I just returned from the garden dedication to Martha H. Ashe, mother of former Knoxville Mayor Victor Ashe at the Knoxville Botanical Garden. The information that I gathered during the speeches was very moving. I found out that in the 1950s, Martha Ashe would have her sons Keep Knoxville Beautiful by picking up trash on their way home every day.

To say that beauty and community pride was important would be an understatement. She apparently literally swept Gay Street with a group of friends.

It seems that Ms. Ashe was the quintessential pioneer and advocate for our community. We can all have an impact…it just involves remembering that home is beyond your front door.