23 Students Conquer Black Belt Testing

Issue #231

In this Knoxville Insider Issue…

🌤️ Knoxville Weather - Showers with a High of 80

📰 Benefit Book Sale

🗓️ Upcoming Events

🗓️ Elections: Early Voting Details

🗓️ Event Showcase: YMCA Olympic Challenge, Grand Opening: Pins & Pints Pinball Pub, Birds and Brews 2024

🏡Real Estate: How to Increase Your Home's Value

📣We Want to Spotlight Your Business! Apply Here

Advertising Opportunities

23 Students Conquer Black Belt Testing

In a display of unbelievable dedication, 23 students from Myers Premier Martial Arts have emerged victorious after enduring over 20 hours of rigorous training over the course of 2 1/2 days. These extraordinary individuals have achieved the esteemed status of Black Belt or higher, marking a significant milestone in their martial arts journey.

The “Heart of a Champion” Black Belt Test, held at the gymnasium of Maryville Junior High School, pushed these students to their limits both physically and mentally. With unyielding determination, they faced numerous challenges, demonstrating their exceptional skills and discipline throughout the grueling testing process including sparring, weapons training, and Krav Maga self defense.

Under the expert guidance of their instructors, these students displayed an exemplary level of commitment, perseverance, and focus. Their dedication to their craft and relentless pursuit of excellence have earned them the honor of donning the prestigious Black Belt, a symbol of their mastery in martial arts.

The road to achieving a Black Belt is not an easy one, requiring countless hours of training, sacrifice, and a steadfast commitment to personal growth. These 23 students have proven themselves worthy of this esteemed rank through their dedication, perseverance, and exceptional skills.

"We are immensely proud of our students' remarkable achievements," said Master Albert Cole, chief Instructor at Myers Premier Martial Arts. "Their commitment and passion for martial arts have been truly inspiring. This Black Belt Testing has showcased their incredible abilities, and we have no doubt that they will continue to excel in their martial arts journey."

The success of these 23 students is a testament to the high standard of training and instruction provided by Myers Premier Martial Arts. With a focus on fostering discipline, self-confidence, and personal development, Myers Premier Martial Arts equips its students with the necessary tools to succeed both on and off the mat.

For more information about Myers Premier Martial Arts and their programs, please visit www.Premiermartialarts.com/Tennessee or contact Amanda Cole at 865-233-0473 or [email protected].

Benefit Book Sale

Thousands of titles from the diverse collection of Rev. Jim Foster will be available for sale on July 20th from 9am - 2pm at The Meaningful Life Center at 116 Carr ST.

Novels • Art • Spirituality • Theology Indigenous Wisdom • Travel • Philosophy • Biology Social Topics • Humanity • Alternate Spirituality Thomas Merton • Dalai Lama • Encyclopedias Native American • Folklore and So Much More!

Join us for this special benefit book sale. Rev. Jim Foster was a voracious book collector with diverse interests – beautiful art books to scholarly texts – you’re sure to find many titles to explore your interests or find new interests.

For the suggested donation of $5 you’ll receive a bag that you can fill with as many books as you can fit. Of course you can donate more and that will be greatly appreciate, or if your budget is tight simply donate as much as you’re able.

All proceeds will be split evenly with The Church of the Savior Expansion Fund and The Meaningful Life Center. We prefer this to be a cash or check only event. We will have an option available to scan a QR code to take you to a donation page where you can make your donation via Paypal. No debit or credit cards can be accepted unfortunately. More info

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

Community:

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]

Food:

Bourbon 101: on the Tennessee Riverboat - July 18th, boarding at 6pm and finishing at 9pm. This class is an interactive 1.5 hour presentation on the history and virtues of Bourbon. A buffet to compliment the Bourbons will be provided. 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

Music:

Grooves in the Garden: Hosted by Knoxville Botanical Garden on Saturday, July 20th 5pm - 10pm. 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. More Info

Hillbilly Thomists and Fiddling Leona: at the Bijou Theatre on Saturday, August 3rd. Enjoy some of your bluegrass favorites as well as Leona’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:

Motley Crew Community Luncheon: hosted by Hubert Smith: Every month on the first Friday at Crowne Plaza Knoxville.  This is a public event. All are welcome. No RSVP. No speakers! No politics! Lots of fun, food, and fellowship! Doors open at 11am, More Info call Cheryl at (865) 456-1095

Emotional 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. Questions? Email [email protected].

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

Grand Opening: Pins & Pints Pinball Pub

Join us for our grand opening TODAY, Thursday, July 18th, from 3 PM to 12 AM!

Event Details:

·Date and Time: Thursday, July 18, 3 PM - 12 AM

·Location: 1336 E Emory Rd, Knoxville, TN

·Ages: All ages welcome until 9 PM; 21+ after 9 PM

Come and enjoy an exciting day filled with food, drinks, and pinball fun! See you there!

YMCA Olympic Challenge

Get ready to participate in the YMCA's exciting 2-Week Olympic Challenge! Engage in Olympic-inspired fitness activities like rowing, swimming, or golfing to earn Olympic rings. Collect 5 rings within 2 weeks to become eligible for amazing prizes. Activities can be completed anywhere, not just at the Y.

How to Participate:

  1. Register: Sign up online or at your local Y's front desk.

  2. Fee: $10 per participant.

  3. Challenge Card: Pick up at your Y to track your progress.

  4. Earn Rings: Complete activities and earn rings from July 29th to August 9th.

  5. Submit Card: Turn in your completed Challenge card by Monday morning, August 12th, for prize eligibility.

Prizes:

  • Bose Soundlink Micro Bluetooth Speaker ($120 value): 5 winners, 1 per Y location

  • $100 Visa Gift Card: 5 winners, 1 per Y location

  • Grand Prize - Yeti Cooler Hopper M Series ($300 value): 1 winner in Knoxville

Sign up today and start earning your rings! More Info

Birds and Brews 2024

Wild Birds Unlimited Knoxville and Orange Hat Brewing are thrilled to host our 2nd annual Birds & Brews event! Enjoy an afternoon of great beer while learning about owls and other birds of prey in our area.

Event Details:

  • Date: Saturday, August 12th

  • Time: 11am - 3pm (doors open at 10:30am)

  • Location: Orange Hat Brewing, 10246 Hardin Valley Rd

Special Presentations:

  • Stephen Lyn Bales: Local naturalist and author

  • Lisa Thomison and Chris Thomison: Owners of Owl Ridge Raptor Center, along with their owl and bird of prey ambassadors, including Thistle, the Barn Owl!

Tickets:

  • Price: $15 (plus tax)

  • Includes: Admission to the event, swag bag, and brewery tour

  • Purchase:Click here to purchase tickets

  • Note: A portion of the ticket price goes directly to the Owl Ridge Raptor Center.

Activities:

  • Enter to Win: A one-on-one experience with the owls and Lisa and Chris ($5 entry, day of event only)

  • Merchandise: Event t-shirts and more available for purchase

  • Food: Onsite food truck

Additional Information:

  • The venue and event are family and dog friendly.

  • This is an outdoor event. In case of rain, it will be moved indoors.

Don't miss this unique opportunity to support local wildlife and enjoy a fun-filled day with friends and family!

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.

Early Voting Details

The primary elections for the U.S. House of Representatives, Tennessee Senate, and Tennessee House of Representatives will take place on Thursday, August 1st. Additionally, several Knox County elections will be decided through a general election on the same day.

Early voting is from Friday, July 12th through Saturday, July 27th. Early voting locations:

Downtown - City-County Building, 400 Main Street, Mon-Thurs 10am-6pm, Fri 10am-7pm, Sat 7/13, 10am-3pm, Other Saturdays 8am-4pm

Downtown West - Unit 40, 1645 Downtown West Blvd, Mon-Thurs 10am-6pm, Fri 10am-7pm, Sat 10am-3pm

East - Carter Elementary School, 8455 Strawberry Plains Pike, Mon-Thurs 10am-6pm, Fri 10am-7pm, Sat 10am-3pm

East - Eternal Life Harvest Center at Five Points, 2410 Martin Luther King Avenue, Mon-Thurs 10am-6pm, Fri 10am-7pm, Sat 10am-3pm

North - Halls Recreation Center, 6933 Recreation Lane, Mon-Thurs 10am-6pm, Fri 10am-7pm, Sat 10am-3pm

Northeast - Gibbs Ruritan Club, 7827 Tazewell Pike, Mon-Thurs 10am-6pm, Fri 10am - 7pm, Sat 10am-3pm

Northeast - New Harvest Park, 4775 New Harvest Lane, Mon-Thurs 10am-6pm, Fri 10am-7pm, Sat 10am-3pm

Northwest - Karns Senior Center, 8042 Oak Ridge Highway, Mon-Fri 9am-6pm, Sat 7/27, 10am-3pm

Northwest - Knoxville Expo Center, 5441 Clinton Highway, Mon-Thurs 10am-6pm, Fri, 10am-7pm, Sat, 10am-3pm

West- Knox County Election Commission, 109 Lovell Heights Road, Mon-Thurs 10am-6pm, Fri 10am-7pm, Sat 10am-3pm

Visit the TN Secretary of State website for 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]!

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