In this Knoxville Insider Issue…

🌤️ Knoxville Weather - Clear Skies with a High of 54

📰 Joyful Chanukah Celebration with Fun-Filled Family Activities and Concert Coming Soon!

📰 Emily Ann Roberts: From Knoxville Church to National Country Music Spotlight

👮🏾‍♂️ The 12 Scams of Christmas (#5 and #6)

👮🏾‍♂️ USPS Worker Unharmed in Morning Carjacking - Knoxville Police Seek Suspects

🐕‍🦺 Pet Training Tip of the Day

📅 New Event Added - Christmas Gift Market

📅 Upcoming Events in December, including Christmas Parades

💡 We Want to Spotlight Your Business!
 

Joyful Chanukah Celebration with Fun-Filled Family Activities and Concert

A Chanukah celebration is scheduled to take place in Knoxville on December 14th starting at 5 p.m.! Attendees can enjoy various activities, including a bouncy house, games, and the classic Chanukah delicacy, latkes.

This celebration is a key part of the Unite Through Light event, organized by Chabad of Knoxville. The festivities will feature a menorah lighting ceremony at 6 p.m., followed by a concert at 6:30 p.m.

The gathering is freely accessible to everyone, regardless of their religious background. However, special VIP tickets for the concert are being offered at $36 each.

For those interested in purchasing VIP tickets or inquiring about corporate sponsorship opportunities, they are encouraged to contact the organizers at [email protected].

Emily Ann Roberts: From Knoxville Church to National Country Music Spotlight

Emily Ann Roberts, an East Tennessee native and 'The Voice' alum, recently visited her home church, West Lonsdale Baptist Church in Knoxville, a place of deep personal and family significance. Her debut album "Can't Hide Country" features collaborations with artists like Ricky Skaggs and Vince Gill and includes a song inspired by this church.

Despite facing challenges in the evolving music industry, Roberts has seen success, including sellout shows and multiple Grand Ole Opry performances. She's set to embark on a 17-date tour with mentor Blake Shelton, a highlight of her career. Alongside her professional achievements, Roberts enjoys a rich personal life, showcasing hobbies like crocheting on her YouTube channel, and remains deeply connected to her East Tennessee roots.

The 12 Scams of Christmas

This holiday season, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) highlights 12 common Christmas season scams. We will highlight two of these scams each day, with today’s issue containing #5 and #6.

5. Scams Involving 'Free' Gift Cards: Be skeptical of emails or messages offering free gift cards, often a phishing tactic. Avoid opening such emails, and if already opened, refrain from clicking any links within them.
   

6. Seasonal Job Scams: With an increase in temporary holiday jobs, particularly in retail and delivery, be cautious of employment scams that aim to steal personal information and money. Be wary of opportunities that appear overly advantageous.

USPS Worker Unharmed in Morning Carjacking - Knoxville Police Seek Suspects

The Knoxville Police Department is investigating a carjacking incident involving a postal worker that occurred Wednesday morning. Two unidentified men, described as Black males wearing masks, reportedly held the USPS driver at gunpoint in the 2200 block of Dandridge Avenue. They stole the USPS truck and a white Toyota.

The USPS vehicle and the Toyota were later found abandoned, but the suspects evaded capture. The postal worker was unharmed. Authorities are seeking information from the public, with the East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers offering potential rewards for helpful tips.

Pet Training Tip of the Day

Tip: Practice a skill in different environments, situations, and on different surfaces.

Today’s Pet Training Tip of the Day is brought to you by Sharon Short of Zoom Room Knoxville-Hardin Valley.

Christmas Season with Pets Tip of the Day

Beware of the beauty of holiday plants for your dog. Here are a few holiday plants that can pose a threat for your pets: Amaryllis, Mistletoe, Holly, Pine, and Poinsettias.

Today’s Christmas Season with Pets Tip of the Day is brought to you by Carol Logue of KT Walking Paws.

Upcoming Events in December

Have an event to add? Let us know! [email protected] 

Saturday, 12/9:

• Christmas at the Shop: 10 am - 4 pm at the Shop at Corryton, 9403 Washington Pike. Lots of vendors, goodies, and crafts for the kids. A great place to find the perfect, unique gift.

• Christmas Gift Market: 10 am - 5 pm at the Knoxville Expo Center. Over 100 local vendors! See the Grinch from 11:30 am - 3:30 pm, Else & Anna from 12 pm - 3 pm, and Santa from 11 am - 4 pm! Cost: $5 admission, kids are free. Questions? Email [email protected] 

• Maxxed for Miracles Toy Donation Drive-In: 9 am - 4 pm at 6729 Pleasant Ridge Road. First Annual Event brought to you by Powell Auction & Realty. ALL VEHICLES WELCOME Entry Fee: New Unopened $10 toy. Spectators are free. Food trucks and vendors will be onsite. All donations will go to Children’s Hospital.

• Tour de Lights: 3:30 pm - 8 pm, a Family-Friendly Bike Ride that starts at Mary Costa Plaza. More Info

Friday, 12/15:

• "Holiday Dance Party!" with The Streamliners Swing Orchestra: 6:30 pm - 9 pm at The Concourse, 4328 N. Broadway. Cost: $20 at the Door. More Info

Saturday, 12/16:

• Yoga for Martial Arts: 9 am - 10 am at Warrior Heart USA, 297 Oak Ridge Turnpike Suite 400 in Oak Ridge. Cost: $20 drop-in or included in membership. More Info

Christmas Parades:

• Saturday, 12/9 @3 pm- 30th Annual Seymour Community Christmas Parade: Valley Grove Baptist Church, 9000 Sevierville Pike

• Saturday, 12/9 @6 pm - Halls Christmas Parade: Starts at Halls High School

Multi-Date Events:

• Safety City’s “Christmas in the City”: December 5th, 6th, 7th, 12th, 13th, 14th; 4 pm - 8 pm, More Info

• Downtown Peppermint Trail: Now through 1/7/2024. More Info

• Holiday Serenity - Yin Yoga: 7:45 pm - 8:45 pm on 12/6, 12 at Warrior Heart USA, 297 Oak Ridge Turnpike Suite 400 in Oak Ridge. Cost: $20 drop-in or included in membership. More Info 

• Ice Skating in Market Square: An open-air ice rink, Now through 1/2/2024. More Info

Expanding Small Business Saturday into Small Business December

As the holiday season approaches, we have a unique opportunity to transform the success of Small Business Saturday into a broader, more impactful initiative: Small Business December. This initiative is more than just a campaign; it’s a community-driven movement to support our local economy and the small businesses that are its backbone. Small businesses give our community its unique character, create jobs, and invigorate our local economy. By choosing to shop locally throughout December, we not only find unique gifts for our loved ones but also contribute to the prosperity and resilience of our neighborhood.

Our collective efforts can make a significant difference. We encourage each of you to be ambassadors for this cause. Share your local shopping experiences on social media, recommend your favorite small businesses to friends and family, and consider buying your holiday gifts from local artisans and shopkeepers. Local businesses often offer beautifully crafted, unique items that make thoughtful and memorable gifts. Remember, every purchase you make at a small business is an investment in our community’s future.

Let’s come together to make Small Business December a new tradition that supports and celebrates the heart of our community - our local businesses. It’s more than just shopping; it’s about building a stronger, more connected community. Your support can help turn a challenging year into a brighter season for our small business owners. Let’s show them how much they mean to us and make this December a month of local love and community spirit.

We Want To Spotlight Your Business!

Would you like us to spotlight your local business in front of thousands of Knoxville area residents in an upcoming issue of Knoxville Insider?

We ❤️ Local Businesses!

We know our community is brimming with businesses that have fascinating stories and big hearts. If you're a local business owner making waves, crafting unique experiences, or simply putting a smile on our faces, we want to chat with you! "Knoxville Insider" is eager to shine a light on the unsung heroes of our town. Let's collaborate and let the community know what makes your business special. Send us a message to [email protected] and let's celebrate the spirit of Knoxville together! Not a business owner, but love a local business? Tell us all about it at the email address above!