Wednesday brings a community conversation about domestic violence, opportunities for young musicians, and several fall events worth putting on the calendar.

Wednesday Wonder

Why do leaves change color in the fall? As daylight shortens and temperatures cool, trees stop producing chlorophyll, the green pigment that dominates leaves through spring and summer. As the green fades, yellow and orange pigments that were there all along become visible.

Today in History

  • 1955: Actor James Dean died in a car crash in California at age 24, just as his brief film career was making him one of the best-known young actors in America.
  • 1960: “The Flintstones” premiered on ABC. The animated series followed Fred and Wilma Flintstone and their neighbors Barney and Betty Rubble in the prehistoric town of Bedrock.

Tennessee Trivia

Tennessee’s state wild animal is the raccoon, adopted by the General Assembly in 1971. The adaptable nocturnal animal is found throughout the state.

Today’s Smile

Why did the scarecrow get promoted? Because he was outstanding in his field.

National Day

National Love People Day: Sept. 30 is National Love People Day, an invitation to show kindness without expecting anything in return. A phone call, encouraging word, small favor or simple act of patience can make somebody’s day better.

Today’s Highlights

  • Knox County focuses attention on domestic violence: Knox County leaders and community partners gather at 11 a.m. today at the Randall E. Nichols Family Justice Center for a press conference ahead of October’s Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Knox County Mayor Betsy Henderson, District Attorney General Charme Allen, Knox County Sheriff Brent Gibson, Knoxville Police Chief Paul Noel, Lacy Bradley of the McNabb Center and Criminal Court Clerk Mike Hammond are expected to discuss domestic violence in Knox County and efforts to reduce the number of cases.
  • Hardin Valley band has Indianapolis in its sights: Hardin Valley Academy’s Spirit of the Valley Marching Band is raising money to travel to the Bands of America Grand National Championships at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis in November. The band is seeking community and business support to help cover transportation, meals, instruction, equipment and competition expenses.
  • Girl Scouts and Young-Williams team up for shelter dogs: Girl Scouts of Southern Appalachians is partnering with Young-Williams Animal Center on an effort that allows supporters to send BarkBox treats and toys to dogs awaiting adoption while also supporting Girl Scout troops across East Tennessee.
  • Frozen Head celebrates Appalachian heritage: Frozen Head State Park will hold its 45th annual Heritage Day from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, at the historic Stonecipher Kelly Homeplace in Wartburg. The free event includes old-time and bluegrass music, traditional crafts, food trucks, pumpkin painting and hayrides, along with demonstrations ranging from cider pressing and blacksmithing to weaving and cast-iron cooking.

Local Events

  • Domestic Violence Awareness Month press conference: 11 a.m. today at the Randall E. Nichols Family Justice Center auditorium on Harriet Tubman Street in Knoxville.
  • Bands of America Chattanooga Regional Championship: Twenty-three high school marching bands will compete Saturday, Oct. 3, at Finley Stadium in Chattanooga. Preliminary gates open at 8:15 a.m., with 12 bands advancing to the evening finals.
  • Monarch Butterfly Tagging & Education: Smokies Life offers its first October monarch program Saturday, Oct. 3, in Cades Cove, with another scheduled Oct. 7. Participants can learn about monarch migration and assist with conservation efforts tracking the butterfly population.
  • Japanese Language & Culture Classes: The Asian Culture Center of Tennessee begins its fall session Oct. 10 in West Knoxville. Eight-week courses range from introductory through more advanced study and include language and Japanese culture.

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

Featured Resource

Smokies Life Branch Out: Fall offers several ways to experience Great Smoky Mountains National Park beyond a traditional hike. Smokies Life’s Branch Out program includes Monarch Butterfly Tagging & Education on Oct. 3 and 7, Elk in the Smokies on Oct. 9 and 17, a Forest Bathing Guided Walk on Oct. 30 and November programs exploring the stories of Grandma Gatewood and Lydia Kear Whaley. Registration fees support projects and services in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Explore Smokies Life Branch Out events at SmokiesLife.org/branch-out-events.

Helpful Community Links

  • Knox County Public Library — Find programs, books, digital resources and events throughout the library system.
  • Young-Williams Animal Center — Find adoptable pets, volunteer opportunities and information about helping local animals.
  • Great Smoky Mountains National Park — Check park information, alerts and trip-planning resources.
  • Ijams Nature Center — Explore trails, programs and outdoor activities.
  • Visit Knoxville — Find local attractions and upcoming events.

Across Tennessee

Fall heritage celebrations continue across Tennessee in October. Frozen Head State Park’s Oct. 10 Heritage Day combines music, traditional Appalachian skills and family activities with an opportunity to explore one of East Tennessee’s state parks.

Across America

High school marching bands are moving deeper into competition season. The Bands of America schedule includes regional events across the country before culminating with the Grand National Championships Nov. 12-14 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

Around the World

Fall bird and butterfly migrations are reminders that wildlife doesn’t recognize state or national borders. Monarch butterflies seen moving through East Tennessee are part of a multigenerational migration that eventually carries the eastern population toward wintering grounds in central Mexico.

Stock Market

Wall Street enters the final day of September today. Check the latest market numbers and financial news before making financial decisions, since indexes can change throughout the trading day:  https://www.marketwatch.com/.

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

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