Tag: The Downtown Sertoma Club

  • Dr. Ashley Harkrider | UT Audiology & Speech Pathology | April 18th

    UT Speech Department Dr. Ashely HarkriderWe began the meeting by presenting Dr. Harkrider with a check for $2046.00, proceeds from our last Oktoberfest.  She announced they have a new dean, Stephen Always and a welcome reception is planned for May 9th from 5:30 to 7:00 at Calhoun’s. Please RSVP to alumni.

    Student enrollment for the Audiology and Speech Pathology program at UT Knoxville is the largest in the country with 100 new incoming students. The Audiology and Speech Pathology program is a popular field and they have two new faculty members.  The dinner with Tamika Catchings raised $83,000 with $50,000 being donated by Tamika.

    The basketball clinic which was auctioned off during the fundraiser, hosted 45 children from the Boys and Girls Club of Tennessee Valley. It was a big success and they hope for a repeat.

    Morgan Stanberry will attend The Downtown Sertoma Club on May 9. He is the Annett Brown scholarship recipient this year.  The school will host international visitors July 26 through August 6 and have a parent’s weekend visit on November 9 and 10. She said practically everything they do involves at least one Sertoma member from the Knoxville Downtown Sertoma Club.  Also, she is glad they are included in the weekly meetings and this week they have Teresa Vaughn who was our guest for the day.

    May 10th is the Friendship Dinner. Chris Blue, winner on the voice, will be in attendance and the meal is free. However, you are expected to write a check for at least $35.00 to cover the cost. See Rusty to sign up. We have two tables and we must fill them up.

    Let the record show:  Prayer: Bob Rentenbach Pledge: Jerry Winston Guests: Dr. Vaughn and Patricia Mesa Chris Kerr’s Spanish teacher.

    April 19th was a great day at the races in Lexington. Lots of fun and laughter and I’m only down about $20. Jacob Tippens was the big winner of the day so if he owes you money, now is the time to ask for repayment. I understand they do this every year, so plan now to go next year. You may not win a lot of money but for sure you will have a good time. I am really scientific about how I bet on a horse; is he pretty? Does he have a pretty name? Amazingly this works part of the time, that’s why I’m only down $20.

  • Bob Thomas | WIVK | Knox County Commissioner | Feb. 7th

    Bob Thomas | WIVK | Knox County Commissioner | Feb. 7th

    Bob Thomas will give our other candidate a run for the money in our up coming county mayor race. Bob has been with WIVK forever and has learned a lot about meeting people. Said he always wanted to be a radio announcer. I think it’s great when you can decide early on what you want to be and then go for it. He worked with Jim Dick and everyone that knew that man remembers him fondly.  They took on several projects (Mr. Dick came up with them and it was up to Bob to see them carried out); the Tennessee Theater which was saved due to their efforts, announcement that we wouldn’t have a Christmas parade in 1974 due to cost, we did.  At some point they decided we needed a hockey team. Getting the team together wasn’t that much of a challenge but after they lost the first 10 games they played it was determined they also needed a coach. It eventually all came together, and we may not be the best, but we are right on up there.

    Mr. Thomas wants to improve the lives of seniors and veterans – can’t argue with any of those. He wants to try a “ride and decide” where high school kids are given an opportunity to work with different organizations such as automotive, printing, plumbing, etc. to see what and how they do things.  He says for every five persons leaving the trades only one is coming in. If this keeps up your bank manager will be making minimum wage and your plumber will be bringing home a hundred thousand a year.

    Next week:  America’s Greatest Treasures by David Lawson.  Should be worth-while.  My brother is bringing him, along with Herman Thomson (not sure about Mr. Thomson and the role he plays but we will know soon!  I do know Mr. Lawson has offered to work with us on fund raising and I believe he has spoked to that “other” group next door.

  • Glenn Jacobs | Running for Knox County Mayor | Jan 24th

    Glenn Jacobs | Running for Knox County Mayor | Jan 24th

    I was so late arriving, I even missed lunch!  However, I did get there in time to hear our speaker, Glenn Jacobs, and I was impressed! First off, he’s a hunk which as I had been told he was a wrestler in a former like which colored my thinking. The few wrestlers  I have experienced in my life time did not look like him.  Next. he made perfectly good sense and he has some good ideas.  He made three points:

    1. Everyone has a unique skill set. We all have our own “talents” and if we try something and it fails, try something else!  He wanted to go “pro” but blew out his knee.  He said he was depressed for a time but finally got up, dusted himself off and determined to fine something new.
    2. Failure is important. You can’t have the rainbow, without the rain.  If you aren’t willing to fail, don’t get in the game.  When the government gives you everything; we encourage people to fail.
    3. There ain’t no free lunch. I couldn’t agree more.

    He is running for County Mayor – at this point I can safely say I will vote for him! He Is a small business owner which gives him a “head up” on what they face. I don’t know how Jerry Winston knows him, another career change?

    Maurine Bodes from the Interfaith Health Clinic was a visitor explaining the “Sweets to the Sweet” fund raiser. For Valentine’s Day. The Inter Faith Clinic’s mission is to provide accessible, affordable, and quality health care to the working uninsured and undeserved in our community. These services are provided regardless of race, sex, creed, age, religion or national origin.  Instead of sending flowers (or better yet, along with) they will deliver a mini Bundt cake to whomever you pick and with the purchase a patient visit to Inter Faith Clinic will be provided in your honor.  Give them a call, (865)546-7330.

    Housekeeping:  Bob Rentenbach read the prayer, Matt Hall led the pledge. Along with Maurine from Interfaith we also had Rob Link, Glenn Jacobs campaign manager, and Katherine McKinney (Mike’s wife).

  • Dr. Eric Heidel | Opioid Epidemic | Nov. 29th

    Dr. Eric Heidel | Opioid Epidemic | Nov. 29th

    Not the most uplifting program we’ve had but one of the best. Dr. Heidel, brought to us by Alan Stuckey, informed us of Opioids or more commonly thought of as pain relievers and the dangers of getting addicted or worse yet accidental death. I think we all know of a person either family or friends with a drug problem and we want to believe it couldn’t happen to me or mine.  Time to get our head out of the sand, last year there was a 400% increase in overdose death in women! TN was #1 in drug problems, but we have lost our status on that, however, not because we got a grip on the problem but because over states lost theirs.  Also, for the person that is given a prescription for a pain reliever and doesn’t take it all do not flush the remainder; you can drop these off at several places that will dispose of them properly, the police department, the health department and some of the local drugstores.  All doctors, dentist, etc. are required to take courses on the hazards of drug addition now so maybe that will make a difference. I usually thought of drug addicts as persons using cocaine or that type of drug, didn’t know it moved to people having surgery and needing to relieve the pain.

    Next week: Bob Rentenbach is bringing Fran Dotterweich who will speak on Christmas and religion.

    Housekeeping: Jacob Tippens read the prayer and Al Gill led the pledge.  Lisa Skinner visited from the center.

    December 13 is the date for the Madrigal Singers – that’s just around the corner and a great time to bring potential members or office staff.  Just let Marianne know so we will have enough food.   Cost for guest is $12.00.

  • Thanksgiving Feast | Nov 22nd

    I do hope everyone enjoyed Thanksgiving. I ate to much but isn’t that one of the things your suppose to do? I hope everyone took a moment to be thankful for all our many blessings, we have food on the table, a warm house, a means of transformation and a place of employment and some of us are even better off and don’t have to work at this point. I don’t even have to go to the bank and deposit my check, it’s done for me – how good is that?  I am so fortunate I feel guilty!

    The schedule said we were not having a meeting on the 22nd and then it was announced we would have but no speaker was planned and one couldn’t be found on such short notice so we met, had lunch, visited and enjoyed everyone’s company and went on our way. Brett gave us a breakdown of how we were going to pass out the money from Oktoberfest but I didn’t get a copy so if you really want to know you’ll have to ask.

    Next Week:  Alan Stuckey is bringing Dr. Eric Heidel to speak about the Opioid epidemic

    Jason Grahl is leaving us this week. Something about a better job opportunity but they won’t love him like we do. Hate to see him go but wish him the best.

    Ron Grimm won the last grid pick with 8 out of 10. Way to go Ron!

    Mark your calendars and invite a friend or bring your office staff (only $12. Each) for our Christmas program of the Madrigal Singers from South High School.  December 13 at our regular time.

  • Tim Richardson | Motivational Speaker | Nov 8th

    Tim Richardson | Motivational Speaker | Nov 8th

    Tim Richardson,  our speaker last week, was born with a silver spoon in his mouth.  He was smart, learned easily, had lots of friends and evidently didn’t have to worry where his next meal was coming from. Life was good, then he experienced a “meltdown”.  This happened several times before he was finally diagnosed with ADHD.  He says it is therapeutic to share and we all have aspects of our life that are blocks to what we can accomplish. I found him to be most interesting, sorry if you missed him. He brought his wife with him and they have six children. Don’t hear of that anymore, I’m jealous.  He talked about friendship and how problems arise and we just let them linger; he said to go to the person, apologize but don’t make excuses.

    Mark your calendars and invite a friend or bring your office staff (only $12. Each) for our Christmas program of the Madrigal Singers from South High School.  December 13 at our regular time.

    Next Week:  We will hear from Brett Grimm on how our one big fund raiser did and how we can do better.  All I know at this point is we didn’t bring enough brown bag items and Caroline had to use her own money to go out and buy some things. I think we are bad to put off to the last minute and then totally forget. At least that’s my excuse and I’m sticking to it.

    Speaking of next week, the board meeting is Tuesday, November 14 and all are invited. Dutch treat on the food but the conversation is lively.

    Housekeeping:  Bob Rentenbach read the prayer and Navy Lt. Allie Harmon led the pledge.  Brittney Grayless represented UT Speech and Hearing, Dan Rowels attended as a friend of the speaker and the big news Jason Grahl with 10 out of 10 won the grid pick and donated the money to Caroline!

  • State Representative Rick Stables | September 20th

    Don’t know what happened to our speaker from Children’s Hospital but Rick Stables certainly did an excellent job of taking her place. Mr. Stables is a state representative which covers a large portion of Knoxville and I take it he likes his job and the people he deals with.  He started as a security officer and moved up to the Sheriff’s office and at some point decided to throw his hat in the ring for state representative.  It certainly wasn’t because of the pay.

    He said he was raised a Baptist and that has colored a lot of his thinking since he became an adult.  He believes everyone should be treated equally. He says a lot of growth is headed our way and we need to prepare for it.

    Next week:  Mayor Burchette. Don’t know if he will pass along any exciting news but he’s always fun to listen too.  Bring a friend.

    At some point this week we have a committee that will meet with a committee from the West Knoxville Club to entertain the idea of combining the two clubs. This would give us a boost and help then out also. I don’t know how many members they have but I do know we refused to change our meeting date and time so for all practical purpures for our side nothing changes. Let’s just hope all goes well.

    Oktoberfest:  We have sold 190 tickets – we need to sell 300.  We are in better shape than in years past but as this is our only fund raiser we need to get on the ball and make some money!  We are in the home stretch!

  • The History of Charlie Benzinger | September 6th

    Our newer members don’t realize what they missed by not being here when Charlie Benzinger was with us. He is one of the people that made our club one of the biggest in the southeast and the envy of all the clubs in Knoxville.  It was most entertaining to see the pictures and hear some of the things he had recorded and we are fortunate to have his daughter who plowed through it all and brought it to us. Both he and Janet’s mother, Joyce, believed in “giving back” and on a lot of Wednesdays they would be off to delivery something to someone.

    He was always available to pick something up, work at a function or do whatever we needed at the time. He is sorely missed. As it has fallen Janet’s lot to try and sort through and find what’s important what is not she has made a list for the rest of us:  Tell your family where you have stored things, give someone a copy of your honorable discharge, if you plan to be buried in a military cemetery you must pre-register. Go do it! Tell someone in the family who you want to have your military artifacts and finally, record your stories either orally or in writing.  Thank you, Janet, you did a great job!

     

    Housekeeping:  We had Joleen McCarty with UT Speech & Hearing, Nancy Brown, Janet’s sister and Senator Becky Massey was in attendance.  Mike Simpson read the prayer and Audrey Cowan led the pledge.  We had our first grid pick of the season and Caroline Grimm won!

     

    Next Week:  Our speaker will be Jayson Swain, former UT star wide receiver and player for the Chicago Bears. At present, he is a local sportscaster.

     

     Tuesday, September 12th is the monthly board meeting at Chesapeake’s @ 6 pm.  All are welcome, Dutch treat.

  • Dr. Beth Humphrey | UTK Speech and Hearing

    Dr. Beth Humphrey gave our last talk on speech and hearing. She stated she was not a politician but is involved in the current healthcare legislation. She stated 2-3 out of 1,000 children are born with detectable hearing loss. Now almost 98% of infants are checked before leaving the hospital. In the works is a hearing aid assistance tax credit for people without insurance and for us old folks hearing aids are not covered by Medicare. The over the counter hearing aids are more affordable and accessible (these are not for children) but you need to get a hearing assessment before trying one out. By the time our children and grandchildren need hearing aids they will sell them at Wal-Mart.

    Next week is a not to be missed. We will have Scott West, owner of 3 local restaurants in Knoxville. He is going to tell us all about his stay with the federal government.
    Housekeeping: Mike McKinney led the pledge and I don’t have a clue who read the prayer. My pen died and my extra had run dry so I’m trying to write most of this from memory. What I do remember is Andy Libby is back and looks good. Rand McKinney came with Dad and was pumping Janet for information.

    Don’t forget election of officers is coming up and you just might be called on to fill a position. Also, we will have a called board meeting after June 7.

  • Meeting 10-28-16

    Meeting 10-28-16

    Joe Guy spoke about the Battle of Athens and even though it was before his time he obviously had done his homework.  A group of returning soldiers got tired of the election being “rigged” and determined to do something about it.  Evidently there were several people that kinda liked things the way they were and per the pictures didn’t hesitate to show their displeasure.  The good guys won.

    Report on the board meeting:  All the figures are not in to determine the outcome of Oktoberfest, hopefully we will get those soon. We talked about a service project and determined to do the Meals on Wheels again. If you didn’t participate the last time, I encourage you to come this time. Not hard to do and you meet a lot of nice people.  For a social we are considering a trip to see the Ice Bears. The next naturalization ceremony will be held Nov. 4th at 9, 11 and 1:30 at the downtown courthouse and I do hope I have the date right. Kudos go to Andy Libby who was in the hospital and left to attend the board meeting.

    John Kerr donated tickets for a UT game, good seats.  $10 each or 3/$25. See John for all the details.

    Next Week:  Allie Harmon is bringing his neighbor who just happens to be a professor of political science at UT, Tony Downs.

    We will have a called board meeting after the meeting 11/02. You will need to stay an additional 10 minutes.

    Housekeeping:  Jerry Faerber prayed, Bert West led the pledge. We had two visitors: David Kerr and Randy Webb both compliments of Chris Kerr. And Jacob Tippens won the grid pick.