GSMNP -Great Smoky Mountains National Park Rangers are investigating a bear

attack on a child that was reported at about 7:30 p.m. August 11, 2008 near the

Rainbow Falls Trail.

Eight year-old Evan Pala, of Boca Raton, FL  was playing along

LeConte Creek about 300 yards up Rainbow Falls Trail from the trailhead

when he was reportedly attacked twice by a bear. The boy suffered

non-life-threatening cuts, scratches and puncture wounds. The boy’s father,

John Pala, also of Boca Raton was able to drive off the animal with sticks

and rocks, but sustained some minor injuries himself.

The boy was transported by Gatlinburg Ambulance to Fort Sanders

Sevier Medical Center in Sevierville TN and the father drove to the same

facility for treatment.

Based upon the father’s description of the bear and the

location, Rangers went to the scene and encountered a bear that acted

aggressively towards them as well. They shot the bear. They did locate a

child’s shoe and a cap at the sight that they believe belonged to the

family.

Park Wildlife Management personnel also responded. They described the

bear as an estimated 55 pound male – probably a yearling. The animal was

transported to the University of Tennessee Veterinary Medical Center for a

necropsy to establish that it is the bear that attacked the child.

Rainbow Falls Trail is very popular hiking trail located off Cherokee

Orchard Road about 2.5 miles south of Gatlinburg TN.

SEVIERVILLE - Walters State Community College's Continuing Education and Economic Development Office will offer the following non-credit courses at the college's Morristown campus in September.   

To register or for more information about the courses, call Matt Berger at (423) 585-6843 or e-mail him at Matthew.Berger@ws.edu.

CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate): Class begins Monday, Sept. 1. Fee $1,415.

Certified wedding planner: Class begins Monday, Sept. 1. Fee $1,150.

Complete bookkeeper's QuickBooks: Class begins Monday, Sept. 1. Fee $995.

Contractor's license course: Class begins Monday, Sept. 1. Fee $540.

Fashion design workshop: Class begins Monday, Sept. 1. Fee $1,095.

Interior design professional certificate: Class begins Monday, Sept. 1. Fee $2,495.

Interior/architectural design certificate: Class begins Monday, Sept. 1. Fee $650.

MCSE for Windows 2003: Class begins Monday, Sept. 1. Fee $2,605.

Mechanical design with AutoCAD: Class begins Monday, Sept. 1. Fee $650.

Microsoft certified systems administrator 2003: Class begins Monday, Sept. 1. Fee $2,350.

Business strategy and operations certificate: Class begins Tuesday, Sept. 2. Fee $1,995.

Auctioneer course 30 Hour or 80 hour: Class begins Wednesday, Sept. 3. Fee $399.

Nurse aide training (Morristown): Class begins 5-8 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 3. Fee $395.

SHRM learning system – PHR: Class begins 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 6. Fee $895.

CPS review course, textbooks & practice tests for November exam: 5-8 p.m., Tuesdays, Sept. 9,16. Fee $350.

Personal training certification: Class begins 5-9 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 9. Fee $549.

S*T*A*R leadership - follow the leader: 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 9. Fee $99.

SHRM learning system –PHR. Class begins 5:30-8:30 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 9. Fee $895.

Scrapbooking: Class begins 6-9 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 11. Fee $79.

Driver's education workshop: Class begins 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 13. $450.

Motorcycle rider education - experienced rider: 8 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday, Sept 13. Fee $95.

Certified wireless network administrator: Class begins Sept. 15. Fee $995.

Tennis for beginners: Class begins Monday, Sept. 15. Fee $99.

Access applications - level 1: 6-9 p.m., Tuesday, Thursday, Sept. 16,18. Fee $159.

Accounting for the non accountants: Class begins 5-8 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 17. Fee $149.

ACT/SAT preparation - part 1: Class begins Wednesday, Sept. 17. Fee $79.

ACT/SAT preparation - part 2: Class begins Wednesday, Sept. 17. Fee $79.

End of llfe care workshop: Class begins Wednesday, Sept. 17. Fee $189.

Gerontology workshop: Class begins Wednesday, Sept. 17. Fee $180.

Legal and ethical issues in nursing: Class begins Wednesday, Sept. 17. Fee $149.

Ready, set, READ!: Class begins Wednesday, Sept. 17. Fee $79.

Understanding adolescents: Class begins Wednesday, Sept. 17. Fee $79.

Customer service: 9 a.m.-12 p.m., Friday, Sept. 19. Fee $79.

Telephone communication skills: 1-5 p.m., Friday, Sept. 19. Fee $59.

Permit to carry a firearm: 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 20. Fee $110.

Attitude & motivation: 9 a.m.-12 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 24. Fee $79.

Motorcycle rider education - experienced rider – trike: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 27. Fee $95.

PowerPoint applications - level 1: 1-4 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 30, Oct. 2. Fee $159.

Parents, children & divorce: 5:30-9:30 p.m., Thursdays, Sept. 11,25. Fee $40.

Motorcycle rider education - basic rider: 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Saturday, Sunday, Sept. 6-27. Fee $225.

KNOXVILLE - Los Angeles hard rockers Buckcherry, along with Avenged Sevenfold, will perform at the Knoxville Civic Auditorium Coliseum September 28, 2008.

Buckcherry formed in mid-1995 after singer Joshua Todd and guitarist Keith Nelson were introduced through their tattoo artist; after cutting their earliest demos, the duo recruited bassist Jonathan "J.B." Brightman and drummer Devon Glenn and began performing live, quickly earning a major following on the L.A. club scene. Following the subsequent addition of second guitarist Yogi, Buckcherry signed to DreamWorks Records, issuing their self-titled debut LP in 1999. Singles such as "Check Your Head" and "For the Movies" were modern rock hits for Buckcherry, allowing them to raise their profile by summer 2000.

The following year, Buckcherry released their second album, Time Bomb. It wasn't widely noticed by critics, but dates opening for heroes AC/DC proved prominent for the band. In July 2002, founding member Joshua Todd unexpectedly left Buckcherry, which led to the band taking a hiatus. They regrouped in 2005 with original members Todd and Nelson recruiting new members Xavier Muriel and guitarist Steven Dacanay into the fold. Later that year they began recording songs that eventually would become the album 15, which was released in early 2006.

The members of metalcore outfit Avenged Sevenfold (or A7X) were still in high school when they formed in 1999 in Huntington Beach, CA. Still, it didn't take long for M. Shadows (vocals), Zacky Vengeance (guitar), Synyster Gates (guitar), the Reverend (drums), and Johnny Christ (bass) to make an impression with their aggressive hybrid of metal and punk-pop. The band debuted in July 2001 with Sounding the Seventh Trumpet (Good Life), and followed two years later with the Hopeless release Waking the Fallen before jumping to Warner Bros. for June 2005's City of Evil.

That summer they supported the album (which began their breakthrough into the mainstream) with a live run on the Warped Tour's main stage. City of Evil hit number 30 on Billboard's Top 200, propeled in part by the Top Ten success of their single "Bat Country." The video for that song was heavily rotated on MTV and Fuse, where live appearances also helped Avenged's growing profile, and the guys wound up winning the Best New Artist Award (though they were hardly newcomers) at the 2006 MTV Video Music Awards.

Also on the bill, melodic hard rockers Shinedown hail from Jacksonville, Florida and feature vocalist Brent Smith, guitarist Jasin Todd, bassist Brad Stewart and drummer Barry Kerch. Snapped up by Atlantic Records during the early ‘00's flurry of post-Creed and Nickelback signings, the group released their debut album Leave a Whisper in 2003. Whisper ended up doing quite well for the band, aided by its single "Fly from the Inside." Shinedown also supported it with a heroic slate of live shows, remaining on tour for most of 2004. The following year the band issued a live album documenting those shows, then returned in October 2005 with their sophomore effort Us and Them.

Event times:28 Sep 2008 (Sun)
7:00 PM
Ticket Information:Tickets On Sale Date: 15 Aug 2008 10:00 AM
Ticket Prices: $38.50 Advance, $41.50 Day of Show
Additional Information:Call the Coliseum Box Office Monday - Friday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (865) 215-8999.

MARYVILLE - Diana Canacaris, former planned giving coordinator at Maryville College, was recently promoted to the position of assistant director of stewardship at the four-year, liberal arts school.

A member of the College’s Class of 2002, she joined the Advancement Division five years ago and has been instrumental in a variety of fundraising and recognition initiatives, including coordination of the College’s Society of 1819, a program that recognizes those who have included MC in their estate and financial plans, and who have made a commitment of any size through bequests and other planned gifts.

As assistant director of stewardship, Canacaris will lead the newly formed stewardship program, which was designed to assist the College in the cultivation of new relationships and the strengthening of existing relationships.

Among Canacaris’ new responsibilities will be planning and implementing a variety of community stewardship activities and events, coordinating and overseeing various donor stewardship activities, and, in cooperation with the College’s Alumni Relations Office, building relationships with local alumni, retired faculty and staff members and other constituents in the area.

Holly Jackson-Ludlow, interim vice president for advancement and community relations, said that this position and Canacaris were a “natural fit.”

“We are pleased that Diana has agreed to take on this new role,” she said. “We believe that by adding this position, we will have a greater understanding of how to better meet the needs of our donors. Diana already has so many strong relationships with donors from her work with Kin Takahashi Week and planned giving – this is really a very natural fit.”

Jackson-Ludlow said the stewardship program will make a positive impact on the College by focusing on donors’ needs, expectations and desires. In laying the groundwork for a comprehensive, donor-focused stewardship campaign, Canacaris has created an online donor satisfaction survey http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=lIbq3ER2v0BhIaqst3XDmw_3d_3d. and will use the results and suggestions to determine priorities for her first year.

As a student at the College, Canacaris was the last student to graduate with a degree in Liberal Studies, with sociology as her major subject of concentration and religion as her minor. She credits her own experiences as a student for her understanding “the positive imprint Maryville College can have on an individual.”

“I credit many of [the faculty and staff] as partners in my success,” she said. “My own personal experience at the College was so positive and life-changing that it is incredibly fulfilling to continue to be a part of the MC community.”

Located in Maryville, Tenn., Maryville College is ideally situated between the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Knoxville, the state’s third largest city. Founded in 1819, it is the 12^th oldest institution of higher learning in the South and maintains an affiliation with the Presbyterian Church (USA). With a focus on the liberal arts, College faculty and staff are dedicated to teaching the skills and providing the opportunities for students to be successful and make a difference in the world. Total enrollment for the fall 2007 semester is 1,176 students. More information can be found at www.maryvillecollege.edu.

isaac (go here to view Hayes' Tennessee tourism commercial)

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – "We are deeply saddened by the passing of Tennessee native Isaac Hayes. His contribution as a legendary entertainer and generous humanitarian will have lasting impact. I know I speak for Gov. Phil Bredesen when I say how much we appreciated the contributions Isaac Hayes made of his time and talent to the state of Tennessee. It has been an honor to have him as a spokesperson in tourism's national television commercials. We will miss him personally and professionally. Our hearts go out to his family and friends and the legions of fans who will mourn the loss of this great artist and Tennessee son, Isaac Hayes."

Commissioner Susan Whitaker, Tennessee Department of Tourist Development 
 

NASHVILLE – A list of sessions for the 55th Annual Governor's Conference on Economic and Community Development is now available online at www.tnecd.gov. The sessions will cover a broad range of subject matter relevant to local leaders, elected officials and development professionals. A presentation by representatives from Google Earth, practical advice for entrepreneurs and insight into the site selection process are just a few of the exciting offerings planned for the conference. Other topics will include the effects of the weakening dollar, strategies for reaching out to lawmakers, promoting tourism development, effective water management, the evolution of alternative energy and the particulars of Tennessee's business incentives.

"The sessions at this year's Governor's Conference are some of the most practical and most timely that we've ever offered," said Matt Kisber, commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development. "We're bringing in top authorities and recognized experts in the fields that impact communities at the most basic level. Anyone who plays a role in the government or development industries will leave these sessions equipped for meaningful progress."

The Governor's Conference will be held Sept. 15-16 at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville. Highlights will include addresses by FORTUNE Magazine Managing Editor Andy Serwer at the Commissioner's Luncheon Sept. 15 and Governor Phil Bredesen at the Governor's Luncheon Sept. 16 and a recognition ceremony for Three-Star and Main Street Communities that have achieved certification.

Along with the session topics, registration for the conference is available at www.tnecd.gov. Special hotel rates are available for the conference, and details are also on the Web site.

KNOXVILLE - Knox County Public Library's popular outdoor movie series is set to start on Friday, September 5. But first, the public gets to pick the flicks. Will it be Rocky, Babe or Tootsie? Voting for this year's line up takes place in two ways: online at www.knoxlib.org or on paper at any Knox County Public Library location. The voting runs from August 13 - August 25. The final line up will be announced on August 28. 

Now in its 5th year, the movie series started on Market Square to highlight the Library's extensive movie and music collection. This year, there's a twist. The movie series will be split between World's Fair Park and Market Square. The September movies (September 5, 12, & 19) will be held on the Festival Lawn of World's Fair Park. The October movies (October 3, 10, & 17) will move back to Market Square. Pre-show entertainment starts at 7:30 p.m. with the movies kick off around 8:30 p.m. 

Now called "Movies on the Town," the series is a family-friendly event with all movies rated PG-13 or lower. Patrons should bring picnics to enjoy and blankets or lawn chairs. 

CHATTANOOGA - The Tennessee Smokies (52-68, 25-25) scored six in the fifth inning and knocked off the Chattanooga Lookouts (58-62, 21-29) 9-7, at AT&T Field Sunday afternoon in front of 2,326. Tyler Colvin belted a grand slam homerun in the fifth inning that broke a 2-2 tie.  The Lookouts struck first with two in the third. Tony Gutierrez singled home one and Chris Valaika followed with an RBI double.  The Smokies pounded home six runs in the fifth inning. Mark Holliman singled home Kyle Reynolds for the Smokies first score. Jake Fox tied the score with a bases loaded walk. Tyler Colvin then crushed a grand slam homerun capping of the inning.  Justin Turner doubled to start the fifth inning, and scored on a Gutierrez sacrifice fly making it 6-3.  The Lookouts added two more runs in the bottom of the seventh. Valaika lined a two-run home run off the scoreboard in left.  Tennessee took advantage of two costly Lookouts errors and scored three in the eighth. Matt Camp and Sam Fuld added run scoring singles while Nate Spears had a sacrifice fly.  Mark Holliman (2-4) pitched 5 innings, allowing 7 hits, three runs with 3 walks and four strikeouts.  The Smokies will return home to face the Birmingham Barons in a five game series from August 12th through 16th.

SEVIER COUNTY - Parks as Classrooms (PaC) program, September - November, for students in grades K-8 from Tennessee schools.   The PaC program provides an opportunity for students to participate in an outdoor education program that integrates the natural and cultural resources of Great Smoky Mountains National Park with Tennessee curriculum objectives.

Resource Education Park Rangers are the subject experts and primary instructors during on-site field trips to the Park, with assistance from the classroom teachers.  Lesson plans help the students learn all the educational disciplines, including science, language arts, social studies, music, arts, and mathematics.   During activities, the Park becomes an outdoor classroom with hands-on learning experiences at several Park locations.  The following are the programs available at this time:

Anthony Creek Classroom (Cades Cove) (1^st grade) has students become nature detectives by participating in a discovery hike to learn about habitats and a show and tell activity to learn about different animal groups and their characteristics.

Porters Flat Classroom (Greenbrier) and Cove Homeplace Classroom (Cades Cove) (2^nd grade) takes children back into time to discover how early settlers used the forest for obtaining food and medicines and to recreate the experience of building a log home using real tools.

Habitat Diversity Classroom (3^rd grade) -  Students will be given clues to discover how specific animals are interdependent in a forest or stream habitat, and build their own habitat using a “diversity” of species.  This program is offered at Metcalf Bottoms and Cosby.  Class size is limited to 50 students.

Look Rock Classroom and Clingmans Dome Classroom (5^th grade) activities provide students an opportunity to examine plant and animal interactions in a high elevation forest ecosystem, as well as study about the impacts to the forest from non-native insects and air pollution.  Students will visit one of the Park’s air quality monitoring stations.

Cades Cove Loop Classroom (6^th grade) involves a bicycle tour part of the way around Cades Cove Loop Road.  Students will become Park managers and plan the future of four key resources of the Cove.  Class size is limited to 30 students.  This program can also be given as a hayride for larger groups rather than on bicycles.  (A small fee per student is required to rent the bicycles or hay wagon.)

Cades Cove Classroom (7^th grade) displays the rich variety of life found in the Smokies and takes students on an exploration into how biologists track animals and manage black bear, elk and wild hogs.  Students will also use clues to examine many of the historic structures in Cades Cove.

Little River Classroom (7^th grade) Students use the same scientific methods researchers use to study streams.  Students conduct water quality tests and assess the watershed’s health while using waders and nets to discover stream creatures. Classroom size is limited to 50 students.

Biodiversity Classroom (8^th grade) – Students will study biodiversity by hands-on sampling and inventorying insects and salamanders in a forest and stream habitat.  Classroom size is limited to 50 students and is offered at the Twin Creeks Science and Education Center near Gatlinburg.

All activities are conducted in a three-hour program (including break for lunch), September - November.  Class size is limited to a minimum of 15 and a maximum of 60 students, unless otherwise noted. Chaperones will be required   In addition to the on-site trips, most units include a pre-visit materials package with logistical information, a video, and pre-site and post-site lesson plans for use in the classroom.   Interested teachers can contact the Park at 865/436-1713.  These educational programs would not be possible without the generous support of Friends of Great Smoky Mountains National Park and many other local donors.

·      NPS-

KNOXVILLE - The Arts & Culture Alliance of Greater Knoxville announces the funding of its Student Ticket Subsidy Program again this year. Student Ticket Subsidy, made possible by a generous grant from the Tennessee Arts Commission on behalf of the Tennessee General Assembly, affords public schools the opportunity to take students to arts and cultural events, exhibitions, and performances around East Tennessee for FREE.  Funds are available for students in Anderson, Blount, Campbell, Knox, Loudon, Monroe, Morgan, Roane, Scott, Sevier, and Union counties.  Transportation funds are also available.  Funds are distributed on a per capita basis among the eleven counties.  Events and performances must take place between October 15, 2008 and the last day of school in 2009. 

Schools may begin requesting funds at 7:00 AM on Monday, September 15, 2008.  No requests will be accepted before that time.  Listings of approved events and performances as well as an application are available on the Arts & Culture Alliance's Web site at www.knoxalliance.com.  Funds are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.  Each teacher should submit only one subsidy request per year, unless they have more than one class.  Applications can be faxed (recommended) to (865) 523-7312 beginning at 7:00 AM on September 15, or mailed to Arts & Culture Alliance, PO Box 2506, Knoxville, TN 37901.

During the 2007-2008 school year, more than 33,000 students from nearly 100 schools were introduced to arts and cultural opportunities throughout the East Tennessee region.  These opportunities included symphony concerts, dramatic performances, museum exhibits, and more.

About the Arts & Culture Alliance

The Arts & Culture Alliance serves and supports a diverse community of artists, arts organizations, and cultural institutions by assuring their creative, financial, and operational well-being. The Arts & Culture Alliance provides leadership and advocacy that establishes and maintains the success of the arts and the cultural environment of greater Knoxville, as well as providing for a strong climate for cultural and economic interaction between the arts and the community as a whole.  For more information, please call (865) 523-7543 or visit www.knoxalliance.com.

The Governor's Conference on Touism will be held Sept 24-26 at the Gatlinburg Convention Center. National and state experts present the latest trends in tourism.   Among the highlights of the conference will be Commissioner Whitaker’s State of the Industry Address and the Governor’s Luncheon on Friday.  For additional information, visit www.tenntourismroundtable.com.

KNOXVILLE - The Tennessee Theatre presents 1964 The Tribute on Saturday, Aug. 16, at 8 p.m.   “1964” The Tribute is hailed by critics and fans alike as the most authentic and enduring Beatles show in the world. With songs pre-Sgt. Pepper era, “1964” recreates an early ‘60s live Beatles concert with period instruments, vintage clothing, hairstyles, onstage mannerisms, speaking voices, and unmistakable harmonies of the lads from Liverpool.

 

"1964" is not affiliated with or endorsed by Apple Corps Ltd.

 

The Sevier County public Library System which includes the Main Library and SCPLS Genealogy & History Center at 321 Court Avenue in downtown Sevierville, the Seymour Branch Library at 137 W. Macon Avenue and the Kodak Branch Library at 319 West Dumplin Valley Road will be closed for annual inventory on Thursday, August 14 and Friday, August 15.

 

All locations of the Sevier County Public Library System will be open regular hours on Saturday, August 16, 2008. For further information, please call 774-6033.

MARYVILLE – Maryville College head football coach Tony lerulli announced today the 2008 incoming class, which includes 51 student-athletes who have completed their initial enrollment and committed to play for the Scots this upcoming season. These Scots will join 60 returning players for a roster size of 111 players. The freshmen will report August 12. Players will be tested on August 15 and will begin their first practice at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, August 16. 

The Scots kick off the 2008 season on Saturday, Sept. 6 at 12:00 p.m. cst at Huntingdon College in Montgomery, Alabama.

The 2008 Freshmen Scots include:
Alex Anderson, Dunwoody H.S. (Ga.)
Blake Barnes, LaBelle H.S. (Fla.)
Quincy Bishop, N.W. Whitfield H.S. (Ga.)
Zach Bledsoe, Nashville Christian H.S.
Kyle Blum, Sickles H.S. (Fla.)
Yohance Butler, Franklin H.S.
Max Camp, Franklin H.S.
Tanner Caylor, Maryville H.S.
Caleb Clement, Maryville H.S
Trey Colvard, Bledsoe County H.S.
Paul Costanzo, Venice H.S. (Fla.)
Jake Crawford, Cocke County H.S.
Dakota Crews, Lewis County H.S.
Adam Crisp, William Blount H.S.
Britt Crowell, Peachtree Ridge H.S. (Ga.)
Logan Disney, Anderson County H.S.
Michael Dodig, Gatlinburg H.S.
Travis Edmands, Lyman H.S. (Fla.)
Brad Eich, Cookeville, H.S.
Logan Farley, Sequatchie County H.S.
B.J. Follwood, Lassiter H.S. (Ga.)
Derek Hunt, Maryville H.S.
Wesley Idlette, Baylor H.S.
Steven Imhoff, Ridge Community H.S. (Fla.)
Kyle Kriz, Coffee County H.S.
Drew Kuehne, Rock Hill Senior H.S. (OH)
Michael Lindsey, Heritage H.S.
Tony Litka, Palmetto Ridge H.S. (Fla.)
Joseph Miranda, Maryville H.S.
Dylan Morgan, Heritage H.S.
Brandon Murphy, South Doyle H.S.
Andrew Noboa, Deltona H.S. (Fla.)
Bo Owens, Gatlinburg H.S.
Craig Owens, Scott County H.S.
Andrew Partin, South Greene H.S.
Andrew Queen, Lassiter H.S. (Ga.)
Hunter Raby, Polk County H.S.
Blake Rasnake, Sullivan South H.S.
Taylor Richardson, Cookeville H.S.
Ryan Roach, Carter H.S.
Nick Saah, Knox Central H.S.
R.J. Sandmeyer, Lincoln County H.S.
Skyler Seals, Grundy County H.S.
Scott Sheehan, Anderson County H.S.
John Shephard, Columbia Central H.S.
Justin Siler, Anderson County H.S.
Ryan Smith, McNairy Central H.S.
Josh Tanner, Heritage H.S.
G.L. Waynick, Friendship Christian H.S.
Jamel Wideman, Calhoun Falls H.S. (S.C.)
Blasé Wilson, South Doyle H.S.

MARYVILLE - Year in and year out, Maryville College’s Cooper Athletic Center sees a lot of action.

Housing three gymnasiums, a swimming pool, a weight room, a training room, classrooms and offices, the 68,000-square-foot building is frequented by students, competitive athletes and excited fans alike.

Cooper Athletic Center is seeing a different kind of action this summer, though. Along with several other campus buildings, the 38-year-old facility is being renovated with money allocated for the Campus Improvement Plan and additional funds from an endowment established by the late Finis G. and the late Ethel Burchfield Cooper, alumni from the classes of 1918 and 1919, respectively.

Construction crews have been working in various parts of the building to complete projects outlined in “Phase I” of the renovation. A major part of Phase I renovations is reconfiguring the interior space.

Students returning to campus this month for the fall semester will notice immediately that the entrance for the main office suite has been moved to the side hallway. The old entrance has been reconfigured to house the Sports Information staff. The lobby has also been outfitted with a large screen TV, which will air interviews with players and other interest pieces.

Inside the Boydson Baird Gymnasium, floors are being refinished and new goals, shot clock, LED lights and sound system are being installed.

The racquetball courts have been transformed into meeting rooms, and the Honaker Room is being divided up into much-needed office space for the soccer, softball and tennis programs. Across the hall, the space allocated for the training room and laundry room has been reconfigured to better accommodate trainers and students.

The weight room renovation is complete. Work crews dropped the ceiling, installed new lights and painted the walls.

New furniture, along with new washers and a dryer, are being purchased.

Watching Phase I projects nearly completed, Athletics Director Kandis Schram ’85 says the building will better serve 13 varsity sports and their coaches and staffs and one physical education department.

First opened in 1970, Cooper was not designed to accommodate women’s sports, Schram points out.

“When this building was constructed, there were only men’s sports, so we’ve had to share locker spaces and offices,” she says.

With enrollment likely twice what it was in 1970 and with approximately 325 student-athletes currently enrolled at the College, usage of the building has increased exponentially.

What’s also increased exponentially since 1970 is student expectation for campus facilities and amenities. In recent years, improvements to Cooper have made it more functional and attractive to prospective students, but last year’s renovations marked the beginning of a major initiative.

Last summer, Cooper received air conditioning for the first time. Also, the pool received new floor and decking, as well as new overhead lights and paint.

As Phase I would suggest a Phase II, additional renovations are planned but aren’t likely to materialize for a few years.

“We’re hoping to construct a whole new wellness wing,” says Schram. “This includes additions such as offices, a lobby and a locker room.”

In the meantime, Schram says that the Cooper Athletic Center and the College as a whole are moving in a good direction. Although she and many others are looking forward to the completion of renovation project, they realize that better facilities and a better campus are fully worth it.

SEVIERVILLE - The Sevier County Health Improvement Council is hosting a Free Diabetes Health Fair on Saturday, August 23 at 9:00 a.m. – noon.  The event will be held at the Sevierville Civic Center on 2090 Gary Wade Boulevard.

Guest Speakers to address foot care and diabetes, diabetes medication management, diabetic diet, and AccessTN will speak about health insurance options.  There will be vendors available with information about nutrition, diabetic supplies, health insurance, medical equipment and more.

Free Screenings will be available including:  Finger Sticks, Peripheral Vascular Disease, and vision.

The Diabetes Health Fair is no charge and individuals of all ages are invited to attend.

If you need more information, please contact Amy Daniels 207-1075 or the Sevier County Health Improvement Council website atwww.seviercountyhealthcouncil.org

KNOXVILLE - Knox County Imagination Library is looking for pictures of 
children and families making the most of their Imagination Library 
Books, whether it's snaps of infants chewing on a board book, toddlers 
dressed up as favorite characters, or preschoolers enthralled by new titles. 
Deadline for entries is September 5. 

Winners will receive a $25 Visa gift card, an Imagination Library gift pack, 
and a framed copy of their photo. Plus, select entries will 
be featured at Lawson McGhee Library in the Imagination Library Photo 
Exhibition starting September 15, on the library's website at 
www.knoxlib.org, and in various Imagination Library publications. 

Entry forms may be picked up at any Knox County Public Library location or 
downloaded from www.knoxlib.org. The children photographed must be 
registered in Knox County Imagination Library. For more information, please 
call Amy at 215-8784. 

SEVIER COUNTY - Preschool children will resume their ready-to-read story time programs in September. Children can sing, do crafts, interact and hear great books and stories during the programs. The preschool story time program will be presented at each branch on the following days:

·         Seymour Branch Library, 137 W. Macon Lane, Monday, September 8 at 11:00 a.m. For more information, please call Tony Krug at 573-0728.

·         Sevier County Main Library, 321 Court Avenue, Wednesday, September 10 at 10:30 a.m. For more information, please call Virginia Borrelli at 774-6033.

·         Kodak Branch Library, 319 W. Dumplin Valley Road, Friday, September 12 at 11:00 a.m. For more information, please call Celia McKnight at 933-0078.

KNOXVILLE - Discover the Bijou Theatre with Llama Train, The Dirty Guvnahs, Brendon James Wright & the Wrongs and the Boozehound Gandy Dance.  Part of the University of Tennessee's Discover Downtown event and Welcome Week 2008.  The bands will be performing on Friday, August 22, 8 p.m.  Tickets are only $3 for UT students with ID and $5 for non-students, available on the night of the show at the Bijou Theatre ticket window. Doors open at 7 p.m.

Incoming freshmen at the University of Tennessee, as well as upper classmen and other Knoxville residents, are invited to discover—or rediscover—the city's vibrant musical culture during a showcase of three of our best local bands and one talented group of hobos. 
 
"We're really excited about introducing UT students to Knoxville's rich musical culture," says Bijou Theatre manager Tom Bugg. "These performers are the best the city has to offer, and they are all extremely excited about playing at the Bijou for Discover Downtown."
 
Past winner of UT's Battle of the Bands, Llama Train will perform its final show before amicably parting ways to pursue higher education. On their latest disc, Out of Season, rootsy Americana rock gives way to laid-back grooves and quirky experimentation. 
 
Named Best Band in the most recent Metro Pulse Readers' Poll, The Dirty Guv'nahs opened for Robert Earl Keen in May at Sundown in the City. Their energetic Southern rock was the perfect complement to the summer night and Market Square atmosphere. 
 
Brendon James Wright & the Wrongs' self-titled debut CD recently hit No. 4 on the XM satellite radio alt-country chart, continuing a successful streak for a relatively new band. With one foot in classic country like Merle Haggard and Waylon Jennings, BJW&TW also tread rough-and-tumble modern territory like Steve Earle. 
 
Boozehound Gandy Dance Hobo Cabaret will serve as Masters of Ceremony for the night, providing songs and skits between sets. 
 
"The Bijou will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2009, which means it's been integral to Knoxville's entertainment scene for a long, long time," says Bugg. "Local musicians and performers help create a city's vibe, so for students to get a taste of great music in an amazing theater will get them started out on the right foot."
 
Support for Discover the Bijou comes from UT Cultural Attractions Committee, which organized Discover Downtown to expose UT students to all of the history, dining and entertainment opportunities downtown Knoxville has to offer. 
 

KNOXVILLE — This summer, Knoxville Zoo announced the birth of two red pandas.  Guests are now able to see two cubs on exhibit in The Boyd Family Red Panda Village.

The birth of the red panda cubs was an exciting event at Knoxville Zoo. The cubs, born June 14, were separated from the mother shortly after their birth for veterinary care.  The female cub had developed an infection which is not uncommon for red panda cubs. Other underlying health concerns soon became apparent and the female cub died several days later due to complications and possible congenital defects.

The male red panda cub, named Samuel, will now have to be hand-raised by keepers at Knoxville Zoo.  It is vitally important that red panda cubs are "peer-reared" when being hand-raised so they will develop proper social skills as a panda.  Recently, the Red Panda Species Survival Plan recommended Henry Ford, a red panda cub born June 16 at the Detroit Zoo, be paired with and hand-raised with Samuel.    Red panda keepers have been doing around the clock feedings and care for both male cubs in the zoo's clinic. 

Both Samuel and Henry are now on exhibit in The Boyd Family Red Panda Village for all to see.  Be sure to see the red panda cubs soon, they won't stay little for long!

Knoxville Zoo is located off exit 392A from Interstate 40 West and is open every day except Christmas Day. The zoo is nationally accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and is committed to the highest standards in animal care and well-being, ethics, conservation, and education. Currently, the zoo is open every day from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission and ticket sales stop one-hour before the zoo closes. Next-day admission is free after 3 p.m. For more information, please call 865.637.5331 ext. 300 or visit www.knoxville-zoo.org.