Press Planner
October
Thursday, Oct 17th
MEDIC Regional Blood Center’s Support for Flood Victims
MEDIC Regional Blood Center’s Support for Flood Victims marks the current period through Saturday, Nov. 30, as “Skip the Gift” time for donors to support recent hurricane flood victims.
This month donors can “Skip the Gift,” which is an item or coupon given for blood donation incentives, as MEDIC will donate $5 per blood donor to the Neighbors-to-Neighbors fund via East Tennessee Foundation.
“Donors should let MEDIC staff know they want to skip receiving either a T-shirt or cup, and staff will take care of the rest,” a center press release stated.
MEDIC offers special incentives for platelet donors, including daily e-gift cards, the MEDIC platelet punch card program and a daily MEDIC gift. Platelet donors must make an appointment by calling 865-521-2684.
Other MEDIC appointments can be made online at www.medicblood.org, via the MEDIC app, or by calling 865-524-3074.
Thursday, Oct 17th
Howl-O-Woof
Howl-O-Woof, a Halloween event for our four-legged friends, is from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 17, at McFee Park Great Lawn. This free event offers a canine costume contest, dog-friendly activities, treats and vendors. Registration is required for the costume contest. Visit townoffarragut.org/register to enter.
Friday, Oct 25th
Send shelter dogs a BarkBox
Girl Scouts of Southern Appalachians partners with Young-Williams Animal Center to send shelter dogs a BarkBox,
“Since dogs are also a girl’s best friend, Girl Scouts of Southern Appalachians is partnering with animal shelters across the region to treat pups and support local troops,” a GSSA press release stated. “Knoxville area donors can purchase a BarkBox to donate to a shelter dog at Young-Williams Animal Center. Proceeds stay local and benefit Girl Scout Troops across East Tennessee, funding programming and the Girl Scout Leadership Experience.
The Girl Scout-themed BarkBox includes a Pose and Play Beret dog toy, which doubles as a wearable hat, Berry Trios treats and instructions on how the pup can earn Puppy Patches. The boxes can be purchased for $25 each, and since the BarkBox is a standalone item, a BarkBox subscription is not necessary. It’s the perfect gift for a shelter dog awaiting a “furever” home.
The Girl Scout BarkBox may be purchased online for a donation at GirlScoutBarkBox.org. Donors can select Young-Williams Animal Center or another participating animal shelter. The boxes are available until Friday, Oct. 25.
Young-Williams Animal Center, a nonprofit organization, serves the needs of lost, abandoned and neglected animals and is the official intake center for the City of Knoxville and Knox County. The center takes in an estimated 11,000 animals each year and focuses on ending pet homelessness, promoting animal welfare and enhancing the human-animal bond.
“Girl Scouts are encouraged to make meaningful contributions to their communities,” said Lynne Fugate, CEO of Girl Scouts of Southern Appalachians.
“Through our partnership with Young-Williams Animal Center, we’re empowering our girls to demonstrate compassion and goodwill to the less fortunate, and that includes our four-legged friends,” she added.
Friday, Oct 25th
Knoxville Opera 2024-25 season
Knoxville Opera announces what it labels a “sensational 2024-25 season lineup, combining classic operatic masterpieces with modern, innovative performances.”
The main stage season will set sail Oct. 25 and Oct. 27 with Gilbert and Sullivan’s comic gem “The Pirates of Penzance” in historic Tennessee Theatre, Gay Street downtown. “Under the energetic stage direction of Dean Anthony and the musical mastery of conductor Joseph Mechavich, audiences can expect a swashbuckling ride filled with humor, romance and lyrical brilliance that the whole family will love.”
Step into the romantic streets of 19th-century Paris with Puccini’s “La Bohème.” on Jan. 31 and Feb. 2, 2025. “Once again led by the creative vision of Anthony and conducted by the distinguished Michelle Rofrano, this beloved opera will weave a tale of love, passion and heartbreak amidst the Bohemian lifestyle of struggling artists,” a KO press release stated. “With its soaring melodies and poignant storytelling, you won’t want to miss your chance to experience the enduring power of love and art.”
Next spring, May 14 and May 16-18, experience Byron Au Yong and Aaron Jafferis’ contemporary “comic-rap-scrap-metal-opera, ‘Stuck Elevator’. This unique and impactful theatrical experience, co-produced with Knoxville’s River and Rail Theatre Company, will be directed by Keturah Stickann and conducted by the exceptional Judith Yan.”
Visit www.knoxvilleopera.org/for tickets or 865-524-0795.
Sunday, Oct 27th
St. Elizabeth’s Episcopal Church October Gift of the Month
St. Elizabeth’s Episcopal Church, 110 Sugarwood Drive in Farragut, is requesting help from the community with its October Gift of the Month. On Christmas Day, Mobile Meals volunteer drivers will deliver gift bags to more than 1,000 senior citizens.
“Keep in mind that most, but not all, of those served are low-income, and they have no one to share Christmas with them,” a SEEC press release stated.
Drive By and Drop off the following items between 1 and 2 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 27: footie socks with tread, small lotion, a box of tissue, nightlight or small flashlight and magnifying glass or print magnifiers. Visit stelizchurch.org for more information.
Sunday, Oct 27th
2024 Harvest Fest
Shop Farragut-Farragut Business Alliance and Town of Farragut will host 2024 Harvest Fest, labeled an “Autumn Tradition” by its presentors, from 2 to 6 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 27, in Village Green Shopping Center parking lot, 11505 Kingston Pike in Farragut. Entry to event is free and open to the public.
“Shop Farragut will assemble vendors from across the Farragut and Knox County business community,” a Shop Farragut/FBA press release stated. “The Festival will feature 40-plus retail and promotional booths, including food and beverage vendors.
“Local live entertainment, prizes and giveaways and our annual Festival Halloween Costume Contest” are featured, the release further stated. “Costume categories include Best Pet, Best Individual Under 16, Best Individual Over 16, Best Family/Group, Best Baby and Judges’ Choice.
Guest judges are Town Vice Mayor Scott Meyer; Lauren Morgan, District 5 Knox County Board of Education representative and local radio morning host Joey Tack.
Entertainment begins at 2 p.m. with EmiSunshine; first round of Costume Judging begins at 3:30 p.m.
School of Rock will perform starting at 4 p.m., with second round of Costume Judging beginning at 5:15 p.m.
Non-perishable food items will be collected for The Shepherd of Hope Food Pantry. Visit www.faithloves.org/shepherd-of-hope-food-pantry for a list of needed items.
Media sponsors are farragutpress and 105.3 WFIV-FM.
For more information, visit shopfarragut.com
Thursday, Oct 31st
Sock Drive
Some local seniors with dementia are trying to make a difference one pair of socks at a time. In response to the devastating hurricane Helene, seniors at Concord Place, an Anthem Memory Care community, are hosting a sock drive through Thursday, Oct. 31.
Individuals are encouraged to drop off new socks of any color and size by 11 a.m., Oct. 31, at Concord Place, 901 Concord Road. Seniors will gather at 11 a.m. to make the final tally of the number of donated socks and will deliver the items to the East Tennessee Chapter of the American Red Cross in Knoxville.
“Having dementia doesn’t diminish the desire to help others both near and far.” said Lorie Warren, life engagement director for Concord Place.
November
Tuesday, Nov 12th
Morning Pointe Foundation Seniors Got Talent
Fourth Annual Morning Pointe Foundation Seniors Got Talent variety show, in partnership with Morning Pointe Senior Living, is introducing some big changes this year, including a lowered age of competition and additional prize money.
The 2024 Knoxville show will take place beginning at 7 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 12, in The Bijou Theatre, 803 S. Gay St. in downtown Knoxville. Ten local senior acts will compete.
This year, the Foundation has lowered the minimum age of contestants from 62 to 60, opening the doors to a wider variety of talent in the Greater Knoxville community.
“Seniors Got Talent is open to any talented seniors (not just Morning Pointe campus residents),” a MP press release stated. “Acts have included singers, musicians, dancers, poets, comedians and more.”
More changes for this year’s Seniors Got Talent show include an increase in prize winnings. The grand-prize winner will receive $1,000, with $500 going to the second-place winner and $250 awarded to the third-place winner.
Online auditions are open now at morningpointefoundation.com/events/seniors-got-talent/, and in-person auditions will take place from Sept. 24 through Oct. 6 at local Morning Pointe Senior Living campuses. Tickets will be $10 and will go on sale in October.
Thursday, Nov 21st
Family Arts Night
Town of Farragut continues to offer artsty activities with its new Family Arts Night.
With a Family Arts Night in August and September, it will host another Family Arts Night from 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 21, in Farragut Community Center, 239 Jamestowne Blvd. .
For the Nov. event, Design Your Own Puzzle, registration ends Friday, Nov. 15. Cost is $8 per family member. Admission is pre-registration only.
Tuesday, Nov 26th
Afterschool Art
Afterschool Art runs from 2:30 to 4 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 26. Cost is $4 per child (ages 6 through 12). No experience is required. “This class allows students of all ages, skill levels and interests to explore art in a fun and ever-evolving environment,” a Town press release stated.
No registration is required. To see all upcoming classes and events, visit farragutparksandrec.org/programsandevents.
For more information, contact Recreation and Event manager Rachel Malone at rmalone@townoffarragut.org or call 865-218-3375.
HarvestFest forecast Oct. 27: lots of EmiSunshine, more
What’s the forecast for annual Shop Farragut-Farragut Business Alliance HarvestFest, a free admission event with lots of food/entertainment and costume contests from 2 to 6 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 27? Lots of EmiSunshine. Emily Sunshine Hamilton, lead singer of the multi-genre performing and award-winning band EmiSunshine, is joined by her father, Randall Hamilton (base); her uncle, Bobby Hill (drummer); and family friend Jonathon Newman (guitar). EmiSunshine is scheduled to perform during HarvestFest from 2 to around 3:15 p.m. in the Village Green shopping center parking lot. Look for their outlaw country, Americana and Bluegrass tunes at the Fest. “We’re a little bit of everything,” Emily said. While having been the opening act for Loretta Young at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville during the early years of this 12-year-old band that performs regularly across the nation and Canada — and has performed in France, “We’ve been doing a lot of fun stuff locally recently, just trying to get back to home some,” said Emily, who along with her family live about 35 miles to the southwest in Madisonville. “I play ukulele, I play guitar, I play tenor guitar and a little bit of mandolin,” she added. Family influences
Read More‘Best of Show’ top 3 gets Christen emotional about success
With farragutpress’ Production department earning 194 Tennessee Press Association Ideas Contest awards for advertising, special promotions and special section design work dating back to 2018, Production manager Tony Christen hasn’t been one to get emotional, or cocky, about such enormous success in the category of Non-Dailies above 5,000 circulation. His highest level of enthusiasm about such success has been to praise the talents — some he said surpass his own — of graphic artist Cindy Wilfert, his colleague and close friend at this paper since 2007. But then came the announcement Christen had been waiting for all seven of those super-successful years, when the 2024 Ideas Contest winners were broadcast early Thursday afternoon, Oct. 10. Among the 24 they earned last week was one, by his own admission, that almost brought this talented newspaper designer to tears. “To be one of the Best of Show and get an award for that is, I mean, that’s what we’ve been working for,” Christen said about earning a second runner-up among all newspapers — 406 total entries. “That’s what I’ve been working for. That’s what I set out to do even before we began TPA (contests); from the point that I took over production (2007): that is, I wanted to take things to the next level.”
Read More
News
HarvestFest forecast Oct. 27: lots of EmiSunshine, more Read More
Town asked to support ‘no parole’ for ’95 double murderer Read More
‘Best of Show’ top 3 gets Christen emotional about success Read More
KCSO reports Read More
Presstalk
presstalk 865-671-TALK (8255) or editor@farragutpress.com Read More
Business
New ownership for Parkside Schakolad Read More
business briefs Read More
Community
Senior scalp shave helps cut away at breast cancer Read More
Concerts for charity Read More
Sports
Hurdle cleared, FHS v’ball tourney No. 1 Read More
Thunderous start allows Ads to sail smoothly, grab decisive win at Oak Ridge Read More
Big plays, tough runs fuel Dawgs’ dominant 2-6A victory at ranked Cleveland 38-19 Read More
Despite late rally to tie, Hawks fall to Bradley Read More
