The Sewanee Civic Association will meet on Wednesday, Oct. 3, at the Sewanee Inn. Social hour begins at 6 p.m., with dinner served at 6:30 p.m. The business meeting will begin at 7 p.m. Among the topics on the agenda for this meeting are setting the goal for the Community Chest and discussing the Sewanee Classifieds email list and if it should remain a free service. Dinner will be $11.50 per person; reservations are not needed. Guests may come for the business portion of the meeting if they choose.
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Friends of South Cumberland Hold Work Day at Parks
The Friends of South Cumberland is marking National Public Lands Day, on Saturday, Sept. 29, by offering two work projects.
From 10 a.m. to noon, Margaret Woods, a local garden designer, will lead a group focused on maintenance and replanting the wildflower beds at the entrance to the Visitors Center.
Park Ranger Bill Knapp will oversee a litter pickup at the beginning of the Fiery Gizzard trail. Recent heavy rains have washed debris from upstream into the hiking area.
Volunteers should meet at 10 a.m. at the Visitor’s Center, located on US 41 between Monteagle and Tracy City. Gardeners should bring gloves, trowels and/or shovels. The litter crew will caravan to the Fiery Gizzard trail head. Trash bags will be provided, but participants should bring gloves and wear shoes that can get wet. Parents are encouraged to bring children to assist in the litter project.
More than 170,000 volunteers are expected at more than 2,100 public land sites across the country on this day. Folks in every state will visit parks, public and community gardens, beaches, wildlife preserves or forests and help these treasured places. Join the FSC and show your appreciation of the ten beautiful parks that make up the South Cumberland State Park.
For more information go to <www.friendsofscsra.org>.
From 10 a.m. to noon, Margaret Woods, a local garden designer, will lead a group focused on maintenance and replanting the wildflower beds at the entrance to the Visitors Center.
Park Ranger Bill Knapp will oversee a litter pickup at the beginning of the Fiery Gizzard trail. Recent heavy rains have washed debris from upstream into the hiking area.
Volunteers should meet at 10 a.m. at the Visitor’s Center, located on US 41 between Monteagle and Tracy City. Gardeners should bring gloves, trowels and/or shovels. The litter crew will caravan to the Fiery Gizzard trail head. Trash bags will be provided, but participants should bring gloves and wear shoes that can get wet. Parents are encouraged to bring children to assist in the litter project.
More than 170,000 volunteers are expected at more than 2,100 public land sites across the country on this day. Folks in every state will visit parks, public and community gardens, beaches, wildlife preserves or forests and help these treasured places. Join the FSC and show your appreciation of the ten beautiful parks that make up the South Cumberland State Park.
For more information go to <www.friendsofscsra.org>.
Important Election Dates
Key deadlines related to the November general election on Nov. 6 are approaching.
The last day to register to vote is Monday, Oct. 8.
Early voting begins at the commission office on Wednesday, Oct. 17. On weekdays, Oct. 17–Oct. 30, voting takes place from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. On Saturday, Oct. 20, early voting is 8 a.m.. to noon. On Saturday, Oct. 27, early voting is 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
On the final two days of early voting, Oct. 31 and Nov. 1, the office will be open 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
The general election is Tuesday, Nov. 6. Precincts will be open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
To request an absentee ballot and vote by mail, there is a required form available from the Election Commission. Application must be made by Oct. 30; absentee ballots must be returned by Nov. 6.
For a copy of the form or more information about voting, call the Franklin County Election Commission at 967-1893.
The last day to register to vote is Monday, Oct. 8.
Early voting begins at the commission office on Wednesday, Oct. 17. On weekdays, Oct. 17–Oct. 30, voting takes place from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. On Saturday, Oct. 20, early voting is 8 a.m.. to noon. On Saturday, Oct. 27, early voting is 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
On the final two days of early voting, Oct. 31 and Nov. 1, the office will be open 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
The general election is Tuesday, Nov. 6. Precincts will be open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
To request an absentee ballot and vote by mail, there is a required form available from the Election Commission. Application must be made by Oct. 30; absentee ballots must be returned by Nov. 6.
For a copy of the form or more information about voting, call the Franklin County Election Commission at 967-1893.
SAS Welcomes Families
St. Andrew’s-Sewanee School welcomes parents and relatives of upper school students to campus for family weekend, today–Sunday, Sept. 28–30.
Highlights of the weekend include a number of athletic contests at home for girls’ soccer and volleyball today, and football on Saturday.
A new collaborative show is on display at the SAS Gallery, “Take Two: Altered and Re-purposed Garments,” with pieces created by a number of artists, including Natasha Brunton and Kate Clarke.
The Rev. and Mrs. John Thomas are hosting a reception at 6 p.m.
On Saturday, family members have the opportunity to take a walk-through of their children’s classes and meet with individual teachers.
The weekend culminates on Sunday at 10:30 a.m., with Holy Eucharist in the chapel. SAS senior Lucas Crossland will be the preacher. Brunch will follow.
For more information about St. Andrew’s-Sewanee School and a complete schedule of the weekend’s events visit <www.sasweb.org>.
Highlights of the weekend include a number of athletic contests at home for girls’ soccer and volleyball today, and football on Saturday.
A new collaborative show is on display at the SAS Gallery, “Take Two: Altered and Re-purposed Garments,” with pieces created by a number of artists, including Natasha Brunton and Kate Clarke.
The Rev. and Mrs. John Thomas are hosting a reception at 6 p.m.
On Saturday, family members have the opportunity to take a walk-through of their children’s classes and meet with individual teachers.
The weekend culminates on Sunday at 10:30 a.m., with Holy Eucharist in the chapel. SAS senior Lucas Crossland will be the preacher. Brunch will follow.
For more information about St. Andrew’s-Sewanee School and a complete schedule of the weekend’s events visit <www.sasweb.org>.
Convenience Center Relocating This Fall, Council Seats Open
by Leslie Lytle, Messenger Staff Writer
At the Sept. 24 Sewanee Community Council meeting, John Vineyard, director of physical plant services announced that the Convenience Center will be moved to Missouri Avenue on the south side of the road, between University Avenue and Highway 41A. Vineyard said he expects the move within the next four to six weeks, depending on weather. Water, electricity and fencing will all be set up in the new location, which he said will look much the same as the current facility.
A new golf course maintenance building will be located on the present Convenience Center lot. The new golf course is projected to be open for use by late April.
The council passed a resolution honoring Robert W. White, former Sewanee chief of police, for his service to the community. White, who recently retired, served as a police officer in Sewanee for more than seven years. His career in police and security work spanned nearly 30 years.
The resolution drafted by council representative David Coe praised White for his “wisdom” and “uncommon good humor,” “acting at all times with a level head and a compassionate heart.”
Council election officer Dennis Meeks announced that six council seats will be open in January. The terms of council representatives John Flynn, Michael Hurst, Pamela Byerly, James Patrick Kelley and Phil White are expiring. These council representatives have not yet declared whether they will seek re-election. District 3 had one vacant seat.
Residents wishing to seek election to the council must submit a nominating petition with the signatures of 10 community members from their district by Monday, Oct. 15.
District 1 and District 3 both have two open seats; Districts 2 and 4 each have one open seat. Nominating petitions are available at the post office or from council election officers Meeks (598-0159) and Michael Hurst (598-0588).
Voting will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 6, at Sewanee Elementary School in conjunction with the general election.
Residents may vote early from Oct. 16 to Nov. 5. To vote early, contact Tabatha Whitsett in the vice-chancellor and provost’s office at 598-1182.
Representing the Sewanee Community Center board of directors, Howard Franklin asked if the community would have a voice in decisions regarding the new community center proposed in the long-range plan for downtown Sewanee. Vice-Chancellor John McCardell said the planners would be in attendance at the October council meeting, when plans for the downtown area would be discussed. McCardell encouraged community input and participation.
In other business, Vineyard announced that the AT&T cell phone communication equipment being installed in Shapard Tower was expected to be operational by the end of October.
Updating the council on concerns about the airport beacon, Vineyard said two baffles had been installed, and the beacon had been lowered five degrees to reduce light pollution.
In regard to a safety issue, Vineyard reported that a truck had “clipped” one of the school-zone warning lights. The light would be repaired, Vineyard said, and both school-zone warning lights would be raised to prevent future mishaps.
Phil White announced that plans for the dog park were finalized, and the committee would begin accepting bids for construction as soon as the plans were approved by the University.
At the Sept. 24 Sewanee Community Council meeting, John Vineyard, director of physical plant services announced that the Convenience Center will be moved to Missouri Avenue on the south side of the road, between University Avenue and Highway 41A. Vineyard said he expects the move within the next four to six weeks, depending on weather. Water, electricity and fencing will all be set up in the new location, which he said will look much the same as the current facility.
A new golf course maintenance building will be located on the present Convenience Center lot. The new golf course is projected to be open for use by late April.
The council passed a resolution honoring Robert W. White, former Sewanee chief of police, for his service to the community. White, who recently retired, served as a police officer in Sewanee for more than seven years. His career in police and security work spanned nearly 30 years.
The resolution drafted by council representative David Coe praised White for his “wisdom” and “uncommon good humor,” “acting at all times with a level head and a compassionate heart.”
Council election officer Dennis Meeks announced that six council seats will be open in January. The terms of council representatives John Flynn, Michael Hurst, Pamela Byerly, James Patrick Kelley and Phil White are expiring. These council representatives have not yet declared whether they will seek re-election. District 3 had one vacant seat.
Residents wishing to seek election to the council must submit a nominating petition with the signatures of 10 community members from their district by Monday, Oct. 15.
District 1 and District 3 both have two open seats; Districts 2 and 4 each have one open seat. Nominating petitions are available at the post office or from council election officers Meeks (598-0159) and Michael Hurst (598-0588).
Voting will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 6, at Sewanee Elementary School in conjunction with the general election.
Residents may vote early from Oct. 16 to Nov. 5. To vote early, contact Tabatha Whitsett in the vice-chancellor and provost’s office at 598-1182.
Representing the Sewanee Community Center board of directors, Howard Franklin asked if the community would have a voice in decisions regarding the new community center proposed in the long-range plan for downtown Sewanee. Vice-Chancellor John McCardell said the planners would be in attendance at the October council meeting, when plans for the downtown area would be discussed. McCardell encouraged community input and participation.
In other business, Vineyard announced that the AT&T cell phone communication equipment being installed in Shapard Tower was expected to be operational by the end of October.
Updating the council on concerns about the airport beacon, Vineyard said two baffles had been installed, and the beacon had been lowered five degrees to reduce light pollution.
In regard to a safety issue, Vineyard reported that a truck had “clipped” one of the school-zone warning lights. The light would be repaired, Vineyard said, and both school-zone warning lights would be raised to prevent future mishaps.
Phil White announced that plans for the dog park were finalized, and the committee would begin accepting bids for construction as soon as the plans were approved by the University.
The Call of the Appalachian Trail
Sewanee Elementary School second-grade student Madeline Sumpter (trail name “Flower”), and her father, Joseph, (trail name “Deep Woods Dreamer”), hiked 18.7 miles on the Appalachian Trail (AT) from north to south through the Bigelow Mountains in central Maine, Aug. 3–Sept. 2.
Sumpter began the nearly 2,200-mile trek on the AT as a through-hiker on April 15, 1995, at Springer Mountain, Ga., but heavy snowfall in late October forced him off the trail.
“I always wanted to finish the portion of the trail I missed,” he said. “Now I know it was God’s plan all along to save the finale of this lifetime goal to be able to share with my daughter. Madeline shares my love of hiking, and the time was right for us to complete this adventure together.”
Sumpter spent much of the last six months preparing for the trip, researching hiking with children, planning what to pack, fitting Madeline with appropriate gear and lots of preparatory hikes.
“I knew hiking with Madeline was going to be different, and I wanted our adventure to succeed no matter what. I couldn’t afford to leave anything to chance,” he said.
They had five gorgeous days of weather and enjoyed gazing off the many view points, quenching their thirsts from the cool mountain streams, meeting other hikers, playing games, journaling and eating Madeline’s favorite backpacking foods.
They also left messages at shelters along the trail for Sewanee resident Bruce Baird (trail name “2:30”), who was in the vicinity of the Bigelow Mountains on his own AT journey.
Joseph presented Madeline with a medal she could wear around her neck when she made it to the two highest peaks.
“To say this trip was a success is a huge understatement,” Sumpter said. “Madeline knows the joy of accomplishing a physically and emotionally demanding challenge. Alyssa and I can hardly wait to experience the next family adventure and little sister, Julia, is ready to join in the fun.”
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Blue Chair Bakery Expands with Tavern
Wilson, who graduated from Sewanee in 1973, has worked as a banker, an attorney and an entrepreneur before buying the Blue Chair from Susan Binkley. Wilson said he is thrilled with the success of the Blue Chair and now, the positive reception the Blue Chair Tavern is having in its opening days.
“We wanted to create a place where people could come—town and gown—to share a meal, have a beer, watch a ballgame, and enjoy each other’s company,” Wilson said recently.
The Blue Chair Tavern is located at 41 University Ave., in the building that formerly housed Sweet CeCe’s, the original Blue Chair Bakery, and before that, the Sewanee Mountain Messenger offices.
Wilson, along with his wife, Sarah, C’89, now owns both Blue Chair buildings, and the businesses are linked in many ways.
“I am lucky to have the very talented Michael Shrum managing all the operations,” Wilson said. “And Dave Hill is running the Tavern. We have a great team.”
The Blue Chair Tavern serves a variety of beers, many brewed by the Jackalope Brewing Company of Nashville, of which the Wilsons are part owners. Jackalope is known for its small-batch craft beers.
The Tavern is starting out with a small menu of appetizers and snacks. Three televisions in the space are usually tuned into sports events around the globe.
The restaurant features a beautiful antique oak bar that Wilson bought almost 25 years ago in Oxford, Miss. Part of the 30-foot bar is in his Brentwood home; the rest has now found a home in the Blue Chair Tavern.
Looking to the future, Wilson hopes to use the spaces of the two restaurants more fluidly. He wants to make it available for private parties and special events.
“I love the way the Village is developing,” Wilson said. “Sarah and I are really glad to be a part of it. We love the Angel Park and all the other good things going on here.”
The Blue Chair Tavern is open on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays, 4–10:30 p.m.; on Saturdays and Sundays, it is open 11:30 a.m.–10:30 p.m.; and closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Otey Names New CAC Director
The Community Action Committee is an outreach ministry of Otey Parish that provides food and financial assistance to families in need in the greater Sewanee community.
“Betty has graciously agreed to help CAC until we get into the new parish hall,” Ballard said. Construction of the new building will begin in November. CAC is currently in the “Yellow House” at 58 Lake O’Donnell Rd.
Carpenter has been a long-time staff member at Otey, serving as the director of Fire on the Mountain, the area-wide youth group. She will continue in this role.
“Betty has many gifts that she brings to CAC,” said Ballard. “She is compassionate, generous and creative. We are delighted with her leading this ministry, which is the pride of Otey Parish.”
CAC has been serving the greater Sewanee community for 38 years. Its work is made possible by financial support from Otey Parish, the Community Chest, and donors across the area. CAC’s current hours are: Mondays, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.; Tuesdays and Fridays, 9–11 a.m.; Wednesdays and Thursdays, 9–11 a.m. and 1–3 p.m.
For more information, call the CAC at 598-5927.
Are "Creation, Evolution & God" Compatible?
The topic “Creation, Evolution and God” will be the focus of attention Saturday, Sept. 22, at a day-long conference in Guerry Auditorium.The event begins at 9:30 a.m. and is free and open to the public.
Cynthia Crysdale, professor of Christian ethics and theology at the University, has organized the event, which will address the question of whether the classical Christian understanding of God as unchanging, omnipotent and beneficent is still coherent in the face of a modern scientific understanding of the cosmos.
“Despite claims that evolutionary science rules out belief in a transcendent God, or that we must now adjust our view of God to accommodate change, these scholars insist that modern science and traditional theology are completely compatible,” Crysdale said. These issues and their implications will be the focus of a series of presentations at the conference.
Presenters at the event include Neil Ormerod, a professor of theology at Australian Catholic University, Sydney, who is co-author with Crysdale of the forthcoming “Creator God, Evolving World.”
John Haught, senior research fellow at Woodstock Theological Center at Georgetown University, will give a lecture at 3:30 p.m., today, Sept. 21, on the theological issues arising from the advent of evolutionary theory after Charles Darwin. At 1:15 p.m., Saturday, he will join Rebecca A. Wright, Benedict Professor of Old Testament, at the School of Theology, to address the question: “God Talk: What Kind of Creator Do We Have?”
Sewanee biologist David Haskell and Domain manager Nate Wilson will discuss “Evolution: Is It All An Accident?”
Also speaking will be School of Theology professor Rob MacSwain and religion professor Tam Parker; Mollie Roberts, a student at the School of Theology, and Louisa T. Parsons, rector of St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church, Ooltewah.
For the complete schedule, go to
Folks at Home Receives Major Gift
Folks at Home (F@H) has established an endowment fund after receiving a very generous gift. “Last April one extraordinary, totally unexpected response to our annual fund-raising letter came from David and Debra Humphreys, who live in Missouri,” said Laurence Alvarez, the secretary-treasurer of F@H. “David’s connection to Sewanee is that he is an alumnus of the College and former chair of the University’s Board of Regents.”
Alvarez reports that Humphreys sent a note saying “We are happy to help Folks at Home in their good work” and included a check for $50,000.
With the consent of the couple, the F@H board decided to use this money to begin an endowment. “The money now has been invested long-term for income and growth,” Alvarez said.
Kris Gosling, president of the F@H board, said “the gift affirms the long-term future of Folks at Home. It provides financial security in volatile economic times.”
“Folks at Home has grown from a grass-roots vision and a sponsored project of Otey Memorial Parish to a serious partner and important resource, connecting community and coordinating access to care and services in the Sewanee and the South Cumberland region. In 2011 we effectuated over 866 services, compared to 500 in 2010, which was our first year in operation,” stated Kathleen O’Donohue, executive director.
Folks at Home is a local nonprofit organization developed for and dedicated to assisting its members in continuing a dignified and comfortable lifestyle in the community through coordination of services they need during elder years. For more information, contact F@H at 598-0303, email or drop by for a visit in the “Blue House” at 400 University Ave.
Alvarez reports that Humphreys sent a note saying “We are happy to help Folks at Home in their good work” and included a check for $50,000.
With the consent of the couple, the F@H board decided to use this money to begin an endowment. “The money now has been invested long-term for income and growth,” Alvarez said.
Kris Gosling, president of the F@H board, said “the gift affirms the long-term future of Folks at Home. It provides financial security in volatile economic times.”
“Folks at Home has grown from a grass-roots vision and a sponsored project of Otey Memorial Parish to a serious partner and important resource, connecting community and coordinating access to care and services in the Sewanee and the South Cumberland region. In 2011 we effectuated over 866 services, compared to 500 in 2010, which was our first year in operation,” stated Kathleen O’Donohue, executive director.
Folks at Home is a local nonprofit organization developed for and dedicated to assisting its members in continuing a dignified and comfortable lifestyle in the community through coordination of services they need during elder years. For more information, contact F@H at 598-0303, email
Friday, September 14, 2012
"Trench Town" Earns Honors
“Born in Trench Town” is about the interwoven social, architectural and political histories of Jamaica’s most famous neighborhood. Dixon Myers is the executive producer of the film.
“This documentary has grown from a series of short films and video installations,” Pond said. “This process has provided a way to connect the dots across many hours of footage and to piece together a feature-length documentary.”
The film contains interviews and scenes of daily contemporary life in Trench Town. Many of the current residents have lived there since the beginning and have witnessed the entire history.
The small area of Trench Town has had a large impact on Jamaica. The his- tory of the place is told by its residents, with the intent to give them a voice in the national conversations in the 50th year of the country’s independence.
For younger generations who did not know the community before the violence started, perceptions and life are markedly different. The film travels from First to Seventh Street through the maze of holes in the walls that separate the yards, created when it was too dangerous to walk on streets, stopping along the way to consider the conditions that created the Trench Town of today.
“This project is unique; it is the result of many years of work on the part of the work of a handful of very dedicated people,” Pond said.
In addition to Myers, Jamaican ar- chitect Christopher Whyms-Stone is one of the collaborators on the project.
The documentary was shown in Kingston, Jamaica, on Sept. 12. To see Pond and Myers in an interview about the film, go to
“Born in Trench Town” will be shown at the Birmingham (Ala.) Museum of Art on Sept. 28. Pond said it will have a screening in Sewanee in the near future.
Pond is an associate professor of art and art history at the University; Myers is the director of outreach min- istries at All Saints’ Chapel.
From Rescue Dogs to Reading Tutors
Weezy was a stray before coming to live with Sylvia James; Sabbath is a former resident of Animal Harbor who lives with Sarah Doyi.
The two dogs and their owners are members of Therapy Dogs Interna- tional Chapter 234 and visit Broadview, Clark Me- morial, Cowan and Hunt- land schools in Franklin County as Tail Waggin’ Tutors to assist children with reading.
The main objective of “dog-friendly” atmosphere that allows students to practice the skill of reading. Many of the children chosen for this program have difficulties reading and, as a result, have developed self-esteem issues. They are often self-conscious when reading aloud in front of other classmates.
By sitting down next to a dog and reading to the dog, all threats of being judged are put aside. The child relaxes, pats the attentive dog and focuses on the reading. Reading improves because the child is practicing the skill of reading, building self-esteem and associating reading with something pleasant.
Tail Waggin’ Tutors is a program of Therapy Dogs International
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Taizé Service This Evening
Taizé in Sewanee returns to St. Luke’s Chapel at 7 p.m., tonight, Friday, Sept. 14. The service is also scheduled for the following Fridays: Oct. 5, Nov. 9 and Dec. 7. All are welcome.
Taizé in Sewanee is sponsored by All Saints’ Chapel and is an inter-denominational joint ministry of the School of Theology and the College of Arts & Sciences. Taizé services are rich with opportunities to worship God with silent meditation, reflection, prayer, and song.
Volunteers, especially musicians, experienced readers, and those who enjoy singing, are being sought to participate in this ministry. Please contact Diana Scheide at if you are interested in serving.
Taizé in Sewanee is sponsored by All Saints’ Chapel and is an inter-denominational joint ministry of the School of Theology and the College of Arts & Sciences. Taizé services are rich with opportunities to worship God with silent meditation, reflection, prayer, and song.
Volunteers, especially musicians, experienced readers, and those who enjoy singing, are being sought to participate in this ministry. Please contact Diana Scheide at
Soccer Needs You Now!
Without volunteers to step up and fill vacant board positions, and to help coach and referee games, soccer in Sewanee for young people may come to an end.
Sewanee Youth Soccer has been part of sports on the Mountain since 1988. In 1994, Sewanee Youth Soccer joined with the American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO), a national organization that promotes soccer programs where good sportsmanship and teamwork are most important. Being affiliated with AYSO requires Sewanee Youth Soccer to adhere to certain guidelines, including having sufficient volunteers to serve on the board. In other regions without enough volunteers, AYSO has shut down the programs.
There are two immediate openings on the board, as well as many other opportunities to volunteer. There are seven board positions that must be filled annually.
More than 1,800 children across the Mountain have enjoyed learning how to play soccer, being part of a team and learning good sportsmanship. Please don’t let it come to an end because there weren’t enough adults willing to step up.
To volunteer contact Ty Burnette at.
Sewanee Youth Soccer has been part of sports on the Mountain since 1988. In 1994, Sewanee Youth Soccer joined with the American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO), a national organization that promotes soccer programs where good sportsmanship and teamwork are most important. Being affiliated with AYSO requires Sewanee Youth Soccer to adhere to certain guidelines, including having sufficient volunteers to serve on the board. In other regions without enough volunteers, AYSO has shut down the programs.
There are two immediate openings on the board, as well as many other opportunities to volunteer. There are seven board positions that must be filled annually.
More than 1,800 children across the Mountain have enjoyed learning how to play soccer, being part of a team and learning good sportsmanship. Please don’t let it come to an end because there weren’t enough adults willing to step up.
To volunteer contact Ty Burnette at
Ebey Updates Civic Association on County Budget Process
At the Sept. 5 dinner meeting, Franklin County commissioner Sherwood Ebey updated members and guests at the Sewanee Civic Association on recent budget decisions made by the county commission. Professor emeritus of mathematics, Ebey assumed the office of commissioner for the Sewanee area on an interim basis after the death of Arthur Knoll and was subsequently elected to the position.
Offering a behind-the-scenes view of the commission’s work, Ebey said the commissioners voted 15 to 1 to approve the $44 million school budget at a summer workshop, but at the Aug. 20 commissioner’s meeting, the in-favor votes dropped to eight. Nine votes were required to pass the budget. The commission has no authority in creating the school budget, Ebey said, only the power to approve or reject it. In order for the county to receive state funding for the schools, however, the commission must approve the school system budget. The school budget passed with a vote of 10 to 6 at a Special Called Meeting on Sept. 4.
Discussing property taxes, the county’s primary source of income, Ebey said the commissioners finally agreed to a slight increase in the property tax rate at the Sept. 4 meeting. Property tax has two components, Ebey explained: the assessed value and the rate. At the time of the last assessment five years ago, property values were at a peak. In the recent assessment, the trend countywide was for a lower assessed value, except for a few areas in the county (including Sewanee) where the assessed value for many properties increased.Taking both the new assessment and new rate into account, Ebey said some property owners will receive a lower tax bill, some a higher tax bill, and for some there will be no change.
Ebey expressed regret that the county budget would not sustain a substantial raise for county employees, who will receive a $200 year-end bonus.
“The most important thing county money does for us is fund the schools,” Ebey stressed. In response to the recommendation of an architect hired by the school board, Sewanee Elementary will undergo repairs and renovation estimated to cost $750,000. Funds that the commission owed the school system will be repaid over the next three consecutive years to finance the project.
In the business portion of the meeting, the members voted to elect Kiki Beavers to the member-at-large position on the executive committee.
The next Civic Association meeting is scheduled for Oct. 3.
Offering a behind-the-scenes view of the commission’s work, Ebey said the commissioners voted 15 to 1 to approve the $44 million school budget at a summer workshop, but at the Aug. 20 commissioner’s meeting, the in-favor votes dropped to eight. Nine votes were required to pass the budget. The commission has no authority in creating the school budget, Ebey said, only the power to approve or reject it. In order for the county to receive state funding for the schools, however, the commission must approve the school system budget. The school budget passed with a vote of 10 to 6 at a Special Called Meeting on Sept. 4.
Discussing property taxes, the county’s primary source of income, Ebey said the commissioners finally agreed to a slight increase in the property tax rate at the Sept. 4 meeting. Property tax has two components, Ebey explained: the assessed value and the rate. At the time of the last assessment five years ago, property values were at a peak. In the recent assessment, the trend countywide was for a lower assessed value, except for a few areas in the county (including Sewanee) where the assessed value for many properties increased.Taking both the new assessment and new rate into account, Ebey said some property owners will receive a lower tax bill, some a higher tax bill, and for some there will be no change.
Ebey expressed regret that the county budget would not sustain a substantial raise for county employees, who will receive a $200 year-end bonus.
“The most important thing county money does for us is fund the schools,” Ebey stressed. In response to the recommendation of an architect hired by the school board, Sewanee Elementary will undergo repairs and renovation estimated to cost $750,000. Funds that the commission owed the school system will be repaid over the next three consecutive years to finance the project.
In the business portion of the meeting, the members voted to elect Kiki Beavers to the member-at-large position on the executive committee.
The next Civic Association meeting is scheduled for Oct. 3.
IONA 2012 Readings
IONA: Art Sanctuary is hosting an autumn assembly of authors: poets, short story writers, novelists and essayists beginning today through October. The format is a 20–30 minute reading by two or three individuals; after the reading, audience members are invited to share a poem of their own if they wish.
At 6:30 p.m., today, Sept. 14, the featured readers will be Don Shannonhouse, Jeannie Babb and Kevin Cummings.
At 2 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 16, the guests will be George Dick, Stephen Feely and Karen Nelson.
At 6:30 p.m., Friday, Sept. 21, the readers will be John Shackelford, Jesse Clower and Laura Willis.
On Sunday, Sept. 23, at 2 p.m., guests will be April Alvarez, Buck Gorrell and Linda Heck.
Refreshments will be served after each program. These readings are free and open to the public.
IONA: Art Sanctuary, founded by Sewanee artist Ed Carlos, exists “to offer a place for writers and artists to share their creative work with each other and the community, and our emphasis is the source: creativity and spirituality.”
IONA: Art Sanctuary is located at 630 Garnertown Road.
At 6:30 p.m., today, Sept. 14, the featured readers will be Don Shannonhouse, Jeannie Babb and Kevin Cummings.
At 2 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 16, the guests will be George Dick, Stephen Feely and Karen Nelson.
At 6:30 p.m., Friday, Sept. 21, the readers will be John Shackelford, Jesse Clower and Laura Willis.
On Sunday, Sept. 23, at 2 p.m., guests will be April Alvarez, Buck Gorrell and Linda Heck.
Refreshments will be served after each program. These readings are free and open to the public.
IONA: Art Sanctuary, founded by Sewanee artist Ed Carlos, exists “to offer a place for writers and artists to share their creative work with each other and the community, and our emphasis is the source: creativity and spirituality.”
IONA: Art Sanctuary is located at 630 Garnertown Road.
Friday, September 7, 2012
Community Chest Requests Due
The Sewanee Community Chest Fund Drive is gearing up for its fall campaign. Sponsored by the Sewanee Civic Association, the Community Chest raises money for local charitable
organizations serving the Sewanee area. The goal of the Sewanee Community Chest is to have one fund for organizations based in Sewanee and the surrounding area.
Funding applications are now being accepted. Th e deadline for submission is Wednesday, Sept. 26. Please contact sewaneecommunitychest@gmail.com to have an application either emailed or mailed to your organization.
Donations to the Community Chest are accepted at any time at P.O. Box 99, Sewanee, TN 37375.
organizations serving the Sewanee area. The goal of the Sewanee Community Chest is to have one fund for organizations based in Sewanee and the surrounding area.
Funding applications are now being accepted. Th e deadline for submission is Wednesday, Sept. 26. Please contact sewaneecommunitychest@gmail.com to have an application either emailed or mailed to your organization.
Donations to the Community Chest are accepted at any time at P.O. Box 99, Sewanee, TN 37375.
County Commission Approves Budget, 10-6; Certified Tax Rate Approved
The Franklin County Commissioners met Sept. 4 in a special called session to vote on the entire 2012–13 county budget, and approve the certified tax rate from the state.
Before the vote, Andrea Smith, Franklin County finance director, reminded the commissioners that “there was not a lot of increase in expenditures from the 2011–12 general budget and the 2012–13 general budget.”
“We are looking at a difference of $1,089,647,” Smith said. “Th e largest amount of this is from grants that are paid back, medical insurance and retirement premiums and the transfer to the general debt service.”
“This means that the county general budget has decreased $285,477 this year to off set these three increases,” said Smith.
Smith added that the departments have been consistently cutting their budgets for the past three years. “We also have to meet maintenance of effort for all departments so that they have funds sufficient to operate the office,” said Smith.
“Why are we raising taxes?” asked commissioner Tony DeMatteo, who represents district 8. “I hope to lower taxes instead of raising them. It is called belt tightening.”
Smith explained that the certified tax rate comes from the state. The state looks at the previous year’s budget, the assessed property rates and makes sure the same amount of revenue generated by property tax comes in.
“In 2007, the last reappraisal year, we lost $5 million in revenue when the county commission voted to reduce the certified tax rate from the state. We are still trying to make up that deficit,” said Smith. “This is why we are now ending up with less money and a higher rate at this time.”
In 2007 the certified tax rate was to be $2.93 and was reduced by the county commission. Th e tax rate for 2011–12 was $2.4661 for outside cities, $2.3843 for other cities and $2.2336 for Sewanee, Winchester and Tullahoma.
The net estimated collection of property taxes in 2011–12 was $19,835,846. For the 2012–13 budget, it is estimated there will be $22,075,412 in property tax revenue, minus the delinquency of those paying.
“We were told the increase to the property tax was needed to balance the budget, and what are we doing adding to the budget?” asked county commissioner Angie Fuller from District 7. Smith pointed out that most of the additions to the budget, such as the Christmas bonuses, were discussed and added during the budget workshops.
“We cut jobs and then are faced with lawsuits,” said commissioner Johnny Hughes. “We added such things as paying for dead animals to be removed from farms into the budget during workshops, and then at the last minute say we have to cut expenditures from the budget. I would like for those who voted ‘no’ last time to tell these departments where they should cut in their budgets.”
The commissioners approved the 2012–13 budget by a vote of 10–6.
The Franklin County budget proposes expenditures totaling $72,432,152. The proposed revenue totals $69,909,463, a deficit of approximately $2.5 million. The fund balance will be $9,027,358.
The certified tax rate was also approved at the budget meeting by a vote of 10–6. The certified tax rate is $2.6736 for outside cities, $2.5995 for other cities and $2.4452 for Sewanee, Winchester and Tullahoma.
Most of the commissioners would like to see more long-term planning from all departments and the county commission sub-committees, so at the last minute the budgets are not cut or not passed. “We need to set ourselves a better plan,” said commissioner David Eldridge from District 7. “We need a structured transition in reduction of cost instead of eroding the fund balance,” Eldridge said.
The next scheduled meeting of the county commissioners is at 7 p.m., Monday, Sept. 17, at the Franklin County Annex Building.
By K.G. Beavers, Messenger Staff Writer
Before the vote, Andrea Smith, Franklin County finance director, reminded the commissioners that “there was not a lot of increase in expenditures from the 2011–12 general budget and the 2012–13 general budget.”
“We are looking at a difference of $1,089,647,” Smith said. “Th e largest amount of this is from grants that are paid back, medical insurance and retirement premiums and the transfer to the general debt service.”
“This means that the county general budget has decreased $285,477 this year to off set these three increases,” said Smith.
Smith added that the departments have been consistently cutting their budgets for the past three years. “We also have to meet maintenance of effort for all departments so that they have funds sufficient to operate the office,” said Smith.
“Why are we raising taxes?” asked commissioner Tony DeMatteo, who represents district 8. “I hope to lower taxes instead of raising them. It is called belt tightening.”
Smith explained that the certified tax rate comes from the state. The state looks at the previous year’s budget, the assessed property rates and makes sure the same amount of revenue generated by property tax comes in.
“In 2007, the last reappraisal year, we lost $5 million in revenue when the county commission voted to reduce the certified tax rate from the state. We are still trying to make up that deficit,” said Smith. “This is why we are now ending up with less money and a higher rate at this time.”
In 2007 the certified tax rate was to be $2.93 and was reduced by the county commission. Th e tax rate for 2011–12 was $2.4661 for outside cities, $2.3843 for other cities and $2.2336 for Sewanee, Winchester and Tullahoma.
The net estimated collection of property taxes in 2011–12 was $19,835,846. For the 2012–13 budget, it is estimated there will be $22,075,412 in property tax revenue, minus the delinquency of those paying.
“We were told the increase to the property tax was needed to balance the budget, and what are we doing adding to the budget?” asked county commissioner Angie Fuller from District 7. Smith pointed out that most of the additions to the budget, such as the Christmas bonuses, were discussed and added during the budget workshops.
“We cut jobs and then are faced with lawsuits,” said commissioner Johnny Hughes. “We added such things as paying for dead animals to be removed from farms into the budget during workshops, and then at the last minute say we have to cut expenditures from the budget. I would like for those who voted ‘no’ last time to tell these departments where they should cut in their budgets.”
The commissioners approved the 2012–13 budget by a vote of 10–6.
The Franklin County budget proposes expenditures totaling $72,432,152. The proposed revenue totals $69,909,463, a deficit of approximately $2.5 million. The fund balance will be $9,027,358.
The certified tax rate was also approved at the budget meeting by a vote of 10–6. The certified tax rate is $2.6736 for outside cities, $2.5995 for other cities and $2.4452 for Sewanee, Winchester and Tullahoma.
Most of the commissioners would like to see more long-term planning from all departments and the county commission sub-committees, so at the last minute the budgets are not cut or not passed. “We need to set ourselves a better plan,” said commissioner David Eldridge from District 7. “We need a structured transition in reduction of cost instead of eroding the fund balance,” Eldridge said.
The next scheduled meeting of the county commissioners is at 7 p.m., Monday, Sept. 17, at the Franklin County Annex Building.
By K.G. Beavers, Messenger Staff Writer
Pearl's Return to the Mountain
“We are so happy to be here,” Dan said in a recent interview. “Being in a small supportive community and being able to hire more than 20 local folks to help us has been just great.”
Pearl’s will have a reopening ceremony at 4 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 9, at the restaurant on Highway 41A about midway between Sewanee and Monteagle. Th e Rev. Bude Van Dyke will bless the building, and there will be other activities to mark the big day.
“We wanted to keep the best parts of the old Pearl’s,” Joy said, “but add some new things to it, too.” The Hickeys moved the entrance to the rear of the building, where patrons now enter
through a full bar decorated with art by Ed Carlos. Th ere is more seating in the restaurant now. And often on weekends, there is live music.
Joy is a 1976 alumnus of St. Andrew’s School; her father attended seminary in Sewanee in the 1960s, so she has fond early memories of attending Sewanee Elementary School. She has long yearned to come back to the Mountain.
Her background is in the culinary arts, working as executive chef at a variety of restaurants and private clubs, so developing the menu and wine list for Pearl’s came naturally to her.
Dan brought his background as an industrial contractor to help with the renovation of the building, all of which was done by local workers and contractors. He wrote the business plan and handles much of the paperwork of the business.
Together, they make a great team, according to Joy.
George Stevenson (C’90) is the chef d’cuisine for the Hickeys. He has deep ties to the Mountain as well, having worked at Shenanigans in the 1980s and early 1990s. After he left
Sewanee, he att ended culinary school and has been a chef in places including Seattle and the Washington wine country. Stevenson and Joy work together to incorporate local, fresh items when they can and are looking for ways to expand in this area.
“And the very best thing about having Pearl’s,” Dan said, “is that we get to spend all our time together.”
—Reported by Laura L. Willis
Sewanee Receives Templeton Grant to Study Essay Contest
The University of the South has been awarded a grant by the John Templeton Foundation to study the Laws of Life Essay Contest. The award of more than $1.1 million will allow principal investigator Sherry Hamby, research associate professor in the department of psychology, to conduct a comprehensive mixed-methods evaluation of the essay contest.
The Laws of Life Essay Contest will be familiar to many local residents who either participated as Franklin County students or have children who participated in the contest. The contest originated here in Franklin County, Tenn., the home of Sir John Templeton. The Laws of Life are principles such as the Golden Rule or “honesty is the best policy.” Students choose the Law of Life that has been most important to them and write an essay on how it has touched their lives.
The Laws of Life Essay Contest has now celebrated its 25th anniversary and has expanded across the world. More than 100,000 students participate every year. It is one of several Templeton Foundation projects which promote moral character development.
The research project will be the first-ever scientific evaluation of the essay contest. Considerable research on other types of expressive writing and journaling programs indicates that
these writing experiences can have long-lasting, positive effects. Hamby and co-investigators Victoria Banyard (University of New Hampshire) and John Grych (Marquette University) will talk with people of all ages who have participated in the Laws of Life Essay Contest, as well as with a comparison group of people who did not participate. The study might include as many as 3,000 people from Franklin and surrounding counties.
The researchers will assess a wide range of possible outcomes to provide a comprehensive assessment of the effects of writing the essay and how expressive writing on the Laws of Life might help people as they experience challenges in life.
Hamby sees benefits to the University and the broader community. She expects the project’s data collection to provide opportunities for some Sewanee alumni and students to participate in interviews, independent study projects and conference presentations. Students will be able to learn how large-scale program evaluation works. “Most importantly,” she says, “we hope that the results of the project will provide new insight and impetus to efforts promoting positive character development among young people in Franklin County and beyond.”
The Laws of Life Essay Contest will be familiar to many local residents who either participated as Franklin County students or have children who participated in the contest. The contest originated here in Franklin County, Tenn., the home of Sir John Templeton. The Laws of Life are principles such as the Golden Rule or “honesty is the best policy.” Students choose the Law of Life that has been most important to them and write an essay on how it has touched their lives.
The Laws of Life Essay Contest has now celebrated its 25th anniversary and has expanded across the world. More than 100,000 students participate every year. It is one of several Templeton Foundation projects which promote moral character development.
The research project will be the first-ever scientific evaluation of the essay contest. Considerable research on other types of expressive writing and journaling programs indicates that
these writing experiences can have long-lasting, positive effects. Hamby and co-investigators Victoria Banyard (University of New Hampshire) and John Grych (Marquette University) will talk with people of all ages who have participated in the Laws of Life Essay Contest, as well as with a comparison group of people who did not participate. The study might include as many as 3,000 people from Franklin and surrounding counties.
The researchers will assess a wide range of possible outcomes to provide a comprehensive assessment of the effects of writing the essay and how expressive writing on the Laws of Life might help people as they experience challenges in life.
Hamby sees benefits to the University and the broader community. She expects the project’s data collection to provide opportunities for some Sewanee alumni and students to participate in interviews, independent study projects and conference presentations. Students will be able to learn how large-scale program evaluation works. “Most importantly,” she says, “we hope that the results of the project will provide new insight and impetus to efforts promoting positive character development among young people in Franklin County and beyond.”
SUD Dedicates New Water Plant; Approves Grant Application
At the Aug. 28 board meeting of the Sewanee Utility District of Franklin and Marion Counties (SUD), manager Ben Beavers sought the board’s input on an offer by the Tennessee Healthy Watershed Initiative to write a grant on SUD’s behalf to finance construction of a pilot wetlands at SUD’s wastewater treatment plant. The University of the South and University of Georgia recently collaborated on developing a feasibility and design study for a small constructed wetlands at the wastewater treatment plant.
The goal of the pilot wetlands would be to provide data supporting the improved water quality and cost effectiveness of replacing wastewater spray fields (SUD’s present wastewater treatment method) with a constructed wetlands system. The estimated cost of the pilot project is $350,000, and the maximum anticipated funding from the grant would be $200,000. Beavers stressed that accepting Tennessee Healthy Watershed Initiative’s offer to write the grant would not put SUD under obligation to accept any grant money offered or to make a financial contribution to the project. Funders for Initiative projects are the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, the Nature Conservancy, Tennessee Valley Authority and West Tennessee River Basin Authority. The board voted to support the grant-writing process, with the understanding that no long range commitment was involved.
SUD also hosted an open house at the new water treatment plant. In a dedication ceremony for the facility, SUD Board President Cliff Huffman presented a plaque of appreciation to Doug Cameron, who served as president throughout the design, engineering and construction process which began in 2008. Visitors to the new water plant enjoyed a picnic supper
featuring barbecue and coleslaw and had an opportunity to tour the facility with James Smartt , water plant superintendent.
The next meeting of the SUD board of commissioners is 5 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 25, at the SUD office.
The goal of the pilot wetlands would be to provide data supporting the improved water quality and cost effectiveness of replacing wastewater spray fields (SUD’s present wastewater treatment method) with a constructed wetlands system. The estimated cost of the pilot project is $350,000, and the maximum anticipated funding from the grant would be $200,000. Beavers stressed that accepting Tennessee Healthy Watershed Initiative’s offer to write the grant would not put SUD under obligation to accept any grant money offered or to make a financial contribution to the project. Funders for Initiative projects are the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, the Nature Conservancy, Tennessee Valley Authority and West Tennessee River Basin Authority. The board voted to support the grant-writing process, with the understanding that no long range commitment was involved.
SUD also hosted an open house at the new water treatment plant. In a dedication ceremony for the facility, SUD Board President Cliff Huffman presented a plaque of appreciation to Doug Cameron, who served as president throughout the design, engineering and construction process which began in 2008. Visitors to the new water plant enjoyed a picnic supper
featuring barbecue and coleslaw and had an opportunity to tour the facility with James Smartt , water plant superintendent.
The next meeting of the SUD board of commissioners is 5 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 25, at the SUD office.
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