Alignment

Story by Nathan Sparks

Often I have found that no matter how hard I work that I’m unable to accomplish my objectives, even though I’ve set aside personal comforts and ignored proper life balance. The Bible says, “Lazy people want much but get little, but those who work hard will prosper.” So why, if that is the case, do I often almost get there only to have it evaporate at the last minute? Proper intention, emotional acceptance, and living in accordance with God’s will is the definition of a well-balanced individual who generally accomplishes objectives.

Let’s start with intention. As Simon Senek, author ofStart with Why, says, “For values or guiding principles to be truly effective, they have to be verbs. It’s not integrity, it’s always do the right thing. It’s not innovation, it’s ‘look at the problem from a different angle. Articulating our values as verbs gives us a clear idea of how to act in any situation.” When we think of intention as the foundation of behavior from a spiritual point of view, then we are on the right track.

For example, say you want to lose weight. Why? Will being fit attract more attention from the opposite sex? Make you a better athlete? Are those your only reasons? What about a more well-rounded approach? I want to lose weight and be more fit to honor my God-given body, to be able to more fully enjoy life, to be physically available when others need help. Our “why” should be something we want strongly enough to work for it.

It’s important to be emotionally clear with ourselves. We should be truly aware of why we want a particular objective, and what it will take to attain it. For example, if we are overweight, we will have to make life-style changes to lose weight and keep it off. Giving up comfort foods can be challenging. Sugar is as addictive as cocaine, and carbohydrates provide that rich and calming effect that feels so good. It takes commitment to give up what feels good in the moment, even when we know it’s for our long-term good. To cross the finish line, we need the will power to control our emotional desires.

Sadly, most choose to remain fat. Just look around. We are the most obese society on the planet. It boggles my mind that anyone would choose to be disabled, but then I remember that I have 25 percent body fat–who am I to point a finger? Tony Robbins says that we often don’t obtain our goals because the pleasure we imagine getting from success is outweighed by the pain of the effort. But I think the process doesn’t have to include pain if we have a well-balanced perspective.

Take time to take stock through prayer and meditation. Is your goal truly best for you in terms of God’s will? Is my goal in the best interest of those around me, of my family, friends, co-workers? That matters.

Many years ago, one of my friends was severely overweight. He was a great, fun-loving person, but as a child he was a depressed social outcast because of his weight. To make him feel better, his mother baked him a pie every day. He loved his mom and her home-baked pies, but her method of fighting her son’s depression caused an eating disorder that he never overcame. He wanted to be healthy, he wanted to rock climb with his friends, but mostly he sat on the sidelines. He died in his 30’s. What a loss, and for what? A little pie? His mom wanted to make her son happy, so she focused on gratifying his immediate desire to feel loved and accepted and her need to feel she was being a good mother. I don’t think she ever considered what was truly best for him and he felt obligated to eat the pie as to not disrespect his mother. Both had good intentions, but didn’t take time to really consider what the long-term effect would be for either of them.

When we have a proper understanding of intention, when we are emotionally clear about our goals, and when we live in accordance with God’s will, we make life much easier for ourselves and for those around us. We must continually challenge ourselves not only to be better than we are, but to consider how our actions affect others.

The Art of Ink

Story by Emily Stevens

In the last decade, tattoos have taken the art world by storm. Tattoo artists have forgone paint and brushes for ink and iron. People use tattoos as a form of expression, remembrance, and symbolism. They range from small numbers and words, to large full-back pieces. April Thomas, owner of Born This Way, says that last year’s trend was a watercolor style, but 2019 is seeing more intricate line work with less color—think mandalas and other geometric designs, as well as floral designs of all types. Similar to traditional art, it can be collected. Tattoo-connoisseurs travel far and wide to ‘collect’ body art created by famed artists. On August 23, the Knoxville Tattoo Convention is returning to town. Attendees can explore the world of tattoos, view the live process, and meet artists. In addition, artists can enter their designs into competitions while learning about new trends and techniques. For more information, visitknoxvilletattooconvention.comandbornthiswaybodyarts.com.

2019 Mayoral Race

Story by Cityview

In August, perhaps November, Knoxville will welcome a new City Mayor. Who it will be is anyone’s guess at this point; however, city voters have a vast array of personalities, backgrounds, and philosophies to choose from. With six candidates in the race to the top, sands are sure to shift and tides will change along the way leaving some on unsettled ground and others riding high.

For the past eight years, the city has been under the watchful eye of Madeline Rogero. Aside from being Knoxville’s first female Mayor, Rogero focused on creating strong, safe neighborhoods, living and working green, energizing downtown and creating and retaining jobs.

Soon, those tasks and many others will fall to whomever takes her place in late summer or fall. Topics like the Recode Initiative, pension plan liability, an underutilized convention center, the homeless population, red light cameras, and much more are all matters in need of attention and resolution.

The issue of city leadership could be settled during the primary in August if one candidate receives more than fifty percent of the vote. If that does occur, that person will become Knoxville’s new Mayor. However, with six candidates vying for the position most pundits believe the race will have to wait to be settled in November during the general election. There, the top two vote recipients from the primary will face each other in a winner-take-all scenario. Reminiscent of the ancient games in Rome, many will enter the arena to test their courage, tempt fate, and cheat defeat but only one will be carried out on the accolades of their supporters and exit victorious.

The question remains, do Knoxvillians really care? Are we more concerned with the availability of the new mocha, rapta-frapta chino flavor of our favorite latte than who wears the mantle of Mayor? After all, one makes us feel really good and the other, well, maybe not so much.

We think Knoxvillians do care! This is our city, our neighborhoods, businesses, livelihoods, and interests at stake. That’s why we thought it was important to interview each of the six candidates and introduce them to you throughout the coming pages. We asked each one of them the same set of questions and included the entire video interview below.

Get motivated. Get informed. Get involved. Vote!

Fleeing The Skunk

Story by George Korda

There are three reasons why city and county leaders typically flee property taxes like a skunk chasing them down the street: property owners hate them, voters hate them, and they don’t want to look bad over a hated tax, particularly if the other government isn’t raising theirs. Pride or competition, it’s a factor, even if unstated, in budgetary considerations.

Ronald Reagan, 40th President of the United States, famously said: “Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we’ll ever see on this earth.”

A tax is even harder to kill. Take the property tax, please. There is something smelly about the government being able to raise taxes on people’s homes, and then, even if the property owner has paid off their loan, have authority to take their home if the owners can’t pay their property taxes.

“Property tax, one of the most criticized taxes on U.S. residents, stems from a system put in place by William the Conqueror,” saidAtlanticmagazine. Duke William of Normandy received his informal “Conqueror” title by boating over from France in 1066 and conquering England, after which he devised a property tax for his new subjects.

“Property tax, surveys find, is the most hated of all taxes,” the article said. “Why is it, detractors say, that you have to keep paying the government on something that you own—forever? Or, in the words of one protester on YouTube, property tax is “oxymoronic, unjust, and un-American!”

Such attitudes are a reason outgoing Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero and rookie County Mayor Glenn Jacobs wanted to go out and come in with the same goal: no property tax increase in their respective budgets.

Among the factors that figure into budget deliberations are how a tax increase will politically affect the administration proposing it and the city council or county commission that must approve or reject it. If legislative body members desire re-election, or moving on to other offices, a property tax increase in their history isn’t a plus.

Also, lurking in the background is this thought: what if we (the city or county) increase the property tax and they (the city or county) does not? We’re going to look bad.

You would be hard-pressed to find anyone in government who says that thought never crossed their mind. It has impact. Maybe a lot, maybe a little, but it’s there.

Politics is a perception game. If the city raises taxes and the county doesn’t, the perception is–fair or unfair–that the county is doing a better job managing its finances. And vice-versa. If one hikes taxes and the other doesn’t, the higher the amount, the worse the comparison. It’s much easier on everyone in elected office if both governments raise property taxes at the same time.

There’s a political saying, also attributed to Reagan: “If you’re explaining, you’re losing.” City or county mayors, council members, or commissioners don’t want to have to explain to aggravated constituents why they had to raise taxes, but the other government didn’t. Despite the justification some taxpayers will think it untrue or will view it, as English poet and playwright Oscar Wilde does, “The bureaucracy is expanding to meet the needs of the expanding bureaucracy.”

The best time to raise property taxes, if it’s going to be done at all, is early in an administration. It gives voters time to forget, and voters’ memories can be stunningly short.

Rogero, however, flouted this conventional wisdom with a 34-cent property tax increase in 2014, the year before she ran for re-election.

In her favor was that the increase wasn’t in an election year, that serious candidates typically don’t want to put money and effort into challenging an incumbent, that Knoxville’s core is increasingly Democratic (as is Rogero, though city mayors run non-partisan), it was the first increase in 10 years, and an ever-decreasing number of people pay attention to city government and vote in city elections.

That doesn’t mean property tax heat is off. Jack them up a couple of times and watch how much renewed interest people take in city government.

Competition between the two governments, to whatever degree it’s in play, to avoid tax increases helps keep taxes under control–and keeps the property tax skunk from stinking up the place.

Pure Passion

Story by Nathan Sparks

It all starts with the right pup, and then lots and lots of training. A field trial or hunt test champion is definitely not your ordinary dog who likes to play fetch. Hunt tests and field trials are where these sporting dogs show off their prowess. At a hunt test, the thrown bird is typically under 150 yards but at a field trial the “mark,” or bird, could be as far away as 400 yards. This is so far away that the handler often cannot see the bird without binoculars. It is the job of the dog to retrieve the bird and they are judged on how efficiently they perform the task. These dogs are trained as much as six days a week by professionals who do nothing else.

Sporting dogs, specifically retrievers, are used by hunters to retrieve the shot game, especially when hunting over water, and they can greatly enhance the enjoyment of the sport. For those of you who do not hunt or are not familiar with duck hunting in general, you might want to note that it is in fact the fees from duck hunters that have in large part made possible the survival of healthy duck populations by the preservation of wetlands and good game management techniques.

You can listen to the podcast with Bruce Fox and Rick Sparks as they discuss sporting dog topics from field trials to proper diet below.

Let’s Scoot!

Story by Emily Stevens

Knoxville is one of the most recent cities to receive scooter-share programs called Spin and VeoRide. According to Spin, they are “transforming cities and communities by offering accessible, affordable, and environmentally-friendly forms of personal mobility.” Both of these speedsters can be rented through an app created for iPhone and Android. You simply scan the QR code on the scooter to pay and unlock the device, and then the app charges per minute of riding. These scooters offer Knoxvillians a new way to commute, get to class on the University of Tennessee campus, and much more. By downloading the apps, you can see a map of the scooters located closest to you. Riders should be aware that there are quite a few rules and regulations involved in the rental. If scooters aren’t your style, bicycles are available through Pace, which works in a similar way. The bikes even include a basket, making it convenient for quick errands. For information on where scooters and bikes are permissible and other safety rules, please visitspin.app,veoride.com, andridepace.com.

Eat. Drink. Play.

Story by Drew Hamilton

The bowling alleys and arcades of yesteryear have nothing on our picks for this issue. We found four establishments where Knoxvillians can let their hair down for some good old-fashioned fun and games with stellar grub to match, like the Wild West Burger from Main Event pictured above. Whether you’re ready to hit the lanes, revisit arcade games and pinball machines from your past, or play a board game with friends, we have you covered. So, embrace your inner-child and gear up for an exciting night out!

Occupying a beautifully renovated space in the Penney’s building on Gay Street, Maple Hall challenges the traditional bowling alley concept and elevates it with a stunning menu and delicious craft beer and cocktails. With 11 lanes and a comfortable lounge, it’s the perfect venue for a unique night out with friends.414 S. Gay Street, Knoxville, TN 3902(865) 249-8454maplehallknox.comMonday – Thursday 4PM-12AMFriday 4PM-1:30AMSaturday 11AM-1:30AMSunday 11AM-12AM

Established by husband and wife Matt Pacetti and Anne Ford, Suttree’s has been a downtown staple since it opened its doors in 2012. They offer a full-service bar with an impressive beer selection on 32 rotating taps. Connected to the tavern proper, is Harrogate’s Lounge which hosts foosball, darts, arcade games, pinball machines, as well as a Skee-Ball machine.409 S. Gay Street, Knoxville, TN 37902(865) 934-3814suttreeshighgravitytavern.comMonday – Thursday 3PM-1AMFriday – Saturday 3PM-2PMSunday 5PM-11PMToken

Don’t be afraid to unleash your inner geek at Token Game Tavern. Token offers a wide range of gaming options to suit almost any preference. From arcade games and pinball machines to board games and tabletop role-playing games, this establishment has hours of entertainment at the ready.213 N. Seven Oaks Drive, Knoxville, TN 37922(865) 770-3870tokenrestaurant.comMonday 11AM-12:30AMTuesday – Thursday 11AM-12AMFriday-Saturday 11AM-1PMSunday 11AM-12AMMain Event

For family-friendly fun, Main Event caters to gamers of all ages. Bowling, laser tag, billiards, air hockey, and more are all housed in this sprawling venue. Main Event also features a full-service restaurant and bar. Private rooms are also available to host private parties and events.9081 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37923(865) 351-5000mainevent.comMonday 10AM-12AMTuesday – Thursday 10AM-11PMFriday 10AM-1AMSaturday 9AM-1AMSunday 10AM-11PM

Smoothie Bowls

Story by Emily Stevens

The trend of turning a drinkable smoothie into an edible bowl has quickly grown in popularity. New to the idea? The difference is that these smoothies tend to be of a thicker consistency (a.k.a. more filling) and may include chia seeds, granola, and other thickeners. In addition, these bowls are typically topped with fresh fruit, grains, honey, and much more. Bowls can be customized to fit your palate and dietary needs. You’ve seen them all over Instagram and Pinterest, and we’re here to introduce you to some of Knoxville’s best places to try a smoothie or açaí bowl.

Néktar

Originating in Costa Mesa, California in 2010, Néktar has made its way to Tennessee and brought the “taste good, feel good” lifestyle with it. Located in Bearden, the store is a great place to drop in while running errands in the new shopping area. New to the menu is a variety of açaí bowls. Pictured here is the Superfood Bowl, and it’s clear where the name comes from. This bowl is loaded with yummy fruits and veggies such as strawberries, blueberries, pineapple, spinach and kale, and topped with even more fresh fruit, granola, goji berries, and agave nectar.

Java Juice Box

It’s almost too pretty to eat! Java Juice Box, located on North Broadway, is an expert in all things smoothie and juice related. The restaurant offers a variety of cold-pressed juices, smoothies, and other small bites. Our personal favorite is the option to create your own açaí or pitaya bowl. You begin by picking a smoothie base and then loading up with toppings such as fresh fruit, granola, coconut shavings, nut butters, and more. The staff can assist with selections based on nutrients and flavors.

Juice Bar

With two locations in Knoxville and many more throughout Tennessee, Juice Bar has become a popular spot. It’s a favorite among many Knoxvillians as a post-workout treat or morning pick-me-up on the way to work. In addition to juices, smoothies, and small bites, they offer six smoothie bowl options. Pictured here is the Açaí Bowl, but we’re itching to try the Chocolate Bowl–because a case can be made for chocolate at every meal.

Clean JuiceClean Juice opened its first location in 2015 in North Carolina. In four short years, it has grown to over 100 locations, including our very own in Turkey Creek. They offer a variety of healthy smoothies, snacks, juices, and cleanses. This Berry Bowl uses all organic ingredients such as organic almond milk, honey, fruit, and granola. Uniquely, they offer a Nutty Bowl and Carrot Cake Bowl, both which have organic maple syrup in them.

Where Down Home Meets Chic

Story by N. Brooks Clark

For starters, the name Rebel Kitchen is a misnomer. Chef Preston Williams is all about farm-to-table Appalachian cuisine, but his food and atmosphere tend more toward a tony Charleston vibe. “Rebel” actually refers to Williams’ original idea of “taking French cuisine and making it more rebellious.” But the irony of the name works to their advantage in the re-energized artists’ beehive of West Jackson Avenue, just down the block from Boyd’s Jig and Reel.

Rebel Kitchen shares its location with the Old City Wine Bar, where a jazz trio plays an eclectic mix from Stompin’ at the Savoy, to Flyin’ Home. Wide picture windows across both storefronts and outside table areas allow diners to drink in the passing pedestrian parade of the Old City’s tony clientele. Rebel Kitchen’s hostess stand is a white industrial oven, with a laptop perched atop a stack of French cookbooks. Square butcher-block tables and an open kitchen in the back help the relatively small space feel open and airy. The artistic sensibility extends to asymmetrical hand-thrown pottery and spiral-cut wooden bowls.

Rebel Kitchen servers know the wines and the dishes. Our server, baritone opera singer Ian Bolden soon to make his jump to New York, is a certified sommelier. “The whole point of our wine bar is to educate people about wine and pair it with great food,” says Bolden, who also delighted us by singing several verses of On the Street Where You Live with us at the table.

Bolden’s explanation of each culinary creation was also an education in surprising savory ingredients. “We tend to get a lot of people who are foodies,” says Bolden. “If you want to know what Rebel Kitchen is all about, try the Beets & Blackberries from our ‘Start’ menu. Preston beats buttermilk into a crème fraiche and serves it with thin slices of smoked duck breast, pickled mustard seed, duck-fat vinaigrette, beet tartare and shallots.”

Chef Preston is a “small-town guy” from Asheville, trained in Oregon and 10 years in New York. Wiry in his black T-shirt, black apron, black goatee and short black hair, Williams could be played by a young, well-coiffed Johnny Depp.

The Small Bites menu begins with Chicharron spring greens seasoned with togarashi with sweet soy and lime. House-made bread served with rendered duck fat and fried rosemary that has a distinctive taste. Melt-in-your-mouth Veal Rillette with mustard greens and pickled onions, shallots, garlic, radishes, and chamomile. Pork Jerky pairs kohlrabi and strawberries with pickled beet spears. On the Start menu, don’t miss the house-made, no preservative, fresh Pork Sausage, with its distinctive smoky flavor, served with sweet potatoes, apple molasses reduction, and ramp vinaigrette. Turnips & Sorrell with shallots, strawberry vinaigrette and herbs is another “what Rebel Kitchen is all about” farm-to-table dish with a continental attitude.

Main dishes are headlined by Duck with barley berries, couscous, cilantro and radish; Oyster Mushrooms with mustard greens, garlic scape & pickled red onion; and a Striploin cooked to perfection with Yukon potatoes, oyster mushrooms and herbs, chimichurri sauce with lime.

The best thing about Rebel Kitchen is flexibility. You may want to sample the small bites with wine pairings or go for a three-course meal. With Small Bites under $6, a Start between $9 and $15, and main courses ranging from $17 for Spring Vegetables or Oyster Mushrooms to $28 for the Striploin, Rebel Kitchen has it all. Overall, it is among Knoxville’s more intriguing fine dining experiences.

108 W Jackson Avenue

(865) 851-7676

Tuesday–Thursday 5–9pm

Friday and Saturday 5–10pm

Asian Festival

Story by Emily Stevens

Travel with ease to the Eastern Hemisphere by experiencing the 6th Annual Knoxville Asian Festival on August 25. Attendees of all ages can stamp their festival passport at booths located in Knox Epcot, which will offer a taste or interactive activity of different countries. Vendors will be representing countries such as Thailand, Indonesia, Lao, Malaysia, India, Burma, Korea, China, Japan, Philippines, Cambodia, and Vietnam. The main attractions, held in Worlds Fair Park, will feature martial arts demonstrations, professional musicians, a Japanese tea ceremony, and Japanese drummers from Disney World. This year, the festival will also be partnering with the Knoxville Chamber to host a one week long cultural and business manner seminar. For more information on the seminar, festival, and Asian film festival, visitknoxasianfestival.com.

Overpacked for the Beach

Story by Cityview

Dear Dylan,

The Knoxonomist doesn’t claim to be an expert on urban beaches swarming with mindless tourists and their spawn, but if you decide to embark with your brother then you need to ask yourself a couple of questions. First, how much do you like your brother? Second, how much do you like crowded beaches? A less than enthusiastic response to either means you should spend your week with your girl at a location far from Myrtle Beach.

The Knoxonomist and his wife generally prefer quiet locations where the Knoxonomist can do a little surf fishing, sipping on a cold adult beverage, while observing the local wildlife. But when the Knoxonomist was a kid in the 60s and early 70s, there were family trips where we set up tents on the beach, pumped Coleman stoves, and told stories about the Flying Dutchman at night. Now, these are the times that children form memories from which they will influence the next generation, so the Knoxonomist thinks it is your responsibility to guide these youth in their quest to adulthood.

The Knoxonomist believes that these children need some real excitement. Nothing like going on a Snipe hunt only to be lost and alone in the dark, or recruiting some of the other tourist children for a friendly game of capture the flag. No fancy toys required for that and having to face crying in the dark might do their overly entitled little behinds some good. The Knoxonomist and his brothers had a blast, and it wasn’t until he was much older that he realized that my folks were just trying to save money. Think of this as a chance to pass on some of your hard won values to the next generation.

You might also want to take the little ones on a walk along the beach. The Knoxonomist is certain that nothing gives cred like having wee ones in tow—they’ll love your wildly embellished tales on shells and sharks, and get hours of delight out of retelling these hard-won facts. The Knoxonomist also knows that women will recognize your virility by assuming these attractive little ones came in fact from your efforts; the fact is little kids are almost as good as dogs in this pursuit.

The Knoxonomist is not admitting to having participated or conspired to scare anyone, but has heard that it is great fun to take a plastic shark fin into the water and swim just below the surface. Freaking out other tourists equals good times and will totally endear you to your niece and nephew. Just be sure to swear them to secrecy; you don’t want to be lectured by your brother or his wife.

The Knoxonomist also recommends taking time to reconnect with your brother. Perhaps the two of you can sneak off leaving your sister-in-law with the little ones and share a nip of good bourbon. There is nothing better than a little good ole fashioned family time.

The Knoxonomist welcomes your questions—Send your inquiries toTheKnoxonomist@cityviewmag.com.

Dog Days of Summer

Story by Richard Sparks

There’s nothing better than enjoying a sunny day outside with your dog. Going to the park and running together, or throwing a frisbee for your pet to chase, dogs and owners love having this kind of fun together! But summertime can be a dangerous time for dogs.

Unlike us, dogs cannot sweat except on the pads of their feet. So, they rely on panting to stay cool. If they exercise too hard in the sun, especially if they do not have access to water, they can heat up faster than panting can cool them off. If their temperature gets dangerously high, this is called heatstroke. This is a serious danger to dogs, and can cause permanent organ damage or death if not treated very quickly.

Dogs can also develop heatstroke from being locked in a car in the sun, or by having no access to water or shade on a hot day. If you have a dog that is overweight, has heart disease, or has a short face like a bulldog or pug, they are even more likely to develop heatstroke.

So, remember to take care of your best friend by giving them plenty of water and access to shade when they are outside. Giving your dog some rest time during exercise, if they seem to be getting too hot, will also help to keep them safe.

Don’t leave your buddy in a car in the sun. Even at relatively low outside temperatures, the heat in a car can rise to dangerous levels very quickly on a sunny day. If you must leave your dog in the car, leave it running with the air conditioning on. They might also enjoy some nice music while you are gone.

If your dog is in a situation where they may have gotten too hot, and you see signs like excessive panting, unusual behavior, excessive tiredness, twitching, seizures, or collapse, this could mean that your dog has heatstroke.

Heatstroke is a medical emergency. It is very important that you transport your animal to the veterinarian immediately, only delaying long enough to spray or immerse your dog in water to help start the cooling process. Wet towels can be also used, and should be left on during the ride to the vet. Ice should not be used, as this can cause the small blood vessels in the skin to constrict, actually slowing down the cooling process.

During the trip, your dog may have as much water as they want to drink, but do not force them. If you have a rider and a thermometer in the car, the rider should take your dog’s temperature every five minutes, and remove the towels once the temperature reaches 103 degrees (F). Even if their temperature does drop, you should continue to the veterinarian, as severe problems such as kidney failure could have already occurred, and need to be treated as soon as possible. Rapid treatment by your veterinarian gives your pet the best chance for a complete and happy recovery!

They Called Him Chief

Story by Gary Wade

During the 1940s in the American South, Jim Crow laws segregated Americans. “Separate but equal” was the catch phrase. Black people were prohibited from using facilities designated for whites, such as water fountains, the “white section” of buses, “white schools,” and more. The laws in Tennessee strictly prohibited miscegenation and marriages between blacks and whites.

Bill Robertson was born in 1942, the son of a white mother and an African American father whom he likely never knew. A handsome youngster, he had green eyes and a relatively light complexion. People who remember say his mother, Sally Robertson, tried to enroll him at a “white school” in 1949 when he was six but was turned down because he was black.

She then tried to enroll him at Pleasant View, a “black school” a mile or so away. Mary McMahan, a black principal at Pleasant View (who had achieved the highest level of education of any teacher in Sevier County’s system) refused to admit him. Many believe that she did so in order to highlight the absurd consequences of segregation. Bill was neither black nor white, so according to the premise of the law, he didn’t belong at either school.

Bill was eight or nine when Sevierville Elementary School—a “white school”—admitted him. He was a little bigger than most of the boys and girls in his class, but otherwise fit in. He was a fun-loving guy, popular in school, and had a body-type suited for football. There being no football team at his grade school, his first experience (other than pick-up games on the school playground) was in his freshman year at Sevier County High School (SCHS) in the fall of 1959. He was quick and strong and immediately showed promise as a running back. Head coach Terry Sweeney practically adopted him, fed him well, and introduced him to the weight room. Principal Jack Ogle offered absolute support, and History teacher Julia Householder and her husband James provided Bill with a second home.

When Bill, number 40 for the Smoky Bears, began excelling in the sport, some were concerned. In the 1954 Brown v. Board of Education decision, the United States Supreme Court ruled that “separate educational facilities are inherently unequal” and ordered their desegregation—but set no timetable for the process to begin. By Bill’s sophomore year in the fall of 1960, the schools in East Tennessee had not yet integrated. Sweeney feared that other teams would refuse to play the Bears if they learned that Bill was of mixed race.

Native Americans did not suffer the same persecution as blacks, perhaps because the Eastern Band of the Cherokee tribe was only an hour or so away by automobile, and their teams often played the white schools in the area. So, in the early fall of 1962, Sweeney had a purple feather—reminiscent of a Native American plume—painted prominently along the center line of Bill’s white helmet, and he called him “Chief.” The name stuck, and no one refused to play the Smoky Bears.

Bill’s lifelong friend, David Williams, played quarterback for the Bears. In classic understatement, he later recalled that the team did a lot better when he handed the ball to Bill. In fact, the Bears became league champions—largely thanks to Chief’s tremendous ability. At the end of his last season at SCHS, he received practically every honor possible: All-Knoxville Interscholastic League, All East Tennessee, All-State, Player of the Year, and, notably, All-Southern—a first for the school.

A local celebrity, the most widely known player in the region, and easily the most popular student in school (high praise because Dolly Parton was just a year behind), Bill was pursued by every major college in the South and even by the top program in the nation in those years—the Oklahoma Sooners, coached by the legendary Bud Wilkinson. Bill was not swayed by these recruiting efforts, which also included a personal visit from Bowden Wyatt of the University of Tennessee, a rare honor.

Bill enrolled at the University of Georgia. However, when Sweeney was hired as an assistant coach by his alma mater, Middle Tennessee State University, Bill followed his coach and enjoyed an excellent football career as a Blue Raider, and he earned a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree.

Together, Bill Robertson and those who had helped him grow were to have a lasting impact on East Tennessee. Early in 1963, just before Bill’s graduation from SCHS, Mary McMahan approached SCHS principal Jack Ogle to ask that he allow her grade-school students to be admitted there for high school. The only other option for these students was Austin High School in Knoxville, which meant they had to spend three to four hours on a bus each day. She explained that many chose to forego high school rather than endure that bus ride on a daily basis.

Mr. Ogle—a man of tremendous moral character—readily supported her request and solicited the school board for its approval, which it gave. In August of 1963, shortly after Bill graduated from SCHS, the school officially admitted black students for the first time. Two black students, Charlie Moulden and James Parton, joined the Smoky Bears football team.

Ogle was also a coach for the football team, and that August, the team sweated through a two-hour bus ride to Kingston, Tennessee for a pre-season scrimmage. When they arrived, Kingston’s school administrators met the bus and informed Ogle and Sweeney’s successor, Tom Bass, that they would not play SCHS unless Charlie and James stayed on the bus. Ogle directed the bus back to Sevierville.

Nonetheless, two weeks later, in the season opener against Young High School, Charlie became the first African-American to play in the Knoxville Interscholastic League. One year later, Knox County schools integrated. “My only regret,” Ogle later lamented, “is that I did not go to Mary McMahan first.”

Bill “Chief” Robertson would go on to become a teacher, school administrator, and city councilman. Though he passed in 2011 after a long battle with cancer, his legacy lives on. Today, the Smoky Bears play on the Hardin-Robertson field, a tile wall in the Sevier County King Family Library shows Chief with football in hand, and Bradley County holds an annual golf tournament in his memory. Bill’s friends also established the Bill “Chief” Robertson Scholarship endowment to aid college-bound students at SCHS and Bradley Central High School in Cleveland, Tennessee—the honor of which he would undoubtedly have been most proud.

Good Golly I’m Going to Miss Molly

Story by Robert Pryor, Sr.

She never asked to become the center of our universe. She was, after all, just a baby when we met, and we were not sure we really wanted the aggravation of housebreaking a new puppy. The mistake we made was taking our young grandchildren on a trip to Georgia to scout out a possible puppy. Never take children on a puppy trip until you are ready to make a selection. Our granddaughter Shelby, then 8 years old, kept saying, “Bob, it would be a complete waste of time to drive all the way down here and not take a puppy home.” Shelby picked the most beautiful puppy in the world, but we had no idea the impact this dog would have on our lives.

Norma and I had been empty-nesters for several years. Our children and grandchildren would regularly visit, but thought we needed a puppy to make our lives, and home, more complete. Molly immediately took over. She became the official greeter and sergeant-at-arms at our house warmly welcoming our guests and family. She became involved in the lives of each member of our family, developing her own special relationship with them and many of our closest friends.

In case you are unfamiliar with Golden Retrievers, their sole goal in life is to make sure you are happy and feel loved. Molly was especially gentle, loving, regal, and understanding of our family dynamics. She always knew who needed her special brand of attention and had an uncanny sense of when someone needed some extra love. She was from that branch of the Golden family that traces its roots to Australia or England and is known for their beautiful white coats. Molly’s coat was champagne in color, and though we treated her like royalty, she really never went in for all that champion bloodline stuff.

I don’t remember a strictly “puppy” stage because Molly was always motherly. Without instruction or training, Molly walked close to our grandson when he first started walking and positioned herself between him and danger. Molly slept on my feet while I read the morning paper, and spoke to me with her eyes and granted reaction to my questions. She always paid attention during our long conversations together, and I felt I learned to read her reactions and emotions. In deference to me, she never passed through a doorway until I first passed and invited her along. During the day, she followed Norma from room to room and celebrated each new room or activity. To the end, she slept next to my side of the bed and audibly signaled her location by grunting if I got up in the dark at night. Did you know dogs can tell time? Without fail, Molly would come to me every morning between 6:00 and 6:05 a.m. to get our day started. She was my alarm clock.

When Molly was 7, we decided to find a Golden puppy to complete our family and unleash Molly’s suppressed motherly instincts. It worked. For the past seven years of her life, she helped us raise Maggie. From Maggie’s arrival until Molly’s last day, Molly taught, cajoled, and was constant companion and mother to an impetuous and exuberant Maggie–a dog who, unlike Molly, will be forever puppy.

Molly taught Maggie to climb stairs. She conceded all the stuffed animals (babies) to her adopted child. After Maggie came, Molly never had another toy to call her own. Maggie would have 10 to 15 squeaking babies scattered throughout the house, and Molly would rarely touch one out of respect for Maggie. In seven years together, these two beautiful souls were inseparable unless Norma and I were on opposite ends of the house, in which case they split up to make sure we each had a companion. Molly often positioned herself halfway in between us to avoid the appearance of partiality.

You wouldn’t think that dogs would be music lovers, but Molly was a connoisseur of my brand of bass fiddle playing. Sometimes I like to play my bass fiddle along with Willie Nelson or Flatt and Scruggs, and Molly would perch herself on the rug in front of the fiddle drinking in all of my quality licks. She would lay in front of my shower door to hear me sing “How Much is That Doggie in the Window.” She loved to entertain us with her “I feel good” routine where she would rub her face in a blanket or rug and roll onto her back and kick her legs gleefully in the air.

We almost always took the dogs with us when traveling. Maggie rarely slept, but, like a child, stuck her head through the console gap to see if we were “there yet.” When she did sleep, Maggie used Molly as a pillow. Molly never gave protest. Molly loved to eat and did a little high step tap dance when I was filling her bowl. I was amazed to learn that a dog can smile, and Molly smiled all the time.

People have so many issues and interests that compete for their attention, and sometimes we have a hard time totally devoting ourselves to others the way we would like. But a good loving dog like Molly is sharply aware of your every movement, word, and even thought. When I stood, she stood to make herself available for what would be next in our life together. Unlike humans, dogs are incapable of appreciating our shortcomings, pointing out our faults, or calculating anything negative into an interpersonal relationship. Regardless of my mood, short temper, or physical pains, Molly always greeted me with a look of love and disposition to play and share time.

Molly was a good nurse when we were hurt or felt ill. Though she never had an understanding of the complexities of our lives, she gave extra comfort when circumstances invaded our mood. She spent her evening meal with Norma because she knew Norma broke our house rule of “no table food.” It was the only time self-interest crept into her day. No matter how bad my day might have been, Molly met me every night when I returned from work to give me a big kiss and show me how happy she was that I had returned.

Molly’s full-time job was making our house a happy home even if it interfered with her dog activities. She never went in the pool although Goldens are known for their swimming skills. She would chase a ball, but drop it in place because it was such a juvenile and aimless exercise. Molly was a bit too serious for a dog and a little lazy. At a time in our life, when our children are leading lives separate from ours, when our grandchildren are off at college or seeking to find a life that belongs to them, Molly’s interests never wavered. She loved us, and unlike children and grandchildren, she never graduated to another stage in life. She was constantly and forever dedicated to us and our happiness.

There remains a struggle to express the nature of the love we feel toward our pets. In Molly, my wife and I found a dedication and commitment from an animal that sought only to love and to be near us. In our time with them, we all know that the time must come to say goodbye. The burden of that time weighed heavier as the years passed until, finally, it came over Easter weekend. What was God thinking when he gave dogs, and cats for that matter, such short lives? He snatches them away just as we are beginning to really understand each other. Maybe their purpose is more than to bring joy. Perhaps they come into our lives to serve and then to teach us to deal with the disappointment of separation.

Only now do I understand that our pets like Molly set a great example for us in our service to each other. I should search for new friends with Molly’s passion and give comfort to my fellowman with a little more of her tenderness. Taking a lead from our pets, some of us should unleash our hearts and share our love more with the world. Just another gift a good pet tries to give.

When I held her head and spoke with her the last time, she had a peaceful expression of satisfaction in her eyes. Knowing her, I imagine that the sound of my voice and the love it revealed was all she required.

Goodbye ole girl. Thanks for being my friend.

“If there are no dogs in heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went.” —Will Rogers

Cycling

Story by Hannah Overton

It seems like every year more research is released stating the importance of physical activity and exercise to maintain a long and healthy lifestyle. There is a litany of ways to approach exercise. Some choose to go to the gym and do their own solo workout, some prefer group classes, personal trainers, rock climbing, yoga, etc. There are limitless ways one can maintain a healthy exercise routine. In this issue ofCityview, we wanted to explore a specific physical activity that seems to be gathering more attention in the Knoxville area: cycling. With the establishment of the Urban Wilderness and a bike share service in town, cycling has seen a surge of popularity in the Knoxville area.

Ryan Indelicato is a Knoxville resident who commutes to work by bike as much as he can. Taking in his favorite parts of Knoxville is one of the best parts about cycling through the city according to Indelicato. “I love riding from my house up to Sutherland and hopping on the Third Creek Greenway. It’s a beautiful ride and a fun way to get to a few of my favorite places.” But biking wasn’t always Indelicato’s first choice when it comes to his commute. “I have always tried to limit my carbon emissions, but over the last few years have been pretty lazy about it. After driving around my part of Knoxville I realized how accessible the area was by bike and decided to start bike commuting as much as possible,” says Indelicato.

For a city as spread out as Knoxville, one may not think that it would be simple to commute anywhere by bike. Yet Knoxville is almost completely connected by bike-friendly greenways, and more neighborhoods and popular areas are gradually creating designated bike lanes. Indelicato has found it to be a positive experience, even going as far to say that it makes going to work every day more fun! The City of Knoxville’s website has a comprehensive map of greenways and trails in the area that make it easy, and fun, to navigate a commute by cycling. Not to mention the bike share service, Pace, typically has a docking station at every popular bike-friendly spot in the city. You can rent a Pace bike through the free Pace Bike Share app on your iPhone or Android. Rides are $1.00 for every half hour. Zagster Spin electric scooter launch in Knoxville, Tennessee on Wednesday, March 20, 2019.

There are also plenty of designated bike trails in the Knoxville area to explore. Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness is a 1,000-acre area in South Knoxville that has been preserved through the city’s efforts. Part of this area includes historical locations, such as Fort Dickerson Park, and nature preserves, such as Ijams Nature Center. But it also includes various trails that are meant for mountain biking and cyclists! While the condition of these trails being uphill and downhill make for a more extreme experience than a greenway in suburban Knoxville, it’s proving to be a popular option.

One of these trails is the William Hastie Natural Area. This trail is over six miles long and ranges in difficulty. Baker Creek Preserve is another location incorporated into Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness, but this one has mountain-bike specific trails. The area makes up over seven miles of natural terrain trails with varying difficulty. There’s even an area meant for kids at the beginning, with some beginner mountain-bike activities and structures available to help kids learn about mountain biking as a sport. Ultimately, Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness has cycling options for everyone in the family.

Another wonderful way to enjoy cycling in the area is through road cycling. Some favorite scenic spots for this in the Knoxville area are Sequoyah Park, Admiral Farragut Park, Foothills Parkway, Ijams Nature Center, Old Walland Highway in Townsend, and many other similar locations. It’s a beautiful way to experience the scenic, rolling hills and twisting rivers of our area. But as many of the locations above note, you don’t have to stay within the city limits of Knoxville to find some of the best spots. In fact, one of the most beautiful places to road cycle is the Cades Cove Loop in the Great Smoky Mountains. The loop itself is 11-miles, but it’s a breathtaking experience being surrounded by nature and our rich East Tennessee history. The USA Cycling National Championships have been held in Knoxville for the past two summers. Photo by Hobe Brunson.

If you’re one that prefers the indoors, you can still enjoy cycling. Indoor cycling studios have become increasingly popular across the nation, and Knoxville a locally-owned option. TurboSpin Cycling Studio has been in business since 2015. Owner Brittany Reed says spin classes aren’t just for those experienced with other types of cycling. “Indoor cycling classes help you shed fat, improve your heart health, and boost your muscle endurance… However, at TurboSpin, we combine indoor cycling with a weighted workout for your arms, which makes it more of a full-body workout.” If that sounds too extreme, don’t fret! “Classes are 50 minutes long and are modifiable for all fitness levels,” according to Reed. “Everyone is welcome at TurboSpin!”

Whether you choose to pursue cycling outdoors or indoors, there are plenty of health benefits to keep in mind. Dr. Rebecca Jackson, a physician in the Knoxville area and a cyclist, shared with us just a little bit about how cycling can benefit your mind and body. “With the aerobic component, the blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar will come down. There is also the added benefit of some weight loss and stress reduction. Stress reduction can be mental and physical… One of the things I enjoy most is the social aspect of riding.” When asked if there was any difference between cycling outdoors or opting for a spin class, Jackson says the health benefits are very similar. “Indoor spin classes can compact aerobic exercise into a shorter period of time. Furthermore, overheating and cycling accidents don’t happen indoors. But if you’re indoors, you’ll miss the beautiful landscape that Knoxville and the surrounding communities offer.”

Jackson also says that it is important to keep health and safety in mind. If you have any health conditions that might be affected by cycling, it’s important to consult your physician first. In addition, “be sure your bicycle is a good fit. A poor bike fit can commonly result in knee or neck pain. Your local bike shop can help with this… Always wear a bicycle helmet and try to cycle on roads that are safe with good visibility. When riding in heat, fill your water bottle with an electrolyte solution,” says Jackson

There are many places to find everything you need to start cycling. Knoxville has plenty of local bike shops that sell all of the gear you need from a bike itself, to helmets and apparel.

Harpers –Harpers has been active in the Knoxville community for over 55 years. They have a legacy of commitment to serving their customers in the East Tennessee area and have an excellent selection of bikes and supplies.

Tennessee Valley Bicycles –This shop specializes in selling and maintaining mountain, touring and road bikes, along with all of the accessories that accompany them. They also offer the option to rent bikes. Rates are listed for this on their website.

DreamBikes –While this shop isn’t a Knoxville native, it does give back to our community. DreamBikes is a 501(c)3 organization that hires teens from low-to-moderate income neighborhoods in the area by working with local youth organizations. They also carry everything you would need to start cycling, and organize events for all ages and levels of experience in the community.

Bike Zoo –This shop in the heart of Bearden has a large selection of bikes and cycling supplies. Its location is convenient to various greenways, the University of Tennessee’s campus, and Downtown Knoxville.

Cedar Bluff Cycles –This West Knoxville bike shop has been serving the cycling community in town since the 90s. It’s owned and operated by Knoxville natives and always aims to provide any cycling services needed to the cycling community.

Knoxville is not just becoming a bike-friendly city, it’s becoming a cycling hotspot. The USA Cycling National Championships have been held in Knoxville the past two summers. Those in charge of development in our city have made it a priority to make bike-friendly trails, greenways, and roads through bike-lanes. There is a plethora of reliable, local bike shops that sell everything needed to get started in cycling, and we have the gorgeous East Tennessee mountains, hills, country roads and rivers as a backdrop for outdoor cyclists. Whether you choose to go the outdoor route, or you opt to try an indoor spin class, cycling has proven to be an excellent option to stay active and fit in our Scruffy City.

For more information on cycling in Knoxville, you can visitvisitknoxville.com/things-to-do/outdoors/cycling/andoutdoorknoxville.com/play/bicycling.

The Greenways, Urban Wilderness, and bike share program have made cycling easily accessible to all Knoxvillians.

Furry Friends

Story by Matthew McGarry

We’ve all heard stories about how pets can help us feel better and how they’re good for both our physical and emotional well-being. But these are more than just stories…they’re science. According to research, pet owners have less illness, recover faster from serious health conditions, and tend to be more content than people who do not own pets. Why is that? These studies have shown that dog walking, pet grooming, and even petting provide increased physical activity that strengthens the heart, improves blood circulation, and slows the loss of bone tissue. In addition, a pet can also increase its owner’s emotional health through activities that lead to social interaction, such as walks and park visits. Put simply, pets aren’t just good friends, they are good for our health.

Although much research has been done on the subject of companion pets and the elderly, this one is particularly compelling. A February 2018 article by the Harvard Medical School had this to say about canine companions for the elderly: “A canine companion provides unconditional love and encourages extra exercise. Could those benefits explain why dog owners are less likely to die of heart disease than people without dogs? Maybe, say the authors of the largest-ever study of dog ownership and human health. The 12-year study included over 3.4 million Swedish adults ages 40 to 80 and researchers found that dog owners had a lower risk of death due to heart disease. This benefit was especially evident in people who lived alone. Dogs may ease stress, loneliness, and depression and inspire people to be more active and socially connected — all things that seem to foster heart health.”

Karen Armsey is the Program Administrator at HABIT (Human Animal Bond in Tennessee), an outreach program associated with the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine that supplies medically and behaviorally screened dogs, cats and rabbits to over 200 facilities in East and Middle Tennessee. Established in 1986, HABIT sponsors programs that foster pet visitation to nursing homes, assisted-living residences, retirement centers, mental health centers, residences for children with special needs, rehabilitation facilities, and hospital settings.

Karen has been with HABIT for over twelve years and knows well the importance and benefits of animal-human bonds. “Physiologically, the presence of an animal, from fish to furry creature, lowers your stress level, lowers your blood pressure, and helps your pulse rate go down. This is due to the release of “feel good” hormones, including serotonin, prolactin and oxytocin. Psychologically, the benefit is that you have to take your pet out, get outside, meet and interact with people more. It’s hard to feel lonely and depressed if you’re engaging with people on a regular basis.”

While the challenges we face with the coming of old age are nothing new, they’ve been exacerbated by the fact that many Americans are living longer these days. Whether it’s from the death of a spouse or the isolation that comes from losing mobility, many elderlies find themselves living alone. “There is a way, however, for the elderly to find new meaning in their lives,” says Monica Brown of KnoxPAWS, “and that is by adopting a companion animal.”

KnoxPAWS (Placing Animals With Seniors) is a program associated with the Knoxville-Knox County CAC (Community Action Committee) Office on Aging–which helps eligible seniors partner with companion pets–and Monica is the program coordinator. Monica started working with, and adoring, animals from a very young age, working at shelters in Ohio and later in Florida. After decades of working with animals, she decided to do “something just a little bit different; work with people.” That meant going back to school, which she did, and after receiving her degree in Social Work she joined the team at KnoxPAWS. Working at KnowPAWS is her dream job, she says. “What I do here gives me my ‘animal fix’ and my ‘human fix’ and that is just perfect.”

“Studies show that having a pet can help reduce loneliness, depression, anxiety and stress, as well as increase activity and socialization for our seniors. I can tell you from my own experience that there is nothing more heart-warming than witnessing the transformation a senior makes when partnered with a companion pet.” What’s also incredibly amazing about what KnoxPAWS does for seniors is that they build ongoing relationships. “The relationship between KnoxPAWS and seniors doesn’t end with a pet placement,” says Monica. “Placement, in fact, is where the relationship begins.” It’s not uncommon for a senior to have frequent and regular contact with Monica. All of the seniors have her cell number and are encouraged to call her at any time. “I have a standing date, for instance, with one senior,” she says, “who is house bound. Every month, I pick her up and we take her pet to the vet together…and then we have lunch! We have connections, relationships with our pet parents, and that’s a very important piece of the service we provide.”

Another “side benefit” to what KnoxPAWS does relates to the shelters and their population of elderly animals. Many of the people who visit shelters in search of a pet are looking for those that are on the younger side, leaving the elderly animals to spend their lives in a shelter, or even worse, be put to sleep. By placing senior pets with senior pet parents, KnoxPAWS is helping those pets who might never find a loving home, to find one. And, since older animals are more likely to be calm, already housetrained, and less susceptible to unpredictable behavior, they make the perfect companion animals for seniors.

At the moment, KnoxPAWS serves just over 50 seniors in the Knoxville area. In Monica’s mind, this is just the tip of the iceberg. At one time, she says, the program was supporting in the neighborhood of 150 seniors. “This is such a wonderful program,” she says. “My hope is that more seniors will learn about it and participate. There are so many individuals, and pets, out there that can benefit.”

“We have 38 current participants and of those, five are partnered with cats, so our placements are predominantly dogs. Whenever we do a placement, the senior has a thought in mind of the kind of pet they want. What’s fun is that about 80% of the time, however, the pet they take home is not the pet they were planning on…they just fall in love, unexpectedly, and that’s just fun to watch!”

Take for example, Nadine Xander, a Knoxville senior who has just recently been partnered with Coco, a poodle of about 10 pounds and a senior himself. It all began when the poodle that Nadine had been living with for 15 years passed away. This was only about three months ago, and the loss hit Nadine very hard. After a couple of months on her own, she came to the realization that she was truly lonely. She decided that she’d look into finding another furry companion and that’s when she called Monica.

When Nadine and Monica were visiting shelters together in search of a pet, Nadine was hoping to find a poodle, like her previous companion. After visiting a few shelters and still in search of the kind of the pet she had in mind, Nadine met Coco. “It was completely by accident,” she says, “and I fell in love with him right away. It was fate, if you ask me.”

Nadine says that Coco had apparently been brought to the shelter by a dog catcher and looked like “he’d spent some hard times on the streets. Fortunately, his medications, grooming, vet visits…all are taken care of by KnoxPAWS. It’s absolutely remarkable!”

So, how has her life changed since Coco arrived? “Well,” says Nadine, “I’m guessing he’s 14 or 15 years old, but he still has lots of energy. It’s wonderful to have someone who keeps me going. I love taking him outside and going on walks with him. He’s absolutely adorable, so well behaved, so intelligent and loving. And, when we’re out walking he’s also quite the conversation piece! I couldn’t be happier.”

“There is nothing more heart-warming than witnessing the transformation a senior makes when partnered with a companion pet.” —MONICA BROWN, KNOX PAWS

Local Sense with a Global Sensibility

Story by Karen Clark

Most Bearden residents are familiar with the water wheel at the corner of Sherwood and Westmoreland Drives, but they may not know that it was added to the National Register of Historic Places by the National Park Service in 2013. Designed and constructed in 1923 in the Tudor Revival Style, the Westmoreland Wheelhouse is divided into two sections. The entire exterior is clad in rough-faced, irregular-coursed East Tennessee marble.

The land on which it is located was first settled in 1809 by Captain William Lyon. Ownership of much of the land continued with his descendants until 1923, when the water wheel was built to generate power for four dwellings in the area, two of which were owned by Lyon’s descendants. One was John James Craig III, who headed the Candoro Marble Company and was closely associated with Charles I. Barber of the Barber and McMurry architectural firm. Barber is credited with designing the wheelhouse and gatepost and using Craig’s marble in its construction.

That association with the past is one reason Jill and Matt Hanggi wanted to build their new house on Sherwood Drive and design it in a style consistent with the history of the place. In architect Jonathan Miller they had a long-time partner who not only understood their tastes but shared their love of history. Jill and Matt met at Oak Ridge High School and have been having fun together ever since. They love the outdoors, sports, and travel the world hunting and fishing.

A country estate at home in the city

Having traveled to far-away Zimbabwe for big game hunting, to Panama to fish, and later this year heading to Botswana, the Hanggis have enlivened their home with both treasures and trophies of their trips. When showing his “Grant’s zebra” rug, Matt pointed out the marks where the animal had been clawed by a lion.

The house design consists of the main house faced in Crab Orchard fieldstone with a wing out on each side, faced in siding that gives the effect of a country estate—permanent, formal, and agrarian. Walled dormers on the front of the home bring the roofline down to scale while providing the interior spaces with character.

The Hanggis positioned their home at the back of their land, creating a long, slightly winding drive through what feels like park land, dotted with old and beautiful trees. Hedstrom Landscape Architecture and Greenstalk Landscaping helped create this classic setting by arching the driveway across the lawn and into the interior courtyard.

Since neighborhood building requirements prohibit front-facing garage doors, Miller came up with an ingenious solution. Driving toward the house, you pass a stone-faced building on your right, which serves to slow your approach. This is a garage, with doors facing inward to a private courtyard, connected to the main house and main garage with a trellis-covered walkway, creating a delightful protected space. This building has been used by the Hanggi’s son, Ben, as a hangout for friends. But as Ben heads to Auburn this fall, Matt has his eye on it for his own use. Like the main house, it features many trophies from their safaris. Among the most arresting is another zebra rug–this one with the distinctive shadow stripe indicating it is a “Burchell’s zebra” from Zimbabwe.

Form and fit in a traditional design

The main house is organized in rectilinear rooms, allowing you to move from space to space, rather than through hallways. The design itself is a study in simplicity and functional practicality.

The generous entryway is suffused with light from the second floor gallery of windows. Many builders might have opted to bring the roofline all the way down in the back of the house. But stopping halfway allows this arcade of windows upstairs. Just off the foyer is the study, decorated in slate greys and old brown leather. This room, with its paneled walls, large fireplace and deep club-style chairs is already a favorite snuggery on chilly winter afternoons.

The house opens up into a generous coffered-ceiling living space and large kitchen. “We were very intentional about light,” explains Matt, “so we planned each room to have large windows and open spaces.” The two-sided space, with light from three directions, creates a large room that still maintains a human scale. Rift and quartered oak floor runs throughout.

The built-in bookshelves are home to mementos from their trips to destinations around the globe. The shelves frame a large fireplace (“Wood-burning only!”, says Matt) and the room looks out over a verdant backyard and outdoor patio, perfect for al-fresco dining.

Design for entertaining

The main feature of the kitchen is the wide and lengthy island accented with a beautiful white quartz countertop from Stone Creek Surfaces. “People were always gathering in the kitchen of our old house,” explains Jill, “so we decided to make the kitchen large enough to accommodate our guests. I chose quartz over marble because I didn’t want to worry about things like red wine stains while we were entertaining.”

Jill selected oak quarter-sawn custom kitchen cabinets, which are designed to match the furniture in the living area. They are tall and deep, with an artful display space on the top shelf, where Jill’s great grandmother’s tea set is displayed.

The kitchen appliances, from Friedman’s, have several useful additions. Along with the large Sub-Zero refrigerator, two under-counter drawer refrigerators are used for common breakfast and everyday items. Matt recently used the lower drawer to dry brine a roast for thirty days before having the butcher carve it. “It was spectacular,” he grins. As Jill and Matt love to entertain, a second dishwasher was a must. An under-counter drawer washer adds welcome capacity for larger items.

Kevin John of Iron Studio, who fashioned the house’s custom ironwork, created an amusing design element on the stove hood. At first glance, it appears to have small decorative furbelows, but on closer inspection you see that these are the letter “H.” John carried the subtle motif throughout the house. “But not too much,” laughs Matt. “We didn’t want a monogrammed house!”

Jill, a professional interior designer, created the interiors for the home and her light but carefully considered approach is evident in the colors, furnishings, and lighting choices. It feels like a warm family home, not a house lived in for less than a year. Builder Fred Trainer helped Jill’s dreams become a reality and they carefully planned each detail to fit the Hanggi’s lifestyle. “Both Fred and his team were very professional, attentive, and efficient with an eye for detail,” says Jill. “They were a true pleasure to work with.”

To aid in the creative process, she prepared a book of colors and other details before construction began. “So much of this was Jill’s inspiration,” says Miller. “She wanted a combination of classical American design with a southern rural twist. This house looks equally at home in the city as it would on fifty acres in the country.”

The dining area and outside screened porch form a delightful and compelling aspect of the main floor plan. The screened porch, with its timber framing, blue stone floor and fireplace, is a jewel. “I’d worked with the Hanggis before,” says Miller, “and I know just how important outdoor space was to them.” The dining area, adjacent to the kitchen and with moving glass walls from Home Choice, allow the kitchen, dining area, and screened porch to be combined into one large space. As with most people, the Hanggis eschewed a formal dining room, opting for this elegant but flexible combination of indoors and outdoors. This space works well for both “just us” family meals to large parties. When we arrived, Jill had just finished putting on a graduation party for seventy.

Essential elements of a formal garden

Both the porch and the back hallway provide access to the formal garden with graveled paths, geometric shapes and raised beds for flowers and vegetables, as well as a stunning set of espalier trees. Often when you see an espalier tree it is a fruit tree, namely apple or pear; these are pear. The practice of training fruit-bearing plants dates back to the Romans and Egyptians, but it was the Europeans—specifically the French—who influenced and perfected the designs we see today. These trees give the space a focal point and lead the eye back into the house. Return from the garden through the mud room, with the garage to your left, and you are in the large well-lit laundry room straight ahead.

Reserving family space

The master suite, just off the main living area begins with a small entryway. The large square master bath is to your left, as is the large, also square, dressing room. Both of these rooms have wonderful southern exposures, filling them with soft and restful light. The bedroom faces the back of the property providing complete privacy. The back wall is all windowed. “We put the walls between the windows,” laughs Jill. Oak mullions “frame” the outdoor view to resemble a classic landscape painting. Above the bed is a large shoulder-mount elk that Jill took on one of their journeys.

The Hanggis’ love of light is perhaps best exemplified in the upstairs hallway, designed to feel like a back porch that was enclosed later. It is unusually wide with windows running along the outside wall, spilling light into the hallway and the foyer below. This gallery effect is enhanced with Jill’s choice of lighting, from Visual Comfort and Martha Allen Design, which run throughout the house.

The two children’s bedrooms, on either side of the half-turn stairs, look onto the front “park” and are the rooms with the dormers which give them visual interest as well as a sense of privacy. Their son Ben’s room shares a bath with the guest room, built above the garage. Their twelve-year-old daughter, Avery, has already claimed this as the “sleepover” room, and you can see why it would be a favorite slumber party hideaway. With her big brother about to leave for college, Avery will have plenty of opportunities.

As you leave the house through the courtyard, look out over the park-like setting and feel the settled atmosphere. You know you’ve been somewhere that will stand the test of time for years to come, the place for many happy family celebrations, get-togethers with good friends, and warm winter evenings.

“We wanted a place that reflects our love of home, of family, of friends, and travel,” says Jill. “We are so fortunate to have found it all.”

A Haven of Their Own

Story by Rebecca Whalen

It was Saturday morning in early May when a crew of eight arrived at the Carmichael residence for a room redesign. Geared up in clothes for painting, tools galore, furniture, and more, the team had their assignment and they were determined to complete it that day.

While this scene sounds like that of a home renovation show on HGTV, it’s actually something quite different. These eight individuals weren’t construction workers or interior designers, rather young professionals from the local Rotaract in Knoxville, working on behalf of an organization called Special Spaces, eager to make a difference.

“The work crew arrived and they gave us a gift card to go out and have fun,” says Stephanie Carmichael. When she arrived home later that day with her family, what they found took their breath away. This Special Spaces team of volunteers had spent the day redesigning the bedroom of one of Carmichael’s children, Cobi, hoping that it would be the special space he (and his family) needed. “It was so much more than I expected, and it is the perfect space for him.”

A Special Space

Children and teens dream of their ideal bedroom. That space they can retreat to at the end of the day to reboot and recharge. A place that can be their solace and refuge. For children with a life-threatening illness, that space can become their haven. It can become so much more than a bedroom.

For Cobi, this room redesign was everything. At just seven years old, Cobi has Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, and a traumatic brain injury. The Carmichaels adopted Cobi from Bulgaria in 2016, but shortly after arriving home to the states, Cobi was diagnosed with leukemia. After two and a half years of chemotherapy, ending just this past April, Cobi is now in remission. It’s been quite a journey for this young life.

After an article about Cobi and the Carmichaels ran in the Knoxville News Sentinel, Carmichael was approached by the Special Spaces team. The organization’s mission is to create dream bedroom makeovers for children ages 2 to 19 suffering from life-threatening illnesses. Cobi is just one of hundreds that have been helped.

“It first started with my mom redoing a room every few months in 2004,” says Maggie Sewell, Executive Director of the original Knoxville chapter, speaking of her mother Jennifer Swain. At that time, it was just a local Knoxville-based organization. But after being featured on a television show in 2011, Special Spaces was no longer just a hidden Knoxville gem.

Chapter requests poured in to the local organization, resulting in the network of 23 chapters in 17 states that you see today. “To be able to see the amount of reach the organization has is really kind of incredible,” Sewell says.

Each chapter is serving youth at pivotal points in their lives, just like Cobi. “The organization is a fantastic addition to the special needs community,” Carmichael says.

Finding the Match

While there are many Special Spaces chapters, redesigning a room isn’t something that happens overnight. It takes tireless commitment from the volunteers who work in the chapters to make those dreams reality. And everything done funnels through to the national office, based in Knoxville. “There are a lot of volunteers who spend a lot of time making dreams come true for these children and these families,” says Michael Eimers, Finance Director of Special Spaces, adding that there are more than 1,000 volunteers committed to the mission.

One of those people is Jordan Knight, a member of the local Rotaract group that helped to redo Cobi’s room. “At this stage in our lives as young professionals, we don’t have financial means, but we do have time,” Knight says. The club’s fundraiser earnings from the year were earmarked for this project, and thanks to a dollar for dollar match by the local Rotary Club, Knight and his peers made it happen. Roughly $3,000 was going to a redesign through Special Spaces. “It took four months to find the right family,” Knight says.

Applications help the Special Spaces team understand an applicant, their needs, and their family. There’s also a medical eligibility piece to the application, as the organization has narrowed its focus to children with cancer, children undergoing or waiting for a transplant, children with life threatening heart conditions, and children with brain tumors. Chapters review the applications weekly and a member of volunteer Child Sourcing Committees visits the homes, to review and get a feel for what needs to be done. When Knight and his team read Cobi’s application, they were all on board.

“They spent the last year raising money to do this and were so excited to work with this family,” Sewell says. “I told them about Cobi and they were 100 percent in.”

Once an application is accepted, the Special Spaces team works with the family of the child to create the most wonderful room. For Cobi, that meant bright colors, things in motion, with interesting textures and function. “Cobi has sensory issues so we were desperately wanting and needing a sensory safe place for him to play,” Carmichael says. “He is a sweet, fragile, loving child that is a sensory seeking maniac.” Knight and his team took that information and ran with it, knowing that the room also needed to have ample and accessible storage space for all of Cobi’s medical supplies.

Once a match has been made, the director of the chapter meets with the family and a core team to look at the room, identify their needs, and jump into the creative process. Just like Knight’s team, this process isn’t typically done by a designer, but rather volunteers eager to make a difference. “Sometimes Special Spaces forces you to think outside the box,” Eimers says.

A Game Changer

Cobi’s room was transformed into a haven, one where he stays and plays, something he had never done before in his room, Carmichael says. A trampoline with a handle so he could strengthen his legs, a four-foot bubble light with changing colors, a television, and other sensory items. A new mattress, donated by Mlily made the room complete. Together these items made this space so special for Cobi. When the “big reveal” happened, it was clear from the smiles that he was surprised. “I’ll never forget this. He went straight to the beanbag and fell into it, threw his arms behind his head like he was just relaxing,” Knight recalls. “It’s so important that they are comfortable in their environment.”

The room was everything Cobi needed and more, but it was also something his parents, both Registered Nurses caring for three other children with Down Syndrome and in the process of adopting another (in addition to their two older biological children), needed. “The storage has been a game changer for me,” Carmichael says. “It has made me less stressed and I can actually have a spot for everything to take care of Cobi.”

While every room created is starkly different, the impact is there. “For some people, they hear about what we do and think ‘How sweet. They create cute bedrooms.’ But there’s a medical reason, too,” Eimers says. “It’s about keeping the room as medically sound as possible so making sure nothing from outside of the room can come into it and contaminate it.” They make sure the air filtration system functions and is clean; if needed they rip up the carpet. “If we can keep it medically functional and sound, yet still look like it’s a fun place to hang out and to retreat to, that’s the icing on the cake.”

A Community Effort

Making these rooms happen is of course thanks to the staff and volunteers, but also a testament to the chapter’s community. Rooms cost anywhere from $4,000 to $6,000 to create but the organization gets many items donated, freeing those dollars up to purchase medically necessary or custom built items.

Many corporate sponsors help to make rooms happen and often are the ones supplying not just funding, but the volunteers as well. In Knoxville, Eimers says, the average room takes 10 to 15 volunteers. “Knoxville is such a generous community and I think that’s why we’ve been able to expand the way we have,” Sewell says. “People are always asking how they can help and what they can do. And we’ve been able to partner with some really incredible businesses and other organizations.”

Last year, thanks to all of this support, every applicant in Knoxville was able to have a room makeover. “People think that children with special needs get assistance from agencies or the government, but that is not true in our case,” Carmichael says, “so for someone to do this for our family is very much appreciated.”

2019 Top Attorneys

Story by Cityview

There are, perhaps, no greater caretakers of the law than those who dedicate their lives to uncovering the intricacies contained in its meaning. They demonstrate an unwavering reverence to the rule of order. They seek to creatively interpret and apply the framework they have been given for the benefit of those they serve. They are attorneys.

As in years past,Cityviewhas once again called upon members of the Knoxville Bar Association to determine which attorneys in our area are the best in their respective fields. In essence, accolade recipients have been rewarded with the respect of their peers.

We have listed each firm alphabetically and included the names of their respective attorneys who have received peer recognition. Additionally, we have indicated the top vote recipients in each discipline with the designation of a Golden Gavel.

(865) 531-6440

terryadamslaw.com

Consumer Protection – Plaintiff

Entertainment & Sports

Intellectual Property/Trademarks

(865) 546-7000

adhknox.com

Workers’ Compensation – Defense

Administrative Law

Aviation/Admiralty

Personal Injury – Motorcycle Accident – Defense

Workers’ Compensation – Defense

Medical Malpractice – Defense

Nursing Home Liability – Defense

Medical Malpractice – Defense

Nursing Home Liability – Defense

Health Care Law

Medical Malpractice – Defense

Nursing Home Liability – Defense

(865) 200-4117

lbakerlawfirm.com

DUI Defense

(865) 546-2141

banksjones.com

Personal Injury – Motorcycle Accident – Plaintiff

Family Law/Divorce/Child Support

Civil Litigation

Criminal Defense

DUI Defense

Juvenile Defense

Personal Injury – Auto Accidents – Plaintiff

Personal Injury – General – Plaintiff

Personal Injury –Motorcycle Accident – Plaintiff

Workers’ Compensation – Plaintiff

Wrongful Death – Plaintiff

(865) 474-0128

barnettlegalteam.com

Adoption

Family Law/Divorce/Child Support

Juvenile Defense

(865) 521-6200

bassberry.com

Banking Law

(865) 546-8030

bsmlaw.com

Labor & Employment Law – Employee

(865) 888-6094

boschlawfirm.com

DUI Defense

Entertainment & Sports

(865) 670-8535

breedinglaw.com

Adoption

(865) 690-5566

Elder Law

Estate Planning/Trusts

Income Tax/IRS Resolutions

Taxation

Wills/Probate

(865) 523-3022

knoxtnattorney.com

Family Law/Divorce/Child Support

Family Law/Divorce/Child Support

(865) 524-4974

burkhalterlaw.com

Labor & Employment Law – Employee

(865) 637-3531

butlervinesbabblaw.com

Consumer Protection – Defense

Personal Injury – Motorcycle Accident – Defense

Professional Malpractice – Defense

Aviation/Admiralty

Medical Malpractice – Plaintiff

Personal Injury – Motorcycle Accident – Plaintiff

Wrongful Death – Plaintiff

Mediation/Arbitration

Medical Malpractice – Plaintiff

Nursing Home Liability – Plaintiff

Wrongful Death – Plaintiff

Antitrust

Class Action – Defense

(865) 247-0080

gregcolemanlaw.com

Class Action – Plaintiff

Consumer Protection – Plaintiff

Employee Benefits/ERISA – Plaintiff

Personal Injury – Auto Accidents – Plaintiff

Personal Injury – General – Plaintiff

Personal injury – Motorcycle Accident – Plaintiff

Product Liability – Plaintiff

Medical Malpractice – Plaintiff

Consumer Protection – Plaintiff

(865) 522-5275

timcoodelaw.com

Immigration and Naturalization

(865) 933-8173

dawncoppock.com

Adoption

(865) 544-8929

cravenslegal.com

Juvenile Defense

(865) 523-9191

knoxtnlaw.com

Employee Benefits/ERISA – Plaintiff

(865) 546-0500

emlaw.com

Immigration and Naturalization

(865) 951-2410

elderlawetn.com

Elder Law

(865) 999-0350

eblaw.us

Criminal Defense

Criminal Defense

DUI Defense

Criminal Defense

(865) 766-0056

elmore-stone-caffey.com

Professional Malpractice – Defense

Professional Malpractice – Plaintiff

(865) 673-4441

knoxvillefamilylawyer.com

Family Law/Divorce/Child Support

(865) 584-1211

farmerdreiser.com

Employee Benefits/ERISA – Plaintiff

Social Security Disability Law

Workers’ Compensation – Plaintiff

Workers’ Compensation – Plaintiff

(865) 738-0131

Social Security Disability

866-862-4855

foxandfarleylaw.com

Immigration and Naturalization

Social Security Disability Law

Class Action – Plaintiff

Nursing Home Liability – Plaintiff

Personal Injury – Auto Accidents – Plaintiff

Personal Injury – Motorcycle Accident – Plaintiff

Personal Injury – General – Plaintiff

Workers’ Compensation – Plaintiff

Social Security Disability Law

(865) 546-9321

fmsllp.com

Contract Law

Business/Commercial Law

Taxation

Wills/Probate

Business/Commercial Law

Civil Litigation

Mediation/Arbitration

Workers’ Compensation – Defense

Appellate Practice

Business/Commercial Law

Business Litigation

Civil Litigation

Real Estate Finance & Development

Taxation

Federal Court Practice

Insurance Law

Mediation/Arbitration

Personal Injury – Auto Accident – Defense

Personal Injury –Motorcycle Accident – Defense

Wrongful Death – Defense

Appellate Practice

Bankruptcy – Creditor

Contract Law

Construction Law

Corporate Law

Real Estate Finance & Development

Adoption

Appellate Practice

Business Litigation

Construction Law

Consumer Protection – Defense

Employee Benefits/ERISA – Defense

Employee Benefits/ERISA – Plaintiff

Federal Court Practice

Mediation/Arbitration

Consumer Protection – Defense

Product Lability – Defense

Insurance Law

Mediation/Arbitration

Personal Injury – Auto Accident – Defense

Personal Injury – Motorcycle Accident – Defense

Workers’ Compensation – Defense

Wrongful Death – Defense

Business/Commercial Law

Real Estate Finance & Development

Appellate Practice

Federal Court Practice

Personal Injury – Auto Accidents – Plaintiff

Personal Injury – General – Plaintiff

Workers’ Compensation – Plaintiff

(865) 540-8300

garzalaw.com

Aviation/Admiralty

Criminal Defense

DUI Defense

(865) 525-5300

tennlaw.com

Banking Law

Corporate Law

Construction Law

Income Tax/IRS Resolutions

Bankruptcy – Creditor

Bankruptcy – Debtor

Collections/Foreclosures

Constitutional Law/Civil Rights

Banking Law

Bankruptcy – Creditor

Business/Commercial Law

Construction Law

Mediation/Arbitration

Banking Law

Constitutional law/Civil Rights

(865) 637-2442

sidgilreath.com

Consumer Protection – Plaintiff

Medical Malpractice – Plaintiff

(865) 694-0373

gfelderlaw.com

Elder Law

(865) 292-2307

hdclaw.com

Banking Law

Aviation/Admiralty

Administrative Law

Environmental Law

Banking Law

Bankruptcy – Creditor

Bankruptcy – Debtor

Bankruptcy – Debtor

Adoption

Personal Injury – Motorcycle Accident – Plaintiff

Medical Malpractice – Defense

Nursing Home Liability – Defense

Professional Malpractice – Defense

Bankruptcy – Debtor

DUI Defense

Medical Malpractice – Defense

Professional Malpractice – Defense

(865) 546-2200

tennesseemediators.org/paul-hogan

Mediation/Arbitration

(865) 566-0115

holifieldlaw.com

Employee Benefits/ERISA – Defense

(865) 588-4091

howardhowardlaw.com

Antitrust

Class Action – Defense

Securities – Plaintiff

(865) 523-1414

thehurleylawfirm.com

Medical Malpractice – Plaintiff

(865) 673-4953

isaacslawfirm.com

Appellate Practice

Criminal Defense

DUI Defense

Federal Court Practice

Juvenile Defense

(865) 522-4964

justicenoelburks.com

Administrative Law

(865) 215-2515

knoxcounty.org/dag

Criminal Prosecution

Criminal Prosecution

Criminal Prosecution

Criminal Prosecution

Criminal Prosecution

Criminal Prosecution

Criminal Prosecution

Criminal Prosecution

Criminal Prosecution

Criminal Prosecution

Criminal Prosecution

Criminal Prosecution

(865) 525-5134

kramer-rayson.com

Business Litigation

Civil Litigation

Federal Court Practice

Insurance Law

Labor & Employment Law – Employee

Personal Injury – Auto Accidents – Plaintiff

Personal Injury – General – Plaintiff

Wrongful Death – Defense

Wrongful Death – Plaintiff

Labor & Employment Law – Employer

Class Action – Defense

Class Action – Plaintiff

Constitutional Law/Civil Rights

Labor & Employment Law – Employee

Labor & Employment Law – Employer

Professional Malpractice – Defense

Appellate Practice

Employee Benefits/ERISA – Defense

Labor & Employment Law – Employer

Civil Litigation

Collections/Foreclosures

Contract Law

Entertainment & Sports

Personal Injury – Auto Accident – Defense

Construction Law

Insurance Law

Personal Injury – Auto Accident – Defense

Personal Injury – Motorcycle Accident – Defense

Wrongful Death – Defense

Health Care Law

Income Tax/IRS Resolutions

Business/Commerical Law

Corporate Law

Estate Planning/Trusts

Health Care Law

Wills/Probate

Administrative Law

Health Care Law

Business Litigation

Corporate Law

Civil Litigation

Insurance Law

Personal Injury – Auto Accident – Defense

Personal Injury – General – Plaintiff

Wrongful Death – Defense

Corporate Law

Estate Planning/Trusts

Taxation

Wills/Probate

Corporate Law

Entertainment & Sports

Corporate Law

Estate Planning/Trusts

Taxation

Wills/Probate

Business Litigation

Constitutional Law/Civil Rights

Labor & Employment Law – Employee

Labor & Employment Law – Employer

Appellate Practice

Labor & Employment Law – Employer

Income Tax/IRS Resolutions

Immigration and Naturalization

Civil Litigation

Labor & Employment Law – Employer

(865) 896-9779

tennesseecrimeattorney.com

Criminal Defense

(865) 546-4646

lewisthomason.com

Class Action – Defense

Construction Law

Adoption

Family Law/Divorce/Child Support

Income Tax/IRS Resolutions

(865) 546-6321

lmwl.law

Collections/Foreclosures

Bankruptcy – Creditor

Collections/Foreclosures

(865) 637-0203

latlaw.com

Health Care Law

Nursing Home Liability – Defense

Professional Malpractice – Defense

Professional Malpractice – Defense

(865) 584-4040

lrwlaw.com

Aviation/Admiralty

Securities – Defense

Securities – Plaintiff

Securities – Defense

Securities – Plaintiff

Real Estate Finance & Development

Securities – Defense

Aviation/Admiralty

Entertainment & Sports

Securities – Defense

Securities – Plaintiff

Banking Law

Real Estate Finance & Development

Securities – Defense

Securities – Plaintiff

(865) 521-6527

lyblaw.net

Nursing Home Liability – Defense

Professional Malpractice – Defense

(865) 546-4305

lng-patent.com

Intellectual Property/Trademarks

Patent Law

Intellectual Property/Trademarks

Intellectual Property/Trademarks

Patent Law

Wade R. Orr

Intellectual Property/Trademarks

(865) 691-9011

Juvenile Defense

(865) 622-4884

mayerandnewton.com

Bankruptcy – Creditor

Bankruptcy – Debtor

Bankruptcy – Debtor

(865) 966-4343

mltlaw.com

Adoption

Elder Law

Social Security Disability Law

Aviation/Admiralty

Product Liability – Plaintiff

Personal Injury – Auto Accidents – Plaintiff

Personal Injury – General – Plaintiff

Personal Injury – Motorcycle Accident – Plaintiff

Workers’ Compensation – Plaintiff

Wrongful Death – Plaintiff

Workers’ Compensation – Plaintiff

Adoption

DUI Defense

Family Law/Divorce/Child Support

Juvenile Defense

(865) 566-0125

helpingclients.com

Family Law/Divorce/Child Support

Mediation/Arbitration

(865) 380-5960

merchantgould.com

Intellectual Property/Trademarks

Intellectual Property/Trademarks

DUI Defense

(865) 637-0515

lawknox.com

Social Security Disability Law

Emma Drozdowski Webb

Social Security Disability Law

(865) 579-0708

jmortonlaw.com

Labor & Employment Law – Employee

(865) 249-7200

tndui.com

DUI Defense

DUI Defense

(865) 522-2717

owclaw.com

Administrative Law

Antitrust

Antitrust

(865) 525-0880

painetarwater.com

Environmental Law

Class Action – Defense

Class Acition – Defense

Consumer Protection – Defense

Class Action – Defense

Professional Malpractice – Defense

(865) 539-9304

patelimmigration.com

Immigration and Naturalization

(865) 584-0105

pittslake.com

Intellectual Property/Trademarks

Patent Law

Intellectual Property/Trademarks

Patent Law

Intellectual Property/Trademarks

Patent Law

Patent Law

Intellectual Property/Trademarks

Patent Law

Intellectual Property/Trademarks

Patent Law

Intellectual Property/Trademarks

(865) 522-4191

pfph-law.com

DUI Defense

Mark E. Floyd

Nursing Home Liability – Plaintiff

Family Law/Divorce/Child Support

Professional Malpractice – Plaintiff

Family Law/Divorce/Child Support

Nursing Home Liability – Plaintiff

Personal Injury – Motorcycle Accident – Plaintiff

Product Liability – Plaintiff

Wrongful Death – Plaintiff

Administrative Law

Personal Injury – Auto Accidents – Plaintiff

Personal Injury – General – Plaintiff

Product Liability – Plaintiff

Professional Malpractice – Plaintiff

Wrongful Death – Plaintiff

Medical Malpractice – Plaintiff

Nursing Home Liability – Plaintiff

Personal Injury – Auto Accidents – Plaintiff

Personal Injury – General – Plaintiff

Product Liability – Plaintiff

Class Action – Plaintiff

Medical Malpractice – Plaintiff

Nursing Home Liability – Plaintiff

Product Liability – Plaintiff

Professional Malpractice – Plaintiff

Wrongful Death – Plaintiff

(865) 637-0661

rddjlaw.com

Administrative Law

Appellate Practice

Criminal Defense

Federal Court Practice

Antitrust

Criminal Defense

Criminal Defense

Constitutional Law/Civil Rights

Consumer Protection – Plaintiff

Nursing Home Liability – Plaintiff

Professional Malpractice – Plaintiff

(865) 978-6480

robinsoniplaw.com

Patent Law

(865) 291-1550

samanofamilylaw.com

Family Law/Divorce/Child Support

(865) 525-2150

scottandcain.com

Class Action – Plaintiff

Consumer Protection – Plaintiff

Medical Malpractice – Plaintiff

Personal Injury – General – Plaintiff

Personal Injury – Motorcycle Accident – Plaintiff

Professional Malpractice – Plaintiff

Class Action – Plaintiff

Medical Malpractice – Plaintiff

Personal Injury – Motorcycle Accident – Plaintiff

Professional Malpractice – Plaintiff

Wrongful Death – Plaintiff

(865) 691-7900

thesextonlawfirm.com

Social Security Disability Law

(865) 546-7770

sobieskimesser.com

Family Law/Divorce/Child Support

(865) 544-3833

stokeswilliams.com

Antitrust

(865) 588-1096

tcflattorneys.com

Bankruptcy – Creditor

Bankruptcy – Debtor

Civil Litigation

Collections/Foreclosures

Personal Injury – General – Plaintiff

Bankruptcy – Debtor

(865) 531-6440

terryadamslaw.com

Constitutional Law/Civil Rights

(865) 558-6161

torreslawtn.com

Immigration and Naturalization

(865) 522-8381

valone-law.com

Family Law/Divorce/Child Support

(865) 293-4953

billmaddoxlaw.com

Bankruptcy – Debtor

800-546-1006

wimberlylawson.com

Workers’ Compensation – Defense

(865) 215-1000

wmbac.com

Corporate Law

Estate Planning/Trusts

Income Tax/IRS Resolutions

Taxation

Wills/Probate

Business/Commercial Law

Contract Law

Corporate Law

Health Care Law

Civil Litigation

Product Liability – Defense

Wrongful Death – Defense

Business Litigation

Civil Litigation

Insurance Law

Mediation/Arbitration

Medical Malpractice – Plaintiff

Personal Injury – Auto Accidents – Plaintiff

Personal Injury – General – Plaintiff

Product Liability – Plaintiff

Wrongful Death – Plaintiff

Business Litigation

Civil Litigation

Class Action – Defense

Environmental Law

Federal Court Practice

Mediation/Arbitration

Product Liability – Defense

Wrongful Death – Defense

Construction Law

Labor & Employment Law – Employer

Business Litigation

Constitutional Law/Civil Rights

Labor & Employment Law – Employee

Labor & Employment Law – Employer

Appellate Practice

Collections/Foreclosures

Environmental Law

Federal Court Practice

Insurance Law

Wrongful Death – Defense

Labor & Employment Law – Employer

Environmental Law

Appellate Practice

Civil Litigation

Construction Law

Product Liability – Defense

Worker’s Compensation – Defense

Bankruptcy – Creditor

Business Litigation

Estate Planning/Trusts

Employee Benefits/ERISA – Defense

Taxation

Wills/Probate

Business/Commercial Law

Contract Law

Corporate Law

Estate Planning/Trusts

Income Tax/IRS Resolutions

Real Estate Finance & Development

Taxation

Wills/Probate

Business/Commercial Law

Contract Law

Corporate Law

Health Care Law

Real Estate Finance & Development

Daniel J. Moore

Collections/Foreclosures

Real Estate Finance & Development

Product Liability – Defense

Construction Law

Real Estate Finance & Development

Aviation/Admiralty

Business/Commercial Law

Contract Law

Corporate Law

Estate Planning/Trusts

Income Tax/IRS Resolutions

Taxation

Wills/Probate

Business/Commercial Law

Estate Planning/Trusts

Income Tax/IRS Resolutions

Taxation

Wills/Probate

Paul C. Shuman

Income Tax/IRS Resolutions

Banking Law

Bankruptcy – Creditor

Collections/Foreclosures

Appellate Practice

Banking Law

Personal Injury – Auto Accidents – Plaintiff

Personal Injury – General – Plaintiff

Product Liability – Plaintiff

Worker’s Compensation – Defense

Workers’ Compensation – Plaintiff

(865) 320-9444

wykoffandsikes.com

DUI Defense

Social Security Disability Law

(865) 474-1284

younglawknoxville.com

Employee Benefits/ERISA – Plaintiff

Fearless Advocates

The Disappearing Trial Attorney

Story by Nathan Sparks

Life deals us some unexpected challenges, and hopefully yours will not be of the legal nature, but if they are, you may find yourself in need of a trial attorney. So, the question is, what makes a great trial attorney and how do I know which one to choose? Let’s face it: when you walk into that courtroom it could literally be your life that rests in the hands of the person you have chosen. We wondered what makes the difference and did a little investigating for you.

There is an emerging trend in the legal community, an entire segment of practicing attorneys, that seek to settle most matters through alternative dispute resolution methods. Their efforts to avoid the courtroom may often be to the detriment of their clients’ interests. There are attorneys that will never see the inside of a courtroom. Knoxville has an abundance of great attorneys, but the number of those that can be considered as true trial attorneys is dwindling—and fast.

Why does it matter? Isn’t it really better if the matter can be settled out of court? The question is whether you are getting the best settlement available. According to one of this year’s Top Attorneys, T. Scott Jones, “The opposing counsel has to believe that your lawyer is absolutely willing to split the ring ropes, step into the ring, and actually go 12 rounds. If they don’t think you have the will power or skill to actually try the case, then they are going to pay you substantially less than your case is worth. And, in the situation of representing the criminally accused, your client is likely to take a much longer sentence, or God forbid, one they don’t deserve at all. This court avoidance seems inconsistent with the operating principles by which we as attorneys are trained, and yet it has become part of the legal system reality.”

There is an art to practicing law. As the phrase implies, it takes practice. The more time an attorney has spent in court, the more familiar and comfortable he or she is with the process. That can make a huge difference. Attorneys like T. Scott Jones make hundreds of court appearances every year from matters as small as traffic tickets to murder or wrongful death cases. But the courtroom experience is analogous to what Abraham Lincoln implied in his famous quote: “Give me six hours to cut down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.” Whether Lincoln actually said that is controversial, but the fact remains that preparation is critical. According to retired Supreme Court Chief Justice Gary Wade, the most important aspect of a successful trial attorney is “preparation, preparation, preparation.” While the facts and the law almost always dictate the result, an accomplished trial attorney typically prevails in those close cases.

Make sure the attorney you choose is well-practiced, familiar with this area of the law, and willing to put in the amount of time necessary to present your case. We applaud all of the fine trial lawyers in our area for dedication to their craft.

Yassin Terou

Story by Nathan Sparks

Reader’s Digest’s “Nicest Place in America” is no exaggeration. The high-spirited owner of Yassin’s Falafel House, Yassin Terou, outpours love and support to the Knoxville community because he is so grateful for receiving the same. Since 2014, this practice has proven successful and earned him the 2019 Knoxville Chamber of Commerce Award Minority-Owned Business Excellence Pinnacle Award.

Describe what you’re really thankful for?

Actually, a lot of things. One of them: freedom. Being free and being able to do what you want. Also, the safety and the love you get from the community. I’m very thankful to be here. I like to practice what I want and to build the future for me and my family.

Please explain your motto about all people being safe in your restaurant.

I, Yassin, and Yassin’s Falafel House, are an open heart and an open door. We are open for the people and we want to build. We want to work with people and want to give them love and respect. We always open our hearts and doors to everyone.

Tell me about the speech that you gave at the Pinnacle Awards.

It’s the Knoxville community who is my family. Yes, I was born and raised in Syria, but I never got there what I have here: love and support. It was a very big deal for that to come from my own city. That speech came from my heart. Everyone should support one another because, as I told you, we never want to divide. We never want to be part of the problem. You want to be part of the solution.

Have you faced any unexpected challenges?

You always face unexpected challenges. We try to face it with love. Outside thedoor is not always shining. There’s sometimes rain and life is the same.

What are your hopes and dreams for your children as they grow up here?

I hope they keep what they learned from me and my culture, and they give back good things. I learned good things from the American community and the American culture so they can receive the best things in the world. Because when you mix good, you get good.

What would you say to someone who’s never tried falafel?

It’s time for it. It’s time to change your life. A lot of people don’t know what falafel is. I think it’s time for everyone to come and try it and if they don’t like it, we’ll give them something else for free. We will make sure you leave happy.

Welcome all sizes, all colors, all ages, all sexes, all cultures, all religions, all types, all beliefs. All people are safe here at Yassin’s Falafel House.

Minimizing Tax Friction

Story by Jon Hersey

[/vc_column_text]Consider Giving to CharitiesOf course, one means of lowering your taxable income is simply to give some of it away to organizations that promote your values. Hall says that “If philanthropy is important to you, then there are plenty of tools out there that enable you to transfer assets.”

One such tool is a donor-advised fund. Fain explains, “The donor-advised fund can sell your appreciated assets tax free and distribute the proceeds at your direction to charities you choose. And you get 100 percent of the value as a tax deduction.”

This can be better for you than just writing a check to the charity. Fain continues, “The benefit from the perspective of wealth managers is this: Say we need to rebalance the portfolio. If we’re going to sell something to rebalance, we’re possibly creating a capital gain. But we can hit two birds with one stone in the realm of wealth enhancement, because we can rebalance the portfolio with minimal tax friction through the charitable giving strategy. It’s an excellent tool for people with charitable intent.”

All strategies for reducing your tax burden ultimately hinge on timing, but some require more forethought or are subject to more time-based rules than others. For instance, if you sell an investment security you’ve held for less than a year, the profit is considered a short-term capital gain and is taxed at your normal income tax rate, which—at the federal level alone—can be as high as 37 percent, depending on your tax bracket. Add in the investment income surtax and that rises to 40.8 percent. But if you sell the same security after having owned it for twelve months, the profit is considered a long-term capital gain and is subject to different rates, the highest being 23.8 percent (including the aforementioned surtax), the lowest being 0. Hall says, “If you’re a high-income earner, and you hold an asset for just over 12 months, you could reduce your capital gains tax liability by almost half.”

Another less intuitive strategy is to sell poorly performing securities for a loss. Fain says, “It’s kind of an annual forensic exercise. If you’re frustrated with an investment doing poorly, look at it through a different lens as a possible candidate to be sold to create some losses you can use on your tax return. Even if these are assets that you want and need in your portfolio, there are ways to harvest the losses and restore the portfolio positions in pretty short order.”

One word of caution: Do not buy that same security within 30 days of the sale—not even in another trading account. If you do so, the IRS’s “wash-sale rule” prohibits you from claiming the loss, because tax authorities don’t want you both claiming a loss and immediately reinvesting to take advantage of a stock’s appreciation.

Another time-based strategy entails bunching two years’ worth of tax-deductible expenses into one. Each year, taxpayers must choose whether to accept the IRS’s standard deduction (currently $24,000) or to itemize deductions, and it only makes sense to itemize your deductions if their sum is greater than the standard deduction. As Messing says, “You don’t want to end up with deductible expenses such as charitable contributions and real-estate taxes that total $22,000, because you could have gotten $24,000 worth of deductions without doing anything.” By bunching two years’ worth of tax-deductible expenses into one, you may be able to take advantage of a higher itemized deduction every other year while continuing to use the standard deduction in off years.

Appearances to the contrary, one’s tax burden is not entirely immutable. If you want to minimize financial friction and maintain control over more of your earnings, you have some tools at your disposal. Make the most of them!

Taxes are one of the greatest frictions people encounter in pursuit of financial peace of mind and material well-being. How can we minimize that friction, maintain control over more of our earnings, and thus live more abundant lives? /wp:paragraph

wp:paragraphPerhaps the best place to start is maximizing your contributions to tax-deferred retirement accounts. In 2019, people age 49 and younger can contribute $19,000 to a 401K and $6,000 to an IRA. Those 50 and older can contribute $25,000 and $7,000 respectively. Of course, you will pay taxes on this money once you begin collecting it in retirement, but it’s also likely you’ll be making less money and so may fall into a lower tax bracket. Another option to diversify your tax liability in retirement is to contribute to a Roth IRA, which has the same contribution limits. /wp:paragraph

wp:paragraph“Executives for larger companies may also have access to a deferred compensation plan,” says Jeff Hall, financial planner at Rather & Kittrell Capital Management. Instead of taking one’s full compensation when it is earned, these employees can allow their company to hold on to the money and invest it. This enables them to grow their money tax free and to receive it later on, often in retirement when subject to lower tax brackets. /wp:paragraph

wp:paragraphCash balance plans are another option—and a particularly attractive one for small business owners. “These plans are kind of like a hybrid between a 401K and a traditional defined benefit plan, such as a pension,” says Hall. As with 401Ks, employees have individual accounts and make pre-tax contributions that compound over time. But, the contribution limits for cash balance plans are far higher than those of 401Ks. For someone nearing retirement, contributions can be well above $200,000 and even closer to $300,000. And like a pension, the employee gets a defined benefit upon retirement, which he continues to receive for the rest of his life. Hall adds, “On top of that, the business gets a pre-tax deduction. If you’re a small business owner—an architect, attorney, accountant, medical professional, etc.—that’s a huge tax deduction for the business, and the owners and employees get great retirement benefits.” /wp:paragraph

wp:paragraphIndependent contractors have several great options as well, including self-employed pension plans (SEPPs) and solo 401Ks. “We have some early retirees that do consulting work, and the solo 401K is just a layup for them—it’s just a no-brainer,” says Hall. /wp:paragraph

wp:paragraphReal estate investments offer a range of great tax benefits and, generally speaking, real estate tends to steadily appreciate in value. Daniel Messing, officer and tax leader at Pugh CPAs, says, “My rule of thumb is that if you’ve got time, real estate is usually a pretty good investment, especially in the Knoxville area.” Mortgage interest on mortgages of up to $750,000 is tax deductible, and at least some portion of property taxes are deductible in most situations. /wp:paragraph

wp:paragraphBusiness properties offer these benefits—and more. For instance, you can deduct certain expenses for maintenance and upgrades to business properties, whether a sky rise you lease to another business or a beach house you rent on Airbnb. And because such properties wear out with time and use, the IRS allows you to “depreciate” their value. You can claim this loss in value on your tax return, which lowers your taxable income. And, Messing points out, whereas both the purchase and the depreciation reduce the amount you pay at relatively high-income tax rates, any profits you make when you decide to sell the property might be taxed at the lower capital gains rate, depending on the situation. /wp:paragraph

wp:paragraphWhich brings us to another benefit of real estate. If a stock you own appreciates in value and you decide to sell it in order to buy another, you’ll pay capital gains taxes on the sale. “But with business real estate,” Messing explains, “you can defer gains by rolling the proceeds of the sale into other properties. If I sell a property, it doesn’t matter how big my gain is, as long as I do what’s called a like-kind exchange.” /wp:paragraph

wp:paragraphMunicipal bonds, offered by cities as a means of funding government and public projects, typically pay investors less in interest than those offered by private companies, but that interest is usually tax exempt. The federal government doesn’t tax interest earned on municipal bonds, and states generally don’t tax interest on bonds issued by municipalities in that state. Paul Fain, president of Asset Planning Corporation, says, “There’s a simple formula for comparing taxable and tax-exempt yields, and usually tax-exempt bonds work out for higher-income tax payers.” Messing adds that, “You’re never going to get huge returns on municipal bonds, but they are usually decent and consistent. So, they enable you to know what your returns are going to be and minimize your taxes.” /wp:paragraph

wp:paragraphOf course, one means of lowering your taxable income is simply to give some of it away to organizations that promote your values. Hall says that “If philanthropy is important to you, then there are plenty of tools out there that enable you to transfer assets.” /wp:paragraph

wp:paragraphOne such tool is a donor-advised fund. Fain explains, “The donor-advised fund can sell your appreciated assets tax free and distribute the proceeds at your direction to charities you choose. And you get 100 percent of the value as a tax deduction.” /wp:paragraph

wp:paragraphThis can be better for you than just writing a check to the charity. Fain continues, “The benefit from the perspective of wealth managers is this: Say we need to rebalance the portfolio. If we’re going to sell something to rebalance, we’re possibly creating a capital gain. But we can hit two birds with one stone in the realm of wealth enhancement, because we can rebalance the portfolio with minimal tax friction through the charitable giving strategy. It’s an excellent tool for people with charitable intent.” /wp:paragraph

wp:paragraphAll strategies for reducing your tax burden ultimately hinge on timing, but some require more forethought or are subject to more time-based rules than others. For instance, if you sell an investment security you’ve held for less than a year, the profit is considered a short-term capital gain and is taxed at your normal income tax rate, which—at the federal level alone—can be as high as 37 percent, depending on your tax bracket. Add in the investment income surtax and that rises to 40.8 percent. But if you sell the same security after having owned it for twelve months, the profit is considered a long-term capital gain and is subject to different rates, the highest being 23.8 percent (including the aforementioned surtax), the lowest being 0. Hall says, “If you’re a high-income earner, and you hold an asset for just over 12 months, you could reduce your capital gains tax liability by almost half.” /wp:paragraph

wp:paragraphAnother less intuitive strategy is to sell poorly performing securities for a loss. Fain says, “It’s kind of an annual forensic exercise. If you’re frustrated with an investment doing poorly, look at it through a different lens as a possible candidate to be sold to create some losses you can use on your tax return. Even if these are assets that you want and need in your portfolio, there are ways to harvest the losses and restore the portfolio positions in pretty short order.” /wp:paragraph

wp:paragraphOne word of caution: Do not buy that same security within 30 days of the sale—not even in another trading account. If you do so, the IRS’s “wash-sale rule” prohibits you from claiming the loss, because tax authorities don’t want you both claiming a loss and immediately reinvesting to take advantage of a stock’s appreciation. /wp:paragraph

wp:paragraphAnother time-based strategy entails bunching two years’ worth of tax-deductible expenses into one. Each year, taxpayers must choose whether to accept the IRS’s standard deduction (currently $24,000) or to itemize deductions, and it only makes sense to itemize your deductions if their sum is greater than the standard deduction. As Messing says, “You don’t want to end up with deductible expenses such as charitable contributions and real-estate taxes that total $22,000, because you could have gotten $24,000 worth of deductions without doing anything.” By bunching two years’ worth of tax-deductible expenses into one, you may be able to take advantage of a higher itemized deduction every other year while continuing to use the standard deduction in off years. /wp:paragraph

wp:paragraphAppearances to the contrary, one’s tax burden is not entirely immutable. If you want to minimize financial friction and maintain control over more of your earnings, you have some tools at your disposal. Make the most of them!

If you drive a car, I’ll tax the street, If you try to sit, I’ll tax your seat. If you get too cold, I’ll tax the heat, If you take a walk, I’ll tax your feet. —The Beatles

Moving Forward

Story by Susan Alexander

Bradley Walker might hesitate to pronounce the Latin motto of the Wounded Warrior Regiment, of which he is a member, but he lives its message every day.Etiam in pugna. Still in the fight.

Despite losing his legs to an IED explosion in Iraq in 2006, Walker still participates in marathons and warrior games. He leads local veterans’ groups. He and his wife Anna keep up with their active three-year-old son.

He is still in the fight. And beside him, helping him with any challenge, is Bella, his constant companion of five years.

Walker, a native of White Pine, Tennessee, near Dandridge, joined the Marine Corps Reserves in 2002. “My mother had passed away and 9-11 happened, and not long after I felt the call to military service,” he says. He left his father and older brother for what he jokingly calls “a three-month vacation in Parris Island, S.C.,” also known as boot camp. He attended engineer school, and his military occupational specialty (his job) was combat engineer. He became a member of Delta Company’s Fourth Combat Engineer Battalion out of Knoxville.

The first time he deployed it was to Camp Lemonnier in Djibouti, Africa, in 2005. He served as a camp guard, protecting U.S. assets at the compound. He returned to Knoxville in October of that year.

The next year he volunteered to go to Iraq and deployed in late summer as a sergeant. “We were attached to the Second Battalion Third Marines, and we patrolled looking for weapon caches and IEDs. About two and a half or three months in, I was driving a security vehicle (a Humvee with four other people in it) when we were struck by an IED on the driver’s side wheel well. I took the brunt of the blast.

“The next thing I remember is waking up five days to a week later in Bethesda Naval Hospital. I was intubated, and laying there I tried to pull the tube out. I remember them stopping me. That was not fun at all. I spent a little over a month at Bethesda, then I transferred to Walter Reed Medical Center. Not long after that I started prosthetics training.”

Walker spent a little over two years at Walter Reed learning how to walk again. “It’s a little like walking on stilts,” he says. “Once you learn how to balance, it gets a lot easier.” He also dealt with untangling the red tape to medically retire from the Marine Corps. He returned to Tennessee in 2009.

He also returned to athletics. A former runner who had lost 120+ pounds after high school, Walker became active with Team Semper Fi, a program that promotes rehabilitation and recovery through sports. He competed in the Marine Corps Marathon on the hand cycle, something he continues to do, and the Warrior Games in Carson Springs, Colorado, in which wounded service members from every branch compete. “We won the Champions Cup,” he says matter-of-factly. He competed in the New York City Marathon on the hand cycle in 2011 and played wheelchair basketball. He got involved in U.S. Paralympics sitting volleyball and nearly joined the national team until a blood clot in his leg slowed him down for a bit.

It was also in 2011 that he and Anna renewed their acquaintance from before he joined the Marines.

“We started messaging through Facebook and meeting late at night at the IHOP when she got off work. We enjoyed each other’s company,” he says. They married on January 5, 2015.

But a lot happened in the meantime. In 2013, Walker was accepted into the nonprofit Homes for Our Troops program which provides mortgage-free homes for disabled service members post-9-11. He and Anna found a three-acre lot suitable for the home in the Dandridge area, and in 2014, at the groundbreaking ceremony, he met another female who would become crucial to his wellbeing.

It was Bella, a three-year-old Golden Retriever trained by Smoky Mountain Service Dogs to work with a disabled veteran. Bella had been trained for another veteran but could not be placed because of that vet’s son’s allergies. Though she happened to be at the ceremony, Bella wasn’t Walker’s dog yet. First, he had to work with Suzy Kitchens, board chair and veterans outreach representative at the nonprofit, to determine what tasks he would need help with. Then he attended a two-week boot camp to learn how to handle the dog and give up to 90 commands. At the Passing of the Leash ceremony, which was attended by everyone who had been involved in her training and upbringing, Bella and Walker became an inseparable pair.

Bella’s primary job is mobility assistance. Her harness includes a bar at the height of Walker’s hand so he can rely on her for support and stability on uneven terrain. She can pick up things he drops, bring him items from across the room, and go for help if he should fall.

“She’s a piece of work,” he says with affection in his voice. “Even her trainers will tell you she can be stubborn. She can take her time about things. But she makes life much easier, especially with a young family. She definitely helps out when we go to the zoo or Dollywood. She helps carry the load.

“It means a great deal to have her by my side. I appreciate everything she does for me. Smoky Mountain Service Dogs is a great organization. I can never thank them enough for all they’ve given to me, allowing me to be active, and helping me do things to be there for my family and enjoy life.”

Walker’s home was completed in December of 2014. A key ceremony attended by Homes for Our Troops representatives, American Legion members, local veterans and community members, included the raising of the American Flag as he was welcomed into the home. It is fully handicapped-accessible, built on one level with widened doorways, a roll-in shower and other accommodations, and provides 2,700 square feet of living space and a two-car garage.

Today, Walker remains active in local veterans’ groups. He is commander of American Legion Post 201 of White Pine and adjutant of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, Chapter 356 of Knoxville. Through those organizations he does what he can to help disabled veterans. He served as a “Big” for Big Brothers Big Sisters of East Tennessee and continues to train for Marine Corps marathons.

“I got a bit of a dad bod for a while,” says Walker, who at 38 years old is tall and lean. He laughingly blames his thinning hair on Anna. “I started eating right and focusing on my health and lost 85 pounds over the last year. I want to be around for a good long while.”

Which brings us back to Etiam in pugna. Still in the fight.

“That says a lot,” he says of the motto. “Even after a big setback, you can still put one foot in front of the other–even if it’s not a real foot. Keep on pushing on. There’s always something to look forward to and keep striving for.”