In this Knoxville Insider Issue…

🌤️ Knoxville Weather - Mostly Cloudy with a High of 44

📅 Zoom Room Supports Local Shelter with Generous Donation and Dog Goodie Bags

📰 ChocolateFest Sweetens Knoxville on January 27th

📰 Girl Scout Enhances Museum Accessibility with Innovative QR Code Audio Tours

💰NEW - Local Deals section - Know of some local deals? Send us the Details!

📣 Event Spotlight: Discover the First Lutheran School Experience at Their Open House on January 26th

📅 Upcoming Events (2 new events added today)

🗓️ Know of Events Not Listed? Send us the Details!

💡 We Want to Spotlight Your Business!
 

What Do You Want To See in 2024?

What would you like to see in the newsletter in 2024? Please email us at [email protected] with your ideas, suggestions, and anything else you'd like to share. Your input will help shape the future of Knoxville Insider. 

Suggestions sent to us so far:

• Focus more on Good News Stories

• Include obituaries

Zoom Room Supports Local Shelter with Generous Donation

Zoom Room Knoxvill-Hardin Valley, led by Rachel Neubauer, recently showed its commitment to animal welfare by donating $1,000 to the Humane Society of Tennessee Valley. This generous donation will aid in the care and support of shelter animals, ensuring they receive the necessary resources while they wait for their forever homes.

In addition to the financial contribution, Zoom Room also prepared goodie bags filled with healthy treats and toys for dogs being adopted from the shelter. This thoughtful gesture aims to make the transition to new homes smoother and more joyful for both the pets and their adoptive families.

The photo above is of Rachel with Ribbon, an adorable and spirited dog who was adopted from the shelter. Ribbon's story is a shining example of the positive impact of local businesses supporting animal shelters.

This act of kindness by Zoom Room Knoxville-Hardin Valley not only helps the Humane Society but also inspires the community to engage in supporting animal welfare. It's a beautiful reminder that together, we can make a significant difference in the lives of animals in need.

ChocolateFest Sweetens Knoxville on January 27th

Get ready for a day filled with sweetness at ChocolateFest, returning to Chilhowee Park and Exposition Center in Knoxville on Saturday, January 27th. This delicious event, from 9 am to 5 pm, isn't just about satisfying your sweet tooth—it's also about supporting the Ronald McDonald House.

ChocolateFest showcases East Tennessee's finest chocolatiers, bakers, and caterers. Expect a variety of chocolates, baked goods, candies, ice cream, and more. Looking for Valentine's Day gifts? You'll find plenty of options here, along with fun activities for kids.

Indulge in luxury with VIP Tasting Tickets ($27.00), offering chocolate samples served to you. General Admission is $13.00 for adults and $5.00 for kids (4-12), allowing access to vendor booths and activities. A portion of ticket sales benefits Knoxville's Ronald McDonald House. More Info/Tickets

Girl Scout Enhances Museum Accessibility with Innovative QR Code Audio Tours

A Knox County Girl Scout created the "MIA project" (Museums Increasing Accessibility) for her final project. This initiative enhances accessibility at the East Tennessee History Center for visually impaired visitors. It involves QR codes placed around the museum, which, when scanned, provide an audio tour describing exhibits and giving directional guidance.

The project earned her the prestigious Girl Scouts Gold Award and is praised for advancing the museum's mission of accessibility.

Discover the First Lutheran School Experience at Their Open House

This open house, on Thursday, January 26th, 5:30pm - 7:30pm, is an excellent chance for families to explore the First Lutheran School (FLS) learning environment, begin the enrollment process, and connect with the community.

• Tour the Classrooms: Experience where the students learn and grow.

• Start the Enrollment Process: Get a head start on joining our school family.

• Meet the Teachers and Current FLS Families: Gain insights from those who know our school best.

• Enjoy a Soup and Salad Dinner: Share a meal and conversations with our friendly community.

They are excited to show you what makes First Lutheran School a special place for education and community. This Open House is your opportunity to see their commitment to nurturing young minds.

Discounts, Specials & More

Know of some local deals? Let us know! [email protected]

• Yoga with Shelby at Belle Wellness: $20 classes in January More Info

Upcoming Events

A star (*) = New Event Added Today
Have an event to add? Let us know! [email protected] 

January Events:

Community:

• Downtown Peppermint Trail: Now through January 7th. More Info

• * ChocolateFest: Chilhowee Park, Saturday, January 27th from 9am - 5pm

• Open House at First Lutheran School: Discover the First Lutheran School Experience at Their Open House on Thursday, January 26th, 5:30pm - 7:30pm. More Info

Health & Wellness:

• New Year, ReNewed You Flow: Monday, January 1st from 12pm - 1:15pm at Warrier Heart USA, 297 Oak Ridge Turnpike Suite 400. Cost: $20 or valid membership. More Info

• Yoga Foundations: Mondays - January 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th at 5:30pm (More Info) and 6:30pm (More Info) at Warrier Heart USA, 297 Oak Ridge Turnpike Suite 400. Cost: $50 for the series.

• Farragut Health & Wellness Expo: Saturday, January 13th, from 10am - 3pm More Info

Theater Shows:

• Wicked: The Broadway sensation, looks at what happened in the Land of Oz…but from a different angle, Tennessee Theatre. January 10th-21st. More Info 

Music:

• The Fine Colombians: A Tribute to Steely Dan, Performing ‘AJA’, Bijou Theatre, Saturday, January 6th at 8pm, More Info

• “From Here to Memphis” - Ray Beltran & BlueMax and Kelle Jolly: at Friday Night Live! January 12th at 6:30pm, More Info

• Back in Black: The ultimate AD/DC Experience, Saturday, January 13th, More Info

• MLK Celebration Concert (Free): Bijou Theatre, Sunday, January 14th, More Info

• Stacy Mitchhart Band: at Friday Night Live! January 19th at 6:30pm, More Info

• The Heavenly Life: Mahler Symphony No. 4: January 25th-26th, Tennessee Theatre. More Info

• Soul Connection: at Friday Night Live! January 26th at 6:30pm, More Info

• * Windborne: with special guests B-SIDE (Bearden High School Vocal Ensemble), Saturday, January 27th at 8pm, More Info

• Raye Zaragoza with Aysanabee: A Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter makes political folk music informed by her heritage on Tuesday, January 30th, Tennessee Theatre More Info

Comedy:

• Ron White: Saturday, January 27th, Tennessee Theatre. More Info

Business-to-Business Networking:

• Knoxville Business Growth Collaborative: Thursday, January 4th starting at 5:30pm More Info

• New Year's Networking: Wednesday, January 10th from 4pm - 6pm at Warrier Heart USA, 297 Oak Ridge Turnpike Suite 400. Co-hosted by TradeBank with Warrior Heart USA. RSVP to [email protected].

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!