Shopper Blog: Boy Scout earning his Eagle rank by bringing music to seniors

WEST KNOXVILLE

Boy Scout earning his Eagle rank by bringing music to seniors

Nancy Anderson, Shopper News

Sixteen-year-old Jonathan Oen is giving it all he’s got to earn his Boy Scout Eagle ranking. He’s working on a series of concerts for seniors.

The Webb School of Knoxville sophomore is a Life Scout in Troop 246, sponsored by Hardin Valley Church of Christ.

He got the idea from working with the International School of Music in Potomac, Maryland.

“I was a student ambassador. My teacher would encourage me to participate in the Student Ambassador program. I performed music at several senior living homes in Maryland,” said Oen (pronounced like “Owen”).

“It was always rewarding seeing the smiles on the residents' faces when I played songs, e.g., ‘Simple Gifts,’ ‘Stand by Me’ and other oldies but goodies the residents could easily recognize,” Oen said.

“I’d read that songs often trigger happy memories from one’s childhood so I researched songs from the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s to find which tunes were most popular. I sent a list of these suggested songs to musician volunteers, which included show tunes from ‘My Fair Lady,’ ‘The Wizard of Oz’ and ‘The Sound of Music.’

“A majority of the songs played were from the time when these seniors were young. The residents seemed to enjoy the concerts. We received great reactions.”

Oen recruits musicians from school, his troop and Knoxville at large. He said he started working on his project in November, reaching out to activity directors at local senior living facilities. They were more than happy to have Oen and his band of Boy Scouts come to perform for happy, smiling faces.

Oen has his sales pitch worked out to perfection. He simply reminds the musicians what it means to be a Boy Scout.

“It is part of the Scout Oath to help other people at all times as well as the Scout Law to be helpful and friendly. I mentioned this at troop meetings and to individual Scouts to encourage volunteers. The turnout from my troop was terrific and I sincerely thank all the Scout volunteers for their enthusiasm and willingness to help,” he said.

It has not been smooth sailing for Oen. Scheduling proved to be difficult. There always seemed to be a conflict in timing. The musicians had to reschedule several times.

He initially scheduled concerts for mid-January, but the now infamous snowstorm put an end to his plans. He reluctantly canceled the concerts because driving conditions were just too dangerous.

Finally, his concerts went on without a hitch in mid-February.

Oen said he expects to earn Eagle this summer. He has several more months to serve as assistant for Senior Patrol Leader. He has to earn three more badges and go through his Eagle Scout Board of Review.

POWELL

Heiskell man carved career out of stereo speaker and cabinet production

Al Lesar, Shopper News

While at a crossroads of his life, Bob Craton did what he’s always done: He asked questions.

“God gave us five senses,” Craton said. “Everyone has a favorite one. Mine is sound. We all have subjective tastes, but we strive for perfection.

“I got to thinking about what I loved. I loved music speakers and was fascinated about how they were built.”

That’s when, while living in East Tennessee and working as a salesman and racing promotions person for STP (motor oil) in the early ‘70s, he called a stereo speaker/cabinet manufacturer in Paducah, Kentucky, and asked his question.“I asked them, ‘Could I come there and work for free?’” Craton said. “They never had anyone ask them that before.”

They agreed. For nine months he drove the 400 miles (without interstate highways) on Friday night (after his STP job), got to a hotel about 3 a.m., and reported for work in the factory at 8 a.m. He left after work and returned to Knoxville Saturday night.

“I learned everything about speakers and how to make them,” Craton said. “They’d even give me their rejects. I was able to fix and sell them to cover my expenses.”

Starting a niche business

The 82-year-old Heiskell resident parlayed that sense of curiosity and love for a niche business into quite a professional life.

In 1976, Craton designed a small speaker for a personal or corporate sound system. He ran an ad in an audio magazine and got a request from a major company to build speakers for its restaurant chains.

By 1981, he had a business − Advanced Sound. The focus of the company was to repair the speakers he used to build.

“A fellow from Maryville saw an ad I had placed,” Craton said. “He had guitar speakers from a store he owned. I said, ‘I’ve seen those before.’”

The concept, and the business, caught on. Craton ran the only place in Knoxville specifically designed for repair. Word of mouth kept him busy.

A big break

Panasonic came into the picture in 1985. The mega-company came to Craton for him to design and build speaker cabinets to test speakers. 

“They needed inductors wound,” Craton said. “I needed like two or three at a time. I could only buy them in the hundreds, so I decided to make them myself.”

A friend at a machine shop helped Craton come up with a machine that got the job done.

“Everything starts with a wheel,” Craton said of his building philosophy. “I used an old washing machine motor. You learn how to barter and be cheap when you don’t have a lot of money.”

Craton’s work pleased Panasonic. It took 10 years for the relationship to hit a crescendo.

“It was Memorial Day weekend, 1995,” Craton recalled. “They had me build a special enclosure.”

Craton said he was offered $2,500 for the job, but the enclosure had to be in the Knoxville office by 8 a.m. Tuesday − or he would not be compensated.

“No pay − now that’s motivation,” he said laughing. “I made it. After a while I found out it was for the Ford Mustang sound system. I felt honored.”

Wisdom worth sharing

At its height, Advanced Sound employed seven people. By 2000, Craton said he started winding down. He kept his work to custom-made jobs, which he still handles on a limited basis today.

“You don’t see the quality today that you used to see,” Craton said. “My philosophy now is: Mass market in, mass market out. So many speakers now I don’t even touch. I tell people to take the money they would pay me and use it for something new.”

He’s content, which is not necessarily a good thing.

“There’s an old phrase: When contentment exists, success ceases,” he said. “I probably reached contentment about five years ago.”

Still, the wisdom he has gained along the way is worth sharing.

“The main thing is to find something you like to do,” Craton said. “Then, perfect your skill − even if it means working for free. Work hard. And ask questions. I had an officer in the military who said, ‘If you don’t ask, you’ll never learn.’ I would always ask.”

Tennessee basketball fans may not know it, but these are the good old days

FARRAGUT

Upstart print shop a hit at Farragut Middle School

Nancy Anderson, Shopper News

It’s not quite state-of-the art yet, but the new printshop program at Farragut Middle School is quite functional and causing quite a buzz among the students in Brian Fogarty’s class.

Fogarty is teaching the kids all aspects of the print shop business including marketing, design, production and budgeting. He’s divided his classes into groups that specialize in different aspects of the print shop business – from design using a borrowed Cricut machine and donated ink, to marketing the school’s clubs for T-shirt sales.

Fogarty said he was glad to have the backing of administrators, who found a room in the building that was previously a rock climbing room, then used for storage. The class was given a number of brand new tables they put together themselves, so the class was hands-on since day one.

Getting the shop up and running was blood, sweat and tears for Fogarty, who bootstrapped the program into the functional print shop it is now. His dreams are unstoppable.

Additional funding for next year will allow Fogarty to create a class using state-of-the-art equipment that’s exciting for students and provides a real world print shop experience using a silk screening process. He said he hopes to be able to produce 100 to 150 T-shirts, marketing to all Farragut schools’ clubs.

Fogarty said the shop will eventually have three types of printing: silkscreen, direct to film printer, and a vinyl sticker maker.

Fogarty taught math and science at FMS for 10 years before starting the print shop class.

“I needed a change and I wanted to use my creativity. I’ve always done printing projects at home. It all started with a print shop class I took at Karns High School. It was a great class that impressed me artistically throughout my life. I hope my class does the same for these kids,” Fogarty said.

Administration backed Fogarty knowing this would be a great hands-on class that’s as close to the real thing as possible.

“Design is the biggest aspect of what we do. The kids struggle, but it’s creative struggle that results in some really nice artwork,” said Fogarty. “They are really rising to the occasion.”

HALLS

Gibbs Special Olympics athlete qualifies for the '25 World Games

Al Lesar, Shopper News

After graduating from Gibbs High School in 2017, Johnny Kelly seemed destined to stay at home and take care of his chickens.

Gina Legg, though, saw his future differently. Legg knew Johnny well from her work as a coach and administrator for area Special Olympics. Johnny, who had been a competitor in a wide variety of sports during high school, had proven himself.

“I told his parents that Johnny needs to work,” Legg said. “He needs to earn a living.”

Legg had a friend, Ben Greenwell, who found a job for Johnny at his machine shop. Legg said Greenwell became an influential figure in Johnny’s life until he passed away.

It has been Legg who has kept Johnny active in Special Olympics. The 24-year-old has competed in nearly every sport available.

“Without Miss Legg, I don’t know what I would have done,” Johnny said. “She’s the reason I have a job and am not a loner with my parents.”

Legg was also the one who was able to break the news to Johnny that he will be the first Special Olympics athlete from the Gibbs area to compete in the World Games a year from now.

A big surprise

A couple years ago, Johnny won a state championship as a powerlifter and competed at the national games.

“It was super hot and muggy,” Johnny said of the games in Orlando, Florida. “Meeting new people was the best part.”

A little later, Johnny was part of the Tennessee State Special Olympics Winter Games in Gatlinburg. He won the state championship in snowboarding for high-functioning athletes with intellectual disabilities.

Little did he − or anyone else − know that the success wouldn’t end there.

“We got a call last fall that Johnny had qualified for the World Winter Games in Torino, Italy, in March 2025,” Legg said. “We surprised him with balloons and the announcement before a volleyball match.”

“It was shocking,” Johnny said. “I was nervous. I don’t like to be alone.”

Legg said that was just the start of the process. He has to raise $10,000 to offset expenses for a training camp in Utah in April, then the competition next March.

Combining her passions

For more than three decades, Legg has had some involvement in Special Olympics. A Gibbs Middle School, Holston Middle School and Gibbs High School physical education teacher for 32 years before she retired, she combined the two passions.

She was coaxed into the Special Olympics by her friend Tim Lee. They served as co-directors of the area for years. A Gibbs native, Legg thrived on the involvement with her students.

“Every day I would pray someone would be absent so I could be part of whatever we were doing at that time,” Legg said. 

Legg stepped down from a leadership role in Special Olympics, but it’s athletes like Johnny who keep her involved as a coach.

“I’ve been in Special Olympics for nine years and I love it,” Johnny said. 

His success in snowboarding is just part of the fun he has in the sport.

“I kinda like it until I fall,” he said. “The speed and the wind, it feels like I’m flying.” 

Anyone interested in helping Kelly with his training and competitive costs can donate at: Give.classy.org/Johnnykellyitaly.

HALLS

Steel Threads Boutique outfits everyone, teenager to granny, with unique looks for spring

Al Lesar, Shopper News

Timing was a major factor in Kelsey Casteel’s success as a boutique owner.

Having started Steel Threads Boutique in April 2021, Casteel nearly opened her own business earlier when she left as manager of Lizard Thicket Boutique in Turkey Creek. 

However, something told her to be patient. Instead, she managed a chiropractic office while she slowly got things going. 

When she left the boutique manager job, the pandemic was turning the world upside down.

“For a while, the retail world has been changing,” Casteel said. “During the pandemic, everyone was doing online shopping. Now, people want to do their shopping in person.”

Steel Threads Boutique has accommodated both. Since the start, it was just an online presence. In December 2023, she opened a brick and mortar storefront at 113 E. Emory Road in Powell, next to Wild Wing Cafe. She shares a space with Dezirable Tanz.

“We’re really a one-stop shop,” Casteel said. “About 100 women a week stop in for a tan. They can leave with an outfit.”

Chains vs. independent

Casteel, who lives in Halls, grew up in the northwest Tennessee town of Paris. She graduated from the University of Mississippi in exercise science with a dream of going to physician assistant school.

“Once I got out of school and started shadowing people, I realized I didn’t love the medical field,” Casteel said.

So…. What’s next?

She followed her soon-to-be husband to the Knoxville area in 2018 and started in retail at Lizard Thicket, part of a chain of about 30 boutiques.

“In a chain, they get everything ready for you,” Casteel said. “They have the inventory dropped at your door. If you need a graphic designer or photographer, they’ll have one for you.

“When you’re an independent, you’re on your own. If you don’t do something, it doesn’t get done. I’m everything. I do inventory, social media, modeling … everything.”

Something unique for everyone

Even though the University of Tennessee football season is more than six months down the road, Casteel said her orders for gameday gear have already been placed. She goes out of her way to find the unique.

Besides tops, dresses and rompers, Casteel sells accessories. Those accessories include permanent jewelry, on which she does her own welding.

“I want my girls to feel confident and unique,” she said. “I want them to hear, ‘I love your top, where’d you get it?’

“We try to have something for everyone. We have clothing for high schoolers and grandmothers.”

While she has learned several business lessons along the way, Casteel has been sure not to take any of the positive steps − even the little ones − for granted.

“I’ve learned to celebrate our own goals − the first order, the 10th order,” Casteel said. “I’ve learned to overcome comparing myself to others. I’ve learned to stay in my own lane. You have to take it slow and have patience.”

Steel Threads Boutique is open Tuesday through Friday 11 a.m.-7 p.m. and Saturday 11-2.

For more information go to: www.shopsteelthreads.com, or follow the boutique on Instagram, TikTok or Facebook.

Latest KPD promotions show chief failing to diversify top ranks | Ashe

OPINION

Hard lessons from the hospital

Leslie Snow, Shopper News

I thought, after 10 days, that I’d get used to the sounds of the hospital. I thought I’d grow numb to the constant beeping of heart monitors and blood pressure cuffs, the cries from sick or injured patients, and the urgent calls for doctors and nurses on the intercom.

But even after countless hours of sitting with my mother-in-law trying to figure out the source of her severe back pain, the sounds from the hospital overwhelm me and chafe my nerves.

It's too dark and too cold there. The smell of antiseptic and illness clings to me. It makes me feel uncomfortable and out of sorts. But I know I’m where I need to be. I know I need to stay at the hospital, planted in my chair, listening to the doctors for clues that might help my mother-in-law.

And that’s just what I do. I listen when the neurosurgeon comes by to examine her. I listen when the hip specialists and the back specialists make their assessments. I’m there when the hospitalist talks with her about her options for pain management. And I’m there when the physical therapists and occupational therapists try to help her move to a sitting position.

I listen to all the people who walk through Room 533, and in different words, I hear the same message over and over again.

“I wouldn’t perform surgery on a woman your age.”

“You’ve outlived your body.”

“You’ll have to live with pain or go to a nursing home.”

“You’re 86, so your treatment options are limited.”

“You’re 86, so getting back to your baseline function is going to be harder.”

“You’re 86, so your recovery is going to take longer.”

You’re 86. You’re 86. You’re 86.

The words resonate in my head. I hear them when I’m driving home from the hospital, weary from a long day of waiting for answers. I hear them again when I wake up to worry in the dark of night. I hear them every day and they confuse me.

Because we’re all going to get there one day, if we’re lucky enough to live long lives. We’re going to age and we’re going to need medical care. And even though the words from all those well-intentioned doctors may be true, they were disheartening to hear.

It’s hard to learn that treatment options are limited by age. It’s hard to learn that some medical problems can’t be fixed when you’re older. And it’s a hard lesson that more and more of us are going to face.

Because our population is aging. According to the latest census reports, the number of Americans ages 65 and older is predicted to increase from 58 million in 2022 to 82 million by 2050. That’s a 47% increase. That’s a lot of elderly people heading to the hospital looking for answers.

My mother-in-law knows she’s 86 years old. She knows she can’t live forever and that her body is wearing down. But at one point she looked at me from her hospital bed and said, “I guess they’re just going to put me in a room somewhere until it’s my turn to go.” I think we can do better than that.

We need a new way to address the challenges of treating older patients, even if treatment options are limited. The medical community needs a new vocabulary and a fresh perspective so they can talk to their patients without making them feel as if they have a pop-up timer or an expiration date.

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