Pete Claussen with his daughter, Karen Claussen, center, and sister, Ann Olstra. They were celebrating his upcoming (Nov. 27) 85th birthday — as well as his new honor!
A packed ballroom of friends and supporters celebrated Knoxville businessman and philanthropist Pete Claussen being named “East Tennessean of the Year” last week. But Claussen had an announcement of his own. He donated 90 acres of land to the Seven Islands State Birding Park, located in Knox County, 19 miles east of Knoxville.
The Claussen property includes 9,000 feet of shoreline, three houses, an island, and a nesting bald eagle — with a second nest under construction.
Additionally, Legacy Parks Foundation is donating three recently purchased islands bordering the park, completing the protection of the important natural resource.
State officials were on hand at the event to announce a $7.7 million grant from the Tennessee Heritage Conservation Trust Fund that will allow for a new connection at Seven Islands. The grant will fund construction of a 400-foot pedestrian bridge spanning the French Broad River, fulfilling a 40-year vision to provide access to the birding park from both sides of the river.
The annual East Tennessean of the Year Award is a fundraiser for East Tennessee Historical Society and it was not only a financial success, but a ton of fun as guests crammed into the River Room of Cherokee Country Club for pre-dinner cocktails and then into the ballroom for dinner. The unassuming Claussen took it all in stride. Congrats — and thanks — to him!
First things first! Cocktails and mingling in the River Room. From left, Alan Carmichael, Kati Blalock, Emily and Jerry Lenn.
Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon, center, was there. She’s flanked by Janet Testerman and Joey Creswell.
Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs, left, was chatting with Dr. Warren Dockter, president and CEO of the East Tennessee Historical Society.
U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn, left, with Dr. Jack and Sylvia Lacey.
State. Sen. Becky Duncan Massey, left, with Gay Lyons, chief development officer of the East Tennessee Historical Society.
Dick Williams, left, with former U.S. Congressman Jimmy Duncan and his wife, Vickie.
Knoxville City Council member Lynne Fugate and her husband, Scott.
State Rep. Dave Wright, left, with Eric Collins, the new manager of Seven Islands State Birding Park.
Circuit Court Judge Greg McMillan and his wife, Summer.
Bill and Candace Street. He’s president and CEO of Zoo Knoxville.
Sandi Swilley, left, with Garry Conklin and Sheryl Linck.
Kati Blalock, left, with Bill and Elisabeth Sansom.
From left, Debbie Steenrod, Liz Stowers, Sharon Pryse, and Duane Grieve.
Wes Stowers, left, and Don Parnell.
From left, Stephanie and Dugan McLaughlin with Rich Ray.
Howard Capito, left, and David Moon.
Kendall and Mike Keller.
Delicious passed appetizers included brie and jam bites, top, and (my favorite) mini-Beef Wellingtons!
Loved the young band of UT students! From left: Summit Hetman, Larsen Buck, Davis Felshaus, and Asher Humphrey.
After about an hour, the volume was deafening and the room was getting warm and stuffy.
So we stepped into the ballroom where we saw these pretty tables set up. And red velvet cake!
U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn and Sam Albritton, chair of the Historical Society’s board of directors. They had the same idea we did!
My friend Monique Anderson with Mitchell Moseley. (I think he looks like a young Burt Reynolds!)
Bill Lyons, right, with Steven and Anita Hollmann-Matijcio. Steven is executive director of the Knoxville Museum of Art.
From left, Susan Arp, Nathan Langlois, and LaKenya Middlebrook.
The Hon. Gary Wade and his wife, Sandy. He’s a retired chief justice of the Tennessee Supreme Court and long-time mayor of Sevierville.
Elizabeth and Jay Kramer.
Megan Venable, left, and Gay Lyons.
City of Knoxville Chief Operating Officer David Brace and his 15-year-old daughter, Olivia.
Longtime local public servant Ed Shouse and his wife, Lisa.
From left, Sara Hedstrom, Ben Pinnell, Sandy Martin, Susan Dakak, and Tammy White.
Judith and Michael Foltz.
Donna Davis and Ivan Beltz.
WBIR anchor John Becker was the emcee for the evening. He did a great job.
Greer Tidwell, deputy commissioner for the Bureau of Conservation at the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation made the official announcement about the donation and grant.
We all sang “Happy Birthday” to Pete Claussen!
And he made some brief remarks.
You can see it was a full house.
Sherri Lee after dinner.
Former U.S. Congressman and football star Heath Shuler, left, with Jenny and Randy Boyd, the president of the University of Tennessee.
It was great seeing former Zoo Knoxville CEO Lisa New, center, who was in town from Dallas. She’s with Vickie and former Congressman Jimmy Duncan.
I haven’t seen some of the attendees in ages. Great to catch up with how they look today so I’d recognize them on the street.
Moxley — I’ve been meaning to compliment you on your dedication to cutlines. (Non-newspaper folk will know them as “captions.”) Other outlets don’t seem to consider them important. Other photographers could learn a thing or two from you about correctly spelled names and titles. Bless you, my child.
Georgiana: That’s one of the best uses of the Blue Streak! Also helpful in remembering names of spouses, etc. Oh, and what folks wore to the event the previous year.
Vince: Thanks, friend. Old habits die hard.
Thanks for supporting and for providing such great coverage (with cutlines as Vince points out!). We were honored to present this year’s award to Pete Claussen.
Thank you for highlighting the evening Cynthia, we had a wonderful event honoring Pete and his many accomplishments and philanthropic endeavors!
Gay and Sam: You all did a wonderful job with the event. It was fun — and it moved along! I can’t believe we got out at such a reasonable time. I heard a lot of rave reviews about the pace of the evening.
I’m late to this party but thank you for your kind words Cynthia! I was honored to be a part of the celebration for Pete!
John: You were great at keeping everything moving. Folks will be happy to come back.
Fun night.
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