A new week begins with a reminder that small acts can strengthen a neighborhood. Today’s Connections offers motivation, a little Tennessee history, local events and useful resources to help readers start Monday informed and connected.

Monday Motivation

A better neighborhood often begins with one person choosing to notice. Wave first, learn a name, check on someone who lives alone or offer a hand before being asked. Small kindnesses rarely stay small.

Tennessee Trivia

Question: How many official salutes does Tennessee have for its state flag?

Answer: Two. Lucy Steele Harrison wrote the first salute, and Tennessee adopted it in 1981. Tennessee adopted a second salute, written by Miss John Bostick, in 1987. Read both official salutes and learn about the Tennessee flag.

Today’s Smile

Why did the neighbor bring a ladder to the block party? He wanted to take friendship to the next level.

National Day

National Good Neighbor Day is observed Sept. 28 as an invitation to build stronger connections close to home. Celebrating can be as simple as introducing yourself, sharing garden produce, checking on an older neighbor or thanking someone who quietly makes the street a better place. Today’s challenge: Do one neighborly thing before the day ends. Find ideas for National Good Neighbor Day.

Today in History

Sept. 28, 1928: Scottish bacteriologist Alexander Fleming noticed that mold growing in a laboratory dish had killed the bacteria around it. His observation led to the discovery of penicillin and helped open the antibiotic era. Read more about Alexander Fleming.

Today’s Highlights

  • Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee has received a $390,000 donation from Publix Charities to strengthen food distributions, child-hunger programs and access to nutritious food across its 18-county service area. More than 229,000 East Tennesseans are at risk of hunger, including one in five children. Learn about Second Harvest’s work.
  • Knox County Schools is offering $20 Honoring Service T-shirts for Veterans Day, with proceeds supporting KCS JROTC programs. Preorders are due Oct. 14, pickup is Oct. 29, and students, employees and community members are encouraged to wear the shirts Nov. 11. Visit Knox County Schools.
  • The John T. O’Connor Senior Center will host a free Senior Job Fair for adults 50 and older Oct. 8 from 9 a.m.-noon at 611 Winona St. Job seekers should bring copies of their resumes and be prepared to complete applications. Learn more about the O’Connor Senior Center.

Local Events

  • Monday outdoor choices — Disc Golf Doubles begins at 6 p.m. at Admiral Farragut; Tennessee Valley Bikes’ no-drop B Group road ride begins at 6 p.m.; and the Flying Pints Fun Run starts at 6:30 p.m. at Alliance Brewing Co. The Appalachian Mountain Bike Club also holds its monthly meeting at 7 p.m. at Southside Garage. Check the Outdoor Knoxville guide for details and updates.
  • Monarch Butterfly Tagging & Education — Smokies Life offers a naturalist-led program Oct. 3 and again Oct. 7 in Cades Cove. Participants will help support conservation efforts that track monarchs during their fall migration. Registration and fees apply. See Smokies Life Branch Out events.
  • Blessing of the Animals — The Church of the Good Shepherd, 5409 Jacksboro Pike, will welcome pets and their people Oct. 4 at 3:30 p.m. on the front lawn. The event will be held rain or shine and will move indoors if needed. Visit the church website.
  • Cades Cove vehicle-free Wednesday — Walkers and cyclists can enjoy the 11-mile Cades Cove Loop Road without motor vehicles from sunrise to sunset Sept. 30. Visitors should plan for changing weather, carry water and allow plenty of time. Review park information before visiting.

Featured Resource

The CAC Office on Aging connects Knox County older adults and caregivers with information about transportation, meals, health services, senior centers, employment support and other community resources. Its Aging Well Resource Directory can help families find the right local service without having to search agency by agency. Explore Office on Aging resources.

Helpful Community Links

  • 211 Tennessee — Search for help with food, housing, utilities, health care, transportation and other essential needs.
  • Knox County Public Library — Find branch hours, digital materials, classes, children’s programs and community events.
  • Knoxville Area Transit — Check bus routes, schedules, fares, rider alerts and accessibility information.
  • CAC Office on Aging — Locate programs and support for older adults, caregivers and families throughout Knox County.
  • Visit Knoxville events — Browse concerts, exhibits, festivals and other activities happening around Knoxville.

Across Tennessee

A new state report says Tennessee faces a widening transportation-funding gap as construction and maintenance costs rise. Tennessee Lookout reports that the state needs about $3.6 billion for highway operations, maintenance and improvements, prompting discussion of whether lawmakers should increase taxes or permit borrowing for road work. Read Tennessee Lookout’s latest news.

Across America

NASA has launched a nationwide State Hubs initiative designed to prepare students for skilled technical careers in the growing space economy. The effort brings together state and federal partners, educators and employers to strengthen pathways into well-paying technical jobs that support future missions. Read the NASA update.

Around the World

A joint U.S.-India satellite is giving scientists a detailed new view of volcanic activity on Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula. NASA says the NISAR satellite assembled 17 radar images into a time-lapse showing lava spreading from Krasheninnikov volcano, which awakened after nearly five centuries of quiet. The work demonstrates how frequent radar observations can help scientists monitor natural hazards around the globe. Watch and read about the NISAR observations.

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