SUD Site Selected for Collaborative Wetlands Research Project

by Leslie Lytle, Messenger Staff Writer

The wastewater treatment plant at the Sewanee Utility District of Franklin and Marion Counties (SUD) will be the site of a trial wetlands project for cleaning wastewater, a research effort undertaken jointly by the University of the South and the University of Georgia. The ground-breaking ceremony was held this morning, Sept. 26, at the site agreed upon by SUD and the project directors. [See related story on page 6.] There are presently only two small-scale wetland treatment facilities operational in Tennessee.

The new project will incorporate flow beds and water-loving vegetation to improve water quality through natural biological processes resulting in the uptake of excess nutrients by plants, the degradation of pollutants and contaminants by microbes, and the trapping of sediments containing constituents like pharmaceuticals.

SUD has a long history as an innovative leader in wastewater treatment. In 1988 SUD implemented a spray-field system, where the water is dispersed in a mist over carefully managed tracts of land vegetated in trees that use the nutrients in the water to foster growth.

“When we went to spray fields, we thought it was the most environmentally just method,” said Sewanee forestry professor Scott Torreano. “Constructed wetlands are a step up.” Torreano is the wetlands project construction manager.

“We’re trying to be even better stewards. There’s a long list of immerging contaminants not regulated by the EPA, such as pharmaceuticals, that have demonstrated harm in non-human organisms,” said biology professor Deborah McGrath, the project director. Some communities are struggling to make their wastewater suitable for release into the environment, Torreano said.

After the Sept. 16 SUD board meeting, when frustrations were aired about communication with the University concerning the project, members of the project committee and SUD manager Ben Beavers met on Sept. 17 to select a site for the wetlands project. The SUD board called a working session meeting on Sept. 22 to inform the board of full project details in anticipation of today’s ceremony.

The Coca-Cola Foundation and Coca-Cola Bottling Company United recently awarded the University a $590,000 water stewardship grant. The grant supports the study of a constructed wetland’s efficiency in terms of land area required, cost and effectiveness in removing contaminants compared to other wastewater treatment methods. Another goal of the project is to engage the public in a discussion of wastewater treatment issues.

“We all want the same thing,” said SUD board president Cliff Huffman in expressing his support for the project. Research project representatives will attend monthly SUD board meetings to address any questions raised by the SUD board and community. SUD board meetings are open to the public.

The constructed wetlands project is expected to be operational by the fall of 2015. “We hope to involve the community in planting and other tasks,” said McGrath. The research project is expected to last at least five years. 

“The grant is seed money, putting us in a much better position to move forward to other research questions,” Torreano said. Future grants might fund research on different kinds of vegetation, different flow rates, and cleaning even dirtier water.

After treatment in the constructed wetlands, the water will be dispersed over the spray fields. The wetlands site will feature paths and a boardwalk to accommodate observation by visitors and access for sampling and monitoring. Researchers will use native plant species whenever possible.

“It will be interesting to see what bird and amphibian species the site attracts,” said McGrath.

“Collaboration with SUD is one of the longest examples of community engagement learning in the history of the University,” said Torreano, “a relationship going back more than 30 years.”

Family-Friendly Fun and Music at AngelFest

The fourth annual AngelFest will begin at 4 p.m., today (Friday), Sept. 26, with dozens of children’s games and dog activities throughout the downtown area of Sewanee. Joseph’s Remodeling Solutions is sponsoring the three hours of fun, which will be based at Angel Park. The WannaBeatles will take the stage at 7:30 p.m. for family-friendly music; bring a chair or a blanket. 

More than 20 activities will be offered by area businesses and community groups. The treasure hunt returns this year with the opportunity to enter a drawing for a treasure chest full of prizes. 

Dogs are encouraged this year and will have their own special events, including Canine Musical Sit (musical chairs for dogs). Please leash your dogs, using a six-foot or shorter leash (no flexible leashes); please bring baggies and pick up after your pet.

Acoustic musicians are invited to gather from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Crossroads Café for a jam as part of Angel-Fest. The group will meet again at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 2, at Crossroads. 

As part of the Sewanee Business Alliance’s ongoing effort to finish the buildout of Angel Park, residents will now have a chance to “name your own Sewanee Angel.”

Beginning this week, anyone can name someone they consider their angel, and a special brick will be placed in Angel Park that designates their “angel” status. Naming an angel with a brick costs $75 at the AngelFest. After tonight (Friday), Sept. 26, the price will increase to $100 per brick.

For more information go to <www.sewanee.biz/park/> or <www.sewaneeangelfest.blogspot.com/>.

Civic Association Overview 2014–15

by Leslie Lytle, Messenger Staff Writer

Enthusiasm was high at the Sept. 17 Sewanee Civic Association dinner meeting, the first meeting of the 2014–15 academic year. More than 40 members and guests turned out to hear updates on the Civic Association’s three main programs: the Classifieds email list, the SewaneeCommunity Chest and parks and playgrounds renovation project.

Classifieds manager Elizabeth Clark Duncan reminded the group that Civic Association members are automatically enrolled as Classifieds subscribers by paying their annual $10 dues. Others needing to renew their subscription are encouraged to use Pay Pal at the Civic Association website <www.sewaneecivic.wordpress.com>. Folks with overdue subscriptions will be alerted in the comings weeks; unpaid subscriptions will be deleted after the notice.

New subscribers can also request to join the group by following the website links. 

Duncan, who manages the list as a volunteer, spends 7–10 hours a week reviewing enrollment requests and email posts to prevent misuse of the service, intended as a way for community members to share information. The Civic Association board has been overseeing the list. Following the recommendation of board president Kiki Beavers, the membership voted to assign the responsibility to a committee composed of Duncan, Beavers, Aaron Welch and Alyssa Sumpter.

A local business owner asked that the rule allowing only three posts per week by businesses be relaxed. The membership will consider the request at the Oct. 15 meeting.

Marilyn and Tom Phelps will serve as Community Chest stewards for 2014–15. The Community Chest, which provides funding to help sustain community projects and programs, received 27 applications requesting a total of $128,000. The steering committee approved a goal of $101,000.

Parks and playgrounds committee chair Steve Burnett said based on a community survey last year, the committee identified three parks for renewal, Elliott Park, Woodlands Park and the ballpark. Renovation of Elliott Park is top on the list. The committee sent requests for proposals to four playground companies.

JoAnn McKiernan presented an overview of AngelFest, scheduled for 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., today (Friday) Sept. 26, at Angel Park in downtown Sewanee. University Avenue will be closed to traffic in the downtown area for the family-friendly event that is focused on kids and dogs. “Everything is free,” McKiernan said. Games include an inflatable obstacle course, treasure hunt, paw-print art, and canine musical chairs. Beginning at 7:30 p.m., the award-winning WannaBeatles will take the stage to perform Beatles-inspired music.

Sewanee-Monteagle Rotary President John Goodson encouraged the members of the Civic Association to support a Rotary-sponsored Walk-a-thon to benefit the Community Action Committee (CAC). Business owner and developer Goodson also serves on the Housing Sewanee board and through that affiliation became acquainted with the CAC, directed by Betty Carpenter. “Poverty here is overwhelming,” Goodson said. The CAC provides needy families with groceries and help paying utility bills. Goodson envisions walkers securing pledges for participating in the Walk-a-thon and hopes to raise $1,000 or more for the CAC. The event is tentatively planned for next spring.

At the Oct. 15 Civic Association meeting, Dixon Myers will talk about Housing Sewanee. 

Community Chest Sets 2015 Goal at $101,000

The board of the Sewanee Civic Association has set a goal of $101,000 for this year’s Community Chest campaign. The Sewanee Community Chest received $128,950 in requests this year. 

In setting the goal for the Community Chest, the Sewanee Civic Board and active membership approved funding for 27 organizations and initiatives in Sewanee and surrounding communities, assuming the full goal amount is met. They hope to reach goal by February 2015.

The Sewanee Community Chest has raised tens of thousands of dollars each year for local groups that serve the common good. This money is used for ongoing, annual funding for many area organizations, not just one-time grants. 

Marilyn and Tom Phelps of Sewanee are the Community Chest stewards this year. 

Since 1908, the Sewanee Community Chest has helped to serve its fellow community members and keep the community strong and vital. Because of Sewanee’s non-incorporated status, the community has often raised money for municipal improvements. Through these efforts, the community has funded many worthwhile endeavors, such as building parks and the elementary school, helping to complete Alto Road, funding a state highway to the Marion County line and underwriting blueprints for the stone gates.

“We are thankful we can continue to support the community,” said Kiki Beavers, president of the Civic Association.

Donations to the Community Chest are accepted any time at P.O. Box 99, Sewanee, TN 37375. It is a 501(c)(3) organization.

[Editor’s note: The Sewanee Mountain Messenger was established in 1985 in part with a major contribution from the Sewanee Community Chest and continues to receive funding from it today.—LW] 

New Bridge Slated for Crow Creek

The Franklin County Highway Department received word on Sept. 17 that the Tennessee Department of Transportation has awarded the contract to construct a bridge on Leon Stephens Lane, over Crow Creek in Sherwood. The contract was awarded to Concrete Structures, Inc., which had the low bid of $896,274. The low bid, plus 10 percent for engineering and contingencies, is based on the estimated construction cost; the total is $985,902.

According to Joe David McBee, County Road Commissioner for this area, the construction of the bridge is expected to be finished by September 2015.

For the duration of the construction the bridge inspection team will work with State District maintenance or local highway maintenance officials to establish any necessary detour route.

Community Gets First Glimpse of Vision for Sewanee’s Downtown

Drawing more people to Sewanee’s downtown area, attracting more residents to live in the “Village,” and integrating the University’s activities and students more fully into the community—these are some of the goals of the Sewanee Village Action Plan, a new study commissioned by the University. The plan was presented to the community on Sept. 15 at St. Mark’s Community Center.

More than 115 people gathered to hear from Frank Gladu, the University’s vice president for administrative services, who described this effort as a way to create and sustain a “vibrant downtown” in Sewanee. He then introduced Kevin Petersen from the architectural planning firm Ayers Saint Gross (ASG), who explained the study.

Workshops, an electronic survey, focus groups and community meetings all helped ASG refine and focus the action plan. The consultants met with community groups, members of the Sewanee Business Alliance, students and University stakeholders.

Petersen described how this study built on the work of the Campus Master Plan and Strategic Plan (2011 and 2012) and the Sewanee Village Vision & Program Plan (2012).

The Sewanee Village Action Plan was presented in three sections: goals, vision and action projects (see page 6 for full list of objectives). After Petersen’s presentation, he and Gladu answered questions from the assembled group.

One person encouraged clear lines of communication between the University and the people who live adjacent to the affected areas. “We need a formal mechanism for communication,” the man suggested. Gladu agreed.

Another community member asked if the environmental impacts of the various proposals had been considered. Petersen and Gladu reminded the group that this step was “visioning” only, and any future work would require a greater specificity of planning and research.

“We would not want to lose sight of sustainability,” Gladu said, “as it is one of the University’s key goals.”

Numerous residents from the Bobtown community raised concerns about the impact of the proposed plans on their neighborhood; some cited the recent leveling of the “yellow house” as an example of poor communication between them and the University.

Other questions inquired about the impact of new traffic patterns on the Sewanee Elementary School; how new streets or pathways would be created; and how residents could participate in future planning.

“The dynamics of the next steps are not yet determined,” Gladu said. “We will have more meetings like this and more dialogue. There will be town meetings and work with the University’s Trustee Community Relations Committee,” as well as consultation with the Sewanee Business Alliance and the Sewanee Civic Association.

The full report is available online at <http://provost.sewanee.edu/plans/sewanee-village-action-plan>; for more information contact Gladu at <fxgladu@sewanee.edu>.

In the survey, community members expressed strong interest in the following additions or improvements: open source WiFi, a general store/pharmacy/grocery; benches; bike lanes; multi-use plans; and a new community center. 

SUD Concerned about Lack of Communication; Wetlands Project Site Not Yet Agreed Upon

by Leslie Lytle, Messenger Staff Writer

At the Sept. 16 meeting of the Board of Commissioners of the Sewanee Utility District of Franklin and Marion Counties, the commissioners expressed concern about the University’s failure to communicate with SUD about proposed expansion and the constructed wetlands research project. The board also discussed remedies for unaccounted water loss.

SUD manager Ben Beavers was recently contacted by a contractor who had technical questions about a new University dormitory. Beavers had received no information from the University about the new dorm. University plans also call for increasing residential density in the downtown area. Looking ahead, Beavers projected University expansion could mean more than 700 new SUD customers: 200 residents, 500 students, and the faculty and staff to support those students. The increase would potentially strain SUD’s capacity for wastewater treatment.

Wastewater treatment capacity again came to the fore when the board discussed the trial constructed wetlands for recycling wastewater, a project being jointly undertaken by the University of the South and University of Georgia. Plans call for locating the trial wetlands at SUD’s wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). The WWTP spray-field site that the project committee has proposed would cause SUD to lose 8 percent of its wastewater treatment capacity. Beavers informed the project committee that SUD could not afford to lose capacity, and the trial wetlands could not be located in SUD’s existing wastewater treatment spray fields. SUD has other land available for use, but the project committee has not reviewed or consulted with Beavers about alternate sites.

This past week, the board and Beavers received an invitation to a Sept. 26 ground-breaking ceremony for the constructed wetlands to be held at SUD’s WWTP, yet no suitable site for the project has been agreed upon. SUD Commissioner Ken Smith suggested Beavers notify the University that “at this time SUD has not given final approval for the project to proceed.” Beavers will draft a letter and submit it to the board for approval.

In SUD’s continuing commitment to reduce unaccounted water loss (the difference between water treated at the plant and water registered as sold on customer meters), Beavers presented a graph showing an 8 percent decrease in unaccounted water loss since December 2010. In 2013, unaccounted water loss cost SUD $70,000. SUD’s goal is to reduce its current unaccounted water loss from 22 percent to 17 percent, the industry-standard threshold below which it is not financially practical to locate leaks.

To detect leaks, SUD is in the process of installing zone meters in the various areas of the district. The zone meters coupled with SUD’s new automated meter reading (AMR) technology will identify areas where water is traveling in the middle of the night when use should be low if there are no leaks. Once the general area of a leak is identified, the next step is to determine the exact location of the leak.

“We lack accurate pinpointing equipment,” Beavers said. With the AMR project coming in under budget, Beavers hopes SUD will be able to afford more sophisticated listening equipment to detect water moving underground and locate a leak’s source.

Customer bills now include a reminder to customers to contact SUD any time they suspect a leak. In order to have accurate monthly data on unaccounted water loss, SUD will soon begin reading irrigation meters monthly rather than quarterly.

SUD also plans to schedule hydrant and valve maintenance to detect possible leaks, since the new AMR technology is freeing up SUD employees for other jobs. In one day, a single employee can read 1,000 meters, more than two-thirds of the customers.

The next meeting of the SUD board is Oct. 28.

SAS Student-Athlete Finds Passion & Discipline in Golf

by Casey Willis, SAS ‘15, Sewanee Messenger Intern

When Parker Oliver introduced his son, Tommy, to golf at the age of 7, he had no way of knowing that it would become Tommy’s passion as a 17-year-old St. Andrew’s-Sewanee School student. Tommy didn’t even take the game seriously until after his sophomore year in high school, but he always showed an innate ability with the game, shooting a very respectable low- to mid-40s on nine holes before even dedicating a significant amount of time to the game. Now, he shoots in the mid-30s, on average, with a 4-over-par score of 36 being a bad day.

“We are a really big golfing family,” said Tommy. “My dad, all of my uncles, my mom and my grandfather all play golf, and my uncle, Jay Williamson, is on the PGA Tour.” Tommy travels often to play in tournaments across the Southeast in places such as Nashville, Knoxville and even Charleston, S.C. 

Tommy describes his best day on a golf course as one that took place at the Hurricane Junior Golf Tour Tournament in May of this year, a two-day tournament in Knoxville at Gettysvue Golf Club. On the first day, Tommy played badly and, in his mind, had played himself out of contention to win. But on the second day, he played himself back into a tie for the lead by scoring a 1-over par 73.

“I was able to relax and find my comfort zone without the pressure of having to hold off competition,” he recalled. His outstanding score on the second day sent him into a playoff with his competitor, Cameron Yeary. Tommy’s tee shot on the first playoff hole put him a difficult position, but he sank a 40-foot putt to save par and stay in the playoff. On the next hole, the opposite occurred, with Yeary putting himself in a tough position. Yeary, however, was not able to recover and ended up with a bogey on the hole, while Tommy’s clutch play continued. He parred the hole and won the tournament. Reflecting on the two playoff holes, he said, “I was able to stay focused and calm, which helped me to keep my composure and finish strong.”

Tommy also regularly competes in other sports such as cross country, wrestling and soccer. He relates cross country and wrestling to golf because they are individual sports. But he said he enjoys soccer more, because he likes the idea of relying on teammates, and it is a nice break from the individual sports. However, he says no other sport compares with golf for him.

“There is nothing better than doing exactly what you want with a golf shot,  because it’s so hard,” he said.

His peers offer high praise.

“Whenever I want to get better, I play with Tommy,” said friend and golf team co-captain Andrew Heitzenrater, a senior at SAS. “He challenges me to do my best, and I almost always lose. Anybody who watches Tommy play will get better. His form, his tempo, his mind are all very well developed.” 

When asked if he has any long term plans involving golf, Tommy said, “I want to play in college, most likely a Division II or Division III school, either as a recruited player or a walk-on.” He also said that he has given thought to teaching the skills of the game as a possible profession, but doesn’t foresee a future in professional golf. “However,” Tommy said, “anything can happen.”

Tommy also excels in school, where he is in his junior year, regularly appearing on the High Honors list at SAS. His favorite subjects are science and math, which he said he enjoys because of the unique challenges that each presents. He has discovered a way to use his discipline with golf as discipline in school.

“I like to create a game plan for what I want to accomplish,” Tommy said. “For example, if I want to improve my short game, I will go out and chip and putt, and if I want to study math, I’ll find the problems that I need to work on and find different ways to solve them.” 

Tommy credits much of his improvement in golf to his grandfather, who has always been supportive and encouraging. “He is always pushing me to do my best.” 

Tommy has gone from little boy beginning player to a teenage ace on the course, and watching him play, anyone can see that he certainly has a future in the game. No one will be surprised to see the name Tommy Oliver on top of the leader board in a few short years.

School Board Plans for New Director Search

by Kevin Cummings, Messenger Staff Writer

The Franklin County Board of Education will use an outside agency to help find a new director of schools. 

At its meeting on Sept. 15 in Winchester, the board voted unanimously to hire the Tennessee School Board Association (TSBA) to conduct the search, which will cost $5,000. Rebecca Sharber, the current director, is retiring effective June 30, 2015.

The TSBA will narrow the field to a handful of candidates before the board begins the interview process.

Sewanee resident Adam Tucker, who participated in his first board meeting as the new representative of District 5, said he is pleased with the decision. 

“Not only do I believe that the board will need services like those offered by TSBA, I believe the decision to engage the TSBA was a fiscally responsible one that will yield significant returns for the district without the costs associated with a national search firm,” he said on Tuesday.

The TSBA also conducted the search that led to Sharber’s hiring.

“They look for someone who is the best for what your people want,” said school board member Cleijo Walker. “It’s important that we individually and as a board come up with the qualities and traits that are important and then work with them.”

Several board members said they wanted to make sure the TSBA considers candidates from Franklin County for the position.

“On the campaign trail I heard it said more than once that there are qualified people in the county. I think they were saying that you need to take a strong look at who’s in the county,” said Gary Hanger, the new District 7 representative.

Board chairman Kevin Caroland said the board will retain the right to add candidates to the TSBA’s final list.

Board representative Chris Guess said the stipulation is critical.

“I get some of that from my district, people saying this is (the board’s) job,” he said. “…You have to be careful to make sure it doesn’t look like you’re passing the buck.”

Sewanee Civic Assn. Meets Wednesday

The first meeting for the Advent semester of the Sewanee Civic Association will be Wednesday, Sept. 17, at the EQB House.

Social time with wine begins at 6 p.m., and dinner begins at 6:30 p.m. Dinner is $13 per person. The business meeting begins promptly at 7 p.m., followed by a brief program. The program portion of the evening is free and open to the public. 

Annual dues of $10 are always payable at the door.

The September program will feature John Goodson from the Monteagle Sewanee Rotary Club, who will discuss the upcoming walk-a-thon to benefit the Community Action Committee.

This year, the SCA is celebrating 106 years of civic opportunities in the community. The association brings together community members for social and community awareness. 

The SCA is the sponsoring organization for Cub Scout Pack 152, Sewanee Classifieds and the Sewanee Community Chest. Any adult who resides in the area and shares concerns of the community is invited to participate.

For more information, go to <www.sewaneecivic.wordpress.com>.

Village Action Plan to be Presented Monday

An overview of the Sewanee Village Action Plan will be presented at 4:30 p.m., Monday, Sept. 15, at the St. Mark’s Community Center. The St. Mark’s Center is located at 454 Alabama Ave., Sewanee.

Kevin Petersen, the planning architect from Ayers Saint Gross who led this study, will present the report and answer questions related to the action plan. All are welcome.

Petersen’s report describes the process Ayers Saint Gross has used this way: 

“A highly integrated process engaging a wide range of stakeholders was central to the development of this plan. The process was oriented around three workshops, each with a different intent. During each workshop, several focus groups were convened to provide insight and comments for the plan. A steering committee of University, business and community representatives also helped guide the direction of the plan.

“The team solicited feedback from the focus groups while striving to build consensus among the various parties. This plan aims to channel numerous voices into a widely agreed-upon vision for the future of Sewanee.”

For more information contact Frank Gladu at <fxgladu@sewanee.edu>.

University Creates New Community Engagement Office

The University has announced the creation of an Office of Community Engagement. Spurred by the growth of the Bonner and Canale service internship programs in the College and the establishment of the South Cumberland Plateau VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) Program, the new office will work to meet the growing needs of students and expand the University’s relationships with other community organizations.

The Office of Community Engagement is composed of three staff members. Jim Peterman, professor of philosophy and director of Community Engagement, will continue to direct Community-Engaged Learning, the academic community engagement program, as well as the Bonner Leaders service internship program.

Nicky Hamilton, C’99, associate director of Community Engagement, will direct the South Cumberland Plateau VISTA Program and also assist the South Cumberland Community Fund to develop the capacity of community organizations to alleviate poverty. In this unique role, she will use her practical and academic training at the Clinton School of Pubic Service to help faculty and students understand how students can engage in the wide variety of facets of community engagement as a central component of their education in which they learn optimal ways of making a difference in their communities.

Robin Hille Michaels, assistant director of Community Engagement, will continue work with students through the Bonner Leaders Service Internship Program and the Canale Service Internship Program. In working closely with students and community partners to place students in community organizations, she helps Sewanee service interns develop professional skills and social understanding commensurate with the demands of their service projects.

The Community Engagement Office will work with its community partners to understand needs in the three-county area (Franklin, Grundy and Marion counties); what organizations (churches, clinics, schools) are invested in addressing those needs; what community-based research projects may assist; and how to align resources, including student internships, in support of those organizations and community-based research projects. In doing so, the new office seeks to support the University’s purpose to help students lead lives of “achievement and service” in local communities.

Given the burgeoning community engagement activity at the University by students, faculty and staff (sometimes with multiple groups reaching out to the same community organizations), the time is right to administer these community partnerships through an office that is aware of and able to monitor all of the programmatic relationships, and ensures that they are not only sustainable but also beneficial to Sewanee students and the local communities hosting them. 

The current community engagement plan and the University’s 2012 Strategic Plan envisioned the development of an Office of Community Engagement in its role in coordinating student opportunities “to learn about, and learn from, the variety of populations and their experiences, both locally and internationally. Many of the intractable problems facing the world—food security, poverty, public health, climate change and conflict—have local and global dimensions.” The opening of this office fulfills that goal.

Sewanee’s VISTA program came from a deepening of the University’s relationship to local community organizations and especially to the South Cumberland Community Fund, a co-sponsor and co-funder of this program. The VISTA program is also underwritten in part by the Jessie Ball duPont Fund. The program is also supported by a grant from the Corporation for National and Community Service.

For more information contact Peterman by email, <jfpeterm@sewanee.edu>.

Cub Scouts Seeking Leaders

Cub Scout Pack 152 will have a reorganizational meeting at 6 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 25, at the Sewanee Community Center.

In order for the pack to move forward this year, they will need volunteers for a new cubmaster and one adult den leader for each grade (grades one, two, four and five). All additional volunteers are welcome, but this is the minimum needed. No previous experience is required, and training is available.

The main duties of the cubmaster are taking care of money and paperwork, leading monthly pack meetings and organizing events for the entire pack. 

The duties of the den leaders are organizing and running twice-monthly den meetings. The dens are grade-based and generally consist of four to six boys. Lesson plans and books are provided for the den leaders, and meeting spaces are arranged. 

For more information contact Chris Waldrup at <kd4pbj@gmail.com> or Lisa Rung at <rung.lisa@gmail.com>.

All leaders must register with the Boy Scouts of America, pay annual dues of $24 and take online child protection training.

To learn more about being a Cub Scout leader, go to <www.boyscouttrail.com>.

2014 AngelFest Features Events for Kids & Dogs

Featuring family-friendly activities, the fabled Treasure Chest of prizes and a special emphasis this year on Sewanee dogs, the 2014 AngelFest will begin at 4 p.m., Friday, Sept. 26, in the Sewanee Angel Park. 

Kids, families and dogs will enjoy community camaraderie for three hours, sharing good food, meeting each other’s dogs together, and marking a time to welcome the weekend. The event is organized and sponsored by Joseph’s Remodeling Solutions. 

Following the activities, the WannaBeatles will take the stage at AngelPark for Beatles-inspired music. [See story on page 6.]

Among the new activities this year are an opportunity to have dog paw and children handprints transformed into keepsake paintings. A dog version of the children’s game, Musical Chairs, will also be featured.

Exciting and new activities for children of all ages will come from Tullahoma, Tracy City and Winchester to join talented children’s authors and entertainers from across the Mountain. 

For more information go to <www.sewaneeangelfest.blogspot.com>.