Thursday brings hands-on career exploration for local students, library activities, public meetings, community recognition and several reasons to start planning for the weeks ahead.

Throwback Thursday

Remember when changing the television channel meant getting up, turning a dial and adjusting the rabbit-ear antenna until the picture stopped rolling? Explore more of television’s early technology in the Smithsonian collection.

Today in History

Tennessee Trivia

Tennessee’s capital moved among Knoxville, Kingston, Murfreesboro and Nashville before Nashville became the permanent seat of state government in 1826. Learn more through the Tennessee State Museum.

Today’s Smile

Why did the television bring a ladder? It wanted better reception. Find another quick laugh in Reader’s Digest’s collection of clean jokes.

National Day

National Pierogi Day celebrates the filled dumplings enjoyed in savory and sweet varieties. Whether boiled, baked or pan-fried, pierogi make Oct. 8 a good day to try a new filling or revisit a family favorite. Read more about National Pierogi Day.

Today’s Highlights

  • South College Knoxville welcomed nearly 120 high school students from Knox and Blount counties for the fourth annual Technical Training Camps. Participants selected through an application and interview process explored fields including construction management and surgical technology through hands-on activities. The camps are part of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley’s YouthForce program.
  • The University of Tennessee Creative Writing Program will host novelist Emily Nemens at 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 19, in the Lindsay Young Auditorium at Hodges Library. The reading is free and open to the public. Learn more about Emily Nemens and her work.
  • Downtown Maryville’s free Spooktacular Extravaganza returns from 5-8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30, with trick-or-treating, games, a human costume showcase and a $5 Howl-O-Ween Dog Costume Contest. See the Spooktacular event details.
  • Maryville College Theatre will stage Lisa D’Amour’s dark comedy Detroit from Oct. 15-18 in the Haslam Family Flexible Theatre at the Clayton Center for the Arts. Visit the Maryville College Theatre page for details.

Local Events

  • The History Parlor meets from 10-11 a.m. at the East Tennessee History Center. Participants may read any material connected to history and join the discussion. See the Knox County Public Library calendar.
  • A Goosebumps Party for ages 6-14 runs from noon-4 p.m. at the South Knoxville Branch Library with themed crafts and activities. Check the library’s upcoming events.
  • The Knoxville-Knox County Planning Commission meets from 1:30-4:30 p.m. in the Main Assembly Room of the City County Building, 400 Main St. See the official meeting listing.
  • The Knoxville Area Urban League’s Equal Opportunity Awards Gala begins at 6 p.m. at The Press Room, 730 N. Broadway. The annual fundraiser will recognize community, business and corporate leadership. Visit the Knoxville Area Urban League for organization information.
  • Evening entertainment includes the Zac Brown Band at 7 p.m. at Food City Center, the Concertmaster Series at 7 p.m. at the Knoxville Museum of Art and Kenny Wayne Shepherd at 7:30 p.m. at the Tennessee Theatre. Browse the Knoxville event listings.

Looking for more? Check the KnoxTNToday calendar for upcoming events from community partners.

Featured Resource

Hill Avenue public input: Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation and the City of Knoxville continue gathering ideas for the former Public Safety Building site near the Knoxville Civic Auditorium and Coliseum. Residents can review the project and share feedback through the Hill Avenue input page.

Helpful Links

  • Knox County Public Library — Find books, digital resources, classes and programs on the library calendar.
  • Knoxville city calendar — Review public meetings and community events on the official city calendar.
  • KUB construction — Check current utility work and traffic impacts on the KUB construction map.
  • Knox County Schools — Review important dates and school schedules on the KCS calendar.
  • Weather — See the latest East Tennessee forecast from WBIR Weather.

Across Tennessee

The University of Tennessee Press will publish Fighting with Stonewall in the Valley: The Diary of John Henry Stover Funk on Oct. 27. The Civil War diary includes what the press describes as the only firsthand account of the moment Thomas Jackson received the “Stonewall” nickname. Explore new and forthcoming books from UT Press.

Across America

For national developments in government, business, education, health and public life, follow the latest reporting from AP U.S. News.

Around the World

For international developments and humanitarian updates, read the latest coverage from UN News.

Stock Market

Markets can change throughout the trading day. Check current index levels, company news and market analysis at MarketWatch before making financial decisions.

Have an event, resource or community connection for a future edition? Send it to news@knoxtntoday.com.

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