Shopper News blog: Town meetings focus on road improvements

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FARRAGUT

Town meetings focus on road improvements

Margie Hagen, Shopper News correspondent

A special meeting called last Wednesday brought residents together with aldermen and town staff to discuss plans for the work needed to bring Virtue Road up to par.  Professional Engineer Jason Elliott from Knoxville firm Vaughn Melton Consulting presented the project along with Town Engineer Darryl Smith.

Residents met with town officials last week to review preliminary plans for Virtue Road improvements.

The section to be repaired is less than a mile long, beginning 750 feet south of Kingston Pike. Widening the lanes to 12 feet each, replacing the existing bridge over Little Turkey Creek and realigning the “S” curve at the south end (near the Harville property) are planned.

With that comes converting the open ditch drainage to a closed curb and gutter storm sewer system. Raising the profile of the road by about 2 inches and replacing culverts will prevent future flooding on the road. Right-of-way acquisition and utility relocation add to the complexity of the work. Expected to begin in the fall of 2019, construction will take approximately one year, according to Smith.

Several residents expressed concern about the right-of-way being taken from their properties on the east side rather than from the Willow Creek Golf Club property to the west. Smith noted the steep incline on the west side, saying, “We want to keep the impact as small as possible.” He lives in the area so he’s well aware of the situation.  “I’m available (to discuss this) anytime,” Smith said. “This will go to MPC (Municipal Planning Commission) in May or June.”

The MPC had a packed agenda for its monthly meeting on April 19. They once again discussed the request to rezone the Swan and Ivey properties; the same applicant, Site Inc., represents both and they are tied together by the timing of construction and the poor condition of Union Road.

Recapping, residents of Saddle Ridge, Fox Run and Union Road have been staunchly opposed to rezoning until the road improvement is complete, approximately four to five years. The development team asks for rezoning now, noting the length of time required for the projects. 

Attorney Robyn Askew proffered a deal to build an access road from Union to Kingston Pike; that extension of Way Station Trail (another name being floated is Swan Road) would be paid for by the developers and then deeded to the town. She presented a timetable detailing how building on the Swan and Ivey properties would progress in conjunction with construction on Union Road, with completion anticipated in 2023. 

Susan Ivey Johnston stood with her two sisters to give an impassioned plea to approve the rezoning her family has been seeking for 12 years. The farm has been in the family for 103 years, but farming is no longer an option for her father, 87-year-old Jeff Ivey.  His vision now is to see others enjoy the property. Look for this to be up for a vote at the near future.

Catch the full meeting on YouTube and find out what locals and officials had to say about more development on Grigsby Chapel Road.  

HALLS

Lifelong Halls resident Jim McManus, Pioneer Heating and Air founder Gordy Noe and active community member and volunteer Mildred “Millie” Bledsoe Norris have been selected as 2018 inductees into the Halls High School Hall of Fame.

They will be inducted during the annual Halls High Alumni Banquet, Saturday, April 28 at Halls High School.

Jim McManus was born and raised in the Halls community. He attended Halls Elementary, Halls Middle and graduated from Halls High in 1967. He has been a member of Salem Baptist Church, where he has served on the Cemetery Committee, Transportation Committee and has served as an usher, greeter and a member of the security team.

Jim McManus

McManus has been in the used car business for 35 years, with the last 25 of them being in Halls. He got involved in the Halls Community Park, serving on the board for 12 years and forming the cheerleading board on which he served for eight years. Jim has helped organize and work at many car shows in Halls and has provided the sled for Santa during the Halls Christmas parade for the past 20 years.

Gordy Noe

Gordy Noe, founder of Pioneer Heating and Air, is a 1975 graduate of Halls High School. He started Pioneer in 1981 with a two-man crew and a truck. Gordy prides himself in providing the best customer service possible and started the Ride and Decide program that provides high school students the opportunity to work in the trade industry before graduation.

He is a dedicated member of the Halls community, giving back through labor and donations. He has provided bottled water for the past 10 years to school and Community Park sporting events including Halls High band, HHS cheerleading, Project Graduation and senior events to name a few. Gordy has been honored as the Halls B&P Man of the Year (1994), Knox County Parks and Rec Volunteer of the Year (1998), Halls Community Club Award for Dedication and Service to Youth (1995), and Outstanding Service Award to the Halls Community (1995) to name a few.

Mildred "Millie" Bledsoe Norris

Mildred “Millie” Bledsoe Norris was a 1953 graduate of Halls High where she was named “Best All Around Student” her senior year. She was a member of the marching band throughout high school, playing the alto sax, and was a majorette her senior year.

Norris has been heavily involved in the community and can often be found serving others through the Halls Food Pantry, Mobile Meals and “Young at Heart,” a group of senior adults at Salem Baptist Church who plan programs for monthly gatherings and organize, collect, prepare and deliver baskets to shut-ins. In 2006, the Halls Business and Professional Association honored her as Woman of the Year. She has been a member of the Halls Crossroads Women’s League, where she was named Volunteer of the Year in 2008, and has given many hours of her time to assist with the Clothes Closet, league rummage sales and other events that pour back into the community.

The Alumni Banquet begins at 6 p.m. Saturday, April 28 with a food set-up and social time from 6 to 6:30 p.m. in the Halls High cafeteria. The welcome, invocation and food line will begin at 6:30 p.m. and the Halls High jazz band will play for the group. The program will begin at 7:30 p.m.

 

NORTH/EAST

Holston Middle performers always sound precocious

Carol Z. Shane, Shopper News correspondent 

Natalee Beeler Elkins, in her 10th year as Holston Middle School choral director, says, “I am literally obsessed with Mary Poppins. I played Mary when I was 14 in a community theatre production with Knoxville Performing Arts Institute.”

Michael Banks (Eli Hamilton), Mary Poppins (Kylie Vandergriff) and Jane Banks (Jordan Reiling) sing a number from "Mary Poppins Jr." at Holston Middle School.

It’s little wonder, then, that she thoroughly enjoyed directing HMS’s spring musical which was – you guessed it – “Mary Poppins.” Well, more properly “Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins Jr.,” which, at just over an hour, covers all the high points of one of Disney’s most popular movies ever.

Mrs. Corry (Destiny Taggart) sings with the cast during "Mary Poppins Jr." at Holston Middle School on April 12, 2018.

Coming off a “practically perfect” set of performances on April 12-14, Elkins is taking a breather. “We have rehearsed every single weekend since the beginning of January – yes, all day every Saturday,” says Elkins. “Throughout the week also. This is a smart bunch; nearly every one of them takes honors classes including geometry and French.”

Elkins’ HMS Show Choir – an elite, auditioned group – stays busy most of the year. “The kids perform all throughout the fall/Christmas season. Last year they performed at Fantasy of Trees, Walt Disney World, Mighty Musical Monday, and Pinnacle at Turkey Creek Tree Lighting. We are headed back to Disney in November of this year. We rehearse over the summer as well.”

A 1998 graduate of Powell High School, Elkins taught elementary school music before coming to HMS. She holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance from the University of Tennessee, where she also won the Grace Moore Vocal Scholarship. She earned her Master of Education degree from Carson-Newman College and an Educational Specialist degree in administration from Lincoln Memorial University. She was named the 2010-2011 “Teacher of the Year” at HMS, and her choral group has received “Superior” ratings at the East Tennessee Vocal Association’s Middle School Choral Festival for many years.

Some of the shows she’s done at HMS – all “Jr.” productions, suitable for young teens – include “Shrek,” “The Lion King” and “Beauty and the Beast,” her first production at the school. Next year will bring “10th Anniversary Production of Beauty and the Beast Jr.”

Mary Poppins (Kylie Vandergriff) and Bert (Noah Crabtree) dance during a magical adventure in the park.

As for the latest production featuring that magical nanny, Elkins also credits choreographer Daniel Lineberger, with whom she’s worked for six years. “He’s truly a genius,” she says. She’s also grateful to the show’s production coordinator, Taylor Branson. “She has worked on many aspects of the show and her help is invaluable daily to me. And we have an army of parents headed up by our Chaos Coordinators, Alexia Speeks and Katrina Reiling, who have worked tirelessly for months.” She also gives her student teacher, Emily Carr, a big nod.

Quite a group effort, indeed. Elkins says, “It takes a village!”

 

POWELL

Powell grad teams on winning historic garden design

Mike Blackerby, Shopper News correspondent 

Daniel Rose looks at spaces and sees possibilities.

The Berkshire Garden site.

Rose, a 2011 Powell High School graduate, was part of a four-student team from the University of Tennessee’s School of Landscape Architecture that won a recent national design competition.

Rose, Fernando Turpin, Sarah Newton and Alexa Macri presented the winning concept and design project for the Berkshire Botanical Garden in Stockbridge, Mass., beating out teams from Harvard and Virginia Tech.

The competition called for students from accredited schools of landscape architecture to design an entry garden for the Center House, a circa 1770 farmhouse on the historic botanical garden site. 

Daniel Rose, Alexa Macri and Fernando Turpin worked with Garry Menendez, associate professor in the School of Landscape Architecture and College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, who guided them through site design principles, planting design and other considerations for small-scale design. Not pictured is student Sarah Newton.

The entry garden, when completed in May, will become the new gateway for the thousands of visitors to the Berkshire Botanical Garden, one of the oldest botanical gardens in America.

“Our design is not so much an entry garden as a front porch,” said Rose, a 2020 Master of Architecture/Master of Landscape Architecture candidate. 

“It welcomes visitors as they move toward the Center House, giving a ‘peek-a-boo’ effect through the use of landforms and plantings, almost as if they are peering through windows. By incorporating a large plaza-like driveway, council ring and intimate pathways, the design also gives visitors an opportunity to interact by extending the interior space of the Center House, much like a welcoming front porch would do.”

Rose said his interest in landscaping and design took off when he was a student at Powell.
“I’ve always been interested in landscaping and horticulture – and that kind of thing,” he explained.

“I’m very detail oriented. I love getting into the nitty-gritty of design.”

The Berskshire Botanical Garden student design overview and concept.

Rose said his biology teacher at Powell, Rosemary Calvert, was a big influence in his career path.

Under Calvert’s tutelage, Rose helped design Powell’s outdoor classroom project. He also aided in the redesign of Powell Station Park.

The UT students worked in conjunction with Garry Menendez, associate professor in the School of Landscape Architecture and College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources.

Menendez steered the students through site-design principles, planting design and other considerations for small-scale design.

Rose said the competition centered on fresh ideas for a 7,000-square-foot swath of the 15-acre botanical garden.

“We were kind of drawn to it (the competition) immediately,” said Rose.

“Not only because it was a competition, but we felt it was built on a lot of skills we were learning at UT. It was a great opportunity to apply some of our factual knowledge to real-world situations.”

The students’ winning design incorporates an entry walkway and driveway using gradient-patterned natural stone materials; natural berms to mitigate sound from the nearby street; areas for sitting and respite; lighting for pedestrians, vehicles and landscape elements; a sunken council ring with surrounding seating for social gatherings; a planting palette that complements the colors of the Center House; and reconfiguration of the garden’s existing entrances, exits and pedestrian crossing.

“The winning design submitted by the student team from the University of Tennessee impressed all of us with its clean and modern look that will work well with the traditional facade of the Center House and the context of the garden areas,” said Michael Beck, Berkshire Botanical Garden executive director.

The entry garden is expected to be completed in May, when the student team plans to visit for the grand opening.

“It was a great experience,” said Rose.

“Hopefully it will look good (and reflect well) for our school’s academic program.”

More:'Sky is the limit' for CAK runner Rebecca Story, one of nation's best

 

KARNS

Spring is sprung despite cold weather at Cedar Bluff Elementary

Nancy Anderson, Shopper News correspondent 

Winter-like weather had the Cedar Bluff PTSA scrambling to move all the fun indoors, but the kids were no worse for the wear as it was wall to wall smiling faces during the annual Spring Fling fundraiser held at Cedar Bluff Elementary school Saturday, April 7.

The Spring Fling is the largest fundraiser of the year sponsored by the PTSA.

Journey Hogan, 6, flashes a million-dollar smile after winning a sheriff’s badge at the “jail.”

“We’re hoping to raise $10,000 to $12,000 to spread out among the three schools and more than 2,000 students,” said PTSA president Karen Collins.

Collins was unsure what needs the money will fulfill this year, but last year’s take went a long way. “Last year we made enough to buy new curtains for the auditorium, a smoothie machine, picnic tables, and help out with the special needs playground.”

Attendees were treated to carnival games, inflatables, and concessions at reduced prices.

Loralie Oxendine, 4, said the inflatable slide was her favorite part of Spring Fling.

Concessions included Texas Roadhouse sliders, Chick-fil-A sandwiches, and an assortment of cakes and candies, all donated.

Tiger-Rock Martial Arts performed a demonstration, and the middle school band performed a mini concert, but it was a game truck from Games2Go that garnered the most attention from the kids.

Carnival games lined the hallway, but it was the inflatables in the gym that brought the most smiles as kids lined up for the slides and bouncy houses.

Most impressive of the day was the silent auction. More than 175 items were donated from parents, teachers, and companies.

PTSA president Karen Collins organizes one of 179 silent auction items at the annual Spring Fling held at Cedar Bluff Elementary school Saturday, April 7.

“We have Disney World tickets, Ripley’s Aquarium tickets. We have about $12,000 worth of stuff, but I think the most impressive came from the kids themselves. They raised enough money among themselves to purchase a hoverboard, boombox, gaming headphones, and a DVD player.”

Many items had a minimum bid, including Disney Tickets and a vacation to Cancun. Collins said items that had no bid would be live auctioned off to the highest bidder at the end of the day.

“It’s a lot of work putting on a day like today; everyone came together to pull it off for the kids. Of course, all they know is that it’s a day filled with fun, and that’s the way it should be.”

 

HARDIN VALLEY

 

 

GIBBS

Charlie Brown and the gang are getting ready to hit the stage when the theatre department at Gibbs High School presents "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown!" The shows will take place Friday, April 20 through Sunday, April 22 with show times at 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday. Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for students. Cast members pictured are: (front) Violet (Abby Riggs), Snoopy (Lucy Bryant); (middle) Lucy (Katelyn Mundt), Linus (Bo Choate), Schroeder (Joshua Beeler), Woodstock (Hayden Sullivan); (back) Sally Brown (Sophie Vandergriff), Peppermint Patty (Ashten Grooms), Charlie Brown (Mason Robinson), Marcie (Brooke Rogers), Frieda (Emma Wyatt), The Little Red Headed Girl (Beth King) and Pigpen (Caleb Harold).

"You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown!"

Charlie Brown and the gang are getting ready to hit the stage when the theater department at Gibbs High School presents "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown!" The shows will take place Friday, April 20 through Sunday, April 22 with show times at 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday. Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for students. 

More:Shopper News photos of the week

 

FARRAGUT

Three churches unite for one cause

Margie Hagen, Shopper News correspondent 

Ecumenical outreach in Farragut has been taken to new heights as three churches pool efforts and resources to serve people of all faiths. Faith Lutheran, Farragut Presbyterian and Concord United Methodist churches have teamed to fight hunger at The Shepherd of Hope Food Pantry.

Last year, dad Jason Johnson, with Andee, Baylee, Toby and Cody, harvested 219 pounds of produce from the Concord United Methodist Church garden in one day.

On the first and third Mondays of each month, over 100 families pick up groceries and household necessities from the pantry in Faith Lutheran Church, 225 Jamestown Boulevard. Not your typical food bank, guests, as the clients are called, have a regular shopping experience. They select the foods they like and can use, rather than just picking up bags of pre-packed staples.

Each guest is welcomed at the door; there is a reception area where guests feel a sense of community. Volunteers from all three churches are on hand to help with shopping and even load groceries into cars. Everything is designed to provide dignity as well as sustenance.

Pantry director Jan Darnell says, “A lot of people work minimum wage jobs, so when a child gets sick or the car breaks down, they miss work. Most just need temporary help to get them through a tough time. People in that situation feel bad enough, so we want to make them feel better.”

Spring radishes and baby greens were offered by Bill Kilbay, Phil Trussell and Paul Nichols.

Fresh produce is available, thanks to the garden at Concord United Methodist Church. Under the direction of leader Mike Smith and Master Gardener Harry Tucker, the recently completed greenhouse will be producing more sooner.

Another way the pantry differentiates itself comes via volunteer Betty Nicholls. She develops and prepares recipes using foods found on the shelves; guests learn how to make simple dishes like Shepherd’s rice pudding. “Providing different suggestions for powdered milk, rice and dried beans spurs conversation about improved eating habits and the importance of nutrition,” Nicholls said. And they get to sample the recipes while shopping.

Want some cinnamon to top that rice pudding? Multi-denominational Bible study group Sisters in Christ maintains a well-stocked spice cabinet. “This is a special touch you will not find at any other pantry,” says Nicholls.

35 volunteers pitched in to prepare soil and erect the greenhouse at Concord United Methodist Church, including 14 Boy Scouts, moms, dads and church parishioners.

Around 50 volunteers participate, and financial support comes from all three churches, and donations. You can help by attending “Posies for the Pantry,” a fundraising event on April 21, at Farragut Presbyterian Church, 209 Jamestown Boulevard.

Show up 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., rain or shine, to select from a wide variety of flowers, herbs, succulents and hanging baskets from The Junction, along with native shrubs, wildflowers, ferns and grasses from Tennessee Naturescapes. If unique hostas are your thing, check out the “hosta man,” Brian White from Maynardville.

One in five people in East Tennessee will go hungry today. Find ways to support the Shepherd of Hope Food Pantry at faithloves.org. If you are in need of food assistance, contact Jan Darnell at 865-966-9626 for information. “We don’t turn anyone away,” says Darnell.

More:Knoxville church provides girls everything they need for prom

 

WORDS OF FAITH

Seeing the Holy Spirit at work in Dollywood

Larry Trotter, Shopper News columnist

Lynn and I made our annual trek to Dollywood the other day for the Festival of Nations celebration. We say that we go for the entertaining acts and cultural diversity. But let’s be real. It honestly doesn’t matter when you go to Dollywood; it’s all about funnel cakes and cinnamon bread. Can I get an amen?!

Larry Trotter is the senior pastor at Concord United Methodist Church in Knoxville.

That said, the National Dance Company of Siberia and Ladysmith Black Mambazo were two of the headliners. I have loved Ladysmith Black Mambazo since I heard them on Paul Simon’s "Graceland" album. Not being a dancer at all, I wasn’t that excited about the dance troupe. But then I saw them, and wow. It’s everything you would expect from a Russian dance company — dazzling costumes, dancers flinging themselves like rag dolls around the stage, and two guys squatting on their heels and extending their legs in time with frenetic music played on balalaikas. What’s not to love? But the most astounding part of the act was the slowest song on the program.

A dozen ladies were wearing long dresses with a rigid hoop around the bottom just brushing the floor. With the audience unable to see their legs or feet, they seemed to move around the stage like wind-up toys or players on one of those old-school football games that magically vibrated them around the board. They each had the same angelic facial expression as they moved as if by a power beyond themselves. Interestingly, the bottom of one of the dresses was raised a couple of inches off the floor in one spot so that you could just see the dancer’s feet which were moving frantically in tiny steps that were imperceptible under the dress. They were working so hard, but it all looked effortlessly graceful to everyone watching.

At that moment I was hit with the curse (actually a blessing) of being a preacher. It doesn’t matter where you are or what you’re doing, the next sermon finds a way to barge into the moment searching for real-life connections. With a new sermon series exploring the Holy Spirit coming up, it hit me. This is how Christians and the Church should do it. The Holy Spirit lifts us in his power and we are suddenly able to move fluidly and “gracefully” to the “music of the spheres.” We apply the effort, but the Spirit pulls it altogether to make us beautifully winsome to the world as we come together as one to do our kingdom dance.

In a culture that is becoming increasingly polarized, perhaps the most important work for followers of Jesus is to move together in the power and unity of God’s Holy Spirit. Just before his arrest, Jesus prayed for his followers to be one in the world. He sent the Holy Spirit to make it possible. We’ve got this. While others stomp and snort, Christians can dance and smile, showing them a glimpse of what God has in mind for all people. Ready? And, five, six, seven, eight…

 

 

BEARDEN

Bank enters market with drive-thru innovation

John Shearer, Shopper News correspondent 

Banks in recent years have often tried to find the right blend between having accessible walk-in hours while realizing that a lot of people do much of their banking online.

Bank of Tennessee features new "Live Teller" drive-through service.

The Bank of Tennessee’s recently opened first Knoxville branch location off Northshore Drive in Bearden has tried to solve this with a feature that is new, or literally green, to the local bank market – a drive-through “Live Teller.”

Looking like something that might be featured at a world’s fair futuristic exhibit, the lime-green console doubles as both a regular ATM and a machine that allows live interaction with a real person from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

“Instead of a typical drive-up window, you have an interactive teller machine (ITM),” said Roy Harmon Jr., chief operating officer of the Northeast Tennessee-based bank. “It’s really neat.”

The whole two-story bank, which opened in a new building between Papermill Drive and Kingston Pike in early April, has tried to offer a modern feel, with a casual modern lobby look more like a hotel lobby than that of a bank of old.

The new Bank of Tennessee branch at Brookview Centre Way in Bearden opened in early April.

“This is a state-of-the-art bank,” said Harmon. “This doesn’t look like a stodgy old bank branch from 30 years ago with a counter.”

He added that the bank staff is glad to see customers in person during walk-in hours, but they wanted to be set up to allow people to interact or use services in a way that is most convenient.

“This is the leading edge,” he added. “We are way ahead of most everybody else.”

While trying to stay ahead technology wise, Harmon admits that the bank has been a little slow to expand into Knoxville. After operating banks primarily in Northeast Tennessee – including Carter County Bank and Mountain Community Bank – the firm actually opened four branches in the Nashville area before moving into the Knoxville market.

“We jumped over Knoxville because there was so much activity there and we didn’t have the right team of people together,” he said.

Heading up the Knoxville branch is David Haynes, formerly of FSG Bank, he said, with Tommy Schmid, Robert Carter and other support people providing various financial services.

Although the bank is new to Knoxville, Harmon said the state’s third-largest city is his old stomping grounds. He worked here from 1979-89 for Park National Bank and for First American after Park became part of that bank in 1983. While here, he worked with Haynes, he said.

“It was a fun time during and after the World’s Fair. There was a lot of explosive growth in West Knoxville,” he said, citing everything from new subdivisions, to new commercial properties, to new construction related to Oak Ridge. “It was a very dynamic time, not unlike today.”

He went to work for Bank of Tennessee in 1991 and has overseen its growth that now includes $1.2 billion in assets due simply to organic growth and not to any mergers or purchases, he added.

“Our growth has been phenomenal,” he said.

More:Rule High still rules in memories of former students

 

NORTH/EAST

Scouting awards honor difference-makers

Carol Z. Shane Shopper News correspondent

Anthony L. Ingram, director of the inner city Chehote District of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), Great Smoky Mountain Council, has a dramatic memory of his own Scouting years. “I actually received an award for saving a boy’s life,” he says. As a young teen, he intervened when a friend accidentally put his hand through a patio door. “I stopped the bleeding and took care of the other siblings. The parents weren’t there.” Ingram, an Eagle Scout, says his BSA first aid training taught him to stay calm. “I thought, ‘I may not know everything, but I know some things and I’ve got to take care of this.’”

Connie Chen, left, and Rachel Chen at the Chehote District, Boy Scouts of America Whitney M. Young, Jr. Service Award and Elbert K. Fretwell Outstanding Educator Award dinner at Jackson Terminal on Thursday, April 12, 2018.

Last Thursday evening, five individuals and one law firm were honored by the organization for their contributions to inner city Scouting in two award categories.

Receiving the Whitney M. Young Jr. Service Award, recognizing outstanding service by an adult individual or organization in the development of Scouting for youth, were Pitts and Lake, P.C., a significant financial supporter of the Chehote District, and John Hooper, a longtime BSA volunteer and leader.

Boy Scouts of America Chehote District leader and volunteer John Hooper was given the Whitney M. Young Jr. Service Award on Thursday, April 12, 2018 in a dinner in Jackson Terminal. With Hooper is Lauren McKim, a former recipient of the award.

A Scout in his own youth, Hooper has been with the Chehote District for three of his 15 years as a volunteer because “it gives these kids a chance to see that there is something better in life than the violence they see in their neighborhoods. Their parents say their attitudes change from the benefits of Scouting; first they were rough and gruff, now it’s ‘yes sir and no ma’am.’ They gain respect for their elders and for the country, and there’s personal gain as well – two of them have college aspirations that they didn’t have before.”

Honored with the Elbert K. Fretwell Outstanding Educator Award, presented to teachers, educational support staff and school administrators who stand out from their professional peers in instilling Scouting values in their students, were Christenberry Elementary School principal Melissa Johnson, Emerald Academy director Renee Kelly, and Maynard Elementary School principal Kim Wilburn-Cullom.

Johnson says the BSA provides students with “access to programming that expands their world view and wonderful mentors who espouse values such as good citizenship, civic duty, giving back to the community, responsibility, respect and kindness to others. All of those things are very important for children to grow up into great adults and great leaders.”

Wilburn-Cullom says, “I was a Brownie and a Girl Scout; my husband was the Boy Scout. He said a Scout is always prepared, always doing his best. He passed about a year ago.

Kim Wilburn-Cullom, principal at Maynard Elementary, is congratulated by James Hudson after she was awarded the Elbert K. Fretwell Outstanding Educator Award on Thursday, April 12, 2018.

 “The program is really valued at our school; it’s important to the community. The BSA program was here before I came four years ago, and now they’ve started the STEM Scouts.

“Receiving the Fretwell Award is an honor and I’m grateful. But I just thought of my husband. When I was announced as an honoree, I thought, ‘Not for me but for John Cullom; he was the best Scout.’ I am so proud to accept it for him.”

 

GIBBS

 

POWELL

Buy a brick, help build baseball program

The Powell High School baseball program needs your support.

Brent Nolan, the president of the Powell Baseball Foundation, a 501(c)(3) school-support organization that was established to assist the school’s tradition-rich baseball program, recently announced the kickoff for its capital campaign.

The PHS baseball logo.

“We have launched a capital campaign to improve the facilities at the Powell High School baseball field,” said Nolan in a release.

Nolan said brochures detailing the particulars of the fundraiser have been handed out at various businesses in Powell asking for support.

“Additionally, we will be selling personalized bricks that will line the new entrance/mezzanine area, which has been popular with students and alumni,” explained Nolan.

The personalized bricks will sell for $100 to $500, depending on size.

You may order a 4x8-inch sponsorship brick with up to four lines of engraving and up to 21 characters per line for $100.

An 8x8 brick includes up to eight lines of engraving and up to 21 characters per line for $250.

For $500, you may order a 12x12 brick with up to 12 lines of engraving and up to 25 characters.

Nolan said Powell team members have already been involved and will continue to participate in several fundraisers this year.

Danny Maples Field, home of the Powell Panther baseball team.

“We have raised enough money to make improvements to the field and pay for a new scoreboard that will be installed soon.”

Nolan said the indoor practice facility would be behind the concession stand. The plan also calls for an upgrade to the entrance to the field as well as improvements to the concession stand.

Nolan said water problems at the Powell field continue to be a pressing issue that needs to be resolved. The flooded field often results in lost practice opportunities for the team.

“With the devastating floods that we have sustained the last several years, our most pressing need is an indoor practice facility.”

Various sponsorship opportunities, ranging from $300 to $15,000, are also available.

They include indoor practice field, scoreboard, concession booth renovation, ticket booth/mezzanine and other sponsorships.

Because a new windscreen will be put on the outfield wall, sponsorship banners will no longer be located along the fence, according to Nolan.

Instead, a new high-profile Wall of Sponsors will be created in the new baseball complex, recognizing those who financially contribute.

“Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact myself on my cell phone (207-6838) or Powell baseball coach Logan Dalton (615-945-2062),” said Nolan.

 

KARNS

Scenes from the Karns prom

 

HALLS

At CHS, 'Little Shop of Horrors' more fun than frightful

Ali James, Shopper News correspondent

What: "Little Shop of Horrors"
Where: Central High School, 5321 Jacksboro Pike
When: 7 p.m. April 19-21
Cost: $7 per student, $10 for adults

It might have been a Saturday, but friends and family of the cast and crew were hard at work building sets for the upcoming "Little Shop of Horrors" production at Central High.
“It’s a rainy day and it’s prom day and I’ve got 12 people working on the set,” said Erin Housam, Central High School’s theater director. “They knew that we needed to get it done – they’re committed.”

Audrey, played by Keegan Lyle, with Orin Scrivello (Alex Gadd) and Seymour (Hunter Kay).

“Central has a strong tradition of musical theater," said Housam. “Once we knew what we had talent-wise, that helped us with our options. You can want to do something big, but if you can’t vocally cast it you won’t want to pick it.”

Another important consideration, according to Housam, was that they had a lot of female vocalists. “'Little Shop' is girl heavy and has really good 1960s doo-wop numbers. It’s not too artsy, so everybody can understand what is going on.”

“Twelve musicals usually make the high school circuit, but 'Little Shop' hasn’t been majorly done,” said Housam. “(Schools have) very limited funding and musicals are obviously expensive due to royalties and rights. So, we borrow a lot of stuff, we have a little network within ourselves, we will ask if they (other theater programs) have a hard-to-find prop lying around.”

Dress rehearsal for one of the scenes from "Little Shop of Horrors" at Central High School.

"It stepped up our game to be in the musical theater arena. Because that’s what our kids are passionate about.

“It’s big and colorful,” said Housam of the production. “We have these beautiful puppets from Gibbs (High). They had them professionally made. Audrey II is gorgeous and the plant is a character in itself.”

Housam said Audrey II is voiced by one person, and three additional people work as the puppeteers. “It has been another fill skill to teach puppeteering,” she said.

Work started on the play in January, but full rehearsals after school didn’t start until April. “A couple of the charters would voluntarily stay for an hour to work on a dance number or a song,” said Housam. She added that striking the right balance between rehearsals, academics and family is important.

Jacob Sousley rehearsing his role as Seymour for "Little Shop of Horrors."

“We are thrilled to take on three new freshmen," said Housam, referring to newcomers Alex Gadd, who plays the dentist, and Maddy Dishner and Josie Wells, who will be Ronettes. “They are positive and sweet and merged into our little theater.

“The show is dynamic; we have an amazing choreographer and it is more high dance,” said Housam. “The girls are constantly dancing.” She added that the cast was excited to hear that 30 students from the Tennessee School for the Deaf will be attending the Thursday night performance.

Housam said the stage production is more family-friendly than the 1986 movie. “Our Audrey puppets are not scary, we wanted the whole community to come out to see it and not have to worry about finding a sitter for the kids.

“It’s funny, old-school nice with singing and dancing, just like the shows we grew up watching – they were silly, but you felt good," said Housam. “It’s cheesy – it’s not Shakespeare or 'Hamilton', but it’s a fun night and I just can’t stop singing the songs.”
Housam said the students have also had fun changing their Twitter names to their character names and have really gotten into the spirit of the show with on-set jokes. Tomato Head has started following the theater department on Twitter and promoting the show as well.

 

FARRAGUT

Dentist's mission gives women a reason to smile

Margie Hagen, Shopper News correspondent

Speaking at the Farragut Rotary meeting last week, Dr. Smita Borole said she didn’t hesitate when asked to temporarily fill in for another dentist providing emergency dental services for women living at the YWCA Knoxville. At that time, she didn’t fully realize the impact it would have on them, and on her. Now over two years and 200 smiles later, the nonprofit organization she spearheaded, Smiles for Hope, has become her passion.

“Your smile is the gateway to your personality,” says Dr. Smita Borole.

Working with the YWCA, St. John’s Episcopal Church and Volunteer Ministry Center, Borole brought together a team of volunteer dental professionals and began holding monthly clinics at the VMC dental facility in Knoxville. The no-cost services include exams, cleanings, rehabilitative and reconstructive dental work.

Borole owns Dental Works, a private practice with three locations in the greater Knoxville area. Staff members stepped up to volunteer at the free clinic; the core team includes hygienist Alexis Mink and assistant Jessica Jones. Jones’ husband, David, supervises a dental lab and he came on board too, making all the impressions for reconstruction.

Smita Borole and assistant Jessica Jones prepare for the next patient at the clinic. Jones works in Borole’s regular practice and has attended every clinic.

St. John’s Episcopal Cathedral’s Pattie Thiele joined Smiles for Hope as the community liaison; she’s known as the “traffic cop,” keeping things running smoothly. Borole’s daughter Ruchi interviews each patient at intake and exit, noting comments and special circumstances.

Many of the women Borole serves are victims of domestic abuse and violence. With little or no financial resources, dental care is neglected; that often prevents them from having the confidence to look for work and begin to rebuild their lives.

Borole stressed that Smiles for Hope is there to help women who want to help themselves. “These women have strong resolve and are taking the first step to improve their appearance and self-confidence, in an effort to move on to productive lives.” Joyful tears often flow when the women see their beautiful new smiles.       

Every nonprofit needs a team committed to the mission, and Borole was quick to note that it has been a collaborative effort. “We have generous sponsors donating the facility, supplies and lab work. This wouldn’t be possible without them.”

Speaking at the Farragut Rotary Club, Dr. Borole described how the work her team does changes lives.

Reaching out to grow the program, Borole enlisted DDS Dental Lab to provide partials and dentures, the UT School of Law to incorporate as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and even Farragut High School students to design and manage the website.

Racking up numerous awards over the years, Borole is a member of the Executive Women’s Association, was named as one of the top 10 health professionals by City View magazine in 2014, and in 2017 she was recognized at the YWCA Tribute to Women.

Today Borole says, “Smiles for Hope has become my purpose in life and part of my moral compass. This is larger than we are as individuals.” Find more information about volunteering or donating at smilesforhope.com.

More:Shopper News blog: Miss last week's blog? Check it out here

 

KARNS

Hardin Valley Cleanup celebrates 20 years

Nancy Anderson, Shopper News correspondent 

A Hardin Valley Cleanup crew celebrated their 20th year of service with a luncheon at Hardin Valley Church of Christ after their annual spring trash pickup Saturday, April 7.

Don (Papa Don) Merritt receives a certificate of recognition from the group for his service over the last 20 years.

More than 80 guests were treated to Subway and Firehouse Subs along with pizza from Marco’s and Snappy Tomato. In all, 17 businesses donated food, money and door prizes for the event.

It’s not unusual to see 50 to 75 members of the group cleaning up nearly 17 miles of road in the Hardin Valley area each spring and fall.

Coordinator Chrys Huston said the group wasn’t the first to clean up the area, but they started with a bang.

Andy Francis on guitar and Bob Young on banjo with the Fire House Band get toes tapping playing “Soldier’s Joy.”

“Papa Don Merritt was out there in his golf cart cleaning up before we even started, but we were more than happy to give him a hand.

“We were at a yard sale and got to talking about all the trash in the area especially along Hickory Creek Road. I called Knox County to come pick it up but they said they didn’t have the manpower – but would provide the bags, vests, and gloves if we could provide the volunteers. So, in the spring of 1999 when Knox Beautiful was having the Great American Cleanup, we participated and had nearly 100 people show up to pick up 410 bags of trash. Twenty years later, we’ve picked up 5,000 bags of trash and the pickup area has grown from eight to 17 miles."

Huston said it’s been a labor of love since the beginning in 1999 for members of Marietta Cumberland Presbyterian Church, since 2010 for Hardin Valley Church of Christ, and 2012 for Center Faith Church.

The luncheon was attended by a number of familiar faces, including Knox County mayoral candidate Brad Anders, who declared April 7 as Chrys Huston Day on behalf of Mayor Tim Burchett.

Kane and Huston look on as Lt. Governor Randy McNally presents Huston with a proclamation to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the cleanup and to acknowledge the state’s appreciation of the group and Huston in particular.

Lt. Gov. Randy McNally presented Huston with a proclamation to commemorate the 20-year anniversary of the cleanup and to acknowledge the state’s appreciation of the group and Huston in particular.

“I know for me, and maybe Papa Don and the others too, it’s important to do this because God gave us this beautiful place to live in and we need to take care of that gift,” said Huston. "Plus, it’s a wonderful way to come together to act as a community and get to know each other. All kinds of groups and churches come out to volunteer."

 

OPINION

Compliments shouldn’t come with thorns

Leslie Snow, Shopper News columnist

She calls me every day on her way home from work. Today, Jordan wants to talk about her pregnancy. “I’m so pregnant,” she says with a groan. I can hear the smile in her voice. “I’ve never known anyone so pregnant.” I reply with mock seriousness.

Leslie Snow, News Sentinel columnist.

“It’s so weird,” she says. “People will say anything to you when you’re pregnant. It’s like I’m wearing a sign that says, feel free to comment on my body. Or, go ahead and touch my stomach. A patient I never met before stroked my belly today. How crazy is that!” I agree that it’s crazy.

A stranger told her she looked huge. The day before, someone told her she was too small to deliver a baby, a comment that sent her to the doctor’s office. “And today,” she goes on, “a man said it looked like my pregnancy was taking its toll. How horrible is that!” I agree that it’s horrible.

“Your dad is very wise. He says the only appropriate thing to say to a pregnant woman is ‘You look great.’ And he’s correct.”

We make guesses about when Clara will be born until Jordan pulls into her driveway. Then we say our goodbyes, and I know I’ll hear from her again tomorrow, when she’s driving to work.

After we hang up, I think about how hard it is to give a proper compliment. It’s an art form, I think. Maybe a lost art form.

The woman who told Jordan she was “too small” didn’t mean to be insulting. She was just making a remark she hoped Jordan would take in stride. Maybe she even meant it as a compliment. But I don’t think the word “huge” should ever be uttered in reference to a woman, pregnant or not.

I think back to a party I went to a couple weeks ago. It was rainy and humid, so I decided to wear my hair curly that evening instead of straight. And there’s nothing that invites commentary more than a woman changing her hairstyle.

One well-intentioned guest approached me and said, “Your hair looks so much prettier that way.” “Thank you,” I replied, but I didn’t mean it. Because I’m almost certain what she meant was that, on most days, my hair doesn’t look very good.

Another woman asked, “Did you thin your hair?” I must have looked puzzled because she repeated herself. “Your hair, did you thin-out your hair?” When I said “no” she looked perplexed and said, “Well it looks better now, anyway.” “Hmmm,” I replied because “thank you” didn’t seem like the correct response. There might have been a compliment buried somewhere in her remarks, but it was very hard to find.

I don’t think I’m particularly sensitive. I don’t think I take a well-intentioned remark and turn it into something hurtful. But I think that giving a compliment takes some thought, and kind words shouldn’t come with thorns.

You can never go wrong with “Your hair looks pretty” or “You look great.” But “Your hair looks better than it usually does” isn’t really a compliment. Neither is “You look too small to deliver a baby.” Those remarks are near compliments or non-compliments. Close, but no cigar.

Jordan isn’t too small to deliver a baby and she does look great. And all those barbed remarks about my hair make me want to wear it straight every day, just to avoid the feedback. But maybe that’s a bad idea. I hear it looks better curly these days.

Leslie Snow may be reached at snowcolumn@aol.com.