What makes a neighborhood strong? Sometimes it’s a ballot cast, a roadside cleaned or a group of volunteers preparing to plant trees for the next generation.
Today, Tuesday, November 3, is Election Day, giving residents another opportunity to participate in decisions affecting their communities. Meanwhile, East Knoxville neighbors are demonstrating that community involvement continues long after the polls close.
From Town Hall East’s efforts to improve Holston Hills Road to plans for a greener school campus and a community conversation about Chilhowee Park, there are plenty of ways to make a difference close to home.
Election Day is here: Know before you go
Today is Election Day, and Knox County residents who have not already voted can cast their ballots.
Knox County polling places are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time.
Voters must go to their assigned Election Day precinct, which may differ from an early voting location. Several precinct locations have changed this year, making it especially important to check before leaving home.
Tennessee requires an acceptable government-issued photo ID to vote in person. A Tennessee driver’s license, U.S. passport or U.S. military photo ID are among the accepted forms. College student IDs and out-of-state driver’s licenses are not accepted.
Voters who are in line when polls close at 8 p.m. may still vote.
The ballot includes federal and state offices, along with proposed amendments. The races and questions appearing on an individual ballot depend on the voter’s address.
Before heading to the polls:
- Find your assigned polling place and review your voter information.
- Visit the Knox County Election Commission for election information and sample ballots.
- Call the Knox County Election Commission at 865-215-2480 with questions.
Voting is one of the ways neighbors participate in shaping their communities. Whatever their political views, residents can make an informed decision about the issues and candidates on their ballots.
Nine neighbors, 19 bags of litter and a cleaner community
Nine volunteers. Nineteen bags of litter. One neighborhood looking a little better.
That’s the result of a cleanup along Holston Hills Road organized by members of Town Hall East.
The volunteers worked along the stretch between Boyds Bridge Pike and Riverside Drive during Keep Knoxville Beautiful’s East Knoxville Community Cleanup on September 26.
It was Town Hall East’s second cleanup of its adopted roadway this year. The work qualified the neighborhood association for an official Adopt-a-Road sign recognizing its commitment.
The group collected 19 bags of litter along with larger discarded items that would not fit into bags.
The volunteers included Sylvia and Wayne McLaurin, Jim Malia, Linda Haney, David Lee, Corina Buffalow, Michael Aktalay, Michael Connolly and Marisa Connolly.
It’s the kind of project that doesn’t require a large budget or elaborate planning. It takes people willing to give a little time and energy to a place they care about.
And while the cleanup is finished, Town Hall East isn’t finished improving the neighborhood.
Learn more about Town Hall East.
Fifteen new trees will take root at Holston Middle School
A school campus can become a classroom in more ways than one.
On December 3, students, school staff and community volunteers are expected to work together to plant 15 trees at Holston Middle School.
The project was proposed by Town Hall East’s Ecology Committee and developed with the school and Trees Knoxville through the Canopies for Campuses program.
Principal Amber Roberts and lead teacher Hannah Roberts have helped coordinate the effort.
The trees will include species selected for their suitability to East Tennessee and the school environment, including Shumard oak, smoke tree, red maple and redbud.
Students will help plant the trees and participate in their ongoing care.
Over time, the trees will provide shade, seasonal color and an opportunity for students to observe how living things grow and change.
The planting time has not yet been announced.
Residents interested in volunteering can contact townhalleast@gmail.com or sign up at the association’s November 9 community meeting.
What comes next for Chilhowee Park?
A familiar East Knoxville landmark will be the focus of Town Hall East’s next community meeting.
Residents are invited to gather Monday, November 9, at 7 p.m., in the fellowship hall of Eastminster Presbyterian Church.
The meeting will feature a discussion about the future of Chilhowee Park and the work of the Chilhowee Park Advisory Group.
Panelists include Sky Smith, an Austin-East High School teacher; Knoxville City Council member Denzel Grant; and Maggie Longmire, a Sierra Club board member. All three participated in the advisory group’s discussions.
The evening will begin with an update on What’s Next Knoxville, the city’s long-range planning initiative.
Jessie Hillman, principal planner with Knoxville-Knox County Planning, will explain the initiative’s developing goals and how residents can provide additional feedback.
The meeting offers an opportunity for neighbors to learn more about plans affecting East Knoxville and share their interests in the community’s future.
Visit Town Hall East for more information.
O’Connor Senior Center invites neighbors to a fall craft fair
There’s something special about a gift made by hand.
The O’Connor Senior Center will host its Fall Craft Fair on Thursday, November 12, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The event is free and offers an opportunity to enjoy handmade crafts, seasonal creativity and a community gathering.
The center is part of the Knoxville-Knox County Community Action Committee’s Office on Aging, which provides programs and services for older adults.
For more information, visit the Office on Aging or call 865-524-2786.
Daily Connections — Tuesday, November 3
Today’s Motivation
A strong community isn’t built by one person doing everything. It’s built by many people doing something.
Today in History
On November 3, 1957, the Soviet Union launched Sputnik 2, carrying Laika, the first animal to orbit Earth.
Tennessee Trivia
Knoxville served as Tennessee’s first state capital after Tennessee became the 16th state in 1796.
Today’s Smile
Why did the neighbor bring a ladder to the community meeting? Because everyone was talking about taking the neighborhood to the next level!
Local Events
Election Day — Tuesday, November 3
Knox County polls are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Voters must use their assigned Election Day precinct and bring acceptable photo identification. Check your voting information.
Town Hall East Community Meeting — Monday, November 9
The meeting begins at 7 p.m. at Eastminster Presbyterian Church. Topics include Chilhowee Park and the What’s Next Knoxville planning initiative. Learn more.
Maryville College Invitational Choir Festival — Saturday, November 7
Six visiting high school and college choirs will join Maryville College ensembles at the Clayton Center for the Arts from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Tickets are $12.50. Clayton Center for the Arts.
O’Connor Senior Center Fall Craft Fair — Thursday, November 12
The free craft fair runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Office on Aging information.
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