Sixth Annual Angel Fest Tonight

The sixth annual AngelFest will be today (Friday), Sept. 23, at the Angel Park. Joseph’s Remodeling Solutions is sponsoring three hours of family fun and children’s activities, beginning at 4:30 p.m.
Children’s activities include inflatables, animals, musical chairs for the dogs and their humans, cotton candy and shaved ice, crafts, face painting, glow bracelets and temporary tattoos, make your own marshmallow poppers, corn hole, science activity, and ladder toss, bubbles and sidewalk chalk. The children’s events will end at 7 p.m.
Act of Congress, an acoustic musical group from Birmingham will take the stage at 7:30 p.m., bring a chair or a blanket. There will be food and drink for purchase from local businesses. University Ave. will be closed during this event.
The Sewanee Business Alliance along with other AngelFest sponsors offer this event free to the community.
For more information go to http://sewaneeangelfest.blogspot.com/.

Sixth Annual Angel Fest, Sept. 23

The sixth annual AngelFest will be Friday, Sept. 23 at the Angel Park and throughout downtown Sewanee. Joseph’s Remodeling Solutions is sponsoring three hours of family fun and children’s activities, beginning at 4:30 p.m.
Children’s activities include inflatables donated by Reliable Rental and All Blown Up; animals presented by TWRA permitted wildlife Rehabilitator, Margaret Matens; musical chairs for the dogs and their humans presented by Animal Harbor; cotton candy and shaved ice donated by All Blown Up Party Rental; crafts by Franklin County Library; face painting by Animal Harbor; glow bracelets and temporary tattoos by Joseph’s Remodeling Solutions; make your own marshmallow poppers donated by Builder’s Supply; corn hole by Otey Parish Church; Sewanee Chemistry Club science activity; and ladder toss, bubbles and sidewalk chalk. The children’s events will end at 7 p.m.
Act of Congress, an acoustic musical group from Birmingham will take the stage at 7:30 p.m.; bring a chair or a blanket. There will be food and drink for purchase from local businesses.
The Sewanee Business Alliance along with other AngelFest sponsors offer this event free to the community. For more information go to http://sewaneeangelfest.blogspot.com/.

Family Friendly AngelFest Event Set for Sept. 23

The sixth annual AngelFest will be Friday, Sept. 23 at the Angel Park and throughout downtown Sewanee. Joseph’s Remodeling Solutions is sponsoring three hours of family fun and children’s activities, beginning at 4:30 p.m. Act of Congress (AOC) will take the stage at 7:30 p.m. for music; bring a chair or a blanket.
The Sewanee Business Alliance along with other AngelFest sponsors offer this event free to the community. There will be food and drink for purchase from local businesses. University Avenue will be closed to automobile traffic for this event.
AOC is no stranger to Sewanee. They have performed a number of times here, most recently with the Sewanee Symphony and Sewanee Chorale.
AOC is currently performing their original music at live venues, festivals, and national symphonies, including two performances with the Alabama Symphony Orchestra. AOC has backed up country music star, Sara Evans and American Idol winner, Taylor Hicks. AOC’s current licensing catalog includes Showtime and Google. Act of Congress has released two full length albums, two acclaimed Christmas EPs, a live CD/DVD and the documentary “A Week In The Life.”
Everyone is invited to attend this family friendly event. For more information go to http://sewaneeangelfest.blogspot.com/.

AngelFest Tonight

Sewanee’s AngelFest will kick-off at 4:30 p.m., today (Friday), Sept. 25, with kids’ activities including games, science demonstrations, a bounce house and face painting, wild animals, helium balloons, arts and crafts, marshmallow poppers and a Canine Musical Sit contest (musical chairs with dogs and owners).

For adults, this year there will be a Beer Flight at local restaurants. After purchasing a $10 ticket, participants can taste selected beers at different locations. A portion of the proceeds from this event will go toward funding the Elliott Park playground.

The children’s activities will finish by 7 p.m.; area restaurants and mobile food vendors will be serving food.

Jason Eskridge will take the stage at 7:30 p.m., under the kite at Angel Park. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and sit under the stars to enjoy the rest of the evening.

AngelFest is organized and sponsored by Joseph’s Remodeling Solutions. For the full schedule of event activities, go to <www.sewaneeangelfest.blogspot.com>. The Angel Park and Pavilion were created by the Sewanee Business Alliance.

Jason Eskridge at AngelFest on Sept. 25

Singer Jason Eskridge will perform at the fifth annual AngelFest on Friday, Sept. 25, in the Angel Park in Sewanee. Family-friendly activities will begin at 4:30 p.m.; this year’s plans include face-painting, inflatables, hands-on building projects and wild animal presentations.

Eskridge and his band will begin at 7:30 p.m. He is a native of Tennessee and is known for his soul-acoustic-folk music. Later this year Eskridge will be touring with the Zac Brown Band.

AngelFest is organized and sponsored by Joseph’s Remodeling Solutions. For the full schedule of event activities, go to <www.sewaneeangelfest.blogspot.com>. The Angel Park and Pavilion were created by the Sewanee Business Alliance, which is committed to developing the downtown area as a center for families, businesses and nonprofits to enjoy the lifestyle Sewanee offers and to build relationships throughout the community.

AngelFest Set for Sept. 25

The fifth annual AngelFest will take place on Friday, Sept. 25, in the Angel Park in Sewanee. Family-friendly activities will begin at 4:30 p.m.; this year’s plans include face-painting, inflatables, hands-on building projects and wild animal presentations.

For adults, there will be the opportunity to purchase a “beer flight” or a “liquor flight” with samples of the adult beverages at some of the downtown area restaurants.

Singer Jason Eskridge and his band will provide the music, beginning at 7:30 p.m. He is a native of Tennessee and is known for his soul-acoustic-folk music. Later this year Eskridge will be touring with the Zac Brown Band.

AngelFest is organized and sponsored by Joseph’s Remodeling Solutions. For the full schedule of activities go to <www.sewaneeangelfest.blogspot.com>. The Angel Park and Pavilion were created by the Sewanee Business Alliance, which is committed to developing the downtown area as a center for families, businesses and nonprofits to enjoy the lifestyle Sewanee offers and to build relationships throughout the community.

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. 

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>.

Weekend Listing of Events

Shenanigans Official Grand Opening 

Shenanigans is hosting a weekend full of festive events to celebrate the reopening of the 40-year-old restaurant. The activities will kick off with the official ribbon cutting at 11 a.m., Friday, April 4. Continuing throughout the weekend, there will also be a Friday night dance party, door prizes, live music and the opening of the new Boardroom in the back of the building. 

Friday Night Angel Fest

The Friday Night Angel Fest on April 4 will bring together University students and the greater community for music, food and conversation. Musicians and bands from both the community and University will play at Angel Park Pavilion 6:30–9:30 p.m. Food will be available for purchase by local restaurants, and admission is free. 

Perpetual Motion Dance

Sewanee’s annual performance by Perpetual Motion will be at 7:30 p.m., today and Saturday, April 4–5, in Guerry Auditorium. The event will feature 22 pieces of original student choreography, ranging in style from reggae to jazz to ballroom, and will include more than 60 University student dancers. 

MGTA Fun Run & Walk

Mountain Outfitters and the Mountain Goat Trail Alliance are sponsoring a fun run and walk on Saturday, April 5. The five-mile run will begin at 10:30 a.m. in downtown Sewanee; the 2.7-mile walk will begin at 10:30 a.m. at St. James Church in Midway. Both will finish at Mountain Outfitters in Monteagle. Registration and more information is available at Mountain Outfitters and online at <http://mountaingoattrail.org>.

Dance Conservatory 

Sewanee Dance Conservatory (with Alabama Youth Ballet) will host its annual demonstration-performance at 11 a.m., Saturday, April 5, in Guerry Auditorium. This year’s dances will feature excerpts from “Peter Pan.”

Animal Harbor Children’s Festival

The third annual Animal Harbor Festival will be 1–5 p.m.,Saturday, April 5, on the University Quad. There will be children’s games, food, kids’ activities, a dunk tank, a silent auction, and puppies and kittens available for adoption. 

The $5 admission includes unlimited access to games and food. 

Barbecue and NCAA Final Four Games

This University Cornerstone Event will include activities on the Quad and the announcement of the winner of the faculty-student barbecue competition. 

It will conclude with a broadcast of the Final Four games in McClurg Dining Hall. Enjoy a delicious dinner and the semifinal games of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament. 

Events begin at 5 p.m., Saturday, April 5. 

Council Sets Slower Speed for Ball Park Road

 by Leslie Lytle
Messenger Staff Writer 

The Sewanee Community Council approved reducing the speed limit on Ball Park Road to 15 mph at the March 24 meeting. The Council also heard updates on the town cleanup scheduled for April 19 and the town planning process.

The Sewanee Senior Citizens requested the speed limit be reduced on Ball Park Road and on the section of Lake O’Donnell Road from the Highway 41A caution light to Ball Park Road. The Senior Citizens’ Center is located at the intersection of Ball Park Road and Lake O’Donnell Road. 

A recent two-week vehicle survey by the Franklin County Highway Department recorded 1,900 vehicles traveling on Ball Park Road during the survey period. Although three months of radar monitoring by the Sewanee police found only a few motorists exceeding the speed limit, Sewanee police chief Marie Eldridge recommended reducing the speed limit from 25 mph to 15 mph given the heavy vehicle traffic that is expected to increase with use of the ball park in warm weather. The Community Council approved Eldridge’s recommendation. 

The reduced speed limit will go into effect as soon as signage is posted by the Franklin County Highway Department.

A Sewanee town cleanup is scheduled for 9–11 a.m., Saturday, April 19. For individuals wishing to join in the effort, bags for collecting trash will be available at the Angel Park and the University Book Store. Along with the Community Council, help with the cleanup is expected from many Sewanee-area organizations. Filled trash bags can be left at the roadside and will be picked up the following Monday afternoon. For more information contact Pam Byerly by phone at 598-5979 or email to<pbyerly@sewanee.edu>.

Reporting on the plans to revitalize the downtown area, Frank Gladu, vice president of administrative services, said the University has hired the architectural firm Ayers Saint Gross to produce an “action plan” for implementing ideas identified in the earlier town planning study and recent town workshops. The Ayers Saint Gross firm has extensive experience in developing plans for college campuses and the surrounding areas.

The Trustees Community Relations Committee will host a town meeting 5 p.m., Thursday, April 3, at St. Mark’s Community Center. The meeting will be followed by a picnic.

Caitlin-Jean Anne Juricic, student representative to the Council, announced plans for a Community Block Party in downtown Sewanee, 6:30–9:30 p.m., Friday, April 4. Highlights of the event include music, food, information tables and entertainment for children. The downtown area will be closed to vehicle traffic.

The next meeting of the Community Council is scheduled for April 21.

What to do this weekend?

Across our area this weekend, there are great opportunities for live music, movies and plays, a September version of Sewanee’s beloved dog show, gallery exhibitions and readings, antiques appraising, the Angel Festival in Sewanee, the Polly Crockett Festival in Cowan and more. Check out the full calendar of events on page 16 or online at <TheMountainNow.com>.

AngelFest Features Family Fun on Sept. 20

The third annual Sewanee Angel Festival, organized by the Sewanee Business Alliance, will offer activities for community members of all ages at this year’s expanded event on Friday, Sept. 20.

With the sponsorship support of Joseph’s Remodeling Solutions and area businesses and nonprofits, the 2013 Angel Festival will have children and family activities beginning at 4 p.m.

There will be a Treasure Hunt for a treasure chest full of prizes. Bring a nonperishable food donation to the Community Action Committee’s booth to get a Treasure Hunt game card. Game cards can also be purchased for a donation of $2. Each of the businesses listed on the game card will stamp the card when treasure hunters stop by their booth or business. When the game card is filled with stamps, players will put the card into a Treasure Box and be eligible to win the treasure chest of prizes!

At 4:30 p.m., students from Donna’s School of Dance will perform.

At 5 p.m., the Phil White Dog Park is sponsoring a Dog Costume Contest at the Angel Park Pavilion. Since the Fourth of July dog show was canceled, part of that popular event returns for  AngelFest. Prizes will be awarded for dog-owner look-alike, the dog that looks most like an angel, and the most unusual dog costume.

At 7 p.m., the Angel Park turns into a concert venue, with music filling the town with the sounds of Towson Engsberg and Friends and the Stagger Moon Band. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy the music that will continue until 11 p.m.

The Sewanee Business Alliance is committed to developing the Angel Park and Pavilion as a center for families, businesses and local nonprofit organizations to come together to enjoy Sewanee and to build relationships across the community.