Community Notes:

The focus of Smith’s project was adding a handicap ramp and deck to the front of the cabin to enable children in wheelchairs to use the cabin. The project scope also included removing debris, pressure washing, painting and new windows, bunk access steps, and screens.

Noting that "big projects need lots of people," the Maryville Middle School student recruited assistance from his family, friends and fellow scouts and secured donations from Anderson Lumber Company, Blevins Paint and Lowe’s for the materials. According to Smith, "knowing the finished project will help all kids, including handicapped children, have a good place to stay while at camp" made all the hard work worthwhile.

This project was the culmination of a very successful scouting career for Smith. In the last three years, he has earned 49 merit badges and God and Country and World Conservation awards. He’s also camped 76 nights, hiked 138 miles and completed more than 100 service hours. Smith is also a member of the Order of the Arrow Brotherhood, which is scouting’s honor society.

Most importantly, Smith says "Scouting has helped me develop an inner compass that will keep me pointed in the right direction in life."

Smith is the son of Mark and Lisa Smith, who are both active scouters with Troop 87. Smith’s younger brother, Ethan, is also involved in scouting as a Webelo in Pack 87.

Troop 87 is affiliated with the Boy Scouts of America and is chartered through Broadway United Methodist Church. Approximately 100 Cub and Boy Scouts are served through this outreach of the church.

Maryville Police offers RAD course
The City of Maryville Police Department will offer the nationally recognized Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) course free of charge on March 8, 9, and 10. The 3-day, twelve hour course is part of the Police Department’s Community Policing program to citizens.

The objective of the course is to develop and enhance options of self-defense to a woman who is attacked. The class will be hosted by the Maryville Police Department and is taught by certified RAD instructors.

RAD is based on a defense system that does not require extensive training or exceptional physical prowess. The Thursday March 8th and Friday, March 9th classes will be held from 6-9 p.m. at the Maryville Police Department located at 400 West Broadway Avenue. The final class on Saturday, March 10th will take place from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m at Maryville High School.

Advance registration is required due to the limited class size. People who are interested in signing up or would like some
more information about the RAD course can call Sergeant Jason Barham or Officer Brett Hall at the Maryville Police Department’s Foothills Mall Precinct, 865-977-6964.

The Underground staff hosts coming out party
The staff of the new Maryville newspaper The Underground are hosting a coming out party to introduce themselves to Blount County. The event will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Feb. 15 at Ground Coffee and More, 321 High Street in
Maryville. "We want to introduce ourselves to the community and get feedback and suggestions, as well as make connections with community members, other members of the press and anyone else who may drop by," said Emily Winsauer of The Underground staff. "The Underground is an alternative, independent monthly newspaper, the goal of which is to cover local, national and world news in a way that encourages people to acting their own communities."

"Our party is our chance for us to get to know our readership," she said.

Grounded also will provide coffee and desserts. Local cover band Soulfinger will provide music.

Phillip Hair is Jan. Rotary Student of the Month
The Rotary Club of Maryville has named Phillip Hair, a senior at Maryville Christian School, its January "Student of the Month." This honor is awarded each month to an area student who best exemplifies the Rotary motto "service above self."

Phillip Hair is an honor student who has been best described by one of his teachers as a "servant leader." He is a student tutor in match and has served as a mentor to a group of younger students in the school.

Phillip’s community service includes serving with Habitat for Humanity, Asbury Place, Foothills Fall Festival, Empty Pantry, Mission of Hope, Baptist Center, and Patch Ministries. His parents are Keith and Deborah Hair.

Mary Blount Chapter DAR recognize Good Citizens
The Mary Blount Chapter of the DAR will be recognize the 2006-07 Good Citizens from each of the high schools at the meeting on Saturday, Feb. 10.

The following honorees are: Cody Blackford, Alcoa High School; Zachary Nyein, Heritage High School; Amelia Satterfield, Maryville Christian School; Jack Wilson, Maryville High School; and Haley Stinnett, William Blount High School.

The honorees will each receive a Certificate of Merit and a recognition pin for their accomplishments. Each Good Citizen Award winner is given the opportunity to enter an essay contest for a chance at a $100 scholarship. The local winner will be announced at the DAR ceremony on February 10. The winner of that scholarship is then entered in the state contest with the winner to be announced at the State Conference in May.

Other local winners will be recognized at the meeting:

• Tennessee Art Contest- seventh grade winner from Heritage Middle School
  
• Blount County Outstanding History Teacher - Steve Dunn From Alcoa High School
  
• American History Contest- 5th Grade Winner from Walland Elementary.

Joe Liccardo in concert
The Evelyn Miller Young Pianist Series presents Joe Liccardo in concert at 4 p.m., Sunday, Feb 25 at University of Tennessee Music Auditorium, 1741 Volunteer Blvd. Knoxville. Adults $12 and students $5. Joe Liccardo will hold a Master Class for local high school students at 2:30 p.m., Saturday Feb. 24, at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 314 West Broadway, Maryville. This is free and open to the public.

Liccardo will play music of Rachmaninoff, Ligeti, Medtner and Chopin.

For information, call Sandra Murphy at 865-984-6732 or email Sandstand@aol.com.

Arthritis Walk captains needed for May 5 walk
The Arthritis Foundation is seeking teams and individual walkers to participate in the Arthritis Walk on May 5 at Maryville College. The Arthritis Walk is the Arthritis Foundation’s signature event that takes place in communities nationwide to raise
funds and awareness to fight arthritis, the nation’s number one cause of disability.

At noon, Tuesday, Feb. 20, there will be a Team Captain Kickoff meeting at Alcoa Tenn Credit Union on Hall Road. Lunch will be provided at no cost.

Anyone interested in building a team or becoming an individual walker please sign up today at
www.blountcountyarthritiswalk.kintera.org or call the Arthritis Foundation at 865-470-7909.