What does one say about a man who came to Knoxville to play football, graduated in business and bought a gas station in Virginia. Then over a lifetime built that business to Pilot Flying J, headquartered in Knoxville and employing more than 28,000 people nationwide.

He was statewide and even national fundraising chair for early Republican leaders like Howard Baker Jr. and Lamar Alexander. Big Jim can shake the money tree.

So, on November 13, 2024, the East Tennessee Historical Society honored Haslam with its 10th annual East Tennessean of the Year award. The annual meeting was Cherokee Country Club and tickets, according to Cynthia Moxley, sold out.

UT President Randy Boyd, himself and wife Jenny the 2022 recipients of the award, was surprised that Haslam had not yet won the award. Boyd declared him “East Tennessean of the Century.”

Haslam spoke after being honored, discussing the importance of giving back and getting involved with your community, emphasizing that Knoxville and East Tennessee are two of the most special places in this country. Here is the YouTube tribute that was played at the event. And here is Cynthia Moxley’s Blue Streak report complete with photos.

Foster Arnett has good HABIT

Foster Arnett and Guinness

Foster Arnett retired as Knox County Clerk after eight years and previously from the Knoxville Police Department where he was public information officer.

He stays busy these days by taking his dog, Guinness, to nursing homes and fourth-grade classrooms through the HABIT program, supported by the Tennessee Veterinary Medical Foundation. Human-Animal Bond in Tennessee is a community group of volunteers that explore the human-animal bond.

Schools have often been part of the HABIT program since its start in 1986. Around 106 schools in Knox County have a “ruff reading” or “purrfect reading” program allowing students to read to a volunteer and their dog or cat in a one-on-one setting, as reported by WBIR-TV.

Those interested in volunteering can email HABIT@utk.edu.

Meanwhile, Foster Arnett says of Guinness: “This sweet boy shares unconditional love to everyone. His kindness helps to bring fourth graders out of their shell, calms their fear of reading out loud and just lets his kindness flow.”

Public invited to ‘Day of Infamy’ presentation

Frank Galbraith (file photo)

A presentation covering the events leading up to World War II, “A Day of Infamy,” begins at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, December 4, at the Farragut Community Center, 239 Jamestowne Blvd.

Light refreshments will be served at this free event, open to all.

Frank Galbraith, retired Farragut Middle School history teacher, will discuss the end of World War I, the Roaring Twenties, organized crime, the Great Depression, Hitler coming to power and the attack on Pearl Harbor. Veterans are especially encouraged to attend.

The Elven Treehouses overlook Ancient Lore Village in South Knoxville.

Elven treehouses open

Ancient Lore Village’s Elven Treehouses are open and ready to welcome you for the perfect retreat. The Pigeon Forge Chamber joined with developer/owner Tom Boyd to open the new area. With a full bathroom, wet bar and a wrap-around deck overlooking the Ancient Lore Village, you’ll have everything you need for a relaxing getaway.

Blooming white dogwood at Lakeshore Park

West Hills Community Association is participating in the Dogwood Arts Bazillion Blooms, encouraging West Hills residents to plant new dogwood trees.

Save the date: Holiday at the Gazebo, Friday, December 13, 2024, with fourth annual Healthy West Hills Tour de Lights.

The deadline to order trees through Dogwood Arts is Monday, November 25. Bare-root dogwood trees (2- to 4-feet tall) are just $25. The trees are disease-resistant, April-blooming, and available in either white or pink flowering varieties.

Trees purchased through Monday, November 25, will be available for pick-up on December 13 and 14 at the Dogwood Arts office in Downtown Knoxville. Click to purchase.