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BEARDEN
John Shearer, Shopper News
Webb School seniors Calysta and Jazzlyn Garmer stand out in a crowd not only because they are identical twins, but also because they are successful cross country and track runners for the Lady Spartans.
And they have had close to identical finishes near the top in many of their races as well. That came true in the state Division II-AA cross country meet on Nov. 7 at the Shelby Farms course in Memphis, when both finished in the top three to give Webb the state title.
As a result, opponents were frustratingly doing double takes in more ways than one.
Calysta came in first place over the 5-kilometer race with a time of 17 minutes, 5 seconds, while Jazzlyn came in third in 17:30 after finishing just behind runner-up freshman Addy Cotter of Chattanooga Baylor.
Also helping in the 33-point team score that put the Lady Spartans comfortably ahead of Knoxville rival and second-place finisher Catholic’s 66 points were Carolina Areheart’s fourth-place finish, Emma Cissna’s ninth-place result and Ariana Vargas’ finish in 16th place. Teammate Bennie Diddle finished in 17th just outside the team scoring.
Both twins expressed pleasure over the results and sounded more like they were describing a nice excursion through a nature park as much as a grueling and important race of slightly more than three miles.
“It was a lot of fun,” said Calysta in a phone interview a few days later. “I was super grateful to defend my title from last year. I ran about 40 seconds faster than last year, and it was a big improvement.”
Although Jazzlyn had finished runner-up to her sister in the meet last year, she was pleased with her results, too. “Overall, it was a fun experience,” she said. “I was around 10 seconds faster than last year, and I was happy.”
And as is often the case with identical twins, they were completely happy for each other. No sibling rivalry seems to exist for the daughters of David and Stephanie Garmer, who deliberately gave their daughters unusual first names.
“We are a little bit competitive, but in a good way,” said Jazzlyn, who has beaten her sister some and claimed a state individual track title as a sophomore in the 3,200-meter run.
Calysta added that the two usually train together, including on early run days, and that is helpful in their individual improvement. “We are used to pushing each other,” she said. “It’s an advantage.”
As youngsters, they had been primarily interested in soccer before giving the sport up in middle school to focus on running. Their parents had not been runners, they said, although their father was a football player at David Crockett High School in Northeast Tennessee and their mother was a cheerleader.
They were also quick to praise the contributions of second-year coach Dan Murray, who came to Webb after a successful stint at First Flight High School on the coast of North Carolina.
“He is an incredible coach, and he is super supportive and allowed us to have the success we have had,” said Calysta, saying he has helped the entire team. “We do challenging workouts, but we still feel fresh and ready to race. It is a good balance.”
Coach Murray forwarded some information that, since the state meet, the team had also won the Nike Cross Country Regionals as a club squad and was to compete in the Nike Cross Country Nationals in Eugene, Oregon.
The two sisters, who have been winning races on a state level for several years, have signed to run next year at Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina. They said they also had the University of Tennessee at Knoxville as one of their top three schools and went on an official visit there.
They sounded like they are just getting started and are still having fun competing.
“I definitely want to continue running past college and compete competitively as long as I can,” said Calysta. “I have really enjoyed it.”
Added Jazzlyn in the spirit of an identical twin sister, “I am the same way.”
FARRAGUT
Nancy Anderson, Shopper News
A steady stream of community members milled around Beaver Ridge United Methodist Church (Beaver Ridge UMC) for the annual Thanksgiving meal giveaway Nov. 27. The church has sponsored this meal for congregation, community, and family for more years than anyone remembers.
Event coordinator Suzanne Davidson said the tradition started long before she did, and that was 15 years ago.
Each Thanksgiving, for more than a decade, Beaver Ridge UMC has turned the Family Life Center into one of the most welcoming spots in Karns, and this year was no exception. By the end of the afternoon, volunteers had served or delivered meals to roughly 300 people, a number that continues to grow as the church’s reputation for compassionate hospitality spreads.
Massive pans of turkey and ham slid in and out of ovens as volunteers brushed them with broth and glaze from the early morning hours. Volunteers ran out the door to deliver meals − about 150 − to those who could not make it to the church.
The large industrial kitchen was filled with not only turkey and ham, but all the fix’ns as well − trays of cornbread dressing, the kind seasoned by tradition and the knowing touch of church cooks who’ve been doing this for decades. Mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, gravy, deviled eggs and more filled each serving station. The finale of apple pie, pumpkin pie and even a few snickerdoodles dusted with cinnamon and sugar lined the tables just outside the kitchen.
“Last year we ran out of green beans and corn so we just went down to Ingles and picked up more. Our goal is to feed all who come,” said Pastor Teresa McClure. “We’re OK with going down the road and getting more food. Many churches operate on reservations. We operate on faith that we will receive and be able to give to those who have nowhere to go on Thanksgiving. Sometimes we have leftovers and those go to KARM.”
The Thanksgiving meal is a labor of love for the church. The congregation donates money and food to the tradition.
For Beaver Ridge UMC, Thanksgiving is about far more than food. It is a ministry rooted in connection, resilience, and genuine community care.
“We do this because people need more than a meal, they need to feel seen,” said McClure. “You never know who is going through a hard time. This is our way of saying ‘you are not alone.’ It’s a time of need right now. People are physically hungry, mentally hungry, spiritually hungry, and we’re just here to help alleviate some of that hunger.”
Info: BeaverRidgeUMC.org
POWELL
Al Lesar, Shopper News
Fate was on Randi Lawrence’s side when she found the location for Adorn Hair Co. in Powell.
Since the start of the year, Randi and her husband, Steven, had made the decision it was time for Randi to find her own hair salon. She had salon-hopped once she started doing hair in 2012.
It was February when she discovered the right area at Jubilee Center, but the available space was too small.
The search continued until July when, out of frustration, Randi texted the owner of Jubilee Center about any other openings. Coincidently, he was notified that day that a tenant was leaving. She jumped on the opening and Adorn Hair Co. finally had a home (6720 Jubilee Center Way, Suite 103).
“The way it worked out, it was like it was meant to be,” said Randi.
The salon features about 1,000 square feet and a total of six chairs, so Randi can open a booth rental operation and get young stylists started in the business.
The business was launched the first week of September, giving Randi something she can call her own.
“It was mind-blowing,” Randi said of that first day. “It didn’t seem real. It was an out-of-body experience. It’s like I can breathe. This is mine. I never have to worry about going anywhere else.”
One of the young stylists Randi has renting a booth is her daughter Cali McGill. The 19-year-old recently graduated from beauty school.
“I want to let her have her own moment,” Randi said. “I’ve learned a lot over the years. I know how important it is to treat people right. I want to be able to lift people up and help the young girls grow.”
Steven has tried to make an impact in the atmosphere around the salon. With 17 years in the hospitality business, he has learned the importance of taking care of people. Steven’s grandmother and mother both had their own hair salons.
“It’s a competitive business,” he said. “Between us, Randi and I have 31 years of caring about people. We hope that translates into the salon.”
While Cali has a clientele that is interested in hair extensions, Randi has a more conventional focus.
“I take more of the bridal side, in terms of cuts and colors,” Randi said. “I will do a lot of weddings.
“I also do a lot of blonding. The trends in hairstyling have become simpler. Blondes want the lived-in look, something with less maintenance. They are going for the warmer tones, rather than the bolder tones. It’s really a more natural look.”
Randi said the girls coming out of beauty school now are “way more motivated” than she remembers from when she started 14 years ago. Social media plays a role in getting the word out and finding just the right style.
“What I want to have is a safe, relaxing, comfortable space,” said Randi. “I want it to be a place where young stylists can grow and be themselves and our clients enjoy themselves.”
To schedule an appointment, go to Adorn Hair Co. or Hair Designs By Randi on Instagram.
NORTH KNOXVILLE
Jack Coker, Shopper News
Knoxville moved closer last week to delivering several long-promised neighborhood improvements as Mayor Indya Kincannon and City Council approved additional funding for parks, streetscapes, and affordable housing. The vote came during the Nov. 25 council meeting, marking an important step in wrapping up projects that began early in the administration’s tenure.
The council approved a budget amendment that adds $6.6 million to the current fiscal year. Of that amount, $570,000 comes from private philanthropic support raised by the United Way of Greater Knoxville for affordable housing. The remainder is drawn from the city’s reserves. A final vote was to take place on Dec. 9.
The biggest line items involve two familiar projects to anyone following Knoxville’s neighborhood revitalization efforts. Burlington’s long-awaited streetscape overhaul will receive an additional $4.2 million. Another $1.25 million will move the Sam E. Hill Park project in Lonsdale into Phase 2, which includes a new pavilion and restrooms.
Kincannon emphasized that rising construction costs have only strengthened the city’s commitment to finishing what it started.
“Knoxville residents, including Lonsdale and Burlington families, need to know: The city stands by our commitments,” Kincannon said in a news release. “We do what we say. Investing in Sam E. Hill Park and in Burlington were the right moves a few years ago, and they’re still critically important investments. Even as material and labor costs have gone up, families are counting on us to deliver. We intend to do just that.”
For Burlington, the investment represents the next major push in restoring one of Knoxville’s historically significant commercial districts. The streetscape project will replace the crumbling sidewalks on Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue between Kirkwood and Shelby streets (and along Prosser Road from MLK to Holston Drive) with wide, smooth, ADA-compliant and tree-lined sidewalks. The project includes new traffic signals and streetlights, with overhead utility lines being relocated.
According to the release, the city has now committed roughly $17 million in total to Burlington, anchored by the new fire station currently under construction.
The idea is simple but powerful: When public infrastructure improves, private reinvestment becomes more likely. Burlington sits at the eastern gateway to Magnolia Avenue, and the city hopes these upgrades will help renew momentum along the corridor.
In Lonsdale, Sam E. Hill Park continues to take shape as a central gathering space for families. Phase 2 will add everyday necessities such as restrooms, shade and a pavilion, creating a more functional and welcoming park for a neighborhood that has long advocated for these improvements.
Housing also received a boost. The $570,000 in philanthropic funds was formally appropriated to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, which will support two small but meaningful projects: the 10-unit Parkview development and the 15-unit Edgewood Apartments.
The council also approved several smaller measures, including $200,000 to study energy-saving strategies for city facilities and $50,000 to the Knoxville Area Urban League for its housing, workforce development, and economic empowerment programs.
Street resurfacing received a modest increase as well, with an additional $163,112 for Phase II work across Districts 1, 2, 4, and 6, bringing the total resurfacing contract to $5.16 million. The extra funds will cover traffic-calming measures, and repairs along Cecil Avenue.
Finally, the Urban Wilderness Gateway Park, one of the City's marquee outdoor projects, moved closer to completion with a $162,560 contract amendment. The park, expected to open in early 2026, will feature a 23,000-square-foot pavilion and plaza with restrooms, shaded seating, and play structures tucked into the natural terrain.
With these votes, the City Council has set the stage for closing the loop on several years of neighborhood-focused work. These are projects that residents will soon be able to walk, play, or drive across for themselves.
FARRAGUT
Nancy Anderson, Shopper News
A festive crowd of thousands gathered Nov. 24 at Founders Park in Farragut for the official opening of the holiday season with the Countdown to Light the Park celebration.
The 17-acre park at 405 North Campbell Station Road was turned into a holiday wonderland with lighted tunnel, trees, and installations that seemed to move with twinkling lights.
Santa and Mrs. Claus arrived at the park to the rhythm of the Farragut High School drum line, which was a big hit with the crowd and elicited massive cheers.
They flipped the switch, along with Farragut Mayor Ron Williams, at 6:45 to light up more than 200 installations with hundreds of thousands of lights.
Tennova Healthcare was on hand the entire evening handing out milk and cookies to the children at the craft tables. The kids made foam reindeer masks and ornaments.
Entertainment was plentiful, but the favorite attraction for many children was Santa’s mailbox. Post a letter to Santa, with return address included by Dec. 17, and Santa will answer the letter.
WVLT’s Whitney Kent emceed this year’s event, introducing entertainment including singer-songwriter Andrew Witherspoon out of Chattanooga, whose style is eclectic with soul, pop, and rock influences.
The Spectra Twirlers wowed the crowd with gravity-defying tricks with lighted batons, and the Meredith Laing Jazz Trio kept toes tapping.
Light the Park continues every evening starting at dusk through Thursday, Jan. 1. There will be entertainment and giveaways from local vendors throughout the season as well as food trucks many evenings through Dec. 23. Go to VisitFarragut.org/events for a list of holiday attractions including food trucks, entertainment, and giveaway prizes at Founders Park.
New this year to the Farragut lineup of holiday cheer is a Christmas tree installation behind Campbell Station Inn. Each tree is decorated by local groups and businesses and will fill the entire green space behind Campbell Station Inn through Jan. 1.
Returning this year to Mayor Ralph McGill Plaza is Campbell Station Skate. The 40- by 50-foot synthetic (plastic) ice rink is open now and will remain so until Jan. 4 (however, it's not recommended if you own expensive blades).
Info: visitfarragut.org/events
HALLS
Al Lesar, Shopper News
Helping people has always been Saddie Swafford’s mission in life.
It’s how she’s helping that has changed a bit since she graduated from Anderson County High School in 2020.
Swafford took her college prerequisite classes while she was in high school. She was immediately able to enter South College’s nursing school once she graduated. While Swafford was taking classes during the day, she worked in the University of Tennessee Medical Center’s emergency room at night.
That lasted a year and a half.
“I loved the medical field,” Swafford said. “Doing hair never even crossed my mind. I think I was just burned out with the medical field. I didn’t pace myself. I woke up one day and didn’t want to do it anymore.”
While assessing her next move, Swafford called to mind the joy she got from doing hair and makeup for special events for friends and relatives.
“I love being creative,” Swafford said. “I’m still helping people. Rather than helping with their medical needs, I’m helping them feel beautiful.
“I know that when they leave my chair they’re going to feel beautiful and confident.”
Swafford finished her studies at cosmetology school last March. She spent several months at a salon before finding a place of her own on Sept. 11.
“I had full intentions of finding a salon and staying there,” Swafford said. “Then when the opportunity to own a business came along, I couldn’t pass it up.”
That’s when Beauty By Saddie, located on the Halls-Powell line (1715 Dry Gap Pike), was born.
“There were a lot of people who said I wouldn’t succeed,” said Swafford, 24. “They said it was too early to do this. That lit a match under my hind end to prove them wrong.”
Beauty By Saddie offers waxing, spray tans, men’s cuts, kids’ cuts, extensions and lash extensions. She’s also a travel makeup artist who spends a lot of weekends making brides and bridesmaids beautiful.
“I write everything down,” Swafford said. “There was a wedding recently with the bride and eight bridesmaids. I had them all send me inspiration pictures for their hair and makeup. I put the pictures by their names and did my best to come up with what they wanted.”
In Swafford’s world, there’s more to owning a salon than just cutting hair and making money.
A few times a month she works with Care Cuts of Knoxville, a group of stylists who volunteer to cut hair for the homeless at no charge. She routinely attends continuing education classes.
“The hair world changes every single day,” Swafford said. “Someone sees a style on TikTok and I’ve got to be able to do it. There are so many hair trends that come and go.”
Swafford also specializes in children with autism or special needs. If it’s a quiet, dark environment that’s needed for the best result, she can make that happen.
“Respect and dignity are so important for me,” she said. “I want my salon to be a safe place for everyone. I’m a talker, but if someone wants a ‘quiet’ session, I can do that. I love learning about my clients.”
To make an appointment, go to: book.heygoldie.com/Beauty-By-Saddie.
This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Shopper News brings you the latest happenings in your community
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Twins star in Webb School's cross country state title run
John Shearer, Shopper News
Webb School seniors Calysta and Jazzlyn Garmer stand out in a crowd not only because they are identical twins, but also because they are successful cross country and track runners for the Lady Spartans.
And they have had close to identical finishes near the top in many of their races as well. That came true in the state Division II-AA cross country meet on Nov. 7 at the Shelby Farms course in Memphis, when both finished in the top three to give Webb the state title.
You must be registered for see images attach
As a result, opponents were frustratingly doing double takes in more ways than one.
Calysta came in first place over the 5-kilometer race with a time of 17 minutes, 5 seconds, while Jazzlyn came in third in 17:30 after finishing just behind runner-up freshman Addy Cotter of Chattanooga Baylor.
Also helping in the 33-point team score that put the Lady Spartans comfortably ahead of Knoxville rival and second-place finisher Catholic’s 66 points were Carolina Areheart’s fourth-place finish, Emma Cissna’s ninth-place result and Ariana Vargas’ finish in 16th place. Teammate Bennie Diddle finished in 17th just outside the team scoring.
Both twins expressed pleasure over the results and sounded more like they were describing a nice excursion through a nature park as much as a grueling and important race of slightly more than three miles.
“It was a lot of fun,” said Calysta in a phone interview a few days later. “I was super grateful to defend my title from last year. I ran about 40 seconds faster than last year, and it was a big improvement.”
Although Jazzlyn had finished runner-up to her sister in the meet last year, she was pleased with her results, too. “Overall, it was a fun experience,” she said. “I was around 10 seconds faster than last year, and I was happy.”
And as is often the case with identical twins, they were completely happy for each other. No sibling rivalry seems to exist for the daughters of David and Stephanie Garmer, who deliberately gave their daughters unusual first names.
You must be registered for see images attach
“We are a little bit competitive, but in a good way,” said Jazzlyn, who has beaten her sister some and claimed a state individual track title as a sophomore in the 3,200-meter run.
Calysta added that the two usually train together, including on early run days, and that is helpful in their individual improvement. “We are used to pushing each other,” she said. “It’s an advantage.”
You must be registered for see images attach
As youngsters, they had been primarily interested in soccer before giving the sport up in middle school to focus on running. Their parents had not been runners, they said, although their father was a football player at David Crockett High School in Northeast Tennessee and their mother was a cheerleader.
They were also quick to praise the contributions of second-year coach Dan Murray, who came to Webb after a successful stint at First Flight High School on the coast of North Carolina.
You must be registered for see images attach
“He is an incredible coach, and he is super supportive and allowed us to have the success we have had,” said Calysta, saying he has helped the entire team. “We do challenging workouts, but we still feel fresh and ready to race. It is a good balance.”
Coach Murray forwarded some information that, since the state meet, the team had also won the Nike Cross Country Regionals as a club squad and was to compete in the Nike Cross Country Nationals in Eugene, Oregon.
The two sisters, who have been winning races on a state level for several years, have signed to run next year at Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina. They said they also had the University of Tennessee at Knoxville as one of their top three schools and went on an official visit there.
They sounded like they are just getting started and are still having fun competing.
“I definitely want to continue running past college and compete competitively as long as I can,” said Calysta. “I have really enjoyed it.”
Added Jazzlyn in the spirit of an identical twin sister, “I am the same way.”
You must be registered for see images attach
FARRAGUT
Beaver Ridge UMC feeds hundreds 'on faith'
Nancy Anderson, Shopper News
A steady stream of community members milled around Beaver Ridge United Methodist Church (Beaver Ridge UMC) for the annual Thanksgiving meal giveaway Nov. 27. The church has sponsored this meal for congregation, community, and family for more years than anyone remembers.
Event coordinator Suzanne Davidson said the tradition started long before she did, and that was 15 years ago.
You must be registered for see images
Each Thanksgiving, for more than a decade, Beaver Ridge UMC has turned the Family Life Center into one of the most welcoming spots in Karns, and this year was no exception. By the end of the afternoon, volunteers had served or delivered meals to roughly 300 people, a number that continues to grow as the church’s reputation for compassionate hospitality spreads.
You must be registered for see images
Massive pans of turkey and ham slid in and out of ovens as volunteers brushed them with broth and glaze from the early morning hours. Volunteers ran out the door to deliver meals − about 150 − to those who could not make it to the church.
The large industrial kitchen was filled with not only turkey and ham, but all the fix’ns as well − trays of cornbread dressing, the kind seasoned by tradition and the knowing touch of church cooks who’ve been doing this for decades. Mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, gravy, deviled eggs and more filled each serving station. The finale of apple pie, pumpkin pie and even a few snickerdoodles dusted with cinnamon and sugar lined the tables just outside the kitchen.
You must be registered for see images
“Last year we ran out of green beans and corn so we just went down to Ingles and picked up more. Our goal is to feed all who come,” said Pastor Teresa McClure. “We’re OK with going down the road and getting more food. Many churches operate on reservations. We operate on faith that we will receive and be able to give to those who have nowhere to go on Thanksgiving. Sometimes we have leftovers and those go to KARM.”
The Thanksgiving meal is a labor of love for the church. The congregation donates money and food to the tradition.
For Beaver Ridge UMC, Thanksgiving is about far more than food. It is a ministry rooted in connection, resilience, and genuine community care.
“We do this because people need more than a meal, they need to feel seen,” said McClure. “You never know who is going through a hard time. This is our way of saying ‘you are not alone.’ It’s a time of need right now. People are physically hungry, mentally hungry, spiritually hungry, and we’re just here to help alleviate some of that hunger.”
Info: BeaverRidgeUMC.org
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POWELL
Former salon-hopper is now her own boss at Adorn Hair Co.
Al Lesar, Shopper News
Fate was on Randi Lawrence’s side when she found the location for Adorn Hair Co. in Powell.
Since the start of the year, Randi and her husband, Steven, had made the decision it was time for Randi to find her own hair salon. She had salon-hopped once she started doing hair in 2012.
You must be registered for see images attach
It was February when she discovered the right area at Jubilee Center, but the available space was too small.
The search continued until July when, out of frustration, Randi texted the owner of Jubilee Center about any other openings. Coincidently, he was notified that day that a tenant was leaving. She jumped on the opening and Adorn Hair Co. finally had a home (6720 Jubilee Center Way, Suite 103).
“The way it worked out, it was like it was meant to be,” said Randi.
The salon features about 1,000 square feet and a total of six chairs, so Randi can open a booth rental operation and get young stylists started in the business.
You must be registered for see images attach
A place to call her own
The business was launched the first week of September, giving Randi something she can call her own.
“It was mind-blowing,” Randi said of that first day. “It didn’t seem real. It was an out-of-body experience. It’s like I can breathe. This is mine. I never have to worry about going anywhere else.”
You must be registered for see images attach
One of the young stylists Randi has renting a booth is her daughter Cali McGill. The 19-year-old recently graduated from beauty school.
“I want to let her have her own moment,” Randi said. “I’ve learned a lot over the years. I know how important it is to treat people right. I want to be able to lift people up and help the young girls grow.”
Steven has tried to make an impact in the atmosphere around the salon. With 17 years in the hospitality business, he has learned the importance of taking care of people. Steven’s grandmother and mother both had their own hair salons.
You must be registered for see images attach
“It’s a competitive business,” he said. “Between us, Randi and I have 31 years of caring about people. We hope that translates into the salon.”
Hair trends getting simpler
While Cali has a clientele that is interested in hair extensions, Randi has a more conventional focus.
“I take more of the bridal side, in terms of cuts and colors,” Randi said. “I will do a lot of weddings.
“I also do a lot of blonding. The trends in hairstyling have become simpler. Blondes want the lived-in look, something with less maintenance. They are going for the warmer tones, rather than the bolder tones. It’s really a more natural look.”
Randi said the girls coming out of beauty school now are “way more motivated” than she remembers from when she started 14 years ago. Social media plays a role in getting the word out and finding just the right style.
“What I want to have is a safe, relaxing, comfortable space,” said Randi. “I want it to be a place where young stylists can grow and be themselves and our clients enjoy themselves.”
To schedule an appointment, go to Adorn Hair Co. or Hair Designs By Randi on Instagram.
You must be registered for see images attach
NORTH KNOXVILLE
City moves to finish key neighborhood projects
Jack Coker, Shopper News
Knoxville moved closer last week to delivering several long-promised neighborhood improvements as Mayor Indya Kincannon and City Council approved additional funding for parks, streetscapes, and affordable housing. The vote came during the Nov. 25 council meeting, marking an important step in wrapping up projects that began early in the administration’s tenure.
The council approved a budget amendment that adds $6.6 million to the current fiscal year. Of that amount, $570,000 comes from private philanthropic support raised by the United Way of Greater Knoxville for affordable housing. The remainder is drawn from the city’s reserves. A final vote was to take place on Dec. 9.
You must be registered for see images
The biggest line items involve two familiar projects to anyone following Knoxville’s neighborhood revitalization efforts. Burlington’s long-awaited streetscape overhaul will receive an additional $4.2 million. Another $1.25 million will move the Sam E. Hill Park project in Lonsdale into Phase 2, which includes a new pavilion and restrooms.
Kincannon emphasized that rising construction costs have only strengthened the city’s commitment to finishing what it started.
You must be registered for see images attach
“Knoxville residents, including Lonsdale and Burlington families, need to know: The city stands by our commitments,” Kincannon said in a news release. “We do what we say. Investing in Sam E. Hill Park and in Burlington were the right moves a few years ago, and they’re still critically important investments. Even as material and labor costs have gone up, families are counting on us to deliver. We intend to do just that.”
For Burlington, the investment represents the next major push in restoring one of Knoxville’s historically significant commercial districts. The streetscape project will replace the crumbling sidewalks on Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue between Kirkwood and Shelby streets (and along Prosser Road from MLK to Holston Drive) with wide, smooth, ADA-compliant and tree-lined sidewalks. The project includes new traffic signals and streetlights, with overhead utility lines being relocated.
According to the release, the city has now committed roughly $17 million in total to Burlington, anchored by the new fire station currently under construction.
You must be registered for see images attach
The idea is simple but powerful: When public infrastructure improves, private reinvestment becomes more likely. Burlington sits at the eastern gateway to Magnolia Avenue, and the city hopes these upgrades will help renew momentum along the corridor.
You must be registered for see images attach
In Lonsdale, Sam E. Hill Park continues to take shape as a central gathering space for families. Phase 2 will add everyday necessities such as restrooms, shade and a pavilion, creating a more functional and welcoming park for a neighborhood that has long advocated for these improvements.
You must be registered for see images
Housing also received a boost. The $570,000 in philanthropic funds was formally appropriated to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, which will support two small but meaningful projects: the 10-unit Parkview development and the 15-unit Edgewood Apartments.
The council also approved several smaller measures, including $200,000 to study energy-saving strategies for city facilities and $50,000 to the Knoxville Area Urban League for its housing, workforce development, and economic empowerment programs.
You must be registered for see images attach
Street resurfacing received a modest increase as well, with an additional $163,112 for Phase II work across Districts 1, 2, 4, and 6, bringing the total resurfacing contract to $5.16 million. The extra funds will cover traffic-calming measures, and repairs along Cecil Avenue.
Finally, the Urban Wilderness Gateway Park, one of the City's marquee outdoor projects, moved closer to completion with a $162,560 contract amendment. The park, expected to open in early 2026, will feature a 23,000-square-foot pavilion and plaza with restrooms, shaded seating, and play structures tucked into the natural terrain.
With these votes, the City Council has set the stage for closing the loop on several years of neighborhood-focused work. These are projects that residents will soon be able to walk, play, or drive across for themselves.
You must be registered for see images
FARRAGUT
Light the Park celebration draws festive crowd to Founders Park
Nancy Anderson, Shopper News
A festive crowd of thousands gathered Nov. 24 at Founders Park in Farragut for the official opening of the holiday season with the Countdown to Light the Park celebration.
The 17-acre park at 405 North Campbell Station Road was turned into a holiday wonderland with lighted tunnel, trees, and installations that seemed to move with twinkling lights.
You must be registered for see images attach
Santa and Mrs. Claus arrived at the park to the rhythm of the Farragut High School drum line, which was a big hit with the crowd and elicited massive cheers.
They flipped the switch, along with Farragut Mayor Ron Williams, at 6:45 to light up more than 200 installations with hundreds of thousands of lights.
You must be registered for see images attach
Tennova Healthcare was on hand the entire evening handing out milk and cookies to the children at the craft tables. The kids made foam reindeer masks and ornaments.
Entertainment was plentiful, but the favorite attraction for many children was Santa’s mailbox. Post a letter to Santa, with return address included by Dec. 17, and Santa will answer the letter.
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WVLT’s Whitney Kent emceed this year’s event, introducing entertainment including singer-songwriter Andrew Witherspoon out of Chattanooga, whose style is eclectic with soul, pop, and rock influences.
The Spectra Twirlers wowed the crowd with gravity-defying tricks with lighted batons, and the Meredith Laing Jazz Trio kept toes tapping.
Light the Park continues every evening starting at dusk through Thursday, Jan. 1. There will be entertainment and giveaways from local vendors throughout the season as well as food trucks many evenings through Dec. 23. Go to VisitFarragut.org/events for a list of holiday attractions including food trucks, entertainment, and giveaway prizes at Founders Park.
New this year to the Farragut lineup of holiday cheer is a Christmas tree installation behind Campbell Station Inn. Each tree is decorated by local groups and businesses and will fill the entire green space behind Campbell Station Inn through Jan. 1.
Returning this year to Mayor Ralph McGill Plaza is Campbell Station Skate. The 40- by 50-foot synthetic (plastic) ice rink is open now and will remain so until Jan. 4 (however, it's not recommended if you own expensive blades).
Info: visitfarragut.org/events
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HALLS
Doubters motivate Beauty by Saddie owner, 24
Al Lesar, Shopper News
Helping people has always been Saddie Swafford’s mission in life.
It’s how she’s helping that has changed a bit since she graduated from Anderson County High School in 2020.
Swafford took her college prerequisite classes while she was in high school. She was immediately able to enter South College’s nursing school once she graduated. While Swafford was taking classes during the day, she worked in the University of Tennessee Medical Center’s emergency room at night.
That lasted a year and a half.
“I loved the medical field,” Swafford said. “Doing hair never even crossed my mind. I think I was just burned out with the medical field. I didn’t pace myself. I woke up one day and didn’t want to do it anymore.”
While assessing her next move, Swafford called to mind the joy she got from doing hair and makeup for special events for friends and relatives.
“I love being creative,” Swafford said. “I’m still helping people. Rather than helping with their medical needs, I’m helping them feel beautiful.
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“I know that when they leave my chair they’re going to feel beautiful and confident.”
'They said it was too early to do this'
Swafford finished her studies at cosmetology school last March. She spent several months at a salon before finding a place of her own on Sept. 11.
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“I had full intentions of finding a salon and staying there,” Swafford said. “Then when the opportunity to own a business came along, I couldn’t pass it up.”
That’s when Beauty By Saddie, located on the Halls-Powell line (1715 Dry Gap Pike), was born.
“There were a lot of people who said I wouldn’t succeed,” said Swafford, 24. “They said it was too early to do this. That lit a match under my hind end to prove them wrong.”
Beauty By Saddie offers waxing, spray tans, men’s cuts, kids’ cuts, extensions and lash extensions. She’s also a travel makeup artist who spends a lot of weekends making brides and bridesmaids beautiful.
“I write everything down,” Swafford said. “There was a wedding recently with the bride and eight bridesmaids. I had them all send me inspiration pictures for their hair and makeup. I put the pictures by their names and did my best to come up with what they wanted.”
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Staying current with trends important
In Swafford’s world, there’s more to owning a salon than just cutting hair and making money.
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A few times a month she works with Care Cuts of Knoxville, a group of stylists who volunteer to cut hair for the homeless at no charge. She routinely attends continuing education classes.
“The hair world changes every single day,” Swafford said. “Someone sees a style on TikTok and I’ve got to be able to do it. There are so many hair trends that come and go.”
Swafford also specializes in children with autism or special needs. If it’s a quiet, dark environment that’s needed for the best result, she can make that happen.
“Respect and dignity are so important for me,” she said. “I want my salon to be a safe place for everyone. I’m a talker, but if someone wants a ‘quiet’ session, I can do that. I love learning about my clients.”
To make an appointment, go to: book.heygoldie.com/Beauty-By-Saddie.
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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Shopper News brings you the latest happenings in your community
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