Vivian Underwood Shipe, class of 1991, was honored April 16 with Pellissippi State’s 2021 Distinguished Alumni Award, which highlights an outstanding graduate in recognition of significant professional achievement and service to the community. Shipe earned an associate degree in marketing at age 41. She is founder and CEO of I AM the Voice of the Voiceless, a nonprofit dedicated to providing education and resources for vulnerable populations, as well as a founding member of Faith Leaders Health Initiative and the state’s pre-arrest diversion task force. Shipe also serves on the boards of the Mental Health Association of East Tennessee, Elder Abuse Task Force of Knoxville/Knox County and Knoxville Community Health Fair.
Jobs: Nearly 50 businesses in downtown Knoxville are hiring, and the Downtown Knoxville Alliance is offering a roundup of work opportunities on its website. Part- and full-time positions for artists, bartenders, cooks, hosts, housekeeping, massage therapists, sales, servers and more are available.
Fantasy of Trees will return November 2021, with extended hours, after a year off due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The annual event is the largest fundraiser for East Tennessee Children’s Hospital, attracting nearly 60,000 people during the week of Thanksgiving.
Farragut Community Center has resumed rentals for the Assembly Hall, a middle-school-sized gymnasium and medium and large classrooms. All can accommodate an array of events and functions. Info here.