Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs’ Weekly Update.

Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs’ Weekly Update.

TRANSCRIPT:

“It’s Friday! Time for another weekly update.

Be sure to drop by the Expo Center this weekend and visit the Wreaths Across America Mobile Education Exhibit. Every December, Wreaths Across America carries out its mission to remember, honor, and teach with a coordinated wreath-laying ceremony at more than 2,100 veterans cemeteries across the country, including Arlington National Ceremony.

I’ve attended ceremonies at the East Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery on Lyons View Pike and at Governor John Sevier Highway. The Mobile Education Exhibit shares stories of patriotism, service, and sacrifice. Viewing hours are 9-5 on Saturday and 9-4 on Sunday.

Thanks to the Knoxville Bar Association, Legal Aid of East Tennessee, the Knox County Public Defender’s Office, and the UT and Lincoln Memorial University law schools for organizing the monthly free legal clinic for veterans. The clinic takes place on the second Wednesday of every month from 12:00-2:00 p.m. at the Knox County Public Defender’s Office which is located at 1101 Liberty St.

I’m very happy that the Knox County Board of Education voted not to mandate masks for staff and students. No doubt that we are seeing a surge in COVID cases and hospitalizations which is putting strain on our hospital system and we can’t thank doctors, nurses, and other health care professionals. Nevertheless, I believe that individuals should have a choice when making personal health decisions, and parents should have a choice when it comes to their children’s health decisions.

Speaking of schools, I had a wonderful time greeting students at Dogwood Elementary, Mount Olive Elementary, Farragut Primary, Moreland Heights, and Spring Hill Elementary schools. Great job to all of our students, teachers, and staff successfully kicking off an exciting school. This week’s Eat ‘n Greet was at Casa Don Gallo in Rocky Hill. Next Friday I’ll be at Jackie’s Dream at 11:30am. Please join me.

Today is a date that we all dread, Friday the 13th. Superstition about this day is so prevalent in our society that there is even a scientific name for the fear of Friday the 13th: paraskevidekatriaphobia. The history of Friday the 13th is pretty interesting: Friday and the number 13 have both been regarded as bad luck in various cultures, so Friday the 13th is like a double whammy, and Jason Voorhees probably hasn’t helped matters. So, this weekend, be on the lookout for full moons and black cats.

So until next Friday, the 20th, I hope everyone has a great week.”