POSTAL CUSTOMER
VOL. 10 NO. 49
www.S oppe NewsNow.co www.ShopperNewsNow.com
BUZZ Christmas parade The Union County Christmas Parade will be held 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 13, starting from Wilson Park and heading north on Highway 33 in Maynardville. Arrive early for your float to be judged.
Christmas
comes to
Union County
Book signing A.H. Richardson, author of “Jorie and the Magic Stones” and “Murder in Little Shendon,” will sign copies of her books 3-6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 11, at Maynardville Public Library, 296 Main Street. Originally from England, Richardson now makes her home in Tennessee. Info: 992-7106
Basket weaving class offered
County Mayor Mike Williams takes a turn on Santa’s lap at the Christmas Tree Lighting.
Mary Ann Blevins will teach a basket weaving class 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, at Union County Arts, 1009 Main Street, Maynardville. Cost is $30 and covers all materials needed to take home a finished basket. Age 12 years and older. Space is limited to 10 students. Info: 992-9161
By Shannon Carey Downtown Maynardville was full of good cheer Nov. 28, as the community gathered for the annual Christmas Tree Lighting on the courthouse steps. Children lined up to sit on Santa’s lap and tell that jolly old elf their Christmas wishes. Folks brought their antique and classic cars for the cruisein portion of the evening, and County Commissioner Gary England played seasonal tunes on his famous Sound Machine. England thanked everyone who participated, including those who served refreshments, Shabby Chic 33 Boutique and Tea Room for their sidewalk sale of goodies, and the Union County Rescue Squad for blocking the streets. The huge tree was assembled over two days by the county maintenance crew and inmate workers. Along with lights, ornaments from local schools adorned the tree. “This is all about Union County,” said Mayor Mike Williams. “This is all about you.” Santa himself gave the final countdown for the tree’s lights to come alive. Next up for Union County’s Christmas celebration is the Union County Christmas Parade, hosted by the Union County Rescue Squad. The parade will start at 2 p.m. from Wilson Park in Maynardville. Participants should arrive early if they would like their f loats to be judged.
IN THIS ISSUE Meet local artist Brian Whitson Brian Whitson is not your typical Union County artist. Where others come with scenic landscapes, Whitson has pursued the edgier world of abstract art, and his work has received international acclaim.
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Learning English at school Wendy Shoffner shepherds a special group of students in Union County Schools: those for whom English is not their first language. This year, 16 students are enrolled in the program, and Shoffner is there to help.
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December 9, 2015
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Kayley Cope tells Santa Claus her Christmas wishes on the courthouse steps at the Union County Christmas Tree Lighting. See more photos on page 2. Photos by S. Carey
Better than coffee What a pleasure it was to begin the day in high school visiting with good friends, both fellow students and adults. I remember a group of us beginning each day of my junior year before homeroom meeting in Mr. Sam Jennings’ classroom. He was a warm, friendly man who was more than willing to let me meet with my friends in the back of his classroom every morning.
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Read Ronnie Mincey on page 4
7049 Maynardville Pike 37918 (865) 922-4136 NEWS news@ShopperNewsNow.com Shannon Carey | Bonnie Peters ADVERTISING SALES ads@ShopperNewsNow.com Patty Fecco | Tony Cranmore Beverly Holland | Amy Lutheran
Pawelk encourages ‘radical acts of love’ By Shannon Carey You may have noticed a familiar name in the Knoxville daily paper Nov. 28. Fr. Steve Pawelk of Blessed Theresa of Calcutta Catholic Mission in Maynardville wrote a heartfelt letter to the editor in the wake of recent terrorist Fr. Pawelk attacks and concerns over Syrian refugees. His message is simple: meet evil with love. He committed to do at least one kind act out of his normal routine every day for all of December, and he challenged everyone to do the same. Pawelk said God put a burden on his heart for Syrian refugees when the topic came up in a Bible
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study and prayer meeting. “As Christians we have to respond differently. What can we do instead of giving in to the rhetoric of fear? This was my response: our love must be more radical than the terror,” he said. “We are people that believe that Christ is victorious and evil has already lost.” He also posted his letter on his Facebook page. Soon, he had responses from Pennsylvania, Minnesota and New Jersey, and even right here in Union County, pledging to join him. Just three days into December, Pawelk had already made good on his promise and made plans for more. He was hesitant to share his plans, as some of them were meant to be surprises. Dec. 2, he spotted a mother with four kids in a local grocery store. The kids were gath-
ered around a gumball machine. Pawelk stepped up with quarters for the kids to get gumballs. “Small things like that make a difference,” he said. “The mom’s tension was relieved, and the kids were happy.” Others have similar stories. A man bought fun items at the dollar store and distributed them at Children’s Hospital. Some are writing letters or calling people with whom they have lost touch. Another man fulfilled the Christmas lists of three children in the Union County Children’s Charities Under the Tree program. One woman said she would simply look for Emmanuel, “God with us,” every day in December, watching to see God in her everyday life. But some daily acts of love
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aren’t planned. Call it serendipity or providence, some are choosing to act when the moment is right. “I’m trying to respond to what comes before me in a unique way,” said Pawelk. “I’m trying to be open to the moment and what the Lord asks me to do.” And Pawelk has already found himself on the receiving end of radical acts of love. Last week, a business unexpectedly donated 375 hams to the food bank at Pawelk’s church in Grainger County. “When we do acts of love, the blessings surprise us,” he said. “All I want to prove is that love is more powerful than fear.” Pawelk encouraged everyone to join in December’s Radical Acts of Love. Those who wish to do so may call him at 865-992-7222.
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business
2 • DECEMBER 9, 2015 • UNION COUNTY Shopper news
Study seeks potential of
LMU honors
Judge Joe Duncan The Lincoln Memorial University-John J. Duncan Jr. School of Law has honored retired Judge Joe D. Duncan with a portrait unveiling. Judge Duncan’s portrait joins those of lawyers Abraham Lincoln, John J. Duncan Jr. and the late Robert H. Watson Jr., who was a member of the LMU board of trustees. Judge Duncan served as a U.S. Air Force navigator from 1943 to 1945 during Judge Duncan World War II. He returned home, married his childhood sweetheart, Lou, and that included the adminisfinished his education, trative responsibilities for earning a bachelor’s degree the nine-member court. “Judge Joe D. Duncan from the University of Tennessee and an LLM degree was well known for his pafrom the UT College of Law. tience, courtesy and sound Upon admission to the bar, judgment,” said law school he joined the practice of his dean Gary R. Wade. “He was older brother, John J. Dun- especially well known for his humor and storytelling. can Sr. “He mentored many Joe D. Duncan served as an FBI agent 1950-53. members of the bench durIn 1966, he was elected as ing his tenure and continues the Criminal Court Judge to participate in bench and for Knox County, where he bar activities in Knoxville. “It is very fitting that his served for nine years before being appointed by Gov. portrait have a prominent Winfield Dunn to the Ten- position in the LMU-Dunnessee Court of Criminal can School of Law where it Appeals. During the last is our mission to educate three years of his 15-year the next generation of bench tenure, Duncan served as and bar members to serve presiding judge, a position Appalachia and beyond.”
grape industry
The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics in collaboration with the UT Center for Profitable Agriculture is performing an analysis of growth opportunities for the state’s grape and wine industry. The study is part of a new effort sponsored by USDA, as well as other private and public partners, to advance rural development associated with several of the state’s agricultural sectors. From new farming businesses, to beef processing and grape and wine production, the external funding, which amounts to more than $75,000, has the potential to help agricultural businesses and rural economies grow. The Tennessee Farm Winegrowers Association (TFWA) is among the project sponsors. The analysis will study the history of the farm-wine industry in Tennessee, including some national perspective of the industry, and assess the current state of the state’s farm-wine industry. The work will also assess the
Christmas comes to Union County
current grape-production situation in Tennessee. David Hughes, professor of agricultural and resource economics, is leading the study along with Rob Holland of the CPA. In addition to an analysis of the historical perspectives of the industry, Dr. Hughes says the effort will include: ■ Cost analysis (an enterprise budget) for establishing and maintaining a vineyard in Tennessee, including perspectives from key growers currently operating in the state. ■ Evaluation of existing enterprise budgets for additional grape varieties. ■ Development of a general cost analysis (a generic pre-business plan) for establishing and operating a winery in Tennessee. ■ An analysis of the demand for “Tennessee” wines by state residents (including label/claims/branding requirements for use of Tennessee grapes) with an assessment of price premiums based on consumer interest in locally and regionally grown foods. ■ An overall assessment of industry growth poten-
tial for Tennessee grapes and Tennessee wineries based on national and state industry trends, costs and demand analysis. TFWA president Don Collier said, “The wine and grape industry in North Carolina and Virginia has over a billion-dollar impact on their state’s economy. The TFWA feels this study is a critical step in making a billion-dollar impact on the Tennessee economy in the rural farm areas of Tennessee where jobs and economic development are so desperately needed.” Holland expects preliminary results from the effort to be available as early as January 2016. Initial results of the study show that the wine industry is growing nationally with especially strong growth in Tennessee. Preliminary budget analysis indicates that a wellmanaged muscadine vineyard is, over the long term, a profitable enterprise. Both Holland and Hughes expect the study’s results will help
growers with critical decisions regarding establishing or expanding their vineyards and wineries. In addition to the grape and wine portions of the study, the overall research effort includes these remaining objectives: ■ Increasing opportunities for livestock harvesting and processing, ■ Developing an educational pilot workshop for beginning farm operations, and ■ Developing an online market assessment tool that extracts census data for specific geographic locations for those in farmingrelated businesses.
A gift baskett of Tennessee product – butt where’s n pie? the moon
From page 1
State suggests Lynn Sexton welcomes friends and neighbors onto his back porch truck. Pictured are Sexton, Barbara Williams, James Norris, Cat Hamilton, Ray Frazier, Johnny Mynatt and Jeremy Mynatt.
local gifts
Are you running out of time to shop for everybody on your list? Can’t figure out what to give to people who already have everything, or want to send a reminder of home to friends and loved ones far away? Do you have favorite clients you want to remember? There’s still time to give and send local artisan and farm-direct products, either individually or in gift baskets, with the help of Pick Tennessee and The Taste of Tennessee online store. The Taste of Tennessee store is a featured section of the Pick Tennessee website, providing a gateway to businesses focused on locally grown and made products. The store features a wide variety of upscale products in addition to Tennessee’s traditional farm fare. Tennessee produces handmade artisan chocolates and other fancy confections, farm-direct meats and cheeses, handmade soaps, skincare products made from local farm ingredients, and holiday favorites like baking mixes and
jellies. E-shoppers can send, straight from a local farm or retail store, an aged country ham, honey, fruit butters or sorghum syrup, a naturally raised fresh turkey – or even a Christmas goose. Typical independent businesses with local products include on-farm and farmers market retail stores, gift shops, florists, local wineries, food coops, or regional diners and restaurants. Some of these small businesses specialize in gift baskets made with Tennessee products and can ship those baskets to recipients across the country or across the globe. To access the online store, go to the Pick Tennessee homepage and click on the Taste of Tennessee gift basket image. Shoppers are linked to business or producer sites from there. Gifts can then be purchased directly from the producer. Find farms and retail stores with local products, seasonal foods and gift baskets at PickTnProducts.org.
James and Frances Russell show their antique car at the Christmas Tree Lighting. Photos by S. Carey
See yourself from a different point of view. Sometimes, your feet seem so far away, don’t they? After all, your smiles, sneezes, winks, those holes for your ear buds, that hand bringing you your first morning sip of coffee — all of the really important stuff seems to be at or near the top of you. Your feet are, well, way down there. But now, see yourself from a different point of view. Your feet are your foundation. They support you whenever you stand, walk, or run. Foot instability can be the cause of many postural problems throughout your body. A bad hair day isn’t going to make your feet sore, but bad feet can cause aches and pains all over. We care about your feet. Chiropractic adjustments and Foot Levelers’ custom-made Spinal Pelvic Stabilizers — a unique form of in-shoe orthotics — have helped thousands of people bring their bodies back to a natural state of alignment. Call us today to see how our Associate™ Platinum digital scanner can show you how your feet affect your postural status.
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UNION COUNTY Shopper news • DECEMBER 9, 2015 • 3
Whitson: ‘Your experience matters’
community
By Shannon Carey Brian Whitson is not your typical Union County artist. Where others come with scenic landscapes, Whitson has pursued the edgier world of abstract art, and his work has received international acclaim. But Whitson is quick to say that he’s not famous. “It’s not like being Stephen King,” he said. “It’s like being somebody who writes one of the Star Trek book series. People who are into that know who you are.” Whitson grew up in Union County, attended Union County High School and later the University of Tennessee, where he studied religion and philosophy. He always loved painting, but in college he became fascinated with a study of Christian iconography over time. It was purely academic until he was diagnosed with congestive heart while working on a master’s degree. He had to drop out and turned to art as a form of therapy. “It started off as a few giveaways, and before I knew it, it was a full-time job,” he said. Whitson later “rode the silicon wave” in California, then spent time as a consultant in Austin, Texas. His parents started hav-
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Professional artist and Union County native Brian Whitson Photo by S. Carey
One of Brian Whitson’s early works, “Down the River Light.” The painting was sold to a private owner in Connecticut. local. Whitson takes inspiraThis American Flag painting by Brian Whitson hangs in District tion from his own life experiences. He compares Attorney Jared Effler’s office. creating art to “shoveling through a lot of closets in ing health problems, so he his master’s degree. Both your head.” His Orange Girl returned to Union County, of his parents have passed series is the most requested enrolled in UT and finished away now, but he’s stayed of his works, depicting nude physical exam, lab tests as appropriate, immunizations, vision and hearing screening, developmental and behavior screenings as appropriate, and advice on healthy living. Union Countians interested in the program should contact the Union County Health Department’s community outreach representative, Pam Williams. Info: 9923867, ext. 131.
Call for artists
■ Arts in the Airport: juried exhibition allows regional artists to compete and display work at McGhee Tyson Airport secured area behind the security gate checkpoint March 17-Oct. 12. Theme: “Smoky Mountain Air Show.” Entries deadline: midnight Sunday, Feb. 7. Info/ application: knoxalliance.com; Suzanne Cada, 523-7543 or sc@knoxalliance.com. ■ Dogwood Arts Festival:
juried artists are selected to exhibit and sell their original work in mixed media, clay, drawing/pastels, glass, jewelry, leather, metal, painting, photography, sculpture and wood in April. Info/application: dogwoodarts.com. ■ Gallery of Arts Tribute: a juried exhibition developed to recognize local artists and honor the life and times of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Artwork should be delivered 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday and Tuesday,
female forms in orange pigments. The series references his time at UT in the 1990s, confronting gender issues in religious studies and an upsurge in rape on campus. “The girls are orange for a reason,” he said. “Their stance is often de-
fiant and angry. Whitson recently donated an American Flag painting to District Attorney Jared Graves’ office, and he has works for sale at Union County Arts in downtown Maynardville. He hopes that his example of abstract art will inspire Union County’s young artists. “These kids, they’re bringing an experience that you have no idea of, and that’s valuable,” he said. “We’ve got more to offer than just pretty skylines. Your experience matters.” Whitson doesn’t think that art is just a hobby, especially for Union County. “We have bred influential culturalists here,” he said. “For example, Chet Atkins, he changed the way things were done. But it’s not just musicians. We have writers and tons of artists.” Now, in addition to his art, Whitson is chair of Union County’s Democratic Party. And he’s hoping to branch out into a new medium: sculpture. In particular, a memorial piece for the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars. The structure would be durable and interactive. He just needs to fi nd the land. For more information about Brian Whitson and his art, contact Union County Arts at 992-9161.
Jan. 4-5. Entry form: knoxalliance.com/MLK.htm; or SASE to Arts & Culture Alliance, P.O. Box 2506, Knoxville TN 37901. Info: Suzanne Cada, 523-7543 or sc@knoxalliance.com. ■ Scruff y City Art Contest: a juried art exhibit competition celebrating Knoxville’s blend of Southern history and modern development on the banks of the Tennessee River. Free and open to all artists. Submissions deadline: Feb. 15. Info: liz-beth.com/contest.
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opinion
4 • DECEMBER 9, 2015 • UNION COUNTY Shopper news
To ponder the meaning of Christmas
On a recent morning at church the announcement was the beginning of Adtent. When I got home from vent, the time of preparaschool, my mother told me tion before Christmas to get that a teacher from the high ready to celebrate Christ’s school named Mr. Jennings birth. had come to the house to borrow a tie from me. I was honored that he thought of Bonnie me and pleased that I was able to help him in this time Peters of minor crisis. Sadly, Mr. Jennings retired at the end of my junior year. I never again saw Mr. Jennings after he left It is Christian custom to the Union County Schools. celebrate Christmas each I once inquired what hap- Dec. 25; however, some pened to him and was told other religions celebrate that he was in a nursing Christmas on a different home in Sevier County. A few date. years ago I thumbed through Typically Advent begins one of my good friend Mark four Sundays before ChristMartin’s yearbooks from mas. Some people choose Sevier County High School. to fast during this time or I was pleasantly surprised to give up a certain food to find a faculty picture of a or habit. I could not help much younger Sam Jennings but recall how times have than I had known at Horace changed. Maynard High. In the 1940s, unfortuMr. Jennings was suc- nately, the greatest preparaceeded by a young teacher tion for Christmas was fonamed Gina Johnson. I cused on getting the tobacco don’t remember ever actu- handed and to market. It ally speaking a word to her, was about 20 years later but she allowed our group that we began to hear about to continue meeting in the devastating effects of tothe back of her classroom bacco on our health. throughout my senior year. The money from the Ms. Johnson was no lon- tobacco provided many ger teaching in Union Coun- long-awaited items for the ty when I returned to the family. The tobacco money school system as a teacher also provided money for a after college, but just a few few presents, a bountiful years ago she returned to Christmas dinner and probUnion County to teach for ably a bushel of fruit includa short time. I recognized ing apples, oranges, tanher instantly, and though gerines, bananas and some she did not remember me, hard candy and mixed nuts. I thanked her for kindly alThe Christmas tree was lowing our group to contin- not bought at a tree farm, ue to meet in her classroom but as many family membefore school. bers as available walked Time has moved along, the farm to select what we yet memories of good thought was the prettiest friends remain unchanged. cedar or pine tree. Early Next week I will tell of one ornaments were homewho has remained a con- made, and, as I recall, it was stant friend for 36 years. shortly after World War II
Better than morning coffee What a pleasure it was to begin the day in high school visiting with good friends, both fellow students and adults. I remember a group of us beginning each day of my junior year before homeroom meeting in Mr. Sam Jennings’ classroom.
Ronnie Mincey TEACHER TIME I never had Mr. Jennings in class, but there was something about him that was particularly inviting. He was a warm, friendly man who was more than willing to let me meet with my friends Earl Tolliver, Jan Freeh and a fellow named Daryl McAmis in the back of his classroom every morning. I developed a friendship with Mr. Jennings. I still have some old textbooks he gave me. One in particular was a teacher’s edition of an old eighth grade literature book, “A World of Experience.” This really impressed me, for teachers had been giving me books for many years, but Mr. Jennings was one of very few who would dare part with a sacred annotated teacher’s edition. Perhaps that is why I got such pleasure from that particular book. Opportunity presented itself for me unwittingly to repay Mr. Jennings for his kindness. He found himself on an occasion in need of a tie to wear to a meeting. Mr. Jennings lived in Sevierville, and places in Maynardville to buy ties on short notice in the 1980s were practically nonexis-
when we got the first string of electric Christmas lights. Then come the 12 days of Christmas, a time of feasting and fun. Remember the song that we all sang and tried to memorize? … On the 12th day of Christmas, my true love sent to me: Twelve Drummers drumming Eleven Pipers piping Ten Lords a leaping Nine Ladies dancing Eight Maids a milking Seven Swans a swimming Six Geese a laying Five Golden Rings Four Calling Birds Three French Hens Two Turtle Doves and a Partridge in a Pear Tree After the twelfth night comes the Epiphany when the Wise Men (the Three Kings) came to visit Jesus and later the baptism of Jesus. This twelfth night is the traditional time to take down the Christmas tree. I would note that if anyone has a natural tree in your home, safety may require taking it down and out much earlier. The needles will be all over the floor, and the tree will probably be so dry it’s a fire hazard. The Christmas Eve church services after sunset are considered the fi rst service of Christmas Day. Some churches ring their bells at midnight to cel-
Christmas tree lights are on at the Union County Courthouse.
ebrate the beginning of Christmas Day. Long ago and certainly before television, it was fashionable for young people to stroll through neighborhoods singing carols. What a wonderful ex-
perience opportunity for our youth. I understand this Victorian custom will be carried out this year in Tellico Plains. Maybe next year more churches may add caroling to their Christmas festivities.
Maynardville Public Library news
■ Herb class, 11 a.m. each first Saturday. ■ One-on-one classes are available by appointment for those wanting to learn how to use computers and other devices. For appointment: 992-7106. The Maynardville Public Library is located at 296 Main St. Info: 992-7106, maynardvillepubliclibrary.org or on Facebook.
Come to the water “Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly.” (Matt 1:19) Joseph is often overlooked in reflecting on the story of Jesus. Yet this righteous man is Fr. Steve Pawelk a wonderful model for our faith. The Messiah needed to be of the line of David, and this is established through Joseph. Joseph aims to be faithful to the religious law, but he is also a man of mercy. By the law, he could have had Mary stoned, but the law also gave him other options. So he decides not to cause any further harm to Mary or her family. This decision demonstrates a man of strong faith who does not seek revenge or strike out in force when betrayed; rather he seeks justice with mercy. The angel of God appears in his dream and assures him that all is okay. Would he have been able to hear this message if his heart had been hardened by anger and revenge? In accepting Mary and Jesus into his life, you can imagine that Joseph was a victim of jokes, suspicion and rumor. Either he was not a righteous man, or he was a
fool to believe such a ridiculous story … a Virgin Conception. Yet, as a man of faith he could bear insult and false accusations because his strength was in the Lord. He also did all that was asked of him. He followed the law of king by traveling with his very pregnant wife to Bethlehem for the census. He received the three wise men. He followed the dream to flee to Egypt to protect his child. He waited in a foreign land as a refugee until it was safe to return to Nazareth. He traveled to Jerusalem for the holy days of his faith. All of this shows a man of quiet faith who does not draw attention to himself, but simply serves the Lord in humble service. In Joseph we have a model of faith for men today. A righteous man serves the Lord. He is both just and merciful. He shows valor and courage in the face of criticism. He is humble and endures hardship with patience. This Christmas season, may fathers, uncles, stepfathers, grandfathers, and male friends serve the Lord with joy!! The world needs more righteous men of faith! Fr. Steve Pawelk, Pastor Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Mission 4365 Maynardville Hwy. 992-7222
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UNION COUNTY Shopper news • DECEMBER 9, 2015 • 5
Not bad, not bad at all You wanted progress. You got progress. OK, it was eight progresses instead of 10, but not bad, not bad at all. There was one catch. Shopper readers, bless you, picked up on “what might have been” and said the frustration applies to this very entertaining Tennessee team. One called it “brutal honesty” in saying the Volunteers could have been so much more, that those infamous fourth-quarter collapses knocked them down from outstanding to well above average. Stopping Florida on fourth and 17 might have meant two more wins.
Marvin West
We all applaud the successful November. Cheers. We also see through it. The schedule was front-loaded. The second half wasn’t as difficult. The Vols didn’t look all that great at times, but they did what they had to do – win five in a row. They competed. They never took a Saturday off. There is a wonderful connection between true grit, guts and glory.
The pivot point was the day after the painful loss to Arkansas. Heads were drooping. Confidence was fractured. Butch Jones pushed the right button. “We are a good football team,” he said. Enough Volunteers believed and turned the declaration into reality. Let us salute the leaders. Georgia turned out to be the swing game. That victory was good for the soul – and recruiting. The Vols peaked at Kentucky. Special teams were, to use one of Butch’s favorite words, “great.” South Carolina almost spoiled the season. At Mis-
souri, the offense ran boldly between the 20s but the fire went out in the red zone. Hail to Aaron Medley and hard-nosed tacklers. Tennessee treated Vanderbilt’s so-called crusty defense as if it were a myth. In Jones’ third season, coaching continued to evolve. The boss said Mike DeBord did an unbelievable job of setting the mentality and playing complementary football. I enjoyed his scripted opening sets. I thought some Saturdays turned too conservative, old Michigan style. You don’t need me to tell you the running attack was much improved. Consider-
ing injuries, the offensive line exceeded expectations. Coleman Thomas made a difference. Kyler Kerbyson earned a lot of respect. Downfield blocking by receivers (especially Josh Smith) was good. As the proverbial bull in a china shop, Jalen Hurd was beautiful. He caused some DBs to consider tennis or golf. No question about it, Alvin Kamara is a genuine playmaker. Interesting that Joshua Dobbs broke a Jimmy Streater running record. You may blame coaching, receiver injuries, drops or Pig bombing out for the mediocre passing game. OK to point a finger at Dobbs’ inaccuracy. Precise passes were the exception rather than the rule. Tennessee’s defense had
a chance to make this a terrific season. It didn’t finish the big ones, but it did its fair share in the eight victories. The front was tough. I am an Owen Williams fan. Hard to overlook Derek Barnett. Jalen Reeves-Maybin was very good. Darrin Kirkland made magnificent progress. Malik Foreman confused me. I thought no way, but his hustle won the South Carolina game. I hope Cameron Sutton stays for 2016 and becomes an all-American. I hope Brian Randolph can play in the NFL. I wish for Trevor Daniel a richly deserved scholarship. Get well soon, Shy Tuttle. Where are you, Dillon Bates? Marvin West invites reader reaction. His address is westwest6@netzero.com.
ers and other foci of study and ascend the mountains in the Smokies rather than to stroll in our Great Smoky travelling 1,000 miles north Mountains north woods. Our East Tennessee outto find them. So when I walk along door types know what a real south ahead of the ancient a Vermont road amongst treasure we have here in the glaciers, and then who were the big dark spruce and fir high country of East Tenleft behind when the last trees, it’s only natural to nessee and western North great glacier retreated from feel the same comfort as I Carolina. We have New England, the Ohio Valley, 10,000 do when I leave the traffic, crowds and malls behind 50 miles from home. years ago. Some plants and animals are more particular than others about where they live. You’ll find the laid-back robins, for example, or the crows, hopping around in Halls, and you’ll find them a mile higher at Newfound Behold, I shew you a mystery … Gap. But a lot of others (1 Corinthians 15: 51a KJV) are very picky and specific about such matters. By actual count, the King They obey the urging of their northern genes and James Version of the Bible Cross insist upon living up in the contains the word behold Currents 5,000- to 6,000-foot-plus 1,980 times. It appears the zone, or else on up farther first time in Genesis and the Lynn north, as far as southern last time in Revelation. Pitts That is a lot of beholding! Canada. Living down lower Behold means to look, in the valleys is not an option for them. Good ex- to observe, to see. “Watch amples of these include the this,” God seems to be sayClinton’s lily with its porce- ing to us. Or, as we would father and mother.”) What direction is God lain-blue berries, the moun- say today, “Pay attention!” turning you? What does So, are we attentive? tain ash mentioned earlier, Every time I see a rain- God want you to look at, to the mountain maple, and bow, I thank God for His behold? To what does God the firs and spruces. Bird-wise, Tennessee is promises. Every time I see want you to pay attention? These are questions home to a nice batch of high- a baby baptized, I thank worth considering, worth God for a new life devoted elevation birds found elsewhere only farther on north to Him. Every time I see praying about. It is also helpful to have up into Ontario and Quebec. a blood-red sunrise, or a companions along the road. crescent moon, I stand still These include the common raven, brown creeper, win- and whisper a prayer full of Everyone needs a sounding board, a friend who is wise ter wren, and such wood- wonder. On the other hand, there and steadfast, willing and warblers as black-throated blue, black-throated green, are some very unlovely able to tell you the truth without judging you. Those Blackburnian, and Canada. things we must behold. There are some aw- are the folks who can make Lots of other things, great and small, live up there too, ful human sins, such as your life richer by pointlike the scarce northern fly- hatred, racism, jealousy, ing you toward the burning ing squirrel and the endan- murder. There are the eight bushes in your life and saygered, tiny, spruce-fir moss “Thou shalt not’s” in the ing, “Behold!” And it is also always a Ten Commandments. (The spider. Needless to say, bird- other two commandments blessing to have someone in ers and other interested are positives, things we your life who has the cournature-lovers enjoy seeing should do: “Remember the age to say to you, “No, that’s their favorite birds, flow- Sabbath,” and “Honor your not it. That’s not it at all!”
Thanksgiving in Vermont This column comes to you from New England, not so very far from where Thanksgiving began. Grandma and I have family way up here, 60 miles from Canada. More often than not it snows for us on this, our traditional visiting week, but not this year. So far, only a few scattered flakes have sprinkled down, falling as we were looking at loons and gulls on a cold windy day along the edge of huge Lake Champlain, which separates the states of Vermont and New York. Of course being with much-loved and hospitable family, providing lots of wonderful eats and catching up on the past year’s news is a warm and comfortable time. Also of interest to someone who is aware of their outdoor environs, such as an elderly birdwatcher, is the comfortable feeling of being in an area where the outdoors are familiar and welcoming, too. Northern New England has a good feel about it – Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, a thousand road miles from East Tennessee, has a feel that makes you glad that you’re glad you’re there. An experience some
WORSHIP NOTES ■ Black Oak Heights Baptist Church, 405 Black Oak Drive, will host the Celebration Choir’s presentation of “The Heart of Christmas” and the drama “Stolen Jesus,” 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 20. Info: bohbc. org. ■ Fellowship Christian Church and area churches will host
HEALTH NOTES ■ “The Alexander Technique, an Introduction,” 1:303:45 p.m. Monday, Dec. 7, Knoxville Healing Center, 313 N. Forest Park Blvd. Cost: $35; preregistration with confirmation required. Info/ registration: Lilly Sutton, 3877600; Alexander TechniqueKnoxville.com. ■ Cancer Support Community Breast Cancer Networker, 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3, lobby of Thompson Cancer Survival Center West, 9711 Sherrill Blvd. Speaker: Lynn Anderson, RN, MSN, RMT, CQTP. Info: 546-4661. ■ Family Bereavement Group meeting, 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3, Cancer Support Community, 2230 Sutherland Ave. Contact clinical staff before attending. Info: 5464661. ■ Family Fun with Art, 10-11:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, Cancer Support Community, 2230 Sutherland Ave. Info/registration: 546-4661. ■ “Kid-to-Kid: Fun with a Purpose,” 3:30-5 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 8, Cancer Support Community, 2230 Sutherland Ave. Info/registration: 546-4661. ■ “Knit Your Way to Wellness,” 1-3 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3, Cancer Support Community, 2230 Sutherland Ave. Instructor: Shelley Hecht. Info: 546-4661.
Dr. Bob Collier
years ago helped explained to me why it feels that way. We were looking for sea birds at a park along the rocky shore of New Hampshire. As I scanned along with my binoculars a tree appeared in my field of view – compound leaves red with fall color, a big crop of red berries all over it. Where had I seen that striking shrub before? It was a mountain ash, and the last one I had seen before that was at the top of Mount LeConte, in the good old Smokies, at an elevation of 6,594 feet above sea level. That tree, which we had always considered to be one of our rewards for climbing up well over a mile in elevation into the high country of East Tennessee, was growing beside the ocean, one foot above sea level, in New Hampshire. I had always read in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park literature that driving from Knoxville to the annual “Life of Christ” drive-thru exhibit 7-9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 11-12, 746 Tazewell Pike in Luttrell. ■ Hansard Chapel Methodist Church, located on Highway 33 across from Tolliver’s Market, hosts a food pantry 6-7 p.m. each third Saturday. Gently used clothing is also available. Info: the Rev. Jay Richardson, 776-2668.
■ “Improving Postural Balance with The Alexander Technique,” 10:15 a.m.-1:15 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 10, Knoxville Healing Center, 313 N. Forest Park Blvd. Cost: $55; preregistration with confirmation required. Info/registration: Lilly Sutton, 387-7600; AlexanderTechnique Knoxville.com. ■ “Nutrition Ammunition: Eating Well Over the Holidays,” noon-1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 8, Cancer Support Community, 2230 Sutherland Ave. Speaker: Beth Booker, MS, MPH, RD. Info/registration: 546-4661. ■ Peninsula Lighthouse Group of Families Anony-
the top of Clingman’s Dome is equivalent to driving from Knoxville to Maine, as far as the natural scene of plants and animals was concerned. That mountain ash growing by the sea confirmed it. If you’re a tree or a salamander, how high you are above sea level is about as important to your life as how far north you live. Your genes are adapted to let you thrive in a certain niche, decided largely by latitude above the equator and elevation above sea level. So if you’re a northern species, but want to live in the South, you’ll have to live in a place where it’s cool, damp, and shady, somewhere up high. Our East Tennessee and western North Carolina mountains are high. Mount Mitchell in North Carolina, in fact, is the highest point east of the Mississippi River, measuring 6,684 feet above sea level. Haywood County, N.C., is the highest county in the East, with 18 peaks over 5,000 feet. In the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Clingman’s Dome is the highest point at 6,643 feet. Mt. Guyot is second at 6,621 feet, and Tennessee’s own Mt. LeConte checks in at 6,593 feet. At around 3,500 feet in elevation climate and life begin to change. Things really change about the 5,000 foot line, a vague and variable boundary between “down here” and “up there.” At those highest elevations, the damp, dark, cool New England feel takes over, and that is where there dwell all the organisms whose ancestors moved
mous meetings, 6:15-7:15 p.m. each Tuesday, 1451 Dowell Springs Blvd. Newcomers welcome; no dues/fees; no sign-up; first names only. Info: Barbara L., 696-6606 or PeninsulaFA2@aol.com.
Behold!
■ “Sleep Matters,” 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 9, Cancer Support Community, 2230 Sutherland Ave. A light dinner provided. Info/registration: 546-4661.
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6 • DECEMBER 9, 2015 • UNION COUNTY Shopper news
A theatrical
Christmas Singe Singer/actor John Hankins has a lot on his theatrical plate this season. pl
By Carol Shane John Hankins isn’t planning to tie himself into a knot when it comes to Dec. 25. “All holidays risk the chance of disappointment with too much anticipation,” he says, believing instead that “everything is best lived in the moment. I no longer try to make Christmas a big deal with presents. Christmas Day will be spent with family, laughing and eating too much excellent food.” Before that, though, the East Tennessee native actually has several “big deals” going on. You might say he’ll be busy as the dickens. As in Charles Dickens. Hankins will be playing the part of Jacob Marley in Rising Sun Theatre’s production of “The Trial of Ebenezer Scrooge,” running Dec. 11-20. As soon as that show closes, he’ll hurry over to Westminster Presbyterian Church to greet a special guest and help facilitate a unique production of “A Christmas Carol.” Born in Knoxville and raised in East Knox County’s Ramsey Community, Hankins began his music studies playing the cello at Chilhowee Elementary School. He graduated from Holston High School and studied music education at UT. Possessing a powerful baritone singing voice, he went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in vocal performance from Queens College in Charlotte, N.C. From there he attended Pittsburgh’s Carnegie-Mellon University’s opera performance program on a full scholarship. Further vocal studies took him to New York, and he eventually settled in Manhattan, where he lived for 22 years and worked for the Metropolitan Opera Guild as a buyer for its retail outlets and mail order services. Hankins retired about five
years ago and moved back to Knoxville. A passionate local advocate for the arts, he teaches private voice lessons, has sung with the Knoxville Opera Company and Knoxville Choral Society, gives private recitals, and takes an active part in music and theater programs at his church and elsewhere. Which brings us to his very theatrical “run up to Christmas,” beginning with his role as Ebenezer Scrooge’s greedy, cruel and decidedly dead former business partner. “Jacob Marley, translucent, with a cloth tied about his jaws and dragging chains, is a character which stimulated my love for ghost stories as a child,” Hankins says. “Unfortunately, Jacob will not be translucent in this performance but he may be putting off some steam!” “The Trial of Ebenezer Scrooge” is Rising Sun Theatre’s second production of 2015, preceded by “Arsenic and Old Lace” in October. The brand-new company, located in Corryton, presents quality local theatrical productions in
the revitalized 1891 Rising Sun Church building, which had been empty for 35 years. Always eager to help out new arts organizations, Hankins is looking forward to joining the cast in this Christmas comedy, which is suitable for all ages. But he won’t be sticking around for the cast party. After he takes his final bows, he’ll head over to Westminster Presbyterian and “A Christmas Carol” presented by Mark Cabus, a veteran actor Hankins has admired ever since he saw the production two years ago. Hankins took it upon himself to bring Cabus to Knoxville. “I wanted to make this a Christmas present to my church family and anyone else who cares to attend,” he says. Classically trained in England and New York, Cabus has performed all over the world in film and television as well as offBroadway and in regional and children’s theater. He portrays 36 characters in this, his own solo
Give a meaningful gift of family connections... For anyone who has Union County ties, the gift of family history is available from county historian Bonnie Peters.
Union County Schoolday Memories A 9 x 12 hardcover pictorial history of early Union County elementary schools from mid 1800s to about 1965.
John Hankins saw this very special adaptation of the classic Dickens tale years ago and wanted to share it with others. He will host the production at Westminster Presbyterian Church. Photo submitted adaptation of the beloved seasonal tale of transformation and redemption. After a busy week onstage himself, Hankins looks forward to sitting back and enjoying the performance. “Top that off with the most beautiful flower arrangements ever, the nicest, friendliest congregation in the world ... one can’t ask for a better Christmas celebra-
tion,” he says. For information about Rising Sun Theatre’s production of “The Trial of Ebenezer Scrooge,” call 748-1477 or visit risingsuntheatre.com. For “A Christmas Carol” starring Mark Cabus, call 584-3957 or visit wpcknox.org
Santa sets Zoo ‘village’ S
anta Claus has come to town and made “Santa’s Village” at Knoxville Zoo his temporary East Tennessee headquarters. The jolly old elf will be available to hear Christmas wishes and pose for holiday photos Thursday, Dec. 10, through Sunday, Dec. 13, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Guests may bring their own cameras for photos or purchase portraits taken by a professional photographer. Located indoors at the Pilot Flying J Wee Play Adventure area, the halls of Santa’s Village are all decked for the holidays with dozens of trees and thousands of lights. Guests can celebrate the season with special yuletide crafts, creative play and encounters with special animal visitors throughout the day. Santa’s Village is included with general zoo admission. Currently, the zoo is offering buy one, get one free tickets
Santa welcomes all to his village. through Feb. 29, 2016, during Kroger BOGO Days. Info: 865-.637-5331 ext. 300 or knoxvillezoo.org
Our Union County Families This is a 420 page, 9 x 12 hardcover, printed on acid-free paper with library binding. It contains about 750 pictures. Union County Faces of War A 9 x 12 hardcover pictorial history of Union Countians military service dating from the Revolutionary War through Desert Storm. A thousand photos plus biographical sketches of service persons. Tales From the Hills and Hollows of East Tennessee This 6 x 9 soft cover book is a compilation of columns published in the Shopper News, 280 pp. Our Union County Families .......$50 Union County Faces of War ......$35 Union County Schoolday Memories ..........................$49 Tales from the Hills and Hollows of East Tennessee..............$20 History of Hansard Chapel Methodist Church ...............$10 History of Pleasant Grove Methodist Church .................$6
Long Lost Cuzzins by Elmo Johnson, a Johnson/ McClain genealogy.............$15 Mark Monroe: An East Tennessee Pioneer .................................$5 Our Union County Heritage (soft cover) ...........................$7 Dawn of Union County by Clifford Stiner...................$3
Sold at: Okie's in Maynardville and Blaine; Union County Museum; Home Federal in Fountain City; East Tennessee History Gift Shop or call Bonnie Peters at 865-687-3842.
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UNION COUNTY Shopper news • DECEMBER 9, 2015 • 7
Shoffner shepherds English Learners By Shannon Carey
Sharps Chapel Elementary School students Devon Wilson, Ericka Ray, Jared Weaver, Gage McWilliams, Aiden Mills, Anna Hansard, Jacob Capps, Jenissy Hamlin, Jordan Hamlin, Aleyia Satterfield, Sara Villar, Izzabella Mabe, Jace Walker, Carter Nicley, Ty Edds, Eli Wilson, Teagan Monroe and Gage Stooksbury meet Sharps Chapel VFD members Adam Brantley, Chris Upton and Justin Vallone.
Fire prevention and safety week at Sharps Chapel Sharps Chapel Elementary School thanked the Sharps Chapel Volunteer Fire Department and the Tennessee Forestry Division for giving a presentation to students about fire safety. Sharps Chapel VFD members Adam Brantley, Kevin Brantley, Chris Upton and Justin Vallone spoke with students about fire safety and gave a tour of their fire trucks and equipment. Steve Roark, Jason Brantley and Keith Stiner from the Tennessee Forestry Division demonstrated how they put out fires. There was also a special guest appearance by Smokey the Bear.
Sharps Chapel Elementary School student Abby Atkins meets Smokey the Bear. Photos submitted
Horace Maynard Middle School names Students of the Month Horace Maynard Middle School announces the Students of the Month for October. Thet are (front) Dakota Collins, Lora Rutherford, Hayleigh Warwick, Daniel Beaver; (second row) Joy Turner, Mason Weaver; (back) Gracie Brady, Jonathan Blanton, Bradley Acuff and Riley Cole. Photo submitted
UC Schools holiday events
■ Big Ridge Elementary School, Christmas lunch, Thursday, Dec 10; Santa Shop, Dec. 14-15; Christmas program, 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 17, Union County High School auditorium. ■ Horace Maynard Middle
School, band concert, 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 8, at the school; Christmas dance, 7-10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 11, at the school, admission $5, photos $2, concessions, HMMS students only. ■ Luttrell Elementary School, Christmas on Main Street parent involvement night, 5-7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 14; Christ-
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President & CEO
The Union County Chamber of Commerce seeks candidates for President & Chief Executive Officer. This part-time position is responsible for oversight of day-to-day activities of the Chamber under direction of the Board of Directors. The President is the principal representative of the Chamber. The Chamber is a not-for-profit 501(c)6 corporation dedicated to economic & community development in Union County, TN. Minimum qualifications include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. For more information or to apply, please contact recruiting at
info@UCchamber-TN.com or call 865-992-2811.
mas program, 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 15, Union County High School auditorium. ■ Maynardville Elementary School, Santa Shop, Dec. 7-11.
■ Paulette Elementary School, Winter Wonderland, 6 p.m. each night, Monday, Dec. 14, for K-2, Tuesday, Dec. 15, for grades 3-5.
Some tips on exercise
Imagine how tough it must be to start a new school in a new country with a whole new language to learn. Wendy Shoffner of the Union C o u n t y English Language Learners program helps kids overcome Ronnie Mincey that challenge every day. This year, there are 16 English Language Learners in Union County schools. All speak Spanish as their first language, but Shoffner has also helped students who speak Arabic. They are all in regular classrooms every day, and every day Shoffner visits to give them one-onone English coaching. Shoffner’s supervisor is Director of Federal Programs Ronnie Mincey. The ELL program is funded through Title 3 of Federal Programs, about $1,500 each year to pay for materials and professional development. ELL students are identified each fall when they fill out the “blue form” asking what language they speak at home. Those who answer with anything other than English qualify to be tested. If they score below a certain level, they are eligible to receive one hour per day of ELL services. In the spring, ELL students are tested again, and if they hit a certain level they can graduate from the program. And here’s an interesting fact. Shoffner does not speak Spanish, or any other language besides English, and that’s just how the Tennessee Department of Education wants it. Students pick up English faster with an immersive approach, so Shoffner only resorts to Google Translate when there’s no other option. “We work on whatever level they’re on,” she said. She remembered a set of twins who started kindergarten at Luttrell Elementary. She went on a tour of
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Chiropractic Outlook By Dr. Darrell Johnson, DC
Exercise is generally a good thing, but there are right and wrong ways to go about it. You certainly don’t want to injure yourself while doing something that’s meant to benefit you. So here are a few things to consider: Some experts believe you’re at higher risk for back injury in the first 30 minutes or so after you get up in the morning. Because you’ve been lying down for eight hours, the discs in your spinal column are filled with more fluid than they will be as the day progresses and you spend time in an upright position. So
give yourself an adjustment period (have a cup of coffee!) after getting out of bed before diving into vigorous physical activity. When starting any new exercise program, check with your physician to make sure you are physically up to the demands of the activity, whether it’s walking or playing tennis. Talk with your chiropractor about effective (and prudent) ways to exercise and strengthen your back. Presented as a community service by Union County Chiropractic; 110 Skyline Drive, Maynardville, Tenn. 992-7000.
the school with them, holding their hands all the way. Shoffner taught English at Union County High for 10 years before taking on the ELL program. Her first charges were a small group of students at Luttrell Elementary. “I love it,” she said. Another interesting fact: the younger the student is, the easier she picks up the language. Especially for kindergarteners, they’re learning letters and words at the same time as their Englishspeaking classmates. For older students, the process can be a struggle. Does the language barrier tend to isolate students? Shoffner says no. “I would think it would, but I don’t think it does,” she said. “The other students tend to be interested in them and reach out.” “Overall, Union County’s kids are really good kids,” Mincey agreed. “They tend to be accepting of everybody, and that’s noteworthy because we’re not very ethnically diverse.” According to Shoffner, ELL kids tend to be good students and don’t present behavior problems in the classroom. Their parents tend to be involved and are excited for their kids to have the chance to attend school. “I meet every parent,” Shoffner said. “Most parents are really willing to help their children. They’re really there, and they really want them to learn.” But most of all, working with students new to the U.S. has given Shoffner a new perspective on gratitude. “It has given me more of an appreciation for what we have here,” she said. “Education, schools, jobs. We take it for granted. Just hearing their stories about what their houses were like or what their schools were like. One student in particular was just so thankful that she got to move to America.” Mincey praised Shoffner for her professionalism. “Whenever she is asked to do something, it will be done, correctly, and well in advance of time,” he said.
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8 • DECEMBER 9, 2015 • UNION COUNTY Shopper news
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FRIDAY-SUNDAY, DEC. 11-13 “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” performed by The WordPlayers, 7:30 p.m. Friday and 2:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Clayton Performing Arts Center, Pellissippi State Community College, 10915 Hardin Valley Road. Info/tickets: wordplayers.org. Clinton Christmas Spectacular, Second Baptist Church, 777 Public Safety Lane, Clinton. Free. Performances: 7-8:30 p.m. Friday; 1-2:30 p.m. Saturday; 12:30; 10:30 a.m.-noon Sunday. Info: 457-2046.
SATURDAY, DEC. 12
THROUGH SUNDAY, DEC. 20
MONDAY-TUESDAY, DEC. 14-15
“A Candlelight Christmas” – Christmas in Old Appalachia featured event, 5-8 p.m., Museum of Appalachia, 2819 Andersonville Highway, Clinton. Bring flashlights or battery operated lanterns. Info: 494-7680; museumofappalachia.org. “Holiday Art Blitz!,” 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Fountain City Art Center, 213 Hotel Ave. All-day small giftmaking workshops, $25 to make five gifts. Info/ registration: 357-2787; fcartcenter@knology.net; www. fountaincityartctr.com. Holiday Homecoming, east side of Norris Dam State Park. Live animal demonstrations, historical depiction of Appalachian life, old-time music and holiday treats. Info: 426-7461. Holiday Market, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Garden of Eden Preschool/Berean Bible Church. 2329 Prosser Road. Lots of vendors in the gym. Market Square Holiday Market, noon-6 p.m., with farm vendors selling until 3 p.m. near the Market Square stage, and craft vendors and food trucks open until 6 p.m. on Union Avenue adjacent to Market Square and along Market Street. Info: MarketSquareFarmersMarket.org or NourishKnoxville.org. Oak Ridge Christmas parade, 6-8 p.m., beginning at Corporate Center, 151 Lafayette Drive. Info: www.oakridgechamber.org. Wreath workshop, 12:30 p.m., Historic Ramsey House, 2614 Thorn Grove Pike. Cost: $35. Bring a pair of small garden shears and garden gloves. Other materials provided. Info/reservations: 546-0745 or ramseyhouse. org.
“Cinderella and Ebenezer,” 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/tickets: 208-3677; knoxvillechildrenstheatre.com; info@ childrenstheatreknoxville.com.
THROUGH THURSDAY, DEC. 24 Christmas in Old Appalachia, Museum of Appalachia, 2819 Andersonville Highway, Clinton. Info: 494-7680 or museumofappalachia.org.
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 9 International Folk Dance Class, 7:30-10 p.m., Claxton Community Center, 1150 Edgemoor Road, Clinton. Info: Paul Taylor, 898-5724; oakridgefolkdancers.org; on Facebook.
THURSDAY, DEC. 10 “Spreading Joy Near and Far” luncheon of the Knoxville Christian Women’s Connection 10:45 a.m., Buddy’s Bearden Banquet Hall, 5806 Kingston Pike. Cost: $12 inclusive. Bring a wrapped Christmas ornament to exchange. Complimentary child care by reservation only. Info/RSVP: phone/text 315-8182; knoxvillechristianwomen@gmail.com. VFW meeting, 7 p.m., 140 Veteran St., Maynardville. All veterans are invited. Info: 278-3784.
SATURDAY-SUNDAY, DEC. 12-13 Santa train rides, Secret City Excursion Train. Departures: 11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m. Saturday; 1 and 3 p.m. Sunday. Info: 241-2140 or secretcityrailroad.com.
THURSDAY-SUNDAY, DEC. 10-13
SUNDAY, DEC. 13
Santa’s Village hosted by the Knoxville Zoo, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., 3500 Knoxville Zoo Drive. Santa will be available for photos – bring your camera or purchase from professional photographer. Activities included with general zoo admission. Info: knoxville-zoo.org.
Free drop-in art activities for families, 1-4 p.m., Knoxville Museum of Art, 1050 World’s Fair Park Drive. Docent tours in English, 2 p.m., and in Spanish, 3 p.m. Info: knoxart.org. Historic Ramsey House Candlelight Tour, 6-8 p.m., 2614 Thorn Grove Pike. Featuring holiday treats, Christmas carols and tours of the decorated, candlelit historic home. Admission free; donations appreciated. Info: 546-0745 or www.ramseyhouse.org. Sarah Morgan and The Valley Boys in concert, 4 p.m., large court room in Union County Courthouse. Free; donations to Union County Arts Council accepted.
“Bread Basket,” 2-5 p.m., Appalachian Arts Craft Center, 2716 Andersonville Highway, Norris. Instructor: Sheri Burns. Registration deadline: Dec. 6. Info/registration: 494-9854; appalachianarts.net.
AARP Driver Safety classes, noon-4 p.m., American Red Cross, 6921 Middlebrook Pike. Info/registration: Carolyn Rambo, 382-5822.
TUESDAY, DEC. 15 Auditions for Knoxville Children’s Theatre’s production of “To Kill a Mockingbird,” 4:30-7:30 p.m., Knoxville Children’s Theatre, 109 E. Churchwell Ave. Eighteen roles available for ages 9-18. Info/appointment: Dennis Perkins, dennis@childrenstheatreknoxville.com. Honor Guard meeting, 7 p.m., 140 Veteran St., Maynardville. All veterans are invited. Info: 256-5415.
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 16 Dine and Discover, noon-1 p.m., Knoxville Museum of Art, 1050 World’s Fair Park Drive. Adam Alfrey, East Tennessee History Center, and Steve Cotham, manager of McClung Historical Collection, will present “An Inside Look at Lloyd Branson.” Free and open to the public. Info: knoxart.org. International Folk Dance Class, 7:30-10 p.m., Claxton Community Center, 1150 Edgemoor Road, Clinton. Info: Paul Taylor, 898-5724; oakridgefolkdancers. org; on Facebook.
THURSDAY, DEC. 17 Plainview 7th District Neighborhood Watch meeting, 7 p.m., Plainview Community Center. Info: 992-5212.
SATURDAY, DEC. 19 Market Square Holiday Market, noon-6 p.m., with farm vendors selling until 3 p.m. near the Market Square stage, and craft vendors and food trucks open until 6 p.m. on Union Avenue adjacent to Market Square and along Market Street. Info: MarketSquareFarmers Market.org or NourishKnoxville.org.
Realty Executives Associates Inc. Larry & Laura Bailey
146.16 ACRES PRIME TENNESSEE FARM LAND – Ideal for a camp/ retreat property, golf course, equestrian facility, development or a multi-million dollar home place. Great for entertaining, this 5BR/5BA, 8,266 SF home w/inground pool has a view that will take your breath away. Fenced/ cross fenced w/2 ponds, horse training facility, 7 barns & KW60 whole house diesel generator. Additional 725 acres available. $2,500,000 (946766)
2322 W. Emory Rd. 947-9000 www.knoxvillerealty.com
MOUNTAIN VIEWS FROM THIS 6+ ACRES. Water has been run to property & ready to build your dream home. Creek at back of property. Convenient to Norris Lake & Big Ridge State Park. No Mobile Homes. $49,900 (932705) U RED
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GIBBS AREA this 6+/- acres is level with creek access. This is part of a larger tract of land also available. Call for details. $85,000 (927701)
LOOKING FOR SMALL HORSE FARM? 6+ acres. 3BR/2BA rancher features open floor plan, hdwd floors, vaulted ceilings, wood stove, laundry/mud rm, master w/ walk-in closet. Peaceful view from your covered back deck and side screened porch. Enjoy Bull Run creek at back of property. Fenced and ready for horses. Barn w/tack rm & 2 stalls $229,900 (947103)
NORRIS LAKEFRONT! Furnished 3BR/3BA, 2-sty bsmt home sits on a lakefront lot w/year-round water. Open floor plan, vaulted ceilings, steam shower & jacuzzi tub, quartz countertops, state-of-the-art woodburning stove & slate & hdwd flooring. Breathtaking views from inside w/custom windows. Great 2-slip floating covered boat dock made of Trex decking & features boat lift. Attached 2-car gar. $524,000 (947259)
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908694 POWELL – Approx 4 acre tracts. Private setting, great location. Starting at $44,900 (908693 & 908694)
HEISKELL – Private 17.50 wooded acres. Less than 5 miles to I-75. Convenient to Clinton & Powell Utilities (water, telephone, cable, & water) are available at road. $156,000 (928303)
NORRIS LAKE
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CORRYTON – 25 acres w/creek & underground spring that could be pond. 85% pasture w/approximately 1,500' of road frontage. Several beautiful homesites w/mtn views or great for live stock. 3BR 1920's old farm house, old barn & shed. Lots of possibilities! Sewer & City Water at road. $349,900 (945675)
Office is independently owned & operated.
Justin Bailey
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NORRIS LAKE – Almost 1 acre lot. Seasonal lake access in cove. Lake & mtn views. $64,900 (922155)
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NORRIS LAKE FRONT – Waterfront access w/2BR home. Home needs work but in great location close to Stardust Marina & Anderson Co Park. $95,000 (935790)