This year’s Powell Celebration, set for Saturday, Aug. 14, is headed by a newcomer.
Michael Laverdure, assisted by his wife, Rachel, is overall chair of what has become Powell’s biggest event.
“I told Steven (Goodpaster, former chair) that I wanted to help out this year, and then I missed the next board (of Powell Business & Professional Association) meeting. I ran into Steven a few days later and he said, ‘By the way, you are now the chair of Enhance Powell.’
“Wow! OK,” Laverdure said.
An Air Force veteran who remains a member of the Air Force Reserve, Laverdure carries himself with the demeanor of a military professional. He’s unflappable.
Laverdure updated the community:
- The Beaver Creek put-in behind Powell High School will be ready for the flotilla. The utility construction was completed ahead of schedule and the area has been graveled.
- He hopes to have a flotilla take-out on Weigel’s property across from Powell Middle School like last year. Knox County wants to clear the flotilla route to the Roy Arthur Stormwater Park on Harrell Road, but Laverdure said that is a long route. He and daughter Megan paddled it and it took five hours; Michael Graham posted a four-hour trip with 3 portages last weekend.
- He is working to bring a skateboard troupe to the celebration, and is looking for sponsors.
The big three events – the car show, the flotilla and the disc golf tournament will be handled by Don Wegener and the TN Valley Mustang Club; Charlie Austin, Josh Goldman and the Beaver Creek Kayak Club; and John Diamond, respectively.
Michael and Rachel Laverdure are great neighbors. Rachel grew up in Knox County; her mother lives in Fountain City. They traveled a lot as a military family. Daughter Megan, now 10, was born in North Carolina; daughter Addison, 6, was born in Germany, and Lydia Hope, 2, was born in Knoxville. Rachel homeschools the kids.
In September 2018, the Laverdures bought the Powell AAMCO business at 104 Stekoia Lane near the Clinton Highway intersection with Schaad Road. The company name is Knuckle Busters AAMCO. The business specializes in transmission repair and total car care, including brakes, clutches, radiators, electrical, factory-scheduled maintenance, check engine light, A/C and more. The number is 865-947-7410.
Enjoy these pictures of the Laverdure family in the Powell Lions Club Parade and afterwards at the Powell Picnic:
Michael makes dog tags
Michael and the girls in the back while Rachel drives.
Rachel and Megan were dinosaurs.