Shopper Blog: ‘Good King’ of Christmas inspires Knoxville man's new novel
HALLS
‘Good King’ of Christmas inspires Knoxville man's new novel
Carol Z. Shane, Shopper News
Listening to novelist George WB Scott talk about his latest book, “The Good King,” you get the feeling that he knows its characters as well as he knows his own family, and that they’re every bit as real to him as any present-day friend or acquaintance.
As for the King of the title, he’s known to us as Wenceslas, though that name is an “anglicized, Latinized” version of the real name: Vaclav, says Scott.
This is Scott’s third of three books and his second work of fiction. His first novel, “I, Jonathan,” released in 2022, is set in Charleston at the start of the Civil War. It’s doing well and Scott is often away from his Fountain City bungalow, attending book signings in Charleston and other cities.
So, after writing a Civil War epic, why did he choose the patron saint of Bohemia, who lived during the 10th century, as his topic? “It’s been in the back of my mind my whole life.”
Though Scott is firmly planted in Knoxville – among other things, he opened Old City Mercantile in the mid-‘80s during the Old City’s first resurgence – he grew up in a much warmer area, Stuart, Florida.
“I remember the first time I heard the Christmas carol. I couldn’t imagine what it would be like to be on snow ‘deep and crisp and even.’ I was probably 8 or 9. It fascinated me. After I got into writing, I thought it would be something I would want to research.
“After I wrote ‘I, Jonathan’ I felt encouraged, so I started researching it.”
He explored Facebook websites that were related to the Czech Republic, where Bohemia is the westernmost and largest historical region. He contacted university history departments and through that process was led to Dr. Petr Kubin of the Department of Ecclesiastical History and Literary History at Charles University in Prague. Kubin is considered a foremost authority on Wenceslas.
“I sent him a copy of the book,” says Scott. “He read it and liked it.” Kubin and others were a great resource. After three years of research, says Scott, “it probably took me a year and a half to write it.”
If Wenceslas is known at all, it’s as a Christian saint who traveled all over Bohemia doing good works. “He would carry a portable wheat grinding mill,” says Scott. “He would harvest wheat, grind it and bake biscuits which he would bless. They would be used as the Eucharist. So he Christianized people around the country.”
But in such a brutal time, when people were often violently coerced into adopting the religion, Scott says that those who came in contact with Wenceslas were so taken with his shining example that they converted of their own free will.
“He’s one of these people that are just good people. They just do good things all the time.”
Which doesn’t mean his life was happy. Wenceslas lived only to the age of 28, and his story is a tragic one.
For further details, you’ll just have to read the book. It’s available at Union Ave Books, where Scott just had a Sept. 21 book signing, and online. For more info on “The Good King,” visit southernrocket.net/georgewbscottauthor.
POWELL
GalFunction creates a space for women entrepreneurs
Al Lesar, Shopper News
Thinking out of the box probably will be the secret to success for The Hub.
GalFunction, the brainchild of entrepreneurs Corinne McMurtery and Sara Whitehead, was formed about a year ago. Its mission was to help women-owned businesses grow, providing networking and opportunities to connect those in charge.
“Last year, we had an idea to create a physical space, but we figured it would take a couple years,” said McMurtery. “We figured, financially, it would just take time. We were fortunate that we found a space so soon that would work.”
GalFunction opened The Hub professional studio (1104 Merchant Drive, Suite 103) in mid-August. It’s located near the corner of Merchant Drive and Clinton Highway, not far from the Expo Center.
The challenge now is to fill it.
“There was a desire to be a central location where women business owners can gather,” McMurtery said. “We want to be able to help those businesses get to the next level.”
Women can network
In the short time it has been open, The Hub has served several purposes.
Photographers have suggested the kind of lighting and backgrounds (which have been purchased) that would be necessary for the studio to be used for photo sessions. Tables and chairs are there for meetings.
It has hosted or will soon entertain a professional makeup tutorial, cookie decorating class, “Spring Blingo,” a painting class and other seminars. McMurtery said the plan wasn’t originally designed for bridle/baby showers or other parties, but they wouldn’t be against the possibilities.
“Our goal was to provide an affordable space to have meetings, seminars or other events,” said McMurtery. “That’s one way for women to work on growing their business. We have an amazing network of (women-owned) businesses in our area. Most times, people don’t get the chance to get to know each other. We’re hoping to provide an opportunity to get together.”
Questions and ideas
It was 2009 when McMurtery and Whitehead became acquainted while they were working in the direct sales business. At the time, their job was to help businesses grow.
Going out on their own, they took the idea of helping women-owned businesses up a notch.
“Sara and I have specifically worked with women business owners for 14 years,” McMurtery said. “Being an entrepreneur takes a lot of figuring out. Some are trying to work other jobs while still being a mom.
“There are people working multiple jobs. We want to tell those women that they’re not alone. Networking in our community will give them a place to ask questions and get some ideas. That’s what Sara and I have a passion for.
“We encourage people to share their expertise. It’s a different kind of hustle.”
Creative sessions start at $65 an hour, and the price goes down for more hours. Meetings and workshops have a three-hour minimum, costing $225. Those include table and chair set-up and tear down and coffee and water. Food can be brought in.
Bookings can be made at www.galfunction.com; click on The Hub button.
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BEARDEN
Businessman Sam Lazim values his customers as much as the estate items he sells
John Shearer, Shopper News
Almost like the families who have sold him some of their estate items, Sam Lazim is brimming with properties and thus opening a second location for his Estate House business.
But the move is also strategic, as he feels the heart of Bearden might fit better with his merchandise of fine watches, vintage jewelry and coins.
“We will have another Estate House in Bearden and hopefully one day move 100 percent there,” he said. “But we are still keeping the one here,” on the north side of Kingston Pike by Gallaher View Road.
The new store, which already has the name on it, is at 5002 Kingston Pike just a few feet west of and on the same side of the street as the Bearden Kroger and Chick-fil-A. It will be a few miles east of the current store.
The new store plans to have an official grand opening 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Oct. 26-28, with a ribbon cutting hosted by the Chamber of Commerce on Friday the 27th from 3:30 to 4 p.m. Also scheduled to take part in the opening is Washington Nationals’ baseball player Lane Thomas, a Lazim friend who played at Bearden High and the University of Tennessee.
Lazim said some of the nicer watches and diamonds and other fine items will be on sale at the location closer to downtown and the UT campus.
An upbeat and approachable person who immigrated to the United States almost 20 years ago, Lazim spoke equally glowingly of his items for sale. He said he has a gemologist, Holly Murphy, to help customers, as well as a German watchmaker, Wolfgang Christian, one of only about 500 professional watchmakers remaining in the United States.
Lazim will buy back items like diamonds from a customer for the same price purchased and buy estate items and homes from people not wanting to hassle with selling personal properties or getting them ready to sell.
“I really love old stuff – jewelry and houses,” he said in explaining part of his motivation for his line of work. “I love everything old.”
The work is also literally in his blood, as multiple generations of his paternal family have been in that line of work. And the move to a new location is minor compared to some of the other moves he has made in his life.
Originally a member of the Christian minority in Iran, he was doing some missionary work in Turkey when he was forced to leave. With the help of Two Rivers Church in Bearden and First Baptist Concord, he came to the United States almost two decades ago.
After doing some contract work for the Army and Marines, he started his current business in 2009 and bought the Bearden building several years ago with an eye toward moving when the time was right. And that time has come, he said.
Among his other items and services, he said, are appraisals and purchases of items and houses.
“We buy the whole estate, including the house,” he said. “We look at the value of the cars and jewelry and make one offer for everything. It is very simple.”
One item he acquired recently through his estate business was a piece of art by the noted artist Salvador Dali, he said.
For Lazim, though, the treasures he finds in his work are more the customers. In fact, his line of work might not be as different from missionary work as it might look to an outsider. He said he is also still focused on service, including helping people who might need to sell items out of necessity.
“My employees say I’m the worst salesperson but the best buying person,” he said with a laugh. “I think about it as a service. People might be selling stuff while having issues, and I really like to help.
“In this business, I can do something I really like to do and help someone and provide for the family,” he said, adding that they are looking forward to being a part of the Bearden business community.
HALLS
Fall festival draws fantasy fans to Fable Hollow Coffee & Bookshoppe
Joeleen Hubbard, Shopper News
The creation of a whimsical-themed coffee shop and bookstore came about when co-owners Alyssa Stewart and Casey Jessen connected over their love of fantasy books.
“We were both going through a time in our lives where we were tired of doing what society told us we should be doing and decided instead we would do what we wanted to do,” Jessen said.
Fable Hollow Coffee & Bookshoppe had its grand opening in April and has gained support from a large number of community members in Fountain City and beyond. The coffee shop and bookstore is known for its fantasy-themed décor and cozy environment.
“We said in one of our first brainstorming sessions that we wanted our shop to feel like walking into your favorite book,” Jessen said. “We wanted it to be comforting but also give you a sense of escape. Fantasy has been our escape and comfort, so it only seemed natural to lean into it!”
The co-owners continued to host events such as Dungeons and Dragons nights and midnight release parties since opening their doors earlier in the year, but now they have hosted their first fall festival.
“Our goal is for the event to add something special to the community and give other small, whimsical businesses an opportunity to be seen and supported by the wonderful people that come to our shop,” Jessen said.
The coffee and book shop was decorated with mums, pumpkins, and leaves as attendees arrived in costumes including tiaras, fairy wings, and elf ears.
Six vendors and two food trucks were lined up along the parking lot outside the shop. Local organizations such as the Owl Ridge Raptor Center hosted an educational show and brought a few of their rescued owls for attendees to meet.
Vendors such as Jade Elf Emporium, Fogbarrow, and Rainy Daze sell crystals, jewelry, fairy wings for boots, and other themed art and décor.
Cars quickly filled the parking lot and attendees formed a long line just to enter the coffee and book shop. By the afternoon, Fable Hollow had announced that they were ending the fall festival early due to parking complaints from other businesses in the shopping plaza.
Although the event ended early, Jessen and Stewart will continue to host themed events throughout the remainder of the year and view the fall festival as a learning experience.
“Having a business like ours, we’ve learned that it's important to know when to try something new or even scrap an idea if it’s just not working,” Jessen said. “Trying different ideas and being open to feedback is important to us and we’ve spent many ‘days off’ implementing new systems and setups. That way we can be ready for whatever obstacle tomorrow brings!”
Jessen and Stewart say that events such as the fall festival bring community members together, and it’s a large reason they enjoy hosting them, despite the obstacles they may face.
“Community means support and safety and having people to share your life with,” Jessen said. “We have witnessed so many people make new friends in our shop and find their people… These sorts of events can get people to visit for the first time or even just give them something to be excited about with others!”
Joeleen Hubbard can be reached at joeleenhubbard@gmail.com; (865) 591-8893.
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OPINION
There are lessons in traveling
Leslie Snow, Shopper News
Six months ago, traveling twice in three weeks sounded like fun. Then again, most things sound like fun when you plan them six months in advance.
But after traveling for nearly 30 hours over two long weekends for a wedding and a football game, and losing our luggage, I’ve learned a thing or two about traveling.
Here’s what I learned:
Having a “comfort pet” is all the rage. I saw more dogs at the airport last week than I saw at the dog park.
Out of curiosity, I asked the gate agent about the possibility of traveling with my “comfort Dane.”
It turns out, dumb questions get the same response no matter which state you’re visiting.
According to my body, a three-hour time change is still a time change.
According to my travel companions, going to bed at seven o’clock is frowned upon no matter which state you’re visiting.
I eat almonds almost every day and never once felt the need to write about it. But when almonds are delivered in a tiny foil bag by a woman in uniform 35,000 feet in the air, it’s oddly exciting and definitely column-worthy.
Smart phones have become an essential tool for travel. We got flight updates on our phones, gate changes, and even used them to scan a QR code to order breakfast before our flight.
I felt bad for all the older people I saw struggling to pull up their boarding passes on their smartphones.
Not wanting to be one of those older people, I opted for a paper boarding pass instead.
A quick, non-scientific count of my fellow passengers revealed that the number of people still using paper boarding passes was fewer than two. Like the song says, one is a lonely number. And a little embarrassing, too.
You know those people on a plane who startle themselves awake with a loud snore? I was one of them.
My husband and I took a beautiful hike through the Santa Monica Mountains while we were away. We met two friendly hikers who pointed out unique rock formations and showed us a rare plant that blooms only after wildfires.
After the hike, I mentioned how nice the ladies were. “Hikers are hikers no matter where you are,” I said a little smugly, “even in California.”
“People are people no matter where you are,” he replied, knowingly.
Sometimes my husband is too smart for my own good.
After our hike, we drove to Malibu for lunch. While we were there, we stumbled upon the place where Jim Rockford kept his trailer in that old show “The Rockford Files.” The trailer isn’t there anymore, but people still visit the site. I guess anything can be a tourist attraction these days.
We went whale watching on our trip and got to see 10 magnificent humpback whales. I cried and clapped and loved every moment of the tour.
I don’t know if I really have a bucket list, but if I did, “see whales” would be right at the top.
It turns out, some tourist attractions are tourist attractions for very good reasons.
Traveling, even in the United States, is invigorating and exhausting. I’m always happy to go on an adventure, but I’m always happy to come home again. And no matter how tired I am now, I know the next time my husband proposes two trips in three weeks, I’ll say “yes” again.
As long as he asks me at least six months in advance.
Leslie Snow may be reached at snow column@aol.com.
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NORTH KNOXVILLE
Go! Contemporary Dance and Inner Voices team up for 20th
Carol Z. Shane, Shopper News
GO! Contemporary Dance Works (GO!) − the vibrant, innovative dance company run by Lisa Hall McKee under the banner of Studio Arts for Dancers − will celebrate its 20th anniversary with “reGENERATION,” an outdoor performance at the Tennessee Amphitheater on Sept. 29.
The evening’s versatile repertoire will bring Knoxville’s artistic community together, and for the first time the popular local string quartet Inner Voices will enhance a GO! performance with their beautiful sound in a piece called “Voicing,” which McKee describes as a true collaborative effort.
“The all-female string quartet, Inner Voices, joins us on the stage this year. I saw these ladies performing the piece 'Strum' by Jessie Montgomery, and I was fascinated with their connection to their instruments, the score and each other. I immediately wanted to work with them!”
“Voicing” is co-choreographed by McKee and Jill Frére, who also teaches yoga at The Glowing Body.
“reGENERATION” brings together interdisciplinary choreographic works by some of the most experimental dance-makers in Knoxville and will premiere "Xocoyotzin," by award winning international choreographer danah bella, founding chair of the dance department at the Peabody Conservatory at Johns Hopkins University. The choreographer has presented works at the Cool New York Festival, the United States Asian American Festival and the Bates Dance Festival, as well as in Mexico and Italy.
Additional new works will include “NAD 213,” an experimental ballet that explores ADHD and the creative insights sometimes experienced by those with the condition, and “Rhythm of Regeneration,” a celebratory and bold blend of African and modern dance.
“Takia Faniyi, a local African dancer, worked with the cast on African dance movement vocabulary that we incorporated into GO!’s signature style,” said McKee. “The piece is extremely visual, athletic and energizing.”
With a roster of 50 pre-professional and professional dancers, GO! celebrates a 20-year journey of art, family and connection with this performance. Mixing new with the old, GO! brings back to the stage favorites such as "Convergent Boundaries" by Denise Njuguna and "Revenge of the Wallflower" by Jackie Kinsman.
This 20th anniversary event is produced in part by corporate sponsors Belcher Family Giving Fund; Sam & Paula Tate; Garza Law Firm; Rob Quillin of Kennerly Montgomery Law Firm; Matt Harper of Eagle Strategies LLC; and Integrative PT and Wellness. McKee is proud to include “reGENERATION” in the company’s Penny4Arts performance program.
“We are still dreaming big and growing,” McKee says. “As artistic director, my primary focus is to keep us moving forward and not become stagnant. We bring in new artists and we create new work while keeping true to our history. This performance is evidence of that!”
“reGENERATION” starts at 7 p.m. Sept. 29 at the Tennessee Amphitheater at the World’s Fair Site with a pre-show featuring live music by Mal Nombre, and free refreshments. The main show will start at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 in advance or $17 at the door and can be purchased at gocontemporarydance.com or at STUDIO ARTS for dancers, 865-539-2475. All seating is general admission.
POWELL
'Chicken Librarian' works to keep the simpler traditions alive
Al Lesar, Shopper News
Holding a baby chick wasn’t something Kristin Webber was sure she could do.
A librarian from upstate New York, with roots in Tennessee, Webber had an interest in learning the southern Appalachian lifestyle.
Given that urge, owning chickens was definitely part of it.
“I like self-sufficiency,” Webber said. “I like knowing where my food comes from.”
Webber’s father worked for the Tennessee Valley Authority. She got her start in the Powell area, moved to Chattanooga for high school, then moved to New York. She came back to Rogersville in 2008 − where she developed her curiosity about the southern Appalachian lifestyle − moved back to New York in 2010, then finally settled in Powell last May.
She is now committed to launching her business, Chicken Librarian, offering a variety of classes that will explain different aspects of that heritage.
Hooked on chickens
A city girl all her life, Webber embraced rural living when she took a librarian job in Rogersville.
“I had a friend who convinced me I had to get Barred Rock chicks,” Webber said. “The breeder said, ‘OK, there they are. Grab 10 of them.’ I didn’t know if I could do it. Once I picked one up, I was hooked.”
The place she rented had an old pole barn that served as a chicken coop. Pasture fields with cows grazing bordered three sides. A friend helped her get started with a half-acre garden.
She learned canning, preserving, making bread, soap and cheese and even her own vanilla.
“I love the simplicity of that lifestyle,” said Webber. “I’m so excited because I love teaching something that I enjoy doing so much.”
Appalachian Martha Stewart?
Besides having been a librarian for 15 years, Webber is also a writer. She wants to blend that talent with her passion for the southern Appalachian lifestyle and develop a following. She uses the path that Martha Stewart forged as a blueprint.
“I would live to be published,” Webber said. “I can see myself writing for magazines. I could be the next Martha Stewart, but in my own way. I want to be gentler.”
That would go along with the classes she already offers.
Webber said her classes are generally two hours long. She supplies all the materials. She said she talks about the way things were done before modern conveniences like ovens and microwaves were invented, but doesn’t hesitate to use the equipment to get the job done.
“If we’re making pies and the crust isn’t perfect, that’s OK,” Webber said. “That’s when I encourage the student to go home and make another pie to get the crust right.”
Webber said she has reached out to local businesses and organizations about doing classes for employees or members. She can do individual or group classes. She is also planning on making on-demand videos and even virtual classes.
Her favorites are pie making, cheese making and canning. Of course, the care of chickens is also a possibility.
“I give all of my information,” she said. “I don’t hold anything back.”
Webber said there are a variety of pricing options. For more information, contact Webber at: chickenandthelibrarian@gmail.com; (607) 760-5271, or Chicken Librarian on Instagram or Facebook.
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KARNS
Homecoming queen plans to give back to community
Nancy Anderson, Shopper News
While the Karns High School Beavers suffered a loss to Heritage at homecoming, Addie Shelton walked off the field a winner having raised $10,212 for the cheerleading team, making her the 2023/24 Homecoming Queen.
She was so intent on raising the most money to help fund the cheerleaders and the school, she didn’t even buy her gown. She borrowed it.
Shelton looked stunning in the “Karns Blue” sequined gown by Sherry Hill borrowed from a friend. Her father, Michael Shelton, walked her down the 50-yard line wearing matching blue sequined shoes and bow tie.
“I will never forget the moment they called my name,” said Addie. “I had chills and I’m very thankful for the support of the community.”
Addie worked hard over the summer, as did the other 18 contestants, each raising money for their specific club and for the school at large.
She sold Karns T-shirts, hoodies, blankets, etc. and went door-to-door asking Karns business to help sponsor her bid for Homecoming Queen.
Addie is a busy young woman. She is a senior leader on the cheer team, a member of the National Honor Society, DECA, takes clinical nursing class and holds a 3.8 GPA.
Addie said she is a motivated person and was determined to win the crown for the cheer team. Now that she’s won, she plans to give back to the community by helping her uncle, community leader Charlie Austin.
That alone will keep her busy, but since the Fair Board paid for the crown and sash, Addie said helping her uncle was the least she could do.
She has plans of her own. “I plan to give back to the community at school through the Student Engagement Committee. We help organize events for the school that encourages everyone to get involved in the school community.
“I’m also in a nursing education clinical class where I will be going to help the elderly at NHC Farragut. I’m going to volunteer with helping with food distributions and donating my old clothes to shelters. I love working with the younger Karns MAC League cheerleaders and I plan to continue with them in the future.
“Also, I enjoy helping other kids that are dealing with my disease, Type 1 diabetes. I often speak with other kids in online groups to offer advice, encouragement and support,” Addie said.
While Addie walked away with the crown and quite a few cheers, Rebekah Cobble won the most cheers for Special Olympics. She raised more than $1,300 selling T-shirts in Karns blue reading “I Am loved.”
le at Union Ave Books, where Scott just had a Sept. 21 book signing, and online. For more info on “The Good King,” visit southernrocket.net/georgewbscottauthor.
NORTH KNOXVILLE
East Knoxville Community Cleanup rocks
Carol Z. Shane, Shopper News
On Sept. 16, Keep Knoxville Beautiful hosted an East Knoxville Community Cleanup, and 18 groups came together to show how much they care about East Knoxville.
Amanda Seale, who has been with Keep Knoxville Beautiful since 2021, is the organization’s director of programs. She was thrilled with the turnout for the annual event.
“This past weekend marked our third annual EKCC. In addition to the 18 groups, we also had two additional groups based at the Ashley Nicole Dream Playground − one group cleaning the park and another group working in First Creek.”
One of the groups taking part in the cleanup was a crew from the Real Good Kitchen. Founded on East Magnolia Avenue by Bailey Foster in January 2021, it’s Knoxville’s first incubator kitchen, and its purpose is to serve gifted food entrepreneurs from diverse cultures who would not otherwise be able to afford commercial kitchen facilities.
Ahlen Drillich, who has been kitchen manager since the beginning, led the cleanup crew.
“I decided that Real Good Kitchen should take part in the EKCC because of our strong commitment to the local community. East Knoxville, where we’re located, faces food insecurity challenges, and we felt it was our responsibility to contribute positively.
“By participating in the cleanup, we aimed to enhance the neighborhood's appearance, support underserved residents, collaborate effectively with Keep Knoxville Beautiful, and build valuable community relationships. This initiative perfectly aligns with RGK’s mission, demonstrating our dedication to the well-being and long-term sustainability of East Knoxville.”
The other participating groups were
Alpha Kappa PsiAsian American AssociationChristian Students at UTKKnox County Democrats District 1Mabry Hazen HouseThe MuseNational Society of Black EngineersParkridge NeighborhoodPi Beta PhiSociety of Women EngineersSPEAKSurveying and Mapping LLCTheta ChiTheta TauZeta Phi BetaZeta Tau AlphaZoo Knoxville
One of Drillich’s team members, volunteer Mariah Adams, said, “RGK has become a staple in East Knoxville − not only offering a place for local bakers, chefs and business entrepreneurs to utilize a shared commercial kitchen, but also a sense of community. Many of my friends have used their facilities in their business journey, so helping keep the surrounding area clean was an easy way to spend a Saturday morning!”
HALLS
Kids' lessons preserve Appalachian culture, one tune at a time
Joeleen Hubbard, Shopper News
On a quiet Tuesday evening in the Old City, you may hear the strum of a banjo or pluck of a mandolin as you walk by the Jig & Reel.
Sarah Pirkle, program director for the Junior Appalachian Musicians of North Knoxville, attends an Old Time Jam hosted by Jig & Reel every Tuesday evening, but has always been passionate about teaching the younger generation about bluegrass music.
Along with performing as a local musician, Pirkle has been teaching private music lessons for 30 years.
“I've always wanted to do something like this. While I love seeing the kids that I do, I know there are kids out there whose parents can't afford private lessons,” Pirkle said. “When I heard about JAM through my friend, I realized that this is what I wanted to do. … JAM put that in place for me to be able to do my dream.”
Junior Appalachian Musicians (JAM) is an after-school program for fourth through eighth graders that began in the spring of 2000 after Helen White, a guidance counselor in Virginia, saw a need for music education that focused on the Appalachian region. The program provides the instruments and start-up funding, while pairing affiliates with local nonprofits to provide a teaching space.
Now, program affiliates have expanded to nearly 30 locations, including Knoxville.
Junior Appalachian Musicians of North Knoxville became a program affiliate in 2022 and completed its first student session in summer 2023. The North Knoxville affiliate is led by three teachers, including Pirkle, who teach the guitar, fiddle, and banjo.
Currently, Pirkle and her team are focusing on recruiting for their fall session by playing at local schools to increase student interest in the program.
“I think it's just a matter of raising awareness; once it really gets out there what we're doing, I think parents will run in to bring their kids,” Pirkle said.
Pirkle’s goal for the organization is to create a sense of community for students through their love of music. Although the organization is currently located at Northside Christian Church in North Knoxville, Pirkle hopes to teach students across Knoxville and surrounding counties.
Pirkle also hopes to eventually expand JAM into an adult and seniors’ program for community members across Knoxville and surrounding counties.
“Parents have been saying ‘I wish there was something like this for me,’ so we're trying to combine that. I also have been talking about music for seniors. I really want to provide some intergenerational experiences.”
With bluegrass musicians such as Billy Strings and Tyler Childers, the old-time sound has become popular among multiple generations in recent years.
“Now there are bluegrass jams all over the world,” Pirkle said. “There's a standard set of tunes that everybody learns that are part of our culture here. If you learn these and you go to a jam session somewhere else, you may not know anybody when you walk in, but they'll know the tunes and you can start a conversation with people based around the music that you all share.”
Pirkle believes that Appalachian music is an important part of the culture that students should be proud of.
“I ask the kids, ‘How many Appalachians do we have in here?’ And they have no idea what I’m talking about,” Pirkle said. “We’re all Appalachians. This is an important part of the country because a lot of music culture actually came from Appalachian music. We have some of the best storytellers in the world. I just think it's something to be proud of, even if they aren’t originally from Appalachia.”
Registration is open for Junior Appalachian Musicians of North Knoxville’s fall session that begins on Oct. 3, and more information can be found at https://www.northsidedisciple.com/about-4 or by contacting Sarah Pirkle at pirklebarbra@icloud.com.
Joeleen Hubbard can be reached at joeleenhubbard@gmail.com or (865) 591-8893
POWELL
LuLu's Liquor Cakes becomes new home of Blu La Rue Boutique
Al Lesar, Shopper News
Life was closing in on Ricki Craft in February 2023.
The Powell resident had been operating Blu La Rue Boutique online from her home for almost three years. Sales, though, were stagnant in the dead of winter. Bills needed to be paid.
“I was thinking about packing it in and getting a 9-to-5 job,” Craft said. “I went so far as to post that on social media.”
To her surprise, Craft was deluged with responses encouraging her to keep the faith and continue to grind.
Those pep talks carried her to May, when she decided to take another giant leap. Her inventory had outgrown her home. She needed a brick and mortar retail presence to continue her dream.
Again, she turned to social media looking for help.
“I got a response from someone named Laura LaRue,” Craft said. “My first thought was, ‘Is this a joke?’ ‘Is this a fake account?’
LaRue, actually, lives in Powell and owns LuLu’s Liquor Cakes. Her plan was to leave her storefront (941 N. Broadway in North Knoxville) and focus on online sales.
“It couldn’t have worked out better,” Craft said. “I walked in and her decor fit what we are trying to do with our boutique. It was great.”
Continue to dream
Craft has spent time living on the edge and she didn’t like it. The farther away from that precarious spot she can get, the better.
She’s hoping that the karma already present through the acquisition of the retail space carries her through the pivotal months ahead.
“You can’t be afraid to out-dream yourself,” Craft said. “You have to be teachable. I spent a lot of time with Laura talking about the success she has had and the problems she encountered.”
Craft’s story dates back three years when her son Jonah was finding his way through Powell High School. She would continually urge him to follow his dream. One day, he turned the tables on her, which made her think. And finally act.
Jonah graduated from high school last December and is working to find his niche as an entrepreneur. In the meantime, his mom is making her dream a reality.
“The key is to not give up because it’s not going to be easy,” Craft said. “You have to get to know your community and your supporters. Then, take care of those folks.”
Biggest risk yet
With much more room to store inventory, Craft can give the community and her supporters more options.
She said, by far, her most popular items are Judy Blue denim jeans. That entire line has been a constant success.
After that, trends have varied from clothes to accessories. Vacation items and gifts like purses, candles, hats, Weekender Bags, hair brushes and bows have all sold well.
The addition of the brick and mortar storefront allows Craft to offer Gameday apparel. All sorts of orange and white articles of clothing are available along with stadium-approved bags that are more stylish than the simple clear plastic.
“I thought it was a big risk for me opening my (online) boutique three years ago,” Craft said. “This is the biggest risk yet. It’s important to just be yourself and connect with the right people.”
While her online business is still up and running, Craft plans to have her storefront open Thursday, Friday and Saturday from noon-6 p.m. Items purchased online by locals can have in-store pickup to avoid shipping costs.
OPINION
Aging a surprise, even at 90
Leslie Snow, Shopper News
It’s a question that follows me everywhere I go. At least that’s how it feels. Cheri asks about it while we’re walking at Lakeshore Park. An observant ticket agent mentions it when she checks my driver’s license at the airport. Even the cashier at the grocery store wants to know how I feel about turning 60.
“It’s not a big deal,” I say while gathering my receipt. “Sixty is just a number. I’m sure it’s not going to feel any different than being 59.”
That’s what I say, but I don’t think it’s true. Sixty feels a little different. And sometimes, when I catch a glimpse of myself in my oversized bathroom mirror, I’m surprised by my own reflection. I’m surprised by the way the skin sags around my neck. I’m surprised by the dark circles under my eyes and the deep creases around my mouth.
“Who are you?” I ask the woman in the mirror. “And what have you done with the young lady who used to live here?”
I apply another lotion promising to smooth away the years and think about something my father used to say. “Growing older is better than the alternative.” It’s a good mantra for the start of a new decade. I shrug my shoulders and go about my day.
But sometimes a shrug of the shoulders and a can-do attitude isn’t enough. Some days my body talks to me and reminds me that time is marching on. My feet ache, my back is stiff, and my hips don’t work the way they used to. It makes me wonder what the future holds.
And on one of those days when my nagging aches and pains are shouting for attention, I stop in to see my mother. We plop down on her comfy gray couch and talk while I stretch my sore feet.
“Do they hurt today?” my mom asks, with concern.
“Only a little,” I say with a reassuring smile.
Then I ask about her shoulders and her torn rotator cuff.
“They always hurt, but what can you do?”
Then I ask about her sore lower back, and she asks about mine. We trade complaints until we both laugh. Then I admit the truth.
“It feels weird to be turning 60,” I announce, leaning into her.
“It was weird turning 90,” she responds, “so I understand.”
“I still feel like a kid inside,” I confess, “but, objectively, it’s not true anymore.”
“Me too,” she replies with a knowing smile. “Me too.”
“Sometimes I’m startled when I see my face in the mirror,” I confess, sheepishly. “I know it sounds silly, but deep inside, I thought I would be young forever.”
“I’m surprised by my face, too,” she says with a laugh. “And my age.”
We’re quiet after that. We sit on the couch together, holding hands, and contemplating the passing of time.
On the way home, I think about our conversation. I had always assumed that by the time people reach the age of 90, they would have found acceptance. I thought their inner child would have matured and that they’d come to appreciate their wizened appearance.
But I guess people are people at any age. Being 90 doesn’t make the process of aging any easier or less surprising than it is at 60. What I’m feeling isn’t unique. And if I’m lucky enough to be around for another 30 years, I guess I’ll still be surprised by my face in the mirror. And deep inside, I’ll still feel like a kid.
Leslie Snow may be reached at snow column@aol.com.
This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Shopper News brings you the latest happenings in your community
