SOUTH KNOX VOL. 2 NO. 42 1
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“I wasn’t a big fan of the wedge salad when it first hit restaurants several years ago. I mean, your prep chef doesn’t come in one morning, so you quarter a head of lettuce, drizzle it with dressing and call it ‘trendy’?” Thus writes Shopper-News’ newest writer, The Mystery Diner, who talks about a lettuce wedge posing as dessert.
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Read Weekender on pages 6-7
Standing with Gloria Johnson “Gloria Johnson stands tall for teachers, kids and blue-collar families. Hers is a voice for women in a testosterone-laden General Assembly. “She articulately speaks for the under-represented, while her opponent is just one more vote for the GOP supermajority.”
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Read S. Clark’s endorsement on 5
Coupon books Now that Knox County schools have wrapped up coupon-book sales, South schools are celebrating their success with fun events.
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Betsy Pickle has details on 8
The return of Lane Kiffin Twice I have written “The end” columns about Lane Kiffin. Maybe this is it. Please do not heckle, hassle or otherwise annoy Lane on Saturday. Trying to satisfy Nick Saban is a very stressful job. The roar of 100,000 just breathing will be enough to ramp up the difficulty. One segment of Tennessee’s team might be a problem. No piling on.
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Read Marvin West on page 9
‘No ghosts’ for Trustee Ed Shouse When Knox County’s new trustee, Ed Shouse, meets with his staff, he provides soft drinks with money from his own pocket. Another staff member is kind enough to bring the cookies. He could use county funds to pay for the snacks, but he won’t. It’s all part of his effort to save the taxpayers money − and earn their trust. He told staff members to do what they were asked during the upcoming trials of former Trustee Mike Lowe and field auditor Ray Mubarek.
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Read Wendy Smith on page 4
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Chattanooga’s outdoor success story … at luncheon By Betsy Pickle The annual Legacy Parks Foundation Luncheon celebrates successes and looks to the future of the outdoors in Knoxville. This year’s fundraising event features a speaker with similar experience in a different Tennessee city. U.S. Sen. Bob Corker, who served as Chattanooga’s mayor 2001-2005, will speak at the luncheon, set for 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 5, on the Urban Wilderness’s site donated by the Wood family in 2013. “Outdoor Chattanooga was his initiative,” says Carol Evans, executive director of Legacy Parks Foundation. “He commissioned a study for Chattanooga on what they should be, and out of that came Outdoor Chattanooga. That actually became a division of their parks department, and it really set a course for the city, I think. “It caused them to move ahead with embracing the outdoor assets – ahead of us.” In the past few years, two outdoor magazines have named Chattanooga the country’s top outdoor city. “Economically, it works,” Evans says of promoting outdoor activities and culture. “This year they transformed one of their
A peak on the Wood property in the Urban Wilderness offers amazing views of Knoxville. Photo submitted downtown blocks into an outdoor climbing wall.” She says Corker’s appearance will not be about politics. “It’s about him being able to speak to what it means to take advantage of what you have.” The luncheon, which is expected to draw around 800 attendees, is being held at the Wood site off Taylor Road “to call attention to what we hope will emerge out of that property and out of the end of
the James White Parkway,” Evans says. “The big vision would be that the end of the James White Parkway is not an end; it’s a beginning and an entry into the Urban Wilderness and a beautiful gateway into South Knoxville. … There are 11 acres at the end of the parkway that TDOT owns and has indicated they would like for the city to have. Hopefully that can be land that we end up connecting to the
Wood property.” The land is adjacent to SouthDoyle Middle School and its outdoor classroom, providing an opportunity to connect students with areas where they can walk and play. At last year’s luncheon, Gov. Bill Haslam announced a $200,000 Recreational Trails Program grant
To page 3
Debra Bradshaw takes the reins at SKA By Sandra Clark Debra Bradshaw is a walking, talking example of what happens to a volunteer who does one job well. She’s promoted to a higher position, of course. After co-directing the South Knox Alliance’s first successful Saturday South, Bradshaw found herself elected president of the group. She is psyched. A newcomer here, Bradshaw and her daughter selected Knoxville through a “pick your place” website. Buying a home in South Knoxville was a nobrainer. “It’s close to UT and downtown with good shopping and great neighbors,” Bradshaw said. She was selfemployed before joining The Summit
Companies a year ago. As president of the South Knox Alliance, Bradshaw and her board hope to involve even more businesses and organizations while creating events to promote members and entice visitors to South Knoxville. SKA committees include: events, marketing and promotion, finance and fundraising, South Knox development, parks, history and membership. There’s a spot for everyone and everyone is needed. Shopper-News will be working directly with SKA to promote both members and upcoming events. But don’t worry, we’ll be careful. Wouldn’t want to do so much that we get promoted to an office!
Debra Bradshaw in her office on the 19th floor of Plaza Tower downtown. A business consultant with The Summit Companies, she learned computers during an 8-year stint with the U.S. Marine Corps. “My first computer was an IBM OS/6 the size of this desk,” she says. “I made that machine my slave.” Photo by S. Clark
What’s a PECCA: And where is ours? By Betty Bean The candidates for the District 2 school board seat are smart, accomplished women who were probably curve-busters as students, so it was embarrassing when moderator Matt Shafer Powell asked what they thought of PECCA at last week’s League of Women Voters forum. Nobody had an answer. To be fair, the moderator mispronounced it, but neither Charlotte Dorsey, Jamie Rowe nor Tracie Sanger knew what he was talking about. Powell explained that it was the Professional Educators Collaborative Conferencing Act, which has been state law since 2011 when the General Assembly stripped school
boards of the authority to engage in collective bargaining with organizations representing teachers – mainly the Tennessee Education Association – and instead required them to set up something called collaborative conferencing to deal with issues like salaries, benefits, insurance and leave. Knox County became the first school district to start the collaborative conferencing process in October 2011 but may be among the last to fully comply. The school board delegated its authority to Superintendent James McIntyre. PECCA hasn’t been in the news lately. That, from the teachers’ viewpoint, is because nothing is happening.
McIntyre, however, reports that things are going swimmingly, even though the deadline to produce a Memorandum of Understanding defining the process of dealing with teachers’ rights and benefits is fast approaching, and Knox County still doesn’t have one. “I’m pleased with where we are and hopeful about where we are going,” he told the school board at the Sept. 29 workshop. Nowhere in his upbeat, three-minute presentation was a hint of deadline pressure. Tanya Coates, president of the Knox County Education Association and leader of the teachers’ negotiating team, doesn’t share McIntyre’s optimism. She’s seeking
divine intercession and forbearance from Nashville: “I pray we make it before the end of November. … We’re in a gray area. I’m going to submit a petition to continue the process (beyond the November deadline).” She also said she doesn’t understand why the training period took an entire year. So what’s the holdup? LWV member Lance McCold sent the candidates an email after the forum, saying he’d been asked to leave one of the collaborative conferencing sessions. He wanted to observe the session with the approval of participating teachers. “What I saw was worse than To page 3
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2 • OCTOBER 22, 2014 • Shopper news
health & lifestyles
Breast cancer during pregnancy In June 2014, Tiffany Eldridge of New Market, 31, was in the final month of pregnancy with her second baby when she found a lump in her breast. “It was bigger than a pea, like a grape. It did not hurt. I thought it was a swollen gland that was pregnancy related, and I told my doctor right away,” she said. “I never thought about breast cancer.” Although very rare, breast cancer during pregnancy occurs in 1 out of every 3,000 pregnant women, making it the most common form of cancer found during pregnancy, according to the American Cancer Society. Less than a month after her Csection delivery, Eldridge went to Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center for a mastectomy performed by Dr. Randal Graham. “Dr. Graham met with us and he was so kind,” Eldridge said. “He was with us about an hour and half and laid out all of my options. “I considered a double (mastectomy), but since I have a 3-yearold and a newborn, Dr. Graham recommended performing surgery on only one side at first, just so I’d be able to take care of my girls bet-
ter. After all my other treatments are complete, I will have another mastectomy, but no radiation will be needed after my chemotherapy.” Eldridge said her surgery went smoothly at Fort Sanders. “It was wonderful, I don’t have any complaints. The nurses were great,” she said. Now Eldridge spends one day each week receiving chemotherapy treatment across the street, at
Tiffany and Kevin Eldridge enjoy an afternoon with beautiful daughters, Ilee and baby Avery.
Just a few of the “I Wear Pink for Tiffany” team members supporting the upcoming Susan G. Komen and Buddy’s Race Against Cancer events in support of cancer survivor Tiffany Eldridge.
Surgical options for breast cancer When a patient is diagnosed with breast cancer, surgery is often one of the first options discussed. “When it comes to breast cancer, we generally treat the whole breast,” said Dr. Troy Kimsey, a surgical oncologist at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center. “We either do a mastectomy (in which the whole breast is removed) or breast conservation (where the mass is removed and the remainder of the breast undergoes radiation treatment). With a lumpectomy, some type of radiation is always required. For low-risk tumors, Kimsey says, radiation can be applied specifically to the lumpectomy site with fewer side effects than standard radiation. There is no significant difference in survival between women who choose a mastectomy versus breast conservation, Kimsey said. “They’ve looked at this comparison extensively in thousands of women and have never demonstrated a difference in overall survival rates between women undergoing mastectomy versus breast conservation. There’s a slightly higher risk of recur-
rence with breast conservation, but it doesn’t translate into a greater survival advantage,” said Kimsey. Women who have a lumpectomy must also have radiation, and that is not always possible for some patients, either for health or logistical reasons, he added. “Some women can’t come to radiation five days a week for six to seven weeks,” he said. “There’s also a population of women that really desire to have everything removed, and they aren’t particularly focused on conserving their breast. They’ll usually opt for mastectomy.” The decision to do chemotherapy depends on the type of tumor and whether it has spread outside of the breast, for example to the lymph nodes in the axilla, or armpit. “Historically, we removed all of the axillary lymph nodes in women with breast cancer, but in the last 15 years or so, a technique called ‘sentinel’ lymph node biopsy has been developed,” said Kimsey. “This tests the first lymph nodes in the axillary chain. If these are negative, we don’t remove the other lymph nodes.”
In the future, Kimsey said breast cancer treatment will involve a more thorough understanding of each type of tumor and the type or treatment to which it will respond. “I think the future of breast cancer treatment will involve an understanding of the biology of each particular breast cancer including the genetic profile and receptor status of each tumor,” he said, “and tailoring the treatment to that particular breast cancer.” In addition, Kimsey stresses that good breast cancer treatment begins with screening. “The thing that’s made the greatest impact on outcomes in breast cancer is screening. The earlier we detect breast cancer, the better patients do,” Kimsey said. “We recommend yearly mammograms starting for most women at age 40,” he said. “If a woman has a family history of breast cancer, she should start screenings 10 years before the age of their diagnosis.” For more information on breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, call 673-FORT or visit www.fsregional.com.
Thompson Cancer Survival Center. “Everybody has been awesome and they’re all very understanding and kind,” she said. “They’re very special people to deal with patients who are so emotional and going through a hard time.” Eldridge’s husband, Kevin, designed a T-shirt that says, “I wear pink for Tiffany.” He and other friends and family plan to wear their shirts in the upcoming Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure on Oct. 18 and the Buddy’s Race Against Cancer on Nov. 9, sponsored by Thompson Cancer Survival Center. “My husband’s going to run and others, and my girls and I are going to wait at the finish line,” said Tiffany Eldridge. “Since all of this happened, my sister and cousin have both had mammograms. “It has raised awareness in my family for sure,” she said. “I hope my experience helps somebody else.” To schedule a mammography appoint at the Thompson Comprehensive Breast Center, a department of Fort Sanders Regional, please call 865-541-1624.
Fort Sanders welcomes Dr. Troy Kimsey Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center welcomes Dr. Troy Kimsey. Kimsey is a board-certified general and oncology surgeon. Originally from Athens, Ga., and a graduate of the University of Georgia, Dr. Kimsey earned his medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia and completed his residency there. Dr. Kimsey completed a fellowship in surgical oncology at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York. Prior to coming to Knoxville, Dr. Kimsey spent six years practicing broad-based general surgical oncology and helping in the development of a community-based regional cancer Dr. Troy Kimsey center in Southwest Georgia.
Risks for breast cancer:
According to the American Cancer Society, some women have a higher risk of developing breast cancer. These include women who have the following: ■ A close relative (mother, sister) who had the disease. ■ The BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation, or have a close relative who has the gene. ■ Radiation therapy to the chest between the ages of 10 and 30. ■ Certain rare medical disorders. ■ A personal history of breast cancer. ■ Extremely dense breasts or unevenly dense breasts when viewed by mammograms.
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SOUTH KNOX Shopper news • OCTOBER 22, 2014 • 3
Lake Forest residents will post jack o’ lantern signs to let trick-or-treaters know they’re welcome. Seated are Marcia Doyle, Mary Allen and Molly Gilbert; standing are Rich Hopkins, David Doyle, Jason Brown, Bob Allen and Dave Gartner. Photos by Betsy Pickle
Will redevelopment of the former Baptist Hospital site be as successful as development on the north side of the river? Here’s a view of the demolition from the intersection of Hill Avenue and Walnut Street.
South residents keep tabs on old hospital site The biggest chunk of attendees at last week’s city Board of Zoning Appeals meeting was there for one topic: a request for variances on the development of the old Baptist Hospital of East Tennessee site.
Betsy Pickle
South Knoxville residents came out in force Thursday to make statements and raise questions about Blanchard & Calhoun’s requests, primarily one that asks for a reduction in the percentage of streetlevel window area. In effect, Blanchard & Calhoun said that since the development is residential, dwellers should not have to be on display to passing traffic and pedestrians. Sounds reasonable enough. However, South Knoxvillians had been led to believe that retail establishments would be created at street level with apartments above. B&C president Mark Senn said that the company’s plans have been set and
that revising the development to include retail would be “cost prohibitive.” Chris Field, Dave Gartner, Jacqueline Arthur, Greg Congleton and John Thomas were among the South residents who quizzed Senn and his associates on the development. Not having retail in that major section of South Waterfront development was not their only issue. They were also concerned that tinkering with SW code this early in the process would set a bad precedent for upcoming projects on the waterfront. B&C presented architectural renderings of the site, and much of it looked appealing to attendees. But they said that South Knoxvillians felt that what is being developed is not what was promised, and they asked for an opportunity to meet with the developers before the BZA takes a vote on the variances. The board decided to revisit the issue at its December meeting. Meanwhile, Senn agreed to have meetings with community members between now and the BZA meeting. According to sources, emotions on the issue were still running high Thursday night when the Old
Chattanooga for Legacy Parks to create trails on the Wood land. The funds were delayed for 2014 disbursement, but Evans says that has worked to the advantage of the site. Legacy Parks had come up with a trails plan, but while waiting for the money to come through, they were approached by the University of Tennessee’s Landscape Architecture program. Faculty and students have been working to assess and inventory the property and to make rec-
ommendations. Evans says the trail designs can be modified based on the group’s findings. “It’s not just thinking of the 100 acres as a location for trail, but truly as an open forest and what should we be doing with that,” she says. While Legacy Parks is primarily known for helping the city develop parks in South Knoxville, the group is creating a stormwater demonstration park in Northwest Knox County,
Sweet on Lake Forest
The Lake Forest Neighborhood Association knows what time it is. The group is providing jack o’ lantern posters for residents to put up to show trick-or-treaters that they are welcome on Halloween. The number of candy collectors had dropped off, but since the association started providing the posters about five years ago, the neighborhood has seen a resurgence. They’re hoping that with Halloween falling on a Friday this year, participation will be even higher. Residents can also take advantage of Trunk or Treat from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26, at Lake Forest Presbyterian Church. Lake Forest will have a trash pickup starting at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 1. Participants should meet at the church, which is where the neighborhood association holds its bimonthly meetings. The Hero Squad Volunteer Workday is still on for 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 15. Lake Forest is sprucing up
working on creating public access points along the French Broad, Holston and Tennessee rivers, and developing equestrian trails in East Knox County. Legacy Parks also helped raise funds for Clayton Park in Halls and managed Seven Islands Wildlife Refuge for four years until it became a state park. Luncheon tickets are $100 per person or $1,000 per table. For reservations call 525-2585 or visit www. legacyparks.org.
From page 1 Cold’s email to the school board: “For months teachers have been telling me that Superintendent McIntyre is not negotiating in good faith during collaborative conferencing meetings. They said he was stalling and wasting time. When I asked if I could observe them, I was told that meetings had been open since the beginning.” Under state law, participants are required to come up with a Memorandum
’Tis the season for burn permits The wildfire season for East Tennessee has begun and will continue until May 15. Anyone doing outdoor burning during this time
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From page 1
What’s a PECCA the teachers had described. Then, after an hour and a quarter, the superintendent forced through a rule change that disallowed citizen observers. I was the only observer at that meeting. Below, I have copied the March 8 message I sent to the board. Only Pam Trainor acknowledged my email. The board took no action. “I encourage you to look in on one of these PECCA meetings and form your own opinion.” Here is the lead to Mc-
Sevier Community Group had its monthly meeting at South Knoxville Elementary School.
is required by state law to obtain a burn permit free of charge from the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, Forestry Division. For more
of Understanding by November 2014. The teachers have complied with every requirement of the new law, but the board will be hard put to meet its legal obligation to come up with an MOU by month’s end. One side advocates transparency and has jumped through all the required hoops to comply with the law. The other side, which chose McIntyre as its face and mouthpiece, has not. Fingering the scofflaw shouldn’t be a tough call.
info on burning restrictions, debris fire safety or obtaining a free burn permit, call your local state forestry office, listed in your phone book under state government, or visit www.burnsafetn.org.
At top is the rendering of the river side of the development. Just below is the rendering showing a Blount Avenue view. in preparation for serving as part of the 2015 Chapman Highway Dogwood Trail – the featured trail for the year. The city’s urban forester, Kasey Krouse, will
come to oversee the planting of several dogwood trees in Lake Forest. There will also be demonstrations on pruning and other yard work. The event
will start from the parking lot of Lake Forest Presbyterian Church. All South Knoxvillians are welcome to participate. For more info, call Molly Gilbert, 247-6504.
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4 • OCTOBER 22, 2014 • Shopper news
For sale by owner: democracy
Knox County Trustee Ed Shouse looks over his staff’s biweekly pay stubs. Photo by Wendy Smith
Shouse pledges ‘no ghosts’ in Trustee’s Office When Knox County’s new trustee, Ed Shouse, meets with his staff, he provides soft drinks with money from his own pocket. Another staff member is kind enough to bring the cookies. He could use county funds to pay for the snacks, but he’s not going to do that, he says. It’s all part of his effort to save the taxpayers money − and earn their trust. Soon after he took office at the beginning of September, he told staff members to do what they were asked during the upcoming trials of former Trustee Mike Lowe and field auditor Ray Mubarek. “We’re going to move forward and learn from it. But it won’t happen again under my watch,” Shouse says. He personally looks over the pays stubs of the office’s 40 full-time and six parttime employees. There will be no ghost employees, he says, and there won’t be any bonuses awarded, which will separate his office from that of his elected predecessor, John Duncan III. Shouse is too busy looking forward to devote much thought to the mistakes of the past. A few short weeks after he took up his post, 200,000 tax bills were sent out. The office has collected more than $1 million in tax revenue virtually every day since then, he says. The majority of the bills are paid at the main office in the City County Building, but five satellite offices throughout the county also accept payments. His background in finance helps him manage the county’s money. Last year, investments brought in $1 million. The results are mostly market-driven, so he can’t promise to do better this year, but he won’t let the county’s money lie idle, he says. Shouse spent 18 years in the banking industry before buying a small railroad. He went on to work for Gulf &
Wendy Smith
Ohio Railways for 15 years. During both careers, he worked with a broad spectrum of people, and that experience helps him manage the office’s large staff. Taxpayers get a good benefit from the staff, he says. They know their jobs and perform professionally. But he’ll continue to look at staffing levels, and as people retire or leave, positions may be combined to avoid redundancies, he says. He would even give up his own position if he thought it would save the county money. While he’s grateful to hold the elected office for four years, he’d be in favor of it becoming an appointed office or consolidated with the city, if it saved money. “If the public thinks it would be more efficient, I won’t stand in the way of that.” In the meantime, Shouse has goals to accomplish. By next year, he hopes that tax bills can be paid online with no fee. He’d also like to see better returns on investments. He’s currently devoting time to educating citizens about the state-funded Property Tax Relief Program for the elderly and the disabled. The program also has significant benefits for disabled veterans, and widows and widowers of disabled vets. The state has passed legislation that permits counties to freeze property taxes for seniors, but since he doesn’t think property taxes will rise anytime soon, it will have limited benefit, he says. His highest priority is making sure the office is run professionally. “We know who pays our salaries, and we won’t forget that.”
FOR SALE: An assortment of legislative, executive and judicial offices sure to please the most discriminating taste. Offers from all financially well-qualified buyers considered. The biggest threat to U.S. democracy isn’t Sharia law or a wacko “patriot” band with designs on overthrowing the government. It’s not the lockstep voters spellbound by the likes of Limbaugh, O’Reilly and Hannity, and it isn’t the “socialist” agenda of the Obama administration. More than at any time in U.S. history, mean green is calling the shots, serving up the best government big money can buy. Even local races are hauling in record mounds of cash, as Betty Bean recently reported in the Shopper-News. Haslam family members contributed $15,000 to Tracie Sanger’s school board campaign. Sanger is a likely swing vote on a multiple personality board, pro-teacher and pro-McIntyre. Sanger’s election
Larry Van Guilder
wouldn’t topple representative government, and there’s nothing illegal about the Haslam family’s generosity. But it exemplifies the new normal: government of the dollar, by the dollar and for the dollar. Like most roads to perdition, the one that brought us here was paved with good intentions. The Watergate scandal shook the nation. When it was revealed that the Committee to Re-Elect the President, “CREEP,” was a super-sized slush fund that paid out thousands in legal fees to defend the Watergate burglars, much pious handwringing ensued. In 1974, the Federal Election Commission was established to enforce the provisions of the Federal Election
Campaign Act of 1971. Individual contributions to a campaign were capped at $1,000, and contributions over $100 had to be disclosed. But federal law placed no restriction on contributions to party committees from individuals and corporations. By the mid-1990s, both major parties were swimming in “soft money,” unregulated and unrestricted. Following several failed attempts to plug that loophole, Congress passed the reform act known as McCain-Feingold in 2002. McCain-Feingold closed the door on large contributions by well-heeled individuals and corporations to national party committees, but it opened another. Big money abhors a vacuum, and it began flowing to outside organizations, often tied to a single issue. The best known is probably the NRA (National Rifle Association). Some in Congress recognized the danger of these groups, but laws intended to
restrict their influence did little but lead to several Supreme Court challenges. Arguably the most overarching (and overreaching) Supreme Court decision came in 2010 with the Citizens United case. When the high court ruled that prohibiting political contributions by corporations and unions other than those made directly to candidates and political parties violated their First Amendment guarantee of free speech, the dam burst. The Super PAC was born, and as of Oct. 15, 2014, these organizations have raised nearly $380 million, according to the nonpartisan Center for Responsive Politics. Conservatives generally applauded the Citizens United ruling, although one prominent Republican said of campaign finance years ago, “I see no reason for labor unions – or corporations – to participate in politics.” The speaker was none other than the father of modern conservatism, Barry Goldwater.
Steve Hall loses with $42k surplus Early voting is underway, and political observers are surprised that state Rep. Steve Hall has $42,000 left over from his narrow loss to Martin Daniel in the August GOP primary. Had he spent a couple of thousand more dollars he might have gotten another 160 votes and won.
Victor Ashe
What can a defeated legislator do with leftover campaign funds? He cannot convert it to personal use but is otherwise fairly free to spend it or give it away as he wishes. Hall could use it in 2016 if he sought his old job again. It’s unclear whether he can use it for a City Council race when Brenda Palmer’s term ends. He can give it to charity. He can just sit on it and decide later. Hall remains on the state payroll after his term expires on Nov. 4 as he qualifies for a lifetime monthly pension of $300, having served four years and reaching age 55. He will also qualify for a Knoxville pension when he reaches age 62, roughly $2,940 a year with a 3 percent annual escalator based on eight years on City Council. ■ State Sen. Stacey Campfield will also be-
come eligible for a state pension in nine years when he reaches age 55. Based on 10 years of service he could receive $750 a month before taxes or $9,000 a year. Hall now blames the Campfield landslide defeat to Rick Briggs for his loss and says he has not closed the door on a future campaign. Hall endorsed Campfield. ■ Ivan Harmon might seek the Palmer seat again, which would make an interesting race between Hall and Harmon. Harmon is also looking at the mayor’s race in 11 months. ■ GOP candidate Eddie Smith seems happy not to debate Gloria Johnson, which is really surprising for a challenger unless he feels his election is a foregone conclusion. Smith actually makes a good impression on TV and in public speaking as does Johnson. The district loses when the nominees do not appear before different audiences. Meanwhile, Johnson is being blasted by negative mailers from The Tennessee Federation for Children PAC on issues unrelated to children. These may backfire and end up helping Johnson as they appear over the top in several cases. Smith has active GOP support including U.S. Rep. Jimmy Duncan, Sen. Lamar Alexander and Gov. Bill Haslam. Expect Mayor Rogero to become involved for Johnson. ■ Brenda Palmer, a member of City Council, is
recovering well from her surgery to install a pacemaker. Best wishes to her. ■ The closure of Metro Pulse is a loss to the community and will result in less serious news coverage and inquiries behind the scenes. Hopefully, a new alternative paper will emerge similar to the Nashville Scene. Media competition is good for the whole community. Joe Sullivan played a leading role in keeping it alive and active two decades ago. ■ MPC: The new law letting the city or county mayors name the director of MPC is incredibly vague to the point of total fog. The law says the city or county mayor may name the new director, but which one is it? What if each named someone different? The law does not answer it. It is sloppy draftsmanship. The law for which no one claims authorship is silent on who sets the salary. Who
can terminate the director for poor performance? What if the two mayors cannot agree on a choice? The committee that the mayors appear to be naming can only be advisory to them. Mayors cannot delegate their power to hire the director to a committee. Mark Donaldson is departing Jan. 4, but it is now clear a new director will not be hired by then since the joint mayoral committee has not been appointed to plan the search process. The city lobbyist was asleep when this new law was enacted. Even Steve Wise, the longtime MPC attorney, did not know about the law. No one at MPC knew about it. Now that they know about it, they cannot explain it. ■ This writer arrives in Kiev, Ukraine, tomorrow (Oct. 23) for five days to observe their parliamentary election. I did early voting at the Love Kitchen.
GOV NOTES ■ Energy and Environment Forum, 1-2:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 23, Toyota Auditorium Howard H. Baker Jr. Center for Public Policy, 1640 Cumberland Ave. “Cities and Shantytowns: Climate Change Governance for Poverty Reduction and Energy Efficiency” by Colin Crawford, Law, Tulane University. Info: http://bakercenter.utk.edu. ■ Knox County Democratic Party 6th District (Karns, Hardin Valley, Solway) meeting, 5:30-8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 28, at the Democratic Office, 311 Morgan St. Info: Clay Mulford, 257-6744, or the Democratic office, 540-4001. ■ Early voting for the Nov. 4 election runs through Thursday, Oct. 30, at 10 area locations. Hours are 11 a.m.-7 p.m. weekdays and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturdays. Locations are: City County Building (opens weekdays at noon), Halls Rec Center, Carter Library, Downtown West, Farragut Town Hall, Love Kitchen, Merchants Drive (near Outback), Karns (next to Archer’s BBQ), South (next to Rush Fitness) and New Harvest Park.
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Shopper news • OCTOBER 22, 2014 • 5
Dollars and data: campaign 101 Early voting is underway, and the campaigns that most effectively use money and voter data may be best positioned to win. As you may remember, when you registered to vote, you provided your name, address and telephone number to the election commission. What you may not know is that after each election, the election commission keeps a record of whether or not you voted and, if applicable, whether you voted in a Republican or Democratic primary. All this information is public record and available free of charge at the election commission office. This kind of voter data is incredibly valuable for wellrun campaigns. Candidates use it to focus on folks who vote most frequently, and thus are most likely to show up at the polls. (In a similar way, a City Council candidate may decline to spend time or mon-
ey contacting a voter who votes only in presidential elections.) Ever wonder why you get all that campaign mail? Or how campaign workers (who always seem to call at dinnertime) know your home telephone number? They likely got that information from voter registration data. In a local school board race such as the current hotly contested battle for second district, campaigns have most likely targeted about 8,000 households for direct mail, phone calls and door-to-door visits. This is two to three times as many voters as a typical school board election because this special election is being held during a November election cycle, not in May or August. Reaching more prospective voters costs more money – especially for a firsttime candidate with low name recognition. And one first-time candi-
Scott Frith
date is raising a lot of money. It’s been widely reported that second district candidate Tracie Sanger raised $43,045 during the last reporting period. Sanger has faced criticism because some of that money came from high-profile donors (i.e. the Haslam family) who live outside the district. From the coverage, you’d think no candidate has ever raised this much money in a district race or has ever accepted campaign donations from outside the district. It’s more common than you might think. Just four years ago, former seventh district County Commissioner R. Larry Smith reported raising $43,802.35 in one report-
ing period. (Note: $5,645.35 of this total was transferred from an earlier 2006 campaign account. You can view Smith’s complete Feb. 2, 2010, disclosure at knoxvotes.org.) As Smith’s disclosure shows, quite a few donations came from outside the district – just like Tracie Sanger’s. Not surprisingly, strong fundraising correlates with a strong campaign. In 2010, R. Larry Smith prevailed against two other opponents. Of course, we won’t know until election night if Tracie Sanger’s fundraising will be enough to win. She’s facing strong opposition from neighborhood activist Jamie Rowe and retired educator Charlotte Dorsey. Early voting is underway. If you live in the second district, the outcome may be up to you. Scott Frith is a local attorney. You can reach him at scott@pleadthefrith.com.
government The case for Gloria Johnson Gloria Johnson is fighting for her life. Make no mistake. State Rep. Johnson won election two years ago by some 200 votes against a good candidate, Gary Loe, who was painted as GOPlite by some party activists. That’s not the case this year, as the more conservative Eddie Smith squeaked by Jason Emert in the August Republican Primary. It’s hard to carve two predominately Democratic districts in heavily Republican Knox County. And veteran state Rep. Joe Armstrong got first dibs on the Ds. District 13 extends from Sequoyah Hills to Fourth and Gill; from South Knoxville to Old North. Demographically, the district resembles my cat Marbles.
Sandra Clark
Johnson stands tall for teachers, kids and blue-collar families. Hers is a voice for women in a testosteroneladen General Assembly. Would I want 100 Gloria Johnsons in the Legislature? No, because we differ on economic and role-ofgovernment issues. But on education and social issues, I find solidarity with her. Gloria Johnson articulately speaks for the underrepresented, while her opponent is just one more vote for the GOP super-majority.
Why government fails to protect health and safety I am Joseph Carson, PE. I have lived in East Tennessee for almost a quartercentury, raising my family, while running the gauntlet as a licensed professional engineer (PE) employed by the Department of Energy, in positions with significant responsibilities for public and worker health and safety, including nuclear safety and security. So what to you, my neighbor in East Tennessee? Well, I’m named for a New York City fireman, my grandfather, and grew up in Brooklyn. I watched the erection of the World Trade Center when walking to the
Joe Carson
subway to go to high school. My lasting reaction to 9/11 is relief – at least it was not nuclear – knowing firsthand as I do the deeply entrenched culture of reprisal and corruption in DOE, custodian of America’s nuclear stockpile and the lead federal agency for securing nuclear weapons materials around the world. After 9/11, I determined
to find out why DOE could repeatedly, with impunity, break the law to punish me (and intimidate co-workers into silence) for my doing my duty to protect your health and safety. Now I know why, and I fear for America and civilization’s future if my concerns continue to be stonewalled by President Obama and DOE Secretary Ernest Moniz. Simply put, our federal government is too often failing in its duty to protect the health, safety, security and welfare of America. Why? Because the system to regulate the management
culture in federal agencies is broken. Why? Because of decadeslong, compounded, continuing law-breaking in two tiny, obscure federal agencies, Office of Special Counsel and Merit Systems Protection Board. Why? Because despite their size and obscurity, they have essential responsibilities for regulating the management culture in every federal agency, including government corporations such as the TVA. I contend the results include 9/11, going to war in Iraq for false reasons, space shuttles falling out of the
sky, economic meltdown, levee failures in New Orleans, Benghazi, IRS abuses, DOE sick workers, seemingly endless VA health-care scandals, 2008 TVA fly ash spill, 2010 Gulf oil spill, GM ignition switches, endless Medicare fraud, etc. I say this publicly, consistent with my understanding of my positive legal duties as a PE licensed in Tennessee, regardless of possible risk to my PE license, federal job and pension. What can you do to help protect yourself, by helping federal employees protect you? U.S. Rep. John Duncan
Jr. has been following my situation for two decades. He has said if more of his constituents contacted him about my concerns, it would give him more reason and ability to push for their resolution. I hope he will call upon President Obama to comply with his duty to federal agency employees by directing a review of my concerns by the Office of Legal Counsel of the Department of Justice. Your contacting Rep. Duncan’s office and asking him to do so could make the difference for our common future in East Tennessee.
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6 • OCTOBER 22, 2014 • Shopper news
Oh, the horror! Scary fest is upon us Whether you like your horror films to be giggly or gory, the Knoxville Horror Fest 666 will meet your desires. The sixth annual festival takes place Friday through Sunday at Regal’s Downtown West Cinema 8 in West Knoxville and at Scruffy City Hall on Market Square.
Betsy Pickle
Astron 6’s horror comedy “The Editor” pays homage to the Giallo Italian crime films.
Tennessee’s only horror film festival, the Knoxville Horror Fest makes it a point to bring in films that otherwise would be hard to catch on the big screen, festival director William Mahaffey says. “You won’t be able to see these films anywhere else,” says Mahaffey. Some will be available through on-demand platforms and possibly DVD, but there’s nothing like watching horror films at a theater, with an audience. “That’s what makes the film festival a particularly fun experience,” he says. One of the highlights will be closing night’s “Housebound,” a New Zealand horror comedy that premiered at the South by Southwest Festival and has earned raves at every festival it’s played. “It may be one of the best ones that we have,” says Mahaffey, who notes that it received an endorsement from director Peter Jackson. He’s personally looking forward to watching the short-film collection “ABCs of Death 2” with a crowd. “I liked the first one, but it was mixed. Some of them were grim and messed up. This one is really, really fun.
It’s two hours long, but it didn’t seem that long. The shorts were fun, crazy and out there. It’s the perfect movie to watch with an audience.” Lloyd Kaufman of Troma Films served as guest judge but will be unable to attend in person. Passes for the entire weekend ($60) or for daily screenings (varies) are
available online. Purchase passes or check out the schedule at knoxvillehorrorfilmfest.com. Individual tickets will be sold prior to showtime Friday and Saturday at Downtown West and Sunday at Scruffy City Hall. The Grindhouse GrindOut, a competition of trailers for real and imaginary horror films, will be on Saturday night.
NEW IN THEATERS Horror films always get a big push this time of year, but there are some exceptions. Here’s a look at movies scheduled to open in Knoxville this weekend: ■ “John Wick” – Keanu Reeves plays a hitman who comes out of retirement to get vengeance from the gangsters who took everything from him. The cast includes Willem Dafoe, Dean Winters, Bridget Moynahan, John Leguizamo, Ian McShane and Lance Reddick. ■ “Ouija” – A group of friends brings something dangerous over from “the other side” when they mess with a Ouija board. Olivia Cooke of TV’s “Bates Motel” stars. ■ “St. Vincent” – A single mom (Melissa McCarthy) reluctantly leaves her son in the care of a cantankerous neighbor (Bill Murray) with a fondness for alcohol, gambling and strip clubs. Naomi Watts also stars.
Oliver (Jaeden Lieberher) and Vincent (Bill Murray) get down in “St. Vincent.”
■ “23 Blast” – A high-school football star stricken with irreversible blindness opts to pursue the unobtainable. Actor Dylan Baker (“Spider-Man” 2 & 3) makes his directing debut and co-stars in this film starring Mark Hapka, Bram Hoover, Stephen Lang and Kim Zimmer. – Betsy Pickle
This space could be yours. Call Shannon Carey at
342-6620 or email Shannon@ShopperNewsNow.com.
weekender
Shopper news • OCTOBER 22, 2014 • 7
Have cello, Cellist Cecilia Miller stops between lessons at the Community School of the Arts to talk about her upcoming California tour. “I was just invited to go on tour with a band called Lucette. We’re mostly playing on the West Coast and opening for Mason Jennings and Sturgill Simpson,” she says. “I’m excited to travel and play!” Jennings is well known for his catchy, tuneful popfolk. Simpson leans more toward country. He performed his song “Living the Dream” on TBS’s “Conan” in mid-September. Both styles – and a panoply of others – are just fine with Miller, whose own musical tastes are eclectic. The slender, long-haired cellist with the gentle smile is easily recognizable to local music fans. She’s been appearing with the Lonetones, the popular “mountain indie pop” Knoxville duo, for the past two years and recently played at the Bijou with Trampled by Turtles, who have appeared on the “Late Show with David Letterman” and who maintained a position in the Top
Knoxville cellist Cecilia Miller is looking forward to touring soon with some big names in the alt-folk-country world. Photo by
Carol Shane
Carol Shane
THROUGH FRIDAY, OCT. 31 ■ Featured artists at Parkside Open Door Gallery, Fountain City Art Center, 213 Hotel Ave., are Frank Harvey of Lenoir City and Fountain City artists Penny Berridge and Renita Andrews. Harvey creates 3-D garden art, Berridge will display oil paintings and Andrews will be showing her copper and sterling-silver jewelry. Info/hours: 357-7624 or 357-2787.
FRIDAY 10 on the Billboard bluegrass charts for 52 straight weeks. She’s also played with the Apocalypso Quartet and the alt-metal band 10 Years. “I started (music) in fifth grade,” Miller says. But the young string student soon discovered that she enjoyed playing many kinds of music. “In high school I began playing with bands just for fun. Later I began playing with Maggie Longmire. That experience helped me realize how much I loved improvising with different musicians.” She comes by her vocation honestly. Her mom, Stacy Nickell Miller, is a KSO cellist, and her dad, Clark, is an award-winning guitar/fiddle/banjo player versed in the old Appalachian style. Her uncle, Andrew Wentzel, is a professor
■ Freaky Friday Fright Nite, 5-7 p.m., Mayor Bob Leonard Park on Watt Road. Hosted by the town of Farragut. Ages 12 and under. Wear costumes, trick or treat on the trail. Info: Lauren Cox, lauren.cox@townoffarragut.org or 966-7057; www.townoffarragut.org/freakyfriday. ■ “Out of the Frying Pan,” 7:30 p.m., Gallery Downstairs at the Emporium, 100 S. Gay St. An evening of storytelling by Mark Lamb and music by Nancy Brennan-Strange. Tickets: $10. Limited seating; reservations advised: S7reservations@gmail.com. Info: http://www.marklambdance.org/storytelling/. ■ Sandra McCracken in concert, 7 p.m., King University’s Knoxville campus, at The Village at Hardin Valley, 10950 Spring Bluff Way. Free and open to the public. Info: Dale Brown, 423-652-4156, or www.buechnerinstitute.org. ■ Alive After Five concert: Jenna & Her Cool Friends, 6-8:30 p.m., Knoxville Museum of Art, 1050 World’s Fair Park Drive. Tickets: $10; $5 for members/students. Info: 934-2039.
SATURDAY of voice at the UT Music Department, and both Wentzel and his wife, mezzo-soprano Karen Nickell (Stacy’s sister), are well-known singers on local and worldwide operatic and concert stages. At the rate she’s going, Cecilia Miller’s own underthe-radar status looks likely
to change. This summer she played with the Lonetones at the Bristol Rhythm and Roots Festival, and now she’s getting ready to head for California and the tour, starting in early November. “I just have to find a way to transport my cello. That should be interesting.”
Lakeside Tavern’s wedge salad I wasn’t a big fan of the wedge salad when it first hit restaurants several years ago. I mean, your prep chef doesn’t come in one morning, so you quarter a head of lettuce, drizzle it with dressing and call it “trendy”?
Cucina teaches the basics. Call for reservations: 922-9916. ■ K-Town Vegans Five-Year Anniversary Potluck Celebration – 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 30, Best Western Cedar Bluff Inn, 420 N. Peters Road; free. Bring a vegan dish to pass and your own place setting. Drinks will be supplied.
■ Adopt A Golden Knoxville Golden Run, Tommy Schumpert Park, 6400 Fountain City Road. Schedule: check-in/ registration, 8-8:45 a.m.; race, 9 a.m.; awards/festivities, 10:20 a.m. Vendors: Lucky Dog Hot Dog, Frosty Paws Doggy Ice Cream and refreshments for runners and walkers. Deadline to register: 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 24. Info: Jessica Popek, Jessica. popek@gmail.com. ■ Saturday Stories and Songs: Sean McCollough, 11 a.m., Cedar Bluff Branch Library, 9045 Cross Park Drive. Info: 470-7033. ■ Holiday craft and bake sale, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Courtyards, off Joe Hinton Road. Hosted by the Newcomers Club of Knoxville. Info: 985-0521.
SUNDAY ■ Prohibition-Era Houses Home Tour, 1-5 p.m., Historic Parkridge Neighborhood. Tickets: $10, children under 12 are free. Tickets: www.parkridgecommunity.wordpress.com. Info: historicparkridge@gmail.com or 247-6910. ■ Fall festival/Trunk-or-treat, 5-7 p.m., Hardin Valley Church of Christ, 11515 Hardin Valley Road. Free. Hot dogs, chili, inflatables and more. Trunk-or-treat, 6 p.m. ■ Furry Fall Festival, noon-3 p.m., Young-Williams Animal Center, 3201 Division St. Booths and activities for pets and their families. Info: 215-6599 or www.young-williams.org.
Want to adopt?
Mystery Diner
A little research shows that the classic wedge salad dates back to the early 1900s and was often called “hearts of lettuce” salad. It was said to be popular with men, who liked to pour creamy dressing on it. Most restaurants today have enhanced the lettuceand-dressing wedge with all kinds of good toppings, which is why I am now a fan. One of my favorites is the Lakeside Tavern Wedge. Homemade bleu cheese dressing, Roma tomatoes, Applewood bacon, bleu cheese crumbles and those scrumptious caramelized pecan halves take it off anyone’s diet menu, but it’s worth the deviation.
Feral Feline is
Lakeside Tavern Wedge Salad The salad is drizzled with balsamic reduction, making it irresistible. You can top it with shrimp if you want, but believe me, it’s a meal without the $6 addition. Lakeside Tavern: 10911 Concord Park Drive (off Northshore); 671-2980.
Upcoming at area restaurants: ■ KSO Q Series at The Square Room: Woodwind Quintet – noon, Wednesday, Oct. 22, at The Square Room, Market Square; $20 at the door. Boxed lunch and performance by Knoxville Symphony Orchestra Woodwind Quintet. 291-3310
■ Vellum Wine Craft Dinner – 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 22, at Lakeside Tavern with Corks Wine and Spirits and Eagle Distributing; $55. Wine dinner with paired menu. 671-2980.
your cat connection!
We have a HUGE selection of cats and kittens.
■ Wine Dinner featuring Levendi Napa Valley Wines – 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 23, Seasons Café, 11605 Parkside Drive; $65. Fine wines and paired menu. ■ Po’ Boys and Poets – 7:30 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, at Big Fatty’s, 5005 Kingston Pike. Live DJ music, spoken-word poetry, full menu. Performers are Shekita Arnold and Saniyah X. ■ Knife Skills class – 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 28, Avanti Savoia, 7610 Maynardville Pike; $60. Chef Karen from La
Willie Williie is Willie Will is a 5-month-old 5-mo 5mont domestic short hair kitten. He is very friendly and loves to be held. He is neutered, up to date on vaccinations, and tested for FIV & FelV.
Stanley’s Proceeds benefit the Pat Summitt Foundation
Specially grown purple & orange pansies at $17/flat
Supports
Remember to plant bulbs in the fall for spring beauty!
Fundraiser opportunities with wholesale pansies & poinsettias. Call now for information
Stanley’s Greenhouses Family-Owned Since 1919
STANLEY’S SECRET GARDEN
shore 305 S. Northugh Open thro October
Come see us, you won’t be disappointed! M-F 8-5 • Sat 9-5 Open Sun 1-5 now through December
www.StanleysGreenhouses.com
573-9591 3029 Davenport Road • 5 minutes from downtown
NO SALES TAX ON PLANTS!
DIRECTIONS: Take I-40 James White Parkway exit. Right on Sevier Ave at end of bridge. 1 mile left on Davenport, 1 mile Stanley’s on right.
Beetle is a handsome 5-month-old domestic shorthair kitten. He is veryy d, friendly and playful. He is neutered, d up to date on vaccinations, and V. tested for FIV & FelV.
Beetle
Visit our adoption center at West Town Petsmart. Open every day! Adoption Fairs are held each Saturday from noon until 6. 214 Morrell Road.
Feral Feline Friends of East Tennessee
www.feralfelinefriends.org
Contact C Co ont ntac tac actt De D Debb Debbie ebb bbiie ie a att 30 300 300-6873 0-68 6873 73 for adoption and fostering information.
www.kfcf.petfinder.com
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kids
8 • OCTOBER 22, 2014 • SOUTH KNOX Shopper news
Here come the Growlers This week we’re starting root of publishing. And I’m a newspaper. going to reach these kids with that attitude. We’re going to have fun, fun, fun – and the loudest laughs will be mine.
Sandra Clark
On Wednesday, my Army-style volunteers Carol Springer and Ruth White and I are heading to Sarah Moore Greene Magnet Academy, where principal Susan Espiritu and an energized staff are creating a community school. Our newspaper club is one of 15 that meet weekly after school to engage small groups. We’ll find out today if our student journalists volunteered Army-style, too. It won’t matter. As long as people have stories to tell and opinions to share, there will be newspapers. Our graphics folks created five choices for the name (my favorite is SMG Growlers), and the kids will vote. We will invite guests from the neighborhood to be interviewed. Kids will take pictures, ask questions and write, write, write. We’ll publish weekly online and via computer printer. And the best stuff I’ll share here. Writers must believe that others care what we think. Whether we transmit by type, byte or smoke signals, self-confidence (ego) is the
■
Education: ‘50 myths and lies’
David Berliner is coming to town for a free lecture at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 28, at The Foundry at World’s Fair Park. A reception will precede the talk. Berliner’s latest book is “50 Myths & Lies That Threaten America’s Public Schools: The Real Crisis in Education.” It’s a provocative book and I’m expecting a challenging talk, thanks to the Billie Grace Goodrich family, which sponsors the annual lecture. “Myths are beliefs in things that may or may not be true but that fill the void left by ignorance,” he writes. How’s that for a grabber? Berliner’s book tackles such myths as school uniforms improve performance; homework boosts achievement; and zero-tolerance policies are making schools safe. And my personal favorite: IQ tests predict success in life (so therefore group ’em early). My best wish for this lecture is a front row occupied by Jim McIntyre and Tim Burchett, with the Chamber’s Mike Edwards in the middle. Y’all come! Sandra Clark is editor/publisher of Shopper-News. Reach her at 865-661-8777 or sclark426@aol.com.
Principal Patricia Moore
Samantha Swayney accepts a “reading passport” from daughter Lylah, a second-grader, as son Rylee, a thirdgrader, watches. Photos by Betsy Pickle
Reading Night at New Hopewell Snacks and books were on the menu for Reading Night at New Hopewell Elementary School. Students and parents enjoyed pizza and cookies before shopping for books at the school’s book fair. Then they headed to classrooms for storytime with faculty members, including principal Patricia Moore. Moore read several of her favorites, including “I Ain’t Gonna Paint No More” and “Beautiful Oops.” She also gave parents tips and handouts on ways to get children interested in reading.
The Parham sisters, third-grader Shae and preschoolers Khloe and Kali, listen intently to a story read by principal Patricia Moore, who also gave tips on “whisper reading” to the girls’ mom, Sarah Franklin.
From turtles to ducks, coupon-book celebrations go a bit wacky By Betsy Pickle
Upcoming Friday Austin-East at Loudon Bearden vs. Maryville Carter vs. Grainger County Central at Oak Ridge Christian Academy of Knoxville at Livingston Academy Farragut at William Blount Fulton vs. Christian County, Ky. Gibbs vs. Powell Grace Christian Academy: Open Halls vs. Anderson County Hardin Valley Academy vs. Lenoir City Karns vs. Campbell County Knoxville Catholic vs Webb (Thursday night) South-Doyle vs Morristown East West vs. Heritage
Now that Knox County schools have wrapped up coupon-book sales, South schools are celebrating their success with fun events. Bonny Kate Elementary School celebrated selling 1,950 coupon books with a school-wide “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle” day. Faculty and students dressed as turtles, and each topselling grade-level classroom was rewarded with a pizza party. Principal Linda Norris had challenged the students to reach the school goal of 1,650, promising the “Ninja Turtle” day as an incentive. Fifth-grade students countered with a proposal that if the students went 100 books over the goal, teachers and staff would participate in the Ice Bucket Challenge, which they did. The top-selling Bonny Kate student was kinder-
Bonny Kate Elementary school secretary Karen Roberts congratulates top coupon-book seller Lacey Ermer. Mount Olive Elementary principal Paula Brown, dressed as a “Duck Dynasty” star, poses with members of the Safety Patrol: Ella Farmer, Grant Bush and Faith Duncan. Photos submitted
gartner Lacey Ermer, who sold 106 coupon books with the help of her family. The money raised from the coupon-book sales will help with technology purchases and playground equipment
upgrades. At Mount Olive Elementary, the goal was to sell 1,100 coupon books, and the students surpassed their goal by 82 books. Principal Paula Brown
promised to dress in “Duck Dynasty” regalia if students met the goal, so she ended up spending a day in camo and a fake beard. No word on whether she made any duck calls.
HALLOWEEN EVENTS FAITH NOTES ■ Colonial Heights UMC, 6321 Chapman Highway, will host “Blast Off for Homecoming” Saturday-Sunday, Oct. 25-26. Saturday: Craft fair, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. featuring food, vendors, baked goods, fresh flowers, children’s activities, live music; Sunday: 10:45 a.m. service by the Rev. John Brewster followed by lunch. Reservations requested for lunch by Monday, Oct. 20, to 577-2727 or office@colonialheightsumc.org. ■ Seymour UMC, 107 Simmons Road in Seymour, hosts LOOVE (Living Out Our Vows Everyday) marriage-enrichment classes along with DivorceCare, DC4K (DivorceCare for Kids), Single and Parenting, and GriefShare support groups. Classes meet 6-8 p.m. each Wednesday. New participants are welcome at any time. Info: 573-9711 or email kimleake81@gmail.com.
COMMUNITY NOTES ■ Knoxville Tri-County Lions Club meets at 7 p.m. each second and fourth Monday, Connie’s Kitchen, 10231 Chapman Highway, Seymour. Info: https://www.facebook.com/ TriCountyLions/info. ■ South of the River Democrats (9th District) meet at 6:30 p.m. each third Monday, South Knoxville Community Center, 522 Maryville Pike. Info: Jim Sessions, jim. sessions@comcast.net or 573-0655. ■ South Haven Neighborhood Association meets at 10 a.m. each third Saturday, Hillcrest UMC, 1615 Price Ave. Info: Pat Harmon, 591-3958. ■ Vestal Community Organization meets at 6 p.m. each second Monday, South Knoxville Community Center, 522 Old Maryville Pike. Info: Newman Seay, 577-4593.
■ Community Halloween Party, 6-8 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 23, Halls/Powell Boys & Girls Club, 1819 Dry Gap Pike. Inflatables, games, prizes, costume contests, food, drinks and much more. Free. All children must be accompanied by an adult. ■ Ghost House Hikes at Big Ridge State Park. Cost: $5. Reservations required. Info/reservations: 992-5523. ■ Haunted Trail at Historic Cherokee Caverns, 8524 Oak Ridge Highway. Open 8 p.m.-midnight every Friday and Saturday in October and Saturday, Nov. 1. Tickets: $15. Free parking. Not recommended for under age 7. Info: www. cherokeecavernsnightmarehill.com. ■ Halloween Alternative, 8-10 p.m., Friday, Oct. 31, World for Christ Church Inc., 4611 Central Avenue Pike. Sponsored by Club Shabach. Candy, urban gospel music, dancing and more. Info: 255-1837. ■ Halloween Cake Contest to benefit Knoxville’s Ronald McDonald House, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, Imagination Forest, 7613 Blueberry Road, Powell. Entry fee: $10. Application forms: Imagination Forest or Sugarbakers Cake, Candy & Wedding Supplies, 514 Merchants Road. Info: Jennifer Johnsey, 257-2458.
■ Halloween Indoor Trunk or Treat, 6-8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31, Clapp’s Chapel UMC, 7420 Clapp’s Chapel Road, Corryton. Games, candy and music. Info: 687-4721. ■ The Mysterious Past of Blount Mansion, 5:30-9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, Oct. 28-30, 200 W. Hill Ave. Cost: $10. Learn about Blount Mansion’s mysterious past, including legends, customs and myths during the candlelight and flashlight tours of the mansion. Reservations preferred. Tickets: https:// squareup.com/market/blount-mansion. Info: 525-2375 or info@blountmansion. org. ■ Norwood UMC Pumpkin Patch, 2110 Merchants Drive, open through Friday, Oct. 31; 3-8 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturdays, 1-6 p.m. Sundays. Pumpkins of all sizes available. Info: 687-1620. ■ Oakes Farm Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch, 8240 Corryton Road, is open Thursdays through Sundays through Saturday, Nov. 1. Two mazes, hayrides, pumpkin patch and more. Info: http:// www.oakesfarm.com. ■ Pumpkin Patch, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon-3 p.m. Sunday, Beaver Ridge UMC, 7753 Oak Ridge Highway. Info: 690-1060, www.
beaverridgeumc.org. ■ Safe Spooks for children and their parents, 6-8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31, Morning Pointe of Powell, 7700 Dannaher Drive. Info: 686-5771. ■ Safe Trick-or-Treat, 5:30-7 p.m., Friday, Oct. 31, Elmcroft of Halls, 7521 Andersonville Pike. Food, games, a costume contest, lots of treats. Info: 925-2668. ■ Trick or Treating in the Cave, 5:30-8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Oct. 23-25 and Oct. 31-Nov. 1. Admission: $8 ages 8 and up. Info: www.cherokeecaverns.com. ■ Trick or Treat Halloween party, 6-7 p.m., Willow Ridge Center, 215 Richardson Way, Maynardville. Open to the community. Info: 992-5816 or www. genesishcc.com. ■ Trunk or Treat, 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 30, North Side Y. Free and open to the public. Inflatables, games, food and more. ■ Trunk and Treat festival, 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 24, Farragut Presbyterian Church, 209 Jamestown Blvd. Hot-dog dinner and marshmallow roast follows collecting treats.
SOUTH KNOX Shopper news • OCTOBER 22, 2014 • 9
Lane Kiffin returns as guest Twice I have written “The end” columns about Lane Kiffin. Maybe this is it.
Marvin West
Smoky Mountain Animal Clinic’s team is excited about their new location. Team members are (front) Dr. Susan Sterling, Margie Bryant, Sarah Maynard, Whitney Weaver, Dr. Teresita Williams, Kim Ross; (back) Keith Cox and Noah Estep. Not pictured are Dr. Lindsey Hill and Miranda Staniffer. Photo by Nancy Whittaker
Smoky Mountain Animal Clinic plans grand opening Smoky Mountain Animal Clinic is a dream come true for Dr. Susan Sterling. A 1976 graduate of UT’s College of Veterinary Medicine, Sterling opened her practice 28 years ago. She and her team had just moved from a smaller facility down the street when I visited, and they’re proud of their new digs. The public is invited to the clinic’s grand opening 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1. The first 200 attendees will receive a certificate for a free rabies shot, and free pet portraits will be offered. (Appointment required; call 577-4861.) The grand opening will feature a bounce house, face painting, balloon animals, llamas, miniature donkeys, baby goats and pot belly pigs. There will be door prizes throughout the day, and local businesses are providing gift-basket items for a raffle and silent auction. Proceeds will go to Animal Care of Tennessee,
Nancy Whittaker
which will share part of the building with the clinic. Margie Bryant, director of Animal Care of Tennessee, and the team at Smoky Mountain Animal Clinic will be working together to offer low-cost spay and neuter services based on income. Animal Care of Tennessee will have its own office entrance and is planning to offer grooming services. Bryant also works with other groups. Angel Fund provides veterinarian services for low-income families during pet emergencies. Aileen’s Food Bank is named for a friend of Bryant who recently passed away and whose last request was
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THROUGH MONDAY, OCT. 27 Deadline for membership applications to Knoxville Watercolor Society. Applications for jurying process: www.knxvillewatercolorsociety.com. Info: Kate McCullough, 604-1406 or kateswaterart@gmail. com.
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 22 “Snakebit: Poisonous Serpents and Religious Expression in Tennessee,” noon, East Tennessee History Center, 601 S. Gay St. Brown Bag Lecture by Joe Jarrett. Info: 215-8824 or www.EastTNHistory.org. Food Allergy Awareness Storytime, 10:30 a.m., South Knoxville Branch Library, 4500 Chapman Highway. Info: 573-1772. “A Botanist’s Eye: Redoute and the Art of Floral Illustration,” 4:30-6 p.m., McClung Museum, 1327 Circle Park Drive. Free lecture by Barney Lipscomb of the Botanical Research Institute of Texas. Info: 974-2144.
THURSDAY, OCT. 23 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. Information session for LMU’s Caylor School of Nursing, 3-7 p.m., Blount extended learning site in Alcoa, 234 E. Howe St. No preregistration required. Info: 800-325-0900, ext. 6324; or email rebekkah.pullen02@ LMUnet.edu or sherry.pearman@LMUnet.edu. Deadline to register for Harvest Family Workshop Day, to be held Saturday, Oct. 25, at Marble Springs State Historic Site, 1220 W. Governor John Sevier Highway. Schedule: 11 a.m., basic cornhusk doll; 1:30 p.m., weaving; 2:30 p.m., advanced cornhusk doll; 3:30 p.m., tin punching. Info/registration: 573-5508 or director@marblesprings.net. Open house, 5:30-8 p.m., Pellissippi State Community College, 10915 Hardin Valley Road. All prospective students and their guests are invited. High school seniors who attend will have their names placed in a drawing for two $250 scholarships awarded by the Pellissippi State Foundation.
to help ensure pets would have nutritious food. Applications for prospective recipients are being accepted. Pet food for Aileen’s Food Bank is needed, as well as donations. Call Bryant at 386-0601. Walking through the new location is impressive to say the least, with different areas designed with your pet in mind. The new facility allows for boarding with indoor and outdoor runs plus a fenced yard for playtime, and even two VIP boarding rooms for vacationing families’ pets to be boarded together. Personalized vaccination schedules, in-house laboratory diagnostics, surgical procedures, routine dental cleanings, ultrasound, acupuncture and digital radiology are also offered. The new location is 11212 Chapman Highway, directly behind Little Caesars in Seymour. Info: 577-4861.
It was an exciting time. At young Kiffin’s introductory press conference, he said he was looking forward to “singing Rocky Top all night long” after the Volunteers whipped up on Florida. Media types chuckled. Next, he hired Ed Orgeron to rip open his shirt, pound his chest and generally stir the pot. I thought it was such a nice touch that Lane and Layla named their new son Knox. The next few days were a bit more complicated. Kiffin accused Florida coach Urban Meyer, a saint in Southeastern Conference eyes, of committing an NCAA violation. How dare he call prep prize Nu’Keese Richardson while the prospect was visiting the Vols. Oh my, that one backfired. Meyer was exonerated and Kiffin was charged with a secondary crime for mentioning Richardson by name. The coach also received a reprimand from SEC commissioner Mike Slive for hoof-in-mouth disease. Florida athletic director Jeremy Foley was so angry, there was a hint of bodily harm – or legal action. There was a minor dustup with Saban about Memphis recruiting. The “you’ll be pumping gas if you go to South Carolina” quote bestowed on Alshon Jeffery riled Steve Spurrier.
Naughty, naughty, we don’t talk that way in the SEC. But you might get away with mentioning food stamps. We’ll never forget the Orange Pride episode, friendly female students from the University of Tennessee visiting high school games to tell football youth why they should become Volunteers for life. The New York Times made it worse than it was. Assistant coach David Reeves, Lane’s brother in law, took the fall. If you don’t look too closely at talent evaluation, ethics, principles and the 2009 Mississippi game, the Kiffin year wasn’t too bad. It was better than some that followed. That a few of Lane’s signees bombed out and one or two went to jail was unfortunate. It happens in the best of families. Kiffin’s hasty departure was awkward. Depending on your point of view, going was good or bad. Nothing terrible came of his time here. He returns as a visitor, programmed to appear low key. The moral of this essay is us, Tennessee civility, no more vulgar chants, not even crudeness or rudeness. Think of the good things Lane Kiffin did the last time around. Keep thinking. There must be some.
Please do not heckle, hassle or otherwise annoy Lane on Saturday. Trying to satisfy Nick Saban is a very stressful job. The roar of 100,000 just breathing will be enough to ramp up the difficulty. One segment of Tennessee’s team might be a problem. No piling on. Alabama offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin returns as a guest. He has been recycled. For a time, he was supposedly one of us. I seem to recall the multitude cheering when Mike Hamilton, after an intensive, nationwide search (of agent Jim Sexton’s files), selected Kiffin to coach the Volunteers. Old NFL warhorse Al Davis said some very ugly things about young Lane, his former employee. Flatout liar was the punch line. The warning fell on deaf ears. Lane and lovely Layla were our version of the Kennedys and their neighborhood way out west on the water would probably become Camelot. Marvin West invites reader reaction. His address is westwest6@netzero.com There may have been yellow caution lights – thin resume, more hat than cattle, probation clouds over Southern Cal – but nobody ■ Basketball league signups for children ages 5-12 will be held noticed. Kiffin was a fa11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays, Nov. 1, 8 and 15, at Lil Jo’s Barbecue in mous name and, for a mere Maynardville. Games and practices held at Big Ridge Elementary $2 million more, the famous School. Cost: $20 cash. Info: Jessie: 809-3877. father was coming along to ■ Registration open for Upward Basketball/Cheer through Nov. teach the Tampa 2 defense 11. Cost: $75/child; includes basketball jersey or cheer top/skorts. and smother wildcat formaInfo/to register: www.corrytonchurch.com or 219-8673, ext. 1. tions.
Norwegian Wood in concert, 7 p.m., Bill Lyons Pavilion on Market Square. Chamber music, ranging from arrangements of Beatles songs to well-known classical pieces. Free. Bring chairs or blankets. Info: https:// www.facebook.com/CityofKnoxvilleSpecialEvents.
THURSDAY-FRIDAY, OCT. 23-24 AARP Driver Safety class, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Everett Senior Center, 702 Burchfield St., Maryville. Info/to register: Carolyn Rambo, 584-9964.
THURSDAYS, OCT. 23, 30, NOV. 6, 13 ACT-UP: Adult Acting & Theatre Classes, 6-8 p.m., Broadway Academy of Performing Arts, 706 N. Broadway St. Ages 16 and up. Fee: $35 or $15 for individual class. Covers storytelling, puppetry and Shakespearean theatre. Info: 546-4280 or carolyn@ tennesseestage.com.
SATURDAY, OCT. 25 Life 101-Free Classes for Teens, 2 p.m., Lawson McGhee Library, 500 W. Church Ave. Topic: “Safe Driving Tips for Teens,” Instructor: Don Lindsey, Tennessee public affairs director, AAA – The Auto Club Group. Info: Bess, 215-8754.
SUNDAY, OCT. 26 Scholarship Day, noon-2 p.m., Pellissippi State Community College, 10915 Hardin Valley Road. Includes info to help eligible students sign up for Tennessee Promise by the Nov. 1 deadline. Info: www.pstcc.edu/ promise or 694-6400.
MONDAY, OCT. 27 Ossoli Circle: Replacement Benefit Bridge, 10 a.m.-noon, Ossoli Clubhouse, 2511 Kingston Pike. Info: Cheryl Smith, 539-1721. Craft Night: Rock Garden Paperweights, 6-7:45 p.m., Sequoyah Branch Library, 1140 Southgate Road. For ages 10 and up. Supplies and snacks provided. Info: 525-1541.
TUESDAY, OCT. 28 Computer Workshop: Excel, 2 p.m., East Tennessee History Center, 601 S. Gay St. Requires “Word 2007 Basics” or equivalent skills. Registration required. Info/ to register: 215-8700. Spooktacular Halloween Storytime, 6:30 p.m., Howard Pinkston Branch Library, 7732 Martin Mill Pike. Cookies and apple juice will be served. Ages 2-6. Info: 573-0436.
SPORTS NOTES
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 29 From Rags to Pixels: East Tennessee’s Newspapers from the 19th Century to Digitization, noon-1 p.m., East Tennessee History Center, 601 S. Gay St. Brown Bag Lecture by Louisa Trott. Info: 215-8824.
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 29 Halloween Movie Party: “ParaNorman,” 4-5:30 p.m., Lawson McGhee Library, 500 W. Church Ave. Rated PG; 90 minutes. Popcorn served. Info: 2158750.
THURSDAY, OCT. 30 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. Digital Photography Basics, 3:30 p.m., Farragut Branch Library, 417 N. Campbell Station Road. Info: 777-1750. Dixie Ghost in concert, 7 p.m., Bill Lyons Pavilion on Market Square. Acoustic five-piece string band. Free. Bring chairs or blankets. Performance of dance moves from “Thriller” at 6 p.m. Info: https://www.facebook. com/CityofKnoxvilleSpecialEvents. Michael Bar-Zohar, noted writer, speaker and former Israeli Knesset member, will speak, 7:30-9:30 p.m., Arnstein Jewish Community Center, 6800 Deane Hill Drive. Topic: his book “Mossad: the Greatest Missions of the Israeli Secret Service.” Info: Jeff Gubitz, 690-6343 or JGubitz@jewishknoxville.org. Sean McCollough Storytime, 4 p.m., Karns Branch Library, 7516 Oak Ridge Highway. Info: 470-8663.
FRIDAY, OCT. 31 Alive After Five concert: “Costume Party” with Boys’ Night Out, 6-8:30 p.m., Knoxville Museum of Art, 1050 World’s Fair Park Drive. Tickets: $15; $10 for members/students. Info: 934-2039.
SATURDAY, NOV. 1 Farragut Half Marathon, 5K and Kids Run, 9 a.m., Farragut High School, 11237 Kingston Pike. Hosted by the Knoxville Track Club. Info: www.ktc.org or Steve Durbin, durb417@gmail.com. Young Creative Writer Workshop, 9:30 a.m., Pellissippi State Community College, Strawberry Plains Campus. Workshop is free; lunch is provided. Open to all interested high school students. Registration deadline: Wednesday, Oct. 29. Info/to register: Patricia Ireland, paireland@pstcc.edu or 225-2340. “Gluten-Free Holiday Baking,”10:30 a.m., Farragut Branch Library, 417 N. Campbell Station Road. Presented by Sandy Altizer, registered dietician. Info: 777-1750.
10 • OCTOBER 22, 2014 • SOUTH KNOX Shopper news
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