Chamber Music Society in Guerry Auditorium Tonight

The Sewanee Performing Arts Series presents the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center (Gloria Chien, piano; Kristin Lee and Sean Lee, violin; Richard O’Neill, viola; and Mihai Marica, cello) in a performance at 7:30 p.m., today (Friday), Feb. 26, in Guerry Auditorium.

This event is in collaboration with String Theory, the innovative chamber music series hosted by Lee University and the Hunter Museum of American Art in Chattanooga. The concert program­—Mozart’s “Trio for Piano, Violin and Cello in E Major, K. 542,” Beethoven’s “Sonata for Violin and Piano in A major, Op. 47 - ‘Kreutzer,’” and Korngold’s “Quintet in E Major for Piano, Two Violins, Viola and Cello, Op. 15”—captures each composer at his creative best. 

Mozart’s E Major Trio is a confident, bright work that belies the troubled circumstance under which it was written. Beethoven’s Kreutzer sonata is a major statement that pushed the boundaries of what a violin sonata could be. And Korngold, with his massively inventive piano quintet, creates a rich sonic world defining the sound of film for generations to come.

Performing Arts Series tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for seniors and $10 for students and are available at the door. Sewanee students, faculty and staff are admitted free with ID.

Community Chest Within $12,000 of Goal

Since 1908, the goal of the Sewanee Community Chest (SCC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is to help citizens by funding the community. This year, through SCC funding, 25 local organizations will help those caught in the cycle of poverty, improve lives through outreach and community initiatives and provide support for underprivileged children with a variety of programs in Franklin, Grundy and Marion counties. This year’s goal is $100,000. To date, $89,800 has been donated.

For a majority of the area programs and initiatives, 20 percent or more of the SCC funds are used to maintain their yearly budgets. A majority of the funding is used to help low-income families. Some organizations would not exist without continued SCC support.

You can help: $25 will help to spay/neuter one animal through the Franklin County Humane Society program; $50 will help to buy camping gear for two Scouts; $75 will help pay one month of maintenance expenses for the Sewanee Community Center; $100 will help defray the cost of fireworks for the annual Fourth of July celebration; $250 will help to pay for a scholarship at the Children’s Center; $500 will help five TigerShark swimmers with registration fees; and $1,000 will help to pay for Sewanee Elementary teachers’ professional development.

If you have not done so, donate to the Community Chest today. Your donation does matter and helps to keep the community strong and vital. 

Send your donation to Sewanee Community Chest, P.O. Box 99, Sewanee, TN 37375. Pledges, payroll deductions and donations made in honor of or in memory of a loved one are also encouraged. For more information email <sewaneecommunitychest@gmail.com>, or go to <www.sewaneecivic.word​press.com>.

Civic Association Sets Priorities, Reviews Bylaws & Park Needs

by Leslie Lytle, Messenger Staff Writer

“The Community Chest is less than $12,000 from reaching its goal,” Community Chest co-chair Rick Duncan told the membership at the Feb. 17 Sewanee Civic Association (SCA) dinner meeting. Members also discussed maintenance needs at Elliott Park, reviewed proposed bylaw amendments and learned about the work of the Friends of South Cumberland to expand and sustain South Cumberland State Park.

The Community Chest funds an array of area programs, with the large majority youth-oriented. Duncan encouraged donors who gave last year but who have not yet contributed this year to make a donation. “If we received donations from those 80 people,” Duncan said, “we would exceed the $100,000 goal by more than $3,000.” [See adjacent story for details.]

Stephen Burnett, chair of the parks committee for SCA, called for volunteers to make routine weekly maintenance inspections at Elliott Park to comply with insurance requirements. 

Cameron Swallow said completing the duties on the check list “takes about five minutes.” To volunteer contact Burnett by email to <fortheparks@gmail.com>.

A question was raised about the surface material in the park hampering wheelchair access, since Elliott Park is supposed to be an ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant facility. Burnett will check on ADA surface material specifications.

Civic Association President Kiki Beavers said several important items will be voted on at the April 20 meeting: the budget and officers for 2016–17, as well as amendments to the bylaws. Amendments under consideration redefine the board of directors and presidential succession, allow for email voting and prohibit discrimination based on gender. For full details about the proposed changes, go to <sewaneecivic.wordpress.com>.

Traditionally, the Civic Association celebrates the Person of the Year at the April meeting. Nominations are being accepted through March 21, Beavers said. To make a nomination send an email to <sewaneecivic@gmail.com>.

Vice president Lynn Stubblefield introduced the evening’s speaker, Latham Davis, president of the Friends of South Cumberland.

A longtime Sewanee resident, Davis joined the Friends board in 1990. At that time, the focus was on acquiring easements and tracts of land from private property owners to protect the Savage Gulf and Fiery Gizzard Cove regions of the park from residential development.

Through the Saving Great Spaces campaign, the Friends subsequently raised more than $600,000 and received $2 million in grants. A $25,000 grant from the Lyndhurst Foundation will help fund the Fiery Gizzard trail reroute, made necessary when a landowner closed off a privately owned section of the trail.

The Friends also do education in area elementary schools and help with renovation of visitor centers and ranger houses. Partnering with the Monteagle Assembly, the Friends funded the building of a ranger house near the parking area of a trailhead where theft was occurring.

“South Cumberland State Park is one of the most biodiverse areas in the United States,” Davis said.

The 25,000 acre park consists of holdings from Cowan to Gruetli-Laager. The park system originated in 1971, when Tennessee Governor Winfield Dunn took an interest in the region.

Rotary Hosts Cajun Supper on March 5 to Raise Money for Haiti Outreach Project

The Monteagle-Sewanee Rotary Club will host its annual Cajun Supper, 4–6 p.m., Saturday, March 5, in Claiborne Hall at Otey Parish. Live music by the Bazzania band will provide a festive atmosphere, while diners or take-out patrons can enjoy Cajun crawfish etoufee or vegetarian red beans and rice.

The Cajun Supper is an ongoing service project to raise support for the Monteagle-Sewanee Rotary International Outreach Haiti project. In many cases, proceeds may be matched with Rotary International funds for various Rotarian efforts throughout the international communities, and the club has applied for a matching grant for this initiative. 

Tickets are $20 per person and can be purchased from any Monteagle-Sewanee Rotarian, online at <www.mon​teaglerotary.org>, from Barry Rollins at Tower Community Bank (formerly Citizens State Bank) in Monteagle, or by calling (615) 504-3132. 

SUD Looks at Abbo’s Alley, Rainfall Issues

by Leslie Lytle, Messenger Staff Writer

The chronic overflow problem at Abbo’s Alley is due to tree roots growing into broken sections of the old clay pipe sewer line, said SUD manager Ben Beavers at the Feb. 23 meeting of the Board of Commissioners of the Sewanee Utility District of Franklin and Marion Counties. The most recent incident occurred on Feb. 13. 

Beavers said SUD responded immediately and had the line cleared in two days. The board discussed long-term solutions and the timeline for making long-term repairs to the aging section of sewer.

“SUD used to get by with clearing the Abbo’s Alley line once a year,” Beavers said. “Now we have to do it every six months.” 

Beavers proposed two possible solutions. One would be to dig up the old line and replace it, which would result in a significant loss of trees. The other option would be to burst the pipe and pull a new pipe through the channel created in the process. Pipe bursting would require removal of fewer trees. Beavers will consult with the University about which method to use. 

“It’s too wet right now to replace the pipe by either method,” Beavers said. Also, since the sewer line serves the Fowler Center, he anticipates the job would not be done until after graduation, when fewer students are on campus.

Repairs continue in the Alto Road/Roarks Cove Road basin, where rainwater flowing into broken sections of the old clay pipe sewer line is causing overflows. SUD has 400–500 feet of line yet to replace.

In discussing operations, Beavers said Lake Jackson is overflowing, and Lake O’Donnell is “full to the brim.” Due to the recent heavy rainfall, the leak in Lake Jackson has increased to 14 gallons per minute, twice the usual rate. Beavers speculated much of the flow measured is groundwater rather than water actually leaking from the lake. 

“The flow is clear,” Beavers said. “There’s no indication the dam is eroding.”

On the supply side, SUD experienced a 10 percent increase in unaccounted-for water loss in January. Unaccounted-for water is the difference between water produced at the plant and water registered as passing through customer meters, meaning SUD doesn’t get paid for the water. SUD is searching for leaks in the water supply line, but hasn’t yet found the source of the water loss. Beavers will investigate metering problems at the water plant as a possible cause.

Inspection of the water tanks revealed the tank at St. Andrew’s-Sewanee School wasn’t filling to capacity due to a faulty altitude valve. SUD will replace the valve with a straight pipe to remedy the problem. Beavers speculated water pressure in the Midway community could increase once the problem is addressed.

Plans still call for installing a pressure boosting station in Midway when the weather improves.

Art Hanson was sworn in to serve another four-year term as a SUD commissioner. The board meets next on March 22.

“Hike into History” is 2016 FSC Challenge

The Friends of South Cumberland (FSC) announces Hike into History, its third annual hiking challenge, with a kickoff event on Saturday, Feb. 27. 

“The Hike into History theme will highlight the interaction of people throughout history with South Cumberland State Park,” said Naullain Kendrick, project coordinator. Hike topics include Native American presence, timbering, mining, railroads, pioneers, natural history and more. 

“Hikers can see evidence of  pioneer settlements, moonshine stills, narrow-gauge railways, coal mines and logging operations,” Kendrick said. The FSC teamed with Ranger Park Greer to plan hikes that focus on the region’s rich history and explore many different areas of the sprawling 25,000 acre park, which spans portions of Franklin, Marion, Grundy and Sequatchie counties.

This year, two levels of hikes will be offered: the Discovery Series for typical hikers and the Adventurer Series for those who want a more challenging, “off-trail” experience. 

Ranger Greer is leading the Adventurer Series hikes (scheduled monthly, beginning in April), which will include rappelling, caving and archeological exploration. A $25 fee for each hike includes lunch and off-trail equipment, with proceeds benefitting the FSC. Register for any of the Adventurer Series hikes online at <www.meetup.com/Friends-of-South-Cumberland-State-Park>. This website, for the FSC MeetUp group, is free and by joining will ensure that you receive updates about both hike series.

There is no charge for the Discovery hikes, which will be scheduled throughout 2016 and will be led by rangers and FSC volunteers. Self guided information about each hike is posted to the 2016 challenge website at <www.HikeIntoHis​tory.org> for those who choose to hike on their own. Both series of history-themed hikes will be introduced at a kickoff brunch on Saturday, Feb. 27, at Dutch Maid Bakery in Tracy City, followed by a hike at Fiery Gizzard. Registration and a brunch will begin at 9:30 a.m. Organizers will present a video overview of the upcoming hikes and will answer questions. 

The cost of registration and brunch is $15 for FSC members and $20 for non-members, with an option to join FSC at the event.

At noon, a guided hike along Fiery Gizzard Creek will include a visit to the remains of a moonshine still and the Civilian Conservation Corps work camp. From noon to 3 p.m., the public is also invited to stop by the South Cumberland State Park Visitors Center on Highway 41 to see the newly renovated exhibit areas. 

“Taking on the challenge of bringing more people to see the wonders of this vast park has been rewarding,” said Kendrick. “South Cumberland State Park has so much to offer. We’re challenging you to come and experience it for yourself!”

For more information go to <www.FriendsOfSouthCumberland.org>.

New Dorm to be Named for Pat & Bob Ayres

Regents Approve Other Campus Planning

At its recent meeting, the University of the South board of regents approved a resolution naming the new residence hall being built on Alabama Avenue “Ayres Hall” in recognition of the many contributions that Robert (C’49, H’74) and Patricia (H’98) Ayres have made to the University and the Sewanee community.

Robert Moss Ayres Jr. is a member of Sewanee’s class of 1949 and a businessman from San Antonio, Texas. His leadership during a time of fiscal crisis in the mid-1970s and his continued generous support of the school have led many to consider Ayres one of the “modern founders” of the University. As vice-chancellor from 1977 to 1988, Ayres imposed fiscal discipline and erased a $1.2 million deficit in the first five years of his service. Thanks to the success of his Century II Campaign (the University’s first capital campaign in 20 years) and careful management, the University’s endowment more than tripled during the Ayres years.

In 2011, the St. Mary’s Sewanee board of trustees announced the naming of its new campus—the Ayres Center for Spiritual Development—in honor of Bob and Pat Ayres. Together, the remarkable couple have been known for their diligence, faithfulness and generosity, and for nurturing values of service and stewardship in others.

Also during the meeting, the regents reviewed recent progress on the University Avenue study and made several determinations. They approved planning for “phase one” of the Commons project in the area in and around the University Book and Supply Store, including the EQB building. The plans will include some combination of fitness, wellness, the Sewanee Outing Program and related functions in this location. Recommendations for renovation and possible new construction, to be presented in June, will also include plans for relocating print services and at least some of the current bookstore functions and staff.

As part of the discussion of the Commons, the board decided that Fulford Hall will remain where it stands; its long-term use is still to be determined.

Thompson Union and the area from Fulford to and including the Rebel’s Rest site will be considered as sites for the next phase of the University Commons. Plans for phase one of the Commons project and the placement of the School of Theology will help clarify the remaining programmatic elements needed in the new University Commons.

“Sewanee Votes: Let Freedom Ring” This Year’s Fourth Theme

The Fourth of July Planning Committee has begun meeting in preparation for this summer’s big events. This year’s theme will be “Sewanee Votes: Let Freedom Ring.” 

There are many opportunities to get involved and make this year’s Fourth a fabulous celebration. The planning committee welcomes new members; they meet at 5 p.m. at the Senior Center. The next meeting will be on April 18.

Volunteers are needed to lead organizing of the parade, for the children’s games and for the dunking booth. 

This is a great way to make new friends, give back to the community and help with this great Sewanee tradition. For more information or to offer to help, email Jade Barry at <jade​mcbee@gmail.com>.

Organizers of the Street Dance on July 3 are looking for a band that would be interested in playing for the event. For more information or to recommend a band, contact Valerie Parker by email to < vennyleal_21@hotmail.com> or call (931) 636-5337. Entries and suggestions will be accepted until March 11.

State Park Visitors’ Center Hosts Open House

The public is invited to the South Cumberland State Park Visitors’ Center from noon to 3 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 27, to view the exhibit spaces being renovated. The new open-concept, brightly painted areas feature a native plant exhibit, an upgraded log cabin to explore, interactive computer displays, a display about the Hike into History Challenge hikes, and more. 

Highlights of the day include a chance to visit with Davy Crockett (Park Manager George Shinn) and be part of “Tennessee’s 50,000 Trees” event. 

Flo Wilson and Mary Priestley, members of the board of Friends of South Cumberland, spearheaded the renovation project, which began last spring. Wilson organized the volunteers, who painted and provided carpentry services. Priestley led a group to update and redesign the exhibits, which had not been changed since the center opened. 

“The visitors’ center has always been on target in presenting the important themes of the natural and cultural history of this place,” Priestley said. “We’ve built on those themes, tweaked a few things and put a new spin on others. It’s the same place, just with a fresh look.”

Williams Named University Treasurer

Vice-Chancellor John McCardell has announced that E. Douglass (Doug) Williams was elected as treasurer of the University of the South by the board of regents at its recent meeting.

Williams is the Frank W. Wilson Professor of Economics at the University and was appointed interim treasurer last year. As treasurer, Williams serves as chief financial officer of the University and as an officer of the corporation.

“For the past 14 months, Doug has served capably as interim treasurer, and I am delighted that the board accepted my recommendation,” said McCardell. 

“Doug’s leadership of our financial offices during a period of both physical and operational transition has been steady and sure.”

Williams is a member of the University’s class of 1981 and has been a member of the Sewanee faculty since 1999. 

He has served as chair of the economics department and as a member of the board of the Babson Center for Global Commerce. Before returning to Sewanee, he taught at Carleton College and was city economist in Milwaukee, Wis.

School Board Hears Comments on GSA

by Leslie Lytle,  Messenger Staff Writer

Visitors packed the 500-seat auditorium to near capacity at the Feb. 8 Franklin County Board of Education meeting at Franklin County High School. The meeting was moved from its normal location to accommodate the large crowd. The recently formed Gay-Straight Alliance club at FCHS has attracted national attention and locally provoked an outpouring of both support and criticism. Following publication of the agenda last week, the board agreed to an eleventh-hour agenda change, giving four community members permission to comment publicly on the GSA.

“This is a school board meeting, and no disruption will be tolerated,” insisted Kevin Caroland, board chair, after some audience members loudly recited the Lord’s Prayer during the moment of silence at the start of the meeting. Caroland then continued with the agenda, which allotted five minutes to each speaker. 

Chris Ball of Belvidere began by asking “the forgiveness of God, the board, the faculty and the children of the Franklin County Schools for never giving the safety of students a thought.” “I don’t think clubs that promote a viewpoint should be here,” he said, “even Christian clubs. But the GSA started because a few students didn’t feel safe. I urge all of you to stop preaching hate and urge the school to implement the zero tolerance policy for bullies that’s already in place.”

Robert Weidlich, father of four with two students at FCHS, challenged Director of Schools Amie Lonas for saying the Supreme Court had already ruled on the legality of the club. Weidlich also challenged the authority of the 1984 Equal Access Act to withdraw federal funding from Franklin County Schools if the club was banned. “I’m not going to stand for my kids being subjected to homosexuality in public school,” Weidlich said in closing.

“The GSA is not a gay club. I’m a heterosexual,” said 14-year-old Kevin Hambrick, a FCHS freshman who joined the GSA at the first meeting on Jan. 19. Hambrick apologized to “Christians and GSA members for the misconduct they’ve received.” “The reason we have a club is to end demeaning treatment and dehumanization of the LGBT community. You can tear our signs down, you can tear the tears out of our eyes. I fought to be here. We need this club.”

Attorney Peter Trenchi of Sewanee, who works regularly with youth groups and children, spoke about the importance of peer contact and counseling for youth who lead challenged lives. “School may be their only safe place. This is where children learn appropriate interactions.” Citing the Bible, Trenchi said, “Love overcomes fear.”

The board reviewed the application and criterion for school clubs drafted by school administrators.

School board representative Adam Tucker from Sewanee suggested the provision prohibiting “conflict of interest with other clubs,” should be clarified to refer to “conflict of interest about use of facilities.”

Caroland said when clubs were allowed to meet needed to be clearly defined.

The board also discussed whether clubs should be required to take minutes.

School administrators will be advised of the board’s recommendations, but approving clubs and setting criterion for their establishment will remain the prerogative of the schools.

“School principals approve clubs,” Caroland stressed, citing board policy. “The school board is not involved in the process.”

“I’m pleased the club will continue,” said GSA faculty advisor Jennie Turrell, who lives in Sewanee and teaches art at FCHS. “There were concerns,” Turrell said. “Look at all the people here. Now we can begin the good work.”

In her director’s report, Lonas said Governor Haslam has recommended increased educational funding for teachers’ salaries ($100 million), health insurance ($30 million) and technology ($15–$30 million).

Discussing testing, Lonas said she had just learned earlier that day the state online testing system had experienced technical failures, and all testing would be done by pencil and paper.

Lonas said the state recently offered schools the option of using a paper-and-pencil testing format instead of an online format, and the Franklin County school principals chose to stay with the online system.

“Teachers have worked very hard to prepare students,” Lonas said. “They’ve been doing all their practice online.”

The board approved several personnel-related policy revisions. Most involved rewording for clarification purposes. There were three substantive changes.

The 30-hour orientation program requirement for new teachers was dropped. “The requirement was excessive,” Lonas said. “We’d prefer teachers spend their time in the classroom.”

The revised substitute worker policy provides for hiring substitutes when non-teaching staff are needed for enrichment and remediation practices. The revised substitute teacher policy clarified reemployment and termination procedures for substitute teachers.

The school board will meet for a working session on March 7. The next board meeting is scheduled for March 14 at South Middle School.

FSC Receives Grant For Fiery Gizzard Reroute

Friends of South Cumberland (FSC) was recently awarded a $2,000 grant from the Tennessee Trails Association (TTA) for equipment to help with the ongoing work of rerouting the popular Fiery Gizzard Trail. The gift will allow the rangers to purchase a lifting system to move large rocks, bridge lumber and other trail-building materials.

“TTA generously agreed to fund the kit and all the cables, trolleys, pulleys and accessories that would allow the hoist to be used to its full potential across much greater distances,” said Naullain Kendrick, FSC vice president. “This gear will have multiple uses, even after the trail reroute is complete, including rescue potential. It’s a key piece of equipment that will benefit the park for years to come, and we thank TTA for its generosity.”

Volunteers are needed to help with the effort, which will result in moving a key section of the trail off of private land atop the Cumberland Plateau and onto park property. 

“So far, the trail work has had awesome support,” said Ranger Park Greer. “How quickly we complete the work depends entirely on how many volunteers we get.” Volunteer work parties take place every Saturday. Workers should meet at 9 a.m. at the Grundy Forest parking area in Tracy City. Rangers will transport volunteers to the trail reroute site. The groups usually work until 1–2 p.m.

“We have jobs for all ages and skill levels,” Greer explained. “It’s not just moving boulders — we need people to rake leaves, level the soil, trim branches and deliver tools.” 

The reroute effort received an earlier financial boost from the Lyndhurst Foundation in Chattanooga, which provided a $25,000 grant to build a massive bridge across McAlloyd Creek and two staircases. Materials for these structures were air-dropped into the gorge with help from the Tennessee Highway Patrol, which provided one of its helicopters to make the unusual delivery.

The new route presents hikers with heretofore unseen and spectacular views of cascades and smaller falls in the creek. 

“While the reroute adds some difficulty to the trail, the new views along the way make it totally worth it!” Greer said.

Scout troops, church groups and community service organizations are encouraged to bring members. 

For information, contact Jason Reynolds by email, < Jason.Reynolds@tn.gov> or visit <www.Meetup.com/Friends-of-South-Cumberland-State-Park>.

Ross Named Editor of Sewanee Review

The University of the South announces the appointment of Adam Ross as the next editor of the Sewanee Review, succeeding George Core, who will retire this year after 43 years as editor. 

Ross graduated with departmental honors in English from Vassar College and holds an M.A. and M.F.A. in creative writing from Hollins University and Washington, respectively. He was a 2013–14 Hodder Fellow at Princeton University and later the Mary Ellen von der Heyden Fellow in Fiction at the American Academy in Berlin.

Ross’s fiction has appeared in the Berlin Journal, the Carolina Quarterly and the Sunday Times of London; his nonfiction has been published in the New York Times Book Review, the Daily Beast, Tin House, the Nashville Scene and the Wall Street Journal.

Ross’s novel “Mr. Peanut,” a 2010 New York Times Notable Book, was named one of the best books of the year by the New Yorker, the Philadelphia Inquirer, the New Republic and the Economist. It has been published in 16 countries. “Ladies and Gentlemen,” Ross’s short story collection, was included in Kirkus Reviews’ Best Books of 2011; it includes “In the Base­ment,” a finalist for the 2012 BBC International Story Award.

Early Voting Begins in Tennessee

Early voting for the March 1 presidential preference primary, or “SEC primary,” began on Feb. 10 in Tennessee. Early voting runs Mondays through Saturdays and ends Tuesday, Feb. 23. Some counties will be closed on Monday, Feb. 15, for Presidents’ Day.

The easiest way for voters to find their early voting and election day polling locations, as well as view and mark sample ballots and access online election results, is through the <Go​VoteTN> app.

Tennessee’s 95 counties conduct early voting at their local election commission offices or at another location designated by the election commission. Some counties also offer early voting at satellite locations. 

Tennesseans voting early or on election day should remember to bring valid photo identification. A driver’s license or photo ID issued by the Tennessee Department of Safety is suggested.

GSA at FCHS Draws National Attention :: Rally of Support Planned for Feb. 8

by Leslie Lytle, Messenger Staff Writer

The newly formed Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) club at Franklin County High School (FCHS) has attracted national attention. The group held its first meeting on Jan. 19 under the direction of faculty advisor Jenny Turrell, FCHS art teacher and a resident of Sewanee.

A firestorm of comments followed on the social media outlet Facebook, both condoning and condemning the club. Said one critic, “the next thing you know they will have F.I.M.A. (Future ISIS Members of America).”

Under the 1984 Equal Access Act, all federally funded secondary schools must provide equal access to extracurricular clubs.

Citing the law, Director of Schools Amie Lonas said, “If we choose not to allow this club to be established, then we would be required to prohibit all noncurriculum clubs or give up federal funding.”

The GSA “is not a recruitment tool or trying to promote an alternate lifestyle,” Lonas stressed in response to critics. “It’s more about tolerance and trying to treat people equally and with respect.”

Prior to the Feb. 8 school board meeting at FCHS, there will be a rally in support of the GSA in the parking lot left of the entrance off Georgia Crossing Road. The board meeting begins at 6:30 p.m.; however, there is no item on the board’s agenda that deals with GSA or student clubs. Winchester Police Chief Dennis Young said critics of the GSA have not applied for a permit to demonstrate.

FCHS junior Allie Faxon of Sewanee said her involvement with the GSA has made her “feel more confident.” Student participation in the GSA has more than doubled since the first meeting, with nearly fifty students attending the meeting on Feb. 2.

But there has also been “backlash,” Faxon said. 

“Students who oppose the club have made straight-pride signs and paraded around LGBT students and defaced our signs. They have thrown water bottles and food at LGBT students,” she said.

School board policy clearly prohibits “any employee or any student to discriminate against or harass a student through disparaging conduct or communication that is sexual, racial, ethnic or religious in nature.”

Students have been encouraged to report harassment, but explaining the process Turrell said, “for reasons of privacy the administration cannot reveal to the accuser the administration’s response or the nature of any reprimand or disciplinary action.” GSA students have received more than 40 notes of encouragement, according to Turrell, as well as “offers of support, financial and otherwise, from individuals all over the country with similar life experiences.” She has also been contacted by the GLSEN (Gay Lesbian and Straight Education Network) and other national organizations.

However, the GSA has no affiliation with any other group. 

“It’s a non-sponsored program driven by students with no outside affiliation,” Turrell insisted. “It’s important for the club to evolve as the students want it to evolve.”

As a small student club, the GSA is not equipped to handle large donations. To provide a vehicle for those who wish to make a financial contribution to support LGBT youth in rural Tennessee, the Cumberland Center for Justice and Peace created the LGBT Rural Youth Program Fund. Possible use of the resources includes providing scholarships to LGBT youth or to aid in establishing GSA clubs at other area high schools. For more information contact the LGBT Rural Youth Program Fund, P.O. Box 307, Sewanee, TN 37375 or visit <www.ccjp.org/projects>. 

Wiman to Receive 30th Aiken Taylor Award

Christian Wiman will be this year’s recipient of the Aiken Taylor Award in Modern American Poetry, the Sewanee Review announced recently. In addition to his writing, Wiman is also respected for translation, criticism and editing. The Review described him as “an important citizen in the republic of letters, not just for his creative work, but also for the ways he has fostered the careers of others—primarily as a landmark editor of Poetry magazine, joining the ranks of great past editors.”

At 4:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 18, in Convocation Hall, Vice-Chancellor John McCardell will make the presentation of the award, followed by a reading by Wiman and a reception. 

Adam Kirsch (poet and critic for the New Yorker, the New Republic and the New York Review of Books) will give a lecture on Wiman’s career at 4:30 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 17, in the McGriff Alumni House, also followed by a reception. [See story on page 4.]

Events celebrating Wiman and the Aiken Taylor Award in its 30th year will be presided over for the final time by George Core, editor of the Sewanee Review for the past 43 years.

Wiman has published six collections of poetry, including “Every Riven Thing” (2010), named one of the New Yorker’s best poetry collections of the year, and “Once in the West” (2014), a finalist for the National Book Critics’ 

Circle Award. Wiman has taught at Northwestern University, Stanford University, Lynchburg College and the Prague School of Economics. In 2003 he became editor of Poetry magazine. During his tenure, the magazine was honored with two National Magazine Awards. Wiman now teaches literature and religion at Yale Divinity School and the Yale Institute of Sacred Music.

Through the generosity of K. P. A. Taylor, the Sewanee Review established in 1986 an annual award honoring a distinguished American poet for the work of a career. Howard Nemerov was the first poet honored and was followed by Richard Wilbur, Anthony Hecht and W. S. Merwin. The other recipients of this prize include Maxine Kumin, Wendell Berry, Donald Hall, Louise Glück, Billy Collins, William Logan, Debora Greger, Dana Gioia and last year, Marie Ponsot.

County-wide Forum on Drug Abuse Prevention

A public forum about Franklin County’s problem of drug abuse and the best ways to combat it will be at 6 p.m., Monday, Feb. 8, in the community room of the Franklin County Annex, 855 Dinah Shore Blvd., Winchester. The event will begin with a chili supper.

Panelists will include Franklin County Sheriff Tim Fuller; Buddy Perry and Ron Bailey from the Drug Court Program; Mary Beth Best, who runs a local rehab center; and Tabatha Curtis with the Prevention Coalition.

This event is sponsored by the Franklin County Democratic Party. It is free and all are welcome.

Civic Association Returns to EQB for Feb. 17 Meeting

The first meeting for the Easter semester of the Sewanee Civic Association will be Wednesday, Feb. 17, at the EQB House. Please note the change of venue.

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

The business portion of the meeting will include an update on the Sewanee Community Chest, park maintenance, the 2016–17 SCA budget and nominations for board positions. 

Latham Davis, president of Friends of South Cumberland, will present the program on the South Cumberland Park activities and the Fiery Gizzard trail reroute. Latham and his wife, Mary, moved to Sewanee in 1977, when he joined the University staff. 

Latham was elected to the board of the Friends of South Cumberland in 1998 and co-chaired with Mary Priestley the Friends’ Saving Great Spaces Campaign, which exceeded its $600,000 goal. He served as president from 2003 to 2005. He was elected again to the Friends’ board and then to vice-president in 2014, and became president last July.

This year, the Sewanee Civic Association is celebrating 108 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 and was instrumental in placing the historical marker at Sewanee Elementary School and developing the Elliot Park project.

Since 1943, the Sewanee Civic Association has organized the Community Chest, which now raises tens of thousands of dollars yearly for local organizations. 

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

Same Bank, New Name :: Citizens State Bank Is Now Tower Community Bank

After an extensive branding initiative, executives with Tower Community Bank recently unveiled its new name. 

“We’re a solid bank that’s here to stay,” Tower Community Bank President and CEO Geoffrey Post said. “We wanted a name that better reflects our years of stability, our position as a pillar of advocacy for this community and our reputation for being a valued advisor and friend.”

Bank executives chose the name Tower in part for the physical tower at several of the branches and for what a tower represents—a higher standard.

“We don’t consider ourselves just bankers; we’re community leaders, neighbors and partners who provide real financial solutions that make people’s lives better,” Post explained.

Tower Community Bank, formerly Citizens State Bank, was founded in 1970 and is a locally owned, locally managed bank serving the citizens of the Sequatchie Valley, Monteagle mountain and South Central Tennessee.

Bank executives say they wanted a name that spoke strongly to the financial institution’s core values of being strong, solid, permanent, committed and visionary. Bank officials are quick to point out that the bank is still the same— same employees, same branches, same website. Customers can continue to use their same checks, credit cards and debit cards. They can continue with their same automatic payments and direct deposits.