Shopper Blog: House Mountain guild's Quilt of Honor pays double tribute
HALLS
House Mountain guild's Quilt of Honor pays double tribute
Ali James, Shopper News
Not long ago Lynda Weis, secretary of the House Mountain Quilt Guild, said they had the opportunity to fulfill a promise to Dorothy Smith, a former longtime member.
In 2021, Smith and her husband, Larry, moved to Georgia to be closer to family. Sadly, Dorothy Smith died just months after the move. One of her wishes was to donate all her material to the Guild, with one stipulation — that the group finish the Quilt of Honor she had started for her veteran husband, to recognize Larry and his family’s military service. His ancestors were in every conflict from the Revolutionary War through present day, nearly 250 years, according to Weis’ husband, Bob.
Quilts of Honor are designed, crafted and given to military veterans to honor their service. The House Mountain Quilt Guild members meet and work at the Corryton Seniors Center and match veterans in need of a quilt with a volunteer quilter.
A group from the guild traveled to Georgia to pick up Smith’s donation. “It took two SUVs and a truck to get it all back to us,” said Lynda Weis. “Dorothy wanted it to come back to the quilting guild and she wanted it done and finished and given to her husband. It is a beautiful quilt to hang on a wall, so much detail. It was her request that it not sit around and be forgotten.”
Dorothy Smith had printed pictures of Larry’s family of veterans on material squares, but there was still plenty of sewing to do. “They laid out the quilt’s design on a huge storyboard which hung from the wall in their workroom,” said Bob Weis. “It was a super queen-size quilt.”
“She had pinned together where the rows would be; it was up to our treasurer, Mary Furr, to piece it together,” added Lynda Weis. “There were a lot of stars that needed to be made, and Renee Hall, who has a long arm quilter that takes up her entire dining room, quilted it.”
The group worked tirelessly and completed the intricate quilt in three weeks, and Larry Smith returned to Corryton to receive it.
The generous material donation took countless hours to sort through. “As part of our Christmas party games, we organized it onto six to eight tables and gave each member five minutes at each table to get what they want,” said Lynda Weis. “We all left with bags and bags of materials. I’m sure Dorothy would have been pleased that it went to good use.”
The House Mountain Quilt Guild has 45 members and a room at the senior center that is equipped with 13 sewing machines and supplies. “You can go there any day and use the room, the ironing board and bins of materials — walk in with nothing and walk out with something that you have made,” said Lynda Weis.
Thursday is the main day that members meet up at the center, and they have just started working on a new "Opportunity Quilt" for 2022. “We will work on it and when it is finished hang it on the wall outside the quilting room and sell raffle tickets to buy rulers, threads, needles and new irons we need,” said Weis. “We raise money for the Quilt Guild’s rotary cutters and dyes for a special machine that cuts little pieces of fabric into different shapes.”
The Quilt Guild also raises money for a Shop Hop, when they load up their bus with passengers and take tours of 15-18 quilting stores to see all of the materials and patterns.
All year long the Guild members work on smaller lap-sized Quilts of Valor and have an annual presentation for people who were in the armed forces. Often a band will perform, and last year’s lunch was sponsored.
“Veterans sign up if they want one. We have people that sign up that want to make them and we put them together,” said Weis. On average they make about six a year, and some people will simply donate quilts.
Various organizations will reach out to ask the guild to supply lap quilts. “We make pillowcases and koozies for covered dishes and we have craft fairs to sell donated items to raise money for the guild,” added Weis. “It depends on the need, and it is always different.”
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FARRAGUT
Simpson’s Meats survives pandemic through e-commerce
Nancy Anderson, Shopper News
Jim Simpson was born to raise cattle. He and his brother, Joe Simpson, are fourth generation farmers of Simpson’s Farms. Started in Athens in 1888 by John Simpson, the farm was passed down from father to son.
The farm supports a G.A.P. 4 rated (Global Animal Partnership) program. The cows have never had antibiotics or hormones, never been fed animal byproducts or put under stress.
“Simpson's Meats was started in 2012 but the farm was started in 1888 by my great-great-grandfather John Simpson. My grandfather Earl Simpson took over, and then my dad, Chester Simpson. Now me and my brother Joe run the actual farm in Athens,” said Jim Simpson.
It was a long road to the opening of the retail store on 10830 Murdock Drive. First Simpson partnered with fellow farmer Jason Parkerson to open a meat processing plant in Middle Tennessee.
The pair grew the business to supply quality meat products to grocery stores and to restaurants.
When the pandemic hit, the restaurant portion of the business went away overnight, but the retail portion grew.
The partners began exploring e-commerce as an added revenue stream.
“I was surprised how quickly our e-commerce program took off. We now ship meat and pantry products across the country, more than 100 boxes a week,” said Simpson.
Simpson closed the processing plant to focus on the retail side of the business.
“We wanted to get our minds off of how to make the plant more efficient and concentrate on the retail side of things.”
When Simpson opened the storefront, he decided to support local quality products like Benton’s Bacon and Cook’s Pimento Cheese.
“We enjoy supporting local companies that produce a quality product. Some of our pantry products, like the jelly, is made by someone else, but we offer it under our logo. Other items like Ms. Cook’s pimento cheese carry their own brand. The pimento cheese is very popular. If we run out, we hear about it. Of course we carry Benton’s Bacon; it’s the world's most famous bacon and we are proud to partner with them.”
Simpson owns The Walnut Kitchen in Maryville. His staff chefs came up with a proprietary mustard recipe offered only at Simpson’s Meats.
The storefront is actually a USDA processing facility where customers can buy anything as small as a ribeye steak or as large as a half or whole cow to store in the freezer.
“Our freezer program has really taken off, too. We ship a half or whole cow all over the country for people stocking their freezers. We have quite a few customers right here in Knoxville. We’re thankful for the support the Knoxville community has given us.”
Simpson plans on upping his sausage game in the near future with offerings like kielbasa and andouille sausage.
Info: www.simpsonsmeats.com.
WORDS OF FAITH
How is your quiet time? Amid daily barrage, connect to God
John Tirro, Shopper News
Quiet time. Morning quiet time. Rain dripping off trees, tapping the window. A train passing by, half a mile away. A car’s wet wheels shooshing up the side street. Air through vents as the heat cycles on. A train whistle. Another. Two more cars.
Wind chimes swinging their pentatonic scale, more chugging train, the dog’s tongue slurpily grooming a paw, swallowing sounds and an out breath as she settles into a doze. A pen scratches paper.
Quiet time is not quiet. Rather, it’s a time to quiet myself, to listen.
The next bit of listening is done with the eyes and heart. Two books by my chair, ready for a choice: "The Book of Hope: A Survival Guide for Trying Times," by Jane Goodall et al, and "Trauma Stewardship: An Everyday Guide to Caring for Self While Caring for Others," by Laura van Dermoot Lipsky et al.
A daily calendar, given by a son for Christmas, “All abundance is based on being grateful for what we have — Elizabeth Kubler-Ross and David Kessler.”
Abstract patterns of furniture, a rug, my sleeping dog’s soft, fuzzy fur, and this brief yet oddly lasting moment to appreciate these things, to be thankful, to pray, giving thanks, asking help and blessing for those in my care, before the day gets rolling.
Setting it all aside for time with my battered, abraded Bible. Thankfully, the contents hold up better than the faux leather cover and binding.
Proverbs 18:14-15, “The human spirit will endure sickness; but a broken spirit — who can bear? An intelligent mind acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.” All this paragraph is “listening with the eyes,” taking in information through sight, but receiving it like the voice of a trusted friend. Quiet time.
I’ve read a bit of that trauma book. It focuses on “secondary trauma” caregivers experience through constant exposure to others’ trauma. It’s especially about EMTs, hospital nurses, chaplains, and the like, but these days, with 24-hour news and intentionally addiction-forming, constant-barrage social media, I think we all see enough trauma to pick some up ourselves.
See if any of these symptoms sound familiar: “Feeling helpless and hopeless, a sense that one can never do enough, hyper-vigilance, diminished creativity, inability to embrace complexity, minimizing, chronic exhaustion/physical ailments, inability to listen/deliberate avoidance, dissociative moments, sense of persecution, guilt, fear, anger and cynicism, inability to empathize/numbing, addictions, grandiosity: an inflated sense of importance related to one’s work.”
See that in anyone around you? Or yourself?
An answer seems to be “developing a quality of mindful presence.” Quiet time.
I’ll say more about this in future articles, as there’s a whole set of contemplative worship and prayer practices deep in Christian tradition, as well as in others, but for now, how is your quiet time? How might it change things, to give the first few moments of the day — maybe starting with the first sip of coffee or tea — to God?
John Tirro is pastor of music and campus ministry at St. John’s Lutheran Church. Info: sjlcknox.org.
KARNS
Practice? Yuck! But hold on, says this children's author
Nancy Anderson, Shopper News
Becky Chaffee is an amateur musician and artist who’s convinced musical instrument practice should be fun, not punishment.
She’s written two children’s books with her own artwork to show how practicing can be just that.
“I had an awful time trying to get my own children to practice. I wrote these books to help children take ownership of their practice session and make them their own. I wanted to put ideas about practicing in their heads so they’ll understand why they have to practice. Practice should be fun, not like a punishment.”
“Have Fun with your Music” was published in June 2020. It features whimsical drawings and colorful stickers drawn by Chaffee. “Passion for Practice” was published in June 2021 and also features drawings by Chaffee.
Chaffee’s books caught the attention of an several school districts and music teachers across the globe who use them in all their music lessons for children and adults alike.
Natalie Kimbro, the general music and orchestra teacher at Sacred Heart Cathedral School, wrote Chaffee a letter saying, “Your book is absolute perfection. The children laughed, praised, smiled, clapped, oooo-ed, and awww-ed in joyous approval! These children are third grade students. You know it's 5-star quality when children can't get enough!”
‘Fun art’ not ‘fine art’
Chaffee began her journey as a children’s author by first using her artistic talents to create note cards with clever sayings on the back encouraging practice. The cards are very popular in symphony gift shops including the San Francisco Symphony Gift shop.
“I guess it all started when my mom wanted to take an art class. I didn’t want to, but I did want to be a good daughter, so I went along. I created these fun note cards with clever sayings on the back. The teacher wanted to buy them and it took off from there. The San Francisco Symphony Gift Shop sold out within months and wanted more. I call it ‘fun art’ as opposed to ‘fine art.’”
Chaffee said music lessons improve motor, math, and language skills. Instilling the love of practice teaches responsibility in children. For older people, music lessons keep the brain active and may ward off Alzheimer’s.
“Passion for Practice” isn’t just for kids. It has some newer theories about practice, like practicing at night before bed to help retention. “You wake up in the morning remembering more about your practice session than if you practice in the early afternoon. Your brain goes over the lesson all night; it’s amazing,” said Chaffee.
Chaffee is currently working on her third book on music history using her own symbolic artwork.
She holds a children’s music composition contest on her website every year. This year, there will be a judge from The Juilliard School in New York.
Chaffee takes her own advice to heart. She is an amateur flute player.
She holds a bachelor’s in civil engineering from the University of California, Berkeley and a master’s in civil engineering from Cornell University.
Info: www.musicteachergifts.com.
HALLS
Young dad strives to set example with Covenant House of Grooming
Ali James, Shopper News
Benton Caster has been cutting hair since he was 12 years old. “Growing up poor, my mom was a single parent raising three kids in Western Heights,” he said.
“She didn’t have the money so I got a pair of clippers and got good at cutting my own hair and then my friends got me to cut their hair.”
Life has been really good to Caster for the last few years. “My wife and I tried for seven years to have kids, and just three months after they said we couldn’t have children my wife was pregnant with our son,” he said.
“I realized how important it was to be an example, to chase your dreams and that if you put forth the effort you can attain them. It was important for me to walk that example out in my own life. For my son.” Caster decided to go to barber school.
At that time, Caster was a partner in a tree and landscaping service when a friend, Wes Baker, asked him to cut back some overgrown brush and trees around a small building he had purchased at 5317 Stanton Road.
“He offered me the building,” said Caster. “I hadn’t planned on opening my own barbershop until I graduated from barber school, but I liked the Fountain City area and having a standalone building that was different from being in a strip center.”
A self-confessed big believer, Caster and his wife talked about it and prayed over the decision before opening Covenant House of Grooming. Then he took his friend’s offer of a building and set to work creating a unique looking barbershop.
“When you walk in, we don’t look like any other barbershop. My stations are all custom built and handmade,” said Caster. “From my stations to the floor to the Ark of the Covenant in my logo, we are unapologetically set up the way we are.
“At 18 I went to prison. I have led a rough life and was homeless just 11 years ago,” said Caster. “So, for me, having that experience and meeting God is what changed my life. I want to have that same impact in a community that I took so much from. I want to influence people to have the same turnaround.”
Covenant House of Grooming has room to accommodate seven service providers. “I want to serve anyone. It is not just about putting people in the chairs, that is not what I want,” said Caster. “I want people that specialize in classic haircuts, kids’ haircuts, to the latest trends of mullets, fauxhawks, and first fades.”
A menu of full services is available at covenantgrooming.com. "The Works" includes a haircut, hot towel shave and scalp massage, basically every service that they will offer.
“If you want to come out and basically have a spa day or just a haircut, we are qualified,’ said Caster. “Male grooming has really taken an upswing and men want to be pampered as much as women. And we are extremely conducive to that.”
While earning his barber’s license, Caster also volunteers to cut hair at a local school for children with autism once a month.
Covenant House of Grooming will officially open on Feb. 1. 2022.
Online appointments can be made via http://www.covenantgrooming.com, or via @covenantHOG on Facebook or Instagram. Walk-ins are accepted as well at the shop at 5317 Stanton Road, Fountain City.
POWELL
Mother of 4 organizes hybrid homeschooling
Al Lesar, Shopper News
Two years ago, when the pandemic sent her two children home from school, Ashley Graham-Smith kept them there.
The Powell resident, while juggling an infant and toddler along with a second grader and sixth grader, is in the process of forming a homeschool group with a unique twist in education.
A corporate graphic designer and marketing specialist by trade, Graham-Smith has embraced her role as stay-at-home mom and child educator.
Last year, Graham-Smith and her children were part of a cooperative venture that allowed for socialization once a week. This year, as the spring semester gets going, she has formed the Guiding Lights Hybrid Homeschool.
Teacher partners with parents
The unique twist on the homeschool concept has a professional teacher partnering with parents in teaching math, language arts, reading and writing.
It has two pods of 7-15 children in each pod. There is one licensed teacher/tutor per pod who works with the children in a multi-age classroom from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays. A separate set of enrichment classes is on Friday Fundays.
All of the classes are conducted at North Acres Baptist Church. Graham-Smith said the cost of the Monday-Wednesday sessions is about $25/day. The cost of Friday Fundays varies.
“One of my children doesn’t like math and the other doesn’t like English,” Graham-Smith said. “When I try to teach it, it’s not a good feeling on both ends. Plus, they miss the friendships they’ve had.”
Graham-Smith said in the multi-age classroom all the students are focused on one concept. Within the teaching of that concept there are beginning, intermediate and advanced levels. Students can shift between levels throughout the semester. That method only works in grades K-8. She will have to work on high school in the fall.
Learning is everywhere
Graham-Smith said the multi-age classroom is popular in the West.
“Older children thrive as the leaders of the group,” she said. “Younger children become advanced with the work they do with the older ones.”
Being the organizer of such a large project has been a challenge for Graham-Smith, but she hasn’t done it alone.
“It’s gotten to be a lot bigger than I ever thought it would be,” she said. “I told my husband that when a lot of doors close, it will be time to stop. The doors keep opening. Whenever I need it, I’ve gotten help from someone. I certainly haven’t been able to do this by myself.”
The education process has been a learning experience for Graham-Smith. Last year, she kept her children on a structured schedule. With two little ones besides the students, it was more stressful than anything.
“You are constantly in school, no matter the day or time,” Graham-Smith said. “Kids can learn at the grocery store. Wrapping presents involves both math and art.
“My daughter is an up-and-coming event planner. She did a flow chart for activities at her birthday party.
"There’s always something that could be taught.”
For more information on Guiding Lights Hybrid Homeschool, find its page on Facebook or send questions to: guidinglightsschool@gmail.com.
OPINION
It's not easy being adorable again
Leslie Snow, Shopper News
“You are the cutest person I’ve ever seen wearing overalls!” the nice lady at the doctor’s office gushed in a sweet voice I’m not accustomed to hearing. It was somewhere between the tone you might use to talk to an infant and the voice you use to calm a puppy.
But while an infant might coo and a puppy might wag its tail at that dulcet tone, I did neither of those things. I just thanked the stranger and whispered to my mother under my breath, “Remind me not to wear these overalls again. I don’t think the world can handle this much cuteness.”
My mom laughed and went back to playing word games on her phone. I didn’t give the incident another thought until a few days later when Amanda and Ethan came to town.
Amanda gave me a tight hug when she walked through the door then looked at my black and gray tie-dyed leggings and said “Look at how adorable you are! I would love to take you shopping this weekend and help you pick out something fabulous.”
I smiled and nodded the way people do when they have no idea how to respond. But my kind daughter-in-law-to-be was waiting for a reply so I said, “Shopping would be great! I could use some new clothes.” But what I was really thinking was, “When did I get to be so adorable?”
And to my surprise, I heard the word again, later in the week, when I was out to dinner with my husband.
We were in the lobby of a restaurant waiting for our table when we ran into the daughter of a close friend. We chatted happily and traded family updates before she paused and said warmly, “You guys are just the cutest couple. Look at the two of you in your trendy outfits and your stylish shoes. You are absolutely adorable!”
We waited until we got to our table before we started laughing. “I guess she doesn’t think people over 50 follow fashion trends,” my husband said with a grin. “I guess following fashion trends at our age makes us adorable,” I retorted with a smile.
At the end of the evening, when we were driving home, I thought about the terms of endearment I had heard during the week.
The words were meant to be complimentary. They were meant to be kind and flattering. I wasn’t offended by them, just puzzled. I haven’t been called “cute” since I was 5 years old and wearing pigtails. And I can’t remember the last time anybody said I was adorable.
But here I am in my late 50s becoming precious all over again.
That’s the strange thing we do to people as they age. We talk to them in high-pitched voices. We find their social lives charming and their desire to stay current amusing. With the best of intentions, we infantilize them and treat them with a degree of sweetness they may not want.
I see it when I’m out with my mother, too. Well-intentioned people forget that, at 88, she’s sharp as a tack and has years of wisdom under her belt.
I’m only 58 years old, but I know when 20-somethings look at me, they see an old lady. I’m entering the adorable phase of my life. And if I’m lucky, I’ll be darling for years to come.
After that, I’ll just be invisible.
Leslie Snow may be reached at snow column@aol.com.
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