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VOL. 4 NO. 51
BUZZ Begin the new year with a hike Tennessee state parks are offering ranger-led hikes Sunday, Jan. 1. Local hikes include: Norris Dam State Park, midnight-2 a.m., meet at the Tea Room, located on the east side of Norris Dam; Big Ridge State Park, 1-3 p.m., meet at the stone building at the park entrance; Tellico Blockhouse (part of Fort Loudoun State Historic Area), 1-3 p.m., meet at the Blockhouse. Info/reservations: tnstateparks.com.
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Mabry-Hazen House decks the halls By J.J. Stambaugh The Mabry-Hazen House has stood as a living reminder of Knoxville’s history for 158 years, and if those who care for it have their way, it will continue standing for a long time to come. Recently, the Mabry-Hazen House was opened for free public tours as part of an effort to raise public awareness of the museum. Volunteers dressed in period costumes stood by to answer questions about the house, its ornate furnishings and its history for the more than 300 people who came to take part in the annual Christmas celebration. Female guides wore long, colorful dresses styled after what was popular in the Victorian Era, while male volunteers donned Civil War uniforms or other period costumes. Nancy Meyer, an American history teacher at West Valley Middle School and longtime Mabry-Hazen board member, said the event is a great way to “be part of our history, and plus you get to wear neat clothes.”
COMMUNITY NOTES ■ Alice Bell Spring Hill Neighborhood Association. Info: Ronnie Collins, 637-9630. ■ Beaumont Community Organization. Info: Natasha Murphy, 936-0139. ■ Belle Morris Community Action Group meets 7 p.m. each second Monday, City View Baptist Church, 2311 Fine Ave. Info: bellemorris. com or Rick Wilen, 524-5008. ■ Chilhowee Park Neighborhood Association meets 6:30 p.m. each last Tuesday, Administration Building, Knoxville Zoo. Info: Paul Ruff, 696-6584. ■ Edgewood Park Neighborhood Association meets 7 p.m. each third Tuesday, Larry Cox Senior Center, 3109 Ocoee Trail. Info: edgewoodpark.us. ■ Excelsior Lodge No. 342 meets 7:30 p.m. each Thursday, 10103 Thorn Grove Pike. Info: Bill Emmert, 933-6032 or w.emmert@ att.net. ■ Family Community EducationCarter Club meets 10:30 a.m. each second Thursday, Carter Senior Center, 9036 Asheville Highway. Info: Anne Winstead, 933-5821. ■ First District Democrats meet each first Monday, Burlington Branch Library, 4614 Asheville Highway. Info: Harold Middlebrook, haroldmiddlebrook@gmail.com; Mary Wilson, marytheprez@ yahoo.com. ■ Historic Fourth & Gill Neighborhood Organization meets 6:30 p.m. each second Monday, Central UMC, 201 Third Ave. Info: Liz Upchurch, 898-1809, lizupchurch1@gmail.com. ■ Inskip Community Association meets 6 p.m. each fourth Tuesday, Inskip Baptist Church, 4810 Rowan Road. Info: Betty Jo Mahan, 6792748 or bettymahan@knology. net. ■ Oakwood Lincoln Park Neighborhood Association meets 6:30 p.m. each first Monday, Community Club House, 916 Shamrock Ave. Info: Bill Hutton, 773-5228 or s_wlhutton@ yahoo.com. ■ Old North Knoxville meets 6:30 p.m. each second Monday, St. James Episcopal Church Parish Hall, 1101 N. Broadway.
To page 3 Nancy Meyer, a longtime volunteer and West Valley Middle School history teacher, adjusts Christmas decorations on a banister in the Mabry-Hazen House. Meyer was one of a dozen volunteers who helped the museum put on its annual Christmas tours. Photos by J.J. Stambaugh
Woodland/Broadway bike lanes called ‘easy’ fix By Betsy Pickle
Monika Miller and Kelley Segars are avid cyclists who live near the Woodland Avenue/Broadway intersection, and both were pleased with concepts to improve bike lanes at the intersection presented at a public meeting. “I would never ride in this section right now,” said Segars, the principal transportation planner for the Knoxville Regional Transportation Planning Organization. Miller, an architect who rides her bike to
work downtown, does use the route, but cautiously. “I briefly risk my life,” she says of her commute. Jon Livengood, the city’s alternative transportation engineer, organized the meeting at the city’s Public Works Service Center to cap a week of workshops with consultants from Kimley-Horn and Toole Design Group. The city and the consultants wanted the public to weigh in on plans to improve four problem areas.
NEWS (865) 661-8777 news@ShopperNewsNow.com Sandra Clark | Ruth White ADVERTISING SALES (865) 342-6084 ads@ShopperNewsNow.com Amy Lutheran | Patty Fecco Beverly Holland CIRCULATION (865) 342-6200 shoppercirc@ShopperNewsNow.com
In addition to Woodland/Broadway, the projects include Adair Drive, linking to Old Broadway; Middlebrook Pike between Proctor Street and Western/University avenues; and Chapman Highway from the south end of the Henley Bridge to Woodlawn Pike across from Fort Dickerson Park. The large crowd appeared to include far more cyclists than automobile drivers.
To page 3
Sheriff’s Merit Council tables Holt By Sandra Clark
Sheriff Jimmy “J.J.” Jones must be mad because he’s term-limited. Why else would he hire Hugh Holt for a purchasing director’s job that never existed and pay him more than even the chief deputy makes?
Analysis (865) 922-4136
Tom Spangler
And last week Jones was back – this time trying to get Holt protected under the Sheriff’s Merit System Council, a system designed to protect deputies and jailers from political fallout. Merit Council members are volunteers, appointed by Knox County Commission. You don’t get appointed unless the sheriff approves. It just doesn’t happen. So it was a stunning rebuke to Jones
when the three-member board tabled his recommendation on Holt, opting to leave the decision to the next sheriff. Board chair Bill Lindsey read a list of job descriptions and salaries, saying, “These people (who earn less than Holt’s $137,500) put their life on the line and have years of service. “Let’s not hamstring the new
sheriff. JJ is a lame duck. Let’s kick the can down the road 18 months. The history will be there then, and if the new sheriff wants (Holt), let him or her hire him and pay him. Let the new sheriff recommend putting him under the (Merit) System.” Roy Kruse and Jim Jennings concurred, citing employee morale. It was a rare act of independence that reflected favorably on each council member. Holt was director of purchasing for Knox County for several years until he resigned under fire. In that role, he oversaw purchasing for the Sheriff’s Office. When Mayor Tim Burchett requested his resignation following an investigation into charges of sexual harassment, Holt was earning roughly $137,000. Jones hired him three
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days later for $500 more. In a column Nov. 9, 2016, this writer polled two potential candidates for sheriff when Holt was hired. Lee Tramel, the sheriff’s chief administrative officer, said it’s the sheriff’s call. “It’s not my position to comment. Look at Hugh’s record six or eight months from now. Has he saved the office money? That will tell the tale.” Tom Spangler, former chief deputy, said the position is not needed since the county has always handled purchasing. He would prefer to see the money divided among employees. “Some say that’s just $137 each, but I say it’s $137 they didn’t have before. “Nothing against Hugh, but his hiring was (an affront) to every employee up there.”
2 • DECEMBER 21, 2016 • Shopper news
health & lifestyles
Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center receives awards for outstanding cancer and cardiac care Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center, a member of Covenant Health, has been named to the 2016 list of “100 Hospitals and Health Systems with Great Oncology Programs,” released by Becker’s Hospital Review. The list includes hospitals and health systems leading the nation in cancer care. According to Becker’s, “Hospitals included on this list offer patients comprehensive cancer care involving teams of specialists, participation in clinical trials and personalized treatment programs. Many organizations on this list are driving forces in the fight to end cancer as we know it.” Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center offers comprehensive cancer care, including inpatient services at the downtown Knoxville medical center and advanced technology such as Fort Sanders Regional Gamma Knife Center at the adjacent campus of Thompson Cancer Survival Center. Thompson Cancer Survival Center offers medical and radiation oncology, chemotherapy, clinical trials and innovations in “Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center Becker’s,” said Keith Altshuler, president specialized cancer treatments at locations is pleased to receive this recognition from and chief administrative officer of the medthroughout East Tennessee.
ical center. “Our physicians and staff work very hard to provide excellent care and supportive resources for patients and families facing cancer.” In addition to Becker’s cancer recognition, Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center’s cardiology department is the recipient of the 2016 GWTG Gold Plus Performance Achievement Award with Honor Roll status as an Elite Stroke Care Center from the 2016 American College of Cardiology Foundation’s NCDR ACTION Registry®. It is the second year that the medical center has received the recognition from the Foundation, and Fort Sanders Regional is one of only a small number of hospitals nationwide to earn the designation. The award recognizes the hospital’s commitment and success in implementing a higher standard of care for heart attack patients and is based on a hospital’s compliance with seven best practice measures in cardiac care. These best practices ensure that all cardiac patients are treated quickly with the most effective treatment plan and are given tools to improve their health upon discharge.
Individuals and departments of Fort Sanders Regional honored for a great 2016 Each year, the Covenant Health Performance Excellence Awards are presented to recognize outstanding achievements throughout the health system. The awards event includes two categories: the Everest Awards, recognizing individual peak performers, and the Performance Excellence Awards, for projects supporting the health system’s Journey to Excellence. This year, Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center was well represented by two Performance Excellence Awards and three Everest Award winners. Winning Performance Excellence projects included: Innovation in Stroke Education: Can My Dog Have a Stroke? Fort Sanders Regional’s Comprehensive Stroke Center often provides community education at health fairs and senior centers, to help people recognize the signs and symptoms of stroke. This year, the team reached out to third- through fifth-grade students to help them understand stroke risk factors and learn what to do if someone close to them showed symptoms of a stroke. The team wrote a book, “Can My Dog
The stroke team at Fort Sanders Regional created a book, “Can My Dog Have a Stroke?,” to educate elementary school children about stroke symptoms.
Have a Stroke?,” to help convey this valuable information. The team also continued to demonstrate excellence in stroke care through increasingly effective use of the clot-busting drug tPA and rapid treatment of patients who arrive at the ED with stroke symptoms. Wound Care: Moving From Reporting to Healing – Patricia Neal Rehabilitation Center Inpatient rehabilitation facilities must stay vigilant about monitoring patients for possible development of pressure ulcers,
which can occur when patients are bed-ridden for a significant length of time. The Patricia Neal Rehabilitation Center was recognized for processes that have prevented pressure ulcers among PNRC inpatients in 2016.
technologist, Thompson Oncology Group. Fowlen was instrumental in creating and implementing a plan to routinely monitor adherence to new clinical laboratory regulations with consistent standards and staff training. She helped develop an audit tool, Fort Sanders Regional which she completes on a routine basis at each office-based lab. BeEverest Award winners cause of her diligence, planning Fort Sanders Regional employ- and regular auditing, the TOG’s ees honored for outstanding per- most recent lab inspection had formance of their job responsibili- no deficiencies and lab processes were commended by the surveyor. ties: Fowlen Anders, medical Her co-workers say, “She does not just identify problems. She identifies solutions.” Yasheta “Pinky” Hardin, RN, has worked on Fort Sanders Regional’s Transitional Care Unit for 15 years. As a case manager, she works with insurance companies to get hospital patients who need additional care approved for efficient transfer to the TCU. She serves on the hospital’s continuum of care committee, falls prevention team and pressure ulcer prePatricia Neal Rehabilitation Center was recognized for processes that vention team. Pinky goes out of have prevented the occurrence of pressure ulcers among patients.
Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center wishes you and your family a wonderful holiday season and a happy new year. fsregional.com • (865) 673-FORT
her way to answer call lights and assist patients. She checks in often with new employees to welcome them to the unit and help them in their new roles. Joel Morrison, inpatient oncology specialist, pharmacist, is one of only 26 in Tennessee to be board certified in oncology through the Board of Pharmacy. He is very dedicated to his patients and is recognized by patients, nurses, physicians and support staff as the clinical expert for any medication-related issues. He is proactive in working with prescribers to find alternative medications to those that are costly or difficult to acquire. Joel shares medication information with patients and nurses and trains resident and student pharmacists. According to his peers, Joel is “the perfect example of teamwork at its best.”
community
NORTH/EAST Shopper news • DECEMBER 21, 2016 • 3
Monika Miller and Kelley Segars discuss the concept drawing for improved bicycle lanes at Woodland Avenue and Broadway. Photo by Betsy Pickle
Woodland/Broadway bike Community members Richard Green, Kent Melbourne, Trent Brown and Adronicus Thomas give a shout out as a Vine Middle School student arrives to school in an Alabama sweatshirt. Green is a huge Alabama fan and was pumped up for the SEC Championship game to be played that weekend. Photos by Ruth
White
‘Dress for Success’ at Vine Middle School
Miller said her ideal situation for bike facilities in Knoxville would be “to be able to get everywhere I need to go on a bicycle.” Segars said her “concern is for my 8-year-old daughter to be able to bike where we want to go and not worry for her life.” Livengood said that Woodland and Adair are the easiest of the four projects to complete.
From page 1
“That’ll go from Broadway to the existing bike lanes on Woodland, but it’s also going to tie into the brand-new First Creek Greenway that’s being built next year,” he said. “That one’s mostly just paint on the road.” The public can contribute input on www.knoxvilletn. gov through the end of the year, he said.
their best business attire regular basis. The idea for funder and operational to greet and encourage stu- the Dress for Success event partner for Knox County dents as they prepared for came out of that group. Schools. Together, they their day. Vine Middle School is one are working to create the “We want to make a pro- of 12 community schools in best school system in the found school-wide impact the county operated by the Southeast. To learn more and send the message to Great Schools Partnership. about the Community our students that our comThe Partnership Schools Initiative, visit: munity cares for them and serves as a catalyst, think greatschoolspartnership. believes in them,” said Vine tank, incubator, start-up com Middle School’s Clarence Swearengen. “The purpose is to empower, enrich and encourage our students to be successful as we strive to be committed to excellence. From page 1 We want to RAISE our kids up – Reignite Ambition Self-Empowerally takes us back to another Increases ment.” time.” Vine administrators hold Aliza Blackmon, a a “Real Talk” group each 13-year-old museum volunteer and one of Nancy Mey- Tuesday to encourage the er’s students at West Valley students to discuss issues Vine Middle assistant principal Clarence Swearengen welMiddle School, spent her they’re dealing with on a comes Raeburn Josey to the school for Dress for Success day. weekend answering questions from the crowds. “This house has such a vivid history, and it’s a pleasure sharing that history,” Aliza said. Mabry-Hazen House executive director Calvin Chappelle said the house’s VISIT KNOXRAILSALVAGE.COM FOR FREE KITCHEN LAYOUT & QUOTE $100,000 annual budget is covered by memberships and fundraising events as well as grants and some sup400 E Jackson location only port from the Knoxville and Knox County governments. Vinyl Fencing Fence Panels After the Christmas tours, starting at Chappelle said the museum Light Fixtures will be open only by appointat lowest Damaged ment until March 1. Doors marked price Wafer Board “We do a few free events per like this so that people can Plywood Paneling sheet learn about us and help us and Wood and Plastic continue our mission,” he Cabinet Doors $1.98 Wood Siding Moldings for first, then said. “The family history spans so many generations 2 for FREE that we’re able to touch upon Hours: Mon-Fri 8 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. • Sat. 8 a.m. - Noon a lot of different periods.”
By Ruth White
Mabry-Hazen House Joseph Alexander Mabry II, president of the Knoxville and Kentucky Railroad in the mid-19th century, built the Italianate cottage in 1857-1858 for his wife, Laura Churchwell Mabry, according to Mabry-Hazen House officials. Mabry sided with the Confederacy during the Civil War, donated $100,000 to the rebel cause and even built a depot in Knoxville for Confederate supplies. When Union troops came to Knoxville, however, he was forced to sign a loyalty oath and then suffered the ignominy of having his home taken over by a Union colonel. The Mabrys got their home back after the war, but they continued to be plagued by monetary problems and personal tragedies, including the death of son Willie Mabry on Christmas Eve 1881. The following year Joseph Mabry, son Joseph Mabry III and business partner Thomas O’Connor were killed in a gunfight on Gay Street.
Mabry’s daughter, Alice Mabry, married wholesale grocer Rush Strong Hazen in 1883, and the couple bought the house from the widowed Mrs. Mabry, who was allowed to continue living in the house until her death in 1906. Evelyn Hazen, their youngest daughter, lived on Mabry Hill until her death in 1987 and made provisions to preserve the house that led to its becoming a museum in 1992 and being listed on the National Historic Registry. The Dec. 10-11 Christmas tours seemed to be a hit with the crowds who took their time examining the generations-old architecture and furnishings. Brandon and Jessica Mosley of Clinton brought their 6-year-old son, Mason, to the house and said they were pleased to see a 19th century home preserved with such care. “I think this is awesome,” Jessica Mosley said. “The period clothing is an especially nice touch. It re-
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4 • DECEMBER 21, 2016 • Shopper news
Bowl game is for seniors Special reader Bill Young (not THE Bill Young, he used to say, early in our correspondence) picked up on my disregard for the upcoming bowl game. He didn’t disagree that next year should have already started and is of far greater concern than salvaging and reassembling fragments from the recent mess. Bill simply sees the bowl from a different perspective. “When this senior class signed on, the program was in shambles. We are no longer losing more than we are winning. I really-really want these seniors to go out with a win!” I’ll buy some of that. I respect the Tennessee seniors.
Marvin West
Ten truly hung in there. I remain offended that Vanderbilt determined where they would go for their bowl opportunity. Regarding the seniors, large Charles Folger deserves a medium medal. The defensive tackle walked on during the Derek Dooley disaster and never gave up. He practiced every day and got in one game in 2014 and one in 2015. Butch Jones recognized tenacity and re-
warded it with a scholarship for this season. Folger made three tackles against Tennessee Tech, one for a three-yard loss. Teammates cheered. Defensive tackle LaTroy Lewis and linebacker Kenny Bynum followed the same timeline but played a lot more. End Jason Croom played in three games in 2012, endured two season-ending injuries but never surrendered. I think I remember his first catch was a touchdown against Oregon. Malik Foreman engaged most of the bumps and stumbling blocks in the defensive backfield but made one spectacular hustle play against Texas
A&M. He chased down Trayveon Williams on a 71-yard run late in the fourth quarter, knocked the ball loose and helped force the game into overtime. It was unforgettable but, alas, not enough. Offensive lineman Dylan Wiesman is mental toughness personified. Minus injuries, he might have been Tennessee’s best blocker. Memorable was his pinchhit job at center in the victory over Florida. Opponents running away from Derek Barnett ran into Corey Vereen. He had six sacks and 10 tackles for losses this season. If the defense had stopped anybody in November, he might have been mistaken for a star.
Hopefully, some will forever remember Jalen Reeves-Maybin. The best linebacker was lost from the lineup early in the season. Four years ago, Jalen was an early commitment who helped the Vols before he arrived. He was a beacon in Butch’s first recruiting race. Three highlights of Cameron Sutton’s career were punt returns for touchdowns. His 467 yards last year broke Bobby Majors’ school record set in 1969. Fourth highlight was winning an Al Wilson Award for leadership. Fifth or first was what he gave in rehab to get back on the field after suffering a fractured ankle in the Ohio game. Sutton never whined about probable NFL money lost in returning for this senior season.
Joshua Dobbs became the face of the franchise. He played through assorted criticisms (lack of accuracy, can’t throw deep). He sometimes erred in how badly he wanted to win. He gave up interceptions he should not have thrown. He lost the final crucial fumble of the season. Some Saturdays Dobbs performed rather well. He threw four touchdown passes in breaking the Gators’ grip. He passed for 398 yards at Texas A&M. He ran for 190 against Missouri. He completed 31 of 34 against Vandy. He produced 8,951 career yards and 83 touchdowns. Only Peyton Manning had more. Two more victories might have made these seniors famous. Marvin West invites reader reactions. His address is westwest6@netzero.com
Good things come to those who accidently stumble into them We tell our kids to set goals and plan ahead. But we realize during the second half of life that some of the best stuff comes unexpectedly, or even accidently. That was the case when I got the chance to cover local government for the Shopper News. I was trained as a journalist, but I took a detour after college to immerse myself in the latest technology craze − desktop publishing. I hadn’t done any reporting for some time when I submitted a writing sample to my first Shopper editor, Larry Van Guilder. It was a story about my older daughter getting her hair styled. What I really wanted to be was a columnist like Sherri Gardner Howell, who later became my editor. My first government gig was the town of Farragut. I
Wendy Smith
was further schooled in local politics by former city council member Barbara Pelot, who hung out with me at Long’s Drug Store every Wednesday morning. In addition to meeting a slew of city council and county commission candidates, I learned from listening to Pelot reminisce with old friends like Jean Teague and Tim Burchett. Because of Long & Short, I saw familiar faces when I began watching city council and county commission meetings. I met more elected officials at press
conferences, and Shopper publisher Sandra Clark assigned interviews with several others. Through the process, I got educated and made a few new friends. I’m a particular fan of KnoxvilleKnox County Metropolitan Planning Commission executive director Gerald Green and his efforts to update the city’s outdated zoning ordinances. I like his ideas about mixed use development and his dogged determination to get the community involved in the planning process. County Commissioner John Schoonmaker also impresses me with his efforts to stay in touch with constituents. As a past chair of the Board of Zoning Appeals, he makes it his business to keep West Knox County residents up-todate on development that affects them. His monthly
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report on the upcoming MPC agenda to the Council of West Knox County Homeowners is always informative. Duane Grieve, who became District 2 city council rep after Pelot, is another friend. He likes to shoot the breeze, which is helpful to reporters, and he’s willing to change his mind if a good case is made. He’s also a staunch supporter of the Bearden community. There was a time when my youngest child, Laurel, tagged along with me to community events. In addition to getting free food and entertainment, she got to meet both mayors. Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero complimented her on her hair, and Knox County Mayor Burchett slipped her a business card and said to call him for lunch. She’s never forgotten it.
It’s been a fun and fascinating ride, one that I never expected when I wrote about the trip to the hairdresser. I’ll start a new job
at the beginning of the year, but I’ll always be grateful to the Shopper and its readers, who made it all worthwhile. Thank you.
R. Larry Smith (center) receives the Claude C. Myers award given annually by the Fountain City Business & Professional Association to a business leader. It is the club’s top honor. Looking on are club officers Rob Glass, John Fugate and Beth Wade.
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Shopper news • DECEMBER 21, 2016 • 5
Survivors sing Watch the Gatlinburg-Pittman High School alumni singers video at www.ShopperNewsNow.com
Jan Lapides, Christmas elf Jean Chase and Terri Shoemaker
Survivors Sally and Mike West
Photos by Fidel Cantu
Mountain Strong people celebrate the season, persevere On the 10th day after screaming winds drove arsonists’ flames down the mountain into Gatlinburg, the city still felt like a war zone – blockaded at every entrance, strewn with rubble and charred reminders of lost lives, homes and businesses. Burned out motor lodges and shops and restaurants along East Parkway bore witness to that awful Monday night. But just beyond the last
Betty Bean police barricade, at the far end of a little strip mall on the left, there was music and food and laughter and friendship and happy surprises at the Three Jimmys restaurant, where the steel magnolias of the Gatlinburg Garden
Club were having their annual Christmas party. It was supposed to have happened on Dec. 7 at The Castle – the immense, fivestory mountainside mansion with the panoramic view of downtown Gatlinburg. Garden club president George Hawkins had been decorating for weeks, trucking in chairs and tablecloths and garlands and bows. He’d engaged the Three Jimmys to cater, booked 150
reservations and arranged parking and shuttle buses to ferry guests up to the Castle. “I was getting ready to do a 50-foot tree and had picked up the lights at Ace Hardware,” Hawkins said. “And I thought I’d wait till Tuesday to do that. Well …” The Gatlinburg Garden Club has a long and storied history, dating back to 1937 when it was founded by the Pi Beta Phi service fraternity-sponsored Weaver’s
Trump gets head start on TVA board Three nominees of President Barack Obama for the TVA board of directors were not confirmed by the U.S. Senate and will, consequently, depart the board in 10 days, reducing the ninemember board to six members. The terms of two more expire in May 2017, for a total of five off the board. The current chair, Joe Ritch, from Huntsville, is one, which means the next chair (interim or acting) will be Lynn Evans, the first woman and African-American ever to chair the TVA board. Current bylaws provide that Evans, chair of the audit committee, becomes the TVA acting chair when Ritch leaves the board. But the board is also required to meet within 30 days of the current chair’s departure to elect a new chair, who might be Evans or one of the other remaining five board members. All are Democrats. Two current committee chairs, Mike McWherter and Peter Mahurin, also depart, creating vacancies there. And if Evans is elected chair, then she vacates the audit committee chairmanship. Evans’ term expires in May, but she continues on the board until
filled by the end of 2017, there will not be a quorum to hold board meetings. Victor This has happened to TVA Ashe once before and it simply means the staff (i.e. Bill Johnson) assumes full control, in reality if not in law. This could change. The the end of 2017 unless her Wall Street Journal has successor is confirmed by been calling around about a the U.S. Senate. possible story saying Trump For the first time in mem- will name board members ory, the East Tennessee area who are coal advocates to does not have a single cur- change current TVA policy. rent board member, while As of my writing this colWest Tennessee has three umn, that story had not yet board members and Middle appeared. Tennessee has two. TVA is, of course, headquartered in ■ KCDC opts for Knoxville. new direction President-elect Donald KCDC shocked everyone Trump can nominate three new members after Jan. 20 last week when it picked Ben and two more in May, for Bentley over Alvin Nance as a total of five – a majority its executive director to folof the board. Sen. Jeff Ses- low Art Cate. Nance, the former direcsions, who will likely become attorney general, will tor who had been there 14 have a voice in the picks. years, was the first black Sens. Lamar Alexander and leader of KCDC. Bentley is Bob Corker will also have in his 30s, married with a strong voice, as will Ken- one child. Mayor Rogero tucky’s senators, Mitch Mc- and Deputy Mayor Bill LyConnell, the Senate major- ons had advocated Nance. All seven board members ity leader, and Rand Paul. Trump is expected to are Rogero appointees. name only Republicans to Nance received very positive reviews when he led the the board. A problem for TVA will agency. be if these five seats are not What happened? In talking with Dan Murphy, KCDC board chair and former Knox County school board chair, he said, “We May 2016: Mike McWherter, Jackson, TN; chair Joe Ritch, looked to the future. Either Alabama; Peter Mahurin, Kentucky one would have been a good May 2017: Marilyn Brown, professor, Atlanta; Lynn Evans, pick. (Bentley) is extraordiCPA, Memphis narily bright and a visionMay 2018: Eric Satz, investment adviser, Nashville ary. He is a superstar.” May 2019: Virginia Lodge, political activist, Nashville; Ronald Asked if the vote was Walter, TV executive, Memphis unanimous, Murphy said May 2020: Richard Howorth, former mayor, Oxford, Miss. that, after all the interviews concluded, he did not ask
TVA Board of Directors, term expiration:
■ ■ ■ ■ ■
for a motion to choose someone but rather a show of hands between Bentley and Nance, the Ben Bentley two finalists. He said the show of hands indicated four were for Bentley and three for Nance. According to Murphy, the Bentley votes were Murphy, attorney John Winemiller, Jackie Arthur and Kimberly Hickman, the resident commissioner. Nance had support from Bob Whetsel, attorney and former KUB chair Bruce Anderson and Gloria Garner. All then agreed to make the choice unanimous. Had one vote switched, Nance would have prevailed, but it was not to be. Obviously, a majority wanted a new direction for KCDC. Bentley was impressive by all accounts in his interview. While no one would mention age (due to legal considerations) it was clear Bentley’s youth in this case worked in his favor. The two black members of the commission split between Nance and Bentley. A contract has to be drafted and salary and relocation expenses set. It will be voted on Dec. 30. This column will advise you of the salary and whether it reflects an increase over previous directors. Condolences to state Rep. Martin Daniel, whose mother, Mary Barker, died last week in Memphis at age 86.
Newlyweds James Thomas and Laura Lee Elizabeth Adams Polk with George Hawkins (at right) officiating
Guild. Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts and Pi Beta Phi Elementary School are also part of that legacy. It didn’t take this mountaintough bunch long to decide that the show must go on. “It’s like the ‘The Greatest Show on Earth’ with Betty Hutton,” Hawkins said. “Remember when the circus train turned over and they decided the show must go on, bigger and better than ever? Well, we need to put our best foot forward.” Hawkins, whose home survived, was sporting an elegant jacket and pocket square. His immediate predecessor, Mike West, was dressed in green sweatpants and a yellow sweatshirt – pretty much the sum total of his wardrobe, the rest having been lost to the fire in North Chalet Village. He and his wife, Sally, had gotten separated in the smoke and flames and confusion and each thought the other was dead. “She grabbed the dogs and went out ahead of me while I stopped to grab my keys and wallet,” he said. “When I went out, I couldn’t find her.” He drove up to the clubhouse (their designated emergency meeting place) and waited. Finally a snowplow made it up Wiley Oakley Drive and brought the survivors down the mountain. He got the evacuation notice two hours after his house burned. Meanwhile, Sally, shoeless, was running down the flaming mountain in her stocking feet, eventually meeting up with a sheriff’s deputy who piled her and the dogs into his cruiser and started looking for a way out. He thought they were trapped, but a dispatcher talked them to safety. Sally, who suffered burns on her face, was taken to the hospital, where she started calling friends – “I’m alive. Have you heard from Mike?” She told a TV reporter that her husband was dead.
They were reunited when someone told Mike where she was and gave him a ride to the LeConte Center. “If I’ve got him, I can take anything else that comes,” Sally said. They lost their home and their cat, Fanny. They plan to rebuild. The party was one for the ages. The food was bountiful and delicious (several of the Three Jimmys employees who cooked and served it were among the new Gatlinburg homeless). Gatlinburg Heritage Club’s vice president Bill Landry and GatlinburgPittman High School’s guidance counselor Don Bohannon (who has helped local kids get scholarships worth millions of dollars over the years) spoke, and 15-year-old Tristan Laboard played the violin. Peggy Smith played the piano and a group of G-P alumni singers showed up to honor their choral director, Ruth Lewis. The high point of the party was the surprise wedding of Laura Lee Elizabeth Adams and James Thomas Polk. Hawkins, a former Gatlinburg mayor and city commissioner, officiated (after making sure he was still legal to do so). The ceremony came at the end of the program, when Hawkins announced there was one more thing on the agenda and launched into the wedding vows. “Laura Lee, do you take James to be your lawfully wedded husband? “James, do you take Laura Lee to be your lawfully wedded wife?” Hawkins said later: “Both said, ‘Yes, I do,’ and everybody was so shocked. They applauded and carried on. The girls (from the chorus) were standing near the piano and started singing ‘Hey, Big Spender,’ and the first girl grabbed James by the necktie and whirled him around, to great applause. “It was a happy, happy luncheon. What a great way to start the healing process.”
Cantrell’s is a proud sponsor of the
"Run 4 Their Lives" 5K race www.freedom424.org/r4lt/races/knoxville To raise awareness for human trafficking
JANUARY 28, 2017
CONSIDER THESE STARTLING NUMBERS: • There are estimated to be 27 million slaves worldwide • This industry brings in $32 billion/yr., and those numbers are increasing daily. • Reportedly, 161 countries are affected by human trafficking as either sources, transit centers or destinations.
• 80% of trafficked victims are women. More and more young girls & women are being sold, trafficked, or forced into prostitution. • The average age of trafficking victims worldwide is 12 years old. • Every 120 seconds a child is sold into slavery – 30 per hour – 720 a day – 1.2 million a year.
KN-1404990
5715 Old Tazewell Pike • 687-2520 www.knoxvilleheatingandairconditioning.com
kids
6 • DECEMBER 21, 2016 • Shopper news
What’s in a name? Gibbs Plus, some free holiday fun! By Kip Oswald Aunt Becky surprised us during Fall Break with a trip to a really cool corn maze that was a long way from our house. On the way we passed two schools named Gibbs, so Kinzy and I wanted to know more about them and what is a Gibbs. The first Gibbs High School was built in 1913 but burned down twice before it was finally built where it is now. The building beside the high school used to be the elementary school, but a new elementary school was built just a few years ago. Both schools are named after Nicholas Gibbs, who ran away from his home in Germany and worked his way on a ship to America in the 1700s. He fought in the Revolutionary War and was given 100 acres. The house that he built in 1793 is still in the Gibbs area, and he is buried in the old family cemetery. We want to go back and see it so Mom is going to take us some weekend. We found other schools who send students to Gibbs High School have names linked to early settlers, too! Corryton Elementary, which was near the maze, is named after Corryton Woodbury, who named that whole area after himself when he purchased the railroad station and all the land around it. Holston Middle School is near the Holston River, which is named for
Stephen Holstein, a settler who built a cabin on the river in 1746. ■ Last week, I wrote about spending time with family during the holidays and how we were trying to help Mom save money. Here are some free activities we are going to do in the next few days. Chilhowee Park drivethrough light tours, through Dec. 31. Drive through the park to view the lights and decorations. Holiday Festival of Lights at the Cove, through Dec. 30, 6-9 p.m. See Concord Park light up each night on a walk around a 3/4-mile loop! New Year’s on the Square: Downtown Knoxville Market Square, Dec. 31, 10:30 p.m. Celebrate the coming of 2017 with a countdown, ball drop and fireworks. Next week, we look at the history behind West High School and its schools! Comments to oswaldsworldtn@ gmail.com
Mike Capps (center) cuts the ribbon on Capps Court at the Boys & Girls Club with assistance from current and former players at the Sports Camp. Photo by Ruth White
Mike Capps teaches skills, behavior By Ruth White To know Mike Capps is to respect and yes, love him. He has been part of the Boys & Girls Club in Knoxville since 1961 when he joined the organization as a boy. Capps was named Youth of the Year in 1969, became a volunteer, part-time staff member, a member of the advisory board and was later a full-time employee of the Sports Camp program. His philosophy is simple – he teaches kids about life and he holds true to that practice. Parents of all ages know Mike Capps has taught several generations of players the fundamentals of sports and how to behave. Mike was honored recently at the new facility off Baxter Avenue as one of the courts was named after him. Family, friends, former coaches and players gathered at the gym to say thank you
and officially open the facility. Former CEO and president John Lee said it best: “Mike taught us as parents how to behave, not just the players.” Any parent who has been part of Capps’ teams knows exactly what Lee means. Parents were instructed to cheer for their child, but he never allowed parents to yell at players, coaches or referees from the stands. Webb basketball coach Shelley Sexton Collier called Capps a “huge blessing.” She said that some people come into your life and leave a mark. One of Collier’s favorite memories of working alongside Capps was when one of the girls teams was playing in a tournament against a team that was undefeated. As that team began to pull ahead, it had the attention of all the fans. During a timeout, Capps
reminded his young team that “pressure is something you feel when you don’t know what you’re doing. And you know what you’re doing.” The team returned to the court and handed their opponent its first loss in a couple of years. Say what you will, but this is for sure – Mike Capps has spent his lifetime caring about kids, as athletes and as individuals. Once players go through the program, he continues to follow their successes in life and celebrates, often, from the sidelines. All three of my children played basketball for Mike Capps, and my sons played baseball on his teams. They have carried lessons learned through the Boys & Girls Club’s Sports Camp program that they continue to use in their adult lives and will pass those qualities down to their own children.
Miller to see expanded duties as pre-K coordinator By Sandra Clark When school resumes after the winter break, Darlene Miller will become supervisor of early childhood programs for Knox County Schools. Miller is a veteran teacher and principal, having served for the past nine years as principal at Karns Elementary School where she oversaw four pre-K classrooms.
ments for pre-K, “The state is takkindergarten and ing a strong look first grade teachers at pre-K, and we – a change sought need to show how by teachers who the voluntary prewant to be evaluK program supated on their own ports kindergarten students’ work rathand grades 1-2,” er than lumped into she said. “Funding is going to become Darlene Miller the overall school outcomes. more competitive.” “By the end of third grade, In addition, Miller will oversee portfolio assess- we need kids on grade level
in reading,” she said. “Knox County Schools must have a consistent, high quality early learning model.” While Miller is excited about her new challenge, she said the change is bittersweet because she’s leaving her school family at Karns. “They will be in great hands, but I will miss them.” For the full interview, read the Karns edition at www.ShopperNewsNow.com
RETIREMENT PLAN 2017 Dear East Tennessee,
As a fifth generation East Tennessean, I am so thankful for the beautiful place we call home. As I look back over a nearly 20 year career in the mortgage industry, a lot has changed, especially in the past five years. I say, “especially”, because I have witnessed first-hand the FREEDOM that the “Great News” of the HECM Reverse Mortgage can offer in the lives of countless East Tennessee Seniors and Seniors coast to coast! Having the honor and responsibility to personally share this incredible FREEDOM program that provides so much, to so many folks, in so many ways has truly been a blessing. Offerings range from: • Eliminating out of pocket monthly mortgage payments • Putting grandchildren through college • Bringing the nursing home to their home (so to speak), by being able to modify and renovate their homes to include ramps, walk in tubs, etc., and bring health care professionals to their door • Traveling, to • Buying a new home with ONLY half the money down and no payment out of pocket on the HECM purchase WOW!! What an awesome opportunity I have been given, not only to help so many Seniors get the FREEDOM they deserve, but I have made many lasting relationships… and even pulled off some matchmaking. If you are reading this and wondering WHY everyday there is someone on the radio, television, or in the news talking about this program, then I would like to cordially invite you to do one of the following: • Meet me at our office (219 Gill Street, Alcoa, TN 37701) • Attend an upcoming event • Set up an informational phone call (865-233-4871), or • Meet me for coffee, to learn more from a local, reputable, and documented authority with an unprecedented track record of service excellency. IF YOU DON’T LIKE THE REVERSE, BELIEVE ME, I FELT THE SAME WAY… I DIDN’T LIKE IT, BUT I HAD NO IDEA WHY?!?! NOW is YOUR chance to find out more! Not only do we grant house call requests, we encourage you to fill any meeting room with any and everyone that will be assisting you in the process. One thing that you can write down and KNOW for a fact, as I have personally found, the more one knows about this program, the more sense it makes. I can offer my clients their “FREEDOM” in as little as 30 to 45 days or some clients prefer to take their time; regardless, you set the pace. Give me a call today or visit our website @ www.LorenRiddickTeam.com for more information and client testimonialsfrom local Seniors. *Must maintain yearly taxes and insurance on the property.
Private, no-obligation consultations in the convenience of your own home or our office. ONE OF ONLY 2 CRMP’s (Certified Reverse Mortgage Professional) in Tennessee & The ONLY TENNESSEAN TO SPEAK TWICE AS AN EXPERT at the National Convention!
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NORTH/EAST Shopper news • DECEMBER 21, 2016 • 7
North Knoxville churches light up
Christmas Eve by candlelight
Keep the main thing the main thing! In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered.… All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. (Luke 2: 1-7 NRSV)
Christmas Eve candlelight services are being offered all over Knoxville. Avenue, 865-523-7150 Faith Promise Church Christmas Eve candlelight services, 3:30 and 5 p.m., 5830 Haynes Sterchi Road, 865-251-2590 First Lutheran Church Christmas Eve candlelight
service, 7 p.m., 1207 N. Broadway, 865-524-0366 St. James Episcopal Church is having a 4 p.m. service that includes the Nativity Pageant and a 10:30 p.m. service that includes a Choral Prelude fol-
Photo submitted
lowed by Holy Eucharist at 11 p.m.; 1101 N. Broadway, 865-523-5687 St. John’s Lutheran Church Christmas Eve candlelight services, 5:30 and 8:30 p.m., 544 N. Broadway, 865-523-3330.
HOLIDAY NOTES ■ Holiday Festival of Lights at The Cove at Concord Park, 6-9 p.m. through Friday, Dec. 30, excluding Christmas Day. The Cove is at 11808 S. Northshore Drive. Pets
SENIOR NOTES ■ All Knox County Senior Centers will be closed Friday-Monday, Dec. 2326, and Monday, Jan. 2. ■ 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. New Year Celebration all day Wednesday, Dec. 28. Register for: Veterans Services, 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 28; RSVP: 215-5645. Potluck: soup and sandwich, 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 28; sign up for dish to bring and share. ■ Corryton Senior Center 9331 Davis Drive 688-5882 knoxcounty.org/seniors Monday-Friday Hours vary
cross currents Lynn Pitts, lpitts48@yahoo.com
By Carol Z. Shane When Eleanor Roosevelt suggested that we should light a candle rather than curse the darkness, she wasn’t thinking specifically of Christmas Eve. But our area has seen plenty of sadness and devastation lately. Candlelight gatherings are a sweet reminder that we’re all in this together. Adding to the warmth and wonder is the singular quality of North Knoxville’s historic neighborhoods. This Christmas Eve, whether you’re a member of a congregation or not, you can join in a candlelight gathering at any number of the area’s beautiful old churches. The listing includes: Broadway Baptist Church Christmas Eve candlelight service, 4 p.m., 815 N. Broadway, 865-524-2575 Central United Methodist Church Christmas Eve candlelight and Holy Communion services, 5 and 11 p.m., 201 E. Third Ave., 865-524-1659 Church Street United Methodist Church, traditional Christmas Eve candlelight and communion services at 12, 5, and 10:30 p.m., child-friendly family service at 3 p.m., 900 Henley St., 865-524-3048 Emerald Avenue United Methodist Church Christmas Eve candlelight services, 5 and 11 p.m., 1620 N. Central
faith
on leashes are welcome. The event is free, but Knox County will collect nonperishable food items for The Love Kitchen.
■ New Year’s Eve on the Square, 10:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 31, Market Square. Includes live music and ball drop at midnight. Info knoxvilletn.gov/christmas.
I love Christmas! I enjoy all the hurry and bustle, the planning, the preparation, the anticipation. But there is always a magic moment – almost always when I least expect it – that my heart is overwhelmed by the Good News, and my eyes well with tears, my throat tightens, and I know that Christmas has come at last. In all the hustle of the season it is easy to forget the point; it is tempting to get so tied up in all the doing that we miss the being. I think of Mary and Joseph, whose plans were rearranged and made difficult by this unexpected, unimaginable, unbelievable, but very real miracle. They managed to do what they had to do, that is, make the inconvenient, uncomfortable journey to Bethlehem for a government census, of all things. As we prepare for Christmas these 20 centuries later, let’s remember that this was God’s greatest gift to His creation because He loves us – His only, his beloved Son! May your Christmas be blessed and merry!
FAITH NOTES ■ First Comforter Church, 5516 Old Tazewell Pike, hosts MAPS (Mothers At Prayer Service) noon each Friday. Info: Edna Hensley, 771-7788.
■ St. James Episcopal Church, 1101 N. Broadway, will hold Holy Eucharist on Christmas, 10:30 a.m. Info: 523-5687 or stjamesknox.org.
Winterfest is opportunity to celebrate and share By Wendy Smith The Knoxville Jewish Alliance’s Winter Festival was more than fun and games. It was an opportunity for the local Jewish community to come together to help out neighbors in Gatlinburg. The KJA had already sent a truck loaded with necessities for fire victims, but the organization asked for toy donations during the Winter Festival, an annual event that celebrates upcoming holidays. Participants were also invited to make cards to send with the gifts. The support of the Gatlinburg community will be ongoing, says KJA executive director Deborah Oleshansky. The toy drive was a major focus of the celebration, which included games and crafts for kids, holiday food and storytelling. “If we can also learn a little bit about Hanukkah, all the better,” she said.
Knoxville Jewish Alliance executive director Jennifer and Seth Rayman watch 2-year-old Jackson Rayman make a holiday Deborah Oleshansky looks over donations for fire craft. victims. Arnstein Jewish Community Center preschool teacher Ally Wiener coordinated the festival. She and her family recently moved to Knoxville from Queens, N.Y., and she’s jumped into the local Jewish community
with both feet. Living in a smaller place makes it easier to connect, she said. “I love to see the community come together.” Chabad of Knoxville and the KJA will host Menorah Madness 2016 at 1 p.m.
on Monday, Dec. 26, at the Holidays on Ice skating rink at Market Square. The event will feature an ice menorah lighting and skating to Hanukkah music. Mention “Menorah Madness” for a $2 discount on skating.
Both organizations will present Jewish Heritage Night at the Knoxville Ice Bears on Tuesday, Dec. 27. The game starts at 7:05 p.m. There will be a menorah lighting on the ice and hot latkes available.
THROUGH FEB. 28
MONDAY, DEC. 26
THURSDAY, DEC. 29
“Buy One, Get One Free” admission tickets are being offered by Zoo Knoxville during Kroger BOGO Days. Tickets can be purchased at the zoo tickets window or zooknoxville.org. Discounted tickets must be used by Feb. 28. Info: zooknoxville.org.
Menorah Madness 2016, 1 p.m., Market Square Skating Rink. Presented by the Chabad of Knoxville and the Knoxville Jewish Alliance. Features an ice menorah lighting, sizzling hot latkes and skating to Chanukah music. Program free. Mention “Menorah Madness” for $2 off skating.
Robotics @ the Library, 5 p.m., Burlington Branch Library, 4614 Asheville Highway. For ages 1215. Free, but registration requested. Info/registration: Rose Broyles, rbroyles@knoxlib.org; 525-5431.
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 21 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. Winter Solstice Celebration, 7-9 p.m., Narrow Ridge Earth Literacy Center, 1936 Liberty Hill Road, Washburn. Info: Mitzi, 497-3603 or community@ narrowridge.org.
THURSDAY, DEC. 22 Sugar High!, 8:30-10 p.m. Sugar Mama’s, 135 S. Gay St. Free monthly stand-up comedy show featuring touring and local comedians. This month’s show features Jake Head, along with Atlanta comedians Paige Bowman and Andrew Michael.
TUESDAY, DEC. 27 Jewish Heritage Night at the Knoxville Ice Bears, 7:05 p.m., Knoxville Civic Coliseum, 500 Howard Baker Jr. Ave. Presented by the Chabad of Knoxville and the Knoxville Jewish Alliance. Features a menorah lighting on the ice after the first period and hot latkes at the Southeast Corner. Tickets: $14; buy.knoxvilletickets.com/promo/online/article/ knoxvilleicebears, use promo code “Chanukah.”
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 28 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.
SATURDAY, DEC. 31 New Year’s Eve Gala, 10 p.m., World For Christ Church, 4611 Central Avenue Pike. Includes Urban and Contemporary Gospel music, hors d’oeuvres and a sparkling cider toast at midnight. Info: 255-1837 or worldforchrist@bellsouth.net.
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 4 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, JAN. 5 Auditions for all voice parts with the Knoxville Choral Society, 6-8 p.m. Location will be provided when appointment scheduled. Appointment: 312-2440.
business
8 • DECEMBER 21, 2016 • Shopper news
the Rotary guy
Race Against Hunger aids food pantries By Sandra Clark Food pantries in Food City’s distribution area received almost $400,000 from the 2016 Race Against Hunger, a promotion that enables Food City customers to donate $1, $3 or $5 by adding it to their grocery bill. Store officials met last week with nonprofit hunger relief representatives at the store on Western Avenue. Mickey Blazer, executive vice president of operations for Food City’s Knoxville division, saluted the sponsors and customers who raised $399,500 collectively. Major donations in Knox County went to Second Harvest, $17,000; Empty Stocking Fund, $4,000; Mission of Hope, $3,500 and Emerald Youth, $3,500. Other recipients were: Powell Presbyterian Church, Grace Baptist Church, Glenwood Baptist of Powell, St. James Episcopal, Heiskell Community Center and Temple Baptist Church. Others were: Good Shepherd Center, Faith Fellowship, Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Hardin Valley Church of Christ, Lost Sheep Ministries, Angelic Minis-
tries, Parkwest Church of God, Eternal Life Harvest Center, Cokesbury United Methodist Church, Norwood United Methodist Church, Cumberland Baptist Church, Rocky Hill Baptist, Knoxville Christian Center and Fountain City Food Pantry at Central Baptist. It was a busy time. Also coming in were: New Hopewell Food Pantry, Metropolitan Community Church of Knoxville, Lonsdale United Methodist, Fountain City United Methodist, North Acres Baptist, Christ Methodist, Halls Welfare Ministries at Cross Roads Presbyterian and Eastminster Presbyterian. The holiday promotion was co-sponsored by Kellogg’s.
Tom King, tking535@gmail.com
North Knox Rotary huge help to residents
Roman Nichols, manager of the Food City on Western Avenue downtown, with deli/bakery manager Tammie Brown. Nichols said the entire staff pitches in to help the department serve its customers, especially at lunch time. “Sometimes the food line is way back here,” he said, pointing to the deli meat counter. Party trays and catering are also popular during the holidays.
Mickey Blazer (at right) and Emerson Breeden (center) of Food City talk with a couple from Gatlinburg (at left) who were among the dozens of food bank representatives who received cash from Food City’s Race Against Hunger. Photo by S.
The Highland Group Home in Fountain City is a unique home to 10 Knoxvillians born with cerebral palsy. The home is staffed by the Cerebral Palsy Center of Knoxville and governed by the Cerebral Palsy Housing Corp. Its annual budget is approximately $200,000. For the past 20-plus years the home has been adopted and loved by the North Knox Rotary Club. On Thursday, Dec. 22, the Rotarians will treat the home’s residents and staff to pizza at Harby’s Pizza and present a check in the $15,000 range to Bob Sexton, the longtime executive director of the Cerebral Palsy Center, during its Merry Christmas party. Bob puts it bluntly: “This accounts for about 16 percent of the home’s budget and we could not keep it open without Rotary. If you take this away, the home could not pay its bills.” The club has a golf tournament each fall at Three Ridges Golf Club and the money raised goes to the group home. Rotarian Chris Rohwer, a past president of the club, says they are now working to raise an additional $15,000 to rebuild and renovate the kitchen and make other improvements. Knox County has committed $7,500 through a defined service contract and the club is matching that, said Rohwer. The Highland Home has been in Fountain City for 34 years. “The home and the residents receive no state or federal funding and without the Rotary Club our residents would be in nursing homes,” Sexton said. “They could not work, could not be a part of the community or go to church or really have hobbies. What the Rotary Club does is very special.” ■
Thank you, Bearden Rotary!
Bearden Rotarians recently enjoyed getting more than 50 sweet thank you notes from Sequoyah Elementary School third-graders. The notes were thanking the club for the new dictionaries delivered by Rotarian Turner Howard, who also played a Word Find game with the kids to help them learn new words.
Clark
Busby leads Knoxville Bar Association Amanda M. Busby, founding member of the law firm of Anderson Busby PLLC, assumed the presidency of the K nox v ille Bar Association at the close of its Busby recent annual meeting. Newly elected officers for the association are: Keith Burroughs, president-elect; Wynne CaffeyKnight, treasurer; and Hanson Tipton, secretary. Dwight L. Aarons, Kathryn St. Clair Ellis, Stephen Ross Johnson and Mary D. Miller were elected to fill positions on the Board of Governors.
Roane State to offer business-related courses
Merry Christmas from all of us at CANTRELL’S HEAT & AIR “Cantrell’s Cares”
SALES • SERVICE • MAINTENANCE 5715 Old Tazewell Pike • 687-2520 KN-1405035
Roane State Community College will offer several business-related classes in three locations. Classes in Oak Ridge will be held at the college’s Oak Ridge campus, 701 Briarcliff Ave. Clinton courses are held at the Clinton Higher Education and Workforce Training Facility, 214 Nave St. Courses in Roane County are held on the college’s main campus, 276 Patton Lane in Harriman. Technology: Excel Level 1, 6-9:30 p.m. Jan. 17 and 19, $149, Oak Ridge campus; Word Level 2, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Jan. 12, $169, Clinton; Power Point Level 1, 1-4:30 p.m. Jan. 10-11, $149, Oak Ridge; Access Level 1, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Jan. 2627, $199, Oak Ridge; and QuickBooks Level 1, 9 a.m.4:30 p.m. Feb. 17, $169, Oak Ridge. Business: SHRM-CP/ SCP, 6-9 p.m. March 7-May 23, $999, Harriman; Leading Teams to Success, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Jan. 31, $139, Oak Ridge; Ability to Work and Lead Multigenerational Employees, 6-9 p.m. Jan. 17, $99, Oak Ridge; Business Writing, 6-10 p.m. Feb. 27-28, $99, Oak Ridge. Indust r y-specif ic: Introduction to Injection Molding, Jan. 17-April 27, $750, Clinton. Other: ACT Prep, 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. April 1, $59, Harriman. Info/registration: 4812031 or roanestate.edu/ workforce.