As Veterans Day approaches, East Tennessee organizations are finding meaningful ways to thank those who served. From complimentary entertainment and haircuts to community gatherings and opportunities to help neighbors, this week offers plenty of reasons to connect.

Veterans invited to Seniors Got Talent at no charge

The Morning Pointe Foundation is honoring military veterans with free admission to Seniors Got Talent Knoxville on Tuesday, November 10, at 6:30 p.m. at the Bijou Theatre, 803 S. Gay St. Veterans must present proof of military service at the door. The competition celebrates talented performers age 60 and older while supporting scholarships for students pursuing careers that serve older adults. Event details and tickets.

Free haircuts honor military service

Gambuzza’s Barbershop will provide free haircuts to veterans and active military personnel on Veterans Day, Wednesday, November 11, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at its Northshore location, 304 S. Northshore Drive, and West Knoxville location, 1543 Downtown West Blvd. Military identification or proof of service is required. Appointments are recommended, but walk-ins are welcome. Anyone unable to be served that day will receive a voucher for a future visit. Call 865-588-4001 to schedule. Gambuzza’s Barbershop.

Volunteer Ministry Center brings community together to fight homelessness

The Volunteer Ministry Center (VMC) will host its 18th annual Carry the Torch luncheon and fundraiser Tuesday, November 10, at the Knoxville Convention Center. Author Jeannette Walls, known for her bestselling memoir The Glass Castle, will deliver the keynote address, with WATE anchor Lori Tucker serving as honorary chair. A Mission Fair highlighting community organizations begins at 10 a.m., followed by the luncheon, program and book signing from 11:45 a.m. to 2 p.m. Proceeds support VMC’s work to prevent and end homelessness in Knoxville. Carry the Torch event information.

Senior Angel Tree brings comfort to older neighbors

The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) is collecting essential items for limited-income older adults through its 2026 Senior Angel Tree campaign. Organizers report that 40% of the gift bags will support adults age 60 and older who are living in vehicles. Needed donations include laundry detergent, toiletries, non-slip socks, blankets and $25 Walmart or Target gift cards. Donations may be dropped off at Knox County senior centers or the CAC Office on Aging, 2247 Western Ave., through December 1. For information, call 865-524-2786. Knoxville-Knox County Office on Aging.

New technology aims to clean Tennessee waterways

Keep the Tennessee River Beautiful and Yamaha Rightwaters will demonstrate new technology designed to remove litter and debris from waterways Tuesday, November 10, at 10:30 a.m. at Volunteer Landing, 400 Neyland Drive. Representatives from Yamaha Rightwaters, TVA and Keep the Tennessee River Beautiful will participate. Organizers also plan to announce the results of nine October cleanup events across five states. Keep the Tennessee River Beautiful.

Daily Connections

Today’s Motivation: A small act of kindness may be the most important thing someone experiences today.

Today in History: On November 9, 1989, East Germany opened crossings through the Berlin Wall, setting in motion scenes of celebration that became symbols of the end of the Cold War.

Tennessee Trivia: Tennessee is known as the Volunteer State, a nickname associated with the willingness of Tennesseans to serve in military conflicts, particularly the War of 1812 and the Mexican-American War.

Today’s Smile: Why did the calendar apply for a job? It wanted to make every day count!

Local Events and Opportunities

  • Vol Hoops Salute to Service — November 9: Tennessee men’s basketball hosts Radford at 7 p.m. at Food City Center. Veterans, current military members and first responders may receive complimentary admission for themselves and immediate family members with qualifying identification, subject to ticket availability. UT Veterans Day events.
  • Carry the Torch — November 10: The Volunteer Ministry Center’s annual luncheon and fundraiser at the Knoxville Convention Center features author Jeannette Walls. The Mission Fair begins at 10 a.m., followed by the luncheon and program at 11:45 a.m. VMC event information.
  • Seniors Got Talent — November 10: 6:30 p.m., Bijou Theatre. Veterans receive free admission with proof of military service. Event details.
  • Veterans Day Parade — November 11: Knoxville’s 101st annual Veterans Day Parade begins at 10:45 a.m. along Gay Street in downtown Knoxville. City of Knoxville calendar.
  • Farragut Veterans Day History Hour — November 11: Retired Navy Adm. Lew Felton shares highlights of his 35-year career at 11 a.m. at Farragut Town Hall, 11408 Municipal Center Drive. Admission is free, and museum tours follow the presentation. Town of Farragut.
  • Phillis Wheatley and the Black American Revolution — November 12: University of Tennessee professor Katy Chiles will discuss the poet’s treatment of liberty, freedom and slavery at 6 p.m. at the Blount Mansion Visitors Center, 200 W. Hill Ave. A $10 donation is suggested; RSVP to info@blountmansion.org. Blount Mansion.
  • Keep Knoxville Beautiful waste audit — November 13: Volunteers will help examine recyclables from 12:30-3:30 p.m. at the Smurfit WestRock Recycling Center. Keep Knoxville Beautiful.
  • Saturday Spruce Up — November 14: Volunteers will gather from 10 a.m. to noon in the West Depot Avenue area for a community litter cleanup. Keep Knoxville Beautiful.
  • Move Through November — Through November 30: Knox County Parks and Recreation encourages residents to walk, hike, bike or paddle in local parks and record their activities in the month’s outdoor challenge. Knox County Parks and Recreation.
  • Senior Angel Tree — Through December 1: Donate household necessities, personal care items, socks, blankets or gift cards at participating Knox County senior centers. Office on Aging.

Let’s keep connecting

Do you know a veteran who would enjoy one of this week’s special events or a neighbor who could use a little encouragement? Share these opportunities and help make our community stronger.

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