A new neighborhood grocery store, volunteers preserving Knoxville’s history and a garden honoring military families are among the ways East Tennessee residents are making a difference. There are also opportunities to improve neighborhoods, recognize outstanding citizens and celebrate the season.
Old Sevier Market opens in South Knoxville
After years of anticipation, South Knoxville residents finally have a neighborhood grocery store on Sevier Avenue.
Old Sevier Market opened Saturday, Oct. 10, at 906 Sevier Ave., Suite 130. The locally owned market offers everyday groceries, fresh produce, regional products and specialty items.
Owner Chris Morton has worked for years to bring the concept to life. General manager Claire Taylor hopes the market will serve longtime residents, students and young families while supporting local producers.
Credit: Inside of Knoxville, used with permission from Leslie Bateman.
The store is already giving back. During its first month, it plans to donate food equal in value to 15% of purchases to community partners, beginning with South Knoxville Elementary School.
The market is open daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Volunteers bring forgotten graves back into view
At historic Longview Cemetery, volunteers are working to uncover more than headstones. They’re helping families reconnect with their history.
Beth DaSilveira began organizing cleanups after seeing the overgrown conditions at the cemetery, one of Knoxville’s historic African American burial grounds.
Volunteers have been clearing vegetation, removing debris and uncovering graves that have been hidden for years.
Gabrielle Leflore, one of the volunteers, discovered that her great-grandparents and other relatives were buried there.
The restoration effort also includes nearby Crestview and Southern Chain cemeteries.
Those interested in helping can look for updates through the Friends of Longview Cemetery Facebook group.
Read WVLT’s coverage of the restoration.
A garden of gratitude in Lonsdale
A new red, white and blue garden at the historic Ivan Racheff House and Gardens honors veterans and Gold Star families.
The garden was dedicated Oct. 8 with representatives of National Garden Clubs, Tuckaleechee Garden Club and Tennessee Federation of Garden Clubs District IV participating.
Located at 1943 Tennessee Ave., the garden will become a living tribute as its plantings mature.
The public is welcome to visit and watch the garden grow.
Read more about the dedication from WVLT.
Have an idea to improve your neighborhood?
Keep Knoxville Beautiful is accepting applications for its 2026-27 Placemaking Grant, offering funding for community projects that make shared spaces more attractive and welcoming.
Neighborhood associations, schools, churches and other community groups may apply for projects with budgets up to $2,500.
Ideas might include community gardens, landscaping, murals, tree planting or other improvements that encourage neighborhood pride.
Applications are due Friday, Oct. 23, at 5 p.m.
Learn more and apply at Keep Knoxville Beautiful.
Fountain City prepares for Christmas
The Fountain City Christmas Parade will be held Saturday, Dec. 5, beginning at 9 a.m.
Businesses, churches, civic organizations and neighborhood groups interested in participating should apply by Oct. 23. Space is limited.
Applications and parade information are available at Fountain City Christmas Parade.
Powell seeks outstanding neighbors
The Powell Business and Professional Association is accepting nominations for its 2026 Man, Woman and Businessperson of the Year awards.
Residents are encouraged to recognize individuals who have made meaningful contributions to Powell through service, leadership and community involvement.
Send nominations with a brief explanation to Don Wegener at powellchiro@comcast.net.
Business groups welcome neighbors this week
Two area business associations are offering opportunities to connect with neighbors and hear about issues affecting their communities.
Powell: The Powell Business and Professional Association meets Tuesday, Oct. 13, at noon at Jubilee Banquet Facility, 1506 Callahan Drive. Andy Padgett and Zach Bowing of the Tennessee Department of Transportation will discuss traffic engineering, highway infrastructure and local roadway projects.
Fountain City: The Fountain City Business and Professional Association meets Wednesday, Oct. 14, at noon at the Fountain City Lions Club. Guest speaker Angie Howell of Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital will discuss fundraising opportunities and this year’s Fantasy of Trees. Lunch, catered by Sweet P’s, is $15.
For more business networking opportunities, see KnoxTNToday’s October business meetings calendar.
Help spruce up North Knoxville
Keep Knoxville Beautiful is inviting volunteers to its October Saturday Spruce Up on Oct. 17, from 10 a.m. to noon, at the North Knoxville City Recycling Center.
It’s an opportunity to lend a hand and help keep the community clean.
Find details through Keep Knoxville Beautiful’s upcoming events.
Have news for Let’s Talk? Send community stories, student accomplishments, local leadership recognitions and outdoor happenings for Let’s Talk: Neighbors, Schools, Leaders and Outdoors to news@knoxtntoday.com. Photographs are welcome with the photographer’s name and permission to publish.
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