In this Knoxville Insider Issue…

🌤️ Knoxville Weather - Mostly Clear with a High of 42

📰 Helping Paws: East TN Bloodhound Rescue Seeks Support This Season

👮‍♀️ Fatal Wrong-Way Collision on I-40 East Leads to DUI, Vehicular Homicide Charges

📰 Knoxville Groups Unite to Empower the Homeless with Essential Services and Hope

📰 Joy to the World: Crafting a Christmas Ornament Empire Through Tradition and Innovation

🐕‍🦺 Pets: Training and Holiday Tips of the Day

📅 New Events Added - Vienna Light Orchestra Christmas Tour & 37th Annual Clayton Holiday Tour

📅 Upcoming December Events, including Christmas Parades

💡 We Want to Spotlight Your Business!
 

New Events Added:

• Vienna Light Orchestra Christmas Tour: December 21st, Second Presbyterian Church, 2829 Kingston Pike, 4pm and 7pm. Cost: Varies
  

• 37th Annual Clayton Holiday Concert: December 15th, 7:30pm; December 16th, 3pm & 7:30pm; December 17th, 3pm at the Civic Auditorium

Helping Paws: East TN Bloodhound Rescue Seeks Support This Season

As the holiday season approaches, the East TN Bloodhound Rescue and Sanctuary is reaching out to the community for assistance in fulfilling their wish list.

East Tennessee Bloodhound Rescue and Sanctuary ensures that every dog in their care is not just rescued but also receives the medical attention they need. Before finding their way to approved homes, all dogs are brought up to date with their vaccinations and are spayed or neutered, providing them with a healthier, more stable life.

The sanctuary's work doesn't end there. They also provide a loving home for senior dogs. These elderly canines, who may not be adopted, are given a chance to live out their remaining years in a safe, comfortable environment, surrounded by care and affection.

The sanctuary has made it easy for anyone willing to contribute. Supporters can purchase items directly from the rescue's Amazon wish list:

By visiting East TN Bloodhound Rescue's Amazon Wish List, you can directly impact the lives of these dogs. Each item you purchase is a step towards providing a better life for these rescued Bloodhounds. More Info

Knoxville Groups Unite to Empower the Homeless with Essential Services and Hope

Several nonprofits and community groups came together on Sunday to offer services like food distribution and haircuts to the homeless. Among them, CareCuts, a nonprofit staffed by volunteer hair professionals, played a significant role.

David Akers, a former recipient of their help, shared his story of overcoming alcoholism and homelessness with their support. CareCuts and other organizations not only provide immediate aid like food and haircuts but also assist with obtaining important documents, phones, and information on life-rebuilding opportunities.

The event's director, Yassin Terou, stressed the importance of empowering the homeless with skills and tools for sustainable change. Akers' experience highlights the transformative impact of such support, emphasizing the importance of second chances and the restoration of dignity for those struggling with homelessness.

Joy to the World: Crafting a Christmas Ornament Empire Through Tradition and Innovation

Joy to the World, a Christmas ornament company located in Knoxville, was founded by Lisa Kelechava. The company started with the idea of creating celebrity-endorsed ornaments to benefit charities. The crafting process, centered in Poland, involves traditional techniques like hand-sculpting, glassblowing, and detailed painting, culminating with glitter application.

The company, which operates year-round from a small home in West Knoxville, offers over 750 ornaments catering to various interests and includes Tennessee-inspired designs. These ornaments often become family heirlooms, passed down through generations. Despite the hard work, Kelechava finds joy in knowing her ornaments are a cherished part of many families' Christmas traditions. Joy to the World recently released 60 new ornaments for the holiday season. More Info

Fatal Wrong-Way Collision on I-40 East Leads to DUI, Vehicular Homicide Charges

A fatal crash occurred on I-40 East in Knoxville early Sunday morning, involving a wrong-way collision between a Subaru sedan and a Toyota Prius. The incident led to the death of a Prius passenger and the arrest of the Subaru driver, Ellen Rideout, 34, who faces charges of DUI and Vehicular Homicide. The crash is still under investigation by the Knoxville Police Department.

Pet Training Tip of the Day

Tip: Pay attention to what’s rewarding to your dog - can be treats but also can be things like toys and affection.

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

Christmas Season with Pets Tip of the Day

Tip: If you're giving your dog presents this year, wrap your dog’s presents in brown paper. The ink in wrapping paper can be toxic. You should also supervise as they open their presents.

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

Upcoming December Events

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

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:

• Christmas Holiday Market: 9am - 3pm in Halls, Black Oak Plaza. This is free to attend, outdoor event.

• 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

Monday, 12/18:

• The Grand Victoria Christmas Open House: December 18th, 3pm - 8pm, 6325 Tazewell Pike. Come check out the newest venue in Knoxville, enjoying a Christmas open house and local vendors with gifts and crafts. More Info

Thursday, 12/21:

• Vienna Light Orchestra Christmas Tour: December 21st, Second Presbyterian Church, 2829 Kingston Pike, 4pm and 7pm. Cost: Varies. More Info

Multi-Date Events:

• 37th Annual Clayton Holiday Concert: December 15th, 7:30pm; December 16th, 3pm & 7:30pm; December 17th, 3pm at the Civic Auditorium. More Info

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

• Holiday Open House at Sanctuary Day Spa & Boutique: December 16th and 17th from 9am - 5pm, 9700 Kingston Pike. Holiday food, drink, retail sales and more! Get your holiday shopping wrapped up with our free gift wrapping 🎁 & enjoy some Spa treats and door prizes at the same time! More Info

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

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

• Santa & the Grinch: Have your photo made with Santa & the Grinch every Sunday until Christmas, 2pm - 5pm at Painting with Friends Studio, 4301 East Emory Road 1st come 1st serve. Cost: $3.00/person. 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!