Teens and young adults will take the stage for suicide prevention in a play offered Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 22-23, at Overcoming Believers Church, 211 Harriet Tubman St.
“Worth It” is directed by Will Dorsey and presented by Vet to Vet Tennessee, with a script written by Tonya Stoutt-Brown. The script has been adapted to also address gun violence, an issue of heightened concern in the Austin-East community in recent years, said Stoutt-Brown
The play portrays a young veteran who returns to his alma mater, meeting students who struggle with suicidal ideations. The play has been endorsed by the national QPR Institute for suicide prevention and its founder, Paul Quinnett Ph.D.
Admission is free. Donations are accepted to offset the cost of producing the play and can be made online at www.youareworthit.net. Volunteers are needed to assist with logistics at each show (registration tables, giveaways, etc.). Volunteers can offer to help here. Select “Contact Us” from the menu.
Thrive Honors Hank Bertelkamp at Annual Dinner
Thrive, a Knoxville-based non-profit organization that provides for the spiritual, emotional, academic and spiritual needs of more than 250 at-risk youth, honored Hank Bertelkamp at its annual dinner at Cherokee Country Club.
Hank Bertelkamp
More than 200 people attended, including UT men’s basketball coach, Rick Barnes, who generously provided four UT basketball experiences for the live auction. The dinner raised more than $500,000 for the program, the largest amount raised in the program’s history, said Lori McKelvy, development director.
“Bertelkamp gives his time, talent and treasure to the Thrive and thoroughly invests in the students who attend. He is known for his kickball pitching, working diligently to teach the students how to properly shake hands, and his generosity to the organization. His support over the years has helped the program grow to serve more youth in five communities in Knoxville.”
The Pecks of Mossy Creek
Andy Peck will bring 1800s East Tennessee history to life with previously unpublished work by his family members in Mossy Creek, Jefferson County.
Andy Peck
Topics are Ada’s Journal, Emma’s Letters and Charley’s Novel. The gathering is Thursday, Oct. 20, at noon at the East Tennessee History Center, 601 S. Gay Street.
Andy Peck is the fifth great-grandson of the founders of Mossy Creek and third great-grandson to Emma Elizabeth Henderson Peck, author of Ada’s Journal. He’s also a husband, father, military chaplain and author.
Register on Eventbrite for the live event or register here for this event streamed on Zoom or visit the ETHS Facebook page at the start of the program to watch on Facebook Live.
Got something interesting ahead? Text or phone 865-661-8777 with link or info.