SOUTH KNOX VOL. 2 NO. 28 1
IN THIS ISSUE
Briggs is better
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July 29, 16, 2013 2014
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Alliance looks to build bonds, community
Never say there’s not a dime’s worth of difference between state Sen. Stacey Campfield and his challenger, County Commissioner Richard Briggs. Shopper publisher Sandra Clark makes the case for Briggs.
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Read Clark on page 4
Meet candidates The South Knoxville Republican Club occasionally puts politicians’ feet to the fire, but on Thursday, July 17, they’ll be in total welcome mode as members hold their annual community picnic.
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Read Betsy Pickle on page 3
Better together A somewhat interesting couple is approaching their 60th wedding anniversary. They tell each other they are better together than they could have possibly been as individuals, says Marvin West.
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Read his salute to Sarah on page 5
Comics Exchange Comics Exchange offers comic books, collectibles, T-shirts, toys and statues for customers from 8 to 80. Prices vary greatly for the new and vintage comics. Owner Bill Langford has lived in Knoxville 19 years. Originally from Nashville, he attended the University of Tennessee, where he graduated from law school. His hobby became a business 15 years ago when he opened Comics Exchange.
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By Betsy Pickle The South Knoxville Alliance is throwing a party with a purpose. The SKA’s first-ever Networking Mixer is happening from 5 to 7 p.m. tomorrow (July 17) at LaborExchange, 2623 Chapman Highway. Yes, there will be tasty hors d’oeuvres. And of course there will be refreshing adult libations. But as far as the SKA events committee is concerned, the best part of the mixer will be getting to interact with business and civic leaders and demonstrate the value of belong-
By Sandra Clark
Shopper interns
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Read the interns’ reports on 6
7049 Maynardville Pike 37918 (865) 922-4136 NEWS news@ShopperNewsNow.com Sandra Clark | Betsy Pickle ADVERTISING SALES ads@ShopperNewsNow.com Shannon Carey Jim Brannon | Tony Cranmore Patty Fecco
nesses who want to havee input on the direction off South Knoxville.” The SKA formed when the closing of the Henley Bridge ostracized South Knoxville and dampened the spirits – and viability – of many entities south of the river. By coming together, members were able to help each other devise strategies to combat the effects of the long-term problem. The SKA is working on a business directory, and at the mixer they’ll announce several initiatives that will be good for business and
the community as a whole. One of the most exciting projects is a South Knoxville calendar featuring photos of scenic SoKno. The pictures will be chosen through a photo contest, which will encourage residents to get out into neighborhood parks and the Urban Wilderness to capture nature’s beauty. Each month will be “auctioned off” to a South Knox business, which gets to choose its photo as well
as put a coupon on the bottom of the page. The fundraiser will help support other SKA outreach programs such as Saturday South, an event intended to drum up excitement about South Knoxville. One of the features of Saturday South will be the “K-Town Races.” “It’s our own twist on the ‘Amazing Race’ format, To page 3
‘Not-metro’ is all about the money, says Burchett
Read Nancy Whittaker on page 7
First Presbyterian Church is considered “Knoxville’s first church,” founded in 1792 and built in 1812 on James White’s field of turnips. Church member Pat Armstrong gave the interns a behind-the-scenes look and a peek inside the adjacent graveyard. The building has undergone several renovations throughout the years, but there have been only 15 ministers since the church began. During the Civil War, the Union army occupied the building – letting their horses graze in the graveyard – for three years. The interns also visited Temple Beth El and St. George Greek Orthodox Church. Lunch speaker was Holocaust survivor Sonja DuBois.
ing to the South Knoxville Alliance. “It’s a way to get businesses and other organizations together here in South Knoxville,” says cochair Antoinette Fritz. Emphasis on “other.” “The South Knoxville Alliance is not just for businesses,” says committee member Janice Tocher. “People like Candoro, churches, Ijams Nature Center, the Appalachian Mountain Bike Club and the Boys & Girls Club are also members. “It’s people representing organizations and busi-
South Knoxville Alliance members display their motto. From left are Antoinette Fritz, Bobbye Edwards, Bill Peterson, Rebecca Husain, Debra Bradshaw, Patrick Michael, Sharon Davis and Janice Tocher. Photo by Betsy Pickle
Tim Burchett ends his talk in Fountain City.
Announcing his upcoming nuptials was not the news nugget of Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett’s speech to a business group in Fountain City, yet that announcement got all the media play. Much more impactful was his endorsement of unified government for Knoxville and Knox County and his pledge to work for the merger during his upcoming four-year term.
“Yes, I’m serious,” he said. “We have two governments because of fiefdoms. … Just don’t call it metro.” Burchett wants to reduce, not enlarge, the size of local government. He wants to eliminate duplication but is not about to suggest the hot-button issues that have doomed previous votes. (State law requires unification to be approved by voters in both the city and the county balance.) “We’re not taking away
anybody’s right to elect officials. We’re not raising taxes.” He proposes service zones in which residents could choose (and pay for) enhanced services such as garbage pickup and fire protection. “It’s bad for business,” he said, citing awkwardness in explaining local government to companies seeking to locate here. “And it’s bad for your tax dollars,” he said. County Commissioner
R. Larry Smith agreed. “If elected officials put their egos aside, it would happen. It just makes sense.” Knox County’s debt has been reduced by $59 million in three years, Burchett said. As for that marriage, Burchett said he will wed Kelly Kimball on July 26 at an undisclosed location. “We’ve both got enough stuff,” he said, requesting no gifts. “Make a contribution to HonorAir.”
The Ed and Bob show comes to County Commission By Betty Bean It’s been a year or so since Bob Thomas and Ed Brantley worked together, but the two longtime morning-drive radio stars will be colleagues again once they’re sworn in as Knox County Commissioners Sept. 2. In the meantime, they’ve had a couple of dinners with the other two new commissioners-elect (Charles Busler and Randy Smith), and they plan another in August, which they know is perfectly legal now, although come September, sunshine laws will come into play and put constraints on their gettogethers. But they are adamant about one thing: “If the two of us are at
Ed Brantley and Bob Thomas the Vol Market No. 3 having a hot dog, which we do every week, and somebody calls in (to complain), or if somebody sees us at Wright’s Cafeteria, where we take my mom for lunch, well, that’s not going to stop,” Thomas said. “That’s
Photo by Betty Bean
silly. We’re going to stop being friends? Not going to happen.” Thomas and Brantley will represent the 10th and 11th at-large districts, respectively (a distinction without a difference, since at-large commis-
sioners represent the entire county). Thomas ran unopposed; Brantley was victorious over a primary opponent. Neither is opposed in the August general election. In addition to being on-air personalities, both have run businesses, both are grandfathers and both want to attract more and better jobs to Knox County for the sake of their grandchildren (Ed has five; Bob has three). “To me, the biggest priority in this county other than supporting the school system is getting some jobs in here,” Brantley said. “Chattanooga is ahead of us in manufacturing, and our surrounding counties are ahead of us, too, to some degree, in other ar-
eas. When I used to go in to work in the early morning, Pellissippi Parkway was a constant stream of headlights going to Oak Ridge where they have the national lab and all that high-tech industry. “Knox County is at a disadvantage, but there are good ideas coming out of Anderson and Blount counties, and the booming tourist trade in Sevier County. Can we share some more of those things? Yes, I think we can.” Thomas agrees. “A lot of people have asked me, what do you want to accomplish? I personally am not coming in with something in my back pocket I’ve got to get done. I don’t have an agenda. I want
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2 • JULY 16, 2014 • Shopper news
health & lifestyles
Physical Therapy The ins and outs to make it work for you At Fort Sanders Therapy Centers, educating patients about the beneďŹ ts of treatment from a physical therapist is a yearly process for the staff, with a focus on the best course of action to make sure therapy will accomplish realistic goals for the patient, according to physical therapist Jennifer Templeton. But for potential patients looking for the relief of pain, is physical therapy right for you? Here’s a look at what physical therapists can do and why it might be the right ďŹ t.
What is physical therapy? Physical therapy focuses on rehabilitating a patient’s impairments or disabilities by promoting increased mobility, strength and function in order to improve quality of life. Physical therapy is performed by licensed Physical Therapists (PTs) and Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs).
Who are physical therapists and physical therapy assistants? Physical therapists are trained movement specialists. They have advanced degrees and licenses certifying their knowledge on how the human body works and moves. All physical therapists have earned at least a bachelor’s degree in physical therapy; recent graduates have obtained clinical doctorate degrees. Therapists’ specialized training allows them to examine, evaluate, diagnose and set a treatment plan for movement disorders. Physical therapist assistants have an associate’s degree in treating movement disorders and are licensed to follow the plan of care set by the PT.
What is a movement disorder and what kinds of disorders do physical therapists treat? Movement disorders are medical issues that limit a person’s abil-
Is physical therapy right for you?
If you are having joint pain, limited motion or strength, or difďŹ culties when performing the activities you like to do because of pain, then physical therapy may be able to help. You will need a doctor’s order to begin physical therapy, so talk to your primary care provider or specialist to see if physical therapy could help you. Physical therapy is covered by most insurance plans. At Fort Sanders Therapy Centers, therapists have specialized training in treating orthopedic and sports injuries, chronic headaches and neck pain, back pain, and pelvic oor dysfunction. Helping patients to reach their goals is what makes the work so rewarding, according to physical therapist Jennifer Templeton, PT, DPT, OCS. “It’s great to watch the patient progress from being unable to do an activity to no longer needing help,â€? said Templeton. “If you’re looking for a therapy center, ďŹ nd one that encourages Physical therapist Jennifer Templeton addresses lower back pain on patient its therapists to pursue continuing Tim French at Fort Sanders Therapy Center-Downtown. education and learn the newest techniques,â€? Templeton suggests. “At Fort Sanders, we are encourity to get out of bed, stand, walk, â– Integumentary – the skin aged to attend specialty courses in reach or perform other daily tasks. and lymphatic systems that ďŹ lter advanced techniques.â€? Therapy focuses on four systems out unwanted germs and uid. of the human body: â– Musculoskeletal – the Where do physical bones, joints and muscles that therapists work? move your body. Physical therapists â– Neurological – the brain, work in many settings, spinal cord and nerves that carry including hospitals, rehasignals from your brain to the body to tell it what actions to perform; bilitation centers (includnerves also carry information ing Fort Sanders Therapy (such as sensation or pain) from Center’s sister clinic at Patricia Neal Rehabilitathe body to the brain. Which is better on an injury, ice or heat? According to Stephen Karp, â– Cardiovascular/ Pulmo- tion Center), skilled nursmanager of the Fort Sanders Therapy Center, that depends on what nary – the heart, lungs and blood ing facilities, outpatient you’re treating, for how long and what you hope to achieve. vessels that supply blood and oxy- centers and even a pagen to working muscles. tient’s home. Heat improves blood ow to tissues, so it can relax tight muscles and reduce a muscle spasm. It’s best to use heat before exercise to increase the exibility of stiff joints and muscles. Heat therapy can also help ease the pain of chronic arthritis, as long as the joint is not swollen.
Ice or heat
How do you choose? Heat before exercise
The McKenzie MethodŽ for back pain now available close to home Imagine a life without crippling back pain. The proven success of the McKenzie MethodŽ at Covenant Therapy Centers provides a non-surgical option for many of the 20 percent of adults enduring chronic back pain. “It gave me back the life I thought I’d lost forever� said one recent patient. Also known as Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT), the McKenzie MethodŽ has superior functional outcomes for back, neck and extremity problems. It emphasizes education and active patient involvement to decrease pain quickly,
Along with one-on-one treatment, she says, “this emphasis on continuing education sets us apart by raising our quality of care and improving patient outcomes.â€? Tim French, 35, chose Fort Sanders Therapy Center after having back surgery in 2005. French struggled with back and leg pain, in addition to having balance issues due to leg weakness. As he worked with Templeton, French experienced less pain and improved leg strength he never thought he would see. “I used to struggle with signiďŹ cant weakness in my left calf, but now I’m doing things that I never thought possible,â€? French explained. “I’ve also seen my balance come back, and slowly the pain in my back and legs has decreased.â€? At a normal therapy session, French will do numerous leg and back strengthening exercises, with Templeton supervising him. “The therapists are really good about isolating the injury and focusing on making it better,â€? said French. “I trust Jennifer and her colleagues so much because I know they have my best interests in mind and want to do what it takes to continue my improvement.â€? For more information about physical therapy, call 865-541-1300.
restore normal function, prevent recurrence and minimize dependence on medical intervention. As with most things, a successful solution depends on properly identifying the problem. Pain is a symptom, not a diagnosis. The certiďŹ ed McKenzie therapist utilizes a comprehensive process to ďŹ nd the underlying cause. In fact, research has shown the initial McKenzie assessment to be as reliable as costly diagnostic imaging (i.e., X-rays, MRIs) to determine the problem and quickly identify responders and non-respond-
ers. “Even if you have to crawl in to see her, you can walk out because she determines where the pain’s coming from and what to do about itâ€? said a patient of certiďŹ ed McKenzie physical therapist Mary SatterďŹ eld, with Fort Sanders Regional Therapy Center in Powell. CertiďŹ ed McKenzie therapists are available at four Covenant Therapy Center locations in three counties. For more information about this or any of the other physical, speech & occupational therapy programs call (865) 541-1300.
Heat after injury
Don’t apply heat directly after an injury or exercise, as that can make swelling and pain worse. When your initial pain has subsided, apply heat for about 15 to 20 minutes at a time, but be careful to buffer your skin with clothing to prevent burns. “And don’t use a heating pad while sleeping,� adds Karp. “People have suffered serious burns to their skin from heating pads left unmonitored.�
Ice after exercise or injury
Using an ice pack is best immediately after an injury or the overuse of joints and muscles during a workout or run. Cold reduces swelling and pain by causing the blood vessels to constrict and narrow. Apply an ice pack to an injury for about 10 minutes at a time, but let the skin warm up again before applying another ice pack. This can be repeated several times each day for three days. “Overusing an already aggravated muscle or joint can lead to more serious damage,� adds Karp. “If you have any persistent pain in a joint or muscle for more than several days, you should see your doctor.� Your physician may suggest that you alter your activities to provide relief to the joint or muscle affected. Or, you may be referred to a physical therapist for more targeted treatment.
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SOUTH KNOX Shopper news • JULY 16, 2014 • 3 ■
Hot dogs, warm vibes
Bricks 4 Kidz will offer a program for kindergartners through fifth-graders at 1 p.m. Saturday, July 19, at the Howard Pinkston Branch Library, 7732 Martin Mill Pike. Bricks 4 Kidz uses LEGOs to introduce kids to the basics in engineering, architecture, science, math and technology in fun ways. Space is limited, and registration is required. Call 573-0436 to sign up.
The South Knoxville Republican Club occasionally puts politicians’ feet to the fire, but on Thursday, July 17, they’ll be in total welcome mode as members hold their annual community picnic.
Betsy Pickle South-Doyle High School assistant principal Sherry Smith receives a Global Education Excellence Award from Lendelle Clark. Photo submitted Everyone is invited to the event from 6-8 p.m. at Gary Underwood Park. In addition to the franks, there will be savory sides, delicious desserts and refreshing cold drinks. With election season in full swing, there likely will be some pols strolling around, making nice with constituents, but there’s no formal program. The agenda is fun, so bring the family! ■
Getting lost – together
South Knoxville can’t be topped when it comes to opportunities for getting outside and enjoying nature, whether it’s a casual evening dip at Fort Dickerson’s quarry lake or something more organized. The latter is where TREK South comes in. The hik-
Nearly two weeks after Independence Day, some South Knoxvillians are still setting off fireworks (your neighbors thank you – yeah, right). Here’s one (silent) fireworks display we’re happy to see – the seasonal hay-bale display at McLemore Florist. Photo by Betsy Pickle
ing group’s next adventure will be from 10 a.m. to noon this Saturday, July 19, at Forks of the River Wildlife Management Area, starting
from the parking lot on McClure Lane. Co-organizer Debbie Sharp advises attendees to bring plenty of drinking
LEGO time at Pinkston library
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South-Doyle gets global award
South-Doyle High School has been honored for its commitment to international understanding and global awareness by the EF High School Exchange Year. Lendelle Clark, who with wife Sue coordinates the exchange program locally, presented the Global Education Excellence Award to Sherry Smith, assistant principal at South-Doyle. For the 2013-14 school year, South-Doyle hosted two exchange students, Javier Guerrero from Spain and The view from the Harold Lambert Overlook at Fort Dickerson Niklas Wisler from Gershows a few lingering swimmers (bottom left) at the quarry many. lake at sunset. The lake has been a popular destination since “By welcoming exchange late spring and is a pleasant place to cool off during the hot students into the classsummer days. Photo by Betsy Pickle rooms, South-Doyle has created new and unique learning opportunities not just water, and she says a hiking brought them spectacular for the exchange students, stick might be handy if the views of sunflowers. Their but for the American stutrails are wet. June hike at Ijams Nature dents and faculty as well,” TREK South (Traverse, Center yielded close en- Dan Sodervall, president of Ride & Explore Knoxville counters with some of the EF High School Exchange Year, said in a press release. South) has already had park’s smallest residents. Info on the exchange one memorable outing this Info on Saturday’s hike month. Their hike of the at the TREK South Face- program: call the Clarks, Will Skelton Greenway book page or email Sharp at 691-0627, or visit www.efexchangeyear.org. and into Forks of the River dspuravida@yahoo.com.
TREK South members make their way toward a spectacular field of sunflowers. Photo submitted
Alliance to build bonds
From page 1
without the intense physical nature or the big hurry,” says events co-chair Debra Bradshaw. “It will be a fun introduction to businesses.” Saturday South plans are still being developed, says Bradshaw, but “all the activities will be free.” That’s one reason the SKA hopes to expand its membership base at the mixer. They need more members to support their
community-building events. Membership is open to retail, services, professional, civic, academic and nonprofit entities. Among the many benefits are coordinated and cost-reduced marketing and advertising campaigns and the opportunity to improve the business climate and quality of life in South Knoxville. Just this year, SKA has
Ed and Bob show
From page 1
to make sure we’re tracking business and that we are fiscally responsible and good decision makers. Ed and I had lunch the other day, and somebody told us, ‘They ought to let you two guys go out and talk to businesses.’ “I’m not afraid to stand up to people, and I’m sick and tired of minimum-wage jobs coming to town and us thinking that’s a big victory. I’d like to find jobs that give people a career – the kind of jobs that attract 20- and 30-year-olds who want to have a family to come here and stay here.” Brantley has promised not to vote for any new taxes and says that he will stick by that pledge. “I’m taking a stand on not voting for any new taxes. People are taxed to death,” he said. He sees no conflict between this stance and his promise to push for a new Gibbs Middle School. Thomas said he wants a strong infrastructure but at the same time intends to be fiscally responsible. He approves of the way the county is being managed. “Knox County is paying
down debt, and our bond rating is going up. A lot of counties around the state would like to be in the situation we’re in.” Both are extremely interested in Knox County Schools but have questions about the relationships between the school board and the commission. “Things are at a standstill,” Brantley said. “Why can’t the chair of the school board and the chair of commission get together and say, ‘What can you live with?’ ” Both Thomas and Brantley laugh at suggestions that they’ll vote in “two-for-one” fashion. “Obviously, you never listened to our show. We disagree on a lot of things, but at least we can tell each other how we feel. After spending three years together every day on the radio, there’s not been an issue comes through this town we did not discuss in depth. I don’t care about politics. I just want to see some progress,” Thomas said. “No offense to who’s sitting there now, but we want to take it up a level.”
supported the community by paying for a parking shuttle bus for Vestival and donating food and money to help children attending the Ijams summer camps. South Knoxville is on the upswing, and the SKA wants to help lead the way. Thursday’s mixer is free, but RSVPs would be appreciated. Email RSVP@southknoxvillealliance.org.
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4 • JULY 17, 2014 • Shopper news
Briggs vs. Campfield Not a dime’s worth of difference? Never say there’s not a dime’s worth of difference between state Sen. Stacey Campfield and his challenger, County Commissioner Richard Briggs.
Sandra Clark
Briggs has a medical degree and a real job: heart surgeon for over 30 years. He’s been president of the Knoxville Academy of Medicine. Briggs is a combat veteran of Desert Storm, Iraq and Afghanistan, retiring as a U.S. Army colonel. He’s served on County Commission since 2008, tackling complex issues like billboards, pension reform
and economic development. Stacey Campfield, on the other hand, served in the House and Senate for almost a decade before passing a bill. He’s marginally self-employed, “rehabbing” and renting run-down real estate. His college experience was online, and his experience in uniform is limited to Halloween. Campfield, 46, is old enough to act better. He likes to blame the “liberal media” for his bad press, but he’s been sued for defamation, booted from the Duncan Family Barbecue for his antics, and escorted out of a UT football game for failing to remove a mask when asked to do so. Let’s elect a serious senator – Dr. Richard Briggs – and watch him effectively serve in Nashville. There’s a world of difference.
Knox County DA Randy Nichols talks with Northwest Democratic Club treasurer Nancy Stinnette at the club’s July meeting.
Mary Beth Leibowitz and Hubert Smith at the Northwest Democratic Club Photos by Cindy Taylor
Leaving for the next adventure By Cindy Taylor Friends and family gathered with the Northwest Democratic Club to honor three favorites who are moving on to a different phase of life. Indya Kincannon, Mary Beth Leibowitz and Randy Nichols were thanked by club members for their willingness to speak at meetings and help out in other
ways whenever they were asked. “Randy and Mary Beth have always been so gracious to come and speak to our club,” said treasurer Nancy Stinnette. “We wanted to do a little something to show our appreciation.” Nichols leaves his position as district attorney general for Knox County at the end of August. After holding
the position for 22 years, Nichols says he is retiring but not stopping. “I haven’t looked for work in 40 years,” said Nichols. “I don’t know if I can find anybody to hire me or not.” Leibowitz was the first female Democratic judge in Knox County and held the seat more than 25 years. “No one thought I could get reelected,” said Leibow-
itz. “This club stood by me and supported me. I have learned a lot from these folks. As for retirement, my plan is to do whatever I want.” Leibowitz said her parents told her that their obligation was to educate her sufficiently, and her job was to make a living. Kincannon was on vacation but sent her regards.
McKamey seeks to save Democrats from themselves Last week, John McKamey made a 200-mile round trip to Knoxville from his home in Piney Flats to talk to the Central City Democrats about why he’s running for governor. He’s pretty much going it alone, and his short-term objective is to save the Tennessee Democratic Party from itself. He doesn’t want another national embarrassment like the one they suffered through two years ago when part-time flooring installer/ Tea Party supporter Mark Clayton took advantage of his superior alphabetical position on the ballot and beat opponent Park Overall to become the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate, facing Republican Bob Corker. The Washington Post, among others, named
Betty Bean
Clayton, whose most prominent supporter was Republican Stacey Campfield, the worst Senate candidate in the country, and the Tennessee Democratic Party became a national laughingstock. With this in mind, McKamey is acutely aware of the perils of low name recognition and inferior ballot position, and points out that two of his opponents have catchy names – Charlie Brown and Kennedy Johnson. “None of the other candidates are campaigning,
for someone. “I started two days before the deadline. Somebody has got to stand up for education and for women and for people who are being denied health insurance,” he said. He’s not a supporter of the Common Core State Standards, which he labels as “test, test test.” “Teachers want to teach the student – not to the test. They’re making robots out of teachers and robots out of students, and all they’re talking about is numbers and statistics.” He’s not a fan of vouchers and charter schools and says he’d hire an experienced classroom teacher as commissioner of education. He says his concern for women’s rights has been sharpened by experience.
“When I was a county commissioner, there was a lady who applied for a raise, and county commission, including me, kept turning her down. When I was county executive, she sued, and won. And she was right. I’ve been to court and I always remember the 14th Amendment. It means equality for everybody.” And he has an even more personal reason: “My wife had rheumatic fever in high school that damaged her heart severely. When we got married in 1960, her doctor told us she couldn’t stand a pregnancy. He told her, ‘If you get pregnant, you come here and we will take it,’ so we never had children. I trusted the doctor’s and my wife’s judgment, and we never did have
Republicans, Democrats, liberals, conservatives and even celebrities in some cases awarded the “worst” the Affordable Care Act that distinction to President number has dropped to 13.4 Warren G. Harding. James Buchanan was percent and continues to deranked one notch above cline. Domestic oil production Harding, and Andrew Johnis up and imports are down. son made the list as third American combat troops worst. Harding is the Homer returned from Iraq, and Osama bin Laden met jus- Simpson of presidents, minus the blue-haired spouse. tice. Not bad for the worst If “Doh!” wasn’t ringing through the corridors of the president in history. Speaking of history, the White House during his tenpresident’s critics in the ure it should have been. Until Watergate came poll seem to be as deficient of knowledge in that area as along, the Teapot Dome affair was the scandal by they are in current events. An aggregate of 17 polls which all others were meaconducted between 1948 sured in the administrative and 2011 that included his- branch of the government. Albert Fall, Harding’s torians, political scientists,
Secretary of the Interior, accepted a bribe from oil company pals and gave them leases to drill without competitive bidding. Fall served a year in a jail after the scandal came to light in 1922. Another Harding appointee, Charles Forbes, spent two years in jail for shady deals when he headed the Veterans Bureau, forerunner of today’s Veterans Administration. Harry Daugherty was Harding’s attorney general. The corruption in Daugherty’s Justice Department would have made Nixon’s attorney general, John Mitchell, blush. James Buchanan’s miserable ranking stems from his unwillingness (or inability)
to my knowledge, but I’ve been trying to point out that alphabet issue every time I speak,” he said. McKamey spent 23 years as a Sullivan County commissioner and four years as county executive. He gets real serious when he talks about the issues, explaining that he spent 50 years in public schools as a student, teacher and coach, and he strongly disagrees with what’s happening in Tennessee’s public schools. He got tired of waiting for his party to produce a serious opponent to challenge Gov. Bill Haslam. “The party did not recruit me. I did it on my own. I called the state chair and asked Mr. (Roy) Herron if they had anybody in mind. He said they were searching
Things could be worse On Obama’s watch: Barack Obama is the A few days ago the Dowworst president in U.S. history, according to a recent Jones Industrial Average topped 17,000. On Jan. 20, poll. 2009, Obama’s inauguration day, the Dow-Jones at 7,949. Larry closed In January 2009, the U.S. Van unemployment rate stood at Guilder 7.70 percent and would rise to 9.70 percent a year later. Last month, the U.S. Department of Labor reported the rate as 6.10 percent. We know polls don’t lie, Nationally, 288,000 jobs except when taken in Eric were added in June, the Cantor’s congressional dis- most since May 2007. trict, but this one seems to The percentage of uninhave drawn heavily on folks sured adults peaked at 18 just rousing from a five-year in the third quarter of last nap under a pile of rocks. year. With the passage of
John McKamey speaks to the Center City Democrats. to make that decision.” So for now, he’s crisscrossing the state, firm in his belief that once he survives the primary, statewide media will start paying attention, financial help will flow his way and it’ll be a whole new race.
to stop the march toward civil war. A death toll of 620,000 is a rough legacy to overcome. Andrew Johnson was the first president to be impeached. The Senate acquitted him by a single vote. Johnson’s ideas for rehabilitating the South after the Civil War clashed with the Radical Republicans in Congress. His opposition to the 14th Amendment, which gave citizenship to AfricanAmericans, helped seal his low standing in the polls. Facts can be inconvenient. A poll that rates Barack Obama the worst president reflects the political and racial divide in this country at the expense of history.
www.darylfansler.com
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Shopper news • JULY 17, 2014 • 5
Better together
A somewhat interesting couple is approaching their 60th wedding anniversary. They tell each other they are better together than they could have possibly been as individuals. They are not at all famous, but there are historic combinations that convey that same message of better together: Mantle and Maris, Sonny and Cher, Hewlett and Packard, Rodgers and Hammerstein, Huntley and Brinkley, Johnson and Johnson, Romeo and Juliet – you get the idea. Lasting linkage extends to Tennessee sports. Ernie and Bernie come to mind first. Bernard King was Tennessee’s best-ever basketball player. Ernie Grunfeld
Marvin West
was very, very good. They were great together. Both made individual impacts. King was an NBA superstar. Grunfeld continues as an executive. Bernard is in the pro hall of fame. Ernie has an Olympic gold medal. As Volunteers together, they were the best show of Ray Mears’ many colorful years. You don’t hear much about it anymore, but Stu Aberdeen coaxed them from New York City to
Knoxville. It was a recruiting miracle, two superstars forever linked. The best football combo is Kiner and Reynolds. Steve Kiner and Jack Reynolds are linked linebackers from 1967 to 1969. Jack manned the middle. There never was a day when football was too tough for Hacksaw. Steve chased from sideline to sideline with intent to inflict bodily harm. They produced similar results but were very different. Kiner was a first-game starter as a sophomore. Reynolds had to be convinced he was good enough to play. Kiner was an extrovert, confident, aggressive. He talked. Sportswriters quoted him, sometimes correctly. He was twice an all-American. He became really famous as the first Volunteer linebacker in the
college hall of fame. The Dallas Cowboys signed Kiner in 1970 and took him to Super Bowl V. He was a Redskin for Super Bowl VII. Later, he was New England’s defensive MVP. He had a good closing run with the Oilers. I remember the day he formally introduced me to coach Bum Phillips. He recalled some little things I had done for him. Bum’s response: “That was an impressive presentation.” Kiner did not take good care of his body, but he rebounded, enjoyed a profitable period as a real-estate broker, went back to school, at West Georgia and earned two degrees in psychology. Just for fun, he coached linebackers as a graduate assistant. His fierceness and passion seemed transferable. He could have been good at that.
MPC staff morale pointing south With the death of former Tennessee Sens. Howard Baker and Harlan Mathews this year, there are now only five living former U.S. senators from Tennessee.
Victor Ashe
They are, in order of age: Bill Brock, 83; Jim Sasser, 77; Fred Thompson, 72; Al Gore, 66; and Bill Frist, 62. Brock calls Annapolis, Md., home, but he and his wife, Sandy, spend most of the year on a yacht now, cruising from Maine to Florida according to the time of the year. Thompson lives in northern Virginia and is currently acting on
Broadway. Sasser lives in the District of Columbia, while Gore and Frist both live in Nashville. Of the living former U.S. senators (there are 165 of them) the oldest is Edward Brooke, the first AfricanAmerican popularly elected to the U.S. Senate. He is 94 and was elected the same year Howard Baker was also first elected to the Senate in 1966. Elected from Massachusetts, he now lives in Washington, D.C. The next oldest senators are former astronaut John Glenn of Ohio at 92; Ernest Hollings, 92, of South Carolina; Jocelyn Burdick, 92, of North Dakota; Paul Laxalt, 91, of Nevada (now living in Washington, D.C.); James Buckley of New York, 91 (now living in Connecticut); and Bob Dole, 90, of Kansas, now living in Washington, D.C. Hollings is also the
second-oldest living former governor. John Patterson of Alabama is the oldest at 92. Tennessee’s own former Gov. Winfield Dunn is 87 and in excellent health, living in Nashville with his wife, Betty. ■ Mark Donaldson, director of MPC, must be wondering if his sudden hiring of Dave Hill was worth the controversy it has generated. The 15 MPC commissioners must be wondering when this will all go away. Probably not until they rein in Donaldson, who apparently considers fair employment practices a nuisance to ignore. No one was interviewed for the job Hill got. After he gave the job to his longtime friend Hill without advertising the position or allowing anyone else to apply, Donaldson told this writer he consulted with deputy city mayor Bill
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Lyons on the Hill hire, but it seems he only advised Lyons he had done it and did not seek his advice. After all, Lyons’s boss, Mayor Rogero, had fired Hill upon becoming mayor. It is unlikely she would be enthused by his return to the City County Building. Now the only woman in a management position at MPC has been fired by Donaldson without explanation. Do not be surprised if Dee Anne Reynolds files a lawsuit to get her job back plus extra pay. Taxpayers will pay for this one. A lawsuit could drag on for over a year with frequent news stories. MPC staff morale is at an all-time low. At some point the 15 MPC commissioners will have to step in and take charge of a situation that is quickly going south. Right now they
In a strange move, this man who hurt people on football fields became a health-care professional. He is assessment coordinator for psychiatric services at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta. He remains interested in old teammates and UT functions. Reynolds was cut from different cloth. He was forever motivated by fear of failure. Even late in his NFL days, after many accomplishments, under his uniform he still wore a tattered T-shirt that said, “Too old, too short, too slow and can’t cover.” He had heard those criticisms and used them as firewood. His persona was built on the underdog myth. He was always grumbling, about weather, the high cost of Pepsis and how much his back hurt. He worked at being unhappy. Teammates called him Crazy Jack. He
wasn’t. Reynolds had a long pro career and saved his money from 11 years with the Los Angeles Rams and four with the San Francisco 49ers. He earned two Super Bowl rings. He was a John Madden favorite, an example of “Boom!” Reynolds was and is a recluse, on an island somewhere in an ocean. That vague reference is unfair. I know where he is, San Salvador in the Bahamas – unless he is at his Miami home. He chooses privacy. I haven’t seen him in a decade. He has no need for applause, but he is linked with Kiner, whether he likes it or not. Regarding the first paragraph, thanks sincerely for all 60, Sarah. You are very special.
say they leave personnel issues to Donaldson. The commissioners bear ultimate responsibility for what he does. This may be a case where Mayors Burchett and Rogero have to tell the 15 commissioners (whom they appointed) that enough is enough. They did this a few years back when they jointly told Gloria Ray to depart the former Sports Corporation. ■ When Commissioner Richard Briggs and Sen. Stacey Campfield spoke to the Knox County Republican Women in Bearden, few differences emerged from their remarks. Campfield spoke well and benefited by Briggs failing to outline differences between the two. Only soft questions were thrown from the audience. A guest without a background in Knox politics could be forgiven for thinking the two opponents were ideologically identical. ■ Gordon Ball, Democratic candidate for U.S.
Senate, who says his net worth is between $10 million and $20 million (but probably higher), had failed as of July 11 to file a personal financial statement with the U.S. Senate Ethics Committee. He asked for a 60-day extension on May 15. All other serious candidates such as Terry Adams, Lamar Alexander and Joe Carr have filed disclosure forms. Media have given Ball a pass. His principal primary opponent, Terry Adams, has not raised this issue either, which is amazing.
Marvin West invites reader reaction. His address is westwest6@netzero.com.
Education meeting Big happenings at 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 22, at Central High School. Seems school board member Mike McMillan has arranged for state Rep. Harry Brooks and others to meet with teachers to discuss state education policy.
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interns A day of faith By Sara Barrett
First Presbyterian Church is considered “Knoxville’s first church,” founded in 1792 and built in 1812 on James White’s field of turnips. Church member Pat Armstrong gave the interns a behind-the-scenes look and a peek inside the adjacent graveyard. The building has undergone several renovations throughout the years, but there have been only 15 ministers since the church began. During the Civil War, the Union army occupied the building – letting their horses graze in the graveyard – for three years. Armstrong likened the
church’s infrastructure to that of our nation’s government. “The deacons look after operations sort of like Congress, and the elders would be the senators,” said Armstrong. The interns learned that seven U.S. presidents were Presbyterian, and the only minister who signed the Declaration of Independence was Presbyterian. In keeping with the theme of the day, Armstrong discussed the beliefs of the Presbyterian Church and the change in attendance at FPC. He said he and his wife have lived in the same house since 1969, and he used to look out his
6 • JULY 16, 2014 • Shopper news window and know which church each family on his street attended. Nowadays, not so much. “I guess it is just a cultural change, and there are a lot of independent churches starting up,” he said. A walk through the graveyard shows sunken tombstones and trees so old and fragile they are held together with cables. The oldest marked grave is William Blount’s from 1800. An inviting concrete bench is tucked in a corner where passersby may be tempted to rest a while. “We encourage people to come in and walk around,” said Armstrong of the yard holding about 240 graves. “We’re located right on the corner of Church (Avenue) and State (Street). How ironic is that?” Info: www. fpcknox.org. Sara Barrett coordinates the intern program for Shopper-News. Info: barretts@ ShopperNewsNow.com
Shopper interns Abbey Underwood, Zoe Risley, Katie Sasse, Lakin Scott and Charlie Hamilton listen as Rabbi Mathew Michaels describes how the Torah is written out by hand. Photos by R. White ■
Inspired at Temple Beth El
Rabbi Mathew Michaels met with the interns at Temple Beth El Synagogue and gave us a crash course on the Jewish culture and customs. Intern Kaila Bonds asked why Jewish men wear the yamaka, and the Rabbi explained it was to show humility. “What does a man do with his hat when he enters a church?” asked the Rabbi. The interns said men re-
move their hats upon entering to show reverence. “We cover our heads for the same reason,” he said. “All these religions you’re looking at, the themes are the same. The motifs may be different, but the reasons are the same. Just because something is different, doesn’t mean it’s better or worse, right or wrong … it just means it’s not the same.” Rabbi Michaels showed the group what a torah looks like, and explained why the
pointer tool used to follow along while reading is made of silver. Only soft metals can touch the torah, nothing hard that could be used to make a weapon of war. He also explained when a religious item is no longer usable it is customary to bury the item as a human would be buried upon death. The Rabbi invited the interns back for service on Friday evening, and a few of them were planning to attend. Info: tbeknox.org.
The interns met Holocaust survivor Sonja DuBois and learned of her incredible life story. Pictured are: (front) Abbey Underwood, Kaila Bond, DuBois, Donna Mitchell, Charlie Hamilton; (back) Katie Sasse, Lakin Scott, Zoe Risley and Joshua Mode.
Sonja DuBois: Survivor By Zoe Risley Sonja DuBois is a Holocaust survivor. It may be a simple sentence, but it holds so much meaning. DuBois showed the Shopper interns a photo of Neyland Stadium, which has approximately 100,000 seats. Fill the stadium up 60 times. That’s how many
Jews died in the Holocaust. Six million people. To not be one of those people is amazing. When most people tell their story of the Holocaust they tell what happened during the war. She did tell us all that, but she took it further. She told us how the policies of Nazi Germany
impacted her life long-term. DuBois was born in 1940 in Holland, just months after the war had started. When her parents registered as Jews, they didn’t register her. She was barely two when her parents boarded a train and left without her. They had entrusted their daugh-
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Leland Price joined the Tennessee Army National Guard in 1999 as a JAG officer in the 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment headquartered in Knoxville. He deployed with the 278th to Iraq as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom III in 2004 and 2005, acting as the regiment’s Administrative Law Officer. He received the Army Commendation Medal for exemplary service during his deployment. While working with local officials in Iraq, Leland learned first hand how important it was to have local leaders with integrity who seek to promote the interests of the entire community and not just themselves or their extended clan.
Leland Price was a member of the Army National Guard. Use of his military rank, job titles, and photographs in uniform does not imply endorsement by The Department of the Army or the Department of Defense.
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A rare photo of Sonja DuBois as a child.
ter to a family friend. Both were murdered in Auschwitz that same year. Both were just 29. Sonja became a hidden child, putting everyone who gave her sanctuary at risk. She lived with a childless Christian couple and moved with them whenever someone questioned them about their daughter, the only girl in her class with dark hair. She was kept well hidden. Since Sonja was an undocumented child, a pediatrician gave her secret checkups and a woman with a cow brought her cooked milk (which DuBois said she absolutely hated). She attributes her survival to the lack of communication at the time and the Lord’s value on her life. Even though Sonja survived one of the darkest times in history, she still felt she was in the dark. She didn’t know much about her birth parents and didn’t have any memories of them. She had always had a sense of emptiness about where her parents were. When Sonja and her foster parents prepared to emigrate, they needed her to sign a passport. Her real name was Clara. She didn’t know her real name until she was 12. She only saw a picture of her parents once when she was 6 and from then until 1999, when she contacted one of her distant relatives, she knew little about her parents and that haunted her for a long time. She met with her aunt Alice who told her about her family. Sonja DuBois doesn’t just share her story for kicks. I asked if she thought telling her story would help prevent racial hatred and genocides in the future. She said, “If two people in a group of people I’m talking to realize when they have to make a tough decision, that what is popular is not always right.” She wants people to be advocates for racial equality. “It is your job, when you see someone being bullied or shunned, to let an adult know or to get to know the person being picked on.
Pat Armstrong stands in the sanctuary of First Presbyterian Church. In the background is a mosaic of Christ.
Coexisting in Knoxville By Donna Mitchell Last week I wrote about how boring I felt Knoxville was. And then I was proven wrong again by digging a little deeper into the history of the city. The interns visited three houses of worship located within a few miles of one another. Our first stop was the oldest church in Knoxville, First Presbyterian Church. This church houses the Community School of the Arts program (though it is not a part of the church) and relics from a member’s time in Africa. It has the founder of Knoxville, James White, buried in the graveyard. Next, we visited the Temple Beth El where we saw original handwritten Hebrew scrolls adorned in silver and walls lined with amazing stained glass windows. Our last visit was to the Saint George Greek Orthodox Church. The sanctuary is covered from wall to wall with beautiful images of Jesus, the apostles, and St. George.
Most of racial hatred comes from a lack of knowledge.” People talk about what they lose when they go through a horrible circumstance. Sonja DuBois gained thankfulness. She says out loud everyday “Thank you
As Rabbi Michaels from Temple Beth El put it, “diversity should be celebrated.” That is the real message behind any religion; we are all different, but still worship for the same purpose. At lunch, Holocaust survivor Sonja DuBois looked at us around the table with solemn eyes and pleaded we make a difference. “Hate is a lack of knowledge,” she said. “You are the leaders of tomorrow; the popular way is not always the right way. “ It really is such a great thing that not only Knoxville, but the country we live in allows us to have as many places of worship as we please. Kingston Pike, commonly known as “the church street,” is home to a mosque, a Greek Orthodox Church, and a Unitarian church right next to one another. The best part of it all is that they can coexist next to each other. That’s the way it should be. Embrace the diversity.
Lord.” Sonja is so grateful to have her life. She is grateful to be a survivor. To invite DuBois to speak to your club or organization, email her at ronson@knology.net.
business
SOUTH KNOX Shopper news • JULY 16, 2014 • 7
Super heroes rule Comics Exchange Comics Exchange offers comic books, collectibles, T-shirts, toys and statues for customers from 8 to 80. Prices vary greatly for the new and vintage comics. Owner Bill Langford has lived in Knoxville 19 years. Originally from Nashville, he attended the University of Tennessee, where he graduated from law school. His hobby became a business 15 years ago when he opened Comics Exchange. Langford says he was really lucky. He opened the store about the same time superhero movies became popular. This introduced an entire new generation to characters he learned to love as a kid. Langford says he has been interested in comic books since he first learned to read. Kids love the store, especially the room where comic books on the floor sell for 25 cents and those on the table for $1.
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K12 Inc. opens in Blount County
K12 Inc., the mega education technology company, will open today (July 16) a family support campus in Blount County at the Tyson Center Building, 110 McGhee Tyson Blvd., in Alcoa, next to McGhee Tyson Airport. K12 holds the contract to operate the Tennessee Virtual Academy, administered by Union County Public Schools. The Blount County facility will employ 300 with a capital investment of more than $2.4 million within five years, according to a press release from the Blount Partnership. â–
Road forum
The city of Knoxville Redevelopment and Engineering departments will host a forum on I-275 business park access road improvements at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 16, at All Occasions Catering, 922 N. Central. St. City officials will present detailed design plans for the project. The city’s professional engineering design consultant, CDM Smith, will discuss recommended road improvements to extend
Nancy Whittaker
Then there is the other end of the spectrum. Langford sold one vintage comic for $4,000 and helped negotiate another sale of $12,000. Wow! And where are those comic books I read as a kid? If you are in the market for any type of superhero action figure, this is the place to shop. Langford says kids today are smarter about the value of collectibles than when he was growing up. Today’s generation will purchase two identical items and leave one unopened in the original packaging, which increases the value tremendously.
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South Alliance plans mixer
The South Knoxville Alliance is hosting a Networking Mixer from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, July 17, at LaborExchange, 2623 Chapman Highway. This is a great opportunity to network with area businesses and organizations, as well as discover how your business may become involved in Saturday
Bill Langford, owner of Comics Exchange, has loved comics since he was a kid. Photo by Nancy Whittaker
South. Participation will provide your business with an opportunity to gain recognition, draw new customers and give back to the community in a way that fosters fun for all ages.
Parker joins Moxley Carmichael
Hannah Parker, a native of Knoxville and former aide to Gov. Bill Haslam, has joined Moxley Carmichael as an account executive. Parker most recently served as deputy for operations, managing internal communications for the governor’s staff while providing oversight of Haslam’s schedule, travel and advance team. During Haslam’s tenure as mayor, Parker served as policy analyst and downtown coordinator in the mayor’s office of Policy and Communications. Her primary role was acting as a liaison between downtown businesses, developers, residents and city
government and also assisting with c om mu n ications and redevelop ment initiatives. “Ha nnah’s exParker perience in working with state and local government will be a valuable asset to our account team,� Moxley Carmichael CEO Cynthia Moxley said. Parker earned bachelor’s degrees in political science and English from the University of Tennessee and then went on to earn a master of arts in civic leadership from the Nelson and Sue Andrews Institute for Civic Leadership at Lipscomb University in Nashville.
National suit drive
Volunteer Ministry Center and Men’s Wearhouse have launched a monthlong initiative that encourages donations of gently used suits and professional attire. Clothing collected from the drive will be distributed to VMC and over 180 other local nonprofit organizations that provide job-ready skills and training to unemployed and underemployed men in Knoxville and across the United States. Through July 31, residents can donate men’s and women’s suits, ties, jackets, shirts, pants, belts and shoes at 7818 Kingston Pike and 7600 Kingston Pike. Info: www.vmcinc.org or www.nationalsuitdrive. com.
June data comparable to last year By Sherry Witt
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Blackstock Avenue from Fifth Avenue to Bernard Avenue. The project will also include improvements along Marion Street from Bernard Avenue to Baxter Avenue. Minor intersection improvements are proposed for Fifth Avenue at Blackstock Avenue; for Blackstock Avenue at Bernard Avenue and Marion Street; and for Marion Street at Baxter Avenue. Info: 521-1300.
News From The Register Of Deeds
June was a relatively good month for real estate activity in Knox County, as both sales and lending figures closely resembled Sherry Witt those recorded during June 2013. This June produced 978 property transfers while 2013 – a good year for local markets – June produced 1,039 transfers. While the total number of parcels sold fell just short of last year’s levels, the aggregate value of property transferred was slightly more. The total market value of property sold in June was just under $207 million, compared to $195.7 million last June. Land sales were also up some $20 million over the May totals. So far in 2014, the total value of property sold in Knox County is running about $87 million ahead of the pace set in 2013. The first half of this year has produced total land sales of just over $981 million. Perhaps the most encour-
Comics Exchange, 3711 Chapman Highway, buys, sells and trades. It is open 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 1-6 p.m. Sunday. For new inventory items, check out the store’s Facebook page. Products are also available online through the eBay store. Info: 573-2280.
aging signs in June were in mortgage lending. For the month, nearly $302 million was loaned against real estate in Knox County, an improvement of more than $50 million over May’s numbers. While last month’s activity did slightly underperform that of June 2013, it nonetheless indicated a notable surge in mortgage markets. In the first six months of 2014, mortgage lending in the county has been running over half a billion dollars behind the pace set last year, with about $1.38 billion being loaned against real property between Jan. 1 and June 30. The largest property sale involved a single waterfront parcel on Houser Road in West Knox County which sold for $2.94 million. The most noteworthy mortgage transaction was a Deed of Trust financing the Walnut Street Garage in the amount of $17,750,000. I hope everyone had a safe and happy Fourth of July weekend, celebrating the freedoms we enjoy, and remembering how blessed we are to live in the greatest nation on earth. Please do not forget to exercise your sacred right to vote in the Aug. 7 elections.
Duncan for Congress Working on Issues that Matter to You A Personal Message from Congressman Duncan
Defending the Constitution I took an oath to uphold and defend the Constitution, and that is exactly what I work to do each day. I especially focus on protecting our Second Amendment rights and securing our borders against illegal immigration.
Balanced Budget I don’t believe in spending money we don’t have. With one of the most fiscally conservative voting records in Congress, I consistently vote to reduce government spending in order to protect Social Security and control the federal debt.
Growing our Economy I want to eliminate government over-regulation so more businesses can open and expand, creating better jobs for Americans. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce endorsed my re election, saying it will “produce sustained economic growth, help create jobs and get our country back on track.�
Repealing Obamacare I believe the biggest problem with the so-called Affordable Care Act is that it is unaffordable already. I will continue to speak out against it at every opportunity, and I believe our federal dollars are better spent on things like improving care for our nation’s veterans.
America First I oppose spending billions of dollars on people in foreign countries who hate us. We need to stop trying to take care of the whole world and start taking care of our own country and putting the American people first, once again.
Early voting: July 18-Aug. 2 Primary Election Day: Aug. 7
Congressman
John J. Duncan Jr. Conservative Leadership for East Tennessee Paid for by Duncan for Congress, Jason Brown, Treasurer
8 • JULY 16, 2014 • SOUTH KNOX Shopper news
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THROUGH SUNDAY, JULY 27 “Thumbelina” presented by the Knoxville Children’s Theatre, 109 E. Churchwell Ave. Performances: 7 p.m. Thursdays and Friday; 1 and 5 p.m. Saturdays; 3 p.m. Sundays. Info/reservations: 208-3677 or www. knoxvillechildrenstheatre.com.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 16 Zumba® Kids class, 10-10:45 a.m., Community Room of Farragut Town Hall, 11408 Municipal Center Drive. For ages 7-11. Theme: Luau. Instructor: Gina Guider. Cost: $3 per class. No registration required. Info: Lauren Cox, lauren.cox@townoffarragut.org or 966-7057. Books Sandwiched In – A Lunch & Learn Series, noon, East Tennessee History Center auditorium, 601 S. Gay St. Dr. Edward Caudill will discuss “The Influencing Machine” by Brooke Gladstone. The public is invited. Info: 215-8801. Bottle of Stars Craft, 2 p.m., Farragut Branch Library, 417 N. Campbell Station Road. Info: 777-1750.
THURSDAY, JULY 17 Knox County Veterans Services Outreach program, 9-10 a.m., South Knoxville Senior Center, 6729 Martel Lane. One-on-one assistance to veterans and family members; explain VA benefits, answer questions, and assist veterans and family member with filing for VA benefits. Exploring the Senses, 11 a.m., Bearden Branch Library, 100 Golf Club Road. Info: 588-8813.
FRIDAY, JULY 18 Sunset Music Series presents WestWend, 7 p.m., Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center’s covered outdoor amphitheater, Townsend. Country, Americana music. Admission: $5. Info: 448-0044. Knox Heritage’s Lost & Found lunch, 11:30 a.m., Historic Westwood, 3425 Kingston Pike. Speakers: Bradley Reeves and Louisa Trott presenting a fas-
cinating look at historic Knoxville, via vintage film and video. Free lunch buffet. Reservations required: Hollie Cook, 523-8008 or hcook@knoxheritage.org. Canning Techniques and Home Food Preservation, 3:15-4:30 p.m., Humana Guidance Center, 4438 Western Ave. Presented by UT Extension Service. Free and open to the public. Info/schedule of activities: 329-8892.
Saturday and Sunday. Info: www.feralfelinefriends.org.
MONDAY, JULY 21 Summer Family Programming: Load a Wagon, 10 a.m.-noon, Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center, 123 Cromwell Drive, Townsend. Info: 448-0044. Amazingly Awesome Science with Dr. Al Hazari, 3 p.m., Bearden Branch Library, 100 Golf Club Road. Info: 588-8813.
FRIDAY-SUNDAY, JULY 18-20 “The Secret Garden” musical presented by The WordPlayers at the U.S. Cellular Stage at the Bijou, 803 S. Gay St. 7:30 p.m. Friday; 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday; 3 p.m. Sunday. Tickets: 684-1200 or www. wordplayers.org.
MONDAY-FRIDAY, JULY 21-25 Summer camp at Knoxville Children’s Theatre, 109 E. Churchwell Ave. “Thespians in Training” for ages 4-5; “Understanding ‘The Method’ ” for ages 12-18, 1-4 p.m. Info: 208-3677; knoxvillechildrenstheatre.com; info@ childrenstheatreknoxville.com.
SATURDAY, JULY 19 Cades Cove tour with Bill Landry, 9 a.m., departing from the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center in Townsend. Tickets: $50 per person; includes light snacks and a cold beverage. Reservations required: 448-8838. Traditional Stenciling Techniques for Interior Design workshop, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Knox Heritage, located at Historic Westwood, 3425 Kingston Pike. Speaker: Derick Tickle. Cost: $75. Advance reservations required. Info/reservations: Hollie Cook, 523-8008 or hcook@knoxheritage.org. Saturday Stories and Songs: Charlene Ellis, 11 a.m., Cedar Bluff Branch Library, 9045 Cross Park Drive. Info: 470-7033. Saturday Stories and Songs: David Claunch, 11 a.m., Lawson McGhee Library, 500 W. Church Ave. Info: 215-8750. Bricks 4 Kidz: LEGOs fun at the Library, 1 p.m., Howard Pinkston Branch Library, 7732 Martin Mill Pike. Free library program for elementary age children from kindergarten through 5th grade. Space limited; registration required. Info: 573-0436. Shakesology: “Much Ado About Nothing,” “Titus Andronicus,” 2 p.m., Lawson McGhee Library, 500 W. Church Ave. Members of the Tennessee Stage Company provide a lively discussion of the plays being performed during this summer’s Shakespeare on the Square. Info: 215-8750.
Einstein Simplified Comedy Improv troop performance, 8 p.m., Scruffy City Hall on Market Square. Free admission. Summer Family Programming: Build a Cabin, 10 a.m.-noon, Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center, 123 Cromwell Drive, Townsend. Info: 448-0044. Harvey Broome Group business meeting, 7 p.m., Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church, 2931 Kingston Pike. Summer Library Club presents the Zoomobile, 10:30 a.m., Sequoyah Branch Library, 1140 Southgate Road. Info: 525-1541. Summer Library Club presents the Zoomobile, 1 p.m., Cedar Bluff Branch Library, 9045 Cross Park Drive. Info: 470-7033. Computer Workshops: Excel, 5:30 p.m., East Tennessee History Center, 601 S. Gay St. Requires “Word 2007 Basics” or equivalent skills. Info/to register: 215-8700. STFK Science Café meeting, 5:30 p.m., Knoxville Zoo. Topic: “Bog Turtle” presented by Brad Moxley, the lead keeper in the Department of Herpetology at the Knoxville Zoo. Kids ages 5-12 invited to the Kid’s Café during the presentation. Space limited. RSVP to rsvp@ knoxsciencecafe.org. Info: http://sciencecafe.spirit-andtruth.net.
SATURDAY-SUNDAY, JULY 19-20
WEDNESDAY, JULY 23
Harvey Broome Group – Backpack: Snowbird Creek Wilderness Study Area, N.C. Hiking distance is about 10.7 miles total and is rated moderate. To preregister: Will Skelton, 523-2272, 742-7327 or whshome@ bellsouth.net. Kitten and cat adoption fair, noon-6 p.m., West Town PetSmart adoption center, 214 Morrell Road. Hosted by the Feral Feline Friends of East Tennessee every
Knoxville Writers’ Group meeting, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Naples Italian Restaurant, 5500 Kingston Pike. KWG members Wanda Moore, Jeanne Ridley and Maureen Weber will read from their recent works. All-inclusive lunch: $12. RSVP by Monday, July 21: 983-3740. Sean McCullough’s Song Games, 11 a.m., Karns Branch Library, 7516 Oak Ridge Highway. Info: 4708663.
TUESDAY, JULY 22
LOCAL Businesses
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