by Martha Rose Woodward

Sunspherebook@aol.com Challenge Thrift Store located at 2017 North Broadway has had a good year since they opened in mid-summer 2011. However, they need more shoppers and more donations.

Teen

Teen Challenge saw an increase in shoppers after our first review in the KJN and have requested that we write about them again to let shoppers know about the great deals you can find at one of the newest thrift stores in town.

According to staff member, Francis Southerland, the Teen Challenge Ministries began in New York over 50 years ago and the early history of the program was recorded in 1962 in the book, The Cross and the Switchblade, by Reverend David Wilkerson.

Teen Challenge is a 24 hour a day, 7 day a week residential program for women in trouble. Area judges often recommend the program to women who appear in their courts and probation officers do the same. Teen Challenge often has a waiting list as they can only care for 20 women at a time. The phone number for the ministry is 865 546 8933.

Store staff members Francis Southerland and Kristol Jenkins are also graduates of the Teen Challenge program. Kristol has been a member for 16 months while Francis has been involved with TC for nearly two years. Southerland says she found a new way of thinking and better ways of handling problems through finding a relationship with God. Jenkins says she has found happiness and peace through the program. Southerland says the backbone of the ministry is to “…reach out to the lost and suffering women of Tennessee with the life changing gospel of Jesus Christ.“ 

In order to raise money for the ministry, the organization opened the Teen Challenge Thrift Store.
Southerland says that business is going good, but they need more shoppers. Even though most of their employees are volunteers who are enrolled in their program, making enough money to pay basic bills is a real challenge for Teen Challenge with the high rental rates for their prime location.

 Teen Challenge Women’s Ministries is asking for two things: l. They need for you to come and shop at their store, and 2. They are asking for donations of clothing, jewelry, toys, furniture, household items or anything you think would help them to raise some money.

 They want the community to know that all money earned goes back into the 501c3 program and is kept in this area. They will pick up any and all donations if you will phone the store to set up a time at 865 360 3165.

by Martha Rose Woodward

Sunspherebook@aol.com 

What we used to refer to as “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure” has a new name—upcycling.

Upcycling is defined as taking a found object and upgrading its use or rescuing it from being discarded while giving it a new use. Upcycling has been around as long as there have been people on this earth. It’s fun, entertaining, and you can save money while saving energy which helps to save the environment.

Danny Seo, who many call the “MacGyver” of upcycling has written the book “Upcycling” in which he lists 100 things to do with found objects.Seo has appeared on the Today Show demonstating his ideas and has written several other books encouraging his readers to become “eco-friendly.”  Seo says he finds the objects he uses in other people’s trash, on the streets, and has even gone dumpster diving. He says, now that he is well-known, he also gets calls from people who want to give him things they no longer want or need.

According to his publisher, Pressman’s, in ”Upcycling” the renowned environmental lifestyle expert shares 100 of his most inspiring projects for creative transformation. Seo says that neglected items around your house can be the source for exciting craft possibilities. He shows you how to turn your old leather belts into a cool doormat or even a briefcase, how to use worn-out paperbacks for gorgeous bud vases, and how to melt left over bits of crayons and mold into flower pots. 

The 224 page book has full-color photos throughout to guide and inspire. Seo demonstrates that it’s easy to be crafty, and fun to save money while saving the earth.

According towww.amazon.com, “Danny Seo has been dubbed the “crafty MacGyver,” and has become the national face of eco-chic. He’s a contributor to NBC’s Today Show and many other national programs including Access Hollywood and Regis and Kelly. He also pens the syndicated column “Do Just One Thing” in newspapers nationwide. His line of organic bath and beauty products, Wholearth by Danny Seo, launched on Shop NBC this year, and he partnered with Simmons to create the “Simmons Natural Care Mattress by Danny Seo,” which is sold at JC Penney, Crate & Barrel, Bed Bath & Beyond, and many other venues. Danny is also the national spokesperson and partner with TJMaxx and designer of GreenHouse by Danny Seo. Danny lives in Bucks County, PA. Visit him at dannyseo.com.

Upcycling might be a grand idea for that unwanted gift you got for Christmas.

by Martha Rose Woodward

Sunspherebook@aol.com

Wow! Where did the year go? I suppose it is only fitting that I take a look back at this year and determine the local news stories that I think affected our county the most. These are not in order of importance:

l. For the first time a black man became the mayor of the City of Knoxville when Daniel Brown was selected by his colleagues on the City Council to be the interim mayor. Mayor Brown has handled himself with grace, dignity, respect and finesse. He also managed to become the first mayor (we think) to get married while in office.

2. For the first time a female became the mayor of the City of Knoxville when Madeline Rogero was elected after a long and arduous campaign. We are expecting big things from Madeline who is definitely qualified. 68 mayors and we finally get a woman in office.

3. Pat Summitt’s announcement that she has the beginnings of Alzheimer’s.

4. The quest for a new Carter Elementary School. This was a story that had more ups and downs that the hills of Tennessee. The issue went back and forth, back and forth until, finally, Mayor Burchett stepped forward to confirm the deal was done—the kids in Carter would get a new school.

5. The Judge Richard Baumgartner fiasco. I happen to know the judge as I have been in his courtroom on several occasions. He was always respectful and kind to me. I found him to be not just a good judge but an excellent judge. He is brilliant and was always aware of what the lawyers were trying to do—well, always up until the end. It saddens me to see such a fine man fall so low. I truly believe he should be made to pay for the costs of all the retrials that will be ordered because of his drug addiction. Will this county ever recover financially from the mess he has made? I doubt it.

6. Retrials ordered in high profile murder cases because of Judge Baumgartner‘s behavior. Raw pain for family members, time and expense for the county in this far-reaching story with no end in sight.

7. What in the heck is going on in the Trustee’s Office? John Duncan, III is a fortunate son born into political royalty. When he wanted the job of County Trustee, opponents laid down their swords rather than facing him on the field of battle. After being whisked into office with all the promise of a fair-headed child, rumors soon began. A mishandled divorce was hurtful and unpleasant, but Duncan told friends that voters would not care. When $6 million dollars disappeared and resurfaced, talk got louder that, maybe, “Little Duncan” could not handle the job. When news came that each employee in his office was given a $3,000 bonus by Duncan, including himself, people could almost be heard yelling from their private homes, “This has got to stop.” Those of us who know John on a (somewhat) personal basis, find him to be courteous, friendly, humorous and respectful. We just do not understand the John who we are hearing about now. As one person told me recently, “When some people go into that City-County Building, they get stupid.” I suggest that the County Commissioners deduct $3,000 per employee from next year’s Trustee’s budget. If our county has that much to spare, it needs to be spent on hiring another teacher or sheriff’s deputy.

8. The Win-Loss record of Coach Dooley’s Football team. ‘Nuf said.

9. Unemployment—-this is a, somewhat, invisible issue unless you are one of the thousands who does not have a job. We are told that the national unemployment rate is 8.9%, but we know that in our area it is much higher. For some groups, like blacks and youth, the unemployment rate is well over 20%.

Frankly, I think those who are unemployed will not find a job until Obama is out of the White House. Obama is bad for business.

Patricia Robledo (courtesy of Robledo Translations LLC) 

From Knoxville Journal staff reports

News@theknoxvillejournal.com

Mayor Madeline Rogero named Patricia Robledo as the city of Knoxville’s Business Liaison Dec. 29, heading up the new Office of Business Support. Robledo is a small-business owner and the executive director of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of East Tennessee.

“Patricia understands the challenges business owners face every day, and her background in facilitation will be invaluable in helping local businesses interact with the city,” Rogero said in a press release. “She will be an important part of my team as we work to improve customer service and make Knoxville more business-friendly.”

In 1997, Robledo founded Robledo Translations LLC, which provides Spanish-language interpretation and consulting services to companies and agencies across East Tennessee. She has worked with national retail and food service chains, television and telecommunications companies, health care providers, and marketing and legal firms. She is also a partner with her husband, John Craig, in Segundo Properties, which has redeveloped historic buildings on Market Square and in Fort Sanders.

“I look forward to working with Mayor Rogero and city employees to make the city more responsive to the needs of the private sector,” Robledo said in a statement. “I want to help solve problems if they arise, and make sure that the city is a good partner with our local businesses.”

Robledo will work closely with Eddie Mannis, the city’s chief operating officer, and Christi Branscom, the new senior director of public works, who both have extensive private-sector experience. 

“Patricia’s first task will be to assemble our Business Advisory Council,” Mannis said in a statement. “She will also oversee a survey of local businesses to measure customer satisfaction with city services.” The Business Advisory Council will be a diverse group of representatives from local employers and industries, small, medium, and large. 

Robledo came to Knoxville from Colombia in 1980 with her family, and worked for the 1982 World’s Fair. She became an American citizen in 1990. She attended the University of Tennessee and then graduated with a double major in biology and medical technology from Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Mo. She is a graduate of both Leadership Knoxville and Leadership Plenty, the Hispanic leadership program.

Robledo serves on the executive boards of the East Tennessee Foundation and the YWCA of Knoxville. She is a Knoxville Museum of Art Trustee, and a University of Tennessee Chancellor’s Associate. She and her husband have two children in college.

From the Associated Press

A tourist from Tennessee reportedly thought she could check her loaded gun at New York City’s Sept. 11 memorial.

According to the New York Post, Meredith Graves, 39, was visiting the memorial at the World Trade Center site Dec. 22 and noticed a sign that said “No guns allowed.” The Post reports that Graves asked police where she could check her loaded pistol. She was arrested on a gun-possession charge.

Graves has a legal permit to carry a weapon in Tennessee, but New York’s gun laws are stricter.

The Post said Graves posted bond and is due back in court March 19. She faces three and a half years in prison if convicted.

The newspaper says her attorney at Legal Aid did not return phone calls. It was also not known which town in Tennessee Graves was from. 

From Tennessee News Service reports

tnn@newsservice.org

Gov. Bill Haslam has commissioned an outside review of Tennessee’s new teacher evaluation system, following a recommendation by the House Education Committee. 

The committee found that principals and teachers across the state are overwhelmed by the amount of time needed to prepare for a single observation. That is spawning complaints that the evaluation system takes away from more valuable tasks, like classroom prep time.

State Rep. Craig Fitzhugh, a member of the education committee, says lawmakers may have put the cart before the horse.

“It just hadn’t been tested. There was much confusion about it. It was made mandatory far too quickly,” Fitzhugh said.

Haslam has requested a five-month evaluation. He says he understands the concerns, but still favors the system. It’s not a question of “should we have it,” he adds, it’s a question of “is the one we have working well?”

The evaluations are adding to teachers’ already high stress level, Fitzhugh says, causing early retirement of some valued educators and possibly even turning away potential excellent teachers.

“I know from talking to administrators at colleges that they’ve had sort of a dip in their enrollment. One particular president indicated to me that he thought it had to do with some of those folks who wanted to go into the education field and were having second thoughts.”

Educators say that the rush to implement the new system is causing students to suffer because teachers are now faced with devoting more time to the evaluation and less time to the student.

Something needs to be done quickly to resolve these issues, Fitzhugh warns.

“If you make a mistake, you’re going to affect students. The longer we let this mistake continue, the more students we’re going to affect.”

By J.J. KINDRED

J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com

A man who was arrested by Knoxville police officers for a stabbing incident Dec. 28 assaulted medical staff members who were treating him.

According to Sgt. J.D. Burrell of KPD’s East District G-Squad, at approximately 8:45 p.m., officers from KPD and the Knoxville Fire Department’s First Responders and EMS responded to the stabbing call at 300 E. Oklahoma Ave. 

When they arrived, the unnamed victim was located outside of the home with non-life threatening injuries. Officers said he was not cooperative and was very combative. 

The victim, reported to be 19 years of age, was transported to the University of Tennessee Medical Center for his injuries. As he was being treated, the victim allegedly assaulted medical staff members, and was placed into custody and charged with assault and underage consumption.

During the preliminary investigation, officers discovered that the victim and the suspect, identified as 23-year-old Ronnie Turner, were involved in a physical altercation at the corner of East Anderson Avenue and Alexander Street when Turner produced a knife and wounded the victim.

The investigation lead officers to Turner’s location, and he was placed into custody for unrelated outstanding warrants in Knox County. 

The investigation into the stabbing continues to determine exactly what happened and if further charges will be placed on Turner. 

From Knoxville Journal staff reports

News@theknoxvillejournal.com 

Knoxville police say a woman was shot Dec. 28 at a mobile home on Pelham Road.

According to Sgt. David Sanders, the incident took place at approximately 3 p.m. He said the department received a call about a shooting and robbery at the home. When officers got to the scene, they found a female victim inside with a gunshot wound to the arm. She was taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Witnesses told police the suspects were a black male and a white female. 

The investigation is continuing. Those with information are asked to call the KPD Crime Information Line at (865) 215-7212. 

Photo courtesy of WBIR

By J.J. KINDRED

J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com 

Three miners that were trapped underground after a fire broke out Dec. 28 in a zinc mine near New Market have been rescued.

The miners, whose identities have not been released, suffered minor injuries when a drill rig caught fire at Young Mine on West U.S. Highway 11E.

The miners, members of a utility crew, were in the middle of their shift 800 feet underground when the blaze broke out at the one-level mine just after 1 p.m., according to Joel Rheault, operations manager for Nyrstar, the company that owns and runs the mine.

Of the 51 miners who originally got out, two were taken to Jefferson Memorial Hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation. No others were hurt, New Market Volunteer Fire Department Capt. Sammy Solomon said.

Able to talk to the three miners who weren’t able to flee the mine via telephone phone, rescuers were told that they were safe, but trapped by the smoke. They needed respirators to surface.

The miners were in a secure room about 1,200 feet away from the fire before they were rescued, according to Solomon.

Rheault said three rescue crews accessed the mine by way of a ramp, and helped the miners surface at approximately 3:35 p.m.

Ambulances transported the miners to Jefferson County Memorial Hospital.

From Knoxville Journal staff reports

News@theknoxvillejournal.com 

For the fifth straight year, Knoxvillians can ring in the new year with First Night Knoxville, an all-ages celebration of the arts that will held at a dozen venues in downtown Knoxville Dec. 31.

First Night will present entertainment by a wide variety of singers, musicians, artists and dancers who attempt to appeal to audiences young and old.

First Night admission buttons can be purchased for $15 in advance, and $20 on the day of the event. Buttons are available now at several Market Square District businesses, Pilot locations and online

First Night is a family-friendly, alcohol-free New Year’s Eve community celebration of the arts. The celebration began in Boston in 1976 and has grown to an event that attracts hundreds of thousands of celebrants each year. Since then the event has expanded to more than 100 cities in 30 states across the country, as well as internationally.

The city’s Market Square District Association held its inaugural New Year’s Eve celebration in 2007 to great success. In 2008, the event expanded to multiple entertainment venues throughout downtown and became an officially sanctioned First Night event.

First Night has since grown into one of the area’s most prominent New Year’s Eve celebrations featuring a lineup of musicians, storytellers, circus acts, dance groups and comedy. The event culminates in the traditional countdown to midnight, complete with a ball drop and fireworks.

From Knoxville Journal staff reports

News@theknoxvillejournal.com 

The city of Knoxville has reached the goal of 20,000 sign-ups for its new household recycling program, according to a press release from the city.

The milestone comes just eight months after the campaign was launched and three months after the curbside collection service started.

“We are very pleased with the response of our citizens to this program,” says David Brace, the city’s director of public service. “With 20,000 sign-ups, that means that one-third of the city’s households are participating.  The more participation, the more diversion of usable materials from area landfills.”

About 16,500 households have been using the bi-weekly service since the first of October and have already recycled more than 1,200 tons of material.  

“Recycling that material is the equivalent of 743 cars not driving, or energy to heat and cool 219 homes for a year or save 10,728 trees from use for paper products,” says John Homa, city solid waste manager.  

A second round of carts will be delivered in mid-February for those who signed up after the initial Aug. 14 deadline, bringing the total to 20,000 households.  Information will be attached to the carts indicating what can be included in the cart and giving details on the Recyclebank Rewards program.

With the 20,000 goal reached, enrollment in the program is closed for now. Residents who have not signed up yet can indicate their interest by signing up on a waiting list to gauge the interest via the city’s web site or by calling 311.  

“We would like to expand the program at some point in the future if there is sufficient interest and funding to do so,” Brace said.

More than 8,100 of the participating households have signed up for Recyclebank, an incentive program that provides rewards points based on the pounds of recycled materials. The points can be used for coupons and discounts at local and national retailers in the area.  So far, approximately 2,500 rewards have been requested.

More details on the program can be found on the web site at www.doyourpartwiththecart.com or by calling 311.

From Knoxville Journal staff reports

News@theknoxvillejournal.com

City of Knoxville offices will be closed Jan. 2 for the New Year’s holiday.

Waste Connections, the city’s household garbage collector will run their normal schedule on Jan. 2.

The downtown trash collection will not run on Jan. 2, and the city’s recycling centers will be open on New Year’s Day.

The city’s Solid Waste Management facility, located at 1033 Elm St., will be closed on Dec. 31 and Jan. 2 for the New Year’s holiday.

Gregory Read Stewart

Joshua Dewayne Byrn (photos courtesy of Blount County Sheriff’s Dept.) 

From Knoxville Journal staff reports

News@theknoxvillejournal.com 

Two suspects are in custody after committing burglaries in Maryville, according to a release from the Blount County Sheriff’s Office.

Joshua Dewayne Byrn, 22, and Gregory Read Stewart, 25, both of Wildwood Road, are in custody at the Blount County Correctional Facility. Byrn is charged with possession of burglary tools, burglary of a vehicle, and initiating the process of the manufacture of methamphetamine. His bond was set at $76,000.

Stewart is charged with possession of burglary tools, burglary of a vehicle and violation of probation. He was being held in lieu of $8,000 bond.

Deputies responded to the area of Belmont Avenue around 3:30 a.m. Dec. 27 after witnesses saw the two men breaking into vehicles at residences on Belmont Avenue. The Maryville Police Department also responded and assisted with a K-9 search.

Stewart was located hiding near a residence on Dunn Avenue and Byrn was found at his apartment on Wildwood Road, along with burglary tools and a mask. Deputies also found a backpack containing several stolen items from the vehicle burglaries near a residence on Belmont Avenue.

While at the suspects’ apartment, deputies discovered an inactive “one pot” meth lab. The Tennessee Methamphetamine Task Force was called to the scene to dispose of the components.

Items recovered from the vehicle burglary include a portable DVD, GPS and a purse.

Additional charges against Byrn and Steward may be pending, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

Robbie Snider (courtesy of Knox County Sheriff’s Dept.) 

By J.J. KINDRED

J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com 

Knoxville police responded to a stabbing that took place at a residence at 1723 Mingle Ave. Dec. 28.

According to Lt. Robert Hembree of KPD’s West District Patrol Division, officers responded to an aggravated assault call at approximately 2:51 a.m.

The resident, identified as 26-year-old Joseph Boehl, reported that a male with a knife was on his front porch, and before officers could arrive called back to report he had been stabbed.

Officer Roger Simmons turned onto Mingle Avenue and observed the suspect, identified as 33-year-old Robbie Snider, fleeing the scene in a silver Nissan 4-door. After a brief pursuit, Snider was stopped at Western Avenue and Texas Avenue, and taken into custody.

Snider and Boehl had reportedly been consuming alcohol at the Mingle Avenue home, and an argument began when Boehl attempted to prevent Snider from driving away intoxicated.

During the argument, Boehl was stabbed in the left leg, and was transported to UT Medical Center for treatment of non-life threatening injuries.

Snider was charged with aggravated assault, a DUI, driving on a suspended license, and felony fleeing.

Robert Lee Jackson (courtesy of Knox County Sheriff’s Dept.) 

By J.J. KINDRED

J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com 

A man was arrested Dec. 27 after attacking a Knoxville police officer who attempted to take him into custody, according to a report.

At approximately 8:20 p.m., a call came in to dispatch concerning a disturbance at 4513 Sullivan Road involving an intoxicated male with a gun.

The suspect, identified as 21-year-old Robert Lee Jackson, was at the Sullivan Road address and was apparently intoxicated, became violent and was asked to leave. A friend gave Jackson a ride from the address but due to his behavior had to stop and put him out of the vehicle on Walnoaks Drive

Jackson was located and approached by Officer Jeff Green on Walnoaks Drive, when he became violent and fought with Green as Green was attempting to take Jackson into custody. Another officer arrived on the scene and assisted with the arrest. No weapon was found on Jackson, who was taken to the UT Medical Center for treatment of injuries sustained in the fight, then transported to the Knox County Detention Facility.

Jackson was charged with public intoxication, assaulting a police officer, disorderly conduct and resisting arrest. Green was also treated at UT and released.

From Knoxville Journal staff reports

News@theknoxvillejournal.com 

Pilot Flying J presented a check for $35,000 to the Salvation Army at the Pilot Food Mart on Middlebrook Pike Dec. 23, surpassing last year’s donations to the charity as part of the annual Red Paper Kettle campaign.

According to a press release, each year Pilot Flying J teams up with the Salvation Army during the holiday season to bolster the organization’s Red Kettle fundraising efforts through sales of red paper Salvation Army kettles.

Pilot Flying J customers supported the campaign by purchasing red kettles for $1 each at all 39 Pilot Food Mart stores in the greater Knoxville area.

“This is a fantastic addition to our overall kettle campaign,” said Major Don Vick, Knoxville area commander for the Salvation Army. “This is the fourth year Pilot Flying J has run this program for us and it has made a great impact.”

Bo Shafer, Salvation Army board member emeritus, and Area Commander Major Don Vick were on hand to accept the donation from Pilot Operations Manager Dan Fleming.

“We have some great managers at Pilot Flying J who are very good at getting their teams behind important community efforts like this,” said Fleming, “and we appreciate the generosity of our many customers who purchased paper kettles to help make this donation possible.”

The Salvation Army has seen a marked increase in need within the community, according to Vick. Aside from feeding a growing number of people who have fallen on hard times, the Salvation Army also operates five shelters in the community.

“We really appreciate all that Pilot Flying J does for the Salvation Army,” said Vick. “In addition to this great campaign, Pilot Flying J employees are holiday ‘bell ringers’ for us throughout the community. It is so important to the people we serve, especially in tough economic times like these.”

by Martha Rose Woodward

Sunspherebook@aol.com

For the second year in a row, I am naming the 10 Most Fascinating People of the Year for Talk of the Town. Here are the rules: l. Each person must be someone I have met in my role as reporter/writer for the Knoxville Journal Newspaper. 2. I cannot select family members, friends, or staff members. 3. The person must be alive. 4. I interpret the word “fascinating” to mean someone who is interesting and who is an ordinary person who has done something extraordinary. As you read this year’s list, a theme emerges——people who use gardening, sewing and cooking as ways to make the world a better place.

Although the numbers on the list do not matter as each person on the list is equal, I do find it fitting to name l. Madeline Rogero—the newly elected mayor of the City of Knoxville as the first one on the list for this year. Mayor Rogero has spent the last 8 years of her life, and time before that, too, running for office. Finally, she was successful when she became the 68th mayor of Knoxville and the first female mayor of Knoxville and also of any other of the four mayor cities in this state. Congratulations to Mayor Rogero—-she has won one for the girls. If anyone can run this city, Madeline can.

2. Shelly Hammonds—the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency Officer who saved the bear who had a jug stuck on his head won my admiration when this story went around the world. If I am ever in trouble, Hammonds is the kind of person I hope is around to help me. She made the list because she showed persistence and refused to give up even when the bear kept running away from her. Her story also caught the attention of the world and a company in Korea made a video about the event which has gone viral. The video leaves out a lot of detail, but does display the main points.

3. Marie Compere—-imagine spending your life planting flower bulbs and at some point, you are able to say you are responsible for over one and one half million flowers beautifying the earth. Marie and her husband began a small group back in the 1950s with the goal of making the streets more beautiful. Their work continued over the years and has grown as others have joined her organization. Marie has shown that a “better world begins with me.”

4. Lynn Mullins—of Aunt Lynn’s Long Arm Quilting has devoted some of her time to keeping the art of quilt making alive. Mullins quilts for people at affordable prices. She also does a lot of work which is donated. Without people like Mullins, the hobby and art of quilt making might just fade away.

5. Laura Riesta—also known as “the Iris Lady,” Riesta is an expert iris grower and hybridizer. Her iris garden is one of the most beautiful places on earth. She loves growing iris, lilies and other flowers and will readily share her knowledge with others. Riesta is definitely the kind of person you hope will move into your neighborhood. She makes the world a more beautiful place. too.

6. Sara Spangler—the event planner in charge of booking the Sunsphere. Spangler and I were destined to meet because of our mutual admiration for the Sunsphere, and I am glad that we have become friends. You can’t be around me for long without hearing about the Sunsphere—-I even wrote one of only two books ever written about the Sunsphere; same thing for Sara. Spangler is all about the golden ball and is working every day to book events there. She has learned from the mistakes of others and is using creative ideas to boost bookings. The Sunsphere has never been in better hands.

7. Phillip Lim, owner of Asia Café is an energetic, humorous, entrepreneur who makes the world sing. Lim’s café is alive with activity and the food is awesome, especially the egg drop soup. Lim has enough energy for four people and is the kind of person who burst into a room and makes everyone glad that he is there. If you have not enjoyed the food at the Asia Café, I highly recommend that you make it a place to go this year.

8. Tiffany Rogue—a photojournalist who works for CSPAN Book TV. I met Rogue when she called me to ask if I would agree to be interviewed by CSPAN Book TV concerning the history of the 1982 World’s Fair. I was impressed with her professionalism and it was fun to see how she goes about her job. She was extremely kind to me and it was a thrill to participate in a program that was shown to 100 million viewers.

9. Shannon Frame-Moffett—a young wife and mother of two who loves to bake. Shannon’s blueberry pie won 2nd place at the Tennessee Valley Fair this year. She is slowly working towards creating her own small business. Her pies and cakes are awesome and she thoroughly enjoys making people happy with her creative recipes. Do we have a budding Betty Crocker on our hands? I think we may.

10. Keith Schumacher—owner of Champion Daylilies

located on McFee Road, retired from a long-time career and turned his backyard into an oasis of beauty. Schumacher, along with his family, grows daylilies and a variety of other perennials at his home in the Concord-Farragut area. To walk in his backyard is like walking in a peaceful kingdom filled with natural bursts of color.

by Martha Rose Woodward

Sunspherebook@aol.com

Lee A. Hord, Sr has written a new book about how to achieve a life of impact performance. He tells his readers to “Eat the elephant!”

According to Infinity Publishing, Hord is a performance improvement expert who delivers improved performance success in virtually every business segment. Every person and organization is confronted with seemingly immovable challenges. These challenges are overcome with Lee’s ability to help anyone “eat the elephant”.

Lee is a performance consultant, adjunct professor, and member of the American Society for Quality, Six Sigma Black Belt and holds six patents. He has published several performance improvement related articles.

Lee conducts performance improvement speeches and seminars. He is available to inspire and motivate your organization to achieve Impact Performance.

Hord says that elephants (obstacles or life’s difficulties) hold us back and keep us from improving in the Life Categories of Health, Relationships, Career and Finances Performance. Therefore, he says we must eat the elephant, never to appear again. The book includes a seven step personal performance improvement model that guides readers to greater performance with measurement as the cornerstone.

Hord encourages readers to make an impact in their own lives and in the lives of others. Hord says, “The ultimate goal of the Elephant eater is to become an Elephant Hunter who helps others to eat the elephant. Get moving, live a life of Impact Performance!”

Dr. B. James Dawson, President, Lincoln Memorial University, says of Hord‘s book: “Lee Hord brings together concepts of personal performance and life skills in a fun and energizing read. His book, “Eating Elephants, Living a Life of Impact Performance,” is filled with ways to enhance personal performance and become focused on the life categories of health, relationships, careers, and finance. It is a perfect text for student development at the collegiate level. One of the benefits of using this book as a text for college freshmen is the emphasis on individual responsibility for personal satisfaction. It does indeed create a model to structure your belief system, which impacts life’s outcomes.”

by Martha Rose Woodward

Sunspherebook@aol.com

Anoka-Hennepin, a Minneapolis School District, has been named as one of the worst districts for bullying since a total of 6 students from there committed suicide after being victims of bullying.

Tammy Aaberg is one mother from Anoka-Hennepin who turned tragedy into a cause. She said her 15-year-old son, Justin, was bullied at school because he was gay. Almost a year ago to the day, Justin Aaberg took his own life.

Aaberg blames the Anoka-Hennepin School District’s sexual orientation policy that says staff “shall remain neutral on matters regarding sexual orientation,” and that policy has now caught the attention of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division after six teen suicides were attributed to bullying.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, the stakes just got a lot higher for the state’s largest school district now that the USDOJ is investigating how gay bullying incidents have been handled at Anoka-Hennepin schools.

Though an investigation into complaints of harassment and bullying in the district have been going on since last fall, federal investigators are now conducting a joint probe with the Department of Education.

In another case that has brought attention to this issue, a documentary called “Bullied: a Student, a School and a Case that Made History,” which tells the story of a Wisconsin boy who took action when his school failed to stop his anti-gay tormentors has been widely shown.

The focus of that film is Jamie Nabozny, who hopes to change things in his small Wisconsin school.

He ended up making history.

Also, the hit TV show “Glee” brought bullying into the spotlight last Tuesday night. Students can be bullied for their sexuality, race, religion or looks. It’s something many kids have to deal with on a daily basis. It is estimated that 80% or more of students who are victims of bullies do not tell their teachers or parents.

And, pop idol, Lady Gaga, visited the White House to speak about this issue since she claims she was bullied much of her young life and was once thrown into a dumpster by big boys who told her she was of no good for anything. She says she grew up to prove the bullies wrong and encourages her fans, whom she calls “Little Monsters” do move forward with a life of being different.

Closer to home, Powell Middle School recently announced a school-wide effort to teach students about bullying while asking them to sign a pledge not to bully others.

Plainly, bullying is a problem that is not going to go away. If anything, bullying is on the rise. What can parents and students do about this problem?

First, parents need to talk to their children and ask their children about bullying. Often students will not tell parents due to not wanting the bullies to get even more angry. However, not talking is of no use. Students need to be taught to speak up and to tell their teachers and parents.

Most schools are implementing anti-bullying programs. These programs are something that students need to be encouraged to participate in and to keep a good attitude about this kind of help.

Other resources are available such as on-line courses for students that will teach them how to deal with bullying behavior.

Students also need to recognize that teasing and “mouthing off” are fairly typical behaviors for all grade levels. Each person needs to develop a tough skin and let most things roll off his/her back. It is when bullying turns violent and hurtful that appropriate measures need to be taken to stop it. Awareness, education, communication and implementation are keys to solving the problem of bullying.

From Knoxville Journal staff reports

News@theknoxvillejournal.com

Blood donations are very low during the holiday, and the MEDIC Regional Blood Centers are asking the public for help. 

All MEDIC locations will be closed on Dec. 26 and they need to stock their blood supply in order to be ready for the holidays.

On Dec. 23, the main MEDIC location on Ailor Avenue will feature an appearance by Santa Claus for a meet and greet, and he will pose for free pictures. 

Other locations where blood can be donated on the same day include:

•Bass Pro Shop, 3629 Outdoor Sportsman Place, Kodak, 8 a.m.- 4 p.m. Medic Mobile

•Blount Memorial Hospital,  907 E. Lamar Alexander Parkway, Maryville, 6 a.m.-12 p.m., Auditorium

•Family Dollar, 306 W. Broadway St., Newport, 11 a.m.- 6 p.m., Medic Mobile

•Wal-Mart, 1815 Decatur Pike, Athens, 11 a.m.- 6 p.m., Medic Mobile

•Wal-Mart, 7420 Chapman Highway, Knoxville, 8 a.m.- 4 p.m., Medic Mobile