Knox County's First Lady, Allison Burchett, poses with Don Sproles, left, and Bill Lyons. Lyons has been on the blog 22 times in the past year! Sproles is proprietor of The Lunchbox. Lyons is with the Knoxville mayor's office.
We threw a little cocktail party the other day to thank all those patient souls who have been on The Blue Streak the most during the past year. Without the cooperation of all the folks who patiently pose for the photos, this blog would not be possible.
Moxley Carmichael's Ellen Robinson sets out some of the flowers before the party started. Ellen has been on The Blue Streak 14 times in the past year.
My sweet husband, Alan Carmichael, of course, has been on the blog the most — 75 times in the past 12 months! What can I say? He’s always around! Runners up were Richard Ford and Gay Lyons who tied at 25 times. Dawn Ford has been pictured 23 times the past year, followed by Bill Lyons who has been on it 22 times. Thanks, folks, for going with me to all the fun places and tolerating the camera.
Other big numbers folks this past year were Jim Nichols, with 16 appearances; Gov. Bill Haslam with 15; Phyllis Nichols with 14; Jim Haslam with 14; Mickey Mallonee with 11; and Jennifer Holder with 10.
We picked an unusual venue for the party this year since our former favorite restaurant, Regas, where we had it last year, has since closed its doors. The Lunchbox, normally just a mid-day eatery, agreed to open for our cocktail soiree. We hired The Pour Guys to serve the libations. We think it turned out great.
Don and Karen Sproles, proprietors of The Lunchbox, say they will be happy to accommodate others who want to use the convenient Market Street cafe for similar gatherings. Just give them a call at (865) 525-7421. They have a great catering menu and also will make special dishes upon request.
OK. Enough of this chit-chat. Let’s take a peek at the party. Thanks again, everybody.
Bill Regas and Janet Testerman Crossley pose with Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett, right. Regas has been on The Blue Streak 8 times; Crossley 6 and Burchett 5.
My favorite dish was the crab cakes.
But the spinach stuffed tomatoes with Benton's bacon were popular, as well.
Jeff and Christy Lee, left, and Tami and Bruce Hartmann are frequent Blue Streakers.
From left, Dawn Ford, City Councilman Duane Grieve, Richard Ford and Marsha Grieve.
Bob Griffitts of Congressman Duncan's office and Mary Bogert, general manager of the Knoxville Convention Center.
Political columnist Georgiana Vines and her special friend, Gideon Fryer. (She told me to call him that!)
From left, Kim Henry, Shaun Fulco of Moxley Carmichael, Judith Foltz and Larry Martin, both of the city of Knoxville.
From left, developer John Craig, Deanene Catani of the News Sentinel, Tom Catani of U.S. Cellular and Moxley Carmichael's Tami Hartmann.
From left, Gay Lyons of Knoxville Magazine and the News Sentinel, Moxley Carmichael's Lauren Christ, and Sarah Kennedy and Erin Donovan, both of WBIR.
From left, Moxley Carmichael's Scott Bird, Sam Maynard of James White's Fort, and Karen Sproles of The Lunchbox.
Bruce and Monique Anderson
Attorney Melinda Meador, also part owner of Union Ave Books, samples the munchies.
Mayor Tim Burchett, center, with Moxley Carmichael folks Charley Sexton and Shaun Fulco
From left, Mike Foltz, Gay Lyons, Ted Smith and David Butler
I love Ted Smith, but he tried to cheat at the party.
Everyone's name tag had the number of times they had been on The Blue Streak. Look at Ted's! Ha!
Who had the best shoes? Allison Burchett!
In other clothes news, Jeff Lee of WBIR brought us one of his station's special t-shirts honoring Pat Summitt. That's Alan accepting the gift.
A great time was had by all! The Blue Streak has become quite a staple in the city of Knoxville. It’s a great way to keep up with all of the wonderful things happening in our city. Thanks for keeping us in the “know”!
Shaun, you are the greatest! I love the fact that even though you are a relatively recent transplant to our city, you have come to love Knoxville as much as I do! New Orleans’ loss is our gain.
Thank you! This city has made me feel more at home in my 6 years here than New Orleans ever could have in my 38 years there. Now I’ve told me age – Ha! Seriously, Knoxville is one of the best kept secrets in this country. This town is a community like no other that I have ever witnessed. I lived in 4 cities in as many months following Katrina, but it wasn’t until I reached Knoxville that I felt I was where I needed to be. Knoxville is everything New Orleans is not!
I thought it was a marvelous party! Everyone who is anyone should and does read the Blue Streak — keeps the finger on pulse of what’s happening and interesting in Ktown.
The WBIR T-shirt honoring Pat benefits a great cause, Alzheimer’s Tennessee.
We enjoyed hosting the event and look forward to your return visits, at lunch and other times. Don & Karen Sproles
Thanks for including Gid and me in your report!
The food was delish, and the company was wonderful. Great party!
What a great idea for a Blue Streak party. Loved browsing the “event” here.
Thanks, everybody! Already counting your appearances for next year’s Blue Streak bash!
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