Shopper Blog: Knoxville band director didn't let birth defect keep him off the football field
POWELL
Knoxville band director didn't let birth defect keep him off the football field
Al Lesar, Shopper News
Getting out onto the football field was always Andrew Smith’s dream.
His route, though, was a bit more unconventional than most.Andrew was born into a football family. His dad, Rusty, was an assistant coach at Powell High School. His brother Austin was an All-Stater for the Panthers.
Problem was, Andrew was born with a birth defect. Part of his brain is located in his neck. The condition eliminated his participation in contact sports throughout his entire life.
“I was always the ball boy; always hanging around (Powell head football coach) Matt Lowe’s office,” Andrew said. “I really wanted to be on the field. I noticed that the band had its time on the field. That was how it was going to happen.”
Andrew spent his time at Powell Middle School finding an instrument that worked for him. He settled on the trombone and devoted himself to it.
“I had some success in high school and was drum major my junior year,” he said.
He was also a member of the leadership team junior and senior years. He didn’t try out for drum major his senior year.
“The low brass section needed a leader,” Andrew said. “That was what I did. It was the best decision I made, because it got me ready for college.”
Taking over at Powell
The 2014 Powell High grad got a music scholarship to attend Middle Tennessee State University. Andrew studied and performed under David Loucky, whom he considers his idol. After graduation in ’18, Andrew returned to Powell and stepped into the role of assistant band director.
After four years of seasoning, Andrew took over as director for the 2022-23 school year. He’s the guy who makes decisions, rather than suggestions.
“Every decision I make is for the betterment of the program,” Andrew said. “What’s in the kids’ best interest? I want them to be proud of what they do.”
Andrew and his assistant Mark Criswell have taken the reins from Ricky Shaw and M.J. Robinson, both of whom he credits as mentors, along with Janet Roach.
The band has no offseason. In February, the new year was being discussed. Specific planning started in May, a month before he officially took over, to get the 95 members of the Powell band ready for the football season.
“A lot of people don’t comprehend what goes into getting ready for the seasons,” he said. “You’re putting in thousands of hours for that eight-minute show.”
New-look shows
High school band performances have changed since Andrew had those eight minutes of glory on several Friday nights in the fall.
“What I did (in high school) and what they still do in a lot of colleges is a militaristic type of performance,” said Andrew, who describes himself as methodical and energetic. “High schools have gone in a different direction. It’s more artistic; theatrical. There’s a lot more dance involved.
“I don’t really favor one over the other. It’s just a new approach that takes a lot more planning.
“I love to watch the militaristic style, but I love to teach the more modern approach. That’s what kids love to perform and watch.”
Since July, when two-a-day practices evolved into three-a-days in three-hour increments, Andrew has been readying his brigade for its eight minutes in the spotlight.
“I want us to be better than when I took over,” Andrew said. “There aren’t nerves. The kids are the ones who have to perform it. I just have to get them prepared.”KARNS
Karns High Choral Ensemble prepares for gala with Culinary Arts
Nancy Anderson, Shopper News
Karns High School Choral Ensemble is used to fundraising.
Usually, it's a car wash. This year, the group is planning a fundraiser gala set for Thursday, Oct. 6. The gala will be held at the school in the New Commons.
“We didn’t have anyone interested in running for Homecoming this year and we knew we had to do some kind of fundraiser, so we thought ‘Why not a gala,”’ said Choral Director Seth Tinsley.
Tinsley said he’s been thinking about having a gala for a few years.
“With Culinary Arts just across the hall, having them cater the event is a win-win for everyone. They were able to keep the cost low for us and still turn a profit.
“We’ll be having mixed green salad, grilled chicken with sautéed green beans. We have vegetarian and allergy options. We’ve gone all out. For dessert, we’ll be having strawberry, pumpkin spice, or chocolate pavlova.”
The theme is loosely “How music affects us.” Soloists will sing a song about a newborn baby, then “You’ve a Friend in Me” for the childhood years. The boys will be singing “When I was Your Man” by Bruno Mars to represent teenage love and “A Million Dreams” to represent graduation. The girls will sing “Nine to Five” to represent the workaday life. “The Road Home” represents the end of life and “Zion’s Walls" rounds out the performance representing the afterlife.
Karns High School graduate and local songstress Sydney Stinnett will make a guest appearance, singing a solo to be determined.
Tickets are $30, which will bring a three-course dinner, a show, and a silent auction.
“This year is a test year," Tinsley said. "I’m already thinking about how to make coming years even nicer. We’ll have to see what the return is. We need to make a few thousand dollars and have 22 tables to sell. We’ve already sold 15 tables at the Diamond level. That gets you preferential seating as close to the stage as I can get you. The earlier you buy, the closer to the stage you’ll be."
The reservations are already rolling in. Marietta Cumberland Presbyterian Church sponsored a full table to be used for school administration. Notables attending so far include Principal Laicee Hatfield, Knox County Schools Assistant Superintendent Elizabeth Norton, and school board member Betsy Henderson.
“The goal is to raise much-needed funds, but also to show that these kids are growing in more ways than just learning how to sing," Tinsley said. "The kids are putting the gala on. They’re learning to be crafty, how to work with a budget, create documents, and slideshows. They’ve been collecting silent auction items.
“I told them I would help, but this is their event."
The gala committee includes Emma Mills, 15, who is singlehandedly making crochet pumpkin centerpieces for the tables; Harper Pickney, 17, who is the Ensemble student president; and Addy Garrett, 17, who is the Ensemble vice president.
“I can’t thank these students enough for stepping up and making it happen,” Tinsley said.
Info: seth.tinsley@knoxschools.org
HALLS
Gibbs Middle gears up for Wings and Wheels car show
Ali James, Shopper News
Last year, Gibbs Middle School teacher Lisa Ogle realized that the students had never been on a grade-level field trip. “Since the school opened five years ago, the kids who couldn’t afford it didn’t get to go or the field trips were exorbitant in price,” said Ogle.
The lead English Language Arts teacher is in her third year at the school, but before that she taught at Holston Middle and noticed that car shows were a great fundraiser.
“We did a car show for a friend who had cancer, and my husband loves to do shows; he is the one who got me into it,” said Ogle. “Gibbs High School had 120 cars at a show last year. We thought it would be a fun way to raise money. There are a lot of people that have older cars around here.”
The Wings and Wheels Car Show at Gibbs Middle School has been greenlighted for 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 22. Car owners can register to participate on the day of the event for $20, or preregister for just $15 at https://forms.gle/hHLeG2SzwqLm1wzS7.
“Come show off your ride or set up as a vendor and make this a successful and fun event that will benefit our students,” said Ogle, who is anticipating tractors and lawnmowers will also show up on the day of the event. Some local businesses have helped sponsor the event to keep costs down, and all money raised will go back to the students.
“My husband’s dad had a 1960 El Camino. He passed away three years ago, but his mom will let him take it out to some of the local car shows,” said Ogle. “We have been handing out flyers for the Wings and Wheels Car Show at Gibbs Middle School for a couple of months at other shows.”
State Farm Insurance has sponsored trophies for 11 categories.
“There will be trophies awarded for muscle/classic – it’s kind of a big category, hot rod/street rod, rat rods, trucks, motorcycles, most unique, best in show, modern and kids’ choice,” said Ogle.
Former Gibbs principal Cindy White will be one of the judges, and event organizers are looking for additional judges.
“Door prizes are worth anywhere from $20-$90 for gift certificates from Auto Zone, Advanced Auto and Pep Boys for things such as oil changes and from several places to eat,” said Ogle. “The car guys get a ticket if they enter, and they can purchase more if they like. If you show up to eat you can buy a door prize ticket.”
There is a 50/50 giveaway, where a lucky winner can win half of the ticket money raised.
“We thought if we do the car show in the fall, then we will know how much more we need to raise to make the field trips less expensive or have some scholarships,” said Ogle. The seventh grade is hoping to visit the Alcatraz Museum and have pizza for lunch. The sixth and seventh grade representatives have yet to decide on their field trips.
At the car show, a live DJ will be playing music, students will be performing and singing and there will be various vendors selling merchandise such as bracelets, shirts and jewelry.
Gibbs Middle School’s PTO will be distributing pre-ordered Gibbs hoodies and may take orders. Child Help will be there to talk about foster parenting; YOKE will be hosting games with kids. There will be insurance agents, Pep Boys will have a table and there may be a window tinting expert.
Ogle said that for those not into cars there will be plenty to do. Six food trucks have been booked.
Brand new food truck Scott’s Tots will make its debut. Crazy D’s BBQ has held on to his food truck for his last event since taking over the former Aunt Tina’s restaurant. Plus there will be Kona Ice, Bless Your Southern Fried Heart, Nacho Bisnez and Noodles North food trucks.
WHAT: Wings and Wheels Car ShowWHEN: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Oct. 22 (gates open at 8:30 a.m.)WHERE: Gibbs Middle, 7625 Tazewell PikeCOST: Spectators free. Car registration is $20 day of/$15 with preregistration
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POWELL
From serving vets to playing Santa, singer Rickey Royale wears many hats
Al Lesar, Shopper News
Sorting through the many faces of Rickey Royale can be an exhausting experience.But it certainly won’t be boring.
The 69-year-old, who has lived in Powell the last five years, has been a comedic usher, singer/songwriter, trolley driver in Pigeon Forge, bus driver in Knoxville, Santa Claus in Powell, and volunteer driver for military funerals and veterans who need a lift locally.
A native of Wichita, Kansas, Royale (formerly Rickey Freeman) is a patriot who didn’t follow his elders into military service. “I was an only child,” Royale said. “My mom and dad wouldn’t hear of me going into the service” (though his father and grandfather served).
He's doing his time now, on the back end of his life, offering transportation services for veterans or as part of the funeral procession for families of veterans.
StarstripesUSA.com is his military honor escort service for funerals of veterans. The family will ride in this car that’s driven behind the hearse. Also, the service can be used for veterans to get to medical appointments or McGhee-Tyson Airport.
“This is the only way I can give back,” said Royale. “It’s a ministry for me. The men and women who have served have done so much for me.
“Through the Lord, Jesus Christ, this all has been spiritual. Some of the people I’ve driven, I’ve ended up praying with them.”
Finding his niche
It's that patriotic spirit that drove Royale to record his own special ode to the USA, “American People Together.”It has gotten over 600 views on YouTube and is available for download on all the top sites.Royale met his first wife, Joyce, more than two decades ago when he appeared on stage at a talent showcase in Branson, Missouri. He was a singer who used his alter-ego, bumpkin Rickey Earl, to work the crowd incognito while ushering them to their seats.
His hayseed act ended as the show was ready to close. He found his way on stage, then changed his persona to a smooth country singer belting out “Happy Trails” to the crowd.
It was a hit. He got noticed and recruited to the Eagle Mountain Theater in Pigeon Forge.
“People said I looked like the illegitimate son of (old-time comedians) Jerry Lewis and Phyllis Diller,” Royale said. “But it worked.”
Once in East Tennessee, he split time between helping Joyce’s battle with cancer, driving a trolley, later driving a bus, and entertaining when he could.
Joyce died in 2012. In 2016, he did a cold call on Daystar Productions in Knoxville. After belting out a couple of his originals, the producers asked if he could do a patriotic song.
It was right in his wheelhouse. Four hours later, he was back with the finished product.
“I run into a lot of homeless who are veterans,” Royale said. “I’m generous to a fault. I’ll give them what I can. If not for them fighting for our freedom, we’d be in a world of hurt.”
'A big secret'
During an impromptu gig last year at Ciderville Music in Claxton, Royale said God spoke to him and told him to add children’s voices to his patriotic production. Daystar added the Pledge of Allegiance at the start and other rifts that included young voices.
“I thought adding the children really made it better,” said Royale. “It really changed the tone for the better.”When he’s not driving teams or groups around for Knoxville Tours, Royale said he has 10 country hits rolling around in his head.
“I’m a big secret,” he said with a smile.
Of course, once December comes, his calendar is full. Equipped with a $3,000 suit, he has been the Santa Claus at Powell’s Christmas celebration the past couple years. His booming voice adds to the mystique.
He even has recorded “Santa Claus Around the World” to enhance the Christmas spirit.
FARRAGUT
Farragut’s Art Fest draws record number of young artists
Nancy Anderson, Shopper News
The Town of Farragut’s annual Art Fest 2022 drew a record 750 people in beautiful weather Sept. 18 to enjoy interactive art activities at the community center.
About 18 volunteers helped kids participate in various methods of painting from spin art to brushes and easels it was smiles all around. Some stations formed a line of folks waiting for a turn, but they were well-organized and moved swiftly.
The event was sponsored by the Town of Farragut Arts and Beautification Committee, which the Arts Council and the Beautification Committee consolidated in 2019.
Merritt Piper, recreation and event manager, is new at her post but said the Art Fest was tons of fun for everyone.
“It went amazing! The kids got to showcase their creativity and spend a little time with a parent. We had about 10 different stations showcasing a different painting art form from spin art to easel painting to fan making. We tried to give them a well-rounded and unique experience,” she said.
Every booth was hands-on and interactive, with parents welcome to help out.
The most popular booth was spin art, with monster painting with easel and paint coming in a close second.
Kids got to express their artistic selves with chalk, watercolors, rock painting, easel painting and fan making.
“The kids got a chance to experiment with some complex mediums, and parents were welcome to help, so it led to some happy moments for both parent and child," Piper said. "The weather helped, too; it was absolutely beautiful, not too hot.”
The Art Fest was a little different from last year. There were more art stations and more complex artforms. The whole event was moved from the back of the facility to the front to offer more parking.
“The Arts and Beautification Committee has rotating members bringing fresh new ideas. So we’ll just have to see what next year brings,” said Piper.
Piper said her next event is the 26th annual Freaky Friday Fright Night on Oct. 28 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Mayor Bob Leonard Park.
Piper has gathered about 27 vendors to dress up in their ghoulish best to hand out candy and toys.
The event is free, but participants are encouraged to bring something to benefit Ronald McDonald House.
Info: www.farragutparksandrec.org
NORTH KNOXVILLE
Food and fun stuff make for a very Crafty popup shop
Carol Z. Shane, Shopper News
It’s the age of the popup shop – the catch-it-before-it’s-gone type of temporary emporium that showcases many vendors or just a few – sometimes only one.
On a beautiful weekend in mid-September, Crafty Bastard Brewery on Emory Place presented “Pretty Fun,” a bazaar featuring over 20 merchants from far and near.
Included were jewelry makers, potters, fabric artists and more – including a Ghanaian chef who whipped up fabulous West African cuisine.
Quite a few of Knoxville’s successful shopkeepers went the popup route before finding their own brick-and-mortar. Case in point: Jade Adams, who turned her love of plants into a thriving business, Oglewood Avenue, with a permanent location on Broadway. Adams, who loves educating people about plants, was there with an array of greenery, all displayed in her typical “simple, but statement” boho style.
Amina Watts and chef Ramson Ayuba were dishing up Ghanaian cuisine at their Kandilige Spicy Food booth. Ayuba has cooked in Ghana for 20 years, and when the couple brought his culinary art to America, Crafty Bastard was one of the first places they set up.
Some vendors came to Knoxville from other states, eager to make a showing in the Maker City.
Sharon Hashim, visiting from Indiana with her Fluid Life merchandise, specializes in poured acrylic paint pieces. Her home decor and art feature the look of the sea.
Stephanie Nugent, also from Indiana, brought her handmade and vintage clothing. Her business, Indyvin, also specializes in upcycling castoffs into beautifully crafted “new” pieces.
Inside Crafty Bastard, owner and chief barkeep Aaron McClain was talking IPAs with some enthusiastic tasters. “What makes an IPA an IPA is that it’s hops-forward,” he said.
“With the newer varieties of IPAs you get expressions of citrus and tropical fruit notes, and those are just generally things that humans like!”
Watts and Ayuba collaborate with McClain on “Grillions of Peaches” beer, featuring grilled peaches from Kandilige cold-steeped in beer for a week.
“I’m drinking it right now,” said McClain. “It’s a huge fan favorite.”
Robert Allen, owner of Bruster’s Ice Cream in Knoxville, was also there, offering up vanilla ice cream to be topped with more of the fruit. McClain sang the praises of the dessert. “If you’ve never had a grilled peach – with the heat and the caramelizing, it makes it taste like peach cobbler. And to pair it with the festival and the beer – it’s amazing!”
Check craftybastardbrewery.com for more events.
SOUTH KNOXVILLE
SONIC Drive-In crew hops to it, places in contest's final 12
Ali James, Shopper news
Over a period of nine months, the drive-in team at Sonic’s 7519 Mountain Grove Drive location has been competing in the 28th annual Dr Pepper Sonic Games to become the top crew nationwide.
On Sept. 12, the team advanced to the final 12. In honor of this achievement, Sonic is donating $50,000 to support local Knoxville public schools. That prize money will be divvied up to fund classroom projects of local teachers who applied through the educational nonprofit DonorsChoose.org.
It was no small feat for the Sonic team. They had to work together through a series of trainings, quizzes and team-building challenges. Each stage was said to have presented new challenges for the carhops, cooks and their managers. The Knoxville crew earned their spot through the last leg of the competition by excelling in customer service and on-site training.
“The Dr Pepper Sonic Games is a fantastic training tool we developed over 25 years ago to motivate our crew members and give Sonic the opportunity to recognize participants on an individual level,” said Kevin Knutson, vice president of training and operations at Sonic Drive-In. “We are so impressed by the dedication, hard work and commitment that the 7519 Mountain Grove Drive crew has shown during these games.”
“I’m proud of our team because our whole store has been working towards this achievement together,” said team spokesperson Elena Gray. “If we didn’t collectively strive to make it to the Final 12, we wouldn’t be here. I am so lucky to be competing with this store after only one year of working with them. When I was hired, I told my manager that we would be making it to the Final 12 and that I would be on the team, and here we are. It’s very surreal.”
Although the Knoxville-based team did not medal, they were proud they made it to the final 12 and that they passed the online tests and audits, as well as participating in the knowledge bowl in Dallas.
To make practices when everyone was available, Gray said they had to come in at 4 a.m. “It was hard waking up, but I was happy to be there,” she said. “We did mock games and practiced making and carrying five or six drinks at a time.”Gray, who occasionally skates as a carhop, said other staffers were veterans of the competition so they went harder on her and another colleague.
Fifty-nine Knox County teachers received funding for 89 projects. Schools that benefited were able to purchase items for calming rooms, school libraries, 3D printers to flexible seating and basic classroom needs. To see the complete list visit SONIC Drive-In at 7519 Mountain Grove Drive DonorsChoose partner page. Dogwood Elementary School was able to purchase new rugs and pillows to make it easier for students to play instruments in music class.Additionally, the Knoxville Sonic crew received an all-expenses paid trip to Sonic’s Annual National Convention in Dallas where the gold, silver and bronze champions were announced.
Since 2009, Sonic has donated a portion of the proceeds from every drink purchase to support public schools. That has added up to $20 million to directly fund local education programs.
“I love conferences, seeing the suppliers’ show and seeing what they had to offer,” said Gray, who has worked for Sonic since she was 16. “I enjoyed meeting new people and I made a lot of friends that I hope to hang out with again. We had a fun time.”
As an education major, Gray was particularly excited to see the prize money awarded to local schools. “They need it for sure,” she said.
OPINION
Finding time for self-care isn't easy
Leslie Snow, Shopper News
It’s still dark outside when my husband brings me my morning coffee. We sip in silence while we try to wake up, then take turns reciting our itineraries for the day.
My husband goes first. He has to stop by the office before heading to Nashville for a meeting. I listen and ask pertinent questions before the focus shifts to me.
“My day isn’t that interesting,” I say, still gripping my coffee mug. “I have bills to pay and errands to run.” I list calls I need to make and questions I need to answer. But when I get to the end of my list, something unexpected comes out of my mouth.
“That’s my day. But what I really want to do is listen to my audio book and crochet on the back deck.” He laughs and says he hopes it happens.
My day goes as expected. I write a to-do list that’s too long to finish and I never get the chance to work on the blanket I’m crocheting for Clara.
The next morning, we repeat the process.
This time my husband has a flight to catch, and I have another list of tasks I’ll never complete. I stare longingly at the oversized bag stuffed with fuzzy pink yarn, but I know the quiet time I need won’t materialize. Hopefully, Clara won’t ask about the blanket when I pick her up for preschool.
The next day, my husband is still out of town and my to-do list seems more manageable. My plan is to work through the afternoon, grab some leftovers for dinner, then head outside with Buttercup for some serious crochet time.
But then my dad’s caregiver gets sick and everything changes. I head to my folks’ house late in the afternoon and never give my crochet bag more than a passing glance.
The next day I decide to try something new. This time, when I sit down to write my to-do list, I add “Crochet Blanket” to the bottom of the page. The addition seems appropriate because I want to finish the blanket in time for the holidays, and I have a long way to go.
But crocheting is the last item on my list, and I never get to it. It will always be last on the list because it doesn’t feel like a chore. It isn’t something I have to do. It’s something I want to do, so it’s always on the back burner. I realize then that rarely, in the course of a day or a week, do I allow myself time to do something for myself.
That thought stays with me the rest of the day. I think about it each time I pass my crochet bag without picking it up. I think about it when I see the novel on my nightstand that I haven’t had time to read and the new chocolate cake recipe I printed last month but never got around to baking.
I think I might be doing it wrong. Maybe I should put the things I want to do on the top of my to-do list instead of the bottom. Maybe I should make practicing self-care a priority instead of a passing thought.
And just when I’m about to declare a new attitude and a new me, I remember that I have to gather some documents for our financial advisor. I need to train my parents’ new caregiver and take Buttercup to the vet.
I sigh deeply and pray I can finish Clara’s blanket in time for her birthday. Next April.
Leslie Snow may be reached at snow column@aol.com.
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