Curtis Glover

Story by Emily Stevens

What do you get when you mix a Texan, former college pitcher, a server, faux finisher, and a framer? You get one of Knoxville’s most successful muralists. Curtis Glover has been enhancing the walls of several states and countries for the last four years, starting with his first commission at Boyd’s Jig & Reel. Glover was already familiar with the art industry through working various jobs at places such as a faux-finish cabinetry company and an art gallery doing framing and installation. Through networking, word of mouth, and growing popularity, he has completed 15-20 murals. Combining bold imagery with vivid colors, his work has expanded to commissioned signage for local businesses, live paintings at events, and much more. Pictured here is one of Glover’s most recent works, and first horizontal surface, located at the Pond Gap Elementary School basketball court. Some of his larger pieces can be seen around the city at Jerry’s Artarama on Homberg Drive, DreamBikes on N. Central Street, the alley behind Preservation Pub, and First Watch restaurants just to name a few. Glover maintains a busy schedule, and we encourage you to look for his upcoming work in the Old City, Art Slam, First Friday in December, and a live painting at the Tennessee Valley Fair.

Voter Anger Management

Story by George Korda

His appearance something like that of an Amish survivalist, Fletcher Burkhardt visually seemed an unusual candidate for Knoxville mayor. Regardless of the outcome, his campaign is onto something that is increasingly separating campaigns of the past from those of the future: social media. Regardless of how successful Fletcher Burkhardt is in his quest, he’s a herald of the local race future.

The last three elections for an open mayoral seat saw a diminishing return on investment for the amount of money spent on reaching voters. Voter turnout for such elections decreased from 33,000 in 1987, 29,000 in 2003, and 21,000 in 2011, even as campaign spending about tripled, from around $450,000 to $1.2 million.

This means an ever-smaller number of people control who controls Knoxville. That suggests campaign spending should decrease; instead, the fight is ferocious for this up-to-this-point contracting voter universe. But pouring money into traditional campaign tactics comes with a question mark, because as communication sources grow so does the ability to block them out.

Today, it’s possible to pause your TV and fast-forward through commercials; satellite radio means voters may never hear a radio ad; direct mail is increasingly lumped in amongst junk mail; print ads may be seen, but maybe not; people are increasingly irritated by robo-calls; and press events draw fewer or no reporters because of smaller news staffs.

As Burkhardt said in an interview withKnoxville Recuro, “I am doing things much differently than your traditional campaign, relying heavily on social media,” adding, “We will also be running social media ads and doing a campaign video this month that will run on social media platforms.”

Local campaigning has a challenge in terms of social media sophistication and cost, but what matters is what wins, and social media is increasingly a tool to build victory.

A challenge is that access to online platforms and round-the-clock single-philosophy news and opinion sources result in many people being far more interested and passionate about national affairs than anything occurring locally. Many would rather commend or condemn a U.S. President than focus on who’s running for mayor, or why they want the job.

Voters are best motivated if you hit them where they hurt. And to feel it they must see or hear it. That’s particularly true for eye-glazing local races. Social media is the 21st century cousin of direct mail: pieces that must be produced in their thousands and mailed–at significant cost. Depending on its refinement level, social media takes direct contact just about to a level seen in the movie,Minority Report. In the film, facial recognition technology identifies individuals in stores and gentle voices suggest various products in which they might be interested based on purchasing behavior.

Social media tracks us. Everyone has felt a certain creepiness at having walked into an establishment and immediately receiving a smartphone message asking how we liked our experience, and would we be kind enough to rate the place. You research a vacation site; suddenly ads pop up on your Facebook page about the same or similar places vying for your business.

Such tracking can be effective in political messaging in that it’s delivered directly to your eyes until or unless you block it–and there are ways around that tactic. The politics of electioneering are increasingly sophisticated, and the faster these can be applied at the local level, the more difference–favorable or unfavorable–they’ll make.

Phone banks typically identify voters based on preferences, after which the voter is encouraged to vote or ignored, depending on their response. But with the rise of cell phones, phone banks are less definitive. Social media is immediate, direct contact.

Don’t like Recode Knoxville? In favor of the inevitable call for “affordable housing?” Favorable or opposed to Knoxville being a sanctuary city? Expect to find the issues that mean the most to you being the social media items you see, particularly as local campaigns become more proficient in its art and science.

What you see might make you angry. It might cause you to vote.

Exactly.

Was the Fix in for Recode?

Story by George Korda

Knoxville’s new zoning map may have unintended consequences

In politics, there are telltale signs that tell a tale of signs the fix might be in. Those signs were all around Recode Knoxville, which affects every city property owner and is billed as the first zoning overhaul in a half-century.

Mayor Madeline Rogero wanted Recode. Its march toward passage, while touted as “transparent,” and “collaborative,” occurred without a campaign worthy of the name. Rogero, Recode’s champion, didn’t mount a campaign for one of four reasons: she didn’t want to work that hard; she didn’t want to be associated with a loss if it went down; she was confident she could get the five votes on city council she needed; she knew she had the five votes.

A July 16 Knoxville News Sentinel guest column by the mayor includes a section in which she describes the process, but leaves even more unsaid: “The public engagement process has included more than 90 public workshops, two Planning Commission hearings, a mailing to all property owners, seven City Council workshops, and three council meetings as of tonight.”

Here’s what it doesn’t say: “I have been going door-to-door, appearing on radio and television programs, visiting neighborhood association meetings and winning their endorsements, meeting one-on-one with people in their homes, and doing all I can to personally explain to Knoxville’s citizens and taxpayers what Recode means to them.”

An internet search for coverage of the mayor’s Recode-related press conferences turns up a single one, on July 16, the date Recode passed city council 7-2 on first reading.

At the event, the mayor said, “If our current zoning code was up for a vote, I’m sure you’d see the same level of debate and, unfortunately, distrust that we have seen with Recode.”

That rhetoric encourages a look at efforts to dispel such distrust. For example, what were the news releases she issued on the subject. Between May 2 and Aug. 13, the date of Recode’s final passage by an 8-1 vote, there were only two such Recode-related news releases: the first announces that the proposal’s fifth draft was available on the Recode website; the other is on the July 16 press conference. That’s it.

Public mentions of Recode, such as they were, by the mayor or others on the getting-it-passed team described the level of public outreach by regurgitating – or upchucking – the overused political buzzterm “transparent process.” Typically, when people in government talk about transparency, it’s often like a magician inducing you to look over here while they’re doing something, or not doing anything, somewhere else.

Justifying the transparency claim was the list of meetings referenced earlier. It’s a number that’s seemingly meaningful, yet can be meaningless.

Out of 187,000 Knoxville residents, only a fraction attended one of the 90 workshops or other meetings. For example, the Recode website’s fall 2018 meetings summary says that “nearly 300” people attended 11 meetings. That’s fewer than 30 per meeting, and some of them undoubtedly visited more than one meeting. And of those who attended, was there a vote to know if they supported Recode? Attendance implied agreement?

An interesting look into Recode organizers’ “transparency” mindset exists on a website called “Inside of Knoxville.” A column on Recode focused on Gerald Green, Knoxville/Knox County Planning executive director, who is reported to have said something remarkable: “One struggle, in his opinion, is that sometimes equal or even greater credence is given to small groups than to the professional opinions of those charged with making the changes. Small constituency groups have gotten small changes which add up to potentially compromising the goals of the process, while few individuals or groups understand or are concerned with the bigger picture of what Recode is attempting to address.”

Read that section, slowly. It says let the professionals handle this, you people who don’t know anything. The point of the “transparent” public meetings is dulled if the changes sought by pesky citizens were a nuisance that had to be overcome. It suggests project officials knew from the beginning what they wanted and didn’t appreciate interference, “transparency” or not.

In terms of outreach, the Recode website doesn’t appear to list a single neighborhood group that endorsed the project. An internet search doesn’t turn up any, either. That’s extraordinary for a zoning action of this magnitude. If you can shine that light, it’s not one you want to hide under a bushel.

However, there’s no need to bother with neighborhood endorsements, or any type of serious campaign, if you already know, or believe you know, it’s going to pass.

Ultimately, however, in months and years to come, some number of Knoxvillians, when confronted with a Recode-related zoning issue, will ask aloud, “Who’s responsible for this outrage!?”

A quick trip to the bathroom and a look in the mirror will answer that question for them. Transparently. Even if the fix was in.

A Men’s Health Mandate

Story by Drew Hamilton

In this issue’s Cityview podcast, Nathan Sparks and Drew Hamilton sit down with attorney Bruce Fox to discuss his fight with prostate cancer. Bruce also continues to adamantly challenge his friends and any men listening to make a promise to include a Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test as a part of their annual doctor’s check up. To listen to their discussion, visit cityviewmag.com.

September marks the beginning of National Prostate Health Month, so we sat down with attorney Bruce Fox to talk about his story of survival after his prostate cancer diagnosis three years ago. According to the National Cancer Institute, around 11.6 percent of men will receive a prostate cancer diagnosis at some point in their lifetime. There are a variety of treatment options, but the key to successful treatment is early detection. The American Cancer Society suggests discussing prostate cancer screenings with your doctor beginning at the age of 50, although men at a higher risk for the cancer should consider screenings as early as age 40.

Apart from the usual DRE, doctors will often recommend a PSA test to determine the amount of prostate-specific antigen present in the blood, with higher levels often indicating the possibility of cancer. For Bruce, both tests showed some irregularities, and he was referred to a urologist who ultimately suggested a biopsy.

This started what would prove to be a harrowing experience for Bruce. “As a result of that biopsy, I was sick within 24 hours,” he says. “Deathly ill.” He was the unlucky recipient of an infection caused by the biopsy, a rare occurrence that the hospital only sees once or twice a year. It was while he was still in the hospital recovering that he received the results of his biopsy. He did, in fact, have prostate cancer.

After beating the infection and building up his strength, Bruce was then tasked with exploring treatment options. “It ultimately resulted in me spending those two to three months getting opinions from other physicians that I knew on a personal level and trusted,” he says. “There were so many decisions to make. It was exhausting, both emotionally and physically.”

After much thought and consideration of the counsel from his doctors, Bruce elected to have surgery to remove his prostate. Unfortunately, Bruce once again found himself in the unlucky minority of those who receive the treatment. “Usually the prostatectomy is successful… you’re cancer free,” he says. “I was one of the small ten percent, perhaps, of patients who have their prostate removed that have the cancer come back… Within the year, it had come roaring back.”

Staring down the barrel of yet another devastating diagnosis, Bruce found himself where he started, researching his options for treatment, ready for the fight of his life.

To hear the next chapter in Bruce’s battle with cancer, listen to the full Insights podcast below.

Tangled up in Tort Reform

Story by Drew Hamilton

A relatively unknown Tennessee law has a stranglehold on citizens facing some of their darkest days.

For many years, Tennessee courts did not put a limit on compensation awarded to those seeking non-economic damages from offending parties or the insurance companies that represent them in the event of injury or death from negligence, medical malpractice, or other such cases. With the passing of tort reform in 2011, a cap was introduced that limits payouts to those seeking monetary relief. Bruce Fox sat down with Cityview to discuss how detrimental this law is to Tennesseans and the possibility of overturning it.

Imagine that you are struck by a delivery truck while the driver of that truck was sending a text message. Because of that driver’s negligence, you are horribly injured. When you finally have your day in court, a jury of your peers finds that you are entitled to $5 million in compensation for pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, et cetera. As they leave the courthouse and get into their cars, they feel that they’ve rendered a fair verdict. What they don’t know is that you will actually be receiving far less.

Because of tort reform, the judge will then inform both parties in the court room that it is his duty under the law to reduce that award from $5 million to $750,000, the maximum amount of compensation to which you are entitled. In the blink of an eye, your life is forever changed.

How does something like this happen? “Number one, the public wasn’t aware of it,” Bruce explains. “Number two … that can’t-happen-to-me attitude that we all have.”

In addition, many times lawmakers are not aware of or don’t understand the implications of what they’re actually placing into law. This, coupled with the influence of lobbyists, has consequences that come at the detriment of the public at large.

Where do we go from here? Unfortunately, there is very little recourse for most citizens. However, there is the possibility that the Tennessee Supreme Court will find the law unconstitutional. The Seventh Amendment of the Bill of Rights protects your right to a trial by jury, and also protects the findings of that jury. Tort reform flies in the face of this by stripping the jury of its weight in these types of civil cases. In the end, the only winners are the insurance companies who have managed to weasel their way out of paying their fair share.

Luckily, there is a glimmer of hope on the horizon. On September 4 of this year, the Tennessee Supreme Court heard oral arguments in the case of McClay v. Airport Management Services Inc. “If the Supreme Court rules that the legislation that was passed is unconstitutional and that the law of this state means you cannot cap damages for non-economic loss, then that would be the law of the land,” says Bruce.

As the fate of tort reform is determined in the coming months, let this be a lesson in the importance of an informed citizenry. May we be forever vigilant against those who have no investment in our well-being. Instead, let us actively voice our concerns to our representatives. It’s hard to represent a silent constituency.

Priceless

Story by Nathan Sparks

The weather is near perfect as we leave the marina. Guide Eric Haataja has the boat fueled up and loaded with rods. In the giant body of water that is Lake Michigan, I wonder just how you pinpoint exactly where to fish. “It’s all about the water temp,” says Eric. We are looking for 57 degrees, and sure enough he leads us right to those conditions. Trolling 7-9 rods behind a relatively small boat is nothing short of an art form, and as we troll along I am mesmerized

by the excited anticipation that I see in my son’s eyes. So it was no surprise when the drag started singing that he was instantly up and to the rod. I think the fight was more than he expected and nerve racking to say the least, but the satisfaction of seeing him holding up that huge salmon was amazing.

It is so important in the growth of our children to help them experience the real world. To get outside and see the beauty of nature is a gift, but sharing this gift with the ones we love is what makes the experience priceless. Take the time to make a memory.

Farm-to-Table Treat

Story by N. Brooks Clark

In its 100-year history, the two-story red brick building on High Street in Maryville has been a hotel, bawdy house, laundromat, and market. Thanks to cattlemen Jim Simpson and Jason Parkerson, it now houses Walnut Kitchen and WK Butcher retail shop, offering hormone- and antibiotic-free beef and pork raised on local farms, dressed and dry-aged in an upstairs room, then trimmed by in-house butcher Ashley Gaylor.

Gaylor got his start at 8 years old in the meat department at a market owned by his great-grandfather, local icon Cas Walker. He worked for 17 years at Butler & Bailey Market in Rocky Hill and two years at Southern Natural Farms processing plant in Lexington, Tennessee, from which Simpson and Parkerson supply some 20 regional restaurants. They started Walnut Kitchen to supply a restaurant of their own, dedicated to seasonal and local farm products. “We try to keep everything as close to home as possible,” says PR director Melissa Brinley.

With large windows and tall ceilings, the main dining area is bright and airy. The walls – of brick, interspersed with distressed plaster over cinderblock – dampen the noise level to allow private conversation. A long, open bar is backed by shelves displaying a collection of over one hundred and fifty whiskies and other spirits from which the WK mixologist can whip up a variety of craft cocktails. The Walnut Old Fashioned with muddled Luxardo and Orange and the Ramblin’ Rose with grapefruit-infused vodka, ginger, and lime are not to be missed. Ranch-style wrought iron ceiling lighting gives a farm atmosphere that is accentuated by a wall of walnut stumps from a fallen tree, reclaimed barn wood surrounding the upstairs office wall, a scythe mounted on one wall, and a wine rack crafted from a re-purposed chicken coop. The wine selection is impressive, as is the list of over fifty craft beers. There are five areas which diners can choose from—the main open area near the bar, the “butcher room,” a private dining room which seats 14, the rooftop patio, and the “kitchen room” where guests can see the chef at work from tables or sit at the bar for a real immersive experience. The Butcher Room is decorated with portraits of folks famous to the regional food scene: Joe Love of Richy Crème donut fame, Lena Edison owner of the 411 Restaurant, Steve McNeilly of Walland and Blackberry Farm, and others. It’s a testament to those who came before and a touching note of gratitude for our shared history. Speaking of the kitchen bar, there is a weekend “Tasting Menu” with food and wine parings chosen by the chef—call for reservations–it is not to be missed.

The Walnut Kitchen staff welcomes diners with a smile and hello. “The back of the house and front of the house, we all get along,” says waiter Wesley Gosselin. “They want us to be a family and we very much are one. I am a foodie. We take it very seriously to try and make sure we know what goes into all the dishes and how everything is prepared.” Our food arrived at just the right time, and Wesley had that magic tough of always seeming to be there when we needed him.

With his robust frame and enthusiastic smile, Executive Chef Alex Gass reminded us of Emeril Lagasse as he darted about the open kitchen. He cooked at Bistro by the Tracks then as a private chef on the road with stars like Elton John, Van Halen, and Widespread Panic.

The farm-to-table experience begins with a heavenly fried okra in corndog breading served with Benton’s bacon ranch dressing, hot sauce, and chives. Believe us, you haven’t had fried okra quite like this. The local cheese plate features Coppinger with a vegetable ash, Cumberland from Sequatchie Cove Creamery, and sheep’s milk Brebis served with house-made white peach jam and grilled Tellico Grains Bakery sourdough. The Butcher Block has house-cured summer sausage, homemade bratwurst, home pickled vegetables, pimiento cheese, mustard, and house specialties—grit chips and a savory onion jam. If you love the heft of grits and the crunch of a chip, you’ll love these. Gass presses prepared grits, chills and slices them into triangles, then deep-fries them—the result is pure bliss.

This is one of the few places in the area where you can find rack of lamb, and perhaps the only place (that we know of) currently serving wild boar. In addition to the perfectly-done lamb with a wonderful wood char finish, we also tried the filet. It is in the filet that you taste the difference in locally raised and perfectly-aged beef. Tender and flavorful, it was a delight. The Gulf Grouper is a delectable and summery dish, served with farro, pickled fennel, pecans, and orange. We are duck fanatics, and the duck breast, with a delicate thyme polenta, shallots, and oyster mushrooms, was a poem. A surprise off-the-menu treat from Chef Gass was a dish of shrimp and grits, served in a creamy Tasso-style gravy that melted in our mouths. We need to confess that there was a bit of a tussle of who got to take the leftovers home!

As you would expect, the food is served in a simple, non-fussy style allowing the fresh aromas and colors of the season to shine through. The cast-iron pan of cornbread that accompanies every meal is delicious. In fact, a friend that stopped by our table said he was asking the kitchen to buy some to take home. Generously sized tables, and simple serving dishes put the spotlight where it should be—on the food.

Appetizers range from $10 to $18 and you could easily have a light weeknight meal with a glass of wine and a few of these selections. Neighborhood patrons can drop in for a $14 burger or $22 vegetable pasta in crème fraiche. Other entrees range from a hanger steak priced at $27 to the rack of lamb priced at $40.

Land, Sea, and Vine

Story by N. Brooks Clark

It can be a challenge keeping up with the many restaurants in the Homberg area, but the corner of Kingston Pike and Mohican is now the home of Harvest, right across from its cousin Nama Sushi Bar. “A neighborhood restaurant is just what we needed in the GBA—that is, the Greater Bearden Area,” says Hugh Nystrom, dining with his family after chairing a Knox County Commission meeting.

Harvest has the kind of local feeling to make it a regular favorite, whether for a glass of wine and small plate after work, to a business or family meal. The dining area has a large capacity without being cavernous, and the bar area set off behind a glass-topped wall offers a nice separation. The décor uses “hygge” lighting and modern artwork to create a welcoming mood. Tables line the large glass picture window overlooking the outdoor patio. This pleasant outdoor space is shaded by a slanted roof and set off from the road by a row of hedges.

“We emphasize gracious hospitality,” says Executive Chef Geoff Kenney. Our waitress, Ashley, was knowledgeable about not only the menu, but the extensive wine list and tempting signature cocktail selection as well. Hint: Don’t miss the Lavender Honey Bees Knees which includes Hendrick’s gin, lavender simple syrup, fresh honey and lemon juice, dried lavender, and a lemon wedge. Ashley somehow also seemed to materialize exactly when we needed her.

“You eat with your eyes first,” says Kenney, who won a national art award back at Lumberton (N.C.) Senior High School for a pencil drawing that was exhibited at the Corcoran Gallery in Washington, D.C. “We want to make things visually stunning before you taste them.” When the Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes arrive atop their bed of roasted corn and green tomato relish, it makes an impression. This small plate, like the Fried Green Tomato Napoleon with crab, shrimp, and bacon succotash and beurre blanc, tastes as good as it looks.

After graduating from UNC Wilmington with a degree in political science and government, Kenney continued living the beach lifestyle, starting his culinary career at Wilmington’s Port Land Grille, where he gained an appreciation for progressive American and seasonal cuisine: “In season, things are going to taste much better.” In his 12 years in Knoxville, he has been a chef at Nama Sushi Bar, Cru Bistro and Wine Bar, and Shuck Raw Bar before launching Harvest this summer. The “harvest” concept is centered on a menu that coincides with the change of harvest seasons and the use of locally sourced ingredients. The excellent variety of openers, small plates, and salads can accommodate those who want lighter fare. The raw and chilled seafood list includes Blue Point Oysters on the half shell, as well as a lively and irresistible Crudo—tuna, cut thin, topped with grapefruit and jalapeno.

Honestly, it was hard to tear ourselves away from these Small and Petite Plates, and we vowed to return for an “all small plate” celebration. Beef entrees include smoked prime rib, filet mignon, and a “Cast Iron” New York Strip, along with choices of classic steakhouse-style accompaniments of shrimp, lobster, truffle butter, or blue cheese. These are served with Yukon Gold potato puree or asparagus. For the truly sinful, go ahead and add the Truffle Parmesan Pommes Frites and be prepared to guard them from your tablemates.

We usually can’t resist a tasty dish of shrimp and grits when it features Benton’s bacon, but Harvest’s Grilled Steelhead Salmon spoke to us. Served with brussel sprouts, golden beets, and a sweet-tangy preserved lemon relish, it was the perfect combination of delicate and robust flavors. Pastas, grilled eggplant, salads, and the house burger round out the menu and offer some good plant-based choices.

We’re always on the hunt for a new brunch spot for the crew, and with everything from aged steaks, to tons of salad, vegan, and pasta choices, the brunch menu at Harvest is sure to please everyone. Harvest is open on Saturdays and Sundays so you will have plenty of time with the Bees Knees. With seafood starters and smaller dishes in the $12 to $15 range and meat and seafood entrees from $25 to $30, Harvest prices its fine dining in the range of a neighborhood option.

Delectable Donuts

Story by Drew Hamilton

As the holiday season closes in, many of us find our sweet tooth kicking into overdrive. With so many options, it’s always comforting to fall back on a great American staple, the donut. Simple in its conception, the challenge lies in its execution. However, when done right, this simple fried treat just hits the spot. Whether you prefer cake or yeast style, you’ll leave satisfied. Here are six hot spots where you can get your fix.

Established in the town of Duck, NC, the Knoxville location opened in 2017. Offering a wide range of toppings, the shop prides itself on making each donut to order to ensure the freshest product possible. For those who like to pair their sweets with a touch of savory, the Maple Bacon donut is not to be missed.

6104 Kingston Pike, Knoxville 37919 (865) 236-1393 |duckdonuts.com

As you approach Pop’s slick, modern storefront, bursts of color dot the inside of the large glass cases. Inside is a large selection of offerings that have garnered quite the loyal fan base. Nestled in Rocky Hill, the shop is always experimenting with new flavor combinations to keep their guests guessing what will come next.

7699 S. Northshore Drive, Knoxville 37919 (865) 770-4710 |popsdonuts.com

There’s a reason that Krispy Kreme has stood the test of time. With humble beginnings in Winston-Salem, NC, these iconic donuts are now available all over the world. For the full experience, grab an Original Glazed while the red “Hot and Ready” sign is flashing.

6201 Kingston Pike, 1710 Cumberland Avenue, 4842 N. Broadway |krispykreme.com

Since opening the doors to their flagship location in spring of 2017, the folks at Status Dough have been incredibly busy… and ambitious. With a focus on using only the best ingredients, customers have taken notice. This year, owners Jimmy and Karen Wooten, along with partner Joe Seiber, have opened not one, but two new locations with their newest branch appearing in Nashville.

6535 Kingston Pike | 418 Gay Street (865) 999-0988 | (865) 888-0997 statusdoughnuts.com

A Blount County treasure, Richy Kreme was founded in 1948 by Marion Richardson. Although Richardson has since passed, locals Bobby and Gena Davis purchased the building and business in 2017 to carry on his legacy. Following an expansion, the shop now boasts a dining area and coffee from Maryville’s Vienna Coffee.

2601 E. Broadway Avenue. Maryville (865) 983-2580 |richykreme.com

Yet another new donut shop on the scene, Beaver’s Dough-Joe brings their beloved treats to Karns. After honing his skills in his home state of Ohio, Ryan Wells returned to Tennessee to open Beaver’s with wife Melissa. Beyond donuts, be sure to try the apple fritter, a customer favorite.

7650 Oak Ridge Highway, 37931 (865) 253-7443 |beavers-dough-joe.business.site

Cirque Dream Holidaze

Story by Emily Stevens

Celebrate the holidays, Las Vegas-style.

Where can you find reindeer, gingerbread, and Santa performing to the tune of “Jingle Bell Rock”? Cirque Dreams Holidaze will light up the stage for two performances on December 3 and 4 at the Tennessee Theatre. The Boston Globe described it best as: “Las Vegas meets family entertainment.” The Broadway spectacular, directed by Cirque Dreams Founder Neil Goldberg, features exquisite talent in over 300 costumes, 20 astonishing acts, soaring acrobatics, and holiday scenes beloved by all ages. Tickets for the critically acclaimed show can be purchased throughtennesseetheatre.com.

Rocky Top Rising

Story by Emily Stevens

Heading into year two under Jeremy Pruitt, Vols fans can hope for improvement. At SEC Media Day 2019, Coach Pruitt said it has been a lot smoother the second time around and very positive. “I believe in Jarrett,” he says of junior quarterback Jarrett Guarantano. “He understands our expectations, and he’s been a tremendous leader.” Wes Rucker at 247Sports also predicts a big season for wide receivers Jauan Jennings, Marquez Callaway, and Josh Palmer.

While the predictions continue to roll in, fans can look forward to eight home games at Neyland Stadium, as well as a new menu item—beer. The Vols will face Georgia State at home on August 31st at 3:30 PM EST to kick off the season. To keep up with all things Tennessee Football, visitutsports.com.

The Knoxonomist

Story by Cityview

Dear Harriet: As surely as mischievous children become saints around Christmas, the Knoxonomist is besieged every holiday season with pleas for advice on dealing with vexatious houseguests. On occasion he has graciously responded, as he did last year when he advised a misanthropic homeowner to secretly move before the unwanted guests arrived. Generally, though, the Knoxonomist discards such pleas because he dislikes treading old ground, and readers have new and urgent problems requiring his assistance.

And so, Harriet, I imagine you can understand that the Knoxonomist was on the verge of tossing your missive in favor of one asking whether it was acceptable to have on the family roof eight inflatable reindeer pulling an inflatable Santa in his inflatable sleigh, or if there must be nine reindeer. The Knoxonomist had anticipated writing a mini-dissertation that would include learned discussion of Clement Clarke Moore’s 1893 poem “On the Night Before Christmas” and Johnny Marks’ version of “Rudolph the Red-Nose Reindeer,” made famous by Gene Autry in 1949. The question, of course, is whether Rudolph is de rigueur. As should be obvious, this is important.

But something about your question, Harriet, gave the Knoxonomist pause. You didn’t ask about how to get rid of unwanted guests or how to change their behavior. You asked about how to change your own attitude. That is indicative of a reflective mind, one that deserves a tip of the Knoxonomist’s hat. In addition, you used both the words “bacchanalia” and “Christmas.” You combined the pagan with the Christian, as many ancient souls have done. In essence, Harriet, you want a philosophic answer, and not a tactical one. The Knoxonomist will do his best.

First, the Knoxonomist will note that the term “saturnalia” is probably more apt than “bacchanalia.” The Roman Saturnalia, occurring in mid-December, honored the god Saturn, and was a time of riotous good cheer. Everything was topsy-turvy during Saturnalia– the masters served the slaves, the slaves back talked the masters, the low were brought high, and the high were brought low. There was prodigious feasting, drinking, dancing, singing; folks gave each other gifts, often jokey ones. According to the scandalous 1st Century B.C. poet Catullus, it was the “best of days.” It was the December holiday before Christmas began to be celebrated, and many of our Christmas customs come from the Saturnalia. The Roman Bacchanalia, while similarly freewheeling, was associated with the Dionysian mystery cults, and according to the Roman historian Livy, featured nocturnal drunken behavior, human sacrifices, and orgies, though Livy was probably being hyperbolic. Regardless. Harriet, since your concern is with the exuberant behavior of your children and your children’s children, the Knoxonomist is going to charitably assume that “bacchanalia” is not the term you meant.

Dear Knoxonomist: Every Christmas our kids, grandkids, and their dogs arrive at our house for what always turns out to be a full-fledged bacchanalia. The grandkids shake the walls with their rough housing and yelling, the parents drink too much, and the dogs yip and yap and chase their tails, sometimes leaving little puddles. My husband and I love our kids and grandkids and don’t want to ruin their fun, but we also don’t want to go nuts. What should we do? —Harriet from Holston Hills

Now to your question: how to achieve peace of mind without ruining the fun of your houseguests? The Knoxonomist has two points to offer for consideration, both designed to provide perspective. First, it could be far worse, and in fact, has been far worse, even here in Knoxville. In A Knoxville Christmas, a fun little book by local historian Jack Neely, there’s a chapter titled “The Saturnalia of 1893.” The Christmas celebration was particularly raucous that year: powerful fireworks were set off everywhere, two buildings caught fire, windows were shattered by “something like dynamite bombs,” ruffians terrified folks by rolling buggy wheels down the streets, and police were attacked when they tried to arrest the rowdiest. At any rate, by Christmas evening, “the intersection of Gay and Cumberland ‘looked like a back-lot trash pile’.” Neely notes that the day after one newspaper quipped, “The spirit of paganism was rampant yesterday.”

As raucous as your heathen family may be, Harriet, I doubt they are as destructive as participants of the 1893 Saturnalia, a fact for which you, your husband, your neighbors, and Knoxville itself can be grateful. If that is not enough, then I suggest reading Boethius’ The Consolation of Philosophy, written around 524 A.D. It too, like Christmas, is a combination of the pagan and the Christian, though the work wears the two influences lightly. Boethius was a Neo-Platonist and Christian who found comfort writing Consolation while unjustly imprisoned for treason against the Ostrogothic King Theodoric the Great; for that alleged crime, he was eventually executed. Even if Boethius’ ruminations on free will, virtue, justice, and the transitory nature of fame and glory don’t help you put your own woes in perspective, reading such an interesting book might help you ignore the fact that your youngest grandchild is writing “I luv u granny” on the living room wall with nail polish he stole off your cosmetic table.

Dear Frank: The Knoxonomist is thrilled that he can, in fact, respond to your question, but sadly, he must do so briefly. “Twas the Night Before Christmas,” written in 1832, gives us eight reindeer. “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” written in 1939, adds Rudolph to that number. The former wasn’t written for commercial gain; the second was written by an ad man for Montgomery Wards, which used it to entice zillions of customers into the department store. Because the Knoxonomist believes that Christmas is far too commercialized, he suggests you forget about Rudolph. However, Frank, since you’re actually contemplating sticking a kitschy, mass-produced, inflatable Santa scene on your roof, perhaps the commercialization of Christmas isn’t one of your concerns.

Dear Knoxonomist: Should I have eight or nine inflatable reindeer pulling an inflatable Santa in an inflatable sleigh on my rooftop? —Frank from Forest Heights

A Tennessee Tradition

Story by Richard Sparks

As the saying goes, “It’s football time in Tennessee!” Every home-game Saturday in Knoxville, the Pride of the Southland marching band electrifies Neyland Stadium by forming the big “T” that funnels the team onto the field in front of 100,000 cheering fans.

And leading the charge, howling as he bolts through the band ahead of the cheerleaders and rampaging players, is Smokey, the team’s Bluetick Coonhound mascot.

You almost have to see it, experience it, to get a sense of the ceremony. Smokey, charging through the T under the sight and sounds of fireworks exploding overhead. It doesn’t hurt to be a die-hard Vol fan either. But for any fan of collegiate sports it’s an exciting start to home football games at UT. During the game, Smokey’s familiar howl on the sidelines helps to keep fans charged up as they cheer for their beloved Tennessee Vols.

On some Saturdays, on the visiting sideline, the opposing team has its own mascot. Think of Auburn’s War Eagle, Baylor’s Bear, or Florida’s dull and dimwitted gator.

But why do teams like Tennessee, replete with the nation’s top talent and a wealth of fan support, have mascots that roam the sidelines? The term mascot originates from the French slang term “mascotte” which means “good luck talisman” or “sorcerer’s charm.” So, mascots were originally kept by sports teams because they were thought to bring good luck.

The first live animal mascot in college football is thought to be Yale’s “Handsome Dan,” a bulldog who debuted on the Yale sidelines in 1892. The University of Tennessee joined the live animal mascot movement in 1953 when a student poll convinced the Pep Club to hold a contest to select a mascot for the UT football team. It was decided before the contest that the mascot would be a Bluetick Coonhound. Nineteen different Blueticks were brought out at halftime of the Mississippi State game, and the winner was to be decided by the cheering of the crowd. A dog named “Blue Smokey” was the last to be introduced. When his name was announced, he howled and the crowd cheered, which made Blue Smokey howl even more, and so he was crowned as the first official animal mascot of the University of Tennessee.

There have been 10 Smokeys since 1953, including Blue Smokey. The first five Smokeys were all in the same bloodline. Other bloodlines were used for Smokeys VI through IX. The current mascot, Smokey X, is from a new 100 percent born and bred Tennessee bloodline that has an extremely good health history.

These 10 Smokeys have presided over eight SEC championships and two national championships. Smokey is so beloved by the UT faithful that after Smokey VI suffered heat exhaustion during the 1991 UCLA game and could not be on the sidelines for a few games, fans swamped the UT phone lines with calls inquiring about his condition. He was listed on the official injured reserve list for the team during his recovery, and a dog named “Woody” filled in for him until he was able to return to duty later in the season.

Over the years, several of the Smokeys have had some adventurous moments. Smokey II was dognapped by Kentucky fans posing as members of the UT Pep Club. It was a harmless prank, however, and Smokey was returned a few days later, after being draped in a Wildcats blanket and being “forced” to attend a Kentucky pep rally. In the following weeks, some inept Vanderbilt fans also tried to kidnap Smokey II but nabbed an old hunting dog by mistake. Smokey II also had a famous confrontation with the Baylor bear defending the honor of Tennessee during the 1957 Sugar Bowl where Smokey barked at the bear, and the bear took a couple of missed swipes at Smokey. Many years later, Smokey IX protected his home turf by taking a nip at an Alabama player during the pre-game warm-ups. Like a true Vol, Smokey is always ready for a challenge and to take a bite out of ‘Bama.

The Smokeys have been given numerous awards and accolades over the years. They have been featured in several television news segments and there was even a book written about their history. Sports Illustrated recently chose Smokey to be among the top 10 greatest mascots in college football history.

Here at home, the University of Tennessee has erected several statues of Smokey around the campus honoring his service. And just this year, the Governor signed a bill making the Bluetick Coonhound the official dog of the state of Tennessee.

Our current mascot, Smokey X, spends his time off the field living comfortably as a family pet with the Hudson family in north Knoxville. According to his official senior handlers, Chase Cardoza and Jesse Head, Smokey X lives a pampered life. He has a large fenced area to roam and access to the inside of the family home at night to sleep, to escape the weather, or just to check on his family.

Chase, Jesse, and the junior handlers attend to all of Smokey’s needs when he is fulfilling his official duties as a UT mascot-ambassador, chauffeuring him to the various events and functions where he represents the university. They describe Smokey X as an extremely well behaved dog, “one of the nicest dogs you could ever meet.” Still, they admit, he has his quirks.

He will stubbornly chase any bug that crosses his path and not settle down until the bug is caught or escapes. Then there’s the story of a handler who was eating a sandwich and who made the mistake of laying it down and looking away for just a moment, just long enough for Smokey to pounce on the sandwich and bolt it down. I say, “Go Smokey.”

Bluetick Coonhounds make good family pets, both Chase and Jesse agree on that. “Just make sure that your Coonhound gets plenty of exercise every day,” they advise.

With the great care provided by the Hudson family and his handlers, we can be sure that a Smokey will be prowling the sidelines and howling support of the orange and white for as long as there is Tennessee football. I am confident that I speak for the host family, the handlers, Smokey, and all UT fans when I end by saying, “Go Vols!”

Take Care When You Share

Story by Richard Sparks

Don’t let treats injure your canine pal

The human-animal bond brings great joy and comfort to both owner and pet. One of the ways that we build this bond is by sharing food with our furry friends. But some foods that are perfectly safe for people can be harmful or even deadly to dogs.

Everyone loves chocolate, and dogs are no exception. Consequently, it is the most common foodstuff canines consume that results in illness. Chocolate, coffee, and tea contain caffeine, and other substances similar to caffeine, that cause overstimulation of the central nervous system, the heart, and other tissues in dogs. In severe cases, this can lead to fever, heart arrhythmias, seizure, coma, and even death. The darker the chocolate, the greater the risk to dogs. For example, a standard milk chocolate bar weighs about 1.5 ounces. A 25 pound dog could eat a single milk chocolate bar, and would likely experience relatively mild adverse effects. However, if the same dog ate 1.5 ounces of cocoa powder severe health consequences could result.

Another source of potential danger for dogs is the artificial sweetener xylitol. It is found in over 1900 products, the most familiar being sugar-free gum and candies. It is safe in people, and even prevents bacteria in the mouth from damaging tooth enamel. In dogs however, it causes increased insulin release, which can lead to severe low blood sugar, liver damage, and in extreme cases, death. Some sugar-free gums and candies can contain over a gram of xylitol per piece. In a 30 pound dog, mild effects can be seen with the intake of less than a gram, and very severe problems can occur with intakes approaching 5 grams.

Onions, garlic, leeks, and chives are common ingredients in many foods, and are often given to dogs, or sneakily obtained when the owner turns their back for a moment. They contain compounds known as organosulfoxides, which can cause canine red blood cells to burst. If enough of these vital cells are ruptured, your pet may require a blood transfusion in order to survive.

Other foods to avoid giving your dog include raw bread dough, avocados, moldy food, nutmeg, macadamia nuts, raw meat or raw fish, fatty foods, or anything containing caffeine or alcohol. Also, please do not give human medicines to your pets without the advice of a veterinarian. For example, a single regular-strength Tylenol can cause serious health problems in cats.

Sharing food with our companion animals brings great pleasure to both owner and pet and helps to strengthen the human-animal bond. By avoiding foods known to be dangerous for dogs, you can still enjoy this ritual together, and keep your best friend happy and healthy. If your pet does accidentally consume a dangerous food, please contact your veterinarian right away, as treatment in the first hour or so can sometimes be vital, and greatly increases the chances of a complete recovery.

J-Mac and the Law

Story by Gary Wade

Presented with opportunity, a disadvantaged student changes his entire trajectory with one high school basketball game.

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability as to any program or activity receiving federal assistance from the U.S. Department of Education. That basically includes all schools at every level. Delays in the adoption of essential regulations governing the scope of the Act resulted in the 1977 “504 Sit-In” by disability activists which pressured the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare to develop regulations strictly applying the new law. The Office of Civil Rights (OCR) has the responsibility of enforcement. Since the passage of the Act, thousands of complaints have been lodged with the OCR in the areas of primary, secondary, and higher education. Most of these inquires have to do with the identification of protected students, and how to develop appropriate accommodations to assist in their education.

The Act covers both physical and mental disabilities that “substantially limit one or more life activities.” Dyslexic students, those with learning disabilities, or those diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder are among the mental or “hidden disabilities” that qualify for relief under this legislation. Examples of accommodations under a 504 plan may include preferential seating, extended time on exams or assignments, visual or technology aids, verbal testing, reduced homework, or adjusted class schedules. Several years ago, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals held that a student may be entitled to damages under Section 504 if the school district violates the Act “intentionally or with deliberate indifference.” In the Hawaii case of Mary H. v. Hamamoto, the court ruled that the parents of two autistic students would be entitled to monetary relief if the school administration knew that the students required special educational services, but failed to afford accommodations.

Now, I want to tell you a story, one that would not likely have taken place absent Section 504. Does the nickname “J-Mac” sound familiar? J-Mac—short for Jason McElwain—is autistic. The movie Rain Man, co-starring Dustin Hoffman in the title role with Tom Cruise, provides an exaggerated mental picture of how autism affects so many families today.

In February of 2006, I was only half listening to the CBS evening news when, just before a commercial break, I heard the anchorman say, “And when we return, a report on a high school basketball game.” A high school basketball game that makes the evening news? My interest piqued, I waited through umpteen commercials before the newscast continued. It seems that on “Senior Night” at the Athena Greece High School in Rochester, New York, Coach Jim Johnson had decided to allow J-Mac to “dress out” for the season’s home final. A student by the name of Marcus Luciano was assigned to videotape the game. J-Mac, who had been diagnosed with autism at the age of two and had been afforded special education classes throughout his school years, had served as a team manager for three years. He had a special interest in all sports, but particularly in basketball. Among many duties, managers wash socks, fold uniforms, sweep the floor, and clean up after practice. J-Mac’s typical reward was that he could shoot baskets during some of the practices with the “real” players on the team. While sometimes distant to their chatter and often oblivious to efforts at humorous conversation, J-Mac’s social skills had improved over the years as he progressed through the public school system. Moreover, he developed a pretty good outside shot during his after-practice sessions.

On that special night, with four minutes to play and his team well in the lead, Coach Johnson called on J-Mac to enter the game. The home crowd, which included many of his classmates, stood and cheered as he ran onto the floor. In the meantime, Coach Johnson had instructed J-Mac to shoot if he got the ball, and his team’s players offered their full cooperation. On J-Mac’s first try, he missed everything—an “air ball.” He had a better look on his second attempt, but still missed. After another change of possession and with the encouragement of his teammates, J-Mac then launched a three-pointer from thirty feet…“nothing but net,” as John Ward, the legendary Tennessee Vol play-by-play announcer used to say.

J-Mac’s parents, tipped off by Coach Johnson that he might play in the game, were in attendance. Naturally, they were thrilled that their son got to play and had actually scored. But J-Mac was not “resting on his laurels.” He made another three-pointer and then another. Eventually, he scored three more baskets—all from 25 to 30 feet. As time ran out, J-Mac topped off his remarkable night with a standard two-point goal. In his four minutes of play, he had scored twenty points! Athena Greece won by a final score of 79 to 43. High school basketball fans know a game lasts only thirty-two minutes. In theory, had J-Mac played the whole game, he would have scored 160 points! When the game ended, the crowd rushed the floor to celebrate. Thrilled by what he had witnessed, teacher Andy McCormack, J-Mac’s speech pathologist, took Luciano’s videotape to the local television station, which passed it on to the network.

After its newscast, CBS got more calls and e-mails about this story than any other in their long history. So, they ran the clip a second time on the following night, garnering even more viewers than the night before. The miracle in Rochester! J-Mac had become a national hero! But there are other heroes in this story too. Coach Johnson had chosen to offer the managerial job to J-Mac despite his obvious disability. Few coaches would have likely done so, much less have allowed him the opportunity to “dress out,” play in a game, or shoot the ball. Clearly, Johnson saw something in this young man. Luciano received credit for supplying the videotape. McCormack, who had taught J-Mac to improve his language skills, made sure the story reached a national stage. The school was rewarded by the recognition given to their “star” student. President George W. Bush greets Greece Athena High School senior, Jason McElwain and McElwain’s mother, Debbie, upon arriving in Rochester, New York Tuesday, March 14, 2006. After serving as the team’s manager McElwain, who is autistic, was called on to play during the team’s last game of the season. McElwain became a local hero after he sank six 3-point shots during the last moments of his first ever varsity basketball game. White House photo by Kimberlee Hewitt

In the month following the end of the season, President George W. Bush flew into New York to meet the young celebrity. In the very year his Indianapolis team eventually won the Super Bowl, Peyton Manning invited J-Mac to the Colts’ training camp for a week. Several months after the broadcast, J-Mac won an ESPY Award for the year’s Best Sports Moment. His inspirational acceptance speech captured the attention of a national television audience. J-Mac’s book, The Game of My Life, consisting of 243 pages and including excerpts written by his coach, his family, and his teammates, was published in 2008. A year later, he appeared in a Super Bowl commercial. By then, Columbia Pictures had purchased film rights to the story.

Today, J-Mac runs marathons, accepts speaking engagements, and works full time at a market in Greece, New York. In 2014, he qualified for the Boston Marathon, completing over 26 miles in a remarkable time of less than three hours.

Stories like J-Mac’s are a testament to the importance of provisions like Section 504. They foster opportunities that might otherwise be lost to people who require different considerations. They let people like J-Mac reach their full potential, and that’s a win for all of us.

The Legacy of the Passenger Pigeon

Story by Gary Wade

Once upon a time…there were more passenger pigeons in the world than any other bird species. Some experts estimated the total population at between three and five billion when Europeans discovered the Americas. In 1813, French-American naturalist John James Audubon described a mile-wide flock of migrating passenger pigeons as “traveling at speeds of sixty miles an hour and blocking the sun for three days as they passed overhead.” Native American author Simon Pokagon wrote, “Never have my astonishment, wonder, and admiration been so stirred as when I witnessed these birds drop from their course like meteors from heaven.” Their colors were equally impressive. The head and upper parts of the 16 ½-inch male pigeon were a bluish gray with black streaks on the scapulars and wing coverts; patches of pinkish iridescence at the sides of the throat changed in color to a metallic bronze, green, and purple at the back of the neck; the lower throat and breast were a soft rose, gradually shading downward to white; the irises were bright red, the bill black, and the feet and legs were a rust color.

The southeastern states, and notably the mountains of East Tennessee, served as winter homes for the species. The Pigeon River, which flows through Cocke County, and Sevier County’s Little Pigeon River, both tributaries of the French Broad, were named by the Cherokees for the passenger pigeons which roosted along their banks. Pigeon Forge, best known now as the home of Dollywood, adopted its name from the passenger pigeons gathering at the 1817 Isaac Love “forge,” which once stood next to where the Old Mill is today. Middle and West Tennessee also served as homes for the pigeons. W.R. Manlove of Nashville described a flight he saw in the last half of the 19th century: “The column [of passenger pigeons] was so wide, it reached... a distance of a mile, and so dense as to darken the sun, so that we had to light lamps in the house... The swishing of their wings... was like... a mighty rushing wind.”

Unlike the domesticated carrier pigeon, the passenger pigeon qualified as wild game, suitable as an important source of protein. After the Civil War, however, the extension of railroads and the telegraph system signaled trouble for the species. Professional sportsmen learned of their new nestings and followed the flocks throughout our continent. A shooting contest lasting only a few hours resulted in the deaths of over 30,000 of the pigeons. In Petoskey, Michigan, hunters killed 50,000 birds a day at a single nesting site for almost five months. The harvesting of the birds as a food source filled barrels which, in turn, were shipped throughout the country on a commercial basis. A dozen birds could be acquired for 50 cents.

Unfortunately, the pigeon also served as an irritant to farmers. Although the birds’ diet included beechnuts, chestnuts, acorns, and berries, the crops in the fields were not immune from assault by the migrating pigeons. A single shotgun blast from a protective farmer could kill handfuls of the birds. Nevertheless, by 1871, naturalists still estimated the population at over a billion. Twenty-five years later, however, the passenger pigeon had almost disappeared. In March of 1990 in Pike County, Ohio, a boy named Press Clay Southworth shot a female with a BB gun. Because an amateur taxidermist used buttons to serve as eyes, the mounted bird was naturally called “Buttons.” This was the last hunting victim of the purge. In 1914, a female named Martha, the last of her species, died at the Cincinnati Zoo. At the age of 29 years, she had not once in her lifetime laid a fertilized egg.

At the beginning of the 20th century, Congress passed legislation restricting the interstate commerce in wild game. It was too little too late to save the passenger pigeon. Their complete disappearance, however, and the near extinction of the bison, both inhabitants of Southern Appalachia, instigated a major conservation movement. Anthropologist George Grinnell and ornithologist Joel Allen were early leaders in the effort. The whooping crane, reduced to a population of 16 at one point, certain whale species, and of course, the bald eagle were among the species to receive legislative protection. 1966 federal legislation, the predecessor to the Endangered Species Act (ESA), identified 14 mammals, 6 reptiles and amphibians, 36 birds, and 22 fish as deserving of protection. The design of the ESA, signed into law by President Richard Nixon on December 28, 1973, has been to identify and protect critically imperiled species from extinction. More specifically, the law has prevented the destruction of the habitats of endangered and threatened wildlife.

Although conservationists and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and the National Marine Fisheries Service, the federal agencies which administer the ESA, continue to litigate in the courts over enforcement issues, species which have benefited by the legislation include the peregrine falcon, the red and gray wolves, the grizzly bear, and the sea otter. The whooping crane has increased to 436. The bald eagle, increasing from a low of 417 pairs to over 11,000 by 2007, has been removed altogether from the endangered list. Over the last thirty years, the introduction of the peregrine falcon into the Smokies has been successful, but not so with the red wolf. The wolves wandered outside of the Park boundaries for food, often at the expense of local farmers. An outbreak of parvovirus, a contagious disease affecting canines, put an end to the local experiment.

The story of the passenger pigeon may not, after all, be at an end. When extinction was inevitable, the Smithsonian Institute preserved a number of passenger pigeons. The Science Center at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has a beautifully restored full mount. Artist Robert Tino painted an original years ago at the request of the Park’s Tremont Institute, an organization dedicated to environmental education. There are other collections. Some thirty years ago, a boy named Ben Jo Novak discovered a photograph of the passenger pigeon at the North Dakota State Fair. His glimpse of “the most beautiful bird I have ever seen,” served as an inspiration to study science. Novak, now a scientist with the organization Revive and Restore, is leading a “de-extinction” initiative called the “Great Passenger Pigeon Comeback.” By the use of DNA extracted from museum specimens, he intends to recreate the species. The primary goal of the ESA has been to prevent the extinction of important plant and animal life. Should the legislation be interpreted to encompass de-extinction, the FWS could be a full partner in the effort. If the plan achieves success, may the gracefully resplendent passenger pigeon live happily ever after!

First… Save all the Lawyers

Story by Robert Pryor, Sr.

A tip of the hat to those who stand at the gate, guarding the rule of law.

The most often quoted words from the pen of William Shakespeare appear in part 2 of his history play, Henry VI. In scene 2, the character, Jack Cade, a rebel and former officer of Richard, 3rd Duke of York, stages a revolt in order to ascertain if the common people would support York in his anticipated claim to overthrow the king. In the planning of the rebellion, Cade and his henchmen sought to create chaos and disorder as a threat to the social order. In challenging the government order and creating tyranny, the number one obstacle, obviously, would be the prevailing rule of law. Dick, the butcher, realized this fact when he suggested that if the rebellion was to be successful:

“The first thing we do, let’s kill all the lawyers.”

Believing that Shakespeare was railing against lawyers, the quote is commonly cited to mock the legal profession or to express frustration with the complexity of the law and its interpretation by the courts. Actually, Shakespeare was praising and paying respect to lawyers because of their devotion to the rule of law and an orderly society. The remark of the butcher served as comic relief in response to a boasting Jack Cade, for only lawyers would stand against a tyrannous disregard of human rights. Although most people give little thought to the role of lawyers in society, their sworn obligation is not only to skillfully represent their clients in legal matters, but also they have a responsibility to society as a whole to obey and defend the constitutions of the United States and the state where they practice and serve and protect the administration of justice. My personal legal heroes have well served the legal profession in Knoxville and in Tennessee and have proven themselves to be outstanding advocates for the rights of their clients. However, importantly, each has fulfilled their duties to the Constitution and to the administration of justice by standing guard at the gates of justice to protect the rule of law that we all might live free and unthreatened by attacks on our government institutions.

Last February, I was reminded of the importance of the legal profession in sustaining a free and orderly society when I attended the Golden Gala sponsored by the Knoxville Bar Association honoring members of the bar who have practiced law for 50 years or more. As I moved about the crowd, I saw many old friends whom I have admired and respected over my years of private practice. Among those being honored were some of my special favorites:

Bernard Bernstein—Bernie founded his firm in 1959 and has represented his individual and business clients in litigation matters, commercial law disputes, real estate matters, and domestic relations cases. He has distinguished himself over the years as a champion of individual rights and has frequently been involved in constitutional issues and the pursuit of civil rights. He has been a community leader for over 60 years. As a business major at U. T., I visited federal court to hear him argue a constitutional case and that experience was instrumental in leading me to law school.

Robert Campbell—Bob Campbell was assigned to mentor me when I was admitted to the Tennessee Bar. He is known and respected throughout the legal community of Tennessee and beyond as an outstanding litigator and defender of national and international clients. Bob has practiced law in Knoxville since 1956. He has been a respected leader, both within the Bar and in the community. Bob knows the law that keeps us a free people and has spent his career maintaining accountability to it.

Louis Woolf—One of the greatest advocates ever produced by the Knoxville Bar and the University of Tennessee College of Law is Lou Woolf. Lou’s practice has been nationwide in scope and focused on litigation involving matters of products liability and environmental law. Although we were often on opposite sides of cases, we have remained friends for over 50 years.

Sidney Gilreath—A top advocate for catastrophically injured clients. Sid has been a true spokesman for the rights of the individual against business and insurance interests. Sid and I practiced together for several years back in the 70’s, and for many years he has been one of our very best courtroom advocates.

Lewis Hagood—A kind and gentle man who has served both labor and business in protecting rights related to employment law. More recently, Lewis has served the bar as a mediator in resolving conflicts between parties. Lewis is a true professional and is admired as such throughout the Bar and the Knoxville community.

Arthur Seymour, Jr.—Arthur was my close friend and law school classmate. He was a masterful representative for people appearing before our Knoxville and Knox County governments. He specialized in fighting the arbitrary exercise of power. Arthur passed away last March shortly after being honored for 50 years of law practice and will be remembered throughout our community as a dapper friend to all.

Richard Hollow—Rick was one of my law instructors when I attended the University of Tennessee College of Law and over the years became Knoxville’s voice for freedom of the press and the public’s right to know. Rick is an authority on matters of invasion of privacy and defamation of character. You can bet he has spent many hours guarding the gates of justice and promoting an orderly and well informed community.

Judge Wheeler Rosenbalm—Judge Rosenbalm taught for many years at the University of Tennessee College of Law, practiced privately for 23 years, and served as Circuit Court Judge of Knox County, Division III. He taught me civil procedure in law school, and I used it for 22 years in his court. The rule of law never had a better friend.

Joseph J. Levitt, Jr.—A solo practitioner for over 50 years, Joe is a constant student of the law. He has represented and protected the constitutional rights of hundreds of citizens accused of crime. Joe is an independent thinker who has devoted his career to protecting the rights of the individual against the establishment.

The Honorable Charles D. Susano, Jr.—Judge Susano practiced general law in Knoxville for 30 years before his appointment to the Tennessee Court of Appeals in 1994. A friend to all lawyers, Judge Susano was the 2017 recipient of the Outstanding Judicial Service Award for extraordinary devotion and dedication to the improvement of the law, our legal system, and the administration of justice. Bingo. I think we’ve found the chief gatekeeper. Today, we share a world where our democracy is under attack and chaos and disorder are seemingly intentionally produced. The rule of law is disrespected in the highest halls of government and, like Jack Cade’s rebellion, there is a direct threat to social order. For the first time in my life, I feel that our democracy is being threatened from the top and disassembled before our eyes. We are blessed that we have so many lawyers and judges like my friends mentioned above who stand guard at the gate. They have and will continue to protect us against the threats of tyranny just as Shakespeare understood and predicted. Let’s salute our lawyers and the rule of law they protect.

Wild Things

Story by Robert Pryor, Sr.

I’ll be the first to admit that I am not a naturalist. I have little interest in wild things, and every time I encounter a wild animal, it proves disastrous. I have never spent time in the woods or hiking in the mountains. To me, snakes, spiders, and bears are behind every tree or hiding in the rocks just waiting on me to pass by.

When I was young, no one took me fishing. Come to think of it, I’ve never really fished now that I’ve become an adult. Rivers and lakes hold no magic for me. They are just an opportunity for me to fall overboard and suffer a shark bite. Now, I do not think of myself as a coward so much as inexperienced in the ways of nature.

As a young man, my relationship with wild animals was permanently jinxed by a hunting trip I took with a neighbor friend who insisted that we visit House Mountain to hunt for fox squirrels. I had no idea what a fox squirrel was, but assumed it was one-half fox and one-half squirrel and probably capable of killing me. My friend assured me that they are rare, red, and quite large. At dawn one early summer day, I found myself alone sitting at the base of a tree on the side of an East Knoxville ridge hoping I would encounter absolutely nothing, especially a fox with a squirrel’s tail. Suddenly, as I half slept at the base of the tree, I heard a scream above and jumped up and shot into the air in self-defense without aiming. A red squirrel fell at my feet. I refused to touch it, but hours later when my friend showed up from his post, he assured me that it was a trophy kill. He insisted it should be stuffed, so off to the taxidermist we went. Do you have any idea what it costs to stuff a squirrel? That stuffed squirrel became a part of my family home where my mother hated it, and later a part of my married home where my wife hated it. Finally, my wife threw it out when she cleaned out the attic. I remember it was like a stuffed red rat.

Throughout my life, I have tried to steer clear of wild animals. Of course, there have been a few exceptions like the bear in a cage next to the souvenir shop on Lookout Mountain. Norma and I were returning from our honeymoon, and it had been raining all day. What do I know about bears? This large, fat black bear was wet and muddy. I approached the cage to demonstrate my bravery when the bear coiled up and shook causing my khakis and white shirt to be dotted with mud. Even my face was covered with mud polka dots. Norma reminded me of that just the other day.

And then there was the time the iguana trapped me on an island in the Bahamas. It was a small island, and I had followed a path to the end and then turned around to retrace my steps to rejoin a group of tourists when suddenly there he was. An iguana is a scary looking animal, and although I don’t know much about them, I’m sure that he was capable of biting off my foot or causing me to die in the jungle from a poisonous bite with no chance for an antidote. Anyway, we stared each other down for about an hour or more. Jungle on my left, jungle on my right, and the killer iguana blocking my only way back to civilization. The blockage finally ended when the man-eater moved on from pure boredom.

Oh, yes, I must tell you about the snake incident. I encountered a long black snake in the driveway behind our house and felt, for some unknown reason, I was duty-bound to kill it since I was the lord of the property. With no weapon at my disposal, I grabbed a hatchet, or maybe it was an axe with a short handle, and I chased the snake up the driveway. Just before it escaped into the bushes, I threw the axe directly at the snake’s head and missed by about 30 feet. I had no idea an axe would fly so unpredictably and so uncontrollably away from its target. Unfortunately, my wife and daughter were watching my sad efforts from the window and laughed hysterically as I ran away to save myself from the slimy intruder. I hear we’ve finally got an axe-throwing beer hall opening in Knoxville. I must go and take some lessons.

My most recent wildlife challenge involves a family of skunks that moved into our yard, and I’m afraid they will spray my dog, or worse, me. A few years ago, our dog, Molly, became pals with a skunk, and it sprayed her. We couldn’t get the odor off of her for months. These skunks have got to go. There were at least three–one very large and two smaller–grazing over the backyard every night at dusk and every morning early at sunrise. I alerted my neighbor who has dogs and children who play in the backyard.

Finally, I decided to call Knox County Animal Control. It sounded like a reasonable place to get help– “control” of “animals.” Good idea, but they don’t do skunks. The lady was nice but said that Knox County would not help me, and she suggested that I get a gun and kill the skunks. Me? Get a gun and kill a family of skunks? I told her that sounded like something dangerous and asked her if it would be okay if I used a short-handled

axe. She made it clear that I had a right to kill the skunks, but she did not know who she was talking to. While, as a lawyer, I have a deep interest in human rights, that’s one right in which I have no interest. My overriding concern at the time was that if I shot a skunk, would it have time to spray its last spray in the dying process? I wonder how many animal families she’s shot and killed? She suggested I call the TWRA.

As I dialed the phone, I imagined red lights flashing and our yard full of Tennessee Wildlife officers swarming with nets and cages. But, no. TWRA does not have jurisdiction to remove skunks from my property. I asked if they could remove a bear, and she said “yes” and gave the number of a skunk trapper. Well, the trapper showed up at my house with a truck full of, you guessed it, traps. I could tell this guy knew what he was doing because he began to roam my yard looking for trails that might have been used by skunks as they grub around for food. “Grub,” that’s a new word he taught me as I walked close behind him. He began to unload traps from his truck and place them strategically around my bushes and trees before I could ask what all this was going to cost. I inquired why it was necessary for me to hire him when the TWRA would come and get a bear, but not a skunk, for free. He explained that if I had described the skunks as walking in circles even the county would probably come to pick them up thinking them to be a public health risk. So, in case you ever have this problem, the trick to get help with a varmint is to report that the varmint is engaged in behavior that would suggest a public health risk. I told the trapper to hold on and let me go back in the house and phone the TWRA and report that the skunks were smoking cigarettes as they grubbed around my yard, and the secondhand smoke was becoming a problem.

The next day the skunk trapper returned and carried away a large mother skunk and what he called a “juvenile” skunk. Apparently, the young one was delinquent because he was carrying a switch blade knife. I explained to Mike (now, after his catch, we are on a first name basis) that my wife did not want the skunks killed. She wanted them released as a family so they could stay and live together, and if more were caught, that they be released to the same location. He asked if I had any preference on where the skunks would be released, and I told him I would pay extra if he would take them to Washington, D. C. His quick reply was that Washington already had enough skunks.

As you might imagine, that’s not the end of my wildlife story. Mike returned the next day and found two traps occupied by raccoons. On the third day, I saw the other juvenile skunk strolling around the yard at daybreak, and a possum was discovered in one of the traps. What is it about me that keeps attracting all these wild animals? They’re ruining my life and costing me a lot of money. By the way, raccoons and possums cannot be removed from your property if they are healthy and do not create a public hazard or health risk. Both the raccoons and the possum were released and were apparently intending to be permanent residents of our yard. Consequently, I went to Weigel’s and bought two packs of cigarettes for the raccoons and one pack for the possum and three Bic lighters.

I told him I would pay extra if he would take them to Washington, D.C.

East Tennessee Advantage

Story by Susan Alexander

When it comes to breast cancer detection and treatment, Knoxville outpaces many cities many times larger. At two centers in the Dowell Springs medical complex off Middlebrook Pike, cutting edge technology offers assurance that a diagnosis need not be a death sentence.

Of primary importance in combatting breast cancer is an annual screening, says Dr. Kamilia Kozlowski, who founded the Knoxville Comprehensive Breast Center in 1983.

“The biggest risk factors for breast cancer are being a woman and getting older. So the best thing is to start screening at age 40 and to screen yearly with mammography. Know your breast type – if you have a dense mammographic pattern, have additional imaging, such as a breast ultrasound,” she says.

“Long-term clinical trials have shown that, with yearly imaging, long-term survival rates increase by 64 percent for 10-year survival and 57 percent for 20-year survival.

“The average doubling time for a breast cancer is one year, so the proper timing for screening is annually.”

Here are some of the newest technologies available in Knoxville to help with detection and treatment.

Cone beam CT

Cone beam CT scans of the breast allow for true three-dimensional views of breast tissue without the discomfort of compression.

“We’re all familiar with CT scans of the body; we’ve had 3D imaging of the head, chest, and body since 1980, but not the breast because it was also going through the thorax,” Kozlowski says. “Cone beam CTs use a technique and technology that was devised about 1996, but KCBC is the first breast cancer treatment center in the U.S. to have an FDA-approved commercialized unit.”

Cone beam breast CTs with iodine contrast provide functional imaging that can determine if there’s activity in the breast that wouldn’t show up with mammography or ultrasound. It’s often used with women who have already been diagnosed with breast cancer or those at high risk. It’s also useful with patients with claustrophobia, pacemakers or metal implants who can’t have MRIs. An MRI can take 15 to 30 minutes, Kozlowski says, while cone beam CTs take about 10 seconds. It’s also less costly, she says.

Cryoablation

Cryoablation – or tumor freezing – is an option for patients with small, early-stage cancers. It is used to treat tumors that are less than 1.5 centimeters and is done in the office under local anesthesia. KCBC was part of the first cryoablation trial, and since then, Kozlowski says, the center has cryoablated more than 60 breast cancers over the last three years. So far, there have been no reoccurrences of cancer.

“It takes about 20 minutes, and some women go shopping afterward,” she says.

Kozlowski emphasizes that tumors must be early-stage and small for this treatment to be an option. “That’s why yearly breast imaging is so important.”

Reconstruction at the time of surgery

Surgical oncologist Dr. Danielle Duchini brings to KCBC the possibility of having cancer surgery and reconstructive procedures at the same time.

“Women can feel comfortable having a lumpectomy or even mastectomy and come out feeling whole,” Kozlowski says. New techniques allow the surgeon to enter the breast along a fold or plane where the scar is not seen. Sometimes both breasts are treated so they are even.

“The breasts look very similar to prior to surgery,” she says.

3-D mammography

KCBC installed its first 3-D mammography unit in August. The digital unit takes multiple images of the breast at different angles, allowing doctors to look at different sections and planes of the breast. Stitching those images together creates a “quasi-3-D image,” Kozlowski says. It is especially helpful for women with dense breast tissue, in which cancers can easily be overlooked.

“Cancer is seen as white on a mammogram, and dense breast tissue is white. Cancer can be missed 40 to 50 percent of the time. This is an extra tool to find these cancers.

“With everything we have now, we don’t have to die of this disease,” Kozlowski says. “We can live. We have women who still come in with such advanced breast cancers that our options are very limited. All you have to do is come in and have a yearly screening.”

For women under 40, Kozlowski recommends regular self-exams. “If you have a strong family history, you’ll want to have screening. If your mother was in her 40s when she had breast cancer, start screening in your 30s.

“Breast cancer is the number one cancer in women, but it is very treatable. You don’t have to think of being deformed. You can lead a happy life.”

Pencil beam proton therapy

Just across the parking lot from KCBC, Provision Healthcare of Knoxville is using targeted proton therapy to treat breast cancers. Since the center opened in 2014, it has evolved from offering uniform scanning to a pencil beam procedure that accurately pinpoints radiation delivery while avoiding healthy tissue.

This can be particularly important to breast cancer patients, says Dr. Ben Wilkinson, Provision’s medical director, especially when treatment involves the left breast or regional lymph nodes. Pencil beam proton therapy allows doctors to deliver radiation at the depth necessary to address cancer cells while sparing the heart and lungs.

“With pencil beam scanning we have the ability to pinpoint and deliver 5-millimeter spots of proton therapy in much the same way that a 3D printer works; we can spend more time on certain areas and less on others,” Wilkinson says.

“We also have an increased awareness of the importance of treating the lymph nodes, even if they look normal on an MRI or CT scan. They can include microscopic disease that, if left unaddressed, can be the source of a reoccurrence. Because some of the lymph nodes are close to the heart, esophagus and thyroid, we have the ability to sculpt the radiation away from those areas, and that decreases side effects.”

One of the big challenges with proton therapy is its cost – and some commercial insurance companies’ unwillingness to cover the cost of the treatment. While Medicare covers proton therapy for its enrollees, other companies have been slow to join in, though progress is being made.

“Because of the amount of equipment and expertise that goes into the delivery of proton therapy, it does come at a higher cost,” Wilkinson says. “Insurance companies look at that amount and want to have a choice of whether they offer it to their subscribers. If you can show a difference in the dose delivery, United HealthCare will cover it; that’s a significant step forward. We’re hopeful that Blue Cross Blue Shield will adapt their policy over time; starting in 2020 proton therapy will be an option for state employees if we can treat in fewer treatments than traditional radiation.”

Knoxville was the 12th city in the U.S. to get a full-functioning proton therapy center, Wilkinson says, and now there are 32 centers nationwide. “We’re very fortunate to have this technology in East Tennessee. Denver, Austin, San Francisco, New Orleans, Charlotte – none of those cities have a proton therapy center. And ours came before both Atlanta’s and Nashville’s. The reason is our founder, Terry Douglass, did his training and initial work at UT and Oak Ridge. He and his team developed the PET scan, and that led him to being able to found Provision.”

Love Rekindled

Story by Hannah Overton

The concept of ‘love’ conjures a wide range of responses. For many, the concept of the word changes and evolves through different seasons of life, especially as it pertains to romantic relationships. We decided to explore the idea of love and dating later and how it can help improve your life as you age.

Love has a very different connotation in high school than it does in college, and it has a different weight to it in young adulthood than in years previous. To put it plainly, ideas of love and what makes a romantic relationship worthwhile changes as we age and evolve in life. We often associate dating and romance with youth, but romantic relationships can be just as impactful and important later on in life. I had the honor of talking to a local couple who are living this claim out loud in their everyday life, through their care and devotion for each other.

Jon Alan Brewer, 70, lives at NHC Farragut, where his girlfriend Vicky Deaton comes to visit him at least three times a week. That’s where I first met the two of them. When they walked in, the room seemed to light up with a certain joy. Everyone knew who they were, from the delivery man dropping off a package, to the woman sitting behind the front desk. And both Jon Alan and Vicky were wearing inerasable smiles on their faces, emanating genuine joy and love. The moment was cinematic, and it continued as we sat down for the interview. Brewer proudly introduced the woman on his arm as his “girlfriend.”

Through our time together, I learned that Brewer and Deaton have been together for almost 40 years, first meeting and dating when they worked together at Pepsi-Cola in 1980. But their relationship has definitely grown sweeter with age. “We seem to really get along a whole lot better now than we have in the past,” says Deaton. When asked why they think that is, Deaton continued, “It’s everything we’ve learned by being with each other and understanding each other’s personality…Don’t try to be somebody you’re not [in a relationship].”

Brewer and Deaton may have learned this lesson through years of working things out between the two of them, but this concept is backed up by professionals. Dana Vince is both the owner of Healing Hearts Counseling and a licensed counselor, mental health service provider, and certified emotionally focused couples therapist. When asked how dating in the later years of life compares to dating when younger, she says, “It comes down to maturity and experience. Early in adulthood, most people are figuring out who they are…establishing independence and figuring out their path in life. Often times love and relationships are idealized. Dating later in life there is typically a more solid foundation in knowing who you are and what you want, and life experience plays a role in choices of partners.”

Brewer and Deaton exemplify this perfectly. After sharing with me that their relationship is better now than when they were younger, I noticed how much they care for each other even more. It’s brought life to the both of them. Brewer lives at NHC Farragut because his doctor told him he could no longer live on his own. Understandably, the idea of depending on other people to take care of him wasn’t attractive at first. But Brewer has found a renewed chance at life through his new living arrangements, along with an increased love for Deaton. “Loved ones, like this one right here; for 40 years we’ve been up and down, but these last seven or eight years we’ve been back together she’s been there for me. And I know that I haven’t been 100% right, and I’m not giving no excuse or anything. But I know she has problems also as far as health goes. And even me looking to her and realizing she has problems, I give a little… If you love each other enough so you can give and take, that’s the only way you’re going to be able to accept things.”

Brewer and Deaton’s dedication for each other goes beyond just providing companionship. An intimate, secure relationship can actually improve your health. “Being in a healthy relationship means being securely connected to your intimate partner. You are secure in the sense that you know and feel your partner cares for you, that you matter to them, and that they will be there for you whenever you need,” says Vince. “This kind of closeness in a relationship suppresses the stress hormone cortisol and increases the hormone oxytocin, which is dubbed the cuddle hormone. This has very positive impacts on overall physical health. The presence or even mere thought of a securely attached loved one can relax the nervous system, reduce feelings of depression and anxiety, and make difficult situations easier to face. We are healthier together.”

Brewer and Deaton have such a strong dedication to their relationship, I asked them if they had any advice for couples in similar life situations. “I think what I would tell someone is, you know, a lot of people want to give up on life, but… you never know where someone might be waiting for you. You’ve got to be able to communicate with and be kind to people. It’s not a one-sided situation. You have to compromise. You may not like to do what he likes to do, but you can compromise and work with one another. People need to have open communication. Don’t go away from each other angry. You have to work it out right then,” says Deaton.

Brewer added that “money is not everything,” and Deaton continued that “stuff won’t bring you happiness.” It can be so easy to get caught up in a success that’s defined by material possessions, but it can take us away from what truly matters. Brewer shared that he can’t count how many times he wishes he could tell his parents how much he loved them and was grateful for what they gave him in life. He encourages never taking your loved ones for granted, because tomorrow is never promised. Despite personal differences, it’s of the utmost importance to continue to love and work together.

It comes down to maturity and experience. Dana vince, owner of healing hearts counseling

Working out differences is something Brewer and Deaton take beyond personal relationships. In a vulnerable moment, Brewer talked about being kind to everyone around you, no matter who they are. “Now in our later years of life, we’ve for sure come to realize that we all have problems. Now let’s work together with each other and with love, helping each other. And that’s where we stand,” says Brewer, while gesturing to Deaton who nodded with every word he said.

Through my time with Brewer and Deaton, I came to understand the hard work and dedication they’ve put into their relationship. Life circumstances stepped in and brought them closer through poor health and a new sense of care and connection, but they’ve realized what’s important in life. They’ve worked through their differences, understand their imperfections, and seek to live in joy and humility. One of Brewer’s last statements to me was that at the end of his days, “I hope I’ve expressed joy.” Brewer and Deaton both showed me just how much joy they bring in each other’s lives. A lot of it in simple ways. They find joy in going to Walmart and doctors’ appointments across town. They go out to eat on special occasions, and they like to watch movies together in their separate homes while talking on the phone. They’ve found that love is worth any troubles or differences it might bring. And according to Vince, they’re on the right track. “Go slow, be true to yourself, know who you are and what you want. Don’t compromise those things for approval or acceptance. Love is risky and scary, but we are all worthy of the endeavor,” says Vince.

If you think you might be ready to start a relationship with someone, Vince encourages that “each person should trust themselves to know when the time is right and when they are ready to start dating again. Once a person feels ready, it would be a good idea to seek counseling at this stage as well to best prepare and be supported in the move forward into a new love relationship. And know that it is okay to be scared.”

In my time with them, Brewer and Deaton showcased their love to match every word that they claimed. Just sitting with them felt like a blessing, and I left NHC Farragut with a full heart. I hope that when my husband and I are their age, we can show the same example of grace and undivided devotion to each other as they did. If you would like to pursue relational counseling for a new relationship or one you’re already in, you can find more information on Healing Hearts Counseling by visiting their website at marriagecounselingknoxville.com or call them at 865-283-1777.

A lot of people want to give up on life, but…you never know where someone might be waiting for you. Vicky Deaton

The Art of Stress Relief

Story by Hannah Overton

Take the time to combat mental and physical fatigue by investing in yourself.

The world grows increasingly stressful every year. It never seems that there’s enough time to check everything off our to-do list. It can be easy to try and convince yourself that if you hustle now that you’ll relax later in life. But the reality is that life doesn’t slow down unless you take the initiative to make it happen. In this issue of Cityview, we want to explore different methods of relieving stress that are easy to implement in your everyday life, and healthy habits in the grand scheme of things.

Hobbies, Happiness, and Health In our busy lives, it can be difficult to make time for hobbies and interests that we love. But according to a 2015 study published in The Society of Behavioral Medicine by Matthew J. Zawadzki, Ph.D. and Joshua M. Smyth, Ph.D. and Heather J. Costigan, B.S., engaging in fun hobbies on a regular basis can actually lead to better overall health and happiness. In the conclusion they wrote that “leisure appears to have a consistent within-person benefit on a person’s daily health and well-being; when individuals engaged in leisure, they also reported better mood, more interest, less stress, and exhibited lower heart rate than when they were not engaging in leisure activity.”

A hobby could really be anything extracurricular that you do that brings you pleasure. But for the purpose of slowing down and relieving stress, we decided to focus on some hobbies that might bring more peace to your life than, say, Fantasy Football: Houseplants & Gardening: Gardening and cultivating plants has always been a popular hobby. However, it’s been particularly trendy in the past couple of years as younger generations discover the joys of growing things. This is truly a hobby that has something for everyone. Even if you don’t have a naturally green thumb, there are plants that require little to no care (including sunlight). You can choose to keep your plants outside and research landscaping options, or you can bring the outdoors in with a few houseplants (which have also been found to help purify the air inside of your home and apartment). One of the best places to visit if you’re looking to break into the world of plants is Stanley’s Greenhouse. This family-owned garden center and plant farm is a staple in South Knoxville. They have a beautiful variety of plants for both indoors and out.

Arts & Crafts: Letting your creativity run wild can be one of the most fun ways to relax and relieve stress. Finding an art or craft that allows you to calm down and forget about life’s stressors for a few minutes is one of the best ways to hit the reset button. This could include everything from watercolors to woodworking to hand-sewing quilts. Pinterest is a wonderful place to start if you want to explore various art and craft mediums before purchasing supplies at a craft store. Some find repetitive mediums like knitting to be relaxing, while others might prefer something more improvisational. If you don’t believe that you have a creative bone in your body, and you’d rather follow someone else’s lead, there are lots of classes in the community where you can follow a tutorial. Some, like Painting with a Twist, let you paint with friends over a glass of wine!

Music: Many find listening to music very relaxing as an activity. It can be easy to think of music as that thing that just starts playing over the radio when you get in your car, but intentionally sitting down and putting on one of your favorite albums can be renewing for the mind. Of course, some music will undoubtedly be more relaxing than other music. But what that means is entirely up to you. Try exploring some of your preferred genres to see how the music affects you. After you’ve identified some of your favorite pieces, create a playlist on your favorite music platform and try just sitting, closing your eyes, and enjoying. If live music is more enjoyable for you, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy live performances in Knoxville.

The Medicine of the Outdoors The majority of typical nine-to-five, Monday through Friday jobs don’t take us outside into fresh air. If you find yourself working in an office all day, staring at a computer, it might be time for you to get outside. Harvard Medical School released research in 2018 that claims getting out into nature has a direct impact on your anxiety, stress, and depression levels. The study even shows that “calming nature sounds and even outdoor silence can lower blood pressure and levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which calms the body’s fight-or-flight response.”

Everything from the visuals of nature to the soothing sounds of the outdoors contribute to this impact, but it’s important to make your outdoor treks a part of your normal routine in order to experience its full benefits. Thankfully, East Tennessee has no shortage of options for spending time in the outdoors. Our beautiful corner of the world holds everything from public parks and greenways, to nature preserves like Ijams Nature Center, to being just a short car ride away from the Great Smoky Mountains. But don’t think that you have to go big for the outdoors. You can reap the benefits of spending outside in whatever capacity best suits your life. One excellent way to add it into your routine is going for a short walk during your lunch break, or a quick trip around the block before or after dinner in the evening.

If other obstacles in life might keep you from spending time outside, there are ways you can still reap some of the benefits! You can actually purchase Vitamin D lamps that replicate the same benefits you receive from basking in the sun’s rays. Listening to ambient nature sounds can also aid in boosting your mood and relieving your stress. But of course, it’s important to remember that to be truly beneficial, these practices need to be a part of a regular routine.

Actively De-stressing One of the best ways to relieve stress and boost your mood is most likely one you’ve heard a time or two. Staying active and implementing regular exercise into your routine is a proven way to not only take care of your physical health, but also to take care of your mental health. And believe it or not, a little bit can go a long way. We had the opportunity to speak to Orange Theory Fitness instructor and private yoga instructor, Emily Hildreth about the benefits of an active lifestyle on one’s stress levels. Hildreth says that her goal is for her clients “to view fitness as a cathartic outlet to work through the anxieties and stress in their lives, not as just one more thing to add to their incredibly long list of things to do… Self-care is beneficial even if it’s only 10 minutes long.” And fitness can come in many different packages.

Hildreth finds both workouts at Orange Theory Fitness and yoga practices to be excellent options for anyone who might be looking to add fitness into their life. Orange Theory Fitness, specifically, is where “everyone will inevitably get an amazing workout no matter if they are just starting fitness or are Iron Man competitors.” Hildreth has been a trainer there for over four years, and can speak firsthand to the versatility of the workout routines. “As personal trainers, we give everyone the modifications or challenges needed to tailor the workout for the individual. So everyone is welcome, and no, you do not have to be a runner.” While Orange Theory Fitness may be an excellent option for you if you’re looking for a more fast-paced fitness option, Hildreth also advocates the many benefits of regular yoga practice.

“Absolutely everyone can practice yoga! Yoga is a frame of mind. The asanas, or postures, are simply a part of a greater scope of what yoga can offer the individual. Meditation, breathing techniques, mantras, or a sound or word to facilitate your goals, whether that is acceptance, patience, forgiveness, etc. are all yoga,” says Hildreth. “It’s a way to shift our crazy mind chatter into an intentional and focused state that we can access anywhere and anytime. Yoga is for everyone: physically fit, wheelchair bound, elderly, and children can all practice and benefit from yoga.”

Find Your Bliss The key to relieving stress isn’t to try every suggestion in this article. Find what works for you, your schedule, and your lifestyle. You may not be one to hike Mount LeConte to relieve stress, but you might be one to make a weekly trek to the yoga studio. You may not find relief in hand embroidery, but you could enjoy listening to a record and drinking a cup of tea. Whatever method of stress-relief sounds the most fun and relaxing, give it a try! Make it a part of your regular routine as much as you possibly can and start reaping the benefits.

Low Country Luxury

Story by Karen Clark

When Ron and Stefanie Houser began planning their new home, they wanted to echo the stately antebellum houses they had admired while vacationing in Charleston. Their home in the Beau Monde section of Northshore Town Center is a lovely combination of Charleston charm and modern convenience. In 2017, they found a location they loved in Northshore Town Center, but it was already under contract. Ron told the developer, Mike Stevens, that he was “on deck” should it ever become available. As luck would have it, the prior sale fell through, and Ron and Stefanie worked with architect Matthew Cox to build the home they had envisioned for so long.

wp:paragraphA Legacy of Legare Street

/wp:paragraphwp:paragraphThe view from the street is striking. Classic two-story covered porches combined with simple columns, black Pella windows, and shallow roof lines evoke images of long summer afternoons, iced tea in tall frosted glasses, and conversation with friends. The Woodhaven Tudor brick from General Shale with white mortar plays off the Charcoal Black roof and guttering in a linen color. The landscaping from Versatile Landscapes is simple and elegant. This is an architectural style associated with Charleston, where property taxes resulted in many homes built one room wide with double covered piazzas (Charlestonese for porch). The Housers were so inspired by a house in Bluffton that they purchased the rights to the exterior, and the result is spectacular.

/wp:imageA Sense of Welcome

wp:paragraphWalking in the front door you are immediately greeted by a striking hammered metal light fixture in the foyer and compelling artwork on the wall to your left. “We loved that piece of artwork so much,” says Ron, “that we had the molding built to frame it.” Whenever Stefanie would go home to visit her mother, she would always shop. “I love looking for décor with my mother,” she says, “many of the antique metal and other light fixtures in the house are the result of my shopping trips with mother.”

/wp:paragraphwp:paragraphThe home opens up into a large open space that serves as the main living area, with the kitchen and dining room to your left. The main fireplace, with Rumford-style fire rock from Fireside Hearth and Home, is on the facing wall and is surrounded by a combination of horizontal and diagonal shiplap, which gives the recessed areas on either side of the hearth a nice dimension. The mantel, from Smoky Mountain Lumber, is constructed from a piece of antique wood. “We vacation in Charleston, and we knew that we wanted that style reflected throughout our home,” says Stefanie. “Our designer, Paige Stephens, was marvelous in interpreting that style.”

The Heart of the Home

/wp:gallerywp:paragraph“We started with the kitchen,” says Stefanie, a part-owner of Soccer Taco. “We both love to cook, and we wanted to build the activity and energy of our home around the place where everyone always gathers.” The Housers used professional series Thermador appliances from Ferguson’s to create a kitchen that makes entertaining fun. Stefanie’s mother’s collection of Blue Willow-ware is highlighted in the Oyster and glass-front custom cabinetry from Dixie Kitchen. The ten-foot island in Statuary Classique from White’s Marble Works is balanced nicely by two large light fixtures in the metal-and-glass theme used throughout the house. The industrial Brizo faucet and knurled brass drawer pulls are a nice counterpoint to the softer finishes used in this area.

/wp:gallerywp:paragraphOne of the most delightful design concepts of the house is the pantry. Set behind a wood-and-glass door and tucked out of sight, this space serves double duty. Not only generous storage for traditional pantry items, it is also a “work room” of sorts, housing the appliances we all use, but don’t necessarily want to have cluttering up our counters. The microwave, espresso and coffee machine, stand mixer, and so forth are all handy and set up for use, not simply stored. The room has a large window in addition to the glass door into the kitchen and is very light and airy. As with many of the “working rooms” of the house, it has its own stylish chandelier. It’s a wonderful idea.

wp:paragraphThis idea has a counterpart on the other side of the kitchen with the dining room. Situated behind sliding wood-and-glass doors, it has a bench-made “tavern table” from Basset and barrel upholstered chairs, clearly meant for lingering over the last glass of wine or the tiramisu. A rustic sideboard from Roost in Maryville adds a whimsical touch as does a dramatic Gabby Clay chandelier from O.P. Jenkins. The large front-facing windows and sliding glass doors have custom drapes from Express Blinds, Shutters, Shades & Drapes so diners have the option of privacy or natural light from the first-floor piazza.

/wp:paragraphwp:paragraphA Master Retreat

/wp:paragraphwp:paragraphTo the right of the entryway is a short hallway that leads to an absolutely gorgeous master suite. This master suite has 12-foot coffered ceilings as opposed to the 10-foot ceilings that run throughout the remainder of the house, and this extra height and light creates a cloistered feeling in the room. One side of their bedroom is “what we call the dark side of the house” says Ron, “because it is very close to the house next door.” To allow light in the room while still maintaining privacy, there are three clerestory windows at the top of that room shaded with angled Bahama shutters on the outside. Stefanie and Paige found matching gilt mirrors from 1942 at O.P. Jenkins which are mounted on either side of the bed and complemented by two oversized light fixtures. These large design elements add balance to the room and provide a beautiful focal point. Two deep reading chairs sit at the foot of the bed, and a long sofa sits beneath the street-facing windows.

/wp:gallerywp:paragraphThe master bath has separate vanities but in a sensible design choice, Stefanie’s vanity, from White’s Marble Works and Dixie Kitchen, is significantly larger than Ron’s. The freestanding tub sits between the two vanities. The large shower is tiled all the way to the ceiling, and combined with the door from Clinton Glass, heated floors, and towel racks in the shower, it has a soothing spa aesthetic. The large window over the soaking tub has the same Bahama shutters as the bedroom. Instead of the standard large mirror, the Housers chose multiple tall narrow gilt mirrors over the vanities which keeps the room feeling modern.

/wp:paragraphwp:paragraphThe master closet and dressing area is directly off the bathroom behind a pocket door. California Closets designed the closet, and the features are really striking. The upper level clothing racks use hydraulics to allow the racks to be brought down and pushed back up with a touch of a finger. The small, sparkling chandelier from Ferguson gives the dressing area a fun and almost “Hollywood” type feeling.

/wp:paragraphwp:paragraphAnother brilliant and practical design is a pocket door opening off the other end of the dressing area leading directly into the laundry room. The cabinetry here is painted in Harbor Mist with a frosted, brushed glaze. With plenty of space for hanging clothes, this also serves as the place for their golden retriever’s food and water. A door on the other side of the room takes you down a back hallway that runs behind the living room.

/wp:paragraphwp:paragraphThe Back of the House

/wp:paragraphwp:paragraphWalking down this short hallway, you pass the elevator to your right. Ron and Stefanie had the elevator installed after years of knee problems resulted in surgery that makes it difficult for Stefanie to climb stairs. It is beautifully designed and integrated so well into the hallway that it seems a natural part of the hall. Continue on past the elevator, and you’ll come across what would normally be called the mud room. “We put that in next to the back door,” chuckles Ron, “that nobody ever uses!” The back door leads out onto what Ron calls his “grilling porch.” Eventually the Housers plan to put a pool in the side yard. “Our hope is that our mud room will get a little more activity,” laughs Ron.

/wp:gallerywp:paragraphSecond floor family space

/wp:paragraphwp:paragraphWalk up the turned staircase to the second floor “loft,” and you find yourself in a family living space and guest suite. Appointed with a large sectional sofa from Bassett and a mini kitchen, it’s a great place to watch the game or a movie. Two Herradura tequila barrels serve as the base for a long table, and the space opens upon to the “haint” blue-ceilinged porch complete with lounge chairs and Edison lights. There are two guest rooms are here, one with a full bath and the other with a full bath in the hallway. Not only a family gathering spot, it is a wonderfully sequestered guest space. You notice that the home’s color theme of cream, navy, and black are carried throughout this area as well.

/wp:paragraphwp:paragraphExtra space downstairs

/wp:paragraphwp:paragraph“We had to do some pretty extensive grading on the site.” says Ron. “As a result, this downstairs area has been a little bit of a bonus for us.” Moving down the turned staircase from the main floor takes you to a partially below grade area which is on the same level as the oversize garage. “I made sure to request an oversize garage with plenty of room for not only our cars but also plenty of the things that you always store in the garage,” says Ron. “This is also the place where I get to put all of my Tennessee Volunteer memorabilia,” he chuckles. This downstairs space also boasts a workout room and a generous storage room. In addition, there’s a full bath in anticipation for the day when the Housers install their pool. “Having a full bath with a shower we think will be really handy once the pool goes in.”

/wp:paragraphwp:gallery {"ids":["9857"],"columns":1,"imageCrop":false,"align":"center"} /wp:paragraphAs you leave the home and step back out onto the street, you feel as though you’ve been a bit of a time traveler. “I really wanted the feeling of our home to be ‘Southern Comfort’,” says Stefanie. “Growing up in an antebellum home in Georgia myself, I had a very clear idea of the feeling I was after. Ron and I are so grateful for all of the people who helped us make our vision a reality.”

Salvation in the Heart of the Valley

Story by Rebecca Whalen

The Salvation Army is a beacon of hope for Knoxvillians in need.

Down on North Broadway in thecity of Knoxville, the team at the Salvation Army are working hard to kick off their yearly holiday work. The Red Kettle campaign, perhaps one of the most well-recognized of the Salvation Army services, begins in November and will continue through Christmas Eve. And between that and the organization’s Angel Tree program, it’s an all-hands-on-deck time of year for the staff.

“It’s a tremendous undertaking,” says Major Sarah Nelson, one of the local organization’s new commanders. “The way people bless us through donations and gifts for families in our community, it is critical. We rely heavily on the support of our community.”

To the public’s eye this is “busy season” for the Salvation Army, but the organization is actually bustling throughout the year, providing essential services.

“That kind of basic need assistance has always been a part of the Salvation Army’s work, and how it looks in the community will vary from place to place,” says Captain Dan Nelson, who serves alongside Maj. Nelson as area commanders. The two are married. “When you know that a Salvation Army is in the community, you know that they are there to connect with people’s needs.” And that’s exactly where the Salvation Army’s story started.

A History Steeped in Service The local chapter of this organization opened about 120 years ago in Knoxville. But its parent organization predates that. It was 154 years ago that the nonprofit started in London, England with William Booth, ministering to individuals during the Industrial Revolution who found themselves in less than desirable circumstances. “He saw folks and saw the need to reach out to them first on a spiritual level, to minister to their need for faith in the Lord, but then recognizing that if that need was to be met, they would also need to have their physical needs met, too,” Capt. Nelson says.

Booth’s work grew from there into the Salvation Army organization we know today. Its mission is “to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and meet human needs in His name without discrimination.”

“The Salvation Army has grown over time,” Capt. Nelson says. “It’s lead to the development of food, clothing and shelter…You’ll always find that at the base of the Salvation Army and anything beyond that comes out of, ‘How do we best serve the needs of our neighbors?’”

The Salvation Army of Today Today, the organization tackles a host of challenges facing many residents in the Knoxville region: domestic violence, unemployment, homelessness, even lack of education. “If you were to visit our building right now on North Broadway, you wouldn’t even have to pull onto our property before recognizing the need that we’re addressing,” Maj. Nelson says.

The organization offers traditional worship services on Sundays, along with weekly ministries for men, women, and children. Above their administrative office is the Joy D. Baker Center, a shelter for women and children impacted by domestic violence. “We have professional special-case management staff that addresses their specific needs and are also very mindful of the children’s needs,” Maj. Nelson says. “We’ve worked with local schools to make sure we keep a somewhat normal rhythm going in the lives of these kids.” Aside from housing and meals and aid for the children, the center additionally works with the court system and assists women in job placement.

Above the Joy D. Baker Center is an emergency women’s shelter. There is also a men’s shelter, Bridge of Hope Manor, through which the organization helps residents get back on their feet. In total this building sees about 100 people daily, providing them each with three meals a day. Transitional housing, a type of housing that helps constituents work toward long-term solutions to their challenges, is what the Army focuses on, helping their neighbors who may be struggling, to reach their goals.

Their Pathway of Hope program addresses the causes of poverty with families and works to help them overcome those challenges by providing them all the support they need to do so. The organization additionally works to provide emergency assistance, assistance to families around the holidays (ie. the Red Kettle campaign and the Angel Tree program), and disaster relief.

Getting the Work Done With a small nonprofit staff, they somehow get all of this work done. Fifteen people give oversight to social services, sheltering, case managing, rapid rehousing, residential aid, and food services. There are additional team members working on finance, grant writing, development, church ministry, and volunteer coordination. “In the nonprofit world you have to operate as lean and mean as you can but still provide a meaningful work experience for the folks that work with you and the mission that you’re doing,” Capt. Nelson says.

During the holiday season, those numbers grow, but only temporarily. Volunteers are critical to this work. Roger Frazee started as a volunteer in 2013. “The things that I really love about the Army is that they are working with the people they serve, and they work with these people face to face to provide basic needs,” he says.

Transitional housing and the focus on combatting homelessness and stabilizing lives is what touches him the most. “To see the appreciation of the people when you do something so small…They follow up with thank you letters and give hugs, and that makes it special.”

Many of those who have utilized services have become volunteers at the Salvation Army. “It’s very easy to get involved as a volunteer, and we need every volunteer we can get, especially at this time of the year.”

A Timely Partnership Perhaps most interesting in the way this chapter of the Salvation Army tackles serving the community is their willingness to partner with other organizations right in their neighborhood, mainly the Knoxville Area Rescue Mission (KARM) and Volunteer Ministry Center (VMC). Both organizations deal with homelessness on very different levels. “It just makes sense to partner when addressing needs,” Capt. Nelson says. “When the three of us work together, there’s a stepping stone way of getting housing.”

In fact, this holiday season the Salvation Army and VMC are partnering on a new project to turn one of the Army’s vacant lots into a low-barrier shelter. “That means that there are not as many rules to stay there, but it’s right next to the overpass where the need is very visible,” Capt. Nelson says. The shelter will be where the former Salvation Army Thrift Store once stood, but with the help of the city of Knoxville and VMC, the property will turn into something addressing an immediate need. VMC will manage the shelter. “It’s adding one more stop in the process of securing a long-term solution for this community,” Maj. Nelson says.

The new shelter, which began renovations in September, is expected to be completed by the end of the year. It will serve 48 individuals a night. “It’s exciting because we have the resources, and they have the program. And the city also sees value in addressing the need here,” Capt. Nelson says, with Maj. Nelson adding, “It really is the end result of an entire community coming together, leveraging the resources of one another to achieve something that the community really needs.”

Continuing Critical Work Homelessness, domestic violence, unemployment: these are all challenges that can touch individuals from every walk of life. And the help that the Salvation Army provides ensures that each individual is supported throughout their challenges and beyond. “Each person here is assigned a case worker,” Frazee says. “Once they leave a program, the case workers follow them even after they transition.” It’s all part of the Salvation Army’s mission to serve, and with the help of dedicated volunteers, it’s a mission that will continue to be carried out in the years to come.

YWCA

Story by Rebecca Whalen

Fatima Ahdaouil has always loved working with the community. But it wasn’t until she began working with the YWCA Knoxville and the Tennessee Valley that she realized how powerful her ability to connect could be. As a Domestic Violence Victim Advocate, Ahdaouil has spent the last two years helping refugees and immigrants feel comfortable in their community. “We provide services free of charge and establish relationships with them so they know that they are safe,” she says.

Forming relationships is simple for her, though. After coming to Knoxville from Morocco, Ahdaouil worked as an interpreter and got involved in the refugee community volunteering where she could. “I enjoyed that work with the community, but I saw this need for the work I’m doing now.” She was drawn to the work of the YWCA. “They trust us, and we work with them toward reaching their goals, sustaining safety and self-independence.”

Ahdaouil’s work is critical for these women. Each week she works with upwards of 12 women who reach out to her anytime they are in need, whether it’s to find out how to get their children into school or seeking advice during an issue of domestic violence. She is there for them daily. “The position I am in is critical.”

Ahdaouil is just one of those advocates at the YWCA, and domestic violence advocacy is just one of the areas the YWCA supports its neighbors.

A Tenured History

The YWCA’s history in the Knoxville region dates back to 1899. And while the exact programs at the organization have changed many times over the years, their core mission has always remained the same: eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.

“Really what we try to do is identify and meet the greatest needs that are affecting women and their families,” says Alizza Punzalan-Randle, the organization’s CEO. “Right now, we’re focused on transitional housing, domestic violence victim advocacy services, violence prevention and education, and youth programming.”

The organization provides services in Knox and Anderson counties as well as parts of surrounding counties, and for Punzalan-Randle, she knows personally how these programs can help. “I learned how to swim here and went through a youth leadership program called Y Teens,” she says. And while Y Teens no longer exists, the organization is meeting current needs in the community, an aspect that drew Punzalan-Randle to join the team about a year ago. “I wake up every day and have to pinch myself because of just being able to be a part of this YW.” Its programs leave an impact.YWCA Knoxville CEO Alizza Punzalan-Randle (left) and Victim Advocate Fatima Ahdaouil give a tour of the organization’s downtown location.

Critical Programming

One of the YWCA’s flagship programs is Keys for Hope. Located in the organization’s downtown Knoxville building, Keys for Hope houses 58 women throughout its floors, providing them the support they need to get back on their feet. “There isn’t a specific thing that has had to happen to you in order for you to fit the criteria,” Punzalan-Randle says, “Obviously, we have some criteria that we need to uphold, but you don’t have to just have had a mental health issue or domestic violence in your life. It could be a variety of things.”

Women ages 18 through 70 utilize this program, and every race, ethnicity, and color are represented here. “They just need a second chance,” she explains. Women can stay for up to two years in this program and in exchange the YWCA works with them. They ask the women to have a job of some kind when they move there, paying only nominal fees, but hoping to get them back on their feet while building their confidence in the process.

Helping women in this way is but one of a host of ways they are supporting the empowerment of women in the region. They are also working from a prevention perspective, working with people from across the region to build a community of advocates, a community of trust. That’s the crux behind the Gamechangers program.

Started just five years ago, Gamechangers was created to focus on bystander intervention when it comes to violence against women and girls. The program works with middle school-aged boys, finding them male mentors who work with them in groups over 14-week periods, talking them through a curriculum focused on healthy masculinity and how to have healthy relationships.

William Burnett began working with this program three years ago as a mentor. A 23-year-old, now University of Tennessee grad, Burnett had been looking for a way to get involved in his community and after seeing a post through Volunteer East Tennessee, he jumped at the chance to get involved. “It’s a learning opportunity to teach them about certain things in the world and what certain things mean and how to react,” he says.

For three years, Burnett worked with these groups of boys over the fall and spring semesters, putting together 50-minute to hour-and-a-half long presentations and dialogue opportunities. The YWCA provided the curriculum, but Burnett, like many other volunteers, took it and ran with it, creating unique and robust dialogue in his groups that he hoped would leave an imprint.

He covered everything with the boys from definitions on what things mean to bystander intervention and skillset learning. “I would ask them what do you think you would do in this situation and they would apply the concepts we talked about.” But the moments that hit home the most, were ones based on news stories or personal accounts from victims and a sharing of personal stories “Anything where you could get on the boys’ level and start relating things to high school,” he says. “When you’re a kid, it feels like all of those adult things that happen are so far away, and they feel so far removed from them, well you are not that far removed anymore,” he would remind them.

It is about changing the way they think and helping them realize what should and shouldn’t be normalized, Punzalan-Randle says. “Just because you hear it in a song, doesn’t mean that’s how your mother or your sister or your aunt should be treated.”

People Power

Burnett was dedicated to the mission. “It’s an hour and a half of my week. I came from a background of volunteer work, so it just felt necessary,” he says. And while he moved back to Nashville after graduating this year and is now unable to volunteer with the YWCA, he was recognized for his work, winning the Volunteer of the Year award through Volunteer East Tennessee. He was nominated by his YWCA team.

“It’s not hard to find nonprofits reaching out for help because they always need it,” he says. “They always need volunteers. It’s just a matter of reaching out and taking that first step.”

With a staff of 55 doing an unbelievable amount of work, these extra hands are critical. On any given year, the YWCA has 300 to 400 volunteers but there is always a need for more. Right now, specifically, Punzalan-Randle is seeking more adult male mentors like Burnett to join that Gamechangers program. “I want people to realize that in order for us to keep going and keep reinventing and addressing the needs that are current, we need your involvement.”

Impactful Partners

This YWCA team does not simply talk the talk about empowering women and creating dignity for all in their community; they walk it. They provide services, yes, but they are also partnering with entities across the region to ensure that dialogue and change happen. “It takes time, but you have to build that trust,” Punzalan-Randle says. “When you’re not a flash in the pan in the community but you really start to show up where people expect you to and where they don’t expect you to, you start to hear about things before they happen. And that’s really key.” That’s what has brought this organization success.

The YWCA has close partners such as the Family Justice Center, the District Attorney’s Office, even Knox County School District. Currently, YWCA staff co-chair a community coordinated response team on domestic violence. “We have everybody at the table,” Punzalan-Randle says, “to say, ‘What do we need to do that’s not being done, what do we need to do better, and what are we duplicating?’ It’s a great conversation to be a part of because you just see the potential.”

Relationships are key to making change happen. And that can be at the larger community level or at the personal level, like in the work Ahdaouil is doing. She and the other advocates cover six counties, fulfilling the needs of victims as they navigate the legal system, assisting them in safety plans, crisis intervention, and more. “Our advocates are becoming trusted figures in those communities, and it’s about finding the right spaces to give presentations,” Punzalan-Randle says, “to have small group sessions, and ongoing support groups so these women find a trusted source when they need it.”

And for Ahdaouil that’s what this has always been about. She is working one-on-one with victims, but she is also out there doing outreach and education. “I go everyplace I know there will be people who need to know about YWCA programs and services for victims of domestic violence,” she says. “It’s taking information and meeting potential victims where they are.”

All those served have a home with the YWCA. “We don’t discriminate against anybody,” Ahdaouil says.

Chris Blue

A Man of Love and Light

Story by Cityview

In July of 2017, we had the privilege of interviewing Knoxville-native Chris Blue when he returned as champion of season 12 of NBC’s The Voice. Fast forward two years and here we are again in the same studio, filled with the same positive energy. We have been waiting eagerly for Chris’s new music, and he gaveCityviewa sneak peek, along with an insight into what inspired his new creations. Chris believes that he was called to serve and to make a change for the better. “The music industry can get really heavy and become really dark. It’s about who’s got more than the next person. Or rather, what you can get versus what you can give. I need something that will uplift me, that is positive, that will motivate me, and encourage me to keep going. And that’s what we’re about.”

Nathan Sparks:We’ve waited two years to find out what was next. Today, we’re with Chris Blue for a new interview. It’s going to be a fresh start. How are you doing, Chris?

Chris Blue:I’m doing amazing, man. I’m just through the roof right now. You know, life is really good. Music is coming out…So, you know, it’s all good. I’m extremely excited about where I am.

NS:I think we’re really blessed to be here with you today and for you to have this opportunity to share with us.

CB:Yes sir. I’m excited too. I absolutely love Cityview. I feel like I’m a part of the family now.

NS:You are part of the family, brother. This is not going to be the Cityview issue. This is going to be the Cityblue issue.

CB:I love that. Love that.

NS:It’s been really interesting listening today throughout this photo shoot and hearing Hallerin talk about these people that got involved that didn’t want to just produce, like Kelvin Wooten, who wanted to be part of the team. Tell us a little about that.

CB:It was just really, really interesting how it all happened. I had worked with Kelvin previously, and we worked on the song “Humanity” together. He was a part of that when we did the winter Olympics, and he had done some stuff with my brothers and I awhile back as well. Around 2013, I was 23 years old. I think that’s when I first met Kelvin. We came back together and did a Christmas project.

NS:You guys had great synergy already.

CB:We did, but we never discussed working closely together as partners. However, what was slightly different was I would travel down to Huntsville, Alabama, and I would get in the room with him. We would vibe out the ideas and the thoughts together. Every time we did that sparks would fly and we both would really gain and glean from it.

NS:Before that though, there was this trip to New York with Hallerin.

CB:We hit a moment in my career and this journey, and realized we have to go and move into a different creative direction.

NS:So, you go back to your hotel room that night. You call him up, and he challenges you to write a song.

CB:Yeah, well, he had already beaten me to the punch. He already had a song written, right. I’m all down in the dumps, like what am I going to do? I called him up, and I asked what he was doing. He says, ‘Oh, I’m just writing a song.’

CB:Like, dude, were we in the same meeting? He said we need music, and we’ve got to move forward. That’s the number one thing we need, and that’s the number one thing we ought to focus on.

NS:He said, today, art is his gift that keeps him sane. I think that’s awesome.

CB:It’s because it’s expression. Most people use weightlifting, or some sport or something to channel energy. But for me, it’s being creative.

NS:Well, being creative is like a sport. He made it a challenge that day, didn’t he?

CB:He did.

NS:What did he challenge you to do?

CB:He called me up about a month later. We talk every single day. He says, ‘Hey, what are you doing?’ I said, ‘I’m writing a little song right now.’ And then all of a sudden, I’m hearing this noise in the background on his end of the phone. I’m like, ‘So what’s that?’ He’s like, ‘Oh, you know, just a little song I’m writing.’ I’m like, ‘Oh, you’re sneaky. But I like it.’ He says, ‘How about this, Chris? How about you write a song, and I’ll write a song in one hour?’ He said he’s going to finish his song in one hour.

CB:Well, I’m going to finish my song too because I’m competitive. If you challenge me, there’s no backing down; I don’t care who you are. If I wasn’t a singer, I’d be in the NBA. But that’s another story.

NS:But you’re shooting for net here?

CB:Absolutely, nothing but. He’s like, ‘Alright, I’m going call you in an hour, have your song ready. And as soon as you know, the hour hits, we’ll play.’ He calls me back in an hour, and I play my song. He plays his song. I win that round. I won the first round.

NS:But it’s not over.

CB:It’s not over. He says, ‘Let’s do it again.’ Another hour. Another hour later, he calls me back. We have two more songs apiece. So now we’re four songs in, and he says, ‘Let’s do this again.’

CB:Three hours in, we both have six songs in one day. Finally, it’s getting a little late so we do 30 minutes. 30 minutes and there’s another song. I kind of came up with an idea because my laptop died on me. I didn’t have my charger. I had previously recorded a song earlier that day. But anyways, we’re not going to talk about that…

NS:The truth is out.

CB:It is out. We ended up with eight or nine songs in one day, and I think we ended up going to sleep at 5:00 AM.

NS:Now in the course of this two-year period you’ve written not 8 songs, but more like a hundred?

CB:Yeah, well, probably a little more than that. From January 17th to about April 17th roughly. We have a little over a hundred songs.

NS:That’s awesome.

CB:Yeah. Of this year.

NS:Later this year on a date that’s not yet known, you’re going to release a few songs?

CB:We are. We’re going to release a few songs, and that’s where Kelvin comes in.

NS:So, you went down there with all this music you’d written with Hallerin, and what happened?

CB:We go down there with the songs that we want to record, and we get there and me and Kelvin start doing what we do. We start vibing. We’re just having a good time. We’re like, wait a minute, there’s something here. We shouldn’t just play around. You know, let’s do something.

NS:Then Hallerin Facetimes you.

CB:Yeah, he Facetimes in, and we’re like, ‘sir, I know we’re supposed to be recording these songs, but we kind of started doing something a little different.’ We play it for him and Hal’s like, ‘You know what? Go with it. Go with that.’ And we did. Two days later we had about 10 new songs with Kelvin, then went back down and I recorded four or five of them in two days. Those are the songs that will be released later this year.

NS:That’s awesome. The concept here is that the state of the music industry is not something you agree with philosophically and spiritually as I understand.

CB:Yeah, absolutely. I’m a man of light and love. I love God. I love family. I love people, and I love the way love feels. Right now, the music industry is not feeding me what I need, which is love. I need joy. I like to be happy. I like to dance around. I like to have fun. I need truth, and I’m not getting a whole lot of that right now.

NS:Truth is so important, and God is so important.

CB:Yeah, it is. And so is God. I need real substance. I need real depth now. I think we all do. What we have now sonically sounds amazing, but for me personally, I want a little more than that.

NS:Is this the beginning of a movement? Is this your way of reaching out to the world and saying we can really do better?

CB:I’d like to say so.

NS:I’d like to hope so.

CB:Yeah, same. Because I want it, and I feel like our world needs it.

Behind the Cover

Story by Cityview

Chris Blue is no stranger to the camera, or stopping traffic for that matter, so this cover shoot came naturally for our Knoxville-native artist turned national household name with his 2017 winning of The Voice.

We started our morning in theCityviewstudio, to capture the cover image for Chris’ new EP release titledFresh Start. After dancing around to Chris’ remarkable new music, we met up with Chris’ dancers downtown. Fans couldn’t help but shout out appreciation for their local hero.

We ended the day in the middle of Gay Street, playing a quite literal verision of “Red Light, Green Light,” to capture this issue’s epic cover.

Clothing was provided and styled by Mark Nelson Denim.

Building Momentum

Story by Cityview

With the retirement of Joe DiPietro from his position as president of the University of Tennessee System, the UT Board of Trustees were saddled with some very important shoes to fill. The board chair had his sights on one man to fill the void, Knoxville native Randy Boyd. The consummate businessman and noted philanthropist was unanimously approved to serve as interim president, bringing his impressive résumé to aid the institution in the months ahead. Similarly, Donde Plowman has returned to the UT system to serve as Knoxville’s new chancellor. Heralded for her work as executive vice chancellor and chief academic officer at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, she will be working closely with Boyd in the months ahead to help the UT system operate at its highest potential. Cityview’s Nathan Sparks met with Boyd and Plowman at the university’s newly completed Student Union to find out what’s on the horizon for the University of Tennessee.

Nathan Sparks:Today we would like to talk about what your vision is for the university and across the entire state. What do you think it will take to get us from where we are now to what you envision?

Donde Plowman:I want to see us become a place that’s known around the country for being the best at several things. First of all, I want it to be seen as a place where everyone can come–faculty, staff, students–and achieve academic success and achieve excellence. I’m excited about the possibilities we have with the new Oak Ridge Institute. I also would like to have it be seen as a place that when students graduate from college, anyone sees their Power T and says, ‘What was it you did to volunteer and make the world better?’ So those are two things I’m thinking about right now.

Randy Boyd:Our flagship is going to lead the way, but as the president of the system, my focus is going to be on collective impact and making sure that all of our schools work together. We’re doing a lot better job now than we have in the past, but we’ve got so much left to do. The Health Science Center in Memphis produces 70 percent of all the doctors and dentists in the state. If we’re going to impact healthcare in the state of Tennessee, it’s going to come through there. There are so many ways in which collectively we can make an impact, not just for the students but for the entire state.

Sparks:What changes will we see here locally over the next few years?

Plowman:One of the things I think you’re already beginning to see is a stronger embracing of what it means to be the land grant and some of the changes that have been made structurally. The Institute for Agriculture is going to be working more closely with our campus which I think is going to elevate all the research that we’re doing in agriculture already. The Institute in many ways has been leading the way for the campus on what it means to be a land grant. I think about it in a couple of ways. Embracing the fact that land grant schools are always about access, and we want to be proud of the fact that we want to educate as many Tennesseans and others as we can.

Sparks:Randy, you recently announced that in 2020 there will be a UT Promise. Will that provide even greater access?

Boyd:I’ll echo what Donde said with three quick things. One with regards to access, we are the land grant university. Our mission is to be a ladder up for the working class and the middle class. With UT Promise, anybody in the state of Tennessee can academically earn the right to come to either UT Martin, UT Chattanooga, or UT Knoxville. If they can academically earn the right, finances won’t be a problem. If you make under $50,000 in household income, tuition and fees will be free. And that will also include students that are already here. So we’re going to make it more accessible. A second thing Donde and I have talked about a lot is our commitment to the community. Her background, her history, her commitment is to making sure that the university is engaged, and for me personally, this is my hometown.

Boyd:I have told a lot of folks long after I’m president, I’ll be a resident. This is where I was born. This is where I’ll finish. My wife too, we’re committed to making sure that the university is even more engaged in the community than it has been in the past. Lastly, I’d just like to say, the Knoxville community is going to be so appreciative of Donde and her leadership since she’s changing the culture here in the first month. It’s now a ‘can do’ attitude. We’re going to be thinking bigger, bolder, and faster.

Plowman:This program is something that can bring the state of Tennessee recognition from around the country. It’s really unique, I think, to have a state like this that’s really doubled down on its commitment to higher education. I’m thrilled about it. I think we have just begun to try to operationalize it. The potential for us is great to attract more students and more diversity in the students we attract as well.

Sparks:That’s fabulous. Your challenge might be how to inspire these students to take full advantage of this opportunity.

Plowman:I look forward to that challenge. That’s one I take with eagerness because I think we have so many great things to offer here. If you just look at this building, name me a place that has a facility like this for students or a campus with as many academic buildings that have been upgraded, rebuilt, built new. It’s a beautiful campus, and I think that we’re a well-kept secret. I want to bust open that secret and tell the world about Tennessee.

Boyd:We’ve got a better story to tell than we’ve told, so there’s a lot to come. To follow up on UT Promise and engagement, two other elements are that each student is going to be required to give back one day of community service. You’re going to see a lot more students out in our community giving back. At the same time, we need the community to give back to us. Each of these students are going to be required to be matched with a mentor from the community, an alumnus, or somebody that can help support them. It’s another way that we can not only just give access but also improve engagement both ways.

Plowman:There is research done by Gallup organization on what leads to highly engaged employees. There’s a strong correlation with having had an experience in college that was an internship or a semester long project that really had an impact on their lives. I look forward to seeing the ways in which we can really make that a requirement for all of our students down the road.

Sparks:Is there any plan that will enable a higher rate of placement of college graduates in jobs that relate to their major?

Plowman:One of the ways that happens is by the engagement that Randy was talking about. Getting the community engaged through more internships, more business people, leaders in classrooms, making guest speeches, visiting and getting to know students in college and the colleges. I think all of those things help and we want to make it a priority of ours that in addition to getting a great education, they’ve got access to jobs when they get out of here.

Boyd:I think we also have to be very careful because sometimes we try to put the student in a very small box. Say you majored in history; if you don’t become a history professor or expert in some way, then you fail. But my former boss, Governor Haslam, got his major in history, and he did okay. We have to be careful with how we define success with your major.

Sparks:That’s a great point. I just don’t want to see these kids saddled with debt that they can’t pay off.

Boyd:You mention debt. Something that’s really important to know across our University of Tennessee system is that 46 percent of our students graduate with zero debt. At the University of Tennessee-Knoxville, 51 percent will graduate with zero debt, and 25 percent will graduate with debt under $24,000. One thing that’s urban legend across the state and something we really want to correct is that the University of Tennessee is not unaffordable. People can afford to come here. They will be able to graduate in many cases with little or no debt.

Sparks:Is there anything you would like to add?

Plowman:I just want to say that I’m thrilled to be here, and the momentum that has been started in the last year on this campus is so positive. I’m just looking forward to getting right in the middle of it and moving it forward.

Boyd:I’ll just say that I’m proud of the 225 years of history, the tradition, everything that has come before is something that I’m a very proud of, but at the same time, I’m even more excited about the next decade. We’re looking forward to it.

You’re going to see a lot more students out in our community giving back. Randy Boyd

Looking Beyond

Story by Gerald Witt

Making arrangements that ensure your legacy

Giving wealth to others is possibly one of the greatest gifts a person can offer. To earn money and pass it along to those who need it not only benefits the recipient, but it also sets an example to those watching the gift being passed along. They see the improvement in quality of life for an heir, or a charitable cause. Within that framework, donating to a charity or cause is very similar to passing wealth on to heirs. Both actions benefit the recipient. Both are ways to leave your mark on the world.

Yet it can be hard to talk about passing on wealth to the next generation. People in general don’t want to think about their own mortality, let alone how they would like to distribute their assets. Let’s look at a couple of statistics about wealth transfer.

Jeff Hall, with Rather & Kittrell Capital Management, says two figures illustrate how little we consider what will happen when we pass away. He says, “60 percent of Americans do not have a will. And if you do have a will, there’s a good chance you do not have any of the other estate planning documents.” But a couple documents, done well before you’re retirement age, can go a long way.

It gets worse. Hall says, “70 percent of wealth transfer plans fail.” This can happen for a variety of reasons. Without a plan in place, the transference can easily go awry. In addition, a plan with no flexibility can fall prey to changes in tax law and other statutes. Attention to detail is key. A poorly worded plan or simple grammatical mistake can derail the distribution of wealth upon the passing of the benefactor. Those measures must be regularly updated to reflect the wishes of the estate in question.

“You can look no further than those two statistics,” Hall says. It’s really hard to think about some of those end-of-life planning scenarios. The older you get, the harder it is to sit down and think through who will be the executor of the estate. And if you have minor children, who do you want to be guardians? And who do you want as a trustee?”

So if you don’t have a will currently, get one. Then compose a living a will, and determine who has the power of attorney and medical power of attorney. With that out of the way, we can get into the financial discussion. Planning for wealth transfer and end-of-life questions can be broken into a few divisions, which can mitigate nervous discussion among family members. One’s first call, of course, should be to a financial planner. An estate attorney can help as well. But you’ll want to have a few general ideas about what you want to do before going to those meetings.

“It is important to have a plan, when transferring wealth to family or children, that matches your particular situation,” Daniel Messing, vice president of Pugh CPAs says. “Trusts are good ways to transfer with stipulations – possibly age related – to insure that money goes a long way. Each situation is different, but some people are better at transferring wealth than others.”

“Charitable donations can vary as well,” Messing says. “Appreciated stock is always a good idea because you can get a deduction equal to fair market value at the date of the gift so you don’t ever have to pick up large unrealized gains.”

People with large IRAs are currently allowed to give away $100,000 per year without ever having to pick that up in income, Messing says. “It’s a good way to reduce your estate without picking up income from IRA distributions. If you don’t have mortgage interest each year, some people prefer to double up their contributions every other year so that they will have more than the standard deduction in one year and then take the standard the next year.” That means that in those charitable giving years, one would donate on the first and last days of the year, and then skip the following year.

But there are many different ways to donate one’s estate. Hall suggests starting with a family discussion around charitable giving. That helps to set priorities.

That discussion can begin with donating money. And it doesn’t have to be big money – charitable giving isn’t limited to just the wealthy. The common figure is to give away 10 percent of your income, but start with whatever you’re comfortable with. Some may put $50,000 toward a donor advised fund. Or it can be $100 a month into a checking account.

Regardless of the sum, one smart approach to get people talking about passing along wealth is to give family members a timeline and an amount of money to give away. After some time has passed, have another family meeting to talk about how each person wants to spend their allotted funds.

This serves two purposes, Hall says. It gets people thinking about what they’re passionate about, and it begins a conversation among family members about how to pass along wealth. Maybe grandmom likes gardening and wants to donate to a fund that supports local food such as Nourish Knoxville. Uncle Bob might be a big fan of the University of Tennessee and wants his share to go to education. Or a teen may find some enchantment with the Emerald Youth Foundation or mission work through a church.

Having family members together to discuss their respective passions initiates that frank conversation about wealth transfer. “You have people talking openly about what’s most important to them,” Hall says. “And it’s an easy and practical way to get people to talk.”

Giving to an institution or nonprofit is extremely easy these days. A little Internet research, through nonprofit tracking groups like guidestar.org, can help you determine the legitimacy and efficacy of smaller nonprofits that pique your interest. Bigger institutions have entire staffs dedicated to charitable donations and are happy to answer any questions.

“With larger reputable organizations, such as a university, they have development offices, and you can talk to them about ways to make a gift,” Paul Fain, President of Asset Planning Corporation, says. “UT has what they call the Development Office, in the business of talking to alumni or community members and seeing if they have interest in the University of Tennessee, and even a gift while living.”

Charitable giving, he says, simply makes the world a better place. “We all should aspire to have a greater charitable intent when we talk about it with our families,” Fain says. “We say that the first two line-items should be charitable giving and saving for your future when you develop a spending plan. In that way, most people are surprised that they get away just fine.”

Even so, we all will pass away at some point. How one deals with charitable gifts and wealth transfer while they are alive becomes part of the family narrative. “Eventually, when the patriarch and the matriarch pass away, the memories that they have left behind will be about growing up poor, or growing their business, or inheriting a piece of land,” Hall says. “They gave away money to this, or loved that. Over time, it’s almost like building a foundation … what they loved, what they’re passionate about. … They’re building their own legacy and everyone gets to see it.”

For many people, wealth may be passed through charity. But family very often receives the lion’s share. It’s common for the deceased to give directly to the following generations – their heirs. Depending on one’s income level, and their desire for spending, there are multiple options for distributing those funds to children or family. Just giving money without direction can be a path to potential ruin. There are numerous pejorative terms for “trust fund baby.” Money can cause problems, particularly if it’s a lump sum that lands in someone’s lap at a young age. “It also seems to work better, in general, if heirs have to work before they receive money,” Messing says. Perhaps a partial distribution at age 25 or 35 would work. Or one can earmark certain portions for tuition or a home purchase. Remember those conversations you had about how to spend charity funds? You can pivot those talks to how wealth will be given to future generations.

“There are also considerations that depend on the size of an estate. Transferring assets prior to death will give the receiver a carryover basis, while transferring at death results in a basis equal to fair market value at date of death in general,” Messing says. Ideally, how the recipient plans on handling the estate should be discussed with the benefactor and a financial planner to determine an approach with the smallest tax burden. “I would probably assist them with their long term goals and possibly point them toward an estate planning attorney where necessary.”

For some, the better option may just be simply to give away their wealth while living. Though Fain cautions that restraint should be used. Retirement means going into the world of fixed income, and people are living longer on those resources.

“For new retirees, they often have an interest in giving either to family members, such as children or grandchildren, or their charitable interests,” Fain says. “What I often do is hit the pause button and advise them to get their retirement sea legs under them before they start doing any aggressive giving. My concern is always that the new retiree will give away too much, too early, and then 30 years later those assets are long gone. It’s well-intentioned, however those resources stretch out over three decades.”

Cash gifts, over time, can be another option to transfer wealth. The current limit to gifts before taxes are applied is $15,000 per individual, per year. Fain says that a married couple can give $15,000 each, per person, before taxes. For property, it helps to have a plan in place before death to mitigate the possibility of family feuds and complications related to selling and splitting property.

Nobody mandates that you have to give everything away, however. Some parents decide that they’ve raised their kids and paid for college, and the children can look out for themselves. If children wish to inherit their parents’ values, then it could be said that most parents hope their children do better than they have. If that’s the case, congratulations. Maybe go on a few more cruises and take the grandkids to the beach.

And there are still those individuals and couples who do not have children. In that vein, you could be the generous uncle or aunt, or benefactor to a charity, as discussed above.

“For the generational transfer of wealth,” Fain says, “there’s no rulebook that says you have to give away anything. But every year I hear people say that ‘my parents left me this, or my aunt left me that.’ Whether they’re inheriting $40,000 or $400,000, more often than not they see themselves as blessed. It creates a desire on their part to pass it forward.”

Your greatness is not what you have, it’s what you give. – Alice Hocker

Wealth Protection

Story by Gerald Witt

When approaching financial management, so many investors approach their wealth with a growth-only strategy. They’re either acquiring it via work or other direct means, or they’re looking to expand and grow that wealth through investing. What goes overlooked, however, is protecting that wealth. We’ve spoken with three industry professionals to get their strategies on protecting your assets in a variety of forms.

Health is Wealth

Jeff Hall, with Rather & Kittrell Capital Management, says he breaks financial protection into two primary categories. You can mitigate from loss, or mitigate risk against loss. Paramount among those two strategies is health insurance, he says.

“Regardless of any age, health insurance is a must,” Hall says. “It would fall into both categories, to mitigate from loss, and mitigate against risk.”

Our bodies and minds are our primary breadwinners through our entire working lives. And if, for some reason, we cannot perform our duties to earn money then it will eat into our savings. Health insurance can protect against that, along with providing checkups along the way to signal potential health risks before they become major financial burdens. When and if medical issues occur, a slate of smart insurance policies are available. They can support individuals and families with short-term disability. Life insurance will protect a family should a breadwinner pass away suddenly. Still, other policies are designed to take care of us as we grow into old age. And at different ages through our working lives, we should consider different insurance policies.

“For anyone who is working, disability insurance is a must,” Hall says. “You want to be preventative. Disability insurance is the protection of your human capital.” Supplemental life insurance is also a smart move. And as one ages, it’s important to look at long-term care insurance policies.

Insurance for identity theft protection, for a low cost, allows people to have their credit protected and repaired in the event that a data breach leaks sensitive information, or an identity is stolen. “At any age, I think that’s a good way to mitigate risk against loss,” Hall says.

Parents can also take a few steps to protect their children while they are minors. “In January, I contacted each of the three credit bureaus, and I froze the credit for each of my children,” he says. That protects his children from being victims of identity theft or having accounts opened in their name.

“It doesn’t cost you anything,” Hall says.

Identity theft protection is reflective of a larger protection idea. Just as the world we live in today has more savvy investors, the world also has smarter criminals who want to take what we’ve earned. Identity protection keeps our financial lives in our control.

“Where I grew up, when I grew up, you didn’t lock your doors at night,” Hall says. “Now I don’t think anyone in America leaves their doors unlocked at night.”

Lifelong Protection

Throughout our lives, healthy adults take the effort to do beneficial things that will protect them from long-term issues. We exercise, drink plenty of water, lay off the sweets, and avoid that second helping. But as we grow older our needs and our capabilities change. You might be able to run three miles at both age 25 and age 65, but your pace changes. While that 25-year-old pushes the pace, and their body, the 65-year-old is happy to complete the race. Both put in the work, but how they do it changes.

Similarly, a young person, a mid-career individual, and a retiree all may have a shared goal to protect their wealth, but how they get there is different. Regardless, one piece of advice will hold true for all three stages.

“Save more, spend less, and don’t do anything stupid,” says Paul Fain, President of Asset Planning Corporation. That said, let’s take a look at strategies for various stages in our lives.

Early Career

As soon as possible, one should invest as much as they comfortably can in their employer’s 401(k) or equivalent account.

“You hopefully will be in the lowest tax bracket you’ll ever be in until you get to retirement age,” says Daniel Messing of Pugh CPAs. “With that in mind, you would look at options that invested after taxes … to put in after-tax dollars.” He suggests investing in those funds continually over your working life. “That all builds up tax-free, and comes out tax-free,” he explains.

And while you’re building that wealth, build a rainy-day fund.

“That first $1,000 or $2,000 dollars,” Fain says, “is there to save you from having to use a credit card for unexpected car repairs or some sort of health emergency.”

Mid-career

Earnings usually begin to peak about 20 years into a career, according to experts. “That’s when you’re maxing out, and the kids are starting to grow up,” Messing says. “You’re paying down your debt, and you own or are close to owning your home.”

This is a time when many begin to look at diversifying their investments as a way to protect their wealth. For some, that can mean purchasing property or investing in business opportunities. Messing says that diversification can take many forms, whether it’s an aggressive stock portfolio meant to maximize return while there’s more to invest, or a diverse group of investments. Some prefer real estate. A decent financial advisor can assist with making those decisions and guiding investment pathways. An attorney or CPA can also be a good source for exploring financial options and pathways to protect wealth.

Guarding those investments for the next generation also becomes important. Trusts can be a good option for protecting wealth for children or a spouse. So too, can developing a real estate portfolio. But as parents prepare for transitioning wealth to children, they need to take a realistic look at what they want in retirement and beyond.

“Disability insurance, not just long-term, but short-term disability, is overlooked,” Fain says. “Midlife is a time to get serious about the exploration of long-term care insurance.”

Life doesn’t stop at 65. Many people are living long, healthy lives for 20 or more years after retirement. “It’s decisions you make in your 50s that will impact your life in your 70s and 80s,” Fain says. If you’re willing and able, working for a few more years doesn’t hurt either. And having some funds in more aggressive investments can help protect wealth longer.

The Golden Years

Fain calls inflation “the silent thief.” Moving into retirement doesn’t mean that investments need to instantly become conservative, such as bonds or just stable, slow-growth funds. “You still need the beneficial help of the stock market to combat the corrosive effects of inflation,” Fain says.

What he calls “sequence of return risk” can be troubling for retirees. That’s when a bear market hits as a person retires, during which stock investment can fall 20 percent. For a short period near retirement, it can be a good idea to diversify investments broadly.

“They might pull back on their exposure to the stock market, just temporarily, and circle the wagons around retirement,” Fain says. “And then reinvest. Diversifying, itself, is a wealth protection tool … you’re limiting some of the risk, and limiting some of your upside possibility.”

“The big gulp moment is when someone steps across the chasm from working and a paycheck, to nonworking and being retired,” Fain says. “A lot of people think they have to become too conservative with their investments.” He said that retirees can lessen some of their risk in wealth management by considering their social security and/or pension as a fixed asset.

And, just because you’re retired, or near retirement, doesn’t mean that you’re done learning. “Whether you work with a financial professional or not, it’s always good to continue growing and expanding your own personal financial literacy,” Fain says.

In retirement, many people find new “careers” in hobbies, volunteering, travel, or spoiling their grandchildren. Just as you explore those new areas in retirement, so should you continue to expand your knowledge in finances. Eventually, you’ll begin planning how to hand off your estate.

Speaking of children, it’s good practice to include them in financial conversations so that they can be as literate as their parents through their wealth management and protection.

“The most important financial planning conversation occurs at the dining room table: amongst family members, with spouses, with adult children, with parents,” Fain says. “You frame it: what are your life goals, what are your risks or opportunities, and what’s a candid, real assessment of your financial literacy?”

Save more, spend less, and don’t do anything stupid. paul fain, president of asset planning corp

Heaven in a Handbasket

Story by Drew Hamilton

With the dog days of summer firmly planted in our rear view, the gentle arms of autumn beckon us outside. Oppressive heat and humidity hold us hostage no longer. It’s an annual gift that should never be shunned and high time for a picnic worthy of this gift.

Sure, it’s easy to make a couple of sandwiches, grab a bag of chips, and pack a beach towel that’s recently retired from its summer shift; but why should we tether ourselves to something so pedestrian?

In the Victorian era, picnics were often elaborate affairs. Although admittedly less formal than the extravagant dinner parties thrown at the sprawling manors of the social elite, there was still an overall sense of propriety and decorum accompanying the event. Women regularly wore the elaborate dresses that we associate with the period, frequently supplemented by ornate bonnets and parasols. Men often retained their suit coats and hats. Although, we can imagine they often cast them aside in the presence of trusted friends and the absence of the rare camera, a technology still very much in its infancy.

The food often rivaled the sartorial choices in terms of ambition and excess. Roasted meats of several varieties accompanied salads, pastries, and puddings according to one menu from 1880. A wide range of beverages, both alcoholic and not, was also made available to ensure a suitable pairing for every stage of the meal. Full tea sets were often packed with care as to not diminish the experience that a Victorian would normally enjoy at home.

All of this is to take a lesson from a bygone era. As the Victorians basked in the splendor of a well-manicured estate, their picnics rose to meet the challenge. While not all of us can retire to our country estate to dine al fresco, we can put in the effort to elevate a picnic from a mere meal to a memorable experience that proves worthy of the breathtaking beauty that surrounds us here in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains. A well-packed basket made with care will pay dividends.

In this issue ofCityview, we offer up some of the best places to set up your spread along with some inspiration on how to make your next outing one that you will never forget. So, do yourself a favor and ditch the paper plates for a picnic with style.

Pickup Picnic

After months of waiting, that most sacred time of the year is upon us. Football season is finally in full swing, and as the Vols take the field, fans will be resurrecting the age-old practice of tailgating. While picnicking and tailgating should never be conflated, we can still draw inspiration from the time-honored tradition. Leave the chicken wings and hot dogs for game day with friends. Instead, take care to pay attention to the little details that will turn this picnic into a touchdown. Layer salad ingredients in a Mason jar with the dressing at the bottom. For this picnic, Chef Eva Andres used chicken breast, strawberries, green peas, and quinoa. Aside from the stunning visual component, the salad is ready to be mixed with a few shakes whenever it’s time to serve. Save your tailgating spot for the next home game, and check out a local vineyard or orchard instead. During September and October, Tsali Notch Vineyard in Monroe County, TN welcomes visitors to pick muscadines. After a morning of picking, let down the tailgate and add your recently harvested bounty to the mix!

Portside Picnic

Flee terra firma and feel the gentle rocking of the waters with a trip to the marina. Eschewing cutlery for a tapas-styled dining experience, this picnic has a focus on sophisticated simplicity. Focusing on variety, Chef Eva presents a range of flavors and textures in bite-sized portions. Delicious and light, this spread will satiate, but won’t keep you out of the water if you decide for an impromptu swim. Find yourself lacking a vessel? Many marinas in the area offer boat rentals with a wide selection of models. Better yet, consider joining a boat club. This allows you access to a shared fleet of watercraft all year long. If boating isn’t for you, you can still enjoy waterfront views in a pastoral setting right in the heart of Knoxville. Situated just west of downtown, Sequoyah Hills Park lines the banks of the Tennessee River and sprawls over 87 acres. Finish your meal with a stroll along the Sequoyah Greenway or follow the riverbank on one of the park’s natural trails. Special thanks go out to Concord Yacht Club for the use of their marina and to Tom and Penn Grove for the use of their sailboat.

Parkway Picnic

Before the development of the Interstate Highway System, the United States was a tangled mess of smaller roads loosely connecting the country. With a growing number of cars on the road, traffic jams and shipping logistics sprung Eisenhower into action. For a nation on the move, it was an unavoidable undertaking. However, for many people much of the country was put behind a curtain, bypassed by the lure of convenience. This fall, take the time to explore the beautiful backroads of East Tennessee. Wind through the mountains as the leaves begin their annual metamorphosis, painting the landscape with splashes of yellow, orange, and red. It’s easy to lose yourself in the seemingly endless labyrinth of roads looking for the perfect picnic spot, but if wandering aimlessly waiting for inspiration is not in the cards, try Cade’s Cove. Nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains, it’s picturesque scenery attracts visitors all year round. Take a cue from Chef Eva and opt for artisanal meats and cheeses complimented by a berry pie. And be sure to stop by the Market Square Farmers’ Market to fill your basket with local fare.

Inspirational Innovators

Story by Drew Hamilton

George and Eloise Zalucki are the kind of power couple that run on a clean-burning engine that never shuts off. They are in a constant state of motion, forever evolving and searching for ways to improve their lives and the lives of others. With George as the face and voice of their operation, he has stood on stage in front of audiences of thousands all over the world with Eloise behind the scenes working diligently to make sure his message of motivation reaches the ears of those who need it the most.

In a world with a rising number of life coaches and a vast sea of people looking for direction and answers, the Zaluckis were on the vanguard of the personal development training movement. Long before we understood the stimulus response nature of social media, long before we were influenced by the Internet, these two were traveling around the world training organizations and leaders on how to believe in themselves.

George’s story is one of determination and hard work. It’s a story of resilience, pulling himself up to unimaginable heights to put him in a position to inspire and encourage others to reach their full potential. In many ways, it’s a realization of the American dream in the truest sense.

Growing up in a tenement in Hartford, CT, the trappings of wealth were foreign to George, but his family was rich in spirit. “You know, my dad worked in the factory,” George says. “He was an incredible man. He was devoted to the family and was a good moral man. Very honest. Integrity was the core of his being. We learned that if you want something out of life, you need to get up off the couch, as they say, and go out and get it.” George took these words to heart and his tenacity and entrepreneurial spirit began to manifest at an early age. “I mean, I shined shoes,” he recalls. “Made a little box to shine shoes on the street corner. I delivered newspapers to over 200 people. Rain, sleet, and snow.”

Despite being stricken with polio at a young age, he overcame the disease and went on to become an accomplished athlete. “When I graduated from high school, I was a star in two sports: football and basketball,” he says. “But I had no direction.” All of this changed when he received a personal letter from General Mark Clark at The Citadel asking him to come to play basketball. Being 17 years old at the time, his parents had to sign off on the idea, which they approved. “I graduated in June of 1956,” he recalls. “On July 10 of the same year, I was saluting in the United States Marine Corps on Parris Island.”

After his stint at The Citadel, George returned to his life in Hartford where his life took an interesting turn. While playing basketball one evening at a city gym, he caught the eye of his high school basketball coach, a former professional player for the New York Knickerbockers. “When I came out of the Corps, I was in great shape,” he says. “So, I’m up there running, and he spotted me and called me over and said, ‘Don’t waste it… you’re one hell of a player.’”

That interaction put the wheels in motion for George to eventually receive a full scholarship to play ball for Providence College in Rhode Island. Filled with a desire to learn, he began constructing the building blocks of his career. “I just had this incredible human interest in people and what makes them tick,” he explains. “And I was always an observer of human behavior, so it was in me to follow that.”

After college, he began working for a defense contractor, in what he describes as his first “decent paying job,” when he received a call from the chancellor at Johnson and Wales University in Providence, RI, with an offer to coach basketball. However, the pay would not nearly match his job at the time. Drawn to the idea of coaching, he simply took on more work at the college to make the move financially viable. In the end, he found himself in four different positions simultaneously as the basketball coach, baseball coach, athletic director, and director of student activities.

Being spread so thin did produce some comedic moments. One night he was scheduled to host a student event in the same evening as a basketball game in Boston. As the student event required George to wear a tuxedo, he simply boarded the bus already wearing it, off to coach the game looking like a Las Vegas crooner from the city’s glory days. The stunt was effective in motivating the team and had all the kids “cracking up laughing.” He even made the newspaper the next day in Boston where he was dubbed “The Tuxedo Coach.” It was a time of learning how to be in the limelight and enjoy it while still conveying his message to people to learn, to teach.

George is quick to note that his coaching was not purely athletic. “I motivated them academically,” he says. “I would check up on their attendance and everything. I had a deep interest in the kids. A lot of the them came from disadvantaged families, and they didn’t really get much guidance or mentoring. So, it was important to me if I saw something to try to help them.”

With a proven ability to inspire, George’s phone continued to ring, taking him to other opportunities before finally landing at the Shaklee company, where it’s focus on health and organic products spoke to George. “Great products,” he explains. “I loved the philosophy. It fit what I felt was important.” His enthusiasm was evident in his work because he eventually received a call informing him that he was number one in the company in retail sales.

While selling so much, he still wasn’t making much money. So after hearing about a carpenter who was making $8,000 a month working part time at Shaklee, George approached the man to discover his secret. The carpenter then gave George this advice. “You’re not into networking. You’re not into building. With your background, your fastball is developing people. It’s a business, a multiplication, and if you can build people you can train people.”

This sparked something in George, and he dove into the study of network marketing compensation plans. Due to circumstances beyond his control, he found himself owing $50,000 in a matter of months. That was when it dawned on him. “This can be taught, he says. “And, bing, the lightbulb went on.” With the help of Eloise and some artistic assistance from his daughters, they designed laminated sheets with 22 training aspects that they could travel with to hold seminars.

Just like that, with no money and no credit, George was able to negotiate a brand-new RV that they turned into a mobile manufacturing plant with copy machines and laminators. As a family, they hit the road to teach theses tenets to aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners. After gaining some traction, they met a man in the video business who was able to add a video to George’s materials, spreading the Zalucki message to an even wider audience.

That small venture is what eventually led to their involvement with the multi-million-dollar enterprise, ACN. Now, George has been able to spread his message of positivity in 21 countries and three continents over the past fifty years. What started as a way to help people grow in the network marketing business has crossed over to help people grow in their personal lives. “I never made it a concern whether they joined [network marketing] or not,” he says. “I was excited to know that I could help people change their thinking to change their lives.”

Of the countless people whose lives they’ve touched, the Zaluckis have also launched many to take up their mantle, a new generation to which they can pass the torch. “We have people that I trained 20, 25 years ago that today are massive personal development trainers,” George says proudly. “They studied me and everything that I did, and they’re out there doing it. I keep saying, ‘Boy, somebody will come along and do it better than me.’ And that’s what we need to build a little army of positivity in this country of possibilities.”

Behind Every Good Man

Any story about George Zalucki would be incomplete without mentioning the woman working behind the scenes to make sure that George’s message reaches the masses, his devoted wife and manager, Eloise Zalucki. An accomplished salesperson and number one networker in her job, she met her future spouse in 1985 when George was brought on to be the vice president of Ava Care, a company that sold cosmetics and skincare products. Working as the area coordinator of the Pacific Northwest region in charge of all sales people within the territory, Eloise describes the genesis of their relationship as “love at first sight.”

She first discovered her propensity for sales while working at Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park in Jefferson County, MT. “I was working in the curio shop, and I could sell anything in there,” she recalls. “The owner loved me, and I didn’t even realize I was good at sales at the time.” As she got older and had children, she found herself drawn back to sales. “I realized that I wanted to do something a little bit more with my life,” she says. “And I really always enjoyed making people feel good about themselves… So I got involved… with Ava Care.”

When George decided to strike out on his own, Eloise was the epitome of a supportive spouse. “I learned how to do things on the computer and software,” she says. “I just did everything I possibly could to try to make him be the best that he could possibly be.” At any of George’s speaking engagements, you will find her working the phones, making travel arrangements, and intermingling with George’s fans and admirers. Although her position may sound like a supportive role, the Zaluckis look at their venture as a partnership. “It felt like the business was really always something that was ours together,” she explains.

As a woman who has experienced such wild success over the course of her career, she hopes to encourage other women to embrace their femininity as they carve out their paths in life. “I’m happy with my life, how it turned out. Because I did make the best of it,” she says. “And I think that women have that power no matter what because we are great communicators. We just need to go more with our intuition.” In closing, she imparts, “Being grateful and having appreciation is one of the most important things because that makes you wake up happy. And if you’re happy, you can affect people in a better way.”

George offers his own affirmation. “God gave us the gift of life…It’s there for a noble purpose, but each of us has to find in our own lives what that more noble purpose is. It may not be a public speaker. It may not be a governor or a president. Maybe it’s the best shoeshine man in the city… whatever it is that fulfills that person by making a positive contribution where they can feel good about themselves.”

Return to Rocky Top

Story by Emily Stevens

Basketball has always been a part of Kellie Harper’s life. “When my parents brought me home from the hospital, they put a basketball in my hands and took a picture,” Harper says. It’s no wonder that she tells people she has played her whole life. The Sparta, Tennessee native grew up with her parents, both of whom played college basketball at Tennessee Tech University, and two younger brothers; one followed in their parents’ footsteps and played college ball at TTU and the other was a manager for the UT Chattanooga women’s basketball team. “It was a strong basketball family, but a strong family period.”

Harper refined her skills throughout her schooling at White County Middle and High Schools, while participating in several local and statewide AAU programs. Because these didn’t include showcases like today’s current programs, Harper relied on herself to maintain and improve her skillset. Her hard work ethic on and off the court began at a young age and translated into her college career at the University of Tennessee. She went on to play for Pat Summitt as a point guard during the Lady Vols’ reign as three-time national champions from 1996-1998. Fast forward to the spring of 2019 and Harper was welcomed home to Rocky Top with 15 years of coaching experience under belt. Former Lady Vol Cait McMahan caught up with Coach Harper to talk about her basketball career and what fans can expect for the upcoming season.

Cait McMahan: When did you start getting recruited?

Kellie Harper:It was happening early. My freshman year I remember some coaches starting to recruit our school. I remember them coming to practices, coming to watch our games, but I also do not remember focusing on that. I didn’t know who was there and I didn’t know when they were there, with one exception. I remembered when Pat was at one of my games.

CM: Do you remember what year you were?

KH:I was a senior. She came and watched me when I was younger, but I remember this time because I knew she was coming.

CM: I can relate to this growing up. When she’s there, she stands out. You can’t miss Pat Summitt. Can you tell me some of the emotions you were experiencing during the game?

KH:I had torn my ACL my senior year and this was one of the games back and she was going to come watch me play. I only played six games that year. I was already committed and signed, so it was a little bit unique. I had enough on my plate trying to figure out how to play when I’d only played in a couple of games thus far. It was the best of my six that I played. After the game, I remember so many people didn’t want to talk about the game. They didn’t want to talk about how I played. They wanted to talk about Pat Summitt being in the stands. I know you can probably relate to that as well.

CM: I feel like you’re my spirit animal. I tore my ACL my senior year and only played six games. Had you committed to Tennessee or just signed a letter of intent?

KH:I had committed my junior year. I wanted to commit before phone calls. That seemed like a headache I didn’t want to have. I didn’t have the time and I didn’t want to start telling people no. Fortunately, she had offered me early enough that I could commit and get that out of the way. That was a huge weight off my shoulders.

CM: Then, she came to your house. Tell us about that visit.

KH:If Pat Summitt’s coming to White County, we’ve got to clean the house. Everybody cooked. We had more food there than Thanksgiving. Aunts and uncles were bringing by dishes because they wanted to make sure we had enough. I would think four casseroles would have been plenty. We got out the good china. It was a big deal.

CM: Were you nervous?

KH:I was a little nervous because I’m not immune to the awe; you grow up in the state and there’s a little bit of awe of this woman when she’s walking in your door. I think because I’m already coming to Tennessee, there was not a selling point. She shared their vision. It was a reiteration of the expectations of the Lady Vols program and what they want to see from me.

CM: What made you want to go to Tennessee?

KH:Growing up in Tennessee, I actually wasn’t the kid that wanted to go to UT. I didn’t grow up with that passion and with that love. I had a teammate who wanted more than anything to come to UT and she was denied that opportunity. When I saw her going through that process, I realized that maybe I didn’t need to put my heart and soul into something that I wasn’t sure would happen. I stayed neutral for a very long time, until I came to visit and I stepped foot in Pat’s office. I walked out of there and knew at that moment where I was going to school. She had not offered me a scholarship yet, but I knew at that moment this is what I wanted to do. It was just a surreal moment. I held onto that.

KH:I knew in my heart it was the right place. I felt a connection with her and with the program.

CM: Would you say it’s her passion or her respect? She’s hard, but she cares.

KH:I think it was just really powerful. You walk in and her presence fills a room and is just graceful, classy. When she speaks to you, you feel that care that she actually has; you see the stare, you see the intensity, but you also feel the genuine love. And that’s what I felt.

CM: Walk us through one memory from your freshman year in college.

KH:I was a shooting guard my freshman year most of the time. Towards the end of the season they started playing me more at the point. One of the strongest memories I had, we were at the Elite Eight playing Virginia. I was playing point guard, bringing the ball up the court, and I get my pocket picked. They steal and go score a layup. This is late in a pretty tight game.

KH:One of our seniors fortunately came running down and grabbed the ball to bring it back up the court. Obviously, there’s someone at the table to get me out of the game. We won, and after the game I remember my dad apologizing to Pat for my turnover. In that moment it was just so heavy on me as a young athlete that I made this big, big mistake and I remember Pat saying, it’s going to help you be a better player later.

CM: That’s facts.

KH:It is true. Now as a coach, absolutely that moment made me grow as a player and helped me be better.

CM: After winning the championship your freshman year, you tore your ACL again and sat out half of your sophomore season?

KH:We had two point guards that year. Right before the season started, Pat calls Laurie Milligan and I together and says we’re going to be point guard by committee. Laurie’s going to play part time and I’m going to play part time. Well, I get injured. So, Laurie is the point guard for the first part of the season. I get back, we played four games together, and the fourth game she hurt her knee and didn’t get to play anymore. And I finished the season.

CM: It’s crazy how that worked out. And then, you went on to win the championship your sophomore year. Let’s fast forward to junior year.

KH:Our junior year was the best team I played on. We were just really good and we had an air about us. I always tell people, I don’t think we were cocky, but we were borderline. It was just a vibe with that team. We had three All-Americans on that team. We had four freshmen with a lot of energy that made a huge contribution. Chamique Holdsclaw and myself were both juniors who were a little calmer. I thought the balance was perfect. Everyone bought into their role as we went 39-0. It was pretty magical.

CM: Awesome. Senior year: let’s finish with that.

KH:It’s taken me a lot of years to be able to step back, evaluate, and assess what happened. We were heavy favorites to win another championship. Going into my senior season, I think we did not enjoy the process that you have to have throughout a season. You have to find ways to get better. We wanted to go win a national championship. We wanted the dessert before the meal. The substance wasn’t there with that team. We lost in the Elite Eight, which I’m a little bitter about still, but I can talk about it now. It has helped me as a coach to have a little bit of perspective on the importance of the season. Because we are a tournament sport, you can look ahead too much and not enjoy the daily rigors. Every day you’ve got to find ways to get better. I really do believe we wanted to fast forward and get to the good stuff, and it just doesn’t work that way. Had we won in the Elite Eight, I really feel like we would have won another national championship.

CM: So after losing Elite Eight, you’re graduating college. In your mind, what’s next?

KH:For me, I wanted to play professionally. I graduated on a Friday. I got married on Saturday and reported to the WNBA on Sunday. It was a lot. I went to the WNBA and played four minutes. I didn’t make the teams. It wasn’t meant to be. It hurt because I’ve literally played basketball my entire life, so now I’m not going to have that. It was difficult.

CM: It’s like, ‘What do I do now?’

KH:I knew I wanted to coach. Joe Ciampi down in Auburn had given me an opportunity to be an administrative assistant for him. It got my foot in the door and I got to see a Hall of Fame coach in person. He has a great mind and was very adamant about sitting me down and making sure that I knew not everywhere was like Tennessee. I’m very thankful and grateful for that because I thought every place was like Tennessee and it’s not. We were something very special, very unique. I remember going to our first game at an SEC school and me saying, ‘Where is everybody? Where are the fans?’ When Tennessee was there, everybody came to watch.

CM: During your coaching career, did you often call Coach Summitt to get advice or pointers?

KH:I called her a couple times and then I spoke to her in person. We were at recruiting and I would grab her and say, ‘Hey, what about this situation that I have, how would you handle this?’ She gave me some advice on basketball stuff, how to run a program, personnel stuff, so throughout my career I was able to lean on her

CM: In doing this interview, I wanted to stray away from comparing you to Pat because I’m a firm believer in you. You’re going to do it your way and as you should. Is there anything though you are going to bring with you that Coach Summitt taught you as a player?

KH:It’s a great question and I understand there’s going to be comparisons because we’re in the same position. I’m not trying to be her and I’m okay with that. There were two things that I always felt like I was able to take from her and implement. The first thing was her class. Her program was very classy. It looked right always. She treated people the right way. I wanted my programs to always have that.

KH:The other was, and you may be able to attest this, but her poise in a huddle was amazing. She was so comforting when she would get in a huddle. Now, she could rip you. But when the game was on the line, she could come back to the bench and very calmly say what we’re going to do. She projected that confidence, that poise onto our team. I always thought that was really important for me to do for our teams. They never need to see a panicked coach. They always need to see a competent coach so that they take that onto the court.

CM: Off the court, tell us about your life. It’s a whole other team isn’t it?

KH:It is! I have taken four head coaching jobs, so I’ve done this transition before. I get the pace, the feeling of urgency when you’re trying to catch up and make up ground, but this is the first time we’ve done it with children. I think that dynamic has been a little bit more challenging in terms of logistics. I love my life. I love our family. It is an amazing way for kids to grow up. But, it’s been a lot on them as well.

CM: I bet. Just the transition and everything. If you do not know, her husband is also one of the coaches. At home, is there ever any talk about what goes on at practice?

KH:A little bit, but we’re a little bit more mature now than we used to be. We understand how to approach those subjects more. Now people do ask if we take it home. It’s our life. There’s no, you walking out of the office and you’re in your own personal time. That’s not the way this works. This is your life. I’m a mother 24/7. I am also a basketball coach 24/7. I just am. We both feel really good about that, but when we go home a lot of our time now is spent with our children. We don’t like to talk a lot about the team or practice in front of our kids.

CM: I think that’s beautiful. It’s super cool.

KH:I think the great thing there is the trust. There is a loyalty that no matter what he’ll be there for me, and we’re in this together. He’s there in the trenches with me.

CM: You’re the only coach that I know of that’s in that situation. I’ve heard he’s a genius with the Xs and Os. What’s his role on the team?

KH:I think his strength is understanding situations in terms of time and score. That just comes natural to him. During a game in those situations, he’ll come up and say, ‘You’ve got one timeout, think about using it now,’ or ‘we’re going to need a timeout with a minute to go.’ He’s pretty sharp with those types of things and I think that’s been really beneficial for me. His approach to the Xs and Os is different than mine and that is perfect. His is doing the exact same drill every single day to be really good at this. I’m ready to move on to something else and he will stick with it. I think it’s a good balance.

CM: Is there anything you are going to change about the current Tennessee program?

KH:We watched games and maybe we had perceptions, but we’re not going to judge them on anything in the past. We’re just judging them on what we know now. One thing that we’ve told them is we are going to work hard. We’re going to be tough. We’re going to enjoy it. We’re going to have fun while we’re doing it. We’re going to be great teammates. You’re going to be a team that our fans love to watch, and hopefully the opponents hate to play. Those things are hard to build and take time. We understand that every single day we have to reiterate all these details. Every single day we have to talk to them about what it looks like to go hard, what it looks like to be a great teammate, what toughness is about, and how we are going to handle adversity. We are having these conversations with our team daily right now because we’re trying to build a strong foundation.

CM: Before my last question, I’m a huge fan. I think you’re going to do great. One of the things you have that no one else has is that you were an excellent point guard and player. Not only did you see the court from the court, but off the court because of your injuries. Last question: what can you tell the fans out there to expect for this season?

KH:Our team will play hard, our team will play more, and we are going to work on our execution. We will be motivated, because that’s non-negotiable. The players have been given so much and this is such a great opportunity for them, but they have to go out and show that this is a big deal to them. They may be learning what that looks like consistently, but they’ll do that. I’ve been proud of them. I think they want to do it. We just have to make sure they know how that needs to look.

CM: I’m getting fired up, I’m about to flip these couches. All right. This is Cait McMahan withCityviewMagazine. We are wrapping up the interview with a new coach, new team, new organization.

Please Advise

Story by Drew Hamilton

As a young man, Rich Gross knew deep down that he wanted to be a lawyer. He also knew that there was no money set aside for his education. “I had two criteria,” Rich explains. “It had to be free, and it had to be different.” He met both of these stipulations when he discovered a brochure for the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and was subsequently accepted.

Upon leaving West Point, he served as an Infantry lieutenant in the 82nd Airborne, a post he kept for five years. After successfully applying to the Army’s Funded Legal Education Program, Rich was finally able to realize his childhood dream, earning his Juris Doctor degree in 1993 from the University of Virginia Law School and entering the Army’s Judge Advocate General’s Corps (JAG).

Some years into his JAG career, Rich was given an unusual request. “I was asked to interview for a job,” Rich says. “I didn’t know of any jobs that you interviewed for in the Army. They usually told you to do a job.” That job was to serve as legal counsel for the elite Delta Force, a group tasked with some of the most important and dangerous missions carried out by the Armed Forces.

Close friends tried to dissuade him from taking the post. They worried that he would never be promoted. Rich had a completely different take. “I thought, what a chance,” Rich says. “What an opportunity to do something fun and cool.” After beating out three others interviewing for the position, Rich dove head first into his new job. “I wasn’t afraid to ask questions and play the new guy,” he says.

Little did he know that the nature of his work, and even more, the world, would change drastically shortly afterwards. “Three months after I got there, 9/11,” Rich recalls. “So, you can imagine, all of a sudden there’s a big change in our missions and what we were doing and how busy we got. From that time forward, that put me on a different path.”

This path led him to several deployments in both Iraq and Afghanistan, putting his mettle to the test both personally and professionally. “It’s very intense. It’s very focused,” Rich explains. “You have, essentially, one mission. All day long you’re focused on the mission of the unit you support.” The time away from his family was trying, but he is quick to count his blessings. “You’re always in a little bit of danger, frankly, but it’s not like those young Marines and young soldiers out on patrol, walking through a village, not knowing if they’re going to step on an IED or get shot from a window. Those are the ones that really have a tough time when they deploy.”

Throughout this time, Rich continued to ascend in rank, serving as legal counsel for many key players in the military. For a little over a year, he served as the chief legal advisor for General Stan McChrystal, the senior commander of all U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan. He then went on to serve as chief legal advisor for General Jim Mattis at U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), where he oversaw a team of lawyers responsible for legal issues pertaining to all military operations in the Middle East. Lastly, he spent his final four years in the Army as the chief legal counsel of General Marty Dempsey, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff before retiring with the rank of brigadier general after over 30 years of service in 2016.

When asked about the types of issues he dealt with in these high positions, Rich was quick to point out just how broad his purview truly was. “You’ve got to be, as we say, a mile wide and an inch deep,” he explains. Much like corporate lawyers, he oversaw things like personnel issues. “You have investigations, whether someone gets hurt, someone loses equipment, or somebody harasses someone.” Unlike corporate law, Rich was tasked with advising commanders with decisions that carry all the gravity attached to active combat. Decisions had to be made quickly. “If you’re in the middle of a targeting operation, and the question is, do the rules of engagement and the laws of armed conflict, the laws of war, allow you to strike this target or this person? You can’t say, ‘Hey, sir. Let me go call an expert and read a few books and get back to you.’ You have to answer that question.”

In all of the decisions that Rich helped inform, a number of them have left an indelible mark; there were times that stick out in his memory where he felt especially proud that he was able to steer those he advised in the most positive, progressive direction. “Long before Abu Ghraib, long before detention became the sensitive issue it did… In 2002, I was asked for some legal advice on how we were conducting some detention operations. I gave some strong advice that we needed to move in a different direction. And we did.”

His courageous stance held water, and a long memo that he penned concerning the matter was entered into a Senate Armed Services Committee report on detention operations as an example of doing the right thing.

It’s an excellent example of Rich’s philosophy on legal counsel. “I considered myself legal counsel. Two words.” Rich goes on to explain, “Here’s the legal advice, but also here’s the counsel. The legal says what you can do. The counsel is what you should do.”

With such an impressive career, one might expect a domineering personality giving up very little to anyone in his periphery. In fact, Rich is one of the most affable people that you’re likely to meet, and he possesses a humility not seen in many people whose careers have soared to such heights. Although very proud of his military career, he is reluctant to bring up his rank. He is much more excited to talk about the work he does now, hoping that his enthusiasm will encourage others to get involved with the non-profits he is involved with currently.Rich (left) on stage with fellow Bunker Labs city leader Derren Burrell Lt. Col. (Ret.) (center) and guest speaker Randy Boyd (right) at a Bunker Brews event at Boyd’s Jig & Reel in January of this year.

One such organization is Bunker Labs, a group that assists veterans aspiring to become entrepreneurs. Rich became aware of the non-profit while working for a small, veteran-owned law firm in the Washington D.C. area after that firm became a sponsor of the local Bunker Labs chapter. Offering legal advice at monthly meet ups, he developed an admiration for the work being done to assist his fellow service members. And upon moving back to East Tennessee for a job at Janus Global Operations, he was quickly recruited to help develop Knoxville’s newly formed chapter by friend and Bunker Labs city leader, Derren Burrell. The group now holds monthly meet ups to help veterans develop viable, thriving businesses using three basic tenets: equip people, inspire people, and connect people.

In addition to Bunker Labs, Rich serves on the boards of three non-profit organizations, The Independence Fund, Military Community Youth Ministries, and the Spookstock Foundation, all of which are dedicated to serving veterans and military families. Most recently, he joined the George W. Bush Stand-To Veteran Leadership Program, an initiative dedicated to helping people who work with our country’s veterans operate more effectively and efficiently.

While his career has taken him all over the world, Rich is genuinely excited to return to Knoxville. “It’s such a vibrant city, and you really appreciate it when you’ve left and get to come back,” he says beaming. And Knoxville is lucky to have him.

For more about Bunker Labs, visitbunkerlabs.org