Lessons learned from Al Hudson’s desk

David Reeves had no idea the elderly gentleman who approached him at an East Tennessee Woodworker’s Guild meeting three years ago was going to change his life. But, that’s exactly what happened.

Reeves had quit his job with the postal service 12 years ago to embark on what he calls “an adventure.” He bought what is now Classic Furniture Restorations in Oak Ridge and didn’t look back.

The old man who came up to him at the guild meeting turned out to be noted woodworker Al Hudson, who was then 88 years old.

“I’ve got a small project I’m working on,” Al said. “I wonder if you could consult with me and help me finish it.”

Hudson’s “small project” turned out to be what Reeves calls “a most magnificent piece of work.” Hudson was building a reproduction of an 18th century Salem secretary based on a photograph he’d seen in a magazine. An engineer by trade, Hudson created the plans himself.

“How should I finish it?” Hudson asked.

“The only thing it needs is a French polishing technique,” Reeves answered.

Hudson said he couldn’t do it, he’d had surgery, the technique required a steady hand.

“I’m going to do it for you.”

And for the next two months, Reeves told the North Knox Rotary Club last week, he had “the greatest time of my life.”

Reeves says Al Hudson is one remarkable guy. He’s got a bit of palsy, but when he puts a chisel in his hand and goes to work, the shaking stops.

From Hudson, Reeves learned that one is never too old to accomplish great things. He learned, too, that achieving excellence takes time and practice.

Watching Hudson explain his craft to youngsters, Reeves learned that if you give yourself to others, it will be repaid ten-fold. He learned that passion is contagious. He tells young people who say they hate their job to discover their passion and get busy doing it. Don’t worry about the money. It will come.

From Hudson, Reeves learned to enjoy life as a passionate gift. And from him he learned that sharp tools make all the difference – and a sharp mind is the key to success.

After he finished the French polishing technique, Reeves asked Hudson to come to his shop. He uncovered the secretary and began turning on lights. The bee’s wing mahogany began to dart and shine. It was almost as if, Reeves said later, the desk had come alive.

Hudson began to dance. His greatest project was a reality.

“We did it!” he said. “We did it!”

Reeves will never forget the excitement splashed across Hudson’s face.

“But Al,” he said. “You have two daughters. Which one is going to get this?”

“I really don’t care. But I’m not making another one!”

Bratton, Trainor make their cases

Robert Bratton and Pam Trainor made their cases last Tuesday night as to why 9th District voters should send them to the school board for the next four years. Both appeared with 7th District candidates Kim Sepesi and Bill Warwick at a forum sponsored by the United Way of Greater Knoxville and the League of Women Voters at Fulton High School.

Bratton, the incumbent, says the biggest challenge facing Knox County Schools is making sure all 3rd graders are on grade level in reading, spelling and math. Trainor, a 20-year business owner and current president of the Knox County Council PTA, says she “has seen a lot of budgets” and would bring some “business sense” to the school board.

Bratton is completing his second term on the school board. A South Knox native, he also served for two terms on County Commission. Trainor is a 14-year volunteer with the Knox County school system. She has served on the board of Project Grad and as the district advisory rep for Title I. Both have children who attend schools in the 9th District.

Asked whether a problem exists with teacher tenure and seniority laws, Bratton says the laws do not need to be changed. Trainor said it is a tricky situation and that without tenure in place, “you run into popularity contests between administrators and teachers.”

Trainor says that the federal Race to the Top monies Tennessee has received “make us a contender. It shows that our state is willing to raise the ribbon and expects our students to meet those standards.”

Bratton says that it is important to remind the public that “just because test scores may dip slightly” (following the implementation of more rigorous academic requirements adopted by the state earlier this year), “that doesn’t mean it’s bad long term for public education.”

Both say that parental engagement is essential for schools to see real improvement.

Asked why parents choose to homeschool their children, Bratton says they do so for three reasons: some don’t think Knox County Schools does a good job; some are parents of students who have not been well served; some are parents who can’t afford private schools and want to give their children a faith-based education. Trainor says that when somebody asks her why she didn’t homeschool her children she said, “I did … I just made the school my home.”

Both say that the best way to be sure all children are on grade-level by 3rd grade would be through a strong pre-K program.

Responding to a question, Bratton said that allowing school foundations to fund and provide classes not available at other schools “is a bad way to fund public education. You’ll have the haves and the have nots.” Trainor said such a partnership “is not so much about adding classes as sustaining classes that are there.”

Early voting is underway through Saturday, July 31. Election Day is Thursday, Aug. 5.