East Tennessee Now

(ROCKFORD, Tenn.) Need new glasses, but don’t have the money? Your insurance just won't cover the entire bill and you don't have any extra cash? Or how about a trip to the dentist? The doctor? You can get free healthcare here in Knoxville,  no questions asked when Remote Area Medical hosts a clinic Feb. 1-3 at Chilhowee Park. They will have dental, vision and medical care. RAMUSA.org

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The City of Knoxville's Special Events team has something spectacular waiting for you New Year's Eve. Kyndra Brewer shares the fun that they have lined up for December 31, 2018 on Market Square. The free event includes a live band, a ball drop and fireworks! The party starts at 10pm. 

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No one wants to get sick over the holidays and end up in bed instead of rocking around the Christmas tree. Dr. Ryan Redmond of East Tennessee Children's Hospital shares tips on avoiding the flu,  signs and symptoms and how the flu shot can protect you. www.etch.com 

Also, The Volunteer Assisted Transportation program is in desperate need of volunteers now and all year round in Knox County. These volunteers are trained to pick up and drive seniors and people with disabilities to appointments, shopping, and other errands. Staff member Nancy Welsh says it's more than a ride and explains the requirements. Larry shares his experience as a volunteer. 

www.knoxseniors.org/vat

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The City of Knoxville  has so many fun and entertaining events during the month of December. Actually, the fun runs through the new year! Special Events Deputy, Kyndra Brewer shares all of the details of New Year's on the Square, ringing in 2019 with live music, a ball drop and even fireworks! But don't miss out on the rest of the Christmas fun, as we close out 2018!

Click here

for the city's website!

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You can shop more than 300 gift ideas with Beth Haynes 12 Days of Christmas auction. It benefits the Helen Ross McNabb Center! Bidders experience the joy of giving while purchasing unique gifts and experiences. Local business donations make this charitable countdown to Christmas possible. Beth along with Katie Banks from Helen Ross McNabb explain how the funds raised through the auction help children and families served by the center with basic needs and presents during the holiday season and with emergency needs throughout the year  McNabbCenter.org

Support our local veterans this Christmas with  "Wreaths Across America." These wreaths being hauled from Maine will be placed on the headstones at the three veterans' cemeteries here in Knox County on December 15. And that's when they need volunteers! Chris Albrecht, with the local chapter of the Vietnam Veterans of America, explains how the program started.  VVA1078.ORG

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This Cyber Monday , the City of Knoxville’s Parks and Recreation Department is trying something new. They are having an

online sale. You can get great deals on arts and crafts lessons, indoor pool passes,

pickleball memberships, ice rink passes, and more. Deputy Director, Aaron

Browning says its a way to get people active and exploring what our city has to offer in terms of recreation. Visit

www.knoxvilletn.gov/cybersale

to

plan your purchases for Monday, Nov. 26.

Also, In December, you will notice some local businesses and attractions lighting up blue for East Tennessee Children’s Hospital. The goal is to raise awareness for patient families. When  you see the blue lights, you're reminded that at that moment, hundreds of children could use your support as they receive life-saving surgeries and treatments. ETCH's "Shine Your Light" campaign will fund new NICU beds that cost $41,000 each. Seth Linkous explains how these beds are top of the line care for these precious newborns who need a little more TLC. 

ETCH.com

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It's Flu season. Dr. Ryan Redmond, Medical Director at East Tennessee Children's Hospital explains to host Michele Silva, which patients are most at risk for the flu and the importance of getting a flu shot. We also talk about signs and symptoms, how long your child should stay out of school and when they are contagious. 

There are three veteran's cemeteries in Knox County with more than 17,000 graves. Each year volunteers purchase and then place a Christmas wreath on the graves of veterans. The wreaths are only a $15 donation through Wreaths Across America. Chris Albrecht, with the local chapter explains how the program started, the importance and how the wreaths get from Maine to the graves.

Wreaths Across America

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The 2018 Bazillion Blooms trees sales are open through Friday, November 16th. These 2’ – 4’ bare-root trees are available for $25 each or five [5] for $100 and benefit the Dogwood Arts. Executive Director, Sherry Jenkins explains why it is important to continue to plant the dogwoods as the older ones die. Vicki Baumgartner, Program Manager shares the benefits of planting Dogwoods and how they serve a purpose four times a year.  

Bazillion Blooms.

The Big Red Bow Project is underway at Lexus of Knoxville again this year. Donations of slippers, socks, gloves, music, dvds, and other items are encouraged. They will be handed out before Christmas to people living with Alzheimer's Disease who may have been forgotten during the holiday season.  

Big Red Bow

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A new ministry on Magnolia in Knoxville has opened its doors a couple days a week, "As an outreach for the inner city folks, a broken area that needs love," says Jennifer Jones, one of the organizers says. "The Avenue" ministry also serves warm meals and plan to hand out warm clothing items to people in need. That's where Avenue is collecting warm hats, gloves, scarves Both Jennifer and Marty Stooksbury explain how their plan, their mission on Sundays and Wednesdays reaches beyond a meal and the service.  (The Avenue: 865-919-4565)

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Winterfest started 29 years ago in Pigeon Forge as a way to boost the local economy and celebrate the holidays. Mayor David Wear explains to Michele Silva how it kept people in town... working,  and businesses open year round. Mayor Wear shares all the fun there is planned to kick off this special time of year in Sevier County, and other events ahead this winter. We also chat about his family, his personal life, the wildfires, Dolly Parton, charity, and much more!

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