North/East Shopper-News 112515 by Shopper-News

NORTH / EAST VOL. 3 NO. 47

BUZZ Longtime teacher quits, tells why Linda Holtzclaw was the last public forum speaker at the November school board meeting. When she stepped up to the podium, it was clear that she meant business: “I come to you today as a classroom teacher with 32 years of experience teaching in Knox County Schools,” she said, explaining that SouthDoyle Middle School, where she has taught for the past 20 years, has lost 60 teachers in the past two years, and that student behavior has become increasingly problematic.

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Read Betty Bean on page 5

Brownfield cleanup A public meeting to review the city’s brownfield cleanup grant applications to the Environmental Protection Agency for properties on Jackson Avenue and Broadway will be held at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 1, at All Occasion Catering, 922 N. Central Street. City officials and consultants will discuss the EPA grant applications for cityowned properties, specifically the former McClung Warehouses and associated properties on West Jackson Avenue between Gay Street and Broadway and the former Sanitary Laundry property at 625 N. Broadway.

Regal Celebration of Lights is Friday The Regal Celebration of Lights will launch 6-9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 27, at Market Square and Krutch Park downtown. This kicks off a 5-week celebration which includes a new 42-foot Christmas tree complete with multi-colored LED lights that can be synchronized in different patterns. The tree is the focal point of a downtown light display which boasts more than 100,000 lights. The Holidays on Ice skating rink on Market Square – openair and tent-less for the first time in a decade, will open as well. It is sponsored by Home Federal Bank. There will be live music through the WDVX Holiday Ho Ho Hoedown, carolers, train rides, pictures with Santa, face painting, marshmallow roasting and more. Businesses will offer crafts for children, and families can stop by Home Depot’s Little Elves Workshop to make a toy or a card to be sent to U.S. soldiers with American Red Cross “Cards for Heroes.”

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November 25, 2015

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Regas reborn

Berny Ilgner, president of East TN Quality Growth, and Todd Morgan of East TN Preservation Alliance pose in front of a newly revealed interior arch at the Regas building. Photos by Cindy Taylor

By Cindy Taylor Regas Restaurant has been a generational place for people to spend special times. After our wedding ceremony my husband and I celebrated with dinner at Regas Restaurant. The year was 1972. We were 18. It was our first fine dining experience as a couple. The final evening the restaurant was open, Dec. 31, 2011, Scott Frith and friends from Halls celebrated at Regas. The evening was magical. Through the years we celebrated more milestones with family and close friends at Regas. Many of our memories of food and fun have their origin in Regas Restaurant. It was a sad day for our family, and many others in Knoxville, when the restaurant closed after more than 85 years of serving the community. The building itself has a rich history. In the late 1800s The Harris Building, as Regas was then known, was a multi-functional, five-floor structure housing retail offices, apartments and an Odd Fellows Lodge. Located close to the train station, it was an ideal place for the Watauga Hotel established around 1910. In 1924 the Regas brothers

Knoxville Leadership Foundation president Chris Martin presents an original ceiling tile to former Regas building owner Bill Regas at the reopening of the building. purchased the building, relocated their Astor Café and eventually razed the top three floors. What began as a 24-hour lunch counter grew into the Regas Restaurant frequented by thousands for nearly a century. After the restaurant closed, the building and surrounding acreage was purchased by a development group. Visionaries with Knoxville Leadership Foundation stepped To page 3

Bill Huffaker remembered as ‘fine Christian man’ By Carol Wilson Mr. Bill Huffaker, 24-year former principal of Carter Elementary School, passed away Nov. 17. He is survived by wife of 60 years, Velma Huffaker. Services were held at Mynatt Funeral Home in Fountain City. Other survivors include children and spouses Cheryl and Eric Richter and Stephen and Rene Huffaker; nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by daughter Lynda Cole and two grandchildren.

His passing means students, parents and teachers of today will never have the privilege of knowing Mr. Huffaker’s kind of man and breed of school administrator. Ask teachers who worked with him and the first thing they say will be, “He was a fine Christian man and he lived it.” Mr. Huffaker’s desk and office were piled with lost and found items: coats, pants, socks and more, which would get in the way of paperwork, but were never discarded, because Bill Huffaker could not

bear the thought of a child in need of clothing, shoes, a coat. He would deliver food to families he knew were in need and, even back then, that wasn’t part of his job description. He really knew every child and did his best to meet their every need. Back before suspicion and lawyers, when it was just the right thing to do, Mr. Huffaker would load up the sick child sitting in his office in his VW Bug and take her home, or to the doctor’s office to meet her mom. He didn’t care if

the issue was vomiting, coughing or lice; if the child was in need, he was going to be sure he helped. His laugh filled the halls of Carter Elementary and the memories of all who heard it. He would lay his pride at the door to play any part in Mrs. Wetzel’s music programs, because he loved the laughter of children more than he cared about how he looked. He loved to call square dances and if a student didn’t have a partner, Bill stepped in, saying, “Everyone will dance!” To page 3

Six high schools plunge to bottom of state rankings By Betty Bean A month ago, we wrote about Bearden High School, where the faculty and staff were reeling from the news that Bearden’s Tennessee Value Added Assessment (TVAAS) ranking had plunged from a goodas-it-gets Level 5 all the way to Level 1, the lowest score possible. Schools that stay at Level 1 are labeled by the state as failing. Teachers that stay at Level 1 get fired. Bearden’s fall was so steep and dramatic that five other KCS high schools – Central, Gibbs, Paul Kelley Volunteer Academy, L&N STEM Academy, and West – were also rated Level 1 for 2014-15 and went virtually unnoticed. There were just two Level 1 KCS high schools in 2012-13. Also unreported was the number of Knox County’s Level 5 high schools, which declined from nine in 2012-13 to four in 2014-15. TVAAS ranks teacher effectiveness by measuring students’ annual academic progress against a predicted goal set by SAS Curriculum Pathways, the company chosen by the state Department of

Education to formulate standardized tests. Teachers live and die by these numbers, particularly since http://www.tn.gov/education/topic/report-card 2011, when the state extended the probationary period for tenure from three to five years and reSchool 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 quired teachers to receive scores Austin East Magnet 5 5 3 in the highest two categories to Bearden 5 5 1 qualify. Carter 5 5 5 Value-added testing doesn’t Central 5 3 1 allow for variables like student health, environment or parental CTE Magnet N/A N/A 2 influences, and the formula gets Farragut 5 5 5 even more esoteric for subjects Fulton 3 1 2 (like art, music, business or speGibbs 3 4 1 cial education) for which the state hasn’t figured out standardized Halls 5 5 5 tests. These teachers are evaluated Hardin Valley Academy 5 5 4 based on the performance of stuKarns 4 2 3 dents they have not taught. Kelley Volunteer Academy 1 1 1 John Beckett, KCS director of research and evaluation, said that L&N STEM Academy 3 1 1 slight declines in individual scores Powell 5 5 5 can impact school rankings, parSouth Doyle 5 5 4 ticularly in larger schools. West (IB Magnet) 1 3 1 “It can be a really tight fit between a Level 1 and Level 5,” Beckett said, explaining that SAS measures teacher effectiveness against with the capacity to analyze vast Academic Officer Elizabeth Alves said KCS looks at these numbers student performance predictions amounts of data. Assistant Superintendent/Chief generated via “giant computers” To page 3

High School TVAAS composite scores, 2012-2015

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2 • NOVEMBER 25, 2015 • Shopper news

health & lifestyles

Enjoy the holiday season (andfoodthe) without overdoing it for them. Having a buddy at the event can help keep you focused on the people and not the food. ■ DON’T FORGET THE VEGETABLES. Vegetables are high in nutrients and low in calories. Make sure you choose vegetables that have plenty of color and crunch. Making your plate visually interesting can help you feel less deprived. Crunchy foods like vegetables take longer to eat and make you slow down to appreciate your food. ■ DON’T RUN ON EMPTY. Whatever you do, don’t go to a party hungry and don’t “save up” for a big end-of-day meal. Eat a mini-meal before the office get-together or make yourself healthy snacks throughout the day. If you face a buffet table on an empty stomach, you’ll have little chance of preventing a diet disaster. ■ PICK A SMALLER PLATE. Avoid buffet size plates and choose a plate from the smaller sizes usually available on the dessert or appetizer table. A full small plate looks more appealing than a large plate with lots of empty space. ■ IF YOU BOOZE IT, YOU WON’T LOSE IT. Alcohol can be very fattening. Whether you’re sipping a glass of wine or having a frosty cold beer, those empty calories are going to add up! Drinking will not quell your appetite either. In fact, it may loosen your determination and cause you to binge on foods you might never have touched sober. If you do choose to imbibe, try making some switch-offs, like having a wine spritzer instead of a whole glass of wine. ■ AVOID SECONDS. Take modest portions of the foods you’re interested in eating and don’t make a second trip to the buffet. If you need to hold something after you’ve enjoyed first helpings of holiday foods, hold a cup of tea, coffee or other nonalcoholic beverage.

By Beth A. Booker, Fort Sanders Regional Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist As the holidays arrive, so too does the crunch of shopping, family and tempting food. But there’s a way to avoid a dieting disaster and keep your waistline in check for next year. Here are some strategies for having a tasty, terrific holiday. ■ START YOUR DAY OUT RIGHT. Use the morning meal to pack in lots of nutrition with whole grains, fruits, and lean protein. People who skip breakfast usually make up the calories (or more) later in the day. Use this time to refresh yourself and build a healthy base for the day. ■ GAME PLAN. Planning is paramount during the holiday season. You need a course of action: think about what to do when you’re offered foods you feel you should not eat; what to eat instead; and ways to enjoy the season that are not foodrelated. If you have a plan you will not be caught off-guard. ■ WHERE’S THE FIBER? Eat foods high in fiber including whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Fiber delays digestion, making you feel full longer and making you less likely to binge on holiday foods. ■ BRING SOMETHING YOU LOVE. Ask to bring something to the holiday party or family dinner. Make sure your contribution is something that you like and is low in calories while being high in nutrients. By bringing something along, you can be assured that you have a go-to food for healthy snacking. ■ HELPING HAND. Ask someone else to fill your plate at a buffet. Walk down the line without a plate first, making mental notes of what you might want to eat AND what you might want to avoid. Ask a friend to fill your plate and not deviate from your requested foods. If your friend is watching his or her intake, you can fill a plate

Vanilla roasted snacking nuts Nuts are healthy foods when eaten in small quantities. Make these tasty nuts as an alternative to chips and candy. They deliver heart-healthy fats and hunger-banishing proteins along with great taste. Enjoy these salty sweet spiced nuts on their own, or as a topping for oatmeal or yogurt. 1 tablespoon bestquality vanilla 1 large egg white 3 cups raw nuts (almonds, walnuts and pecans are nutritious choices) 1/4 cup sugar 1 teaspoon salt 1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice or apple pie spice 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom

Healthier holiday cooking made easy!

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Combine egg white and vanilla in a bowl and whip with a fork until frothy. Stir in nuts and mix well. Mix sugar, salt and spices together; then sprinkle over the nuts. Toss again until well mixed. Pour nut mixture onto a cookie sheet topped with baking parchment. Bake at 325 degrees for 15 minutes. Turn off oven. Remove baking sheet and stir nut mixture. Return nuts to the oven (now off) and let stand in warm oven for 10 minutes. Remove, let cool and serve.

One way to cut your calorie intake and beef up bene cial nutrients during the holiday season is to modify traditional recipes. Try to increase the nutrition available in your holiday favorites with these ideas: 1) If you’re making stuf ng or dressing from scratch, replace 1/2 of the bread in the recipe with whole grain bread. Add some vegetables and a bit of softened dried fruit (apricots or apples are nice) to increase the volume of the stuf ng while upping the nutritional display. 2) Make your mashed potatoes with sweet potatoes or 1/2 white and 1/2 sweet. You can

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add some applesauce to the sweet potatoes to increase the sweetness and cut the calories while adding a creamy consistency. 3) Stir some wheat germ or nuts into stuf ng or sprinkle on top of casseroles to add nutrients and crunch. 4) Add some Grape-Nuts cereal to the pecan pie topping. You can also add cranberries to a pecan pie to cut the richness and add bright color. 5) Make your beverages count by adding cloudy apple juice, pomegranate or Concord grape juice to the list of options. Add club soda to make a festive spritzer.

NORTH/EAST Shopper news • NOVEMBER 25, 2015 • 3

Navitat reopens for adventure

community

Guests arrive at the Nest, created by Knoxville artist Kelly Brown. Photo submitted

By Betsy Pickle Call it Navitat 2.0. Navitat Canopy Adventures is sending people up into the trees at Ijams Nature Center again. Four months after its highly touted launch – and a sad and confusing incident five days later that shut down the facility – the zipline tree-based attraction is quietly attracting visitors to South Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness. Navitat branding and marketing leader Abby Burt says the course opened the

first weekend in November to a small turnout. “Unfortunately (that) was that terribly rainy, rainy, rainy weekend,” she says. The second weekend had better weather but coincided with the University of Tennessee’s homecoming weekend. This past weekend was cold but fair, and Burt expected a good crowd with attendance by “VIP” friends and family. The course is open weekends with check-in times from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

High schools ranked from “a macro level” and that no one should be surprised to see changes in school performance scores from year to year. “Our strategic plan specifically addresses the idea that we need to be continually honing our craft to help teachers provide high quality instruction to our students.” Say what?

Regas reborn in with a plan for the future of the historic building. The foundation purchased the building and initiated renovations to bring it back to the 1963 structure as much as possible. Chris Martin, president of KLF, says a vision for the facility emerged as a space to connect people of goodwill and people of faith by es-

Bill Huffaker Students would be sent to his office knowing they were in trouble, but would return to class with smiles on their faces, because Mr. Huffaker could paddle you and then make you laugh at what you did wrong and you would never want to disappoint him again.

COMMUNITY NOTES ■ Alice Bell Spring Hill Neighborhood Association. Info: Ronnie Collins, 637-9630. ■ Beaumont Community Organization. Info: Natasha Murphy, 936-0139. ■ Belle Morris Community Action Group meets 7 p.m. each second Monday, City View Baptist Church, 2311 Fine Ave. Info: bellemorris. com or Rick Wilen, 524-5008. ■ Chilhowee Park Neighborhood Association meets 6:30 p.m. each last Tuesday, Administration Building, Knoxville Zoo. Info: Paul Ruff, 696-6584. ■ Edgewood Park Neighborhood Association meets 7 p.m. each third Tuesday, Larry Cox Senior Center, 3109 Ocoee Trail. Info: edgewoodpark.us. ■ Excelsior Lodge No. 342

From page 1

Meanwhile, our superintendent wants a contract extension until 2019, set for a vote at a special school board meeting Nov. 30. Last week, Knox County Education Association president Lauren Hopson was a “Principal for a Day” at Bearden High School. “I requested Bearden to confirm my suspicion that it’s

From page A-1 tablishing a gathering place where mutual learning, collaboration and partnership would grow. The renovated Regas Building was dedicated Nov. 13. Eight non-profits have offices there. Light fare is offered at The Gathering Place Café. Training, conference and meeting spaces are available for non-profit

From page A-1

No child ever left his presence feeling that no one cared about him or her. Mr. Huffaker’s “no child left behind” policy was all encompassing and ahead of its time. He trusted his teachers to make good decisions, supported them and always had time for them, no matter

Friday and Saturday and noon to 3:30 p.m. Sunday. Guests start with a 30-minute training session, followed by two hours of adventure time. Because of possible pending legal actions, spokespersons for Ijams and Navitat aren’t at liberty to discuss the July 22 “incident” that led to Navitat’s closure. But an autopsy showed that 18-year-old Gregory Horan of Georgia had a heart attack while on the course and dropped, with the harness system holding him in mid-

air, as it was designed to do. Navitat personnel lowered him to the ground and performed CPR. He was taken to UT Medical Center, where he died a week later. While the course was closed, Navitat management decided to switch to a different style of belay system. “There are two styles of smart-belay systems currently in our industry,” says Burt. “Those are either a single-lanyard or a duallanyard system. We previously used a dual-lanyard

a great school that shouldn’t be judged by a TVAAS score, which by its very nature is flawed,” Hopson said. “So many of the things that make Bearden a great school have nothing to do with that test – I learned today there is actually AP Art. The teacher is working on her master’s and doing the same things with her kids that she’s doing in her master’s level class. “In another class, the

kids came up with plan for a solar powered lawn mower.” Hopson said she asked Superintendent James McIntyre if parents should pull their students out of Bearden High School, based on its TVAAS scores. “He had no answer for me. Then he said he didn’t

organizations and the general public. “We reclaimed as many of the historical aspects of the building as we could but after 125 years and four or five renovations it wasn’t possible to go completely back to the original building,” said Martin. “Our focus was to create a resource for the city and the general public. It was a labor of love.” Info: TheRegasBuilding. org or 544-4199.

what the request, because they worked as a team, taking care of the whole child, the whole family. Students, teachers and parents all enjoyed being under his umbrella, because the sun always shone there, Mr. Huffaker made sure of it. And thousands of lives are brighter because he covered them, because he truly, honestly cared.

meets 7:30 p.m. each Thursday, 10103 Thorn Grove Pike. Info: Bill Emmert, 933-6032 or w.emmert@att.net.

Monday, Community Club House, 916 Shamrock Ave. Info: Bill Hutton, 773-5228 or s_wlhutton@yahoo.com.

■ First District Democrats meet each first Monday, Burlington Branch Library, 4614 Asheville Highway. Info: Harold Middlebrook, haroldmiddlebrook@gmail.com; Mary Wilson, marytheprez@ yahoo.com.

■ Old North Knoxville meets 6:30 p.m. each second Monday, St. James Episcopal Church Parish Hall, 1101 N. Broadway. Info: Andie Ray, 548-5221.

■ Historic Fourth & Gill Neighborhood Organization meets 6:30 p.m. each second Monday, Central UMC, 201 Third Ave. Info: Liz Upchurch, 898-1809, lizupchurch1@ gmail.com. ■ Inskip Community Association meets 6 p.m. each fourth Tuesday, Inskip Baptist Church, 4810 Rowan Road. Info: Betty Jo Mahan, 679-2748 or bettymahan@ knology.net. ■ Oakwood Lincoln Park Neighborhood Association meets 6:30 p.m. each first

■ Parkridge Community Organization meets 6:30 p.m. each first Monday except holidays, Cansler YMCA, 616 Jessamine St. Info: Jerry Caldwell, 329-9943. ■ Second District Democrats meet 6 p.m. each second Thursday, New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, 2504 Cecil Ave. Info: Rick Staples, 385-3589 or funnyman1@ comic.com. ■ Thorn Grove Rebekah Lodge No. 13 meets 7:30 p.m. each second and fourth Monday, 10103 Thorn Grove Pike. Info: Mary Jo Poole, 599-7698 or mjp1101@aol.com.

A Navitat guest makes her way along a rope section. system that is known, respected and still widely used in our industry. “However, we have, on our own, chosen to switch to a single-lanyard system.

It is called SmartSnap. It’s very easy to use. I think people will enjoy learning how to use the equipment at our 30-minute orientation and skills training. We

believe test scores were the guns and the governor for is most important thing. test scores.’” “For 10 or 15 seconds, I lost all professional decorum. I belly laughed. “When I got done, I said, ‘I have to disagree with you, Dr. McIntyre. Send news to news@ “The only thing we get a ShopperNewsNow.com media circus with confetti

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4 • NOVEMBER 25, 2015 • Shopper news

It isn’t easy being a Commodore The planned moment of silence for Vanderbilt football has been cancelled. Please return the wreath to Bob’s Flowers, suburban Maynardville. The Commodores are alive. They are actually improved over last season. They will enter Neyland Stadium in the enviable position of playing with house money, little to lose and considerable to gain if they can trash the Tennessee season. Oh, that can’t happen, you say? It could. Vandy can play defense. It has a running back. It now has a more imaginative offensive coordinator. It has discovered a young quarterback. There is hope for the future -- maybe. Even with that, it is so hard to be a faithful Com-

GOSSIP AND LIES ■ John Majors at age 80 is a class act. He was a last-minute replacement for Inky Johnson at the Powell business banquet last week. ■ “I’m first string,” he said. “I’ve never been a sub.”

John Majors

■ And then he went political. Labeling himself a “progressive moderate,” he called out legislators who won’t pass a federally-funded health care benefit for uninsured Tennesseans while drawing statesubsidized health insurance for themselves. ■ Bill Dunn, not a fire-brand, was miffed at being called unethical and corrupt. Afterwards he itemized the state Democrats who have committed crimes, ranging from Ray Blanton to John Ford. “The only Republican who’s gone to jail is Chris Newton,” said Dunn. –S. Clark

playing late each November out of contractual obligation. Games are seldom a joyous occasion. The Vols Marvin almost always win. The reWest cord is 72-12 since the coming of Robert R. Neyland. Tennessee losses stand out as historical markers. modore follower. One who The Vols fell in 2005. has been trying for 50 years Phillip Fulmer said “This is said root canals, bamboo rock bottom.” It wasn’t. Tennessee looked shoots under the fingernails and hemorrhoidectomies are much worse in 2012 and 2013, easier. He actually said that. propelling Vanderbilt coach Lodging in the Southeast- James Franklin to fame and ern Conference is part of the fortune at Penn State. Because Stanford does problem but Vanderbilt leadership is much too shrewd to academics and can also play forfeit incoming millions to football, Vanderbilt went be more comfortable. there for a Franklin replaceLinkage to the University ment. What it got was a of Tennessee is part of the good defensive coordinator. I saved my notes from problem. Vandy thinks it and us are polar opposites the announcement of the

new head coach, Jan. 18, 2014, and added my sarcastic heading, “How wrong can you be?” Before Derek Mason a cheering throng of 17 or 18, Derek Mason said: “We will be champions, just so you know.” Not yet. In 2014, Vanderbilt was 0-8 against SEC foes but it defeated UMass, Charleston Southern and Old Dominion. Certain assistants were terminated. This year was supposed to be much better but, in August, Vanderbilt got dis-

tracted trying to erase an official athletic department tweet which said “We don’t need your permission.” We still don’t know what that was supposed to convey but some took it out of context. It was thrown up against the background of rape charges against four former players. Missiles flew. The school ducked as best it could. In September, Vandy’s very good defense allowed highscoring Western Kentucky only 14 points. Alas, the Commodores scored but 12. As usual, the season has been down, up and down, limited hope, disappointments. The Commodores nipped MTSU, ripped Austin Peay, upset Missouri and scared the daylights out of Florida. They

A garden grows in Lonsdale This is a story about a garden. It’s not actually a garden yet, but Beth Aaser, garden director for Thrive Lonsdale, has a clear vision for the space. There will be fruit trees and berry bushes for the neighbors to share, and 20 raised beds for growing vegetables. She hopes for benches and a trellis that will create an inviting space for the community. Thrive Lonsdale is a nonprofit Christian ministry that provides an afterschool program for children from the neighborhood. While the group doesn’t receive government funding, they were able to purchase the small, unbuildable lot at 1229 Louisiana Avenue through the City Community Development Department’s Homemaker Program for just $500. The program makes vacant or dilapidated prop-

Wendy Smith

erties available for sale to nonprofit organizations, businesses, developers and individuals, with the stipulation that the owner rehabilitates the existing structure, builds a new dwelling or maintains the vacant lot. When most people drive through Lonsdale, they don’t think of it as a beautiful or welcoming neighborhood, Aaser says. The community garden could help change that. “We want to create a place where people want to be, where they’ll feel included and safe.” That will be a challenge. Lonsdale is primarily com-

posed of subsidized housing and small homes, many of which are owned by slum lords. Those who can afford to leave already have, she says. Most of those living in subsidized housing are African American, including some Burundian refugees. The homes are primarily inhabited by elderly people or Guatemalan immigrants. There’s already a community garden near the subsidized housing, Aaser says. The new garden, across the street from Lonsdale Elementary School, will primarily be used by Guatemalan residents, many of whom have agricultural backgrounds. Families will receive use of a raised bed based on an application process to determine interest and need. It’s a tiny spot in an oftenoverlooked part of town, but it says something about our community that we have or-

lost several. They edged Kentucky in the match-up of supposed equals. Vanderbilt emotions seem mixed. Some traditional optimists remain lukewarm as in “We are building and will be much better next year – maybe.” Others earlier gave up on Mason. He lacks Franklin’s charming personality. From a distance, I lean toward the maybe-next-year group. There is a hint of good news. Coach Mason found the piece of paper he misplaced in his library months ago. It is a detailed list of game situations and what he should do when one occurs. Think what a difference it could make to know what you are supposed to do and when you are supposed to do it. Among the helpful guidelines is when to kick an extra point and when to try for two. And you thought everybody already knew that. Marvin West invites reader reaction. His address is westwest6@netzero.com

ganizations that look out for our poorest residents, many of whom came to the U.S. to escape crushing poverty or extreme violence in their own countries. The idea of this little garden is particularly refreshing after the news that one state lawmaker has asked the National Guard to “gather” Syrian refugees, and that 30 governors, including our own, have said Syrian refugees are no longer welcome. No one would deny the gravity of the terrorist attacks on Paris, but punishing those who are trying to escape violence is foolish. The Washington Post recently reprinted the results of a Fortune Magazine survey conducted in July 1938. When a group of Americans were asked about their attitude toward German, Austrian or political refugees coming into the United

Thrive Lonsdale’s proposed community garden is at 1229 Louisiana Avenue States, two-thirds agreed with the statement “We should try to keep them out.” Most of the refugees would have been Jewish. Everyone wants a place to feel safe. Given that there are no guarantees of safety anywhere, I hope Knoxville residents will joyfully share their hearts, and their hometown, with those who are striving to grow a better life here.

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government

Shopper news • NOVEMBER 25, 2015 • 5

Veteran teacher calls it quits, denied extra minute to tell school board why Linda Holtzclaw was the last public forum speaker at the November school board meeting. When she stepped up to the podium, it was clear that she meant business: “I come to you today as a classroom teacher with 32 years of experience teaching in Knox County Schools,” she said, explaining that South-Doyle Middle School, where she has taught for the past 20 years, has lost 60 teachers in the past two years, and that student behavior has become increasingly problematic. Meanwhile, increasingly rigorous academic standards and a high pressure-testing regime designed to measure student “improvement” and teacher performance have exacerbated the situation. “These two entities have collided in a disastrous explosion at my school,” Holtzclaw said. Bringing in a new principal has made matters worse, she said. “Teachers do not feel supported or backed up with the behaviors the students are exhibiting. Students are walking out of class, skipping class and smoking in bathrooms, leaving the campus, fighting, cursing teachers daily, bringing weapons to school and disrupting class so often that many days teachers can’t get through their planned lesson. “There is no time to form relationships with kids anymore because of the excessive pressure to get ready for tests. The consequences these students receive are not deterring them from repeating these serious and

Betty Bean dangerous behaviors.” She said that students aren’t learning. “I know some of these students would rather appear bad than stupid. Many of them can’t read. I had seventh-graders who couldn’t tell me what 7x6 was. “Yet, I had to teach a more and more difficult curriculum to them. It is easier for the students to just appear to not care than to try to do things beyond their ability. … You can’t put a round peg in a square hole, no matter how hard you try, at least not without SERIOUS damage to the peg. “I have said before these students are not widgets. They can’t be treated like robots. I’m afraid they are telling us this now.”

Linda Brandau Holtzclaw Holtzclaw said stress has taken a toll on her health and she will retire in December. She had a list of suggestions for the board: Make South-Doyle Middle a community school. Reach out to families. Establish an alternative school within the school for the hundreds of students who need additional services in smaller, more structured settings. Hire a strong principal. Spend money wisely. “We don’t need a $53,000 transportation review to know how to keep kids safe on buses. We don’t need to

pay a Broad Academy fellow $80,000 to do an “assessment of the assessments.” By that point, she’d used up her five minutes, and board chair Doug Harris cut her off. Here’s what she would have said if he’d given her another 30 seconds: “We don’t need to pay Parthenon Group thousands of dollars to tell us to increase class sizes. We need to take care of our children. We have to meet all their needs, not just academic ones. “At SDMS the students are destroying the school demanding that we do something, whether we realize that is what is happening or not. If you are really so concerned about test scores, when we are meeting the child’s emotional needs as well as academic needs, the learning will come much easier and scores will rise. “Please work with the teachers and students and get that school back under control.”

Commissioners night out

With platters of pork and fries piled high, Knox County commissioners met at Love That B-B-Q on Maryville Pike last week. The only civilians in sight were folks stopping for dinner to go. “I guess everybody in South Knoxville is happy,” said Jeff Ownby. Pictured are Bob Thomas (standing), John Schoonmaker, Linda and Ed Brantley, commission candidate Carson Dailey, state Rep. Eddie Smith, Dave Wright, Ownby and owner Walt Love. Photo by S. Clark

Trump towers in Knoxville rally As you probably heard, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump came to town last week to rally campaign supporters. Thousands of folks turned out for Trump at the Knoxville Convention Center. It was great theater. You can learn a lot about a campaign by an event. Winning presidential campaigns don’t worry about a crowd showing up. Trump rented one of the biggest rooms in town, built a stage, put a podium and microphone on it, and invited supporters to show up. And they did. There’s an old saying in politics that a good campaign speech contains 95 percent of what the audience wants to hear and only 5 percent of what the politician actually believes. Donald Trump excels at it. Worried about manufac-

Scott Frith

turing job losses to China? Trump will stop it. Want to build a wall on the border with Mexico? Trump will build it. Believe the United States should do more in the fight against ISIS? Trump will “bomb the [obscenity]” out of them. There’s a reason politicians tell voters what they want to hear. The voters like it. It’s one reason Trump continues to rise in the polls. Of course, the contrast with Jeb Bush’s campaign couldn’t be any greater. You may recall that Bush visited Knoxville in October for a fundraiser and rally. First, Bush attended a highdollar fundraiser at a pri-

vate residence in Blackberry Farm (that forested bastion of the local elite). The next day, Bush held a tailgate rally for supporters at the Tennessee-Georgia football game. Why have a campaign rally before a Tennessee football game? There are few better ways to create a crowd in East Tennessee than the 100,000 or so folks who attend a UT football game on Saturday. Unlike Donald Trump, Bush couldn’t fill up the convention center. Even worse, a football tailgate is probably the only way Bush could get regular folks to attend one of his campaign events. Trump doesn’t have that problem. Yet, crazier things have happened. The campaign season could shift and Jeb Bush could be the Republican nominee. More likely, Ted Cruz or Marco Rubio may prevail.

We’ll see. By the way, lately I’ve heard more than a few of my Democratic friends hoping that Trump prevails in the Republican primary. They believe that Trump would be a weak Republican nominee and pave the way for a Hillary Clinton victory next November. Democrats should be careful what they wish for. Ironically, eight years ago I remember Republicans hoping for something similar. Many were rooting for an allegedly weaker Democratic candidate for President, a young senator from Illinois who could give a good speech, turn out big crowds, but was far too liberal to ever get elected President. His name? Barack Obama. That guy could never get elected, right? Scott Frith is a local attorney. You can contact him at scott@pleadthefrith.com

Expect Pavlis to be vice mayor Vice Mayor Nick Pavlis says he would like to serve a third term as vice mayor when the position is voted on Dec. 19. Pavlis said council members were satisfied with his leadership as vice mayor. He pointed out that he had to hire new council employees to replace Cindy Mitchell, Melissa Peters and Susan Wilson who Nick Pavlis all retired within two months of each other. Pavlis is considered a possible mayoral candidate in 2019 or earlier if Madeline Rogero receives a federal appointment from the next president. Council member Duane Grieve has made no secret of his interest in serving as vice mayor, but it is unlikely he will challenge Pavlis in four weeks. Both Grieve and Pavlis go off the council in two years. Grieve was absent from a recent council meeting having surgery but is recovering well. Pavlis will be the next vice mayor. ■ The next president takes office Jan. 20, 2017, and a Rogero appointment would most likely occur in late spring or early summer if the president is a Democrat. Under the city charter, the vice mayor becomes interim mayor for 10 days when Council would meet and choose a longer term interim mayor who would have to be a council member. In this case, a special election for mayor would also be required since more than 10 months remains in the mayor’s term of office. An interim mayor would serve 90 to 100 days only. ■ The inaugural of Mayor Rogero and swearing in of the four re-elected Council members will likely be a low-key affair at the City County Building on Dec. 19. A special council meeting may be held that day to choose the vice mayor and chair of the Beer Board, currently Brenda Palmer. The inaugural four years ago was a major event at the Jacob Building at Chilhowee Park as Knoxville’s first woman mayor took over. The second inaugural may be as low key as the voter turnout where only 3,800 people voted for mayor in September. ■ For Marshall Stair, the most important event on Dec. 19 will be his wed-

Victor Ashe

ding to Natalie Robinson at the Knoxville Museum of Art in the evening. ■ Cheri Siler, who was a credible if unsuccessful Democratic state Senate candidate against Sen. Richard Briggs, plans on running for the Amy Broyles seat on County Commission in August 2016. She has a much better shot at winning this contest than she did winning the state Senate seat. ■ GOP presidential candidate and Ohio Gov. John Kasich will visit Maryville Dec. 1 for a breakfast hosted by former Maryville Mayor Steve West and his wife at their home. Kasich will go to Nashville and Memphis the same day for similar fundraisers. ■ Janet Testerman, GOP candidate for County Commission in West Knoxville, has started putting out yard signs over three months before the March 1 primary where she faces Hugh Nystrom and incumbent Jeff Ownby. This will be a high profile and expensive contest. Nystrom says he will put up his signs in December. ■ The endlessly delayed opening of the Buck Karnes greenway along the Tennessee River has now been delayed to sometime before the end of the year, according to city spokesperson Eric Vreeland. Earlier greenway coordinator Lori Goerlich had said it would occur before Thanksgiving. No word on whether there will be a formal opening or ribbon cutting. The greenway itself has been completed for six months at a cost of $1.6 million but not announced by the city. ■ Former Council member Carlene Malone says she will not be a candidate for Council in 2017 to follow Nick Della Volpe who is term limited as “Life is too short.” ■ State Rep. Eddie Smith is a candidate for at-large delegate for Marco Rubio in the March 1 GOP Presidential Primary, while state Rep. Jason Zachary is a delegate candidate for Ted Cruz. Former state Rep. Gloria Johnson, whom Smith defeated last November, is likely to be Smith’s Democratic opponent in 2016.

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Arbor Terrace resident Minnie Chilton colors at the work table in her living room.

6 â&#x20AC;˘ NOVEMBER 25, 2015 â&#x20AC;˘ NORTH/EAST Shopper news

Photos by S. Barrett

Images colored by Minnie Chilton

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Coloring with By Sara Barrett Arbor Terrace resident Minnie Chilton was having a rough year. After debilitating illnesses and injuries that lasted the first half of 2015, she couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t seem to get her groove back. Chiltonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s son-in-law, Randy Dill, saw a television commercial for an adult coloring book. Instead of large, cartoonish characters and thick borders for staying inside the lines, adult coloring books have smaller details and finer lines for pencil or gel pen. He thought it might be something for Chilton to do. What started as one coloring book and a set of pencils has turned into a card table in Chiltonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s living room covered with cups of pencils, pens, markers and prints from numerous books Dill brought for her to try. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve found anything Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve enjoyed better than coloring,â&#x20AC;? said Chilton. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m thankful the good Lord

let me live long enough to find another talent.â&#x20AC;? Friends and family have begun calling her â&#x20AC;&#x153;Minnie Moses,â&#x20AC;? a play on â&#x20AC;&#x153;Grandma Moses,â&#x20AC;? the nickname of American folk artist Anna Mary Robertson Moses who began painting when she was 78. Chilton has her beat at 90 years old. Numerous scrapbooks keep completed works safe in clear sleeves. Dill estimates those images to number in the 60s. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve even taken my own photographs and turned them into line art on the computer so she can color them,â&#x20AC;? said Dill. Chiltonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vision has been damaged by multiple strokes and she had a tremor in her hand when she began coloring in August. The tremor disappears completely when she colors, and she uses a bright lamp to help her see the images. â&#x20AC;&#x153;She couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t even open a sugar packet without her hand shaking, and sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll sit

and color and it wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t shake one time,â&#x20AC;? said Dill. He has had several of Chiltonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s images made into greeting cards for friends and family. Dill remembers one afternoon he stopped by to visit and Chilton was so enthralled in coloring, he lay down on the couch behind her and fell asleep. She didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t realize he was there until she heard someone snoring and she turned around and found him there. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think everyone should try coloring. It is fulfilling, peaceful â&#x20AC;Ś well, some images are more peaceful than others,â&#x20AC;? she said with a laugh. Some of the designs and color schemes keep Chilton up at night. She will think about what color to use on a specific area of a design and then sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll have to get up and color. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When you get to be my age, you think â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m useless.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; But this has given me a purpose,â&#x20AC;? she said.

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Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett (at right) talks with JoAnne and Earl Hoffmeister at Morning Pointe North last week. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We were discussing an elected school superintendent,â&#x20AC;? joked Burchett. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Works for me,â&#x20AC;? said Earl, who served as Knox Countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s elected superintendent for four terms. Photo by S. Clark

Festival of Wreaths

The annual Festival of Wreaths is set for Thursday, Dec. 3, from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Elmcroft of Halls. Each resident has been asked to decor his or her door with the winners to get prizes. A party will follow the

announcement of winners. Bingo will be held at Elmcroft from 2-3 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s always on the third Thursday of the month, said Samantha Beals. A big honor came to Brenda McCloud, a laundry

aide with Island Home Park Health & Rehabilitation for 13 years. She received the Tennessee Health Care Associationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s (THCA) 2015 Caregiver of the Year award. Betsy Pickle was there and will bring details next week.

SENIOR NOTES â&#x2013; Carter Senior Center: 9040 Asheville Highway 932-2939 Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Offerings include: card games; exercise programs; arts and crafts; movie matinee each Friday; Senior Meals program noon each Wednesday. The Center will be closed ThursdayFriday, Nov. 26-27. Register for: Lunch Bunch: Puleoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, noon Monday, Nov. 30. â&#x2013; Corryton Senior Center: 9331 Davis Drive 688-5882 knoxcounty.org/seniors Monday-Friday Hours vary Offerings include: exercise classes; card games; billiards;

Senior Meals program, 11 a.m. each Friday. The Center is accepting donations of any and all holiday/seasonal decorations (info: Greg, 688-5882).The Center will be closed Thursday and Friday, Nov. 26-27. Fantasy of Quilts on display through Dec. 11. Register for: Clappâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Card Crazies meeting, 1 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4; UT Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Athletic Director Emeritus Joan Cronin speaking and book signing, 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 14. â&#x2013; Larry Cox Senior Center 3109 Ocoee Trail 546-1700 Monday-Friday Hours vary Offerings include: exercise programs; bingo; arts and

crafts classes. â&#x2013; John T. Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connor Senior Center: 611 Winona St. 523-1135 Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Offerings include: Card games, billiards, senior fitness, book club, Senior Savvy computer classes, bingo, blood pressure checks 10:30-11:30 a.m. Monday-Friday. The Center will be closed ThursdayFriday, Nov. 26-27. Register for: Candlelight Holiday Dinner with Crafts by Candlelight!, 5 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 8 (RSVP by Friday, Dec. 4); Harrahâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s trip, 8 a.m. departure Monday, Dec. 7 (Frankie Hicks, 525-1475).

faith

Shopper news • NOVEMBER 25, 2015 • 7

Not to worry Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:5b-7 NRSV)

Hand-carved from a single piece of wood and painted with watercolors, this nativity was created by a barber in Poland. Photos by Wendy Smith

This nativity represents a typical Laotian house, built on stilts to avoid flooding. It includes Asian animals, like an elephant and water buffalo.

Collector inspired by cultural depictions of nativity story By Wendy Smith A private nativity collection that uniquely illustrates how dozens of countries and cultures celebrate the Christmas season is currently on display at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 6500 Northshore Drive. Church member Lana Daverman saw the collection, owned by Oak Ridge resident Linda Holmes, last year at the Oak Ridge Art Center. Holmes agreed for a portion of her collection to be displayed 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays through Jan. 1. She has been collecting for 39 years. She began with traditional nativities, but after her parents gave her one from Jordan, she changed her focus to ethnic and artistic nativities. They come from 90 different countries and several cultures within the U.S.

According to Linda Holmes, Kenyans are masters of making things from found materials. Clever use of bottle caps makes it easy to tell which nativity figure is Mary, she says.

The nativities are as varied as the countries themselves. They are carved, sculpted, stitched, painted and printed. Some, like a painted barrel drum lid from Costa Rica, are wildly

colorful, while others, like a hand-carved set from Zaire, are simple wood. Some, like an elegant hand-blown glass set from Norway, are reverent. Others, made from found items

I’ll be honest. What surpasses all understanding (at least to me, in my current state of mind) is how one human being can walk into a crowded theater and start shooting his fellow human beings. So I could certainly use some of God’s peace right now. We have seen terrorists before. The attacks of 9-11 on our own shores were horrific, but very different, in that they were less personal. To fly a plane into a building is one thing; to look a stranger in the eye and shoot him down is quite another. That act, to me, also surpasses all understanding! It is ironic that Thanksgiving is upon us, that holiday that celebrates life and freedom and bounty. Our American Thanksgiving began almost 400 years ago, when a little band of people came to these shores to be free, and with the help of their new friends, the Indians, survived hard-

Cross Currents

Lynn Pitts

ship and hunger and disease. They celebrated that accomplishment with a feast that we replicate, sometimes forgetting (or ignoring) its history. However, if we stop to consider, we can see that in that coming together of disparate cultures, languages, and histories, differences were trumped by the humanity of both sides: white Anglo men, women and children alongside dark-eyed, redskinned Native American men, women and children. It is that humanity we share. It is that humanity we must protect. I don’t know the answer to hatred and terrorism. We can only pray for our friends and, God help us, for our enemies.

like bottle caps and air freshener cans, are delightfully irreverent. The nativities at Westminster make up a fraction of Holmes’ collection. Approximately 275 are on display, year-round, in her home. Collecting became easier when her daughter introduced her to the internet several years ago. She’s well-traveled, but she already had nativities from most of the 30 countries she’s visited. She doesn’t spend a lot of time shopping, but whenever she visits a new place, Holmes seeks out nativities at craft shops. “I say I can smell them,” she says. She enjoys having the opportunity to share her collection, which, she acknowledges, is quite ex- A painted barrel drum lid from Costa Rica is part of a private traordinary. For more infor- collection of nativity sets from around the world currently on mation: 584-3957 display at Westminster Presbyterian Church.

The gift of life By Cindy Taylor It was an emotional afternoon Nov. 15 when organ donors and their families came together from the region and beyond to share life-giving stories during the annual Celebration for Life; an event that allows transplant recipients the opportunity to thank family members of donors. Many met the people for the first time whose lives were saved by loved ones. Jim Kornegay made the trip from Atlanta to the Jubilee Banquet Facility to celebrate and express his gratitude for his gift of life. “There are no words,” he said. “I am so grateful to the Herrells. I would not have survived. This was a gift of life.” Kornegay received the small intestine from donor Mandy Herrell, 18, who passed away after a severe accident in 2006. He had suffered through more than 50 surgeries due to Crohn’s Disease. “Organ donation had al-

ways been a given in our family,” said Mandy’s mom Betsy. “When Mandy died there was no question what we do.” Mandy Herrell gave the gift of life to six people. Donors and recipients don’t usually get to meet or even know names of recipients. The Kornegays and Herrells worked hard to find each other. “We very much wanted to meet Jim and his family,” said Betsy. “Jim had written us a letter but it took a long time for us to finally find each other. It is very important for donor families to see the results of the gift they gave.” Brooke and Whitney Swaggerty attended the event. Their father was an organ donor. “We believe everyone should be a donor and it is important to share your wish with your family,” said Brooke. “This is our first time to attend a donor tribute and it was very moving.’ The sisters made and donated a quilt square for the donor family quilt. The completed quilt will remain

Biodegradable balloons were released in the parking lot of Jubilee Banquet Facility by family members in memory of loved ones who were organ donors. Photos by Cindy Taylor

Brooke Swaggerty and sister Whitney are daughters of an organ donor.

on display at Tennessee Donor Services. According to Herrell there is a critical need for organ donors. My hope is that everyone will seriously consider sign-

ing up early to be an organ donor,” she said. “It is an important decision and not one that should be made at the last minute.” Info: www.donatelifeTN. org or www.tds.dcids.org.

FAITH NOTES ■ First Comforter Church, 5516 Old Tazewell Pike, hosts MAPS (Mothers At Prayer Service) noon each Friday. Info: Edna Hensley, 771-7788. ■ Music ministries of Community Evangelistic Church in East Knoxville and Christ Covenant Church in Farragut will join for three presentations of “How Great Our Joy – a Gospel Christmas!” Presentations: 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 11-12, Christ Covenant Church, 12915 Kingston Pike; 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 13, Community Evangelistic Church, 2650 Boyds Bridge

Pike. Info: 525-1589 or cecchurch.org; 6711885 or office@christcov.org. ■ Second UMC, 1524 Western Ave., will host the 35th annual Christmas Handbell Concert at 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6. The Celebration Handbell choir and the Powell High Singers will present “Glory to the Newborn King.” ■ Music ministries of Community Evangelistic Church in East Knoxville and Christ Covenant Church in Farragut will join for three presentations of “How Great Our

Joy – a Gospel Christmas!” Presentations: 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 11-12, Christ Covenant Church, 12915 Kingston Pike; 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 13, Community Evangelistic Church, 2650 Boyds Bridge Pike. Info: 525-1589 or cecchurch.org; 6711885 or office@christcov.org. ■ Second UMC, 1524 Western Ave., will host the 35th annual Christmas Handbell Concert at 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6. The Celebration Handbell choir and the Powell High Singers will present “Glory to the Newborn King.”

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kids

Lilly Bebb shows her cutout in the state of Tennessee as part of the Million Dollar Project at the Sarah Moore Greene showcase. Photos by R. White

8 • NOVEMBER 25, 2015 • NORTH/EAST Shopper news

Jalyra Jenkins participates in the fifth grade wax museum. She is dressed in character for the night as Clara Barton.

Jamarian Chambers practices on the African drum prior to the showcase.

SMG showcases student talent Magnet showcases are always a great opportunity to bring parents in to the school to see what students have created/studied.

Kareema Muhammad researched Harriett Beecher Stowe and dressed in costume for the fifth grade wax museum.

Dallas Young performs ballhandling skills during the showcase.

Austin-East goes high-tech By Ruth White

Ruth White

Sarah Moore Greene hosted a showcase, featuring the Ball Handlers and Special Education teacher SaWest African drummers mantha Bolton sports a chickand dancers, provided en- en head during the showcase. tertainment with a play titled “The Night Before Thanksgiving” and allowed figures. Each student was guests to walk the halls and required to research their selected figure and then view many projects. The fifth grade students came to life during the participated in a wax mu- showcase as they reported seum featuring historical while dressed in costume.

Call for artists

■ Arts in the Airport: juried exhibition allows regional artists to compete and display work at McGhee Tyson Airport secured area behind the security gate checkpoint from March 17-Oct. 12. Theme: “Smoky Mountain Air Show.” Entries deadline: midnight Sunday, Feb. 7. Info/ application: knoxalliance.com; Suzanne Cada, 523-7543 or sc@ knoxalliance.com. ■ Dogwood Arts Festival: juried artists are selected to exhibit and sell their original work in mixed media, clay, drawing/pastels, glass, jewelry, leather, metal, painting, photography, sculpture, and wood in April. Info/application: dogwoodarts.com. ■ Gallery of Arts Tribute: a juried exhibition developed to recognize local artists and honor the life and times of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Artwork should be delivered 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, Jan. 4-5. Entry form: knoxalliance.com/MLK.htm; or SASE to Arts & Culture Alliance, P.O. Box 2506, Knoxville TN 37901. Info: Suzanne Cada, 523-7543 or sc@knoxalliance.com.

■ Scruff y City Art Contest: a juried art exhibit competition celebrating Knoxville’s blend of southern history and modern development on the banks of the Tennessee River. Free and open to all artists. Submissions deadline: Feb. 15. Info: liz-beth.com/contest.

HEALTH NOTES ■ BLOOMS (Bringing together Losses Of Others Mourning Sadness) grief support group, will meet 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3, at Litton’s, 2803 Essary Drive. The free dinner session is hosted by Gentry Griffey Funeral Chapel & Crematory. The support group is open to the public. Reservations required by Tuesday, Dec. 1, for complimentary meal. Info/ RSVP: 689-4481 or Bethany. Fields@gentrygriffey.com. ■ CADES caregiver support group meeting, 10 a.m.-noon Tuesday, Dec. 1, Concord UMC, 11020 Roane Drive, Room E224. Speaker: Rebekak Wilson, MSW, from Choices in Senior Care. Topic: “Sharing the Holidays.” Anyone who gives care to an elderly individual is welcome. Info: 675-2835.

Students at Austin-East Magnet High School are getting the opportunity to try their hands at recording and producing music, thanks to the high-tech studio and classroom instruction this year. The program got its start in the spring of 2014 with equipment on loan from instructor Charles Lewis. This semester the class is blessed to be using its own equipment and are busy building skills in the audio production field. Although it may seem to be, the class isn’t all fun and games in the studio. Students receive intense instruction from Lewis and after each unit they are required to present a paper on what they’ve learned. Subject matter ranges from audio engineering and mixing to real world skills such as job interview skills, salaries and receiving constructive criticism. During a recent class, the students created a script and then headed off to stations to hook up the equipment and record tracks. Recording session involve teamwork and cooperation among team members and working out any problems that may arise. Other responsibilities include creating community spots, running live sound, running a soundboard and adding effects to recordings. Members of the group have run the boards for homecoming and student Chelsea Johnson has worked to help the group reach a goal of helping with CTE Live in the future. Lewis hopes to open up the studio to community members and provide a professional sound for recording.

Jala Clark works the board under the guidance of Chelsea Johnson in the Austin-East audio production studio.

Jackie Jackson rehearses a song in the recording studio.

Damonte Jones works on producing a song at the controller.

Photos by R. White

Learn to print 3-D Pellissippi State Community College will host a family-friendly 3-D printing class 5-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, in the Megalab, located on the Strawberry Plains campus, 7201 Strawberry Plains Pike. Cost is $35. Space is limited to 10 participants, and attendees must be at least 12 years old. Class participants will assist in each step of 3-D printing, from modeling to prototyping, and will be able to take home a 3-D printed souvenir. Info/registration: www.pstcc.edu/bcs or 539-7167.

Students will be expected to take pictures, write captions and hear “money quotes” from guest speakers. The program is tour-based. Student work will be edited and some will be printed in the summer’s editions of Shopper-News.

Why:

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Who: Looking for rising

9th graders at Knox area high schools

What: Spend Tuesdays exploring Knox County and having fun

When: This summer beginning in June Where: North, south, east, west and all points between

NORTH – 7049 Maynardville Pike • WEST – 10512 Lexington Drive, Suite 500

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Shopper news • NOVEMBER 25, 2015 • 9

Christmas music,

classically

If you’re a fan of organ music, head over to Oak Ridge this weekend for a collective recital of Advent and Christmas music by area organists Deborah Cain, Frederick Pogue, Don King, Tamra Kincaid, Susan Ridgell, Miriam Griffin and Gerald Scott. Pianist Slade Trammell, a graduate of the University of Tennessee and member of the Roane State Community College music faculty, will close the program with a Mozart piano sonata, “Noel” by Olivier Messaien and George Gershwin’s “Fascinatin’ Rhythm.” The event is free and open to the public, but contributions can be made to the Louis Hughes Memorial Organ Scholarship at Roane State. The concert starts at 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 29, at First United Methodist Church, 1350 Oak Ridge Turnpike, Oak Ridge. This time of year, if you’re in a store or place of business, you’re hearing Christmas music. Sometimes when it’s everywhere we tend to forget how special some of those tunes re-

ally are. Thanksgiving weekend offers an opportunity to hear holiday favorites played by live musicians in a beautiful setting. This Sunday, as part of the KSO’s Chamber Classics series, Maestro James Fellenbaum will lead the Knoxville Symphony Chamber Orchestra in “Classical Christmas” at the Bijou Theatre. The Clayton Holiday Concerts, presented each year just before Christmas week, feature the full orchestra, guest artists, the Knoxville Choral Society and a certain Jolly Old Elf. They’re full of gaiety and holiday flash. But, says Maestro Fellenbaum, “this year we wanted to offer something different: a smaller, more intimate concert to start the holiday season, as families are finishing up their Thanksgiving weekend, surviving Black Friday, and are ready for some feel-good holiday music. “We’ll have some Christmas-inspired music from around the world and, with the Knoxville Chamber Chorale joining us, we’ll

Maestro James Fellenbaum leads the Knoxville Symphony Chamber Orchestra this weekend in “Classical Christmas.” Shown are Gordon Tsai, Yin Wu, Jennifer Bloch, Sean Claire, James Fellenbaum, Carol Shane, Bill Pierce, Katy Gawne, Edward Pulgar, Jennifer Ownby, Eunsoon Corliss, Ayca Yayman, Ihsan Kartal, Sara Matayoshi, Phylis Secrist and Andy Bryenton. Photo by Gary Sims

have several choral selections, including familiar holiday songs and carols.” Included on the program are “The Skaters’ Waltz” and Mannheim Steamroller’s version of “Stille Nacht,” as well as more traditionally classical pieces such as “For Unto Us a Child Is

Born” from Handel’s “Messiah,” two pieces by beloved arranger/composer John Rutter, J.S. Bach’s lilting “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring” and English composer Ralph Vaughan Williams’ ethereal “Fantasia on ‘Greensleeves.’” The Chamber Classics se-

ries is presented with help from the Aslan Foundation, and this concert is sponsored by Asbury Place Continuing Care Retirement Communities. Fellenbaum says, “It’s shaping up to be a very special afternoon with the KSCO at the Bijou Theatre.”

The Knoxville Symphony Chamber Orchestra’s “Classical Christmas” will be presented at 2.30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 29, at the Bijou Theatre in downtown Knoxville. Info: www.knoxvillesymphony. com or call 523-1178. Send story suggestions to news@shopper newsnow.com.

‘Brooklyn’ opens arms to sweet drama By Betsy Pickle Far away from the immigrant concerns of today’s world lies “Brooklyn,” a beautifully painted romantic drama about the tug of war between the known and the unknown. Whereas today’s immigrants might be fleeing violence and persecution, the protagonist in “Brooklyn” is seeking the quintessential

gift of the idealized America: opportunity. As she discovers, that gift comes at a price. Starring Saoirse Ronan, who burst onto the film scene with a searing performance in “Atonement,” “Brooklyn” gives Ronan a great space to stretch within the framework of a familiar story. She creates fireworks inside long frames of silence that grow shorter as her character ad-

‘Creed’

Former world heavyweight champion Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) trains his protégé, Adonis Johnson (Michael B. Jordan), the son of his late best friend and former rival, in “Creed.” The first film in the “Rocky” series not to have “Rocky” in the title, “Creed” comes nine years after “Rocky Balboa” and 25 years after “Rocky V,” so it will be interesting to see if Rocky still has what it takes to win fans. Tessa Thompson and Phylicia Rashad co-star.

justs to life in the new world. Ronan plays Eilis, a bright but frustrated young woman in early 1950s Ireland. Decent jobs seem unobtainable, and worthy boyfriends are nowhere to be found. Eilis lives with her older sister, Rose (Fiona Glascott) and mother, Mary (Jane Brennan), and works part time in a shop. Between her mournful farewell and her unpleasant crossing, Eilis doesn’t get off to a great start. But a priest, Father Flood (Jim Broadbent), has arranged both housing and employment for her in Brooklyn. The boarding house, run by Mrs. Kehoe (Julie Walters), is clean and safe, though filled with sharp-tongued fellow lodgers, and the job at a department store is decent if not challenging. Homesickness is Eilis’ biggest hurdle, but it starts to abate when she meets a sweet young Italian-American named Tony (Emory Cohen). Romance proves a blessing for Eilis, making Brooklyn seem more like home and helping to draw out her confidence. However, her ties to the old country are still strong,

Diana (Eve Macklin), left, and Patty (Emily Bett Rickards), right, help Eilis (Saoirse Ronan) look more presentable for the parish hall dance in “Brooklyn,” which opens today at Downtown West. and she must eventually make a stand about where she will plant her heart. Based on the novel by Colm Toibin, “Brooklyn” was directed by John Crowley from a screenplay by Nick Hornby. It could have been a pleasant but pedestrian period piece resting on its wonderfully art-directed laurels, but the teams on both sides of the camera turn it into

something exceptional. Ronan continues to build on her resume as one of today’s finest young actors. Her ability to communicate from the screen is almost otherworldly. She makes Eilis’ journey quietly powerful. Cohen is delightful as the warm and self-effacing Tony. Domhnial Gleeson brings a winning mix of slickness and yearning as

Love movies? Then you'll love the Shopper's take on both the local filmmaking scene and Hollywood releases.

Betsy Pickle, East Tennessee's premier film critic, keeps you in the know in Weekender.

Jim. Old pros Broadbent and Walters provide weight and humor. “Brooklyn” depicts an immigrant experience that in many ways is like a fantasy, but escaping into a world such as this at times is not only soul-satisfying but also necessary. Rated PG-13 for a scene of sexuality and brief strong language.

business

10 • NOVEMBER 25, 2015 • NORTH/EAST Shopper news

News from the Rotary Guy

Bearden Rotarians present 4,400 dictionaries to third graders By Tom King

Pink and Proper Boutique owners Sandy Stipes and Rachel Ashe offer South Knoxville shoppers a new fashion alternative. Photo by S. Barrett

Pink And Proper opens in SoKno By Sara Barrett If you’re in need of a unique, new outfit to wear this weekend, look no further than Pink and Proper Boutique. Owners Sandy Stipes and Rachel Ashe chose a location in South Knoxville to give back to their home community. The shop is located next to the neighborhood staple, Impromptu Home and Garden Accessories at 5901 Chapman Highway, Suite A. “People told us we should open in West Knoxville, but we wanted to help out here,” said Stipes. “There are a lot of new shops opening out here, but there wasn’t any place if you just wanted to go shopping to get one new outfit.” Pink and Proper opened just a few weeks ago and al-

Members of the Rotary Club of Bearden are busy this fall presenting new dictionaries to each third grader in the Knox C o u n t y Tom King school system. That’s 51 schools and dictionaries for approximately 4,400 students. Members of the club have visited almost half of the schools to date. This is the 10th year of this major service project and in those 10 years the club has distributed more than 47,000 dictionaries. “We are distributing about 4,400 dictionaries this year,” said Ted Hotz of Bearden Rotary. “Our cost started out at around $8,000 per year and has grown to $11,000 for this year.” The picture here represents a large “thank you” card that was recently presented to Hotz at A.L. Lotts Elementary School after his presentation there. Hotz distributed dictionaries at both A.L. Lotts and Christenberry Elementary schools.

the rodeo animals entered through the front door and paraded through the lobby and auditorium to the stage. Coffin, whose family has been in the shoe store business for three generations, added even more color to the Mix story, saying, “Tom Mix’s wife went to my Dad’s shoe store on Gay Street and bought a pair of cowgirl boots while that rodeo was here. I think they were the last pair of cowgirl boots we ever sold.”

Ted Hotz with his “Thank You” card from the third graders at A.L. Lotts Elementary School.

■

News & notes

The Rotary Club of Knoxville ended up raising $5,500 for Christmas gifts for the children at the Mateszalka Children’s Home in Mateszalka, Hungary … Farragut Rotarians Sam Mishu and Sam Taylor were honored with $1,000 checks for their support of the club’s recent Wine Tasting & Silent Auction event that raised $14,000. Mishu donated $1,000 to the National Pancreatic Cancer Foundation and Taylor donated $1,000 to The Dream Connection.

week’s meeting, but it ready word has spread about ■ Tom Mix and was club member Jim its wide selection of styles. the cowgirl Coffin who brought Brands including Simply boots! Noelle and American-made down the house. Umgee are available at lowHancock deBecky Hancock, er than normal prices, and a scribed a 1933 event executive director of variety of shoes and acceswhen showman Tom Mix the Historic Tennessee sories are available to comTheatre Foundation, of- brought his rodeo to town. plement any outfit. Clothing fered an entertaining look That was several decades sizes range from small to into the history of Tennes- before the stage was ex- Tom King is a retired newspaper editor, a Rotarian for 27 years and past president 2XL. see’s state theatre to the Ro- panded to allow entry from of the Rotary Club of Farragut. He can be Many are already familtary Club of Bearden at last the back of the theater, so reached via email at tking535@gmail.com iar with Stipes’ other successful business ventures; she has owned Speed of Light tanning salons in Knoxville, Seymour and Se- ■ Amanda Shell Jennings has been procount executive in 2011 Carroll School of Management at Boston moted to senior account after returning from her College. vierville the last 15 years. executive and added to last semester abroad in Pink and Proper Boutique ■ Imagination Library of Knox County the firm’s executive team Buenos Aires, Argentina. is open 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Monnow mails over 19,000 books each month at Moxley Carmichael day through Saturday and ■ Louis Civitarese, to kids under age 5, representing 73 perpublic relations firm. investment analyst, has cent of the eligible population and a four closed Sunday. There will be Before graduating from joined The McLaughlin percent increase since 2013. extended hours on Black Frithe University of TenGroup in the Merrill Lynch ■ Shoney’s will remain open on Thanksday. Call for details. Info: on nessee, Jennings served Knoxville office. Civitarese giving with a special buffet from 11 a.m. Facebook, search Pink and two terms as a Moxley joined Merrill Lynch in to 10 p.m. The breakfast buffet will be Proper Boutique or call 865Carmichael intern. She Civitarese 2015. He received an MBA served from 6-11 a.m. 742-3981. joined the firm as an acJennings specializing in asset mangement from the

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FRIDAY-SATURDAY, NOV. 27-28 Open house, Appalachian Arts Craft Center, 2716 Andersonville Highway. Info: 494-9854 or appalachianarts.net.

SUNDAY, NOV. 28 The last jam of the year, 7 p.m., Old Rush Strong School, Leadmine Bend Road, Sharps Chapel. Free bluegrass, country and gospel music performed by local talent. Refreshments available, donations appreciated.

SATURDAY-SUNDAY, NOV. 28-29 Auditions for “The Last Five Years” by Jason Robert Brown, a musical being produced/performed at Theatre Knoxville Downtown, 319 N. Gay St. Times: 3-5:30 p.m. Saturday and 6-8:30 p.m. Sunday. Seeking one female and one male who can play an age range of 25-40. Performance dates: Feb. 12-28. Info: info@ theatreknoxville.com.

TUESDAY, DEC. 1 AARP Driver Safety classes, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., GFWC Ossoli Circle, 2511 Kingston Pike. Info/ registration: Carolyn Rambo, 382-5822.

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 2 International Folk Dance Class, 7:30-10 p.m., Claxton Community Center, 1150 Edgemoor Road, Clinton. Info: Paul Taylor, 898-5724; oakridgefolk dancers.org; on Facebook.

THURSDAY, DEC. 3 AAA Driver Improvement Course, 5:30-9:30 p.m., AAA office, 100 W. Fifth Ave. Four-hour course helps reduce points for traffic offenders and teaches how to reduce risk while driving. Cost: $30 members/$35 nonmembers. Must preregister. Info/regis-

BIZ NOTES

tration: Kate, 862-9254; Stephanie, 862-9252. Big Ridge 4th District Neighborhood Watch meeting, 7 p.m., Big Ridge Elementary School library. Info: 992-5212.

THURSDAYS-SUNDAYS, DEC. 4-20 “Cinderella and Ebenezer,” 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/tickets: 208-3677; knoxvillechildrenstheatre.com; info@ childrenstheatreknoxville.com.

SATURDAY, DEC. 5 AAA Driver Improvement Course, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., AAA office, 100 W. Fifth Ave. Eight-hour course helps reduce points for traffic offenders and teaches how to reduce risk while driving. Cost: 40 members/$50 nonmembers. Must preregister. Info/registration: Kate, 862-9254; Stephanie, 862-9252. The city of Luttrell Christmas parade, noon, Luttrell Community Park. Info/registration form for parade entries: 992-0870 or city of Luttrell Facebook page. Craft show and sale, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Summit Towers, 201 Locust St. Items include: paintings, drawings, wood art, crocheted items, ceramics, Christmas crafts, baked goods and more. Market Square Holiday Market, noon-6 p.m., with farm vendors selling until 3 p.m. near the Market Square stage, and craft vendors and food trucks open until 6 p.m. on Union Avenue adjacent to Market Square and along Market Street. Info: MarketSquareFarmers Market.org or NourishKnoxville.org.

SUNDAY, DEC. 6 “Let’s Build a Santa with Wool,” 1-4 p.m., Appalachian Arts Craft Center, 2716 Andersonville Highway, Norris. Instructors: Nancy Shedden and Karen Bills. Registration deadline: Nov. 29. Info/registration: 4949854; appalachianarts.net.

MONDAY, DEC. 7 American Legion meeting, 7 p.m., 140 Veteran St., Maynardville. All veterans are invited. Info: 3875522. Crocheted Oblong Shawl class, 9:30 a.m.12:30 p.m., Hobby Lobby, 6580 Clinton Highway. Cost: $25. Info: Info: Monica Schmidt, 406-3971, monicaschmidt.tn@gmail.com, myquiltplace.com/ profile/monicaschmidt.

TUESDAY, DEC. 8 Paulette 6th District Neighborhood Watch meeting, 7 p.m., Paulette Elementary School cafeteria.

Info: 992-5212.

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 9 International Folk Dance Class, 7:30-10 p.m., Claxton Community Center, 1150 Edgemoor Road, Clinton. Info: Paul Taylor, 898-5724; oakridgefolkdancers. org; on Facebook.

THURSDAY, DEC. 10 VFW meeting, 7 p.m., 140 Veteran St., Maynardville. All veterans are invited. Info: 278-3784.

FRIDAY-SUNDAY, DEC. 11-13 “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” performed by The WordPlayers, 7:30 p.m. Friday and 2:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Clayton Performing Arts Center, Pellissippi State Community College, 10915 Hardin Valley Road. Info/tickets: wordplayers.org.

SATURDAY, DEC. 12 “Holiday Art Blitz!,” 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Fountain City Art Center, 213 Hotel Ave. All-day small giftmaking workshops, $25 to make five gifts. Info/ registration: 357-2787; fcartcenter@knology.net; www. fountaincityartctr.com. Holiday Market, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Garden of Eden Preschool/Berean Bible Church. 2329 Prosser Road. Lots of vendors in the gym. Market Square Holiday Market, noon-6 p.m., with farm vendors selling until 3 p.m. near the Market Square stage, and craft vendors and food trucks open until 6 p.m. on Union Avenue adjacent to Market Square and along Market Street. Info: MarketSquareFarmersMarket.org or NourishKnoxville.org. Wreath workshop, 12:30 p.m., Historic Ramsey House, 2614 Thorngrove Pike. Cost: $35. Bring a pair of small garden shears and garden gloves. Other materials provided. Info/reservations: 546-0745 or ramseyhouse. org.

SUNDAY, DEC. 13 “Bread Basket,” 2-5 p.m., Appalachian Arts Craft Center, 2716 Andersonville Highway, Norris. Instructor: Sheri Burns. Registration deadline: Dec. 6. Info/registration: 494-9854; appalachianarts.net. Free drop-in art activities for families, 1-4 p.m., Knoxville Museum of Art, 1050 World’s Fair Park Drive. Docent tours in English, 2 p.m., and in Spanish, 3 p.m. Info: knoxart.org. Historic Ramsey House Candlelight Tour, 6-8 p.m., 2614 Thorn Grove Pike. Featuring holiday treats, Christmas carols and tours of the decorated, candlelit historic home. Admission free; donations appreciated. Info: 546-0745 or www.ramseyhouse.org.

NORTH/EAST Shopper news • NOVEMBER 25, 2015 • 11

NEWS FROM EMERALD YOUTH FOUNDATION OF KNOXVILLE

A Message from Steve Diggs Emerald Youth President and CEO Emerald Youth Foundation is grateful to so many this Thanksgiving season, yet we have our work cut out for us. As we minister with nearly 2,000 city children, teens and young adults this year, we Steve Diggs are dedicated to ensuring that every kid in every Knoxville neighborhood has an opportunity for a full life. The broad focus and ambitious scale of our neighborhood ministry, sports programs, and the successful launch of our city’s first public charter school, tell us several important things. One is that Knoxville’s urban youth have massive potential to succeed and become Godly leaders of our city. Two, all young people need a comprehensive and long-term commitment from caring adults in the areas of faith, learning, health and relationships. Three, Knoxville residents already have a history of faithful support for the city’s urban youth, as witnessed by their involvement and support of these initiatives. Your support has made so much possible for city children! As we look towards our 25th anniversary next year, our calling remains ever-present, and the impact of donors and volunteers has been redemptive to thousands of city young people. Please join us as we do our best to close the gaps for as many children as we can.

Sansom family, Emerald Youth officially Sansom Sports Complex open The Sansom Sports Complex operated by Emerald Youth Foundation officially opened November 9. Bill and Elisabeth Sansom and family, Emerald Youth Foundation President and CEO Steve Diggs, and Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero were joined by Emerald Youth children at a ribbon-cutting and open house attended by hundreds of guests. Emerald Youth has been serving city children at the Sansom Sports Complex since late April as finishing touches have been made at the facility. Ground was broken on the project in November 2013 on the 14-acre parcel of property near World’s Fair Park, once occupied by an H.T. Hackney warehouse. Sansom is CEO of Knoxville-based H.T. Hackney, one of the largest national wholesale grocery distributors. The project has transformed a vacant industrial site bordered by Dale Avenue on the north, the Norfolk Southern Railway tracks on the south, 17th Street on the west, and Bill Sansom and the Western Avenue Steve Diggs at viaduct on the east. the Sansom The Sansom Sports Sports Complex Complex provides ribbon-cutting world-class playing fields and facilities for soccer, lacrosse, flag

Volleyball on the move in urban Knoxville What started out several years ago as a from gym bleachers. small group of young women gathering to Several factors have built the popularlearn a new sport – volleyball – has become ity of volleyball in central city Knoxville. overwhelmingly popular at Emerald Youth One is Emerald Youth’s launching and Foundation. sponsorship of Between teams at urban 125-130 innermiddle schools, city middle and which now high school include Whittle girls are playSprings, Vine, ing in Emerald Holston, Youth’s recNorthwest reational voland Gresham. leyball league Through its EY now underway. City Volleyball This year, the League, the girls’ skill level urban youth is noticeably ministry built Emerald Youth girls participate in recreationhigh, said Tyler skills and interal league volleyball at the ministry’s gym on Hardin, Emerest among urban North Central Street. ald Youth’s league girls during the coordinator. “This school volleyball year on the first night, every team was season. Another factor is that volleyball fills a already hitting the ball three times getting gap for girls, giving them a fun activity and it over the net. The skill level across the sport in the fall. “Parents are saying, ‘I’m board is really up.” so glad we have a volleyball program here!’ The fast-paced games are notably wellattended, with parents, grandparents, Volleyball is a new avenue that a lot of girls siblings and friends cheering on the girls haven’t had,” Hardin said.

Single Tennessee Walker Mare … Adoption fee is $100

Guests and dignitaries participate in the ribbon-cutting at the Sansom Sports Complex.

football and performance training. Primary users are children and teens who attend Knoxville’s urban schools. As of November 2015, the complex’s three main sections are complete: ■ H.T. Hackney Field, named after the family’s business. ■ Kathryn Field, named for Kathryn Eggleston, daughter of Bill and Elisa-

beth Sansom. ■ Lewis Sansom Field House and Pavilion, named for the Sansoms’ late son Lewis. Each field is lighted and made from synthetic turf, and the Lewis Sansom Field House and Pavilion is a 5,000 square foot building that includes a performance-training center, meeting space and concession area with a covered field that allows for play year-round. A fourth field is expected to be completed in 2016. The Sansom family paid for the complex, built by Baseline Sports Construction. Emerald Youth is funding the yearly operating costs.

Mount Zion Baptist, Emerald Youth celebrate 10-year partnership Fellows, and presentation of a plaque to the Rev. Dr. Johnnie W. Skinner, pastor. A reception followed. In 2005, Mount Zion Baptist, under the leadership of Dr. Skinner, became a JustLead partner with Emerald Youth as a full participant in neighborhood ministry. The church and Emerald Youth have since provided programming year-round for hundreds of youth. Mentoring, bible studies and small groups, recreational activities, and homework help and tutoring have been typical parts of that care. Today two full-time Emerald Youth staff and five AmeriCorps Kevin DuBose, the Rev. Cedric Jackson, Kent members at Mount Zion serve elementary, Stanger, the Rev. Dr. Johnnie W. Skinner and middle and high school youth. Shara Shoup at Mount Zion Baptist Church “Emerald Youth’s work in Knoxville celebrating 10 years of ministry partnership has been possible because of pastors like with Emerald Youth Foundation Johnnie Skinner and churches like Mount Zion,” said Steve Diggs, President and CEO of Emerald Youth. “From the beginning, Emerald Youth Foundation and Mount we recognized and believed the church was Zion Baptist Church celebrated 10 years the best place to disciple and relate with of youth ministry partnership during the kids long-term.” church’s Sunday worship service Nov. 8. Diggs said that churches like Mount Led by Robin Johnson, JustLead Youth Zion help people build long-lasting interDirector at the church, the celebration in- generational relationships, provide famicluded music, a sermon by the Rev. Cedric lies with support, and give young people Jackson, director of the Emerald Youth opportunities to serve and lead.

seeks a forever home Haley is a spirited and sweet 13-year-old Tennessee Walking Horse Mare. She is one of the 28 horses that Horse Haven of Tennessee took in from the “puppy mill” for Tennessee Walkers in Giles County. Standing at 15.1-hands, she is green broke and has a smooth gait. If you are interested in making Haley a part of your family, please visit HorseHavenTn.org/Meet-Our-Horses and fill out an adoption application! Her adoption fee is only $100.

Horse Haven of Tennessee

HorseHavenTn.org/meet-our-horses

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12 • NOVEMBER 25, 2015 • Shopper news

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