South Knox Shopper-News 012016

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SOUTH KNOX VOL. 42 NO. 31

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Susan Martin called on old friends Wayne and Carolyn Williams to construct a Little Free Library at the entrance to Oak Crest Apartments on Davenport Road.

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Read Betsy Pickle on page 3

Rick Barnes is philosophy prof What we are watching is Rick Barnes teaching philosophy 101. Tennessee basketball looks about like the preseason forecast from media experts, 12th among 14 teams in the Southeastern Conference. Anything significantly better will be a small feather in Barnes’ cap. No way to be much worse. Right now, fans are still giving the coach the benefit of most doubts. Me too. His team is undersized. He has no threat in the post, offensively or defensively. We’ll find out later about recruiting.

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Kindergarten teacher Shelly Morales was caught by surprise last week when WIVK and Shoney’s arrived at New Hopewell Elementary School to crown her Teacher of the Month. Principal Patricia Moore knew what was in store, but Morales had no inkling. Read story on page 8

Adcock gets award Last year, Mount Olive Elementary School PTA began sponsoring a “Teacher of the Month� honor for school staff. That title was tweaked last month when school secretary Marcie Adcock was selected for the honor. It is now known as “Faculty Member of the Month.� The announcement was made when Adcock was asked to take a note to principal Paula Brown during a school assembly.

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By Betsy Pickle

At a football stadium across the river, the rallying cry is “Brick by brick.� At South-Doyle Middle School, the equivalent mantra is “It will take time.� Parents listened and seemed more or less willing to allow for that time at the end of last Tuesday’s State of the School and Family Engagement Evening. The event was partially inspired by parents’ concerns about behavior problems at the school, sparked by comments from a former teacher at a school board meeting in December. There was a festive atmosphere in the school’s cafeteria area prior to the program, with student musicians performing and booths offering info on activities and tutoring programs. There was more of the same afterward, plus a light supper of sub sandwiches and sodas. Principal Taiwo “Tye� Sutton had a large contingent of faculty and staff staunchly on his side as he welcomed students’ family members to the school’s audiSDMS math department chair Rhonda Hood, right, points out some of the features of the math guide to parent Jestorium. The numbers said a lot; sica Ott and students Hannah Ott and Summer Basil. Photo by Betsy Pickle To page 3

Read Marvin West on page 4

Teacher honored

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Read story on page 10

Report shows economic benefit of Urban Wilderness By Wendy Smith While no data have been collected on how many mountain bikers use Knoxville Urban Wilderness trails, or how much money they spend while doing it, a report published by Howard H. Baker Jr. Center for Public Policy Fellow Charles Sims and two graduate research assistants estimates that the recreation area could bring almost $52 million to the region annually if it became a national destination. Sims presented the report at the Baker Center last week. The Urban Wilderness boasts 42 miles of trails and is distinctive because of its proximity to the city center. It’s less than three miles from downtown. The report utilizes trail-biking data from local amenities, like those in the Research Triangle in Raleigh, N.C., regional destinations, like the Virginia Creeper, and national destinations, like Slickrock in Utah. Local amenities have a large number of local users, while region-

Nick Della Volpe is excited about the city’s plans to revitalize Magnolia Avenue, and he’s offering a suggestion for a way to integrate the former Swan’s Bread bakery into the campus of Pellissippi State Community College, located across the street. Read Nick Della Volpe on page 5

7049 Maynardville Pike 37918 (865) 922-4136 NEWS news@ShopperNewsNow.com Sandra Clark | Betsy Pickle ADVERTISING SALES ads@ShopperNewsNow.com Patty Fecco | Tony Cranmore Beverly Holland | Amy Lutheran

Charles Sims speaks on the economic potential of South Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness at the Howard H. Baker Jr. Center for Public Policy. Photo by Wendy Smith

al destinations have a small number of mostly non-local users and national destinations have a medium number of mostly non-local users. More spending is associated with non-local use of destinations. By multiplying average bike user days at other destinations by

the Knox County population, the report says the Urban Wilderness could have over 260,000 annual bike user days as a local amenity, over 329,000 as a regional destination, and over 451,000 as a national destination. Those numbers would correlate with $8.3 million in average expenditures as a local amenity, $14.6 million as a regional destination and $29 million as a national destination. The indirect impact on businesses in Knox, Grainger and Anderson County was also calculated. Counting net income accrued by businesses that supply businesses directly impacted by Urban Wilderness bike usage, impacts were estimated at $14.7 million, $25.7 million and $51.2 million if the area becomes a local, regional or national destination. Efforts to turn the Urban Wilderness into a national destination would require additional investment, promotion and continued local support, Sims said. He hopes to find funding that would allow

him to gather local data. Linda Rust, president of the South Haven Homeowners Association, said the neighborhood is already seeing improvements due to the growth of the nearby Urban Wilderness. A corner grocery store is stocking healthy foods that cater to trail users, and homes are being purchased by people who want to be close to the trails. “We would be happy to help with the study,� she told Sims. Senior Director of Knox County Parks and Recreation Doug Bataille said he recently purchased a home in South Knoxville. He is a member of Appalachian Mountain Bike Club, which built many of the trails in the Urban Wilderness. “You can literally get on a bike downtown and get on a trail. It’s something we can hang our hat on.� Carol Evans of Legacy Parks said there is currently a deliberate effort to make the Urban Wilderness a national destination, and she’s using Sims’ report to search for national grants that could make more data collection possible.

South was loser in school rezoning

Unfurl the swan

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January July 20, 29, 2013 2016

‘Engaged’ parents take in principal’s numbers

BUZZ Little Free Library opens at Oak Crest

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By Sandra Clark Last week, in response to the NAACP’s complaint to the Office of Civil Rights about racial resegregation following construction of two middle schools on the periphery of Knox County, a man who should know better asked, “What are they mad about?� The late Diane Jablonski quotes Sir Edmund Burke: “If you forget history, you are doomed to repeat it.� Last April the former school board member sent me her recollections of the school rezoning in 1991. Let’s review: Jablonski Knoxville voters dissolved the city school system in 1987. The suddenly com-

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most affected by rezoning and was the area with the most promised broken. School closings put enrollment pressure on Mooreland Heights and New Hopewell. Both were promised renovations and additions. Mooreland Heights got its addition in 2015. New Hopewell is still waiting. Jablonski calls the consolidation of former foes – South High Rockets, Young High Yellow Jackets and Doyle High Pioneers – “a painful marriage of the Hatfields and McCoys,� but said the community decided to make it work and “they came out stronger and more unified in the end.� One can only speculate on the Farragut resident’s conclusion and wonder if current turmoil at South-Doyle Middle School can be laid on the doorstep of these forced consolidations.

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bined city and county systems faced a racial segregation problem, housing patterns here resembling those in communities like Nashville where federal courts had ordered cross-town busing. A countywide task force was formed to evaluate schools, plan for closures and make recommendations to achieve a greater racial balance. Jablonski served on that task force. Many communities were affected; compromises were made. Then-superintendent Earl Hoffmeister wanted to close AustinEast and Fulton high schools and build a true magnet high school downtown, perhaps at World’s Fair Park. Political noise boomed. Knox County Commission thwarted the school board’s plan (surprised?). Jablonski says South Knox was

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Some think Gibbs was the only community impacted by the 1991 plan. Not true. Elementary schools: 8 closed Three in North Knox: Brownlow, Lincoln Park and Oakwood, with a new Christenberry built to replace them. Three in South Knox: Flenniken, Anderson and Giffin, with Dogwood built to replace them. Two in East Knox: Eastport and Fairgarden, which became a preschool. Three others: Sarah Moore Greene, Green Elementary and Beaumont were enlarged and established as magnet schools – the elementary base of the desegregation agreement. Middle schools: 6 closed South and Doyle were conTo page 3

2 • JANUARY 20, 2016 • Shopper news

health & lifestyles

If mama ain’t happy … As an OB/GYN with Fort Sanders Women’s Specialists and Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center, Brooke Foulk, MD, treats women who are in every stage of life, from the first pap smear, through childbearing years into menopause and geriatric care. “You can develop strong relationships with women and their families, and you are there for some of the most exciting, emotional and important times in their lives,” Foulk says. But among all her patients there is one very common denominator. Women have a habit of putting themselves last in line when it comes to health and wellness. “We are the only ones who will look out for our own health and wellbeing,” Foulk says. “Yet, as women, we tend to put everyone and everything above our own needs.” No matter what else a woman may be involved in, she is often a caregiver by default. “A lot of us take care of our husbands, our children or our aging parents,” Foulk says. “We work, we do the laundry, we cook, we clean and we get groceries.” Some women do all of that with little or no support. It’s no wonder most women don’t feel they have time to think about exercise, healthy eating habits, adequate sleep and mental well-being. The irony is that if a woman doesn’t take care of herself, she’s less likely to be able to adequately care for others. As the saying goes, “If mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy.” That could be expanded to say, “If mama ain’t healthy, ain’t nobody happy.” “By the time a lot of my patients get around to caring for themselves after their kids are grown and out of the house, it’s almost too late,” Foulk says. “A patient waits un-

Brooke Foulk, MD, moments after helping deliver Guillermo “Mo” Diaz-Ramos. Diaz-Ramos’ mother, Denisse, is one of Foulk’s many patients and a great family friend as well. “You can develop strong relationships with women and their families, and you are there for some of the most exciting, emotional and important times in their lives,” Foulk says.

til she finds a breast mass, which could’ve been picked up two years earlier on a mammogram; she waits until she has a heart attack instead of changing her diet and getting adequate exercise; she waits until she breaks her hip instead of screening her bone density and working to keep her bones healthy.” Yearly checkups are important because a woman’s medical problems can often be detected early and dealt with before they turn into more threatening issues. Most health insurance plans cover the cost of a “well-woman visit,” because it is a preventive service. A well-woman visit helps you get the preventive care you need, including screenings that can find diseases early, when they are easier to treat. By finding a condition

early in a screening, you may also and colorectal cancer screenings. be able to take action to lower your Women of every age should risk of life threatening events later, consider tests for sexually transsuch as strokes or heart attacks. mitted diseases.* The Centers for Disease Control reports incidences of syphilis among seniors are up by more than 50 percent, with chlamydia up more than 30 percent. Tests and screenings are often There is no age limit on STDs, and recommended based on a woman’s older women are not immune. age or stage in life. Blood pressure and cholesterol should be checked for women of every age, and every The Centers for Disease Control woman should be screened for cerrecommends several vaccinations vical cancer and diabetes. When a woman is in her 40s, for adults. Women should receive it’s time to talk to a doctor about a flu vaccine every year and a breast cancer screenings. Yearly booster shot for tetanus/dipthemammograms are recommended ria/pertussis every 10 years. At age starting at age 40. Women age 50 60, a vaccination against shingles and older are also encouraged to is recommended (even if you’ve alhave bone mineral density screen- ready had shingles). ings, to check for osteoporosis, Doctors also recommend pnue-

Recommended tests and screenings

Vaccinations

mococcal and meningococcal vaccines for some patients. If you were born in 1957 or later and you haven’t had a shot for measles, mumps and rubella, that may be recommended, too. Vaccinations for chicken pox, hepatitis A and hepatitis B are also available. Gardasil is an immunization that has been shown to prevent cervical cancer in some women. This vaccination is recommended before a woman reaches the age of 30. If it sounds confusing and even overwhelming, it’s all the more reason to schedule an appointment with a doctor who can help you sort out what you need to be at your best. A yearly visit to the doctor’s office is also a good time to talk about personal issues that might be affecting your emotional health. A doctor’s office is a place where confidentiality is a priority. “Women trust OB/GYNs with the most personal information and interactions you can have with a doctor,” Foulk says. “I love getting to know women and families.” Foulk says women should make health and happiness a priority. “Stay up to date on health screenings, and focus on health and well-being,” she says. “Do what you love, and the others around you will be happier and healthier too.” For more information about the services offered by Fort Sanders Women’s Specialists, call 865-541-1122. * Screening guidelines recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), a commission of non-federal experts in prevention. USPSTF recommendations are evidencebased. This means that science supports USPSTF screening guidelines. The USPSTF is made up of primary care providers.

Posting perfection You see them every time you click on social media. Moms are online bragging about their children’s accomplishments, from first steps to potty training, to getting a driver’s license. Social media has become a very public bulletin board for pictures of newborns at the hospital, children on the first day of school, ballgames, recitals, prom night and graduation. Proud mothers have found a place to continually show evidence of perfect parenting skills. But what if your parenting skills aren’t so perfect? Brooke Foulk, MD, believes social media puts a lot of moms under a tremendous amount of unnecessary pressure. “When women judge and compare themselves to others, which is becoming even more prevalent with social media these days, we continually feel inadequate and imperfect,” Foulk says. Many articles and reports have

been written about protecting the privacy of our children online. There hasn’t been as much about protecting a mom’s sense of selfworth. “I see so many mothers who are worried about being perfect and doing everything right,” Foulk says. She tells them that there is no such thing as perfect parenting or one way of parenting that is always going to be right for every child. “If you love your kids and do your best, then that is what’s right for you and for them,” Foulk says. She tells her patients that “people don’t put pictures on Facebook when they’re having an awful day, when they’re struggling with temper tantrums, when their kids won’t eat healthy food, when they haven’t had time for a shower or when their house is a disaster.” It is often said that “perception is reality,” and if you perceive other parents are having both good days and bad days, it’s a re-

ality you can live with. The pictures and posts on social media often fuel a perception that most kids and their parents are perfect. Not only is that harder to live up to, it’s not reality. “Most parents only post happy times with smiling families in a perfectly clean house with a beautifully prepared, healthy meal,” Foulk says, “which makes mothers who are depressed, grieving or struggling feel even lower.” What’s a mom to do? Foulk likes to quote her 92-yearold grandmother who says, “Do your best. It’s all a mule can do!” Foulk says mothers should be proud of who they are and what they’re doing, even if it doesn’t always turn out perfectly. “You are right if you breastfeed or formula feed; if you work outside the home or are a stay-

Social media often times becomes a public display for perfection in parenting, but Brooke Foulk, MD, tells her patients to focus on what’s best for their families and not worry about what they are seeing on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

at-home mom; if your kids only eat organic or if you have to scramble for fast food because of limited time and funds; if you had a vaginal delivery or a Csection; if your kids go to public school, private school or they are home schooled; if they are gifted or struggle in school,” Foulk says. “You are doing what is right for you, and for your kids and family.” Social media won’t go away anytime soon, and it’s certainly natural to want to post what you’re proud of. But if you feel overwhelmed or even bullied by the virtual perception of perfection online, put away the tablet and the smart phone, close the laptop, and go enjoy some real quality time with your very real family.

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SOUTH KNOX Shopper news • JANUARY 20, 2016 • 3

It’s little, it’s free and now it’s open

community

Susan Martin, site resources coordinator for the South Knoxville Elementary Community School, is always talking about connections – ones she hopes to create and ones she hopes to strengthen.

Betsy Pickle

She counted on one of the latter connections to pull a project together, and the reward was almost immediate. It’s just inside the entrance to Oak Crest Apartments on Davenport Road. “Susan came to me and she said, ‘I’ve got some woodworking projects for you,’� says Wayne Williams, who built the handsome Little Free Library he installed last week in an island in the Oak Crest parking lot. “This was one of them.� Williams and his wife, Carolyn, who live in Island Home Park, both retired 15 years ago from teaching at Tennessee School for the Deaf. Martin’s mother taught there with them. And Martin and Carolyn Williams worked together through the Tennessee Early Intervention System. So Martin was well aware

Winners, losers solidated into South-Doyle Middle School, located at the old South-Young High School. Christenberry and Spring Hill were closed as middle schools and the students were disbursed to the newly formed Holston Middle and to Whittle Springs. Beardsley Middle was closed. At Gibbs, the middle school was a program within the existing Gibbs High School, administered by a high school assistant principal. Those students were sent to the new Holston Middle School. High school students from Holston were zoned to Gibbs High. Vine was designated as the middle school magnet and expanded. High schools: 3 closed Rule High was closed with its students zoned to West, Fulton and Central. The campus stands empty 20 years later. South-Young High closed and reopened as SouthDoyle Middle. Doyle High expanded into the former Doyle Middle School, a building across the street, in order to accommodate the students from SouthYoung. Holston closed as a high school and reopened as a middle school. Most of its high school population went to Gibbs with some going to Carter or Austin-East. A-E was renovated as the high school magnet. Jablonski’s memo relates some consequences of the 1991 rezoning: ■When Rule High was closed, the Golden Bears and all their memorabilia went into storage. The majority of the Rule kids were reassigned to West High and although renovations and additions were done

COMMUNITY NOTES ■Colonial Village Neighborhood Association. Info: Terry Caruthers, 579-5702, t_caruthers@hotmail.com ■Knoxville Tri-County Lions Club meets 7 p.m. each second and fourth Monday, Connie’s Kitchen, 10231 Chapman Highway, Seymour. ■Lake Forest Neighborhood Association. Info: Molly Gilbert, 209-1820 or

Susan Martin, site resources coordinator at the South Knoxville Elementary Community School, checks out the Little Free Library built by old friends Wayne and Carolyn Williams. Photos by Betsy Pickle

that Wayne taught woodworking at TSD for about 10 years. He checked out Little Free Library designs on the Internet and modified them for the Oak Crest project. He painted the little box patriotically – orange and white – and Carolyn painted the letters. “We have a Little Free Library at the school, but so many of our students live here that I thought this would be a great place to have another one,� says Martin, who estimates that 20-25 SKES students live at Oak Crest. She hopes it will promote not only reading by the kids but also reading between parents and their youngsters. She got the OK from apartment manager Jordan

From page 1 there, nothing was done initially to welcome or accommodate the kids from Rule. West remained the Rebels and the Rule kids just had to adjust. ■The Gibbs community never embraced Holston as part of its school community, even though 80 percent of the Holston Middle School kids go to Gibbs High School. ■Gibbs is not the only community without a middle school. There is no middle school in District 4. West High takes kids from Bearden and Northwest middle schools. Hardin Valley Academy takes students from Cedar Bluff, Farragut and Karns middle schools. Northwest Middle School sends its students in five different directions for high school. ■Some South-Doyle kids travel as far as the Gibbs students. That’s the result of living in a rural area. ■Finally, wrote Jablonski, the magnet program was initiated at considerable cost to fulfill the compliance agreement. Only after the magnets were upgraded and expanded did the school board start replacing portable classrooms to relieve overcrowding. Hardin Valley, Northshore, Amherst, Cedar Bluff and Carter elementary schools have been built since the rezoning. A recent study indicated no need for new middle schools, yet we’re about to build two – in Gibbs and Hardin Valley – at a cost of $70 million. Was Gibbs hurt by rezoning? Absolutely. Was Gibbs the only community affected? No way. Ponder a final quote from Edmund Burke: “Sin has many tools, but a lie is the handle which fits them all.� mollygilbert@yahoo.com. ■Lindbergh Forest Neighborhood Association meets 6:30 p.m. each third Wednesday, Graystone Presbyterian Church, 139 Woodlawn Pike. Info: Kelley DeLuca, 660-4728, kelleydeluca@gmail.com ■Old Sevier Community Group meets 7 p.m. each third Thursday, South Knox Elementary School library, 801 Sevier Ave. Info: Gary E. Deitsch, garyedeitsch@ bellsouth.net or 573-7355. ■South Haven Neighborhood

Smith, and Williams built the library in about a week. Martin was able to stock it through a donation from the First Book program. “We have a Little Free Library in our neighborhood, and every time our grandkids come down we have to go up to the free library and get some books and put some back,� says Wayne. He and Carolyn say that library, which Island Home Park Neighborhood Association president Nancy Campbell built after attending a workshop, is incredibly popular with all their neighbors. Most of the starter books at Oak Crest are for kids. “Their neighborhood box (Island Home) has a lot of adult books – novels and

‘Engaged parents’ of the approximately 150 people in attendance, about a third work at the school. And with maybe 100 adults representing about 1,069 students, that could be interpreted as meaning that most parents don’t think the school is in trouble. According to others, speaking after the meeting, it could also mean that the missing parents are part of the problem. Sutton focused his formal show-and-tell on numbers – 1,069 students, 121 staff, 47 support staff, two Knoxville Police Department officers and one Knox County Sheriff’s Office resource officer on campus. He talked about improved numbers in several areas of academic improvement. He also acknowledged weak numbers in numeracy (mathematics). Sutton kept zeroing in on how 86 percent of the students had clean behavior records that merited them being eligible to attend a recent in-school basketball game. Following Sutton was Amber Rountree, the school board member who represents South Knox County. While she noted that “we all go through growing pains,� she shared a couple of “vignettes� about her personal experiences at SDMS that led her to believe the school is on the right track. Sutton, who took over as principal last July, opened the meeting to the public after Rountree’s remarks. Commenters did not hold back, asking repeatedly about reports of violence and weapons at the school and what the school was doing to protect students. Sutton had another number for those who asked about guns brought on campus “that this adminAssociation meets 10 a.m. each third Saturday, Hillcrest UMC, 1615 Price Ave. Info: Pat Harmon, 591-3958. ■South Knox Republican Club meets 7 p.m. each third Thursday, South Knox Optimist Club, 6135 Moore Road. Kevin Teeters, kevinteeters018@gmail.com. ■South of the River Democrats meet 6:30 p.m. each third Monday, South Knox Community Center, 522 Maryville Pike. Info: Debbie Helsley, 789-8875.

things – so we’ll start putting some of those in here as well,� says Martin, who says the current selection for grownups is limited to “a ‘Supernanny’ book and a recipe book.� The entire project came about through donations. “A cross-the-street neighbor gave me some lumber that was her father’s,� says Wayne. “I had it in my basement for a while, and I said, ‘Hey, this is a good use for that.’� Carolyn says the lumber came from one of the University of Tennessee libraries that has been torn down, but she can’t remember which one. Still, she’s pleased that pieces of the old library have a new life as

From page 1 istrative team has known about�: zero. He explained that Knox County Schools protocol requires a formal report on such incidents, and not one has occurred in the four months that school has been in session for the 2015-16 school year.

South Knoxville Elementary student Jacob Ward finds a book that catches his interest at the new Little Free Library. a Little Free Library. The Williamses were both certified K-12 in deaf education. Carolyn taught academics and home economics at TSD, while Wayne taught language, reading, math, science and woodworking. They both took students to a sheltered workshop to get job-training skills. Since retiring, they’ve enjoyed traveling, and they’ve stayed busy with DIY projects. “We’ve been working on

our house since 1972,� says Wayne. Carolyn still works with TEIS, and Wayne volunteers as a trail maintainer on the Appalachian Trail. He also volunteers on the trails at Ijams Nature Center. They plan to keep tabs on the Oak Crest Little Free Library, which is on the other side of the hill from Stanley’s Greenhouse. “Lisa Stanley is a neighbor of ours, so I’ll get her to come by and check on it,� says Wayne.

Other parents talked about hearing that teachers didn’t have time to teach because they were so busy dealing with behavior issues in the classroom. Sutton’s response was that 95 percent and more of the students were not causing problems. He asked listeners to focus on the positive numbers and be patient on the rest.

Questioned after the meeting, several parents – including ones whose children won’t be at the middle school until next fall – said they thought Sutton might be painting too glowing a picture of life on campus. But they said they were willing to give him, and SouthDoyle Middle School, a chance.

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4 • JANUARY 20, 2016 • Shopper news

Rick Barnes: Philosophy 101 What we are watching is Rick Barnes teaching philosophy 101. Tennessee basketball looks about like the preseason forecast from media experts, 12th among 14 teams in the Southeastern Conference. Anything significantly better will be a small feather in Barnes’ cap. No way to be much worse. Right now, fans are still giving the coach the benefit of most doubts. Me too. His team is undersized. He has no threat in the post, offensively or defensively. We’ll find out later about recruiting. But, the teacher can teach. Individual improvement shows in several players.

Marvin West

It appears Barnes is explaining, time after time, what it takes to succeed as underdogs, fighting with a short stick under trying circumstances. The Vols can win if they play complete games on defense, with all their heart and a little extra effort – and execute an occasional play and hit a decent percentage from outside. I looked back at my notes from the time Dave Hart scooped Barnes up from

the Texas trauma. He was to be an instant fi x, a scrub job for the athletic director’s previous error. Rick has a reputation for honesty, good enough to redirect NCAA cross-checkers elsewhere. Barnes said he was not burned out, that at 60 he wanted to continue coaching, that Tennessee was a fine landing place. The coach had been getting the Longhorns to the tournament, 16 times in 17 years. Maybe, sometime, he can beat the odds and do it with another orange (and gray) team. It is easy to like Rick Barnes. He speaks plain English. His candor is refreshing. I chuckled when he said his team was “hor-

rible� at the beginning of the Te n n e s s e e State game. It was, but coaches don’t talk like that. Someone Rick Barnes might say it is his job to have the Vols at least half-ready when the ball goes up. When Barnes was trending downhill at Texas, critics complained that he was a chronic underachiever, simply not as good as his record indicated. I’ll argue that. When you have been doing it as long as Rick has, you are what your numbers say you are – one of 13 active coaches with more than

600 victories. Those same Texans who wanted change said Barnes was old-fashioned, out of step with the times, too tough on his players. He pushed some really hard, even forced one or two to change their game. Guilty and unrepentant. At a recent press conference, in front of Robert Hubbs III and everybody listening, Barnes said Hubbs needs to play harder so the Vols can win more games. The truth sometimes hurts. Hubbs took it like a man. Months ago, Barnes was dissatisfied with Kevin Punter’s shooting motion. It started behind his head. It needed to start in front. Punter said ouch. That shot had been good enough to get him 10.3 points per game last season. Donnie

Tyndall never said anything about changing it. The adjustment took a while. “It was frustrating,� said Punter. “I kind of wanted to quit. But I just kept trying because I don’t really quit. I don’t quit anything. Now, it’s really a part of me.� Detrick Mostella had a head-on with the tough-love coach. Barnes said Detrick was at a crossroads, change or watch. At issue was defense. Mostella hadn’t previously bothered with it. Now we know no one plays without at least trying to defend. Freshman improvement? Some recruited by the previous administration don’t look too bad. They are beginning to get it. Give them a mid-term C+ in philosophy 101. Marvin West invites reader reaction. His address is westwest6@netzero.com

Development doesn’t have to be a dirty word As Knoxville-Knox County Metropolitan Planning Commission (MPC) Executive Director Gerald Green has met with residents and business owners, he’s confronted a mix of attitudes, from oblivious to disgruntled. R e s i are Gerald Green dents disgruntled by development when they don’t understand the process and don’t get engaged, he says. “One of the goals I identified soon after starting with MPC was increasing the public’s awareness of what we do and how they can be involved.� One of the best ways to become educated about the development process is to attend MPC meetings at

Wendy Smith

1:30 p.m. on second Thursdays. But those who can’t make it downtown can watch video archives online. A link at the bottom of the MPC home page − www. knoxmpc.org − provides access to new archives that allow users to view separate agenda items. Green also plans to post the preliminary agenda earlier − four weeks before each meeting rather than two. At the same time, he recognizes that citizens won’t want to be involved if their opinions don’t matter. Too often, steps haven’t been taken to implement ideas

incorporated into city and county sector plans and community plans, like the Bearden Village Opportunities Plan. If plans are realistic, MPC should draft ordinance and policy changes to back them up, he says. If such ordinances had been in place in 2001, when the Bearden plan was created, the area might look different now. The plan calls for wide sidewalks and mixed-use buildings that are close to the street with parking behind them. Implementing such ideas into areas with existing structures is a challenge, but you have to start somewhere, Green says. He’d like the opportunity to meet with builders and developers. A development community that’s “comfortable with the way things have been for 30 years� makes change even more challenging. But mixed-

use, multi-story development benefits everybody − property owners, local government and consumers − because it puts more on a smaller space. It’s smarter than using an acre to build a 12,000-square foot fast food restaurant with 33,000 square feet of parking. It also fights urban sprawl. “We can’t keep spreading out if we want to preserve our agricultural lands. We have to increase density,� he says. But he understands why change is slow. “Change is scary − for everyone. If we’ve been doing something for a long time, and it works okay, there’s not much motivation to do it another way.� He’d like to offer incentives, like faster time frames or reductions in fees, to motivate developers to try new things, like mixed-use projects.

The redevelopment of areas like the Magnolia corridor will take more than involvement. It will require buy-in from citizens, business owners, developers and investors, he says. The city will present plans for streetscape improvements

to a six-block section of Magnolia Avenue at a public meeting from 5:30-7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 21, at the John T. O’Connor Senior Center, 611 Winona Street. “There’s a lot of opportunity here,� Green says of Knoxville and Knox County.

GOSSIP AND LIES ■State Rep. Eddie Smith made a big deal of Mayor Madeline Rogero’s proposed closed meeting with legislators, then he presided over a – guess what – closed meeting of 8 of 10 legislators who asked for an investigation of UT. ■State Rep. Bill Dunn’s legislative questionnaire says: Studies show that students in prekindergarten lose their gains by third grade. Should we use that pre-K money for something else, like teachers salaries? ■Even if Dunn’s studies are valid, the takeaway should

be a look at K-2, not slashing pre-K. ■But Dunn’s logic is flawed. This example shows why: Studies show that people who eat broccoli will ultimately die. So should we just eat chocolate cake instead? ■Don’t let anyone kid you. It is not necessary to pay Jim McIntyre over a quarter million dollars to retire. Let him cash out his sick days and move on. ■Any school board member who voted for this buyout deserves the political fallout that will follow. – S. Clark

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SOUTH KNOX Shopper news • JANUARY 20, 2016 • 5

LMU to train a new kind of doctor Every century or so somebody has such a remarkably good idea that the rest of us just smack our head and say, “Duh!” That’s what Pete DeBusk and the folks from Lincoln Memorial University announced last week. It’s a new doctoral program that bridges the gap between physician and physician assistant (PA). The degree is doctor of medical science (DMS), and LMU’s will be the first such program in the country. This one’s got legs, folks. Pete wants 100-200 students this fall, when the program launches. The teaching is online. Students don’t have to travel to Harrogate. Each PA already has a supervising physician – that’s a requirement to practice. Each supervising physician has a medical degree and the requisite internship and residency.

Letting in the sunshine

Sandra Clark

If LMU simply makes that supervising physician an adjunct professor in charge of oversight, then it seems the sky’s the limit on graduating the new docs. Physician assistants already hold a master’s LMU board chair Pete Debusk announces a new degree: doctor degree. They would be re- of medical science. Photo by S. Clark quired to have at least three years of clinical experience could add up to 32 million Some may choose a cato enroll in LMU’s program. new patients to the health reer in medical education DeBusk says the need is care system,” he said. rather than clinical work. great. The demand for physi- The program will be accred“The greatest users of cians is greater than the ited by Southern Associahealth care resources, in- supply and the gap is widen- tion of Colleges and Schools. cluding the elderly and ing, he said. Find a need and fill it – chronically ill, are expected The new DMS program that’s Pete DeBusk’s credo. to increase by 46 percent will offer three tracks: pri- And now LMU’s board chair over the next 10 years, and mary care, hospital care has outdone himself. Altothe Affordable Care Act and emergency medicine. gether now, Smack. “Duh!”

Magnolia gem may shine again Anyone who has walked or driven Magnolia Avenue can appreciate its generous design, with sidewalks and a center turn lane.

Nick Della Volpe

When you look at its older buildings, some now empty or underutilized, you can imagine a busier time, before I-40 opened and shanghaied much of the through traffic. The old center-lane commuter trolley is gone. But Magnolia is still home to KAT, the Caswell ballfields, Community TV, several banks and fast-food restaurants, Chilhowee Park and the Knoxville Zoo, to name just a few of its amenities. It borders Victorian homes being restored in

Park Ridge and Park City and the Botanical Garden. Now it may be time to resurrect another gem, Swan’s Bread bakery. Knoxville’s Magnolia Corridor renewal plan is slated to move forward from the drafting table to construction. Refreshed streetscape plantings, sidewalk, road and bicycle lane improvements and better lighting will begin along a “model block” – actually four blocks –extending eastward from Hall of Fame Drive to Bertrand Avenue. With $500,000 in the current budget, these city enhancements will proceed from the downtown core eastward in phases, under a plan promoted by Mayor Madeline Rogero. Future work will move toward Cherry Street and later Chilhowee Park, just as it has along the south waterfront, Cumberland and downtown north.

Public meeting Thursday on Magnolia Avenue upgrades City officials and consultants with Barge, Waggoner, Sumner and Cannon will present the design details for Magnolia Avenue streetscape improvements at a public meeting 5:30-7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 21, at the John T. O’Connor Senior Center, 611 Winona St. The meeting will review final designs for streetscape improvements to a six-block section of Magnolia Avenue between Jessamine Street and North Bertrand Street. Proposed improvements include raised medians to replace the center left-turn lane; bike lanes; improved sidewalks; bus pull-offs; and streetscape amenities that include street lighting, benches and bike racks. Traffic signals will be upgraded, and pedestrian signals and crosswalks will be improved. Left-turn lanes will be provided at major intersections. Can’t attend? There will be a two-week public comment period following the Jan. 21 meeting. Email your ideas or comments to dmfoster@knoxvilletn.gov

government

Swan’s Bread bakery, 1934, in a photo by Thompson Brothers. Used with permission of C.M. McClung Historical Collection, Knox County Public Library

Center city renewal is radiating outward. The goal of such public infrastructure improvements is to foster private development and growth. The downtown restoration efforts teach us that private dollars sometimes need the visible encouragement, provided by the city’s investment, in order to progress. Developers prefer successful renewal behind them as they inch forward. No sudden leap into the unknown. Otherwise, venture capital remains risk adverse. Included in the model Magnolia block is Pellissippi State Community College, a two-year degree institution which prepares young men and women with skills to enter the workforce. The Magnolia campus, which currently serves some 700800 students, hopes to expand its footprint. Unfortunately, it is physically hemmed-in by other business property. Landlocked. Fortunately, the Swan building sits just across Magnolia, waiting. This vintage 3-story red brick, 12,000 square foot

building, is of solid masonry construction. When its original bread-baking mission ended sometime in the ’90s, the building was shuttered. It’s currently serving as an overflow warehouse for an electrical supply company. Its close proximity to Pellissippi’s Magnolia campus argues for it to be put back to work. Imagine if it were converted into a cooking school or other classrooms for the campus. What a great anchor for the Magnolia corridor restoration – an attractive building creating valuable job skills for inner city youth. A spark plug igniting wholesome growth. The building’s solid, concrete-floor construction and open floor plan present an excellent opportunity to repurpose it as an integral part of the Magnolia campus. As state economic development commissioner Randy Boyd recently observed: downtown could use a culinary school. This location is close enough to fill that role. Let the Swan unfurl its wings.

The Jan. 6 meeting Mayor Rogero had with Knox lawmakers in her office over breakfast was finally opened to the public after Rogero’s spokesperson, Jesse Mayshark, said the day before the meeting that it was closed. The decision to open was made literally the day before the meeting. His comments triggered unrest among the Knox lawmakers who had not asked for a closed meeting and advised Rogero that they preferred the meeting be open. The reasons given by Mayshark for closing the meeting seemed strange as relating “to this bill, that bill.” In fact, Mayshark, when he worked for the now closed Metropulse, was a strong advocate for open meetings. He has abandoned his consistent backing of open meetings. This meeting’s notice was omitted from the mayor’s public schedule and was only brought to public attention by this column. The reality is that Rogero benefited from having an open meeting due to the generally favorable press it achieved. Rogero will start out having public meetings in the future when she meets with the entire delegation so she does not have to reverse course at the last minute. ■ Renee Hoyos was re-appointed to the KAT Board by Rogero and confirmed by city council. She previously chaired the board which works on public transportation. She is the CEO of Tennessee Clean Water Network. This is excellent appointment by the mayor. Rogero herself once served on the KAT Board, appointed by this writer. ■ Zane Duncan, son of Lynn and Rep. Jimmy Duncan, has been appointed to the Board of Parole by Gov. Bill Haslam. He follows in his mother’s footsteps as she served on the same board when Gov. Sundquist appointed her. Duncan is one of the youngest if not the youngest person to serve on this Board. ■ Jimmy Duncan is seeking another term in Congress this November. If re-elected, in 2018, he will have served 30 years and two months in Congress (having been first elected in 1988). Only five other Tennesseans in history have ever served 30 or more years in the Congress (House and/or Senate combined). They include Carroll

Victor Ashe

Reece, Jimmy Quillen, Joe Evins and Albert Gore Sr. Duncan does not appear to have a serious opponent. ■ Bruce Anderson was appointed by Mayor Rogero to the board of the Knoxville Community Development Corporation. Anderson works for Children’s Hospital as general counsel. He replaces David Hutchins, an architect and former chair, who was the senior member on KCDC having served 14 years (originally appointed by this writer). Hutchins’ term actually expired last April but he continued for another eight months due to Rogero failing to make an appointment. Anderson previously served two terms on KUB. ■ Dan Murphy, former Knox County school board chair, now chairs KCDC. Lisa Wagoner resigned Jan. 1 which creates another vacancy. The most senior member is the resident member, Phyllis Patrick, who completes two terms in July 2016. ■ MPC has three holdover city appointees – vice chair Bart Carey, former vice mayor Jack Sharp and Michael Kane, whose terms expired last June. Kane and Sharp both live in Fountain City. Rogero has not replaced any of these three but will at some point as all have served two terms on MPC. Rogero has imposed a two-term limit on appointees. Some feel Rogero delayed the appointments until the city elections were held. However, Rogero has been consistently tardy in making mayoral appointments after their terms have expired. ■ Sen. Frank Niceley is expected to introduce legislation to allow the county mayor to name two members to the KUB Board of Commissioners on the grounds KUB serves areas outside the city. KUB will strongly oppose this legislation. Niceley represented parts of Knox County in the House a few years ago. ■ Blue Ridge Mountain Sports, located next to Long’s Drug Store, is closing this month after 40 years of being in business in Knoxville.

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6 • JANUARY 20, 2016 • SOUTH KNOX Shopper news

SENIOR NOTES ■South Knox Senior Center: 6729 Martel Lane 573-5843 knoxcounty.org/seniors Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Offerings include: dulcimer and guitar lessons; arts and crafts classes; dance classes; exercise programs; Tai Chi; card games; Joymakers practice; free swim 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Monday-Friday; Senior Meals program noon each Wednesday and Friday. Knox County Veterans Services, 9 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 21. Register for: Field trip: Healthy Living Expo Free Senior Day, 9 a.m. Friday, Jan. 22; register by Thursday, Jan. 21. Mutual of Omaha-Long Term Care Insurance presentation, 10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 25; RSVP by Jan. 22. ■South Knox Community Center 522 Old Maryville Pike 573-3575 Monday-Friday Hours vary ■John T. O’Connor Senior Center 611 Winona St. 523-1135 knoxseniors.org/oconnor. html Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Offerings include: Card games, billiards, senior fitness, computer classes, bingo, blood pressure checks 10:30-11:30 a.m. Monday-Friday. Register for: Lunch and Learn: “Health Benefits of Acupuncture,� noon Monday, Jan. 25; RSVP by Thursday, Jan. 21, for lunch. ■CAC Office on Aging 2247 Western Ave. 524-2786 knoxooa@knoxseniors.org ■Knox County Senior Services City County Building 400 Main St., Suite 615 215-4044 Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Heiskell seniors are excited to hear the announcement by Janice White (standing, far right) that the seniors will hold their February meeting at their new facility. The group is moving to the former Wheeler Karate building at 1708 W. Emory Road. Photo by R. White

Heiskell seniors to open new center By Sandra Clark Seniors in Powell and Heiskell (the northwesterly suburb of Powell) got tired of watching Knox County build senior centers on either side of them, at Halls and then at Karns. So they raffled quilts and played bingo and sold cakes. Suddenly, they had amassed enough money to buy a building which will become the Powell-Heiskell Community Center. At least it was enough to leverage a loan. “We’ve wanted our own place,� said Janice White, the project’s driver. “Powell and Heiskell deserve this.� She thanked the volunteers who have donated time and supplies to get the center established. It will be a place for adults of all ages to gather, socialize, play games and visit with friends. Beginning in March, the center will be open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekdays.

“The building will provide space for business meetings, senior citizen activities, parties, family reunions and celebrations at a reasonable rate to all members of the community,� said White. She’s already had a couple of calls about rentals. White chairs the board of the Heiskell Community Organization, which will own and operate the facility. The seniors previously met at Heiskell United Methodist Church. Knox County Commissioner Charles Busler said the county may eventually buy the building and land. He’s discussed the idea with Mayor Tim Burchett and county Finance Director Chris Caldwell. Michael Grider, speaking for Burchett, said it’s too early in the budget cycle to commit to the purchase, although the mayor supports the concept. “We’ve been

out (to Heiskell) several times. They’ve got a wonderful program.� Realtor Laura Bailey facilitated the deal as the listing agent for the Wheeler family. The property is the former Wheeler karate school. It contains seven acres, of which five are suitable for building. White said her prayers were answered. “When the door opens you’d better walk through it or it may not open again.� Showing her knack for fund-raising, White asked Powell Business and Professional Association members for donations to buy chairs and tables at $50 each. The center needs 100 chairs and 15 banquet tables. Also on her wish list: inside painting, bathroom upgrades, a new kitchen, plumbing and electrical work, flooring, a sound system and additional parking. “Because we are a 501(c)

(3), we depend on others to invest in our success,� she said. Donations can be mailed to the Heiskell Community Organization, P.O. Box 432, Heiskell TN 37754. Anyone who can help should contact White at 865-548-

0326 or jwhite1049@frontiernet.net Self-reliance is the watchword of the gritty folks from Heiskell. It’s amazing what they’ve accomplished with a vision and hard work. Just watch what happens next. Ruth White contributed to this report.

HEALTH NOTES â– Healthy Living Expo, 9 a.m.3 p.m. Friday, Jan. 22 and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 23, Knoxville Convention Center, 701 Henley St. Seniors 55+ will receive free admission on Friday. Features: exhibits, cooking demos, speakers, entertainment and more. Info/schedule: TheHealthyLivingExpo.com.

â– The Taoist Tai Chi Society of the USA will offer beginner classes 9-10:30 a.m. Mondays beginning Jan. 25, Deane Hill Recreation Center, 7400 Deane Hill Drive. Info on this and other Taoist Tai Chi classes: 482-7761, 546-9222 or taoist.org.

â– Peninsula Lighthouse Group of Families Anonymous meetings, 6:15-7:15 p.m. each Tuesday, 1451 Dowell Springs Blvd. Newcomers welcome; no dues/fees; no sign-up; first names only.

â– UT Hospice Adult Grief Support Group meeting, 5-6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 2, UT Hospice office, 2270 Sutherland Ave. A light supper is served. Info/reservation: Brenda Fletcher, 544-6277.

Info: Barbara L., 696-6606 or PeninsulaFA2@aol.com.

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faith

Shopper news • JANUARY 20, 2016 • 7

Celebrating God’s gift of By Cindy Taylor On a magical night each February, more than 150 fathers and grandfathers head to Fountain City United Methodist Church with their daughters and granddaughters for some quality time together, and maybe a little two-step. Since 2002, the church has sponsored a Father Daughter Valentine Dance. What started with 23 girls in a Brownie Girl Scout Troop who just wanted to spend time with their dads has grown to more than 300 attendees each year and reaches far beyond the doors of Fountain City UMC. The event brings fathers, grandfathers and often some uncles back year after year with their special daughters, granddaughters and nieces. Many come from other counties to take part in the festivities. Last year the dance fell on the same evening as the Central High School Winter Formal. A group of senior girls who had been attend-

Maria Hurst and father Chris in the photo taken at the first Fountain City UMC Father Daughter Valentine Dance

Maria Hurst and father Chris in the photo taken at last year’s dance Photos submitted

ing the Father Daughter Dance for years found a way to do both. They spent the first part of the evening with their dads at the Father Daughter Dance before heading out to the Central High dance. Sherri Smith, the church’s director of children and family ministry, coordinates the event. “Every year our work has been blessed,� said Smith. “This event allows our fathers, grandfathers, granddaughters and daughters to spend precious time togeth-

er and celebrate God’s gift to us of daughters.� Those attending can expect lots of music, dancing, refreshments, flowers and balloons. Local businesses provide gifts for prize drawings and church members provide dozens of Valentine cookies. The reasonable admission price covers the cost of the event with profits supporting missions for children. Smith says that because of the generosity of those who have provided donations there has been money every year for those

missions. “We have many fathers who have been attending this dance since it started,� said Smith. “The sweet memories and legacy of love continue to be the main focus.� Chris Hurst and daughter Maria attended the first dance and were the first father daughter couple to have their photo taken. They continue to enjoy the dance every year and are excited about this one. “Over the past years the Father Daughter Dance has been one of our favorite traditions,� said Hurst. “Maria and I go out to dinner with friends before the dance and then have a night of dancing and sharing with friends at the church.� The 13th annual Father Daughter Valentine Dance will be held at Fountain City UMC 6-8:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 6. Tickets are $5 per person. Dads and daughters of all ages are invited. The church is at 212 Hotel Road in Fountain City. Info: 6895175.

New director, new plans at Jewish Alliance By Carol Shane The Knoxville Jewish Alliance’s newly-elected executive director Deborah Oleshansky never expected to end up where she is in her career. “I am,� she says, “sort of an accidental Jewish professional.� Originally from Boston, she started her career in Washington, D.C., in the field of criminal justice, with a concentration on child abuse and family violence. During the Reagan administration, she was assigned to the Presidential Task Force on Child Victimization. She moved to Knoxville over 20 years ago because of a business opportunity for her husband, David. Within weeks of arriving here, she was approached for help by Conrad Koller of the Knoxville Jewish Alliance. She became the coordinator for the

Deborah Oleshansky, newly-elected executive director of the Knoxville Jewish Alliance

organization’s Russian resettlement program, working with Russian Jews who had fled the Soviet Union, helping to find them homes, schools and employment. Following the birth of her second child, she served as interim preschool direc-

tor for the Arnstein Jewish Community Center. Another child came along, completing the family, and Oleshansky became director of the University of Tennessee’s Hillel chapter, which fosters and supports campus Jewish life. She

By Cindy Taylor

She says there will be an emphasis on stages of transition such as elementary to middle school, middle school to high school and high school to college. Hearn will serve as a resource for parents and teachers seeking assistance and guidance in addressing academic struggles as well as behavioral interventions. “Students will also have access to me if they are in need of support on an academic, personal or spiritual level.� Hearn will coordinate various forms of testing and facilitate the use of statistical and diagnostic information produced by a variety of tests. Along with her counseling duties she will be teaching math, ACT prep and health classes. Hearn initially joined the FBA staff in 2010 as a middle/high school science and math teacher. After moving to Texas for a couple of years she and her family are back in Powell. While her new role at FBA sure sounds like more than a full-time position, Hearn

FAITH NOTES â– Alice Bell Baptist Church, 3305 Alice Bell Road, Clothes Closet will be open 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 6. There will be both children and adults clothing. Everything

free of charge. â– First Comforter Church, 5516 Old Tazewell Pike, hosts MAPS (Mothers At Prayer Service) noon each Friday. Info: Edna Hensley, 771-7788.

also served as the Southeast regional coordinator for “Partnership2gether,� which connects global Jewish communities directly with Israeli communities. On Monday, Jan. 11, 2016, she was named executive director of the KJA,

In the day of prosperity be joyful, and in the day of adversity consider; God has made the one as well as the other. ‌ (Ecclesiastes 7: 14 NRSV) In all the furor over the lottery (and yes, I have bought a ticket or two in my time; never won a dime!), it occurs to me that the Bible has a great deal to say about money. (The word itself appears 138 times in the King James Version.) One must be careful when quoting the Bible in regard to money, however. The most famous misquote is that “Money is the root of all evil.â€? The actual quote is “For the love of money is the root of all evilâ€?! (1 Timothy 6:10) There is, of course, the famous observation about tainted money: “The only problem with tainted money is that there “‘taint enoughâ€?! When I lived in New Jersey, there was a choir member in our congregation who had won the lottery not once, but twice! She was a lovely person, as normal as the rest of us, except richer, of course. The real problem with money is that it is often equated with power. And

though “we’re still working on a contract,� she says. With her career in criminal justice receding further into the distance, Oleshansky laughingly accepts the fact that she has “definitely morphed� into her new profession serving the local Jewish community. “I hope to reinvigorate the Jewish community and the Arnstein Jewish Community Center (AJCC) so that we can offer programs for all ages,� she says, “not just to socialize, but to promote social advocacy and social justice.� She’s excited about working with Lisa Reyes Mason of the UT College of

Cross Currents

Lynn Pitts

the truth is, money is simply a tool, and a tool can be wielded for good or evil, for healing or hurt, for building up or tearing down. It depends on the person (or persons, or companies or institutions) doing the wielding. So, in all the lottery todo, just remember where your true treasure is: count your blessings, and remember the old song: Folks with plenty of plenty They got a lock on the door Afraid somebody’s gonna rob them while they’re out a-makin’ more. What for? – I Got Plenty of Nothin’, Hayward and Gershwin So, just count your blessings, friends.

Social Work on “Mitzvah Day,� a day of “good deeds for the community,� according to the KJA website. Also on her plate are “Learn a New Game Before the Big Game;� a pickleball event taking place on Super Bowl Sunday; plans for AJCC’s summer camp and swim team; and, on Jan. 31, the opening of the Schwarzbart Gallery, so-named in memory of Arnold Schwarzbart, the well-known, Russianborn Knoxville artist and architect who died last March. “That should get us started,� says Oleshansky. Info: jewishknoxville.org or 865-690-6343

CALL FOR ARTISTS

Lori Hearn: Lori Hearn is once again on staff at First Baptist Academy; this time as the new guidance counselor. And Lori Hearn she is taking her role very seriously. First Baptist Academy is on the campus of First Baptist Powell. The FBA mission and vision for a guidance counselor is to connect students, parents and staff to the resources needed to help each student reach her or his full potential. The person holding the position will do so by nurturing and developing the student’s God-given talents and abilities to successfully accomplish the complete FBA mission and vision. “Specifically I will work with key stakeholders (parents, students, staff, faculty and community) to help students navigate and progress through each stage of learning and development,� said Hearn.

Photo

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The problem of money

boils it down to what really matters. “Ultimately and most importantly I hope to be an instrument God uses to shape the hearts and lives of students at FBA. I have been given a tremendous responsibility and privilege.� Hearn says she is looking forward to helping students develop a love for learning and a desire to strive for excellence. “Above all I hope to help them build a passion and pursuit to impact the world for Christ. There is a sweetness of life in the Powell community that my family and I have missed. We are thrilled God has brought us to a place we consider ‘home.’�

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■Arts in the Airport: juried exhibition allows regional artists to compete and display work at McGhee Tyson Airport secured area behind the security gate checkpoint from March 17-Oct. 12. Theme: “Smoky Mountain Air Show.� Entries deadline: midnight Sunday, Feb. 7. Info/application: knoxalliance.com; Suzanne Cada, 523-7543 or sc@knoxalliance.com. ■Dogwood Arts Festival: juried artists are selected to exhibit and sell their original work in mixed media, clay, drawing/pastels, glass,

jewelry, leather, metal, painting, photography, sculpture, and wood in April. Info/application: dogwoodarts.com. ■“Past and Future Conditions� exhibit: art exploring the concept of “truth� and “knowledge� and how they are affected by conditions that change over time, to be held 6-10 p.m. Friday, Feb. 5, A1 Lab Arts, 23 Emory Place. Submit entries to: a1artsubmission@gmail.com. Entry deadline: Sunday, Jan 17. Art drop off: Sunday, Jan. 31. Info: a1labarts.org.

kids

8 • JANUARY 20, 2016 • SOUTH KNOX Shopper news

New Hopewell Elementary School kindergarten teacher Shelly Morales, center, with student Wyatt Swails, takes a moment in the limelight with principal Patricia Moore, Shoney Bear, Wivick the Frog, First Class Mate Jodi from the Titanic Museum Attraction and WIVK on-air personality Gunner. Photo by Betsy Pickle Great Smoky Mountain National Park ranger and resource education department supervisor Joy Absher reads a book to the kindergartners at South Knoxville Elementary School. Photos by S. Barrett

A great big back yard Kindergartners at South Knoxville Elementary School found out how big their back yard really is last week when park rangers from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park stopped by.

Sara Barrett Park ranger and resource education department supervisor Joy Absher read students a book about a young deer and its animal friends in the forest. Students learned that when a deer is young, it doesn’t have a scent and cannot be easily detected by predators. Students also learned about parts of a whole by studying an animal fur and meeting several animal puppets. CAC AmeriCorps member Molly Moore accompanied

Absher. Moore has worked in the GSMNP since August and has visited several schools and Boys and Girls Clubs on behalf of the park. “I love seeing these students learn new things about a place they may have never been,” said Moore of the park. “They’re learning how big their back yard really is.” Absher said all the material used during each visit is curriculum based, and it fits within the county’s educational standards. “We know a teacher’s time is very valuable, so we want to take advantage of the time we’re here,” she said. At the end of the visit, students drew something from the lesson within the outline of an arrowhead, similar to the arrowhead in the park’s logo. Park rangers have been visiting schools for about 20 years according to Absher. She tries to visit SKES at least once each winter.

business News from Office of Register of Deeds

2015 ends with a bang By Sherry Witt It was a very good year. As the data from the final month of 2015 came in, it was clear that local real estate and mortgage lendSherry Witt ing markets had outperformed the previous year in virtually every statistical category, ending with an impressive run in December. For the month that ended on Thursday, Dec. 31, there were 1,036 property transfers recorded in Knox County, an increase of nearly 20 percent over December 2014, and a 33 percent jump from November’s total. The aggregate value of property sales was also robust as around $287 million worth of real estate changed hands. By comparison, November saw about $208 million in sales, and last December produced just over $200 million. The final month of 2015 brought the total value of property sold for the year to more than

$2.7 billion. In 2014, just under $2.3 billion in real estate was transferred. Mortgage markets experienced an even greater surge as lending against real estate jumped from $292 million in November to nearly $433 million in December. In all, 2015 saw right at $4 billion in new mortgages and refinancing in Knox County, a 22 percent increase over 2014 levels. The largest property transfer recorded in December was the sale of a 46-acre tract in the Hardin Business Park off Hardin Valley Road, for a price of $23,850,000. On the lending side, there were two large mortgage loans of note. One for $32.2 million, affecting a residential development known as Metropolitan Apartments on Cedar Bluff Road, and the other by Greystone Pointe LLC for just over $31 million. I certainly hope that each of you had a blessed and joyous holiday season, and on behalf of all of us at the Register of Deeds office, I wish you a healthy and prosperous year in 2016.

New Hopewell teacher recognized By Betsy Pickle It was a well-kept secret at the “best-kept secret in Knox County.” Kindergarten teacher Shelly Morales was caught by surprise last week when WIVK and Shoney’s arrived at New Hopewell Elementary School to crown her Teacher of the Month. Principal Patricia Moore knew what was in store, but Morales had no inkling. “I was very surprised,” Morales said as the initial hubbub subsided. WIVK’s Gunner, Shoe and Wivick the Frog, Shoney’s Shoney Bear and First Class Mate Jodi from the Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge made a big splash in Morales’ classroom, drawing squeals of excitement from the young students. Moore herself was moved to tears. “I’ve never seen anything like this,” said Moore, who calls New Hopewell “the best-kept secret in Knox County.” “That’s why I was boohooing. We have so many wonderful teachers, and we’re thankful that we had a parent that recognized it.” Ashley Strever, mother of Wyatt Swails, filled out a nomination form on wivk.

she said. Morales’ Teacher of the Month goodies included gift certificates from Shoney’s, passes to the Titanic Museum Attraction, a spa package from Spa 9700 and a check from Commercial Bank. Her students also received passes for Titanic, and Strever received gift certificates from Shoney’s. Annie LaLonde, marketing and advertising director for Shoney’s of Knoxville, said Shoney’s has partnered with WIVK on Teacher of the Month for more than eight years. “We are proud to recognize excellent teachers,” she

said. “We encourage anyone who is so happy with their teacher to make the nomination at wivk.com.” Gunner said Morales would get multiple mentions on the air, and photos and video would be posted on the station’s website. He said he can’t remember how long WIVK has been doing Teacher of the Month. “We’ve been about everywhere,” he said. “We’ve been a lot of places twice – we’ve been doing this a long time. This is a strange thing for us because we’ve never been here before.” He told Moore: “You don’t need to keep it a secret.”

Open house St. Joseph School will host an admissions open house, noon-2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 31. Parents are invited to attend to learn more about the school’s pre-K through eighth grade opportunities. St. Joseph is currently enrolling for the 2016-2017 school year. The school is located at 1810 Howard Drive, off Cedar Lane. Info: 689-3424 or sjsknox.org

SCHOOL NOTES ■ Webb School of Knoxville will host the following admissions open houses in the Lower School library: pre-K for 4- and 5-yearolds, 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 26 at 9:30 a.m.; Fifth Grade Academy, 2 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 27. Info/RSVP: Deborah Welsch, 291-3864 or webbschool.org/openhouses.

News from the Rotary Guy

Law Dean Gary Wade speaks By Tom King The Rotary Club of Knoxville last week heard from retired state Supreme Court justice and the new dean of the Duncan School of Tom King Law at Lincoln Memorial University – the Hon. Gary R. Wade. Wade received his undergraduate degree and law degree from the University of Tennessee and was mayor of Sevierville from 1977-87. He was chief justice of the Tennessee Supreme Court from 2012 to 2014. Among his many civic activities, he is the co-founder and chair emeritus of the Friends of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Judge Gary Wade and Sandy Martin, president of the Rotary During his presentation Club of Knoxville. he expressed his admiration for the vision and mission of Following his remarks, ■ Farragut Rotary. Wade addressed the club on three qualities of he answered several honors Bruce civic virtue (1) Generosity, questions about the (2) “Knowing your commu- current state of the Williamson nity,” and (3) “Living up to Tennessee Supreme Dr. Bruce Williamthe individual that you want Court, the LMU Law son, past president of to be.” He spoke to these School, and the Great the Rotary Club of Farvirtues, with an illustrative Smoky Mountains Naragut, was recently made tional Park. story for each. an honorary member of the

BIZ NOTES ■ Weigel’s has opened its 63rd convenience store at 2409 Charles G. Seivers Blvd. in Clinton. The store has 4-wide diesel fuel bays. President Ken McMullen said this is the first location to service trucking professionals with large, easy-to-access diesel lanes, SmartQ technology and DEF at the pump. A ribbon-cutting is planned for today (Jan. 20) with a grand opening celebration Jan. 25-31.

com in November. A “diehard country fan” and loyal WIVK listener, Strever knew about the teacher promotion and wanted Morales to be recognized for helping her son and his classmates ease into the unfamiliar world of elementary school. “She really listens to him, and it makes me more relaxed to leave him at school,” said Strever, a firsttime school mom. “He’s always wanted to come to class and talks about how nice she is and fun in class.” Morales has been teaching kindergarten for eight years. She is in her second year at New Hopewell, having moved here from Florida in 2014. She says she really likes the kindergarten age. “They’re so full of energy, and honestly, they’re like sponges,” she said. “They come in and they just absorb every single thing. I like to consider myself like a mother hen. It’s just a great age to teach.” In her free time, the Florida Atlantic University graduate enjoys traveling and boating with her family. She likes the family atmosphere at New Hopewell. “Everybody just clicks and works well together,”

Terry Holley

■ Terry Holley is the new executive director of Horse Haven of Tennessee. Founder and former director Nina Margetson will return to working more closely with animals as the operations manager for Horse Haven. Holley most recently served as philanthropy consultant for Global Fund for Community Foundations. She also headed the Oak Ridge Rowing Association as executive director and served as senior vice president for programs and regional development at the East Tennessee Foundation. Info: 865-300-5825.

Tim Young

club. Williamson left Knoxville last summer to become a commissioner on the state of Maine’s Public Utilities Commission in Augusta. Prior to accepting this sixyear gubernatorial appointment in Maine, Bruce was a senior economist at the University of Tennessee’s Howard Baker Center for Public Policy and served as a research professor at the University’s College of Business Administration; a lecturer in advanced data analytics; and as a senior economist at the National Defense Business Institute. ■

Volunteer Ministry needs books

The Rotary Club of Knoxville’s Literacy Committee is asking for help to restock the Volunteer Ministry Center’s libraries. The Volunteer Ministry Center is in need of new/used books again – hard or paperback books except Readers Digest Condensed. The club is placing a box at the welcome table at its weekly meetings for members to place books in. Tom King is a retired newspaper editor, a Rotarian for 28 years and past president of the Rotary Club of Farragut. He can be reached at tking535@gmail.com

■ Tim Young, CEO of Summit Strategic Solutions, is leaving the organization to establish a business that will focus/capitalize on the shift to more consumeroriented care. He will remain with Summit through June 30. Dr. Wesley Dean, who chairs Healthcaring Ventures, parent of Summit Strategic Solutions, said: “We appreciate Tim’s 21 years of service to Summit Medical Group and Summit Strategic Solutions and wish him well on his new endeavor. During his time at Summit, the organization has grown and achieved a number of milestones.”

weekender

Shopper news • JANUARY 20, 2016 • 9

‘Anomalisa’ By Betsy Pickle Screenwriter Charlie Kaufman loves getting inside his characters’ heads, and his fans enjoy taking that journey along with him. Whether the mind trip is literal (“Being John Malkovich”) or figurative (“Synecdoche, New York”), Kaufman’s quirky approach takes on mental landscapes unlike anything else seen in today’s movies. Even his most accessible creations – “Adaptation” and “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” – use the mind as a playground. With “Anomalisa,” he has

breaks the mold

created perhaps the ultimate interior film. That may be why it is only the second feature film he has directed, and why he chose to portray the story in stop-motion animation, with stop-motion whiz Duke Johnson as his co-director. In live action, “Anomalisa” might have been too much of a downer – as it is, it’s hardly a picnic. But live action also couldn’t convey the kind of scenario Kaufman wants to create: a world of mundaneness and conformity so overwhelming that it could drive a person over the edge. Michael Stone breaks out of his funk when he meets Lisa and Emily.

Humans vs. aliens Cassie (Chloe Grace Moretz) has a hard time figuring out whom she can trust after aliens invade Earth and destroy most of its population in “The 5th Wave.” Her first priority is trying to keep her little brother safe. Based on the young-adult novel by Rick Yancey, “The 5th Wave” also stars Nick Robinson, Alex Roe, Zackary Arthur, Ron Livingston and Liev Schreiber. The action film is rated PG-13 for violence and destruction, some sci-fi thematic elements, language and brief teen partying.

David Thewlis gives voice to Michael Stone, a Britishborn Los Angeles resident who has achieved fame in the world of customer service with his best-selling guide on said subject. The irony of Michael’s achievement is made deliciously obvious from the get-go; he’s not a social person, and he has to force himself to interact with others as he flies to Cincinnati to speak at a conference. Part of Michael’s problem is that his world has become – or perhaps it always was – so bland that everyone sounds the same. (The film achieves this by having character actor Tom

Noonan voice all the other characters save one.) No one stands out; nothing has meaning. Michael tries to break out of the blanket of blandness by contacting a former girlfriend who lives in Cincinnati. Their meeting does nothing to free Michael of his chains, and it might make viewers feel that he deserves any misery he has created for himself. But then he hears a voice that breaks through the din. It belongs to Lisa (Jennifer Jason Leigh), a customerservice representative who has come to the conference with colleague Emily. Both women have read Michael’s

book (sort of) and are big fans, so when he takes an interest in them it makes their day and then some. On the sunniest level, “Anomalisa” could represent the difference one person can make in life, the power of a soul mate. But Kaufman isn’t a sunny guy, and he can’t just leave it at that. Even though the story is set in a time that predates the ubiquity of cellphones, it still exists in a time in which gadgets and technology have created distances between individuals. And it definitely takes place during the era of the cult of personality, which is as false a con-

struct as humans have ever created. The stop-motion animation is a perfect fit, even when it comes to a sex scene that could have been more than a little creepy. As wry humor melds with a fantasy of American business culture, “Anomalisa” lets the audience explore as deeply as it wants. Kaufman is a great believer in the examined life, though his point here may be that even he believes there can be such a thing as too much wallowing. Rated R for strong sexual content, graphic nudity and language. Scheduled to open Friday at Downtown West.

Welcome, number three! By Carol Shane This month, the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra welcomes the third of its conductor candidates. Aram Demirjian is currently associate conductor of the Kansas City Symphony, and an alumnus of the prestigious Aspen and Tanglewood Music Festivals. The KSO’s principal French hornist, Jeffery Whaley, has worked with him before. “I went to Pierre Monteux school for conductors with Aram,” Whaley says. “He’s a super nice guy, and a fantastic musician.” Demirjian’s program begins with John Adams’ minimalist 1995 composition “Lollapalooza,” consisting of a complex interlocking texture of repeated short rhythmic phrases. The KSO’s principal bassoonist, Aaron Apaza, says, “When everyone is in the pocket, it feels great, but there is always the danger of feeling like you’ve got one foot in the boat and one foot

on the dock if it’s not quite grooving.” Clearly, Demirjian has his work cut out for him. Also included are György Ligeti’s 1951 “Romanian Concerto” and Romantic composer Max Bruch’s popular first violin concerto, performed by guest artist Philippe Quint. Closing the program will be Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony. Although the fifth is the most famous to listeners, the seventh is arguably the favorite among those who actually play the music. “It’s by far my favorite Beethoven symphony!” says Whaley. “It’s so dancey, with catchy tunes and an unbeatable rhythmic drive. The horn parts are very exciting.” Apaza agrees. “The whole symphony is great, but it is really defined in my mind by the second movement.” He’s referring to one of the undisputed masterpieces of symphonic literature: a brooding minor theme that starts in the low strings and builds in layers of inter-

Coming February 24

twining themes and intensity until the whole orchestra is thundering. “That movement really goes for all the money emotions,” says Apaza. Principal oboist Claire Chenette believes that the entire program “emphasizes the emotions that bind humanity together, and there’s no message I’d rather promote in this day and age!” The three musicians will be involved in an exciting venture later in the month. The KSO’s Q Series at the Square Room features the orchestra’s Principal Quartet – all string players – and the Woodwind Quintet. Although the French horn is technically a brass instrument, it is often combined with flute, clarinet, oboe and bassoon to create a group of five. The series consists of relaxed, intimate midday concerts for lunchtime listeners. A boxed lunch courtesy of Café 4 is included in the ticket price. Chenette is especially

KSO musicians are looking forward to playing under the third of six conductor candidates for music director/conductor. Shown are Gary Sperl, Nick Johnson, Claire Chenette, Jeffery Whaley and Aaron Apaza, the members of the KSO’s Woodwind Quintet, which will also perform at the Square Room later in the month as part of the KSO’s Q Series. Photo submitted looking forward to playing “one of any oboist’s all-time favorite pieces of classical music,” Maurice Ravel’s “Le Tombeau de Couperin.” The program will also feature a world premiere of a piece by Jonathan Chenette. Any relation? You bet. “I also get a visit from my composer

father!” The Knoxville Symphony Orchestra presents “Beethoven and Bruch,” part of the Moxley Carmichael Masterworks Series, at 7:30 p.m. this Thursday, Jan. 21, and Friday, Jan. 22, at the Tennessee Theatre in downtown Knoxville. The Q

Series at the Square Room happens at noon on Wednesday, Jan. 27, at the Square Room at Café 4 on Market Square in downtown Knoxville. Tickets/info: www. knoxvillesymphony.com or 291-3310. Send story suggestions to news@shoppernewsnow.com.

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Wellness

10 • JANUARY 20, 2016 • SOUTH KNOX Shopper news

That’s ‘Mama Marcie’ or ‘Ms. Marcie’ to you By Sara Barrett Last year, Mount Olive Elementary School PTA began sponsoring a “Teacher of the Month” honor for school staff. That title was tweaked last month when school secretary Marcie Adcock was selected for the honor. It is now known as “Faculty Member of the Month.” The announcement was made when Adcock was asked to take a note to principal Paula Brown during a school assembly. “She began talking about this person, and I started thinking, ‘that sounds like me!’” says Adcock. She received a floral bouquet and a gift basket from the PTA. Known as “Mama Marcie” to her coworkers and “Ms. Marcie” to the students, Adcock began volunteering at Mount Olive when her two boys, Wes and Daniel, were students there. Wes is now the assistant principal at Sequoyah Elementary School and Daniel is a pharmacist for Walgreens. “This position opened up and I’ve been here now for 25 years, through five principals,” she says. “This is such a good little family school. When I first started, I was the only one in the office. Kids would give me little notes saying they loved me and that I was their best friend.” In her spare time, Adcock bottle raises neglected baby goats. Milly, one of those baby goats, became the school mascot for a period of time before she got too old for the job. Adcock says over the years, her job duties have changed and more staff has

Debbie Chesney holds her new daughter, Anne Le, for the first time in Vietnam in 1995. Photos submitted

Marcie Adcock with her pet goat and former Mount Olive mascot, Milly. Photo submitted

Anne Le, center, with her parents Gary and Debbie Chesney

Homes of Love brings hope, homes By Carolyn Evans

been added to help her, but the students have remained the same. “Other job offers have come up, but there was always a roadblock in the way. I know this is where God wants me to be, and I’m not leaving. “Being Faculty Member of the Month is such an honor. I feel so loved by everyone here – the staff and the PTA.”

Shopper s t n e V enews

Send items to news@ShopperNewsNow.com

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 20 Greensky Bluegrass in concert, 8 p.m., Bijou Theater, 803 S. Gay St. Info/tickets: knoxbijou.com.

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 20, 27 “Beautiful, Vibrant Alcohol Inks” class, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Knoxville Museum of Art, 1050 World’s Fair Park Drive. Cost: KMA members $50/nonmembers $65. Info/registration: knoxart.org. “Mosaics Keepsake Box” class, 2-4 p.m., Knoxville Museum of Art, 1050 World’s Fair Park Drive. Cost: KMA members $50/nonmembers $65. Info/registration: knoxart.org.

WEDNESDAY-THURSDAY, JAN. 20-21 AARP Driver Safety class, noon-4 p.m., O’Connor Senior Center, 611 Winona St. Info/registration: Carolyn Rambo, 382-5822.

THURSDAY, JAN. 21 Pinterest/Instagram/Twitter for Seniors, 1-3 p.m., Farragut Town Hall, 11408 Municipal Center Drive. Presented by Social Media 4 Seniors. Cost: $30. Registration/payment deadline: Thursday, Jan. 21. Info/registration: 218-3375; townoffarragut.org/register; in person at Town Hall. Salvage jewelry making workshop, 6 p.m., Ijams Nature Center, 2915 Island Home Ave. For ages 8 and up. Instructor: Sarah Brobst. Cost: $20. Must preregister. Info/registration: 577-4717, ext. 110.

THURSDAY-FRIDAY, JAN. 21-22 Knoxville Symphony Orchestra presents Beethoven & Bruch, 7:30 p.m., Tennessee Theatre, 604 S. Gay St. Info/tickets: tennesseetheatre.com; knoxvilletickets.com; 656-4444.

FRIDAY, JAN. 22 Alive after Five: Tennessee Sheiks, 6-8:30 p.m.,

Mount Olive Elementary School secretary Marcie Adcock was named “Faculty Member of the Month” for December.

A nonprofit business in Farragut is making a difference in children’s lives around the world. It started in 1972 when Debbie Smith, then a senior at Bearden High School, watched the nightly news as orphaned children were airlifted out of Vietnam to head to the United States. She soon learned that her Young Life leader was one of the adopting parents, and the child ended up in Knoxville. Debbie never forgot that. She married Gary Chesney, and they had five children, but the thought of adopting a child was always in her heart, she says. As they began to explore that option, the Chesneys found the only country that would let a family with five children adopt was Vietnam. The Chesneys spent five weeks in 1995 near the orphanage that was home to 250 children in Vietnam and then headed home with their 8-month-old daughter. They named her Anne Le, after her aunts and grandfather. “Finally the wheels lifted up on the plane,” Debbie says, “and it was a huge relief. But as I looked out the window, I was really sad. My husband looked at me, and I had tears streaming down my face because I realized

Knoxville Museum of Art, 1050 World’s Fair Park Drive. Tickets: $10; $5 for members/students. Info: 934-2039. Black Jacket Symphony performs Journey’s “Escape,” 8 p.m., Bijou Theater, 803 S. Gay St. Info/ tickets: knoxbijou.com. Cafe Mortel, 2:30-4 p.m., Bearden Branch Library, 100 Golfclub Road. Info: 588-8813. The eighth annual Snow Day, a CAC Beardsley Community Farm Benefit, 7 p.m., Barley’s Taproom and Pizzeria, 200 E Jackson Ave. Featuring: live music, soup contest, silent auction and more. Preorder discount tickets: brownpapertickets.com/event/2477917. Tickets available at the door. The Naughty Knots, 8 p.m., Laurel Theater, 1538 Laurel Ave. Tickets: $12, some discounts available. Info/ tickets: www.jubileearts.org.

SATURDAY, JAN. 23 “1 Year Down the Drain: Turkey Creek” stream cleanup, 10 a.m.-noon. Parking available at the Farragut Park & Ride lot, 11798 Campbell Lakes Drive. Volunteer signup: SignUpGenius (http://bit. ly/1O9ecPY) by Thursday, Jan. 21. Info: Joseph Konvicka, americorps@townoffarragut.org or 966-7057. AAA Driver Improvement Course, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., AAA Office, 715 W. Lamar Alexander Parkway, Maryville. Eight-hour course helps reduce points for traffic offenders and teaches how to reduce risk while driving. Cost: $40 members/$50 nonmembers. Must preregister. Info/registration: Kate, 862-9254, or Stephanie, 862-9252. Brown Bag Lecture: “Caring for Your Paintings and Artifacts” by Andrew Hurst, noon, East Tennessee History Center, 601 S. Gay St. Lloyd Branson Painting Documentation, 10 a.m.-noon and 1-2 p.m. Free program. Info: EastTNHistory.org. The Freight Hoppers Old-Time String Band, 8 p.m., Laurel Theater, 1538 Laurel Ave. Tickets: $14, some discounts available. Info/tickets: www.jubileearts.org. Kitten and cat adoption fair, noon-6 p.m., West Town PetSmart adoption center, 214 Morrell Road. Sponsored by Feral Feline Friends of East Tennessee. Info: www.feralfelinefriends.org. Moon Taxi in concert, 8 p.m., Tennessee Theatre, 604 S. Gay St. Info/tickets: tennesseetheatre.com. Saturday Stories and Songs: Kindermusik, 11 a.m., Cedar Bluff Branch Library, 9045 Cross Park Drive. For ages birth to 5. Info: 470-7033. Saturday Stories and Songs: Miss Lynn, 11 a.m., Lawson McGhee Library, 500 W. Church Ave. Info: 215-8750. West Knox Preschool and Activities Fair, 2-4 p.m., St. John Neumann Catholic School, 625 Saint John Court. Free event. Hosted by the Knoxville-Farragut MOMS Club. Info: facebook.com/ events/1612266402369709/.

MONDAY, JAN. 25 Deco Mesh Wreath Making class, 6:30-7:30

we’d left so many children behind who would have to grow up in an orphanage, who didn’t have a family.” The Chesneys returned to Vietnam twice on mission trips in the years that followed. Through those trips, the Knoxville dentist and his wife met pastors and formed connections with Christians in the country. At a dinner with a Vietnamese pastor visiting in Knoxville in 2000, Debbie had a conversation and a moment of inspiration. “We told him our hearts were really heavy for the children of Vietnam,” Debbie says, “but we didn’t know what to do.” The pastor suggested that they help place those children in families in their own countries, giving them a family base that was different from the orphanages. A year later, the first child was placed with a Vietnamese family. The idea has grown into a non-profit called Homes of Love. Debbie and six others work part-time in the Homes of Love office in Farragut. Children from Vietnam, Zimbabwe and soon, Cambodia, are finding their way from orphanages to families. “Everything we do is in partnership with Christians

in the countries we work with,” she says. “They know the needs and can do the investigating necessary. They find the parents, make sure the children really do have critical needs and really do need a family.” The Homes of Love program makes sure the children have access to education, health care and a loving family environment. The families receive a stipend to help with expenses from Homes of Love, which is funded through donations and partnerships with several area churches. These children, says Debbie, escape the dangers of poverty, abuse, neglect and sexual exploitation sometimes found in foreign orphanages. Homes of Love now has 25 children who have grown up in the program and are in vocational training or college. “I’m kind of watching a dream come true, because I’m watching the kids in their home countries catch a vision and give back,” says Debbie. “We’ve helped several other organizations to do what we do. There are enough children to go around so that it doesn’t have to just be Homes of Love.” Info: homesoflove.org

p.m., Farragut Town Hall, 11408 Municipal Center Drive. Free class; bring your own supplies. Registration deadline: Friday, Jan. 22. Info/registration: 218-3375; townoffarragut.org/register; in person at Town Hall.

TUESDAY, JAN. 26 “An Evening with Regina Carter” presented by the Knoxville Jazz Orchestra, 8 p.m., Square Room, 4 Market Square. Tickets: $32.50 adult, $15 student. Info/ tickets: knoxjazz.org. “Battling Dangerous Belly Fat,” 10 a.m., Humana Guidance Center, 640 Plaza, 4438 Western Ave. Featuring: how to manage belly fat, a cooking demonstration and second lecture will follow. Free and open to the public. Info: 329-8892, TTY: 711. Computer Workshops: Excel, 5:30 p.m., East Tennessee History Center, 601 S. Gay St. Requires “Word Basics” or equivalent skills. Info/registration: 215- 8700. Robert Earl Keen in concert, 8 p.m., Bijou Theater, 803 S. Gay St. Info/tickets: knoxbijou.com. University Women’s Club “Meet and Greet” for women in the University community, 4:30-6 p.m., UT Visitor’s Center, Neyland Drive. Light refreshments served. RSVP by Wednesday, Jan. 20 to: Therese Leadbetter, 805-7165.

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 27 Computer Workshops: Internet and Email Basics, 2 p.m., East Tennessee History Center, 601 S. Gay St. Requires “Introducing the Computer” or equivalent skills. Info/registration: 215-8700. Guster in concert, 8 p.m., Bijou Theater, 803 S. Gay St. Info/tickets: knoxbijou.com. “Is It Alzheimer’s?,” 1 p.m., Humana Guidance Center, 640 Plaza, 4438 Western Ave. learn about the early signs of Alzheimer’s. A lecture on “Managing Worries and Fears” will follow. Free and open to the public. Info: 329-8892, TTY: 711. Knoxville Writers’ Group meeting, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Naples Italian Restaurant, 5500 Kingston Pike. Speaker: Dr. Lin Stepp, author of “The Smoky Mountain Books.” Luncheon: $12. RSVP by Monday, Jan. 25: Mary Mckinnon, 983-3740.

THURSDAY, JAN. 28 KSO Very Young People’s Concerts: “Let’s tell a story!” 11 a.m., Tennessee Theatre, 604 S. Gay St. Info/ tickets: tennesseetheatre.com.

FRIDAY, JAN. 29 Alive after Five: “Tribute to the R&B Classic Hits, Part 3” featuring Evelyn Jack & Donald Brown, 6-8:30 p.m., Knoxville Museum of Art, 1050 World’s Fair Park Drive. Tickets: $15; $10 for members/students. Info: 934-2039.

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