Pike. Cost: $60. Info/RSVP: 922-9916 or www.avantisavoia.com.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 13 International Folk Dance Class, 7:30-10 p.m., Claxton Community Center, 1150 Edgemoor Road, Clinton. Sponsored by the Oak Ridge Folk Dancers. First visit free. No partner or dance experience required.

Adults and children accompanied by an adult welcome.

Info: Paul Taylor, 898-5724; www.oakridgefolkdancers. org; on Facebook.

THURSDAY, MAY 14 VFW meeting, 7 p.m., 140 Veteran St., Maynardville. All veterans are invited. Info: 278-3784.

FRIDAY-SUNDAY, MAY 15-17 “Doubt: A Parable,” Judge William H. Inman Humanities Theatre, Walters State Community College campus in Morristown. Performances: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets: www.etcplays.org or 423-318-8331.

SATURDAY, MAY 16 East Tennessee Plant Swap, 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m., large shelter at New Harvest Park, 4775 New Harvest Lane. Free event open to the public. Pot-luck lunch, 11:30 a.m. Info: www.easttnplantswap.com.

Lincoln-Reagan Dinner, 5:30 p.m., Union County High School. Hosted by the Union County Republican Party. Guest speakers: Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett and state GOP chair Ryan Haynes. Tickets: $25; table sponsorship, $250. Info: unioncogop@aol.com or 992-5342.

Vintage baseball game, noon, Historic Ramsey House, 2614 Thorn Grove Pike. Knoxville Holston vs.

Chattanooga Lightfoot; Emmett Machinists vs. Highland Rim Distillers. All teams are in period uniforms and play by 1864 rules. Free admission; hot dogs, popcorn, peanuts and beverages available for purchase.

Includes East Tennessee Corvette Club cruise-in.

business

NORTH/EAST Shopper news • MAY 6, 2015 • 9

Petr celebrates victories

By Bonny C. Millard Shangri-La Therapeutic Academy of Riding founder Lynn Petr said the program sees success stories regularly with its clients whose mobility skills improve Lynn Petr through working with the stable of 30 horses.

Petr founded the program 28 years ago as part of her master’s thesis at the University of Tennessee.

She recently spoke to the Rotary Club of Knoxville

and shared stories and information about the facility.

“We have to celebrate those victories,” Petr said.

Shangri-La Therapeutic Academy of Riding, also known as STAR, works with people ranging in age from 4 years old to the elderly who have physical and mental disabilities that are either congenital or adult onset, including those who have been injured in accidents.

With the assistance of volunteers, clients learn more about the horses in individually designed lessons. Clients develop better balance, motor skills, confi-

dence and range of motion by learning to sit on and ride the animals.

The facility, located in Lenoir City, serves 143 individuals a week with the help of dedicated volunteers. STAR has more than 400 volunteers, and it is an ongoing challenge to have enough, Petr said.

“We have a junior volunteer program, which are 10- to 12-yearolds. … They are gofers,” she said. “They get tack out.

They put tack away. They sweep the floor. You would be amazed how many kids do not know how to push a broom.”

Another program, “Minis in Motion,” involves taking miniature horses and donkeys into nursing homes to interact with the elderly and those who suffer from Alzheimer’s.

STAR also works with juvenile justice systems to provide students who have gotten into trouble or are at-risk with a different kind of opportunity. Alternative students attend a 10-week program that teaches them confidence, trust and life skills while working with the horses.

STAR holds regular open houses for the community.

Info: www.rideatstar.org.

Pancratz optimistic about UT basketball

By Anne Hart He says the only team he’s coaching right now is his 4-year-old daughter’s soccer team, but those who have followed Mark Pancratz’s basketball career know his interest in that game will never wane.

His unique experience as a player and later as an assistant to UT former coaches Bruce Pearl and Cuonzo Martin have made Pancratz a sought-after commentator on both sports radio and TV and also as a speaker to local civic groups.

It was in the latter role that he was warmly greeted at the recent meeting of the Rotary Club of Bearden.

Pancratz told his audience to great laughter, “I’m a reflection of Tennessee basketball. I’ve been hired (by Pearl), fired (when Pearl and his entire staff were fired), hired (by Martin) and left.”

Now working for Northwestern Mutual Insurance, Pancratz says he

2006 as a graduate assistant and received a master’s degree in sports management that year.

Serving as the team’s director of video scouting and assistant to the head coach, Pancratz was an integral part of Tennessee’s six-consecutive NCAA tournament appearances. He boasts an impressive 18 games of NCAA Tournament experience as a player and/or administrative staff member.

Of UT’s new basketball coach, Rick Barnes, Pancratz told the group, “You couldn’t ask for a better coach and man to run this Gaines Pittenger was among Bearden Rotarians who stopped basketball program. He has to chat with sports commentator Mark Pancratz. Photo by Anne both the stability and the Hart ability to win. He will recruit good players, not just loved his years at UT and A native of Schaumburg, fill the roster.

“I’m really excited about has remained friends with Ill., Pancratz played Diviboth Pearl and Martin. He sion I basketball under Pearl the direction of the propraised Pearl’s ability to at the University of Wiscon- gram. Barnes is fired up. make quick play changes sin at Milwaukee, where he An important part of hiring during a game and said of also earned a degree in mar- him is the staff he’s putting together. He could develop Martin, “He’s a high charac- keting and finance. ter guy.”

He joined the UT staff in this into a destination job.”

Rain can’t compete with flower power

By Sherri Gardner Howell Despite the forecasts, the last days of April dawned with a drizzle instead of a deluge, bringing joy to many event planners in Knoxville.

One such group was the Knox County Council of Garden Clubs, whose members work diligently every year to bring the Franklin Square Spring Garden Festival to life.

The slight rainfall at the 9 a.m. opening just gave everything a sparkle, said one garden club member.

The positive spin paid off as

the rest of the morning and afternoon were bright and drip-dry.

This was the 22nd year for the festival, which features a host of vendors selling all things garden and some things just for fun.

Many of the eclectic shops at Franklin Square get into the spirit as well with their own specials and events – especially Smart Toys and Books, which had the cute costumed bug of Ladybug Girl books fame charming the children.

Grocers award scholarships Three area students have won scholarships through the Tennessee Grocers Education Foundation.

Tyler Jones, a graduate of Halls High School, won the Wesley Ball Fellowship S c hol a r ship for $1,000.

Jones attends the Tyler Jones East Tennessee State University College of Pharmacy and now lives in Johnson City.

Brianna Jones was awarded the La’Shanna Trout Memorial Scholarship for $1,000.

J o n e s Brianna Jones g r a d u ated from Halls High School in 2012 and attends the Univer-

sity of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

Mariah Williford of Knoxville received a $1,200 Te n n e s see Grocers & Convenience Store Association (TG CSA) scholarM. Williford ship. Williford graduated from Halls High School in 2014 and attends UT Knoxville.

The Tennessee Grocers Education Foundation presented 140 scholarships this year valued at $157,050 to students in the food industry. Eligible recipients are either employed by TGCSA member firms, or have parents who are full-time employees of a TGCSA member firm.

Since 1985 TGEF has awarded 3,109 scholarships worth $3.4 million.

Todd Lambert of Dixie Lee Greenhouse helps Peggy Blankenship with her shopping at the Franklin Square Spring Garden Festival. Photo by Sherri Gardner Howell

Clark joins Mortgage Investors Group Lisa “Mickie” Clark has joined Mortgage Investors Group as its newest senior loan officer.

Clark said MIG is a topMickie Clark producer with a comprehensive support team. “The resources

here to get things done are phenomenal.”

She brings 27 years of knowledge of the mortgage lending industry in the Knoxville market to MIG, including experience as a Decision Certified loan officer on conforming loans to salaried borrowers – one of the highest and most prestigious levels of automated underwriting authority offered to loan originators.

CARTER SENIOR CENTER ■ Wednesday, May 6: 8 a.m.

Weekday Walkers; 9 a.m. hand & foot; 10:30 a.m. Inspiration class; 11:30 a.m. Mother’s Day cupcake party; 1 p.m. bingo; 2 p.m. History of Knoxville class; 2:30 p.m. Wii Bowling; 3 p.m.

Spanish class.

■ Thursday, May 7: 8 a.m.

Weekday Walkers; 9 a.m. pinochle; 11 a.m. Tai Chi for Beginners; 11:30 a.m. Tai Chi practice; 12:30 p.m. Cardio Craze; 1 p.m. scrapbooking; 2 p.m. SAIL exercise; 3:15 p.m.

Wii Bowling.

■ Friday, May 8: 8 a.m. Weekday Walkers; 9 a.m. poker; 10 a.m.

Super Stretchers; 10:30 a.m.

SAIL exercise; 11 a.m. movie matinee; 2 p.m. guitar jam.

■ Monday, May 11: 8 a.m.

Weekday Walkers; 9 a.m. euchre; 10 a.m. quilting; 11:30 a.m. Super Seniors, beading; 1 p.m. art class; 3 p.m. Wii Bowling; 4 p.m. Mayor’s budget meeting.

■ Tuesday, May 12: 8 a.m.

Weekday Walkers; 9 a.m.

Rook; 12:30 p.m. Cardio Craze; 2 p.m. SAIL exercises, computer class, dominoes; 3 p.m. corn hole toss; 3:15 p.m.

Wii bowling.

■ Info: 932-2939.

Paulk + Co displays its creation, “Megalith Table,” at the fall 2014 ArtScapes event at the Knoxville Museum of Art. The firm is gaining a reputation for innovative design and fabrication in concrete, stone and metal. Pictured are Justin Paulk, principal; Virginia Adams, partner; and shop assistant Kenta Nolin. Photo submitted

Firm creates art in concrete

By Bill Dockery What do you get when you mix art with concrete?

Knoxville’s answer is Paulk + Co, an up-and-coming design/fabrication shop that specializes in creating architectural features out of high-performance concrete, stone and metal.

“We’re a dynamic fabricator and designer of stone, concrete and metal,” said Virginia Adams, a partner in the firm and the public front for the business. “If you have a design in mind and you’ve been told it’s not doable, we’re the people to come to.”

Justin Paulk is the creative and manufacturing heart of the operation. He left the UT College of Engineering without taking a degree and began working in construction trades. He is trained in welding and has become a LEED-certified general contractor.

The firm has picked up a number of prestigious clients in recent months. It was chosen to supply countertops for the residential units being created in the JC Penney building on Gay Street. The job includes custom concrete for 17 kitchens and 34 baths.

The Sequoyah Hills Preservation Society chose the firm to restore some of the Art Deco concrete features of Talahi Park, a task that required precise colormatching of the repairs with the existing concrete.

“It took Justin two months to get the mud (concrete) mixture right on the Talahi job,” Adams said.

“It has to be perfect or it doesn’t go out the door.”

The firm is also working on concrete railings for the new Community Giving Garden Downtown, a rooftop garden on the roof of the Lindsay Young Downtown YMCA, and it does private residential work.

A consultation with the UT College of Architecture and Design brought the firm its most public project to date. The colleges of architecture and of nursing sought out Paulk + Co to

advise on a pumping station project at the Red Bird Mission in Beverly, Ky. The project involved building a kiosk from which Clay County residents could access clean drinking water at a nominal fee. Using concrete panels created by the firm, UT faculty and students installed the facility, which can serve up to 9,000 families with clean water in an area with polluted wells and creeks.

“That turned into a much bigger opportunity for us,” Adams said. “We have significantly more construction knowledge than the students, and what started out as a design consultation turned out to have a major role for us in the construction.”

Adams came to the firm with a focus on the arts and marketing. She was previously a partner in a custom home-building company.

The artistry at Paulk + Co lies not only in the design and manufacture of the architectural features. The front of the shop is a display space for innovative art exhibits. In recent weeks the paintings of Justin Paulk’s father, Scott, were on display, as well as art work by his young son. Scott Paulk is a hyper-realist painter who sells his works through galleries in Santa Fe, N.M. The display space is also used frequently to stage charitable events.

“We’ve raised $30,000 for different charities we’ve hosted here,” she said. “And we’ve sold $40,000 in art out of this space.”

The firm uses computerized technology that takes camera scans and creates precise templates for pouring the concrete.

“Our aesthetic is very industrial,” Adams said, describing the creation of the company’s logo. “We keep a lot of scavenged parts and pieces, and we’re very drawn to gears. Gears make everything work.

The shop/gallery is at 510 Williams St., between Magnolia and Fifth Avenue in the shadow of Interstate 40.

FAITH NOTES ■ First Comforter Church, 5516 Old Tazewell Pike, hosts MAPS (Mothers At Prayer Service) noon each Friday. Info: Edna Hensley, 771-7788.

■ Hopewell UMC, 9300 Millertown Pike, will celebrate homecoming Sunday, May 17. Celebrating 189 years with guest speaker and special music. Dinner on the grounds after the service. Everyone welcome.

10 • MAY 6, 2015 • SOUTH KNOX Shopper news

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