West Knoxville, TN February 2025

Page 1


ARTS + CULTURE

CELEBRATING A DECADE OF PARIS WOODHULL ILLUSTRATIONS

S p a c e s i n t h e C i t y o f f e r s a d i v e r s e s e l e c t i o n o f e v e n t v e n u e s i n d o w n t o w n K n o x v i l l e , e m e r g i n g a s t h e p r e m i e r

c h o i c e f o r v a r i o u s e v e n t s a n d g a t h e r i n g s . N o m a t t e r t h e o c c a s i o n , o u r f u l l - s e r v i c e t e a m i s d e d i c a t e d t o

t r a n s f o r m i n g y o u r v i s i o n i n t o r e a l i t y . W e p r o v i d e c o m p r e h e n s i v e w e d d i n g a n d e v e n t p l a n n i n g s e r v i c e s , a l o n g s i d e t a i l o r e d c a t e r i n g a n d b a r s e r v i c e s f o r a n y o c c a s i o n . W h e t h e r y o u a r e h o s t i n g a w e d d i n g , r e h e a r s a l

d i n n e r , b a b y s h o w e r , b i r t h d a y p a r t y , g a l a , o r c o r p o r a t e e v e n t , w e h a v e t h e i d e a l v e n u e t o s u i t y o u r n e e d s .

F o r c a t e r i n g a n d e v e n t i n f o r m a t i o n

8 6 5 - 5 4 4 - 4 1 9 9 , i n f o @ s p a c e s i n t h e c i t y c o m w w w s p a c e s i n t h e c i t y c o m

The Fine Art of Love Turns Out to Be a Verb

This month’s issue celebrates the many ways our Knoxville neighbors show local love in big, beautiful, and artistic ways. Learn how cherished East Tennessee performing and fine arts groups and individual artists are recovering, reinventing, and renovating after the Covid era that shut down live performance. Find out ways you can enjoy and support their many contributions to our vibrant arts and cultural life.

Ready to bloom where you’re planted? Executive Director Ally Slavik explains how to get involved with the beloved nonprofit, Random Acts of Flowers, to help repurpose flowers still at their peak to cultivate hope where our community members need it most.

Nothing says you’re doing something right like a national endorsement. With a new board seat on OPERA America for General Director Jason Hardy, Knoxville Opera is getting attention while seeing its highest attended opera in 25 years and also giving Knoxville’s students, Gospel singers, and active military members and veterans a voice on the stages of our community.

The ten-year anniversary is a big deal for any small business. Knoxville native and artist Paris Woodhull, who decorates the city with her large-scale murals and runs a brick-and-mortar fine arts shop in the historic Old City, has every right to celebrate her decade-old mark.

We’ve got great news for Tennessee Theatre lovers: additional women’s and men’s restrooms and full concession and bar on the balcony level. Where did they find the space? Executive Director Becky Hancock explains where and how the 612 Expansion Project will enhance patron amenities and  make The Theatre a hub for performing arts education and execution year-round.

Knoxville History Project tracks the history of the three letter code that everyone flying in and out of Knoxville checks for current flight information, TYS.  Learn about the Knoxville native, Princeton grad, and WWI aviator, McGhee Tyson, whose name was chosen for the Knoxville metro area airport.

Our PYA Waltman partner, Claire Kluth, ties it all up with a big red Valentine bow on how to make an impact on our community while supporting local charities and making your giving a smart part of your tax strategies.

Marc and I have always felt publishing West Knoxville Lifestyle is a mission of love. We’re blessed to have the opportunity to showcase the best and brightest that we witness in East Tennessee every day.  You’ve got to admit it–we’re all fortunate to live, work and play here. Your loyalty both in readership every month and in supporting our Partners you see in our publication are just two of the many reasons we love what we get to do!

Happy Valentine’s Day!

AMY CAMPBELL AND MARC

, Publishers

February 2025

PUBLISHER

Marc Rochelson | marc.rochelson@citylifestyle.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Amy Campbell | amy.campbell@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Patricia Storm Broyles, Jennie Treadway-Miller, Paul James, Jack Neely, Claire Kluth, CFP®

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Shawn Poynter, Ben Finch, Eli Johnson, Knoxville Opera, Knoxville History Project, McClung Historical Collection

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

COO Matthew Perry

CRO Jamie Pentz

CTO Ajay Krishnan

VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson

VP OF FRANCHISE DEVELOPMENT Erika Smiley

AD DESIGNER Zach Miller

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1: KMA Executive Director Steven Matijcio, Education Director Rosalind Martin, and Art Educator Cheryl Burchett 2: The nineteenth East Tennessee Regional Student Art Exhibition drew middle and high school entries from students throughout the region to the Knoxville Museum of Art event. 3. Opening each November, the student exhibit is one of the museum’s best attended shows of the year as families and friends support the young artists. 4: Grace Shin, 8th Grade, West Valley Middle School 5: Jude Clark-Heinrich, 10th Grade, Clayton-Bradley Academy, Maryville 6: Amara Thornton, 9th Grade, L&N STEM Academy, Knoxville 7. The annual event provides the opportunity for students to participate in a juried exhibition and have their work displayed in a professional museum environment Photography by Sarah Kaplan

When you shop at KARM Stores, 100% of the profits from your purchase go to Knox Area Rescue Ministries to help our homeless neighbors. That pair of earrings for your daughter helps provide a warm meal and a safe place to sleep. The necklace for your mom helps provide mental and physical health care. And that ring for your wife helps provide resources and support to take someone from homeless to employed and moving into their own home.

business monthly

A ROUNDUP OF NEWS FROM LOCAL BUSINESSES

Dogwood Arts House & Garden Show

The Dogwood Arts House & Garden Show has something for everyone. Our perennial spring preview invites guests to leave winter at the door, experience over 10,000 sq. ft. of Grand Gardens, and meet the top vendors in home improvement, interior design, appliances, and more. At the Maker Market, find unique art, jewelry, and handmade products from local and regional artists—all under one roof at the Knoxville Convention Center. Feb. 7-9, Hours and Tickets  DogwoodArts.com/houseandgardenshow

Scan to read more

Legacy Parks Foundation Receives Significant Donation towards Veterans Park

Food City officials presented a $100,000 check to Legacy Parks Foundation in support of the French Broad Veterans Memorial Park. The 8.5-acre park overlooks the East Tennessee Veterans Cemetery and the beautiful French Broad River in East Knox County. The park will be a place to honor our East Tennessee Veterans. Construction is underway with estimated completion set for early 2025. More information and to support LegacyParks.org

O Pioneer South Arts Film Series

O Pioneer reckons with and redefines the American pioneer. This documentary follows three West Virginians—a blacksmith, a seamstress, and a hospital chaplain— as they creatively navigate hardship and call us to champion the pioneer within. Narrated by lyricist and musician Kaïa Kater, the film weaves verité moments with archival footage, poetic vignettes, and dream-like animation. Feb. 12, 7 p.m. Clayton Center for the Arts. More information ClaytonArtsCenter.com/performances-events/

Scan to read more

Photography by Dogwood Arts
Photography by OPioneer.com

Want to be featured?

Knoxville Opera presents the Sweethearts Ball

Knoxville Opera presents the Sweethearts Ball, Saturday, Feb. 15, at 6:30 p.m. Featuring a lavish dinner, live music, and a curated auction. This year, Knoxville Opera dedicates the Sweethearts Ball to their sweethearts—the children whose lives are enriched by Knoxville Opera’s education programs. Your support will directly fund initiatives that bring the magic of opera to young minds, inspiring creativity and fostering a lifelong love for the arts. Tickets are $275 per person at KnoxvilleOpera.org/events

Scan to read more

Building Solutions - Tackling Housing & Homelessness Together

Farragut West Knoxville Chamber of Commerce Presents the 2025 Speaker Series: Building Solutions - Tackling Housing & Homelessness Together. Tuesday, Feb, 18, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Cokesbury Church, 9919 Kingston Pike. Join emcee Hallerin Hilton Hill for a luncheon and discussion addressing the housing and unhoused crisis and challenges in our area. Updates on current strategic planning to bring together partners from across the county for a more cohesive approach. For tickets and more information Julie@FarragutChamber.com

Estate House Valentine's Promotion

The Estate House in Bearden offers a special Valentine's promotion with Gold Bracelet and Earrings Starting at $200. Unique designs and a wide selection of jewelry for women and men. Estate House also offers in-house watch repair and services for Rolex. More information EstateHouseUSA.com

Scan to read more

Photography by Knoxville Opera

RAISING THE CURTAIN ON SUCCESS

JASON HARDY TAKES A SEAT AT THE NATIONAL TABLE FOR KNOXVILLE OPERA

With the highest attended opera in 25 years and third highest grossing box office (for “Pirates of Penzance”), coupled with a 62% increase in 2024 mainstage attendance over the prior year, Knoxville Opera is seeing the harvest of an intense period of sowing post-Covid. The statistics validate the vision and hard work of General Director and CEO Jason Hardy and his team as they prepare for the annual Opera Ball that raises funds for education and outreach programming. Equally important is the diversity of new audiences lining up to experience opera in Knoxville. It’s a testament to the company’s thriving community engagement that is garnering national attention.

Q. TELL US ABOUT YOUR OPERA AMERICA BOARD INVITATION.

A. I was invited to join the OPERA America Board last summer, which means Knoxville Opera now has a seat at the table for important industry conversations. This is big news for a smaller market company that was not on the national radar a few years ago. We’ve been recognized for demonstrating and messaging how a regional company successfully adapts to impact the community. We attribute it, in part, to my team’s network within the opera community, the company’s increasing brand awareness, and our audience expansion efforts throughout East Tennessee. This season, for instance, we have large-scale performances in Maryville and Oak Ridge. Although Knoxville lives in our name, we seek to serve all of East Tennessee.

Knoxville Opera's General Director and CEO Jason Hardy
Knoxville Opera's Gospel Choir. Photo: Eli Johnson
Knoxville Opera's Children’s Choir. Photo: Eli Johnson

OPERA America acknowledged that they were underrepresented in the South and with companies in the $1-$3 million budget size. The first company that came to mind was Knoxville Opera because of our activity and presence. Seeing the opera industry pay attention to us is an honor. It gives credence to our reimagining of what it means to be a vibrant and viable opera company today. This national endorsement says something very special is happening in Knoxville.

Q.  HOW IS THE COMPANY’S VISION CHANGING?

A. Since taking the reins in the fall of 2022, I’ve been approaching it as a start-up company 46 years in the making. The pace of change in recent years has been astonishing. Our ability to adapt and redefine our priorities in this environment has been critical to our success.

When it wasn’t possible to perform indoors, we took our performances beyond the walls of the theater. Under the new Opera For All umbrella, we employed a handful of artists and performed in public outdoor spaces. We even put on a “regatta,” performing at people’s docks along the river. Over those two years, we presented over 200 free public performances. Opera For All has become the moniker for our free public access performances – from our new Children’s Choir (20+ Knox County schools), Gospel Choir, and Young Audiences Tours to the extended two-day Rossini Festival.

Our messaging promotes the quality of our work, particularly the impressive caliber of talent on our stages. We bring in world-class artists for principal roles, but local musicians are the heart of our company.

We’re fortunate to have a high-caliber orchestra like the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra in our pit. Our chorus comprises an experienced ensemble of local artists and University of Tennessee graduate students. In fact, we invest heavily in our partnership with UT. The more talent we can help UT recruit, the more professional opportunities we can provide the students on our stage.

Q. WHERE DO YOU FIND THE SUPPORT OF THE FUTURE?

A. We acknowledge that, as a 501c3 nonprofit organization, we must serve the public good. I firmly believe that expanding access to our programs and performances not only increases our impact and reach, but also strengthens our case for support. Expanding access isn’t just the right thing to do, it is the wise thing to do.

In addition to presenting an exciting, premier artistic product on stage, the KO team has done a terrific job building awareness, advocacy, and support for our programs. Looking at recent performances, you will also see the most diverse audiences we’ve ever had, including almost 500 students at “Pirates of Penzance.” Removing barriers to these theatrical experiences builds the audience of tomorrow and opens up new avenues of potential support.

Our brand tagline is Giving voice to stories that connect us. Every time we raise the curtain, we gather people to experience a universally human story they can relate to, sitting next to someone who may not think, look, or live quite like they do. This type of connection is a powerfully meaningful experience for everyone. This is our “why” and will be the key to our success.

Before moving into advancement and management roles at Memphis Opera and Delaware Opera, Jason performed as a principal artist for such classical music presenters as the New York City Opera, Carnegie Hall, The Kennedy Center, Los Angeles Philharmonic, and the National Symphony Orchestra.

As the leader of Knoxville Opera, Jason is already realizing several goals from his five-year vision statement, having already launched a Children’s Choir in 2023 and preparing to launch a Military Chorus this spring composed of active and veteran service personnel from all branches.

“The presence of a military ensemble performing at key East Tennessee public events will be an important part of our programming mix. There’s an emotional resonance when service members perform together – the emotional impact can surpass even the most powerful opera singers. The communal and creative act of singing has a healing effect on challenges such as PTSD. While it will build a connection between these men and women who have served our country, it will also create an incredibly moving shared experience for our audiences.”

To learn more, visit Knoxilleopera.org or email info@Knoxvilleopera.org

Even in the middle of the night,

Children’s Hospital Urgent Care has four convenient locations to care for your child—even after hours. East Tennessee Children’s Hospital’s network of care is right where you need us.

A Decade of Local Artistry

Paris Woodhull

Illustrations

When Paris Woodhull was six years old, she made it known that she wanted to be an artist. As soon as she won a ribbon in the county fair for her drawing of every U.S. president, the deal was sealed.

“I wish I could say that I wanted to be an astronaut, but you couldn’t stop me from drawing,” says Paris, laughing. “When I was eight years old, my cousin was graduating from NYU, and we went to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. My mom and grandmother always laughed at me about that—overcome by the art. My eightyear-old self was like I need pen and paper right now! I was so inspired.”

Paris earned a full scholarship to the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, which offered her access to myriad mediums to experiment with and, in turn, cross certain methods of expression off her list. She was a painting and drawing major with the intention of working in fashion. She interned at Marc Nelson Denim, and while the opportunity was exceptional, Paris realized she preferred to draw fashion rather than create it.

In 2015, Paris started her own business as an artist and illustrator, selling her pieces at Rala and working alongside the store’s owner, Nanci Solomon. Under Nanci’s mentorship, Paris learned how to price her work, market it, and connect with people who meandered in the shop. Eventually, Paris was promoted to manager of the shop, and, in turn, helped other young artists price and sell their work.

Then, in 2020, as more people were shopping online from home, Paris saw her sales triple.

Born and raised in Mechanicsville, Paris is a tried-and-true Knoxville native, so it’s only fitting that she decorates the city with her large-scale murals, creates one-of-a-kind tokens for visitors, and runs a brick-andmortar shop in the historic Old City—Paris Woodhull Illustrations—for locals and tourists to peruse.

“My parents instilled in me that you must have a good work ethic and good communication skills, and I’ve developed some of that on my own. It’s possible to be a working artist, but you have to be extremely willing to make mistakes publicly and evolve constantly. Occasionally I’ll get a comment that I get to sit around and paint all day,” she says, laughing.

“That must be great!”

“I

WOULDN’T HAVE BEEN THIS FAR IF IT WEREN’T FOR PEOPLE TAKING CHANCES ON ME WHEN I WAS YOUNGER. IF YOU HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO GIVE PEOPLE A SHOT AND HELP THEM DEVELOP THEIR ARTISTIC CAREER, DO IT. I WOULDN’T BE HERE WITHOUT PEOPLE SAYING, SHE CAN DO IT.”

“It was wild,” she recalls. “I was able to bow out of Rala and let other people who needed the hours take those hours, but I still sold my stuff there. Then, a little over two years ago, I opened my own storefront. I happened upon the space and mentioned it to my husband, Ryan, and he was like, ‘What if you opened a store?’ and I was like, ‘Nope! That’s terrifying!’ But I kept thinking about it and questioning why I wasn’t taking the leap. I decided to muscle up and do it. It's been brutal, and it’s broken me in a lot of ways, but it’s also rebuilt me in a lot of ways.”

Paris’s creative work is like a fingerprint, uniquely hers and recognizable, particularly since you can find her prints, totes, keychains, t-shirts, and other illustrated tidbits in other stores in the region. She’s also known for her illustrated maps of Knoxville and its surrounding communities, some of which were custom jobs that morphed into bigger projects.

Of course, running a successful business isn’t at all like being an artist, but the learning curve has been padded with good advice, trial and error, and learning new ways of doing things when the old ways don’t work anymore. Working alongside her small staff of part-timers is a role she takes seriously, but Ryan’s professional background has provided some guidance.

“It helps to have someone in your corner. He’s taught me so much about managing people. There was a time when I hated looking at my own numbers, but it’s helped me to make decisions on facts rather than emotions.

“My business isn’t a hobby,” she continues. “That’s my biggest nightmare–that this is just a hobby. It’s my livelihood. I was always that person in the group project who took over and did it by myself. Learning to have the mentality to ask for help, to spend time training someone, and it just took a few times getting broken to learn that.”

Creatively, though, Paris is enjoying the journey. She keeps a running list of ideas on her Notes app, pays attention to trends, and continually improves her artwork through ProCreate and Adobe Fresco on her iPad. She’s looking forward to more mural projects and accepting custom projects that feel right. It’s been ten years since she took a chance on herself, and there’s no end to that endeavor in sight.

“I’m just so grateful for Knoxville. I wouldn’t have been this far if it weren’t for people taking chances on me when I was younger,” says Paris. “If you have an opportunity to give people a shot and help them develop their artistic career, do it. I wouldn’t be here without people saying, She can do it.”

“MY PARENTS INSTILLED IN ME THAT YOU MUST HAVE A GOOD WORK ETHIC AND GOOD COMMUNICATION SKILLS, AND I’VE DEVELOPED SOME OF THAT ON MY OWN. IT’S POSSIBLE TO BE A WORKING ARTIST, BUT YOU HAVE TO BE EXTREMELY WILLING TO MAKE MISTAKES PUBLICLY AND EVOLVE CONSTANTLY.”

Is love dangerous?

It’s February! And unless it’s a leap year, this month isn’t known for much else other than Valentine’s Day. If you’re like me, this day feels like a forced holiday to benefit florists and restaurants. (However, if it inspires you to get your hair done, then I think it’s a great idea!) But did you know that this lovey-dovey day started in the time of the Roman Empire?

Being the nerd I am, let me fill you in:

During the life of Saint Valentine, the Roman Emperor thought it would be best if his soldiers weren’t distracted by wives and kids, so he banned marriage. While some Roman citizens were content with this new law, others hated that the government was banning their right to families. Valentine decided to continue marrying couples in secret, until he was found out… and killed.

Why do I share this not-very-happy love story with you? Maybe there’s more to take away from Valentine’s life than just chocolates. Valentine believed in something much bigger than himself, and his life reflected that: He believed that love was worth the risk. Whether you’re a hopeless romantic or an apathetic cynic, you gotta admit: St. Valentine lived his life with conviction. That’s a life worth living.

We usually think Valentine’s Day is just meant for twitterpated couples (cue Bambi), but maybe this year you and I can have a different perspective. No matter if you’re in a happy relationship or feeling really single in this season, there’s something for all of us to take away from a life like Valentine’s:

Let’s love bigger (and live for something larger) than ourselves… and do it with some great-looking hair!

Understanding Business Contracts

Key Clauses Every Business Should Include

Every entrepreneur I’ve worked with has been full of enthusiasm for their new venture—some are nervous, others confident—but there’s always one question that follows the successful establishment of a new entity: What do I do now to protect my business? For most business owners, the answer is simple: contracts. Business contracts are essential tools for safeguarding your interests, defining obligations, and reducing legal risks. However, a poorly dra ed contract can result in disputes and expensive litigation. To ensure your business is truly protected, it’s crucial to understand the key clauses that should be included in every business contract.

1. Parties Clause

e contract should clearly identify the parties involved. is includes their full legal names, addresses, and their respective roles in the agreement.

2. Terms and Conditions

is clause outlines the specific duties and obligations of each party. Whether it’s the delivery of goods, payment terms, or providing services, the contract should define who is responsible for what, and when those responsibilities need to be fulfilled. e more detailed the contract, the less room there is for confusion or misinterpretation—be er to be clear than to leave things up to guesswork.

3. Payment Terms

Clear payment terms prevent misunderstandings. is section should specify the amount, method, and timing of payments. It should also address late fees or penalties for non-payment, helping ensure that you receive compensation as agreed.

4. Confidentiality Clause

If sensitive information is shared between parties, a confidentiality or non-disclosure agreement (NDA) is essential. is clause protects proprietary data and prevents unauthorized disclosure or misuse of your business’s confidential information.

5. Dispute Resolution

Conflicts are inevitable in business, but a dispute resolution clause can help avoid lengthy litigation. is clause should specify how disputes will be resolved, whether through mediation, arbitration, or court proceedings, and where the proceedings will take place. By including these essential clauses, you can create stronger business contracts that safeguard your interests and help avoid costly legal ba les down the line.

RANDOM ACTS of Flowers

Executive Director Ally Slavick on Spreading Hope Through Repurposed Flowers

POYNTER
Jeanne Zucker, volunteer
Donna Campbell, recipient of a Random Acts of Flowers bouquet

Fresh flowers are a natural go-to for big events, whether in celebration or commemoration. However, when the graduation party, wedding reception, or memorial service ends, the question of what to do with all those floral sprays looms in the air. To trash them is sacrilege, but, thanks to Knox County Commissioner Larsen Jay and his 2007 idea for a flower repurposing project, Random Acts of Flowers makes good use of beautiful arrangements still in bloom.

“The idea was spurred from his personal experience,” says RAF Executive Director Ally Slavick. “He had a near-death accident and was at UT for weeks. He was blessed by visits and flowers from people but never realized that not everyone was as fortunate. When he was strong enough to leave, he repurposed those arrangements and realized how simple an impact it could have.”

The concept for RAF took shape and the organization filed for a 501c3 in 2008. Momentum was strong and building. Soon, other communities around the country, such as Silicon Valley, Chicago, and Tampa, caught hold of the mission and opened RAF affiliations, with Knoxville serving as the national base. By the latter part of 2020, it was decided that each city should have its own governing board and be its own 501c3 to better serve each individual community.

“The act of how we accomplish our mission is simple: flowers go in, and flowers go out,” says Ally. “Everything we do is only made possible by volunteers. We have two full time employees and one part time, and then we have 200 volunteers. From the vase to the bow, it’s all donated. Mondays and Wednesdays are the prep shifts, and then Tuesdays and Thursdays are arranging and delivery shifts. Seeing it in action is like watching a beautiful play.”

Random Acts of Flowers accepts donated flowers from individuals as well as businesses, such as grocery stores, funeral homes, and other places where fresh-cut flowers are sold or used for a temporary purpose. The prep crew trims then sorts the flowers by color and type, composts the unusable pieces, and leaves behind a well-organized, make-shift flower shop for the next batch of volunteers. After new bouquets and baskets of blooms are crafted, they get delivered to those in need of a pick-me-up.

CONTINUED >

Rose Anne Hartman, volunteer
Jackie Schmitt Booth, community outreach and program specialist; Debbie Fettig, program manager and Ally Slavick, executive director

RAF FAST FACTS

“We give moments of hope and encouragement through upcycled flowers. It’s special and has an impact, but it’s not open-heart surgery. We don’t take ourselves too seriously but instead bring joy, which can have a tremendous impact,” says Ally. “Everyone is looking for a sign of hope, especially those in difficult healthcare situations. We’re able to be there and let them know the community supports them, that we see them.”

The regular go-to places are hospitals and assisted-living communities where flowers quickly brighten spaces and uplift spirits, but RAF has also partnered with other organizations in town, such as Mobile Meals, Ronald McDonald House, and Breast Connect.

“A philosophy I’ve seen in nonprofits is that we can be in competition with one another over the same buck, or we could work together. I think we can work stronger together than we can apart,” says Ally. “We’ve found our little area in the community to be symbiotic and not be a disrupter. We never want to be a burden to the facility or be in competition with florists.”

Several hundred containers—from coffee mugs and teapots to baskets and traditional vases—are donated each week. Once the flowers are repurposed into their new vessels, the final touch is a delivery card in each arrangement that has the names of the donor, sponsor, or the person who created the bouquet. This seemingly small touch is one more way the recipient knows how many hands were involved in the process.

• RAF serves Anderson, Blount, Knox, Roane, Sevier, Loudon, Jefferson, Campbell, and Washington Counties.

• They are partnered with more than 220 healthcare facilities.

As of mid-December 2024:

• 197,770 deliveries have been made (690,632 nationally)

• 252,998 vases have been recycled (743,636 nationally)

• 105,498 volunteer hours have been logged (302,840 nationally)

Amy Lail, volunteer
Ellen Anderson, volunteer
“It’s so much bigger than a bouquet of flowers. It’s about the positive effects that a gift of joy or a smile can have on a person’s mental health.”

“Over 16 years, they’ve finetuned how this works, and it works because there are so many minds invested in it,” says Ally. “That’s how the mission happens.”

While the primary goal is to uplift the recipients, sometimes there are emotional benefits for the givers, particularly when flowers are donated after a funeral service.

“We’ve had people come to us with cars full of flowers, which is only a reminder of what they’ve lost, so it’s two birds with one stone,” says Ally. “They get something beautiful and fulfilling out of it. When I came on the team, I was so impressed by this, and it’s part of the mission I love.”

Before Ally came on board as the executive director, she was a long-time fan of RAF, following them on social media and watching the good work the organization was doing in the community. Two years ago, when the position came available, she jumped at the chance to join the team.

“I love this work and believe in it. I wouldn’t be here, away from my kids, if I didn’t. It’s so much bigger than a bouquet of flowers. It’s about the positive effects that a gift of joy or a smile can have on a person’s mental health. We want to pour something good into each person,” says Ally. “We’re always looking for new ways to expand the mission, so if there’s a community health organization we’re missing, let us know.”

Ron and Dee Barnum, recipients of a Random Acts of Flowers bouquet.
“Everyone is looking for a sign of hope, especially those in difficult healthcare situations. We’re able to be there and let them know the community supports them, that we see them.”

Since the mission is simple, so is the call to action. RAF always accepts flowers and flower supplies, particularly in the winter months post-holidays. Financial support helps keep the lights on, and nothing is possible without a large network of volunteers.

“We are always looking for more help, even if it’s just calling your local Kroger to see if there’s extra flower supplies,” says Ally. “I wish we could make a coffee table book about our volunteers. It spans healthcare workers who saw us in action and caretakers who want to give back to people who’ve received flowers from us and the creative crowd, like ex-florists or crafty people who just love the work. You’ll see some arrangements that are pieces of art that might cost $100 if you bought the bouquet at a store. It’s been a fun part of the work.”

Ally Slavick and Dale Mackey of Random Acts of Flowers

Showing Love to Local Charities

East Tennessee has been my home for almost three years now, and I’ve loved exploring everything it has to offer—from beautiful outdoor spots to amazing local restaurants to friendly new faces. One of the most rewarding discoveries has been learning about the local charities that support vital causes in our community. Organizations like Harmony Family Center, Restoration House, Second Harvest, Emerald Youth, and East Tennessee Children’s Hospital hold a special place in my heart. I’m sure you have charities close to your heart as well.

In the spirit of supporting these incredible organizations, here are some ways to show them some love:

WAYS TO SUPPORT LOCAL CHARITIES

Volunteer Your Time

First and foremost, volunteering your time and skills is a wonderful way to impact a charity directly. Whether it’s helping at a food bank, mentoring youth, or participating in community events, your efforts make a difference. Gathering support from friends and family is also a great way to multiply your impact.

Make a Cash Donation

Cash donations provide immediate value to charities. For example, they can help provide meals through Second Harvest, support equine therapy at Harmony Family Center, or fund life-saving equipment at East Tennessee Children’s Hospital. If you have the resources, charities are always grateful for monetary contributions.

TAX-EFFICIENT GIVING STRATEGIES

If you’re looking to give more or give in a tax-efficient way, consider these advanced strategies:

Donor Advised Funds (DAFs)

Donor Advised Funds are charitable tools that make it easy to donate both cash and appreciated stock. When you contribute to a DAF, you can:

• Claim a tax deduction (if itemizing) in the year of contribution.

• Distribute funds to your favorite charities at any time.

• Invest the funds tax-free while deciding which charities to support.

DAFs are especially useful for those who “bunch” their charitable giving to maximize tax deductions in certain years while maintaining consistent donations over time.

Donate Appreciated Stock

Donating long-term appreciated stock (held for over a year and worth more than what you paid) offers a double tax benefit:

• Deduct the stock’s current value on your taxes.

• Avoid paying capital gains tax on the appreciation.This strategy is a win-win for both you and the charity—a triple win when you consider the impact of your donation!

Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs)

For individuals aged 70.5 and older with an IRA, Qualified Charitable Distributions allow you to:

• Donate directly from your IRA to a charity.

• Exclude the distribution from taxable income.

• Count the donation toward your required minimum distribution (RMD) if applicable. This method provides significant tax savings while supporting the causes you care about.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE TODAY

Supporting local charities is a wonderful way to make a difference in your community. Whether you choose to volunteer your time, donate cash, or explore tax-efficient strategies like DAFs or QCDs, every contribution matters. If you’d like guidance on how to give strategically and maximize your impact, feel free to reach out to us at PYA Waltman. Together, we can help you support the causes you care about most and spread some love in our home of East Tennessee.

PYA Waltman Capital, LLC (“PYAW”) is an investment adviser registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. More information about PYAW’s investment advisory services can be found in its Form ADV Part 2, which is available upon request.  PYA-24-56

PHOTOGRAPHY BY KNOXVILLE HISTORY PROJECT AND MCCLUNG HISTORICAL COLLECTION

Charles McGhee Tyson

THE STORY BEHIND THE NAME OF THE KNOXVILLE AIRPORT

Curtiss Robin Plane, Sutherland Avenue, 1920s

When checking the status of a flight, whether you are heading out of town or waiting on a family member or friend to arrive, it can be handy to know the three-digit code for the Knoxville airport. Those three letters—TYS—actually tell an interesting little story.

TYS stands for Tyson, or more specifically, McGhee Tyson, for whom the airport is named. The Knoxville airport is a bit of a puzzle because it’s not even located in Knox County—and most people have no idea for whom it is named.

First developed in the West Knoxville community of Bearden just after World War I, the first local airport was known as Aviation Field (later Bearden Field) in the area we would generally recognize on the south side of Sutherland Avenue where the UT ball fields are today. The developers, Dan Chambliss and his son George, lived nearby. Dan was an early advocate of the automobile and served as a president of the Knoxville Automobile Association that promoted driving and good roads.

Aviation Field witnessed the landing of the impressive Airship Knoxville, co-piloted by George Chambliss, after a 46-hour flight from Long Island, N.Y.–and flying stunts such as local prizefighter Tiger Toro walking along the wings of a biplane in mid-air.

CONTINUED >

Charles McGhee Tyson (1889-1918)
Municipal Airport, Knoxville, 1930s

By the mid-late 1920s, despite being lengthened, the continuing sophistication of new planes and passenger flight demand meant that Aviation Field’s take-off and landing strip (roughly 800 x 30 feet), managed by the Knox Aero Corporation, was becoming inadequate for increasing air traffic.

When the western part of the airstrip was developed for residential use, the facility expanded to encompass land where the Tennessee National Guard and West High School are today.

In 1929, the City of Knoxville purchased Knox Aero Corps’ stake in the operation, expanding the runway to 2,000 feet long, and became our first municipal airport, known initially as the “Port of Knoxville.”

Back in the early 1920s, BrigadierGeneral Lawrence Davis Tyson (a prominent lawyer, industrialist, newspaper publisher, speaker of the Tennessee House, and U.S. Senator) and his wife Bettie McGhee offered to donate a parcel of land on Kingston Pike near the university to the city for use as a public park in memory of their son, Charles McGhee Tyson.

Known by his middle name, McGhee Tyson grew up in Knoxville and had studied at St. Paul’s School in Concord, N.H., and graduated from Princeton University. He returned to Knoxville for several years and played a lot of golf, often at Cherokee Country Club. He joined the United States naval reserve flying corps in 1917 and saw active service in World War I the following year. But before that, at 29 years of age, he flew back to New York and married his sweetheart that summer.

On October 11, 1918, within weeks of the armistice marking the end of the war, his plane experienced a mid-air collision with another aircraft off the northeast coast of England. He was reported as “missing, probably drowned.”

At the time, Brig. Gen. Tyson, had been stationed with the 59th Brigade, 30th division of the American Expeditionary Forces in France. At the cessation of the war, Tyson traveled to England where he learned that his son’s body had been recovered. He assisted with plans to escort it home to Knoxville where he was to be buried at Old Gray Cemetery. Today, McGhee Tyson’s grave, and those of his parents, are accompanied by the tallest obelisk in the cemetery.

What eventually became Tyson Park took almost a decade to be developed—at one point it had been suggested that it could be sold to fund the expansion of the new municipal airport in Bearden. Although Brig. Gen. Tyson died in 1929, his widow, Bettie, maintained that the land donation was conditional on having the park, and the new airport, be named after their son.

Knoxville City Council finally accepted the property for Tyson Park and approved the new name of the city airport, McGhee Tyson, in November 1929.

Within a few years, the ever-increasing demand for passenger air travel meant that even the city airport in Bearden, landlocked within suburban Knoxville, was no longer geographically positioned to handle further growth. A new location off the new Alcoa Highway (opened in 1939), was secured with substantial funding through the Works Progress Administration, a New Deal agency. Potential renaming, though, caused some controversy.

Several names were reported in the press: Knoxville airport, Knox-Blount airport, Knoxville-Alcoa-Maryville airport (the letters K-A-M. would have made an obvious airport code), and Great Smoky Mountains airport. The latter came in the wake of enormous interest in the recently opened Great Smoky Mountains National Park (officially designated in 1934, and dedicated in 1940). City boosters in Alcoa and Maryville, as well as park movement leaders, including Col. David Chapman and Carlos Campbell, advocated for “Great Smoky Mountains Airport.”

Finally, in early 1937, Knoxville city manager George Dempster stated that the city was bound by the original terms of the deed for Tyson Park, and rather than risk losing that tract as a city park maintained that the new airport, even though it was to be built in Blount County, should still be named McGhee Tyson airport. And to this day, that name remains, as does the threedigit airport code, TYS.

ABOUT KHP

The nonprofit Knoxville History Project tells the city’s stories, focusing on those that have not been previously told and those that connect the city to the world. Donations to support the work of the Knoxville History Project, an educational nonprofit, are always welcomed and appreciated. Learn more at KnoxvilleHistoryProject.org

The history of Aviation Field is told in Historic Bearden: The 200-Year History of Knoxville’s Fourth Creek Valley by Jack Neely and Paul James. Look for the title at the East Tennessee History Center, Union Ave Books, and online at KnoxvilleHistoryProject.org

McGhee Tyson airport in Blount County, circa 1940s

Bridging the Gap

Executive Director Becky Hancock says it’s complicated describing how the Tennessee Theatre could connect with 612 S. Gay Street (originally known as Mechanics Bank & Trust) if you aren’t walking onsite.

“Looking at the buildings from Gay Street, there’s a building in between, but the rear of 612 is only 10 feet away from an exterior wall of the theatre,” she explains. “In the midst of due diligence in 2018, an architect and surveyor we hired confirmed that two of the levels of the property aligned with the main and balcony levels of the theatre so we could connect the buildings and bridge over to expand our spaces.”

TENNESSEE THEATRE PREPARES FOR ITS SECOND CENTURY WITH THE AMBITIOUS 612 EXPANSION

Executive Director of the Tennessee Theatre Becky Hancock

A PERMANENT DONOR WALL WILL INCLUDE

GIFTS OF $25,000+ WITH OTHER RECOGNITION OPPORTUNITIES FOR GIFTS OF $100,000+ (GIFTS MAY BE SPREAD OUT OVER SEVERAL YEARS).

That discovery kicked off a capital campaign to acquire the neighboring building and renovate it for a much-needed expansion for guest amenities, theatre programming and rehearsal spaces, and educational and outreach services that Becky, her team, and the board had envisioned for decades.

Q. TELL US ABOUT THIS PROPERTY THE THEATRE HAS ACQUIRED.

The building at 612 S. Gay Street has six floors: the first four floors were built in 1908 and the top two floors were added in 1923. The Theatre was able to purchase a majority of the building, divided into commercial condos, in early 2019. Another condo was purchased separately in September 2024. Much of the historic building was unoccupied at the time of initial purchase.

Q. WHAT HAS DRIVEN THE 612 EXPANSION PROJECT?

Our 2005 renovation improved the stage and backstage and preserved the classic beauty of the auditorium and lobbies, making for a busier theatre. The Broadway series has been the biggest driver in increasing attendance, with more than half of those audiences coming from beyond the nine surrounding counties in East Tennessee, Western North Carolina, North Georgia, and Kentucky. This growth provided a solid financial base for daily operations, but also generated challenges such as moving 1600 people in quickly and through lines during intermissions, with two Saturday shows making it even harder.

The 612 Expansion will have an immediate impact on patron amenities. McCarty Holsaple McCarty Architects, who were also lead on the 2005 renovation, developed plans to renovate the acquired spaces to include additional men’s and women’s restrooms, full concessions and bar on the balcony level, and a separate gathering, entertaining, and event space at street level in the gorgeous former bank lobby.

CONTINUED >

TENNESSEE THEATRE

“Music education made a huge difference in my life, helping prepare me for the career I love,” says Becky Hancock, at the helm of the Theatre for more than a decade, and before that, General Manager for six years. “It enhances lives and prepares students for careers they can’t even imagine. Opportunities like our Marquee Awards help East Tennessee school kids connect and bond. As a member of The Broadway League, we host a local competition for musical theater high school students. Last year, the two students who won went to New York City to participate in master classes and workshops with Broadway professionals and perform on a Broadway stage in the National High School Theatre (Jimmy) Awards. Any area high school in a two-hour radius of us presenting a fully staged musical can compete in performance, technical execution, choreography, set design, etc. It culminates in May at our Marquee Awards where schools perform mini-sets from their show on our stage and individual nominees are judged live for the top prize. Because of the 612 expansion, the Tennessee Theatre will become a hub for performing arts education and execution year-round. We’re excited about partnering with schools and teachers who want to enrich their students’ experiences in arts education.”

Q. BEYOND ENHANCING GUEST AMENITIES, WHAT WILL THE EXPANSION ACHIEVE?

We have a mission to take care of this beautiful theatre, but also share it with everyone in the community. Along with alleviating long lines, the 612 Expansion answers needs from our board’s wish list for twenty years. As we’ve expanded our education and community outreach, we’ve wanted to do more, but those very worthwhile activities can put a strain on the organization financially. With our busy show calendar, we haven’t had to place the burden of maintaining and operating the Theatre solely on charitable giving. However, we’ve needed additional room to balance serving the community better while still being fiscally responsible by continuing to sell mainstage tickets.

The 612 renovation plans create dedicated rehearsal spaces, small performances and additional theatre programming spaces (recitals, cabaret-style performances, lectures, readings, etc.), and outreach spaces for educational and community programs promoting arts and cultural enrichment, while also increasing our office administration footprint.

Q. WHAT’S THE TIMELINE FOR THE PROJECT?

We’ve been working on it since 2018. We retained Partners Development for project management and Jenkins & Stiles as construction manager and submitted construction documents to the city for the permitting process in March 2020, assuming the Covid shutdown would be over in a few weeks, which as we know didn’t happen. The project was picked back up in the fall of 2022. We took a fresh look at the plans, made tweaks and submitted those construction documents for permitting July 2023 and to the general contractor to get final cost estimates. All along, we were quietly fundraising until we got our building permit in March 2024 and held a press conference announcing construction beginning in April. Target date for completed renovation is late summer 2025.  Our campaign goal is $20 million. We are currently at $17 million and still actively raising money for the project.

Q. WHAT’S ESPECIALLY EXCITING ABOUT THE RENOVATION?

A. For me, it’s what will emerge once we are in there and see how to fully utilize it … leaving part of the canvas blank so others can pick up a paintbrush and show us how they can benefit from these spaces.  We’re a big fish in the nonprofit pond. How can we make a difference for smaller fish? Arts organizations that don’t have rehearsal space, for example. That’s a responsibility we feel keenly and our board is committed to that. It’s about impact, access, and making memories that do not fade away.

The Tennessee Theatre celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2028. We want supporters to be excited about contributing to a project that will make it possible for their families and future generations to make their own memories at this historic treasure.

For more information: TennesseeTheatre.com/about-us/612-project

Upcoming Events

During the Dogwood Arts House & Garden Show:

Saturday, Feb. 8 at 12 p.m.

Join Sarah Wharton, Executive Director of Little Chefs, Big Change and Amy Campbell for an exciting dicsussion: Empowering Kids Through Healthy Cooking!

Saturday, Feb. 8 at 1 p.m.

Join Master Gardener, Deena Trimble with Amy Campbell for an empowering presentation: Winter Seed Sowing in Plastic Jugs. This technique saves money, and your plants will be ready for spring planting.

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

FEBRUARY 1ST

Winter Farmers Market

Downtown Knoxville | 10:00 AM

The Winter Farmers Market is an open-air, producer-only farmers market managed by Nourish Knoxville Saturdays through March 29.  Products vary by season and include fresh fruits and vegetables, eggs, honey, pasture-raised meats, edible and ornamental plants, cut flowers, bread and baked goods, jams and jellies, coffee, artisan crafts, and more! SNAP & SNAP Doubling services. Free Nourish Kids activity second Saturday of each month.   Nourishknoxville.org/winter-market/

FEBRUARY 2ND

La Bohème

Tennessee Theatre | 2:30 PM

Step into the romantic streets of 19th-century Paris with Puccini's "La Bohème." This beloved opera weaves tales of love, passion, and heartbreak amidst the bohemian lifestyle of struggling artists. With its soaring melodies and poignant storytelling, you won’t want to miss your chance to experience the enduring power of love and art. Knoxvilleopera.org/la-boheme

FEBRUARY 3RD

Unwritten Histories: Stories my Grandmother Told Me

Blount County Public Library | 6:00 PM

To kick off the Southern Appalachian Series program lineup for 2025, Blount County Public Library covers one of our most requested topics: Cherokee history. Guest speaker Fran Day will cover this topic by recounting the rich histories of the Cherokee people as told through oral traditions.  BlountTN.gov/Calendar.aspx

FEBRUARY 5TH

WDVX Presents Tennessee Shines Live

Bijou Theatre | 7:00 PM

After a fantastic run from 2008-2011, WDVX is delighted for the Tennessee Shines series to return to the Bijou for this quarterly show. This in-person experience offers the magic of live radio from one of Knoxville’s most historic and storied venues. The February event includes guests American Aquarium, Lilly Hiatt, and Zach Russell. KnoxBijou.org/events/

FEBRUARY 7TH

First Friday ArtWalk

Downtown Knoxville | 5:00 PM

The thriving arts community is one of the things we love most about Knoxville. And on the first Friday of each month, we celebrate with one of our favorite events—Downtown Knox ArtWalk! Explore galleries, studios, and artist collectives; roam through shops hosting open houses and local artist exhibits; enjoy performance art and live music at a variety of venues; drop in restaurants along the way and treat yourself to drinks and great food.  DowntownKnoxville.org/firstfriday-artwalk/

FEBRUARY 8TH

Andrea Bocelli in Concert with Knoxville Symphony Orchestra

Thompson Boling Arena at Food City Center | 8:00 PM

The Knoxville Symphony Orchestra is proud to announce they will be joining iconic Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli and Steven Mercurio at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center. The performance will feature selections from Bocelli’s beloved repertoire, including a selection of arias, his beloved crossover hits, and famed love songs. KnoxvilleSymphony.com/concert/andrea-bocelli-in-concert-for-valentines/

Company Distilling’s glass etching program will help showcase your brand in a memorable way. Your business logo can be etched into the glass on the back of the of our award-winning spirits...a great co-branding opportunity and great whiskey to boot!

CONTINUED

FEBRUARY 11TH

Chicago

Tennessee Theatre | 7:30 PM

Chicago is still the one musical with everything that makes Broadway shimmy-shake: a universal tale of fame, fortune, and all that jazz, with one show stopping song after another and the most astonishing dancing you’ve ever seen. In the whirlwind of Chicago’s Jazz Age, two of Cook County Jail’s most notorious murderesses—vaudeville star Velma Kelly and chorus girl Roxie Hart—become fierce rivals competing for headlines amidst a media frenzy.  TennesseeTheatre.com/events/detail/chicago

FEBRUARY 12TH

Inherit the Wind

Clarence Brown Theater | 7:30 PM

This American classic is inspired by the most important trial of the 20th Century, the Scopes Monkey Trial, on its 100th anniversary. Two of the nation’s most powerful lawyers go head-to-head in the ultimate battle of wits and wills. In a fresh production, the fast-paced drama explores religion, intellectual freedom, and the relationship between social norms and law. Through March 2  ClarenceBrownTheatre.com/shows/inherit-the-wind/

FEBRUARY 14TH

Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons: The Last Encores

Knoxville Civic Auditorium | 7:30 PM

The original Jersey boy, Frankie Valli, is a true American legend and the iconic group is sharing a limited number of shows of The Last Encores with all of their devoted fans. For over 60 years, Valli has captured the hearts and souls of fans worldwide with unforgettable hits such as "Sherry," "Walk Like a Man," and "Can't Take My Eyes Off You." This tour is a celebration of Valli's legendary career, his timeless music and incredible showmanship. Knoxvillecoliseum.com/events/2025/frankie-valli--the-four-seasons-the-last-encores

FEBRUARY 14TH

Winter Season of Free Concerts at Sacred Heart Cathedral

Sacred Heart Cathedral | 6:30 PM

Amadeus Concert Ensemble presents the Lighter Side of Beethoven featuring vocal surprises, including the composer’s Tyrolean songs, “Auld Lang Syne” and “God Save the King.” The program also presents rarely heard selections from Beethoven’s cantatas, concert scenes, “Knight’s Ballet,” and his unfinished opera “Vestas Feuer.” Metropolitan Opera bass Nathan Stark and soprano Mary-Hollis Hundley will make their ACE and Knoxville debuts. Reservations SHCathedral.org

FEBRUARY 23RD

Steve Martin & Martin Short – The Dukes of Funnytown!

Knoxville Civic Auditorium | 7:30 PM

Steve Martin and Martin Short's The Dukes of Funnytown! is a show that redefines the form in unexpected and profound ways, from two of the funniest, most influential and acclaimed talents of the past century. Their humor is often subversive, but it is always a joyous self-deprecating romp from two comedy masters driven to make each other laugh as much as the audience.   Knoxvillecoliseum.com/ events/2025/steve-martin--martin-short-the-dukes-of-funnytown

FEBRUARY 26TH

Dr. Neil DeGrasse Tyson: Search For Life in the Universe

Tennessee Theatre | 7:30 PM

Writer, astronomer, Hayden Planetarium director Neil deGrasse Tyson in a science showcase. America's foremost science ambassador, Tyson has dedicated his career to exciting people of all ages and interests about the possibilities engendered by scientific exploration, technology, engineering, and math -- with wit and enthusiasm. Tyson is the recipient of the NASA Distinguished Public Service Medal, the highest award given by NASA to a non-government citizen. Tennesseetheatre.com/events

We Care for Your Skin

Receive the care you deserve in a friendly, welcoming environment with knowledgeable staff. Medical Services include treatment for skin cancer, acne, psoriasis, moles, rashes, eczema & more. We offer a variety of laser procedures including vein treatments, pigmented lesions, hair removal, micro-needling, skin tightening, CO2, and tattoo removal. Our goal is to help you achieve and maintain healthy skin. You will see only Board-Certified Dermatologists at each and every medical visit. We promise to schedule an appointment within 1-7 business days.

FDA-approved to temporarily make moderate to severe frown lines, crow’s feet and forehead lines look better in adults.

fillers made with Hyaluronic Acid to help add volume to different areas of the face without surgery.

A series of injections to the treatment area under the chin, destroying fat cells and producing gradual results.

Dermal
Robert C. Griffith MD
Robert D. Griffith MD
Botox ® Juvederm ®
Kybella ®
ACNE | SCARS | HAIR REMOVAL | REDNESS | SPIDER VEINS | WRINKLES | SUN AGING AND MORE

Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.