In this Knoxville Insider Issue…

🌤️ Knoxville Weather - Mostly Sunny with a High of 73

📰 Testerman Inducted into UT Educators Hall of Fame

📰 A New Initiative to Restore Balance in Tennessee Politics

📰 New Safe Haven Baby Box Unveiled in Knox County

🏀 NCAA Women’s Basketball Final Game Teams

🗓️ Upcoming Events (added events in Gardening, Health & Wellness)

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

📣 We Want to Spotlight Your Business! Apply Here

✅ Advertising Opportunities
 

A New Initiative to Restore Balance in Tennessee Politics

Chloe Akers, a respected Knoxville attorney, has initiated a campaign to increase voter engagement and counteract political extremism in state government through The Best of Tennessee.

Aimed at promoting centrist views, the organization, which is non-partisan with bipartisan leadership, intends to identify and support candidates from both political parties who truly represent their constituents' values for the 2026 election cycle. The Best of Tennessee is made up of a 501(c)4 non-profit, a, Super PAC, and a PAC.

Testerman Inducted into UT Educators Hall of Fame

Rogersville City School's own Missy Testerman has been recognized for her exemplary dedication to education by being inducted into the UT Educators Hall of Fame and named the 2024 National Teacher of the Year.

With over three decades of experience, Testerman is celebrated for her leadership, advocacy, and mentorship roles within the education community. She has made significant contributions to enriching the curriculum with diversity and innovative teaching methods, positively impacting both her students and the broader community. This honor highlights her commitment to improving educational environments and student experiences.

New Safe Haven Baby Box Unveiled in Knox County

The Rural Metro Station 30 in Halls has introduced a Safe Haven Baby Box, becoming the second location in the county to offer a Safe Haven Baby Box.

This initiative provides a safe, legal way for parents to surrender newborns anonymously, following Tennessee's Safe Haven law. The box is equipped with alarms to alert first responders, ensuring the baby's immediate care.

Funded by the Craig Foundation, Knox County Government, and Rural Metro Fire – Knox County, this is the fourth box in Tennessee. Over 140 babies have been surrendered nationwide, with this network now extending to over 200 boxes across 16 states. Additionally, Safe Haven operates a 24-hour hotline providing crisis support and counseling (866) 992-2291.

NCAA Women’s Basketball Final Game Teams

In NCAA Women’s Basketball, Iowa joins South Carolina in the final game, set to play this afternoon!

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

Community:

HonorAir Knoxville's Flight 34 Welcome Home Event: at McGhee-Tyson airport lobby area on Wednesday, April 10th, starting at flight landing time of 7:40pm, All are welcome, More Info

Baby Shower Event to Support Expectant Mothers in Need: is happening on Saturday, April 13th, from 12pm - 2pm at the Change Center, 208 Harriett Tubman Street, More Info or (865) 896-9357

Used Book Sale at the Karns Branch Library: on Saturday, April 13th from 10am - 5pm, 7516 Oak Ridge Hwy

Tate’s School & Camp Open House: on Saturday, April 13th, from 10am - 2pm, Tate’s School and Tate’s Camp, 9215 Bob Gray Road, will host their 15th Annual Open House.

See more Community Events on our Community Events page!

Food & Beverage:

Tea-Infused Cocktails/Mixology Class: Learn how to mix delicious cocktails and mocktails infused with teas and sugars, herbs, and spices, at the Spice & Tea Exchange on Wednesday, April 24th at 6:30pm, 522 S Gay St. Cost: $60 per person. Call (865) 985-0913 to reserve your spot!

Colored Pasta Workshop: Learn how to make colored pastas and a homemade Bolognese sauce, at the Spice & Tea Exchange on Wednesday, April 30th at 6:30pm, 522 S Gay St. Cost: $50 per person. Call (865) 985-0913 to reserve your spot!

Gardening:

Growing Roses: Ron Daniels, Master Rosarian and author of Rose Therapy, will be speaking on "Growing Roses” and have a book signing on Sunday, April 7th at 2:00 p.m. at the Biotech building on U.T. campus 2505 East J. Chapman Dr. In room 156. More Info

East Tennesse Daylily Society Meeting: Topic - Landscaping with Daylilies, public welcome, at the Knoxville Couny Library, Cedar Bluff Branch, 9045 Cross Park Drive, Saturday, April 13th at 1:30pm

Know Before You Grow - Toxic Plants in the Home and Garden: Join Master Gardener Claudia Kirk, DVM, to learn which plants commonly found in the home, garden, or florist bouquets are toxic to your pets or people, at UT Extension Eastern Region Office, 1801 Downtown W. Boulevard on Tuesday, April 16th from 10am - 11:30am. Free to the public. More Info

Ivan Racheff House & Gardens Plant Sale: annuals, perennials, wildflowers, vegables…from local nurseries & garden clubs, on Saturday, April 27th from 9am - 3pm at 1943 Tennessee Avenue, More Info

Health & Wellness:

Alzheimer's FUNdraiser Dessert Auction: decadent deserts from area bakeries and restaurants are available for the second annual Alzheimer’s Dessert Auction at Ivan Racheff House and Gardens, Auctioneer will be Bear Stephenson, Saturday, April 21st from 2pm - 4pm, 1943 Tennessee Avenue, More Info 

Music:

Friday Night Live with The Deltas: at the Concourse, 4328 N. Broadway, Friday, April 12th at 6:30pm, More Info

Union County Opry - Liquid Velvet: brings the bangers from Journey, Heart, Fleetwood Mac, Toto, 38 Special, Pat Benatar, and more on Saturday, April 13th from 7pm - 10pm, More Info

Friday Night Live with Mt. Olive Pleasure Club: at the Concourse, 4328 N. Broadway, Friday, April 19th at 6:30pm, More Info

Knoxville Community Band: will be playing at the Rossini Festival Downtown on Saturday, April 20th at 11am at the Market Square Stage. More info on the Rossini Festival 

Friday Night Live with Milk Man & The Big Band: at the Concourse, 4328 N. Broadway, Friday, April 26th at 6:30pm, More Info

Veterans:

Free Veteran’s Breakfast: The United Veterans Council of East Tennessee presents 13 free breakfasts for Veterans and guests on four Saturdays, monthly, Coffee line starts at 8am, Chow line starts at 8:30am. Locations and Dates

Business Networking:

There are so many networking events that they now have their own page! 🙂 Check them out!

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