ÂŞÂĽe@Ăž Â? /@ĂĄĂŹĂ“e@Ăž s@ Â? ۝ /ĂŹÂĽe@Ăž ²Ą@ Â?ĂœÂťÂ Ăź@Ă—ÂŽ ª¼šÞ /nÓݑ[n @ÂĽe ĂŹQn S šª×ne /ĂŹÂĽe@Ăž ÛĄã ,@әß@Ăž /nݑnÓݑššnb 1!
½sĂœÂ€Âž ÂƒĂŠsÂ?Ä„ÂŚÂŚÂŚ
VOL. 42 NO. 38 1
| pp www.ShopperNewsNow.com
www.facebook.com/ShopperNewsNow pp
BUZZ
to host renown adventurer
Ben Byrd tribute Betsy Pickle pays tribute to SoKno guy and legendary sportswriter Ben Byrd who died last week at age 91.
➤
Story on page 3
South Knox forum The annual South Knox local elected officials forum will be held 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday Sept. 29, at South Knoxville Elementary School, 801 Sevier Avenue. This is a chance to hear comments from and ask questions school board member Amber Roundtree, County Commissioner Carson Dailey and City Council member Nick Pavlis. All are invited.
Tickled over pickles Pickle fans will want to head over to the third annual French Broad Pickle Fest noon-5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 25, at Riverdale School, 7009 Thorn Grove Pike. The fest celebrates pickles and pickling as a way of preserving food. There’ll be a pickling contest sponsored by Green River Picklers with the categories of cucumber, noncucumber and wild. Winners will receive gift-card prizes to Three Rivers Market. Day-of registration is $10 per category. The free event will also feature pickling demonstrations, live music, craft vendors, kids’ activities, a poetry contest, food trucks and the Cattywampus Puppet Council. And yes, Betsy Pickle will cover this event for Shopper News. Info: frenchbroadpres.org
By Betsy Pickle If you thought the Legacy Parks Foundation would have trouble topping 2015 keynote speaker Cheryl Strayed at the upcoming Legacy Luncheon for the Parks, you were wrong. Rick Ridgeway has spent plenty of time in the “Wild� and has even been honored with National Geographic’s Lifetime Achievement in Adventure award. As a 22-year-old, Californiaborn Ridgeway joined two sailors from Maine in a scheme to trade ammo to Colombian miners for emeralds, which they planned to use to buy an island. Things didn’t work out, and he ended up in a Panamanian jail. But he survived to become a world-class adventurer – a member of the second American team to scale Mount Everest and part of the first team of any nation to scale K2 without supplemental oxygen. He also became a writer and filmmaker and eventually a key exec at Patagonia, a company that is a world leader in environmentally sustainable business practices. On Friday, Oct. 7, at the University of Tennessee’s Cherokee Farm, Ridgeway will share his passion for the environment with attendees at the annual Legacy
SHOPPER ONLINE ShopperNewsNow.com
Another way to serve Read about retired UT professor Jim Malia’s experiences during the Vietnam War. North/East edition.
(865) 922-4136 NEWS (865) 661-8777 news@ShopperNewsNow.com Sandra Clark | Betsy Pickle ADVERTISING SALES (865) 342-6084 ads@ShopperNewsNow.com Amy Lutheran | Patty Fecco Beverly Holland | Tess Woodhull CIRCULATION (865) 342-6200 shoppercirc@ShopperNewsNow.com
Rick Ridgeway, shown here on one of his many treks across a remote land, will be the keynote speaker at the Oct. 7 Legacy Luncheon for the Parks. Luncheon. Legacy executive director Carol Evans says ticket sales are getting close to last year’s record-breaking sellout of 1,000. Individual tickets are available at legacyparks.org or 865-525-2585. Evans says speakers for the luncheon, which is the only fundraiser Legacy Parks does every year, aren’t always notables like Ridgeway or Strayed, but they usually have at least one thing in common.
“We’ve been fortunate to have leaders or adventurers who relate to what we’re doing here –the whole idea of urban adventure and urban wilderness and the preservation of land,� says Evans. “Rick Ridgeway is pretty perfect because that’s his job – sustainability for a business, a very successful business. “The idea that you can be a very successful business and be mindful of land and land protection
and wanting more recreational land, for us, it’s the perfect blend of showing the compatibility of that. It’s not either/or. You can still have strong businesses but also be mindful about the environment. “Plus, he’s a compelling speaker. ‌ From the adventure perspective, people always love hearing about people’s accomplishments. To page 3
Step Out: Walk Knoxville is Sunday By Margie Hagen
When Carmen Solomon of Seymour was diagnosed with diabetes in 2004, she worried that her life would change forever, and it did, but along the way she changed the lives of others. Results of her volunteer work will be on display at 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 25, at UT Gardens when the local chapter of the American Diabetes Association sponsors Step Out: Walk Knoxville. New this year are a health and wellness fair with free screenings for blood pressure and glucose levels, informa-
Free concert The Knoxville Songwriters Association will present a free concert 5:30-7:30 Tuesday, Sept. 27, at the Fountain City Library, 5300 Stanton Road, in memory of Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member Kim Williams, a mentor and lifetime member of the local group. KSA members and several of Mr. Williams’ co-writers will perform songs that include some of his 16 No. 1 hits and 28 top-10 songs in country, bluegrass and Christian music.
July 29, September 21, 2013 2016
tion on hypertension and even help with health insurance. Participants will start the walk at 2 p.m. On display and for sale will be a special UTthemed quilt made by Solomon. Last year’s quilt brought in $3,790 on $5 tickets, making Solomon the top individual fundraiser. When Solomon was diagnosed with diabetes, she worked with Judy Lennon, a nutritionist with Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center. She lost 40 pounds in 18 months and was able to discontinue her diabetes medication. “I did more than lose weight; I learned how
to live with the disease,� she says. “By adjusting what, when and how I ate, I was making better choices, and it became a lifestyle. “I can still eat out at restaurants and go to parties, but now I plan in advance and make healthy decisions,� she says. It also changed the way she cooks at home, but she doesn’t have to forgo tasty meals. Following guidelines from the American Diabetes Association, she prepares nutritious meals that her husband likes, too. To page 3
HomeSource meets need for high-quality, affordable housing By Wendy Smith Jackie Mayo, executive director of HomeSource East Tennessee, wants people to better understand affordable housing and the people who need it. Affordable housing is, of course, what you can afford. But that definition is more complex than it seems, said Mayo at a fundraising breakfast held last week. Experts recommend spending no more than 30 percent of income on housing, but those with low incomes might spend as much as 70 percent on rent. “That’s not sustainable. They wind up getting evicted.� Service workers, like daycare employees and nursing assistants, are at the greatest risk of losing housing or living in poor conditions, and they’re an important part of the community. “Affordable housing doesn’t get the positive attention it deserves,� she said. “Where you live matters.�
šĹ? ZĹŻĹŻĹ?Č&#x;Äľ Z
utility bills. Older buildings typically have poor insulation and inefficient heat and air systems. But HomeSource East Tennessee sets a high priority on quality, LEEDcertified construction and redevelopment. The nonprofit Jackie Mayo also recognizes that seniors have special housing needs and that the senior population is growing. Ligdis is especially proud of the newly constructed Blueberry Ridge Senior Community in Powell, which has 30 LEED-certified units with zero-step entrances. Some units are ADA-compliant. Those who meet an income restriction pay $646 for a two-bedroom apartment. Board vice chair Jackie Clay shared her experience with the nonprofit during the breakfast.
!1. Ă?/
] œÇ¼yĂŻy ÂœÂąĂŁĂ‡y^ĂŻÂœÂśÂąĂŁh ÂŤAÂœÂąĂŻyÂąAÂą^y J Ă&#x;yÇAÂœĂ&#x;ĂŁ ‡œĂ&#x; AÂĽÂĽ AÂœĂ&#x; ^œ¹kÂœĂŻÂœÂśÂąÂœÂąÂŽ J ˜yAĂŻÂœÂąÂŽ yĂ”ĂşÂœĂ‡ÂŤy¹ï ] !œ¹yų›ãAĹ°ÂœÂąÂŽ ˜œŽ˜›y‡‡œ ^ÂœyÂą^Ĺł ãųãïyÂŤ úǎĂ&#x;AkyĂŁÂ… ] / 02 ! 2 0 œ¹ ÂąyĹą yĂ”ĂşÂœĂ‡ÂŤy¹ï ] " " " ĂŻÂ˜Ă&#x;ÂśĂşÂŽÂ˜ 29 ›0^ÂśĂ&#x;y ÇĂ&#x;œŽĂ&#x;AÂŤĂŁ
] !AÂœÂąĂŻyÂąAÂą^y ǼA¹ã AĹ°AÂœÂĽARÂĽyĂ?
HomeSource East Tennessee is a new name for an organization that’s been providing affordable, high-quality housing for lowand moderate-income residents for 25 years. Knox Housing Partnership was renamed last year so it could better reach out to surrounding counties. The nonprofit serves the community by developing and redeveloping homes for purchase, educating and counseling potential homebuyers, and providing affordable rental homes for those with low to moderate incomes and seniors. Developing and redeveloping rental property has become a big focus, say Herc Ligdis, chair of the HomeSource East Tennessee board. The nonprofit currently owns and manages 200 rental units. There’s a “glaring need� for reasonable, high-quality housing in the rental market right now, he says. One of the biggest problems with low-income housing is high
1 H . Čł Ă˜ÇĄÉ¤ČšĹ¤ÇŠÇŠČśÉ‚ Ă˜ČšĹ¤É‚Č´ u K u ÄŚ u p¸8 ÄŚ R 8TÂŁ T T €Û²€ $še 2AÄ‚nĂźnšš -‘™n Z ĂœsĂ›Â?Ê€ÊĄ $Ĺ´yĂ&#x; ᎠšyAĂ&#x;ĂŁ Ă‘/ 2 " yŜÇyĂ&#x;ÂœyÂą^y : 2
! ! / / 2 / 02 2 ""0 0
She was a casualty when the market tanked and went from having a good job to having no job. She eventually landed a job that didn’t pay enough for her to move after she started working for her church’s nonprofit. After seeing an advertisement for an East Knoxville home for sale through Knox Housing Partnership, she began parking in front of the house and imagining it was hers. She eventually arranged a lease purchase. Her relationship with the organization continued after it paid for training that helped her land a job as an executive director for a nonprofit. “I owe so much to HomeSource,� she said. For information about homebuyer education and financial fitness classes or pre-purchase and foreclosure prevention counseling at the HomeSource East Tennessee office, 109 Winona St., call 6371679 or visit homesourcetn.org.
2 • SEPTEMBER 21, 2016 • Shopper news
health & lifestyles
Law & Aorta
FSRMC surgeons mend ex-NYPD detective’s tell-tale heart Lt. Joe Kenda, TV’s Homicide Hunter, is showing in the living room of John and Barbara Mohl’s Sevierville condominium, but neither is watching. That’s because Mohl, a retired detective with the New York Police Department, has plenty of true crime stories of his own. Whether working the notorious “Son of Sam” case or shootouts with Black Panthers, his were the kind of high-profile cases that might evoke a signature, “My, my, my” from Kenda himself. But right now, John is talking about his latest case, a crime of the heart. He was 80 when clogged arteries choked off his heart in August 2015, sending him to the ER at LeConte Medical Center. From there, he was sent to Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center for a triple bypass and valve repair. That, however, wasn’t the worst of it. Tests prior to his bypass surgery revealed a deadly secret – he also had an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), a balloon-like dilation of the largest blood vessel that leads from the heart, down through the abdomen to the rest of the body. It was almost three times its normal “garden hose” size. The great majority can be treated with a stent; however, Mohl’s aneurysm involved the kidney arteries and plaque related blockages of his iliac and femoral arteries, requiring open repair. Should it rupture, the odds were 90 percent he wouldn’t make it. Even without a rupture, repairing it would not be easy on him or his surgeon. Mohl would have to wait more than six months to heal from his open-heart surgery before his body could withstand the rigors of an open AAA, one of medicine’s more challenging and complicated surgeries. Vascular surgeons Dr. Richard Young, assisted by partner Dr. Michael Kropilak, met that challenge on March 24, 2016, in an operation at FSRMC. “We always doublescrub on open AAA surgeries to increase the speed and quality of the repair,” said Dr. Young. “Every case is different, but an open Richard AAA is a major operation Young, M.D. for any patient.”
Ex NYC detective, John Mohl and his wife, Barbara, are back to their quiet life after John’s vascular surgery at Fort Sanders Regional.
Through a large incision on Mohl’s abdomen Dr. Young clamped the aorta above and below the aneurysm to stop the blood flow. Then, he replaced the diseased vessels with a polyester graft. After it was attached, they removed the clamps to restore blood flow and closed the incision. Two weeks later, on April 7, a happyto-be-alive Mohl was discharged from
FSRMC. “There are not enough accolades for these two doctors,” he said. “They did a marvelous job. If it weren’t for them, we wouldn’t be sitting here. They may say things that you think are blunt but they’re just telling you how it is, and that’s how it should be. In the medical profession, you can’t go sugar coating things.” Straight talk. It’s a quality Mohl learned
Hidden killer: AAA often goes undetected, untreated Think you would know an abdominal aortic aneurysm if you had one? Think again. More than half – 62 percent – of AAAs are discovered incidentally, meaning they are found while doctors are searching for something else. For John Mohl, that “something else” came while doctors were looking at a CT scan for a possible pulmonary embolus. Dr. Richard Young, a vascular surgeon at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center, says the location of AAAs is what makes them so difficult to detect. “They lie along the front of the backbone in the back of the abdomen,” said Dr. Young. He added that while most aneurysms affect the segment of the abdominal aorta below the kidneys, Mohl’s AAA extended up to the kidney renal arteries. What’s more, Dr. Young said, “Almost all are asymp-
tomatic (show no symptoms) until they rupture, leak or begin growing very quickly.” In fact, 75 percent of AAA patients show no symptoms at all. Of the 25 percent who do, the most common is pain in the abdomen, chest, lower back or groin area. The pain may be severe or dull. The occurrence of pain is often associated with the imminent rupture of the aneurysm. Acute, sudden onset of severe pain in the back and/ or abdomen may represent rupture and is a life-threatening medical emergency. Sometimes, a pulsing sensation, similar to a heartbeat, in the abdomen may be a symptom. More times than not, however, AAAs are diagnosed with CT scans, MRIs, ultrasounds or arteriograms while searching for a different problem.
to appreciate on the tough streets of the Bronx. He joined the NYPD on patrol in June 1956, 11 months before his marriage to Barbara. “He was 21, looked like he was 12 and they put him in Harlem!” she exclaimed. “They’d throw garbage cans at him from the roof.” In the ensuing years, Mohl worked undercover narcotics, burglary, major crimes and homicides out of the 14th Precinct in the Brooklyn neighborhoods where survival required street smarts. “I was always too smart to get hurt. Seriously,” said Mohl whose undercover colleagues included Eddie Egan who inspired The French Connection movie. “You have to be on the alert. It’s not a game out there. These people play for keeps. You just have to be a little smarter.” He found the Major Crimes Investigative Unit and worked to round up criminals claiming responsibility for bank robberies, bombings and the murder of six cops in a nine-month period in the early 1970s. One time when Mohl’s car was riddled by gunshots during a shootout, Barbara asked, “What happened to the car?! It’s full of bullet holes!” Mohl’s response? “I had a little incident last night.” These days, Mohl lives the quiet life of a “house husband” and fills his days with Barbara vacuuming, washing dishes, going shopping and watching Joe Kenda on TV. He occasionally helps out at the Rainforest Adventures Discovery Zoo, owned by his daughter and son-in-law. He would like to see his 90th birthday and thanks to Drs. Young and Kropilak and FSRMC, he might just do that. “When you come from a big city like New York, you have a sense of superiority, that everything is better there,” said Mohl, who still speaks in his native Brooklynese. “They may think Michael Kropilak, M.D. ‘All the best hospitals are in New York.’ No, they’re not! They should try Fort Sanders someday.” For more information about vascular surgery at Fort Sanders Regional, call 865-673-FORT or visit fsregional.com.
Are you at risk for an abdominal aortic aneurysm? What causes an abdominal aortic aneurysm to form? The exact cause isn’t fully known. Most people, like retired detective John Mohl, who quit smoking 10 to 12 years ago, attribute it to smoking. While it is true that smoking weakens the arterial wall, vascular surgeon Dr. Richard Young says smoking is only part of the problem. “Smoking in itself doesn’t cause AAA,” said Dr. Young. “Risk factors are anything that can weaken the arterial wall, such as hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol and smoking. A family history of aortic abdominal aneurysm also increases your risk. Fifteen to 25 percent of patients undergoing AAA repair have a first degree relative with an AAA.” That also includes age (older than 60), gender (males are four to five times at greater risk than females), genetic factors and obesity.
Regional Excellence. With more than 250 physicians on the active staff at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center, we provide the community with the most comprehensive
0094-0096
specialty and primary care available.
community
SOUTH KNOX Shopper news • SEPTEMBER 21, 2016 • 3
South Knoxville’s Ben Byrd dies at 91
Brian Campbell, second from left, director of horticulture at the Knoxville Botanical Garden, shows members of the Chapman Highway Garden Club the beginning stages of the Secret Garden, created in memory of Andie Ray. From left are Fran Brown, Janice Sparkman, Norma Pierson, Jan Brown, Dianne Forry, Antoinette Fritz, Carol Linger, Mildred Ketron, Angela Jones and Molly Gilbert. Photo by Betsy Pickle
Much to see at Botanical Garden By Betsy Pickle Members of the Chapman Highway Garden Club took a field trip last week to the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum, 2743 Wimpole Ave. in East Knoxville. Brian Campbell, director of horticulture, showed them some highlights but didn’t take them over every inch of the 47-acre property, the former Howell Nursery. The gardeners were excited to see the work done so far on the Secret
Step Out
Garden, a space dedicated to the memory of the late Andie Ray of Old North Knoxville. The gravel path will be concrete by the end of this week, Campbell said, which will be just in time for the seventh annual Green Thumb Gala 5-9 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 25. The plants in the Secret Garden will be at their best at Christmastime, he said. Campbell also showed off the KBGA’s new Welcome Center and terrace, From page 1
Exercise is another tool in the battle against diabetes. “Build exercise into your daily routine, starting with just 15 minutes of walking, then work up to a goal of 30 minutes per day,� she advises. “Find something you like.� She started weight training and began to notice the benefits almost immediately. Working out in a group provides motivation and support. She now exercises with Get Fit Seymour, a nonprofit group in her neighborhood. “There is a little bit of friendly peer pressure and a lot of fun, too,� she says. Diabetes can be difficult to manage, and educating
newly diagnosed patients is an important part of the process. Since 2010, Solomon has been assisting the American Diabetes Association by raising money for research and education, and she does it in a colorful way. An avid quilter, Carmen has been making UTthemed quilts for the cause. Each includes a square autographed by a UT football coach, starting with Phillip Fulmer. Butch Jones’ signature is featured this year. The winning ticket will be drawn at the conclusion of Sunday’s walk. It’s not too late to get involved. Info: face b o o k . c o m /Q u i l t- f o r - a -
and the adjacent Knoxville Garden Club Danae Garden. Danae plants, also known as poet’s laurel, take nearly seven years to grow to a saleable size and aren’t available at most commercial nurseries. Thanks to sunny skies, the garden club also got to enjoy beautiful views of the Smoky Mountains from the KBGA. The event site is hoping for similar weather for its seventh annual Fall Festival 1-5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 23.
Carmen Solomon displays her quilt to be raffled at the 2016 Step Out: Walk Knoxville event.
■Knoxville Chapter of the Tennessee Firearms Association meets 6 p.m. each first Tuesday, Gondolier Italian Restaurant, Chapman Highway, 7644 Mountain Grove Drive. The public is invited. Info: Liston Matthews, 316-6486. ■Knoxville Tri-County Lions Club meets 7 p.m. each second and fourth Monday, Connie’s Kitchen, 10231 Chapman Highway, Seymour. Info: facebook.com/ TriCountyLions/info. ■Lake Forest Neighborhood Association. Info: Molly Gilbert, 209-1820 or mollygilbert@yahoo.com. ■Lindbergh Forest Neighborhood Association meets 6:30 p.m. each third Wednesday, Graystone Presbyterian Church, 139 Woodlawn Pike.
Info: Kelley DeLuca, 660-4728, kelleydeluca@gmail.com. â– Old Sevier Community Group meets 7 p.m. each third Thursday, South Knoxville Elementary School library, 801 Sevier Ave. Info: Gary E. Deitsch, 573-7355 or garyedeitsch@bellsouth.net. â– South Haven Neighborhood Association meets 10 a.m. each third Saturday, Hillcrest UMC, 1615 Price Ave. Info: Pat Harmon, 591-3958.
Cure-1267922206551700/. As for Solomon, she will continue to work for the benefit of diabetes research and education.
â– South Knox Republican Club meets 7 p.m. each third Thursday, South Knox Optimist Club, 6135 Moore Road. Kevin Teeters, kevinteeters018@gmail.com. â– South of the River Demo-
“I want to make a difference in the lives of people who get the disease tomorrow, next week and next year,� she says.
crats (9th District) meet 6:30 p.m. each third Monday, South Knoxville Community Center, 522 Maryville Pike. Info: Debbie Helsley, 7898875, or Brandon Hamilton, 809-3685.
865-671-4848
AXCESS STAFFING 10555 Parkside Dr. Knoxville, TN 37922
KN-1273715
All employees of St. Mary’s Hospital (worked there from 1930-2008) are invited to attend a reunion on Sunday, September 25th from 1 – 5 pm in the St. Mary’s Courtyard, 939 Emerald Avenue. To register, go to website: www.stmarysreunion.net or call 922-2413 $10 fee payable when you arrive which covers lunch and a special reunion keepsake. Free shuttle service offered from parking lots.
of 400 E Jackson location only
KN-1258843
15% OFF
“And from everything I’ve heard, he’s an approachable, nice guy. Our luncheon is very casual, so we want someone like that that people feel that they can get to know a little bit as they hear both about their adventure and how that applies to their work and their life.� Ridgeway learned to sail before he learned to climb mountains, and his love for the water also fits with Legacy’s emphasis on water. The 11:30 a.m. luncheon will take place along the banks of the Tennessee River. “The river is something that we like to call attention to,� says Evans. “We’re doing more projects on river access. “We’re very much known for our trail work and the South Knoxville work, but we really are working countywide in a lot of different areas.�
INCENTIVES • Paid weekly • Paid breaks
TOTAL LIQUIDATION
Plywood Paneling and Wood Siding
From page 1
Line Workers 3 Shifts $8.25 an hour
VISIT KNOXRAILSALVAGE.COM FOR FREE KITCHEN LAYOUT & QUOTE
at lowest marked price
King, graduated from Young High School in 1942 and joined the U.S. Navy in 1943. He served as a quartermaster on the U.S.S. Borum and took part in the D-Day invasion on June 6, 1944. After the war, Byrd enrolled at UT, where he was recruited out of a journalism class to work for the Journal. He covered UT and Southeastern Conference sports, the Masters, the Kentucky Derby and the Olympics twice – 1976 in Montreal and 1984 in Los Angeles. He was an advocate of women’s collegiate sports and faithfully covered Lady Vols basketball, in the process becoming friends with Pat Summitt. He was also a supporter of the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley and a strong backer of the group’s major annual fundraiser, the Greater Knoxville Sports Hall of Fame. This summer he was presented with the Hall of Fame’s Thanks for the Memories award. He was named Sportswriter of the Year by the National Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association five times and was a member of both the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame and the Greater Knoxville Sports Hall of Fame.
NOW HIRING
KNOX RAIL SALVAGE
50% OFF Light Fixtures
Betsy Pickle
Legacy Parks
COMMUNITY NOTES â– Colonial Village Neighborhood Association. Info: Terry Caruthers, 579-5702, t_caruthers@hotmail.com.
South Knoxville lost a native son and the U.S. one of its greatest sports journalists when Ben Byrd died Sept. 12 at age 91. Mr. Byrd st a r ted working for Ben Byrd the Knoxville Journal in 1947 and was the newspaper’s highly regarded sports editor from 1969 until the paper’s last edition on Dec. 31, 1991. His Byrd’s Eye View column was a staple in Knoxville households for decades. Mr. Byrd, who is survived by Joan, his wife of 64 years, sons Rick of Nashville and Emmett of Concord, N.C., and daughter Kathy of Maryville, lived in South Knoxville until health problems led to his residence at the Ben Atchley State Veterans Home in Hardin Valley. Former University of Tennessee sports information director Bud Ford remembered Byrd’s dedicated coverage of UT sports with fondness and humor at a memorial service last Wednesday. He was known for his wit, as featured in his Free Thought Association predictions of college footballgame outcomes. Daughter Kathy, an English teacher, said that her father, however, was serious about language, a trait she shared with him. Born in South Knoxville on April 11, 1925, Benny King Byrd, a descendant of I.C.
Vinyl Fencing
10% OFF Damaged Wafer Board
Fence Panels starting at
$20
Doors per sheet
20% OFF
Cabinet Doors $1.98 for ďŹ rst, then
Wood and Plastic Moldings
$3.00
2 for FREE
50% OFF
Hours: Mon-Fri 8 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. • Sat. 8 a.m. - Noon 400 E. Jackson Ave. • 524-8242 • 200 E. Magnolia Ave. • 524-8000 Mike Frazier www.KnoxRailSalvage.com Follow us on Twitter & Facebook
Generously supported by: Dr. & Mrs. Leonard (Gail) Brabson Abercrombie Radiology Dr. Richard Briggs Knoxville Orthopedic Clinic Gastrointestinal Associates Knox Graphics
KN-1273372
Center for Sight Knoxville Anesthesiology Drs. John Burkhart & Laura Powers Internal Medicine Associates Premier Surgical Associates East Tennessee Eye Surgeons
4 • SEPTEMBER 21, 2016 • Shopper news
Potential end of turmoil and strife Florida presents Tennessee an opportunity to start to stop a lot of bad stuff. A victory over the Gators might be the beginning of the end of turmoil and strife. Indeed, a respite is needed. Nothing like these past few years has been previously inflicted on the university. Think about it. A president we never knew and seldom saw resigned because his wife talked too much. That president was replaced by another who somehow remains above the fray. Relative invisibility is a rare trait of commanders. Some schools conduct national searches for top leadership. Astute UT trustees searched the same zip code, 32611, downtown Gainesville. They found a
Speaking of searches, we spent $90,000 to find Dave, one phone call away? Eyebrows went up when Marvin UT added “vice chancellor” West to his title to justify more than doubling his Tuscaloosa salary. Along the way, Erik chancellor named Jimmy Ainge lost two fourth-quarand a president named Joe. ter interceptions in an SEC We don’t know if that means championship game. Philthey couldn’t find anybody lip Fulmer got mugged one capable in the entire state of year after an expensive conTennessee or if they didn’t tract extension. Four days after Phillip was told to go look. The chancellor named away, saddened Volunteers Jimmy hired a guy named lost to Wyoming. Lane Kiffin’s idea of Dave from Alabama (dyedin-the-wool Tide graduate coaching was hit and run. and employee) to be the new Bruce Pearl was fired for lyTennessee athletic director. ing – only a little bit in the beginning. The swim coach We sure needed one. Please note that I am not was replaced for something into conspiracy theories, but called gross misconduct. Derek Dooley proved most UT loyalists think of Florida and Alabama more to be a joke. It wasn’t his as foes than close friends. fault. Bad idea to hire a los-
ing coach at Louisiana Tech with the expectation of SEC success. Mike Hamilton did it, accepted a solid gold parachute and flew away. Dave Hart, aforementioned athletic director/vice chancellor, got lucky. His first choice to replace Dooley left him at the altar. Dave chose Butch on the rebound. Dave was not otherwise so fortunate. The Pat Summitt saga was a sad (heartbreaking) experience. In the name of better branding, Dave picked a poor fight with Lady Vols disciples. He managed the merger of athletic departments as directed. It was economically logical. Fallout made it a disaster. Women who felt slighted sued and collected. Debby Jennings won $320,000. A trio of former trainers got at least $1.05 million. Hart did
save $40,000 by forcing out longtime sports information specialist Bud Ford. The university endured additional unbudgeted expenditures. The recent Title IX lawsuit cost $2.48 million plus $555,356 in legal fees plus $240,000 for public relations polish and $250,000 for reviews. The meter is still running. Basketball? Now there is a story. Clean Cuonzo Martin felt disrespected and went west. Hart hired repentant Donnie Tyndall. Past transgressions were whitewashed away. Hart fired Donnie Tyndall after other sins popped up. Hire-fire was not Hart’s finest hour. Fate provided an immediate fi x. Texas fired Rick Barnes. Hart grabbed the hall of fame coach. His reward was the worst season in 20 years. Oh, almost forgot the goofy UT hall of fame (no
Bob Neyland, no Todd Helton, no Jimmy England), track closed for a year because of rehab miscalculations, baseball eclipse, 34th in the Directors’ Cup national measurement of how schools are doing in athletics – all incidental. Time for change? Chancellor Jimmy G. Cheek submitted a reassignment plan based on easy money. Hart accepted money to resign. Retirement was not his preference. He sought a contract extension. The president who seldom speaks said no. Hart undoubtedly had many significant accomplishments. My favorites are academic improvement and financial stability. He got the right guy to run Thornton Center and deposited SEC checks in the correct account. I’m working on the Cheek list. Marvin West invites reader reaction. His address is westwest6@netzero.com
Sidewalks in neighborhoods would be a good start Those Who Pay Attention know that the KnoxvilleKnox County Metropolitan Planning Commission has been working on new subdivision requirements. The final draft was on this month’s MPC agenda, but staff requested a one-month postponement to allow for more public input. This was primarily because the first draft of the document included language that required sidewalks to be installed on one side of the street in new city and county subdivisions while two subsequent drafts did not. Those Who Pay Attention noticed the omission. Representatives from the Council of West Knox County Homeowners, Community Forum, the Community Health Council and
Wendy Smith
Bike Walk Knoxville made it clear to commissioners that sidewalks are important to the community and they don’t want language requiring them in new subdivisions to fall through the cracks. MPC Executive Director Gerald Green said the language was separated to address issues involving sidewalks, like where they should be and what to do when topography makes them infeasible. A vote on subdivision requirements was postponed until December to allow more time
for sidewalk discussion and public input. A subcommittee, created by MPC chair Rebecca Longmire and Green, has been tasked by the city, county and MPC staff to develop a comprehensive sidewalk policy. In addition to Longmire, committee members are Jeff Roth, Scott Smith and Janice Tocher. The public is welcome at committee meetings, which will be advertised at knoxmpc.org The fact that the sidewalk requirement was removed from subdivision requirements makes walkability advocates nervous. Bike Walk Knoxville president Caroline Cooley is already skeptical about local government’s commitment to sidewalks. One of her “pet peeves” is
the lack of a sidewalk next to the Paper Mill Drive shopping center anchored by REI and Whole Foods − two health-oriented businesses. The tenants asked the city to install sidewalks, but neither the city nor the developers were willing to foot the bill, in spite of the fact that there’s a KAT bus stop across Kingston Pike at the Bearden Branch Library. Cooley thinks there could be pushback on a sidewalk requirement in the county. But if developers are compelled to install sidewalks in new subdivisions, the cost will be absorbed by homeowners, which will allow funding for sidewalks in other parts of the community to stretch further, she says. Neighborhood groups in both the city and the county
are clamoring for sidewalks, yet fewer than half of subdivisions built in 2015 have sidewalks. According to information compiled by MPC staff, two out of four subdivisions permitted in the city have sidewalks, as do 15 of 36 Knox County subdivisions. None was installed due to the generosity of developers. All were required.
Having sidewalks in subdivisions won’t make our community walkable, but it’s a good start. Green pointed out during the September MPC meeting that, to be fair, sidewalks need to be in commercial, multifamily and mixed-use areas as well as subdivisions. It’s a big elephant, but it’s time to take the first bite.
GOSSIP AND LIES ■ Bill Dunn missed a community meeting last week because of the special legislative session. In an email exchange, I thanked him for voting to oust Rep. Jeremy Durham. “As they say at Chick-fil-A, my pleasure,” Dunn responded. ■ Blame for the special session, which cost some $75,000, should stop at TDOT commissioner John Schroer. Running
a state agency means noticing legislation that could cost your department $60 million. ■ Eddie Smith had a slim crowd at a re-election fundraiser headlined by Gov. Bill Haslam last week. And many of the attendees, such as legislative colleagues, got comp tickets. – S. Clark
12th Annual
UNION COUNTY HERITAGE FESTIVAL
2016:
“Down on ” the Farm Enjoy the Beauty of Fall Without Allergies! Medications only mask the symptoms. We treat the problem! TREATMENT and EVALUATION of: • Allergies • Asthma • Insect Stings • Food Allergies • Patch Testing for Contact Allergies • Sublingual Immunotherapy (Oral drops taken at home) • Allergic Rashes • Hives • Chronic Cough • Sinus Problems
Saturday, Oct. 1 10 - 4 in Maynardville WILSON PARK Music • Vendors • Antique Tractors • Kidz Zone Antique Cars • Pie Contest • Heritage Olympics Back When Display • Farmers Market • Crafts
UNION COUNTY MUSEUM Quilt Show • Authors’ Table • Genealogy
UNION COUNTY ARTS 3KRWRV &KDPEHU 6WXGHQW $UW 'U &DUU 2I¿FH 3KRWRV &KDPEHU 6WXGHQW $UW 'U &DUU 2I¿FH
Fine Arts (Historic Snodderly House)
[865] 692-2027 Make an appointment with your Board Certified Allergist/Immunologist Today!
Joe Wisniewski, MD N. Knoxville - (865) 692-2027 • Sevierville - (865) 429-1010
www.allergypartners.com/et
Come celebrate the rich hheritage of The Cradle of Country Music Union County Heritage Festival • unioncountyheritagefestival.com
government
Shopper news • SEPTEMBER 21, 2016 • 5
Nystroms say thanks
Burchett loading MPC with developers
Angelia and Hugh Nystrom host a thank-you event for dozens of supporters and campaign workers at their Scotswood Circle home in West Knoxville. Guests were treated to Cruz Farm ice cream, served by Kandle Britney (center). Photo by Margie Hagen
Haslams swap residences Gov. Bill and Crissy Haslam are moving from their longtime home in old Westmoreland on Sherwood Drive back to the house where the governor lived as a young teenager on Lyons Bend Road adjacent to the Tennessee River. The Haslams will still be city residents as both homes are in the city. They will continue to be represented on City Council by Duane Grieve and on County Commission by Hugh Nystrom. Martin Daniel is their state representative. Grieve is a Democrat, while Nystrom and Daniel are Republicans. Bill Haslam is moving into the house that was occupied by his father for over 40 years before he and Natalie Haslam moved to Craigland Court this past year. Prior to the Haslams moving to Lyons Bend Road in the 1970s from Scenic Drive in Sequoyah Hills, the house was owned by the governor’s maternal grandmother, Hazel Lou Van Deventer, and her husband, James Van Deventer. Reportedly, the Haslams are adding a swimming pool and renovating the kitchen area of the Old English brick home. The Lyons Bend house is not visible from the road as the Sherwood Drive house is. ■ Sharon Lee: The UT College of Law will host a reception honoring former state Chief Justice Sharon Lee at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 23, at the Howard Baker Cen-
on his way to Vietnam, will be honored at 10 a.m. today (Sept. 21) with the naming Victor of the bridge over Dutch Ashe Valley Road on the Pellissippi Parkway. The ceremony will be held at the Shepherd of the Hills Church, 10231 Sherrill Blvd. in West Knox ter, 1640 Cumberland Ave. County. Sen. Becky Massey passed Lee, who has completed her service as chief justice, re- a resolution in the Legismains an active member of lature naming the bridge the five-member court. The in his memory. Mayor Tim Burchett will speak, and his public is invited. ■ The Arts and Cul- widow and daughter, who ture Alliance is sponsor- was born after his death, will ing Dinner on the Bridge be there along with his older (Gay Street) in honor of brother, City Council memKnoxville’s 225th birthday ber Finbarr Saunders. State 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 2, Rep. Martin Daniel and Sen. with entertainment by Car- Richard Briggs will particiol Zinavage Shane. Tickets pate, too. ■ UT President Joe are available by calling 865DiPietro has announced 523-7543. The city has outsourced the four members of a spemost of the 225th birth- cial commission to review day celebration planning, Title IX resources and but the Arts & Culture Alli- programs for UT. Three of ance will enjoy the proceeds the four live in Massachufor the bridge dinner. The setts, Connecticut and the 1991 Bicentennial celebra- Washington, D.C., area. tion was operated by the The one Tennessean is from city itself under the leader- Franklin and is a cyclist in ship of Sue Clancy, Rose- his spare time. None atanne Wolf and Carolyn Jen- tended UT, and there are sen. The arts alliance is ably no African-Americans in led by Liza Zenni as director the group despite many and veteran attorney Caesar UT athletes being AfricanAmerican. This is a glaring Stair as board president. There will be a luncheon omission. While the news release celebrating the birthday on Monday, Oct. 3, at the did not indicate compenFoundry at World’s Fair sation, an inquiry from this writer produced the Park. ■ Lt. Robert Saun- response that yes, there is ders, the late Knoxville compensation, but UT deresident who was killed in a clined to respond that day plane crash in Japan in 1970 as to the exact compensa-
tion, which appears to violate the open records law. UT also declined to say then if the first meeting, on Nov. 17, would be open to the public. Two days later, UT acknowledged each is being paid $45,000 plus expenses and the meetings are closed, which triggered criticism. One wonders if UT is channeling studies like this through its law firm to lock out the public under the guise of attorney-client privilege. Why UT cannot give a direct answer to a direct question when asked is perplexing. It sends the wrong signal for an institution dedicated to education. Media relations on this issue are being handled by the Nashville law firm of Neal and Harwell, which has already been paid over $400,000 and the meter is still running. The total cost of the lawsuit settlement continues to rise with no end in sight. ■ Gov. Haslam will host a fundraiser at the Governor’s Residence in Nashville on Monday, Sept. 26, for Marco Rubio’s U.S. Senate re-election campaign at $1,000 a person, while U.S. Sen. Bob Corker will host a fundraiser for New Hampshire Sen. Kelly Ayotte at his Chattanooga home on Friday, Sept. 23, also at $1,000 a person. ■ Mark Campen turns 41 on Sept. 27. He is the second youngest member of the Knoxville City Council.
Neighborhood activists reacted strongly to one of Mayor Tim Burchett’s new appointments to the 15-member Metropolitan Planning Commission. The city mayor gets seven appointments, the county mayor eight. Tim Burchett Word went out Thursday that Burchett has tapped Chris Ooten, an executive with Safe Harbor Development whose resume also includes working for Weigel’s and Schaad Properties in zoning, development and construction. East Knox County activist Lisa Starbuck was first to sound the alarm: “I have become aware that Mayor Burchett is planning to appoint yet another developer/builder to the MPC. The building/ development community is already well represented on the MPC with at least six members, and many people believe that a regular citizen should be appointed instead. This has nothing to do with the individual who is being considered for the appointment, who I am sure is a very nice person. “This will be discussed at the County Commission work session on Monday, and we would like to see the nominee’s name withdrawn from consideration before it becomes too public,” Starbuck said. Margot Kline, president of the Council of West Knox County Homeowners, joined in: “Chris Ooten appeared to be a fine human being when he worked as a real estate person for Schaad Builders and Weigel’s, but his appointment would stack the deck in favor of development. We need someone with ties to homeowner groups, families or schools – a regular person – not yet another developer.”
Betty Bean Then CWKCH secretary Judy Horn activated her massive email list: “We should tell the mayor that what is needed on the MPC is an ordinary citizen representing homeowner groups, families and schools. Act now.” Ratification of Burchett’s three appointments is on the agenda for County Commission in September. As of Saturday, Burchett was undeterred and defended his choice of Ooten by saying that development is important to the financial health of Knox County. “You either develop available property or you raise taxes. And developers have to follow the rules. That’s the bottom line. The city has chosen to raise taxes. I don’t choose to do that.” He pointed to his 2014 re-appointment of Laura Cole, a retired TVA executive and farm owner who has a keen interest in environmental issues. “We need balance. The developers came to me and asked me why I wanted to put her on there. I told them, ‘Y’all can go jump in the lake.’ Developers complain; homeowners complain. That’s just the way it is.” Ooten’s is not the only name Burchett is submitting this month. He has also reappointed sitting commissioners Herb Anders, whose resumé boasts more than 40 years of experience in the construction industry, and MPC’s senior member, Art Clancy III, whom many homeowners and neighborhood groups consider their bête noir. Clancy has served 12 years on the MPC – 2004-12 as a city appointee and since 2012 as a county appointee. A 2014 interlocal agreement between the city and county limits MPC commissioners to two consecutive terms.
Mentoring program helps kids fit in By Sandra Clark Somebody at Union County High School just got really smart or really lucky. Science teacher Danny Satterfield has organized a cadre of 60 juniors and seniors to work with younger kids to help them feel at home at the high school. “We want to create a culture
here that’s inclusive and fun,” he said. Last Friday was the first day for mentors (a voluntary position) to meet with their charges (compulsory twice monthly for every freshman and sophomore during home room). We discovered three amigos who get it. Their leader is Jeffrey Ray.
“I had no one to help me,” he says. “Everybody needs a little help along the way.” He recruited friends A.J. Nantz and Marcus Savage. A.J. says becoming a mentor was one of his best decisions. New to the school as a junior, the mentor training helped him make friends.
Cassie needs a home Cassie, a 3yo retriever mix would dearly love to have her own home and a family she can love and trust. She has been waiting several months for this to happen. Cassie was abandoned by her owners and prior to that was obviously not shown a lot of love or attention, life at the end of a chain. Once she gets to know you she wants to much to give love and kisses. We are looking for a local family who would be willing to come and meet Cassie and spend some quality time with her, in a location she is very familiar with, before she goes to her new permanent home. Cassie like all Heartland dogs, is up-to-date with all vaccinations, on heartworm preventative and microchipped. Information about adopting can be found here: https://heartlandgoldenrescue.org/adopt/
Can’t Adopt? Sponsor a foster!
For additional information check out:
www.heartlandgoldenrescue.org
765-8808
All donations are tax deductible. Heartland Golden Retriever Rescue is a 501(c)3 organization.
Ad space donated by
And Marcus is just proud to be there. He says as a kid he was often lonely. “Jeffrey was my first friend.” And then he met Satterfield. “He encouraged us to help others. … He’s like a father figure to me. He’s serious, but he can be funny. (Being in the mentor program) means a lot to me.”
Mentors Marcus Savage, A.J. Nantz and Jeffrey Ray They are young, but Mar- ers is satisfying and fun. cus, Jeffrey and A.J. have And that’s their first lesson found a theme. Helping oth- learned in fall 2016.
ADVERTISEMENT
“I Feel Like a Vibrant Young Woman Again!” True patient testimonial received September 2016 As a 38 year old married woman of 7 years, I was at my wits end – No Sex Drive, No Desire, Decreased everything and on top of that Urinary incontinence. I felt like I was falling apart from the waist down, and failing my husband. While reading the newspaper an advertisement caught my eye – it read Oops! And sexual enhancement really caught my eye. This was one of those things that make you go Hmmmm! I had never heard about the new procedure called the O-Shot®…aka the ORGASM Shot before, but with the way I was feeling and after a hysterectomy several years ago, and enduring this long list of issues: Decreased or lack thereof a Sex drive, Vaginal dryness, Decreased sensitivity, and last but not least the dreaded urinary incontinence – being afraid to laugh, cough or strain in public. I
honestly felt like I had lost my womanhood. I couldn’t help but feel as if I was the only middle aged woman in the world suffering from these symptoms, but to my surprise after some research I found I was not alone. Many women suffer with these symptoms. After my initial visit to Better Life Medical, I felt that the O-Shot® gave me at least a chance of regaining a normal life. The results have been simply amazing! I would not have believed the results could be this substantial, but they are! My libido has increased. It went from 0-60, from not wanting anything to needing it. Shocking, I know! My libido is raging, and the sensitivity is out of this world, along with no longer having to use synthetic lubricants – so for me it’s BYE, BYE dryness, Hello Happiness! My husband has even commented about the tightness of the tissue, asking if I had started doing Kegels
again. Of course, I just smiled and winked. He can think what he wants to, but you and I know the secret – The O-Shot®! My incontinence issue has completely stopped. Now I don’t have to worry about laughing or coughing! Unbelievable, I know! My results have been so phenomenal, I feel like a vibrant young woman again! I would like to Thank the entire staff at Better Life Medical for restoring my confidence and rejuvenating my sexual health! Patient Name Withheld for Confidentiality
Bring In This Coupon And
SAVE $100 In September, Now Only $75 for your first visit Call Today (865) 288-8947 Expires 09/30/16
Dr. Wayne McLemore, MD Melissa Noel, PAC, MHS
BetterLifeMedical.com
1328 Papermill Pointe Way, Knoxville, TN 37909 BLMADVB0916
kids Talisha finds a home at L&N STEM By Kip Oswald My cousin Talisha is Keshawn’s twin sister. I told you last week that Keshawn is smart, but we are sure Talisha is the genius of the family. She has a l w a y s loved everything about Talisha school, but last year she was getting bored during her freshman year in high school. So when her friend, Kyla, who had been accepted into the L&N STEM Academy, told her about the different way the academy worked, Talisha decided to apply. Kyla told Talisha that STEM is unlike any school experience she had ever had and students at L&N are incredibly accepting, positive and willing to become friends with new people every day. Kyla also said the integrated curriculum is delivered through project-based instruction that helps develop students’ abilities to make connections and work in teams. The L&N STEM Academy is home to the L&N STEMPunks, a competition robotics team that was a real interest of Talisha. Each student also gets a MacBook Air for use on most of their assignments, and although the focus of the school is on science, regular high school classes are offered as well. The L&N STEM Academy accepts applications for freshmen and a few for sophomores each year, so it was very unlikely that Tali-
sha would get in since she was applying as a sophomore. However, as with Keshawn, luck was on her side, and Talisha was drawn in the lottery. Also, as with CMA, transportation is provided, and since the L&N STEM Academy shares buses with other high schools, school starts at 9:30 a.m. and ends at 4:30 p.m. The name of this high school comes from the fact it is located in a historic rail passenger train station that was built in 1905 by the Louisville & Nashville Railroad. The station was renovated for use in the 1982 World’s Fair. Also in 1982, the building was added to the National Register of Historic Places for its architecture and role in Knoxville’s transportation history. The L&N STEM Academy was founded in 2011 as a magnet high school focused on the disciplines of science, technology, engineering and math in the Knox County Schools system. The school began with freshman and sophomore classes, expanding each year to have the first graduating class in 2013-14. The school draws students from all areas of the county. There are many other schools in our district that also have historical names, so when I am not writing about our Oswald family’s school life, I will be introducing readers to some of that interesting history. However, next week you will meet Charlie, my fourth-grade brother, and learn more about the world of Boy Scouts of America!
Shopper s t n e V enews
Send items to news@ShopperNewsNow.com
THROUGH FRIDAY, SEPT. 30
6 • SEPTEMBER 21, 2016 • SOUTH KNOX Shopper news
Looking in on a community school
Christenberry is thriving By Betty Bean Working at Christenberry Elementary School is like coming home to Tiffany Davidson, site resource coordinator for the Great Schools Partnership’s Comm u n i t y Schools Initiative. She’s a proud graduate Davidson of Fulton High School, where she was a cheerleader. She has fond memories of her team winning a state football championship her senior year. “I’m a Falcon,” she said, flashing a broad, infectious smile. “I graduated from Fulton in ’04, so this is my community and I’m really blessed to be back, just down the hill from where I spent my high school years.” Christenberry is an ethnically diverse school in ethnically diverse Oakwood Lincoln Park and has 70 students for whom English is a second language as well as a large contingent of students who are eligible to receive free and reduced-price lunches. The faculty and staff are bullish about their school, proudly sporting “Straight out of the Berry”
T-shirts on special occasions. After-school activities kick off this week. “Four years ago, we had two teachers helping – we had a dance club and a book club, and that was it. We still have them, but now we have 25 clubs, and I think our teachers are really grasping the concept of community schools,” Davidson said. The after-school offerings at Christenberry are as diverse as the school population. There’s the Mad Scientist Club, the Book Club, the Jazz Appreciation Club, the Track Club, the Art Club – all supported by a 21st Century state grant. Davidson defines community schools as an access point where parents can find services and resources for their children – a community hub. Christenberry has a fulltime case manager from the Helen Ross McNabb Center to provide mental-health counseling. And thanks to a grant from the Elgin Foundation (secured by Knox County Schools Social Work supervisor Heather Willis), Christenberry students get dental screenings. Those who need treatment are bused to Edenfeld Dental Group in Fountain City. Her smile faded when she
has thrived with repeat customers and a By Sandra Clark wide selection of brand-name furniture. Sofas & More in Halls has joined AngeSofas & More is located at 7114 Mayla Floyd School for Dance and Music and nardville Pike in the shopping center the UT Federal Credit Union as a sponsor with Food City. Info: 865-922-4828. of the Shopper News promotion Cash for The promotion will launch as soon as at Classrooms. least five sponsors are secured. Shopper News Owner/manager Jeff Bayless said he’s proud to support such a worthwhile cause. He and his wife, Raychel, sales staff are offering a special promotion that includes have two children. She is a first grade teacher at Sequoyah sponsorship. Info: 865-922-4136. Stay tuned to this space for additional information, Elementary School. Raychel’s mother, Jo Ann England, founded Sofas & More more than 20 years ago. The store week-to-week.
FRIDAY, SEPT. 23
SATURDAY-SUNDAY, SEPT. 24-25
Movies on Market Square: “Up” (PG, 2009). Movies begin at dusk; well-behaved dogs welcome. Bring lawn chair or blanket. Info: 215-8767 or knoxlib.org/ movies. Scruffy City Soiree, 6:30 p.m., The Standard, 416 W. Jackson Ave. Fundraiser for Knox Heritage. Event includes entertainment by Kukuly and the Gypsy Fuego, The Preservation Players and more; silent and live auctions; dinner catered by Bradford Catered Events. Info/ tickets: knoxheritage.org.
Auditions for Encore Theatrical Company’s production of “Mary Poppins,” 2 p.m., Inman Humanities Complex, Walters State Community College. Casting 25-30 people, including one boy and one girl ages 10-12. Info/audition requirements: etcplays.org.
FRIDAY-SUNDAY, SEPT. 23-OCT. 9 “The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe,” Knoxville Children’s Theatre, 109 E. Churchwell Ave. Performances: 7 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, 1 and 5 p.m. Saturdays, 3 p.m. Sundays. Info: 208-3677, knoxvillechildrenstheatre.com, zack@childrenstheatreknoxville. com.
WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 21
SATURDAY, SEPT. 24
Beaver Nelson, “Songwriter in the Soul House Series,” 6-8 p.m., Sweet P’s BBQ and Soul House, 3725 Maryville Pike.
AAA Driver Improvement Course, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., AAA office, 100 W. Fifth Ave. Eight-hour course helps reduce points for traffic offenders and teaches how to reduce risk while driving. Cost: $40 members/$50 nonmembers. Must preregister. Info/registration: Kate, 862-9254, or Stephanie, 862-9252. Adopt-A-Golden event, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Agri Feed Pet Supply, 5716 Middlebrook Pike. Info: 584-3959. Deadline to register for the Corryton 8-mile and 2-mile State Record Road Races, to be held 8 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 1. The races will begin at the Corryton Community Center, 9331 Davis road. The races will benefit the Corryton Community Food Pantry. Registration: runsignup.com/race/tn/corryton8miler. Info: Joyce Harrell, 705-7684, or Frank Bushakra, fbushakr@eou. edu. “Fall Lawn Repair,” 10:30-11:30 a.m., Cedar Bluff Branch Library, 9045 Cross Park Drive. Presented by Master Gardener Ron Pearman. Info: 470-7033. Hindustani Music in Global Culture, 2-3:30 p.m., Cedar Bluff Branch Library, 9045 Cross Park Drive. Info: 470-7033. Kitten and cat adoption fair, noon-6 p.m., West Town PetSmart adoption center, 214 Morrell Road. Sponsored by Feral Feline Friends of East Tennessee. Info: feralfelinefriends.org. Saturday Stories and Songs: Sarah Rysewyk, 11 a.m., Cedar Bluff Branch Library, 9045 Cross Park Drive. Info: 470-7033. UT Institute of Agriculture’s Ag Day, 11:30 a.m., Brehm Animal Science Building, UT Ag campus. Free to the public. Includes music, farm animals, free popcorn and ice cream, a ribeye meal for purchase, an interactive social media wall, an insect petting zoo, departmental exhibits and a visit from Vol mascot Smokey.
AARP Driver Safety class, noon-4 p.m., O’Connor Senior Center, 611 Winona St. Info/registration: Carolyn Rambo, 382-5822.
THURSDAY, SEPT. 22 “Bulbs: Now is the time! They’re not just for Spring Blooms,” 3:15-4:15 p.m., Humana Guidance Center, 4438 Western Ave. Presented by Master Gardener Alice Greene. Info: 329-8892. Cinderella Party at the Library, 4:30 p.m., Cedar Bluff Branch Library, 9045 Cross Park Drive. For ages 5-11. Info: 470-7033. Sugar High!, 8:30-10 p.m., Sugar Mama’s, 135 S. Gay St. Free stand-up comedy show featuring Ohio comedians Dustin Meadows and Mike Kolar, along with local comedians. A tribute to Howard “Louie Bluie” Armstrong, 8 p.m., Laurel Theater, 1538 Laurel Ave. Featuring the Armstrong Legacy Trio. Tickets: $25, some discounts available. Info/tickets: jubileearts.org.
THURSDAY-FRIDAY, SEPT. 22-23 AARP Driver Safety class, Cheyenne Ambulatory Center, 944 Oak Ridge Turnpike, Oak Ridge. Info/ registration: Jack Cowen, 483-1615.
Green Magnet, Inskip, Lonsdale, New Hopewell, Norwood, Pond Gap, Sarah Moore Greene Magnet, South Knoxville and West View. Two are middle schools: Northwest and Vine Magnet. Great Schools Partnership coordinates with more than 150 partner organizations, neighborhoods and key leaders to improve community health and quality of life. Willis applies for and manages the grants that support the initiative, which served 6,322 students last year. Christenberry’s community school will get cranked up this week, so Davidson doesn’t have the exact enrollment yet, but it has grown every year. Last year, 160 of Christenberry’s 621 students stayed after school from 2:45 to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Kindergartners are not eligible since they don’t stay in school a full day. Davidson said she’d welcome visitors, including elected officials and interested neighbors, to come visit. “Come see what’s going on! I want people to come in and see what we are moving toward, in terms of the future of Knox County Schools.”
Sofas & More to sponsor Cash for Classrooms
“The Freedom Engine: East Tennessee Remembers 9/11” display, East Tennessee History Center, 601 S. Gay St. The Freedom Engine went into reserve status in 2013. Upon retirement, several artifacts associated with the truck were returned to East Tennessee and donated to the East Tennessee Historical Society. Info/museum hours: 215-8830; eths@ eastTNhistory.org; easttnhistory.org.
WEDNESDAY-THURSDAY, SEPT. 21-22
started talking about a little boy who’d smile and wave at her in the hallway, never hinting at the pain he was enduring. She said the partnership with Elgin has shed light on a health-care epidemic that affects schools daily. “I don’t think I realized how strong these children are. Sitting in class all day with abscessed teeth?” She teared up and reached for a Kleenex. “This little boy’s smile never changed, and we just didn’t know. He never said anything. He was one of those kids who desperately needed to go to the dentist, and when he did, they said, ‘How is this child even functioning?’ “Kids are dealing with it silently. The dental piece is another part of the community schools initiative, and without this partnership, we wouldn’t be able to recognize it and treat it,” she said. “I guess this is why I do my job.” Christenberry is one of 14 community schools in Knox County. Twelve are run by the Great Schools Partnership, two by the University of Tennessee (Inskip and Pond Gap). Twelve are elementary schools: Beaumont Magnet, Christenberry, Dogwood,
SUNDAY, SEPT. 25 “Children in the Arts,” 2:30 p.m., Amphitheater at the World’s Fair Park, 954 World’s Fair Park Drive. Presented by Tennessee Children’s Dance Ensemble along with other children representing performing arts such as classical and contemporary music, drama and storytelling. Tickets: $7 adults; children, one penny. Tickets: 584-9636; at the gate. Info: tcdedance@gmail.com. Music in the Park Concert Series: Frog and Toad’s Dixie Quartet, 5-9 p.m., Ijams Nature Center, 2915 Island Home Ave. Bring blankets and lawn chairs. Cost: $5, kids 5 and under are free. No coolers or pets. Info: 577-4717.
MONDAY, SEPT. 26 Friendlytown, 7:30-9 p.m., Pilot Light, 106 E. Jackson Ave. Free weekly comedy show featuring a standup comedy open mic. West Knox Book Club: “Nightingale” by Kristin Hannah, 10 a.m., Bearden Branch Library, 100 Golfclub Road. Info: 588-8813.
TUESDAY, SEPT. 27 Computer Workshops: Excel, 2-4:15 p.m., East Tennessee History Center, 601 S. Gay St. Requires “Word Basics” or equivalent skills. Info/registration: 215- 8700. “Cuban Fire with Paquito D’Rivera” presentation by Knoxville Jazz Orchestra, 8 p.m., Bijou Theatre, 803 S. Gay St. Tickets: $35.50 adult; $15 student. Info/ tickets: knoxjazz.org; 684-1200. Einstein Simplified Comedy Improv troop, 8 p.m., Scruffy City Hall, Market Square. Free admission. Knox Area Rescue Ministries (KARM) Dinner of Hope, Knoxville Marriott Ballroom, 501 E Hill Ave. Silent auction, 5:15-6:50 p.m.; dinner, 6:30-7; special music with Jordan Infield and Tyler & Erica Bird, 7-7:30; program with Dr. Stephen Mansfield, 7:30-8:30. Tickets: $100. Info/tickets: Karm.org/dinnerofhope.
TUESDAY-FRIDAY, SEPT. 27-30 “Walking in Sunlight: The Life and Legacy of Uncle Dave Macon,” a musical stage play, 7 p.m., Middle Tennessee State University Tucker Theatre, Champion Way, Murfreesboro. Tickets: $4, students K-12 and seniors 60+; $8.50, general admission. Info/ tickets: showclix.com/event/Walkinginsunlight.
faith
SOUTH KNOX Shopper news • SEPTEMBER 21, 2016 • 7
cross currents Lynn Pitts lpitts48@yahoo.com
The last day of summer The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved. Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there? For the hurt of my poor people I am hurt, I mourn, and dismay has taken hold of me. (Jeremiah 8:20-21 NRSV)
Lake Hills Presbyterian is a community center, too By Kelly Norrell Lauren Claxton, 17, looks forward to a fall tradition at Lake Hills Presbyterian Church, where she is a lifelong member. On the first night of youth group, which this year was Sept. 11, the middle and high school students always play a game of kickball – only with a twist. Before playing, each person must roll a dice and perform a task. “For example, if I roll a ‘3,’ I have to kick backward,” Lauren said. “It is so fun. It is a blast. We all look forward to that good game of kickball. “Church for me is a time for worship, a time for service and a time for fun. I think it provides a stable group of friends.” The Rev. James McTyre, pastor, describes it another way. “We are a church and also a community center. It’s a neighborhood church that serves the community. We are small enough that we know everyone’s name but big enough that we can
do good programs.” Located at 3805 Maloney Road at the center of the sprawling Lakemoor Hills neighborhood, the church of just under 300 members offers some unusual tools of ministry. They include tennis courts, a walking trail, basketball goals and a playground, all free and open to the public. The church offers its facilities to neighborhood groups, too, like the Lakemoor Hills Neighborhood Association, and invites neighbors to all church events. A seasonal favorite is a fall festival, planned for Oct. 30 at 4 p.m. The public is invited to come in costume for hayrides, hot dogs and a Trunk or Treat with plenty of candy. Diane and Jim de Ropp, who have belonged to the church for more than 30 years, love that it is just three minutes from home. They help the church in its neighborhood ministry and enjoy the church’s amenities. “My tennis league plays at the church once a week,
and I go down and play with my husband or my friends,” said Diane de Ropp. “The courts are open to anyone. The church doesn’t lock them.” She headed a recent drive that raised more than $21,000 to renovate the courts and the surrounding fence. She hopes that many people will come to use them. McTyre said the church purposely meets needs of all age groups. For example, it is planning an exercise class for older adults. “It is focused on balance and body strength to prevent falls.” McTyre said the church is working with the South Knoxville Senior Center and the University of Tennessee Community Health Program.
FAITH NOTES
Free Senior Day at Zoo Knoxville Gentry Griffey Funeral Chapel & Crematory is sponsoring Free Senior Day at Zoo Knoxville on Tuesday, Oct. 4. Senior adults 65 and older will receive free admittance to the zoo plus free parking and a 10 percent discount on concessions and gift-shop purchases. Last year there were 800 attendees, and Gentry Griffey is hoping to see that number increase this year.
■ Park West Church, 7635 Middlebrook Pike, will host “Permission to Laugh,” a three-day women’s celebration, Thursday-Saturday, Sept. 29-Oct. 1. Tickets: $45. Info/tickets: annasgate.org.
Mayor’s picnic celebrates senior adults
SENIOR NOTES ■ South Knox Senior Center 6729 Martel Lane 573-5843 knoxcounty.org/seniors Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Offerings include: dulcimer and guitar lessons; arts and crafts classes; dance classes; exercise programs; Tai Chi; card games; Joymakers practice; free swim 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. Senior Meals program noon each Wednesday and Friday. Flag retirement ceremony presented by WoodmanLife members, 9:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 23.
Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett welcomes senior adults to the 10th annual appreciation picnic. Photos by Ruth White
Rose Klix, Hya Smith and Lori Beard enjoy some photo booth fun at the Mayor’s Senior Appreciation picnic at John Tarleton Park.
Register for: Xxxx. ■ South Knox Community Center 522 Old Maryville Pike 573-3575 Monday-Friday Hours vary Offerings include a variety of senior programs. ■ John T. O’Connor Senior Center 611 Winona St. 523-1135 knoxseniors.org/oconnor. html Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
In outreach ministry, members serve in a mentoring program at Mount Olive Elementary School. The church also has adopted teachers at South-Doyle Middle School for whom to purchase classroom supplies and other items. College students benefit as well. The church provides meals periodically at the UT Presbyterian Center. Sara Morgan, the church’s parish associate for education and wife of UT Presbyterian campus minister Andy Morgan, also serves on the Board of Church Visitors at Maryville College. Info: 865-577-8510, email office@lakehillspres. org, http://www.lakehillspres.org/, Lake Hills Presbyterian on Facebook.
Today is officially the last day of summer. I know there are people (especially schoolchildren) who dread seeing the end of summer; they are the folks who don’t mind the heat, who work on their tans, who hate the thought of cooler weather. There are even people who decamp to the warm Southwest until fall and winter are over! Then there are people like me. When I hear the first leaves rustle, I know it is almost my time! Autumn will be here soon: The skies are bluer, the stars are brighter, the air is cooler and clearer. However, the Jeremiah text quoted above is not a joyful observation. The first verse ends with these words: “and we are not saved.” Jeremiah was lamenting over the circumstances of his people. They were suffering from drought, and apparently the resin from the Styrax tree (widely used for medicinal purposes) was not produced in the needed amounts that year. That lack was the reason for Jeremiah’s famous cry: “Is there no balm in Gilead?” (And, of course, the source of the beloved spiritual that declares that indeed “There Is a Balm in Gilead.”) On this last day of summer, I cry with Jeremiah for all those who suffer, for children without food, for the elderly who are waiting for release, for the sick who have little hope, for the frightened, the despairing, the lonely, the dying. Offer a prayer, a smile, a call, a visit, a card. Be a balm.
Tim Irwin takes a break from playing with The Chilbillies for a photo with Linda Workman and his mom, Judy Rechenbach.
Vamerie Cody dances in her seat to musical entertainment provided by The Chillbillies.
Offerings include: Card games, billiards, senior fitness, computer classes, bingo, blood pressure checks 10:30-11:30 a.m. Monday-Friday. Register for: Matter of Balance, 12:30 p.m. Fridays, Sept. 23-Nov. 18; course free but registration required. Fall Festival of Health Care: health fair, flu shots (appointment needed) and fall prevention kickoff, 8:30-11:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 23. ■ Knox County Senior Services City County Building 400 Main St., Suite 615 215-4044 Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
It’s football time at Windsor Gardens!
Clyde and Suzanne Howell are decked out in orange as they get ready to pose for pictures inside the photo booth sponsored by Independent Insurance Consultants.
Windsor Gardens threw its first pep rally of the season for the UT football Volunteers on Sept. 1 – the first of many! Residents cheered at the top of their lungs hoping for a Tennessee victory. Of course, everything from the food to the décor shouted orange and white: Cheetos, white cheddar popcorn, orange punch and orange and white cupcakes with mini footballs. The Windsor residents are beyond excited for another football season. They even made their own T-shirts with the words “Feels Like’98”! I said it’s great to be a Tennessee Vol!” Pictured are Delphia Jeffers, Betty Wildman, Georgie Cody, Mac Crutchfield, Bill Campbell, Saundra Long and Imogene Tyree.
business
8 • SEPTEMBER 21, 2016 • Shopper news
Life House coffee shop sets the pace By Sandra Clark
the Rotary guy Tom King tking535@gmail.com
Mark Webb’s ‘Rotary Moment’ happened at Beaumont Magnet Mark Webb works with people and numbers as a financial adviser, but his role with the Rotary Club of Knoxville is all about kids, books and reading. “I do have a passion for literacy and you can’t do this unless you do,” this Rotarian of six years says. Mark coordinates some 50 members of the club who volunteer to read to students each Wednesday after school at Beaumont Magnet Academy, a Title I elementary school (grades K-5). The school has a high number Mark Webb of disadvantaged children and 75 percent of them are economically disadvantaged. Many of these students read below grade level. “If the kids can read it means they have a chance, a chance, to be successful in life. One of the greatest things you can do is read to them and focus on literacy,” Mark says. He began working with Beaumont when he was on the club’s Literacy Committee. Now he chairs the club’s first-ever Local Community Service Committee and Beaumont is its first project. The club provided $10,000 this year to purchase approximately 700 new books for the library and establish literacy programs within the school for its 550 students. The children in the after-school book club are grouped by grades: K-1, 2-3 and 4-5. A background check is done on each member. “We read books for an hour to grades K-3 but in grades 4-5 we read the books and also discuss them,” Mark says. “It’s discussion and interaction.” Allen Pannell, RCK president, says: “Mark has played the primary role in creating, implementing and managing our new relationship with Beaumont Academy. His work has been tireless and I fear his recognition has been lacking. Mark is indeed an unsung hero.” Mark thinks back to his “Rotary Moment,” when something happens that explains why a Rotarian is a Rotarian. “One kid was always sitting in the back and not listening or reading and we were reading ‘Marley and Me.’ But he came back for the last session to a pizza party. He decided to read the book and says it was the first book he had ever read.” That’s when his Rotary Moment happened. “This young boy looked at me and asked if I knew of some other books I could recommend to him. That made a big impact on me. We changed him. He’s a reader now.”
Every downtown needs one. Every historic railroad town had one. That’s a coffee shop, a place where neighbors can sit and talk. Last Saturday, Life House officially opened on the corner of Brickyard and Emory roads in the heart of Historic Powell Station. It’s a three-in-one venue, says Michael Cox. First, there’s Life House Coffee Shop, managed by Jennifer Bopp, a chef most recently at Bistro by the Tracks. She also owns BitterSweet bakery and will provide fresh-baked pastries to the shop. Cox says the coffee beans are imported and purchased from missionaries who sell indigenous products to help fund their ministry. “We’ve got more than a coffee pot,” he says. Open from 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., the shop offers eat-in or carryout with salads, soups and sandwiches. Second, there’s a music studio and venue for private lessons. The Redemption School of Worship is led by Jihan Cox (pronounced with a soft Z like Zsa Zsa Gabor). “She’s an incredible worship leader,” says husband Michael. “She’s good at getting everyone involved. … We’ve released two solo project albums.” Jihan says the school trains in music while “giving identity in Christ.” She sees the coffee shop and music school as ways “to love on people.” Third, the facility houses Redemption Life, an independent church that has been meeting for three-plus years in the Coxes’ home. With training as a pastor, Michael Cox worked for 13 years as a youth minis-
Chef Jennifer Bopp with Michael Cox and Jihan Cox at Life House coffee shop in Historic Downtown Powell. Photo by S. Clark ter before he felt the call to plant a new church in Powell. “Our desire is to break down every barrier that stands between a person and their knowing the love of God,” he says. “We believe God loves them enough to meet them wherever they are.” So, on Sundays, the coffee shop is closed and the musical equipment is used for worship. But don’t look for pews. Members and guests will sit at tables in a relaxed atmosphere. The building is rated to seat 100. “We will have nights of worship led by different churches. We’ll be available for community meetings and for youth groups,” Michael said. High School Happy Hour offers a hot pretzel or bag of chips plus a fountain drink for $2 from 3:30-4:30 p.m. weekdays. With restored brick walls and contemporary décor, the place rivals anything in Bearden or the
Old City. Michael Cox explains: “We sought out a building that was in rough shape because we want to picture to the community how God can restore or redeem. … We totally transformed the inside (a former bar) to create a bright spot in Powell. “Anthony Bowers (Powell resident who owns the Little Caesar’s Pizza there) purchased the building and has
been a wonderful partner. He shares our vision.” Both Michael and Jihan grew up in Powell and studied at Lee University. They now have seven kids, ranging in age from 11 to three months. Jihan homeschools them and will teach music lessons three afternoons each week. The store is at 7545 Brickyard Road. Info: Facebook or 865-859-9218
BIZ NOTES ■ Crye-Leike real estate agents are collecting items to be auctioned to benefit United Way. The auction will begin at 1 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 29, at Crye-Leike’s West Knoxville office, 9539 Kingston Pike. It is open to the public. Affiliate broker Jack Lowery is organizing the local auction and serving as team captain for his branch office’s United Way campaign. Tickets for $20 will make buyers eligible to win a Canon EOS Rebel T5 DSLR digital camera with multiple lenses. Proceeds benefit United Way. Info: Jack Lowery at 865-684-0751. ■ Kimberly Hickman has been appointed resident commissioner of Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation. She has lived in Knoxville since 2002 when she moved from Illinois with her family. After participating in required classes, she purchased a home using the Section 8 voucher to pay a portion of her mortgage. She is a certified nursing assistant and the mother of two children, ages 15 and 16.
October 22, 2016 Register Today! www.KomenKnoxville.org