#TastyThursday - Blount County Courthouse/Jailhouse & IJAMS Nature Park

Hey y'all! We started this tasty Thursday early with a tour of the Blount County Jailhouse led by Sheriff Dudley. Though it isn't maximum security, it conducted itself like one; for example, the only entertainment that inmates are allowed are a pair of headphones that they must purchase themselves and the last time they went outside was November. The jailhouse was built to house about 350 inmates, but it currently holds about 500, of which 90 are women. This experience was a first for most of us; we were uncomfortable about some of the inmates staring at us, especially knowing what some of them are charged with.

After our tour, we sat in on a domestic violence docket presided over by Judge Headrick, who is very passionate about his work and very stern with defendants. We watched several cases involving restraining orders and crimes related to domestic violence, such as theft and drug abuse. It was interesting to see the diversity of the people who experience domestic violence, both as perpetrators and victims. Afterwards, we were able to speak with Judge Headrick about the cases we had seen and ask him questions. The most interesting thing that we learned from asking him questions is that he often sees the same people come into his courtroom multiple times. While he was talking with us, Judge Headrick was very friendly and funny, which contrasted with his working demeanor.

Team Knoxville posing with Judge Headrick in his courtroom. Fun fact: he does NOT like the Internet!

Next, we visited the IJAMS (eye-ams) Nature Park, where we went on the River Boardwalk. We saw many dogs (Jill was very excited about them) and a lot of beautiful scenery, including wonderful views of the Tennessee River. It also gave us a small preview of what we will be doing tomorrow at the Smoky Mountains. About half of us enjoyed the hills that we climbed, the other half reacted less favorably.

Emilio and Megan standing at the entrance of IJAMS.

Our team climbing up a steep set of rocky stairs.

Post mini-hike pic.

The mini-hike increased our appetites, so when we got back to the Concord United Methodist Church we all had some snacks. 

Trisha and Jill enjoying some tasty ice-cream cones.

We are excited to revisit the University of Tennessee tomorrow to experience their Bystander Intervention Workshop, as well as our celebration dinner.

Sincerely,

Billy & Caitlin