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New Program Assists Passengers with Hidden Disabilities at Nashville Airport

Issue #214

In this Knoxville Insider Issue…

🌤️ Knoxville Weather - Thunderstorm with a High of 90

📰 Are the Mountains of Appalachia Haunted?

🗓️ Upcoming Events

🗓️ Make Your Voice Heard: Vote in the August 1 Primary Elections

🏡 Real Estate Section

📣 We Want to Spotlight Your Business! Apply Here

 Advertising Opportunities
 

New Program Assists Passengers with Hidden Disabilities at Nashville Airport

A new program set to begin next month aims to make travel easier for certain passengers passing through Nashville International Airport (BNA).

The Sunflower Program is designed to assist individuals with hidden disabilities as they travel. This program supports those with conditions such as autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), learning disabilities, anxiety, and chronic illnesses, according to BNA’s announcement.

Participants can pick up a discreet sunflower lanyard from the Information Center at BNA, located on the Ground Transportation Level of the airport. Anyone wishing to receive a sunflower lanyard can do so without needing to explain or prove their disability.

BNA has trained all airport staff to recognize the lanyard and provide the following assistance:

  • Clear and concise directions

  • Additional time during check-in, security screenings, or boarding

  • Help navigating the terminal

  • A quieter space to relax if needed

The program starts at BNA on July 1. More than 240 airports in over 30 countries and 17 airlines worldwide recognize the Sunflower Program, so travelers passing through BNA and onto other destinations can likely receive the same assistance at other facilities.

By introducing the Sunflower Program, BNA is taking a significant step toward creating a more inclusive and accommodating travel experience for all passengers.

Original Article by Tony Garcia can be found here

Are the Mountains of Appalachia Haunted?

I've lived in rural Appalachia my entire life, surrounded by the rich tapestry of stories about hauntings and mysterious creatures shared by family and friends. But it wasn't until I experienced it myself that I truly understood just how eerie and fascinating these mountains can be! All the natives know that you don't walk alone in the woods after dark, or the haints will get you.

One of the most enduring legends of the Appalachian Mountains is Bigfoot, possibly the most popular figure in pop culture among the region's mythical creatures. Sightings of Bigfoot have been reported throughout Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia, and West Virginia. The Appalachian Bigfoot might also be known as the Tennessee Wild Man, though it's unclear whether they are considered the same creature or if the Tennessee Wild Man is a sort of cousin to Bigfoot. Eyewitness accounts describe these creatures with varying fur colors, but one of the most striking descriptions is of a nocturnal creature with black fur and glowing green eyes.

The rich folklore of Appalachia adds an extra layer of mystery to these mountains. Stories of haints, or ghosts, are woven into the cultural fabric, reminding everyone to be cautious and respectful of the woods, especially after dark. The blend of historical tales and personal experiences makes the haunting allure of the Appalachians an integral part of its charm.

Whether you believe in the legends or not, there's no denying the unique atmosphere of the Appalachian Mountains. The stories passed down through generations create a sense of wonder and caution that adds to the area's mystique. So, if you ever find yourself wandering through these ancient woods, remember the tales and tread carefully—you never know what might be lurking just beyond the trees.

Do you have a story of a haunting or creature sighting? Share it here

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

Community:

Poetry as Narrative Workshop: July 3rd from 6pm - 8pm at The Kraken’s Cup.  Indulge in some tea and treats as you sharpen your writing abilities! Benefit from the expertise of our exceptional UT instructors without the need to enroll in the university. This workshop is conducted by Dr. Leauna Christensen, a lecturer from the UT English department and is tailored for writers at any skill level and experience.  Participants are asked to bring their preferred writing materials, be that pen/paper or laptop. More Info

Emotionally Sobriety: Each Thursday at 5pm (except July 4) at The Kraken’s Cup. The Kracken’s Cup has partnered with Sober in Knoxville to create a safe and accepting environment for their N Knoxville meetups. Emotional sobriety is being comfortably present with all your feelings without any one of them defining or controlling you. This community is for everyone who has a desire to improve their relationship with themselves and the world around them. Questions? Email [email protected].

Howard Pinkston Library Used Book Sale: on Saturday, July 13th from 10am - 5pm, 7732 Martin Mill Pike

Used Book Sale at Hi-Wire Brewing: on Thursday, July 18th - Wednesday, July 24th during business hours, 2020 Barber Street

Ask a Master Gardener: Ask plant and garden questions at the Norwood Library, 1110 Merchant Dr. on Saturday, July 20th, from 10am - noon. KCMG public calendar.

Learn How to Play the Bridge Card Game: Recurring on Tuesdays starting on July 23rd from 6pm - 8:30pm at the Knoxville Bridge Center, 7400 Deane Hill Drive. Register. Questions: contact Maggie Hughes at (865) 680-7364 or [email protected]

Classic Movie at the Tennessee Theatre:
The Lion King and The Matrix are showing on Saturday, July 27th, Star Wars - The Return of the Jedi and Thelma and Louise are showing on Saturday, August 10th, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone and Jurassic Park are showing on Saturday, August 24th, More Info

Farragut Library Used Book Sale: on Friday-Saturday, August 9th-10th from 10am - 5pm, 417 N Campbell Station Rd

Used Book Sale at East TN History Center: on Saturday, August 17th from 10am - 5pm during the History Hootenanny, 601 S Gay St

Game Night at Fountain City Social: happening Every Monday from 6pm-8pm at 4842 Harvest Mill Way, everyone welcome, current players range from their mid 20's up into their 60's, only requirement is a sense of humor

Support Knox County Mobile Meals at their Power of the Purse event! We are currently collecting new and gently used purses & jewelry for the event. Drop off donations at: Southern Market on Homberg; Chico’s at Turkey Creek; Mac’s Pharmacy on South Peters; and Lulu’s Tea Room in Powell. The event is September 12 at Rothchilds. Tickets go on sale July 15. More Info

A Meet (& Greet) Cute Author Signing Event: Hosted by Knox Bookish Babes on September 14 from 1pm - 6pm at Jubilee Banquet Facility. Join Knox Bookish Babes for the hottest book signing event in Knoxville, TN — A Meet (& Greet) Cute!! An exclusive event featuring a few favorite authors and local vendors. More Info

Food:

Say Cheese! Tea and Cheese Pairing Event: July 10th from 6pm - 8pm at The Kraken’s Cup. Pairing tea with cheese may appear unconventional, but for those who love culinary exploration, it’s a divine combination.The ticket includes a selection of teas, worksheets, and a handpicked assortment of cheese and snacks from the Euphoric Cheese Shop in W Knoxville. More Info

Tea Flights: offered Monday - Thursday at The Spice and Tea Exchange. Limited to 4 people per group at $8.99/person. Call the store for more information 865-985-0913

Market Square Farmers Market: happening Every Wednesday, now through November 20th from 10am – 1pm & Every Saturday, now through November 23rd from 9am – 1pm, More Info

New Harvest Farmers Market: happening Every Thursday, now through September 26th from 3pm - 6pm, 4775 New Harvest Lane, More Info

Traditional Cuban Cooking Class: offered on July 16th at 7pm at The Spice & Tea Exchange. Cost is $75/person (+tax). You will learn how to make fired plantains, a main course of ropa bieja (shredded beef dish). For more information call the store at 865-985-0913 or email [email protected].

Music:

Grooves in the Garden: Knoxville’s best outdoor music festival in jazz, R&B and soul. This is an adult only event with live music, a DJ, food trucks and a cash bar. Hosted by Knoxville Botanical Garden on July 20 5pm - 10pm More Info

Hillbilly Thomists and Fiddling Leona: at the Bijou theatre on Saturday, August 3rd. Enjoy some of your bluegrass favorites as well as Feona’s fresh take on fiddling! Tickets are on sale now! Partial proceeds benefit the Chesterton Academy, a local classical model high school, More Info/Tickets

Networking:

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

July 4th Events (recap)!

Festival on the 4th: Kick off your Independence Day festivities with the Festival on the 4th at the Worlds Fair Park, a free, family-friendly event packed with activities for all ages. Starting at 5 p.m. and running until approximately 10 p.m

VIP Party at the Sunsphere: on July 4, 8pm - 10pm. Experience a private viewing of the city's spectacular fireworks show in an exclusive setting. Tickets are $75 per person and can be purchased here.

Gatlinburg's Midnight Parade; Prepare to stay up late for a one-of-a-kind experience! For the 49th consecutive year, Gatlinburg will host its iconic parade at midnight on July 4th (the night of July 3rd).

Museum of Appalachia's Old-Fashioned Anvil Shoot: If you're looking for something truly unique, head to the Museum of Appalachia for an old-fashioned anvil shoot. Instead of fireworks, the museum uses gunpowder to launch 200-pound anvils hundreds of feet into the air.

Westward Celebrations on Kingston Pike: Check out the parade in Farragut on Kingston Pike at Stadium Drive. Starting at 9:30 am.

West High School Class of 1974 - 50th Reunion

Saturday August 24th at The Foundry, 747 World's Fair Park Drive, at 6pm, For more information contact [email protected].

Knoxville Real Estate Insider

Do you have specific real estate questions you'd like answered? Submit a Question. A realtor will have an answer for you in the next issue of the Knoxville Real Estate Insider.

Are you a local realtor selling a home or property? Do you have an upcoming open house? Let us know at [email protected] or (865) 234-2421! We can include them here.

Make Your Voice Heard: Vote in the August 1 Primary Elections

The primary elections for the U.S. House of Representatives, Tennessee Senate, and Tennessee House of Representatives will take place on Thursday, August 1st. Voters will choose their preferred candidates for the Republican and Democratic parties in these races, with the general election scheduled for November. Additionally, several Knox County elections will be decided through a general election on the same day.

To participate, ensure you're registered to vote by Tuesday, July 2nd. For registration details, visit sos.tn.gov/elections.

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]!

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