Shopper Blog: 'Smashing' times at Zoo Knoxville

NORTH KNOXVILLE

'Smashing' times at Zoo Knoxville

Carol Z. Shane, Shopper News

Zoo Knoxville has recently put two spins on the word “smashing.”

On Nov. 4, two of the nationally accredited zoo’s largest inhabitants got some spectacular playtime when African elephants Edie and Tonka were given 2000-pound pumpkins to do with as they wished.

They rolled, they probed, they explored, and eventually … they smashed.

It was all part of a collaborative effort with Dollywood ‒ which features 20,000 pounds of colossal pumpkins every year during its Fall Festival, according to the park’s public relations director Wes Ramey ‒ and the farmers who grow them.

The elephants aren’t the only fans, and the pumpkins aren’t the only things they like ‒ they’re also given squash throughout the year.

“We try to have our animals participate in enrichment that gives them species-specific behaviors,” said Phil Colclough, the zoo’s director of animal care, conservation and education. “They forage, they tear stuff apart to get to the insides of things. Same thing with bears and rhinos.”

And the giant vegetables aren’t just a hit on dry land. “It absolutely blows my mind that a big apex predator like a Cuban crocodile would enjoy a pumpkin,” said Colclough. “That shows you that they all like it.”

The Edwards family of Tazewell, Virginia, grew the pumpkins, which were used first as part of the Dollywood display. The family was thrilled that the discarded pumpkins were put to another use.

“We shouldn’t waste blessings,” said Priscilla Edwards. “We should spread them wherever we can!”

In other “smashing” news, Zoo Knoxville’s president and CEO, Lisa New, was recently named chair of the Association of Zoos and Aquarium’s (AZA) Board of Directors.

Founded in 1924, the AZA is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of animal conservation, well-being, education, science and recreation. It is the accrediting body for the top zoos and aquariums – a leader in species conservation, seeking to ensure a better future for all living things.

“Lisa brings a special authenticity and energy to the position of AZA board chair at a crucial time when we are tackling the biggest challenges facing our community,” said AZA President Dan Ashe. “Her leadership and understanding of the zoological profession will make her an effective chair, and I look forward to working with her to accomplish our collective goals.”

New was named President & CEO of Zoo Knoxville in May 2013. A graduate of the University of Tennessee with a Master of Science in animal behavior, she first joined Zoo Knoxville’s Conservation Science staff.

Under her leadership, a bold, strategic and comprehensive campus plan, marketing and rebranding plan, a $39 million capital campaign, and the largest construction projects in the zoo’s history have been implemented.

Boyd Family Asian Trek and Clayton Family Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Campus have been honored with multiple awards, including recognition of the ARC as one of the top three animal exhibits in the world by the AZA.

Building a destination experience that serves as a catalyst for the revitalization of East Knoxville and is an anchor attraction for the community is a key initiative for New, and her passion is inspiring people to care about wildlife and wild places.

You can follow her journey and stay informed about AZA’s initiatives via New’s blog at https://zooknoxville.org/lisa-new-99th-aza-board-chair/.

SOUTH KNOXVILLE

Chapman Highway Walmart shows off remodeled store

Zach Thomas, Shopper News

The Chapman Highway Walmart celebrated its grand reopening Nov. 3, with new features including a new grab-and-go section for quick meal and drink options, new displays in the corners of departments, and more space within the store.

There are now 26 upgraded self-checkouts stations and 36 parking spots dedicated to online pickup orders.

Additionally, there are new digital touchpoints throughout the store to help showcase the range of products, services, and prices. There are also digital screens integrated into some of the newer clothing sections to showcase new clothing options which include brands such as Reebok, U.S. Polo Assn. and Chaps.

Other new features include an updated customer service area, an enhanced vision center, and a new “dollar shop” section, similar to Target’s “Bullseye’s Playground,” that will have seasonally relevant products available for $5 or less at the front of the entrance of the store.

The South Knoxville location was one of 117 stores nationwide that took part in Walmart’s ambitious store remodel project and was the largest rollout of store grand reopenings in the company's history.

The grand reopening ceremony welcomed customers, Knox County mayor's office and Chamber of Commerce members to showcase the store’s new look and celebrate the staff of more than 300 employees for completing the 14-week remodel.

The ceremony included a ribbon-cutting, presented grants to local community organizations, and had a surprise mascot appearance by Kellogg’s “Tony the Tiger.”

The grand reopening initiative extended to 11 Supercenters throughout Tennessee.

The modernization of these stores is part of Walmart's “Signature Experience” project that aims to provide customers with a “higher-quality” shopping experience.

Store manager Jessica Cecil, who has been in her role at the Chapman Highway location for six months, expressed her gratitude for the remodel and renovations, saying customers have told her the location now "feels a little more like shopping at the mall or a JC Penney."

She also praised her dedicated staff for their support during the remodeling process. “I was very fortunate to be able to get the store manager position at this store in particular because the location is great, and the staff has been excellent, especially though this remodel process,” Cecil said.

This grand reopening effort is part of Walmart’s larger "store of the future" transformation initiative. The company plans to continue modernizing its stores across the country throughout 2024, with the total investment to be roughly more than $9 billion nationwide.

Customers can experience these renovations and new store features at two Knoxville Walmart locations: South Knoxville at 7420 Chapman Highway and East Knoxville at 3051 Kinzel Way.

OPINION

There's no retiring from some jobs

Leslie Snow, Shopper News

I began writing the year Ethan started kindergarten.

Back then, I’d been plagued by a single question. It followed me everywhere. It was what people wanted to know when I was making small talk at a dinner party or chatting with a friend in the cereal aisle at the grocery store.

It seemed like everybody I met was asking the same question. “What are you going to do now that your kids are all in school?”

My first column proposed that every life phase came with a corresponding question.

When you are in high school, everyone wants to know what you’re going to do after you graduate. Then, they want to know about your career interests.

When you have a boyfriend, they ask when you’re getting married.

Once you’re married, people wonder when you’re going to start a family. Years later, you get to the question about how you’ll spend your time when your kids are in school.

Twenty-two years after I wrote that column, I still believe that every life stage comes with a corresponding question. And here I am, fresh off my 60th birthday hike up Mount LeConte, and it seems like everyone is asking, “When are you going to retire?”

I’ve stumbled over my responses. I’ve answered, “In a few years” and “When I’m older.” I’ve replied, “I don’t believe in retirement,” and “I’m way too young.”

But the last time someone asked about my retirement plans, I heard the truth pop out of my mouth. Without giving it much thought, I responded, “I don’t think I have the kind of job people can retire from.”

And it’s the truth. Other than this column, I don’t have the type of job people leave behind to drink pina coladas on the beach. My full-time job is caring for the people around me.

My husband is my priority, but I talk to my children every day and help them carry their worries. I take Buttercup for her daily walk. I happily spend time with my mother and make sure her needs are being met. I pick up my grandchildren from school a couple days a week and do my best to carve out special time with them.

I’ve been helping my mother-in-law, who recently moved here from Chicago, get acclimated to life in Knoxville. I took care of her when she broke her hip and needed surgery. I helped her find a physician and navigate our hospital system.

Plus, we host weekly family brunches and are the hub for every major holiday.

I often say, “I have a very full life,” but what I mean is, “I’m the poster child for the term ‘sandwich generation.’"

I have a full-time job, but it doesn’t come with a 401K plan or other tangible retirement benefits. I don’t get to call in sick or work part time.

My job is my people, and they all still need me. And while it doesn’t make my bank account grow, I’m highly compensated with tight hugs and deep emotional bonds.

Earlier today I called my mother. She sounded tired and maybe a little anxious. When I pressed her, she said she’d been talking to my sisters and worrying about them. She worries about me, too.

I realized then that my 90-year-old mother hasn’t been able to retire from her job either. She’s still providing emotional support for all the people she loves. She’s still carrying their burdens.

So maybe my answer to the retirement questions is “I’ll work until I die. But the benefits are worth it.”

Leslie Snow may be reached at snow column@aol.com.

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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Shopper News brings you the latest happenings in your community