NORTH / EAST VOL. 2 NO. 38
IN THIS ISSUE
Derailing Mike
www.ShopperNewsNow.com |
First Baptist welcomes neighbors from the front porch
Betty Bean looks at efforts to derail Mike McMillan’s run to be school board chair.
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September 24, 2014
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Read Bean’s analysis on page 4
NEIGHBORHOOD BUZZ
Alzheimer’s pansies on sale Stanley’s Greenhouses turned purple and orange Tuesday for the kickoff of the Alzheimer’s Pansy Project benefiting the Pat Summitt Foundation. Mayor Madeline Rogero, Joan Cronan and foundation representatives were expected at the kickoff. For the third year, purple and orange Panola pansies will be sold to raise funds for the Summitt Foundation and awareness for Alzheimer’s patients and caregivers. “Nearly everyone has someone in their life who has been touched by this,” said Monte Stanley. Stanley’s Greenhouses, 3029 Davenport Road, and Stanley’s Secret Garden, 305 S. Northshore Drive, will have flats of the specially grown pansies for $17 through October or “while supplies last,” said Lisa Stanley. – Betsy Pickle
Lizzy Kirby fills her plate with eats from “Love” That B-B-Q, served by Emma, Jess and Joel “Ducky” Maples, at First Baptist Church of Knoxville’s BBQ and Bluegrass Block Party. Photos by Wendy Smith
By Wendy Smith The front of First Baptist Church of Knoxville is beautiful to some, but it can be intimidating to others, says Senior Pastor Tom Ogburn. That’s why the church is opening up its lawn, and front porch,
to the community. Last week, the congregation closed down a section of Main Street for a BBQ and Bluegrass Block Party. In coming weeks, the church will set up tables and chairs for use during lunch hour once a week. A stage, which was built to hold
the church’s nativity set at Christmas, will provide stage space for musical acts to perform during Lunch on the Lawn, says Pam Neal, minister of administration. The lunchtime event will be scheduled to take advantage of food trucks that park in front of
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the church. No other downtown church has a lawn, and Ogburn hopes to make the space inviting. “Some people see the church as what we are against. We want them to see us as people, and neighbors who care about the community,” he says.
Mayor on board
Smith for Congress? Members of a large Fulton High School alumni group were startled earlier this month when a group member’s rant about President Obama led to an email from former County Commissioner R. Larry Smith hinting that that he’s gearing up for a run for U.S. Congress. Smith wrote: “So would this group support R. Larry for Congress?????? – R. Larry” Smith didn’t attend Fulton but has been hanging around the group since being invited to speak a year ago, a source said. When asked if he is considering a run against incumbent Rep. John J. Duncan Jr., who has held the Second District seat since 1988, Smith, who was term limited out of his County Commission seat Sept. 1, said that he is. “I’m very dissatisfied with what’s happening in Washington,” he said. “And I’ve got the fire in my heart to run.” – Betty Bean
Ava Hulsey, under the watchful eye of her mother, Brannon Hulsey, dances to bluegrass music with Grant Lyon.
By Ruth White
Charles R. chats with city Mayor Madeline Rogero on the KAT bus 22. Photo by R. White
Mayor Madeline Rogero hopped aboard a trolley outside the City County Building and rode to KAT’s John J. Duncan Jr. Knoxville Station Transit Center, where she purchased a ticket for the Broadway 22. Riders quickly recognized the mayor as she made her way down the aisle and took a seat. Several individuals asked her and city director of transit Dawn Distler questions regarding specific routes and expansion of routes, for which they
received prompt answers. The ride was the first of many and part of Rogero’s initiative to ride the buses, talking with drivers and passengers. The KAT system currently carries close to 3.6 million passengers a year and is a convenient and reliable mode of transportation. The mayor says the system is underutilized and hopes that by talking to everyone involved, the public transportation system in Knoxville can become more efficient and possibly expand.
Dissection of an intersection By Wendy Smith The city of Knoxville is embarking on a $7 million upgrade for traffic signal synchronization on Broadway and Kingston Pike. Last week I met two city employees who are directly involved. We met at the intersection of Cedar Bluff and Peters Road, probably the city’s most congested intersection. When Ernie Pierce gets caught in a traffic backup, he’s not frustrated by the delay. He’s frustrated by the unsolved problem. “Your congestion is my congestion,” he says. Pierce is to traffic signals what the Colonel is to fried chicken. The signal engineer has been tinkering with Knoxville’s intersections since 1989. Nobody could do a better job, says the city’s chief traffic engineer, Jeff Branham. At the Cedar Bluff intersection, others see a cacophony of vehicles;
Pierce sees a finely-tuned orchestration. The signals have six phases and the intersection is equipped with radar detection that monitors the percent of traffic coming from each direction. The timing of each phase changes based on the information received by the radar. The intersection’s first priority is the left turn lanes from Cedar Bluff to Peters because those lanes could potentially back up to the lights at I-40, which would be dangerous. “Safety is our first priority, not convenience,” says Branham. Two upcoming state projects should help with congestion on Cedar Bluff. Reconfiguring of lanes will give a continuous green light to one lane from southbound Cedar Bluff to westbound I-40, and a second turn lane from Knoxville signal engineer Ernie Pierce and chief traffic engineer Jeff Bransouthbound Cedar Bluff to North ham examine the traffic signal controller at the intersection of Cedar Bluff Road and Peters Road. Peters/Parkside will be added.
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2 • SEPTEMBER 24, 2014 • Shopper news
health & lifestyles
Second opinion gives Tellico man right treatment About three years ago, Kim Frasch of Tellico, now 65, had pain in both of his calves. Over time, it moved upward and became more intense. “As it got worse, it went into my thighs and glutes. And finally I began to lean to the left as an involuntary effort to gain some relief,” Frasch said. “My wife was worried I couldn’t stand up straight. I had sharp, stabbing pains in my legs, and standing was intolerable. I could only walk for a short period of time.” Frasch had spinal stenosis, a fairly common condition in which the spinal canal narrows. The bones of the vertebrae compress the spine and surrounding nerves, typically in the lower back. This creates pain, numbness and weakness in the legs and feet. Spinal stenosis typically comes on slowly and gets worse over time, most often affecting people over the age of 50. “Apparently, I had it for years. This is a very slow process,” said Frasch. “They said I’d had it for years and years, but it just never manifested itself.” Frasch is a business consultant in the medical field, so he did plenty of Internet research about the condition to find an area physician who could help him. Frasch consulted one surgeon, but didn’t quite feel comfortable. He then went for a second opinion to Dr. Patrick Bolt of Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center. He liked what he experienced. “The people are upbeat and work well together there,” Frasch said. “I have visited practices and other health care entities all over the country. I can walk into a business and tell if it is working well or needs better management. It’s one thing to entrust your care to the surgeon, but
niques, making four smaller incisions instead of one larger one. As soon as he woke up, Mr. Frasch said he immediately felt relief. “I came out of surgery after five hours, and they said, ‘Would you like to get up?’ And I said, ‘You bet.’ I got up and walked, and I was literally freely stepping, no leg pain whatsoever, tears of joy running down my face!” Frasch said he was home in two days and has walked every day since then for therapy. “Today I’m wearing my brace, and yes, I do have site pain, but it’s not such that I need to take any medication for it.” Frasch said he would recommend Dr. Bolt, Fort Sanders and their support staff to anyone facing back surgery. “You’ve got to do the work, but if you do it, your results can be stellar. I gave my caregivers five stars,” Frasch said of Fort Sanders. “When I pushed my button Kim Frasch of Tellico suffered spinal stenosis before finding relief from his pain thanks to a proand needed something, I got it, from the cedure by Dr. Patrick Bolt at Fort Sanders Regional Medica l Center. day I arrived right through discharge.” “This is what we’re striving for in his staff has to be happy and supportive. vertebrae, and then fused the two togeth- health care in this country, and I can’t say I’m very happy to say Dr. Bolt was the er using a bone graft and screws. Dr. Bolt enough good about Dr. Bolt’s team. I was did all that with minimally invasive tech- cared for properly. I got my life back.” right choice.” At first, Dr. Bolt recommended the first-line treatments of physical therapy and steroid injections on Mr. Frasch, but those gave little relief from the pain. At that point, Dr. Bolt recommended the only permanent solution – surgery to widen and stabilize the spinal canal. Frasch underwent corrective spine ■ Stop smoking. Not only is the nicotine bad for your spine, but if you surgery at Fort Sanders Regional on have back surgery, smoking also makes it more difficult to recover. March 11. During the procedure, Dr. Bolt re■ Maintain a healthy weight. moved arthritis and bone spurs from in■ Stay active and exercise every day. The couch is the worst place for side Mr. Frasch’s fourth and fifth lumbar
Tips for better spine health
your back.
When is back surgery right for you? Spinal stenosis is one of the most common causes of severe back and leg pain, and also one of the most effectively treated conditions with surgery. Stenosis means “narrowing,” and it’s when the bones of the spinal column narrow from arthritis, bone spurs or other diseases. The bones then press on the spinal column or surrounding nerves, causing pain. “This is probably one of the most common surgeries that I do; it’s a very common problem. Stenosis manifests itself as back and leg pain that gets worse with walking. It’s relieved by sitting,” explained Dr. Patrick Bolt, an orthopedic surgeon at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center. While medication and physical therapy can ease the symptoms of stenosis and instability, the only permanent fix is surgery to widen the spinal canal space and stabilize misaligned vertebrae together. While most people don’t relish the idea of spinal surgery, Dr. Bolt said modern, minimally invasive techniques offer the chance for an otherwise healthy patient to be up and walking again quickly. Minimally invasive surgery involves several small incisions instead of one larger one, with computer-assisted imaging and microscopes used during surgery. The incisions are so small that most otherwise healthy patients can go home in about three days, Bolt said. What’s more, the pain of recovering from surgery is typically less than the pain of spinal stenosis. “I think the public has a negative view
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NORTH/EAST Shopper news • SEPTEMBER 24, 2014 • 3
Barney and friends at New Beverly Baptist I could hardly take pictures for laughing. But it was more than good comedy. It is ministry for Sammy “Barney Fife” Sawyer: impersonator, actor and Christian speaker.
Patricia Williams Barney contemplates Gomer’s tall tales. Photos by Patricia Williams I caught his show at New Beverly Baptist Church, where Eddie Sawyer, Sammy’s older brother, is pastor. The church program and the BFIFE4LIFE business card quote this scripture from Proverbs 17:22: A merry heart doeth good like a medicine, but a broken spirit drieth the bones. As Eddie ministered from the pulpit, Sammy ministered from the stage. At the end, both closed with an invitation to join the Christian family.
■
Pastor Eddie and wife Beverly Sawyer are all smiles. Beverly was named after the church her father, Roy T. Myers, pastored until 1987. The brothers take after their father, the late James Sawyer, who was a deputy in Knox and Anderson counties and chief of police in Norris, according to the brothers. “People would apologize to Dad for putting them in jail,” said Eddie. “It was the way he did it,” added
Sammy. Although Sammy impersonates Barney Fife, many of his antics mimic his dad’s mannerisms. Sammy and his wife, Dawn, have four sons who are characters in the family comedy troupe: Hudson as Harpo Marx; Taylor as Ernest T. Bass and rock
star Jim Morrison; Logan as Gomer Pyle and Ace Ventura; and Peyton, a behind-the-scenes writer who played Opie until he got too tall. Two of the brothers also portray Jake and Elwood of the Blues Brothers. Go to www.bfife4life.com. Future performances may not include Gomer, as Sammy proudly announced that Logan has joined the Colorado Rockies baseball organization as a righthanded pitcher.
Guests got an extra treat when Elvis Presley entered the building, performed by Thomas Cunningham, a maintenance employee at UT Medical Center. Being exposed to the suffering, pain and sadness of others daily, Cunningham wanted to give comfort by praying at the request of patients and their families before procedures and surgeries. But that was not enough. “I wanted to do something more for them. That’s
when I decided to try cheering them up dressed as Elvis,” explained Cunningham, a welcome celebrity at the hospital. His wife, Stephanie, makes his costumes. They draw strength from Proverbs 17:17: “a friend loveth at all times …” Pastor Sawyer closed with a heartfelt invitation to “lay it down outside, and come in and worship. We would love to have you.” Info: 546-0001 or www. newbeverly.org.
Pellissippi celebrates 40th
Staff and students at the five locations of Pellissippi State Community College hosted birthday receptions to celebrate the school’s 40th year. At the Magnolia campus, Dean Rosalyn Tillman shared cake with college president Dr. Anthony Wise Jr., state Rep. Joe Armstrong and other community members, guests and supporters. “Our success is attributable not only to our students, but to outstanding community support: to the businesses and industries who hire our graduates, to donors who contribute to higher education and to a dedicated faculty and staff who maintain the quality and rigor of our programs,” said Wise. Dean Tillman has been at the Pellissippi Magnolia campus since its inception in 1999, and she is proud of the growth and diversity there. “This campus opened with 50 students, and we now have 850,” said Tillman. “We continue to grow.” Tillman also credited Rep. Joe Armstrong for his continued support of ongoing improvements and additions including the reception area that bears his name. PSCC provides workforce training, certificate and degree programs. As a Tennessee Promise school, it allows students to benefit from two years of paid tuition. The application deadline to qualify for next year is Nov. 1. Go to www.pstcc.edu.
CARTER SENIOR CENTER ■ Wednesday, Sept. 24: 8-10 a.m. Weekday Walkers; 9 a.m. bridge; 10:15 a.m. SAIL exercises; 11:30 a.m. Senior Center Month Celebration Potluck; 1 p.m. bingo; 2:30 p.m. Wii bowling; 3 p.m. conversational Spanish. ■ Thursday, Sept. 25: 8-10 a.m. Weekday Walkers; 9 a.m. pinochle; 11 a.m. Tai Chi for Arthritis; 11:30 a.m. Tai Chi for Beginners; 12:30 p.m. Cardio Craze, board games; 2 p.m. SAIL exercises; 3:15 p.m. Wii bowling. ■ Friday, Sept. 26: 8-9 a.m. Weekday Walkers; 9 a.m. Phase 10; 9:30 a.m. Ageless Yoga; 10:30 a.m. SAIL exercises; 11 a.m. movie matinee; 1 p.m. outdoor games; 1:30 p.m. Facebook Fridays; 2 p.m. Guitar Jam. ■ Monday, Sept. 29: 8-9:30 a.m. Weekday Walkers; 9 a.m. euchre. 10 a.m. quilting; 11:30 a.m. beading; noon Smoky Mountain History class; 1 p.m. hand & foot; 3 p.m. Wii bowling. ■ Info: 932-2939.
State Rep. Joe Armstrong joins Dean Rosalyn Tillman in celebrating 40 years of Pellissippi State in the reception area on the Magnolia Avenue campus that bears his name. ■
Allen promoted to deputy chief
Nate Allen has been promoted from Knoxville Police Department captain to deputy chief, giving K nox v ille its first African-American deputy Ronald Green police chief. The official promotion ceremony was held at the Knoxville Civic Coliseum and was well attended by members of the Knoxville community. Allen has been with KPD for 24 years, working his way up the ranks from officer. “Race had nothing to do with his promotion; he was the best qualified,” said Chief David Rausch, who at one time was supervised by, and partnered with, Allen. “He has been a solid employee, great friend and mentor,” said Rausch. With four KPD deputy chiefs, Allen will oversee the Criminal Law division,
which is the second largest of the department. Lt. Ronald Green, who came on board at the same time as Rausch, has been promoted to captain, filling the position previously held by Allen. As of Oct. 1, the police academy will move to Cement Plant Road in East Knox County near the shooting range, according to Rausch. The present location in the former Moses School building, on Carrick Street in Mechanicsville, has been purchased by Emerald Youth Foundation. Rausch commended Knoxville’s Community Development Corp. for transforming the Lonsdale housing projects into what feels more like home, with private yards and front porches. “This gives residents a feeling of ownership, control and responsibility and has resulted in a big decrease in crime in that area,” said Rausch. Most of all, the officers want Knoxvillians to know that they can call on their liaisons in law enforcement.
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New KPD Deputy Chief Nate Allen, left, stands with former Knoxville Mayor Daniel Brown, who appointed David Rausch, right, chief of police in 2010. Photos by Patricia Williams
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government No common ground on Common Core MetroPulse columnist or how I can help them masFrank Cagle is an expert on ter those state politics. Last week he problems. boldly predicted the demise “If parof Common Core state stanents ask me dards when the Legislature why their reconvenes. student p er for me d poorly on a state test, I don’t have Beth Brown an answer Sandra because I am prohibited Clark from reviewing the questions after the test. This is frustrating for teachers and parents, but the ones “If you didn’t see that who truly suffer are the stucoming, you are willfully dents.” blind,” he wrote of last Brown said state funding year’s near-death. “Some of was mentioned only once at us could see it coming sit- the four-hour summit, yet ting on a porch in Strawber- “Mississippi invests more per student than Tennesry Plains.” Ever the optimist, Gov. see.” When the Legislature Bill Haslam convened a summit last week to reboot reconvenes, expect a battle his education reforms, in- among Tennessee’s three cluding Common Core. political parties: the dwinBeth Brown, vice presi- dling Democrats, who gendent of the Tennessee Edu- erally back TEA, want better cation Association, said the funding and resist reforms; real experts weren’t invited. the corporate Republicans, Most there had “zero class- including Haslam and local room experience.” legislators, who want naBrown said testing is tional standards and teachparamount for reformers, er accountability; and the yet teachers never see the red-meat Republicans, who results. “A list of student call the standards “Obamscores does not tell me what acore” and want more guns questions students missed and fewer taxes.
TEA gets a win By Sandra Clark A local case with statewide implications was overturned by the state Court of Appeals in late August, and the Union County Board of Education voted Sept. 18 not to appeal that decision. Chancellor Andrew Tillman had ruled in favor of Union County Public Schools in a case involving a teacher who wanted his Union County Education Association representative with him when he was questioned by a supervisor about student allegations of misconduct. The supervisor refused. Director of Schools Jimmy Carter later took no action on the charges, which led Tillman to opine that the UCEA’s lawsuit was without merit since the teacher had suffered no damage. The teacher’s name was redacted in all documents. Chief Judge Charles Susano delivered the appellate court’s decision: The employee had a right under the state’s 2011 Collaborative Conferencing Act to have an organizational representative present “at an investigative interview where the
employee reasonably believes the investigation may result in disciplinary action against him or her.” Also, “the Association has organizational standing to pursue this action on behalf of its members,” Susano wrote. The court vacated the judgment of the trial court and remanded the case. Costs on appeal were assessed to the Union County Board of Education. The board amended its agenda to add the item and passed vice chair Brad Griffey’s motion to drop the appeal without debate. We contacted the Tennessee Education Association on Friday, and a representative confirmed the organization would notify its members and put out a general press release. TEA had been awaiting a possible appeal to the state Supreme Court. It’s a big win for the TEA since many assumed the Collaborative Conferencing Act had negated members’ right to representation. Of course, the organization should not crow too loudly. Legislators can always tighten the law in January.
4 • SEPTEMBER 24, 2014 • Shopper news
Why the secrecy by MPC? One would think the Metropolitan Planning Commission would have enjoyed all the controversy it wanted over the past few months with the strong neighborhood criticism of Director Mark Donaldson and his controversial hiring of Dave Hill, but on Sept. 11 MPC adopted by stealth the $101,000 separation agreement for Donaldson without any public discussion or reasonable notice, thereby triggering more attention. This comes on top of Mayors Burchett and Rogero seeking and getting Donaldson’s early retirement. How did this happen? When MPC met for its regular meeting, chair Rebecca Longmire quickly asked that the consent calendar be amended to add the separation agreement. Commissioner Clancy immediately seconded it and before anyone knew what was afoot it was adopted. Even veteran MPC member Jack Sharp did not know the agreement had passed when contacted by this writer four days later. The agreement was not on the published agenda or explained at the public meeting. Media have failed to report this. Clearly, Longmire and others on the MPC executive committee did not want the public or even fellow commissioners to know its contents or debate it. By hiding it, they have directed even more attention to its contents and undermined further already weakened public confidence in MPC commissioners who orchestrated this charade. Why the secrecy by MPC?
Victor Ashe
The separation agreement was obtained through an open-records request. Donaldson’s current contract, going back to 2005, pays him one-month salary (which is $9,186.58) plus accrued sick leave (which is 772 hours or $43,641.16) plus accrued annual leave (which is 327 hours, which equal $18,485.36) for a total of $71,313.05. Then MPC voluntarily added two months’ salary for $18,373.16 and 80 percent of his health-care premiums for one year at $11,888 for a total of $30,261.16 for a combined total of $101,574.21 in order to keep him around until his successor is installed. This is on top of the salary he will be paid for the time he continues working. This second part was optional and not mandated by contract. The public still does not know what will happen to Dave Hill, whose hiring instigated much of this. In their defense, Steve Wise, MPC attorney, explains that the recommendations of the executive committee usually go on the consent calendar and are not discussed at the full MPC meeting. This practice should be dropped when it includes such a large price tag. What were commissioners thinking when they failed to discuss it in public? No one would ever ask? The
media would miss it? This is public money and merits public scrutiny. The commissioners are not used to public review of their actions on internal issues. They would do well to consult with Jack Sharp, who has forgotten more than most current younger commissioners know, for advice on public relations and local politics. There is some positive news from MPC, however. Notices of all future meetings and committee meetings will now be posted on the MPC website, which has not occurred for the powerful executive committee meeting. This is due to the intervention of Wise, who deserves praise for this. ■ GOP legislative nominee Eddie Smith, opposing incumbent Rep. Gloria Johnson, met with Gov. Bill Haslam for over 20 minutes Sept. 17 when Haslam was in Knoxville to promote passage of Amendment 2 on the judicial selection process. Smith wants Bill and Crissy Haslam to campaign for him. Apparently that may occur. This is most contested race in Knox County on Nov. 4. Mayor Rogero will be strongly backing Johnson and Cheri Siler for state senator, which will place her in direct opposition to the governor on these two candidates. Johnson is favored, but Smith is a credible candidate. ■ U.S. Bankruptcy Court Judge Richard Stair Jr. is retiring after a distinguished 28-year career in the federal judiciary, and a reception is being
held in his honor this Friday, Sept. 26, at the Howard Baker federal courthouse. ■ Veteran GOP activist Phyllis Severance is helping the Alexander for U.S. Senate office in Knox County – a substantial boost to the Alexander effort. ■ It is ironic that the Tennessee Supreme Court, which has a female majority, did not have a single woman apply to be the state attorney general. Nor was there a concerted effort to encourage women or African-Americans to apply. It would seem the three female members of the court would have encouraged female attorneys or judges to apply for that eight-year term, but apparently it did not happen. Women in today’s world often make up a significant portion of graduating classes from law schools. Tennessee has never had a woman or African-American serve as state AG. They will have to wait another eight years to even be considered. Knox County elected its first female DA (Charme Knight Allen) last month. Shelby County has had a female DA for several years. Popular election produces faster results in this area than appointments made behind closed doors. ■ Gov. Bill Haslam will join New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval and Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon at a reception at the U.S. Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan, this Sunday, Sept. 28, according to an invitation sent to personnel at the Embassy.
The effort to derail McMillan Week before last, reports trickled out that establishment types (meaning the usual Chamber of Commerce/corporate education reform crowd) were getting desperate to find a way to derail Mike McMillan’s campaign to become chair of the Board of Education, a powerful position that automatically confers a spot on the board’s two-person executive committee (along with the superintendent) and the ability to set the board’s meeting agendas. McMillan has been a consistent critic of Superintendent James McIntyre since taking the Eighth District seat in 2010, and he often finds himself on the short end of 8-1 votes. The proMcIntyre majority had little to fear from him, and a year ago, nobody could have predicted that he’d emerge as the senior member of a burgeoning 5-4 majority.
Betty Bean But he may well be. When Lynne Fugate announced that she was tired of being perceived as divisive and would not seek re-election as chair, the McIntyre-supporting former majority lined up behind Third District board member Doug Harris, but he could muster only four votes, including his own. Same went for McMillan, who got his own vote plus votes from new members Amber Rountree, Terry Hill and interim member John Fugate. When it became obvious that the two sides would never untangle the deadlock, everyone agreed to come back next month and vote again when new Seventh District board member Patti Bounds
is present. Bounds, who was off on a Mediterranean cruise that was planned and paid for long before she ran for office, has become the focus of intense speculation. Meanwhile, public relations guy Mike Cohen didn’t like the way things appeared to be headed but said he was acting on his own in his efforts to find a way to block McMillan from being named chair. His basic argument is that Knox County will be less likely to find suitable candidates for McIntyre’s replacement with McMillan at the helm. His solution for breaking the deadlock? Terry Hill, the new Sixth District board member, who is a retired school psychologist, mother of a former board member (Cindy Buttry) and wife of another (Steve Hill). She scored the most resounding Election
Day win of any of the newbies and was a polished candidate who appeared to be less dug into her positions than many of her colleagues. Plus, Cohen, a former KCS public information officer, said he just likes her. “Personally I’d love Terry to serve. I actually wrote her that a couple of days after the election. I knew her when I was the schools’ PR guy. I was a fan of hers then and I am a fan of hers now,” he said. He also said he doesn’t think the options should be limited to Harris or McMillan. But there’s a glitch – Hill (who had likely noticed that several of Cohen’s friends, including Doug Harris, gave considerable sums of money to her major opponent) doesn’t want the job. “I have no interest in running for chair at this time,” she said.
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Shopper news • SEPTEMBER 24, 2014 • 5
High-turnout elections favor big-spending candidates There’s an old joke that only three things matter in politics: Money, money and money. Money pays for media advertising, yard signs, billboards and direct mail to voters. It allows a candidate to get his or her message out and reach folks who rarely pay attention to politics. Yet, money isn’t usually as important in local campaigns because so few peo-
Scott Frith
ple vote. A campaign doesn’t need a lot of money when you can fit all the district’s voters into a high school gymnasium. For example, only 3,249 votes were
cast in the Sixth District’s (Northwest Knox County) school board primary election in May. In the Ninth District (South Knox), only 2,494 votes were cast. Low-turnout, local elections give more influence to members of special-interest groups such as teachers and neighborhood organizations because these folks vote in higher numbers. Unsurprisingly, candidates
Great White spotted in Fort Loudoun? Now there’s a headline broadcasts. That it didn’t you can sink your teeth into. failed to deter readers who tweeted, “This is why I don’t ride roller coasters” and similar sentiments for days Larry after the article appeared. The expansion of Internet Van access with its vast stores of Guilder knowledge at the disposal of anyone with a computer and a cable connection was supposed to usher in a Second The question mark is Enlightenment. Instead, life the first hint it’s not true. imitating art, we’re daily The second is sharks’ well- reminded that “Dumb and known dislike of freshwater. Dumber” are just a mouse Topping this week’s “who click away. Print publications like knew?” list is a website calling itself “NY Meta” where the National Enquirer and items as dubious as this fish Globe have long made a livstory are passed off as fac- ing with Elvis sightings and encounters with aliens. But tual. A few weeks ago NY Meta word of mouth was about published “news,” accompa- the only way to propagate nied by video, of a terrifying their stories. Now, Facebook and Youincident. According to the story, a roller-coaster car Tube claim more than a bilflew off the tracks at Coney lion users, and about 250 Island injuring eight people. million of us gossip on TwitIt was completely fab- ter. If only 1 percent of Facericated, yet thousands of book users are contenders social-media users bought for a Darwin* award, there into it. New York’s Econom- are potentially 10 million ic Development Corporation people out there who believe demanded the publisher the cream they ordered will take the story down, and NY melt belly fat and Republicans have an alternative Meta complied. The story, if true, would national health insurance have made headlines in le- plan. How gullible are we? gitimate newspapers and local and national news Would Orson Welles’ “War
of the Worlds” radio play spark panic today? If posted on YouTube and Facebook, the answer is it probably would. For millions, if it’s on the Internet it must be true. The dumbing down of America seems to accelerate at a pace consistent with the increase in bandwidth. You can get a lot of misinformation a lot faster at 12 megabytes per second than you could in my misspent youth when 2400 baud was smoking hot. The other day I heard a comedian tell of a 20-something woman who aspired to a career as a volunteer – but she wanted to get paid for it. The word she was looking for, the comic said, was “employee.” Stupid is as stupid surfs. But if you do spot a shark in Fort Loudoun, let us be the first to know. * The mythical Darwin is awarded for cleansing the gene pool. Recent recipients include the 43-year-old man who took a swig of golden liquid from a salsa jar thinking it was a cocktail. It was gasoline, which he immediately spit out. To soothe his nerves he lit a cigarette. He died the next day at a burn center.
Cancer survivor uses artistic talent to benefit others As the owner of the “Up the Creek Gifts & Designs” shop in Knoxville, Celeste Reedy was always busy creating custom baskets and gifts for customers and running her own business. But her active life took a sudden detour when Reedy was sidelined by a double cancer diagnosis in April of 2013.
“It was the week of Palm Sunday,” remembers Reedy. “I couldn’t breathe, so I went to the Emergency Room. A scan showed a lymphoma wrapped around my throat and thyroid. It was cancer.” Because the growth was cutting off Reedy’s airway, the mass was removed during an emergency surgery. But, Reedy’s troubles weren’t over. “While I was still recovering in Critical Care, the doctors discovered a small but very aggressive spot of breast cancer.” Reedy spent the next several months undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatments. “The chemo and radiation for lymphoma was similar to what’s used for breast cancer, so I had treatment for both cancers at the same time,” explains Reedy. Reedy adjusted to life full of doctors’ appointments and treatments. “I’ve always been so healthy and active, it’s mindboggling how everything can turn around,” says Reedy. To pass time while as she waited in doctors’ offices, Reedy began sketching. “I’d draw flowers and things I was familiar with. I’d get lost in drawing, it was therapeutic for me.” Reedy was surprised when nurse Mary Krogh of Premier Surgical Associates at Parkwest, noticed her artwork and asked if Celeste would design a t-
long history of community involvement and is a model candidate for a low-turnout, local election for school board or City Council. Yet, the upcoming November election will feature far more voters than a typical school board race. For example, in the May 2014 election, 27,969 votes were cast countywide. In August, 60,744 votes were cast countywide. Expect more than 100,000 votes to be cast this November. A higher turnout favors the candidate who spends more money. Tracie Sanger is not only an educator, but a proven fundraiser widelypraised for her work raising money for the Shannondale Elementary School Foundation. Sanger will have little trouble raising money and is expected to run a strong, community-based campaign. While Rowe might have had the advantage if the election were held in an-
other election cycle, Sanger may defy expectations and win in November’s highturnout special election. High-turnout elections favor big-spending candidates. Expect Sanger to spend a lot of money. Scott Frith is a local attorney. You can reach him at scott@pleadthefrith.com.
GOV NOTES ■ 3rd/4th District Democrats meeting, 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 25, Bearden Branch Library, 100 Golf Club Road. Guest speakers: Becky Harmon, Emily Gregg and George Shields. ■ Truman Day Dinner, 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 2, The Foundry, 747 World’s Fair Park Drive. Tickets: $60; $70 after Sept. 28. Info/tickets: https://secure. actblue.com/contribute/ page/trumanday2014; info@ knoxvilledemocrats.org; 540-4001. ■ Democratic Women’s Club meeting, Tuesday, Oct. 14, Shoney’s on Western Avenue. Info: 742-8234.
Bearden resident is state’s new AG Tennessee is in great hands with Herbert Slatery III as state attorney general, says Steve Mc Sween, president of Egerton, McAfee, Armistead & Davis P.C. Herb Slatery Slatery and McSween worked together for 26 years before Slatery took up his previous post as chief legal counsel to Gov. Bill Haslam in 2011. They were also next-door neighbors in the Bearden area. Slatery is fair, hardworking and a great man-
Wendy Smith
ager, McSween says, which will come in handy as he manages a very, very large law firm. While at Egerton, McAfee, Slatery specialized in finance, corporate governance, capital formation, real estate, and sales and acquisitions of businesses. He was president of the firm from 1998 to 2007, and chair from 2008 to 2011. “He’s a lawyer’s lawyer.
Other attorneys go to him for advice,” says McSween. Slatery served as chair, director and general counsel of the Public Building Authority of Knox County and Knoxville, and was a lawyer for the county’s Industrial Development Board. He grew up here and is a huge supporter of Knoxville, McSween says. He was very active at Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church, and his two grown children live here. Slatery will be just the second Republican attorney general in state history. Tennessee is the only state where the Supreme Court names the attorney general. It’s an eight-year term.
Let
NEWS FROM PREMIER SURGICAL
Cancer patient Celeste Reedy designed an inspirational t-shirt that a physicians’ office is selling to benefit the Knoxville Komen Race for the Cure.
favored by these groups often win local elections because their voters make up a larger percentage of the electorate. But a high-turnout election changes everything. In a high-turnout election, teachers and neighborhood organizations have less influence because they comprise a smaller percentage of voters. Also, when there are more voters, money plays an increased role because a campaign can reach out to unaffiliated voters who may not follow local politics every day. This brings us to the upcoming special election for school board. In the Second District, Indya Kincannon has resigned, and there are three candidates running to replace her in November: Charlotte Dorsey, Jamie Rowe and Tracie Sanger. The conventional wisdom is that Jamie Rowe is favored to win. Rowe has a
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FREE water heater shirt to sell for the office’s annual Komen Race for the Cure fundraiser. Krogh says Premier Surgical and the Parkwest office have long been involved in the Knoxville Komen race. “The cancer fundraiser is a way we honor our families, friends and patients affected by breast cancer,” explains Krogh. “It’s very special to have a patient like Celeste design our shirt.” Reedy says she’s honored to be a part of the office’s effort. “The Premier Surgical staff and physicians have become my friends. I actually look forward to coming to my appointments here,” says Reedy. “I’m excited to do something that could possibly make a difference for other cancer patients.” Reedy’s t-shirt design incorporates colorful flowers with the words “Faith”, “Hope”, “Love”, and “Life”. “I’m very appreciative of life and no longer take lot of things for granted,” says Reedy. Orders for the shirts are being accepted at the Premier Surgical office at Parkwest Medical Center. Proceeds will benefit the Komen Knoxville Race for the Cure.
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6 • SEPTEMBER 24, 2014 • NORTH/EAST Shopper news
A-E fans in the stands: (first row) Ashauna Brabson, Nikki Chandler Hensley, who is newlywed to (second row) Greg “Apostle G” Hensley Jr., his mother Shelia, owner of Shelia’s Creative Styles salon; his sister, Ashley Hensley, a former A-E cheerleader, and Madison Arnwine; (third row) Greg Hensley Sr., Ben Gaertner, father to A-E cheerleader Brennan Cox; and Madison’s mom, Andrea Bowman.
First on the field to greet the Carter Hornets are: A-E Roadrunners Jimmy Rowans, 33; Devante Johnson, 7; and Deshawn Matthews.
Carter gets 20-2 win at A-E By Patricia Williams
Carter majorettes Tori Keirsey, Taylor Bodin-Henderson, Ashlee Carney and Madison Inman are in formation during the halftime performance.
Kids helping kids By Patricia Williams Chick-fil-A sponsored a competition among church youth groups based on 2013 community service projects. Churches from throughout East Tennessee submitted their service projects via Instagram for consideration. The youth group from City on a Hill Church, in Knoxville Center Mall, was awarded the $500 cash prize for its service project in Oneida, Tenn., where the group partnered with Mission of Hope to provide school supplies to under-
privileged children in the area. “Pastor Brian” Thorne, youth minister, oversees the church’s Walk It Out ministry for youths 12 to 17. The group’s name is inspired by the biblical text in Micah 6, which details what the Lord requires of people. Pastors Tony and LaShea Colson founded City on a Hill Church in 2003, envisioning a multicultural church that they felt would better represent God’s kingdom. Info: www.thecity.cc
Youth minister “Pastor Brian” of City on a Hill Church accepts the Chick-fil-A 2013 Service Award and $500 cash gift on behalf of the church’s Walk It Out youth ministry.
New is not always the best thing to be or to have. As most of us who have been around a while would agree – many things get better with age. That was the resounding message for me at Friday night’s football competition between Austin-East and Carter high schools that ended in a 20-2 victory for Carter. While the visiting Carter team and fans marveled over all “the new” at A-E’s George “Dusty” Lennon Stadium – the press box, concessions, lockers and restrooms – their coaches were giving “the new” A-E football coach, Jeffrey Phillips, a few lessons that come with time and experience. The Roadrunners had the
Marvin West
Tickets were tight. Standing-room-only was sold out. Excitement was peaking. The university newspaper declared this the game of the decade. A radio station kept interrupting songs and commentary with somebody yelling, “Go you hairy Dogs!” I suppose this was what Southeastern Conference competition was supposed to be. I had watched four days
up, take down, move, haul and even build props. The elaborate performance included three props that were each about 8 feet by 12 feet: a working hour glass, a swinging pendulum and a digital alarm clock with a lighted LED display representing the transformation of time. The Hornets returned for the second half with a sting, getting 20 points. Again, flags and penalties cluttered the A-E performance. Apologies for not having photos of game action. Time can be transforming in positive and not so positive ways. In my case, I ask that readers bear with me until I figure out how these new cameras work.
Showdown in Corryton Gibbs, Oak Ridge enter red-hot in key district clash Oak Ridge comes in unbeaten after rolling big at McMinn County last week. Gibbs is hot, too, the Eagles winning for the first time – ever – at Halls last week. The Wildcats, who overwhelmed McMinn County 35-0 with a relentless ground game last week, pulled away to win this one fairly handily last season, but Gibbs will come to play. Much will depend on how the Eagles fare at slowing the Oak Ridge running game. Last season: Gibbs (32, 1-2 4AAA), Oak Ridge (40, 2-0) Last meeting: 2013 – Oak Ridge 57, Gibbs 28 The offenses: The Eagles run the triple option, and they’re very good at it. The Wildcats attack out of the spread. The defenses: Gibbs tailors the defense to that week’s opponent. Oak Ridge defends from a 3-4 loaded
Best trip to Georgia Athens, Ga., is a good place to play football – genuine college town, enthusiastic fans, significant history, sideline hedges that make the arena unique. My favorite football trip to Georgia was 45 years ago, last day of October, first of November 1969. The Volunteers arrived 5-0 and No. 3 in the country. Whipping up on Alabama in Birmingham the Saturday before had influenced poll voters. Tennessee jumped four places. Georgia was ranked 11th. Vince Dooley thought his team deserved better. Could be he was right. The Bulldogs had won 16 in a row at home. The defense was great, permitting only 86 yards a game.
only score in the first half – two points. The team looked promising as it made three interceptions against the Hornets. But it could not turn those gains into points. What the players failed to do in the first half, the award-winning Carter marching band made up for at halftime. They took the field (and pretty much the whole field), stepping out with its best. The Carter band and support staff had done their homework, and it showed in the performance themed “Time.” The school will be celebrating its centennial (1915-2015) next year. The “pit crew,” as they describe themselves, is made up mostly of parents of band members. They set
of Tennessee preparation. Doug Dickey had a good idea. Bobby Scott was going to throw to Lester McClain and Gary Kreis and Ken DeLong and maybe swing it out to tailback Don McLeary in the flat. Sophomore fullback Curt Watson was going to keep the Bulldogs honest with inside yardage behind Chip Kell, Don Denbo and Mike Bevins. I didn’t ask, but I am confident the Vols were confident. They had a really good team. You’ve heard about the best-laid plans of mice and men – well, cold rain came to town on Friday and didn’t go away. You could almost hear Ray Charles or Brook Benton doing “Rainy Night in Georgia.”
with linebackers. The Breakdown: Oak Ridge has plenty of weapons on offense, and Wildcat quarterback Logan Fadnek hasn’t been stingy when it comes to spreading the ball around. Fadnek’s stable of receiving options starts with sophomore tight end Tee Higgins. At 6-foot-4, he’s hard to miss. Senior wide outs Ted Mitchell, Brandon Bonds and Jemiah Hall are also dangerous. On the ground, Isaiah Jones and junior Jaylen Nickerson, a Maryville transfer, have both had big nights so far this season. While Oak Ridge won going away last season, Gibbs
did put four touchdowns in the Wildcat defense, and much of the running game A-E cheerleader Bahja Robinthat did it is back. son somersaults to each letter Senior quarterback Pres- of r-o-a-d-r-u-n-n-e-r-s. ton Booth spurs the Eagles offense. He ran for better than 800 yards and 16 place Campbell County (4-1, touchdowns last season 2-1) and Knox Central (3-1, and is on an even better 2-1). With an Oak Ridge win, pace this fall. Fullback Silas the Wildcats and Mavericks Joiner and slot back Bren- could begin to pull away dan Wilson, both seniors, from the field. As good as Oak Ridge has combined for more than 1,300 yards in a 2013 cam- looked so far this season, paign that saw Gibbs get hot paired with last season’s win down the stretch and make at Blankenship Field, the Wildcats enter the favorite, the playoffs. On defense, the Eagles but don’t sell Gibbs short. With the Eagles still flywill have one of the best players on the field on ei- ing high from their win at ther side of the ball in 6-3, Halls last week, all bets are 250-pound senior defensive off for this year’s clash with end Hunter Lane, an All- the Wildcats in Corryton. If Oak Ridge has any trouble State selection last fall. Why this one in- getting a handle on the Eatrigues: A win puts Gibbs gles’ option offense, it could right in the thick of the dis- get really, really interesting. You’ll know a lot after the trict race with Oak Ridge and frontrunner Anderson first couple of times Gibbs County (5-0, 2-0), third- has the ball.
It was really wet on Saturday. Dickey and offensive coordinator Jimmy Dunn met with Scott to discuss the switch from Plan A to Plan B, if weather became a factor. It did. The day would have been really bad if it hadn’t been so good. Tennessee endured an early hiccup. Midway through the first quarter, Watson lost the wet ball in a tight situation. Georgia recovered at the UT 5. Bulldog fans were delirious. Tennessee’s defensive front dug in. Three plays gained one yard. Georgia kicked a field goal. For the first time that season, Tennessee was behind. Watson responded. Home guys couldn’t handle him. Piston legs and slick nylon pants led to missed tackles and hurt feelings – and shoulders and heads. Curt ran over a few obsta-
cles. He turned the lovely turf, nurtured with tender, loving care, into his very own muddy loblolly. He gained 197 yards on 19 carries and wanted more. Georgia fans did not suffer in silence. Some threw oranges. Denbo peeled one and ate it. Watson noticed the commotion, raised his eyebrows and smiled. Gotcha. Scott, the quarterback, explained the mismatch: “Curt was a great back. He was very difficult to bring down under normal conditions. He was a powerful man with exceptional balance. He took a lot of hits and kept on going.” Off the field: Wife Sarah sat through a first-half soaking and retreated to our car. She would tolerate Larry Munson’s broadcast of excuses in the dry. Alas, the car battery ran down. Sarah hiked across the
Stefan Cooper
sloppy parking lot, found a service truck, got a quick recharge and was ready to roll when my three stories were written. Her shoes gave her away. She told me about the dilemma. Her winning rally raised my forever respect. I awarded all-American honors. Curt was second team. For both, it was a signature game. Almost forgot: Tennessee won, 17-3. As usual, linebackers Steve Kiner, Jack Reynolds and Jackie Walker got most of the defensive credit. Tim Priest and Bill Young discouraged desperation bombs. As wet games go, it was an unforgettable adventure. Going to Georgia may never be so fine. There are many such stories in Marvin West’s first book, “Tales of the Tennessee Vols,” now a possible collector’s item. Purchase information available at westwest6@netzero.com.
NORTH/EAST Shopper news • SEPTEMBER 24, 2014 • 7
Giving furry friends a second chance One thing’s for sure: James Liford and Corrie McKinney care deeply about animals. Determined to create awareness about furry friends needing forever homes, the engaged couple have opened Second Chance Pet Rescue in Knoxville Center Mall.
Massey urges inclusion, jobs for disabled By Sandra Clark
Nancy Whittaker
Partnering with Blount County Animal Center, their goal is to find loving homes for animals that might otherwise be euthanized. Cats and dogs, kittens and puppies, rabbits and ferrets – many animals will be delivered to Second Chance by Blount County Animal Center. All shots will be up to date, and all animals will have been spayed or neutered and checked out to make sure they are healthy and adoptable. Potential adoptive families are given an application form to determine which pet best suits their needs. Those adopting a large dog are required to have a fenced-in yard. Prospective owners enjoy a climate-controlled viewing area to select their pet. In most cases, pets can be taken home the same day.
Holtz joins Health Department Michael Holtz has joined the Knox County Health Department as director of community assessment and health promotion. He comes to KCHD after 12 years with the American Cancer
business
Owners Corrie McKinney and James Liford, along with manager Christy Ryder and assistant manager Brandi Cook, prepare to open Second Chance Pet Rescue at Knoxville Center Mall. Photo by Nancy Whittaker
Adoption fees vary but start as low as $40, and proceeds help the efforts of Blount County Animal Center. Pet supplies are available in all price ranges, but Second Chance specializes in affordable items for the new “family member.” Second Chance is also working with Blount County Animal Center to find new homes for pets whose current owners can no longer care for them. Liford and McKinney want Second Chance to benefit the community. They already have two devoted volunteers. Manager Christy Ryder and assistant manager Brandi Cook are both enSociety and its Cancer Action Network’s 14-state Southern region. Holtz will oversee adolescent pregnancy prevention, HIV/AIDS awareness, teen health promotion, violence and unintentional injury prevention, TENNderCARE, and the epidemiology program.
Shopper s t n e V enews
thusiastic and dedicated to the cause. There is no doubt that these four will succeed. Additional volunteers and sponsors are needed. Sponsors can donate food, toys, blankets or other needed items. Sponsors can also select a pet or two each month and pre-pay their adoption fee. Several sponsors have already signed up, including Wayward Arts, a new neighboring business at the mall, and Sears. Everyone is invited to the grand opening 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27. Door prizes, refreshments and pet adoptions will be available. Second Chance is on the upper level of KnoxHoltz earned his master’s in communications from the University of Tennessee in Michael Holtz 1998, and his bachelor’s in mass communica-
ville Center Mall near Sears. Check them out on Facebook or call 556-7896. ■
Justin’s surprise
The East Towne Area Business and Professional Association will meet at 8 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 1, at the New Harvest Park Community Center. President Justin Sterling plans a big announcement for the group. Carolyn Pointer Neil, president of Elder Advocates, will speak. Sterling invites all businesses along the East Towne corridor to attend, and come a little early and join the group for breakfast! tion from the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, in 1992. He and wife Sarah live in Knoxville with their rescue dog, Marley. Holtz replaces Dr. Kathleen Brown, who recently accepted a position with the University of Tennessee’s Department of Public Health.
THURSDAY, SEPT. 25 Submissions for the art competition of Louie Bluie Music and Arts Festival accepted at Cove Lake State Park Pavilion/Recreation Building, Caryville. Info: http://louiebluie.org/louie-bluie-art-judging-entry/. Cruise Night, 6-9 p.m., 6215 Riverview Crossing Drive in front of old Food Lion at Asheville Highway. All makes, models, years and clubs welcome. No charge. Door prizes.
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THROUGH TUESDAY, SEPT. 30 Featured artists at Parkside Open Door Gallery, Fountain City Art Center, 213 Hotel Ave., are Fountain City artist Adam Rowe and Karen Ferency of Sequoyah Hills. Rowe will be showing his laser-cut cards and Ferency creates wheel-thrown pottery. Info/hours: 357-7624 or 357-2787.
THROUGH FRIDAY, OCT. 3 Samples accepted for jurying process, Appalachian Arts Craft Center, 2716 Andersonville Highway 61 near Norris. A nonrefundable $25 jurying fee is required with submissions. Info/submission forms: 494-9854 or www.appalachianarts.net.
THROUGH MONDAY, OCT. 27 Deadline for membership applications to Knoxville Watercolor Society. Applications: www. knxvillewatercolorsociety.com. Info: Kate McCullough, 604-1406 or kateswaterart@gmail.com.
WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 24 Quilt competition entries accepted for the Louie Bluie Music and Arts Festival, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., The Quilt Patch, 2221 Jacksboro Pike (Food City Center), LaFollette. Info: http://louiebluie.org/louiebluie-quilt-show-entry/. First Line-First Page-First Chapter, 6-8 p.m., Appalachian Arts Craft Center. Instructor: Kathleen Fearing. Registration deadline: Sept. 17. Info: 4949854 or www.appalachianarts.net. Knox County Veterans Services Outreach, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Carter Senior Center, 9040 Asheville Highway. Provides one-on-one assistance to veterans and family members. Info: 215-5645, veterans@knoxcounty.org. Deadline to preorder meals to be served during the Block party Life Care EMS fundraiser for the Manor at Northgate, 4301 Whittle Springs Road, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 8. Cost: $5. Includes choice of one hamburger or two hot dogs with two sides, a dessert and a drink. Info/RSVP: 225-6799.
FRIDAY, SEPT. 26 Deadline to register for Senior Appreciation Picnic hosted by County Mayor Tim Burchett 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Friday, Oct. 3, John Tarleton Park, 3201 Division St. Includes lunch, live music and a vendor expo. Free to all Knox County seniors. RSVP: 215-4007. Friesian Horse Inspection, 8 a.m., Walters State’s Great Smoky Mountains Expo Center, Morristown. Covered and covered warm-up rings. Free admission. Info: Lisa Baker, 423-538-9292.
SATURDAY, SEPT. 27 Thunder Road Gospel Jubilee, 7 p.m., 1388 Main Street, Maynardville. Singers invited. Info: Joe, 201-5748. Louie Bluie Music and Arts Festival, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Cove Lake State Park in Caryville. Features two stages of live music, food and craft vendors, children’s entertainment and activities, an art competition for amateur and professional artists, and a juried quilt exhibit. Info: www.Louiebluie.org or Campbell County Chamber of Commerce, 423-566-0329. “Son” Fest, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. New Hope Baptist Church, 7602 Bud Hawkins Road. Food, games, crafts, silent auction, vendors. Michael Wayne Smith will sing, 12:30 p.m. Info: 688-5330. Public Lands Day, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Big Ridge State Park and Norris Lake. Educational and fun day of service. Lunch will be provided. Info: Chamber of Commerce, 992-2811, or Big Ridge State Park, 992-5523. Free movie in Luttrell Park: “God’s Not Dead,” 8 p.m. or when dark. Hosted by United Missionary Baptist Church. Bring chairs/blankets. Fall festival, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. New Beginnings Baptist Church, behind East Knox Elementary School. Vendors, hayride, games, music, concessions. Info: 806-1664. Golf tournament for Freedom Christian Academy, Three Ridges Golf Course. Shotgun start, 8:30 a.m. Fee: $300/team of four. Info: Kara Robertson, 525-7807. Ballroom Dance, 7-9 p.m., Halls Senior Center, 4405 Crippen Road. Admission: $5 per person. Live music provided by the Nigel Boulton Band. Info: 922-0416. Free music workshop, 9 a.m.-noon, First Comforter Church, 5516 Old Tazewell Pike. Instructors: Jim and Edna Hensley. All ages welcome. Info: 688-8390. Free Flu Shot Saturday, 8 a.m.-noon, AustinEast, Carter, Farragut, Halls and West high schools and South-Doyle Middle School. Donations accepted to benefit Empty Stocking Fund.
You can hear her daddy when state Sen. Becky Massey speaks. She absolutely blew me away with her testimony before a congressional committee last week. It was a spur-of-themoment invitation. Massey had been working with Halls residents to extend the TDOT greenway grant set to expire Sept. 30. When Mayor Tim Burchett decided to go ahead and break ground, I phoned Massey’s office with details on the Thursday ceremony. “She can’t come,” said her assistant, Debbie Gazzaway. “She’s presenting to Congress.” Seems Sen. Lamar Alexander had asked her to talk about barriers faced by people with disabilities. She gave the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (did they mean for the acronym to be HELP?) an earful. Her presentation was so strong that we can’t do it justice here. Read the full text at www. help.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/Massey1. “A meaningful job can make a difference in the lives of people with disabilities just as it does for all citizens. Every person, regardless of hardship, disability and prejudice, can excel if given the opportunity,” she said. “For them a job means more than just a paycheck. It means truly being part of the community.” The presentation was tightly organized and ended with 14 specific solutions within the reach of Congress. Massey has worked
Tennessee state Sen. Becky Massey advocates in Washington for people with disabilities. 21 years as a disability provider and is currently executive director of the Sertoma Center. Hers was not a bleedingheart call for more welfare. Instead, it was a thoughtful plan to get physically and mentally challenged individuals specific job training in high school coupled with incentives for businesses that hire them. Massey wants to eliminate the “cultural mindset of low expectations” that implies the disabled are unable to work. Wow. In a poisonous atmosphere of political gotcha, Becky Duncan Massey presented a plan for action based on her life’s work in the private sector. It’s not enough to be against most everything. Citizens pay taxes and deserve a government that works. Last Thursday’s testimony shows why we ought to send Becky Massey to Washington more frequently … and perhaps full time.
Graveston Septemberfest, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Graveston Baptist Church, 8319 Clapps Chapel Road. Classic car show, people’s choice chili cook-off, craft fair. Free. Info/to register as participant: www.graveston.org. Fall plant sale, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., UT Gardens located just off Neyland Drive behind the UT Veterinary Medical Center. Perennials, shrubs and trees. Info: utgardens.tennessee.edu.
SUNDAY, SEPT. 28 Learn to Sew, Part 2, 2-4:30 p.m., Appalachian Arts Craft Center, 2716 Hwy. 61 in Norris. Instructor: Janet Donaldson. Info: 494-9854 or www.appalachianarts.net. French Broad Preservation Association Pickle Fest, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Riverdale Schoolhouse, 7009 Thorngrove Pike. Food trucks, music, crafts, demonstrations and more. Autism Family Day, 1-5 p.m., The Muse in Chilhowee Park. Sensory-friendly planetarium shows: 2, 3 and 4 p.m. Activities supervised by Artistic Spectrum; refreshments by The Autism Society of East Tennessee. Reduced admission: $3 per person, ages 2 and up; under 2, free. Info: www.asaetc.org. Lantern and Carriage Tour, 4-7 p.m., Old Gray Cemetery, 543 N. Broadway. Cost: Adults, $10; students, $5; carriage, $5. Re-enactors, carriage rides and more. Info: 522-1424; info@oldgraycemetery.org. Sunday Night Concert Series at Historic Cherokee Caverns, 8524 Oak Ridge Highway. Features live Bluegrass and Country Music, food trucks and tours of the cave. Shows: 5 and 7 p.m. Tickets: adults, $10; children 12 and under, free. Info/tickets: www. cherokeecaverns.com. “Children in the Arts,” 2:30 p.m., Amphitheatre at the World’s Fair Site. Presented by Tennessee Children’s Dance Ensemble as a part of the Penny for the Arts series. Adult tickets: $7, children/student tickets: one penny. Info: Irena Linn, 584-9636, silverdancer21@ gmail.com.
MONDAY, SEPT. 29 Deadline to purchase tickets for Knoxville’s Founders Day Luncheon and Benefit, to be held noon Friday, Oct. 3, The Foundry, 747 World’s Fair Park Drive. Featured speaker: U.S. Rep. John J. Duncan Jr. Proceeds to benefit the Historic Homes of Knoxville. Tickets: www.KnoxTIX.com or 523-7543
TUESDAY, SEPT. 30 Open house, 6-7 p.m., Knoxville Center Taoist Tai Chi Society, 1205 N Central St. Beginning classes available every day. Info: 546-9222. Free concert, food and fun hosted by the K-Town Sound Show Chorus, 6:30-9:30 p.m., Fountain City Presbyterian Church, 500 Hotel Road. Info: Miriam, 599-2150 or www.ktownsound.org.
8 • SEPTEMBER 24, 2014 • NORTH/EAST Shopper news
NEWS FROM EMERALD YOUTH FOUNDATION OF KNOXVILLE
Sizzlin’ students prepare for ACT with Emerald Youth Twelve high school students beat the heat this summer by getting sharp for the ACT with Emerald Youth Foundation. Emerald conducted a twice-weekly course June 16 - Aug. 4 at Mount Zion Baptist Church, 2714 Brooks Avenue. Students took refuge in the cool church on Monday and Thursday evenings from 7-8:30 p.m. Christi Cardwell, who directs high school and young adult curriculum for Emerald Youth, led the course. The students received intensive coaching from a staff of seven volunteer tutors in math skills on Mondays and reading skills on Thursdays. And, oh yes, there were cupcakes and brownies too, Cardwell said. “We aimed at improving overall scores for this year because most of the students are juniors,” Cardwell said. The ACT is offered about six times between
September and June, but all Tennessee high school juniors get to take the national college admissions exam once for free. Cardwell said that ACT preparation has great potential to help students raise their scores. She said that during the summer course, the goal was to “hit the gaps that we see emerging across the board for kids.” In math, tutors helped students nail down concepts they had studied in the past but didn’t entirely grasp. “For example, we did some overall geometry refreshers with them. We did some work with fractions so they aren’t thrown by problems with those kinds of numbers,” Cardwell said. In reading, students tackled basic test prep skills like using the process of elimination and context clues to decide on an answer. “We talked about the
Charles Rowe (center), a student at the L&N STEM Academy, receives tutoring in math from wife and husband team Lynn and Keith Bledsoe at the Emerald Youth ACT Prep course at Mount Zion Baptist Church.
types of reading questions offered on the test and what their purpose is. We worked through some vocabulary and speed drills in both math and reading,” Cardwell said. Participating students at-
tend L&N STEM Academy, and West, Oak Ridge, Karns and Carter high schools. For information on future ACT Prep courses, contact Cardwell at 637.3227 ext. 122 or email ccardwell@ emeraldyouth.org.
Sisters follow their hearts to leadership and college
Delandra and Jordan Carter, 19-year-old sisters and Maryville College sophomores, sum up the qualities of leadership in a few words: Faithful. Committed. Hardworking. Community-building. Trustworthy. They put all those qualities to work in the Lonsdale community, their home. The sisters spent the summer serving with Emerald Youth as AmeriCorps members. Their job was to provide youth in a bustling summer program with academic help and plenty of fun at the Virginia Avenue Ministry, 2201 Virginia Avenue. Delandra and Jordan grew up in the neighborhoods around Virginia Avenue Ministry, and they belong to the church. As they cared for the children – teaching reading and math and leading recreation – both thought of their own days as little girls at the ministry. “I remember when I was about 10. My dad passed away,” Delandra said. “The staff at Emerald Youth were so understanding and kind. They cared for me.” “Emerald Youth taught me to build relationships with other people and with God too. It helped me establish friendships with adults
Delandra Carter, center, hanging out this summer with (from left) Justus Simpson, Lexi Lawson and Amyrical Bingham. as role models,” said Jordan. When the sisters were in fourth grade, their mom, Jovette Johnson, began working on the staff at the Virginia Avenue Ministry. Today she coordinates its elementary and middle school program. Johnson always made sure that Delandra and Jordan faithfully attended church and the ministry’s programs after school, evenings and in the summer. They participated in service projects like a carwash to raise funds for victims of Hurricane Katrina in fifth grade and a filmmaking project against racism in middle school. “I feel it’s very important for all kids to have as many
Jordan Carter (left) having fun at Emerald Youth with Lexie Seabolt.
people as possible, supporting them. That is what they received by being a part of Emerald Youth,” she said. As seniors at Bearden High School, Jordan and Delandra joined the Emerald Youth Fellows. Formed in 2012, the program provides special mentoring, travel, and leadership training for a select class of about 12 students. The Fellows program mentored the girls through senior year, providing financial, academic and leadership training. It will follow them until they get their first real job. The goal is to prepare young adults for college and career, with the hope that they will be urban leaders of the future, said Cedric Jack-
A Note from Steve Each fall when school starts, I think about kids like Jesse. Jesse was an urban fifth grade boy who often shot baskets in his front yard instead of going to school. Je s s e’s mom, a single Steve Diggs m o t h e r, explained it to a staff member at a nearby Emerald Youth Foundation neighborhood ministry: “Jesse just doesn’t want to go to school, and I don’t think I can make him.” “Call me the next time he won’t go,” said the staff member. She called the very next day. Two important things then happened. The staff member, who had already begun shooting baskets with Jesse, went to his house and drove him to school. And Jesse joined the ministry’s daily youth programming. There he got a good snack, recreation, spiritual support, homework help and interaction with caring adults. Jesse received the “Most Improved” award at his elementary school that year. Recently Jesse started his senior year in high school. There are thousands of
son, EY Fellows director. Delandra and Jordan are determined to succeed, and Emerald Youth is helping them do it. “Growing up at Emerald Youth, we practiced leadership a lot,” said Delandra. “Some kids now might not understand my role as a leader. But as they mature, they learn that they can be a leader too.” Jordan said college fresh- Summer 2014 men should “make good friends and learn how to by the numbers study when you first get ■ 200+ elementary and middle school youth participated in there. You have to really Emerald Youth Camp Week. know the material in college.” Delandra plans to study ■ 240+ kids enjoyed Variety Zoo Day at the Knoxville Zoo. veterinary medicine, and Jordan to be a pediatric ■ 300+ students received tarnurse. geted academic assistance in 5
kids like Jesse in urban Knoxville. Too many kids wrestle alone with a sense of inadequacy and a track record of failure. Emerald’s programs of Christian faith, academic help, relationships and sports, implemented through a network of neighborhood churches, help young people realize their God-given potential and succeed as mature adults. Now that Emerald’s fall programs are underway, we hope to help many kids like Jesse flourish in school and become leaders. We at Emerald Youth are still celebrating a great summer this year that served about 600 kids with fun and academic enrichment. We were blessed to be involved in the lives of so many young people. Will you join us in our work? One way to help is through the upcoming Emerald Youth Golf Classic presented by Regal Entertainment Group. It will be Sept. 30 at Willow Creek Golf Club in Farragut. Proceeds raised support our efforts with young people like Jesse. Visit our website at www. emeraldyouth.org for details on the tournament and other ways to engage with us. Thank you! Steve Diggs Executive Director Emerald Youth Learning Labs. ■ 260+ trips were taken by children, youth and young adults to pools, camps, the Great Smoky Mountains, Dollywood and many more places. ■ A total of 630 urban young people were served this summer across all Emerald Youth programs.
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