Nearly a thousand people packed 255 N. Peters Road on Aug. 8 for the grand opening of GiGi's Playhouse, turning what organizers expected to be a quiet ribbon-cutting into a three-hour celebration of community, acceptance and hard-won hope for Down syndrome kids and their families.
Nancy Gianni opened the first GiGi's Playhouse location in Chicago after the birth of her daughter more than 20 years ago. Today, there are about 63 locations and growing serving thousands of families with lifelong projects.
"The inspiration came with the birth of GiGi, who was born with Down syndrome. I received negativity about her birth and even condolences instead of congratulations. That implies that she and other children like her don't belong here, that they are somehow 'less than.' We want to show them that they have value and with training they have a life-long purpose." Nancy Gianni said.
"We've grown so big because when GiGi was born, I raised the bar of expectation. I decided that when she started school she would be already reading … and she was. We raised the bar of expectation rather than lowering it," she said.
GiGi's Playhouse is a 501(c)3, and there is no cost to the families participating in this lifelong program. The program runs off volunteers and donations.
The Knoxville facility features a plethora of amenities, including a family quiet room for nursing moms, a low-sensory room, a gym to help with motor skills, a kitchen to teach life skills, tutoring rooms where participants get one-on-one math, reading and language tutoring and a common room where older participants can build models and puzzles. But don't be confused; this is no daycare. It's an intentional program geared toward helping Down syndrome kids achieve their full potential.
The numbers tell part of the story: thousands of weekly hours of programming, tens of thousands of families served and every program offered completely free of charge. Free tutoring. Free speech and language support. Free career training. Free community. That commitment is not an accident; it was a promise Gianni made on day one, and it remains central to every local GiGi's Playhouse, including new locations working toward opening their doors.
What GiGi's Playhouse ultimately offers is a place where a parent facing a new diagnosis can walk in scared and walk out knowing they are not alone. It is a place where mothers and fathers connect with families who have already walked that road, and where children are simply allowed to be kids, surrounded by people who see their full potential
That is the heart of the organization. One family, one connection, one moment of belonging at a time, this community continues to change how the world sees Down syndrome, and it keeps growing because people across communities, including Knoxville, choose to show up and support it.
Info: https://gigisplayhouse.org
With six children ranging in age from 5 to 17 and a husband who's a police detective, Taylor Vazquez had to be creative when it came to figuring out a way to go to nursing school.
So the Powell resident went into the drinks business.
Her family had outgrown the pop-up camper in the backyard. Vazquez gutted it and made room for what would be four coolers and a freezer that run off a generator.
"When I was looking at something I could do to make some money, (having a drink business) seemed like something I could handle," Vazquez said. "This could help take the burden off."
It was this past March when Sip Happens Soda Pop was officially christened as a business. Since then, Vazquez and her 13-year-old son Ethan have been regulars at events around the community. Her first was at the Halls Farmers Market sponsored by the Halls Crossroads Women's League in mid-May.
"It was a rainy day and I was afraid we weren't going to have any customers," Vazquez said. "I remember the first customer we had was a lady who ordered an OG Dr Pepper."
The OG Dr Pepper starts with that zero-sugar soda, then it is "dirtied up" with coconut syrup, vanilla cream and ice.
"Ever since then, that same lady has been back every week ordering the same thing," Vazquez said.
Since that initial outing, Taylor and Ethan have been regulars at the farmers market and at as many pop-up opportunities as possible.
"Sometimes we think it's going to be a great event and it turns out to be a dud," Taylor said. "It's hard to tell. Just finding events that need vendors can be difficult.
"I've been impressed with the way vendors will go out of their way to help. They know I'm new, so they'll give me some ideas of what to look for. They'll help with places where I can go."
Vazquez has relied on social media more than she ever thought she would. Finding the right place with plenty of traffic is the key for any vendor.
Coconut, blue raspberry and cherry, along with a touch of vanilla, are the most popular additions to the soda. Dr Pepper, Sprite and Coca-Cola are the top options as primary bases.
"When we were at an event, people started asking if we had coffee," Vazquez said. "That convinced me we should add iced coffee. The first time we offered coffee, we ran out. That told me we had to have more.
"I'm always willing to listen to people to see what they like."
Dye-free is another important option for parents. That's where Sprite comes in as a go-to base.
In addition to the drinks, ice cream and popsicles are also on the menu. Dye-free popsicles can be purchased.
A 24-ounce dirty soda is $6. Iced coffee is $5.50. Ice cream ranges between $2-$4, while popsicles are $1-$3. Check the Sip Happens Soda Pop Facebook page for the next location.
"My business means the world to me," Vazquez said. "I love my community and want to serve my community. That's why I want to be a labor and delivery nurse. This is my way to get there."
The inaugural Music in the Grove, hosted by the Karns Community Club, was a huge success, filling the grove with toe-tapping music fans Aug. 15. The new music venue is in the grove in back of the club building at 7708 Oak Ridge Highway.
The spiffy new stage, sponsored by Urban Engineering and built by members of the Karns Community Club and the Beaver Creek Kayak Club, measures 12 feet by 16 feet and stands 13 feet tall. It features warm lighting and electricity to accommodate any band.
The event featured local newgrass band The Timberwinds. Established in the early 2000s by banjo picker Lola McGill, the band has been through a few incarnations over the years. McGill said she calls it "newgrass" because they play gospel, bluegrass and Americana tunes with a little bit of an edge.
Guitar player Rik Asher said the term wasn't new but certainly fits the feel of the band.
The Timberwinds are a closeknit trio of friends who love music and play for the fun of it. They never went after a recording contract in Nashville, instead preferring to play venues and tour on their own terms.
Asher and McGill both said the band members are just good friends who play for the fun of it. They all have jobs so they don't play for the money, playing instead for the fun of the music. They think going after a recording contract would take all the joy out of it.
Asher is the owner of Tennessee Guitar and Sound, 6709 Kingston Pike. He's been providing musicians with lessons, instruments and sound systems for over 20 years.
When asked what his favorite tune is he said any tune with a certain chord progression and lyrics that tell a story is his favorite.
"If I get choked up and can barely finish the song, I know I've got a good tune. But picking out just one is impossible."
McGill works with Asher at the shop, providing guitar, banjo and ukulele lessons.
Bass player Mark Akers toured for 20 years, then played at Dollywood for another 20 years. Upon retiring, he found a new project. He was instrumental in establishing the success of the Shed Smokehouse and Juke Joint in Maryville. In fact, the popular music venue was his idea.
"I'm all about music and motorcycles. I've made many friends there over the years recording each and every performance. I gave a DVD to Chris Stapleton and he used it to take his career to the next level," said Akers.
Music in the Grove will continue monthly through November featuring Americana and Appalachian-style music. Keep on eye out for announcements on the Karns Community Club website and Facebook page.
Info: tngasco.com, karnscommunityclub.org, timberwindsbluegrass.com
This time last year, Sara Bunch had no idea what to expect.
She was putting together the maiden voyage of the Powell Pet Palooza and was trying to figure out just how organizing a community event worked.
There was a late venue change, competition with the Tennessee Vols playing a football game about the same time, and a general uneasy feeling about whether enough marketing had been done.
When the final pet left the gymnasium of Beaver Ridge United Methodist Church, 7753 Oak Ridge Highway, Bunch was able to relax and feel good about what had just happened.
There was a good turnout of vendors, several pets in the shelters found forever homes, crowds were consistently impressive — even as the Vols neared kickoff — and more than $1,000 was raised to be donated to area pet shelters.
"We were thrilled to see the turnout we had," Bunch said. "That's why we were excited to do it again this year."
Bunch, who has owned Sara's Waggy Tails, a pet boarding and daycare business, for the last five years, is part of the Powell Small Business Network. Besides bringing entrepreneurs together, a mission of the group is to give back to the community.
Powell Pet Palooza 2026 is a way to give back. Pets are certainly welcome.
This year, the Powell Pet Palooza will be 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sept. 12 at Beaver Ridge United Methodist Church. One of the highlights last year was Pastor Teresa McClure wandering through the crowd blessing the pets — those who came to be part of the festivities and those who were there to be adopted.
Bunch said a 14-year-old dog that was looking for a home got a blessing — and it worked. Shortly after, it was adopted. McClure will be repeating the blessings again this year.
There were lessons learned from that first attempt. One was something Bunch kicked herself for because she knew better.
"We crammed all the vendors in the gym," she said. "That was a little overwhelming for some of the anxious dogs. I deal with anxious dogs all the time (in her business). I should have given them some room."
This year, many of the vendors dealing with dogs will be set up under a covering outside.
Dogs will be the focus of a majority of the "30-something" vendors who have expressed interest in attending.
There will be dog groomers, pet sitters, doggie apparel vendors, pet trainers, a pet talent show, dog craft vendors, a pet food brand, a doggie ice cream truck and a photo backdrop set up by a photographer for pictures (but the photographer won't be there. Guests can take their own photos).
There also will be an area for doggie pools and water, in case some of the four-legged guests need to cool off.
Tindell's Building Materials, The Gentle Doctor, Bottom Line Bookkeeping and Sara's Waggy Tails are the major sponsors of the event.
Sponsors and vendors are still welcome. For more information, go to the Powell Pet Palooza 2026 Facebook page.
Paychecks don't always measure success. You've gotta be able to love what you do.
Halls resident Cass Petersimes traded in a 9-to-5 job in human resources that paid the bills for a 24/7 baking gig she absolutely loves.
"I switched because I wanted to be more intentional with my time," Petersimes said. "My daughter (Lyla Huddleston, who is 15 now) was just starting her teens. I wanted her to get a look at what it takes to start a business from the ground up."
Lyla's specialty is crocheting. Cass excels at baking. They put the two together to create Twists & Whisks.
Cass and Lyla launched their joint venture in April 2025. It consists primarily of getting products ready for the Halls Farmers Market sponsored by the Halls Crossroads Women's League each Saturday.
Lyla is focused on crocheting plushies, soft toys in a variety of sizes.
Cass has made focaccia bread her specialty. In addition to selling at the farmers market, Petersimes has partnered with Goodness To Go to sell her bread at its Rocky Hill and Farragut locations.
Petersimes delivers about 30 loaves of bread a week to Goodness to Go, then has anywhere between 50-60 loaves for the farmers market.
The loaves, which have a wide range of toppings, sell for between $11 and $12 each. Lyla, who has anywhere from key chain-sized plushies all the way up to a 3-foot tall sock monkey named Claudette, prices her plushies from $5 all the way up to $75 for Claudette. She also has catnip-infused toys for the cat lovers.
"Our community has turned this into something big," said Petersimes. "I just wanted to show our kids what the possibilities could be. This has been a great learning experience for everybody."
Cass said Lyla has learned she needs to think big. Earlier, she would sell out at the market.
"Lyla is able to crochet, no matter what she's doing. If she's talking to a friend or watching TV, she can be crocheting. She can even crochet during her breaks at school."
Petersimes has kept herself from baking on Saturday evenings and Wednesdays. Beyond that, any day is fair game.
"Two days (Thursdays and Fridays) before the farmers market, I'm up at 4 a.m. to do the baking," she said. "When you love it, you don't mind getting up so early."
Focaccia is a bread that has been fermenting 24 to 48 hours. Petersime's ideal loaf is crunchy on the outside and soft in the middle. Toppings can make or break the loaf. The combination of smoked gouda and bacon is a popular topping. The biggest seller is garlic herb and Parmesan. A wide variety of savory and sweet toppings are available.
The process is extensive. Mix flour, water, yeast and salt while oiling the pan. The oil can be flavored. Let it rest 20 minutes, then stretch it like a bow. Continue to stretch it every 20 minutes for two hours. Put it in the refrigerator for 24-48 hours.
When it's ready to bake, let it sit for four hours. Bubbles will form in the dough. That's good. Make dimples in the loaf and add toppings. Bake for 30 minutes.
"(Lyla) is just starting as a teen," Petersime said. "This has brought us so close together."
For more information, go to the Twists & Whisks Facebook page.
As if a 4 a.m. to 4 p.m. schedule as an EMT on a critical care ambulance posted in downtown Knoxville isn't enough, Halls resident Amy Hoover has a penchant for keeping busy.
Besides running Chrislynn Sage Bath Co., a business that produces soaps, lotion, beard oils and body oils, she just recently started the Last Call Cake Bar. It's a baking business focused on coming up with unexpected flavors for cakes and toppings.
"Growing up, I would bake with my granny and my aunt," Hoover said. "I would dabble here and there."
Before she arrived in East Tennessee six years ago, Hoover had a friend who asked her to bake her wedding cake. That's a little more significant than a dabble.
"She wanted a Star Wars-themed wedding cake," Hoover said. "I've never been a Star Wars person, but she loved it."
From there, Hoover was commissioned to do a gender reveal cake for the friend's pregnancy, as well as a 1st birthday smash cake.
"That was all so stressful," Hoover said. "I wanted to get away from that and just go with something small and outrageous."
Which is just what the Last Call Cake Bar is all about.
Small and outrageous is what Hoover does. She likens her cakes to "extra-large Twinkies" that come in separate tin pans. She can bake 32 at a time in the oven in her home.
The original plan for the Last Call Cake Bar was to have many different cakes, each weighing between 6 and 9 ounces, already baked. Customers could select their flavor of cake, then have a smorgasbord of toppings available from which to choose.
However, since the first "live" day for the business was July 4, it has yet to grow into that dream. Instead, Hoover has had to work the cake business around her EMT schedule and have pop-ups in different locations. She works every other weekend, which can hinder her ability to have regular hours.
Each oval-shaped cake sells for between $7 and $10. For any pop-up, she'll have as many as 80 small cakes on hand. It usually takes just a couple hours to sell out.
Ermine frosting is one thing about Hoover's cakes that sets them apart. She cooks milk, flour and sugar into a pudding-like roux before it's whipped into buttercream.
"It's very smooth and not as sweet as normal buttercream frosting," she said. "The toppings add the sweetness."
Peanut butter and jelly has been her most unusual flavor combination so far.
"I just come up with some random ideas while I walk through a grocery store," she said. "I made a peanut butter cake and drizzled grape jelly over the buttercream. You know how that first bite of peanut butter and jelly is life-changing as a kid? This is the same."
Her next recipe will have something to do with Pop Tarts.
Hoover relies on social media (Facebook, Instagram and TikTok) to identify the time and location of her next pop-up. She can be contacted at [email protected] or by calling (720) 949-3711.
This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Shopper Blog: GiGi's Playhouse offers free support for Down syndrome families