The Neighborly Notice - Tuesday, June 17, 2025
Debbie Helsley
Newsletter (PDF version): https://bit.ly/NeighborlyNotice-2025-06-17To subscribe to this newsletter via email, fill out this form http://eepurl.com/b2Rk9T. You will then receive an automated email. Reply to this automated email to secure your free subscription.
1. City Offices Closed For Juneteenth Holiday
2. Juneteenth in Knoxville
3. Neighborhood Resource Fair Presents New Performances
4. Be a Good Neighbor and Improve Your Overall Health and Wellbeing
5. KPD Hosts Community Forum
6. Amar Shares Fun Summer Activities in Knoxville’s Parks
7. ETHRA Is Hiring Drivers
8. Trees Knoxville Seeks Input
9. Knoxville Neighborhoods Calendar (click link for online calendar)
1. City Offices Closed For Juneteenth – Thursday, June 19
City of Knoxville offices will be closed on Thursday, June 19, in observance of the Juneteenth holiday. Waste Connections will run its normal residential garbage and recycling routes on that day. Please note: Thanksgiving and Christmas are the only days of the year when residential curbside trash and recycling are not picked up as scheduled.
Downtown trash and recyclables will also be collected as usual. The City’s four recycling drop-off centers will also be open, and the Goodwill attendant will be available to take household goods donations. The City's Solid Waste Facility, 1033 Elm St., will be closed on Thursday, June 19, resuming normal business hours on Friday, June 20.
Residents needing to make service requests should use the MyKnoxville app or text 888-601-5669 to utilize the Rocky Bot chatbot.
City’s Parks and Recreation Community Centers, including the Knoxville Arts Center, will be closed June 19. Inskip and Ed Cothren outdoor pools will be open 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Additional pool information is posted at KnoxvilleTN.gov/aquatics.
Knoxville Area Transit buses will operate on a Sunday schedule on June 19. KAT Customer Service will be open 8 a.m.- 12 noon. Visit KATBus.com for more information.
2. Juneteenth in Knoxville
Officially declared a Tennessee state holiday two years ago and a federal holiday four years ago, Juneteenth, also known as Jubilee Day, Emancipation Day, and Freedom Day, is this Thursday and will be marked with festivals, a parade, music, and other activities on and around June 19 to celebrate Black freedom.
Thursday, June 19 – Juneteenth Parade and Celebration - The 2025 MLK Jr. Parade/March and Juneteenth Celebration, presented by the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Commission, will begin lining up at 8:30 a.m. at Chilhowee Park Midway (N. Beaman Street). The parade steps off at 10 a.m., proceeding down Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. and ending at Dr. Walter Hardy Park, where the celebration continues from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Activities include live entertainment, a DJ, music performances, dancing, a drill team, kids' area, food vendors, and retail vendors. For more information and to register, visit the MLK Commemorative Commission’s website.
Thursday, June 19 and Saturday, June 21 – Stories of Emancipation at Mabry-Hazen House - The Mabry-Hazen House is featuring generations of family artifacts and heirlooms that will share emancipation stories about local enslaved communities. Visitors can explore how enslaved people connected to the Mabry-Hazen House gained their freedom and fought to dismantle American chattel slavery. On June 19, there will be three tours will start at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. On June 21, there will be two tours offered at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Patrick Hollis, the Executive Director of Mabry-Hazen House, will give a presentation at 6 p.m. on Thursday, June 19 on the life and emancipation of Wiley Mabry. The story offers a celebratory, yet sobering tale of the lengths enslaved African-Americans took to obtain their freedom. Admission is free, but reservations are encouraged, and donations are appreciated. Visit the Mabry-Hazen House’s website for more information and to make reservations.
Concerts on the Square presents Brian Clay’s GRUUV Xperience with special guest performers in collaboration with Beck Cultural Center for a Juneteenth tribute. This free concert is on Thursday, June 19, at 7-9 p.m. in Market Square. Bring your own chairs and blankets to sit on the square; space is available first come first served. Learn more about the Concerts on the Square series at the www.KnoxvilleTN.gov/concerts.
Happy Juneteenth, everyone!
3. Neighborhood Resource Fair Presents Exciting New Performances
Mark your calendars for the Office of Neighborhood Empowerment’s 2025 Neighborhood Resource Fair is set for Saturday, Aug. 9, from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Jacob Building in Chilhowee Park, 401 Lakeside St. This annual celebration of community, resources, and entertainment promises to be bigger and better, featuring new performances from incredible local talent.
What’s new this year? We’re thrilled to showcase dynamic acts that highlight some of Knoxville’s vibrant arts and culture scene:
Karate Five – A high-energy martial arts demonstration blending discipline and excitement
Royal Youth Dance Ensemble – A dazzling display of youth talent with electrifying choreography
Divine Urban Expressions – Inspiring movement and storytelling through multicultural dance
Drums Up Guns Down – Powerful percussion performances promoting peace and unity
Alongside these performances, the fair will offer tons of free resources from over 90 booths, swag, door prizes, food, and family-friendly activities all designed to connect and empower our community.
Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate Knoxville’s communities while discovering valuable local services. Save the date, spread the word, and join us for a day of fun, learning, and entertainment!
For more information, you can reach Shannett Riley at sri...@knoxvilletn.gov or at 865-215-3232. See you there!
4. Be a Good Neighbor and Improve Your Overall Health & Wellbeing
The "loneliness epidemic" in America is a widespread public health concern, with significant health, social, and economic impacts. According to the Surgeon General’s Advisory in 2023, about one in two American adults report experiencing loneliness, and the impact of social isolation on health has been compared to smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day. Loneliness is associated with a higher risk of premature death, cardiovascular disease, dementia, stroke, depression, anxiety, and other serious health problems.
A simple way to combat loneliness is fostering connections within communities, particularly with your neighbors. Simple acts of neighboring like saying hello, striking up a conversation, or offering help can significantly impact someone experiencing loneliness. Studies have shown a clear relationship between loneliness among midlife and older adults and their connections with their neighbors.
Make an effort today to get to know and check in on your neighbors and improve your community’s health and wellbeing.
For additional resources or to inform us of an amazing act of neighboring, please contact the Office of Neighborhood Empowerment at hho...@knoxvilletn.gov.
5. KPD Hosts Community Forum
Knoxville Police Department will be hosting their West District Community Forum on Friday, June 20, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Haslam-Sansom Ministry Complex, 1740 Texas Ave.
This is an opportunity for community members in the West District, which includes neighborhoods west of I-275, to speak directly to the police officers and command staff about any concerns, questions, or issues you are having in your neighborhood.
For more information email kpdwe...@knoxvilletn.gov or 865-215-7042.
6. Amar Shares Fun Summer Activities in Knoxville’s Parks
It’s summertime and there is plenty of sun to soak up and nature to see! Here are some of Amar's top-ranked activities and attractions in City parks.
Walk the Greenways at Tyson Park
Enjoy the beautiful scenery of Tyson Park on a walk through the scenic greenway.
The park also has playgrounds, a skatepark, a softball field, 14 tennis courts, three large shelters, six pickleball courts located on the tennis courts, and restrooms. The park is open 24/7 and the tennis courts are open from 9 a.m.–11 p.m.
Play Disc Golf at Victor Ashe
Victor Ashe is unique as it is one of the few parks in Knoxville that offer disc golf.
Check it out this summer, open daily from 7 a.m.–8:15 p.m.
7. ETHRA Is Hiring Drivers
If you know someone seeking employment, the East Tennessee Human Resource Agency (ETHRA) is hiring drivers.
You can learn more about the position and apply on their website.
The agency provides many services throughout the region that help families and individuals. Services include transportation, employment support, grocery assistance, home delivered meals, assistance paying utilities, home weatherization, legal assistance for the elderly, and more!
8. Trees Knoxville Seeks Input
Trees Knoxville is seeking public input to help identify areas of Knoxville that could benefit from additional tree planting next planting season (November-February).
Last year, they piloted a survey requesting this information, and it helped guide their planning and planting last season.
Trees Knoxville is looking for public areas such as parks, neighborhoods, churches, cemeteries, schools, medians, and streets that are in need of trees.
Please use this link to make suggestions, and if you have more than one suggestion, you will need to submit multiple responses.
Let’s help trees Knoxville grow our tree canopy.
9. Knoxville Neighborhoods Calendar (click link for online calendar)
To add your neighborhood event or meeting to the Google calendar, call 865-215-3232.
Other Calendars
Additional online calendars that cover events outside the neighborhood realm include:
- Arts & Culture Alliance (There’s More to Knoxville)
- Arts & Fine Crafts Center Classes (City of Knoxville)
- City of Knoxville General Calendar
- Parks and Rec Community Programming
The City of Knoxville requires a permit to operate a short-term rental property. Details and a list of short-term rental permits are located on the City’s website here.
About This Newsletter
** This Advisory is produced on most Tuesdays of the year.
** Ideas and contributions are welcome. We reserve the right to edit submissions.
** Deadline for news & calendar items: 5 p.m. Mondays
** May be copied and forwarded via neighborhood e-mail lists and newsletters.
** See past issues at our Website: http://www.knoxvilletn.gov/neighborhoods
** Don’t have Internet access? Call 865-215-4382 if you need a copy of a particular document.
Debbie Helsley
Newsletter (PDF version): https://bit.ly/NeighborlyNotice-2025-06-24
1. Registration for Neighborhood Resource Fair Now Open
2. Parks and Recreation Challenge Grants Due Friday
3. Housing and Neighborhood Development Engages Public
4. BBB and POH Meet This Week
5. What Is a Neighborhood Urban Forestry Plan?
6. Trees Knoxville Seeks Input
7. Knoxville Neighborhoods Calendar (click link for online calendar)
1. Registration for Neighborhood Resource Fair Now Open
The Office of Neighborhood Empowerment (ONE) is excited to announce the upcoming Neighborhood Resource Fair on Saturday, Aug. 9, from 9 a.m.–1 p.m. We will have over 90 booths featuring City and County offices, non-profit organizations, and local service providers showcasing resources available to Knoxville neighborhoods.
This event is free to the public, but we ask that those who plan to attend register in advance.
Family-friendly activities include performances from fan-favorites, face painting, a kid’s corner, free concession food, and door prizes.
Let’s work together to build a stronger, more connected community. We can’t wait to see you there.
For questions, contact Shannett Riley at sri...@knoxvilletn.gov or 865-215-3232.
2. Parks and Recreation Challenge Grants Due Friday
The City of Knoxville Parks and Recreation Department offers an annual Challenge Grant Program, which provides grants to non-profit projects associated with public parks or recreation facilities within the City limits. The deadline to apply for this grant opportunity is Friday, June 27.
The grants are available to 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and 501(c)(6) status community groups, homeowner associations, schools, Scout troops and other organizations. Recipients of a challenge grant will be reimbursed fifty percent of the cost of a single project, up to $3,000.
Challenge Grants may also be used to promote activities in City Parks and on Greenways. Grants can provide match funds for various fitness classes such as Yoga, Tai Chi, or other activities. Passive programming for activities such as painting and birdwatching will also be considered. Approved activities must be on City Park properties, and all other rules associated with the Challenge Grant Program will apply.
In past years, grants have been used for playground equipment, water fountains, benches, and landscaping. The Parks and Recreation Department has been awarding challenge grants to non-profit groups for more than twenty-five years.For more information and to apply, please visit the City’s website.
3. Housing and Neighborhood Development Engages Public
The City’s Housing and Neighborhood Development (HND) Department is seeking public input on its Draft Five-Year (2025-2029) Consolidated Plan and Year One (2025-2026) Action Plan.
The Consolidated Plan sets funding priorities for an expected $15M+ (over five years) of U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME), and Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) dollars for affordable housing, homelessness, economic development, and other community development activities.
The Year One Action Plan specifically describes funding priorities for the first year of the Consolidated Plan period beginning Tuesday, July 1.
A dedicated web page was set up in August 2024 to keep people informed of how they can be involved in the planning process and to share information. Please visit HND’s website to review the draft plans and find more information on the following.
Tuesday, July 1, at 6 p.m. – Public Hearing at the City’s Public Works Service Center, 3131 Morris Ave. and on Teams (Teams link will be available Monday, June 30)
Monday, July 7 – End of 30-day public comment period
Sunday, July 13 – Submission Deadline
If you are not able to view the information online, you may visit the HND office and/or contact Linda Rust at 865-215-2357, or at City of Knoxville HND Department, P.O. Box 1631, Knoxville, TN 37901. Comments are accepted by mail to that address or by email to LR...@knoxvilletn.gov.
The City of Knoxville ensures meaningful access to City programs, services, and activities to comply with Civil Rights Title VI and ADA Title II laws and reasonably provides: translation, interpretation, modifications, accommodations, alternative formats, auxiliary aids and services. Individuals with a disability who require an accommodation in order to participate may contact the City of Knoxville’s ADA Coordinator, Stephanie Brewer Cook at 865-215-2034 or sc...@knoxvilletn.gov no less than 72 business hours (3 business days) prior to the public hearing and/or the end of the public comment period. If you have Limited English Proficiency (LEP) and want to request language translation services, contact the Human Resources Department at tit...@knoxvilletn.gov, or 865-215-3100 at least 48 hours (2 days) prior to the public hearing and/or the end of the public comment period.
Please submit your requests for translation and/or accommodations as early as possible after the draft plans are available to ensure you have time to receive it, read it, and comment if you wish, before the comment period concludes on Monday, July 7.
4. BBB and POH Meet This Week
Knoxville’s Better Building Board (BBB) will meet on Thursday, June 26, at 3:30 p.m. in the Small Assembly of the City County Building, 400 Main St.
New business/orders on the agenda include:
6004 Glenmay Dr.
The Public Officer Hearings (POH) are held the next day, Friday, June 27, at 9:30 a.m. in the Small Assembly Room of the City County Building, 400 Main St.
New business/orders on the agenda include:
600 Renford Rd. including accessory structure
201 E Young High Pike including accessory structures
127 Atlantic Ave. – accessory structure only – Confirmation of emergency repair/demolition order
Boarding Approvals on the agenda include:
1432 W Fifth Ave. – Boarded Oct. 29, 2024
8600 Kingston Pike – Boarded Nov. 6, 2024
1800 Reynolds St. – Boarded Oct. 31, 2024
1700 Jourolman Ave. – Boarded Nov. 5, 2024
If any of these addresses are in your neighborhood, you might consider attending and speaking to their condition. Please contact Cheri Burke at 865-215-2867 or cmb...@knoxvilletn.gov with questions about attending a hearing.
The City of Knoxville ensures meaningful access to City programs, services, and activities to comply with Civil Rights Title VI and ADA Title II laws and reasonably provides translation, interpretation, modifications, accommodations, alternative formats, auxiliary aids and services.
To request language translation services, contact the City’s Human Resources Department at tit...@knoxvilletn.gov or 865-215-3100. For disability accommodations, contact City ADA Coordinator Stephanie Brewer Cook at sc...@knoxvilletn.gov or 865-215-2034 at least 72 hours before the meeting.
5. What Is a Neighborhood Urban Forestry Plan?
Do you want to increase the number of trees in your neighborhood? The Neighborhood Urban Forestry Plan is a strategic guide designed to protect, enhance, and expand the tree canopy within a given neighborhood inside the City of Knoxville. A Neighborhood Urban Forestry Plan is initiated when a neighborhood has a tree-related goal that they want to achieve and needs help identifying the proper steps in achieving that goal.
How is a Neighborhood Urban Forestry Plan developed?
Members of a neighborhood reach out to the City of Knoxville Urban Forester to initiate a Neighborhood Urban Forestry Plan.
The neighborhood decides a location and place to hold a community event to discuss the urban forestry goal.
The Urban Forester shares a draft plan with the neighborhood and puts the draft out for comments.
The Urban Forester finalizes the Neighborhood Urban Forestry Plan.
A Neighborhood Urban Forestry plan is customized to meet specific goals identified by the neighborhood which could include increasing tree canopy and reducing heat in the neighborhood, planting trees on private property and identifying resources and partners, improving tree maintenance in the neighborhood such as proper planting or pruning, developing a neighborhood arboretum, and getting rid of Kudzu from a specific area in the neighborhood.
Once the urban forester finishes the Neighborhood Urban Forestry Plan, the plan will be placed on the City of Knoxville Urban Forestry resource page for future reference.
If you would like more information, please contact the City’s Urban Forester, Kasey Krouse, at kkr...@knoxvilletn.gov.
6. Trees Knoxville Seeks Input
Trees Knoxville is asking community members to share their suggestions on where they should plant trees this next planting season (November-February).
Last year, they piloted a survey requesting this information, and it helped guide their planning and planting last season.
Trees Knoxville is looking for public areas such as parks, neighborhoods, churches, cemeteries, schools, medians, and streets that are in need of trees.
Use this link to make suggestions, and if you have more than one suggestion, you will need to submit multiple responses.
7. Knoxville Neighborhoods Calendar (click link for online calendar)
To add your neighborhood event or meeting to the Google calendar, call 865-215-3232.
Other Calendars
Additional online calendars that cover events outside the neighborhood realm include:
- Arts & Culture Alliance (There’s More to Knoxville)
- Arts & Fine Crafts Center Classes (City of Knoxville)
- City of Knoxville General Calendar
- Parks and Rec Community Programming
The City of Knoxville requires a permit to operate a short-term rental property. Details and a list of short-term rental permits are located on the City’s website here.
About This Newsletter
** This Advisory is produced on most Tuesdays of the year.
** Ideas and contributions are welcome. We reserve the right to edit submissions.
** Deadline for news & calendar items: 5 p.m. Mondays
** May be copied and forwarded via neighborhood e-mail lists and newsletters.
** See past issues at our Website: http://www.knoxvilletn.gov/neighborhoods
** Don’t have Internet access? Call 865-215-4382 if you need a copy of a particular document.
Debbie Helsley
Newsletter (PDF version): https://bit.ly/NeighborlyNotice-2025-07-01
Reply to this automated email to secure your free subscription.
1. City Waste Services Announces Holiday Schedule
2. Neighborhood Resource Fair Adds KORE Truck to Schedule
3. Planning Commission Meets Next Thursday
4. Sales Tax Referendum Headed to Nov. 4 Ballot
5. Free Fall Risk Assessment Clinic Offered Next Week
6. Knoxville Neighborhoods Calendar (click link for online calendar)
1. City Waste Services Announces Holiday Schedule
1. City Waste Services Announces Holiday Schedule
City of Knoxville offices, including the Office of Neighborhood Empowerment, will be closed Friday, July 4, for the Independence Day Holiday.
Waste Connections WILL run residential garbage and recycling routes on Friday, July 4.
As a general reminder, Thanksgiving and Christmas are the only days of the year when residential curbside trash and recycling are NOT picked up as scheduled.
Downtown trash and recycling will also run on the regular schedule Friday, July 4.
The City's four recycling centers will be open for recycling use, however, the Goodwill attendant will not be available for household goods donations on Friday, July 4. Please hold your donations until an attendant is present.
The City's Solid Waste Facility, located at 1033 Elm St., will be closed on Friday, July 4, and Saturday, July 5, resuming normal business hours on Monday, July 7.
Enjoy your holiday weekend!
2. Neighborhood Resource Fair Adds KORE Truck to Schedule
The Office of Neighborhood Empowerment (ONE) is excited to announce the upcoming Neighborhood Resource Fair on Saturday, Aug. 9, from 9 a.m.–1 p.m. We will have over 90 booths featuring City and County offices, non-profit organizations, and local service providers showcasing resources available to Knoxville neighborhoods.
One of the family-friendly activities we have added to the schedule is the KORE Truck from the Parks and Recreation Department.
KORE Mobile Outreach is a traveling recreation program designed to combat obesity and provide recreational activities in Knoxville’s communities. The program operates from a very colorful, 14-foot box truck loaded with a variety of physically active equipment and games that are adaptable for all ages and abilities.
The KORE Mobile Outreach truck provides fascinating physical fitness adventures that are often disguised as fun and play time. Some of the benefits include cardiovascular endurance, muscle strength, flexibility, balance, and teamwork.
Check their social media for scheduled locations and any weather-related updates. The KORE Mobile Outreach operates mostly outside and may cancel due to inclement weather.Again, the Resource Fair is free to the public, but we ask that those who plan to attend register in advance.
For questions about the Resource Fair, please contact Shannett Riley at sri...@knoxvilletn.gov or 865-215-3232.
3. Planning Commission Meets Next Thursday
The Knoxville-Knox County Planning Commission meet next Thursday, July 10, at 1:30 p.m. in the large assembly room of the City County Building, 400 Main St.
The Knoxville-Knox County Planning Commission is an advisory board composed of 15 citizens - seven appointed by the City Mayor and eight appointed by the County Mayor. These volunteers come from a variety of backgrounds and represent a broad spectrum of community interests and concerns.
The agenda for the upcoming meeting can be found on the City’s website.
4. Sales Tax Referendum Headed to Nov. 4 Ballot
Last week, Knoxville’s City Council voted to let voters choose whether to increase the Local Option Sales Tax by a half-cent – a move that would enable the City to build up neighborhoods with more sidewalks, paved streets and park amenities while tripling the City’s commitment to affordable housing.
Council also voted that any new revenue be committed as detailed in Mayor Indya Kincannon’s Neighborhood Infrastructure Five-Year Investment Plan.
Some of the priorities for the five-year plan include:
Paving 75 additional miles of streets
Much-needed repairs to existing greenways, public facilities and parks – plus, eight new greenway extensions
New sidewalks close to schools
An additional $10 million a year would be added to the City’s already historically large investment aimed at easing the local housing crisis
Mayor Kincannon pledged to provide annual reports and a publicly-accessible online project tracker to demonstrate that commitments made in the five-year plan are being delivered as promised. The Council’s vote will allow taxpayers to follow the money and see the results.
For additional information about the Local Option Sales Tax or the Neighborhood Infrastructure Five-Year Investment Plan, please visit the City’s website.
5. Free Fall Risk Assessment Clinic Offered Next Week
The O’Connor Senior Center and Tennessee Wesleyan University will offer a free Fall Risk Assessment Clinic on Monday, July 7, from 12:30–3 p.m. at the John T. O’Connor Senior Center, 611 Winona St. Registration is required to attend the event.
Every year, approximately one in four older adults will experience a fall resulting in serious injuries. A fall risk assessment is a screening process used to identify factors in health and environment that increase the likelihood of someone falling.
Call 865-523-1135 to register and receive a fall risk communication form to share with your physician and take proactive steps to reduce your risk of falling.
For additional information please contact Mary Sibbett at Mary.s...@knoxseniors.org or 865-523-1135.
6. Knoxville Neighborhoods Calendar (click link for online calendar)
To add your neighborhood event or meeting to the Google calendar, call 865-215-3232.
Other Calendars
Additional online calendars that cover events outside the neighborhood realm include:
- Arts & Culture Alliance (There’s More to Knoxville)
- Arts & Fine Crafts Center Classes (City of Knoxville)
- City of Knoxville General Calendar
- Parks and Rec Community Programming
The City of Knoxville requires a permit to operate a short-term rental property. Details and a list of short-term rental permits are located on the City’s website here.
About This Newsletter
** This Advisory is produced on most Tuesdays of the year.
** Ideas and contributions are welcome. We reserve the right to edit submissions.
** Deadline for news & calendar items: 5 p.m. Mondays
** May be copied and forwarded via neighborhood e-mail lists and newsletters.
** See past issues at our Website: http://www.knoxvilletn.gov/neighborhoods
** Don’t have Internet access? Call 865-215-4382 if you need a copy of a particular document.
Debbie Helsley
Newsletter (PDF version): https://bit.ly/NeighborlyNotice-2025-07-08
then receive an automated email.
Reply to this automated email to secure your free subscription.
1. Share An Act of Neighboring with the Office of Neighborhood Empowerment
2. Neighborhood Resource Fair Presents: Making Faces and Zoo Knoxville
3. NAC Will Not Meet This Month
4. BZA is Next Tuesday
5. Historic Zoning Commission Meets Next Week
6. Wellpoint Offers Back-to-School Event
7. Come Celebrate 20 Years of Legacy Parks!
8. Knoxville Neighborhoods Calendar (click link for online calendar)
1. Share An Act of Neighboring with the Office of Neighborhood Empowerment
The Office of Neighborhood Empowerment (ONE) wants to hear about acts of neighboring in your community.
The "loneliness epidemic" in America is a widespread public health concern, with significant health, social, and economic impacts. Loneliness is associated with a higher risk of premature death, cardiovascular disease, dementia, stroke, depression, anxiety, and other serious health problems.
A simple way to combat loneliness is fostering stronger connections within communities, particularly with your neighbors. Simple acts of neighboring like saying hello, striking up a conversation, or offering help can significantly impact someone experiencing loneliness. Studies have shown a clear relationship between loneliness among midlife and older adults and their lack of connections with their neighbors.
Make an effort today to get to know and check in on your neighbors and improve your community’s health and wellbeing.
Share an act of neighboring with ONE by completing this form.
2. Neighborhood Resource Fair Presents: Making Faces and Zoo Knoxville
The Office of Neighborhood Empowerment (ONE) is excited to announce some of what we have planned at the Neighborhood Resource Fair on Saturday, Aug. 9, from 9 a.m.–1 p.m. We will have over 90 booths featuring City and County offices, non-profit organizations, and local service providers showcasing resources available to Knoxville neighborhoods.
Two of the many family-friendly activities we will have again this year will be Making Faces face painting and Zoo Knoxville.
Making Faces face painting is run by Emily, the owner, who started face painting in 2006 after the art sparked her interest while assisting with a community event. Since then, Emily and her talented team of artists have painted thousands of faces ranging from two weeks old to 99 years old all across Tennessee. Every face is a work of art, and the team specializes in custom faces at lightning speed. They are also the preferred face painting team of the Tennessee Smokies.
Zoo Knoxville is a 53-acre zoo that will be at the Neighborhood Resource Fair for the 3rd year. The zoo is home to about 1,200 animals and they will be bringing some of their famous ambassadors as well as amazing biofacts.
The Resource Fair is free to the public, but we ask those who plan to attend to register in advance.
For questions about the Resource Fair, please contact Shannett Riley at sri...@knoxvilletn.gov or 865-215-3232.
3. NAC Will Not Meet This Month
This is a reminder that the Neighborhood Advisory Council (NAC) will not meet this month.
The NAC will meet again on Wednesday, Aug. 13, at 4:30 p.m. in the Community Room of the Public Works Service Center, 3131 Morris Ave.
Consisting of neighborhood leaders from around the city, the NAC serves in an advisory and partnership capacity to:
Give advice and feedback on the programs and policies of the Office of Neighborhood Empowerment,
Bring neighborhood issues and concerns to the attention of the Mayor and City Administration,
Propose responses and solutions to the Administration to address these concerns; and
Serve as a sounding board for city initiatives and proposals affecting neighborhoods.
The NAC advises and provides input only to the Mayor and the City Administration. As a matter of policy, it does not advise Knoxville City Council, Knoxville-Knox County Planning, and other elected and appointed bodies.
4. BZA is Next Tuesday
The next Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 15, at 4 p.m. in the Small Assembly Room of the City County Building, 400 Main St.
New business on the agenda includes:
5540 Neubert Springs Rd
5600 Neubert Springs Rd
3634 E Magnolia Ave.
310 Thirteenth St.
1923 Saxton Ave.
5531 N. Broadway
There is one variance request on the agenda for 0 Midway Rd.
There is a Zoom attendance option available upon request. If you need to request a Zoom link, please contact Mark Riehl at mri...@knoxvilletn.gov before noon on the day of the meeting.
If you wish to speak on a property or be advised of an appeal, please be sure to sign in on the sign-in sheet that will be on the table as you enter the room.
The City of Knoxville ensures meaningful access to City programs, services, and activities to comply with Civil Rights Title VI and ADA Title II laws and reasonably provides translation, interpretation, modifications, accommodations, alternative formats, auxiliary aids and services.
To request language translation services, contact the City’s Human Resources Department at tit...@knoxvilletn.gov or 865-215-3100. For disability accommodations, contact City ADA Coordinator Stephanie Brewer Cook at sc...@knoxvilletn.gov or 865-215-2034 at least 72 hours before the meeting.
5. Historic Zoning Commission Meets Next Week
The Historic Zoning Commission (HZC) meets on Thursday, July 17, at 8:30 a.m., in the Small Assembly Room of the City County Building, 400 Main St.
Please check Knoxville Knox County Planning’s website for the City’s HZC’s agenda items and addresses for this month.
The HZC encourages the preservation of historic sites and areas and the integration of historic facilities into other plans. They review applications for building permits for construction or demolition within designated historic zones by following each area’s design guidelines.
For more information, please visit the Knoxville Knox County Planning website.
The City of Knoxville ensures meaningful access to City programs, services, and activities to comply with Civil Rights Title VI and ADA Title II laws and reasonably provides translation, interpretation, modifications, accommodations, alternative formats, auxiliary aids and services.
To request language translation services, contact the City’s Human Resources Department at tit...@knoxvilletn.gov or 865-215-3100. For disability accommodations, contact City ADA Coordinator Stephanie Brewer Cook at sc...@knoxvilletn.gov or 865-215-2034 at least 72 hours before the meeting.
6. Wellpoint Offers Back-to-School Event
Wellpoint is offering a free Back-to-School event on Friday, July 18, from 2-5 p.m. at the Emerald Youth Foundation, 1740 Texas Ave.
Join the fun-filled day as they celebrate the end of summer vacation and gear up for the new school year. There will be games, music, food, free haircuts, school supplies, health screenings, school required vaccines, and resources for families.
Please register so they can have enough supplies for all.
Wellpoint, now operating as Elevance Health, provides TennCare Medicaid plans and support services for eligible families in Tennessee. These plans are part of the larger TennCare program, which is Tennessee's Medicaid program. Wellpoint focuses on delivering comprehensive healthcare solutions and support for its members.
7. Come Celebrate 20 Years of Legacy Parks!
Keep Knoxville Beautiful (KKB) is partnering with Legacy Parks Foundation to celebrate their 20th anniversary with a volunteer day. It will be on Saturday, Aug. 16, from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. at the newly opened French Broad Veterans Memorial Park, 2300 Gov. John Sevier Hwy.
To celebrate, they are looking for volunteers to help build a nature trail and plant native grasses and a wildflower meadow.
The event, called One Big Day!, is open to all and KKB will provide all the supplies needed. Please register so they will know how many supplies to bring.
If you have questions, please contact Amanda at am...@keepknoxvillebeautiful.org or 865-521-6957.
8. Knoxville Neighborhoods Calendar (click link for online calendar)
To add your neighborhood event or meeting to the Google calendar, call 865-215-3232.
Other Calendars
Additional online calendars that cover events outside the neighborhood realm include:
- Arts & Culture Alliance (There’s More to Knoxville)
- Arts & Fine Crafts Center Classes (City of Knoxville)
- City of Knoxville General Calendar
- Parks and Rec Community Programming
The City of Knoxville requires a permit to operate a short-term rental property. Details and a list of short-term rental permits are located on the City’s website here.
About This Newsletter
** This Advisory is produced on most Tuesdays of the year.
** Ideas and contributions are welcome. We reserve the right to edit submissions.
** Deadline for news & calendar items: 5 p.m. Mondays
** May be copied and forwarded via neighborhood e-mail lists and newsletters.
** See past issues at our Website: http://www.knoxvilletn.gov/neighborhoods
** Don’t have Internet access? Call 865-215-4382 if you need a copy of a particular
