| FEBRUARY | ARCHIVES |
The City’s annual Budget Retreat was earlier this month. So what is our financial outlook and what part do you play in the budgeting process? Mayor Kincannon spells it out in this quick message from the Mayor.
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The Middlebrook Legacy: We Celebrate Black History
Legacy Award honoree, civil rights activist, friend of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., ordained minister, community leader and loving father—all titles rightfully attributed to the Reverend Harold Middlebrook.
While Middlebrook has called Knoxville home since 1977, he was actually born in Memphis in 1942, he attended Morehouse College and Lemoyne-Owen College, and was ordained a minister in 1966.
More than 10 years after his ordination, he moved to Knoxville to pastor at Mount Calvary Baptist Church.
In the last 4 decades, he has continued his life of service in East Tennessee, including being the founder of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration Commission of Greater Knoxville.
“Whatever God has given to us, it is our responsibility to share it,” Reverend Middlebrook said. “Each of our children, in their own way, make a contribution to make life better for others.”
Two of Middlebrook’s 3 children do just that as City of Knoxville employees. His oldest daughter, Sherry Bennett, works for Public Service. His youngest child, LaKenya, oversees the City’s first-ever Office of Community Safety.
Reverend and LaKenya Middlebrook sit down to share some of their stories as the City of Knoxville celebrates Black History.
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Saluting Cindy Gass’ Half Century of Service
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Revitalized Milton Roberts Center Reopens
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More EV Ports,
New Solar Panels, Vision Zero
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Maker City Makes Dream Jobs a Reality for Creatives
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If someone offered you hundreds of dollars, would you turn it down?
A lot of you are, by not taking full advantage of our benefits through the City’s My Health program.
You get rewarded just by documenting some simple things you likely are already doing like: getting your dental cleanings or participating in a charity walk.
We walk you through a few easy examples in this month’s Need to Know.
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 Mentoring is a Life-Changing Experience for Youth, Adults
For National Mentoring Month, we visited with a handful of Empower Knox partners that facilitate mentorships as part of their mission to prepare Knoxville’s young people for success in life.
The interactions we observed and conversations we had were heartfelt and inspiring. Mentoring makes a significant difference in the lives of young people who don’t otherwise have strong role models at home. It also deeply affects the adults who devote their time and attention to the young person’s wellbeing. Multiple mentors said their mentees are a part of their family.
Unfortunately, there are way more kids who want and need a mentor in Knoxville than adults signing up to mentor. Which is why we wanted to boost the signal on this important community resource. We combined the videos, photos and interviews on one page; click below to read more. Thanks to our Youth Engagement Coordinator Emily Norris for setting us up with these great ambassadors for mentoring.
Celebrating National 211 Day
East Tennessee 211 connects people in our community with the services they need. Services like shelter and housing, food, substance abuse prevention/treatment, health facilities, mental health services, senior issues, financial assistance, legal assistance, child care, child and elder abuse services, disaster relief, crisis intervention, and volunteer opportunities. Access 211 by calling 2-1-1 (865-215-4211), visiting TN211.org or using the chat function at KnoxvilleTN.gov/chat.
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 This month’s mystery employee started as a temporary worker with the City of Knoxville nearly 50 years ago. His parents and paternal grandfather all worked for the City in different departments for a combined total of 69 years.
His department director says everyone should know him.
Do you? Get ready to meet a colleague who really helps keep the City running.
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 Congratulations to these City employees who are celebrating – or have already celebrated – significant work anniversaries! We’ve included anniversaries that occurred in December 2022 as well as January and February 2023.
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CITY COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT |