South Knox Shopper-News 080614

SOUTH KNOX VOL. 2 NO. 31 1

IN THIS ISSUE

Preservation, anyone?

If anyone ever doubted that people in Knoxville care about preserving the city’s history, they should have been at the East Tennessee History Center last Tuesday.

➤

Read Betsy Pickle on page 3

Bean’s election predictions “This time next week, Stacey Campfield’s going to be cleaning out his Nashville office. He and Steve “Extra Crispy” Hall can discuss their future plans on the way back to Knoxville because Hall’s going to lose his primary, too.”

Ouch! Betty Bean’s not mincing words with her predictions for Aug. 7.

➤

Read Betty Bean on page 4

A-B-C’s of politics Have you got what it takes to run for office? Larry Van Guilder tells you the A-B-C’s: “For your supporters: Always Bring Cash.

“Let’s recap. Be a man, raise the voting bar, get a family, off with their heads, guard the border and cash is king. See you in Nashville!

➤

Read Van Guilder on page 5

Food fight rages August is a good month on the Cumberland Avenue Strip.

Anticipation of the influx of student consumers that fall semester at the University of Tennessee will bring starts to build and hits a high point with the first home football game (this year, Aug. 31).

But as the Shopper-News reported last week, the runup to the new school year is off to something less than a Big Orange high note for 10 Cumberland District business owners and managers.

➤

Read the latest on page 8

Interns finish Shopper-News interns finished the summer with a picnic at Oakes Daylilies.

They will start high school next week, but on this day they were still kids.

➤

Read the recap on pages 8-9

NEIGHBORHOOD BUZZ

Tea & Treasures Tea & Treasures’ 2nd Saturday Marketplace will be 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 9, at 4104 W. Martin Mill Pike.

Vendor booths include arts and crafts, antiques, plants, books, food and music.

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 | Wendy O’Dell

www.ShopperNewsNow.com |

August July 29, 6, 2013 2014

www.facebook.com/ShopperNewsNow

Hann takes on new role with greenways commission

By Betsy Pickle As the new chair of the Knoxville Greenways Commission, Brian Hann sees connections as top priority.

“There are just a lot of missing links, and I think it behooves us as a city to connect those missing links and allow for more mobility,” says Hann, known for his achievements as president of the Appalachian Mountain Bike Club.

“Reaching from the center city outward is where I would like to see the focus and just start moving with the connections that are missing from the center out.”

Overall, Knoxville has done well on the greenways front, but progress has come in fits and starts, says Hann. The city’s first greenway, Third Creek Greenway, was created in 1973. After a long lag, there was a growth spurt in the 1990s, when Mayor Victor Ashe created the Knoxville Greenways Commission with Will Skelton as chair.

In recent years, there has been a slowdown in greenway expansion, likely due to the economy, Hann believes. Mayor Madeline Rogero resurrected the commission, and South Knoxvillian Hann will lead his first meeting as chair at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 12, at the Larry Cox Senior Center, 3109 Ocoee Trail.

There

By Cindy Taylor

Brian Hann at his office just east of the Old City Photo by Betsy Pickle The commission meets on the second Tuesday every other month.

Lori Goerlich, the city’s parks and greenways coordinator, has been the de facto chairas the group has been getting reorganized.

Hann notes that the approach to greenway development has changed over time. “The requirements for greenways became connected with road projects, (and) anytime there’s a road project that involves federal dollars, things are inherently going to slow down,” he says. “There was a period of time

when (a greenway) was just a trail through some ground and paved over in asphalt, and that’s easy.

But when they’re connected with road projects, that gets difficult. I think during my time on the commission I’m going to try and look to find quicker, cheaper ways of continuing greenway progress or to start it back up.”

Hann’s interest in greenways is an extension of his love of cycling, which started when he was 4 years old. He grew up in Cincinnati and moved to Knoxville to at-

is a free lunch!

Eight of the nine South Knox schools will be among 52 schools countywide to serve free breakfast and lunch to all students this year.

One principal estimated a savings of $720 per child per year for families who otherwise would buy both meals each day.

Qualifying schools on the South side are: Dogwood, Gap Creek, Mooreland Heights, Mount Olive, New Hopewell, South-Doyle Mid-

dle and High schools and South Knoxville Elementary.

Community Eligibility Provision will enable schools to serve breakfast and lunch at no charge to all students, eliminating the need for schools to collect paper applications. There are no qualifiers for students who attend a qualified school, regardless of income.

“CEP is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which provides criteria to assess which

tend the University of Tennessee.

After graduating in 1998 with a degree in ornamental horticulture and landscape design, he worked as a landscaper for a company in West Knoxville.

“I loved the people I worked for, but we were landscaping urban sprawl, basically, and I just couldn’t do it anymore,” he says. “I couldn’t put another boxwood in front of a brick, two-story house.”

Hann’s girlfriend at the time To page 3

(and breakfast, too)

schools qualify,” said Jon Dickl, executive director of school nutrition for Knox County Schools.

“Through this federally funded program, all students in the qualifying schools receive meals at no charge.”

CEP is a nationwide program for the 2014-15 school year.

Schools and nutrition advocates will work together to implement this provision. The program will help schools reduce administra-

tive costs related to collecting and processing applications and tracking students based on mealeligibility status. Another benefit is that schools will no longer have to collect payments or use swipe cards during meal service.

To take advantage of the breakfast, students will need to be in their seats no later than 7:30 a.m., as the meal will be served in the classrooms. Lunch will be served in the cafeteria as usual.

Reinstated teacher hopes for new beginning

By Betty Bean They called him “Big Rich” when he was an All-American basketball player at Maryville College, and Richard Suttle, who stands 6-7, remembers those years as the happiest of his life. Now that he’s won back his job with Knox County Schools, he’s ready to turn the page on his worst year and is looking forward to going back to simply being called “teacher.”

Suttle believes he has been publicly labeled a bad teacher, despite hearing officer H. Scott Ream’s reversal of Superintendent James McIntyre’s decision to fire him.

Ream was scathing in his criticism of the McIntyre administration for pursuing a tenure revocation and made a point of complimenting Suttle’s ability to explain basic algebra in a way math-phobic students could understand.

Last week, he got his first paycheck in 10 months – a year’s salary minus a 90-day suspen-

Richard Suttle breaks down TVAAS. Photo by Betty Bean

sion without pay (a punishment he doesn’t believe is deserved), and he is relieved to end a year of stress and financial hardship.

But here is some of what he believes has been lost in the discussion: He taught repeaters at Gibbs High School – sophomores, juniors and even seniors who had failed freshman algebra, sometimes

more than once. Often, these students became so frustrated with standardized tests that they gave up trying to answer questions and bubbled in answers in haphazard fashion, just to get through them.

Administrators argue that these are the students with the potential to show the most improvement, which Suttle says ignores the realities of kids who may be dealing with family crises, financial, health or relationship trouble, or simply the frustration of not “getting” math anymore.

“I was told by my numeracy coach, ‘If you have a class of 20, and three of them don’t try and just ‘Christmas tree’ the answer sheet, there’s no way to recover from that,’ ” Suttle said.

Simply put, Suttle’s argument is a direct challenge to the system of teacher evaluation now in use.

The early years

gut High School’s class of 1976, the last graduating class at the “old” high school. He didn’t play team sports but always loved basketball and played recreationally every chance he got, especially after he went on to the University of Tennessee. He was playing a pickup game when he caught the eye of coach Tom Deaton during the summer after his freshman year.

Deaton, who coached at Bearden High School and also assisted UT coach Don DeVoe, offered Suttle the opportunity to walk on at UT, but before he made a decision, he heard from Maryville College head basketball coach Rick Byrd (now at Belmont), who invited him out to the school and offered him a place on the team.

By fall, he was enrolled at Maryville College, majoring in physical education, minoring in math and thriving on the basketball

Suttle was a member of Farra-

To page 3

We Offer: • Complete inspections, maintenance & repairs for all air conditioning & heating equipment • Money-saving high-efficiency system upgrades!

• FREE ESTIMATES on new equipment • FINANCING through TVA Energy Right program

“Cantrell’s Cares” SALES • SERVICE • MAINTENANCE 5715 Old Tazewell Pike • 687-2520

• Maintenance plans available.

Over 20 years experience

A+ RATING WITH

Heating & Air Conditioning

LASTS AND LASTS AND LASTS.™

2 • AUGUST 6, 2014 • Shopper news

health & lifestyles

Knoxville woman’s weight loss – ‘A really cool thing!’

It’s been more than three years since Pat Benn of Knoxville, 49, underwent weight loss surgery with Dr. Jonathan Ray, a bariatric surgeon now practicing at the Fort Sanders Center for Bariatric Surgery.

In May 2011, Benn had gastric bypass surgery, a procedure in which the stomach is made smaller, causing food to bypass part of the small intestine. This enables her to feel full quickly and eat far less.

“The moment I start to feel full, I stop eating. I never overeat, and I think that’s a tool they gave me,” she said.

Benn eats several small, highprotein meals each day. At first, the weight came off quickly – 100 pounds in the first three months.

“But then it slows,” Benn said.

“Surgery helps with 70 percent of what you need to lose, but what people don’t realize is you have to put effort into it. Weight loss surgery does not change you, you have to change you! It takes work and dedication to stay changed.

Actually, I’m still losing weight, which is a really cool thing.”

A big part of that is her dedication to an active lifestyle.

“I try to get more exercise. I drink more water than I used to, and I don’t drink soda at all. I also like to walk, swim, dance. I like moving, period. I play miniature golf and wrestle with my grandkids. I can walk downtown. Walk-

According to Pat Benn, “Weight loss surgery does not change you - you change you!”

And the change is beautiful!

As a nurse, Pat Benn knew she was headed for major health problems. She opted to undergo gastric bypass surgery with Dr. Jonathan Ray.

ing on the beach used to be so difficult, and now I can walk on the beach with no problems.”

Benn has lost more than 230 pounds off her highest weight of 392 and has reduced her risk for

Down more than 230 pounds, and very active, Pat is wearing clothes she couldn’t before and is taking center stage singing in her church choir!

major health problems.

“I’m a nurse, and I come from a family with a history of diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure. I knew it was only a matter of time before that was present in my

A life-changing decision For many patients, making the decision to undergo a bariatric procedure is a long process. Some are driven by health concerns while others are seeking changes that will enhance their life experiences – playing with their children, traveling comfortably or enjoying the great outdoors. Patients must weigh the benefits of the surgery with the lifetime changes they will need to make in order to be successful.

Anyone who undergoes weight loss surgery will tell you –the actual surgical procedure is only a small part of the puzzle to regaining a life of health and happiness. A lot of the hard work actually comes into play prior to surgery.

Each potential patient begins by attending a free educational seminar to learn about surgical weight loss options and meet other patients and a bariatric surgeon. Remaining seminar dates, times and locations for 2014 are listed to the right.

If, after attending a seminar, you decide to begin your bariatric journey you will have appoint-

ments with your surgeon, the physician practice’s financial counselor and patient advocate. Your surgeon will review your social, family and medical history and the reasons you are pursuing bariatric surgery. This information helps the surgeon determine if weight

loss surgery is the right tool for you.

Please note that every insurance company is different in their coverage of bariatric procedures.

Meeting with a financial counselor on the front end of the procedure helps you understand your financial responsibilities.

The patient advocate will be your “go to” person during your bariatric journey. They will pro-

vide you with your roadmap to success. They will guide you through your pre-surgical weight loss plan, your exercise and nutrition goals, psychological evaluation and preoperative testing. Many of these steps are mandated by insurance companies prior to surgery.

The actual surgical procedure is fairly quick and, with no complications, patients will be in the hospital one night for a sleeve gastrectomy and two nights for a gastric bypass procedure.

Follow-up care for bariatric patients will continue for several months. The surgeon’s office will work with each patient through regularly scheduled office visits and three support groups per month. A behavioral health specialist will also meet with patients to help ensure healthy lifestyle habits, including proper diet and a good exercise program.

Though the decision to have bariatric surgery may be a difficult one, just ask anyone who has been successful if they’d do it again. The answer will be an overwhelming YES!

life. I didn’t want to go down that road,” Benn said.

Benn said she chose Ray based on a recommendation from a friend.

“She kept going on and on how great he was, he’s a Christian and he prays with you. So my spirit said, ‘You know what? Maybe he’s the right one.’ And I just fell in love with him and the whole staff.

Walking into the office is like walking into a family home. They’re so loving and welcoming.”

Since the surgery, Benn said the main complication she had was an ulcer.

“Ulceration is one of the things that can occur more frequently than we like,” Ray said. “We recommend patients stay away from NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), like ibuprofen.”

Also, in the three years since Benn’s surgery, a newer procedure called “sleeve gastrectomy” has proven to have fewer complications than gastric bypass.

“In May 2012, the American Society of Bariatric Physicians began recommending that the primary procedure be the sleeve gastrectomy,” said Ray. “But Pat has done excellently with her surgery. She is full of life now and can do more than she used to do. Her outlook on life is greatly improved,” said Ray. “It’s a privilege for us to see people’s lives change for the better.”

Learn the facts about bariatric surgery Knoxville: Informational seminars will be held in Classroom 1 on the Lobby level at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center, 1901 Clinch Ave., Knoxville, Tenn. Dates and times are as follows: Thursday, Aug. 14 – 6 p.m.

Thursday, Aug. 28 – 7 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 11 – 6 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 25 – 7 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 9 – 6 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 23 – 7 p.m.

Thursday, Nov. 13 – 6 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 11 – 6 p.m.

Maryville: Informational seminars will be held in the Sharon Lawson Lecture Hall at the Blount County Library, 508 North Cusick St., Maryville, Tenn. Dates and times are as follows: Thursday, Aug. 21 – 7 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 18 – 7 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 16 – 7 p.m.

Thursday, Nov. 20 – 7 p.m.

0007-0013

Been thinking about Weight Loss Surgery?

Get the Facts. Ashley did.

865-673-FORT www.fsregional.com/bariatric-surgery

Ashley lost 115 pounds!

SOUTH KNOX Shopper news • AUGUST 6, 2014 • 3

Priorities for preservation fund If anyone ever doubted that people in Knoxville care about preserving the city’s history, they should have been at the East Tennessee History Center last Tuesday.

Betsy Pickle The center’s auditorium was packed with representatives from neighborhoods, nonprofits and businesses curious about how $500,000 allocated for historic preservation in this year’s budget

by Mayor Madeline Rogero will be used.

Becky Wade, director of the city’s Community Development Department, talked about other programs that help improve or rescue properties, such as façade grants and “demolition by neglect.”

She then turned the discussion over to the groups seated at the room’s tables.

They were asked to identify gaps in funding, what types of properties should be eligible to receive assistance from the fund and other criteria to be used.

When the groups reported their summaries, there was a lot of overlap. One consensus was that – knowing that money may not be added to the fund in subsequent budgets – allocations be structured so that some money would come back into the fund, such as through low-interest loans.

Many said that buildings with a mission of education should be given preference.

Others talked about preservation of not only buildings but also cemeteries and green spaces.

There was some debate over whether entire blocks or neighborhoods should be considered vs. individual properties. One group even suggested bringing the USS Clamagore to Knoxville from Charleston as a tourist site. The decommissioned Cold War-era sub was designated a National Historic Landmark but is in such bad condition that it has been targeted to become a reef.

Many more modest and practical suggestions were made. Wade and her staff will compile them and post them online in upcoming weeks.

■

Biking business

Recent rains tested some of the trails built by the Appalachian Mountain Bike Club, but the infrastructure seems to have made the grade, and the drainage worked well.

That was the first bit of good news shared by president Brian Hann at the July AMBC meeting last week at Central Flats & Taps.

Another item to prompt cheer was that a couple of trail designers enlisted through a design grant from the International Mountain Bicycling Association will be in town this week to look over the areas for a bike park in or around the Urban Wilderness.

Between what it offers users and what it will mean for the area and the city,

New beginning

Terry Jenkins of South Knoxville examines a list of ideas proposed at a public meeting on historic preservation. Photos by Betsy Pickle

Doug Bataille and Daniel Sanders model Trail Volunteer gear at the Appalachian Mountain Bike Club meeting.

“The bike park’s going to be a million-dollar park when all’s said and done,” Hann predicted.

AMBC will be sending representatives to the IMBA Summit Aug. 20-23 in Steamboat Springs, Colo.

The world’s largest gathering of mountain bike advocates, it will have educational and networking opportunities along with rides on 190 miles of world-class trails.

Now that the schedule of cycling/hiking-trail closures to allow for hunting at the Forks of the River Wildlife Management Area has been clarified, Hann advised members to take note and even carry a schedule with them. Forks of the River users should check out the schedule on ambc-sorba.org.

Cyclists who would like to see more trails at Fort Dickerson Park were encouraged to email city Parks and Rec director Joe Walsh at jwalsh@cityofknoxville.org.

County Parks and Rec director Doug Bataille was at the meeting to do training for new Trail Volunteers,

From page 1

who will help monitor and assist users on greenways and trails throughout the county. He says he has a solid group of about 30 volunteers for the new program, including many AMBC members.

Office of Neighborhoods came to speak on emergency preparedness, so it was a message people were ready to hear.

Massey emphasized the importance of having a plan ■ Emergency prep and having it in writing. is in the bag Dealing with severe weather Tornado-warning weather or any kind of crisis is less the night before may have stressful and usually more boosted attendance at the successful with advance South Woodlawn Neigh- preparation that everyone in borhood Association’s July the family has been taught.

Massey bolstered his meeting.

David Massey of the city’s message with materials

Hann

From page 1

and now wife, Mary Beth Tugwell, was working for downtown developer David Dewhirst, and after Hann did some weekend work for him on the Emporium Building, Dewhirst offered him a job as a contractor.

“When David offered me the job, I was like, ‘This is what I want to do. I want to help redevelop the city.’ ” That was 14 years ago.

About seven years ago, Hann became active in the reorganized Appalachian Mountain Bike Club. He

became president in 2009.

The group has developed biking trails all over Knoxville and basically created South Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness by making the area accessible not just to cyclists but to everyone.

Hann, who has lived in South Knoxville since 2000, is a recipient of the Individual Service Award from the Tennessee Recreation Parks Association, and he serves on the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation Commissioner’s Council on Greenways and Trails, which meets quarterly in Nashville.

Richard Suttle: All-American “In the season finale, junior Richard Suttle had one of the finest games any Maryville College player has ever had. Maryville trounced Sewanee 87-78. The lanky pivot-man poured in 28 points, yanked down an incredible 25 rebounds, and according to coach (Rick) Byrd… “dominated the game on both ends of the floor.”

“The 15 wins were the most by any Scots squad in 31 years. Suttle led the Scots in scoring, rebounds, free-throw percentage and field-goal percentage. He was consistent with 16.2 points and 7.7 rebounds per game…”

(From Maryville College’s announcement of Richard Suttle’s 2007 induction to its “Wall of Fame.”) finished the IAP and earned praise from the mentors who worked with him.

But on the last day of school in 2013, he was informed that he was being recommended for termination.

“I felt like I’d been kicked in the stomach,” he said.

He sweated out an anxious summer, hearing nothing until five days before the start of the school year when he was told not to report for work and was put on paid leave until further notice. In September, the school board OK’d his termination. A month after that, he was officially fired.

Although teachers seldom win such cases, he believed he’d been unjustly terminated and decided to challenge the decision.

“I had the right to appeal, so I chose to fight. I couldn’t really pursue full-time employment during that time because I would have forfeited my ability to appeal for my job back, and if I took a full-time job, I’d have had to resign, and that would have been the end of my appeal. I did some part-time work, but financially it was very hard.

I’d wake up in a sweat. I exhausted every resource I had.

My hearing didn’t take place ‘Billy Badass’ till the following March, and “There are all sorts of it was a month after that the ways to make life miser- decision came.”

He said he was “very happy able,” Suttle said. “The scruand a bit surprised” in April tiny was very stressful.”

In 2011, he was placed in when the hearing officer not the Intensive Assistance Plan, only reinstated him, but also a step closer to the slippery criticized McIntyre’s adminslope of dismissal or a chance istration for firing him. He to do better. He successfully didn’t believe it was fair to get

court. He got his degree in 1981; his first job out of college was teaching math and P.E at St. Joseph School. One of his classes was algebrareadiness for 8th-graders.

Two years later, Suttle moved on to South Middle School, and two years after that to South-Young High School, teaching math.

In 1984, he entered the master’s program in P.E. at the University of North Carolina, and once he finished, his next stop was Belmont Abbey College in Charlotte, N.C., where he worked his way up to the position of director of camps and conferences, facilities and student housing. He eventually decided to come back home.

As a seasoned math teacher with previous Knox County experience, Suttle had no problem finding a place to land. Gibbs High School principal Janice Walker snapped him up, and he remembers the next four years as a very good time. In 2008, Walker retired and Suttle’s fortunes changed.

He got a good evaluation the following year, but by 2010, he felt he was being singled out for extra attention.

a 90-day suspension without pay tacked on (for calling a student he’d written up for disciplinary reasons “Billy Badass,” being late for class as he traveled from room to room, having some absences due to sickness and for failing to properly record scores from a non-credit course).

In May, Suttle came back down to earth when McIntyre announced his intention to appeal the hearing officer’s decision. The case went back to the same school board that had voted to terminate his tenure last fall, and the vote was set for July. Suttle was afraid to get his hopes up.

“I was fearful that they would overturn my reinstatement,” he said.

He showed up at the July school board meeting accompanied by TEA lawyer Virginia McCoy, who had represented him before the hearing officer. She didn’t hold back in her criticism of the way her client had been treated. At the end of the meeting, the school board voted 7-0 to deny McIntyre’s appeal and uphold the decision of the hearing officer.

Now, Suttle says he’s looking forward to a new job at Whittle Springs Middle School, even though he’ll be teaching physical education instead of math.

He’s hoping for a new beginning.

In July, Knox County Commissioner Tony Norman formally requested detailed costs to Knox County Schools for the Suttle misadventure.

including a tote bag to organize a ready kit. South Woodlawn is prepared!

Janice Tocher, one of SWNA’s representatives to the South Knoxville Neighborhood and Business Coalition, reported on that group’s petition to get Three Rivers Market to come to South Knox if it opens a second store.

The current store on North Central has a lot of loyal shoppers from the 37920 ZIP code.

“That’s a neat group,” he says. “There are folks from all around the state, and you get to hear what everybody’s doing.”

Hann hopes the greenways commission can make a difference, but it is strictly an advisory body.

“There was a study done to identify some important connections and corridors, and the commission is going to make recommendations on that and what to pursue, but it’s really ultimately the Parks and Recreation directors’ call on where the money’s allocated and what happens with that.”

Catering Available!

Birthdays, Graduations, Special Events

Mexican Grill & Cantina Check Out Our Full Bar! Happy Hour All Day, Every Day • Mixed Drinks • Beer • Wine • Margaritas

4100 Crippen Rd • Halls 377-3675 • Fax 377-3805 4409 Chapman Hwy 577-8881 • Fax 577-8966 Hours: M-Th 11am - 10 pm F & Sat 11am - 11pm

mexicanrestaurantknox.com

KIDS EAT FREE Mon-Thurs ANY PURCHASE OF: $10 ........... $2.00 OFF $20 ........... $4.00 OFF $30 ........... $6.00 OFF Excludes alcohol.

One coupon per table.

COUPON GOOD FOR DINING IN ONLY. (NOT TAKE OUT).

NOT GOOD WITH OTHER SPECIALS. EXPIRES 8/19/14

Mexican Grill & Cantina 4100 Crippen Rd • Halls

(1child per adult)

FAJITAS FOR TWO (Steak or Chicken) Cheese Dip & Sopapilla

$20.00 COUPON GOOD FOR DINING IN ONLY. (NOT TAKE OUT).

NOT GOOD WITH OTHER SPECIALS. Mexican Grill & Cantina EXPIRES 8/19/14 4100 Crippen Rd • Halls

GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE

CRISPY CHICKEN SALAD Crispy chicken strips on a bed of lettuce, fried tortilla strips avocados, tomatoes, onions, egg slices & shredded cheese with choice of dressing

$6.50 COUPON GOOD FOR DINING IN ONLY. (NOT TAKE OUT).

NOT GOOD WITH OTHER SPECIALS. Mexican Grill & Cantina 4100 Crippen Rd • Halls EXPIRES 8/19/14

TWO CHIMICHANGAS Chicken or Ground Beef Lunch Only A flour tortilla stuffed with choice of meat deep fried to a golden brown topped with cheese sauce, lettuce, sour cream, gaucamole & pico de gallo.

Served with rice & beans

$10.00 COUPON GOOD FOR DINING IN ONLY. (NOT TAKE OUT).

NOT GOOD WITH OTHER SPECIALS. Mexican Grill & Cantina EXPIRES 8/19/14 4100 Crippen Rd • Halls

government Shopper-News keeps on keeping on Word that Scripps is dumping its newspaper division rocked our staff last week to the point that Shannon Carey, general manager, asked me to say a few words.

“Go sell ads; go find scoops; finish that @#$%^ website,” I said. And then I told them about Plan B: We live in a marketdriven economy; no communists here. We get up every morning and work to produce a product that people read because it’s relevant (and fun). Our ads get results or folks would stop buying them. So why worry?

This writer has published Shopper-News weekly since 1971 – only nine of those years as a part of Scripps. Our sales continue to grow (July

Sandra Clark

2014 was a record high), chiefly because we’re adding newspapers. Call us a throwaway, laugh at our name. That’s OK. Silly as it sounds, we produce a weekly paper because we love doing it. People buying ads … people reading it … well, that’s just gravy.

So move on. Read Bean’s election predictions. See what Victor’s stirring up.

Check out Marvin West’s ode to Chip Kell. Enjoy, my friends, because you’re holding a 2014 miracle – a print newspaper.

4 • AUGUST 6, 2014 • Shopper news

This Koch’s (not) for you This time next week, Stacey Campfield’s going to be cleaning out his Nashville office. He and Steve “Extra Crispy” Hall can discuss their future plans on the way back to Knoxville because Hall’s going to lose his primary, too.

Chief Justice Gary Wade is going to weather the storm, and probably so will Justice Sharon Lee. The fate of Justice Cornelia Clark is somewhat murkier, since Ram PAC, or whatever it is that Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey’s calling his slush fund these days, has cut her out of the herd and is going after her hard. Ramsey would probably rather beat Wade, but he’s apparently figured out that the Silver Fox of Sevierville has deeper pockets, more friends and a more agile brain than the Speaker of the Senate. But Ramsey needs to pick off only one of the three to flip the majority on the court that elects the state attorney general and throw out Bob Cooper, who refuses to do stuff that’s unconstitutional.

Daryl Fansler, who seems to enjoy campaigning, will

Betty Bean

win another term on the Chancery Court bench. He’d probably have preferred not to have to campaign, but if he had to have an opponent, a guy who practices law out of a car with Kentucky license plates is a pretty good one to have. Clarence “Eddie” Pridemore will give us a good idea of the number of knee-jerk Republicans in Knox County.

Harold Wimberly, who seems to hate campaigning, will have a tougher time fending off his Republican opponent, Bill Ailor, who is more presentable and better known than Pridemore. Adoption advocates are worried about this one, which is seen as a toss-up.

There are two good candidates in the race for Criminal Court judge, which one would assume would give the edge to Republican

Scott Green, who had Mayor Tim Burchett to make robocalls on his behalf. Although Democrat Leland Price is a respected prosecutor with a Harvard law degree, this is East Tennessee, after all, and you have to give the edge to Green.

Lawyers complain about Circuit Court Judge Patricia Hall Long’s temperament and bench demeanor but not loud enough to hurt her, so she’ll beat Democrat George Underwood because she is the GOP establishment candidate. Knoxville’s minority community will have to keep dreaming about the day when there will be an African-American judge on the bench.

The two school board races are easy to predict.

A couple of cheerleaders for Superintendent James McIntyre are going down.

Terry Hill, the most polished candidate in the entire field going into the race, will coast to a comfortable win in the 6th District over Sandra Rowcliffe. Marshall Walker, the candidate with the roughest edges going in, hit his stride after the pri-

Haslam, Alexander in town today votes separating the winner and loser. Daniel will defeat Hall in the Deane Hill Rec Center voting precinct and Rocky Hill as this area is upset over Hall’s legislation to sell Lakeshore Park. Hall should win in the northwest city portion of the district with West Hills and Cedar Bluff areas determining the winner.

Hall has staged a spirited defense to the early Daniel Victor surge of mailings, advertising and heavy door-to-door Ashe campaigning. Each has spent more than $80,000 to win the primary. Whoever wins will be the next state ■ Knox County has a representative as no Demolong record of keeping leg- crat is running. Almost islative incumbents. Tomor- 10,000 people may vote in row (Aug. 7) two incumbent this state rep contest.

The last time an incumlegislators face strongly contested races that may bent state representative in result in their retirement. Knox County lost in a party They are Stacey Campfield, primary was 20 years ago. opposed by Richard Briggs Maria Peroulas lost to Tim for state senator, and Steve Burchett (now county mayHall, opposed by Martin or) in 1994. The last state Daniel for state representa- senator to lose in his party’s tive. Campfield and Hall are primary was Fred Berry in personal friends and close 1976 to Ben Atchley.

■ Randy Boyd was political allies. Hall actively supports Campfield’s re- elected to chair the Tennessee Higher Education nomination.

My prediction is that Commission at its recent Briggs will have a comfort- meeting. Boyd spent last able win over Campfield, year working without pay who has become too con- for Gov. Haslam on higher troversial to hold his seat. education issues.

■ The MPC controThe Daniel-Hall contest seems to be a toss-up with versy continues. Embatperhaps only a few hundred tled executive director Mark

mary and will beat incumbent Gloria Deathridge.

Finally, the Americans for Prosperity PAC obviously has more Koch brothers’ money than sense. Last week, they sent out competing mail pieces blasting Common Core – one on behalf of 13th House District Republican candidate Jason Emert, the other on behalf of 13th District House candidate Eddie Smith. Meanwhile, incumbent Gloria Johnson has been the statewide leader in a teachers’ revolt against issues surrounding the Common Core State Standards.

The Emert/Smith race is the toughest to predict. The July 31 financial disclosures show Smith, who could be the more difficult opponent for Johnson to handle, limping toward the finish with $775 in the till. Emert, who earlier disclosed a $66,000 loan from himself, reported an ending balance of $9,388.55. He also reports knocking on 3,000 doors in a week. You don’t have to know Common Core math to snicker at that one.

Republican insiders still grumble that neither of them will beat Johnson.

I’ll pick Smith but pull for Emert, just for the optics.

Job Fair at Fulton The job fair at Fulton High School organized by state Rep. Gloria Johnson, Tennessee Department of Labor and the local Career Center (managed by Ray Abbas) drew more than 250 job seekers and more than 30 employers, including Dr. Pepper Snapple Group, Weigel’s, Colgate-Palmolive, WGS Global Service, Aerotek, Verizon, CVS Caremark and Walden Security, Talbots, FedEx Ground and the University of Tennessee. Johnson (center) took a minute to sit with jobseekers Shamika Cook and Gwen Grisson. Photo by Betty Bean

Gov. Bill and Crissy Haslam will headline a getout-the-vote rally at 5:30 p.m. today (Aug. 6) at Cherokee Mills, 2220 Sutherland Ave. U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander will be there as he wraps up his primary campaign for re-election. The public is invited.

Donaldson is meeting with individual commissioners (which he seldom does) to explain both why he should stay and his hiring of Dave Hill. As of Aug. 1, MPC chair Rebecca Longmire still had not responded to Burchett’s letter asking for an explanation on the Hill hiring, which excluded women, staff and African-Americans from consideration.

Her lack of a timely response to Burchett is strange given that her MPC term has expired and Burchett is the person who will decide whether she stays or leaves. Of course, with all this controversy she may be anxious to depart and

let someone else handle this high-profile personnel issue as many neighborhood groups have unified to urge Donaldson’s removal.

The city Law Department is known to be unhappy with the quality (or lack of quality) of the MPC work product and Donaldson is unresponsive. Council has postponed several items for six months each.

Two other MPC commissioners’ terms have expired, and Burchett will fill them by reappointing or replacing. They are Laura Cole and Brian Pierce.

Burchett’s action (whatever it may be) will send strong signals as to how

determined he is to secure reform in the internal operations of MPC. Burchett is known to be concerned about the current situation and anxious to see if MPC will fi x the problems without intervention. MPC is funded by city and county taxpayers.

■ Former Vice Mayor Jack Sharp, the longestserving Knoxville vice mayor (14 years) in the city’s history (and only a heartbeat away from being mayor the whole time) turns 80 on Sunday, Aug. 10. A street named in his honor leads to the Fire Training Academy in East Knoxville, which Sharp strongly backed while

on council. He served 28 years on City Council, from 1975 to 2003.

Sharp is currently a member of the above-mentioned MPC. He has avoided public comment but may be a mover behind the scenes on these issues.

■ The 70th anniversary of the Warsaw (Poland) Uprising fell five days ago on Aug. 1 when Poles for 62 days fought the Nazi occupiers of Warsaw while 50,000 Russian troops were less than a mile away refusing to assist the Poles, who were allies along with Great Britain and the United States. Poles have not forgotten.

www.darylfansler.com

Protecting the Integrity of the Chancery Court Bench VOTE

WAugust IMBERLY 7th JUDGE

PROVEN WWW.JUDGEWIMBERLY.COM Paid for by Judge Wimberly Campaign n- J. Elaine Burke, Treaasurer

Paid for by Committee to Re-Elect Chancellor Daryl Fansler, Treasurer - Tim Priest

Shopper news • AUGUST 6, 2014 • 5

Chip Kell says a lot Chip Kell, one of the best offensive linemen in Tennessee history, didn’t say much during his college years but has said a lot at 65.

This very strong man who once lifted one corner of a Volkswagen so another man could change a tire has written a book about God and football. He went so far as to discuss recruiting and tell what Auburn fans offered him to become a Tiger.

“All in God’s Glory” includes the exciting trip from adoption as a baby to Tennessee stardom, a fling at pro ball, a checkered coaching career, the College Hall of Fame and semiretirement. I learned a lot about Curtis Cliff “Chip” Kell.

I knew how far he put the shot as an eighth-grader, a national record 65 feet, four and three-fourths inches.

I knew of his determination to fly airplanes. I knew he loved fast cars and once took Chuck Rohe for a terrifying ride down 411. I knew

Marvin West

he wasn’t tall enough to meet NFL criteria.

I didn’t know he once worked as a jail inspector. I had no idea what he once ate for breakfast at Uncle Earl’s house (dozen eggs, pound of bacon, half a loaf of toast, half gallon of milk, etc.).

I shouldn’t have been surprised to learn his father invoked the law on recruiting.

I was pleased by Chip’s reason for writing the book, to praise God for endless opportunities.

“My main goal is to help bring people back to God.” Chip believes America is sliding in the wrong direction and that greed is taking over. If his book shows

a profit, he will donate it to charity.

Chip grew up in the Atlanta area. His dad, a Georgia graduate, had been a pilot. He became a coach at Southwest DeKalb High, which means young Kell got a head start in athletics. At age 10 he wrote New York Giants linebacker Sam Huff to request a photo and autograph – and scored.

Tennessee assistant coach Vince Gibson saw Chip as a very powerful sophomore at a track meet.

Vince told Chip about the great track program Rohe was building in Knoxville and that the Vols would be watching him in football.

They did. So did everybody else. Chip had a cardboard box full of scholarship offers.

He didn’t go to Georgia because he thought the Bulldogs took him for granted.

He didn’t consider Alabama because Pat Dye, then an assistant coach, said he didn’t

So you think you can run for office Support tougher voter eligibility laws

Got the itch for politics?

Think you have what it takes to get elected in Tennessee?

Here’s your road map to election success.

Larry Van Guilder

Man Up As of November 2013, men filled 110 offices out of 132 for the Tennessee General Assembly. Only voters in Alabama, Louisiana, South Carolina, West Virginia, Oklahoma and Utah elected a lower percentage of women to their state legislatures.

Obviously, most Tennessee voters hate women, but take nothing for granted while campaigning. A few years ago, U.S. Rep. Nancy

Pelosi said, “Every month without an economic recovery package 500 million Americans lose their jobs.”

By now, according to Pelosi, billions of Americans must be jobless, and better than half are women. If they register to vote in Tennessee, watch out men.

The nightmare scenario above can be avoided if we raise the bar for voter eligibility.

Requiring photo IDs, passports and birth certificates is a step in the right direction, but residency requirements are far too lax.

To be eligible to vote in any election in Tennessee, prospective voters must submit proof that they and their families have resided in the state for at least 25 years. (Monthly water bills may be accepted as proof of residency on a case-by-case basis.)

always hustle.

Auburn had an excellent aviation program, and Auburn fans offered incentives. His parents would receive the deed to a lot on Lake Lanier. Chip would get a new wardrobe and a fancy car. He told Shug Jordan he would come to Auburn.

All of a sudden, the honorable Curtis Kell got involved.

“Dad said I should accept no gifts. He said he would not sell his son. I admired his integrity – but there went the Corvette.”

Tennessee had the best combination of football and track. Rohe, master recruiter, was decisive. Kell signed with Doug Dickey at the Airport Inn in Atlanta in March 1967.

“I thought the deal with Tennessee included flying lessons. I found out later that my father paid the bill.”

Some wondered if Kell could possibly replace the great Bob Johnson as Tennessee center. He did. He was all-SEC as a sophomore. He was twice an allAmerican guard.

At age 10, Chip started training with weights. At 20, he was the strongest Vol I ever saw. He was 240 pounds, 60 inches around the shoulders and simply overpowering. Twice he won the Jacobs blocking trophy.

Like Johnson, he made it to football heaven, the hall of fame.

Chip thought he stood 6-1. UT said 6-0. NFL scouts called it 5-11. San Diego drafted him in the 17th round. Top pay, including bonus, was his rookie season, $17,000.

He ended up with the Edmonton Eskimos. In his second Canadian season, illogically plugged in to cover kicks, he suffered a terrible knee injury. Surgery lasted more than six hours.

Chip returned to Knoxville and passed 36 class hours in one quarter to finish his degree. He later earned a master’s. He coached and built or improved weight rooms for 30 years in Tennessee and Georgia, from UT-Chattanooga to Valley Point Middle School. Once or twice he

yelled at officials.

“I once had my team at first down and 80 yards to go.”

Between coaching jobs, Kell launched a business in his home basement. He developed a superior line of weight-training equipment and was good in sales. He wasn’t so good with agreements and contracts. He described his flaw as “gullibility.

He did once work for the Tennessee Department of Correction. Highlight was meeting legendary Sheriff Buford Pusser.

Chip has endured two knee replacements. He has artificial shoulder parts and arthritis in his neck, back and hands. He does not complain. He points to his family and says he has been richly blessed.

The book is available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Books A Million. If you prefer an autographed copy, you can negotiate with Chip at coach30721@yahoo. com/.

cent Hobby Lobby decision asserted that corporations may hold religious beliefs.

Bottom line, corporations are people, and many of them need a wholesome American home. Why else Family Values would so many be fleeing to Showing off your family Caribbean islands or Third is nearly always the right World nations?

Adopting a corporation thing to do unless you’re Charles Manson or Sarah gives the candidate instant Palin. But what about the family. Take your corporagrowing number of single tion to the ballpark, church, candidates without spouses county fair and candidate debates for great photo ops. or children?

If your corporation spins Fortunately, the U.S. Supreme Court has your back. out lovable little subsidiarIn the Citizens United ies, so much the better; votcase in 2010, the court ruled ers love big families. that corporations and labor unions are entitled to First Crime and Punishment Amendment protection of No room for bleeding free speech just like regular hearts here. Perhaps Refolks. publican Sen. Orrin Hatch For good measure, the re- of Utah said it best: “Capital

punishment is our way of demonstrating the sanctity of life.”

For East Tennessee residents, the requirement may be lowered to 20 years if the prospective voter can recite the names of every Duncan family member.

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

Border Security Recently, Maine Gov. Paul LePage lashed out at the Obama administration for placing in his state eight children who had crossed the border illegally.

The governor noted that the good people of Maine “simply cannot afford it.”

Stand firm with LePage: eight is enough!

ABC For your supporters: “Always Bring Cash.”

Let’s recap. Be a man, raise the voting bar, get a family, off with their heads, guard the border and cash is king. See you in Nashville!

NEWS FROM GENTRY GRIFFEY FUNERAL CHAPEL & CREMATORY

Today’s funeral options are vast Cremation on the rise nationwide In recent years, the interest in cremation as a means of final disposition has increased.

One reason many individuals choose cremation is that it allows for a wide range of ceremony and memorial options. A ceremonial cremation allows the family and friends to hold traditional visitation services as well as a religious service or gathering before the cremation process is carried out. However, some families wish to have a personal gathering or memorial without the visitation, which is another option.

Direct cremation is another option available. This involves care and transport of your loved one and then

the act of cremation. As the only on-site crematory in Knoxville, Gentry Griffey is not dependent on anyone else’s schedule or facilities.

They manage every step of the cremation procedure and your loved one never leaves the care of their professional and licensed staff.

Gentry Griffey’s crematory also includes a viewing room and they welcome and encourage families to be present prior to the cremation.

Other reasons more and more people are choosing cremation over a traditional burial include environmental considerations, philosophical reasons, or the fact that it offers a less complicated option for their families.

Death is not something that anyone particularly enjoys thinking about, but the circumstances that come with it are difficult enough as it is. It only makes a difficult situation harder on your loved ones by neglecting to make arrangements in advance.

The professional staff at Gentry Griffey are able to answer any other questions readers may have and encourage people to contact them.

Gentry Griffey Funeral Chapel & Crematory (865)689-4481 www.GentryGriffey.com

Long known as a favorite photo spot for proms and weddings, the gardens at Gentry Griffey provide an ideal location for a celebration of life service. Gentry Griffey was proud to have been a 2014 Dogwood Arts Festival sponsor of the Fountain City Trail as well as a Commercial Camera Site for the trail.

EXCLUSIVE PROVIDER

Cremation

YOU TRUST Gentry Griffey Funeral Chapel offers Knox County’s only crematory. Your loved one will never leave our care, and as the sole service provider, our services stay affordable for all budgets.

Simple, affordable, dignified.

Gentry Griffey’s leadership team brings more than 75 years of experience in serving families during their time of need. From left: Bryan McAdams, Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer; Ronna Manis, Apprentice Funeral Director; Jerry Griffey, Founder and Licensed Funeral Director; and Eric Botts, Managing Partner and Licensed Funeral Director.

5301 Fountain Road Knoxville, Tennessee 37918 (865) 689-4481 info@gentrygriffey.com www.gentrygriffey.com

interns

6 • AUGUST 6, 2014 • Shopper news

Ken Oakes discusses growing daylilies and his business model with the interns.

Leila Hennon and Zoe Risley prepare to explore a portion of the haunted trail at Oakes Farm.

Interns Zoe Risley, Leila Hennon, Laken Scott and Donna Mitchell ride around the grounds of the Oakes Farm. Photos by R. White

A farm utopia

By Donna Mitchell Last week the Shopper interns took a trip to Oakes Farm in Corryton. The farm hosts an annual corn maze Austin Henry of Henry’s B&G and pumpkin patch, and in Gibbs delivers lunch to supplies daylilies to plantOakes Farm for the Shopper- lovers around the country.

Daylilies are one of the News interns. easiest plants around because they require little maintenance. There are over 60,000 varieties of the flower, and daylilies bloom in many sizes, colors and shapes. Once planted, the flowers will continue to grow.

As we were seated at the table for a discussion of the farm, I looked around and

Intern Leila Hennon was the “goat whisperer” to Doug during a recent trip to Oakes Farm.

realized this was an experience everyone needed to have, especially today’s young people. The atmosphere of the farm was incredible, from the height of the corn to the smell of the goats.

The only time phones were pulled out was for a quick picture of us riding in the back of a pickup truck through the field. We sat eating lunch with each other and engaged in conversation, no not through Facebook or Twitter, but through actual verbal communication. It is mind blowing to know that we can in fact have a day without technology and still have fun and feel connected to one another.

We need to put down these verbal communication blockers to get out and really experience this feeling. The farm creates a sort

of utopia where the fastpaced, “I need it now” world has never existed; it means so much more to physically see a smiling face and to hear a laugh than to do so through the screen of our phones, tablets and computers. I encourage all of you to take a trip to Oakes Farm for a technology-free day.

If you can’t make it out to the farm, look online at the beautiful daylilies the farm has to offer, maybe even order a few.

On my experience: I came into this internship knowing I enjoyed writing. I left knowing that this is what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. I recommend this to anyone interested in anything at all.

With Sara, Ruth and Sandra you never have any idea of what you’re getting into, but I can guarantee you this, you’ll remember it forever.

Summer fun

By Joshua Mode This summer I was asking myself “what am I going to do?”

I wanted to do something fun and informative, then I remembered my internship last year at the Halls Shopper!

Everyone who works there is so amazing and has their own special gift like photography, people skills, noting everything, or all three!

It was so much fun, and I met so many great people to go on adventures with in our area, most I didn’t even know they were there. It helps with writing skills as

well; letting your English teachers read your columns is always a plus.

One of my favorite parts of the internship was visiting so many nice restaurants and then writing my review, kinda like a food critic. I’m so happy I discovered this program before it was too late. It was probably the best two summers I’ve had and I would like to thank the amazing people there for letting me join.

So when you ask yourself or your son/daughter what you can do next summer, think of this column and say “Hey, you can do an internship at the Shopper-News!” The Big Love Bus was the preferred mode of transportation for the last intern trip of the summer. Pictured are interns and guests (front) Donna Mitchell, Leila Hennon, Samantha Hamilton; (back) Julia Grant, Zoe Risley, Laken Scott, Anne Marie Higginbotham and Charlie Hamilton.

A day on the farm With the Shopper interns The interns spent their last day with the ShopperNews getting a crash course in selling homegrown daylilies and plotting a maze of corn for folks to meander through each fall.

The Oakes family started its daylily business in the 1970s.

“That was my first summer job, digging up and bagging daylilies,” said Ken Oakes.

But the business didn’t grow nationally until he designed its first full-color catalog in 1990. The rest is history.

“This was a hobby. I didn’t plan to go into (the daylily business), but it took off,” he said. The company now sends about 400,000 catalogs to its customers each year.

Oakes discussed what goes into marketing the daylilies and how to crosspollinate two species to create a new one.

Two weeks ago David

Sara Barrett

Dewhirst told us how to “repurpose” an old building; last week Ken Oakes told us how to repurpose an entire farm.

The Oakes’ corn maze is also a popular draw. It’s an idea Ken had after visiting another maze in 2001.

“We had all this land, and I thought, ‘We can do this,’ ” he said. The attraction has grown into an annual tradition for many locals.

Even though the maze was closed for the season and updates were being made, Oakes gave the interns full access to the play area.

They jumped at the chance, literally, to get dirty and whip through the jum-

bo slide made from large plastic pipe.

“First one through gets to clean up the cobwebs,” Oakes said of the slide. Other intern favorites included bouncing on the gigantic air pillow; visiting with Doug, the pet goat; and digging in the sandbox.

Before wrapping up at the farm, the group piled into the back of Oakes’ pickup truck and headed up the hill where the Trail of Doom is located. The haunted attraction gleans scores of screams from folks who wish for more than wholesome fun.

“I’m a big fan of the twoperson distraction myself,” Oakes told the group as they cautiously stepped through the spooky forest for a sneak peek at additions for this year’s scaring season.

His personal favorite is revving up a chainsaw to terrify anxious patrons right after they’re distracted by another “haunter.”

One particular group of young visitors seemed so frightened at one point, Oakes said, that he took

off his mask to show them he meant no real harm. To which the kids gleefully responded with smiles and shouts of “Uncle Kenny!”

Oakes had gotten so carried away he didn’t realize he was chasing his own family.

Info: www.oakesfarm. com and www.oakesdaylilies.com.

■

The love bus … exciting and new

also be shared on the bus radio from a passenger’s cell phone via Bluetooth.

Highlights included reactions of passersby, or even folks mowing their yard, who stopped to stare at the vibrantly colored school bus while sounds including cows mooing and British police sirens emanated from its sound system. Bottles of water were chilled in a customized container holding ice in the bar and snack area.

Intern Laken Scott and her friend, Anne Marie Higginbotham, were particularly amused by two police officers who paused to take photos of the bus with their cell phones.

The bus initially felt overwhelming, but as Doig-Collins cruised the back roads of North Knox County, her 26plus years of bus-driving experience made for a smooth ride and put everyone at ease.

Info: www.biglovebus. com.

The interns arrived at the farm in true Shopper-News fashion. The Big Love Bus transported the group, but not before bus driver Carlene Doig-Collins showed a little of what the psychedelic party on wheels had to offer.

Custom benches line both sides of the bus, and a beaded curtain decorates a VIP area in the back. Multicolored lights flash on the ceiling, and music can be played inside the bus and from speakers mounted on ■ Lunch on the farm The interns’ last meal as the exterior. A playlist can

Shopper-News cool kids was delivered fresh from Henry’s Catering in Corryton.

Manager Austin Henry stopped by with loaded cheeseburgers, chips and an unbelievable dessert tray of cherry cobbler and lemon and brownie bars.

The cool weather and beautiful scenery made for a perfect picnic.

Info: Henry’s Catering, 687-8856.

■

Correction

In our July 30 coverage of the interns, Gonzo Gourmet’s Brandon Wilson was incorrectly identified as Brandon Smith. We regret the error.

■

Wanna join us?

Next year’s ShopperNews intern program is already filling up.

If you would like to participate next summer, email Sara at barretts@ ShopperNewsNow.com.

Shopper news • AUGUST 6, 2014 • 7

‘Virtual’ students enrolled in TNVA

By Sandra Clark When the Union County school board voted July 30 to enroll 626 f i r s t-ye a r students in the Tennessee Virtual A c a d e m y, applause Stackhouse and smiles broke out. The vote demonstrated the benefit of hiring a smart lawyer.

The emergency meeting started with a quiet family prayer below the stage.

Superintendent Jimmy Carter called on assistant Ronnie Mincey to read a “late-breaking” letter from state Education Commissioner Kevin Huffman.

A week earlier Huffman had “recommended” that Union County not enroll the first-year students, even though they had properly registered, and implied he would shut down the whole school if the board did so.

Now he said he will close

the school in the spring, but high enough test scores could cause a reprieve … and, by the way, go ahead and enroll those 626 kids if you want to.

What changed in a week?

On advice of counsel, the school board had requested a waiver from Huffman to drop 626 properly enrolled students.

Huffman granted the waiver, but meanwhile public pressure began to build.

State Sen. Frank Niceley and Rep. Dennis “Coach” Roach met with the governor’s chief of staff.

Who knows what else went on behind the scenes?

Huffman again called Union County’s school board “irresponsible” for simply doing what state law and Huffman himself have empowered it to do.

Amid grins and highfives, attorney Mary Ann Stackhouse packed her bags and left the building – an unsung hero of this mighty tempest.

■

Edwin Robertson was ‘dynamic Christian’

Dr. Edwin G. Robertson, 65, board chair of Commercial Bank and longtime veterinarian, died suddenly July 29 at his home. His passing left a void in the community.

“I’ve known Edwin all my life,” said John Fugate, manager of Commercial Bank in Fountain City.

“He was a dynamic Christian who practiced what he professed. He had the servant’s heart … was very humble … always looking for ways to help the less fortunate.”

Brenda Sweet, manager of the Maynardville branch, called Mr. Robertson a handson leader. “He was a wonderful person, wonderful for the community and a leader in the fight against drug abuse,” she said, mentioning his leadership with Stand in the Gap and Crusade for Christ.

Terry Lee is president of Commercial Bank, which was founded by Mr. Robertson’s father, Oscar, in 1976.

Survivors include his wife of 43 years, Judy Thompson Robertson; his son, John Adam Robertson and wife Cindi; d au g ht e r, Emily Robertson King and husband John; brothDr. Robertson er, Craig Eric Robertson and wife Sherri; and stepmother, Alice Robertson Overton.

He was a member of Pump Springs Baptist Church, where he taught Sunday school and helped organize Celebrate Recovery, the Claiborne Refuge House and the Jail Ministry.

His most recent endeavor was Servolution Health Services, a free medical and dental clinic for the uninsured of the TriState Area.

■

Quotable

“We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.”

– Albert Einstein

Food fight continues on the Strip

This mailer, which went out last week, promises students can use their university-mandated meal plan on the Cumberland Avenue Strip, and adds, “Now Tax Free!” Privately owned businesses not yet admitted to the program were not amused.

‘It’s frightening ...’ says Copper Cellar manager

By Betty Bean August is a good month on the Cumberland Avenue Strip. Anticipation of the influx of student consumers that fall semester at the University of Tennessee will bring starts to build and hits a high point with the first home football game (this year, Aug. 31).

But as the Shopper-News reported last week, the runup to the new school year is off to something less than a Big Orange high note for 10 Cumberland District business owners and managers who fear that the university is preparing to become their competitor.

A letter dated July 28 outlined their concerns and stressed the high level of cooperation they have given UT and the city of Knoxville regarding the redesign of the commercial corridor in the university’s neighborhood.

“The business owners and property owners in the Cumberland District have agreed to sweeping changes to Cumberland Avenue to

advance goals of both the University and the city of Knoxville. These changes have required easements to our properties and will create numerous disruptions to our businesses and lives during the construction time. We have given much to support this plan and feel that opening (the university’s mandatory student dining plan) would be a gesture to reciprocate this mutual relationship.”

Although university spokesperson Karen Simsen tried to reassure the worried business owners that plans are underway to allow students to use their meal cards at Cumberland Avenue businesses, an announcement went up on UT’s website at week’s end under the salutation “Welcome to UT Volunteer Dining” and kicked anxiety up another notch.

“New for 2014-2015: Meal Equivalency on Saturday Nights! Late Night Meal Equivalency at Raising Canes and Panda Express on the Strip! Commuter

Plans are Tax Free this year (Commuter 50, 75 and Dining Dollar Plans only).”

Panda Express and Raising Canes are housed in a recently acquired, university-owned building on the northeast corner of Cumberland Avenue and 17th Street (formerly known as home of McMillen’s, a popular retail outlet specializing in UT-related sports gear and memorabilia).

“The switch from the University’s stated use of classroom space (when presented to the State Building Commission) for former private retail space at 17th and Cumberland back to retail/restaurant space serviced by Aramark (the university’s vendor) creates unfair competition against local businesses,” the merchants’ letter stated.

“This is no small project – it is a $1.9 million construction project that benefits only Aramark. This is due to (UT vendor) Aramark having access to dining dollars (a cashless student debit card) as a payment platform while neighboring establishments currently do not have access to this program.

“If the Panda Express and Raising Canes franchises flourish, will the University continue to purchase private property? Watching Aramark utilize the privileges the University receives with regard to rent, property taxes, etc., to increase the spread of its contracted vendor is alarming to small business owners such as the Cumberland Merchants.

“Currently, there is one privately owned business, the Lake Avenue Papa John’s franchise, which is permitted to accept dining dollars. If it is being done at this location, it is capable of being done at other privately owned locations,” the letter ended.

“It’s frightening to have this monstrosity of a huge university being able to purchase property right beside you,” said Jonah Riggs, general manager of the Copper Cellar, the Strip’s most established eatery. “If I was a little mom-and-pop store, I couldn’t make it. I’d have to close my doors.”

A mailer urging students to sign up for the new Commuter Dining Dollar Meal Plan at “only” $475 went out last week, as well, with the additional exhortation “Now Tax Free!”

business ‘Roadshow’ coming this fall You might want to take a moment in your back-toschool flurry to mark a few dates on your fall calendar.

Highlights involve the treasure that is the Museum of Appalachia, located just north of us, off I-75 in Norris.

Regular readers may remember seeing Mark Walberg and his merry band from “Antiques Roadshow” in these pages at this time last year. They’d just arrived in town, and the Norris museum was their first stop.

Appraiser Ken Farmer was particularly taken with the collection of Appalachian musical instruments.

During their stay, the cast and crew also visited the McClung Museum and the Rhea County Courthouse in Dayton. They ran across plenty of treasures.

The 12-time Emmy-nominated series came to Knoxville as part of its eight-city 2013 summer production tour. Almost 5,000 guests attended the all-day appraisal event at the Knoxville Convention Center, where guests received valuations of their antiques and collectibles by specialists from the country’s leading auction houses and independent dealers.

The special two-hour premiere will feature behind-the-scenes footage produced by East Tennessee PBS documenting the weekend-long event, including post-appraisal testimonials given by “Roadshow” attendees.

And you’ll finally get to see it all when East Tennessee PBS broadcasts the

Carol Shane

Carol’s Corner three Knoxville-based episodes on three consecutive Mondays, Sept. 22 and 29 and Oct. 6, at 8 p.m. So get ready to see your friends and neighbors on national television!

The following weekend, Oct. 10-12, the Museum of Appalachia will host its 35th Tennessee Fall Homecoming featuring more than 70 national, regional and local musicians performing on five outdoor stages.

That means continuous music, all day every day, in the pastoral museum setting of green hills, log cabins and grazing livestock.

It’s a “down home” music fan’s dream.

Because it’s the 35th anniversary of this awardwinning festival, the organizers have put together the strongest lineup in the event’s history. It includes Grammy-award winner Marty Raybon and Full Circle, International Bluegrass Music Association Male Vocalist of the Year Junior Sisk with Rambler’s Choice, Grammy-nominated Della Mae, and the multi-awardwinning group Lonesome River Band.

For a full list of artists, or to purchase tickets online, visit www.museumofapppalachia.org. Info: 494-7680.

Paid for by the Committee to Elect Leland Price, Brent R. Watson, Treasurer

The PRICE is RIGHT! 1. Endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police Volunteer Lodge #2

2. Endorsed by the Knoxville Firefighters Association Local 65

3. Elected to the Knoxville Bar Association Board of Governors by fellow members of the bar

4. Voted Top Attorney in Prosecution by members of the Knoxville Bar 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

5. Awarded the Combat Action Badge and Army Commendation Medal for exemplary service in Iraq by U.S. Army

6. Received the National District Attorneys Association’s prestigious Home Run Hitters Award for dedication to justice in the most difficult cases

7. Elected Commander of American Legion Post 2 in 2012 8. Elected Vice-President of Kiwanis Club of Knoxville in 2013

9. Endorsed by the families of Channon Christian and Chris Newsom

Residents and staff of Morning Pointe Assisted Living on Dannaher Drive, Powell, participated in Chick-fil-A’s National Cow Appreciation Day. They were attempting to beat the Morning Pointe in Hixon, Tenn., which won “best herd” award nationally last year. Happy cows are (front) Riley Watts, Chessa Roberts, Cason Rainey, Morning Pointe facility manager Tyner Brooks; (back) Adelyn Mays, Beth Watts, Amy Whitaker, Ronnie Kennedy, Sarah Whitaker, John Simmons, Mildred Burchfield, Kayla Rainey, Billie Hefter, JoAnne Hoffmeister and Earl Hoffmeister. Photo by Janice Berry

General Election on August 7

leland price for judge.com

Fraternal Order of Police Volunteer Lodge #2

Knoxville Firefighters

8 • AUGUST 6, 2014 • Shopper news

News from The Knoxville Area Urban League

Urban League brings education to life

By Phyllis Nichols

As Jennifer “Jay” Butler works through her nonprof it management program at Johnson Universit y, she must complete Nichols an internship to graduate. Instead of merely fulfilling another prerequisite, her summer at the Knoxville Area Urban League confirmed Butler’s career path and fueled her passion for the organization’s work in the community.

“In the past, I’ve referred people to the Urban League’s services,” Butler said. “Now, I realize just how hard they are working to empower people in the community.”

Butler spent time working in every service department – employment and workforce development, housing and education. A project she led with students clearly demonstrated how the KAUL is helping educate the community’s future leaders.

“I’ve helped lead the Project Ready students in their Historical and Cultural Literacy Legacy Project this summer,” Butler said.

“We’ve taught the students about the great migration (of African Americans out of the South and into other regions of the country) and how it’s shaped the social climate here in Knoxville.”

Butler and the high school students also interviewed community leaders who were witnesses to that movement.

“The interviews trans-

BUSINESS NOTES ■ Food City has invited at least 10 Medal of Honor recipients to serve as the grand marshals of the Food City 300 at the Bristol Motor Speedway at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 22. The historic assembly will include Medal of Honor

formed their learning from just thinking about the information in a historical context to seeing how it affected people in the community,” she said.

Butler also adapted to a team working environment and achieving daily tasks, a beneficial supplement to textbook learning.

“After my time here, I know what good nonprofit management looks like in a real setting rather than just hearing about it through my studies at school,” she said.

Butler originally planned to pursue a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy. However, the experience has strengthened her passion for community development.

“It’s awesome to be able to be the voice of those who need help,” she said. “Success is a process, and it’s not always about the end result – but the journey. With the programs at the Urban League, we define our success by the successes – big and small – of our clients.”

Butler explained that her time at KAUL changed her for the better.

“I’m leaving with a different worldview than when I started,” she said. “I’ve met a lot of people in the community that shaped the world we live in. I’m more focused on giving back and building our community now than ever.”

As a result of her internship, Butler has joined the Young Professionals of the Knoxville Area Urban League, which will allow her to participate in community service and continue to work with the organization on community projects.

Phyllis Nichols is president and CEO of the Knoxville Area Urban League.

recipients Sammy Davis, Joe Marm, Jim Taylor, Ron Rosser and Hal Fritz, president of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society.

Qualifying for the event takes place at 3:40 p.m. on Friday.

Tickets are still available and may be purchased at www. bristoltix.com or 423-2747865.

New at the mall: Wayward Arts Gallery Dominique Oakley Lacey grew up in East Tennessee before living in Memphis and Atlanta. When the opportunity arose for her to move back home, she was thrilled.

Dominique taught school for several years. During a summer break she decided it was time to wage war on a pesky squirrel who kept chewing up her birdhouses.

She couldn’t find a squirrelproof birdhouse she felt was sturdy enough.

That is when she decided to take matters into her own hands. Getting creative, Dominique designed and made a birdhouse out of license plates. With some of the small pieces, she designed jewelry. Friends started asking her if she would create something for them.

Flash forward to 2014.

Dominique’s business has exploded. Her husband, Jacob, was a sheet-metal worker. Both left their former careers and moved from Atlanta to Knoxville.

Their products are being

■ Eddie’s Health Shoppe and Knoxville Performance Lab will host UT football legend Jamal Lewis for a FinaFlex signing event 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 16.

Lewis is a former running back who played for the University of Tennessee from 1997 to 1999. He played NFL football with the Baltimore Ravens and the Cleveland Browns. In his professional career, Lewis had 2,542 attempts with 10,607 total yards and 58 touchdowns.

Info: 865-693-4909 or info@ eddieshealthshoppe.com.

Nancy Whittaker

sold in more than 500 retail locations all across the United States as well as four other countries. Online orders have also become a huge part of their business.

Now a full staff works on 15 different products created out of license plates.

They are preparing to open their flagship store, Wayward Arts Gallery, at Knoxville Center Mall. Excitement was evident the moment I walked into the new location.

In the store, on the upper level near Sears, the front section is for retail displays. Numerous lines will be available. All items will be made in the United States, and most will be made out of recycled materials. Sugar Posts, Village Designs, Rusty Birds, Chart

Dominique Oakley Lacey, owner of Wayward Arts Gallery, shows off some of her creations. Photo Submitted and Solemate Socks are just a few of the interesting lines they will carry. Customers can get items customized while they wait.

Their new workshop is in the rear section of their space. Dominique and Jacob made the decision to partner with Steps House when employing new people in this area. They have chosen some of the “most incredible people” and even have a former aircraft engineer working in the shop.

Their new employees have “jumped right in” and are working hard to keep up with the demand.

Dominique says her business is a “happy accident.”

■ VolShop, the official campus store of the University of Tennessee-Knoxville, will occupy 6,000 square feet adjacent to Walmart at University Commons, Knoxville’s first urban, vertical retail center located adjacent to the UT campus.

University Commons encompasses 12-plus acres and boasts 210,000 square feet of retail space and parking.

Walmart will open on Aug. 6, and Publix is scheduled to open later in August. The center was developed by CHM LLC, whose principal partners are Budd Cullom, Jim Harrison and Mike McGuffin.

The success of her business is no accident. She is creative, organized and smart.

Before leaving the Atlanta area, she was the DeKalb County Business Woman of the Year. Her motto has always been “keep it simple.”

In addition to the exciting growth of their business, Jacob and Dominique are enjoying twin boys, now 5.

Two websites – stresstheseams.com and waywardartsknoxville.com – showcase this amazing business.

It is also on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest. Stop

by Wayward Arts Gallery for an incredibly unique shopping experience.

Lance Jones, CEO of Tennova’s Turkey Creek Medical Center, discusses healthcare with members of the Rotary Club. Photo by Bonny C. Millard

Tennova CEO offers healthcare snapshot

By Bonny C. Millard

“Bill was one of our best judges who presided over numerous cases and was a great asset to the Department.

He will be a great addition to the Knox County Judiciary.” ~ Joseph Fisher, former Assistant Commissioner for the State of Tennessee Department of Education

As CEO of Tennova’s Turkey Creek Medical Center, Lance Jones has put away the rose-colored glasses on healthcare.

He says the medical industry is in a state of flux as it grapples with the number of retiring physicians, nursing shortages, changing technology, a growing population with a longer life expectancy and medical malpractice.

Jones spoke to the Rotary Club of Farragut about the everchanging environment of healthcare at a recent meeting.

In today’s job market, six of the top ten jobs are in the healthcare industry, he said.

The nation faces a major shortage of nurses by 2020 and currently 175,000 nursing positions nationwide are available.

Medical doctors are aging with more than half considering retirement, he continued.

Of the doctors now in practice, one-third are women, many of whom will consider starting families and may alter their work schedule.

For those entertaining the idea of going to medical school, the debt can be a major deterrent. The aver-

age debt for a physician after medical school and a fellowship is $273,000, Jones told the group.

“They are underwater for a long, long time because of that,” he said.

While the employment situation is creating some challenges, technology continues to improve medical treatments and reduce hospital time.

Jones, who has been with the medical center for three years, said that because of technological advances a person can now have gallbladder surgery in the morning and be released later that day.

The surgery, through the navel, is less invasive, resulting in reduced pain, medical expenses and time away from work, but a technological wish list can run millions of dollars, he said.

Overall, Knoxville has a superb quality of health care, the New Zealand native said.

Turkey Creek Medical Center, part of the Tennova Healthcare System, had 16,000 patient interventions, delivered 509 babies and utilized more than 21,000 volunteer hours last year.

According the Jones, the facility is the largest employer in Farragut.

SOUTH KNOX Shopper news • AUGUST 6, 2014 • 9

Shopper Ve n t s enews

Send items to news@ShopperNewsNow.com

FRIDAY, AUG. 8 SK8 to Elimin8 Cancer fundraiser, 8-10 p.m., Cool Sports, Home of the Icearium, 110 S. Watt Road.

Proceeds to benefit Provision CARES Foundation.

Registration: $8; includes skate rental. Also accepting pledges. Info: www.provisioncares.org, 243-3459; or www.coolsportstn.com/sk8, 218-4500.

Grandparents and Me! Free Movie and Popcorn Day, Humana Guidance Center, 640 Plaza, 4438 Western Ave. Movies: “Despicable Me 2,” 10 a.m.; “Rio,” noon.

Open to the public. Info: 329-8892, TTY: 711.

School Bash, 3-6 p.m., Knoxville Expo Center, 5441 Clinton Highway. Free and open to the public. Students will receive free school supplies and health screenings, and enjoy activities, free food, special programs, vendors and more.

Ice Cream Social fundraiser, 5-8 p.m., Sonic Drive-In, 7816 Oak Ridge Highway. 10% of sales to benefit Shine, Diamonds All-Stars’ senior coed level three competitive cheer team.

Wii™ Bowling, 11:30 a.m., Humana Guidance Center, 640 Plaza, 4438 Western Ave. Free and open to the public. Info: 329-8892, TTY: 711.

Premier of “Mathline,” a new live call-in show, 6 p.m., on East Tennessee PBS. Geared toward students in grades 4-12; all students, parents and teachers may submit math questions to 1-844-NUMBER8 (6862378). Broadcast every Monday through Thursday. Info: 595-0220 or www.EastTennesseePBS.org/programs/ tn-learn-mathline/.

THROUGH FRIDAY, AUG. 8

FRIDAY-SATURDAY, AUG. 8-9

Seeking singers, actors, dancers, instrumentalists and handbell ringers for Knoxville Christian Arts Ministries’ 2014-15 season beginning Aug. 19. Info/ audition times: Jill Lagerberg, jilllagerberg@cspc.net or 291-5218.

Russell Biven Summer Clayfest Tournament, Chilhowee Sportsman’s Club, Maryville, Flight times: 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. Saturday. All proceeds benefit Helen Ross McNabb Center. Info/to register team or as sponsor: Beth Farrow, 329-9030, or www.mcnabbcenter.org.

THROUGH SATURDAY, SEPT. 5

Summer Family Programming: Dulcimers, 10 a.m.-noon, Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center, 123 Cromwell Drive, Townsend. Info: 448-0044.

Harvey Broome Group picnic, 5-8 p.m., Adair The Second Saturday Concerts at The Cove: Park, 1807 Adair Drive. All Sierra Club members, Second Opinion, 6-8 p.m., The Cove at Concord Park, 11808 S. Northshore Drive. Free. Info: www.knoxcounty. families and friends are invited. HBG will provide a grill and burgers (veggie and meat). Contact Mac Post, org or https://www.facebook.com/pages/Knox-Countympost3116@aol.com, with number of people coming and Parks-Rec/55197043075. what you will contribute to the potluck.

“Experience Our Cherokee Heritage” tour with Knoxville Civil War Roundtable meeting, 7 Native American Expert Randy McGinnis. Offered by Cades Cove Heritage Tours. Reservations limited. Cost: $100 p.m., Buddy’s Banquet Hall, 5806 Kingston Pike. Speaker: Robert Krick, historian of the Richmond Battlefield. per person. Info/reservations: Don Alexander, 448-8838.

Topic: first and second battles of Deep Bottoms. Dinner: “Garden History of East Tennessee: Seeds $15, members/$17, nonmembers. Lecture: $3. RSVP by and Their Stories,” 10:30 a.m.-noon, Farragut Branch Library, 417 N. Campbell Station Road. Free and open to noon Monday, Aug. 11, to 671-9001.

STFK Science Café meeting, 5:30 p.m., Ijams the public. Info; 777-1750.

Nature Center, 2915 Island Home Ave. Topic: “Invasive Back-to-School Bash, 2-6 p.m., Bells Campground UMC, 7915 Bells Campground Road. Music, food, activities. Species” (of Plants) by Chris Adams, assistant professor of biology, Berea College in Kentucky. Free; registration Season Kickoff Plaza Party, 4-7 p.m., Clarence requested. Info/registration: 577-4717, ext.110.

Brown Theatre. Free and open to the public. Features: door prizes, music, games, food carts, backstage tours, a special season-ticket package price, info on the new season. Info: 974-5161 or http://clarencebrowntheatre.com/.

Daily giveaway of two tickets to any performance at Clarence Brown Theatre. To enter: “like” the Clarence Brown Theatre Facebook page. Grand prize winner of two season subscriptions chosen Sept. 6.

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 6 Summer Family Programming: Photography, 10 a.m.-noon, Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center, 123 Cromwell Drive, Townsend. Info: 448-0044.

WEDNESDAY-THURSDAY, AUG. 6-7 AARP Driver Safety class, 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Oak Ridge Senior Center, 728 Emory Valley Road, Oak Ridge. Info/to register: Carolyn Rambo, 584-9964.

TUESDAY, AUG. 12

SATURDAY, AUG. 9

TUESDAYS, AUG. 12-SEPT. 2

THURSDAY, AUG. 7 Cruise Night, 6-9 p.m., 6215 Riverview Crossing Drive in front of old Food Lion at Asheville Highway.

All makes, models, years and clubs welcome. No charge. Door prizes.

Hot Summer Nights Concert Series: Erin Ott, 10-year-old country music singer, 7 p.m., Blount County Public Library, 508 N. Cusick St. Free. Info: 982-0981 or www.blountlibrary.org.

Bingo, 10-11 a.m., Humana Guidance Center, 4438 Western Ave. Bring new “white elephant” gift, $1 or less. Free movie and popcorn, 11:15 a.m. Movie: “Frozen.” Open to the public. Info: 329-8892, TTY: 711.

Sunday, Aug. 10 “Stories in Every Jar,” free storytelling by members of the Smoky Mt. Storytellers, 3-5 p.m., Back Porch, 805 Parkway, Gatlinburg. Info: 429-1783 or www. smokymountaintellers.org.

MONDAY, AUG. 11 Summer Family Programming: Drums, 10 a.m.-noon, Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center, 123 Cromwell Drive, Townsend. Info: 448-0044.

Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett’s Back to

Beginner Friendly Yoga classes, 9-10 a.m., Farragut Town Hall, 11408 Municipal Center Drive. Cost: $40. Registration and payment deadline: Aug. 11. Info/ to register: 966-7057.

Pilates classes, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Farragut Town Hall, 11408 Municipal Center Drive. Cost: $40. Registration and payment deadline: Aug. 11. Info/to register: 966-7057.

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 13 Summer Family Programming: Flute Day, 10 a.m.-noon, Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center, 123 Cromwell Drive, Townsend. Info: 448-0044.

LOCAL Businesses

345 MEADOWLAKE CIRCLE, SEYMOUR 3BR/2BA, 2-car gar, sunrm. New granite kit counter tops. Seller will help w/closing costs. $225,000. MLS#859819 ED! DUC E R T JUS D! UCE D E TR JUS

1538 BROAD RIVER LANE, SEVIERVILLESEYMOUR AREA 3BR/2BA, 2-car gar, handicap accessible. Seller will help w/closing costs. $210,000. MLS#880198 6367 LOVE SONG LANE – 2BR/2BA, tube skylights, covered concrete patio, 2-car gar, handicap accessible. $132,000. MLS#892980 Call Pamela Hammontree • 865-573-0145

Mike Davis, Agent • 637-8616 5336 Millertown Pike www.mikedavisagency.com

For Life Insurance, Call A Good Neighbor State Farm, Corporate Office, Bloomington, IL

Luxury You Can Afford • Free WiFi • Microwave/Refrigerator in all rooms • Less than 1 mile from downtown & 1.5 miles from UT 3400 Chapman Highway • Knoxville, TN 37920 Toll Free: 1-866-496-4496 • www.executive-inn.net

KING-SIZE BED

$39.95 Mon - Thurs

10 • AUGUST 6, 2014 • Shopper news

Every time you use your Knoxville TVA Employees Credit Union Visa debit card for signature purchases you earn UChoose Rewards Points.

Members earn points for: ®

CASH Lodging CASH Merchandise Did we mention CASH?

Travel Electronics Entertainment Apparel

Not a member? Join us!

If you live, work, worship or attend school in Knox, Blount, Sevier, Jefferson, Roane, Hamblen, Loudon or Sullivan county or metro Johnson City you CAN join.

Find out how you can Rack ‘em Up and Reward Yourself. Join today!

865-544-5400 Visit tvacreditunion.com to find out how.

TVACREDITUNION.COM 08/2014