North/East Shopper-News 060816

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NORTH / EAST VOL. 4 NO. 23

BUZZ Quilters prepare Pamela Werner of Corryton loves to learn and says she’s “collecting projects for my retirement.� Werner is a member of the quilting bee that meets monthly in North Knox County. The group is preparing for the Smoky Mountain Quilters of Tennessee’s annual show June 17-18, at the Knoxville Expo Center, 5441 Clinton Highway. rs.com

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Read Shannon Carey on page 3

Gill vs. Staples??? Betty Bean profiles Democratic nominee Evelyn Gill from District 1, only to learn that Rick Staples, the man Gill beat 1704-1507 in the primary, might jump into the race as a write-in candidate. The Republican nominee is Michael Covington. It could get crowded in District 1.

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Read Betty Bean on page 5

VBS at Chilhowee Chilhowee Hills Baptist Church will host VBS 6-8:30 p.m. June 22 and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. June 23-24. The church is at 4615 Asheville Highway. Info: www.chilhoweehills. org or 522-2422.

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Details on page 7

Benefit sale June 10-11 in Luttrell A benefit/garage/yard sale is planned in memory of Union County resident Sarah Howe, 28, who died in a car accident Feb. 3 leaving behind two young boys. Donations include personal items, antiques, collectibles, glassware, books, jewelry, scrubs, tools, furniture, swing set and clothing – house, shed and carport are full. Cash only, no credit/debit cards. Rain or shine Friday and Saturday, June 10 - 11, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Redbud Circle, Luttrell.

Nicholas Gibbs open house The Nicholas Gibbs Historical Society will host an open house 11 a.m. Saturday, June 11, at the original log home of Nicholas Gibbs, 7633 E. Emory Road. There will be food, music and an opportunity to learn local history. Bring a folding chair and a potluck dish. Everyone is invited. In case of rain, the meeting will be moved to Clapps Chapel UMC, located just past the homesite. Info: Joe Longmire, 687-0314.

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June 8, 2016

Church offers parolee support, guidance By J.J. Stambaugh Of the thousands of men and women who are released from Tennessee prisons each year, nearly half will find themselves behind bars again within three years, state officials say. But the new Take One program by the Tennessee Department of Correction is aiming to reduce that number by partnering with faith-based groups and non-profits to help those recently released from prison make their way back into society. The congregation of St. James Episcopal Church in North Knoxville is one of 10 East Tennessee groups to participate. William Morris, 34, of Jefferson City, spent most of his youth in foster homes before he was turned loose as an adult at age 18. He began working construction, but it didn’t take long for him to develop a serious problem with alcohol. Over the years he committed a series of crimes, usually fueled by drinking, and eventually was branded as a felon and Habitual Motor Vehicle Offender by the courts. This triggered an eight-year prison term and eventually led him to meet St. James Rector the Rev. John Mark Wiggers and his wife, Liz Wiggers, when he volunteered for the Take One program. “The concept is you have about 8,000 persons being released each year,� John Mark Wiggers said. “With about 8,000 churches and non-profits in Tennessee, we could help mentor folks and help them re-enter society.� Morris spoke in a careful, measured voice and seemed far more

William Morris, Liz Wiggers, and the Rev. John Mark Wiggers of St. James Episcopalian Church discuss shared ups and downs since Morris was released on parole.

interested in today than in the traumas of his past. He has a job and recently moved from a halfway house to his own place while he continues to serve out the terms of his parole, which is set to expire in 2018. He explained how the St. James congregation began writing him letters and making regular visits while he was a prisoner at the Morgan County Correctional Complex. Less than a tenth of the inmates who applied for the program found groups willing to

sponsor them, and he said that from the beginning he felt a bit overwhelmed to be the focus of so much positive attention. Released about six months ago, Morris says the presence of a church family has kept him from falling into bad habits. Despite having paid off a chunk of his fees and court costs while doing prison work for 17 cents an hour, Morris has trouble finding full-time work that pays a living wage. His biggest obstacle is paying the rest of the money he owes,

so he can regain a driver’s license. The lack of a car can prevent even the most skilled construction workers from higher-paying work, said Liz. “It’s like one step forward and two steps back,� she said. No one seems to know exactly what he owes. “I wish we could help him more. A driver’s license would mean a more steady, increased salary.� And while the church isn’t able to fund a legal battle on Morris’ behalf, To page 3

‘MakerPalooza’ set for PSCC Megalab

Tinkerers, knitters, bakers, carvers, illustrators, programmers, cultivators and all kinds of makers will display and demonstrate their creations at Pellissippi State Community College’s second annual MakerPalooza 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, June 18, in the Megalab of PSCC’s Strawberry Plains Campus. The event is free and open to all. “Makerpalooza celebrates

STEAM – science, technology, engineering, art and math – education and the National Day of Making,� said Sarah Graham, a planner of the event and a completion coach of the Southeastern Education and Economic Leadership Consortium grant at Pellissippi State. “We’re excited to host a variety of makers this year from farmers to welders to knitters and every-

thing in between,� she added. The inaugural Makerpalooza last year was well-attended and featured a variety of technical and craft creations and their makers. Seth Giles, advanced manufacturing master lab technician in the Megalab and co-planner of Makerpalooza, said, “Makerpalooza creates an environment that rewards accomplishment – after

all, who doesn’t want to show off their creations? – and also shares information with other makers on how to achieve a task or complete a project, as well as on how a creator arrived at his or her solution.� Makerpalooza 2.0 is sponsored by Pellissippi State’s Engineering and Media Technologies department. Info: pstcc.edu/emt/makerpalooza

Rountree calls state funding formula ‘broken’ By Betty Bean Two weeks ago, Amber Rountree, who served on a task force that studied disparities in academic performances among Knox County students, told her school board colleagues there’s something badly wrong with the state’s funding formula for education. “You need to be talking to your state legislators about the fact that the BEP (Basic Education Plan) is broken, and our kids are not getting what they need,� said Rountree, who said that working on the task force taught her that most student disparities are caused by poverty, regardless of ethnicity or disability. “We all have to come together as a community. We have to all reach out to come up with a solution.� When asked to elaborate, Rountree said Knox County Schools’ greatest need is for additional so-

Brooks

cial workers and guidance counselors. She said these positions have never been adequately funded by the BEP, which was created by the Education Improvement Act of 1992 to settle a lawsuit filed by a group of small school systems that challenged the way the state distributed money between urban and rural school districts. The BEP was updated in 2007 (becoming BEP 2.0), but leaders of the state’s larger school systems complain that the state has simply shifted the burden for paying

funding, and I’m not sure how anyone in the state can rah-rah the virtues of the BEP.� Rountree said she feels “a lack of connection with representatives at the state level – like when Bill Dunn was trying to push his voucher bill through, saying he had a letter from the school board, when in reality it was a letter from (board chair) Doug Harris. The majority of the board did not support Dunn’s bill. And the conversations I’ve had with Harry (Brooks), I’m not sure he thinks the BEP needs to be fi xed.� Brooks, who chairs the House Education Administration and Planning Committee and served on a task force convened by Gov. Bill Haslam to work on finding more money for education, said that state government has worked hard To page 3

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Rountree

for education to urban districts like Knox County. Periodically, lawmakers consider bills requiring the state to fully fund the BEP, but those measures invariably get punted to a summer study committee black hole. Rountree said many of the “enhancements� included in the BEP 2.0 reforms have never been fully funded – guidance counselors and social workers among them. “Whatever money (Gov. Bill) Haslam put forth this past year hasn’t enhanced that area.� She said Moreland Heights Elementary School shares a social worker with Pleasant Ridge Elementary. “That’s one person trying to meet the needs of 800-plus students,� she said. “I don’t think there’s a perfect solution, but the way we’re doing it now is obviously not working. We’re at the bottom of the barrel with educational

2 • JUNE 8, 2016 • Shopper news

health & lifestyles

Considering his options Research leads school psychologist to choose Fort Sanders Regional for thyroid cancer surgery As a school psychologist for Anderson County Schools, Joshua Reese, 31, evaluates children who may need extra services in school. But Reese put those research skills to work for himself nearly a year ago when he was diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer. “My endocrinologist gave me several surgeons’ names and I did research on them, looking at their credentials and reading about thyroid cancer,” said Reese. He chose Dr. Troy F. Kimsey, a surgical oncologist on the medical staff of Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center. “I felt really comfortable with Dr. Kimsey. I contemplated and prayed over it, and I felt like it was a good fit,” he said. The process began in July 2015, when Reese felt a lump on the left side of his neck. “You could see it protruding; it was palpable. At first I thought it was some lymph node thing, but it grew,” said Reese. His primary care doctor ordered an ultrasound and a CT scan to get images of the mass that was in his lymph nodes. “He sent me to an ear, nose and throat doctor, and I had the mass removed at the end of August. We did not believe it was cancerous at the time,” said Reese. “He thought it was a cyst. But I got the results back in September, and found out it was thyroid cancer. “I saw Dr. Kimsey on a Thursday and he said, ‘Let’s get this thing out.’ He was very confident, and I felt like he was the right one to do the surgery,” said Reese. Papillary thyroid cancer is the most common type of thyroid cancer, although it is three times more common in women than men. “It has a very good prognosis, certainly a 90-plus percent cure,” said Kimsey. “We measure thyroid cancer in 30-year survival rates instead of five years, and if a person is less than 45 years old, it’s typically a lower stage of cancer and a better prognosis. There are other more aggressive types of thyroid cancer, but they’re very uncommon.” In October, Dr. Kimsey completely removed Reese’s thyroid gland, along with the rest of the lymph nodes on the left side of his neck. Kimsey also transplanted one of Reese’s parathyroid glands into the thyroid area. These rice-sized glands control the level of calcium in the body. “I was in the hospital three nights,” Reese said. “Going in, I was expecting at least one night in the hospital, but my calcium had difficulty balancing out so I had to take a lot of calcium,” Reese said. “I received excellent care at Fort Sanders,” said Reese. “Everyone encouraged me. They rally around you – it was a very positive experience. I had not been in the hospital since I was 5 years old, so it was all really a new experience to me. It was definitely great care.” About a month after surgery, Reese followed up with a thyroid ablation performed by his endocrinologist. The thyroid gland absorbs nearly all iodine in the body. For

a thyroid ablation, the patient eats a low-iodine diet for a few weeks, and then ingests a radioactive iodine pill or liquid. The radiation goes straight to the remaining thyroid cells, while having little effect on the rest of the body. Perhaps the trickiest part is that the patient must stay away from other people for a few days so as not to expose them to radiation. “I went to Fort Sanders and took a nuclear iodine pill, and then I had to be by myself for three days, in isolation,” said Reese. He went straight to a lake house owned by the parents of his fiancée (now his wife, Kelsey Reese). “So I had a nice weekend by myself, for 72 hours of isolation. Really there were no major side effects,” Reese said. “I just hung out at the lake and watched TV. They had stocked the house with food for me. There was some anxiousness of not knowing the results of my upcoming scan, so that was the biggest part.” Fortunately, by the first week of December the scan results were back and it was good news. “I got cleared the first week of December, and got married the third week of December,” said Reese. “It was a wild ride for a few months.” Today Reese takes daily thyroid replacement hormones, but is back to working with students at school. At first they were curious about the scar on his neck. “I said I was attacked by pirates,’ ” he joked. “No, I told them what happened, and they were very understanding. I feel like it helps relate to some students. “I ran the Covenant Health Half Marathon a few weeks ago,” Reese added. “Married life is good. I have to take thyroid medication and keep an eye on it, but I’m doing well. “It was just an incredible experience with Dr. Kimsey. He’s a faithful man – he prayed with me before surgery, which was an awesome experience. Seeing his confidence made me feel really good about what I was getting into. Overall, it was a good experience. I overwhelmingly felt cared for at Fort Sanders.”

Joshua and Kelsey Reese married a couple of months after his thyroid cancer surgery at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center.

Surgeon and survivor Understanding thyroid cancer Surgical oncologist Troy Kimsey, MD, of Fort Sanders Regional, has a special understanding of Joshua Reese’s case. That’s because, like Reese, Kimsey is a thyroid cancer survivor. “I underwent a total thyroidectomy in December, 2012,” Kimsey says. “The overall prognosis for differentiated thyroid Troy Kimsey, MD cancer is excellent,” Kimsey says, “so my challenge has been not to take the diagnosis too lightly, but

also to be grateful it was not a diagnosis with a much worse prognosis.” Kimsey underwent periodic follow up ultrasounds and labs with no evidence of cancer. “I take too much for granted,” Kimsey says. “It helps me make the most of today when I realize how easily it can be taken away.” If it seems like more people are having thyroid surgery these days, it’s not your imagination. “Thyroid cancer occurs about three times more often in women than men,” Kimsey says. More than 47,000 cases of thyroid cancer are expected to be diagnosed in women this year and more than 15,000 cases in men. “The incidence of thyroid can-

cer has increased in recent years due to the increased detection of nodules with more utilized and higher quality thyroid ultrasounds,” Kimsey explains. “However, the death rate from thyroid cancer has remained relatively stable over many years.” “Most thyroid cancers develop in patients with no known risk factors. Nevertheless, some people are at a greater risk than others. Anyone exposed to ionizing radiation, especially in childhood, is at risk of developing thyroid cancer. In addition, anyone who develops a thyroid nodule before the age of 20 has a higher risk of having thyroid cancer. There are also genetic syndromes that lead to an increased incidence of thyroid cancers,

so family history plays a significant role. There are several types of thyroid cancer, but the vast majority are differentiated thyroid cancers, which means they carry cells that are similar to those found in a healthy thyroid. The differentiated cancers are comprised of papillary thyroid cancer and follicular thyroid cancer, and they have a very good prognosis. Other types of thyroid cancer include medullary thyroid cancer, anaplastic thyroid cancer and thyroid lymphoma. If detected early, the majority of thyroid cancers can be treated successfully. To learn more, search “thyroid cancer” at www.fsregional.com, or call 865-541-1111.

Regional Excellence. With more than 250 physicians on the active staff at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center, we provide the community with the most comprehensive

0094-0096

specialty and primary care available.

community

NORTH/EAST Shopper news • JUNE 8, 2016 • 3

Tuesday night quilters

Parole support

share more than sewing By Shannon Carey It’s Tuesday night in Karns, and six friends spanning ages and walks of life are hard at work around a conference table. This is the Tuesday Night Bee, a small group of Smoky Mountain Quilters members, but their work isn’t just with thread and needle. They are at work building friendships, too. No one is quite sure when this bee got started, although most agree that it was sometime in the 1990s. Locations have changed, and some members have come and gone, but the bee remains a strong tradition for the quilters involved. And they’re always looking for new members. Shannon Auge from Andersonville guides denim and flannel squares through an antique sewing machine. The denim came from jeans she and her husband wore while renovating their Andersonville home, a task they’ve been at for 25 years. She fell in love with quilting in college when she found a book on watercolor quilting. She enjoyed matching the colors. When she moved to Andersonville, “I though I was the only quilter in 100 miles,� she says. “There was no Internet then. I joined and thought maybe I’ll meet another quilter, and boy howdy didn’t I!� Kathy Costello of Powell is a pro at hand-stitched embroidery, and she’s pretty

Rountree to get additional funding to local education agencies. “In Tennessee, we have moved money away from other entities into education,� Brooks said. “That’s the priority of this governor.� The Cost Differential Factor (CDF) between urban and rural counties was one of the ways the task force routed additional funds for urban districts, Brooks said. “We considered the cost of doing business in the community – what does a $40,000 salary buy in Knox County vs. in Hancock County?� It costs more to live in Knox County.�

sure her love of handwork is why her first quilt is still unfinished. Or it could be that she’s made baby quilts for nieces and nephews for the past eight years in a row. But she loves the work, and she enjoys the fellowship of the Tuesday Night Bee. “It’s the time that I make for myself to sew,� she says. All the Tuesday night quilters echo that sentiment. Lou Watson, a retired ESL teacher from Halls, is making quilts for all her grandchildren and says, “(The bee), they’re my sounding board. They give you advice when you don’t know what to do.� Judee Shuler moved to Oliver Springs from New Jersey in November. Her specialty is working with vintage fabrics and finishing or restoring found quilts. “You find they in the strangest places,� she says. “I pulled one out of a trash can.� She joined Smoky Mountain Quilters and the Tuesday Night Bee to find friendship and learn new techniques. Pamela Werner of Corryton loves to learn and says she’s “collecting projects for my retirement.� And Tammie Smith of Powell, whose employer hosts the meetings, quit the bee for a time after the tragic death of one of the members, her friend Dana Gerhardt. But Smith came back for, you guessed it, the

From page 1 Brooks said it is up to the local education agencies (LEAs) to decide how to allocate the funds they receive. Numbers provided by the school system indicate that the bulk of Knox County’s increased funding is coming from enhancements mandated by the new law, particularly in salaries and medical insurance. There will be a $9.4 million increase for instructional funding and a $754,000 increase for technology. The news isn’t totally rosy for KCS, whose finance department has asked the state to review an $860,000 fund-

Pamela Werner of Corryton cuts out pattern pieces with the Tuesday Night Quilting Bee. Photo by S. Carey

The Smoky Mountain Quilters of Tennessee will hold their annual quilt show 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, June 17, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 18, at the Knoxville Expo Center, 5441 Clinton Highway. Quilting bees are open to newcomers, and several times and locations are available. Info: www.smokymtnquilters.com friendship she missed. “I don’t think we have a meeting that we don’t talk about (Dana),� she says. Smoky Mountain Quilters is a guild which welcomes all quilters. With meetings, or bees, scattered around the region at various locations, days and times, it’s easy for a quilter to hook in with a group, exchanging ideas and participating in challenges. They do charity work, too. Smoky Mountain Quilters Guild provides quilts for families staying at the Ronald McDonald House. They worked on the Medal of Honor quilt when Medal

there are many other ways the congregation can help. “This is not and never will be a court-ordered program,� Liz said. “It’s not like we’re giving him a place to live or a job. We’re listening to his joys and his struggles, and trying to keep pointing him in the right direction.� A couple of days after this interview, a defense attorney volunteered to represent Morris free of charge, which means he soon may regain driving privileges. While material needs are important, Morris prefers talk about the less tangible but equally profound gifts that he’s received from the congregation. As a child who grew up in the state’s foster system, many things that other children take for granted were all but unknown to him. “I think people need to take the time to learn what people who’ve been locked up really need,� Morris said. “To have someone who has been with you through part of (your incarceration), who has written to you and visited you, it truly means a lot. “Once I was released, (John Mark and Liz) took me into their house and showed me what ‘normal’ is. I had never experienced a real holiday until I went to their house on Thanksgiv-

From page 1 ing and Christmas.� John Mark hopes that more groups join the Take One program. “This has made me aware that we need to do better as a society at helping people re-enter their communities. Are we going to stand back, or are we going to help people become productive citizens?� An uncomfortable emotion that many congregants have to wrestle with is fear. Actually, Morris and many other inmates aren’t much different from anyone else and are far from frightening. Morris is so measured and soft-spoken that it can be difficult to hear his voice when he speaks, and his manners are impeccable. “He’s just not scary at all,� Liz said. Other members of St. James echoed her comments. Margaret Bickley said she is pleased that “our parish has put its mission into action, and everybody knows that actions are louder than words.� She added, “Getting to know William has alleviated a lot of my fear. What we have in common outweighs the differences of our pasts. He is hardworking and has such a positive attitude.� Info: tn.gov/correction/ article/tdoc-rehabilitation -take-one

of Honor recipients visited Knoxville last year. Quilts of Valor is another project. To support their charity work, the guild holds an annual quilt show, and the next one is coming up June 17-18, at the Knoxville Expo Center on Clinton Highway. While the members of the Tuesday Night Bee aren’t entering anything this year, they’ll be there as volunteers, and they have entered in the past. “We have all kinds of quilts here,� said Shuler. “At the show, you really see some incredible work. They’re works of art.� ■Alice Bell Spring Hill Neighborhood Association. Info: Ronnie But for the Tuesday Night Collins, 637-9630. Bee, they love each other’s ■Beaumont Community Organization. Info: Natasha Murphy, company as much as creat936-0139. ing artwork and heirlooms. “Some people drink or ■Belle Morris Community Action Group meets 7 p.m. each second Monday, City View Baptist Church, 2311 Fine Ave. Info: do drugs,� said Smith. “We ing cut because of a change bellemorris.com or Rick Wilen, 524-5008. quilt.� in the way “at-risk� students Info: www.smokymtn ■Chilhowee Park Neighborhood Association meets 6:30 p.m. are defined. The numbers each last Tuesday, Administration Building, Knoxville Zoo. Info: quilters.com will be finalized in July. Paul Ruff, 696-6584. Knox County finance director Chris Caldwell said the state provided an additional $12 million to Knox County this year, bringing the state’s local contribution to nearly $195 million. “A chunk of that would be because of the revised formula,� Caldwell said, # " $" '% cautioning that Knox )) ) &( County still kicks in more +'' +(' ' +'' + 1 '' ! ' '' (( revenue to the state than it / % &* ,% * /# gets back. $ ) “We’re always going to be " a donor county. Sure, we’d love to get more, but the BEP enhancement is definitely a step in the right direction.�

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4 • JUNE 8, 2016 • Shopper news

Dual-threat quarterbacks change the game Now that Joshua Dobbs is back from his airplane analysis internship, we can resume the discussion of dual-threat quarterbacks. Those who can comprehend the awesome NFL numbers achieved by Peyton Manning can score debate points on the advantages of a pro-style quarterback. In theory, the pro stands tall in the pocket, protected by great blocking boulders. He looks to see if receivers went where he told them to go. He identifies the designated one or the alternate most likely to succeed and delivers a dart. This formula sounds good and often prevails, game after game, season after season, for half a lifetime in Peyton’s case. When coupled with great defense, it may win Super Bowls and lead to many lu-

Marvin West

crative endorsements of pizzas and Buicks. The dual-threat quarterback changes the game, adds dimensions, the possibility of premeditated runs, guaranteed scrambles when the pocket collapses and blockers and rushers are falling over each other. Immediate relocation improves the temporary chances of remaining upright and may transform nothing into something. Crowds cheer. There are potential complications. If the dual-threat quarterback is to throw, it is

often on the run. In theory, a moving thrower will miss a moving target more often than a pro-style quarterback might. There is another problem. Belligerent NFL linebackers, pugnacious corners and mean-spirited safeties will occasionally catch the pesky dual-threat quarterback as he zigs and zags. Their goal, at a minimum, is to discourage him, thus reducing the yards they have to sprint and the sweat to be blotted from their brows. Down deep, they would like to disable him, punish him for being such a brat. Sometimes, in their exuberance, they send him to the hospital. Think RG3, formerly of the Washington Redskins. College football is different. The pro-style quarterback is less certain to domi-

nate. Flaws often pop up in the protection plan. What the dual-threat quarterback adds to the game keeps defensive coordinators up late at night. Think Johnny Football – before he totally ran astray. Remember Dewey Warren? He was a classic prostyle quarterback. He stood his ground, defied the rush and completed a pleasing number of meaningful passes. He became a legend based on how long it took to successfully complete a oneyard run. Remember Condredge Holloway? He was a terrific dual-threat quarterback. Ben Byrd dubbed him “The Artful Dodger.� Even when defenses hemmed him up, they could never be sure Condredge was officially hemmed up. Condredge was more

than an escape artist. He was an efficient passer. He set a school record for low interceptions-per-attempts. Only 12 of his 407 were picked off. Jimmy Streater came along a little later. John Majors called him one of the best athletes he ever coached. In a dramatic victory over Notre Dame, Jimmy displayed versatility with a 48-yard pass completion, a 51-yard scamper and a fiveyard touchdown on an option keeper. Heath Shuler was hardnosed. He liked to run into and over opponents. Sometimes he pulled the ball down and sped away when he might have been better off staying where he was. Tee Martin once completed 23 consecutive passes. He threw for 32

Te n n e s s e e touchdowns. He ran for 17. Tee, dual threat, was best known for guiding a national c h a mpionship seaJosh Dobbs son. Peyton is in the Vol record book with 11,201 passing yards and 89 touchdowns. Except for one stunning naked reverse, Peyton runs were usually desperation moves to save his life. Dobbs can run well and throw some and think deeply. That creates numerous exciting possibilities. Getting hurt would not be the best one. Marvin West invites reader reaction. His address is westwest6@netzero.com

Let’s plan for an eastside economic summit Ever been to Turkey Creek during the holiday season? Long traffic queues, scarce parking slots, crowded store aisles, slow checkouts. Kinda makes a root canal look attractive ... at least to us guys. Too much of a good thing. Meanwhile, buyers in the east end of the county are left to wonder where are all those farsighted entrepreneurs with pockets full of discretionary dollars waiting for a suitable outlet. No wonder the likes of Amazon are prospering. It has been suggested that we need to plan an eastside economic summit. What’s that? It’s a gathering of the several business and professional organizations and area neighborhood groups to help define

Nick Della Volpe

what is needed and would do well here. A catalogue of what the area has to offer. Finally, a joint meeting with businesses and developers to hone a game plan. There are active BPAs in the north, east, East Towne and Fountain City areas. Also, a dozen or so established neighborhood groups that are the very bedrock of stability. It’s time to join forces and brainstorm our future, and to educate the greater business community to look beyond the

pre-conceived perceptions that are sometimes lessthan-kind and mostly unfair, and see what is truly an untapped and desirable market. The truth is there are great communities and great people who live out here. Despite the errant actions of a few – of course, we have those – and the out-of -proportion news reporting sensationalism that unfairly tar its image, the sun has always risen in the east. Time for a second look. We have a lot to offer. Among our strengths are great neighborhoods with great people! And good roads. We are surrounded by rural towns and counties to the north and east that consider Knoxville their commercial center. They shop and dine here. It’s time

we focus on and advertise those eastside assets and opportunities to the sleeping business world. Good things are already happening. The Magnolia corridor is about to get a $4.7 million infrastructure facelift by the city. The Botanical Garden and Arboretum is expanding its already amazing presence, as is the heavily-visited tourist attraction called Zoo Knoxville, as well as the many events and shows at Chillhowee Park and the newly-restored Fountain City Lake. The East Towne business district has a number of fine businesses with a regional draw and improving interstate access. Look at the expansions of Sam’s Club and Walmart, or the constant

foot traffic at Home Depot, Lowe’s and Target. Did I mention the booming commercial tenants at Forks-of-the-River industrial park? Or the planned development at Midway Road and EastBridge? As for residential neighborhoods, Fountain City is a bedrock community, as are Holston Hills, North Hills, Park Ridge and Park City, Alice Bell, Fourth and Gill, and Old North Knoxville to name a few. In older areas, historic homes have been coming back to life through the vision, investment and sweat equity poured in by young families moving back into the city. And, if you didn’t notice, northeast Knox County has been one of the fastest growing housing markets for subdivision

development according to the 2010 census. So what’s not to like? The opportunity is here. Ready to be tapped. How to begin? With help from the city, the Chamber and meeting facilitators, the BPAs and neighborhood groups should meet to refine their thoughts, wants and needs in order to prepare for a fall economic summit or a gathering by any other name that will synthesize the collective thoughts of the greater community into a cohesive report. Business leaders, entrepreneurs and planners will be invited to share their thoughts with the group and help reach a consensus vision and roadmap for the future. Think positive. The sky is the limit. So let’s get cracking!

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Shopper news • JUNE 8, 2016 • 5

Gill ramps up campaign in District 1 School’s out for Evelyn Gill, so she’s taking off her special education teacher hat and getting into campaign mode. She’s excited. “The first district is the heartbeat of the city,� she said. “And I don’t think most people really realize that.� Gill, a Mississippi native who has lived in Knoxville since 1994, has an impressive resume that includes a master’s degree from Rutgers and extensive experience in business, education and volunteer work. She and her husband, Michael, a well-known music promoter and employee of the Knoxville Museum of Art, live in East Knoxville, in the heart of the district, which includes the precincts in Ft. Sanders, downtown, Parkridge and all the neighborhoods between Spring Hill and Lonsdale. The incumbent commissioner, Sam McKenzie – one of just two Democrats now serving on that body, and the last two elected Democrats in Knox County – is leaving office this year. Gill has run twice before – in 1997, she came in last in the field of primary candidates for this same seat after the Black Wednesday debacle. In 2012, she ran a losing campaign against prohibitive favorite Becky Duncan Massey for the District 6 state Senate seat.

Tim Wright retires from AAA

Betty Bean This summer, as the Democratic nominee, she’s no longer the underdog, and she’s planning to stick with the Rosie the Riveter theme that she rode to victory in the primary. On the surface, it looks like an easy road. No Republican has been elected to serve the first district in modern times. In March, Gill’s general election opponent, Michael Covington, got 927 votes running unopposed in the Republican primary. He has been campaigning for at least a year (although some of his appearances, like marching in parades in Farragut and Karns, have been head scratchers). Most notably, he’s been holding public meetings around the district. Meanwhile, in the Democratic primary, Gill defeated Rick Staples, whom many considered the favorite, by a 1704-1507 margin, which would appear to give her an insurmountable edge in the Aug. 4 general election But there are some possible clouds on the horizon, mainly the possibility of Staples mounting a write-in campaign. Staples said he

Evelyn Gill with her iconic Rosie the Riveter poster didn’t start the talk, but he isn’t discouraging the social media rumbles urging his supporters to write him in. “I will have to pray,� he said. “This thing took me off guard. It took off and I found out about it on the back end. Evidently a large number of people were frustrated with how this thing went down, and a number of people took it on themselves to do it on their own. I’m going to think that over and get some good advice.� “How this thing went down� is a reference to the voting patterns that emerged in the primary, with Gill, who has been an active supporter of Bernie Sanders, rolling up large margins in the majoritydominated wards where

Safety first!

Sanders prevailed – downtown, Ft. Sanders and Parkridge – while Staples won the traditional AfricanAmerican neighborhoods that went for Clinton. Voter turnout was higher in the Sanders wards. Staples doesn’t have much time to make up his mind. Election coordinator Cliff Rodgers said write-in candidates have until noon, June 15, to file a one-page declaration of intent to run. Rodgers said it would be good if Staples made up his mind sooner than later. “We hope if anybody’s going to do a write in, they’ll do it few days before the deadline because I have to come up with a master list of all possible misspellings, so the votes will count.�

County Clerk Foster Arnett has moved the satellite office from Halls Center, at left.

By Sandra Clark

Guess it depends upon which side of the road you live. Knox County Clerk Foster Arnett has closed the longtime county satellite office at Halls Center and reopened it across Hwy. 33 in the old Walmart space, now undergoing roadwork on two sides. In a front page story by Jake Mabe (Halls edition), Arnett says he made the move for safety concerns, citing dampness and mold in the basement of the space at Halls Center. Arnett previously moved the Knoxville Center mall office and another at Cedar

This view from Halls Center shows construction on Hwy. 33. Accessing the new office requires a left turn onto Norris Freeway, ahead on left.

Bluff. He’s also sued Knox County because of alleged mold in his offices at the City County Building. As one senior officeholder put it, “Ah, mold. It just follows Foster wherever he goes.� Perhaps it will follow him home. His term ends in 2018.

Correction The chart at right, which ran larger in last week’s paper, was NOT drawn by Don Parnell. The chart, which shows the path to obtaining neighborhood traffic calming, was taken from the city’s website. Parnell called at 7 a.m. Wednesday to deny authorship; he called again at noon to request a correction and apology. And he asked the money question: How could a mistake like this happen?

Appendix F — Flow Chart / Neighborhood Traffic Safety Program

Newspaper errors almost always occur when the reporter writes more than we know. Parnell says he is retired and hasn’t worked for a public entity since the 1980s. The friend who sent the chart mentioned Don’s name in the email, and I assumed Parnell had drawn it. I’m sorry for any damage to Parnell’s reputation as a result of this error.

government

A

B

Neighborhood Application Neighborhood applies for Traffic Safety Study.

Kick-Off Meeting Neighbors explain traffic issues. Staff explains Traffic Safety Program.

D

C

yes

Further Study Indicated?

Alternate Solutions Staff may suggest solutions outside the Traffic Safety Program.

no

Neighborhood Petition Impact area defined. Neighborhood gathers signatures.

More than 50% approve? yes

no

E

EDUCATION

Evaluation Meeting Neighbors detail traffic problems.

no

Qualifies for Engineering on Point Scale System?

I

H

Traffic Calming Status Meeting City shares data results & analysis with the neighborhood.

Threshold Met for Enforcement &/or Further Study?

no

Traffic Calming Feasibilty Study More in-depth study and analysis.

yes

yes

G Speed Data Status Meeting City shares data results & analysis with the neighborhood.

F Speed Data Collection & Evaluation Data from hoses, collisions, KPD.

yes

ENFORCEMENT = Neighborhood Engagement

J Concept Plan Meeting City presents plan for deploying devices &/or route modifications. Neighbors provide feedback.

= City Staff Work

Priority Ranking Project Ranks High or Low?

high low

K

L

Detailed Design City prepares bidready detailed design of the project.

Bidding & Construction Projects are bundled for lowest cost.

M

ENGINEERING

Post-Construction Evaluation

Project will be ranked again in next round.

– S. Clark

For the first time in over 70 years, AAA in East Tennessee will be headed by someone not named Wright. Tim Wright, 69, retires on June 30, after 36 years leading AAA. He followed his father, Luke Wright, who started in 1940, left to serve in the Army Air Corps in World War II, and returned in 1945 as general manager. This year marked the 60th anniversary of the safety Tim Wright patrol trip to Washington for fifth graders. Recent years have seen some 1,900 students, 240 chaperones, 46 police officers, 12 medical folks and 43 motor coaches be part of the weekend trek from Knoxville to Washington, D.C. Wright went on the second trip in 1957 and every one since 1976, including this year’s trip. Wright is proud of those 60 years and AAA’s sponsorship. During his tenure, 10 AAA offices across the state were opened. The headquarters on Fifth Avenue in Knoxville was given a major renovation. AAA started an active advocacy program for issues at the state and federal levels, and grew it to the point that lawmakers listened. Wright is proud to have assembled a team of over 50 who run AAA daily. He says technology and consolidation have been the largest changes, with AAA going from 600 clubs to 20 nationwide. He recalls being in Belgium when the 9/11 attack on the World Trade Center occurred. He took a train to London, got to JFK airport in New York and four days later got to Knoxville. He met his wife of 46 years, Patsy, on a blind date in Chattanooga. In retirement, he plans to spend time with their three daughters and eight grandchildren, who live in Nashville and Roswell, Ga. ■Marshall Stair worried aloud at a City Council workshop about the loss of revenue from repeal of the state’s Hall income tax, which could cost Knoxville $7 million a year or more by 2022. It is a significant hit on the city treasury. For the town of Farragut, it is much larger in terms of its percentage hit. The final impact will come six years away when the repeal is set to become complete. However, the Stair

Victor Ashe

comment, along with his letter to the editor of the News Sentinel, revealed a concern which the mayor and no other council member has evidenced publicly prior to the bill becoming law. Council never adopted a resolution expressing opposition. Their concern is being voiced after the fact. The mayor did not raise the issue during her public breakfast with lawmakers. She had raised it in private one-on-one meetings without effect. It should cause the council to re-examine its lobbying contract with Tony Thompson (whom this writer hired some 20 years ago) to determine if they are getting the best work, or the council should at least increase its activity in Nashville. The council also needs written reports if they exist from Thompson on what is happening in the Legislature, as the mayor’s office does not brief the council on legislative developments with regularity. Basically, council leaves it to the mayor to handle relations in Nashville. Council is not invited to the mayor’s annual legislative meeting, although it is now a public meeting due to efforts of Reps. Eddie Smith and Martin Daniel. Also, it does not help when the mayor openly campaigns against incumbent lawmakers and then expects them to work with her. She would be better off staying out of the local campaigns. ■Knox County is in a better strategic position as Mayor Burchett has extensive legislative experience and knows lawmakers across the state personally. That is not true for the city, with the exception of former Vice Mayor Nick Pavlis, who works in Nashville and has strong legislative ties. ■Freedom House celebrates 75 years of activity this year as it works to highlight restrictions and bans on freedom of the press. Started in 1941, it has showcased censorship through the world. A majority of people on this planet live in countries without free media including China, Russia and Cuba. A foundation of a free and democratic society is freedom to express one’s views, especially the media.

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6 • JUNE 8, 2016 • NORTH/EAST Shopper news

SENIOR NOTES

Lois Emmons and Inez Ratcliff make their way to each vendor to collect stickers for their Bingo cards. Photos by Sara Barrett

â– 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 Fridays; Senior Meals, noon Wednesdays. Register for: Veterans Services office visit, 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 14; RSVP: 215-5645. Super Seniors meeting, 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 14.

Knox PAWS coordinator Julia Jackson brought PAWS member B.J. to meet new friends.

â– Corryton Senior Center 9331 Davis Drive 688-5882 knoxcounty.org/seniors Monday-Friday Hours vary Offerings include: exercise classes; cross-stitch, card games; dominoes, crochet, quilting, billiards; Senior Meals program, 11 a.m. each Friday.

By Sara Barrett

Register for: Super Seniors meeting, 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 14; entertainment: piano concert by Larry Clapp. Oakes Day Lily Walk, Tuesday, June 21; meet at 9:45 a.m. at Center. â– Larry Cox Senior Center 3109 Ocoee Trail 546-1700 Monday-Friday Hours vary

Seniors from all over Knox County mingled and munched during the first Beyond Bingo held at Sherrill Hills in West Knoxville. Sponsored by the Shopper News, Beyond Bingo featured a slew of vendors and speakers discussing everything seniors want to know about. Fitness Together, Tennessee Orthopaedic Clinic,

Random Acts of Flowers and Placing Animals with Seniors (PAWS) were just a few of the booths available on “Main Street� at Sherrill Hills. A bevy of gifts were offered to fill Shopper News tote bags, and door prizes were awarded to a lucky few who completed their Bingo cards by collecting stickers from each vendor. A fabulous lunch of crois-

sant sandwiches, fresh fruit and delectable cookies was served by Sherrill Hills, and most attendees walked away with armfuls of goodies including water bottles, note pads and coffee mugs. Feedback from Beyond Bingo goers was positive, with requests for more speakers at the next event. Maybe the next event should be called Bigger Beyond Bingo.

Offerings include: exercise programs; bingo; arts and crafts classes. ■John T. O’Connor Senior Center 611 Winona St. 523-1135 knoxseniors.org/oconnor. html Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Offerings include: Card games, billiards, senior fitness, computer classes, bingo, blood pressure checks 10:30-11:30 a.m. Monday-Friday.

Dee Ruediger straightens her shot to win a free Morgan Stanley hat. She made the shot; she’s golfed since she was 14. Click Funeral Home funeral director Ina Roberts talks to Bea and Tom Davis about burial options. Tom won a gift card to Chop House awarded as a door prize.

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faith

NORTH/EAST Shopper news • JUNE 8, 2016 • 7

cross currents Lynn Pitts lpitts48@yahoo.com

We need each other

Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper as his partner‌. So the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and he slept; then he took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh. And the rib that the Lord God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man. Then the man said, “This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh. (Genesis 2:18, 21-23a NRSV)

The Rev. Chuck Morris, Chilhowee Hills Baptist Church associate pastor of education/discipleship, and children’s director Wendy Johnston get ready to hang the 2016 VBS banner. Photo by Cindy Taylor

Reaching many for Christ By Cindy Taylor Unique in its East Knoxville location, Chilhowee Hills Baptist Church has a handhold in downtown Knoxville and an outreach in the sprawling foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. The Rev. Chuck Morris joined the church staff more than 15 years ago as associate pastor of education/discipleship. Morris hails from California and comes well-equipped for the position. Even so, he says he spent years ignoring God’s call to ministry. “I sensed God calling me to fulltime Christian ministry while I was still in college, but I always found reasons or excuses for why I shouldn’t obey that calling,� said Morris. “It wasn’t until I married and became the

father of two that I could no longer neglect that calling.� That was almost 20 years ago. When a friend at Morris’ home church in California was called to pastor at Chilhowee Hills, Morris says he was asked to consider joining him in Tennessee. “The personal connection I had with my friend was the initial reason I came, but I confirmed the move through prayer,� said Morris. “I appreciated the challenge of doing ministry in the ‘Bible Belt.’� Morris says his position is a rewarding one as he gets to take part in meeting the spiritual needs of people. He says helping others learn about God and how to know Him more intimately is extremely fulfilling.

Always a teacher By Cindy Taylor As a child growing up in Sweetwater, Sarah Beth Day often played teacher using stuffed animals as make-believe students. She would read, spell and plan trips all around the world during geography class. “I saw myself in the future as a quirky classroom teacher with pencils sticking haphazardly out of my hair, she said. “Looking back I can see how God ordered each and every one of my steps to lead me where I am today.� Day says all the makebelieve, followed by a lot of hard work, paid off when she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in elementary

education from Tennessee Wesleyan College and began teaching real students. These days she is working, although she doesn’t call it that, as children’s director at Christ United Methodist Church in Halls. As a member of the church, Day started out as a greeter for visitors on Sundays and administrative assistant through the week. The administrative position came during a very difficult time for Day and her husband, Chad. “We lost our firstborn son. Our family at Christ UMC could not have been more supportive,� said Day. “I can honestly say that we wouldn’t have made it through that period of our lives without them. Thanks

“More than anything, I love the people at Chilhowee Hills,� he said. “They are making a difference and it is a joy to serve alongside them. Our goal and vision is to reach as many for Christ as we can.� Wendy Johnston is a more recent addition to the church staff. Wendy came on board six months ago as children’s director. With VBS starting June 22, she has her hands full. Morris says Johnston is a VBS expert who will bring a great deal to her first VBS at Chilhowee Hills. Chilhowee Hills Baptist Church will host VBS 6-8:30 p.m. June 22 and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. June 23-24. The church is at 4615 Asheville Highway. Info: www.chilhoweehills.org or 5222422.

to them, we started to feel more optimistic about the future and realize now that God was working to carry and lead us even when we weren’t lisSarah Beth Day tening with our whole hearts.� After three years in the church office, Day was offered the position of children’s director when the other director left to branch out in her ministry. Day is three months into the ministry. She and Chad welcomed a healthy baby boy, Sullivan, last December. “My second pregnancy was beautiful. I am thankful every day for the oppor-

FAITH NOTES

tunity God has provided, the amazing prayer warriors in our church and the people who give their time to volunteer in the children’s ministry,� said Day. “We are doing some really exciting things.� The community is invited to join in VBS June 13-17 for Cave Quest, a glow-in-thedark caving adventure. Day says many other fun events are on the horizon this year such as the Fall Family Fun Fest and a Santa brunch. Christ UMC is at 7535 Maynardville Pike. Info: w w w.christumcknox.com or 922-2890.

I am reading a book about the War of the Roses in medieval England, and am about to embark on another one. Those were perilous times for everyone in the country: men were subject to conscription by their lords, women were largely subject to their husbands, and children were subject to their parents, but also to diseases and early death. We tend to think of that period as one of chivalry and honor, a glamorous, romantic period. It was, in some ways, depending on one’s status. However, as I read, I found myself considering the lack of toothbrushes and toothpaste, antibiotics, and Kleenex, for heaven’s sake! (It spurred me to plan a “goodie box� to send to someone, anyone – near or far – who doesn’t have such amenities.) I also considered the way we take such things for granted, ignoring the needs of others. I thought about how we categorize people, based solely on where they live, how much money they have (or don’t have) – without giving a thought to what they might need. The truth is, sometimes the best gift we can give someone is recognizing them as a fellow human being, who has feelings, aspirations and dreams!

VBS NOTES ■Christ UMC, 7535 Maynardville Highway, 5:30-8:30 p.m. June 13-17. Ages: preK through fifth grade. Theme: “Cave Quest.� Dinner provided. Info: 368-6115. ■Hoitt Avenue Baptist Church, 2121 Hoitt Ave., 6:30-8:30 p.m. June 13-17. Classes for all ages, including an adult class. ■New Beverly Baptist Church, 3320 New Beverly Church Road, 6-9 p.m. June 13-17. Theme: “Cave Quest.� Info: 5460001 or newbeverly.org. ■New Life UMC, 7921 Millertown Pike, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, June 25. Theme: “Joseph in Egypt Biblical Village� with tents, games, crafts, stories, food and more. Free Family Fun Night 6-8 p.m. Friday, June 24, includes food and games and VBS registration. Info/registration: newlifeumcknoxville.com. ■Valley View Baptist Church, 3521 Old Valley View Drive, 6:30-8:30 p.m., June 13-17. Theme: “SonWest Roundup.� Info/ registration: vvbcknox.com or 523-0062.

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â– First Comforter Church, 5516 Old Tazewell Pike, hosts MAPS (Mothers At Prayer Service) noon each Friday. Info: Edna Hensley, 771-7788. â– New Life UMC, 7921 Millertown Pike, will host free Family Fun Night 6-8 p.m. Friday, June 24.

Free food and games. Register for VBS to be held 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, June 25. Theme: “Joseph in Egypt Biblical Village� with tents, games, crafts, stories, food and more. Info: newlifeumcknoxville.com.

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8 • JUNE 8, 2016 • NORTH/EAST Shopper news Gatlinburg. Ages 7-17. Cost: full camp, $225; partial camp, $90 per day. Info/registration: RockyTopSportsWorld.com or 325-0044.

SUMMER CAMPS Additional listings and information at ShopperNewsNow.com.

Week of June 12

â– All American Camp, 9-11:30 a.m. MondayThursday, June 13-16, Angela Floyd Schools, 10845 Kingston Pike. Ages 6 and up. Cost: $125. Info/registration: angelafloydschools.com. â– Concord Park golf camp, 9 a.m.-noon TuesdayThursday, June 14-16, Concord Park, 10909 S. Northshore Drive. Ages 9-17. Cost: $100. Info/ registration: 966-9103. â– Guest Artist Intensives Session 1, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday, June 13-17, Studio Arts for Dancers, 1234 Rocky Hill Road. Cost: $250. Info/registration: StudioArtsForDancers.net or 539-2475. â– Jurassic Kids Camp, 9-11 a.m. June 14-15, McClung Museum, 1327 Circle Park Drive. Ages 2-3 with caregiver. Cost: $25, caregiver free/$20 members. Info/registration: mcclungmuseum. utk.edu or 974-2144. â– Justice League camp at Ijams, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday, June 13-17, Ijams Nature Center, 2915 Island Home Ave. Ages 5-8. Cost: $225 members/$250 nonmembers. Info/registration: Lauren, 577-4717, ext. 135. â– Mini-Intensive for Young Dancers, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday-Friday, June 13-17, Studio Arts for Dancers, 1234 Rocky Hill Road. Ages 10-14. Cost: $200. Ballet experience necessary. Info/registration: StudioArtsForDancers.net or 539-2475. â– Phillip Fulmer Hall of Fame Camp, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, June 16-18, Rocky Top Sports World, 1870 Sports World Blvd.,

â– Princess Camp, 9-11:30 a.m. Monday-Thursday, June 13-16, Angela Floyd Schools, 6732 Jubilee Center Way. Ages 2-5. Cost: $125. Info/registration: angelafloydschools.com. â– TN Adventures camp at Ijams Nature Center, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday, June 13-17, 2915 Island Home Ave. Ages 9-14. Cost: $225 members/$250 nonmembers. Info/registration: Lauren, 577-4717, ext. 135.

Week of June 19

â– Concord Park golf camp, 9 a.m.-noon TuesdayThursday, June 21-23, Concord Park, 10909 S. Northshore Drive. Ages 9-17. Cost: $100. Info/ registration: 966-9103. â– Cooking up Science, 1-4 p.m. Monday-Friday, June 20-24, The Muse Knoxville, 516 N. Beaman St. Ages 7-8. Cost: $85/$75 members. Info/ registration: themuseknoxville.org/content/ summer-camps-2016 or 594-1494. â– Dig It! Fun with Fossils, 1-4 p.m. Monday-Friday, June 20-24, McClung Museum, 1327 Circle Park Drive. For ages 9-11 (rising fourth, fifth and sixth graders). Cost: $110/$99 members. Info/registration: mcclungmuseum.utk.edu or 974-2144.

fun pack, $32 (regularly $47), includes four adult admissions and a parking pass. Concert and discounted admission tickâ– Explorer camp at Ijams, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. MondayOther specials include: a 3-day pass, $20 Friday, June 20-24, Ijams Nature Center, 2915 Island ets for the 97th annual Tennessee Valley (regularly $30); all-you-can-ride wristFair are on sale for a limited time. Guests bands, $14 (regularly $22), for opening day, Home Ave. Ages 9-14. Cost: $245 members/$270 nonmembers; includes a full day off-site trip. Info/ can save an average of 20 percent by pur- Sept. 9, only; wristbands, $16 (regularly registration: Lauren, 577-4717, ext. 135. chasing tickets early. $20), Monday-Thursday; or $21 (regularly Specials include: Adult admission, $8 $25), weekend special. â– Guest Artist Intensives Session 2, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., (regularly $10); child admission, $6 (reguStudio Arts for Dancers, 1234 Rocky Hill Road. Buy a reserved seat to any headline conMonday-Friday, June 20-24. Cost: $250. Info/reglarly $7); family fun pack, $28 (regularly cert at Homer Hamilton Theatre before istration: StudioArtsForDancers.net or 539-2475. $39), includes two adult admissions, two Sept. 8, and receive a fair admission for $5. child admissions and a parking pass; fair Info: tnvalleyfair.org or 865-215-1482

S.O.R. Losers

Early bird sale for Fair tickets

Written by Avi and Illustrated by Timothy Bush

CHAPTER TEN: Story So Far: As the special soccer team continues to loose, the school community refuses to accept defeat. More and more pressure to win is applied. The game against Pennington Prep was interesting. Crisp, bright weather. It almost made me want to be there. Sure enough, there was a bunch of people who came to watch. Some parents. Ms. Appleton brought our whole class. Mr. Sullivan was there. So was Mr. Tillman. I think he was wearing new beads for the occasion. After we pretended to get ready, Mr. Lester got us over by a corner and gave us a talk. “Gentlemen, Pennington isn’t such a great team. They’ve won a few and lost a few. More like you guys.� “We didn’t win any,� Porter reminded

him. Mr. Lester looked toward the sidelines. “Today you will,� he said. “How do you know?� asked Barish. “I feel it.� “Where?� Dorman wondered. “And what about tomorrow?� Lifsom wanted to know. “Gentlemen,� said Mr. Lester, “we can turn the season around if you really desire it. Why not win for those nice people who have come to cheer?� “Let them do it for themselves,� said Saltz. “Now,� concluded Mr. Lester, “come out fighting and keep on fighting.� He made a pathetic fist. Right from the start, we tried. Really. We got together in a circle, touched hands and

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“a breakfast serials story�

Are we the worst team ever?

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Pellissippi State students place first in math competition Pellissippi State Community College placed first in this year’s statewide Student Mathematics League competition. The event has two rounds with five winners each, and those students’ scores constituted the college’s final standings. Among the 11 top finishers are Joey Allston, Michaela Shoffner; (back) Trent Walker, Brendan Sweet and Michael Bryant. Photo submitted

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started to roar, except just when we began, Eliscue sneezed. So instead of screaming “Fight!� what came out was “Fi . . .� Sneeze! “God bless you.� “God bless you.� “Thanks.� Not what I’d call a mean team. As for the game, well . . . there were one or two things. The big moment was when we scored a goal. Really. It was the only score (for our side) so far that season. I’d like to tell you that Porter brought it smartly down the right line, snapped a crisp line shot to Lifsom, who brilliantly passed cross-field to Hays, who smashed it by the helpless, confused goalie . . . except it didn’t happen that way. As much as I saw it, the goal came about when Lifsom was trying to get the ball out of our territory. That time he actually got his foot on it. The ball even started to go in the right direction. A major improvement. Then one of their guys intercepted, dropping the ball along his body. He began running it back. Our side moved into our automatic full retreat. Somehow, their guy tripped. The ball got away. Dorman realized that the ball was free. He got it moving deep into their turf. I could see how excited he was by the notion that he was actually on the move with not much between him and their goal except their goalie, because of what he did. What he did was stop and watch. Fenwick came up and — not wanting to waste a shot because we didn’t get too many — stole the ball from Dorman (who might have fallen asleep for all he moved) and gave a boot. In fact, Fenwick only topped the ball. The ball squirted forward. As for Fenwick, he had kicked so hard and up, he fell down. What happened next? Their goalie cracked up, laughed so much that he let that little dribbler of a ball keep coming. Meanwhile, Radosh came up from the left and gave the ball a thump, again, right at their goalkeeper. Their goalie punched it right back. The ball bonked Hays on the head and bounced into their goal. Mind, I did not say Hays headed the ball in. I said the ball hit him on the head and bounced back. Into the goal. In fact, Hays was so dizzy from the shot that he was actually walking around in circles for a few minutes. It figured: we finally score a goal and the guy who scored it never knew what happened. From the reaction of the people on the sidelines — our people — you would have thought we had just won the Super Bowl and World Series. They went wild. Actually, I was much more interested in the way Hays was wobbling, like a crazy duck. That was interesting. As for the other high point, it involved me. It wasn’t so complicated, but since it was me, I had the best view, sort of. It came about because during the third period my shoe became untied. Normally, I’d wait for a lull in the action to retie it. However, there never were lulls, so as time

went on I was sure my shoe was going to fall off. I had to do something. I bent over to tie it. The shoelace broke. That meant more work. And concentration. Next moment there was this terrible thud against my backside. It sent me headfirst into the net one way, and the ball another way, also into the net. Buddy Saltz helped me untangle myself from the net. “It’s probably not a bad idea to face the field,� he suggested. “Do you want to play goal?� I snapped. “Not tall enough,� he reminded me. Final score: 18–1. In the locker room, there were some guys from our other teams. Of course, they had to know what happened to us. We told them. At first, there were the usual jokes, and then this guy, Roberts, who was captain of the eighth-grade first-string team, stood on a bench and yelled for quiet. “Look here,� he said, looking right at us. As usual, we were bunched together for selfprotection. “The joke’s over,� shouted Roberts. “When are you jerks going to get your act together? You’re making us look stupid!� Fortunately, Mr. Lester came in just then. There might have been a riot. Anyway, Mr. Lester shooed us over into a corner to give us some kindly pointers. Not that anyone listened. It had gotten too frustrating. Then Mr. Tillman burst in. “Listen up, you guys,� he said to us. We gave him our attention. He would have taken it anyway. There was an angry glint in his eyes that suggested trouble. “I think I’ve learned my lesson,� he said. “I admit it. I tried to sweet-talk you guys into feeling better about yourselves. That was wrong. What you need to be told is how rotten you looked out there today. I’ve never seen worse. Not around this school. And you need to hear something else. I’ve checked. In the entire history of South Orange River Middle School sports, no team, I repeat, no team, has ever lost all its games.� He paused for effect. “Do you guys want to go down in history as the worst team? Do you?� There was absolute, stunned silence. “Do you?� He insisted on an answer. “Odds are that we can,� said Fenwick. Mr. Tillman turned savagely. “That’s a defeatist attitude, Fenwick. Can it!� He stalked out. Mr. Lester looked embarrassed. “I know you try,� he said softly. “I appreciate that. I just think it would be good to win one game. We play Parkville next. Last game. You should know something. Parkville hasn’t won a game all season either.� With those words of encouragement, he left us. “My gosh,� said Barish, “another team as bad as us.� “Awesome,� said Dorman. “We’ll be playing for ‘Worst in the Universe,’� said Radosh. There was almost, not quite, a thrill of excitement. (To be continued.)

Text copyright Š 2012 Avi. Illustrations copyright Š 2012 Timothy Bush. Reprinted by permission of Breakfast Serials, Inc., www.breakfastserials.com. No part of this publication may be reproduced, displayed, used or distributed without the express written permission of the copyright holder.

NORTH/EAST Shopper news • JUNE 8, 2016 • 9

Celebrating students’ success East Knox County Elementary School ended the year with an awards ceremony to celebrate the success of its students. The day kicked off with the school ensemble singing “Don’t Stop Believin’” before heading into award presentations. Students in all grades were given awards based on perfect attendance, most improvement, top reading and math, and other outstanding achievements. Principal Kristi Woods presented Jeremiah Neely

Ruth White

kids New books for East Knox County Elementary

and Kali Lawson with the school’s safety poster contest awards. Kali was also presented the award for being the countywide winner in the contest. Co-teachers of the year Carrie Baggett and Amanda Davis were also recognized.

Jeremiah Neely was one of two safety poster contest winners selected at East Knox Elementary and announced by assistant principal Theresa Reed and principal Kristi Woods during the awards ceremony.

East Knox County Elementary librarian Joanna Law and principal Kristi Woods show new books to pre-K students. Scott Suchomski, executive director of the Tennessee Valley Fair, visited the school and donated 20 new books to the school library on behalf of the Knoxville Chamber Agribusiness Committee.

Second-grade teacher Carrie Badgett and special education teacher Amanda Davis were honored as the coteachers of the year at East Knox Elementary.

Kali Lawson was presented with the award for winning the countywide safety poster contest. She is pictured with Bethanie Harman, officer Jimmy Dance, assistant principal Theresa Reed and principal Kristi Woods. Photos by R. White

Shopper s t n e V enews

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8 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 JUNE 9 AAA’s Roadwise: Safe Driving for Mature Operators, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., O’Connor Senior Center, 611 Winona St. Eight-hour course approved by the state of Tennessee for insurance premium discounts for eligible drivers. Info/registration: Kate, 862-9254, or Stephanie, 862-9252. Halls Book Club: “Pigs in Heaven,” 1 p.m., Halls Branch Library, 4518 E. Emory Road. All welcome. Info: 922-2552. The Heiskell Seniors monthly meeting, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Community Center, 1708 W. Emory Road in Powell. Speaker, 11 a.m.; lunch, noon; bingo, 1 p.m. Bring a dessert and a friend. Info: Janice White, 5480326. “Killer Tomatoes vs Tomato Killers,” 3:154:30 p.m., Humana Guidance Center, 4438 Western Ave. Presented by Master Gardeners Joe Pardue and Marcia Griswold. Free and open to the public. Info: 329-8892. Living with Diabetes: Putting the Pieces Together, 2-4:30 p.m., Fountain City Branch Library, 5300 Stanton Road. Info: 689-2681. Pizza Ha’s, 8-9:30 p.m., Pizza Hoss, 7215 Clinton Highway. Free stand-up comedy show featuring local comedian Sean Simoneau. Shakespeare for Kids, 3 p.m., Norwood Branch Library, 1110 Merchants Drive. Presented by the Tennessee Stage Company; featuring “The Merry Wives of Windsor” and “King Lear.” Info: 688-2454. Super Hero Storytime and Costume Party with Spider Man, 3 p.m., Halls Branch Library, 4518 E. Emory Road. Info: 922-2552. VFW meeting, 7 p.m., 140 Veteran St., Maynardville. All veterans are invited. Info: 278-3784.

FRIDAY, JUNE 10 Concert in the Commons: Anne Mccue, 7 p.m., The Norris Commons, the lawn in front of the

Tennessee Valley Fair’s Fairest of the Fair, Morgan Leveritt, reads to pre-K students at East Knox Elementary. Photos submitted

Norris Middle School. Bring a lawn chair, blanket and picnic basket. Info: Facebook. Movie in the Park, Luttrell City Park. Free. Bring chairs or blanket. Movie starts at dusk. Cancelled if raining. Info: 992-0678. “Plan to Can and Preserve Food,” 9-10 a.m., Union Farmers Co-op, 3035 Maynardville Highway. Free pressure gauge testing; free food preservation and nutrition information. Bring the canner lid, gauge and seal. Info/appointment: Becca Hughes, 992-8038, rlhughes@utk.edu.

FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JUNE 10-11 The McKameys’ annual Hometown Singing, Second Baptist Church in Clinton. Friday: 7:30 p.m. special guest The Inspirations from Bryson City, N.C.; Saturday, 6 p.m. special guest The Primitive Quartet from Candler, N.C. Reserved seating, $16; general admission, $13. Info/tickets: 457-3678.

FRIDAY-SUNDAY, JUNE 10-26 “Charlie & the Chocolate Factory,” 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, JUNE 11 Bark in the Park, 3-8 p.m., World’s Fair Park Festival Lawn. Fundraiser for the Humane Society of the Tennessee Valley. $5 donation at the gate includes: Kid’s Korner, Grayson Subaru Misting Tent, pet contests and more. Info: humanesocietytennessee.com/bark-inthe-park/. Chalk on the Walk, noon, Fountain City Branch Library, 5300 Stanton Road. Info: 689-2681. Front Page Follies, 6 p.m., Knoxville Convention Center. Includes: silent auction, dinner, live auction, musical revue. Tickets: $125/ table of 10, $1,000. Proceeds fund journalism scholarships at UT and Pellissippi State community College. Tickets: FrontPageFoundation.org. Info: Melanie Staten, 7768227. “Killer Tomatoes vs Tomato Killers,” 1:302:30 p.m., Bearden Branch Library, 100 Golfclub Road. Presented by Master Gardeners Joe Pardue and Marcia Griswold. Free and open to the public. Info: 588-8813 or knoxlib.org. Mid South Navy Nurse Association meeting, 9:30 a.m. Homewood Suites conference room, Turkey Creek. All nurses who served in the Corps are invited. Info: 938-1996. Saturday Stories and Songs: Dancing Spider Yoga, 11 a.m., Fountain City Branch Library, 5300 Stanton Road. For children ages 3-9 and parents. Info: 689-2681.

Saturday Stories and Songs: Miss Lynn, 11 a.m., Powell Branch Library, 330 W. Emory Road. Info: 947-6210. Statehood Day celebration, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Marble Springs, 1220 W. Gov. John Sevier Highway. Includes: guided tours, encampments, open hearth cooking demonstrations, 18th century music. Info: 573-5508 or marblesprings.net. Statehood Day celebration, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Crescent Bend House & Gardens, 2728 Kingston Pike. Free admission. Info: 637-3163 or crescentbend.com. Statehood Day celebration, noon-3 p.m., Ramsey House, 2614 Thorn Grove Pike. Includes: free tours with a birthday cake celebrating the birthday of the state of Tennessee as well as the birthday of Col. Francis Alexander Ramsey. Info: 546-0745 or ramseyhouse.org. Union County Farmers Market, 9 a.m.-noon, Wilson Park. Info: 992-8038.

SATURDAY-SUNDAY, JUNE 11-12 Antique car show and street fair, Historic Rugby. Car show, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday; free to spectators. To preregister vehicles: 423-628-2441; day of show registration, $10, space permitting. Street fair, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. both days, featuring: crafts, antiques and gift vendors. Info: historicrugby.org.

SUNDAY-MONDAY, JUNE 12-13 Open auditions for “The Boor” presentation by The Moving Theatre, 3-5 p.m. Sunday and 5-7 p.m. Monday, Thomas Episcopal Church, 5401 Tiffany Lane. Auditions consist of cold readings from the script. Resume and headshot are helpful but not required. Info: MovingTheatreKnoxville@gmail.com.

MONDAY, JUNE 13 Coffee, Donuts and a Movie: “Creed,” 10:30 a.m., Burlington Branch Library, 4614 Asheville Highway. Info: 525-5431. Family Movie Night: “Peanuts,” 5:30 p.m., Burlington Branch Library, 4614 Asheville Highway. Info: 525-5431. Knoxville Zoomobile, 3 p.m., North Knoxville Branch Library, 2901 Ocoee Trail. Info: 525-7036. Magician Michael Messing, 2 p.m., Carter Branch Library, 9036 Asheville Highway. Info: 933-5438. QED Experimental Comedy Lab, 7:30-9:30 p.m., The Pilot Light, 106 E. Jackson Ave. Free weekly comedy show blending stand-up, improv, sketch and other performance styles. Donations accepted.

TUESDAY. JUNE 14 Paulette 6th District Neighborhood Watch meeting, 7 p.m., Paulette Elementary School cafeteria. Info: 992-5212.

business

10 • JUNE 8, 2016 • Shopper news

Chris Boler: providing the personal touch for ORNL FCU By Carol Z. Shane

the rotary guy Tom King tking535@gmail.com

Bearden Rotary presents Ely-Pickle scholarship Last week The Rotary Guy told you about the Rotary Club of Knoxville honoring its two 2016 Teachers of the Year. This week we’ll tell you about a hard-working and talented student who will join the University of Tennessee’s Pride of the Southland Marching Band in the fall – Kaleb Emmert. Kaleb recently graduated from West High School and a few days ago the Rotary Club of Bearden honored him with its Bob Ely-Art Pickle Kaleb Emmert $2,500 scholarship. Ely and Pickle were both District 6780 Governors and members of Bearden Rotary. Janice Mitchell, chair of the club’s Youth Services/ Development Committee, tells us the selection criteria is simple. “A student, male or female, who represents need and aptitude and is a good student academically.” Janet says she was “blown away” by Kaleb’s accomplishments. “He will be majoring in music education and wants to be a band director,” she said. “His major instrument is the clarinet and a whole list of others. In person, he is about 6-5 and a natty dresser. His band director at West High School (Jeremy Lumpkin) was his mentor and inspiration and Kaleb gives high praise to his mother (Amy Zarychta) for giving him great character traits.” “My mom is my role model … she puts everything she has into whatever she’s doing and I try to do the same,” he said. Kaleb also plays the cello, double bass, marimba and vibraphone. His goal is to become a high school band director and then move into the same job at the university level. “I got interested in music in the seventh grade and taught myself to play the double bass, and I also taught myself to read music that year,” he says. “I’m good at memorizing and I learned to read music in about two weeks.” His mom says he’s also into writing music now. He says he enjoys volunteer work and volunteers at Ijams Nature Center and at UT as well.

BIZ NOTES ■ North Knoxville Business & Professional Association meeting, 8 a.m. Friday, June 10, The Gathering Place in the Regas Building, 318 N. Gay St. Networking and breakfast, 7:45 a.m. Program: Compassion Coalition.

Knox County resident Chris Boler, newly-appointed president of CUSO – ORNL Federal Credit Union’s Service Organization, also known as CU Community LLC – believes that in this increasingly technology-driven age, “it’s real important to make a personal connection.” Boler began his career with ORNL in 2010 as a mortgage and loan process-

ing agent. His enthusiasm has earned him promotions to mortgage sales manager, assistant vice president Chris Boler of sales and service, and vice president of sales and service. “We are a not-for-profit financial cooperative, locally owned

and operated by our members,” he says, and it’s clear that he believes wholeheartedly in the credit union model. Boler received his bachelor’s degree in business management from CarsonNewman University, and his MBA at UT Martin. He is currently finishing up his third year of Southeast Regional Credit Union Management School at the University of Georgia in

Athens, and will graduate this month. In March of 2016 he was named president of the ORNL Credit Union Service Organization (CUSO.) It’s a people-oriented facet of ORNL that suits him well. Boler will be responsible for growing and enriching partnerships with other credit unions, and enhancing available member services throughout the 32-branch system of ORNL FCU.

News from Office of Register of Deeds

Lending holds steady as real estate sales rise By Sherry Witt Activity in the local real estate market continued its upward trend last month, as 1,212 properties were transferred in Knox County during the period ending on Tuesday, May 31. That figure represented an increase of nearly 200 Sherry Witt sales over last May’s total, and surpassed this April’s activity by 99. The aggregate value of property transferred also continued to rise,

climbing to $268 million in May after an April total of $242 million. It was the largest May output since 2007, and bested May 2016 by about $50 million. Mortgage lending remained steady in May as around $344 million was borrowed against real estate in Knox County, compared to approximately $347 million during April. Last spring lending levels were rather high, with $372 million borrowed through mortgages and refinancing. There were two particularly large commercial transfers recorded in Knox County in May. One was the sale of multiple parcels in the development known as The Marketplace, located on

Kingston Pike. The total sale price listed for this transaction was $7,394,625. The other involved multiple lots in The Village at Hardin Valley, which were sold for $7.3 million. The largest mortgage recorded in May was a loan in the amount of $20,612,500, financing the Woodlands West residential complex off Walker Springs Rd. As we near the halfway point of 2016, this year continues to be ahead of the 2015 pace in virtually every recording category. Property sales are outrunning 2015 activity by around $130 million, and mortgage lending is about $30 million above last year’s levels.

BIZ NOTES ■ N. Jean Wilson, FNP, has joined Summit Medical Group at Farragut as a family nurse practitioner. Wilson graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a master’s degree in nursing in 1981 and earned her MBA Jean Wilson Demirjian from Meredith College in Raleigh in 1988. A longtime family nurse practitioner, she and her husband, Gene, have lived in the Farragut community for 29 years. Info: 865-966-3940.

■ Elizabeth Hall, Registered Dietitian with Food City, received one of six Supermarket Dietitian of the Year awards at the recent convention of Produce for Better Health Foundation in Scottsdale, Arizona. Candidates were Elizabeth Hall Lori Hamilton selected from hundreds of nominations. The award recognizes achievement in promoting fruits and vegetables through store programming and signage, social media and more.

■ Aram Demirjian has been hired as music director for the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra after a year-long search and vetting process. Demirjian (Duh-MER-jun) was most recently associate conductor of the Kansas City Symphony. He has done extensive guest conducting and previously served on the faculty of the New England Conservatory Preparatory School.

■ Lori Hamilton received a Retail Champion award, at the recent Produce for Better Health Foundation convention in Scottsdale. Hamilton, Food City’s director of healthy initiatives, accepted the award on behalf of the company. “We strive to promote fresh, frozen and canned fruits and vegetables,” she said, “as all are great sources to incorporate into our diet.”

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