Local Y starts 175th year

The YMCA of East Tennessee will showcase its new leadership during the 175th anniversary annual campaign kickoff. The Y is raising funds to help ensure everyone in the community can access Y programs and services, regardless of their ability to pay.

On Monday, March 23, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. Y leaders will kick off the campaign at the Cansler Family YMCA, 616 Jessamine St. in Caswell Park. The community is invited to attend.

The Y has set a campaign goal of $350,000.

As a nonprofit organization, the YMCA of East Tennessee awards more than $1 million in scholarships every year through donations and community support – not membership dues.

The local Y’s reach is significant in the region, serving more than 30,000 members across East Tennessee, with another 10,000 individuals participating in YMCA programs such as swim lessons, youth sports and after school childcare.

Last year, the Y taught more than 5,000 children life-saving swim skills, ensuring that all children – regardless of family income – can learn water safety. More than 1,000 children in Knox County Schools attend Y After School programs each day, where they get homework help and build friendships while their parents finish the workday.

Matt Ryerson, who previously led the United Way, is now chief executive officer of the Y, replacing Jim Dickson who retired in 2025. Dr. Charles Lomax is the Y’s director of philanthropy. Learn more or donate online here. Watch the Y in action with Kim Ballard here.

John Overholt, tenor; Brian Salesky, artistic director and pianist; Jacqueline Brecheen, soprano; and Joshua Ulrich, violinist.

Passover Musical Feast

The Amadeus Concert Ensemble will present a free family holiday concert, Passover Musical Feast, on Sunday, March 22, 2026, at 4 p.m. at the Arnstein Jewish Community Center, 6800 Deane Hill Drive, Knoxville.

Speakers include UT President Randy Boyd, U.S. Rep. Tim Burchett and Bobby Scott, ministry engagement director for Christians United for Israel. Reservations not required. Info here.

Knoxville Pediatric Associates to join Summit Medical

Summit Medical Group (SMG) announced that Knoxville Pediatric Associates (KPA) will officially join the organization this spring, continuing to strengthen Summit’s pediatric services and expanding its reach across the region.

For more than 30 years, KPA has provided high quality pediatric care to families across five locations in two counties. Now KPA will gain access to Summit’s shared resources, operational support and clinical infrastructure. Both groups will work closely to ensure a smooth transition for families and staff.

South Knox alert

Ijams Nature Center and Presbytery of East Tennessee will announce a major community initiative on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at 4 p.m. at New Prospect Presbyterian Church, 4920 Prospect Road, Knoxville.

Leaders from the organizations will share details about an extraordinary gift and announce a significant new initiative that will expand opportunities for conservation, early childhood education and community engagement in South Knoxville.

And no, lips are sealed. No idea what to expect. Stay tuned.

In Memoriam

Nancy Mott

Nancy Kaebnick Mott was a community activist for a variety of causes. She died on December 9, 2025, in Knoxville at age 88. Family and friends will celebrate her life on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at 2 p.m. at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Knoxville. For those unable to attend, the video call link is here. Or dial: ‪(US) +1 240-775-0069 PIN: ‪556 067 678#

Nancy devoted herself to a lifetime of nurturing, peace and justice – as a teacher, parent and wife, counseling professional, church leader and community activist. She was devoted to the Episcopal Church of East Tennessee and was active in the Democratic Party, Knoxville Pride, Martin Luther King Day and issues of concern to her East Knoxville neighborhood such as library and park access.

“Love Justice, Do Kindness, Walk Humbly with God”

Notes & Quotes

Church of the Good Shepherd in Fountain City is hosting its spring First Creek clean-up on Saturday, March 22, from 2-4 p.m. The community is invited to join. Meet in the grassy area behind First Horizon Bank across from Gentry-Griffey.

Quote: “Everybody needs four things in life: Something to do, someone to love, someone to believe in and something to hope for.” – Kim Ballard, chief operating officer, YMCA of East Tennessee.

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