Neighborhood Advisory #69 - Friday, February 26, 2010
Janice Tocher
Following is this week's advisory from the Office of Neighborhoods.
Of particular note to SWNA, Item #3 - Bus Routes (NOTE: seniors ride KAT for free!). The South Knoxville meeting will be held March 18, 6:30 p.m. @ Cecil Webb Recreation Center, 953 Old Moody Ave.
Have a great weekend all!
Janice Tocher
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Knoxville Neighborhood Advisory #69 - Friday, February 26, 2010
1. March 8 is Deadline for Neighborhood Small Grants
2. Group Completes Project for Lonsdale Elementary
3. Bus Routes Changing, KAT Holds Public Meetings
4. Greenways Coalition Courts Neighborhoods, Plans 5K Run
5. It*s That Time of Decade: The Big Count
6. KPD Offers Advice on Door-to-Door Solicitations
7. Neighborhood & Community Calendar
8. Upcoming Government Meetings
** This Advisory is produced on most Fridays of the year.
** Ideas and contributions are welcome. Call 215-3232.
** Deadline for Next Issue: Thursday, March 4, 2010.
** May be copied and forwarded via neighborhood e-mail lists and newsletters.
** See past issues at our Website: www.cityofknoxville.org/neighborhoods
** Don*t have Internet access? Call 215-3232 if you need a copy of a particular document.
** Published by Office of Neighborhoods, Community Development Dept., City of Knoxville.
1. MARCH 8 IS DEADLINE FOR NEIGHBORHOOD SMALL GRANTS
Applications for funding under the Neighborhood Small Grants Program must be delivered or postmarked by Monday, March 8.
A total of $30,000 - provided by the City of Knoxville - is available for the program for the year beginning June 1, 2010. Grants may range from $500 to $3,000. East Tennessee Foundation administers the program. Awards will be announced in May.
To be eligible to apply, a resident-led neighborhood group must be located within city limits and meet certain other requirements. The funding package - including the application - can be found at the ETF Website:
http://www.easttennesseefoundation.org/grants/competitive/nsgp.html
Do not let a problem with timing or paperwork prevent your organization from submitting your application. If you have ANY questions about the grant application or your project, please contact Jan Elston (East Tennessee Foundation) at 524-1223 or David Massey, neighborhoods coordinator for the City of Knoxville, at 215-3232.
2. GROUP COMPLETES PROJECT FOR LONSDALE ELEMENTARY
Unite your community, and there is no end to the positive change you can make. Witness the Lonsdale neighborhood.
Lonsdale United for Change (LUFC) has completed a project to raise over $35,000 to provide *ACTIVboards* for all classrooms at Lonsdale Elementary School.
An ACTIVboard hangs on the wall of a classroom. It is a digital whiteboard, an interactive teaching tool which allows access to the Internet and to information and lesson plans from teachers nationwide. Students can use the product -- Promethean Corp.'s "ActivBoard" -- to learn across the entire curriculum.
The ACTIVboard presents an interactive link that reinforces the importance of the teacher-student connection by creating exciting, vivid lessons that brings subject matter to life, according to promotions for the product. This reinforcement allows teachers to keep a child visually engaged and focused on learning by making them an inclusive part of the entire lesson.
In partnership with the school, LUFC, a neighborhood organization, embarked on the fund-raising effort in April of 2008. By March of 2009 the group had raised $17,000 -- enough money to purchase eight ACTIVboards. The school purchased two others.
Recently LUFC announced that it had raised the necessary funds to place ACTIVboards in all of the remaining classrooms classroom at the school.
The fundraising efforts included face-to-face appeals, public speaking engagements, word of mouth, grant proposals, and a demonstration of an ACTIVboard at a school open house. Donations ranged from $20 to $6,066.
*We believe that the well being of a community is directly linked to the well being of its youth and schools,* stated Steve Underwood, vice president of the organization whose mission is to achieve positive change for the Lonsdale community. For more, contact
John Allen at 637-3984 or aa...@comcast.net.
3. BUS ROUTES CHANGING, KAT HOLDS PUBLIC MEETINGS
Knoxville Area Transit (KAT) is holding a series of public meetings to present proposed changes in the bus routes after the new *Knoxville Station* transit center opens later this year on Church Avenue downtown.
Also, through March 25, KAT can visit with your neighborhood group to outline the proposed changes and answer any questions. To schedule a speaker at least one week in advance, contact Belinda Brill at 215-7828 or bbr...@katbus.com.
The public meetings will include a brief presentation by KAT staff. Route maps and schedules with the proposed changes will be available at the meetings. Representatives of the Knoxville Transportation Authority board and KAT management will be present to receive comments and answer any questions.
Meetings will be held March 2 in East Knoxville, March 3 in downtown, March 16 in North Knoxville, and March 18 in South Knoxville. See details below in the government section of the calendar. (The West meeting was held Feb. 23.) If you cannot attend a meeting in your part of town, you can attend any other meeting and get the same information.
Anyone who requires special assistance due to a disability and wishes to participate in one of these public meetings should contact KAT via email at mas...@katbus.com or by telephone at 865-637-3000 at least five days prior to the date of the meeting.
Individuals can voice their opinions about the route changes by attending one of the public meetings and filling out a comment card, speaking at a public hearing on March 25 (see below), emailing mas...@katbus.com, and by calling KAT*s customer service line at 637-3000. All comments must be received by April 16.
The Knoxville Transportation Authority (KTA) will hold a public hearing at its March 25 meeting to hear public comments on the proposal. The KTA will then vote on these changes at the April 22, 2010 board meeting. Both meetings will be held at 3:00 p.m. in the Main Assembly Room of the City County Building, 400 Main Street. If approved, the changes will take effect on Monday, August 16, 2010 in conjunction with the move to the new Knoxville Station transit center.
Unfortunately, the changes are too numerous to list here. Although KAT proposes to eliminate the portions of some routes, 93% of the area that now has bus service will continue to have bus service, according to KAT. Scheduled times will change at many stops. Some buses will take slightly different routes to get from point A to point B.
For more information, including a map of the new routes, visit www.cityofknoxville.org/kat.
4. GREENWAYS COALITION COURTS NEIGHBORHOODS, PLANS 5K RUN
The Knox Greenways Coalition (KGC) is inviting representatives of neighborhood associations to get involved in the area*s greenways and to attend the Coalition*s meetings, which are held at 7 p.m. on the first Tuesday of every other month (odd-numbered months) at Temple Beth El, 3037 Kingston Pike.
The agenda for the meeting this coming Tuesday, March 2, includes discussion of the 19th Annual Greenways 5K Run, KGC*s efforts to install water fountains on area greenways, and plans to reach out to neighborhoods.
As a grass-roots organization dedicated to the advocacy of greenways development in the Knoxville community, *we strive to be the communication bridge between local neighborhood organizations and the City of Knoxville and Knox county governments,* according to board member Betty Schohl. *The Knox Greenways Coalition also dedicates funding and volunteered time to greenways enhancement and awareness.*
The 19th annual Greenways 5K Run & 2 Mile Walk/Dog Jog will be held Saturday, April 3, starting at 9 a.m. at West High School on Tobler Lane. This is an *out-and-back* scenic route along the Third Creek Greenway. The finish line and results will be managed by the Knoxville Track Club. Fees, race forms and other information are available at www.ktc.org.
The 2 Mile Walk/Dog Jog will begin immediately after the start of the 5K race. Pets on leashes are welcome for the walk, and water and treats will be available for pets.
The day will conclude with refreshments, the 5K awards ceremony, and live music provided by local musicians Danny Gammon and Don Cassell. Proceeds from the race are used to promote greenways in Knoxville/Knox County.
For more information, contact Betty Schohl at bsc...@usit.net or visit the KGC Website at www.knoxgreenwayscoalition.org.
5. IT*S THAT TIME OF DECADE: THE BIG COUNT
The U.S. Census is at hand.
Starting immediately, 130 million households across the United States will begin receiving, by mail or in person, a 10-question U.S. census form. Questions must be answered for everyone in the household and returned by Census Day - April 1, 2010.
Addresses that do not respond are visited in person by a census worker beginning in late April through July.
You are most likely to see a Census worker from May through July, but workers could be working in neighborhoods between February and October.
The Knoxville Local Census Office Manager, Marty Coffman, offers the following reminders:
** If a U.S. Census worker knocks on your door, he or she will have a Census badge, a Census Bureau canvas bag, and a confidentiality notice. The worker should present his or her credentials and the confidentiality notice to you before conducting any business.
** Take time to review the confidentiality notice and ask to see the Census worker*s credentials if the Census worker does not show them to you. The badge may or may not contain a photo of the Census worker.
** Do not invite anyone you don't know into your home. Census workers will never ask to enter your home.
** Do not give your Social Security number, credit card or bank account numbers to anyone, even if they claim they need it for the U.S. Census. Census employees will never ask for that information.
** You are required by federal law to provide answers to all the questions asked on the Census questionnaires. All questions on Census questionnaires have been approved by the Congressional Office of Management and Budget (OMB). OMB has determined that the answers to the questions cannot be answered other ways.
** The only individuals that can collect Census information are Census employees who have been sworn to protect your information. Failure of a Census worker to protect your information is subject to both fine and imprisonment. The U.S. Census Bureau will never hire outside agencies or organizations to collect Census information.
** Census workers may contact you by telephone, by mail, or in person at home. The U.S. Census Bureau will not ask you to provide information via email, so be on the lookout for email scams impersonating the Census.
For more details, visit www.2010census.gov.
Next Week: *Why Our Numbers Count*
6. KPD OFFERS ADVICE ON DOOR-TO-DOOR SOLICITATIONS
With warmer weather approaching (really), and a likely increase in burglars and scammers, the Knoxville Police Department (KPD) offers the following advice on home security:
General Information:
1. Always keep your garage door, interior door and front door closed and locked, even when at home. It only takes a moment for a burglar to enter your home and take something.
2. Lock your windows and doors and use your alarm system when both home and away.
3. If you park your vehicle outside overnight, remove your garage door opener. Burglars could use it to enter your home while you sleep.
4. Place your purse/wallet in a location that is out of view. Burglars are known to look into homes prior to breaking in to see what they can take.
5. Report suspicious activity when you see it, without delay.
6. If going on vacation, have a neighbor watch your home and pick up the mail and newspapers.
Avoiding Unwanted Door-To-Door Solicitors:
1. A solicitor should not knock on the door or ring the doorbell for the purpose of selling a service or product for profit if the property is posted "No Solicitors."
2. Solicitors must leave when asked by the homeowner or apartment dweller.
3. There are numerous legitimate companies that hire people to peddle their products at your front door, but the problem is they often hire people who have criminal records.
4. In many cases these companies hire people off the street without conducting background checks, and then they are sent into neighborhoods to knock on doors.
5. Use a peep hole in the door; if you do not recognize the person do not open the door.
6. You can ask through the door what they want.
7. It is best to have a wireless phone or cell phone handy in case you need to call 911.
8. If the person at the door says that they need to use the phone, you call 911 without letting them in.
9. Door to door solicitors are more prevalent in the neighborhoods at night because that it is when most people are home.
10. For that reason you must ensure that your front porch area is equipped with proper lighting that illuminates the entire front porch.
11. Make sure the light is bright enough to so that your neighbors can easily see someone standing on your porch.
Do not give information to anyone at your door about your neighbors. Would-be burglars can go a few doors down and convince people that they are legitimate by claiming that they did work for someone in the neighborhood. They will use the personal information you have just given to them. They may then offer to do repair work as though they have a reference from someone in the neighborhood, when in fact they have no such reference and have done no such work.
7. NEIGHBORHOOD & COMMUNITY CALENDAR
Include your neighborhood-related event or meeting in this space. Call 215-3232.
Saturday, February 27 - 11:45 a.m.
Great American Cleanup Kickoff Luncheon
Calhoun*s on the River
Groups planning cleanup efforts may send representatives.
RSVP by Feb. 20 to 865-521-6957
Saturday, February 27 - 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
*Tennessee Yards Done Right* Workshop
Limited seating. $35/person or $50/couple
David Vandergriff, 215-2341 or dgr...@tennessee.edu
Monday, March 1 - 5:30 p.m.
COIN - Council of Involved Neighborhoods
(First Mondays)
CAC/Luke Ross Building, 2247 Western Avenue
http://www.councilofinvolvedneighborhoods.org
Contact Dave Gartner at dgar...@fs.fed.us, 862-2066 (w) or 573-2772 (h).
Tuesday, March 2 - 7 p.m.
Knox Greenways Coalition
(First Tuesdays, every other month)
Temple Beth El, 3037 Kingston Pike
www.knoxgreenwayscoalition.org
Contact Betty Schohl, 687-4617, bsc...@usit.net
Thursday, March 4 - 4-8 p.m.
KUB Tree Trim Policy Review Panel
(Opportunity for citizen comment at the end)
KUB headquarters, 445 S. Gay Street
www.kub.org
Thursday, March 4 - 6 p.m.
Partnership for Neighborhood Improvement (PNI)
Monthly Board Meeting (every first Thursday)
Cansler YMCA, Fifth Ave. & Jessamine St.
Contact Gwen Winfrey at 215-2120.
Monday, March 8
Deadline for Proposals
Neighborhood Small Grants Program
East Tennessee Foundation and City of Knoxville
http://www.easttennesseefoundation.org/grants/competitive/nsgp.html
Wednesday, March 10 - 11:30 a.m.
Community Forum (every second Wednesday)
Baptist Senior Health Center, 7009 Kingston Pike
Contact Sue Mauer at 690-0269.
Wednesday, March 10 - 4:30 p.m.
Neighborhood Advisory Council
(Every Second Wednesday except July and Dec.)
CAC/Luke Ross Building, 2247 Western Avenue
http://www.cityofknoxville.org/neighborhoods
Contact David Massey at 215-3232.
Thursday, March 11 - 6 p.m.
Burlington Homeowners & Residents Association
Monthly Meeting (second Thursdays)
Greater Warner Tabernacle AME Zion Church
3800 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. (side entrance)
Monday, March 15 - 7 p.m.
Historic Fourth & Gill Neighborhood Organization
Board Meeting (third Mondays)
Meeting Place Varies
Contact Gavin Luter at dgavi...@gmail.com.
Thursday, March 18 - 4-8 p.m.
KUB Tree Trim Policy Review Panel
(Opportunity for citizen comment at the end)
KUB headquarters, 445 S. Gay Street
www.kub.org
Saturday, March 20 - All Day
Urban Wilderness Challenge
Outdoor activities in Urban Wilderness & Historic Corridor
Registration Required
Legacy Parks Foundation / 525-2585
www.legacyparks.org
Saturday, May 15 - 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Community Day
Alice Bell Spring Hill Neighborhood Association
New Harvest Park, 4775 New Harvest Lane
8. UPCOMING GOVERNMENT MEETINGS
All meetings will be held in either the Large or Small Assembly Room unless otherwise noted. For a complete list of meetings of various city boards and commissions, visit http://www.cityofknoxville.org/calendar/.
If you are a person with a disability who requires an accommodation in order to attend a public meeting, please contact Stephanie Brewer Cook at 215-2034 or sc...@cityofknoxville.org no less than 48 hours prior to the meeting you wish to attend.
Today through March 25
Knoxville Area Transit
Offering presentations to neighborhoods and civic groups about the new Transit Center and proposed changes to bus routes. Call to schedule a speaker.
Contact Belinda Brill at 215-7828 or bbr...@katbus.com.
Tuesday, March 2 - 5:30 p.m.
*East* Public Meeting on KAT*s Proposed Bus Route Changes
Cansler Family YMCA, 616 Jessamine Street
www.cityofknoxville.org/kat/
Wednesday, March 3 - 5:30 p.m.
*Downtown* Public Meeting on KAT*s Proposed Bus Route Changes
Main Assembly Room - City-County Building, 400 Main St.
www.cityofknoxville.org/kat/
Tuesday, Tuesday, March 9, and Tuesday, March 23 - 7 p.m.
City Council (every other Tuesday)
http://www.cityofknoxville.org/citycouncil/
Agenda: http://www.cityofknoxville.org/citycouncil/agenda.pdf
Monday, March 1, and Monday, March 15 -- 5 p.m.
Knox County School Board Work Session
(Usually Every Third Monday and Monday before regular meeting)
Andrew Johnson Building, 912 South Gay Street
http://knoxschools.org/
Wednesday, March 3 - 5 p.m.
Knox County School Board (Every first Wednesday)
Andrew Johnson Building, 912 South Gay Street
http://board.knoxschools.org
Thursday, March 11 - 1:30 p.m.
Metropolitan Planning Commission
(Every Second Thursday)
http://www.knoxmpc.org
Agenda: http://agenda.knoxmpc.org
Tuesday, March 16 - 5:30 p.m.
*North* Public Meeting on KAT*s Proposed Bus Route Changes
UNITE Building, 1124 North Broadway
www.cityofknoxville.org/kat/
Thursday, March 18 - 8:30 a.m.
Historic Zoning Commission (third Thursdays)
http://www.cityofknoxville.org/boards/historic.asp\
Thursday, March 18 - 12 p.m.
KUB Board of Commissioners (third Thursdays except July)
Historic Miller*s Building - 445 S. Gay St.
See www.kub.org. Click on *About Us* on top of the page.
Thursday, March 18 - 6:30 p.m.
*South* Public Meeting on KAT*s Proposed Bus Route Changes
Cecil Webb Recreation Center, 953 Old Moody Ave.
(near Dogwood Elementary)
www.cityofknoxville.org/kat/
Monday, March 22 - 2 p.m.
Knox County Commission
(Every fourth Monday, Jan.-Oct.) (Third Monday, Nov.-Dec.)
www.knoxcounty.org/commission
(Agendas can be downloaded. Click on Agendas and then on Agenda
Committee.)
Thursday, March 25 - 3:30 p.m.
Better Building Board
(Last Thursday, Jan.-Oct. First Thursday, Dec.)
http://www.cityofknoxville.org/boards/betterbuilding.asp
Thursday, April 8 - 5 p.m.
City Council Workshop
Community Development Dept.
Five Year Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plan.
Wednesday, April 14 - Thursday, April 29
Early Voting
Knox County Primary Election
School Board, County Commission, Sheriff, etc.
http://knoxcounty.org/election/2010_elections.php
Tuesday, May 4 - 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Election Day
Knox County Primary Election
School Board, County Commission, Sheriff, etc.
http://knoxcounty.org/election/2010_elections.php
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Deadline for Next Issue: Thursday, March 4, 2010.
Submit to: neighb...@cityofknoxville.org
Or Call David Massey at 215-3232