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95th in style for Dixie Highway Garden Club

May 16, 2019 by Tammy Cheek

Anna Lou Reynolds, who has been a member of Dixie Highway Garden Club since 1967, reminisced at DHGC’s 95th anniversary tea at Racheff House and Gardens in Knoxville Thursday, May 9. She is the longest-serving member of the club to date.

A champagne toast, finger foods and history highlighted a celebration tea for Dixie Highway Garden Club’s 95th anniversary last week.

Held at Ivan Racheff House and Gardens off Tennessee Avenue in Knoxville, on Thursday, May 9, the event was an occasion of sharing memories, successes and fellowship among its 26 members, as well as district and state officials, in the historic home built in 2002— now serving as Tennessee Federation of Garden Clubs headquarters.

“This May, today, is similar, probably, just like the day was in 1924,” DHGC second vice president Linda Ford said. “But it’s a special time for our club, and we’re here in this beautiful place, our state headquarters for Tennessee Federation of Garden Clubs and our 95th anniversary.”

“(The club) has been a blessing in my life,” DHGC member Janet Odom Owen said. “It’s history means a lot to us.”

After 38 years of prayers, hugs

‘Miss Pat’ says goodbye to CUMCWP

May 16, 2019 by Michelle Hollenhead

“Miss Pat” Kegley, center, is retiring from Concord United Methodist Church’s Weekday Preschool program after nearly 40 years of service Friday, May 17. She is pictured with a current group from the schools’ 4- and 5-year-old class. From left are Keller Mincer, Grey Roethlisberger, Bo Gary, Emmaline Wendell, Annie Coplin and Madelyn Payant.

After giving nearly 40 years of countless hugs, prayers and classroom time, “Miss Pat” Kegley is saying goodbye to Concord United Methodist Church’s Weekday Preschool program.

Kegley, who began as a preschool teacher and ended up serving as the program’s director, co-director — and most recently its associate director — has served thousands of children and their families down through the years, and is retiring Friday, May 17.

Her former co-director, Pat Rapkowicz, who retired in 2018, noted Kegley “dedicated her life to this program for 38 years.

“I can’t even imagine Concord Preschool without her.”

Rapkowicz describes Kegley as “one of my dearest friends” and as “the hardest working person I have ever met. She is just very beloved, and all the kids love her.

Farragut High School Grand Reunion

May 16, 2019 by Michelle Hollenhead

The Hall brothers, still known affectionately by fellow alums as “the Hall Boys,” are, from left, Ken, Class of ’54; Ralph, Class of ’60; Charles, Class of ’49; Earl, Class of ’56; and Jerry, Class of ’58.

Farragut High School alums who graduated from “the old school,” near the corner of Concord Road and Kingston Pike (through the Class of 1976), gathered once again Saturday, May 4, at Virtue Cumberland Presbyterian Church for the annual Grand Reunion. Former students met to reminisce and pore over tables of school memorabilia, with promises to meet up again next year on the first Saturday in May.

First Farragut UMC to welcome new pastor

May 16, 2019 by Staff Reports

Beginning in July, First Farragut United Methodist Church will welcome a new Lead Pastor, the Rev. Martha Scott.

The Rev. Don Thomas, current FFUMC Lead Pastor, is retiring from the ministry.

Originally from Chattanooga, Scott has lived in West Knox County for more than 20 years. After completing her Bachelor’s in Business Administration/Finance degree from the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga, Scott lived briefly in New Jersey before settling in Knox County, where she worked in the business world, primarily in healthcare marketing while completing an M.B.A through UT Martin.

She experienced a call to vocational ministry in her 30s and pursued a Master of Divinity degree from Asbury Theological Seminary. After a nearly 20-year career in the business world, Scott was ordained as an Elder in the United Methodist Church in 2014 and currently is working on a doctorate in ministry.

She has served as executive pastor for Powell United Methodist Church, where she oversaw administrative functions and served as the primary preaching pastor for traditional worship.

$180,000 scholarship to ‘fly high’ at VMI for FHS senior Taylor

May 16, 2019 by Michelle Hollenhead

A U.S. Navy representative, left, presents FHS senior Conner Taylor with a symbolic check representing his NROTC college scholarship totaling $180,000 during FHS Department and Senior Recognition Awards Ceremony in FHS’s Vickie B. Wells Auditorium Tuesday, April 30.

Farragut High School senior Conner Taylor is set to “fly high” after earning a four-year, full-ride National Navy Reserve Office Training Corps Tier 1 scholarship to Virginia Military Institute.

The country’s first state-supported military college was Conner’s first choice, and the award promises a total of $180,000, covering tuition, uniforms, books and fees.

“I can honestly say this is a huge opportunity, and I am so fortunate,” he said. “The military gives you so many choices, no matter the field, and gives you the opportunity to serve your country while pursuing your passions. I can’t wait.”

Even though he was not a member of the school’s NJROTC, the scholarship is open to any student wishing to apply, and is awarded based on academic record, teacher recommendations, leadership, physical fitness and volunteer projects.