Shopper-News 011314

VOL. 2 NO. 2

IN THIS ISSUE

Healthy choice

His health was fine.

There was never going to be a “best time.”

Finally, after talking it over with his wife, Kristi, Heath Woods settled for what he felt to be the right time. On Dec. 17, the longtime Carter High School football coach submitted his resignation to athletics director Chad Smith.

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January 13, 2014

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Chatting in Carter

Read Stefan Cooper on page 6

Larger classes ahead?

Every Tennessee governor in living memory has wanted to be remembered as the Education Governor. Bill Haslam is no exception.

He staked his claim to the title by ending 2013 with a victory lap around the state celebrating the National Assessment of Education ranking Tennessee the fastest-improving state in academic growth in 4th grade math and reading scores over the past two years.

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Read Betty Bean on page 4

Complex recruiting

Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett and 8th District County Commissioner Dave Wright examine old newspaper clippings on display at the Carter Branch Library. Burchett held a constituents meeting at the library last Wednesday. Nobody showed, possibly due to the cold weather. “Standing room only,” Burchett joked. Photo by Jake Mabe

Careful now, what happens next is critical.

The main event in Tennessee’s level of football is the remainder of the recruiting race that peaks in early February.

Recruiting is a high-tech combination of science and art. Evaluation is step one. If it is erroneous, nothing else matters.

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Play echoes real life for young actor

Read Marvin West on page 5

Naturally social Just to prove that its programs aren’t only for kids, Ijams Nature Center, 2915 Island Home Ave., will hold a Happy Hour Full Moon Hike at 6 p.m. Thursday.

Drinks and light hors d’oeuvres will be served as the sun sets, and then attendees will head out onto the trails, using the light of the full moon to explore the park after dark. The event is part of Ijams’ social series.

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Betsy Pickle has details on page 3

Warm thought on a winter day It’s 7 degrees outside and the ground is crusted in a white mantle. Brrr!

Perhaps that’s what turns this silvered-haired noggin to daydreams about turning over the spring soil and watching the garden blossom into summer’s green bounty ... tomatoes, squash, peppers, string beans, spinach, fragrant herbs ... basil, don’t you just love its bright, complex aroma? Ahh!

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Read Nicky D on page 7

7049 Maynardville Pike 37918 (865) 922-4136 NEWS news@ShopperNewsNow.com Sandra Clark | Betsy Pickle ADVERTISING SALES ads@ShopperNewsNow.com Shannon Carey Jim Brannon | Tony Cranmore Brandi Davis | Patty Fecco

By B Betsy etsy et sy P Pickle icckl kle e Knoxville Chil Ch Children’s i dren en’s ’s Theatre’s latest production, “Tales of a FourthGrade Nothing,” is based on the Judy Blume novel that introduced the bane of young Peter Hatcher’s existence, bratty little brother Fudge.

Any similarity between the feuding Hatcher brothers and “Tales” actor Eliza Abernathy and her older siblings is strictly coincidental.

“Sometimes they can be, you know, annoying, and his little brother is extremely annoying,” says 9-year-old Eliza, a South Knoxville resident and

Beaumont Magnet Academy fourth-grader.

She says that her sisters, Roxie and Lucy, might say she can be annoying, too.

“I admit sometimes I am.”

At least rehearsals have kept her out of their hair over the past few weeks.

The play will be presented Friday-Sunday, Jan. 17-19, Thursday-Sunday, Jan. 2326, and Thursday-Sunday, Jan. 30-Feb. 2, at Knoxville Children’s Theatre, 109 E. Churchwell Ave. Tickets, $12, may be ordered via tickets@ childrenstheatreknoxville.

Eliza Abernathy rehearses a scene from “Tales of a FourthGrade Nothing” with Michael Blevins. Photo submitted

To page 3

Knox students’ criticism of Common Core … has national impact

By Betty Bean Another Farragut High School senior is becoming an Internet sensation.

In December, Kenneth Ye, who has a 4.696 GPA, told members the Knox County Board of Education that excessive reliance on the Common Core State Standards’ high stakes testing is taking a toll on students.

Ye has spent summers attending school in his parents’ native country,

China, and is alarmed to see American schools emulating the high-stress, data-driven Chinese school systems where desperate students have hooked themselves up to IV amino acid drips while studying for the notorious gaokao college entrance exams.

Ye also criticized the role that for-profit businesses like publisher Pearson PLC have been allowed to play in formulating

Kenneth Ye

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Common Core standards.

“As a student who has scored fives on AP calculus and AP statistics exams and who plans to take Calculus 3 at a local college next semester, I can honestly tell you that I am unable to answer or justify your first grade Pearson math question, ‘What is a related subtraction sentence?’”

Ye’s speech has been viewed some 30,000 times on You Tube, has been reposted on websites like the Huffington Post and the Daily Caller and is draw-

ing responses like, “Holy Crap. Does this kid have a speechwriter? Impressive.”

Ye’s friend and classmate Ethan Young addressed the school board about Common Core’s effects on teachers in November. Young’s video has garnered nearly 2 million hits. If the details can be worked out, Ye and Young will be going to Nashville to speak to members of the General Assembly at the invitation of Rep. Gloria To page 3

2 • JANUARY 13, 2014 • Shopper news

health & lifestyles Walking and wagging through the halls of Patricia Neal Rehabilitation Center Every Wednesday after lunch, Jason Artymovich of Karns, a Knoxville police officer, ties a red scarf on his dog, Ransom, and visits patients at the Patricia Neal Rehabilitation Center.

Roaming the halls of three floors in a little more than an hour, Ransom calmly nudges and greets all the patients he sees. He usually obliges with a few tricks as well. “He knows how to shake, high-five, roll over and sit. And then I fake like I shoot him, and he falls over. The patients love that,� said Artymovich of Ransom, his 4-year-old German shepherd. “He does that five or six times the hour we’re there.

He likes the attention.�

Ransom is an official HABIT dog, which stands for HumanAnimal Bond in Tennessee. HABIT screens and sponsors animals well-suited to visiting nursing homes, retirement centers, rehabilitation facilities and other places where an Ransom animal’s calming presence may be needed. “His temperament is real good and he’s real calm. He listens really well, and he lets you do pretty much anything to him,� said Artymovich. “If you grab his ear, he’s real relaxed and won’t snap at them for doing that. He’s not stressed out easily.�

Ransom seems to know instinctively how to be calm with

Ransom sits for PNRC patient Charlotte Hardy, right, and therapist Nicole White. At PNRC, Ransom will show off his tricks and laid-back attitude to patients who suffer from orthopedic injuries, spinal cord injuries, stroke or other conditions.

“I think it’s a great feature to bring Ransom in because he brightens the day of everyone,� said PNRC patient Charlotte Hardy. “I love dogs so much, and it is a great break from reality to see him walk into the room.�

Ransom and his owner Jason Artymovich spend a few minutes playing with PNRC patient Anna Bonds. On a normal Wednesday afternoon, Ransom and Artymovich will interact with dozens of patients.

the patients, compared to when he visits the administration wing of the center. “At the end of every visit we go to the administration office, and Ransom gets real hyper.

He’ll run around and get excited. It’s weird that he can tell a difference between patients and non-patients,� said Artymovich.

Ransom has a therapeutic effect on patients, Artymovich said. “One lady, when we first saw her, she couldn’t say ‘Ransom.’ But a couple of weeks before she left, she knew his name and could say it. It’s good to see the change in patients,� said Artymovich. “Another lady started using her right hand to pet him, which she never used. He brings out a different side of the patients.�

Artymovich is not a police canine handler, but has taught Ransom the same basic commands of a police dog. “I taught him Dutch commands like the canine trainers do. That way if I ever get a canine, they would both do the same thing,� he said.

Ransom will never be a police dog, Artymovich said. “No, that’s a different skill set,� he said. “Ransom’s really not aggressive enough, which makes him a good family pet.�

Artymovich, 31, has had Ransom since he was a puppy. “He’s the first dog I’ve ever had. I’ve always wanted a dog, but when I was a kid I never had time,� Artymovich said. He began volunteering at Patricia Neal about a year ago on the recommendation of a friend, and the two plan to continue their weekly visits. “It’s a great feeling,� he said.

For more information about the services offered at Patricia Neal Rehabilitation Center, visit www. patneal.org or call 865-541-1446.

Nontraditional therapy offers great results al therapy, physical therapy and speech therapy, and that all adds up to success. We help restore abilities and rebuild lives,� Dillon said.

Here are a few of the nontraditional therapy programs available at the Patricia Neal Rehabilitation Center: ■Animal Therapy – Two types of dogs regularly visit the center. Therapy dogs come through HABIT (Human-Animal Bond in Tennessee), a group that screens animals to interact gently with patients. Specialty command dogs have more formal training and follow action commands to help patients learn to verbalize.

They can make therapy fun, especially for children. “It’s more in-

teresting to throw a ball to a dog or take a walk with a dog,â€? said Dillon. “Regular exercises can become mundane and not that interesting in a pediatric setting. But if you involve a dog, suddenly it’s more fun.â€? â– IRC sports program (Innovative Recreation Cooperative) – Golf, ďŹ shing, water skiing, snow skiing, racing and other sporting activities can be adapted so that people with disabilities can participate in and excel at them. Using specialized equipment, the IRC helps pair patients with activities they can do and enjoy. Participation in events is free of charge excluding travel and lodging. â– Peer Support Groups – Small support groups are avail-

able for spinal cord, brain injury, stroke and amputee patients. “It gives patients a chance to be with their peers and ask questions of each other,â€? said Dillon. Most of these groups have several outings a year, whether it’s to ball games or art workshops, or just going out to dinner. â– Rooftop Gardening – In warm weather, the rooftop garden at Patricia Neal invites patients outside to exercise their hands and arms, and to return to a hobby that many enjoyed before injury or illness. â– Adaptive Apartment – Before going home, many patients spend a few nights in the center’s special apartment, making sure they can ďŹ x a meal, use the bath-

room or do other daily living tasks safely. Family members are welcome to stay also so that they can work out daily living tasks with the help of the therapists and nurses at PNRC. ■Adaptive Driving Program – When is it safe or possible to drive after a stroke or serious injury? This program can help patients determine whether they’re able to drive and what adaptive equipment might be necessary.

Training and support are offered as well by a certiďŹ ed driving therapist.

For more information about the services offered at Patricia Neal Rehabilitation Center, visit www. patneal.org or call 865-541-1446.

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Along with the highest quality physical, occupational and speech therapy, patients at the Patricia Neal Rehabilitation Center have access to a number of nontraditional approaches to therapy as well. “Living a successful life goes beyond the basics,� said Dr. Mary Dillon, medical director of the center. “It means interacting socially, moving around in the community and doing the things you enjoy.

Mary Dillon, “We have many MD, PNRC programs that go beyond the traditional occupation-

Shopper news • JANUARY 13, 2014 • 3

Warm up with tea for you Things are heating up at Tea & Treasures.

Betsy Pickle January is National Hot Tea Month, and to celebrate, owner Jenny Wolf is brewing up some specials at her shop at 4104 Martin Mill Pike. Tea & Treasures is offering 15 percent off all tea and tea accessories through the end of the month.

Customers are used to getting their fi x of specialty teas at the gift shop, which fi lls most of the rooms in a 1905-built two-story frame house.

“We always have a pot of hot water on,” says Wolf.

This month, Tea & Treasures is emphasizing the products of Harney & Sons, which offers “good old basics like refreshing lemon verbena and classic Earl Grey,” says Wolf. She also recommends flavored teas including raspberry, pomegranate oolong “and a special favorite Valentine Blend that has a chocolate flavor.

The versatile Indian Spice

Ijams plans a social time to celebrate the January full moon. is a favorite as a spice tea, but with a little creamer and sweetener added, it makes a wonderful chai tea.”

Tea lovers always get special treatment at the shop, which is open on Fridays and Saturdays only.

“We offer a complimentar y tea club,” says Wolf.

Edwards “Customers receive a tea card and get punches based on their tea purchases. After six punches, a special tea gift is offered.”

The shop, which carries

Play echoes com or 208-3677.

Like most of her cast mates, Eliza plays two roles: Mrs. DeMarco and Maria Cramden. This is her second production with the theater group. She also appeared in “Heidi and the King.”

“Since it was my first play I had a smaller part, but it was still fun to play,” she says.

She was inspired to try acting by oldest sister Roxie, who had done some theater.

Eliza started with a play at a summer day camp and then participated in school plays before auditioning for “Heidi.”

“I thought it was exciting and fun,” she says.

Acting isn’t the only performing outlet for the daughter of Christine and Kevin Abernathy, a popular

art and jewelry creations by around 40 artists, sells a variety of tea accessories including teapots and teacups, both vintage and ones hand-painted by resident artist Bobbye Edwards.

Coffee lovers don’t need to feel snubbed.

“Dandy Blend is a coffee substitute that we carry,” says Wolf. “It has the flavor of coffee without the caffeine, glutens or acidity. It can also be used as a coffee substitute in any recipe calling for coffee. It is great as a beverage, hot or iced.”

pecially with extra trips to the pantry to fetch comforting snacks – but there’s no need to panic about messing up a New Year’s resolution to get in shape.

South Knoxville Senior Center, 6729 Martel Lane, 573-5843, has weekly classes in Pilates, yoga, senior cardio fitness, water aerobics, ballroom and line dance, and Tai Chi. The senior center is open to all Knox County residents age 50 and up.

South Knoxville Com■ Keep resolving munity Center, 522 Old Last week’s “Arctic blast” Maryville Pike, 573-3575, may have thrown folks off offers a variety of activities, their fitness routines – es- including exercise classes,

From page 1

local Americana musician.

She plays drums in The Pinklets, a trio that includes sister Lucy and friend Willa McCollough. Just don’t ask her to sing.

“I don’t sing,” she insists.

“I have stage fright – stage fright when I’m singing, not when I’m acting. I don’t know why I cannot sing in front of other people, and I can act. I just can’t do it.”

“Tales of a Fourth-Grade Nothing” was Eliza’s introduction to Judy Blume. She says she hasn’t read any of Blume’s books, but “people say they are really good. A few friends knew this story, and they told me about it.

They said it was really funny, and since I’m more into comedy I did this play.”

Eliza loves movies. A Sandra Bullock fan, she’s es-

Jenny Wolf makes a sale at Tea & Treasures. Photo by Betsy Pickle

pecially fond of “Miss Congeniality” and “While You Were Sleeping.” She also likes a certain young wizard. “Harry Potter is one of my favorites,” she says.

“When I was in first and second grade, I think I wanted to be a scientist ’cause then I thought scientists did potions and stuff.

But now I have no interest in that.”

Although she likes being a musician and she’s into interior design in a big way, she’s far from ready to choose a career. She doesn’t intend to become an actor, but she recommends “Tales of a Fourth-Grade Nothing” to audiences.

“It’s a silly play, but it also has some things that are in real life.”

water exercises, basketball, walking and Aikido.

Snap Fitness, 7343 Chapman Highway, 577-6633, has everything from boot camp to Zumba. CourtSouth, 2934 Alcoa Highway, 579-3600, focuses on both fitness and wellness. Both gyms are still featuring New Year’s fee specials.

■

Naturally social

Just to prove that its programs aren’t only for kids, Ijams Nature Center, 2915 Island Home Ave., will hold a Happy Hour Full Moon Hike at 6 p.m.

Thursday.

Knox students

From page 1

Johnson, who is also a Farragut graduate.

“I’d put these two Knox County students up against any students in the country,” Johnson said.

Ye describes himself as a proud Southerner with a taste for country music and sweet tea who is also fluent in Chinese. He says he decided to speak out because he feels he can offer a different perspective on data driven education.

He and his older brother, Kevin, spent their summers attending classes in the Chinese school district where their grandmother was a member of the school board. Last summer he went to Beijing with the Ameson Chinese Elite, a cultural exchange program that took a group of Ameri-

Ethan Young can students to Beijing to study along with Canadian and Russian students and several hundred of their Chinese counterparts. He worked closely on projects with Chinese students, and learned that they wanted to study overseas.

“I asked them why, and they talked about how free

Drinks and light hors d’oeuvres will be served as the sun sets, and then attendees will head out onto the trails, using the light of the full moon to explore the park after dark. The event is part of Ijams’ social series.

(If you want to get technical, the full moon debuts just before midnight on Wednesday, but that’s not a happy hour for anyone except werewolves, so Ijams is making the right call.)

The cost is $25 ($15 for members), and pre-registration is required. Call 5774717, ext. 110.

and open in it is in other countries. They are very smart kids, but you could see a difference between how they work and how American students work.

The American way is based on our innovative thinking.

We pride ourselves on being a nation of free thinkers.”

Ye’s father, Chuntao Ye, is a vice president at Denso Manufacturing. His mother, Yingdong Gan, was a researcher at the University of Tennessee’s Center for Environmental Biotechnology who now is a fulltime caregiver for her parents. Kenneth is a server at Aubrey’s restaurant in Farragut, as was Kevin before he started college at the University of Pennsylvania and the Wharton School of Business.

Kenneth hasn’t decided where he will go to college quite yet, but he’s hoping there will be sweet tea available wherever he ends up.

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government Who is Ralph Rodgers And why does he make $1.9 million?

Media failed to report that Bill Sansom’s term as TVA board chair was extended to May and that fellow board member Mike McWherter, son of the late Gov. Ned McWherter, voted against Sansom at the board’s recent meeting in Oxford, Miss.

It was an 8 to 1 vote. It is rare that anyone votes against the choice to be chair or many other votes for that matter. Disagreements are worked out in advance at closed committee meetings.

Sansom’s term on the board expires in May 2014, but under the law he does not go off the board until the end of 2014 unless replaced by another nominee before then. When contacted, McWherter declined to comment on why he voted no.

The no vote by McWherter is a public sign of the unrest and change which may be coming.

Several board members are stunned to learn TVA General Counsel Ralph Rodgers is making $1.9 million a year. Most East Tennessee attorneys do not make a quarter of that amount in one year. An equally or more competent attorney could be employed for far less and save ratepayers money. Most people in Knoxville do not have a clue who Ralph Rodgers is.

■ Neil McBride lost his TVA seat last week because President Obama failed to nominate anyone including McBride.

Sources tell me the White House will nominate three new persons to the board in next few weeks or

by May at the latest. One will replace McBride and the other two will replace Sansom, 72, and Barbara Haskew, 73, whose term also expires in May. With three new members, the White House is apparently interested in having a board asking more questions in its public sessions and a chair who is actually a Democrat.

The Obama White House was stunned that the eight TVA board Democrats selected the only Republican to be chair. With the filibuster now gone, it is likely whoever Obama names will be confirmed.

■ Pam Reeves, Knoxville attorney and federal judge nominee, will likely get a Senate vote on her nomination this month or next, if it has not already happened by the time this appears in print.

It will be a favorable vote.

4 • JANUARY 13, 2014 • Shopper news

Is there room for Kristi Davis?

Knoxville lawyer Kristi Davis threw her hat in the ring last week to replace Circuit Court Judge Dale Workman at her campaign kickoff at The Bistro at The Bijou.

Victor Ashe Jake Mabe ■ The special state Supreme Court has failed to render a decision six months after hearing the John Jay Hooker lawsuit on the method state appellate judges are selected. The court includes two attorneys from Knoxville, former city Law Director Morris Kizer and former U.S. Attorney Russ Dedrick.

This high profile case has generated considerable interest. The fact the decision has taken so long to be released is leaving many observers wondering if the court is divided and if the final decision will be a split one.

It is hard to imagine that a special Court appointed entirely by Gov. Bill Haslam would overturn the current system, but the delay to release an opinion is causing many to become anxious as to the outcome. If this court sided with Hooker, it would be the equivalent of a political earthquake. Although it was interesting to see former GOP Gov. Winfield Dunn at the Court hearing in Nashville supporting the argument of Hooker, his 1970 Democratic opponent for governor.

■ The City Council budget retreat will be held Friday, Feb. 7. Location has not been announced.

■ Former city Law Director Louis Hofferbert died Jan. 2 at age 86 .

He was one of the city’s longest serving law directors having served eight years in the two non-consecutive terms of Kyle Testerman.

The longest serving law director in the past 75 years is Thomas Varlan, now federal district judge, who served 10 years for this writer.

He is followed by Jon Roach who served eight consecutive years for Randy Tyree. Michael Kelley served six years also for this writer.

Among those attending the receiving for Hofferbert were current city Law Director Charles Swanson, who once worked a few months for Hofferbert; former Knoxville First Lady Janet Testerman (now Janet Crossley), County Commissioner Ed Shouse, former County Commissioner Wanda Moody, former school board member D.M. Miller and city Judge John Rosson.

In what promises to be a barn-burner of a race, Davis joins lawyers Ray Hal Jenkins and Billy Stokes. All are Republicans. The early question is how Davis fits into the equation.

Both Jenkins and Stokes are former Knox County Republican Party chairs. Davis says that’s a positive for her.

“I have never been the leader of a political party, which, frankly, I think is better for this position of judge.”

Davis, who has been a partner at Hodges, Doughty & Carson since 2007, successfully appealed 4th Judicial District Child Support Magistrate Lu Ann Ballew’s

decision last year to forbid Cocke County parents from naming their child “Messiah.” Ballew’s decision was set aside and she was cited by a court panel for an inappropriate religious bias in violation of the state judicial code of conduct.

Asked why she’s running, Davis says it’s something she feels called to do.

She said she thinks a good judge is one who “has been a lawyer in a courtroom, and understands how to try a case. The best judges are scholars of the law.”

But they also must possess integrity. “If you can’t do that, show impartiality and fairness, all of your legal knowledge is for naught.”

She adds that a good judge should also show “appropriate judicial demeanor (and) be respectful of those in the courtroom.

Be firm, be in control, but in a respectful way. It’s not (a judge’s) courtroom, it’s Knox County’s courtroom.

“But most importantly (a good judge) has a commitment to the concept of justice, making sure wrongs are righted.”

A Knox native and Karns

Kristi Davis chats with supporter Chris Fortner at her campaign kickoff last week at The Bistro at The Bijou. Davis, a Knoxville lawyer, is running for Knox County Circuit Court judge. Photo by Jake Mabe

High graduate, Davis majored in broadcasting at UT and graduated magna cum laude from UT’s College of Law in 1998. She has worked at Hodges, Doughty & Carson since 2000.

Stokes is holding his campaign kickoff 5-7 p.m. tonight (Monday, Jan. 13), at Calhoun’s on the River.

He has some heavy-hitters in his corner, including Victor Ashe, Jimmy Kyle Davis, Gail Jarvis, James A.H. Bell, Kreis Weigel, and the Perry Mason and Hamilton

Larger classes ahead?

Education reform on the cheap

Every Tennessee governor in living memory has wanted to be remembered as the Education Governor.

Bill Haslam is no exception.

He staked his claim to the title by ending 2013 with a victory lap around the state celebrating the National Assessment of Education ranking Tennessee the fastest-improving state in academic growth in 4th grade math and reading scores over the past two years.

Reporters and TV cameras showed up to record him delivering sheet cakes to selected schools, lapping up the photo ops without bothering to ask whether he and his education commissioner, Kevin Huffman, can legitimately claim these scores as the product of their reforms, many of which haven’t yet been fully implemented, or why the achievement gap between have and have-not communities isn’t closing, or why 63 district school superintendents signed a letter accusing Huffman of considering “teachers, principals and superintendents impediments to school improvement rather than partners.”

He was asked about the hundreds of protesting teachers in his hometown who feel that the bulk of recent educational reforms

Betty Bean

have come at the their expense, but blew them off as a few bellyaching malcontents.

Many teachers feel that the bulk of recent educational reforms – successful and otherwise – have come at their expense.

They point to diminishing job security, collective bargaining rights and pension plans as well as plans to tie licensure to student test scores.

Many of these reforms did not start with the Haslam administration – it was Gov. Phil Bredesen who shepherded the state’s Race to the Top effort that won Tennessee a $500 million grant from the Obama administration and came with a lot of strings attached including requirements to step up high stakes testing.

Except for Haslam himself, Kevin Huffman has no bigger public fan than U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, who proclaimed Tennessee’s National Report Card results “simply remarkable” – it’s a bipartisan deal.

Most of Haslam’s reforms

have steamrolled their way into law over the protests of the increasingly marginalized teachers – with one glaring exception.

In 2012, an administration proposal to raise the state-mandated cap on average class size for individual classrooms was a resounding failure, even though Haslam pitched it as a way to return autonomy to local school districts. (Currently, maximum class size, grades K-3 is 25, schoolwide average class size for those grades must not exceed 20.

In grades 4-6, the individual maximum is 30, schoolwide average must not exceed 30. In grades 7-12, the classroom maximum is 35, but the schoolwide average cannot exceed 30.)

Pushback came from everywhere, not just from teachers. Haslam reluctantly withdrew the proposal, vowing to bring it back after critics can be made to understand that its purpose is to give local school districts

Clarification Knoxville Communications Director Jesse Fox Mayshark requested this clarification: “Victor Ashe’s column of Dec. 30 misstated the organization of the city of Knoxville Communications Department.

Burger MPC lawyer duo – Arthur Seymour Jr. and John King.

Stokes probably is the front-runner, but it’s worth noting that his announced support is West and East Knox heavy. If Stokes holds the Republican establishment and Jenkins grabs at least some of the red-meat Republicans North and South, where is Davis’ GOP base?

Fasten your seat belts and hang on tight. The Republican Primary is May 6.

flexibility to hire teachers in high priority areas.

Does this mean there are “low priority areas” in public schools? Research and common sense tell us that that all kids do better in smaller classrooms.

Education on the cheap is not an idea that Haslam learned at Webb School of Knoxville, which his children, siblings and other family members also attended, and where he has served on the board of directors.

Webb’s website boasts two teachers per classroom in the lower school, an average class size of 22 and a 10:1 overall student/faculty ratio. Lower School tuition is $15,480; Upper School tuition is $17,170.

“Small class size helps teachers know students as individuals and fosters maximum student participation,” the website says.

The bottom line is, good schools cost money. Haslam needs to take his case to Tennesseans and level with them about the cost of educating our kids versus what it costs not to.

Former Senior Director of Communications Angela Starke reported to Deputy to the Mayor/Chief Policy Officer Bill Lyons. She did not report directly to Mayor Madeline Rogero. There has been no change in this structure since Starke’s departure.”

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1-855-836-6682 Member of the medical staff

Shopper news • JANUARY 13, 2014 • 5

This was 1957. Mike had no four- or five-star buildup. He was 6-3 and 205, established in baskets, a late-bloomer in football, a starter his senior year. He was the biggest and fastest on a squad of 18.

“If a college recruiter came to Tellico Plains, nobody saw him,” said Stratton.

If Mike received so much as a football questionnaire from UT, he doesn’t remember.

“I did get a basketball letter from Kentucky. I answered all the questions and sent it back. I never heard any more.”

Mike knew a lot more about the Volunteers than they knew about him.

“Everybody in Tellico Plains was a Tennessee fan.”

Uncle Percy Swanson took Mike to some games. Swanson watched John Majors. Mike focused on that pass-snagging end, Buddy Cruze, No. 86.

“I wanted to be 86. I wanted to be Buddy Cruze.”

Even with the help of a miracle, it never happened. But Mike Stratton made it to Tennessee.

On the day before signing day, Tellico coach Bill Spurling said, “We’re going over there.”

Uninvited, they showed up at the UT athletic department office.

A secretary asked their business.

“Coach Spurling said we had come for a scholarship and wouldn’t be leaving until we got one.”

That was a new approach.

The good woman carried the message into another room. There was a long delay. Eventually, Ken Donahue came out.

“Coach Spurling repeated his words. The key word was ‘scholarship.’ ” Donahue went away without commenting. In time, George Cafego came out, scholarship papers in hand.

Mike Stratton was a sophomore end on Bowden Wyatt’s 1959 team.

He didn’t play much.

“I think I was the only player on the bench who didn’t get in the Chattanooga game. I was really upset.”

Teammates persuaded him to

an ornament on it for each day of the season.

Now, however, it is gone, too, and the pine boughs have vanBut Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. ished from the mantle. The crèche (Luke 2:19 NRSV) sets are carefully and lovingly stored away. The Christmas plates Then one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep. See, the Lion are back in their box, and the orof the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he naments have been packed away. can open the scroll and its seven seals.”

The weather is seriously cold (Revelation 5:5 NRSV) now, with only a skiff of snow.

I love Christmas, and I used to It is winter, and not Christmas, say (foolishly) that “There is nothmuch like C.S. Lewis’ land of Naring quite so over as Christmas.” nia before Aslan, the great lion Cross Currents I was a child when I first sang king, came and breathed warmth the song “The Twelve Days of and life into it. In the Narnia stoLynn Christmas,” and it was years bery, Aslan is a Christ figure, and he Pitts fore I learned what that was all dies, just as the Babe of Bethleabout. I was thrilled to learn that hem would do, for his kingdom.

Christmas was not so over after I had determined this year that all — that it is a season; that, in Christmas has been taken down I would do something different fact, it is much too significant to and tossed into the woodland to after the holidays, something to be stuffed into one day, or even provide shelter and safety for the remind me subtly of Christmas. creatures of the forest. But I kept Nothing so obvious as an ornaone night and one day.

Yes, the Fraser fir that stood in my little Twelve Days artificial ment or a wreath. Some small our dining room window during tree up until Epiphany and hung thing to keep Christmas in the

house, even if known only to me.

And that something just occurred to me, as I write. I know what I will do.

I have a lion.

A dear friend gave it to me years ago, a small figurine of a lion in midstride. His suggested movement is graceful, quiet, slow. He is clearly and most assuredly Aslan.

He can stand in some quiet corner of the house, and I will know he is there. He will help me put Christmas away in my heart, where it belongs.

We often ask friends and relatives, “Where are you spending Christmas this year?” I suggest that we can find a way to keep Christmas, instead of spending it. Think about it: what it means to you, how you might remind yourself each day that Christmas is always!

Put Christmas away, like Mary did: in your heart, where it belongs.

Complex recruiting, uninvited Vol Careful now, what happens next is critical.

The main event in Tennessee’s level of football is the remainder of the recruiting race that peaks in early February.

Recruiting is a high-tech combination of science and art.

Evaluation is step one. If it is erroneous, nothing else matters. If targets are correctly identified, creative salesmanship becomes the key. Serious research is involved. Effort is endless.

Recruiters must find the winning edge. What are the interests?

What matters most? Is the prospect looking to be part of a national championship or does he seek early playing time? Is geography a factor? Which relative or friend has the most influence?

This takes work. Commitments are the midpoint. Defending those pledges is what pays dividends. There is no such thing as time out.

Case in point: On the Saturday evening after that merci-

Marvin West

less thrashing by Auburn, coach Butch Jones quickly changed gears for a gathering of recruits for a family dinner at his house.

Barbara Jones is a terrific assistant. Sons Alex, Adam and Andrew fit right in. Visitors could feel the warmth. Food was fine.

Conversation ranged from light and bright to deeply sincere.

Feedback was powerfully positive.

To see the effort Butch Jones and associates cram into recruiting brings to mind the good old days and how Mike Stratton, big, blond end at Tellico Plains, made his way to the University of Tennessee.

Putting Christmas away

hang in there.

Stratton’s junior season was better. He was second team. He caught a pass for six yards and a touchdown against Tampa.

“That was pretty good. We didn’t throw it but three or four times a year.”

Stratton was a senior two-way starter. He wore No. 86, but he was not Buddy Cruze. Mike had a few tackles and nine receptions, 142 yards, touchdowns against Georgia Tech, Kentucky and Vanderbilt.

There is another chapter to this story. The Buffalo Bills saw much greater potential in the “uninvited” Volunteer. They invested $11,000 and turned Stratton into a linebacker.

He had one of the unforgettable hits in pro football history. He made the Pro Bowl six times. He is on the Buffalo wall of fame. He was elected to the Bills’ 50-year team.

Sometime soon, maybe next week, I’ll tell you some more about Mike Stratton, totally unrecruited Volunteer.

Marvin West invites reader reaction. His address is westwest6@netzero.com.

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A memorable character I suppose most people have met someone who tends to linger in their mind and surfaces from time to time when certain events or observations trigger a remembrance.

And, in 70-plus years, I have met a lot of people who fall into that category. But one in particular seems to stand out when I see street people, and I cannot help but wonder what event in their lives resulted in their becoming homeless.

As part of a Christmas event, several members of our church decided to cook breakfast for the homeless at a homeless ministry center. After the event, we gathered at the Cracker Barrel to enjoy breakfast together, and we decided to make this outing a permanent ministry. I doubt that many of us knew what we were getting into, or we may never have made the commitment. Certainly we never realized that it would continue for nine years.

So we made arrangements with the ministry center director to cook breakfast every Wednesday at 7 a.m. We served pancakes with hot syrup, link sausage and scrambled eggs, and soon word got around that the place to be for breakfast was the Volunteer Ministry Center. Sine the preparation time took about two hours, we got up at 4 a.m. and met at the local barber shop, crowded into a Suburban and were usually ready to start cooking by 5 a.m.

I met many people during the nine year period, and soon got to know the locals by their first names.

But on one particular morning I had some business to conduct downtown and drove by myself. I parked in an adjacent parking area

Malcolm Shell and walked up to the entrance. It was dark and as I approached I noticed a man standing in the doorway.

I was a bit hesitant to approach because he was not someone I recognized. He asked if I had eaten there before and I explained that I was one of a crew who would be cooking his breakfast.

We had only talked a few minutes when I realized this man was not a run-of-themill street person. Our subject matter quickly made me realize that he was educated and had an in-depth knowledge of many subjects. He carried a pack which he had set down in the doorway. He reached down and pulled a cylindrical container from the pack that contained his law degree from the University of Chicago. This diploma was apparently the only thing he had kept to remind him of who he once was. He said that if he were found dead, someone might take the diploma and trace down his relatives.

I asked him if he would like to share his experience that led to this, and he seemed anxious to do so. He was a full partner in a prestigious law firm, and certain events in his life resulted in his gradually taking money from the firm. His partners soon discovered the theft.

Rather than prosecute him, they simply asked him to leave. From that point, his wife divorced him and his two daughters refused to even talk to him. At that point, he gathered some clothes and a small amount of money and left his home

during the night.

When the rest of my crew arrived, we opened the door and invited him in out of the cold. There was a spinet piano down on the dining floor. He sat down and started playing Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue.” I told him that he could get a job at one of the local hotel’s piano bars, and that we would help him get some clothes.

He thanked me for the offer, but said he was doing exactly what he wanted to do.

And it became apparent that what he wanted to do was just live for his next drink. A previous experience taught me that giving a homeless person money almost always worked to their further detriment. I never pushed the offer further, but during the week I thought a lot about my experience and was anxious to see him again the following Wednesday. But he never came back, and for several weeks I hoped he would show up. But he apparently found that next drink further down the road.

His story is like many others I heard over the nine-year period. There was some cataclysmic event that happened in their life that resulted in their addiction to alcohol. And from that point, the slide was downward.

But the thing that made him different is that he had the credentials and talent to turn his life around. He probably could have landed a position of law clerk in some law firm in spite of his past history, and he certainly could have played the piano in some capacity. He made a bad choice to solve a problem, and I can only hope that somewhere further down the road he might have made a right choice.

But I doubt it.

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kids Healthy choice New challenges, not stroke, spur Woods’ decision to leave Carter Academy. After missing the

By Stefan Cooper entirety of His health was fine. last season, There was never going to he made a be a “best time.” full recovFinally, after talking it ery and reover with his wife, Kristi, turned to Heath Woods settled for make the what he felt to be the right Hornets a time. On Dec. 17, the longstate title time Carter High School football coach submitted his Heath Woods contender. “ M y resignation to athletics dihealth is terrific,” Woods rector Chad Smith.

The move caught many in said. “The good Lord the local football communi- blessed me. I have really ty by surprise. The Hornets recovered well. I take very, were coming off a season very little medicine. The that saw Carter go unbeaten severity of my stroke was extreme; the rebound was through nine games.

Only a district title game extreme as well.”

His departure with such loss to Fulton and an opening round playoff loss to Sul- a backdrop might seem surlivan South prevented the prising, but it’s anything 2013 Hornets from becom- but, Woods said.

“I have thought for years ing the first team in school about other challenges and history to win 11 games.

In Woods’ 12 seasons as other things to be done,” coach, Carter compiled a he said, “trying to establish 70-60 record. Since 2005, something elsewhere. I felt his record is 55-33, a run like this was the best time that included a 10-2 finish to leave Carter, if there ever in 2006. The Hornets made is a best time.”

While his health is fine, eight playoff appearances the stroke did play a role in during his tenure.

Woods became a nation- his decision, Woods said. al story when he suffered a The desire to see if he could stroke after being ejected replicate his formula for from the 2012 season open- success and impact young er with Grace Christian lives wherever he settled

6 • JANUARY 13, 2014 • Shopper news eventually led to the question, ‘If not now, when?’

There was never a question of whether he would return to coaching.

“We checked with the doctors,” Kristi Woods said. “Most importantly, we prayed and tried to see God’s plan. I never had a second thought about him returning to coaching.”

Woods said he never would have returned to coaching had Kristi not signed on.

“Kristi has stuck with me through the wins and losses,” he said. “I wouldn’t begin anything without discussing it with her. I asked myself, ‘What would be the right thing to do?’ Coming back to coaching was never in doubt.

“Her big thing was, ‘Don’t rush. Do what you want to do, but don’t rush it.’”

Woods said he followed the same line of thought before submitting his resignation. When Kristi was onboard, Woods said he felt he’d come to the best decision possible for all concerned.

“It was just time for a change, and it felt right,” Kristi Woods said. “He put so much into Carter. We felt like he’d done what he could, and he’d done well.”

Since his resignation, Woods has been rumored to be returning home to Rogersville to coach at his old high school, Cherokee.

Where he coaches next isn’t that important, he said. He just wants to coach.

“It’s what he does,” Kristi said. “He’s a teacher.”

Doc Severinsen shoots for 110 “My dad was a violin player in a shipyard band, and loved the violin all his life,” says Doc Severinsen, recalling his childhood in Arlington, Ore. “But by the time I came along, he’d switched to playing clarinet in the town band.

“That outfit would probably qualify as one of the worst bands of all time. They practiced in a cement room.

It was horrendous, but to me it was intoxicating. I was only 2, but I thought I was part of the band.”

The boy thrived on going to rehearsals and listening to the music. By the time he was 7, he’d set his sights on the trombone.

But his dad, the senior Doc – so-called because of his dentistry practice – had

Carol Zinavage

Carol’s Corner other plans. “He wanted me to play the violin. I was just a little guy, but I said, ‘No, I won’t do it. I want to play the trombone.’ So he sat me in a high chair for an hour each day, trying to get me to see things his way.

“I wouldn’t give in. After three days, he gave up.”

Doc still has the chair.

There was, however, a problem with the trombone.

News from Office of Register of Deeds

2013 tops 2012 for property sales

By Sherry Witt The local real estate market slowed somewhat during December; howe ver, the data from 2013 indicate a noticeably stronWitt ger year for property sales than in 2012. For the month ending Dec. 31, about $157 million worth of real property was sold in Knox County.

That was considerably short of the $200 million in sales last December. The total number of property transfers last month was 729, also short of the 788 transactions recorded in December 2012. It was the first time in 2013 that the monthly recordings fell short of those in the corresponding period in 2012.

Analysis of the yearly figures, however, paints a very different picture. For the calendar year 2013, there were 9,971 property transfers in Knox County. That pace was well ahead of the 8,713 sales recorded during 2012. In

terms of the aggregate value of property sold, the 2013 figure was just over $2.1 billion, nearly $300 million more than in 2012.

Although the number of new mortgages and refinances has declined during the fourth quarter, the total amount loaned against real property in 2013 was almost identical to that of 2012. In 2013 about $3.74 billion was loaned in mortgages and refinances, compared to $3.76 billion in 2012.

Among the noteworthy transfers during December was the sale of the old Baptist Hospital overlooking the Tennessee River in South Knoxville. The property sold to Riverwalk Investors for $6.25 million. The University of Tennessee also sold the residence of the university president in Sequoyah Hills at a price of $2 million.

Our recording statistics do indicate that 2013 produced a much better year for the real estate market in Knox County – easily the strongest since the housing collapse of 2008. Here’s wishing all of you a healthy, happy and prosperous New Year in 2014.

“My arms were too short to reach the slide! So my dad got me a trumpet instead, from a friend down at the Shell service station.”

The memory still affects him deeply. “When I opened that instrument case and smelled that musty smell – oh! Into-o-o-xicating!” His dad got someone to scribble instructions for a C scale on a brown paper bag, and the boy was off and running.

“A week later I made my first appearance for the Ladies’ Aid Society of the Methodist church, playing ‘The Man on the Flying Trapeze,’” Doc says. “They said, ‘How can a boy that age know so much about music?’”

Doc Senior, admitting defeat but still sold on strings, came to his own somewhat cockeyed conclusion: “Well, you can play the violin on the trumpet.”

Formal music study con-

Shelton-Lowe

Brown

Moore

Blevins

Berry

Looking ahead at South schools

By Betsy Pickle While students and faculty were going stir crazy with the extended holiday break last week, we tried to track down the principals of South Knox schools to help us out with an idea.

We asked them to share their New Year’s wish for their school – serious or funny, as long as it was three sentences or less.

Here’s their wish list: Lana Shelton-Lowe, Dogwood Elementary Continue to build upon our successes by providing an environment that encourages learning for both students and staff. We will take on the challenge “Dolphin for Life” as we retain the best teachers and con-

tinued with Bernard Baker, principal trumpeter under Arturo Toscanini with the NBC Symphony. “He wouldn’t cut me any slack,” Doc recalls. Eventually he found his way to fame on NBC, first as a section player and then bandleader on “The Tonight Show” with its first host, Steve Allen.

Doc cherishes his memories of his long tenure with “The Tonight Show.”

Of his friend Johnny Carson, the “king of late night,” he says, “People would be surprised at the extent of his humanity. He was class personified. He never passed up a chance to help somebody who needed help.”

Doc recalls that Johnny learned of an elderly woman whose refrigerator had given out. “He not only bought her a new one but got her all new appliances. He was always doing stuff like that, and nobody ever knew.”

Carson didn’t shy away from difficult situations.

Losing his son Ricky in a 1991 freak accident “absolutely leveled him,” says Doc. “He went through the worst, but he used his experience to help others” such as the friend who was in denial about his wife’s terminal cancer. Taking the man aside, Johnny sat him down and asked pointedly, “Are you ready for what’s about

tinue to inspire children to become lifelong learners.

Kim Wilburn-Cullom, Gap Creek Elementary I wish the students and staff at Gap Creek Elementary a future of success so bright that they will need sunglasses to see it.

Paula Brown, Mount Olive Elementary My wish for Mount Olive is to have snow days with lots of snow!

Patricia Moore, New Hopewell Elementary My wish/dream is for all of the students at New Hopewell to be proficient or advance in reading. Another wish: landscaping in the front of the school to make our building a place to be proud of … and yes,

more parking!

Beth Blevins, SouthDoyle Middle My wish for South Doyle Middle School is for any barriers to optimal success to vanish so we can continue to show how excellent we are to all! … I also hope we get a REALLY DEEP SNOW before the winter is over!

Tim Berry, South-Doyle High My New Year’s wish is for everyone in our South Knoxville Cherokee Nation to have a safe and prosperous year; bringing happiness and joy to each, while strengthening relationships with family and the ones we love. … Also to be victorious over Seymour in all levels of competition!

Blount County residents Doc Severinsen and Cathy Leach pose with “the chair.” Photo by Carol Zinavage to happen?”

“Johnny didn’t sugarcoat things. He wouldn’t let people go off into flights of fancy. He was there for them in a way that they ultimately needed him to be.” It’s clear

that he misses his friend, who died in 2005.

But as for Doc, he plans to be around for a while.

“The minimum I want to go is 105,” he declares, “but I’m shooting for 110!”

Severinsen at UT

Doc Severinsen will be the keynote speaker for this year’s conference of the Mid-Atlantic and Southern chapters of the College Music Society and the Association for Technology in Music Instruction.

His talk will be at 11:15 a.m. Friday, Feb. 14, in the Sandra G. Powell Recital Hall in the Natalie L. Haslam Music Center. At 8 p.m., the three winning pieces from The Doc Severinsen International Composition Contest will be performed in the James R. Cox Auditorium at UT. Info: www.music.utk.edu/conference/index.html.

News from Pellissippi State - Magnolia Campus

Tutor leads student discussion, trek

By Heather Beck For English tutor Jessica Dean, the environment she has discovered at Pellissippi State Community College’s Magnolia Avenue Campus has only reinforced her dream of teaching at a community college.

“While I was getting my undergraduate degree, I took a few community college classes and loved them,” she said. “My peers and my professors were genuine, and the college was diverse. I loved that environment, and I knew that I wanted to teach at a community college.”

Dean serves as an English tutor at Magnolia Avenue’s Academic Support Center and is pursuing a master’s degree in English.

She also has had a unique opportunity to help lead discussions on the campus about this year’s Common Book, “A Walk in the Woods,” by Bill Bryson.

The College’s Common Book is shared reading for select classes. The book is used to stimulate discussion

and launch thought-provoking activities throughout the academic year. “A Walk in the Woods” is a personal narrative in which Bryson recounts his time hiking the Appalachian Trail.

“Earlier this year I met English professor Richard Patton and discussed with him my own love of backpacking and my experiences hiking,” Dean said. Afterward, Patton invited Dean to share some of her experiences and pre-hike training in a book discussion with the campus’ students as they worked their way through “A Walk in the Woods.”

Dean brought in a backpacking pack loaded with all the supplies needed for a three-day trek. She worked with students to set up a tent and find a suitable sleeping bag, then led a day hike to House Mountain, the highest point in Knox County. Her presentations have brought a hands-on dynamic to discussions of the Bryson book.

“What I love about Pellissippi,” she said, “is how ev-

Jessica Dean shows her backpacking gear to students. eryone – the administration and the instructors – works to support a dynamic model of learning and enrich the academic experience.”

The Magnolia Avenue Campus is located at 1610 E. Magnolia Ave. Info: www. pstcc.edu/magnolia or (865) 329-3100.

business

Shopper news • JANUARY 13, 2014 • 7

Who wouldn’t be happy here?

Happy Yap Doggie Day great barn on their property Camp is a special place. and start Happy Yap. Hours are 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and dogs are accepted by appointment only. Info: www. happyap.com or 385-3413.

Nancy Whittaker

Let’s talk …

Rossini gives business tips Director Larry Rossini says the Tennessee Small Business Development Center (TSBDC) is available to help anyone who is interested in starting a small business.

Staff members will work with them through the start-up process and will even go with clients to the bank to apply for a business loan.

Rossini spoke Jan. 8 to the Fountain City Business and Professional Association. Despite the frigid temperatures, there was a great attendance. Andrew Hartung began his second one- Christine Abernathy gets a big kiss from her buddy Sunday. year term as president.

The TSBDC will also work with current business owners to keep them inwill be hosted by the YWCA Wednesday, Feb. 5, at 8 a.m. formed of rules and regs or Phyllis Wheatley Center, 124 at Harvest Park Commuto help develop a budget. All S. Cruze Street, at 11 a.m. nity Center. Breakfast will be services are free of charge, Saturday, Jan. 18, with food, served at 7:30. and various workshops are entertainment, speakers and ■ Tax Law Workshop sponlocal exhibitors. The Kids Fun available. Info: www.tsbdc. sored by Knoxville Area Urban Run starts at 12:30. The 5K org or 246-2663.

League is 5:30 to 6:45 p.m.

The South Knox camp is the ideal setting for very active dogs who love to play.

Not your typical dog spa, it is a beautiful farm environment where dogs are free to play all day. There are no runs. All dogs must go through screening and assessment to assure they are non-aggressive.

Owners Kevin and Christine Abernathy bought the beautiful home at the corner of Davenport and Lippencott in 2001. After living in Nashville for several years, they were ready to move back home.

With a master’s degree in social work, Christine decided it was time for a career change. The appeal of a home-based business had always interested her and with three daughters, she needed a flexible job and wanted to do something she would love.

Growing up on horse farm ■ Race Against Racism 5K and Diversity Day, a part of the taught Christine all aspects 2014 Dr. Martin Luther King of training animals. She Jr. Commemorative Comand Kevin decided to build a

BIZ NOTES

mission celebration events,

and 1 mile walk begin at 1 p.m., followed by the awards presentation at 2. Info: www. ywcaknox.com.

■ East Towne Area Business and Professional Association canceled its January meeting because of weather.

The next meeting will be

Tuesday, Jan. 21, at 1514 East Fifth Ave. A tax professional will be available to answer questions about liens and levies, earned income tax credit, settlements and tax debt and questions regarding IRS filings. No cost to attend. Info: 524-5511.

A warm thought on a winter’s day It’s 7 degrees outside and the ground is crusted in a white mantle. Brrr!

Business by

Nicky D.

Perhaps that’s what turns this silvered-haired noggin to daydreams about turning over the spring soil and watching the garden blossom into summer’s green bounty ... tomatoes, squash, peppers, string beans, spinach, fragrant herbs ... basil, don’t you just love its bright, complex aroma? Ahh! But it’s winter. Still, there is time to plan the spring offensive as you roast your toes by the cocoa-enhanced fire.

That brings us to Knoxville Seed and Greenhouse Supply, located at 5001 Rutledge Pike (just shy of the I-640 overpass over Chilhowee Drive). You can’t miss that ancient, endless chain link fence surrounding the place.

Business owner Ernie Rader and his long-term floor manager, Rick Haun, along with warehouse regulars and a greenhouse flower lady run the place year round.

Knoxville Seed has been in business since 1982, originally in the Terry Horn warehouses along Cherry Street and in its current 3 ½ acre business location on Rutledge Pike since 1992.

As the name implies, they have lots of seeds for your garden, lawn or farm, packed on the premises this time of year in countrysized packages (not those weenie, overpriced, 10-toa-pack chain store seed envelopes).

Need 50 pounds of crowder peas, for example?

They got ’em. 50 pounds of grass seed? Check. You get the idea. You can, of course, buy home-garden-size packages as well.

But that is just the beginning. In spring there are flats and flats of veggies and herbs, and bulb sets, as well as an array of flowers. In the fall, the mums are waiting for your spade, followed later by white, yellow and purple pansies. Then in winter, Christmas trees (both cut

For those who doubt Nick Della Volpe’s skill with a shovel, take a look at last summer’s garden. and live-balled versions) and wreaths are there to help decorate the home.

In short, your year-round friends at Knoxville Seed have the stuff you need.

If I stopped here, you might just let out a yawn.

But inside that workingman’s block building lie garden tools and garden bug and fungal sprays and solutions to keep your green thumb groovin’ through the July to October garden doldrums.

Did I mention the warehouse stacks of straw, humus and fertilizers? Or pots, flats, pro-mix starter medium? It’s there. That’s

MEN'S

just some of the greenhouse supplies in the business name. You also get friendly, knowledgeable in-store service.

“Hey Rick, I got these pesky brown spots on my tomato plants, what do I need?”

Long-beard Rick (hey, is he on Duck Dynasty?) springs to life. After laying down a country quip and a chuckle or two, Rick will walk you down the aisle and show you your chemical choices, dispensed with country-wisdom and handsin-the-dirt know-how.

“This blue copper ammonium fungicide works good

on that. Just mix it up in your old windex bottle and hit ’em once a week.” If you can read, check the label too.

This man’s a farmer, not some generic chain-store, shelf jockey. They’ve got what you need here, often in lower-cost generic brands.

And if you’ve got a good crop, don’t be shy. Stop by and spin your own yarn.

Remember, this ain’t no fashion show. Just hitch up your coveralls, hop in the pick-up or SUV, and git on down to Knoxville Seed. No question is too dumb to ask – heck, I’ve tried ’em all already.

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Hours: Mon-Fri 8 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. • Sat. 8 a.m. - Noon 400 E. Jackson Ave. • 524-8242 • 200 E. Magnolia Ave. • 524-8000 Mike Frazier

but are we speaking the same language?

By Sherri Gardner Howell It’s irony in its purest form: The generation that coined the phrase “Generation Gap” and bemoaned the stodginess of their bosses as they entered the workplace is still in the Gap. And today, they are the stodgy ones.

Dr. Kenneth Levine, a University of Tennessee associate professor in the College of Communication Studies, brought an eyeopening and instructional message to the Rotary Club of Knoxville on Tuesday, Jan. 7, at the downtown Marriott. His topic was “Intergenerational Communications in the Workplace.”

The subtitle for the room of Traditionalist (born before 1945), Baby Boomers (born between 1946 and 1964) and Gen Xers (born between 1965 and 1980) could well have been “How to talk to and manage those ‘kids’ in your office.” Levine says the Gen Y or Millennials (born after 1980) who are entering the workplace today are a different breed of worker, and the intergenerational workplace often suffers from a serious lack of communication.

“In today’s workplace, there are receivers of the message who don’t want to receive it the way you want to send it,” says Levine.

“It is important to understand these ‘kids’ who appear to you to always have their heads down and their thumbs moving.”

The Baby Boomers were the first to talk about the Generation Gap, and now it is the Boomers who are at the top of the Gap, says Levine.

“Is there a 21st century gap?

Well, there are certainly differences in the way the groups view life and career.”

The Boomers are comfortable with “top-down” management, says Levine, while Gen X and Millennials like a more flat management. “Boomers are the original workaholics. The

Dr. Kenneth members of of Knoxville erational

Levine talks to the Rotary Club about intergencommunication.

Photo by Sherri Gardner Howell

Gen X and Gen Y workers are looking for more balance between life and work. Boomers believe success is achieved with long hours, hard work and loyalty. Millennials are more likely to want to work from home and prefer a more informal workplace.”

Part of the problem for all the groups is that “we don’t know the people we work with as well as we used to,” says Levine. “Communication is more difficult. Talking to a colleague is different from talking to a friend.”

The Millennials are comfortable sharing personal information, as seen in the popularity of Facebook and Twitter, says Levine.

The take-away, says Levine, is that it is important to know with whom you are communicating. “If it is a person in your organization who is more traditional, pick up the phone and call. If the person prefers email, communicate through email. Remember that times are changing, but we need to be constructive, not destructive. Ask how you can better communicate your message to bring down barriers.

“Think outside the box, but be prepared to communicate inside the box.”

Rotary Club of Knoxville meets at noon on Tuesdays at the downtown Marriott. Info: www.knoxvillerotary.org.

Waterwheel makes historic register The Tennessee Historical Commission has announced eight Tennessee sites have been added to the National Register of Historic Places, including the water wheel and gatepost at Westmoreland in Knox County.

Charles Barber of the architectural firm of Barber and McMurray designed the 1923 wheelhouse and 1925 gatepost for Knoxville’s Westmoreland Heights subdivision.

The subdivision was in-

corporated in 1923 and the next two years were spent subdividing the land. Landscaping around the water wheel and gatepost, as well as the subdivision, was provided by Knoxville landscape architect Charles F. Lester.

The structures not only were an enticing entry to the new subdivision, the Fitz overshot water wheel provided water and electricity to residents until city utilities were available.

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8 • JANUARY 13, 2014 • Shopper news

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THURSDAYS-SUNDAYS, THROUGH JAN. 26 “Proof” by David Auburn, Theatre Knoxville Downtown, 319 N. Gay St. Contains strong language; not suitable for children. Performances: 8 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays; 3 p.m. Sundays. Tickets: 5441999 or www.theatreknoxville.com.

MONDAY, JAN. 13 Ossoli Circle meeting, Ossoli Clubhouse, 2511 Kingston Pike. 9:45 a.m., coffee; 10:30, program by Dr. Fred Bedelle Jr., author and former Superintendent of Knoxville City Schools; 11:30, book study by Wayne Zurl followed by lunch. Visitors welcome. Info: 5774106.

Free Stroller Tour, 10-11 a.m., The McClung Museum, 1327 Circle Park Drive on UT campus. Focus: textiles and fiber art from around the world. Parents and caregivers with toddlers or babies should meet in the museum’s lobby. Reservations required: http://mcclungmuseumstrollertour.eventbrite.com or 974-2144.

Tennessee Shines featuring Jim Lauderdale and author Jayne Morgan, 7 p.m., WDVX studio, Knoxville Visitor Center, 301 S. Gay St. Hosts: Bob Deck and Paige Travis. Broadcast on WDVX-FM, 89.9 Clinton, 102.9 Knoxville. Tickets: $10, at WDVX and www.

BrownPaperTickets.com. Info: www.WDVX.com.

Job Resources Group meeting, 8:30-10:30 a.m., Concord UMC, 11020 Roane Drive.

Muslim Journeys: Points of View – “In the Country of Men” first of five scholar-facilitated reading and discussion program, 6-8 p.m., Cedar Bluff Branch Library, 9045 Cross Park Drive.

TUESDAY, JAN. 14 Harvey Broome Group of the Sierra Club, 7 p.m., Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church, 2931 Kingston Pike. Paul and Barbara Akers will cover Appalachian Trail Through Hiking and a Top 5 Gear “Show and Tell.”

Computer Workshops - Word 2007 II, 2 p.m., East Tennessee History Center, 601 S. Gay St. Requires “Introducing the Computer” or equivalent skills. Info/ to register: 215-8700.

TUESDAYS, JAN. 14-28 Pilates class, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Farragut Town Hall, 11408 Municipal Center Drive. Instructor: Simon Bradbury. Cost: $30. Deadline to register: Monday, Jan. 13.

Info/to register: 966-7057 or Farragut Town Hall.

TUESDAYS, JAN. 14-FEB. 18 Yoga class, 9-10 a.m., Farragut Town Hall, 11408 Municipal Center Drive. Instructor: Betty Kalister.

Registration deadline: Friday, Jan. 10. Info/to register: 966-7057 or Farragut Town Hall.

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 15 Martin Luther King Jr. Week Interfaith Prayer Service, noon, Peace and Goodwill Missionary Baptist Church, 1723 Washington Ave. Time Well Spent: Inspiration at Lunch featuring photographer and mixed-media artist Kelly Hider, noon, The Emporium, 100 S. Gay St. The Arts & Culture Alliance event is free; brown-bagging is welcome.

Regal Classic Film Series featuring “The Princess Bride,” 2 and 7 p.m., Downtown West Cinema 8, 1640 Downtown West Blvd.

Knox County Public Library’s Book Sandwiched In series: “The System: The Glory and Scandal of Big-Time College Football,” noon, East Tennessee History Center auditorium, at 601 S. Gay St. Led by Mike Strange, Knoxville News Sentinel sports reporter. The public is invited to join the conversation.

“Community’s First Words” event, noon, Strang Senior Center, 109 Lovell Heights Road. Music provided by Dr. Bill Snyder; appetizers and beverages

by Matt Wilson. Leaders present include: Bill Williams; Dr. Bill Snyder; Edward Harper, LCSW, Director of Senior Services for Blount Memorial Hospital; and Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett.

THURSDAY, JAN. 16 Sneak preview of “Las Marthas” documentary, 7 p.m., East Tennessee PBS studio, 1611 E. Magnolia.

The film will make its television debut 10 p.m. Monday, Feb. 17.

“Research and Practice in Mass Grave Exhumations: Current International Projects at the Anthropology Research Facility,” a lecture by Dawnie Steadman of the UT Anthropology Department, 7:30 p.m. McClung Museum. Free.

Brown Bag Lecture: “Archeological Excavation Discovers Knoxville History,” noon, East Tennessee History Center, 601 S. Gay St. Led by TVA Project Archeologists. Free. Info: 215-8824 or www.

EastTNHistory.org.

Weight Loss Challenge 2014, 6:30 p.m., QuickGym West Knoxville, 12752 Kingston Pike E 102, Renaissance|Farragut. 8-week program. Coaches: Sylvia and Ron Garrett. Fee: $35. Info: 671-2199; www.

qgwk.com; ilost90lbs@aol.com.

Free budget classes, The Good Samaritan Center of Loudon County, 119 “A” St., Lenoir City. Classes provided by CredAbility. Info/to register: Karen Bowdle, 986-1777, ext. 12.

THURSDAYS-SUNDAYS, JAN. 17-FEB. 2 “Tales of a 4th Grade Nothing” by Judy Blume, 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: 2083677; www.childrenstheatreknoxville.com; info@ childrenstheatreknoxville.com.

FRIDAY, JAN. 17 Martin Luther King Jr. Week: Gallery of Art Tribute, 5-7 p.m., Community Forum, 6:30 p.m., Beck Cultural Exchange Center, 1927 Dandridge Ave. In conjunction with the Oak Ridge Environmental Peace Alliance. Info: www.mlkknoxville.com.

“Kidz Night Out” for ages 5-13, 6-9 p.m., Farragut Town Hall, 11408 Municipal Center Drive. Cost: $30, first child; $25 each additional child. Registration deadline: Wednesday, Jan. 15. Info/ to register: 966-7057 or Farragut Town Hall.

SATURDAY, JAN. 18 P.R.A.Y. Conference for women, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., West Park Baptist Church, 8833 Middlebrook Pike.

Led by national speaker and author Debbie Taylor Williams. Cost: $10. Registration deadline: Jan. 12. Info/to register: www.westparkbaptist.org.

Farragut Skate Date, 4-6 p.m., Cool sports: Home of the Icearium, 110 S. Watt Road. Info: 218-4500.

YWCA Race Against Racism, 11:30 a.m., YWCA Phyllis Wheatley Center, 124 S. Cruze St. Info: www. ywcaknox.com.

Wallace Coleman concert, blues harmonica, 8 p.m., Laurel Theater, 1538 Laurel Ave. Tickets: $14 (discount for JCA members, students and seniors); at www. knoxtix.com, 523-7521 and the door.

Saturday Stories and Songs: Charlene Ellis, 11 a.m., Cedar Bluff Branch Library, 9045 Cross Park Drive. Info: 470-7033.

Saturday Stories and Songs: Laurie Fisher, 11 a.m., Lawson McGhee Library, 500 W. Church Ave. Info: 215-8750.

Introductory Internet Genealogy, 1 p.m., East Tennessee History Center, 601 S. Gay St. Preregistration, a valid email address and good Internet searching capabilities required. Info/to register: 215-8809.

Certifiably Organic, 10:30 a.m., Farragut Branch Library, 417 N. Campbell Station Road. Presented by Knox County Master Gardener Stephanie Sayres and her husband, Tom. Free and open to the public.

Second annual Robert E. Lee Luncheon hosted by The Captain W. Y. C. Hannum Chapter #1881, United Daughters of the Confederacy, 11:30 a.m., Green Meadow Country Club in Alcoa. Visitors welcome. Info/ reservations: Charlotte Miller, 448-6716.

Children’s Story Time with Miss Caryn, 11 a.m., Union Avenue Books. 517 Union Ave. Info: 951-2180.

Spellman College Glee Club and Temple of Faith Liturgical Dance Ensemble performance, 7 p.m., Clayton Center for the Arts, 502 E. Lamar Alexander Parkway, Maryville. Part of Blount County’s Martin Luther King Jr. celebrations. Tickets: 981-8590.

SUNDAY, JAN. 19 MLK Week: A Night With the Arts featuring the Knoxville Symphony Chamber Orchestra, 6 p.m., Bijou Theatre, 803 S. Gay St. Info: www.mlkknoxville.com.

Shakespeare Out Loud: Richard II, 2 p.m., Lawson McGhee Library, 500 W. Church Ave. Info: 215-8750.

“Southern Jews and Slavery” presented by Dr. Stuart Rockoff, 7 p.m., Arnstein Jewish Community Center, 6800 Deane Hill Drive. Free and open to the public. Light refreshments. Hosted by The Knoxville Jewish Alliance (KJA) and the Clarence Brown Theatre in collaboration with the theatre’s production of “The Whipping Man,” a Civil war drama running Jan. 30-Feb. 16. Production tickets: 974-5161 or clarencebrowntheatre.com.

Longstreet-Zollicoffer Camp 87, Sons of Confederate Veterans, monthly business meeting, 2 p.m., East Tennessee Historical Society, 601 South Gay St. Presentation before the meeting: “Love War and Tragedy” by Adjutant John Hitt. The presentation is free and open to the public.

Vegan Supper Club meeting, 5 p.m., Knoxville First Seventh-day Adventist Church, 3611 Kingston Pike.

Includes plant-based meal, live food demonstrations and presentation: “Natural Alternatives to Addressing Cancer” by Walt Cross. Open to the public. No cost but suggested donation of $10 per person appreciated.

Registration deadline: Thursday, Jan. 16. Info/register: Kimberly Crider, 264-3894, or knoxvilleinstep.com.

Regal Classic Film Series featuring “Fast Times at Ridgemont High,” 2 p.m., Downtown West Cinema 8, 1640 Downtown West Blvd.

Book Signing and talk with Jack Neely, author of “Knoxville: Green by Nature,” 4 p.m., Union Avenue Books. 517 Union Ave. Info: 951-2180.

Piano-trumpet concert featuring pianist Ryan Fogg and trumpeter Glenda Cloutier, 5 p.m., American Piano Gallery Recital Hall, 11651 Parkside Drive. Free.

MONDAY, JAN. 20 MLK Week: annual parade, lineup 8:30 a.m., step-off 10 a.m. from YWCA Phyllis Wheatley Center, 124 S. Cruze St. Info: www.mlkknoxville.com.

MLK Week: Memorial Tribute Service, 11:45 a.m., Greater Warner Tabernacle AME Zion Church, 3800 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. Info/parade registration: www.mlkknoxville.com.

Tennessee Shines featuring Josh Oliver and poet Susan Underwood, 7 p.m., WDVX studio, Knoxville Visitor Center, 301 S. Gay St. Hosts: Bob Deck and Paige Travis. Broadcast on WDVX-FM, 89.9 Clinton, 102.9 Knoxville. Tickets: $10, at WDVX and www.

BrownPaperTickets.com. Info: www.WDVX.com.

TUESDAY, JAN. 21 PK Hope Is Alive Parkinson Support Group of East TN meeting, 11:30 a.m., Kern UMC family life center, 451 E. Tennessee Ave. in Oak Ridge. Program: “Circle of Care. Help is Around the Corner at Home and away from Home.” Light lunch provided by Amedisys Home Health Care and Covanant Health Hospice. Info: Karen Sampsell, 482-4867, or e-mail: pk_hopeisalive@ bellsouth.net.

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 22 Knoxville Writers’ Group meeting, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Naples Italian Restaurant, 5500 Kingston Pike.

Speaker: Knoxville New Sentinel columnist Leslie Snow – “The Writing Life.” All-inclusive lunch, $12. RSVP by Friday, Jan. 17: 983-3740.

Regal Classic Film Series featuring “Fast Times at Ridgemont High, 2 and 7 p.m.,” Downtown West Cinema 8, 1640 Downtown West Blvd.

Health care enrollment, 3-7 p.m., South Knoxville Community Center, 522-Maryville Pike.

THURSDAY, JAN. 23 Concerts at the Library: Jack Renfro and The Apocalypso Quartet, 6:30 p.m., Lawson McGhee Library, 500 W. Church Ave. Info: 215-8750.

THURSDAY-FRIDAY, JAN. 23-24 AARP Smart Driving class, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Community Room at Farragut Town Hall, 11408 Municipal Center Drive. Registration deadline: Tuesday, Jan. 21.

Info/to register: 966-7057.

FRIDAY, JAN. 24 Clyde Davenport & Friends concert, 8 p.m., Laurel Theater, 1538 Laurel Ave. Tickets: $12 (discount for JCA members, students and seniors); at www. knoxtix.com, 523-7521 and the door.

FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JAN. 24-25 Mandolin workshop, 7-9p.m. Friday and 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Saturday, MainStay Suites, 361 Fountain View Circle, Alcoa. Presented by guitarist Steve Kaufman. Fee: $90 per person. Preregistration required.

Info/registration: 982-3808 or email steve@flatpik.com.

SATURDAY, JAN. 25 Chris Jones and the Night Drivers in concert, 8 p.m., The Laurel Theater, corner of 16th and Laurel Ave. Tickets: http://www.knoxtix.com; 523-7521; at the door.

Info: 522-5851 or email concerts@jubileearts.org.

Saturday Stories and Songs: Baby guru Charlene Ellis, 11 a.m., Lawson McGhee Library, 500 W. Church Ave. Info: 215-8750.

Saturday Stories and Songs: Miss Lynn, 11 a.m., Cedar Bluff Branch Library, 9045 Cross Park Drive. Info: 470-7033.

Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson Dinner, hosted by The Longstreet-Zollicoffer Camp 87, Sons of Confederate Veterans, The Foundry on the World’s Fair site. Doors open 6 p.m.; dinner 7 p.m. Cost: $30 per person; $15 for children 12 and under. Reservations/ payment deadline: Wednesday, Jan. 22. Send payments to: Lee/Jackson Dinner, SCV Camp #87, P.O. Box 943, Knoxville, TN 37901. Info: Scott Hall, 428-9900; Brian Fox, 986-5259; John Hitt, 689-4592; Ron Jones, 9473394; or Earl Smith, 687-2732.

Turkish cooking demonstration, 2-4 p.m., The Atlantic Institute-Knoxville, 7035 Middlebrook Pike.

Fee: $ 20 per person. Info/register: knoxville@theatlanticinstitute.org.

Book signing and reading with Craig Dilworth author of “Too Smart for Our Own Good: The Ecological predicament of Humankind,” 2 p.m., Union Avenue Books. 517 Union Ave. Info: 951-2180.

SUNDAY, JAN. 26 Regal Classic Film Series featuring “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” 2 p.m., Downtown West Cinema 8, 1640 Downtown West Blvd.

MONDAY, JAN. 27 Muslim Journeys: Points of View – “Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood,” second of five scholar-facilitated reading and discussion program, 6-8 p.m., Cedar Bluff Branch Library, 9045 Cross Park Drive.

Tennessee Shines featuring Danny Schmidt and Carrie Elkin; poet RB Morris, 7 p.m., WDVX studio, Knoxville Visitor Center, 301 S. Gay St. Hosts: Bob Deck and Paige Travis. Broadcast on WDVX-FM, 89.9 Clinton, 102.9 Knoxville. Tickets: $10, at WDVX and www.

BrownPaperTickets.com. Info: www.WDVX.com.

TUESDAY, JAN. 28 Sports Illustrated Sportswriter and Commentator Frank Deford lecture, 630 p.m., King University’s Maclellan Hall dining room, in Bristol. Tickets: $30 per person or $200 per table of eight; available through Jan. 24. Proceeds to benefit Scholarships and Programs fund for King students. Info/tidckets: 423652-4864 or email jibrown@king.edu.

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 29 Regal Classic Film Series featuring “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” 2 and 7 p.m., Downtown West Cinema 8, 1640 Downtown West Blvd.