Shopper Blog: Operation Career at Byington-Solway gives students a step up to employment

KARNS

Operation Career at Byington-Solway gives students a step up to employment

Nancy Anderson, Shopper News

Operation Career was a big success at Byington-Solway Technology Center (BSTC) as about 15 prospective employers and technical schools gathered to offer vocational students a next step toward rewarding and lucrative careers.

At least two students found employment. Welding students Jeffrey Jenkins and James Claighborne are the newest welders for Tim’s Fencing and Decking.

Students got the opportunity to discuss post-graduation plans, whether that be employment or technical schools such as Tennessee College of Applied Technology and Crown College.

“We are happy to live in a community where private business and technical colleges do so much to provide opportunities for our students to pursue secondary education and or begin their careers,” said welding instructor and event coordinator Zebulun Proctor.

"It is wonderful that two students were hired at this event by Tim’s Fencing, and we are looking forward to building off this event and seeing how much it grows. There are many students who made new contacts that will provide future education and employment opportunities."

Recruiter Quita Zerr with Tennessee College of Applied Technology explained there are several dual enrollment programs offered at BSTC that allow the student to be well on the way to completion of a number of career and technical education programs offered by TCAT. She said the school’s No. 1 goal is postgraduation employment.

“Not all students are college bound. Many students have technical abilities," Zerr said. "Those students have excellent opportunities through our programs at TCAT. Dual enrollment allows the student to earn credits required in our programs prior to high school graduation.

“Our number one goal at TCAT is job placement. Our programs aren’t any good if we can’t get the student employed. That’s what sets us apart from two- and four-year schools,” Zerr said.

Of the many booths available, the most popular was a welding simulator, the Miller Augmented Welder, from Crown College. Instructor Jacob Herrig explained to many students the benefits of continuing their education at the Bible school, which also offers an associate degree in a variety of trades and technologies.

The Miller Augmented Welder allows students hands-on experience without consuming wire, gas, and electricity.

BSTC Assistant Principal Chad Turner said the school wants to see more students have job offers upon graduation.

“We want the kids to be exposed to a job fair type environment. We’ve invited trade companies who are hiring to come out and see if they find a good fit. Even those that aren’t hiring can do mock interviews to help hone interview skills.

“This is the first time we’ve done this, but we want to continue having the event because there’s a disconnect between companies and schools. We just want to bridge that gap a little bit.

“It’s the perfect collaboration because companies want to hire good people and we can point them in the right direction. We can vouch for or even send them kids who really put their all into what they’re doing.” he said.

More:Who are Tennessee's best alumni head coaches? Answer may surprise you | Mike Strange

BEARDEN

Celtic services draw in even the unchurched at Church of the Ascension

John Shearer, Shopper News

While the architecture of the Episcopal Church of the Ascension on Northshore Drive has a British abbey-like feel and ambience with its tower and breezeway, it now also has Irish sounds emanating from it.

Once a month for several months, the church has offered a Sunday evening Celtic service that features contemplative prayer time, a homily, lighted candles, Holy Eucharist, and, yes, soft Celtic-style Christian music.

And so far, it has drawn attendees beyond just the Ascension parishioners or even area-wide Episcopalians or those with a church home. The sounds of music and ancient words interspersed with the sounds of silence seem to be quite appealing to a large segment of the population.

“What we are finding is that a lot of different people are attending,” said the Rev. Caroline Vogel, the church’s associate rector for spiritual direction. “They are curious, and it seems to be meeting a higher need in the community for something obviously spiritual more than overtly religious.

“These are deeply spiritual services that are resonating with people.”       

She said the idea was originated several months before the pandemic by the church’s current interim rector, the Rev. Patrick Wingo, and his wife, Sue-Scott Wingo. With a sensed yearning for more contemplative services in an increasingly hectic world, and the growing popularity of Celtic music in the United States in recent decades due to everything from “Riverdance” to National Public Radio, the concept has caught on around the country.

“More and more Episcopal churches are offering these services with liturgies based on the early Celtic Christians from Ireland and the Isle of Iona off Scotland,” she said, adding that St. John’s Cathedral in downtown Knoxville has also offered them.

She said the Ascension Celtic service, which will next be held on May 2, usually begins at 5 for those who want to come a little early and sit and meditate and pray in silence or with very soft music. Vogel calls it a time for people to settle themselves and come to a place of stillness in a beautiful sanctuary.

Candles are also lit, and around 5:30, the service begins with liturgy reading, a short homily reflection done by someone on staff or an invited Episcopal priest from the area, and Holy Eucharist, or the serving of communion.

Celtic-style music is also interspersed throughout the service, which usually ends around 6:15 or 6:30. Vogel said director of music ministries Jim Garvey tries to encourage a variety of Celtic music.

“He had different musicians come in and play, and it is always incredibly lovely,” she said.

She also enjoys the experience when she gets to lead the service.

“It is such a gift to be able to do it in such a gorgeous sanctuary,” she said.

Although they had around 200-300 before the pandemic, and then continued the services online, they are limiting attendance to about 100 for the time being since the in-person Celtic service began again in April. Safe health practices are also undertaken, and attendees are asked to sign up beforehand online.

Besides a spiritual yearning Vogel believes all people have, even if they don’t consider themselves religious, she said the services have also drawn on a desire to come together as a result of the lockdown and lack of as much social interaction.

“There’s a need for a sense of community, the feeling of being in it with other people,” she said.

FARRAGUT

Magistrate handles criminal defendants, and remembers a few

Holly Gary, Shopper News

Knox County’s criminal court has five judicial magistrates. Only one of them is a woman.

Her name is Sharon Frankenberg, and she’s a Farragut High School grad, class of 1981.

In the job, she sees cases as soon as they come to court. “The officer brings in the speeding ticket, we approve or disapprove it. Same thing for shoplifting, same thing for murder.”

That decision involves the question of probable cause. For example, with a DUI charge, she’d have to “have reason to believe the person was in the car, they were intoxicated, etc.” This includes going through evidence like photographs or the arresting officer’s testimony.

“That doesn’t mean there’s no possible question,” she said. “It’s a very preliminary decision.”

From there, her job involves helping the person understand what they’ve been charged with and get an attorney. She sets their court date and deals with any bails, bonds or holds they may have.

If the person has to be held in jail, “We’re supposed to talk to them within 48 hours, and we’re pretty good about that. We don’t want anyone there who doesn’t know why.”

Occasionally, communicating with a person who’s been arrested isn’t so easy. She recalled a case in which no one had realized the defendant was deaf and mute until his arraignment.

“I said, bring him back, and we’ll get a deaf interpreter,” Frankenberg recalled. “He was still violent; he was very angry.” Then it turned out he didn’t know American Sign Language either, “so I wrote on my legal pad,” she said. “And once he finally understood what was going on... He calmed down completely.

“That was one of the most satisfying things I ever did,” she said. “Some people might’ve given up on him.”

Anger isn’t an unusual response from the people Frankenberg encounters in her job.

“We usually try to help, because I just think about, what if it were me?” she said. “They have your body; it’s not a very fun thing.”

Another memorable — and disturbing — incident from Frankenberg’s career was her 1990s encounter with the “Job Corps murderer,” Christa Pike.

“She killed this woman named Colleen Slemmer,” Frankenberg remembered. “She took a piece of her skull... And carved a pentagram in her chest. Just horrible, horrible.”

At Pike’s arraignment, “She was just sort of swaggering and just made a big show of sitting down,” Frankenberg said. Pike’s response to her first-degree murder charge was “‘who do you got to sleep with around here to get a shower’” — except her language was more vulgar, Frankenberg recalled. “I said, actually you probably need to worry about your attorney right now.”

She credits some of her self-confidence to her experiences as an athletic trainer for Farragut’s football team.

“Coach Ken Sparks... was very good about giving an opportunity to a girl who wouldn’t normally be involved with the football team,” she said. “I was very shy when I started that,” but being surrounded by men, “I had to learn that I had to stand up for myself, [which] served me well in the long run.”

She’s happy to still be living in Knoxville, she said. “It’s good to be part of a good community that does try to care about people... I can’t imagine being anywhere else.”

POWELL

Dream worth the risk at Simply Bliss boutique

Al Lesar, Shopper News

On one hand, Amy Hill’s venture into opening Simply Bliss Boutique isn’t about the money.

On the other hand, the basic concept for the new business that shares space with Le Coop Salon (2508 W. Emory Rd., Powell) is all about money.

Affordable style — and bell-bottoms   

The 29-year-old Hill, who moved to East Tennessee from Pennsylvania in 2010, is an ophthalmic technician. She and her husband, Jeff, have a farm that has goats, horses and cows.

And, oh yeah, now she’s the owner of a new storefront business.

“I’m someone who always likes to be busy,” Hill said. “There’s a lot going on, but I love what I’m doing. I’m naturally a risk-taker.”

Hill actually isn’t a stranger to the boutique business. In December 2018, she started an online boutique, while also appearing at local events with pop-ups. He ultimate goal was to make the transition to a storefront, which she now has accomplished.

Because her full-time job is a priority, Hill has a friend help her with the boutique on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday (it’s closed Monday and Tuesday). She and her friend take turns covering the Saturday and Sunday shifts.

“Our overhead is low,” she said. “But we’re not really concerned about making money. My purpose for opening the boutique is to bring budget-friendly quality clothes to the community.”

Simply Bliss Boutique, which had its grand opening in mid-March, features clothes and accessories that range in price from $10-$35.

“Sometimes it’s hard to find the right clothes for the right price,” Hill said. “But, my vendors know me. They know what I’m looking for. I’ll send clothes back if I don’t think they’re the right quality. That’s important to me.”

There’s one item that Hill said will go beyond the limit: Bellbottom jeans. The fashion trends have circled to the point where bellbottom jeans, popular about 50 years ago, are back in style. Hill said she’ll splurge and have them priced for $55.

Texas disaster put opening in doubt    

Hill said the entrepreneurial spirit is something that runs in her family. Her mother runs a construction and roofing business in Strawberry Plains. Her father’s a farmer in Alabama. Her husband owns a construction and trucking company locally.

“I’ve always liked a do-it-yourself business,” Hill said. “When we saw the opportunity to finally get a storefront, I had to take the chance.”

fOf course, between the pandemic and some bad weather there some scary moments before the boutique’s grand opening.

“We almost had to delay the grand opening,” Hill said. “A lot of our inventory was coming from Texas. When Texas had its freezing temperatures and all the problems, everything shut down. A lot of our inventory was on back order.”

A couple days before the scheduled opening, the shipments arrived. Hill was able to breathe a sigh of relief after she and some friends put in some long, late hours to put the boutique together in a hurry.

“I was encouraged to see so many smiling faces there to see what we had,” Hill said.

“It’s a cozy place. The response that we got was great.”

Store hours are 12:30-7 p.m. Wednesday; 12-7 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday.

KARNS

'Irish Legend' Judge Tim Irwin honored at Catholic High's Green Gold Gala, a great party

Nancy Anderson, Shopper News

Nearly 400 people gathered under the lights at Blaine Stadium at Knoxville Catholic High School for the annual Green and Gold Gala, breaking attendance records.

This is year 10 for the major fundraising event, but this year saw challenges due to the pandemic.

“Organizing it was different this year because we’ve always had it at a venue,” said Director of Communications Pam Rhoades. "This year we held it outdoors at Blaine Stadium, which is much more to do on our part with regard to lighting and audio/visuals. We had a rain date but hoped for great weather, which we got. It was a wonderful night, just a great casual party for everyone."

The highlight of the evening was Knoxville Catholic President Dickie Sompayrac bestowing the “Irish Legend” award to Judge Tim Irwin, who was co-founder of the Catholic Youth Football League in Knoxville in 2003.

The Knoxville Catholic football league allows children who do not have a school team to play football on a faith-based team and compete together against schools in the area.

Irwin, an offensive tackle at the University of Tennessee who went on to play in the NFL for 14 years, earned his law degree and was admitted to the Tennessee bar in 1990. In 2005, he was appointed Judge of Juvenile Court for Knox County.

"Judge Irwin has long been an enthusiastic supporter of Knoxville Catholic High School, going back to his founding of the Catholic Youth Football program back in 2003, which thrives today, and his three children graduating from KCHS. Tim is always striving to improve the lives of the youth in our community," said Sompayrac.

The evening featured a light dinner catered by Holly Hambright of Holly’s Gourmet Market Catering.

There was something for every budget in the silent auction featuring nearly 100 items, including Beauty Redefined Med Spa and Salon basket with a starting bid of $400, Dooney & Bourke pebble grain large tote with a starting bid of $150, Huntington Learning Center Premier ACT program with a starting bid of $1,000, and Vera Bradley items with a starting bid of $30.

A live auction had several big ticket items including a single barrel of Davidson Reserve Wheated Bourbon with a Nashville weekend won by Josh Turbyville, a past “Irish Legend.”

Entertainment included Mark Carson English, who painted an abstract with vibrant color and texture during the course of the evening. The painting was included in the live auction and was won by Knoxville Catholic’s Director of Institutional Advancement Joni Punch.

Music was provided by The Coveralls, who started the evening covering popular jazz standards then moving to light rock-pop and finally transitioning to rock and funk to get everyone moving on the dance floor.

Proceeds from the gala will support campus technology and tuition support for families impacted by the pandemic.

A “Raise the Paddle” collection garnered nearly $25,000 alone. The funds are earmarked for the new Innovation Lab for robotics, computer technology, and other STEM education. The lab is scheduled for completion in 2022.

Info: www.knoxvillecatholic.com

FARRAGUT

Vendors flock to Bridal Fair, brainchild of business leaders

Holly Gary, Shopper News

When Lace and Glam Bridal Boutique opened in Farragut 2½ years ago, it gave Steve Krempasky an idea.

Krempasky, executive director of the Farragut Business Alliance, decided the community should have its own bridal fair.

“Steve and I talked about it a while back,” said John Volpe, general manager of Abuelo’s restaurant. He, Krempasky, and Candace Viox from Water into Wine Bistro organized the event.

“Last December we got together to see if we could pull it off,” Volpe said.

After COVID-19, “The catering business needs a boost. Small businesses need a boost,” Krempasky said. He had planned to “start out small” with this year’s fair, he said, but ended up with 32 vendors, too many to fit inside the Farragut Community Center, where the event was held.

“We turned down 20 more.”

Recruitment was a team effort: “Steve and Candace contacted people,” Volpe said. “I contacted restaurants. Some just signed up.”

Attendees each had their own reasons for participating.

What brides are saying:

Felicia Shoemaker, planning a Sept. 18 wedding, said, “We need a caterer, so we came to look around.”

Katie Begbie, getting married Dec. 4, said, “I’m just coming to the first fair since I’ve been engaged.” Though she had already booked a caterer, she hoped to find “ideas for like the after party, decor, rehearsal dinner.”

Future married couple Jennifer and Jacob, with an Oct. 23 wedding date, were “just looking around to see what there is, anything inspiring,” Jennifer said. Like Begbie, they found out about the event via Facebook.

What businesses are saying:

Sherry Hovam, owner of Lace and Glam Bridal Boutique, said participating in the bridal fair was “the easiest decision ever.”

“We’re Farragut’s only bridal store,” she said. “We’re invested in the community.”

The store has “dresses for every budget,” she said, starting from $300, so “we can work with any bride.”

She tries to keep “a casual, relaxing atmosphere” in the store, so that brides “feel like they’re in their best friend’s closet.”

Jordan Adams co-owns Single Barrel Events with her husband. They bartend at around 500 weddings a year.

Their company is “fully licensed, fully insured bartending,” she said. “We have to be by-the-book, do everything right.” She wants wedding-goers’ experiences to be fun but safe. “It’s somebody’s wedding, not a kegger.”

She noted that she tries to make things easy on the brides she works with. “It’s a stressful day. I’m not about to be a contributor to that stress.”

Teri Jo Fox of the Knox Fox Real Estate Group called herself and her husband “local Farragut supporters.” She was on hand to answer “any questions in regards to the market” that young couples might have, she said.

Jaquie Flowers, co-owner of Family Table Catering, touted “specialty dinners” for weddings, “homemade, from scratch,” by her husband.

Michelle Austin, general manager of the Turkey Creek JCPenney, was at the fair “showing home brands exclusive to JCPenney” to couples looking to furnish their future homes.

Krempasky said the alliance is working to bring back other events, coming out of COVID-19. Farragut residents can look forward to the Dog Daze Festival and a music festival this summer.

POWELL

Youth Cheerleading program produces plenty of positives

Al Lesar, Shopper News

“Spaghetti arms” and “sloppy hands” aren’t tolerated when Terri Shelander is running the show.

Did you know there’s a right way and wrong way to clap?

The voice comes from down deep.

Those are just a few of the lessons participants learn as part of the Powell Youth Cheerleading program.

Shelander, who grew up with cheerleading in Virginia, has been involved for eight years and has been the commissioner the last four. She also coaches her daughter’s middle school recreation team.

The Youth program, like the Powell Youth Football and Basketball teams, is for children (boys can also participate) ages 4-14, and not affiliated with the middle school or high school. It's feeder program of sorts; Shelander said only one girl from the middle school rec team didn’t make the Powell Middle School cheerleading squad.

“I want them to be prepared for Coach V (Powell Middle School cheerleading coach Samantha Vermillion), so I might be a little tough on them,” Shelander said. “We work on conditioning. We work on fundamentals."

Self-esteem improves     

When Shelander talks fundamentals, she’s referring to motions, jumps and tumbling. Motions and jumps are easy enough for all of the volunteer coaches for the five age-group rec teams to handle, but when it comes to tumbling, several opt for professional training at area facilities.

And then there’s clapping.

Who knew that cheerleaders have a special way to clap?

“You can’t have ‘spaghetti arms’ or ‘sloppy hands’ when you clap,” Shelander said. “The cheerleading we do from the sidelines has a lot of stiff motions. When you’re clapping, you cup your hands so it will be louder.”

Don’t forget the voice   

“A lot of girls have trouble learning how to project their voice,” Shelander said. “It comes from down deep.”

According to Shelander, committing those fundamentals to memory can do wonders for a young girl’s self-esteem.

“I just look at my (seventh grade) daughter Mattie,” Shelander said of the 13-year-old.

“She’s so quiet. In the past couple years, I’ve seen her open up and be able to make friends outside of class. It’s had a positive impact."

Cheerleading is a commitment   

About 60 girls, spread across five age-group teams, practice twice a week, then get on stage at the football or basketball games.

The cost is $300 for uniforms that Shelander hopes can be consistent through the entire program so that siblings can pass them down.

Besides uniforms, the registration fee covers socks, shoes, registration for the Powell High School summer cheerleading camp, Knox County fees and insurance.

Shelander said the retention rate from year to year is about 80%. Last year’s basketball season was impacted by COVID restrictions, but there don’t seem to be any problems this year.

Besides the fundamentals and techniques, Shelander said she includes community service work with her team members.

“There are so many positives that can come from being a part of this,” she said. “You learn teamwork and can make lifelong friendships.”

Registration is at the Southern Kitchen Sandwich Co., in Powell on Saturday, May 8 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

NORTH KNOXVILLE

Teachers of the Year share their stories and their hearts

Carol Z. Shane, Shopper News

The Rotary Club of Knoxville’s annual Outstanding Knox County Teachers of the Year awards ceremony is always a singular event. But in a pandemic year filled with social unrest and numerous challenges, the dedication of these teachers and their desire to guide, nurture, and collaborate with the young people in their charge was underscored to a degree that was profoundly moving for all attendees. 

Rob Johnson, chair of the club’s Teacher Recognition Committee, introduced the two 2020-2021 winners and presented each with an honorary plaque, a check for $500, and a $250 gift card to A&W Office Supply.  

Second grade Green Magnet STEAM Academy teacher Danielle Adams was nominated by her principal, Jessica Holman, who wrote, “Mrs. Adams has made an incredibly positive impact at our school since her arrival three years ago. She has an authentic and genuine passion for growing her craft and seeing her students grow.” 

 In her acceptance speech, Adams recalled a conversation with another teacher, who remarked upon the difficulty of teaching “those kids.”

Adams, floored, replied that “they’re just little people, and they need relationships — ‘real’-ationships.”

Throughout her speech, she continually referenced “my kids,” and all the varieties of education they’re exploring — some even beyond their grade level.  

“‘My kids’ are engineers. Yeah, second graders.” Adams recounted a class project in which the students were inspired by their reading material to build their own robots. Their ambition and creativity astonished her.

One young boy wanted his robot’s arms to stick out. “He had to learn about a flange. I had to learn about a flange. I didn’t know what that was.”

Another wanted his to stand a certain way. “We don’t teach angles in second grade. But I had to teach him what a right triangle was.”  

Adams’ impassioned advocacy for her students was obvious, and by the end of her speech, she was calling them “our kids.”  

“‘Our kids’ are motivated, tenacious, kind, smart. I hope their actions have inspired you today. If you ever want to see what ‘our kids’ are doing, let me know.” 

Next to accept her award was Rebecca Smith, social studies teacher at Halls High School.  

“Rebecca Smith teaches her students with authenticity, creativity and compassion," wrote Halls assistant principal Riley Smith on behalf of principal Spencer Long. "She manages to balance rigor and student self-direction in order to develop more self-sufficient, self-aware learners.”  

Smith credited one of her own grade school teachers, who she said “created a safe space for all of us to celebrate our authentic skills,” for her decision to become an educator.

“My number one goal has been to provide a safe space for them to be themselves. Being a teenager is tough. They need freedom, security and support.”

Smith referenced the “difficult task” her students have had in a pandemic year. “They took this reality and amazed me with their ingenuity,” organizing a Christmas food drive and COVID-safe events for the Halls student body. 

“This generation is a force to be reckoned with. This generation possesses the ultimate superpower: resilience.” 

The hybrid event at the Crowne Plaza included in-person and Zoom attendees. Rotary president Paul Kedrow brought the meeting to a close, saying, “if those two presentations don’t give you chill bumps, you don’t have any blood in your veins. They are the most outstanding presentations I’ve ever heard.” 

SOUTH KNOXVILLE

Wetland courtyard brings schoolkids into nature

Ali James, Shopper News

At Dogwood Elementary, two uninviting and unused internal courtyard spaces have been reimagined as outdoor classrooms.

A wetland courtyard is aimed at turning older students into scientists, while the other courtyard is more about sensory learning for young students — an opportunity to count and touch things, according to Kara Strouse, Dogwood Elementary community school site coordinator for a Knoxville Education Foundation Initiative.

On April 22, the school held a ribbon cutting to thank everyone involved for helping to create, the soon to be dedicated, Bob’s Wetland Courtyard.

Both internal courtyards are enclosed by the surrounding classrooms and were completely overgrown and not at all functional. “It does get hot and it was hard to program,” said Strouse.

One courtyard features six raised plant beds, including a sun garden box and shaded garden bed. “We have turned it into a sensory garden,” continued Strouse. “We tried to do something that was easy to maintain, not a lot of burden, it has its own little biosphere.”

US Bank employee Nathan Nelson, father to third grader Sawyer, usually dedicated time off as part of his employee’s volunteer program. Since volunteer hours were restricted due to the pandemic, US Bank gave the school two generous grants to help complete the project.

This allowed the school to hire Bob Richards from Bob’s Trails Trees and Gardens to work in partnership with Andrea Ludwig, a UT bio soil science engineer, and AmeriCorps volunteers. The group removed weeds, planted water-loving natives and created two retention ponds and a wetland zone.

“Bob created an overlook and put in a pathway so that kids can access the wetland courtyard in their wheelchairs or have a place to sit,” said Strouse. “Since the courtyard is just down the hall, it allows for quick moments to access nature.”

The fourth, fifth and special education classrooms enjoy direct access to the outdoor classroom space. The wetland courtyard has welcomed new resident wildlife, and students have excitedly reported seeing tadpoles, frogs, birds and all types of bugs.

“There are two water retention ponds that are pretty full, but the marsh area is fairly dry now,” said Strouse. “We opened up two drains to water the ecosystem using rainwater collected from the roof.”

Apartment kids get access to nature   

The water feature is not very large. “It provides an area to observe the birds bathing, the water bugs and tadpoles,” said Strouse. “We have so many kids that live in an apartment and they don’t have a yard, it’s good to break down those barriers to experience nature safely.”

Ludwig used her expertise to include an overflow in the middle of the courtyard that allows water to build up a little, to stay wet without flooding. “Andrea said she had never heard of a school taking water from the roof to fill a wetland,” said Strouse.

During Dogwood’s summer learning program, a garden club will make use of the space. “I think as it develops, and the plants grow, it will be more attractive,” said Strouse. “The students aren’t usually there in the summer, but once the garden club gets in there, they can harvest the produce when it is ready and ripe to eat.”

Throughout the process, Strouse said they took feedback from the school’s administrators and teachers.

“We asked them what they wanted to see in there and what would help them use the space?” said Strouse. “The teachers helped design the space; there is an intrinsic value in getting the kids outside.”

Strouse said that seeing first year teacher Lucy Fall in the courtyard with her special education class all of the time has already been rewarding. “They like to flip over the rocks and see what is under them,” she said. “The students are a little freer outside.”

BEARDEN

A healing place? New health and dental offices spring up

John Shearer, Shopper News

From popular restaurants to other businesses, Bearden Hill is known for being as highly visible a commercial and retail location of West Knoxville as it is a geographic one.

But in recent months, or at least over the last two or three years, it has also seen a slight uptick in other kinds of businesses — those related to health care and dental care.

Besides the Summit Express Clinic that opened in recent years on the top of the hill on the north side of the 6300 block of Kingston Pike by Status Dough doughnuts, the Knoxville Institute of Dermatology is finishing up work on the expansion of its building across the street.

Also, the Tennessee Orthopaedic Clinics’ large, stone-covered building sits just a short distance east. And very recently, both a Stat Care pulmonology services office and Crown Dental have moved into the new center on the northwest corner of Major Reynolds Place and Kingston Pike.   

Might Bearden “heal” be the elevated spot’s new nickname?

Calls to several of the newer health-related facilities to get more information on why they have located there provided only brief insight or no response. But Tim Hill, president of the Hatcher-Hill commercial real estate and development firm, believes it might just be coincidental instead of part of a growing trend.

“I think they recognize there is somewhat of a need or marketplace,” he said. “They recognize a need for services and it’s convenient.”

Of course, this area of Kingston Pike roughly bounded by Northshore Drive and Papermill Road has long been considered quite convenient to numerous other businesses — from such longtime restaurants as Calhoun’s and Bravo to pet adoption centers.

Being on or very near a very busy street of Knoxville that is also conveniently accessed via the nearby interstate freeway system is a big draw for any kind of place that desires business.

And plenty of health-related facilities are also located a short distance away on streets like Weisgarber Road and Middlebrook Pike.

Among the other health-related businesses located in immediate Bearden Hill are the Urgent Care/Family Care facility near Taziki’s by Northshore Drive, and Myers Orthodontics and Kirkpatrick Dental Care behind Rose Mortuary Mann Heritage Chapel.

Myers is in a sleek, newer building, while the Kirkpatrick facility is housed in a building built a few years earlier.

Also, the several-decades-old and flat-stone-lined building called The Offices at 6311 on Kingston Pike lists quite a few health-related offices, several of which have been operating for awhile. They include Griffith Dermatology, Bello Medical Aesthetics Regenerative Center, Bearden Family Dentistry, BrightEye Consultants, Jodie Manross Acupuncture, dentist Dr. James Erpenbach, Dr. Kathleen Edmunds (M.D.), and dentist Dr. G. Stephen Ollard, among others.

And with a few open office spaces on Bearden Hill, area residents can watch and see if any other health-focused businesses soon arrive.

OPIONION

Buttercup is the main attraction

Leslie Snow, Shopper News

She stands by my car whimpering in anticipation. I open the door to let her jump in the back then run into the house to grab her leash and some water.

The wait is too much for poor Buttercup. While I’m searching for a water bottle and a couple of dog treats, her whimpers turn to cries and then to howls.

“Enough of your dog-screaming,” I call to my 1-year-old Great Dane. “I’m moving as fast as I can.”

Her tail thumps rhythmically against the car door when I run back into the garage. I watch a long strand of slobber leave her mouth and drip onto the seat of my car. “You’re a drooling little task master,” I say, as if she understands. “We’re going to the dog park now, I promise.”

I lower the car windows as I pull out of the driveway. She races back and forth, hanging her head out of one window, then the next, hoping to catch all the best smells. Sometimes she cries out in excitement. Sometimes she rewards me with a wet kiss on the cheek. And when we finally pull into the dog park, she barks loudly to announce our arrival.

But Buttercup doesn’t need an introduction. Because when I open the gate to let her into the “over 30 pounds” area, I hear the greeting we’ve both come to expect.

“Buttercup is here!” “Hello, Buttercup!”

She runs into the park with pure joy and trots to her favorite canine companions, while I find their owners so we can chat about the weather, our dog’s favorite treats, or the high price of gasoline.

In the last few months, the dog park has become a welcome part of our daily routine. Buttercup loves it and demands to go, and I’ve come to recognize a group of regulars who share a common interest in all things canine.

We watch our dogs together and laugh at their antics. We share stories about our vet bills and our pet’s sleeping habits. We trade diet advice, training tips, and anecdotes about when our dogs were little.

For the most part, I don’t know the name of anybody with two legs. But the four-legged folks? I know their names by heart.

I know “Domino” the pit bull rescue who rolls on his back as soon as he sees Buttercup. I know “Kimber” the playful husky and “Monty” the Shih Tzu with an attitude. And if we’re lucky, we see “Murphy” the big male Dane that’s become Buttercup’s best friend.

Those dogs and their owners have become part of my community. They are my dog park friends even if I don’t know their names. We visit at the water fountain when Buttercup needs a drink. Sometimes we walk companionably together as our dogs play tug-of-war. We share common interests and habits, and we all enjoy making our pets happy.

With very little effort and without joining a club, I’ve found a group where I belong, a place I can go to let the stress of the day fall away. But as much as I enjoy taking Buttercup to the dog park, I know I’m not the star of the show. I’m not even the opening act. Buttercup is the main attraction. I’m just her nameless owner and favorite sidekick.

Still, when I walk into the park and hear, “Buttercup is here!” I know we both belong. Even if she’s the only one people remember.

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

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