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.

Council Names New Park in Honor of White

by Leslie Lytle, Messenger Staff Writer

At the Aug. 26 meeting of the Sewanee Community Council, council members recognized Phil White for his ongoing efforts on behalf of the Sewanee dog park. The council also took up a number of procedural and appointment changes. This was the first meeting of the academic year.

Phil White began promoting the cause of the dog park in 2010 and worked tirelessly to see his dream realized. The dog park opened just a few weeks ago. Naming the dog park in White’s honor, the council presented him with a sign that will be posted at the site. The sign reads, “Phil White Dog Park.”

White thanked the University for providing the land and water service to the site. The steering committee continues to raise money for operational expenses and amenities, White said. Donations may be made at Southern Community Bank.

Vice-Chancellor John McCardell announced the appointment of Frank Gladu to the council to fill the seat vacated by John Vineyard. Gladu recently assumed the office of vice president for administrative services at the University.

In May, the council approved meeting dates for the coming year. Provost John Swallow proposed the June 2014 meeting be changed from June 23 to June 30 to accommodate council member absences. The council agreed to the change.

Swallow also proposed by-laws and constitution changes to address a change in procedures. At the April meeting, the council decided to appoint someone who did not serve on the council to take minutes, since several council members who had served as secretary expressed regret that they could not participate fully in the meeting when taking notes. Swallow recommended removing all references to “secretary” from the by-laws and amending the constitution to read, “a secretary designated by the council shall keep a record of all meetings and conduct routine correspondence of the council.” Amendments to the constitution must be considered at the previous meetings before a vote is taken. The council will vote on the amendment change at the September meeting.

The policies of the University Lease Committee call for two council members to serve as representatives. The council approved the nomination of council members Pam Byerly and Dennis Meeks to serve on the Lease Committee.

Vice Chancellor McCardell announced the appointment of community member Adam Tucker to the Lease Committee to fill the seat vacated by John Vineyard.

Gladu introduced the new manager of the Sewanee Market, Misty Patel. The Market recently opened for business, Patel said, and plans to be fully stocked by Sept. 10. There will be a formal opening and ribbon-cutting when renovations are complete.

In response to a question from a council member, Police Chief Marie Eldridge explained that the weather alert siren only sounds for tornado warnings, not for tornado watches and severe thunderstorms. In the past, the siren sounded to announce tornado watches, but the police received complaints about the frequency of the alerts, and residents tended to ignore the siren.

The Sewanee Community Council meets on the fourth Monday of each month at the Community Center unless otherwise announced. The meetings are open to the public.

Sewanee Dog Park Dream Is Now a Reality

After years of planning, fund-raising and organizing, the Sewanee Dog Park is now open to the public, humans and dogs. The grand opening will occur some time in the early fall. 

Located adjacent to Lake Cheston, off of Breakfield Road, the Dog Park is a .8-acre area that is set aside for dogs to run freely and play. There are two segments in the park: one for dogs under 20 pounds and elderly dogs, and a more spacious area for larger dogs.

Phil White, a Sewanee Community Council member who has spearheaded this project, said he is very pleased with the final result.

“In the two days the Dog Park has been open, I have already met three very nice people I probably would not have had the chance to get to know,” White said. “Things can only get better for Sewanee when more community members become acquainted with one another and share ideas. And the dog park is a natural place for that to happen.”

Anyone is free to use the park at any time. Pet owners must use poop bags from the dispenser to pick up after their dogs. The rules for the park are clearly posted at the location.

When White was mowing the large lot on Aug. 19, some patrons were running their dogs in the small-dog area. 

“When I stopped mowing, they praised the construction and appearance of the park very highly. They found the materials blending in beautifully with the setting, and thought that the location is excellent,” he said.

There is still work to be done to complete the effort, White said. Grass will be planted later, and a rain shelter for pet owners and other additions to the park are planned. 

“Thanks again to everyone who has donated time and money to this much needed addition to the campus, and thanks to all the University officials who granted the space and spent so much time and money clearing and running the water lines,” White said. He also thanked Kay Rhodes, Tim and Mesha Provo, Caroline Shoemaker, Carolyn and Richard O’Connor, Marney Babbit, John Vineyard and Nate Wilson.

The exercise ramp donated by the Girl Scouts will be completed soon, and Eagle Scout candidate Mack Lindau will be building an attractive kiosk for announcements.

Because of the generosity of donations from community members, White said, “The park is built out of such high quality materials that it should outlast our children and probably our grandchildren with minimum maintenance.”

In his initial proposal to the Community Council about the park, White said, “Regular dog park visitors report that in parks their dogs become socialized—learn how to behave around strangers and other dogs. They often report that after a few visits to a dog park, their dogs no longer bark at every dog that passes their house.”

Civic Association Honors Helen Bailey and Sewanee Youth Soccer / New Award Given to Elizabeth Clark Duncan

by Leslie Lytle, Messenger Staff Writer

 In keeping with a time-honored tradition stretching back 30 years, the highlight of the April 17 Sewanee Civic Association meeting was presentation of the Community Service Award. Choosing to recognize both an individual and an organization in 2013, the Civic Association named Helen Bailey and Sewanee Youth Soccer as the award recipients.

Kathleen O’Donohue, who nominated Bailey, described her as a behind-the-scenes presence, “humble and quietly effective.” As a Sewanee Elementary School (SES) teacher from the mid-1970s to 1994, Bailey’s “gentle, caring discipline” inspired students to rise to her high expectations. After retiring, Bailey became an avid community volunteer, giving generously of her time to SES, the Community Action Committee, Folks at Home, Emerald-Hodgson Hospital Auxiliary, Otey Parish and Thurmond Memorial Library, stepping forward to do whatever needed done. Bailey was also celebrated for her habit of walking to wherever she goes in the community.

 Sewanee Youth Soccer (SYS) began in 1988, establishing affiliation with the American Youth Soccer Organization in 1994. SYS offers children from the Mountain an opportunity to play soccer in an environment of balanced teams, positive coaching and equal participation, guided by a philosophy of  “everyone plays.” 

Yearly, more than 30 volunteers come together to make SYS possible. Community members, aided by University and St. Andrew’s-Sewanee School students, maintain and line the fields, coach, referee and run the concession stand, attending to the details that makes SYS a special place for Mountain children. 

Volunteers Jen Bachman and Ty Burnette accepted the award on behalf of SYS. Burnette also praised Kiki Beavers, who presented the award, saying, “Without Kiki, SYS wouldn’t have happened.”

Civic Association president Theresa Shackelford announced a new award to recognize a Civic Association member for their contributions to the organization. 

The first Sewanee Civic Association Lifetime Achievement Award was given to Elizabeth Clark Duncan. Past president Duncan continues to serve on the board and as manager of Sewanee Classifieds email list. Shackelford credited Duncan with “rejuvenation” of the organization.

Plaques listing the Community Service Award recipients and the Lifetime Achievement Award recipients will be displayed in the Sewanee Community Center.

In the business portion of the meeting the membership approved the budget for fiscal year 2013–14. Classified subscriptions, dues and meals support the anticipated expenses that include the fee for the Classifieds host Group Spaces, reinstating tax-exempt status and liability insurance for the board, officers and members.

The membership also approved the slate of officers for the coming year: Susan Holmes, president; Kiki Beavers, vice-president; Kim Seavey, secretary; Lisa Rung, treasurer; and Lynn Stubblefield, member at large.

Parks committee chair Stephen Burnett reported that Memorandum of Understanding agreements had been signed with the University and the dog park board to formalize Civic Association oversight of the dog park. Burnett said the parks committee is also overseeing repair of the Little League scoreboard, so games can be held there. 

The Civic Association does not meet during the summer; the next meeting will be in September.

Council Sets Constituent Meetings

 by Leslie Lytle, Messenger Staff Writer

At the Jan. 28 meeting, the members of the Sewanee Community Council firmed up plans for meeting with their constituents, giving the residents of the community an opportunity to voice their concerns. The council also reviewed the Civic Association’s proposal to form a parks oversight committee and evaluated the effectiveness of the agenda committee as a vehicle for selecting council topics.

 The constituent meetings will be at 7 p.m., Monday, March 25, at the Sewanee Elementary School. Each district will be assigned a separate meeting room where constituents will meet with their district representatives. Following the meetings with constituents, the council will convene to share and assess what they have learned from the individuals they represent. 

The Sewanee Community Council serves those living on the Domain of the University, which is divided into four residential districts and two special districts for the student population and the School of Theology (SofT). Council representatives from the residential districts are elected. The student body and SofT appoint council representatives from within their ranks. Council representative Pam Byerly will design postcard invitations which will be mailed to all registered voters residing on the Domain, with the University paying the costs of the mailing.

Theresa Shackelford, council representative and president of the Civic Association, reported on the Civic Association’s plans to provide a structure for monitoring community parks, including the soon-to-be-constructed dog park and other parks on the Domain not supervised by another entity, including Elliott Park and the playgrounds at St. Mark’s and the Woodlands. Emily Puckette is undertaking formalizing the arrangement with the University on behalf of the Civic Association. When the dog park was initially proposed, the Council agreed to assume responsibility for oversight.

 Provost John Swallow invited comments on the effectiveness of the agenda committee which selects the topics addressed at Council meetings, a mechanism that has been in place for one year. Committee member Michael Hurst said the committee could resolve some issues without bringing them before the Council, with the answers to questions raised being communicated to the Council representative who introduced the topic on behalf of a constituent. Council representative David Coe countered that issues resolved by the committee were not made public, when the information might be useful to many community residents. 

On the recommendation of Shackelford, the committee will provide the Council with minutes from the committee’s meetings to make the Council aware of topics and solutions not publicly vetted.

 Swallow reported on golf course manager Matt Daniels’ reasons for not allowing privately owned golf carts. Daniels cited revenue earned, management and safety concerns and limited parking space.

 Vice-Chancellor John McCardell read a resolution honoring Louise Irwin on her 75th birthday [see adjacent box], McCardell praised Irwin as “a source of wisdom, counsel and historical memory” and on her “extraordinary service” to the community on behalf of the Trustees’ Human Relations Committee, the Senior Center, the Independence Day celebration and many other Sewanee institutions.

 Beginning at the next Council meeting on Feb. 25, SofT representative Molly Roberts will assume the role of secretary.

Civic Association Meets Wednesday

The Sewanee Civic Association will meet at 6 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 23, at the EQB House. Yearly dues of $10 are payable at the door.

Social time with wine begins at 6 p.m., and a buffet dinner begins at 6:30 p.m. 

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. 

Dinner is available for $12 per person and may be paid at the door; the menu is garden salad, pork roast, lemon green beans, sautéed bok choy with broccoli and roasted sweet potatoes; tea, coffee, wine, plus an assortment of cakes and pies for dessert.

The business portion of the meeting will include an update on the Sewanee Classifieds, the Community Chest and nominations for board positions. 

Phil White will present a program on the Dog Park. This is a continuation of the Civic Association’s interest in completing parks in Sewanee.

There is parking behind the EQB House in the lot off of Mitchell Avenue, and guests are encouraged to park there. There are stairs from this lot to the building. Additional parking is available on Georgia Avenue and behind Fulford Hall. 

For people with handicapped placards, there are spaces marked on University Avenue and on Georgia Avenue. In the event that all those handicap spaces are taken, those with handicap placards can park directly behind the handicap spaces on University Avenue. 

The Sewanee Civic Association brings together community members for social and community awareness. Any adult who resides in the area and shares concerns of the community is invited to attend and become a member.

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.