|
To 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. No Newsletter Next Week
2. Fountain City Town Hall Plans Free Holiday Celebration
3. Old North Hosts Victorian Holiday Home Tour
4. SKNBC Celebrates South Waterfront Group
5. Thank an Officer Program, Now Gateway for Police Officer of the Year
6. City Announces Holiday Schedule
7. City Hosts Second Bike Facilities Plan Meeting
8. Housing and Neighborhood Development Plan Meeting About Serene Manor
9. BBB and POH Meet Next Week
10. The Region Launches First Action Climate Plan
11. Planning Commission Posts Preliminary Agenda
12. Enjoy Free Holiday Events at the O’Connor Center
13. Trees Knoxville Hosts Tree Planting Event
14. Tour de Lights is Back!
15. Health Department Offers Food Safety Tips
|
|
|
1. No Newsletter Next Week
If you would like to follow us on Facebook, you can keep up with City and neighborhood events.
|
|
|
2. Fountain City Town Hall Hosts Free Holiday Celebration
Join Fountain City Town Hall (FCTH) for a free holiday celebration on Saturday, Dec. 6, from 4 to 7 p.m., at Fountain City Lake and Park, 117 Hotel Rd.
Enjoy live holiday music from Gresham Middle School Band and the Central High School Band. Hot cocoa, snacks, and craft activities will also be available. The Tree Lighting Ceremony begins at 6:45 p.m.
Children can meet Santa, take photos on his sleigh, and drop off letters to send to the North Pole.
If you are able to give, Fountain City Town Hall is collecting socks of all sizes to support the Knox County Schools Clothing Center.
Live trees, wreaths, and garlands will also be available for purchase. All are welcome.
|
|
|
3. Old North Hosts Victorian Holiday Home Tour
Experience the magic of Historic Old North Knoxville, Inc.'s Victorian Holiday Home Tour on Saturday, Dec. 6, from 4-9 p.m. or Sunday, Dec. 7, from 1-5 p.m.
Advance tickets are available now. Tickets may also be purchased at the event for $25 (adults) and $20 (seniors) at either parking location. Your ticket grants you access to the tour homes and helps support the Old North Knoxville neighborhood. Parking locations this year are Rose Funeral and Cremation, 1421 N. Broadway, and St. James Episcopal Church, 1101 N. Broadway. A free shuttle bus service will connect both parking lots to the tour route.
This annual traditon offers a glimpse into the neighborhood's history and architecture, showcasing homes adorned with festive holiday decorations.
Explore a variety of homes, from meticulously preserved gems to those blending historic charm with modern updates. Discover original details alongside contemporary designs, each offering a unique perspective on Old North Knoxville's heritage. Stroll the walkable streets, enjoying the beautiful decorations and the warmth of the community this holiday season.
|
|
|
4. SKNBC Celebrates South Waterfront Group
The South Knoxville Neighborhood and Business Coalition will host a community information meeting celebrating the work of the South Waterfront Advisory and Advocacy Group (SWAAG) and progress on the South Waterfront Down River Master Plan.
The meeting will be Monday, Dec. 8, at the Kerbela Temple, 315 Kerbela Ave. Drop in from 5 to 6:15 p.m. to explore information stations. A group reflection and Q&A will follow from 6:30 to 7 p.m.
Over the past two years, SWAAG has partnered with neighbors, businesses, the City of Knoxville, the University of Tennessee, and Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation to help shape a community-driven vision for the South Waterfront.
For more information, visit the City’s website.
|
|
|
5. Thank an Officer Program, Now Gateway for Police Officer of the Year
One of the key initiatives with the Knoxville Police Department (KPD) is the Thank an Officer Program which is a simple yet powerful way for residents to acknowledge officers who have gone above and beyond the call of duty.
Now, this program is taking on an even greater significance.
In a move to streamline community-led recognition, the Office of Neighborhood Empowerment (ONE) now uses Thank an Officer Program as the official nomination process for its notable Carol Scott Officer of the Year Award.
Every "Thank an Officer" submission received is more than just a note of gratitude; it is now a formal consideration for ONE’s high award. Whether an officer helped a resident in a moment of crisis, displayed exceptional kindness, or worked collaboratively with a neighborhood to solve a persistent issue, your submission ensures their efforts are seen and can be celebrated.
Do you want to nominate a KPD Officer? Submit your story through the official KPD "Thank an Officer" form on the City of Knoxville’s Police Department’s website, then share a detailed account of your interaction, explaining how the officer’s actions demonstrated exceptional service, compassion, or dedication.
The deadline to submit a nomination for this year's Carol Scott Officer of the Year Award is Sunday, Nov. 30.
This is your opportunity to ensure that the exceptional service of KPD Officers is not only appreciated but also formally honored. Let’s highlight the individuals who make our community safer and stronger, one act of service at a time.
|
|
|
6. City Announces Holiday Schedule
The City of Knoxville offices will be closed Thursday, Nov 27, and Friday, Nov. 28 for the Thanksgiving Holiday.
Garbage and recycling collection will be on the regular schedule Monday, Nov. 24, through Wednesday, Nov. 26. There will be NO household garbage or recycling collection on Thursday, Nov. 27. Waste Connections will run Thursday routes on Friday and Friday routes on Saturday, resuming the regular schedule on Monday, Dec. 1.
As a general reminder, Thanksgiving and Christmas are the only two days of the year when residential curbside trash and recycling are NOT picked up as scheduled. Downtown garbage and recycling collection will run on a regular schedule during the week, with no interruptions to service.
The City's four recycling centers will be open, but the Goodwill attendant will not be available for household goods donations on Thursday, Nov. 27. Please hold all donations until an attendant is present.
The City's Solid Waste Facility located at 1033 Elm St. will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 27 through Saturday, Nov. 29, and will resume normal operating hours on Monday, Dec 1.
|
|
|
7. City Hosts Second Bike Facilities Plan Meeting
The City will host the second Bike Facilities Plan meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 2, from 4:30-6:30 p.m., with a brief presentation at 5 p.m. at the Public Works Service Center.
3131 Morris Ave.
The presentation at 5 p.m. will discuss the public comments received from the online survey and the methodology being used to create the proposed network included in the plan. This is an opportunity for the public to comment on the recommended network improvement corridors and verify that their active transportation needs are included.
The City understands that biking is a key component of a diverse transportation network, promoting healthy lifestyles and making its streets more vibrant and attractive. For people to choose biking over other modes of transportation, facilities must be provided that are safe, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing, while also connecting logical lines between recognized origins and destinations. A hierarchy of bicycle facilities must be planned, designed, and implemented that provide access and mobility to all users, regardless of age or ability, allowing for a more personable travel experience, patronage of businesses, and the pursuit of active, healthy lifestyles.
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.
|
|
|
8. Housing and Neighborhood Development Plan Meeting About Serene Manor
The City of Knoxville’s Housing and Neighborhood Development will host a public meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 3, at 6 p.m. at the Knox County Health Department, located at 140 Dameron Ave., to discuss and answer questions regarding the disposition of Serene Manor.
The meeting will also be held virtually via Microsoft Teams. The Teams link will be available on the City’s website the day prior to the meeting.
Serene Manor, located at 970 Wray St, was previously a hospital and residential care facility. The City of Knoxville acquired the property in Aug. 2024. Following a public input process, the City plans to issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) in the coming months for the reuse of the property. The goal is to address the community’s needs for permanent supportive housing and transitional housing, in alignment with the Office of Housing Stability's three-year strategic plan and the City’s Attainable Resilient Knoxville plan.
City staff encourage housing providers, neighborhood groups, and other interested parties to attend an upcoming meeting to learn more about the property, the RFP, and the disposition process.
For more information or if you have questions before the meeting, please contact Jillian Love, Economic and Community Development Project Manager, at jl...@knoxvilletn.gov or call 865-215-2042.
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.
|
|
|
9. BBB and POH Meet Next Week
The Better Building Board (BBB) will be taking place on Thursday, Dec. 4, at 3:30 p.m. and the Public Officer Hearing (POH) will be on Friday, Dec. 5, at 9:30 a.m. in the Small Assembly Room of the City County Building, 400 Main St.
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.
|
|
|
10. The Region Launches First Action Climate Plan
Regional and local officials, including Mayor Indya Kincannon, along with the working group members attended a launch event on Wednesday, Nov. 12, to celebrate the completion of the Breathe: A Climate Action Plan, which sets greenhouse gas emission reduction targets of 40 percent by 2035, and 75 percent by 2050, relative to 2022 emissions.
To reach these targets, the plan outlines a collection of strategies, such as increasing energy efficiency and weatherization of residential, commercial, and industrial buildings; transitioning to electric and alternative fuel vehicles in public fleets; and accelerating the deployment of clean and distributed energy. Those strategies are organized by the following sectors: buildings, transportation, energy, waste, natural and working lands, and agriculture.
The plan also provides analysis of workforce development needed to implement these strategies. While the strategies outlined within the plan address community scale solutions, additional resources were developed during the planning process that support individual actions.
Individuals can make personal climate pledges and find resources to help achieve them on the project website. The plan and all related materials, the pledge, and list of resources can be found at www.knoxbreathe.org.
The City collaborated with regional leaders and a working group of representatives from over 50 organizations across nine counties to help shape the plan’s goals and strategies, ensuring they reflect the region’s priorities and constraints. The plan was funded through the U.S. EPA Climate Pollution Reduction Grant program, which the City of Knoxville was awarded in 2023.
|
|
|
11. Planning Commission Posts Preliminary Agenda
This is a reminder that the Knoxville-Knox County Planning Commission will meet on the second Thursday of the month at 1:30 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 11, in the Main Assembly Room of the City County Building, 400 Main St.
Knoxville Knox County Planning staff posts the preliminary agenda on the website three weeks prior to the meeting for the public to review, which will be this week. There, you can also submit comments about a case and request to speak during the meeting. Neighbors are encouraged to review the agenda to stay informed about new developments and changes coming to neighborhoods.
The sooner you know about a property in your neighborhood, the sooner you can research the project and decide on an action. Your neighborhood can meet with the developers, ask Planning staff questions, and attend the Planning Commission meeting to speak in favor or against based on your research.
|
|
|
12. Enjoy Free Holiday Events at the O’Connor Center
The John T. O’Connor Senior Center invites the community to celebrate the holiday season with a festive lineup of events throughout December. These events are free and open to the public, and will take place at 611 Winona St.
From concerts and performances to crafts and community fun, there’s something for everyone this holiday season!
- Deck the Halls! - Monday, Dec. 1, at 10 a.m. Kick off the month by joining us for a cheerful morning of decorating as we transform the Center into a winter wonderland! RSVP requested. Call 865-523-1135 or sign up at the reception desk.
- Holiday Concert from All the Geezer Band - Wednesday, Dec. 3, at 11 a.m. Enjoy seasonal classics and spirited tunes performed by the always-popular Geezer Band.
- Winter Artisan Craft Fair - Wednesday, Dec. 10, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Find unique, handcrafted treasures perfect for holiday giving while supporting local artists, crafters, and makers.
- Wendel Werner and Friends Concert - Thursday, Dec. 11, at 2:30 p.m. Relax and enjoy an afternoon of exceptional music to lift your spirits featuring Wendel Werner and special guest performers. This concert is being held in partnership with the Council on Aging and Music for Seniors.
- Silver Stage Players: Holiday Hodgepodge 2025 - Friday, Dec. 12, at 1 p.m. Laugh, sing, and celebrate with the Silver Stage Players as they present their festive variety performance.
- Singing Seniors Holiday Concert - Thursday, Dec. 18, at 1 p.m. Close out the season with a joyful concert filled with holiday favorites performed by the talented Singing Seniors.
|
|
13. Trees Knoxville Hosts Tree Planting Event
Trees Knoxville will be hosting a Tree Planting event to kick-off planting season. This community tree planting will be on Saturday, Dec. 13, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at Tyson Park, 2351 Kingston Pike.
Help plant for the future! Join Trees Knoxville and the City of Knoxville for a large-scale tree planting event as part of their Challenge Grant. They will be planting lots of trees, and they need your help to make it happen!
Every hand makes a difference. Please come out, get your hands dirty, and grow Knoxville’s canopy with us. They’re so grateful for the community’s continued support!
|
|
|
14. Tour de Lights is Back!
Tour de Lights is a free, family-friendly bike ride and holiday market presented by Visit Knoxville and Bike Walk Knoxville. This year's event will take place on Saturday, Dec. 13, from 3:30-7:30 p.m. at Mary Costa Plaza at the Knoxville Civic Coliseum.
Returning for its third year, the Holiday Market features local makers, hot chocolate and beer for purchase, and food trucks. Within the market, Peppermint Village offers fun for all ages with face painting, balloon creations by Twisted Whimsies, marshmallow roasting, a coloring area, and a mailbox for letters to Santa.
The ride begins at 5:30 p.m., inviting participants to decorate themselves and their bikes in creative holiday themes. Those not riding can enjoy classic holiday music and shop the market as cyclists light up the route.
Registration for both the ride and costume contest are available in a single online platform.
Take advantage of the complimentary, secure, and staffed Bike Valet located along Howard Baker Avenue to help reduce congestion within the plaza, allowing all to enjoy the festivities before and after the ride.
Be active this holiday season!
|
|
|
15. Health Department Offers Food Safety Tips
With Thanksgiving this week, families are preparing to gather for one of the most anticipated meals of the year, and the Knox County Health Department has some safe food handling tips to keep everyone happy and healthy this holiday season.
- Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water before and after handling food.
- Clean countertops, cutting boards, and utensils regularly to prevent cross contamination.
- Do not place raw meat or poultry under running water. Washing raw meat and poultry can cause bacteria to spread up to three feet away.
- Keep raw meat, seafood and eggs away from the ready-to-eat foods that will not be cooked before being eaten. This includes keeping these items separate when storing items in your home refrigerator and while preparing meals.
- Thaw frozen turkeys safely in the refrigerator several days prior to cooking. Never thaw food on the counter because bacteria quickly multiples in the parts of the food that reach room temperature.
- When cooking, use a thin tipped, metal-stemmed thermometer in the thickest portions of the meat to ensure you have reached an internal temperature of 165°F. Color is not a reliable indicator of whether food is properly cooked.
- If you are not feeling well, do not prepare food for your friends or loved ones.
- Make sure to refrigerate the leftovers within two hours of cooking. Leftovers are safe in the fridge for up to four days or in the freezer for up to several months.
- Whether reheating food in the microwave or oven, all items should be reheated to an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Don’t taste food that looks or smells questionable. When in doubt, throw it out!
Hopefully everyone has an enjoyable holiday!
|
|
|
16. 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:
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
