Marie Alcorn tastes one of the entries in the soup contest.

After a hellish 10 days of fighting rain, hail, mud and snow on the “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” build site in West Knoxville, Alan and I were ready for a little down time when last Friday rolled around.

We have come to really admire a little project called CAC Beardsley Community Farm. Beardsley Community Farm is an urban demonstration site that has promoted food security and sustainable urban agriculture since 1998. The half-acre main site sits on the former grounds of Beardsley Junior High School. In 1996, the City of Knoxville provided funds to convert the abandoned school grounds into a garden and build a greenhouse. The same year, the Community Action Committee (CAC) received a grant to complete the conversion.

Today, Beardsley Farm has raspberry and blackberry brambles; muscadine grapes and blueberries; a young orchard of fruit and nut trees; and a community garden, all situated on six and a half acres of a public park—in addition to the half-acre demonstration site. The Farm is maintained by a farm manager, a small team of AmeriCorps members, and numerous volunteers from the Knoxville community.

Their fundraisers always are so much fun. They are centered, appropriately, around food. And in the spirit of accessibility, the price tag for admission always is modest.

The event we attended Friday was called Snow Day. Held in the Old City at Barley’s Taproom and Pizzeria, for a price of $10, folks could taste six soups from six participating restaurants and vote on the best; hear a number of local bands; and witness a beard contest, of all things.

Last year the downtown eatery Coolato Gelato won the soup contest. And, guess what. They won again this year, too. Here are some  scenes from 2012’s Snow Day. We highly recommend you get it on your calendar for 2013.

Cherryl Meuret, left, and Tammie Conrad dish out Coolato Gelato's winning entry in the soup contest -- for the second year in a row! Congrats, folks! We love your soup.

Coolato Gelato's winning entry: chunky potato dill soup. It was fabulous!

Here is the Tuscan bread soup served by Harry's on Gay Street. I thought it was wonderful, too.

Giving out the bowls at the check-in station was Grace Loy.

In no time at all, a good crowd had gathered.

Two of them were Jen Tucker and Keith Anders. "I think they are going to win again," Jen said after tasting Coolato Gelato's potato soup. How right she was!

Kukuly and the Gypsy Fuego was the first of a half dozen bands to perform. Alan and I love their sound.

Charlotte Tolley, one of the owners of Just Ripe, dishes out their red curry lentil soup.

Here is the honey rutabaga soup from Plaid Apron. I liked this one because I really like turnips. It was a bit controversial, though.

Colleen Cruze enthusiastically throws herself into the testing.

The crowd continued to grow.

Gavin Baker of Moxley Carmichael and his friend Naomi Peden applied themselves to making a good decision on the best soup.

Hawa Ware Johnson of Palavah Hut dishes out peanut soup.

Stephen Herzog of the Bistro on Gay Street serves pumpkin soup. I swear, it tasted just like a bowl of pumpkin pie!

Bob Alcorn is making a comparison.

My sweet husband, Alan Carmichael, loved all the soups. He was very hungry. (He didn't get much to eat during the "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" period)

You may have seen my buddy Liz Lyons a few posts ago with a crutch under her arm. She has progressed now to just using an umbrella as a sort of cane!

I assume these ladies were getting ready for the beard contest. Brooke Gresham, left, is with Rachel Ramaswamy. Unfortunately, we were too tired to stay for the beard contest. Sorry.

Here are the ballots. You just gotta come next year!

Kathy Hamilton, left, leads the breakfast line.

The “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” house is built, the Watson family is moved in, and the folks who worked on it are back to their normal lives, perhaps a little bit changed by the experience.

All this is good. But one thing I hated to see go was the VIP tent! It turned out to be a wonderful venue for parties and fundraisers. Definitely not your same ole, same ole.

This is just a quick little blog post about a breakfast held there last Monday. The invited guests were members of the Executive Women’s Association of which Christi Branscom, president of Grace Construction, the lead builder on the Extreme project, is president-elect. Also invited were members of Women in Construction.

By this time, the house was nearly finished and Christi invited Extreme’s executive producer, George Verschoor, to say a few words. He told us that the Volunteer state had really  “stepped up” to build the house through very tough weather.  And he told us again how our VIP tent was the best in the history of the show. Thanks, Gift Gourmet & Interiors.

Here’s a peek at the fun little breakfast.

OK. We are definitely in the right place.

Carolyn Jensen, development director of Alzheimer's Tennessee, gets breakfast.

Debbie Stevens, left, and Linda Davidson socialize. Debbie's law firm, Lewis King Krieg and Waldrop, sponsored the soiree. Linda is in development with UT.

Tennessee Supreme Court Justice Sharon Lee, left, and Rosalyn Tillman, dean of Pellissippi State's Magnolia Avenue campus.

Dawn Ford, left, and Kathy Hamilton sit down to breakfast.

KUB's Susan Edwards in the buffet line.

French toast from 31 Bistro on Market Square

Naturally sweetened butter, I was told.

Coffee, hot chocolate and hot tea were provided all week long for the VIP tent and all 4,000 folks on the build site by Green Mountain Coffee Roasters. Possibly the most popular items of the week.

George Verschoor, executive producer of "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" with Christi Branscom, president of Grace Construction

Christi thanks the breakfast sponsor, Lewis King Krieg and Waldrop.

Monique Anderson, left, and Janell Cecil

Georgiana Vines, left, and Maribel Koella

From left, Terry Morgan, Michelle Henry and Christi

Regina Dean, left, head of WUOT radio, and lawyer Celeste Herbert

Fron left, Jeannie Dulaney, Gwen Brown and Ruth Ellis

From left, Christi, Sue Hicks, Erin Brownlee and Gina Changas. Gina was VIP coordinator for the Extreme project and did a fabulous job.

Here is what the house looked like as we left breakfast on Monday.

Con Hunley on Jan. 15, 2012, at the VIP tent of "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition's" Knoxville build

When my friend Gina Changas and I heard that entertainers were needed to play the VIP tent for fundraisers during the “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” build, we both had the same idea: Con Hunley!

And what a good idea it was. Hunley and his band sold out the $125-per-ticket event. And when it was over, folks who never had heard him before had been turned into fans. “I knew he had a great voice, but he is so much more than that. He is such an entertainer,” said Christi Branscom, the president of Grace Construction, the lead builder on the project. “He was just amazing.”

For his part, Hunley said he had a good time, too. He said playing the 75-seat VIP tent reminded him of his early days playing small venues like The Corner Lounge in Knoxville’s “Happy Holler” neighborhood, where he got his start. (I hope he noticed that the VIP tent was a little more elegant than “The Corner!”)

I appreciated him playing one of his standards, “Georgia on My Mind,” for me, since I’m from Georgia and it is one of my favorites. And he won over the rest of the crowd with “The Tennessee Waltz” and his big finale, “America the Beautiful.” But I think I have a new favorite: “Only Time Will Tell.” Here’s the great refrain: “Only time will tell, but it ain’t talking.” Love, love, love! (Don’t tell Kenny Chesney, but Con’s version is better — it’s more soulful.)

Here are a few photos from the  fundraiser where Con and his band played Sunday. The money will benefit the Knoxville Family Build Fund, which will be used to help pay off the mortgage on the home of the family “Extreme” chose to rebuild. Click here for the news release about the family. If you missed the fundraiser, you can make a much-appreciated donation at any Home Federal Bank branch. (Home Federal donated $20,000 to kick off the fund.)

Here’s that  recap.

You had to take a shuttle bus to get to the VIP tent. Here are Bill Regas and Janet Crossley on that bus.

Food at the event was provided by Christopher Ford, left, owner of Sweet P's Barbecue and Soul House. He's pictured here with our friends Gary and Julia Bentley.

To get in the VIP tent, you had to put on booties to protect the flooring.

Con said he had never performed in booties before!

The VIP tent is beautiful and very relaxing. Here are Ann Brookshire and Sheena McCall checking out the fabulous furniture provided by Gift Gourmet & Interiors.

Ann Brookshire, left, and Sheena McCall

Christi Branscom with her brother, Russ Watkins

Con during his first set

Con's sister, Ruthie Akers, and brother, Kenny Hunley, provide smooth harmony on back-up vocals.

At one point, Con suggested that he might join the construction workers on the build. “I do have my tool bucket in my truck,” he said. “Don’t quit your night job!” his brother quickly retorted. Ha.

During the break, he posed for a lot of pictures. Here he is with Gina Changas, the VIP coordinator for the "Extreme" build. She's with Grace Construction.

Here he is with Ron Watkins. He said he and Ron go back to their high school days at Knoxville's Central High School. Ron is Christi Branscom's father.

Sheena McCall, left, and Ann Brookshire grabbed a chance for a photo. Ann has been a fan since the '80s.

Alan Carmichael, left, chats with Tracy and Eddie Speaks during the break.

Christi Branscom's step-mother, Debbie Petrolina, ("the best step-mother ever!" Christi says) with Christi's daughter, Gracie, after whom Grace Construction was named.

Joan Ward with Con

Chad and Robin Tindell

Hugh and Angelia Nystrom

Debbie Petrolina and Ron Watkins

Con's nephew, Stephen Hunley, right, with drummer Tony Creasman

The media was on hand. Jacob Haskew of WVLT interviews Randy Jenkins of Grace Construction.

Sisters Janet Testerman, left, and Muffet Buckner

Then it was back to the music!

Ken Jackson plays beautiful saxophone. Even in booties!

Janet Crossley and Bill Regas took to the dance floor, such as it was.

So did Tom Weiss and Sharon Cogburn

Here is what the house looked like on Sunday night as we were leaving. Two days later it was finished!

Inside the VIP tent Saturday

Last week, the Robinson Road build site of “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” was a muddy, cold mess. Heavy machines were slipping and sliding. People were falling down in slippery muck. There really was nowhere to go to get your feet on solid ground — until it froze!

But, starting late Thursday, a little oasis sprang up. A small bit of pristine, soothing heaven in the midst of a noisy, chaotic and slimy construction site: the VIP tent!

The VIP tent is something that is set up on every “Extreme” build. It is used for entertaining and to thank sponsors and others who have made the “Extreme” event possible — and to raise money to benefit the selected family. The folks from “Extreme” visited our VIP tent and proclaimed it the nicest they have seen in over 200 builds! Now THAT is saying something!

We have Merri Lee Fox and the other good folks at Gift Gourmet & Interiors to thank for that. Merri Lee is a friend of Christi Branscom, the president of Grace Construction, which is the lead builder on the project. When Merri Lee heard there was a VIP tent, she jumped at the opportunity to outfit it. And what a great job she has done.

Every oasis needs flowers.

Not only is it stunningly beautiful, it smells great! That’s thanks to the dozens of scented candles spread throughout the tent.

So far, events have been held there for elected officials, Chamber folks, business leaders, clients of Grace Construction, and sponsors. There has been a children’s event and an 18th birthday party for Christi’s daughter, Grace, after whom the business is named. Saturday night was a $125 per ticket fundraiser to benefit the Knoxville Family Build Fund. That money will help the Daniel and Mandy Watson family pay off the mortgage on their former home. The popular Johnson Swingtet provided music and Holly Hambright of Holly’s Eventful Dining, one of Knoxville’s premier caterers, provided dinner.

“This is surreal,” is what my husband, Alan Carmichael, said when he stepped from the battle scene of the construction site into the luxury of the VIP tent.

After a few words from Christi, Paul DiMeo, one of the show’s designers and co-stars, took the microphone, marveling at how everything in our community is orange — “even the porta-potties!” And Senior Producer Milan Vasic observed, “The Volunteer State has really shown up.  You have done an amazing job!”

Then the Johnson Swingtet struck up the cheerful music and everyone dug in. I’m just saying: this is the best way to see this one-in-a-lifetime project!

On Sunday night, Con Hunley was set to appear at another sold-out fundraiser in the VIP tent. (I’m a huge Con Hunley fan, so you can bet you’ll see more on that later.)

The Johnson Swingtet plays tunes from the 30s, 40s and 50s. We hired them to play our annual client party last year. Everyone loves them!

Tom and Melissa McAdams were among the guests.

Jim Paris and Gwendy Kerney were at the McAdams table.

Orlando and Donna Diaz were there, too.

Here is Merri Lee Fox, right, of Gift Gourmet & Interiors, chatting with Terrell and Carolyn Burkhart.

Christi Branscom, right, with Van and Sue Tyler. All of them have been working tirelessly on the project.

The salad course featured a delicious potato terrine. Very unusual and flavorful.

Here is Erica Beck of Moxley Carmichael with her husband, Karl. Erica is a graphic designer and has worked on a lot of the signage for this project.

Our director of digital media, Gavin Baker, left, and our creative director, Charley Sexton, also have devoted countless hours to "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition." Glad they could make the party!

Another Moxley Carmichael co-worker contributing to this has been Scott Bird, right, our vice president. He's sitting with Jeromy Welch.

This winter stew contained sausage, pork and roasted root vegetables. We welcomed its deep richness and, especially, its warmth!

Here are the fabulous centerpieces! (All the MoxCar folks are on their mobile devices, of course!)

You don't really expect to see something this delicate on a working construction site.

Liz Lyons, though injured, was helping with catering. Her mom, Gay Lyons, is the food coordinator on the project -- a huge job.

Kristin Grove, center, is the architect on the project. She's with Johnson Architecture. In this pic, she's with her parents, Elaine and Gary Grove, who shared a table with us.

Our friends Gary and Julia Bentley dined with us, as well.

Burke Pinnell, one of the owners of Hickory Construction, with his wife, Lezah. I love them!

Dick Brower and Sharon Bailey. He's trying to sell a great lot we own in Gettysvue. Please call him!

Sara Hedstrom Pinnell of Hedstrom Design, right, is handling landscape design for the project. She and architect Kristin Grove took a little time during the dinner to discuss an issue. There are a LOT of women working on this build.

Alan stepped outside of the VIP tent to try out the spectator area. Pretty amazing.

Here's another view from the spectator area. You should come visit!

As we were leaving (if you can believe the lighting -- it was 8:30 at night!), Erica posed by one of our banners on the VIP tent.

Then it was back to earth again as we were loaded onto a school bus! Here's Karl Beck. What a fun night.

]]> http://bluestreak.moxleycarmichael.com/2012/01/16/oasis-springs-up-in-midst-of-extreme-madness/feed/ http://bluestreak.moxleycarmichael.com/2012/01/06/extreme-makeover-home-edition-senior-producer-gets-volunteers-fired-up-at-pep-rally/ http://bluestreak.moxleycarmichael.com/2012/01/06/extreme-makeover-home-edition-senior-producer-gets-volunteers-fired-up-at-pep-rally/#comments Fri, 06 Jan 2012 04:19:22 +0000 Cynthia Moxley http://bluestreak.moxleycarmichael.com/?p=11404

Moxley Carmichael staff members. Ha. Just kidding. It's the UT dancers at the pep rally for "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition." Our sponsor logo just happened to be behind them when our buddy Saul Young of the News Sentinel shot this pic.

Nearly 1,000 folks showed up Wednesday for a pep rally whose purpose was to introduce the senior producer of “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” and let him tell us what to expect next week when the Emmy-winning TV series rolls into town to tape a Knoxville episode.Following rousing performances by Bill Snyder on the Mighty Wurlitzer,  the UT cheerleaders and dance team, accompanied by Smokey and a flag-waving mountaineer in a coonskin hat, and two beautiful songs by hometown teen country sensation Logan Murrell, Milan Vasic took the stage of the Tennessee Theatre. The veteran senior producer, who has been with the show since its inception nine years ago, got a little choked up when he explained that the Knoxville show, taping next week, will be among the last two episodes. The series has been canceled by ABC. The Knoxville show will air as a two-hour holiday special near the end of 2012.

Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero and Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett made remarks at the pep rally.

But through videos and personal testimony, Vasic assured the project’s volunteers in the audience that the week-long experience of building a new home for a deserving Knoxville family will be a life-changing experience.  “You are going to make a difference in the life of a family,” he said. “Actually, the lives of many families.”

The family to receive the new home will be announced on Jan. 10 when the show’s personnel will knock on the family’s door and deliver the good news. After an afternoon news conference, the family will be whisked away on a vacation while local volunteers and “Extreme Makeover” personnel transform their home in the course of just one week.

Volunteer coordinator, Kim Henry, is interviewed by Erin Donovan of WBIR, Channel 10.

Grace Construction, a local woman-owned company, was chosen to be the lead builder on the project. The company’s president, Christi Branscom, and chief operating officer, Scott Branscom, selected Moxley Carmichael to handle the public relations on the build. Everyone, from the architect, Kristin Grove of Johnson Architecture, to the food coordinator, Gay Lyons, the volunteer coordinator, Kim Henry, and all the subcontractors are donating their time. All materials for the build are donated as is all food to feed the volunteers while they work around the clock for a week to complete the project. I recruited my friend Dawn Ford of Consumer Awareness Management to coordinate the pep rally and she did a fantastic job, again, for free.

All the families selected by the TV series to receive a new home are special families. Some have disabled children, are injured veterans, have experienced deaths, or have other special circumstances. A Knoxville Family Build Fund has been established to assist the chosen family. To donate to that fund, please visit any Home Federal Bank branch or go to the official website, www.joinextreme.com/tennessee. The website also can be accessed through www.moxleycarmichael.com or www.grace-info.com.

When the location of the build is announced on Tuesday, there will be a large area designated for spectators. You are welcome to drop by and watch as our community becomes the focus of a national spotlight.

The senior producer told the crowd Wednesday night that in the 207 episodes of the show, he has never seen a more beautiful venue than the Tennessee Theatre as the location for a kick-off pep rally. We think he will feel that way about his entire Knoxville experience. Join us!

Christi Branscom, president of Grace Construction, with Milan Vasic, senior producer of "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition."

Nearly 1,000 folks attended the pep rally.

"Ace," the mascot of the Knoxville NightHawks, an arena football team, poses with project architect Kristin Grove in the lobby of the Tennessee Theatre.

Phil Williams of NewsTalk 98.7 was broadcasting live from the event.

Erica Estep, left, of WATE, Channel 6, prepares to interview Lori Gano of Heritage Homes and Designs, one of the project leads.

Saul Young, center, ace photographer for the News Sentinel, with Angela Starke, the top PR person for the city, and Michael Grider, the top PR guy for the county, in the lobby prior to the program. (I love all three of these great folks!)

Saul hard at work! Hahaha. He says you can't appreciate the true Tennessee Theatre experience without popcorn and a Coke!

Knox County First Lady Allison Burchett tweets and texts as much as I do. I interrupted her for a photo.

WBIR's Erin Donovan, Ace of the NightHawks, and Ben Pinnell of Hickory Construction

Alan Carmichael of Moxley Carmichael chats with Rhonda Rice of the Knoxville Chamber.

WATE's Erica Estep dishes with the mayors prior to an interview.

WBIR's videographer Brian Holt and reporter Erin Donovan relax between broadcasts.

Inside, Bill Snyder warms up the crowd on the Mighty Wurlitzer organ.

Betsey Creekmore and Rick Stone are members of the board of the Tennessee Theatre, which was offered pro bono for this project. Thanks so much, folks.

On the way out, I ran into Tom Bugg, left, and Patrick Roddy. Tom manages the Theatre and dealt with all our crazy needs Wednesday night. Patrick is with A.C. Entertainment, which has a contract to manage the Theatre.

If you want to see more about Wednesday night, here is some great coverage we received.

The News Sentinel did a great job with a video by Rachel Wise and a report by Lance Coleman. Click here.

Here is one of WATE’s reports. Click here.

Click here for one of WBIR’s.

Just after midnight, we ended up in the hotel room of Judith and Michael Foltz at the Oliver Hotel on Market Square. From left: Alan Carmichael, Richard and Dawn Ford, Judith and Michael Foltz

For the past 11 years, we have been celebrating News Year’s Eve with two other couples: Richard and Dawn Ford and Jackie and Ray Fisher. Sometimes we go out to eat, sometimes we go to a party, and sometimes we watch the ball drop at Market Square.

This year we did all three. And we saw a ton of fun people along the way! See for yourself.

First, to get the evening off to a festive start: the party.

Party in a can

Shortly after we arrived at Katie and Blair Kline’s lovely home in the Kensington subdivision, our friend Michelle Hardin arrived with something she called “a party in a can!” Available at Ashe’s Wine & Spirits, this item is flavored whipped cream infused with vodka. And it’s squirtable! The flavor in this case: peppermint. Let the party begin!

After a squirt for the hostess, guests lined up for the new holiday taste sensation.

Michelle gives Katie a squirt.

Katie returns the favor.

Richard gets in on the action.

Well, you get the idea . . .

Katherine Lattimer, left, with Jimmy and Dortha Fay Hardin, his and Michelle's mom.

Our hosts, Katie and Blair with their dog, Lila.

Lila is one of the prettiest dogs I've ever seen. She is obviously a Wisconsin fan.

Then it was off to our dinner reservations at Bistro by the Tracks, where we knew we would see a lot of folks we know. And we did!

Right as we came in, we saw Noel Dill, left, and her friend Janet Hopson. Noel's daughter, Whitney, is a server at Bistro By the Tracks.

We spotted John and Carol Sheridan in the dining room, which was full.

These folks were leaving shortly after we arrived. From left: John McCallie, Patsy and Tim Wright, Anne Sprouse and Lin Christenberry

Meanwhile, back at our table:

Our friends Ray and Jackie Fisher

Jackie and Alan. We are a friendly bunch!

We loved our dinners. Among us, we had the grouper special, Bistro chicken, crab cakes and filet with a lobster tail. All excellent. But our favorite was the special dessert of the evening: amaretto chocolate mousse with raspberries and shortcake. Wow.

Unbelievable!

Dawn and Richard Ford over dessert. Richard opted for a chocolate martini. They make great ones there.

Meanwhile, in the wine room, we spotted some other buddies.

Robin and Joe Ben Turner were at a table of 10 friends. Everyone was going to their house after dinner to wait for midnight.

Melanie and Tom Wood were at that table, too.

We ran into our friends Janet Crossley and Bill Regas in the lounge on our way out.

We were headed to downtown and Market Square, where all the action was.

Bungee bouncing was set up on the south end of the Square.

I almost got motion sick just watching!

The ice rink was active.

In addition to funnel cakes, french fries, shaved ice, hot dogs and sausage sandwiches, there was some more exotic fare offered for sale.

The crowd seemed to have come from all of East Tennessee.

Scantily clad fire dancers were in front of the Bill Lyons Pavilion.

An appreciative audience

When we arrived shortly before midnight, the ball was poised to drop.

This young woman was hoisted on her boyfriend's shoulders for a great view.

And then, the countdown to midnight.

And fireworks!

And more fireworks!

This couple was standing on a table on one of the patios. They kissed at midnight. Sweet.

Other patio partiers

I always say nothing adds to the festive atmosphere like a few TV cameras!

And there was WBIR, Channel 10.

After the midnight excitement, we dropped in at Peter Kern’s Library, the new speakeasy at the Oliver Hotel and ran into some more folks we knew.

Singer Nancy Brennan Strange, center, was unwinding after a performance. At left is Jennifer Hodson and, at right, Jamie Webster.

Our buddies Judith and Michael Foltz were spending the night at the Oliver Hotel and invited us up to their room for a glass of Champagne. We were impressed by the size of the accommodations.

Here's a shot of the spacious bedroom.

And look how big the living/dining area is.

Here's our Champagne in front of the big flat-screen TV in the living room. It's interesting to see such modern furnishings in the historic inn.

We made a toast, as you can see in the first photo in this blog post, and then headed to our condo at Cherokee Lofts. Dawn and Richard stayed overnight in our guest condo.

Richard having a nightcap at our place. Another chocolate martini. (I make good ones, too!)

Dawn doing the same. We went to bed at 2:30!

The next morning, after a leisurely breakfast at our condo, we headed to another tradition: brunch at Madge and Barry Cleveland’s house.

We wouldn't dream of missing the luck-inducing greens and Hoppin' John!

Our New Year's Day hosts, Barry and Madge Cleveland

We got to see Katie and Blair Kline again.

Ginny Morrow, right, with Richard and Pat Cate

Arthur and Susan Seymour were there.

Alan chatting with Beth Waters.

Glo and Bob Marquis with Susan Conway, center.

From left, Allen Mealka, Elsbeth Freeman, Amy Styles and Mary Fran Darwin

Another tradition is that Dawn and Jackie and I go to a movie on New Year’s Day and Alan and Richard golf. (Ray had to clean out his closet! Ha!) We went to see “Hugo” and loved it.

I think we really did New Year’s up right this year. We wish all our friends — and friends of  The Blue Streak  - a very happy 2012.

Here is Arthur saying, "Happy New Year!"

]]> http://bluestreak.moxleycarmichael.com/2012/01/03/our-kind-of-new-years/feed/ http://bluestreak.moxleycarmichael.com/2011/12/29/our-colleague-leaves-us-but-shes-not-going-far/ http://bluestreak.moxleycarmichael.com/2011/12/29/our-colleague-leaves-us-but-shes-not-going-far/#comments Thu, 29 Dec 2011 19:33:13 +0000 Cynthia Moxley http://bluestreak.moxleycarmichael.com/?p=11283

Ellen Robinson, right, with her new boss, Debbie Stevens

As the new year approaches, our friend and colleague, Ellen Robinson, has accepted a new challenge. She is leaving her post as vice president at Moxley Carmichael to head up the marketing efforts of Lewis, King, Krieg and Waldrop, the largest law firm in Knoxville (if you rank by number of attorneys).

Since we often do work for Lewis King, it was natural that the firm’s managing partner, Debbie Stevens, would consult with me when she wanted to hire a big marketing gun. We are friends in addition to having a business relationship, so over drinks one evening at the Bistro on Gay Street, we hashed out a list of folks who might fit the bill for the new job. Debbie said she wanted “someone like Ellen” for the role. (Debbie is nothing if not a diplomat!)

I knew Debbie wouldn’t approach Ellen if I asked her not to, but I couldn’t deny that Ellen would be the perfect candidate. First I ordered another martini. Then I told Debbie I would not stand in the way if she wanted to talk to Ellen. It really is a terrific job. Lewis King has not only a big Knoxville office, but a growing practice in Nashville, too. And they have a lot to market. They practice many different kinds of law. Partly because of their expertise in a number of specific areas, they recently landed the new Nordstrom account for the state of Tennessee. That was a big coup.

Ellen and her husband, Peter Acly

To send Ellen off, Alan and I threw a little cocktail party last night in the Old City. Scott Bird, another Moxley Carmichael vice prez, recommended the spot — the new Underground at the Crown & Goose. I had never been there, but I knew Scott has discerning taste, so we went with it. We also asked him to select the menu for the evening.

As you can see from these pictures, the party was a blast and the food and setting were perfect. We invited our staff and a few close friends.

We will miss Ellen, but we are glad her new office is less than three blocks from ours. We look forward to working with her at Lewis King and meeting her and Debbie for lunch and drinks. We know 2012 will be a great one for all of us.

The Underground at the Crown & Goose was the perfect setting for our party.

Bob Wilson and Amanda Shell, both of Moxley Carmichael

Since the eatery is fashioned after a London subway, naturally fish and chips are on the menu.

Alan enjoyed the chips!

Scott enoyed a specialty martini.

Tim Young and Phyllis Young Nichols often joke that they are brother and sister! He is head of Summit Medical Group and she heads the local Urban League. Both are Moxley Carmichael clients.

Gavin Baker, the director of digital media at Moxley Carmichael, and Ellen.

Erica Beck, left, and Lauren Christ, both of Moxley Carmichael

Lobster guacamole. OMG!

Jon and Mintha Roach

Love the decor!

Love the cozy furniture, too. Here are Jim Nichols and Alan testing it out.

This cute table actually is a drum. Of course, Alan couldn't resist!

Debbie Stevens and Ellen's sister, Nora Robinson, who has just moved to Knoxville from California.

Jennifer Lawson of Summit Medical Group and Lauren

Ellen with Sheena McCall of Merrill Lynch

Peter considers the smoked fish platter, which contained four kinds of smoked fish.

Alan with Richard and Dawn Ford. (Did Alan and Richard plan those sweaters?)

Amanda with her father, Max Shell, of Covenant Health

Christi Branscom, center, with Erica and Ellen. We are working with Christi on "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition."

Gay and Bill Lyons

The cheese plates here are gorgeous.

The sliders were a huge hit.

Tim, Jennifer and Ellen

With Ellen leaving, we are losing our snappiest dresser! We made her pose in this new outfit she recently purchased in Chicago.

I just loved the invitations Charley Sexton, our design director, made for this event. The image of Ellen is priceless!

Best wishes, friend.

Tom and Merri Lee Fox, at left, of Gift Gourmet & Interiors; Christi and Scott Branscom, in center, of Grace Construction; and Libby and Kevin Keck of SchoffnerKalthoff Mechanical Electrical Service

I hope you have heard by now that the Emmy-winning ABC television show “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” is coming to Knoxville to build a home for a deserving family next month. This is the show that enlists tons of community volunteers and donated materials and — while the selected family is whisked away for a week-long vacation — rebuilds a special home for them over the course of just a week. The project, which normally would take almost a year to complete, is accomplished by literally thousands of local folks toiling around the clock to get it done.

Robin Irwin, right, Brian Curtis and Emily Harper, all of Gift Gourmet & Interiors, offer yummies to the subcontractors gathered in their store.

The reason I hope you have heard about it is that the contractor chosen to be the lead builder on the project, Grace Construction, selected Moxley Carmichael to handle the public relations for it. I can’t tell you how surprised and flattered I was to get a call from Scott and Christi Branscom at Grace Construction inviting our firm to get involved.

It’s been a whirlwind, to say the least. We signed up just a month ago and have been privy to behind-the-scenes preparations the likes of which I never imagined. To make things even more interesting, the day after we held a news conference to announce the project, ABC announced it was canceling the series after nine seasons. The Knoxville episode will be a two-hour special to air next year, but the show will have officially ended by then. To me, that means the Knoxville show will be even more special.

Catering for the evening was provided by Holly Hambright of Holly's Eventful Dining in Homberg Place. One of her trademark dishes is candied bacon -- and there was plenty!

The show of support has been overwhelming. The media have been great. All three TV stations have covered our announcements, even though the show will air on the ABC affiliate here. The News Sentinel, WIVK radio, Journal Broadcast Group, B97.5, and our on-line friends at the Knoxville Daily Sun also have helped out and so have many others. We greatly appreciate that. Because of the media support, we have filled all the slots on all the round-the-clock shifts for general volunteers and are now adding folks to a waiting list. But the organizers still need skilled volunteers, which are those trained in the construction trades. They also need certain construction materials. A list of everything needed can be found by going to the Moxley Carmichael website (www.moxleycarmichael.com) and clicking through to the official “Extreme” website. We also designed special souvenir T-shirts that can be acquired for a donation to the Knoxville Family Build Fund, which will support the special family that is selected. Donations to that fund are being accepted at all Home Federal Bank branches. Home Federal itself has donated $20,000 to kick off the fund raising. (Home Federal also is a Moxley Carmichael client, we are proud to say!)

And I can’t even begin to list all the generous folks who have donated goods and services. We will be putting out a news release with all their names and listing them on the official website. The subcontractors who will work with Grace Construction to make the new house a reality are a very critical group, of course. In an attempt to help them bond before the project starts, the owners and employees at Gift Gourmet & Interiors invited them to a reception a few days before Christmas. Gift Gourmet & Interiors is donating  all the furnishings for the VIP tent that will be located at the build site, as well as some of the furniture for the house itself.

Here is a peek at that fun event.

There will be several other thank-you functions for the other folks involved. (That’s what the VIP tent is for, after all!) So, stay tuned. And if you’d like to help out, please go to that website!

From left, Gay Lyons, Gina Changas and Kim Henry show off the design of the souvenir T-shirts. The Knoxville team has been branded "Extreme Volunteers!" Gay is the food coordinator on the build, Gina is the VIP coordinator and Kim is the volunteer coordinator.

Jonathan and Lori Gano, at left, of Heritage Homes and Designs, and their daughter, Vyala, in the center, pose with Mark and and Patty Cummings of ProBuild.

From left, Myron Tipton of East Tennessee Land Surveyors; Robert Thompson of Volunteer Dirt Works; Ben Pinnell of Hickory Construction; and Sara Hedstrom Pinnell of Hedstrom Design, a landscape architecture firm.

Dan Phillippi, general manager of WATE-TV, and Rhonda Rice of the Knoxville Chamber. The Chamber is providing much needed computer work on the project.

Dawn and Richard Ford took the visit as an opportunity to do a little browsing. Dawn is on my PR team and is handling a special event which will be announced shortly. (Thanks, Dawn!)

Matt Barrick, left, and Bill Evans, both of WATE, with Becky Hancock, who is on the project's food team headed by Gay Lyons. (More than 3,000 people must be fed around the clock for a week! All the major meals are donated.)

From left, Russ Watkins of Partners Development, Terri Clemens, Scott Branscom and Curt Clemens.

Here's another look at some of the great food by caterer Holly Hambright.

Yum!

Some of my favorite Christmas icons are nutcrackers! They remind me of my grandmother, who also liked them. Aren't these at Gift Gourmet & Interiors festive?

And I almost couldn't resist these adorable reindeer.

WATE videographer Shawn Davis gets Christi miked for an interview.

Scott Branscom, left and Chaz Howard. Chaz sometimes is the assistant to the show's star, Ty Pennington. But for the Knoxville episode, he is going to be the official still photographer. Several staff members of "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" are from the Knoxville area.

John Craig, left, poses with Judith Foltz and Sam Maynard, both of whom are on the food team.

Christi Branscom poses with her daughter, Gracie, left, after whom Grace Construction is named, and Janet Testerman, a member of the food team.

Debbie Stevens, left, with Gary and Julia Bentley

Need a cute little Christmas moose? I bet they are on sale now!

Thanks to Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero for dropping by the reception, as well. To keep up with all the Extreme action, “like” ExtremeHomeTN on Facebook (click here) or follow @ExtremeHomeTN on Twitter (click here).

Phyllis and Jim Nichols try on props to have their picture made in the photo booth.

I apologize for being such a poor blogger the past few weeks. Work has been just crazy busy. Besides, I still get a bunch of hits just by leaving the photo of Allison Burchett in that dress on the blog’s first page! Ha!

But Christmas season has been rushing by like the water out of a fire hose. I wanted to post a few photos of some of the fun events before New Year’s arrives and “the most wonderful season of all” is just a dim memory.

The Knoxville Convention Center, a great Moxley Carmichael client, hosts a Christmas reception with a marketing purpose every year. It is an opportunity to showcase not only the fabulous facility, but the impressive skills of the culinary staff headed by talented executive chef, Chris Moore. Whereas some fancy holiday parties may shine with opulent luxuries like caviar and lobster, the Convention Center took a different approach. The food served at this event featured more modest ingredients — but they were treated in unique ways to make them stars. I think you will see that from some of the photos that follow.

General Manager Mary Bogert and company also used decorations already on hand to bring the season to the Convention Center. And they added an old-fashioned touch: a photo booth complete with funny and festive props to pose with.

I walked into the building with Marshall Stair, who had just been elected to City Council but had not yet been sworn in. “What’s the agenda for this event?” he asked me. “No agenda,” I told him. “It’s just a chance for you to see what the Convention Center can do.” He seemed relieved. “I’m getting a lot more invitations these days,” he said. “And I never know what to expect.” I smiled. He has no idea what he’s in for!

From left, Elizabeth Thomas, County Commissioner Mike Brown, Nick Cazana and Carlton Long.

This is becoming a signature Convention Center dish: a risotto bar. Guests choose what ingredients they want in their risotto and a chef whips it up on the spot. Delicious.

From left, Tank Strickland, Tammy and Ken Knight, and Mary Bogert

Patrick Birmingham, left, News Sentinel publisher, and Marshall Stair.

Isn't this a good idea? Chef Jim Hart fries some brie -- and then guests add the toppings of their choice. Yum.

This dancing reindeer was part of the festive decor.

Acting Mayor Dan Brown posed with Mayor-elect Madeline Rogero in front of the wood-burning fireplace in the Convention Center's cute little rotunda.

Ha ha. Here's how city officials enjoy a party! That's the mayor-elect (at the time) with Police Chief David Rausch comparing calendars.

From left, Bill Lyons of the city of Knoxville, City Councilman-elect Finbarr Saunders and Larry Martin of the city of Knoxville.

From left, Angie Clabo of the News Sentinel, Gavin Baker of Moxley Carmichael and Sandi Swilley of Leadership Knoxville.

Alan Carmichael, left, and Jim Nichols

David Butler of the Knoxville Museum of Art and Mary Bogert REALLY like this sculpture by Richard Jolley!

Knox County Commissioner Dave Wright with his wife, Pat

Gary Heatherly and Gay Lyons

Folks dove right into the wide variety of interesting cheese choices.

City Councilman Marilyn Roddy and her husband, Patrick

Dale and Jill Thompson

The warm gingerbread pudding smelled wonderful.

Police Chief David Rausch, Bill Lyons in center, and City Councilman Duane Grieve

Gay Lyons and Terry Turner

Sandi Swilley poses with Kim Beets, left, and Leanna Belew, right, both of the Convention Center.

Phyllis Nichols, left, and Madeline Rogero

Craig Liston, left, and Alan Carmichael. Liston was the manager of the Knoxville Convention Center until he was promoted by SMG, the company that manages the facility. He now is regional general manager of the Greater Columbus Convention Center.

If the lights had not come back on, we would have missed seeing Allison Burchett in this knock-out dress! Oh, that's her hubby, Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett, with her.

“An Evening in Paris” was the theme last Saturday for the Symphony Ball, an annual gala produced by the Knoxville Symphony League to benefit the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra. But as Alan and I drove west on Lyons View Pike toward Cherokee Country Club where the event was being held, the venue could not have looked less like the “City of Light,” as Paris is known.

A car crashing into a utility pole behind Ashe’s Wine and Spirits had plunged the whole neighborhood — including the tony country club — into pitch black darkness. We were somewhat concerned about what the evening might hold. But when we entered the lobby, folks were in a surprisingly good mood, chatting loudly and using cell phones to see where they were going. Perhaps an explanation for the good spirits was the fact that, despite the power outage, the bar never shut down! In about 30 minutes, when the lights suddenly came back on, a huge roar went up from the crowd. Seems the biggest problem had not been the difficulty seeing and bidding on the more than 200 silent auction items beautifully displayed on tables in the River Room, but the fact that the big TV set in the bar — the one showing the SEC championship game between LSU and Georgia — had been rendered out of commission during the outage.

You know how going through a crisis bonds people together? Well this little bump in the road seemed to have had the same effect on the folks in attendance. We all were just a little bit more chummy!

I thought this was an appropriate silent auction item!

As a member of the board of the Knoxville Symphony Society, I just have to say a word of thanks to the Knoxville Symphony League for all their hard work, not only with the ball, but throughout the year. I am a huge fan (and patron) of the lovely and creative Elegant Dining series of events they put on each year. And Moxley Carmichael is happy to provide pro bono public relations services to the Symphony Showhouse, another annual signature fundraiser of the hard working women who are members of the Knoxville Symphony League. Last year, the League contributed more than $200,000 to the Knoxville Symphony’s budget — an amount the Symphony counts on to fulfill its own many community commitments. So thanks so much, League friends. Here is a recap of some of the fun last Saturday after the lights came back on. (Thanks also to the great folks at KUB who acted quickly to reroute the power supply and bring the lights back up.)

There were a lot of Eiffel Towers in the decor.

All the servers wore berets. Cute. This is Alisha Ciuffini. She was pouring for a special tasting and auction of French wines.

Here are Beth Fisher, left, and Deane Conley at the wine tasting, which was held during the silent auction.

Another great silent auction item was a dulcimer signed by Dolly Parton.

We were curious about the football game, so we stuck our heads into the bar they call the Pub where the TV was. We ran into some of our fellow ball-goers doing the same thing!

Pete and Cyndi DeBusk dropping by the Pub to peek at the TV.

Doctors Shirley and Bruce Avery were in the Pub watching the game. They had not been to the Symphony Ball, but rather to the UT basketball game.

OK, back to the ball. Here are Bill Pittman and Tina Rolen waiting to take their seats.

Her dress was a stunner, too!

The centerpieces set the stage.

At every place setting was a little bottle of St. Germain as a party favor.

Note: This St. Germain liqueur is becoming quite the rage. I first tasted it this past summer when my friend Peyton Hairston asked a bartender to add some to his martini. He let me taste it and it had the flavor of flowers. No kidding. But the way I really liked it best was added to a glass of champagne. I tasted it like that during a sampling at Downtown Wine + Spirits a few weeks ago.

Jeff Chapman, left, and Nathan Hunter as they were making their way to their tables.

Symphony League members Rose Moseley, left, and Harriet Hodge.

KSO Maestro Lucas Richman and his wife, Debbie, who is an accomplished singer and musician.

Rachel Ford, the executive director of the Knoxville Symphony, with husband, Terry.

Knoxville Mayor Dan Brown and his wife, Cathy.

Actor David Keith and his wife, Nancy.

Members of the Knoxville Symphony Youth Orchestra provided dinner music.

Soloist Aubrey Baker showed off a beautiful voice.

One thing you never have to worry about at Cherokee Country Club is the quality of the food. Executive Chef David Pinckney is among the best in town. Here’s a look at dinner.

Salad was mixed greens with duck confit and quail eggs, gruyere cheese, toasted pecans and grape tomatoes with dijon Champagne vinaigrette. It could have been a meal in itself, really.

The fabulous entree was hickory grilled filet with truffled porcini sauce, Dauphenoise potatoes with leeks and Swiss cheese, oven roasted sole with parsley lemon brown butter sauce with fried capers, asparagus with lemon butter and purple cabbage.

The French dessert was profiteroles, of course, with vanilla ice cream and raspberry and chocolate sauces. Yum!

Symphony League members Willene Chalmers and Evelyn Miller

Jon and Toni Lawler. He is president of the Knoxville Symphony Society.

Tim and Amy Williams. Tim is past president of the Symphony Society.

Another past president, Mark Mamantov, and his wife, Cathy.

Danny Pressley, who is on the board of the Symphony Society, with his wife, Allison.

Bear Stephenson conducted the live auction.

Robin Wilhoit, left, of WBIR was the emcee for the evening. She's seen here with Angela Pugh, the president of the Knoxville Symphony League.

I ran into the beautiful retired judge Gail Jarvis in the ladies' lounge. I got chills when she reminded me that she once ran against former Judge Richard Baumgartner. History would have been a lot different had she beaten him.

Meanwhile, back in the ballroom, the local dance band The Max had cranked up.

Karen and Harvey White were among those taking advantage of the music.

State Senator Becky Duncan Massey, left, and her daughter, Courtney, worked the check-out table.

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