South
Open Streets returned to Sevier Avenue Sunday, and folks from all over came to play. They brought friends, kids and dogs, and they rode bikes, strolled and danced. They bought treats from food trucks and ate standing up, sat outside restaurants like civilized people and enjoyed food and beverages on plates and in glasses, and they played games at booths and won candy and stickers. They tried rock climbing and cornhole and the dunking booth. Several bands, veterans and newbies, played at a variety of stages; a fun group called French Toast, playing covers and originals, made its public debut. The day was full of sunshine and laughter. In other words, it was a big success.
Alex Ruiz and sister Emma
Food-truck lines were long.
City Council rep Tommy Smith and Debbie Helsley
Drummer James Moore, keyboards/guitars/vocals Chase Doane, vocals/guitars Dale Stewart and bassist Ten are French Toast.
The Ham ’N Goodies Cookie Crew will visit Seymour on Wednesday, May 18. The crew will be selling cookies, tea cakes and pound cakes as guests of AdValue Pharmacy, 10721 Chapman Highway. The treats will be available 11 a.m.-2 p.m. or while supplies last. Call the bakery for preorders, 865-377-4611.
East
Jan Brown and Sharon Davis
Opal Hurst and daughter Royce Pratt color-coordinate with the anniversary cake.
Clippings from the club scrapbook
Three common poisonous plants found in gardens
Mary Headrick, Patty Tinsley, Paula Bourassa, Ellen Hitchcock, Sandra Korbelik, Royce Pratt, Opal Hurst, Rebecca Shular, Sharon Davis, Janee Brewer, Olivia Bruce
Alice Ijams (Carole Whited) sheds light on the early days.
Amber Parker congratulates the club.Friday the 13th was a lucky day for the Flower Lovers Garden Club and member Opal Hurst. The club celebrated its 100th anniversary at the John T. O’Connor Senior Center, and Hurst, 93, was presented with the 2022 Certificate of Lifetime Achievement for her faithfulness and inspiration to others. Knox County Council of Garden Clubs president Jan Brown bestowed FLGC president Sharon Davis with a congratulatory certificate recognizing the club’s long history. Sandra Korbelik gave a quick lecture on poisonous plants and how to alleviate their effects, and Alice Ijams (portrayed by Carole Whited) told of garden-club life back in her day. Amber Parker, executive director of Ijams Nature Center, dropped by with well wishes and an invitation to visit. And club members and guests enjoyed a delicious light lunch with a beautiful anniversary cake made by Village Bakery.
The Holston Hills Garden Club’s seventh annual plant sale will take place 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, May 21, rain or shine, at the Holston Hills Community Park near the intersection of Chilhowee Drive and Holston Hills Road. Perennials, shrubs, trees, garden décor, hanging plants, herbs, vegetables and yummy baked goods will be available. Proceeds go to maintain and improve the park.
Town Hall East has elected new officers. They are: David Lee, president; Chris Osborne, vice president; Michael Moore, treasurer; and Krista Rines, secretary. New board members are Lydia Pulsipher, Sharon Davis and Tobias Knight.
Downtown
The Children’s Festival of Reading starts at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 21, at World’s Fair Park. Organized by the Knox County Public Library, the free event includes arts and crafts, author talks, story telling and characters such as Rainbow Fish, Very Hungry Caterpillar, Taco Dragon, Cookie Monster and Big Bird. Authors and illustrators attending will include Jeffrey Brown, Erin Entrada Kelly, Tad Hills, Kwame Mbalia, Laurel Snyder and Daniel Wiseman. Food will be available for purchase.
The Knoxville Symphony Orchestra is giving a free concert at 7 p.m. Sunday, May 22, at the Tennessee Amphitheater at World’s Fair Park. The event is part of the city of Knoxville’s celebration of the 40th anniversary of the 1982 World’s Fair. No tickets are required.