North/East Shopper-News 032917

Emerald Youth ➤ VOL. 5 NO. 13

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Volunteers, many from Corryton Church, raise the walls of Shannon Perry’s new home.

By Sandra Clark First you see cars lining both sides of the street for two blocks in either direction; then you hear hammers, striking nails in rhythm; then you smell new wood and feel excitement in the air. It’s spring. Time for another Habitat for Humanity house in Knoxville.

On Saturday, volunteers and Habitat staff raised the walls for a new home for Shannon Perry and her three kids: Ethan, 15; Leland, 9; and Adelynn, 18 months.

“You’ve got to be careful where you swing your hammer on opening day,” said Bob Temple. The House of Hope at 2823 Tecoma Ave. is being built in his honor by HopeBuilders, Corryton Church and Perry.

Temple is a developer/home builder and longtime supporter of Habitat. His son, Rob, was with his dad on Saturday.

Perry was wielding a hammer with other volunteers. She expects to move into the four-bedroom, two-bath home in mid-June. “It will be the first time Leland and Adelynn have had a room of their own,” she said. The family stops by most evenings, doing cleanup.

Their excitement is growing.

Perry grew up in South Knoxville, graduating from SouthDoyle High School. For the past seven years, she’s lived in Corryton and is a member of Corryton Church. She’s employed at Gastrointestinal Associates. Son Ethan had transferred to Fulton High

School to participate in its communications magnet program before she learned their new home would be in the Whittle Springs and Fulton zones.

“Corryton Church is my family,” she said. “We’ll still be going to church there.”

Perry has taken personal finance classes as a part of the Habitat program. She’s learned so much that she’s giving tips to friends at work. “You’ll be on the radio like Dave Ramsey,” we joked.

Tecoma is a quiet street that dead ends at Whittle Springs Golf Course. It’s an established area with deep lots and mature trees. The Perry family is ready to join the neighborhood. They are

Bob Temple stands on Tecoma Avenue during Saturday’s Habitat “build.”

thankful to the HopeBuilders and Corryton Church for making their dream possible.

David’s Tires: Keep on rollin’

By Esther Roberts

Matthew Porterfield knows tires. “I started helping my dad at the shop when I was very young. Our pastor helped out at the shop for a while; he likes to say, ‘An 8-year-old boy taught me how to change a tire!’”

Porterfield’s father, David, and his uncle, Robert, began their business as “Porterfield Tire” over 30 years ago in a small space on Cherry Street. They had three employees.

“My mom, Shirley, did the bookkeeping back then,” Porterfield says. “I have two children and my sister, Crystal (Woods), also has two children. These days, Mom enjoys being ‘Nana’ and my sister and uncle do the accounting.”

As business grew, so did the need for space. The business relocated to its present Rutledge Pike location in early 2009.

David Porterfield manages the tire side of the business. Matthew manages the mechan-

ical repairs side.

“For customers who need tires, they’re welcome to drop in anytime and we can accommodate them,” Porterfield says. “We have all types of customers – including individual car owners to commercial fleets to industrial equipment rental companies. As a small, family-owned and operated business, we are grateful for each one.

To page A-3

Knox County Schools already tests for safe water

By Sandra Clark Last week’s story about legislation introduced by state Rep. Rick Staples implied a problem with drinking water in public schools since Staples wants to require school systems to test it. His bill (HB0631) was scheduled to be heard by the House Education & Administrative Planning subcommittee on Tuesday, March 28.

Meanwhile, we checked with state and local agencies to clarify the current status of school water, especially in schools built before June 19, 1986, when the federal lead ban took effect.

Tennessee Department of Health spokesperson Shelley Walker refused to comment on pending legislation.

Russ Oaks, chief operating officer for Knox County Schools, said the local system has been proactive in testing water.

We Offer:

Thomas is new super Contract negotiations are underway between Bob Thomas and the Knox County Board of Education, after the board’s unanimous selection of Thomas as the district’s next superintendent of schools. He will reBob Thomas place Buzz Thomas (no relation), who served as interim superintendent for a year.

but nothing involving pipes. Remediation included replacing a faucet or water cooler.

“Recognizing this isn’t static, we can have deterioration over time, (KCS) decided to test water regularly,” Oaks said. Twenty percent of schools are tested annually, meaning every school will

be tested every five years. Oaks said school staff pull 10 samples at each school, focusing on drinking water. So is the water safe?

“Our (testing) actions are proactive and prudent. Everywhere we check, we ensure that it’s safe.

KUB has been great working with us,” Oaks said.

Buzz Thomas will return to his role as director of Great Schools Partnership.

Bob Thomas is a longtime Fountain City resident whose wife, Beckye Justice Thomas, was choral director at Central High School. Their son, Brandon, graduated from Central High School and UT. Bob Thomas taught at Bearden and Rule high schools. He has been an assistant superintendent since 1990.

board in May. The rezoning will take effect in August 2018 as new middle schools at Hardin Valley and Gibbs are opened.

The meetings will be held at 6 p.m.

Tuesday, April 4, at Holston Middle School and Tuesday, April 11, at Hardin Valley Academy.

The draft plan is available at knoxschools.org. It adjusts zones for Farragut, Karns, Holston, Carter, Vine and South-Doyle middle schools, while allowing rising eighth-grade students and their siblings currently enrolled in middle school to apply to be “grandfathered” at their existing school.

Rezoning meetings KCS will hold two public meetings to discuss the plan for middle school rezoning before it goes to the school

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KUB tested water samples from schools in its service area and KCS hired a private lab to test samples from other water districts. “Some marginal readings came back,”

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March 29, 2017

New home for Perrys honors Temple

Egg Hunts

■■ Sharon Baptist Church will host an egg hunt 1-2:30 p.m. Saturday, April 15, for preschool through fifth grade.

Bring your baskets and a friend for food, candy, fun and the Easter story at 7916 Pedigo Road. Info: sharonknoxville. com or 865-938-7075.

■■ Ebenezer Methodist Church Community Spring Festival, 4-6 p.m. Sunday, April 2, 1001 Ebenezer Road.

Free. Egg hunt, petting zoo, balloon animals, magic shows, live music.

■■ Fountain City egg hunt, 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, April 8, Fountain City Park: 9:30 a.m., ages 6-8; 10:15 a.m., ages 3-5; 11 a.m., walking to 2 years; 11:45 a.m., ages 9-12. Free and open to the public. Bring Easter basket. Event includes: the Easter Bunny, vendor booths, food truck spaces. Info: info@ fountaincitybusiness.com ■■ River View Family Farm 6th annual spring event, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday, April 14, and Saturday, April 15, at 12130 Prater Lane, Farragut.

Plenty to see and do down on the farm, including an egg hunt.

■■ Powell, 1 p.m. Saturday, April 15, Powell Station Park on Emory Road adjacent to the high school. Communitywide event includes prizes, live animals, free refreshments. Info: PowellBusiness.com ■■ Gulf Park Easter Egg Hunt, 2:30-4 p.m. Saturday, April 15, at 528 Pensacola Road (off Cedar Bluff Road).

Free. The hunt will begin at 3 p.m. Open to the public. Don’t forget your basket.

■■ Big Ridge State Park, Saturday, April 15, rain or shine. Schedule: 10 a.m., 2 years and younger; 10:30 a.m., 3-4 years old; 1 p.m., 5-7 years old; 1:30 p.m., 8-10 years old.

Bring a basket and meet at the Park Office. Info: 865-9925523 ■■ UT Gardens Wild Bird Eggstravaganza, 10 a.m-2 p.m. Saturday, April 1, UT Gardens, 2431 Joe Johnson Drive.

Cost: $8 per child. Learn about wild birds and how to feed them. Families will learn how to attract birds to their home garden and create natural spring-inspired crafts. All kids will leave with two bird feeders, a seed dispersal craft to attract wild birds, a bird seed mix catering to your favorite backyard birds’ favorite foods and young seedling that can grow to attract and feed birds in your garden. Hunt for 3,000 eggs in the garden. Don’t forget your basket! The Easter Bunny will also be “hopping” to get his picture taken with you.

Preregistration is required at http://bit.ly/2oe0umP ■■ Submit your egg hunt to News@ShopperNewsNow.com

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Breakfast ahead. Details on A-6

A-2 • MArch ShoPPer -NewS arch 29, 29,2017 2017 •• PNowell orth/E ast Shopper news

health & lifestyles

The woman in the mirror After bariatric surgery at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center, sometimes the simplest things bring the greatest pleasure to those who have the procedure.

“I can paint my toenails, girlfriend!” Tiara-Lady Wilson says with a laugh as she pulls her feet up into the chair to sit crosslegged. “And look what I can do now!”

Wilson is an energetic woman with an infectious laugh and a positive attitude. It’s the same attitude that has helped her succeed in life, even winning the title of Miss Tennessee State University in 1998.

It’s also the same attitude that has sustained her through years of medical problems that caused her to gain 100 pounds.

Wilson began taking medications for pain and weakness from musculoskeletal issues and after receiving a diagnosis as bipolar when she was in graduate school.

Later, she was found to have gestational diabetes during both of her pregnancies, but her blood sugar went back to normal until she was prescribed steroids for some fresh issues with pain.

Steroids raised her blood sugar level, and diabetes reared its ugly head. Additional thyroid problems made a perfect storm for significant weight gain.

“The weight just ballooned,”

she says. “I watched my body literally morph in front of me.”

The woman in the mirror, once confident in her skin and comfortable with her size, became someone Wilson hardly recognized. “I describe it as ‘that other woman,’ and I didn’t like what I saw,” Wilson says.

It was particularly frustrating because Wilson was eating natural and healthy foods. Sure, she had occasional snacks, but she wasn’t one to overdo. “I didn’t get it, because I wasn’t eating doughnuts, I wasn’t eating (chips), I wasn’t doing these things that you normally think people are doing when they’re gaining weight,” Wilson says.

In October of 2013 she stepped on the scales and weighed in at 313 pounds. She was mortified.

“I was miserable, and when I looked in the mirror I wasn’t seeing who I knew God created me to be,” Wilson says.

On the inside, she could feel diabetes shutting her body

down. “I was sticking myself 10 times a day to give myself insulin or to check my blood sugar,” Wilson says. “Being a diabetic was a job. I was over that.”

Wilson describes it as “dying a slow death,” with her children serving as witnesses. She decided she had to take action. “I want to be an active mother,” Wilson says, “I want to dance in the rain; I want to live!”

With behavioral therapy classes, a focus on clean eating, and positive thinking, Wilson began to feel better, but she was still morbidly obese and diabetes was still a problem. When Wilson decided to attend a weight loss seminar and heard from bariatric surgeon Jonathan Ray, MD, she had a great feeling about it. She learned the procedure was less expensive than she had previously thought, and the bonus was that the surgery would be performed at Fort Sanders Regional.

“I trust Covenant Health, and it made me comfortable that Tiara-Lady Wilson got I was going to be her groove back after at a hospital that weight loss surgery at I trust,” Wilson Fort Sanders Regional says, “and that and even participatthey had partnered ed in a fashion show with doctors who for post-bariatric would be of the patients.

The ‘How?’ and ‘Why?’ of bariatric surgery Obesity has become a significant national health issue. Our society is overweight. The foods we eat are often poor choices and can lead to obesity.

Morbid obesity, defined as having a BMI over 35 and being at risk for obesity-related health issues, is closely correlated with serious medical conditions including heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes.

The Fort Sanders Center for Bariatric Surgery is the answer to the prayers of many who battle obesity and its accompanying issues. Bariatric surgeons Mark Colquitt, MD, and Jonathan Ray, MD, have helped more than 2,200 patients lose close to 200,000 pounds through a combination of

surgical, spiritual and emotional support.

The atmosphere at the Center for Bariatric Surgery is one of support and encouragement. Many of our staff members have undergone bariatric surgery and use their experience to help others be successful on their journey.

The surgeons offer two main options for their patients: laparoscopic gastric bypass (usually done as a robotic procedure), in which a smaller stomach pouch is created and a portion of the small intestine is rerouted to the pouch; and sleeve gastrectomy, which removes a portion of the stomach and creates a narrower digestive tube. “The safety of bariatric surgery has improved greatly,” Dr.

Colquitt said. “Today, the surgical risk of the procedure is comparable to having a gallbladder removed.” He said in most instances, the patient goes home within 24 hours after surgery.

“But in order for bariatric surgery to succeed, people have to commit to making the lifestyle changes to support the choice,” Dr. Colquitt said. Dr. Ray added, “Our team will be there for the patient before and after the procedure. We can get them to the door, but they have to walk through it.”

“Our goal is to promote health and wellness and support an obesity-free lifestyle,” they say, “and to help our patients become more productive – and fully engaged in life.”

Learn more about bariatric surgery Register for informational seminars conducted by surgeons from the Fort Sanders Regional Center for Bariatric Surgery by calling 865-541-BAR1 (2271). See the full seminar schedule at fsregional.com/bariatrics Mar 23 Apr 13 Apr 20 Apr 27 May 11 May 18 May 25

Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center LeConte Medical Center Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center Blount County Library Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center

Classroom 2, Lobby Level Classroom 2, Lobby Level Hospital classrooms Classroom 2, Lobby Level Classroom 2, Lobby Level Dorothy Herron Room Classroom 2, Lobby Level

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same standard as the doctors I was used to in the Covenant system.”

By the day of her surgery, she had lost a total of 56 pounds on her own. While it was an accomplishment to be proud of, she still needed to lose more weight, and she still hadn’t conquered her diabetes.

Her surgery was performed in late 2015, and today Wilson has lost about an additional 100 pounds. And she’s most interested in living life and spreading positivity.

Wilson has been commissioned as a Stephen Minister at Fort Sanders Regional, providing spiritual care to patients, families and staff at the hospital where she was born, where she was once an employee, and where she had the surgery that changed her life. She’s also created a video blog to share her experiences, and encourage women to be their best and happiest.

“For me, this was such a blessing,” Wilson says. “I thank God for Dr. Ray because he gave me the opportunity to live again.”

To learn more about bariatric surgery at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center, visit fsregional.com/bariatrics or call 865-331-BAR1 (2217).

Get to know bariatric surgeon Jonathan Ray, MD Q Where are you from and where did you attend medical school?

A I am from Thibodaux, Louisiana, and I attended LSU Medical

School in New Orleans.

Q What types of bariatric surgery do you offer to patients?

A At Fort Sanders Regional, we perform Sleeve Gastrectomy, Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass, Lap Band and the Loop Duodenal Switch surgeries.

Jonathan Ray, MD

Q How long have you been doing bariatric surgery?

A I started performing bariatric surgery 14 years

ago in Blount County. In 2013, Dr. Mark Colquitt and I joined with Covenant Health to practice at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center in Knoxville.

Q What sort of comprehensive programs does Fort Sanders Regional offer for bariatric patients?

A The hospital has the Fort Sanders Center for Bariatric Surgery, which is accredited as a Comprehensive Center under the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement. We offer regular education, dietary information, exercise programs, psychological support and support groups with lifelong follow up to help focus on long-term success.

Q What is the most rewarding part of being a bariatric surgeon?

A I love witnessing the dramatic improvement and resolution of ma-

jor medical issues like diabetes, hypertension and hyperlipidemia, and overall improvement in the patients’ well-being as well as the weight loss. Seeing patients get excited about life again is very rewarding.

Q How can those interested in making a life change through bariatric surgery learn more?

A We offer free bariatric seminars led by a physician two to three times per month at various locations in East Tennessee. More information is also available at www.fsregional.com/bariatrics.

Regional excellence.

Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center is the referral hospital where other facilities send their most complex patients.

0094-0097

● ● ● ●

Certified Stroke Center Award-winning Heart Care Neuro Center of Excellence Robotically-assisted surgery

North/East Shopper news • March 29, 2017 • A-3

David’s Tires: Keep on rollin’

Phyllis Simerly Sellers and Carl Sellers plan for the reunion.

Golden Bears plan 60th reunion

By Betty Bean

ways known as Johnny in high school). “Nobody remembers most of the things everybody’s telling on you, but we’ll tell it all. And it’s not going to be a suit and tie deal. We’re Rule. We’re Rule High School. Just come.”

Class secretary Jeanette Mathis Tucker is on the reunion committee, which includes Mills and his wife, Charlotte; Ralph Williams, Phyllis Simerly Sellers and Carl Sellers and Joe and Sandra McClure Daniel (Joe was class president).

Many of the classmates have stayed in touch over the years, but some will be seeing old friends for the first time in 60 years when they meet at Buddy’s Banquet Hall.

Rule High School looks lonely these days, boarded and abandoned after the county shut it down in 2000, its student body dispersed to Central, Fulton and West.

But once upon a time, it was a hive of activity, serving the children of the proud blue-collar neighborhoods that surrounded it.

Named for Knoxville mayor, newspaper editor and Civil War hero William Rule, the school opened in 1927, and generations of alumni cherish the memories they made there.

On June 16, the Class of ’57, which had around 120 members, will come from as far away Las Vegas (and as close as Inskip) to get together one more time. The reunion organizers are predicting a turnout of about 50, and a room full of memories.

“I guess there’ll be a lot of lies told,” said class vice president John Mills (al-

REUNIONS ■■ Gibbs High Class of 1967 50th reunion, Saturday April 1. Info: Nancy Breeding, 865-256-2526.

Jeanette, who had a career working in the courthouse, said many classmates campaigned for Mills when he ran for office (he is a former County Commission chair).

“We had the best time when Johnny ran. We’ve always stuck together, and we had a ball.”

Mills said he cherishes those old school ties.

“We didn’t have everything in the world, but by George, we had each other, and we were like brothers and sisters. And when we graduated, we worked.

Everyone got a job, and we worked. I’m a Golden Bear all the way. My heart bleeds blue and gold. We were one proud student body.”

■■ Woodhill School Reunion, 6 p.m. Saturday, April 8, Pleasant Gap Baptist Church, 4311 Pleasant Gap Drive. Bring covered dish.

All who attended Woodhill are invited.

COMMUNITY NOTES ■■ East Knoxville Cleanup, 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, April 29.

Sponsored by Keep Knoxville Beautiful. Meet at Eternal Life Harvest Center Plaza, 2410 MLK Jr. Ave. Snacks and beverages available. Registration free and open to all ages. Info/registration: http:// tinyurl.com/hlgqg4b.

■■ Alice Bell Spring Hill Neighborhood Association. Info: Ronnie Collins, 865-637-9630.

■■ Beaumont Community Organization. Info: Natasha Murphy, 865-936-0139.

■■ Belle Morris Community Action Group. Info: bellemorris. com or Rick Wilen, 865-5245008.

■■ Chilhowee Park Neighborhood Association. Info: Paul Ruff, 865-696-6584.

■■ Edgewood Park Neighborhood Association. Info: edgewoodpark.us.

■■ Historic Fourth & Gill Neighborhood Organization. Info: Liz Upchurch, 865-898-1809, lizupchurch1@gmail.com.

■■ Inskip Community Association. Info: Betty Jo Mahan, 865-679-2748 or bettymahan@knology.net.

■■ Oakwood Lincoln Park Neighborhood Association.

Info: Bill Hutton, 865-773-5228 or s_wlhutton@yahoo.com.

■■ Old North Knoxville, 6:30 p.m. each second Monday, St. James Episcopal Church Parish Hall, 1101 N. Broadway.

■■ Parkridge Community Organization. Info: Jennifer Montgomery, citywhippet@ gmail.com.

■■ Second District Democrats.

Info: Rick Staples, 865-3853589 or funnyman1@comic. com.

■■ Excelsior Lodge No. 342.

Info: Bill Emmert, 865-9336032 or w.emmert@att.net.

■■ Family Community Education-Carter Club. Info: Anne Winstead, 865-933-5821.

■■ First District Democrats.

Info: Harold Middlebrook,

haroldmiddlebrook@ gmail.com; Mary Wilson, marytheprez@yahoo.com.

■■ Thorn Grove Rebekah Lodge No. 13. Info: Mary Jo Poole, 865-599-7698 or mjp1101@aol.com.

■■ Town Hall East. Info: Eston Williams, 865-406-5412 or eston_williams@yahoo.com;

facebook.com/townhalleast/ info.

HEALTH NOTES ■■ “Joint Pain, Don’t Let It Slow You Down,” a free orthopedics seminar presented

by Tennova Healthcare.

Turkey Creek Medical Center Johnson Conference Center, 10820 Parkside Drive: 1-2 p.m. Wednesday, March 29; 5:30-6:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 4; 1-2 p.m. Wednesday, May 3; 5:30-6:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 23. Physicians Regional Medical Center Emerald Room, 930 Emerald Ave.: 1-2 p.m.

Tuesday, April 11. Register at least one day prior to seminar.

Info/registration: tennovaortho.com or 1-855-TENNOVA (836-6682).

■■ “Ready, Set, Unite! Walk for Child Abuse Prevention” free community prevention walk and information fair, 3-4:30 p.m. Friday, April 7, Market Square. No registration required; everyone invited. Hosted by Helen Ross McNabb Center. Info: Houston Smelcer, houston.smelcer@ mcnabb.org or 865-329-9119.

“For customers who need mechanical work, from simple oil changes to more complex repairs, we ask them to make an appointment, so we have the right mechanics available for each job at the right time. Appointments help minimize customer wait time, and we like to take the best possible care of our customers.” The waiting area is tidy and both business- and family-friendly.

It features workspace cubicles with convenient power outlets for recharging electronic devices, as well as a television and a children’s space complete with books and toys.

The biggest challenge facing the business right now? “Keeping our mechanics trained on all the latest technology available in the various vehicles on the market,” Porterfield says. “We are constantly sending our mechanic staff to classes for training, so we can provide top-quality service on the computers and modern technology found in today’s vehicles.”

Along with running the mechanical side of this family business, spending time with his wife and two young children, and being active in his church, Matthew Porterfield is an avid marathoner, a rock climber (Porterfield was second in the nation in 2016) and an ice hockey player. All this from a wheelchair.

“I was 18, I had a dirt bike accident and shattered my T-5 vertebrae.” He is remarkably matter-of-fact. “I never let it slow me down. I love being active. It’s hard to stay in shape, but well worth the effort.”

Porterfield has traveled all over East Tennessee, speaking on behalf of the Think First Foundation. “I love talking to the kids.”

His enthusiasm and professionalism are found in every member of the family team at David’s Tires.

David’s Tires is at 4625 Rutledge Pike. Open weekdays 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m.; Wednesdays close at 5 p.m.

■■ Parkinson’s Walk sponsored

by PK Hope Is Alive Parkinson Support Group of East Tennessee, 9 a.m. Saturday, April 15, Bissell Park Pavilion in Oak Ridge. Live music, free healthcare info, prizes and more.

All donations go to research funding for the seven major Parkinson’s organizations.

Info: unitywalk.org, specify team: PK Hope Is Alive.

■■ Peninsula Lighthouse Group of Families Anonymous meetings, 6:15-7:15 p.m. each Tuesday, 1451 Dowell Springs Blvd. Newcomers welcome; no dues/fees; no sign-up; first names only. Info: Barbara L., 865-696-6606 or peninsulafa2@aol.com.

From page A-1

Matthew Porterfield is a marathoner, rock climber and plays on a hockey team. His father, David, and uncle founded the family tire business over 30 years ago on Cherry Street.

Photo by Esther Roberts

The Rotary guy

5 from Knoxville Rotary visit projects in Zimbabwe

By Tom King Five members of the Rotary Club of Knoxville (RCK) recently returned from Zimbabwe to help dedicate a dam that was Tom King repaired through a Rotary International grant and celebrate with the villagers in Bulawayo South. On the trip were RCK president Allen Pannell, vice president Jody Mullins, past District 6780 governor Frank Rothermel, past president Townes Osborn and world community service committee chair Bob Marquis.

The group also visited another village where RCK member Phil Mitchell arranged a dedicated grant through the club’s foundation to provide food for village children who were starving due to a severe drought in 2016.

Also, the RCK delegation spent time with the club’s Rotary partners in Bulawayo and stayed at the Nesbitt Castle Hotel. In ad-

■■ Smoky Mountain

Strong caps

If you’re a baseball cap buff, then we’ve got some news for you. Our friends at the Rotary Club of Gatlinburg have a few hundred “Smoky Mountain Strong” hats in support of those victims rendered homeless by the recent fires in Gatlinburg, Sevier County and the Great Smoky Mountains. For a monetary donation of your choice, one of these caps can be yours. And 100 percent of the money is going directly to the victims.

You can pick one up any Thursday at 11:30 a.m. at the glass facility at Calhoun’s in Gatlinburg, or you can send a self-addressed 5 x 7 stamped envelope with a check for a donation. Please send your top three choices in colors since they are not reserving any orders (first come first serve).

Mail your donation to: Gatlinburg Rotary Foundation, Attn HATS, P.O. Box 1144, Gatlinburg, TN 37738.

SPACE IS LIMITED TO THE FIRST 40 REGISTRANTS.

LIBRARY NOTES ■■ Books Sandwiched In: “Bad Feminist: Essays” by Roxane Gay, noon Wednesday, March 29, East Tennessee History Center, 601 S. Gay St. Discussion led by Dr. Rebecca Klenk, UT Department of Anthropology. Info: 865-215-8801.

dition, the group visited the nursing school the club helped launch in 2015 with a Rotary grant.

You CAN take it off & keep it off for good!

Free Weight Management PROGRAM Thursday Nights in April, Starting April 6 at 6:30

North Knoxville 7th-Day Adventist Church • 6530 Fountain City Road.

Register by April 2 to be assured of samples & printed materials.

For more information, call (865-314-8204).

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A-4 • March 29, 2017 • North/East Shopper news

What if George Washington were on Twitter?

By Kip Oswald

Just about every person I know has a Twitter account. Even our school has one, so I began wonder i ng about the pre sident s of the United States and TwitKip ter. President Obama was the first president to have a Twitter account, but since he rarely used it, President Trump is actually being called the “Twitter President” due to his daily multiple tweets.

So I began thinking what would it have been like if the other 43 presidents had been on Twitter.

So let’s pretend that all our presidents had a Twitter account or the media were tweeting about them. When I asked several people what they knew about George Washington, I got little accurate information. Most said he was our first president, but no one knew he was the only president ever to be unanimously elected president. Also, a few said he was called the Father of Our Country, but no one knew that the people tried to call him “His Highness, the President of the United States of America, and Protector of their Liberties,” and that it was Washington who named himself “Mr. President.”

Everyone knew we celebrate Washington’s birthday in February, but no one knew that it became a holiday while he was still president.

There were some fun facts no one knew. For instance, Washington was homeschooled by his father and

brother until he quit school altogether to be a surveyor at 15. His favorite foods were cream of peanut soup, mashed sweet potatoes with coconut, string beans with mushrooms and pineapples.

When Washington became president, he did not have enough money to get to his own inauguration so he had to borrow $600 from a neighbor. However, when he was president, he turned down his salary of $25,000, which was two percent of the U.S. budget, and even had a job running a ferry service across the Potomac River during his first year as president.

By the way, if the president made two percent of the U.S. budget now, he would make $80 billion instead of the current $400,000 presidential salary.

There were some big misunderstandings by all the people I talked to. They thought George Washington lived in Washington, D.C., had wooden teeth and chopped down a cherry tree!

For these mistakes, I made three tweets from President Washington!

George Washington @ FatherofOurCountry I was the first president and the only president to never live in Washington, D.C., the capital town named for me!

George Washington @ FatherofOurCountry At 57, I had all my teeth pulled and I wore a set of ivory teeth and human false teeth from then on!

George Washington @ FatherofOurCountry I never chopped down that cherry tree! Parson Weems made up that fake news story!

Next week: John Adams on Twitter! Send comments to oswaldsworldtn@gmail. com

The back playground area is for the older kids.

Photo submitted

Kids helping kids

By Margie Hagen What started as a project for students at First Baptist Concord will turn into new playground equipment for Maynard Elementary School kids. Concord Quest Vacation Bible School attendees from kindergarten through seventh grade raised a good portion of the $25,000 needed, with the remainder coming from a large donor.

Located on Kingston Pike in Farragut, First Baptist Concord has around 8,000 members, making it one of the largest in the region.

About 1,100 children attend Concord Christian School in grades pre-K through 12.

Each year, the vacation school selects a different cause to benefit, according to director of communications Tiffany Roy. “Most of the money came in change from over 1,000 kids who attended our summer event,” she said. “So cool to see kids helping kids!” A check was presented to the administration at Maynard during its winter carnival in December.

Maynard Elementary School is on College Street in the Mechanicsville area.

The existing playground used by the younger kids at Maynard Elementary School will be renovated soon with money raised

by First Baptist Concord students. Photo by Margie Hagen

adds up, but we need larger contributions to continue Founded in 1897, the school our work,” says Barker.

So when will the kids enhas about 200 students in grades K-5. “First Baptist joy their new playground?

Donations like this reConcord has supported the school for many years quire approval from the through our Partners in school board and the Knox Education program,” said County Commission, and spokeswoman and instruc- it was on the commission tional coach Christa Stewart. “They have provided mentors for our students, along with monetary donations and supplies.

“Denise Barker and the Helping Hands program at the church have continually checked with our staff to determine our needs.

Principal Kim Cullom is McRary Rutter greatly appreciative of their ongoing support. A safe and fun playground benefits a child’s cognitive, emotional, physical and social development.”

Barker got involved about The Holston Middle two years ago after reading a newspaper article. The School show choir has spent school had immediate needs countless hours rehearslike earbuds for student ing lines and learning show Chromebooks and a new tunes in preparation of the refrigerator for the teachers production of “Peter Pan.” The group will present lounge. They also needed a new playground, so af- four shows Thursday, March ter taking care of some ba- 30, through Saturday, April sics, that became her focus. 1. Showtime is 6:30 p.m.

“Pennies, nickels, dimes with a 2:30 p.m. matinee on and quarters come from Saturday in addition to the children wanting to help. It evening show.

agenda for March 27.

After getting the green light, it should take about six weeks to complete the renovation.

To learn how you can donate time, talent or money, visit Partners in Education at knoxschools.org or the church at fbconcord.org

Wayland

Wyatt

Holston heads to ‘Neverland’ Cast members include Jaklyn Rutter as Tinkerbell, Emma Wyatt as Wendy Darling, Hogan Wayland as Peter Pan and Sam McRary as Captain Hook.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students at the door. Seats may be reserved online at holstonms.seat yourself.biz.

Holston Middle School is at 600 N. Chilhowee Drive.

North/East Shopper news • March 29, 2017 • A-5

OneLife settles into unusual new home

By Carol Z. Shane “We have all this glass,” says the Rev. Dylan Martin of OneLife Church. “I like to sit there and look out – that’s one of my favorite parts.” When you build a church in a former Just For Feet building, “lots of glass” and a beautiful view of the blue sky are some of the perks.

The church began in Powell community living rooms in 2008 under the leadership of the Rev. Rodney Arnold. Named for Arnold’s oft-stated belief that “one life can make a difference,” the congregation has had several homes due to continued growth. “We very quickly grew,” says Martin.

“We want to give God the credit for that.”

When the Just For Feet building at Knoxville Center mall became available, OneLife had expanded to two campuses – one in Powell, one in Halls. Interestingly Martin, who graduated from Central High School in 2003, had noticed the vacant retail space years

The Rev. Dylan Martin and worship leader Cole Liles stop by the “Sweet Shoppe” in “Kid City” at OneLife Church’s East Knoxville campus. Photo by Carol Z. Shane before, while he was studying at UT and later online at Liberty University.

He’d taken a prayer group to the parking lot, hoping the building might be purchasable. But the multimillion-dollar price was out of reach. By the time the price dropped, Martin had become part of OneLife. He was happy to support the decision to move the Halls group there, relaunching it

in the renovated space and inviting new area members.

The spacious facility features a roomy lobby, offices on a mezzanine, and an airy, light-filled meeting place complete with coffee cart and video screen. The auditorium, with double-height ceiling and large stage, features video screens. Sermons are streamed from the main campus, and the two congregations often par-

Cynthia Tipton, Anne Freels, Paula Johnson, Susan Smathers and Morris Brady surround Freels’ gentle dog BeBe, the “official mascot” of Broadway Studios and Gallery. Photo by Carol Z. Shane

Broadway Studios and Gallery: talented artists, good neighbors

By Carol Z. Shane Cynthia Tipton sits at her desk at Broadway Studios and Gallery sliding prints of her oil painting of Emma Walker into cellophane sleeves. The colorful portrait of the vivacious teen, beloved by all at Central High School and killed in her own bed on Nov. 21, 2016, will be used to raise funds for a scholarship in her name. Health science teacher Chris Hammond came up with the idea during the dark days following Walker’s murder, and commissioned Tipton to do the painting.

“I just did it for the price of the paint,” she says. “I didn’t charge him anything.”

With all the recent talk of arts funding, it’s important to point out that artists are some of the most kindhearted people around.

Right now, Tipton and her fellow BSG artists are gearing up for their First Friday event, “Big (EYES) Festival,” featuring oversized digital paintings by Charlesey Charlton-McCallister, and looking forward to attracting the folks heading down Broadway on April 7.

“We’re trying to catch people on this corridor on their way to Rhythm N Blooms,” says photographer Morris Brady.

The other artists in the room – Anne Freels, who exhibits her cornshuck dolls and handmade soap at the Southern Highlands Craft Fair every year; Susan Smathers, a jewelry maker and nature photographer; and Paula Johnson, who paints Ukrainian-style eggs and makes stained glass – agree. For the previous First Friday event, the opening night of the exhibition “Peaceworks,” Tipton says they had “about 120 people streaming in to look.”

Also included in the group-run facility are Katie Kinney, who does mixed media, jewelry, photography and sewing; Kate Kolodi, an oil painter and charcoal artist; Jessica Gregory, who works with mixed media and paint; and Mariclair Tan, a sculptor and printmaker. “Nobody’s in charge,” laughs Tipton.

There is still one rental space available.

The artists aren’t just wildly creative, they’re also good neighbors.

After last October’s show

by renowned photographer Jan Lynch, who died in 1996, “we donated $1,100 to The Hope Center,” says Freels.

Part of the Covenant Health System, the Center offers free support and assistance to those infected with HIV. “And we had a food drive for the Love Kitchen.”

Kinney, who is activities coordinator at Renaissance Terrace Assisted Living, often brings one of her artist friends to meet the residents. Freels cherishes the memory of connecting with an Alzheimer’s patient through her cornshuck dolls.

Broadway Studios displays a feature exhibition each month. The public is invited not only to come take a look, but also to participate in several open shows throughout the year.

The next one, with the theme of “music,” is in June.

“In our open shows we try to include people from the community,” says Brady.

Tipton says, “We want to give everyone a chance to get their feet wet.”

Opening night for “Big (EYES) Festival” is 5-9 p.m.

Friday, April 7, at 1127 North Broadway. Info: broadway studiosandgallery.com or 865-556-8676.

ticipate in video back-andforth for special occasions such as baptisms.

There’s a hallway called “Kid City,” complete with streetlights, park benches and different “stores.”

Babies are in “Kid City Park,” toddlers in the “Pet Store,” young elementary school ages in the “Sweet Shoppe” and older kids in the “Grocery Store.” Outsized decorations like giant ice cream cones and clouds are made by church volunteers.

Emphasis is placed on congregational connections and communal support in all church efforts. Plans are in the making for a site in West Knoxville, at a space yet to be determined.

“The multi-site thing – that’s how we do church,” says Martin. “We want to see a church or campus open within 15 minutes of every person in Knox County. Now our campuses are a little further apart and we’re able to reach a whole other part of our city that we weren’t able to reach before.”

Info: onelifeknox.com or 865-238-4242. OneLife Church also wants you to know that you can bring your kids to three Chickfil-A locations – Fountain City, Powell at Emory Road and Clinton Highway – for a free photo with the Easter Bunny on Saturday, April 15, from 10 a.m.-noon.

How long are your arms?

What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but do not have works?

Can faith save you? If a brother or sister is naked and lacks daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and eat your fill,” and yet you do not supply their bodily needs, what is the good of that? So faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead.

(James 2:14-17 NRSV) The faith/works discussion is 2,000 years old, but we still struggle with it.

The problem is that having faith is fairly easy.

We believe in God, trust in Jesus, and worship regularly and devoutly.

However, when the going gets tougher, when we actually have to do something about our faith, take a stand, whether it is popular or not, face opposition or even real danger, what do we do? Pass the buck? Think someone else will fix it?

There are children dying now in sub-Saharan Africa, for lack of food. The pictures of these babies will break your heart: Their eyes are large because their cheeks are sunken, their mothers’ eyes are hopeless because they have no food for themselves and precious little for their

Cross Currents

Lynn Pitts

children.

My arms are not long enough to reach every hungry child. My wallet is not full enough to help every person in need. But there are ways to make a difference.

Recently, at an intersection I pass every day, there has been a man standing there, holding a sign, asking for food. For various reasons I passed by without stopping.

However, the other day, I rolled down my window and told him how to find a place that would help him. He thanked me.

I haven’t seen him since.

FAITH NOTES

SENIOR NOTES

■■ Loveland Church, 1320 Spring Hill Road, will hold a rummage sale 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday, March 31, and 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, April 1, at the church. Space to rent; booths available. Info/space rental: Phillip, 865-368-8015.

■■ Derby Days Event, 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 3, Halls Senior Center, 4405 Crippen Road. Info: 865922-0416.

■■ First Comforter Church, 5516 Old Tazewell Pike, hosts MAPS (Mothers At Prayer Service) noon each Friday.

Info: Edna Hensley, 865-771-7788.

■■ Carter Senior Center, 9040 Asheville Highway. Info: 865-932-2939.

■■ Corryton Senior Center, 9331 Davis Drive. Info: 865688-5882.

■■ Larry Cox Senior Center, 3109 Ocoee Trail. Info: 865-546-1700.

■■ John T. O’Connor Senior Center, 611 Winona St. Info: 865-523-1135.

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A-6 • March 29, 2017 • North/East Shopper news

Dogwood Arts Festival spotlights Fountain City

By Jake Mabe Fountain City will take center stage during this year’s Dogwood Arts Festival, which runs through April 30.

The community will host this year’s featured trail, which dates back to 1957. It includes 16 miles of 3,200 blooming dogwoods and many flowering azaleas. The Historic North Hills Trail is highlighted in North Knox too, as well as the Timberline Estates trail in Halls, designed with dogwoods in mind. More than 100 other dogwoods have been planted in recent years as part of the Bazillion Blooms project.

A full list of open gardens, camera sites and other events can be found at www. dogwoodarts.com.

The Fountain City trail is presented by Gentry-

more, Martha Ashe, BetGriffey Funeral Home sy Goodson, the Knoxand Crematory. Fountain ville Garden Club and a City business sponsors are R. Larry and Sharon group of citizens after a comment by John GunSmith, Commercial Bank, ther, a New York writer Nic Nicaud/Realty Exwho became a national ecutives, Ferguson Bath, figure on the popular raKitchen and Lighting Gallery, Fountain City Jeweldio quiz program “Information Please.” Gunther ers and Knox Drives. The declared Knoxville “the dogwood trail maps are ugliest city I have ever sponsored by Regal Enseen in America” in 1947’s tertainment Group.

“Inside USA.” Beth Wolfe is this year’s Comedian Bob Hope Dogwood Trails commitwas the headliner in tee chair and Connie Wal1970, and Elvis Presley lace is the Open Garden made his first concert apcommittee chair. pearance in Knoxville as John Fugate says that Dogwood trails in Knoxville are beginning to bloom for the annual the headliner for the fesCommercial Bank in Dogwood Arts Festival. Fountain City is the featured trail for 2017.

Fountain City will host Photo by Ruth White tival on April 8, 1972, at Stokely Athletics Center. a fundraising reception 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, held at Gentry-Griffey 11 Rhythm and Blooms Music Footage was filmed for the March 30. Tickets are $15, a.m. Friday, March 31. The Festival, will be held Friday MGM documentary “Elvis which includes one bever- public is invited. A private to Sunday, April 7-9. on Tour.”

According to the festiage ticket and a silent auc- lunch will follow at Beaver The late radio personality Brook Country Club. val’s website, it was founded Paul Harvey attended the tion.

A highlight event, the in 1955 by Betsey Creek- event and offered this comA ribbon cutting will be

mentary in 1995: “There’s something about Knoxville that makes dogwood trees grow taller.

Blossoms are giant-sized.

Pink hybrids are a translucent pink. On shady slopes, you’ll see wild dogwood, pliant branches creating a fountain from the top of a limbless trunk and then drooping gracefully down in the waterfall of white blossoms. And, in residential streets, the nurtured dogwoods are resplendent by day and moonlighted by night.”

Come on out to Fountain City and see these resplendent dogwoods, and much more, this spring.

Info: 865-637-4561 or email info@dogwoodarts. com. Follow the Dogwood Arts Festival on social media or visit www.dogwood arts.com

News from Emerald Youth Foundation of Knoxville

A Message from Steve Diggs Emerald Youth president and CEO Last weekend we were privileged to take elementary children for a retreat at Camp Ta-Pa-WinGo in Watauga, Tenn. It was a meaningful time, and I am grateful for the leadership of our staff and volunteers who made the weekSteve Diggs end so special. I encourage you to read more about all the fun they had and how the camp theme, “Unreal Love,” communicated how “Unreal” God’s love is for us.

Spring is a special time in our community – not only because of the blooming flowers and opportunity to help people encounter Jesus through the unique atmosphere at camp, but also because warmer temperatures and longer days provide us additional opportunities to connect with young people and be in relationship with them.

Spring also brings with it additional opportunities to be with so many in our community and share the Good News story that is happening at Emerald Youth.

Our prayer and fundraising breakfast will be Friday, May 5, and we’d love to have you join us in celebration of our 25th anniversary and envision the future. This event is completely free, and if you’re even remotely curious about the work we do with children in our city, there isn’t a better way to get a taste of it than at this event.

I invite you to host a table by bringing nine of your friends, family members, co-workers or neighbors. Or, simply register to attend as a guest. To do either, please visit our website at emeraldyouth.org/ breakfast. We’d love to have you!

Your dedication to every child, in every neighborhood, will help us ensure each young person has the opportunity for a full life.

Experiencing God’s ‘unreal’ love A little rain during the beginning of Emerald Youth’s recent elementary camp didn’t dampen the spirits of the biggest group ever to attend – 158 children and adults.

The retreat, which coincided with the end of spring break, was held at Camp Ta-Pa-Win-Go in Watauga, Tenn. The theme for the weekend was “Unreal Love,” and the young people heard stories of Joseph, the Samaritan Woman, and Jesus’ final hours to share how “Unreal” God’s love is for us.

Whittle Springs eighth-grader Katelyn Horner used her artistic skills to provide visuals for the camp.

She created three large canvas paintings depicting the words “unstoppable,” “unconditional,” and “unexpected.”

“All around, it was a fantastic

weekend,” said Emerald Youth’s Kent Stanger. “Our camp retreats provide a great way to deepen relationships with children. I was especially appreciative for the number of caring adults who volunteered their weekend, as well as several middle and high school youths like Katelyn who stepped up to lead in different ways.”

Stanger joked that at the beginning of the retreat when he introduced himself to the kids as “Mr. Kent,” some of them misunderstood and thought he said “Mr. Camp.” The name took off, and the rest of the weekend children referred to him by his new moniker.

Emerald’s next camp trip will be in July for high school youth to Laguna Beach Christian Retreat in Panama City Beach, Fla.

Jalen Johnson prepares to ride the zip line during Emerald Youth’s elementary camp retreat.

A painting by Whittle Springs Middle School student Katelyn Horner was used during Emerald Youth elementary camp depicting God’s unconditional love.

Celebrating 25 years with family and friends More than 1,000 people are expected to attend the Emerald Youth Breakfast May 5 at the Knoxville Expo Center, 5441 Clinton Highway.

The event will begin at 7 a.m. and highlight Emerald’s 25 years of work in the heart of Knoxville. Worship music by the Emerald Youth choir, testimonials and a message of what’s to come for Emerald’s ministry with young people will be featured.

The breakfast is sponsored by Graham Corporation, Home Federal Bank and Tennova Healthcare and provides support to Emerald Youth’s ministry with more than 2,000 urban young people each year through faith, learning and sports programs.

Reservations are available at emerald youth.org/breakfast or by calling 865- Longtime Emerald Youth participant Billy Bradley sings a solo at the 2016 Emerald Youth Break637-3227. fast.

AmeriCorps members recognized for service Emerald Youth Foundation celebrated its AmeriCorps members March 4-11 during AmeriCorps Week 2017.

The annual event recognizes dedicated individuals around the country for their participation in AmeriCorps, the flagship program of the Corporation for National and Community Service.

Emerald Youth Foundation has had a longstanding relationship with AmeriCorps since 1998.

Charged nationally with “helping others and meeting critical needs in the community,” Emerald Youth AmeriCorps members serve in various roles throughout the organization.

Tim Ramsey, left, Jasmine Burns, Laura Bean, Megan Haubner and Logan Anderson were five of Emerald Youth’s AmeriCorps members highlighted during AmeriCorps Week 2017.

Emerald Youth Foundation | 1718 N. Central St., Knoxville, TN 37917 | 865-637-3227 | www.emeraldyouth.org

North/East Shopper news • March 29, 2017 • A-7

last words

New beginning for Butch Jones This is an exciting time in Tennessee football. Can you see the sparks and feel the thrill? It is the new beginning of Butch Jones’ coaching career.

He has a new boss. He has five new primary assistants. He will have a new quarterback.

This is Butch’s secondbest chance to become one of the truly famous leaders in the game. His first was when Dave Hart coaxed him away from Cincinnati as the replacement for Derek Dooley.

He received a motivational boost in pay and inherited great facilities and the rich Tennessee tradition.

Even with roster deficiencies, some degree of success seemed certain. There was almost no way Jones could do worse than his predecessor.

Butch, indeed, built brick by brick and made considerable progress but did not set the proverbial woods on fire. His recruiting classes were better than his 3021 record. He lost a couple he should have won. Some pearls of wisdom were misconstrued. Critics sneered.

Timing wasn’t too good but “champions of life” and “five-star hearts” sounded noble enough to me.

Marvin West

Last season was a double disappointment. The Vols managed to miss out on the SEC East championship in that inexplicable setback at South Carolina. At Vanderbilt, the Vols played themselves out of the Sugar Bowl.

Just guessing, but there may have been some unrest in the ranks. Fans certainly fretted.

This is almost like starting over. New deck of cards.

The youth movement is complete. The depth problem has been reduced. In theory, 32 of 44 from the two-deep chart are returning. That sounds really good until you notice that many of the best players are gone.

There is now more ordinary optimism where wild and wonderful expectations once lived. There is talent and better odds on development.

Some who were injured have healed. Competition at several positions is already obvi-

Shelby County to Knox: Stop Harry Brooks’ Opportunity Scholarship Pilot Program was drafted to provide private school scholarships to students in public school districts that have at least 30 schools performing in the state’s bottom 5 percent.

In other words, Memphis.

And although they didn’t exactly tell him to take his bill and shove it, droves of Memphians traveled to Nashville last week to attend the Education Administration & Planning Committee meetings so they could let Brooks know what they think of his Memphisonly voucher plan: “Our community has to suffer the consequences of your decisions,” one parent said. “We have the highest poverty rate in any county of this size in the state of Tennessee. That’s real and with that comes challenges.

When you take dollars out, you’re taking resources.”

Democratic Rep. Johnnie Turner, a retired educator who represents an innercity Memphis district, said the voucher bill will siphon $19 million from the resources of the schools she represents.

“Leave Shelby County alone,” Turner said. “Go pick somebody else’s schools to be your whipping dog. Why do we always have to be the dumping ground?”

Brooks responded that

ous in spring drills.

If what we hear from players is fact instead of fiction, Rock Gullickson lit the fire that is supposed to warm up the future. He was an all-NFL strength and conditioning coach who just happened to be unemployed when Butch called.

I can still hear Jones’ enthusiastic endorsement …

“We are ecstatic to welcome Rock … I know what he stands for as a coach and a person … he fits the culture we are continuing to build at UT … he has a comprehensive plan that I truly believe our players will greatly benefit from … he is passionate about his work, tireless, detail-oriented, and has a tremendous track record of developing and motivating players … he will provide the type of training needed to compete at the highest level.”

That sounded to me like Butch had a need and Rock had a chance to meet it.

No question about defensive backs coach Charlton Warren.

He got a very large pay increase to come from North Carolina to fill a void. If he teaches corners to look back for the football, he will be worth all $450,000 a year.

For another half a million, Butch purchased extensive experience and credibility in Brady Hoke.

The former head coach at Michigan has a giant reputation among defensive line coaches. He does face a challenge.

The Tennessee head coach changed the offensive staff without changing the offense. Tight end coach Larry Scott made the big jump, to coordinator, and undoubtedly influenced the selection of quarterbacks coach Mike Canales and wide receivers coach Kevin Beard. All three have south Florida ties. Walt Wells’ Middle Tennessee recruiting connections helped him become offensive line coach.

What all this says is Butch Jones has improved his chances of moving on up in the world. Contract extension? Five million instead of four? Joy, joy, strike up the band.

All we need now are defensive tackles, outside linebackers, secondary solidity and results.

Nine more wins might satisfy John Currie until Butch can get to 10.

Roberto has website for council race

Former Election Commissioner Andrew Roberto, 40, who lives on Hayslope Drive in the new Westmoreland, is an attorney and is also running for the District 2 (Duane Grieve) seat on Knoxville City Council. He Roberto is a single parent who shares custody of his two daughters, Kylie and Hannah, with their mother.

He is the only candidate in this district who currently has a website at www. electroberto.com. The website does not yet specify his stands on issues. He wants to “give back” to the community. He wants to spend time listening to voters. He (Marvin West invites reader reaction. His attends Cokesbury United address is westwest6@netzero.com) Methodist Church. While a Democrat, he favors nonpartisan elections for city office.

Roberto says he does not anticipate Mayor Madeline Rogero getting involved in council races. He says ing room, where the crowd he “has not heard any was admonished not to argument which makes me cheer. Not so with the large think we should increase overflow crowd in the hall, taxes” in the city. On the watching the proceedings Sheffield Drive sidewalk, on wall-mounted TV sets, cheering their side on.

“There were about 40 people in the hall when I ■■ A quick way to a good job is went in. When I came out to make noises about running there were at least 65 or 70, for governor. Bill Hagerty is and they were overwhelmthe new U.S. ambassador to ingly anti-voucher,” she said.

Japan. What’s up for Beth Harwell as Team Haslam clears In the end, HB0126 the path for Randy Boyd? passed on a voice vote.

messing with Memphis Betty Bean

his bill is about giving families the choice of removing their children from failing schools and sending them to private schools. His cosponsor John DeBerry (a Democrat and a staunch supporter of charter and voucher bills) was pretty much Brooks’ only Memphis ally. DeBerry accused the crowd of “acting as though the zombies are going to come out and the moon is going to turn to blood if we pass vouchers.”

Raumesh Akbari, another Memphis Democrat, challenged Brooks to show consistent proof that vouchers work.

“You’re stepping into an area that is not your area, and you’re coming into my county and you’re telling us how we’re going to handle it. … If you want vouchers, include your county in it.”

Another big stumbling block is end of term testing.

Children receiving vouchers will be required to take the TNReady test. Non-voucher students won’t.

Republican Ron Lollar, from Bartlett, was no kinder to Brooks than the rest of the Shelby County delegation.

“Everybody should have to take the same test. …

There’s words for what you do to one child that you don’t do to all of them, and I think the courts will have something to say about that.”

Knox County school board member Jennifer Owen makes a weekly trip to Nashville to observe educational issues being debated. It was standing room only inside the hear-

Victor Ashe

he says he wants to listen to the residents. He had not met at the time of the interview with Sandi Robinson, longtime West Hills resident and sidewalk advocate.

Roberto favors the Lady Vols name being restored at UT. One of his council opponents, Wayne Christensen, named prominent attorney and former state Rep. Richard Krieg as his treasurer. Krieg has a long record in local politics.

■■ Former U.S. ambassador to Chad and Benin, Jim Knight, who has retired to Tellico with his wife, will speak at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 5, at the Howard Baker Center at UT. The public is invited to hear his talk on relations between the U.S. and African nations.

■■ Former U.S. Sen. and Vice President Al Gore turns 69 on March 31. He lives in the Belle Meade area of Nashville. Former city council member Larry Cox turns 75 on Thursday, March 30.

GOSSIP AND LIES

■■ Doug Harris, former school board chair, led a behindthe-scenes effort to persuade the board to retain interim superintendent Buzz Thomas for another year. It was no-go.

– S. Clark

Witt embarks on race for clerk

By Sandra Clark Sherry Witt is a wellliked, respected county officeholder who will find herself out of work in late 2018.

So the register of deeds for 10 years is seeking to become Knox County clerk.

“There’s an opening in the clerk’s office and I’m applying,” she says.

Term limits will kick in next year for Mayor Tim Burchett, Sheriff Jimmy “J.J.” Jones, Witt and Clerk Foster Arnett. In addition, Cathy Quist Shanks has said she will not run for re-election as clerk of Circuit and Sessions courts.

Witt, 58, has worked in the register’s office since she graduated from UT. She was chief deputy to Steve Hall before taking the top job.

Now her deputy, Nick Mc-

Bride, is seeking to move up.

A potential primary opponent has emerged. State Rep. Roger Kane is eyeing a courthouse post. He’s already announced he won’t seek re-election to the Legislature.

Foster Arnett has been an anomaly among officeholders. He’s tough to work for, has sued the county for an unhealthy work environment (mold), and forgot that collecting hotel/motel taxes is part of his job. Yet he beat well-known Republicans Mike McMillan and Scott Moore in the 2010 primary and handily defeated former clerk Mike Padgett in 2014.

Witt won’t commit on Arnett’s tenure, but she sees similarities between the duties of register and clerk.

“I have extensive experience in how a fee office works. Voters can have conf idence in my ability to operate a fiscally responsible clerk’s ofSherry Witt fice without compromising the level of service they deserve.”

Witt has served as president of the state registers association and was voted Tennessee’s Outstanding Register in 2015.

She is proud of her record in the register’s office.

“We have reduced staff and budget over 10 years,” she says. Her office is totally paperless, with records stored electronically, saving

about a million copies per year. She has reduced staff through attrition as technology has made recordkeeping more efficient. The office currently has 22 fulltime and six part-time seasonal positions.

Witt’s family includes daughters Shay and Chelsey; son-in-law Shane Gordon; and grandsons Grelyn and Seth. The life of an officeholder is busy, she says.

Office hours are 8-4:30 weekdays. Some days start with a pre-work breakfast meeting. Many evenings are committed to nonprofits or Republican clubs.

She is not worried about a primary opponent.

“I grew up with seven brothers and sisters,” she says. “I’ve had to fight for everything I’ve got.”

To everything there is a season,

and a time to every purpose under the heaven – Ecclesiastes 3:1 We invite visitors to enjoy the scenic vistas of Gentry Griffey Funeral Chapel in the spring.

Proud Sponsor of the Fountain City Dogwood Trails

5301 Fountain Road | Off Broadway Above Fountain City Lake www.gentrygriffey.com | 865-689-4481

A-8 • March 29, 2017 • North/East Shopper news

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