Bob Watt youth fishing rodeo set for June 8
Ashley Nelson, age 4 during last year’s Bob Watt Rodeo, is completely relaxed while trying her luck.
Town of Farragut hopes to duplicate last year’s trend of several first-time youth fishermen and their families, among 192 total, who joined second-generation families and other youngsters quite familiar with annual Bob Watt Youth Fishing Rodeo.
“I’ve actually had several conversations with parents who actually participated in the Rodeo as a child,” said Jay Smelser, Town Athletics & Parks coordinator, about this year’s 29th rodeo, set from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Saturday, June 8, fishing out of Fort Loudoun Lake at Anchor Park. “And now they’re able to share that same experience with their children, which I think is really neat.”
Children age 13 and younger can fish for free.
“Twenty-nine years is a long time for any event to be running. I think that is really neat,” Smelser added Smelser.
Among new child participants, “For a lot of people, it’s the first time they’ve ever gone fishing,” Smelser said. read more
I’m torn!
I’m torn by what happened today. It all started when we got in the Subaru and headed to downtown Woodland, Washington when Terry said, “Uh oh, I’ll bet there’s a mouse in the car! Look at those pumpkin seed shells on the floor board.”He pointed to a little scattering of shells on my side of the car.
Now I’m a big fan of Mickey Mouse, but he doesn’t blaze through space when you least expect him to. It’s that scurrying that mice do, like a flasher at wedding, that scares me to death, and the thought of a mouse in the car made me ready to spring like, well a set mouse trap. “Where do ya think he is?” I asked, as if my husband were a Mouseketeer.
“I don’t know, he could be back at the house getting more pumpkin seeds.”
That thought calmed me as we drove into town. Just as we pulled into the bank parking lot, I sneezed (no I’m not allergic to mice) and reached for a Kleenex in the glove compartment. That’s when I saw it! The mouse had made a nest out of the Kleenex! I screamed, slammed the glove compartment door shut, wiped my nose on my sleeve and took some big, deep cleansing breathes to calm myself. Terry was hysterically laughing as I continued to try to regain my composure. read more
Soggy Spring Festival has big turnout
Birke Baehr poses with his book, “Birke on the Farm,” at the Spring Garden Festival.
Many braved soggy weather to attend the 20th Annual Spring Garden Festival April 27 at The Shops at Franklin Square.
The festival featured 14-year-old Birke Baehr, who signed his book, “Birke on the Farm," and gave a presentation on organic farming.
“We thought that [since] Birke has been to Franklin Square before to do a book signing
last year, and it was so well received, we thought it’d be a good addition to the Spring Garden Festival,” said Kathy Hill, Franklin Square Merchants Association events coordinator.
Hill said Baehr argues for knowing the origin of the food you eat.
“His goal is to spread awareness about sustainability, organic gardening and farming,” Hill said. “... He blogs about his experiences. He travels all over the world to work with organic farmers and learn farming methods.”
Birke said his interest began with reading an Internet article about six years ago and researching further from there.
It is not pricey to eat healthy and organic, he said.
“I think it’s important for people to definitely buy from their farmers because you’re keeping your money in your local economy,” he said. “You’re supporting your friends and neighbors, and you’re getting good, nutritious food.” read more
Turkey Creek rotary celebrates anniversary
Though a bit belated, The Rotary Club of Turkey Creek Sunset recently celebrated its first anniversary, among dignitaries, reviewing its contributions and praising contributors.Jack Bailey, current Rotary District 6780 governor, past district governor Frank Rothermel and assistant district governor Patty Daughtrey were dignitaries on hand during TCR's regular Tuesday evening meeting April 16 in Faith Lutheran Church.
“It’s great to see the way your club has taken hold this year,” Bailey said to the gathering.
While praising Ed Engel, past president and one of the club’s founders, Bailey also praised Ann Lotspeich, club president. “I think to key to any club is how strong a president you have,” Bailey said. “I think your fortunate to have Ann as president.”
Lotspeich reviewed TCR contributions during its first year.
“One of the first things I remember doing is sponsoring Bridge [Refugee Services],” Lotspeich said. “We had Jennifer Cornwell come in and speak to us one night, and everybody said, ‘Gee, that’s a great project.’ So she joined our club and we started sponsoring Bridge activities.”
Lotspeich said TCR was “one of nine clubs” to sign up for “the Club Visioning event,” adding, “That was a pretty good kick-start on our first year.
“Of course, our pancake breakfast, that was our first fundraiser,” Lotspeich added. “I think we cleared about $1,100.” read more
Breakthrough Run for Autism
From left are Sara Myers, Allison Myers and Kari Berdal at the Breakthrough Run for Autism.
Hundreds participated in 7th Annual Breakthrough Run for Autism 5k Run/Walk and 1-Mile Fun Run Saturday morning, April 13, near Parkside Drive in Turkey Creek.
Male Open Champion Stewart Ellington of Farragut was the first runner to conquer the course, which started and ended in Regal Cinemas Pinnacle Stadium 18 west parking lot. Jasmine Keller of West Knox County was Female Open champ.
For more photos from this event, please see Westside Faces in our print edition.
