Community Notes:

Torrent Falls Climbing Adventure is an outdoor climbing experience based on the European sport called via ferrata. Via ferrata eliminates some of the risks of regular rock climbing but still offers the thrill of the adventure. The name means "Iron Way," an assisted climbing exercise with footsteps, handgrips, a safety cable and carabineer clips for maximum security.

Scouts strapped themselves into a safety harness attached by carabineers attached to safety cables. After climbing familiarization training, the scouts were confident scaling a training wall. Then they conquered the five courses available for rock climbing which totalled 3,400 feet and included a climb behind a waterfall and crossing a 70-foot-long suspension bridge swinging 50 feet above the ground.

Boy Scout Troop 81 is sponsored by First United Methodist Church. Dean Moss is scoutmaster. Boy Scout Troop 949 is sponsored by Grace Christian Academy, and Jeff Coffey is scoutmaster.

Mary Tippitt Library to hold summer reading program
The Mary E. Tippitt Memorial Library will be having its annual Summer Reading Program on the four Thursdays in July. This year’s theme is "Join the Rompin’ Stompin’ Reading Wranglers." Children, 3 to 11, are invited to attend. All programs are
from 1 - 3 p.m.

This year’s programs are: Thursday, July 5 - Smoky the Pony (pony ride) at the library; Thursday, July 12 - Petting Zoo at Townsend City Park; Thursday, July 19 - Sunshine Monkeyshines at The Highland Manor; Thursday, July 26 - Picnic and Awards at Townsend City Park.

Pre-register your children by coming to the library or calling 865-448-1441.

Summer Reading Program sponsors are WalMart, Big Meadow Campground, Wood-N-Strings Dulcimer Shop, and two anonymous patrons.

The After-School Program will not be held in June and July but will resume in August and be held two Thursdays a month.
The May Artist of the Month is Cub Scout Pack 388, displaying their pinewood derby cars and their raingutter regatta sailboats. June’s artist is Terri Reynolds, displaying gourds, driftwood birdhouses, and jewelry.

The library is still collecting old telephone books. Please drop your old phone books off at the library.

Thanks to Cub Scout Pack 388 and their leader Monica Millsaps for their work on the flower gardens in front of the library. The boys will be caring for our gardens again this year as a community service.

The Mary Tippitt Library is located at 120 Tiger Drive in Townsend. Hours are Monday and Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesday from noon to 6 p.m., and Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. There is a drop box by the front door for after-hours returns.

Computer access is available at no charge. Faxing, printing, and copying services are available for a small fee. Visitors are welcome to check out books and/or videos with a temporary patron number and a refundable $20 deposit.

For more information, call 865-448-1441, fax 865-448-1875, visit www.discoveret.org/metmlib or e-mail metmlib@yahoo.com.

AnimalWorks receives grant for companion funding
AnimalWorks has received grant funding to provide companion animal low-cost spay/neuter services for qualified low-income residents in Blount County.

Qualified participants will be required to pay a co-payment of $10 to $15, plus $10 for a rabies vaccination if not already vaccinated.

To find out about qualifications and to schedule a low-cost spay/neuter surgery, call the AnimalWorks clinic at 865-379-2227. Available funds are limited so surgeries will be scheduled on a first-come basis.

AnimalWorks’ low-cost spay/neuter clinic and Alcoa adoption site is at 3377 Regal Drive behind West Chevrolet off Alcoa Highway. AnimalWorks also operates two pet adoption centers in the Petsmart stores at Morrell Road and at Turkey Creek in Knoxville.

For more information about AnimalWorks’ pet adoption or low-cost spay/neuter services, call 865-379-2227 or visit www.animalworkstn.org.

Brittany Rinehart recognized as Sigma Alpha Lambda
Brittany Nicole Rinehart of Maryville, became a member of Sigma Alpha Lambda, National Leadership and honors Organization at the University of Tennessee. Sigma Alpha Lambda is a national leadership and honors organization dedicated to promoting and rewarding academic achievement and providing members with opportunities for community service, personal development and lifelong professional fulfillment.

Third annual Parade of Ponds to be in June
The third annual Parade of Ponds will be Saturday and Sunday, June 16 and 17. This self-guided tour provides the opportunity to visit more than 20 of the water features in Knox, Blount,and Loudon counties. Gardens will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 16, and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday, June 17.

Parade of Ponds tickets are available at Popes Garden Centers, Modern Design Aquascaping, and Creekside Nurseries. Tickets are $10, children 12 and under are free. All proceeds go to UT Friends of the Gardens and The United Methodist Church Youth Mission Efforts.

For more information about The Parade of Ponds, contact Sean Harris at Modern Design Aquascaping, 759 Disco Loop Road, Friendsville or call 865-995-1234.

FreedomFest 2007 seeks vendors
The City of Alcoa is taking applications for food and art and craft vendors to participate in the City’s FreedomFest 2007 celebration. The event is scheduled for Saturday, June 30. Activities will begin at 1 p.m. in the Springbrook Park/Alcoa Duck Pond vicinity, and end around 9:45 p.m. with a spectacular choreographed fireworks display.

Information and applications can be obtained on-line at the City of Alcoa website, www.cityofalcoa-tn.gov , or by calling Special Projects Coordinator Tricia Tipton at 865-380-4787.

The FreedomFest 2007 Cruise-In will be held in the Alcoa First United Methodist Church parking lot from 4 – 7 p.m. Local residents are invited to participate. Information on the Cruise-In may be obtained by calling Mark Ross at 865-981-4156.

Matousek inducted into Phi Beta Kappa Society
Michael Matousek of Maryville has been inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa Society at Clemson University. This is the nation’s oldest academic honor society.

"Membership is very selective and recognizes top scholars in the country," said Jens Holley, Clemson Libraries department chair, who joined the Society as a student at Furman University. "Being selected for induction into the first class is a unique honor that says Michael has exhibited high scholarly achievement, broad cultural interests and good character."

There are 276 Phi Beta Kappa Chapters nationwide. Only about 10 percent of the nation’s institutions of higher learning have Phi Beta Kappa chapters, which are awarded to faculty who are Society members, not to the institution itself.

John Schmidt wins national writing contest
John Schmidt, an eigth grader at Maryville Middle School, was named a winner in the 2007 NCTE Promising Young Writers Program.

The international program was established by the National Council of Teachers of English in 1985 to stimulate and recognize students’ writing talents and to emphasize the importance of writing skills among eighth grade students. Each student submitted two pieces of writing, which were read and evaluated by at least two judges.

Papers were judged on content, purpose, audience, tone, word choice, organization, development, and style.

Smoky Mountain Harmony hold concert fund raiser
Each year, Smoky Mountain Harmony, Knoxville’s award-winning women’s acapella show chorus, takes the stage at the Tennessee Theatre to share their barbershop sound with music lovers.

This year’s concert, "We Are Family," begins at 7:29 p.m., Saturday, June 2, and features barbershop harmony style. The show will feature performances by the Chorus, several SMH quartets and the contestants of the SMH Teen Idol Contest.

The four finalists for the Teen Idol Contest are Kayla Allsop of Christian Academy of Knoxville, Amy Catherine Flynn of Knoxville Catholic High School, Hayley Jensen of Webb Middle School, and Meg Smith of Webb High School. An audience vote will select the winner to be named the 2007 SMH Teen Idol.

Chorus director is Nancy Shumard and Blount County members are Dee Krout, Jane Lollar, Marty Miller, Peggy Norton, Georgia Rogers, Robin Trundy and Sandy Donner.

Advance tickets are $20 if purchased from any SMH member. Tickets can also be purchased by contacting Marjorie York at 865-408-9139, or Shirley Hendrix at 865-588-8729. Visit www.smokymtnharmony.com for more information.

Puppy preschool and dog obedience classes begin June 4
The school year has finally ended, but don’t let the learning stop there. Sign up for dog obedience classes at Maryville Academy, 1905 Sequoyah Avenue in Maryville. Register at the first class on June 4. All dogs must be current on shots and
proof of vaccination is required.

Classes offered:

• For puppies ages eight to 14 weeks - The focus of this class is early socialization, which is very important for young dogs. Basic commands, grooming, and housebreaking will be covered. Classes are 6 - 6:30 p.m. for nine weeks. The fee is $50. Bring your puppy on the first night.

• For dogs ages 14 weeks and older - The focus of this class is continued socialization, basic obedience and behavior issues. Classes are from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. for nine weeks. The fee is $80 or $40 for rescue dogs but you must show proof from the rescue agency or shelter. Leave your dog at home on the first night.

The instructor is Sandy Sutton. Call 865-977-6340 or 865-983-7833, or email bsobas264@hotmail.com for more information.

A.D.U. Dancers JUMP!
Artistic Dance Unlimited’s mini, junior, intermediate and senior dance teams competed in the JUMP Dance Convention and Workshop in Atlanta, on April 20 - 22. The dancers took classes under the direction of "So You Think You Can Dance" Season 1 winner, Nick Lazzarini and choreographer, Dan Karaty. They also worked with dance sensation, Mandy Moore, tap "Shuffleman", Mike Minery and many more. Various dance disciplines were highlighted during the convention including, ballet, hip hop, tap, jazz and lyrical. The ADU instructors also took classes to improve their skills and talents. Parents also got involved in a hip hop dance while making a music video, as well as an ending jazz number. Hannah Blevins and Olivia Purvis both received a VIP scholarship which allows them to participate in JUMP’s National Convention held at Radio City Music Hall in New York.

SMCVB receives recognition from East TN Historical Society
The Smoky Mountain Convention and Visitors Bureau will receive the East Tennessee Historical Society Award of Distinction for outstanding work in coordinating the "Winter Heritage Festival." The award will be presented at the ETHS annual meeting on June 5.

The Award of Distinction recognizes a special project, such as publications, building preservation, or special programming, including a conference, heritage event, or lecture series.

This is the second Award of Distinction the SMCVB has received from the ETHS for its dedication to the heritage of East Tennessee, the preservation of Appalachian culture and its leadership in Blount County.

The "Winter Heritage Festival," held in February, was a weekend of educational programs, exhibits and entertainment designed to give locals and visitors an in-depth look into the rich heritage of the Great Smoky Mountains and Cades Cove community. It celebrated the evolution, culture, history and heritage of the area. The festival also provided a unique opportunity for people to step into the lives of the residents who settled the area through personal tours, presentations and memories.

Organizations involved with the festival included the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Great Smoky Mountain Institute at Tremont, Great Smoky Mountain Association, Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center, Cades Cove Preservation Association and Little River Railroad Museum.

Tourism provides $229 million annually to the Blount County area, and generates $8 million in local taxes and $66 million in payroll.

Established in 1834, the East Tennessee Historical Society has 2,000 members across the United States. The Society
collects artifacts, records events and attempts to hold on to the history of the area. The historical society pursues its educational mission through publications, lectures, conferences, school programs, exhibits, and heritage programs.