CUMC breaks ground to continue faithful mission
December 10, 2025 by Tammy Cheek
“There is much to celebrate,” Sabine Collins, Concord United Methodist Church administrative pastor, told the CUMC flock during a church service in the church, 11020 Roane Drive, Farragut, Sunday Nov. 23, to commemorate the church’s 160-year anniversary.
Since 1865, the church has grown, both its buildings and its missions. Now, it embarks on a new mission — building a children’s ministry wing, for which its leaders and members broke ground that Sunday.
“Today, we give thanks that we stand in an unbroken line of followers of Christ going back to the original disciples,” said the Rev. Will Cantrell, senior pastor.
“Throughout the history of Concord United Methodist Church, we have been blessed by an unbroken line of faithful pastors who have helped our congregation remain unified and committed to our mission to make disciples by sharing Christ, serving others and growing in faith,” he said.
In a video, members past and present shared their good wishes for the church and its anniversary. Later in the service, former pastor, the Rev. Bill Kilday, remembered the day he was told he was going to come to CUMC. He served the church for five years.
Kilday shared a story about a trip to New Mexico, when his group found themselves in the desert in the dark, but someone left the car door open and the light shining, guiding them the way back to their vehicle.
As such, he said, “God’s door is always open and the light is always on … For the last 160 years, this church has kept the doors open and the light on.”
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Rotary Club gets into Christmas spirit
December 10, 2025 by Tammy Cheek
A holiday music performance, honoring a "hidden hero," donating to a local food bank and welcoming a new member sparked the Rotary Club of Farragut's Christmas spirit at its meeting Wednesday, Dec. 4, at Fox Den Country Club.
The meeting began with a performance by Webb School of Knoxville's Madrigal Singers, who performed holiday and humorous music. The club welcomes the singers every December.
Then, ROF president Candace Viox presented Shepherd of Hope Food Pantry executive director Renee Stone with $800 the club raised at its Rotary Reserve Bourbon and Wine Affair fundraiser Oct. 19.
Stone thanked the club and said Shepherd of Hope raised a record amount of food and financial donations in November when people heard about federal SNAP food program cutbacks.
"I am proud to be part of this community," she said.
The club also selected Rotarian Jim O'Brien as the 2025 recipient of its Hidden Hero Award.
O'Brien said he was honored and humbled to be chosen.
Nominated by his daughter, Meghan Jackson, the award recognizes an unsung hero in Knox County who goes out of his or her way to serve others in need.
"The Hidden Hero Award is how we honor individuals in our community who exemplify the Rotary motto of Service Above Self," Viox said.
O'Brien's inspiration to serve others started as a Cub Scout, then continued when he joined the U.S. Air Force, where he had a 27-year career, retiring as a colonel.
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Ask the Vet
December 10, 2025 by Dr. Stephanie Myers
Q: Every year at Christmas time, I hear people talking about how we should not give dogs chocolate and to put away where dogs can’t get it. Is it really that big of a problem? ~ D.S., Farragut
A: Yes, chocolate can be a problem for dogs. Let me explain.
The active ingredient in chocolate that is toxic to dogs is called theobromine. The degree of toxicity is directly related to the amount of theobromine in the chocolate and the weight of the pet. Baking chocolate, dark, and semi-sweet chocolate contain higher concentrations of theobromine, making them more dangerous. In contrast, milk chocolate contains lower amounts of theobromine and is generally less of a problem.
Veterinarians often use a computer program called a ‘chocolate toxicity calculator.’ It takes into account the weight of the pet, the type of chocolate and the amount ingested. This helps us determine the potential seriousness of the situation, if it is warranted to induce vomiting and/or if hospitalization is recommended.
Ingestion of large amounts of chocolate can cause vomiting, diarrhea, tremors and seizures. Unfortunately, in high amounts, chocolate toxicity can be fatal.
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