Shopper News blog: Fulmer is ‘fore’ the kids

SHOPPER NEWS

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Fulmer is ‘fore’ the kids

Margie Hagen, Shopper News correspondent 

Phil Fulmer brought golfers, sponsors and fans together last Friday (April 27) for his 19th annual fundraiser to benefit the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley (BGCTNV). A sell-out crowd showed up to support the Phillip Fulmer Golf Classic, held this year at Avalon Golf & Country Club in Lenoir City.

It’s been 10 years, but Fulmer is still affectionately called “Coach” by Vols fans.

As a member of the board, the clubs are a cause that’s dear to Fulmer’s heart. “We’ve enjoyed doing this over the years,” he said. “I deal with so many young people and I just think it’s a great organization. It’s important to give them a safe place after school or in summer programs.”

The organization is grateful for his commitment. “BGCTNV is lucky to have Coach Fulmer as an advocate for our kids and our clubs. He is passionate about our work, and this golf tournament is a great way to raise funds and celebrate our area’s youth,” said development and events coordinator Rachel Durham.

Taking Tennessee orange to a tee, Avalon resident Dr. Leonard Hines had this cart custom designed.

Serving youth in Knox, Blount, Anderson and Loudon counties, the clubs focus on three core principles: academic success, health and citizenship.

Stressing the importance of education, kids are connected to opportunities like paid workforce training and internships. The goal is to prepare them for college or trade school, military service or immediate jobs. It works; statistics show that those who attend programs are twice as likely to graduate high school.

Promoting healthy habits like physical activity and good nutrition choices can set a pattern for life. Last year the clubs served nearly half a million wholesome snacks and meals at no charge through their programs. Counseling on risky behaviors like drug, alcohol or tobacco use teaches kids how to avoid them.

Contributing to the community through good citizenship, volunteering and voting builds character and models behavior the clubs encourage.

Waiting to tee off, a golfer takes a practice swing.

As a role model for youth and fans alike, Fulmer was the perfect host for the event, greeting and posing for photos with everyone. Now appointed UT athletic director, he’s positive about the upcoming season football season, expressing confidence in head coach Jeremy Pruitt and lauding basketball coach Rick Barnes for the shared SEC regular season championship. “We’re going in the right direction,” he said.

Durham noted, “This year marks the 75th anniversary for the organization. Thank you to Coach Fulmer, our many sponsors and Avalon Golf & Country Club for making this tournament our best year yet!” For those who want to support the Boys and Girls Clubs, volunteer or donate at bgctnv.org. You can also attend the Knoxville Open web.com tour, held the week of May 7 at Fox Den Country Club. Proceeds will also benefit BGCTNV.

 

UNION COUNTY

 

SOUTH

Portrait photographer makes the most of spring

Heather Robinson, Shopper News correspondent 

Our recent spring flowers and bright, sunny days are providing a beautiful backdrop for portraits captured by South Knoxville photographer Chelsey Reagan.

Chelsey Reagan turns the camera on herself.

“Spring is a wonderful time for photos!” says Reagan. “There is so much color and beautiful light.”

Reagan is spending her spring helping families commemorate all of their special occasions, including graduations, birthdays, engagements, weddings, pregnancies, adoptions and births. For some, simply capturing a good portrait on a beautiful day is occasion enough.

“The day is longer and people are dressed in brighter colors and are happy to be able to be outside for a change!” adds Reagan.

Examples of recent Chelsey Reagan Photography portrait sessions can be seen on her website, www.chelseyreaganphotography.com. Visitors will also find her package and pricing information there, as well.

Landen's baby session included a cute suitcase and balloons set in front of beautiful azaleas in the background.

For Reagan, photography has been a lifelong love. As the daughter of a wildlife photographer hobbyist, shooting with his camera sparked her interest at an early age.

“I was very young when I took an interest in photography,” says Reagan. My dad dabbled in wildlife photography and as a little girl I would always use his camera to take my own photos. Back then digital hadn’t mainstreamed yet, so we shot on a 35mm film camera.”

From shooting with her father’s camera, she grew her skills and became increasingly interested in photography as more than just a passing interest.  

“As I got older and in high school, I became more serious and was one of the school photographers for the yearbook and our video yearbook and co-founded a photography club,” says Reagan, who has also taken photography classes at the University of Tennessee.

She currently shoots digitally, but can also shoot film upon request. She uses several digital and film cameras, though her main camera is a full-frame Nikon D610 paired with an 85mm F/1.4 lens.

Reagan is happy to work with clients like Sierra Dodson to capture their unique personality.

“I love all types of photography, but portraiture is my favorite,” says Reagan.

Reagan has recently shot beautiful graduation sessions using natural landscapes at a peak point of the year, and has time on her schedule to capture lasting memories for new clients, as well.

According to Reagan, it is a special feeling to help a family make a tangible memory that marks an important time in their lives.

“I would say the most special thing I have done was a boudoir session for a military family,” remembers Reagan. “The husband was deployed and the wife at home. She wanted to do something special for their anniversary since they couldn’t be together. It was incredibly sweet.

“Birth sessions are always very special, too,” she adds.

Those hoping to book time with Reagan can contact her via her website contact form or by emailing PhotographsByChelsey@Icloud.com or calling 865-208-0726.

Chelsey Reagan Photography can also be found on Facebook and is on Instagram as @chelsey_reagan_photography. Her social media profiles offer an opportunity to see a glimpse of her most recent portrait sessions and are an excellent way to reach out to book a session.

More:SoKno Market serves up roadkill and coffee on tap

 

SHOPPER-NEWS

Knoshville Jewish Food Festival: oy veh, y’all!

Carol Z. Shane, Shopper News correspondent 

Just what is it about Jewish food? From bagels to borscht, knishes to kugel, challah to couscous, the cuisine has developed over thousands of years. And now Knoxvillians get to enjoy a one-stop, delectable sampling when the Knoshville Jewish Food Festival returns this weekend for its third year.

Mary Evars-Goan entices diners with individual slices of homemade Bundt cakes.

The event’s name is a play on the Yiddish word “nosh,” which means to snack or nibble.

“Knoshville will bring together every Jewish organization in the Knoxville and Oak Ridge area, to celebrate Israel’s 70th birthday, and to appreciate Jewish foods and cuisine,” said Knoxville Jewish Alliance event co-chairs, Alex Jordan and Anna Iroff-Bailey. “We’re so excited to share the richness and diversity of Jewish food and culture with our larger Knoxville community.”

Delicious oznei peel, also known as elephant ears, are made with cinnamon sugar.

Iroff-Bailey, a speech pathologist who also runs Tot B'yachad Shabbat, the community-wide program for toddlers, says “Jewish food is great because it connects us to generations of family and brings back memories of holidays with bubbe – Yiddish for ‘grandmother.’ It’s the ultimate comfort food because it’s indulgent, delicious, and full of love! The diverse spectrum of dishes and spices reflects the unique variety of Jewish cultural traditions from Russia to North Africa to the Middle East to New York City.” Joyce York, the Ha’Kol Community Newsletter editor for the KJA, agreed. “Jewish food has adapted as Jews traveled throughout the world,” she said.

Participating organizations are the Knoxville Jewish Alliance, Heska Amuna Synagogue, Temple Beth El, Knoxville Jewish Day School, Chabad of Knoxville, Jewish Congregation of Oak Ridge, the local chapters of Hadassah,  BBYO, the PJ Library and the UT Department of Judaic Studies.

Menu items include bagels and lox, or smoked salmon; blintz soufflé, or stuffed crepes baked with eggs; black and white cookies; Tunisian vegetable stew; challah, or Jewish egg bread; couscous; Moroccan spiced fish; homemade hummus; knishes, which are delicious filling covered with dough and baked or fried; kugel, or sweet noodle casserole; borscht; bundt cakes, whole and by the slice; cupcakes and cold drinks. Some packaged items will be available for purchase to take home.

Members of the Jewish women’s organization Hadassah pose with a bounty of bundt cakes. Shown are Nora Messing, Judi Abrams, Laura Floyd, Robin Brown and Rosalie Nagler.

With respect to kosher Jewish dietary laws and traditions, no meat or poultry items will be available at this event. Dairy, fish and vegetarian items and some gluten-free items will be available.

The third annual Knoshville Jewish Food Festival runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, May 6, at Arnstein Jewish Community Center, 6800 Deane Hill Drive. Event schedule:

  •  10 - 11 a.m.: Israel’s 70th birthday celebration with Israeli dancing, food demo and other fun
  •  11 a.m. - 2 p.m.: Food stations open and serving food; Israel-themed kids’ activities
  •  2 - 4 p.m.: Program sponsored by UT Judaic studies department

 Admission and general activities are free; there is a minimum food purchase of $10. Overflow parking and free shuttle service available from Bearden Branch Library. Info: 865-690-6343 or visit jewishknoxville.org.

More:Three Knoxville churches unite to fight hunger

 

EAST

Austin-East to host dance and arts showcase

Ruth White, Shopper News 

Members of the Austin-East Dance Company (including this Vine Middle School student) perform a jazz routine during the Dance and Arts Showcase that featured students from Beaumont Magnet, Vine Middle Magnet and Austin-East Magnet High School.

Austin-East Magnet High School will host the Knox County Schools Dance and Arts Showcase Thursday, May 3 through Saturday, May 5 in the school's Performing Arts Auditorium. The hallway outside the auditorium will feature art work from the participating schools.

Thursday evening will feature live performances from Beaumont Theatre, Vine Chorus and Austin-East jazz band at 6:15 p.m.. Refreshments will be provided by the Austin-East culinary department. The dance showcase performances will begin at 7 p.m. each evening.

Admission is $5 with children under the age of four admitted free. 

 

POWELL

Beehive a 'different model' for senior living

Mike Blackerby, Shopper News correspondent 

BeeHive Homes of Knoxville breaks the mold for traditional senior assisted-living facilities.

BeeHive Homes, 1301 West Beaver Creek Drive, offers quality senior living in a residential setting.

“This is such a different model,” said Kelly Lohman, who is co-owner and franchisee of BeeHive Homes of Knoxville along with her husband, Layne.

“The whole thing about BeeHive Homes is to make this feel like home and like being part of a family. Everything is centered around that. This is an assisted-living facility, not a healthcare facility. Everything here feels like home.”

Kelly Lohman, who is co-owner and franchisee of BeeHive Homes along with her husband, Layne, in the spacious kitchen of the facility.

The motto for the 16-unit facility at 1301 West Beaver Creek Drive in Powell is “Quality Senior Living in a Residential Setting.”

That statement resonates as soon as you enter the front doors of the welcoming one-floor, 9,500-square-foot facility that sits on 4.5 acres and backs up to Beaver Creek in a neighborhood setting.

There’s an openness to the floor design that you don’t see at most assisted-living facilities. A huge, custom-built kitchen with state-of-the-art appliances blends into a large sitting area with a striking centerpiece stone fireplace. The mantel is made of coastal wood imported from Africa.

To contact owner Kelly Lohman about setting up a tour of the BeeHive Homes facilities, call 865-809-2881.

The intimate floor plan includes 16 individual units in close proximity.

“Most facilities like this have at least 40 to 50 units and beds,” said Lohman. “What we feel we offer is a place people can call home with a family feel to it.”

BeeHive assisted living began in 1987 when Twayne Walker built the first home in Meridian, Idaho.

The Lohmans are the first BeeHive franchisees in Tennessee.

“We just decided we had some of our career left in us and we wanted to do something together and give back to the community and make a difference,” explained Lohman, a former schoolteacher.

BeeHive of Knoxville will offer a myriad of services and perks to its residents, including:

  • Medication monitoring and charting (per state regulations) and an on-site nurse
  • Home-cooked, dietitian-approved meals
  • Assistance with activities of daily living (per state regulations)
  • Daily housekeeping services
  • An on-site salon and beauty shop
  • Laundry services
  • Individual and group activities
Lohman shows off the centerpiece fireplace in the large gathering room which greets residents as they walk through the front doors at BeeHive Homes.

The individual units come furnished (residents may also personalize their rooms) with a three-quarters private bath, emergency call system, cable TV hookup and phone and internet hookup.

Lohman said four of the 16 units have already been pre-leased.

She said tentative plans call for the building of an identical 16-unit behind the existing facility.

Lohman said she plans to have the new facility open by mid-May with the grand opening set for June.

For more information about BeeHive Homes of Knoxville, contact Lohman at 865-809-2881 or access lklohman@beehivehomes.com.

 

SOUTH

 

KARNS

Icelandic 'Lego Boy' visits Amherst Elementary

Nancy Anderson, Shopper News correspondent 

The boys and girls of Amherst Elementary School and their guests from Sterchi Elementary got a very special visitor all the way from Iceland on Wednesday, April 18.

Jodi Justus from the Titanic Museum, dressed as a first-class maid, and Brynjar Karl traveled to 10 East Tennessee schools presenting a slide show of Karl’s experience building a 26-foot LEGO model of the Titanic.

Fifteen-year-old Brynjar Karl, aka “Lego Boy,” visited the school to spread his message of persevering through hardship.

Karl, who is on the autism spectrum, made his way to fame by building a 26-foot-long model of the Titanic, the ill-fated ship that sank in 1912, killing 1,503 people.

He spent 11 months working three to four hours per day on the project using 56,000 Legos and 120 tubes of Super Glue.

Aiden Wertheimer, 9, and Brynjar Karl, both on the autism spectrum, talk about their respective special skills during Karl’s visit to Amherst Elementary to talk about his LEGO Titanic model Wednesday, April 18. Karl explained that everyone has an X factor that makes them special. Aiden showed off his X factor, reciting all the presidents in order.

He told of having to take it apart and start over when mistakes were made, which happened several times. Karl had to remake the tail end twice when it collapsed due to its unusual shape.

His finished model is currently on display at the Titanic Museum in Pigeon Forge.

The kids were excited to see Jodi Justus, who wore a first-class maid’s uniform authentic to the Titanic. Justus works at the Titanic Museum and is well versed at talking with children. She soon had the children cheering for Karl’s presentation.

Karl began his slide show saying, “Anything is possible if you believe and never give up.”

Brynjar Karl Birgisson from Iceland created a 26-foot long Titanic model out of 56,000 Lego bricks. The model is the world's largest Titanic Lego replica and can be seen at the Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge.

He spoke earnestly to the frequently cheering crowd about how he came out of the fog of autism through his journey of building the Lego model and how each of us is special in our own way.

“I have learned that everyone has a special talent or an X factor. That something special is what makes us all unique and is why no two people are the same.

“I’m sure you have a very interesting X factor. We all have one. The question is when will we find it? You may have found yours already, but if not you will definitely find it one day. It doesn’t matter if we are flawed, we are all special in our own way.”

He talked specifically about being on the autism spectrum: “People who have autism can train themselves around problematic areas, such as eye contact and recognizing social cues.

Chris Massie, executive director of the Titanic Museum, Sharon Yarbrough, principal of Amherst Elementary, and Mary Kellogg, co-owner of the Titanic Museum, take a pause during Brynjar Karl’s visit to Amherst Elementary School.

“I am living proof that autism does not have to be a negative thing. It can be a gift. It all depends on how you look at it, and I prefer to look at it as a positive thing. Being different is not a bad thing.”

After his talk, many children’s hands shot into the air with the hope of asking Karl questions such as does he still build with Legos, and what does he want to be when he grows up.

Karl admitted that his Lego building days were over, it was time to move on to bigger challenges such as becoming a ship’s captain.

More:Trailblazing soccer referee Susan Williamson on top of her game

 

SOUTH

Riversong Studio's young 'nerds' dance to award

Heather Robinson, Shopper News correspondent 

While many youth are preparing for spring dances at their schools, three 11-year-old dancers had their eyes on a different kind of dancing event.

Valerie Kelly poses with the Junior and Senior members of her company at the recent StarQuest competition in Knoxville.

The Junior Company of Riversong Dance Studio in South Knoxville has been hard at work all year getting ready for their favorite regional dance event, StarQuest.

Chloe Claxton, Sophia Kidd and Jada Stewart, all 11 years old, danced to "Control" by Janet Jackson.

This year’s StarQuest competition took place last week at the Knoxville Civic Auditorium and landed the school’s three-member Junior Company with a third-place overall win for their choreographed dance set to Janet Jackson's "Control." The company dressed as nerds for their performance and had as much fun as possible with their routine.

The company features three young women, all age 11 — Chloe Claxton (Mooreland Heights Elementary), Sophia Kidd (who attends Heritage Middle) and Jada Stewart (who attends Seymour Middle).

“Our music is very upbeat,” explained Sophia. “The dance is really ‘charactery’ — we're nerds. We channel our inner nerds.”

“I was very focused and really channeling my inner Urkel,” laughed Chloe, referring to the nerdy character from the popular '90s ABC sitcom "Family Matters".

Placing in an event at StarQuest is a true accomplishment that makes their school, families and company proud.

“It means a lot since it's my first season competing and we did well!” said Jada.

Professional group photos are on display at the studio.

“I am so proud of these dancers,” said Riversong Dance Studio creative director Valerie Kelly. “Our Junior Company is small this year and they've worked together as a team so well, lots of graciously taking corrections and working hard to keep up and blend well with the Senior Company dancers in their All Company routine.”

Though the competition is very serious, and this trio came to compete, they admit that they mostly focus on the fun of dancing and spending time with friends.

“There's always time for play and laughing,” says Chloe. “That's what makes it fun!”

“We're taking it seriously, but we're really having fun at the same time!” adds Jada.

Riversong Dance Studio is at  6518 Chapman Highway.

A regional event of this level asks a lot of an 11-year-old. To dance in a company on a competitive level requires teamwork, dedication and skill that doesn’t come easily for all pre-teens. Weekly, these girls have practiced and worked hard to get to this point.

“Preparing for it was, for me, thinking through it a lot and going through it to make sure I would remember the dance,” says Jada.  “And lots of teamwork!”

The Junior Company was formed last June after auditions and has been working on the dance program since that time.

“So much work went into this,” said Sophia. “Eight months of mental and physical hard work.”

"We took a lot of elevator selfies!" says artistic director Valerie Kelly, who likes to keep things fun with her dance company members.

“We start out in June of the previous year with company auditions,” explained Kelly. “Company Camp is Monday through Thursday the last week of July, so that we can rehearse complete dances every Thursday night during company classes once school starts back.”

According to Kelly, the dancers are not the only ones putting in work. Parents of these dancers each make time commitments and sacrifices to make sure their daughters are able to be present at rehearsals and events throughout the year.

“The parents put in a ton of effort,” explains Kelly.  “We go to a few competitions each spring season and the parents have to block off the full weekend for each event since we don't get schedules for when we'll perform until a couple weeks before the competition. They spend the whole weekend at the theater to watch our dancers perform and then they wait until the awards ceremonies, sometimes hours later, to cheer for us when they read out our scores."

Riversong Dance Studio is also celebrating its Senior Company’s small dance group’s fifth-place overall win and its Senior Elite dancers placing first overall in the Classic level.

“We had a pretty great weekend!” says Kelly.

 

HALLS

Red Nation Robotics compete at global level

Ali James, Shopper News correspondent 

Red Nation Robotics Team had just returned from the FIRST® Robotics World Championship in Houston. Within a day, they were busy in their Halls High School workshop.

Members of the Red Nation Robotics Team #4576 watch the competition at the FIRST® Robotics World Championship in Houston. “The experience was overwhelming,” said Carley Baldwin. “I was trying to process it all and tell my parents about it. We learned that there are so many ways to do things, how to run or manage and build a robot.”

“We were competing alongside big corporations and teams that have been around a lot longer than I have been alive,” said Sarah Norris, a Powell high 11th-grader. “We have been together for only six years – no one on our team had been to 'Worlds'.”

The Red Nation Robotics Team #4576 in the pit at the FIRST® Robotics World Championship in Houston. Adam Schoolfield, Build Team Lead for 2018-19, said they had to take toolboxes, batteries, media items (including banners, backdrops and a trophy case) to the Houston competition.

Fellow student Carley Baldwin said it felt like a being at a rock concert, while parent/mentor Naomi Lohmann likened it to being in the pit at a car race.

“It’s held at Minute Maid Park baseball stadium,” said Norris. “We met people from Israel, China, South Africa and Australia.” Contestants ranged from 8 years old and up and compete in various leagues. Red Nation Robotics competed in the high school league.

The team was shocked to win a wildcard entry during an Arkansas competition in March. “We started out 55th in Arkansas,” said Norris, who leads team fundraising and marketing. “We went from dead last to one of the top teams.”

At that point, their bank account was drained and they needed $20,000 for 27 students, three mentors and seven parents to attend the Houston competition.

“The Worlds fundraising was so hectic,” said Baldwin, Halls High student and marketing lead. “Everybody was hands on; 10 people were on the phone constantly during spring break.”

The team is most grateful for their sponsors. Receiving donations ranging from $250-$5,000 and even some grant money, Red Nation Robotics raised a total of $30,000 to cover expenses. $10,000 of that arrived the week of the FIRST® Championship.

Adam Schoolfield, build team lead for 2018-19, said they had to set up in a 10x10-foot pit area. “You can’t touch the robot until we get to the competition,” he said. “We took two robots, one was a prototype and our main competition robot.”

The five-day competition included practice matches before teams moved onto qualification rounds. “The best teams formed an alliance with two other teams to compete three-on-three,” said Schoolfield.

“It was 12 hours of work every single day of competition and about 10 qualification matches before we go to our finals," said Schoolfield. “The most stressful part was fixing any problems with just 10-15 minutes between rounds.”

“We came in and we weren’t doing so hot, we had some mechanical complications,” said Baldwin. “We pulled it together and were picked for the second seed alliance and competed in the semifinals on day three.”

Gavin Pretorius takes a look at the robot’s programming in the Red Nation Robotics workshop.

“We used a new computer program to track what other robots can do and used that information to make a game plan for when we faced them,” said Zac Lohmann of the scouting process.

Now, the team is preparing for Boy and Girl Scout demonstrations, recruiting local middle school students, and planning summer fundraising.

Adam Schoolfield’s Dad, Ervin, is a team mentor and military veteran. He has terminal cancer and the team is trying to raise $3,000 for a scholarship in his name. “He loves these students, it’s such a blessing for him to help them achieve their dreams of going to college,” said Lohmann, whose business Wallpraise.com is spearheading the fundraiser. “Sadly, we are less than halfway to our goal. Ervin wasn’t expected to make it past Christmas and we would love to see him award whatever we raise to a senior, potentially several seniors.”

Learn more about The Ervin Schoolfield Scholarship at https://www.gofundme.com/ervinschoolfieldscholarship.

 

Halls Women's League to host Derby Days event

The Halls Crossroads Women's League will host "Derby Days in Halls"  5-8 p.m. Saturday, May 5 at the Jubilee Banquet Facility off Callahan Road. 

Tickets are $50.00 each and includes Derby viewing, dinner, prizes, dancing and non-alcoholic mint julep punch. Info: Sandra Smyth, 865-494-6776.

More:Mike Strange: With Kentucky Derby in sight, odds are that's NOT my horse

 

 

WORDS OF FAITH

What does The Good Shepherd stand for? Many things

John Tirro, Shopper News columnist

A few days ago was Good Shepherd Sunday, when the church considered, what does it mean that Jesus said, “I am the Good Shepherd” (John 10:11)?  Three stories provide an answer.  

John Tirro, chaplain at Tyson House, is opening the doors on Saturday during the rally by a white supremacist group at the Confederate monument in Fort Sanders. Tyson House will be a place where people can pray and take refuge if they need it during Saturday’s rally.

First, shepherds came to visit Jesus when he was born, and he was born in a place for feeding sheep. There’s a hymn, “Born in a Barn, Where Cows and Sheep,” that speaks of this, as well as of how dangerous it was, to come and be with such a child, at a time when the government was looking for him to harm him (Matthew 2:13-16). “Out in the dark while cattle low, Mary hears another sound: through the streets the soldiers go, Herod’s troops patrol the town” (Thomas H. Troeger, "Above the Moon Earth Rises," Oxford University Press, 2001). I wonder, did they visit him in Egypt too, when his family fled there? Or in Galilee when they came back? Did Mary share the story, as he grew, of how the shepherds came to visit? Shepherds can’t "dial it in." They have to be with their sheep, and Jesus is God coming to be with us: love, coming to “be with,” in love.  So that’s the first meaning, love.

This word, “shepherd,” gets picked up as a way of thinking about what it means to be king, the prime model for which is King David, from whom Jesus is descended, and the Bible makes a big deal of that (Matthew 1; John 7:42). A king was supposed to be with the troops in war, and for a while David did that, but then he decided he would ‘dial it in’. He sent his troops out, and he stayed at the palace, walked the wall, saw the wife of one of his soldiers, seduced her, and had her husband killed to cover his tracks (2 Samuel 11). When he realized what he’d done, what damage he’d done to his people, to himself, to his relationship with God, he wrote a psalm of repentance. “Create in me a clean heart, O God…” (Psalm 51). Sometimes we fail to love, and we need to start again. That’s the second meaning, forgiveness.

Both of these — love and forgiveness — are deep in the meaning of “shepherd,” the one who guides us through the dark valleys, to green pasture, by still water. Psalm 23, perhaps the most famous of psalms, is about this. There’s a beautiful version by Audrey Assad (audreyassad.com). “From the love of my own comfort, from the fear of having nothing, from a life of worldly passions, deliver me, O God… And I shall not want… when I taste your goodness, I shall not want” (Audrey Assad, Fortunate Fall, 2013, available on iTunes). And there’s the third meaning, trust. The Good Shepherd is with us as we love, forgive and trust. 

Is there someone it’s time to love? To forgive? Today, let’s trust and follow the Good Shepherd to peace.

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

More:Shopper News photos of the week

 

KARNS

Blue-and-Gold effort gets 'Cinderella' to the ball

Nancy Anderson, Shopper News correspondent 

Karns High School musical theatre produced “Cinderella” as its spring musical with regular performances Thursday, April 19 through Saturday, April 21 and a special “Princess Night” performance on Tuesday, April 17.

Cinderella’s stepmother and stepsisters played by Cobi Genna as Joy (left), Tedra Knowlton as the stepmother and Jessica Veach as Portia.

Audience members were encouraged to dress as prince and princesses to receive a discount on their ticket during “Princess Night.” It was a full house.

It’s no secret school musical theatre has to operate on a tight budget, but director Seth Tinsley set about early on to raise money in a number of ways for his production of “Cinderella,” the classic tale of a poor cinder girl who (with the help of her Fairy Godmother) becomes a princess despite the machinations of an evil stepmother and two cruel stepsisters.

First, Tinsley doubled the main cast by assigning two actors to each role.

Olivia Asano as Cinderella provides a pivotal moment in the play by revealing her ball gown in a series of twirls.

“I wanted to give more talented kids a chance to perform, so I engaged a dual cast," Tinsley said.

“We had a hard time getting people to really commit to their roles. So, it built in some security that someone would always be in the role. I called them Blue and Gold to indicate that one cast was not better than the other. They were equally talented. Plus, double the cast means double the family members buying tickets.”

The Gold cast performed Thursday and Saturday, the Blue cast performed Tuesday and Friday. The Blue cast included Mary Beth Seibel as Cinderella, Collin Baker as the King, Maddy Johnson as the Queen, Abby Wolkotte as the Stepmother, Sydni Stinnett as Portia, Madison Maples as Joy, and Rachel Crabtree as the Fairy Godmother. Prince Charming was played by Lee Pinkston in all performances.

Prince Charming (Lee Pinkston) falls in love with Cinderella (Olivia Asano) while dancing at the ball.

Tinsley enlisted the help of Snap Raise, an online crowd fundraising source, where he raised about $7,000.

He raised money through concessions – which was run by parents and included cake pops baked by the Culinary Arts program – ticket sales, ads, and private donations.

Light-up wands and tiaras were on sale, and audience participation to help the Fairy Godmother was encouraged.

In all, Tinsley raised from $10,000 to $12,000 and was able to invest in the future of the theatre department buying 16 new body microphones.

He intends to spend some of the proceeds hiring help.

“Musical theatre is expensive. Most of the bigger schools spend $20,000 or more on their productions. They have a team that includes a director, a vocal coach, orchestra or pianist, stage manager, lighting guys, sound guys, set designers and builders. A really good team is about 12 people. I’d like to hire a director for our next production.

The King (Carlos Ortiz) and Queen (Leah McGinnis) discuss having a ball so their son the Prince can find a bride.

“I put on the whole thing for $5,000 and a lot of help from parents, friends, and family. My mother made or altered the costumes. We borrowed Cinderella’s dress.

“We need to raise more money and invest in a team to really compete with the bigger schools. We have the talent, we just need the resources. I think the kids do an excellent job given what they have to work with, but we’re ready to take it to the next level now."

Info: Find Karns High School Musical Theatre on Facebook.

More:SoKno Market serves up roadkill and coffee on tap

 

GIBBS

It's the whole 'Peanuts' gang at Gibbs

Ali James, Shopper News correspondent 

When it comes to a high school production, the hard work starts long before they raise the curtain. “We had auditions back in November,” said Gibbs High School English and drama teacher, Crystal Braeuner.

Bossy Lucy Vanpelt was played to a “T” by Katelyn Mundt, as she bullied Linus and Charlie Brown throughout the show. Pictured here, Charlie (Mason Robinson) and Lucy (Katelyn Mundt)

“We did things differently with the music and directing for 'You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown'. We wanted to learn the music first, then we reviewed it and started blocking the show in January. We are big fans of that process.”

Gibbs High presented the show to a crowded auditorium April 20-22. Braeuner said it was a real tag team effort by her, choral director Will Brimer and choreographer NiKi Blaylock.

Charlie faced failure after failure and was surprised when things did go his way with his kite. Pictured here, Hayden Sullivan and Mason Robinson.

“Charlie Brown is such a universal thing, it comes on television for every major holiday,” said Braeuner. “People are so familiar with it, it’s so iconic, even for people that aren’t used to seeing a play.”

Braeuner has always wanted to do this show but had to convince her teen actors. “They thought it was a bunch of little kids’ stuff,” she explained. “If you read the comics, he wrote the characters like adults, they have this cynical attitude. With the recent violence in high schools it’s important to have something uplifting, that they can relate to.”

Traditionally, “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown" is a small ensemble show, according to Braeuner. “Your main characters are Charlie, Linus and Snoopy, but there are so many other characters,” she said. “I’ve been a Charlie Brown and Peanuts fan for a long time and know some of the really obscure characters. We wanted to give more kids the opportunity to do this.”

The audience likely recognized the ensemble characters — Marcie, Violet, Peppermint Patty, Frieda, Pig Pen and Woodstock. “It added so much personality, even though they weren’t in the show to begin with,” she said. “We incorporated Baby Woodstocks from the elementary school and they probably steal the show.”

There were 15 musical numbers to perfect and the two-act show was packed with quick-fire dialogue and quick changes/vignettes. Stagehands made short work of the countless prop changes.

One of the key donations for the show came from Doug James, theater teacher at Austin-East High School. “He had the Snoopy house just sitting in storage from The WordPlayers show,” said Braeuner. “We started with that and only had to order small things; the rest we sat down and made.”

During the play, Charlie Brown, played by Mason Robinson, continued to face and overcome challenges. His sister Sally, played by Sophie Vandergriff, remained “mad at the whole world” and aired a long list of grievances. “Don’t tell me my life isn’t a Shakespearean tragedy,” she sighed dramatically.

Sally Brown (Sophie Vandergriff) sings about her “New Philosophy” with Woodstock, Peppermint Patty, Snoopy and Marcie (Hayden Sullivan, Ashten Grooms, Lucy Bryant, Brooke Rogers).

The understated Schroeder, played by Joshua Beeler, asked if Sally was mad at everything including twerking, Fortnite (a dig at the latest video game obsession) and jump ropes?

The younger actors had supporting roles as Baby Woodstocks and little rabbits and, as predicted, stole the show with their energetic dancing. After the cast and crew took a bow, and the curtain dropped again, one tiny Woodstock continued to ham it up for the audience.

 

 

BEARDEN

'Geezer Updates' become 'love letter' to parents

John Shearer, Shopper News correspondent

Like many middle-aged adults, Laura Mansfield found herself in recent years being pulled in several directions, from raising a son as a single mother, to having to help look after her older parents as the only one of three children living nearby.

Author Laura Mansfield

            Using a term coined by a friend, she called it being a member of the Taffy Generation.

            Not only that, but she was also trying to enjoy a professional career working in public relations, occasionally teaching adjunct classes at the University of Tennessee, and regularly writing a contributing column for the News Sentinel. And she even finds time to teach a yoga class regularly.

            Through all that, though, she also found herself being pulled in another direction, but one that had a much more cathartic feeling. As various age-related mishaps and incidents started happening to her parents, Randy and the now-deceased Jennie D. Mansfield, she found herself wanting to share them on her Facebook page.

Laura Mansfield wrote parts of her new book, “Geezer Stories: The Care and Feeding of Old People,” at the Bearden Starbucks. She will have a book-signing at Union Ave Books on Sunday, May 13.

            “I started calling them ‘Geezer Updates,’ ” she said of the posts, adding that she referred to her parents online by their grandparent names of DooDaddy and Gmamma. “I was trying to find the humor in the situation.”

            For example, one of her early posts said, “You have not lived till you have trimmed 89-year-old toenails. Gave Gmamma a pedi today and it was like tending tiny dragon talons!”

            While Mansfield initially posted the thoughts as an outlet for her slight feeling of helplessness in having to deal with her parents’ issues, she soon found out she actually had plenty of help in the form of empathy.

            “The response was tremendous,” she said. “Everybody had a story of their own.”

Author Laura Mansfield with her parents, Jennie D. and Randy Mansfield, and her son, Mac Bower.

            Through some further encouragement from others, she turned the posts into a blog, with her parents becoming almost celebrities. Others encouraged her to go even further by writing a book.

            Although she had never written a book before, she decided to put together some text that included the posts and a memoir of her own life and her relationship with her parents.

            Then last summer, she decided to go to a writers’ workshop in Nashville. As part of the workshop, she learned that she could also pay extra to meet with agents or others in the publishing field to pitch a book or book idea.

            She noticed that a lot of writers there were either afraid to try and get their books published, or they kept thinking they could perfect their manuscripts even more. However, she decided to take as open an approach as she had with her initial Facebook posts and signed up for the publishing meetings, too.

            As a result, she met with publisher Mike Parker of WordCrafts Press, who agreed to publish it. Not only that, but his firm did not overly edit it, much to her surprise and pleasure.

Laura Mansfield's parents, Randy and Jennie D. Mansfield.

            What has resulted is “Geezer Stories: The Care and Feeding of Old People,” copies of which Mansfield will sign on Sunday, May 13, at 2 p.m. at Union Ave Books in downtown Knoxville.

            The stories in the book have apparently resonated beyond Knoxville among the countless Baby Boomers and others familiar with taking care of elderly parents. The hardcover version, which costs $24.99, debuted at No. 1 on Amazon.com’s Hot New Releases chart, while the Kindle ebook version ($4.99) claimed the top spot on the online retailer’s Eldercare chart.

            As Mansfield talked recently from the Bearden Starbucks, where she said she had typed many of the entries and worked on the book, she said she has been amazed at the response so far. As evidence, she read a heartfelt phone text from a friend of a friend.

The 134-page book deals with the author’s own life – including going through divorce – as well as her relationship with her parents from her childhood through her adult years. As Mansfield admits in the book, the relationship, like that of many a family, was not always perfect.

But through helping care for them in later years, and writing about it, she came more to grips with the relationship. In the process, any past disappointments moved to the back of her mind.

As she wrote in the book, “Whatever my parents did or didn’t do, right or wrong, they did the best they could. And that’s all any of us can do….I love them unconditionally.”

The cover of Laura Mansfield's book.

The book – some proceeds of which will be given to the Knox County Public Library by WordCrafts because of the role the library has played in Mansfield’s family – ends with her mother’s death in 2016.

            In sort of a roundabout way, the book is also intertwined greatly with her father, who now lives in assisted living. Both parents were living in a multistory home in Sequoyah Hills when the Facebook posts began.

            Mansfield had a photo shoot for the book scheduled last fall with a photographer friend from Birmingham. But due to some health issues with her father, that did not work out. However, her friend gladly changed his plans and came up to Knoxville to take pictures right around Christmas, and that touched Mansfield greatly.

            “There have been all these wonderful, serendipitous moments,” said Mansfield, a Webb School and UT graduate who now works as a PR manager for Charles Tombras Advertising Inc. after formerly heading her own firm.

            One more special moment will likely be the book signing itself. Scheduled to join her will be a special guest – her father, a former manager at the old Watson’s store on Market Square and retired from real estate work.

            “He is so tickled,” she said.

             Called by his daughter a true optimist, despite now having to battle the same form of skin cancer that attacked her mother, he will help her pay tribute to her mother on Mother’s Day.

            Instead of a Mother’s Day card, though, she has written a whole book in honor of both her parents.

            As she said of the book, “It became a love letter to my parents.”

 

NORTH/EAST

Knoxville says ‘farewell’ to Dragon Lights Festival

Carol Z. Shane, Shopper News correspondent

It was a unique experience, lasting over a month; the Dragon Lights Festival, presented by Tianyu Arts & Culture and SMG Knoxville, brought thousands of East Tennesseans to Chilhowee Park for a spectacular presentation showcasing Chinese artistry and culture.

The beautiful dragon head from the Dragon Lights Festival.

Running from 5:30 until 10 every evening, and visiting Knoxville for the first time ever, the festival featured 42 giant lantern displays consisting of thousands of light components, all constructed on site by Chinese artisans. Each piece is handmade from silk fabric stretched over welded steel frames.

Also featured were an all-female team of Chinese acrobats who thrilled audiences twice a night with their mind-boggling feats of juggling, dancing, contorting, balancing and quick-change wizardry.

According to its website, “Tianyu Arts & Culture Inc. is the American subsidiary of the international design and manufacturing company Sichuan Tianyu, which is headquartered in Zigong, China. Sichuan Tianyu is renowned for its ability to combine Chinese-folk culture and entertainment into popular China Light Festivals and carnival experiences.” Past locations for festivals include Atlanta, Philadelphia, New Orleans, Milwaukee and San Antonio, as well as international appearances including Milan, Italy; Utrecht, Netherlands; Sydney, Australia; and Budapest, Hungary.

Farewell, Dragon Lights Festival! Here’s hoping you’ll return to Knoxville soon.

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FARRAGUT

Hotel-motel tax to foot the bill for tourism program

Margie Hagen, Shopper News correspondent 

The Farragut Board of Mayor and Aldermen made it quite clear where they stand on the hotel-motel tax at last Thursday’s meeting when they approved the ordinance on first reading 4-1. Not surprisingly, the only no vote came from Alderman Bob Markli. He has been emphatic about his opposition to the proposed occupancy tax.

Former alderman Jeff Elliott spoke in favor of the tax.

The ordinance authorizes the town to levy what’s called a privilege tax of one to four percent on hotel rooms within town limits. An exception is provided for long-term stays over 30 days. It also specifies that funds collected from the tax are to be used solely for funding tourism promotion, marketing, advertising and staff.

The meeting was well-attended, with about a dozen hotel owner/operators present.

Alderman Bob Markli tosses his hat in the ring for the previously uncontested Farragut mayor’s position.

 The prior week had seen a flurry of emails from several owners to aldermen and the press; Jill Thompson, executive director of the Greater Knoxville Hospitality Association, weighed in with an anti-tax letter, too. Darren Tallent, Hampton Inn & Suites general manager, spoke on their behalf while two former aldermen, Jeff Elliott and Tom Rosseel, articulated the pro-tax stance.

Space doesn’t permit quoting all of the discussion, so interested residents should watch on YouTube. There were noteworthy moments, particularly as Markli asked to confirm that audio and video were capturing his statements for the record.

Reiterating positions taken by the hotel group, Markli made his opinions known: Farragut has a healthy surplus and no debt, so there is no urgency to enact the tax now. Capital improvements are funded and no need has been demonstrated for the tax.

Markli went on to say that local business organizations (FWKCC, FBA, and EDAC) have not studied or reported on this issue. The tax discriminates against the hotel industry and has no moral justification, representing a radical departure from the town’s founding principles.

Attendees included representatives of the nine Farragut hotels, all of whom oppose the tax.

Rebuttals came swiftly from Aldermen Louise Povlin, Ron Williams and Vice Mayor Ron Pinchok. Povlin noted that marketing studies have been done. She stated that retail is changing, and if Farragut wants to continue to rely on business-generated income rather than a property tax, every avenue to capitalize and maximize retail and dining must be explored.

Pinchok, a member of EDAC, said the privilege tax has been discussed since 2013, and he summarized actions taken, including meeting with Visit Knoxville and the hotel owners last year. In 2017, the EDAC subcommittee he was part of concluded that the town needed a marketing budget and coordinator funded by the hotel tax.

During a recent BOMA meeting Ron Williams reflected on a decision.

Williams responded to the many emails he received from the hotel owners; they don’t see Farragut as a tourist destination and he disagreed, listing attractions like the museum, water recreation on the lakes, sports play on park fields, Turkey Creek shopping and dining, and historic sites. He also reported statistics regarding return on investment: according to the Tennessee Hotel Tax and General Tourism Research report, every dollar spent returns $18 in tax revenue.

Markli made an alternative motion to postpone the vote but did not get a second. Povlin put forth an amended motion to cap the tax at 2.5 percent, not the proposed 4 percent, stating that would cover the estimated yearly cost of the $280,617 tourism budget.

A public hearing and second reading will be on an upcoming agenda, but unless two board members change their votes, the tax is all but a foregone conclusion.

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