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NEW MAIN LIBRARY RECEIVES $500,000 GIFT
Closer to the Goal: Target $8.5 million by New Year

Sevier County, TN - Christmas came a little early for the Sevier County Public Library System Foundation when they received a $500,000 gift this week. The gift comes from Judge Richard Vance pursuant to a class action settlement that authorized him to disburse the proceeds to charities and other groups that serve the public.

“It’s really quite something,” said Judge Rex Henry Ogle, Chair of the Foundation Board. “We feel so fortunate. Judge Vance is a man of great vision. He knew that the library project needed support. He knows that if we have a more educated, a more informed and more engaged community - all things that a strong library system provides -- that our community will be stronger. And, maybe we’ll have less people in the courts and prisons. Thank you seems inadequate for such a gesture, but to Judge, Vance: Thank you.”

“We are still short of our goal, but the foundation is working hard to secure the pledges necessary to complete this project. We want to finish the campaign with a bang.”

Ogle said that the Foundation board and the Steering Committee’s efforts are in overdrive. “We don’t want to be pests, but we believe in this new project wholeheartedly and we want to see it be a success. So, we’re continuing with calls and visits. I am optimistic we will reach our goal.”

Donations can be made to the library by sending a pledge or check to Sevier County Public Library System Foundation at 321 Court Avenue, Sevierville, TN 37865. Or, visit online at the library’s website, www.sevierlibrary.org. Donations can be made online through Pay Pal.

The Sevier County Library System serves a growing population in three locations with more than 95,000 holdings. More than half of all Sevier County residents from all areas of the county have an active library card. This new main library will serve the entire county.

The new library will be 45,000 square feet, built where the King Lumber Company was located at the southeast corner of the intersection of Gary Wade Blvd/High Street and Prince/Railroad Street. It is close to two schools (Sevierville Intermediate and Sevierville Middle School, close to public access and close to other public amenities, including recreation, government services and parks.

BarberMcMurry Architects have designed a new main library that marries a traditional building that fits in with historic Sevierville with a state-of-the art 21st century library inside. TSJ

Local Church Donates 1500 New Bikes to Kids

T he Church at the Gathering in Sevierville is giving 1500 new bikes away to kids in Sevier County!   Local families in need will also get food for Christmas, new clothes and toys!

This amazing giveaway will be accompanied by the largest living nativity in East Tennessee, complete with wise men, angels, sheperds, Joseph & Mary, 3 camels, 3 sheep, a donkey, etc. All in costume, all available from 3pm – 9pm on December 18th –20th. The location of the event will be at The Church at the Gathering on Chapman Highway in Sevierville.

This is by far the largest Christmas giveaway event in Sevier County and probably all of East Tennessee. A colourful and dramatic presentation of the nativity will be set up around your shooting schedule on Tuesday the 18th through Thursday the 20th onsite at the church.

Church members in costume as Wise Men, shepherds and Joseph and Mary will be available to come to studio for live broadcast or taping, and camels, sheep and the entire living nativity will be available to shoot onsite at the Gathering Church on Chapman highway in Sevierville.   Interviews with the Pastor maybe set up as well.

Shoots, directions to the Gathering, interviews with Pastor Gene and cast of the nativity can be arranged through The Gathering Church: Teri Danis (865) 254-8995 cell ONSITE coordinator: Joey Matthews – 865-803-5653. Please call and give two hours warning minimum to have everything waiting for news crew when they arrive. CONTACTS: The Gathering Church: Teri Danis (865) 254-8995 cell ONSITE coordinator: Joey Matthews – 865-803-5653