Day 535: The report from Moultrie

While was home over Spring Break, Brad was off serving leading college kids on a service project! Here's an article about all the awesome work the Cross Greek Campus ministry did last week.

A group of 78 University of Tennessee students invaded Moultrie Monday with hammers and paint brushes in hand. The students, members of The Cross ministry, are spending the week in Moultrie for their spring break doing mission projects. They began work Monday on at least four separate projects. Continue reading->

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Shout out to Sara!

Day 518-520: Bag A Bargain

This entire weekend was full of Bags and Bargains. So come and help the Junior League of Knoxville celebrate the 25th anniversary of this giant one-day rummage sale! Funds raised support the Junior League’s 20 plus community programs. The sale includes new and gently used items offered at bargain prices.

Where: Jacob Building in Chilhowee Park
When: Saturday, March 5, 2011
What time: 8:00 am - 1:00 pm

Or, check it out early with the Preview Party Friday, March 4, 2011!

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Day 511: Gibbs Young Life

Friday night we got to serve dinner to the Gibbs Young Life Team. As "friends of Young Life" here in Knoxville, we volunteered to be "team parents". It's how we got to know the Jones and it is how we get to spend time with the fabulous Miss Julia, along with a great group of YL leaders.
So much fun! Plus, there was great chicken lasguana!

Day 431: CRPD Report at JLK...at

Tonight, I get to report at the General Membership meeting of the Junior League. Our Community Research and Project Development Committee is recommending that the League review 4 important community projects. It is not the msot exiting announcement in the world, but it will be at a fun location, the East Tennessee Historical Society. I have not yet gotten to enjoy all this musuem has to offer. So, I am looking forward to the evening!

Here's a little more about what this musuem has to offer:
Recognizing that East Tennessee’s history, heritage, and geography are distinct from the rest of the state, the East Tennessee History Center provides services uniquely tailored to the region. Visitors can attend workshops and conferences, enjoy a lecture, peruse exhibitions, research family history or a special historical subject, participate in student and teacher educational programs, as well as find a wide selection of books, crafts, and history-related items in the Museum Shop.

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Day 419: Fantasy of Trees

It opens today!! I'm kicking off the activities in the fabulous Reindeer Pals booth! There are countless other children's activities, shops, entertainment, and, of course...the trees!!! Over 300+ fabulously decorated treed trees. We have truly taken over the convention center. And it is all to benefit East Tennessee Children's Hospital!

Here are jsut a few of the special events you can enjoy...
Carousel, Decorate-a-Cookie, Face Painting, Itsy Bitsy Trees, Letters to Santa, Penguin Telescopes, Princess Manicures, Reindeer Games, Snow Friends and Thumbprint Ornaments to make, a unique "Giving Tree" to give to direct needs at Children's hospital, Gingerbread Village, the legendary Target Raffle Tree, Tinsel Time for Moms & Tots, Babes in Toyland Parade, Santa's Senior Stroll, Kris Kringle's Kiddie Party, Handbell Concert, Baubles and Bangles jewelry, Personalized Ornaments, Santa's Warehouse, Secret Santa, and Trim the Tree shop. Plus, entertainers from throughout the region perform daily at the Fantasy Theater...I fondly remember preforming year after year!!
And, the one, the only-Santa Claus will be there!!

Learn more here->

See you there!

Wednesday, November 24 9 a.m.- 9 p.m.
Thursday, November 25 3 - 9 p.m. (Thanksgiving Day)
Friday, November 26 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Saturday, November 27 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Sunday, November 28 Noon - 6 p.m.

At the Knoxville Convention Center, located at Clinch and Henley Streets.

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Day 418: Fantasy of Trees Preview Party

The Fantasy of Trees starts tomorrow. We've been decorating since last weekend. And now, tonight, it's time for the Preview Party!!

"The Fantasy of Trees Preview Party is a great opportunity for visitors to celebrate the upcoming holidays, enjoy wonderful food and dancing, check out the Fantasy of Trees before the crowds of visitors, and get started on their holiday shopping list," said Elizabeth Thomas, coordinator for the holiday event.

See you there!
Now, what on earth to wear?



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Day 394: Big Brothers, Big Sisters

Last Thursday was my first day as a mentor at Westview Elementary. I was so excited to finally meet my "Little Sis!" We got to know one another, talked about our families, and her school.
Then, it happened.

She asked me a question I never like to hear.

A question I dread.

A question that often leads to my extreme embarrassment.

She said,
"Do you want to play basketball?"

Woah.

Basketball?

Me?

But we did.

And she lowered the goal.

And I did alright.

I pray that by the end of the year, that we really get to know one another...and that I get a little better at basketball!
So excited for next week!

Learn more about being a "Big" with Big Brothers/Big Sisters through 2nd Pres's investment and partnership with Westview.

Photo Credit

Day 369: Knoxville YL

You were made for this.
Last Tuesday night it was the Knoxville Young Life Banquet.
You can count on the annual Knoxville Young Life banquet for 3 things:

1. You are going to see fun friends that you love, including some you have not seen in a while and some you see everyday. It is a great reminder of the loving, visionary, massive but close community we live in!

2. You are going to laugh. Hard. A complete "who is on first" routine. A massive lip sync event. Yes, you are going to laugh. Very, very, very hard.

3. You are going to hear truth. And I am going to cry. And even if you don't, you are going to be touched with simple, yet profound truth. One leader summed things up with truth: Every kid, just like every adult, every person, everywhere, needs 2 things:

First, we all need to know the love of Christ.

Second, we all need to have real connections with a person who cares about us.

You were made for this.

Day ???: Junior League of Knoxville

"See others as they are, not as we are."

Last night was the JLK leadership retreat. It is exciting to be in a new League and I am consistently impressed with JLK's organization and structure. This is one well oiled machine! Being a new vice chair and filling in for the evening, I learned a lot.

I have highlighted our community projects in a previous post and our Community Research and Project Development team will be looking at future projects where the League can make a lasting impact on the Knoxville community.

Now, here is a look at our Fundraising Projects, committed to supporting these efforts in the community and developing women leaders along the way!

Tinsel and Treasure
The 9th Annual Tinsel and Treasure will be November 4 - 6, 2010, at a new location, the Knoxville Convention Center. Special Events this year include:
* A Luncheon with Barbara Dooley on that Friday.
* Gingerbread House Building Contest with local Celebrity Chefs on that Thursday
* Candy Canes & Cocktails party Friday night!
* The Pink Team from the Biggest Loser will be at Tinsel on Saturday.
* Chorus Groups will sing Christmas Carols througout the weekend.
More about Tinsel and Treasure->

Belk Event
Each year Belk West Town Mall holds an exclusive shopping event benefiting the Junior League's Mini Grants Program for Knox County Schools. The Junior League of Knoxville and Belk partner to award mini-grants in the amount of $50 to $500 on a competitive basis to teachers for innovative classroom projects. This year's event will be held on Sunday November 21st.
More about the Belk Event->

Bag-a-Bargain
Each spring, this GIANT one-day rummage sale raises funds to support the Junior League’s 20 plus community programs. The sale includes new and gently used items offered at bargain prices. 2011 will be Bag-a-Bargain's 25th year and that committee is already at work to make it extra fabulous!
For more information click here->

Spring Gala
The League year would not be complete without a Spring Event! Last year we were out of town for the Rose Gala, but i loved their tag line, "Big Hats, Bigger Hearts." Can't wait to see what this committee develops for 2010.

Cookbooks
The Junior League of Knoxville is "author" to three fantastic cookbooks, all including the treasured family recipes of our members. They are Dining in the Smoky Mountain Mist, Tennessee Tables, and The Pear Tree.
More about Cookbooks->

Here is to a great year with JLK!

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Day 265: Hero Headquarters

It's a bird! It's a plane! No, it's VBS at 2nd Pres!
Soaring through this week, it's Vacation Bible School! Our theme is "Hero Headquarters."
175 kids, 100 youth and adult volunteers, excellent church decorations, 2 awesome chairs, and tons, tons, tons of prayers for an amazing week.
May kids lives be impacted.
May volunteers be blessed by their experience.
May the Lord's will be done at "Hero Headquarters!"

Don't forget - Mission Reminders. Bring these items to VBS each day!
Monday: Boxes of Tissue
Tuesday: Hand Sanitizer
Wednesday: Crayons
Thursday: Gallon Zip Lock Bags

Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. - I Timothy 4:12

CHECK OUT WWW.2NDPRES.ORG FOR A DAILY SLIDESHOW! (Source)

Day 258: Junior League Community Projects 2010-2011

Wednesday morning was the Contract Signing Breakfast Reception honoring the 2010-2011 community projects for the Junior League of Knoxville. These community agencies will received trained volunteers from the league to equip them and their mission.

Here is the 2010-2011 Slate of Projects

Character Counts
This program works to provide education and training to parents in various parts of Knoxville and Knox County on how they can reinforce the Six Pillars of Character at home, how to deal with discipline and the importance of building good character as life skills.

Child Health and Wellness Grants
JLK, in partnership with Mercy Hospital Foundation, First Tennessee Foundation, and Shults Pediatrics provides health grants to non-profit agencies based on critical health needs of children and families in our community.

Done in a Day
JLK volunteers work with many non-profit organizations throughout the year with projects that are completed in a single day.

East Tennessee Children's Hospital Rehabilitation Center
Volunteers assist pediatric specialists and work with special needs children and their families.

Knox Heritage
JLK and Knox Heritage work together to preserve the rich architectural history of Knoxville through the historical marker system.

Leadership Knoxville
A year-long course developed to enlighten present and emerging leaders about community issues and to broaden the base of leadership in the Knoxville community.

Mini-Grants
JLK and Belk partner to award mini-grants in the amount of $50 to $500 on a competitive basis to teachers for innovative classroom projects.

The Parenting Center
JLK and the Florence Crittenton Center are working together to provide parenting and life skills to the community to enhance family preservation.

Tennessee Advocacy and Public Awareness
A state level coalition formed by the Junior Leagues of Tennessee facilitate networking, coordinate information and research, promote awareness, and advocate on issues of shared interest.

Kids In The Kitchen
The goal of the Junior Leagues' Kids in the Kitchen initiative, which is supported by The Association of Junior Leagues International Inc. and its member Leagues, is to empower youth to make healthy lifestyle choices and help reverse the growth of childhood obesity and its associated health issues.

Learn more at www.jlknoxville.org

I am so excited to be co-chairing the Community Research and Project Development Committee, as we look forward to a great year and exciting projects for 2011-2012!

Day 251: Volunteering for Fantasy of Trees

No, it is not Christmas in June. But, I am all set to volunteer with Fantasy of Trees this fall. On Thanksgiving weekend, this spectacular event kicks off the holiday in style. It was a huge part of my life growing up and now, thanks to Renee, I am looking forward to volunteering for this wonderful event to support East Tennessee Children's Hospital.

The Fantasy of Trees has been a holiday tradition in East Tennessee since 1985, and this year's event marks the 26th year of this special celebration of the season. In 2010, this special holiday event will showcase a theme of "A Holly Jolly Christmas,"highlighted with whimsical decorations and wintry designs that celebrate and showcase the fun and festive holiday season with reindeer at play, this year's "hot holiday colors" of lime green and bright reds, and twinkling snowflakes, glitter and lights. In addition, new children's activities and shops will also reflect this year's festive theme.
All proceeds from admission ticket sales, children's activities, designer sales and holiday shop sales at the Fantasy of Trees benefit Children's Hospital.
Click here to learn more about Fantasy->

Now, off to recruit some other volunteers!

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Day 230: Knoxville Fellows

Develop Your Potential.
Experience Living In Community.
Explore Your Faith.
Discover Your Call.

Tonight is the graduation for the Knoxville Fellows program. Twelve gifted young men and women will celebrate will be recognized as we celebrate the work the Lord has done in their lives, spiritual journeys, and calling over the past year.

Learn more about the Knoxville Fellows->


The Knoxville Fellows is a Christ-centered leadership and internship program for recent college graduates seeking to live, work, study, pray, and serve in community. Living in community distinguishes the Knoxville Fellows from similar leadership programs. Knoxville Fellows live together in Market Square at the heart of downtown Knoxville.

We seek twelve college graduates to build life together for ten months. We will create a school for Christ that forms disciples for effective service in our community. We will read widely and argue passionately. We will explore our callings and our fears. We will learn the wounds of our city and hear from many who are healing them. We will pray for one another and for the city and expect transformation. If you believe the Spirit is calling you to become a part of a committed community in urban Knoxville, we would like to hear from you.

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Attention Favs: Click here in 2013->

Day 224: JLK Contract Signing

Tuesday night at Crescent Bend, we welcomed 80+ women into the Junior League of Knoxville. I was so excited to propose Natalie, and had a great time. I am so excited for these new provisionals! I know I sound like a Junior League commercial when I say this, but the league has been a tremendous blessing to me, personally and professionally. In both Spartanburg and Knoxville, it's been a great way to serve, learn, and connect!

JLK meetings are also the best precursor to a girls night out.

Click here and read about the nearly 90 year history of the Junior League of Knoxville->

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Day 191: A Mile Without Shoes

Altar'd State (See Day #69) is getting together with Toms this Thursday for a cool event. It's a one-mile walk without shoes to help spread awareness of the impact a simple pair of shoes can bring to a child's life. I also here that folks around town (like my parents and me) are going for at least part of the day without shoes to raise awareness about the needs of poverty among children. So cool. Barefoot for a cause.

Join in: 6-8pm in Turkey Creek - More Details from Toms

Photo Credit

Day 154-157: Bag A Bargain

Supporting the Junior League of Knoxville this week as I volunteer for my first "Bag A Bargain." This giant one-day rummage sale raises funds to support the Junior League’s 20 plus community programs. The sale includes new and gently used items offered at bargain prices.

Where: Jacob Building in Chilhowee Park
When: Saturday, March 6, 8:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M.
Admission: Tickets are $5

Click here for More Info and $1 Off Admission->

Departments include:
Linens
Arts & Crafts
Handyman
Furniture
Homegoods and Housewares
Adult Clothing
Children’s Clothing, Toys & Accessories
Electronics & Books
Treasure Chest

Photo Credit

Rachel: Bold and Bald

My friend Rachel is getting bold...and bald. She's raising $5000 for the American Cancer Society and sacrifice her hair to do it.

"I am issuing a challenge. Help me raise $5000.00 for Relay for Life and I will shave my hair!
Why? I have lost both my parents to this disease and figure I can lose my hair to the cure.
Am I serious, I will really shave my head? Yes, I am serious. I thought about this long and hard and I am completely willing to do this but I need your help!" - Rachel

Read more here and donate->

Great Strides for CF

Raccoon Holler...Dr. Horvath Office...Hardees...
Words can't describe the incredible memories and all the lessons I learned as a YL leader during my college years. I got to learn from an incredible team, and I got to walk with amazing girls. In particular, the Dorman girls of 2001 really shaped my life. (See Day #4)
Two of my favorite girls from that class were together in an email this morning, as Laura shared her interest in the CF walk and the story of her incredible fiend Jenny. I am so excited to be on her "team"!
Love you!

Jenny and I met our Freshman year of high school. We were both new to the area and looking to meet new friends. Since then, we have become very close...so close that I was the maid of honor in her wedding, and she was the matron of honor in my wedding. Jenny has a heart of gold, and a positive attitude that is very contagious to those around her. In August of 2008, Jenny gave birth to Maddie. Maddie is one of the cutest and sweetest 1.5 year olds ever. One can tell that she has amazing parents who love her and teach her the good in life. Unfortunately, Maddie's Mom suffers from Cystic Fibrosis. This year, I'm walking in the GREAT STRIDES walk at the 2010 Richmond - Innsbrook walk on 05/15/2010. Please help me meet my fundraising goal of $3,000.00 by sponsoring me. Your generous gift will be used efficiently and effectively, as nearly 90 cents of every dollar of revenue raised is available for investment in vital CF programs to support research, care and education. Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a devastating genetic disease that affects tens of thousands of children and young adults in the United States. Research and care supported by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is making a huge difference in extending the quality of life for those with CF. However, we continue to lose precious lives to CF every day. That's why your help is needed now more than ever to ensure that a cure is found sooner - rather than later. To learn more about CF and the CF Foundation, visit www.cff.org.

Join Laura's Team->

Day 149: Read with Me

1 hour a week + Kindergarteners - Third Graders + Adult Volunteers + about 50 elementary schools = A very cool program serving kids across Knox County.
Read with me is as simple as it sounds and a very popular county-wide volunteer program. Learn more about it here->

Day 148: The Beck House

Today I have a meeting at the Beck Cultural Exchange Center. As part of the Introduction Knoxville series, I'll be visiting this place where I have never been before and looking forward to hearing about Knoxville as a caring, compassionate community. So far, I've already learned a little something about our city's history this morning. Meet the Becks, influential leaders from Knoxville's history. Learn more at www.discoveret.org/beckcec.

The Becks
"James Garfield Beck and Ethel Benson Beck were two of the most glamorous and influential members of Knoxville's black community during the period of the 1920s-I960s. They were in the forefront of most civic, church, and social activities. The Becks were involved in the establishment of the Knoxville Colored Orphanage in 1919 and Mr. Beck was the first black postal clerk in the state of Tennessee. The Beck House itself has a long history. In the early 1800s two Englishmen bought several parcels of property from Joseph Mabry whose neighboring home (The Mabry Hazen House), remains one of the great historical sites in Knoxville. In the late 1800s James Cowan had the house built at 1927 Dandridge Ave. as a wedding gift for his new bride. The house was purchased in the 1940s by Dr. E.F. Lennan a prominent black physician and a cross was burned on their front lawn. The Becks later purchased the home and after the death of Mrs. Beck the trustees of her estate provided $20,000 to purchase the Beck house from KCDC. Thus the Beck Cultural Exchange Center, Inc. was established in 1975 to serve as a forum of artistic expression and historical perspective for African Americans in Knoxville and East Tennessee."

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