Shopper Blog: Get off the phone and try an old-fashioned board game at Hi-Wire Brewing in South Knoxville
WEST KNOXVILLE
Get off the phone and try an old-fashioned board game at Hi-Wire Brewing in South Knoxville
Eric Woods, Shopper News
In the list of many nightly events held at Hi-Wire Brewing is Monday night game nights held by Bar Game Nights, a business with the simple goal of sharing its love of board games.
The event is held by two people: Kevin Padula and Byron Baker, who are avid game lovers. The two originally met on Bumble For Friends, and their friendship blossomed as they began to meet weekly at Hi-Wire to play board games.
“In the digital world, I think it's important to have something where people communicate face to face and figure out stuff as a team,” Baker said. “I think you're just bringing people together over something that is fun. And it is fun. Then you become really competitive and you just want to beat all your friends. That's good. That's good friendship.”
As their gaming circle grew, Hi-Wire approached them to expand their friendly game nights to the entire bar. Despite not having all of the resources at the time, they decided to go all in to share their hobby with the rest of the city.
“It's mostly just to nurture the community of gaming and Knoxville,” Padula said. “There's not a board game cafe or board game bar. And so until that happens, we want to bring more people into the hobby.”
Padula’s passion for board games dates back to COVID-19 when he moved back to the United States from Japan. He then moved to Knoxville and began working for a board game company.
Baker, on the other hand, grew up in a large family in Michigan. In the winter months when going outside was only out of necessity, Baker’s family played board games.
Padula and Baker each found their way into designing their own games as a creative outlet, furthering their passion for the hobby. They allow regular game night attendees to playtest if they have a prototype on hand.
In addition to their own, Baker and Padula provide access to a variety of games that cycle every week. They offer classics such as Ticket To Ride and Catan but have up-and-coming games in what Padula tabbed “the golden era of board gaming.”
“If there's ever a time to play board games it's today,” Padula said. “Video games are fun. I play plenty myself. But I feel like there's such a disconnect. I like board games because they are tactile, it feels nice. They're intricate. They've got weird, niche theming and it's just a huge industry.”
The two often push customers to branch out to try new games. As self-proclaimed “social butterflies,” Baker and Padula walk around the bar and socialize while teaching players the games.
At the end of each event, Bar Game Nights holds a raffle for a free game. Customers get a ticket for checking out a game, and they get an additional ticket for following Bar Game Nights on social media. They get five tickets for donating a game.
As for the future, Padula and Baker dream of expanding to other bars and further nurturing the gaming community in Knoxville. Their ultimate dream is to own a board game cafe, but they are satisfied with any means that allow them to share their passions.
“When you look around the people playing games, there are a lot of smiles and people figuring stuff out together,” Baker said. “If we can keep spreading that that's enough for me.”
FARRAGUT
Annual Spring Craft Show a big hit at Karns Senior Center
Nancy Anderson, Shopper News
April 30 was a big day for Karns Senior Center. The Spring Craft Show brought in about 100 visitors to shop with 22 senior vendors who handcrafted items for sale.
The craft show is a longstanding favorite of Karns Senior Center and the community. From purses to jewelry to birdhouses and decorative boxes, almost everything was handmade.
The event was organized by Karns Senior Center assistant Sue Dolislager, who said crafting classes and craft shows are lots of work but well worth the effort.
“I’m seeing that some of these folks aren’t making these things for just the money. They craft all year long and each item takes dedication and artistry. The seniors look forward to an opportunity to make a little money, but moreso to share a part of themselves by showing what they enjoy making and working on. Most of our vendors work year-round on their crafts. For most, it’s a passion project,” Dolislager said.
There were many clever handmade items for sale including wooden birdhouses with license plate roofs made by Tony Luttrell of Karns. He said he started making the birdhouses with his grandson to help pay for a mission trip to Guatemala.
“We started out with about 50 and that paid for his trip. I’ve been making them since then … about 15 years ago,” said Luttrell.
One of the most popular items for sale was small purses made with neckties sourced from thrift stores and donations. Each of the special bags is fully lined and clasped with sparkling earrings, buttons, and pins. They were made by a refugee from Afghanistan, Khatija Muradi. She is the matriarch of a large family who are making the U.S. their new home.
The purses were presented by Jan Flint, who is working with two churches and Bridge Refugee and Sponsorship Services to make the Muradi family feel at home and help supply them with all they need.
“I’m selling these purses for Khatija and her family. They don’t want to be given money. They want to earn their way. I donate a lot and I help match the clasp to the fabric. She’s a very talented seamstress, but she doesn’t speak English to interface with people. Although, she did just alter a prom dress and is getting more work with our help,” said Flint.
These extraordinary bags can be found at The Southern Market.
Another booth answers the call for gnomes, each designed and sewn by Madelaine Friebe.
“Gnomes are all the rage right now. I made them a long time ago before my children were born, but I’ve just recently started making them again about three years ago. They make me happy,” said Friebe.
The next craft show is set for late September. Keep an eye out for announcements.
Info: www.knoxcounty.org/seniors/karns.php
POWELL
Crafting mom figures it out; now business is going strong
Al Lesar, Shopper News
With four children ranging in age from 1 to 12, time can be a critical factor.
Amy Byrd found out how important it was over the Christmas season.
For a while, a good night’s sleep was just something someone else talked about. In the four weeks after Black Friday, the Powell resident was working on the orders placed with her business, The Crafty Byrd, from midnight to 3 a.m. − then, up early the next morning to start a new day.
“That was a crazy three or four weeks,” Byrd said. “I was brand new to everything and I didn’t incorporate it into my day.”
Byrd’s young ones go to bed earlier now and there’s a block of time on weekends when her husband, Wesley, a 2008 Powell High School graduate, can handle the kids while her mind can be completely focused on her crafts.
“Patience is so important for me,” Byrd said. “When I try to hurry something, that’s when I’m going to mess up. What I do takes time and patience.”
Cricut is a game-changer
Byrd, who moved around a lot while she was young, had crafts and other projects as the stable factors in her life. Being part of 4-H competitions was something to which she looked forward.
“I enjoyed making things,” Byrd said. “Most of what I did was made with love for my family. I never really thought of it as something I’d make into a business one day.”
That is, until she received a Cricut Machine − a gift that opened a new world for her.
“I wanted to make (the designs on) my kids’ shirts,” Byrd said. “I’d always have to ask someone else.”
When Byrd finally got her own machine, it sat in the box for several months.
“I was overwhelmed by the software it had,” Byrd said. “There was a computer program that made the design and set it to the scale you wanted. You cut all the materials on a mat.
“I finally made a commitment that I was going to pull it out of the box and learn what I was doing. There were 6-9 months of trial and error. The first shirt I made, I did backwards. It made me laugh, but I finally got good with it.”
‘Caps’ are big sellers
Now that Byrd has her sleep cycle and production system down pat, she’s ready for her business to take off. Once she got through Christmas and Easter, she’s heading full throttle into Mother’s Day.
Recently, her remote computer job, for a company based in California, dried up. That means she is putting all her non-family time and energy into The Crafty Byrd.
Thanks to the capabilities of her Cricut, she has come up with the 9-inch paper board design of a baseball cap (which can have any insignia) for a hat box. The top of the hat comes off and the inside can be filled with treats. She said she made at least 20 of those for Valentine's Day.
Holiday specials included embroidered cloth “peeps” for Easter, plastic glitter ornaments for Christmas and “Mom” tiles for Mother’s Day.
Right now, all of Byrd’s creations are set for porch pickup.
“I think people still appreciate handmade crafts,” Byrd said.
To contact Byrd, go to The Crafty Byrd Facebook page.
FARRAGUT
Small businesses turn out for Farragut Chamber expo
Nancy Anderson, Shopper News
The Farragut West Knox Chamber of Commerce held its annual Business Expo at Rothchild Catering and Event Center, drawing in more than 500 visitors and small-business vendors May 1.
It was wall-to-wall smiles filling two large rooms with small businesses sharing their specialized services.
This year makes the third annual event to bring together businesses and community to support one another.
“What brings us here today is a business-to-business expo. It is open to the public but we’re here to meet each other, network, learn about services, and most importantly shop local. All of Knox County needs that,” said chamber President Julie Blaylock.
“We are unapologetically pro-businesses, so it makes sense to bring them together for an expo. We only do one of these a year. It’s quite a bit of work to put it on. This year is twice as big as last year with more space for vendors to spread out.
“The expo is rapidly becoming one of our favorite events,” she said.
FWKCC Membership Director Suzanne Krygier added:
“Small businesses are a lifeline for every community, not just Farragut. People need services and products. It all goes hand in hand with small and locally owned businesses. Most of our 720 members are small independent businesses.”
FWKCC offers community, support, and event discounts for a reasonable membership fee. One entrepreneur membership is $170, while larger business will spend $240 for advertising and viable leads.
The event was sponsored by Slamdot.
Slamdot specializes in affordable web design and marketing for small business.
“At Slamdot our bread and butter is websites, so we put together sites for small businesses that are search engine optimized. We do social media and marketing ads … just all sorts of things that are tailored to each individual client,” said Miranda Raines, digital marketing specialist.
Daniel Monday, Slamdot chief operating officer, explained that Slamdot sponsored the expo because it’s an excellent event for marketing exposure and it’s just a great time all the way around.
“It’s such a great time and the expo helps small business succeed. We’ve been a member of the Chamber (FWKCC) for about 15 years now, pretty much from day one. We, like the Chamber, help small businesses grow,” said Monday.
Haley Elliott from Visit Farragut was on hand to explain all the events bound to entertain this summer. From the Summer Concert Series to Dog Daze, Visit Farragut has an event to interest everyone.
While visitors and vendors were inside filling swag bags with free merch, Mucho Gusto food truck was in the parking lot offering up delectable treats for lunch.
Info: www.farragutchamber.com.
POWELL
Powell Small Business Network launches to help entrepreneurs
Al Lesar, Shopper News
When the economy is tough and the journey is a struggle, an entrepreneur feels better with someone by their side.
That’s the mission of the Powell Small Business Network.
More than two months ago, Delena Fisher − who owns Bottom Line Bookkeeping − posted a question on the I Love Powell Facebook page: Does anyone see the need for small businesses in Powell to connect?
The response was almost immediate. Angie Kruzic, who owns Shine Bright Cleaning, and Sara Bunch, the owner of Sara’s Waggy Tails, placed a call right away.
“Small businesses are the lifeblood of the economy,” Fisher said. “We’ve been underrepresented for a long time. We’re getting together with people who have the same ideas and mindset.”
Besides the sharing of ideas, the group will be a collaboration of talents and skills.
“If I know someone who needs cleaning done, I’ll call Angie,” Fisher said. “If I need my dog boarded, which I do, I’ll call Sara.”
Thinking out of the box
Through six weeks of activity, the group has 35 members. More are joining on Facebook every day. The plan is to have gatherings at different times of the day to hopefully make them convenient for members.
Fisher emphasized there is no fee to join. If a meeting is at a Powell restaurant, the expectation is that each person would make some type of purchase.
“We’re always trying to get feedback from the group about what we can be,” Kruzic said. “There are a lot of family-owned businesses in Powell. Everyone I’ve met is nice.”
The nature of Fisher’s business keeps her isolated in her home office throughout the day. Her business plan is to take the bookkeeping duties off the plate of the entrepreneur.
“If I don’t go to the grocery store or the dump, I don’t see other people,” Fisher said. “The network is an opportunity to get out there and get to know folks.”
There's a social value, too
That doesn’t mean the network is completely focused on the exchange of ideas as well as the assessment of services.
There could be a social value, as well.
The three originators of the network have brainstormed possibilities like mini-car shows being held along with the meetings. Easter egg hunts or other such events focused on children could be possible. They also thought a speed marketing opportunity − like speed dating except trying to sell your business to someone in a minute rather than yourself − could work.
Also considered was a 5K road race with entry fees and sponsorships going toward a predetermined charity.
“There are so many things we can do,” Fisher said. “We just have to be creative.”
“There’s more to the group than just getting your name out there,” Kruzic said. “But, that’s a big part of it. I’ve gotten a lot of clients off Facebook. With advertising so expensive, I’m sure other small businesses rely on social media.
“Still, word of mouth and the relationships we make are a big part of keeping us going.”
For more information, go to the Powell Small Business Network Facebook page.
BEARDEN
Dogwoods planted at West Hills Park in honor and remembrance
John Shearer, Shopper News
Standing in recent weeks at West Hills Park in the shadow of some larger trees have been five small dogwoods.
But they were planted just across Sheffield Drive from West Hills Elementary in honor of several longtime residents and supporters who cast their own large shadows of positivity over the community. The trees sit near some other younger varieties such as tulip poplars, oaks and coffee trees planted in recent years by local park officials along the paved path.
According to West Hills Community Association President Lee Hume, the dogwood trees were dedicated during an April 6 ceremony in connection with the Dogwood Arts Festival.
“We planted five dogwoods to honor past volunteers involved with the community, and we wanted to say thank you and let other people know that they did a lot for the community,” he said. He added that several of the volunteers did everything over the years from helping with community Easter egg hunts to taking on developers wanting to encroach on the neighborhood.
Recognized with small plaques next to the trees were Chuck and Jane Anderton, Dr. Joe and Erika Fuhr, Charles and Betty Patton, Dr. Reuben and Barbara Pelot, and Al and Sandy Robinson. Several of them were on hand, although three are now deceased.
Joe Fuhr, a New York City native and hematologist who became president of the association, is now deceased, as are the Pattons. The latter had become connected with West Hills when Charles Patton was minister at Knoxville First Church of the Nazarene on Vanosdale Road. Betty later encouraged Community Association meetings to be held there after his death, Hume said, and was involved in the Yard of the Month beautification recognition efforts with others.
The dedication came after the neighborhood was designated as an official Dogwood Trail driving and walking path during festivities in 2022. That had come about after the Community Association volunteers canvassed the neighborhood working on getting a designation and received 97 percent support. About the only ones not in favor at the time of an official Dogwood Trail going in the neighborhood were those who said simply they did not have a dogwood tree in their yard, Hume said.
Hume, who works as art director of the University of Tennessee’s Office of Communication and Marketing, hopes the dogwood tree dedication becomes an annual event to recognize others who have worked on behalf of the community.
Tree limbs of young trees are not all that are expanding at West Hills Park. Some brushy and overgrown areas along part of the small creek have been cleared by city parks officials in recent weeks to allow for more grassland. Also, recreational opportunities have been expanded with a new trail in the wooded and hilly section on the southeast side of the park above the baseball fields. It was funded with proceeds from a nearby land donation to Legacy Parks Foundation and subsequent sale.
Some KUB sewer line improvement and updating through the park is also scheduled to be done around this summer, Hume said.
Hume added that this year also recognizes the 60th anniversary of the WHCA. “It is the oldest neighborhood association in Knoxville and one of the oldest in Tennessee,” he said.
He pointed out that the neighborhood of midcentury ranch homes was developed beginning in the 1950s as the first post-World War II subdivision in West Knoxville. Developers early on saw the area as having some commercial interest and wanted to build there next to the homes. That led to the formation of the West Hills Community Association with certain principles and boundaries for the neighborhood.
“And we have honored that ever since then,” he said.
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HALLS
Unique antiques are in demand, and this shop’s on top of trends
Al Lesar, Shopper News
Uranium glass is one of the more quirky and sought-after items in Susan Sansonetti’s store.
That’s the trend in antiques and collectibles these days.
“Younger people are looking for things with personality and the unique,” Sansonetti said. “Older people are looking for things that remind them of memories they had in their younger days.”
Whatever the case, Sansonetti tries to answer their needs and likes at Sans 2 Treasures Mercantile Antiques & Gifts in Fountain City (2904 Sanders Drive). She is in the building along with 10 vendors.
“I’m getting a mixture of people coming in my store,” Sansonetti said. “We’re getting people from West Knox, just looking for something that’s different. We try to look for the unique items for the store. Those are the ones that are going to sell.”
Sansonetti said the uranium glass, which was popular in the 1930s, has made a revival as a piece of art, more than anything. When a certain type of black light shines on the glassware in a dark room, it gives off a glow that makes it interesting.
East Tennessee has its own feel
Sansonetti grew up in the suburbs north of Chicago. Besides working several office jobs in administrative positions, she also dealt in antiques.
When it came time to consider retirement, she decided the Chicago area was not financially friendly. East Tennessee made much better sense, so she followed friends to the area.
“What I sold in Illinois is a lot different from what I sell here,” Sansonetti said. “The theme of my Illinois store was more contemporary. Here, there’s a more traditional home look than up there.
“When I moved I looked at some of the stuff I brought down here and said, ‘that’s not for me.’”
Sansonetti had difficulty explaining the East Tennessee lean. “Farm” and “primitive” were two words she used, but she was still searching for something more definitive. Having older implements from around the house or farm, with their age showing through the patina, are desirable.
Fifty years ago, everyone wanted china. Today, it’s hard to give a set of the fine dinnerware away. However, younger people are looking for individual pieces that might look interesting.
“We look for things that are scarce,” Sansonetti said.
'Small businesses at risk'
It was early 2020 when Sans 2 Treasures Mercantile Antiques & Gifts first opened its doors. Since then, several businesses − restaurants, antique stores and even a gas station − around her location have chosen to close.
“The current economy has a lot of small businesses at risk,” Sansonetti said. “I lost a certain class of people who no longer have the available means. I’ve noticed a drop-off in activity. The sticker shock with essentials is trickling down. They buy what they need and not what they want.”
Sansonetti is hoping the small-business owners of Fountain City can come together to support one another. In the meantime, she’s doing her best to make her business work.
“I research everything I have on sale,” Sansonetti said. “I know about all my items. I take pride in that. I want to be able to put prices on the items that I’ll be able to make money on and still be affordable.”
Sans 2 Treasures Mercantile Antique & Gifts is open 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 10-5 Friday and Saturday.
NORTH KNOXVILLE
'Retro glamour meets modern chic' at new downtown salon
Jack Coker, Shopper News
As downtown Knoxville continues its rebirth, we have seen many new service-based businesses open in areas dominated by restaurants. Velvet Panther, the newest salon booth establishment, continued this trend at its grand opening on April 13.
I spoke with Chynna Longo, who with her two business partners, Nick Moran and Mackenzie Evans, operate the 1980s-inspired salon at 313 North Gay Street. “I have been a hairstylist for 10 years now,” Longo said. “I was working for another salon that was the only booth rental salon in downtown Knoxville. Everyone else runs on commission. That salon was full, so I thought, ‘I want to fill this need, and make sure others have the opportunity to work somewhere.’”
Longo said commission sales are great when you first start out, “but when you are a little more seasoned it is great to have the flexibility that booth rental gives you.”
Her partner Moran operates the salon suites Local Collective down the street. The suites style is more closed off, with the stylists each having their own room, as opposed to a more traditional salon setup.
“I think there was a gap between wanting a space that is super private and also wanting a salon space,” Longo said. “[Moran] was looking for another space as well, so we decided to go in together with Mackenzie Evans, who has been doing hair for 15 years.”
Getting the space ready for occupancy was no easy task. “It was pretty crazy,” Longo said. “We had one handyman, and he did everything for us. Having just one person renovating took a bit longer, but it was nice because we could personalize every aspect of the space,” painting almost every wall a different color, for instance.
They chose the name Velvet Panther out of a hat, and focused on creating a 1980s theme with the comforts of today. Using resources such as Facebook Marketplace and estate sales, they acquired some unique pieces, like a giant panther statue.
The location is also a plus for Longo. “We love the sunlight and the location. Being across the street from Potchke is amazing. We have been getting a lot of foot traffic, and this area is really starting to get revitalized, which we are very happy to be a part of.”
You can find out more information and book appointments through their website at https://www.thevelvetpantherknox.com.
OPINION
Something amiss in our topsy-turvy world
Leslie Snow, Shopper News
On the surface, these stories are unrelated. They don’t belong together in one column. They aren’t connected in any way. But they both happened to me, and they both left me feeling as though something is amiss.
The first occurred last weekend when Ethan stopped by the house for a visit. I had just bought some pretty yellow flowers to plant in my new landscaping bed and Ethan was tagging along, casually talking about work while I carried the flowers down our flagstone path.
Progress was slow. Every few feet I would stop to pull weeds, balancing the flowers in one hand and plucking dandelions and yellow clover with the other. Ethan watched silently as I gripped unwelcome blossoms and gently pulled to capture the root ball.
“What’s wrong with those flowers?” he asked pointedly while he watched me struggle with a particularly stubborn dandelion.
“They’re weeds,” I told him, matter-of-factly.
He was quiet for a minute then he remarked, dubiously, “Let me get this straight, you’re pulling yellow flowers that grow freely and happily in your yard so that you can plant different, more expensive yellow flowers that you’ll have to water regularly and protect from the deer. Do I have that right?”
I stopped weeding and looked up at him. I felt a clever retort building inside me, but it never reached my lips. I just stared at my youngest son for a moment then replied, “Yes, something like that. It’s how gardening works.”
The second story started with a conversation I had with Jordan. We were talking in her kitchen after I dropped the grandkids off from school when I casually mentioned an article I’d read earlier in the day.
“My newsfeed told me this morning that it’s time to get rid of my skinny jeans. I like my skinny jeans,” I lamented. “I’ll miss them.”
“I know,” she replied. “Now we have to wear those stiff high-waisted jeans that have no stretch in them.”
“They’re so uncomfortable!” I said forcefully.
“They are!” she agreed. “I call them my ‘standing pants’ because they’re so stiff you can’t sit down when you’re wearing them. You can only stand.”
We both laughed. In the moment, it seemed funny.
But on the drive home I thought about the fashion police taking my comfortable jeans and replacing them with an abdominal corset that doesn’t allow for sitting. It made no sense. Then I heard Ethan’s words in my head asking why I was killing one yellow flower only to replace it with another. And it hit me. The world is a topsy-turvy place.
There are unseen forces that dictate human behavior. Consumer behavior. We are compelled by pictures of beautiful gardens and beautiful people to do impractical things.
We plant gardens we can’t sustain (or at least I can’t sustain them). We buy new clothes, uncomfortable clothes, to conform to some newly invented fashion norm.
And I’ll do my best to resist the pressure, at least for a little while. I’ll take a stand one day and refuse to plant things that aren’t native to East Tennessee. I’ll reject new clothing trends and stick with the styles I know and love.
But before too long, I’ll go to some party or barbecue and notice my dated skinny jeans. I’ll look at the yellow weeds sprouting next to my yellow Kalanchoe, and I’ll pull them with a satisfying yank.
I’ll relent and conform even when I don’t want to. Because even though it’s a topsy-turvy world, it’s the world I live in.
Leslie Snow may be reached at snowcolumn@aol.com
Proposed high-rise would ruin riverfront and years of work by me and subsequent mayors
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