Shopper-News 120913

VOL. 1 NO. 17

IN THIS ISSUE

Opponent for Campfield

There’ll be no rest for Stacey Campfield this coming election season, even if he’s successful in fending off Dr. Richard Briggs in the Republican Primary.

The Shopper-News has learned that Fountain Citian Cheri Siler will be a candidate in the Democratic Primary for the 7th District state senatorial seat next year.

➤

Read Betty Bean on page 4

No thanks for Cindy McGinnis The Thanksgiving week firing of KAT general manager Cindy McGinnis, 57, has to rank high for tone deafness by the Rogero Administration. No matter what the $39,000 Gobis KAT study may have recommended, why pick Thanksgiving week as the time to give a high level employee the pink slip?

➤

Read Victor Ashe on page 4

Being Art Reynolds was never easy This is the time of the Tennessee football year for reflections. For obvious reasons, I choose to look back at the good, old days.

Like a typical fan, suddenly face to face with former Volunteer linebacker Art Reynolds, I asked the following questions, in proper order ...

➤

Read Marvin West on page 5

‘Big Ears’ big names for 2014 AC Entertainment last week announced the lineup for the 2014 Big Ears Festival, which takes place March 28-30. Since its debut in 2009, Big Ears has brought together musicians and artists from across generations and genres for performances and art experiences unlike any other.

➤

Read Betsy Pickle on page 3

Blast from the past My first thought when I entered Basement Records was how much fun Matt Adkisson, the new owner, must have with this massive collection of music. How could you have a bad day when every imaginable genre of music is at your disposal?

➤

Read Nancy Whittaker on page 7

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December 9, 2013

Biscuit Boss rallies downtown

By Betty Bean

They call him Biscuit Boss.

That’s not something John Craig could have predicted 9 years ago when he bought his first piece of downtown property – 29 Market Square, which then housed the Susan Key Galleries.

Craig was working for a hospital contract management firm and had some money to invest.

His boss recommended he try real estate, so he bought a West Knoxville four-plex. That worked out well, so he bought a fi xer-upper in West Hills, and that turned out OK, too. He made the jump to downtown when his friend, writer Jack Neely, alerted him to the old signs on the backs of some Market Square buildings, visible from the surface parking lot on Walnut Street. A sign on the back of 29 Market Square advertised Craig’s great-grandfather Frank Walker’s business, Walker’s Fine Furniture.

“I didn’t know he had a store on Market Square before he moved to Gay St,” Craig said. He’d heard that Key might be interested in

selling, and he approached her about it.

“She turned me down flat,” he said.

This was a time of turmoil on the old square – one set of developers suggested putting a glass dome over it; another wanted to make it a replica of Memphis’ Beale St. Eventually, Craig got wind that Key might be willing to sell, so he approached her again.

He was daunted by the price.

“She’d never wanted to sell, and was asking $350,000, which at that time was just unheardof high,” he said. “I offered her $290,000 and she politely turned me down. But I had already done what you’re not supposed to do – fall in love with the building. I went back the next day and shoved an envelope in front of her and told her I’d explain later – it was a full-price offer.”

He’d done some research and learned that Frank Walker, who was a big influence on his life when he was a child, actually built 29 Market Square in 1920, and some

years later moved his business to what’s now known as the J.C. Penney building on Gay St. He told Key the whole story at the closing, and he remembers exactly what she said: “Well, then, you should have it.”

It wasn’t long before Craig

John Craig ditched his day job and started a downtown real estate development business, which evolved into Segundo Properties, which holds ownership interests in several buildings, some with partners, To page 3

Rediscover King Tut

By Betsy Pickle In this season of giving, Seham Girgis is grateful to receive the gift of health.

The proprietor and chef of King Tut Grill, 4132 Martin Mill Pike, has been limping along – literally and figuratively – for quite some time. It was about three years ago that her knees began to cause her crippling pain. Shortly afterward, the closing of the Henley Bridge for repairs cut her business – like so many in South Knoxville – drastically.

She has been hanging on through sheer grit, and her perseverance is starting to pay off.

On Oct. 2, after delaying as long as she could, she had surgery on her right knee, followed by 14 days of rehab. She was back at work 21 days after the surgery.

By that time, the bridge had partially reopened, prompting some of her north-of-the-river customers to rediscover King Tut. “I’m so, so glad to have done it,” she says of the surgery. “There’s so much difference, even if I still

lot of parties around that time of the year,” she says. “But because of my insurance and the deductible, I have to have that surgery before the end of the year.”

On the bright side, she’ll be able to start fresh in the new year.

“I’m looking forward to having the ability and the energy to do more than I have in the past three years,” she says.

Egyptian-born Girgis has been on her feet in the kitchen at King Tut for 21 years, when she and her now-estranged husband, Mo, bought the former Dot’s Grill.

Her spouse became the face of the small restaurant, charming the customers with his chess challenges and dramatic food presentations.

“He was always charismatic, and that’s what people got accustomed to, and he loved that, and it was great,” says daughter Christina Girgis, a UT student who is her mother’s assistant and server when she’s not in class. “It’s still a Christina and Seham Girgis brighten up King Tut Grill. fun restaurant. You can mold it to what you want it to be.” have some pain. That was expect- her left knee this Wednesday, The disco lights and karaoke ed. They said it would take up to which means the restaurant will machine continue to liven up the six months.” be closed until after the first of the place on weekends.

She’s somewhat worried about year.

“It’s still the same thing,” says being gone for another three “I would not have closed durweeks. She’s having surgery on ing the holidays because we get a To page 3

New dog park downtown

By Ruth White The Wood family of South Knoxville has given the city of Knoxville four acres of land to provide a new location for the KPD’s K-9 kennel as well as property for a public dog park.

“We have one of the finest K-9 units in the nation and my dad (the late Pat Wood) always taught his children to be good stewards of what we had. This land will help house and train the K-9 unit,” said Kim Wood McClamroch. She attended with her son, Michael, and her sister and brother-in-law, Debbie and Robert Hyde.

Mayor Madeline Rogero accepted the gift during a press event with KPD chief David Rausch and Legacy Parks Foundation director

Carol Evans.

The property is across from the Public Safety Building on Howard Baker Jr. Avenue. The park, accessible to the public, will be adjacent to the kennel, but the two facilities will be separate. The kennel will feature a training area, exercise area and administration building.

Its proximity to the Safety Building makes it handier than the current location on Prosser Road.

The wooded lot will provide a unique urban dog park with shade, mature trees and agility equipment.

The property is being donated to Legacy Parks Foundation, which will work with the city to of nearly 100 acres off Sevierville develop both projects. This dona- Pike in August as part of the Urtion follows the Wood family’s gift ban Wilderness Corridor.

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2 • DECEMBER 9, 2013 • Shopper news

health & lifestyles

Greenback woman finds the right treatment at Fort Sanders Regional What do you do when every bite of food causes pain in your abdomen? For years, Edna Moles of Greenback, 69, endured pain after eating.

“I had severe stomach pain for years, but it continually got worse. Any time I ate or drank I had stomach pain,” she said.

After several tests by her primary doctor and a gastroenterologist, Moles was diagnosed with mesenteric (or intestinal) artery disease. This occurs when the blood vessels (arteries) to the intestines become severely narrowed, or even blocked.

The symptoms include painful abdominal cramps after eating, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Patients may also have unintended weight loss as the lack of adequate blood flow inhibits the intestine’s ability to absorb and digest food. This leads to progressive malnutrition and starvation. A lifethreatening situation develops if the blood flow becomes so restricted that the intestines can no longer survive.

Atherosclerosis (hardening and narrowing of arteries) of the intestinal arteries develops from the same risk factors as coronary (heart) and peripheral arterial disease (PAD), but it is much less common (1 out of 100,000 persons/year). Patients share the same risk factors – smoking, hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol and family history of arterial disease.

“I’ve never been heavy, but I was losing weight. You know you get concerned when things like that start happening. But I had gotten to the point where every-

thing I ate caused me to hurt,” said Moles.

“I was living on yogurt because it didn’t hurt my stomach.”

In Moles’ case, blood flow had also been severely restricted to her liver and small and large intestines. She was referred to Dr. Richard Young, a vascular surgeon at Fort Sanders Regional

When ‘Plop Plop Fizz Fizz’ isn’t enough

Everyone has occasional heartburn, bloating, diarrhea or constipation. But when those symptoms persist, they may be signs of significant digestive disease. Digestive diseases affect an estimated 70 million people in the United States each year, according to the National Institutes of Health.

Two digestive diseases that are common in the United States are colon cancer and GERD, gastroesophageal reflux disease.

“These two are among the most important to screen patients for,” says Fort Sanders gastroenterologist Dr. Muhammed Iqbal.

Medical Center.

“Dr. Young assured me he knew what to do, and he even drew me a picture,” Moles said.

“He said, ‘You’re facing a very serious surgery and it’s a long recovery, but we can do it.’ He saved my life.”

In September 2013, Dr. Young performed mesenteric arterial bypass surgery on Moles at Fort Sanders.

“It’s not a commonly performed vascular bypass operation as stents are now treating the majority of mesenteric arterial problems,” Dr. Young said.

“Typically, we may only perform two or three of these bypass operations per year, and sometimes a vascular surgeon can go a whole year without performing one.

Endovascular therapies (angioplasty/ stents) are often the first-line of therapy we offer for treatment of symptomatic mesenteric arterial disease; however, some patients have such extensive disease that a stent is not an option.”

Using a synthetic artery, Dr. Young bypassed Mrs. Moles’ blocked mesenteric arteries, creating new routes of blood flow to the intestines, stomach, liver and spleen.

“The principles are the same.

It’s a blockage and we’re going around it,” explained Dr. Young.

“For severe disease involving multiple arteries, surgery, as opposed to stent/angioplasty, remains the best therapy.”

A stent is a small metallic mesh tube inserted into a narrowed or blocked artery to prop it open. A stent is less invasive since it does not require an incision to expose the artery, as is required with a bypass.

“A stent in a leg or coronary artery behaves differently than a stent in a mesenteric artery,” Dr. Young said. “Unfortunately,

Dr. Richard Young

recommend a stent or bypass,” Dr. Young further explained.

“I never had to go to Fort Sanders as a patient before, but I was really impressed with the care and the concern they showed toward the patient,” Moles said.

“They regard you as family, and I loved it.”

Moles spent about a week in the hospital, but today she is home and recovering quickly. She walks regularly and is enjoying two newborn greata stent placed in a mesenteric grandchildren. “They’re beautiartery will typically re-stenose or ful, identical twin girls,” she said.

“I still have some pain from narrow within one to two years and requires repeat stenting/an- the surgery,” said Moles. “But it’s not pain from eating, and it’s getgioplasty.

“Occasionally, surgical bypass ting better as time goes on. And I is required, and, although it is a can definitely tell a difference in big operation to go through, the my digestion.

“Dr. Young, he’s great. It’s bypass is much more durable than stents and can treat more good to have somebody like him severe disease. We tailor the for people who are going to need treatment based on the patient’s him,” Moles said. “Thanks to the arterial anatomy and overall good Lord and Dr. Young, I’m health to determine whether we still here.”

I never had to go to Fort Sanders as a patient before, but I was really impressed with the care and the concern they showed toward the patient. They regard you as family, and I loved it.

– Edna Moles

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Shopper news • DECEMBER 9, 2013 • 3

Seniors greet season The South Knoxville Senior Center’s annual holiday craft sale brought out the gift-buying spirit last week.

Betsy Pickle

A variety of handmade items filled tables in the lobby and drew window shoppers and serious buyers alike.

B.J. Hitchcock, the center’s crafts coordinator, said they started planning for the sale in June, which is when most of the participants began creating their offerings.

For at least one center regular, working on the sale items was therapy. Not only was Charolette Franklin able to keep busy while recuperating from foot surgery, but she also gave her hands a needed workout.

“I crochet to keep my hands moving,” she said.

■

New Year’s Eve at Candoro Marble

The Chef’s Challenge for the New Year’s Eve dinner at Candoro Marble has been won – by Holly Hambright of Holly’s Eventful Dining in Bearden and Holly’s Corner in Old North Knoxville.

Now all that remains is for folks to hurry and buy their tickets for this 1920s-

themed evening marking the 90th anniversary of the Candoro Marble Building, once home to the largest producer of pink marble in the United States.

Music will be provided by swing band Devan Jones & the Uptown Stomp. South Knoxvillian April Burt, whose “Three Parties in Three Days” was featured in Southern Living, is designing the décor.

Hors d’oeuvres and drinks start at 7 p.m. Dinner begins at 8 p.m. Tickets are $100 and may be purchased at candoromarble. org or by check to Candoro Arts & Heritage Center, P.O. Box 9437, Knoxville, TN 37940.

All proceeds go to the restoration and maintenance of the Candoro Marble Building, 4455 Candora Ave. ■

Big Ears’ big names for 2014

AC Entertainment last week announced the lineup for the 2014 Big Ears Festival, which takes place March 28-30. Since its debut in 2009, Big Ears has brought together musicians and artists from across generations and genres for performances and art experiences unlike any other.

The 2014 version will feature minimalist pioneer and Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Steve Reich, whose 1976 masterpiece “Music for 18 Musicians” will be performed by Ensemble Signal.

Another Reich work, “Radio

Rewrite,” inspired by two songs by Radiohead, also will be presented by Ensemble Signal.

Radiohead guitarist Jonny Greenwood, a multiinstrumentalist and composer in his own right (he’s done scores for such films as “There Will Be Blood,” “We Need To Talk About Kevin” and “The Master”), will perform Reich’s “Electric Counterpoint,” and So Percussion will perform his 1971 classic “Drumming.”

More highlights include John Cale, who cofounded the Velvet Underground with the late Lou Reed, New York rock legends Television and guitarist Marc Ribot.

Other acts include Nazoranai (Haino, O’Malley, Ambarchi), Tim Hecker, Vladislav Delay, Oneohtrix Point Never, Julia Holter, Dean & Britta: 13 Most Beautiful: Songs for Andy Warhol’s Screen Tests, Colin Stetson, Dean Ware- Charolette Franklin is all warm and ham, Dawn of Midi, Vatican fuzzy with her crocheted hats and Shadow, Glenn Kotche, Su- scarves. sanna, Laraaji, Son Lux, Nils Frahm, Bill Orcutt and Mark McGuire. More performers will be announced later.

The Bijou and Tennessee theaters will be the primary venues, but events will take place all over downtown.

Passes for the weekend are on sale now at www.bigearsfestival.com and Knoxville Tickets outlets, including the Disc Exchange. Each pass is $150 plus service charges.

Ruth Thomas shows off her handmade jewelry and her granddaughter, Moira.

B.J. Hitchcock strikes gold with gourds and baskets, some decorated with penguins, at the South Knoxville Senior Center holiday craft sale. Photos by Betsy Pickle

Catering Available!

Birthdays, Graduations, Special Events Jonny Greenwood of Radiohead will perform at the 2014 Big Ears Festival in downtown Knoxville.

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Biscuit boss

From page 1

Zoo offers Penguin Discount Days

some without.

The International Biscuit Festival was the product of a brainstorming session aimed at finding a spring event to bring in tourists. Robin Hamilton, formerly with the Sports Corporation, had suggested a biscuit festival back when White Lily Flour was still in business, and Craig revived the idea after getting what he calls “the Holy Trinity” of local food – Blackberry Farm, Benton’s Smoky Mountain Country Hams and Cruze Farm – interested in participating.

Soon there was a host of events – a bake-off, a Miss Biscuit pageant and finally a Southern Food Writing Conference – thanks to a connection with the Southern Foodways Alliance. Now the International Biscuit Festival is headed into its 5th year, with Craig at the helm.

“The whole purpose is getting people in from outside the area to come here to celebrate the biscuit and introducing them to Knoxville,” Craig said. “I’ve gotten so much from Knoxville, and this is a chance to repay that.”

Take a trip to the zoo for half-price during Penguin Discount Days. From now until Feb. 28, admission to the zoo is discounted 50 percent. Winter is a great time to visit the zoo since many of the zoo’s animals enjoy the cooler weather.

Also, there are plenty of indoor viewing areas to see all the favorite elephants, penguins, reptiles, chimpanzees and bears. Info: www.knoxville-zoo.org or 637-5331.

King Tut

Burlington Branch Library, 4614 Asheville Highway. Info: 525-5431.

From page 1

Seham Girgis, who opens the restaurant at noon every day and closes around 9 (serving till 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays). “People come in in groups. They celebrate birthdays and anniversaries or just get together.”

The only difference is that now it’s a mom-and-daughter instead of a mom-and-pop operation. Their specialties – the Greek salad and Egyptian sampler – are just as popular as ever.

Girgis is grateful for another gift – a big one. She couldn’t afford her insurance deductible in order to have her first surgery, so her church, St. Mary’s Coptic Church, gave her a check to help out.

“It’s considered helping one of the family members,” she says.

Delivering more … reaching homes in your neighborhood www.shoppernewsnow.com • 922-4136

LIBRARY EVENTS ■ Monday, Dec. 9, 5:30 p.m.

– Family Movie Night: “Monsters University.”

Carter Branch Library, 9036 Asheville Highway. Info: 933-5438.

■ Monday, Dec. 9, 4 p.m. – Merry, Merry at the Library with Santa Claus.

Mascot Branch Library, 1927 Library Road.

Info: 933-2620.

■ Wednesday, Dec. 11, 4 p.m.

– Merry, Merry at the Library with Santa Claus.

North Knoxville Branch Library, 2901 Ocoee Trail. Info: 5257036.

■ Wednesday, Dec. 18, 11 a.m.

– Chanukah Story time and crafts with Laurie Fisher.

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government

4 • DECEMBER 9, 2013 • Shopper news

No thanks for McGinnis The Thanksgiving week firing of KAT general manager Cindy McGinnis, 57, has to rank high for tone deafness by the Rogero Administration. No matter what the $39,000 Gobis KAT study may have recommended, why pick Thanksgiving week as the time to give a high level

Victor Ashe

employee the pink slip?

This all occurred due to the cancellation of the KAT contract with Veolia on Nov. 30 (the day after Thanksgiving). McGinnis had just eight days’ notice.

She was not even given a farewell reception or personal note by anyone for seven years of service.

Mayor Rogero informed her in the hallway of O’Connor Senior Center on Nov. 20 that the contract would be ended. According to McGinnis, the mayor said, “You know we have had our differences.”

That’s an unprofessional way to treat a professional 7-year employee with whom there was a disagreement.

McGinnis lives with her husband on Tobler Lane near West High School.

While Rogero issued a statement praising McGinnis, that glosses over the reality of the Rogero-McGinnis disputes over federal grants which go back to the summer. The mayor has the right not to renew the contract, but the delivery was poor.

Basically, the Gobis report recommends abolishing the KAT board, letting city council set the bus fares and routes and the city directly handle union negotiations. City council should think twice before taking over bus routes and fares. Unions will have a bigger voice in setting salaries if they can discuss these issues directly with a mayoral appointee. Gobis never interviewed a KAT board member including the chair and vice chair in its so-called study, yet they claim they did.

Melissa Roberson who is the interim replacement for McGinnis will be paid

$91,000 a year. McGinnis declined to disclose her salary.

■ Mike Cherry: Another longtime city employee is leaving a critical position. He is Mike Cherry, 65, executive director of the Knoxville city pension board. He completes 16 years this year and a retirement reception is being held for him 2-4 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 12, at the Pension Board office, 917 East Fifth Avenue. Public is invited.

Cherry lives in Grainger County on a farm and has not decided on his retirement plans. I was chair of the pension board when he was hired and believe his service for four mayors in these 16 years was exemplary and critical during challenging times.

He is proud of having developed an annual statement to each current employee on the pension plan.

Currently there are roughly 2,000 persons drawing a city pension. Half of those are former city teachers. He was paid $110,000 annually when he retires, and his successor, Kristi Paczkowski, makes the same salary.

Paczkowski, 44, lives with her two twin sons in West Knox County off Northshore Drive. A graduate of Carson-Newman University in 1991, she formerly worked at Pugh and Co. She also worked on several audits of the pension board.

She is the first woman to hold this position.

■ Fort Kid: It looks like the effort to save Fort Kid from demolition has succeeded with Mayor Rogero and civic activist Beth Waters meeting at Fort Kid along with Joe Walsh, Christi Branscom and Alexander Waters (attorney son of Beth).

Rogero asked Waters to present plans on using the $65,000 trust fund she manages for Fort Kid to rehab the site and structure. Waters will do this and it seems like Fort Kid will continue for another 20 years providing a playground for young children.

Common sense prevailed and kudos to the mayor for seeing this. Fort Kid was built in 1991 over five days with hundreds of community volunteers including 12,000 pennies raised by school children.

GOV NOTES ■ Knox County Democratic Women’s Club will meet 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 10, at Shoney’s on Western Avenue. New members are welcome. Info: 742-8234.

Cheri Siler and family: Carsten, a Junior Navy ROTC student at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University; Tyler, a freshman business major at UT; Zachary, a senior at Central High School who wrestles and plays soccer; Kayley, a 7th-grader at Gresham Middle School who plays basketball and piano; Stanley and Cheri Siler; Ryan, 18, a freshman at UT in mathematics education; Jacob, a freshman at L&N Stem Academy and a competitive diver with UT’s Junior Olympic team. Photo submitted

Campfield draws Democratic opponent There’ll be no rest for Stacey Campfield this coming election season, even if he’s successful in fending off Dr. Richard Briggs in the Republican Primary.

The Shopper-News has learned that Fountain Citian Cheri Siler will be a candidate in the Democratic Primary for the 7th District state senatorial seat next year.

A respected teacher who is now a high school mathematics instructional coach at Carter, South-Doyle and the L&N STEM Academy, Siler describes herself as “a mom first,” which is not surprising, considering that she and her husband Stanley (owner of Volunteer Paving) are parents of six children ranging from 20 to 12.

Her reason for running is classic Americana:

Betty Bean “I am very interested in education issues, and have been extremely disappointed in our representation at the state level from Stacey Campfield. I’ve complained about it, and kept asking, ‘How does he get re-elected?’ I’ve decided that if I’m going to complain, I need to do something about it.”

Siler’s parents, Larry and Donna Edwards, owned the Edwards Restaurants in Halls and West Knoxville.

Officially a 1989 graduate of West High School, she spent the ’88-89 school year at the University of Tennessee as a freshman. She was 16 when she entered college

under an early admissions program for gifted students.

She majored in business administration and graduated in 1991, married later that year and moved to Georgia, where she took a job as an accounts payable clerk. The marriage lasted 5 years and produced four children. After her divorce, she returned to Knoxville and remarried the following year.

She returned to UT to study for a master’s degree in mathematics education and eventually took a temporary job at Central High School, working under principal Jon Miller, who offered her a permanent position at the end of the year.

She stayed at Central for 10 years until she was hired as a “numeracy coach,” working with teachers on instructional strategy and

professional development.

“When I was in high school, I wanted to be a math teacher, but lots of people said to me, ‘You’ll never make any money as a teacher. Don’t do it,’” she said.

When she decided to do more, she reached out to state Rep. Gloria Johnson, then a colleague at Central, and asked what she’d need to do to run for state senate.

Johnson was enthusiastic and helpful, and Siler says she’s ready for what’s ahead.

“I’m not afraid of hard work. I am for writing reasonable laws that are in the best interests of the children and teachers in our community.”

She expects to appoint a treasurer and have a website soon.

The school board’s big vote School board members don’t get paid enough to endure all of this drama.

The board’s vote tonight (Dec. 9) surely weighs heavily on each member.

On one hand, Dr. Jim McIntyre expects his contract to be extended for a year (until 2017). After all, the county’s test scores were higher than ever. Things are going great. Right?

Ahhh. There’s the rub.

Depends on who’s talking.

Teachers are stressed, most are angry, others feel defeated. All feel disrespected as professionals.

There are more than 3,000 teachers and they’ve all got families.

Principals can’t feel that solid. When your school earns reward status one year and you’re busted back to assistant principal the next, that can’t make for job security.

Parents are beginning to speak out about excessive testing, particularly for really young kids. Parents might be even more

Sandra Clark

alarmed if the Internet rumors about the Tripod test are accurate. “How many adults live in your house?”

Really? “Do you speak English at home?” Really?

The school board signaled Dr. McIntyre that it didn’t want the Tripod test used as a component of the teachers’ evaluation. OK, but he administered the test anyway, and it cost the district $100,000.

On Sept. 22, I wrote to board members Karen Carson and Indya Kincannon, criticizing McIntyre’s personnel practices, specifically the churning of principals and even whole school faculties, such as at Vine. “(Dr. McIntyre’s) explanations are not satisfactory.

I realize he’s limited in what

he can say about personnel, but I believe each school community should have input and buy-in on the chief administrative officer at its school.

“School staff should be treated with respect and not as interchangeable pieces of some cosmic puzzle.

“I support remediation for and removal of teachers who can’t or won’t pick up the pace.

“But we’re way too invested in testing ... Jim sees a community unhappy with KCS and expecting a remarkable surge in test scores. That’s just not true.

“Most folks are happy with the system, support their local school and want their kids safe, respected and challenged.”

I wrote this privately to Indya and Karen in September, before teachers started speaking at school board meetings, before the six Insight Sessions sponsored by Knox County Schools.

The anger/frustration expressed in each of those In-

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sight Sessions was remarkable. The anger/frustration from teachers, students and parents at the November and December school board meetings was huge.

Knox County needs a cooling off period so everyone can relax. Dr. McIntyre has pushed too hard, too fast. Things are not going well in Knox County Schools.

That’s why the board needs to give Dr. McIntyre a year to fi x things. His contract already runs until 2016. There’s no need to extend it for another year.

Who else has that sort of job security? Well, maybe football coaches.

Let’s give Jim McIntyre a chance to get it right. There’s plenty of time for a contract extension next year.

But if the school board extends his contract for another year today, they will signal their belief that things are going great with Knox County Schools.

And that’s a reflection on each board member’s ability to listen and understand.

Shopper news • DECEMBER 9, 2013 • 5

Being Art Reynolds was never easy When have you talked This is the time of the Tennessee football year for with Jack?

How is Garrett getting reflections. For obvious reasons, I choose to look back along?

That kept the conversaat the good, old days. tion going but there was a spare in the bank: What do you remember about the long-long run?

At the risk of alienating Marvin more than one ol’ Vol, I’m West going to say Art Reynolds was an overachiever, 197173. He is not listed among the all-time greats. He did Like a typical fan, sud- not have all-American abilidenly face to face with for- ty but he had fierce determimer Volunteer linebacker nation, a tireless work ethic Art Reynolds, I asked the and he played with the heart following questions, in of a champion. proper order: It wasn’t easy being the How’s business? little brother of Jack Reyn-

olds. It took courage to follow him down I-75 from Cincinnati. Jack was already famous. Art? Not so much.

Jack earned that terrific nickname, Hacksaw. He was very successful in the NFL. He was and is aloof at best and may be a hermit. He has homes in the Bahamas and Florida.

Art was a good player at UT. He served time in the now-defunct World Football League for the New York Stars and Charlotte Hornets. He chose Knoxville as home and went into the heating and cooling business with classmate Steve Chancey in 1978.

In answer to my first question, the business is good but the partnership has ended. Art has retired.

In answer to question 2, Art can’t recall when he last talked with Jack.

Once upon a time, Art told a Jack story which still sums up his thoughts.

“Nothing ever changes with Jack. When our parents visited the islands years ago, the Jeep was broken, the boat wouldn’t start and the motorcycle had a flat tire.

“Jack is always fi xing things but he can’t find used parts and when he does, they cost too much.”

Answer 3: Son Garrett

Reynolds, 6-7 and 310, is in his fifth season as an offensive guard for the Atlanta Falcons. He was in the news not long ago. Carter High School retired his number.

Garrett is the only former Green Hornet in the NFL. Art remains calm but does blink when he thinks what else might have been.

Tennessee, then as now, had a giant recruiting budget and was chasing all over the country searching for talent. Garrett Reynolds was 11 miles away. We know he was big enough. He was an excellent student, good citizen, quality person. Maybe he lacked quickness. UT did not offer a scholarship.

Garrett settled for the North Carolina Tar Heels.

He made all-ACC. He was drafted in the fifth round.

He remains a good citizen.

By my standards, he is rich.

Art just smiles at the memory of “Art’s long run,” 96 yards with an interception against Memphis State in 1972, second longest pick six in school history.

Yes, he says, it took a “long” time to run from point A to point B. Nobody ever accused Art of being a speedster.

Determined? Tenacious?

Leather tough? Yes, yes and yes. Good guy, good craftsman, used to be good at installing ductwork and Rheem products, good dad, Vol for life.

Nice to see you, Art. Marvin West invites reader reaction. His address is westwest6@netzero.com.

Remembering Bill Walkup William Childress “Bill” Walkup passed away 30 years ago this month. It seems like only a short time ago that I received a GI loan to buy a first home financed by his institution, then known as Home Federal Savings and Loan.

Walkup was born Aug. 5, 1903, the son of the Rev. William J. and Anna Duncan Walkup, in Lawrenceburg, Tenn. Bill attended the Duncan Preparatory School for Boys in Na s h v i l l e , founded by his mother’s brother, Dr. Marvin T. Duncan.

Bill Walkup He then attended Emory University in Atlanta for a year before transferring to Vanderbilt, where he majored in Greek with a minor in Latin.

He graduated in 1923 and went to work for a Nashville lumber company but soon transferred to Asheville to work for the Central Bank and Trust. After a stint with Franklin Guarantee Co. in Johnson City, he became an examiner for the Tennessee Department of Insurance and Banking. He came to Knoxville to liquidate the old East Tennessee Building and Loan Association,

Jim Tumblin

which had failed in the Great Depression.

Walkup joined Home Federal in 1938 as secretary but became president in 1941 with the death of its longtime president, Joseph P. Gaut. The bank’s total resources were $800,000 when he arrived and, at the time of his death, had grown to 15 branches, 240 employees and assets of more than $660 million.

He became a national officer in the U.S. Savings and Loan League. In addition he served in many local civic and religious causes: chair of the 100-member speaker’s bureau of the Knoxville District Laymen’s Association of the Methodist Church, chair of the Knox County Heart Sunday, chair of the Knox County Chapter of the American Red Cross and director of the Boys’ Club.

He rarely missed a meeting of the Kiwanis Club and served as its president and as district governor.

Walkup was a longtime member of the Board of Stewards of Central United

Methodist Church, a frequent board chair, chair of the church finance committee and a Sunday school teacher. He was proud that his firm financed more than 100 church buildings in the Knox area and beyond.

Many will remember “Bill Walkup Writes,” the Knoxville Journal columns, more than 1,300 of them, which appeared each Saturday from 1957 to 1983.

They ranged from seasonal weather reports and predictions to the importance of education to the rewards of thrift, and often discussed how to “make someone happy.”

Home Federal printed 10,000 copies of the book “The Best of Bill Walkup” (100 of his best columns) in his memory in 1986.

Proceeds from the sale of the book went to his favorite charities, the Milk Fund and the Empty Stocking Fund. One year each of the two funds netted $12,500 from those sales.

On Dec. 23, 1972, his column titled, “Christmas Remembrances,” summarized his philosophy of giving back to his family, friends and community: “‘I’ll be home for Christmas’ is a line that tugs at the chords of the heart. I remember when our children were off in school that

I could hardly wait for their arrival for the holidays. All over the world, mothers and fathers look with keen anticipation to the arrival of their children and grandchildren.

“In life’s scramble, families are scattered hither and yon; and for a few precious days they come together for a short, short season of happiness.

“Christmas is not just a season for the young – it is for all ages. It is a time for joy. But when one is away from home and loved ones, the joy of the throng rushing by increases their sadness.

“Christmas is more than mistletoe, holly and candles. It is a time of giving and sharing. ‘He gave his only begotten.’ Christmas is His son’s birthday. There is one sure way to have a Happy Christmas. That way is to cause or to help someone else to have a Happy Christmas. That involves giving, not receiving – no, not even exchanging presents. But without any thought of re-

Ridgefield (Built circa 1924). From the veranda of the Walkup’s home on Black Oak Ridge, the unforgettable view included Fountain City, Greenway Gap and Mt. LeConte. Nannie Lee Hicks Collection

turn. In so many instances, what is needed money cannot buy. It is being remembered that counts. …

“Some act of kindness, some token that you have not forgotten may draw aside the heavy, dark curtains of gloom and flood Christmas with sunshine for an elderly person, a bereaved wife or a mother. In our pleasant parties may we not forget someone who wants to be remembered with only a little love or attention.”

William C. Walkup passed away Dec. 21, 1983, at Ridgefield, his beloved home on Black Oak Ridge,

the former home of Charles J. McClung (1866-1932).

He was predeceased by his wife, the former Ann Crowell, in 1978, and his son, William James, in 1982; and survived by his two daughters, Charlotte Fuller and Myra Coleman, and three grandchildren. After services at Rose Mortuary, he was interred in Highland Memorial Cemetery.

Bill Walkup will be remembered for his expertise in business based on fair dealing and honesty, his keen sense of humor, his exemplary philosophy of life, and his service to his church and his community.

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A fallen, broken world And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, to give knowledge of salvation to his people by the forgiveness of their sins. By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.

(Luke 1: 76-79 NRSV) We decorated our Christmas tree the other day. That is always an emotional experience for me.

It is fun – creative, exciting, anticipatory. It is also hard – physically, emotionally, artistically.

I don’t subscribe to the notion of “theme” Christmas trees. I have collected ornaments over the years.

Some of them have been given to me by dear friends, while others were made by my daughters when they were in grade school.

When I was a recent college graduate, working in my first job, the budget was especially limited. I bought a few red satin Christmas balls, stuck tiny pins through pearl beads and hung those on the tree. It looked a little like Charlie Brown’s Christmas tree.

In other words, sad. So, I strung popcorn and cranberries and hung them in swags around the tree. That helped some. Then I bought some red felt ribbon and tied bows on the branches.

Every year since then, those pearled red satin balls and the red felt bows have been on my tree. I do that as

Cross Currents

Lynn Pitts

a reminder of the lean years and as a celebration of the comfort and security of my life now.

Through the years, however, friends far and wide have given me ornaments, things of beauty and meaning. So, when I hang my ornaments, it is like spending a few moments with those old friends.

One of the ornaments, given to me by a choir member many years ago, was a glass ball, hand-painted on the inside (imagine!) as the planet earth: blue swirling oceans and accurately portrayed continents. Part of its charm was its delicacy.

You may have noticed I am speaking of it in the past tense. That is because I dropped it.

It broke into three pieces.

I was horrified, but I laid it aside and finished decorating

the tree. Lewis assured me he could glue it back together.

It has been lying on my desk awaiting its resurrection.

But with the perspective of the passage of a few days, I am considering just hanging the largest piece on the tree. It was my pastor in my first church job who taught me a great life rule: “When the cookie crumbles, pick up the biggest piece and enjoy it.”

After all, the brokenness of the world is the whole reason we celebrate Christmas. God (who had been down this road before, in the Garden of Eden) saw a fallen, broken world, and decided to do something to about it. Prophets had been ignored, ridiculed and murdered. God decided to send us the gift of His son, not as a conquering hero, but as a tiny babe. A baby who would put this fallen, broken world back together.

It is a work in progress, and we are called to be coconspirators in this project.

So I suggest that you hang a broken ornament on your tree this year, as a reminder that we have work to do: hurts to heal, wrongs to right and love to give.

Have a new look for the holidays!

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Whittle Springs Middle School language arts intervention teacher Sonya Kyle works with a student during the school’s after school academy. Photo by Ruth White

6 • DECEMBER 9, 2013 • Shopper news

Woods is teaching innovator

Rural/Metro Fire Department Lt. Brian Woods, far right, poses with his first class of South-Doyle High School seniors who graduated in May from the innovative program that integrates firefighter training into the curriculum. From left are (front) Chandler King, James Hurst, Corey Bunch; (back) Rural/Metro Fire Department Lt. Ryan McNamara, Chase Sutton, Jeremy Martin, Justin Johnson and Woods. Photo by Betsy Pickle

South-Doyle program is first in the nation

By Betsy Pickle

Doyle. The one-year Career and Technical Education course is the first of its kind in the country.

While brainstorming ways to recruit firefighters other than word of mouth and advertising, Woods came up with the academy concept.

“I put it together, figured out what it would take and sold it to the chief,” says Woods. “We took it to Tim Berry, who had been principal at South-Doyle for four or five weeks. He said, ‘Hey, that sounds great. Let us run it up the flagpole.’

“We had several meetings that were filled with education terms and words that made me feel like I was really lost. County CTE director Don Lawson, whose son used to be a reserve firefighter with us, was able to translate what we do into what the school needs and

Brian Woods took a recruiting challenge and turned it into a life-changing experience for SouthFulton High football player Daryl Rollins-Davis was named Doyle High School students.

Woods, a lieutenant with Mr. Football AA back in Murfreesboro last week. Rollins-Davis Rural/Metis the first Falcon to win the state title. Also nominated were ro Fire Deteammates Xavier Hawkins (back) and Akeem Cooperwood par tment, (line). Pictured from left are Hawkins, coach Rob Black, Rollinshas 20 years Davis and Cooperwood. Photo submitted of experience as a firefighting professional. This fall, the InsurBrian Woods ance Professionals of Greater Knoxville named him Firefighter of “It has really paid off,” the Year for the Knoxville There are a lot of things happening inside the walls said Balent. “We have seen area because of his work in of Whittle Springs Middle students grow a lot during creating Rural/Metro’s Fire School and some occur after this time.” Sonya Kyle loves Cadet Academy at Southschool hours. being part of the program.

“Not only are the students receiving help with their work and being enriched, but I am enriched too.”

Ruth The school provides stuWhite dent transportation to six The sounds of Hoagy Dressed in a burgundy centralized locations to as- Carmichael’s “Stardust” – sport coat and a red tie, sist parents in the evenings. my favorite song – came Booker worked two turntawafting from the audito- bles and served as MC. ■ Rollins-Davis rium at the Beck Cultural “I’ve heard CDs in night Teacher Carrie Balent named Mr. Football Exchange Center on a rainy clubs, but I’ve never played has been part of the After one. I just keep my records Daryl Rollins-Davis of afternoon.

School Academy – a free tuin their jackets.” toring and enrichment pro- Fulton High School was Before he plays them, he gram – for three of the five named Mr. Football, the cleans the vinyl with 70 perbest player in the state in his years the program has been cent isopropyl alcohol. division. in place.

“You see people blow Fulton coach Rob Black A former principal noJake (dust off) records. That’s the brought three players to the ticed that a large number of Mabe worst thing you can do.” students were failing at least recent Mr. Football banquet Brenda Newman of one subject and wanted to held in Murfreesboro. All Heiskell read Booker’s help them succeed. The pro- were nominated for their newspaper column and said gram has been a success as position: Xavier Hawkins It was played as it was she came to hear the muthe number of failing grades and Rollins-Davis, AA back; meant to be heard, on clas- sic. She was hoping Booker has dropped over the years. and Akeem Cooperwood, sic RCA vinyl, as part of would play Percy Sledge’s Every Monday and AA lineman.

Robert Booker’s Vintage “When A Man Loves A Players are nominated by Wednesday, an average of Music Listening Party.

Woman.” Rebecca Davidson 70 students head to the caf- coaches and media personBooker read an article of Fountain City said she eteria for a quick snack be- nel, and the winner is se- about Piqua, Ohio, the home was interested in the Beck fore reporting to classrooms lected by a panel of sports- of the original Mills Broth- Center and is a fan of anywith teachers who are ready writers from the top three in ers and decided to invite a thing by Ella Fitzgerald. to help. During the academy both categories. few friends over to listen Bob played The Platters’ “This is huge for Fulton,” students receive three hours to records. That’s what you “Smoke Gets In Your Eyes,” of tutoring per week and the said Black. “Daryl really used to do, you see, back be- and suddenly I was at the teachers work together to stood out – he averaged 15 fore MTV or the Internet or sock hop with Ron Howmaximize support for the yards a carry – and he was iPods came to be. ard and Cindy Williams in students. very deserving of this honor.”

“People are always com- “American Graffiti.” plaining,” says Booker, the So much of this music Center’s executive director harkens back to the days and a popular newspaper before America’s perceived columnist. “The radio sta- innocence was blasted into tions ignore us. They never oblivion on a dreadful November day in Dallas, 1963. play any vintage music.”

Booker brought his own “Compare this with torecords, 45 and 33 1/3 rpms, day’s music,” Booker says.

Classes and meetings so many he’s lost count. He ■ First Lutheran 55 Alive seniors will meet at noon Thursknows he owns 4,500 top day, Dec. 12, at the church, 1207 N Broadway. Program: 10 tunes and keeps red“Special Thoughts on Christmas” by First Lutheran Pastor marked chart books to rePaul Bushur. A hot lunch will be available for $7. Everyone member what he’s bought. is invited. Bring a gift for the church kitchen, such as heavy quality paper plates, cups, coffee, etc. Reservations required: His earliest record is 524-0366. from 1906, a recording by Bert Williams, who BookSpecial services er says was the first black ■ First Lutheran Church, 1207 N Broadway, will hold the Broadway star. following services for Advent and the Living Nativity. The The theme was musical public is invited to all activities and services. All advent groups, so Booker played services: 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Dec. 11 and 18, and will The Mills Brothers, of include the lighting of the advent wreath and communion. course, and also The Tommy The annual Living Nativity Event: Sunday, Dec. 15, includes Dorsey Orchestra, The Ink Bible Study indoors, 5 p.m.; the Living Nativity, outdoors, Spots, The Four Tops, The 5:30; Hand Bell choir performance: 6:30; soup and sandwichMcGuire Sisters and more. es available during all events.

Something good is going on

South-Doyle’s program was honored at the school board meeting Dec.4. Pictured are fire lieutenant/teacher Brian Woods; students Justin Johnson, Corey Bunch, Jeremy Martin; and South-Doyle principal Tim Berry. Photo by

Betty Bean

vice versa.”

Rural/Metro covers the cost of the program and the instructors. Knox County Schools was able to purchase a used fire truck from Ohio. In class, students begin by learning how to operate nozzles and use hoses and personal protective gear.

“We don’t do live fire or use chain saws at school,” says Woods. “If we burn high school students, they’re on CNN.” Woods is the main teacher but has backup from Rural/ Metro Lt. Ryan McNamara.

Both are active-duty firefight-

ers in addition to their work at the school.

Students who take the class are eligible to go to a “finishing school” in the summer to complete their training. If they pass the entrance exam and background checks, they are guaranteed hiring by Rural/ Metro as a reservist.

The program has already caught on with KCS. “In 2014-15 it will expand to the Byington/Solway CTE Center,” says Woods, who lives in South Knoxville.

“Any high-school senior in Knox County will be eligible to take the course.”

The ‘Stardust’ of a song

CHURCH NOTES

■ St. James Episcopal Church, 1101 N. Broadway, will hold the following services Tuesday, Dec. 24: Christmas Eve Family Service and Nativity Pageant with Holy Eucharist, 4 p.m.; Christmas Eve Choral Prelude, 10:30 p.m.; Holy Eucharist, 11 p.m. On Christmas Day, Wednesday, Dec. 25, the church will hold Holy Eucharist at 10 a.m. Info: 523-5687 or www.stjamesknox.org.

Brenda Newman of Heiskell and Rebecca Davidson of Fountain City chat before the music begins.

Robert Booker spins records during the Vintage Music Listening Party at the Beck Cultural Exchange Center.

Photos by Jake Mabe

Music played the way it was meant to be heard – on classic vinyl.

“There’s a world of difference. I hear little melody and there’s nothing hummable about it.”

But for a few moments last Thursday, our love was

new, each kiss was an inspiration and I found my consolation in the stardust of a song.

“Pull Up A Chair” with Jake Mabe at jakemabe.blogspot.com.

Shopper news • DECEMBER 9, 2013 • 7

Excitement grows around mall Sam’s Club, 2920 Washington Pike, celebrated its grand re-opening on Dec. 5 upon the completion of a 20,000+ square foot addition to the building and expanded services in several of the store’s key departments (including meat, bakery and electronics). In addition, a hearing aid center was added to the medical services area as well as a fuel island outside.

Business by

Nicky D.

The parking lot has been completely reworked, a sidewalk added along Millertown Pike frontage, a number of trees planted and parking lot planter islands completed.

This $8 million expansion project is a vote of confidence for the area’s business district. It coincides with the city’s completion of a $1.165 million widening and paving project along the Millertown Pike, with final paving undertaken along Loves Creek Road today.

Sam’s store manager Tommy Metheny graciously selected the store’s longtime employees as the of-

business News from the Register of Deeds

Healthy sales in November

By Sherry Witt

Sam’s Club manager Tommy Metheny welcomes guests into the expanded store while the staff prepares to cut the ribbon. ficial ribbon cutters – thus honoring the working men and women who make this business thrive.

Meanwhile, the city Public Service work crews are continuing to clear brush and scrub trees along the I-640 corridor/ frontage roads, to create greater visibility along this busy roadway.

On a side note, I have zeroed out my campaign account and donated surplus funds to public entities within the district: $1,450 each to the branch libraries on Asheville Highway, Ocoee (near the Larry Cox Center) and Fountain City on Essary Road. A fourth check ($436.91) was directed to the Fountain City Arts Center where volunteers are

City workers are hard at work to clear underbrush along perimeter roads at Knoxville Center mall. trying to replace the antiquated heating system.

Rather than leave the funds gathering dust, or attempting to send them back to donors pro rata, or con-

tributing them to other candidates, I have decided they will provide public benefit to residents of the 4th District through these donations.

Although the local real estate market has experienced its typical late fall slowdow n , activity in November still compared favorWitt ably to that of recent years. In November, there were 809 property transfers in Knox County.

That number fell just short of the 850 parcels sold during October, but bested last November’s total by more than 100.

The aggregate value of land transferred in November was also encouraging as $188.7 million worth of real property was sold. That topped the October figure of $165 million, and was also more than $40 million ahead of last November’s pace. It should be noted that November is often the shortest working month of

the year due to the Veterans Day and Thanksgiving holidays.

The recent slowdown in mortgage lending continued. For the month, about $234 million was loaned against real property in Knox County. That was $22 million less than the amount loaned in October, and $130 million less than last November.

The most notable property sale of the month was the transfer of Ebenezer Climate Storage at 735 Ebenezer Rd., which sold for $10.9 million. The largest mortgage transaction was a Trust Deed for $13,725,000 financing the Papermill Plaza located at 6710 Papermill Drive.

I hope that you and your loved ones enjoy the blessings of a wonderful holiday season, and I would like to encourage all of us to remember those around us who may be less fortunate.

Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Della Volpe serves on Knoxville City Council.

Basement Records: A blast from the past My first thought when I entered Basement Records was how much fun Matt Adkisson, the new owner, must have with this massive collection of music. How could you have a bad day when every imaginable genre of music is at your disposal?

Nancy Whittaker

Matt worked in record stores while earning his business degree and decided he wanted to start his own business. While visiting Basement Records, he talked to the original owner about buying some of the inventory. By the end of the day, he had bought the business.

Matt’s collection of vintage records is incredible.

His regular customers come in to buy, sell and trade. Many are curious Matt Adkisson to see what he has added to his inventory. He also has many people coming in seeking a certain item to finish out a collection.

If you have old records in your house and haven’t had anything to play them on in years, check out Matt’s collection of turntables. He can even record your old albums onto CDs if you prefer.

Disc repair is also available for scratched CDs, DVDs or video games.

Christmas shopping?

Matt has a huge selection of video games and you can trade in old games toward another purchase or a special order. T-shirts and vintage collectible pins are available. Gift certificates would be a hit for any music or game lover in your family.

Pop in to 5009 Chapman Highway and visit Matt from 11 to 7 any day except Wednesday and Sunday.

Check out the website at w w w.basementrecordstn. com or call 573-2182.

■

Nostalgia With no idea what to ex-

Lee Yarnell and Terry Davis, booth owners, along with Jeff Bolin, owner of Nostalgia

ETABPA board members meet early: Justin Sterling, Knoxville Center Mall leasing manager; Tammy White, US Bank; Kaelyn Farmer, Buckle; Janie Wilson, Buckle; Mike Davis, State Farm; and Tommy Vann, Millertown Investments. Photos by Nancy Whittaker

pect, I ventured to Nostalgia on McCalla at the invitation of Terry Davis of KnoxModern. I found an amazing collection of mid-century furniture and numerous retro items. KnoxModern is among the 49 booths located in Nostalgia.

Jeff and Amie Bolin opened the original Nostalgia at 5214 Homberg Drive some seven years ago. They just celebrated their first anniversary on McCalla.

If you are looking for unique items for your home or someone on your gift list, Nostalgia is the place to go.

It’s got more than 10,000 square feet “full of awesomeness.”

Designer furniture, rare books, unique greeting cards and vintage clothing are among inventory. The vintage lamps are incredible!

Whether you are looking for a Christmas sweater for the “ugly sweater party” or

vintage barware, one-of-akind jewelry pieces, amazing toys – this place has you covered.

Go on a day when you have lots of time to browse.

Once inside, you will be amazed!

KnoxModern has a couple of booths inside and can be checked out on Facebook.com/KnoxModern. Co-owner Terry Davis showed me the quality of the furniture that was made in the 1950s. Many pieces still look new.

Jeff and Amie also have room for a few more dealers at each location. If you are interested in starting a small business, Amie says this is “the perfect way to get your feet wet and do what you love to do.”

Located at 1401 McCalla Ave., Nostalgia is opened Monday through Friday from 11 to 6 and on Sunday from 1-5. Check out the website at nostalgizonmccalla.

com or phone 622-3252.

Call the Homberg location at 584-0832.

■

Showtime at ETABPA

Kaelyn Farmer promised action, and she got it when the East Towne Area Business and Professional Association met last week.

Goodness. First, there were the directors getting an early start. They must have shown up at dawn.

Elder Advocates sponsored the breakfast and provided door prizes. Carolyn Neil spoke about her partnership with The Center for Memory Management and Psychiatric Concepts. Elder Advocates helps support families of people with dementia and memory loss.

Nick Della Volpe, fresh off a re-election, and David Brace, director of Public Service, talked about brush clearing and better visibility for mall area merchants.

“We want to let motorists know they have arrived in a major shopping area,” said DellaVolpe.

KPD Sgt. Brian Bush and Officer Ricky Gallaher provided safety tips for the holidays, talking about crime prevention in the workplace and at home.

Samantha Lane, territory manager for King Universit y, spoke about business development. Her interesting “ h o w - t o’s” included Lane m a k i n g business connections, creating and developing business friendships, and networking.

All merchants in the East Towne area are encouraged to join. Membership applications are available from Sharon Davis at ss.davis@ att.net or by contacting Kaelyn Farmer, president, at 296-4343.

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■

Elder Advocates open house

It can be stressful for people who are dealing with a family member who has memory loss. The Center for Memory Management, a Partnership between Elder Advocates Inc. and Psychiatric Concepts LLC, has two events to help.

First is an open house from 3-6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12, at 2620 Mineral Springs Ave. Please RSVP at 686-0508.

There will also be a free Q & A session at Knoxville Center Mall food court at 8 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 14.

Afterwards, panelists and members of the staff of the Center for Memory Management invite all attendees to join them as they walk a lap around the mall in honor of people with dementia. A light breakfast will be provided. RSVP at 247-0321.

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8 • DECEMBER 9, 2013 • Shopper news

Shopper Ve n t s enews

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CONTINUING 2014 Be More Awards nominations sought; deadline Dec. 20. Awards are given to individuals and organizations in the East Tennessee PBS viewing area that contribute to the overall well-being of the community through education, the arts, health services or other forms of charitable giving or community involvement. Visit www.easttennesseepbs.org to submit a nomination.

“Pueblo to Pueblo: The Legacy of Southwest Indian Pottery,” McClung Museum, 1327 Circle Park Drive. Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday; 1-5 p.m. Sunday, through Jan. 5. Free.

Holidays on Ice outdoor ice-skating rink on Market Square. Regular hours through Dec. 19: 4-9 p.m.

Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 1-9 p.m. Sunday. Extended hours Dec. 20-Jan. 5: 1-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 1-9 p.m. Sunday. Holiday hours: 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Dec. 24; closed Dec. 25; 1 p.m.-midnight Dec. 31; 1-9 p.m. Jan. 1. Entry fee (includes admission, skate rental and unlimited time on ice): one-day $10 adult, $7 child 12 & under, season pass $45 adult, $30 12 & under.

Save time and download liability waivers in advance at www.knoxvillesholidaysonice.com.

Eighth annual East Tennessee Regional Student Art Exhibition, featuring works by students grades 6-12, Knoxville Museum of Art, 1050 World’s Fair Park Drive. KMA hours for the exhibition are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, 1-5 p.m. Sunday, through Jan. 12. Free admission and parking.

“Greetings!,” Tom Dudzick’s five-character holiday comedy, Theatre Knoxville Downtown, 319 N. Gay St. Showtimes: 8 p.m. Dec. 12-14; 3 p.m. Dec. 15.

Tickets: $10 for Thursday/Sunday, $15 for Friday/Saturday; reserve at 544-1999 or www.theatreknoxville. com. Also may be available at the door.

Market Square Holiday Market, farm vendors noon-3 p.m.; food trucks, artisan food, and arts and crafts vendors noon-7 p.m. on Market Square, Market Street and Union Avenue. Info: marketsquarefarmersmarket.org.

Three Rivers Rambler Christmas Express, 900 Neyland Drive. Saturday train times: 10 a.m., 1 p.m., 4 p.m.; Sunday train times: 1 and 4 p.m. Rides will feature seasonal decorations, festive refreshments, storytime with celebrity readers, and a visit

from Santa aboard winter steam trains. Tickets: $26.50 adults, 55+ $25.50, child 3-12 $15.50, infant (under 1) free. Reservations: www.ThreeRiversRambler.com.

MONDAY, DEC. 9 “White Christmas,” the holiday classic film, 1 and 7 p.m., Tennessee Theatre, 604 S. Gay St. Free, but tickets from Rose Mortuary required. RSVP to Broadway Chapel, 523-2121, or Mann Heritage Chapel, 588-8578.

Doors open 90 minutes before show for entertainment by the Pellissippi Variations Choir and organists Bill Snyder and Freddie Brabson.

Tennessee Shines will feature Sarah Lee Guthrie & Johnny Iron, author Lisa Soland and hosts Bob Deck and Paige Travis, 7 p.m., WDVX studio, Knoxville Visitor Center, 301 S. Gay St.; broadcast on WDVX-FM, 89.9 Clinton, 102.9 Knoxville. Tickets: $10, at WDVX and www.BrownPaperTickets.com. Remaining tickets sold at the door, while supplies last. Doors open at 6 p.m.

Children 14 and under with a parent admitted free. Info: WDVX.com.

TUESDAY, DEC. 10 Avanti Savoia’s La Cucina cooking class, Classic Gingerbread House, 6-9 p.m., 7610 Maynardville Pike. BYO wine. Cost: $60. Register: www.avantisavoia. com or 922-9916.

The Harvey Broome Group of the Sierra Club, 7 p.m., Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church, 2931 Kingston Pike. Program: HBP Holiday Photograph Show. Bring a USB flash drive with pictures from some of your favorite trips of the year to share. Info: Mac Post, mpost3116@aol.com.

Traditional O’Connor Holiday Candlelight Dinner, 5 p.m., John T. O’Connor Senior Center, 611 Winona St. Catered by Famous Dave’s BBQ. Info: 5231135.

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 11 Time Well Spent: Inspiration at Lunch will feature printmaker Raluca Iancu, noon, The Emporium, 100 S. Gay St. Iancu will talk about her work and some of her influences in the program “Beautiful Disasters: Destruction in Art.” Info: www.ralu.ca or www.facebook.com/Raluca.Iancu.art. The Arts & Culture Alliance event is free; brown-bagging is welcome.

WEDNESDAY-THURSDAY, DEC. 11-12 Highland Pottery’s Holiday Art Sale and Open House, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., 9193 Hemingway Grove Circle, Whittington Creek subdivision. Pottery by Lisa Kurtz, birdhouses by Michaele Anderson, jewelry by Stephanie Levy, mixed media by Lynnda Tenpenny. Info: LisaKurtzHighlandPottery.com.

THURSDAY, DEC. 12 Knoxville Square Dance, 8 p.m., Laurel Theater, 1538 Laurel Ave. Traditional Appalachian dance to oldtime music by the Hellgrammites. Caller: Bobby Fulcher.

Admission: $7 ($5 students and JCA members).

FRIDAY, DEC. 13 Roaring ’20s Downton Abbey fundraiser for East Tennessee PBS, 8 p.m., Holly’s Corner, 842 N. Central St., next to Magpies Bakery. Guests are encouraged to wear 1920s style attire; there will be a jazz band and theme cocktails. Tickets: $65 individual, $120 couple at 595-0239 or EastTennesseePBS.org.

FRIDAY-SATURDAY, DEC. 13-14 “Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells,” 7:30 p.m. Dec. 13-14 and 2 p.m. Dec. 14 at Clayton Performing Arts Center, Pellissippi State Community College, 10915 Hardin Valley Road. The play, based on the books

by Barbara Park, is presented by the WordPlayers. Tickets: $5-$12, available at 539-7529, www.wordplayers.org or www.pstcc.edu/tickets.

SATURDAY, DEC. 14 “The Nutcracker” performed by the Appalachian Ballet Company with accompaniment by the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra, 2 and 8 p.m. at the Clayton Center for the Arts, Maryville. Advance tickets: $25-$40 at Appalachian Ballet Company, 982-8463; www.knoxtix. com, 656-4444; and the box office, 981-8590. Tickets at the door: $30-$45.

Christmas Candlelight Tours, 4-8 p.m., Marble Springs State Historic Site, 1220 W. Gov. John Sevier Highway. The buildings at the home of Tennessee’s first governor will be decorated with greenery. Music, openhearth cooking, baked goods and warm drinks will add to the holiday mood. Admission: $2 donation.

North Hills Holiday Home Tour, 4-8 p.m., featuring seven historic homes (including the childhood home of the late actress Patricia Neal) and one church. Tickets: $10 in advance, $12 day of event (free for children under 12); available at https://www. facebook.com/pages/North-Hills-Holiday-Tour-ofHomes/240962375961866. Proceeds support the work of the North Hills Garden Club, schools and charities.

SUNDAY, DEC. 15 “Downton Abbey” Season Four, Episode 1 free preview screening, 5 p.m., Regal Downtown West Cinema 8, 1640 Downtown West Blvd. Season Four of “Downton Abbey” on MASTERPIECE will air Sundays, Jan. 5-Feb. 23 on East Tennessee PBS.

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