Deputy Dinny McGinley TD in happy mood at the Fine Gael Convention in the Highlands Hotel, Glenties on Sunday evening. Photo Thomas Gallagher 2501TG57

Basketball

o Reynoldsburg will offer a girls basketball camp for players entering grades 1-8 June 18-21 at
its new Summit Campus. Details and registration forms can be found at
http://www.reyn.org/CampInformation.aspx or by contacting assistant coach Mitchell Ewing at
mewing@reyn.org.

Softball

o A USSSA Class E tournament will be held Saturday at Berliner Park. Cost is $99. Entry deadline
is today. For information call 614-986-8547 or 579-8566.

Tennis

o The Jami Wilson Memorial Tournament will be held May 12, 9 am 2 pm at Delaware High
School. Cost is $35 per person. For age groups and further information call Bob Claymier at
740-816-9627 or email bobrustystrings@yahoo.com

Miscellaneous

o The Columbus Fencers Club will offer a beginner course for children ages 11-14 Mondays from
6:45-7:30 pm starting April 30 at 1160 Steelwood Rd. Register at simonian.1@sbcglobal.net.

To have an announcement published, fax information to 614-461-8798 or email
sports@dispatch.com. Announcements will be published once, in Tuesday editions, for events in
Franklin County and its six contiguous counties. Announcements will be edited for space or
content.

Published: April 25, 2012 10:48 am ET

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The Racing Medication and Testing Consortium has announced that its board has named an interim executive director. It also announced that it has received updates on a drug administration study and has made a threshold recommendation.

At its April 23 meeting in Dallas, Texas, the RMTC Board of Directors approved an agreement with The Jockey Club to engage the full-time services of Jamie Haydon as RMTC interim executive director. Haydon will report directly to the RMTC board of directors. He has worked for The Jockey Club as manager of industry initiatives since 2008, and has also previously served as promotions manager for the National Thoroughbred Racing Association and director of incentive and development at the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission.

The RMTC Executive Director Search Committee will continue to seek a candidate to serve as a permanent executive director for the organization.

RMTC board members also heard important updates from the drug testing initiatives and scientific advisory committees. Items presented for discussion included updates on RMTC-funded drug administration studies and the research being conducted under the RMTC-funded post-doctoral program, future research efforts and current threats to racing integrity including clenbuterol.

University of California-Davis Kenneth L. Maddy Laboratory director Dr. Scott Stanley informed the board that a research study on the effects of the FDA-approved bronchodilator clenbuterol on muscle development and long-term elimination is currently in process at that laboratory. Results are expected in approximately 60 days.

The RMTC board has scheduled a conference call following the results of Dr. Stanley’s work. Among the items to be discussed are potential applications of this important scientific research in horse racing.

“The RMTC recognizes that there is an issue with the abuse of clenbuterol as a substitute for anabolic steroids,” said RMTC Chairman Dr. Bobby Lewis. “The use of illegally compounded clenbuterol and substances which mimic clenbuterol is also a serious concern. Many of these substances are manufactured illegally and pose a significant threat to the health and safety of the horse.”

A resolution was approved by the RMTC board emphasizing that illegally compounded products mimicking clenbuterol should not be present in a racing environment. The Ventipulmin brand of clenbuterol is the only form of clenbuterol that has been approved for use in the horse by the FDA. Any other form of clenbuterol should be considered contraband by racing jurisdictions.

RMTC Research Consultant Dr. Rick Sams provided an update on ongoing administration and threshold level research for several therapeutic medications including the most commonly prescribed corticosteroids. Acting upon a recommendation of the Scientific Advisory Committee, the RMTC board approved a threshold level of 20 nanograms/mL in plasma or serum for the medication firocoxib (Equioxx®). A 14-day withdrawal period prior to racing is recommended.

Dr. Sams also reported to board members on ongoing collaboration efforts with the European Horseracing Scientific Liaison Committee (EHSLC), and provided results of administration studies on an additional 11 therapeutic medications. Formal Scientific Advisory Committee recommendations for threshold levels and withdrawal times are due shortly, and the board anticipates receiving their recommendations and taking action accordingly at its July meeting. At that time, board members will also discuss any additional matters that develop in the interim.

(RMTC)

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS/COMMUNITY CALENDAR/ONGOING EVENTS/

Published: April 25, 2012

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

Creswell Christian School and Child Care Center Annual Benefit Auction

Creswell Christian School and Child Care Center will hold its Sixth Annual Benefit Auction at 6 pm on Friday, Apr. 27 at Riverside Church in Cottage Grove. All proceeds are used for school operating costs and scholarships. Dinner will be catered by Big Stuff BBQ. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 541-895-4622 or 541-895-5314.

Spaghetti Dinner Karaoke

The Blaze N Starz Drill Team will hold a Spaghetti Dinner Karaoke fundraiser from 6 to 10 pm on Saturday, Apr. 28 at the Creswell Grange. Suggested donations are $5 per adult/$3 per child.

OMTA Spring Theme Music Festival

Four local piano students of Mary Ellen Yost will be among 55 Lane County students to perform during the OMTA Spring Theme Music Festival on Sunday, Apr. 29 at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 777 Coburg Road, Eugene. The festival features Music of the Americas and is free and open to the public. Concerts are at 1 pm, 2 pm, 3 pm and 4 pm, with all Creswell students performing in the 1 pm concert. Representing Creswell and Yost Music Studio will be Sadie van Rossem, Maddie White, Kate Culp and Olivia Powell.

Creswell Cars and Coffee

Creswell Cars and Coffee will be held from 7:30 to 9 am on Saturday, May 5 in the Bi-Mart parking lot near the Creswell Coffee Company. Join car enthusiasts for a casual get-together to chat, drink coffee and check out some of the great cars from our local area.

CHS Boosters Athletic Benefit Dinner and Auction

The eighth annual CHS Boosters Athletic Benefit Dinner and Auction will be held at 5 pm on Saturday, May 5 at the Emerald Valley Golf and Resort. The cost is $25 per person. To purchase tickets, contact Lisa Apo at 541-895-5033.

Creswell Community-wide Yard Sale

It is that time of year again for cleaning out closets, attics, garages and sheds in the Creswell area. The annual Community-wide Yard Sale will be held on Friday and Saturday, May 11 and 12, in the Creswell area. Over 100 sales were listed during last years event. Maps with dates and locations will be placed throughout the city beginning Friday morning. Please plan on joining our community for two days of fun-filled treasure shopping and special activities throughout the day.

This community event is sponsored by SOFCU, an affiliate of First Community Credit Union; the Friends of the Creswell Library; the City of Creswell; and the Creswell Chamber of Commerce. For more information, please contact Dana at 541-895-3061. Watch for sign-up instructions in your City of Creswell April newsletter, or contact the Creswell Chamber of Commerce at 541-895-4398.

VFW Community Market and Yard Sales

Weekly VFW Community Market and yard sales begin on Saturday, May 12 at the VFW Hall on 10th Street. The weekly market runs from 9 am to 5 pm on Saturdays and will include vendors, household, yard stuff and other items. Members of the public can also set up a yard sale or crafts table for a small fee.

PeaceHealth will provide pediatric medical services for uninsured youth at Creswell Middle School on Thursday, May 3 and at Bohemia Elementary School on Thursday, May 17. Appointments for youths from birth through age 18 start at 8:30 am Call 541-942-6614 for appointments.

CHS Athletic Hall of Fame

Tickets are on sale now for the first annual Creswell High School Athletic Hall of Fame Ceremony, which will be held on Saturday, May 19 in the CHS commons. A dessert social starts at 7 pm, followed by the induction ceremony at 8 pm Don Essig, The Voice of the Ducks, will be the guest speaker. Tickets are $10 and may be purchased at CHS or at the Rocket In. You may also call 541-915-6975. For more information, call that number or 541-895-6059. Members of the inaugural CHS Athletic Hall of Fame induction class are Denny Ellis, Mark Few, Mike Garboden, Luke Jackson, Greg Menegat, Heather Davis Peterson and Harland Towne.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Creswell Library Programs and Events

Please see page _ for a full listing of Creswell Library events.

FRIDAY, Apr. 27

Creswell Christian School and Child Care Center will hold its Sixth Annual Benefit Auction at 6 pm on Friday, Apr. 27 at Riverside Church in Cottage Grove.

SATURDAY, Apr. 28

The Blaze N Starz Drill Team will have a Spaghetti Dinner Karaoke fundraiser on Saturday, Apr. 28, from 6 to 10 pm at Creswell Grange.

SUNDAY, Apr. 29

Four local piano students of Mary Ellen Yost will be among 55 Lane County students to perform during the OMTA Spring Theme Music Festival at 1 pm on Sunday, Apr. 29.

TUESDAY, May 1

The Tuesday Night Friendship Dinner will be held at 5 pm at the Creswell Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall. There is no charge for dinner, music and fellowship.

THURSDAY, May 3

PeaceHealth will provide pediatric medical services for uninsured youth at Creslane Elementary School on Thursday, May 3.

ONGOING EVENTS

Creswell Grange meets at 7:30 pm on the second Monday of every month at 274 West Oregon Ave. Contact Gary Prichard at (541) 747-2053 for more information.

Kiwanis Club of Creswell meets at noon on Wednesdays at Emerald Valley Golf Course Restaurant.

Creswell Lions Club meets at 6:30 pm on the first and third Mondays of the month in the Creswell Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall.

Community Food for Creswell offers a once-a-month emergency food box for income-eligible households to pick up from 3 to 5:30 pm on any Thursday of the month. Bring proof of address and an empty box to collect a three- to five-day supply of food. The food pantry is located at the south end of the VFW building, 111 S. 10th Street, just off W. Oregon Avenue. For information about eligibility contact Jenny at 541-729-4793 or jennycarmichael@centurytel.net

The Clothes Room, which offers clothing for children and adults at no cost, is open from 9 am to noon Mondays, or by appointment (541-228-02130) at Creswell Christian Center, 635 Holbrook Lane., Creswell. For emergency clothing assistance, call 541-228-2130.

Seniors 60 and older are invited to attend the Senior Meals Program in Creswell from noon to 1 pm at Cresview Villa, 350 S. 2nd St., on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. There is no charge for the meal, but donations are appreciated. Call 541-895-2338 for information.

The Healthy Youth Clinic provides medical services for South Lane area uninsured youth through age 18 with clinics on two Mondays a month, alternating among the Creswell Clinic, South Lane Clinic and Cottage Grove High School. To schedule appointments, call 541-942-6614.

Tuesday Night Friendship Dinners are held at 5 pm on Tuesdays at the Creswell Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall. There is no charge for dinner, music and fellowship.

Family Relief Nursery of Cottage Grove now has regular hours in Creswell. Caseworkers will be at Creswell Community Center, 99 South 1st Street, from 10 am to 2 pm on Tuesdays. This time will be used to provide Creswell families access to outreach services, parent meetings, support groups, crisis respite and intensive parent training. For more information or to schedule an appointment please call (541) 942-7359.

Womenspace now has regular hours in Creswell. Caseworkers will be at Creswell Community Center, 99 South 1st Street, from 10 am to 6 pm on Wednesdays. A Spanish-speaking caseworker will be available from 10 am to 2 pm and an English-speaking caseworker will be available from 2 pm to 6 pm

Womenspace helps people who are in difficult and abusive situations, empowering adults and children who are victims of domestic violence. Services include access to support groups, transitional programs, community education and more. For more information or to schedule an appointment please call (541) 485-8232.

Community Sharing Program is now holding regular hours in Creswell. A bilingual caseworker (Spanish and English) will be at the Creswell Community Center, 99 South 1st Street, from 11:30 am to 3 pm on Thursdays.

Community Sharing is the basic needs safety net for South Lane County. Income eligible families and individuals can access a variety of services including utility assistance, prescription assistance, housing assistance, as well as service and product vouchers. For more information or to schedule an appointment please call (541) 942-2176.

Centro Latino Americano is now holding regular hours in Creswell. A caseworker will be at the Creswell Community Center, 99 South 1st Street, from 9 am to 1 pm on Fridays. Centro Latino Americano is a bilingual, multicultural agency dedicated to the empowerment of the Latino community in Lane County. A wide range of services can be accessed through this agency including assistance with resumes, job searches, SNAP application, Healthy Kids application and much more. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (541) 687-2667.

Community Sharing Program provides basic needs assistance from 11:30 am to 3 pm on Thursdays in the Community Center. Call 541-942-2176 to schedule an appointment.

Need a ride to shop at Creswell stores on Wednesday afternoons? Call South Lane Wheels at 541-942-0456 (Dispatch, Ext. 1) to schedule a free ride to any Creswell store. The service, sponsored by Kiwanis Club of Creswell, is available to Creswell residents of all ages. If you need assistance, the driver will carry packages. Seats are limited, so call at least one day in advance to reserve your spot.

Creswell VFW Post #4039 is accepting damaged United States flags from businesses and private parties for proper disposal according to tradition. Flags can be brought to the Post at 111 S. 10th St. from 6 to 8 pm, Monday through Friday.

Creswell Farmers Market has moved indoors for the winter months. The year-round market is open from 4 to 6 pm on Tuesdays inside Heidi Tunnell Catering on the northeast corner of S. 2nd and D Streets.

The Cottage Grove Public Library, 700 E. Gibbs in Cottage Grove, hosts Reading with Rover at 6:30 pm on the first and third Mondays of each month. The goal of this program is to create a positive, non-threatening and fun environment for young readers. If you have a registered therapy dog and are interested in participating, please email us at info@humanesocietycg.org

Lane County Waste Management Divisions Creswell transfer site is open from 8 am to 5 pm, Wednesday through Saturday.

Creswell TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) #OR 1020, a weight loss support group, meets Thursdays at the Creswell Grange, 295 W. Oregon Ave. in Creswell. Weigh-in at 5:30 pm; meeting at 6 pm For information, call Sharon at 541-895-8759.

The Creswell Historical Museum will be open Saturdays from 10 am to 4 pm Creswell Area Historical Societys board of directors meets at 4:30 pm on the second Thursday of the month at the museum.

Creswell Chamber of Commerces office is located in the Creswell Conference Center at 285 E. Oregon Ave. Their telephone number is 541-895-4398; their email address is creswellcc@centurylink.net. Winter office hours are weekdays from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm, October through April.

Creswell Librarys hours are:

Monday – noon to 6 pm

Tuesday – 10 am to 7 pm

Wednesday – 10 am to 7 pm

Thursday – 10 am to 7 pm

Friday – noon to 6 pm

Saturday – 10 am to 4 pm

Board Announcements at William Tracey Group

Recycling and resource management business, William Tracey Group, is delighted to announce that the current Finance Director, Jane Stewart will be taking up a newly created position on the William Tracey Group Board as Strategic Development Director with immediate effect.

Posted via Industry Today. Are you into it? Follow us on Twitter @IndustryToday

Jane has had responsibility for the finance and IT functions as well as mergers, acquisitions and strategic alliances since joining the Group as Finance Director in April 2005. The Group has gone through significant change during this time. Irish investment company, DCC plc, has become a significant shareholding partner and the William Tracey Group has continued to expand their services and locations through six acquisitions and two strategic alliances. Jane has played an instrumental role in leading, delivering and integrating such transactions and together with her finance team, has achieved considerable progress since 2005.

Creating the new dedicated role of Strategic Development Director will see Jane dedicate her time to working with Managing Director, Michael Tracey, and the divisional MDs, as we prioritise and accelerate strategic projects to deliver innovative solutions for the Groups customers including developing the businesses Energy from Waste strategy, taking advantage of new technologies as well as developing strategic alliances and pursuing mergers and acquisitions to expand the businesses services and locations where appropriate.

In order to continue to evolve the William Tracey Groups operational systems and procedures and drive efficiency throughout the business, the William Tracey Group is delighted that Bill Power, who had been working with the Group as interim Head of Finance, has accepted a permanent position as Finance Director. Bill is a Chartered Accountant with over 20 years international experience in senior finance and general management roles within multi-national, publicly quoted manufacturing and environmental services companies. Bills focus shall be on taking the Finance and wider support functions through the next phase of evolution to continue to develop efficiencies and deliver commercial financial support to the business whilst ensuring appropriate risk management and compliance.

The William Tracey Group would like to wish both Jane and Bill the best of luck in their new positions.

Funeral Announcements: April 26

Death notices and funeral announcements for Thursday, April 26. Click on the names of the deceased to be taken to their full obituaries posted on the funeral homes websites.

FESTIVALS

Fiesta del Cinco de Mayo: 3-10 pm Saturday, May 5, Market Square. Mexican-themed concert, childrens activities, food, pinatas, hair braiding, games, etc.

HoLa Hora Latina: Call to Hispanic artists, performers, farmers, etc. for HoLa Festival, Oct. 6. Info: 865-335-3358 or email holahoralatina@yahoo.com.

Townsend Spring Festival: Friday-Saturday, May 4-5, Townsend Visitors Center, 7906 E. Lamar Alexander Parkway, Townsend. Info: www.SmokyMountains.org or 800-525-6834.

Roan Mountain Spring Naturalists Rally: Friday-Sunday, May 4-6, 124 Sugar Hollow Ridge Road. Info: www.friendsofroanmtn.org or 423-543-5808.

MUSIC

Cumberland Wind Quintet: 8 pm Saturday, May 5, Oak Ridge Associated Universities Pollard Auditorium, 210 Badger Ave. Tickets: $12-$25. Info: 865-483-5569 or www.orcma.org

Bryan Ashley: Organ concert in honor of Dr. James Bloy, 2 pm Saturday, May 5, Clayton Center for the Arts, 502 E. Lamar Alexander Parkway, Maryville. Tickets: $15. Info: 865-981-8590.

Alive After Five: Carib Sounds Steel Band, 6-8:30 pm Friday, May 4, Knoxville Museum of Art, 1050 Worlds Fair Park Drive. Cost: $5-$9. Info: www.knoxart.org or 865-934-2039.

FILM

Silents, Please: Tennessee Archive of Moving Image and Sound, 7-9 pm Friday, May 4, East Tennessee History Center, 601 S. Gay St. Silent films including Clarence Browns The Goose Woman. Pianist Steve Radford will accompany. Free.

Bolt: Family movie, 8 pm Saturday, May 5, Hardin Valley Animal Hospital, Backyard, 10017 Hardin Valley Road. Free. Snacks available or bring your own; plus chairs or blanket, flashlight. Pet social hour (well-behaved and leashed), 7-8 pm Info: 865-539-6811 or www.hvah.com.

THEATER

Pardon Me For Living; A biting comedy: Flying Anvil Theatre, 7:30 pm Saturday with gala, East Tennessee Historical Society or 2 pm Sunday (at Knoxville Museum of Art), May 5-6. Tickets: $22-$35. Info: 865-523-7521 or www.KnoxTIX.com.

Maggies Story: Knoxville Christian Arts Ministries, 6 pm Sunday, May 6, Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church, 9132 Kingston Pike. Free. Info: 865-291-5218.

ART/EXHIBITS

Dogwood Arts Studio Detours: Open studio tour, sale, 10 am-5 pm today, Highland Pottery, 9193 Hemingway Grove. Demos by Robbie Gentry, Lisa Kurtz, Roger Luebke, Lynnda Tenpenny. Free. Info: www.DogwoodArts.com.

Streetwise-Masters of 60s Photography: Preview party, 5:30-7:30 pm Thursday, May 3, Knoxville Museum of Art, 1050 Worlds Fair Park Drive. Gallery talk, cash bar. www.knoxart.org.

TP Dunn and Carol Pritcher: Drawings and woven rugs, May 1-27, Art Market Gallery, 422 S. Gay St. Reception, 5:30 -9 pm Friday, May 4. Info: 865-525-5265 or www.artmarketgallery.net.

Spring Show: Knoxville Watercolor Society, May 4-June 1, Fountain City Art Center, 213 Hotel Ave. Reception, 6:30-8 pm Friday, May 4. Info: 865-357-2787.

17th Street Studios: Amalgam exhibition by 12 artists, 7-11 pm Friday, May 4, Fluorescent Gallery, 2nd Floor, 627 N. Central St. Free. http://17thstreetstudios.gutensite.com.

Spring Art Show: Art Guild of Tellico Village, 10 am-4 pm Saturday and 8 am-2 pm Sunday, May 5-6, Tellico Village Community Church, 130 Chota Center, Loudon. Reception with live music, 7-9 pm Friday, May 4.

People, Places and Things: Ali Douglass, May 1-30, Magpies Bakery, Small Hall Gallery, 846 N. Central St. Reception, 5-7 pm Friday, May 4. Info: 865-673-0471.

Graphix Dsgn Senior Show: University of Tennessee School of Art, 6-9 pm Friday, May 11, Remedy Coffee, 125 W. Jackson Ave. Info: http://art.utk.edu/graphic_design.

Fractured Fairy Tales/Fairy Tales with a Twist: A1LabArts members show/reception, 6-10 pm Friday, May 4, Center for Creative Minds, 23 Emory Place. Info: 865-604-5691.

BOOKS/WRITERS

Young Authors Conference: 8 am-noon, Saturday, May 5, Mountain View School, 145 County Road, Etowah, Tenn. Cost: $5. Info: Etowah Arts Commission, 423-263-7608 or www.etowaharts.org or email nicolor@k12tn.net.

Knoxville Writers Guild: Book launch; Adam Prince and Charlotte Pence will read from The Beautiful Wishes of Ugly Men and The Branches, The Axe, The Missing, 7 pm Thursday, May 3, Laurel Theater, 1538 Laurel Ave. Donation, $2. Info: www.knoxvillewritersguild.org.

Friends of the Library used book sale: 10 am-6 pm Wednesday (members only; join at door)-Thursday; 10 am-4 pm Friday and 10 am-2 pm Saturday, May 2-5, Clinton Public Library, 118 S. Hicks St., Clinton. Books cost $0.50-$1. Info: 865-463-7167.

Dr. Lin and JL Stepp: Delias Place book launch and open house with bluegrass, 1-4 pm Saturday, May 5, Ramsey House Plantation, Event House, 2614 Thorngrove Pike. Bring snack, dessert or hors doeuvres. Info: www.ramseyhouse.com or 865-693-7468.

Union Ave Books: Miss Kittys Bodacious (vintage cowboy) Boots, 5 pm Friday; Katy Koontz will sign Family Fun in the Smokies, noon; Humans and Animals Learning Together (HALT) adoption event, 1-4 pm; Michael Lee West will sign A Teeny Bit of Trouble, 6 pm Saturday; and Jim Johnston will discuss The Price of Peace: A Novel of Ireland, 2 pm Sunday, May 4-6, 517 Union Ave.

Claudia Emerson: Pulitzer Prize winner will read poetry during lecture, 7 pm Monday, April 30, Fayerweather Hall, Lawson Auditorium, Maryville College. Free. 865-273-8884.

CLASSES/WORKSHOPS

Quantum Self-Discovery Series: Self-awareness and goal realization class, 7-9 pm Sunday, May 6, Rhama Center of Healing Arts, 9237 Middlebrook Pike. Ages 16 and up. Cost: $40. Info: 865-456-4271 or www.quantumselfdiscovery.com.

Knoxville Writers Guild: Writing traumatic events; workshop by Bethany White, 10 am-noon, Saturday, May 5, Church of the Savior, Stone House, 934 N. Weisgarber Road. Cost: $25-$30. Register: www.knoxvillewritersguild.org or mail: KWG Workshops, Box 10326, Knoxville, TN 37939-0326. 865-809-8723.

New plant varieties/proven winners: Seminar by Maria Bolinger, Saturday, May 5, Stanleys Greenhouses and Plant Farm, 3029 Davenport Road. Free. 865-573-9591.

Proper pruning: Blount County Master Gardeners class by Mark Sharp, 6 pm Tuesday, May 1, Blount County Farm Bureau, 324 Ellis Ave., Maryville. Free. Register: 865-980-2162.

LECTURES/DISCUSSION

Dr. J. Anderson Andy Thomson: How the human mind is programmed to believe in gods and other supernatural beings, 2-4 pm Sunday, May 6, Pellissippi State Community College, Goins Auditorium, 10915 Hardin Valley Road. Info: Rationalists of East Tennessee, 865-544-8738 or www.rationalists.org.

HEALTH

New Beginnings — Its a New Life: For anyone with any disability. 1-3:30 pm Tuesdays, May 1 and 8 and Thursday, May 3, disAbility Resource Center, 900 E. Hill Ave., Suite 120. Speaker: Katherine Moore. Topics: Confronting your disability; fear and anger; emotional and physical responses; Your disability does not define you; building a support system; what lies ahead; You are still in control; setting goals and dreams. Free. Register: 865-637-3666.

Listening Hearts gathering for bereaved mothers: 10 am-noon, Saturday, May 5, Hillcrest Baptist Church, 410 S. Liberty Hill Road, Morristown. 865-679-1351.

Complementary Health Education Organization of Greater Knoxville: 7-9 pm Monday, May 7, classrooms, Parkwest Medical Center. Diane Minch with Gluten Sensitive? Come Take the Test and Learn More about this Issue! Info: 423-884-6031; http://CHEOknox.org.

MISC.

This and That Sale: 9 am-3 pm Wednesday, May 2, OConnor Senior Center, Auditorium, 611 Winona St. Info: 865-523-1135.

Bob Watt Youth Fishing Rodeo:9 am-11 am Saturday, May 5, Anchor Park, 11730 Turkey Creek Road. For children ages 13 and under. Bring pole. Bait and a limited number of poles provided (first come/first served). Free. Info: 865-966-2420 or www.townoffarragut.org.

Knox County Public Defenders Community Law Office: Passport to the World summer camp, 2-4 pm Tuesdays and Thursdays, July 3-26. For children in grades 3-8. Free. Info: Suzanne Petty, 865-594-6120.

Plant/rummage sale: 8 am-3 pm Saturday, May 5, Heiskell Community Center/Heiskell United Methodist Church, 9420 Heiskell Road, Heiskell. Breakfast/lunch available. Info: 865-591-5548.

Career Coach: Help for job-seekers, 10 am-5 pm Saturday, May 5, Blount County Public Library, 508 N. Cusick St., Parking Lot, Maryville.

Antique Appraisal Fair: Hosted by East Tennessee PBS, 9 am-4 pm Saturday, May 5, Cherokee Mills, Sutherland Avenue. Cost: $5 per item. Info: 865-595-0222.

Oak Ridge Folk Dancers: Maypole Dance, 7-8 pm followed by international folk dancing, Wednesday, May 2, Claxton Community Center, Edgemoor Road. Info: 865-470-9536 or www.discoveret.org/orfd.

Rabies clinics: May 3-15, various locations, Sevier County. Cost: $10. Info: Sevier County Health Department, 865-637-6853.

CLUBS

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Alumnae chapter: Anniversary, noon, Saturday, June 9, Crowne Plaza, 401 Summit Hill Drive. Wear red. Cost: $35 by May 12. Info: 865-522-1944.

Monroe County Historical Society: Cemeteries and Burial Customs in East Tennessee by Larry Smothers, 7 pm Thursday, May 3, Fort Loudoun State Historic Area Visitor Center, Vonore. Info: email monroecountyhistory@gmail.com or 423-884-6217.

National Society of Magna Charta: East Tennessee chapter meeting, noon, Thursday, May 3, Gettysvue Country Club, 9317 Linksvue Drive. Info: 865-933-7547.

Friendship Force: Chris Bohwer tells of his trek in Nepal, 6:30 pm Tuesday, May 1, Erin Presbyterian Church, 200 Lockett Road. Info: 865-693-0322

GFWC Ossoli Circle: Coffee, 9:45 am Monday, April 30, Ossoli Clubhouse, 2511 Kingston Pike. The Kids on the Block Talk About Life and Protective Conservation.

Tennessee Firearms Association: State Senator Doug Overbey, 7 pm Tuesday, May 1, Gondolier Restaurant (near Lowes), Chapman Highway. Dinner, 6.

Orion Astronomy Club: University of Tennessee Professor Mark Littmann with Astronomy for the Theater, 7 pm Wednesday, May 2, Grove Theater, 123 Randolph Road, Oak Ridge. Info: http://orionastronomy.wordpress.com.

GARDEN CLUBS

East Tennessee Iris Society: Iris show and sale, 10 am-2 pm Saturday, May 5, Knoxville Center, 3001 Knoxville Center Drive. Free.

Cherokee Garden Club: Covered dish picnic and tour by Scott Morrell, 10 am Friday, May 4, Red House Flower Farm, Rutledge Pike, Blaine. Info: 865-522-3661.

Tennessee Rose Society: Monthly workshop, 6 pm and tour UT Gardens at 7, Thursday, May 3, UT Agriculture Campus, S. Greenhouse, Jacob Drive. Info: 865-691-1704.

Garden Conservancy: Open Days tour of area gardens, 10 am-4 pm Saturday, May 5,from Knoxville Botanical Garden, 2743 Wimpole Ave. Cost: $5 per garden. Children, free. Info: 888-842-2442.

AARP DRIVER SAFETY

Class info: Carolyn Rambo, 865-584-9964.

Sequoyah Hills Presbyterian Church: 9 am-5 pm Tuesday, May 1, 3700 Keowee Ave.

Blount Memorial Health Center: 8 am-5 pm Thursday, May 3, 230 Associates Blvd., Alcoa

Strawberry Plains Senior Center: 9 am-1 pm Monday-Tuesday, May 14-15, 3104 Old AJ Highway, Strawberry Plains

Church Street United Methodist Church: 9 am-5 pm Tuesday, May 15, 900 Henley St.

Beaver Ridge United Methodist Church: 9 am-5 pm Tuesday-Wednesday, May 15-16, 7753 Oak Ridge Highway.

OConner Center: Noon-4 pm Wednesday-Thursday, May 16-17, 611 Winona St.

Farragut Town Hall: 9 am-5 pm Thursday-Friday, May 17-18, 11408 Municipal Drive.

Halls Senior Center: Noon-4 pm Thursday-Friday, May 17-18, 4200 Crippen Road.

Everett Senior Center: 9 am-1 pm Thursday-Friday, May 24-25, 702 Burchfield St., Maryville

Eagle Scout Jacob Green, left, instructs students on how to build planting boxes for the Sierra Vista Elementary School garden. / Submitted to the RGJ

Mixed quarterly corporate announcements released on Thursday resulted in some big winners and some big losers on the FTSE 100, which pulled the markets in both directions throughout the trading day.

FTSE 100 Winners
Whitbread (WTB) made the biggest strides forward, with shares rising by just over 6%, after the hotel and coffee chain operator reported solid full-year earnings results. The company announced it was hiking its dividend by 15% after achieving double-digit sales and profit growth. Standout performance came from Whitbreads Costa coffee chain, which grew total sales by 27.5%.

Our focus on building strong brands and meeting the needs of our customers has enabled us to perform well in tough market conditions giving us the confidence to continue to expand in line with our ambitious growth plans, said Whitbreads chairman, Anthony Habgood.

Oil and gas giant Royal Dutch Shell (RDSB) saw its shares rally by 3.5% after reporting robust first-quarter results.

[The] results came in ahead of our expectations, and at first glance appear to be pretty strong, said Morningstar analyst Stephen Simko in his latest research report. The primary reason for the company beating our projections appears to be higher oil price realizations as well as increasing profits from integrated gas projects.

Shares in Unilever (ULVR) also got a 2.7% boost after the consumer goods company announced better-than-expected results. In rather predictable fashion, the company experienced solid sales in emerging markets, but slower sales growth in developed markets.

The dichotomy between faster-growing emerging markets and more sluggish developed markets was once again evident in Unileversfirst-quarter trading update, explained Morningstar analyst Erin Lash in her latest research report. Emerging markets posted 11.9% underlying sales growth … while developed markets grew just 4.2% … While we intend to update our model to incorporate recent results, we dont expect to materially change our fair value estimate, which remains in place. At 14 times our fiscal 2012 earnings per share forecast, Unilevers shares appear fairly valued at current market prices.

FTSE 100 Losers
On the other end of the spectrum, shares in AstraZeneca (AZN) plunged by just over 6% on Thursday. The shares took a dive after the drug maker announced its CEO would be stepping down and the company reported a steep drop in quarterly profits.

AstraZeneca reported weak first-quarter results that fell below our projections, explained Morningstar analyst Damien Conover. Further, in tandem with the earnings release, CEO David Brennan abruptly announced his retirement. While the company searches for a permanent replacement for Brennan, CFO Simon Lowth will act as interim CEO. The quick departure of Brennan combined with the poor quarterly results leads us to believe most of the companys long-term guidance is at risk. In particular, we believe the company may have a hard time in achieving the low end of its 2014 sales target of $28 billion.

After a generally bumpy day in trading which was heavily influenced by these key risers and fallers, the FTSE 100 gained 30 points, or 0.52%, to close at 5,749. The FTSE 250 added 27 points, or 0.24%, to close at 11,361.

Meanwhile, part of the reason behind the end-of-day market surge came from economic data out of the US. We did manage to end the day with some positive news with US pending home sales in March reaching a 23 month high, indicating a strong rebound in housing market activity and boosting risk appetite going into the market close, said Fiona Cinotta, market analyst at City Index.

The Federal Reserves Federal Open Market Committee concludes a two day meeting. Heres whats happening:

• FOMC releases a monetary policy decision at 12:30 PM ET (analysts predict it will hold its federal funds target steady at 0.25 percent).

• The Fed publishes committee members economic and monetary policy projections at 2:00 PM ET (mixed expectations).

• Lastly, Chairman Ben Bernanke gives a press conference at 2:15 PM ET on the Feds monetary policy and economic outlook (no more quantitative easing is likely to be announced…yet).

Of particular interest are Fed members projections about when future rate cuts will be necessary.Last time the committee published projections in January, a majority of committee members agreed that policy firming should happen in 2014, but positive economic data in the last few months and the threat of rising gas prices may have altered these projections.

This was the chart published back in January: