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Shopper News blog: From Davy to Dolly, 'Magnificent Tennesseans' showcased

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What's new in your community? Find out here at the Shopper News blog. We'll have updates on people, businesses and sports in your community. Check back throughout the week.

 

FARRAGUT

From Davy to Dolly, 'Magnificent Tennesseans' showcased

Margie Hagen, Shopper News correspondent 

In a rousing performance last Monday, local historian and popular speaker Frank Galbraith featured Tennessee talent at Town Hall. Two hundred years of stories and songs were presented. The program highlighted important people and events through music and narration. Elvis, Dolly and Pat Summitt were among the many recognized. True to form, Galbraith kept the audience entertained while enlightening them.

A 1966 photo shows Frank Galbraith with bandmates Terry Rogers and Charlie Baker.  By playing at sock hops and high school dances on weekends, Galbraith was able to pay his college tuition.

Galbraith’s family history is rooted in the area; born and raised in Old Concord, he came of age during the 1950s. “It was like the town of Mayberry, only sleepier,” he said. “Everyone knew each other and their families.” His mother, Fancher Smartt Galbraith, graduated from Maryville College in 1929 and became the music teacher at Farragut High School. 

“The school was the center of social life back then. It was a community gathering place and always involved music,” he said. His mother began teaching him piano at age 5 and Galbraith picked up his love of music from her. She gave piano lessons at home so it was always filled with students. “Hundreds passed through our living room a half-hour at a time,” he chuckled.

Playing his mother’s piano, Frank Galbraith performed an impromptu Motown medley at home.

As a teenager, Galbraith discovered the guitar and joined a band called the Baker Combo. “We played in Oak Ridge nearly every weekend for dances, sock hops, school events and festivals,” he said, adding, “That’s how I paid my college tuition.”

He felt a calling to become a teacher and so began a lifelong career; he got his first job at Halls High where he started the track team. In 1970, he returned to Farragut and taught middle school history until retirement. “It’s what God wanted me to do,” he says. “You can make a difference every day.” Even these many years later, he runs into “his kids” around town; invariably they express gratitude about how he influenced their lives for the better. 

Galbraith makes a difference in another way, too. A devout member of Union Cumberland Presbyterian Church for over 40 years, he has made 16 mission trips to Costa Rica. “I’m blessed, so I feel fortunate to be able share,” he said. The people he serves on his missions live in poverty so they show their appreciation with handmade gifts; these remembrances are among his dearest treasures.

This painting was given to Galbraith on one of his mission trips. It shows the Young Earth Center with Galbraith’s name inscribed on the building.

If that’s not enough, Galbraith finds time to entertain at senior assisted living homes with his friend and partner Jerry Thomas. Their vast repertoire spans decades of popular music, providing something for everyone in the audience. 

He’s also a regular speaker at history programs; his “Day of Infamy” presentation is an annual event at Town Hall. “For the first time last year, there were no WWII veterans in the audience,” he said. “This is a way to continue to honor their service.”

Galbraith is perhaps now best known for his role as a local historian, but he is so much more than that. A man of deep faith, he’s a dedicated community servant, talented musician and entertainer. Those who know him would certainly rank him as a “Magnificent Tennessean."     

 

FOUNTAIN CITY 

Gresham foundation to host Cardinal and Gray soiree

Ali James, Shopper News correspondent 

The Gresham Middle School Foundation (GMSF) is changing up its spring fundraiser for its fifth annual event. The “Cardinal and Gray night” will be held 6:30-10:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 24, at Relix Variety Theater.

The biggest difference from last year’s more formal soiree will be a relaxed dress code and new venue. Organizers are encouraging adults 21 and over to come sporting their casual to their finest cardinal or gray attire and help raise money for Gresham Middle students and staff.

“The Gresham News Crew received a grant from the GMS Foundation to purchase a new camcorder last year,” said teacher Trafton Wagner. “We use it daily.”  Students pictured here are Jessica Popescul, Lexi Dishner, Baylee Mullins, Milah Davidson, Lyric Fowler, and Eleni Clark

“We wanted to make sure that it was a fun and relaxed environment,” said Seth Grossman, father of a sixth-grader and new foundation president. “To wear the school colors they may choose to wear jeans and a gray top. This will just be a relaxed atmosphere so that everyone will feel comfortable.

“It’s a good opportunity to do something different,” he added. “It’s at a different venue in the very popular area of the Happy Holler.”

“Here are our students with our 'sad' instruments," said Sean Green, GMS band director. “The GMS Foundation is helping us replace these old, nonfunctioning instruments so our band program may have the classroom technology we need. We truly could not be a great school without their help.”

The ticket price of $40 per person ($20 for Knox County school employees) includes heavy finger food provided by Clear Water Catering, wine and beer and DJ entertainment, plus the opportunity to bid on silent and live auction items.
Foundation board members have been hard at work gathering donations. “Some local businesses are very generous and willing to help out,” he said. “The community support is pretty strong, but parent involvement is paramount to anything.”

Live auction items will include a Yeti cooler, “Remarkable Reptiles,” a Zoo Knoxville behind-the-scenes tour for four, a $1,000 piece of jewelry from Fountain City Jewelers, a Bobcat Football experience and a 20-person suite at the Smokies Baseball stadium valued at $625.

Silent auction items will include gift certificates and merchandise from local boutiques, original art, gift certificates for local restaurants and date nights.

Proceeds from this event will fund educational grant requests from Gresham staff. Over the past five years, GMSF has raised around $200,000 to enhance the educational experience at Gresham. Funded initiatives have included Apple TVs for classroom use, accelerated reader program, after-school tutoring, and “Bridging the Digital Divide” — providing hands-on-technology for students and PTSO funding.

“There are a lot of good things going on at Gresham,” said Grossman, referring to the new 1:1 program providing Chrome Books for each sixth-grader to use. “Every teacher can submit a grant for things that they may want or need and then it is board approved.”

“Did you know that all of our band instruments are at least 20 years old?” said Sean Green, GMS band director. “Gresham Middle School Foundation has supported the band program by providing matching funds for our 'Play it Forward' fundraising efforts. This matching has allowed us to replace old, nonfunctional tubas, baritones, French horns, and bass clarinets in our inventory, purchase instrument repair tools. The help provided by the GMSF is absolutely vital to the success of the school’s band program.”

“We could use more parent support to grow the foundation and to continue on with the great work that’s already been done,” said Grossman. “We need everybody’s support — it’s a small number of people that really do a big job.”

Tickets can be purchased and donations made at http://www.greshammiddle schoolfoundation.org /2018-soiree.html

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NORTH/EAST

The Muse: an East Knoxville treasure

Carol Z. Shane, Shopper News correspondent 

If you don’t know about The Muse, you’re missing an East Knoxville treasure. The hands-on children’s science museum, chartered in 2011 and located adjacent to Chilhowee Park, provides indoor and outdoor fun, learning, creativity and physical activity, plus Knoxville’s only public-access planetarium.

Felicia the Whale, a gift from retailer Anthropologie, greets visitors to The Muse.

“We love it here!” says Jessica Gann. Her 9-year-old son, Braden, attends a weekly science class for homeschoolers. “We learned about the solar system!” he says. “And I get to make a plant.” Braden will be tending carrots as part of a class project.

Outside, kids run and jump on the KaBoom playground, sponsored by BCBS. Mom Elizabeth Summers, sitting nearby at a picnic table, has brought her kids. Six-year-old Isabella says “getting to see my friends” is her favorite things about The Muse. Her little brother Wesley, 5, loves the newest indoor installation – the Discovery Shuttle captained by – who else? – kids.

The Muse’s mission is “inspiring and empowering generations at the intersection of science and art.” Inside, there’s STEM Station, where kids can better understand Newton’s Laws via the physical sciences obstacle course. They can also build with a variety of materials, play a laser harp, act on a stage, make crafts, learn about healthy living, create laser graffiti and much more.

What better place to get active with one’s grandkids than on a giant video game? Nashvillian Gina Foster met her daughter and son-in-law, Melissa and Doug Brand, and grandchildren Wesley and Augustina, at The Muse. The Brands are from Vermont, and the family wanted a good meeting-up spot for a family gathering. “I found it online,” says Foster.

All ages can enjoy a variety of shows in the full-dome planetarium – not only about stars and planets, but rocketry, telescopes, the color spectrum, the eye and how it works – presented every hour on the half. Take the Knoxville Skies Star Tour; you’ll learn which constellations are visible in our current night sky, and how to identify them.

Ellie Kittrell has been executive director of The Muse since September 2013. “My commitment to The Muse mission was born out of our family’s desire to provide sensory- and discovery-based learning experiences for our children,” she says. The family has three boys; two are on the Aspergers spectrum. “Early childhood intervention and settings like The Muse have been critical in aspects of their development.” 

Sponsored by BCBS, the KaBoom playground is full of imaginative play structures.

And it’s not just the museum and grounds. Last year The Muse’s TN-certified school outreach educators provided over 37,000 discovery-based state-standard science programs in 16 counties, impacting over 158,000 students. The 501(c)3 nonprofit also began a Muse Ambassador Program with Austin East and Fulton High School special education students. “They visit the museum two-three times a week and work/volunteer in several different ways that help the museum greatly,” says Kittrell. “In return, they’re learning important work readiness skills.”

And perhaps discovering their vocation. One student in that program writes and illustrates short stories to share with preschool students. “He makes copies of his characters for children to color in our MakeSpace art area,” says Kittrell. “He tells us that he is inspired to publish a children’s book. Now that’s something that will make your heart sing!”

Info: themuseknoxville.org or call 865-594-1494.

 

KARNS

Scoles Chiropractic spreads the love to troops

Nancy Anderson, Shopper News correspondent 

Doing something nice for service personnel overseas is a labor of love for Scoles Chiropractic.

Office manager Kelli Friedmann takes a pause with Rusty Bones dressed in a military uniform. “He’s the talk of the office,” said Friedmann.

They’ve spent three weeks gathering goodies to send to servicemen and women in places like Afghanistan and Kuwait.

The project is the brainchild of office manager Kelli Friedmann.

“I have two kids in the Army. They aren’t overseas, but they made me think of all the men and women who are overseas fighting for our country.

Chiropractic assistant Laren Vittetoe with soldier favorites, granola bars and Gummies.

“I did a little research and found a website through Google called 'Anysoldier' that helps organize efforts like this. They have lists of things that are needed and lists of platoons that are overseas in areas like Afghanistan and Kuwait.

“We started it early February thinking that since it’s the month of love, the soldiers could use an extra bit of love. So, we’re sending them snacks and things from home.”

Scoles personnel, patients and even community members have been dropping off things like coffee, toothbrushes, granola bars, candy, and cash.

Dr. Jennifer Scoles said she had a patient who had been overseas tell her that Gummies were a favorite among military.

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Dr. Jennifer Scoles and chiropractic assistant Faith Julian pack a box for shipment to service personnel overseas at the Scoles Chiropractic office at 7555 Oak Ridge Hwy.

“I’ve been told they particularly like to suck on Gummies,” said Scoles. “So, we made sure to have plenty of them.

“We’ve also heard they like granola bars a lot too. They save them for an end of the day treat. I heard they fight over them, so we have plenty of them also.”

They’ve collected nearly $200 in cash, which will be used for postage and to purchase more goodies.

Marketing coordinator Rosemary Hamsley packs a gift bag. “It’s been awesome to watch everyone get involved and bring things in for our military personnel.”

Scoles Chiropractic is no stranger to doing nice things for others.

“We try to do two service projects a year; we’ve had a coat drive that was successful. This project has been particularly rewarding, though. We know the servicemen and women will love getting a package from home, and we’ve really enjoyed collecting the items. It’s been exciting. We may make this a yearly thing,” said Scoles.

Info: www.healthyknox.com

 

POWELL

Knoxville's 'Best Boutique' strives for 'great fit' for every age

Mike Blackerby, Shopper News correspondent 

Oversized to perfection, this V-neck tee can be worn so many ways.

Abby Payne likes to tout Josie’s Boutique as “The One Stop Style Shop.”

She’s not kidding.

Payne is the owner of the popular Powell boutique that offers trendy women’s clothing and apparel with full on-site hair and tanning salons and services.

Josie’s, at 7508 Clinton Highway, is packed with a staggering assortment of clothing and merchandise for women of all ages and sizes in its expansive 7,000-square-foot show floor.

In addition to clothing, Josie’s specializes in jewelry, shoes and accessories.

A sampling of the many apparel items sold at Josie's Boutique in Powell.

“We have something here, literally, for a wide range of people,” explained Payne.

“We’re not out for just that perfect-looking girl.”

Payne said women can still be chic at any age when it comes to fashion.

“Our theme is ‘fashion forward with great fit.’ We carry all of the newest and latest of trends before it hits the mainstream.”

Payne said she has some families as customers that include three generations of fashion-conscious women.

A large selection of necklaces, earrings and other accessories put the finishing touch on any outfit.

“One of the customers I love to help most are ladies in their 60s and 70s who think they can’t wear this stuff anymore,” explained Payne.

“I love to help that person and help them step out of the box. We just love people, love Powell and we’re very grateful.”

Josie’s has received mostly rave reviews on its popular Facebook page, @JosiesBoutiqueandSalon, where the boutique has an average rating of 4.6 out of five stars after 475 reviews by customers.

“Josie’s is the perfect location just on the outskirts of Knoxville,” said one reviewer.

Josie's Boutique offers a great selection of apparel and accessories.

“The perfect getaway from the hectic mainstream stores near the mall. One can always find something unique at Josie’s (which has) a boho-chic feel and prices that simply cannot be beat by other stores.

“However, my favorite thing about Josie’s is the people that work there. They put so much effort into giving the customers an unforgettable experience, and are truly passionate about helping you find the perfect outfit.”

Josie’s was voted Knoxville’s Best Boutique and Best Women’s Clothing Store in 2017 by CityView Magazine.

“That was a big, big honor for us,” said Payne.

Josie’s also offers the full gamut of beauty services in its hair salon.

“We have nine hair stylists, one nail technician, one esthetician and two lash artists,” offered Payne.

Members of the Josie's Salon team include (front) hairstylist Alex York, esthetician/lash artist Brooke Burns, hairstylist Ashley Underwood; (middle) hairstylist/salon manager Chelsea Payne, hairstylist Marisa Lane, nail technician Tram Le; (back) hairstylists Donna Nelson, Jordan Houk, Sarah Buckner and Ella Wallace. Not pictured is hairstylist Monica Williams.

“All of them are very talented and we feel like it’s a great partnership.”

Josie’s is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from noon to 7 p.m. on Sunday.

In addition to Facebook, access @josies.boutique on Instagram to check up on the latest fashion arrivals at Josie’s.

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FARRAGUT

Spring is in the air, and at Champion Daylilies

Margie Hagen, Shopper News correspondent

Spring is the season for love, and for getting the garden going. At Champion Daylilies it’s a year-round labor of love as they prepare for a new season. The family-owned business, 337 McFee Road in Farragut, has been a must-stop for locals for years; with over 500 standards and hybrids, it’s the largest daylily supplier in the county.

Most famous for daylilies, the farm sells many other types of plants like this gorgeous sunflower.

Owners Donna and John Farinella purchased the business in 2012; John credits his mother for instilling the passion of gardening in him, saying, “She really had a gift for growing things and she passed that on to me. It’s my way to relax.”   

Daylilies are often called “the perfect perennial” because of their beauty, hardiness and ease of growing. The botanical name, Hemerocallis, means beauty for a day; they bloom in the morning and die by nightfall, but new blooms open every morning from spring through late summer, depending on the variety.

The garden attracts visitors from around the region.

In ancient China, a form of daylily was used for medicinal purposes; today it’s primarily ornamental, but some “foodies” use the common varieties in salads or sauté them in butter, proclaiming them “delicious." If you want to try this, do some research beforehand and don’t confuse them with Easter lilies, which are definitely not meant to be eaten.

And yes, there’s a society for that. The American Daylily Society was established by enthusiasts in 1946, and since then thousands of hybrids have been registered and named. It’s a process, but you could have one named for you! Champion Daylilies has produced hundreds of hybrids over the years, registering and naming many of them, including one in honor of Al McFee.

The location is a little deceiving for first-timers. It looks like a regular residence so you have to walk back behind the house to get to the farm. “Once people see the garden in full bloom they are blown away,” said Farinella.

Blackberries and blueberries are some of the “pick-your-own” offerings from Champion Daylilies.

Irises are the first to bloom; depending on the weather, it’s usually around mid-March. Daylilies will be showing their colors in June, and those who like to pick their own vegetables or berries have that option, too. 

It’s never too soon to start planning the garden, but since it’s still early in the growing season, the best way to check out all the offerings is to go to championdaylilies.com. Plants can be ordered online and shipped anywhere, or you can pick them up at the farm with advance notice. Visitors are always welcome, but call 865-599-1116 beforehand to let them know you are coming.

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WORDS OF FAITH

Three steps to compassion (or, Try a little kindness)

John Tirro, Shopper News columnist

“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone” (Romans 12:18).

Rev. John Tirro, St. John's Lutheran Church, Knoxville

Can you imagine what it would it be like, if everyone actually did this? Having just typed that, I have to stop and think. How much less yelling and name calling would there be? How much more kindness? Even if only Christians did it, it would really be something. Honestly, if only you and I did it, a little more than we do, it would make a difference. So what helps with this?

A first step is to notice, with compassion — as Jesus did, again and again (Matthew 9:36, 14:14, 15:32, and 20:34; Luke 7:13 and 19:41-42; etc.) — that there’s a lot of suffering, and even when we’re not suffering directly, seeing others suffer causes us suffering, a kind of ‘second-hand suffering’. (Those passages I listed are worth looking up by the way, but focusing on the last one, Jesus is making his final journey to Jerusalem, and he weeps with compassion as he thinks of people’s missed opportunities to recognize “the things that make for peace,” missed opportunities to see him and each other with compassion, to respond in loving service.) Notice with compassion, there’s a lot of suffering, and some of it is yours.

Second, treat yourself with compassion. Take a break, especially if you’re in a caring profession like social work, medicine, teaching, pastoring, or justice advocacy. If you’re in the world at all, take a break several times a day. Think what it’s like to carry a heavy suitcase from gate to gate in an airport. Now and again, you need to switch hands. Otherwise, your shoulder starts to cramp. Just a little moment of putting it down, adjusting the load, and picking it back up again, makes all the difference.

Same principle applies with writing, reading, teaching, counseling, really with everything. Jesus took breaks (Luke 5:16), and he used those times to pray, to offer his concerns to God and simply to be in touch, to remember he is Love and he is loved. We all need that. Also, drink lots of water (Mark 14:13); remember to breathe, all the way in, all the way out (John 20:22); eat healthy food (Luke 24:42); and spend time with friends, especially when things are difficult. This last one was a big deal for Jesus. I think especially of his last meal before his crucifixion, when he knew how hard life was about to be. “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you” (Luke 22:15).

Third, treat others with compassion. I think sometimes we have trouble with this third step, because we skip the first two. How about this week, you and I work on that? First, notice the suffering, others’ and yours. Second, treat yourself with compassion. Then love and serve. And remember about the water. And the breathing.

Rev. John Tirro is the Campus Ministry Pastor at St. John's Lutheran Church in Knoxville.

More:Shopper News blog: community news stories from Knox County

 

NORTH/EAST

Bryan Schultz: passionate about science and teaching

Carol Z. Shane, Shopper News correspondent 

Bryan Schultz has been named Teacher of the Year by the Knox County School system five times, most recently for the school year 2017-2018. If you spend some time in his classroom at L&N STEM Academy, it’s not hard to see why. Schultz’s love of science – and of teaching – is readily evident.

Bryan Schultz’s animated, enthusiastic science teaching has earned him his fifth honor as Knox County Teacher of the Year. Here, he explains that the Earth is shaped “sort of like a pear.”

Previously at Bearden Middle School for two years and South-Doyle Middle School for five years, he’s been in his current position for three years.

“Sometimes you find vintage stuff laying around,” he says of the school’s location in the historic L&N train depot on the World’s Fair site. “There’s a big old crane right outside my classroom that was used to load the trains. I love that!”

Originally from Atlanta, Schultz came to Knoxville 15 years ago to study geology at UT. He planned to finish up his master’s degree, do some consulting, return for a PhD and then teach and do research on the college level. But after a year consulting at TetraTech in Oak Ridge, he was selected to participate in a National Science Foundation GK-12 program, which supports fellowships and training – including teacher training – for graduate students in STEM fields. Schultz worked with schools in Blount, Knox and Sevier counties.

L&N STEM Academy teacher of the year Bryan Schultz describes a hands-on experiment in plate tectonics recently undertaken by his students.

“Our task was to coordinate with them to bring in as much science as we could. It was fantastic. It was run by Dr. Sally Horn, who is one of these amazing visionary professors at UT. Her work cuts across disciplines – geology, physical geography, anthropology. She does a lot of past-environment reconstructions.

“The kids were electrified. I got my first taste of seeing not the apathy you hear about in public school but this genuine curiosity about learning.”

Schultz was asked to come back and lead the program. By then in the midst of his PhD program, he changed course.

“I’ve always had a passion for science, and a passion for teaching. And I was actually doing more research with these grade-schoolers than I’d done in graduate school!” He realized that he belonged in pre-college education. “I’ve just loved it ever since.”

Schultz and “his” kids have just come off an exciting weekend at the Science Olympiad regionals, held at ETSU. They advanced to the state level, which will be held at UT in April.

Coaches Bryan and Jayne Schultz are shown with their Science Olympiad students from the regional competition at ETSU, held in late February. The team advanced to the state level. Shown are (rear) the Schultzes, Hunter Harris, Charles Brush, Bryce Lane, Daniel Hristov, Nick Brison, Connor McGinley, Emmanuel Sosa-Cruz, Jakob Liggett and John Codevilla; (front) Sydney Juhl, Sydney Rockwell, Rachel Parrott, Sami Foley, Andrew Sarphie, Jenny Liu, Devon McGinley, Samantha Bell, Kassidy Gray, Anna Wysmierski, Raymond Wysmierski and Kaylin Fleenor.

With his wife, Jayne, who is the school’s office manager, he enjoys hiking on weekends. Jayne is also a rock hound, and she makes jewelry from some of the stones they find. They’re considering launching a small business venture. “But we’ve been so busy with all the opportunities offered to us here!

“A big piece of this pathway has been leadership. I’m so blessed to have (principal) Becky Ashe and (assistant principals) Tim Childers and Kristi Phillips here. They want this school to be the best it can be, and they encourage innovation from us. L&N STEM Academy is a very special place.”

 

KARNS

Karns High School PTSA wants your soles

Nancy Anderson, Shopper News correspondent 

The Karns High School PTSA is seeking donations of shoes to earn money for a new in-school communication system.

Jo Ann James, campaign co-chair, organizes shoes into pairs at Karns High School Wednesday, Feb. 28.

The goal is 2,500 pairs of shoes by March 16. Having only 750 to date, they have a long way to go.

“We thought in a community the size of Karns that it would be easy to collect 2,500 pair,” said campaign co-chair Melanie McNutt. “We need to make up the difference by March 16 to earn $1,000.

“If every kid at Karns Elementary, Middle and High School were to bring in one pair of shoes to their school office we’d more than make it.

Kara McNutt, 16, is earning service hours processing a mountain of shoes.

“We’re thankful for the bags we have, but we need more desperately.

“We accept any kind of shoes from house shoes to high heels to cleats. As long as there are no holes and they’re wearable, we’ll take them.”

Drop-off locations are Karns High School, Jacque Ray State Farm Insurance, Beaver Ridge United Methodist Church, Gordon Drugs, and Salon Matias.

Kids volunteering to help bag the shoes earn service hours. If they choose to collect shoes, 10 pairs equal one service hour.

Funds from the campaign will be donated to Karns High School for a new in-house visual communication system. Electronic screens will be stationed throughout the building to continuously scroll information and announcements.

Friends Kelsey James, 14, Megan Rains, 16, and Jackson McNutt, 12, take a moment to get silly with shoes.

The shoes will be purchased by Funds2Orgs, a company based out of Orlando, Fla. which sponsors micro enterprise partners in developing nations. The organization helps impoverished people in countries such as Haiti, Honduras, and other nations in Central America and Africa start, maintain, and grow businesses.

Participants clean the shoes for resale. The first batch is free to get them started, then the shoes are purchased for a nominal fee.

Cami James, 15, unloads bags filled with shoes ready for processing.

McNutt said one participant in Haiti earned enough to send her son to law school.

“We know that most people have at least one pair of extra shoes in their closets. If they would donate just that one pair to us, they’ll help those less fortunate become self-sufficient and they’ll help the school become more efficient in communicating with students. It’s a win-win for everyone.”

Info: karnsptamelaniem@gmail.com

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FARRAGUT

Notes from the political trail

Margie Hagen, Shopper News correspondent

It’s a busy time for Knox County candidates as they make the rounds to speak about themselves, their qualifications and what agendas they will pursue if elected. The monthly meeting of Concord Republicans is one forum for office seekers to get the word out.

Speaking at the Concord Republican Club meeting, Knox County mayoral candidate Bob Thomas said, “We’ve got to leave this county better than we found it.”

The March assembly hosted Bob Thomas, vying for the position of county mayor. Currently the Seat 10 Commissioner-at-Large, Thomas faces Republicans Brad Anders and Glenn Jacobs. Three Democrats, Linda Haney, Rhonda Gallman and Rebecca Deloa, have also returned petitions to run for the office.

Thomas has a long history in Knox County; along with lengthy career as a popular radio host, he managed the Tennessee Theatre after the renovation and once owned the Knoxville Cherokee Hockey Team. Why does he think he’s the best candidate for mayor?  “I’ve been involved in this community and business for over 40 years,” he said. “I understand budgeting, cash flow and making payroll. We have to take care of the people in business here.”

Thomas is a strong advocate for public education. His children attended Farragut schools and now his grandchildren do, too. Another program he supports is Ride and Decide, an initiative that provides high school students with a paid summer “internship” to learn about different job opportunities in the trades rather than the traditional college path.

Another point Thomas brought up is why schools can’t be used after hours for youth and other activities. “We spend all this money on these buildings, why can’t they available for the kids, the adults, for everybody? I would like to see them put to more use." He’s had discussions with the other Bob Thomas (superintendent of schools) about the possibility. 

Thomas is adamant against higher taxes. “Raising taxes is the first nail in the coffin leading to a poor economy,” he said. Citing no state income tax, low municipal taxes and the quality of life and beauty in our area, he noted that people want to come and stay in East Tennessee, whether they are just starting out or retiring.

Farragut Alderman Ron Williams had a question for Thomas about plans for a new senior center to serve West Knoxville. “We’ve got to find a place with plenty of parking,” said Thomas, adding, “It’s at the top of my priority list.” Along with Commissioner John Schoonmaker, Thomas is looking for a viable solution.

Knox County Clerk candidate Sherry Witt was scheduled to speak, but a last-minute taping of a segment for WBIR’s "Inside Tennessee" took priority. You can catch her there or go online for more information about her campaign.

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HALLS

First lady visits Fountain City Elementary, spotlights early literacy

Ali James, Shopper News correspondent 

Safety patrol members lined the Fountain City Elementary hallways to welcome first lady Crissy Haslam on Feb. 28. Accompanied by school superintendent Bob Thomas and members of Connect Knox, the first lady officially launched the “Year of Literacy.”

First lady Crissy Haslam reads “We’re All Wonders” to third-grade students at Fountain City Elementary.

A third-grade class gathered in the school library as Haslam explained her husband’s job as governor, before reading “We’re All Wonders,” a book for younger readers based on the best-seller and movie “Wonder”.

“I want to talk about reading,” said Haslam. “If you don’t like to read, that’s OK – you just need to find the right kind of book. I challenge kids across Tennessee to read 20 minutes a day. The better reader you are the easier school is.”

In 2017, the Connect Knox 43-member steering committee, composed of leaders from across Knox County, looked at several issues to shine a spotlight on. They zeroed in on early childhood literacy, because of its impact on workforce readiness, economic development and building a stronger community.

Before the Fountain City Elementary third-graders returned to their classroom, they presented first lady Crissy Haslam with a Pep Cat tumbler and a handmade poster.

“We want to shine the spotlight on the resources we already have,” said committee chair John Tolsma. “Then we spent all of two seconds considering the perfect person to bring this issue to light – the first lady came to mind right away.”

“Low literacy rates are devastating to students and our community,” said Haslam, before discussing research findings on early literacy.

“Bill has been working towards higher education,” said the first lady, referring to the governor’s “Drive to 55” initiative to increase the number of Tennesseans with a postsecondary degree or credential to 55 percent by 2025. “We will not have successful college students if they cannot read. When you inspire a child to read you have a lifelong reader and learner.”

Bob Thomas, Knox County Schools superintendent, discusses literacy and Knox County Schools with the media and Connect Knox volunteers.

After more stringent testing, the percentage of children who read proficiently on grade level has dropped from 50 to 40 in Knox County, said Knox County Schools Superintendent Bob Thomas. “Reading is the key to success, it’s as simple as you can put it,” he said. “We are investing in summer reading programs, more literacy coaches and higher quality materials for our teachers.” It is part of the “Read to be Ready” — to increase the number of students reading on grade level to 75 percent by 2025.

“Families face many barriers,” said Denise Dean of Freedom Schools, a six-week summer reading program. “Parents might work more than one job, or those parents cannot read, there may be a language barrier — and we know hungry children cannot learn. We are formulating a long-term vision to ensure that all children are reading proficiently and we are reducing summer reading loss.”

“We are not trying to reinvent the wheel,” said Kristy Altman, director of Connect Knox. “We have taken inventory of what already exists and we are thinking of new and innovative ways to address early literacy.”

Connect Knox announces “Year of Literacy” launch at Fountain City Elementary just days before “Read Across America,” a literacy event that coincides with Dr. Seuss’ birthday on March 2.

Altman added that they have been discussing ways to engage the community, create best practices and encourage collaboration among literacy experts. Connect Knox hopes to spotlight existing programs and resources such as Great Schools Partnership and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. In addition, social media tools are being used to promote local programs and what people are reading using the hashtag #knoxreads.

Volunteer opportunities and further information can be found via www.connectknox.com or by following @connectknox on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

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OPINION

Hibernating leads to shock and awe

Leslie Snow, Shopper News columist

Among some scientists, there's a debate whether bears really hibernate. I’m not sure it matters, but you know how scientists are. They like to examine and discuss life’s minutia until we’re not sure what we’d say if we were contestants on "Jeopardy." And we’re all the better for it, I’m sure.

Leslie Snow, News Sentinel columnist.

What’s important to know is that bears go though a phase called hyperphagia where they eat and drink excessively to put on enough weight to get them through the long winter. Bloated and stuffed, they crawl into their cozy den to sleep it all off. It makes sense when you think about it; I get tired after a big meal, too.

Months later, right around the time the daffodils peek through the frozen ground, bears experience something called “walking hibernation.” That’s when they wake up just enough to work out the kinks before they have to face the world again.

When they finally emerge, grumpy and thin from their long rest, they resume their normal activities, like scaring hikers or eating out of garbage cans. And they go on that way, doing what bears do, until they get the signal telling them it’s time to pig out again. Or bear out in this case.

I am not a bear. But I do go through a hibernation cycle similar to the common black bear.

Take hyperphagia. I definitely do that. When the weather gets cold, I feel a strange impulse to eat macaroni and cheese. Or spaghetti Bolognese. Or fried rice. If it’s starchy and comforting, I want it. While bears gorge themselves to prepare for winter, I carb-load at the first sign of frost. And while bears shed their weight during the winter months, I gain weight to help me cope with the shorter days and the slight possibility of snow in the valley. See, I’m just like a bear.

Here’s a fun fact for our stint on "Jeopardy": When bears are hibernating (or not, depending on which scientists you talk to) they can go for more than 100 days without eating or drinking. And while that’s an impressive feat, I’m pretty amazing myself. I can go 100 days without skipping a meal. Or dessert. It’s remarkable when you think about it.

Things get really interesting in my house during walking hibernation. While a bear might ease his way back to normal activity, my walking hibernation period is more shock and awe.

When the temperature outside rises, my brain sends a signal that it’s time to take out my summer clothes. I’m driven to paw through my drawers searching for a pair of shorts that still fits. I tear off too-tight skirts and hard-to-button capris. That’s the “shock” part of walking hibernation. I’m shocked, and a little horrified, that nothing fits me anymore. The “awe” comes when I put on my bathing suit for the first time.

Because while a bear emerges from hibernation lean and mean, I come out of my winter slumber soft and white. I do the tissue test and my skin is whiter than the tissue. Who needs White Strips? Not this bear.

At the end of my walking hibernation, also called “What have I done to myself,” a hormone is released (fear) that makes me crave kale and sign up for a 5K. Training for the race completes my hibernation cycle and helps me return to my normal activity level (weight).

So that’s everything I know about bears and their possible hibernation. Now, I’ll take hibernating animals for 300, Alex.

Leslie Snow may be reached at snow column@aol.com.