In this Knoxville Insider Issue…

🌤️ Knoxville Weather - Cloudy with a High of 43

📰 Young Farragut Pianist Gaining International Prominence

📰 Upcoming Candidate Forums: Engage with Your Local Election Candidates

🗓️ Event Showcase: Galentine’s Day Ladies Night & Pop-Up Shop at Admiral Pub

📣 Business Spotlight: Jonathon Trotter - ISG Insurance

📰 Potholes - How to File Damage Claims, Report Occurrences for Fixing

📅 Upcoming Events 

🗓️ Know of Some Local Events not Listed? Send us the Details!

📣 We Want to Spotlight Your Business! Apply Here

✅ Advertising Opportunities
 

Expansion Connection Mondays: Business networking on Monday, 9am at The Burgers restaurant in Powell, January 29th.

Yoga Foundations: Mondays - January 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.

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

Adult Tap: for those who always wanted to learn to Tap Dance, Wednesdays beginning Wednesday, January 31st - March 20th (excluding February 14th) from 5:30pm - 6:30pm for a 6-Week session meeting January 24th, 31st, February 7th, 21st, 28th, March 6th, Cost: $144, at Dance Center West Farragut, 133 West End Avenue, (865) 966-7094, More Info

IBN Biz Lunch – Maryville / Alcoa: on Thursday, February 1st from 11:30am-1pm More Info

Used Book Sale: Knox County Public Library, Fountain City on February 3rd from 10am - 5pm. More Info

Young Farragut Pianist Gaining International Prominence

Seventeen-year-old Haruki Takeuchi is gaining international prominence through his international concerts and competitions. Haruki, who began his piano studies at the age of six with Stephanie Northington, is a senior at Farragut High School. He has studied with Dr. David Northington for the past six years. Haruki is the son of Yoshi and Naomi Takeuchi.

In the past few years, Haruki has distinguished himself by winning many national and international competitions. Most recently, he won third prize in the Yamaha International Piano Competition and second prize in the Nashville International Piano Competition. In 2022 Haruki won the first prize in the International BTHVN Vienna Music Competition in Austria, first prize in the Tiziano Rossetti International Music Competition in Italy, second prize in the Krystian Tkaczewski International Piano Competition in Poland, and second prize in the Chopin International Piano Competition in Hartford, Ct.

In 2021 Haruki was the winner of the Pacific International Piano Competition, the Music Teachers National Association’s Southern Division Competition, and the Knoxville Symphony Youth Orchestra Concerto Competition. He also garnered second prizes in the Medici International Piano Competition and the Memphis International Piano Competition, and was a finalist in the Nordic International Piano Competition. In 2022 Haruki gave concerts with orchestra in Poland, and this past summer participated in a major international festival in Japan.

After completing high school , Haruki will be attending a major music school to pursue his dream of performing internationally as a concert pianist.

See him in Concert at the Young Pianist Series Concert on Sunday, February 11th at 2:30pm at the Natalie Haslam Music Center. Tickets are $25 at the door.

 — contributing author: Fay Adams

Upcoming Candidate Forums: Engage with Your Local Election Candidates

The League of Women Voters of Knoxville and Knox County, known for their dedication to nonpartisan engagement in governmental affairs, is hosting a series of candidate forums. These events are part of the run-up to the primary election on March 5, 2024. Everyone is welcome to join and listen to the candidates discuss key issues.

Mark your calendars for these important dates:

- Tuesday, January 30th, from 6:30pm-8pm: Knox County Board of Education candidates will speak at the Lennon-Seney United Methodist Church, located at 2084 Dandridge Avenue.

- Thursday, February 8th, from 6:30pm to 7:30pm: Hear from the Knox County Law Director candidates at Messiah Lutheran Church, 6900 Kingston Pike.

- Tuesday, February 13th, from 6:30pm-8pm: Candidates for Knox County Commission Districts 4, 5, and 9 will be at Messiah Lutheran Church, 6900 Kingston Pike.

Learn more about your candidates in these enriching forums.

Potholes - How to File Damage Claims, Report Occurrences for Fixing

To report potholes on city streets, dial 311 or reach out at (865) 215-4311. Alternatively, you can conveniently file a Pothole Repair Request online by visiting the city’s official site at knoxvilletn.gov . Remember to mention the specific address or the closest intersection, so the repair team can accurately locate and address the problem.

To report potholes on Knox County roads use the SeeClickFix mobile app. This app lets you snap a photo of the pothole, pinpoint its location, and send the information directly to the Knox County Engineering and Public Works. If you prefer, you can also report these issues by calling (865) 215-5800.

To report potholes on interstates and state routes, you can call the TDOT Road Repair Hotline at (833) 836-8349, or submit an online Maintenance Request at tn.gov/tdot/maintenance/maintenance-request.html . Be sure to provide detailed location information, including the route number, mile marker, and nearby cross streets or interchanges.

To file a claim for vehicle damages due to potholes on a state road you have the option to submit a claim to the Tennessee Department of Treasury. To proceed, you'll need to demonstrate that the incident directly caused the damage, specify the location, and provide repair records. Additionally, there must be evidence that the state was previously aware of the road conditions and had the opportunity to make repairs. For more details on this process, visit the TDOT website.

Jonathon Trotter - ISG Insurance, LLC

In the heart of Knoxville, a story of community and commitment unfolds at ISG Insurance. Jonathon Trotter, once the owner of the largest thrift store in Claxton, TN, has woven his passion for people into a new avenue as an insurance agent, ensuring that every client feels secure and supported.

Transitioning from providing free prom dresses to those in need, to orchestrating one of the largest Christmas angel tree programs in Anderson County, to safeguarding the same community's dreams, Jonathon's journey is a testament to his dedication. His generosity extends beyond business hours; he once served nearly 300 Christmas dinners, fostering community unity.

Today, Jonathon's mission is to protect your world with comprehensive insurance solutions, from Auto to Home, Business to RV, Motorcycle, and the pivotal Life insurance—guaranteeing coverage for all. His promise is simple: if it can be insured, Jonathon can secure it.

But it's not just about policies; it's about people. Jonathon's customer service philosophy is family-centric, creating enduring relationships and trust. He's committed to immediate coverage, swift call-backs, and thorough explanations to ensure you leave his office with a clear understanding of your protection.

Serving the entire state of Tennessee, Jonathon's approach is to simplify your experience—your one-stop shop for insurance needs, competitively pricing with a myriad of companies to save you the hassle. Reviews praise his ability to save customers significant sums—up to $400 annually. Why not reach out for a free quote and discover the savings yourself?

Reflecting on his past role as treasurer and secretary for Dust of Hope mission, the largest non-profit food pantry in Campbell County, Jonathon's heart for service is clear. His goal is bold yet intimate: to feed 500 people this Christmas, mirroring his commitment to nourish both the belly and the soul of his community.

As Jonathon looks to the horizon, his aspirations are to expand his agency, spreading savings and security across Tennessee. He doesn't aim to be just any agent; he aspires to be THE agent.

Get to know the man who makes a difference with every policy written. Contact Jonathon Trotter at [email protected] or call (865) 689-1900. Explore his services at Insurancebrokerknoxville.com and experience the personal touch that sets Jonathon apart. Because in Knoxville, when you're with Jonathon, you're family—and that's a policy that goes beyond the fine print.

Galentine’s Day Ladies Night & Pop-Up Shop at Admiral Pub

Gather up your besties for a Pre-Valentine's Day event on Wednesday, February 7th, from 6pm-8:30pm, for the inaugural, Galentine's Day Soiree at Admiral Pub!

There will be a lot of sipping with some fun craft cocktails on the menu made specially for the occasion, plus drink specials, door prizes AND a lot of fun shopping with the fab local shops who are popping into the pub for a night of fun and friendship! Get ready gals and gentlemen, it's going to be a fun night! More Info

Your hosts:

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February Events

Looking for events happening this week?

Business Networking:

Incredible Business SPEED Networking: THE Premier Knoxville Area Speed Networking Event RETURNS to the Farragut Community Center on Friday, February 9th! Don’t miss it! More Info

Incredible Business Networking LIVE (in person) Lunchtime Events, 11:30am-1pm:

• Maryville, Cooper’s Restaurant at the Hilton Knoxville Airport, Thursday, February 1st, More Info

• Knoxville South, Gondolier Italian Restaurant, Tuesday, February 6th, More Info

• Oak Ridge, New China Place, Wednesday, February 7th, More Info

• Knoxville North, Cancun Mexican Restaurant, Thursday, February 8th, More Info

Expansion Connection Mondays: Business networking on Mondays, 9am at The Burgers restaurant in Powell, February 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th.

Community:

Used Book Sale: Knox County Public Library, South Knox on February 24th from 10am - 5pm. More Info

Gardening:

Tennessee Rose Society Meeting: Dr. John Rodgers will lead a workshop on what roses need and how to use Beatty products on February 4that 2pm. More Info

ABC's of Pruning - Ask Before Cutting: Join Knox County Master Gardener Marsha Lehman on Friday, February 16th from 10:30am - 11:30am at UT Extension - Eastern Region Office, 1801 Downtown West Blvd for a discussion of the ABC's of pruning, event is free; no reservation required. More Info

Music:

Music of the Moody Blues: Symphony Orchestra at the Civic Auditorium on February 3rd, 4th, and 10th at 8pm. More Info

Jordan Rainer with Robinella: at The Open Chord on Friday, February 9th at 8pm, More Info

Fat Friday Mardi Gras: featuring Roux Du Bayou on Friday, February 9th at The Concourse, More Info

Webb Wilder with Jennifer Daniels: at The Open Chord on Saturday, February 10th, 8pm, More Info

Young Pianist Series Concert: on Sunday, February 11th at 2:30pm at the Natalie Haslam Music Center. Tickets are $25 at the door.

The Ladies of Soul Tribute, Vol II: on Friday, February 23rd at The Concourse, More Info

Seasonal:

Galentine’s Drip & Sip: Indulge in Pampering with IV Beauty or Detox Drip, Brow Wax /Tint, Spray Tan, and Botox Services!! Sip on Prosecco, Infused Water, delight in hors d'oeuvre, and relish decadent desserts! Plus, enjoy Giveaways and Swag Bags! Saturday, February 10th from 4pm-7pm, More Info

Valentine’s Afternoon Tea with Live Music: Experience a romantic afternoon tea at the Spice and Tea Exchange of Knoxville at 4pm on February 11th & 18th, Cost: $55/person. More Info

We Want To Spotlight Local Businesses!

Would you like us to spotlight your local business in front of thousands of Knoxville area residents in an upcoming issue of Knoxville Insider? Apply Here. Not a business owner, but love a local business? Tell us all about it - send us an email at [email protected]!