Frank Murphy interviews Kara Hunkele and Josie Fellers of Second Harvest Food Bank. Donations to Second Harvest will be doubled from December 1 to 3, 2026 in recognition of Giving Tuesday and their annual Double Your Donation Day fundraiser. Visitors are invited to stop by Second Harvest Food Bank, 136 Harvest Lane, Maryville, TN 37801 on December 3, 2026 for Double Your Donation Day. 

Second Harvest distributes more than 27 million pounds of food across an 18-county service area through multiple feeding programs and over 850 community partners. Information is available at https://www.secondharvestetn.org/ or by calling 865-521-0000.

This year's Holiday Distribution in Knoxville takes place at Redemption Church, 3550 Pleasant Ridge Rd, Knoxville, TN 37921, on Wednesday, November 18, 2026 from 10 a.m. until all allotted food has been given out. Gates will open at 7:00 am. Those needing food are asked to arrive when the distribution starts, rather than before the start time to avoid traffic complications.

Frank Murphy interviews Kara Hunkele and Josie Fellers of Second Harvest Food Bank. Donations to Second Harvest will be doubled from December 1 to 3, 2026 in recognition of Giving Tuesday and their annual Double Your Donation Day fundraiser. Visitors are invited to stop by Second Harvest Food Bank, 136 Harvest Lane, Maryville, TN 37801 on December 3, 2026 for Double Your Donation Day.&nbsp;
Second Harvest distributes more than 27 million pounds of food across an 18-county service area through multiple feeding programs and over 850 community partners. Information is available at https://www.secondharvestetn.org/ or by calling 865-521-0000.
This year's Holiday Distribution in Knoxville takes place at Redemption Church, 3550 Pleasant Ridge Rd, Knoxville, TN 37921, on Wednesday, November 18, 2026 from 10 a.m. until all allotted food has been given out. Gates will open at 7:00 am. Those needing food are asked to arrive when the distribution starts, rather than before the start time to avoid traffic complications.

Second Harvest Food Bank

Frank Murphy interviews Beth Shea, executive director, and Veronica O’Hearn, development associate, of the Children's Museum of Oak Ridge, located at 461 West Outer Drive in Oak Ridge. The museum's 25th Anniversary Gala will be held on Friday, November 20, in the historic CMOR gym. Guest speaker Don Hunnicutt will present "Secret City Trains through the Lens of Ed Westcott" who was his father-in-law. Tickets and information can be found at https://childrensmuseumofoakridge.org/

The mission of the Children's Museum of Oak Ridge is to provide fun and diverse educational programs and exhibits emphasizing play and hands-on learning for all ages in arts, science, history, culture, and healthy living, while collecting and preserving objects in a historic Manhattan Project Community.

The Children’s Museum was started in 1973 as a Girl Scout project by Troop 69 and its leader, Joyce Maienschein. It was formally opened on March 11, 1973 in the library of the former Jefferson Junior High School. In January 1974, the Museum moved to the former Highland View Elementary School. Nine years later, the museum purchased the building and land from the city of Oak Ridge, and now operates in 54,000 square feet with indoor and outdoor exhibits, classes, camps, and events for all ages.

Frank Murphy interviews Beth Shea, executive director, and Veronica O&rsquo;Hearn, development associate, of the Children's Museum of Oak Ridge, located at 461 West Outer Drive in Oak Ridge. The museum's 25th Anniversary Gala will be held on Friday, November 20, in the historic CMOR gym. Guest speaker Don Hunnicutt will present "Secret City Trains through the Lens of Ed Westcott" who was his father-in-law. Tickets and information can be found at <a href="https://childrensmuseumofoakridge.org/">https://childrensmuseumofoakridge.org/</a>
The mission of the Children's Museum of Oak Ridge is to provide fun and diverse educational programs and exhibits emphasizing play and hands-on learning for all ages in arts, science, history, culture, and healthy living, while collecting and preserving objects in a historic Manhattan Project Community.
The Children&rsquo;s Museum was started in 1973 as a Girl Scout project by Troop 69 and its leader, Joyce Maienschein. It was formally opened on March 11, 1973 in the library of the former Jefferson Junior High School. In January 1974, the Museum moved to the former Highland View Elementary School. Nine years later, the museum purchased the building and land from the city of Oak Ridge, and now operates in 54,000 square feet with indoor and outdoor exhibits, classes, camps, and events for all ages.

Children's Museum of Oak Ridge

Frank Murphy interviews Marketing Manager Sarah Kaplan and Content Creator Josh Holley of Young-Williams Animal Center about the 12th Annual Cause for Paws fundraiser which will be held on Thursday, November 12, 2026 at the Knoxville Museum of Art. This year's theme is "Pawcasso." Tickets and information are available at https://www.young-williams.org/event/cause-for-paws-2026/ 

Young-Williams Animal Center serves as the municipal animal shelter for Knox County and City of Knoxville while maintaining a 92% save rate. They offer free vaccine clinics, foster programs, and interactive volunteer opportunities like "Doggy Day Trips" and "Paws for Reading" at the center on Division Street. They also offer a pet food pantry at their Animal Village location on Kingston Pike. The Kylie Roberto Foster Fund helps provide support to foster kittens.

Frank Murphy interviews Marketing Manager Sarah Kaplan and Content Creator Josh Holley of Young-Williams Animal Center about the 12th Annual Cause for Paws fundraiser which will be held on Thursday, November 12, 2026 at the Knoxville Museum of Art. This year's theme is "Pawcasso." Tickets and information are available at <a href="https://www.young-williams.org/event/cause-for-paws-2026/">https://www.young-williams.org/event/cause-for-paws-2026/</a>&nbsp;
Young-Williams Animal Center serves as the municipal animal shelter for Knox County and City of Knoxville while maintaining a 92% save rate. They offer free vaccine clinics, foster programs, and interactive volunteer opportunities like "Doggy Day Trips" and "Paws for Reading" at the center on Division Street. They also offer a pet food pantry at their Animal Village location on Kingston Pike.&nbsp;The Kylie Roberto Foster Fund helps provide support to foster kittens.

Young-Williams Animal Center

Frank Murphy interviews Nancy Welch, program manager of Volunteer Assisted Transportation, and Pat Housley, a volunteer driver for the organization. Volunteer Assisted Transportation is part of the Knoxville-Knox County Community Action Committee. 

CAC’s Volunteer Assisted Transportation is a non-profit, volunteer-driven program dedicated to providing accessible and affordable transportation services to Knox County older adults and people with disabilities who require aid and assistance to travel safely. Learn more at https://knoxseniors.org/transportation 

Volunteer drivers provide one-on-one assisted transportation to the frail, and mobility challenged. These individuals require aid and assistance to their destinations, during their outings, and back to their residences. VAT can provide transportation to medical appointments, grocery stores, pharmacies, social events, senior centers, activities, and much more.

VAT is seeking volunteers to drive agency-owned vehicles to assist people who might otherwise not be able to leave their homes. Drivers must be 21 years of age and have an excellent driving record. They must be able to pass a background check, drug test and physical exam. To volunteer, call 865-673-5001 or email vat@cactrans.org 

Frank Murphy interviews Nancy Welch, program manager of Volunteer Assisted Transportation, and Pat Housley, a volunteer driver for the organization. Volunteer Assisted Transportation is part of the Knoxville-Knox County Community Action Committee.&nbsp;
CAC&rsquo;s Volunteer Assisted Transportation is a non-profit, volunteer-driven program dedicated to providing accessible and affordable transportation services to Knox County older adults and people with disabilities who require aid and assistance to travel safely. Learn more at <a href="https://knoxseniors.org/transportation">https://knoxseniors.org/transportation</a>&nbsp;
Volunteer drivers provide one-on-one assisted transportation to the frail, and mobility challenged. These individuals require aid and assistance to their destinations, during their outings, and back to their residences. VAT can provide transportation to medical appointments, grocery stores, pharmacies, social events, senior centers, activities, and much more.
VAT is seeking volunteers to drive agency-owned vehicles to assist people who might otherwise not be able to leave their homes. Drivers must be 21 years of age and have an excellent driving record. They must be able to pass a background check, drug test and physical exam. To volunteer, call 865-673-5001 or email <a href="mailto:vat@cactrans.org">vat@cactrans.org</a>&nbsp;

Volunteer Assisted Transportation

Frank Murphy interviews Mona Nair, Development Director of Blount County Habitat for Humanity and Tony and Hazel Hughes, chairpersons of the 14th Annual Homes FORE! Humanity Golf Tournament on Thursday, October 15th, 2026 at Lambert Acres Golf Course. Learn more about the golf tournament at https://blounthabitat.kindful.com/e/14th-annual-homes-fore-humanity-golf-tournament-presented-by-atmos-energy 

The ReStore is a venture of Blount County Habitat for Humanity and supports its mission to provide simple, affordable homes for people in need through the sale of donated items at reduced prices. The ReStore also benefits the community by diverting waste from local landfills. In addition, we collaborate with other community agencies to help support their clients’ needs. The Blount County Habitat for Humanity ReStore is located at 548 Foothills Plaza Drive in Maryville, Tennessee. 

Blount County Habitat for Humanity is an affiliate of HFHI, a global, non-profit housing organization operated on ecumenical Christian principles. They are dedicated to eliminating substandard housing locally by constructing, rehabilitating, and preserving homes; by advocating for fair housing policies; and by providing training and access to resources to help families improve their shelter conditions. Learn more at https://blounthabitat.org/ 

Frank Murphy interviews Mona Nair, Development Director of Blount County Habitat for Humanity and Tony and Hazel Hughes, chairpersons of the 14th Annual Homes FORE! Humanity Golf Tournament on Thursday, October 15th, 2026 at Lambert Acres Golf Course. Learn more about the golf tournament at <a href="https://blounthabitat.kindful.com/e/14th-annual-homes-fore-humanity-golf-tournament-presented-by-atmos-energy">https://blounthabitat.kindful.com/e/14th-annual-homes-fore-humanity-golf-tournament-presented-by-atmos-energy</a>&nbsp;
The ReStore is a venture of Blount County Habitat for Humanity and supports its mission to provide simple, affordable homes for people in need through the sale of donated items at reduced prices. The ReStore also benefits the community by diverting waste from local landfills. In addition, we collaborate with other community agencies to help support their clients&rsquo; needs. The Blount County Habitat for Humanity ReStore is located at&nbsp;548 Foothills Plaza Drive in Maryville, Tennessee.&nbsp;
Blount County Habitat for Humanity is an affiliate of HFHI, a global, non-profit housing organization operated on ecumenical Christian principles. They are dedicated to eliminating substandard housing locally by constructing, rehabilitating, and preserving homes; by advocating for fair housing policies; and by providing training and access to resources to help families improve their shelter conditions. Learn more at <a href="https://blounthabitat.org/">https://blounthabitat.org/</a>&nbsp;

Blount County Habitat for Humanity

Frank Murphy interviews Maestro Brian Salesky, Artistic Director of the Amadeus Concert Ensemble, which will present its ninth season of free concerts as part of the Cathedral Concert Series at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, 711 S. Northshore Drive in Knoxville. The performances will feature 29 works by 19 composers spanning four centuries of music. 

The season’s themed concerts are: 
PIANO PASSIONS on Sunday, October 11, 2026 at 5:30 p.m.
FROM PARIS WITH LOVE on Sunday, January 10, 2027 at 5:30 p.m.
SCHUBERTFEST on Sunday, April 25, 2026 at 5:30 p.m.

Free reservations may be made three weeks prior to each concert at www.shcathedral.org/cathedral-concert-series/ 

The season’s themed concerts commence with PIANO PASSIONS on Sunday, October 11, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. The program includes Vivaldi’s Concerto for Strings in D minor, Falla’s Pantomine and Ritual Fire Dance from El Amor Brujo, a movement from Granados’ Piano Quintet, and the Knoxville premiers of Koželuch’s Keyboard Concerto for Four Hands, Turina’s Rapsodia Sinfónica, and Marcello’s Introduction, Aria, and Presto. The featured soloist is the internationally acclaimed pianist Dr. Chih-Long Hu, Professor of Piano at UT Knoxville, whose brilliant musicianship has earned him significant competition awards in Italy, Japan, Taiwan, Andorra, and California. Maestro Salesky will join Dr. Hu at the keyboard for the duo concerto.

Since 2023, Maestro Salesky has produced and conducted Amadeus Concert Ensemble concerts dedicated to the music of Verdi, Mozart, Handel, Beethoven, Richard and Johann Strauss, French Opera, Spanish/Polish/Russian composers, and a musical celebration of Sacred Heart Cathedral’s
Casavant organ.

Frank Murphy interviews Maestro Brian Salesky, Artistic Director of the Amadeus Concert Ensemble, which will present its ninth season of free concerts as part of the&nbsp;Cathedral Concert Series at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, 711 S. Northshore Drive in Knoxville. The performances will feature&nbsp;29 works by 19 composers spanning four centuries of music.&nbsp;
The season&rsquo;s themed concerts are:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>PIANO PASSIONS on Sunday, October 11, 2026 at 5:30&nbsp;p.m.</li>
<li>FROM PARIS WITH LOVE on Sunday, January 10, 2027 at 5:30 p.m.</li>
<li>SCHUBERTFEST on Sunday, April 25, 2026 at 5:30 p.m.</li>
</ul>
Free reservations may be made three weeks prior to each concert at <a href="https://www.shcathedral.org/cathedral-concert-series/">www.shcathedral.org/cathedral-concert-series/</a>&nbsp;
The season&rsquo;s themed concerts commence with PIANO PASSIONS on Sunday, October 11, 2026 at 5:30&nbsp;p.m. The program includes Vivaldi&rsquo;s Concerto for Strings in D minor, Falla&rsquo;s Pantomine and Ritual Fire&nbsp;Dance from El Amor Brujo, a movement from Granados&rsquo; Piano Quintet, and the Knoxville premiers of&nbsp;Koželuch&rsquo;s Keyboard Concerto for Four Hands, Turina&rsquo;s Rapsodia Sinf&oacute;nica, and Marcello&rsquo;s&nbsp;Introduction, Aria, and Presto. The featured soloist is the internationally acclaimed pianist Dr. Chih-Long Hu, Professor of Piano at UT Knoxville, whose brilliant musicianship has earned him significant&nbsp;competition awards in Italy, Japan, Taiwan, Andorra, and California. Maestro Salesky will join Dr. Hu&nbsp;at the keyboard for the duo concerto.
Since 2023, Maestro Salesky has produced and conducted Amadeus&nbsp;Concert Ensemble concerts dedicated to the music of Verdi, Mozart, Handel,&nbsp;Beethoven, Richard and Johann Strauss, French Opera, Spanish/Polish/Russian composers, and a musical celebration of Sacred Heart Cathedral&rsquo;s Casavant organ.

Amadeus Concert Ensemble 2026-27 Season

Frank Murphy interviews Pedro Tomás-Mitchell, president of HoLa Hora Latina. The 25th HoLa Festival will be held on the Performance Lawn at World’s Fair Park on Saturday, October 10, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Admission is $4 for those 12 years and older. 

Local vendors will be selling handmade, artisan crafts, art, home décor, apparel, jewelry, and other unique items authentic to Hispanic cultures. Food vendors will be selling homemade Latin American cuisine and draft beer. The festival features performances by Latin jazz, rock, salsa, and traditional bands and dancers. Children can learn about Spain and Latin America at the Hispanic Heritage Booths. Learn more at https://holahoralatina.org/hola-festival/ 

HoLa Hora Latina started in Knoxville, Tennessee, in 1992 and is the oldest grassroots Latino non-profit organization in East Tennessee. Chartered in 2003, it is now a 501(c)(3) charity. The mission of HoLa Hora Latina is to promote unity in the community by creating art, cultural and communication bridges between the greater Knoxville and Latino communities and by encouraging education, participation and leadership.

Frank Murphy interviews Pedro Tom&aacute;s-Mitchell, president of HoLa Hora Latina. The 25th HoLa Festival will be held on the Performance Lawn at World&rsquo;s Fair Park on Saturday, October 10, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Admission is $4 for those 12 years and older.&nbsp;
Local vendors will be selling handmade, artisan crafts, art, home d&eacute;cor, apparel, jewelry, and other unique items authentic to Hispanic cultures. Food vendors will be selling homemade Latin American cuisine and draft beer. The festival features performances by Latin jazz, rock, salsa, and traditional bands and dancers. Children can learn about Spain and Latin America at the Hispanic Heritage Booths. Learn more at <a href="https://holahoralatina.org/hola-festival/">https://holahoralatina.org/hola-festival/</a>&nbsp;
HoLa Hora Latina started in Knoxville, Tennessee, in 1992 and is the oldest grassroots Latino non-profit organization in East Tennessee. Chartered in 2003, it is now a 501(c)(3) charity. The mission of HoLa Hora Latina is to promote unity in the community by creating art, cultural and communication bridges between the greater Knoxville and Latino communities and by encouraging education, participation and leadership.

HoLa Hora Latina

Frank Murphy interviews Carol Evans, Executive Director of Legacy Parks Foundation. Legacy Parks works to expand parks, create trails and increase access to rivers. Since 2005, Legacy Parks has raised over $32 million for parks and open space, helped conserve 1,000 acres of forest and farmland, and added over 800 acres of parkland in the region. The foundation has five areas of focus: 
Connect our Greenways and Trails
Create Recreational Opportunities for the Underserved 
Exceed the National Average for Public Parks and Green Space
Maintain the Health of and Access to Our Waterways
Preserve Our Ridges and Views

Their current and upcoming projects include art installations along the SoKno Rail Trail & Art Walk and a new pedestrian bridge at Seven Islands State Birding Park. Learn more at https://legacyparks.org/ 

The annual Legacy Luncheon for the Parks will be held on Friday, September 25, 2026 at 11:30 a.m. at Johnson University. This year's guest speaker will be Conor Knighton of CBS Sunday Morning. He is the author of the book Leave Only Footprints: My Acadia-to-Zion Journey Through Every National Park. Tickets and information are available at https://legacyparks.org/2026-legacy-luncheon-for-the-parks/ 

Frank Murphy interviews Carol Evans, Executive Director of Legacy Parks Foundation. Legacy Parks works to expand parks, create trails and increase access to rivers. Since 2005, Legacy Parks has raised over $32 million for parks and open space, helped conserve 1,000 acres of forest and farmland, and added over 800 acres of parkland in the region. The foundation has five areas of focus:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Connect our Greenways and Trails</li>
<li>Create Recreational Opportunities for the Underserved&nbsp;</li>
<li>Exceed the National Average for Public Parks and Green Space</li>
<li>Maintain the Health of and Access to Our Waterways</li>
<li>Preserve Our Ridges and Views</li>
</ul>
Their current and upcoming projects include art installations along the SoKno Rail Trail &amp; Art Walk and a new pedestrian bridge at Seven Islands State Birding Park. Learn more at <a href="https://legacyparks.org/">https://legacyparks.org/</a>&nbsp;
The annual Legacy Luncheon for the Parks will be held on Friday, September 25, 2026 at 11:30 a.m. at Johnson University. This year's guest speaker will be Conor Knighton of CBS Sunday Morning. He is the author of the book&nbsp;Leave Only Footprints: My Acadia-to-Zion Journey Through Every National Park. Tickets and information are available at <a href="https://legacyparks.org/2026-legacy-luncheon-for-the-parks/">https://legacyparks.org/2026-legacy-luncheon-for-the-parks/</a>&nbsp;

Legacy Parks Foundation

Frank Murphy interviews Kristy DuBose, executive director of The Koinonia Foundation of Tennessee, which provides a variety of programs designed to support, empower, and engage individuals with disabilities. These programs include recreational and social opportunities, educational workshops, skill-building activities, and community-based events that promote inclusion and independence. They serve individuals with disabilities across a wide range of ages, backgrounds, and abilities. They work with participants who may experience physical, developmental, intellectual, or sensory disabilities. 

The annual Koinonia Foundation Gala will be held on September 24, 2026 at The Press Room. Tickets are $100 per person or $775 for a table of eight. Information is available at https://kftn.org/2026-gala/ 

Frank Murphy interviews Kristy DuBose, executive director of The Koinonia Foundation of Tennessee, which provides a variety of programs designed to support, empower, and engage individuals with disabilities. These programs include recreational and social opportunities, educational workshops, skill-building activities, and community-based events that promote inclusion and independence. They serve individuals with disabilities across a wide range of ages, backgrounds, and abilities. They work with participants who may experience physical, developmental, intellectual, or sensory disabilities.&nbsp;
The annual Koinonia Foundation Gala will be held on September 24, 2026 at The Press Room. Tickets are $100 per person or $775 for a table of eight. Information is available at <a href="https://kftn.org/2026-gala/">https://kftn.org/2026-gala/</a>&nbsp;

Koinonia Foundation of Tennessee

Frank Murphy interviews Mindy Savage of the American Heart Association and Matt Odom, chairman of the 2026 Greater Knoxville Heart Walk. This year's walk takes place on Saturday, September 12, 2026 at Covenant Health Park, 500 E Jackson Ave, Knoxville. More than 3,000 people are expected to gather for the new Greater Knoxville Heart Walk experience, a participant-centered event focused on CPR readiness, survivor stories and community impact. The walk begins and ends on the field following a route through downtown Knoxville.
Saturday, September 12, 2026
7:30 am – Gates open for pre-walk activities
8:30 am – Tug-of-war competition
9:15 am – Programming
9:30 am – Walk kicks off from the field

Heart Walk is the Association’s largest community-facing initiative. Through fundraising, community education and corporate engagement, Heart Walk aims to enhance CPR training accessibility, bolster bystander preparedness, increase funding for vital research and drive equitable health for all people. Participants can register for the Greater Knoxville Heart Walk at greaterknoxvilleheartwalk.org. From there, they can create a fundraising page and complete the Lifesaver Challenge, which includes learning Hands-Only CPR in just 90 seconds.

Frank Murphy interviews Mindy Savage of the American Heart Association and Matt Odom, chairman of the 2026 Greater Knoxville Heart Walk. This year's walk takes place on Saturday, September 12, 2026 at Covenant Health Park, 500 E Jackson Ave, Knoxville. More than 3,000 people are expected to gather for the new Greater Knoxville Heart Walk experience, a participant-centered event focused on CPR readiness, survivor stories and community impact. The walk begins and ends on the field following a route through downtown&nbsp;Knoxville.
<ul>
<li>Saturday, September 12, 2026</li>
<li>7:30 am &ndash; Gates open for pre-walk activities</li>
<li>8:30 am &ndash; Tug-of-war competition</li>
<li>9:15 am &ndash; Programming</li>
<li>9:30 am &ndash; Walk kicks off from the field</li>
</ul>
Heart Walk is the Association&rsquo;s largest community-facing initiative. Through&nbsp;fundraising, community education and corporate engagement, Heart Walk aims to&nbsp;enhance CPR training accessibility, bolster bystander preparedness, increase funding for&nbsp;vital research and drive equitable health for all people.&nbsp;Participants can register for the Greater Knoxville Heart Walk at&nbsp;greaterknoxvilleheartwalk.org. From there, they can create a fundraising page and&nbsp;complete the Lifesaver Challenge, which includes learning Hands-Only CPR in just 90&nbsp;seconds.

American Heart Association

East Tennessee Now is a community oriented public affairs program designed to address local problems and issues and explore possible or existing solutions. The program features community leaders, representatives of area non-profits, healthcare professionals and other experts in their respective fields.

East Tennessee Now

Social links:

Follow the podcast:

383 clip(s)