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union county
VOL. 6, NO. 24
JUNE 11, 2011
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Jason Earley teaches basic songwriting to middle and high school students Andrew Rymer, Isaac Arthur and Kristen Richey.
Fun in the ‘Son’
Artist Pat Clapsaddle teaches painting with watercolor to middle and high school students Destiny Cary, Alison Merritt, Allison Brown, and Lucas Nicely at the Creator’s University summer program. Photos by C. Taylor
VBS bash at Milan See Cindy’s story on page A-5
Creator’s University offers summer classes The early bird catches the gnat Dr. Collier tells us about blue-gray gnatcatchers, his favorite spring birds See page A-6
Creation destination By Cindy Taylor
Luttrell election results See page A-3
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For many students, attending school this summer may have a long lasting positive effect on their lives. This is the first summer for Creator’s University to be offered at Union County High School. The university is the concept of Mach 5 Leadership Solutions founder and CEO Tom Heemstra. More than 15 students signed up for classes in watercolor painting, oil painting, art, photography, songwriting, creative writing and dance.
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4509 Doris Circle 37918 (865) 922-4136 news@ShopperNewsNow.com ads@ShopperNewsNow.com EDITOR Cindy Taylor brentcindyt@gmail.com ADVERTISING SALES Darlene Hutchison hutchisond@ Shopper NewsNow.com Shopper-News is a member of KNS Media Group, published weekly at 4509 Doris Circle, Knoxville, TN, and distributed to 11,000 homes in Union County.
sionals and who are giving freely of their time at 15 hours a week. The time these volunteers are donating is worth thousands of dollars.” Supplies for most classes are provided either by the teachers or by the university. “I already had a lot of the supplies, so I thought it would be good for these students to make use of them,” said Clapsaddle. Clapsaddle is not only a professional painter, but a potter as well.
There is consideration in the long term for starting classes for adults as well. Heemstra feels that adults need to realize their creative potential, too. “What we hope to accomplish here is only a small part of what Creator’s University is all about,” said Heemstra. “Very few students consider themselves creative, and our goal here is to change that.” The university is a pilot program for this summer with plans to expand in coming years to include drama and other creative courses.
Classy Kids is after school care provider By Cindy Taylor
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Teachers are artist Aurora Bull, Union County High School graduate Marcia Walker, artist Pat Clapsaddle, photographer Marvin Jeffries, Heemstra and local musician Jason Earley. Classes began June 6, and each class is three hours long. Heemstra had a surprise for those who signed up. “We charged tuition, but thanks to all of our volunteers we will be returning that money to the students,” said Heemstra. “We have excellent teachers who are profes-
Union County has seen many changes and improvements in the past year. Thanks to April Headrick and the Union County school board, one more need has been met. Headrick presented a request to the board in early spring seeking approval to begin after-school care at all Union County schools. The board agreed that this was a necessity that needed to be addressed but decided to give others an opportunity to bid a contract. Other day cares submitted paperwork, but in the end it was Classy Kids and Headrick who won the contract. “We plan to begin after-school care when school starts back at the end of the summer,” said Headrick. “We have already had a lot of calls about this.” Classy Kids is conveniently located between Horace Maynard Middle School and Maynardville Elementary, but this was not a factor in the board’s decision. Headrick plans to have staff at each of the elementary schools to care for students who cannot go home immediately after school. Classy Kids will continue to service Maynardville Elementary students after school at the location beside the school rather than on school grounds. There is a possibility for before-school care at all schools as well.
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per 15 students. All programs will be licensed by the state, and students can receive help with homework, music studies, exercise and more. “Classy Kids after-school care at Union County elementary schools will provide a safe, orderly environment as an option for working parents to ensure students are well cared for after school is dismissed,” said Director of Schools Wayne Goforth. “The programs offered will provide students with another opportunity for achieving success. Needless to say, the staff and I are extremely excited about this program.” Headrick currently has five staff members and will hire at least three Classy Kids teacher Brooke Simpson shows students Evan Singletary, Gracie more. Headrick requires college Reeves, Krista Cooke and Preston Hall how to make sand sculptures. The May- courses in education or a minimum nardville day care will provide after-school services at all Union County schools of two to three years’ experience in child care. There are DHS guidelines starting this fall. Photo by C. Taylor that must be met as well. Headrick “We have had a before- and after- location for Maynardville Elemen- covers the cost of ongoing training school program here at Classy Kids tary, so this expansion won’t be a and education for all staff. “I am very particular about who for years, but with this new program difficult one. Headrick’s staff will so many parents ask if we plan to do simply travel to other schools rather I hire,” said Headrick. “This is my before-school care also,” said Head- than transporting students to Classy reputation on the line, and I usurick. “We haven’t decided for certain Kids. Snacks will be provided at each ally look for people I know personif we will extend that to all schools, location, and they will also make sure ally who have the training I require. but it is a possibility. Some things are students are being fed when school Whatever the need is for each school, still in the works, such as whether or dismisses early due to weather. Par- that is the need we plan to meet. The not we will offer service during school ents will have until 6 p.m. to pick up most important thing is we are going to be there for the students and the their children on any day. holidays and breaks.” The after-school program is for parents.” Classy Kids has been doing afterInfo: 992-5437. school care for 13 years at their home ages 5-12. There will be one teacher
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TOWN HALL MEETING
fIGHTING RISING DRUG USE June 16 • 6:30pm Union County High School Now is the opportunity for Union Countians to take a stand and make a difference! Come join us for the showing of
“Appalachian Dawn” Food will be available